Notts curse rain as title charge fades September 15, 2010 NOTTINGHAMSHIRE director of cricket Mick Newell was last night resigned to his side falling foul to a cruel twist of fate in the County Championship title race. Heavy rain in Manchester again washed out an entire day’s play of their crucial final match of the season against Lancashire, meaning only 28 overs have been possible [...]
Booze-free Westwood ready for Ryder September 15, 2010 ENGLAND’S Lee Westwood insists he is over his injury troubles and ready to spearhead Europe’s quest to reclaim the Ryder Cup next month. Westwood, the world No3, has not struck a ball competitively since pulling out of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational seven weeks ago. But Europe’s highest-ranked player is convinced he has recovered from a ruptured [...]
Wenger hails captain Cesc as awesome Arsenal hit six September 15, 2010 ARSENAL (6) vs BRAGA (0) ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger singled out Cesc Fabregas for praise after his captain orchestrated a Champions League demolition of Braga, scoring twice and setting up two more in a victory of embarrassing ease. Substitute Carlos Vela had time to register a brace of his own, while Andrei Arshavin and Marouane [...]
It’s Anelka at the double as Chelsea take Euro stroll September 15, 2010 MSK ZILINA (1) vs CHELSEA (4) CARLO ANCELOTTI hailed his ruthless Chelsea after Champions League rookies MSK Zilina were given a rude awakening in their Group F opener in Slovakia. Nicolas Anelka scored twice, either side of strikes from Michael Essien and Daniel Sturridge, as the Blues began their European campaign with a thumping win. [...]
Bristly Redknapp may be starting to feel pressure September 15, 2010 HARRY Redknapp seems to be getting a bit bristly in his old age. The Tottenham manager objected to the notion that his side’s failure to hold onto a two-goal lead at Werder Bremen on Tuesday suggested they had lessons to learn about the Champions League. That’s silly. Make no mistake, Spurs will view the result [...]
It’s easy pickings for Real boss Jose, as Milan and Bayern also cruise through September 15, 2010 JOSE MOURINHO got off to a winning start in the opening match of his Champions League defence after guiding Real Madrid to a comfortable 2-0 win over Ajax at the Bernabeu. The former Chelsea chief, who won the title with Inter last season to add to his success with Porto in 2004, looked on as [...]
Hodgson slams Torres criticism September 15, 2010 LIVERPOOL manager Roy Hodgson has hit back at criticism of Fernando Torres and dismissed claims the striker does not want to be at the club. Torres was singled out for flak after Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Birmingham, with suggestions his form is related to possible regret at staying at Anfield. “He certainly isn’t fed up,” [...]
Gollings to captain Sevens September 15, 2010 RUGBY UNION: Ben Gollings has been named as captain of the England Sevens team for next month’s Commonwealth Games in Delhi. The 30-year-old former Harlequins fly-half, who now plays in New Zealand for Tasman, will be competing in his third Games after playing in Manchester in 2002 and winning a silver medal in Melbourne in [...]
Exiles announce new deal September 15, 2010 RUGBY UNION: London Irish have announced internet security provider Trend Micro as their new kit sponsor and partner for the 2010-11 Aviva Premiership season. The company logo will be branded on the first-team shirt and Trend Micro will also become title partner in the club’s community programme. Richard Marsh, London Irish’s commercial director, said: “Trend [...]
Grant excused for Yom Kippur September 15, 2010 FOOTBALL: West Ham boss Avram Grant has been excused from attending Saturday’s Premier League game with Stoke to observe Yom Kippur. The Day of Atonement is the most significant date in the Jewish calendar and is a strict day of fasting and forbids followers to work. Defender Tal Ben Haim is also expected to miss [...]