SPORT LISTINGS
RING PULL
With every fatality in the ring comes a new debate on the merits and dangers of professional boxing. Within a week, the public may have forgotten the deceased’s name until their memory is logged by the next tragedy. In the amateur arena no such debate is necessary.
‘It’s common knowledge that the amateur game is streets ahead of the professionals in the safety aspect,’ states Frank Hendry, the Executive Director of the Scottish Amateur Boxing Association. He is keen not to be judgmental, however. ‘The International Olympic Committee have stated that the differential is recognised, but we’re just looking after our own sport.’
Hendry does cite a problem when professional managers target the amateur stars. ‘The trend has been that after a lot of money has been spent in the amateur ranks, for example with Paul Weir and Drew Docherty, they are then taken away from us without any negotiations. In our opinion, those managers don’t care about the Olympics and take the boy away too early.’
Nevertheless, there is still enough talent around and much of it will be displayed at the Scottish Amateur llational Finals in Coatbridge on 29 March. Alan Wolecky at light-
Boxing clever: ‘the amateur game is streets ahead of the professionals in the safety aspect‘
middleweight is a former Scottish champion who has represented his country in the World and European arenas, and the competition may bring him up against another international, Barry Laidlaw, who reached last year’s final.
Meanwhile, for those fighters making a mark in the amateur world, the choice between Olympic glory and the enormous riches (and health risks) attached to professional status is one that they will eventually have to make. (Brian Donaldson)
Scottish Amateur National Finals, Monklands Time Capsule, Coafbridge, Fri 29 Mar.
Events are listed alphabetically by sport. then by day. Fixtures are correct at time of publication, but may be affected by weather. Sports listings compiled by Brian Donaldson.
BADMINTON Saturday 23
I Scottish Masters Cockburn Centre. 40 Bogmoor Place. Glasgow. Two days of shuttlecock action starts at 9.30am with events for ladies (over 35. 45 and 55) and men (over 40. 50 and 60).
Sunday 24
I Scottish Masters Cockburn Centre. 40 Bogmoor Place. Glasgow. Another 9.30am start as the competition builds to its climax with the finals scheduled for 2pm. For further information call the Scottish Badminton Union on 0141 445 1218.
’ BASKETBALL Friday 22—Sunday 24
I Scottish Cup Finals Meadowbank Sports Centre. Edinburgh. Three days of action with all ages represented. For times and teams call the Scottish Basketball Association on 0131 317 7260.
DEEM- Friday 29
I Scottish National Amateur Championship Finals The finals in twelve weights take place in Coatbridge. For full details call the Scottish Amateur Boxing Association on 01382 611412. See panel.
[HEBRE— Saturday 3o-Sunday 31
I Glasgow to Edinburgh Marathon Competitors have 24 miles to paddle through before this event reaches its conclusion on Sunday. See Hit List.
DEERE— Saturday 23
I Air UK Scottish International Free entry for spectators to this sabre event which platforms top fencers from Britain and Scandinavia. Call Scottish Fencing on 0141 445 1602 for further details.
FOOTBALL Saturday 23
PREMIER lEAGUE I Aberdeen V llibs Pittodrie Stadium.
Pittodrie Street. Aberdeen. 3pm.
I Ilearts V Partick Thistle Tynecastle Park. Gorgie Road. Edinburgh. 3pm.
I Kilmarnock v Baith Rovers Rugby Park. Rugby Road. Kilmarnock. 3pm.
I Motherwell v Celtic Fir Park. Firpark Street. Motherwell. 3pm.
I Bangers v Falkirk lbrox Stadium. Edmiston Drive. Glasgow. 3pm.
FIRST DIVISION
I Dumbarton v St Johnstone Boghead Park. Miller Street. Dumbarton. 3pm.
I Dundee United v Clydebank Tannadice Park. Tannadice Street. Dundee. 3pm.
I llamilton v Dundee Douglas Park. Douglas Park Lane. Hamilton. 3pm.
I Morton V Airdrie Cappielow Park. Sinclair Street. Greenock. 3pm.
I Dunfermline v St Mirren East End Park. Halbeath Road. Dunfermline. 3pm.
Saturday 30
PREMIER lEAGUE
I Falkirk V Hibs Brockville Park. Hope Street. Falkirk. 3pm.
I Hibs v Kilmarnock tiastcr Road Stadium. Albion Road. Edinburgh. 3pm. I Partick Thistle v Motherwell Firhill Park. Firhill Road. Glasgow. 3pm.
I Baith Rovers v Bangers Starks Park. Pratt Street. Kirkcaldy. 3pm.
FIRST DIVISION
I Airdrie v Dumbarton Broildwood Stadium. Currrbernauld. 3pm.
I Clydebank v Dunfermline Kilbowie Park. Arran Place. Clydebank. 3pm.
I Dundee v Morton Dens Park. Sandeman Street. Dundee. 3pm.
I St Johnstone v Hamilton MCDIarmid Park. Crieff Road. Perth. 3pm.
I St Mirren v Dundee United St Mirren Park. Love Street. Paisley. 3pm.
Monday 1
PREMIER [EAGUE I Celtic v Aberdeen Celtic Park. Ker'r'ydale Street. Glasgow. 8pm.
[MEE— Friday 22—Sunday 24
I Four Nations Tournament Almondvalc. Livingston. Scottish Under-16s and Under-18s boys take on their English. Welsh and Irish counterparts over three days. See Hit List.
DEEME- Friday 22
I British Title Plaza Ballroom. Glasgow. 7.30pm. See Hit List.
Tuesdays
I Edinburgh Ski Bus . Call Sheila on Tuesdays between 7.3()-‘)pm on ()131 22‘) 8660 for details or fax ()l3l 22‘) 2456 any tirrre.
Thursdays
I Glasgow Ski Club For more information about the clubs events and ski trips. call 01-11 632 9762 ()r0l41 883 6665.
l‘Tll'jIlI'l/IL’I' t/t'lails‘ ()j'I/rt' .S't'nllixlr slopes. .rt't' Davy ()ul.
EDIE— Saturday 3o-Sunday 31
I National Doubles Open Championships Heriott Watt University. Edinburgh. The pairs turn out for this two-day event. For full details call Scottish Squash on 0131 317 7343.
VOLLEYBALL . Saturday 23
I llational Plate Finals In this year's women's plate final. Grange meet MCT
Catch‘ttg
t Sport this to.
KICK BOXING (\
I British Title A supportin \3 programme of seven fights provides the warm-up for the main event as Welshman Steve Johnstone challenges the current UK champ, Jan Cree from Scotland. £10 for adults, £5 for 14 year-olds and under. Further info from Myles Burke on 01294 832837. Plaza Ballroom, Glasgow: Fri 22. 7pm.
HOCKEY
I Four Nations Tournament The Under- 16 and Under-18 Scottish boys take on the Welsh. English and Irish over three days. The Scots will need to improve on last year‘s dismal performance in this event. especially with a trip to Paris ahead in April for the six nations‘ extravaganza. More details from the Scottish Hockey Union on ()131 650 8170. xl/nrmrdvale Stadium. livingsmn. Fri 22—Srm 24.
CANOEINO
I Glasgow to Edinburgh Marathon Falkirk District Council was the brainchild behind this race which is now in its tenth year. Day One consists of frantic paddling along the Forth and Clyde Canal with Falkirk the target. Day Two sees a staggered start with the victors expected to reach the finishing post at Lochrin Basin around 2pm. For starting times and best spectator locations call the Scottish Canoe Association on 01236 457081. Sat 3()~Sun 3].
Brannock while the men's final sees Finnegan's Wake Gl come up against DV Phoenix. For details of times and venues call the Scottish Volleyball Association on ()131 556 4633.
Saturday 30
I llational Cup Finals Rucanor Jets have a chance of a double with their men clashing with City of Glasgow Ragazzi while the women's learn face MCA Cardinals. Contact the Scottish Volleyball Association on 0131 556 4633 for more information.
WATER POLO
Friday 29—Saturday 3D
I Home Nations Tournament Bon Accord Bath. Aberdeen. The Scottishjuniors and seniors renew their rivalry with the home nations learns with two days sloshing around. For full details call the Scottish Amateur Swimming Association on 0141 641 8818.
82 Tire List 22 Mar-4 Apr 1996