FOOTBALL: A schoolgirl from Northwich will be one of a select few chosen to lead the England team out in their crucial World Cup qualifier at Wembley on Saturday.

Eleven-year-old Sarah Cross, a pupil of Rudheath High School, is one of the Three Lions’ mascots for the game against Kazakhstan.

The Man City supporter, who lives on Alvingham Close, was one of five lucky youngsters to win a competition on website www.sponsoredbyyou.com.

Apart from leading the team out, Sarah will get the chance to meet the players and savour the on-pitch atmosphere at the 90,000-capacity stadium.

Her stepdad, Scott Cowan, said: “She goes and watches City with her grandad but she’s never been a mascot and never been to Wembley.

“She’s really looking forward to it, she couldn’t believe it when we told her she’d been picked.”

Mark is top rod

ANGLING: Mark Emmison went home with the top payout from Barnton AC’s Wednesday match on Heesom’s Pool last week.

Drawn on peg 27, Mark fished caster and maggot on the pole at six metres to put together a nest of skimmers, roach and crucians that weighed in at 6-7-0.

Second was Eddie Cook, on peg two, with 5-0-0 of perch and crucians taken on pole-fished maggot at four metres. Mike Smith was third with 4-4-0 of skimmers and crucians.

On Sunday morning, the club’s matchmen were on the Red Lion length of the Trent & Mersey Canal.

First place was filled by Mike Smith with 7-3-0 of small roach, skimmers and gudgeon, all tempted by caster and pinkie fished on the pole at 11 metres.

Stan Foster was second with 5-2-0 of skimmers, roach and perch taken on maggot, Ronny Durr was third with 4-14-0 of roach and gudgeon.

Players for hire

RUGBY UNION: Northwich Rugby Club is appealing to local firms to help its antipodean contingent find work during the rugby season.

The trio, who are making a big impact on the pitch this season, all have work visas and have experience in marketing, joinery and cabinet making

Anyone who feels they can help can call Colin Johnson on 07831 785972 or Rob Heath on 07740 767718.

Tough finale

CYCLING: Weaver Valley Cycling Club is getting ready for the final road race of the 2008 season on Sunday on the tough Pickmere circuit.

The seven-mile route, based around Great Budworth/Antrobus, will be completed seven times, starting at 10am from the junior school at Wincham.

Two WV members will start – Nic Butterworth and junior Matt Silver – along with 40 other riders.

Please note that the usual club run will not take place and members are asked to be at HQ to help with marshalling before 9.30am.