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Belfast Telegraph
6 days ago
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Ireland defeat Belgium in Antwerp to secure first win in Pro League campaign
The Green Machine lost 5-1 to the side ranked second in the world on Saturday, only to gain revenge 24 hours later with a shock 3-2 victory. Things may have been very different if it wasn't for Jaime Carr incredible save from a first half penalty stroke, denying Alexander Hendrikx. Ireland broke the deadlock at the start of the second half when Fergus Gibson set up Louis Rowe who smashed past Simon Vandenbroucke. Lee Cole scored from a penalty corner in the third quarter to double Ireland's advantage. Nicolas De Kerpel pulled a goal back for the Belgians at the start of the fourth quarter, before Cole restored Ireland's two-goal lead with a goal from another penalty corner. Thomas Crols scored a consolation goal for Belgium, but it wasn't enough to stop Ireland claiming a rare Pro League win. Player of the Match Jaime Carr said: 'It was nice to bounce back after yesterday, we were very disappointed as a team. I was happy to contribute a little bit to that. Defensively that was a much better performance, and where we wanted to be. 'We beat Belgium twice last year, but we have been struggling to get over the line this year. It's nice to get a win on the board.' Next up for Ireland, is a clash with Australia on Tuesday at 2.30pm.
Belfast Telegraph
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Tom Boon hat-trick condemns Ireland to defeat in Belgium
It's the first of six FIH Pro League games the Green Machine will play in Belgium this week, as Mark Tumilty's team bring the curtain down on their second campaign in international hockey's elite league. Boon, the Pro League's top scorer, broke the deadlock with a fine volley in the first quarter. Thibeau Stockbroekx added a second in the next quarter, reacting quickest after a save from Jaime Carr to find the back of the net. A penalty corner late in the first half resulted in a third for Belgium, Boon getting his second of the match and sixteenth of the competition. An ideal start to the second half for Ireland saw them find the back of the net, when Banbridge's Louis Rowe reacted quickest to lift the ball over Loic Van Doren in net. Boon saw his penalty stroke saved by Carr. A fourth, though did eventually come for Belgium, with Roman Duvekot finishing off a slick attacking move to restore the three-goal lead in the closing stages of the third quarter. Boon finally completed his hat-trick in the 50th minute, condemning Ireland to their 10th Pro League loss in 11 games. Ireland will play Belgium on Sunday with pushback at 2.30pm.
RTÉ News
07-06-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Munster Senior Hurling Championship final preview: Cork need divine display to deny Limerick seventh heaven
For a brief period there, it looked like Limerick might be vincible. Denied the five-in-a-row last year. Held to a draw by a rebuilding Tipp in the opening round in Munster. Was the engine starting to wear in the once in a lifetime Green Machine? The subsequent, more-comfortable-than-it-looked, win over Waterford and 16-point annihilation of the Cork side who beat them twice last season suggest the answer is no - same as it ever was. Sure, John Kiely's men lost the last game of the round-robin to Clare, but that was with qualification already assured, eight changes, and facing eliminated All-Ireland champions and bitter rivals playing for pride. Limerick set a new record of six consecutive Munster Senior Hurling Championship titles last year and are hot favourites to extend that to seven this evening. Presumably, the provincial council didn't imagine renaming the Munster Cup after Treaty legend Mick Mackey (in 2022) would mean nobody else ever winning it again. The high-scoring nature of hurling lends itself to big swings in results – Tipperary either lost narrowly to Kilkenny or hammered them in finals from 2009-19 – and Cork will surely improve on their performance three weeks ago. But will that be enough, back on enemy territory? Even if the crowd at the Gaelic Grounds is evenly split. Kiely's selection of full-forward Aidan O'Connor for his first Limerick start in a Munster final is a signal of the strength-in-depth Limerick have developed. It seems a bit harsh on Shane O'Brien, who hit 1-08 from play in the opening two games before having less impact against Cork and Clare, but what is just as illustrative is the fact that Seamus Flanagan and Peter Casey now seem to be considered impact subs. They are not the only former All-Stars/multiple All-Ireland winners warming a fearsome bench; Declan Hannon, hurling's most successful captain, Darragh O'Donovan and Shane Dowling (as sub-keeper) are all there too. As is Cathal O'Neill, who scored at least two points in all six of their championship games last year. Barry Nash's versatility has taken him to wing-back, allowing Kyle Hayes to move into the centre-back role that ensures he will be more involved in play – Cork deliberately avoided his wing last July - and Will O'Donoghue to his preferred midfield spot. The rain should have eased off by the 6pm throw-in, an advantage to a gameplan built on retaining possession, but Limerick will have to be careful with their handpasses – today's referee Thomas Walsh penalised them for three throws in the second half of their draw with Tipp. A lot of air has leaked from the red balloons since Tipp were swatted aside in the league final, though in fairness to Pat Ryan he wasn't the one selling the notion that Corkness - "It drives me mad when I hear that [word]" – and early-season form after going so close in 2024 made an end to the 20-year All-Ireland drought inevitable. The manager laughed off suggestions he had had one eye on this clash when the finalists met three weeks ago, insisting it was just "a bad performance" but also warning that "I can guarantee you we'll be able to perform in the final." The Rebels seemed to lack the defensive work by the forwards and aggression that allowed them to compete with, and beat Limerick, twice last season, so that could be fixed at least. But they are missing some significant personnel to injury, particularly in defence. Captain and centre-back Rob Downey (knee) and corner-back Niall O'Leary (groin), though both are named on the bench. Ger Millerick (broken finger), who had done well in the full-back line in O'Leary's absence. Veteran Damien Cahalane will thus have his hands full with O'Connor or Aaron Gillane while Cormac O'Brien has the unenviable task of trying to contain Gearóid Hegarty on his second championship start. Another absentee is Declan Dalton (hamstring), who relishes the physical onslaught Limerick always bring and offered a long-range threat comparable to Diarmaid Byrnes in last year's electric semi-final victory. Diarmuid Healy has big boots to fill on what is also his first time in a championship XV. Cork's stand-in captain Shane Barrett will try to test Hayes, Ryan having decided that Darragh Fitzgibbon's roaming instincts might be better served in midfield than at centre-forward. If he can get away from O'Donoghue and the conductor Cian Lynch, who is likely to direct proceedings even if assigned a man-marker. As Brendan Cummins identified, Cork might need their half-forwards working back to let the half-back line sit, or else risk conceding fatal amounts of space to Gillane and Co. That could also open up the space for the running attack that caused Limerick issues last year but they would need Brian Hayes to win a lot of ball for Alan Connolly and the now 37-year-old Patrick Horgan to maintain the potent goal threat they surely need to turn the tables. Nobody will be out at the final whistle (which could be after extra-time, or preceding penalties) but a second trouncing by their neighbours might challenge even that famous Cork confidence. Like Clare last year, they could be left hoping that someone else takes Limerick out before the final. Win against the odds and the hype will explode again. A more competitive defeat would still leave room for improvement. Victory would be same as it ever was for this Limerick team, who haven't gone through the back-door since their breakthrough triumph of 2018, the last time the Rebels reigned in Munster. That year was the least convincing of their five All-Ireland triumphs, albeit with a very young team, and it's hard to imagine Dublin doing more than softening them up for the Leinster champions. It wasn't enough last year but Kiely believes the four-week break for the provincial winners is a prize "worth fighting for". They have yet to lose a final under his watch. Cork will need plenty of fight if they are to change that. Limerick: Nickie Quaid; Seán Finn, Dan Morrissey, Mike Casey; Diarmaid Byrnes, Kyle Hayes, Barry Nash; Adam English, Will O'Donoghue; Gearóid Hegarty, Cian Lynch, Tom Morrissey; Aaron Gillane, Aidan O'Connor, David Reidy. Subs: Shane Dowling, Peter Casey, Colin Coughlan, Seamus Flanagan, Declan Hannon, Barry Murphy, Shane O'Brien, Donnacha Ó Dálaigh, Darragh O'Donovan, Patrick O'Donovan, Cathal O'Neill. Cork: Patrick Collins; Damien Cahalane, Eoin Downey, Seán O'Donoghue; Cormac O'Brien, Ciarán Joyce, Mark Coleman; Tim O'Mahony, Darragh Fitzgibbon; Diarmuid Healy, Shane Barrett, Seamus Harnedy; Patrick Horgan, Alan Connolly, Brian Hayes. Subs: Brion Saunderson, Niall O'Leary, Rob Downey, Tommy O'Connell, Ethan Twomey, Luke Meade, Shane Kingston, Jack O'Connor, Brian Roche, Robbie O'Flynn.
RNZ News
24-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
NRL: NZ Warriors vs Canberra Raiders - everything you need to know
The Warriors are chasing their sixth straight win this season. Photo: RNZ NZ Warriors will return to Go Media Stadium for the first time in a month, as they resume their rivalry with Canberra Raiders. The home side have filled the role of "road warriors", with fixtures in Christchurch, Brisbane, Wollongong and Brisbane again - all valuable wins. With five straight victories under their belt, the Warriors hope to consolidate their current second standing on the NRL table. No other NRL team has faced the Warriors more than Canberra - the Melbourne Storm have also fronted up 53 times, but this encounter will give the Raiders that distinction outright. The Auckland-based side have beaten their rivals from the Aussie capital 25 times, with only North Queensland (27) and Newcastle (26) offering more success. They have enjoyed a 17-11 record in home games and 13-8 at Mt Smart. In fact, the Raiders have not won in New Zealand since 2019, when they prevailed 46-12, despite a try double from Chanel Harris-Tavita. Canberra won the much-hyped season-opener 30-8 at Las Vegas, when a length-of-the-field, intercept try to Xavier Savage turned the contest in their favour. They also won their previous meeting 20-18 at GIO Stadium, but the Warriors own the previous three encounters. Before the Warriors were established in 1995, Canberra and Manly Sea Eagles were probably Kiwis' most-followed NRL teams. The "Green Machine" previously featured NZ league legends Brent Todd, Quentin Pongia and John Lomax during a golden era that also included current coach Ricky Stuart, NSW Origin coach Laurie Daley and Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga. The Warriors have now won five consecutive games, but incredibly, they have been outscored 60-33 in the second halves of those contests. Most of those victories have been nailbiters, as they search for their first complete performance. Last week, they needed a blown referee call to escape the Dolphins 16-12. They actually have a chance to draw level with Canterbury Bulldogs atop the NRL table, but are well behind on points differential - they would need to win by 70 points to go ahead. Ali Leiataua returns from a sprained ankle against the Raiders. Photo: Brett Phibbs/Photosport Conversely, if they lose, they would slip to fourth on the standings, as the Raiders and Storm (bye) draw level with far superior differentials. The Warriors lead the league in set completion (83 percent) and short dropouts (12), while Kurt Capewell has missed more tackles (56) than anyone else. Canberra have been one of the form teams of the competition, with their own five game win streak snapped by a defeat to the tabletopping Bulldogs two weeks ago. That was followed by another win over Gold Coast Titans last week. They lead the league in tackle breaks with 425, well clear of the next-best Brisbane Broncos (378), and also dummy half runs (125). Halfback Jamal Fogarty is tied with Dolphins half Isaiya Katoa for most attacking kicks (88). NZ Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Adam Pompey, 22. Ali Leiataua, 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Luke Metcalf, 12. Marata Niukore, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Bunty Afoa, 11. Leka Halasima, 4. Kurt Capewell, 13. Erin Clark Interchange: 8. Jackson Ford, 14. Te Maire Martin, 15. Jacob Laban, 16. Demitric Vaimauga Reserves: 21. Tanah Boyd, 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith Coach Andrew Webster has made a late, but predictable change, bring centre Ali Leiataua off the extended bench and into the starting line-up. Leiataua sprained an ankle in training before the "Magic Round" win over North Queensland Cowboys, but will reclaim his spot alongside winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck on one edge. His inclusion causes a reshuffle, with Kurt Capewell returning to the second row, Marata Niukore shifting to the front row and Jackson Ford to the interchange. Both co-captains Mitch Barnett (Origin) and James Fisher-Harris (suspension) are unavailable , but Bunty Afoa is back from a knee injury and Capewell assumes the leadership role . Canberra Raiders: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Corey Horsburgh 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Simi Sasagi 12. Zac Hosking 13. Morgan Smithies Interchange: 14. Owen Pattie 15. Noah Martin 16. Josh Papali'i 17. Ata Mariota Reserves: 18. Jed Stuart 19. Trey Mooney 20. Danny Levi 21. Pasami Saulo 22. Chevy Stewart Coach Ricky Stuart loses the services of NSW forward Hudson Young, so Simi Sasagi has his first start of the season, after coming of the bench previously. Second-rower Noah Martin is named for a first-grade debut from the interchange. Winger Xavier Savage had a try double at Las Vegas, including the interception that prevented a Warriors touchdown and resulted in one at the other end - a potential 12-point swing. He's in redhot form, after a hattrick against the Titans last week, and the Warriors won't want to give him any space at Mt Smart. Joseph Tapine celebrates a try for the Kiwis against Tonga. Photo: Photosport Raiders captain Joseph Tapine is well known to Kiwi fans and has established himself as one of the very best front-rowers in the competition - he was named Dally M Prop of the Year in 2022 and 2024. Tapine was sighted for a shoulder charge against the Warriors in the season-opener and suspended two games. He returned to bring up his 200th NRL appearance in Canberra's round nine win over the Storm. Tough to know which Raiders team will turn up - the one that rallied from 14-0 down to beat Melbourne or the one that let a 20-point halftime lead slide against the Bulldogs. The Warriors weren't talking much about their Vegas capitulation this week, but they will have learnt some lessons from that performance, perhaps enough to even the ledger against the "Green Machine" this season. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scottish Sun
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Darts star Michael van Gerwen's miserable year from Luke Littler loss and bizarre injury to split from wife Daphne
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MICHAEL VAN GERWEN has had a tough year both at and away from the oche. The Green Machine has gone through injury misery, marriage heartache and damaging defeats. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 Michael van Gerwen has had a tough year so far Credit: Alamy Once one of the most feared players on the professional circuit, MVG is now seen by many as a beatable opponent when you're on your day. That reputation took it's first big hit of the year when the 36-year-old fell to defeat at the hands of teenager Luke Littler in the World Championship final in January. LUKE AWAY Van Gerwen is a three-time world champion and one of the best players to ever take to the stage. January's World Championship final matchup with a 17-year-old Luke Littler was an opportunity for the Dutchman to assert his dominance over a rising star that had drawn comparisons to a young MVG. READ MORE IN DARTS 'GOT THE HUMP' Darts duo embroiled in on-stage row as what kicked off public spat emerges But the chance at lifting a fourth Sid Waddell trophy was gone within a matter of minutes as Littler stormed to a 4-0 lead, ultimately going on to win 7-3. It wasn't just £500,000 and the trophy that was snatched away from Van Gerwen, but an 11-year record of his too. Littler's success as a 17-year-old made him the youngest ever winner of the worlds, trumping MVG's record of lifting the title as a 24-year-old in 2014. 8 Van Gerwen was beaten by Luke Littler in the World Championship final Credit: Getty MINNOW MISERY There's a caveat to losing to Littler, because despite being a teenager, he's still one of the sport's top prospects and best players. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS But there may not be many excuses for some of the relative minnows that MVG has succumb to throughout the season already. Van Gerwen has fallen to defeat in the first round SIX times on the PDC circuit this season. Those performances have included defeats to the world number 111, 94 and 71 in the Players Championship events. Much of the darts world were left scratching their heads at his performances, but pal and opponent Raymond van Barneveld hinted it could be down to fatigue. Speaking to TalkSport, he said: "Michael was always a killer. I don't know what's going on. I see him often, what is really going on with his game? I am not sure. "We travel a lot, we play a lot. From Exeter last week, they play, one day later they go to the UK Open and play more matches. "[It is] almost unstoppable at the moment. It is really tiring for all the players and we have to protect them you know? "Premier League, Euro Tours, Pro Tours, in all honesty it is a little bit insane." 8 Van Gerwen's friend Raymond van Barneveld suggested MVG's poor form could be down to fatigue Credit: Getty - Contributor PREMIER LEAGUE PAIN Van Gerwen is the most successful Premier League Darts player of all time, winning the competition a record seven times - one more than Phil Taylor. But his efforts on the high-profile eight-man tour this season have been well below his usual standards. In fact, Thursday's 6-2 defeat to Nathan Aspinall sealed only his second-ever failed attempt to make the play-off stage of the competition in 13 appearances. While he also went the entire Premier League campaign without winning a single nightly event. Speaking after missing out, he said: "This is probably one of the hardest Premier Leagues I have ever played in - not in terms of players, but in terms of myself". While former tour player Colin Lloyd reckons that the dismal form is a sign that MVG is finished at the top level. He said: "I think his race is run. With what he's achieved in the game, is he that motivated anymore? "He says he is. He says there's plenty left it in him and that when he turns up, he's still the man to beat and one of the best players in the world. "I'm sorry, but I've got to say we haven't seen Michael turn up for a while now. We've seen flashes of brilliance. "Has it slipped into his head he has other priorities? He loves spending time with the missus and the kids going on holiday." 8 Nathan Aspinall beat Van Gerwen to prevent him a place in the Premier League play-offs Credit: PA Premier League Darts 2025 THE Premier League Darts is back with eight players vying for massive prize money and Luke Littler's crown. The teenager, who went on to win the world title in December, won the Premier League in 2024 and will be looking to defend his crown over 18 thrilling weeks. There were two new entries this season, with Stephen Bunting and Chris Dobey replacing Peter Wright and Michael Smith. Luke Humphries, Rob Cross, Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price and Nathan Aspinall keep their place in what will be a hotly-contested title race. INFORMATION Full schedule and results, dates, TV and live stream info Latest standings as we head to Finals night How much prize money is on offer in the Premier League? LATEST DARTS NEWS Humphries make shock wardrobe change for Premier League Darts in Leeds Moment darts star awkwardly falls off stage Luke Littler goes public for first time with new girlfriend SEASON SO FAR Night One - Belfast Night Two - Glasgow Night Three - Dublin Night Four - Exeter Night Five - Brighton Night Six - Nottingham Night Seven - Cardiff Night Eight - Newcastle Night Nine - Berlin Night 10 - Manchester Night 11 - Rotterdam Night 12 - Liverpool Night 13 - Birmingham Night 14 - Leeds GONE MISSING It hasn't just been defeats that have seen MVG struggle to stitch together form this year, but also his own decisions to pull out of competitions. Van Gerwen has missed out on five different PDC events this season for family commitments, unknown reasons and a freak injury. Those events included multiple Players Championship matches and the Bahrain Darts Masters. But it was his shock withdrawal from the Premier League in Berlin that caused the biggest stir after it was revealed he had injured himself by putting his SHIRT ON. Close friend Vincent Van der Voort revealed to Dutch podcast Darts Draait Door how the bizarre injury came about. He said: "Michael hurt himself in the afternoon—it was really unfortunate. 'He was trying on some shirts for his sponsor, and as soon as he put one on, he said something didn't feel right. He could barely move his neck. "He went to a physiotherapist, had a massage, even took muscle relaxants. He gave it a go, but it just wasn't happening." 8 Vincent van der Voort revealed how Van Gerwen injured himself Credit: Getty DAPHNE SPLIT Van Gerwen could perhaps put some of his struggles at the oche down to distractions in his personal life. And that became very clear when the world number three revealed that he is splitting from his wife Daphne this week. Van Gerwen and Daphne began dating in 2008 and tied the knot six years later. The pair have two children together, a daughter called Zoe, 7, and a son called Mike, 5. But they have sadly decided to call an end to their time together, with Van Gerwen announcing the decision in a statement that asked for space and revealed he is withdrawing from some upcoming tournaments. It read: "It is with great sadness that I inform you that Daphne and I have decided to end our relationship. As a result, I have withdrawn from the upcoming tournaments. "I am sorry to disappoint my fans, but I trust that they will understand my decision. "We are going through difficult times and ask everyone to respect our privacy during this difficult time." 8 Van Gerwen has announced his split from wife Daphne 8 Daphne had MVG had been together since 2008
