All posts by h716a5.icu

Gloucestershire restricted to below-par total before Wayne Madsen leads simple chase

Richard Hobson in Bristol07-Sep-2019Derbyshire may go into their first Finals Day in a fortnight as rank underdogs, but Essex, Nottinghamshire and Worcestershire will underestimate them at their peril. Victory here in the last of the Vitality T20 Blast quarter-finals was deserved, emphatic, and based on the same hard-nosed template of cricketing nous that has served Gloucestershire themselves over the years.Having restricted the home side to a total some way below par, their prolific top-four batsmen all but knocked off the target of 136 on their own, victory arriving with 17 balls to spare. Billy Godleman, Luis Reece, Wayne Madsen and Leus du Plooy had struck 1,384 runs between them in the North Group stage; they will head to Edgbaston on September 21 with that total now on exactly 1,500.”It is a huge relief, not just to me but to everyone involved with the club,” Madsen admitted after receiving the Man of the Match award for his 47. “It has been a great day for us. We have developed a good culture in T20 and in the last seven or eight games we have really clicked. The supporters deserve this and we will go to Edgbaston with a lot of confidence.”As the 18th and last county to make Finals Day since the competition was inaugurated in 2003, Derbyshire have taken their time to get here. But the club blueprint with a specialist coach for the format in Dominic Cork is sure to be examined by the rest given unprecedented interest in the Blast this season. Spare seats, again, were rare dots in the crowd, and spectators were cramped just as tightly on the balconies of the flats behind the Ashley Down Road end.Godleman wisely chose to field first given the peculiar appearance of the pitch. It was so green the stumps might have been hammered into the wrong part of the square, but he and his bowlers quickly assessed its true, slowish and slightly two-paced character. With the fielding display matching the discipline with the ball, Gloucestershire fell well short of the average first-innings score here this season, of 164.Batsmen received few opportunities to challenge the shorter, straight boundaries, and the wagon wheel deceives because two of the sixes that look the result of fierce return drives were actually top-edged pulls. After a reasonable start, Gloucestershire found themselves strangled by the medium pace of Alex Hughes and Matt Critchley’s wrist spin. They never recaptured any momentum given by their opening pair.Michael Klinger ran into such good form at the end of the South Group stage – 264 runs in four innings – that he claimed to be re-thinking a decision to retire, but his dismissal in the ninth over proved a critical moment and has almost certainly persuaded him that he was right first time. Miles Hammond had already pushed to cover following an enterprising start and James Bracey reverse flipped to short third man, leaving a rebuilding operation once Klinger failed to beat Ravi Rampaul’s throw from the edge of the circle.In fact, Derbyshire conceded only 38 runs in the eight overs immediately on from the Powerplay. Crucially, they continued to make inroads, and the catch by Critchley off his own bowling to remove Jack Taylor was so well-judged and athletic, running back to his right and finally diving to hold the ball one-handed, that he deserved his name twice on the dismissal: ct Critchley b Critchley.Much now hinged on Ian Cockbain, and for all his swings into the leg side, Derbyshire made sure that boundaries never came in clusters. Rampaul was exceptional at the end, changing pace and finding yorker-length, and went above Matt Parkinson at the top of the wicket-taking list for the season when Andrew Tye became his 22nd victim, fittingly to a full-length ball.”I think we needed a minimum of 160,” Klinger admitted. “The pitch played pretty well, the odd one held up but we knew Derbyshire were going to take pace off the ball anyway.” He could only lament the absence of Benny Howell to a serious hamstring injury, though the serious damage had been done by the time their leading exponent of dibbly-dob would have joined the attack.Madsen said as much, modestly deflecting his own sensible effort in praising the explosive start supplied by Godleman and Reece. Having identified the Powerplay overs as the most propitious time to attack, they were so positive that the required rate fell to below a run per ball by the end of the third over, Godleman bringing out the Australian fire in Tye by charging the pace bowler during a short, captivating passage.They fell in successive overs and Madsen was a shade fortunate that his first boundary, with Tye bustling in as Mike Procter used to at the ground, sailed only inches high of cover. From then on, he found leg-side gaps expertly and with the boundaries fully patrolled the singles and hard-run twos made for very easy pickings. That was all Derbyshire needed.Vitality Blast semi-finalsDerbyshire Falcons v Essex EaglesWorcestershire Rapids v Notts Outlaws

Players will wear black armbands in all three upcoming Sheffield Shield games while Hughes will also be remembered during the second Test

AAP22-Nov-2024Cricket Australia will fly flags at half-mast and black armbands will return to players’ uniforms as the sport prepares to mark the 10-year anniversary of Phillip Hughes’ death.Saturday’s Sheffield Shield round will begin two weeks of commemorations for Hughes, whose life was tragically cut short days before his 26th birthday in 2014.Officials have adopted a uniform approach across the board, with Hughes’ former team South Australia to face Western Australia in Adelaide from Saturday.Hughes’ childhood team New South Wales will also host Tasmania at the SCG from Sunday, while Queensland and Victoria play at the Gabba.Players will wear black armbands in all three games, while a moment’s silence will also be observed before play on day four of all matches.For the Sydney and Brisbane matches, Wednesday’s final day of play will coincide with the 10-year anniversary of Hughes’ death on November 27, 2014.Officials have opted to use the Adelaide Test between Australia and India as the best time to celebrate Hughes with the national team, while sharing their plans with his family.His passing will be marked when that match begins on December 6, almost 10 years to the day since Test cricket resumed in Australia after Hughes’ death. CA has filmed a documentary in conjunction with Hughes’ family to mark the occasion, which will be broadcast before play in that Test.Many column inches have also already been dedicated to the opener, who played 26 Tests for Australia and was earmarked as a long-term fixture in the side.”We understand this will be a time of reflection for the many people who knew and admired Phillip Hughes,” Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said. “We wanted to ensure that the Hughes family, particularly, were comfortable with any commemorations and that we celebrate Phillip’s life and incredible achievements appropriately.”Hughes’ death two days after he was struck in the neck by a ball at the SCG in 2014 remains one of the most difficult periods in cricket history. The Macksville junior was one of the most popular members of the national team, and remains close to the heart of several Australian players.Off the field, his legacy remains strong, with Hughes’ family still involved in his angus cattle farm Four 0 Eight on the NSW north coast.Cricket initially found itself at a loss of how to play on, with Hughes having been set to bat his way back into the Australian team when not out on 63 at the SCG.He was posthumously named as Australia’s 13th man for the rejigged first Test in Adelaide, where 63 seconds of applause were observed before play.

India need 135 runs, England need six wickets on the final day

Valkerie Baynes13-Jul-20251:41

Manjrekar: Dream spell from Washington Sundar

Stumps Washington Sundar’s prize wicket-taking set India up for a 135-run pursuit on the final day of the third Test at Lord’s, but in a twist to an enthralling fourth day in which 14 wickets fell, they only have six wickets in hand.Brydon Carse removed Karun Nair and Shubman Gill cheaply for impressive figures of 2 for 11 from four overs and Ben Stokes bowled nightwatcher Akash Deep with the last ball of the day as three wickets fell in the last half-hour of play.Related

Stokes' magic is spread thin by responsibility, and yet it endures

Brook's shot selection under scrutiny as counterattack goes awry

Manic Monday awaits with both teams on edge

The day India's bowlers rose in unison

Washington’s 4 for 22 included the key names of Joe Root, Jamie Smith and Stokes before he claimed the last England wicket to fall, Shoaib Bashir, as the hosts took a lead of 192. After scores were level on first innings, that meant India needed to chase down 193 for a 2-1 lead in the series.Jofra Archer broke through in the second over of India’s pursuit when Yashasvi Jaiswal attempted to pull a shorter, wider ball and sent a top edge into the air above wicketkeeper Smith.But it wasn’t until 30 minutes before stumps that England were able to make inroads again, Nair flummoxed by Carse’s nip-backer and offering no shot as the ball struck the inside of his back knee. Gill, on 6, failed to overturn his lbw dismissal after he was hit on the knee roll by one in line with middle stump.When Akash Deep entered still needing to don his arm guard and gloves, Root revved up the crowd to protest at any time wasting, which had been Gill’s bugbear in a heated exchange with Zak Crawley at the end of day three.1:20

Manjrekar: Lord’s Test 70-30 in England’s favour

The issue went from prickly to farcical to downright funny when Carse rapped Akash Deep’s pads. He survived England’s review on umpire’s call with impact on the top of leg stump and India sent the physio out to apply some strapping to the batter’s leg, chewing up more time.England managed to squeeze in another over, though, and Stokes struck with the fourth ball, flattening Akash Deep’s off stump.India’s bowlers started the day with great intent. Jasprit Bumrah caused Crawley all sorts of discomfort without being rewarded and Mohammed Siraj produced a miserly seven-over opening spell yielding two wickets.1:28

Washington: One of my best days with the ball

Ben Duckett was the first to go pulling to Bumrah at mid-on amid an impassioned send-off from Siraj that ensured the tensions of the previous evening remained high.Siraj then pinned Ollie Pope lbw, although it took an India review to confirm his dismissal for just 4 off 17 balls. Pope’s average in the second innings languishes at a mere 19.64 now.Nitish Kumar Reddy relieved Bumrah midway through the morning session and removed Crawley for the second time in the match, this time a loose drive outside off stump gathered by Jaiswal at gully.1:48

Manjrekar: Gill looked tentative

Harry Brook mounted a counterattack, ramping Akash Deep for back-to-back fours before launching him down the ground for six but it was short-lived. He fell for a 19-ball 23 when, attempting to sweep a full, straight one, Akash Deep flattened his middle stump in the perfect riposte.Enter Washington as India turned to spin after lunch and he rattled Root’s middle stump with one that slid under the attempted sweep and ended his fifth-wicket stand with Stokes at 67. Root’s 40 became England’s highest of the innings and his dismissal ended a run of four scores of fifty or above at Lord’s (including three centuries on the trot).Four overs later, Washington bowled Smith for just 8 with an excellent quicker ball that didn’t turn in the slightest but skidded past the outside edge and onto off stump.2:16

Trescothick: It’s going to be an amazing final day

At that point, England were 164 for 6 and they were subsequently becalmed as Stokes and Chris Woakes looked to avoid further damage.But Stokes added just six more runs after tea before Washington struck again, beating the slog sweep and clattering middle stump to send him on his way for 33.Bumrah was finally rewarded with the wickets of Carse and Woakes, the former to a stunning, pinpoint-accurate yorker on leg stump and the latter to one that expertly clipped the leg-side bail.Bashir’s was the 12th bowled dismissal by India for the match when Washington beat his defences to close out the innings, completing an England collapse in which they lost their last four wickets for 11 runs, and their last six for 38. Washington’s 4 for 22 is the best by an India spinner at Lord’s since 1974.

Leah Williamson believes Arsenal can progress in the Women's Champions League despite losing the first leg of their quarter-final against Real Madrid.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Arsenal lost 2-0 to Madrid in SpainMust turn it around in London to stay in UWCLLionesses star determined to get job doneFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The north London side suffered a 2-0 loss on an awful pitch in the Spanish capital last week, leaving them on the verge of crashing out heading into Wednesday's return fixture.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The Gunners were fancied to get the better of Madrid over the two legs, but Williamson admits that they left last week's game feeling they had missed an opportunity. Having seen her team trounce Liverpool 4-0 in the Women's Super League days afterwards, though, the defender still believes her side have the quality to turn the tie around at the Emirates Stadium.

WHAT WILLIAMSON SAID

"I think there was a general feeling that we wasted this potential opportunity. Two teams playing on the same pitch, the pitch wasn’t the standard that it needed to be, but we both played on it," she told reporters. "I think that anger is more frustration with ourselves, because we know what we can do. We know we have more, and that’s frightening for other teams because I think in that game, we were still competitive. We just need to score goals, and that’s what it comes down to, and we need to stop them. We were frustrated, but more so with ourselves than anything else. If we played a perfect game last weekend, and we got beat by a perfect game from the other team, that can sometimes be football. But that wasn’t the case, so it’s about us taking individual responsibility first and foremost, and making sure that everybody stays present in that."

Looking ahead to this week's clash, she said: "I’ll play my role, I’ll play my part. I think the experience of overturning the last quarter-final against Bayern, I think that comes in handy for anybody that played in that game. That was a great memory. Good things happen in football, bad things happen in football. When the good things happen, you keep them in your pocketed just as much as the bad, you call on them when you need them. So, I think anybody that was involved in that game will take confidence from that, knowing that we know how to do it in almost an identical situation."

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

Renee Slegers' team will have to put in a stellar performance to overpower their Champions League foes. After that game, they take on Crustal Palace in the Women's Super League on Sunday.

They will tour Pakistan over the Christmas and New Year season, as well as during the IPL next year

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Oct-2022After not touring Pakistan for 19 years, New Zealand are all set to visit the country twice in the space of five months to play two Tests, eight ODIs and five T20Is. It means New Zealand will not play home fixtures over the Christmas and New Year’s season this year, and will have to deal with a clash with the IPL during the second leg of the Pakistan tour in April and May next year.The two Tests are part of the ICC World Test Championship and will be played in Karachi (December 27-31) and Multan (January 4-8). The teams will return to Karachi to play three ODIs that are part of the ICC Super League on January 11, 13 and 15.New Zealand then go back to Pakistan in April and May to play five more ODIs, which are not part of the Super League, and five T20Is. The first four T20Is will be played in Karachi on April 13, 15, 16 and 19, before the teams travel to Lahore for the fifth T20I and the first two ODIs on April 23, 26 and 28. The last three ODIs of the series are in Rawalpindi on May 1, 4 and 7.New Zealand’s first visit is a part of the Future Tours Programme, while the second was agreed to make up for the matches lost when they called off their limited-overs tour of Pakistan minutes before the start of the first ODI in September 2021, citing security concerns.”New Zealand is one of the high-performing sides and the more we will play against the top teams in our backyard, the better we will get as a unit, which is crucial to our objective of featuring inside the top three across all formats,” Zakir Khan, PCB director – international cricket, said in a statement. “The New Zealand matches will also provide opportunities to our youngsters to continue to watch and follow their favourite players in action, something they have missed when we were forced to play our international cricket offshore.New Zealand last toured Pakistan in November 2003, and their return follows the tours of Australia and England to the country this year after a gap of 24 and 17 years respectively.”I know our players can’t wait to arrive and savour the experience of playing in Karachi, Multan, Lahore and Rawalpindi – places that carry a great cricketing heritage,” NZC CEO David White said. “The recent tours from Australia and England have left us in no doubt regarding the quality of the Pakistan side across all formats, and the extent of the challenge that awaits us.”

Manchester City finally bounced back to winning ways at The Etihad on Wednesday night with a convincing 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

It ended a run of seven matches without a win in all competitions and a run of four Premier League losses in succession for Pep Guardiola’s team, who have struggled in recent weeks.

They are currently nine points behind Liverpool, who they lost 2-0 to at Anfield last weekend, in the title race and two points behind Chelsea and Arsenal in second and third in the division.

The Cityzens have plenty of work to do if they want to catch up on their rivals and come out on top in the title race, to win their fifth Premier League title in a row.

It was no surprise that the return of Kevin de Bruyne to the starting line-up ended the club’s winless run, as the Belgium international assisted the opening goal for Bernardo Silva and scored the second in the 3-0 win over Forest.

City have had issues in midfield this season and Guardiola has seemingly noticed that, as it is now being reported that the manager wants to bolster his options in that area of the pitch.

Manchester City eyeing up Premier League star

According to the Daily Mail, the Spanish head coach is pushing for the club to secure a deal to sign Newcastle United central midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.

The report claims that City considered a swoop to bring the Brazil international to The Etihad in the summer transfer window, only to opt to bring in Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer from Barcelona – one year on from his exit from the club – instead.

It states that the Premier League champions were put off by the midfielder’s mouth-watering £100m release clause, which led to them going down the less expensive route with the veteran German.

The outlet adds that Guardiola still wants to sign Guimaraes to bolster his options in the middle of the park and that he is considering offering Matheus Nunes to the Magpies to get a move over the line, although it is unclear how much they value the Portuguese gem at.

However, it does not reveal how much they would be willing to offer for the former Lyon star alongside Nunes going to St. James’ Park, given the £100m valuation of the Newcastle sensation.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The board must, now, back Guardiola when the January transfer window officially opens for business next month by swooping to sign the midfield maestro, as he could come in as a big upgrade on Gundogan.

Ilkay Gundogan's form this season

The 34-year-old veteran returned to Manchester City on a free transfer in the summer after one year at Barcelona, having enjoyed a terrific first spell in England, showcasing his quality as a scorer and a creator from a midfield position.

Gundogan scored 60 goals and provided 38 assists in 304 appearances in all competitions for the Cityzens in seven years at the club, having joined from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2016.

The former Germany international has not enjoyed the easiest of homecomings in Manchester, as he has struggled in the Premier League this season.

Gundogan has scored two goals in five appearances in the Champions League for City in the 2024/25 campaign, but has not managed to replicate that kind of goalscoring form domestically.

Appearances

13

Starts

10

xG

1.45

Goals

0

Big chances created

0

Assists

1

As you can see in the table above, the German midfielder has not made the most of the opportunities that have come his way in the Premier League this term, as he has underperformed against his xG tally.

The City veteran has also failed to offer much in the way of creativity without a single ‘big chance’ created and one assist in his 13 appearances in the division so far.

These statistics suggest that Gundogan has not been a difference-maker in possession for the Cityzens and that is one of the reasons why the club should dip into the market to sign an upgrade on him when the window opens next month.

Why Manchester City should sign Bruno Guimaraes

There are several reasons why the City board should sanction a deal for Guimaraes and one of them is that he is in the prime years of his career at the age of 27.

Rather than being a 34-year-old veteran in the final throes of his career, like Gundogan, the Brazilian could arrive at The Etihad at the peak of his powers.

Guimaraes is also an ideal target for a January transfer window because he is a proven Premier League performer who could hit the ground running in the second half of the season to make an instant impact, rather than a signing from another league who could need time to adapt to the league and the country.

His performances in the top-flight also suggest that the quality is there for him to come in and offer more than Gundogan in and out of possession for Guardiola in the middle of the park, to improve City’s midfield.

Appearances

37

14

xG

4.82

0.85

Goals

7

0

Big chances created

12

3

Assists

8

3

As you can see in the table above, Guimaraes has caught the eye with seven goals from 5.67 xG and a whopping 15 ‘big chances’ created in the Premier League since the start of last season.

Whilst he is yet to score in the current campaign, the Brazilian maestro, who was dubbed a “world-class” player by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has offered more creativity than Gundogan – with three more ‘big chances’ created.

What the Newcastle star has offered in abundance this season, however, is defensive quality with 3.2 tackles and interceptions and 7.9 duels won per game, whilst the German has only made 1.3 tackles and interceptions and won 3.2 duels per match.

Man City may have already sold their next Haaland for just £15m

Manchester City decided to cash in on their long-term Erling Haaland replacement.

ByDan Emery Nov 19, 2024

These statistics suggest that Guimaraes could come in and offer more as an attacking presence and as a combative midfielder who can break up opposition attacks, which is why City must secure his services in January.

Manchester United travel to face Arsenal at the Emirates this evening, looking to maintain their unbeaten record since the appointment of Ruben Amorim.

The Red Devils come into the clash on the back of a 4-0 thumping over Everton at Old Trafford last weekend, after doubles from Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee.

As for Mikel Arteta’s men, they come into the clash in North London following a huge 5-2 win away at city rivals West Ham United, with the Gunners going four goals ahead after just 36 minutes.

The two clubs have put on some memorable displays against one another in recent years, with tonight no exception as they prepare to battle once more.

However, a huge task awaits Amorim, as he looks to stop an unwanted record for United in their recent clashes with the Gunners.

Manchester United’s recent record vs Arsenal at the Emirates

In recent visits, the Emirates has been an unhappy hunting ground for supporters, especially when it comes to the Premier League.

Last year, the Red Devils thought they had claimed all three points right at the death, as Alejandro Garnacho ran through and slotted home, but was adjudged to have been offside after a review by VAR.

The hosts then snatched two late goals in stoppage time with Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus on the scoresheet as Arteta’s side claimed all three points back in September last year.

However, the last five visits to their home ground have been a complete disappointment, losing four and drawing one – simply unable to get the better of the Gunners at the Emirates.

03/09/2023

3-1

Loss

22/01/2023

3-2

Loss

22/04/2022

3-1

Loss

30/01/2021

0-0

Draw

01/01/2020

2-0

Loss

United’s last league victory against Arsenal in North London came way back in December 2017, when goals from Antonio Valencia and a double from Jesse Lingard secured all three points.

If Amorim is to increase the good feeling around the club after his impressive start to life as boss, a victory over their rivals would certainly do the trick.

However, if he is to have the greatest chance of achieving a rare win at the home of Arsenal, he must continue to unleash one player who could be his own version of a star who has catapulted the hosts into a title battle once again.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The Man United star who’s their own Bukayo Saka

England international Bukayo Saka has established himself as one of the leading attackers in the Premier League in recent years, producing some impressive numbers that led to his sensational rise to stardom.

This season alone, the 23-year-old has registered five goals and ten assists in his 12 league outings, with only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah contributing with more goals.

However, Amorim could have his own version of the youngster in the form of the left-footed Amad Diallo, who has starred in his new wing-back role since the appointment of the 39-year-old.

The “unbelievable” Ivorian, as dubbed by Statman Dave, has already registered three assists in his two league starts under the new gaffer, taking to his new position like a duck to water – nailing it down as his own.

Many expected the defensive responsibility to take away the attacking side of the 22-year-old’s game, but he’s currently in the best form of his career at Old Trafford, hugely benefiting from the managerial switch.

Minutes played

90

Touches

71

Passes completed

42/49 (86%)

Assists

2

Duels won

12/17 (71%)

Tackles won

4/4 (100%)

Big chances created

2

Diallo has shown that he is capable of having an impact at both ends of the pitch, registering two assists on Sunday, whilst also winning all four tackles as a Saka-like presence, cutting inside from the right-hand side.

With Arteta’s men operating with an inverted full-back down the left-hand side, it could give licence for Amad to take advantage and inflict yet more pain on an English top-flight side.

It will be a battle of the right-wingers with the United supporters hoping that Diallo can outperform Saka and secure a second successive league win under Amorim’s leadership.

Amad 2.0: Amorim could unleash Man Utd teen who's outscoring Obi-Martin

Manchester United have yet another exciting star within their academy ranks.

ByEthan Lamb Dec 3, 2024

Lamb, Threlkeld fifties in vain for Thunder as hosts make it four from four

ECB Reporters Network11-Sep-2022Southern Vipers 204 for 6 (Windsor 59) beat Thunder 203 (Threlkeld 79, Lamb 63, Norris 3-42) by four wicketsEmily Windsor backed up her Hundred final heroics to guide Southern Vipers to a fifth straight Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy victory and guarantee a spot in the Playoff.Batter Windsor scored the winning runs at Lord’s last Saturday to give Oval Invincibles back-to-back titles, and at the Ageas Bowl against Thunder she carefully amassed 59 to set up a four-wicket victory.Thunder had set 203 mainly due to Emma Lamb and Ellie Threlkeld’s half-centuries after Tara Norris had ripped the top order apart with three quick wickets.Vipers stuttered themselves when they slumped to 29 for three but an 89-run stand for the sixth wicket between Windsor and Chloe Hill took the hosts towards the win with three overs to spare.Having been asked to bowl, Norris ripped through the Thunder top order in the first seven overs to reduce the visitors to 23 for three.Seren Smale suffered a golden duck when she was bowled between bat and pad, Laura Marshall was lbw trying to work to leg and former West Indies international Deandra Dottin was caught behind on the cut.Norris’ first five-over spell of three for 15 was all the more important with Vipers missing fast bowlers Freya Kemp and Lauren Bell to England and Anya Shrubsole to injury. Georgia Elwiss damaging her back during her three overs didn’t help matters.Lamb and Threlkeld, who both took their Trophy tally over 200 runs, recovered the situation with a hard-working 119-run stand for the fourth wicket.Over half of Lamb’s 63 runs came in singles, although broke the mould by lobbing a six down the ground, as she played the role of glue while Threlkeld was able to pepper the leg-side boundary.They both brought up their fifties in quick succession – Lamb first in 70 balls for her third half-century of the tournament, and Threlkeld in 55 deliveries.Their partnership was the only one of note, as the next highest scorer was Daisy Mullen with 13.Paige Scholfield ended it by finding Lamb tossing to mid-on before trapping Shachi Pai next ball. There was to be no hat trick but Vipers were back in control and would polish off the innings with nine balls to spare.Lauren Heap was stumped, Threlkeld picked out long-on, Mullan was run out after good work from Alice Monaghan, Laura Jackson was caught and bowled by Charlie Dean and Phoebe Graham skewed to point.Vipers had found themselves 38 for five in their previous match here, against Sunrisers, before recovering to victory, so 29 for three was an improvement.Ella McCaughan drove to point with a lack of footwork her downfall, Elwiss skied an attempted pull shot behind and Dean, promoted to open, was bowled by the accurate Jackson.Georgia Adams had pointed her side in the right direction with 20, during a 42-run stand with Scholfield, before holing out to deep midwicket before Scholfield was lbw to Pai soon after to leave Vipers 100 for five just over the halfway point.But Windsor, who also scored the winning runs in last year’s Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy final, kept her calm and reached 60-ball fifty, with an advance to dispatch down the ground her most eye-catching moment.Hill, who had saved Vipers against Sunrisers, accompanied her well with an unbeaten 43. Despite Windsor falling with 15 runs still to get, Norris’ 12 not out eased any nerves.

Following in the footsteps of Lynn Williams, Jessica McDonald and Crystal Dunn, Shaw joins Courage as next big star

Where would one of the most promising stars in the NWSL go if they could play anywhere?

Jaedyn Shaw, the USWNT forward and one of the best young talents to come through the U.S. soccer system, had her eye on one club in particular. While many would assume Shaw would target the best club or the most popular franchise, that wasn't the case. Shaw's destination of choice? North Carolina.

The San Diego Wave this week completed the trade of Shaw to the North Carolina Courage, one of the NWSL's longest standing clubs, but not specifically known for being the "best" or even contending in the past few years for an NWSL Shield or Championship. In fact, the last time the Courage won an NWSL championship was 2019, the same year they also won the Shield.

From 2017-2019, the Courage were the top of the league standings and were successful because of the scoring power that was Lynn Williams. Perhaps Shaw sees similar potential for herself with the Courage – not to mention that the club is certainly in need of some attacking players to complement Ashley Sanchez and Brazilian international Kerolin.

Under the new NWSL collective bargaining agreement, players have the ability to request a trade, and must approve any deal. It has been widely reported that Shaw had asked to be dealt, and clearly agreed with the move to the Courage. INDIVISA looks at four reasons why Shaw's move to North Carolina is a great step for her professional career.

USA Today ImagesCourage forwards paved the path

Lynn Willians, Jessica McDonald and Crystal Dunn are all prolific goal scorers who have many things in common. One – and the most relevant here – is that they all had their careers take off with the North Carolina Courage.

Shaw – known for her attacking mindset, ability to get out of tight spaces, and just a natural nose for the goal – is positioned to be the go-to scorer for the Courage, something the club has been missing for quite some time. This past season, although not ill-equipped with attacking talent, the team still fell below the top five in goals scored.

The Courage totaled 34 goals in 27 games played, and were primarily reliant on Sanchez for finding the back of the net. In 2023, Kerolin was the Courage's go-to for scoring goals, earning the league's MVP honor and finishing the season with 10 goals in 19 minutes played.

Courage head coach Sean Nahas was thrilled to welcome Shaw to the squad, and expressed his excitement around her fitting into the team's established style of play.

"She is someone who has every tool at such a young age and will be a key part of our club," Nahas said. "Her quality on the ball, both in possession and on the dribble, along with her levels in and around the box can unlock opposition. She suits our style of play and our supporters will be able to see one of the top young talents every week.

"We can’t wait to welcome this truly gifted player and even better person to our team. It’s a great day for us and we look forward to having Jaedyn in Courage Country."

AdvertisementIMAGNInvestment

Shaw's trade to the Courage is one of the NWSL's biggest ever. The Wave received $300,000 in allocation money, $150,000 in intra-league transfer funds, and an international roster spot for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

The deal includes performance-based incentives, with the Courage potentially sending up to $75,000 in additional allocation money in exchange for up to $150,000 in intra league transfer fees.

What the trade has shows, beyond Shaw wanting to be dealt, is the club's clear investment in doubling down in top talent and star power. While the Courage have been one of the best across the league in passing and posession stats, the missing area is the ability to score goals.

This trade is not only an investment financially, which is one of the biggest ever in NWSL, but also in a player who's ability has the potential to transform a club falling below the ranks in recent years.

“I am so grateful to be here and to call North Carolina home," Shaw said in a statement. "I’m excited to experience a new style of play and to learn and grow alongside amazing players and coaches. I can’t wait to get to work and help bring another championship to Courage Country."

GettyHistory of success

While the most recent years haven't been exceptional for the Courage, the club does have a long history of success. From 2017 through 2019, the Courage were NWSL Shield winners and NWSL champions on two occasions. While there was a scandal that shook the club to it's core, the rebuilding has been done in stride. Signing top players such as Sanchez, Kerolin, and now Shaw is a testament to that, as well as when Nahas took over as coach in 2022.

The area surrounding the Courage is home to the most decorated women's college soccer program in history, the North Carolina Tar Heels. At the club level as well, the state has a long history of success with its academy and youth programs. Before Shaw decided to go pro, in fact, she was committed the Tar Heels at 14-years-old. Perhaps being near Anson Dorrance Field is on Shaw's childhood bucket list.

The area, the club, and the academies that feed into the club have a long history of success, and pride themselves on a possession style of play that continues to grow some of the sport's biggest stars.

ImagnRoom to build

There's no doubt that there is room to build on the Courage roster. While Shaw is expected to have an immediate impact, it's not only a great move for her individually, but will also help the club reach new heights. With both Sanchez and Shaw up top, we're looking at two of the most attacking minded, creative 10s in the sport, working alongside one another.

Shaw's trade to North Carolina will also be massive because of how well she holds the ball up, something crucial in a possession based team looking to play to feet, and bouncing the ball off the 9 and 10. Having this kind of star power up top also opens up the midfield and defense to build, and not be in a constant transition but rather support, build up the field, and find a moving target.

As the transfer market continues to shake up, it's going to be anyone's game come the NWSL's spring season, which puts the Courage in a promising position to turn their league standings around.

Daniel Farke said Leeds United were “blessed” to have Sean Longstaff after the midfielder’s man-of-the-match display in Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Bournemouth.

Longstaff, on £80,000-a-week, volleyed in off a post to put Leeds in front early in the second half at Elland Road after Joe Rodon’s header before the interval had cancelled out Antoine Semenyo’s free-kick for the visitors.

Farke hails Longstaff after Leeds draw vs Bournemouth

The £12million summer signing from Newcastle’s first Leeds goal – he also provided the corner for Rodon’s equaliser – looked to have sealed it for Farke’s side before Bournemouth’s teenage substitute Eli Kroupi struck at the far post in the third minute of stoppage time.

Farke said of Longstaff’s display:

Leeds sit mid-table in the Premier League after taking eight points from their first six games following promotion, while Bournemouth remain in the top six, three points better off.

Cherries skipper Ryan Christie admitted his side were pleased to leave Elland Road with a point, having trailed in time added on, and hailed their resilience. Christie told AFCB TV: “The way it went, we are probably happy with a point to be honest.

“The game went as we thought it would in terms of their physicality and in a high-energy stadium, they feed off that.

“But with this squad, even though you’re away from home, you never feel like you’re out of the game

“There is a resilience throughout the whole squad, which is a credit to the boys, especially when we have had the turnaround of players we’ve had this summer.

“I think everyone is feeding into this mindset of pulling together, the whole squad as one.

“It’s not just the starters and the bench and that’s it – there’s a real togetherness.”

Next up for Leeds is another home game against Tottenham in a lunchtime kick-off on Saturday, while Bournemouth face Fulham on Friday night at the Vitality Stadium.