Participation drop hits funding May 9, 2011 RUGBY UNION: England chiefs the RFU have vowed to revive interest in the game after a fall in participation hit funding by over £1m. The number of adults playing weekly has fallen by 52,000 to 177,900, and chief executive John Steele said: “We are committed to creating a sound platform for growth.”
Rebels fed up with Cipriani May 9, 2011 RUGBY UNION: England outcast Danny Cipriani’s Melbourne Rebels future is on the line with the club admitting they are fed up with his ill discipline. “Players and management have lost confidence in Danny,” said chief executive Ross Oakley.
Hills agree Investec Derby deal May 9, 2011 HORSE RACING: Epsom Downs racecourse has signed up William Hill as official bookmaker of next month’s Investec Derby Festival. The five-year partnership will create a dedicated microsite, www.theroadtothederby.co.uk, where punters can read news and watch footage of the Derby and its trial races.
GAME OVER May 8, 2011 Manchester United effectively end Chelsea’s hopes of denying them record-breaking 19th league title MANCHESTER UNITED manager Sir Alex Ferguson hailed his history-makers after victory over Chelsea in yesterday’s Premier League decider all but clinched a record 19th top-flight title. First-half goals from striker Javier Hernandez and captain Nemanja Vidic ensured Frank Lampard’s effort for the [...]
Ancelotti: I’m not ready to leave Chelsea or England May 8, 2011 ITALIAN’S FUTURE IN THE SPOTLIGHT AS TITLE BID IS KILLED OFF AT OLD TRAFFORD CRESTFALLEN Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti admits he is at the mercy of owner Roman Abramovich after his attempts at retaining the Premier League title were doomed to failure by yesterday’s decisive defeat at champions-elect Manchester United. The Italian, who achieved the [...]
Arsenal fans urge Kroenke to pledge ticket cash for team May 8, 2011 ARSENAL supporter groups have called for a guarantee that new majority shareholder Stan Kroenke will not sneak money out of the club in the form of a dividend. The American sports tycoon confirmed on Friday in his official offer document that he will not load any debt onto the club as part of a proposed [...]
Hamilton owns up as Red Bulls stuff rivals in Turkey May 8, 2011 ENGLAND’S Lewis Hamilton last night blamed his own impulsiveness after missing out on a podium place at the Turkish Grand Prix. McLaren star Hamilton was forced to settle for fourth place as Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel tightened his grip on the season with a commanding win. Hamilton now trails the German by 34 points and [...]
Stoke feeling buoyant as Arsenal sink quickly May 8, 2011 STOKE (3) vs ARSENAL (1) ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger admits his side have lost their edge after Stoke extinguished their faintest of title hopes and opened the door for Manchester City to grab third place. Goals from Kenwyne Jones, former Gunner Jemaine Pennant and Jonathan Walters heaped misery on the visitors and set themselves up [...]
Wolves win ominous for Hammers May 8, 2011 WOLVES (3) vs WEST BROM (1) WOLVES boss Mick McCarthy hailed record signing Steven Fletcher after his goals lifted them out of the relegation zone and heaped further pressure on West Ham. Fletcher, who cost £7m last summer from Burnley, scored two and set up Adlene Guedioura for the other as McCarthy’s men climbed to [...]
Vettel tightens grip on title but plays down large lead May 8, 2011 WORLD champion Sebastian Vettel led from start to finish at the Turkish Grand Prix to claim his third victory of the season and increase his lead in the title race to 34 points. The German encountered few problems on course to victory and team-mate Mark Webber completed the Red Bull team’s 11th career one-two, passing [...]