Bowler Abbott bounces back from tragedy December 9, 2014 AUSTRALIAN bowler Sean Abbott, whose short-pitched ball led to the death of Test batsman Phillip Hughes, made a triumphant return to cricket yesterday at the scene of the tragedy. Fears were raised that the 22-year-old might not play again after his role in Hughes’s death last month, but Abbott bowled a bouncer in the first [...]
Champions League: Liverpool exit with £8m prize money but miss out on a potential £18m December 9, 2014 When Liverpool qualified for the Champions League last May, the club could look forward to competing against some of Europe’s biggest clubs as well as a big healthy boost to its bank account. The Reds have enjoyed both since returning to Europe’s elite competition, yet after tonight’s 1-1 home draw with FC Basel, they [...]
Premier League: Van Gaal: Lucky United did not warrant victory December 8, 2014 SOUTHAMPTON 1 MANCHESTER UNITED 2 RELIEVED Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal admitted his side were the beneficiaries of good fortune after escaping the south coast with maximum points following a fifth successive Premier League victory against Southampton last night. Holland striker Robin van Persie proved the match-winner as his double lifted United to third [...]
Arsenal’s FA Cup defence starts with repeat of Wembley final December 8, 2014 HOLDERS Arsenal face a repeat of May’s Wembley final after yesterday’s FA Cup draw paired Arsene Wenger’s side with Hull City in the third round. The Gunners famously ended their nine-year trophy drought as Wenger claimed his fifth FA Cup win to lie just one behind George Ramsay, who lifted six while in charge of [...]
Aguero injury gives Pellegrini striking puzzle December 8, 2014 PROLIFIC Manchester City marksman Sergio Aguero is expected to be face a minimum of four weeks on the sidelines after suffering knee ligament damage during Saturday’s victory over Everton at the Etihad Stadium. While the prognosis could have been much worse, it remains a blow to boss Manuel Pellegrini ahead of the busy Christmas schedule [...]
Wenger: Abuse does not cause me any worries December 8, 2014 ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger insists the stream of abuse he is receiving from a section of the club’s supporters is not causing him undue concern as his side prepare to face Champions League Group D basement outfit Galatasaray tonight. The Gunners head into the clash on the back of a deflating 3-2 defeat to Stoke [...]
Rodgers urges players to peer into Liverpool history and write their names into folklore December 8, 2014 LIVERPOOL boss Brendan Rodgers has urged his players to grasp the chance to write their own chapter of European history when the Reds face a date with destiny against FC Basel at Anfield tonight. The Anfield club’s mission is clear as only a win will see Liverpool join Group B runaway leaders and reigning European [...]
Robshaw talks up Easter recall December 8, 2014 ENGLAND captain Chris Robshaw insists Harlequins team-mate Nick Easter remains one of the best practitioners of his craft, adding fuel to the fire of suggestions the veteran No8 could still have a place on the international stage. Easter crossed the line and carried the fight to three-time champions Leinster during Sunday’s 24-18 European Champions Cup [...]
Taylor focused on World Cup December 8, 2014 ENGLAND batsman James Taylor believes his pulsating innings in the fourth one-day international (ODI) can prove a watershed moment in his international career and strengthen his bid for a place in his country’s World Cup squad. The 24-year-old played his only two Test matches for England in the summer of 2012 against South Africa, while [...]
Hughes service cancelled while Australia set for Test match duty December 8, 2014 THE state memorial service planned for Australia Test batsman Phillip Hughes was yesterday cancelled following consultation with family members and Cricket Australia. Hughes died last month after being struck on the neck by a short-pitched delivery while batting for South Australia against former club New South Wales during a Sheffield Shield clash at the Sydney [...]