Joe Burns guides Queensland to five-wicket win

Queensland comfortably secured their third win in as many matches in a rain-truncated affair against Western Australia at the WACA Ground in Perth

Daniel Brettig06-Oct-2016Joe Burns scored an unbeaten 78 in Queensland’s successful chase•AFP

Queensland have stolen a march on the rest of the field in the Matador Cup, comfortably securing their third win in as many matches in a rain-truncated affair against Western Australia at the WACA Ground in Perth.In a tournament with a fixture list that is slightly skewed, with Brisbane and Perth hosting most of their matches before the action moves to Sydney, Queensland lead the points table with 12 points, before New South Wales have played a single match.Rain in the early afternoon reduced the match to 38 overs per side, after Western Australia captain Adam Voges won the toss and chose to bat. The home side were driven primarily by Voges’ innings of 85, with Cameron Bancroft making 65 in support. Their stand of 117 formed the backbone of the final score of 221. Ben Cutting and Luke Feldman claimed two wickets apiece for Queensland, while wrist spinner Mitch Swepson was economical in his eight overs.Queensland’s pursuit wobbled early to 3 for 77, before the sometime Test opener Joe Burns found a willing ally in Nathan Reardon. Their stand of 116 put the target well within reach, and Burns hung around to ensure the Bulls did not slip up against Western Australia as South Australia had done over the weekend.

Mark Williams appointed CEO of Eastern Province Cricket

Mark Williams, CEO of a financial services company, has been appointed CEO of Eastern Province Cricket, where the Warriors franchise is based

Firdose Moonda26-Aug-2016

Jesse Chellan, Mark Williams’s predecessor, spent more than a year with Eastern Province•Gallo Images

Mark Williams, CEO of a financial services company, has been appointed CEO of Eastern Province (EP) Cricket, where the Warriors franchise is based. Williams takes over from Jesse Chellan, who will be the ICC’s regional director for cricket in Africa, from September. Chellan spent 17 months with Eastern Province, during which time they secured new sponsorships and underwent stadium upgrades.Williams has been involved in cricket in the region in the past. He was the lead independent director on the EP Cricket Board when they were placed under administration by Cricket South Africa. As a result, he is familiar with the turbulence at the union, which resulted in former president Graeme Sauls being ousted after allegedly making several decisions without board approval. Since then, cricket in the province has stabilised and under Chellan’s tenure, EP won the most improved affiliate prize CSA’s annual awards in 2016.Williams is a Port Elizabeth local who attended the Bethelsdorp High School and studied at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. He holds an MBA and has worked in banking for 24 years. In 2008, he was awarded the Young Global Leader Award by the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.Among the challenges facing Williams will be to ensure St George’s Park continues to remain among South Africa’s premier Test grounds. It will host the Boxing Day Test match against Sri Lanka later this year as proof of its prestige. More pressingly, he will want to ensure the franchise, Warriors, add to their trophy cabinet after several seasons without success. Warriors have not won a title in six seasons since the 2009-10 season when Russell Domingo was in charge. In their quest to end the drought, they have some new additions to their squad, most notably international fast bowler Kyle Abbott, who moved from the Durban-based Dolphins.The Dolphins are now the only franchise without a CEO. Pete de Wet had resigned in June to take up a post at New Zealand’s Central Districts and has yet to be replaced.

Rangers Could Form Dream Duo With ‘Brilliant’ £4.4m Gem

Glasgow Rangers look like they are already making some headway in the transfer market, with Michael Beale aiming to get the majority of his business done swiftly.

The Light Blues have signed Kieran Dowell on a three-year contract from Norwich City, while Dujon Sterling is expected to be the next name announced through the Ibrox doors and Beale won’t be stopping there.

With Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos departing the club, attacking reinforcements will be prioritised, and Luis Palma could potentially be the next signing, as the Gers have been linked with him as of late, even submitting a bid of £4.4m in order to lure him to Glasgow next term.

Palma's flexibility in the attacking positions, being able to operate either on the left wing, as a centre forward or even just behind the striker, could be a bonus to Beale, and he could thrive in the first-team, potentially forming a dream duo with Ianis Hagi.

What is Luis Palma’s style of play?

The tricky forward primarily plays as a winger, using his pace and dribbling ability to go past defenders with ease. Across 29 league matches, he succeeded with one dribble per match, however, it’s his finishing skills which have perhaps caught Beale’s eye.

The 23-year-old scored 11 league goals last term, while taking 2.1 shots per game, and he is also able to create plenty of opportunities too, evidenced by his four assists and 1.4 key passes per game.

With this in mind, the 42-year-old could slot Palma into the left-wing slot vacated by Kent, while giving Ianis Hagi free rein in his favoured position – attacking midfield.

The duo could combine well, with Palma’s pace being the perfect foil for Hagi’s intelligence and while he has just recovered from a serious knee injury, a solid pre-season could allow him to replicate his performances during 2020/21.

Glasgow Rangers midfielder Ianis Hagi.

During that title-winning season, he scored seven goals and grabbed 11 assists, showcasing his creative abilities and if Beale manages to sign a top-class centre forward this summer to replace Morelos, then they could be in for a treat due to the respective talents of Hagi and Palma.

The Honduran was lauded for his “brilliant” goal contributions by agent Paulo Hernandez and placed in a fluid attacking trio behind the main striker could allow him to flourish.

If he manages to hit the ground running, £4.4m could be a sound investment from the Gers.

رودري ينتقد جائزة الكرة الذهبية: يحسمها المال والتسويق

انتقد رودري، لاعب فريق مانشستر سيتي، جائزة الكرة الذهبية الشهيرة، الخاصة بمجلة “فرانس فوتبول”، حيث يرى أنها تُحسم بناءً على التسويق وعوامل أخرى.

كان ليونيل ميسي قد حصد الكرة الذهبية الثامنة في تاريخه، نهاية العام الماضي، بعد تفوقه على إيرلينج هالاند وكيليان مبابي.

اقرأ أيضًا.. تقارير: التحقيق مع ناصر الخليفي بسبب فوز ميسي بالكرة الذهبية

وتسبب فوز ميسي بتلك الجائزة في إثارة حالة من الجدل خاصة في ظل الموسم الرائع الذي قدمه هالاند مع مانشستر سيتي.

وقال رودري في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “ميرور” الإنجليزية: “أنا لست مندهشًا، هذا أمر طبيعي، أتفهم جيدًا كيف تسير الأمور على صعيد الجوائز الفردية”.

وأضاف: “الأمر يعتمد على التسويق والمال والإعلان، كان هناك لاعبي خط وسط من قبل، كانوا إسبان أيضًا، ولم يحصلوا على ما يستحقونه، هل تفهم ما أقصد؟”.

وواصل: “ما يهمني في نهاية المطاف في كرة القدم هو ما حققته بشكل جماعي”.

الجدير بالذكر أن رودري جاء في المركز الخامس في جائزة الكرة الذهبية لعام 2023، بعدما ساهم في تحقيق ثلاثية تاريخية مع نادي مانشستر سيتي.

منافس مصر | بوركينا فاسو تتخذ قرارًا هامًا بعد الخروج من كأس أمم إفريقيا

أعلن اتحاد بوركينا فاسو لكرة القدم، في بيان رسمي إقالة المدرب الفرنسي هوبير فيلود من القيادة الفنية لمنتخب الخيول البوركينية بعد الخروج من نهائيات كأس أمم إفريقيا بكوت ديفوار 2023.

وكان منتخب بوركينا فاسو ودع بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا من دور الـ 8 بعد الخسارة أمام مالي بهدفين مقابل هدف.

ووفقاً للصفحة الرسمية للاتحاد البوركيني على موقع التواصل الاجتماعي “فيس بوك: “لن يتم تجديد فيلود وطاقمه بعد نهاية كأس أمم إفريقيا 2023”.

وأشار اتحاد بوركينا فاسو في بيان له، إلى أن اللجنة التنفيذية للاتحاد البوركينابي لكرة القدم، قامت بتقييم مشاركة المنتخب في كأس الأمم الإفريقية 2023، وأكدت اللجنة أن النتائج جاءت أقل من توقعات الشعب البوركينابي.

وأضاف: “أن ما تم ملاحظته خلال بطولة كأس الأمم الإفريقية لا يتماشى مع طموحات اللجنة التنفيذية لكرة القدم البوركينابية”.

ولهذا السبب، قرر الاتحاد البوركينابي توجيه الشكر إلى المدرب هوبير فيلود والإدارة الفنية ككل، وعدم تجديد عقده.

طالع | إبراهيم حسن يصدر أول فرمان بعد توليه منصب مدير منتخب مصر

وتخطط اللجنة التنفيذية بالفعل للمواعيد النهائية المباشرة التي تمثل التصفيات المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026 والتصفيات المؤهلة لكأس الأمم الإفريقية 2025 وستشكل في أقرب وقت ممكن إطارًا فنيًا كفؤا ومرنًا بمواصفات وأهداف حتمية للنجاح.

ويتواجد منتخب بوركينا فاسو في المجموعة الأولى من تصفيات كأس العالم 2026 مع منتخب مصر وغينيا بيساو وجيبوتي وسيراليون وإثيوبيا.

ومن المقرر أن المباراة القادمة لـ بوركينا فاسو ستكون أمام منتخب مصر في إطار الجولة الثالثة من مواجهات المجموعة، ومحدد إقامتها يوم 3 من شهر يونيو المقبل.

ويتصدر منتخب مصر ترتيب المجموعة الأولى في تصفيات كأس العالم، برصيد 6 نقاط بعد الفوز في أول جولتين أمام جيبوتي وسيراليون.

ويحتل منتخب بوركينا فاسو المركز الثاني برصيد 4 نقاط من الفوز أمام إثيوبيا والتعادل مع غينيا بيساو.

Sussex fume as Klinger stands his ground

Michael Klinger stayed put when Sussex’s debutant Christian Davies thought he had caught him on 29. The umpires ruled in his favour. He went on to an unbeaten century

Will Macpherson13-Aug-2016
ScorecardMichael Klinger chose not to walk – and finished with an unbeaten century•Getty Images

When Michael Klinger punched Steve Magoffin to backward point, and the Sussex debutant Christian Davis dived forward, appearing to take a very fine low catch, he had 29. But as the fielders celebrated a wicket that would have left Gloucestershire reeling at 92 for five, Klinger was not for moving. He chose to leave the umpires to decide if the ball had carried and, after a lengthy conference, they decided he should stay. Sussex’s fielders initially appeared dumbfounded, but their lips loosened just in time for the exchange of some terse words.Klinger, almost inevitably, was still there at the close with a century to his name, with his team in the ascendancy after a disastrous start on a pitch he had elected to bat first on. On fine margins do such games turn.Sussex were within their rights to grumble (just as Klinger had been within his to stand his ground), but by day’s end they had let their outstanding start go to waste. Steve Magoffin, trotting in from the Sea End, had looked the force of old, picking up the Gloucestershire top three in his first six overs, and Jofra Archer had forced Hamish Marshall to edge to Chris Jordan, who took a fine catch at slip; Gloucestershire were ruinously placed at 34 for four.Magoffin took upwards of 28% of Sussex’s wickets during his first four years at the club, but his influence – on pitches often unkind to his art – has appeared to slightly wane this season, even if he still went into this game with his 25 wickets coming at 29. He was immediately into his work here, however, with his line, length and lots of lift making life uncomfortable for Gloucestershire. Will Tavare was bowled playing across the line, while Graeme van Buuren and Chris Dent pushed and were caught behind; the ball after the latter fell, Danny Briggs parried a very hard chance from Marshall in the gully. Never mind, Archer’s pace did for him shortly after.But then came some vintage Klinger fare; his driving was perfectly precise and his judgment outside off stump perfect, while he was always alive to the possibility of a single. On a day when the outside edge was beaten plenty, it is hard to recall the beaten blade being his. His contentious reprieve was his sole false stroke. He never really needed to put his foot down, but late in the day there was a nonchalant flick for six over midwicket and his cuts had more purpose too.”Given the position he went in on,” reflected his coach, Richard Dawson, “it was a massive achievement to be there at the end. He just took it ball by ball. He’s a soldier, he just carries on going. He’s a consistent person, the way he trains, he’s very honest, he wants to succeed and is hungry and wants to make big runs. If he gets low scores, he doesn’t let it get him down. It’s very simple – he knows his strengths and he sticks to them, and the bottom line is that he’s a quality bloke.”Klinger anchored three vital stands. First, 133 with Phil Mustard, playing his first innings of note for Gloucestershire, a typically roistering affair full of punchy cuts and beautiful off-drives, before he was bowled trying to slog Briggs. Then there was 62 with Jack Taylor, who never fully settled as he looked to open up the offside and, after Taylor and Benny Howell fell in quick succession, an unbeaten 109 with Craig Miles, who had an aggressive half-century by the close of play.It was during the stand with Miles that Sussex seemed to rather drop their bundle. Twice, four overthrows whistled away to the fence and, on a pitch where the new ball is key (as evidenced by Magoffin first thing), their performance with the second one was profligate. As the seamers inexplicably dug the ball in, Ben Brown had to be at his most athletic behind the stumps, and still 18 byes slipped through. Miles, to his credit, batted like a man auditioning for a promotion, accumulating adroitly then feasting on Sussex’s flagging seamers late on.”It was a niggly day, and one of the most difficult to watch this season,” said Sussex’s coach Mark Davis, “because we were in a good position and it didn’t quite go our way on occasions too. We weren’t good enough to make our own luck. The new ball is key on this pitch because the ball is getting soft quickly and when it does get soft it gets harder to get people out. We didn’t bowl well enough with it.”On Klinger’s reprieve, Davis veered on the side of diplomacy. “The umpires are there to make a decision, they made that decision and we have to move on,” he said. “It’s done, it’s massively frustrating – I thought it just went straight to backward point and the umpires conferred and that was that. It’s game-changing, and certainly day-changing. It is what it is, that happens in sport, and we’ve got to move on.”He was right, the umpires had made a game-changing decision. But he also knew that going into day two, his side had plenty to bemoan besides Klinger’s prosperous pardon.

Arsenal: Pete O’Rourke drops Jesus claim

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could well prove to be the deciding factor in any move for Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the respected insider suggested that Arteta’s links to the forward – having previously worked under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad as assistant manager – may well help tempt the 25-year-old into a move to north London.

Amid reports linking the 54-cap international to the Emirates, O’Rourke revealed that both the Gunners boss and their Brazilian contingent could have an impact on the move going ahead: “I think the opportunity to work under Mikel Arteta again would be a big factor in any decision from Jesus and there’s quite a few Brazilian players at Arsenal as well, which would maybe make it easier for him to settle in if he were to leave the Etihad for the Emirates.

“Arsenal are going the right way under Mikel Arteta, I think it’s fair to say, so I’m sure it’s something that he would definitely consider if Arsenal do follow up their interest.”

This latest claim follows centre-back Gabriel teasing a move for his compatriot to join him at the club, with a new striker seemingly on the agenda despite Eddie Nketiah nearing a contract renewal.

Supporters buzzing

That update from O’Rourke will only get pulses racing among Gunners supporters, with Jesus an ideal fit to solve their centre-forward woes, particularly with experienced marksman Alexandre Lacazette looking set for a departure.

In truth, while it had been a turbulent last 18 months or so prior to his eventual exit in January, former skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has no doubt left a notable void in Arteta’s squad, with the Gabon international having scored 68 Premier League goals during a four-year spell at the club.

In the most recent campaign, the squad’s highest scorer was Bukayo Saka with 12 goals in all competitions, although only two other players got into double figures, with that shortage of goals potentially proving costly in their failure to secure a top-four berth.

That is where the City gem comes in, with the £45m-rated hotshot having scored 13 goals and registered 12 assists across all fronts in the 2021/22 season for the title winners, notably bagging four in a brutal dismantling of Watford back in April.

As well as offering versatility, having featured on either flank or through the middle during his time in England, the 5 foot 9 speedster also offers a wealth of experience when it comes to lifting silverware, including winning four league titles in just the last five seasons.

In what remains a youthful squad in north London, adding a player of such elite calibre could well prove a real masterstroke, with supporters set to be ecstatic at managing to pluck such a gifted asset from a Premier League rival.

Although it is perhaps a worrying thought that City are so well-stocked that they are potentially happy to cash in on a player who has scored 95 goals in 236 games for the club since his £27m arrival back in 2016, it would remain a coup for Arsenal nonetheless.

Having fallen short in their bid to secure Champions League football for the first time since 2017, the club – and its supporters – will no doubt be optimistic that Jesus can finally get them over the line next term.

IN other news, Vieira 2.0: Arsenal gifted chance to sign “top-class” £25m ace, he could guarantee UCL…

Tielemans can provide Spurs solution

Youri Tielemans could provide Tottenham Hotspur with the goals and assists that they have been lacking since the departure of Christian Eriksen…

What’s the word?

According to transfer insider Dean Jones, the Leicester City dynamo has been put on a shortlist of potential midfield options, with the former Danish playmaker also among the options.

Signing another midfielder, following the arrival of Rodrigo Bentancur from Juventus in January, appears to be one of four main areas that the club is looking to strengthen.

Arch-rivals Arsenal have also been linked with a move for the Belgian, who is thought to be expendable at the King Power Stadium this summer. He could command a fee in the region of £25m.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/tottenham-hotspur-latest-news-updates-transfer-rumours-gossip-spurs-thfc-conte-paratici” title= “Read the latest Spurs news, transfer rumours and more!”]

 Midfield monster

Indeed, the north Londoners have struggled to provide creativity and threat from attacking midfield ever since Eriksen swapped N17 for Inter Milan – indeed, it was Conte who signed him at the San Siro.

Whilst a romantic return would be of appeal to many associated with Tottenham, it is perhaps Tielemans who the club should opt for instead.

The Italian’s current system does not cater for an out-and-out no.10 but rather two deeper-lying midfielders, one of which could be more of a roaming playmaker or a box-to-box type.

This is where the Foxes man fits the bill more than Eriksen.

The £49.5m-rated maestro ended the 2021/22 campaign as Brendan Rodgers’ sixth-best performer in the Premier League, whilst across all competitions, he delivered seven goals and five assists, adding to his total of 15 goal contributions last term, which included an FA Cup final game-winning effort.

According to The Athletic’s Rob Tanner, Tielemans has often been regarded as a “creator” in this Leicester side, whilst former Anderlecht and Sweden midfielder Par Zetterberg once dubbed him a “phenomenon”.

Comparisons to players like Frank Lampard only reinforce his credentials as a player capable of influencing the game at both ends of the pitch and for Conte right now, that has to be a mouth-watering prospect.

On the above evidence, Tielemans would be a very worthy signing and one which could add an enormous amount to the Italian’s engine room.

AND in other news, Reliable journo: Spurs now gifted huge boost after £150m reveal, Conte will be buzzing…

Liverpool could replace Salah with Saka

Liverpool are having a phenomenal season already winning the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup, with the chance to win both the Premier League title and Champions League over the next few weeks too, so it will surely be an exciting time to be a player or a supporter of the club.

With that being said, to stay on top you must keep strengthening, improving and developing the squad and with many of Liverpool’s side already in or entering their 30s this year, it would be a good idea for Jurgen Klopp to start considering the next generation of talent he can develop into superstars.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-liverpool-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-salah-gnabry-isak-romano” title= “Read the latest Liverpool news!”]

Roberto Firmino, Mo Salah and Sadio Mane all have contracts ending in just over 12 months, with the Egyptian winger’s contract, in particular, being a highly speculated subject ahead of the summer transfer window.

Liverpool’s top goal-scorer has been one of the side’s best players over the years but it seems that his contract is at a stalemate, with Caught Offside reporting two weeks ago that a source has told them the negotiations have not progressed any further and the Reds are not interested in budging when it comes to their strict wage structure.

If the powers at Anfield and Salah can’t come to an agreement it could see the player leave the club, whether that means he will be sold for a profit this summer or allowed to see out his last 12 months at the club and leave on a free transfer next summer.

Regardless of the outcome, Klopp must start preparing for the worst-case scenario and could be eyeing up his replacement who already plays in the Premier League with Bukayo Saka heavily linked with Liverpool for a while now.

The £150m ace who was hailed a “wonderkid” by journalist James Benge has been impressing for Arsenal and England over the last 12 months, playing his part in the Euro 2020 final last summer and being part of Arsenal’s impressive season that has kept them in the top four race for months.

Saka has scored 11 goals and contributed six assists for the Gunners in 37 Premier League appearances, creating eight big chances, making 1.8 key passes and 1.1 tackles, proving how effective and creative he can be in attacking play.

Podcaster Ian McGarry even claimed back in January that the youngster fits into Liverpool’s system in an interview with talkSPORT:

“Saka is someone who is a player who suits Liverpool’s style.

“Liverpool would provide the opportunity and platform for him to play and compete at the highest level. And that would certainly be something that I’m told he and his representatives are very interested in.”

Ultimately, Saka will likely want to continue to play first-team football and get regular game time whether he stays at Arsenal or moves on, so if FSG are seriously interested in the young talent they will need to sacrifice a position in the attacking rotation to provide him with a regular spot in the team.

Perhaps they ought to wait until Salah really has had enough of Merseyside before making a move.

AND in other news: Huge boost: James Pearce delivers four-word injury update that’ll delight supporters

Tottenham: Journalist drops promising Pau Torres transfer update

Journalist Dean Jones has now made a promising Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving Villarreal star and Spurs centre-back target Pau Torres.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye move for Torres…

The 25-year-old is said to be a primary target for the Premier League club this summer as Spurs manager Antonio Conte prioritises the signing of a central defender.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-newest-updates/” title=”Tottenham newest updates…” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

It is believed that securing a new defender is one of the Italian’s transfer wishes as he eyes a major north London overhaul, with The Daily Mail previously reporting that Tottenham are confident they can strike a deal.

Torres is apparently eager to leave Unai Emery’s side this summer, with Football Insider also claiming that the Lilywhites believe they can sign him for £10m less than the 25-year-old’s release clause of £55m.

The Latest: Jones makes promising Torres claim…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones has now made a promising claim, stating that a move away for Torres ‘seems imminent’ and that he ‘will now become available’ as Spurs eye a move for the defender.

The journalist explained:

“Pau Torres is good value at £45 million, to be honest. It’s really hard to find centre-backs that have been tested at European level and are available.

“I believe that Torres will now become available, he’s been mooted for a transfer for so long that it seems imminent. So, I think Tottenham should push for him and look to get that perfect partner for Romero.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Speaking to the same outlet, Journalist Pete O’Rourke also believes that Torres would be a ‘great signing’ for the north London club.

We wholeheartedly agree with both reporters that Spurs may need to get a deal over the line for Villarreal’s star defender, especially considering just how much of a mainstay he has been for them in La Liga.

Only goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli has played more league minutes for the Yellow Submarine over 2021/22, with Torres also making the second-most clearances and winning among the most aerial duels per 90 (WhoScored).

With numbers like these, he could well be Romero’s ‘perfect’ ally at the back for Tottenham.

In other news: Paratici tables crucial bid as Conte personally pushes for Spurs signing, find out more here

Game
Register
Service
Bonus