Category: Sports piece

Fixture chaos leaves Leyton Orient out of sync

The East Stand at Brisbane Road, captured by Martin Belam in 2005. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic. Source: Wikimedia Commons.
The East Stand at Brisbane Road, captured by Martin Belam in 2005. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

“It’s like music. You can’t dance to it if you don’t know what the rhythm is. If it keeps stopping and starting, and then it’s in three-four, and then four-four, and then the drummer stops and misses the beat – how do you even engage with that?”

For Leyton Orient fans like Aynsley Taylor, the club’s stop-start season has been just that—disjointed, out of tune, and leaving fans struggling to stay in step. 

Football, particularly at the League One level, thrives on a predictable cadence: Saturday at 3pm, week in, week out. It’s the metronome of a fan’s week, a sacred tradition. But this season, that rhythm has been broken.

By the turn of the year, Orient will have only had three league games at Brisbane Road at 3pm kick-offs this season.

Postponements due to international call-ups have seen three weekend home matches moved to midweek, while two other Saturday games have had their kick-off times moved for Sky Sports coverage – disrupting fans’ routines, hitting attendance figures, and, many believe, negatively affecting the team’s performances. 

Combined with rising ticket prices, poor form on the pitch, and a growing sense of disconnection between the club and its community, the season has become a “perfect storm” of discontent.

For Taylor, editor of the fanzine Leyton Orientear and a season ticket holder, the disruptions have been profound. 

“Saturday at 3 o’clock is the epicentre of the working week. It gives a rhythm to the season,” he explains. “Now it’s all over the place—three matches in a week, two weeks off. It’s affecting performances and attendances.”

Leyton Orient’s struggles at Brisbane Road have been evident this season, failing to win any of their first five league games at home. A 3-0 win against Blackpool last weekend, coinciding with a rare Saturday kickoff, offered a glimmer of hope, but Taylor sees the fixture chaos as a contributing factor to their poor form. 

“You start building up decent form, and then you don’t have another game for two weeks,” he says. “Or, if you get a bad defeat, you want to put it right straight away—not wait two weeks.”

Attendance has dropped from an average of 8,361 last season to just 7,285 for the first six home matches this year and midweek matches, despite official figures, have visibly emptier stands. 

“You can see it with your own eyes,” Taylor says. “The club claims the numbers are okay, but they’re clearly not.”

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Herman Wang, who blogs about the club as ‘Leyton Laureate’, highlights the impact postponements have on families following the O’s. 

“My boys have only been to two matches this season,” he says. “The Tuesday games don’t work—they’ve got school the next day. For them, it’s like Orient’s out of sight, out of mind.”

And Wang laments how midweek games sap the joy out of the matchday experience. “Tuesday nights, it’s dark and cold. People come straight from work, the stadium’s half-empty. Saturday matches feel like a festival—with your pre-match rituals, seeing family and friends. Tuesday nights don’t compare.”

Beyond Leyton Orient’s control, factors like international breaks, an expanded football calendar, and TV deals have added to the chaos. 

But it reflects a wider problem within football. Competing governing bodies, each vying to make their competition the priority, have created an oversaturated calendar, and the growing demands of international football are now seeping into the lower divisions. 

“There’s too much football,” Taylor says bluntly. “The Nations League is a complete waste of time—a load of glorified friendlies. I know we’ve been saying this for years, that we’re going to reach saturation point with people getting sick of it, but I think we might finally be there now.”

This saturation is all part of a shifting identity in lower-league football, changing how fans view the game. 

Taylor adds: “One of the reasons we follow League One football is the tradition. You don’t get kickoff times messed about by broadcasters or matches postponed for international call-ups. It’s three o’clock Saturday, you go to the match. It’s about traditional values.”

Although Orient have been unlucky, with all three international breaks this season coinciding with home games, both Taylor and Wang believe the club could have been more proactive in recognising the issue and implementing measures to support fans. 

Wang points out that financial realities in League One are shifting, with clubs like Wrexham and Birmingham City reshaping the league’s economics.

According to Wang, Leyton Orient officials estimate that each Saturday match moved to a Tuesday costs the club around £50,000 in lost revenue from tickets, food, and merchandise and for a team already struggling with financial sustainability, the knock-on effects could be severe. 

Attendance woes, international breaks and Leyton Orient’s bad fixture fortune

The club has tried to soften the blow to fans, offering discounted tickets for the postponed fixture against Huddersfield, but Taylor isn’t convinced it’s enough. 

“People are questioning whether they’ll renew their season tickets next year. If we have another season like this, it’s just not worth it.”

For Wang, Orient’s season has been “a perfect storm.” Ticket price hikes, fixture disruptions, and poor results leave the club at somewhat of an inflection point. “If they weren’t 20th in the table, some of the complaints might be quieter,” he admits. “But when the team’s not doing well and you’re playing in front of half-empty stadiums, it’s just not a good feeling.”

Taylor takes it a step further. “It’s been miserable, to be honest. Hard to enjoy, hard to engage with. And it’s not just me saying this—look at the crowds.” 

For him the storm that Wang refers to has potentially serious consequences, alienating the clubs core supporters.

“I think the club fundamentally misunderstands the value of our offer. It has started to lose track of what the attraction, the appeal of Leyton Orient and League One football actually is.”

As the disjointed season plays on, fans like Taylor can only hope the rhythm is restored. After all, football—like music—needs a steady beat. Without it, the connection falters. 

At Orient, the melody that brings people together risks being lost in the noise.

Toff times – Everton Women need resilience after a sticky start to season

Bottom of the table and winless in the Women’s Super League this season, Everton Women are enduring one of their most challenging starts in recent memory. Under the cloud of an impending takeover and plagued by injuries, the Toffees have struggled to keep pace with their rivals.

Yet despite the adversity, manager Brian Sorensen remains defiant, pointing to his team’s character and resilience as they battle against both their opponents and the difficult circumstances surrounding the club.

Speaking after their 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace on Sunday, Sorensen reflected on a performance that highlighted Everton’s resilience, even if it fell short of the three points they crave.

“We started really bad,” he admitted, referencing the early complacency that led to Palace’s opener after just 24 seconds. 

“The plan was to be more positive, try to get in behind, but in the first couple of minutes we played backwards, gave the ball away, and they scored. So it was a super tough start.”

The shaky opening encapsulated Everton’s season so far – a team playing under pressure, scrambling for points while grappling with injuries and a lack of depth. 

Sorensen’s tactical shift in the second half, where Everton adopted a more direct approach, eventually paid off, allowing them to create more chances and ultimately find an equaliser through Honoka Hayashi. 

“When we finally got it in, it was good,” he said. His emotive reaction on the sideline spoke volumes about the relief of a positive moment amidst a difficult campaign.

Injuries have been a constant thorn in Everton’s side this season, limiting Sorensen’s options and leaving the squad stretched thin. Key players have been sidelined, including long-term injuries to Aurora Galli, Elise Stenevik, and summer signing Inma Gabarro. 

Sorensen added, “Inma is our magic player who we rely on to create a lot for us, so it is really tough.

“Morale amongst the girls is good, but of course, when we are losing key players week after week, it’s tough.”

The mounting injury list not only affected Everton’s results but also highlighted the squad’s depth issues, a recurring topic among fans who have criticised the club’s lack of investment in recent years.

With limited resources, Everton are struggling to compete financially with the league’s top sides, but there is hope that prospective new owners, The Friedkin Group, will invest more into the women’s side as they have done at their other club, Roma.

“You can always start blaming everything else, but we need to look inside and think about the things we can control, which is our performance, and we did that in the second half, I feel,” Sorensen reflected after the Palace game.

For Sorensen, the struggles on the field are compounded by what he describes as unnecessary ‘noise’ in the media about the team’s position.

“I don’t know why there is so much noise about us at the minute. We have played three of the usual top four teams in our opening six games, so it hasn’t been ‘bad’ bad,” he said, defending his players’ efforts. 

“Performance wise, we have been okay, but we just haven’t had the results that we maybe deserve.”

The takeover saga has undoubtedly impacted the squad’s morale and depth. As fans and players await The Friedkin Group’s investment to officially transfer control of the club, Everton’s women’s team faces a spending crunch that limits their options in the transfer market. 

But there might be a need for immediate investment in recruitment in order for the team to strengthen in the January window if they are to avoid relegation.

Sorensen has spoken previously about losing out on key transfers in the Japanese market due to competition from wealthier clubs, and the sale of highly rated Sweden midfielder Hanna Bennison to Juventus all serve as reminders of the clubs ongoing financial struggles. Even a pre-season trip to Australia was scrapped over logistics.

While off-field struggles continue, Sorensen’s challenge is to make the most of his current squad. He has had to rely on young players out of position and academy players being promoted into the first team. 

Sorensen’s emphasis on resilience may not be a complete solution, but it is a source of pride as the squad deals with adversity. Although as the saying goes, when it rains, it pours, and problems were compounded by short-term absentees at the weekend.

“Yeah, the girls have shown great strength of character, especially after losing Lucy Hope to fever yesterday and just before the game, and had to change things up again,” Sorensen remarked. “Not ideal, but that is how football is and we just have to deal with it.”

Looking ahead, there are reasons for Everton fans to hold onto hope. The Friedkin Group’s takeover is expected to conclude by the end of the year, and with it, there are plans to allow the women’s team to play some matches at the soon to be finished Bramley-Moore Dock stadium.

While Sorensen knows that improved investment is crucial, he remains focused on getting the best out of his players under difficult circumstances.

“We need to get more points,” Sorensen admitted. A simple goal that remains elusive yet within reach if the resilience of his players translates into results on the pitch.

Cray Wanderers 3-0 Hashtag United – Match report written for SportsBEAT 02/11/24

Cray Wanderers manager Neil Smith praised his team’s defensive discipline and midfielder Charlie Edwards’ standout performance in a historic 3-0 win over Hashtag United. 

The victory marked their first win at their new home, Flamingo Park.

Edwards opened the scoring with a stunning volley from the edge of the box, quickly doubling his tally with a glancing header following impressive work from Ike Orji on the right flank. 

Captain Tom Bonner sealed the win in the second half with a powerful header from an Orji free kick, lifting Cray to 18th in the table.

“We aimed to start strong, and that was our whole game plan,” Smith said. 

“When Charlie scored that first goal, you could feel the boys relax. It was brilliant.”

“I was right in line with Charlie when he hit it, he didn’t snatch at it, just perfect connection. 

“If we’d had a camera, it would’ve been incredible to watch. The diving header was just as special.”

The result extends Cray’s unbeaten run to four games, all without conceding a goal. 

Smith commended his side’s defensive stability, noting that their recent form has been built on hard work at the back.

“When you go through a tough spell like we did early in the season, it’s all about establishing a solid foundation, and that begins with the defence,” Smith added. 

“The boys are defending from the front, and those at the back are doing their part. Today was just a great team performance.”

Cray now faces a challenging run of three consecutive away fixtures, including a derby against local rivals Cray Valley. 

Smith hopes this win will provide a strong platform to build on for the rest of the season.

“This division is incredibly tight at the moment. It’s all about taking it one game at a time, but today’s focus was securing that first home win,” he said. 

“The atmosphere here has been amazing, with fantastic local support. It’s great to get this win in a place we can finally call home.”

For Hashtag United, it was a frustrating afternoon as they struggled to penetrate Cray’s resolute defence. 

Their frustrations culminated in a late red card for Matthew Wooldridge, who received a second yellow for a reckless foul. 

Hashtag will hope to bounce back when they travel to Chichester next weekend.

The rise of Ross Vintcent, from sevens in Dubai’s to the Azzurri blue – Written for SportsBEAT

Ross Vintcent’s rugby journey has been anything but conventional. 

Born in Johannesburg, raised in Dubai, and now representing Italy on the international stage, the Exeter Chiefs’ flanker embodies adaptability. 

At just 22, Vintcent’s winding path through rugby has led him to establishing himself as a key player for the Chiefs, having played every minute of their 2024/25 Premiership campaign thus far. 

His latest challenge in his rapid rise, comes in Italy’s Autumn Internationals against Argentina, Georgia, and New Zealand, after confirmation of his inclusion in the squad last week.

“Rugby’s always been central to my family,” Vintcent recalled. 

“My dad bought me a small rugby ball, and I just, fell in love with the game.”

After his family moved to Dubai for his father’s job, Vintcent indulged his passion for rugby through a local club where he spent nine years as a schoolboy before strengthening his rugby foundations in South Africa, where he attended boarding school.

The transition to Italy came as a surprise opportunity during his gap year, following canceled school games in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

At the age of 18, with an invitation from the Italian squad, Vintcent chose to put his studies on hold and make the move, committing to his long-term rugby aspirations. 

He said: “I was always going to play rugby, I was just sort of deciding where I would stay, because I wanted to do my studies. 

“I wanted to get my degree whilst playing rugby. But then this offer came up, and it was seemed like a really good idea to just play some rugby.

“I didn’t have any expectations. I knew that there was a Six Nations that year. What they had said is that it was unlikely that I would be a part of that squad, because I’d come so late, but there were a few injuries, and luckily, I was called up.”

Since then, he’s been a standout performer, rising from the under-20s to his debut in the Six Nations in 2024 and now a key pick for Italy’s Autumn Internationals.

Vintcent’s arrival in Italy marked a profound shift for him, and whilst it was an opportunity he couldn’t refuse, it wasn’t without its challenges. 

“I was kind of thrown into the deep end into a room with two other Italians, I guess I was forced to learn the language.

“It was difficult at first, but I had friends who helped,” Vintcent said. 

“Being thrown into a foreign country taught me resilience.” 

The experience, he noted, expanded his approach to the game, learning from Italy’s pride and team focused mentality. 

He said: “When the boys put on that jersey, it triggers an emotion you can’t describe.

“Playing for your country, they don’t take it lightly here.”

If Vincent’s rugby heritage wasn’t unique enough, his journey through playing in a range of positions is also something that has helped forge his unique attributes. 

“So this is going to sound a bit strange but actually, I used to be a scrum half. Prepubescent me was a scrum half and I was the smallest guy on every field and my idol used to be Francois Hougaard the Springbok scrum half,” Vintcent said.

But in 2020, after his school coach suggested a change to the back row, Vintcent found his strongest position and has never looked back since. 

He credits his background in Dubai’s sevens circuit for sharpening his ball-handling and footwork, skills that have translated well to his flanker role. 

He explained: “Sevens is quite big in Dubai. There weren’t many schools to play against, but we traveled a lot, even toured the UK, playing at Roslyn Park which was amazing experience playing against some of the best sides.

As he looks forward to representing Italy, Vintcent has his sights set on balancing his degree and his rugby career. 

After spending some time playinf with Zebre in Italy, he made the decision to move to the UK and opted to Study Economics at the University of Exeter, where he quickly established himself as an Exeter Chiefs regular where he has just signed a new contract in May. 

“I wanted to get my degree while playing rugby,” he said, seeing education as a ‘Plan B’ that, like his rugby career, brings stability and discipline to his life.

For Vintcent, wearing the Italian jersey the culmination of a journey that has taken him from a small club in Dubai to competing amongst Europe’s best. 

“All these rugby experiences, across different countries and cultures, have shaped me as a player,” he reflects. 

“I know being able to adapt to different cultures as well has definitely helped along the way and has helped with my mindset towards rugby. 

“I guess the Italy experience has been a real eye opener, being thrown into a foreign country, and, you know, there were times I was obviously homesick and like wanting to come home and missing my family and stuff, but I think being able to push through that has taught me a lot about myself and and resilience, which has definitely come in handy on the rugby field.

And now, with his international career on the rise, Vintcent’s journey continues as he steps into Italy’s Autumn Internationals, ready to make an impact.

“You’ve got to spread love and happiness”: How Barry Hearn transformed darts into a global phenomenon

Barry Hearn in 2012, known for his transformative influence on sports like snooker, darts, and boxing.
Credit: Image by Matt Fowler, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Link.

Raucous fans, fancy dress, packed arenas. A sport once tied to local pubs is now prime time, global entertainment. And behind it all is Barry Hearn, the larger-than-life promoter whose Midas touch elevated darts from smoky boozers to the Ally Pally stage. This is how he did it.

Through his company, Matchroom Sport, Hearn has become one of the most influential figures in darts, eventually serving as chairman of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) until 2021. Reflecting on his journey on his podcast ‘The Barry Hearn Show’, Hearn shared how he transformed darts from pub entertainment to a global spectacle.

In the early 1990s, the British Darts Organisation (BDO) was struggling, and in a transitional phase for the sport, the PDC broke away, determined to carve out its own path. They approached Hearn, already a successful promoter of snooker, boxing, and football, hoping he could work his magic on darts.

“You never know when an opportunity is going to slap you in the face, and the good Lord smiles,” Hearn jokes.

He recalls meeting trailblazing figures who were passionate about darts, with a vision of where it should be and frustration that it wasn’t there yet. It was at The Circus Tavern, a local venue in Essex, where Hearn saw the potential of darts and was immediately hooked.

“You couldn’t see across the room for smoke,” Hearn recalls. 

“There were bookmakers in the corner, people betting on 180s, who’d hit a 170 checkout, the big fish. They were having a few beers and chanting with their mates. 

“But in front of them, through all this atmosphere, was world-class sport. And I thought, if I wanted a night out, I’d come here.”

For Hearn, it was more than a business opportunity; darts was a passion project. He was drawn to the people, the stories, and the atmosphere surrounding the sport.

“I could see in darts, even back then, I liked the customers,” he adds. 

“They were ordinary people from where I came from, just wanting a good night out. Nothing complicated.”

That sentiment holds true today, with the fan culture and atmosphere preserved as darts has ascended to the big leagues.For darts to have its current reputation, Hearn also credits the players and their personalities, whose charisma contributes to the sport’s excitement.

He hilariously recalls the late Jocky Wilson, a darts legend, dampening fellow pro Rod Harrington’s party piece of catching a dart mid-flight by stabbing him in the belly with another dart.

“Jocky was on the floor in hysterics, and Rod was just looking at his shirt as a trickle of blood rolled down. No lasting damage, but that was darts,” Hearn laughs.

Darts, however, isn’t about practical jokes. Behind it are players who want to win, but these individuals, who honed their skills in pubs and clubs, knew they had to entertain.

“In working men’s clubs, you had to be interesting, or people wouldn’t come to watch,” Hearn says. 

“You needed a quick line, a shout-back, an answer.”

Perhaps none did this better than the ‘Crafty Cockney’ Eric Bristow. Around Bristow, Hearn built the characters that now captivate darts fans.

“He had persona. He had charisma, and he didn’t give a monkeys. Fans would throw beer cans at him, and he thought it was hilarious, knowing he’d got to them.”

“When you put together great shows, you’re a ringmaster. You need an angle, you’re selling tickets, you’re trying to get ratings, you want headlines and people talking about it,” Hearn explains. 

“You need those characters because they’re priceless.”

With TV in mind, Hearn knew that while darts had a marketable raw product, it needed exposure. When Sky offered a deal, the ratings rocketed. TV brought quirks like fancy dress and signs, giving everyone their moment of fame. Hearn recalls a fan, famous for dressing as a chicken, calling him for a ticket.

“I said, ‘I’ve got a geezer on the phone saying he’s the chicken,’ and the team said, ‘oh, the chicken hasn’t got a ticket? We’ll get him in.’ He was the first I remember in full costume.”

The atmosphere became as much a part of the darts experience as the matches themselves. Fans weren’t just spectators, they were part of the show, whether through wild costumes, signs, or chants. Hearn understood that this sense of inclusion, where everyone had a role in the spectacle, was key to building a loyal following and an experience people wanted to come back to.

“You’ve got to spread love and happiness,” Hearn adds. “When people go to the darts, they have a great time and tell their mates the next day and this is the ultimate marketing tool.”

The potential Hearn saw has been fulfilled and more, with the 2024 World Champs Finals between Luke Humphries and Luke Littler attracting the highest ever non-football audience on Sky Sports at 4.8 million.

With Sky’s backing, Hearn’s ambitions took darts global. Packed arenas across Europe and even Madison Square Gardens in New York now sells out in minutes.

“Madison Square Gardens sold out for darts, with 70% of the crowd in fancy dress. Where did that come from?” Hearn says.

Hearn’s success isn’t waning, with demand driving tours in countries like Poland, Australia, and the Middle East.

“Whether it’s New York or Auckland, they can’t get enough. Broadcasters are coming in, paying more,” Hearn says.

With increasing revenue, Hearn views this as a chance to improve competitiveness and the sport’s quality.

“You’ve got to give kids a chance. If they can earn money, they’ll put in more hours, make sacrifices, and the snowball starts,” he says.

He’s delighted that players from humble, working-class backgrounds can benefit. 

“I remember Nathan Aspinall, he got to the semi-finals, and he won £100,000. He said, ‘my house cost me 30 grand! It’s the most unbelievable day I’ve ever had.’”

With money and TV deals, Hearn believes darts will only improve for players. “Soon, they won’t just be millionaires, they’ll be multi-millionaires.”

Hearn’s commitment extends to the sport’s future through youth programs like the Junior Darts Corporation (JDC). Rising star Luke Littler, who joined the JDC at 10, is already making a significant impact, captivating audiences and redefining the sport for a new generation.

“He could be one of the greats, and that’s the sacrifice he has to make,” Hearn says. “He hit a nine-darter in his first match after the World Championship. We’re being entertained by greatness.”

Littler’s presence on the darts scene has been pivotal in attracting a younger audience to the sport. Littler connects with fans who might not have seen themselves in darts before. This younger fan base is invaluable, bringing fresh energy and ensuring the sport’s longevity in the newest chapter of the sports rapid rise. 

As darts continues to evolve,  Hearn’s influence is evident in every aspect of the sport. His relentless drive to elevate darts has created a thriving community which we as fans are the beneficiaries of. 

Reflecting on his journey, Hearn is proud of his legacy. “In my own way, I’m building something for when I’m gone. I’d like darts players in 50 years to raise a glass to me. Is that big-headed? I don’t care. I know I’m doing a good job.”

To any doubters, his message is clear: “All those snobs, looking down their noses—fat blokes, pot bellies, smoking, drinking, darts? Look at them now. They’re the ones phoning me up, begging for a ticket. And I love it.”

A look ahead to the WTA Finals, the latest chapter of the Saudi sportswashing debate

The WTA Tour Finals land in Saudi Arabia next week, where homosexuality is criminalised, following guidance from organisers advising players to express support for the event’s location.

The tournament in Riyadh is the latest to face scrutiny over Saudi sportswashing, with the WTA anticipating tough questions about the Kingdom’s human rights record. 

Players were advised in an October meeting: “Consider saying, ‘I’m happy to play wherever the WTA Finals is hosted; it’s a prestigious event.’”

With a record $15 million prize fund, the largest in the tournament’s history, former world number one Garbiñe Muguruza is serving as tournament director and hopes the event will leave a lasting impact. 

She said: “We want to have stability.

“The WTA Finals is the last diamond of the year, where the best of the best has to be there and perform.”

Muguruza’s remarks come after the 2023 Finals in Cancun descended into chaos, with rain pouring into a temporary outdoor stadium set up in a car park. 

In contrast, Saudi Arabia promises luxury accommodation and high-quality facilities, hosting the event at a 5,000-seat stadium at King Saud University.

Yet questions persist amid accusations that Saudi Arabia is using sporting events to veneer its human rights record, especially given the WTA’s values of inclusivity. 

Muguruza noted: “All the players have asked many questions. 

“Will we be welcome? How are we going to be treated? Is everyone welcome, including people in the LGBTQ community?”

She reassured players that in her visits to the country she saw women in upper management roles and feels confident everything will be normal.

Previous WTA events in the Middle East, such as those in the UAE, have struggled to attract large crowds, contrasting with the atmosphere Muguruza experienced in Guadalajara in 2021, where she won the finals. 

This disparity raises more questions about Saudi Arabia as a host, with Muguruza aware that crowd engagement could make or break the event. 

Reflecting on Guadalajara, she added, “Having the stadium full almost every session and having the crowd involved, I think was the key.”

For Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Jasmine Paolini, Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula, Zheng Qinwen, or Barbora Krejcikova, an undefeated run in Riyadh means a record breaking $5 million payout, surpassing any Grand Slam. 

With high stakes and global scrutiny, the stage is set for a WTA Finals like no other.

Champions Day Preview

A stacked six-race card awaits on Britain’s richest race day this Saturday as the flat season reaches its crescendo at QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot.

The feature race, the QIPCO Champion Stakes (3.55 pm), sees Economics bid to finish the campaign unbeaten and live up to his reputation as the hottest colt in training.

The ever impressive Tom Marquand will be onboard who will be looking to end 2024 on a high and only boldens Economics’ chances.

One of the most talked-about horses of the season, Economics will look to follow up his six-length demolition in the Dante back in May, though some may question his form on softer ground.

Trainer William Haggas said: “He’s ready to go. He has won on fast ground this year, and we’ll see whether he copes with this easier surface.

“I think he’ll be okay because I think he’s very versatile. It’ll be top of the list of excuses if it all goes wrong, I suppose!”

He’ll face stiff competition from Calandagan, and it will be no surprise if the French invader is backed into favouritism.

Calandagan has proved to be a class act and, unlike Economics, will relish any softer ground, having twice won in bottomless conditions. His one-length second place to City of Troy in the Juddmonte International is impressive form, to say the least. However, he does have a tendency to get held up and will be hoping for a strong pace to aim at from the back.

While City of Troy prepares for his Breeders’ Cup conquest, Aidan O’Brien’s backup in Los Angeles is not to be underestimated.

An impressive third in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe two weeks ago, and with an Irish Derby win to his name, Los Angeles will be looking to disrupt the two market leaders, with Ryan Moore on board.

Acknowledging his consistency across the season, O’Brien said: “He’s held his form together all season and run well in some very big races.”

Elsewhere in the market, there’s value to be found with Kings Gambit, who, although lacking many wins, has been a consistent performer at this level.

Jean-Paul Gauvin’s trained Iresine is also a noteworthy threat. A two-time Group One winner, the seven-year-old has triumphed in 15 of his 23 career starts and arrives on the back of Group Two success in the Prix Foy.

The pick of the action elsewhere comes in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (3.15 pm), where Charyn will bid to back up his impressive Queen Anne Stakes victory in his final run before retirement.

Never out of the first two in any of his four Group One races, he’s as consistent as they come, and it would be no surprise if he were to win again here.

Like Economics, Charyn might prefer better ground, and last year’s runner-up Factor Coeval wouldn’t mind a little more drizzle to rain on the favourite’s parade.

England vs Scotland preview for Women’s T20 WC groups stage game, written for SportsBEAT

England captain Heather Knight insisted her side are more than prepared to meet the challenge of neighbours Scotland in order to secure their place in the knockout stages of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and has warned Scotland that her side are ready for their challenge. 

With two wins from two, England sit third in Group B, while Scotland are already eliminated after defeats in all three of their matches so far but Knight is taking nothing for granted ahead of the sides’ meeting in Sharjah on Sunday.

And the England skipper revealed she is expecting Scotland to leave everything out on the pitch in their final match of the tournament.

“They’ve got nothing to lose,” she said. “They’re going to come out hard against us, they’re going to try and take us down and we’re totally prepared for that.

“We’ve had two gritty wins in difficult conditions, which has put us in a great position going into this game but we’re not underestimating Scotland.”

England’s bowling attack has served them well so far in the tournament, with Sophie Ecclestone leading a spin-heavy approach in their opening two victories against Bangladesh and South Africa.

It has meant seamer Lauren Bell has remained unused so far but Knight hinted that there may be changes to the attack for Sunday’s match as England look to use the full depth of options at their disposal.

She added: “I think what having a broad squad does give us the opportunity to chop and change based on matchups based on conditions and we feel like whoever we do bring in can do a really good job”

“We’ve seen seamers have a big impact in this tournament, especially in the middle overs, so we’re considering all options.

“I think you kind of get used to what is effective there as batters and bowlers what you need to do to have success. 

“I think conditions are going to be different all the time we’ve got to be prepared for everything.

“Hopefully we can carry on the momentum we’ve got and go three from three.”

While England are looking to secure progression to the semi-finals, Scotland captain Abtaha Maqsood is excited by the opportunity to play against a local rivals England.

Despite their tough start to the competition, her side are determined to make the most of having the opportunity to face up against more established opposition on the biggest stages.

“Playing England is just an amazing occasion for all Scottish people, I’m sure everyone will be eating it up back home as well so yeah very excited,” she said.

“The nerves are definitely there for tomorrow but there’s so much more excitement the fact that we get to play England and get to play these players that we don’t usually play.”

Scotland came close to victory against Bangladesh before being more convincingly beaten by the West Indies and South Africa but Maqsood remains confident valuable lessons have been learnt. 

“There’s been a lot of learnings to be honest,” she added. “I think one of the biggest ones is not to underestimate ourselves. 

“I know it was always going to be difficult playing such good teams and they’ve obviously had a lot more experience than we have but we need to keep backing ourselves, we need to keep backing our abilities regardless of the names on the team sheet.”

Scotland return to Sharjah for the first time since their opener against Bangladesh, and Maqsood is looking forward to making full use of the conditions with her own spin bowling.

She said: “I’ve always kind of enjoyed bowling in the UAE in general, but in Sharjah in particular it is slower, lower, and definitely spinner friendly. I am excited to see how that plays tomorrow specifically for me.

East London Gymnastics Centre that has trained Olympians faces closure

The East London Gymnastics Centre (ELGC) is facing closure due to housing development plans, putting the future of elite and community gymnastics at risk.

Since freeholders sold the site to housing development group Galliard Homes, ELGC managers Alex Jerrom and Kirk Zammit fear they will be replaced by tenants who can afford higher rates.

They have launched a petition as they look to secure the future of the gym which has trained some of the top gymnasts in the country, including Paris 2024 athlete Georgia Mae Fenton.

The fate of the ELGC has come under threat after the site it is on was bought by Galliard Homes.

Once a deal was made, ELGC was assured they could negotiate their tenancy with the new owners.

Jerrom said: “They simply replied that the redevelopment was no longer viable, and that was it.

“Later, they called to say they would keep the site for leisure, but we wondered why we hadn’t received an offer to stay.”

In response, Galliard Homes claimed to be committed to retaining the building and ensuring its financial viability.

They said: “We have secured a new tenant who will bring significant health and social benefits to the community.”

Despite Zammit and Jerrom’s concerns about poor communication, Galliard Homes disputes their claims.

Galliard Homes added: “Since agreeing to purchase the site, we have kept existing tenants informed of our plans, including the decision not to move forward with a residential-led development.”

Opened in 1998 with National Lottery Funding, ELGC in Beckton has long been a cornerstone of the gymnastics community.

Jerrom and Zammit have operated the club as a non-profit charity since 2015 and take pride in its contributions to elite gymnastics.

Zammit said: “There is so much history at this club, even before this place was built, we’ve had multiple British champions and GB team members competing at Worlds and Euros.”

Zammit described the club as a hub of London regional gymnastics. 

He said: “We currently have two girls on the GB team and another on the Polish national team.

“Next year, we are likely to have three more girls join the GB team, more than anyone else in Greater London.

“Without this facility, future Olympians won’t have anywhere to train.”

Beyond gymnastics, the centre impacts the broader community by supporting various groups and businesses, including a circus school.

Despite the progress of the ELGC, the prospect of closure is becoming increasingly likely.

Jerrom said: “There’s no other facility that’s affordable and large enough for us to move into, so we will be forced to close the club down.”

They worry that in a low-income area like Newham, the changes brought by developers are part of a trend of closures.

Zammit added: “In Newham, there used to be four leisure centres, but two are closed, and one is soon to close.

“Soon, there will be one leisure centre in the entire borough.”

Many similar spaces have already been lost, including The Hub, a vital dance space, Overgravity, a tricking gym in Bow, and Parkour Generations Chainstore, significantly impacting arts and sports communities.

There are also concerns that new tenants will not maintain the community impact of ELGC, with fears that developers will favour economic gains over engagement.

Jerrom said: “They’re likely to bring in something like a fitness gym or a bowling alley.

“Leisure is such a broad category that it won’t be a community centre or hub, and it won’t foster social interactions.

“The friendships and lifelong connections built here are invaluable.”

Beyond elite sports, the gym serves as a sanctuary for community members who benefit from its positive impact on well-being.

Zammit added: “Many people come here for help with their mental health, social anxiety, and self-confidence.”

This motivation drove Zammit to take over the East London Gymnastics Centre.

He reflected: “My life would have been completely different without sport giving me focus.

“I grew up in a rough area of East London, and the old East London club was where I first trained.

“I know what these kids are putting into their sport, and they need support.

“When my Mum couldn’t afford to get me to the gym, people made sure I could continue training because of their passion for the sport, and that’s why this is so important.”

Determined to fight the closure, Zammit and Jerrom have launched the SAVE ELGC Campaign.

James Asser, MP for West Ham & Beckton said: “I am truly saddened to hear of the risk of closure faced by ELGC.

“Having visited the facility I can see that it is an invaluable asset for not only those in the Beckton community, but for everyone who is passionate about elite sport across London and nationally, having trained some of our Team GB athletes.

“Losing such a resource would be a tragedy for the individuals who train at and are supported by the centre, and I will work with all those involved to insure it remains as an invaluable part of my community.”

Featured image provided by ELGC – permission to use

Team GB Rowing nomination for SJA Team of the Year

Team GB’s Olympic Rowing Team delivered a performance in Paris that will be remembered as one of the finest in British Olympic history. Winning medals in 8 out of 14 races – including 3 gold, 2 silver, and 3 bronze, they were standout performers of the Games.

After the disappointment and inquests that followed Tokyo’s 2022 regatta, they reclaimed their place among the world’s elite. Their resilience, teamwork, and determination make them clear contenders for the Sports Journalist Association’s Team of the Year award.

Paris was a story of redemption and resurgence for British rowing after the frustrations of Tokyo 2022, where Team GB won no golds and no women made the podium.

No one embodied this more than Emily Craig and Imogen Grant, whose lightweight women’s double sculls win was a regatta highlight. Missing out on an Olympic medal by 0.01 seconds in Tokyo, their gold in Paris was poetic justice. Leading from start to finish, they etched their names as eternal champions, claiming victory in the final renewal of this event.

The women’s quadruple sculls of Lauren Henry, Hannah Scott, Lola Anderson, and Georgina Brayshaw also stormed to gold, wiping the memories of Tokyo’s struggles. Their breathtaking final stroke sealed the first-ever British victory in the event, proving British rowing had rediscovered its elite status.

It wasn’t just about gold. Helen Glover, already a two-time Olympic champion and mother, returned to claim silver in the women’s four alongside Esme Booth, Sam Redgrave, and Rebecca Shorten. Their race came down to a bowball, finishing second to the Dutch, marking the first-ever podium finish for Britain in the women’s coxless four.

For the men’s pair, Tom George and Oliver Wynne-Griffith, silver was bittersweet. They rowed with heart but were outmatched by Croatia’s dominant Sinkovic brothers, who claimed their third consecutive Olympic title. Despite this, the British pair delivered their best performance of the Olympic cycle.

The climax of the regatta came with the eights. The women’s eight, bronze medalists after finishing last in Tokyo, showed they belong at the top of the sport. The men’s eight brought the regatta to an triumphant close with gold, embodying the power, precision, and perseverance that define this team.

Behind these athletes stands Louise Kingsley, the first female performance director of the Olympic programme. Taking over after Tokyo, she led a team that prepared more athletes across more boat classes than ever before, delivering extraordinary results. 

Peaking at the Olympics requires technique, power, pacing, and, above all, belief. Kingsley and her coaching team created that synergy across the board and the achievements of the team are remarkable.