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 [...]
Els pips Goosen to reign supreme December 19, 2010 SOUTH AFRICA’S Ernie Els beat compatriot Retief Goosen by a single shot to win his home Open for the fifth time, but only after rain saw him play two rounds in one day. It was a triumph of skill and endurance for the 41-year-old with storm delays forcing him into putting in some overtime. Els’ [...]
SPORTS PERSONALITY IS THE REAL MCCOY December 19, 2010 GRAND NATIONAL winning jockey Tony McCoy was last night voted the 2010 BBC Sports Personality of the Year. The 36-year-old has been the champion jump jockey 15 times and becomes the first rider to win the BBC award in its 57-year history after claiming just over 40 per cent of the vote. McCoy won the Grand [...]
Fixtures frozen as snow decimates sport schedule December 19, 2010 SNOW and freezing temperatures wreaked havoc on the sporting weekend, but tonight’s Premier League clash between Manchester City and Everton is set to go ahead. Chelsea’s top-of-the-table meeting with Manchester United, which was due to take place yesterday afternoon, was the most high-profile casualty, while Tottenham and Arsenal’s weekend matches were also postponed. Rugby also [...]
Rush of blood sparks Saints win December 19, 2010 Xavier Rush’s second-half red card was the turning point as Northampton took control of Heineken Cup Pool One. Steve Myler and Dan Parks traded kick for kick in a brutal game, before Blues wing Richard Mustoe got the first try. But in a match of three sin-binnings Rush saw a straight red for a high [...]