DEWSBURY RAMS chairman Mark Sawyer paid tribute to Paul Sykes after his incredible historic appearance became the only player in the history of Rugby League to feature in 27 successive seasons when he made his 2025 bow for his hometown club against Rochdale As verified by the Rugby League Record Keepers’ Club beating the previous record of 26 set by Welsh Rugby League great Gus Risman who was a founder member of the sport’s Hall of Fame Sykes made his debut for Bradford in 1999 and has gone on to top 500 club appearances for London Broncos Wakefield and Featherstone as well as Dewsbury He has played for Great Britain and England for whom he was in the squad for the 2008 World Cup Sawyer said: “Paul has been part of the Dewsbury family for ten years and wealth of experience make him an inspiration to everyone around him “He’s not just a player — he’s the heart of our club We are incredibly proud and honoured to have someone as special as Paul with us.” Comfortable night for Chelsea as professional display sees them close in on European final Sport | Football featuring team news and expert analysis from Malik Ouzia I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice Chelsea cruised to a 4-1 win over Djurgarden in Stockholm to effectively settle their Conference League semi-final tie Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke scored before the break and Nicolas Jackson then came off the bench to score twice in the space of six minutes Isak Alemayehu grabbed a consolation for the hosts but Chelsea remain firmly on track to reach the final ahead of next week’s second leg at Stamford Bridge Here’s how Enzo Maresca’s side rated in Stockholm.. Made a big save on the stroke of half-time from deflected effort but couldn’t keep out Mulugeta header then out of position for home goal having lost the ball Steady as you like at the heart of defence and passed the ball through the lines nicely Booked for piling in after Caicedo was caught late Postecoglou provides Bergvall injury update after fresh Spurs blow Maresca insists Chelsea teenager is 'perfect' for system after historic debut How to watch Djurgarden vs Chelsea: TV channel and live stream Meal2Deal: on a mission to make food poverty history Not really tested defensively and generally used the ball well Went closer to yet another goal when firing just wide early on Lovely clipped ball in behind deserved a finish from Madueke came through 45 minutes on troublesome pitch unhurt Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall 8 with clever run creating Sancho space and sharp pass leading to second Missed a golden chance when shooting straight at ‘keeper from close range but made amends with near-post finish Never going to overawed by the atmosphere and claimed assists for the first two goals before making way at half-time even if it wasn’t taken in particularly convincing fashion Handed a first start at centre-forward in the absence of Christopher Nkunku Did fine in unfamiliar role before returning to wing at half-time Sign of his growing importance that he did not start Cole Palmer (Fernandez 46’) 5 Hesitated when put through to end goal drought Back on the scoresheet against Everton and added two more here Part of a half-time quadruple change as Maresca flexed muscle The 16-year-old was handed a late debut and almost scored with his first touch VE Day 2025 fashion: best looks from the day VE Day 2025 fashion: Princess of Wales to Lady Victoria Starmer Prince Louis steals the show at VE Day parade as he keeps dad William looking sharp and mimics brother George Prince Louis steals show with sweet antics at VE parade Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in major blow for Putin ahead of Victory Day celebrations Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in blow for Putin Pregnant Jesy Nelson reveals plans for future in message from her hospital bed after surgery Pregnant Jesy Nelson reveals plans for future in message from hospital David Beckham extends olive branch to son Brooklyn amid 'family feud' BOTH sides had opportunities to win and will feel they could have done so An ill-tempered game was littered with 24 penalties and three yellow cards with Whitehaven counting the cost of an ever-growing injury list as Aaron Turnbull and Jordan Thomson were forced off in the first half Dewsbury scored the opening two tries with Louis Collinson getting the first The Rams were allowed to march upfield on the back of a penalty and utilising quick play-the-balls and the loose-forward barged over from short range Then veteran halfback Paul Sykes rolled back the years to grab his first of the season Dewsbury were once again gifted field possession through a penalty for a high tackle on George Senior behind his own try-line and Whitehaven then conceded a set restart Sykes threw an outrageous dummy which opened up the defence and with Jacob Hookem converting both tries The first sinbinning seemed to come as part of a totting-up process as Dewsbury captain Matt Garside was spoken to Soon after when Jack Kellett was tackled over the ball by Garside Whitehaven struck twice before the break while the opposition were down to twelve with Cameron Brown notching following a neat grubber from halfback partner Kieran Tyrer (Jay Weatherill converted) before Mitchell Todd neatly finished in the right-hand corner The scores were levelled in the early stages of the second half following a penalty for a high tackle Weatherill making no mistake on this occasion Whitehaven took the lead for the first time after territory was again gifted to them with Connor Holliday crashing in on the right as a yellow card was shown to Ethan Bickerdike for his part in a dangerous tackle Will Shaw was able to dance over from dummy-half Penalties continued to be central to the contest Jamie Field went over on 62 minutes after good work by Dec Tomlinson with Hookem’s goal putting Dewsbury 24-18 up But Whitehaven soon hit back to level again and set up a grandstand finish Tyrer’s kick hit the chest of Sykes and went high in the air Brown was the quickest to react and grounded his second of the afternoon The game looked to have been won when Tyrer broke down the left on the back of a loose last-tackle pass He ran 45 metres before passing inside to Weatherill After Jack McShane was sinbinned for a high tackle Weatherill’s penalty attempt was wide then Brown’s field-goal effort was off target GAMESTAR: Dewsbury fullback Craig McShane was at the heart of everything his side created GAMEBREAKER: George Senior’s late tackle on Jay Weatherill saved a certain Whitehaven try If you judge the significance of Rugby League records by those who previously held them Paul Sykes has earned himself an indelible place in the 130-year history of the sport who will turn 44 in August and was a member of the England squad for the 2008 World Cup made his first competitive appearance of the 2025 season for Dewsbury Rams in Sunday’s Betfred League One fixture against Rochdale Hornets As he made his debut for Bradford Bulls in 1999 that means Sykes has now played in 27 consecutive seasons – and according to the Rugby League Record Keepers Club And the man who previously held that record is Gus Risman the Welsh Rugby League great who was a founder member of the sport’s Hall of Fame having come north to play for Salford in 1929 then moved to Cumbria after the War to make more than 300 appearances for Workington Town leading them to Wembley victory over Featherstone Rovers in the 1952 Challenge Cup Final Risman was the only man to have previously played in 26 consecutive seasons – a record even more remarkable as it straddled the War years So the spectators at Sunday’s Dewsbury-Rochdale clash saw a slice of history and a triumph of durability – all the more so considering the injuries Sykes has suffered during his career included a punctured lung ''Paul has been part of the Dewsbury family for 10 years "He’s not just a player — he’s the heart of our club We are incredibly proud and honoured to have someone as special as Paul with us." The history-maker will hope to add plenty more appearances to his tally – already well over 500 – in the remainder of this season starting with Dewsbury’s tricky trip to Whitehaven this Sunday Enquires: enquiries@rfl.co.uk  |  0330 111 1113 (Mon-Fri 10-4pm)Ticketing: ticketing@RLcommercial.co.uk  |  0844 856 1113 (Calls will cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge) GameDay Support: gamedaysupport@rfl.co.uk 168 8110 49Copyright © 2023 - Rugby Football League - All rights reserved The home side hit the front in the 15th minute when Tom Delaney took a cross-field kick from veteran Paul Sykes to touch down with Jacob Hookem adding the extra two points on offer.  The Hornets soon hit back with a replica of their opponents’ opening score with a kick from Morgan Punchard finding Dan Nixon on the flank and he spun on the spot to ground the ball in the corner to make it 6-4.  with multiple infringements by both sides resulting in a slow speed of play.  the gap between the two sides increased as the Hornets created numbers resulting in Lewis Else dancing his way through the Rams defence to touch down in the corner Punchard slotted over the conversion to make it 16-6 as the hooter sounded the Rams created pressure and Keenan Tomlinson forced himself over the line from close range but the Hornets once again hit back swiftly.  the Hornets were quick with their hands and got the ball out wide to Luke Forber who had enough space to get himself over the whitewash and move the Hornets 20-12 ahead Flare then started to be shown by the Hornets as a 20/40 kick from Gregg McNally gave them prime position on the pitch.  They turned field position into points as Jaden Dayes planted the ball down to increase the Hornets’ advantage Dewsbury didn’t give up and hit back almost instantly with Jack McShane getting on the scoresheet But Dec O’Donnell sealed the two points on offer for the Hornets with four minutes remaining darting over from close range to wrap up an impressive victory on the road - and their first against the Rams since September 2018 Spotland Stadium, Sandy Lane, Rochdale, OL11 5DR Tel: 01706 648 004Email: info@hornetsrugbyleague.com site by fluidcm.co.uk You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience British space scientist leads immersive lesson to spark students’ interest in future careers Renowned British space scientist Dame Dr Maggie Aderin has delivered an inspiring hands-on lesson to students from Thornhill Community Academy as part of The Hyundai Great British School Trip at the National Space Centre in Leicester The visit was designed to engage students with the fast-evolving world of space and technology and forms part of a wider initiative encouraging pupils to explore future careers in science Dame Dr Maggie explored the interactive exhibits alongside pupils and shared her personal journey into the space sector She credited school trips in her own childhood as a driving force behind her career choice “It’s great to see young people already thinking about future careers in science “The challenge is helping them explore these fast-moving fields in meaningful That’s why initiatives like The Hyundai Great British School Trip matter They spark curiosity and open possibilities “I’m thrilled we are also bringing this experience to classrooms nationwide fuelling passions that will shape their futures.” Dame Dr Maggie also introduced a first-of-its-kind virtual lesson available nationwide for pupils in Years 8 and 9 during National School Trips Week (28 April – 4 May) the immersive escape-room-style activity guides students through a space mission using five different space-related career paths Dr Dame Maggie Aderin says school trips are critical for kids’ development at Hyundai’s Great British School Trip event at the National Space Centre for National School Trips Week 28th April-2nd May The virtual lesson has been created to ensure that even schools unable to travel can take part in the experience It complements the wider goals of The Hyundai Great British School Trip which aims to provide 160,000 pupils with access to educational trips by the end of the academic year the programme specifically supports children from disadvantaged areas helping to reduce the inequality in access to real-world learning experiences The initiative comes at a time when many schools are struggling to offer trips due to the rising cost of living leaving parents and headteachers facing difficult decisions Maggie watches a rocket science demonstration with pupils New research commissioned as part of the programme reveals that four in five parents believe school trips play a key role in shaping their child’s future aspirations over a quarter say they feel uncertain about the new and rapidly changing career options available to their children President of Hyundai Motor & Genesis UK said: “Now in our third year of The Hyundai Great British School Trip we’ve seen how powerful real-world experiences can be in preparing young people for the future of work “Knowing over a quarter of parents would like more guidance on future career paths it’s more important than ever to give students early exposure to the careers of tomorrow And who better to inspire them than Dame Dr Maggie Aderin.” Schools participating in the virtual space lesson this week will also have the chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to the National Space Centre later this academic year The prize will offer students the opportunity to delve deeper into the future of space technology and build on what they’ve learned through the online experience For more information about how to get involved, schools can visit the official Hyundai Great British School Trip website and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" How important is tackling knife crime in local communities to you View Results Kirklees Local TV is an internet-based TV station and film production company providing premier local news and entertainment for the diverse local people of Kirklees © 2024 Kirklees Local TV - Hosted by: Blacksmith Marketing Recapping all the Everton news from yesterday Your daily dose of Everton news and rumours The latest submission in the My Goodison series remembers Pele, Eusebio and the important family connections that last a lifetime. [Everton FC] Will Dan Friedkin make his first appearance at an Everton match before the team leaves the Grand Old Lady? [Liverpool Echo] David Moyes has responded to questions about Idrissa Gueye’s future with the midfielder one of 11 out-of-contract Everton players this summer. [Liverpool Echo] Liam Delap’s names is getting to be a buzzword in transfer rumours this season Everton are reportedly all in on the relegated striker Friedkin Group happy to hand #efc boss David Moyes power to oversee HUGE squad overhaul. DCL initiates talks - could he get stay? Liam Delap admired greatly Hope football executive can be in place by June 1Read https://t.co/Ouz4YsiLfO The Toffees apparently have a four-player shortlist to beef up the midfield - Leicester City’s Wilfried Ndidi and Sunderland’s Dan Neil we’re already reported on, but now they have been joined by another Fox in Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and the skilful Gustavo Hamer from Sheffield United who are in contention for promotion from the Championship. [TEAMtalk] Everton’s Premier League home fixture against Ipswich Town will be a dedicated ‘Supporters’ Day’ - a celebration of the loyalty, passion and enduring influence of Evertonians throughout the generations. [Everton FC] The most famous church in football? Always part of the Goodison fabric seeing St. Luke’s in the corner. pic.twitter.com/g8kHOve2fH Everton and Fulham will reportedly compete with Juventus to sign 25-year-old Portuguese international Nuno Tavares from Lazio in the summer transfer window. [Gianluca Di Marzio] How do you feel about bringing Dominic Calvert-Lewin back who has played more minutes/games in the last two seasons Everton are set to re-open talks with Dominic Calvert-Lewin over a new contract. The Toffees remain keen to retain the 28 year old with the striker’s contract coming to an end this summer pic.twitter.com/3GYbooaHV9 Calvert-Lewin: 4,212 minutes played (60 games) 5 assistsRicharlison: 2,411 minutes played (49 games) Clare Wheeler has signed a new two-year contract with Everton Women, keeping the midfielder at the Club until the end of June 2027. [Everton FC] Nottingham Forest host Brentford in the Premier League. Tottenham Hotspur take on Bodø and Athletic Club have the pleasure of taking on Manchester United in the Europa League. In the UEFA Conference League, Chelsea FC travel to Djurgården and Fiorentina are away at Real Betis in the semi-final Full schedule of games here Twitter | Threads | Facebook The squad could potentially be looking quite different next season That will have to mean a number of new players through the door One of the big focuses will be signing players in the forward areas, with Pablo Sarabia set to leave Wolves and Carlos Forbs also to head back to parent club Ajax after his loan There has also been speculation about the futures of Goncalo Guedes and Hwang Hee-chan But Tommy Doyle could also leave Wolves and Boubacar Traore might be sent out on loan So with midfielder potentially in need of new recruits, Wolves are now looking at Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Chelsea Journalist Ben Jacobs made an appearance last night on The Wolfpack Podcast where he revealed the names of some players Wolves are interested in Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall of Chelsea may be on their radar heading into the summer He said: “I think Wolves and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is going to be one to watch “Because Chelsea may be willing to sanction a sale “Dewsbury-Hall may be looking for regular game time with a view to somehow kind of forcing himself into the England setup “I’m not aware yet of any significant out and out attackers who Wolves are specifically looking at.” This is perhaps not a name that will overly excite Wolves fans, with Dewsbury-Hall having struggled for game time at Chelsea since his £30 million transfer (BBC Sport) where he spent one season with former Wolves captain Conor Coady and may be able to offer some useful attributes Dewsbury-Hall can play as an eight or a 10 and he’s previously shown he has an eye for goals and creativity in the final third pic.twitter.com/OwPZzuqwOW That campaign saw him win Leicester’s Players’ Player of the Season and the Men’s Player of the Season awards He also made it into the EFL Championship Team of the Season and PFA Team of the Year It doesn’t sound like there’s intense interest at the moment But Dewsbury-Hall may well be one to keep an eye on in the coming months who gave opportunities to a number of homegrown Academy players got off to the perfect start when Bayley Liu pounced on a loose ball to score after 5 minutes.  The majority of the opening quarter was spent in Rams’ territory but the home side would work their way into proceedings and score soon after A neat move between hands sent Craig McShane over before a set play from a scrum saw Liam Copland dive over sealing a quickfire double for the hosts.  The Bulls wrestled the initiative back before the break however with Peposhi showing his strength to hold off Dewsbury defenders to score his second.  Bradford hit back to re-take the lead with back-to-back tries from Emmanuel Waine.  proving too powerful for the Dewsbury defence he swatted away two Dewsbury defenders to race home from 20 metres.  The home side hit back to level proceedings heading into the final ten minutes Sam Ackroyd looked like he’d kicked Bradford into a late unassailable lead – but Copland’s second three minutes from time saw Dewsbury lift the Jeff Grayshon Memorial Trophy.  You can still purchase via http://store.bradfordbulls.co.uk/ Privacy Policy XFASTINDEX The new-look bus station in Dewsbury will have an improved waiting area Willmott Dixon is working with West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Kirklees Council with the project a key part of the council’s wider Dewsbury Blueprint which aims to boost footfall in the town centre The scheme is being delivered through the Combined Authority’s Transforming Cities Fund programme West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin said: “This is a transformational project that will make it easier and more accessible to use public transport in Dewsbury Encouraging more people to use the bus helps towards reducing congestion I can’t wait to see the progress as we look to create a better-connected region that works for all.” Willmott Dixon has previously revamped bus stations in Halifax Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk 8 hours Ebbsfleet Development Corporation is undertaking early market engagement for infrastructure works. 1 day Following a recent expansion into North America, Murphy Group has now entered Australia. 7 hours Innovative tracked carrier manufacturer among 2025 King’s Award for Enterprise recipients 7 hours Modular construction business Integra Buildings has received royal recognition for its approach to sustainability. 8 hours MTX Contracts has been selected as the preferred bidder to build a diagnostic centre in Pitsea, Essex. 8 hours House-builder Springfield Properties has promoted Darren Thomson to construction director for its north of Scotland operations. © 2025 The Construction Index [Company No ' + response[i].created_nice + ' ' + response[i].description + ' Dewsbury is set to see further improvements to the area surrounding its historic Town Hall as the second phase of Kirklees Council’s redevelopment project begins The project aims to enhance the public space and pedestrian-friendly for residents and visitors alike The next phase of construction will begin in early April Dewsbury Town Hall will be closed to the public on April 4th and 5th The redevelopment is part of a broader effort to enhance the town centre The entire project is expected to be completed by winter 2025 Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration expressed his enthusiasm for the redevelopment: “This next phase of investment in Dewsbury is yet another example of ours and our partners’ commitment to creating a revitalised Dewsbury town centre that is safe and an attractive place to both shop and spend time in “Introducing more greenery with different projects across Dewsbury town centre including the memorial gardens and new town park will not only bring environmental and health benefits but also encourage more people to spend quality time in the town centre “Creating more accessible parking close to key buildings and businesses will also make the town centre work better for everyone “With much more investment planned over the next few years I believe that Dewsbury will become an example of how investment in regeneration can create something special for our residents.” The redevelopment is part of the Dewsbury Town Deal Programme funded by the UK Government’s Town Fund and Kirklees Council’s capital funding The Town Deals initiative aims to boost economic growth and regeneration across the UK investing over £2.35bn into approximately 700 projects nationwide