2010: A rollercoaster year of sport December 20, 2010 JANUARY TENNIS: Andy Murray misses out on a maiden grand slam when he is beaten by Roger Federer in the Australian Open final; FOOTBALL: David Sullivan and David Gold take over at West Ham; terrorists attack the Togo team at the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola, killing three; CRICKET: England are denied series win [...]
Swann’s not intimidated by Hussey, says Flower December 20, 2010 ENGLAND spinner Graeme Swann has been backed to bounce back from his pummeling in Perth and deliver a match-winning display in Melbourne by his coach Andy Flower. Swann, ranked the No2 bowler in world cricket, came into this Ashes series rated as the man most likely to ensure England return home with the urn still [...]
Christmas party poopers Everton spoil City’s opportunity to go top of the table December 20, 2010 MANCHESTER CITY v/s EVERTON A BATTLING display from 10-man Everton prevented Manchester City from topping the table at Christmas for the first time since 1929. Roberto Mancini’s side were boosted prior to kick-off by the news of Carlos Tevez’s transfer request u-turn, but that was as good as it got on a night of missed [...]
Henson targets Wales recall December 20, 2010 SARACENS newboy Gavin Henson claims he’s back in rugby for good and hopes to cap his comeback to the sport by being part of Wales’ 2011 Six Nations campaign. Henson, 28, is set to make his first appearance for his new club in the Premiership Boxing Day clash against Wasps at Wembley, 21 months on [...]
Fears over fixture pile-up as more games face axe December 20, 2010 PREMIER LEAGUE chiefs have moved to ease fears of a fixture pile-up as extreme weather threatens to wipe out further fixtures. Heavy snowfall claimed seven of the nine top flight games at the weekend, while some of the Boxing Day schedule is already under threat. Blackpool, who postponed their clash with Tottenham on Sunday, are [...]
Are Manchester United really about to become Qatar’s latest high-profile buy? December 19, 2010 WHEN Manchester United visited Qatar in January it was touted as a sunshine break, a chance for their title-chasing players to escape from the freezing conditions gripping England at the start of the year. But it also prompted whispers that the country’s most famous club were sounding out appetite to invest in United, or even [...]
Strauss won’t panic despite a whacking at the WACA December 19, 2010 ENGLAND captain Andrew Strauss claims there is no need to make drastic changes despite Australia steamrollering his side by 267 runs in the third Ashes Test and levelling the series at 1-1 in the process. Australia required just 10 overs on the fourth morning to blow away England’s remaining five wickets – Ryan Harris finishing [...]
Johnson swings momentum back in Australia’s favour December 19, 2010 SUDDENLY this series has been blown wide open again and it’s largely down to the performance of one man: Mitchell Johnson. The Australian was dropped and derided after the first Test but, having been given a reprieve, has gone from zero to hero in the space of 10 days, thanks to some exceptional bowling that [...]
Grant is sure West Ham will emulate Baggies and stay up December 19, 2010 WEST HAM manager Avram Grant believes his side will re-write the record books by becoming only the second team in Premier League history to beat relegation despite being bottom on Christmas Day. Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Blackburn at Ewood Park ensured the Hammers will have the unwanted distinction of propping up the table next Saturday, two points [...]
Hanks thanks Wasps effort December 19, 2010 WASPS (37) vs N’PORT-G DRAGONS (10) WASPS were handsomely rewarded for their efforts in ensuring their Heineken Cup match with Newport Gwent Dragons didn’t succumb to the elements, much to the delight of their director of rugby Tony Hanks. The Wycombe-based club claimed a bonus point win with a healthy win which lifted them to [...]