Spain's Marc Marquez, in sizzling form since the start of three days
of pre-season testing, said Wednesday it was a "dream come true" to race
nine-times world champion Valentino Rossi and other top MotoGP riders.
Marquez, 19, who won the Moto2 championship last year, has replaced the retired Australian Casey Stoner in the Honda team.
On
the first day of testing Tuesday at the Sepang circuit, the Spanish
teenager was the third fastest rider behind his team-mate Dani Pedrosa
and Yamaha's defending champion Jorge Lorenzo. Rossi came in fourth.
Marquez was 0.044 seconds behind Pedrosa, who set the fastest lap time at 2 minutes 01.157 seconds.
"Valentino
was my hero. Dani was my reference. It is quite impressive when you see
them on the track. It is my dream come true," he told AFP.
Marquez's
best lap in the current testing was under the official Sepang race lap
record of 2:02.108 set by Stoner. However the Australian set a 1:59.607
in last year's pre-season tests.
But Marquez said setting quick lap times was not the most important thing for him during testing.
"In MotoGP it is better to be constant in a good lap time; then the information is better" to prepare for the race, he said.
A
modest Marquez said he would focus on improving his position during the
MotoGP championship race, adding that a podium finish was not on his
radar yet since Lorenzo, Pedrosa and Rossi "will be faster".
"(The) goal is to go race by race, try to enjoy and every time go better and better," he said.
However, after the first day of testing, Rossi praised Marquez's riding skills and determination.
"I like his attitude. He is like wanting to win the championship at the first strike," he told reporters.
Marquez
said the Honda bike had plenty of potential and he would use the
testing period to "play" with its electronics and adjust them.
"I feel so good on the bike. But still, I need to improve at Sepang but I know the bike has very good potential," he said.
The
test continues until Thursday. The first race of the year will take
place under floodlights in Qatar on the first weekend of April after two
more test sessions.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Six rugby league clubs named in Australia doping report
Six Australian National Rugby League (NRL) clubs Tuesday admitted
they were referred to in a nationwide sports doping scandal report, and
vowed to support any investigations.
North Queensland, Penrith, Canberra, Newcastle, Manly and Cronulla all said they had been contacted by NRL chiefs after the Australian Crime Commission granted the league permission to notify any clubs mentioned in its report.
The official report, released in summary last week, said use of prohibited substances including peptides, hormones and illicit drugs was common across multiple sporting codes, sending shockwaves through Australia.
Australian Rules football has also admitted involvement, saying at least one club and one player from another club had been implicated.
Cricket, football and rugby union authorities have said they are not under investigation.
"Our club will cooperate with any official enquiry," Newcastle Knights chief executive Matt Gidley said, adding that the NRL contacted them on Monday but they had no further information or details on how they were involved.
"We maintain full confidence under the management of (coach) Wayne Bennett.
"Until we receive further information from the NRL and/or ASADA, there is nothing further we can add," he added, referring to the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority.
Reports said the 10 other NRL clubs all confirmed they were not mentioned in the report.
"As previously stated, we fully support any investigations by the NRL or the ACC in relations to these matters," said Canberra Raiders chief Don Furner.
"Our club will continue to work with the NRL and ACC until these matters are resolved and will update our members, sponsors and supporters when we can."
In the wake of the report, the NRL has committed to establishing a fully resourced integrity unit and appointed a former federal court judge to assist in its investigations.
The ACC report did not name specific players, teams or codes, citing legal reasons, sparking concern that all sportspeople and those working with them had been tarred with the same brush.
World Anti-Doping Agency chief John Fahey, an Australian and a keen rugby league fan, told Sydney's Daily Telegraph he did not understand why the government released the report in such a broadbrush way.
"Whatever is behind it all, we need to know. But to be told it in general terms, and have to wait significant time to see how big the problem is, is something I am simply puzzled by," he said.
"I do not understand the motive behind that or the strategy. What I am saying is that there may be a good reason but I can't find it at this stage."
North Queensland, Penrith, Canberra, Newcastle, Manly and Cronulla all said they had been contacted by NRL chiefs after the Australian Crime Commission granted the league permission to notify any clubs mentioned in its report.
The official report, released in summary last week, said use of prohibited substances including peptides, hormones and illicit drugs was common across multiple sporting codes, sending shockwaves through Australia.
Australian Rules football has also admitted involvement, saying at least one club and one player from another club had been implicated.
Cricket, football and rugby union authorities have said they are not under investigation.
"Our club will cooperate with any official enquiry," Newcastle Knights chief executive Matt Gidley said, adding that the NRL contacted them on Monday but they had no further information or details on how they were involved.
"We maintain full confidence under the management of (coach) Wayne Bennett.
"Until we receive further information from the NRL and/or ASADA, there is nothing further we can add," he added, referring to the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority.
Reports said the 10 other NRL clubs all confirmed they were not mentioned in the report.
"As previously stated, we fully support any investigations by the NRL or the ACC in relations to these matters," said Canberra Raiders chief Don Furner.
"Our club will continue to work with the NRL and ACC until these matters are resolved and will update our members, sponsors and supporters when we can."
In the wake of the report, the NRL has committed to establishing a fully resourced integrity unit and appointed a former federal court judge to assist in its investigations.
The ACC report did not name specific players, teams or codes, citing legal reasons, sparking concern that all sportspeople and those working with them had been tarred with the same brush.
World Anti-Doping Agency chief John Fahey, an Australian and a keen rugby league fan, told Sydney's Daily Telegraph he did not understand why the government released the report in such a broadbrush way.
"Whatever is behind it all, we need to know. But to be told it in general terms, and have to wait significant time to see how big the problem is, is something I am simply puzzled by," he said.
"I do not understand the motive behind that or the strategy. What I am saying is that there may be a good reason but I can't find it at this stage."
Gatland vows no Lions limit on England players
British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland insisted Wednesday he'd
happily field an entire XV of England players in the first Test against
Australia if they were the best available.
Gatland was trying to defuse a row caused by remarks, reportedly made in Tuesday's London Evening Standard, saying too many England players could lead to the kind of media "circus" that derailed their 2011 World Cup campaign in the coach's native New Zealand.
The 49-year-old Gatland's comments were especially inflammatory as England, who beat the world champion All Blacks in December, are currently the form team in the Six Nations where they are the only side to have won both their opening two matches.
And they appeared to take no account of the lack of negative headlines attached to England since coach Stuart Lancaster replaced Martin Johnson last year following a World Cup where the side were better known for their off-field drinking exploits than the quality of their rugby.
But former Ireland boss Gatland, currently on sabbatical from his post as Wales coach in order to guide the Lions, was adamant Wednesday he'd no bias against England players.
"I am extremely disappointed that anybody should try to misinterpret what I said and try to say that will count against English players, that's absolute bullshit," he told the Daily Telegraph.
"The last thing I would ever do is limit the number of English players. There is absolutely no limit to the number of any players from any nation we will pick if they are worthy of a place on the tour.
"I would happily pick 15 English players in the first Test at Brisbane if I thought they were the best 15 players for the job.
"The only consideration for a Lions coach is to get the best 15 on the park to do the job. That's paramount, I'm not remotely bothered which country they come from.
"When I first started at Wales I remember I once picked 13 Ospreys for one of my early Tests in charge."
Gatland had told the Standard "the best players will be selected", but "it's just being aware of potential issues that may arise".
Rugby Football Union chairman Bill Beaumont, himself a former England and Lions captain, took a dim view of Gatland's remarks as quoted by the Standard on Tuesday and highlighted the changes that had taken place under Lancaster.
"English players have always represented the Lions with enormous pride," Beaumont said.
"It is well documented the strong culture and sense of responsibility on and off the pitch that this England team possesses. Those fortunate enough to get picked will of course take those attributes Down Under."
The Lions, who haven't won a series since England great Johnson led them on their 1997 tour of South Africa, face Australia in the first of three Tests in Brisbane on June 22.
Gatland was trying to defuse a row caused by remarks, reportedly made in Tuesday's London Evening Standard, saying too many England players could lead to the kind of media "circus" that derailed their 2011 World Cup campaign in the coach's native New Zealand.
The 49-year-old Gatland's comments were especially inflammatory as England, who beat the world champion All Blacks in December, are currently the form team in the Six Nations where they are the only side to have won both their opening two matches.
And they appeared to take no account of the lack of negative headlines attached to England since coach Stuart Lancaster replaced Martin Johnson last year following a World Cup where the side were better known for their off-field drinking exploits than the quality of their rugby.
But former Ireland boss Gatland, currently on sabbatical from his post as Wales coach in order to guide the Lions, was adamant Wednesday he'd no bias against England players.
"I am extremely disappointed that anybody should try to misinterpret what I said and try to say that will count against English players, that's absolute bullshit," he told the Daily Telegraph.
"The last thing I would ever do is limit the number of English players. There is absolutely no limit to the number of any players from any nation we will pick if they are worthy of a place on the tour.
"I would happily pick 15 English players in the first Test at Brisbane if I thought they were the best 15 players for the job.
"The only consideration for a Lions coach is to get the best 15 on the park to do the job. That's paramount, I'm not remotely bothered which country they come from.
"When I first started at Wales I remember I once picked 13 Ospreys for one of my early Tests in charge."
Gatland had told the Standard "the best players will be selected", but "it's just being aware of potential issues that may arise".
Rugby Football Union chairman Bill Beaumont, himself a former England and Lions captain, took a dim view of Gatland's remarks as quoted by the Standard on Tuesday and highlighted the changes that had taken place under Lancaster.
"English players have always represented the Lions with enormous pride," Beaumont said.
"It is well documented the strong culture and sense of responsibility on and off the pitch that this England team possesses. Those fortunate enough to get picked will of course take those attributes Down Under."
The Lions, who haven't won a series since England great Johnson led them on their 1997 tour of South Africa, face Australia in the first of three Tests in Brisbane on June 22.
Italy v Wales: Six Nations Match Preview
Italy welcome Wales to the Stadio Olimpico for their third match of
the 2013 Six Nations and the Welsh side are odds on favourites on
Saturday 23rd February.
Italy will be hoping to reproduce the magic that saw them beat Wales in the 2007 competition and earn a hugely creditable draw in 2006, although Wales have comfortably won the last five meetings between the two teams.
Wales head into this year's game off the back of a morale-boosting win in France, while the Italians are smarting after suffering a thrashing at the hands of Scotland.
Interim Wales coach Rob Howley has confirmed he'll keep the same starting line-up from last weekend's winning match against France when Wales take on Italy on February 23rd.
"On the back of the performance at the weekend, we have decided to reward the players who took to the field and the same XV who started in Paris will start against Italy," said Howley.
"It's a reward for their performance. We talked about attitude, determination and resilience and a side that comes up with a win out in France, which is not an easy place to win on any occasion, deserves to start the next match.
"Obviously we are mindful that the XV selected is dependent on injuries, with some players playing before next week, but if everyone comes through it will be the same XV.
"I thought Ryan (Jones) was outstanding in terms of his leadership and he will captain the side against Italy.
“Sam (Warburton) is still feeling the stinger to some extent but it has improved but I just want to clarify that the team comes first and the way the team played, they deserve to start again."
Italy will be hoping to reproduce the magic that saw them beat Wales in the 2007 competition and earn a hugely creditable draw in 2006, although Wales have comfortably won the last five meetings between the two teams.
Wales head into this year's game off the back of a morale-boosting win in France, while the Italians are smarting after suffering a thrashing at the hands of Scotland.
Interim Wales coach Rob Howley has confirmed he'll keep the same starting line-up from last weekend's winning match against France when Wales take on Italy on February 23rd.
"On the back of the performance at the weekend, we have decided to reward the players who took to the field and the same XV who started in Paris will start against Italy," said Howley.
"It's a reward for their performance. We talked about attitude, determination and resilience and a side that comes up with a win out in France, which is not an easy place to win on any occasion, deserves to start the next match.
"Obviously we are mindful that the XV selected is dependent on injuries, with some players playing before next week, but if everyone comes through it will be the same XV.
"I thought Ryan (Jones) was outstanding in terms of his leadership and he will captain the side against Italy.
“Sam (Warburton) is still feeling the stinger to some extent but it has improved but I just want to clarify that the team comes first and the way the team played, they deserve to start again."
Scotland v Ireland: Six Nations Match Preview
Ireland are likely to start favourites for their week three Six
Nations match with Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday 24th February 2013.
There has barely been anything to choose between the two sides in
recent Six Nations encounters though and the handicap betting could
prove interesting.
Ireland go into this year's match looking to bounce back following defeat to England last time out, while Scotland will be full of confidence after they destroyed Italy in their previous outing.
Ireland prop Cian Healy will miss two Six Nations games after being banned until 10 March for stamping on Dan Cole in Sunday's defeat by England.
Healy was cited for the stamp during a ruck in England's 12-6 win in Dublin and he is suspended for the matches against Scotland and France.
The Leinster man appeared before the tournament's disciplinary committee in London on Wednesday.
The loose-head was found guilty of "stamping or trampling on an opponent".
Healy escaped without a yellow or red card from referee Jerome Garces during the match, but the front-rower was cited by citing commissioner Alberto Recaldini of Italy.
Last Year Ireland overpowered Scotland at the Aviva Stadium as the Scots fell to a fourth successive defeat in the tournament. Scotland had briefly threatened an upset when they went 6-0 ahead early on, but Ireland hit back to lead 22-14 at half-time, with an Andrew Trimble try just before the interval knocking the stuffing out of Scotland.
reland added ten unanswered points in the second half to secure a comfortable victory. The Irish will be looking for a similar result after their defeat to England last weekend.
Ireland go into this year's match looking to bounce back following defeat to England last time out, while Scotland will be full of confidence after they destroyed Italy in their previous outing.
Ireland prop Cian Healy will miss two Six Nations games after being banned until 10 March for stamping on Dan Cole in Sunday's defeat by England.
Healy was cited for the stamp during a ruck in England's 12-6 win in Dublin and he is suspended for the matches against Scotland and France.
The Leinster man appeared before the tournament's disciplinary committee in London on Wednesday.
The loose-head was found guilty of "stamping or trampling on an opponent".
Healy escaped without a yellow or red card from referee Jerome Garces during the match, but the front-rower was cited by citing commissioner Alberto Recaldini of Italy.
Last Year Ireland overpowered Scotland at the Aviva Stadium as the Scots fell to a fourth successive defeat in the tournament. Scotland had briefly threatened an upset when they went 6-0 ahead early on, but Ireland hit back to lead 22-14 at half-time, with an Andrew Trimble try just before the interval knocking the stuffing out of Scotland.
reland added ten unanswered points in the second half to secure a comfortable victory. The Irish will be looking for a similar result after their defeat to England last weekend.
Mark Cavendish wins second stage of Volta Ao Algarve
Mark Cavendish won the second stage of the Volta Ao Algarve in Portugal today.
Stage Two on Friday started and finished in Lagoa and was a 195kms long stage which saw Kozontchuk, Vanmarcke, Garcia, Boaro, Lindeman, Fraile, Ospina, Metcalfe, Sabido and Marque in a break which had a lead of 4.55 after 75kms of racing.
Thirty kilometres later and that lead had extended to 6.30 but the peloton lead by Omega Pharma Quick Step who were looking to get Mark Cavendish a victory after he missed out in the sprint yesterday worked hard and it was down to 4.10 with 66kms remaining.
Kozontchuk, Vanmarcke, Garcia, Boaron, Marque and Lindeman decided to break further away and dropped Fraile, Ospina, Metcalfe, Sabido with 30kms to go.
Inside the final ten kilometres and they were still clear but now the peloton were breathing down their necks.
With the escapers caught, Omega Pharma Quick Step brought Mark Cavendish to the front and he rode to his fifth stage win of the season.
Saxo Tinkoff's Manuele Boaro takes the King Of The Mountains jersey from team mate Serge Paulinho.
Stage Two on Friday started and finished in Lagoa and was a 195kms long stage which saw Kozontchuk, Vanmarcke, Garcia, Boaro, Lindeman, Fraile, Ospina, Metcalfe, Sabido and Marque in a break which had a lead of 4.55 after 75kms of racing.
Thirty kilometres later and that lead had extended to 6.30 but the peloton lead by Omega Pharma Quick Step who were looking to get Mark Cavendish a victory after he missed out in the sprint yesterday worked hard and it was down to 4.10 with 66kms remaining.
Kozontchuk, Vanmarcke, Garcia, Boaron, Marque and Lindeman decided to break further away and dropped Fraile, Ospina, Metcalfe, Sabido with 30kms to go.
Inside the final ten kilometres and they were still clear but now the peloton were breathing down their necks.
With the escapers caught, Omega Pharma Quick Step brought Mark Cavendish to the front and he rode to his fifth stage win of the season.
Saxo Tinkoff's Manuele Boaro takes the King Of The Mountains jersey from team mate Serge Paulinho.
F1 testing times
Fastest times on Friday on the fourth and last day of the opening testing programme for the 2013 Formula One season:
1. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Lotus-Renault) 1:18.148 (83 laps), 2. Jules Bianchi (FRA/Force India-Mercedes) 1:18.175 (56), 3. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Red Bull-Renault) 1:18.565 (96), 4. Esteban Gutierrez (MEX/Sauber-Ferrari) 1:18.669 (142), 5. Jean-Eric Vergne (FRA/Toro Rosso-Ferrari) 1:18.760 (92), 6. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 1:18.905 (145), 7. Sergio Perez (MEX/McLaren-Mercedes) 1:18.944 (98), 8. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Williams-Renault) 1:19.851 (92), 9. Pedro de la Rosa (ESP/Ferrari) 1:20.316 (51), 10. Charles Pic (FRA/Caterham-Renault) 1:21.105 (109), 11. Luis Razia (BRA/Marussia-Cosworth) 1:21.226 (82), 12. Paul di Resta (GBR/Force India-Mercedes) 1:23.435 (49)
Week's best times
1. Felipe Massa (BRA/Ferrari) 1:17.879 (226 laps), 2. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Lotus-Renault) 1:18.148 (123), 3. Jules Bianchi (FRA/Force India-Mercedes) 1:18.175 (56), 4. Romain Grosjean (FRA/Lotus-Renault) 1:18.218 (148), 5. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Red Bull-Renault) 1:18.565 (198), 6. Esteban Gutierrez (MEX/Sauber-Ferrari) 1:18.669 (252), 7. Jean-Eric Vergne (FRA/Toro Rosso-Ferrari) 1:18.760 (177), 8. Nico Rosberg (GER/Mercedes) 1:18.766 (162), 9. Jenson Button (GBR/McLaren-Mercedes) 1:18.861 (120), 10. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 1:18.905 (160)
11. Sergio Pérez (MEX/McLaren-Mercedes) 1:18.944 (179), 12. Paul di Resta (GBR/Force India-Mercedes) 1:19.003 (236), 13. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Toro Rosso-Ferrari) 1:19.134 (153), 14. James Rossiter (GBR/Force India-Mercedes) 1:19.303 (61), 15. Mark Webber (AUS/Red Bull-Renault) 1:19.338 (174), 16. Nico Hulkenberg (GER/Sauber-Ferrari) 1:19.502 (177), 17. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Williams-Renault) 1:19.851 (178), 18. Pedro de la Rosa (ESP/Ferrari) 1:20.316 (51), 19. Pastor Maldonado (VEN/Williams-Renault) 1:20.693 (155), 20. Charles Pic (FRA/Caterham-Renault) 1:21.105 (166), 21. Luis Razia (BRA/Marussia-Cosworth) 1:21.226 (113), 22. Max Chilton (GBR/Marussia-Cosworth) 1:21.269 (107), 23. Giedo van der Garde (NED/Caterham-Renault) 1:21.915 (152)
1. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Lotus-Renault) 1:18.148 (83 laps), 2. Jules Bianchi (FRA/Force India-Mercedes) 1:18.175 (56), 3. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Red Bull-Renault) 1:18.565 (96), 4. Esteban Gutierrez (MEX/Sauber-Ferrari) 1:18.669 (142), 5. Jean-Eric Vergne (FRA/Toro Rosso-Ferrari) 1:18.760 (92), 6. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 1:18.905 (145), 7. Sergio Perez (MEX/McLaren-Mercedes) 1:18.944 (98), 8. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Williams-Renault) 1:19.851 (92), 9. Pedro de la Rosa (ESP/Ferrari) 1:20.316 (51), 10. Charles Pic (FRA/Caterham-Renault) 1:21.105 (109), 11. Luis Razia (BRA/Marussia-Cosworth) 1:21.226 (82), 12. Paul di Resta (GBR/Force India-Mercedes) 1:23.435 (49)
Week's best times
1. Felipe Massa (BRA/Ferrari) 1:17.879 (226 laps), 2. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Lotus-Renault) 1:18.148 (123), 3. Jules Bianchi (FRA/Force India-Mercedes) 1:18.175 (56), 4. Romain Grosjean (FRA/Lotus-Renault) 1:18.218 (148), 5. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Red Bull-Renault) 1:18.565 (198), 6. Esteban Gutierrez (MEX/Sauber-Ferrari) 1:18.669 (252), 7. Jean-Eric Vergne (FRA/Toro Rosso-Ferrari) 1:18.760 (177), 8. Nico Rosberg (GER/Mercedes) 1:18.766 (162), 9. Jenson Button (GBR/McLaren-Mercedes) 1:18.861 (120), 10. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 1:18.905 (160)
11. Sergio Pérez (MEX/McLaren-Mercedes) 1:18.944 (179), 12. Paul di Resta (GBR/Force India-Mercedes) 1:19.003 (236), 13. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Toro Rosso-Ferrari) 1:19.134 (153), 14. James Rossiter (GBR/Force India-Mercedes) 1:19.303 (61), 15. Mark Webber (AUS/Red Bull-Renault) 1:19.338 (174), 16. Nico Hulkenberg (GER/Sauber-Ferrari) 1:19.502 (177), 17. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Williams-Renault) 1:19.851 (178), 18. Pedro de la Rosa (ESP/Ferrari) 1:20.316 (51), 19. Pastor Maldonado (VEN/Williams-Renault) 1:20.693 (155), 20. Charles Pic (FRA/Caterham-Renault) 1:21.105 (166), 21. Luis Razia (BRA/Marussia-Cosworth) 1:21.226 (113), 22. Max Chilton (GBR/Marussia-Cosworth) 1:21.269 (107), 23. Giedo van der Garde (NED/Caterham-Renault) 1:21.915 (152)
Lions tour adds spice to Super 15 season
The 2013 Super 15 season kicks off this weekend with two
all-Australian ties as players seek to impress national selectors ahead
of the looming British and Irish Lions tour Down Under.
The Lions tour -- held every four years to either Australia, New Zealand or South Africa -- has forced a revamp of fixtures to give Australian teams extended time off from Super rugby commitments in June and July.
And several star names will be missing from the competition, including talismanic All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, taking an extended break from rugby, and ex-All Black Sonny Bill Williams, who has jumped ship to rugby league.
New Zealand and South African franchises consistently dominate the Super play-offs but Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said the impact of the Lions tour cannot be underestimated as a motivating factor for the Australian conference sides.
"I've got no doubt there will be (Australian) players who will emerge this year. Some will get an opportunity who wouldn't ordinarily have got an opportunity," he said.
The Queensland Reds were Australia's only representatives in the top six last year, when New Zealand outfit Waikato Chiefs were crowned champions after a crushing win against South Africa's Sharks.
But while the Australians have the Lions factor to drive them and the Reds, Brumbies and NSW Waratahs have the firepower to beat any team, picking the champions remains a notoriously inexact science.
"Over the last two seasons we have seen two franchises -- the Reds and the Chiefs -- win the Super rugby trophy for the first time," SANZAR (South African, New Zealand and Australian Rugby) chief executive Greg Peters said.
New Zealand and South Africa have seven teams with a realistic chance of making the top six.
From the New Zealand conference the Chiefs, seven-times champions Canterbury Crusaders, Wellington Hurricanes and Otago Highlanders are all likely to challenge, along with South Africa's Northern Bulls, Sharks and Western Stormers.
The Reds match-up with two-times champions the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday is the marquee match of a quiet opening weekend.
New coach Richard Graham is keen to show the departure of former mentor Ewen McKenzie has not harmed the Queenslanders although he will be down on firepower with James Horwill sidelined by an ankle injury.
They will pin their hopes on halves Quade Cooper and Will Genia against a Brumbies unit in the hands of former World Cup-winning Springbok coach Jake White and looking to improve on last year's disappointing seventh place.
The controversial Cooper, who made a successful debut in the boxing ring earlier this month, settled his differences with the Australian Rugby Union in December after a turbulent few months during which he criticised the "toxic" environment within the Wallabies.
Former Wallaby Clyde Rathbone has ended a three-year retirement to help the Brumbies' cause and the squad has been bolsted by the recruitment of Wallabies' flanker David Pocock from the Force and South African lock Etienne Oosthuizen.
The only other match this weekend sees the Melbourne Rebels take on Western Force on Friday.
The Rebels have been boosted by news their main off-season signing, former Red and dynamic backrower Scott Higginbotham, has recovered from a shoulder injury and will start.
Rebels hooker Shota Horie is poised to make history as the first Japanese player to appear in a Super rugby match while Japan teammate Fumiaki Tanaka could turn out next week for the Otago Highlanders.
In round two next week, packed with derby action, the Highlanders begin their campaign against the Chiefs on the same evening as the Bulls and Stormers kick off the season for the South African conference in a titanic clash.
The Southern Kings, who have replaced the Golden Lions, make their debut against the Western Force on February 23 while the Crusaders do not get their campaign under way until March 1.
The Lions tour -- held every four years to either Australia, New Zealand or South Africa -- has forced a revamp of fixtures to give Australian teams extended time off from Super rugby commitments in June and July.
And several star names will be missing from the competition, including talismanic All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, taking an extended break from rugby, and ex-All Black Sonny Bill Williams, who has jumped ship to rugby league.
New Zealand and South African franchises consistently dominate the Super play-offs but Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said the impact of the Lions tour cannot be underestimated as a motivating factor for the Australian conference sides.
"I've got no doubt there will be (Australian) players who will emerge this year. Some will get an opportunity who wouldn't ordinarily have got an opportunity," he said.
The Queensland Reds were Australia's only representatives in the top six last year, when New Zealand outfit Waikato Chiefs were crowned champions after a crushing win against South Africa's Sharks.
But while the Australians have the Lions factor to drive them and the Reds, Brumbies and NSW Waratahs have the firepower to beat any team, picking the champions remains a notoriously inexact science.
"Over the last two seasons we have seen two franchises -- the Reds and the Chiefs -- win the Super rugby trophy for the first time," SANZAR (South African, New Zealand and Australian Rugby) chief executive Greg Peters said.
New Zealand and South Africa have seven teams with a realistic chance of making the top six.
From the New Zealand conference the Chiefs, seven-times champions Canterbury Crusaders, Wellington Hurricanes and Otago Highlanders are all likely to challenge, along with South Africa's Northern Bulls, Sharks and Western Stormers.
The Reds match-up with two-times champions the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday is the marquee match of a quiet opening weekend.
New coach Richard Graham is keen to show the departure of former mentor Ewen McKenzie has not harmed the Queenslanders although he will be down on firepower with James Horwill sidelined by an ankle injury.
They will pin their hopes on halves Quade Cooper and Will Genia against a Brumbies unit in the hands of former World Cup-winning Springbok coach Jake White and looking to improve on last year's disappointing seventh place.
The controversial Cooper, who made a successful debut in the boxing ring earlier this month, settled his differences with the Australian Rugby Union in December after a turbulent few months during which he criticised the "toxic" environment within the Wallabies.
Former Wallaby Clyde Rathbone has ended a three-year retirement to help the Brumbies' cause and the squad has been bolsted by the recruitment of Wallabies' flanker David Pocock from the Force and South African lock Etienne Oosthuizen.
The only other match this weekend sees the Melbourne Rebels take on Western Force on Friday.
The Rebels have been boosted by news their main off-season signing, former Red and dynamic backrower Scott Higginbotham, has recovered from a shoulder injury and will start.
Rebels hooker Shota Horie is poised to make history as the first Japanese player to appear in a Super rugby match while Japan teammate Fumiaki Tanaka could turn out next week for the Otago Highlanders.
In round two next week, packed with derby action, the Highlanders begin their campaign against the Chiefs on the same evening as the Bulls and Stormers kick off the season for the South African conference in a titanic clash.
The Southern Kings, who have replaced the Golden Lions, make their debut against the Western Force on February 23 while the Crusaders do not get their campaign under way until March 1.
Nadal advances to Brazil Open semi-finals
Rafael Nadal advanced to the singles semi-finals of the Brazil Open,
with a difficult three-set win over Argentine Carlos Berlocq.
The 26-year-old Spaniard, ranked number five in the world, won 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in two hours 24 minutes against the 30-year-old Argentine, ranked 78th in the world.
Nadal will face off in Saturday's semi-final against another Argentine, Martin Alund, who earlier Friday defeated Filippo Volandri of Italy 7-5, 7-6.
The Spanish star is top seed in the $455,775 Brazil Open, his second comeback event after a seven-month absence due to a knee injury.
Last week, he competed in the Vina del Mar Open in Chile, losing the singles and doubles finals Sunday.
The world number five, who has claimed seven of his 11 Grand Slam titles on the clay courts of Roland Garros, won the Brazil Open in 2005 when it was held in Costa do Sauipe in eastern Bahia state.
The tournament was moved to Sao Paulo last year when Spaniard Nicolas Almagro won.
The 26-year-old Spaniard, ranked number five in the world, won 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in two hours 24 minutes against the 30-year-old Argentine, ranked 78th in the world.
Nadal will face off in Saturday's semi-final against another Argentine, Martin Alund, who earlier Friday defeated Filippo Volandri of Italy 7-5, 7-6.
The Spanish star is top seed in the $455,775 Brazil Open, his second comeback event after a seven-month absence due to a knee injury.
Last week, he competed in the Vina del Mar Open in Chile, losing the singles and doubles finals Sunday.
The world number five, who has claimed seven of his 11 Grand Slam titles on the clay courts of Roland Garros, won the Brazil Open in 2005 when it was held in Costa do Sauipe in eastern Bahia state.
The tournament was moved to Sao Paulo last year when Spaniard Nicolas Almagro won.
England chasing 140 in T20 decider
Stuart Broad and Jade Dernbach led a much-improved England attack
that restricted New Zealand to 139 for eight in the Twenty20 series
decider in Wellington on Friday.
With the three-match series at 1-1 after the Black Caps notched a crushing 55-run win in Hamilton on Tuesday, captain Broad and Dernbach bagged three wickets apiece to give their battling line-up a modest target of 140.
Opener Martin Guptill (59) top-scored for New Zealand but the Black Caps could not repeat the batting blitz that swept them to victory in their previous match, managing just three sixes in the innings.
Despite admitting he was wrong to make the Black Caps bat first in Hamilton, Broad again elected to bowl after winning the toss, aware the chasing side has won all four previous T20 internationals at Westpac Stadium.
The gamble paid early dividends when he enticed Hamish Rutherford (11) into a pull shot with a short-pitched delivery in the fourth over which sailed to Dernbach in the field for an easy catch.
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum and Guptill steadied the innings. But they struggled for runs before McCullum tried to break the shackles and was caught on 26 attempting to cart James Tredwell over the boundary.
Incoming batsman Ross Taylor managed the first six of the innings in the next over off the bowling of Joe Root before being caught out.
It capped a disappointing T20 series for Taylor, who has averaged less than eight in three innings since he returned to the international fold after being dropped as captain late last year.
With Grant Elliott (15) and Colin Munro (1) failing to produce, the pressure was on Guptill to produce a big innings for the Black Caps.
He managed 59 off 55 balls and looked threatening in the latter stages of the innings before Broad caught and bowled him for his third wicket.
Dernbach mopped up in the last over, dismissing Nathan McCullum for a golden duck and dismissing James Franklin for 15 with the final ball of the innings.
With the three-match series at 1-1 after the Black Caps notched a crushing 55-run win in Hamilton on Tuesday, captain Broad and Dernbach bagged three wickets apiece to give their battling line-up a modest target of 140.
Opener Martin Guptill (59) top-scored for New Zealand but the Black Caps could not repeat the batting blitz that swept them to victory in their previous match, managing just three sixes in the innings.
Despite admitting he was wrong to make the Black Caps bat first in Hamilton, Broad again elected to bowl after winning the toss, aware the chasing side has won all four previous T20 internationals at Westpac Stadium.
The gamble paid early dividends when he enticed Hamish Rutherford (11) into a pull shot with a short-pitched delivery in the fourth over which sailed to Dernbach in the field for an easy catch.
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum and Guptill steadied the innings. But they struggled for runs before McCullum tried to break the shackles and was caught on 26 attempting to cart James Tredwell over the boundary.
Incoming batsman Ross Taylor managed the first six of the innings in the next over off the bowling of Joe Root before being caught out.
It capped a disappointing T20 series for Taylor, who has averaged less than eight in three innings since he returned to the international fold after being dropped as captain late last year.
With Grant Elliott (15) and Colin Munro (1) failing to produce, the pressure was on Guptill to produce a big innings for the Black Caps.
He managed 59 off 55 balls and looked threatening in the latter stages of the innings before Broad caught and bowled him for his third wicket.
Dernbach mopped up in the last over, dismissing Nathan McCullum for a golden duck and dismissing James Franklin for 15 with the final ball of the innings.
Airdrie Utd 2-2 Hamilton: Match Report
Airdrie Utd 2-2 Hamilton: Match Report - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game as it happened.
Last-gasp May saves Hamilton
Two goals from Steven May gave Hamilton a vital point in a dramatic 2-2 draw with relegation rivals Airdrie at New Broomfield.
Jamie Bain came close to an early opener for the hosts when he struck a post after just three minutes.
Airdrie were desperately unlucky on 16 minutes, Jordan Moore this time unfortunate to see his effort come back off the bar.
Martin Canning twice went close for the visitors before the break but couldn't direct his efforts on the set pieces.
However, his side were ahead after 61 minutes when May was well placed to finish Gary Fisher's cross.
Airdrie drew level three minutes later, Jordan Moore scoring from the spot after Bain was fouled by Alexander Neil.
Bain looked to have snatched all three points when he struck deep into stoppage time, but May had the final word as he poked the ball over the line with the final kick to ensure a share of the spoils.
Last-gasp May saves Hamilton
Two goals from Steven May gave Hamilton a vital point in a dramatic 2-2 draw with relegation rivals Airdrie at New Broomfield.
Jamie Bain came close to an early opener for the hosts when he struck a post after just three minutes.
Airdrie were desperately unlucky on 16 minutes, Jordan Moore this time unfortunate to see his effort come back off the bar.
Martin Canning twice went close for the visitors before the break but couldn't direct his efforts on the set pieces.
However, his side were ahead after 61 minutes when May was well placed to finish Gary Fisher's cross.
Airdrie drew level three minutes later, Jordan Moore scoring from the spot after Bain was fouled by Alexander Neil.
Bain looked to have snatched all three points when he struck deep into stoppage time, but May had the final word as he poked the ball over the line with the final kick to ensure a share of the spoils.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Messi signs new Barcelona contract extension
Lionel Messi has signed his two-year contract extension with Barcelona.
The Argentina superstar put pen to paper on his new deal at the Nou Camp on Thursday afternoon and is now tied to the Catalan giants until June 30, 2018.
Messi follows in the footsteps of fellow club stalwarts Xavi and Carles Puyol, both of whom signed their extensions last month. Barca announced in December they had agreed new contracts with the trio.
Rooney insists title race far from over
United, who lost out on the final day of last season to cross-town rivals Manchester City, are currently nine points in front of the reigning champions and 16 clear of third-placed Chelsea.
However, the fact that last season saw United blow an eight-point lead in the space of a mere four games to give City a huge boost, means Rooney is refusing to get carried away by the situation Alex Ferguson's men are in at the moment.
"Results are the most important thing now," Rooney said ahead of United's match against his former club Everton at Old Trafford on Sunday.
"Look at Manchester City against QPR. They should have got the win, had a lot of chances but ended up dropping two points," added Rooney, who scored England's first goal in their 2-1 friendly win over Brazil at Wembley on Wednesday.
"That could quite easily have happened to us against Southampton the following night.
"It proves we have to keep picking up the points when we can.
"Once it comes down to the last four or five games, then we will see what position we are in and work out what we have to do."
United, unlike City, are concentrating on more than one front with a Champions League last 16 first leg clash against a Real Madrid side featuring former Old Trafford star Cristiano Ronaldo in Spain on Wednesday.
Rooney, though, said fatigue would not be an issue.
"We don't have anyone who doesn't want to do the work," he said. "We all look at the statistics after the game to see how much running we have done and are well aware of everything we do. There is no hiding place with all the technology and stuff."
For all that United have been scoring goals this season, they have conceded plenty too and made harder work of some matches than their supporters, and indeed manager Ferguson, would have liked.
"I can't put my finger on why we are not killing teams off," said Rooney. "We have scored plenty of goals. It is the most number we have scored at this stage of the season.
"We have conceded too many and have done throughout the season, but that is the way we have been set up to play. We have to just keep our scoring going."
Tour of Qatar: Stage Four Report
Omega Pharma Quck Step's Mark Cavendish won his second succesive stage of the Tour Of Qatar when he sprinted to victory in today's fourth stage.
Gatis Smukulis (Katusha), Pirmin Lang (IAM Cycling) and Andriy Grivko (Astana) got away after thirteen kilometres of the 160km stage from Camel Race Track - Al Khor Corniche.
Their lead went out to seven minutes but they were hauled back and with eight kilometres to go, the trio sat up and shook hands before being swamped by the peloton.
This set up a bunch sprint and there was a crash near the finish line which saw a broken collar bone for Argos Shimano rider Koen De Kort and held up race leader Brent Bookwalter.
Cavendish made his move and took the win in a time of 3.30.05 ahead of Vacansoleil's Barry Markus and Astana's Andrea Guardini. Adam Blythe was 14th.
With the ten seconds bonus on offer for the winner, Cavendish, for whom this was his 92nd victory since 2007, became the new race leader with a two second lead over BMC's Brent Bookwalter..
A delighted Cavendish told cyclingnews.com; "I'm really happy, I won here last year on the same parcours. "It's pretty much the same wind, not enough to break the race, but everyone's a bit nervous.
"I knew from experience at this finish that the wind comes from the right so you want to be on the left. But the road sweeps right and the peloton naturally moves to the right, so I knew the gap would open on the left. In the end, I was able to do what I did last year and surf around the peloton with 300-200 to go and sprint from there."
Pedrosa again edges out rival Lorenzo
Spain's Dani Pedrosa remained the fastest rider on the final day of the first pre-season MotoGP testing at Malaysia's Sepang circuit on Thursday, but times stayed extremely close.
Honda's Pedrosa had led the pack on Tuesday and Wednesday, and on Thursday he again edged out his countryman and Yamaha rival Jorge Lorenzo.
While lap times improved across the board on a sunny final day, Honda's MotoGP rookie Marc Marquez suffered his first MotoGP fall this year during early testing but walked away unscathed.
Nine-times world champion Valentino Rossi was third while Marquez, a former 125cc world champion and reigning Moto2 title holder, took fourth.
Unlike the first two days of cloudy skies and rain late Wednesday, the final test day saw sunshine and dry track which let the riders push their bikes.
On the last day, the gap between Pedrosa's 2 minutes 00.100 seconds and Lorenzo's best effort was just 0.329 seconds.
Returning Yamaha star Valentino Rossi of Italy kept himself in the top group again with third, 0.442 seconds off the pace.
Marquez, who is preparing for his first season in MotoGP, was fourth and 0.536 seconds clear of his Honda team-mate Pedrosa.
Pedrosa said he was confident with the performance of his Honda but insisted there was still work to be done on its shock absorbers and clutch, which were a problem last season.
"I am satisfied because from the day we arrived here, the progress has been good. I feel confident not just because of the position but because of the feeling with the bike," he said.
Pedrosa, 27, is in the hunt for his first MotoGP championship. He has finished MotoGP title runner-up on three occasions since his 2006 debut.
Marquez expressed pleasure at his performance. "I am happy. I have been consistent every day. I hope to continue like that," he told reporters.
Lorenzo said he would focus more on the bike's acceleration and traction during the next test.
"I think the bike has improved a little compared to last year. It is slightly faster in the corner," he said, adding he was impressed with Rossi and Marquez.
Rossi said he no longer had doubts about returning to competitve MotoGP racing after three hard days of testing, and hinted he was eyeing a podium finish from the first race of the season.
"I have to work a lot harder to stay with Lorenzo and Pedrosa. I cannot expect a better start for this new season," he said after two frustrating years with Ducati.
British rider Cal Crutchlow on a Yamaha was 0.634 seconds off the pace at fifth.
The Ducatis of Nicky Hayden and Andrea Dovizioso stood at ninth and tenth rankings.
The second test session will be at Sepang from February 26 to 28, while the third will be in Jerez from March 23 to 25.
The opening round of the MotoGP world championship will be in Qatar under floodlights on April 7. Malaysia will host round 15 on October 13.
Hungary's Szavay retires over back trouble
Hungarian tennis star Agnes Szavay, 24, has announced her retirement because of back problems.
"Unfortunately a long road has led to this decision, I have no choice, I must not risk my health," Szavay, who had an operation last year for a cracked vertebra, said in a statement.
"It is a very emotional and shocking moment. For more than 10 years my life has revolved around tennis. I loved to do it, and probably my career peak was still ahead of me," she added.
Szavay began playing tennis at the age of five, and turned professional in 2004.
She won five Women's Tennis Association (WTA) tournaments in singles and two in doubles.
Ranked 207 by the WTA in 2006, she climbed to 13th place by 2008, but suffered continual injury issues in recent years.
"I'm very proud of my tournament successes and titles. It was difficult, but I have a lot to thank this sport for," Szavay said, adding that she plans to open a children's tennis academy.
Banned Butt wants Pakistan career revival
Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt Thursday pleaded for a revival of his cricket career, frozen by a long ban for spot-fixing in the infamous Lord's Test against England in 2010.
The 28-year-old was banned for 10 years, with the possibility of five suspended, for his role in arranging no balls to order in the match, but will appeal against the sentence at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Friday.
Butt, who was jailed by a British court over the scandal, said the suspension was a career-ending punishment.
"It may be easy for some people to say that a five-year ban from cricket is all right but what they don't realise is that for a sportsman like me this is like a lifetime ban," he said in a statement issued by his lawyer.
"My whole family and my life is disturbed."
Butt and pacemen Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer were banned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2011 after being found guilty of deliberately contriving no-balls.
The now defunct British newspaper the News of the World exposed the players in a sting operation involving their agent Mazhar Majeed who struck a deal for 150,000 pounds with an undercover reporter.
Aamer, banned for five years, pleaded guilty in court and decided not to appeal against the ICC ban, while Asif will appear at the CAS on Thursday to contest his ban of seven years, with the possibility of two suspended.
Butt, whose wife gave birth to their second son on the day he was jailed by the British court, said he wanted another opportunity to play for Pakistan.
"Cricket is my life and every single day that has passed has been so painful because I have not been able to play. All I want is an opportunity to get back into cricket whilst I am still young and I can still play well."
Butt's lawyer Yasin Patel said the ban was harsh.
"We are appealing the sanctions that were imposed upon us and they should not have been so high," Patel was quoted in the statement.
The ICC will be represented by their legal firm Bird and Bird along with the head of their legal department.
Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez praised Frank Lampard after reports emerged that the midfielder could yet stay at Stamford Bridge.
Following Lampard's decisive goal for England in the 2-1 win over Brazil, it was reported the 34-year-old midfielder had been offered a new contract to extend his 12-year stay at Chelsea. Such a move would suggest an about-turn by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, who previously had been prepared to allow Lampard to leave at the end of the season.
"He's scoring goals for us already and I think he's doing well," Benitez told Chelsea TV. "Ninety-four caps is a fantastic achievement. If he can get 100 it will be really positive and it will mean he will be fit, he will be playing and he will be doing well."
A 27th international goal on the occasion of his 94th cap showed Lampard still has a future with England, who beat Brazil for the first time in 23 years, and prompted England boss Roy Hodgson to state his preference for the midfielder to stay in Europe ahead of the 2014 World Cup. That could yet be at Stamford Bridge.
Despite the uncertainty over his future, Lampard has performed well this term, scoring 12 times to move five behind the Blues' goalscoring record of 202 held by Bobby Tambling.
Should Lampard stay on, it would come as a welcome boost following the contract extension signed by Ashley Cole, who won his 100th England cap against Brazil.
Benitez added: "Ashley Cole - 100 caps is an amazing, a great achievement for anyone, and for a player in the England squad, which is very competitive, so even better."
Lampard said of Cole on chelseafc.com: "It's a fantastic achievement. He's been an unbelievably consistent performer both for club and country and he started all of those games which makes it all the more incredible.
"The consistency levels he's shown, particularly when you consider Leighton Baines has been around for a while now, have been great. For me, he's been one of the best in the world and to be the first full-back to reach 100 caps is brilliant."
Overall Benitez was happy with the midweek international fixtures, reporting no fresh injuries as players returned to Chelsea's Surrey training base. "The international break normally is a problem but this one we can consider was positive," Benitez said.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Sporting spotlight: Matt Jansen
From teenage prodigy to depression, turning down Manchester United to
playing with a chain-smoking team-mate, BBC Sport puts Matt Jansen, 35,
under the sporting spotlight.
The forward started his career at Carlisle and turned
down the Red Devils to join Crystal Palace in a £1m move in 1998. He
joined Blackburn a year later for £4.1m and enjoyed the best spell of
his career at Ewood Park, scoring 57 goals in 182 games.
He narrowly missed out on England's 2002 World Cup squad and suffered a motorcycle accident in Rome that summer that left him in a coma for six days. His career never really recovered from it and he went on to play for Coventry, Bolton and Wrexham and never won an international cap.
He joined former Blackburn team-mate Garry Flitcroft at Northern Premier League side Leigh Genesis in 2009 and followed him to Chorley the next year.
You are currently player-coach at Northern Premier League play-off chasers Chorley, so how is that going?
I'm looking at the next step and that's management and coaching. If called upon I'll play. If we have got a few injuries, I can turn out or give the lads a rest but I am more than happy to concentrate more on progressing with my coaching badges.
You have teamed up with former Blackburn midfielder Garry Flitcroft. What is that like?
We played together at Blackburn and we were friends from those days. Garry bosses everyone around. We work a bit like good cop, bad cop and I like to say I'm the good cop.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Series A, Balotelli "show", win Milan
25 minutes, so I have enough Mario Balotelli to realize the first goal with Milan's shirt. For Udinesen scored Pinzi in the second part of the meeting. After a nice action El Shaarawy on the left side and a slight deviation from Heurtaux, in the last minute of extra time Allegri team wins a harsh penalty contested by the entire team of Udineses GUIDOLIN on top.
It is Super Mario who undertakes to hunt from the penalty spot 11-metershi, bringing the ball again by donating Milan 2-1 victory in his debut in "San Siro". Rossoneri climb to fourth place ranking with 40 points, the same as Inter down one position below. After the meeting, Balotelli said he was happy for the two goals realized, saying dreamed such an evening.
Super Bowl: Baltimore Ravens beat San Francisco 49ers in thriller
Jacoby Jones scored two of the most spectacular touchdowns in Super Bowl history as Baltimore Ravens edged San Francisco 49ers 34-31 in a thriller.
First Jones, playing in his native New Orleans, caught a long Joe Flacco pass before running into the endzone.
Then, after Beyonce's stunning half-time show, Jones returned the kick-off 108 yards in barely 11 seconds for the longest ever Super Bowl play.
After a long delay due to a power cut, the 49ers hit back but fell just short.
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, who ended his 17-year career with a second Super Bowl win: "How could it end any other way than that. And now I get to ride into the sunset with my second ring.
"It's no greater way, as a champ, to go out on your last ride with the men that I went out with, with my team-mates. And you looked around this stadium and ... Baltimore! Baltimore! We coming home, baby! We did it!"
San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh congratulated his big brother John's triumph while struggling to come to terms with his side's loss: "Had several opportunities in the game. Didn't play our best game. Ravens made a lot of plays. Our guys battled back to get back in it. We competed and battled to win."
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