United Counties League

Premier Division

Harrowby United 0

Wisbech Town 5

Harrowby United were put to the sword by a strong Wisbech Town side, and it was a Valentine’s Day to forget for Arrows player Simon Bolland who received three unwanted cards from referee Mr O’Sullivan – two yellows and a red – as he was sent off late on.

The Fenmen went in front after less than two minutes. A poor ball out of defence from Jack Whyley was intercepted and slotted through to Tommy Treacher who produced a cool right foot finish which gave Harrowby’s debutant keeper Nathan Jessop no chance.

The Arrows looked to hit back and with six minutes gone a fine run from Lee Shaw ended with a shot across the goal which narrowly missed the far post. And Shaw tested Wishbech keeper Lea Jordan after 15 minutes with a low shot after the chance had been created by good work from Ryan Tittensor.

Wisbech doubled their lead after 21minutes when they broke quickly after clearing a Harrowby corner. The Fenmen found themselves with men over and Treacher turned provider, squaring the ball for Billy Smith to slot home.

A minute into first half stoppage time, a ball forward to Josh Ford saw him look miles offside but no flag was forthcoming. Ford advanced on goal before playing the ball to Treacher who produced a precise finish past Jessop to send the Fenmen in three goals to the good at the break.

Harrowby had a fine chance to get back into the game after 52 minutes. More good work from Tittensor saw him find Bolland who squared the ball to substitute Tom Potts, but his well struck shot went wide with the goal at his mercy.

With 81 minutes played, a cross from the right produced a scramble in the Harrowby penalty area. The initial cross was knocked to the edge of the area, and the resulting shot blocked by an outstretched leg from Whyley. Jessop produced a fine save from the rebound, pushing the ball behind for a corner.

Jessop saved again after the flag kick but the ball was stabbed home at the far post by Luke Wilson for his first goal for the visitors.

With five minutes remaining, Harrowby were again caught out by a quick break. A ball in behind the Arrows defence was taken on by Danny Beaumont. Jessop saved the initial shot only to see Beaumont fire home the rebound to complete a nap hand.

Chosen by Grantham’s Mayor, Ian Selby, Harrowby’s man of the match was Liam Harper.

Harrowby United: Jessop, Currall (Weatherstone, 68), Clarke, Hill (Potts, 45), Whyley (c), Tittensor (Peberdy, 79), Harper, Bolland, Webb, Motson, Shaw. Subs not used: Watson, Daykin.

In the photograph, Harrowby United are from left, back – Eddie Humphreys, Will Bromfield, Sam Weatherstone, Simon Bolland, Tom Potts, Liam Motson, Jack Whyley, Nathan Jessop, Liam Harper, Sam Hill, Shaun Daykin and Simon Mayes; front – Lewis Watson, Ryan Tittensor, John Currall, Joe Clarke, Lee Shaw, Scott Webb and Luke Peberdy. Photo: Toby Roberts

Grantham Town Supporters’ Club lotto (sponsored by Galaxy Fish Bar), winners of February 14 draw:

£200 – 173 C. Jackson; £10 – 401 J. Prendeville; £5 – 920 T. Foxall, 532 C. Munton, 118 M. Scoffield, 884 I. Cook, 294 Islanders, 80 O. McGrane.

Charges of perverting the course of justice by changing registration plates and speeding on the A1, means that a man from Kent will appear before Lincoln crown court.

Kyle Nixon, aged 24, of Peal Close, Rochester, gave no indication of pleas when he appeared before Grantham magistrates.

He is accused of speeding on the A1 northbound at Great Ponton on October 2, and to intending to pervert the course of justice by providing false information and changing the registration plates of his vehicle between October 22 and 29.

As the latter is an indictable only offence, Nixon’s case was sent straight to Lincoln Crown Court where he will appear on February 23.

He remains on unconditional bail.

Nottingham Forest Supporters’ Club (Grantham branch):

Forest are at home to Bolton Wanderers on Saturday, kick-off 3pm, and at home to AFC Bournemouth on Wednesday, February 25, kick-off 7.45pm.

Bookings are being takenn for away games at Reading on February 28, kick-off 3pm, Charlton Athletic on March 3, kick-off 7.45pm, and Leeds United on March 14, kick-off 3pm.

After failing to attend court to answer six charges, including possessing an offensive weapon in the form of a table leg, a warrant has been issued for the arrest of a 22-year-old Grantham man.

Sam Degnan, who was listed under both Grantley Street and Main Street addresses, is also due to answer one drug possession charge and four alleged driving offences.

Degnan is accused of having the table leg and a quantity of cannabis in his possession on Grantley Street on December 20.

He has also been charged with driving a Citroen Saxo on Harrowby Lane without a licence, third party insurance, a valid test certificate and without due care and attention on November 27.

Prosecutor Tracey Ross explained that a warrant with bail had been issued when the case was last listed in court on January 12, but requested for the bail to be withdrawn in this instance.

Exhibitions and artwork were finally revealed on Saturday at the official re-opening of Grantham Museum.

The museum, in St Peter’s Hill, was reopened after months of renovation work which has seen the inside opened up, original parquet flooring restored and interactive exhibits installed.

Mayor of Grantham Ian Selby was asked to do the honours and cut the ribbon, following a speech by Helen Goral, who is chairman of the Grantham Community Heritage Association which runs the facility. She thanked the hard work of all involved and commented on her pride in the new-look facility.

A 61-year-old has denied committing sexual assault on a fellow train passenger and elected to have his case heard at crown court.

Melvyn Dyer of Yarmouth Road, Lowestoft, pleaded not guilty to committing sexual assualt on a woman aged 16 or over on a train travelling through Grantham on December 11.

Magistrates accepted jurisdiction for the case, but Dyer elected for it to go before Lincoln Crown Court starting on February 23.

Dyer remains on conditional bail and must not enter Grantham except for court appearances, and must not travel on any 
trains which go through the town.

A teen who was chased by police and then dragged into a cell clinging to an officer’s leg, has received a suspended sentence.

The court heard about a number of incidents committed by 19-year-old Keia Hull of Kenilworth Road, between August 4 and September 27 last year.

Prosecutor Tracey Ross began with the most recent, and related how on September 27 two police officers attended an address on Turnor Crescent where an argument had taken place between Hull and his partner, during the course of which he had damaged a fence and gate.

The defendant ran away from police and was chased through an archway between two properties, shouting back at the officers ‘Come on then’ and described as ‘looking for a fight.’

They caught up with Hull as he attempted to climb over a fence, and as they went to handcuff him he said: “You better put handcuffs on me because I will kick off.”

Hull was put into the back of a police car, but proceeded to try and smash the windows with his head and elbow.

The officers then resorted to using leg restraints, but Hull refused to calm down and continued to shout and swear, saying: “I’ll f**k up you c***s”.

He was taken to Grantham police station, where he sat on one of the officer’s feet and wrapped himself around their leg so that they had to walk with him into the cell.

In relation to this series of events, Hull pleaded guilty to both assaulting and obstructing a constable in the execution of their duty, and to criminal damage.

At a previous court appearance Hull had also admitted another incident of criminal damage committed on September 19, when just before midnight he was captured on CCTV kicking in the rear door of Spitalgate House.

This breached a conditional discharge of 12 months imposed on September 3, while prosecutor Miss Ross added that prior to that on August 4 Hull had stolen a bike at Harlaxton Road.

Rob Arthur, defending, outlined how Hull had been riding his own bike and on seeing another against a fence decided ‘for some reason’ to switch and rode off with it, an offence to which he had made a ‘full and frank admission’.

Turning to the crimes on September 27, Mr Arthur explained that earlier that day Hull had attended the memorial service for his cousin.

Afterwards he drank to excess and took illegal substances including Mkat, and it was in this ‘emotional state’ that he had the row with his girlfriend resulting in the criminal damage and his behaviour towards the police.

Mr Arthur said that since December Hull had stopped taking Mkat and had reduced his alcohol consumption, and was also trying to deal with anger management issues.

Magistrates handed Hull a suspended sentence of 16 weeks, comprised of custodial sentences for each offence that if activated would run concurrently.

These have been suspended for 12 months, during which time Hull will be supervised by the probation service and must also attend the Resolve programme aimed at reducing violent behaviour.

He must pay £129,99 in compensation to the bike owner, £50 in compensation to the assaulted police officer, while no victim surcharge or prosecution costs were awarded.

Planning applications before South Kesteven District Council include:

Allington

S15/0337/DC - Mrs C. Cragg - Approval of details reserved by Condition 5 (curtilage of Tap Barn) of S14/2460, The Tap Barn, Bottom Street.

Barrowby

S15/0206/FULL - Mr D. Donger - Erection of dwelling, Coe Farm, Denton Lane, Casthorpe.

S15/0374/DC - Mr A. Smith - Approval of details reserved by Condition 3 (materials) of S14/3452, Jessami, Low Road.

Billingborough

S15/0170/DEXT - Mr M. Turner - Erection of a 3.450 metre single storey extension, 3 Whiteleather Square.

Castle Bytham

S15/0330/TCA - Mrs D. Chambers - Removal of four Cupressus trees, Autumn, 8 Water Lane.

Caythorpe

S15/0132/HSH - Mr and Mrs Pearce - Two-storey and single storey rear extensions; roof lift and insertion of dormers, The Old Laundry, 34 High Street.

Colsterworth

S15/0256/DC - Mrs K. Jessop - Approval of details reserved by Condition 2 (materials) of S13/3232, 33 High Street.

Grantham

S14/2869/LB - Mr R. Hall - Internal alterations to a Listed Building, 36 Westgate.

S15/0052/NMAH - Ian Parker - Non-material amendment to permission S13/1766 (re-site door and window), 71 Kingscliffe Road.

S15/0163/FULL - DFS Trading Ltd - Installation of external air conditioning units to rear service area, Unit B, Grantham Retail Park, Gonerby Road.

S15/0176/CWC - Caroline Buxton - Compliance with conditions of S07/0166, 3 Montgomery Close.

S15/0228/LB - Mr S. Coleman - Internal and external works to listed building to enable conversion of offices to residential of first and second floor, 19 High Street.

S15/0240/FULL - Mr A. Edwards, Autumn Park Ltd - Two business units and car park, land north of Dysart Road.

S15/0316/TELX - CTIL and Telefonica UK Ltd - Replacement of existing 15m monopole with a new 15m monopole and installation of one new equipment cabinet, land off Watergate.

Great Gonerby

S15/0194/MJNF - Kevin Robinson - Solar Farm (11ha), land north of Gonerby Lane, Allington.

Londonthorpe & Harrowby Without

S15/0238/FULL - Mr S. Morton - Two-storey office building, Vale Garden Houses Ltd, Londonthorpe Road.

Long Bennington

S14/3480/FULL - Mr and Mrs Lilley - Conversion of grassed verge to a tarmac drive and vehicular access, 50 Main Road.

Ropsley and Humby

S15/0232/NMA - Anthony Colburn - Non Material Amendment to internal layout and installation of roller shutter door relating to S14/0935, North Lodge, Long Lane, Ropsley.

To view the forms and plans of any planning application: www.southkesteven.gov.uk/planningsearch

A Lithuanian man charged with assault by beating has had his case adjourned so that an interpreter can be arranged.

Valentinas Jersovas, 23, of First Avenue, Grantham, faces one count of assault against another on January 16 at Cambridge Street.

The defendant has not yet entered a plea, with magistrates agreeing 
with the defence that a Lituanian interpreter was required 
before the case can proceed.

Jersovas is due to appear again at Grantham on February 23, and in the meantime is on conditional bail to reside at his given address, to not contact the complainant by any means, and to not enter Cambridge Street.

A man from Leeds did not attend Grantham Magistrates’ Court to answer a charge of possessing heroin at Grantham Railway Station.

Paul Middleton, aged 37, of Nursery Mow Road, Leeds, stands accused of this offence on August 9, and has also been charged with failing to attend a follow-up drugs assessment in Leeds on July 31, and failing to surrender to custody at Grantham police station on August 27 having been released on bail.

An arrest warrant without bail has now been issued for Middleton.

Lincolnshire Police are warning people not to be conned into parting with their bank or any other personal details to cold callers.

Three instances have been reported today where individuals have claimed to be police officers and asked people for bank details.

The first, reported today from a call on Friday, was to a woman in Lincoln. The ploy was to say the caller was from the local crime prevention team and was inviting the purchase of advertising in a police publication.

Today in Skegness there have been two instances – one this morning, where a man claiming to be a detective chief inspector from Hammersmith said a man being held in custody had admitted to ripping off the person and could he have her bank details.

The third instance was this afternoon in Skegness where a man claiming to be a police officer told a story about a bank card being scammed for £1500 and could he have bank details and to call him back on 999.

No advantage was gained by any of the callers but police are repeating their warning to members of the public taking cold calls not to part with any personal information, especially bank details.

A 58-year-old Grantham man appeared at court and pleaded guilty to having one gram of cannabis in his possession.

Prosecutor Shelley Wilson described how police executed a search warrant on the Stirling Court home of Kevin Mills at 9.40am on January 22.

They found a clear bag containing a substance later identified as the class B drug, traces of which were also found in a rolled up cigarette.

Defending, Rob Arthur said that Mills had the cannabis for his own personal use, due to a neurological condition.

He added that his client had fully co-operated with police at the scene.

Mills received a conditional discharge lasting six months, and must pay prosecution costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £15.

An order for the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs was also made by magistrates.

Nottinghamshire Pennant League

Group 2

Mansfield 3rd 0

Kesteven 2nd 76

Given the circumstances, this was as impressive a result as it looks, as Kesteven continue their assault on the top spot in the league.

Having had a couple of weeks’ break, Kesteven’s 2nd XV were back on the road to face Mansfield who had held them to a 5-5 draw in the first game of the season, and so the visitors were expecting a tough afternoon. Valentine’s Day and the Six Nations took their toll on availability as a mere 15 players made the journey, with the inexperienced Charles and Midgley sharing responsibilities as hooker.

It was a fine day for running rugby, which was to suit Kesteven and they began brightly, taking the game to the larger Mansfield side. There were less than five minutes on the clock when the ball was worked to Rupert Jordan in space. He showed a fantastic turn of speed to run round the outside of Mansfield’s defence to score at the posts. The conversion attempt from Harland was successful.

The game plan for Ks was simple, avoid scrummaging at all costs and keep the ball alive. This they managed for the most part, epitomised by the second try where, after numerous phases, the ball was worked to Charles to sprint for the corner.

Kesteven looked to capitalise on this fine start, not straying from the formula that was clearly working and allowing Rupert Jordan to complete a quickfire hat trick, with Mansfield unable to cope with his pace and mazy running lines.

Harland, playing out of position at scrum half, managed to get over the whitewash following good work from the forward, with Ryder able to complete the first half scoring.

Kesteven were comfortable at half time but conscious that Mansfield had a large bench which they could use to good effect when the Black Army legs tired. Stand-in skipper Phil Jordan gave his charges free licence to run around the park in the second half, which of course they relished.

As expected, Mansfield came back at the start of the second half, using their larger pack to good effect and making ground to the Kesteven line.

Heroic defence kept them out and, following an unbelievable steal from a maul by Dan Singer, the ball was worked down the pitch through fine running by Parker, Phil Jordan and Will Aspinall. It was then worked to Rupert Jordan for the inevitable score.

Again Mansfield came back at Kesteven and worked a good position on the left. They won a scrum and thought they had gone over in the corner, only to be cruelly denied a consolation score by the referee who adjudged the scrum half to have put a foot in touch.

Undeterred, Mansfield worked another five metre scrum and just when it looked like they had pushed the Ks’ pack over the line, their number eight picked up at the wrong time and the Kesteven defence held firm.

This was just the tonic needed to finish the game strongly, and time and again the ball was worked to Rupert Jordan, who managed by the end of the game to have notched up an impressive personal tally of eight tries. Young Jack Ryder also completed his brace by the end of the game and Matt Harland converted seven and Martin Parker one to complete a resounding victory.

Kesteven: Osbourne, Charles, Mawby, Singer, Vincent, Armstrong, Midgley, Danford, Harland, Parker, R. Jordan, P. Jordan, Aspinall, Ryder, Windsor,

A 30-year-old has pleaded not guilty to possessing a large metal wrench as an offensive weapon, resisting a constable, and failing to provide a speciman of breath.

Michael Smith, of Chelmsford Drive, Grantham, denies all of the charges alleged to have taken place on January 25.

After some discussion on whether the case should be sent to the crown court, magistrates agreed to retain jurisdiction and the case will now go to trial on May 6. Smith remains on unconditional bail.

Vale of Belvoir Darts League’s Singles Competition took place at Bottesford Bowls Club on Friday night.

In front of a packed house, 12 of the league’s top players competed for the honour of becoming individual champion.

Games were of a very high standard and played in a tense but friendly atmosphere.

Eventual winner was Clive Rodrigues of the Kings Arms, Scalford, and runner-up was Lee Page of Woolsthorpe Social Club B Team.

Londonthorpe Lane was closed earlier this morning after an accident involving one car.

A blue Ford Fiesta rolled over and the 24-year-old female driver from Brant Broughton was taken to Lincoln County Hospital. Her injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

The incident on Londonthorpe Lane near Five Gates Lane was reported to police at 7.40am.

The road was closed during the recovery before being re-opened an hour later.

Ryan Curtis was the star of Grantham Badminton Club men’s fourth team win in Division Three of the Newark League.

The team narrowly up-skittled Woodborough with a hard fought 5-4 victory, with young Ryan playing with calm and stamina beyond his years to beat all three opposition pairings with partner Rob Scarborough.

Dave Chambers with Ian Witham and Dean Patel with Mike Poyser won a rubber each to turn the match in Grantham’s favour.

Also in Division Three, the top two teams competed with Grantham 3rd away to unbeaten Devon. The visitors were not able to turn the tables after being beaten at home, with them this time losing 6-3.

Jon Ashley with Chris Graves won two rubbers, and Dave Frobisher with Will Tse won one from three. Rob Scarborough with Daniel Watson failed to add to the Grantham tally, despite losing a rubber closely in the third end.

Grantham men’s second string fared better in Division Two, beating Crossed Rackets 5-4 away from home.

Carl Jennings with Adrian Ackroyd scored a rubber, and Martin Peat with Jon Ashley and Martin Chambers with Dave Frobisher won two each for a useful victory.

The club’s ladies’ second team played away at Lincoln Albion in Newark League Division One.

The team comprising Sandra Jennings, Maria Hart, Zoe Foote and Holly Sparks suffered a 4-2 defeat.

Red Nose Day 2015 is set to offer more than just red noses this year, with bright red comedy glasses also coming to Grantham.

Visitors to Specsavers in The Isaac Newton Centre can follow in the footsteps of fashionista Gok Wan, and make their faces funny for money with Specsavers’ official Red Nose Day glasses.

These red specs with hair raising eyebrows will be available in small and large sizes for just £3, with £1 donated to Comic Relief.

Bijal Ladva, store director of Specsavers Grantham, said: “We’ve had great fun planning our fund-raising activities and want to go all out to raise as much money as possible for Red Nose Day. We are encouraging everyone, young and old, to join in the fun, buy their Red Nose Day glasses and make their faces funny for money!”

On Friday, February 20 there will be a photobooth in store so visitors can have their photos taken if they buy a pair of funny Red Nose Day specs.

There will also be a family fun day taking place on Saturday, March 7, with face painters and other activities to help make faces funny for money.

Then on Red Nose day itself - Friday, March 13 - staff will be collecting donations dressed in Red Nose Day t-shirts and their own pairs of silly specs.

Grantham Table Tennis League is still producing some competitive matches as it enters the last six weeks of the season.

In Division One, Chandlers A still have a firm grip at the top but can still be toppled, despite having two of the best players in the league in Patryk Sloka and Danny Cox.

BT A are leading Division Two, chased by BTL, Cranmer B and now Arbons A. The lower end of this division has seen Chandlers D raise their game to lift themselves off the bottom. In their last match, they played brilliantly to defeat Ancaster C 7-3.

Tommy Napier won three, Gemma and Scott Griffin won three between them, and Scott won the doubles with Tommy. This result was complete reversal of the two sides’ previously meeting earlier in the season.

Division Three still sees Chandlers C in top spot, with Ancaster D second. Newark Wanderers C still have a chance to get in the top two but will certainly have to beat Ancaster D to do so.