Sport Comment: It’s official: ref Owens is the best February 2, 2014 TIME was when you’d leave a big match, turn to a mate and ask who the referee was, and nobody would have a clue. They were facilitators, not the most important name on the team sheet. The cult of the celebrity official is one of the scourges of modern sport. When did anyone ever buy [...]
Playing well mattered more than winning, says Lancaster February 2, 2014 ENGLAND rugby coach Stuart Lancaster insists the encouraging nature of his side’s performance in Saturday’s Six Nations opener in France more than made up for a cruel late 26-24 defeat. Replacement Gael Fickou’s last-gasp try broke English hearts after the visitors had recovered from two Yoann Huget scores to lead 24-19, thanks to tries from [...]
Murray sends GB into Davis Cup quarters February 2, 2014 GREAT Britain are through to the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup for the first time since 1986 after Wimbledon champion Andy Murray beat Sam Querrey 7-6 (7-5), 6-7 (3-7), 6-1, 6-3 in San Diego late last night. The four-set victory gave the team a 3-1 win against the US, meaning they now face Italy, who [...]
Giles targets England top job February 2, 2014 CRICKET: England limited-overs coach Ashley Giles has confirmed he wants to replace Andy Flower, who quit as Test boss on Friday. Giles, whose Twenty20 side suffered a crushing 84-run loss to Australia in the final match of a horrific tour, said: “I’d be very interested. I’m sure I’ll be applying.” Former South Africa coach Gary [...]
Gallacher defends Dubai title February 2, 2014 GOLF: Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher recovered from a wobble to retain his Dubai Desert Classic title yesterday. Gallacher, who led Rory McIlroy by two shots overnight, made four early bogeys but finished 16 under par, one ahead of Argentinian Emiliano Grillo.
Rugby lad comes back to the City January 30, 2014 SEAN Bean wasn’t the only hard man in the City yesterday. Ex-England rugby international Will Greenwood was down at the Gherkin, banging the drum about the Rugby World Cup 2015 (hosted in the UK) and the vast hospitality opportunities it presents to the capital. Greenwood was at home in the Square Mile, having started his [...]
Bold Lancaster hands England debuts to Burrell and Nowell January 30, 2014 ENGLAND rugby coach Stuart Lancaster insists the door remains ajar for axed duo Chris Ashton and Ben Youngs despite showing his disregard for reputation by naming an experimental team for tomorrow’s Six Nations opener in France. Young Exeter wing Jack Nowell and Northampton centre Luther Burrell are set for debuts, Gloucester’s Jonny May is poised [...]
Rugby Comment: Talented France at most dangerous at home January 30, 2014 LAST year we did well in the Six Nations right up until the last game in Wales and we’re all focused on going one better this time. We want to get off to a good start against France in Paris tomorrow and after that we’ll see what happens. France finished with the wooden spoon last [...]
Kvist makes Fulham move January 30, 2014 DENMARK midfielder William Kvist, 28, yesterday admitted the lure of playing in the Premier League was the motivation behind his loan move to Fulham from Stuttgart until the end of the season. Kvist said: “This [playing in the Premier League] is the biggest challenge you could get as a footballer. This is the motherland of [...]
Sixth signing for West Ham January 30, 2014 WEST Ham manager Sam Allardyce has completed his sixth signing of the January transfer window after midfielder Abdul Razak signed a short-term contract yesterday. The Ivory Coast international made five Premier League appearances for Manchester City before joining Anzhi Makhachkala last summer. Razak made his last appearance for the cash-strapped Russian club in a 4-1 [...]