Fresh Eagles smash rival Dockers

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Rivals ... Eagles recruit Sharrod Wellingham looks to handball against Fremantle. Source: Daniel Wilkins / News Limited

Fremantle fell to a disappointing 24-point loss to arch-rivals West Coast after backing up in hot conditions in Perth

1.2.6 (27)	Q1	0.1.0 (6)
1.4.7 (40)	Q2	0.2.4 (16)
	Q3
	Q4

Matt Priddis 2	Hayden Ballantyne 1
Shannon Hurn 1	Michael Walters 1
Chris Masten 1
Jeremy McGovern 1

West Coast had lost the opening game of the NAB Cup triple-header to Geelong and came out fresh and fired up, running all over the Dockers to finish 1.4.7 (40) to 2.4 (16) victors.

Fremantle found the going much tougher against the Eagles than Geelong, but coach Ross Lyon has plenty to work on with the likes of Matthew Pavlich, Nat Fyfe, Ryan Crowley and David Mundy still to return.

Fremantle could only muster a solitary scoring shot in the opening half as the Eagles piled on 34 points, including a super goal to Shannon Hurn.

0.4.2 (26)	Q1	0.2.4 (16)
0.7.6 (48)	Q2	0.4.6 (30)
	Q3
	Q4

Michael Walters 2	Mitchell W. Brown 2
Hayden Crozier 1	Joel Selwood 2
Chris Mayne 1
Tendai Mzungu 1
Clancee Pearce 1
Alex Silvagni 1

While all three sides will take plenty out of the opening hit outs, it will make it difficult for any of Geelong, Fremantle or West Coast to now make the cup final in the round-robin format.

However, the Eagles are in the best position given they lost to Geelong by just two points and beat the Dockers by 24.

Fremantle improved in the second half and outscored their opponents but it was too little too late.

Hurn and Scott Selwood ran amok for the Eagles, gathering possessions at will and using them to damaging effect while Paul Duffield showed he will be important to the Dockers in defence this season with nine touches.

It was the same in the second game as the fresher Fremantle proved too good for Geelong winning by 18 points.

As seen last season, the fresher team usually prevailed and so it proved in hot conditions with Fremantle triumphing 7.6 (48) to 4.6 (30).

Geelong coach Chris Scott rested Jimmy Bartel, Taylor Hunt, Jared Rivers and the injured Matthew Stokes while bringing in Steve Johnson, Joel Corey and Steven Motlop.

The Cats had won the opening game against West Coast but couldn't stay with Fremantle, who's run and carry proved damaging on the wide open spaces.

Mitchell Brown and Joel Selwood were the only goal scorers for the Cats while six Dockers got on the score sheet, though Michael Walters was the only one to grab two majors.

0.3.0 (18)	Q1	0.2.0 (12)
1.6.2 (47)	Q2	1.6.4 (49)
	Q3
	Q4

Jack Darling 3	James Podsiadly 2
Bradd Dalziell 1	Josh Caddy 1
Ashton Hams 1	Tom Hawkins 1
Mark LeCras 1	Joel Selwood 1
Fraser McInnes 1	Travis Varcoe 1
	Joshua Walker 1

Fremantle midfielder Michael Barlow looks to be back to his ball-winning best after gathering 15 touches in the two 20-minutes halves while Selwood and Brown against led the possessions, highlighting how much the team relied on the pair.

Cats coach Chris Scott said it was important to get game time into a number of players.

"We got some quality game time into most of our list really apart from Chapman, Mackie and Kelly who were available that we didn't bring with us,'' Scott said.

"I think that's the good thing with this year compared to last because we waited a bit longer to play our senior players last year and on reflection I dont think it was the right thing to do.

"I think we'll be better placed now for the early rounds of this season.''

In the opening game, it was again Selwood who inspired his team with a last-minute super goal giving the Cats a two-point victory over West Coast.

The Eagles looked to be cruising in the opening contest of the triple-header in Perth when leading by 22 points with just five minutes remaining.

However, the Cats got back within nine-point range and Jimmy Bartel handpassed off from a mark to his captain and Selwood kicked the goal from just outside the 50-metre arc to give Geelong victory 1.6.4 (49) to 1.6.2 (47).

Josh Caddy, who crossed from Gold Coast to the Cats at the end of last season, started brilliantly with a clever goal within 20 seconds in a sign of what he can offer.

Geelong led by seven points early in the second half of the reduced minutes contest, but that's when the Eagles took over and the most heartening aspect of all was the successful return of All-Australian forward Mark LeCras.

He started solidly enough in the first half in his first official hit out in 17 months since he injured his knee and required a full reconstruction that cost his entire 2012 campaign.

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While he had just five disposals in his return, it was what he did from a free-kick on the boundary that showed just how much he was missed and why he could help West Coast go that extra step or two in the finals this year.

LeCras kicked a goal from the boundary after a free-kick and, with a super goal soon after from Bradd Dalziell and a regular six-pointer to Fraser McInnes, the Eagles looked home with a 22-point lead.

However, quick goals to Travis Varcoe and Taylor Walker, and then the super goal by Selwood, saw the Cats scrape home.

Geelong next plays Fremantle before the night concludes with the first western derby of 2013.

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Marsh battles injury, scores ton

One-dayer ... Aaron Finch finally scores some runs for Australia. Source: Luke Bowden / News Limited

Former Test batsman Shaun Marsh battled through injury to notch a classy century in Australia A's convincing seven-wicket over the England Lions at Bellerive.

Marsh collapsed clutching his right knee after completing a run to reach 99, appearing to have suffered a serious injury.

The 29-year-old writhed in agony and was treated by medical staff, but batted on long enough to reach 100 from 128 balls before promptly retiring hurt.

Marsh will have scans on the injury on Sunday but is already considered to be in doubt for Monday.

Finch said reaching the hundred was important for his opening partner.

"I think it's important for guys to get milestones like that, especially Shaun who's probably copped his fair brunt of criticism from the public and from the media,'' Finch said.

"He's a super player and I think we just saw a glimpse of how good he is.

"Just to keep the wolves at bay for a little bit for himself, for his own personal peace of mind I guess, is really important.''

Marsh and skipper Finch (80 from 92) set up the Australians' 3-260 with five balls to spare, after the Lions had made 6-259 boosted by opener Varun Chopra's 105.

The West Australian hit seven fours and a six to continue a superb domestic summer after he'd been dropped from the Warriors squad for disciplinary reasons.

Marsh, who has played seven Tests for Australia, fought his way back into the national team for the Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka before playing two ODIs against the West Indies.

Finch put a forgettable debut international summer behind him after averaging just 15 in his seven ODIs for Australia.

The Lions didn't look like getting a wicket as Marsh and Finch put on 172 before the Victorian miscued and was caught at mid-off.

The visitors grabbed two in the space of two runs at 3-237 and had the Australians needing 21 off 18 before Joe Burns (18 from 19) and Tim Paine (10 from 11) guided their side home.

The Australians go 1-0 up in the five-game series while the Lions' winless tour has now stretched to four matches.

Game two is a day-game in Hobart on Monday.

Chopra compiled an opportunist's century after Australia A keeper Tim Paine had dropped a regulation nick in the first over before the Englishman had scored.

Chopra's 105, his second hundred on tour, came from 137 balls.

Chopra said the Lions would take some encouragement out of the game.

"We dragged it back really well so that's definitely a positive to take out of it and to take the game into the last over,'' he said.

The fireworks came from young gun Ben Foakes, who blasted 56 from just 42 balls.

Australia paceman John Hastings bagged 3-55.

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Broncos winger injured in trial loss

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Dale Copley ... injured in NRL trial match. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

Brisbane Broncos winger Dale Copley has suffered a suspected ruptured patella in his right knee following Saturday's 16-14 NRL trial match loss to the Gold Coast Titans.

A Broncos medical official said Copley, who missed a large portion of last season with a broken leg, had suffered a suspected rupture in his right knee.

The game was stopped in the first half as Copley was stretchered from the field after appearing to cop a knee while running the ball out of his own 20 metres.

He will have scans in the coming days, but faces another long stint on the sidelines.

The injury occured in their NRL pre-season trial against the Titans at Redcliffe's Dolphins Oval on Saturday night.

Rival coaches John Cartwright (Titans) and Anthony Griffin (Broncos) used their full squads to experiment with combinations ahead of next month's season-opening round.

The Broncos were first on the scoreboard through fullback Josh Hoffman, who beat three Titans in a 30-metre dash to the tryline.

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The Titans however led 16-4 at halftime following a slick try to young halfback Albert Kelly, whose left foot step was too good for the defence, while winger David Mead and Brad Takarangi also scored four-pointers.

Mead's try was set up by a clever flick pass offload by giant centre Jamal Idris, who impressed in the opening 40 minutes.

Griffin rotated three halves in Peter Wallace, Scott Prince and Corey Norman, with Wallace spending a lot of time at dummy-half and Prince running the show.

Norman scored an opportunist try early in the second half after a Prince kick rebounded off the padded goalpost before winger Denan Kemp cashed in on a Prince kick to score in the corner to reduce the margin to 16-14, setting up a grandstand finish.

Brisbane utility Jake Granville scrambled across the tryline late in the game but was ruled to have been held up before Kemp was disallowed a second try from a Matt Gillett forward pass.

Cartwright was pleased with his side's ability to eke out a result, while he also tipped former NSW Origin representative Idris to have a big year.

"It as a scrappy sort of a game, not too many opportunities,'' Cartwright said.

"One of the most pleasing aspects was Idris' strong performance.''

Cartwright also confirmed the club had agreed to a one-year deal for well-travelled playmaker Kelly for the 2013 season.

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Edwards gets Glory win at first go

Winner ... Shane Smeltz (2nd L) scored the goal which ended Perth's horrible run. Source: Justin Benson-cooper / News Limited

Central Coast's lead at the top of the A-League table has been cut to one point after suffering a shock 2-1 loss to strugglers Perth Glory on Saturday night.

The Mariners were on track for victory after Bernie Ibini's 13th-minute strike at nib Stadium.

But goals either side of half-time to Travis Dodd and Shane Smeltz secured all three points for the Glory, who remain four points adrift of the top-six ahead of next week's away clash with Western Sydney.

Central Coast (42 points) have lost just three times this season and are still in a good position to take out the minor premiership.

But with Western Sydney (41) showing no signs of slowing down, the Mariners have a fight on their hands to retain top spot.

The next fortnight will prove crucial for Central Coast, who take on Melbourne Victory and then Western Sydney in games at Bluetongue Stadium.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Central Coast	21	12	6	3	21	42
2	Western Sydney	21	13	2	6	12	41
3	Victory	21	11	3	7	2	36
4	Adelaide	21	11	2	8	2	35
5	Sydney	21	8	3	10	-7	27
6	Newcastle	21	7	5	9	-7	26
7	Heart	21	7	3	11	-3	24
8	Perth	21	6	4	11	-3	22
9	Brisbane	20	6	3	11	-2	21
10	Wellington	20	5	5	10	-15	20

For Perth Glory, it was a sweet end to a week that started with the sacking of coach Ian Ferguson.

A five-game losing run proved to be Ferguson's downfall, with interim coach Alistair Edwards enjoying a winning start to his tenure at the helm.

An ecstatic Edwards gave a double fist pump to the crowd when the final whistle was blown.

Perth still have plenty of work to do over the final six rounds if they are to make the finals.peBut last season's grand finalists will take a massive confidence-boost from their win over the Mariners.

Central Coast striker Daniel McBreen was the architect behind the opening goal, stripping Steve McGarry of the ball in defence to give Ibini a one-on-one chance against Glory goalkeeper Danny Vukovic.

Despite having a Glory defender right on his tail, Ibini made no mistake with the finish, firing a smooth strike past Vukovic to give the visitors the early edge.

Glory fans started becoming increasingly frustrated with some of their team's slow build-ups from defence.

But the slow-and-steady approach paid dividends in the 27th minute, with a pin-point long ball from Nick Ward finding a small gap in Central Coast's defence.

A running Dodd put the finishing touch on the move, expertly trapping Ward's pass with his right foot before firing a beautiful shot with his left.

Smeltz then sent the 5,909 crowd into raptures in the 64th minute when his powerful header hit the back of the net, with Mariners goalkeeper Mathew Ryan unable to keep the ball out despite getting a hand to it.

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See highlights, including Smeltz's and all the other goals, in Match Centre.

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Jets beat Heart, boost finals hopes

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Outmuscled ... Emile Heskey (C) holds off an opponent in the Jets 2-0 win. Source:AAP

Newcastle landed a crucial blow in the scrap for A-League finals places with 2-0 win over fellow top-six contenders Melbourne Heart on Friday.

Emile Heskey and Ryan Griffiths scored in each half at Hunter Stadium as the Jets climbed back into the top six with their first win in five games.

The result in front of 11,396 fans continued the Heart's disastrous run away from home, their sixth straight loss on the road leaving them sitting perilously in sixth spot.

Jets coach Gary van Egmond made five changes to his starting side, including three in defence and a first start of the season for English striker Michael Bridges.

		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	Newcastle	21	7	5	9	-7	26
6	Heart	21	7	3	11	-3	24
7	Sydney	20	7	3	10	-8	24
8	Brisbane	20	6	3	11	-2	21
9	Wellington	20	5	5	10	-15	20
10	Perth	20	5	4	11	-4	19

And it had the desired effect, with Bridges impressing in a classy display and striker Adam Taggart also making an impact after being promoted.

Griffiths and midfielder Zenon Caravella were other strong contributors while Heskey was a tower of strength up front.

He gave the home side the lead after just nine minutes, taking a first-time shot well after Griffiths unlocked the Heart defence with a clever through ball.

The visitors had several chances to hit back, with dangerous striker Eli Babalj causing most headaches in attack.

He wasted one chance in the 13th minute but was unlucky not to equalise when his volley struck the post from a Richard Garcia cross.peTaggart and Heskey also had decent chances late in the half and the home side looked in control as they headed to halftime in front.

The Heart started the second half strongly and came within centimetres of an equaliser through Nick Kalmar in the 53rd minute.

Brazilian playmaker Fred made his return from a quad injury off the bench but the Heart hit a flat spot with little created in attack.

Taggart was unlucky not to extend the Jets' lead in the 65th minute, striking the left post with a low shot from just outside the box.

But he capped a strong performance when he set up the Jets' second in the 81st minute.

Taggart found Griffiths with a looped through ball and the striker controlled beautifully before craftily scooping the ball over Heart goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne.

Van Egmond admitted it was a tough call to drop the likes of young guns Craig Goodwin and James Virgili to the bench but felt the inclusion of new faces worked a treat.

''It was time (to make changes),'' van Egmond told Fox Sports.

''As you saw tonight, we always looked dangerous going forward. It always looked like we had goals in us.

''I thought Bridgey early on, when he was nice and fresh, did some very clever things ... hopefully he can derive a lot of fitness out of this and continue.''

Heskey said the performance augured well for the Jets' remaining six regular-season games.

''We knew how important the game was. It was one of those ones we knew we had to win,'' Heskey said.

''When we perform like this, that's what we're capable of doing.''

Heart coach John Aloisi was disappointed his men didn't take their chances in the first half and admitted the winless away form this season was a serious problem.

''It's not good - we know that,'' Aloisi said.

''We're trying to put it right but now we've got a home game to look forward to next week (against Sydney FC). It's a big game for us.

''We're still in finals contention and we have to keep working hard.''

New Dutch recruit Marcel Meeuwis made his debut off the bench in the 62nd minute and Aloisi said he would be better for the run. 

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Check out all the action, including highlights of both goals, in our A-League Match Centre.

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Pies undefeated with win over Bombers

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Screamer ... Magpie Jamie Elliott can't hang onto this attempt. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

Collingwood has finished the first triple-header of the NAB Cup undefeated after a dramatic late win over heated-rivals Essendon at Etihad Stadium.

1.0.5 (14)	Q1	0.2.3 (15)
1.2.10 (31)	Q2	0.4.5 (29)
	Q3
	Q4

Travis Cloke 1	Leroy Jetta 2
Andrew Krakouer 1	Brendon Goddard 1
Ben Sinclair 1	Dyson Heppell 1

In the final game of the night, the two clubs played out a two-point thriller and it was a free-kick to Magpies key forward Travis Cloke in the dying seconds that settled it.

Cloke was awarded a push in the back just 10 metres from goal and duly slotted it with 34 seconds left on the clock to leave the scores on 1.2.10 (31) to 4.5 (29)

0.3.3 (21)	Q1	0.3.1 (19)
0.4.5 (29)	Q2	1.6.2 (47)
	Q3
	Q4

Daniel Giansiracusa 2	Travis Cloke 2
Tory Dickson 1	Jarryd Blair 1
Jarrad Grant 1	Jamie Elliott 1
	Quinten Lynch 1
	Brent Macaffer 1
	Dane Swan 1

In a final twist, young Bomber Luke Davis was awarded a free kick after the final siren but his shot from outside 50m did not make the distance.

Magpies coach Nathan Buckley was happy with the performance but said there was a long way to go before the season proper.

"We were able to get through it, but it's a long way from a normal round of footy,'' Buckley said

"I don't think we could have asked for more from our mature recruits."

Essendon held a one-point lead at half-time and they extended that to 13 points midway through the second half, with star recruit Brendon Goddard kicking his first goal.

Magpies star midfielder Scott Pendlebury and former Carlton defender Jordan Russell impressed for the 'Pies, while Dyson Heppell and Goddard were high in Essendon's best.

Despite the loss, Essendon coach James Hird said he was extremely proud of his players given the pressure on the club due to the ASADA and ACC investigations.

"They have shown a strength of character that not many people have and they have been resilient,'' he said.

"They've been focussed on their footy when I can imagine they just would have liked to focus on themselves.

"Tonight's performance, with everything that's going on in the background, I thought was terrific.''

Collingwood were equally lucky to come away with a win in the second game of the night after they came from behind to score a 18-point win over a gusty Western Bulldogs outfit in the first round of the NAB Cup at Etihad Stadium.

Backing up from the first game of the night, the Bulldogs looked the hungrier of the two team for most of the game but the fresher Magpies surged home in the closing stages and finished 1.6.2 (47) to 4.5 (29).

After losing the first game to Essendon, the Bulldogs earnt a two-point lead at half-time and were a much better team in the second game following a spray from coach Brenton McCartney.

1.2.4 (25)	Q1	1.0.3 (12)
1.5.6 (45)	Q2	1.1.4 (19)
	Q3
	Q4

Tom Bellchambers 1	Shaun Higgins 1
Alex Browne 1	Liam Jones 1
Alwyn Davey 1
Cory Dell'Olio 1
Kyle Hardingham 1
Nick Kommer 1

"When fatigue set in and the opposition put defensive pressure on us, we didn't use it that well,'' McCartney said.

"We gave up goals late in quarters.

"Sometimes you've just got to hang in there for the last three or four minutes and that's something we've got to get better at.''

Collingwood looked a little rusty at the beginning but were sparked by a classy performance from small forward Jarryd Blair and superstar midfielder Dane Swan.

In the night's opening game, Essendon gained some respite from their off-field nightmare with a morale-boosting AFL pre-season win over the Western Bulldogs.

The Bombers opened the NAB Cup on Friday night with a 26-point win over the Western Bulldogs in the first of three mini-games.

Essendon then had a break before playing Collingwood in the last game of the evening.

Star recruit Brendon Goddard had a team-high 13 possessions and Kyle Hardingham kicked the supergoal as the 'Dons won 1.5.6 (45) to 1.1.4 (19).

Essendon's defence was superb, the league's oldest active player Dustin Fletcher and his young key-defender apprentice Jake Carlisle dominating.

There was plenty of applause for the Bombers as they took to the field, a welcome change from the intense media scrutiny of the past few days.

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Essendon are under Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority and AFL investigation because of supplements their players took last season.

The club was also implicated in the landmark Australian Crime Commission investigation into sport.

While the Bulldogs took the early initiative when Shaun Higgins kicked their supergoal, Essendon kicked the last two goals of the half to lead by 13 points.

They then kicked clear in the second half and first-year player Nick Kommer goaled seconds before the fulltime siren to add emphasis to the win.

Captain Matthew Boyd had a game-high 17 disposals for the Bulldogs and fellow midfielder Nick Lower also impressed in the first game for his third AFL club.

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Pistorius breaks down in court

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Oscar Pistorius ... weeps during his court hearing in Pretoria. Source:AP

Prosecutors say they will pursue a premeditated murder charge against Oscar Pistorius as the star openly wept in court on Friday.

Pistorius was formally charged at Pretoria Magistrate's Court with one count of murder.

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Reeva Steenkamp, a model and budding reality TV show participant, was shot and killed at Pistorius' upmarket home in an eastern suburb of the South African capital in the predawn hours of Thursday, sending the country reeling.

Pistorius stood with his face in his hands as he broke down in tears on his first court appearance.

The magistrate delayed Pistorius' bail hearing until next Tuesday and Wednesday and ruled that the 26-year-old Pistorius would be held at a Pretoria police station until then.

Pistorius' father, Henke, was in the court as was his brother Carl, sister Aimee and other supporters of the 26-year-old double-amputee athlete.

Oscar Pistorius ... weeps during his court hearing in Pretoria.

Police said Friday an autopsy on the body of the victim was taking place.

Lt. Col. Katlego Mogale said the results of the autopsy would not be published.

Twenty-six-year-old Pistorius -- known globally as "Blade Runner" is accused of killing blonde cover girl Reeva Steenkamp, who was shot four times with a 9mm pistol registered in Pistorius's name.

Scene of the crime ... journalists wait outside the main entrance of Pistorius's estate. Source: AFP

She suffered wounds to the head and hand and died in the early hours of Thursday.

The sprinter spent the night behind bars, being subject to blood-alcohol, DNA and other tests, as forensics experts continued to work at his house in an upscale Pretoria estate.

Lawyer Kenny Oldwage earlier said his client was "very well, obviously emotional, but fine."

The police said they will oppose bail and have poured icy water on early reports that Pistorius had shot his 29-year-old girlfriend after mistaking her for a burglar.

Police were called to Pistorius's upscale Pretoria home at around 4:00 am by neighbours who heard gunshots.

He is the only suspect in the case.

The sprinter became an international celebrity during last year's London Olympics, inspiring millions as the first double-amputee to give able bodied competitors a run for their money.

Now his apparent fall from grace has equally captured the attention of millions around the world.

He was publicly adored in his native South Africa, though questions had been raised about his colourful private life that was replete with glamorous girlfriends, guns and fast cars.

"Obviously we are shocked," his father Henke Pistorius told AFP. "He is with the police and the matter is in the hands of the authorities."

Steenkamp, once an FHM cover girl, was described as "the kindest, sweetest human being; an angel on earth," by Sarit Tomlins of her management agency.

Born in Cape Town, she grew up in Port Elizabeth where she graduated with a degree in law from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.

Police revealed there had been previous allegations of domestic disputes at Pistorius's home.

"There were always rumours attracted to Oscar Pistorius, but most of them I just put down to him being a celebrity," said Kyle Wood, a 25-year-old fellow resident of the gated community.

Pistorius ... a groundbreaking athlete. Source: AP

In 2009 Pistorius spent a night in jail after allegedly assaulting a 19-year-old woman at a party.

He has often spoken publicly about his fondness for guns.

Last year he told a newspaper he sleeps with a pistol, machine gun, cricket bat and baseball bat for fear of burglars.

There are an estimated 1.5 million gun owners in South Africa, where crime remains a major problem.

Many residents keep weapons at home and equip their houses with electric fences and panic buttons that summon heavily armed guards within minutes.

In November, Pistorius tweeted about arriving home and hearing the washing machine on "and thinking it's an intruder to go into full combat recon mode into the pantry! waa."

Pistorius was also known as an adrenaline junkie, with a love of speed reflected in a passion for motorbikes. Four years ago he crashed his boat in a river south of Johannesburg, breaking two ribs, an eye socket and his jaw.

Empty alcohol bottles were found in the boat, but his blood alcohol content was not tested.

Until now his problems off the track had been eclipsed by his success on it.

The Johannesburg-born athlete won gold in the 4x100m relay and the 400m individual at the Paralympic Games in London. He was triple gold medallist in the Beijing games in 2008.

He was named by Time Magazine last year as one of the world's 100 most influential people.

He had both legs amputated below the knee when he was 11-months-old after being born without lower leg bones. But he played sports unhindered while growing up, switching to running after fracturing a knee playing rugby.

Today sponsors are racing to distance themselves from the sprinter whom they once feted.

A South African pay television channel has canned a campaign featuring the runner.

There was no immediate comment from global sports giant Nike on its sponsorship of Pistorius, whom it featured in an advert showing the runner setting off from the starting blocks with the line "I am the bullet in the chamber".

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Bio passports for FIFA World Cup

Cup ... FIFA will introduce biological passports in Brazil. Source: GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP

Every footballer at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil will be required to have a biological passport, the sport's world governing body FIFA announced on Friday.

FIFA intends to introduce the system of biological profiling at this year's Confederations Cup in Brazil, as part of the worldwide crackdown on doping in sport and it should be fully operational by the next World Cup.

A delegation from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) met FIFA officials at their Zurich headquarters on Thursday, and WADA president John Fahey said his agency was "very satisfied with the commitment of FIFA on the biological profiles''.

Biological profiling, as used in cycling, is considered one of the most effective methods of detecting the use of performance-enhancing drugs and blood boosters like EPO.

EPO was first tested for by FIFA at the 2002 World Cup where all players had to undergo urine and blood testing and, whenever the results were abnormal, an EPO test was performed. All results were negative.

FIFA is also developing the hormonal profiling project, a new initiative in collaboration with the WADA-accredited laboratory in Switzerland.

"There is always more which can be done in the fight against doping, but we know FIFA has always been serious in this domain,'' Fahey said.

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Crusaders edge Waratahs in trial

Israel Folau ... impresses again for the Waratahs in a trial. Source: News Limited

NSW Waratahs knocked back a whopping nine kickable penalty shots at goal as they fell 16-14 to the Crusaders in a scrappy Super Rugby trial at Allianz Stadium.

Waratahs coach Michael Cheika stuck with his policy for the trials of not taking three-pointers as they looked to get their attack fine-tuned ahead of their Super Rugby opener against Queensland on Saturday week.

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Young five-eighth Ben Volavola had an indifferent night at the office for the Waratahs but showed glimpses of class and enough to please Cheika with playmakers Berrick Barnes and Bernard Foley in doubt for the Reds' clash.

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Israel Folau was named man of the match as the star fullback made the most of his limited opportunities with several line breaks for the hosts who scored two tries to one.

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Folau brought the small crowd to their feet every time he chimed into the backline and showed enough to suggest he's in for a big year.

Although Cheika wasn't pleased with the amount of dropped ball, overall he was happy with the performance and defended the choice not to take penalty shots.

"I thought we weren't too bad considering we had about probably nine or 10 guys in their first game at the start of the game, so they were blowing like crazy from the start which I could tell.

"We knew what we were trying to do which is good. I like that. One of the big things we want to do is be very clear about how we want to play and just keep playing like that.

"... We want to win but I think you see by the way that we decided to take penalty kicks for goal that we understand the balance of what we want to get out of practice matches as well."

The Waratahs fought back well in the second half after trailling 13-0 at halftime.

Brendan McKibbin's injection at halfback for Grayson Heart in the 27th minute was pivotal for the Waratahs with the classy No.9 giving his side some much-needed direction.

NSW scored their first points of the night when back-rower Lopeti Timani charged onto a pass from McKibbin close the line with the big Tongan barging his way over on 60 minutes.

McKibbin slotted the goal from the sideline to make it 13-7.

The Waratahs hit the lead for the first time about seven minutes later when replacement hooker Luke Holmes scored after a rolling maul from a lineout close to the Crusaders' line with Brendan McKibbin kicked the conversion to make it 14-13.

The Crusaders hit back with a penalty goal to Tom Taylor to make it 16-14 much to the disapproval of the enthusiastic small crowd.

The first half of the match which was split into 20 minute periods didn't reach any great heights with the Crusaders scoring a try through prop Pa'ea Fununu off a rolling maul while the other points came from a conversion and penalty goal to star No.10 Dan Carter while replacement five-eighth Tom Taylor slotted kicked the first of his two penalties in the first half.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder said the trial was a typical scrappy affair for this time of the year.

"These pre-season games are all like this. We were pretty disjointed and and pretty messy and for the last two weeks we've just been doing the same sort of thing. You just try and play with some structure, try some moves," he said.

"There's some things that need tweaking but nothing major, everything's in place."

The former All Black was impressed by Folau.

Blackadder confirmed that Carter left the field with a corked knee but said the injury was nothing serious.

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Quade: the past is in the past

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Long road back ... Cooper is keen to make amends for his forgettable outburst. Source:News Limited

Controversial Queensland Reds playmaker Quade Cooper is eager to put a topsy-turvy 2012 behind him and use his recent boxing success as a building block towards regaining the Wallabies No.10 jersey.

Cooper returns to the rugby field on Saturday night in the Reds' season-opener against the Brumbies and if his recent knockout of Barry Dunnett is anything to go by, he appears to be in the best physical shape of his career.

"I think it helped my footwork and when I started boxing … it helped with my knee rehab," Cooper told Fox Sports' Rugby HQ.

"I feel like I'm in a good space leading into the season from a footwork point-of-view and a fitness point-of-view as well."

Boxing aside, Cooper knows there's still plenty of hard work to come on the rugby field if he's to regain the superb form of 2011.

He's also chasing redemption with the Wallabies and coach Robbie Deans, who were the targets of his now famous "toxic" environment Twitter tirade and follow-up comments on The Rugby Club.

"It's a very important year but I'm not going to get clouded and all that sort of stuff from the past," Cooper said of the comments that saw him fined $40,000 and handed a two-match suspended ban.

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"I said a few things and I also apologised for a few of the things that I said.

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"There was a lot of emotions, up and down, with the way I was playing and a few things behind the scenes.

"But I'm not going to get caught up in that … I'm hoping that this year will be a positive year."

The 24-year-old fly half wants to make that unfortunate period a distant memory by winning back the Wallabies No.10 jersey and securing a place against the British and Irish Lions.

But that's easier said than done with good mates Kurtley Beale and James O'Connor both keen to fill the playmaking role, and talented Brumbies five-eighth Christian Lealiifano also on Deans's radar.

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Watch the Reds take on the Brumbies, Live and in HD from 7.30pm (EDT) Saturday on Fox Sports 2HD!

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"It's been a great building block with the start of the season with the boxing and getting fit and having a pre-season with the Reds boys," Cooper said of his start to 2013.

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"So I'm really excited about the opportunity of gaining back my spot in the Wallabies and it's a big year ahead with the Lions.

"And if I'm fortunate enough to put the gold jumper on and play again for the Wallabies this year, against the Lions, then that will be great.

"But then again, if I'm not selected for it then all I can do is play the best football I can and hopefully be a part of the 2013 set-up."

Cooper's journey back to the top begins at Canberra Stadium on Saturday night.

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Maddinson powers Blues to victory

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Quick-fire ... Nic Maddinson's half-century propels NSW to victory over the Redbacks. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

A blistering 85 from young gun Nic Maddinson trumped a brave innings by South Australia's Callum Ferguson as NSW claimed a 56-run victory in the one-day clash at the SCG on Thursday.

Maddinson's entertaining knock, his first one-day half-century of the summer, also overshadowed yet another impressive showing from Redbacks paceman Kane Richardson, who finished with 6-51 - his third five-wicket haul of the season.

The loss means SA may need to beat the Blues in the return fixture in Adelaide on Sunday to ensure they reach the final against Victoria.

ODD - Sydney Cricket Ground

14 February 2013 - Day 1, Session 2

South Australia 1st Innings

C. Bailey	19	26	0	0	73.08
C. Sayers	7	25	0	0	28
T. Copeland	12	1	42	2	3.50

But remarkably the bonus point win keeps the Blues' ultra-slim hopes of making the final alive - though that would require another bonus point win, and several results to fall their way.

Ferguson batted through pain after picking up a groin injury early on in his impressive 78 before falling to former Test paceman Trent Copeland (2-42).

But it wasn't enough to reel in the Maddinson-inspired target of 265, with South Australia starting behind the eight-ball when youngster Gurinder Sandhu (3-50) tore through their top order to reduce the visitors to 3-28.

Ferguson and Alex Ross (32 off 39) attempted to resurrect South Australia's flagging hopes with a 62-run partnership, but they departed in quick succession attempting to lift the runrate.

Richardson, who earned a $700,000 IPL contract with the Pune Warriors this month, then blasted 26 off 13 with two monstrous sixes - but when he was caught in the deep off young legspinner Adam Zampa (3-55 off 13 overs), the Redbacks' hopes of victory departed with him.

Earlier, it was Maddinson who stole the show on a dusty SCG wicket.

The 21-year-old's form in both short and long-form cricket has been unimpressive in the past 18 months - but turned that around with a brilliant Sheffield Shield century against Tasmania last week.

He backed up that bright innings with a powerful 74-ball knock, which included seven sixes, to drag NSW from a lethargic start to a match-winning total.

He put on 87 with Tim Cruickshank, who scored a patient 61, before a blistering 88-run partnership with Ben

Rohrer which came at quicker than eight runs an over.

NSW's total could've been even more imposing had it not been for Richardson, who lifted his season tally to 21 scalps when he ran through the Blues tail after knocking over Maddinson's stumps.

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Pistorius charged with murder

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Tragedy ... Oscar Pistorius shot and killed his girlfriend, FHM model Reeva Steenkamp. Source: Elite / AAP

Paralympic and Olympic athlete Oscar Pistorius has been charged with murder over the shooting death of his model girlfriend.

Pistorius is alleged to have killed his 30-year-old girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, who died of gunshot wounds at his home.

Police spokeswoman Denise Beukes said earlier reports that the suspect had been surprised by his girlfriend and had thought she was an intruder did not come from police.

She said there had been reports from neighbours of shouting and screaming coming from the house earlier in the evening. She said police had been called to the house on previous occasions after reports of "a domestic nature".

She said Pistorius was being "treated like any other normal person".

"He will be bringing a bail application and we will be opposing bail", she said, adding that there were no other suspects in the case.

Tragedy ... Oscar Pistorius shot and killed his girlfriend, FHM model Reeva Steenkamp. Source: Twitter

Police spokesman Katlego Mogale said a "26-year-old man had been taken into custody for shooting a 30-year-old woman".

"The deceased was shot four times and died on the scene. It is believed that she was the girlfriend of the accused," said Mogale.

The shooting took place in a house inside an upmarket security compound in Silverlakes, outside Pretoria, he said. Pistorius lives in the compound.

A car carrying her body just left Silver Woods Estate where Pistorius lives but media are not allowed in the estate, Beeld has reported.

Steenkamp's friends took to Twitter to express their sadness.

Known as the Blade Runner, Pistorius has won six Paralympic gold medals including two at London 2012.

A double below-the-knee amputee since childhood who runs on J-shaped carbon fibre prostheses, Pistorius made history in 2012 when he became the first double leg amputee to compete in the Olympics.

He took up running at the age of 16 and was the first double amputee to run in the Olympics and reached the 400 semi-finals in London 2012.

Most recently he stirred up controversy at the London Games after losing the T44 200m title - a event he was the strong favourite in.

The 25-year-old claimed he was at a disadvantage because his fellow competitors were "a lot taller" and he was unable to compete with their stride length.

The South African later apologised for the remarks.

Last year Time Magazine named him as one of the world's 100 most influential people.

Next month he was to be the star attraction of the Qantas Australian Athletics Tour.

Pistorius was to race in Australia for the first time at the Sydney Track Classic on March 9 and in Perth seven days later.

Athletics Australia CEO Dallas O'Brien said he was unaware how the reported shooting of his girlfriend would impact on his planned tour.

"Obviously we have been made aware of the tragic news story developing in South Africa around Oscar Pistorius and the reported shooting of his girlfriend," he said.

"Clearly, all the details around this incident are still coming to light, and for this reason we have no information at this time about how this affects Oscar's plans."

Almost six million South Africans have guns, and the nation has one of the world's highest gun ownership rates at 12.7 firearms per 100 people.

Pistorius lives in Pretoria, which was recently named one of the most dangerous places in the country when it comes to house robberies.

A recent report named the city as one of the top 20 most dangerous and violent areas to live in.

The capital also has four suburbs in the 10 most dangerous places to live in South Africa when it comes to attempted murder, rape, street robberies and assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm (assault GBH).

Pistorius is reportedly in police custody and will appear in court this Thursday in South Africa.

Pretoria is nine hours behind Australian Eastern Daylight Time.

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Special delivery for Russell Ingall

Paint job ... Russell Ingall's new Holden. Source: FOX SPORTS

Supercheap Auto Racing has taken the covers of their 2013 V8 Supercars Championship challenger.

In a unique warehouse-based launch where the car was 'delivered' to driver Russell Ingall and watching Supercheap Auto staff, the long-time V8 sponsor showcased their VF Commodore that the former champion hopes returns him to the top of the standings.

In Supercheap Auto's 16th year of involvement with V8 Supercars, the unique launch saw an Altona distribution centre staff receiving an order for a complete race team and culminated in Ingall requesting an 'amazing car' – that was then driven in to the warehouse.

"The designers of both the car and livery have got it dead right," Ingall said.

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Catch all your V8 Supercars' news here!

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"The VF Commodore is a great shape to work with as a race car.

"It really ticks all the boxes – it's the best looking car I've seen since I started racing in the category in 1996."

Ingall confirmed late last year that he would 'go around again' for another season, and has earmarked the Car of The Future as a key factor in his commitment to the sport.

Ingall remains one of V8 Supercars biggest and most popular names and a series of strong results in the second half of 2012 showed fans he still has what it takes to compete at the front.  

"Being completely new and different from the way V8s have always been built, COTF is quite a departure from the norm," Ingall said.

"Because I spent the early years of my career jumping between different categories, I believe I'll be able to adapt to the new car quite quickly.

"I'm not going into this season thinking about my last year, I'm just going into it as another year of racing. I'm probably more determined this year because of opportunities with new car.

"If I can come out of the first three rounds with a good bundle of points, I think I'll be able to have one of the best years I've had for a long time.

The Supercheap Auto VF was designed by the same Holden Design staff that penned the stunning Holden Racing Team cars unveiled recently; Ingalls's Walkinshaw Racing entry prepared out of the same garage as has been the case for several seasons.

"Walkinshaw Racing is probably the best prepared out of all the teams in having three cars totally prepared and tested before the start of the season," Ingall said.

"This will be a huge advantage in knowing what makes the car work and what the vulnerabilities are."

The new livery features a more black and red than previous, predominantly yellow, liveries.

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Footy codes begin blood profiling

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John Fahey ... condemns the ACC report. Source: Jean-christophe Bott / AAP

Australia's football codes say they're creating blood profiles of players as crime fighters come under renewed criticism for their handling of sport's doping scandal.

The Australian Crime Commission (ACC) was branded a "disgrace'' by one rugby league club on Wednesday as widespread blood profiling of athletes was revealed.

But the profiling, dubbed biological athlete passports, can't show any use of the performance-enhancing peptides at the centre of the current controversy.

The ACC last week said it had identified widespread use of peptides by elite athletes but a lack of specifics has angered many sports officials, including North Queensland NRL coach Neil Henry.

"It's just wrong, it has been poorly handled and, to me, it's farcical,'' Henry told reporters in Townsville on Wednesday.

"For people to have to defend themselves not knowing any information is just wrong.''

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) president John Fahey conceded it could take years for Australian sport's drugs cloud to clear.

Fahey was also critical of how the ACC delivered its findings of widespread use of performance-enhancing drugs, with links to organised crime, within Australian sport.

"My regret is that they did it in such a general manner,'' Fahey told AAP in London.

"And as a result of announcing it when they did, there will be a long time that will elapse before we know how bad, how extensive, which codes, which teams, which players, which athletes.

"I'm afraid it's not likely that the cloud that is hanging over our head right now is going to be removed any time soon.''

But Australia's major football codes hit back at Fahey's assertions they had not adopted athlete biological passports, as used in cycling.

The AFL, NRL and Australian Rugby Union (ARU) have all started such passports which effectively reveal effects of blood-based doping such as EPO and transfusions, rather than use of substances such as peptides.

The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) introduced athlete biological passports into its Australian-based testing program in July last year.

An AFL spokesman said ASADA had been blood profiling a number of players across its competition "for several years now'', while a NRL spokesman said rugby league was also engaged in blood profiling of players.

ARU chief executive Bill Pulver said in rugby, more than 220 blood and urine tests this year across the Wallabies, Super Rugby and Sevens competitions would provide such biological passports.

"We don't even think twice about the cost because we need to do it to eliminate drugs from the game,'' Pulver told AAP.

Football Federation Australia CEO David Gallop said soccer also tested "in line with the regime recommended to us by ASADA, who, amongst other factors, take into account that our players are different to some of the other sports in terms of player body type."

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Windies total too big for Aussies

Keiron Pollard ... helps the Windies break their summer duck at the Gabba. Source: Dave Hunt / AAP

Reigning Twenty20 World Cup champions the West Indies flexed their muscle against a depleted Australia to clinch a 27-run victory in their one-off international at the Gabba on Wednesday night.

At the same time a Matthew Wade-captained Australian team played a tour match in India, national T20 captain George Bailey led out an unheralded line-up featuring three debutants.

T20 - Gabba

13 February 2013 - Day 1, Session 2

Australia 1st Innings

N. Coulter-Ni...	16	11	0	2	145.45
C. McKay	6	8	0	0	75
T. Best	3	0	19	0	6.33

In the end, Australia's inexperience showed as they stumbled to 8-164 in response to a fast finishing Windies' 6-191 in front of 19,562.

It ensured the Windies ended their horror tour with a smile following their 5-0 one day series loss to Australia.

Denied Australian cricket's biggest stars due to the clash with the Test tour of India, fans voted with their feet in Brisbane - barely half of the Gabba was full for what was supposed to be this summer's international cricket climax.

While players tried to thrust their name in front of Test selectors in the two-day clash with the Indian Board President's XI in Chennai, punters were struggling to recognise all the Australian T20 players at the Gabba.

Chasing 192 for victory, Australia looked comfortable at 1-79 in the 10th over with Shaun Marsh and Adam Voges at the crease before two run outs in three balls turned the match on its head.

First Marsh (21 off 19 balls) was caught short by Tino Best at cover after being called through for a quick single, ending a 74-run second wicket stand.

Next over it was Voges (51 off 32 balls) taking the long walk back to the pavillion after Australia lost 2-3.

A cheeky single was attempted after wicketkeeper Devon Thomas fumbled but he redeemed himself by throwing down the stumps to catch out Voges at the striker's end.

Just like Voges, captain George Bailey (15) overcame a hamstring complaint to earn a last minute selection on Wednesday but he was snared by spinner Sunil Narine (2-19).

Brad Haddin (22 off 11 balls) tried to give Australia a sniff, at one stage bludgeoning Narine for two sixes and a four in three balls, before hitting out once too often against Kieron Pollard (3-30 off four overs).

Pollard then cleaned up, at one stage eyeing a hat-trick as the mini-collapse became a full blown crisis for Australia.

The hosts initially punched above their weight to restrict the Windies after the early loss of matchwinning opener Chris Gayle (eight) in just the second over.

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Re-live the action with our Match Centre.

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Left-arm quick James Faulkner (3-28 off four overs) was a thorn in the Windies' side, at one stage grabbing two wickets in three balls.

Opener Johnson Charles (57 off 35 balls) shared an 88-run second wicket stand with Darren Bravo (32 off 27) to steady the innings.

But it was the late hitting of Pollard (26 off 17 balls), Andre Russell (23 not out off 11) and captain Darren Sammy (20 off seven) that helped lift the Windies to a more than competitive target.

The trio combined to ensure the visitors lashed 48 runs off the final three overs.

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Henriques stars in drawn tour match

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Out of the shadows ... Moises Henriques could earn his Test debut in India. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

Moises Henriques took 4-12 for Australia in the drawn two-day game against India Board XI in Chennai to thrust himself into contention for a possible Test debut on February 22.

The pace-bowling allrounder may have only scored 16 with the bat but the 26-year-old put on a clinic with the ball on Wednesday, making full use of the conditions which were favourable to reverse-swing.

"I certainly think I'm a chance (of Test selection),'' Henriques told AAP at the Guru Nanak College Ground.

Offpsinner Nathan Lyon claimed 3-69 off 13 overs while fast bowler James Pattinson had a solid hit-out with 1-24 from nine overs after missing the three-Test series against Sri Lanka with a side injury.

The home side were bowled out for 230 in reply to Australia's 241 and Australia reached 0-15 in their second innings before the match was called off half an hour early.

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"Whilst I bowled well today, I certainly think I let go of a great opportunity I had with the bat,'' Henriques said.

"I'm the only seam-bowling all-rounder on the tour so I give a unique option over here. But I guess in these conditions the spin-bowling option is also going to be a good one.''

Australia's other two all-rounders - spinners Glenn Maxwell (1-20 off four overs) and Steve Smith (0-34 off four) - were unable to match the feats of Henriques with the ball.

Maxwell made a duck in Australia's first innings and Smith hit a fine 41.

NSW allrounder Henriques said his SCG experience has proved to be an advantage.

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"On my home ground in Australia the conditions also reverse (swing) so I guess I'm used to bowling in those types of conditions,'' he said.

Henriques said his focus was on bowling good-length balls.

"There was a bit of variable bounce,'' he said.

Uncapped No.4 batsman Ambati Rayudu hit a defiant 87 with nine fours and three sixes for India Board XI.

Western Australia's 19-year-old left-arm spinner Ashton Agar, who has been included in the squad as a net bowler and is heading home this weekend, was mobbed by teammates after removing No.7 Parvez Rassol (36) caught at silly point at 7-199. Agar took 1-27 and did not look out of place alongside his higher-profile teammates.

Michael Clarke completed a series of run-throughs at half-pace for about 20 minutes without any apparent discomfort on Wednesday in an encouraging sign that the skipper can overcome a sore hamstring for the first Test. Australia will play a three-day game against India A starting on Saturday.

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Maxwell fails in India audition

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Audition ... Glenn Maxwell failed to make an impact against an Indian Board XI. Source: Theron Kirkman / AP

Steve Smith was the only one of Australia's three candidates for the Test allrounder's position to pass 20 as the tourists were bowled out for 241 on Tuesday against an Indian Board XI.

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Striving to reclaim his Test spot for the series against India which starts on February 22, Smith came in at No.4 and made a stylish 41 in two-and-a-half hours on a turning pitch.

Uncapped allrounders Glenn Maxwell (0) and Moises Henriques (16) will get another chance to impress selectors with the ball on day two of the two-day game in Chennai.

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Opener Ed Cowan made 58 in an important knock given the ongoing speculation that Test No.4 Shane Watson might be better suited at the top of the order.

Usman Khawaja (32) and Cowan shared an opening stand of 77 at the tree-lined Guru Nanak College Ground where the genteel atmosphere was heightened by having two waiters in black suits carry trays of drinks out during the morning session.

Cowan was given out caught behind to offspinner Parvez Rassol at 2-109 after Australia were 1-81 at lunch. The uncapped Rassol, 23, was the star of the day with figures of 7-45 off 28.3 overs.

Rassol removed Matthew Wade who was caught at long-off for 35.

Maxwell, whose international profile soared after being bought last weekend by Mumbai Indians for $US1 million ($A977,000) in the Indian Premier League auction, was caught behind off paceman Stuart Binny at 4-169 just before tea.

Henriques was caught at short cover off the bowling of legspinner Sarabjit Ladda and Smith popped a catch to short leg off Rassol six runs later at 6-198.

Peter Siddle (22) and James Pattinson (nine) added 30 for the seventh wicket before Rassol removed both batsmen in the 83rd over.

Australia lost 4-13 to end their innings five minutes before the scheduled stumps.

Monday's arrivals Watson, Xavier Doherty, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc and Phil Hughes are likely to play in the three-day game starting on Saturday.peSkipper Michael Clarke and David Warner, who are nursing hamstring and thumb complaints, were due to arrive shortly.

Western Australia spinner Ashton Agar, 19, has been included in the Australia team for the two-day game as part of his development and is heading home this weekend.

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Manly cleared by ASADA: report

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David Perry ... claims Manly has been cleared by ASADA. Source: Sam Ruttyn / News Limited

NRL club Manly say they have been cleared of doping by the Australian Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA).

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Sea Eagles officials, including club chairman Scott Penn and chief executive David Perry, attended a meeting on Tuesday with ASADA and Tony Whitlam QC, who heads the new NRL integrity unit.

The club late on Tuesday night then released a statement claiming all its players been cleared.

"The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have been told by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) that none of the club's players, past or present, have tested positive to illegal performance enhancing substances,'' the statement read.

The six NRL clubs mentioned in the Australian Crime Commission's (ACC) report were briefed by ASADA in Sydney on Tuesday.

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Representatives from the Sea Eagles, Penrith, Cronulla, Canberra, North Queensland and Newcastle were spoken to both as a group and individually.

"ASADA outlined to Manly and five other NRL clubs the processes it is undertaking as part of its on-going investigation into the use of banned substances in Australian sport,'' Perry said in the statement.

"We will continue to assist ASADA in its investigation.

"Confidentiality precludes the Sea Eagles from discussing details of that investigation.''

Meanwhile, Penrith general manager Phil Gould says the NRL clubs mentioned in the Australian Crime Commission now have a greater understanding of the investigation being undertaken by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority.

The Panthers boss joined representatives from the five other clubs mentioned in the ACC report - Manly, Cronulla, Newcastle, North Queensland and Canberra - at a group briefing in Sydney on Tuesday.

The clubs were also briefed individually by ASADA.

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No specific details or players were identified by ASADA, though Gould - who was last week highly critical of the broad-brush nature in which the report was made public - was nonetheless encouraged by the update provided.

"I've been well informed of what they are looking at and how long this process will take and how serious it is and at the end of the day we totally support the process and totally support the work the NRL is doing,'' Gould said.

"I'm far clearer today than I was yesterday.''

Asked if the clubs had been informed as to what investigators were looking into, with allegations of illicit drug use and match-fixing mentioned in the report, Gould said:

"Basically we're bound by the same confidentiality (as the NRL) now.

"All I can say is that we're very clear on what ASADA has had to say and we understand this is a drawn out process and totally support it.''

Earlier on Tuesday, NRL chief executive David Smith said he could not give a timeline on how long the ongoing investigations would take or when specific details might be made public.

"It (the briefings will ASADA) will take the ongoing investigations to the next stage,'' Smith said.

"I can't pre-judge how long that will take.''

Investigators from auditors Deloitte visited the Knights last week, and seven-time premiership-winning coach Wayne Bennett said they checked on records as far back as seven years ago.

Bennett, who only took over as Knights coach for the 2012 season, said he has quizzed all staff and players and was confident the current Newcastle set-up have nothing to worry about.

"They want us to confess to something. I'm racking my head what we've got to confess to,'' said Bennett.

"I've been through the staff, I've checked with all the players.

"Whatever they're looking for, it hasn't happened in the past 18 months. So after that I've got no idea.

"The information we're getting when they arrived here last week looking for records ... they were certainly talking about other years as far back as 2005 perhaps.

"We've just got no idea. We've complied with everything they've asked for and we'll continue to do that.

"We've got nothing to hide, not since I've been here anyway.''

Penrith captain Kevin Kingston said he was confident the club does not have a 'drug problem'.

"We trust our sports scientists. We don't take anything out of the ordinary. I barely take protein myself,'' Kingston said.

"I don't think there is a drug problem at our club.''

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Olympics dump wrestling

Tradition .. Wrestling must now fight for its place in the Olympics. Source: Paul Sancya / AP

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Tuesday opted to remove wrestling from the program of sports at the 2020 Games, a spokesman said.

The decision, taken at the IOC's executive board (EB) meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland, means wrestling now faces a fight against seven other sports for inclusion at the Games, the location of which will be decided later this year.

The sport, which includes freestyle and greco-roman wrestling, still has a slim chance of regaining its berth but, if the example of softball and baseball are anything to go by, it is unlikely to be successful.

For both of those sports were ejected in a vote in 2009 and subsequently confirmed in Berlin at the EB meeting where golf and rugby sevens were accepted for the 2016 edition in Rio de Janeiro.

There would be one last hope in that when the decision is put to all the IOC members in the Congress in Buenos Aires in September that it is rejected.

Some IOC members not on the EB could simply vote against the decision because they are annoyed that such matters are presented to them almost as a fait accompli and not debated by all the members.

Ironically softball and baseball have united this time round in order to regain its spot and will learn their fate at the EB meeting in St Petersburg, Russia, in May.

Also lobbying for inclusion are squash, roller sports - who both failed in their bids in 2009 - karate, wushu, which is very popular at the Asian Games, the nautical sport wakeboard and sport climbing.

Squash and karate are generally seen to be leading the race to win the sole spot for the 2020 Games which will be held in either Tokyo, Madrid and Istanbul.

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AOC introduces stat decs

Declaration ... Torah Bright will be one of Australia's medal hopes in Sochi. Source: AFP

Australian athletes competing at next year's Winter Olympics will be the first in the world to sign statutory declarations saying they have no history of doping in sport.

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) announced the introduction of the landmark rule on Tuesday in the midst of the current doping scandal engulfing the NRL and AFL.

With those competing at the 2014 Sochi Games kick-starting the process it will now be mandatory for all future Australian Olympians to sign a statutory declaration about doping, with those who lie facing up to five years' imprisonment.

All members of the AOC's executive, its committees and commission as well as AOC staff will also be required to make the statutory declaration in the coming weeks.

Anyone refusing to sign will be ineligible for the Australian Olympic team or AOC employment.

The AOC board first discussed the reform at a meeting last November after the US Anti-Doping Agency stripped cyclist Lance Armstrong of his seven Tour de France titles and banned him from sanctioned sport for life.

AOC president John Coates circulated final details of the Ethical Behaviour By Law amendment to his executive last Thursday - the same day the Australian Crime Commission (ACC) tabled its findings about widespread banned drug abuse in elite sport.

Coates last week said the reform could be a template for organisations like the AFL and NRL.

"I would encourage them to look at what we've done, even down at a club level,'' he said on Saturday.

The AOC have also vowed to share information with the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority relating to the statutory declarations.

"Consistent with our obligations under the WADA Code to co-operate with ASADA and vigorously pursue all potential anti-doping rule violations'' Coates said on Tuesday.

"This may include verifying the contents of a statutory declaration, reporting suspected false declarations or identifying instances where a person or group of persons refuses to sign the statutory declaration altogether.''

In the wake of the ACC report, the federal government has moved to strengthen ASADA's investigative powers and resources, introducing a bill which would give them police-like enforcement to compel suspect athletes and others to turn up for questioning and hand over documents on request.

The AOC is currently preparing a submission and Coates, who last week welcomed the move, will attend a public hearing in Canberra next month.

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T20 withdrawal frustrate Bailey

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Withdrawals ... George Bailey believes the Aussie team can still entertain. Source: Theron Kirkman / News Limited

Frustrated Australia Twenty20 captain George Bailey understands why he will lead a depleted side against West Indies in Brisbane on Wednesday but fears it may compromise their World Cup countdown.

Bailey would have been forgiven for feeling like the last man standing in the T20 side as the 17-strong Australian squad assembled in India for their four-Test tour.

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And his team for the one-off T20 international may be depleted further after Queensland batsman Joe Burns was called in on Monday as cover for Adam Voges (hamstring).

As a result, the finale for Australia's international summer of cricket resembles a fizzer.

"It's frustrating. No doubt Cricket Australia have prioritised the Test series - I don't blame them for that,'' Bailey said.

"But we've got seven or eight games until the T20 World Cup (in Bangladesh in 2014).

"It (preparation) does feel a little compromised.''

And Bailey said if rumours of a change to the 2014 World Cup format were true, world No.7 Australia needed the best preparation available to get out of the "danger zone''.

The number of teams have been expanded from 12 to 16 at the 2014 T20 World Cup but Bailey appeared anxious over how many automatically qualified.

"I have heard they are going to change the format...there will be a certain amount who automatically qualify,'' he said.

"I have heard six and I have heard eight, and we are in that danger zone.

"So every game as a group is important...in terms of trying to maintain some structure and continuity.''

Ticket prices for Wednesday's T20 international ranged from $45 to $105 but Bailey baulked when asked if fans would be short changed.

"It is frustrating. I am sure they (fans) would like to see the best 11 available,'' he said.

"I don't think they will be short changed...but will the best players be there? Not necessarily.''

Burns is in line to make his international debut along with the likes of WA quick Nathan Coulter-Nile and NSW batsman Ben Rohrer on Wednesday after being placed on standby for Voges.

Voges twinged a hamstring during his match-winning 112 not out in Australia's 17-run ODI win over the Windies on Sunday night, completing a five-game sweep.

Bailey - who missed the ODI finale at the MCG - was confident he would overcome his own hamstring complaint.

Meanwhile, quick Ben Cutting denied he had been given a ``cheap cap'' before running out on home ground the Gabba in national colours for the first time.

"I have worked as hard as the other boys,'' he said.

"It's part and parcel of being a fast bowler. It gives you opportunities but it can also take them away with injury and what not.''

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Thurston cleared of hand injury

Cowboy ... Johnathan Thurston is clear to play on Saturday. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

North Queensland co-captain Johnathan Thurston has been cleared of a hand injury which threatened his start to the NRL season.

The Queensland and and Australian five-eighth underwent precautionary x-rays and scans on Monday after hurting his right hand in Saturday night's NRL All Stars game.

Thurston's hand was still sore on Monday, but the club confirmed there was no structural damage.

He is now safe to travel to Cairns on Thursday for the club's NRL pre-season trial against St George-Illawarra at Barlow Park on Saturday night.

Fellow co-captain Matthew Scott, Gavin Cooper, Dallas Johnson, Glenn Hall, Ashton Sims and Antonio Winterstein are expected to make their first appearance for the year in the trial.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys believe their latest re-signing Kane Linnett can break into representative football this season.

The 24-year-old centre, who played 24 of the club's 26 games in 2012, extended his contract until 2016 on Monday, much to the delight of coach Neil Henry and club football manager Peter Parr.

Linnett carried off the club's Most Improved award last season following a breakout year which included 12 tries to the former Rooster.

"We couldn't have been any happier with how Kane performed in his first season with the Cowboys,'' Parr said on Monday.

"He settled in straight away, had an excellent season in both attack and defence and we think there's still more development there in his game.

"He should come into contention for representative football in the near-future and it's a big positive for our club that he's committed long-term to the Cowboys.''

Linnett, who is three games shy of 50 NRL games, said he enjoyed the North Queensland lifestyle.

"Both the area and the club suit me. I already have some great mates here and you can tell we have a team capable of winning a premiership,'' he said.

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NSW ends Tassie Ryobi Cup hopes

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Opener ... David Dawson's maiden Ryobi Cup century helps NSW win. Source: Richard Jupe / News Limited

A five-wicket haul from teenage NSW quick Gurinder Sandhu has ended Tasmania's slim chance of sneaking into the domestic one-day final in a 37-run victory at Bellerive.

Sandhu, who claimed figures of 5-35 in just his second match, removed dangerman Tim Paine (30 from 44) and ripped through the Tigers tail after in-form opener David Dawson had struck a maiden one-day century in the Blues' 4-246.

Spin twins Luke Doran (3-64) and Adam Zampa (1-44) had orchestrated a Tigers' collapse with the home side needing a bonus point win to remain a mathematical chance of playing in the February 27 decider.

ODD - Blundstone Arena

11 February 2013 - Day 1, Session 2

Tasmania 1st Innings

E. Gulbis	45	54	4	0	83.33
A. Fekete	0	6	0	0	0
G. Sandhu	9.3	1	35	5	3.68

Doran bowled Tasmanian opener Jonathan Wells for a duck in the second over before removing Alex Doolan (21 from 19) and Jason Krejza (7 from 9).

It was leg-spinner Zampa, though, that snared the big one when he had Ricky Ponting caught behind after the former Australian skipper had looked ominous, cracking five fours in his 28 from 29 balls.

For Tasmania, only Jordan Silk (54 from 71) and Evan Gulbis (45 from 54) offered much resistance.

Tasmania stay fifth with the loss and NSW sixth despite their first one-day victory since September 16 last year.

The Tigers made a bright start, reaching 50 off just 61 balls despite the loss of Wells at 1-6.

Ponting departed at 2-58 and Paine without a run being added, caught behind off the impressive bowling of 19-year-old Sandhu.

Any chance of a bonus point looked gone when Doolan went at 4-101, and it was 5-119 when Daniel Hughes took an unusual catch that had ricocheted off the bowler's hands to dismiss Matt Johnston (8 from 20).

Sandhu took the last four wickets, including Silk's, to mop up the tail, the Tigers all out for 209.
Earlier, Dawson continued to torment his former state with an unbeaten 124 from 139 balls.
The 30-year-old put on 93 with Tim Cruickshank (61 from 85) for the second wicket to set up NSW's total after they had won the toss.
He made 75 in the first innings of last week's drawn Sheffield Shield match but his unbeaten 19 in the second was just as important as he saw off the final over of the tense draw.

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'Hird had input into supplement use'

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Denial ... Stephen Dank speaks for the first time on the ABC's 7.30. Source: ABC / Supplied

Controversial sports scientist Stephen Dank says Essendon club coaches and management were well aware of the fully legal supplement program that he oversaw.

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Speaking on the ABC's 7.30, Dank said head coach James Hird and high-performance manager Dean Robinson even had input into the program.

While he denied players were on illegal substances, Dank made the startling allegation that there were coaches and support staff on supplements that would not be allowed under the WADA code.

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As the code only applies to players, the coaches and staff had not breached it.

He also revealed he had been interviewed by the Australian Crime Commission (ACC) and told he had done nothing wrong.

Investigations into drug use are currently being carried out by the AFL, ACC and Australian Sports Anti-Doping Agency (ASADA).

Another of the allegations levelled at Dank was that players were given performance-enhancing supplements without their knowledge, which he denied, saying players signed consent forms and were briefed on the supplements given to them.

"There was a collective involvement, it wasn't just Stephen Dank, there was certainly input from other people into structuring the program," he said.

"Dean Robnson, James Hird, club doctor Bruce Reid, they were the main people involved in the knowledge of the program."

A program that Dank maintains was completely above board.

"I guess from our point of view - we were introducing a pretty broad range type program - we wanted them to be informed of what was to be undertaken during that program.

"Often times, especially in the early stages, we reaffirmed with the players that they knew what they were taking.

"I'm certainly very surprised (they've said they didn't know what they were taking) given how much time we spent discussing it with them."

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Essendon kick off their NAB Cup campaign on Friday night against Collingwood and Western Bulldogs, which can be seen live and exclusive on Fox Footy.

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Essendon sparked the debate into drugs in sport when they announced they had asked the AFL and ASADA to investigate their fitness regime in 2012.

"We want to get this investigation started. We want to get it done. We want to come out with a clean bill of health," Hird said last week.

"We want to move on with the footy season."

"I'm very disappointed - shocked is probably the best word.

"I believe we followed processes, we put in place the right sort of processes. My understanding is we worked within the framework given to us by the AFL and WADA."

Dank said players were introveniasly injected with vitamin B and vitamin C only, not the alleged illegal peptides.

During his time at Manly, Dank confirmed he had used calves' blood but said nothing illegal was given to players.

"We used a lot of supplements to be honest, but nothing different to other clubs," he said.

"We did use a little bit of calves blood there at one stage but that was no different to what was appropriate in the world of sport at the time.

"Any elite system pushes towards the boundary and it would be foolish to think Essendon are the only ones pushing the line and looking at these sorts of programs."

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Can youth alone make the finals?

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Poise ... Mark Birighitti has been a tower of strength for the Jets. Source: Tracey Nearmy / AAP

Can you succeed in the A-League riding on the exuberance of youth?

It's a fine balance – just ask Sydney FC, revelling in a win on Sunday afternoon, but who have yet to harness the brilliance of Alessandro Del Piero because of the inexperience of those around him in an injury-riddled season.

Down the F3, Newcastle Jets have also suffered from the inconsistency jitters. 

The club are still well into the finals race, but are relying heavily on a lot of the youth. But in the Hunter, youth has always been a key part of Gary van Egmond's strategy. 

Veteran striker Michael Bridges still maintains the side will sneak into the six – they're currently one point behind Sydney FC – but acknowledges that his younger teammates are still grasping the ardours of A-League football. 

With Jobe Wheelhouse and Tiago Calvano's mid-season departures, the Jets rely heavily on Ruben Zadkovich, Ryan Griffiths, Emile Heskey and Bridges - who has been told to look elsewhere next season - to shoulder the burden of responsibility amongst an inexperienced squad. 

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The Jets might have lost to the Wanderers, but their No.1, Mark Birighitti, starred with another save that earns him Bozza's vote for this week's Save of the Week. Enjoy the video at the top of the page. 

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"(Having a squad full of youngsters is) great when it's going well, but when the chips are down and you've got 13,000 or 20,000 on your back and you're going to places like Western Sydney Wanderers or Melbourne Victory, it's going to affect you," Bridges told foxsports.com.au.

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"That's where we've got to have a fine balance.

"I know what Gary's trying to achieve with a young team, trying to win something. 

"But realistically, these kids have got to have a shoulder to cry on. 

"For us (senior guys), we've played in stadiums with hundreds of thousands of people there, throwing things at you, places like Galatasaray; we know how to handle it. Hopefully we can take the distractions away."

The class of Craig Goodwin, James Virgili, Sam Gallaway, Connor Chapman et al have shown glimpses, but Bridges pinpoints one youngster who has had a breakthrough year, and been one of the Jets' best.

Goalkeeper Mark Birighitti. 

"His injury (a fractured cheekbone against Wellington in November) was a horrendous knee clash - he looked like the elephant man, I was taking the mickey out of him a bit too much!

"For him to come back into the game; you think he'll be vulnerable with crosses – but he hasn't.

"He's been our standout player this season.

"He's the one I can say single-handedly – him and Emile. What he's got: he's a great shot-stopper, his distribution for a goalkeeper is fantastic and he's also getting save of the week as well!" 

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