Changed days: the old pavilion which was built in 1886

The arrival of 2010 marks the 130th anniversary of the club at Nunholm.

In 1880 the Dumfries Cricket Club moved after 27 years at Mildamhead, off Brooms Road, and rented the Nunholm field from the land owner.

That year also marked the beginning of tennis at Nunholm.

The cricketers were approached to lease half an acre for tennis and Dumfries Tennis Club came into being at Nunholm with the first tennis ball being hit that summer.

The Far Pavilion: the new pavilion and squash courts being built in 1976

To complete the Dumfries Sports Club mythology the Squash Club began at Nunholm with the completion of two squash courts in 1977, the Dumfries Running Club moved their base to the ground in 1984 and the Hockey Club has been linked to Nunholm on and off over the years with hockey being played at the ground a century ago.

If anyone has similar photographs of the past sporting life and changing face of Nunholm then you can contact the club by emailing

The Squash Leagues for January and the New Year are available on the site and can be found here or by following the Quick Link in the right hand column.

It is pleasing to note that the work carried out in the last 18 months or so to enable the Club to become more energy efficient has had a positive effect in that we have stabilised our costs that, in turn, has helped our overall financial position and we have recorded a reasonable profit on our accounts this year which, given the difficult financial climate, must be seen as a very positive result. On your behalf the management committee strive to reduce our overheads and we have introduced some minor changes to cleaning and bar arrangements during the quieter winter period that will help our financial stability.

Generally, it has been a good year on the sporting front for the Club and membership levels remain healthy in all sections. In particular, I would like to highlight the excellent work undertaken by the squash section in bringing the first ever national Squash Masters tournament to the club which was a resounding success and thanks go to Keith Gristwood for his excellent work in organising such a prestigious event. The cricket section have also had further acknowledgement for the condition of the ground which has been in pristine condition throughout the year – well done to all concerned.

Members can be rest assured that the management committee will continue to work tirelessly on their behalf to ensure that facilities remain of a high standard and continue to be at a reasonable cost. My thanks go again to all members of the management committee who, without their help, the club could not function as effectively and efficiently as it presently does.

John Glendinning
Chairman

The biggest one myth is probably a marketing stunt. It is about fitness equipments. People believe that latest equipment is an ultimate tool to have gespierd lichaam that is not perfectly true. Though, it helps in shaping the body but it is not an ultimate work.

The sports club where humans hold joined the fitness course should be well equipped with fitness equipments. Maintaining a proper body structure is risky but not impossible. People can shapeup the body with daily workout and subsequent to a balanced and nutritious diet.
A number of fitness programs are there to make the structure perfect. People can carry access to number of fitness courses done the internet. Be in better shape, feel better and dwell better.
If the body is not well-shaped humans hold to tackle with various health problems.

Matters to Ponder When Purchasing Home Fitness Equipments is filed under fitness equipments.

The traditional Boxing Day Quiz for all sports club members takes place from 2:00pm-6pm.

Hot Soup. Free Fun Squash from 11am – 1:30pm.

Business Briefs / Coming Attractions

Movie Theater

To introduce the community to the new 14-screen movie theater that opened at 650 Plaza Drive in Secaucus yesterday, Kerasotes ShowPlace Theatres is offering free flicks, popcorn and soda for “Sneak Preview Week.”

Through Thursday, all you have to do to get a free movie, small popcorn and fountain drink is show up early.

This weekend alone, some 30,000 people are expected to take in a show at the national chain’s first theater on the East Coast, according to Ron Simoncini of Axiom Communications.

“And if you think about it in comparison to the sum of all Bruce Springsteen shows in the region since the beginning of time … six months from now this theater will have entertained more people than Bruce Springsteen has entertained in the Meadowlands in the last 40 years, which is really kind of an amazing thing,” he said.

The 94-theater, Chicago-based chain has installed LCD displays, total digital projection systems, 3-D systems and stadium seating in the new multiplex, which is off Route 3 West.

LA Fitness Sports Club

A 45,000 square foot LA Fitness Center Sports club is under construction within the mixed-use Harmon Meadow development in Secaucus.

The Secaucus LA Fitness Center is located at the intersection of Harmon Meadow Boulevard and Park Plaza Drive, adjacent to a 1,000-space parking garage.

The new Sports Club plans to include full court basketball, a three-lane lap pool, a spa and locker rooms, as well as individual aerobic and group exercise instruction and stationary bikes. According to Hartz Mountain Industries, the owner of the development, trained instructors will lead more than 60 classes per week covering every level and degree of intensity from yoga to fast-paced aerobics.

This was a busy weekend for the Dumfries Second XI with two away games to Glasgow.

The first of the two games was against Glasgow Uni thirds. This was the first game that Dumfries seconds had played in the past few weeks and they struggled to get a team to travel for this game.

Initially, Dumfries found it difficult to settle. The Dumfries defence worked hard and did really well to keep the Glasgow side from scoring early in the game. Twenty minutes into the game the home team scored the opening goal. This goal gave them confidence and they soon pressurised the Dumfries defence gaining several penalty corners, one of which they managed to sneak another goal past Susan Low (GK). Dumfries did not give up and were rewarded with their efforts when striker Gladys McClymont opened the goal sheet for Dumfries.

Glasgow Uni got lucky when a deflection from Anne Lees soared into the goal. Half time score 3-1 to Glasgow Uni.

Dumfries started off the second half in a more determined way and took the game to Glasgow Uni. A beautifully taken hit out from defence resulted in a free hit to Dumfries just outside the opposition D. Angie B took the ball into the area and slammed home a goal.

This was the turning point and Dumfries were soon in charge. They were awarded a penalty corner which was struck at goals and saved by the keeper but as it rebounded off of her pads Catrina was waiting to slot it home for the equaliser.

Dumfries were awarded several penalty corners and were very unlucky not to get the winning goal, however they came away with a well deserved 3-3 draw.

Western Wildcats

Dumfries Ladies (2s) vs Western Wildcats (2s): The team headed to Glasgow again on Sunday. Unfortunately due to a couple of late call offs Dumfries travelled to Milngavie with only eight players. Captain Anne Lees donned the pads and kickers and braved it in goals.

The defence consisted of Kirsty B, Kirsty Morgan, Elspeth Desai and supposedly Angie B, who managed to stay in defence for a wee while before taking the game head on as usual.

Midfielders wre Catrina and Gladys and striking on her own-some was wee Sara Edgar.

From the start of the game, Dumfries were pressurised and good solid defending kept the opposition at bay for the first 15 minutes.

Western Wildcats’ first goal came from a shot a goals, which hit the post and spun back into the goals. The home team used their advantage of the extra players and played the ball well round the full pitch trying to draw the Dumfries side but Dumfries did well to keep the score to two-nil at half-time.

The second half was a long haul for Dumfries but they rose to the challenge and the whole team worked hard.

Dumfries tried to break through the oppositions defence and were unlucky on a couple of occasions, particularly the long ball through from defence to the strikers.

Western wildcats played well as a unit and coaching at half time obviously had spurred them on to run at the defence in numbers.

Dumfries defence played out of their socks but the constant pressure soon told and the home team scored another two goals against Dumfries.

All credit to the Doonhamers, they never gave up even though they were tiring.

A nicely hit ball through to Sarah saw her touch the ball into the goals, a well deserved goal.

Dumfries were unlucky on a couple of occasions not to be awarded a few penalty corners, one in particular when Catrina Pittendreigh had a cracking run up the pitch and into the D – the goalkeeper physically took her out and poor Catrina landed up on the ground, but no penalty was awarded to her. Dumfries only had to hold it together for another few minutes to clinch a decent 4-1 defeat but it wasn’t to be. Wildcats sneaked a final goal into the net just before the final whistle.

Man of the match (chosen by both teams) was Anne Lees, who had an outstanding game in goals.

Saturday, December 19 sees Dumfries Ladies 2nd XI playing Broomhill at home at 12.00pm and the Dumfries 1st XI against Ayr 2 at 2pm.

Training is at King George V at 6.30pm on Tuesday evenings. New players welcome.

In a valiant attempt to improve the quality of the Dumfries Running Club standard awards for race performances in 2009, Les Hill, Sian Finlay and Stephen Mohan travelled further afield than usual last weekend to Lancashire and Cumbria and tackled the Garstang 10 mile race and the Ulverston 10k.

Sian and Les arrived bright and early for the 10-mile race and started out fast aiming for gold and silver respectively.

They both ran very strongly and put in maximum effort with Les 47th out of 368 in a season’s best in 64.05 and Sian 111th and second vet woman in 71.07, a frustrating couple of strides short of her target, despite a personal best.

Stephen Mohan, at the Ulverston 10k, found the weather at the start made things doubly difficult with hail, rain, strong winds and sunshine, all within the first mile.

He also, ran well but fell short of his pre race target by 24 seconds finishing 45th in 43.54mins out of 183 starters.

Expertly organised by Hoad Hill harriers, the unusual race memento of a Christmas pudding was much appreciated by all who took part.

This Sunday is the Dumfries Running Club Christmas handicap race over the five-mile Holywood Stroll route.

Further details can be found on www.dumfriesrunningclub.org.uk.

The Bard Vet Cup is underway for the season 2009/10. The teams entered are Anderson Engineering, Bard Vet, SCSC, Finite Engineering, Thornhill, So Below, Cisco Systems, Stewarty Young Guns II, Kings Arms, Dumfries Cricket Club, Noblehill Garage.

The competition details can be found here.

It is party time on Saturday the 19th December.

ALL Sports Club members are invited.

The evening will feature a live band and a BBQ.

Tickets are on sale now at £5 each.

So put the date in the diary for your Xmas Night out and come along and support the Club.

Live Band, Disco, Roulette Table and BBQ
raising funds for the Sports Club

Tickets £5.00
Bar open till 12.45am
BBQ starts at 8.30pm
Tickets gains entry + 5 free spins at the roulette table
Click here for more…

Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available from the bar (252 527) or from Dougie/Carol Brotherston.

Raffle tickets are currently available at the bar for a chance to win numerous great prizes.

Anyone who is willing to volunteer for the evening of the event or even just for a couple of hours of their time, please contact Dougie or Carol.

This was a busy weekend for the Dumfries Second XI with two away games to Glasgow.

The first of the two games was against Glasgow Uni thirds. This was the first game that Dumfries seconds had played in the past few weeks and they struggled to get a team to travel for this game.

Initially, Dumfries found it difficult to settle. The Dumfries defence worked hard and did really well to keep the Glasgow side from scoring early in the game. Twenty minutes into the game the home team scored the opening goal. This goal gave them confidence and they soon pressurised the Dumfries defence gaining several penalty corners, one of which they managed to sneak another goal past Susan Low (GK). Dumfries did not give up and were rewarded with their efforts when striker Gladys McClymont opened the goal sheet for Dumfries.

Glasgow Uni got lucky when a deflection from Anne Lees soared into the goal. Half time score 3-1 to Glasgow Uni.

Dumfries started off the second half in a more determined way and took the game to Glasgow Uni. A beautifully taken hit out from defence resulted in a free hit to Dumfries just outside the opposition D. Angie B took the ball into the area and slammed home a goal.

This was the turning point and Dumfries were soon in charge. They were awarded a penalty corner which was struck at goals and saved by the keeper but as it rebounded off of her pads Catrina was waiting to slot it home for the equaliser.

Dumfries were awarded several penalty corners and were very unlucky not to get the winning goal, however they came away with a well deserved 3-3 draw.

Western Wildcats

Dumfries Ladies (2s) vs Western Wildcats (2s): The team headed to Glasgow again on Sunday. Unfortunately due to a couple of late call offs Dumfries travelled to Milngavie with only eight players. Captain Anne Lees donned the pads and kickers and braved it in goals.

The defence consisted of Kirsty B, Kirsty Morgan, Elspeth Desai and supposedly Angie B, who managed to stay in defence for a wee while before taking the game head on as usual.

Midfielders wre Catrina and Gladys and striking on her own-some was wee Sara Edgar.

From the start of the game, Dumfries were pressurised and good solid defending kept the opposition at bay for the first 15 minutes.

Western Wildcats’ first goal came from a shot a goals, which hit the post and spun back into the goals. The home team used their advantage of the extra players and played the ball well round the full pitch trying to draw the Dumfries side but Dumfries did well to keep the score to two-nil at half-time.

The second half was a long haul for Dumfries but they rose to the challenge and the whole team worked hard.

Dumfries tried to break through the oppositions defence and were unlucky on a couple of occasions, particularly the long ball through from defence to the strikers.

Western wildcats played well as a unit and coaching at half time obviously had spurred them on to run at the defence in numbers.

Dumfries defence played out of their socks but the constant pressure soon told and the home team scored another two goals against Dumfries.

All credit to the Doonhamers, they never gave up even though they were tiring.

A nicely hit ball through to Sarah saw her touch the ball into the goals, a well deserved goal.

Dumfries were unlucky on a couple of occasions not to be awarded a few penalty corners, one in particular when Catrina Pittendreigh had a cracking run up the pitch and into the D – the goalkeeper physically took her out and poor Catrina landed up on the ground, but no penalty was awarded to her. Dumfries only had to hold it together for another few minutes to clinch a decent 4-1 defeat but it wasn’t to be. Wildcats sneaked a final goal into the net just before the final whistle.

Man of the match (chosen by both teams) was Anne Lees, who had an outstanding game in goals.

Saturday, December 19 sees Dumfries Ladies 2nd XI playing Broomhill at home at 12.00pm and the Dumfries 1st XI against Ayr 2 at 2pm.

Training is at King George V at 6.30pm on Tuesday evenings. New players welcome.

As the year draws to a close, many members of Dumfries Running Club seek out races to help them gain nationally recognised Standard awards that are age appropriate and are a real motivating factor.

Awards are gained at bronze, silver, gold and gold plus level at short, medium and long distances.

Last Saturday, six DRC members travelled to East Kilbride to take part in the Hugh Wilson Memorial 10k.

This long-established race commemorates a popular local club member who was tragically knocked off his bike 20 years ago and always attracts a high quality field on a carefully chosen route that manages to avoid crossing any roads on a busy pre-Christmas afternoon.

Best performance came from Les Hill, an East Kilbride native and friend of Hugh Wilson, who was 26th out of 139 in 38.36 narrowly ahead of Jo Zakrzewski who was third woman, eleven seconds behind Les.

Since January, Jo has improved by four minutes over this very exacting distance where incremental steps are signs of improvement.

Exile Drew Burgess, travelling from Kilbarchan, made a welcome first club race of the year in 42.10 ahead of Stephen Mohan who faded towards the end in 44.03.

Marian McPhail had another outstanding run overtaking several in the latter stages, finishing in 46.49 and Paula Neill ran strongly in 49.07.

As a welcome bonus on a cold and foggy afternoon, Jo, Marian and Paula claimed the prize as the first female team.

Dumfries and Galloway Standard

Dumfries travelled to Giffnock with a depleted squad of only nine players. This was a crucial game as both teams were fighting for points to pull away from the bottom two places.

In the early part of the game Dumfries remarkably found themselves having equal possession with their opponents. The opening goal came midway through the first half when a Rennie shot was saved by the keeper but the cat-like reactions of Clark saw him first to react and he slammed the ball through the keeper’s legs.

Dumfries pressed for a second and some neat passing saw Redman draw a Giffnock defender in and he knocked the ball off the defender’s foot in the area winning a penalty corner for Dumfries. This time the ball was dragged to the top of the area where Callander fired a low drive in at the near post to double the lead.

Giffnock were keen to get back and only a fine save by Moscrop kept them at bay.

Dumfries failed to sharpen up when Giffnock came back at them again and a driving run saw two Dumfries players dragged to the ball and a neat through ball left the striker with only Moscrop to beat. His shot squeezed under the body of the Dumfries keeper and the goal got Giffnock back into the game.

Half time came shortly afterwards and Dumfries were happy to go into the break in-front.

Further in to the half it was clear to see that Dumfries were tiring due to the lack of players, but they were determined to get another goal and it was Callander who produces some outstanding skill to get the two-goal cushion.

A good tackle just in the Dumfries half saw Clark get the ball. He then rounded a defender before pulling the ball onto his back stick and his effort flew past the Giffnock keeper and into the top corner of the goal.

The full time whistle sounded and Dumfries had won the game through determination and good team-work, something which had been lacking in previous performances.

Dumfries: S Moscrop, J McCoskry, J Bennett, S Boulton, S Rennie, I Callander, K Martin, M Redman, J Clark.

Saturday sees Dumfries at home to Hillhead 5s

Dumfries and Galloway Standard

The Sports Club A.G.M. will now be held on Wednesday 16th Dec 2009 at 7.30pm.

Dear Squash Players,

Welcome to the latest issue of the e-newsletter focussing on news and events in the squash section of Dumfries Sports Club. It’s been a busy month at the club so we hope you find this useful and informative.

Click here to view the 2009 Squash Newsletter Issue 2 (in Adobe/PDF format).

If you want to be added to the email distribution list for the newsletter and news from the squash club then contact squash@dumfriessportsclub.co.uk .

Keep fit, enjoy your squash and have a Happy Holidays. Thanks.

The Squash Club Committee

The Tennis Winter Leagues for December are now on the site here or can be found in the Quick Links in the right hand site column.

The results for the November matches are as follows:

The Squash Leagues for December are available on the site and can be found here or by following the Quick Link in the right hand column.

The tennis club has started fundraising through the Easyfundraising website and has had a fantastic start raising nearly £100 pounds already.

There are over 2,000 retailers available, no additional costs involved and also discounts available. This approach has successfully raised hundreds of pounds for other clubs.

The funds raised will go towards maintenance of the tennis courts and support the busy junior tennis programme at the club.

Just register at the following web address www.easyfundraising.org.uk/dumfriestc and then carry out your online shopping as normal and support the tennis club. Look out for special offers and increased contributions!

You can also win a Very Merry Christmas with the Advent Calendar Competition. It’s your chance to win a different prize every day from retailers such as Currys, Argos, House of Fraser, Marks & Spencer and Vodafone to bring you a fantastic selection of prizes worth over £6,000. Entry is completely free. Follow this link to find out more.

Further details on the online fundraising are available here.

Thanks
The Tennis Committee

Amidst the deluge of rainfall that fell at the end of last week it was a pleasant surprise to members of Dumfries Running Club that it was business as usual for the 58th annual Brampton to Carlisle road race that was held on Saturday, November 21.

In all 30 DRC club members joined the field of 473, slightly down on usual and on Police advice the 10 mile distance was shortened to 9.1 with runners staying on the main road towards the finish at the Sands Centre.

In fact, the race remains a rarity in the country; a road race that is still permitted to finish close to a city centre on a busy pre Christmas Saturday afternoon.

Fastest performance came from Steven Smith who was 17th overall in 52.08 behind Ben Gamble of Tipton, the 2009 Kirkcudbright Half marathon winner.

Behind Steven came Mickey Breen, 41st in 53.46 and Jonathan Dale who was nine places and 30 seconds behind.

As an indication of the high standards at the sharp end of the field, this trio were only able to finish as eighth team despite the quality of their performance.

Paul Hart was 54th in 54.48 and was disappointed to fade slightly at the end of the race due to residual tiredness after his recent 24-hour race heroics.

In an excellent debut, Niamh Devlin, of Edinburgh AC who has been training with the club during her work placement at Dumfries and Galloway Infirmary was third woman overall in 54.50, 19 seconds in front of Kevin Conchar and a further minute and a half ahead of Alan Baxter.

First female club runner was Jo Zakrzewski who had another outstanding run in fourth place overall in 56.31, 20 seconds ahead of Les Hill and Lisa Finlay who was second veteran woman in 57.20.

Ian Brown in 57.29, running in the team colours of Tynedale AC, pipped Sandy Shankland and duly reversed their finishing positions from the Dumfries Half.

Danny Queen had a very strong run in 60.57 as did Graeme Cross of Dumfries Sports Club who was substantially faster than last year in 61.38.

Stephen Mohan was delighted to complete his first race in two months in 64.24 and a resurgent Sian Finlay had a gutsy run 25 seconds behind.

In the most anticipated sporting contest this side of Joe Frazier v Muhammad Ali, the battle of Brampton would sort out, once and for all, the showdown between David Breen and Frank Skachill.

In the end it was team Breen that prevailed with David starting very fast and hanging on in 64.58 and beating Frank by over two minutes.

Over a beer after the race a rematch was planned between the two friends for 2010.

Rumour has it that Sky Sports are interested in bidding for the TV rights…

Sandwiched between these two, Allan Manson reaping the rewards of his training for last month’s Loch Ness marathon, ran very brightly in 66.40 ahead of Vicky Hart in 68.06.

Maureen Dickson, in a very strong run, was fifth in her category in 68.30 nine seconds in front of Jim Grierson and a further 20 ahead of Mike Trant.

Marian McPhail had an outstanding run in 69mins, exactly 22 seconds faster than Rab Wilson and a further minute quicker than Richard McDougal.

Donald Anson was delighted with his run in 73.12 30 seconds in front of Paula Neill and Liz Smart in 74.35 is on her way back to her best.

Susan Graham in 105.46 is a quiet inspiration to many at Dumfries Running Club and thoroughly enjoyed her run.

Many thanks are due to Carolyn Hunter Rowe, Peter Hutchison and Chris Neill for their on course support of their club mates and to Andy of Houstons Coaches of Lockerbie who made the transport arrangements go so smoothly.

The club meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6.30pm at Nunholm with the beginners group on a Monday.

Dumfries and Galloway Standard

The prize winners at the 2009 South of Scotland Masters Open Championships held at the weekend are listed below.

The full results for the tournament are available below.

SoS Masters 2009 Ladies Results

SoS Masters 2009 Mens Results

SoS Masters 2009 Mens Plate Results

The results files are in Adobe/PDF file format.

South of Scotland Masters trophy winners

Last weekend nearly 80 competitors braved the elements to participate in the inaugural South of Scotland Masters Open Squash Championships held at Dumfries Sports Club at Nunholm.

The tournament was well-supported by local and regional players who comprised a quarter of the competitors and on balance Nunholm Squash Club performed well taking 4 titles out of the 11 up for grabs, 3 runners-up spots and 2 plate titles.

The local winners included Sue Strachan in the O-35 ladies event and Faith Sinclair who won the O-50 ladies title in a thrilling and close 3-2 final.

In the men’s events Nunholm’s “old” boys saved the day with Davy Rogan winning the O-75s and Abbie Robertson the O-70s with Davy Rogan as runner-up.

In the O-45s current Scottish Champion Jimmy Wells put in a brave performance in the final but went down 3-1 to Tony Hetherington from Carlisle.

In the O-50s Malcolm McCubbin after a lengthy 3-2 semi-final win found the going too tough against Neil Rayner, a current Scottish Internationalist, and lost in straight sets 3-0.

The men’s O-40 and O-55 plate competition finals featured all-Nunholm line-ups with John Thin clinching an unexpected 3-0 win over Garry McKean in the O-40s.

The O-55 plate final featured Raymond Kirk and John Glendinning. Kirk took the first two sets but a determined fight-back by Glendinning levelled the match at 2-2. In the deciding fifth set, Glendinning took an early lead but Kirk hung in and finished a 3-2 winner.

The final match of the O-35s round-robin pitted Simon Boughton against Mark Ford with Simon emerging victorious in straight sets to clinch the title. The men’s O-40 final featured Craig Thomson and Kevin Mackay with Craig also winning 3-0. The O-55s final was between Ernie Cowell and Eric Donohoe with Ernie maintaining his rankings lead with a 3-0 win.

In the O-60s final, Peter Wilson ran out winner in straight sets over Alex Sinclair who appeared to have given it all in his five-set semi-final. Ron Pearman narrowly emerged victorious over Bob Drummond in the O-65s round-robin whom he had beaten earlier on Saturday 3-2.

Aside from the competition, Ron Pearman won the Marker’s Racket draw; Norma Gregory won the hamper in the Lucky Entry draw and Roslyn Stewart the squash-bag in the junior squash raffle.

The club would just like to thank all the competitors who made the effort to come to Dumfries to support our inaugural Masters tournament and hope your journey home was safe and uneventful. We hope you enjoyed the competition and we look forward to welcoming you back next year.

Club News

Preliminary accounts indicate that the tournament made a profit for the club of around £750 after netting out the Scottish Squash affiliation fee. This money will be used for future court repairs and maintenance. In addition, the squash bag raffle raised £65 for our Junior squash and the site’s tournament page, here, has been visited nearly four hundred times.

The Dumfries Sports Club Quiz takes place at the clubhouse this Saturday, the 28th November, at 7:30pm.

Teams of 4 of all ages are invited.  The cost is £5 including food. Any profits go to charity. Everybody welcome. Your friendly local quizmaster is Stephen Mohan.