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Ireland v Netherlands – Preview, Teams, Where To Watch

The Ireland men’s national cricket team take on the Netherlands in their 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup tournament opener on Monday morning at 11 am.

Graham Ford’s side comes into the tournament after warm-up wins over Papua New Guinea and Bangladesh.

Captain Andrew Balbirnie will lead Ireland out for their sixth-straight appearance at the T20 World Cup as the side look to do better than their last time out in 2016, where they finished winless and the second-worst team in the tournament.

The Netherlands are not as prepared for a T20 tournament as Ireland, with their last game in this format was the third of a series against Nepal in April.

The team coached by Ryan Campbell will play their first match since a four-wicket win over thier opponents today in a One Day International on June 7.

The Dutch have won seven out of the last eleven meetings with Ireland in T20s and will be in search of an eighth in twelve this morning.

This includes a 21-run victory in the semi-final of the 2019 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier.

Yet, the team sit five below Ireland in the T20I rankings in 17th.

The pair are in Group A with Namibia and Sri Lanka, with all four sides vying for a spot in the Super 12 stage of the World Cup.

Scotland and Oman picked up wins in their opening matches on Sunday and Ireland will aim to become the third side in the win column.

Teams

Ireland: Andrew Balbirnie (C), Mark Adair, Gareth Delany, Joshua Little, Kevin O’Brien, Simi Singh, Harry Tector, Benjamin White, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Andy McBrine, Neil Rock, Paul Stirling, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.

Netherlands: Pieter Seelaar (C), Colin Ackermann, Ben Cooper, Scott Edwards, Fred Klaassen, Max O’Dowd, Logan Van Beek, Roelof Van Der Merwe, Philippe Boissevain, Bas De Leede, Brandon Glover, Stephan Myburgh, Ryan Ten Doeschate, Timm Van Der Gugten, Paul Van Meekeren.

Where To Watch

The match will be available to watch on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Cricket. You can keep track of the live score on the ICC website and Cricket Ireland will provide Twitter updates throughout the match.

Ireland Women win at Elche 7s while Men continue to impress

The Ireland Women’s national sevens team won the Elche 7s pre-season tournament at the weekend to put the final touches on a strong weekend for Irish rugby.

The side, which included 15 stars that had been involved in the failed World Cup qualification campaign, went unbeaten to finish first, dispatching of Poland 26-0 in the final.

The men’s national sevens team, which involved several Olympians were also finalists in the Spanish city but lost by five points to the hosts.

Their 2021/22 seasons are set to get underway in Dubai next month in the first leg of the upcoming HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

Director of Women’s rugby and Sevens Anthony Eddy took charge of the women’s team for the weekend.

Rugby union stars Eve Higgins, Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe and Beibhinn Parsons all scored in the final, with superstar winger Parsons crossing the line twice to give the team a four-try victory over their opponents.

They had finished top of their group with four wins from four earlier in the tournament and beat hosts Spain in the semi-finals to earn a date with Poland.

The men’s side, coached once again by James Topping who had taken charge for the two World Rugby Sevens Series events in the 2021 season, also finished top of their group.

The men’s team, which included three Olympians – Terry Kennedy, Jordan Conroy and Hugo Lennox, won four times in the group stage and drew once to earn the top spot.

A 26-point win over Viator Barbarians saw them within one game of pre-season silverware but it as not to be as Spain ended the tournament as champions.

Elche 7s Results

Saturday, October 16:

  • Ireland Women 26-5 Belgium
  • Ireland Men 19-19 Zastava
  • Ireland Women 33-7 Poland
  • Ireland Men 36-7 Germany
  • Ireland Women 31-0 Viator Costa Blanca
  • Ireland Men 15-12 France
  • Ireland Women 49-5 Spain

Sunday, October 17:

  • Ireland Men 21-19 Spain
  • Ireland Men 31-5 Viator Barbarians
  • Ireland Women 19-10 Spain (Tournament Semi-Final)
  • Ireland Men 19-24 Spain (Tournament Final)
  • Ireland Women 26-0 Poland (Tournament Final).

Men’s Sevens Squad

Jordan Conroy (Buccaneers RFC)
Niall Comerford (UCD RFC/Leinster)
Chris Cosgrave (UCD RFC/Leinster)
Sean Cribbin (Suttonians RFC)
Fergus Jemphrey (Blackheath RFC/IQ Rugby)
Sean Kearns (Ireland Sevens)
Terry Kennedy (St Mary’s College RFC)
Hugo Lennox (Skerries RFC)
Matthew McDonald (IQ Rugby)
Aaron O’Sullivan (Blackrock College RFC)
Jude Postlethwaite (Banbridge RFC/Ulster)
Zac Ward (Ballynahinch RFC)

Women’s Sevens Squad

Claire Boles (Railway Union RFC)
Megan Burns (Blackrock College RFC)
Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe (Railway Union RFC)
Katie Heffernan (Mullingar RFC/Railway Union RFC)
Eve Higgins (Railway Union RFC)
Brittany Hogan (DCU RFC/Old Belvedere RFC)
Erin King (Old Belvedere RFC)
Emily Lane (Blackrock College RFC)
Maeve Liston (Blackrock College RFC)
Kate Farrell McCabe (Suttonians RFC)
Grace Moore (Railway Union RFC/IQ Rugby)
Lucy Mulhall (Rathdrum RFC) (capt)
Béibhinn Parsons (Blackrock College RFC)
Aoibheann Reilly (Blackrock College RFC)
Katie Whelan (Enniscorthy RFC).

McIlroy wins CJ Cup in first start after Ryder Cup

Rory McIlroy picked up his first trophy of this season’s PGA Tour and the second of the calendar year in his first tournament since the Ryder Cup when he won the CJ Cup on Sunday night.

McIlroy sealed his 20th PGA Tour win, which granted him lifetime membership with a one-shot win over Collin Morikawa after a strong final two days at The Summit Club in Las Vegas.

The Northern Irish golfer was nine shots off the lead heading into the weekend but a 10-under 62 on Saturday brought him into the race ahead of the final day and a score of 66 saw him beat out the challengers.

Rickie Fowler was the leader heading into Sunday and was paired with McIlroy for the day but missed several important putts and was eclipsed by McIlroy and Morikawa, tied with Keith Mitchell for third.

McIlroy built upon his Sunday form at the Ryder Cup where he won his singles match to salvage an otherwise poor tournament individually.

The competition veteran had lost all three of his matches in the first two days and the one point he scored was the lowest total he had managed at a single Ryder Cup.

“It was huge. It really was. I was really disappointed with how I played [at the Ryder Cup],” he said in his greenside interview with PGA Tour.

“There was a lot of reflection in the last couple of weeks. This is what I need to do. I need to play golf, I need to simplify it. I need to just be me. I think for the last few months I was maybe trying to be someone else to try and get better.

“I realised that being me is enough, and being me I can do things like this.”

The 32-year-old becomes the 39th player to win 20 events on the tour and has won the same amount of events on the calendar as Phil Mickelson did at his age, excluding majors.

It’s the fifth season in a row that the golfer from Down has won an event and the seventh time he has won at least twice in a calendar year.

McIlroy’s lifetime membership will begin after he completes 15 years as a Tour member – his first Tour was in 2010.

Energia Men’s All-Ireland League 2021/22 – R3 Round-up

Round three of the Energia Men’s All-Ireland League saw four teams continue their winning starts to the season in Division 1A.
Ace out-half Evan Cusack stole the show at Tom Clifford Park as he guided Young Munster to a 19-7 Energia All-Ireland League win over Terenure College.

Cusack kicked 14 points to take his early-season haul to 37 after three rounds, in a game that tight until the very end.

With a strong wind behind him, one of his first-half kicks flew over from inside the Cookies’ half.

Terenure’s Peter Sylvester took a great line onto a pass to score, closing the gap to 12-7, but in-form Munsters winger Conor Hayes slipped out of a tackle and reached in under the posts for his third try in as many games.

Garryowen still sit top of the Division 1A table after surging to their third straight bonus-point victory. They ran out 26-13 winners over UCD with two tries each from Bryan Fitzgerald and Sean Rennison.

Cork Constitution’s title defence took another hit at Castle Avenue where Clontarf scored three second-half tries in a deserved 31-24 triumph.

Back-to-back efforts from Conor Kearns and Leinster Academy flanker Martin Moloney sealed it for ‘Tarf, but Con fought back for a losing bonus point, Sean French touching down and captain Aidan Moynihan taking his kicking haul to 14 points.

Winger Michael Silvester had a memorable debut for Lansdowne, scoring two second-half tries in their 31-15 bonus point success against an Alex Kendellen-inspired UCC. 2021 Ireland U20’s captain Kendellen notched the students’ second try.

Leinster’s Liam Turner was a ball of energy in Dublin University’s 19-13 win over Ballynahinch. His provincial colleague Jack Dunne also got game-time off the bench, on his return from an ankle injury.

Meanwhile, Highfield remain a point clear at the top of Division 1B after hammering Naas 38-3. Big carries from Ryan Murphy and James Rochford set the tone, with the Corkmen recovering from losing out-half James Taylor to an early injury.

St. Mary’s College opened their win account, beating Banbridge 29-17 with captain Richie Halpin getting amongst the tries. A late penalty try gave City of Armagh a tense 23-20 home win over Shannon.

Old Wesley are also unbeaten after three rounds, centre David Poff’s third-minute try putting them on track for a 45-7 bonus point victory over Navan.

It was maximum points too for Old Belvedere, with Leinster Academy hooker John McKee touching down twice in a 32-10 defeat of Malone.

ENERGIA MEN’S ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE RESULTS: Saturday, October 16

ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE DIVISION 1A:

CLONTARF 31 CORK CONSTITUTION 24, Castle Avenue
Scorers: Clontarf: Tries: Cormac Daly, Conor Kearns, Martin Moloney; Cons: Conor Kearns 2; Pens: David Hawkshaw 4
Cork Constitution: Tries: JJ O’Neill, Sean French; Con: Aidan Moynihan; Pens: Aidan Moynihan 4
HT: Clontarf 12 Cork Constitution 10

CLONTARF: Conor Kearns; Seni Reilly Ashiru, Michael Courtney, Matt D’Arcy (capt), Jack Power; David Hawkshaw, Angus Lloyd; Darragh Bolger, Dylan Donnellan, Vakh Abdaladze, Cormac Daly, Brian Deeny, Martin Moloney, Max Kearney, Tony Ryan.

Replacements: Barry Gray, Ben Griffin, Fionn Gilbert, Andrew Feeney, Aitzol Arenzana-King, Adrian D’Arcy.

CORK CONSTITUTION: Jack Crowley; Billy Crowley, JJ O’Neill, Niall Kenneally, Sean French; Aidan Moynihan (capt), Duncan Williams; Liam O’Connor, Jack Dinneen, Dylan Murphy, Conor Kindregan, Cian Barry, John Forde, Ross O’Neill, David Hyland.

Replacements: Gordon Good, Brendan Quinlan, Paddy Casey, Michael Casey, Gerry Hurley, Bruce Matthews.

DUBLIN UNIVERSITY 19 BALLYNAHINCH 13, College Park
Scorers: Dublin University: Tries: Luis Faria, Marcus Kiely, Anthony Ryan; Cons: Mick O’Kennedy 2
Ballynahinch: Try: Greg Hutley; Con: Greg Hutley; Pens: Greg Hutley 2
HT: Dublin University 7 Ballynahinch 3

DUBLIN UNIVERSITY: Luis Faria; Rob Russell, Liam Turner, Gavin Jones, Marcus Kiely; Mick O’Kennedy (capt), Louis O’Reilly; Giuseppe Coyne, Mark Nicholson, Thomas Connolly, Jamie Berrisford, Harry Sheridan, Anthony Ryan, Alan Francis, Ronan Murphy.

Replacements: Ben Nel, Bart Vermeulen, Aaron Coleman, Jack Dunne, Cormac King, Aran Egan.

BALLYNAHINCH: Shane Ball; Paddy Wright, Ryan Wilson, Greg Hutley, Aaron Cairns; Jack Milligan, Chris Gibson; Ben Cullen, Tom Stewart, Kyle McCall, Thomas Donnan, Bradley Luney, Zack McCall (capt), Oli Loughead, Callum Irvine.

Replacements: Joshua Hanlon, Harry Simpson, Tom Martin, Diego Vidal Souza, Conor McAuley, Ronan Patterson.

GARRYOWEN 26 UCD 13, Dooradoyle
Scorers: Garryowen: Tries: Bryan Fitzgerald 2, Sean Rennison 2; Cons: Tony Butler 3
UCD: Try: David Heavey; Con: James Tarrant; Pens: James Tarrant 2
HT: Garryowen 7 UCD 10

GARRYOWEN: Jamie Heuston; Colm Quilligan, Bryan Fitzgerald, Jack Delaney, Tommy O’Hora; Tony Butler, Edmond Barry; Niall Horan, Dylan Murphy, Jack Mullany, Roy Whelan, Kevin Seymour (capt), Tim Ferguson, Jack Daly, Cian Hurley.

Replacements: Pat O’Toole, Darragh McCarthy, Sean Rennison, Aaron Cosgrove, Alex Wood, Jack Madden.

UCD: Luke Maloney; David Heavey, Jack Ringrose (capt), James Moriarty, Jamie Murphy; James Tarrant, Paddy Patterson; Chris Hennessy, Bobby Sheehan, Evin Coyle, Alec Byrne, Diarmuid Mangan, Sean O’Brien, Donal McMahon, Ronan Foley.

Replacements: Richie Bergin, Rory McGuire, Rory Mulvihill, Jonathan Fish, Harry Donnelly, Tim Corkery.

UCC 15 LANSDOWNE 31, the Mardyke
Scorers: UCC: Tries: Alex Kendellen, George Coomber; Con: Daniel Squires; Pen: Daniel Squires
Lansdowne: Tries: Conan Dunne, Eamonn Mills, Adam Boland, Michael Silvester 2; Cons: Charlie Tector 3
HT: UCC 3 Lansdowne 14

UCC: George Coomber; Timothy Duggan, Darragh French, Daniel Squires, Louis Bruce; Billy Kiernan, Luke Kerr; Alessandro Heaney, Harry Jephson, Corey Hanlon, Richard Thompson, Mark Bissessar, Aidan Brien, Jack Kelleher (capt), Alex Kendellen.

Replacements: Scott Buckley, Tom Ormond, Sam O’Sullivan, Jack O’Sullivan, Matthew Bowen, Joe O’Leary.

LANSDOWNE: Eamonn Mills; Sean Galvin, Corey Reid, Paul Kiernan, Michael Silvester; Charlie Tector, Cormac Foley; Frank Kavanagh, Jamie Kavanagh, Conan Dunne, Joey Szpara, Jack Dwan, Clive Ross, Jack O’Sullivan (capt), Mark Boyle.

Replacements: Luke Thompson, Adam Boland, Matthew Healy, James Kenny, Stephen Madigan, Harry Brennan.

YOUNG MUNSTER 19 TERENURE COLLEGE 7, Tom Clifford Park
Scorers: Young Munster: Try: Conor Hayes; Con: Evan Cusack; Pens: Evan Cusack 4
Terenure College: Try: Peter Sylvester; Con: Jake Swaine
HT: Young Munster 6 Terenure College 0

YOUNG MUNSTER: Patrick Campbell; Conor Hayes, Pa Ryan, Harry Fleming, Shay McCarthy; Evan Cusack, Adam Maher; David Begley, Mark O’Mara, Colm Skehan, Tom Goggin, Sean Rigney, Alan Kennedy (capt), John Foley, Fintan Coleman.

Replacements: Dan Walsh, Paul Allen, Eoin O’Connor, Bailey Faloon, Jack Lyons, Jack Harrington.

TERENURE COLLEGE: Colm de Buitlear; Craig Adams, Stephen O’Neill, Peter Sylvester, Sam Coghlan Murray; James Thornton, Alan Bennie; Campbell Classon, Levi Vaughan, Andy Keating, Luke Clohessy, Michael Melia, Harrison Brewer, James Connolly, Jordan Coghlan.

Replacements: Conor McCormack, Adam Tuite, Matthew Caffrey, Adam Melia, Caolan Dooley, Jake Swaine.

ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE DIVISION 1B:

BANBRIDGE 17 ST. MARY’S COLLEGE 29, Rifle Park
Scorers: Banbridge: Tries: Robert Maller, Alex Thompson; Cons: Adam Doherty 2; Pen: Adam Doherty
St. Mary’s College: Tries: Matt Timmons, Richie Halpin, Mark Fogarty, Penalty try; Cons: Conor Dean 2, Pen try con; Pen: Conor Dean
HT: Banbridge 10 St. Mary’s College 24

BANBRIDGE: Adam Doherty; Alex Morrow, Andrew Morrison, Jonny Little, John Porter; Josh Cromie, Neil Kilpatrick; Josh Chambers, Peter Cromie, Michael Cromie, Brendan McSorley, Alex Thompson, Alex Weir, Matthew Laird, Robin Sinton.

Replacements: Timothy Savage, Robert Maller, Chris Allen, Joshua Cunningham, Lewis Nelmes, Conor Field.

ST. MARY’S COLLEGE: Ruairi Shields; Matt Timmons, Myles Carey, Mick O’Gara, Craig Kennedy; Conor Dean, Mark Fogarty; Niall McEniff, Richie Halpin (capt), Mick McCormack, Ian Wickham, Liam Corcoran, Conor Corcoran, Niall Hurley, Nick McCarthy.

Replacements: Jamie Coolican, Padraig Dundon, Daniel Leane, Daniel Lyons, Aaron O’Neill, Joe Nolan.

CITY OF ARMAGH 23 SHANNON 20, Palace Grounds
Scorers: City of Armagh: Tries: Jack Treanor, Penalty try; Cons: Kyle Faloon, Pen try con; Pens: Kyle Faloon 3
Shannon: Tries: Daniel Okeke, Penalty try; Cons: John O’Sullivan, Pen try con; Pens: John O’Sullivan 2
HT: City of Armagh 10 Shannon 6

CITY OF ARMAGH: Kyle Faloon; Andrew Willis, Shea O’Brien, Chris Colvin, Matthew Hooks; Romain Morrow, Alex Johnston; Peter Lamb, Jack Treanor, Philip Fletcher, John Glasgow, Josh McKinley, Nigel Simpson, James Hanna, Ryan O’Neill.

Replacements: Jonny Morton, Eoin O’Hagan, Oliver Millar, James Morton, Gerard Treanor, Evin Crummie.

SHANNON: Aran Hehir; Ikem Ugwueru, Killian Dineen, Alan Flannery, Jack O’Donnell; John O’Sullivan, Ian Leonard; Conor Glynn, Jordan Prenderville, Luke Rigney, Odhran Ring, Sean McCarthy, Kelvin Brown, Charlie Carmody, Lee Nicholas (capt).

Replacements: Declan Moore, Darragh McSweeney, Kieran Ryan, Ben Sargent, Darren Gavin, Daniel Okeke.

HIGHFIELD 38 NAAS 3, Woodleigh Park
Scorers: Highfield: Tries: Robert Murphy, Sam Burns, Paul Stack, Ronan O’Sullivan, Ben Murphy, Travis Coomey; Cons: Paddy O’Toole 4
Naas: Pen: Peter Osborne
HT: Highfield 12 Naas 3

HIGHFIELD: Luke Kingston; Ben Murphy, Paddy O’Toole, Mark Dorgan, Paul Stack; James Taylor, Chris Banon (capt); James Rochford, Robert Murphy, Daragh Fitzgerald, Eoin Keating, Fintan O’Sullivan, Dave O’Connell, Ryan Murphy, Miah Cronin.

Replacements: Travis Coomey, Mick Dillane, Ronan O’Sullivan, Eddie Earle, Sam Burns, Gavin O’Leary.

NAAS: Peter Osborne (capt); Donal Conroy, Gary Kavanagh, Craig Ronaldson, Sam Cahill; Bryan Croke, Connor Halpenny; Adam Coyle, John Sutton, Peter King, Paul Monahan, David Benn, Ryan Casey, Will O’Brien, Paulie Tolofua.

Replacements: Connor Johnson, Conor Doyle, Cillian Dempsey, Tim Murphy, Matt Stapleton, Colm Doyle.

OLD BELVEDERE 32 MALONE 10, Ollie Campbell Park
Scorers: Old Belvedere: Tries: John McKee 2, Tom Ryan, Ariel Robles, James McKeown; Cons: Justin Leonard 2; Pen: Justin Leonard
Malone: Try: Aaron Sexton; Con: Rory Campbell; Pen: Rory Campbell
HT: Old Belvedere 22 Malone 10

OLD BELVEDERE: Colm Hogan; James McKeown, David Butler, Robbie Deegan, Ariel Robles; Justin Leonard, Briain Leonard; Jerry Cahir, John McKee, Ryan McMahon, Dean Moore (capt), Paddy Dowling, Colin Mallon, Jack Breen, Tom Ryan.

Replacements: Joe Horan, Stewart Maguire, Calum Dowling, Will McDonald, Peter O’Beirne, Jack Gilheany.

MALONE: Aaron Sexton; Rory Campbell, David McMaster, Ben McCaughey, Andy Bryans; Conor Spence, Lewis Finlay; Tommy O’Hagan, Claytan Milligan, Ricky Greenwood, Adam McNamee, Stewart McKendrick, Dan Kerr, Dave Cave (capt), Max Porter.

Replacements: Zach Devine, Ben Halliday, Daryl Maxwell, Jonny Betts, Shane Kelly, Aidan McSwiggan.

OLD WESLEY 45 NAVAN 7, Energia Park
Scorers: Old Wesley: Tries: Iain McGann, David Poff, Alastair Hoban, Robert O’Donovan, Nathan Randles, Conor Gaston, Charlie O’Regan; Cons: Josh Miller 3, Ian Cassidy, Paddy McKenzie
Navan: Try: Paddy Fox; Con: Mark Farrell
HT: Old Wesley 19 Navan 0

OLD WESLEY: Conor Gaston; Tommy O’Callaghan, James O’Donovan, David Poff, Nathan Randles; Josh Miller, Ian Cassidy; Harry Noonan, Ben Burns, Robert O’Donovan, JJ O’Dea, Iain McGann (capt), Will Fay, Daire Feeney, Reuben Pim.

Replacements: Howard Noonan, Sam Kenny, Alastair Hoban, Jack Costigan, Paddy McKenzie, Charlie O’Regan.

NAVAN: Liam McLoughlin; Paddy Fox, Sean McEntagart, Evan Dixon, Ben McEntagart; Colm O’Reilly, Mark Farrell; Niall Farrelly, Jack Nelson, Eoin King, Andrew Doyle, Conor Hand, Shane Faulkner, Conor Farrell, Hardus van Eeden.

Replacements: Gary Faulkner, Ronan Hannon, Ronan Meegan, Owen Duggan, Rory Gordon, Willie McAleese.

ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE DIVISION 2A:

UL Bohemians 18 Cashel 14, UL Arena (played on Friday)
Ballymena 29 Old Crescent 25, Eaton Park
Buccaneers 24 Nenagh Ormond 16, Dubarry Park
Queen’s University 60 Dolphin 0, Dub Lane
Rainey Old Boys 0 MU Barnhall 39, Hatrick Park

ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE DIVISION 2B:

Belfast Harlequins 25 Ballina 24, Deramore Park
Galwegians 5 Blackrock College 17, Crowley Park
Greystones 43 Galway Corinthians 7, Dr Hickey Park
Sligo 19 Malahide 7, Hamilton Park
Wanderers 29 Dungannon 22, Aviva Stadium main pitch

ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE DIVISION 2C:

Bangor 24 Midleton 14, Upritchard Park
Bruff 14 Clonmel 14, Kilballyowen Park
Enniscorthy 45 Omagh Academicals 17, Alcast Park
Skerries 36 Tullamore 5, Holmpatrick
Sunday’s Well 14 City of Derry 20, Musgrave Park

WEEK 6: 6:00pm: Los Angeles Chargers @ Baltimore Ravens – Preview and Prediction

2021 NFL SUNDAY – LIVE SKY SPORTS GAME PREVIEWS WEEK 6: 6:00pm: Los Angeles Chargers @ Baltimore Ravens – Preview and prediction.

The 6pm game on Sky this week sees the Los Angeles Chargers travel to the Baltimore Ravens in a battle of 2 of the in-form teams in the NFL. Both come in boasting 4-1 records and high powered offenses which sets this up to be a very exciting clash.

 

Key Battles:

Chargers vs Flags: Chargers fans will tell you they should be 5-0 and it was referees that are to blame for the loss to the Cowboys. But the harsh reality is they consistently give up too many penalties. They are tied for 3rd in the league for most penalties and are out on their own on top for most penalty yards conceded. Penalties, especially at huge moments, has been an achilles heel. They can’t afford to continue that trend against a team like Baltimore.

Return to a run heavy Offense for Baltimore?One of the big factors in Baltimore’s success this year has been their ability to run a balanced offense. A team known for the dynamic run game built around the electric abilities of Lamar Jackson carrying the ball, their air attack has been a much larger focal point this year. But the Chargers have struggled to stop teams running on them, allowing a league high 5.6 yards per carry. The Ravens is not someone you want to be playing with that kind of weakness even with their well documented problems at Running Back.

Herbert continues to shine? If the Chargers run defense has been an issue, it’s the passing defense that surprisingly has been a problem for the Ravens. That doesn’t bode well when you’re facing an Offense like the Chargers. Justin Herbert has been outstanding since he was drafted last year and with weapons like Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Jared Cook and Austin Ekeler at his disposal, reigning him in will be a tall order for the Ravens.

Paddy Power Betting:

Moneyline: Los Angeles 6/5 Baltimore 4/6
Over/Under: 51.5
Spread: Ravens -3

After outlining glaring weaknesses on both defenses, it will come as no surprise that the Over 51.5 is very appealing. Likewise, so does 11/1 for Mike Williams to grab a TD in each half

VERDICT: This has all the potential to be a classic. The 2 Offenses match up very well against the 2 Defenses and both are in form. The Chargers are a team I have had a problem putting any real faith in but this Chargers team is living up to the hype so far. I think they pull this one off. Chargers by 2.

London Game – Miami Dolphins @ Jacksonville Jaguars – Preview and prediction

2021 NFL SUNDAY – LIVE SKY SPORTS GAME PREVIEWS – WEEK 6 Miami Dolphins @ Jacksonville Jaguars – Preview and prediction.

The 2nd of the NFL’s International Series games takes place this week as the Jacksonville Jaguars and Miami Dolphins make the trip from Florida to Tottenham. With just one win between them so far this year, both will see this as a good chance to try to kickstart their season.

Key Battles:

Can the Dolphins Offensive Line hold up?While the biggest news for the Dolphins is the expected return of Tua Tagovailoa, it will count for nothing if his offensive line continues to give up free shots at him they way they have been. A reshuffle of the pieces on that line provided a marked improvement last week against the Buccaneers, but they still have a ways to go. With the dangerous Josh Allen amongst the Jaguars pass rush, the Dolphins protection will need to be on point.

Can London be Urban Meyer’s safe place? To say Urban Meyer’s start with the Jaguars hasn’t gone well is an understatement. Winless after 5 games and making headlines for off the field issues maybe the break from the norm that this London trip will represent is the tonic he and his team needs.

Can the Dolphins defense rediscover 2020 form? A surprising element of the season so far for Miami has been the poor play on defense. A very solid defense last season has given way to a team raked in the bottom 10 in passing yards per game, rushing yards per game and points per game. And probably even more worryingly, the forced turnovers, that were a big part of their game last year, have dried up. They will also be without key man Xavien Howard. Despite the Jags poor form, there is plenty of talent in their offense to test the Fins defensive unit. Can the Dolphins turn the corner defensively against Trevor Lawrence and co?

Boylesports Betting:

Moneyline: Miami 13/20 Jacksonville 5/4
Over/Under: 47
Spread: Miami -3

The 4/1 power price Paddy Power are offering for both Myles Gaskin and James Robinson to score a TD looks like a winner to me. The return of Tua makes Jaylen Waddle a good shout to score a TD in each half at 16/1 as well.

VERDICT:

It’s very difficult to know what to expect from Miami. They opened with a solid win against the Pats but the wheels came off the cart rapidly after that.

But I trust Brian Flores to turn it around and I think this game will be the start of that. While confidence will be fragile at best, it will be boosted by Tua’s return.

The Jags are a totally disfunctional organisation and the man at the helm has done more to hurt them than help fix them. I’m taking a 8 point Dolphins win

Munster Rugby 20 Connacht Rugby 18

Munster left it late to snatch victory from Connacht in front of 17,198 in their United Rugby Championship game at Thomond Park on Saturday night.

In a game where Connacht lead on the scoreboard until shortly before half time, the game’s lead swung from side to side in the second 40 minutes.

With two tries per side, Munster’s from Chris Cloete and Diarmuid Barron and Connacht’s courtesy of Paul Boyle and Jack Carty, the home side converted both of theirs while the visitors only managed it once.

Carty pens give visitors an early lead

Two early Jack Carty penalties in the 3rd and 9th minute gave the visitors a deserved early lead.

When Mack Hansen touched down in the corner in the 24th minute, the Westerners thought they had extended their advantage, only for the officiating team to call a forward pass in an earlier phase of the move. A no try decision was given, leaving the Connacht side 6-0 ahead.

Sammy Arnold yellow card

Connacht’s Sammy Arnold was sent to the sin bin following a high tackle on Munster full back Mike Haley. Bundee Aki was first in to tackle the home side’s number 15 but Arnold came in to assist Aki but clashed heads with Haley.

When the referee viewed the incident on the large screen in the stadium, he didn’t have any hesitation in going to his pocket to produce a yellow card for the Connacht centre.

Despite the one man advantage, it took until moments before the half-time whistle for the home side to come to life.

Playing advantage, Munster spread the ball wide with Connacht lacking cover. Tadhg Beirne kicked on the ball but it looked as though it would reach the dead ball line. South African Chris Cloete reached the ball in time, however, and his touch down gave Johann van Graan’s side their first score of the game.

A successful conversion for Joey Carbery gave the home side an unlikely and hardly deserved half-time advantage as they headed to the dressing room 7-6 in front.

Half-time: Munster Rugby 7 Connacht Rugby 6

Carbery increased his side’s lead with a 21 metre penalty in the 48th minute of the game.

Quick thinking and alertness from Connacht saw them retake the lead in the 53rd minute. With Munster failing to pay attention, the visitors quick tap and go saw Paul Boyle crash over for his team first try of the game.

Though Carty’s conversion attempt came back off the upright, his side was back in front on an 11-10 score line.

Within five minutes, Carbery put the men in red back in front as the lead continued to see-saw in this tight game. The Munster number 10’s three-pointer meant a 13-11 score in favour of the home side, with just over 20 minutes to play.

Jack Carty was back on the scoresheet on 69 minutes when blocking down a Joey Carbery attempted clearance. A casual clearance effort by the Munsterman was blocked down in front of the posts by his opposite number before he had the easy task of scoring his side’s second five-pointer of the game.

The Connacht captain added the extra two points for good measure, as he put his team five points in front with a frenetic 10 minutes remaining on the stadium clock.

The pendulum swung back in favour of the Munstermen when replacement Diarmuid Barron crossed for his side’s second try of the evening. With only two minutes remaining in the game, Carbery had an opportunity to give his side the lead in the dying moments of the tie.

The Munster kicked kept his cool to send the ball between the uprights and give Johann van Graan’s team a 20-18 win.

Full-time: Munster Rugby 20 Connacht Rugby 18

Munster Rugby Team:

15. Mike Haley, 14. Andrew Conway, 13. Keith Earls, 12. Rory Scannell, 11. Simon Zebo, 10. Joey Carbery, 9. Craig Casey.

1. Dave Kilcoyne, 2. Niall Scannell, 3. John Ryan, 4. Jean Kleyn, 5. Tadhg Beirne, 6. Peter O’Mahony (captain), 7. Chris Cloete, 8. Gavin Coombes.

Connacht Rugby Team:

15. Tiernan O’Halloran, 14. John Porch, 13. Sammy Arnold, 12. Bundee Aki, 11. Mack Hansen, 10. Jack Carty (captain), 9. Caolin Blade.

1. Matthew Burke, 2. Dave Heffernan, 3. Finlay Bealham, 4. Niall Murray, 5. Ultan Dillane, 6. Cian Prendergast, 7. Conor Oliver, 8. Paul Boyle.

Murphy wins third British Champions title in a row

Irish jockey Oisin Murphy was crowned Britain’s Champion Jockey for the third year in a row at Ascot on Saturday.

The 26-year-old has racked up 153 wins since the championship started at Newmarket on May 1, two more than his closest pursuer William Buick who threw down a strong challenge in the closing weeks of the season.

Murphy, who is retained by Qatar Racing, is the third jockey this century to claim three consecutive titles, following fellow Irishmen Richard Hughes (2012-2014) and Kieren Fallon (2001-2003).

Highlights for Murphy have centred around star filly Alcohol Free. The duo captured the G1 Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, where Murphy was Top Jockey for the first time, before overcoming all-aged opposition in the G1 Qatar Sussex Stakes at Goodwood.

Murphy said: “I am over the moon and thrilled to get it across the line. Thank you to my family and everyone – I’ve got a massive support group.

“The last week I’ve had a lot of people on my side. Frankie Dettori has been there every day making sure my spirits are up and I was riding off instinct as normal which is key.

“You need to make every ride count and I was running out of opportunities. I held it together thankfully in the end.

“I think everyone knows that I am human and quite honest. But I need to do better and I don’t want any issues surrounding my career. Let’s just focus on riding winners and hopefully winning another jockeys’ championship.

“I’m 26-years-old so I think I will keep trying for a few more years. Horses are my life and I’m never happier than when I’m on the back of a horse. I’ve bought my showjumpers and they keep me busy too.

“Sheikh Fahad and Qatar Racing have a few horses to go to America for the Breeders’ Cup. There are lots of international races in Hong Kong and Japan coming up so I will be busy.

“William [Buick] was getting a lot more support than I was in the last couple of weeks and the likes of Ed Walker, Hughie Morrison, Andrew Balding and Saeed bin Suroor have been amazing, so thanks to them.”

Ireland Sevens Squads Set for Pre-Season Tournament In Elche

The Ireland Men’s and Women’s Sevens squads will step up their preparations for the season ahead at this weekend’s annual Elche 7s tournament

IRFU Director of Sevens and Women’s Rugby, Anthony Eddy, has selected a 12-player Ireland Men’s squad for the trip to Spain. Fifteen players have been named in the Ireland Women’s panel as focus intensifies on the back-to-back World Series tournaments in Dubai in late November/early December.

Ireland Men, coming off the back of encouraging performances in World Series events in Vancouver and Edmonton last month, will face France, Spain, Germany, and invitational sides Zastava and Viator Barbarians at the Elche 7s, while Ireland Women will return to action against Belgium, Poland, Spain, and Viator Costa Blanca on Saturday and Sunday.

Eddy has selected an exciting mix of youth and experience in both panels, with Olympians Terry Kennedy, Jordan Conroy and Hugo Lennox included in the Men’s squad alongside Leinster Academy backs Niall Comerford and Chris Cosgrave, who impressed in Canada last month. Ireland U20 international Jude Postlethwaite is also named in the traveling party.

Lucy Mulhall will lead Ireland Women, who have plenty of World Series experience within their ranks, while Erin King and Katie Whelan will be among those hoping to showcase their talents on the international stage having stood out for Leinster during the recent U18 Women’s Inter-Provincial Series.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Eddy said the Elche 7s tournament will provide both squads with a valuable opportunity to build towards the campaign ahead:

“The Elche Tournament is always a good event, and the players are looking forward to it. This tournament provides us with a good opportunity to see some new faces as we prepare for the new HSBC World Sevens Series season.

“There is good depth in both the Men’s and Women’s squads and competition for places in World Series Tournaments will be a real contest so it is important that we go to Elche with an attitude of performing well.”

A Youtube live stream of the Elche 7s is available here.

 

Ireland Men’s Sevens Squad:

Jordan Conroy (Buccaneers RFC)

Niall Comerford (UCD RFC/Leinster)

Chris Cosgrave (UCD RFC/Leinster)

Sean Cribbin (Suttonians RFC)

Fergus Jemphrey (Blackheath RFC/IQ Rugby)

Sean Kearns (Irish Sevens)

Terry Kennedy (St Mary’s College RFC)

Hugo Lennox (Skerries RFC)

Matthew McDonald (IQ Rugby)

Aaron O’Sullivan (Blackrock College RFC)

Jude Postlethwaite (Banbridge RFC/Ulster)

Zac Ward (Ballynahinch RFC).

 

Ireland Women’s Sevens Squad:

Claire Boles (Railway Union)

Megan Burns (Blackrock College)

Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe (Railway Union)

Katie Heffernan (Mullingar/Railway Union)

Eve Higgins (Railway Union)

Brittany Hogan (DCU/Old Belvedere)

Erin King (Old Belvedere)

Emily Lane (Blackrock College)

Maeve Liston (Blackrock College)

Kate Farrell McCabe (Suttonians)

Grace Moore (Railway Union/IQ Rugby)

Lucy Mulhall (Rathdrum)

Béibhinn Parsons (Blackrock College)

Aoibheann Reilly (Blackrock College)

Katie Whelan (Enniscorthy).

 

Elche 7s Schedule:

Saturday, 16th October:

Women’s team v Belgium, 10:20 Irish time

Men’s team v Zastava, 11:00 Irish time

Women’s team v Poland, 12:00 Irish time

Men’s team v Germany, 13:20 Irish time

Women’s team v Viator Costa Blanca, 13:40 Irish time

Men’s team v France, 15:00 Irish time

Women’s team v Spain, 16:00 Irish time.

 

Sunday, 17th October:

Men’s team v Spain, 10:40 Irish time

Men’s team v Viator Barbarians, 12:00 Irish time

Play-Off Matches, TBC.

To read more in-depth and up-to-date Irish and international rugby news, click here.

Watford v Liverpool – Preview, Team News, Odds, Where To Watch

Liverpool will travel to Vicarage Road to play Watford in their first Premier League clash after the October international window.

It will be the first meeting between the two clubs since the Hornets’ shock 3-0 win over the then Champions-elect in February 2020.

Ismaila Sarr, who scored twice that day to sink the Reds, will be available for the match this weekend and is currently the club’s top scorer this season.

His four goals in the league have helped the side to 15th after seven games with seven points to their name.

However, the side are already on their second manager of the season after dismissing Xisco, who had earned promotion with them last season.

Claudio Ranieri, a Premier League winner with Leicester City, has taken the reins at the club.

Watford is the fourth club Ranieri has managed in the Premier League and they will be determined to get off to a good start under him.

Due to a lack of footage of Watford under Ranieri, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has said that the team have had to study Sampdoria to figure out how the hosts may play.

His side are hoping to extend their unbeaten start to the season with a result at Vicarage Road and continue their push for this season’s title.

Mo Salah will aim to add to his goalscoring record for Liverpool further after reaching 101 goals for the club against Manchester City.

The winger has been on red-hot form this season – a goal this weekend would bring the Egyptian into double-digits in all competitions.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota are set to be fit for Liverpool’s next game after some fitness woes.

Curtis Jones will not be fit for the match after picking up an injury while on duty with the England Under-21s.

Liverpool’s Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson and midfield compatriot Fabinho will be unavailable after international duty.

Probable Teams

Watford (4-4-2): Bachmann; Ngakia, N’Koulou, Cathcart, Masina; Sarr, Tufan, Sissoko, Dennis; King, Pedro.

Liverpool (4-3-3): Kelleher; Trent, VVD, Konate, Tsimikas; Henderson, Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Salah, Jota, Mané.

Odds

Watford 15/2

Draw 4/1

Liverpool 1/3

Where To Watch

The game will be available to watch live on BT Sport with coverage starting at 11:30 am and kick-off slated for 12:30 pm.

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