Italian job leaves France on the brink March 14, 2010 FRANCE (6) v/s ITALY (2) FRANCE remain on course for the Grand Slam after demolishing Italy with another impressive display. Les Bleus ran in six tries in total, meaning only England stand in the way of a first Grand Slam success since 2004 when they visit the Stade de France for the final Six Nations [...]
Johnson not yet ready, says Mancini March 14, 2010 SUNDERLAND (1) v/s MANCHESTER CITY (1) MANCHESTER CITY boss Roberto Mancini says Adam Johnson is not yet ready to stake a claim for England’s World Cup squad despite his late heroics at the Stadium of Light. The 22-year-old winger fired a stunning injury-time goal to deny his hometown club and earn below-par City a precious [...]
We lack belief, claims frustrated Johnson March 14, 2010 COACH Martin Johnson says England lack the belief to win tight games after his side suffered more Six Nations frustration on Saturday. Johnson cut a forlorn figure as England were held to a disappointing 15-15 draw in their Calcutta Cup match with Scotland at Murrayfield. It came just a fortnight after his side blew a [...]
Swann backs Cook’s follow-on call March 14, 2010 SPINNER Graeme Swann backed captain Alastair Cook’s decision not to enforce the follow on as England were left frustrated in their attempts to claim a big win in the first Test with Bangladesh in Chittagong. Chasing England’s massive 599-6dec, the Tigers were bowled out for 296 with Swann claming 5-90. But instead of looking to [...]
Cherries and Saints book final date March 14, 2010 IN-FORM Northampton Saints ran in four tries to sink sorry Saracens 31-20 and book their place in Sunday’s LV= Cup final. A first half try from Phil Dowson and further scores from Brian Mujati, Paul Diggin and Neil Best handed the Saints a final date with Premiership rivals Gloucester, who earlier beat Cardiff Blues 29-18. [...]
Silver lining for Meadows as Britain end on a high March 14, 2010 JENNY MEADOWS failed in her bid to clinch a third gold medal for Great Britain at the World Indoor Championships in Doha when she was beaten down the final straight by Russian Mariya Savinova in the women’s 800m. Last year’s world outdoor bronze medallist still set a new British record of 1.58.43 and said: “I [...]
SPORT | IN BRIEF March 14, 2010 Els tops European rich-list GOLF: Ernie Els became the European Tour’s all-time leading money earner after beating fellow South African Charl Schwartzel to win the WGC-CA Championship at Doral last night. Els, who was without a win for a career-high two years, fired a final round 66 to win by four shots with England’s Paul [...]
England pack are key to victory at Murrayfield March 11, 2010 SCOTLAND VS ENGLAND TOMORROW – 5.00PM BBC1 Considering France already appear to have the Six Nations wrapped up – as their odds of 1/50 with Boylesports suggest – and that the Triple Crown is a possibility only for Ireland, there’s still a lot to play for when England visit Murrayfield tomorrow. The Calcutta Cup is [...]
IN-RUNNING TRADING HINTS March 11, 2010 England again only gradually rose through the gears against Ireland. We could probably say they never quite hit fifth, but they only really got going around the time of scoring their first try on 61 minutes. We should therefore look to lay England at their current price of 1.53 and back them, hopefully at longer [...]
Qaspal to set up Festival bonus tilt with Imperial Cup win at Sandown March 11, 2010 TOMORROW’S Paddy Power Imperial Cup is normally a Pipe family benefit race, but the one they’d obviously lined up for the race, Hunterview, unfortunately missed the cut. He would surely have had a great chance to continue the stable’s fine record, but in his absence the one to be on is Philip Hobbs’ QASPAL (pictured). [...]