FENCING: Bethany Ellis and George Dolan helped Wrexham Fencing Club make a flying start to 2009.

The duo made their way to Kenilworth for their first foil matches in the Leon Paul Junior Series.

George had finished second and Bethany seventh at the British Under 10s Championships at the end of last season and they continued their fine form in the Midlands as both powered to U11s silver medals.

Cassandra Eades was seventh in the U13s and Ben Halley 17th in the U15s.

Wrexham’s U20s foil fencers Ben Roberts and Stephanie Collister competed in a Junior British Selection Circuit event.

Although neither were in contention for a place in the Great Britain squads, they both fought well.

Ben Roberts finished a creditable ninth while Stephanie, continuing her recovery from injury, was 12th.

Wrexham Fencing Club meets at Ysgol Clywedog on Friday evenings and is open to adults and children above eight. For more information visit www.wrexhamfencingclub.co.uk

Woe for injury-hit Nets

BASKETBALL: Much-depleted NEWI Nets saw their EBL Division Two title bid take another hit on Saturday as they went down 103-75 at fellow high flyers Leicester Warriors.

The Wrexham visitors, who had to field four players under 17 after injury left them with just five fully fit senior stars, were no match for the vastly-improved Warriors.

Nets player-coach Matt Weedall, whose men had lost 98-68 at struggling Team Northumbria six days earlier, said: “We battled well in adverse circumstances and especially well done to the youngsters who stepped in.”

Maarten Wijdekop (17), supported by Pau Felin and DaWaun Wells (both 16), top-scored for Nets, who welcome Colchester Hornets to their second home, Deeside College, on Saturday (3.30pm). Tickets are £3 for adults, £1 for juniors.

Ernie edges way to win

GOLF: Ernie Williams (38) was the winner of a close Seniors Stableford at Clays Golf Club.

Bob Brown was second (37), Larry Birch third (36), Stewart Poole fourth (35), Noel Jones fifth (35) and Peter Lynch sixth (34) .

It was just as tight in the Saturday Winter League, as Brian Downes (87-18=69) edged to victory from Kevin Paul Venn (92-22=70) and David Parry (90-9=71), and in the Seniors January Medal, too.

Noel Jones (86-13=73) won Division One from Reg Taylor (88-15=73) and David Lambert (85-11=74) while Division Two went the way of Graham Stokes (91-22=69) from Mike Hollings (97-28=69) and Clifford Davies (94-24=70).

Strugglers are beaten

FOOTBALL: Gresford Athletic lost 3-2 at Guilsfield on Saturday to remain in the Cymru Alliance relegation zone.

Danny Hughes and new boy Craig Goodwin reduced the deficit for Gresford, who make their way to fellow strugglers Llanfairpwll on Saturday. Mid-table Lex XI, who drew 1-1 at home to Denbigh Town on Saturday, host Buckley Town (both 2pm).