Hockey: Bowdon Hightown claim 2013 Investec Women’s Cup

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Investec Women’s Cup 2013

Clifton (0) 1 – 2 (0) Bowdon Hightown
Sinton, 40, F Hartley, 45, F
Cullen, 68, F

Two Investec Premier Division sides met in the final game on Saturday at the Investec Women’s Knockout Finals with Clifton and Bowdon Hightown locking horns in the Investec Cup Final.

When the two sides met in league action both fixtures ended in a draw, so it was always going to be a tight fixture. After a goalless first half it was Clifton that broke the deadlock in the second through Liz Sinton.

Bowdon Hightown, however, were quick to reply and levelled just five minutes later through Charlotte Hartley. Then, with the game seemingly headed for extra time, Sally Walton’s mazy dribble and insightful pass found Tina Cullen in space to strike a winner with just two minutes remaining to secure their 9th Investec Cup Final victory.  

Kate Walsh goal sinks Leicester

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[img_assist|nid=6596|title=|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=82|height=100]ENGLAND, March 3 – Reading moved up to second in the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division after a solitary Kate Walsh goal fired them to victory over Leicester on Sunday.

Leicester are now down to third on goal difference but remain favourites for  the play-offs, three points clear of fifth-placed Bowdon Hightown.

Canterbury tightened their grip at the top with an impressive win at Clifton on Saturday.

It took Mel Clewlow no time at all to open the scoring, slotting the opener in almost from the start. Sarah Kerly added a second after four minutes and Jade Mayne hit the third after 13 minutes.

Clifton managed to stem the flow until the 63rd minute when Eliza Brett capped the display with the fourth and final goal.

Olton and West Warwickshire took a step towards survival with a thrilling 5-4 win over Sutton Coldfield.

Olton led 3-1 after quarter of an hour, and at the break were 4-3 ahead. They opened up a two-goal lead with Emma McCabe scoring on 44 minutes, and although Sutton Coldfield’s Sarah Mills pulled one back with nine minutes remaining it was not quite enough to avoid defeat.

Fifth-placed Bowdon Hightown kept pressure on the top four as they strolled to a comfortable 5-0 win over bottom club Slough.

Tina Cullen broke the deadlock in the 19th minute and further goals came from Nat Wray, Hannah Pike, Clare Parkhill and Charlotte Hartley. This latest defeat leaves Slough with just one point in 15 games.

Surbiton still hold onto fourth spot by goal difference after a narrow win over University of Birmingham. Emma Batten hit the only goal in a 1-0 victory.

Harleston Magpies remain top of the Investec Conference East after a 3-1 win over Chelmsford. Angie Wheelhouse was on target twice.

Buckingham dropped points for the first time this season, chalking up a 2-2 draw against Swansea in the Investec Conference West. But their place in the promotion play-offs was secured several weeks ago.

And in the Investec Conference North, Beeston remain top after recording their 13th win of the campaign. This time, their opponents were strugglers Liverpool Sefton. The Nottinghamshire side won 4-0 with goals from Kira Schmitz, Hannah Wraith, Erica Sanders and Sophie Robinson.

Investec Women’s Hockey League (March 2 2013):

Investec Premier Division: Clifton 0, Canterbury 4; Bowdon Hightown 5, Slough 0; Surbiton 1, University of Birmingham 0; Sutton Coldfield 4, Olton and West Warwickshire 5.

Investec Conference East: Oxford Hawks 2, St Albans 0; Harleston Magpies 3, Chelmsford 1; Old Loughtonians 2, Sevenoaks 1; Horsham 1, Wimbledon 4; Ipswich 7, Bromley and Beckenham 2.

Investec Conference North: Doncaster 0, Whitley Bay and Tynemouth 2; Liverpool Sefton 0, Beeston 4; Loughborough Students 5, Ben Rhydding 0; University of Durham 1, Brooklands Poynton 0; Wakefield Bradford 2, Cannock 0.

Investec Conference West: Gloucester City 4, Isca 6; Barnes Hounslow Ealing 3, Bristol Firebrands 3; Swansea 2, Buckingham 2; Taunton Vale 0, Trojans 5; Staines 2, Stourport 3.

Investec Women’s Hockey League (March 3 2013):

Investec Premier Division: Reading 1, Leicester 0.

 

Semi-final time in women’s indoor hockey championships

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[img_assist|nid=6847|title=|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=220|height=92]KETTERING, January 10 – The race for a place in the women’s Maxifuel Super Sixes Final reaches its climax this weekend as the action-packed semi finals take place at Arena Sports in Kettering on Saturday evening.

Reigning champions Leicester take on Reading in the first semi final at 6pm, in a repeat of last year’s final, while Sutton Coldfield and Bowdon Hightown do battle in the second semi final at 7.30pm.

Sutton Coldfield also reached the semi finals last year, and captain Vicky Woolford said: “Last year was a bit more of a shock because our main priority was staying in the league, but this year we had more expectation.”

Sutton Coldfield beat Bowdon Hightown in their opening match of this year’s Premier Division campaign, and Woolford added: “That was the first time we’ve beaten Bowdon Hightown indoors, and it gave us a big confidence boost, both for the league and now for the semi finals.

“Having played Leicester last year at this stage we were quite pleased not to get them again for psychological reasons, but if we want to win this we may have to play them at some point.”

Reigning champions Leicester are raring to go, and manager Sue Holwell said: “We’re pretty confident, especially if we play like we did last weekend. If we make it to the final I really don’t mind who we play – we’ve beaten them all in the league already.

“Overall we’re a better team than we were last year. We have a greater depth in the squad, which means that we can afford to give players a rest and not weaken the standard of our play. And we have another year’s experience of the indoor game under our belts.”

Meanwhile, the battle to gain promotion to the Premier Division for next season also reaches a thrilling conclusion this weekend with the final round of matches in Division One of both the men’s and women’s competitions.

The University of Birmingham and Clifton finished in the bottom two of the women’s Maxifuel Premier Division and will drop down, while the men’s Maxifuel Premier Division will lose Surbiton and Old Loughtonians.

Women’s Maxifuel Super Sixes Championship

January 12 2013

Semi Finals

Leicester v Reading 18:00

Sutton Coldfield v Bowdon Hightown 19:30

Division One

Bristol Firebrands v Surbiton 10:30

Trojans v Harleston Magpies 11:30

Sevenoaks v Brooklands Poynton 12:30

Horsham v Wakefield Bradford 13:30

East Grinstead v Bristol Firebrands 14:30

Surbiton v Trojans 15:30

Harleston Magpies v Sevenoaks 16:30

Brooklands Poynton v Horsham 17:30

Wakefield Bradford v East Grinstead 18:30

January 13 2013

Division One

Sevenoaks v Surbiton 09:00

Trojans v East Grinstead 10:00

Bristol Firebrands v Horsham 11:00

Wakefield Bradford v Sevenoaks 12:00

Brooklands Poynton v Trojans 13:00

Harleston Magpies v Bristol Firebrands 14:00

Surbiton v Wakefield Bradford 15:00

East Grinstead v Brooklands Poynton 16:00

Horsham v Harleston Magpies 17:00

Men’s Maxifuel Super Sixes Championship

January 12 2013

Division One

Harleston Magpies v Havant 10:30

Holcombe v Bournville 11:30

Hampstead & Westminster v Brooklands MU 12:30

Sevenoaks v St Albans 13:30

Southgate v Harleston Magpies 14:30

Havant v Holcombe 15:30

Bournville v Hampstead & Westminster 16:30

Brooklands MU v Sevenoaks 17:30

St Albans v Southgate 18:30

January 13 2012

Division One

Hampstead & Westminster v Havant 09:00

Holcombe v Southgate 10:00

Harleston Magpies v Sevenoaks 11:00

St Albans v Hampstead & Westminster 12:00

Brooklands MU v Holcombe 13:00

Bournville v Harleston Magpies 14:00

Havant v St Albans 15:00

Southgate v Brooklands MU

Sevenoaks v Bournville 17:00

Enjoy a supercharged Saturday night out at the Maxifuel Super Sixes semi finals at Arena Sports in Kettering. Tickets for this weekend’s semi finals are on sale now at £6 for adults and £3 for U16s. Visit www.englandhockey.co.uk/maxifuelsupersixes to buy online and find out more.

 

Kerly hits eight but Reading still Danson

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BROMSGROVE, December 16 – Canterbury’s Sarah Kerly struck eight goals on the opening day of the Maxifuel Super Sixes championships women’s premier division, with six of them coming in the 6-2 defeat of Slough on Saturday.

But her goals weren’t enough to fire Canterbury to the top of the table as they lost 5-4 to Reading in their second game of the day with Alex Danson showing electrifying form to take a hat-trick herself at Bromsgrove School.

She also had a hand in Reading’s defeat of Clifton earlier in the day, scoring a goal in the middle of a Emma Thomas brace in a 3-1 win.

The top of the league couldn’t be tighter with Leicester, Reading and Sutton Coldfield unbelievably all on the same points and goal difference with matching goals for and against columns.

Leicester took their two wins via a 5-3 defeat of University of Birmingham, courtesy of braces from Chloe Rogers and Nic White, and a 3-2 victory over Clifton.

Jane Sixsmith provided the firepower for Sutton Coldfield with a hat-trick against Bowdon Hightown in a 5-4 win and Vicky Woolford notched twice in two minutes to power them to a 3-1 win over University of Birmingham.

That result leaves University of Birmingham second from bottom as one of the three teams yet to pick up a point. The other two are Clifton and Slough, who are bottom after an exciting first day of the championships.

Maxifuel Super Sixes Championship: Women’s premier division:Bowdon Hightown 4 Sutton Coldfield 5; University of Birmingham 3 Leicester 5; Clifton 1 Reading 3; Canterbury 6 Slough 2; Olton and West Warwickshire 3 Bowdon Hightown 6; Sutton Coldfield 3 University of Birmingham 1; Leicester 3 Clifton 2; Reading 5 Canterbury 4; Slough 3 Olton and West Warwickshire 4.

Hurstpierpont collect county crown in National Schools qualifier

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Hurstpierpoint College have progressed to the regional stage of the under 18 Girls’ National Schools Hockey Competition. Hosting the event, Hurst collected the winners’ shield for the first time in over 15 years when a nail biting finale against Eastbourne College went to sudden death penalty flicks.

Ten sides from across Sussex began the day with their sights set firmly on a top three finish and a secure passage to the regionals. In section A of the draw, Hurst opened their account with a 2-0 win over Burgess Hill. Sixth former Lauren Hope scored either side of half time, first skilfully deflecting a powerful cross beyond the keeper and second, showing composure to drive a low shot into the corner of the goal.

Completing Section A of the draw were St Leonard’s Mayfield, Christ’s Hospital and Hurst’s match two opponents, Collyer’s College. In a game of few clear cut chances Hurst’s Amelia Frett side stepped the defence and scored the only goal from a first half short corner.  In flood-lit conditions with sporadic downpours the home team entered match three versus Mayfield. Whilst Hurst had the majority of the possession, a hardy Mayfield side defended stoutly without concession, resulting in a no score draw.

Needing just a point to qualify, Hurst’s last group match against Christ’s hospital demanded discipline. With two early goals from Courtney Hansford and Theresa Bilowitzki the girls soaked up the attacks from Christ’s before striking with a third goal through Lauren Hope in the second half.  With Hurst and Mayfield through to the semi-finals from Section A, Section B of the draw included Eastbourne College, Brighton College, Lancing College, Ardingly College and St Bede’s School. Eastbourne qualified without loss alongside St Bede’s who edged through on goal difference.

Continuing their march towards the final, Eastbourne defeated Mayfield with a 1-0 score but had to wait to discover who they would play in the final.  In Hurst’s semi versus St Bede’s the score was 1-0 at the break after Lauren Hope’s fourth goal of the tournament. With all players suffering from a long day of matches, the crowd played their part in the second half. Amelia Frett gave the home side breathing space with a second goal before St Bede’s netted in the closing moments for a 2-1 full time score.

The final was a match played with zip and grit as the ball flashed across the surface and the girls used the last of their energy reserves. Both teams came close to scoring with Hurst having a shot cleared on the line by an Eastbourne defender in the first half. No goals at full time meant a nervy series of penalty strokes. 2-2 after five shots each, sudden death left Hurst at the brink of defeat on two occasions but for the heroic saves of keeper Holly Sargent. Hurst held their nerve to score again before Eastbourne’s last decisive miss.

After lifting the shield Hurst’s 1st Team Coach, Chris Wilson, said “They are a fantastic group of girls and the best 1st XI we have ever had. They performed extremely well in tough conditions and we are looking forward to the regional rounds where we can test ourselves against some of the best.”

Eastbourne College and Mayfield also progressed to the next stage of the competition as runners up and third place finishers respectively. All three teams will be looking to bring the national trophy to Sussex in 2013.

Sutton Coldfield run hot to take top place

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[img_assist|nid=6312|title=|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=100|height=100]WEST MIDLANDS, October 13 – Sutton Coldfield stormed to the top of the Investec women’s hockey league premier division with a ruthless 7-0 win over lowly Slough on Saturday.

Celia Butler did most of the damage with a hat-trick and Jane Sixsmith got her name on the score sheet as usual with a goal either side of the break.

But Surbiton only have themselves to blame for losing their place at the top of the table as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to champions Leicester, with Vanessa Hawkins and Jo Hunter scoring the goals for the visitors.

Clifton’s game against University of Birmingham resulted in a draw. After Ali Porter had put Clifton ahead two minutes in, Liz George kept her rich vein of form up with a leveller for the visitors.

Emily Defroand’s goal looked to have won it for Birmingham but with nine minutes left, Jo Leigh hit the equaliser for Clifton.

Bowdon Hightown beat Olton & West Warwickshire thanks to two goals from the prolific Tina Cullen.

Buckingham made it five wins from five games to keep their lead in the Investec conference west with a 2-0 win over Gloucester City.

It was a stern test for Buckingham, with Gloucester starting the day in second. But goals from Jess Bloom and Katrina Nicholson saw them take the win.

In the Investec conference north, Beeston survived a late scare to record their fourth win of the season to stay top.

Eleanor Watton and Sophie Robinson had given Beeston a two-goal lead over opponents Loughborough Students. With just three minutes left on the clock, Holly Brown pulled one back for the students but Beeston held on for victory.

Harleston Magpies lead the Investec conference east by a single point after their 4-1 demolition of St Albans. Emma Lee-Smith bagged a brace.

Investec Women’s Hockey League (October 13 2012):

Investec Premier Division: Bowdon 2, Olton & West Warwicks 1; Clifton 2, University of Birmingham 2; Surbiton 1, Leicester 2; Sutton Coldfield 7, Slough 0.
Investec Conference East: Harleston Magpies 4, St. Albans 1; Horsham 0, Sevenoaks 1; Ipswich 2, Chelmsford 1; Old Loughtonians 3, Bromley and Beckenham 1; Oxford Hawks 1, Wimbledon 2.
Investec Conference North: Doncaster 3, Cannock 1; Liverpool Sefton 0, Ben Rhydding 0; Loughborough Students LHC 1, Beeston 2; University of Durham 0, Whitley Bay and Tynemouth 1; Wakefield 2, Brooklands Poynton 3.
Investec Conference West: Barnes 1, Trojans 2; Gloucester City 0, Buckingham 2; Staines 1, Swansea City 2; Stourport 0, Isca 4; Taunton Vale 0, Bristol Firebrands 4.

 

Hockey: Sutton Coldfield have eye on top spot

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[img_assist|nid=465|title=Shock value|desc=Sutton Coldfield skipper Vicky Woolford says her side is ready to continue their winning ways vs Slough tomorrow – photo: Andy Smith|link=node|align=left|width=220|height=311]WEST MIDLANDS, October 12 – Sutton Coldfield entertain Slough at Clifton Road in the Investec women’s hockey league premier division tomorrow, and could go top of the table if they win and other results go their way. 

The Midlands outfit finished eighth last season and won just six league matches, but they already have two victories under their belts and are eager for more as they enjoy a good run of form which saw them hammer Old Halesonians 12-0 in the Investec Women’s Cup last Sunday. 

“I think we shocked a few people when we beat Clifton last weekend,” said captain Vicky Woolford. “And we’ll be looking to carry that on again Slough.

“They’ve not had the best of starts so far, but they are very experienced and there are no easy wins to be had in the league.

“This time last year we didn’t have any points, but having a season in the league gives you so much experience and we’re doing a lot better.”

Elsewhere, leaders Surbiton face Leicester at Sugden Road, while second-placed Canterbury – who are level on points with their Surrey rivals – go to Reading on Sunday.

In Saturday’s other top flight matches, Bowdon Hightown entertain Olton and West Warwickshire, and Clifton play host to University of Birmingham.

With two wins and two draws each, Harleston Magpies and Horsham are both targeting the top of the Investec women’s conference east table this weekend.

Both at home, Harleston entertain St Albans while Horsham take on Sevenoaks. Meanwhile, Ipswich entertain Chelmsford and could also go top if other results go in their favour.

While their men’s team are riding high at the top of the premier division, Beeston Ladies are gunning for the top of the Investec women’s conference north.

Currently second, Beeston go to Loughborough University on Saturday and could go top if University of Durham lose out at unbeaten Whitley Bay and Tynemouth.

 The top two clubs meet in the Investec women’s conference west, with Gloucester City hosting leaders Buckingham at Stroud Road. Meanwhile, third-placed Trojans go to Barnes Hounslow Ealing, while Isca travel to Stourport. 

Investec Women’s Hockey League (Saturday, October 13 2012)

Premier Division

Bowdon Hightown v Olton & West Warwickshire 15:00

Clifton v University of Birmingham 11:30

Surbiton v Leicester 16:00

Sutton Coldfield v Slough 15:00

(Sun) Reading v Canterbury 12:30

 Conference East

Harleston Magpies v St Albans 12:30

Horsham v Sevenoaks 13:30

Ipswich v Chelmsford 14:00

Old Loughtonians v Bromley & Beckenham 14:30

Oxford Hawks v Wimbledon 12:00

Conference North

Doncaster v Cannock 12:00

Liverpool Sefton v Ben Rhydding 12:30

Loughborough Students v Beeston 12:30

University of Durham v Whitley Bay & Tynemouth 12:00

Wakefield Bradford v Brooklands Poynton 13:30

Conference West

Barnes Hounslow Ealing v Trojans 12:00

Gloucester City v Buckingham 12:00

Staines v Swansea City 13:30

Stourport v Isca 12:00

Taunton Vale v Bristol Firebrands 13:30

Hockey: Surbiton draw keeps them in pole position

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[img_assist|nid=6260|title=|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=68|height=100]LONDON, October 6 – A draw against Bowdon Hightown was just enough for Surbiton to cling to the lead in the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division on Saturday.

The point they earned from their 1-1 final scoreline leaves them top on goal difference, Amy Bryant giving them the lead before Sally Walton pulled Bowdon back level.

But Canterbury are breathing down their neck in second spot, level on points with Surbiton following their 2-1 win over Leicester at Polo Farm.

Sarah Kerly gave Canterbury the lead on 40 minutes, and although Jo Hunter equalised for Leicester Eliza Brett secured the points on 64 minutes, again from a penalty corner.

 

Jane Sixsmith scored early in the first half and Vicky Woolford added another six minutes into the second period to help Sutton Coldfield secure a 2-0 win over hosts Clifton.

 

University of Birmingham ran out 2-1 winners from their home match against Slough.

 

The Berkshire visitors took the lead with Laura Puddle scoring from a penalty corner routine on 11 minutes, but the hosts hit back shortly before half time with Alice Sharp scoring on 26 minutes before Emily Defroand scored the winner five minutes after the break.

Meanwhile, Olton and West Warwickshire secured their first points of the season when they beat Reading 1-0, Mandy Gatherer scoring early in the second half.

In the Investec Conference West, Buckingham maintained their perfect start to the season with a 3-0 win at Barnes Hounslow Ealing, Jessica Bloom, Elspeth Cockburn and Katrina Nicholson scoring their goals.

Gloucester City lost pace with the leaders when they were held to a 1-1 draw at Swansea City.

In the Investec Conference North, three goals in the final five minutes help leaders University of Durham secure a 4-0 win over hosts Doncaster at Town Fields as they maintained their perfect start to the season.

Second-placed Beeston ran out 5-1 winners over third-placed Brooklands Poynton. Hannah Wraith and Sophie Robinson scoring two goals each, while Cath McComb added the other.

Investec Women’s Hockey League (October 6 2012)

Investec Women’s Premier Division: Canterbury 2, Leicester 1; Clifton 0, Sutton Coldfield 2; Reading 0, Olton & West Warwicks 1; Surbiton 1, Bowdon 1; University of Birmingham 2, Slough 1.  

Investec Women’s Conference East: Chelmsford 2, Oxford Hawks 2; Harleston Magpies 0, Ipswich 0; Horsham 1, Bromley and Beckenham 0; Old Loughtonians 1, St. Albans 1; Sevenoaks 2, Wimbledon 2.
Investec Women’s Conference North: Beeston 5, Brooklands Poynton 1; Ben Rhydding 2, Cannock 2; Doncaster 0, University of Durham 4; Liverpool Sefton 0, Whitley Bay and Tynemouth 2; Loughborough Students 1, Wakefield 1.
Investec Women’s Conference West: Barnes 0, Buckingham 3; Bristol Firebrands 2, Isca 2; Staines 0, Trojans 5; Swansea City 1, Gloucester City 1; Taunton Vale 0, Stourport 3.

Hockey: High-flying Clifton take on reigning champions Leicester

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[img_assist|nid=6127|title=|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=220|height=167]INVESTEC WOMEN’S HOCKEY LEAGUE, September 27 – Top of the table Clifton take on reigning Champions Leicester in what promises to be the pick of the matches in the Investec women’s hockey league premier division on Saturday.

The Bristolians will travel to Leicester Grammar School aiming to notch up a third straight win, but their hosts could field a team laced with GB internationals and intent on bouncing back from last weekend’s disappointing draw with Bowdon Hightown.

But Clifton captain Fleur Horner remained upbeat about their chances, and said: “I think the pressure is mainly on Leicester in this match. Everybody will be looking to see which of their stars will be playing and which won’t, but we haven’t had quite so much upheaval with players coming and going.

“We will be looking for a strong team performance. Our core 12 is relatively unchanged from last year, so we are solid in terms of our patterns of play.”

Second-placed Surbiton are also unbeaten so far and they take on Olton and West Warwickshire who are yet to win a match. The Division’s other unbeaten team, Canterbury go to Sutton Coldfield in search of another victory.

 

 Bowdon Hightown take on the University of Birmingham in Saturday’s other match, while Slough host Reading on Sunday.

 

 In the Investec women’s conference east, Sevenoaks are the only team left with a perfect record after the first two weeks, and they will be aiming to keep their position at the top of the table when they travel to Banbury Road to take on Oxford Hawks on Saturday.

Third last season, St Albans were the side beaten by Sevenoaks last weekend and they play host to Horsham, but they will be aiming to replicate the form they showed in a big opening day 6-2 win over Chelmsford.

The only two teams with perfect records in the Investec women’s conference north, Beeston and University of Durham do battle this Saturday at Maiden Castle.

And leaders Gloucester City meet third-placed Barnes Hounslow Ealing in the Investec women’s conference west on Saturday, while Buckingham are also unbeaten and they play Staines at home.

Investec Women’s Hockey League (Saturday, September 29 2012)

Premier Division

Bowdon Hightown v University of Birmingham 15:00

Leicester v Clifton 12:30

Olton & West Warwickshire v Surbiton 12:00

Sutton Coldfield v Canterbury 14:00

(Sun) Slough v Reading 14:00 

Conference East

Bromley & Beckenham v Harleston Magpies 14:45

Ipswich v Old Loughtonians 14:00

Oxford Hawks v Sevenoaks 12:00

St Albans v Horsham 14:15

Wimbledon v Chelmsford 15:00

Conference North

Brooklands Poynton v Doncaster 12:00

Cannock v Liverpool Sefton 12:00

University of Durham v Beeston 12:00

Wakefield Bradford v Ben Rhydding 13:30

Whitley Bay & Tynemouth v Loughborough Students 12:30

Conference West

Buckingham v Staines 12:00

Gloucester City v Barnes Hounslow Ealing 12:00

Isca v Taunton Vale 12:00

Stourport v Bristol Firebrands 12:00

Trojans v Swansea City 12:00

Glasgow Commonwealth Games releases ‘Clyde’ mascot images

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GLASGOW, September 20 – Just when you thought you’d had seen the last of Games mascots with ‘Wenlock’ and ‘Mandeville’ heading off into the sunset, the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee has  unveiled ‘Clyde’ –  the official mascot for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Clyde – based on a Scottish thistle and named after Glasgow’s famous river – was created by 12-year-old Beth Gilmour from Cumbernauld. Beth won a UK-wide competition, from over 4000 entries, to design the Glasgow 2014 mascot.

Beth won four tickets to the Glasgow 2014 Opening Ceremony as part of her prize. She said: “I still can’t believe that my entry is now the Glasgow 2014 mascot – it’s amazing to see Clyde come to life and I’m so happy that my design and idea will now be seen by everyone across the world.”

The idea of using a thistle was a strong favourite of the judging panel and Glasgow 2014.

Clyde is a significant departure from all previous Commonwealth Games mascots. This is the first time the official mascot has not been an animal – a trend that has continued ever since the first Commonwealth Games mascot for Edmonton in 1978 was a bear called ‘Keyano’.

The mascot will be a significant personality in the run up to and during Games-time. He embarks on a national tour of Scotland straight after the launch and will play a major role in many landmark moments on the journey to the Games, motivating young people in particular to make the most of Scotland’s largest ever sporting and cultural event.

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