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Hampshire secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Friends Provident t20 tournament thanks to a Neil McKenzie-inspired win over holders Sussex at the Rose Bowl

18-Jul-2010
ScorecardDespite appearances Chad Keegan was powerless to stop Hampshire•Getty ImagesHampshire secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Friends Provident t20 tournament thanks to a Neil McKenzie-inspired win over holders Sussex at the Rose Bowl.Hampshire, who went into the tie perilously perched in fourth place – the final qualifying place in the South Group of the competition – needed a win to be sure of progressing. And thanks to a powerful unbeaten knock of 67 off just 49 balls from former South African international McKenzie, Hampshire were able to amass a competitive 195 for 5 from their 20 overs.A disciplined team bowling performance then saw them restrict an out-of-sorts Sussex, who qualify in third, to 150 all out in reply. The win means Hampshire qualify for the potentially lucrative latter stages of the cup thanks to a superior run-rate to Surrey.It could have been very different for Hampshire, after they made spluttering start after batting first. Opener Abdul Razzaq departed for just four and youngster Jamie Vince for just five to leave the Royals in trouble at 24 for two.Vince’s departure brought McKenzie to the crease and in partnership with Razzaq’s opening partner Jimmy Adams, the pair played a succession of sweetly-timed shots to drag Hampshire towards a competitive score.After Adams departed for 30, McKenzie slipped effortlessly into an anchor role to the Royal’s innings, allowing first Michael Carberry (36 from 21 balls) and then Sean Ervine (32 from 12 balls) to flay a tiring Sussex attack to all corners as the innings came to a close.Sussex’s reply started strongly enough, with experienced England pair Luke Wright and Matt Prior looking in decent touch at the top of the innings. But after young left-armer Chris Wood removed the dangerous Wright, Sussex’s charge disintegrated rapidly.Prior was next to go, falling to a neat McKenzie catch off the bowling of Razzaq before another of Sussex’s England contingent, Michael Yardy, was run out two balls later. Even a brief counter-attack from Chris Nash (32 from 28 balls) and Dwayne Smith (28 from 14 balls) did not raise hopes of a Sussex victory.Instead some tight bowling from Dominic Cork and the impressive Wood squeezed the life out of the game, allowing Australian all-rounder Dan Christian to wrap up the innings by bowling Ollie Rayner with Sussex still 45 runs short.

Everton’s first victory since 25 September on Monday night steadied the ship on Merseyside, but the club remains firmly in a state of transition and disorder.

What’s the story?

Ahead of their crucial clash with Arsenal, it was announced that former director of football Marcel Brands had departed the Toffees, citing “a clear difference in the vision and direction” that he and the board wanted to take the club in.

The Dutchman followed Sarvar Ismailov out of the Goodison Park exit door, leaving Chairman Bill Kenwright, chief executive officer Denise Barrett-Baxendale and finance chief Grant Ingles as the only remaining board members.

Upon Brands’ departure, it was revealed via a club statement that a “strategic review of the football structure” will take place at Everton, and the Liverpool ECHO reporter Phil Kirkbride has provided an update on the situation.

He wrote: “Everton are planning to find two new board members following the departures of Marcel Brands and Sarvar Ismailov. And the ECHO understands that further additions to the Goodison top table have not been ruled out.”

Moshiri must axe Bill Kenwright

News that big changes are not expected at Everton will leave large sections of the club’s supporters extremely concerned and may have some calling for more of the hierarchy to depart, given their extensive failings in recent years.

According to TransferLeague, the Toffees have the third-highest net spend on transfers in the Premier League over the last five years, with their £275m outlay only falling behind Manchester United and Manchester City.

However, they have not had the results or any silverware to show for it. In that time, Everton have finished seventh, eighth twice, 10th and 12th, highlighting their huge underperformance both on and off the pitch.

The Blues’ fanbase has been growing ever-more frustrated with the club’s chiefs in recent weeks, unfurling a banner against them at Brentford and chanting ‘sack the board’ during the Merseyside before hosting a walk-out in protest on Monday.

And it’s Kenwright who appears to be taking the majority of the flack. Journalist Richard Buxton highlighted why in a recent tweet, questioning what the 76-year-old actually does behind the scenes.

He wrote: “What is Bill Kenwright’s defined role as Everton chairman? Yes, he’s involved in the day-to-day running but when it comes to the high-ranking decisions (managers, transfers etc) Moshiri’s autonomy renders him little more than a legacy figure with a fancy title.”

Therefore, despite Everton languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table, owner Farhad Moshiri ought to be wielding the axe upstairs once more rather than putting extra pressure on manager Rafa Benitez.

The Merseyside outfit’s issues run far deeper than the person sitting in the dugout on a Saturday afternoon, and unless extensive changes are made, their issues are likely to continue for many years yet.

And, in other news…Rafa must seal EFC swoop for “complete” £51k-p/w beast who plays like Platini & Zidane 

Lots of Manchester United fans were blasting Harry Maguire for his role in the goal for Burnley in the Red Devils’ 3-1 win in the Premier League on Thursday night.

The defender did not engage with Aaron Lennon as he made his way to the edge of the penalty box and then did not put in much of an effort to block the shot, which eventually trickled into the bottom corner past David de Gea.

It was not Maguire’s best game at Old Trafford in general, as he lost out on four of his duels and also failed to record any tackles. Also, he lost possession of the ball 12 times, the seventh-most out of any of his teammates on the pitch (SofaScore).

Man Utd fans blast Maguire

These United fans blasted Maguire on Twitter after the goal conceded by Ralf Rangnick’s men, with one supporter even going as far as to claim that the 28-year-old is the ‘meme’ of the club, having often been deemed culpable of defensive errors in a red shirt:

“Bin Maguire ASAP”

Credit: @KhashanDalia

“Maguire really is the meme of the club, get that man out”

Credit: @WonkaWonka195

“Tell Maguire to get off the pitch”

Credit: @Donny_DaSilva

“Sell Maguire”

Credit: @alexsears97

“SELL MAGUIRE ASAP”

Credit: @imSoenda

“Maguire is the first defender that is allergic to defending”

Credit: @SamuelNOVNTY

In other news, find out whose display against Burnley was also slammed by lots of United fans

In an intriguingly balanced match on a testing pitch, Hampshire have a platform from which they might just lift their spirits after a woefully poor beginning to the season with a win over the First Division leaders

Jon Culley at Trent Bridge18-May-2010
Scorecard
In an intriguingly balanced match on a testing pitch, Hampshire have a platform from which they might just lift their spirits after a woefully poor beginning to the season with a win over the First Division leaders. It is an unsteady platform, for sure, represented by a lead of just 35 runs, but after losing four of their first five matches in the Championship, to be in with a chance at the half-way stage in this one must feel like progress.Much will depend, of course, on how they bowl on day three, given that a big target on the last day could be a daunting prospect for a batting line-up lacking Michael Carberry as well as Michael Lumb and Dimitri Mascarenhas. Variable bounce is likely to be a factor on a dry, cracked pitch.They will look again to Jimmy Adams, who missed out by four runs on a first century of the campaign but was the fulcrum nonetheless of a steadfast performance from Hampshire, whose record contrasts with Nottinghamshire’s four wins from four.It could be a good moment, too, for Neil McKenzie, the former South African Test batsman, to properly prove his value to the county after a slow start to his Hampshire career. The way in which he ended a run of low scores with a first half-century in the Championship perhaps signalled a timely return to form.Two partnerships were pivotal on day two, the first of which saw Adams and Chris Benham add 115 after the loss of nightwatchman James Tomlinson left them 39 for 2.At the start of it, Darren Pattinson bowled superbly, maintaining excellent control, finding movement off the pitch as well as through the air and beating the bat repeatedly. He looked a bit like the Pattinson of two years ago, before he earned his solitary and controversial Test call-up. James Whitaker, the England selector, was looking on, as he often was then, although it would be a surprise if he is mentioned in dispatches this time.Charlie Shreck was no less impressive and when he and Pattinson gave way, Andre Adams and Paul Franks kept up the pressure. In an enthralling contest, the Hampshire pair were made to work for their runs.Indeed, their application was impressive, in particular from Jimmy Adams, who grafted for 153 balls to get to 50, although he should have been caught at second slip off his namesake’s bowling on 37, Neil Edwards spilling the chance.Benham, who had a painful blow on the elbow facing Adams the bowler, survived a difficult chance to the wicketkeeper off Pattinson on 20 soon after lunch.Adams at last found an opportunity to attack when Nottinghamshire introduced Samit Patel’s left-arm spin an hour into the afternoon session. His next 46 runs came much more briskly, all bar six of them in boundaries, but Nottinghamshire regained the initiative again when Shreck broke the stand by bowling Benham.Then Franks, who had been turned down in a vigorous appeal for lbw moments earlier, found some extra bounce and movement to Adams, who was caught behind off a thin contact and walked without waiting for the umpire’s verdict.Franks, whose all-round talents saw him accelerated into the England one-day side a decade ago only for a knee injury to blunt his progress, has been in and out of the Nottinghamshire side in recent years but seems to be thriving again now, with Mark Ealham’s retirement offering the chance to forge a permanent place. Full of confidence, he struck again four balls later in the same over, James Vince hitting him straight to Steven Mullaney at midwicket. Vince is a young man who might interest Whitaker and company at some stage, but not on this occasion.With his quick demise, Hampshire were five down and still 102 adrift. Nottinghamshire sensed a chance to take the upper hand decisively.But McKenzie and Nic Pothas had other ideas. Adding 74 in 23 overs, they swung the balance again towards Hampshire before, Pattinson, with the new ball, trapped McKenzie leg before with a fuller delivery.Adams, whose last spell was his best, dismissed Pothas and mopped up the tail to finish with 4 for 56, but not before Sean Ervine had eked out a valuable unbeaten 31 for a lead of 35.

Adam Forshaw’s new Leeds United contract is a ‘big shot in the arm’ for the popular Whites midfielder, according to journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Forshaw signs new Leeds deal

On Friday, Leeds confirmed that the 30-year-old had agreed a new one-year extension at Elland Road, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2023.

Forshaw has enjoyed a hugely pleasing return to action this season, having missed almost two years with a hip injury that arguably led to his career being in doubt.

Instead, the midfielder has returned as good as ever, starting nine Premier League matches and making a total of 15 appearances, in all competitions.

[freshpress-quiz id=“383507″]

The Latest: Hay expresses happiness

Taking to Twitter, Hay spoke of his pleasure at Forshaw signing on the dotted line:

“A good move this one. He’s looked more than up to EPL standards and much better to build the midfield with Forshaw in the squad than without him. From his personal point of view, must be a big shot in the arm after two very hard years.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-31/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Richly deserved contract

This is a lovely story for Forshaw, who suffered such a miserable time of things on the sidelines over a long period but has now returned the force of old.

His new deal has been awarded on merit though, with the Englishman averaging 2.5 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game in the league this season, proving to be an important figure breaking up play in the middle.

With Kalvin Phillips still out injured, Forshaw is going to be a crucial player in the coming weeks, as Leeds look to pull away from the relegation zone.

In other news, Leeds reportedly want one player signed ‘immediately’. Find out who it is here.

Cricinfo’s preview of the second Twenty20 between New Zealand and Australia in Christchurch

The Preview by Peter English27-Feb-2010Match FactsShane Bond needs to fire to help out his batsmen•Getty ImagesSunday, February 28, Christchurch
Start time 1800 (0500 GMT)The Big PictureAustralia’s big guns caused extreme damage in the opening Twenty20 on Friday and will chase a repeat performance on the South Island on Sunday. The speed of Shaun Tait, Dirk Nannes and Mitchell Johnson was frightening and the locals were also hurt by the early muscle of David Warner and Shane Watson, the opening batsmen.Fortunately for New Zealand there is only a day in between contests so there is little time for reflecting on the six-wicket defeat, which came with four overs remaining. Daniel Vettori and Mark Greatbatch, the coach, will hope their batsmen can be more aggressive in their second attempt against the trio of fast bowlers operating around 150kph. It won’t be easy.Form guide (most recent first)New Zealand LWLLW
Australia WWWWN
Watch out for…Shane Bond kept pace in the speed race with the Australians but it’s one against three. After suffering in his first over from David Warner, which included a four and a pulled six, Bond returned to bowl Warner on the way to 2 for 32 from four. In 14 games he has 19 wickets and strikes every 17.2 balls, but his batsmen will be wanting more to make it a fair fight.Cameron White didn’t get to do much on Friday but when he arrived he showed his power with a four and a six in the last over to finish the game. If Australia bat first or have a bigger total to chase he will take on more responsibility and the bowlers will be especially conscious of his big hitting on the smaller ground. In 11 international innings he has cleared the boundary 13 times and owns a strike-rate of 135.42.Team newsTim Southee is the only person New Zealand can bring in to strengthen their line-up and his inclusion won’t help the specialist batsmen, who struggled in the opening encounter. Nathan McCullum is the most likely to miss out, although Daniel Vettori will consider employing a second slow bowler again. “There are big square boundaries, so maybe the spinner will come more into play,” he said. “We still need attacking weapons and maybe Tim Southee comes into our thinking.”New Zealand (possible) 1 Brendon McCullum, 2 Peter Ingram, 3 Martin Guptill, 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Jacob Oram, 6 Gareth Hopkins (wk), 7 James Franklin, 8 Daniel Vettori (capt), 9 Tim Southee, 10 Shane Bond, 11 Daryl Tuffey.It would be hard to change the bowling attack after the stunning display, but Ryan Harris remains a front-line option. Shane Watson could be rested to let him in, with Brad Haddin and Travis Birt contenders at the top of the order. Australia have 15 men in the squad, including Nathan Hauritz and Michael Hussey, so there are lots of choices.Australia (possible) 1 Brad Haddin (wk), 2 David Warner, 3 Michael Clarke (capt), 4 David Hussey, 5 Cameron White, 6 Steven Smith, 7 Daniel Christian, 8 Mitchell Johnson, 9 Ryan Harris, 10 Dirk Nannes, 11 Shaun Tait.Pitch and conditionsThe ground in Christchurch is smaller than in Wellington, so expect more than the five sixes struck on Friday. A sunny day with a top of 26 is forecast, but it could be a cool finish, with the temperature expected to drop to a minimum of 12 overnight.Stats and trivia The career strike-rate of Michael Clarke, who scored 18 off 26 in Wellington, is 102.20, which ranks him 27th on Australia’s all-time list. Fourteen Australians have played more than 10 T20s and in that group Nathan Bracken is the only one who scores slower than Clarke. Daniel Vettori has the best strike-rate of the current New Zealand squad with a wicket every 15.2 balls, while Dirk Nannes and Ryan Harris lead the Australian outfit with a victim every 12 deliveries Friday night’s win was Australia’s fourth against New Zealand in four contests between the teamsQuotes”Getting through the first six overs none down, that would be fantastic. And if we can restrict them with the ball it’s our best chance of winning.”
Daniel Vettori outlines his plans”They’ve got the wrong team if they think that. I can guarantee everyone in that room is very keen to get out and play.”
Michael Clarke rejects hopes in New Zealand that his side will ease off after a busy summer

Tottenham are finally set to return to action as they host Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool in the Premier League this evening.

Spurs have not been in action since their 3-0 win at home to Norwich on the 5th of December after matches against Stade Rennais, Brighton and Leicester were all postponed.

Unleash him

Antonio Conte must unleash Emerson Royal from the start against the Reds after he was missing against Norwich earlier this month.

The Brazilian full-back has been an astute addition to the squad since his arrival in the summer and he should come straight back into the side for this game. Japhet Tanganga started against the Canaries and lost four of his six duels, whilst being dribbled past once and failing to create a single chance.

Emerson, meanwhile, has won 56% of his duels for Spurs with an average SofaScore rating of 6.88. Kevin Campbell previously hailed the full-back’s tackling as “remarkable” for Spurs in the top-flight this season and said:

“I’ve been watching him since he was at Betis and he is a really good player. He has a lot to offer.

“It has taken him a little while to settle. But, ooh I must say, that tackle stat just goes to show that he is adapting. He has gone under the radar a little bit. He is a top player and I think he will prove that at Spurs.”

At the time of his comments, only Allan (35) had completed more successful tackles than Emerson (34). He is currently averaging the 2nd-most tackles per game in the Premier League with 3.6, with Rayan Ait-Nouri leading the way on 3.9.

This shows how strong the 22-year-old has been defensively this season and why it could benefit Conte to bring him back into the XI for this match. Mo Salah, Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane are a lethal strikeforce and Spurs will need to be at their defensive best to keep them at bay, which is why starting one of the best tacklers in the division is a move that must be made.

The Liverpool front three have scored 31 times between them in the Premier League this season and appear likely to cause Tottenham a host of problems. Whilst Emerson may not be able to contain them all by himself, his statistics suggest that he could play a part in keeping them quiet for as long as possible – giving the likes of Heung-Min Son and Harry Kane a platform to spring attacks on the counter.

AND in other news, “Aggressive” beast starts as Conte makes 2 changes, Spurs predicted XI v Liverpool…

A wrap of the last day of the eighth round of Ranji Trophy matches in Group A

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Dec-2012
Scorecard
Gujarat scored a crucial win over Group A table-toppers Punjab at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium in Valsad. Punjab would have backed themselves to chase 231 for victory, but were bowled out for 193 and fell short in what was shaping up to be a thrilling finish. Left-arm spinning allrounder Rakesh Dhurv picked up eight wickets in the match, including five in the second innings.Punjab were on the back foot almost from the outset, losing their openers with just 11 on the board. Mandeep Singh made 42 but was short of support and Punjab slipped to 69 for 5. Gurkeerat Singh and Amitoze Singh stretched the score to 112 during their sixth-wicket stand, but Gujarat made inroads again. Dhurv removed Gurkeerat, Siddarth Kaul and Harbhajan Singh in a space of four runs. Punjab gave Gujarat a scare, though, with the last-wicket pair of Sarabjit Ladda and Sandeep Sharma putting together 63, but Dhurv bowled Sandeep to complete his five-for and seal victory for Gujarat. Punjab still lead the table, and Gujarat are second on 21 points.
ScorecardSaurashtra began the day with intent, going after the remaining 295 runs, but they pulled the shutters after they lost their fifth wicket. Having settled for just the one point, Saurashtra are now placed fifth in Group A, but only three points behind Mumbai and Madhya Pradesh, who are joint-third.Saurashtra had promoted Shitanshu Kotak and Sheldon Jackson on the third evening, and they set up a good platform through 73 runs in 22.3 overs. Cheteshpar Pujara, though, failed to make an impact for the second time in the match, and fell for 24. Kotak followed soon, and Saurashtra were now struggling at 129 for 3.Shah counterattacked now with a 35-ball 34, but Saurashtra lost two wickets together. From 164 for 5, Kamlesh Makvana and Aarpit Vasavavda shut shop, and added 53 in 27.2 overs.
ScorecardBy setting them 321 in 70 overs, Hyderabad didn’t leave Railways much time to go for six points, which they desperately needed, but Railways made a fist of it before having to settle for a draw. The one point left Railways at 15 points, well behind the contenders, but not quite out of the tournament. With nine points from seven games, Hyderabad have no chance of progressing.Kamal Sharma and Mahesh Rawat scored quick 48s to give Hyderabad nervous moments, but Pragyan Ojha accounted for both of them to set the chase back. Nitin Bhille played the anchor role, and scored an unbeaten 65 to ensure Railways salvaged the one point.

A number of Wolves supporters have reacted negatively to an impressive clip from Nelson Semedo in training, with Saturday’s trip to Leeds fast approaching.

Bruno Lage’s side are riding on the crest of a wave at the moment, having won their last three Premier League matches in a row.

The victories over Southampton and Newcastle United were pleasing, but the 3-2 triumph at Aston Villa last weekend was particularly memorable.

The hope is that Wolves can continue their good form on Saturday afternoon, as Lage’s men make the trip to 17th-place Leeds United.

Semedo has been a regular this season, starting seven league games, and on Saturday morning the club’s official Twitter account posted a video of him going on a mazy run in training.

Wolves fans react to Semedo clip

Despite the moment of quality, these Wolves fans actually reacted negatively to the clip, urging him to replicate that form in games.

“Now do it in a game son”

Credit: @Akingrandawanda

“Shame he can’t do that in a game”

Credit: @KalliumCayford

“On the other hand poor defending”

Credit: @kingmichael_88

“His reluctance to go past a defender really infuriates me. Thought it might have been a request from Nuno but he’s the same under Bruno too”

Credit: @aliward_96

“If Moutinho was a few yards faster he would have been in trouble”

Credit: @shorey_wolves

“Nelson was dribbling, but Podence (?) scored. So, a half-nelson rather than a full nelson.”

Credit: @HwlinWlf

In other news, some Wolves fans are excited by a rumoured scouting mission that has taken place. Read more here.

Manchester City have another big game ahead of them tonight as they welcome Real Madrid to the Etihad Stadium for their first-leg semi-final Champions League clash.

Having secured a convincing 5-1 victory over Watford in their previous Premier League outing, Pep Guardiola’s side will be heading into tonight’s big fixture full of confidence.

However, it seems as though there will be a concern over the availability of two key figures for the Manchester club, in particular, that will surely have a lot of supporters and Guardiola sweating.

What’s the news?

Speaking in yesterday’s press conference, the City manager had this to say about the fitness of defensive duo Kyle Walker and John Stones.

He commented: “They are doubts, they didn’t train for the last week, ten days, John since Brighton. We will see how they feel and take a decision tomorrow [Tuesday].”

Bad news for Guardiola

Taking into account how full-back Joao Cancelo will miss this evening’s clash through suspension, not having Walker available to play will surely come as a big concern for Guardiola.

As for Stones, the fact that he has a higher percentage for aerial duels (84.2) won out of anyone in the Premier League this season, not having him in the side to take on Real striker Karim Benzema could be a key factor in this match.

Benzema has been one of the best in the world this term, registering a whopping 39 goals and 13 assists.

Should the centre-back not have the right fitness to play against Carlo Ancelotti’s side, Guardiola will have to hope that the likes of Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte or Nathan Ake are able to fill in on this occasion. Either way, being without three defenders against such a potent threat is not ideal news.

For now, it appears as though it’s a case over everyone at the club having their fingers crossed that one or both of the Englishman will be fit enough to take part in the game and potentially put the team in a good place for the second leg.

Looking beyond that, with the Manchester club set to take on Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday evening, even having either Walker or Stones back for that game will be a great boost for the team and their hopes of regaining the Premier League title.

In other news: “Man City have discussed…”: Romano drops exciting summer update, Pep will be buzzing