Category Archives: sport

Out of Europe – twice in a week

England out
The St George Flag has been flown round Abingdon for the last few weeks as England competes in the Euros football tournament.

During the group stages England played well against Russia, Wales, and Slovakia.

In the knock-out stages England came up against Iceland (population 300,000). England were odds on favorite.
England out
But this has been a difficult week since the UK voted to exit the EU 4 days ago. Trading in Barclays and RBS shares were suspended this morning following heavy losses on the London Stock Exchange.
England out
England lost 2-1 against Iceland. Can you imagine how Iceland’s Supporters feel? It must be amazing!

But England are now out of the Euros and the EU.

Wales carry our last hopes in the football, and Scotland carry the only hope of remaining in the EU.

Bun Throwing World Championship

Bun Throwing
The Bun Throwing World Championship took place this afternoon at Abingdon Vale Cricket Club. The record set back in 2012 was 222 feet.Bun Throwing
It was going to be a tall order to beat that. It was more windy this time and the wind was often in the wrong direction
Bun Throwing
Pictured is the women’s winner from 2012, who I believe retained the title. (correct me if wrong)
Bun Throwing
There was a new winner of the men’s competition. There were a few throws over 150 feet and the best throw was 156′ 4”. The best 4 throwers will be invited to help throw buns at the bun throwing on the Queen’s 90th Birthday.
Bun Throwing
The Market Place is by my reckoning about 200 feet across. Buns are thrown from the top of the County Hall and so there should be some buns getting to the people at the back. Arrive early, stand near the front, and you have even more chance of getting a bun.
Bun Throwing
The Bun Throwing World Championship was the first time that some of us have been competitors in a real world championship event. A good time was had by all, and the proceeds from the event go to the Mayor’s Charities – it was £1 a go.

There are more pictures on the Abingdon Blog Facebook Page.

End of the 2015/16 football season

End of another football season
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.
End of another football season
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.

Abingdon Marathon 2015

Abingdon Marathon 2015
The 2015 Abingdon Marathon started at 9am this Sunday morning from Tilsley Park.
Abingdon Marathon 2015
The man who went on to win had taken an early lead at Abingdon Market Place.
Abingdon Marathon 2015
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.
Abingdon Marathon 2015
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.
Abingdon Marathon 2015
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.
Abingdon Marathon 2015
The winner of the womens race came from Winchester – down the A34.
Abingdon Marathon 2015
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.