Latest news with #Pound
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Yarnbury in dreamland after taking underdog status in their stride to win final
YARNBURY Rugby Football Club were formed in 1872 but it is doubtful whether they have had many better days in their 153-year history than last Saturday. They faced North Ribblesdale in the final of the Yorkshire Shield at the John Charles Stadium in South Leeds and were massive underdogs. Ribb had won 41 of their previous 44 matches in either Counties Two or Counties One Yorkshire, being promoted for the past two seasons. Yarnbury, although they had also been promoted to Counties One Yorkshire for 2025-26, will still be a division below them next season. If you had landed from Mars, however, and didn't know which blue-shirted teams were which you would have been forgiven for guessing wrongly. Yarnbury were leading 20-0 after 23 minutes and ended up winning 44-21 to take the Shield for the first time. They scored their opening try in the second minute via winger Josh Bateson after a multiple-phase effort with Ribb virtual passengers. Full back Max Kennedy then got Yarnbury's second try in the sixth minute, and fly half Dan Pound added two penalties to his two conversions to leave the Leeds club in dreamland. Ribb hit back with tries by Hennie Van Rensburg and Alex Dew, both converted by Freddie Spensley to make it 20-14, but there was no stopping Yarnbury in the second half either. Former Old Grovian Kennedy added two more tries to complete his hat-trick, his third being a gift from a loose offload, Pound again converting both. Although Ribb bagged a third try through full back Ben Coultherd, converted by Spensley, Yarnbury added another try from hooker Tom Whitfield, Pound landing a conversion and a penalty to give himself a personal haul of 19 points. Yarnbury's head coach Steve Lee said: 'I know that they had four or five players out, including their player-coach Tom Davidson, and we were missing one or two, but I thought beforehand that we probably had a five per cent chance of winning that final. 'But it was more of a case of me saying to our lads 'Look we need to turn up, we need to start well and we need to create a bit of pressure'. 'They haven't played for six weeks like us so that was a bit of a leveller, but we had a a strong 22 for the final. 'The plan was to start well and we had a strong bench to bring on with 20 minutes to go and do some damage. 'As it happens we took control of the game, apart from a 15-20 minute spell, and were well worthy of our win. 'I looked at my watch and it said 5min 45sec and we had two tries on the board, which was a perfect start, but you know that they are going to get some territory and possession at some point. 'We responded well in the second half and took control in the last 10 or 15 minutes. 'We looked after the ball well, offloaded well and we asked questions early on, but the set-piece was also solid as we feared we might struggle at scrum time, and we have speed in the backs in what was a complete team performance. 'Now we can start to think about and plan for next season, which was parked until after this final. Lee added: 'We have lost in three Shield finals before and I was captain in two of them but this really makes up for it and everyone deserves a massive pat on the back,' And a good day for the Wharfe Valley area area was added to by Old Otliensians defeating Wheatley Hills 49-19 in the Yorkshire Silver Trophy final, which was played immediately before the Shield final. Tries for Otliensians, who have also been promoted from Counties Three Yorkshire, came from centre Jake Bentley, Isaac Gillson and Jay Walsh in the first half and Will Howarth (2), Luke Cowdell and Connor Bateman in the second half, with vice-captain Bentley adding all of the conversions. Otliensians coach Andy Hinchliffe said: 'It was a really tough game between two excellent sides, and this rounds off a really good season for the lads. 'They have performed remarkably well all season to win the league, winning the Papa John's at Twickenham last weekend and now this so this is a nice treble. 'I said before this match and at half-time that the game was going to come down to patience and sticking to the plans, and we have mental strength in buckets. 'It helped that we had the wind in the second half and in the back of my mind I thought that we might have the edge in fitness as well.' Hinchliffe added: 'We have a fantastic mix of talent coming through from last year's colts and they are benefiting from the older players such as Luke Exley, Luke Cowdell and Ollie Eaves. 'I have not come across such a great team spirit since my uni days, but we will be in a tough league next season. 'Counties Two Yorkshire is where we think we should be but we have probably got there a season earlier than we thought we would but I have every confidence that we will do well. 'Top half would be nice and there are a lot of derbies (Baildon, Bradford & Bingley, Bramley Phoenix, Halifax Vandals, Roundhegians, Huddersfield Laund Hill, Ossett, Halifax), which is fantastic.'
Business Standard
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Pound speculators slightly reduce net longs
Large currency speculators slightly reduced net long positions in the Pound futures market, according to the latest Commitment of Traders (COT) data released by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The non-commercial futures contracts of Pound futures, traded by large speculators and hedge funds, totaled a net long position of 23993 contracts in the data reported through May 20, 2025. This was a weekly dip of 3223 net long contracts.
Otago Daily Times
23-05-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Claim hub sale call guided by God
Valley Baptist Church community centre. PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSON A church under fire for the sale of a beloved North Dunedin community hub says their decision is backed by God, but a former pastor is not so sure. Baptist Churches of New Zealand is selling the Valley Baptist Community Centre, which is where the Baptist congregation met before it was dissolved in August 2021. The sale will leave the Valley Baptist Community Trust and more than 60 other community groups without premises to operate from. Geoff Pound, who was pastor at the North East Valley church from 1978 to 1985, sent an open letter to Baptist Churches national leader Charles Hewlett and Otago and Southland regional leader Rachel Murray asking them to reconsider their decision to sell. In response, the church emailed Mr Pound saying the decision to sell was made after "the local churches in the region discerned the mind of Christ together over a long period of time". "Together they felt this was the decision God would have them make." Dr Pound told the Otago Daily Times he remained unconvinced. "Mistakes can and have been made before by people who believe they are following God's will". He did not think the decision was carefully considered and believed many Baptist churches in New Zealand and Australia would love to have the facilities used by community organisations, he said. "For the community, it sends a pretty bad signal to the churches of Dunedin and the people of Dunedin, but particularly those who are involved in community work." Dr Pound said that when the church got funding for building facilities, it was under the proviso that they would be used by community groups. "We don't have a worshipping congregation, but does that mean that they really devalue the real good community work of care, bringing people together? "I think the church should do the right thing and hand it over to the community group." He said since moving to Melbourne, he had made similar mistakes selling off land and later regretting it. Strategically, there were not a lot of Baptist churches in the north side of Dunedin and he urged them to think about how New Zealand Baptists might increase the mission of Jesus in North East Valley instead. The church is for sale by tender, which closes on May 28. The Valley Baptist Community Trust is making a last-minute effort to fundraise to buy it.
The National
18-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Shirley-Anne Somerville defends top tax rate after millionaire cut call
Sir Tom Hunter published a report to draw on lessons and successes from Singapore, which has a similar-sized population. The Hunter Foundation commissioned an independent study by Oxford Economics to 'inform a debate on Scotland's future'. The entrepreneur called for 'radical' change, particularly when it comes to tax. READ MORE: Inside the extreme far-right plot to infiltrate Reform UK 'Let's make Scotland a low tax economy where we welcome entrepreneurs and wealth creators,' Hunter said. 'They will innovate, create new jobs, and our tax take will go up allowing Scotland to spend more on education and health care. 'The UK and Scottish Governments continue to punish the entrepreneurial community - the value creators - with yet more tax. A different tack needs to be taken. "Nothing is free in Singapore, but here everything seems to be, and the Pound printing machine can't keep up. No country has ever taxed its way to growth.' Shirley-Anne Somerville was questioned about Hunter's suggestions on the BBC's Sunday show, and the higher rate of income tax brought in by the Scottish Government. (Image: Hunter Foundation) Currently, those earning over £125,140, the top rate, will pay 48% in 2025-26. 'The implications for that and the progressive taxation we have in Scotland, that allows us to have £1.5 billion more coming into our public services,' the Social Justice Secretary said. 'I appreciate that there are calls for tax cuts, but we have to appreciate particularly in the short term that means cuts to public services.' Pressed on 'how much more' the Scottish Government takes in from that top rate, Somerville defended the system in place. 'The overall progressive taxation system that we have, as compared to the UK for the totality of the changes we've made allows for £1.5bn more to come into the system than we would already have,' she explained. 'So I appreciate there may be people who wish to see that and can make the case there will be in the longer term about what will happen with tax takes. In the shorter term we are setting our budget as we do, taking those decisions. READ MORE: Harbour Energy under fire over nearly £1bn in dividends amid job cuts 'If you were to change those decisions you would see £1.5bn coming out. 'What those tax takes do also allow us to do that social contract with the people, free tuition, free prescriptions, whether it's our early learning and childcare offer for three and four and eligible two-years olds, those are aspects that many people who do pay that higher taxation can benefit from. 'Of course we have the majority of people not paying any more tax than they do in the rest of the UK.' Hunter's report called for a new immigration policy, a 20-year economic plan around renewable energy, housing and life sciences, and a radical rethink of health and social care 'including how it's funded'.
Metro
17-05-2025
- Metro
I spent 96 hours in 'little London', where life is easier
There are many obvious contenders for a city break in Europe, but with tried and tested destinations pushing back against tourists, I took a gamble on Gothenburg. With rainy winters, ties to Britain dating back 200 years and dozens of proper pubs, the port is affectionately known as Sweden's 'Little London'. If it sounds dull, it's not — this understated but slick city is enjoying a resurgence as an alternative place to visit. And, with every passing hour of my four-day trip to 'Stockholm's rougher cousin', it was easier to see why. Gothenburg is less than a two-hour flight from London, and the favourable rate of the Kroner against the Pound means prices are 30% less than they were two years ago. English is spoken fluently almost everywhere. Here is a comprehensive itinerary for a long weekend that covers everything you should do, at surprisingly affordable prices. Gothenburg's Landwetter airport is close to the city, and a 30-minute ride on one of the regular buses (£9) takes you to three central locations. Next to the stop in the heart of the event district is Gothia Towers, a basic but comfortable hotel with rooms from £79 per night. It's a solid base for exploring the city that won't break the bank. Opposite is the Liseberg, one of Europe's leading amusement parks, known for its great rides, concerts and gardens. If that's not your thing, a short walk is the Grand Boulevard Avenyn, modelled on Paris' iconic Champs-Élysées. An imposing statue of Poseidon overlooks the upscale boutiques and trendy restaurants lining the street. Gothenburg is served by an efficient and well-connected network of trams and buses that run out to Magasinsatan, a stylish neighbourhood of Swedish brands, interior design stores and second-hand shops — something the country as a whole does incredibly well.c A day in Sweden would not be complete with fika , the delightful custom of enjoying coffee and cake with a friend. The most popular choice is a traditional cinnamon bun, and the best stop in Gothenburg is De Matteo. Rested and refuelled, move on to Stora Saluhallen, a character-filled market with 40 shops and restaurants where you can find a surprisingly reasonable lunch. For something more refined, head back to Gothia Towers and take the lift to Heaven 23, a rooftop restaurant with a panoramic view and superb food. The £45pp price for three courses (without wine) is worth every penny. Rise early and take a tram to the central Harbour Lilla Bommen for a guided boat tour with Stromma. The two-and-a-half-hour cruise costs £32 (or £42, with lunch) and sails past the scenic islands of Gothenburg archipelago. The fare is simple but tasty, although it was difficult to hear the English commentary above the noise of the ship. Back on dry land, the Gothenburg Museum of Art (£5.45 entry fee) has an extensive collection from the 15th century to today, with significant Nordic and international work including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Picasso and Van Gogh. On a warm day a lovely perch is the outdoor café, but when I visited in March the chill drew me to the bar and a conversation with 21-year-old barman Mat, who really loved his hometown. For Mat, Gothenburg's appeal is not just that everything works, as I could see in the way everyone calmly navigated the complex mix of pedestrians, bikes, trams, buses and cars. It's also because, in his words, even the little things function so well. Something I didn't have time to try but comes highly recommended is an afternoon at Pachanga Pool Club and Spa, located inside Jacy'z Hotel and Resort. On TikTok, the spa has caught the attention of 'extreme day trippers', who fly out from the UK and come back on the same day. Some content creators claim to have got there and back for £79, with spa entry adding £29 extra. To end the day, it's hard to look past a 'treat yourself' dinner at one of Gothenburg's five Michelin-starred restaurants. I opted for SK Mat and Manniskor, which serves divine four-course meals of that begin with haddock and wasabi, smoked cheese, salted green tomatoes, and Red Char with roasted onions and almond oil. The main dish was lamb with ramson, grilled tomatoes, broccoli and sherry vinegar and a dessert of toffee ice cream with raspberry foam, hazelnuts and sorrel. It was an amazing experience and the price was… Michelin star. A change of pace now, and on to the World of Volvo in the centre of the city. Entrance is free for the main space and for children, but there is a cost of £15 for adults to enter the exhibition area. Few things inspire pride in a Gothenburger more than this iconic car company. Sweden is famed for its engineering and the car is a Swedish symbol of excellence. My enthusiastic guide Paul gave me the corporate history, beginning with the need for excellent design and engineering to combat Sweden's harsh roads and climate. Many successful car models are on show but there are also glimpses of the failures. A plastic sports car was abandoned after only 67 had been produced, but a vehicle designed by a woman-only team produced many ideas which were then put into the mainstream. Exhibits are child-friendly, and the museum is also a great place to eat. A high-standard buffet available during the week is £12.00 for an adult and £6.50 for children. My only regret was that I had not scheduled this trip for a Monday as it is one of the few local attractions open when most of the museums are closed. Dinner that night was at Natur, a restaurant of extremely high quality without a high price, and rather romantic too. It's ideal for sober-curious travellers or anyone not interested in booze, as the drinks made from berries and non-alcoholic beers were exceptionally tasty. Full of atmosphere, one of the most famous buildings in Gothenburg is the 1874 Feskekörka (the fish church), which has recently reopened after an extensive renovation. This market hall is a must-visit for those who love seafood. It gets its name from its architecture: pointed arched windows and no partitions or pillars, so it really looks like a church. There was a choice of two delicious 'catch of the day' lunches at £10, including coffee. More Trending From there, make your way on foot to the Haga area, Gothenburg's oldest neighbourhood, dotted with charming shops and cosy cafés. @goteborgcom 10 must-dos in Gothenburg that you simply can't miss out on 😍 🎡 Visit Europe's best amusement park @Liseberg ☕️ Take a Swedish Fika break in Haga 🖼️ Visit the splendid Gothenburg Museum of Art ⚓️ Take a day trip to the Gothenburg archipelago 🌇 Take in the city view from Skansen Kronan 🍺 Try Gothenburg's local craft beer 🦈 Explore the ocean, rainforest and space at @Universeum Science Centre 🛍️Shop Swedish design and vintage fashion 🍽️ Eat fish and seafood straight from the ocean 🌹 Visit world-class parks and gardens Read the full guide at (link in profile). #gothenburg #göteborg #sweden #thisisgbg #traveltok #gothenburgthingstodo #liseberg ♬ City Lights (Lofi) – 808godz For my last visit before departure, I squeezed in an hour at the Science Museum, Universeum, starting at the top floor around the four climate zones of Earth. The abiding memory is of the aquaria and the reptile house, including a fun but shocking model of how a snake bites. Then brief visits to the space exhibits on the fourth floor and the chemistry lab and models of the human body one floor below. All proof that the recommended three hours for a visit if anything was an underestimate. Appreciation was well expressed by the delight on the faces of the many children visiting. How to get there London Manchester and Edinburgh airports have flights direct to Gothenberg. From London: Ryanair – Stansted. British Airways – Heathrow. Norwegian – Gatwick. Prices from £34 return with Ryanair. Best time to go Between May and September for good weather and to experience the city's lively atmosphere. June until August is the busy peak tourist season. Where to stay Gothenburg is one of Europe's most sustainable hotel cities. Gothia Towers: A set of three towers serviced by spectacular lifts providing dozens of rooms with a fabulous view of the city. Excellent breakfasts. Standard rooms from £79(2 pp sharing and breakfast & wifi included) and premium rooms from £108 (2pp sharing and breakfast & wifi included). Dorsia Boutique Hotel: Standard room from £174 (2pp sharing and breakfast & wifi included). Service is five-star. Radisson Blu Riverside Hotel: This hotel is across the river from the city, so you need to take a 10 min ferry + 5 min tram to get to the centre – that's why it's a bit cheaper. Standard room from £58 (2pp sharing, breakfast not included.) MORE: The 'trendy' suburb Londoners are flocking to — while it's still affordable MORE: Campaigner wins court battle that could see Brockwell Park festivals cancelled MORE: US supermodel worth $25,000,000 spotted in Morley's chicken shop in Brick Lane
