Cricketers across the borough got back to action at the weekend as the 2014 league season began in earnest.

> Hemel Town

It was a difficult start to the Herts League for Hemel I with defeat to Harpenden from the top end of last year’s HCPL Division One.

Keeping Harpenden to 233-8 from their 50 overs was a decent effort from Hemel, never letting them get away with a massive score.

Brett Penny took 3-41 from his eight overs and Parth Mehta kept Harpenden quiet with 1-29 from his 10-over stint.

In reply, Brad Finch managed 41 but Herts County captain Ben Frazer kept Hemel quiet with 4-32 from his 10 overs as the hosts were all out for 172

Meanwhile, Old Albanians were promoted from Division Three last year and had an enjoyable start, bowling Hemel II out for just 64 in their first game in their new league.

Putting OAs into bat, Hemel bowled them out for just 145. The experienced duo of Duncan Howard and Bryan Davies taking 3-29 and 4-51 to do the damage.

But the Ahmed brothers did better with Naseer taking 5-15 and Sagir 3-21 as they demolished Hemel’s batting.

Only number nine Duncan Howard showed any defiance with 22 not out.

Elsewhere, Flitwick saw off Hemel III as Hemel were bowled out for 138.

Electing to bat, only skipper Anjam Khan with 53 and opener Chris Nuttall with 41 were able to score runs of any note for Hemel. John Clulow’s 12 was the only other double figure score.

In reply, Flitwick took just 31 overs to score the necessary runs. Opener Phil Gurney (52) led the way as only Phil Freebrey with 3-20 was able to make a mark with the ball for Hemel.

Completing a bad day for the club, Hemel IV were beaten by Hertford.

Dawood Iqbal (49 n/o) and Stan Hayden (16 n/o) managed to put on 65 in the last five overs to put Hemel into a better position, while 35 from Steve Smith and 31 from Chris Wright earlier had been solid but a bit slow.

But it did not seem to worry Hertford as 72 not out from Dave Spring and 67 from Jamie Lawrence saw them home comfortably by eight wickets. Skipper Ben Dumpleton (2-31) was the only wicket taker for Hemel.

On Sunday, the losing theme continued as a quickly put together Hemel Sunday II side were seen off by a strong Long Marston outfit.

Batting first, Long Marston eased their way to 322 - 3 with two batsmen retiring once they felt they had enough runs. The three wickets were split among Jim Langley, Ed Langley and Dave Jenkins.

Then it was batting time and Hemel were run through for just 108. Ed Langley top scored on 19, with Steve Smith (15), Ryan Wilson (11) and Jim Langley (10) the only double figure scorers.

> Leverstock Green

Leverstock Green I kicked off the Saracens Herts League season in winning style, with victories for both their first and second XIs.

Green were inserted at Preston in Division Two, and it needed Kyle Claxton’s patient 40 to guide the local side to a competitive enough target of 138 on a slow track.

In reply, Green took quick wickets – not least through Brad Klosterman, who ended with seven for 59.

Two great spells of seam bowling from three-wicket Adam Thomas helped set up victory, which was secured when Levy’s Tasmanian Marc Simonds took the third of a trio of sharp slip catches to wrap up a five-run victory.

In the other part of a double-header, Levy Green II made light work of their Preston counterparts with a fine run chase to kick off their Division Five season successfully.

Four Green bowlers took two wickets apiece as Green held Preston to 172 at Bedmond Road, before Nahim Iqbal’s unbeaten 109 steered Levy to a comfortable seven-wicket triumph.

In Division Nine, Leverstock Green III lost to Abbots Langley III by 52 runs. Brett Baney and Ash Ali snared three victims apiece in the field as Abbots set Green 150 for victory.

Skipper Gareth Tucker (24) was the only Green batsman to offer any challenge to a convincing Abbots victory.

> Berkhamsted

Berkhamsted I lost their first game of the season at home to Northampton Exiles I in disappointing fashion.

Despite starting well enough at 72-2, wickets fell at regular intervals as Berko subsided to a meagre 119 all out.

In reply, Riaz Richards took 3-53, but Berko could not defend their total and Northampton ran out easy five-wicket winners.

Berkhamsted II travelled to Northampton Exiles II and secured a comprehensive nine-wicket victory.

Tight bowling and some poor batting saw Northampton skittled out for 41.

Steve Dight took 5-7 off 12 miserly overs, and debutante Nick Williams snared 3-9 in equally tight fashion.

Berkhamsted were barely troubled in reply and reached their total for the loss of only one wicket

Berkhamsted Sunday I played their first fixture of the season against Rivets.

Batting first, Berko were soon in trouble with a run out in the first over.

Wickets fell steadily with Berko looking down the barrel at 28-5.

Enter colt and man of the match Tom Pierleoni who scored a majestic 57 not, with some good support from Guy Lewis and Robert Prunty.

The tail wagged and Berko posted a competitive score of 143-9 in their 40 overs.

In reply Rivets started well with a first wicket partnership of 30 in quick time, but wickets fell steadily as Rivets middle order crumbled, with wickets shared around all the bowlers.

Rivets battled until Luke Frey took the last wicket for a 22-run win for Berko.

> Abbots Langley

Abbots Langley I were dismissed for 130, after Matt Dunstone’s marathon 25-over spell had restricted Watford Town to 178-8.

On a slow spongy pitch, Watford Town played very straight, and assisted by some dropped catches, left arm spinner Dunstone (6-64) was the only wicket taker for Abbots.

After a useful start against the new ball, another spinner did the damage, and Abbots were 60-4.

Nick Gurney batted very well (30) in response but ran out of partners, and Watford were worthy winners.

Meanwhile, after being put into bat by Abbots Langley II, Codicote mustered 168-6 off 53 overs.

Credit must go to Lewis and Neil White for good tight spells.

Abbots went out to bat on a solid track and after Harry Khan was snared at gully for five, Will Graves joined Richard Merritt and added 70 for the next wicket.

Another 21 was added when Andrew Rueth joined Graves and it looked like Abbots would get home with ease, only to encounter one of the batting jitters that seem to haunt them.

But with Will showing a calm head, Abbots got home by two wickets with nine overs in hand.

Abbots Langley III started the season well with a convincing win over Leverstock Green III.

Matthew Longworth (21), and Ben Balmforth (66) enjoyed a partnership of 73 runs to take Abbots to 96-3.

Abbots then began to fall away, losing quick wickets with some rash shot selection, but managed a reasonable total of 149.

Abbots went into the field keeping use of the old ball and Matthew Longworth took the first wicket in his spell of six overs.

Paresh Solanki (3-15) supported at the other end and took the next three wickets – one of which was an excellent catch by Graham Bell.

Bob Russell (4-22) then came to the party and Abbots began taking wickets at regular intervals.

The game was finished off by James Allan, taking the last two wickets, as Leverstock slumped to a total of 97.

> Kings Langley

Kings Langley I had a seven wicket loss to Ampthill.

Kings batted first and were all out for 102, with only Duncan Fleming (26) and Tom Sambrook (25) getting into double figures.

Ampthill then cruised to victory, losing only three wickets in the process. Kings’ Mark Brazier took 2-37.

Elsewhere, Kings Langley II were in action against Rickmansworth II.

Kings scored 250-5, with Tony Morton top scoring with 86. He was supported well by Tom Clark (62 n/o) and Jonathan Smith (41).

With the game firmly in Kings’ hands, the match was abandoned with Rickmansworth on 126-8. Dave Percy had taken 4-24.

Kings Langley III recorded a resounding seven-wicket win over Luton Town & Indians IV.

Luton batted first and were skittled out for just 95 as Gordon Sambidge took five wickets and youngsters David Burnell and Toby Hendy chipped in with five between them.

In reply, Sifan Naeem scored 40 and Gordon Sambidge hit 17 not out.

Former professional referee Graham Poll has taken charge of some of the biggest games in football – but he will be testing himself on a bike rather than the pitch this summer.

Graham, 50, will be cycling 1,000 miles from Lands End to John O’Groats over the space of two weeks alongside old pal Roy Rance to raise money for The Royal Marsden – a world-leading cancer centre.

The duo have taken on the challenge in support of Sadie France – the long-term girlfriend of Roy’s son Jason – who is battling ovarian cancer.

Graham and Roy will set off from Cornwall on Sunday, June 1 and cycle more than 70 miles each day before arriving at the very top of Scotland on Saturday, June 14 in time to see England’s opening World Cup match.

“Training is going well – I’ve done about 12,000 miles so far and I’ve got another 1,000 planned for the next four weeks,” said Graham, who lives in Tring.

“Someone asked me if I’m as fit now as I was when I was a referee and I think I am, but it’s a different type of fitness.”

Last year Sadie, at just 22 years of age, was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. She was referred to The Royal Marsden whose pioneering research has given her real hope – but there is still a massive battle for her.

Team Sadie is aiming to raise as much money as possible to thank the hospital for what they’ve already done for Sadie, and to help them find a cure for many forms of cancer.

“Sadie has been very poorly but she’s a fighter and is trying to keep as upbeat as she can,” said Graham.

“Whenever we are suffering or struggling with the cycling, we just have to remember it’s nothing in comparison to what Sadie and her family are going through. That’s the driving factor.”

Sadie and Jason met at the University of Winchester, before moving to Australia for six months in November 2012 after graduating because Jason was invited to play cricket.

That is when Sadie first began to experience bowel changes and bad stomach cramps. She put it down to being in a different country and a change in drinking and eating habits.

When Sadie came home her symptoms got worse and, between May and September 2013, she went to the doctors eight times – but her GP dismissed Sadie’s symptoms as constipation and period pain.

She then saw another doctor and demanded to go to hospital where she was later diagnosed with cancer.

“Our cycling challenge is going to be hard, but we wanted to show just how hard Sadie’s battle is,” said Graham.

“From a running point of view, the marathon is the thing to do and I have done one of those so this is the cycling equivalent – if not even harder.

“We want people to see that we are really doing something worth donating for.”

Graham says that Team Sadie has one clear message to get across through this, and other various fundraising challenges.

“If a young person has symptoms then they must make sure they get themselves checked out,” he said.

“That is the important message and that is what Sadie really wants to put across.”

To make a donation towards Graham and Roy’s £10,000 target, please visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/SadieRoyGraham

There was an absolute tragedy at Kings Langley CC on Saturday as much-loved club member Dave Percy collapsed on the field and has passed away.

Club chairman Tony Burnell released the following statement to KLCC members: “It is with great sadness and with a heavy heart that I report the very untimely passing of one of our great cricketing personalities.

“Dave Percy has represented KLCC for over 40 years and has become one of the shining lights of all that is good about our club.

“He was an outstanding cricketer, a great friend and above all an amazing father and husband and will be greatly missed by all of us.

“Dave died doing what he loved, surrounded by his family and friends and although cruel that he has been taken from us at such an early age, he leaves us with so many happy memories and with a fondness in our hearts.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Tanya, Cassie, Ben and the rest of the family as well as with everyone that Dave touched in his own special way.

“We will pass on details of the appropriate arrangements at the request of the family in due course.

“Dave will be greatly missed by so many and remembered by all.”

> A more detailed tribute to Dave is likely to be reported at an appropriate time in the future but in the meantime we wish the club and family our sincere condolences.

Dacorum & Tring AC athlete Laurette Wenborn came away with a gold medal in the Hertfordshire Schools U15 girls’ multi-events competition.

Laurette, a pupil at Kings Langley School, finished almost 450 points ahead of her nearest rival, in an event with 52 competitors.

Notably, she accumulated a new personal best total of 2,619 points, posting PBs of 12.4 seconds in the 75m hurdles and 8.06m in the shot put along the way.

She also came very close to her PBs in the high jump, long jump and the 800 metres.

In the U17 girls’ multi-events, Dacorum & Tring athlete Amber Carroll won the silver medal – posting 12.7s in the 80m hurdles, 4.19m in the long jump, 27.8s for 200 metres, 18.45 metres for javelin and 2.47.8s for the 800 metres.

Both girls, who are ably coached by Chris Styles at Dacorum & Tring, are due to be selected for the Hertfordshire county multi events squad, with the regional round of competition taking place at Lee Valley on June 29.

Meanwhile, four Dacorum & Tring athletes were on the track competing in the British Universities and Colleges Sport outdoor athletics championships at Bedford International Athletics Stadium.

Speedster Jon Rendell returned home with a gold medal as part of the victorious Cardiff Metropolitan University 4x400m men’s relay team, who topped the field with a rapid time of 3:16:46.

Earlier in the competition, he qualified for the men’s individual 400m semi-finals with a new PB of 49.47 – the first time he’s broken through the 50-second barrier.

Sarah Grover, competing for York University, ran 2:26:09 in the 400m heats, missing out on qualifying for the final by less than one second.

Sophie Morris was also in action for East Anglia, as was Liam Sandford for Gloucestershire.

Dacorum’s bowls clubs have had another busy week of action as the season gets into full swing.

>Hemel Hempstead

A busy start to the season for Hemel Hempstead BC began with a midweek men’s game at Chesham.

The weather was excellent but Hemel failed to hold on to early rink advantages, losing the match 90-69.

Top rink for Hemel was taken by Ken Lowe, Roy Barlow, Alex Turnbull and Martin Green.

There was a similar result in the home mixed match against Potters Bar where Hemel succumbed 91-70. Top rink was taken by Tony Young, Pauline Howell, Gary Eagles and Brenda Bennitt.

The ladies restored pride on Friday in a comfortable win in their triples home meeting with Potten End, taking the contest 79-50. Top Rink was Lena Emmins, Sheila Pell and Pam Mushens.

Meanwhile, the club held a very successful open day on Sunday in excellent weather.

The week concluded with the annual Ladies v Men contest on Bank Holiday Monday. Once again the ladies prevailed, winning 131-84.

> Potten End

The Potten End ladies travelled to Bushey BC and drew 43-43, with a highest winning rink of Sandra Gomm, Sheila Howling and Pam Smith.

The club also played a mixed game against Aston Clinton, losing 84-90 despite a top rink of Dave Gomm, Lesley Wilson, Alan Howling and Arthur Page. New bowler Colin Sallery made his debut.

On Friday, the ladies played at Hemel Hempstead, losing 50-79 with a highest winning rink of Avis Jackson, Sandra Gomm and Pam Smith.

The Men travelled to Flitwick on Saturday, narrowly losing 79-78, but had a highest winning rink of John Lowe, Gerry Jackson, Steve Wilson and Bob Anderson.

Meanwhile, Potten End end duo Jan Dean and Trefor Jenkins progress to the next round of the National Mixed Pairs competition.

Bob Anderson, Roy Surrey and Tom Jordan also managed to beat a trio from Kitcheners to progress to the next round of the County Triples.

> Berkhamsted

It was not such a good weekend for Berkhamsted as they played at Cassiobury and lost 83-62 despite having a winning rink of Pat Ringwood, Tom Presland and Jane Low.

On Sunday, Berkhamsted played Harpenden in a very close-fought match which, after several recounts of the score, turned out to be a 94-94 draw. The top rink for Berkhamsted was Eric Browitt, Beryl Parsons, Maurice Primo and Dave Sear.

During the week, Berkhamsted duo Liz Temple and Lesley Brown narrowly lost 22-20 to two ladies from Bushey in the national over 55s pairs competition.

> Kitcheners

Kitcheners entertained Berkhamsted on Tuesday evening in a four-rink mens match and won 74-65.

The captain’s rink was highest for Kitcheners, with Roy Murray ,Steve Davis, Chris Ivin and Alan Doydge taking the honours.

On Saturday, 14 pairs took part in the Philip Cooper Trophy. Kate Jenkyns and Ken Woodward were victorious, with Mavis Janes and Micky Woodman finishing as runners-up.

The following day, Kitcheners entertained Watford and won 87-60. Highest rink was Woodward,Jan Perry and Maggie Moore.

> Tring

In a very close men’s match against Cheddington, Tring came out on top 101-85, with top rink going to Jim Bowyer, John Young and Ian Croad.

In the mixed match against Bletchley, Tring saw their winning run come to an end as they lost 100-83, with top rink going to Nancy Powell, Joe Kempster and Brian Johnston.

The ladies opened their season with a 39-27 win against Long Crendon as Diana Hewitt, Linda Croad and Linda McGuiness took top rink.

Tring hold the second of their open days Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Light refreshments will be provided together with free coaching, and a warm welcome is assured for all those wishing to participate.

We’ve heard a lot about pensioners forced by these tough times to work on long beyond their normal retirement age just to make ends meet.

Surely that can’t be the case with golden oldie Arnold Schwarzenegger – but he keeps on cranking out geriaction adventures, with Sabotage out this week, a third instalment of the Expendables bus pass blockbuster franchise due later this year and even a new Conan film on the blocks. Just so you know, the Austrian oak will be 67 in July.

What’s it all about? Arnie heads up a team of crack agents charged with taking down America’s deadliest drug cartels.

But when a big chunk of cash from a raid goes missing and someone starts bumping off members of the team, the blood starts to flow.

It claims to be tough, gritty and realistic but Arnie sadly looks his age. Slippers for Mr Schwarzenegger, please.

Bad Neighbours is one of those comedies that looks like it was fun to make, though it’s far from a riot for the audience.

Zac Efron and Seth Rogan are at loggerheads here – Zac’s the leader of a gang of rowdy students who move in next to family man Seth’s home.

Slapstick feuding ensues, but Forgetting Sarah Marshall director Nicholas Stoller has come up with an infinitely forgettable grossout comedy.

An oddity worth seeking out is Frank, cult director Lenny Abrahamson’s ‘inspired by a very odd but true life’ film based on oddball performer Chris Sievey (Michael Fassbender) who fronted a forgotten band with his features concealed by a giant papier mache head. Really.

Gade Valley Harriers enjoyed the fine weather at the St Albans, Black Park and Aylesbury parkruns at the weekend.

In St Albans, Dave Wise led the GVH team home in 21:09, followed by Russ Bailey in 22:15.

Following on were Ross Geary and Simon Geary, both with new PBs of 24:45 – taking a massive one minute 41 seconds off their previous PBs.

Next came Paula Cook in 25:20, Jenny Barnett in 30:05, William Terry in 35:50, Helen Terry in a new PB of 25:55 and Paul Mosely and Lynne Mosely in 35:56.

In Aylesbury, Steve Boyd, Andy Norton and Andy Bishop were representing the Harriers.

Boyd led the club home in 20:13, with Norton hot on his heels in 11th place in 20:20, and Bishop taking 15th place in 20:56.

At Black Park, Guy Woollett was the first Harrier home in 18:54, hotly pursued by John Lawler in 19:03, with Vince Ellerby in third in 20:28.

At the RAF Halton Triathlon in Aylesbury, the newly formed Gade Valley Tri team had an excellent day, with Dylan Wendleken, Tracy Aldridge-Jones, Gemma Bitaraf, Dean Kidd, and Helen Terry taking on the challenge.

Wendleken crossed the line in 1:12:28, ahead of Aldridge-Jones in 1:10:35 (PB), Bitaraf in 1:15:15, Kidd in 1:29:28 and Terry in 1:26:24.

Elsewhere, Peter Tucker travelled to Northern Ireland on Monday to compete in the Belfast City Marathon, finishing in a time of 5:25:14.

Closer to home in the Watford 10K, Simon Wallis, Andrew Bishop, Russ Bailey, Paul Heskin, Matt Loddy and Kelly Smyth completed the hilly and mainly off road course.

Wallis was first back in 43:35, followed by Bishop in 45:50:23, Bailey in 50:23, Heskin in 59:20, Loddy in 59:52 and Smyth in 1:01:08.

Bank Holiday Monday also saw four Gade Valley Harriers running in the Milton Keynes Marathon.

Simon Geary narrowly missed a new personal best time and finished in 3:27:53, while Steve Newing crossed the line in 3:39:50, Steve Reeve finished in 4:14:59 (PB) and Sam Tucker clocked 4:05 (PB).

Joanna Kidd, Ruth Morton and Wendy Hudson took on the half marathon option and came home in 2:17:05, 1:53:53, 2:12:28 and respectively.

The Toyota TS040 Hybrid driven by Anthony Davidson, Nicolas Lapierre and Sebastien Buemi achieved their second victory of the World Endurance Championship at Spa-Francorchamps, writes Peter Brazier.

The six hour race was the second race of the championship, dominated thus far by the Japanese marquee.

Following their win at Silverstone two weeks ago, they overcame the challenge from the improving Audi R18 e-tron quattros to take the top place on the podium.

Hemel Hempstead driver Davidson and his team-mates – together with Toyota – sit comfortably at the top of the table as they now prepare for the highlight of the championship at Le Mans.

The teams will travel to Le Mans on June 1 for the test day .

That is followed by the 82nd running of the 24-hour classic on June 14 and 15 where double championship points are awarded.

Dacorum & Tring Road Runners were back in action at the weekend, with eight members running in the Milton Keynes half and full marathon.

Jamie Marlow got his long-distance training back on track with a 3:06 finish in the full marathon, good enough for 60th overall, while Louisa Hopper completed her first-ever marathon in 4:23:42.

In the half marathon, Michael Lamb led the team home in a time of 1:42:47, a new personal best for him as a V40 runner, and he was followed closely by Russell Morris in 1:44:32.

Jessica Tanner was next, just off her PB in 1:51:59, good enough for 55th senior lady out of 448, and only four weeks after running the London Marathon.

Helen Reardon posted a new PB by 38 seconds to finish in 2:04:14, while Michelle Ashwell also smashed her pb to cross the line in 2:05:57.

Matthew Stears finished in 2:06:48 – a great time considering he was not expected to even make it to the start line due to a nagging injury.

Elsewhere, Anya Higgins finished the Belfast Marathon in 4:48, just a month after running in London, and she raised over £500 for the Multiple Sclerosis Society in the process.

Meanwhile, Nick Manning completed 13 miles in the inaugural Wings for Life World Run at Silverstone, one of 34 locations around the world where the event took place.

Watford Ladies fell to a second defeat against a WSL1 side in the Continental Cup, losing 5-1 at home to Chelsea just a few days after being beaten 3-0 by Arsenal.

It was an encouraging performance, as the Lady Hornets created numerous opportunities and could have scored more than one goal.

However, Chelsea showed their class throughout the game and capitalised on any Watford mistakes.

Despite Watford being the better side during the opening stages, it was Chelsea who opened the scoring after 18 minutes.

Eniola Aluko sent a teasing ball across the six yard box; Cally Rowell tried to clear it out for a corner but could only divert it into her own net.

The hosts almost equalised through Bonnie Horwood but, soon afterwards, Chelsea were awarded a penalty for a shove in the back and Yuki Ogimi slotted home for 2-0.

Chelsea made it three after 28 minutes through Katie Chapman, but Watford hit back when Kate Natkiel pounced from six yards out.

However, the Blues got a crucial fourth before half-time when Ji So Yun was brave and got her head to the ball, directing it into the net.

And it was 5-1 shortly after the interval when So Yun added her second goal of the game.

The last 20 minutes of the match were surprisingly quiet, Ogimi hitting the bar with the best chance.

Watford manager John Salomon said: “Last season, we didn’t come up against teams that were that kind of fluent with their movement off the ball.

“So, to have to come up against it twice in three days is tough but it’s great, because players learn so much from that and they’ll be stronger for it.”

Although it won’t be officially opened until their annual Cricket Week in mid-July, members at Leverstock Green Cricket Club are already enjoying newly-refurbished facilities after a £200,000-plus overhaul of their Bedmond Road clubhouse.

A combination of fund-raising, cricket authority grants, donations from local organisations and interest-free loans have allowed Levy to raise the necessary capital for a once-in-a-lifetime makeover.

New changing rooms, an increased bar lounge area and extensive improvements all other facilities have been carried out over the winter months, while still maintaining evening trade, thanks to the co-operation of contracted builders Core Building Services Ltd.

Green president Brian Coulshed said of the development: “It’s a hugely exciting time to be part of Leverstock Green Cricket Club.

“We have a lot of work ahead, in terms of fund-raising and planning carefully for our financial future, yet we could only truly secure a bright future for the club by bringing our facilities up-to-date.

“It’ll be a very proud moment when we welcome special guests to officially open the building during our ever-popular Cricket Week.”

In order to facilitate works – in particular to replace the ceiling in the club lounge – the clubhouse will be closed for up to two weeks.

Post-work re-opening is scheduled for some time next week, with Friday night social and Saturday cricket matches remaining unaffected

Single homebuyers have to find an extra £24,000 to afford their first property, according to new figures.

The latest data from Move with Us following a survey of 175 estate agents across Britain demonstrated that couples aged between 21 and 40 are the biggest buying group, making up 45 per cent of the current buying market.

Families make up 29 per cent of the market and couples aged between 41 and 65 account for another 20 per cent.

But categories for single people in any age group came bottom of the list, making up a total of just 2.8 per cent of buyers.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the average wage in Britain is £26,500. The most any potential home owner can borrow for a mortgage is 4.5 times their annual wage.

Based on the average wage in Britain of £26,500, the most a typical singleton can borrow is £119,250. With the average national price of a flat – a typical property for a first time buyer – currently at £158,872 with a 10% deposit, this leaves a £23,735 (15 per cent) shortfall.

Move With Us director Robin King said: “Average wages in Britain have increased 1.6 per cent in the last year according to the ONS, compared with a 5.4 per cent increase in the price of a flat. If property prices increase at a higher rate than wages, then of course, affordability is reduced.

“Bearing this in mind, it’s no real surprise that the first-time buyer market has changed over the last few years. Being priced out of the market means that many so called ‘singletons’ are choosing to stay at home or rent for longer.

“Many potential homeowners are reliant on the bank of mum and dad to make up the deficit. More of an effort should be placed on creating affordable housing.

“Shared ownership is a feasible government incentive that people who are struggling to afford a home should give serious consideration.

“Both new builds and older properties are available with shared ownership which allows owners to rent part and buy part of a property. Home owners can always buy more shares of the property later on.”

Kings Langley ended the season on a high as they retained the SSML Division One Cup, days after clinching promotion to the Premier Division.

It was Langley’s third consecutive appearance in the final, and they recorded a comfortable 3-0 win over Risborough Rangers to lift the trophy.

Rangers made a quick-fire start and Lawrence Clark had the first sight of goal, while Jack Johnson brought a save from Steve Clark at the other end and an Alex Campana volley went narrowly wide.

Kings took the lead after 20 minutes when a Paul Insley cross fell to Campana, who twisted and turned, opening up space for Mitchell Weiss to step in and send a low shot past the unsighted Clark.

Kings were moving smoothly through the gears, with a fierce Gary Connolly shot parried, and it was little surprise when they doubled their lead on the half hour mark.

A miscued clearance looped high into the air and was volleyed home from 20 yards by Danny Hutchins, via the right hand post.

The second half saw an assured display from Kings as keeper Ant Ladyman and the usual defensive trio of Dean Hitchcock, Craig Preston and Callum Adebiyi showed why they have the best record in the division.

Wing-backs Jack Johnson and Connor Toomey always offered an extra dimension and Connolly and Danny Hutchins had to be at their best to combat a quick moving Rangers midfield.

The Risborough players battled to the end, but could make little impression and it was fitting that substitute Nick Jackson fed Kings skipper Gary Connolly to wrap up the win in the last minute.

The Kings faithful, drained of emotions, can now relax at the end of an historic season and look forward to the 2014/14 Premier Division campaign.

Following a rather damp start to the year, contractors had to down tools and wait for the ground to dry out enough to start work again on the new pitch at Kings Langley FC.

However, since March, contractors have been working hard to ensure that the programme is back on track.

A new landscape area to the rear of the first team pitch has been completed and all of the top soil has now been put in place.

During the works, a storm drain was uncovered at the rear of the ground and will provide the perfect escape route for rain water – meaning there will be no need for a large soak away to be dug which reduces disturbance to the ground.

The new pitch was funded by an incredible local fundraising effort by Kings Langley FC, as well as a large grant from The Protecting Playing Fields fund which is part of a £150 million Places People Play legacy programme.

For images of the work in progress, please visit www.pitchero.com/clubs/kingslangleyyouthfc

More than 200 runners turned out to take part in the Gaddesden Gallop 2014 – raising money for the refurbished sports pavilion in Little Gaddesden.

A field of 149 runners took part in the 10km race and 89 competed over the 5km route, both of which go through the lovely countryside around the village.

Many families participated in the event, with several parent and child combinations taking on the shorter loop.

The overall winner was Luke Delderfield, who competed the 10km in just over 37 minutes – a new course record.

The first female back was Jeanette Ager in under 48 minutes, closely followed by Vicki Johnston.

The 5km was more of a fun run for most but produced a stunning winner – 12-year-old Kyle Kerr-Miller of Aldbury.

He raced back in just under 23 minutes and then had to leave for a football match, leaving his younger brother Tyler, 8, to collect his cup.

Tyler himself had put in a top effort to finish in seventh place.

The event raised more than £3,000 and is proving popular with many participants coming back each year.

The 10k course takes runners from Little Gaddesden Sports Field across the bumpy Golden Valley to Nettleden, then up a steep hill and back to Little Gaddesden.

The route is patrolled by many volunteer marshals who encourage the runners as they run through the picturesque Chiltern countryside.

Sam Cutting was left wondering what might have been after carding +3 to finish T58th in a Jamega Tour event at Mentmore Golf and Country Club.

Cutting, who became a member at Berkhamsted Golf Club aged 10, started the event very well and was -3 at the turn on the first day.

However, he finished poorly and threw away shots which effectively took him out of contention for the tournament as he ended up with a round of 75.

On day two, Cutting struggled early on, but recovered well to make a couple of birdies round the turn.

He made an eagle at 16 to get to -2, but finished bogey bogey to shoot 72 overall.

“It was a week of what might have been really, with the back 9 on Monday derailing my chances,” said Cutting.

He will be hoping to put things right in his next tournament, on May 19 and 20 at Collingtree Park.

Tring Running Club members were in action at the challenging Bledlow Ridge Off Roader.

Tom Raftery led the Tring contingent home in the 10km race, finishing in 18th place in a time of 44 minutes and 22 seconds.

He was followed by Trevor Lark in 47:07, Andy Neill in 49:37, Paul Bayley in 51:03, Becky Raftery in 54:09, Maria Kerr in 56:23, Brian Evans in 1:00:11 and Clare Donohue in 1:09:35.

Becky Shaftow was the club’s sole representative over the 6.5k course, and she finished in 10th place in a time of 37:46.

Elsewhere, two Tring rnners tackled the Three Forts Challenge in Worthing.

The race was mainly off-road with 3450ft of ascent, and Peter Alford finished in 4:45:12 , ahead of Paul Bayley in 4:58:04.

Other Tring runners took part in the MK marathon and half marathon. The finishers in the marathon were: Wayne McCorkell, 03:27:21; Howard Clark, 03:30:25; Leon Bosch, 04:27:05; Bobby Fryer, 04:27:51; Celine Wilcock, 04:27:24; Mark Travers, 04:39:44; William Harvey, 04:45:47; Frances Mills, 04:52:06; Kingsley Basson, 04:54:06 and Danielle Cox, 04:57:41.

The half marathon runners were: Amy Goss, 01:40:11; Dave Cary, 01:54:40 and Elizabeth Daniel, 01:55:42.

York City Knights coach Gary Thornton is keen for his side not to underestimate fourth-placed Hemel Stags when the two sides meet on Sunday.

York lost at home to Oxford in April but Thornton says his young squad is now coming to terms with life in Kingstone Press Championship One.

Thornton said: “Hemel, like a lot of teams in the division, are a very dogged side.

“They’re very enthusiastic and keep coming at you, and Jymel Coleman is a real threat who has played at a higher level.

“They will be tough opposition and are a big team, but we’re learning week by week.”

Knights back rower Jason Golden will see another specialist after dislocating his should against London Skolars having had three operations in the past.

Austin Bell, Kris Brining, Harry Carter and Iain Morrison are still sidelined, but James Ford returns from a groin complaint.

Hemel Stags coach Troy Perkins is still without key Australian recruits Mitchell Barbera and Ben Thorburn plus Ciaren Clement-Pascal, who are all long-term absentees.

Perkins said: “We’ve never played York before but they’re a side that is right up there with Hunslet and Oldham as one of the teams tipped to win the league.

“It’s going to be tough because they have a lot of players with experience in the Championship.

“We know what we need to improve on and that’s taking our opportunities and hanging onto the ball a bit better.

“We’ve been making it difficult for ourselves.”

Kings Langley Ladies FC will hold two trial sessions as they look to bolster their playing squad.

The team are in particular need of goalkeepers and defenders, although players in any position are welcome to attend the trial.

Players of any ability and experience can take part, but they must be aged 16 or over to play in the league, which kicks off again in September.

The trials well be held on Sunday, May 18 and Sunday, May 25 at High Street Green in Adeyfield, from 1pm onwards.

For further information, please contact Chris Walker on 07833 603472 or email chrisw@kllfc.co.uk

Sapphire Gymnastics starlet Ondine Achampong has been crowned British champion after fine showing for the East Region team at the Compulsory Levels 3 Championships.

Ondine was placed first on bars with an impressive score of 14.450, as well as finishing first on range, second on beam, and third on floor and vault.

That meant she tied equally in first place overall with East Region team-mate Halle Hilton and became Sapphire’s newest British Champion.

Ondine, along with her team-mates, helped the East Region team to first place overall.

A spokesman from Sapphire said: “Congratulations to Ondine and also to her coach Mel Bunyan for producing her first British Champion.”