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.