Its international time!!
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Football
24.03.2016
National team coach Jeff Wood might not have been happy with the fact his team had little time to prepare for the first international friendly against Lichtenstein, four days only, but as he pointed out "in an ideal world I would have preferred more," adding "at least this time they have league football behind them," referring to the fact most players had not had much football prior to the qualifiers in September and October.
Woods was adamant to point out that things had changed. Gibraltar was already known by the "parking the bus" policy, but as he pointed out he wanted his
... 24hrs before the match
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team to come out and "cause problems to the opposition." Woods had a new route forward for Gibraltar's national team, "parking the bus was a thing of the past," he said, "that’s been and gone now we can put it behind us." He wanted his teams to play football and cause problems to the opponents.
Criticisms over his squad selection were also very much put to one side, commenting that the players he had selected had shown in the league that they were the best players at the moment and at the top of the league, in clear reference to Lincoln Red Imps players who were the bulk of the Gibraltar team and which many observers had criticised for being selected.
FOOTBALL CAME HOME!
CoreSportGib
Football
24.03.2016
... 2hrs before the match
6pm - Bayside Road seemed quiet but something was amiss. This was not the usual day, and indeed it wasn't police were present in the area, men, children, erm women, yes women, were arriving slowly but surely, some wearing red and white scarves, others donning flags, all with something red on them, somehow it seemed. Gibraltar was playing 42nd UEFA ranked
Lichtenstein in the first of three friendly matches.
Already 3/4 of the stadium seats had been sold out, this was to be Gibraltar's first home match, at its real home, since the qualifiers. The Spanish sports media expected Gibraltar to lose, the UK media expected Gibraltar to lose, actually everyone but Gibraltarians expected Gibraltar to lose, even the "13 fingered"
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Spanish sports journalist (after all if you can count the number of wins between Liechtenstein and Gibraltar with the fingers of both your hands and it adds up to 13 you must be telling people you have thirteen fingers, are you not?), sarcasm to one side; the same journalist that claimed Lichtenstein were about to get their next win.
Television crews were
positioned everywhere across Victoria Stadium, even the police mobile unit, for crowd controls had been brought into the area, to ensure everything was in place.
Gibraltar's coming home of football had brought some sunshine, and to many a football fan a hope, better said an expectation, that Gibraltar would do better than getting beaten by 7, 8
or even 9. Actually the word defeat just wasn't in anyone's vocabulary. Gibraltarian fans were talking of "we can actually win this one", "we actually have a chance of winning", there were no "if we can keep it under four it would be good."
There was an air of optimism, but a silent air of optimism. Gibraltarian fans had learnt many lessons
during the European qualifiers and one of them was how easy it was from being over-optimistic, as Gibraltar had been when it first entered UEFA, to having to learn to accept there would be defeat after defeat against the top nations in Europe, especially the likes of the world champions.
Yet Gibraltar still believed that it could take on the
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... minutes before the match
smaller nations, the lower ranked nations. Gibraltar did not aspire to be 54th ranked nation in UEFA, it felt very equal to the likes of Latvia, even Lichtenstein.
As the teams arrived on the pitch to warm up there was a mooted sense of expectation. The crowds were filling the stadium slowly, the usual Gibraltar "slowly". It was not until five minutes before kick off that
the stadium was actually filled.
The lights had gone off. Once again the stadium lights seemed to think for themselves and falter just before a big match. Worried officials seemed to question the contingency, but with a back-up generator the lights went on without a problem. There had been no problem with the lights since well before January, and
suddenly on international match day the lights seemed to have their own mind and switch off before a match.
To the applause of the several thousand fans Gibraltar stepped out onto the pitch alongside Lichtenstein. The flashguns of the double handful of photographers who had gathered, some never seen on football pitches before,
the majority though permanent features in the Gibraltar football scene heightened the expectations. This was the home-coming match and even the press had different restrictions imposed than those they usually found in normal match-days. They also had decisions to make, neutrality or focus on one team? The answer to that question would soon be decided.
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24.03.2016
As Captain Roy Chipolina completed the toss a voice by the touchline asked what his decision had been on which side to play from, the voice unusually from a photographer, a local photographer wanting to know which direction Gibraltar was shooting towards. A smiling face looked around in his familiar way and pointed to the side his team would be playing from. Gibraltar were going
to end the match shooting at goal in the direction of their Rock of Gibraltar, and it seemed quite correct to do so in a weird way.
2hrs had gone by since arriving at the stadium and Gibraltar were about to kick off. The scene was very much that of an international match about to take place, abide be it between minnows. It was an eerily feeling as you realized it had been quite some time since Gibraltar had played at home, in front of its home crowd.
As a section of the east side stand erupted in cheers and chanting, which they continued to do for the rest of the 90 mins, the west stand remained silent. The twelfth was on the stands but they were not
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making much noise to show they were there.
As Lichtenstein, dressed in all white, controlled the ball from the start, the silence was more prominent. The fans seemed not to know how to make noise, how to push their team forward. This would be the tonic for the rest of the match, as only the eastside stand would remain the vociferous side.
The occasional cheers, applause, shouts would emerge, as the crowds reacted, but very little in way of chanting, singing, egging on their team would be seen coming from the main west side stand.
Gibraltar maybe had two lessons to learn this week. How to regain their confidence in their own football in the international
scene, and how to stand behind your team and push them forward through more than just your mere presence. Maybe it was the 130 odd VIPS that might be the difference in the future. VIPs tend not to be as vociferous as "real" fans.
Gibraltar went out to cause Lichtenstein problems just as Jeff Wood had said before the match and came away with a respectable 0-0
draw. Lichtenstein ranked 42 in the UEFA standings started controlling the initial pace making Gibraltar chase the ball at first. However, a well disciplined back four for Gibraltar kept them well away from the danger areas throughout most of the match. As Gibraltar settled into the match they soon begun to gain confidence.
Gibraltar who had started
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nervy soon found that their pace upfront, especially with Kyle Casciaro and George Cabreras running down the flanks was causing Lichtenstein problems. Liam Walker soon came into his stride in the middle and was soon spreading the ball around. Gibraltar were breaking through the centre, with a familiar Lincolnesque style to their play Gibraltar were forcing Lichtenstein back,
and forced several good saves from their keeper Jehle.
The best chance of the first half came at the feet of Aaron Payas, from Manchester 62, who struck the ball from the edge of the box cleanly and forced a flying save from Jehle.
Kyle Casciaro and Cabreras forced several saves from the Lichtenstein
keeper as their runs allowed them to break into danger areas. Cabreras was to become a menace to Lichtenstein who found the young forward chasing after every ball, and many a time stealing the ball and running into danger zones as Lichtenstein backtracked.
Young Jayce Olivero who became the youngest player to be selected gave
a solid account of himself. His overlaps forward provided Gibraltar with a further weapon up front at times, knowing his back was covered by the likes of Chipolina. The latter, along with Bardon provided support in midfield which helped Liam Walker provide the many passes to the front men that were causing Lichtenstein so many problems. Bardon, Chipolina and even Garcia
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were also very much involved in spreading the ball and changing the pace of the game with their support forward.
Towards the end of the first half Gibraltar seemed to relax their stance and allowed Lichtenstein to go forward more. A free-kick just outside the area was to prove a false hope for Lichtenstein as the subsequent shot went well
over the bar. The closest they had got to goal by far.
The second half saw Lichtenstein start much the same way as the first controlling possession. They continued to find it difficult to penetrate past Gibraltar's defence, who were solid at the back with Roy Chipolina in command and Perez in goal. The latter having little to do during most of the match.
Although unable to score Gibraltar had the most chances at goal. The few attempts at goal by Lichtenstein went wide off target. Although Gibraltar themselves had not had as many chances as the fans would have hoped, their attacks presented greater danger than Lichtenstein who struggled to control the game beyond being able to keep possession longer
than Gibraltar. who would run at the defence with the ball.
The match saw Robert Montovio get his chance to pull a Gibraltar jersey on. His introduction into the match, alongside Guiling from Lynx and Erin Barnett for Roy Chipolina changed the look of the Gibraltar squad and proved to be a wise move.
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24.03.2016
The very fact Chipolina had been replaced by a younger member of the squad seemed to highlight Jeff Wood's intention of playing and replacing well known faces such as that of Roy Chipolina.
Gibraltar suddenly saw its mostly Lincoln oriented attack style changed to a new dynamic which seemed to catch Lichtenstein out of play.
With just ten minutes to go, the changes forced several chances for Gibraltar to score with the ball going just wide over the crossbar.
On the 88th minute the Guiling/Montovio inclusion was proving to be a master class in tactical changes which left the fans with their hands on their heads as the ball agonizingly scrapped over the crossbar. The effects of the changes was
a Jehle, Lichtenstein goalkeeper swaying his arms in anger at his defence and having to be calmed down by his central defender. Lichtenstein's keeper was clearly highlighting that they had lost the tactical battle, although with the minutes ticking past they had not lost the game.
Although Gibraltar had the greater number of chances
the match had been well balanced, Gibraltar proved that they were not there to stand and be defeated at every opportunity. Instead, Gibraltar proved a hunger to want to win at international level.
Gibraltar now play Latvia on Tuesday. Maybe another chance at coming away with a goal, and even a win.
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Over 300 images from pre-match to the end of the match available at corephotographygibraltar.com
Top Level changes in first division!
CoreSportGib
Football
24.03.2016
As the Gibraltar first division enters a quiet spell with the forthcoming international matches two major changes have taken place in the past 24 hours which has surprised many observers. The first news to rock the core of football has been the resignation of Christian Hook President of St Joseph's. The resignation has been confirmed by St Joseph's officials who have also described the loss of three points following a sanction by the GFA as the "icing on the cake."
The resignation has been followed by football blog reports alleging the former president has criticised the Gibraltar Football Association and called for its members to resign.
St Joseph’s FC are still to officially issue their own statement.
Lincoln Red Imps have also seen Head Coach Raul Procopio leave.
In a statement issued by the club on social media they state: "Lincoln Red Imps and Head Coach Raul
Procopio have reached an agreement for purely personal reasons that will see the Head Coach move to the position of Technical Assessor for the club until the end of this season.
"Raul will continue to be actively involved in the preparations for the squad setup for next season. The club has appointed Mick McElwee as interim manager until a new Head Coach is appointed.
"The club would like to thank and acknowledge the great work Raul Procopio has done for the club until now in his capacity as Head Coach and look forward to continue this professional relationship into the future."
Lincoln and Europa could face each other
CoreSportGib
Football
24.03.2016
The Rock Cup semi final draw has set Europa FC vs Lions Gibraltar FC and Lincoln Red Imps F.C. vs Manchester 62 F.C.
The scene is now set for two encounters in which Europa could secure their entry into Europe if they were to meet Lincoln in the final. Win or lose, by maintaining their runner's up position in the league the club would be
guaranteed entry into the Europa League if they were to get past Lions, and Lincoln were to beat Manchester 62.
The semi finals also provide the possibility that both top two teams could fail to reach the final and leave the final to be played between two mid table clubs, neither of which have shown great performances during the season.
Lincoln en route to their double ambitions
CoreSportGib
Football
24.03.2016
Lincoln maintained their route to a league and cup double reaching the semifinals of the Rock Cup after a 4-0 win against Glacis United. However, not without a struggle to overcome Glacis dynamic counter attacking style of football which last week saw them beat Europa.
The first half was a goal less affair but not without its excitement with Lincoln failing to score twice from penalties. The first struck over the bar, the second by Liam Walker put out for a corner by the superman save from Jamie Carlin.
The Glacis keeper was also the focal point of many of Glacis' attacks as he combined first with both Lopez and Sastrie and then with Sastrie alone after Lopez walked off injured. Jamie's long but accurate kicks out to the front men, equalled that of his defence and midfield in putting the front men into open spaces or forcing Lincoln's defence to chase after them through the middle.
Jamie communicating at times with his strikers on where he would be placing the ball even before he had received it. The players
already running into space before he had even kicked. This proved as problematic to Lincoln as it had to Europa,
although Sastrie did not have the same pace and efficiency as Lopez had shown against Europa.
It was Glacis who posed the
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greatest threat in the first half with their long ball chases and front runners who were outpacing the likes of Roy Chipolina and JC Garcia. The score remained 0-0 in the first half. It was not until the second half that Lincoln came into their own, beginning to take some control of the midfield and starting to cut the long balls which were going over their midfield and straight to the front runners to chase.
Glacis keeper once again became the focal point with a fantastic save that saw the ball put out over the bar for a corner after a powershot from outside the area. With Lincoln pressing and the match very much entering periods of tensions a clash between Kyle Casciaro and Jimenez, who
had come in for Lopez saw the latter yellow carded.
Not contend with the first yellow, as Kyle picked up the ball at the edge of the penalty area just moments later, Jimenez seemed intent in having a personal battle with the Lincoln player and ended up tripping him inside the area for Lincoln's third penalty. Jimenez was given his marching orders as he received the second yellow card, and was subsequently shown the red.
This time Calderon made sure it went in, but not before it hit the crossbar before bouncing down behind the line for the first goal.
Jamie Carlin, Glacis keeper, who had been struck twice
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on the head just prior to the penalty and was already showing signs of a lump on his forehead required further treatment. As the game restarted Lincoln pushed forward quickly and saw Cabreras running for a lose ball on the flank. Carlin came out to meet the ball but was unable to get there before Cabreras who lobbed it over for the second.
Before another ball could be kicked Carlin called to the officials to stop play and called for a substitution signalling that he was feeling dizzy and could not continue. Glacis now
having lost their second key player saw their game play change dramatically. Sastrie who had been a key threat was no longer receiving long balls to chase, as Glacis opted to play through the middle where Lincoln were at their strongest.
The change in tactics, very much due to the keepers reluctance to kick long balls forward and insisting in keeping it back led to Lincoln stealing balls in the middle. In two of this steals Lincoln saw Livramento break free, the first time down the right flank where he beat the new keeper
Simon with a clean strike at goal. The second, beating the offside trap he rounded off the keeper, before rounding off a defender and nearly walking the ball into goal.
Glacis, with ten men on the field and four goals down tried to push forward but were easily beaten off by Lincoln who maintained their strong defensive posture and allowed the ball to be spread forward quickly to pin Glacis back.
Lincoln with a 4-0 win continue into the semi finals with a chance of completing the double if they can maintain their present lead at the top of 8 points. Glacis, whose season has vastly improved in
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24.03.2016
Lions win by a single penalty
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24.03.2016
L
ions have reached the semi finals of the Rock Cup but only thanks to a second half penalty against Gibraltar United.
A tightly knit defensive performance kept Lions away from goal throughout most of the match. Repeating most of their success from their last encounter Gibraltar United frustrated Lions play closing down the centre where they like to play through.
Although missing Buhagiar,
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Perez and Goldwyn due to a two match suspension over accumulation of yellow cards, Gib Utd maintained their form. Montovio proving to be a stubborn and potentially dangerous opponent to Lions defence who had to keep players back to mark him.
The first half was a dull affair with Gibraltar attacking through long balls.
Lions had few shots on goal forced to play down the sides as Gibraltar closed them down on the middle. They did have their best chance when number 13 won the ball in front of goal just a metre away, but somehow pushed it wide.
Lions came into the second half much the same way as the first. A tackle in the area led to a penalty that was
well slotted in past the replacement keeper.
Gibraltar tried to come back onto the game but watched how Montovio's efforts for one hit the wrong side of the post or were saved or cleared by Liam Neale, Lions keeper for the night. lions kept their lead until the end in what many in the stands later described as a dull quarter final. Lions
mediocre season, which in itself is progress after last year's bottom of the league performance will now head into the semi-finals. With a place in Europe at stake their performances in the cup could ensure their mediocre season is soon forgotten if they were to succeed. Lions will join Manchester, Lincoln and Europa in the draw.
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Europa outgun Angels
A
ny thought of a surprise in this cup tie was soon pushed out the window by Europa with their first goal. Angels, much improved since Christmas were no real match against a Europa side whose fortunes towards their hopes in Europe were firmly on their progress in the cup. Or Lincoln winning the double and their expectations of second place in the league securing entry, something they could not risk leaving in the hands of their biggest rivals.
Angels did push Europa back at times. Threatening to score. Europa keeper bringing out two great stops in the first half alone to keep them out.
Europa, though finding it difficult to get into danger areas, nevertheless, showed that they were lethal in front of goal. Filoho was forced to make several stops before Europa created their second goal out of thin air.
An attack down the left flank opened up Angels defence which saw the ball crossed wide to Javi who was left alone on the right.
Europa scored their second and went into half time with a comfortable lead.
Europa increased their lead further before Angels hit back.
On the 90th minute Europa sealed the match with the 4-1.
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24.03.2016
Lynx le
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L
ynx FC have leapfrogged St Joseph, after the latter were deducted both the points and goals scored against Manchester 62. This has placed Lynx third in the table equal in points to St Joseph, and equal in goal difference.
The deduction of points to St Joseph has been officially confirmed via the GFA website that shows the score between Manchester 62 and St Joseph as 3-0 to Manchester 62 (even though in actual physical
apfrog play they lost).
The league table also sees Manchester 62 leapfrog Britannia, placing them one point above Britannia. Lions are now just three points from St Joseph’s and Lynx, with the third place spot now open to be challenged for.
The decision claimed Manchester 62 sources came after St Joseph fielded a player who was carded during the match
!
Saints
drop!
against Angels and should have had a one match suspension. St Joseph were due to play Glacis in a reserve match next but did not field a team, forfeiting the match, allegedly. The suspension was therefore not enforced and would have been carried into the next St Joseph match which was against Manchedter 62.
Following the tabling of the rules before the GFA the player was found to be ineligible and Manchester 62 were awarded the points.
In other news, Lincoln’s Lee Casciaro, who received a yellow card on the previous along with Gibraltar
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United Goldwyn, Buhagiar and Perez did not play in the Rock Cup Quarter Final due to a two match sanction imposed after the manner in which the yellow cards were obtained.
CoreSportGib
Football
24.03.2016
In an interview on BBC World Service both National team coach Jeff Wood and GFA Chief Secretary Denis Beiso have admitted that the balance of foreign players in Gibraltar is not conducive to the
development of local homegrown players.
Speaking to the BBC World Service Jeff Wood commented that he was “not always sure for the future it is the best thing because it is stunting the development of local players.” Denis Beiso GFA Chief Secretary stated that “its a delicate balance to strike,
Woods & Beiso admit foreign input is a problem
but we (GFA) have the wrong balance at the moment, I would agree with those people that say there are far too many foreign players that are coming at this stage of our development.� Further adding that he believed younger home-grown players were not coming in and that he was worried it would affect the national squad progress.
Beiso indicated that there was a need to provide a better balance that would allow for foreign players to come in to increase the level of
football in Gibraltar but not restrict local home-grown players from developing.
For his part Peter Cabezutto, Director and owner of Europa FC explained the reasons as to why foreign players are brought in to compete and what attracts them to Gibraltar.
Revealing a player of his was wanted by one of the European teams they played against in the Europa League qualifiers.
CM CHECKS OUT SMALL PITCH WORKS WITH GOVERNOR
CoreSportGib
Football
24.03.2016
T
he Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and Minister For Sport Steven Linares showed the new Governor works which are being undertaken at the small football pitches after showing him the newly created Sports Annex.
The works which were forced upon the sports authorities after complaints that ball were landing on the airfield by the new RAF Station commander are believed to have cost the government ÂŁ90,000. The installation of the new nets and wires have already raised concerns over the effects to matches as they are around four feet below the height of the fences around the pitch. Already some teams are indicating that they will not be willing to play with such low nets.
The works are expected to be finished within the coming weeks, ready for after the easter break.
h t i w y p p a h g t n i o t N net e h t
CoreSportGib
Football
24.03.2016
The recent decision to cancel all official junior and womens league matches from the small pitch whilst a net is installed over the top of the pitch has led to further controversy as the installation of the wires which will hold the net are put in place.
A network of wires has been installed some four feet lower than the top of the actual fence surrounding the pitch. The crisscrossed wires just above the pitch are viewed as being too low to allow a proper match being played on the pitches. Players have pointed out that any high ball will bounce off the wires and cause chaos to the trajectory. The added indications that a dead ball situation ruling will be put in place during matches when the ball hits the wires has
further aggravated the concerns over the manner in which the netting is to be installed.
Already CoreSportGib has been told by one manager that he might pull out his team from the rest of the season until the women's league is given other facilities to play at if the netting is to continue as it looks at being installed. The manager, who was already annoyed at the fact that his team have not had a competitive match for weeks, without any other allocations made available, explained that he believed the netting was too low to allow a proper match from being played.
The installation is believed to have cost ÂŁ90,000 and is seen as a temporary measure until June. Another
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alternative installation is expected to be looked at for next season and installed during the summer months before the start of next season.
Women's football has remained stalled played since the decision. Junior and youth football have been moved to the main pitch, with women's football not given any alternative pitch allocation.
Mons Calpe take the lead in Division 2
CoreSportGib
Football
24.03.2016
An early goal sealed the three points for Mons Calpe against ten man Boca Juniors on Sunday in a match which placed them at the top of Division two throughout the Easter period.
Mons Calpe who were second to Europa Point by two points jumped over Europa Point who are not scheduled to play until the 10th April their next match
against Pheonix. The battle for the top second division spot will then intensify that same week as Mons Calpe play Magpies the following day, and Europa Point play Red Imps on the Sunday.
Magpies closed the gap with a 3-1 win against Olympique, now just six points from the leaders, and five points from a play-off place.
The top spot is still open to how the three teams perform in the coming weeks. The runner up will them be expected to play against the second last team in the first division for a place in the first division. This could see the likes of Mons Calpe and Europa Point or Magpies who are still within distance to close the gap playing against the likes of either Gibraltar
United, Glacis or Britannia or even Manchester 62 who today received three unexpected points after their initial defeat against St Joseph was reversed.
Angels are not expected to claw back the gap of ten points between them and the team directly above them which is at present Gibraltar United.
GLSA under review
CoreSportGib
24.03.2016
General Sports News
This was revealed by the Chief Minister during the opening speech of the new sports annex. The comments made during the presentation were very much off the cuff and revealing, giving the first clear indications of changes under which the GSLA will be working under.
CoreSportGib recently revealed that the government was reviewing GSLA policies to incorporate new conditions in which certain commercial avenues could be
implemented in the future.
The reveiw, as confirmed by today, will also include the working conditions and contracts under which the staff at the GSLA work under.
Recently the GSLA saw a new facilities manager put in place, with a media marketing division also expected to be put in place in the near future. Areas of
commercial interest are believed to include allowing sponsorship and advertising around the stadium which is presently not allowed, and reviewing when charges will be implemented for the use of the facilities. This could affect football where the
extensive use of the facilities means a large part of the cost is on the allocation use for matches where now players have a financial benefit in participating in the sport but no fees are charged for the use of the facilities.
Scorpions and Man 62 in punch up
CoreSportGib
Futsal
24.03.2016
The informalities which reign across Futsal were once again evident, possibly due to the Easter break coming up. The first match affected was the Scorpions versus Manchester 62. Scorpions came up with four players, whilst Manchester turned up with five.
In other matches teams were just not fielded and the matches cancelled.
Scorpions took the lead very early on demonstrating that the lack of numbers was not going to deter them.
With still six minutes of first half to go the Azziz/Karim Scorpions combination struck again for the 2-0.
Scorpions begun to tire towards the end of the first half and were forced to a backs against the goal. At
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one time clearing off the line.
Refreshed from the half time break Scorpions struck early again for the third. Manchester eventually scored with 17mins to go for the 3-1.
With ten minutes to go whilst Manchester could just not put the ball away Scorpions had no issue.
Karim stole the ball and rounded the same two Manchester players twice before he walked the ball in for the fourth.
With five minutes to goal the numbers on the pitch were equalled as Manchester lost a player to a second yellow. Four against four neither team seemed to be affected much at first. Scorpions soon settled into idea they had an advantage and went to score the 5-1.
Manchester could still not score with wink making some good saves.
The match ended
with three each as Karim and Wayne clashed and had to be separated after punches were being thrown.
With just a minute left scorpions put two more away winning 7-1. Both Karim and Wayne could now face hefty sanctions after the incident which saw red cards shown directly following the violent
reactions by both after a foul was called.
Eventful weekend in Futsal
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Futsal
24.03.2016
The top of the league remains more or less the same after this weekend's results with Lynx keeping up their momentum, as expected, by beating bottom of the league College 1975 15-1.
Scorpions leapfrogged over Glacis United after beating Manchester 62 in a controversial match that ended up in a punch up between two players. Both teams had entered the match with team members missing from
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the bench, in Scorpions case, also on the pitch. Scorpions played with four men from the start. Scorpions who had led all the way, even one man short, finished 7-1 ahead shortening the gap at the top.
St Joseph's, who lost crucial points against Scorpions last week shared the points with Glacis United, losing further ground to Lynx and now just five points in front of Scorpions.
Some tensions were also seen in other matches, including the first match on Sunday between Lions FC and Rock Solid FC.
The second match on Sunday second division Mons Calpe shortened the gap momentarily between themselves and Gunwharf with a comfortable win against Young Boys.
Gunwharf were later to be awarded the points with a 3-0 score-line in their match against St Joseph South Trade for a nonappearance.
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Division 1
Manchester 62 FC 1 vs 7 Gib Scorpions FC Optima Cannons FC 3 vs 10 Gib Phoenix FC Eclipse College 1975 FC 1 vs 15 Lynx FC Glacis United FC 1 vs 1 St Josephs FC Spark Energy
Division 2
Lions FC B 1 vs 14 Rock Solid FC Young Boys Gib FC 1 vs 10 Mons Calpe SC Maccabi Alef 5 vs 9 Gib Scorpions FC B Gunwharf FC 3 vs 0 St Josephs FC South Trade
New sports annex opened officially
CoreSportGib
24.03.2016
General Sports News
The new sports annex extension which includes a media centre, changing rooms, to studio space, doping room and VIP facilities was opened today in time for the forthcoming GFA friendlies.
The annex meets UEFA standards but will be used by all sports and had taken into consideration all sports.
In a press statement the
Government announced.
“The Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo QC, inaugurated the Elizabeth II Sports Annex at the Bayside Sports Centre in the presence of His Excellency the Governor Lieutenant General Edward Davis CB, CBE and Minister for Sport Steven Linares, amongst other invited guests. The Annex is the final
stage of the four-stage project at the Bayside Sports Centre undertaken by Sharrock Shank Ltd, and includes:
• Players’ first aid room • Doping control facility • Players’ changing rooms, showers, sanitary facilities and physiotherapist treatment area • Umpires’ changing rooms, showers and sanitary facilities
• Match officials’ office • Press conference room • Media centre • TV studios • Spectators’ bar facilities • Spectators’ sanitary facilities • Spectators’ first aid room • VIP lounge • Security/control room • Four press boxes with power and data points • TV camera platform • Additional needs viewing platform
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General Sports News
• Dedicated press seating with power and data points
The Annex was originally conceived as a means of bringing the Bayside Sports Centre’s facilities up to a standard to permit specific categories of international football matches to be played. In order to achieve this, the UEFA Stadium Infrastructure Regulations were used as a basis for the design brief. However,
the multi-purpose facility will be used by any sporting organisation requiring access to such resources.
Other areas of the project have included the construction of an extension to the Boat House Centre to provide a dedicated singlestorey facility for the Stay & Play activities for those with additional needs. Stay & Play was designed with the needs of specific users in
mind and followed a period of consultation with some of the agencies who have eventually utilised the facility. The extension incorporates soft wall finishes, adaptive lighting and dedicated sanitary facilities incorporating appropriate equipment. It was handed over in time to be used for the 2015 Summer Sports Stay & Play Programme and proved a very welcome addition to
the Bayside Sports Centre. Since then the extension has been used regularly by the Guardian Angel Foundation.
Next was the relocation of existing lecture rooms and cafeteria in the main Administration building; these works have seen the re-location of the existing ground floor lecture rooms to the first floor together with the addition of a
CoreSportGib
24.03.2016
General Sports News
boardroom. On the ground floor a basic shell was prepared for use as a cafeteria which was subsequently fitted out by the end user. The facility was opened three weeks ago and is proving to be a welcome asset, as was evident during the recent European Netball Under 17 Championships. The lecture rooms/board room were completed by the end of summer 2015 and since
then have been used by the GSLA and other entities. Finally, eight first floor rooms have been added in the Hockey Stand by inserting mezzanines in the excessive headroom of the changing rooms, to make the best use of the structure. The works included the erection of an external steel walkway/stairs and fitting a lift for all-areas access. Allocation of these to
sporting entities will take place shortly.
Energy efficient LED lighting, controlled by occupancy sensors, has been installed in all of the improved areas. The Annex’s main water heating system incorporates heat pumps to minimise energy waste. All areas of the works have been designed with open
access for all and, to facilitate this, lifts have been installed in the Annex and Hockey Stands. One innovation with the lifts is that they incorporate a power backup facility which permits the lifts to continue in operation, for a specific period of time. This will permit those with additional needs to continue to move about the building, if required, during any power outages.
CoreSportGib
24.03.2016
General Sports News
The Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo QC, said: ‘I am proud to be officially opening these fantastic facilities, which will be enjoyed for years to come by the entire sporting community. As we celebrate the 90th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II it is fitting that the Annex carries her name’.”
CRUCIAL WINS FOR SECOND DIVISION & U16
CoreSportGib
Basketball
24.03.2016
The last set of games before the Easter break threw up crucial wins for Second Division leaders Europa B and Under 16 leaders Isolas Blue Stars.
Europa B and nearest rivals Isolas Blue Stars Reserves engaged in a low-scoring defensive battle, edged by the former by 47-46. The black and greens took the first 2 quarters 13-12, 15-8 but the blues hit back to
take the third 16-9 and set up a last quarter which ended 10-10, and they still had 2 free-shots at the end to tie the game but only made one. Sean McGlashan 11 and Omer Uziely 10 led the winners and Aaron Santos hit a game-high 21 for the losers.
Things got even better for the leaders as the other contenders for the title, Valmar Wrighttech
Reserves, burnt their chances by failing to turn up against Europa Youth.
Isolas Blue Stars beat second-placed Valmar Wrighttech in overtime by 77-71 to open up a 2-points gap at the head of the U16 League table. This was the second win by IBS over VW, and with 4 games to play, the leaders can afford to lose twice and still claim the title on a better head-to-
head. The score went one way and then the other, as VW edged the first quarter 14-13, IBS took the second 24-15, VW the third 21-11, and IBS the fourth 17-15 and the extra period 12-6. Julian Smart had an immense game, hitting 41 points for the losers, with team-mate Aimad BenYoussef getting 16. Rafa Aradas 19, Alex Garcia 18, Julian Hernandez 17 and Jamie
CoreSportGib
Basketball
24.03.2016
Mesilio 17 were top scorers for the winners.
In another game, Europa (Liam Santos 14, Ethan Penfold 10, Esteban Espada 10) beat CS Bayside Argus (Mikey Jeffries 19) 67-31.
In the Under 18 League, there were wins for the joint leaders, who will play each other twice in the remaining 3 fixtures. CS Bayside Argus (Nicky Lopez 27, Jayron Sevilla 15, Lee Perez 10) narrowly beat Valmar Wrighttech (Ian Yeats 20, Adrian Castellon 16, Julian Smart 13) 65-60; and Isolas Blue Stars (Jamie Mesilio 31, Sergio Gil 25, Aaron Santos 13, Rafa Aradas 12) beat Europa (Liberto Carande 14, Antonio Pozo 10) 92-62.
In the Women’s League, Mons Calpe Giants (Annika Perez 20, Karla Gomez 18, Courtney Ferrer 10, Susie Edwards 10, Emma Sanders 10) beat Sparks 76-30; and Panthers (Caroline Robba 18, Valerie Doherty 15, Louise Gonçalves 10) beat Jets (Celine King 15, Camille Dignat 12) 62-42.
CoreSportGib
Basketball
24.03.2016
CoreSportGib
Athletes need a new track its that simple they say
24.03.2016
General Sports News
Young athletes are at risk of hurting themselves, that was the warning given by those involved in athletics at the Victoria Stadium as they explained how the tracks lifespan was well and truly over.
Young athletes who spoke to CoreSportGib explained that they had been training for some time without using spikes after they were continually hurting themselves due to the condition of the running track. The hardened, cracked surface was no longer providing the grip it had, and many athletes now felt safer wearing trainers than spikes.
Although the black rubber bits from the artificial pitch made running on the track without spikes a greater risk to them due to the potential
of slipping or losing their footing, the injuries caused by the use of spikes was seen as a greater risk to them in the lead up to races.
CoreSportGib was informed that the track could be recalled to have been laid some 30 years back, with its actual lifespan not meant to be longer than twenty years. The track as was pointed out shows signs of aging, with cracks appearing in many places, even around bends. Its
CoreSportGib
24.03.2016
General Sports News
constant use over the years, and the fact it is used as one of the main thorough ways for persons crossing the stadium meant that its use exceeds that for which it was originally intended for.
Although Minister Steven Linares has already stated publicly that a new track will be laid before the 2019 Island Games, athletes are advising that a track needs to be laid much earlier than just before the games if athletes are to develop. The
risk of injury is already putting a dampener on athletes, some worried about the effects the track is having on the progress.
The Government has nevertheless not committed itself to relaying a new
running track, with budgets among the key issues which are claimed to be delaying any firm commitment to replacing it anywhere soon.
Agones - The Gib/Malta Link for a future in sport
CoreSportGib
Football
24.03.2016
I
f you think you might have heard the name before you are probably right. Agones has a netball team and a volleyball team, in places like Malta it has a lot more and it hopes to do the same in Gibraltar. Agones is actually what we could describe as a multi
sports club catering for development of sports and sports people. Offering the chance to link up with a bigger network of sports people in its various European clubs (mainly Malta) to broaden athletes horizons and offer more opportunities. Recently established in
Gibraltar and slowly making the type of progress which has seen half of the Under 17 Gibraltar Netball squad coming from within their ranks, not that they will harp on about it as that is not their style or objective.
What is Agones SFC? Well that is one thing we wanted to find out more about so we
asked Warren Muscat President of Agones SFC if he could shed some light. CoreSportGib-Let's start with probably the simplest question but the most difficult one of all. What exactly is a multi sports club? Warren Muscat - A multi sports club is a sports club
CoreSportGib
24.03.2016
Sport Feature
that opens its arms to different types of sport disciplines. It aims to give the community the opportunity to practice as much sports disciplines possible. A member in a multi-sport club gets the opportunity to practice different disciplines or simply focus on the discipline he loves to practice most. There is a long list of advantages in all this not only for the
members but also for the sponsors which are always an asset to be able to manage such a big framework.
CoreSportGib- Agones has a netball team, participated if I'm right in Triathlon, has a fitness class and now has a volleyball team. What other sports will you be considering? Warren Muscat - It is very
important to point out that AgonesSfc is based in 2 countries, Malta and Gibraltar with a strong twinning bond with a club in Brighton called BTRS (Brighton Triathlon Race Series) Both the Maltese and the Gibraltar section of the club fall under the same club statute making it not only a unique experience for both counties but an amazing experience and opportunity to tap into for its
members. It opens doors for twinning opportunities, intercultural experiences as training camps and joint team participation. In Gibraltar we now have the Agones-Alwani Netball team composed of some amazing young talented players and dedicated coaches which we are extremely proud of and recently launched the AgonesSfc – Np Estates volleyball team who already brought the club immense
CoreSportGib
24.03.2016
Sport Feature
satisfaction by winning the autumn national league. We are also looking forward to start holding the club’s beach fitness sessions once again and hopefully in the coming months launch the running training group. Yet this is just Gibraltar at the moment. The club in Malta offers its members many other disciplines.
Triathlon, road, mountain bike &Downhill cycling, Road running & Trail running, Sea & pool swimming, Adventure racing as well as many other services such as spinning, core and swimming classes. It is very important to point out that any athlete in Gibraltar can make use of the opportunities given to the Maltese athletes. Therefore let’s say we have a cyclist in Gibraltar. That
cyclist can travel with the other club cyclist and take part in the various tours and competitions the club takes part in around the world. So it can be said for triathletes, runners etc. Most of these opportunities are partly sponsored and costs kept low and therefore it’s a great opportunity for athletes in Gibraltar.
We would like to eventually open as much sections in Gibraltar as we have in Malta yet again there is no rule of thumb to which sport discipline can fall under the club umbrella. We believe sport is a universal language and it’s benefits are the same whether one plays gold or does triathlon. This is why we ask, sometimes beg individuals who are interested in promoting their sport and create teams in
CoreSportGib
24.03.2016
Sport Feature
their preferred disciplines to contact us and discuss the opportunities we have.
CoreSportGib- it must be difficult to decide on a sport and recruit players. How do you go about it?
Warren Muscat - As said above. Everyone is welcome in what we call an agonian brotherhood. All sports, all level of athletes. We have in our ranks as much newbies as we have pro athletes. The club philosophy has always been to treat every member and every discipline in the same way. All agonians sit together and eat the same food from the same dish around the same table. Club is there to give service to the community and promote the benefits of sport.
CoreSportGib- what makes it different from say any other sports club to be a multi sport club?
Warren Muscat - It makes it extremely interesting. As a sports person and also from the administrative point of view. Imagine a tree. Imagine the club being the trunk and the roots being the different sports disciplines. Now it’s easy to imagine. The more roots you have and the stronger they are and deeper they go the healthier and stronger the trunk and tree will be. It a win/ win situation. The more members we have, the more disciplines we have, the sponsorships we attract, the more organised and strong the club gets. This means that eventually the members
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24.03.2016
Sport Feature
will benefit more. For a member it is an adventure in itself. How awesome it is knowing that you are part of a club which gives you the opportunity to train and take part in a variety of sports. Everything is under one umbrella. The club vibe is amazing especially in Malta were the club is quickly become a beacon of sports within the communities and we hope this energy spreads also within the Gibraltar community CoreSportGib- let's speak about Agones and what it means. Agones comes from Malta and Gibraltar is just one of its sections. Can you explain to us how this came about and what it means? Warren Muscat - The hundreds of times I have answered this question. Agones means Sport in
ancient Greek. When the Greeks invented physical activity for fun they did not have a word for it so they used to call it agones( effort/pain). This is why the connotation with the word agony in English. I imagine that basically they used to say to each other ‘let’s go an enjoy some pain’ (most athletes would relate to this sentence) Eventually other words in different languages were created to describe physical activity the most known to date is the word SPORT. Malta and Gibraltar have a lot of similarities. No wonder why David Arrigo entitled his book TWIN ROCKS therefore when I moved here as club chairman it became natural to me to try and spread the brotherhood amongst the Gibraltar
CoreSportGib
24.03.2016
Sport Feature
community.
CoreSportGib- as a European NGO licensee what does it mean to the club, specifically Gibraltar?
Warren Muscat - First and for most it is important to note that the club is a nonprofit organisation licenced in Malta and within the EU.
As a non-profit nongovernment organisation we have opportunities to apply for European funds and most of all to take part and be part of many projects and schemes. We took part in Youth in action projects, Erasmus projects and many others we constantly have more opportunities and ironically not enough people interested in going. . Even if the club is registered in
Malta, Gibraltar is still part of EU and therefore youths in Gibraltar and club members could still partner with the Maltese youths and benefit from these opportunities abroad.
CoreSportGib- how will sports people benefit from the fact this is not just a Gibraltar based entity?
Warren Muscat - A s mentioned above a club member in Gibraltar, Malta or India has the same rights and privileges and therefor opportunities as a member in Japan. Agones is one family. CoreSportGib- what's the prospect of seeing Agones creating a football team? Even if it's not at senior level?
CoreSportGib
24.03.2016
Sport Feature
Warren Muscat - As a club we tend to include and promote sports which suffer from lack of funds and possibilities. Football in Gibraltar is already given so much promotion and so much funding so I doubt we will ever look into a senior male football team. An all girls and women football team would be tempting though and even a futsal
CoreSportGib- one of the successes you have had has been in netball. A large number of the Under 17 girls came from Agones. What would you attribute to this factor? And do you expect to replicate it in other sports? Warren Muscat - As a club we couldn’t be prouder of these young athletes. We
are even more honoured because it was the team and team administrators that chose to join the club. They trusted in the Agones philosophy and for that wecan only thanks them.
These girls deserve along with their coaches the best and as a club we are trying to set up a professional structure as much as possible. Providing them training kits, training track suits, a fan base, promoting their achievements on the media, providing them with physio help and training when and if it is needed. The team is leading the table in the 2nd division followed by east gate. As club chairman I wish both teams another amazing encounter to decide which team will be promoted to
CoreSportGib
24.03.2016
Sport Feature
first division. Having said that I find it unfair that one of those teams will not be promoted to first division after showing that they can even successful in European level. For their achievement locally and internationally I believe the netball federation should reward them, their peer players and their coaches by automatically promote them to first division. This will not only boost the teams moral even more but will also make sure they raise their level by playing against teams of their calibre on a weekly bases. As said above the team’s administrators had to will to step forward last summer and the courage to believe in AgonesSfc. We are thankful and hopeful that they are an example for
other teams and individuals to step forward and contact us.
CoreSportGib- how important is it to Agones to build from grassroots level?
Warren Muscat - AgonesSfc success does not lay in the trophies or medals. It lays on how many people we can reach in the community. Trophies and medals along with club recognition come with time. There is not bigger satisfaction than knowing that as a club we have helped and supported the younger generations to experience the benefits of sport. Embedding the benefits of sport amongst the young is not simply a matter of raising athletes. It’s a matter of helping to bring up a healthier
CoreSportGib
24.03.2016
Sport Feature
community and if as a club we can help to achieve that, than the goal set will be reached.
CoreSportGib- you are not a native from Gibraltar yourself, but do you think this benefits your work in sport?
Warren Muscat - I m not Gibraltar but as my surname indicates I could easily be one. My arrival in Gibraltar was quite unexpected and turbulent to say the least but I feel home here and also feel Gibraltar has quickly adopted me. I have been into sport management and prior to that an international athlete and physical education teacher, as well as into the coaching scene since I can remember. My thirst for adventure,
travelling and event management has taken me to the furthest corner of the earth. I believe I have gained lots of experience and skills and it is that experience that I try to transfer into the club and this knowledge that I would like to share with the Gibraltar community.
CoreSportGib- since your arrival in Gibraltar are there things you would like to see changed or consider vastly different to what you saw in Malta?
Warren Muscat - As I explained Malta and Gibraltar have a strong bond and are very similar when it comes to their mentality. Both countries can greatly benefit from each other and it is a shame there isn’t a
CoreSportGib
24.03.2016
Sport Feature
bigger bond between the two countries. Hopefully Agones can help strengthen the bond between these two countries through sport.
At the moment I am still looking into the sport scene and still discovering the strengths and weaknesses so I can’t really give an answer. Having said that I am sure I could be helpful and be able to give advice on managerial aspects to be able to raise sport standards in Gibraltar even higher. CoreSportGib- lastly coming from Malta which is very similar to Gibraltar in many respects, how do you see Gibraltar's sports arena in comparison? Warren Muscat - The arena is on the same lines. A very small society with loads of dedicated people who give
their time and money to promote sport and it’s benefits. As a teacher I enjoy seeing that most of the students practice sports after school. That even in such a small community they have so much facilities and opportunities.
Like in Malta I believe there are loads of things to improve vis a vis sport, but then again no one is perfect.
I would like to conclude this interview by asking your readers to visit our pages on facebook ‘agonessfcgibraltar’ and to please contact us if they feel they want to know more about the club, it’s services or are interested in intruding their team and sport to us. E mail is agonessportsclub@gmail.co m
St Anne’s health challenge
CoreSportGib
24.03.2016
General Sports News
& fitness
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24.03.2016
General Sports News
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24.03.2016
General Sports News
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24.03.2016
General Sports News
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24.03.2016
General Sports News
The last of the Youth Track races
CoreSportGib
Athletics
24.03.2016
The last day of the youth track races at Victoria Stadium before the Easter break was baked in sunshine.
After three previous sessions which had been played out in the chill of winter the last day saw a glorious warm day which allowed for many of the parents to also come out to watch. Among those watching we're the Chief
Minister Fabian Picardo and his wife and Minister Paul Balban, both getting away
from their ministerial duties to watch their children race.
Athletes once again across a wide spectrum of ages from 4 to 15 enjoyed the day with some excellent results. In one race a young athletes determination to
succeed saw him tripping over, but got up and went on to win the race in the last stride.
The most competitive of the races were in the older groups.
CoreSportGib
Athletics
24.03.2016
The "Right" way
CoreSportGib
Athletics
24.03.2016
T
the latest round the rock race
here was little of the "wrong way" about this Sunday's Round the Rock Race, except for the route to be taken.
From early morning athletes gathered by the Tercentenary Sports Hall.
Drizzling rain still fell in this late winter race. A cold breeze still chilled the morning, and the silence of the Sunday morning brought out the many snails from under bushes. They might be slow but the athletes about to compete for sure weren't going to be. Yet none of this deterred anyone present.
The first table at the new sports hall cafe had been turned into a temporary changing room area by some athletes, whilst those accompanying them had their hot teas and coffees to warm up. This after all is what makes a cafe at a sports venue so different from those in the city centre. The users might not be consumers right now but they were catered for. Bare feet would soon don sports socks and running shoes whilst sitting by tables. The small of the heat sprays filled the air.
Athletes spoke amongst each other, smiles and laughter, but in their faces you could see the focus
CoreSportGib
Athletics
24.03.2016
whilst they planned their route and race plan.
Today they would run around the Rock. The challenge was to climb the hills they had once come down from, turn the bends which had once signalled they were nearing the end knowing this was just the beginning. Completing the first flats which before signalled the end of the race.
As athletes gathered for the race briefing the sun shone through the grey clouds. The race started.
The runners started off at the junction of Bayside Road with Queensway heading on the first flat to Ragged Staff where they would meet the first steep hill, a short one by any
standards.
Then they would head to Rosia entering Camp Bay where the climb would start. First the incline to the first tunnel before getting into the winding climb up Europa Advance Road a before entering their second tunnel. Darkened, fume filled air would add to the challenge before they would reach the sun filled Both Worlds area where the grey clouds threatening to pour down would be a constant reminder in the horizon.
Flats with small stretches downwards would meet them to the end. However two major traffic junctions would also meet them prompting caution as well as strategy to reach the last 100m stretch to the finish line. And the winners are.
CoreSportGib
Athletics
24.03.2016
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Athletics
24.03.2016
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Athletics
24.03.2016
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Athletics
24.03.2016
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Athletics
24.03.2016
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Athletics
24.03.2016
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Athletics
24.03.2016
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Athletics
24.03.2016
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Athletics
24.03.2016
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Athletics
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Athletics
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Athletics
24.03.2016
&
Queen
The
&
King of the roads
CoreSportGib
Athletics
24.03.2016
Round the Rock Results
1 259 Francisco J. Vera Rodriguez 35.02 SM 2 254 Juan Jose Seruan Pacheco 36.32 MM 3 292 Chris Walker 36.57 MM 4 281 Abdullah Ahammad 37.17 JM 5 258 Francisco Jose Rosas Melgar 37.28 SM 6 269 Robert Matto 37.39 MM 7 284 Patrick Garner 37.50 JM 8 273 Rafael Velasco 38.21 MM 9 465 Maurice Turnock 39.17 MM 10 279 Anthony Martinez 39.44 SM Masters Women
Masters Men
1 Allison Edwards 41.58 2 Nyreen Llamas 49.49 3 Jo Ullger 50.38
1 Juan Jose Seruan Pacheco 36.32 2 Chris Walker 36.57 3 Robert Matto 37.39
1 Karyn Barnett 46.17
Senior Men
Senior Women
18 years & Under Boys
1 Abdullah Ahammad 37.17 2 Patrick Garner 37.50 3 Alfredo Caballero Benitez 41.56
1 Francisco J. Vera Rodriguez 35.02 2 Francisco Jose Rosas Melgar 37.28 3 Anthony Martinez 39.44
FLORA ROCK RUNNERS LEAGUE
FLORA ROCK RUNNERS LEAGUE
Open all hours
CoreSportGib
24.03.2016
General Sports
I
t's 1430 on a Saturday afternoon. A match if hockey has just ended, a junior league match has just ended, the Street Soccer League tournament was meant to be on but the surface is slipper at the MUGA and i might have the wrong dates (it happens) and the Futsal league is going on at the indoor halls.
The main pitch is silent, nobody in the stands, except myself who is just waiting for those next matches to report on.
However a murmured set of instructions can be heard in the distance. Just a glance up and a man in white shirt and jeans is putting a young teen through his paces as a goalkeeper. Every weekend Saturday and Sunday's the
teen goes through similar routines.
From the main gates by the MUGA a lady walks into the track. Dressed in jogging suite she heads down the western side of the track completed one circuit and then continues to complete a second before she walks out of the stadium by the eastern gates.
Five minutes later two young lads enter the main pitch area and complete a lap of the track in a fast jogging pace before exiting the same way back to the MUGA area.
A buzzer can be heard behind the stands. Futsal a next match is back on. At the same time balls bounce on the hard surface of the MUGA, whilst in the
CoreSportGib
24.03.2016
General Sports
background the gentle groans and signs of the tennis and paddle players is drowned by the yelps of the young children scoring in the smaller pitches by the waterfront end of the complex.
As all this goes on the young teen is still being put through his paces, more people will have lapped the track circuit, players for the
four thirty match will be arriving and looking out onto the pitch whilst players warm up for the start of the three o'clock Futsal first division.
In just 30 odd minutes of silence you realise that even when seemingly inactive the Gibraltar bayside sports complex is a open all hours area which we all seem to take for
granted. blue track suited men and women will have walked past us, a burgundy dressed cleaner will have swept around us. A tap will have been fixed. A gate of goal posts will have been moved, lines will have been redrawn, litter will have been picked up and surfaces watered down just to keep the service ticking as routine. For thirty minutes you will have
realised that the open all hours facilities is as much a part of community life and keeping it ticking as any other utility, and yet for all the hassle and bustles it is a place that for thirty minutes you could sit down and think sitting down, purely because it was open all hours.
Thanks!
Scorpions unbeaten and with a double
CoreSportGib
Rugby
24.03.2016
Sovereign Insurance Scorpions finished the season unbeaten and with the two main trophies in their trophy cabinet after winning by a clear 30 points against a stubborn but defensively tough Inline Framing Sharks.
Scorpions started off pushing hard on the Sharks defensive line. For the first twenty minutes it was all one way as Scorpions went
for the line only to find themselves beaten back time and again. As Scorpions tired and found themselves pointless for their efforts they opted for a drop kick for their first points.
For the next ten minutes it looked as if it had been a tactical error. Buoyed by the fact Scorpions had opted for the dropkick Sharks gained confidence and
CoreSportGib
Rugby
24.03.2016
pushed on Scorpions lines forcing them to their very touchline.
Scorpions regained control in the last few minutes of the first half with positive results scoring their first try. Scorpions entered the second half ready to put a finish to the match. They powered into Sharks and at every opportunity pushed the racks and scrums forward gaining metres with
them. Their tactics started to gain them points putting them well in the lead, but not before Sharks scored their only points through a try.
Scorpions continued pushing on Sharks. Putting their weight, literally, behind their scrums and making ground to the touchline. Even to the last second they looked at gaining points in the last seconds
CoreSportGib
Rugby
24.03.2016
scoring their final try to make it 34-5.
Scorpions lifted their last trophy of the season making it a double having already won the Super IV league.
The final, however, brought about some uncertainty for the GRU who will be touring Asia at the start of April.
With matches scheduled
against Singapore and Malaysia in the first week of April injuries to key players might put a dampener on the tour. Among those injured during the final ten minutes was Albert Loddo who had to be carried off after injuring his ankle. In comments after the match Loddo explained that he had rolled over on his ankle
CoreSportGib
Rugby
24.03.2016
CoreSportGib
Rugby
24.03.2016
Wake up call for Hawks and Eagles
CoreSportGib
Hockey
24.03.2016
T
he two young teams from the Grammarians this week provided both Hawks and Eagles with a wake up call just six weeks before the Eurohockey Challenge group matches to be played in Gibraltar. Earlier in the week Hawks were beaten by the Grammarians Ladies 3-2. A
match in which the young ladies demonstrated that they had made significant progress in their gameplay and attitude towards the game. Handing Hawks with a wake up call card by proving that relaxing your stance leaves you behind. The young Grammarians not only showed an improved game but an appetite to win which left
CoreSportGib
Hockey
24.03.2016
Hawks grasping to try and equalise late on.
to earth and realised there was a lot of work still to be done.
As one Hawks player later commented the midweek Eagles Ladies showed match had proven tough for signs of a similar problem. them. Mothers and workers 2-1 down at half time the at the same time their focus second half proved to be a had not been there but that Grammarians boys affair in was not good enough. As the main. Eagles Ladies the Hawks player were hard pressed to commented it was a wake venture beyond the halfway up call time. They had come line. The strong figures of
Patricia Hayes and Roseanne Torrilla seemed to be tuned down. In some one on ones both players seemed to lack the full determination seem in matches against female opponents. Whether this was an unconscious pull back from tackling hard on teenage boys, Torrilla herself being a mother, or an off day the results were
very negative for eagles who seemed to lack the appetite to aim for a win. Eagles Ladies proved on many occasions they were more than capable opponents but on the day Grammarians boys had an easier task to finish off the game. The last strike of the day ending in the 3-1.
CoreSportGib
Hockey
24.03.2016
Both Grammarians Ladies and Grammarians Boys demonstrated a desire to win. Something which was seen at times in both Hawks and Eagles but which tended to fade at times in the game to their detriment.
Both teams have six weeks to build on their game and inject some much needed energy when they take on much tougher European opponents in May. The latest results seem to be a minor hiccup with both teams having shown good form coming up to the Easter break.
Henwood keeps scoring
CoreSportGib
Hockey
24.03.2016
Gibraltarian hockey player Gareth Henwood, presently playing the Spanish Andalucian Hockey league for San Fernando's senior team, Áticos Inmobiliaria CHSF, returned from injury in top form in what was a significant victory for San Fernando against Malaga 91.
Henwood scored twice in his return with San Fernando coming out overall winners by 8-0. Malaga is presently aiming to get into the "division d honor b," making their victory significant for the CAdiz based side.
Speaking to CoreSportGib after the match Henwood commented that it was a "test for me coming back from the injury."
Henwood would also feature in the friendly match scheduled for the very next day in which Áticos Inmobiliaria CHSF played Berliner SC.
Henwood went on to score another two goals in the 4-2 win against the German team. After the match he commented that he felt “better now after his injury.”
Athletics
Arnold comes in 7th in the UK half marathon
Arnold Rogers, a British Army athlete who has been running amongst local runners this year as he prepared for his races in the UK participated in the Army and Inter-services Fleet, Pre London Brooks Fleet Half Marathon 2016 this Sunday, coincidentally at the same time as local runners took off on the Round the Rock anti-clockwise race. The previous Round the Rock race having been won by Arnold. The British athlete, donning the Royal Gibraltar Regiment runners vest, who is now con-
sidered as one of Gib's own, came in 7th overall with a personal best time of 1 hour, 11 mins, 51 seconds. His time meant that he was also considered as 2nd overall within the Army category, 4th within the Inter Services category and has resulted in his selection for the army team.
The Fleet Half Marathon has been held annually since 1982. It attracts several thousand runners and is one of the longest-running half marathons in the UK, now in its 35th year.
CoreSportGib
Easter Sports & Leisure programme 24.03.2016
General Sports News
(Tuesday 24th March to Friday 1st April).
The Gibraltar Sports & Leisure Authority has organised a programme of sport and leisure activities that will be available to children and young people over the Easter holiday period. Activities on offer include:-
• Football coaching courses for both boys and specialist clinic for girls, Badminton coaching, Climbing, Gymnastics, (rhythmic and artistic) to be held at the Bayside Sports Centre.
• Tennis coaching taking place at the Queensway tennis courts.
• Ice Skating ‘Learn to Skate’ programmes’ at the King’s Bastion Leisure Centre.
• Happy Crafting at the arts and crafts shop Casemates.
Easter programme leaflets giving full details have been distributed into all schools in Gibraltar and further information is available from the Sports Development & Training Unit on email gibsportsdev@gibtelecom.n et
Badminto
17 finals in 1 day
Tuesday night saw a total of 17 finals in the Badminton Nationals held at the Tercentenary Sports Hall.
The finals were the culmination of over two weeks or more worth of Badminton which has seen juniors as well as seniors
playing. The actual Nationals started on Sunday, a day ahead of originally scheduled as organisers were concerned that the finals would coincide with the Gibraltar football international match against Lichtenstein and lead to a reduced coverage
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Badminton
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of the event.
The finals saw some interesting combinations, including father and son playing doubles together and significantly husband and pregnant wife winning the Mixed Doubles A final. President of the Gibraltar Badminton Association, Ivan De Haro, who won the Men's Doubles B final with his son as partner, thanked everyone involved in this years Nationals during the medal presentation. In particular highlighting the important work done in promoting the sport among the younger generations.
Finals results:-
Mixed Doubles C M Jensen / J. Nuttal bt T Svenson / A Prescott (2119, 22-20)
U-18 Boys Doubles H Archer / W Archer bt S Arrias / R Aidasani ((21-19, 21-15)
Ladies Singles A Chantal De’Ath bt Maddie Mosquera (21-7, 21-8)
U-14 Boys Doubles E. De Haro / J. Montado bt N. Anson / N. Anson (21-8, 21-10)
Ladies Singles B L Jacques by J Nuttal (2113, 21-16)
U-18 Boys Singles Henry Archer bt Sufian Arrias (21-15, 21-14)
Men’s Singles A Kasper Thy Jessen bt Charles Avellano (21-10, 21-14)
U-14 Boys Singles Joshua Montado bt Evan De Haro (21-9, 21-3)
U-16 Boys Doubles H. Archer/W. Archer bt R. Vegad/S Mifsud (21-7, 2114)
Men’s Singles B Sufian Arrias bt Thomas Svenson (21-19, 21-15)
Ladies Doubles A A. Jessen/C De’Ath bt M. Mosquera/L. Jacques (21-4, 21-12)
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Badminton Men’s Singles C Phillip Mandleberg bt Dan Vegad (21-11, 21-13)
Men’s Doubles B I De Haro/E De Haro bt M. Jensen/T Svenson (21-9, 19-21, 21-12)
Men’s Doubles A K. Thy Jessen/C. Avellano by M Archer/H Archer (2112, 21-11)
Men’s Doubles C S. Arrais/D. Vegad bt W Tan / L. Wei (21-11, 21-9)
U-16 Boys Singles Henry Archer bt Joshua Montado (21-9, 21-8)
Mixed Doubles A K. Thy Jessen/A. Jessen bt C Avellano/C De’Ath (21-18, 21-14)
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GIBRALTAR JU-JITSU & MMA ACADEMY INTERNATIONAL WITH COMPLIMENTS
Jujitsu
24.03.2016
Media Release - I AM PLEASED TO INFORM YOU OF THE FOLLOWING ACHIEVEMENTS OBTAINED INTERNATIONALLY AT THE WEEKEND FRIDAY 11TH TO SUNDAY 13TH MARCH 2016 AT THE BUDO GALA INTERNATIONAL HELD IN MADRID SPAIN 2016.
MASTER ANTHONY JOAQUIN 6TH DAN JU JITSU ATTENDED THIS SPECIAL EDITION OF THE ANNUAL BUDO GALA MASTERS COURSE HELD IN MADRID CAPITAL, SPAIN AS THE OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR
GIBRALTAR FOR JU-JITSU, INVITED BY HANSHI PEDRO R. DABAUZA 9H DAN JU-JITSU 8TH DAN JUDO.
AT THIS BUDO GALA MASTER ANTHONY JOAQUIN 6TH DAN JU-JITSU PRESIDENT FOR GIBRALTAR WAS OFFICIALY RECOGNISED FOR THE WORK THAT HAS BEEN CARRIED OUT FOR THE PAST 6 YEARS FOR THE EJJU EUROPEAN JU JITSU UNION ASSOCIATION,
THERFORE OFFICIALY ACCREDITED THE COUNTRY REPRESENATIVE FOR THE
EJJU.AND GRADED TO THE GRADE OF SHISHIDAN, 7TH DAN BLACK BELT IN JU-JITSU BY THE MOST SENIOR OFFICIALS REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EJJU,. EUROPEAN JU JITSU UNION HANSHI CHARLIE LENZ 9TH DAN JU JITSU PRESIDENT. EUROPEAN JU JITSU UNION HANSHI KARL SCHWINGENSCHLOGL CHIEF TECHNICAL DIRECTOR 9TH DAN JU JITSU. TO MASTERS ANTHONY SURPRISE ANOTHER TWO OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL
RECOGNITIONS WERE PRESENTED THIS TIME BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE INJTO INTERCONTINENTAL NIPPON JUJUTSU & TAIHOJUTSU ORGANISATION HANSHI LUIS FERNANDO 9TH DAN JU JUTSU 8TH DAN TAIHOJUTSU OF PORTUGAL.AND THE OFFICIAL CETIFICATION OF GRADUATION OF 7TH DAN JUJUTSU.
AN OFFICIAL PRESENTATION WAS CONDUCTED BY SHIHAN ANTHONY JOAQUIN GIBRALTAR REPRESENTATIVE
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TO COMMEMORATE THE 5OTH ANNIVERSARY OF HANSHI PEDRO DABAUZA SPAIN, AND TO HANSHI CHARLIE LENZ CELEBRATING HIS 52ND BUDO ANNIVERSARY IN TRADITIONAL JU JITSU BOTH MASTERS HIGHLY RESPECTED THROUGHOUT EUROPE AND JAPAN. ITS BEEN A VERY FRUITFUL WEEKEND FOR GIBRALTAR AND MASTER ANTHONY JOAQUIN WHO HAS BEEN TIRELESSLY BEEN WORKING IN PROMOTING OUR COUNTRY AND JU JITSU AT
THIS PRESTIGIOUS ANNUAL EVENT.
I WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE BOTH MASTERS HANSHI PEDRO DABAUZA FROM SPAIN AND HANSHI CHARLIE LENZ FROM SWITZERLAND ON YOUR 50TH AND 52ND ANNIVERSARIES . MASTER ANTHONY JOAQUIN 7TH DAN JU-JITSU 1ST DAN JUDO.
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Netball prepares to battle in UK
CoreSportGib
Netball
24.03.2016
If everyone thought netball had gone to sleep after its victory in the European Under 17 B Division they would be quite wrong.
At St Annes school this week CoreSportGib caught up with the Gibraltar senior netball team.
Already well into their training, the ladies had already seen players cut from the squad and were
now in the final stages of preparation.
Netball was now preparing to take the next step and take on the challenge of participating in the Netball Open Championships in the UK.
Among those training, as players, were the coaches of the Under 17 squad. A strange scenario to see the coaches being coached.
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