The Four Questions I Would Ask.......Joe Root

How did you get started in cricket?

 

I would ask Joe this because he started at a little club called Sheffield collegiate cricket club, they play at a decent standard, similar to the level I play for Stenhousemuir.

He is so humble and he is the type of guy that would be your best friend in school. He acts like he is in first year at school and he is like a baby in the England team.

 

A young Joe Root plays cricket in his Sheffield Collegiate shirt

 

 You have played 46 test matches and scored 4005 at a average of 54.86. Do you feel that you can break Alistair cooks record by the age of 30? Then do you think you can record Sachin Tendulkars recored of 15372 runs?

I would ask Joe root this because he is breaking every record there is and he is still only 26 years old. Famous Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar was 40 when he retired meaning Joe has 14 years to score 11367 runs if he stays fit. The way he is going now he will smash the record. He is in a 4 horse race with Virat Kholi, Steven Smith and Kane Williamson. Joe just laughs when the journalists ask him about the other players.

Joe Root just loves to bat, he enjoys himself when he is batting. He doesn’t put a lot of pressure on himself and always bats well because he is so relaxed.

 

Hats off, Joe Root hits a 100 runs yet again

 

 

Who was your childhood hero and why?

 I would ask Joe Root this because he grew up in an unsuccessful period in English cricket. The English team were ranked bottom of the ICC world rankings. They lost to Australia heavily in almost every Ashes series and they drew with Zimbabwe in 1996. I would imagine it would be a non-English player. He was in his teens when England were growing as a test match team. The thing is that England had a very good team on paper, but they had no success.

 

Joe Root with Michael Vaughn, but who was his childhood cricketing hero?

 

 

 

What steps did you take to make it as an International batsman?

 

This is my final question because I want to be a professional cricketer for Scotland, I would also like to play for Yorkshire too. I also like the style he plays with and I model my game on Joe’s. I would want to know about his training, the sacrifices he has made to get to the very top of the world of cricket and what it takes to be an International.

 

 

 

 

by Calum Grant

 

 

 

 

Manchester United v Manchester City

Old Trafford

Ibrahimovic 42                           (1-2)          De Bruyne 15

                                                   Iheanacho 36

Saturday  10^th September

Manchester City pulled out a great win by  beating their arch rivals with a 2-1 win at Old Trafford on Saturday that puts them 3 points clear of Manchester United at the top of the Premiership table.

Kevin de Bruyne gave Manchester City the lead with a great goal making the United keeper David de Gea move the wrong way within the first 15 minutes.  Pep Guardiola was happy coming into the game as Man City had a 100% start to the season, he was even happier when City went 2-0 up with 9 minutes remaining before the first half ended. Iheanacho put the second goal in by replacing the suspended Sergio Aguero for the game.

 

Kevin de Bruyne bagged his first goal of the season against arch rivals Manchester United

Man United were given a free kick just before half time, captain Wayne Rooney stepped up to take it, he aimed for goal his weak effort was punched away by the keeper who only managed to place it at Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s feet who slotted the ball home from 18 yards on the half-volley. Man United were quickly back on the attack in the second half.

 

Marcus Rashford made a big impact in the second half with some good dribbles and an assist for Ibrahimovich who smacked it straight over the bar. With 20 minutes remaining Rashford took a touch off Ibrahimovic and took on City keeper Claudio Bravo but it led to nothing as he was judged to be offside. After that the performance started to fall from both sides as Fernandinho’s header from de Bruyne’s corner was saved by de Gea.

 

Leroy Sane got the ball from de Bruyne who knocked into the path of the Belgian player who missed narrowly hitting the post and watching the ball roll across the line. David Silva then curled the ball just inches over the bar leading to a goal kick. With de Bruyne’s effort in the game and his great goal he was comfortably the man of the match against their rivals. Manchester City’s win put them at the top of the league by 2 points ahead of Chelsea with a game in hand.

 

 

by Claire Cummings

Rangers Post Old Firm - How Will They Fare for the Rest of the Season?

Mark Warburton’s Rangers went to Celtic Park on Saturday and were heavily beaten 5-1, it was Celtic’s biggest Old Firm win since winning 6-2 in 2000. Further humiliation came from a Moussa Dembele perfect hatrick – right foot, left foot, header - Rangers new signing Philippe Senderos being sent off after a horrendous performance was capped by a bizarre handball and even assistant manger Davie Weir being sent off from the dugout.  Celtic fans celebrated jubilantly while Rangers couldn’t hear the final whistle soon enough. This result leaves Rangers 4 points behind Celtic having played a game more after a generous first 5 fixtures. Rangers have a problem.

 

Does Warburton know who his strongest 11 is yet?

 

Mark Warburton said in his post-match media conference that he does not believe there is a gulf in class between Rangers and Celtic, which many people criticised him for. I personally do not buy into the ‘huge gulf between them’ claim when we are only 5 games into the season and with over 30 games still to be played. Mark Warburton now has serious questions to answer – will he turn this situation round, after only winning 2 matches in the league since winning the Championship title in April. Does Warburton know who his best 11 players are?  It’s is a big question, personally I’m not convinced Barton and Krancjar can play in the same team as they slow down the previous attacking tempo in the midfield from last season. It will be interesting to see the starting line-up picked by Warburton before Saturday’s match against Ross County at Ibrox, now a must win game in my opinion, before a difficult clash with Queen Of The South in the League Cup and, most important of all, a trip to Pittodrie to face Aberdeen. This is the first time Mark Warburton has had to face any real pressure since taking charge last summer. He doesn’t appear to be upset by claims of how far behind they are and unsure about multiple things.

Rob Kiernan should be 'dropped immediately'

I am very confident of Rangers securing 2^nd spot in the premiership this season. They are a good side, despite what many are saying, and play good attacking football and are a match for anyone on their day. They are unfortunately still trying to find their feet at a higher level and it’s time for the manger to accept that the defence is not good enough and hopefully despite his disaster debut Philippe Senderos will come good in the end and Rob Kiernan will be dropped immediately.

I boldly predict a 3-0 victory for Rangers against Ross County as I think Warburton and Davie Weir will drive the players to results in coming weeks. I could easily see Rangers going on to taking maximum points in most of their next matches. However Rangers have not lost like this before, at least since tumbling down the leagues, so it will be interesting to see what lies ahead and how they respond to this. Rangers have to put faith in their young vibrant players such as Josh Windass, Andy Halliday, Jason Holt, etc. to get back to their previous attacking flair. I do think Kenny Miler still has a lot of goals in him and Joe Garner is an exciting prospect, the man who scored against Celtic and will give Rangers some aerial threat for the first time in years. It shouldn’t be all doom and gloom despite Rangers fans feeling hurt after a thrashing at Celtic Park. You can’t sit and feel sorry for yourself after an Old Firm loss, Rangers must get back to winning and end this woeful form and who knows maybe even go on and challenge for the title.



by Luke Randall
 

Claire Cumming's Sport Profile

My favourite player is Eden Hazard because he has got good speed and has some great skills. Eden Hazard is a great football player because his passes are on point and he has a powerful strike.

'On point' passes and a powerful strike, Hazard is the complete player

I started to play football when I was 9 years old. Ever since then I have had a very strong passion for football and I hope to carry that through my life. I play for Stenhousemuir girls U15s Larbert high school of football and school girls’ team. My favourite goal I have scored when I was playing Celtic, I scored a goal from about the edge of the centre circle.

My favourite goal from Eden hazard was when he was playing Liverpool. He managed to take on five of Liverpool’s players and curved the ball from outside of the box to the bottom right corner. Another great moment was when Chelsea were playing West Ham and Eden got past four players provided Ivanovic with the perfect assist.

Hazard had a poor season last season but looks back at his brilliant best this season

Chelsea may have ended up ninth place in the 2015-2016 Barclays Premier League but the year before that they won the league. When they won the league because José Mourhino was a great manager and the team had a lot of dedication and commitment to the cause.

 

I like playing football because it is a great sport and is good fun. When I am not training I like to go out and play football with my friends. We like to play matches and different games and it is fun and I get to play it with my friends when I play a match with my team I will always work to my full ability and work hard.

I am studying Sports Journalism because I love sport, especially football, and want to write about and talk about football in school.

 

by

 

Claire Cummings

 

 

 

Caden Bell's Sporting Profile

My name is Caden I play with Syngenta 03’s my position is goalkeeper. I’m a very big football fan my favourite football teams are Celtic & Man City and my favourite game I’ve been to so far was the title party against Motherwell where Celtic won 7-0, history was made that day when Jack Aitchison became the youngest goal scorer for Celtic.

 

Jack Aitchison makes history becoming Celtic's youngest ever scorer

 

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=celtic+vs+motherwell+7-0&adlt=strict&view=detail&mid=4D0C8723131B1A6205054D0C8723131B1A620505&FORM=VRDGAR

My favourite player is Paul Pogba the reason why he is my favourite is because he is one of the best in the world, he has the skill, the shooting ability and everything you look for in a player. I loved watching him play when he was in the champions league final and I really want Juventus to win. Here is my favourite Paul Pogba goal scored!

 

Paul Pogba's so goos he can stop to smell his armpits during games

 

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=pogba+screamer&adlt=strict&view=detail&mid=E29509E43549568EDC48E29509E43549568EDC48&rvsmid=E29509E43549568EDC48E29509E43549568EDC48&fsscr=0&FORM=VDMCNL     

My other favourite football player is Sergio Aguero. Aguero has been amazing ever since he joined Man City he has been amazing scoring goals and basically doing whatever he wants, he is an inspirational player here is my favuorite Aguero moment, what a way to win the league!

 

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=agueros+last+minute+winner&adlt=strict&view=detail&mid=306F24162E50742A83B2306F24162E50742A83B2&rvsmid=306F24162E50742A83B2306F24162E50742A83B2&fsscr=0&FORM=VDFSRV

I am studying Sports Journalism so I can keep up to date with all the football news and write about the teams I support.

 

 

 

by Caden Bell

S2 Sports Journalism 'Team of the Year'

 

Mark McGuire - Premier League Team of the Year


Mark McGuire talks us through his Premiership Team of the Year

De Gea- GK - De Gea is a very important player for Man Utd he is very passionate and shows his emotion on the pitch. De Gea has saved (no pun intended) Man Utd this season, without him they would be 7th or 8th.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bellerin-Rb- I picked Bellerin because he is young very fast and great in defence. He also helped Arsenal in the race for the Champions league spots. He can get down the wing and cross the ball very well

 

 

 

 

Rose-lb- Rose used to get a lot of stick from the Spurs fans but he has improved a lot and has been great in defence this season and can be one of the best in the future.

 

 

 

 

 

Alderweireld-cb- has been rock solid for spurs helping them have the best defence in the premiership this season and the best goal difference. He can make very good tackles and doesn’t give away fouls a lot.  I think he can help spurs win the league next season.
 

 

 

 

Morgan-cb- the captain of title winning Leicester has been great in defence this season and has scored very crucial goals on the way to the title.

 

 

 

Kante-cdm- Kante has just about intercepted everything this season he has set up chance after chance for Vardy and Mahrez and is rock solid in defence

 

 

Dembele-cdm- Dembele is a rock in the midfield for spurs having a 92% dribble completion rate and he is great defensively and if Spurs keep him he can be one of the best midfielders in the Premiership

 

 

 

 

 

 Mahrez-rm- Mahrez has been magic this season scoring 17 goals and getting 11 assists and helped Leicester to the title

 

  

Payet-lm- Payet helped West Ham to a European spot and scored wonderful free kicks on the way.

 

 

Alli-cm- Dele Alli is 20 years old and has been quality, having 10 goals and 9 assists throughout the season including a wonder goal vs Crystal Palace.

 



 

Kane-st- at the start of the season everyone called him a one season wonder but he ended up as the winner of the golden boot with 25 goals

 

Calum Grant -Team of the Year


Calum opted for a slightly different team going from player from accross a variety of leagues in England and Scotland most of whom are from his favourite teams Stirling Albion and Dunfermline

GK- Chris Smith- He is in the Scottish league 2 team of the year because he has kept Stirling in contention this season. He has played some great games like v Inverness. He could probably should have conceded 2 or 3 goals that day but kept a clean sheet. Chirs Smith played at Dunfermline before he came to Stirling Albion.

 

LB –Ben Richards - He has been one of the best defender in Scotland I think. He has linked up well with Cardle. He has worked very hard on his game this season. He is a strong player on the ball and a very quick runner. He played for England U17, 19s.

 

RB- Hector Bellerin- He has played very well for Arsenal helping them claim second place. He is very fast and he works very hard on his game. He is a big player for Spain.

 

 

CB – Wes Morgan- he has played outstanding this season with Leicester and he has been one of the best  defenders in the world this year. He is very handy at corners too.

 

 

 

Maherz-CM – He was Leicester’s best player this season I think. He will be a great player for Algeria and a superstar for years to come

 

 

 

 

 

Kante- cm- he has been unstoppable for Leicester in the midfield. He has linked up well with vardy and morgan at the back.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joe Cardle-LM- he is a great player for Dunfermline this season. He links up well with Fassiel el Bakhouti and Ben Richards. He played for Ross county and Raith Rovers before playing for Dunfermline.

 

 

 

 

 

Smith- RM- He has been absolutley great for Stirling Albion. He has linked up well with Steven Doris.

 

 

 

 

Doris-ST- He has scored lots and lots of goals for Stirling Albion. He has moved to Arboath now and will do great there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vardy-ST- He has scored tonnes of goals for Leicester and will be a big player for England too.

 

EL Bakhouti-ST - He has scored 30 goals for Dunfermline and he is a massively under-rated player in my opinion. I think he should stay on at Dunfermline because Dunfermline could get double promotion if he stays for another season.

 

Larbert High 7 - 0 Alloa

Ochilview Stadium Stenhousemuir 30/03/2016

It was a goal fest at Ochilview in the Forth Valley U-15 Cup Final with a 7-0 victory for Larbert High. Larbert dominated the game throughout especially in the second half where they scored 6 of their 7 goals. 

The teams get ready to recieve their medals

Early on in the first half Jack Donaldson’s whipped corner was too much for the Alloa keeper to handle and Keiran Mckinnon headed in for the first goal. Moments later another corner for Larbert resulted in a good chance that was headed over the bar by Owen Lake.  At half time it was 1-0 to Larbert but thanks to chances they created it could easily have been 2-0 or 3-0. 

 

In the second half Alloa were falling apart and started very poorly. Early after the re-start the second goal came for Connor Gamble.  Jack Donaldson delivered a perfect free kick to the back post leading to an easy tap in from Connor Gamble. 

 

It was 3-0 soon after with James Maxwell scoring.  A miss judgement from the Alloa goalkeeper led to a header to make the score 3-0 to Larbert.  James bagged a brace that his performance certainly deserved.

Larbert were starting to crush Alloa who’s heads were obviously down.  Keiran McKinnon got his second goal after the Alloa keeper saved he followed it in to make the score 4-0 to Larbert. Connor Gamble claimed his brace to make the score 5-0.  A great cross yet again from Jack Donaldson led to another goal from Connor tapping it and making the score even more convincing.

James eventually got his hat trick. A lovely bit of skill from the left winger helped him beat his defender and slot the ball into the bottom corner making the score 6-0 Larbert.  A double substitution followed soon after with Larbert replacing James Maxwell with Jamie Forrester and Keiran going off for Dominic King-Harris. 

 

The U-15 team ran out comfortable winners in the cup final

Larbert pushed for another goal which came after another great attack from Larbert. At first the Alloa goalkeeper, who was Alloa’s best player, tipped an amazing shot onto the bar however James wrapped it up in style shorty after slotting the ball into the corner and making the score 7-0 to Larbert.

Full time at Ochilview and the final score was Larbert 7- 0 Alloa.  It was an absolutely brilliant performance from Larbert who lifted the trophy in style. 

Alloa weren’t as poor as the scoreline suggests but were undoubtedly outclassed by a top Larbert U-15 side.  The two teams collected their medals at full time with captain David Fowler leading the Larbert celebrations.

 

by

Innes O'Donnell