LISTINGS SPORT
Ace of clubs
The Augusta National Golf Club, home at this month’s US Masters Championship, is justly renowned as a tiendish test of skill and sheer nerve. Even for six times winner Jack Nicklaus, the very thought of Amen Corner and its putting greens like sloping glass tables is guaranteed to quicken the pulse and dry the mouth.
It is in this rarefied Deep South atmosphere that Kilmarnock amateur Cordon Sherry will play his last tournament before turning professional. As British Amateur Champion, the Stirling University biochemistry student is a guest at this exclusive invitation event, but he’s not going there simply to make up the numbers. ‘l’m expecting to make the hallway cut and complete all four rounds,’ he suggests initially, before tinally divulging his big target for the week: ‘I’d love to finish in the top 25, which means I’ll automatically be invited back again next year.’
The winner’s green jacket is surely outwith his reach, but Sherry is well equipped to achieve his own personal goals. Indeed, the past year has seen the tilt 8in Scot taking giant strides both literally and figuratively. Ilis amateur title and a starring role in the Walker Cup victory over America, plus fourth place in the Scottish Open at Carnoustie followed by an excellent showing in the Open at St Andrews
Cordon Sherry: a fairway from home
astonished the golfing world.
The Masters, the first major tournament of 1996, presents a whole new challenge, but Sherry is ready. ‘llonestly, I’m not blown away by the thought of it all. St Andrews and Carnoustie are also tough courses and recently I spent a full week at Valderrama in Spain. I draw the ball anyway, so that’s fine, and I tend to putt better on fast greens.’
Atter his recent appearance on A Question 0! Sport and a period at acclimatisation in Georgia, Sherry’s practice schedule once in Augusta could not be more glamorous: ‘On Monday, on my 22nd birthday, I play with Sam Torrance, on Tuesday I’m meeting up with Tom Watson and on Wednesday it’s Greg Norman!’ (Lorin McDougall)
The US Masters at Augusta is on BBC TV from 11-14 April.
Events are listed alphabetically by sport, then by day. Fixtures are correct at time of publication, but may be attested by weather. Sports Listings compiled by Brian Donaldson.
KEELE- Saturday 6
I ION Road Race Slrathclyde Park. Glasgow. The event begins at 11.30am with the Under 1.3 Girls 3000 metres. continuing through the age categories and distances to culminate in the Mens 10.000 metres at 3.30pm. 1‘or lull details call the Scottish Athletics Federation on 0131 317 7320.
BASKETBALL Saturday 13—Sunday 14
I Junior Men’s Four Countries International Tournament lnverness Sports Centre. Inverness. The Scottish Under-19s take on their Welsh. linglish and Irish counterparts over two days. with England starting out as layourites. Play begins at I()am both days. Call the Scottish Basketball Association on 0131 317 7260 lor lull lixture list.
FOOTBALL Saturday 6
TENNENTS SCOTTISH CUP SEMI FINAL
I Aberdeen V Hearts llampden Park. Mount l‘loi‘ida. Glasgow. 3pm.
PREMIER LEAGUE
I Falkirk v Raith Rovers lil'DClx‘VlllL‘ Park. llope Street. l‘alkirk. 3pm.
I Motherwell V Ribs l‘ir l’ark. l-irpark Street. Motherwell. 3pm.
FIRST DIVISION
I Airdrie V St Johnstone Broadwood Stadium. Cumbernziuld. 3pm.
I Dundee United v Dumbarton Tannadice Park. 'l‘annadice Street. Dundee. 3pm.
I Dunfermline v Hamilton Iiasl lind l’ark. Ilalbeath Road. Dunlermline. 3pm.
I Morton v Clydebank (‘appiclow l’ark. Sinclair Street. (ireenock. 3pm.
I St Mirren v Dundee SI .‘xln-i'en l’ark. Love Street. l’aisley. 3pm.
Sunday 7
TENNENTS SCOTTISH CUP SEMI FINAL
I Celtic V Rangers llanipden Park. Mount l-lorida. Glasgow. .lpm.
WOMENS INTERNATIONAL
I Scotland V Ireland I'ortlibank Stadium. Springkerse Industrial listate. Stirling. ll
yet another Old Firm clash on Sky is too much for you to stomach. then get along to Forthbank. Kick-oll time and other details from the Scottish Womens Football Association on 01-11 353 1162.
Saturday 13
PREMIER LEAGUE
I Aberdeen v Motherwell Pittodrie Stadium. Pittodrie Street. Aberdeen. 3pm. I Ribs V Celtic Easter Road Stadium. Albion Road. Edinburgh. 3pm.
I Kilmarnock v Falkirk Rugby Park. Rugby Road. Kilmarnock. 3pm.
I Raith Rovers V Hearts Starks Park. Pratt Street. Kirkcaldy. 3pm.
I Rangers v Partick Thistle lbrox Stadium. lidmiston Drive. Glasgow. 3pm. FIRST DIVISION
I Clydebank v Airdrie Kilbowie Park. Arran Place. Clydebank. 3pm.
I Dumbarton v St Mirren Boghead Park. Miller Street. Dumbarton. 3pm.
I Dundee v Dunterrnline Dens Park. Sandeman Street. Dundee. 3pm.
I Hamilton V Morton Douglas Park. Douglas Park Lane. Hamilton. 3pm.
I St Johnstone v Dundee United McDiarmid Park. Criell Road. Perth. 3pm.
Saturday 13
I National Womens League Cup Semi Finals Forthbank Stadium. Springkerse Industrial Iistate. Stirling. Play is due to commence at I()am as the final four tussle tor a place when the big prizes are dished out in May. More details from the Scottish Hockey Union on 0131 650 8170.
W
Sunday 14
I National Road Racing Championship Knockhill Racing Circuit. Dunfermline. See Hit List.
Sunday 14
I Scottish Cup Semi Finals Castletnilk Sports Centre. Glasgow. A 1pm start to see who grabs a spot in the linal on 5 May. For lull details call the Scottish Netball Association on 01-11 334 3650.
RUGBY UNION Wednesday 17
I International Student Match Sleggetland. lidinburgh. The Scots take on the French with a 6.30pm kick-oil. More details lrom the Scottish Rugby l’nion on 0131 346 5000.
Elm- Saturday 6
I Balliemore Cup Final Tighnabi'uaicli. Argle The battle of Ross-shire starts at 2.30pm with (‘aberleidh taking on Kinloclisheil at the home of Kyles Athletic. For more information call the Camanachd Association on 01540 073240.
Saturday 13
I Bank of Scotland MacTavish Cup Final
Bright Park. lnverness. See Hit List.
Tuesdays I Edinburgh Ski ROS Those without
transport can get to the slopes with the help ol the Ski Bus. which particularly encourages lamilies. groups ol live or more and people under eighteen llot' Youth Hostel dealsi. Trips should continue through to April. leaving Iidinburgli early Saturday and returning
Catch the best Sport this tortnight.
TENNIS
I Reebok Tour Event The first two days consist of Mens and Ladies Singles Qualifying rounds leading up to the Saturday finals. The first services are made at 10am each day. Free admission. Further info from the Scottish Lawn Tennis Association on 0131 225 1284. Craig/(n‘k/Iurt Tennis and Sports Centre. Mini l5—Sut 20. SHINTY
I Bank of Scotland MacTavish Cup Final The top two in the Premier League clash for this North Senior Championship trophy. 1n the league. Fort William lead by live points lrom Kingussie. who have three matches in hand as the race reaches its conclusion. This match will see one reaping revenge or the other seeking total domination. More details from the Camanaehd Association on 01540 673246. Bug/it Park. Inverness. Sat [3. 2.30pm.
MOTOR CYCLING
I National Road Racing Championship Over 100 riders take part in events ranging from the Ford Scottish Championship classes. Scottish Regal Series and an open racing class for machines between 240— l 300cc. Knock/till Racing Circuit. Dun/(’nn/ine. Sun /4.' practice (ll 9.30am. racing (l! lpin.
Sunday evening. Call Sheila on Tuesdays between 7.30—9pm on 0131 22‘) 8660 for details or lax 0131 22‘) 2-156 any time.
Thursdays
I Glasgow Ski Club Members new and old are welcome along to the club's regular meetings at 9pm every Thursday at The Scaramouche. Iilderslie Street. Charing Cross. Glasgow. For more information about the clubs events and ski trips. call 0141 632 9762 or 883 6665. l'itil'jill'l/It‘l' i/t‘tai/x (ill/11' Scottish slopes, we Days Out.
WEEKE- Monday 8—Friday 12
I Scottish Senior Federation Internationale de Ski Championship Nevis Range. Depending on conditions. this event will take place on three out of the lour scheduled days. For details of events and times. call the Scottish National Ski Council on 0131 317 7280.
Monday 15—Saturday 20
I Reebok Tour Event Craiglockhart Tennis and Sports Centre. lidinburgli Sec Hit List.
IIIL‘ l.t\l 5 IS .'\[‘1 l""l\ 71