Today's other sports news in brief
Cuddihy injury a setback for Ireland
ATHLETICS:Ireland's hopes of promotion from their European Team Cup second league in Budapest this weekend have suffered a setback with the withdrawal of Joanne Cuddihy, writes Ian O'Riordan.
The Kilkenny athlete was named in both the 200 and 400 metres having made an excellent return to form in recent months after nearly two years out of the sport, but a sprained ankle sustained last weekend has put her racing briefly on hold, although Cuddihy will be recovered in ample time for next months’ European Championships in Barcelona. Her place in the 200 metres goes to Niamh Whelan, with Marian Andrews named in the 400 metres – and Kerry Harty is also a late replacement in the 3,000 metres for the injured Mary Cullen. The Irish team still has strength in numbers including David Gillick (400 metres), Paul Hession (200 metres) and Derval O’Rourke (100 metres hurdles).
Banahan's tour ends early
RUGBY: Matt Banahan's England tour is over after he was found guilty of a dangerous tackle during the 15-9 victory over the Australian Barbarians.
The Bath winger was cited for a “lifting tackle” on centre Berrick Barnes and he yesterday attended a disciplinary hearing in Sydney. He has been suspended until June 30th, ruling him out of Saturday’s second Test against the Wallabies and next Wednesday’s clash with New Zealand Maori.
Banahan was unlikely to have been involved in Saturday’s Test, but has started both of England’s midweek games on tour and would have been in contention to face the Maori. England have the right to appeal the suspension imposed by the New Zealand judicial officer Peter Hobbs.
Martin Johnson will announce the England team to play the second Test today.
Los Angeles bounce back to force deciding game
BASKETBALL: The Los Angeles Lakers rebounded from back-to-back losses to beat the Boston Celtics 89-67 on Tuesday and send the NBA Finals into a seventh and deciding game.
Kobe Bryant once again led the way for the Lakers with 26 points and 11 rebounds while Spanish forward Pau Gasol contributed 17 points and 13 rebounds as the defending champions squared the best-of-seven series at 3-3 and ensured the title would go down to the wire at the Staples Center tonight.
The Celtics, chasing their 18th NBA championship, were unable to repeat their dominant performances from the last two games in Boston, trailing by 10 points at the end of the first quarter, 20 at half-time and 25 at the third intermission, in the most lopsided game of the series.
Guard Ray Allen top scored with 19 points and the Celtics never recovered from losing centre Kendrick Perkins to a knee injury.