Weekend Roundup

Formula One:

Jenson Button wins in Hungary

Jenson Button returned to the scene of his maiden Grand Prix victory back in 2006 to win at the Hungaroring in tricky damp drizzly conditions on a landmark day for him personally.
World champion and current leader, Sebastian Vettel has not won 4 of the last 5 grand prix, a mini crisis? Hardly, for someone so far ahead in the standings. And it is his consistency that should ultimately land him his and Red Bull's second consecutive title.

The McLaren's again showed pace in qualifying, but Vettel took the pole from Lewis Hamilton with Button in third. In the race itself, Vettel had no answer to the McLarens early pace and for a long time a British 1-2 looked on. However, a poor choice of intermediate tires with 15 laps remaining, changed back to slicks within 2 laps, coupled with a harsh drive through penalty, cost Hamilton 55 seconds. The race that looked to be his for the taking was gone. With Hamilton’s demise, Button (racing in his 200^th Grand Prix), took the win with a solid if unspectacular drive. Vettel managed second place, in the process actually extending his lead, a great result given the early circumstances, (Fernando Alonso finishing in third). Hamilton in a huge case of ‘what might have been’ stormed back to finish in fourth with a drive that deserved so much better. Button however took the spoils to draw level with his teammate with two wins apiece. Going into the summer break a change of luck is needed if Vettel is to be reigned in from what seems like an unassailable position.



Daniel Carter Kicks his way into the record books



Rugby Union:

Dan Carter's overtook England's Jonny Wilkinson to become the highest point scorer in the history of international rugby on New Zealand's resounding 40-7 win over a depleted South Africa, taking him to an astonishing 1,204 points, 9 ahead of Wilkinson. After their beating by the Australians the Springboks will be glad to get back on home soil after a punishing Tri Nations away leg. Shorn of many star names, the players drafted in were unable to cope with the All Blacks power and pace. New Zealand now face Australia as red hot favourites to win the tournament.
With England in action next weekend against Wales, it gives Martin Johnson the chance to look at some of his fringe players in preparation for the ‘trimming’ of his World Cup squad. This will be anything other than a friendly, but I wouldn’t expect a classic either!

Football World Cup: 

The qualifying draw for the 2014 football World Cup was made and there was mixed reactions for England's group opponents. Avoiding the resurgent French was a result, Moldova and San Marino should not trouble a decent English side, but away trips to Montenegro, Ukraine and Poland will not be easy. The rest of the home nations face an uphill battle to even make the play-offs as the group runners up.
 

 

Cricket:



Broad takes Indian Hat-trick



In the second test between England and India, the Indians looked to be avenging the first test defeat, taking England's top order to task with some excellent bowling, only Stuart Broad offering up any real resistance with 64 recovering from 124 for 8 to a more respectable 221 all out. India took control and looked to be cruising to a big lead at 267 for 4 before a fight back of staggering proportions. Broad again, this time with the ball, taking a hat trick (only the 12th ever Englishman to achieve the feat), after a century by Rahul Dravid had looked like giving India the chance to level the series. Broad finished with test best figures of 6 for 46, including a dazzling spell of 5 wickets in 16 balls with no runs conceded. England however needed a big score to put the pressure on, and they duly obliged, posting a score of 441 for 6 at stumps at the close of the third day.  Ian Bell surviving a dodgy run out to post a personal score of 159. Praveen Kumar acted as though the final ball before tea had crossed the boundary for four runs, only to run out Bell has he left the crease for a well earned break. Having been given out the Indian captain MS Dhoni recalled his appeal and Bell was allowed to return, adding another 22 runs before being caught out.

England need to win two of the final three tests, including this one if they are to replace India as the number one ranked side in the world, but with drama like this you would not put it past Andrew Strauss' men tom achieve that feat.

Weekend Sporting Round-up

Lewis Hamilton wins in Germany

In Formula one’s German Grand Prix, Sebastian Vettel in his home race was again expected to dominate despite the recent revival of the Ferrari, with Fernando Alonso winning last time out. However, Vettel's team-mate Mark Webber took pole, with a stunning lap by Lewis Hamilton, ("the best of my career") taking second place on the grid. Webber however had a terrible start and allowed Hamilton to get the jump into turn one, and this set the tone for a sensational McLaren performance. Alonso put up stern resistance, but had no answer to a feisty Hamilton. Criticised in recent races for his race craft, there can be no arguing that on his day Hamilton is one of the best and most aggressive drivers in the sport. A win in the Nurburgring, in leader Vettels home race, (with Vettel slipping down to fourth) has breathed life into a championship many believed was already over. Vettel's failure to podium ended a run of nine races (all first or second), but still leads Hamilton by a staggering 82 points, 77 to his nearest challenger (Webber). But with nine races still to go, there is renewed optimism that Hamilton and second placed man, Ferrari's Alonso, can close the gap.



A stunning display by Rugby League's, Super League holders Wigan, on the cup holders, Warrington Wolves' home turf, saw the finalists of the last two years dumped out of the Challenge Cup in the quarter finals. Wigan ripped into the team one position and one point below them in the league. Wigan were 22-0 up in the first 24 minutes, and despite a rally from Warrington that got them back to a deficit of 22-20, Wigan turned the screw to run out 44-24 winners and march into the semi finals against arch rivals St Helens, in a competition they have not won, surprisingly given their pedigree, since 2002. The winners of this tie will face Castleford or Leeds Rhino’s.

Prior gives England hope with a magical 100

In the 2000^th test cricket match, the 100^th England versus India clash, a spectacular first innings double ton from England's Kevin Pieterson, ably assisted by Jonathon Trott and Matt Prior's 70 and 71, gave the home side the early advantage. Arguably the two best sides in test cricket at the current time, India would undoubtedly fight back, but some precision bowling by Stuart Broad with figures of 4 for 37 helped see the Indians all out for 286. England looking for a commanding lead, collapsed to 62 for 5 and then 108 for 6 before rallying through Stuart Broads excellent 74 and a ton from Prior, to take a lead of 458 at the close of play on day four, (India closed on 80 for 1), to give them a chance of taking the win.

The 2011 Tri Nations rugby tournament kicked off with Australia versus South Africa in a wet Sydney. Two early Wallaby tries set the Aussies on their way to an enthralling 39-20 win. South Africa to their credit battled well with a team that comprised mainly of fringe players due mainly to a glut of injuries, but ultimately it was Australia who recovered from their shock defeat last weekend to Samoa. New Zealand, the holders and favourites going into this tournament who were watching and waiting, ready to lay down a marker in their home World Cup year.

 

Amir Khan sets his sights on Mayweather clash

Britain's Amir Khan took the IBF world title to add to his own WBA belt in a pulsing Las Vegas, after a demolition of veteran Zab Judah in the fifth round. At 33 years of age, and a five time champion himself, Judah is no mug, but he had no answer to the speed and firepower of Khan. Khan has been accused of taking on opponents who are on the way down, but whoever he gets to fight next, the proposed fight with American Tim Bradley is now clearly on the horizon and a chance to clear up at Light-Welterweight, before a move up a division for a clash with Floyd Mayweather.

In the heavyweight division 6 foot 9, (Luke) Tyson Fury beat Derek Chisora on points to record his 15^th professional win. The new British and Commonwealth champion now has his sights set on the Irish crown before a possible fight with David Haye’s conqueror, Wladimir Klitschko.

Cavendish wins Britains first ever Green Jersey

The final glamour stage of the 2011 Tour De France was won by HTC'S Mark Cavendish. The rider from the Isle of Man recorded his 5^th win of the Tour and his 20^th in total. Leaving all behind him, even a strong headwind could not slow down the ‘Manx Missile’  as he took his and Britain’s first ever Green (sprinters) Jersey. Where he will end up next season is unclear, (Sky are reported to be interested), but few would now bet against him repeating the feat next year. Australian Cadel Evans took the overall honours as Australia’s first ever winner.

Australian Cadel Evans wins the 2011 Tour De France

Cadel Evans finishes ahead of 3 time runner up Andy Schleck

The penultimate stage of the Tour De France gave us its new champion, Team BMC’s Cadel Evans. With the final stage a processional send off reserved for its winner to sup champagne and pose for the cameras, a second place in the final stage was enough for Evans to become the first Australian to have won the Tour. Evan’s superior time trialling ability nullified the losses accrued in the mountains, and the battle of the two time runner ups, put him ahead of Andy Schleck with brother Frank Schleck finishing in third.

Andy Schleck knew Evans had the better of him in the time trial and in a repeat of last years battle with Alberto Contador, attacked relentlessly throughout the Alpine stages. It’s 100 years since the Tour first entered the Alps and few Tours in recent years could have matched this years for difficulty and for drama. Evans would not be shaken off and despite marginal losses he fought to keep the Schlecks within touching distance as we entered the final test.

Olympic champion Samuel Sanchez had won the King of the Mountains Jersey yesterday, whilst the best young rider was Frenchman and Alpe-D’Huez stage winner Pierre Roland. But the glory and spoils went to the Australian in what was one of the most dramatic finishes in recent times. Going into the 42 1/2km time trial, three men, (the Schleck brothers and Evans) had a realistic chance of winning the Tour. 57 seconds separated the top three. Andy Schleck clearly tired from his two days out in front on the mountains, simply had nothing left in his legs. His brother Frank also fell away finally finishing third. But Evans simply blew the opposition away, second only to Tony Martin on the day, but a minute ahead of the rest.

On the final day only the Green Jersey is up for grabs, and a straight fight between Mark Cavendish and Jose Joaquin Rojas on the Champs D’Elysee in Paris. But after a battling display in the Alps and a gutsy display in stage 20, few can begrudge Evans the spoils of overall glory.

Schleck powers to Galibier glory

Andy Schleck's sensational breakaway could be vital in Paris

Three days to go, Two days of real racing left in the 2011 Tour De France. After Norwegian Thor Hushovd’s breakaway win on stage 16, compatriot Edvald Boassen Hagen,( runner up to Hushovd) took a fantastic breakaway win on his own on stage 17. Down arguably the most dangerous descent finish the Tour has seen for some time, Boassen Hagen gave himself, and Team Sky their second ever stage win, and announced himself finally as the next big Scandinavian star.

Perhaps more dramatic was the sight of Yellow Jersey, Thomas Voeckler bunny hopping into a car park as he overcooked one of the tighter corners. Spectacular it was, possibly terminal in his bid to stand on the podium on Sunday, as it cost him over a minute of his lead over his chief rivals.

The weather has often played a part in Tour stages, but it seems the riders got lucky on stage 17’s tricky descent, and again on stage 18, where a two day ‘weather window’ allowed a thaw of the snow and ice that covered the mountain top finish in the Col de Galibier. The crowds that were ready for the freezing weather were treated to beautiful sunshine and a scorching hot display by Andy Schleck.

Back to Wednesday’s racing, after a poor descent on stage 17, the Schleck brothers and big favourite Cadel Evans, looked like conceding time to rivals Alberto Contador and Samuel Sanchez. The two Spaniards, who despite some daredevil downhill riding, found that all bar Yellow Jersey holder Voeckler, had caught them up at the final corner. This was arguably the final hurrah for 2011 of both riders as the events of Thursdays stage was to prove.

Stage 18 was possibly the most brutal, on paper, of this years Tour so far. Three massive climbs as well as the Galibier to finish off. Andy Schleck, who had not looked himself in several previous stages, versus the ever improving Contador who would again seem to be the man to watch for. Schleck however had other ideas. He decided that today would be his day and attacked with over 60km to go. The other favourites could not go with him, and what surmounted to perhaps the biggest gamble of his professional career unfolded. All or nothing for Schleck it seemed as the big guns pushed themselves to the ragged edge on the final climb, led by Cadel Evans who helped bring down the time gap which reached over four minutes at one stage to a more manageable two minutes.

The heroic effort of Voeckler to keep the leaders jersey for tenth day, to match his incredible run in 2004 even as Andy Schleck took the stage, was nothing short of remarkable. Each day he announces he cannot win, but each day we are one day closer to the first French win since Bernard Hinault in 1985.

In the rarefied air of the Alps, even three time previous winner Contador cracked, and now, barring a sensational display on the final mountain stage and the time trial, his defence is all but over. The break by Schleck, reminiscent of the great Eddie Merckx, may well have not been enough to have given him the Tour glory, (as he is less than a minute ahead of Cadel Evans who possesses a better time trial), but surely now he has the confidence to go one better than last years runners up spot with a big display on the final summit finish on Friday. French hero Voeckler, with a 15 second overall lead will not give it up easily.

Picturesque scene as the Peloton chase through an Alpine pass

 The White Jersey, (best young rider), of Sky’s Rigoberto Uran, who had sat 10^th going into this stage, had a tumble on the final descent, costing him valuable time. He too cracked on the final climb, and despite a valiant attempt by his team mates, Rein Taaramae of Confidis  now holds that Jersey.

With big points on offer for the ‘HC’ category climbs, the King of the Mountains Jelle Vanendert, hung on until 4km when he fell back, finishing with Contador, but not before Sanchez had given up the chase and surely with it,his chance of a podium finish. Vanendert still holds the Polka Dot Jersey, two points from Sanchez, and four from Schleck with one days riding left in this mini competition.

Whilst the Green Jersey of Mark Cavendish failed to get in under the elimination time, The fact that he came home in a group of 88 riders proved to be his saving grace. Cavendish was allowed to continue but not before a 20 point penalty was imposed. The biggest threat to Cavendish’s Green Jersey now appears to be the imposing, torturous Alpe-D’Huez, not the other sprinters, (although Jose Joaquin Rojas is now only 15 points behind). Should he make it under the time and without further penalty, surely it will be a formality to defend his lead on Sundays final stage, such is the form of him and his HTC Highroad team.

Tour de France Update

It will be truly remarkable should this scene be repeated in Paris

So, over two and a half thousand kilometres done and dusted, two rest days and suddenly the Tour is in it's final few days. The best have been separated from the rest and only a few protagonists remain in contention.

Yellow Jersey holder, France's Thomas Voeckler. The French hero from 2004, looks set to repeat his heroics, but maintains that he cannot win. Many have now installed him as one of the favourites. After his assault of the Pyrenees where he only lost a handful of seconds to riders he more than matched, the French as a nation are now starting to believe that he can pull off a remarkable tour victory. Team Europcar, only in the Tour as a wildcard entry, have given the Tour real appeal to all those who thought that the win would come from one of a small few.

Alberto Contador, the best time trialist of the top eight, he cannot be discounted. Riding with a knee injury, he managed to maintain the deficit, losing only a few seconds. Whether he was enough left in the fuel tank after a turbulent year to actually claw back the four minutes on Voeckler, and perhaps more importantly, the 200 seconds on Frank Schleck and 105 seconds on Andy Schleck will be very interesting.

Frank Schleck. Second place currently, and arguably the second best Schleck as well. The older brother distinguished himself in the Pyrenees, but poor time trialing looks like being his downfall.

Cadel Evans sits in third, looking good and should have enough to catch and beat Voeckler in the Alps, but whether he can stave off the rest is another story. Quietly going about his business definitely a dark horse for glory.

Andy Schleck. With his current advantage over Contador, surely even an inferior time trial will not see him passed by the Spaniard. Improved much last year, many expect him to take the title this year. Whether or not he can rise to the challenge and the pressure will be seen in the coming days.

Ivan Basso (5th). Moved into the reckoning with a strong display in the mountains. Like sixth placed Samuel Sanchez, the mountains are his strong point and will need to gain some serious time should he wish to be on the podium on Sunday. Sanchez was the only one to get real time gains over his rivals. Already a stage winner, the Olympic Champion from Beijing is looking strong once more.

British interest. Sadly with Wiggins out there is no General Classification challenge, with Geraint Thomas best placed in 43rd, over 35 minutes down. David Millar is perhaps an outside shot for the final time trial, whilst Mark Cavendish and Ben Swift will contest the sprints
 

Can Cavendish hang onto the Green Jersey


Points competitions:

White Jersey (Best Young rider) Currently held by Sky's Rigoberto Uran. Eleventh overall, Uran has taken over from Bradley Wiggins as Sky's leader following his early exit. This is much closer with little over a minute between him and Rein Taaramae From Confidis.

Green Jersey (Sprinters). Finally Mark Cavendish looks odds on to take his first Green Jersey. 19 stage wins, 4 this year and counting. Jose Joaquin Rojas, and Philippe Gilbert are his closest rivals, but neither can match the pace of the Manx Missile with only former team-mate Andre Greipel beating him in a straight sprint. Cavendish has benefited most from the rule changes that reward stage winners with more points, and rightly so. The Brit and his HTC Highroad team look almost unbeatable and must be odds on to take the final sprint stage on the Champs D'Elisee

Polka Dot Jersey (King of the Mountains) After his stunning win on stage 14, Jelle Vanendert of Belgium leads following the Pyrenean stages from Sanchez by only two points. With the Alps looming very large however, expect this to change hands several times before Paris.

The famous 21 turns of the Alpe-D'Huez



As we saw last year, the standings can be turned upside down in a heartbeat, and expect some classic racing over the next few days, culminating in a mountain top finish on the Alpe-D'Huez and the 42 1/2 km time trial on Saturday.

Clarke masters the Open winds



Clarke sinks his final putt on the 18th

The latest big prize in golf, the 140th Open Championship at Royal St George, was won in battling style by Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland, the third of his countrymen to win a major prize in the last thirteen months.
 
The tournament started out with Rory McIlroy installed as one of the big favourites following his spectacular domination of the last major tournament, the US Open. He also led last year in the first round, until gale force winds blew him off course, and it would seem the weather did much the same to him this year. McIlroy never really got going. He did fair better than his compatriot (and until McIlroy won last month, the US Open champion) Greame McDowell. McDowell admitted that he had a poor attitude, lacking in self confidence and belief, missing the halfway cut by a number of shots.
 
It started off brightly enough, with reasonable weather. The two 'Toms' at opposite ends of their career catching the eye. Watson, at 61 years old winning his last Open in 1983, rolled back the years once again, even sinking a hole in one. Amateur Lewis, seemingly inspired by the player he was named (after and wasn't even born 25 years after Watson's last big triumph!) paired up with Watson and survived the halfway cut with comparative ease, ending up with the Silver medal as the top amateur.
 
Twelve men were separated but just five shots going into he final round of the windswept Kent course, but in the end only a few had any real chance of lifting the Claret Jug

40-year-old Danish star, Thomas Bjorn , a Ryder Cup vice-captain in October, who showed his emotions when asked what his father, who passed away recently, would have made of his first-round lead, eight years after blowing a four-shot advantage with three holes left at the same venue. Bjorn was consistent throughout, finally finishing a respectable fourth, and one of the few who finished under par for the tournament.

Darren Clarke, Leader going into the final round and finally a winner at the twentieth attempt. Runner up in the 1997 Open at Royal Troon and third at Royal Lytham in 2001 before today. But mostly the fans roared him on because of his incredible 2006 Ryder Cup performance, when he played shortly after the loss of wife Heather to breast cancer. Becoming a true great takes more than wins alone, and Clarke now has the full set.

Rickie Fowler going into the final round in third, is the new pin-up boy of US golf and one of America's big hopes to rival Rory McIlroy, with whom he seems inextricably linked. The pair were both the game's leading amateurs at the 2007 Walker Cup. But while the man from Northern Ireland has won on both the US and European Tours, Fowler is yet to land a professional victory despite three runner-up finishes Fowler along with Dustin Johnson, Chad Campbell and Anthony Kim (as well as Big Phil Mickelson) showed that there is life in American golf without Tiger Woods. Indeed five of the top seven were Americans.  (Woods continues to miss big tournaments due to a leg injury).

Dustin Johnson has been close in majors but he seemingly has a block when close, on the big stage. Last year he lead into the final round of the US Open, but the big stage got to him, falling away badly. Later that year, he thought he had secured a spot in a play-off for the USPGA, only to be penalised for an illegal shot. Finishing joint second with Phil Mickelson was a great achievement for the two Americans.

But the week belonged to Clarke, who became the oldest player to win the Open since Roberto Di Vicenzo, in 1967

Coming into the final round you would have expected some nerves. But Clarke with a huge eagle at the sixth, gave himself a two shot lead which seemed to inspire him further. Despite an amazing front nine, at one point getting to within one shot of the lead, before falling away, Phil Mickelson’s charge was just not enough. Clarke's playing partner Johnson's mistake at the fourteenth, when he was his closest challenger left Clarke with a lead he was not to relinquish. The wind failed to drop, but the sun tried to make an appearance as the Northern Irishman strode down the fairways with ever increasing composure and confidence. His adversaries fell one by one, but Clarke stood firm to take his first Major win by three shots.
 
Worthy champions we have seen before. I am not sure whether a more likeable and popular champion has been seen on these shores for some time.

  

Aaron Baddeley tees off in better weather at Sandwich



Sanchez takes mountain glory

Olympic Champion Samuel Sanchez

After a couple of stages designed for the sprinters, stage 12 was one which would shake up the General Classification, sorting out the ‘false positions’ from the riders who would challenge for Tour glory.

A day for stage 11 winner Mark Cavendish to trundle home safely in the ‘Autobus’ at the back of the field after consolidating his Green Jersey with a few more points in the intermediate sprint.

The Pyrenees has always had great drama, big mountains, and big challenges.  Much like a marathon, the Pyrenees cannot decide the Tour, but it can begin to shape and define it, and this year is no exception.

Thomas Voeckler, in scenes reminiscent of his 2004 race managed to hang onto his leaders jersey despite the main protagonist’s constant attacks, more on each other than Voeckler. But on Bastille Day the popular Frenchman was cheered loudly as he received the Yellow to wear for another day.

Andy Schleck, after last year’s disappointment of second was widely regarded as being Giro D’Italia winner Alberto Contador’s main rival, teamed up with his brother to take turns attacking the field. Finally Frank Schleck broke the resistance to power away and into second overall, first amongst the real contenders. Contador was again dropped; tiredness? Injured? Mentally worn after his drug case rumbles on? Maybe he is biding his time. He is after all the best time trialist of all the current top eight and that may well help him to overall glory.

Not to be overlooked was the stage winner, Samuel Sanchez. The Olympic champion put himself back in the top eight, eleven seconds behind Contador, and if he carries on in the same vein of form who knows where it might take him.

2115 metres of pain!

The days early exchanges saw an attack from Sky’s Geraint Thomas (stage twelve’s most aggressive rider), who’s assault up the famed Col Du Tourmalet put him at one stage leader overall on the road. A few wobbles on the descent destroyed his confidence, eventually losing touch with only seven kilometres to go. Thomas, now Sky’s leader after the Wiggins crash earlier in the Tour, has now given himself a great chance of a good finish and a shot at the young riders White Jersey. I feel more days like this one will be needed however, if he is to achieve this.

Sanchez also picked up the Polka Dot Jersey of the King of the Mountains, from the ever more popular Jonny Hoogerland. Hoogerland, with Juan Antonio Flecha, will surely provide the year with the most iconic image after being carelessly struck by a French media car whilst in a breakaway group, (Hoogerland ended up entangled in a barbed wire fence whilst Flecha was lucky not to have more serious injuries).

The day's big winner was Samuel Sanchez, but the Shlecks and indeed Cadel Evans who finished alonside Andy Schleck and Ivan Basso. Contador, surely now needs to show some form in the coming days if he is to be a winner in Paris

Robinson calls time on illustrious career



Robinson at Wigan R.L.



2010-11 was another sensational year for Jersey Rugby. Their amazing climb up the RFU pyramid has been nothing short of astonishing, reaching the heady heights of the third tier of English rugby.
 
When the rugby fixtures for 2011-12 were issued, the Caesareans were pitted away to Fylde, another up and coming side from the North West. Imagine my excitement when I discovered that World Cup winner and hero of mine, Jason 'Billy Whiz' Robinson was a Fylde player!
 
A World Cup winner gracing the St Peters turf, definitely worth more than the £5 entrance fee!
 
Sadly this now is not to be, as the former Wigan Rugby League, Bath, Sale, England and British Lion decided last week to finally call it a day, citing a persistent knee injury, after an illustrious career at the very top.
 
Robinson began his career at the all conquering Wigan Rugby League in the early 90's. He became a massive star, winning pretty much all there was to win. His path to the top could have been so different had not a Samoan, Va'ainga Tuigamala, not recognised the slippery slope to alcohol addiction Robinson was on. Perhaps due to his issues surrounding his difficult upbringing, perhaps the fame of being a huge celebrity in a small town. 'Inga the winger' introduced him to Christianity and so helped him turn his life, and career around.

A brief flirt with union at Bath RFU wetted his appetite and so after almost 300 games and 160 plus tries later, Robinson, or Billy Whiz as he became known due to his phenomenal acceleration, left Wigan to try his hand at the 15 a side code of Rugby Union with Sale Sharks.
 
Robinson was a massive hit, becoming the first man to win both the Guinness Premiership (Rugby Union) and Super League (Rugby League) trophies, also only the second to represent England and Great Britain in both codes. He represented and scored for the British and Irish Lions in the tour of Australia, in a team that really should have won that series, also touring the rugby stronghold of New Zealand. But it is his appearances in the white of England that will forever keep him in the hearts and minds of rugby fans, much as the football fans do with Sir Geoff Hurst. His dash over the line to score England’s only try in the 2003 final win, only second to the dramatic final drop goal by Jonny Wilkinson, will forever stay with me as a moment of pure sporting drama.

In 2005 Robinson was appointed England captain. He was the 118th captain of England, the first mixed-race player and the first former rugby league player to captain England. In his first appearance as captain he scored a hat-trick, but the team around him was poor and lacking direction after the highs of 2003.
 
His injury in the 2007 final, finally finished the England fight back, coming after a humiliating opening game defeat, Robinson helped inspire England to reach the final against South Africa, was not the way he would have chosen to end his international career.

Verses Australia 2003, Captain Johnson looks on



Having now confirmed his retirement, Robinson's first task will be for charity. Forming part of an elite team of military personnel, running and cycling the distance between Camp Bastion in Afghanistan and Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (where our wounded and injured service personnel continue with their physical and emotional recovery), in aid of its official charity, which is sponsored by Proskins.Amongst the flood of accolades, former team mate Steve Hanley was among the first to pay tribute to the dual code club and international star, commenting, "Quite simply, Jason is the best player to have ever played rugby."

Lions action

Rugby's loss may well be to Jersey's gain this season, but I for one wished that there was just one more season left in those knees!
 
Jason Robinson MBE, OBE
 
You can donate to the charity at www.justgiving.com/bastion2brum.
 
 

Ferrari triumph as McLaren fail to halt the Red Bull

Alonso wins British G.P.

Fernando Alonso's brilliant drive on the 60th anniversary of Ferrari's maiden Grand Prix win slowed the relentless charge of the Red Bull of Sebastian Vettel as British hopes ended ultimately in disappointment.
 
Both Ferrari and McLaren arrived on Thursday with high hopes that car upgrades and a new rule change would help them reign in the series leader and current world champion Vettel. Lewis Hamilton in a despondent interview after qualifying admitted that none of their changes had worked, whilst Ferarri occupied the second row behind last years winner, Mark Webber (pole) and Vettel.
 
If the title seems a foregone conclusion, less than halfway through the season, then the future for one of the best drivers Britain has produced in recent years is not. A clause in Hamilton’s contract allowing him to leave should he fail to win the title this season, gives him options. Where they might be, Red Bull and Ferrari currently appear to be currently ahead of the McLaren team he has been part of since the age of eleven, is less clear.
 
Hamilton did appear pleased with his final position of fourth. Starting on tenth on the grid, but at one point challenging for first, made his afternoon much more productive than his team-mate Jenson Button. A late spat with Felipe Massa almost left the team with no points, coming after Button's pit crew failed to secure a wheel nut during a routine pit stop, ending the 2009 champion's race early. Button who has failed to podium at his home GP in twelve races was understandably disappointed as he took the short walk back to his garage.
 
Alonso's bid was helped by a pit stop error by the usually excellent Red Bull crew, gifting Alonso the lead that he may well have taken anyway, and was not to relinquish the chance to open the season's account for the 'Tifosi'.
 
Pole man Webber eventually finished third despite challenging team-mate Vettel hard for second at the end, much to the annoyance of team boss Christian Horner, who urged him to back off, and now sits second overall, albeit some eighty points behind the sensational Vettel.
 
With the two Brits now nearly four race wins off the pace of the Red Bull, and over 100 points behind in the constructors championship, even a resurgant Ferrari seems unable to halt the inexorable march to Vettel’s second world title.

Wiggins devastated as a 'gutted' Cav wins again

17th stage win for Cavendish

After yesterdays post I decided to have a day off from ‘blogging’ the Tour De France. Stage seven, an unremarkable stage in that it is the only stage other than the final day with no inclines worthy of the ‘King of the Mountain’ points. Nothing much should happen, HTC would control the race, catch the inevitable break, and give Mark Cavendish the chance to repeat his first ever win here in 2008.

But bike racing is fraught with difficulties, a moment of bad luck can cost you everything. Ask Andy Schleck, who after slipping a chain as he attacked Contador in last year’s race, lost 39 seconds, the exact amount he finished behind the controversial Spaniard at the end of the race.

And so the 2011 tour has now had another major moment. Team Sky celebrated last night after Boassen Hagen won their first stage ever in the tour, and they occupied 6^th 7^th and 8^th overall with Geraint Thomas in the white of the best young rider. All that has now changed. Sky’s game plan was blown out of the water as a crash halfway through the stage brought down British champion and one of the favourites Bradley Wiggins. A broken collarbone ended his chances, but as the rest of the team waited for their leader they lost over four minutes before resuming racing with Wiggins taken off to an ambulance.

Perhaps more gut wrenching was that the form of Wiggins was so good, his ‘numbers’ pre Tour were excellent, stage winner and good friend Cavendish believed that he had a chance to win overall such was his conditioning. Sky gave themselves five years to get a British winner, 2011 will go down as a massive missed opportunity for both rider and team.

Wiggins' Tour hopes over

Despite all their efforts, Sky’s remaining riders were unable to catch the main peloton, along with 80 other riders, including RadioShack’s top man Levi Leipheimer, losing over three minutes by the finish. Thomas losing his young riders jersey, Boassen Hagen now a long way down the general classification, the game plan in tatters.

On any other day, the big news would have been the good news of another Cavendish win, moving him to third in the green jersey standings. Today Wiggins heads home, and surely with it the hopes of Sky.

Sky hit the front



Boassen Hagen wins for Sky



When Dave Brailsford and Team GB decided to move their all conquering track cycling road show onto the road scene there were many who thought that it was a mistake, that they should stick to what they were good at and leave the ‘proper’ racing to the Spanish, French and the Americans, who have dominated the Tour De France, the Giro D’Italia and the Vuelta Espana (French, Italian and Spanish tours).

Brailsford and his team had other ideas, recruiting some of the best coaches and backroom staff around. Backed by BSkyB, Team Sky, or Sky Pro-Racing are in their second year of professional racing, the second of the five year plan to put a drug free British rider from a British team at the pinnacle of cycling’s hierarchy, the fabled Tour De France.

British teams have competed in the past, but with little success. British riders have had mixed success, but sporadic stage wins (Mark Cavendish aside) have given little overall joy. Most recently Bradley Wiggins came close to a podium finish two years ago, prompting one of the few ‘transfers’ in the sport, from Garmin to the newly formed Sky outfit.

Backed by substantial funding, and along with Sky's glitz and glamour, they now can back up all their talk with tangible results. Last month Wiggins won the Criterium du Dauphine, the biggest of his road career to date.  For the second year in a row Geraint Thomas is wearing the white jersey of the best young rider and with talented young Norwegian Edvald Boassen Hagen’s first place in stage six, they now have recorded their maiden Tour stage victory.

Quite what the team can achieve this season is debatable. One thing is for sure, Wiggins will surely improve on last year’s poor showing. Whether he can challenge the Contador's Evans’ and the Shleck brothers for overall glory, is something we will find out over the next two weeks.

Sweet sixteen for Cav

Mark Cavendish wins fifth stage of Le Tour

Mark Cavendish of HTC Columbia won the fifth stage of the Tour De France after an action packed day on the coast of Brittany.

After crashes to both G.C. contenders Bradley Wiggins and Alberto Contador, the former changing winds perhaps due his bike twice, and with riders littering the gutters of the picturesque French roads, perhaps due to the cross to the narrow roads, big crashes to big names Tom Boonen and RadioShack's Janez Brajkovic who had to abandon, made this stage one of attrition.

 Despite all these difficulties Cavendish came to the fore pulling out from behind impressive Geraint Thomas to edge the uphill sprint over stage one winner Phillipe Gilbert, putting him in fourth place in the sprinters competition.

Cavendish was earlier involved in another moment of controversy in the intermediate sprint, this time the officials going with him and disqualifying both Green jersey leader Rojas and Boonen after they swung dangerously across the Manxman’s path.

With no other changes time wise at the top, Cav now sits ninth on the all time list of stage wins, phenomenal when you consider that he is still only 26.

Evans edges Contador in photo finish.

BMC'S Evans lays down a marker for in form Giro D'Italia winner Contador

Cadel Evans came out trumps over defending champion Alberto Contador in stage four of the Tour De France requiring a photo finish over the short but punishing final climb of the Mur-de-Bretagne.

Contador kicked early in a bid to recover lost time over his rivals, but BMC leader Evans matched him and then held him off over the line by millimetres to take the stage glory. Thor Hushovd retained the leaders jersey however, the ‘God of Thunder’ summoning all his reserves to hang onto two of the G.C. contenders in a stage where he really should have lost both time and the jersey.

In a good day for Sky Procycling, despite losing a few seconds to Evans they now occupy 6^th, 7^th and 8^th overall with Brits Wiggins, Thomas and Edvald Boasson-Hagen of Norway sitting pretty for the fledgling British team. Early days, but with Wednesdays stage set to be one for the sprinters, and ‘Manx Missile’ Mark Cavendish hopefully coming to the fore after the disappointment of Mondays farcical disqualification at the intermediate sprint, the battle for the green sprinters jersey looks to take precedence.