Ferdy Murphy the man to be feared in the big handicaps March 14, 2011 IT’S been a disappointing season for Ferdy Murphy so far, but there have been some signs of late that his string is starting to hit form again. He has a formidable record at the Cheltenham Festival and punters should take notice when he says that DIVERS, in this afternoon’s Centenary Novices’ Chase (5.15pm), is his [...]
Touching distance March 13, 2011 ENGLAND (22) vs SCOTLAND (16) Grand Slam just one win away after England survive a scare to defeat tenacious Scotland ENGLAND manager Martin Johnson admits major improvement is needed if his side are to complete the Grand Slam in Dublin next weekend. Scotland put up brave resistance at Twickenham yesterday but eventually succumbed to Tom [...]
More cup woe for Grant March 13, 2011 STOKE CITY (2) vs WEST HAM UNITED (1) WEST HAM manager Avram Grant saw another promising cup campaign reduced to shreds – and then borrowed from samurai culture to explain his disappointment at decisions he felt cost his side a trip to Wembley. Danny Higginbotham’s second-half free-kick clinched victory in the FA Cup quarter-final after [...]
Mancini: We’re underdogs March 13, 2011 MANCHESTER CITY manager Roberto Mancini is relishing his side’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United, but insists his side will be considerable underdogs. Under Mancini City have suffered four agonising defeats to the men from Old Trafford, the latest coming last month when Wayne Rooney’s overhead kick settled matters. Mancini’s side have an opportunity to redress the [...]
Binocular won’t defend Champion Hurdle crown March 13, 2011 BINOCULAR will not defend his Champion Hurdle crown at the Cheltenham Festival tomorrow after trainer Nicky Henderson was forced to withdraw his charge yesterday. On British Horseracing Authority advice, Henderson was forced to withdraw the JP McManus-owned seven-year-old after he tested positive for a legal substance having been treated for an allergy. Henderson said: “He [...]
Richards proves he’s City’s head boy as old rivals United loom in Wembley showdown March 13, 2011 MANCHESTER CITY (1) vs READING (0) ENGLAND defender Micah Richards was the hero as his header booked Manchester City’s first Wembley appearance for 12 years. Richards powered home the winner from David Silva’s corner 16 minutes from time to secure an eagerly-awaited FA Cup semi final clash against Manchester United after the draw had earlier paired the [...]
Controversial Wales try sickens Ireland March 13, 2011 IRELAND winger Keith Earls has joined his team-mates in condemning the wrongly awarded try that cost them victory and handed Wales a 19-13 win in Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations clash. Mike Phillips’ 50th-minute touchdown was allowed to stand despite three offences in the preceding line-out, and it proved decisive as the hosts ended on top [...]
Parisse: Twickenham loss fired Italy heroics March 13, 2011 OVERJOYED Italy captain Sergio Parisse has revealed the pain of a crushing defeat to England was the inspiration behind their landmark RBS 6 Nations triumph over France on Saturday. Italy bravely fought back from 12 points behind to win 22-21 in Rome and achieve arguably their greatest ever result in the competition. And Parisse admitted [...]
Wenger: Season’s not over, it’s still so exciting March 13, 2011 ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger insists his demoralised team’s season is not slipping away, despite seeing them tumble out of a third competition in a fortnight at Old Trafford on Saturday. A 2-0 defeat to Manchester United ended their hopes of lifting the FA Cup, hot on the heels of their elimination from the Champions League [...]
Basketball gets 2012 vote March 13, 2011 Great Britain’s men’s and women’s basketball teams have been given the go-ahead to compete at the London 2012 Olympics. GB and Chicago Bulls star Luol Deng said: “I’m really excited. We’re really happy to get it.”