The Addicks website has announced that a senior Charlton women's team will compete in the 2007/08 Premier League National Division.

The Charlton women's website states that "The club confirmed on Wednesday morning that all necessary sponsorship is now in place to enable the Addicks female set-up - incorporating the women's first team, the academy and the centre of excellence - to reopen under the umbrella and management of the Charlton Community Trust."

Trust chief executive, Steve Waggott, said: "While this is a tremendous boost to all those involved in the women's game at Charlton, there is an awful lot of hard work now to be done to enable us to field teams at all levels, and we will need the support of an awful lot of people.

"Training will commence next Tuesday, August 28th at 8pm at Sparrows Lane under the watchful eye of community coach and former player Paul Mortimer. Anyone interested in being part of our new set-up and in keeping women's football at Charlton alive, should email tina.johnson@cafc.co.uk or call 020-8850 2866."

Labels: charlton, football

Essex County Football Association
Girls’ and Women’s Football Development Officer
Full time contract until March 31st 2009
(Post continuation subject to funding)
Salary Scale: £19,000 — £22,000.

The post-holder will be responsible for the development of the female game within the London Boroughs of Barking & Dagenham, Havering, Newham, Redbridge and Waltham Forest. The post will be based at the Association’s Chelmsford Office. The successful applicant will join a highly-regarded Development Team reporting to the County Development Manager.

This will be an exciting and wide ranging role with areas of work including:

• Club development
• Education (School-Club links)
• Coach and volunteer development
• Football funding
  

The successful candidate will:

• Be a university graduate (or similar) who is able to demonstrate a knowledge of FA
  football development initiatives and an appreciation of the issues specific to the
  East London area.
• Be able to communicate with a wide range of partners.
• Have experience of working within sports development and be able to
  demonstrate an ability to plan, deliver and evaluate programmes.
• Hold a full driving licence and have access to a vehicle.
• Be available to work evenings and weekends when necessary.
  

For a full job description and personal specification please contact Nick Perchard on
nick.perchard@essexfa.com or 01245 393077. Applications, in the form of a covering
letter accompanied by a C.V. and details of current remuneration, should be sent to:
The County Development Manager, Essex FA, The County Office, Springfield Lyons
Approach, Springfield, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 5LB.
Nick.perchard@essexfa.com

Labels: football, job vacancies

The Telegraph discusses how Rachel Brown is calling for calm amid World Cup fever - http://tinyurl.com/2mnfuq

Labels: football, world cup 2007

International Women’s Cricket returns to Derbyshire CCC for the second consecutive year as England Women take on New Zealand in the third ODI of the 2007 NatWest Women’s Series on Thursday August 23.

The international fixture is hugely anticipated as it is the only floodlit match of the whole series, providing a unique atmosphere for players and spectators alike.

At present, the White Ferns (New Zealand) are leading the NatWest Women’s Series 1-0 after securing a 21-run victory at Taunton in the first game. The second match, at Stratford-Upon-Avon, was called off due to bad weather, reducing the series to five matches.

England captain Charlotte Edwards commented: “We were really disappointed to lose the first NatWest Women’s ODI at Taunton because we threw it away at the end. We were always in with a chance, but we lost key wickets leaving us 21 runs short. However, we’ll definitely take some positives from the performance; namely Jenny Gunn who top scored with 73.

“It’s a real shame we didn’t get to play at Stratford-Upon-Avon because of the weather as we’ve got some great memories from there from 2005 when we beat the Australians in an ODI for the first time in 12 years. The rain just made the pitch unplayable and prevented a ball being bowled.

“We’re really excited at the prospect of a floodlit fixture at Derby. It provides a great atmosphere for the players and our supporters and if we get the weather, it’ll be a great night.

“New Zealand are a tough side to play against, and this is a must-win fixture for the girls. We’re intent on lifting the NatWest Women’s Series Trophy, so we need to play to the best of our ability in the remaining games and get the results.”

Ahead of the fixture, which starts at 2.30pm, a Chance to Shine Final will be held on the outfield at the county ground. The players involved will consist of four Midlands teams who have played in County Finals this season. The match will start at 10am.

Tickets are priced at £5 for adults and free for Under 16s. For tickets visit http://www.ecb.co.uk/womens.

NatWest Women’s Series 2007
Remaining Fixtures:
Thurs August 23rd 3rd NatWest ODI v New Zealand (Floodlit) DERBY CCC
Sun August 26th 4th NatWest ODI v New Zealand BLACKPOOL CC
Mon August 27th 5th NatWest ODI v New Zealand BLACKPOOL CC
Thurs August 30 6th NatWest ODI v New Zealand SHENLEY

For further information contact ECB Communications Department on 0207 432 1200.

Labels: cricket, international series

2nd NatWest ODI England v New Zealand, Stratford-Upon-Avon Due to the continuous bad weather and heavy overnight rain at Stratford-Upon-Avon CC, the 2nd NatWest Women’s ODI between England and New Zealand has been cancelled.

Labels: cricket

Everton Ladies defender Lindsay Johnson has this evening been called up into England's World Cup squad, after Leeds United's Steph Houghton sustained a spiral fracture of the fibula in a training session today.

Johnson has been capped 19 times by England since making her debut against Holland in September 2004, and will wear the number 20 shirt in China, for the tournament between 10-30 September.

Speaking to TheFA.com less than an hour after hearing the news from Head Coach, Hope Powell, 'Johno' said: "I'm obviously gutted for Steph as she's had a fantastic season, and to happen just a couple of days before flying out is devastating for her.

"I'm naturally over the moon as when I found out that I hadn't made the original squad, it was really, really tough.

"I went away with the Everton girls for the First Qualifying Round of the UEFA Women's Cup and it was probably the best thing, as I couldn't sit at home dwelling on missing the cut, and the England girls in our team were brilliant to me.

"I came home with a fresh perspective then and was determined to get back into the next squad after the World Cup, and even today I was fitness testing with some of the Northern based girls in the squad in Manchester.

"Pippa, the Team Doctor told me this morning to keep my chin up, keep working hard, and that you never know what might happen, but I never thought i'd be getting on the plane on Sunday.

"My boss was expecting me back at work tomorrow, but i've had to tell them there's been a change of plan!"

England fly out to Macau this Sunday for a two-week training camp, before they arrive in Shanghai on 3 September, ahead of their first group game against Japan on 11 September.

All England's games will be shown live on BBC Two, with kick-off times at 1pm GMT.

For latest news from the England camp, and information on the tournament, log onto: thefa.com/WorldCup2007

The picture comes from theFA.com.

Labels: football, world cup 2007

Street League are proud to present a free women’s football taster session. Click on the following link for more information - flyer.

Labels: events, football

HAMPSHIRE
From £25 - 30k + car + benefits

To build on the popularity of Rugby Union throughout the country, we are continuing to develop our network of regionally based Rugby Development Officers. Their key responsibility is to implement the RFU and Constituent Body Strategic Plans by supporting the growth of the game across the community. Working from a local office, your main focus will be on developing our clubs including their links with schools, further education and higher education institutions and the rugby community as a whole in Hampshire.

With the support of a Regional Manager, our Rugby Development Officers are responsible for building strong working partnerships both within and outside Rugby Union. These partnerships are essential in enabling the Rugby Development Officer to plan, facilitate and report the delivery of high quality, coordinated development programmes at every level of the community game. A major element of the role will be to build, maintain, manage and direct a team of Community Rugby Coaches and local deliverers to support the implementation of these programmes.

The successful applicant will be an enthusiastic communicator; a highly effective organiser, who is totally committed to the game, with strong, practical team leadership qualities and the ability to inspire others and work as part of a regional team. You must be self-motivated and prepared to work flexible hours. Experience of and/or a qualification in sports development would be an advantage. A relevant teaching, coaching or playing background is also desirable.

We offer an attractive employment package and an opportunity to build a career in rugby union.

Applications should be made using an RFU Application Form, which can be obtained by downloading a copy from the RFU.com website careers page; or by calling our 24 hour recruitment hotline 0870 143 2404; or by e-mailing recruitment@therfu.com. Further information can also be obtained by contacting us through these channels.

When completing your application please quote job reference code RDO/586 and state where you saw this vacancy advertised. Applications should be sent to The Recruitment Officer, Rugby House, Rugby Road, Twickenham, TW1 1DS, or by email to recruitment@therfu.com.

Closing date for applications is 5th September 2007.
Interviews will be held in Winchester on 11th September 2007.

For further information, and an informal discussion please contact Clive Cashell, RFU Regional Rugby Development Manager (South) – 07764 960383.

The Criminal Records Bureau enhanced disclosure process applies to this post.

www.rfu.com

Labels: job vacancies

Camp Hill WRFC's preparations for life in National Championship One North are getting pretty serious as they acclimatise to a new coaching set-up and their most professional approach to a season's start yet.

With Reece Spee - a professional with National Division One side, Pertemps Bees – as Head Coach and Paul Downes – Bees' Strength and Conditioning coach, also on board, the girls are all a "buzz" hoping the hard work now will pay off over the coming 6mths.

"I took the girls for a session last season as my wife Vanita plays for them and then helped out with some 10s tournaments. I saw the potential and how much they took on board and thought it would be exciting to take them right through from pre-season" says Spee, a New Zealander hailing from Mount Maunganui in the Bay of Plenty.

The kiwi having landed with Bees care of successful stints with Ulster and Belfast Harlequins. he He made a name for himself as a dynamic scrum-half is ensuring his pedigree – having also spent time at home with the Hurricanes development camps – is being well utilised: "awareness and understanding game play, improving skills levels and techniques and installing a good work ethic are my aims for the team this season."

And with Paul Downes' conditioning experience added to the mix, the team are being equipped to respond to the challenge both Reece and their opponents will be laying down: "I have been really impressed, the girls are well organised and give everything they have. I want every team that they play against to know they have come up against a physically strong, fast and motivated team that will dig in and compete for the entire 80 minutes."

Not only that but: "I feel a major role of mine is educating the girls as well as training them. How to look after their bodies, what to do before and after training is just as important as the training they do during the week."

Downes too, comes with a wealth of experience having worked successfully with Bees and further afield with Super 14 team, the Auckland Blues as well as the All Blacks as part of his time with the Auckland High Performance Unit and New Zealand's RFU respectively.

Captain Becci Lewis comments: "Bringing Reece and Paul on board was the next, natural step for us as we look to adopt a more professional approach to performance and player management. As our opponents get tougher and our games harder, every advantage will count – so to have guys of this calibre committed and part of the set-up is a real coup for us and women's rugby we feel."

To follow the progress of Camp Hill WRFC visit http://www.chrfc.co.uk/ or contact Jo Kilby for more information (j.kilby@blueyonder.co.uk / 07708 915779).

Picture – attached in mail, from left to right: Paul Downes, Becci Lewis and Reece Spee.

Labels: rugby

England’s title hopes suffered a heavy blow when they lost 7½-1½ to defending champions Scotland on the second day of the Girls’ International Matches at Southerndown, Wales.

“The girls tried so hard, they gave it their all and it just didn’t happen” said England captain Julie Brown. “We are just deflated.”

She felt the Scots had the advantage of their much greater experience and remarked: “You couldn’t give them any opportunity because they just wouldn’t let go.”

But Julie believes this England side has huge potential. “I think this team will be brilliant next year,” she said.

Scotland have won both their matches so far and on the final day will face Wales, who have been heavily beaten by both England and Ireland. England will play Ireland.

The England-Scotland encounter started with a close foursomes session. The Scots emerged with a one point advantage after they won one match and fought back in the others to salvage two halves.

But in the singles the Scots quickly took control and proved particularly strong over the closing holes of the matches. Only Gloucestershire’s Hannah Barwood withstood the onslaught and provided England with a hard-fought half from her match with Great Britain international Krystle Caithness. Hannah’s putt to win on the final green just lipped out of the hole.

Results: England 1½ Scotland 7½

Foursomes:Ellie Givens (Blackwell Grange) and Hannah Barwood (Knowle) lost 4&2 to Krystle Caithness & Sally Watson. Kelly Tidy (Manchester) and Raffi Dyer (Hayling) halved with Carly Booth & Megan Briggs. Rachel Connor (Manchester) and Katie Mundy (Dunwood Manor) halved with Kelsey MacDonald and Roseanne Niven.

Singles: Givens lost 4&2 to Booth. Tidy lost 2&1 to Watson. Charlie Douglass (Brocket Hall) lost 3&2 to Briggs. Holly Clyburn (Woodhall Spa) lost 2&1 to Pamela Pretswell. Connor lost 1 down to Niven. Barwood halved with with Caithness.

In the day’s other match Ireland beat Wales 7½-1½.

Current points table: Scotland 15, England 10½, Ireland 9, Wales 1½.

Full details: http://www.lgu.org/

Labels: golf

In the build up to the women's World Cup, the BBC features two articles:

Firstly, an interview with England's Kelly Smith talking about England's chances of success in the World Cup and her hopes for the Olympics - http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/women/6936618.stm

Secondly, the BBC have also published the World Cup fixture schedule -
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/women/6226078.stm. They also announce that they will be covering the England games live on the BBC.

Labels: football

Camp Hill can add a new team to their ranks this summer as the Club's Mom's get into action in order to raise funds for the maroon and sky blues.

Rumour has it one G&T too many was involved in galvanising Junior (Under 10’s) coach Annie Shepherd into rousing the troops…...whether or not this was strictly the case, the end result has been fantastic.

The idea originally stemmed from the Moms of the Club's Mini and Junior section getting involved, but word spread, and now all are welcome …...and…..4 sessions in the average training turn out is up to 14 ladies and counting (more than some 1st XV team's male or female)! From all walks of life and with ages ranging from 13yrs to 47yrs (so far) there's no stopping this group as they absorb skills and drills to show fast improvement.

"We are a group of ladies of various ages and sizes who were fed up of just watching a game from the side lines, we were determined to have a go ourselves" says Annie, "following a few phone calls, and ignoring the jokes from the men, we managed to get a team of ladies together who meet up every Tuesday. The coaches are superb, as well as patient, and not only are we learning new skills, getting fit and raising money for the club, but most importantly we are having fun!"

With the end-goal being to put on a demonstration tag game as a curtain raiser to the ladies 1st XV home season opener, the ladies are progressing full-steam ahead. "The main aim was to raise money for the club by having a one-off game, but as a result of the enthusiasm and commitment we are hoping that this initiative will continue over seasons to come. There may even be a possibility that we can challenge other local clubs for fun!" Annie advises.

Their competitive counter-parts, the 1st XV ladies, who have undertaken the coaching, are suitably impressed: "their enthusiasm and aptitude is what really stands out" says fullback Jo Kilby, "they train hard and have a lot of laughs along the way." In addition, from a development point of view: "we're getting ladies joining who have no previous experience of Camp Hill or rugby as a sport. This is a massive achievement and with such a unique venture being undertaken Camp Hill WRFC really can claim to offer the complete playing opportunity for all, from juniors through to seniors, from competitive to social status, with no age limit in between."

For anyone interested the sessions are run from Camp Hill RFC every Tuesday (7-8.30pm) just come on down (or see website for more details www.chrfc.co.uk) or contact Annie for more info (07843 281332) - why not give it a try?

Labels: rugby

Full time – 35 hours per week
Salary: £17,000 plus benefits and expenses
12 month contract (continuation subject to funding)

In conjunction with our partners, we are looking to appoint a new Community Rugby Coach to work in specific boroughs in Sutton & Merton, starting in September, initially for a fixed term of 12 months. This scheme is managed by Sport England with the support of the Department for Culture Media and Sport.

About the Job

• To interact with the local clubs in order to ascertain their individual delivery & development needs.
• To deliver coaching to young people in the 9-21 age group in local schools, colleges and universities, community and club settings in Sutton & Merton.
• To introduce leadership skills to young people and provide ongoing support and sustainability by delivering teacher and coach education.
• To take a professional approach in the planning, preparation and organisation of coaching sessions.
• To maintain a comprehensive schedule of coaching as established and administered by the RDO.

About You

• Must be educated to a minimum of 'GCSE' standard preferably with at least five GCSEs at grade C or above.
• Will have experience of coaching children and young people.
  Should hold an RFU coaching qualification (minimum level 1 / preferred Level 2) and current driving licence.
• Should have a good knowledge and understanding of the game and the operation of junior rugby within Central Sussex.
• Must be a confident and effective communicator and have the ability to motivate yourself and others, as well as working effectively as a team member.
  
  ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
  
  Ideally the successful candidate should have a good knowledge and understanding of the game and the operation of junior rugby in the borough of Sutton & Merton. They should be keen to develop a career in the sports/leisure industry and to develop their personal skills.
  
  Closing date for applications is 3rd September 2007.
  
  To apply, please send your application form (which can be obtained by downloading from the RFU website careers page; or by calling our 24 hour recruitment hotline 0870 143 2404) to Hannah Binns, HR Department, Rugby Football Union, Rugby House, Rugby Road, Twickenham TW1 1DS, or email recruitment@therfu.com quoting reference number CRC / 584.
  
  For further information please contact Jo Martin, RFU Rugby Development Officer – 07764 960387.
  
  The Rugby Football Union is committed to equal opportunities and encourages applications from all members of the community.
  The Criminal Records Bureau enhanced disclosure process applies to this post.
  
  www.rfu.com

Labels: job vacancies

Full time – 35 hours per week
Salary: £17,000 plus benefits and expenses
12 month contract (continuation subject to funding)

In conjunction with our partners, we are looking to appoint a new Community Rugby Coach to work in specific boroughs in Central Sussex, starting in September, initially for a fixed term of 12 months. This scheme is managed by Sport England with the support of the Department for Culture Media and Sport.

About the Job

• To interact with the local clubs in order to ascertain their individual delivery & development needs.
• To deliver coaching to young people in the 9-21 age group in local schools, colleges and universities, community and club settings in Central Sussex.
• To introduce leadership skills to young people and provide ongoing support and sustainability by delivering teacher and coach education.
• To take a professional approach in the planning, preparation and organisation of coaching sessions.
• To maintain a comprehensive schedule of coaching as established and administered by the RDO.
  

About You

Must be educated to a minimum of 'GCSE' standard preferably with at least five GCSEs at grade C or above.
Will have experience of coaching children and young people.
Should hold an RFU coaching qualification (minimum level 1 / preferred Level 2) and current driving licence.
Should have a good knowledge and understanding of the game and the operation of junior rugby within Central Sussex.
Must be a confident and effective communicator and have the ability to motivate yourself and others, as well as working effectively as a team member.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Ideally the successful candidate should have a good knowledge and understanding of the game and the operation of junior rugby in the borough of Central Suusex. They should be keen to develop a career in the sports/leisure industry and to develop their personal skills.

Closing date for applications is 3rd September 2007.

To apply, please send your application form (which can be obtained by downloading from the RFU website careers page; or by calling our 24 hour recruitment hotline 0870 143 2404) to Hannah Binns, HR Department, Rugby Football Union, Rugby House, Rugby Road, Twickenham TW1 1DS, or email recruitment@therfu.com quoting reference number CRC / 583.

For further information please contact Mal Chumbley, RFU Rugby Development Officer – 07793 167075.

The Rugby Football Union is committed to equal opportunities and encourages applications from all members of the community.
The Criminal Records Bureau enhanced disclosure process applies to this post.

www.rfu.com

Labels: job vacancies

Part time – 20 hours per week
Salary: £9,000 - £10,000 pa pro rata, plus benefits and expenses
12 month contract (continuation subject to funding)

In conjunction with our partners, we are looking to appoint a new Community Rugby Coach to work in specific boroughs in Darlington, starting in September, initially for a fixed term of 12 months. This scheme is managed by Sport England with the support of the Department for Culture Media and Sport.

About the Job

To interact with the local clubs in order to ascertain their individual delivery & development needs.
To deliver coaching to young people in the 9-21 age group in local schools, colleges and universities, community and club settings in Darlington.
To introduce leadership skills to young people and provide ongoing support and sustainability by delivering teacher and coach education.
To take a professional approach in the planning, preparation and organisation of coaching sessions.
To maintain a comprehensive schedule of coaching as established and administered by the RDO.

About You

• Must be educated to a minimum of 'GCSE' standard preferably with at least five GCSEs at grade C or above.
• Will have experience of coaching children and young people.
  Should hold an RFU coaching qualification (minimum level 1 / preferred Level 2) and current driving licence.
• Should have a good knowledge and understanding of the game and the operation of junior rugby within Darlington.
• Must be a confident and effective communicator and have the ability to motivate yourself and others, as well as working effectively as a team member.
  
  ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
  
  Ideally the successful candidate should have a good knowledge and understanding of the game and the operation of junior rugby in the borough of Darlington. They should be keen to develop a career in the sports/leisure industry and to develop their personal skills.
  
  Closing date for applications is 17th August 2007.
  Interviews will be held on 24th August 2007.
  
  To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to Hannah Binns, HR Department, Rugby Football Union, Rugby House, Rugby Road, Twickenham TW1 1DS, or email recruitment@therfu.com quoting reference number CRC / 582. Please attach an RFU monitoring form with your application. This form can be downloaded from our careers page found at www.rfu.com
  
  For further information please contact Dave Reed, RFU Rugby Development Officer – 07921 102095.
  
  The Rugby Football Union is committed to equal opportunities and encourages applications from all members of the community.
  The Criminal Records Bureau enhanced disclosure process applies to this post.
  www.rfu.com

Labels: job vacancies

Community Rugby
Sussex RFU

Part time – 20 hours per week
Salary - £9K - £10K pa plus benefits
(Initial 12 month Contract)

We require an experienced secretary/administrator to provide a full range of secretarial support to the RFU regional Rugby Development Officer and to the volunteer officers of the Sussex county rugby union.

This is a role to support the growing interest in our game. Working within the Sussex County Council offices in Hove, key responsibilities will include:

• Providing varied administrative support to the Rugby Development Officer (Sussex),
• Sussex RFU members and volunteers.
• Maintaining effective office administration systems and records.
• Answering telephone enquiries.
• Helping to administer meetings, conferences and various events.
• Maintaining the Sussex RFU website.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate excellent administration and organisation skills and be highly customer focused. Excellent keyboard skills are required, as is attention to detail, good planning skills and ability to multi-task. Candidates will need to be self motivated and be able to work on their own initiative. Some knowledge of the structure of rugby union in England is desirable though not essential.

For further information, or an informal discussion, please contact Mal Chumbley, RFU Rugby Development Officer (Sussex) – 07793 167075.

To apply, please send your CV and covering letter stating reference number 581 to The Recruitment Officer, HR Department, Rugby Football Union, Rugby House, Rugby Road, Twickenham TW1 1DS, or email recruitment@therfu.com

Further information can also be obtained by email (as stated above) or by calling 0870 143 2404 (24 hour service).

Closing date for applications is Wednesday 19th September 2007.
Interviews to be held on Thursday 27th September 2007.

www.rfu.com

Labels: job vacancies

Charlotte Edwards, the England Women’s Captain yesterday launched the NatWest Women’s Series and the NatWest Women’s International Twenty20s against New Zealand in Blackpool. She was joined by newly-appointed vice-captain Nicky Shaw and new head coach Mark Dobson.

Having played New Zealand twice in February in the Quadrangular Series in India, the two sides will once again compete over the course of six one-day Internationals. Edwards commented: “We are all really looking forward to the NatWest Women’s Series in August against New Zealand. We played them recently and had some indifferent results now is our chance to show our capabilities.

“The girls have just finished our domestic season with some impressive performances throughout the Super 4s and LV County Championships and confident we can carry this form through into the Internationals. It’s a really exciting time for the players, having a whole new invigorated management team with plenty of enthusiasm and new ideas. It’s going to be an exciting summer and we can’t wait for it to get started.”

With a new coach in place England will be keen to impress, with everyone wanting to display their talent. Shaw is desperate to play on the International stage after missing the winter through a cruciate ligament injury: “I can’t wait to be back in the team playing alongside all the talented players we’ve got.”

The all-rounder believes that the series will be one of the closest witnessed for a while: “We are two equally balanced teams and there will be a lot of quality cricket played. I am backing England to put in some fantastic team and individual performances. The main priorities though are to win, entertain the crowds and make excellent viewing for our supporters.”

On being made vice-captain she commented: “I felt a great sense of pride and excitement. I am really looking forward to working with Charlotte and the new management team.”

The International Series kicks off with three NatWest Women’s International Twenty20s, the first two of which will take place at Bath CC on August 12 and August 13. It will be the first time that International cricket has been played in the Spa town. The final NatWest Women’s International Twenty20 match will be played at Taunton; the Home of Women’s Cricket on August 16 and will be broadcasted live on Sky Sports.

The first ODI in the NatWest Women’s Series also takes place in Taunton on August 17. From there both teams head to Stratford-upon-Avon for the second NatWest ODI of the series on Sunday August 19. Derbyshire CCC hosts the series only floodlit fixture on August 23, before the teams head north to the seaside resort of Blackpool over August Bank Holiday weekend.

The final match of the series will be played at Shenley CC on August 30.

Fixtures:

NatWest Women’s International Twenty20 Matches
1st Twenty20 v New Zealand Sunday August 12 Bath CC 3.30pm start
2nd Twenty20 v New Zealand Monday August 13 Bath CC 5.30pm start
3rd Twenty20 v New Zealand Thursday August 16 Taunton 5.40pm start

NatWest Women’s Series
1st NatWest ODI Friday August 17 Taunton 10.45am start
2nd NatWest ODI Sunday August 19 Stratford-Upon-Avon 10.45am start
3rd NatWest ODI Thursday August 23 Derbyshire CCC 2.30pm start
4th NatWest ODI Sunday August 26 Blackpool CC 10.45am start
5th NatWest ODI Monday August 27 Blackpool CC 10.45am start
6th NatWest ODI Thursday August 30 Shenley CC 10.45am start

Sky Sports will televise live the two internationals at Taunton.

For tickets and further information visit www.ecb.co.uk/womens

For further information contact the ECB Communications Department on 0207 4321200

Labels: cricket

As St Andrews hosts the Women's Open for the first time, Sue Thearl exhorts the fairer sex to fill the fairways, while Kathy Lette says females are simply out of bounds - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/main.jhtml?xml=/health/2007/08/03/hgolf103.xml

The Daily Mail writes about Sorenstam's chances - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/golf.html?in_article_id=472914&in_page_id=1955

The Northampton Chronicle looks at a poll which surveys people's opinions for the coming football season - http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news?articleid=3084570

The Newcastle Chronicle writes about top North-East player Anna Scott - http://tinyurl.com/3avxo2

The Liverpool Echo writes about Annika Sorenstam's target for the Open - http://tinyurl.com/3yzx4c

Labels: golf, news review, women's open 2007

Teddington Antlers Ladies’ Rugby Club is recruiting...

You don’t need any prior experience, just a willingness to learn.
The Teddington Antlers have fantastic team spirit and an active social side.
So go on, come down, meet the girls and give Antlers a try!

Pre-season training is in Bushy Park on Tuesdays at 7:30pm.

For more information, contact Georgia Doran on 07939 595 550 or email:
georgia.doran@edwindoran.com or website : www.teddingtonrfc.co.uk

Labels: rugby

Just recieved the following message from the London Roller Girls.

Hot on the heels of a hugely successful resurgence in the United States, the London Roller Girls are the first league to bring the new revival of women's flat-track roller derby to the UK. Since our first practice in April of 2006 we have worked hard to get grass-roots, DIY derby the recognition it deserves over here.

After much blood, sweat and yes, even some tears, the London Rollergirls are now ready to unleash this amazing sport onto the unsuspecting public of London and are happy to announce that their inaugural public exposition "THE GREAT ROCK 'N' ROLLERDERBY SWINDLE" will be taking place on the afternoon of Saturday 8th September.

The Doors will open at Tottenham Green Leisure Centre (1 Philip Lane, Tottenham , N15 4JA) at 4pm, with bouting to commence at 5pm. As with all roller derby bouts, there will be music, half time entertainment provided by the fabulous Actionettes, and of course some audience participation will be required. An afterparty to celebrate with the London Rollergirls will follow at the conclusion of the bout, the details of which will be available on the London Rollergirls website.

Tickets are £7 pre-sale, and available from the London Rollergirls, Wacky Haircutters (St Anne's Court, Soho ph: 020 7494 3101), and from Jasmine at Blood Brothers Tattoo (120 Holloway Rd: 0207 619 0345). A limited number of tickets will be available at the door only if the event doesn't sell out in advance. Please contact the London Rollergirls via their website www.londonrollergirls.com, MySpace www.myspace.com/londonrollergirls , or email info@londonrollergirls.com for ticket details.

From tattooed punk-rock chicks to athletic sports fanatics, the London Rollergirls are a diverse collection of women from different corners of the globe & varied backgrounds. As it will be the first public exposition of roller derby in the UK, this is an exciting step forward for the sport, and we hope you can make it!

What The Hell Is Roller Derby?

Derby girls get dressed up, adopt names and personas ("Bette Noir", "Correctional Felicity" and "Kitty DeCapitate" are just a few of our players) and then get violent on old-school quad roller skates. It's a fast, furious game – two teams of five race round a track in a tight pack and the designated point-scorer ("jammer") on each team has to lap the pack to collect points. The rest of the players have to stop them – using full body contact.

There's plenty of wipeouts and falls, but these are practised athletes who can take a full-on hit at high speeds. There will be blow-by-blow live audio commentary, hundreds of adoring fans, and spectator assistance to deal the unlucky recipient of the most penalties for her team. They've gone crazy for the sport in the States and it's about to go overground over here – so be there for the first ever public match.

Labels: roller derby

There is further coverage on the women's open:

The Telegraph looks at:

• Paula Creamer chances of another Open victory - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2007/08/02/sgphil102.xml
• Laura Davies' history with St Andrews golf course -http://tinyurl.com/2pxnrp
• Janice Moodie's chances - http://tinyurl.com/ywczat
• And provides the tee-off times - http://tinyurl.com/2o4hvo.

The Guardian looks at how Tiger Woods has passed on his course notes in a bid to aid Annika Sorenstam re-assert her authority on the women's tour - http://sport.guardian.co.uk/golf/story/0,,2139540,00.html

The Times' Peter Dixon writes an article entitled "Sexuality no longer matters as prejudice is put in the shade" - http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/golf/article2182527.ece

The Daily Mail has its usual take on the women's game - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=472419&in_page_id=1770

And finally, The Scotsman looks at Catriona Matthew's chances of winning the Open - http://sport.scotsman.com/golf.cfm?id=1197852007.

Labels: golf, news review, women's open 2007

The BBC has two reports:

• The first looks at Afghani women literally 'fighting for peace' - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/6919052.stm
• The second looks at Catriona Matthew's chances in the Women's Open - http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/golf/6924931.stm. Which features interviews with Michelle Wii -http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/sol/newsid_6920000/newsid_6924900/6924950.stm?bw=bb&mp=wm&news=1. And with defending champion Sherri Steinhauer -http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/sol/newsid_6920000/newsid_6925100/6925173.stm?bw=bb&mp=wm&news=1

The Worcester News reports on how four Worcester Rugby Club women have been included in the England squad for a four-day training camp - http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/display.var.1586057.0..php

Labels: golf, news review, women's open 2007