For Townsend’s team, in far too many games, there’s uncertainty about when the damage will be done – the start or the end – but there is a near certainty that at some point it will indeed be done. It’s the rhythm of life under Townsend.

In Rome, it was at the start. There was talk from within the Scotland camp that they needed to execute better when entering an opponent’s 22. There were good reasons for that chat.

In last season’s Six Nations, they ranked second of six in terms of visits to a rival’s 22 and yet sixth of six in terms of points gained from those visits. Profligacy, as well as mental fragility, was a work-on, as they say.

A few minutes into the game, Scotland had an attacking line-out in Italy’s 22. A time for deeds now, not words. Clinical rugby, remember. Lessons learned. Progress.

Their ball was stolen at the front and Italy escaped. It was the beginning of an utter calamity out of touch for Ewan Ashman, in particular, and his successor, George Turner.

The conditions? Yes, abject, but Scotland’s error count across the board was higher than Italy’s.

At times, when throws were pilfered or just launched over the back with no jumper and seemingly no communication, it was an unholy mess.

You wouldn’t have predicted a Scotland defeat that early, but you get to understand the triggers in this team and the omens weren’t encouraging.

Especially so within a few minutes because Italy scored. Winning the air, as they so often did, they showed the kind of precision that Scotland only talked about. Ignacio Brex grubbered for Louis Lynagh and Italy had landed the first blow.

Becoming hard to score against was another of those non-negotiables that the Scotland boys mentioned. Up in smoke already.

Scotland had another attacking line-out inside Italy’s 22 soon after. Stolen again. A dozen minutes had been played and now, truly, you were hearing the music from Jaws ringing in the ears.

For a time, the conditions looked like they were impacting just one team out there. Italy went to the air once more, Lynagh got the better of the targeted Jamie Dobie and the score was on.

Michele Lamaro, the totem of the back-row, skipped a pass out to Tommaso Menoncello and a five-point lead became 12. A dozen points in that weather is worth a whole lot more.

Chasing in the rain makes you panic, makes you force things, eats into what is left of your belief.

To Scotland’s credit – and there’s very little to go around – they scored through Jack Dempsey and again, later on, through the effervescent George Horne.

Paolo Garbisi’s boot and the incredibly strong will of his team kept the Scots at bay.

That and the mistake mountains the visitors constantly constructed. It was a dogfight and Italy’s dogs were just that bit more menacing.

Captain Philip Gilbert Muldowney, 25, died following an incident at Otterburn Training Area in Northumberland

Captain Philip Gilbert Muldowney, a British Army officer who tragically lost his life in a training incident, was remembered for his dedication “to serve the common good of humanity” at his funeral service in Ireland.

The 25 year old officer died on Sunday, January 25, following an incident at Otterburn Training Area in Northumberland, one of the UK’s largest army training ranges. Captain Muldowney, originally from Co Roscommon, served as a fire support commander within 129 (Dragon) Battery of the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery.

The Ministry of Defence described him as an “immensely enthusiastic officer who embraced life with a vigour that inspired those around him”. Known locally as Gilbert, he grew up in Ballinameen, near Boyle, after his family relocated there from Dublin during his childhood.

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His father, David, serves as a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Elphin. The funeral service took place at St Attracta’s Church, Ballinameen, where Bishop Kevin Doran told attendees that Captain Muldowney brought “joy and hope” to those around him.

Among those present were his colleagues and friends from the Army, whom Bishop Doran said “were closest to him at the time of his death”. Reverend Captain Henry Afful, Colonel Sean Grant, defence attache to the British embassy, Colonel Harry Waller, commanding officer in the Fourth Regiment Royal Artillery, and Colonel William Tulloch, First Battalion Scots Guards Commander, were also in attendance, reports the Irish Mirror.

Uniformed officers carried Mr Muldowney’s coffin into the chapel.

Representatives from the Irish Defence Forces and Mr Muldowney’s local GAA club were also in attendance.

Bishop Doran, who conducted the service, noted that the community had been sharing memories of Captain Muldowney whilst grieving his passing.

He said: “Stories are told.

“Many stories have been told about Gilbert over cups of tea and coffee, and many more will be told before the day is out, stories of his escapades and of his commitment, his interest in archery and brewing, to mention but a few.”

He added: “I heard the story of Gilbert’s mobile phone.

“Tucked away in the cover of his phone, which was with him, was a tiny laminated card on it was a short passage from the Gospel according to Matthew, which has since been traced back to a clipping taken from his pocket Bible at home.”

Bishop Doran went on: “We do live, as Jesus said, in a time when there are wars and rumours of wars.

“It’s an anxious time, not least for soldiers and for the families of soldiers.

“I suppose soldiers train for war in the hope that it will never come.

“They prepare so that others may live in peace.

“Jesus encourages us not to lose hope in the face of all that is wrong in the world.

“‘The end is not yet’ was a central part of that Gospel passage which Gilbert had underlined.

“I take this to refer to the fact that Jesus has a mission for each of us, and that all of us, women and men, soldiers and civilians alike, are called to serve the common good of humanity.

“He who endures to the end will be saved with these words, Jesus reminds us that our ultimate good is achieved not by seeking our own glory, but by laying down our lives for one another.”

During the service, several meaningful objects were presented at the altar: walking boots symbolising his passion for mountaineering, a handcrafted longbow made by Capt Muldowney himself, his cherished novel The Count Of Monte Cristo, and his St Christopher’s medal representing “symbol of his love of jewellery, his faith and his delight in travelling”.

Bishop Doran reflected: “We’re called to give our hearts to Jesus, who said to live by his word, it can take a whole lifetime, but as we have seen in Gilbert’s case, a lifetime sometimes has to be fitted into a few short years.”

He continued: “We give thanks today for all that Gilbert achieved in such a short space of time, for all the joy and hope he brought to his family and friends.”

Capt Muldowney enlisted in the Army on January 5 2020, receiving his commission into the Royal Artillery on December 11 2020 following his training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

A 2019 graduate of Elphin Community College, Captain Muldowney left an indelible mark on the institution, with principal Anne Gilleran noting he “is spoken of with enormous respect and affection by staff who knew him well”.

She added: “In a small school, those memories endure, and Gilbert’s contribution to Elphin Community College is remembered with great pride,”.

The school maintains a cherished custom, Ms Gilleran explained: “Elphin Community College has a long-standing tradition of displaying photographs of its head students.

“Gilbert’s photograph hangs above the main entrance to the school, where it stands as a quiet reminder of the standards, character and generosity of spirit he brought to our community.”

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The vouchers will be sent out via text and email

Peterborough City Council has announced it will be sending half-term supermarket vouchers out to eligible families soon to help them support their children over the school holidays.

The £10 vouchers will be sent out automatically by text and email on Saturday, February 14 using school data and information held by the council.

All vouchers must be activated by 9pm the following day (Sunday, March 15). Any voucher that remains unactivated past this time will be deemed invalid. Activation is done by simply selecting a supermarket to use.

Councillor Katy Cole, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “We are continuing to do all we can to support families in need of help, which is why I’m delighted that once again we will be providing this worthwhile scheme over the February school break.”

The council warned that it may take up to 9pm on the day the voucher is sent for it to arrive. Parents with more than one eligible child should note that their voucher links will probably arrive separately.

Eligible recipients should wait until Sunday, February 15 to contact the council about any missing vouchers.

It is important to note that any children who become eligible for the period up to and including Sunday February 22 will also receive vouchers if an application has been made.

Cllr Cole said she would “strongly urge” anyone who is eligible for the scheme but has not already signed up to consider doing so as soon as possible.

“The free school meals scheme not only helps families save around £450 a year per child but also helps their child’s primary school receive much-needed additional funding,” she said.

Information about free school meals and how to apply can be found here.

Eddie Howe has moved to quell speculation he could walk away at the end of the season following a dispiriting run of results.

Newcastle’s defence of the Carabao Cup, their first major domestic trophy in 70 years, ended on Wednesday night when Manchester City completed a 5-1 aggregate semi-final victory over Howe’s men, and they head into tonight’s Premier League game against Brentford sitting in 11th place in the table.

However, after social media went into overdrive in the wake of a hugely disappointing first-half performance at the Etihad Stadium to suggest the 48-year-old has taken the club as far as he can, with further speculation that he could replace England boss Thomas Tuchel this summer despite Newcastle chief executive David Hopkinson’s claim this week that the two parties remain happy with each other, Howe was in defiant mood.

Howe said: “That’s a surprise to me. I give my best to the football club every single day, to all the players and the staff. I try to be the best version of myself to inspire the team to win games.

“That’s my only thought. I don’t tend to look too far ahead, but I try to prepare and plan for the club to move forward in every sense. My individual future isn’t really relevant.

“Who knows? I don’t know my length of time here, I’ve got no idea. I just try to do my best every day until told differently.”

Injury-hit Newcastle go into the weekend seven points adrift of the top five but still in business in the Champions League – they face Azerbaijani side Qarabag over two legs for a place in the last 16 later this month – and the FA Cup.

Their home form has been reasonably solid – although Liverpool, Arsenal and Aston Villa have won in the league at St James’ Park this season – but their return on the road during a campaign which already amounts to 38 games in all competitions has been significantly below par.

The loss of £130m striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool during the summer has had a lasting and ongoing impact, and Howe acknowledges that the £219m they spent on Nick Woltemade, Yoane Wissa, Anthony Elanga and Jacob Ramsey is yet to pay full dividends.

Full team news on the way shortly.

By Press Association

Cole Palmer insists he is still not 100 per cent fit despite scoring a hat-trick in Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Wolves on Saturday.

The 23-year-old has missed over two months of the season due to a groin injury and Liam Rosenior has stressed the need to manage the midfielder’s minutes since his arrival at Stamford Bridge.

Palmer cut a frustrated figure in the aftermath of Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday night, and the midfielder admits he has been unhappy due to his injury-hit campaign.

‘It felt good to score some goals and get three points,’ Palmer told BBC’s Match of the Day.

‘I don’t think [I’m 100 per cent fit] just yet. Obviously people don’t know what goes on behind the scenes but being injured the whole season is not ideal and when I’m not able to perform as I want to because I’ve been injured, and still dealing with the injury, but hopefully I can get over the injury soon by managing it.

‘I know what level I can provide when I feel 100% fit. Not being 100% fit isn’t ideal, I still feel like I can help the team but when I’m back to full fitness I feel like I can go to another level.’

Palmer also praised Rosenior’s impact after he replaced Enzo Maresca as Chelsea’s head coach last month.

‘Life under Liam is amazing, he gives us all confidence,’ Palmer said.

‘Lets us be ourselves, play free. I’m sure when I’m back proper fit you’ll see the best of me. Him and all the staff give us all confidence on the training pitch, with his strategies, the way we play, I really like it.’

Palmer also explained his celebration against Wolves as he covered his ears after scoring Chelsea’s first goal.

‘Everyone loves to chat rubbish, don’t they? I don’t pay too much attention to it. You see things,’ Palmer said.

‘But I feel like I’ve come from a strong place anyway so I don’t pay attention to it.’

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Here are all the trees with planning decisions made about them in and around the town this week:

Elm to be felled in Middleton St George

Work has been approved at 1 Church Lane, Middleton St George, within a designated conservation area.

The plan involves felling one elm and re-pollarding five white poplars to their previous height.

The proposal was approved with no objections.

Sweet chestnut reduction approved

On land associated with Woodland Villa, 5 Greystones Drive, permission has been granted to reduce the crown of a sweet chestnut.

The tree is covered by Tree Preservation Order 1962 (No. 3) A2.

Approved work will see the eastern side of the tree’s crown reduced by up to 1.5 metres, representing approximately 20 per cent.

Beech tree maintenance at Netherby Rise

Work has also been approved at a property known as Ivycroft on Netherby Rise.

Here, Darlington Borough Council has permitted the pruning of a beech tree subject to Tree Preservation Order (No. 11) 2022.

The approved work will provide a clearance of 1.5 to 2 metres from the adjoining roofline and remove any deadwood overhanging the adjacent highway.

Written by Natalie’s former classmate, the play aims to highlight the ongoing issue with femicide here in Northern Ireland

A former classmate of Natalie McNally has penned a new play to highlight femicide in Northern Ireland and raise money for Women’s Aid.

Dark Forest Theatre’s upcoming production ‘I, She, Medusa’ centres around gender-related violence in NI and is set within a surreal world where the character of Medusa come to terms with what has happened to her and the trauma that women experience.

Written and co-directed by Nathan Martin, who went to school with Natalie, it will be staged at Lurgan Town Hall on Feburary 21 where 100% of ticket sales will go to support Women’s Aid Armagh.

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It will also be performed at the MAC Belfast on February 26 and 27 where a portion of all tickets sold will also be donated to Women’s Aid Belfast.

Natalie McNally was 32 when she was stabbed and killed at her home in Lurgan, Co Armagh, on December 18 2022. She had been 15 weeks pregnant.

Her partner, Stephen McCullagh, has been charged with her murder and will go on trial on February 16 2026. He denies the charges against him.

Writer and director Nathan Martin said: ‘This show will challenge me in ways that I have never experienced before. It has been the hardest to write and the hardest to develop.

“I don’t know how I will perform it with detachment but already it is the show I am already the proudest of and most afraid of.

“The play is and will always be dedicated to Natalie McNally, who has left a profound and lasting impact on all of us lucky to have known her and to all the women we have lost through abuse.”

Established in 2023, Dark Forest Theatre is an independent, travelling theatre company based in the heart of Northern Ireland, dedicated to the craft of authentic and compelling storytelling, with a focus on creating work that is emotionally resonant.

A description of the show reads: “Compelled to remain within her gilded prison, Medusa is trapped. To escape her reality, she retreats into games, stories, and make-believe, her only visitor the god Hermes, who humours her desires.

“But in the distance, the ticking of a clock grows louder – counting down to zero. Her prison begins to fracture, exposing a surreal and terrifying world beneath the surface.

“‘I, She, Medusa is an original piece was created to highlight the ongoing crisis of violence against women in Northern Ireland.

“It seeks to give voice to those we have lost and to honour the strength and resilience of those who endure. Developed and directed by Nathan Martin the artistic team is completed with Heather Martin as co-director and Christine Clark as stage Manager.”

For tickets for the Lurgan charity performance, see here. For tickets for the Belfast performances, see here

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The fired-up Azzurri raced into a 12-point lead within 14 minutes and the Scots – with back-three big-hitters Blair Kinghorn, Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe all dropped amid question marks over their form – were unable to get their attack firing in response, while their set-piece continually malfunctioned.

Japanese politics is politer and more understated than most.

It’s perhaps the reason that Western audiences do not always pay a huge amount of attention.

But something feels different this time, and that’s largely down to the woman at the centre of this story; the drum-playing, Trump-hugging, China-provoking prime minister who has raised the stakes for both Japan and the region.

In central Tokyo, just a few hours before polls open in the snap election she called, hundreds of people crowded into a small local park to see Sanae Takaichi.

Despite the bitterly cold temperatures and the fact that many struggled to see her over the sea of heads, there was a sense that something significant was unfolding.

“I was just passing,” one woman told me, “but I couldn’t not stop to see her!”

There is no disputing the fact that Takaichi is just different to those who have gone before her.

She’s a former heavy metal drummer and motorbike rider, and she is happy to jump around the stage at rallies and sing to visiting foreign leaders (Italy’s Giorgia Meloni was greeted with a rousing happy birthday).

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K-Pop jam session with South Korea and Japan leaders

Her outsized character in a scene historically so male and so dry has led to soaring personal approval ratings, 2.6 million followers on X and a one-year wait to buy her signature black handbag.

Not to mention the reversal of fortunes seen by her struggling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP): it now looks set to take a majority in Japan’s Lower House, just four months after she assumed the leadership in the wake of her unpopular predecessor’s resignation.

Read more: Can Japan’s first female PM tighten her grip on power?

Japan’s ‘Iron Lady’ will pursue conservative vision if she wins

But she’s also far from the liberal champion many might have hoped for in the country’s first female leader; she is, in fact, ultra conservative.

She’s anti gay marriage and a vocal defender of traditional gender roles; she sees Margaret Thatcher as a role model and has leant into a rising feeling of “foreigner fatigue” in Japan, directed both at immigrants and tourists.

If she secures her own mandate at Sunday’s election, it is this conservative vision that she will be pursuing.

‘She’s like a friendly neighbour or sister’

In her hometown of Nara, they think that is a good thing.

Here, a small minivan has been converted into a “battle bus” of sorts, and her dedicated team of supporters are driving it around the traditional streets, asking locals to sign it, calling her name through the megaphones and asking for their votes.

“She’s like a friendly neighbour or sister,” one old man tells us as he remembers her starting out in politics.

‘She is simply doing what is necessary to protect Japan’

When I ask one of her team what he makes of her conservative views, he simply responds: “Rather than labelling it conservatism, I think she is simply doing what is necessary to protect Japan.”

Of course, in any election, domestic policy is a focus; she favours tax cuts and increased public spending to boost a sluggish economy.

But the area of her policy that has brought the most attention and the most ire has been her approach to foreign policy and, particularly, her approach to China.

Support from Trump

According to its constitution, Japan is still a pacifist country, and it has thus long relied on the US for its security.

Takaichi has made a particular point of cosying up to Donald Trump’s America; his visit to Japan last year was notable for the excess of its warmth, and Trump has actively endorsed her campaign.

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But she has also been highly hawkish in her attitudes to Japan’s largest and most powerful neighbour.

The two were already set to be at odds; Takaichi’s plan to spend more on and build up Japan’s military is a deeply sore point in China, which suffered enormously at its hands during the Second World War.

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Mixed feelings about standing up to China

But things plunged to a new low in November when she said that a Chinese attack on the island of Taiwan (a self-governing democracy that China sees as a breakaway province) would amount to an “existential threat” to Japan, and it would have the right to intervene militarily.

The comments have caused outrage in China, drawing a raft of damaging retaliations, from the banning of the imports of Japanese seafood to restrictions on its access to crucial rare metals and a pointed suggestion that Chinese travellers should avoid it.

Relations are at their lowest ebb for over a decade, and while some Japanese are happy to see their leader stand up to China, others are anxious.

“Seeing China imposing economic sanctions, it proves how thoughtless her remarks were,” one man at her rally tells me. “It’s definitely more dangerous.”

The reality is that for all the Instagrammable moments, Takaichi’s stance on China might well be the key issue that plagues and potentially even defines her leadership; it is not a disagreement that the Chinese will just let go.

Japan’s lean to the right under a Takaichi-style nationalism might well bring a renewed sense of pride to some, but it could also bring a new jeopardy to all.