Sarnianswin in Oz

MURATTI striker Ryan Tippett led a top-quality local side to a tournament win the other day - in Australia. Twelve teams, most from Britain, entered a six-a-side tournament in Sydney.

The Guernsey team - Matt Seeds in goal, Simon Johns, Ben and Tom Duff, Gavin Le Page and Tippett - were unbeaten in eight matches and beat a team from Ireland in the final. Their prize - a A$150 beer tab and a free pub crawl.

Tippett plans to try to play state league football during his Australian trip, either in the Brisbane or Perth area.

'I could have gone to Blacktown on trial, just outside of Sydney, but we didn't want to stay in Sydney for a year,' he said.

Tippett and travelling partner Ben Duff narrowly missed the Asian tsunami too. They had planned to leave Koh Phi Phi on Boxing Day or 27 December, but the cost of flights meant they left for Australia on 21 December instead.

VALE REC are holding a football quiz at their Corbet Field clubhouse on Friday 28 January to raise funds for their under-14 trip to Holland. Entry for a team of six costs £39 and those interested should contact Tony Clarkson on 07781 126493.