England struggle November 1, 2005 England crash landed back from Planet Ashes with an unconvincing batting display on the opening day of their first tour match in Pakistan. Only an unbeaten century from Marcus Trescothick allowed the tourists to reach the relatively respectable score of 256-9 at the close against a Patrons’ XI in Rawalpindi. An impressive contribution lower down [...]
Owen brace sees off WBA October 31, 2005 Two goals for Michael Owen helped Newcastle move into the top half of the table with victory over West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns. Alan Shearer came on as a substitute to add the third in what was Graeme Souness’s side’s fourth win in their last six Premiership matches. Despite the defeat, West Brom remain [...]
All Blacks have a chance to erase black mark October 31, 2005 Never mind what may or may not have happened in the opening seconds of the first Test between the Lions and New Zealand in June — it is great to have the All Blacks over here. I am looking forward to watching their attempt to win a Grand Slam against the four home nations. The [...]
Monty rules Europe again October 31, 2005 A share of third place at the Volvo Masters was enough for Colin Montgomerie to clinch a record eighth European Order of Merit title. Paul McGinley of Ireland won at Valderrama after a fourth round 67 that left him on 10 under par. Sergio Garcia was second, two shots behind. However, Montgomerie — who was [...]
Brussels meddlers will ruin the Premiership October 28, 2005 The Barclays Premiership is widely regarded as the best football league in the world. A key ingredient of the Premier League’s success has been its ability to attract the top players. Top stars cost big bucks, and the money that the media companies have pumped in has helped the clubs to compete in the market [...]
Monty is in charge October 28, 2005 Colin Montgomerie finished the first round of the Volvo Masters with a share of the lead and a five-shot advantage over his closest rival for the European Order of Merit title, Michael Campbell. The Scot, who is playing alongside Campbell for the first two days in Valderrama, shot an opening 67 to end the day [...]
£1.7m success for Rooney’s off-field team October 28, 2005 The success of footballer Wayne Rooney seems to be reflected in his management company Formation Group, which reported a strong set of full-year results. The sports marketing and management business reported an 11 per cent increase in pre-tax profits before amortisation to £1.7m for the 12 months to 31 August on sales of £14.9m compared [...]
Murray sends Tim packing October 27, 2005 Andrew Murray began the process of becoming Britain’s top tennis player by beating the current incumbent Tim Henman in round one of the Swiss Indoor Tournament in Basel. Murray defeated the British number one 6-2 5-7 7-6 (7-4) in their first ever encounter in a meaningful match. The Scottish teenager broke Henman twice early in [...]
Holders Chelsea crash out October 27, 2005 Charlton knocked holders Chelsea out of the Carling Cup but only after a penalty shoot-out at Stamford Bridge. It was the Blues’ first taste of defeat this season, coming on the back of their first dropped points in the Premiership at Everton’s Goodison Park last weekend. Defender Robert Huth was the only player to miss [...]
Liverpool are in reverse and Rafa is to blame October 27, 2005 If there were any remaining doubts that Liverpool’s post-Istanbul party was well and truly over, they were blown away at Selhurst Park on Tuesday night — the champions of Europe humbled by a Championship side. Well done, Crystal Palace but what on earth is going on at Anfield? The answer, for me, is simple: Liverpool [...]