At last! Sport can start up again and here’s where to go

blackmorevaleApril 15, 20210 Comment0

It felt like the first day of school holidays: let’s all run outside and play! It was last Monday that the shackles came off and organised outdoor sports for both adults and children was allowed once more.

Golf courses were packed as members played their first round since January 4. Running clubs were allowed to meet for organised training sessions and tennis players unzipped their rackets. Football and rugby will resume this weekend: competitive cricket will also be allowed.

The next stage in the government roadmap will be Monday week (April 12) when indoor gyms and leisure centres are allowed to re-open, for use individually or with household groups. Here’s a round-up of resumed or new sports activities in the Blackmore Vale. If we’ve inadvertently missed your club off, do let us know your news: sport@blackmorevale.net.

GOLF

Tee-off times were available on both courses at Yeovil Golf Club on Monday, although some courses weren’t taking visitor bookings, reserving the links for members for the first few days. Wincanton took bookings from Tuesday as there was a race meeting the previous day.

The first few lucky golfers found the courses in pristine condition, having had no play on them or divots gouged out for the last three months. Pro shops and clubhouses were closed but can open from April 12 and May 17 respectively.

TENNIS

Sherborne Tennis Club re- opened its courts on Monday, including singles and doubles social play, one-to- one coaching and organised activity for groups. It also has Easter tennis camps for under 10s and juniors, with three-hour morning and afternoon sessions on weekdays between April 6- 16. Call Matt (07403 025881) or Stu (07825 660781).

Donhead Community Tennis Club is to restart Fitness for Tennis classes on Mondays, 9.30-10.30am. It’s a cardio tennis session with trainer Rachel Carter and coach Ian Griffin. No need to be able to play tennis, just run about to music and hit some balls. It’s five sessions for £30 from April 19. Call Ian: 07930 569342, info@Live4Tennis.co.uk.

CRICKET

Shaftesbury Cricket Club is running the hugely popular All Star sessions for children aged 5-8 on Friday evenings (5.15pm-6.15pm) from May 28 through to July 16. There are also All Star courses at Marnhull, Stalbridge, Blandford, Mere and Sherborne CCs on differing days. New ECB courses for children aged 8-11, called Dynamos Cricket, are also available at Stour Provost, Sherborne, Blandford and Compton House CCs. Sign up for all at ecb.co.uk/play.

CYCLING

Gillingham Wheelers began its 2021 Time Trial Series on Wednesday with the first event on the Milton on Stour six-mile course.

The club has more than 100 members and considers itself to be a social and sporting cycling club with a primary focus on road cycling. There are regular social rides. New members welcome. Go to gdw.org.uk.

RUNNING

The Dorset Doddlers running group this week resumed its Tuesday evening training sessions in Shaftesbury and Thursday sessions in Sturminster Newton last night. The summer runs begin on May 18. There is currently no Beginners Group but the main training groups are welcoming and support new runners of all abilities, from beginners to those returning to running after a break or longer layoff. More at dorsetdoddlers.co.uk.

WOMEN’S RUGBY

Yeovil Rugby women’s mixed ability team relaunches on April 9 and welcomes new players. The team is supported by Bath Rugby Foundation. More at twitter.com/YeovilRugbyGirl.

SWIMMING

Sherborne Storm swim club is appealing for volunteers as it gears up for re-opening on April 12. “We are a small volunteer run club providing all types of swim disciplines to children based in Sherborne,” said swimming director Wendy Flack. “We are desperate for more volunteers: coaches, team members, supporting competitions, committee members, fund raising – we need you all, of all ages!” The club trains at Leweston School on weekdays with occasional training at Millfield. Previous knowledge not required, said Wendy, with training on the job. Contact Wendy at flack.wendy@gmail.com or text 07545 306883.

FOOTBALL

Sherborne Town FC is looking for a new volunteer club secretary, working with the First and Reserves sides. Contact chairman John Bowers: chairman@sherbornetownfc.com.