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London Irish 20 – 24 Exeter

Published

1 week ago

March 20, 2023

The Real Preneur

Having lost in extra-time to Worcester least year, London Irish suffered another extra-time defeat in the Premiership Cup final as Aidon Davis’ try secured a 24-20 win for the Exeter Chiefs; Irish’s wait for a trophy stretches to 21 years, while Exeter add to their 2014 and 2018 wins

By PA Sport

Last Updated: 19/03/23 6:13pm

Exeter Chiefs celebrate their Premiership Cup final win over London Irish

London Irish hearts were broken for a second year in a row as an extra-time try from Exeter Chiefs flanker Aidon Davis saw the Premiership Cup snatched from their grasp, extending their long wait for a trophy.

Last season Worcester deprived them of success by scoring more tries in a 25-25 draw, but Irish looked set to end their 21-year drought this time round until a late yellow card for flanker Josh Basham turned the game Exeter’s way, with the Chiefs ultimately running out 24-20 winners – adding to their cup wins in 2014 and 2018.

For Irish, outside-half Jacob Atkins converted both of their tries scored by hooker Ignacio Ruiz, while he also added two penalties.

Jack Innard, Josh Iofesa-Scott and Davis scored Exeter’s tries, with Iwan Jenkins kicking a conversion and a penalty, along with Joe Simmonds adding two conversions.

A brilliant run from Exeter’s Tom Wyatt secured his side an early attacking platform. Fielding a ball deep in his own half, the full-back easily evaded two defenders but, despite a period of sustained pressure, Irish were able to keep their line intact.

With their first incursion into the Chiefs’ 22, the home side then took the lead after 15 minutes when Ruiz crashed over from a line-out drive.

That converted try was the only score of a lively opening quarter, with Irish possessing the dominant scrum but their malfunctioning line-out allowed Exeter’s enterprising backs the opportunity to flourish.

A high penalty count in the Chiefs’ favour was also helping their cause and so it came as no surprise when they levelled the scores as captain Innard forced his way over from close range.

After 33 minutes, Exeter suffered two blows in quick succession. Firstly, prop Danny Southworth was yellow-carded for a high challenge on No 8 So’otala Fa’aso’o, allowing for Irish to capitalise with a second try for Ruiz.

Atkins converted before Jenkins then kicked a 40-metre penalty to reduce the arrears and see Irish head into half-time with a 14-10 lead.

Southworth returned from the sin bin just in time to see his side fall further behind when Atkins kicked a penalty awarded for a deliberate knock-on by Chiefs No 8 Rus Tuima.

The penalty was the only score of an evenly contested third quarter, with Exeter bringing on the experience of Ollie Devoto, Jannes Kirsten and Simmonds in an attempt to turn the tide in their favour.

With seven minutes remaining, Irish lost flanker Basham to the sin bin for a high challenge on centre Sean O’Brien and it proved costly as Iosefa-Scott crashed over, with a conversion from Simmonds taking the game into extra-time.

Exeter lost Kirsten to a head injury assessment before Basham returned in time to see his side regain the lead with a simple penalty from Atkins.

However, Irish bungled the restart for Davis to finish off a period of pressure, with a conversion from Simmonds sealing victory and despair for Irish.

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Hollie Doyle: Star flat jockey set for Friday return ahead of Lincoln meeting at Doncaster | Racing News

Published

11 mins ago

March 28, 2023

The Real Preneur

Leading flat jockey Hollie Doyle will make her return to riding on Friday at Newcastle ahead of this weekend’s Lincoln meeting at Doncaster, live on Sky Sports Racing.

The Group One-winning rider has been out of the saddle since January following an elbow injury sustained in a fall at Wolverhampton.

Doyle enjoyed another memorable season in 2022 with over 150 winners, partnering Nashwa to a first Classic victory as well as landing another Royal Ascot success on Bradsell and further glory on star stayer Trueshan.

She is set to make her return at Newcastle, taking the ride on Rhythm And Hooves in the 5:50pm race, ahead of Saturday’s opening flat turf meeting of the year at Doncaster.

Some of her rides include Richard Spencer’s Revich in the lucrative Lincoln Handicap, as well chances on Wilderness Girl in the Cammidge Trophy and the classy Tempus in the Doncaster Mile.

“It’s been a frustrating time on the sidelines, but it was great to receive the green light to return,” said the Sky Sports Racing ambassador.

“I’ve been back at Oaksey House this morning, and the team there have been fantastic right the way through my recovery.

“I’ll be riding out this week and am looking forward to getting back in the saddle at Newcastle on Friday and on Lincoln day at Doncaster and kicking on from there.”

Watch every race from the Lincoln meeting at Doncaster this Saturday, exclusively live on Sky Sports Racing.

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England Women: Sarina Wiegman recalls goalkeeper Hannah Hampton and defender Esme Morgan | Football News

Published

26 mins ago

March 28, 2023

The Real Preneur

Sarina Wiegman has handed recalls to Hannah Hampton and Esme Morgan while uncapped Lucy Parker also returns to the fold as the Lionesses prepare for back-to-back fixtures against Brazil and World Cup co-hosts Australia in April.

Dropping out from February’s squad are the injured Emily Ramsey along with Lotte Wubben-Moy, Katie Zelem and Ebony Salmon.

Chelsea forward Fran Kirby continues to be absent as she recovers from a knee injury, while Bethany England also misses out despite scoring five goals in six appearances for new club Tottenham.

Wiegman said: “We are getting closer to the World Cup and I can’t think of two better games to assess our progress. After these games, there will be less than three months until we fly to the tournament and we must make every second on and off the pitch count.

“For us as a technical staff this will be the last chance to see the players within our England environment before we come together for the final preparation phase in June. And these two matches will be two real tests to see where we are at.”

The Lionesses have not faced Australia since October 2018 when Kirby scored in a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage.

The last meeting with Brazil was in October 2019 at the Riverside Stadium when Debinha scored twice for the visitors, before England’s late consolation in a 2-1 defeat.

England squad in full

Goalkeepers: Mary Earps, Sandy MacIver, Ellie Roebuck, Hannah Hampton

Defenders: Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Alex Greenwood, Maya Le Tissier, Esme Morgan, Lucy Parker, Leah Williamson

Midfielders: Laura Coombs, Jordan Nobbs, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Keira Walsh

Forwards: Rachel Daly, Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Chloe Kelly, Jess Park, Alessia Russo, Katie Robinson

Upcoming fixtures

April 6: England vs Brazil – kick-off 7.45pm, Women’s Finalissima (Wembley Stadium)

April 11: England vs Australia – kick-off 7.45pm, friendly (Gtech Stadium)

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Anthony Barry: Chelsea and Bayern far apart in agreeing compensation for assistant to join Thomas Tuchel’s staff | Football News

Published

33 mins ago

March 28, 2023

The Real Preneur

Chelsea and Bayern Munich remain far apart over agreeing compensation for Anthony Barry to join Thomas Tuchel’s coaching staff.

Bayern have approached Chelsea about taking their assistant coach after Tuchel expressed an interest in bringing him into his new set-up.

Chelsea have made their position and expectations clear to Bayern for Barry to be released from his contract, and nothing has yet been agreed between the clubs.

But amid the uncertainty, Barry and Chelsea have agreed that he will not attend Cobham until the situation is resolved either way.

Chelsea have a list of potential replacements should he ultimately leave for the Bundesliga champions.

The Chelsea players return to training on Tuesday following international duty ahead of their clash with Aston Villa on Saturday at Stamford Bridge.

Barry is a highly thought-of coach who has also worked with Robert Martinez and the Belgium national team, the Republic of Ireland team under Stephen Kenny, and Paul Cook at Wigan Athletic before joining Chelsea in 2020.

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