SPORT IN BRIEF: West Ham boss to answer your questions on referees

The Question Time-style event takes place on the evening of February 26 at Riley’s Sports Bar in Haymarket, London, W1.

The Upton Park gaffer will appear alongside former top referees Keith Hackett and Mark Halsey, as well as Sky Sports’ La Liga expert Guillem Balague.

Hosted by broadcaster Alan Biggs, tickets are free on a first come, first served basis via email from info@you-are-the-ref.com

Biggs said: “We couldn’t wish for a stronger line-up.

“Sam and Guillem obviously have real clout as authorities on football.

“It will be a great night and I take comfort from having two top referees in attendance.”

For more information, visit You-Are-The-Ref.com

CRICKET: Greenwich are through to a prestigious final at Lord’s after going unbeaten through the London Youth Games indoor cricket female qualifiers at the weekend.

The borough’s team, aged Year 8 and under, topped group three to qualify from Harrow Leisure Centre on Sunday.

They beat Brent and Hounslow in an impressive all-round team display and can now look forward to the finals alongside seven other boroughs at Lord’s on March 1.

Team manager Gill Moore said: “I would like to think we can medal but it all depends on who we draw in the quarter-final.”

FOOTBALL: Daisy Wickenden’s hat-trick secured a 3-2 success for Gravesend Girls and Ladies FC over Anchorians in the Tina Marshall Cup.

Katie Elliman also grabbed a treble for the U11s as they defeated Long Lane 3-0, while Shannon Manning (2), Kim Baldock and Roisin Fuller were all on target for the U16s in a 4-2 win against New Ash Green.

However, there were losses for the U10s (1-0 v Maidstone) and U12s (4-0 v Foots Cray).

PITCH IMPROVEMENTS: Amateur U18 football, rugby league and cricket teams are being given the chance to win a £10,000 pitch makeover by outdoor petrol powered equipment engine manufacturer, Briggs & Stratton.

The competition is ran in conjunction with the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG), the professional membership organisation for grounds staff and those involved in the management of sports pitches and facilities in the UK.

As part of the prize, the winning teams will receive expert advice from the IOG as well as a technical evaluation report on how best to maintain their pitch in the future.

Briggs & Stratton’s UK sales and marketing manager Ian Small said: “The weather plays a huge role in the success of amateur teams.

“We realise resources aren’t often in excess, particularly at a grassroots level, which means that some teams really suffer.

“We hope that the Pitch to Win prize will help teams worst affected to improve their pitches and solve problems in the future.”

To enter, visit pitchtowin.org.uk, complete the entry form before March 31 and submit some photos of your team’s current pitch.

TENNIS: Bromley High School secured the Kent LTA school of the year award on Sunday.

The junior school was shortlisted because of the achievements of its teams in all age groups at the 2014 Kent schools’ team and doubles championships.

Bromley High was also recognised for its extensive extra-curricular tennis programme, offering Years 3-6 girls both coaching at early morning tennis clubs and competitive tennis opportunities against other schools.

Head teacher Mrs Dickerson said: “It is fantastic that both the girls’ and Mrs Botham’s hard work and dedication have been recognised in this way, as tennis, alongside many other sports , is an integral part of life at Bromley High Junior School.”

FOOTBALL: Shadow minister for sport and Eltham MP Clive Efford officially opened Meridian Sports & Social Club’s new 3G artificial pitch.

The ground improvements, which were paid for thanks to also include a new stand and floodlights. 

Meridian Sports & Social Club worked in partnership with the London FA to secure the £322,568 grant from the Premier League & the FA Facilities Fund.

Last night’s opening event was followed by a ceremonial fixture between a Meridian XI and a London FA representative team.

Mr Efford said: “This facility will be of tremendous benefit to grassroots clubs and local community for many years to come.

“I would also like to pay tribute to the work of the Football Foundation.

“Since 2000, the Foundation has provided 64 grants worth £4.2m towards grassroots sports projects across my constituency, Eltham.

“The Foundation has managed to draw in a further £6.3m of partnership funding, which means that £10m has been invested in the constituency.

“This is a remarkable figure and reflects the passion for sport which the people of this area share.”

TAEKWONDO: A youngster from Beckenham has overcome the odds to secure a black belt after four hard years of training under Ryan Cousins at Yong Gi Taekwondo in Hayes.

Jay Bardon, 14, has Tourette’s syndrome, ADHD, dyslexia and also suffered the loss of his father at the age of just six.

But the Glebe School student’s hard work has paid off and he has also been placed in the GB national taekwondo squad under Master Gemma Biescas, a seventh dan British national poomsae coach.

Also receiving her black belt on the same day was fellow Yong Gi Taekwondo member Megan Matthews.

The 10-year-old attends Poverest Primary School in Orpington and has complex special needs.

She too is in the GB national squad, under Master Derrick Sumner, sixth dan  British poomsae chairman.

Both youngsters (pictured above) will be competing in the nationals at the K2 Centre in Crawley at the end of this month, followed by a contest in Ireland in June.

Before that, Jay will also be competing in Germany in May.