The moment the two Irish squads were announced, you had to wonder: who on earth is going to beat them? The nation is blessed with talent at the moment, headed by Erin King, proclaimed the World Young Player of the Year. Here at Donnybrook the title of top dog was at stake. Wolfhounds were the
Two storming encounters Exeter Chiefs v Gloucester-Hartpury This was the game that altered the shape of the season. G-H came, saw and conquered. The fortress was stormed to such an extent that the Chiefs leaked over 40 points. To their credit they replied with two late tries, which will soften their misery an iota, but
The past week has seen more changes of direction than most in the rugby world. Here are three. First, the fracas at the top of the RFU has had an effect. The Chair, Tom Ilube, has resigned, stating that it was in the best interests of the English game. His continued presence would be, in
Edinburgh, capital of all it surveys Celtic Challenge – First round, The Hive, Edinburgh It proved to be significant that Lindsey Smith, the new Warriors coach, had only two weeks to prepare her side. ER were the favourites, but GW rightly took the lead. They marched forward at the first scrum, then a cross-kick bounced
Fixtures Saturday 21 December Sale Sharks v Loughborough Lightning KO 14.00 (via Global Yo) Saracens v Bristol Bears KO 14.00 (via YouTube) Exeter Chiefs v Gloucester-Hartpury 15.00 Saturday 28 December Quins v Leicester Tigers KO 15.00 (TNT) As you can see, these Christmas jousts are rent asunder, Quins delaying their game a whole week, which
The excitement is mounting across three nations. The Celtic Challenge starts anew on 20 December. The one big gap as a third campaign gets under way is a national selection committee for the two Welsh franchises, Brython Thunder and Gwalia Lightning. There’ll be two established sets of coaches in place observing, and no doubt other
A new Christie Thriller South Africa v England Much of yesterday foresaw a draw looming. The Proteas batted with care, building a useful score, but not fast enough to threaten taking a decent lead. Then the collapse English fans had hoped for took place. Morning Heather Knight took a four off de Klerk’s first over
South Africa v England The wise heads tell you: “You can’t know how things will work out till both sides have batted.” Then with a grin they add: “And even then you’ve no idea.” That’s the joy of multi-day cricket. There are so many ups and downs; even draws are permitted, and they can bring
The Long Haul Before the game gets under way, let’s have a look at the background to this game. Much of the data takes some believing. This was England’s first test in South Africa since 1961. This was South Africa’s first test in 23 years. This was the 150th women’s test. It was yet another
Today’s three games showed the PWR up in its best light. There was competition everywhere, even if the winners were well ahead at the end. The lowest losing total was 22, twice over. Results Trailfinders 22 Chiefs 41 Gloucester-Hartpury 47 Saracens 31 Loughborough Lightning 22 Quins 40 Trailfinders v Exeter Chiefs Prelims It’s a pity
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