Sport unites in silence for Holly and Jessica

Sport will unite this weekend to pay tribute to the memory of murdered Soham schoolgirls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman.

One minute’s silence will be held at all English football and rugby league fixtures, plus prior to the afternoon session of the Test match between England and India at Headingley.

The girls were keen Manchester United supporters and disappeared wearing strips adorned with the name of their hero David Beckham. Holly’s father Kevin is captain of Ely and Haddenham Cricket Club and Les Chapman is a former player for Soham Cricket Club.

John Read, director of corporate affairs at the England and Wales Cricket Board, said: “The whole country has been shocked by the horrific events of the past three weeks.

“In our own small way, this minute’s silence is cricket’s way of showing profound sympathy for the parents of Holly and Jessica.

“We cannot fully appreciate the depths of despair and sheer sorrow they are feeling, but we can show that we care.”

Players and supporters at all Premiership and Football League matches will also pay their respects to the girls.

The Football Association’s director of marketing and communications Paul Barber said: “The whole nation has been shocked and saddened by the deaths of Holly and Jessica.

“The girls’ love of football is well known and everyone connected to the game is keen to pay their respects to Holly and Jessica and offer their condolences to the girls’ families and friends at this very sad time.”

The Rugby League has joined with football authorities in confirming a minute’s silence at all this weekend’s matches.

Tonight’s games at Wakefield and St Helens will be the first in which the girls are remembered.

A League spokesman said: “The Rugby Football League today advised all their clubs to observe a minute’s silence for murder victims Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman at both Tetley’s Super League and Northern Ford Premiership fixtures through the Bank Holiday weekend.

“This will allow our clubs, players and fans to pay their respects to both Holly and Jessica.”

A minute’s silence will also be held at tonight’s rugby union friendly between Sale and the Borders at Heywood Road.

Detective chief inspector Andy Hebb of Cambridgeshire police, who led the hunt for the girls, today thanked the sporting authorities for their gestures.

He said: “We are extremely grateful to the football authorities and the football community for the sympathy and support which they are showing to the two families.

“The strength of feeling throughout the country has been a great source of strength to Holly and Jessica’s parents at this extremely difficult time.”