Issue 4, 27th November 1995: SPORTING ROUNDUP
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Sport

SPORT

Bringing you the best of British sporting news.

By Charles Hirst.


Football, Rugby, Cricket, Motor Racing, Others, Back Issues, Top Sporting Links.

Football

Match Reports
Fixtures and Results
Premiership League Table
Latest News

Match Reports

Arsenal Draw a Blank(27/11/95)
Forest Maintain English Interest in Europe(22/11/95)
England Rediscover Goal Scring Touch(16/11/95)


Arsenal Draw a Blank With Blackburn(27/11/95)

A dreary afternoon at Highbury, saw no relief provided by the football, as Arsenal drew a blank with last seasons champions, Blackburn. Billed as a crucial clash for both parties, it appeared that they had missed out on the hype, as both teams looked content to sit back and accept the draw.

Arsenal were forced to reshape their over defensive formation, when Martin Keown took a knock mid way through the first half and failed to run it off. He was replaced by Glen Helder, who immediatley brought life to the game, lighting up the left flank with his deft touches and electric pace.

Few chances were made, but Blackburn had a great effort blocked by Dixon, who slid in to deny Newell on the line. Paul Merson cracked a 25 yarder, which Flowers did well to push round his left upright.

Match referee, Graham Poll, inflicted the crowd to a dreadful stop - start regime, blowing his whistle it seemed almost at random. He booked a total of seven players, in a game that was never over aggresive.

The second half brought a little more entertainment, with Merson becoming fully deployed in his typical roving role. Blackburn's defence, however, held firm under the leadership of Colin Hendry. Platt and Hartson both had good efforts saved by Flowers as Arsenal put their foot down on the pressure pedal. The Gunners won a total of 9 corners to Blackburn's 1, but Blackburn perhaps had the best chance of the game.

Le Saux took a free kick from just outside the area, Shearer headed back across the goal for Newell to head goalbound. Seaman made an acrobatic save to keep Arsenal in the game.

The point secured from the draw, takes Arsenal one point clear of Aston Villa, into third place. Ahead of them are Man Utd, who have a game in hand and Newcastle, who are currently six points clear at the top.

Forest Maintain English Interest in Europe(22/11/95)

Notts Forest 1 Lyon 0

The City Ground in Nottingham, sang to the chorus of "There's only one team in Europe", as they celebrated a dramatic victory for Forest over Lyon.

Frank Clarke's team overcame the well drilled Lyon side, who contained Forest for most of the game. The last ten minutes, however, belonged to Forest as they brought the game to a thrilling climax.

Clarke substituted his ailing strikers, Roy and Silenzo, who had been largely ineffective, for the young blood of McGregor and Howe. Both had an immediate impact on the game, showing great enthusiasm and injecting fresh pace.

Up until then, Nottingham Forest had been reduced to a handful of chances, most of them from long range. Lyon were happy to pack their midfield and occaisionally counter attack in numbers. They looked the most likely to succeed, with Maurice and Giuly looking particularly lively.

However, with the fresh input of the young substitutes, Forest were able to up their tempo and suddenly found themselves able to put Lyon under consistent pressure. The breakthrough came in the form of a penalty. McGregor shot at an empty goal, only for it to be handled of the line by Lyon defender Laville. Laville was subsequently given his marching orders and Stewart Pearce stepped up to take the penalty. He would have had his heart in his mouth as he saw Olmeta save his spot kick, but McGregor was at hand to dispatch the rebound.

The goal gives Forest a crucial lead to take into the second leg, away in Lyon.

England Rediscover Goalscoring Touch(16/11/95)

England 3 Switzerland 1

Wembley was shown a highly entertaining display by England's young crusaders against a disapointing Switzerland. Their goal touch was refound as Pearce, Stone and Sheringham all netted for England. Significantly though, Shearer again failed to hit the target.

Switzerland were outclassed by this English outfit, who had Pual Gascoigne pulling all the strings in midfield. Jamie Redknapp was replaced early in the game because of injury, but Stone, his replacement, showed sparkling form, to win man of the match.

Teddy Sheringham denied his discreditors any ammunition, by playing a very tidy role up front. He combined the midfield with Shearer well, allowing a free moving distribution between the likes of Stone and Macmannaman with Shearer. Sheringham also proved his goalscoring abilities, heading home powerfully from an excellent Steve Stone cross, to give England the lead at 2-1.

Switzerland scored first from a counter attack, after a cross-shot was claimed by Knupp. Whether he got a touch on the ball, could not be decided from the instant replay. England rallied and scored through a Stuart Pearce drive shortly before half time. Shearer did well to create the opening for Stone's first goal for England in the 80th minute to make it 3-1.


Fixtures and Results

FA Carling Premiership Results

Sunday 26th November

Arsenal 0 Blackburn 0

Saturday 25th November

Chelsea 0 Spurs 0
Coventry 3 Wimbledon 3
Everton 2 Sheff Wed 2
Man City 1 Aston Villa 0
Middlesbrough 2 Liverpool 1
Newcastle 2 Leeds 1
Southampton 1 Bolton 0
West Ham 1 QPR 0

Wednesday 22 November

Chelsea 3 Bolton 2
Coventry 0 Man Utd 4
Everton 2 QPR 0
Man City 1 Wimbledon 0
West Ham 0 Liverpool 0

Tuesday 21 November

Arsenal 4 Sheff Wed 2
Middlesbrough 0 Tottenham 1

Monday 20th November

Southampton 0 Aston Villa 1

Sunday 19th November

QPR 1 Coventry 1

Saturday 18th November

Aston Villa 1 Newcastle 1
Blackburn 7 Notts Forest 0
Bolton 0 West Ham 3
Leeds 1 Chelsea 0
Liverpool 1 Everton 2
Man Utd 4 Southampton 1
Sheff Wed 1 Man City 1
Tottenham 2 Arsenal 1
Wimbledon 0 Middlesbrough 0


FA Carling Premiership League Table

                P    W    D    L    F    A    W    D    L    F    A    Pts
Newcastle       15   8    0    0    20   4    4    2    1    13   7    38
Man Utd         14   6    1    0    17   5    4    1    2    14   8    32
Arsenal         15   5    3    0    14   6    3    1    2    7    4    28
Aston Villa     15   4    2    1    9    4    4    1    3    10   7    27
Tottenham       15   3    1    3    9    9    4    4    0    13   8    26
Middlesbrough   15   5    3    1    10   4    2    2    2    4    5    26
Liverpool       15   5    1    1    17   4    2    2    4    10   10   24
Leeds           14   5    0    2    10   7    2    3    2    10   9    24
Nottm Forest    13   4    2    0    14   6    2    4    1    9    14   24
West Ham        15   2    3    3    8    12   3    2    2    7    4    20
Chelsea         15   2    4    1    10   8    2    1    4    4    9    20
Everton         15   3    2    3    11   11   2    2    3    8    8    19
Blackburn       15   5    1    1    20   5    0    2    6    3    12   18
Southamton      15   3    2    3    9    9    1    1    5    6    16   15
Sheff Wed       15   1    2    4    4    9    2    3    3    10   11   14
Wimbledon       15   2    2    3    9    11   1    1    6    10   20   12
Man City        15   2    2    3    4    5    0    1    6    3    17   12
QPR             15   1    2    4    7    14   2    0    6    4    9    11
Coventry        15   1    3    4    8    16   0    3    4    6    16   9
Bolton          15   2    2    3    6    10   0    0    8    9    20   8

FA Carling Premiership Leading Goalscorers

L F C E O T Ferdinand (Newcastle) 15 0 3 0 0 18 Shearer (Blackburn) 13 0 5 0 0 18 Fowler (Liverpool) 11 0 2 0 0 13 Sheringham (Tottenham) 10 0 3 0 0 13 Yeboah (Leeds) 9 0 0 3 0 12 Wright (Arsenal) 7 0 4 0 0 11 Scholes (Man Utd) 7 0 2 1 0 10 Bergkamp (Arsenal) 6 0 3 0 0 9 Holdsworth (Wimbledon) 4 0 4 0 0 8 Dichio (QPR) 6 0 1 0 0 7 L=League, F=FA Cup, C=Coca Cola Cup, E=European, O=Other, T=Total.
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Latest News

Blackburn Players Bring Disgrace on England(23/11/95)

Graeme Le Saux, David Batty and Tim Sherwood were involved in a disgraceful brawl during their 3-0 defeat at the hands of Spartak Moscow. Incredibly the fight was amongst themselves, as Batty and Le Saux went to claim the same ball and ended up colliding. Le Saux preceded to rain punches at Batty, who retaliated and Sherwood piled in as an aggressive peace keeper.

Blackburn have been flying the flag for England in European competition this season, albeit at half mast, with only one point and one goal from five games. This pitch battle, on the European stage has brought another blow to British football's reputation, having only recently been allowed back into European action.

The club is expected to bring disciplinary action against the players, but a ban impeeded by the FA would not be too heavy a recompense for this unseemly affair.

Clough wants Wolves Job(15/11/95)

In a surprise announcement, Brian Clough the former Notts Forest manager, has stated his interest in the vacant Wolves position.

Clough left Forest in 1993 after a glorious career, which saw him capture the European Cup. However, he left Forest a broken man, accused of being an alcoholic and under scrutiny for irregular financial dealings. At 60 it is unlikely that Clough will be offered the post, but we may not have seen the last of him yet.

Taylor Hounded Out of Hot Seat(14/11/95)

Graeme Taylor was bayed out of his managerial position with Wolverhampton Wanderers yesterday, after an unsuccessful start to the season. The wolves had long been gathering at his door, due to his teams poor performances.

Taylor was unable to hold off the marauding pack for any longer, with Wolves lying 7th off the bottom of Division One. The season began with hopes of promotion, but frustration has ensued and Taylor has of late been a hounded man by press and fans alike.

Taylor's raport with the press has been an infamous one. His inability to deal with media attention came into stark reality during his managerial role with England. He was dogged by the tabloid papers, who branded him a "Turnip"and his poor performances infront of the cameras were confirmed in a TV documentary, following his ailing career.

Taylor's early career saw success with Watford and Aston Villa, leading both into the top flight. Sadly though, he will probably be remembered more for his more recent disastrous outings into football. His break from Wolves however, sees him leave the allotment and cruelties of football, perhaps for a more fertile allotment - where turnips can grow undisturbed.

Liverpool draw Newcastle in 4th Round Coca-Cola cup.

Liverpool have drawn Newcastle at home for a giant clash in the fourth round of the Coca-Cola cup. Arguably the two best teams in the country will meet at Anfield for what will be billed as the biggest domestic game of the season so far.

Other fascinating ties for the next round of the Coca-Cola cup include a showdown between Aston Villa and QPR, and a repeat of the 1993 final as Arsenal take on Sheff Wednesday. All eyes will be on the contest between top strikers Yeboah and Shearer when Blackburn travel to Leeds, in what will be another tough clash.

Coca-Cola Cup 4th round draw: Aston Villa v QPR, Arsenal v Sheff Wednesday, Wolves or Charlton v Coventry, Reading or Bury v Southampton, Norwich or Bradford v Bolton or Leicester, Leeds v Blackburn, Liverpool v Newcastle, Crystal Palace or Middlesbrough v Birmingham or Tranmere.

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Rugby

South Africa too Strong for England(20/11/95)

England 14 South Africa 24

The World Champions out classed England on their home turf, giving a lesson in the running game. England had promised much, but delivered little, as they were unable to cause any great threat to the strong South African defence.

Francois Piennaar put to rest any theories that he, or any of his team were only "avarage" players (as insinuated by Mike Catt), by playing a tight controlled game, not allowing England control of the ball for any significant duration. A controlled game is normally England's trade mark, but when confronted with any serious opposition, tried and trusted methods seem to evaporate in favour of reckless tactics.

The England managemaent had expressed their desire and anticipation of a new dawn to English rugby. It would involve a running game, that would be both breathtaking, and capable of dismantling the sternest opposition. This performance acheived neither.

England's tackling failed them to let in a Chester Williams try and also one from Joost van der Westhuizen. Chester Williams first try came from a defnsive mix up between Rory Underwood and Will Carling, who both hesitated, not wanting to take responsibility for what should have been a routine clearance. Whether attributing the South African scores to English mistakes makes the pain of defeat any more bearable is questionable. But at the end of the day South Africa had capitalised on some soft defensive mistakes by England.


Cricket

Latest scores from Englands tour of South Africa
First Test is Washed Out.
England Lose Test Warm Up
Malcolm's Action Gets Disapproval
Ramprakash Stakes Early Claim for England Place


Latest Scores from South Africa

Scoreboard

England vs South Africa (1st Test)


England 1st Innings

M A Atherton c Donald b Pollcock     78
A J Stewart c Matthews b Schultz      6
M R Ramprakash c Richardson b Donald  9
G P Thorpe c Richardson b Pollock    13
G A Hick lbw b Pollock              141
R A Smith b McMillan                 43
R C Russell not out                  50
D G Cork c Matthews b McMillan       13
D Gough b McMillan                    0
R K Illingworth b Donald              0
A R Fraser not out                    4
 Extras                              24

 Total  9 wkts                      381

 
 

England vs South Africa A


South Africa A - 1st Innings
Total : 490-9 dec   

Second Innings
Total : 148-4

England 1st Innings
Total : 308

Second Innings
Total : 309

Reult : South Africa A won by 6 wkts


First Test is Washed Out

After getting away to a good start in their first innings, England were forced to retreat to the pavilion and watch all their hard work pour down the drain. Heavy rain impeeded play, forcing the result of a draw.

During the first days play and on the morning of the second, Graeme Hick had guided England to safety with a marvellous 141. Hick was well supported by his captain, Michael Atherton who made 78. They shared a third wicket partnership of 142, to steady the innings after an early slump of 64 for 3.

Jack Russell played a characteristic terrier like innings on the second days play, to reach 50 not out, and Robin Smith opened his account on his return to his birthplace with a quickfire 43.

South Africa's stratergy of playing five strike fast bowlers, in an attempt to intimidate the English batsmen, came to nothing as Graeme Hick dug in alongside Mike Atherton for a crucial stand.

The Second Test against South Africa starts on Thursday 30th November.

England Lose Test Warm Up

The future does not bode well for the English test team, after suffering an humiliating defeat at the hands of South Africa A. England's last game before the test series begins, brought a result that will inflict phsycological damage to the hopes of the team.

A collapse in the batting order, that was held up only by Jack Russell's 93 and 40, will have installed little faith in the England management. The South African test team will provide superior opposition than the A team, which England succumbed to so readily.

The bowling also left little to admire, as Fraser remained the only effective option, and even he lacked any serious penetration.Malcolm and Gough, the other strike bowlers were erratic, causing little concern to the opposition.Perhaps the result will work as a short, sharp shock, which England will respond to...perhaps pigs will fly.

Malcolm's Action Brings Disapproval

England ace Devon Malcolm has been given his last chance to adjust his bowling action by the England management. Ray Illingworth has become increasingly disenchanted with the strike bowler for failing to heed the instructions of the coaching staff.

Peter Lever, England's guru bowling coach, has been working hard with Malcolm to develop his action. Lever believes the adjustments would force the batsmen to play the ball more often. But Malcolm has given no signs of responding to managements wishes, preferring to revert to his old style action.

The split of opinion virtually rules Malcolm out of any chances of claiming a Test place for Pretoria. Malcolm has called for more support from the management, but they don't look likely to give way.

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Motor Racing

McRae Powers to Rally World Crown

Colin McRae powered his Subaru to an historic victory, to clinch the World RAC Drivers Championship. In doing so, McRae became Britain's first ever champion. He pipped his Subaru teammate, Carlos Sainz, to victory by 36 seconds.

McRae showed a bulldog spirit and supperb driving ability, to fight back from a puncture in the second stage. He overhauled a 1 minute 14sec defecit, as his Spanish teammate seemed to crack under the pressure. Sainz continually itterated that he couldn't drive any faster, as McRae stormed home through the muddy forests of Wales, over 28 special stages and 317 miles of treacherous terrain, to take the well deserved title.

The Scot finished with an overall total of 85 points, to Sainz's 80. The lead however would have been greater had he not been forced to accept team orders and allow Sainz to win the Spanish stage of the competition. McRae, though showed his ultimate supremacy by dominating the final meeting of the competition in Wales, being quickest on 17 of the 28 stages.

Hill Ends on a High(14/11/95)

The last race of the season ended in a noble victory for Damon Hill. Having suffered serious media critisism and scrutiny of late, Hill preferred not to counter attack the press, after his victory in Adellade.

"It's too easy mate" he said in an aussie twang, after seeing all his main rivals drop away from contention in a race packed with incident. Hill started from pole, but was beaten to the first corner by Coulthard, his team mate. Both the Ferraris squeezed past Schumacher from the start, but they could not hold him up for long, as he battled back to retake third spot.

The race seemed to be be running along innocuously enough, with little incident, until Coulthard dramatically hit the pit wall. This set a precedence for all but eight of the cars to drop out. Significantly, Alesi hit Schummacher to end both their races and Berger's engine blew. This left Hill to race away, pulling two laps ahead of the rest of the field. Irvine, Herbert, Frentzen and Barrichello all failed to finish, having moved into second, leaving Olivier Panis to pick up his equal best finish in his carreer.

Mikka Hakkinen who was involved in a serious accident, during qualifying, was said to be recovering in hospital from major concusion.

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Others

TransAtlantic Race Brings New Dimension to Windsurfing.(17/11/95)

There is a revolution brewing in the world of windsurfing. The most gruelling of all races has been planned to reshape the image of what was once the fastest growing sport in the UK. An International TransAtlantic competition is set to place the flagging sport back in the forefront of the world stage.

The event, which has interested major television rites, has been set for July 1997 and is expected to attract the worlds leading competitors. The race will be staged over a series of legs, using a tagging system between team mates. Each team will consist of two competitors, representing their country. The partnerships are likely to be formed between a high wind specialist and an endurance, light wind expert.

In an exclusive interview with race organiser, Miles Sutherland Pilch, he expressed his anticipation of the big event.
"I'm very excited. It should produce the greateast endurance test possible for those who enter."

Pilch is well qualified to know about endurance, having been missing in the Atlantic for three days, during high seas. He was presumed dead, but incredibly survived adrift in his dingy. He refused to be drawn into the subject however, preffering to talk about the safety measures for the race.
"We're negotiating a high speed 160ft US Naval vessel providing the backbone of the coordination. A large ice breaker will be at hand, as the mothership, with full accomodation for the competitors. There is a helicopter also covering the event with a fully trained rescue team."

The event is certain to raise the profile of windsurfing, both nationally and world wide. If you think it's hard work surfing the net, imagine 17 days endurance on the Atlantic!

For further information on the event, the race organisers can be reached at tel: 0171 924 7748, fax: 0171 924 6617


Top Sporting Links Around the WWW

Try some of these links for the best sporting action around the Web.

Soccer Virtual Library: has links to every football page on the web.
Coopers & Lybrand Ratings of Test Cricketers
Formula One Grand Prix Page
1996 Olympics Home Page
WWW Rugby Server
The Electronic Telegraph


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