Jockey injured in horrific fall

Shock ... Ryan Maloney lies on the track after the fall. Source: News Limited

Jockey Ryan Maloney suffered a broken wrist but fortunately escaped major injuries after victory turned to tragedy in the Red Tempo Handicap (1000m) at Flemington.

Maloney steered Beltrois, who has not raced for 13 months, through gaps to a narrow win, only for the seven year old to knuckle three strides after the winning post, tumble and crash to turf.

Beltriois hobbled to the top of the straight but had to be euthanised.

Maloney was taken to hospital complaining of a sore left wrist.

The incident sucked the air from the pre-Christmas meeting. The glee associated with the return of Beltrois dissipated as stunned patrons watched the drama unfold.

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Nervy Jets hold out Sydney

Ankle tap ... Ruben Zadkovich is tripped up by Ali Abbas Source: AAP

Newcastle picked up their first win for six weeks and extended Sydney FC's horror run to one win in eight matches with a nervy 2-1 win at Hunter Stadium.

Early goals from Craig Goodwin and Emile Heskey proved decisive, even though Yairu Yao gave the visitors a glimmer of hope after 32 minutes.

It was a far from dominant display from the home team who had not scored since knocking three past Melbourne Heart goalkeeper Clint Bolton on November 24.

The home side dominated the early exchanges and were rewarded with Goodwin's free kick and Heskey's tap in.

But Sydney eventually found their rhythm and pulled a goal back through the speedy Yao.

Sydney pressed in the second half but couldn't find the decisive touch in front of goal.

When the two sides met in their much-hyped round-two encounter, the Jets produced a thrilling 3-2 win in an entertaining clash in which both marquee men Heskey and Sydney star Alessandro Del Piero scored.

But while Heskey was a force this time, Del Piero barely featured.

There were seven fouls in the first 10 minutes in what was a heated clash.

Fabio conceded a foul for charging James Virgili just outside the penalty area and would come to regret it moments later when Goodwin scored from the ensuing free-kick.

Goodwin curled the ball into the net from an acute angle about four metres out to put the hosts up after 13 minutes and score the Jets' first goal since round eight.

The goal seemed to spark the Jets into life with Virgili making a defence-busting run down the right and forcing a save from Sydney gloveman Vedran Janjetovic.

Virgili worked his way into the box again, this time setting up Heskey who put the Jets two up with his sixth goal of the season, sending the 17,402 Newcastle faithful into raptures.

To keep the game alive, Sydney struck back minutes later with Panamanian international Yau forcing a save from goalkeeper Mark Birighitti.

But Birighitti, in his first match back from a five-week injury lay-off, couldn't contain the ball with Yau slotting the rebound into the back of the net.

Brilliante had Sky Blues' goalkeeper Janjetovic at full stretch just before half-time with a powerful long-range strike that just shaved the post.

Sydney returned from the break looking to equalise with Rhyan Grant threatening with a strike.

The Jets replied moments later when Ryan Griffiths was able to get on the end of a Goodwin cross with Janjetovic diving to save the header.

Del Piero played a superb ball to Yau in the dying minutes but the striker sent his shot just over the crossbar.

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Video: Murali almost takes screamer

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Murali ... flys high but can't take the prize against the Heat. Source:FOX SPORTS

He might be able to perform superhuman feats with a cricket ball - but Sri Lanka legend Muttiah Muralidaran proved at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night that he's human after all.

Fielding for Melbourne Renegades in their clash against Brisbane Heat, Muralidaran got off his feet and almost had the crowd off theirs too.

Fielding at mid-off, the veteran off-spinner got airborne and almost brought down a one-handed screamer to remove Heat dangerman Luke Pomersbach.

It wasn't to be - but thankfully for the Renegades, Muralidaran showed safe hands later in the over to get rid of Heat skipper James Hopes off the bowling of Will Sheridan.

Keep an eye out for more highlights from the Renegades vs Heat clash.

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Siddle can be the new Ponting: Starc

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Leader ... Starc (L) says Siddle (R) is an inspiration for the whole team. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

Insisting there's no cause for panic, Australia paceman Mitchell Starc has likened lion-hearted Peter Siddle's presence and energy to that of the great Ricky Ponting.

With Australia's fast bowlers dropping like flies this summer, selectors are once again considering blooding a newcomer for the second Test against Sri Lanka starting on Boxing Day.

But regardless of whether or not Tasmania speedster Jackson Bird follows in the footsteps of Victoria paceman John Hastings and earns his first baggy green cap, Starc says Australia's bowling stocks are in good hands with Siddle leading the way.

The trimmed-down quick took a Test-turning nine wickets in a man-of-the-match display against the Lankans in Hobart after missing the series decider against South Africa due to exhaustion.

"He's amazing. Not just for the bowlers, but for the whole team," Starc said on Friday.

"Obviously in days gone by, Ricky Ponting is there and gets everyone up just by being there in the field and off the park as well.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"Siddsy, he's well on his way to being someone like that. He's very inspirational how he goes about his business on and off the field.

"As a bowling unit, he probably gets us going. He's the heart and soul of the attack, charging in every over for 60 overs in a Test match, bowling his heart out and having nothing left at the end of the day.

"It's awesome playing with him and I guess he just drags the team along."

Playing his second summer for Australia, Starc said he relished having Siddle as a mentor.

"For me, I'm still learning - I'm only 22 - but playing with Sidds I can take so much confidence being with him," he said.

"Having him at the other end to talk to, like he did with me in the first innings about where I was bowling - where I could have been bowling - to hold up those runs but still be aggressive, it was great to have him there."

Unlike fellow youngsters James Pattinson and Pat Cummins, Starc is yet to break down.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Cummins called the resilient left-armer an "anomaly" but Starc believes his healthy body is as much good luck as good management.

"I've had my fair share of injuries. I've been pretty lucky the last 18 months to hold together and play a lot of cricket," Starc said.

"I haven't done too many things different. Just making sure I'm doing all my recoveries and hitting the gym when I need to do and making my body ready to go every game."

Australia captain Michael Clarke is in doubt for the Boxing Day Test, but Starc is certain the star batsman will play.

"He'd have to do a lot more than a hamstring injury to keep him out," he said.

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Pocock re-signs with ARU until 2015

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Secured ... David Pocock re-signs with the ARU for three more years. Source: Greg Wood / AFP

Wallabies flanker David Pocock is a strong chance to captain Australia at the 2015 Rugby World Cup after re-signing with the ARU for a further three years.

Acting ARU chief executive Matt Carroll announces Pocock agrees to terms until the end of 2015 after earlier this season departing from the Western Force to sign with Super Rugby rivals the ACT Brumbies.

The 24-year-old owns 45 Test caps for the Wallabies since making his debut against the All Blacks in 2008 and has twice been a nominee for the IRB international player of the year award.

The news comes two weeks after Wallabies teammate Quade Cooper re-signed following a tumultuous few months with ARU officials.

"David has made an enormous contribution to rugby as a player and an outstanding individual,'' said Carroll.

"His leadership combined with his form on the field is a huge asset for Australia and the Brumbies.

"We are very pleased to be able to have David available for the Wallabies not only for next year's Lions Tour, but the next Rugby Championship series and quite possibly the next Rugby World Cup in London in 2015.''

The announcement comes after a mixed season for Pocock.

After being named to captain the Wallabies for the first time, Australia slumped to a stunning loss to Scotland in Newcastle.

He then led the Wallabies to a 3-0 home series win over Wales before injuring his knee against the All Blacks in August which required surgery.

Young flanker Michael Hooper blossomed in his absence and retained his spot ahead of Pocock for most of the recent spring tour of Europe.

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Leilua handed four match NRL ban

Banned ... Leilua has been suspended by the NRL for four matches. Source: Ross Schultz / News Limited

Axed Sydney Roosters centre BJ Leilua will have to sit out the first four matches of next year's NRL season regardless of which club he signs for.

The ARLC has announced it will impose a conditional registration on any contract submitted for Leilua that he cannot play until after round four.

The ban is in response to Leilua being found to have sent a naked photo of his ex-girlfriend to her brother and best friend and being placed on a one-year good behaviour bond with no conviction recorded.

Leilua was cleared of assaulting his ex-girlfriend.

The 21-year-old was on Tuesday released from the final two years of his Roosters contract and is now expected to sign with the Newcastle Knights once the ARLC officially announces an increase to the 2013 salary cap.

The NRL say they had been in the process of conducting a review of penalties and procedures imposed by the Roosters when he was terminated by the club.

"The matter proven in court is one that nobody can or should support," said NRL Interim Chief Executive, Shane Mattiske.

"Respectful relationships and the dangers of misusing social media are key elements of our education programs and BJ has been a part of those programs.

"The timing of the October court case was such that we gave the Roosters considerable opportunity to look at all aspects and report to the NRL.

"No matter if the player had stayed at the Roosters or gone to another club, we believe the original act, now proven in court, warrants the player being stood out of the game for some period.

"We will also seek assurances that any future club ensures that BJ participates in education programs to assist in learning from this experience."

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Doohan backs Stoner for V8s

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Switch ... Stoner dropped by the TeamVodafone garage at the Sydney 500. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

Motorcycling great Mick Doohan is confident Casey Stoner will be a success if he pursues a career in V8 Supercars.

Two-time MotoGP world champion Stoner has been tipped to compete in next year's Dunlop Series, a minor category to the V8 Supercars championship, following his retirement from motorcycling.

The 27-year-old tested Jamie Whincup's championship-winning Holden Commodore at Queensland Raceway earlier this month, posting impressive times in just his second outing behind the wheel of a V8 Supercar.

And five-time 500cc world motorcycle champion Doohan thinks there's no doubt Stoner will be quick enough to succeed if he chooses a four-wheel career.

"He's a talented guy, he's young enough and I think a little bit of race craft will be the only thing that'll take time," Doohan said.

"Once he's done a bit of testing, I don't think his speed will be a problem - just the race craft.

"He knows how to race so it'll just be a matter of learning where you can and can't put the car on the circuit when you're in traffic."

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

A-League squads: round 12

Skipper ... Terry McFlynn is back from suspension for Sydney FC. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

The 2012-2013 A-League season is in full swing and we have all the squads for round 12.

Western Sydney Wanderers v Adelaide United, Parramatta Stadium, Friday, 7pm (EDT) - Fox Sports 1HD

Western Sydney Wanderers: 1. Ante Covic (GK), 2. Shannon Cole, 3. Adam D'apuzzo, 4. Nikolai Topor-Stanley, 5. Michael Beauchamp, 6. Jerome Polenz, 7. Labinot Haliti, 8. Mateo Poljak, 9. Dino Kresinger, 10. Aaron Mooy 11. Tarek Elrich, 12. Tahj Minniecon, 13. Joey Gibbs, 14. Kwabena Appiah-Kubi, 15. Reece Caira, 17. Youssouf Hersi, 18. Iacopo La Rocca, 19. Mark Bridge, 20. Jerrad Tyson (GK), 21. Shinji Ono, 23. Jason Trifiro
*Six to be omitted

Ins: 19. Mark Bridge (Returns from injury) 14. Kwabena Appiah-Kubi (Returns from injury) 11.Tarek Elrich 15. Reece Caira, 23. Jason Trifiro 7. Labinot Haliti

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: Nil

Adelaide United: 1.Eugene Galekovic (gk) (c), 2.Osama Malik, 3.Nigel Boogaard, 5.Iain Fyfe, 6.Cassio, 7.Zenon Caravella, 8.Marcelo Carrusca, 9.Sergio van Dijk, 10.Dario Vidosic, 11.Bruce Djite, 14.Cameron Watson, 17.Iain Ramsay, 18.Fabian Barbiero, 21.Jeronimo Neumann, 22.Fabio Ferreira, 23.Evan Kostopoulos, 30.John Hall (gk)
*Two to be omitted

Ins: Zenon Caravella (promoted), Sergio van Dijk (promoted)

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: Nil 

Referee: Jarred Gillett

Brisbane Roar v Perth Glory, Friday 9pm (EDT), Suncorp Stadium - Fox Sports 1HD

Brisbane Roar: 1. Michael Theo (GK), 2. Matt Smith (capt), 3. Shane Stefanutto, 4. Matt Jurman, 5. Ivan Franjic, 6. Erik Paartalu, 7. Besart Berisha, 8. Massimo Murdocca, 10. Henrique, 11. Ben Halloran, 13. Yuji Takahashi, 15. James Donachie, 17. Mitch Nichols, 19. Jack Hingert, 20. Matt Acton (GK), 21. James Meyer, 22. Thomas Broich, 24. Nick Fitzgerald. *three to be omitted*

Ins: Nick Fitzgerald (promoted), James Donachie (returns from injury), James Meyer (promoted)

Outs: Do Dong-Hyun (knee – 2-3 weeks)

Unavailable: Nil

Perth Glory: 1.Danny Vukovic (gk), 3.Bas van den Brink, 4.Billy Mehmet, 6.Nick Ward, 7.Jacob Burns (c), 8.Dean Heffernan 9.Shane Smeltz, 10.Liam Miller, 12.Ryo Nagai, 13.Travis Dodd, 14.Steven McGarry, 17.Chris Harold, 19.Josh Risdon, 21.Scott Jamieson, 23.Michael Thwaite, 30 Lewis Italiano (gk)
*One to be omitted

Ins: 12.Ryo Nagai (returns from injury)

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: Evan Berger (hamstring – indefinite)

Referee: Peter Green

Wellington Phoenix v Central Coast Mariners, Saturday 3pm (EDT), Westpac Stadium - Fox Sports 1HD

Wellington Phoenix: 1. Mark Paston (GK), 2. Manny Muscat, 3. Tony Lochhead,  6. Alex Smith, 7. Leo Bertos, 9. Benjamin Totori, 10. Stein Huysegems, 11. Jeremy Brockie, 12. Tyler Boyd, 16. Louis Fenton, 17. Vince Lia, 18. Ben Sigmund, 21. Dani Sanchez, 22. Andrew Durante (C), 30. Griffin McMaster (GK).

Ins: Jeremy Brockie (returns from injury)

Outs: Paul Ifill (ankle surgery, four to six weeks)

Unavailable: Lucas Pantelis (knee injury - indefinite)

Central Coast Mariners: 1. Mathew Ryan (Gk), 2. Daniel McBreen, 3. Joshua Rose, 4. Pedj Bojic, 5. Zachary Anderson, 6. Patrick Zwaanswijk, 7. John Hutchinson (c), 8. Adriano Pellegrino, 9. Bernie Ibini, 10. Tomas Rogic, 14. Michael McGlinchey, 16. Trent Sainsbury, 18. Nick Montgomery, 19. Mitchell Duke,
20. Justin Pasfield (Gk), 21. Mile Sterjovski
*One to be omitted*

Ins: 21. Mile Sterjovski (returns from injury)

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: James Oates (Ankle – 2 months)

Referee: Peter O'Leary

Newcastle Jets v Sydney FC, Saturday 5.30pm (EDT), Hunter Stadium - Fox Sports 1HD

Newcastle Jets: 2. Scott Neville, 3. Tiago Calvano, 4. Josh Mitchell, 5. Dominik Ritter, 8. Ruben Zadkovich, 9. Emile Heskey, 10. Bernardo Ribeiro 11. Connor Chapman, 12. Josh Brillante, 13. Sam Gallaway 14. Taylor Regan 15. Craig Goodwin, 17. James Virgili, 18. Jacob Pepper, 19. Michael Bridges 22. Adam Taggart, 23. Ryan Griffiths, 30. Jack Duncan (gk), 33. Matt Nash (gk). 

Ins: Bernardo Ribeiro, Taylor Regan, Jacob Pepper, Michael Bridges.

Outs: Mitch Oxborrow, Andrew Hoole.

Unavailable: Ben Kennedy (knee), Ben Kantarovski (knee), Mark Birighitti (cheekbone), Jobe Wheelhouse (knee), James Brown (ankle).

Sydney FC: 1. Ivan Necevski (gk), 2. Sebastian Ryall, 3. Fabio, 4. Pascal Bosschaart, 6. Jason Culina, 7. Brett Emerton, 8. Adam Griffiths, 9. Paul Reid, 10. Alessandro Del Piero, 12. Blake Powell, 14. Mitch Mallia, 15. Terry McFlynn, 17. Terry Antonis, 20. Vedran Janjetovic (gk), 21. Yairo Yau, 22. Ali Abbas, 23. Rhyan Grant
*Two to be omitted                               

Ins: Terry McFlynn (returns from suspension), Mitch Mallia (promoted)

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: Nil

Referee: Strebre Delovski

Melbourne Heart v Melbourne Victory, Saturday 7.45pm (EDT), AAMI Park - Fox Sports 1HD

Melbourne Heart: 1. Clint Bolton (GK), 2. Michael Marrone, 4. Simon Colosimo, 5. Fred, 6. Patrick Gerhardt, 8. Matthew Thompson, 9. Dylan Macallister, 10. Josip Tadic, 11. Richard Garcia, 13. Jonatan Germano, 14. GolGol Mebrahtu, 15. David Williams, 16. Aziz Behich, 17. Jason Hoffman, 18. David Vrankovic, 20. Andrew Redmayne (GK), 22. Nick Kalmar
*Two to be omitted

Ins: 13. Jonatan Germano

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: Benjamin Garuccio (ankle 3 weeks), Mate Dugandzic (broken foot - season),Vince Grella (fitness - undisclosed)

Melbourne Victory: 1. Tando VELAPHI (GK), 3. Adama TRAORE, 5. Mark MILLIGAN, 6. Leigh BROXHAM, 7. Gui FINKLER, 8. Jonathan BRU, 9. Marcos FLORES, 10. Archie THOMPSON, 11. Marco ROJAS, 13. Diogo FERREIRA, 14. Billy CELESKI, 16. Theo MARKELIS, 17. Jimmy JEGGO, 19. Isaka CERNAK, 21. Spase DILEVSKI, 23. Adrian LEIJER (c), 24. Nick ANSELL, 26. Andrew NABBOUT, 30. Jason GERIA, 39. Nathan COE (GK)
*Five to be omitted

In: Spase DILEVSKI (returns from injury), Theo MARKELIS (promoted), Jason GERIA (promoted)

Out: Nil

Unavailable: Nil 

Referee: Alan Milliner

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Video: bowler forgets to appeal

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Unlucky ... Adam Zampa eventually got the wicket of Tim Ludeman. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

Ever heard of a leg-spinner not appealing when he hits the batsman's pad right in front of off stump?

T20 - ANZ Stadium

20 December 2012 - Day 1, Session 1

Strikers 1st Innings

J. Botha	7	5	0	0	140
C. Ferguson	0	1	0	0	0
D. Nannes	4	0	17	4	4.25

It sounds unlikely, but that's just what happened at ANZ Stadium on Thursday night when young bowler Adam Zampa, playing his first game in the KFC T20 Big Bash League, bowled a sliding ball to Adelaide Strikers batsman Tim Ludeman.

The ball clipped Ludeman's pad before hitting his bat, but it escaped the attention of Zampa and wicketkeeper Ryan Carters.

To be fair it was quite difficult to spot in real time, but after taking one look at the replay, eagle-eyed Fox Sports commentator Mark Waugh said straight away that it should have been out LBW - if only someone from the Thunder had appealed.

Zampa was otherwise impressive with the ball and eventually got the wicket of Ludeman, out stumped for 46, although it didn't stop the Strikers notching a big total, finishing on 6-177.

---

Follow the game LIVE with our Match Centre, featuring videos of every wicket and every boundary.

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Demons to respond to AFL tank claims

Distraction ... Melbourne Demons get on with pre-season training despite ongoing tanking scrutiny. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

The AFL has asked Melbourne Demons to respond to evidence which could lead to the club being charged with tanking for draft picks in 2009.

The AFL said any charges that resulted were expected to be laid in late January, after the Demons have had time to respond.

"Evidence gathered during the investigation will this week be provided to relevant parties to give them an opportunity to comment," the league said in a statement on Wednesday night.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"It is expected that a final decision regarding whether any charges under AFL rules are warranted will be made in late January 2013."

AFL investigators have already interviewed key Demons football staff and officials about the allegations.

If the allegations are substantiated, it could lead to the AFL Commission handing down severe penalties for the club and individuals found to have been involved.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Demons president Don McLardy said earlier this month that Melbourne planned to defend themselves against the claims.

"I can assure you we will use every resource available to us to defend the integrity of the Melbourne Football Club in the strongest possible way," he said.

The long-running investigation was sparked by comments made by former Melbourne midfielder Brock McLean, now with Carlton, in a television interview in July in which he claimed "Blind Freddy" would have realised the club wasn't trying to win late in the 2009 season.

Melbourne's poor record that season meant they qualified for a priority pick, giving them the first two selections in that year's draft, under a system that has since been scrapped.

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More