Gareth Southgate explains decision not to include Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka in England senior squad
Advertisement When asked how close Saka was to joinig the senior set-up, Southgate told reporters: ‘He’s obviously with the Under-21s this time and I feel he’s more of an attacking player.‘I know he’s played at left-back and he’s given good contributions there in an attacking sense certainly.‘At the moment left wing-back, left side higher up the pitch, I know he’s played in midfield and on the right as well but that they would be his better positions. He’s a very exciting player.More: Arsenal FCArsenal flop Denis Suarez delivers verdict on Thomas Partey and Lucas Torreira movesThomas Partey debut? Ian Wright picks his Arsenal starting XI vs Manchester CityArsene Wenger explains why Mikel Arteta is ‘lucky’ to be managing Arsenal‘It is still early for him but he’s a player we like and we are monitoring very closely.‘Saka had a very good season with Arsenal, not in the team at the very end but really good season of progress and he’s a player we are watching very closely.’Meanwhile, Saka’s Gunners team-mates Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah also make the Under-21s squad for games against Kosovo and Austria, while Joe Willock and Emile Smith Rowe miss out.MORE: Nigel Winterburn urges Mikel Arteta to keep Arsenal defender Rob Holding this summerMORE: Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk doubt for Arsenal clash after picking up nasty cut in RB Salzburg gameFollow Metro Sport across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and InstagramFor more stories like this, check our sport page Advertisement Metro Sport ReporterWednesday 26 Aug 2020 1:04 pmShare this article via facebookShare this article via twitterShare this article via messengerShare this with Share this article via emailShare this article via flipboardCopy link2.1kShares Our #YoungLions are back next month!Here’s the squad Aidy Boothroyd has named for the #U21EURO qualifiers against Kosovo and Austria:— England (@England) August 26, 2020
Saka shone for the Gunners last season (Picture: Getty Images)Gareth Southgate suggests the reason Bukayo Saka will play for England’s Under-21s rather than the senior squad is because he sees him as more of an attacking player, rather than a left-back.The Three Lions boss made the surprising decision not to include any left-backs in his 24-man selection for upcoming Nations League clashes against Iceland and Denmark.Three right-backs in Kyle Walker, Kieran Tripper and Trent Alexander-Arnold were picked, and with established attackers like Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling included, Saka was denied his first call-up.The 18-year-old enjoyed an excellent season for the Gunners and established himself as one of the brightest young talents in the Premier League, earning a long-term contract in the process.AdvertisementAdvertisementADVERTISEMENTSaka filled in expertly at left-back when Kieran Tierney and Sead Kolasinac were sidelined through injury, and proved his versatility by playing in midfield and on either wing later in the season.The teenager has represented England at Under-16, Under-17, Under-18 and Under-19 levels, and has now earned a spot in Aidy Boothroyd’s Under-21s squad. Gareth Southgate explains decision not to include Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka in England senior squad Comment
The margin of Mark Bitner’s first Mid-Atlantic Sprint Series win of the season was measured in inches Saturday at Bridgeport Speedway. (Photo by Erika Palmai Wagner)By Erika Palmai WagnerBRIDGEPORT, N.J. (July 8) – Mark Bitner took home his first Mid-Atlantic Sprint Series win of the season Saturday at Bridgeport Speedway, by a margin of three thousandth’s of a second over Rick Stief.Bitner had led from the start and without any challenge until a late-race caution bunched the IMCA RaceSaver Sprint Car field back together.That yellow was the only caution of the contest and came with five laps to go.With two laps remaining Stief began working the outside lane, edging closer to Bitner in the final moments. As they exited turns three and four, Stief and Bitner were running inches away from each other and were virtually side-by-side coming across the line.In the end, officials referred to photographs to name Bitner the winner with Stief coming home a very close second.The Mid-Atlantic Sprint Series returns Friday, July 21 to Bridgeport Speedway for a double feature event. The Sprints will be completing the make-up feature from June 17 along with running a full night’s program.Feature results – 1. Mark Bitner; 2. Rick Stief; 3. Tim Tanner Jr.; 4. Eddie Wagner; 5. Jeff Geiges; 6. Tommy Carberry; 7. Scott Frack; 8. Brendon Poff; 9. Jamie Kostic; 10. Sam Lieberman; 11. Bryan Davis; 12. Zack Burd; 13. Bobby Butler; 14. David Bonner; 15. Tom Carberry; 16. Dean Conk; 17. Larry McVay; 18. Craig Pellegrini Jr.; 19. Stefanie Carberry; 20. Bobby Scherff; 21. Austin Bishop; 22. J.C. Webster; 23. Keith Andersen.
Statewide— Duke Energy has awarded $114,500 to 24 Indiana economic development groups for the 2020 Marketing Partnership Program. Each program was awarded up to $5,000.To qualify for the program’s consideration, each applicant submitted a marketing plan that has a direct impact on the community’s economic growth and supports Duke Energy’s economic development goals. Grant funding does not include travel, lodging, food and beverage and entertainment expenses.The economic development organizations receiving the 2020 grants from southeastern Indiana include:City of Batesville Economic Development CommissionEconomic Development Corporation of Greensburg/Decatur CountyJackson County Industrial Development CorporationOne Dearborn, Inc.Shelby County Development Corporation
Sherwood took charge of Spurs in December last year on an 18-month deal following the departure of Andre Villas-Boas although his future has been under scrutiny for some time. Despite leading the north London club to a sixth-place finish in the Barclays Premier League, ensuring qualification for the Europa League next season, it has been decided the 45-year-old will not continue in his role. “We have a talented squad and exciting young players coming through. We need to build on this season, develop our potential and inspire the kind of performances that we associate with our great club.” Having never managed at the top level before, Sherwood was initially installed as interim replacement for Villas-Boas, with a Capital One Cup exit to local rivals West Ham his first game in charge. A 5-1 home defeat to eventual champions Manchester City and a 4-0 thrashing at Chelsea saw Sherwood question the commitment of a number of his players. He always claimed the uncertainty over his position was making the job harder and, as the season drew to a close, even his players started suggesting Sherwood’s tenure was coming to an end. Midfielder Sandro, who had fallen out of favour under Sherwood, told ESPN Brazil he was expecting a new man to be in charge at the start of the new campaign and now he has been proven correct. Reports surfaced at the end of April that Levy had been in contact with Ajax to enquire about the availability of De Boer, but Southampton boss Pochettino is the favourite to take charge at White Hart Lane, with initial front-runner Van Gaal set to be installed as Manchester United’s new manager. Manager Tim Sherwood has parted company with Tottenham. “We appointed Tim mid-season as someone who knew both the players and the club,” said chairman Daniel Levy in a statement on the club’s official website. “We agreed an 18-month contract with a break clause at the end of the season and we have now exercised that option.” Sherwood has long been battling against suggestions he would be relieved of his duties at the end of the season – with names such as Louis van Gaal, Frank de Boer and Mauricio Pochettino consistently linked to the post. Having worked with the club’s younger players, Sherwood has stated many times that he would never wish to return to his developmental role with Spurs. When asked in his press conference ahead of their final game of the season against Aston Villa he revealed he was not confident he would be managing anywhere next year. During his spell in charge Sherwood compared his position to that of a babysitter and a supply teacher but did guide the club to victories over Manchester United at Old Trafford, ending the season with a win percentage of 59 per cent. The club’s statement went on to suggest a new head coach is not yet in place. “Moving forward, now the season is over, we shall embark on the process of finding a new head coach,” it continued. Press Association
Chelsea’s Supporters’ Trust says managerial stability is seen as more important than winning trophies on a consistent basis. With Chelsea struggling in their title defence this season, Mourinho’s position has come under scrutiny, but in its annual survey, the club’s Supporters’ Trust has outlined a desire for stability – although it should be noted the survey was carried out in May. “Management stability and progressing home grown players through to the first team are seen as more important than attractive football and consistently winning silverware,” the Trust said. Reporting the results of a survey of its members, with scores out of five, the Trust gave ‘giving a manager time to implement a plan’ a score of 4.59 with ‘winning trophies every season’ rated at 3.29. Press Association
The Blues have enjoyed a period of unprecedented success since Roman Abramovich’s 2003 takeover, winning four Premier League titles, two European crowns and a host of domestic cups. Managers have come and gone at a rapid rate, though, with current boss Jose Mourinho in his second spell and as such the 10th coach to serve the Russian. 
highlights Australia has always gotten the best of the West Indies and this contest will be no different. The Australian batting has shown some depth while the bowling has been expensive in patches. Afghanistan did not make them pay but the West Indies could expose certain chinks in the armour. This contest could boil down to which team handles the short ball well and how the aggression is maintained.Team combinationsThere is some doubt regarding Andre Russell’s fitness as he was seen hobbling after the game against Pakistan. West Indies will be hoping that Gayle is also fit. Australia, on the other hand, might be tempted to avoid conceding a big score at a venue when they were blasted for 481 by England in 2018.Australia (Playing XI): Aaron Finch(c), David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey(w), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam ZampaWest Indies (Playing XI): Chris Gayle, Shai Hope(w), Darren Bravo, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Jason Holder(c), Carlos Brathwaite, Ashley Nurse, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane ThomasWho will win?This is a very difficult contest. The contest could boil down to who holds their nerve and which team maintains the aggression well. On paper, looking at both teams’ resurgence, Australia looks slightly more solid than the flamboyant Windies.Weather and pitchThe weather forecast for Trent Bridge tomorrow is cloudy with some rain forecast. There might be some rain interruptions.StatisticsIn four World Cup encounters, West Indies are the only team to have a positive head-to-head record against Australia in World Cups. In nine encounters, they have won five and lost four. In the last encounter in 2007, West Indies were blown away by Matthew Hayden’s knock.Stadium and timingsThe match will be played at Trent Bridge in Nottingham and the match will begin at 3:00 PM IST. Australia last played the West Indies in 2007 World Cup.Australia has lost five and won four out of nine World Cup clashes against Windies.Australia has a negative win-loss ratio only against West Indies in World Cups. For all the Latest Sports News News, ICC World Cup News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The last time West Indies played Australia in a major ICC event in England, Chris Gayle deposited Brett Lee 109 meters out of the Kennington Oval. West Indies played fearless cricket and they defeated Australia by a big margin in the 2009 World T20. 10 years on, Gayle is still there and he continues to hit sixes for fun. The display by the West Indies against Pakistan rekindled the memories of the 1975 and 1979 champion displays. Make no mistake about it. This West Indies side will be no pushovers against an Australia side that were far from their best against Afghanistan.The West Indies hostile pace bowling, especially from Oshane Thomas, Andre Russell and Jason Holder, will give Australia a rough time while the batting has been boosted by the likes of Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Darren Bravo, Shimron Hetmyer and the power hitters like Russell and Carlos Brathwaite. The exhibition against Pakistan has warranted some serious attention and Australia will not take them lightly. Australia, on the other hand, put in a rather clinical display with Adam Zampa and Pat Cummins leading the bowling front while David Warner, who was in great form in the IPL, showed his class with a brilliant 89.
4:05 p.m.NCAA vice president of men’s basketball Dan Gavitt says brackets won’t be created for the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments that were canceled due to coronavirus concerns. Gavit says he made the decision and it was supported by basketball committees.“There is not an authentic way to produce tournament fields and brackets at this point without speculating,” Gavitt said Sunday, the day the men’s NCAA Tournament field had been scheduled to be announced. “And, that isn’t fair to the teams that would be positively or negatively impacted by manufacturing March Madness. More importantly, in light of this global health crisis, I believe we need to keep college basketball in perspective.”College basketball’s showcase was canceled on Thursday, leading to suggestions from coaches and athletic directors to release brackets for the event even though it won’t happen this year.“Players and coaches want to see their school name on the bracket,” Gavitt acknowledges. “Members of the media want to dissect matchups. Bracketologists want to compare the work of the committees versus what they’ve predicted. Fans are curious for those same reasons. All of us want something to fill the void we’re feeling. However, anything less than a credible process is inconsistent with the tradition of the NCAA basketball championships. … There will always be an asterisk next to the 2020 NCAA men’s and women’s basketball championships regardless if brackets are released.” The Spanish league has suspended play due to the pandemic. Most people quickly recover from the global virus after experiencing only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.___More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports,Tampa Bay Lightning advance to face Dallas Stars in Stanley Cup finals, beating New York Islanders 2-1 in OT in Game 6 Closures include all Nordic and Alpine ski resorts including Mt. Van Hoevenberg in Lake Placid, Belleayre Mountain Ski Resort in the Catskills, Gore Mountain in North Creek and Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington, near Lake Placid. All Lake Placid Olympic sites will also be closing, including the Olympic Jumping Complex, Olympic Sports Complex, The Olympic Oval and the Olympic Center including its museum and retail shops.___6:45 p.m.Soccer players at Brazilian club Gremio have staged a protest of their own by wearing face masks on the field before the start of their game against São José on Sunday. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said suspending sports in the country is “hysteria.” He directly mentioned Brazil’s soccer confederation for suspending its tournaments.Bolsonaro took part in protests that gathered thousands in his support on Sunday despite medical recommendations that he stay in isolation due to coronavirus contagion risks. Several people that traveled with him to the United States last week tested positive for the virus. He said Friday he had tested negative.___5:11 p.m.The Seattle Sounders say a member of the team’s support staff is in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19. The Minnesota-based medical system said it expects the money from Towns will help increase capacity for COVID-19 from 200 tests per day to more than 1,000 per day in the coming weeks. The Mayo Clinic has been working for the past month on developing its own test for the virus to supplement other existing avenues.___9:45 p.m.Hornets owner Michael Jordan and the Hornets players have partnered to establish a fund to provide financial assistance to the team’s part-time employees adversely affected by the loss of games and events due to the coronavirus pandemic. The measure applies to the men’s top flight and second division as well as the fledgling women’s league. Soccer officials said in a statement that the suspension would remain in effect until it’s determined that it’s safe to restart play in coordination with Mexico’s Health Department.Mexico previously played soccer matches without fans for several weeks during the 2009 H1N1 influenza health emergency, an outbreak with Mexico as the epicenter.Federal health officials on Saturday night raised the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country to 41, up from 26 the previous day and 11 the day before that. On Sunday at least two more were announced by state-level authorities.___ The F1 US Grand Prix remains scheduled for Oct. 25 if the season resumes. Formula One has postponed all races until at least May. MotoGP has tentatively rescheduled its Texas race for Nov. 15.“The joy of creating memorable occasions has been replaced with the disappointing reality of a worldwide crisis,” track officials said in a statement. “We hope everyone stays healthy, heeds the caution advises by leaders and experts, and comes back to COTA when good times return.”__5 p.m.Major League Soccer has extended the moratorium on team training through Friday. The Italian soccer federation is planning to ask UEFA to postpone the European Championship.Federation president Gabriele Gravina tells Mediaset TV that Italian officials want Serie A to be completed by June 30.The Stadio Olimpico in Rome is slated to host the opening match of Euro 2020 on June 12, plus three other games of the tournament.Gravina says, “The hope is to finish by June 30. … And we’ll need to insert the Champions League and Europa League also. The deadline is June 30, then we’ll eventually see if we need to exceed that.”He adds, “We’ll propose to UEFA that they postpone the Euros.” Payments from the fund will assist more than 500 part-time staff.The fund will impact employees who serve in various capacities during games and events, including ushers, ticket takers, box office attendants, entertainers, public safety officers, retail staff, guest services personnel, technical operations and others.The part-time staff for the Hornets will be compensated through the end of the scheduled NBA season on April 13. There also will be assistance for part-time employees working Spectrum Center concerts and Greensboro Swarm part-time staff through the end of March.___10:10 p.m. ___3:39 p.m.Texas general manager Jon Daniels says the team has “effectively” closed down its training camp in Arizona, with a bulk of players from the big league camp electing to go home. He says 15 to 20 players were headed to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where they either have a primary residence or a place where they live during the regular season.A charter plane was scheduled Monday for players to return to Texas, though some still elected to drive their own cars from the Arizona camp that is just more than 1,000 miles from their new ballpark in Arlington, Texas. Daniels said five or six players would be staying in Arizona, along with some staff members who have their offseason homes in the area. Other coaches were returning home to be with their families. March 15, 2020 MLS announced a 30-day suspension of match play on Thursday because of the new coronavirus.The league said Sunday that players should remain in the market of their team and exercise safe social distancing. MLS said it is working with its players’ association and other North American professional leagues on a protocol to allow players at training facilities for rehabilitation or individual training.___2:10 p.m.Professional soccer is shutting down in Mexico following Sunday’s matches, which were already being played with no fans present as a precaution due to the new coronavirus. Valencia’s Argentine defender Ezequiel Garay says that he has tested positive for the coronavirus, making him the first Spanish league player to become infected. “I have tested positive for the coronavirus,” Garay wrote on a social media account Sunday. “I feel well and now the only thing to do is to follow the instructions of health officials to remain confined.”Valencia added in a statement that a total of five members of its staff and team have the new virus, without specifying if Garay is the only player. It says that all are in good health and confined at their homes.Garay, who is recovering from surgery after tearing a ligament in February, said in a message posted on Instagram that “it’s clear that 2020 is starting on the wrong foot.”On Saturday, fellow Spanish club Alavés said that two members of its coaching staff had the virus. It said they are in good health. 
The Latest: T-Wolves’ Towns donating $100K to Mayo Clinic The team says the staff member worked the club’s match against Columbus on March 7, but did not become ill until four days later. The team said the individual did not have access to the general public and “only had access to the team in controlled areas during the game.”The team said no players or coaches have reported having any symptoms related to the coronavirus.“We remain in constant communication with a number of regional and national health authorities, and based on the information we collectively have at this time, there is not felt to be a risk to any fans that attended our March 7 match at CenturyLink Field,” Seattle general manager Garth Lagerwey said in a statement. “The individual that tested positive for COVID-19 did not have access to the public on matchday, and fortunately we have no other confirmed cases within the club at this time. Alongside public health authorities, we are actively monitoring this situation, and should new details emerge, we will continue proactively communicating with our community.”___5:34 p.m. The men’s top-tier Brazilian championship is scheduled to begin in April. The decision does not affect state championships currently being played. Some matches were held without any fans this weekend in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. São Paulo, Rio and other state soccer bodies are set to decide Monday on their course of action.___2:50 p.m.The New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority says all of the ski areas and venues that it manages will suspend operation at the close of business Sunday. Serie A is currently suspended until April 3, along with all other sports in Italy, the European epicenter of the virus outbreak.UEFA has a meeting planned on Tuesday to discuss the calendar. The virus outbreak has also tested the limits of soccer’s World Cup schedule.___1:15 p.m. One of the prep races for the Kentucky Derby has been canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.The $700,000 Sunland Derby on March 22 in New Mexico was called off Sunday, according to a report in the El Paso Times.Officials at the track across the border from El Paso, Texas, also said it would be the last day of racing to comply with the request of the governor. The meet was scheduled to end April 21.The Sunland Derby winner would have earned 50 points toward qualifying for the 20-horse field in the Kentucky Derby. Track officials had previously said the race would be run without spectators.It’s the second time the Sunland Derby has been canceled. In 2016, an outbreak of an equine herpes virus among the horse population forced it to be called off. NCAA President Mark Emmert has said postponing the tournament indefinitely was not feasible.___4:45 p.m.Brazil’s soccer confederation has suspended all competitions under its control due to the coronavirus outbreak.The tournaments affected include the men’s Brazilian Cup, the top two tiers of the women’s Brazilian championship, and junior tournaments. Gremio players and coaching staff arrived at the Rio Grande do Sul state championship game wearing the masks. Authorities in Brazil have not ordered the cancellation or postponement of sporting events because of the corona pandemic but recommended that games are held without fans. Grêmio beat tiny São José 3-2 with no fans present.___5:15 p.m. Associated Press ___4:49 p.m.The Texas racetrack that hosts the Formula One U.S. Grand Prix and other motor racing series announced it is closing indefinitely after a series of cancellations because of concerns about the coronavirus.The Circuit of the Americas was supposed to host the MotoGP Grand Prix of the Americas on April 5 and the IndyCar Challenge on April 26. Both races have been canceled. The track is also home to the USL soccer team Austin Bold and the league season has been suspended.The facility also has a concert amphitheater and hosts large concerts and other events. Austin city officials have banned gatherings of 250 people or more at least until May 1. Share This StoryFacebookTwitteremailPrintLinkedinRedditThe Latest on the coronavirus outbreak’s effect on sports around the world (all times local):10:55 p.m.Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns has announced he’ll donate $100,000 to the Mayo Clinic for testing for the COVID-19 virus. When asked what his biggest baseball concern was, Daniels responded: “I don’t really have one to be honest with you, my head’s not even there. It might have been a few days ago, but it’s been pretty solely focused on making sure everyone’s got what they need, and everyone’s family is taken care of, and that we can get everybody home. We’re going to have plenty of time to figure out the baseball piece.”___6:24 p.m.Keeneland announced it will be closed to all non-essential guests starting Monday. Only essential employees, owners, trainers, veterinarians, blacksmiths and stable workers will be allowed into the track in Lexington, Kentucky.The track will set up screening checkpoints to monitor those seeking access and everyone will have their temperature taken. Only people with a temperature less than 100.5 degrees and showing no symptoms of the COVID-19 virus will be admitted. The screening will continue indefinitely.
As if the perennially annoying infiltration of Miller Park with hideous Cubbie blue wasn’t enough, the folks at ESPN are making matters worse this week with the introduction of their first local website, ESPNChicago.com.Despite all the attention given to New York and Boston sports, and the inevitable accusations of East Coast bias, ESPN chose Chicago as the city to get the inaugural and seemingly unnecessary ESPN local site treatment.Just when I thought I had all I wanted of Chicago sports in the past week with the Jay Cutler trade and the Cubs taking two out of three at Miller Park, this terrible decision comes along and slaps me in the face.The problem with ESPN Chicago is the only city that needs less hype surrounding its sports than New York or Boston is Chicago (though Los Angeles is close behind). Giving the city its own website will simply perpetuate the ignorant hubris of fans who haven’t won anything that matters since the White Sox in 2005, despite the billions of dollars spent to try to do otherwise.And let’s be honest here — aside from the nation’s president, not many people will truly admit to being a White Sox fan anyway. Most people from Chicago look at the White Sox and see a team that’s about as significant as the first 495 laps of a NASCAR race.Now, with ESPN Chicago, I can find out 43 percent of nearly 10,000 readers polled think the Cubs will be the next Chicago team to win a championship. Or I can read a column about how the Cubs should learn from the Yankees on what not to do with Wrigley Field.Have you ever wondered what White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen thinks about Barack Obama and Hugo Chavez? I haven’t either, but that’s the kind of scintillating content you can find on the one and only ESPN Chicago.Or perhaps you want to hear more about the not guilty plea of a Marni Yang, a Chicago woman accused of fatally shooting the pregnant girlfriend of former Chicago Bears safety Shaun Gayle. You guessed it — that’s actually one of the top headlines on ESPN Chicago.It’s likely anyone who truly cares about this story could find it more easily in a Chicago newspaper, rather than scouring ESPN Chicago’s Bears content.Of course my personal favorite is on the videos tab on the front of ESPN Chicago. In case watching it Sunday night wasn’t enough, you can catch a second viewing of Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster’s abilities as a card trick magician.My real problem with ESPN Chicago — besides my hatred for all sports in the Windy City — is the premise of an ESPN local site itself. Once again, the sports information leaders fail to yield to local organizations in order to further increase their monopoly on the sports world.Sure, ESPN can be a great source for national sports information, but does it really need to become anyone’s top source for Chicago sports news? The Chicago Sun-Times and Tribune do a phenomenal job of covering the teams in their market. In fact, those that have been to the Sun Times’ or the Tribune’s sports pages would realize that either paper alone provides better coverage of Chicago sports — with true local knowledge — than ESPN Chicago could ever do.For instance, rather than a poll on which Chicago team will win a championship next, they have a poll I really can find interest in — who’s hotter: Cubs fans or Sox fans? (White Sox fans, hands down).But seriously, rather than an article about Milton Bradley’s phantom injury in Sunday night’s game, the Sun Times goes one step further to analyze the implications of such an injury for the Cubs.What about the Tribune?The lead sports article is about the Cubs home opener Monday and the rain that will delay it. Huh, that’s funny — ESPN Chicago didn’t mention anything about the biggest ticket in Chicago sports so far in 2009.Oh, and an article about ESPN’s own Steve Phillips apologizing to Lou Piniella? Well, I guess it’s understandable that ESPN Chicago wouldn’t want to admit one of it’s own was wrong to criticize the manager of the biggest team it covers. Or maybe they just didn’t know about it?Whatever the reason, ESPN Chicago is another swing and a miss by the executives at Bristol, Conn., and as a fan of the writing done by Chicago sport writers over the years (despite my hatred of the teams they cover), I can only hope the site is eliminated faster than the Cubs in the 2008 playoffs.Jordan is a junior majoring in journalism and political science. Think ESPN Chicago will become your No. 1 source for Chicago sports news? Want to share your disdain for Chicago sports? Let him know at jschelling@badgerherald.com.
Reigning Munster Junior Cup Champions Clonmel RFC have advanced to the semi-final of this year’s competition after beating St Marys this afternoon.Paul Condon was at the game for Tipp FM Sport. Elsewhere in the Munster Junior Plate Nenagh Ormond have beaten Abbeyfeale. The full-time score was Nenagh Ormond 15 Abbeyfeale 10.Meanwhile, Leinster will travel to France to play Toulon in Champions Cup semi final after the reigning European champions saw off Wasps 32 – 18 in today’s quarter-final. And Saracens have beaten Racing Metro 12 – 11 to book a place in the other semi-final against Clermont.
The victory seals top spot in their group and a semi final against Scotland on ThursdayThe top two teams at the tournament will go through to next year’s finals in India.