2 months ago
English club cricketer and endurance athlete Sam Bodoano has completed an extraordinary 62-mile (100km) run from Lord's Cricket Ground in London to Valley End Cricket Club in Woking, Surrey, in an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the longest run-up before bowling a cricket ball.
Bodoano, 22, from Worplesdon near Guildford, Surrey, began his run at Lord's on Saturday and completed the gruelling journey around 14 hours later at Valley End Cricket Club on Sunday. His challenge culminated in him bowling the opening delivery of an 11-a-side match to his father.
To meet the requirements for the record attempt, Bodoano had to complete the entire 100km journey in full cricket whites while carrying a cricket ball. He then had to take part in a cricket match and deliver the opening ball. While Bodoano has completed the challenge and believes he has surpassed the existing mark, Guinness World Records has not yet officially recognised the achievement. The organisation's evidence review and verification process is still under way.
A Guinness World Records spokesperson said the application would need to go through the formal evidence review process before the record could be officially confirmed. The review can take around two weeks, depending on the evidence submitted.
If confirmed, Bodoano's run-up would comfortably surpass the previous men's record of 15 miles. The current holder of the record for the longest bowling run-up (male) is Tom Dunn, who ran 15 miles (24km) from Bethnal Green, in east London, to Wandsworth Common, in south London, in August 2024.
Despite the physical demands of the challenge, Bodoano completed the run for a charitable cause, raising almost £6,000 (Rs 7,64,513) for The Ruth Strauss Foundation, a cancer charity founded by former England captain Sir Andrew Strauss.
"I'm very tired, I lost a lot of sleep, but it was all for an amazing cause," Bodoano said.
An experienced endurance athlete, Bodoano has previously competed in the England Hockey Men's Premier League, completed the London Marathon and Ironman Wales, and finished third in a 112-mile backyard ultra-marathon. He also works as a running coach and content creator.
#london #completed #club #ball
Bodoano, 22, from Worplesdon near Guildford, Surrey, began his run at Lord's on Saturday and completed the gruelling journey around 14 hours later at Valley End Cricket Club on Sunday. His challenge culminated in him bowling the opening delivery of an 11-a-side match to his father.
To meet the requirements for the record attempt, Bodoano had to complete the entire 100km journey in full cricket whites while carrying a cricket ball. He then had to take part in a cricket match and deliver the opening ball. While Bodoano has completed the challenge and believes he has surpassed the existing mark, Guinness World Records has not yet officially recognised the achievement. The organisation's evidence review and verification process is still under way.
A Guinness World Records spokesperson said the application would need to go through the formal evidence review process before the record could be officially confirmed. The review can take around two weeks, depending on the evidence submitted.
If confirmed, Bodoano's run-up would comfortably surpass the previous men's record of 15 miles. The current holder of the record for the longest bowling run-up (male) is Tom Dunn, who ran 15 miles (24km) from Bethnal Green, in east London, to Wandsworth Common, in south London, in August 2024.
Despite the physical demands of the challenge, Bodoano completed the run for a charitable cause, raising almost £6,000 (Rs 7,64,513) for The Ruth Strauss Foundation, a cancer charity founded by former England captain Sir Andrew Strauss.
"I'm very tired, I lost a lot of sleep, but it was all for an amazing cause," Bodoano said.
An experienced endurance athlete, Bodoano has previously competed in the England Hockey Men's Premier League, completed the London Marathon and Ironman Wales, and finished third in a 112-mile backyard ultra-marathon. He also works as a running coach and content creator.
#london #completed #club #ball
2 months ago
Lando Norris insists he had opportunities to leave McLaren before signing a contract extension with the F1 team.
The reigning world champion, who has been with McLaren for a decade since joining their junior programme, at the weekend signed a new deal with the Woking-based outfit until 2030.
The 26-year-old Briton won his first world championship last year, pipping Max Verstappen and teammate Oscar Piastri to the ******* le, and believes he was rewarded for his loyalty to the team in more difficult years.
That being said, Norris says there were other options on the table.
"There was opportunity of course," Norris told Sky Sports F1. But opportunity that is positive. There's opportunities to gamble at times. I'm a driver that personally I would take one or two tougher years over instant success - as I did a few years ago with McLaren.
#years
The reigning world champion, who has been with McLaren for a decade since joining their junior programme, at the weekend signed a new deal with the Woking-based outfit until 2030.
The 26-year-old Briton won his first world championship last year, pipping Max Verstappen and teammate Oscar Piastri to the ******* le, and believes he was rewarded for his loyalty to the team in more difficult years.
That being said, Norris says there were other options on the table.
"There was opportunity of course," Norris told Sky Sports F1. But opportunity that is positive. There's opportunities to gamble at times. I'm a driver that personally I would take one or two tougher years over instant success - as I did a few years ago with McLaren.
#years
2 months ago
National League
Boston United 2 - 3 Hornchurch FT
Substitute Bobby Kelman netted a last-gasp winner as Hornchurch came back to beat Boston in the National League.
Ken Aboh opened the scoring for the hosts in the 34th minute, but the sides were level four minutes before the break as the result of a Jake Rooney own goal.
Boston restored their lead when Sai Sachdev scored one minute later, but Aaron Rowe – who scored on debut earlier this week against Woking – drew the sides level again in the 80th minute.
#boston #hornchurch
Boston United 2 - 3 Hornchurch FT
Substitute Bobby Kelman netted a last-gasp winner as Hornchurch came back to beat Boston in the National League.
Ken Aboh opened the scoring for the hosts in the 34th minute, but the sides were level four minutes before the break as the result of a Jake Rooney own goal.
Boston restored their lead when Sai Sachdev scored one minute later, but Aaron Rowe – who scored on debut earlier this week against Woking – drew the sides level again in the 80th minute.
#boston #hornchurch
2 months ago
Fylde have signed Blackpool midfielder Theo Upton on a season-long loan deal.
The 18-year-old has made five senior appearance for the Tangerines and made his debut in September 2024, aged 16.
Upton, who spent time on loan with eighth tier side Matlock last season, could make his debut for the Coasters in Saturday's trip to Woking.
#upton #made #fylde #september
The 18-year-old has made five senior appearance for the Tangerines and made his debut in September 2024, aged 16.
Upton, who spent time on loan with eighth tier side Matlock last season, could make his debut for the Coasters in Saturday's trip to Woking.
#upton #made #fylde #september
3 months ago
For now, Mercedes has no plans to give Kimi Antonelli preferential treatment to help secure his first Formula 1 world championship, despite what happened in the 2025 ******* le battle between the two McLaren drivers and Max Verstappen. The team confirmed that winning the constructors' championship remains its primary target.
For most of the 2025 campaign, McLaren had the fastest car, and the constructors' ******* le was already wrapped up by the Singapore Grand Prix. However, the drivers' ******* le nearly slipped through the team's grasp.
The Woking-based team did not favour either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri, and in the end, Verstappen nearly 'stole' the world ******* le, finishing just two points behind the Briton in the standings.
In 2026, Mercedes finds itself in a similar situation. At the moment, Antonelli leads the drivers' standings, but George Russell is not out of contention either. Lewis Hamilton is currently sitting in second place, and it is possible that the Mercedes drivers could take so many points off each other that, ultimately, the Ferrari driver could take advantage and win the biggest prize.
Nevertheless, Mercedes refuses to throw its full support behind Antonelli. "The simple principle is, if Mercedes can win the race, Mercedes must win the race. That comes first," deputy team principal Bradley Lord said in response to GPblog's question while speaking to a select group of media.
#title #first #World #championship
For most of the 2025 campaign, McLaren had the fastest car, and the constructors' ******* le was already wrapped up by the Singapore Grand Prix. However, the drivers' ******* le nearly slipped through the team's grasp.
The Woking-based team did not favour either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri, and in the end, Verstappen nearly 'stole' the world ******* le, finishing just two points behind the Briton in the standings.
In 2026, Mercedes finds itself in a similar situation. At the moment, Antonelli leads the drivers' standings, but George Russell is not out of contention either. Lewis Hamilton is currently sitting in second place, and it is possible that the Mercedes drivers could take so many points off each other that, ultimately, the Ferrari driver could take advantage and win the biggest prize.
Nevertheless, Mercedes refuses to throw its full support behind Antonelli. "The simple principle is, if Mercedes can win the race, Mercedes must win the race. That comes first," deputy team principal Bradley Lord said in response to GPblog's question while speaking to a select group of media.
#title #first #World #championship
3 months ago
Could the Royals have had a much better final week of pre-season? It's hard to think so. Following victories against Woking last Saturday (0-2), Newport County on Tuesday (0-4) and Crawley Town on Friday (0-1), Reading made it four clean-sheet wins in four on Saturday afternoon by seeing off Charlton Athletic 0-3 at The Valley.
Lewis Wing was the star man, beginning and ending the scoring with a pair of excellent strikes. Perhaps Boyd Beacroft's halfway-line lob over the 'keeper at Crawley inspired Wing to go one better?
Either way, this was Wing at his very best. He gave the Royals the lead just before half-time when he slammed in a free-kick, later making absolutely certain of the result by curling the ball beautifully into the far top corner after getting a shot corner back from David Hicks.
Reece Evans will be having words about which goal was the highlight of the afternoon though. He opened his account for the first team to make it 2-0 in the second half, heading the ball powerfully past the 'keeper at the end of an incisive, fluent counter-attack. Hicks played a neat pass down the right and into the area for Kyreece Lisbie, who checked back onto his left foot and crossed cutely for Evans.
Even outside those goals though – and stop me if you've read this before about Reading's 2026 pre-season friendlies – the Royals looked confident and well structured. Inventive, energetic and dynamic, this was a display that simply wouldn't have happened last season.
#season #crawley #last #four
Lewis Wing was the star man, beginning and ending the scoring with a pair of excellent strikes. Perhaps Boyd Beacroft's halfway-line lob over the 'keeper at Crawley inspired Wing to go one better?
Either way, this was Wing at his very best. He gave the Royals the lead just before half-time when he slammed in a free-kick, later making absolutely certain of the result by curling the ball beautifully into the far top corner after getting a shot corner back from David Hicks.
Reece Evans will be having words about which goal was the highlight of the afternoon though. He opened his account for the first team to make it 2-0 in the second half, heading the ball powerfully past the 'keeper at the end of an incisive, fluent counter-attack. Hicks played a neat pass down the right and into the area for Kyreece Lisbie, who checked back onto his left foot and crossed cutely for Evans.
Even outside those goals though – and stop me if you've read this before about Reading's 2026 pre-season friendlies – the Royals looked confident and well structured. Inventive, energetic and dynamic, this was a display that simply wouldn't have happened last season.
#season #crawley #last #four
3 months ago
Please note: Ross discusses suicide during the Mr Vegas section of this week's podcast. Please listen or skip as best fits your situation.
A rush of Reading news besets the boys this week, both on and off the field. There's a recap of the preseason friendlies with Newport County and Woking – both of which Ben attended. Then off the field, Reading release a new kit and announce a new front-of-shirt sponsor: gambling site Mr Vegas.
And in horse news, Long Kelvin leaves RG2 and English shores altogether, signing with Danish club AC Horsens. Is this good business, and how hard will Ehibhatiomhan be to replace?
View Link
Thank you to The Amazons for providing the theme song.
#reading #field #county #woking
A rush of Reading news besets the boys this week, both on and off the field. There's a recap of the preseason friendlies with Newport County and Woking – both of which Ben attended. Then off the field, Reading release a new kit and announce a new front-of-shirt sponsor: gambling site Mr Vegas.
And in horse news, Long Kelvin leaves RG2 and English shores altogether, signing with Danish club AC Horsens. Is this good business, and how hard will Ehibhatiomhan be to replace?
View Link
Thank you to The Amazons for providing the theme song.
#reading #field #county #woking
3 months ago
Reading built on Saturday's 2-0 win at Woking with another, this time even more commanding, victory on Tuesday night. Jacob Brown, Josh Stokes and Jerae Jones (x2) found the net as the Royals ran out 4-0 winners away to Newport County.
Interestingly, despite strongly suggesting that he'd play Saturday's 'second XI' for the first hour of this game (after they'd got the final 30 minutes on Saturday), Leam Richardson actually mixed things up and put out almost his strongest-possible side. Here's how the team looked at Newport:
Reading's XI for the first half: Pereira; Godwin-Malife, O'Connor, Ward, Dorsett; Wing, Rinomhota; Lisbie, Stokes, Osho; Brown
Half-time change: Ahmed for Godwin-Malife – an enforced swap due to injury (more on this later)
Reading's XI for the final 30 minutes: Stevens; Ahmed, Beacroft, Duah, Lane; Fraser, Savage; Williams, Sackey, Kyerewaa; Jones
#brown #jones #newport
Interestingly, despite strongly suggesting that he'd play Saturday's 'second XI' for the first hour of this game (after they'd got the final 30 minutes on Saturday), Leam Richardson actually mixed things up and put out almost his strongest-possible side. Here's how the team looked at Newport:
Reading's XI for the first half: Pereira; Godwin-Malife, O'Connor, Ward, Dorsett; Wing, Rinomhota; Lisbie, Stokes, Osho; Brown
Half-time change: Ahmed for Godwin-Malife – an enforced swap due to injury (more on this later)
Reading's XI for the final 30 minutes: Stevens; Ahmed, Beacroft, Duah, Lane; Fraser, Savage; Williams, Sackey, Kyerewaa; Jones
#brown #jones #newport
3 months ago
With a market cap of $233.5 billion, Linde plc (LIN) is a global leader in industrial gases and engineering, delivering innovative technologies and high-quality solutions across diverse industries worldwide. Committed to making the world more productive, the company helps customers improve efficiency while supporting sustainability through decarbonization, clean energy, and advanced gas processing solutions.
The Woking, the United Kingdom-based company is set to unveil its fiscal Q2 2026 results before the market opens on Friday, Jul. 31. Ahead of the event, ******* ysts forecast LIN to post an adjusted EPS of $4.49, a growth of 9.8% from $4.09 in the same quarter last year. It has surpassed Wall Street's bottom-line projections in the past four quarters.
PayPal Says a $53 Billion Takeover Offer from Stripe Undervalues It. How to Play PYPL Stock Here.
Billionaire Jeff Bezos Called Amazon's Customer Service to Prove a Point But Waited in Silence for More Than 10 Minutes — 'It Was Really Long'
Micron Stock Is Near Bear-Market Territory. Here's Why ASML's Guidance Says Buy the Dip.
#Stock #billion #committed #united
The Woking, the United Kingdom-based company is set to unveil its fiscal Q2 2026 results before the market opens on Friday, Jul. 31. Ahead of the event, ******* ysts forecast LIN to post an adjusted EPS of $4.49, a growth of 9.8% from $4.09 in the same quarter last year. It has surpassed Wall Street's bottom-line projections in the past four quarters.
PayPal Says a $53 Billion Takeover Offer from Stripe Undervalues It. How to Play PYPL Stock Here.
Billionaire Jeff Bezos Called Amazon's Customer Service to Prove a Point But Waited in Silence for More Than 10 Minutes — 'It Was Really Long'
Micron Stock Is Near Bear-Market Territory. Here's Why ASML's Guidance Says Buy the Dip.
#Stock #billion #committed #united
3 months ago
Former England striker Jermain Defoe has described his first managerial job as an "eye-opening experience" following his exit from National League side Woking after just four months and six league games in charge.
The 43-year-old was named the replacement for Neal Ardley in March and won two of those six matches to guide the club to a 10th-placed finish last season.
But on Thursday, Woking confirmed Defoe's stint had come to an abrupt end after they "mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect" - two weeks before the opening match of the new campaign against Sutton United.
"Unfortunately, circumstances have ultimately made it impossible for me to continue in the position," Defoe said in an Instagram post.
"I am extremely proud of the work undertaken during my time at the club and genuinely felt that we were building something special.
#defoe #former #national
The 43-year-old was named the replacement for Neal Ardley in March and won two of those six matches to guide the club to a 10th-placed finish last season.
But on Thursday, Woking confirmed Defoe's stint had come to an abrupt end after they "mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect" - two weeks before the opening match of the new campaign against Sutton United.
"Unfortunately, circumstances have ultimately made it impossible for me to continue in the position," Defoe said in an Instagram post.
"I am extremely proud of the work undertaken during my time at the club and genuinely felt that we were building something special.
#defoe #former #national
4 months ago
BBC Radio Solent's Portsmouth FC commentator Andrew Moon has joined the Portsmouth squad for their pre-season training camp in the Republic of Ireland.
The group are not playing any official games during their time in Ireland but have been putting the work in to get prepared for the upcoming Championship season.
After this camp, they have friendlies scheduled against Woking, Aldershot, Bristol Rovers, Wycombe and Farnborough before travelling to Germany to take on Darmstadt 98.
The group are not playing any official games during their time in Ireland but have been putting the work in to get prepared for the upcoming Championship season.
After this camp, they have friendlies scheduled against Woking, Aldershot, Bristol Rovers, Wycombe and Farnborough before travelling to Germany to take on Darmstadt 98.
4 months ago
Woking have re-signed striker Josh Kelly on a two-year deal, following his release from League One club AFC Wimbledon.
Kelly, 27, played for the Cards on loan from Wimbledon last season, scoring five goals in 24 appearances, until an injury against Eastleigh on 26 December curtailed his campaign.
"I'm not sure we saw the best of him during his loan with us, his match sharpness took a while," Woking's director of football Jody Brown said.
"He's proven at this level, he's been part of successful teams before, and we think he can get back to his very best during the next two years with us."
Meanwhile long-serving defender Tunji Akinola has signed a new one-year contract extension.
Kelly, 27, played for the Cards on loan from Wimbledon last season, scoring five goals in 24 appearances, until an injury against Eastleigh on 26 December curtailed his campaign.
"I'm not sure we saw the best of him during his loan with us, his match sharpness took a while," Woking's director of football Jody Brown said.
"He's proven at this level, he's been part of successful teams before, and we think he can get back to his very best during the next two years with us."
Meanwhile long-serving defender Tunji Akinola has signed a new one-year contract extension.
4 months ago
Woking have re-signed striker Josh Kelly on a two-year deal, following his release from League One club AFC Wimbledon.
Kelly, 27, played for the Cards on loan from Wimbledon last season , scoring five goals in 24 appearances, until an injury against Eastleigh on 26 December curtailed his campaign.
"I'm not sure we saw the best of him during his loan with us, his match sharpness took a while," Woking's director of football Jody Brown said.
"He's proven at this level, he's been part of successful teams before, and we think he can get back to his very best during the next two years with us."
Kelly, 27, played for the Cards on loan from Wimbledon last season , scoring five goals in 24 appearances, until an injury against Eastleigh on 26 December curtailed his campaign.
"I'm not sure we saw the best of him during his loan with us, his match sharpness took a while," Woking's director of football Jody Brown said.
"He's proven at this level, he's been part of successful teams before, and we think he can get back to his very best during the next two years with us."
