Don Hale Blog

*Pictured above - far right - NW author and runner Paul Stroud, with his  son Leo and daughter Emily at the start of the Tokyo Tower climb race.  *A  nervous moment for dad Paul (*above left), as his son Leo awaits the white starting flag  prior to his climb up the iconic tower. North Wales author and runner tackled the famous Tokyo Tower climb with his son Leo and daughter Emily. Report by Don Hale. Photos by Marie Stroud. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com Prolific author and keen runner Paul Stroud, who writes for the North Wales based publishers Coast & Country, and this blog, took part in the gruelling Tokyo Tower race climb last week for a second year, with his teenage son Leo, and daughter Emily. Now based in this vibrant Japanese city, ex-pat Paul made a brave effort to tackle the 600 plus stairs at this iconic landmark, which took the athletes up to the main deck, about 150 metres above ground.  The race included many hundreds of staggered entrie...

*Pictured above - author Paul R Stroud with his wife Marie at a Japanese match. Special NW Coast and Country Author Spotlight Feature Welcome to another new author feature in conjunction with Amazon. Report by Don Hale. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com   ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Paul R Stroud.    MAGNIFICENT J-LEAGUE: From the tribal warfare of England’s terraces to the respectful exuberance of the beautiful game in Japan. An English fan’s ... what sets the J-League apart from the rest. Paperback – 24 June 2025. J リーグ    サッカ グサッカ *This is an Amazon link to Paul Stroud’s new paperback book - MAGNIFICENT J-LEAGUE: https://amzn.to/44ljjKi *This the Amazon link to  Paul Stroud's new ebook link to the MAGNIFIECEN J-LEAGUE:   https://amzn.to/45OvfH2   The author of Magnificent J-League, Paul Stroud, provides us with a fascinating insight into what it has been like following football, at different times, and in different places, over the past 50 years.  It...

*Pictured above and below - some great action photos from the match. Six of the best for Kinmel Bay in title challenge. Report and photos by Barry Griffiths. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com   NWCEFL 24/25 Premier Division 1 Feb 2025 Kinmel Bay FC (6) v Llandudno Amateurs FC (3) played at Llandudno stadium. This away game win brings the Bay to 2nd place just 3 points below Y Glannau. For the goals it was just 3 minutes into the game when Connor Morris assisted by Danny Mcilvogue opened the score. An unfortunate Bay own goal in the 16th minute levelled the score with the Amateurs David Hansom assisted by Jack Kearney in the 27th pulling Llandudno briefly into the lead before Ryan Roberts equalised for KBFC’s on the 29th minute. Mathew Beach assisted by Oli Gray scored for the Bay in the 57th minute of play and in the 76th Danny Mcilvogue added the Bays 4th goal. As a mark of the efforts being made by both teams three goals were scored in the last 5 minutes o...

Kinmel Bay hit the goal trail against Rhuddlan Town in the FAW Amateur Cup... Kinmel Bay FC (5) v Rhuddlan Town FC (0): In the FAW Amateur Trophy 24/25. Match report and some great action photos by Barry Griffiths . https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com Rhuddlan FC play on the Pengwern College grounds, where they assist  the college in its good work for young people. They came to Y Morfa for  this  round in the FAW Amateur Trophy.  Both teams attacked and defended well through the first half, and it was not  until  the 66th minute of play the Bay broke through, with   Daniel McIlvogue   assisted  by Jordan Bellham, starting the deluge of goals for the KBFC.   Most goals were scored in goalmouth close encounters with the tally as follows:  77 mins  Sean Sheridan  assisted by Ryan Roberts; 80 mins captain  Charlie  Jones  assisted by Jacob Jones; 80 mins  Sean Sheridan  assisted by  Jordan Bellham; 8...