Wasps flight to the playoff chopped back by Mohawks

HULL Wasps suffered a fatal setback in their quest for the play-offs in an 81-53 defeat by a hot-shooting Tees Valley Mohawks.


The Wasps were without player-coach John Brignell and key forward Rob Birchmore, who both missed the trip to Middlesbrough with personal commitments. Assistant coach Jamie Goodwin took temporary charge.

At the end of the first period, Wasps and Mohawks were neck-and-neck at 19 a piece, but a second-quarter run from the home side saw them take control of the game and restricted the ice-cold Wasps to just seven points in the period at facing a 43-26 deficit.

The Wasps improved in the fourth quarter, but with the damage done, they now face a near-impossible task to get back into the top two and the play-offs.

Goodwin, who scored 20 points, said: “We are very disappointed with our performance in the second period. We played hard but the ball just didn't want to drop for us.

“We will get back to training this week, work on some things and try to get another good run of results together, starting at home next week."

Guard Ash Rice scored 10 points and Ade Blatherwick added seven.

Hull will look to bounce back against the Newcastle Eagles on Saturday at 7.30pm at the Bonus Arena in Walton Street, west Hull.

Heavy Rainfall makes for soggy Hamburgers

The derby is postponed due to adverse weather conditions.  Kult and Punk were confined to Zoe's Bar, where they beat Karl Heinz & Wally Schultz at darts, for a jug of Dockers Lip- a very special brew.

Sunday's Bundesliga clash between Hamburger SV and FC St. Pauli has been called off.

Extreme rainfall in Hamburg over the past two days has rendered the pitch at the Imtech Arena unplayable.

Date to be set next week

All weather forecasts pointed to further rainfall in Hamburg and its surrounding areas for the next few days.

The DFL (German Football League) Stadium Committee inspected the pitch today and decided the fixture could not go ahead.

The derby will be rescheduled by the DFL at the beginning of next week.

Super Bowl Preview: The Greatest Show on Turf is only hours away.

The super bowl is upon us. My Bud is chilled the hot dogs are ready, the mustard is ENGLISH and the wife has gone to bed. Thanks to our fantastic friends at BBC Sport, here is a preview taking in full from their website.


SUPER BOWL XLV: Sunday, 6 February at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas - Watch live on BBC 1, BBC 1 HD and on the BBC Sport website (UK only) from from 2245; listen live on 5 live and 5 live sports extra; full coverage details.

Green Bay are slight favourites to win Super Bowl XLV against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Texas on Sunday.

Bookmakers expect the Packers to win by a small margin but the Steelers are playing their third Super Bowl in six years and have a very experienced team.

"Defence is going to be a big factor in this game, and special teams as well," said Packers head coach Mike McCarthy.

"There will definitely be momentum swings. I think it's going to be a heck of a game."

The game brings together two of the most storied franchises in the league both of whom have fanatical fanbases.

Organizers are expecting a record Super Bowl crowd in Cowboys Stadium, breaking the current attendance mark for a Super Bowl of 103,667 when Washington beat Miami in 1983 at the Rose Bowl in California.

However, many fans are experiencing problems getting to Dallas as snow has grounded flights both in Texas, which normally enjoys a temperate climate, and across the United States.

Airlines cancelled more than 700 flights to and from Texas on Friday and although warmer temperatures are forecast for Sunday, snow and ice will still be on the ground when Green Bay and Pittsburgh meet under the retractable roof.

The two teams last met in December 2009 with the Steelers winning 37-36 when quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw a last second touchdown pass, and the Packers have not beaten Pittsburgh in three attempts since 1995.

The contest marks the first Super Bowl meeting between the Steelers and Packers, who boast nine wins between them.

Roethlisberger is playing in his third Super Bowl and could join an elite group as only the fifth quarterback to have won three or more championships.

The 29-year-old guided the Steelers to victories in in Detroit five years ago and in Tampa, Florida in 2009.

"In Detroit I was overwhelmed," Roethlisberger said.

"Tampa was a little bit better. You hope that you just get a little bit more comfortable with it so you won't have the same jitters that you had the first couple of times.

"This game is going to be awesome. This is the ultimate game with the ultimate two teams playing in it."

In contrast, Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers, 27, is playing in his first Super Bowl.

The California native is in his sixth year as a pro, but has only been starter for the Packers over the last three seasons after Green Bay legend Brett Favre finally left the club for good.

"Everybody I talked to this week that's played in this game has talked about just taking deep breaths and getting over the first few plays," he said.

"Pittsburgh have a great defence. They're very well coached. Defensive coach (Dick) LeBeau is one of the greatest coaches this league has ever seen and he gets them prepared every week to play.

"It's going to be a tough challenge for us and we'll be ready."

The NFL has enjoyed several very close Super Bowl fixtures over the past several years and this Sunday's contest is expected to be no different.

Both teams excelled defensively during the regular season, and Sunday's big game will be only the fourth time that the two teams that have conceded the least points during the regular season will face each other in the Super Bowl.

Packers cornerback Charles Woodson, making his first appearance in the Super Bowl since playing for the Oakland Raiders against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2002, thinks the game will be decided by who starts faster.

"Both teams have explosive offences and both teams have great quarterbacks who can make plays in any fashion, running or throwing," he said.

If you get up on the scoreboard the defence is going to come in and that is how the game will be won."

Both teams will be close to full strength, although Steelers coach Mike Tomlin may have to do without rookie centre Maurkice Pouncey who was injured during the AFC Championship game against the New York Jets.

"I don't know what his chances are. We will give him every opportunity to take part in the game and remain hopeful," Tomlin said.

Report that Gavin will be Strictly come dancing down to Toulon

Reports from the BBC suggest that Gavlar will be dancing to Toulon, very very soon. Report taking in full from our friends at BBC Sport. Picture shows a Saracens fan saying goodbye - obviously not.

Wales centre Gavin Henson could join fellow rugby superstar Jonny Wilkinson at French giants Toulon only six weeks after his Saracens debut.


BBC Sport understands Toulon have made enquiries about Henson regarding a move to the Heineken Cup quarter-finalists until the end of the season.

The 29-year-old has played four games for Saracens since joining the English Premiership side in October last year.

Toulon had initially expressed an interest for Henson to join next term.

But reports suggest that Toulon's move for Henson may be accelerated as the French Top 14 side require urgent cover at fly-half.

And French sports newspaper L'Equipe is reporting that Henson met Toulon head coach Phillipe Saint Andre and millionaire club owner Mourad Boudjellal for lunch in Toulon on Wednesday.

Toulon team manager Tom Whitford has admitted there is a vacancy in the squad for a "medical joker" under special regulations to replace injured players.

But Whitford insists transfer negotiations would normally be handled by president Boudjellal, the millionaire comic-book publisher.

And Toulon would have to negotiate financial compensation with Saracens if the French side want Henson, who has recently returned from an 18-month rugby sabbatical, immediately as the 31-times capped Welshman signed a deal at Saracens until the end of the seasons.

Big-spending Toulon are without England fly-half Wilkinson, who is on Six Nations duty, while Argentine star Felipe Contepomi is injured.

Toulon are yet to confirm reports that double Welsh Grand Slam winner Henson is to join their star-studded roster.

Reports in L'Equipe claim that an announcement could be made as early as Thursday and there is a suggestion that he could make his Toulon Top 14 debut against Brive on 11 February.

Henson, who joined Sarries from Ospreys in October, missed out on a place in Wales' Six Nations squad because he sustained a calf injury in their Heineken Cup game at Leinster last month.

But Henson, who is apparently wanted by a number of clubs next season, is expected to return to fitness within the next two weeks.

Henson has spoken of his desire to represent Wales at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, which takes place in New Zealand in September and October, and Toulon are among a number of clubs hoping to sign him after rugby's showpiece.

Henson's Welsh international team-mates James Hook and Lee Byrne have recently agreed moves to France next season as versatile Hook has signed for Perpignan and full-back Byrne is to join Clermont Auvergne after the Rugby World Cup.

Fix 'n' Mix: Skolars look to teach the Viking Invasion a lesson

We would like to welcome London Skolars to SportTrades Pulse and also Fix ‘n’ Mix section.

Rugby League: The season starts this weekend, with the Northern Rail Cup group stage matches. London Skolars are at home against Widness Vikings. You can find all venue and ticket details in the previous posting. The Vikings have hopes and excellent chances of gaining Super League status in 2012, however, are currently a league higher than the Super Skolars. The Skolars will have their work cut out and will need to keep attention well and truly focussed. Its sport, surprise results happen – come on the Skolars.

Rugby Union: The men in black return to the lane this weekend. Following a fantastic victory against local rivals St Albans last week, Harpenden entertain Hampstead this Saturday. The clubhouse is open on Friday night and will be showing Wales v England, Six Nations opener. Steak sandwiches are available to purchase at half time, well worth it.

Ice Hockey: Chelmsford Chieftains have been running around the South of England over the last few weeks. They get a break from the road this week. The pride of the Essex capital entertains Streatham Redskins on Saturday evening 18.30 face/off.

Basketball: The Hull Wasps are also on the road this weekend; as they travel to Tees Valley Mohawks tip/off 4pm Saturday. The Wasps will try and turn around fortunes after last weekends defeat.

Hockey: The mighty Jesmond Parish Churches Hockey Club is back in action. They entertain Marton Furness, the lead singer in A ha (nobody laughed last time either.) this Saturday in the league.

Football: In Sol y Futbol, UD Lanzarote sits pretty at the top of the table. This Sunday sees then travel to Tenerife to play CD Laguna. Now Ian is back in communication, we will get fast and accurate reporting again.

Kult & Punk: A massive weekend for the boys and St Pauli. St Pauli hopes to continue their rise up the bundasliga, but is faced with a fierce local derby against Hamburg, at their place. Last September the two teams played out a heated 1-1 draw. The boys have confirmed they will be leaving Zoë’s Bar to watch this.

A busy weekend in ‘March to the Arch’ with two SportTrades adopted clubs in action. In the F.A.Trophy, Mansfield Town play Alfreton in the 3rd Round. The Women’s F.A.Cup is slightly more complicated. As you may be aware we followed Newquay in previous rounds, they defeated Plymouth to set up the next tie. Unfortunately, for reasons unknown, they were removed from the competition and Argyle reinstated. So Derby County will play against the hopes of SportTrades, the Green Army, Plymouth Argyle. We will update ‘March to the Arch’ next week - in terms of fixtures, results and merit tables.

As always please check with the featured clubs to confirm, time, venue and day. It’s Your sport, Your Life so Happy Sporting.

Rugby League returns this weekend and so do the new look London Skolars

More from the Skolars later and indeed Hainault Bulldogs. Why not start by enjoying rugby league in North and East London.  The Super League is 10 days away, but rugby League is truly back with us this weekend, when the Northern Rail group games start. So come on show your support for London Skolars.

London Skolars v Widnes Vikings - Northern Rail Cup Tickets


On Sunday 6th February 2011, kick-off 15:00, Skolars host Championship side Widnes Vikings at New River in a Northern Rail Cup Group match.

The Cheshire club are strongly fancied to be awarded a Super League licence for 2012, so the fixture should prove to be a stern test for Joe Mbu's young Skolars squad.

Adult admission tickets are priced at £12

Concession tickets are priced at £6

Please note that concession tickets are available to U16's and OAP/Students - proof of age/ID may be requested


SEASON TICKETS FOR SALE!! GET ON BOARD AND SUPPORT THE CLUB!


Get your Season 2011 London Skolars season tickets now!!

Great benefits include:

• Your ticket will be valid for every regular season Co-operative Championship One home game

• All Northern Rail Cup games

• 10% of all extra events and Skolars merchandise

• 10% off to Quins season ticket holders

• Free start and end of season events

Come and witness an exciting new chapter in London Skolars' existence and see new coach Joe Mbu's brand new squad go for honours in 2011!

Season Tickets 2011

• £85 - season ticket

• £125 - family ticket

• £30 - 4 game pack

Please use form at the following link: http://www.skolarsrl.com/seasonticket2011.pdf

Rugby Union: Harpenden send the Saints Marching on - Sulking!

Thank you to Harpenden Rugby for providing details of a fantastic win over local rivals St Albans. Report taking in full from HRFC website.

St Albans 8 Harpenden 26

The Men in Black uttered a fitting goodbye to a young stalwart of the club on Saturday with a rousing display against local rivals St Albans. Harpenden had to contend with the loss of Jonny Barton and Tom Musket from the starting fifteen, but brought in Cooper and South (the latter on debut), to a reshuffled backline. The changes continued upfront with the introduction of McGee and Chichester-Miles to the coal-face, with the former on debut.

The game began with gusto and aggression, with both sides looking to set a relative benchmark of both intensity and execution. St Albans had the upper hand at the opening exchanges, using their rampant pack to good effect around the fringes or the breakdown. Only efficient and staunch defending from Harpenden’s Dumbleton and Dan Tennant kept the home side at an arm’s length. Following the early excursions Harpenden soon settled and sought to gain a controlling foothold in the contest, by combining a neat off-loading game from the forwards with rapid and rapier-like backline play. It nearly worked a treat. With centre Kearns bursting through two half-tackles feeding Barton whose pass in-turn found Smith some 30 meters out. St Alban’s scrambling defense did just enough to extinguish Harpenden’s talented backline. The home side’s response was forceful and calculated, with scrum half Howard using his runners from deep on intelligent angles to force some thieving Harpenden hands in the ruck and giving St Alban’s fullback and kicking metronome, Kentish the chance to open the scoring. He did so with aplomb. With a partisan home support a quick Harpenden response was critical, and they showed excellent temperament in taking the lead with some pinpoint execution. A lineout take by the towering Dumbleton enabled Tennant to get his backline motoring, and following some quick ruck ball, the Captain’s pass found the hopeful hands of Payne, who side-stepped the defender and coolly finish under the posts. The conversion was missed but Harpenden held a crucial 5-3 lead. The first half ended with chances going begging to both sides, Harpenden, despite playing against the conditions had the lion’s share of the territory, but St Albans created a chance for Kentish’s boot and another for their winger. Both were spurned.

HT 5-3

Whatever was said by the Harpenden coaches at the half-time interval worked a treat. From a textbook training ground move fullback Barton tore through the St Albans defense, selling an audacious dummy in the process to give Harpenden the perfect start to the second period. Smith converted from a wide position and Harpenden held a 12-3 advantage. The Men in Black’s shot at continuing their front foot assault were soon scuppered by an attempted attack from deep which culminated in a mistake and then a series of testing scrums from the burly St Albans pack. Time and again the home side’s eight battered away at the Harpenden line, and following a multitude of reset scrums St Albans managed to burrow their way over from close range, a just reward for their diligence and efforts. The conversion drifted narrowly wide, and it remained a 4 point game. From the restart Harpenden went about restoring their hard-earned advantage; from a lineout, Tennant, playing on the game-line, created uncertainty and space for Smith. The winger sliced through several tackles before being felled, but support was numerous, with Macintosh and McGee quick to present South with ball which was fed along an expectant backline. Kearns’ soft hands again found winger Payne, who rounded the move off in style that had sent the Harpenden fans into raptures. Smith converted from the touchline with aplomb. A flurry of activity from the Harpenden bench saw the intensity and pressure remain on the home team.

South, a constant thorn in St Albans’ side created opportunities from deep and this combined with the powerful running from the scrum’s base by McGee at eight saw Harpenden maintain the upper hand. Harpenden’s pack, despite its weight disadvantage, was competitive throughout and turned the aforementioned disadvantage into a bonus, with their greater speed over the firm ground and accuracy at the breakdown obvious throughout. This was encapsulated by the indefatigable efforts of the front three combination of Blake, Peck and Tennant, the latter’s unerring ability to hit his man at the lineout consistently throughout 80minutes, proving an excellent source of alpha. There was just enough time on the clock for the Captain to round off the scoring with a piece of solo brilliance following some powerful approach play from Messer’s Dumbleton and Green, the flyhalf’s show and go were gratefully accepted and he touched down under the posts for the vital bonus point score.

FT 26-8

Team;

Peck M, Tennant D, Blake, Macintosh, Dumbleton, Chichester-Miles, Green, McGee, South, Tennant J ©, Payne, Cooper, Kearns, Smith, Barton.

Subs;

Ledgwig for Peck (65”), Ramon for Kearns (75”) and Haddock for Payne (70”).