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Wanderers win, march into second

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 09 Februari 2013 | 20.47

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Scorer ... Youssouf Hersi celebrates with the crowd. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

Western Sydney Wanderers' dream debut A-League season continued as they climbed to second spot with a 2-1 win over Newcastle on Saturday night at Campbelltown Stadium.

Youssouf Hersi and Mark Bridge scored in either half as the Wanderers registered their fifth-straight win, the best streak of any team this season.

The win in front of 10,589 fans lifted the newcomers two points above Melbourne Victory, with the sides to meet at AAMI Park next Saturday.

P W D L GD Pts
1 Central Coast 20 12 6 2 22 42
2 Western Sydney 20 12 2 6 11 38
3 Victory 20 11 3 6 3 36
4 Adelaide 20 11 2 7 3 35
5 Heart 20 7 3 10 -1 24
6 Newcastle 20 6 5 9 -9 23
7 Brisbane 19 6 3 10 -1 21
8 Sydney 19 6 3 10 -9 21
9 Wellington 20 5 5 10 -15 20
10 Perth 20 5 4 11 -4 19

The Wanderers trail leaders Central Coast by four points.

"It was a crucial three points and I thought it was a very good performance,'' Popovic said.

"You've got to give credit to the opposition ... you come away to a place like this and you've got that kind of noise - you lift and they lifted today, Newcastle.

"I'm still very pleased with the performance and we continue our great run.''

A change away from their regular home base at Parramatta did little to halt Western Sydney's momentum, though they were made to work hard by the Jets.

The visitors had the best early chance when they hit the post in the 18th minute.

Sam Gallaway set up the opportunity with a brilliant piece of skill out wide and Emile Heskey looked certain to score only for Nikolai Topor-Stanley to deflect his close-range shot on to the crossbar.

Hersi also squandered an excellent chance in the 25 minute, shooting straight at Mark Birighitti after breaking on goal.

The Wanderers mounted pressure in attack but couldn't finish a brilliant team move when Bridge was denied by Birighitti's outstretched foot in the 38th minute.

But Western Sydney were finally rewarded for their dominance just before halftime however when Hersi made the breakthrough.

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The Jets failed to clear a Shinji Ono free-kick and Hersi's shot rebounded off Birighitti and dropped just inside the goal.

The visitors muscled their way into the game in the second half, but there were few genuine chances for either side until the late stages.

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Tony Popovic withdrew Hersi and Ono but Bridge provided the spark to put the home side up 2-0 in the 83rd minute.

The striker collected the ball from Jerome Polenz and showed great strength to hold off the challenge of Josh Mitchell and finish brilliantly from a tight angle.

Jets captain Ruben Zadkovich ensured some nervous moments when he scored from outside the box in stoppage time.

There was a heated exchange as Heskey and Ryan Griffiths fought with Ante Covic to get a quick restart but the Jets ran out of time.

Jets coach Gary van Egmond said the performance was reflective of the club's season.

"I'm not going to say it was fantastic, but it was OK,'' he said.

"I thought overall we were more in control of the game but lacking the killer punch in the front third.''

Popovic said it was important his team continued their good form at the business end of the season.

"We've won five in a row and we're second on merit,'' Popovic said.

"Twenty games in, obviously we deserve to be there but there's some big games coming up now and it can change quite quickly.''


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Victoria pull off miracle win

Hero ... John Hastings proved to be the match-winner for Victoria. Source: Simon Cross / News Limited

A stunning late batting assault by John Hastings delivered Victoria a two-wicket win against South Australia on Saturday and a spot in the domestic one-day final.

Chasing 256, the Bushrangers appeared doomed until Hastings smacked 69 not out from 57 balls to steal victory at Adelaide Oval.

Despite Redbacks' quick Kane Richardson making a triumphant return with five wickets, Victoria won with three balls to spare.

ODD - Adelaide Oval

9 February 2013 - Day 1, Session 2

Victoria 1st Innings

J. Hastings 69 57 6 3 121.05
D. Pattinson 16 16 0 1 100
D. Christian 11.2 0 56 0 4.94

Victoria's triumph takes them to 23 points and they can finish no lower than second after the tournament's minor round.

SA, with 18 points and two games remaining, are favoured to take the other berth in the February 27 playoff.

Queensland (15 points) and Western Australia (14 points) remain chances but both have just one match left.

Hastings' heroics came after Victoria stumbled to 4-60 in their chase before David Hussey (87) raised the visitors' hopes.

But when Hussey fell in the 40th over, Victoria were still 69 runs shy of their target.

"To get one over them like that tonight was pretty good - pretty special,'' he said.

Hastings smashed six fours and three sixes in a match-winning display which overshadowed Redback quick Richardson's superb bowling.

Richardson had not played top-line cricket since being banned from further bowling for running on the pitch during his Australian limited-overs debut last month.

But intensive remedial work on his bowling stride paid instant rewards with 5-61 from 13 overs.

"It has been a tough three weeks ... I felt like tonight it was all good and they came out well,'' he said.

"To bowl 13 overs and not get a warning is a good sign so, going forward, it shouldn't be an issue.''

Earlier, SA strokeplayer Callum Ferguson struck 110 and Michael Klinger made 87, as Victorian legspinner Fawad Ahmed made an eye-catching debut.

The Pakistani-born tweaker took 3-47 and earned rave reviews from Australian legend Allan Border and Tom Moody, both television commentators calling for Ahmed to be considered as a late addition to Australia's tour of India.

But Ahmed, who fled Pakistan fearing for his life for supposedly promoting western values and was granted asylum last November, is ineligible for Australia until next November.


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Returning Tariq inspires Cowboys

Solid return ... Tariq Sims had a strong game in the Cowboys' trial win. Source: Colin Whelan / AAP

Nine months of frustration are finally over for Tariq Sims after the blockbusting forward helped inspire the North Queensland Cowboys' come-from-behind 28-24 NRL trial win over the Brisbane Broncos in Mount Isa on Saturday.

Teammate Robert Lui was also rewarded for his patience, playing his first match for North Queensland since last year's opening round.

Sims relished the run against the Broncos in the Queensland outpost in his first hit-out since suffering an horrific double lower-leg fracture in round 11 last year.

It was identical to the freak fracture Sims suffered in 2011.

Sims tried to make up for lost time on Saturday in three damaging bursts, sparking a Cowboys outfit that scored four tries to one to over-run a 20-6 halftime deficit.


Will Tariq Sims make your NRL SuperCoach team? Register now for your shot at $30,000 and weekly prizes.


The matchwinner came in the dying minutes when prop Ricky Thorby stormed over after a smart dummy half play by Blake Leary.

Lui also did his best to exorcise his demons with a return to remember.

The former Wests Tigers star ended a long exile stemming from a domestic assault charge.

Lui was sacked by Wests Tigers after being charged with assaulting his partner following a Mad Monday drinking session in 2011.

He was stood down by the NRL last year after pleading guilty to the offence in court.

Lui is now vying for the halfback jersey at North Queensland with incumbent No.7 Michael Morgan who put in a stirring effort as stand-in captain.

The highlight was a solo try on quarter-time from a clever chip and chase.

Coach Neil Henry is expected to run the rule over Lui and Morgan again in their next trial against the Dragons at Cairns next weekend.


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Cavalry ride away with ABL title

Michael Wells blasted the deciding run out of the ballpark to earn the Canberra Cavalry the title of Australian Baseball League champions on Saturday night.

Canberra beat Perth Heat 7-6 in game two to ensure the Claxton Shield will reside in the ACT for the first time in the national title's 78-year history.

Glory ... The Claxton Shield. Source: News Limited

The top-seeded Cavalry swept the two-time reigning champion 2-0, having won the opening game of the final series 6-4.

Canberra first baseman Aaron Sloan was named MVP of the series, hitting .625 and scoring three runs on the weekend.

The home side used five pitchers on Saturday night, with Brodie Downs earning the win after pitching 1.1 innings of scoreless relief with one strikeout.

Sean Toler picked up the save for the Cavalry to record his second save of the series.

The Heat got on the board first as a result of wild pitching from Canberra's John Holdzkom and a two-run RBI single from Michael Ohlman.

The Cavalry were quick to return fire with a lead off home run from Kody Hightower to cut Perth's lead to one.

The Cavalry took advantage of a Perth error in the second to eventually score four runs on the inning and tacked on another in the third to hold a strong lead.

But Perth tied the game in the fifth and the score remained 6-6 until Wells hit a solo shot in the seventh to win in front of a sell-out and record-breaking crowd of 2,043 at Narrabundah Ballpark.


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Brumbies shine, Reds struggle

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 08 Februari 2013 | 20.47

Momentum ... The Brumbies will start the season on a high. Source: AAP

The Brumbies and Reds will go into their Super Rugby season-opening clash in very different moods after their final trial matches.

A dream return to Super Rugby looks certain for Clyde Rathbone, with the former Wallabies winger scoring two tries in the Brumbies 38-7 win over the ACT XV on Friday.

Rathbone, who retired from professional rugby in 2009, had both his trademark corner-finding speed and the slick hands of Christian Lealiifano to thank for his tries.

Coach Jake White said Lealiifano looked dangerous every time he touched the ball.

''I thought (Matt Toomua) played really well, as well,'' White said.

''He was brave, he took the ball to the line ... and that's probably why Christian was allowed to get so much movement.''

The injury-free hitout will give the Brumbies ample confidence going into next week's season opener against the Queensland Reds, however they were not pushed to their limit in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Viking Park.

The Brumbies did get an early scare when their backline bombed a certain try from 15 metres out.

ACT XV winger Stephan Van Der Walt swooped on the loose pass from Brumbies fullback Jesse Mogg and raced 85 metres to the tryline.

But the lead was shortlived and the traffic was then all one way for the Super Rugby side.

David Pocock kicked off his Canberra rugby life in style when he dived off the back of a rolling maul from close range to level the score.

Lealiifano then busted a tackle just past halfway, before drawing the fullback to send Mogg over the line in the 16th minute.

The floodgates looked to open when Rathbone scored in the 22nd minute, but the ACT XV dug in and prevented the Brumbies crossing again until after halftime, when Stephen Moore and Nic White both scored from close range.

Scott Sio made a strong bust up the middle in the 56th minute before he was brought down. But in a quick recycle of the ball, Lealiifano flicked the ball out to Rathbone who scored the final try of the night.

Coach Jake White wouldn't say whether Rathbone would start next week's match, but said he had proven he was still up to Super Rugby level.

''He's still got it,'' White said.

''I have no hesitation in, if I have to announce him, that I don't think he's good enough. It just means that him, Henry (Speight) and Joe (Tomane) have to push hard for those two wing positions.''

While in Queensland the Reds suffered their first trial loss in three years on Friday night - falling 20-8 to the Super Rugby champion Chiefs - but there were some rewards on the Sunshine Coast.

Halfback Ben Lucas and flanker Ed Quirk - sized up to fill the boots of Will Genia and Scott Higginbotham for round one - were among the most impressive players at Stockland Stadium as the Chiefs came from 8-0 down to win.

And Queensland's oft-maligned scrum were dominant for the first hour as their starting pack dictated terms in the set-piece.

But without their big three of Wallabies skipper James Horwill, general Genia and pro-boxing playmaker Quade Cooper, the Reds struggled running into the wind as the Chiefs put on a 20-point second-half burst in front of 4692 fans.

All Blacks five-eighth Aaron Cruden showed he'd lost none of his zip from 2012 and combined brilliantly with his backline while the home side were let down by poor handling under pressure.

The Reds have lost only one pre-season game under Ewen McKenzie - back in 2010 against the Western Force in Perth - and they were well in the game at 10-8 down with 10 minutes left.

But an Albert Anae mid-way fumble - one of many running into the wind - was the spark for a counter-attacking raid finished by Augustine Pulu.

Winger Aseli Tikoirotuma then sealed the result in the dying minutes.

There was no shortage of feeling between the 2011 and 2012 champions, highlighted by nasty scuffle on the ground between the team's littlest men in Ben Lucas and Aaron Cruden.

The Reds had the wind at the backs in the first half but it was their set-piece dominance which laid the foundations for an 8-0 lead at the main break.

Queensland have boasted one of the best lineouts in the competition in recent seasons but it was their scrum which led the way.

But it took the home side until the 38th minute before Liam Gill, who pick and drove for two five-pointers in last week's trial win against the Blues, crossed for the opener, again from close range.

Skipper James Slipper produced the biggest play of the first half with the last - producing a huge front-on tackle on Sam Cane to save a certain try.

Despite the loss, Slipper ended the match in laughter when told Cooper was victorious in his bout against Barry Dunnett - thanks to a first-round knockout.

''Is that a joke?'' he asked. ''That's a bit of a surprise.''


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SuperCoach Insider: The Rabbitohs

Burgess Brothers ... potentiallye big NRL SuperCoach earners. Source: Grant Trouville / AAP

One Burgess's pain is another's gain. With the eldest of South Sydney's four Burgess brothers, Luke, out for six months with a shoulder injury, the big SuperCoach winner could be brother George.

The 120kg monster - just $105,400 for SuperCoach - will be battling it out for a front row spot with Roy Asotasi, Jeff Lima, Jason Clark, Dave Tyrrell and Josh Starling.

Ironically, the other obstacle in George's way is another brother, Sam, who may push up from the back row to prop.

Sam himself will be hot SuperCoach property once again, particularly under the new attack-oriented points system, which suits his bash and crash style.

His potential partner in the back row, new recruit Ben Te'o, also looks an intriguing purchase.

Te'o averaged 58 minutes last year at Brisbane Broncos, but those figures are skewed as he played some full games away from the action at centre. The Queensland representative is eyeing 80 minutes in the back row this year as Dave Taylor's replacement.

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The departure of Petero Civoniceva creates minutes in the front row, with Scott Anderson a possibly beneficiary. He only managed five games in 2012 due to a foot injury - at an average of just 23 minutes per match.

Consequently, his $112,600 starting price is well below his worth in the past, when he was a key member of Brisbane's pack.

But with one of the best points per minute rates in the game (better than Paul Gallen), Anderson has plenty of room for improvement, if named ahead of fringe props David Hala, Jarrod Wallace and Mitchell Dodds.


Will one of the Burgess brothers make your NRL SuperCoach team? Register now for your shot at $30,000 plus weekly prizes!


Barring injury, superstar fullback Greg Inglis will be even more of a SuperCoach handful this year under the new points system. He would have averaged 80 if last year's stats were calculated via the new system (a massive 21-point increase). Inglis averaged almost eight tackle busts a game, the most in the competition.

With tackle busts to score two SuperCoach points this year, 16 of those extra 21 points (or 76 per cent) came from tackle busts.

Issac Luke is one of the best SuperCoach players of all time, but has the shadow of Nathan Peats hanging over him in 2013.

Coach Michael Maguire has publicly backed the Luke/Peats hooking combo, which could create some drama for Luke.

Luke averaged 68 minutes last year. But given Peats only stole Luke's game time for the back half of the season, his average minutes could drop below 60 this year.

Even averaging 60 minutes, Luke will be a SuperCoach force at some stage, but maybe not an initial buy. So wait for a price drop, then buy him.

The stud: George Burgess

The dud: Issac Luke


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Storm damaged in Raiders loss

Kevin Proctor ... injured in trial loss to Raiders. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

Melbourne Storm are set to pay a heavy price from Friday's 40-8 NRL trial loss to Canberra, with Kevin Proctor, Matt Duffie and Maurice Blair all picking up injuries which will probably rule them out of the upcoming World Club Challenge against Leeds.

Proctor will definitely miss the February 22 game after damaging the medial ligament in his left knee, while winger Duffie (right hamstring) and utility back Blair (cheekbone) will anxiously await the results of scans on Saturday.

It capped off a very disappointing night at Simonds Stadium for the Storm, who were thumped by a Raiders team missing six big names on All-Stars duty.

"Kevin Proctor's is a bad one, Bobby Blair with his eye socket or cheekbone (is in a) bit of trouble and Matt Duffie with his hamstring,'' said Storm assistant coach Kevin Walters.

"All those three would have expected to have been on the plane, but now they're not.

"They're injured, so we have to try to come up with some others.''

The Storm will name their WCC squad on Saturday, two days before flying to England.

Melbourne were without captain Cameron Smith and Justin O'Neill - both on duty for Saturday's All-Stars game in Brisbane - while halfback Cooper Cronk was injured.

But despite pulling out of the NRL All-Stars squad last month with an ankle injury, Billy Slater made cameos early in each half on Friday for Melbourne before being replaced at fullback by youngster Ben Hampton.

"I know we had some guys missing, but to put in a performance like that was very disappointing,'' said Walters.

"Particularly defensively, one of the strong trademarks of the Storm and today it was non-existent.

"I think most of it was down to attitude.''

The only downside from Friday's game for the impressive Raiders was a medial ligament strain to centre Jarrod Croker, last year's leading NRL points-scorer.

"We don't know the extent of the strain, whether it's a grade one or a grade two,'' said Canberra coach David Furner.

"I think he should be right for the start of the season from what I've been told.''

The Raiders were never going to be headed after scoring the first five tries of the game.

French international Dimitri Pelo scored a first-half double for the Raiders, while their other winger, Sandor Earl, also crossed twice.

Canberra's other try-scorers were Josh Dugan, Josh Papalii, Haydon Hodge and Edrick Lee.

"It is a trial and as a coach you're just pleased that the areas you've been working on during the pre-season, that you are able to implement them during games,'' said Furner.

"Having back-to-back sets, obviously you've got to use them, but it does take a fair bit of juice out of the opposition.

"In that first half we had five or six sets in a row that we were able to score points off.''

The Raiders have the biggest contingent of any NRL club on All-Stars duty, with Jake Foster, Jack Wighton, Blake Ferguson, Joel Thompson, Reece Robinson and David Shillington all set to play in Saturday night's game in Brisbane.

Melbourne's only tries were scored by Duffie and local Victorian product Richard Kennar.


Promising Wests Tigers fullback James Tedesco survived his first hitout since the knee reconstruction which ruined his rookie campaign but it was Penrith who won an NRL trial thriller 34-32 in Bathurst on Friday night.

With star pivot Lachlan Coote a late inclusion for the Panthers, halfback Blake Austin kicked the match-winning conversion after the siren from close range to end an entertaining contest.

Both sides featured a smattering of NRL regulars, but most eyes were on Tedesco, whose top-grade debut in 2012 lasted just a matter of minutes before he ruptured the ACL in the opening round.

He played the first 40 minutes at Carrington Park on Friday night before being rested.

Coote was a surprise starter for the Panthers, who also had Geoff Daniela, Jeremy Latimore, Dayne Weston and Clint Newton in the line-up.

Weston and Newton were both powerful, but the performance of former South Sydney flyer James Roberts in the centres will no doubt give hope to Penrith fans looking to life after the departure of Michael Jennings.

Roberts was dangerous throughout, setting up Coote for one try with some blinding speed before scoring what proved to be the match-winner in the final minute after the Panthers had regathered a short kick-off.


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Bennell stars in All-Stars romp

Winners ... Indigenous All-Stars teammates celebrate after a goal. Source: AAP

Gold Coast youngster Harley Bennell starred as the Indigenous All Stars crushed Richmond by 50 points in Friday night's AFL exhibition match at Alice Springs.

The Gold Coast 20-year-old was awarded the Polly Farmer Medal for his best-afield performance in the 14.6 (90) to 6.4 (40) win.

Richmond were missing many of their top players, including captain Trent Cotchin, Jack Riewoldt and Brett Deledio, and were no match for the composite indigenous team.

The All Stars were also without original captain Lance Franklin, who pulled out earlier this week with a leg injury, but they never looked in trouble.

Essendon pair Paddy Ryder and Alwyn Davey gave their troubled club some cheer with strong games and Davey's brother Aaron also was also among the All Stars' best.

Adelaide's Graham Johncock kicked three goals for the indigenous team, with Eddie Betts (Carlton) and Liam Jones (Western Bulldogs) pitching in with two apiece.

On an ugly night for the undermanned Tigers, their star onballer Dustin Martin stood out and was one of the best afield in front of more than 8000 fans.

Former Geelong ruckman Orren Stephenson, in his first game for Richmond, and Luke McGuane kicked two apiece for the Tigers.

Richmond trailed by nearly 10 goals, but the last term was the only quarter where they outscored the All Stars.

Riewoldt was already sitting out the match and, according to the AFL website, flew back to Melbourne on Friday after he became ill.

Jones was impressive early with some big marks and two of the All Stars' first three goals.

All Stars coach Michael O'Loughlin said while it was only an exhibition, the game would benefit several members of the composite team heading into the AFL season.

"They'll start the year with a lot of confidence. A lot of them were injured last year, so it's going to be great,'' he said.
O'Loughlin also heaped praise on Bennell, who is going into his third season.

"I've known Harley since he was in the AIS Academy - I was his mentor there and to see him come on, he could be one of the really good players in the AFL, a real top liner,'' O'Loughlin said.

"He's starting to realise the work rate and professionalism and dedication you need to succeed at this level and he's building a career not for one, two or three years, but to get a 10-plus year career out of it.''

Tigers coach Damien Hardwick said Vlastuin and key position player Kamdyn McIntosh were two youngsters who had impressed and he was also much happier with their second half.

"We always knew it was an exhibition type game, we were always going to try things, at various stages we put a few blokes behind the ball and then we tried it the other way,'' Hardwick said.

"It was always a game we were going to try certain situations, we had relatively young squad out there just to get them in tune with what we're trying to do going forward.

"We would have liked it to be closer on the scoreboard, there's no doubt about that, we came to win like we would always but there were some good signs in the second half when we got our game up and going a bit more.''

The undermanned Tigers were in trouble from the start and their workrate also lacked in comparison to the All Stars' hard running.

The All Stars made good use of a strong breeze and kicked five goals to one in the first term to take control.

Richmond were only down by a manageable four goals late in the second term, but Johncock kicked his two goals to give the All Stars a 36-point lead at the main break.

Tigers defender Steven Morris was set upon by several All Stars in a second-term scuffle.

Of the younger players, Hawthorn recruit Jed Anderson impressed for the All Stars and Richmond's Nick Vlastuin saw plenty of the ball in the second half.


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Top class Mariners sink Phoenix

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 07 Februari 2013 | 20.47

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Top class ... Central Coast Mariners thump Wellington Phoenix. Source: Dean Lewins / AAP

A Bernie Ibini brace helped A-League leaders Central Coast to an emphatic 5-0 win over battling Wellington on Thursday in Gosford.

Ibini scored in the 30th and 87th minutes as the Mariners ran riot to move six points clear at the head of the A-League ladder.

The in-form Ibini was ably backed up by Daniel McBreen who continued his incredible goal-scoring run, and Central Coast kept their impregnable home record record intact.

P W D L GD Pts
1 Central Coast 20 12 6 2 22 42
2 Victory 19 11 3 5 4 36
3 Western Sydney 19 11 2 6 10 35
4 Adelaide 19 10 2 7 2 32
5 Newcastle 19 6 5 8 -8 23
6 Brisbane 19 6 3 10 -1 21
7 Heart 19 6 3 10 -3 21
8 Sydney 19 6 3 10 -9 21
9 Wellington 20 5 5 10 -15 20
10 Perth 19 5 4 10 -2 19

The Mariners are two wins clear of Melbourne Victory on top of the A-League table and, with a massive goal difference of 22, are looking increasingly difficult to reel in.

Ibini's second goal, created by a superb through ball from McBreen, was followed by another from substitute Mitchell Duke on a memorable night for the home side.

McBreen, the league's leading goal-scorer, claimed his 15th of the year in the 69th minute as the Mariners extended their undefeated home record this season to 10 games - nine wins and one draw.

In the lead-up to the clash, Mariners' coach Graham Arnold challenged his side to aim for 50 premiership points, as they seek a second straight premiership, and they responded in kind.

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Re-live all the action from the Mariners big win, including video highlights, at our A-League Match Centre.


Ibini's first-half goal was added to by John Hutchinson strike in the 65th minute and a bullet header from the irrepressible McBreen from a corner in the 68th minute.

Earlier, Pedj Bojic had missed two golden chances to extend the Mariners' lead. But that mattered little as they decimated the second-last Phoenix who have little to look forward to in the final third of the season - in stark contrast to their conquerers.

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Arnold heaped praised on his side after the win.

"I thought we were very, very good," he said.

"I'm very happy - it was fantastic.

"(But) it could have been 10 ... I was disappointed with the execution over 90 minutes."

Wellington coach Ricki Herbert pulled no punches in assessing his side's effort.

"I thought we were hopeless tonight ... we were dreadful," he said.

"It was an embarrassing night for the club. It wasn't acceptable."


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Investigation finds widespread drug use

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United front ... Australia's top sporting CEOs pledged to crack down on drug cheats. Source:News Limited

The findings of a year-long government investigation which found widespread use of banned drugs in Australian professional sport and links with organised crime "are shocking and will disgust Australian fans".

What It Examined

  • The market for Performance and Image Enhancing Drugs (PIEDs)
  • The involvement of organised criminal identities and groups in the distribution of new generation PIEDs
  • The use of World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited substances by professional athletes in Australia 
  • Current threats to the integrity of professional sport in Australia.

What It Found

  • The investigation identified widespread use of prohibited substances including peptides, hormones and illicit drugs in professional sport. 
  • It also found that this use has been facilitated by sports scientists, high-performance coaches and sports staff. 
  • In some cases, players are being administered with substances that have not yet been approved for human use.
  • The ACC also identified organised crime identities and groups that are involved in the distribution of PIEDs to athletes and professional sports staff. 
  • The report concluded that some coaches, sports scientists and support staff of elite athletes have orchestrated and/or condoned the use of prohibited substances.

The Australian Crime Commission released the findings of a 12-month investigation into the integrity of Australian sport and the relationship between professional sporting bodies, prohibited substances and organised crime.

It said the links may have resulted in match-fixing and fraudulent manipulation of betting markets.

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The key findings of the investigation identified widespread use of prohibited substances including peptides, hormones and illicit drugs in professional sport.

It said that in some cases players were being administered with substances that have not yet been approved for human use.


Looking for a simplified version of the ACC's report? Check it out here!


Justice Minister Jason Clare said one possible case of match-fixing was already under investigation, though he did not identify the sport.

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"The findings are shocking and will disgust Australian sports fans," Clare said.

The ACC also identified organised crime identities and groups that are involved in the distribution of PIEDS (Performance and Image Enhancing Drugs), to athletes and professional sports stars.

The ACC report noted increasing evidence of personal relationships of concern between professional athletes and organised criminal identities and groups.

"The ACC has found that professional sport in Australia is highly vulnerable to infiltration by organised crime. Multiple athletes from a number of clubs in major Australian sporting codes are suspected of currently using or having used peptides," Clare said.

"Official from clubs have also been identified as administering, via injections and intravenous drips, a variety of substances."

Clare added: "It's cheating, but it's worse than that: it's cheating with the help of criminals."

Sports Minister Kate Lundy said revelations from international cycling showed that doping could be well organised and systemic and conducted in parallel with a comprehensive testing regime.

"With doping becoming increasingly sophisticated, it is less likely that anti-doping violations will be detected through analytical means alone," she said.

The National Rugby League CEO Dave Smith said rugby league would be strong in meeting emerging threats in world sport.

"As sports we have to get this right and we will," Smith said.

"We are committed to working with ASADA and the Government in dealing with these threats and in addition to that will strengthen our own investigative capability.

"Regardless of the outcome of those investigations, there is an opportunity here to take the initiative in terms of the integrity of sport.

"Our fans and the absolute majority of our players deserve nothing less."

Federal sports minister Kate Lundy said the government was moving to introduce tough new measures to crack down on the use of banned drugs and unethical behaviour in sport.

"Today is about the integrity of sport in Australia," Lundy said.

"If you want to dope and cheat, we will catch you. If you want to fix a match, we will catch you.

"And as you can see by the investigations that have taken place, that we are well on the way to seeking out and hunting down those who will dope and cheat."

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou said he doesn't know how many individual clubs are involved in the potentially illegal drug use.

"But everybody here is very clear about the rules we operate under," he said.

While ARU boss Bill Pulver said: "While being quite proud of our record it would be naive of the ARU to think this is not an issue that spans all Australian sports."

The report concluded that some coaches, sports scientists and support staff of elite athletes have orchestrated and/or condoned the use of prohibited substances.

Some sports scientists have indicated a willingness to administer substances to elite athletes which are untested or not yet approved for human use.


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SBW ready for familiar foe

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Familiar ... Sonny Bill Williams knows a lot about his opponent thanks to YouTube. Source: Dan Peled / AAP

Watching YouTube footage used to be Sonny Bill Williams' only training tool when he took up boxing.

And the man who kept appearing in his search results was a certain "Francois Botha".

Now the code-hopping Williams wants to kick-start his own boxing highlights reel - with Botha as his first big-name victim.

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Williams, 27, became a big fan of South Africa's Botha - dubbed the "White Buffalo" - when he took the unorthodox step of preparing for his first three pro fights by surfing through YouTube for hours.

These days, ex-All Black Williams takes his boxing a lot more seriously - and he had to after agreeing to take on his hero in their WBA International heavyweight title bout in Brisbane on Friday night.

"Hopefully I earn his respect but I won't be asking for an autograph," laughed Williams after weighing in at 107kg on Thursday before Botha, 44, tipped the scales at 115.25kg.


Watch Sonny Bill Williams take on Francois Botha as well as Quade Cooper's boxing debut Live and Exclusive on Main Event, from 7pm (EDT) on Friday, February 8. Order the fight now!


Williams (5-0 record) stared down Botha (48-8-3) after their weigh-in - but the Sydney Roosters NRL player already had a good look at the South African on his computer.

"When I first got into the boxing game, I watched a lot of fights on YouTube and obviously when you type in 'boxing', Frans' name comes up a lot," Williams said.

"I have seen a lot of his fights and studied him a lot. I have got a gameplan but one punch could change that."

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The quietly spoken Williams was in contrast to a boisterous Botha who took over their pre-fight media conference, even interrupting the weigh-in for Quade Cooper who will appear on Friday night's undercard.

"If he wins and bulks up, I am willing to fight him," Botha laughed, pointing to the Wallabies five-eighth.

Williams compared taking on the hulking Botha with tackling a 115kg Springbok prop.

"They breed them big over there and they just keep coming," he smiled.

"I will hit him with all I have got ... it will be a massive challenge.

"What's the worst that could happen - get knocked out? At least I tried.

"He's trying to play mind games but I have been involved in professional sport for 10 years so I know how all that works.

"I hopefully do all my talking in the ring."

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In contrast to Williams, Cooper curiously didn't bother doing any research ahead of his professional boxing debut against car crash assessment officer Barry Dunnett, who has a Muay Thai background.

"I haven't seen any of his fights and I am not going to bother watching them," Cooper said.

"I am just going to follow the gameplan that I have."

The usually reserved Cooper (87.1kg) looked like he wanted to start the fight early in an intense face to face with Dunnett (88.6kg) after their weigh-in.

But clearly Dunnett wasn't intimidated.

"He doesn't look like an overly confident person - he couldn't even show up to this on time," Dunnett said.

"I don't go back to a $100,000 rugby contract after this so I will be going out there fighting hard."


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Gayle returns Aussie Twitter-fire

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Twitter war ... Chris Gayle and the Australian cricket team. Source: Tony Ashby / AAP

Chris Gayle is public enemy No.1 after the Calypso cool-kat found himself embroiled in another Twitter war with Australia's cricket team.

The West Indies slugger took to the social media site to respond to all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, who earlier leapt to the defence of teammate James Faulkner.

Faulkner gave Gayle an obscenity laden send-off after bowling him during the third one day international.

Maxwell, who later deleted his tweet, said: "@faulknerC25 copping unfair stick for today's incident. Gayle wasn't even playing when he sprayed him in the PMs XI match! #giveandtakeit

It didn't take long for Gayle to reply.

Faulkner also took to Twitter following the match to hit out at so-called "keyboard bashers".

Gayle and Sydney Sixers 'keeper Brad Haddin were involved in a confrontational feud during the Big Bash which resumed on Twitter after the match.

Gayle has since taken down his tweet.


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Under-fire goalkeeper denies fixing

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 06 Februari 2013 | 20.47

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Dirk Kuyt ... nets the winner in a 2009 clash under investigation for match fixing. Source: Martin Rickett / AP

Goalkeeper Vukasin Poleksic has protested his innocence after Debrecen confirmed their UEFA Champions League game against Liverpool in 2009 was part of a match-fixing investigation.

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Europol announced that a Champions League game in England was one of 380 games under suspicion, and Debrecen later announced UEFA had taken action against goalkeeper Poleksic in 2010 for not reporting approaches from fixers before two European matches - against Liverpool and Fiorentina.

Poleksic is sorry that he did not go to the authorities but insists he did not try to fix any match and says his performance at Anfield proves he is not guilty.

"Anyone who watched the match would know that what people are saying is bull," Poleksic told the Daily Mail.

"We lost 1-0 at Liverpool and I played a good game. I made lots of saves: a one-on-one against Albert Riera, one from Fernando Torres, one from Steven Gerrard. I remember it all. How can anyone say I threw the game?

"The match did not seem at all odd that night. There was nothing. I was just delighted to be playing at Anfield. It was a great night for me and my club and we played well."

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Poleksic's failure to pass on information to police after being approached by fixers landed him a two-year ban, and he regrets staying quiet after being offered a bribe prior to Debrecen's 4-3 loss to Fiorentina.

"They called me a week or 10 days before the game and it made it difficult for me to play," he explained.

"I was so scared of making a mistake in case I was accused of something. I don't know who the people were who called me. I told them, "I don't do this, I'd never do this, please don't call me'.

"I don' t know where they were from but I made the mistake of not saying anything. I wasn't sure it was so serious and I had no information about the people so I didn't say anything.

"Every goalkeeper in the world makes mistakes but my big one was that I didn't call the police."

Poleksic says the match with Liverpool was one of the most special occasions he has been involved in, and is devastated to have found himself at the centre of such a scandal.

"It was the biggest match of my career," he said. "Liverpool have always been my favourite club. I love them and can't believe what people have said about me. But I know I am clean.

"At the end of the game, I swapped shirts with Pepe Reina, as I did in the return game. I still have Reina's shirt on my wall at home. I'm such a big fan of his."

Poleksic added: "I just worry that people will believe what is being said."

Read more: http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11669/8474802/Debrecen-goalkeeper-Vukasin-Poleksic-denies-match-fixing


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Watson ton sets up Aussie victory

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Big wicket ... Mitchell Starc picks up key man Dwayne Bravo at Manuka Oval. Source: Lukas Coch / AAP

Shane Watson had a "dream" return from injury as his blistering century delivered a one-day international series victory to Australia while the West Indies let another win slip through their fingers in Canberra.

The West Indies were bowled out for 290, 39 runs shy of Australia's massive total of 7-329 also helped by Phil Hughes' 86 at Manuka Oval on Wednesday.

3rd ODI - Manuka Oval

6 February 2013 - Day 1, Session 2

West Indies 1st Innings

D. Sammy 8 7 0 1 114.29
K. Roach 1 1 0 0 100
J. Faulkner 8.3 1 48 4 5.65

The win gives Australia an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-game series.

In his first innings back after a month out with a calf injury, Man-of-the-Match Watson constructed his patient century at just under a run a ball, before putting his foot down on the accelerator to finish at 122 off 111.

"I've been looking forward to that for the last four weeks, to get out there on a nice wicket and get a few runs out of the middle," Watson said.

"It's one of those days that you dream of that everything even from the first ball just feels like it's coming off the middle of your bat.

"It was a beautiful wicket out there, it was very true, so you knew if you hit through the line of the ball you had more chance of finding the middle of the bat."

The West Indies were cruising at 2-195 before Mitchell Starc (1-50) was reintroduced into the attack and knocked over Dwayne Bravo for 51.

Bravo's exit sparked a middle-order collapse as Chris Gayle's (2) lean trot with the bat continued when he was clean bowled by James Faulkner (4-48).

Faulkner then backed it up three balls later, knocking over danger man Darren Bravo for 86.

West Indies all rounder Kieron Pollard was then run out by a brilliant piece of fielding by Mitchell Johnson - leaving the tourists reeling at 6-234.

Late cameos from Andre Russell (43) and Ramnaresh Sarwan (12) weren't enough to get the West Indies across the line and the tail was soon knocked over.

Darren Bravo, who is yet to score a century in the one-day format, told reporters after the match that he believed his team had a realistic chance of chasing down the total before wickets started falling in the middle order.

"Obviously we are disappointed that we didn't come out on top but having said that I think we can keep our heads up high," he said.

"As players on the other team I think we can take a page from (Watson's) book."

The highlight of Watson's innings was a massive 114-metre six - the longest recorded this summer.

Hughes was the other batting highlight of the match, falling short of his third one-day century of the summer when he was caught behind off the bowling of captain Darren Sammy.

Aaron Finch (38) and Michael Clarke (15) both failed to capitalise on steady starts.

Million dollar man Glenn Maxwell (4) improved on Sunday's golden duck before he was caught by Pollard one handed in one of the all-time great boundary-rope catches.


Re-live the action and check out the key stats with our Match Centre.


The ball looked to be heading for a certain six before Pollard leapt up, plucked the ball out of the air, and rolled back onto the earth just centimetres from the rope.

He pulled off a similarly impressive vertical leap on the boundary just two overs later when he dismissed George Bailey, who backed up Sunday's match-winning century with 44 off just 22 balls.

Captain Michael Clarke told reporters after the match that Bailey had suffered a hamstring strain and Western Australian batsman Adam Voges had been called up to the squad to standby for the next match.

Sunil Narine returned the best bowling figures for the visitors with 2-55 off 10 overs.


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Ponting, Sachin joining forces

Legends ... Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting to join forces again. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

Ricky Ponting and Sachin Tendulkar have begun plotting the Mumbai Indians' IPL game-plan via text message.

Ponting was picked up by Tendulkar's franchise for $US400,000 ($A386,000) in the IPL auction last week.

It caused one Indian media outlet to describe the pair playing together, and possibly opening the innings, as an "unprecedented miracle''."

I sent him a message as soon as the auction was over just to say I'm looking forward to playing with him,''

Ponting told reporters after making an unbeaten 138 for Tasmania at Bellerive.

"He sent a message straight back saying the same thing.

"It will be great fun for us to play together.

"We've played a lot against each other over the years and spent a little bit of time together off the field.

"I think I can still learn a fair bit from him as well.

"Hopefully he might even learn a few things off me.''

Ponting has embraced Twenty20 cricket after playing a full tournament for the first time, the Big Bash League with the Hobart Hurricanes.

"I never really felt that I'd got into the momentum of the game and I felt I did that this year with the Hurricanes and really enjoyed it,'' he said.

"I felt like, coming away, I had a really good grasp on how I needed to play to be a good Twenty20 player.''

The former Australian captain says he's still undecided about whether he'll play more domestic and T20 cricket next season.

"I really enjoyed the Big Bash and you enjoy a day like today,'' the 38-year-old said.

"No doubt I'll enjoy the IPL.

"But the thought of another pre-season's not overly exciting.''


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Hamilton crashes on Merc debut

Crash ... Lewis Hamilton came unstuck on his Mercedes debut. Source: Cristina Quicler / AFP

Lewis Hamilton's full testing debut for Mercedes has suffered a significant setback on Wednesday morning at Jerez after the Briton crashed into a tyre barrier.

Having just come off the second-fastest lap of the day to that point in Spain, Hamilton's W04 went straight on at the Dry Sack hairpin and ploughed straight through the gravel and into a nose-first impact with the tyre wall.

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Hamilton clambered out of the stricken car without assistance but the impact broke the front wing on the new W04, which was promptly put on a rescue truck and taken back to the pitlane.

After carrying out some initial investigations on the car, Mercedes duly confirmed that Hamilton had "suffered a loss of rear brake pressure, the front brakes enabled him to slow the car but he couldn't avoid the barrier.

"We have traced the problem to the hydraulic brake line connecting to the right-rear caliper."

Hamilton is reported to have described himself as a "passenger" during the crash on his return to the pits, meanwhile.

The incident proves the high-profile setback for Mercedes with their new W04 in as many days, after they were forced to abandon Day One's running after 14 laps in wake of an electrical fire that stopped the car out on circuit.

Nico Rosberg was unable to return to the circuit for the remainder of the day as Mercedes worked to modify a wiring loom on the W04.

Hamilton had already driven the W04 in a shakedown run for filming purposes at Jerez on Monday, but Wednesday marked his official debut for the team in an official F1 test.

Having sat out the early minutes of Day Two's action, Hamilton had completed four installation runs before moving up the timesheet across two subsequent stints, the second one of which ended abruptly with his crash.

Read more: http://www1.skysports.com/formula-1/news/12472/8474967/Mercedes-problems-at-Jerez-test-continue-as-Lewis-Hamilton-crashes-on-official-debut


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Probe scientist worked for Manly

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 05 Februari 2013 | 20.47

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Probe ... Stephen Dank (right) used to work with NRL premiers Manly. Source: Alan Pryke / News Limited

He's the mystery man who made a name for himself with innovative sports science methods including delving into the genetic build-up of players.

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Stephen Dank would research the DNA of star NRL players to help structure their training programs.

He worked at Manly with Dean "The Weapon" Robinson before the pair reunited at Windy Hill.

But 2012 didn't go to plan and Dank was a quick casualty. The club and Dank parted company late last year. The Weapon has been stood down by the club pending the investigation from the AFL and ASADA.

Most of us had not heard of Dank before the Essendon press conference, and while it is not known if he is linked to the current investigation, let's find out more about him...

WHO IS STEPHEN DANK?

- A physiologist from Sydney who became known in Australia's sporting landscape a decade ago, when working for NRL outfit Manly Sea Eagles

- Dank grabbed headlines in 2004 when, working for NRL club Manly, he pioneered testing players' DNA to increase performance.

- This allowed Manly to tailor speed, power, weight and endurance programs to suit the make-up of their stars.

- In 2008 Dank put it on the record that he did not do media interviews

- Dank was known to work with calves' blood, altitude training machines, while his DNA program made Manly global pioneers

- Dank worked closely with Manly coach Dessie Hassler before joining Essendon

- Dank was sacked from the Bombers at the end of last season amid the fallout from the injury epidemic and Essendon's dramatic demise in the second half of the year

- It is believed Dank has since taken up a role at a different AFL club.


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Horwill wants to take on Lions

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Reds ... James Horwill is looking forward to returning from injury. Source: Rohan Kelly / News Limited

Keen to make up for lost time from his career's most frustrating injury, Queensland captain James Horwill wants to play in the Reds' clash with the British and Irish Lions and does not believe a "blanket ban'' should be thrown on Wallabies players for the tour match.

Horwill's first priority is ditching "Team Rehab'' and running out for the Reds in their final pre-season trial against the Chiefs on the Sunshine Coast on Friday.

It will end a frustrating eight-month battle with a hamstring tear suffered against the ACT Brumbies last May.

However, Horwill admitted he also had the visiting Lions in his sights despite the Reds being tipped to rest their Wallabies stars in the June 8 tour match.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has indicated he would prefer a long camp build-up to the Lions series, ensuring representative stars would be withdrawn from Australian Super Rugby franchises ahead of the series opener on June 22 at Suncorp Stadium.

But Horwill hoped Wallabies players' availability was assessed on an individual basis ahead of Lions tour clashes.

The Lions play five matches in Australia leading into the Test series, including two with their full-strength side - against the Reds and NSW Waratahs (June 15).

"You would love to play against the Lions but that's something you have to weight up on an individual basis, how they are feeling and how much football they have played,'' Horwill said on Tuesday.

"I don't think you can have a blanket rule, that would make it tough for players.


Is James Horwill in your Fantasy Super Rugby team? Register now for your shot at $10,000 plus weekly prizes!


"There's obviously guys who may not have played a lot of footy and would love the chance.

"Me, personally I would love the opportunity to play for Queensland against the Lions.

"But that's a bridge you've got to cross when you come to it. There's a lot of rugby before then.''

In the meantime, Horwill is simply relieved to be back in Reds colours as he counts down to their Super Rugby season opener against the Brumbies on February 16 in Canberra.

"Unfortunately I have been through a number of long term injuries and this has definitely been the most frustrating due to the uncertainty about the injury,'' he said.

"It has been a guessing game because initially no one knew how exactly how to handle it.

"You just have to keep pushing through and I am glad to be out on the other end.

"But it feels good. I am ready to go.''

Horwill will be welcomed back into the Reds line-up on Friday night along with fellow new faces Saia Faingaa, Jake Schatz, Dom Shipperly and Chris F'Sautia while lock Rob Simmons is back after serving a five game ban.

The only unexpected omission was Wallaby Radike Samo (knee).

Scans will assess this week whether he is in doubt for the season opener.

Meanwhile, Jono Lance will slot into five-eighth for Quade Cooper who makes his boxing debut in Brisbane on the same night.


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Forrest manager lasts seven games

Gone ... Alex McLeish's reign at Nottingham Forrest lasts just seven games. Source: Joe Giddens / AP

Nottingham Forest have parted company with manager Alex McLeish by mutual agreement.

McLeish only took charge at the City Ground on 27 December following the departure of Sean O'Driscoll but reports emerged last week he was ready to walk out on the club.

The Scot was reportedly unhappy with Forest's transfer dealings ahead of the closure of the January window when they failed to bring in any new players, the deal to bring in Peterborough winger George Boyd falling through at the last minute because of an issue with the player's eyesight.

"I am extremely saddened to be leaving after such a short period but even so it has been a privilege to be manager of such a fantastic football club."

McLeish, 54, remained in charge for Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Birmingham - his fourth loss in seven matches since being appointed - but he has now departed following talks with Kuwaiti chairman Fawaz Al-Hasawi.

Al-Hasawi told the club's official website: "I'm bitterly disappointed - as is Alex - that it has not worked out as we had hoped when he became our manager and I would like to put on record my thanks for his services to the club and wish him every success in the future."

McLeish said: "I am extremely saddened to be leaving after such a short period but even so it has been a privilege to be manager of such a fantastic football club and I want to thank the players, staff and fans for their support and wish Nottingham Forest the best of fortunes ahead.

"Both parties entered into the relationship in good faith, however, there was a difference in the understanding of the development strategy of the football club and it was felt by both parties that we should part company."

Former Forest manager Billy Davies has emerged as an early favourite to replace McLeish, while ex-Southampton boss Nigel Adkins is also prominent in the betting.

Read more: http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11727/8473102/Nottingham-Forest-have-parted-company-with-manager-Alex-McLeish-by-mutual-agreement.


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Gatland: I feel sorry for Deans

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Sympathetic ... Gatland (R) with Lions and Wales assistant coach Rob Howley. Source:AAP

British & Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has revealed he feels sorry for fellow New Zealander and Wallabies counterpart Robbie Deans.

As both Lions and Wales head coach, Gatland is no stranger to the pressure that comes with the job, but he sympathises with the extreme scrutiny Deans comes under.

"I feel a little bit sorry for him, as a fellow kiwi, for the expectations he's had in Australia," said Gatland.

"Continually Robbie's been under a bit of pressure."

The Lions are coming to Australia to face the Wallabies in June this year and, despite Australia's rough patch in 2012, Gatland worries about the prospect of facing a, albeit rare, full-strength side.

"I think they're going to improve by having some real quality come back into the side," he said.

"You look at players like Will Genia, Quade Cooper, (James) O'Connor and James Horwill."

"So when you put in that x-factor, and if they're all available to them when we play them in June/July, it's going to be a really top quality series."


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Blues chasing former boss Mourinho

Written By Unknown on Senin, 04 Februari 2013 | 20.47

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Welcome home Jose? ... Chelsea are interested in bringing Mourinho back. Source:AAP

Rafael Benitez may have dropped hints he wants to extend his tenure as Chelsea boss beyond this season but it seems the struggling Blues have already set their sights on his replacement.

England's Daily Mail is reporting the club have contacted former manager Jose Mourinho, with a view to bringing him back to Stamford Bridge in the English off-season.

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The newspaper says that talks have only just begun, but billionaire Russian owner Roman Abramovich would back a swoop for the self-appointed 'Special One'.

Mourinho has endured a testing season at the helm of Real Madrid, whose shock loss to Granada on the weekend saw them fall 15 points behind great rivals Barcelona in La Liga.

Things aren't much better for European champions Chelsea and interim boss Benitez.

P W D L GD Pts
1 Man United 25 20 2 3 29 62
2 Man City 25 15 8 2 26 53
3 Chelsea 25 13 7 5 24 46
4 Tottenham 25 13 6 6 13 45
5 Everton 25 10 12 3 10 42
6 Arsenal 25 11 8 6 20 41
7 Liverpool 25 9 9 7 12 36
8 Swansea 25 8 10 7 6 34
9 West Brom 25 10 4 11 -1 34
10 Stoke 25 6 12 7 -6 30
11 West Ham 25 8 6 11 -8 30
12 Sunderland 25 7 8 10 -5 29
13 Fulham 25 7 7 11 -6 28
14 Norwich 25 6 10 9 -15 28
15 Newcastle 25 7 6 12 -11 27
16 Southampton 25 5 9 11 -11 24
17 Reading 25 5 8 12 -14 23
18 Wigan 25 5 6 14 -18 21
19 Aston Villa 25 4 9 12 -26 21
20 QPR 25 2 11 12 -19 17

A 3-2 loss to Newcastle United on the weekend saw them fall 16 points behind Barclays Premier League leaders Manchester United.

Already bundled out of the Champions League, the Blues were last month sent packing from the Capital One Cup by Swansea, and only a late Fernando Torres leveller against Brentford in the FA Cup spared Benitez's side further embarrassment.

Now it appears Abramovich is ready to entice Mourinho - the man he sacked in 2007 - back in a bid to get the most out of his star-studded squad.

Mourinho enjoyed tremendous success in his three years at Chelsea, delivering two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups to Blues fans.

Chelsea's defence – a major weakness this campaign- was rock-solid during his reign and conceded a stingy 15 goals in the 2004-2005 season while they never lost an EPL home match with the Portuguese boss in charge.

If the two-time Champions League winner leaves the Bernabau, Chelsea won't be the only club vying for his highly-prized signature.

Mourinho is reportedly interested in the project at Qatari-backed Paris-Saint Germain while the Portuguese manager has never hid his desire to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.


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As it happened: Allan Border Medal

The best ... Michael Clarke took home the AB Medal for the fourth time. Source: Fox Sports

Michael Clarke took home his fourth Allan Border Medal in Melbourne on Monday night.

Australia's captain got quite emotional after receiving the most prestigious award in Australian cricket, while he also took out the Test player of the year gong.

It was a colourful night all round at Crown Casino, and foxsports.com.au was there for all of it, bringing our users interactive coverage of the AB Medal.

We were lucky enough to be joined by former Aussie ODI bowler and general funny guy Brett Geeves, who brought his unique insights to the proceedings despite nearly running out of Cornettos halfway through the ceremony.

Read on to check out how the night panned out, and how the world reacted via social media, and have your say by leaving a comment at the bottom of the page.

For all the best pics from the glitz and glamour of the red carpet, check out our red carpet gallery here.

[View the story "Allan Border Medal Live Blog" on Storify]


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Aussie denies Armstrong bribe

Phil Anderson ... denies seeing Armstrong offer bribes to teammates. Source: Aaron Francis / News Limited

Australian cycling legend Phil Anderson has denied witnessing Lance Armstrong offer a bribe to help fix a race.

Two other former cyclists have alleged Armstrong offered inducements to rival competitors during a lucrative 1993 race series in the United States.

Armstrong scored a $1 million bonus by winning three successive races in the series.

New Zealander Stephen Swart gave evidence in a court case seven years ago that Armstrong offered his team $50,000 to not ride aggressively in the second race.

The ABC's Four Corners program asked Anderson if he was in the room when Armstrong made the offer to Swart's Coors Light team.

At the time, Anderson and Armstrong were riding together on the Motorola team.

"I don't recall being in that meeting," Anderson told the program. "I mean nah, it's ... $50,000, substantial amount, I'd remember that you know."

When contacted by AAP, Anderson strenuously denied witnessing the offer.

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"I have thought long and hard about it and I cannot remember it at all," Anderson said.

American Frankie Andreu also alleged that Armstrong offered money to two rival Italian riders during the third race.
Andreu said he saw Armstrong give the two Italians "a shoe box filled with money" after the race.

Anderson also said he did not recall Armstrong trying to bribe rivals during the third race.

Up until now, Armstrong's downfall has focussed on his doping and bullying of people who tried to expose him for using banned methods.

Australian anti-doping scientist Mike Ashenden again savaged Armstrong in the same program, calling him a professional and pathological liar.

Ashenden has insisted Armstrong doped during his 2009-11 competition comeback, something the disgraced cyclist strenuously denied during last month's Oprah Winfrey interview.

"He's a professional liar, for 15 years? - I don't think anyone should even blink at the prospect of maybe he told one more fib," Ashenden said.

He also disputed Armstrong's denial about making a payment to cycling's world governing body the UCI to cover up a positive test during the 2001 Tour of Switzerland.

"Armstrong would have us believe, even today, that he gave that money to improve the fight against doping," Ashenden said.

"I mean he's a doper, giving money to improve the system to try and catch himself, that's like a robber giving money to a bank to improve their security system.

"When you have a pathological liar telling you a story as farcical as that, you can be pretty sure there's something he's trying to hide."


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Brilliant Proteas rout Pakistan

Deadly quick ... Dale Steyn took 11-60 as South Africa hammered Pakistan. Source: AP

There were landmarks for AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn as South Africa beat Pakistan by 211 runs in the first Test.

De Villiers, who also made an unbeaten 103 in South Africa's second innings 3-275 declared, matched England wicketkeeper Jack Russell's Test record of 11 dismissals in a match while Steyn bagged his fifth 10-wicket haul in Tests.

The Proteas had set Pakistan an unfeasible 480 for victory following the tourists' hapless first innings 49 - their lowest ever Test score.

1st Test - New Wanderers Stadium

1 February 2013 - Day 4, Session 1

Pakistan 2nd Innings

J. Khan 9 23 2 0 39.13
R. Ali 3 9 0 0 33.33
D. Steyn 28.4 10 52 5 1.81

However, South Africa's attempt to end the match inside three days at the Wanderers in Johannesburg had been stifled by an unbroken 101-run stand between visiting skipper Misbah-ul-Haq and half-centurion Asad Shafiq on Sunday.

Asad and Misbah took their stand to 127 when they resumed battle with the South African bowlers on Monday but perished within a run of each other as Steyn had the former caught by Jacques Kallis for 56 and the latter by de Villiers for 64.

Facing a hopeless task, Pakistan's late order batsmen decided to go down swinging but Sarfraz Ahmed was bowled for just 6 by Vernon Philander and Saeed Ajmal became de Villiers' 10th victim behind the stumps as he nicked one from Morne Morkel having made 22.

Steyn and de Villiers combined again to remove Umar Gul for 23 and the Proteas paceman wrapped up victory by having Junaid Khan leg before for 9.

It gave Steyn, who took an incredible 6 for 8 in Pakistan's first innings, career-best Test figures of 11 for 60.

The second match of the three-Test series gets under way in Cape Town on February 14.

Read more: http://www.skysports.com/cricket/match_report/0,,11066_13539_1,00.html


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How Spain inspired Victory's re-birth

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 03 Februari 2013 | 20.47

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Star trio ... Victory's front three are in fine form. Source: Martin Philbey / AAP

Marcos Flores, Cesc Fabregas and David Silva. Playing a game of odd one out? No, we're asking: what do these three have in common?

The answer lies in Ange Postecoglou's transformation of Melbourne Victory this year and the decision to play with a 'false No.9' – a position made fashionable during Spain's Euro 2012 triumph during the off-season.

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The two-time grand final winner has answered those who wondered if he could bring his Midas touch to Melbourne – but in excavating the Victory from the Mehmet Durakovic-Harry Kewell-Jim Magilton circus to a slick, entertaining outfit, he has shown he is not a one-trick pony, either. 

Postecoglou told foxsports.com.au that Spain's Euro 2012 success was the impetus for him to thrust the Argentine into a role we haven't really yet seen in the A-League – and revealed it was a role that he originally envisioned for Harry Kewell. 

"It was something I toyed with doing at Brisbane but didn't have the players there to be able to do it that way," Postecoglou said. 

"When I got to Victory it was something I thought I'd try – if you've got the right type of players, it can be hard to stop and has endless possibilities. 



"Most teams play with a central striker and that limits certain things you can do. This releases that area and allows more people to come through. 

"So, watching Spain at the Euros, and the way they went about it, certainly gave us something to think about.

"That was the way I wanted to play and I had a look at the players I had available. To be honest, I had a look at the players I had here and I thought Harry Kewell would be back and it was the kind of role I thought Harry could play really well." 



MARCOS FLORES

In building a team with a lethal front three, Postecoglou hailed Flores's ability to play to a new structure – something that has also helped Marco Rojas and Archie Thompson form part of a lightning attacking trio. 

 "It's a different role to what Marcos is used to - and he's working hard to make it effective. 

"Sometimes it means he won't get as many highlight reels as he did at Adelaide but he just wants to be successful. It's the No.1 thing he said to me – he wanted to be a champion.

"To do that you've got to fit into the structure of a team and he's growing into that role and you've seen in the last few weeks he's growing into now."

Flores has been the fulcrum in between two players enjoying stellar seasons. 

MARCO ROJAS

Marco Rojas, reportedly attracting interest from clubs like Juventus and Liverpool recently, has been a revelation, returning to the player who burst onto the scene at Wellington Phoenix.

Postecoglou wanted him for the Roar, but couldn't wait to use him at Victory once he took on the job.  

But what's changed from last year to this year? 

"I didn't have to say anything specific to him; he knew he had to work hard this year. And he has from day one. He understands his role in the team and that's probably helped him," Postecoglou explained.

"He had a tough year last year, because the whole Melbourne Victory side struggled. But I knew he was someone I could work with.

"The style of game we play would suit him, we're set up for a player like him to do what he does – he's grown from there, he's got a lot of confidence from that, he had a good pre-season with us. And now he's scoring goals, feeling good about how the team's playing and that's coming out as a result." 

ARCHIE THOMPSON 

The final member of Postecoglou's dynamic trio is the effervescent Archie Thompson. 

Holger Osieck can't get enough of the ageless striker – and Postecoglou explains why, adding this is as good an opportunity as ever for Thompson to star for the national team.  

"I think the fact the World Cup is in touching distance is a great motivator for him," he said.

"He works really hard at training. I never talk about his age because of what I see, how hard he works at training. 

"He's one of the players I really look forward to working with. We've changed his role to what he was probably used to. He's embraced it. 

"He realises he's there to work with the other strikers and I think he's heading into his best form at the right time.

"He's not just scoring goals, but he's set up a number for Marco this year and he's always threatening going forward. "

VICTORY CULTURE 

P W D L GD Pts
1 Central Coast 19 11 6 2 17 39
2 Victory 19 11 3 5 4 36
3 Western Sydney 19 11 2 6 10 35
4 Adelaide 19 10 2 7 2 32
5 Newcastle 19 6 5 8 -8 23
6 Brisbane 19 6 3 10 -1 21
7 Heart 19 6 3 10 -3 21
8 Sydney 19 6 3 10 -9 21
9 Wellington 19 5 5 9 -10 20
10 Perth 19 5 4 10 -2 19

On Sunday Shootout, Postecoglou hailed his entire squad for embracing the challenge he set for them when he arrived.

Fox Sports football expert Mark Bosnich admits he feared Postecoglou might have been "trying too much too soon" with players he might be "asking to go a step too far". 

But Postecoglou says that "bravery is in the execution". 

And Victory are a new entity – not just on the pitch, but off it, as a result. 

"We had to change the culture: not because what was there was wrong, but because I like to work a certain way.

"Certainly, we've expanded the football department. I brought in people who had the mindset and culture to put it in place, who I've worked with before. Obviously there's also Kevin Muscat, Steve Mautone, who've been at the club for a while as well. 

"We've built a really strong football department. It's where it all starts. It's about having a total football philosophy around it.

"We've changed things radically from what they were last year - because it wasn't successful, but also because of how I want to work.

"That's an evolving process, we'll keep trying to improve on and off the field because I think the possibility to improve are endless."


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Evidence of a Roar revival?

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Beautiful ... Besart Berisha scored a ripper against the Mariners. Source: Dave Hunt / AAP

It's the goal to warm the hearts of all Brisbane Roar fans.

Entrants must be 18 or over and hold a current full Australian driver's licence.

The competition commences on, 27 January 2013 at 8:30pm AEDT and closes on 5 April 2013 at 5:00pm AEDT and is divided into 10 weekly periods.

Each weekly period opens on Sunday at 8:30pm AEDT and closes on the following Friday at 5:00pm AEDT.

One entry per weekly entry period.

This competition is authorised under NSW Permit No. LTPS/13/00440, ACT TP13/00141, Victorian Permit No. 13/117 & SA Licence No. T13/61.

Shane Steffanuto steaming down the left flank, getting in behind, before squaring a picture perfect ball for Besart Berisha to turn home. 

Signs of the free-flowing, adventurous football that made the Roar famous in recent seasons.  

While that tempo, and consistency, has been sorely lacking so far this season, Friday night's 2-2 draw has the side back in the top-six. A dark horse, perhaps? 

In even better news for Mike Mulvey's side, the killer ball to play Steffanuto in behind the Mariners backline was played by new recruit Stefan Nijland. 

Check out the goal in the video selection at the top of the page, which also features two pearlers from the Melbourne derby.

David Williams was in electric form at Etihad Stadium and he rifled home a brilliant finish to deliver a late scare for the Victory; the third choice is the sublime Archie Thompson strike that opened the scoring in the same game.

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Fox Sports and Hyundai are giving fans the chance to win by voting in the Goal of the Week competition. 

The major prize winner will drive home the all-new Hyundai Veloster SR Turbo. Delivering both street presence and dynamic performance, with 150kW of grunt and 265Nm of torque delivered by a twin-scroll turbocharged engine, you'll be the envy of all of your friends.

The runner-up prize winner will win tickets to a corporate box at the Hyundai A-League grand final including return economy flights, transfers and two nights' accommodation to enjoy with three friends.

There is also a weekly cash prize of $300 up for grabs.

Enjoy the video, good luck, and don't forget to return weekly from 830pm (EST) each Sunday for your feast of great goals and chance to win! 


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Full results from IPL player auction

Cashed-up ... champions Kolkata Knight Riders bought Sachithra Senanayaka for $US625,000. Source: Manjunath Kiran / AAP

Glenn Maxwell was the million-dollar man, but how much did every else go for in the Indian Premier League player auction?

And who was overlooked altogether?

Check out the full list of players sold, and not sold.


Chennai Super Kings
Christopher Morris,  All-Rounder,  $625,000
Dirk Nannes,  Bowler,  $600,000
Ben Laughlin,  Bowler,  $20,000
Akila Dananjaya, All-Rounder,  $20,000
Jason Holder,  Bowler,  $20,000

Delhi Daredevils
Johan Botha,  All-Rounder, $450,000
Jesse Ryder, All-Rounder, $260,000
Jeevan Mendis, All-Rounder, $50,000

Kings XI Punjab
Manpreet Gony, Bowler, $500,000
Luke Pomersbach, Batsman, $300,000

Kolkata Knight Riders
Sachithra Senanayaka, All-Rounder, $625,000
Ryan McLaren, Bowler, $50,000

Mumbai Indians
Glenn Maxwell, All-Rounder, $1,000,000
Nathan Coulter-Nile, Bowler, $450,000
Ricky Ponting, Batsman, $400,000
Philip Hughes, Batsman, $100,000
Jacob Oram, All-Rounder, $50,000

Pune Warriors India
Ajantha Mendis, Bowler, $725,000
Kane Richardson, Bowler, $700,000
Abhishek Nayar, All-Rounder, $675,000
Michael Clarke, Batsman, $400,000

Rajasthan Royals
James Faulkner, All-Rounder, $400,000
Fidel Edwards, Bowler, $210,000
Kusal Janith Perera, Wicket Keeper, $20,000

Royal Challengers Bangalore
Jaydev Unadkat, Bowler, $525,000
Rudra Pratap Singh, Bowler, $400,000
Moises Henriques, All-Rounder, $300,000
Ravi Rampaul, Bowler, $290,000
Pankaj Singh, Bowler, $150,000
Daniel Christian, All-Rounder, $100,000
Christopher Barnwell, All-Rounder, $50,000

Sunrisers Hyderabad
Thisara Perera, All-Rounder, $675,000
Darren Sammy, All-Rounder, $425,000
Sudeep Tyagi, Bowler, $100,000
Clinton McKay, Bowler, $100,000
Nathan McCullum, Bowler, $100,000
Quinton De Kock, Wicket Keeper, $20,000

UNSOLD

Doug Bollinger, Bowler, $200,000
Aaron Finch, Batsman, $200,000
John Hastings, All-Rounder, $200,000
Matthew Wade, Wicket Keeper, $200,000
Matt Prior, Wicket Keeper, $200,000
Herschelle Gibbs, Batsman, $200,000
Callum Ferguson , Batsman,  $100,000
Josh Hazlewood,  Bowler,  $100,000
James Hopes,  All-Rounder,  $100,000
Stephen O'Keefe,  Bowler,  $100,000
Adam Voges,  Batsman,  $100,000
Ravi Bopara,  All-Rounder,  $100,000
Martin Guptill,  Batsman,  $100,000
Vernon Philander,  Bowler,  $100,000
Dinesh Chandimal,  Wicket Keeper,  $100,000
Dilhara Fernando,  Bowler,  $100,000
Rangana Herath,  Bowler,  $100,000
Thilan Samaraweera,  Batsman,  $100,000
Upul Tharanga , Batsman,  $100,000
Darren Bravo,  Batsman,  $100,000
Ben Cutting,  Bowler, $100,000
Nic Maddinson,  Batsman,  $100,000
Scott Styris,  All-Rounder, $100,000
Tim Paine,  Wicket Keeper,  $100,000
Travis Birt,  Batsman,  $100,000
Trent Copeland,  Bowler,  $50,000
Rory Kleinveldt,  Bowler,  $50,000
Richard Levi,  Batsman,  $50,000
Prasanna Jayawardena,  Wicket Keeper,  $50,000
Farveez Maharoof,  All-Rounder , $50,000
Tharanga Paranavithana,  Batsman,  $50,000
Dilruwan Perera,  All-Rounder,  $50,000
Dhammika Prasad,  Bowler,  $50,000
Suraj Randiv,  Bowler,  $50,000
Chanaka Welegedara,  Bowler,  $50,000
Tino Best,  Bowler,  $50,000
Kieran Powell,  Batsman,  $50,000
Ricardo Powell,  Batsman,  $50,000
Denesh Ramdin,  Wicket Keeper,  $50,000
Jerome Taylor,  Bowler,  $50,000
Daniel Harris,  Batsman,  $50,000
Alister McDermott,  Bowler,  $50,000
Ben Rohrer , Batsman,  $50,000
Kevin O'Brien,  All-Rounder,  $50,000
Devendra Bishoo,  Bowler,  $50,000
Wasim Jaffer,  Batsman,  $50,000
Joe Burns,  Batsman,  $50,000
Paul Harris,  Bowler,  $20,000
Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Bowler,  $20,000
Dane Vilas, Wicket Keeper , $20,000
Chamara Kapugedera,  Batsman,  $20,000
Jehan Mubarak,  Batsman,  $20,000
Dilshan Munaweera, Batsman,  $20,000
Nuwan Pradeep,  Bowler,  $20,000
Seekkuge Prasanna,  All-Rounder,  $20,000
Lahiru Thirimanne,  Batsman,  $20,000
Danza Hyatt,  All-Rounder,  $20,000
Veerasammy Permaul,  Bowler,  $20,000
Andrew Birch,  Bowler,  $20,000
Jandre Coetzee,  All-Rounder,  $20,000
Henry Davids,  Batsman,  $20,000
Alistair Gray,  All-Rounder,  $20,000
Aaron Phangiso,  Bowler,  $20,000
Dwaine Pretorius,  All-Rounder, $20,000
Rilee Rossouw,  Batsman, $20,000
Stiaan Van Zyl,  All-Rounder,  $20,000
David Wiese,  All-Rounder, $20,000
Cameron Boyce,  Bowler,  $20,000
Charl Langeveldt,  Bowler,  $20,000
Sulieman Benn,  Bowler,  $20,000
Kaushal Silva,  Wicket Keeper,  $20,000


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