At times frustrating, always entertaining, but ultimately a fair draw as CD Tenerife shared the home spoils 1-1 with Sporting Gijon B. After losing 3-2 in the away fixture and with Mr Reliable Inigo Ros suspended this was no time to ease off in the promotion hunt but Tenerife seemed to be already looking ahead to the play offs.

The big decision was who would replace Ros, coach Cervera went for Fran Ochoa but he proved to be a bit lightweight to fill such impressive boots and with Chechu having another poor game the midfield lacked bite and ideas. Moyano and Tarantino both made good defensive clearances early on as confident Sporting tested them out. Jairo looked a quality player for the visitors and easily knocked Moyano off the ball to create danger. Raul Llorente was in adventurous mood from the left back slot and combined well with Cristo Martin after 18 minutes to set up Aridane, the striker saw his first shot blocked but followed up to grab a home lead.

Jairo was full of threat and it took a strong body block from Sergio Aragoneses to deny him a clear shot. On the half hour Sergio got his fingers to a high effort that rattled off the bar. Guerrero blasted a shot wide but was back a few minutes later to head in from a corner and level the game. Ayoze could have closed the half by restoring the lead but his shot hit the bar.

Suso started the second half in place of Fran Ochoa and was his usual busy self, running at the Sporting defence. Aridane had the goal in his sights only to be denied by a solid intervention from Julio but Tenerife were struggling to take control of the game. Chechu’s departure was hardly greeted with surprise, Yeray took his place but still the supply lines were patchy and frustration was getting to Aridane and Suso. Chances did come knocking, Tenerife will wonder how they failed to score as Ayoze shot into the side netting from close range after the goalie slipped. Guillem replaced Cristo in an attacking gamble, a free kick almost caught the keeper out as he back peddled and slammed into the post somehow keeping his composure.

It was anyone’s game, Sporting made a real contest of it and had it not been for more classy saves from Sergio they could have taken the lead. Tipping the ball away from the roof of the net after a corner was matched by a robust two footed block. The 9,412 crowd had to settle for a point, it was a fashionable result on the day as stalemate affected the chasing pack. Now with just five regular games left the lead stays at six points, a play off berth is now guaranteed but there is still work to do before a chance to win promotion in the home and away final of the group champions.

Sometimes I feel like that robot in the 80’s American comedy film Short Circuit “input give me more input”. A non football visit to Santa Cruz was long overdue and with a long tick list I knew the Tenerife capital would provide enough input to get my rusty circuits buzzing.

The 110 direct Titsa bus did me proud with a 50 minute run from Los Cristianos and a short tram ride was free on my bono ticket. Sitting near the drivers cab I noticed there was an emergency phone for the driver, it was like one of the old 70’s trimphones – maybe it linked straight through to Noel Edmunds at the Swap Shop? Ignoring a man wandering around the central shopping area of Santa Cruz dressed as a banana (what’s odd about that?) I headed for the Caja Canarias bank HQ in Plaza de Patriotismo and the new Cesar Manrique exhibition. The great man had a huge influence on the Canary islands in general and Lanzarote in particular and the paintings and sculptures on display put me in a chipper mood for the day. Look out for a full run down at Tenerife Magazine.

The military museum was my next call and I cut through Parque Garcia Sanabria knowing it’s delightful flowers and plants would further boost my mood. There’s a small art gallery on the far side of the park and the latest display Turismundi had recently opened so a little detour was called for. Six artists were displaying works, my favourite set was the whimsical Desayuno Incluido (breakfast included) by Enma Manescau. You have until 5 May to feast your eyes (it’s free) but only until 26 April to see Offshore, a stunning collection of surf photos in the window of the annex building.

Quickening my step I followed La Rambla around to the Museo Militar but despite being well ahead of closing time the guard said no more visitors were allowed in today and as he had a rifle I wasn’t going to argue. Never mind, it gives me a starting point for my next exploring trip. Walking down to Avenida Anaga facing the port I saw the first of three new commemorative plaques added the day before to mark artillery strongholds where invaders, including Nelson, were repelled many years ago. These have been installed by the Turtulia Amigos de 25 Julio who commemorate and re-enact the successful defence of Santa Cruz against Lord Nelson on 25 July 1797.

That led me on to a modern financial battle ground. The revamp of the main Via Litoral road that separates the port from Plaza de España and the city inland is almost complete with a tunnel ready to dip traffic underground for 506 metres so a vast pedestrian area can unite the port with the city. The day before my trip the Tenerife Cabildo (government) finally agreed to pay the annual 400,000 euro bill to maintain and service the tunnel, that leaves it clear for the big opening later in April. Up top there is more work to do to cover the roof of the tunnel and put in parks and walkways, it’s going to look pretty impressive.

Heading up into Calle Castillo, the main shopping drag, I was seduced off course by an unexpected flea market in the side streets. Rastrillo Le Petite Cirque had stalls packed with bric a brac, collectables, and street fashion. I spotted a few gems like old tobacco and chocolate tins for Senior Service and Dairy Box, a manual typewriter, a trombone, and a stack of vinyl including Emerson Lake and Palmer, Twisted Sister, and The Carpenters – what a weird party that would be. The Rastrillo will be back on 10 & 11 May, I shall have a deeper delve then and try another old restaurant to add to the gorgeous food I had at Tasca La Marea.

Safe in the knowledge that Santa Cruz is still a pleasing mix of ancient and modern I headed back to the bus station and once in my seat remembered another dozen or so things I was going to check out – bring on the next trip.

If you believe the stereotypes and clichés a Playa de Las Americas work of art would be a unusual display of blotchy sunburn, and a sculpture would be a sand castle on the dark beach. Tenerife is always ready to surprise and just a short flip flop stroll away from the sea front the Magma Arts & Congress centre has just opened its doors to the latest exhibition from Ten-Diez an art movement made up of locally based artists and creative ideas. The distinctive concrete building nestles between the water fuelled fun of Siam Park and the main bus station and has provided me with plenty of diverse stimulation since its opening in 2005.

The frontage of the Magma Arte & Congresos is a little foreboding but a very pleasing exhibition in September 2012 made me keen to see the latest offerings. Ceramics, photography, painting, sculpture, and sketching all unfolded in front of me as I entered the side hall feeding off from the main reception. A Cuban waterfront scene (top) caught my eye on the first wall, bright, full of action and with some political undertones it was my pick of works by Chloe y Zoard.

It was early afternoon and I was the only viewer but that has often been the case when I venture into large museums and galleries in Santa Cruz. Each of the 14 artists selections were accompanied by some background notes on their training and inspiration in Spanish and English. All the works are for sale with prices ranging from 800 euros to 3,750, I don’t think my pocket full of loose change would have got me far but the exhibition is free to visit. As I browsed gentle jazz burbled away over the sound system and the rough concrete walls and low ceilings added to the mood.

One of my favourite paintings was La Biblioteca de Los Sueños (library of dreams) in the main part of the hall, an acrylic work of great detail and humour by Carlos Ortega. The hall led off into a small lounge that used to service a bar but that seems to have gone now, however the smaller space had some diverse pieces such as black and white dog portraits by Andy CR and an iron sculpture, El Patron Chico, that held court in the centre of the room. I have to admit my eyes were drawn to A Little Romance, a series of semi nude photos taken by Mimi Mitsou in Tenerife, I gave them an extra close study.

It’s a good exhibition, hopefully it will encourage more local artists to get expressive. If you are near that way pop in and cast your eyes over the display. Ten-Diez is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 2pm and 3pm to 5pm, plus Saturday from 7pm to midnight. They were a little vague on how long it runs for, presumably it depends on sales and response, check out the website www.ten-diez.com

Was it the Grand National course churned up by galloping hooves or a farmers field ploughed and ready for turnips? No, it was a very heavy pitch at Marino Luanco and CD Tenerife showed plenty of character to grind out a 1-1 draw, it certainly was never going to be a repeat of the 4-0 home win (below) earlier in the season.

It’s not always about silky skills, sometimes good old grit and determination are needed and in Carlos Portero Tenerife found the perfect player to inspire them. The midfielder signed in the January transfer window was playing only his third game in his new colours and his call up on the right was due to an injury doubt over Suso. Chechu took charge of the other flank and in between avoiding pot holes and divots had a steady game, his well flighted free kick after 17 minutes needed a high catch from the home goalie.

Carlos set about his task with relish and could have got a penalty after cutting in from the right before getting bowled over in the box – maybe he fell a little theatrically for the referees liking. A Chechu corner from the other side found Alberto’s head but the ball went over the bar. Mid table Luanco had their moments, Inigo Ros made a well timed strong tackle to clear the danger from Moises on the half hour. A few minutes later the home side went ahead, a neat chip took out Bruno and Tarantino and landed spot on for Chus to score.

The second half opened with a major scare as Chus beat Bruno, thankfully his defensive partners scrambled the ball away. As rain began to fall Moyano set Carlos away on the right and he forced his way past his marker to set the ball up for Aridane to claim his 19^th goal of the season. Sergio had a butter fingers moment when failing to hold a high shot but Alberto was on hand to mop up. The Tenerife keeper made amends a couple of minutes later when the ball emerged too easily from a scrum of defenders, Sergio turned the resulting shot aside at the far post.

Carlos was creative again when he fed a ball through to Ayoze but the young forward didn’t put the ball far enough past the keepers diving hands. Chus had a free header over Bruno but there was Sergio with another good stop, he followed that up with an equally good save from an unsighted curling free kick. Guillem came on for Carlos as Tenerife looked for a winner in the last ten minutes, Chechu dug out a loose ball and passed up field to the chasing Guillem and Ayoze but it evaded them. After last weeks game criticism focused on the right side of the Tenerife defence, Moyano added fuel to that fire when he lost the ball high up the pitch, Sergio charged out of his area to spare his friends blushes.

In the end the draw was a fine result and with Leganes losing it puts Tenerife six points clear with just six regular games left. Sporting B at home next week wont be a pushover and we will miss the suspended Inigo Ros (above) but it’s a hurdle that these Tenerife thoroughbreds should be able to leap.

What a great way to celebrate his 26^th birthday, Aridane banged in his first career hat trick and blew out the opposition to give CD Tenerife a thrilling 5-2 home win over Coruxo. The big forward doesn’t always get the praise he deserves but that’s 18 goals this season and he gets through a lot of work winning the ball, especially in the air, and taking the knocks to create space for his team mates.

The score made the win look easier than it was, stubborn Coruxo came from behind twice to level at 2-2 and it took the introduction of Suso after 62 minutes to break their spirit. It was a well worked team move that gave Tenerife an 8^th minute lead, Aridane won the ball and fed Ayoze who passed to Llorente who came steaming in down the left to tuck the ball inside the post. Sergio Aragoneses was alert ten minutes later to deny the visitors with a sharp save that his defence scrambled clear.

Tenerife were slack with their marking to let Coruxo back in just before the half hour, left back Pastoriza broke and with no one trying to stop him he fired past Sergio. His decision to jump the advertising hoarding and clench his fist to the crowd didn’t make him any friends. Tenerife looked for a quick answer but found Fernando on top form in the opposite goal as he made a confident two handed save that sent the sides in level at the break.

There were no changes in the interval, Ayoze merits a starting place now and showed why with a fine pass to set up Aridane who displayed his strikers instinct to score. Llorente tried to repeat his earlier success with another raid but put the ball wide but the team was ticking now and should have pulled away. Atunez got a free kick just outside the home defence but it was like a scene from Cowboy Builders as the home wall failed miserably to stop the shot getting through to make it 2-2. New blood was needed, Suso replaced the ineffective Loro and he instantly caused havoc down the right flank, unlocking the full back he put in a teasing pass that was just short of Ayoze. Tenerife pressure forced a corner and with Suso and Ayoze snapping at heels Yago turned the ball into his own net.

It was time to finish off the visitors, as Tenerife swarmed over them Ayoze hit the bar but Aridane was on hand to tap in a Suso pass to make it 4-2 to settle the nerves. Ayoze was having a great game he’s so unselfish for a player looking for his first senior goal. Aridane knew what he wanted for a present, not socks or a tie, a match ball was top of his list and in injury time Suso danced in from the wing and set the ball up for Aridane to crash home his third goal to round off a memorable match in front of 7,499 fans.

The greatest story ever told just got greater. The annual street performance of The Passion in Adeje has run on a familiar format for at least the last decade but a new expanded programme saw the last days of Christ played out from the top of Calle Grande and then back up again ending in Plaza de España. It was an inspired move that nearly doubled the time to two hours and made the most of the award winning main plaza that overlooks Barranco del Invierno.

I arrived about 20 minutes before the noon start and mingled with the horses, chariot, Roman soldiers, hawk, and around 100 extras waiting just around the turn from the church at the top of the street. It was a hot one in the south of Tenerife, the digital readouts on the way up from Los Cristianos were sweltering at 26 degrees, just one more factor to add to pre show nerves after a years planning and rehearsals.

One of the things that makes The Passion so enthralling is the total dedication to the cause, straw and palm leaves are spread on the road, the stage areas for the set pieces of the drama are lovingly crafted, the television crews filming for the live feed all dress in the costume of the period, even the phone kiosks along the route are covered with crimson drapes so as not to distract from the images.

With a roll of drums and a clip clop of horses hooves the procession started slowly down the road as an estimated 23,000 people jostled gently for the best vantage points. Many had arrived very early and had taken root at the tables and chairs outside the bars and cafes that were experiencing a much needed boom in takings. The new elongated route allowed the Roman soldiers and their horses to milk the full pomp and power from their presence. Once at the bottom of the hill Jesus and his disciples took over and performed The Last Supper around a large table on the Plaza Cruz de Llano.

With the action shown on a giant screen at each end of the street, Jesus moved back up the road via some soul searching in the Garden of Gethsemane, arrest and trial at the Roman high council and court, and the brutal seizing, whipping, and forcing of Jesus to carry his cross up to the scene of his execution at Plaza de España. During all this the dialogue was broadcast in Spanish over speakers via state of the art head sets for the principal players – only Jesus is portrayed by a professional actor.

The wide open space of Plaza de España was a perfect setting with people banked up the stone steps outside the church and a stage at the back of the plaza set against natures own stunning scenery from Roque del Conde and the Barranco del Invierno. Possibly for future years it might be good to have another giant screen in this plaza ass many packed in their earlier on and missed a lot of the build up as the story unfolded on the way up the road.

The climax wrung out every last drop of emotion as Jesus was nailed down onto the cross and it was hoisted into position. The cries of his mother and Mary Magdalene and the cutting down of the body before wrapping it in cloth and carrying it slowly away had the crowd spellbound. There were a lot of different nationalities, religious beliefs, and cynics like myself in the crowd but the emotion and power were as always amazing. Updating a classic tour de force can be a bit risky but this was a huge success and a fitting opening to the Easter weekend.

…sang Olivia Newton John, and who are we to argue. With that sentiment in mind I put on my Fame leg warmers and popped along to the Arona Maximo Deportes next the Metropolis Centre half way between Los Cristianos and Playa de Las Americas.

This year the open air fitness and sport extravaganza had retreated back from the sea front to the street behind and was setting up as I arrived a little early for the 11 am start. My promptness was due to a deadline, if I could get photos and a report done quick sticks I could get it in this weeks copy of TheTenerife Weekly. There was a lot of frantic last minute setting up being done but shortly past the appointed hour music blasted forth from the stage and the fuse was lit.

It was a mix of mini courts for basketball and tennis, an inflatable goal and surround football pitch (ideal for today’s breed of constantly falling over superstars) and stalls promoting sailing, motocross, jet skiing, and health drinks and supplements. Those powdered protein meal drinks always remind me of the old Marvel dry milk – what’s wrong with chewing on a side of cow or pig?

My camera has a dirty old man chip and sure enough once the fit and flexible ladies took to the stage to lead the aerobic dancing my camera pulled me towards the mosh pit of eager stretchers and clappers. It made me tired just watching but it did have the desired effect of motivating the crowd and luring more passers by inward to see what was going on.

Lots of young children were having a bash at tennis, basketball, and football, and that can’t be a bad thing. There was a strong commercial element to the event as various gyms and health studios pushed their products but with the council cupboard almost bare these sort of promotions wouldn’t be possible if not for the backing of relevant business’s.

My all too brief stay was an enjoyable one, it was just a pity the event couldn’t be held near the coastal path as last year that drew in lots of passing curious holiday makers and locals. Top marks to the tireless instructors on a very hot day, you can’t beat a bit of bump and grind on a Thursday.

With a spring in their step and their tails up CD Marino made it three straight wins with a convincing 2-1 home victory over Real Aviles. Still smarting from a 0-3 home spanking by CD Tenerife last week Aviles must have been dreading a visit to resurgent Marino, and they had good cause to be wary. Even with Noah, Poncho, and Sean Wilkins on the sick list Marino were by far the better side and only a late penalty stirred the visitors into life.

It was nearly a false start for Marino when a loose back pass left them scrambling but goalie Alberto was on the case quickly. Then it was down to business with Balduino leading the charge at Aviles, their defence buckled and when the ball broke loose to Iker just outside the penalty area his shot was strong and true for a sixth minute lead. Rafa Hernandez made a well timed block at right back for Marino, he has settled well into that role and overlaps with speed to link with the attack.

Sandro is in a rich vein of form and he thundered down the right wing before delivering a teasing invite that none of his team mates could quite accept. Balduino is not always my cup of tea but he had an outstanding game working hard for his team mates, at time he had two defenders trying to shackle him. It was all Marino as the half went on, Airam put a shot wide and Aviles keeper Rebello was grateful that Balduino scuffed a clear shot allowing him to take the ball as it dawdled towards him.

The second half opened with more home pressure and a tasty move for the second goal. Chema chipped the ball over the defence, Balduino squared it across to Sandro and he tapped it in from close range. There was only one team in it, Aviles only answer to the runs of Chema and Sandro was to cut them down, the amount of hacking would have shocked Lord Leveson.

Aviles pushed forward and got a gift when Alberto pulled Geni down for a penalty that the midfielder converted. Suddenly the visitors found some urgency with 12 minutes left and put some pressure on Marino, Ayoze was his usual calm self in the centre of defence and alongside him Amado had probably his best game since being loaned from CD Tenerife. Confidence is a recently discovered ally for Marino, Balduino did some great interplay with Sandro to nearly repeat the second goal and then he beat two defenders down the right before shooting the wrong side of the post.

Aviles tackles were getting cruder than a box set of Frankie Boyle gigs and it was no surprise when Jeffrey got a second booking and was sent off. As time ran down Marino swapped Raul Barcos for Sandro and Ramses for Balduino and went all out for a third goal. Four minutes of injury time saw Aviles under siege before the whistle blew. On the way off the pitch Salva tried to vent his frustration on Raul Barcos but wasn’t even any good at that. Bottom by only five points now Marino know the big test comes with a return to away action next week, but at least there is hope.

CD Tenerife kept their five point lead at the top after a 0-0 draw at Getafe B, another clean sheet and four points from two successive away games will do very nicely.

Money, or the lack of it, is on many minds at the moment but as some long term Tenerife projects never seem to end, other big money dreams are still hoping for a green light to start.

The ring road linking Adeje to Santiago del Teide is a long running sage dating back to the first digging in 2006. Since then the only motor action it has seen is the demolition derby of the film crew of Fast And Furious 6. Now comes the news that work has stopped, nine sub contractors have been told to pick up their gear and take a break and 200 workers have been advised to sign on the paro. It seems the money isn’t around to finish this short cut, I thought it was near to completion, the tunnels have long since emerged at the Santiago end and late last year when I was walking that way the site was buzzing like Bob the Builders depot.

Meanwhile at the other side of the island the proposed motor racing track is back on the agenda. The site is Atogo in Granadilla and the land has been identified but now comes the tricky matter of funding. The next step is a big presentation in Santa Cruz on 30 April to outline more details of the project, then there is a four month window for financial backers to put in their bids. You may wonder why Tenerife needs a motor racing circuit, so do I, but the government and supporters are keen to show that it will create building jobs and then admin and running costs as well as pulling in more specialist visitors to the island.

Another huge project nearing completion (the tunnel should be open early April) is the Via Litoral in Santa Cruz, that’s the new layout from the port across to Plaza de España. Now into the fourth year it started with a 40 million euro budget that increased to 48 million and should have been ready by this February.

The big improvement wont be seen until the finish, so far the road has been widened and taken down under tunnels going past the ferry port and coming up in Avenida Anaga. Six laurel trees were uprooted by a giant crane and moved back a few feet as well, once it is all done, traffic will be taken down and out of sight while the area above will become a 50,000 square metre pedestrian zone spreading across from Plaza de España to the port with extra cafes and leisure parks. The slogan is Uniting The City With The Sea and it will certainly make the capital more attractive to visiting cruise traffic. We should see if it was all worth it before the end of the year

To be fair many of these big projects were drawn up before the crisis kicked in but now we are stuck deep in its grip it’s proving hard to top and tail them as the money runs out. The race track, like the proposed north to south rail link, is very dependent on new money being poured in, maybe we should savour these grand designs, if things don’t buck up in the global economy the next wave of development in Tenerife may be whether or not to replace light bulbs or dab a new coat of paint on public buildings.

What a great performance from CD Marino, this 2-0 home win over Salamanca only told part of the story as they played with passion, determination and bags of skill. Some of the 40 or so visiting fans were dressed as bananas (having a pop at us I think) but by the end of the game they were left looking very green and past their sell by date.

After last weeks away win Marino came out fired up, Sandro was tearing into Salamanca, swapping wings and cutting inside to take on anyone in his path, and Iker was further forward than usual to give support to Balduino. Salamanca arrived with outside hopes of crashing the promotion play off party but they were given a torrid time, Chema crunched Fuster to a halt and captain Airam showed a similar no way through attitude to Piojo. Former Tenerife flop Igor led the Salamanca attack but he is still just a big waste of space.

Airam tested Piojo down the left and won a free kick, Salamanca were giving them away like confetti. Balduino looked sprightly up front and the service was good from all quarters, Chema skinned Salamanca down the right but they scrambled the danger away. Alberto had few worries in the home goal, big centre back Angel had the best chance close in and found Alberto alert as he blocked the effort. Balduino grabbed a deserved Marino lead on the half hour with a delicate lob off the instep of his boot to the right of the keeper – dead classy.

From the kick off Salamanca broke forward and fired a ball across the home goal, it needed a helping hand from Alberto to ensure it passed by the target. Captain Airam got a nasty bang on the head after an accidental clash with De Lucas, he wasn’t out of action long, returning stitched up and bandaged and looking like an out patient from the Green Clinic next door. Marino had the scent of victory and five minutes from half time Sandro won the ball through sheer grit and passed to Chema, he made a nice lay off into the path of Iker who unleashed a long shot into the top corner of the goal, 2-0 and cruising. Airam came close to adding another, chesting down the ball and shooting, the keeper did well to hold on to it.

Marino relaxed a little in the second half, Alberto had to make a strong diving save and down the other end Chema was agonizingly close as his shot went wide. Raul Barcos came on as Chema departed to warm applause, Balduino was looking for another goal and had a couple of half chances before he gave way to Ramses. Sandro had a near miss after Pol had lost the ball in front of goal and Alberto had to make a couple of routine saves but Salamanca knew they were beaten, even the bananas looked limp. The final whistle brought an outbreak of shared hugs and hand shakes, it was a job well done and with Real Aviles at home next week the race is on to close the seven point gap and avoid ending in bottom position.

Could the day get better, of course it could, CD Tenerife were overdue a convincing performance but their 0-3 win at Real Aviles surpassed all expectations. The starting line up had another strange look with Alberto in midfield ( no Suso or Cristo) and Ayoze Perez playing to the left of Aridane. Both surprise choices worked well, Alberto gifted Loro a perfect pass after 22 minutes and he beat his defender to score. Ayoze showed he is much more than a goal scorer by sending a magnificent ball in for Aridane to double the lead with a header after 50 minutes. In the final ten minutes sub Chechu came up with a swinging corner to Alberto who struck the ball like an experienced forward to wrap up a 0-3 victory. The only bad point was a booking that keeps Llorente out for next weeks game at Getafe B, but Alvaro Cervera will have that one covered.