SPORTS today Gibraltar sports

Lincoln FC & Gib Utd Straits Overseas Negotiate Safe passages

With the league program taking a well-deserved break this weekend the cup competitions took place. In the Rock Cup competition Lincoln FC, have their last realistic opportunity of obtaining some silverware. They faced a tricky quarterfinal against they “veteran” side, Rock Wolves. Rock Wolves have upset several of the senior teams this season although their own natural weakness is their fitness levels given the average age of their team, approximately 36 years. Nonetheless their never say die attitude and the undisputed class of some of their “veteran” players provides them with an excellent platform.

In the game against their “junior” side of Lincoln FC there were some notable absentees. The likes of Mick McElwee, Terence Polson, Francis Caruana & Frankie Barton. One would have at first glance assumed a thrashing for the local Wolves, aptly named after coach Poppy Perez’s first love in the English Nationwide league. One could not have been more mistaken given that they defended bravely throughout the game and were it not for two infantile mistakes, would have taken the game to a penalty shootout. Davit & Alvez making the most of the opportunities that came their way to inflict an uninspiring 2-0 defeat of Wolves.

The other night’s game was a tale of two leaders. Gib Utd Straits Overseas leading the 1st Division versus St Joseph’s Reserves leaders of the 2nd Division. The Saints strengthened their team through several first team members who had not participated in this cup competition with their senior team. On the face an upset could have been on the cards. United to their credit put on a thoroughly professional approach to the game and never underestimated their opponents. They eventually run out 3-0 winners through goals from Douglas Balloqui (penalty), Andrew Lopez & Aaron Lima. All the goals coming in the second half after United eventually broke down the brave five-man defence from the Saints for whom Monteverde was outstanding. Lincoln and Gib Utd are through to the semifinals.

Squash open day

What has now become an important annual event in the squash calendar, the “Open Day”, will this year be held on Saturday, the 13th April. As has been the case on the three previous occasions when this event has been held, generous concessions will be available to those joining the club on that day.

The Association will be opening the doors of its premises at South Pavilion Road to the general public at 12 noon. The entrance to the club is adjacent to Transport Lane, which leads to Vineyards Housing Estate.

All adults who visit the club will be given a free T-shirt and other small gifts until stocks are exhausted. They will also be issued with a ticket entitling them to participate in a raffle for a squash racket which will be held at the end of the day. All visitors will also be entitled to free food.

The cost of full membership on the 13th April, including the £50 entrance fee, will be £120 to the end of the subscription year, that is, the 30th September 2002. (Thereafter the annual subscription at present is £140). A free squash racket will also be given to those joining on the Open Day until stocks are exhausted. Only a limited number of rackets are available.
There is another option available to those joining as full members on the 13th April. This is the subscription (including entrance fee) further reduced to £106 to 30th September, 2002, but no free squash racket.
At the Open Day family membership, including the entrance fees, will cost £174 (including £100 entrance fee) up to the 30th September 2002, and the couple will be entitled to two squash rackets.
Alternatively, family membership is further reduced to £160 (including entrance fee) but no free squash rackets.

There is also a “gym only” membership. “Gym only” members are not entitled to use the squash courts but may use all the other facilities. Individual membership to 30th September 2002 in this category, is reduced from £90 to £72. No entrance fee is payable. Family “gym only” membership will cost just £108.
The only other expense to members by way of club fees, is the court fees which are £1.50 per court (not per player) for a 45 minute allocation in respect of three of the courts, and £2.00 for the use of the championship court.

The use by senior members of all the facilities, including the gymnasium, which is soon to be extended, and the saunas (there are two of the latter, one for the ladies and one for men) is free of charge.
The “Open Day” is primarily aimed at promoting squash. The courts will therefore be available for use by visitors under supervision. Rackets and balls will be available on loan by the club free of charge. Any visitor who might wish “to have a go” is advised to bring his sports gear. It is essential that sports shoes used are not black-soled as these mark the courts and will not be allowed. The changing rooms, showers and saunas will be available to visitors using the squash courts or gymnasium.

The Gibraltar Squash Association has earned a reputation for being a friendly club as befits what is after all a very social sport, and new members will have no difficulty in getting in to the “squash playing circle”. The committee looks forward to seeing you there on the 13th April. Make sure to make it a date.

Premiership Results

Sunday
Leeds United 2 - 0 Sunderland

Saturday
Arsenal 2 - 1 Tottenham Hotspur
Bolton Wanderers 4 - 1 Ipswich Town
Chelsea 3 - 0 Everton
Middlesbrough 2 - 1 Aston Villa
Southampton 2 - 0 Derby County
West Ham Utd 2 - 0 Charlton Athletic
Leicester City 0 - 1 Man Utd

Champions League Fixtures

Tuesday 9th
UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final Second Leg
Barcelona v Panathinaikos 20:45
Bayer Leverkusen v Liverpool 20:45 

Wednesday 10th
UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final Second Leg
Man Utd v D Coruña 20:45
Real Madrid v Bayern Munich 20:45