Anderson signs off with loss
Daniel Anderson will head home to Australia admitting his St Helens team had been totally outplayed in the 24-16 Super League Grand Final defeat to Leeds in Manchester, England. The Australian coach brought down the curtain on a three-and-a-half-year spell with Saints that has seen him lift nine trophies, but despite being favorites going into the game, his side were unable to send him off with a 10th as the Rhinos retained the title. Danny McGuire’s two tries in the second half proved the difference as Leeds claimed their third title in five seasons. Saints opened the scoring with a James Graham try but the Rhinos led 12-6 at the break thanks to touchdowns from Lee Smith and Ryan Hall. Matt Gidley went over to draw the sides level at the start of the second half. But McGuire ensured Ade Gardner’s 31st touchdown of the season for Saints was to no avail.
■ SAILING
Spanish syndicate triumphs
Spanish syndicate Telefonica Blue won both races on Saturday to open the Volvo Ocean Race. Telefonica Blue prevailed to beat sister ship Telefonica Black by 1 minute, 46 seconds in the day’s opening regatta. The Spanish team won the second race by 1:03 ahead of Puma. Telefonica Black was third after Delta Lloyd and Team Russia collided at the start.
■ CRICKET
Cakacaka heroics in vain
Hong Kong and Afghanistan both enjoyed winning starts to their World Cricket League Division Four matches on Saturday as they took steps closer to the 2011 World Cup. Afghanistan clinched an 80-run victory over Fiji after struggling to 132 all out with Iniasi Cakacaka (4 for 26) doing much of the damage. However, Fiji were undone by some excellent bowling led by Hamid Hassan (4 for 25) and could only muster 52. “We always thought that would be enough runs,” Hassan said. “As bowlers, you can’t change the score so we just tried our best with the ball. And it paid off.” Hong Kong beat Italy by 46 runs in a match reduced to 41 overs per side. They scored 210-5 with Zain Abbas (70), Ilyas Gul (48) and Butt Hussain (44) all making runs. Hong Kong then restricted Italy to 163 for 9. Hosts Tanzania beat Jersey by 34 runs in the other match. The top two teams will ensure spots in Division Three next year with the leading two nations there progressing to the final World Cup Qualifier in April.
■ RUGBY UNION
All Black joins Reds
All Black Daniel Braid became the first foreign international player to join an Australian Super 14 rugby team when he signed for the Queensland Reds yesterday. The Reds moved to recruit the Auckland forward after the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) last month relaxed its restrictions on Australian provinces fielding imported players. Braid made his New Zealand debut in 2002 but has had limited opportunities in a position dominated by champion flanker and All Black captain Richie McCaw. Braid was recalled to the All Blacks this year for the Sydney Test against the Wallabies when McCaw was ruled out with an ankle injury, but again made way for McCaw when he regained fitness. Queensland Rugby Union performance rugby manager Ben Whitaker said signing a player of Braid’s experience and ability was a coup for the Reds. The ARU now allows each of the four Australian provinces to sign one “marquee” foreign player, an international who can never qualify for Australian selection because he has already represented another country at Test, A-team or Sevens level.
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