Boston Winter

LATEST dominoes league results...

RESULTS:

Lincs Racing Premier Division: Wyberton SC A 7 Pilgrim Lounge 2, SPC Cosmos 6 Arbor Club A 3, Ship Tavern B 6 New Inn A 3, Wyberton SC B 6 Flying Club 3, Arbor Club B 5 Bull and Dog 4.

Bostonbuzz.co.uk Division One: King’s Arms 3 Ship Tavern A 6, Little Peacock 3 SPC Nomads 6, Queen of Spades 6 Peacock Kirton 3, Great Northern A 5 Wyberton SC C 4, Ropers Arms 5 Hammer and Pincers 4.

Boston Anorak Co Division Two: Jolly Crispin 6 Castle Haltoft End 3, Magnet Tavern 3 Butchers Arms A 6, Graves Park 3 King’s Head Freiston 6, White Hart Sibsey 4 Great Northern B 5.

FIREFIGHTERS have just attended a two-car road collision in Watergate Way, Gosberton.

Crews from Gosberton and Spalding attended the scene this afternoon and released one male casualty from one of the cars, using hydraulic rescue equipment.

Both vehicles have been made safe - but there are no further details at this stage.

Keep logging back in to www.bostonstandard.co.uk for the latest news.

CHART-topping X Factor winner Matt Cardle is to perform at a concert in Boston.

The singer, who attracted a legion of fans after winning the 2010 X Factor, will perform in May at the ground of Boston Town FC.

Club chairman Mick Vines is organising the concert and said he hoped to attract at least 4,000 people but has the capacity to hold up to 10,000.

“There hasn’t been a music act as big as this here since the glory days of the Gliderdrome,” said Mick. “Matt has a very broad appeal so this is going to be a fantastic family show – and I think Boston deserves it.”

Some of the other big names that topped the list of artists Mick considered for the gig included Peter Andre and Olly Murs – but both were unavailable.

Four local bands will also take to the stage on the day – and possibly another X Factor support act, yet to be confirmed.

Mick said: “If this concert is a success, we will try to make it an annual event and book another artist next year.”

This year’s date has been set for Saturday, May 26, with doors opening at 3.30pm and the concert kicking off at 5pm.

Matt Cardle will perform last and close the show by about 10pm, followed by fireworks.

After winning the seventh series of X Factor he scored a UK Christmas number one with a cover of Biffy Clyro’s Many of Horror.

He kicks off his first UK solo tour next month.

Mr Vines said any profit made from the concert will be invested into the football club.

Along with tickets for the main ground, there are 200 tickets for a VIP area, situated within 15ft of the stage.

l Tickets cost £31.50 each from www.ticketsable.com/mattcardle.

For VIP tickets (£115 each) call 07943 622959.

A BOSTON allotment holder has claimed that a steep increase in rents could force established people off their plots.

Paul Collingwood has been tending two plots at Willoughby Road for more than 10 years, but says that council rent hikes of more than 350 per cent over the next four years may mean he has to give up his plots – and he claims others on the site feel the same way. There will be a 20 per cent premium for people with more than one of the standard 300 square yard plots.

He said he and his fellow plot-keepers feel they are being pushed off the plots they have tended for many years to make way for new people.

Paul said: “They’re trying to force people off.

“I don’t mind paying £68 (the increase for one plot), but why should I pay a premium for having two plots. It’s people on the allotments that have kept them alive by having so many plots.

“A lot of the lads on here are pensioners. They won’t be able to afford this.”

The hike, which is set to come in next year, will mean Paul’s rent will increase from £46 to £160 annually.

He added that years ago plot holders at Willoughby Road were encouraged to take on extra plots as they were not wanted. Now, he claims, many will not be able to afford to keep them on.

However, the council considers that a 300 square yard is sufficient to provide for a family, and anything larger could be used for commercial gain, something Paul claims is not the case.

Jennifer Moore, the authority’s environment and sustainability officer, said: “The council also wanted to increase the number of starter plots and encourage take up from people who would benefit greatly but are not experienced in allotment gardening and finally we do have a duty to deter or reduce the risk of allotments being used as a commercial enterprise.”

She added the overall aim was to create more opportunities for people to take on plots, and reducing plot size was one way to do that.

THE EDINBURGH Woollen Mill Group has bought clothing chain Peacocks – but the future of Boston’s branch of the troubled retailer remains uncertain.

The deal will save 6,000 of the 9,100 Peacocks jobs but it is unclear which of the 611 stores, including the one in Pescod Square, will stay open.

Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group chairman and chief executive Philip Day said: “I am pleased to announce that with immediate effect 338 stores, 57 concessions, three distribution centres and the head office operations belonging to the Peacocks group will come into the EWM Group of companies, saving some 6,000 jobs, including 250 at the Cardiff headquarters.

“We look forward to working with our new colleagues to rebuild the business in what is a very tough economic environment for High Street retailers in the UK.”

Edinburgh Woollen Mill has a store in Market Place, Boston.

Mr Day added: “We do hope that there will be scope to save more jobs and stores from those being forced to close now due to performance issues and overhead pressures.

“As you can imagine, there will be a considerable amount of work to undertake over the next few months to stabilise the situation, turn this business around, get the supply chain moving again and excite the customers with great products.”

The cost of the purchase is undisclosed.

BOSTON MP Mark Simmonds has apologised to the House of Commons for failing to register an interest during debates on the Government’s health reforms.

Mr Simmonds earns £50,000 a year in a 10-hour-a-month role with private healthcare provider Circle Healthcare – a fact shown on MPs’ register of interests.

However Mr Simmonds did not mention the fact – as rules state – when speaking in debates on the Health and Social Care Bill in January and March last year.

He told the Commons on Monday: “It has been brought to my attention that on January 31 and March 16 2011, I inadvertently omitted to draw the House’s attention to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests relating to strategic advice that I provide to a social enterprise health care provider.

“I would like to take this opportunity both to correct the record and to apologise.”

Mr Simmonds was a shadow health minister but did not get a role in the coalition government.

He recently told The Standard: “The evidence is overwhelming that competition within health services drives up quality of care for patients.”

A FOURTH man accused of the murder of a 28-year-old whose body was found in a Boston waterway was today remanded in custody when he appeared before Lincoln Crown Court.

Oktawiusz Siemieniuk, 31, of The Featherworks, Boston, is charged with the murder of Jan Pawel Stochnialek, whose body was discovered lat month in the South Forty Foot Drain.

No plea was taken at today’s hearing and Siemieniuk was remanded in custody to appear back in court on May 25.

Mr Stochnialek, a father of one who formerly lived in Albert Street, Boston, was found dead in a stretch of the South Forty Foot Drain off Wyberton West Road on Wednesday, January 25.

He had been living in Boston for a number of months and was last seen alive at around 5pm on Christmas Eve.

Three other men charged with the murder were remanded in custody at a hearing earlier this month.

THE trash talking has begun.

THE trash talking has begun. Callum Johnson may not even know the identity of his next opponent yet – but the Boston boxer has vowed to ‘take his head off’.

The 26-year-old will return to the ring for his fourth professional fight on March 10.

And despite the name of the man he’ll be facing remaining a complete mystery, confidence is high in Johnson’s camp. So high, he made the tongue-in-cheek swipe.

“I’ve been waiting for this fight a long time, and I’m sparring a lot to make sure I’m as sharp as I can be,” he told The Standard.

“I can’t wait to get in the ring again.

“I feel I’m the best I’ve ever been and if I went in right now I think I’d rip someone’s head off.

“I can’t wait to get in there.”

After having two fights against Dubliner Ciaran Healy postponed towards the end of last year, the light heavyweight is itching to return to action.

Another payday would, of course, be welcomed.

But for Johnson, his desire to return to action is more about ambition.

He wants to build upon that Commonwealth Games gold he won in Delhi, climb the British rankings and position himself to be in line for a shot at a Lonsdale belt.

Johnson’s last fight was a July points victory over Sheffield’s Lee Duncan. He has also ticked the wins column at the expense of Philip Townley and Jody Meikle.

After spending the past six months working hard in training – including three days a week at Manchester’s famous Gallagher’s Gym – the Bostonian believes he is in the best fighting shape of his life.

And this should be an advantage as he bids to put on a show to make the rest of his division take notice.

He added: “It’s all going good. I’m very happy with the training.

“There’s no opponent named yet. But I don’t mind who it is. “Like I said, he’s getting his head taken off.

“That’s because I know that I’m getting better and stronger all the time. Now it’s my turn to prove it.

“I’ve come a long way since the Commonwealths. I’m a way better fighter than I was then.”

Johnson will fight at Glasgow’s Braehead Arena, on the undercard of Ricky Burns’ interim WBO lightweight defence against Paulus Moses.

NEW police cells and office space could be built in Sutterton as part of a groundbreaking contract between the force and private firm G4S, The Standard understands.

It has emerged that the development is part of a landmark £200 million contract to outsource much of the county’s back office police work, which was announced at the end of last year.

Lincolnshire Police Authority is tight-lipped about possible sites for a new two-storey police office and 30-cell custody suite, but The Standard understands that the location could be in Sutterton, or another venue between Boston and Spalding.

The force recently trialled closing the cells at Spalding Police Station as a cost-cutting measure, with detainees brought to Boston.

It is thought the location of new police cells could be chosen to help cut travel times for a shared custody arrangement.

A source, who asked not to be named, said: “G4S will do this where it makes commercial sense to them. Part of the contract is that they will do the fetching of detainees.”

Police authority chairman Coun Barry Young said: “Because of commercial sensitivity, we cannot comment until the formal contract with G4S – of which this is only one aspect – has been signed.

“Once a potential site has been identified, a planning application will be made to the relevant district authority. It will be for local planning officers to assess the application to ensure that it complies with national, county and local planning requirements and policies.

“They will also take into account representations made by technical consultees, such as the highways authority and the Environment Agency, and by the general public.”

The outsourcing deal will see G4S take on responsibility for custody, firearms licensing, town enquiry offices, the force control room, central ticket office, IT, human resources, asset management and finance.

More than half of the force’s 980 civilian staff are expected to transfer over to G4S.

LINCOLNSHIRE Police Authority has this morning officially signed a contract with G4S which will see the private security firm take over some of the force’s services for the next ten years.

The contract is estimated to be worth £200 million and is the largest of its kind ever offered by a police authority in this country.

The deal comes as the force looks to address Government cuts of £19.7 million in the next four years.

The police authority had announced G4S as its preferred bidder in December last year and officially signed the deal this morning.

The police authority says ten other authorities are looking at their plans which could open up a £2 billion outsourcing market.

Police Authority Chairman Barry Young said: “We are delighted that G4S will be joining us as a strategic partner.

“G4S shares our values and our ambition to maintain and improve services. It has the skills and the experience to help make a real difference to the way in which Lincolnshire is policed.

“By taking over a range of support functions, G4S will contribute to the Force’s aim of being able to put 97 per cent of its warranted officers in frontline roles by April.

“Crucially, the new strategic partnership will also deliver significant infrastructure investment that will offset the budget reductions called for by the Government.

“I believe we are leading the way. We have demonstrated that it is possible to negotiate a complex agreement in a relatively short period of time that will provide benefits well into the future.”

From April 1 G4S will take on ICT, Support Services, Finance, Assets and Facilities Management, human resources, the ticketing and collisions unit, firearms licensing, crime management bureau, custody, criminal justice unit, force control room, town inquiry offices and the resource management unit.

The contract signed today contains an option for an extension to 15 years.

Kim Challis, Group Managing Director, G4S Government and Outsourcing Services, said: “G4S is excited to be partnering with Lincolnshire Police in delivering this landmark programme, which is the first of its kind in the UK.

“Lincolnshire is leading the way in responding to the challenges of today’s economic environment and this transformation project will mean many of the services provided by the Police will now be delivered externally by specialists who can deliver greater savings and improve efficiency.

“We are particularly delighted to have the opportunity to implement many new innovations, such as our purpose-built ‘Bridewell’ custody suites.

“This new police station will be the first, tangible demonstration of the benefits this partnership will bring to Lincolnshire.

“But others, such as the planned Shared Services Centre, will place Lincolnshire at the heart of Britain’s policing future, generating vital additional income as well as creating new jobs.

“This is an exciting time for Lincolnshire and we are proud to be part of it.”

MARC Newsham bagged a brace as a four-goal first half saw Boston United overtake Vauxhall Motors.

Strike partner Spencer Weir-Daley and defender Tom Ward were also on target in the opening 45 of this Blue Square Bet North clash.

The Pilgrims were in pole position as early as the fifth minute.

A route one ball from Paul Bastock was flicked on by Newsham, where Weir-Daley cut inside and fired beyond Scott Tynan.

United doubled their lead in the 23rd minute as Ward looped a header home following Ian Ross’ corner.

Boston were now in top gear and added to their advantage when Newsham grabbed the first of his two first-half strikes.

In the 27th minute, Weir-Daley saw an effort denied by Tynan.

But he was first to the follow-up, squaring the ball into the path of Newsham, who slotted home.

And before the interval, United ensured they really had put the brakes on any hope of a Motormen comeback.

Moments before the whistle, Newsham grabbed his 13th of the season, a neat header from Ben Milnes’ cross.

It was a great end to a first half for the away side, whose pre-match build-up was hampered by problems.

With Ryan Semple being ruled out indefinitely, they then found themselves without defenders Lee Canoville and Kevin Austin - both suffering from illness.

Nathan Stainfield lined up against Ward in central defence, making only his fifth start of the season, his first since October.

Vauxhall had the first real chance of the game early on but found United keeper Bastock in fine form, saving Louis Horne’s header.

Ward was also called upon to block Cole Stockton’s drive.

Following the action-packed opening half, the second was a quiet affair in comparison.

However, Motors had a few chances to reduce the arrears, but Stockton sent a free header wide before Bastock denied him at the death to earn his seventh clean sheet of the campaign.

For Boston, Tynan denied Ross’ free kick and Sleath saw a 25-yarder fly off target.

MOTORS: Scott Tynan, Danny Fearnehough, Paul Jones, Tom Hannigan, Louis Horne (Fraser Ablett 46), Craig Mahon, David Mannix, Liam Wynn (Scott Phelan 46), John Lawless (Jonathan Egerton 46), Cole Stockton, Josh Wilson; Sub (not used): Gary Spotswood.

UNITED: Paul Bastock, Conor Marshall, Tom Ward, Nathan Stainfield, Gareth Jelleyman, Ben Milnes, Ian Ross (Chris Hall 88), Danny Sleath, Ben Fairclough (Tyrone Kirk 70), Spencer Weir-Daley (Leon Constantine 77), Marc Newsham.; Subs (not used): Jason Lee, Ricky Drury.

Att: 173.

Ref: Scott Oldham.

Star man: Marc Newsham.

LEWIS Brooks has rejoined Boston Town – because he believes the Poachers will soon be challenging at the top of the United Counties League Premier Division again.

LEWIS Brooks has rejoined Boston Town – because he believes the Poachers will soon be challenging at the top of the United Counties League Premier Division again.

The utility player agreed to move to Tattershall Road from near rivals Holbeach United last week, after Town made a seven-day approach.

The club’s objective for the remainder of the campaign is to force their way into the top eight of the table.

But Brooks sees his stay at Town as more of a long-term plan.

He said: “There are some very good players down there.

“Maybe they haven’t done as well as was expected so far this season, but that’ll come.

“New players are coming in and the focus is on us all gelling with each other for next season.

“I think we should be up there and challenging next season.”

Brooks opted to leave Carter’s Park after struggling to hold down a regular place in the Tigers’ starting XI after suffering an injury earlier this season.

He admitted it was a tough decision to leave the club he joined in the summer, but he knew he needed regular football.

Brooks added: “I’ve been in and out of the team and maybe if I’d been at another club I’d have looked to move on earlier.

“But Holbeach were doing well and they’re a good bunch of lads.

“It wasn’t an easy decision to leave Holbeach, but one I think I had to do to play more football.”

The curse of frozen and waterlogged pitches have hampered the Poachers in recent weeks, with five matches being postponed since Christmas.

But now Brooks and fellow new signings Jammal Shahin (Brigg) and Michael Neaverson (Sleaford) will be eager to make their debuts as Town travel to face Irchester on Saturday (KO 3pm).

The contest could also see Nick Brown make only his second appearance since also moving from Holbeach.

“A lot of players from the clubs (Boston and Holbeach) know each other already so I don’t think there’ll be any problems (with having new signings playing together),” Brooks added.

Brooks – a former Boston United trainee, who made two appearances for the club in League Two – made 13 outings for the Poachers last season.

But it was a case of right place wrong time for the utility man who said he didn’t feel comfortable with his surroundings and moved to Sleaford – before linking up with Holbeach in the summer.

Now back at Tattershall Road, Brooks wants to cement a place in the centre of the park.

He added: “I can play in defence and because I’m left sided, I can play on the wing as well.

“But my favourite position is in the middle, where I played for Town last season.

“But where the manager puts me is his decision.”

HIGHWAYS bosses have announced plans to repair a ‘winter damaged’ road next week.

The B1192 Langrick Road will be fully closed between Ash Tree Farm near Coningsby and New York Crossroads from Monday (February 27) to Tuesday, March 6.

Lincolnshire County Council says traffic will officially be diverted via B1192, B1184, B1183, A155, A153 to B1192 and vice versa.

The work is part of a series of repairs, including others to be carried out in Skegness and Horncastle.

Tim Mawson, project manager, said: “It is important that we repair these roads – no road can last forever. Keeping the county’s roads in good condition and safe for motorists to use is of paramount importance.”

Mr Mawson said businesses and residents have been informed of the plans by letter.

BOSTON’S Market Place taxi rank has been moved to a new position.

On Monday, taxi drivers began operating at the new rank, which is opposite the old one, near Serenity hair salon.

Lincolnshire County Council highways said the new rank will be a permanent position, but its new markings will not be in place until the Market Place refurbishment is nearly finished.

The new rank will operate by taxis forming two lines with a single space at the front.

Taxis will enter the front space from alternate lines.

The council seeks co-operation from taxi drivers to ensure this new rank operates efficiently.

l For more information about the new taxi rank contact taxi licensing on 01205 314214.

]]> 1.3544993 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:47:32 +0000 http://www.bostonstandard.co.uk/pogson_s_attack_rubs_salt_in_pepper_s_wounds_1_3544969

JUNIOR Thomas Pogson added another win to his promising start in amateur boxing when he outpointed southpaw Scott Pepper.

Fighting in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, on Saturday, the Boston ABC competitor – the cousin of Commonwealth gold medallist Callum Johnson – took control of the bout in the opening round, writes Neil Lockwood.

He didn’t find Pepper’s southpaw stance too much of a problem.

Nor was he troubled by the home-town fighter’s aggressive attitude as Pogson’s superior boxing kept him out of harm’s way.

However, the Boston lad’s success in the opening round saw his attitude a little careless in the second, where he was caught too often by Pepper before his defence became more existent.

A lecture from his corner saw Pogson return to what served him best at the beginning of the contest.

In the final round his defence stayed tight, and needed to be as Pepper threw swinging right handers.

However, Pogson’s left lead measured two-handed head and body shots, restoring his authority.

After the final bell, it was Pogson’s hand who was raised, before the fighter dedicated his victory to his dad, who passed away following an illness.

TOM Ward believes Boston United are heading off to Vauxhall Motors to right some wrongs tonight.

The Pilgrims have been left smarting for a fortnight after their last-gasp 3-2 defeat at Colwyn Bay.

And with postponements affecting the fixture list, Ward says the club is chomping at the bid to put that result behind them.

“It’s been frustrating not having a game, especially as we lost our last one,” he told The Standard.

“You want to put that right as soon as possible and we’ve been left waiting and thinking about the result.

“We want to get another win as soon as possible.”

Danny Sleath and Marc Newsham twice gave Boston the lead in north Wales 14 days ago, but the club left empty-handed after Karl Noon’s late strike from distance.

As well as wanting to banish those memories, the Pilgrims will be eager to get one over the Motormen tonight.

Boston suffered a shock 2-1 home defeat to this evening’s opponents at York Street back in August.

On that day striker Lawrie Dudfield saw two efforts saved off the line as the Pilgrims’ late consolation came via an own goal.

Kevin Holsgrove, who began the season with United, is a member of the Motors squad.

Struggling Motors, who sit 20th in the Blue Square Bet North, have won four and drawn four of their 14 home matches to date this season.

Kick off is at 7.45pm.

THE SKEGNESS Musical Theatre Company will return to the stage this Friday with a brand new show.

The group will tread the boards of the Embassy Theatre with a medley of musical numbers they have never tackled before.

They will be gracing the boards with songs from hit shows such as Billy Elliot and Les Miserables, creating an evening of spectacular song and dance called For One Night Only.

Musical Director, Peter Wellsted, said the new arrangement will give the audience a taste of the musicals which, due to licensing restrictions, cannot be performed in full.

“This is an opportunity to sing songs we could not otherwise perform and a chance to showcase the talent of our gifted singers and dancers,” said Wellsted.

Profits from the show will be donated to MacMillan Cancer Support, as the society has decided to thank the community for its continuing support over the last 48 years of performing to the town.

Chairman of SMTC, Andrea Hall, said; “The last few shows have been so successful we wanted to thank Skegness for providing such great talent and loyal audiences.

“We wanted to give something back to the community and as unfortunately most people know someone who has been touched by cancer, we chose MacMillan who do such a brilliant job.”

The show will also give an opportunity for some of Skegness’s young performers to shine as pupils from the Lisa Jay Stage Institute will feature in the production.

SMTC and the stage institute have a close relationship, with Lisa Jay choreographing their show for the second year.

‘For One Night Only’ will begin at 7.30pm on Friday, February 24.

Tickets costs £13 for adults, £11 for concessions and £36 for families. Visit www.embassytheatre.co.uk or call 0845 674 0505 for more information or to buy tickets.

THE National Concert Orchestra of Great Britain will perform an exclusive evening of Andre Rieu’s The Vienna Proms in Skegness this Saturday evening.

A full evening concert recreating the wonderful summer night concerts given in Vienna, the concert will open with the ever popular ‘Die Fledermaus’, and throughout will feature a host of Strauss Waltzes and Polkas including ‘The Blue Danube’, ‘Vienna Blood’, ‘The Merry Widow’ and ‘Tritsch Tratsch Polka’.

“The full program is not to be missed and features Strauss and other great composers of the ‘romantic’ period,” said a spokesperson.

“Bernie Clifton will sing with The National Concert Orchestra of Great Britain during the event.

“He started his career in entertainment as a singer with the bands and orchestras in the North West.

“Although well known for his ‘Ostrich’ and other comedic elements in his stage and TV shows, Bernie has never lost touch with his roots as a vocalist.

“His long time friend, Musical Director Greg Francis, actually met Bernie almost 40 years ago on the set at Thames TV during his Opportunity Knocks appearance, they have remained close friends ever since.

“In 2007, Bernie was invited to become compere and vocalist for the National Concert Orchestra of Great Britain and has appeared on countless indoor and outdoor concerts, the public have been astonished to hear his fine renditions of all styles of music.

“With the ‘Vienna Proms’ concerts, Bernie performs the songs of the greatest and most famous singer of the era, the Austrian Tenor Richard Tauber, including such popular songs as ‘Girls Were Made to Love and Kiss’. ‘My Heart and I’ and ‘Vienna, City of My Dreams’,” they added.

The concert will begin at 7.30pm this February 25. Tickets for the evening cost £22.50 for adults, £20.50 for over 60s and £11 for children.

For more information, or to buy tickets, call 0845 674 0505 or visit www.embassytheatre.co.uk.

THE ROOF of a home in Gosberton Risegate has been destroyed in a house fire.

Much of the rest of the house in Siltside was also damaged by smoke and water following the blaze yesterday (Monday). The garage was also badly damaged by smoke during the incident, which was caused by hot metal filings from angle grinding igniting wood shavings.

Fire crews spent about four hours tackling the fire, after they were called out at 3.25pm, with firefighters heading there from Donington, Spalding, Kirton, Billingborough and Holbeach.

Nobody was injured as a result of the fire and there was nobody in the property when fire crews arrived.

]]> 1.3542771 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:17:53 +0000 http://www.bostonstandard.co.uk/boston_rugby_club_suffer_first_defeat_but_remain_on_top_1_3544362

BOSTON Rugby Club lost their first match of the Midland 5 East (North) league campaign as they went down 27-24 at third-placed Keyworth.

But the Blue and Whites held on to top spot, buoyed by the news title challengers Meden Vale suffered a defeat against Ollerton, who Boston scored more than 100 points against.

Below-par Boston, playing only their second match of the new year, left it to the last10 minutes to attempt to overhaul a 17-point deficit, and narrowly failed.

Keyworth were up for the match from the start and began with the advantage of the strong wind.

Boston’s old habits of indiscipline in the loose, talking back to the referee, a stuttering line out and a lack of stability in the scrum compounded matters as Keyworth surged into a 6-0 lead after only 15 minutes, via two penalties.

Boston had to wait until the 35th minute to open their account, Tom Brooks converting a penalty for three points.

After the break, Keyworth started the stronger and scored their first try through sustained pressure on the Boston line, the conversion extended their lead to 13-3.

A loose pass gifted Keyworth a breakaway try as they extended their lead.

The home crowd were sensing a major upset and were helped further when back row Ross Noble was sin binned for an alleged dangerous tackle.

But Boston fought back.

A Joe Deamer try, taken from a quick tap penalty, was converted by Brooks, bringing the deficit to 20-10.

Just when it seemed there was hope, Boston lost their defensive shape and allowed Keyworth to score their third try.

With 10 minutes left, Boston sprung into action, led by fly half Darryn Barratt, who jinked through the home defence to touch down.

The conversion by Brooks reduced the score to 27-17.

Moments later, number eight Steve Loveley scored to narrow the gap further.

But Boston had to concede defeat as the clock ticked down, taking some consolation with.

There was some consolation for the visitors as they secured a losing bonus point, which may prove crucial as the gap narrows between the top three sides.

Another positive was debutant full back James Charlton having an impressive first outing.

On Saturday, Boston will be looking to get back to winning ways as they host Castle Donington at the Boardsides (KO 2.15pm).

BOSTON: Kemp, Wilson, Deamer, Betts, Enderby, Stokes, Noble, Pedley, Barratt, Cumber, J. Brooks, T. Brooks, Baldwin, Loveley, Charlton; replacements: Loveley, Sampson, Phoenix, Johnson.

NEW Zealand’s All Blacks have the Haka. Roger Milla had his corner flag shuffle. And now Boston United have the Zumba.

Boston United head off to Vauxhall Motors tonight - swapping their dancing shoes for football boots.

With last Saturday’s clash against Worcester City postponed due to a frozen pitch at the Jakemans Stadium, the Pilgrims tried a novel new training method to pass the afternoon.

The squad met up expecting to be put through their paces.

And indeed they were, by club physio Katie Cooper - a Zumba instructor who got them strutting their stuff to the dance craze.

But now the Pilgrims will have to make sure they are on top of their game as they may come face to face with a former teammate who, on his day, can happily dance through defences.

With no fixture this weekend either, United will return to action on Tuesday at Vauxhall Motors (KO 7.45pm) and possibly against ex-striker Kevin Holsgrove, if he can regain full fitness in time.

The attacker netted three times in 11 competitive games for Boston before have his contract terminated by mutual consent as the Wirral-based man struggled with the the travelling.

FOUR Boston United youngsters helped Lincolnshire Under 18s to a 3-1 victory over North Riding on Saturday.

Striker Jordan Nuttell was on target for Lincs.

Meanwhile, United teammates and midfielders Jake Beauchamp, Elliott Price and James Reed also featured in the clash at Barton Town Old Boys.