[ad_1]
Trent Alexander-Arnold fires a low effort just wide as Liverpool push for an opening goal against Manchester United.
[ad_2]
Tag: sport
-
World Darts Championship: Gary Anderson begins quest for third title with win over Simon Whitlock
[ad_1]
Gary Anderson sinks 112 and 116 checkouts as ‘The Flying Scotsman’ demolishes Simon Whitlock for opening win; the World Darts Championship runs all the way until the final on January 3, 2024 – we’re back on Sunday afternoon at 12.30pm, live on Sky Sports Darts
By Raz Mirza at Alexandra Palace, London
Last Updated: 17/12/23 1:31am
Gary Anderson was back on the Alexandra Palace stage and in relentless form as the 52-year-old crushed Simon Whitlock to cruise through at the World Darts Championship on Saturday.
The two-time World Champion may currently be ranked 21 in the world but he has statistically played better than anyone on the PDC circuit this year.
World Darts Championship: Saturday Evening Results
Jamie Hughes 3-1 David Cameron (R1) Keane Barry 3-1 Reynaldo Rivera (R1) Scott Williams 3-1 Haruki Muramatsu (R1) Gary Anderson 3-0 Simon Whitlock (R2) The legendary Scot, who turns 53 on December 22, will enjoy his Christmas at home after racing through the opening set in 11, 14 and 18 darts with an average close to 105.
Anderson, watched on by tennis star Jamie Murray, then defied a 106 checkout from the Aussie to clinch set two 3-1 and double his lead with three 180s to his name.
Anderson defeated Whitlock in the second round with this spectacular 116 checkout Anderson defeated Whitlock in the second round with this spectacular 116 checkout
He soon wrapped up a 3-0 with a classy 116 finish to end the contest with a neat 98.3 average and five 180s.
“The more I play, the more I get used to it, so fingers crossed. But I still want to be 35 again,” Anderson told Sky Sports.
The flashy Scott Williams left his form on the Tour behind him as he rolled his way past Japan’s former World Cup of Darts semi-finalist Haruki Muramatsu to reach the next round.
Williams attempted a no-look 180, then followed it up with a 120 checkout in his first leg Williams attempted a no-look 180, then followed it up with a 120 checkout in his first leg
‘Shaggy’ opening the match with a 120 checkout and even attempted a blind 180 on his way to claiming an edgy set but he swept his way through the second without reply.
Muramatsu claimed the third set to halve the deficit, but Williams sealed the deal when he nailed a show-stopping 127 on the bullseye to set up a clash against Danny Noppert on Thursday.
Williams rounded off his win over Muramatsu this sensational 127 on the bull Williams rounded off his win over Muramatsu this sensational 127 on the bull
Jamie Hughes finally tasted success at Ally Pally at the fifth time of asking to reach the second round with a 3-1 victory against David Cameron.
The Tipton ace known as ‘Yozza’ sealed the victory on double eight before showing plenty of emotion on the big stage as he set up a meeting with Krzysztof Ratajski of Poland.
Jamie Hughes let out all his emotions after his first ever victory on the Ally Pally stage Jamie Hughes let out all his emotions after his first ever victory on the Ally Pally stage
Keane Barry missed a total of 26 darts at a double, while his Filipino opponent Reynaldo Rivera failed with 22 attempts, but it was the Irishman who pinned a Shanghai 120 checkout on his way to a slow-burner of a win and a clash against three-time champion Michael van Gerwen on Tuesday evening.
Chizzy makes winning start on Saturday afternoon
Dave Chisnall has struggled for form on the televised stage in 2023, but has picked up three European Tour titles as well as winning two Players Championship events
World Darts Championship: Saturday Afternoon Results
Lee Evans 3-0 Sandro Eric Sosing (R1) Connor Scutt 3-0 Krzysztof Kciuk (R1) Jules van Dongen 1-3 Darren Penhall (R1) Dave Chisnall 3-1 Cameron Menzies (R2) Dave Chisnall broke the heart of an emotional Cameron Menzies, who missed five darts to force a deciding set with the St Helens thrower eventually coming through a tricky second-round tie 3-1.
Former Lakeside Championship semi-finalist Menzies spent Friday morning plumbing before taking to the biggest stage in world darts to defeat Rusty-Jake Rodriguez in the opening round.
Cameron Menzies couldn’t hide his emotion after losing to Dave Chisnall and exiting the World Darts Championship in the second round Cameron Menzies couldn’t hide his emotion after losing to Dave Chisnall and exiting the World Darts Championship in the second round
And he made a good start but ‘Chizzy’ recovered from a set down to reel off three in a row and complete a fine victory over the Scot with six 180s along the way.
Earlier, Connor Scutt was the pick of the players involved in the first-round matches, returning a 95.97 average on his way to a 3-0 whitewash victory over Krzysztof Kciuk of Poland.
Darren Penhall breezes the first two legs of the third set, taking out a 108 and 120 against Jules van Dongen Darren Penhall breezes the first two legs of the third set, taking out a 108 and 120 against Jules van Dongen
Darren Penhall provided some extravagant moments during his 3-1 victory over Jules van Dongen, taking out three ton-plus finishes, while Lee Evans overcame Sandro Eric Sosing 3-0 to book a second-round meeting with the in-form Luke Humphries.
Came out of retirement to play on the DPA circuit
Won 11 events to qualify for Ally Pally
English-born Australian is nicknamed ‘Smooth Operator’
Wins on his World Championship debut
What’s happening on Sunday at the World Darts Championship?
Fallon Sherrock makes her highly-anticipated return to Ally Pally. Can the ‘Queen of the Palace’ cause another seismic tungsten shock?
Luke Humphries – who has won three of the sport’s last four TV ranking titles – will headline the action when he takes on Lee Evans.
World Darts Championship: Sunday Afternoon Fixtures
Ricky Evans vs Simon Adams (R1) Jim Williams vs Norman Madhoo (R1) Matt Campbell vs Lourence Ilagan (R1) Joe Cullen vs Darren Penhall (R2) Former Masters champion Joe Cullen will also feature, while Fallon Sherrock goes head-to-head with quick-fire Dutchman Jermaine Wattimena on her Alexandra Palace return.
World Darts Championship: Sunday Evening Fixtures
Dylan Slevin vs Florian Hempel (R1) Niels Zonneveld vs Darren Webster (R1) Jermaine Wattimena vs Fallon Sherrock (R1) Luke Humphries vs Lee Evans (R2) The sport’s biggest event sees 96 players compete for the Sid Waddell Trophy and £2.5m in prize money at Alexandra Palace. You can watch all the action live on our dedicated Sky Sports Darts channel.
Watch the World Darts Championship all the way until the final on January 3, 2024 – live on Sky Sports Darts. NOW Sports Month Membership: £21 a month for 6 months
[ad_2]
-
NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to undergo surgery after breaking hip at L.A. concert
[ad_1]
Lakers basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was scheduled to undergo hip surgery Saturday after falling down at a concert in Los Angeles, according to a spokesperson.
Abdul-Jabbar, 76, was treated Friday night by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics and transported to a local hospital, his business partner and spokesperson Deborah Morales said in a statement provided to The Times.
“Last night while attending a concert, Kareem had an accidental fall and broke his hip,” Morales said.
“We are all deeply appreciative of all the support for Kareem, especially from the Los Angeles Fire Department who assisted Kareem on site and the amazing medical team and doctors at UCLA Hospital who are taking great care of Kareem now,” Morales added.
The Lakers superstar and six-time NBA most valuable player has added to his stellar basketball career as a writer, activist and humanitarian who has spoken on a number of social justice causes. He is the author of more than a dozen books and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016 by former President Obama.
Abdul-Jabbar writes about sports, politics and culture on his Substack newsletter and has written a number of opinion pieces in other publications, including The Times.
[ad_2]
Robert J. Lopez
Source link -
World Darts Championship: Michael Smith, Simon Whitlock and Cameron Menzies all win on opening night
[ad_1]
Michael Smith survives opening-round scare to make it through at Ally Pally; the World Darts Championship runs all the way until the final on January 3, 2024 – we’re back on Saturday afternoon at 12.30pm, live on Sky Sports Darts
By Raz Mirza at Alexandra Palace, London
Last Updated: 16/12/23 2:24am
Reigning champion Michael Smith began his World Darts Championship title defence with victory but only after surviving a huge scare to defeat Dutch debutant Kevin Doets on opening night at Alexandra Palace.
Smith created global headlines with his sensational triumph in January, producing an incredible nine-darter in a leg dubbed ‘the greatest of all-time’ on his way to a 7-4 success against Michael van Gerwen.
The world No 1 was facing the prospect of becoming the first defending champion to lose their opening match in the sport’s showpiece event since 2009, before he fought back magnificently to keep his hopes alive.
World Darts Championship: Friday’s Results
Kevin Doets 3-0 Stowe Buntz (R1) Cameron Menzies 3-0 Rusty-Jake Rodriguez (R1) Simon Whitlock 3-2 Paolo Nebrida (R1) Michael Smith 3-2 Kevin Doets (R2) 
Michael Smith dug out this huge 142 in the final set to leave his opponent Kevin Doets shaking his head in disbelief Michael Smith dug out this huge 142 in the final set to leave his opponent Kevin Doets shaking his head in disbelief
Doets, who reached the fifth round of this year’s UK Open after winning his PDC Tour Card for the first time in January 2022, dumped out Grand Slam of Darts quarter-finalist Stowe Buntz in the opening match of the tournament.
The world No 66 came into the meeting with St Helens star Smith on a high, but it was the reigning champion who made a strong start by sealing the opening set 3-1 with 60 per cent on the doubles.
The talented Dutchman responded by claiming the second set in a deciding leg against the darts for parity with a 100.3 average after Smith failed to hit tops to move clear of his opponent.
Smith pinned this superb 150 during his 3-2 victory over the Dutchman Smith pinned this superb 150 during his 3-2 victory over the Dutchman
Doets, nicknamed ‘Hawk Eye’, continued to find the target and he despite a huge 150 checkout from Smith, he produced winning legs in 12, 14 and 13 darts to move within a set of causing a almighty upset.
However, Smith wrapped up set four 3-1, including a whopping 121 checkout to send the match all the way.
Smith landed a majestic 142 checkout under immense pressure to regain the lead in the decider and despite missing five darts at a double, he eventually claimed victory with a neat 67 finish on tops.
Wayne Mardle heaped praise on Smith after his close opening win at Ally Pally Wayne Mardle heaped praise on Smith after his close opening win at Ally Pally
“It’s one of them, I managed to fall over the line, no nerves, no pressure, I’ll have a good Christmas now,” Smith told Sky Sports.
Simon Whitlock, the 2010 runner-up, missed five darts before winning a slow-burner of a contest against former PDC Asian Championship finalist Paolo Nebrida to set up a showdown with two-time champion Gary Anderson on Saturday evening.
Paolo Nebrida found checkouts of 116 and 121 but eventually lost out to Simon Whitlock in a nervy contest Paolo Nebrida found checkouts of 116 and 121 but eventually lost out to Simon Whitlock in a nervy contest
‘The Wizard’ was forced to dig deep to battle past Nebrida, using all of his experience to avoid a shock exit.
“I’ve just been messing around with my darts too much. I’ve been like Peter Wright,” Whitlock admitted.
And on facing Anderson next, he replied: “I’m a big 180 hitter and they weren’t there today, but tomorrow is a different day. Maybe they will turn, maybe I will turn up and me and Gary will have a great game.”
Whitlock credited his experience for getting him through a razor-thin opening-round contest Whitlock credited his experience for getting him through a razor-thin opening-round contest
Cameron Menzies came through a fiery encounter against Rusty-Jake Rodriguez to reach the second round.
The Scot, who is the partner of Fallon Sherrock, closed out a 3-0 success over Austria’s Rodriguez with four 180s and 50 per cent on the doubles to move through.
“I was so nervous today, because I knew that game meant a lot,” revealed Menzies, who prepared for his opening round clash with a plumbing shift this morning.
“Winning that game meant the world to me, and I think going to work today helped me relax, because it made me realise that darts is a hobby for me.
“Obviously I would like to be in a situation in the future where I can give up work, because I know in spells I can score as well as the best, but it’s still my finishing that separates the top ten from a player like me.”
Rusty-Jake Rodriguez threw his darts off the table after going down two sets to Cameron Menzies Rusty-Jake Rodriguez threw his darts off the table after going down two sets to Cameron Menzies
Live World Darts Championship
December 16, 2023, 12:30pm
Live on
Live World Darts Championship
December 16, 2023, 7:00pm
Live on
What’s happening on Saturday at the World Darts Championship?
Dave ‘Chizzy’ Chisnall headlines he action on Saturday afternoon at Alexandra Palace
The first double session at this year’s tournament will take place, as two-time world champion Gary Anderson opens his title challenge with a clash against Simon Whitlock.
World Darts Championship: Saturday Afternoon Fixtures
Lee Evans vs Sandro Eric Sosing (R1) Connor Scutt vs Krzysztof Kciuk (R1) Jules van Dongen vs Darren Penhall (R1) Dave Chisnall vs Cameron Menzies (R2) World Darts Championship: Saturday Evening Fixtures
Jamie Hughes vs David Cameron (R1) Keane Barry vs Reynaldo Rivera (R1) Scott Williams vs Haruki Muramatsu (R1) Gary Anderson vs Simon Whitlock (R2) Dave Chisnall, a 2021 semi-finalist, takes centre stage in the afternoon when he faces Cameron Menzies, while American No 1 Jules van Dongen makes his debut against DPA qualifier Darren Penhall.
The sport’s biggest event sees 96 players compete for the Sid Waddell Trophy and £2.5m in prize money at Alexandra Palace. You can watch all the action live on our dedicated Sky Sports Darts channel.
Watch the World Darts Championship all the way until the final on January 3, 2024 – live on Sky Sports Darts. NOW Sports Month Membership: £21 a month for 6 months
[ad_2]
-
Gary Neville: Tottenham’s Dejan Kulusevski could be £80m-100m player
[ad_1]
Gary Neville says if Dejan Kulusevski continues starring in the number 10 role for Tottenham Hotspur, he could end up being worth between £80 million and £100 million.
[ad_2]
-
Behind the scenes at Alexandra Palace: Welcome to the World Darts Championship 2024
[ad_1]
We take a look behind the scenes at what goes into preparing the World Darts Championship at the Alexandra Palace; The World Darts Championship runs from December 15, 2023 to January 3, 2024 – live on Sky Sports Darts
By Megan Wellens at Alexandra Palace, London
Last Updated: 15/12/23 4:42pm
The World Darts Championship will take over the Alexandra Palace until January 3
The calm before the storm – the final preparations are well under way at Alexandra Palace.
The seats are all set out, the fan area has beer and food aplenty, and the stage is looking as special as ever in luminous green.
The long green carpet to the fan area leads you into a mix of games, fun, and charity.
A chance to play darts against the best, food and drink galore, and most excitingly, your chance to recreate Wayne Mardle and Stuart Pyke’s iconic commentary from the 2023 final greet you in the space that will soon be packed out by thousands.
Come 5.30pm, when fans are all set with their pitchers of beer, they can head into the arena which is dominating in its proximity to the stage.
The rows of tables are all dutifully lined up and the flashing lights are ready to put on a show with the fans up close and personal with the players they have come to watch.
Watch how Wayne Mardle and Stuart Pyke reacted to the sensational leg between Michael van Gerwen and Michael Smith in the World Championship final that culminated in a nine-darter for Bully Boy Watch how Wayne Mardle and Stuart Pyke reacted to the sensational leg between Michael van Gerwen and Michael Smith in the World Championship final that culminated in a nine-darter for Bully Boy
The former winners adorn the walls in a constant reminder of how big this tournament is and the walk on area, although shorter in person, is as intimidating as ever – never mind when 1,000s of fans are watching on.
“Stand up if you love the darts” is the message that is on the walls alongside “it is the most wonderful time of the year” and for most who will visit the Ally Pally over the next six weeks, it is wonderful because of the darting show they will witness.
We take a look inside the St Helen’s darts club that produced Michael Smith, Luke Littler and others to see how they inspire young players We take a look inside the St Helen’s darts club that produced Michael Smith, Luke Littler and others to see how they inspire young players
Last year brought the greatest leg of darts ever seen, and now it is time to find out what from this tournament will live on in darting history…
Watch the World Darts Championship from December 15, 2023 to January 3, 2024 – live on Sky Sports Darts. Stream your favourite sports and more with NOW
[ad_2]
-
(Sky Sports)
[ad_1]
West Indies 1st innings
Total
176720 overs
Batting
Runs
Balls
4s
6s
SR-
King
not out
82
52
8
5
157.69 -
Mayers
c Curran b Woakes
17
16
2
1
106.25 -
Pooran (wk)
c Woakes b Rashid
5
5
1
0
100.00 -
Hope
b Ahmed
1
3
0
0
33.33 -
Hetmyer
c Ali b Rashid
2
5
0
0
40.00 -
Powell (c)
c Brook b Curran
50
28
3
5
178.57 -
Russell
b Mills
14
10
0
2
140.00 -
Holder
c Livingstone b Mills
0
1
0
0
0.00
Yet to bat
Fall of Wickets
Bowling
Overs
Maidens
Runs
Wickets
Econ-
Ali
2
0
15
0
7.50 -
Woakes
4
0
34
1
8.50 -
Curran
2
0
38
1
19.00 -
Rashid
4
0
11
2
2.75 -
Ahmed
4
0
47
1
11.75 -
Mills
4
0
30
2
7.50
[ad_2]
-
King
-
Eddie Jones denies early Japan talks: I don’t feel any guilt about process
[ad_1]
Eddie Jones says he doesn’t feel guilty at all about his process of joining Japan after it was rumoured he was in talks with the Japanese Rugby Football Union while coaching Australia at the World Cup.
[ad_2]
-
(Sky Sports)
[ad_1]
India Women 1st innings
Total
2916.3 overs
Batting
Runs
Balls
4s
6s
SR-
Mandhana
b Bell
17
12
3
0
141.67 -
Verma
not out
7
22
1
0
31.82 -
Satheesh
not out
4
5
1
0
80.00
Yet to bat
- Kaur
- Rodrigues
- Sharma
- Bhatia
- Rana
- Vastrakar
- Renuka Singh Thakur
- Gayakwad
Fall of Wickets
Bowling
Overs
Maidens
Runs
Wickets
Econ-
Cross
3.3
0
9
0
2.57 -
Bell
3
0
19
1
6.33
[ad_2]
-
Mandhana
-
Beau Greaves clinches second WDF World Championship title with win vs Aileen de Graaf at Lakeside
[ad_1]
England’s Beau Greaves, 19, picks up her second consecutive WDF World Championship title, beating Dutch player Aileen de Graaf 4-1 in the final of a dominant tournament performance and success at Lakeside
Last Updated: 10/12/23 7:53pm
Beau Greaves has secured the second WDF World Championship title of her career
Beau Greaves beat Aileen de Graaf 4-1 to clinch the second WDF World Championship title of her darting career at Lakeside.
Defending world champion Greaves produced one of the highest averages in the history of the Women’s World Championship as she beat Rhian O’Sullivan 3-0 in the semi-finals on Saturday, with the 19-year-old finishing on a 90.77 average, and it was much of the same from her in the final.
Greaves’ imperious form continued to take the first set of the final, winning successive legs in 17 and 18 darts to take it 3-1.
Greaves swept the second set 3-0 to double her lead going into the break, before also winning the third set despite De Graaf breaking Greaves’ throw to get one on the board – the latter instead took it it 3-2 to move within three legs of a second World Championship title.
De Graaf then won three legs on the spin to take the fourth set – the first Greaves dropped all tournament – and force the final past the second break. Yet, Greaves showed her class to comfortably close out the match 3-0 in the fifth set.
Greaves’ run to the trophy
Round 2 – Beau Greaves 2-0 Lorraine Hyde
Quarter-final – Beau Greaves 2-0 Paula Murphy
Semi-final – Beau Greaves 3-0 Rhian O’Sullivan
Final – Beau Greaves 4-1 Aileen de Graaf
[ad_2]
-
LIVE STREAM: Watch England vs South Africa in third match of Vitality Netball International Series
[ad_1]
The Vitality Roses welcome South Africa in their first home series since winning a Netball World Cup silver medal this summer; the three-match tournament concludes on Sunday December 10 at 1.45pm, live on Sky Sports Mix and YouTube
Last Updated: 10/12/23 2:24pm
Watch England take on South Africa in the third game of their three-match Vitality Netball International Series via our free live stream.
The Vitality Roses welcome South Africa in their first home series since winning a Netball World Cup silver medal this summer. The three-match tournament started in Manchester, as England won Game 1 before South Africa sent the series to a decider by winning Game 2.
Watch the Game 3 deciding clash by clicking play on the video at the top of this page – live coverage gets under way from 1.45pm.
You can watch England take on South Africa in their home series between December 5-10, live on Sky Sports. Stream the netball and more with NOW.
[ad_2]
-
(Sky Sports)
[ad_1]
India Women 1st innings
Total
3346 overs
Batting
Runs
Balls
4s
6s
SR-
Verma
lbw b Dean
0
2
0
0
0.00 -
Mandhana
lbw b Dean
10
9
2
0
111.11 -
Rodrigues
not out
9
12
0
0
75.00 -
Kaur (c)
lbw b Sciver-Brunt
9
7
2
0
128.57 -
Sharma
c Jones b Bell
0
2
0
0
0.00 -
Ghosh (wk)
not out
4
4
1
0
100.00
Yet to bat
- Vastrakar
- Patil
- Sadhu
- Renuka Singh Thakur
- Ishaque
Fall of Wickets
Bowling
Overs
Maidens
Runs
Wickets
Econ-
Dean
2
0
4
2
2.00 -
Bell
2
0
14
1
7.00 -
Sciver-Brunt
2
0
15
1
7.50
[ad_2]
-
Verma
-
NFL Sunday gameday guide: Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl chat, Trevor Lawrence’s injury, a Jalen Hurts blue-print and Taylor Swift loves football
[ad_1]
Dak Prescott is playing the best football of his career – can he lead Dallas to the Super Bowl?
The Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills are primed for a 13 seconds rematch, the Dallas Cowboys have their sites on snatching the NFC East title from the Philadelphia Eagles. Week 14 is shaping up nicely; we guide you through the latest news, views and build-up ahead of Sunday in the NFL…
Editor’s note…
There might not be a quarterback playing better football in the NFL than Dak Prescott at this moment. He has entered the MVP conversation, and so too the Dallas Cowboys to-be-taken-seriously Super Bowl contention. Yes, you might have heard that before.
It can often be what goes unnoticed that can be so impressive and so defining to the way Dak plays. From the mastery of his rhythmic and hoodwinking pre-snap cadence, to the speed at which he can diagnose a field and slide protections, adjust assignments or alter play concepts accordingly at the line of scrimmage. “He plays the position” as Aaron Rodgers said recently on the Pat McAfee Show, igniting a ‘Texas Coast’ offense that has buried its early-season teething issues.
Highlights of the Seattle Seahawks against the Dallas Cowboys in week 13 of the NFL season. Highlights of the Seattle Seahawks against the Dallas Cowboys in week 13 of the NFL season.
Live NFL
December 11, 2023, 1:15am
Live on
Only Brock Purdy owns a better EPA+CPOE composite (an advanced metric on quarterback play-by-play value and efficiency) than Prescott this season, the Dallas quarterback having put up a passer rating of at least 115.0 in five of six games since the Week Seven bye week. In that time he has completed 156 of 221 passes (70.59 per cent) for 1,901 yards and 20 touchdowns to two interceptions. He also happens to be the league’s best quarterback on third down this year, which tends to serve as a nice indication of how well a passer is faring in decisive moments of a game, which always comes with an added caveat of pressure as an expectation-burdened Cowboys play-caller.
McCarthy’s offense is purring as it empowers its quarterback to take command of games with more aggressive pass designs and opportunities to use his legs alongside an increased use of play-action, while dressing up the line of scrimmage with pre-snap motion and crowning CeeDee Lamb as their focal point by shifting him across multiple spots in the formation.
Lamb has taken a seat at the table alongside the league’s most dynamic receivers with 90 catches for 1,182 yards and seven touchdowns, Brandin Cooks has answered the Cowboys’ call for a legitimate No 2 receiver, Jake Ferguson is peppering the seam as his threat continues to increase as the team’s lead tight end. Tony Pollard’s multi-purpose production out of the backfield has meanwhile picked back up after a minor lull as a crucial sell for the Cowboys play-action game.
The Her Huddle team discuss whether this could be the season which sees a player who doesn’t play at quarterback win the NFL’s MVP award, with Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill the frontrunner. The Her Huddle team discuss whether this could be the season which sees a player who doesn’t play at quarterback win the NFL’s MVP award, with Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill the frontrunner.
Dallas rank third in EPA/play and sit at the top of scoring rankings on offense, while Dan Quinn’s stunting, route-jumping defense continues to be among the NFL’s elite at third in EPA/play and third in total yards. ‘Our year’ sentiment has been long-exhausted and long-unfulfilled in Cowboys territory amid their pursuit of a first Super Bowl appearance since their victory at the end of the 1995 season.
The 49ers are nagging frontrunners to prolong that pain, and beckon as a potential ultimate test somewhere down the line in the playoffs. Before then, Dak and the Cowboys have the opportunity to force home their respective MVP and Championship credentials across a home stretch that sees them face the Philadelphia Eagles – who they could yet leapfrog in the NFC East – and Mike McDaniel’s Miami Dolphins.
How ’bout them Cowboys? We are about to find out.
Around the league…
- Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence was limited on his return to practice Thursday having appeared to swerve serious injury after suffering a high ankle sprain in Monday’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals; Lawrence said he was hopeful of facing the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, with head coach Doug Pederson insisting he won’t sacrifice a player’s health for one game.
- New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh confirmed Zach Wilson will start at quarterback against the Houston Texans having been demoted for Tim Boyle and Trevor Siemian in the last two games.
- Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane said Von Miller remains available to play against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday following allegations of domestic violence against the edge rusher.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence shows his frustration after suffering an injury against the Cincinnati Bengals. Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence shows his frustration after suffering an injury against the Cincinnati Bengals.
- Former Indianapolis Colts three-time Pro Bowl linebacker Shaq Leonard signed a one-year deal with the Eagles this week.
- Miami Dolphins right tackle Austin Jackson agreed a three-year, $36m extension on Thursday amid his impressive 2023 campaign.
- Justin Jefferson is set to make his return for the Minnesota Vikings against the Las Vegas Raiders after missing seven games due to a hamstring injury.
- Carolina Panthers tight end Hayden Hurst has been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Amnesia by an independent neurologist after suffering a concussion in the Week 10 game against the Chicago Bears, his father announced.
- Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy is expected to coach at the weekend despite undergoing surgery on Wednesday after being diagnosed with an acute case of appendicitis.
What to watch…
Week 14 live on Sky!
Los Angeles Rams (6-6) @ Baltimore Ravens (9-3): The Ravens struck gold with Kyle Hamilton, who has arrived as advertised since entering the league as the No 14 pick at the 2022 Draft. He stands to be the quintessential modern NFL safety as Mike Macdonald’s disguised blitzer, hybrid box tackler, slot demon and sideline-to-sideline blockade. With Marcus Williams on hand to play deep, Hamilton has free rein to wreak havoc as Baltimore’s most dangerous disruptor at the line of scrimmage. And while attention has been on the Rams’ young offensive playmakers, the audition process for Aaron Donald’s supporting cast has been intriguing. Third-round rookie nose tackle Kobie Turner has quietly amassed a rookie-leading 5.5 sacks, while fellow third-rounder Byron Young is close behind on five sacks.
Live NFL
December 10, 2023, 9:15pm
Live on
Buffalo Bills (6-6) @ Kansas City Chiefs (8-4): Tight ends, assemble. For years the Bills have watched Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce torch the NFL as the league’s most dynamic quarterback-tight end tandem, shattering Buffalo’s Super Bowl hopes on a couple of occasions in the process. In a bid to add their own Kelce-esque dimension, the Bills went and drafted Dalton Kincaid in the first round earlier this year. The vision was tight splits in multiple tight end sets from which he and Dawson Knox could sell the run game, lure defenses downhill and open up shots for Josh Allen downfield, as well as leaking out into routes of their own. The production (56 catches, 474 yards) has been sporadic, not helped by the absence of Knox, with flashes of an integral supporting role behind Stefon Diggs, while Kelce, without lighting up the world, leads the Chiefs with 813 receiving yards and five scores.
Philadelphia Eagles (10-2) @ Dallas Cowboys (9-3): Do we call this the Shaq Leonard bowl? There was little surprise when the Eagles edged out the Cowboys to wrap up a deal for the former Indianapolis Colts man, not because Howie Roseman is one of the savviest operators in the market but because of the extent to which the 49ers exposed Philly’s linebackers in Week 13. Time and time again Kyle Shanahan disorientated the likes of Nicholas Morrow and Christian Ellis, standing in for the injured Zach Cunningham, with Deebo Samuel’s pre-snap reload motion to muddy the play direction, eventually disguising it to unleash the Niners receiver for his first-half catch-and-run touchdown out of the backfield. Morrow bit hard on a Christian McCaffrey out-route at the sideline before later being shrugged off by Samuel again on his 48-yard touchdown; it was a torrid day, Nick Sirianni’s safeties included as Shanahan toyed with the middle of the field. Can Leonard step in immediately? And will the Cowboys similarly plot to exploit the Eagles’ weakness at the second level?
Jeff Reinebold says Baltimore Ravens’ defense create mental as well as physical problems for their opponents, and backs them to beat the Los Angeles Rams in Week 14. Jeff Reinebold says Baltimore Ravens’ defense create mental as well as physical problems for their opponents, and backs them to beat the Los Angeles Rams in Week 14.
Best quotes
Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence on his injury against the Bengals: “I’m thankful it’s not a worse injury than what I thought on the field.”
Taylor Swift, in her interview for 2023 Time magazine’s person of the year: “Football is awesome, it turns out. I’ve been missing out my whole life.”
Nick Bosa suggests the 49ers showed the NFL how to stop Jalen Hurts: “You see it on tape. Obviously, we put the blueprint out there. Hopefully, the Dallas Cowboys watch the tape. We made Jalen stay in the pocket and escape outside instead of those B-gaps. And it paid off.”
Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers on The Pat McAfee Show: “The most disappointing thing about the whole rehab process was December 24 was literally on my mind. It would have been like 14-and-a-half weeks, I thought that would be reasonable based on my progress.”
Speaking on Inside The Huddle, Neil Reynolds and Jeff Reinebold discuss the Miami Dolphins’ season so far and why sealing home matches in the playoffs could be crucial to their success. Speaking on Inside The Huddle, Neil Reynolds and Jeff Reinebold discuss the Miami Dolphins’ season so far and why sealing home matches in the playoffs could be crucial to their success.
Live NFL
December 10, 2023, 5:00pm
Live on
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel on his team’s 9-3 record at the top of the AFC: “Call me when it’s a 13-game season. That’s all nice, but we have a job to do today. If we short-change and are worried about anything other than the Tennessee Titans when we’re game planning, then all those conversations and stories literally don’t matter at all.”
Ravens coach John Harbaugh on Rams receiver Puka Nacua: “I liked him (in the Draft). He was one of my highest-rated guys. You can ask anybody here, he was way up on my board. He’s playing exactly how I thought he would, for the record.”
Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich on facing Houston’s CJ Stroud: “He’s a very unique young quarterback. He’s a guy I really wish we would’ve played Weeks One to Four when he was still trying to figure out this game.”
Speaking on Inside The Huddle, Neil Reynolds and Jeff Reinebold discuss the San Francisco 49ers’ impressive win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 13. Speaking on Inside The Huddle, Neil Reynolds and Jeff Reinebold discuss the San Francisco 49ers’ impressive win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 13.
The stats
- Tyreek Hill’s 938 yards on vertical routes so far this season are the most of any receiver in a single campaign since 2018
- Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen currently has 898 catches in 138 games and has the chance to surpass Antonio Brown (143 games) as the fastest player in history to reach 900 career receptions
- Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson sits on 5,396 career receiving yards, leaving him needing just 117 more to overtake Michael Thomas for most by a player in his first four seasons in history
- Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons, who has 11.5 sacks on the year, is looking to become the second player since sack statistics began in 1982 to record at least 13 sacks in each of his first three seasons – Hall of Famer Reggie White having been the first
- CJ Stroud needs 253 passing yards to overtake Andrew Luck for the second-most by a player in his first 13 games
- Brock Purdy can become the fourth quarterback in NFL history to post a completion percentage of 70-or-higher in seven straight games this weekend
Jeff Reinebold describes the Packers’ win over the Chiefs as a ‘magical night’ and hails the performances of quarterback Jordan Love. Jeff Reinebold describes the Packers’ win over the Chiefs as a ‘magical night’ and hails the performances of quarterback Jordan Love.
Essential reading:
NFL playoff contenders or pretenders: Can Packers make a charge?
Can Jordan Love guide Green Bay to the playoffs?
The NFL playoff race has reached the home stretch in one of the most wide-open seasons in recent memory, with surprise teams occupying postseason spots and expected contenders battling for their place.
The 13 seconds rivalry: Bills and Chiefs meet once again
Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen meet again
All is not rosy in the land of the mighty. The defending champion Kansas City Chiefs have been marred by drops and deficiencies on a limping offense, behind which Patrick Mahomes and Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive subterfuge have between them retained some level of serious contention, with question marks over an 8-4 team speaking volumes as to the self-imposed expectations in Arrowhead.
And in western New York the Buffalo Bills are fighting for their playoff lives as they play catch-up having endured marquee injuries, suffered late heartbreak, fired offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey and slipped behind the pack in what is still deemed a Championship window for under-pressure head coach Sean McDermott and his high-powered team.
Her Huddle: Meet Nausicaa Dell’Orto.
Hannah Wilkes and Phoebe Schecter talk to Italy Women’s flag football captain Nausicaa Dell’Orto about the challenges she faced in forming a female team in Milan.
Inside the Huddle: 49ers-Dolphins Super Bowl?
Neil Reynolds and Jeff Reinebold discuss the San Francisco 49ers’ emphatic win over the Philadelphia Eagles and the red-hot form of the Miami Dolphins…
Thursday night rewind…
Highlights of the New England Patriots up against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14 of the NFL season. Highlights of the New England Patriots up against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14 of the NFL season.
Bailey Zappe threw three first-half touchdown passes as the New England Patriots snapped a five-game skid while damaging the Pittsburgh Steelers’ playoff hopes with a 21-18 victory on Thursday night.
Watch the Baltimore Ravens host the Los Angeles Rams from 5pm (kickoff at 6pm) live on Sky Sports NFL this Sunday, followed by the Buffalo Bills at the Kansas City Chiefs and the Dallas Cowboys against the Philadelphia Eagles
[ad_2]
-
The Verdict: ‘Wasteful’ Tottenham drop further down the table
[ad_1]
Michael Bridge and Ben Grounds react to West Ham’s second-half comeback as a ‘wasteful’ Tottenham squanders another lead and drop further down the table.
[ad_2]
-
Aberdeen 0-1 Kilmarnock | Scottish Premiership highlights
[ad_1]
Highlights from the Scottish Premiership match between Aberdeen and Kilmarnock.
[ad_2]
-
Germany warns of ‘warmonger Putin’ pushing propaganda at Paris Olympics
[ad_1]
Germany’s sports minister, Nancy Faeser, has called on the International Olympic Committee to examine “very carefully” the backgrounds of Russian and Belarusian athletes competing in next year’s Olympic Games in Paris.
Faeser’s comments came a day after the IOC, headed by Germany’s Thomas Bach, announced that Russians and Belarusians would be able to compete in Paris as neutrals outside of team events, provided they did not actively support the war against Ukraine.
But Faeser, who is also Germany’s interior minister, said that it was important the IOC examine their backgrounds and exclude any athletes found to support President Vladimir Putin’s war, or have any connection to the Russian government or military.
“The warmonger Putin must under no circumstances use the Olympic Games in Paris for his propaganda,” said Faeser, in a statement sent to POLITICO.
In March, the IOC recommended that international sports could reinstate Russian and Belarusian athletes as individuals, under a neutral banner, as long as they had not supported the war and that they were not under contract with either the army or national security agencies.
According to the IOC, 11 athletes — eight Russians and three Belarusians — have so far qualified for Paris 2024.
Faeser said Russian teams being excluded and flags and symbols banned was “the absolute minimum we could expect from the International Olympic Committee.”
“It would be completely unacceptable for Ukrainian athletes to have to compete against Russians who support the Russian war of aggression against their country,” she added. “Ukraine — and Ukrainian sport — must continue to enjoy the full support and solidarity of world sport.”
Hans von der Burchard contributed reporting.
[ad_2]
Antoaneta Roussi
Source link -
The Verdict: No Nations League finals or Olympics will help England for Euros
[ad_1]
The Telegraph’s Tom Garry joins Gail Davis to discuss England’s failure to qualify for the Nations League finals and Olympic Games.
[ad_2]
-
Cincinnati Bengals 34-31 Jacksonville Jaguars: Jake Browning leads Bengals to overtime win as Trevor Lawrence leaves injured
[ad_1]
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson says “everything is stable” with Trevor Lawrence after the quarterback suffered an ankle injury in Monday’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals; Pederson has not ruled Lawrence out of Sunday’s clash with Cleveland Browns
Last Updated: 05/12/23 7:48pm
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson says quarterback Trevor Lawrence was “very fortunate” to avoid a more serious injury after damaging his ankle in Monday’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Lawrence was injured in the fourth quarter as Jake Browning threw for 354 yards and a touchdown in his second career start to lead the Bengals to a stunning 34-31 overtime win.
Browning also ran for a score as the Bengals (6-6) won on Monday Night Football for the first time since 1990 on Evan McPherson’s 48-yard field goal in the extra frame, with Lawrence’s injury for the Jaguars (8-4) appearing to be potentially the biggest blow of the evening for the home team.
Left tackle Walker Little stepped on Lawrence’s ankle, causing him to twist it as he was sacked. Lawrence tried to get up, but dropped to the ground, ripped off his helmet and threw it in disgust. He was helped off the field and into the tunnel for X-rays.
Pederson said on Tuesday tests on Lawrence’s right ankle showed “everything’s stable, everything’s good”. He added surgery “is not necessarily something that would be warranted at this time”.
“We’ll see where he’s at in a couple days,” Pederson said roughly 12 hours after the game had finished.
The Bengals took the lead with Ja’Marr Chase’s 76-yard touchdown reception, his team’s longest play of 2023 The Bengals took the lead with Ja’Marr Chase’s 76-yard touchdown reception, his team’s longest play of 2023
“[It] looked worse than it really was. Very fortunate there.”
It ended an otherwise stellar night for Lawrence, who completed 22 of 29 passes for 259 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for a score.
Pederson has not ruled Lawrence out of Sunday’s upcoming clash with the Cleveland Browns.
“I’m not going to put that timetable on Trevor,” he added. “Not going to put him in a box like that. We’ll see how he is in a couple of days.”
Browning was equally stout in place of star Joe Burrow, who watched and coached from the sideline while wearing a cast and a sling. Browning completed 32 of 37 passes and directed the overtime drive that set up McPherson’s winner.
McPherson, who played collegiately at nearby Florida, banged a 57-yarder off the crossbar in the same direction early in the game.
Jacksonville backup CJ Beathard completed nine of 10 passes for 63 yards in relief of Lawrence. Beathard put the Jaguars in position for Brandon McManus’ 40-yard field goal with 26 seconds remaining in regulation.
Stats leaders:
Cincinnati Bengals
- Passing: Jake Browning, 32/37, 354 yards, 1 TD
- Rushing: Joe Mixon, 19 carries, 68 yards, 2 TDs
- Receiving: Ja’Marr Chase, 11 catches, 149 yards, 1 TD
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Passing: Trevor Lawrence, 22/29, 258 yards, 2 TDs
- CJ Beathard, 9/10, 63 yards
- Rushing: Travis Etienne, 11 carries, 45 yards, 1 TD
- Receiving: Evan Engram, 9 catches, 82 yards, 1 TD
A Bengals trick play went all wrong when Tyler Boyd’s pass was picked off by Jaguars’ Josh Allen A Bengals trick play went all wrong when Tyler Boyd’s pass was picked off by Jaguars’ Josh Allen
Ja’Marr Chase caught 11 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown, a 76-yarder in the third quarter that got the Bengals going. Joe Mixon ran for 68 yards and two scores, and rookie Chase Brown added 61 yards on the ground for the league’s worst rushing attack. Mixon also had six receptions for 49 yards.
The Bengals made it harder than it should have been when coach Zac Taylor called a trick play that turned into a debacle in third.
Browning lateraled to receiver Tyler Boyd, who inexplicably threw directly to pass rusher Josh Allen. Allen caught the ball for his second career interception. The Jaguars scored four plays later when Lawrence jumped and stretched the ball across the goal line.
It was the second bungled trick play for the Bengals, who also lost seven yards when Chase completed a double pass to Browning. Still, the Bengals finished with 491 yards and were eight of 14 on third down.
Scoring summary
Scoring summary
FIRST QUARTER Bengals 0-7 Jaguars Travis Etienne four-yard rushing TD (extra point) SECOND QUARTER Bengals 7-7 Jaguars Joe Mixon six-yard rushing TD (extra point) Bengals 7-14 Jaguars Trevor Lawrence 22-yard TD pass to Evan Engram (extra point) Bengals 14-14 Jaguars Joe Mixon two-yard rushing TD (extra point) THIRD QUARTER Bengals 21-14 Jaguars Jake Browning 76-yard TD pass to Ja’Marr Chase (extra point) Bengals 21-21 Jaguars Trevor Lawrence 14-yard TD pass to Parker Washington (extra point) Bengals 21-28 Jaguars Trevor Lawrence one-yard rushing TD (extra point) FOURTH QUARTER Bengals 28-28 Jaguars Jake Browning one-yard rushing TD (extra point) Bengals 31-28 Jaguars Evan McPherson 54-yard field goal Bengals 31-31 Jaguars Brandon McManus 40-yard field goal OVERTIME Bengals 34-31 Jaguars Evan McPherson 48-yard field goal What did they say?
Jags quarterback C.J. Beathard on injury to Lawrence: “First instinct was ah, it sucks for Trevor when you see him on the ground hurting. That sucks. It kind of takes the breath away from the guys on the sidelines and stuff when you see your starting quarterback hurting like that. But then you quickly flip into going into that two-minute drive to try and tie the game or win the game. Obviously, don’t have much time for the news to kick in, just kind of got to go.”
What next?
The Bengals are back in action at home to the Indianapolis Colts (7-5), while the Jaguars prepare for a spell without Lawrence on the road against the Cleveland Browns (7-5).
[ad_2]
-
Mosconi Cup 2023: Jayson Shaw ready to give as good as he gets for Team Europe’s defence against Team USA
[ad_1]
Marc Bazeley
Team Europe vice-captain Jayson Shaw is anticipating another rowdy atmosphere when he and his team-mates take on America’s best nine-ball players in defence of the Mosconi Cup; Watch the 2023 Mosconi Cup live on Sky Sports Arena from Wednesday, December 6 (6.30pm)
Last Updated: 04/12/23 5:38pm
Team Europe vice-captain Jayson Shaw is ready for another rowdy Mosconi Cup clash with Team USA
In the three-decade history of the Mosconi Cup, there is arguably no one who has got under the skin of their opponents quite like Earl Strickland.
The American pool icon’s confrontations with opposing players and referees, and outbursts at the crowd, made him something of a pantomime villain for Team Europe supporters too. So, it would perhaps be wise not to try to provoke the master of the mind games.
That is, of course, unless you happen to be Jayson Shaw. Because, last year, the Scottish cueist showed no compunction about mimicking Strickland in putting his ear to the crowd when he beat the three-time nine-ball world champion on enemy turf in Las Vegas last year.
Jayson Shaw mimicked his opponent Earl Strickland as Team Europe had the better of Day 2 of the 2022 Mosconi Cup against the USA. Jayson Shaw mimicked his opponent Earl Strickland as Team Europe had the better of Day 2 of the 2022 Mosconi Cup against the USA.
This year’s playing vice-captain for Europe embraces that side of the annual clash with the best nine-ball players the USA has to offer and is going to be doing his best to get the home fans creating a raucous atmosphere at Alexandra Palace.
“Vegas last year was a little bit rowdy with their fans and I think their fans have started picking up that they need to be more like the European fans,” Shaw told Sky Sports News ahead of the 2023 Mosconi Cup, which starts on Wednesday, December 6 live on Sky Sports.
“This year, I’m going to make sure the fans are really on it. I get a lot of stick, but I give a lot too.
“You’ve got to take the good with the bad and there’s always a lot of rivalry in the team, but now you’ve got a little bit more.”
Strickland will not be adding to his 15 appearances for Team USA at this year’s tournament, but Shaw already has his eye on winding up another member of the opposition in former Team Europe player Fedor Gorst.
The Russia-born 2019 world nine-ball champion represented Europe in the Covid-affected 2020 tournament behind closed doors in Coventry as the hosts triumphed 11-3. However, gaining permanent residency in the USA means Gorst has been able to switch allegiance.
That means the player who was at one point ranked No 2 in Europe’s Race to the Mosconi Cup standings will be lining up for Jeremy Jones’ team as they seek to regain the trophy they last held in 2019, and Shaw has already been engaging in some good-natured ribbing of Gorst.
“Terrible,” Shaw said jokingly of his reaction to Gorst switching sides, adding: “Obviously, it’s his decision, right?
This year, I’m going to make sure the fans are really on it. I get a lot of stick, but I give a lot too.
Team Europe vice-captain Jayson Shaw
“It’s up to him to do what he wants to do, but I don’t think I could ever do that, and I think there are a few other players who couldn’t do that.
“He’s going to pay the price for doing that and he’s going to get a lot of heat for that this week. I’ve already been giving him a lot of stick for that, but he takes it well and he’s a good person.
“He’s a great player and I’m sure he’s going to play well, but I’m going to try to make him play not so well.”
As for his form on the table, Shaw heads into the Mosconi Cup ranked fifth in the World Nineball Tour rankings and having claimed his first title on the tour with a thrilling 13-12 win over Europe team-mate Albin Ouschan in October’s Hanoi Open final.
It could hardly have been better preparation for the upcoming clash with the Americans either, with the two-time Mosconi Cup Most Valuable Player feeling the tournament in the Vietnamese capital city was as close as a singles tournament gets to those matches.
Jayson Shaw won the inaugural Hanoi Open Pool Championship after defeating Albin Ouschan, sparking wild celebrations on top of the pool table! Jayson Shaw won the inaugural Hanoi Open Pool Championship after defeating Albin Ouschan, sparking wild celebrations on top of the pool table!
“When I saw the venue and the crowd it reminded me of the Mosconi Cup and when I went out there it felt like I was playing Mosconi Cup matches,” Shaw said. “It was great preparation for this week.
“At the start of the year, a lot of things weren’t really going for me, but I’ve just tried to stay positive, keep working on my game, working on myself, and I feel like I’m in a good position now.
“I’m playing well, I feel good in myself and I’m looking forward to it.”
Shaw has been playing a big part in Europe’s preparations for their defence of the Mosconi Cup too, setting up a pre-tournament camp at his sister’s pool hall in Scotland where they got plenty of match practice as well as some team bonding in.
Europe made no mistake on the final day of the 2022 Mosconi Cup as they took home the trophy once again. Europe made no mistake on the final day of the 2022 Mosconi Cup as they took home the trophy once again.
That included playing a challenge match against a team of five local nine-ball players mimicking the Mosconi Cup format, in which Europe triumphed 11-4, and the 33-year-old could hardly be happier with how Ralph Eckert’s squad are shaping up ahead of the event.
“I really feel our team have that good bond,” Shaw said. “We don’t have to really take in a rookie and try to help them out, everybody has been there.
“We’ve all won big tournaments all year and been in that position of playing in big finals. I feel like we’re really there and ready to play.”
Watch every ball of the Mosconi Cup live on Sky Sports Arena from 6.30pm on Wednesday, December 6 to Saturday, December 9. You can also stream the 2023 Mosconi Cup and more of the best sport without a contract with NOW.
[ad_2]
-
England’s young netball players are ‘scary’ good, says Eleanor Cardwell ahead of South Africa series
[ad_1]
England’s Fran Williams, Eleanor Cardwell and Sasha Glasgow look ahead to the three-match series against South Africa in December with added excitement around the squad after the Netball World Cup in the summer
England’s Fran Williams, Eleanor Cardwell and Sasha Glasgow look ahead to the three-match series against South Africa in December with added excitement around the squad after the Netball World Cup in the summer
Eleanor Cardwell is convinced England’s ‘scary raw talent’ will be an exciting prospect when they face South Africa on Tuesday.
The Vitality Roses welcome South Africa in their first home series since winning a Netball World Cup silver medal with the three-match tournament starting in Manchester before heading to Nottingham for back-to-back weekend games.
Captain Natalie Metcalf and goal shooter Helen Housby announced in November they will be taking extended breaks from netball.
“I think these young guns have got something to prove,” said Cardwell.
“I’ve been impressed with them for years. I’ve been watching the Super League and I’ve played with Berri [Neil] with Manchester Thunder. I’ve been raving about them.
“They’ve all got such raw talent and to be put into this competitive environment they’re having to develop their game in that situation as well.
“It’s very exciting for the country and for netball. The more experience they get on the international stage then the more confident they’re going to feel in that space as well, so that’s going to make them grow and it’s quite scary actually.”
Cardwell was part of the Vitality Roses that finished runners-up at the Netball World Cup in South Africa earlier this year
England were beaten 59-52 by New Zealand in a series decider as the Silver Ferns retained the Taini Jamison Trophy in Hamilton in September.
However, the squad remains excited about facing South Africa and are heading into the clash with a blended team.
“We’ve got people who were involved in the World Cup, reserves, girls who have just come off the Test series in New Zealand,” said team-mate Fran Williams.
“There’s such a range of experience and also match readiness within the squad. We’re raring to go and it’s a new style of play.
Relive some of the best moments between England and South Africa as the two sides go head to head for a three-match series starting on December 5, live on Sky Sports Relive some of the best moments between England and South Africa as the two sides go head to head for a three-match series starting on December 5, live on Sky Sports
“South Africa are always a challenge and I think if you look at the history of English and South African battles in netball, it’s very competitive. We’ve even had some draws against them in the past so they’re always up for the challenge and so will we be.”
Cardwell added: “We’ve built in some experience with some inexperience which is amazing because it’s like we’ve got fight and passion. We’ve got a mixture of everything.
“So, if you can get that balance right I think we’ll attack South Africa in an aggressive way and put it to them. The camp is full of excitement.”
The Vitality Roses did not come up against South Africa in the World Cup but Cardwell remains aware of the threat they pose and the squad will be using video analysis to plot out their tactics.
England team celebrate their silver medals at the final of the Netball World Cup against Australia in Cape Town
“They’re also full of experience and inexperience. They’ve got a lot of talent that they’ve had there for years but also a lot of talent that is new and I’ve not played against them before,” Cardwell said.
“They have now got a lot more players over in the Super League so that’s great for them and for international netball.
“It’s going to be a lot of video analysis and looking at what they can do and what their strengths and weaknesses are and how we can combat them. It’s going to be a challenge especially because they can throw anyone on.”
Cardwell added: “It’s going to be exciting to watch because there’s a lot to show on both sides and it’s not just going to be one-sided. Both teams will be battling it out and see where they are at that moment in time.”
The 29-year-old featured in the Sky Sports documentary ‘Fit for Purpose’ where she spoke about the importance of the sports bra and the reaction she got to speaking about it openly on social media.
Cardwell talks about the importance of the sports bra and the reaction to her openly talking about it on social media Cardwell talks about the importance of the sports bra and the reaction to her openly talking about it on social media
Reflecting on the success of World Cup, Cardwell said it was a proud moment when she realised how much outreach and interaction there was.
“I was loving the amount of people jumping on to netball. It reached a lot more people and showed just how proud everyone was of us, especially after the previous year, I don’t think people were expecting us to get on to the podium,” Cardwell reflected.
“We got a lot of messages saying the hard work was worth it and a lot of fans were getting on board too. We were disappointed not winning the gold but getting a silver medal around the neck was very rewarding. It was a proud moment.”
Despite all the success Cardwell has accumulated since making her debut in a Home Nations clash against Northern Ireland in 2016, the mornings are still often filled with nerves.
“I definitely get nervous, it tends to be in the morning when I wake up. When we’re together in the changing room there’s a little bit of anticipation,” she said.
“The opposition doesn’t matter, we’ve got each other so the nerves settle and as soon as the whistle goes, you’re doing your job and playing a sport that you love. So, it’s no different to every other day in your life and I think the nerves just go.”
England Netball’s 14-player squad for South Africa series
Halimat Adio, Imogen Allison, Eleanor Cardwell, Amy Carter, Funmi Fadoju, Sasha Glasgow, Hannah Joseph, Berri Neil, Jayda Pechova, Razia Quashie, Ellie Rattu, Alicia Scholes, Olivia Tchine, Fran Williams
England vs South Africa series:
December 5: Manchester, 7pm
December 9: Nottingham, 5pm
December 10: Nottingham, 2pm
You can watch England take on South Africa in their home series between December 5-10, live on Sky Sports. Stream the netball and more with NOW I Get Sky Sports
[ad_2]
