The 2015/16 football season is nearly over. Saxton Rovers were playing in the final of the North Berks Cup at the Abingdon United ground this evening. It was a good game which Long Wittenham Athletic won. The teams were drawing 3-3 at full time but Long Wittenham got two extra ( not ‘injury’ as I first said) time goals.

Cllr Alice Badcock, the new Mayor, presented the loosing medals to Saxton Rovers, who normally play at Caldecott Recreation Ground – in her ward in South Abingdon.

The fortunes of Abingdon Town and Abingdon United have taken a dip in the last 5 years. Abingdon Town now play in the North Berks league alongside Saxton Rovers. Abingdon United have finished in the relegation positions of the Hellenic Premier League this season.

The 2015 Abingdon Marathon started at 9am this Sunday morning from Tilsley Park.

The man who went on to win had taken an early lead at Abingdon Market Place.

There was a mum bushing her buggy in an attempt to beat the record for a mum pushing a buggy in a marathon, and she smashed it with 3 hours and 17 minutes and 52 lullabies.

Paul Fernandez, a well known Abingdon runner, came in second in the mens race, just 30 seconds outside his PB. Paul won the race in 2012.

Lots of other Abingdon runners did well. Athletics is very popular in these parts. There seem to be far more people running, throwing, and jumping than in years gone by – thanks to the excellent facility at Tilsley Park.

The winner of the womens race came from Winchester – down the A34.

Officials and members of the public cheered on the runners … “Well Done … You are nearly there … Not long to go …”

It was another well organised race. MP3 players were banned this year on safety grounds.

A few weeks ago Abingdon Rugby Union FC held their annual Sevens Tournament. I went along and took some pictures, but did not have time to post them here.

Rugby Sevens is the equivalent of five a side soccer.

The game is far more open and far more tries are scored.

It was the 60th time the Rugby 7s tournament had been held by Abingdon RUFC. It is a pre-season event before the full teams take to the field.

Now the Rugby World Cup has come to these shores and there are are 2 or 3 exciting games, with 15 players on each side, to watch every day at the Kings Head and Bell, and other local pubs.

I was passing by the American Football Game between the Oxford Saints and a visiting team on Sunday at Southern Town Park in Abingdon.

After a period of stop-go action, both teams went off for a talk from the team coach.

There are 45 players in each team and as the coach spoke quite a few of the Saints ‘took a knee’. The only thing I overheard was the coach say “you went in too high that is why you got hurt.”

I left wondering why they keep kneeling down when anybody gets hurt, or the coach is talking.

Is it because …
a) They are the ‘Saints’ and want to pray
b) They want to show respect to the coach
c) Sitting would look lazy and inattentive
d) Another reason ?