A round-up of today's other stories in brief
Ireland make amends by getting one over Germany
Having been beaten recently in UCD by the world number-six side, Korea, for a place in this year's Olympic Games, it may come as cold comfort to Irish hockey that Ireland won their second test match against the world number-two Germany yesterday in Mannheim, reports Johnny Watterson.
In a fast-paced game Ireland, ranked 16 in the world, took the early lead in the sixth minute when Ian Sloan converted a penalty corner drag flick and Ireland maintained their 1-0 lead through to half-time.
It was not until the 55th minute that the London 2012-qualified Germany equalised, the goal coming from a deflected penalty corner to which Matthias Whitthaus got his stick, beating Irish goalkeeper David Fitzgerald.
Ireland grabbed the winning goal with 10 minutes remaining following some great combination work between David Ames and Sloan, which finally set up Ames to score from open play to make it 2-1.
IRELAND: K Carroll, J Jackson, R Gormley, P Caruth, I Sloan, J Bell, B McCandless, P Maguire, D Ames, S ODonoghue, D Fitzgerald. Rolling subs: I Hughes, D Cole, C Cargo, J Bruton, J Lynch.
Burns retires after heart scare
Wales international Lloyd Burns is facing the possibility of heart surgery after being forced to retire from rugby.
The 27-year-old hooker was a World Cup squad member in New Zealand last autumn and won seven caps, four of them during that tournament.
The Newport Gwent Dragons forward has been sidelined since January due to a neck injury that forced him out of this season’s RBS 6 Nations Championship, when Wales won their second title and Grand Slam of coach Warren Gatland’s four-year reign.
But the Dragons revealed today that “ongoing tests” from the neck problem have shown aorta damage, resulting in immediate retirement, with possible heart surgery to follow.
The aorta is the body’s largest artery.
Dragons rugby director Robert Beale said: “Everything Lloyd has achieved in life he has earned through hard work and dedication.
“His enforced retirement from the game has come as a massive shock to Lloyd and his family and will resonate throughout the rugby world.
Second female racer appointed
Former Formula One champions Williams named Susie Wolff, the wife of team shareholder and director Toto, as their development driver yesterday in the second appointment of a woman racer this season.
Scottish-born Wolff, who races a Mercedes in the German touring car championship (DTM), competed previously under her maiden name of Stoddart.
Marussia, without a point after two years in the sport, announced last month that they had handed 32-year-old Spaniard Maria De Villota a test role.
Wolff has a far more impressive resume, however, and is now in her seventh season in the DTM. Team principal Frank Williams said she would help the team with simulator work and would have a full track test in the coming months as well as attending races.
“Formula One is the ultimate challenge for any racing driver and it offers me the chance both to apply and to improve the skills I have developed racing in DTM,” said Wolff. “I hope also to demonstrate that women can play a role at the highest levels of motorsport,”
Controversial Bahrain Grand Prix given green light by FIA
The Bahrain Grand Prix will go ahead on April 22nd despite widespread fears over public safety, reports Paul Weaver.
Formula One’s disgruntled teams will be told the news in what is expected to be a heated meeting in Shanghai on Saturday.
Jean Todt, the president of the sport’s governing body (FIA), will address the dozen team principals and use Bahrain government and police information, as well as statements from various embassies, to argue that the situation has improved, despite recent reports of ongoing pro-democracy protests and violence.
Commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone will speak to the team officials on the eve of the Chinese Grand Prix and attempt to reassure them, as well as reminding them of their contractual commitments.
The FIA confirmed yesterday that “not one team” has made an official approach asking for the race to be called off. However, it is believed that most team principals do not want to go to Bahrain next week.
Harris excels as Australia look good to see off Indies
Australia need 192 to win the first test after they bowled out West Indies for 148 before lunch on the final day in Bridgetown, Barbados.
Ryan Harris finished with three for 31 after getting the first breakthrough of the day, trapping Narsingh Deonarine (21) leg before.
West Indies skipper Darren Sammy made just 14 before he was bowled by Shane Watson. Harris then made a catch at mid-on when Carlton Baugh (23) attempted to drive Ben Hilfenhaus (4-27).
Fidel Edwards (3) played a wild shot to sky a short delivery from Peter Siddle to Shane Watson. Kemar Roach (25), the only tailender to produce what was needed, was bowled by Harris to end a disappointing second innings from West Indies.
