HOCKEY: Winnington Park were roundly beaten 4-0 by well-motivated Springfields at Sir John Deane’s College on Saturday.

Being bottom did not inhibit Springfields as their mid-table hosts fell behind in the first minute and were left chasing the game. The only bright spots of a disjointed first half were Mark Whalley’s return from injury and the impressive debut of Alistair Buckle on the left flank. But Park went into the break two down after being caught on the break.

The second half saw a better display from the home side but the visitors’ more clinical finishing and superb goalkeeper gave them a decisive edge.

Simon Pinson, from a penalty corner, and Mark Kuerues’ fourth goal in four games kept the Winnington 2nds’ promotion dream very much alive as they won 2-1 at Daten. They need one point from two games to be sure of promotion from North West Division Five South.

The 3rds, too, are confident of promotion, though they suffered a 4-2 defeat at Division Eight South champs Runcorn 2nds. Keiron Berrington and Matthew Morley were the scorers. One more win will see them up.

Winnington Badgers thrashed Sefton A 7-1 on Sunday, Conner Miller and Mike Sambell both grabbing hat-tricks.

Salt squad so close

CYCLING: Winnington-based Carl Ruebotham helped the British Salt-backed Team Swift to second place in a three-man race at Hull at the weekend.

In windy conditions they were beaten by only one second, clocking 55mins 46secs, to Planet X, making it a promising start to the 2008 season for the former Weaver Valley man.

Paul Lawson was the only Weaver Valley rider to contest the 28-mile hilly time trial held at Broxton on Satursday.

The windy condition stopped him registering a personal best. His 1:19.22 was 38 seconds off that and more than 12 minutes behind the winner.

Some 43 Weaver Valley riders joined the big push for fitness for the new campaign by taking part in a weekend run to Llanberis and back.

The outward journey of 100 miles included the notorious 10-mile climb of Sportsman’s Pass in gale-force winds, which were later strong enough to blow riders across the road. The return journey was made in rain and sleet, getting easier only after leaving Ruthin.

Free kit for new boys

FOOTBALL: The Woodford Lodge Six-a-Side League is offering all new teams free football kits.

The next competition gets under way in April and there are still places available.

Matt Smart, league secretary who works for the organisers Football Mundial, said there will also be a new website detailing tables, results and fixtures.

Cost of entry is £40, which includes affiliation to the Mid Cheshire FA.

The league will comprise two divisions of eight with promotion and relegation. Winners and runners-up are invited to enter the Football Mundial national tournament.

Anyone interested can contact Football Mundial on 01937 841440 or via e-mail to footballmundial.com

United of Northwich needed to win their last game in the Sir John Deane’s College- based Sunday Leisure League 10-0 to win the title. And that’s exactly what they did. A and R were the hapless victims.

Anyone team wishing to join the competition can call 0845 230 2340 or visit www.leisureleagues.net for further details.

Skippers get the call

DOMINOES: The Northwich and District Pubs and Clubs Dominoes League reminds captains that the next delegates meeting is on Monday at Rudheath Social Club (8pm).

Barnton CC A are favourites, have a three points lead over Castle B and need three more wins to make sure of the title.