Vale Royal Athletics Club runner takes on the world

ELLIOT Bowker makes his debut for Great Britain on Saturday as part of the junior men’s team at the world cross country championships in China.

The 18-year-old, a student at Sir John Deane’s College in Northwich, had been due to race at the European cross country championships in December only for an injury to prevent him from participating.

He recovered in time to finish third during a trial earlier this month, securing automatic selection for a party that left England for Guiyang last Sunday.

“I feel fit now, and am raring to get there and give it my best shot,” he said.

“I want to learn things I can put into practice in years to come, to test myself against the other lads in the team as well as the guys from other countries.”

BBC Sport will broadcast the race live online and through its red button service from 0350 on Saturday.

The junior men’s race is scheduled to start at 0430.

A highlights programme is scheduled on BBC Two at 1600 the same day.

Northwich Guardian:

Elliot Bowker represents Great Britain for the first time in China on Saturday. Picture: MARK SHEARMAN

 

Can Witton make it to their 50-point target this weekend?

AFTER beating Rushall Olympic in midweek, Witton Albion climbed to the highest position in the Northern Premier League’s top flight since September.

A 3-2 success leaves them seven points clear of the relegation zone with six matches still to play.

Tony Sullivan’s men will complete March, their most profitable month of the campaign, at title hopefuls Ashton United on Saturday.

The Robins are unbeaten in seven matches at their Hurst Cross home, but Witton have returned from Tameside with maximum points on each of their visits since being promoted from Division One North in 2012.

Josh Hancock, who returned to Wincham Park from AFC Telford United before Thursday evening’s registrations deadline, is available for selection.

He scored in an emphatic 4-1 victory for Albion against the same opponents last April.

Northwich Guardian:

How the bottom of the Premier Division looks before this weekend's fixtures

 

County best to collide in Northwich

NORTHWICH plays host to a clash between two of the best darts teams in the British Inter County Championships this weekend.

Cheshire take on Premier Division rivals Yorkshire at Rudheath Social Club on Saturday and Sunday, when play starts at 11am.

Stuart Kellett, ranked 37 in the Professional Darts Corporation’s Order of Merit, is part of the men’s B team along with Matt Hunt, from Weaverham, and Winsford-based Dave Bird.

Meanwhile Winsford duo Bev Martin and Heidi Williams have been selected for the ladies’ B team.

Northwich darter Jane Stubbs and Andrea Hunt, from Winsford, both feature in the ladies’ A team on Sunday.

Ros Davies and Emma Pearce, their teammates at Rudheath, have been selected too.

Spectators can watch the action for £4, which covers entry on both days.

 

Will Winnington Park make safe a top four finish?

NOW unable to catch neighbours Northwich in third position, Winnington Park’s target is to make sure of fourth place in South Lancs/Cheshire Division One.

Their final home fixture of the campaign this weekend is against West Park, opponents ranked a single place – and three points – further back in the table.

Park won the return match 26-23 in November.

A sequence of five defeats from their past seven league games has allowed the St Helens-based outfit to close a gap to the top four.

But skipper Harry Stubbs was in positive mood despite a reverse at title favourites Altrincham Kersal last weekend.

“It’s a shame we didn’t pick up some points because we deserved to,” said Stubbs.

“If we can play like that again in our next game, we can be confident.”

Kick off at Burrows Hill on Saturday is 3pm.

Northwich Guardian:

Winnington winger Craig Lamb in action during their defeat against Sefton earlier this month

 

Sapphires sign off for the season

NORTHWICH Sapphires hope to complete their latest campaign in the North West Championship Netball League with a win on Sunday.

They host Section B back-markers LSA at Woodford Lodge, in Winsford, from 10.30am.

Sapphires occupy sixth spot in the standings after winning three of their eight matches to date.

Meanwhile LSA, based in Leyland, have yet to register a victory.