Matson 32 Camborne 35

For the second week in a row Matson let slip a 17-point lead in Western Counties North.

The previous week they had raced into a 17-0 lead at Wells before losing 43-22.

Against Camborne they led 20-3 before the visitors fought their way back into the game.

With games starting to run out Matson are facing an uphill battle to stay in the division.

Early pressure from Matson forced the visitors into a number of infringements which, within five minutes, were punished by a Connor Gwillam penalty.

Ten minutes later, however, the scores were level with Matson being penalised for a lineout infringement.

Matson then put the visitors under tremendous pressure on their own line with their efforts being rewarded with a penalty try, converted by Gwillam, to put them 10-3 up.

On the 20-minute mark, Joe Stokes started a scintillating break out from within Matson's 22, incorporating excellent inter-play with Chris Hawkins, Rhys Wasley, Vincenzo Lanciano, which culminated in a fine touchdown by Alfie Burns for an unconverted try to put the home side 15-3 ahead.

Matson continued to dominate and went further ahead after an exquisite run by Aaron Morefield.

He unselfishly passed to Jervan Brown who went over for an unconverted try, to put the home side 20-3 ahead.

Immediately from the kick off, Matson were penalised for crossing to put the score at 20-6 and from this point, the visitors started to gain some momentum and just on half time, formed a maul and drove forward for an unconverted try to reduce the deficit to 20-11 at the break.

From the restart, the visitors' positive approach continued and after 10 minutes they were awarded a penalty try, duly converted, to reduce the deficit to 20-18.

As a result of the penalty try, Matson found themselves reduced to 14 men and during the ensuing 10-minute period there was further success for the visitors when a converted breakaway try put them 25-20 in front.

Matson's response was swift and good open play saw Jervan Brown touch down to put the scores level with 10 minutes remaining.

Their joy, however, was shortlived when the home side were penalised at a ruck with the following penalty duly converted.

From the restart, Matson attacked strongly down the right wing with Vincenzo Lanciano kicking forward.

However, the subsequent touchdown by Aaron Morefield did not count as there was deemed to be a knock on.

From the resultant scrum, the visitors hacked forward and finally, after shoving the Matson pack 30 yards, touched down for a converted try to put them 10 points clear with a minute to go.

From the restart, Matson exercised some pack dominance of their own which was rewarded with a converted penalty. A game, which at times, had promised much for Matson ended in frustration with a point for four tries and a losing bonus point the only reward for their efforts.

PUPILS in Brockworth brought science to life as they took part in a countywide competition which saw them explore a range of topics, including alcoholism and malaria.

Millbrook Academy held the finale of the FameLab competition on Friday, which saw a dozen Year 9 pupils give a three minute talk on science, technology, engineering or maths.

Last year Cheltenham Festivals launched FameLab, which is supported by EDF Energy. It aims to improve young people's science communication skills.

Supported by their teachers, pupils at Millbrook Academy have spent weeks preparing their three minute presentations to explain a scientific topic of their choice.

Friday's finale saw the pupils present their research to Year 7 pupils and to judges Philippa Claridge, Cheltenham Festivals' manager, Dr Matteo Degiacomi, chemistry research assistant from the University of Oxford and to Sarah Watts, vice-principal of the school.

Philippa said: "This is a really great idea for so many reasons. We are seeing a shortage of scientists and engineers in this country. If young people do not get the opportunity to understand and learn in depth about science now, from a young age they will not make the right decision in the future.

"Primary schools make science fun but then pupils get to secondary schools and many do not enjoy it anymore."

Pupil Megan Lewis-Watkins, 14, researched the effects of alcohol. During her presentation she explained the benefits and negative effects drink can have on a person and how many units should drunk by men and women.

She said: "I chose this subject because many people drink but not many know the health effects it can have on you. I hope my presentation will help people who suffer from a drink problem.

"I researched my information from the BBC website. A lot of time went into this, it took around three months to prepare my presentation. We had many lessons to help us. Our teachers chose a selection of pupils who they thought might want to take part, this was eventually narrowed down to a few of us."

The winner from each school will receive a masterclass in communication training and a work placement in a local company.

Churchdown School and Gloucester Academy are also taking part in FameLab alongside many schools in Cheltenham and Stroud.

FameLab Academy is a sister competition to Cheltenham Festivals' FameLab and it is hosted in 26 countries.

Rosslyn Park 24 Cinderford 7

This National One match went the way of the formbook, with third-placed Rosslyn Park overcoming a spirited performance from third-from-bottom Cinderford to gain a bonus point victory at a chilly Roehampton.

The visitors were led out by number eight George Evans who was making his 200th first-team appearance and they made a strong start.

They put their opponents' scrummage under pressure in the early stages, but they were unable to take advantage on the scoreboard.

Park eventually settled into their stride and opened their account after 15 minutes of play when the ball was quickly recycled, allowing winger Dave Vincent to cross for an unconverted try in the corner.

That lead was increased when a penalty was kicked into touch to set up an attacking lineout and number eight Hugo Ellis completed a catch and drive over the line to score a try which Scott Sneddon converted.

It was 19-0 to Park after 28 minutes when the referee was quick to award a penalty try as pressure was exerted on a five- scrummage, with Sneddon again adding the conversion.

As half-time approached the visitors threatened to score, but a knock-on and then a poor throw at an attacking lineout denied them the opportunity.

Play swung from end to end in the early stages of the second-half before Park flanker Mike McFarlane appeared fortunate to receive only a yellow card following an off the ball challenge on Cinderford winger Alex Frame.

The visitors quickly made their numerical advantage count when scrum-half Clive Stuart-Smith darted over after his forwards took the ball up to their opponents' try line, with James Moffat converting.

Frame had by now recovered but as if to add insult to injury he was denied a try soon afterwards when the officials called play back for a knock-on despite the ball appearing to go forward off a Park player in the build-up.

There was further frustration for Cinderford when another clear scoring opportunity was again called back for an alleged forward pass.

Park recovered their composure in the final quarter and a lengthy spell of pressure eventually led to former Cinderford scrum-half Luke Carter being awarded a try which secured his side's bonus point and completed the scoring.

Rosslyn Park: Nev Edwards, Kiba Richards, Mark Ireland, Paul Mackey, Dave Vincent, Scott Sneddon, Luke Carter, Aaron Liffchak, Tom Woolstencroft, Alex Mackenzie, James Inglis, Richard Boyle, Mike McFarlane, Harry Lundberg, Hugo Ellis. Reps: Adam Bellamy, Alex Lundberg, Will Bowley, Tom Whelan, Charles Broughton.

Cinderford: Mike Wilcox (capt), Alex Frame, Sam Hanks, Leo Fielding, Stefan Hawley, James Moffat, Clive Stuart-Smith, Jack Cosgrove, Sam Wilkes, Chris Bundy, Ed King, Shay Kerry, George Mills, Sam Underhill, George Evans. Reps: Joe Smart, Jack Adams, Marcus Brown, Elliot Booley, Roger Birkin.

Referee: Rob Warburton.

Star Man: James Inglis (Rosslyn Park)

FORMER pupils from the Crypt School have paid tribute to inspirational teacher Charles Lepper, who has passed away.

Charles, 92, who died on January 27, was the head of English and drama where he produced a series of Shakespeare plays.

He grew up in London and attended Bradfield College, in Berkshire, where he acquired a taste for drama. In 1941 he was called up to the King's Royal Rifle corps, becoming an officer in 1943. After service in France and Belgium, he requested a transfer to Burma, gaining the rank of major.

From 1946 to 1949 he completed a degree in English at Lincoln College in Oxford, though most of his time was devoted to dramatics.

His acting career made a positive start, including a season alongside John Gielgud and Peggy Ashcroft at the Royal Shakespeare Company and seasons at Sheffield and Chesterfield. His hopes were crushed by his increasing deafness and in 1954 he tried out teaching at the Crypt.

Richard Abraham, who was a pupil at the school between 1953 and 1961, performed in some of Charles' plays. He said: "Charles and the Crypt's new head, Colin Ewan, got on marvellously and from 1955 to 1967, his brilliant and totally professional methods inspired a rare affection for the works of William Shakespeare in Cryptians. For many former students at Crypt and Bradfield, he was the most charismatic teacher they ever met, a man who really opened their eyes and changed their lives."

Clive Mitchell, also a former pupil at the school from 1955 and 1963, added: "Reviewers, who had claimed that boys could not play Lear, ate their own words. In 1964, Charles called back his former actors, now mostly at universities, to stage a 'Tribute to Shakespeare' on the Bard's 400th anniversary."

In 1967 Charles returned to Bradfield as head of English and drama, where he produced plays in English and Greek. In 1985 he retired in Oxford, where he became an active member of Lincoln College and was an active Freemason.

His history of the Crypt School was published for the school's 450th anniversary in 1989. From 2009, he lived in a care home in Berkshire.

Jacqui Connell from Huntley was a close friend. She said: "He was a wonderful person who my parents and I and later my husband have been fortunate to have as a great friend. We have many happy memories and he will always be remembered by his friends in so many ways.

"From his experiences of life we have also made many friends and I was fortunate to be able to call him 'uncle' as he has played a big part in my overall life. Charles lived initially in The Saracens Head, Gloucester and finally moved into Stroud Road and friends remember him cycling around Gloucester with his hat and scarf on, blowing in the wind."

The Old Cryptians Club, which has more than 100 members, will be toasting Charles at their annual dinner at Kingsholm Rugby Club on March 21. A memorial will also be held on the same day in school hall at the Crypt School.

Lizzy Yarnold has completed a remarkable weekend by winning her second gold medal.

The former University of Gloucestershire student took pole position in the skeleton at the European Championship in Igls, Austria.

It follows the 26-year-old's gold medal run 24 hours earlier in the World Cup on the same track.

The Olympic champion can still retain her World Cup title. The final round - where there are 225 points up for grabs - takes place in Sochi and Yarnold is currently in third spot, 53 points behind leader Janine Flock, of Austria.

LOSING his brother to suicide a devastating blow for Simon Harkin but now he is hoping to raise awareness about the taboo subject.

Phil Harkin, from Barnwood, died 12 years ago when he took his own life after suffering bi-polar disorder for many years.

After a tough few years brother Simon, 49, from Abbeymead, has decided to do a charity swim and badminton match to raise as much money as possible for the Mental Health Research UK charity. He has also channelled his thoughts into music.

He said: "It has been a difficult 12 years grieving but I decided to write a song in memory of Phil, called Into the Day, which is on YouTube."

Simon, who is a programme manager at Ecclesiastical, will be taking part in a swim race and badminton challenge with colleague Helen Black.

He added: "One of the main reasons for doing this is to raise awareness about suicide. I think there is a stigma attached to talking about this subject. Phil tried to take his life twice before.

"Phil was such a kind, loving and generous person. He left this life with very little because all the money he had, all the gifts he ever received, he would give to others. Phil cared deeply for others and although struggling with his own illness, he found the time to reach out to help people with similar problems, offering them friendship and support. He was like a magnet for them. In his good times he was lively, witty, chatty and the life and soul of parties. A family man. He was also very popular with the ladies."

Helen added: "Having had a family member also suffer from mental health issues this was a cause that struck a chord with me and I was very keen to be able to help raise funds for this charity with Simon."

The race will take place on February 25, to donate visit, justgiving.com/simon-harkin.

A former Stonehouse schoolboy is leading militia defending a key defensive point in Ukraine from Russian separatist forces, it has been reported.

Adam Osmayev, who attended Wycliffe College, is heading up a force defending the Ukranian city of Debaltseve from separatist forces backed by Russia.

The Daily Telegraph said Adam, 33, has been promoted to lead the band of volunteers after his predecessor Isa Munayev was killed in the bloody conflict.

His guardian at the fee-paying Wycliffe College was Robert Workman who looked after Adam after his arrival at the sixth form in 1994.

Mr Workman, 75, told The Telegraph: "Adam was a great lad. Lively, energetic, sometimes up to mischief, but always respectful."

His wife, Theresa Workman was quoted as saying: "The girls flocked round him. By the time he was in the upper sixth he was illegally hiring cars and taking them to B&Bs for the night."

She added: "To be honest I thought he was dead."

The battle for Debaltseve in eastern Ukraine has seen Adam, a native Chechen, and the men of his Dzhokar Dudayev Battalion engaged in fierce firefights and tank bombardments across the city's neighbourhoods, railway marshalling yards and road network.

Drybrook 12 Thornbury 19

Drybrook slipped to a disappointing South West One defeat despite monopolising possession and territory for long periods.

They found it difficult to break through the visitors' defence.

A lot of Drybrook's problems were self-inflicted with players ignoring men in space outside time and again as they overdid the route one stuff and on a number of occasions they chose to run some very kickable penalties which in hindsight could have made a significant difference to the result.

Thornbury made the early running but Drybrook soon turned things around and had a chance of a try from a quick tap penalty but flanker Danny Price was guilty of failing to look for support.

A period of stalemate followed until Thornbury brought the game to life with the first try of the afternoon.

Drybrook failed to defend a ruck on half way which led to the visitors' scrum-half nipping through the gap and several offloads later a try was scored under the home posts.

A better period followed from Drybrook with some good ball retention but they just could not break through Thornbury's yellow blanket.

With 34 minutes gone Thornbury went 14-0 up with another try started from inside their own half.

This time a few missed tackles created the space for the visitors to run in again from distance.

The remainder of the first half was all Drybrook as they battered away at the Thornbury line in an effort to reduce the gap.

Unfortunately it was all too predictable and despite a series of penalties and lots of opportunities, including one massive overlap, they came away with nothing.

There was lots of intent from Drybrook early in the second half and following several lineout drives they eventually scored when prop Dean Jelf got the touchdown.

Thornbury's response was impressive with phase after phase of attacking that resulted in a try in the corner.

With the game slipping away from them Drybrook kept up the pressure on the visitors and were unlucky not to score when prop Mitch Hale was held up in the in-goal area.

Drybrook kept kicking to the corner in an effort to drive over the visitors' line again but Thornbury resisted everything that was thrown at them including illegally bringing down a maul which resulted in a yellow card.

Despite a one man advantage Drybrook still could not break through and wasted another golden chance of a try by hanging onto the ball instead of shipping it out on the overlap.

With the home supporters getting frustrated at Drybrook's tactics they suddenly produced an unexpected try. A lineout five metres out was won and the ball was quickly passed back to hooker Harry Collins who raced through the gap down the short side.

Tom Treherne struck a good conversion from the corner to give Drybrook a losing bonus point and there was still enough time left for the home side to try and rescue the game.

Unfortunately they made a mess of the restart and it was Thornbury who were able to apply the pressure and they were held up in the in-goal area at the end as they went in pursuit of a bonus-point try.

This was a very disappointing showing from the home team who must learn to make the most of the opportunities they create.

Others areas of concern were a creaking scrum in which they lost three against the head and some poor restart work which gifted the opposition territory and possession.

Drybrook: Tom Treherne, Connor Hale, Jack Simmons,Kristian Taft, Sam Peaper, Ben Large (capt), Mitch Baldwin, Dean Jelf, Harry Collins, Elliot White, Marcus Cowles, Glen Nott, Danny Price, Niall Gibbons, Mitch Bourne. Reps: Rich Cottrell, Mitch Hale, Chris Rawlings.

STAR MAN: Mitch Bourne.

Kim Bailey, who struck up a fruitful partnership with Tony McCoy last summer, said few people know how hard he works behind the scenes to make the most out of every single ride.

The nineteen times champion, who has been relentlessly chasing winners every day since the early nineties, still takes time to study the form of his mounts when he gets home after pounding the motorways for rides up and down the country.

In June last year, McCoy made it eight winners from 11 rides for Bailey when his usual jockey Jason Maguire was sidelined.

The Andoversford handler said McCoy would use every ounce of energy on every occasion: "It was a huge honour to have him ride for me," he said.

"His knowledge is extraordinary as is the time and effort he puts into race reading. Although he's a very busy man he watches the replays of his rides for the next day the night before and treats every one like it's the Gold Cup."

When McCoy hangs up his boots at the end of the season, one of the fondest memories the trainer will treasure is how he was the only jockey to get one of his horses home in front: "How AP McCoy managed to get Able Deputy to win again at Worcester lord only knows," he told his newsletter last September.

And win they did four times, in a golden summer period for the Bailey stable.

A few months later however, an on track tumble left McCoy with a dislocated my collar bone, two broken ribs and a punctured lung.

The ironman returned after just three days because he was pursuing 300 winners, but another fall jarred his injuries which led to him having three weeks off.

"Pain doesn't come into his life. He doesn't do painkillers, he doesn't do pain. His body has had a real battering," said Bailey.

"I hope he gets to the end of the season in one piece. We will not see another one like him, he's quite unique.

"Saturday was not a sad day for racing because you have to stand back and applaud what he has done for racing, he's been a real ambassador for the sport.

"What he has done is a brave move, he has let everyone know where they are in good time and you can't have such conversations behind the scenes without it getting out.

"Twenty championships is a remarkable feat and I think it is the right time for him to go.

""His sheer determination to win, over all those years, has set him apart from others."

Firefighters were called to tackle a chimney blaze in Coleford yesterday afternoon.

The incident happened shortly before 1.30pm, when fire crew from Coleford Station attended the scene, where they extinguished the fire promptly.

Due to increased popularity of solid fuel heating Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service attends a significant number of chimney fires every year.

Couples in the south west are most likely to try role play in bed, according to a survey conducted by Durex.

Fifty Shades of Grey is guaranteed to pack cinemas when it launches in the UK next weekend.

But a survey by Durex has found that few of us will put what we see into practice, with adults twice as likely go to bed with a good book than indulge in adventurous sex.

The survey of couples up and down the country reveals it has been over a year since a third of us tried anything new in the bedroom. And only 40 per cent have ever acted out a fantasy with a partner.

It found the place to be for role playing is ­the south west, with 60 per cent of those surveyed admitting to giving it a go.

While modern technology plays a huge part in flirting through sexts and picture messages, it also has a negative impact on our sex lives.

Nine per cent of adults in the south west admit to playing computer games in bed every other day.

Where in the country is Fifty Shades of Grey having an influence?

London

Most likely to try new things in bedroom at 68 per cent. However less than one per cent said they have cuddled up to their partner in bed in the last month.

North East

Most likely to watch sex films at 50 per cent. But two per cent told the survey that they won't be making the extra effort in bed on Valentine's Day.

North West

Most likely to read erotic fiction at 67 per cent. But almost one in four said they haven't tried anything new in bed for more than three years.

Northern Ireland

Most likely to love being tied up along with Wales at almost 53 per cent. But they sit at the bottom of the UK table at five per cent when it comes to getting in the mood by shopping for sex toys.

Scotland

Most likely to think real sex beats fiction at 73 per cent. Yet almost one in four confess it's more than three years since they tried anything new between the sheets.

South East

Most likely to want imaginative lovers at 47 per cent. But just 35 per cent said they are confident enough in the bedroom to share their own fantasies with a lover.

South West

Most likely to try role playing in bed at 60 per cent. But nine per cent admit to playing computer games in bed every other day.

Wales

Most likely to have used a sex toy at 73 per cent. But least likely to have tried something new in the bedroom in the last week at only two per cent.

West Midlands

Most likely to get romantic in bed  and try something new on Valentine's Day (25 per cent). But 20 per cent say they don't like playing games in the sack.

Yorkshire

Most likely to have a sexual fantasy at 72 per cent. But only two in every hundred questioned have tried experimenting in the bedroom in the last month.

Tynedale 16 Hartpury 23

Hartpury eventually secured win number nine in succession, but were made to fight all the way by a team digging deep for National One survival. Not until replacement winger Alex O'Meara dotted down with the last play of the game could they feel safe and, despite Hartpury having the edge in possession, the hosts had led for long periods writes Andrew Beacham.

On the college's first ever visit to this friendly Northumbrian club, they were relieved to arrive in fine weather and find a pitch in decent condition.

Tynedale have had a tough season, falling into the bottom three after some good early results as playing resources have been stretched by injury and non-availability.

This was frequently a frustrating afternoon for the visitors. Despite a good measure of control at the set-piece, backed up by effective work at the breakdown, it was one of those days when passes were frequently misplaced and handling erratic.

For the second week running there were changes in personnel. Both starting props from previous weeks were rested, with James Gibbons returning at loosehead for the first time this season and Tim Brockett on the other side.

Rob Fuller replaced Rory Bartle, absent with Wales Under-20s, at lock while both Will Safe and Callum Bowden were drafted in to the back row.

Outside, Ben Vellacott made his first start of the season at scrum-half with Gareth Thompson moving to 10 and George Boulton getting a chance at centre. England Sevens flyer Dan Norton continued on the wing.

Hartpury made an all-action start and dominated the opening passages of the game. It was no surprise when the deadlock was broken after 12 minutes.

Boulton and Norton attacked towards the left hand touchline where they found flanker Bowden in support. His inside ball found the hard-running James Voss who, in turn, fed Vellacott. The nippy Scotland Under-20 man stepped inside the cover defence to round off a good team try, although Thompson was inches wide with the conversion.

Based on the recent form of both clubs, Hartpury might have expected to build on their good start and pull away, but it was the hosts who raised their game to be next on the scoresheet.

Uncharacteristically, it was missed tackles that allowed powerful back row forward Scott Powell to make big yards into Hartpury territory. Although he was eventually collared short of the Hartpury line, his off-load allowed tighthead prop Mark Irving to finish.

Brett Connon added the kick to put Tynedale two points ahead.

From here the game settled into something of a stalemate, with both teams enjoying spells of pressure but much of the play being conducted between the 22-metre lines. Hartpury continued to enjoy more of the ball but their lack of precision prevented them from capitalising.

Thompson and Connon traded penalties before the break and the northerners extended their lead when the latter landed a monster from halfway in the 50th minute.

With frustration growing, Hartpury made changes and had their reward just after the hour. Excellent number eight Will Safe made good ground through the midfield, breaking tackles and drawing in defenders.

The ball was quickly recycled and Mat Protheroe set off on a typical jinking run toward the posts, looking set to score before being dragged down three metres short. Quick ball, again, saw Hartpury with a massive overlap to the left but replacement centre Craig Jackson instead took responsibility, his big dummy wrong-footing the cover and allowing him to score near the posts.

Thompson's conversion was good this time and now Hartpury had a two-point lead.

As the game reached a climax the two kickers again swapped penalties, before Connon was short with another ambitious effort from long-range.

The visitors launched themselves into

a final assault and the forwards established a good position deep in Tynedale territory.

Thompson's grubber behind the defence was perfectly weighted for O'Meara who, after some good footballing skills of his own, was able secure the win and break Tynedale hearts.

Hartpury now face a tough run of games against the teams currently occupying the top four slots in the division. The first of these is a mouth-watering home fixture with leaders Ealing on Saturday (2.30pm).

Tynedale: A King, W Miller, J Harrison, B Tuilagi, P Weightman, B Connon, M Outsen; A Westgarth, L Frankland, M Irving, G Dunn, A Buist, M Charters, S Powell, D Temm. Reps: D Lowden, S White, G Young, J Mills, D Taylor

Scorers: Try – Irving (20). Con – Connon (21); Pens – Connon (38, 50, 70)

Hartpury: M Protheroe, D Norton, S Leonard, G Boulton, J Carter, G Thompson, B Vellacott; J Gibbons, C Fortey, T Brockett, J Voss, R Fuller, T MacDonald, C Bowden, W Safe. Reps: C O'Connell, A Clarey, T Ailes, C Jackson, A O'Meara

Scorers: Tries – Vellacott (12), Jackson (63), O'Meara (80); Con – Thompson (64); Pens – Thompson (31, 73)

Referee: S Makepeace

Attendance: 350

Star Man: Will Safe 

Meet Shaun the Sheep this February half term at Gloucester Quays.

Children can meet the fun loving woolly hero on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and there will be free, fun craft activities across the three days.

The event is being held to celebrate the release of the big screen adventure Shaun The Sheep The Movie which is showing at Cineworld at Gloucester Quays.

Stewards at Forest Green ejected a Grimsby Town fan from the ground before kick off - apparently for playing with an inflatable football.

Several people - including at least six stewards were seen to physically eject the man from the ground, and one appeared to have him in a headlock.

One fan told the Grimbsy Telegraph that the move had angered supporters.

In a statement, FGR said: "Forest Green Rovers are investigating an incident before the kick-off to yesterday's game against Grimsby Town at The New Lawn, where a fan was removed from the away end of the ground.

"FGR accepts the photos of the incident do not make good viewing for a club that prides itself on being family-friendly and welcoming to away fans.

"The club are awaiting the post-match report from the stewarding company before we comment further on the incident."

Beer lovers in Gloucestershire are being encouraged to grow hops to be used in ales.

Tom Wood has launched the Gloucestershire Grow Beer project, which aims to get people together from across the county to grow a dwarf variety of hops in their back gardens.

He said: "In late September the hops will be harvested and used by the team at Gloucester Brewery to make beer. When it's ready, the growers will come together once more to toast their success over a pint or two of the beer they've helped create, which will also be available in local pubs.

"These aren't the type of plants grown across neighbouring Herefordshire and Worcestershire that you need to be on stilts to pick, but a dwarf variety called Prima Donna that can be grown easily, anywhere from an allotment or a sunny spot in your back garden, to a big a pot on a balcony."

When everyone's hops are ready, they'll be harvested and taken on the same day to the expert brewers at Gloucester Brewery, based at Gloucester Docks. They will be added to a brew to lend it the tangy qualities that give beer its irresistible taste and smell.

A few weeks later when the beer's ready, all the growers get together for a launch party at the brewery to enjoy a few well-earned pints.

Tim added: "You don't need to be an experienced gardener to give it a go as hops are very straightforward to grow. In fact they're perfect to get kids to help with as they grow so rapidly, almost as you watch them. They just need some rich soil, a bit of sun and a drop of water and by the early autumn, as long as you keep the pests away, you should have a plant full of beautiful, bright green hop cones ready to harvest and add to the brew.

"The project is based on other Grow Beer groups that have been growing and brewing successfully for the last three years or so in communities across London and Cardiff. The idea is that all the growers share the journey to hop success and support one another during the growing season, sharing tips and advice on what's working and things to look out for, in person and on social media. It costs £20 to join, the price of a few pints in most cities and Gloucestershire Grow Beer will provide a pack containing everything you need.

"It includes the all-important rhizome, the underground root system from which your Prima Donna plant will develop, coir string to train it along as it grows, and a guide to help you make the most of your hop plant."

To get involved, contact Tim at gloucestershiregrowbeer@gmail.com

Say the words Tony McCoy and I actually can't think of a racecourse without him.

This is a man who has been the golden boy, the hero of my favourite sport for 20 seasons.

I was seven when the young, fresh faced Irishman rode his first UK winner and probably four years later you could say he was one of the reasons why I was hooked on the sport as I packed up my school bag for secondary education.

McCoy had joined forces with the dominant Martin Pipe, a thoroughly likeable partnership of never-say-die jockey and plucky trainer.

Small in stature Pipe was, but a giant when a valuable handicap chase or top hurdle was in the programme book.

The formidable pair used to dominate in races from the front at my local course Chepstow, one of the toughest courses in the country to execute such tactics.

Pipe was a training pioneer in his methods and so was McCoy in the saddle- his strength in a finish, pursuit for winners, enthusiasm for the sport and likeability has taken racing to new heights.

It's 16 years since McCoy and Potentate blitzed the Welsh Champion Hurdle field with a power-packed display of front-running and even now, their win remains one of my fondest racing memories.

McCoy was then in the early stages of what would become a complete domination of sport, something never seen before and which will never be seen again. He's not a Federer or a Ronaldo; he's the one no-one can match.

What is so likeable about McCoy is that he never makes much of a success. Even in glory he leaves you with the feeling he can always push himself harder, win more races and achieve greater things.

Even he would probably say there was a little room for improvement in his Queen Mother Champion Chase ride on the gallant Edredon Bleu, scraping home by a short-head in the 2000 renewal.

Did he go too soon? Was too much of the horse's energy used up early on? The answer is of course, no, but McCoy, in his quest for perfection, may have disagreed.

The smart pair of Flagship Uberalles and Direct Route closed him down and he had to be at his absolute strongest to get the eight-year-old over the line.

"Edredon Bleu will not surrender the lead lightly," said the commentator approaching the second last as his rivals gave chase. Willing horse, mighty rider.

At the final fence, the three were in a line and Direct Route nosed to the front, but the ironman forced his mount up for victory in one of the best ever finishes the Cheltenham Festival has ever seen.

Landmarks have come and gone, but while he is an incredibly talented horseman, they have not been achieved without sheer tenacity and grit.

When he overtook Dunwoody's all-time record total of 1,699 winners on Mighty Montefalco at Uttoxeter on August 27, 2002, to become the winning-most jump jockey in British history, everyone wondered how far the story could go.

It reached 4,000 winners by 2013. An OBE, a BBC Sports Personality of the Year trophy and a Grand National victory, after 15 attempts, were forthcoming.

The legend will have taken no greater pleasure in adding that tough test to his CV for his boss and friend JP McManus.

See those green and gold colours in a top race and underneath the hat is usually the chiselled features of the champ, a face that has taken many a knock over the years.

As we age, there comes a time when falling off at speeds in excess of 30 miles per hour does not seem so exhilarating.

McCoy's retirement decision left me open-mouthed, but cast your eye back and the signs were there it may have been about to happen.

A fall at Worcester in the autumn left him in and out of the saddle more times than he could have hoped in a bid for 300 winners this season and retirement thoughts would have become clearer on his three week holiday.

Broken bones become harder to mend with age and McCoy knew he could not keep on in his relentless fashion.

He turned down a ride on Jonjo O'Neill's horse Catching On earlier this week, saying the horse had put two riders in hospital at home. This is AP, the man who would never turn say no to a possible winner. Perhaps his advancing years have brought some realism with them, that he is not just a winning machine but a human being with a lovely young family.

McCoy wanted to retire at the top of his game and so he will when the curtain comes down on the National Hunt racing season. It will be tough for him to replace the sport that has kept him eager for half his life. I hope the time will come when he'll look back and take in every single one of his achievements. Racing is so much richer for knowing him.

A punter's pal, a weighing room friend to many and a true gentleman, it will not be the same without our 'AP' in the saddle.

High value power tools have been stolen from a building site in Gloucester, police say.

Officers are appealing for information after the site on Churchdown Lane, Hucclecote, was broken into just after 9am on Thursday, February 5.

A Gloucestershire Police spokesman said: "The offenders caused substantial damage to a door and a window and they stole some high value items including a petrol stone saw, a trench wacker, a spinning laser and a pipe laser."

Police would like to hear from anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious some time after 5pm the previous day, Wednesday 4th February. Please call 101 quoting Incident Number 72 of 5th February 2015.

Hope Brook Primary School's 16 talented young sports girls and boys ran, hopped, skipped and jumped into the county final of the Gloucestershire School Games Sports Hall Athletics Competition at Newent Community School and will go forward to represent the Forest district.

In a highly competitive second round, Hope Brook secured their victory by winning seven of the events, becoming district champions in the obstacle relay, 1x1 relay, 4x1 relay, chest push, speed bounce and long jump.

Clara Barnes, the team coach, said: "I am extremely proud of all the effort the children have put into training for the competition and of all their commitment and sportsmanship.

"The parents have been amazingly supportive."

The Hope Brook students are looking forward to an exciting day at the county finals on Wednesday at Cheltenham College.

The event will be attended by Andy Lewis, the ITU world championship paratriathalon medal winner, and Natasha Hunt, a member of the 2014 World Cup winning England women's rugby team.

JOHN Muggleton is delighted with the way Gloucester's players have responded to him over the last two weeks.

The defence coach has led the team along with backs coach Nick Walshe for the LV=Cup victories over Ospreys and Harlequins, but they have now handed the reins back to director of rugby David Humphreys and head coach Laurie Fisher.

Muggleton, who is leaving Gloucester at the end of the season, said: "Nick and I are exceptionally pleased with the effort they've put in over the last couple of weeks.

"Laurie's just turned up, he's been in Australia for two weeks so he's got a nice sun tan.

"Me and Nick are as pale as anything because we've been slaving away over the rugby ball but it's good to get your hands on the team and do a couple of things that might be a bit different and it keeps interest in the place as well.

"Nick and I have appreciated the opportunity but the players have responded really well which is even better."

With players away on international duty and other key men rested for the LV=Cup games, several of the club's youngsters have taken their chance to show what they can do.

Flanker Dan Thomas has scored tries in both games and Ollie Thorley went over against Ospreys when he became the youngest player to represent Gloucester at senior level.

Fellow wing Steph Reynolds shone when he came up against former England international Ugo Monye in the 25-7 win over Harlequins last Saturday, scoring a try but also earning praise from Muggleton for his defensive work.

Muggleton said: "Steph's been exceptional in the As. Steph's a talent, he's only very slight and he's got a young training age as well so as long as we can improve his strength he's got the speed and the attitude to go through and work on his game.

"That's the beauty of this competition, guys like Steph get to play against like Monye etcetera and I thought he handled him defensively very well."

Meanwhile, Muggleton has revealed the pride he felt at watching Gloucester's Billy Twelvetrees and Jonny May helping England beat Wales 21-16 against the odds at the Millennium Stadium in the opening game of the Six Nations.

He said: "Billy Twelvetrees was tremendous when he came on, I think he was a big part of turning it around.

"I think the momentum from the last 10 minutes that England got from someone like Billy going on carried them across the line so we're always proud that our players are selected to play for their countries and it was good to see them do well.

"I thought they (Wales) went after Jonny a bit. They put some bombs up for him but he handled them well and did some good work around the field."

RED tape means three players could face an extended wait to make their Cinderford Town debuts.

It was announced last week that Bobbie Dale and James Bowen were joining the club on a month's loan from Cheltenham Town, but there has been a delay in the deal going through and they are unlikely to feature in the home game against Evesham United in Division One South and West of the Southern League tomorrow night.

Cinderford assistant manager Gerry Oldham said: "They're not with us yet for different reasons. There are a couple of minor hitches with paperwork but I'm not 100 per cent sure why."

The club are also still waiting for a response from the Swedish FA to get international clearance for defender Matt Whatley, who joined them two weeks ago.

Oldham said: "The lad's been training hard and will be a good asset to us but unfortunately these things take a bit of time, which is frustrating for us."

While Cinderford's game scheduled fixture against Taunton Town on Saturday was postponed due to a frozen pitch, tonight's opponents Evesham thrashed bottom side Bashley 7-0, making it 12 wins from their last 14 games with just one defeat in that period.

However, Oldham insists Cinderford will go into the game with no fear.

He said: "It is not daunting because on our day we are capable of beating anyone in our league.

"We are either not good at all or excellent but they will come and know they are in a game. We're not frightened of them, our biggest downfall is us.

"It's going to be tough because they are probably the form side in the league and it's a bit of a local derby.

"A few of our players know theirs and vice-versa so we'll have to be at our best to beat them."