lucia's: December 2010

Friday, December 31, 2010

Week ahead: Feeling colder - Sleet & snow showers, Dec 30 - 08:42

Becoming colder with a threat of snow showers After a milder couple of days the weather looks set to turn colder for much of the coming week. Winds will be in the north or northwest bringing cold Arctic air southwards through the whole of the UK and Ireland. It will be giving some rain, followed by sleet and snow showers, a few of them heavy. For the weather for the next few days click here Sunday 2/1/11 On Sunday high pressure will be to the west of Scotland, slipping slowly southwards through the day. A cold front will be pushing west across Ireland, Wales and England through the day, taking some showery rain with it. Following from the north and east will be clearer skies and much colder weather, although western areas will be rather cloudy. Highs at 0 to 2C for much of the country, nearer 7C in southwest England. Monday 3/1/11 By Monday high pressure is to the south of the country with fronts crossing Scotland and the flow turning more west to southwesterly here. Cloud and outbreaks of rain through Scotland, the winds reaching gale force at times. Across southern England and Wales it should be dry with sunny spells. Highs near 0 to 1C for much of the country, again milder in the southwest at 5C.

Tuesday 4/1/11 For Tuesday low pressure is to the north of Scotland bringing strong winds across Scotland and a risk of cloud and rain slipping south through Scotland and into northern England. Showers turning to snow for northern Scotland later. Over southern parts of England and Wales there will be drier weather with plenty of cloud. Tops near a milder 1C in central Scotland, 4 to 6C for much of the rest of the country.

Wednesday 5/1/11 Low pressure moves into the North Sea on Wednesday with the winds turning into the northwest for all. This brings colder air south and the risk of snow showers for many, some of them heavy. Blizzards could occur in northern Scotland, whilst more southern parts of the country see more scattered showers. Tops of 2C in northern Scotland, 7C in southwest England.

Thursday 6/1/11 Onto Thursday low pressure remains to the east with a cold northwesterly flow affecting all parts of the country. This brings snow showers, mostly to the north and west of the country with mainly dry conditions over southern England. Highs of 0 to 3C. Friday 7/1/11 Indications that conditions could be remaining cold throughout the country. There will be further snow showers over northern and western parts of the country, with drier weather to the south and east. Highs will be close to 0 to 4C.

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Police grabbed baseball bat from man after row

A DRUNKEN man who was detained by police after he was seen holding a 3ft baseball bat, said he kept the weapon by his front door as a deterrent.

Swansea magistrates heard that an officer grabbed the bat from Joseph Pearce, 39, of High Street, Gorseinon, when they saw him holding it at his address during an incident at about 11.30pm on December 21.

Laura Carthew, prosecuting, said police had attended the address after reports of a "heated altercation" taking place.

On arrival, officers separated the parties involved in the dispute.

The court heard that Pearce was present and as officers led him through his front door it was noticed he was holding a brown baseball bat.

The court heard that the bat was "approximately three feet" long. "Fearing that the defendant was going to use the bat the officer lunged forward and grabbed the bat," said Mrs Carthew.

"He was taken to the ground by officers and the bat was taken from him."

Pearce was arrested and in police interview later he said he had the bat as a "safety measure".

He told officers: "Unless I play baseball it's an offensive weapon, and I don't play baseball."

Pearce pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

Richard Adams, in mitigation, said Pearce had been "quite candid and open" about what had happened.

"The position is he has very little recollection of this incident," he said.

Mr Adams added that police were called to the scene in connection with a separate matter.

"Mr Pearce was highly intoxicated," he told the court.

"Clearly the issue here is the gravity of the offence.

"Mr Pearce cannot specifically say that he can remember picking it (the bat) up.

"He says it is usually kept by the door.

"He says it's an area where he and his partner have had problems and it's there as a deterrent in effect. It's never been used.

"Mr Pearce certainly suggests he'd never ever strike a police officer.

"It's a temporary possession of the bat and it's something that's happened in the spur of the moment."

Pearce was fined �120 with �50 costs and a �15 victim surcharge.

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St. Peter Chanel wins Brecksville Holiday wrestling Tournament

St. Peter Chanel served notice to Monroeville on Thursday that it's ready to give the reigning Division III state champions a run at the state wrestling tournament. A third-place finisher in Columbus last year, the Firebirds ended Wadsworth's two-year reign at the Brecksville Holiday Tournament in impressive fashion.

St. Peter Chanel’s Dan Orrill, right, latches onto Toledo Central Catholic’s D.J. Beauch during their 145-pound championship match Thursday in Brecksville. Orrill won by decision, 6-4. - (Lisa DeJong, The Plain Dealer)

St. Peter Chanel served notice to Monroeville on Thursday that it's ready to give the reigning Division III state champions a run at the state wrestling tournament.

A third-place finisher in Columbus last year, the Firebirds ended Wadsworth's two-year reign at the Brecksville Holiday Tournament in impressive fashion.

It should be noted that the Grizzlies were without injured state-placer Sheldon Brandenburg and state qualifier Clay Wenger (17 stitches in lip and above eye), who bowed out after the quarterfinals.

On the heels of a semifinal round that saw Chanel win four of its five matches, the Firebirds turned it up a notch in the finals and walked away winners.

"Tonight was a big steppingstone for us," said Dan Orrill, who won the 145-pound weight class for the Firebirds. "We've always been second to the Division I teams. We wanted to show we're a D-III power and we're a force to be reckoned with in all divisions.

"We have a lot of confidence. It's a special group we have here, a brotherhood."

That brotherhood watched Orrill, a returning state-placer, fight off his back in the third period and beat Greco and freestyle wrestling All-American D.J. Beauch of Toledo Central Catholic, 6-4, in the final.

Chanel's Aaron Assad (103) and Cody Walters (160) were also crowned champs as the Firebirds went 3-1 in finals matches. Given that Chanel won the tournament with state qualifiers Cody Tschantz and Danny Collier out of the lineup because of injuries makes the showing more impressive.

"I told the team this is a good indication of where we're at and where we want to be," Firebirds coach Graham Coghill said. "We've had kids step up this year and really turn it on."

George DiCamillo of St. Ignatius won his third straight Brecksville Tournament. The 112-pound junior has two Ironman titles and two state-placings in his pocket, but joined some rare company with his 10-3 win over Dayton Christian's Jacob Danishek in the final at Brecksville.

"This one means a lot," DiCamillo said. "It's the best holiday tournament in the nation going on 50 years strong.

"It's a great tune-up for state to see what level you're on. I think I proved myself well."

The match of the night came at 215 when Wadsworth Division I state champion Nick Tavanello and Wapakoneta Division II state titlist Logan Erb locked horns in a thriller.

After trading escapes, Tavanello hit a single-leg takedown in the third period near the edge of the mat to secure the 3-2 win.

"This one ranks high on my list," said Tavanello, who finished second at Brecksville last year. "I was a little nervous going into the match because he's an excellent wrestler. I felt the leverage swing in my favor, so I took the momentum that way. Everything falls into place when you work hard."

Cam Tessari, a three-time state champ for Monroeville, became only the third four-time champ at Brecksville, pinning Padua's Andrew Romanchik in the final at 140.

Tessari joined Drew Pariano (1991-94) of Fairview and Brecksville's Craig Dimitris (1996-99) in the elite field.

Monroeville's Hunter Stieber (135) and Chris Phillips (171) became three-time champions at the tournament after missing last year's event because of injury. Wadsworth's Kagan Squire (125), Padua's Brent Fickel (130) and Lake Catholic's Jimmy King (152) rounded out the area winners.

Brad Bournival is a freelance writer in North Royalton.

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Tributes pour in to 'top bloke'

HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a Neath man who died just days before Christmas.

Jason Clifford's body was found at his home, in Neath Farm Road, at about 1pm on Tuesday, December 21.

Police have launched an investigation into the sudden death of the 40-year- old, but say they are not treating it as suspicious.

A Facebook group has been set up to pay tribute to Mr Clifford, with more than 200 members joining so far.

Shocked friends have left messages in tribute to him, while offering their support to his family.

Legend

Kieran Beaumont said: "What a legend. RIP Jas, the brightest stars always burn the quickest. Miss you mate, rest easy."

Ceri Lansley said: "What a shock, still can't believe it. Really gutted Jas.

"I will never forget you and the fun we all had when we were kids, hope you're at peace now, take care my flower."

Simon Evans said: "You will be missed young man. RIP, thoughts are with your family and friends."

David Barnett added: "RIP Jason mate, always remember you son, top bloke and good friend."

While Charlotte Jefford said: "Rest in peace and know that we will never forget you. You always had a big heart."

And Simon Matthews added: "So gutted man. We used to breakdance together in Victoria Gardens back in the '80s.

"I'll never forget those days and the crowds we drew.

"You were a part of the best times of my life and I'll remember you always."

A South Wales Police spokesman confirmed the sudden death.

"Police in Neath Port Talbot are investigating the sudden death of a 40-year- old man whose body was found in a premises on Neath Farm Road at about 1pm on Tuesday, December 21," he said.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious, and the next of kin and HM Coroner have been informed," he added.

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Scott Barnes and Connor Graham, 2009 trade acquisitions, pitching well at Akron: Minor league report

Indians traded Ryan Garko to San Francisco organization for starting pitcher Barnes, and Rafael Betancourt to Colorado Rockies organization for Graham, now pitching in relief.

UPDATED: 12:28 a.m.

FARM REPORT

AAA Columbus Clippers

Bisons 6, Clippers 2: Columbus managed only single runs in the fifth and eighth innings and lost an International League game in Buffalo, N.Y. Carlos Carrasco (9-5) was the starter and losing pitcher. He gave up three runs, all earned, in 5.2 innings. The Clippers were just 1-for-5 with runners in scoring position. Josh Judy was ineffective in relief for Columbus, giving up two runs, both earned, and four hits in the final two innings. The loss was the seventh in eight games for Columbus. A double by Jerad Head was their only extra-base hit.

Notes: Going into Saturday night's game, OF Ezequiel Carrera (.321) was on a six-game hitting streak, going 10-for-24 (.417) with three doubles, one triple, six runs and four RBI. ... OF Matt McBride was batting .382 (13-for-34) with three doubles and one home run for the Clippers since being promoted from Akron. In his last 34 games -- including eight with Columbus and 26 with Akron -- McGwire was batting .368 (49-for-133) with 14 homers, 14 doubles and 35 RBI. ... 2B Cord Phelps (.339) was batting .394 (41-for-104) in his last 28 games.

AA Akron Aeros

Aeros 10, Rock Cats 6: Third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall homered twice in the final three innings as Akron overcame a rough Eastern League debut from left-hander T.J. McFarland at New Britain, Conn. McFarland allowed six runs (five earned) on nine hits with two walks and five strikeouts in four innings after earning the promotion from Class A Kinston earlier in the day.

Notes: LHP Scott Barnes (6-8, 4.83) is 5-3 with a 3.34 ERA in his last 11 starts, after going 1-5 with a 7.17 ERA in his first 10 starts. In the 11-start stretch, Barnes has pitched 67 1/3 innings, striking out 54 while allowing 19 walks and 56 hits. He was acquired from the San Franscisco Giants organization last July in exchange for first baseman Ryan Garko. ... Going into Saturday night's game, RHP Connor Graham (3-5, two saves, 3.27) was 2-3 with two saves and a 2.03 ERA as a relief pitcher, allowing just one home run in 44 1/3 innings of 28 games. Graham began the season as a starter, going 1-2 with a 6.16 ERA in four starts. The Indians traded RH relief pitcher Rafael Betancourt to the Colorado Rockies last July for Graham. ... OF Jordan Henry (.288) was batting .432 (19-for-44) with nine walks in his last 12 games. Henry had eight stolen bases in 10 tries for the Aeros in 44 games. Earlier this season, Henry hit .333 and stole 14 bases in 16 attempts at AA Kinston. ... LHP T.J. McFarland went 10-3 with a 2.81 ERA in 20 games -- the last 15 of them being starts -- at Advanced A Kinston. His 10 wins led the Carolina League.

Advanced A Kinston Indians

Indians 9, Hillcats 2: Kinston scored four runs in the bottom of the second, and held on to defeat Lynchburg, Va., in a Carolina League game. Marty Popham (2-4) pitched five innings of shutout ball and picked up the win. Center fielder Bo Greenwell was 4-for-5 with two doubles for the K-Tribe.

Notes: RHP Austin Adams is 3-0 with a 1.47 ERA in eight games (seven starts) since being promoted from Lake County. He has struck out 32 and walked seven in 36 2/3 innings. ... Going into Saturday night's game, LH relief pitcher Chris Jones is 2-2 with one save and a 1.60 ERA, pitching 50 2/3 innings in 23 games since being promoted from Lake County. Jones has struck out 46, walked 17 and given up just 39 hits, including one home run. ... 2B/DH Karexon Sanchez (.263) was 10-for-27 (.370) with three doubles, a homer and six runs in his last seven games. He was second in the Carolina League with 60 walks.

A Lake County Captains

Silver Hawks 2, Captains 0: South Bend (Ind.) took advantage of two Lake County errors and two walks, one intentional, to score the only runs it needed in the bottom of the eighth inning. Clayton Cook (5-7), the Captains’ starter, took the Midwest League loss. He gave up two runs, one earned, in 7.2 innings.

Notes: Going into Saturday's game, RH relief pitcher Preston Guilmet was 2-1 with nine saves and a 2.03 ERA, striking out 50 and walking six in 35 2/3 innings, while holding batters to a .188 average. ... 1B Adam Abraham (.252) had reached base at least once in his last 24 games. He was batting .408 (29-for-71) with seven doubles, six homers and 23 RBI in his last 18 games. ... CF Delvi Cid (.253) was on an eight-game hitting streak, going 14-for-35 (.400) with two doubles, one homer, eight RBI and seven runs. His 56 stolen bases (in 69 attempts) were 13 more than any other player in the Midwest League. ... OF Jason Smit (.257) was 9-of-20 (.450) with two doubles, a home run, seven RBI, five runs and three stolen bases during a five-game hitting streak. ... 2B Argenis Martinez (.211) was on a six-game hitting streak, going 9-for-23 (.391) with one double, one triple, five walks, five RBI, four runs and four stolen bases.

A Mahoning Valley Scrappers

Scrappers 9, Ironbirds 6: Mahoning Valley got home runs from Giovanny Urshela, Carlos Moncrief and Jesus Aguilar and defeated Aberdeen (Md.) in a New York-Penn League game in Niles, Ohio. Takafumi Nakamura (3-2) shut out the Ironbirds for two innings in relief, and picked up the win.

Notes: Going into Saturday night's game, OF Jonathan Burnette (.283) was 9-for-26 (.346) with three home runs and three doubles in his last seven games. ... 3B Giovanny Urshela (.280) was 11-for-28 (.393) with two homers and no strikeouts in his last seven games. ... OF Carlos Moncrief (.216) was 9-for-25 (.360) with a home run in his last seven games.

Independent Lake Erie Crushers

Crushers 7, Cruisers 1: Andrew Davis socked his eighth home run and Lake Erie defeated Oakland County (Mich.) in Avon. It was the Crushers’ third straight victory over the Cruisers.

Notes: Going into Saturday night's game, OF Wayne Bond (.215) was 9-for-24 (.375) with eight runs and two doubles in his last eight games. ... SS Jodam Rivera (.285) was 11-for-33 (.333) with two doubles and one triple in his last nine games.

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Appeal to save historic stone cross launched

It was the focal point of a television series which turned the national spotlight on a West High Street.

And yesterday thousands of people turned out for the launch of a �100,000 appeal to restore Shepton Mallet's Market Cross.

The 50ft high monument dates from 1500 and has been a silent witness to historic events, including the Duke of Monmouth's arrival in the Somerset town on a recruiting mission before the Battle of Sedgemoor in 1685.

But it is now in urgent need of repair and last night Glastonbury Festival organiser Michael Eavis helped launch the Save Our Cross appeal.

The launch was part of a celebration following the success of the BBC series Turn Back Time, which hooked millions of viewers as guest traders lived the life of shopkeepers down the ages.

Period costume was worn by some townsfolk and traders, and there was a host of other events beginning with a BBC History Hands-on workshop.

Shepton Prison's historic timeline, created by staff and inmates to celebrate the prison's 400th anniversary, was also on display, and the town's Christmas lights were switched on by carnival queen Tijana Johnson and one of the shopkeeper stars from the TV series.

Mr Eavis helped man the Save Our Cross stand and said he is investigating whether some of the stonemasons who have carried out work on affordable houses in Pilton and on the village hall may be able to help with the restoration.

"It is a landmark and a focal point for the town," he said.

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Boney M singer Bobby Farrell dies

Charismatic frontman dies on tour in St Petersburg after performing despite concerns about his health

The charismatic frontman of Boney M, Bobby Farrell, has died on tour in St Petersburg after finishing a gig despite medical concerns.

The 61-year-old, who brought the Caribbean carnival tradition of his native Aruba to western pop, had complained of breathing problems before and after the show.

His agent, John Seine, said that "heart problems, shortage of breath and problems with his stomach" had plagued the performer for 10 years, but had never dented his love of performing live. A natural showman, Farrell made slick dance routines and exotic costumes as much a part of Boney M appearances as the music.

The most famous person to come out of Aruba ? a tiny island nation which along with Curacao and Sint Maarten are part of the Netherlands ? he towered over the women who took the other three places in the group. His signing in 1975 gave a new lease of life to an odd collective, which primarily performed to music pre-recorded by the German singer and composer Frank Farian.

Farrell was seldom involved in studio recordings of the group's many hits such as Rivers of Babylon and Brown Girl in the Ring. His forte was live performance, when his sometimes ragged voice worked well and his movements were a whirl of bare midriff, tight bell-bottoms, huge afro hair-do and spidery reach and height.

"I like to look good on stage and to release all my energy in my shows," he said on his website recently. "The energy in my music has no limit. I want people to feel entertained and to hear the love that I have for creating music, translated into my songs."

Farrell was involved in a succession of dramatic splits and makeups with Farian, leaving the group more than once after allegations of unreliability. But his career continually reignited after initial stardom in the 1970s, and he barnstormed the international concert circuit in the 1990s and the first decade of this century.

"He was a fantastic person, quite bizarre," said Seine. "He had a big heart but he was also explosive."

Born Alfonso Farrell, he was brought up amid Aruba's rich musical combination of carnival songs and processions, mixed with religious ceremonies from the Dutch colonial era. He left school at 15 to work as a sailor, but jumped ship in Norway and set himself up as a DJ.

Modest success took him to Germany where he was spotted by Farian, who had invented Boney M as a pseudonym, taken from an Australian TV series. Music was Farian's strength but he needed a sexy and attention-catching cast to present curiosities such as Baby Do You Wanna Bump, which he recorded entirely himself in 1974, singing both deep bass and falsetto parts.

Farrell proved his worth with Daddy Cool, which was Britain's number one for five weeks in 1978, the same year as Rivers of Babylon made the top spot. His own Boney M team played to wild acclaim up to his death, with an Abba-like repertoire of past golden hits to sing. Following tours of the United States, Colombia, Turkey, Finland and Slovakia, he was due to release a new album and tour Italy this spring.

He was found dead by staff at St Petersburg's Ambassador hotel after failing to respond to a wake-up call. A Dutch speaker, he lived near Amsterdam, where he leaves a son and a daughter.

Martin Wainwright

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Clippers batter Reds' Harang; Aeros get six shutout innings from Kluber: Minor league report

Columbus makes Aaron Harang's rehab assignment less than a success; Kipnis' homer supports Corey Kluber's gem for Akron.

AAA Columbus Clippers

Clippers 7, Bats 3: Columbus battered Aaron Harang for five hits and five runs, all earned, in five innings, and went on to defeat Louisville, Ky. Harang, a veteran right-hander, is pitching for Louisville on a rehab assignment for the parent Cincinnati Reds. He also struck out five. The Clippers' Wes Hodges clubbed his 10th homer of the season, and teammate Matt McBride hit his second.

AA Akron Aeros

Aeros 7, Rock Cats 0: Akron spaced out its runs, scoring no more than two in any inning, and defeated New Britain, Conn., in an Eastern League game at Canal Park in Akron. Jason Kipnis slugged his ninth homer of the year, a two-run shot, in the first inning. Corey Kluber (1-2) pitched six innings of shutout ball and picked up the win.

Advanced A Kinston Indians

Hillcats 6, Indians 4: Kinston, N.C. starter T. J. House was roughed up for five runs, all earned, on nine hits in five innings as the K-Tribe lost at Lynchburg, Va., in a Carolina League game. He also uncorked a wild pitch. Lynchburg completed a sweep of the three-game series.

A Lake County Captains

Captains 5, Dragons 2: Giovanni Soto (9-6) gave up two runs in five innings, Roberto Perez hit his sixth home run, and Lake County defeated Dayton in a Midwest League game at Classic Park in Eastlake. Jose Flores pitched a scoreless ninth, striking out two, for his fourth save.

Notes: In the top of the sixth, Captains relief pitcher Ramon Cespedes picked Dayton's Ryan LaMarre off first, as LaMarre was trying to steal second. LaMarre had reached on an error, and the pickoff ended the inning.

A Mahoning Valley Scrappers

Scrappers 10, Spinners 8: Mahoning Valley scored five in the top of the eighth to defeat Lowell, Mass., in a New York-Penn League game. Two Scrappers homered: Kevin Rucker socked his second of the year, and Moises Montero his first. Jordan Cooper (4-3) pitched four innings in relief to pick up the win. He gave up five hits and two runs, both earned. James Ehlert picked up his fifth save, striking out three in 11/3 innings.

Independent Lake Erie Crushers

Miners 3, Crushers 1: Lake Erie lost the rubber game of a three-game series in Marion, Ill. Lake Erie scored its only run when Raphael Turner scored on a double-steal in the eighth inning.

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Thursday, December 30, 2010

Friends lead the tributes

TRIBUTES have been paid to a dad who died on Boxing Day.

It is believed that Phil Gwyther, 42, was found unconscious by his father just after 1am.

The former estate agent was then rushed to Morriston Hospital, but was pronounced dead soon after.

Since then, a number of friends have expressed shock at news of his death, which has left his relatives heartbroken.

Schoolpal and local businessman Marc Winchester described father of three Mr Gwyther as a funny, charming and kind individual.

He said: "He was a person who always brought a smile to people's faces.

"I have so many fond memories of us growing up that even now I laugh out loud about the things we got up to.

"He was so proud of his children, whenever I saw him recently he would talk about them.

"I have been in touch with his mum, Diane, who is rightly so proud of her lovely son."

Richard Griffiths, 41, who became good friends with Mr Gwyther while at Olchfa School, also spoke fondly of his pal's sense of humour.

He said: "He was always playing some kind of practical joke — and got up to plenty of mischief during our younger years.

"I genuinely mean it when I say Phil was one of the most funniest people I had ever met."

And Russell Edwards, of Killay, made Mr Gwyther his best man when he married wife Claire last August.

Mr Edwards, 41, said: "There were a few raised eyebrows when Phil was made best man, because he is such a character.

"But he was fantastic and his best man's speech had everybody in stitches.

"He will be sorely missed and everybody is thinking of his children right now.

"He loved them to bits and it is really heartbreaking for them."

A spokesman for South Wales Police confirmed Mr Gwyther's death was not being treated as suspicious and the coroner had since been informed.

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Wilson hopes to make some moves in transfer window

Danny Wilson is counting down the days to the opening of the transfer window as he prepares to bolster his Swindon Town squad for a surge towards promotion over the second half of the season.

Not that Wilson has had much chance to survey the calibre of his own squad over the last month because of the freezing conditions and numerous postponements.

But today's League One match with Peterborough goes ahead after the County Ground pitch was passed as playable by local referee Simon Hooper some 27 hours ahead of the scheduled 3pm kick-off.

The pitch was in good condition under the covers and with the thaw now taking place, the referee had no hesitation in allowing the match to be played.

Swindon fans last saw a league game on December 4 and no match has been played at the County Ground since December 7, when non-league Crawley knocked Wilson's men out of the FA Cup.

So the visit of Gary Johnson's Peterborough will be Swindon's first competitive action for three weeks and Wilson has no idea if his team are in form or out of it.

At least the injuries and illnesses sustained by Paul Caddis, Alan Sheehan and Kevin Amankwaah have cleared up, so Wilson has a full squad available to him, except one important ingredient.

Former Leeds midfield player Jonathan Douglas is still waiting to start a three-match ban, which should by now have long been completed.

Wilson said: "It has been frustrating but most clubs have been in the same position so there is no point in complaining.

"The fear is that there will be a backlog of fixtures building up and that is not healthy. There is also the possibility that January and February will be just as bad as December.''

Swindon may be nearer the bottom than the top, going into today's match in 17th place with 24 points from 19 matches.

That places them 12 points behind leaders Brighton and yet only six behind Colchester, who occupy the last of the play-off places.

Wilson, meanwhile, expects to be busy in the January transfer window because up to today there are 27 league matches still to be played.

"I would like to think it is possible to get in one or two players and there are a couple of positions where we would like to strengthen.

"The position regarding new players varies from week to week so you never know what might happen.''

Wilson has been linked with the �150,000 permanent signing of Portsmouth's loan winger Matt Ritchie. while Torquay striker Elliot Benyon is another target.

But who comes in and how much Wilson has to spend depends on the interest in his leading scorer Charlie Austin.

Austin is in talks with Swindon about a new improved contract but they may become irrelevant if any one of Newcastle, Sunderland, Hull, QPR and Leeds step forward to confirm their interest over the next four weeks.

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Matt Packer's Akron pitching debut was typical of his superb season: Minor league report

The left-hander, a 32nd round draft pick by the Indians in 2009, was leading the Midwest League with a 1.60 ERA when promoted to Akron.

FARM REPORT

AAA Columbus Clippers

Clippers 9, Bats 8: Third baseman Jared Goedert (.288) lined a two-run single in the bottom of the eighth inning to help the Clippers snap their four-game International League losing streak. RH reliever Josh Judy (2.91) pitched a perfect ninth inning for his second save, following a scoreless 1 2/3 innings by RH Bryce Stowell (3.75) and a scoreless eighth inning by RH winner Jess Todd (4-2, 2.81). Catcher Richard Martinez (.286) drove in four runs with two doubles and a groundout; SS Josh Rodriguez (.315) slugged his 11th home run, a solo clout; and 2B Cord Phelps (.340) doubled twice, singled, scored two runs and drove in one.

Notes: Martinez played his second game for the Clippers after batting .130 (21-for-161) at Advanced A Kinston and .200 (4-for-20) for Class A Mahoning Valley. He has not homered this season. ... Goedert, who has 17 homers and 17 doubles in just 208 at-bats for the Clippers, had been 6-for-35 (.171) in his last nine games. ... Rodriguez is 11-for-30 (.367) with three doubles, three homers and seven RBI in his last seven games. ... Stowell has struck out 18 and walked 13 in 12 innings for Columbus, after totaling 74 strikeouts and 19 walks in 47 2/3 innings with Akron and Kinston. ... RH reliever Vinnie Pestano (1-1, nine saves, 1.53) has not allowed a run in his last 13 outings, fanning 19 and allowing seven hits and five walks in 14 1/3 innings. Overall, Pestano has struck out 47, walked 12 and not given up a homer in 35 1/3 innings.

AA Akron Aeros

Curve 5, Aeros 1: Starting pitcher Corey Kluber (0-1), who was making his Akron debut, gave up eight hits and four runs (three earned) in four innings in a loss at Altoona, Pa., in Eastern League play. Jason Kipnis (.337) had two hits for Akron.

Notes: Kluber made his Aeros debut after being acquired from the San Diego Padres' organization in Saturday's three-team trade, in which the Indians sent pitcher Jake Westbrook to the St. Louis Cardinals. Kluber was 6-6 with a 3.45 ERA for Class AA San Antonio, and was leading the Texas League with 136 strikeouts (in 122 2/3 innings) when traded. ... LHP Matt Packer pitched seven innings, getting no decision in his Aeros debut on Tuesday night. He allowed two runs (one earned) on six hits and a walk, with six strikeouts, during a 3-2 loss at Altoona in the second game of a Curve doubleheader sweep. Packer was promoted from Lake County, where he was 8-5 and leading the Midwest League with a 1.60 ERA. He struck out 92 and walked 13 in 95 2/3 innings, while holding batters to 77 hits, including just four homers. Packer, 22, was picked in the 32nd round of the 2009 draft by the Indians out of the University of Virginia. ... Going into Wednesday night's game, OF Jordan Henry (.291) was on a 10-game hitting streak, going 17-for-35 (.486) with three doubles, one triple and eight walks. ... 2B Jason Kipnis (.333) was 13-for-37 (.351) with two doubles, two triples and seven RBI in his last eight games, and was hitting .420 (29-for-69) in 17 games since the All-Star break. ... 1B Beau Mills (.241) was 12-for-36 (.333) with four doubles, a homer and eight RBI in his last 10 games. ... RH reliever Connor Graham (3-5, one save, 3.38) was 1-0 and had not allowed a run in his last seven games, striking out 13, walking none and allowing six hits.

Advanced A Kinston Indians

Pelicans 5, Indians 1: A five-run eighth inning by Myrtle Beach, S.C., pushed the Pelicans to a rubber-game victory over host Kinston, N.C., in Carolina League play. Kinston’s T.J. House shut out the Pelicans for seven innings but came away with a no-decision. He allowed just three hits, walked one and struck out three.

Notes: House has been outstanding in his past three starts, surrendering just one run on six hits in 19 innings of work, good for an ERA of 0.47. Going into Wednesday night's game, RH reliever Cory Burns (0-1, 20 saves, 2.03) was a combined 0-1 with 32 saves and a 2.13 ERA with Lake County and Kinston this season, striking out 64 and walking 12 in 42 1/3 innings, while allowing 34 hits, including just one home run. ... 3B Kyle Bellows (.256) was 9-for-25 (.360) with one double, two triples, one homer and seven RBI in his last seven games. ... Catcher Chun Chen (.300) was batting .344 (11-for-32) with three doubles, a homer, 10 RBI and eight walks in his last 10 games.

A Lake County Captains

Captains 8, Dragons 2: For the second night in a row, Lake County rallied past visiting Dayton in Midwest League play. Captains starter Brett Brach (2-5) got the win. He pitched seven innings, allowing one run on seven hits while striking out four. Brach has allowed only two runs over his past 23 innings.

Notes: Ramon Cespedes made his Captains debut. He went two innings, allowing one run on two hits. He walked one and struck out one to pick up his first save. Going into Wednesday night's game, 1B Adam Abraham (.250) was 26-for-61 (.426) with six home runs, six doubles and 23 RBI in his last 15 games. Abraham was the Midwest League "Batter of the Week" last week. ... OF Delvi Cid (.250) was 9-for-19 (.474) in his last four games, with six RBI, four runs, seven stolen bases in 10 attempts and one double. He was leading the Midwest League with 56 steals (in 68 attempts). ... OF Greg Folgia (.244) was batting .469 (15-for-32) with four doubles, two homers, nine RBI, nine runs and six walks. ... RH reliever Preston Guilmet (2-1, eight saves, 2.20) had struck out 46 and walked six in 32 2/3 innings, while holding batters to a .188 average. ... RH reliever Jose Flores (0-1, two saves, 2.28) had fanned 36 and walked five in 27 2/3 innings.

A Mahoning Valley Scrappers

Scrappers 7, ValleyCats 2: Outfielder Jonathan Burnette had three hits, including two homers, and two RBI, to power Mahoning Valley to a victory over Tri-City (Troy, N.Y.) in a New York-Penn League game in Niles, Ohio. The Scrappers banged out 16 hits to end a three-game losing streak.

Notes: Going into Wednesday night's game, 18-year-old 3B Giovanny Urshela (.270) was 11-for-34 (.324) with one double and two homers in his last 10 games. ... LH reliever Nick Kirk (0-0, four saves, 3.12) had struck out 26, walked six and allowed just 12 hits in 17 1/3 innings. ... RHP Casey Gaynor (3-2, 5.11) was 3-0 with a 2.50 ERA in 18 innings of his nine relief appearances. ... RH reliever John Goryl (1-2, 3.91) was 1-0 in his last five games, allowing two runs on four hits and a walk in eight innings. ... RH reliever Dale Dickerson (2-1, 3.66) was 1-1, allowing one earned run in 10 innings, in his last nine games. ... The Scrappers had seven players with at least 60 at-bats hitting .200 or below.

Independent Lake Erie Crushers

ThunderBolts 7, Crushers 4: Windy City took advantage of three Lake Erie errors in the bottom of the fifth to defeat the Crushers in Frontier League play in suburban Chicago.

Notes: Going into Wednesday night's game, RH reliever Jeff Cinadr (4-1, three saves, 1.68) was 4-0 with three saves and an 0.57 ERA in his last 16 games, pitching 31 2/3 innings and allowing just 19 hits. ... OF Arden McWilliams (.202) was 5-for-13 (.385) with two home runs in his last five games. ... 3B Andrew Davis (.315) was 5-for-12 (.417) in his last three games, and was eighth in the Frontier League in hitting despite his recent slump. ... IF Andrew Saylor (.232) was 11-for-35 (.314) in his last 10 games.

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