Archive
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Haunted Tilbury lack firepower
Great Wakering Rovers 2 Tilbury 0 TILBURY'S perilous position at the foot of the Southern League Division One East now looks almost beyond redemption after Saturday's derby defeat at fellow strugglers Wakering, with the other drop-haunted sides also picking
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Soccer: U's to face Cardiff or Blackburn
Colchester United will play either Cardiff City or Blackburn Rovers away in the fourth round of the FA Cup. The tie will be played on the weekend of 29-30th January. Cardiff and Blackburn drew 1-1 on Saturday, while Colchester beat Hull City 2-0 away
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Football: Rovers make it a double
Great Wakering Rovers - who went 11 Southern League Division One East home games without claiming a victory - have now won two in six days. They followed up their 4-2 Bank Holiday success over Aveley by beating Tilbury 2-0 in another Essex derby at Burroughs
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Football: Pearson sticks with Gulls
Canvey Island have captured the services of teenage West Ham striker Greg Pearson for a second month on loan. The speedy 19-year-old has quickly become a favourite with the Park Lane fans with steadily improved performances since making his debut in the
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Cruel thieves strike
COLD-HEARTED criminals have robbed five Tilbury children of their favourite Christmas presents. Thieves broke into the shed of the Wright family, in Keats Gardens, early on Tuesday morning and made off with five brand new bikes belonging to 13-year-old
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Boxing: Danny skips in to raise Megan money
Danny Hunt has been roped into a sponsored skip to help send a Southend girl on holiday. The English lightweight champion will be leaping over the skipping rope for two hours to raise cash for Megan Wright. The seven-year-old was born with Kostmons Disease
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Westcliff: Palace Theatre could close
The Palace Theatre in Westcliff could shut down for good despite notching up its best trading year ever. Swingeing budget cuts at Southend Council mean the Palace must either be off-loaded to a private company or face permanent closure. Council leader
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Grays blaze the trail to promotion
THURROCK'S high-flying sides continue to impress in the chance for promotion to the Nationwide Conference. Grays have now opened up a 13 point gap at the top of the Conference South table thanks to an impressive 3-0 win at promotion hopefuls Basingstoke
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Soccer: Ipswich Town 1-3 Bolton (FA Cup Third Round)
This match was billed as a yardstick for Ipswich Town, to see how they might cope with life in the Premiership. Yard off - Ipswich goalscorer Tommy Wright just cannot get close enought to Bolton's Fernando Hierro. 40220-11 And, having finished soundly
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Colchester: Mini festival raises £4,500
A Big Issue seller gave his day's takings to the tsunami disaster appeal. It all adds up - Paul Sutton makes a donation as Siobhan Hope, Becky Neward and Melissa Edwards collect for the tsunami appeal in Colchester. Picture: ROB SAMBROOK (40378-3) The
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Football: Gulls rocked by Mints blow
Canvey Island face a new injury woe as they battle to avoid being dragged into the relegation mire. Former Football League midfield maestro Jeff Minton who, star striker Lee Boylan apart, probably did more than most to earn them last season's Ryman Premier
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Soccer: Bent on reflection
Darren Bent plans to take stock and learn from Bolton Wanderers' clinical finishing in their 3-1 FA Cup success at Ipswich Town. The Blues crashed out after two superbly-taken goals goals from Henrik Pedersen during Saturday's third-round duel at Portman
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Essex: Firefighters do their bit
Soap suds and elbow grease have helped to raise thousands of pounds for tsunami victims. Car wash - James Willars, son of fireman dad Lee, helps the firefighters' effort in raising funds for the tsunami appeal by washing cars, putting a smile on the face
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Soccer: U's eye possible Premiership test
Colchester United could find themselves travelling to Ewood Park to take on Premiership side Blackburn Rovers in the fourth round of the FA Cup. After disposing of Hull City with an impressive 2-0 away win at the weekend, Phil Parkinson's men were today
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Southend: Friend says missing Sally was kidnapped
A friend fears missing student Sally Geeson has been kidnapped and is being held against her will. Ashleigh Carr, 21, who has known Sally since they shared A-level classes at South East Essex College in 1999, has been putting up posters across the town
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Castle Point: Council spin-doctor to be appointed
Cash-strapped Castle Point Council is to spend up to £24,000 a year on a "spin doctor" to improve its image. A media officer post has been created by the borough council and the recruitment process is currently under way. Councillors have branded the
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Soccer round-up: U's into the fourth round in FA Cup
Colchester United progressed into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 2-0 victory away at Hull on Saturday. Goals from Gareth Williams (27 mins) and Craig Fagan (29 mins) ensured the U's triumphed ending the home side's nine-match winning run in the
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Colchester: Three-week wait to clear waste
Rotting waste is piling up in the streets after another collection was abandoned. Some residents are now facing three weeks of uncollected waste, and the councillor responsible for waste said he cannot give a date when the service will be back on track
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Clacton: Race right on track
Twenty-four hours, 110 metres of track and 1,549 laps. Getting down to the job in hand Garry Champion, of Clacton Models, is watched by fellow enthusiasts at the 24-hour Scalextric marathon. Picture: STEVE BRADING (40423-d) That was the epic task which
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Maldon: School scoops sports award
Pupils and staff are celebrating after becoming the first school in Maldon to receive a top sports award. Presentation - pupils with Lana Bond, Roger Causaker, Joe Stevens and Albert Kilby, all of Maldon Saints and Phil Brown, PE co-ordinator. Picture
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Rugby Union: Mersea face tought test at Basildon
Following a break of nearly three weeks, Mersea Island return to division four north east action tomorrow with a tough home match against third-placed Basildon. After the euphoria and disappointment of the Powergen Junior Vase, the Islanders can now concentrate
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Football: No FA Cup distractions for Hammers
There are no thoughts of taking it easy as the FA Cup kicks off tomorrow for West Ham at Premiership Norwich City, even though promotion is the club's top priority. Last year Millwall saw their play-off push stall in the fixture back-log caused by their
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Tendring: We'll fight to keep our greyhounds
An elderly couple today vowed to fight all the way to be allowed to keep their racing greyhounds at their rural village home. Dog lovers - Irene Durrant, of Renmar Nurseries in Crown Lane, Tendring, with her greyhound Alfie. The Durrants have vowed to
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Essex: Traffic chaos as blaze shuts M25
Tens of thousands of people were stuck in traffic chaos as a fierce blaze forced the closure of the M25 and QEII bridge on Sunday. More than 50 firefighters from across south Essex battled through the day and night to contain the inferno, which started
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Witham: Town's shoppers give generously
Weekend shoppers in Witham have given generously to the tsunami disaster appeal. Joint effort - collecting for the tsunami appeal at Witham's Grove Shopping Centre are, from left, Brian Smith and Pat Chew of Witham in Bloom, Sally Carpenter and Angela
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North Essex: Homes hit by power cuts
High winds brought down trees and caused power cuts in north Essex. A fir tree was blown down in the Baker's Lane area of Colchester, blocking a private road. Across the region branches were blown down on to roads. A number of homes suffered power cuts
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Rochford: Couple homeless after blaze
A couple have been left temporarily homeless after an unattended cigarette destroyed their house. Firefighters rushed to Garden Way, Rochford, at around 8.15pm on Friday, after a man and woman, believed to be in their 50s, returned home after a night
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Essex: Traffic chaos as blaze shuts M25
Tens of thousands of people were stuck in traffic chaos as a fierce blaze forced the closure of the M25 and QEII bridge on Sunday. The scene of the fire in West Thurrock on Sunday More than 50 firefighters from across south Essex battled through the day
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Jaywick: Village store hit in ramraid
Ramraiders smashed their way through the front of a shop and ripped out a cash machine. Boarded up - the store in Marlowe Road, Jaywick, following the raid. Picture: TERRY WEEDEN (40219-2) The raiders struck at the Mace Stores, on Tudor Parade, Jaywick
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Shoebury: Death leap of Sally's killer
The soldier believed to have murdered student Sally Geeson has killed himself. He set himself alight before leaping from a seventh-floor window of a hotel room. Lance Corporal David Atkinson, 31, who served with the Royal Engineers, was wanted for questioning
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Soccer: U's eye possible Premiership test
Colchester United could find themselves travelling to Ewood Park to take on Premiership side Blackburn Rovers in the fourth round of the FA Cup. After disposing of Hull City with an impressive 2-0 away win at the weekend, Phil Parkinson's men were today
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Parking boost for rail users
RAIL commuters using Chafford Hundred's busy station car park have been boosted by news that they can save money by parking at nearby Lakeside. With commuters facing increasing rail fares and increased station parking charges, Chafford Hundred's councillors
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Colchester: Arson victim speaks of fears
An arson attack victim today spoke of her fear after finding out firebugs had set fire to her front door. Terri McDonald, who had just come out of hospital after hand surgery, woke to find the letterbox of her flat in Greenstead, Colchester, scorched
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Tilbury: Cruel thieves strike
Cold-hearted criminals have robbed five Tilbury children of their favourite Christmas presents. Thieves broke into the shed of the Wright family, in Keats Gardens, early on Tuesday morning and made off with five brand new bikes belonging to 13-year-old
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Soccer: Who will U's draw?
Colchester United manager Phil Parkinson had to sweat it out for 48 hours as he waited to find out who his side play in the fourth round of the FA Cup. The U's booked their place in the next stage of the prestigious competition with a superb 2-0 win over
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Essex: Traffic chaos as blaze shuts M25
Tens of thousands of people were stuck in traffic chaos as a fierce blaze forced the closure of the M25 and QEII bridge on Sunday. The scene of the fire in West Thurrock on Sunday More than 50 firefighters from across south Essex battled through the day
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Southend: University plans backed
The latest phase in transforming the centre of Southend into a thriving university campus has been given the go-ahead. Essex University's plan to create a six-storey building on the site of the old Odeon cinema in Southend High Street received the approval
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Wickford: Pensioner dies in blaze
A fire which ripped through a bungalow and killed an elderly widow could have been prevented, firefighters said. Ethel Dempsey, believed to be in her 80s, was found dead in her bungalow in Guernsey Gardens, Wickford. A passer-by smelt smoke at around
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Braintree: D-day for 8-lane swimming pool
Plans for a swimming pool and more commuter parking in Braintree look set to be approved. Members of Braintree Council's Braintree area committee will decide tomorrow whether to give the go-ahead for the swimming pool, associated parking, commuter parking
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Football: Duo target England schools victory
Two south Essex schools will be flying the flag for the county in the English Schools Cup tournament. Westcliff's St Bernard's High School and Rayleigh's Fitzwimarc won the Essex girls' and boys' finals respectively. Now they are through to the regional
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Colchester: High winds halt bin men
High winds forced the closure of the Colchester rubbish tip, meaning thousands of homes did not have their rubbish collected. Over the weekend extreme weather and flooding claimed three lives in Cumbria and parts of Carlisle were still cut off today.
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Soccer: U's to face Cardiff or Blackburn
Colchester United will play either Cardiff City or Blackburn Rovers away in the fourth round of the FA Cup. The tie will be played on the weekend of 29-30th January. Cardiff and Blackburn drew 1-1 on Saturday, while Colchester beat Hull City 2-0 away
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St Osyth: Man's arm badly hurt in accident
A full investigation has been launched after a workman suffered severe arm injuries when he was crushed by a bucket on a digger at a recycling centre. The accident happened at the Wellwick Wharf at Martins Farm civic amenity site, off the B1027 Colchester
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Colchester: Warning after drug death at flat
Drug users are being warned of a contaminated batch of heroin in circulation after a man died. Scene - police and emergency crews at the flat in St Peter's Street, Colchester, where a man died after taking what was believed to be heroin. Picture: ROB
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Soccer: Liam backing goal mission
Liam Chilvers feels there are goals in the Colchester United defence! Backing the U's defence to score again soon - Liam Chilvers The front pairing of Craig Fagan and defender-turned-striker Greg Halford have been ably supported in recent weeks by the
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Essex: Small companies urged to think about election
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is writing to its 185,000 members encouraging them to start feeding in their election priorities. Backing up the foundations of the FSB's election campaign, its Essex regional organiser, Terry Taber, has reminded
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Colchester: Death crash driver jailed for 5 years
A death crash driver is starting a five-year jail sentence for an accident in which a man died. Ryan Jefferies was told by a Chelmsford Crown Court judge he had defied warnings from friends and driven his car after drinking. A court also heard how Jefferies
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Essex: Health chiefs in cancer drug battle
Essex health chiefs hope this week to take the first step towards proving they are among the best at fighting cancer after a Government report said they had the worst chemotherapy service in Britain. Members of the South Essex Cancer Network (SECN), which
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Tendring: Chairman presents awards
A year of achievement has been celebrated with Tendring Council's apprenticeship scheme. Career Track, run by the council, sees young people gain experience and qualifications while they work, earn and learn. It is run for both workers in Clacton town
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Soccer: Taylor salutes superior U's
Hull City supremo Peter Taylor conceded that Colchester United were the best team on the day as his side were beaten 2-0 at the Kingston Communication Stadium. Gareth Williams and Craig Fagan struck within two minutes of each other in the first half to
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Athletics: Hickey gets GB call
Southend's super sporting all-rounder Adam Hickey was on top of the world after being told of his biggest honour yet. The 16-year-old Southend High School pupil is one of only four athletes preselected for the Norwich Union Great Britain and Northern
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Soccer: Hull City 0-2 Colchester United (FA Cup Third Round)
No doubt most Colchester United fans will hoping for a tie away today when the FA Cup fourth round draw is announced. So far they have only lost once on the road in nine matches and in recent weeks they have put in high-class performances as well. At
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Colchester: Cancer woman barred from entering venue
A woman who lost her hair because of cancer treatment says she wasn't allowed into a town venue on New Year's Eve because she was wearing a hat. Jackie Taylor, 36, had been out with friends in the town celebrating and later in the evening they went to
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Soccer: Wivenhoe Town 4-2 Berkhamsted Town (Southern League Division One East )
If an advert in favour of non-league football was ever needed then Wivenhoe Town's 4-2 win against Berkhamsted Town would surely qualify. Their Southern League division one east clash at Broad Lane was played in testing windy conditions and both teams
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Silver End: Window firm to axe 120 jobs
More than a hundred jobs are being axed at a mid-Essex firm. Laird Security Hardware in Western Road, Silver End, is to shed 120 jobs over 12 months at its factory. The company, which manufactures and distributes window and door hardware, said that due
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Rugby: Harman looks on and upwards
Southend take on Westcombe Park at Warner's Bridge tomorrow with Kevin Harman targeting a top-half finish in 2005. The Seasiders ended last year by climbing clear of the relegation zone and the director of rugby now wants his men to rise further up the
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Soccer: Stadium battle goes right to top
The battle for a new community stadium for Colchester has been taken to the heart of Government. Fight goes on - Jeanette Westlake, Rob Knight, Bob Russell MP and Tom Weatherill hand the petition over to Tim Vine, representing Richard Caborn. Picture:
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Witham: Car park to shut in school hours
The gates to a school's car park will be closed while the children leave after fears of possible accidents. The front car park of John Bramston School in Spinks Lane, Witham, are being kept closed until 3.15pm. The move follows fears by the headteacher
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Essex: Drama as warehouse blaze shuts M25
One of the busiest stretches of the M25 around London has been partially reopened following a massive fire. Police decided to open two lanes running in both directions between junctions 30 and 2 in Essex, including the Dartford tunnel and bridge. The
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Billericay: Couple taken to hospital after boiler explodes
An elderly couple were rushed to hospital on Saturday when their boiler exploded. The 71-year-old man suffered burns to his upper body, arms, legs, head and neck when he opened the airing cupboard at his home in Mercer Road, Billericay. He was taken by
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Chafford Hundred: Parking boost for rail users
Rail commuters using Chafford Hundred's busy station car park have been boosted by news that they can save money by parking at nearby Lakeside. With commuters facing increasing rail fares and increased station parking charges, Chafford Hundred's councillors
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Football: Bart happy to get hands on gong
Southend United goalkeeper Bart Griemink today revealed he had been shocked to win League Two's player of the month for December. The Dutch custodian kept three clean sheets in five impressive outings but was still not expecting to pick up the gong. "
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Soccer: U's eye possible Premiership test
Colchester United could find themselves travelling to Ewood Park to take on Premiership side Blackburn Rovers in the fourth round of the FA Cup. After disposing of Hull City with an impressive 2-0 away win at the weekend, Phil Parkinson's men were today
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Mersea: Birthday boys help appeal
A generous pair of birthday boys have taken the unusual step of turning down presents this year. Generous - birthday boys Harry Sheeran and Charlie May asked for any presents to be in the form of donations for the tsunami disaster appeal. Picture: ROB
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Football: Town want Grecians earner
Billericay will be hoping to cash-in on the FA Cup glories of Exeter City. The West Country Confer-ence side shook the soccer world and made national headlines on Saturday by achieving a goalless Cup draw at mighty Manchester United. The former Football
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Football: Barrett backs Freddy to remain on fire
Southend United centre back Adam Barrett is backing Blues striker Freddy Eastwood to fire Steve Tilson's side to promotion this season. The highly-rated hot shot has banged home 12 goals in 15 starts since signing for the Shrimpers in a series of superb
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Soccer: Hull City 0-2 Colchester United (FA Cup Third Round)
No doubt most Colchester United fans will hoping for a tie away today when the FA Cup fourth round draw is announced. So far they have only lost once on the road in nine matches and in recent weeks they have put in high-class performances as well. At
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Basildon, Thurrock: Cloud of smoke from factory blaze
A cloud of thick black smoke hung over Basildon after a huge factory fire left the M25 and QEII bridge closed for nearly 24 hours. Thousands of motorists faced hours of delays yesterday around the busy stretch of the motorway at junction 31, after the
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Stanway: Gipsies told to move
Travellers have been given six months to move off land on which they have have set up camp without permission. Councillors on Thursday night authorised an enforcement notice, which orders the group to leave the site, at Turkey Cock Lane. They must also
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Southend: Delight as sea horse gives birth to 120 babies
Delighted staff at Southend's Sea Life Adventure are celebrating after one of their Australian big bellied seahorses gave birth to 120 babies. This means the Southend centre in Eastern Esplanade has increased its population of the species by more than
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Snooker: Bingham sets up Maguire
Basildon snooker star Stuart Bing-ham was on top form last night to win a place in the main stages of the first ranking tournament of 2005. Bingham beat Harrow's Alfie Burden 5-2 at Pontin's Prestatyn to earn a first round proper date with one of the