This week I decided to give our visitors an opportunity to experience tranquil beauty by walking the Wolds path from Gill’s Farm to Thixendale.

I was devastated to see the way the verdant valley had been churned up and resembled an abandoned building site, with electric fencing to ward off intruders.

My initial disappointment has become inflamed anger at the sacrilege and vandalism to such a beautiful and peaceful oasis of Wolds treasured landscape ... and all in the name of “art”.

We may ponder the historic interpretation of Stonehenge but will anyone ever be able to explain the pointless mystery behind the wasted extravagance of churned up earth?

May the “artist” never find reason to complain when a wind turbine is suggested for the site of their front lawn.

Marian Harris,

Horsefair Lane, Little Driffield.

DOG mess is causing such concern for some residents in the Driffield area that they are taking their own action to encourage people to clear up after their animals.

Wansford Road resident Ann Bennett, pictured, was so disgusted with the state of the footpath and grassed area outside her home that she has put up her own sign inviting dog walkers to use the poo bags provided to clean up after their animals.

And one Hutton Cranswick resident has set up a name and shame website in a bid to stop “filthy dog owners” turning the village into a “cesspit”.

Ann, who has lived on Wansford Road for over 20 years, said the dog mess along that particular stretch of road is now the worst she has ever seen, branding it “an absolute disgrace.”

“It’s just getting to a point now where even the dogs can’t walk down there,” said Ann, who owns a Lahasa Apso and a British Bull Dog.

“I have never ever known it quite as bad as this.

“I know we have got two new housing estates that we never used to have so we are getting more people with dogs,” Ann added.

And Ann is not alone in taking action to stop the problem of dog fouling in the area.

A website called ‘Hutton Cranswick in Poop’ has been created by one resident who has vowed to name and shame those who allow their dogs to foul the pavements and footpaths.

Under the headline ‘Dog Poop Blooming in East Yorkshire Village’ the web page states: “If Dog poo’s your thing then the picturesque East Yorkshire village of Hutton Cranswick is the place for you.

“It comes in all shapes sizes colours and can be found on pavements the village green and even outside the local convenience store, dog poo appears to be blooming as more and more villagers fail to clean up after their poo poo machines.”

The website’s creator has invited other concerned residents to submit photo evidence of dog walkers letting their dogs foul in the village by email to derrickfox6@gmail.com

The website can be found at http://huttoncranswickinbloom.wordpress.com/

Hutton Cranswick in Bloom have declared they are not part of a “witch hunt” against dog owners after a blog was launched to name and shame those failing to clean up their animal’s mess.

And the group have now taken steps to have the website removed ahead of their bid for Britain in Bloom glory.

As reported in last week’s Driffield Times & Post a mystery blogger has set up a website called ‘Hutton Cranswick in Poop’ which has vowed to name and shame all those who allow their dogs to foul on the village’s footpaths.

On the site the blogger states: “If dog poo’s your thing then the picturesque East Yorkshire Village of Hutton Cranswick is the place for you.

“It comes in all shapes sizes and colours and can be found on pavements, the village green and even outside the local convenience store, dog poo appears to be blooming as more and more villagers fail to clean up after their poo poo machines.”

But the website, which carries the headline ‘Dog Poop Blooming in East Yorkshire Village’ has been branded “thoroughly unpleasant” by the village’s in bloom committee.

Georgina Simpson, of Hutton Cranswick In Bloom, said: “The members of Hutton Cranswick in Bloom have no connection whatever with the graphic and thoroughly unpleasant website which appears under our name.

“Most of our village dog owners are very responsible - of course there are always exceptions - but I do not want to be part of any witch hunt against dog owners in general, and I do not want our name linked in any way to statements for which we are not responsible.”

After winning a Gold Rose Award in the Large Village Category, in last year’s Yorkshire in Bloom contest Hutton Cranswick in Bloom have been selected to take part in the Royal Horticultural Society Britain in Bloom UK finals.

The Committee have made a formal complaint to the host service provider, Word Press about the dog fouling website and the matter is being looked into.

Fresh-faced teenager Cassius Corbulo never wanted to be a soldier – and certainly not a hero – but the Roman army has quite literally left him holding the fort.

It’s 270 AD and Syria is one of the most volatile outposts of Marcus Aurelius’s weakened empire which is facing the constant threat of invasion and revolt.

Into this cauldron of simmering rebellion steps the noble-born Cassius, a callow nineteen-year-old and the leading player in a superbly crafted, all-action debut novel from scriptwriter turned author Nick Brown.

Roman fiction is becoming a crowded market but Brown’s intelligent and exhilarating story excels in its perfect pace, vivid combat sequences and superb characterisation.

He brings to life Roman warfare in all its raw intensity and excitement... the fear, the tension, the physical endurance and the sheer blood-soaked brutality.

After an ill-advised dalliance with one of his aunt’s handmaidens, Cassius’s father dispatched him from Rome to join the army and learn a bit of ‘discipline.’

He was supposed to be an intelligence agent for the Imperial Security Service, an elite group which acts as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the emperor, but his arrival in Syria coincided with a rebellion unleashed by Queen Zenobia of Palmyra.

The ambitious and charismatic ruler has turned her Roman-trained army against her former masters and the once invincible legions have been crushed. Arabia, Palestine and Egypt have fallen and now Antioch, Syria’s capital city, stands exposed.

Cassius has been assigned the menial task of rounding up wounded legionaries but then urgent new orders arrive.

He is the only ranking Roman officer left in the line of the Palmyran advance and must take command of the fort of Alauran, the last stronghold still in Roman hands, and hold it against the enemy until reinforcements arrive.

What Cassius finds at Alauran would daunt the most seasoned veteran, let alone a teenager with no experience of war. A mere scattering of divided and demoralised legionaries remain, backed up by some fractious Syrian auxiliaries and a drunken Praetorian Guardsman.

Ranged against him is a formidable Palmyran army led by the seemingly invincible Azaf, a highly skilled swordsman who has the god-given talent of weighing up his opponents and his battle options in the blink of an eye.

With the enemy just days away, Cassius must somehow find the discipline, resourcefulness and courage to organise the garrison, save Alauran and secure Rome’s eastern frontier...

The first of a new series, The Siege delivers a thrilling coming-of-age adventure with an unlikely but likeable hero whose exploits are set to win an army of fans.

(Hodder, paperback, £7.99)

DRIFFIELD town councillors have drawn up a top 10 hit list of derelict buildings currently tarnishing the image of The Capital of the Wolds.

Councillors were subjected to a barrage of criticism after resident Mr George Siddle branded the authority a “lion without teeth” over its inability to take action on eyesores which are an ugly blot on the townscape.

Several councillors felt attacks in the press and on radio had been unfair as their powers were limited and inadequate legislation meant they were unable to take positive action to solve the problem.

Now they have identified key eyesore properties and plan to highlight them in a presentation pack featuring photos and perhaps a video.

MP Greg Knight will be invited to visit the town council to view the information along with East Riding of Yorkshire Councillor Symon Fraser and a representative from the planning department.

Councillors Mark Blakeston, David Credland and Georgina Lucas will then take the information to County Hall in Beverley in the hope of presenting it to Mr Alan Menzies, the director of planning and economic regeneration.

The move follows a motion put before the town council on Tuesday which asked members to make the point “that there is no reason the town council bear the brunt of public anger at the inactivity of the ERYC”

Councillors hope that during his visit, Mr Knight will address the town council on legislation regarding derelict buildings.

Coun Blakeston said he had drawn up a list of eyesore buildings which included the Old Post Office, the former Cattle Market, Theakstons Arcade, the old KwikSave building, the former Ivy House Glass building, the ex Naylors woodyard site, Queen Street generally, the former Bosch garage and the Sugar Mills.

A member of the public, Mr David Symonds, of Park Avenue, asked during public discussion when action would be taken to protect listed buildings and call property owners to account.

“When you buy a Listed Building it is like having a child. You must look after it,” he said.

The deputy mayor agreed and said heritage was important but was being whittled away.

Coun Credland said that too often the town council took the blame but the authority did not have the power to make compulsory purchase orders.

“The only way these matters are going to be sorted out is with CPOs.

“The East Riding are happy to let us take the blame when they do not do anything”.

But Coun Neal Pearson said: “It is no good blaming the East Riding if there is nothing that they can do.”

Councillors spoke of their concern at developers landgrabbing - buying up plots of land to block rival building schemes.

Coun Steve Poessl said ERYC had the power to impose CPOs but said the process was long and drawn out.

He said a change of legislation was required which needed a push towards Parliament. “We need to get our MP here.”

Previously, Coun Paul Rounding has called upon people concerned about the state of Driffield to attend town council meetings and get more involved in community projects to try and improve the town.

What do you think of Driffield’s eyesores?

AROUND 60 young people will be in Beverley Magistrates’ Court on March 10 as participants in the 2012 Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial Competition.

Groups of 12 to 14 year olds will take on the roles of lawyers, witnesses, magistrates, court staff and a defendant to take part in the 18th annual competition, which is run by the Citizenship Foundation in partnership with the Magistrates’ Association.

A specially written criminal case is used, which involves a scenario where teenagers are accused of handling stolen goods following an attack on a newsagents.

The students learn about all aspects of the criminal justice system as well as developing confidence in personal skills such as public speaking, analysis techniques and working as a team.

Local magistrates from the East Yorkshire bench help the teams prepare by visiting schools to give information on the everyday workings of magistrates’ courts and hosting court visits at Beverley Court.

The East Yorkshire Magistrates’ Court local heat will include students from Driffield, Hornsea, South Holderness and Hessle secondary schools.

There are 65 heats nationwide over the next three weeks.

Winning teams progress to regional finals in May which then lead on to the prestigious national final at Nottingham Magistrates Court in June 2012.

A PARISH Councillor who allegedly launched into a “vitriolic attack” in a phone conversation with a council clerk amid allegations of vote rigging has been found not to have breached the code of conduct.

Clerk to Beeford Parish Council, Rosalind Turner, made a formal complaint against Councillor Hillary Winterbottom after she allegedly “launched into a verbal assault” over the phone.

The telephone call came after Coun Winterbottom’s son failed to be co-opted onto the parish council, which was followed by a further phone call in which she allegedly accused Mrs Turner of contacting other parish councillors to “rig the vote”.

Mrs Turner wrote to Coun Winterbottom, who has been a Parish Councillor for over 17 years, in July 2009 asking for an apology but never received a response.

The matter was referred to the Monitoring Officer by the Standards Committee Association Sub-Committee for investigation.

Democratic Services Officer Tracey Tomlinson, who investigated the matter, reported that Coun Winterbottom’s actions put her in breach of paragraph 3.1 of the code of conduct, which states “you must treat others with respect.”

In a statement from Coun Winterbottom, who was unable to attend the hearing in person because of illness, she said the allegation that she had been disrespectful was “incorrect and hurtful.”

But after an hour long hearing, held at County Hall last Thursday (March 1), the East Riding of Yorkshire Council Standards Committee concluded that there had not been any breach of the code of conduct.

The complaint dated back to May 2009 when a co-option to fill a vacancy on Beeford Parish Council was held with two candidates applying, including Coun Winterbottom’s son.

After seeking advice from the ERYC Mrs Turner told Coun Winterbottom at the co-option meeting that she should declare a prejudicial interest as she was related to one of the candidates.

Coun Winterbottom did not take part in the vote and her son lost out by two votes to six.

According to Mrs Turner, a few days later, in a phone conversation Coun Winterbottom “launched into a verbal assault” and “was very irate and went on to question that I had in fact rung East Riding of Yorkshire Council for advice and asked me to prove that I had made such a call.

“She went on to shout at me that she would take this matter as far as she could, which I understandably took as a threat,” Mrs Turner said.

Mrs Turner also alleged that in a further phone call Coun Winterbottom had accused her of contacting members of the Parish Council to “rig the vote” for another candidate.

Mrs Tomlinson said that while there were no witnesses to the phone conversation it was difficult to say why Mrs Turner would have written to Coun Winterbottom seeking an apology if she had not had reason.

“This would suggest that the balance of probability is that Councillor Winterbottom upset Mrs Turner during the telephone conversation, although the content cannot be verified,” Mrs Tomlinson said.

The hearing was also told that Coun Winterbottom had not responded to Mrs Turner’s request for an apology because “she thought the clerk would have got it out of her system.”

Catherine Shannon, chair of the Standards Committee meeting, said on the balance of probabilities there was insufficient evidence for the committee to conclude that Coun Winterbottom’s conduct and failure to reply to the letter, had breached paragraph 3.1 of the code of conduct.

Speaking after the meeting Mrs Turner said: “Had I had the foresight to record the telephone conversation I believe the outcome of today’s hearing would have been very different.”

A large book sale was staged at Kilham Village Hall on Saturday, to raise money for the churches at Harpham and Lowthorpe.

Other charities such as Macmillan Nurses also reaped the benefit of the event, during which hundreds of books went on sale.

SPRING is in the air as nursery children in the Driffield area have been discovering.

Youngsters have been busy meeting some new additions to Old Macdonalds Childrens Day Nursery.

The nursery, which is based at Manor Farm, in Lund has welcomed 10 lambs who have all been born there within the last couple of weeks.

Staff said the lambs have proved popular with the children who think they are friendly and very fast.

THE girlfriend of a Driffield chef wept in court as she admitted plunging a huge knife into his back in a drink-fuelled rage while he lay slumped on a bed.

Petite Tiffany Baillie, 32, thrust the 12cm-long kitchen knife into Gregory Todd, 48, after they had been out drinking having got back together under one roof after a split.

Mr Todd, who had been working at the Bell Hotel, in Driffield, for 10 months, had been living at a flat in Trinity Court, Hessle, with Baillie. For reasons she has not told police, she lashed out while Mr Todd was laid on the bed fully clothed He had no protecting and was wearing a thin T-shirt. Mr Todd has no memory of the attack. The knife was later recovered from sheets in the bedroom. It had entered Mr Todd’s body right up to the hilt and was covered in blood. It was a single stab wound which surgeons said required “considerable force” to penetrate so far.

After stabbing him, a panic-stricken Baillie knocked on a neighbours door and asked him to call the police.

When police spoke to Baillie she said: “What Have I done? Have I killed him? Will he die?”

The knife had punctured his liver and caused damage to his pancreas and spleen. His lung had to be drained. Surgeons at Hull Royal Infirmary told police that without medical intervention he would have died.

Baillie wept openly as she denied the charge of attempted murder of her boyfriend as it was put to her by the court clerk, but pleaded guilty to the charge of wounding with intent at Hull Crown Court on Thursday (March 1).

Mr Todd was not in court to see here give a guilty plea, but her family were. Mr Todd was in a critical condition in the intensive care unit and officers feared he may not make it through the night. Mr Todd spent three months in hospital.

Crown barrister Jharna Jobes said: “The plea is acceptable. We do not seek a trial on the charge of attempted murder.”

Barrister Paul Genney for Baillie said following the stabbing at 9pm on December 4 last year there had been reconciliation between the couple.

“Mr Todd has visited Miss Baillie in Wakefield Prison,” said Mr Genney. “He was taken there by her parents. They seem to have reconciled. They are still in contact with each other. She understands the inevitability of sentence. I make no application to change her status. The court would be assisted by a pre-sentence report.”

Judge Michael Mettyear remanded Baillie back into custody. She will be sentenced at Hull Crown Court on March 26.

DRIFFIELD EI put in a poor team performance on Saturday as they went down to Brandesburton at Driffield School.

It was a game Driffield were confident of winning, and looking to avenge an away defeat to Brandesburton earlier in the season.

With forced changes, Jonathan Anderson the injured Dan Taylor, while Rich Gibson made his first start, playing up front and Dale Darling plying wide right with Spencer Tate taking his turn on the bench as the manager rotates the team.

EI made a confident start and deservedly went one up through Rich Gibson. After excellent football from Matthew Jarvis, Darling, and skipper Mark Thompson, Darling’s through ball found Gibson who turned two men before slotting wide of the keeper.

But just five minutes later the scores were level. After the ball was launched forward Jason Riby was forced into conceding a corner and the ball somehow found its way straight in.

This is how it stayed until the break, with both teams huffing and puffing, and producing very little football.

In the second period skipper Thompson put EI back in front, when after good work again from Jarvis – who was playing through injury – found Thompson and he volleyed home.

But again EI failed to hold on to their lead. Brandesburton, who were looking the more dangerous in a very scrappy game of football, took advantage after keeper Grant Halder lost control of the ball.

With just 10 minutes left Thompson had the chance to put his side level but missed the ball, and soon after Brandesburton had chance to score but their impressive forward slipped at the vital moment.

But the slip didn’t matter, as two goals in the dying minutes for the away side saw them complete a league double over Driffield EI.

Overall it was a scrappy game, with Brandesburton looking the more dangerous, and probably just deserving the points.

Thanks to main sponsors Dodds Solar, B&F Potatoes and J Scott Engineering.Thanks also to Katie at the Mariners Arms for the after match refreshments.

Left, Tom Ullyott takes on Brandesburton.

Above, Driffield EI let Brandesburton back in the game at 1-1, as the ball finds its way in direct from a corner.

Right, Jason Riby and Brandesburton’s Tom Gaines battle for the ball.

Pictures by Pam Stanforth

A bright day was made for running rugby and that is what was on show. Driffield picked the same team that had won last week at Heath except that Saddler did not play and Furbank was on the wing. The bench consisted of Pettinger, Bell and Hamilton.

Castleford had 12 changes from the programme and it soon became evident that at present, they are unfortunately in disarray. It is always sad to see the decline of a fine old club, who in their day were the scourge of so called ‘first class’ clubs, when they met them in the Yorkshire Cup. It is to be hoped that they reorganise and come back to their former glory.

Driffield have been criticised this season for slow starting, but this complaint could not be levelled against them this Saturday. Right from the whistle they were harrying Castleford and showing that the speed of the backs in comparison to Cas was going to be a vital factor. The first score was by right wing Furbank after a flowing movement, which Kitching could not convert.

He remedied this error and kicked with length and precision for the rest of the game. On six minutes Furbank again scored from a Kitching break, for Kitching to convert. D 12 – C 0.

Four minutes later Wright made a good pick up from a Cas mistake and ran 40 metres to go under the posts. Kitching converted.

McClarron was being unlucky on the left wing as a series of ill directed passes kept him off the score sheet. Tatham-Brugh had a nasty head wound and was replaced by young Pettinger. This match was an ideal opportunity to give him an extended run and he took his chance well.

On 20 minutes a sweeping movement sent in Furbank on the right who was able to go near the posts for Kitching to convert. D 26 – 0.

Driffield had now earned their bonus point. Four mins later a lineout was won by Dervey who sent in Boreman to score. Kitching converted. After another two minutes Smith came into the line to send Furbank in for another try which the conversion was missed. D 38 – C 0.

A clearance kick was caught by McClarron who passed to captain Wright who went in under the posts for Kitching to convert. D 45 – C 0.

Just on half time Havler broke and slipped a pass to Wright who scored for Kitching to convert. D 52 – C 0.

As it was to transpire, Driffield were to double this score in the second half as Castleford were completely outclassed. Driffield brought on Hamilton for Reilly and scrum half Bell, allowing Harding to move to fly half instead of Lucas.

The flow of points continued after a very short revival by Cas, who made some ground through their forwards. Pettinger then scored but Kitching failed with the kick.

It was now McClarron’s turn to get on the score sheet after a good movement, following a heel against the head. Kitching converted.

Driffield moved a penalty which resulted in Smith giving the scoring pass to Furbank, however Kitching hit the post with the conversion. D 69 – C 0. It was not long after that another heel against the head resulted in a McClarron run and an inside pass to the backing up Hamilton. Kitching converted. D 76 – C 0.

From a kick ahead, Pettinger got the ball and from 40 metres held off a number of tackles to go over the line. Kitching converted. D 83 – C 0.

The game had now developed into a rout, whenever the score mounts like this, the receiving team seems to get no luck and all the decisions seem to go against them. Bell now caught their scrum half Thomas in possession and the ball was moved left for McClarron to score and Kitching to convert. D 90 – C 0. From a given away five metre scrum the ball was moved left again to Smith who scored and Kitching converted. D 97 – C 0.

It was now just a question whether Driffield would get over the 100 mark, and right on full time they did. Smith and Kitching made the running for yet another try for Furbank which Kitching converted.

It is difficult to be analytical about a game such as this. Driffield were so much faster in the backs and Kitching was in such fine form with the boot. Castleford were not able to tackle the Driffield backs when it was opened out and many more tries could have been scored if all the opportunities had been taken. At least four over ambitious reverse passes were dropped, but you cannot blame the backs for trying this in such a game.

The forwards won ball at will, the lineout was dominated by John Dervey and Boreman and credit must be given to hooker Whitfield for his accurate throwing in. All played their part particularly the back row; whist Pettinger had a dream home debut. He must think this game is so easy!

This week, back to reality. Bridlington away. Now this will be a far tougher test. A word of sympathy to Castleford. Surely this is a good time to turn the corner and start the hard climb back to better times.

Driffield Dragons U10 went home with four points in hand following two very close games sending them to joint top position.

The first match was about even in terms of chances but in general both teams were very well organised, especially in defence.

Mathison made a couple of saves for the Dragons but the Cave keeper made five excellent ones throughout both halves. It was Cave who had the first chance, they hit the Dragons on the break, resulting in a great shot from wide on the right which Mathison palmed wide for a corner.

Dragons had a good passing move involving Rider, Mabbett and Pudsey who crossed from the left, Thornton got his shot in but it deflected out off the defender for a corner.

Cave were next to pose a threat, when a scramble in the area from a corner resulted in a shot shaving the outside of the post. The Dragons had one more chance before the break, Pudsey turned his marker and laid the ball back to Mabbett who hit a good shot from distance but the keeper was equal to it. Half-time 0-0.

The Dragons attacked from the off and had their first chance on two minutes. Mabbett hit a fine shot from 20 yards but again the keeper saved comfortably. Mabbett then slotted Pudsey through on goal, he beat the two chasing defenders but the keeper got fingertips to his shot which he tried to place into the bottom corner.

Minutes later Pudsey won the ball on the right and laid a quick ball to Rider, who turned his man and set up Mabbett for another low hard shot which somehow the keeper tipped round the post.

Cave had not had a shot on goal in the second half mainly due to great defending by Kerry and Riby, but they did have the last chance with a great strike from outside the area but Mathison saved well. Final score 0-0.

The second game saw a couple of positional changes which nearly backfired after only a minute. The Cave striker went unchallenged into the area, rounded the keeper but just as he went to tap home, Mabbett got his toe-end to the ball to put it out for a corner.

Cave did however take the lead minutes later, another long ball to the Cave striker again caught out the defence, this time he made no mistake and placed the ball past the helpless Mathison from ten yards.

The Dragons equalised on eleven minutes with their first real chance. Flemmings found Kerry out wide, he slotted the ball through two defenders to Pudsey, he controlled the ball well, beat his marker and smashed the ball into the far corner wrong-footing the keeper. Half-time 1-1.

The Dragons were unlucky not to have the lead with their first attack. A Riby corner was headed back to him by Mabbett, Riby crossed again to Pudsey at the far post but his shot on the half-volley hit the side netting.

The Dragons then had a massive shout for a penalty when a defender looked to handle with both hands while laid near the goal-line but the referee deemed it accidental.

Cave had the next good chance when their striker weaved his way past three players and hit what looked a goal-bound effort under the advancing Mathison but luckily it went a foot wide.

It was the Dragons who got the winner after ten minutes. Kerry placed a great ball over the defence, Pudsey’s touch was excellent before hitting a thunderbolt into the far corner from just inside the area. Final score 2-1.

Well done, a great performance by the whole team. A lot of credit must also go to North Cave who proved very tough and worthy opponents throughout.

Squad; Mathison, Riby, Kerry, Rider, Mabbett, Thornton, Pudsey, Flemmings, Docking.

Manager’s man of the match went to Riby, for a good all-round performance over both games but also for some important interceptions throughout the first.

Parents’ man of the match went to Kerry for his great positioning and defending, particularly throughout the first game.

This Sunday the Dragons are at home again and entertain Cottingham Rangers Crusaders at the Rec, ko 10.30 am, please meet 9.50 am.

A combination of snow, half term holidays and the cup competition meant this weekend’s game was the Wildcats’ first football action since January. The girls couldn’t have picked much tougher opponents for the re-start to their campaign as it was title challengers Scarborough who were the visitors.

A frantic start saw Scarborough take the early initiative pressing forward for the early goal but keeper Lilli Allan and the defence of Natalie Cullen and Alice Oakley not only kept the scoreline blank they also impressed with their distribution helping to kick start the first of many promising attacking moves from the Wildcats.

The midfield of Emma Robinson, Hannah Johnson and Melissa Greenlaw were also linking up well and it was a strike from Johnson which came close to breaking the deadlock forcing a block from the Scarborough keeper which Melissa Stapley just failed to follow up.

The introduction of a fit again Libby Martin boosted the Wildcats’ attacking options, her blistering pace has been missed and she almost got on the end of the best bit of football of the first half. The pitch length move started with Allan accurately throwing the ball out to Oakley wide on the right, she picked out Greenlaw in the centre circle who controlled the ball on the half volley and turned in one movement to play a perfect pass back out wide to Johnson racing down the wing, a great cross into the box followed which unfortunately just evaded both Robinson and the on-rushing Martin.

It would have been a candidate for goal of the season but as it was the game remained goalless at half time.

The home side had the first meaningful attack of the second half with a shot from Johnson going wide but the following ten minutes would prove decisive and it was the visitors who took control. A huge goalkick put the Wildcats defence under pressure, instead of challenging Cullen for the header Scarborough’s striker gambled and split the defence as the resulting back header fell fortuitously in her path, the following carefully placed shot into the bottom right corner of the net gave Scarborough the lead.

Unusually Driffield heads dropped and the visitors pressed to increase their lead forcing several corners in quick succession and it was only brave headed clearances from Cullen and secure handling from Allan that kept the score down.

However minutes later a Scarborough player was allowed to run through the midfield unchallenged from where she unleashed a fierce long range shot which flew into the top corner giving Allan no chance.

At least that sparked the home side back to life and they again started to compete with Martin going close, Robinson and Johnson having shots blocked and Stapley just failing to score following a goal mouth scramble.

Overall the Driffield girls can be proud of their performance, gaining favourable comments from the visiting manager but despite giving the high flying Scarborough side two good games this season both games have ended in defeat.

The Wildcats hope it will be a case of third time lucky as the teams meet again in a few weeks time in the quarter finals of the league cup.

Travelling this week to face the Slazengers at Wakefield, Driffield were still on a victory high from last week. With three points in the bag, the ladies we hungry for more.

Driffield travelled with 12 players, so one substitute down they knew they had a 70-minute challenge ahead of them.

Driffield had an upbeat and pacey warm up, making use of the car park steps at the club. Heart rates were high and Driffield started with tempo. Though five minutes in, shape, focus and structure was lost. Driffield’s possession was so dicey that the only way of differentiating between the teams was the colours. Driffield seem to find themselves in the underdog position week on week, and true to form the ladies went 1-0 down within 15 minutes.

In a familiar situation, Driffield recognised the need to focus and regain equality. They started to pass with more accuracy and pace, but the Slagenzers were always looking to intercept. Driffield had chances to score but didn’t convert. The next goal was Slazengers, and the teams departed at half time with a 2-0 score line.

Instead of panicking, Driffield rose to the challenge. Henri Bristowe worked the ball through well from midfield, using wall passes with Vicky Scott on the left and Zoe Howe on the right. Driffield managed a few effective chains of quick passing between Anna Kitching, Louise Morrison and Hannah Langley. Finally making a large distance quickly with some useful passing Hannah Langley worked the ball into the D and scored a cleanly struck the ball, which flew past the keeper into the left corner.

Driffield had more chances to equalise, with a couple of attacks and fumbles in front the goal. Nothing came until Fiona Tuplin worked the ball round the defence and had a great straight strike at the top of the D. The ball rattled the backboard to equalise.

The Slazengers reacted and persisted with the attack. They put a third goal past keeper Amy Evans ,who had made lots of great saves throughout the match. Now back in second place Driffield were given a lifeline as a Slazengers’ defender stopped a Driffield goal with a foot on the line. Fiona Tuplin took the flick, which went wide of the post. But still with five minutes to go Driffield did not give up and fought for the third.

The Slazengers tried their hardest to keep up in the Driffield half, but defenders Sue Morgan, Ziggy Green and Laura Hook kept them at bay.

Laura Hook effectively worked the ball out of right back, down the wing. Ashley Cowton put some long balls into to the D. Eventually the ball was picked up by Fiona Tuplin, who skilfully zig zagged the ball round a number of defenders and pushed it into the goal.

A score of 3-3 was a fair result for a bad start and determined comeback!

Driffield face a hard weekend in the North East next week, playing Newcastle Ladies on Saturday and Alnwick on Sunday after a team night out in Newcastle.

Driffield have five games to fit into three weeks as the season soon draws to a close.

Pre-Christmas the team secured a 1-1 draw against Tadcaster.

Due to improved play since then they were wanting and expecting a win to keep them out of the relegation zone.

A very short pitch warm up due to the previous game being a late starter and who would believe within minutes a breakaway goal! But not for Driffield.

Certainly a wake up call though and a battle to commence. Tadcaster did keep breaking through but it was Driffield who had a run of short corners in the first half, none of which could be converted though to get the score level.

There was still some good play, especially down the right side but Tadcaster did defend well and Driffield just not strong enough to get shots on goal. The team was a little flat, but held onto the 0 -1 at half time.

The second half was just as frustrating and Driffield’s team effort did rise, it wasn’t enough to gain sufficient momentum to produce any much needed goals.

Driffield did show some good movement of the ball but as Tadcaster weakened they were conscious of the previous game’s result and holding the ball well to use up time.

Really a game chased by Driffield from the off and the final score 0 -1.

This years Kiplingcotes Derby will take place on March 15.

Reputed to be the oldest race in the country, the four and half mile race which dates back to 1519 kicks off at 11am.

First prize is £50.

HOUSEHOLDERS in Driffield will be forced to shell out £282,000 to pay for the services and facilities provided by town council over the forthcoming financial year.

A total £145,273 of that will go on salaries – with a further £18,450 on administration, which covers office expenses, audit, insurance and training.

Of the £118,277 left, £10,500 will go towards new plant equipment, fuel, repairs and insurance, £57,250 is earmarked for running costs of council buildings and £29,200 has been set aside for town promotion in the form of the town guide, events, town centre projects and the website.

A total £5,200 goes towards elections, the mayor’s honorarium and functions and £39,550 will be spent on play areas, public conveniences, the market, allotments, CCTV and town enhancements.

Of the remaining funding, £10,600 will be spent on donations to the town bus, the Kings Mill project and the children’s trip day and there is a £10,000 contingency fund and £1,500 allocated for petty cash.

The figures form part of the Driffield town council precept supplement for the 2012/13 financial year and the money will be collected as part of the overall council tax bill sent out this week by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

The town council told ratepayers in a leaflet: “We work to protect, promote and progress the economic, environmental, social and cultural wellbeing of all the people of the parish.

“We work in partnership with various agencies to fulfil our aims, including the ERYC, voluntary and professional organisations.”

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A DRIFFIELD motorist has been fined £175 for driving a car without a valid licence.

Nicholas David Fletcher, 54, of New Road, Driffield drove a Ford car along the A614 at Burton Agnes otherwise than in accordance with a licence on November 15 last year.

The case was proved in Fletcher’s absence when it was brought before magistrates in Bridlington on February 28.

In addition to the fine Fletcher was ordered to pay court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £15.

SOUTHBURN Archaeological Museum (SAM) has announced an open day to celebrate reopening following the winter closedown period.

During the closedown SAM has undergone improvements thanks to funding from Leader and has had display cabinets replaced and refurbished. Many artefacts have been conserved by York Archaeological Trust and others have been displayed at the Beverley Treasure House.

SAM staff have been busy re-organising displays and updating information to enhance visitor experiences.

The open day will take place on March 17 10am - 4pm. Visitors are invited to celebrate the improvements to the museum by taking part in unique ‘hands-on’ activities, view ‘before and after’ photos of the conserved artefacts and enjoy music from the Doncaster Waites who will be playing 17th century music on replica instruments.

For more information on SAM’s location or for those who cannot make the open day and wish to arrange a private visit call 01377 271180 or visit www.samatsouthburn.com.