England stage great escape March 17, 2011 ENGLAND captain Andrew Strauss saluted his side’s never say die spirit after a thrilling 18-run win over West Indies prolonged their involvement in the World Cup. England were staring down the barrel of a humiliating group stage exit while Andre Russell and Ramnaresh Sarwan were sharing a seventh-wicket stand of 72 in pursuit of 243. [...]
THREE KEY CLASHES | WITH KYRAN BRACKEN March 17, 2011 MATT BANAHAN v BRIAN O’DRISCOLL Ireland’s talisman hasn’t been at his match-winning best of late, but England will know what O’Driscoll is capable of come the big occasion. Banahan will add something to England’s midfield and despite the experience he brings, I can’t see Mike Tindall being missed hugely. SHONTAYNE HAPE V GORDON D’ARCY England’s Kiwi-born [...]
Big Buck’s completes hat-trick March 17, 2011 BIG BUCK’S completed a World Hurdle hat-trick yesterday to cement his place as one of the greatest staying hurdlers of all time. Jockey Ruby Walsh guided the 10-11 favourite home to the delight of trainer Paul Nicholls and the legions of punters that backed the unbeaten star. “He is as close to unbeatable as a [...]
Jordan handed European ban March 17, 2011 TOTTENHAM first team coach Joe Jordan has been handed a one-match suspension by Uefa for incidents that took place during Spurs’ last 16 first leg match at AC Milan. Jordan, who clashed with Gennaro Gattuso, who was later given a four-match ban for head-butting him, will now be suspended for his side’s quarter-final first leg. [...]
Radcliffe ready for comeback March 17, 2011 ATHLETICS: British athlete Paula Radcliffe will return to competitive action at the Great Manchester Run on 15 May after a 15-month absence. The world marathon record holder has not competed since the 2009 New York Marathon, where she finished fourth. “Starting my comeback with a 10km race is ideal as I build up later in the [...]
Liverpool out as Braga hold firm March 17, 2011 FOOTBALL: Andy Carroll was unable to help Liverpool into the last eight of the Europa League on his full debut. Braga, who won the first leg 1-0 in Portugal, held firm at Anfield last night to claim a highly creditable goalless draw.
O’Connell has respect for Johnno’s England March 17, 2011 IRELAND lock Paul O’Connell believes Grand Slam-chasing England are carved in the image of their manager Martin Johnson. Johnson was captain when England completed their last RBS 6 Nations clean sweep with a 42-6 victory at Lansdowne Road back in 2003. O’Connell said: “All the basics, such as set-piece excellence and mauling, were there when [...]
Gatland predicts a bright future for North March 17, 2011 WALES coach Warren Gatland has tipped teenager George North to be “an absolute star” of the future after handing him his RBS 6 Nations debut. The 18-year-old Scarlets wing will replace an injured Shane Williams against France in Paris tomorrow night. Gatland said: “We think George is a real quality player of the future, someone [...]
Mancini can’t defend Balotelli March 17, 2011 FOOTBALL: Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini admitted he was frustrated with striker Mario Balotelli after the Italian was sent-off in his side’s Europa League aggregate defeat against Dynamo Kiev. Aleksandar Kolarov’s goal gave City a 1-0 win on the night, but the Eastland’s outfit went out 2-1 on aggregate. Of Balotelli’s red card, Mancini said: “When [...]
UN approves air strikes on Libya March 17, 2011 BRITISH and international forces were preparing to launch air strikes in Libya last night after the United Nations passed an eleventh-hour resolution to intervene in the crisis. Prime Minister David Cameron is to hold an emergency cabinet meeting today after the 15-member UN Security Council dramatically gave the green light to a no-fly zone and [...]
