The Irish Times - Sports

Brute force sees France over the line

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 22:18:51 GMT

Wheels come off for Dublin

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 22:18:51 GMT

GAA round-up:Having already accounted for Kerry and Mayo on their travels, Pat Gilroy’s Dublin came unstuck in Páirc Uí Rinn on Saturday night as they were dispatched 2-13 to 2-6 by Cork.

Arsenal back on top

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 22:18:51 GMT

Arsenal 2 West Ham 0:Arsenal showed the spirit of champions to overcome the dismissal of defender Thomas Vermaelen as they battled back to the top of the Premier League with victory over struggling West Ham.

Defeat hard to take for O'Connell

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 21:00:52 GMT

Ireland v Scotland reaction:Paul O’Connell admitted Ireland had endured an anti-climatic ending to their Six Nations in the wake of today’s disappointing defeat at the hands of Scotland.

Oosthuizen surges clear in Morocco

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 19:57:40 GMT

Golf – European Tour:South African Louis Oosthuizen is primed to end a seven-year wait for a maiden European Tour win after storming two strokes clear of the field in the Hassan II Trophy third round.

Keane on target again for Celtic

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 19:41:56 GMT

Scottish Premier League round-up:Robbie Keane kept up his impressive scoring rate for Celtic as his second-half penalty helped the Parkhead men to a 3-0 victory over St Johnstone.

Spurs remain the ones to catch

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 19:41:56 GMT

Premier League round-up:Tottenham boosted their chances of playing Champions League football next season, moving four points clear in the chase for fourth place in the Premier League with a 2-1 win at Stoke.

Scotland refuse to buckle

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 19:09:57 GMT

Ireland 20 Scotland 23:Ireland’s Triple Crown dream turned into a nightmare as Scotland eked out a victory, forged by bravery, character, an excellent rucking game, an ability to take their chances and also availing of Ireland’s unusual largesse on a fraught evening in Dublin for the home side.

Wales come good against Italy

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 16:47:32 GMT

Wales 33 Italy 10:Wales swept Italy aside to finish their Six Nations campaign in the emphatic fashion coach Warren Gatland had demanded. James Hook’s quickfire try double, a Shane Williams touchdown and 18 points from the boot of Stephen Jones accounted for the visitors.

Carew denies Wolves a famous win

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 15:08:01 GMT

Aston Villa 2 Wolverhampton Wanderers 2:John Carew salvaged a point for Champions League-chasing Aston Villa after Mick McCarthy’s side had threatened to pull of a shock win in the derby meeting at Villa Park.

Harrington stays ahead of the pack

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 14:34:18 GMT

Golf - PGA Tour:Padraig Harrington will take a one shot into today’s third round of the Transitions Championship after the chasing pack failed to catch the Dubliner last night. Four behind after his opening 69 at the Copperhead course in Palm Harbor, Harrington produced a six-under-par 65, his low round of the year, for an eight under total.

Harrington sets the target

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 20:02:14 GMT

Golf - PGA Tour: Saturday may be considered ‘moving day’ on the pro circuit but, dispensing somewhat with tradition, Padraig Harrington made his move 24 hours early at the Transitions Championship in Florida. Carding his lowest round of the year, Harrington set the clubhouse target at Palm Harbor after reaching eight under at the halfway stage.

Davies hits the front in Morocco

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 20:02:14 GMT

Golf - European Tour: Peter Lawrie improved three shots to nine under at the Hassan Trophy in Morocco but slipped down the leaderboard as Welshman Rhys Davies took control. At 13 under, Davies leads by two from Thomas Levet, Ignacio Garrido and Louis Oosthuizen.

Borthwick ruled out for England

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 20:02:14 GMT

Rugby: Lewis Moody will captain England against France tomorrow night after Steve Borthwick was ruled out with a knee injury. Borthwick aggravated a long-standing problem in his left knee last weekend and has failed to recover in time.

Steinbeck unlikely to make Newmarket

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 20:02:14 GMT

Racing: Steinbeck has suffered a setback and will “probably miss” the English 2000 Guineas. The colt, trained by Aidan O’Brien, has been a leading fancy for the Classic at Newmarket in May at around 10-1.

Walsh Stars in second Festival win

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 20:02:14 GMT

Cheltenham round-up: Katie Walsh landed her second success of the Cheltenham Festival when steering home Thousand Stars to victory in the Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle.

Arsenal get tough draw against Barca

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 20:02:14 GMT

Soccer - Champions League: Manchester United were drawn against Bayern Munich in a repeat of the 1999 final, while Arsenal will take on holders and favourites Barcelona in a repeat of the 2006 showpiece after the Champions League quarter-final and semi-final draws were made in Nyon today.

Griffin ruled out for Dublin

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 20:02:14 GMT

GAA – Team news: Pat Gilroy today named his Dublin side to take on Cork in tomorrow night’s Allianz NFL Division One game against Cork at Páirc Uí Rinn, and as expected Paul Griffin has been ruled out.

Giggs fit to start but Defoe ruled out

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 20:02:14 GMT

Soccer: Ryan Giggs returns to the Manchester United squad for Sunday’s Premier League showdown with Liverpool at Old Trafford, while Tottenham's Jermaine Defoe is ruled out for a "few weeks"..

Redknapp insists Keane will return to Spurs

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 20:02:14 GMT

Soccer: Harry Redknapp insists there is “no way” he will let Celtic keep Robbie Keane beyond his current loan deal.

Harrington four off lead in Tampa

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 20:02:14 GMT

Golf: Pádraig Harrington dashed back to Tampa after attending a St. Patrick's Day party at the White House to shoot a two-under 69 in the opening round of the Transitions Championship where American Garrett Willis leads after carding a 65.

Hodgson hoists Fulham to new heights

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 20:02:14 GMT

UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE - Fulham 4 Juventus 1 (Fulham win 5-4 on agg): THERE CANNOT have been a greater day in the history of Fulham. This triumph, after being 4-1 down on aggregate, will stand as a monument to Roy Hodgson’s profound work at the club. The manager will shy away from such a suggestion, preferring to consider the days to come, particularly those in the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

Leinster are patchy but resolute

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 20:02:14 GMT

MAGNERS LEAGUE: Leinster 20 Glasgow 14: BY THE end of last night’s Magners League clash Leinster’s team contained several academy players and the fact they finished on the right side of the scoreline will allow a certain mitigation when coach Michael Cheika reflects on a very patchy performance.

Cheika signs three-year Stade deal

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 20:02:13 GMT

Rugby: Leinster coach Michael Cheika has signed a three-year deal to become director of rugby at Stade Francais, the French club confirmed today. The Australian will join the Parisian outfit at the end of the season, bringing to an end his five-year stint with European champions Leinster.

Commander steals Cheltenham thunder

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 20:02:12 GMT

Cheltenham Gold Cup: Imperial Commander, ridden by Paddy Brennan, was the surprise winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup after holding-off the challenges of Denman coming down the stretch. Odds-on favourite Kauto Star never travelled well after an early mistake before coming to grief four from home.

D'Arcy to start against Scotland

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 20:02:12 GMT

Six Nations: Gordon D'Arcy has been cleared to start for Ireland's Six Nations finale with Scotland at Croke Park tomorrow (5pm). The Leinster centre sustained heavy bruising above his left knee last week and was considered a doubt.

Premier League team news and statistics

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:06:14 GMT

All the latest team news ahead of this weekend’s Premier League fixtures.

Liverpool drawn against Benfica

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:07:36 GMT

Soccer - Europa League: Liverpool have been drawn against Benfica while Fulham will take on Wolfsburg in the quarter-finals of the Europa League after the draw was made in Nyon today.

Kauto Star looks unassailable

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:57:35 GMT

Cheltenham: EXCUSES ARE rare when it comes to the true sporting greats and they should certainly be surplus to requirements in today’s Cheltenham Gold Cup if Kauto Star hits overdrive.

Liverpool get the job done

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:42:08 GMT

Liverpool 3 Lille 0(Agg: 3-1): Liverpool kept alive their hopes of silverware this season with a 3-0 victory over Lille at Anfield to win their Europa League last-16 tie 3-1 on aggregate. Steven Gerrard’s ninth-minute penalty gave them the ideal start and Fernando Torres then struck twice in the second half.

Harrington finishes with a flourish

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:42:08 GMT

Golf – PGA Tour:Padraig Harrington was the model of consistency in the opening stages of the Transitions Championship at Palm Harbor on Florida’s west coast.

Munster back in the thick of things

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:26:36 GMT

Munster 23 Scarlets 17:A second-string Munster, shorn of their Irish international contingent, moved into a play-off berth in the Magners League with a diligent performance against the Scarlets at Musgrave Park.

Leinster move further clear

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:26:36 GMT

Leinster 20 Glasgow 14:A brace of first-half tries helped Leinster extend their lead at the top of the Magners League with victory over former leaders Glasgow. Fergus McFadden continued his fine run of form and amassed 15 points with a try, two conversions and two penalties.

Mallett forced to shuffle pack

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:07:31 GMT

Rugby:Italy coach Nick Mallett has been forced to amend his starting line-up ahead of Saturday's closing Six Nations match in Wales.

Old Lady down and out in London

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:34:00 GMT

Fulham 4 Juventus 1(Agg: 5-4): Clint Dempsey’s late winner sealed Fulham’s place in the last eight of the Europa League in an incredible win over Italian giants Juventus at Craven Cottage. Dempsey’s clever chip past Antonio Chimenti sealed an historic 5-4 aggregate win for the Cottagers.

D'Arcy expected to face Scotland

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:53:26 GMT

Six Nations:Declan Kidney will wait until tomorrow afternoon before making a final decision on Gordon D’Arcy’s inclusion against Scotland. D’Arcy came through a training session this afternoon unscathed and is expected to be fit for the Six Nations match at Croke Park.

De Luca wary of Irish midfield

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:21:17 GMT

Rugby:Nick De Luca left Riki Flutey and Mathew Tait dazed and confused last weekend but the Scotland centre admits trying to do the same to Brian O’Driscoll and Gordon D’Arcy may be his biggest ever challenge.

Lawrie hot on the heels of Dougherty

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:48:54 GMT

Golf - European Tour:Peter Lawrie will need to shrug off any lingering concerns over a new driver tomorrow if he is to maintain a fine start to the Hassan Trophy in Morocco. The Dubliner lies just one shot off Nick Dougherty’s lead after opening with a six under par 66 despite using his driver sparingly.

Big Buck's on the money for Walsh

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:48:54 GMT

Cheltenham Festival:Big Buck’s cemented his position as the top staying hurdler in the business as he achieved back-to-back victories in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle. Paul Nicholls’ charge had dug deep to see off Punchestowns in the three-mile contest last year, but barely had to hit top gear this time as he strolled away with the Grade One feature.

Russel has confidence in Carlito's way

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:00:34 GMT

Cheltenham Triumph Hurdle:Davy Russell will not be worrying about any of his rivals as he gets the leg up on Carlito Brigante in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham on Friday.

Kauto Star 'lethal', says Nicholls

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:12:31 GMT

Cheltenham Gold Cup:Paul Nicholls has labelled Kauto Star “lethal” as Clive Smith’s 10-year-old bids to cement his place among the National Hunt legends in Friday's totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Giggs determined to make amends

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:21:14 GMT

Ryan Giggs has admitted Manchester United are determined to make amends for their home humbling at the hands of Liverpool last season.

Terry to visit injured party after car accident

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:17:02 GMT

John Terry is expected to visit the security guard who was injured when the Chelsea captain's car hit him on Tuesday.

Riera scathing in Benitez appraisal

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:45:02 GMT

Albert Riera has voiced his frustration at his situation at Liverpool and claimed there is no dialogue between the players and the manager. The Spain international also likened Liverpool to a "sinking ship" and revealed he has had offers from two Russian teams as he contemplates his future.

Messi pulls the strings for Barca

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:02:28 GMT

Soccer – Champions League:Lionel Messi scored two goals and helped create another as holders Barcelona thumped VfB Stuttgart 4-0 to reach the Champions League quarter-finals 5-1 on aggregate tonight. Bordeaux also booked their place in the last eight with a win over Olympiakos.

Keatley wins the battle for Connacht

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:02:28 GMT

Connacht 16 Newport Gwent Dragons 3:Connacht's Ian Keatley won the outhalf battle as the western province picked up a much-needed win over Newport Gwent Dragons at the Sportsground tonight.

Bowe in line for Six Nations player award

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:32:09 GMT

Six Nations:Ireland’s Tommy Bowe has been shortlisted as one of six players competing for the accolade of Six Nations Player of the Championship to be decided through a fan’s vote.

Walsh claims top hand onboard Poker

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:32:09 GMT

Cheltenham Review:Poker De Sivola, trained by Ferdy Murphy and ridden by Katie Walsh, showed bags of stamina to claim the 140th Year of the National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup - the opening race on day two of the Cheltenham Festival.

St Gall's crowned club champions

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:15:57 GMT

St Gall's 0-13 Kilmurry-Ibrickane 1-05:St Gall's were crowned All-Ireland Club Senior Football Champions after their 0-13 to 1-05 victory over Kilmurry-Ibrickane at Croke Park this afternoon.

Olazabal ruled out of the Masters

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:15:57 GMT

Golf:Next month’s Masters will have Tiger Woods, but it will not have Jose Maria Olazabal. The 1994 and 1999 Augusta champion - Europe’s last winner – is again suffering from rheumatism and will be pulling out of the tournament this week.

Brave Canning can't deny Ballyhale

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:15:57 GMT

All-Ireland club SHC final; Portumna 0-17 Ballyhale Shamrocks 1-19:Ballyhale Shamrocks denied Portumna a third All-Ireland club hurling championship on the trot today, despite a 12-point haul from Galway star Joe Canning at Croke Park.

Zebo and Griffin in for under-20 tilt

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:15:57 GMT

Six Nations:Allen Clarke has made two changes to his Irish under-20s side as ahead of their championship defining Six Nations game against Scotland at Dubarry Park in Athlone (7.35pm).

Scotland unchanged for Ireland finale

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:15:57 GMT

Six Nations:Scotland coach Andy Robinson has named an unchanged starting XV ahead of Saturday's final Six Nations match against Ireland at Croke Park (5pm).

McGahan makes eight changes

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:15:57 GMT

Magners League team news:Munster coach Tony McGahan has been forced into eight changes from the side that lost to the Dragons at Rodney Parade ahead of Thursday’s meeting with Scarlets at Musgrave Park (7.35pm).

Nicholls unsure about Big character

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:15:57 GMT

Cheltenham World Hurdle:Bookmakers do not believe he can be turned over, but trainer Paul Nicholls and owner Andy Stewart have sounded a note of caution over the chance of Big Buck's landing a second victory in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at Cheltenham on Thursday.

Big Zeb dethrones Master Minded

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:15:56 GMT

Cheltenham:Big Zeb laid to rest his jumping demons with a flawless performance in the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase with strong favourite Master Minded well beaten into fourth on day two of the Cheltenham Festival.

Drogba rues bad night all round

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:02:45 GMT

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba does not believe he deserved to be sent off against Inter Milan but was more disappointed with the result. The Blues bowed out of the Champions League last night after going down 3-1 on aggregate to the Italian side, managed by former Blues boss Jose Mourinho.

Dowie relishing Hull challenge

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:02:45 GMT

New Hull manager Iain Dowie says he is relishing the challenge of keeping the club in the Premier League after being appointed the new Tigers boss following the departure of Phil Brown.

Wilkinson dropped by Johnson

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:58:44 GMT

Jonny Wilkinson has been dropped by England for only the third time in his 12-year international career. Toby Flood will start at outhalf against Grand Slam-chasing France on Saturday night after Martin Johnson made six changes to the side which drew 15-15 with Scotland.

Jackman calls for forward momentum

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:39:10 GMT

Stand-in Leinster captain Bernard Jackman has called for the European champions to "push on" against Glasgow on Thursday after last week’s win over Cardiff left them top of the table with at least a game in hand on those in the chasing pack.

Pompey hit with points deduction

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:39:10 GMT

The Premier League have confirmed a nine-point deduction for Portsmouth to take place "with immediate effect". The League's board met this morning to impose the sanction after HM Revenue and Customs yesterday dropped their challenge to the club going into administration.

Master Minded to show his class

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:46:49 GMT

CHAMPION CHASE PREVIEW:MASTER MINDED is following a path that only one horse has ever gone down before in today’s Queen Mother Champion Chase and it’s hard to argue against his chances of bringing off a rare hat-trick.

Bohemians come back from the brink

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:26:59 GMT

UCD 1-2 Bohemians:Bohemians came back from the brink with two late goals from Jason Byrne and Raffaele Cretaro to deny UCD in their Premier Division game at Belfield tonight.

Milner keeps Villa on track

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:26:59 GMT

Mourinho has final say at the Bridge

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:55:12 GMT

Chelsea 0 Inter Milan 1 (Milan win 3-1 on aggregate):Jose Mourinho worked his magic once more after his Inter Milan side arrived at Stamford Bridge to deny his former employers a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Armitage dropped for French test

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:55:12 GMT

Six Nations:Delon Armitage was tonight dropped for England’s Six Nations clash with Grand Slam-chasing France which clears the way for Ben Foden to make his first Test start at fullback.

Beckham buoyed by successful surgery

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:55:12 GMT

Soccer:David Beckham has revealed he is "feeling positive" following surgery on his Achilles tendon.

Gerrard escapes FA punishment once more

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:55:12 GMT

Soccer:Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard will not face action from the English FA following his clash with Portsmouth midfielder Michael Brown.

Binocular bounces back to top form

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:55:12 GMT

Cheltenham:Binocular bounced right back to his brilliant best with a devastating display in the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham. The six-year-old was narrowly beaten into third when sent off favourite 12 months ago but had failed to rediscover his best form in three starts earlier this season and had been ruled out of the race in February.

Woods to make return at the Masters

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:55:12 GMT

Golf:World number one Tiger Woods will make his long-awaited comeback at next month’s Masters. The news comes just 25 days after the 34-year-old said he might not play this year but has instead confirmed he will tee it up at Augusta National in Georgia from April 8th-11th.

Bradley makes five changes

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:55:12 GMT

Rugby – Team News:Connacht coach Michael Bradley has made five changes from the side which played Glasgow for the St Patrick's Day Magners League clash against Newport Gwent Dragons at the Sportsground (6.30pm).

Prydie set for Welsh record

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:55:12 GMT

Six Nations – Team News:Ospreys teenager Tom Prydie has won a shock call-up to the Wales team for Saturday's Six Nations finale against Italy in Cardiff.

Bastareaud returns for France

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:55:12 GMT

France v England:France coach Marc Lievremont has made just one change to his side to face England on Saturday with Mathieu Bastareaud returning at centre in place of David Marty.

Three Irish winners on opening day

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:55:12 GMT

Cheltenham Review:On a day of improbable comebacks Sizing Europe shook off the memory of Champion Hurdle disappointment two years ago with an impressive win in the Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival.

Swann steadies English nerves

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:55:12 GMT

Cricket:Graeme Swann spun England to a comprehensive 181-run victory in the first Test against Bangladesh, but not before the tourists were made to sweat during a wicketless opening session in Chittagong.