Sports teams across London are in action this weekend, and we give you a preview of the best sports events from across the region.
- AFC Wimbledon v MK Dons, League One (Friday September 22, 19:45)
The Dons have found the going tough this season, with one league win in four at the Cherry Red Records stadium.
The loss of talisman Tom Elliott to Millwall over the summer may have been a contributing factor, but they have made a number of eye-catching additions, among them former Bolton midfielder Liam Trotter.
Neal Ardley’s men will be hoping to replicate last season’s 2-0 win over their Buckinghamshire adversaries, the first time the two sides had faced each other at Kingsmeadow.
- Fulham v Middlesbrough, Championship (Saturday September 23, 19:45)
Like AFC Wimbledon, Fulham’s season has yet to get off the ground. The team’s surprise 2-1 defeat to Burton Albion has left them 14th, with two wins from their opening eight league matches.
The absence of key player Tom Cairney has been keenly felt this term and his ongoing knee problem means that this weekend’s encounter comes too soon for the former Blackburn man.
However, head coach Slavisa Jokanovic revealed today that summer signing Rui Fonte will definitely play some part.
- Richmond FC v Darlington Mowden Park Sharks, Tyrrell’s Premier 15s (Saturday September 23, 17:00)
Richmond opened their Premier 15s account last weekend with a thrilling 31-24 win at Bristol Ladies, on what was a landmark weekend for women’s domestic rugby.
Brett Taylor’s charges raced into a 24-12 half-time lead in Mangotsfield and extended the advantage to 19 points early in the second half.
Twelve points from the hosts set up a nervy finish, but the team held on and will be eager to be impress at the Richmond Athletic Ground tomorrow.
- Saturday trials for junior beginners, Ernst Bevin Judo Club (Saturday September 23, 10:30-12:00)
The club, located at Beechcroft Road in Tooting, has existed since the 1970s. The website proudly notes that the club’s proudest achievements ‘include wins at local, county and national competitions’.
Ex-pupils who have passed through their dojo include Vas Morrison, who finished fourth at the 1976 Montreal Olympics and Winston Gordon, who managed a fifth-place finish in Athens.
Anyone from the ages of five to 11 is welcome to come along to Saturday’s session, while individual sessions for juniors cost £5.
- Streatham Ice Hockey Club v London Raiders, NIHL South 1 (Britton) (Saturday September 23, 18:45)
This weekend sees Streatham turn their attention to cup matters on Sunday, just a day after they will play their second league game of the campaign.
They laid down a marker in their first league encounter, walloping Cardiff Fire South 2 9-2 on Sunday.
The London Raiders also hold a 100% record, coming up trumps with a 7-5 win away at Milton Keynes Thunder.
Children, students and senior citizens can all attend for £6, while adult tickets cost £10. A family ticket, comprising two adults and two children, costs £25.
- Harlequins v Leicester Tigers, Aviva Premiership (Saturday September 23, 15:00)
Quins have recovered from an opening-day defeat to newly-promoted London Irish, with morale-boosting wins over Gloucester and Wasps giving the fans hope that they can finish in the top four for the first time since 2013/14.
The latter win was particularly impressive as it ended a run of 20 successive home league wins for Dai Young’s men.
Marcus Smith’s form has got tongues wagging, with the 18-year-old named in Eddie Jones’s England squad for the Autumn Internationals.
- Rosslyn Park v Bishop’s Stortford, National League Division 1 (Saturday September 23, 15:00)
The Roehampton-based outfit finished sixth last season and will be looking to push on.
However, captain Hugo Ellis and team have not found it easy so far, with an opening-day 58-0 thumping of Old Albanians followed by sobering losses to Blackheath and Esher.
Bishop’s Stortford come into this encounter off the back of a 36-17 defeat to Plymouth Albion, having recorded successive wins over Caldy and Old Elthamians.
- Don fun shoot, Chessington Bowmen (Saturday September 23, 09:00-13:00)
Chessington Bowmen is an archery club, based at Kingston RFC on Hook Road. Founded in 1983, the club now boasts over 100 members.
They have won numerous titles over the years, including triumphing in the team event at the 2009 London Youth Games.
The club emphasises that it is committed to improving the skill level of young and old archers, with attendees able to devour bacon butties during the Saturday morning session.
- 10kforcrohns (Sunday September 24, 10:00-14:00)
Held in Hyde Park, the event has reached its 15th year. Participants are invited to either run or walk the ten-kilometre route.
The meeting point is a marquee located by the Hyde Park Bandstand, around 400 yards from the Queen Elizabeth II gates and the Serpentine River.
Crohn’s is an inflammatory bowel disease, whose symptoms include abdominal pain, fever and weight loss. Please note that those taking part must have received at least £20 of sponsorship.
10. Chelsea Ladies v Bristol City Women, WSL 1 (Sunday September 24, 12:30)
Emma Hayes’s side pipped Manchester City to the Spring Series title and will feel confident of taking that form into the new season with the acquisitions of Scandinavian duo Maria Thorisdottir and Magdalena Eriksson.
In Eni Aluko, Sunday’s hosts also possess last season’s top scorer.
This will be the first time that the league will take place throughout the winter, while the top tier has been restored to ten teams with Everton Ladies replacing the defunct Notts County Ladies.
