Latest Sports News by Harry Mottram
Cricket: Bath CC: A report from the club: Gloucestershire and Bath CC wicketkeeper-batter Ben Wells has announced his retirement from professional cricket at the age of 23.
Ben’s enforced retirement comes after he was unexpectedly diagnosed with a heart condition called Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC) following a routine heart screening during pre-season. The condition means that Ben needs to avoid vigorous exercise and as such is unable to continue playing professional cricket. Ben will now be fitted with an implantable cardiac defibrillator to help manage the condition and allow him to live a normal life away from the field of play.
While everyone at Bath Cricket Club is devastated for Ben, a hugely talented cricketer with a bright future ahead, we are incredibly grateful to Gloucestershire’s medical professionals and those externally who acted quickly to diagnose Ben’s heart condition at the earliest opportunity.
A regular for Bath CC, for whom he has played more than 100 1st XI matches, Ben experienced a breakout year for Gloucestershire in 2023 particularly due to his explosive performances in the T20 Vitality Blast. A standout performance came against Hampshire Hawks in Bristol, when he hit a blistering 43* from just 22 balls to guide Gloucestershire to an eight-wicket win.
A Right-handed bat, Ben made his debut for Gloucestershire in List A cricket against Lancashire in July 2021 before making his first appearance in the County Championship against Glamorgan just two months later.
Having made 25 professional appearances across all-formats for Gloucestershire, his last performance for the Club was arguably his best; a magnificent 108* as the Shire defeated Durham by seven-wickets on the road to the Metro Bank Cup semi-final.
From all at Bath Cricket Club, our hearts go out to Ben at this difficult time and we stand alongside him, offering our unwavering support.
Cricket: Somerset County Cricket Club: Somerset’s early season of drawn matches has ended with a three wicket win over Essex in Taunton in the County Championship.
SOMERSET 128 / 10 ( 41.4 ) 170 / 7 ( 44.1 )
ESSEX 156 / 10 ( 51.0 ) 138 / 10 ( 51.3 )
Football: Bath City FC: City were knocked out of the play-offs for the Vanarama National League South by Braintree with a goal in the final moments of extra time finishing in 6th place in the division. Braintree took on Worthing in the final play-off match decide who is promoted to the National League and came out winners after extra time by 4-3. Yeovil were promoted as champions, Weston-super-Mare finished in 13th place one spot below Chippenham. Torquay who are in administration were 16th – one spot behind rivals Weymouth while fellow Somerset team Taunton were relegated – the club is also in administration revealing even at this level how balancing the books is tricky with pressures on teams to buy or borrow top players.
Football: Bath City Women FC – Development XI: It was a winning end to the Bath City Women’s Development side when they ran out 9-0 victors against Paulton Rovers at Winterfield Road. The Club issued this report: “Former Paulton player Amy Hucker got the ball rolling on 10 minutes when her effort looped over Isla Withyman and she turned provider three minutes later when she laid off for Anna Wilson who weaved into space before drilling home. Emma Vilday made it three just past the half hour after slaloming past the home defence before placing into the bottom corner and it was swiftly four when Wilson’s effort was tipped onto the bar by Withyman, who could do little about Esme Fensome firing home the rebound. Rhy Jefferies’ booming header from Jasmine Rennie’s corner made it 5-0 just after half-time before Wilson grabbed her second and City’s sixth, benefitting from Ruby Black’s persistence. Tish Davis made it seven on 72 minutes when she escaped a few challenges and powered past Withyman. A late double from Rennie wrapped up the win, her second in added time clinched the Golden Boot for the youngster. The win sees City finish in second which should be enough for promotion, a fitting way to signal the end of Ali Diegutis’ career with the defender hanging up her boots having been part of the original women’s team in the 1990s.”
Football: Larkhall Athletic: The Larks ended the season with a win against Westbury (1-0) and an away 0-0 draw at Cribbs. They finished just outside the play-offs in 6th place in the Southern League. A bitter blow but on the upside manager Ollie Price remains in the box seat for next season. The club said: “Under Price’s leadership, Larkhall Athletic has enjoyed a successful 2023-24 campaign, marked by stellar cup performances and a commendable display in the highly competitive Southern League Division One South.” Up the Larks!
Football: Odd Down AFC: The Down took a point at home against Bradford Town on Saturday in a 1-1 draw. They currently lie in 15th place in the Toolstation Western Football League Division One with their final game a one nil loss to Hengrove. The good news is Jason Maggs is to stay on as manager for next season – so Up the Down!
Netball: Team Bath Netball: The Blue and Golds lost at home to Surrey Storm in the Team Bath Arena by just 56-63 on Saturday May 4th.
Match stats:
Team Bath Netball starting combination: GS: Sloan Burton, GA: Sophie Kelly, WA: Kirsty Harris, C: Bethan Dyke, WD: Phoebe Maslen, GD: Tash Pavelin, GK: Jayda Pechova. Impact players: Emma Barrie, Lily-May Catling, Ellie Ervine, Lisa Putt, Lily Jones.
Surrey Storm starting combination: GS: Proscovia Peace Nwokocha, GA: Sophie Drakeford-Lewis, WA: Beth Dix, C: Mikki Austin, WD: Rosie Harris, GD: Rachael Fee, GK: Haniisha Muhameed. Impact players: Ellie Gibbons, Ellie Harding, Amy Howell, Frankie Wells, Anya Wood.
Quarter scores (Team Bath first): Q1 19-18. Q2 31-35 (12-17). Q3 41-55 (10-20). Q4 56-63 (15-8).
Attendance: 1,200.
Team Bath Fans’ MVP, sponsored by Results Body+Mind: Jayda Pechova.
Rugby: Bath Rugby Union Club: Bath Rugby lost 12-15 defeat against the Premiership champions Saracens at The Rec. An Owen Farrell penalty near the end settled the game in favour of the visitors.
The Blue, Black and White travel to Newcastle Falcons for Round 17 of the Gallagher Premiership on Friday 10 May (kick-off 19:45).
Sport clubs listed in Alphabetical Order with how to contact them
American Football: Bath Killer Bees: The Bath Killer Bees are current members of the British Universities American Football League (BUAFL)’s South Western Atlantic Conference (SWAC). See their website for details. https://www.thesubath.com/americanfootball/
Athletics: Team Bath Athletics Club is based at the University of Bath Sports Training Village and is open to all abilities and ages from 7 upwards. Sports include track and field, road and trail running, endurance and cross country. Club nights are Tuesdays and Thursdays 6pm -8pm.To join and for details visit https://teambathac.org/
Badminton: Bath Badminton Club. Sports Centre, North Parade Road, Bath. The club meet on Thursday evenings all year round except certain holiday periods and August. www.bathbadminton.co.uk
Badminton: Oldfield Park Badminton Club, Hayesfield Sports Hall Upper Oldfield Lane. www.badmintoninbath.co.uk/
Badminton: Bath Women’s Badminton Club. Sports Centre, North Parade Road, Bath. www.bathwomensbadmintonclub.net/
Boules: City of Bath Pétanque Club. The club plays Pétanque and is open to all, with juniors and non-players welcome. If you haven’t played before, give it a go. The club is based at Larkhall Sports Club, but they also play in Queen Square Wednesday mornings, weather permitting. https://bathboules.co.uk/
Bowling: Bath Bowling Club. Based at Pulteney Road the club is open for membership to anyone who wishes to take up the sport, whether you wish to play socially, competitively or both. The outdoor season is normally from April to September and your first year’s membership is free of charge. Pop along and come in and see us, have a drink and watch a game. Visit https://www.bathbowlingclub.com/
Cricket: Bath Cricket Club: The club is based at North Parade and was founded in 1859 and has a long and interesting history charted on their website at https://www.bathcricket.com/
There are four main teams – with two elevens of the Bath Wanderers Women sides and an U19’s XI as well. Plus, there are teams for girls from U10s to U15s, and youth cricket for the same ages – to join or for more info visit the website. The men’s first team play in the West of England Premier Cricket League (WEPL), the ECB National Club Championship, the ECB T20 competition and the Somerset Cup.
Cricket: Bath Wanderers Women Cricket Club. The team take part in the West of England Premier Cricket League (WEPL). See https://www.bathcricket.com/
Cricket: Bear Flat Cricket Club. Established in 1982, the Bears are in Division 1 of the Wiltshire County Cricket League (WCCL) on Saturdays, with a home ground at The Glasshouse Academy, Bradford Road, Combe Down, Bath; there’s also games in Division 7 Blue of the Somerset Monmouth League on Saturdays, home ground the Ken Willcox Ground, Peasedown St John, Bath; and friendlies against clubs based in Somerset/Wiltshire on Sundays; and T20 games against clubs based in Somerset/Wiltshire midweek; plus they participation in the Somerset Knock Out cup.
For more details of the various teams plus the youth and children teams visit https://bearflatcc.org.uk/
Cricket: Hampset Cricket Club: based at Bloomfield Rise, Odd Down, Bath, the club was founded in 1940 and features a large number of elevens including the Scholars, development XI, midweek Saturday and Sunday elevens, junior teams from under 9s to u13s and indoor squads. The 1st XI play in the Bristol & District Cricket Association – First Division 2023. Details at https://hampsetcc.play-cricket.com/home
Cricket: Somerset County Cricket Club
The club are based at the county ground in Taunton although in the past have played some matches at Bath and Weston-super-Mare. They are in the top flight of the cricket structure and have two first class elevens plus a women’s team and female players can be selected for the regional team Western Storm. For details visit https://somersetcountycc.co.uk/
Croquet: Bath Croquet Club
To join or for more info contact Hester Henebury on email hester2210@btinternet.com or visit https://www.bathcroquet.com/
Cycling: Bath Cycling Club welcomes new members of all ages and abilities – visit https://www.bathcc.net/
Cycling: Bike Bath has moved to Westonbirt School in the Cotswolds. The annual cycling event will take place on 1st September 2024. Details: https://www.bikebath.co.uk/
Equestrian: Bath Racecourse
See the website for dates: https://www.bath-racecourse.co.uk/
Equestrian: Badminton International Eventing
See the website for dates: https://www.badminton-horse.co.uk/
Football: Bath City FC. Bath play in the National League South, the sixth tier of the football pyramid. The home ground is Twerton Park and the manager is Jerry Gill. Known as the Romans and play in black and white vertical stripes. See https://www.bathcityfc.com/
Football: Bath City Women
The Bath City Women Development Team play in the Somerset County Women’s League in Division 2 North. See https://www.bathcityfc.com/
Football: Larkhall Athletic FC. Founded in 1914 the Larks play in the Southern League Division One South (SLD1S) and are based at the Securitas Stadium, Plain Ham. With a development team, a youth team and a women’s team the Larks are one of the leading outfits in the city. They are part of Larkhall Sports Club. Visit https://larkhallathletic.com/
Football: Odd Down FC. They are currently members of the Western League Division One (WLD1) and play at the Lew Hill Memorial Ground. See https://www.odddownbathafc.co.uk/
Hockey: City of Bath Hockey Club
City of Bath were formed from a merger between Bath & Phillipians Hockey Club’s and they play at Lansdown. For details visit https://www.cobhc.org.uk/
Hockey: Team Bath Buccaneers Hockey Club
Team Bath Buccaneers is one of the largest and most successful Hockey Clubs in the West of England with over 800 members. Open to new members. Based at University of Bath. For details visit https://www.teambathbuccaneers.co.uk/clubNews
Hockey: Team Bath Hockey Club
The University of Bath Hockey Club has six men’s and six ladies’ teams who play in the British University & Colleges (BUCS) leagues on Wednesdays. Based at University of Bath. Details at https://www.teambath.com/sport/hockey/
Modern Pentathlon: Team GB had an incredible performance at the home World Championships held at the University of Bath, with a seven-strong squad qualifying across the women’s and men’s finals.
The Modern Pentathlon World Championships took place in August with the Mixed Relay Finals. If you missed the action, you can catch up on BBC iPlayer and photos are available on the UIPM Flickr account.
Netball: Team Bath Netball.
Team Bath Netball play in the Vitality Netball Super League. Details at https://netball.teambath.com/. Season and match-day tickets are on sale now, visit netball.teambath.com/tickets for further details.
Rugby: Bath Rugby Union Club Men
The Blue, Black and Whites play at the Rec in Bath and play in the Champions cup and the Gallagher Premiership league – the top flight. See https://www.bathrugby.com/
Rugby: Bath Rugby Ladies Club Women
For details see https://www.bathrugbyladies.com/
Rugby: Bath Saracens RFC
Bath Saracens are an amateur rugby club competing in the Dorset & Wilts 3 Central. Formed on 13th March 1947, Bath Saracens are still going strong 75 years on. See https://bathsaracens.co.uk/events/category/games/
• Sat 6 Apr. Home V Warminster.
Rugby: Combe Down RFC
in 1896 the club currently play home fixtures at Holly’s Corner, Bramble Way. Details on their Face Book site. Details at https://combedownrfc.rfu.club/
Rugby: Bath Gladiators Rugby League Club
Bath Gladiators will participate in the newly established Franchise Rugby League starting this season. Visit: https://bathgladiators.com/
Swimming: Dolphins: Based at Bath Leisure Centre and established in 1899, Bath Dolphin Swimming Club (BDSC) is one of the oldest swimming clubs in the South West Region. They provide competitive swimming opportunities for young swimmers through to a masters swimming group. As a holder of the Swim England quality accreditation, Swim Mark, they offer a year round competitive swim team with high quality coaching and technique instruction for all ages and abilities.
Swimming: Team Bath: Based at the University the swimming programme offers opportunities for all users, from learn-to-swim sessions and daily swim-fit sessions for the public to our performance set-up which is home to a British Swimming Performance Centre. See https://www.teambath.com/sport/swimming/
Tennis: Bloomfield Tennis Club was founded in 1927 and is located at 98 Wellsway, Bath. The club welcomes new members. To join visit https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/BloomfieldTennisClub
Tennis: Bath Tennis Club is at Park Lane, Weston, and bills itself at a friendly club. The club has a number of membership categories ranging from pay as you go to full membership. For details visit www.bathtc.co.uk
Tennis: Team Bath Tennis. For more see https://www.teambath.com/sport/tennis/