Otago Daily Times:

League: 19-man squad for final Warriors trial

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:21:27 +1300

Jerome Ropati, Krisnan Inu and Ukuma Ta'ai have all been named in a 19-man squad for the Warriors' final trial against the Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles at Toll Stadium in Whangarei on Saturday.

Rugby: McCaw faces challenging year

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:18:09 +1300

Richie McCaw is facing up to a few challenges this year and recovering from his injured foot is probably the least of them.

Cricket: Cook, Finn fire England to big win

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:45:39 +1300

Captain Alastair Cook's superb century and four wickets for Steve Finn lifted England to a crushing 130-run victory over Pakistan in the first one-day international in Abu Dhabi.

Football: Mancini treated me like a dog - Tevez

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:39:32 +1300

Manchester City's rebel striker Carlos Tevez has left Argentina for England, taking manager Roberto Mancini's olive branch with one hand and hurling an accusation he was treated "like a dog" with the other.

Football: Scottish champions Rangers face administration

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:19:56 +1300

Scottish champions Rangers have said that they face administration after running into financial problems centred on a disputed tax bill, a move that would effectively hand the title to perennial rivals Celtic.

ORFU to cut player wage bill; Mains to go

Steve Hepburn — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:31:00 +1300

The cash-strapped Otago Rugby Football Union intends to slash its future player wage bill - which was $1.1 million last year - by $400,000, chairman Wayne Graham revealed yesterday.

Cricket: Wider market dictates player payment

Adrian Seconi — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:29:00 +1300

One of the most frequently heard criticisms of professional sport is that the players are paid too much. But does that argument stack up? Steve Hepburn (rugby) and Adrian Seconi (cricket) investigate.

Rowing: Bond has eye on three New Zealand titles

Alistair McMurran — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Hamish Bond (North End) has won four world titles and has one of New Zealand's best records on the international scene.

Racing: Caldow engaged for Vulcan in Dullard Cup

Tayler Strong — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

John Caldow has been engaged to drive Vulcan in the $A50,000 group one V L Dullard Cup at Melton on Friday night.

Motocross: Columb overcomes slow starts to win

Catherine Pattison — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Scott Columb may be hard on himself but the results spoke for themselves at the weekend.

Motorsport: Paddon satisfied with fourth in Sweden

Catherine Pattison — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Hayden Paddon finished off the third day of Rally Sweden in the same position he held after the second day, in fourth place in the Super 2000 World Rally Championship (SWRC) field.

Cricket: New South African skipper hits claims of mental fragility for six

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

South Africa's newest international captain AB de Villiers yesterday scotched the idea that his team is suspect under pressure.

Rugby: Highlanders' season ticket sales exceed last year's

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

The Highlanders do not play a home game for nearly three weeks but their season ticket sales already exceed last year's.

Rugby: Highlanders' season ticket sales exceed last year's

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

The Highlanders do not play a home game for nearly three weeks but their season ticket sales already exceed last year's.

Multisport: Usshers in GodZone race

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:26:00 +1300

Fresh from their history-making wins at the Coast to Coast, leading New Zealand adventure racers Richard and Elena Ussher will be headlining the inaugural GodZone Adventure Race in Queenstown this Easter.

Football: Daniel may be out door at Phoenix

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:49:44 +1300

Brazilian winger Daniel last month became one of three Wellington Phoenix players to make 100 appearances, but he may not make it far past that mark.

Cricket: South Africa arrive with a bang

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:44:44 +1300

The South African cricket team arrived on these shores with a bang today, signalling their intentions for their upcoming tour in the very first media conference.

Cricket: No changes to NZ squad for South Africa

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:15:14 +1300

The Black Caps who beat Zimbabwe in the first Twenty20 have been given a vote of confidence, with no changes made in the squad to play South Africa.

Adams continues build-up for champs

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:36:35 +1300

Olympic shot put champion Valerie Adams continued her build-up to March's world indoor championships with a couple of strong throws at the Porritt Classic in Hamilton on Saturday.

Rugby: NZ lose Sevens final in Las Vegas

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:42:10 +1300

New Zealand have failed to claim their third-consecutive Sevens World Series tournament victory after they were upset 26-19 by Samoa in the final of the Las Vegas leg today.

Golf: Mickelson takes control to win at Pebble Beach

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:37:19 +1300

Phil Mickelson has totally upstaged playing partner Tiger Woods while charging past overnight leader Charlie Wi to win the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am in spectacular fashion by two shots.

Rugby: Wales pile on points to beat Scotland

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:29:24 +1300

Wales secured a second straight victory in the Six Nations by beating Scotland 27-13 on Sunday thanks to a 22-point haul by fullback Leigh Halfpenny.

Football: Suarez apologises for not shaking Evra's hand

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:54:46 +1300

Liverpool forward Luis Suarez has apologised for not shaking Patrice Evra's hand before his side's 2-1 defeat at Manchester United with manager Kenny Dalglish also saying sorry for his reaction.

Football: Lescott goal sends Man City back to top

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 07:56:39 +1300

Joleon Lescott's 62nd-minute goal and a brilliant late save by goalkeeper Joe Hart sent Manchester City back to the top of the Premier League with a tense 1-0 win at Aston Villa.

Rugby: Cowan eager for Super 15 season to begin

Steve Hepburn — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:30:00 +1300

Jimmy Cowan enjoyed a rest but is ready for the hard work to begin.

Rugby: Cowan eager for Super 15 season to begin

Steve Hepburn — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:30:00 +1300

Jimmy Cowan enjoyed a rest but is ready for the hard work to begin.

Petanque: Frosts cool under pressure

Alistair McMurran — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Houndini would have been proud of the way the Frosts won the petanque gold medal on Saturday.

Volleyball: New facilities at stadium impress players

Alistair McMurran — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Volleyball moved into the space age on Saturday.

Archery: Remarkable rise to top level

Alistair McMurran — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Terry Lancaster is a member of the Australian archery squad preparing for next year's world championships in Sweden.

Swimming: Harbour title to Prescott

Alistair McMurran — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

It was always going to be a race for the silver medal. Evergreen Steve Prescott had the top spot sewn up.

Racing: Franco Ledger sets track record in cup

Tayler Strong — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Franco Ledger trounced the opposition in the Waikouaiti Cup in track record time of 4.07 for 3200m yesterday.

Racing: Veyron still improving: Laing

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Linda Laing, the trainer of Veyron, said the best has not been seen of the 6yr-old who won the group one Waikato Sprint in near track record time at Te Rapa on Saturday.

Multisport: Celebration time for top team

Wayne Parsons — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

There were high fives all round for winners of the two-day team section of the Coast to Coast on Saturday.

Multisport: Marital bliss all round on Coast to Coast

Wayne Parsons — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Elena Ussher's victory in the women's section of the Coast to Coast secured a first for the 30 year-old event, the first husband-and-wife combination to win the titles in the same year.

Multisport: Waiting game pays off for Ussher

Wayne Parsons — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Richard Ussher described his fifth Longest Day victory in the Coast to Coast as his "smartest race".

Athletics: Cuthbert gives lesson to half-marathon opposition

Alistair McMurran — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Dunedin schoolteacher Sue Cuthbert has lost 20kg and is now reaping the benefits of her reduced weight.

Basketball: Hawks prey on Breakers

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

The Breakers' bogey team struck again on Saturday night as the first place New Zealanders dropped their first game of 2012 to the lowly Wollongong Hawks.

Netball: Pass mark, but 'clearly a lot of work to do'

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

The report card would read satisfactory but with plenty of room to improve.

Cricket: University-Grange holds out

Tim Miller — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

With one wicket to spare, University-Grange was able to hold out for a draw against Albion, in the Dunedin senior men's declaration cricket on Saturday.

Cricket: Mid Canterbury wins outright

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Mid Canterbury beat North Otago outright by eight wickets in a Hawke Cup elimination match at Ashburton yesterday.

Football: Winning finish from Bay

Rab Smith — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Four second-half goals by Hawkes Bay nullified Otago United's two-goal start in Napier and a sorry bunch of blue shirts trooped off Bluewater Stadium with nothing to show in a 4-2 defeat yesterday.

Football: Phoenix drop to third after loss

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 19:01:44 +1300

The Wellington Phoenix's win streak came to an crashing halt against the worst possible opposition today, as a clinical Brisbane Roar won 2-0 at Westpac Stadium.

Football: Ferguson labels Suarez 'a disgrace'

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 10:01:52 +1300

Luis Suarez is a disgrace to Liverpool and should never be allowed to play for them again, Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson said after the Uruguayan refused to shake Patrice Evra's hand.

Rugby: France v Ireland off due to frozen pitch

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 09:50:58 +1300

Today's Six Nations encounter between France and Ireland was called off because of a frozen pitch, 10 minutes after the game had been due to kickoff.

Football: United seize top spot, Spurs hit five

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 09:45:57 +1300

Manchester United went top of the Premier League after a 2-1 win over Liverpool, with the Luis Suarez-Patrice Evra racism row reigniting, while Tottenham Hotspur beat Newcastle United 5-0.

Rugby: Sonny Bill and the $2m package

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 09:44:47 +1300

A major new endorsement with Powerade, a million dollar boxing sideline and an increasing love of the 15-man code are the pillars on which Sonny Bill Williams' rugby career currently sit.

Rugby: England battle back to edge Italy 19-15

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 08:49:11 +1300

Holders England needed Owen Farrell's assured boot and Charlie Hodgson's opportunism to survive a Six Nations fright and beat Italy 19-15 for their second straight win under interim coach Stuart Lancaster.

Sports broadcasting: Gallaway to be honoured

Jack Salter — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Iain Gallaway's contribution to New Zealand and Otago sport will be recognised when a dinner is held in his honour during next month's test between New Zealand and South Africa in Dunedin.

League: Vatuvei powers Warriors to win

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 23:29:35 +1300

Last week Manu Vatuvei scored the match-winner for the NRL Stars and he stepped up again tonight with a critical two-try haul to power the New Zealand Warriors to a 22-14 NRL trial win over South Sydney at Coffs Harbour.

Cricket: Guptill's good summer continues

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 21:03:19 +1300

It took a couple of weeks, but Zimbabwe finally gave New Zealand a game in the first Twenty20 cricket international at Eden Park tonight.

Rugby: Chiefs edge Highlanders in Queenstown

Steve Hepburn — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 19:36:23 +1300

The Chiefs jumped out of the blocks and managed to keep out a fast finishing Highlanders outfit in Queenstown today.

Rugby: Chiefs edge Highlanders in Queenstown

Steve Hepburn — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 19:36:23 +1300

The Chiefs jumped out of the blocks and managed to keep out a fast finishing Highlanders outfit in Queenstown today.

Golf: Lee shows he's up with best

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 10:06:28 +1300

New Zealand golfer Danny Lee cast aside some rookie inhibitions to stare down the field with a superb 63 as the PGA field rolled into Pebble Beach yesterday (Fri) for the AT and T National Pro Am.

Masters Games: Aerobics team going for gold

John Lewis — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

Moments after completing a four-minute aerobics routine, Fred Millar gathers his breath and says: "There's nothing we won't do - as long as we can get back up afterwards".

Tennis: Faith in Christchurch remains intact

Alistair McMurran — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Faith Thomas typifies the resolute Cantabrian who has fought back from disaster to rebuild her life.

Swimming: Sonntags breaking records once again

Alistair McMurran — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

They did it again. Lenore and Forbes Sonntag broke more national masters swimming records at Moana Pool this week.

Swimming: Glasgow Games ambition for Greenshields

Alistair McMurran — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Success at the New Zealand Masters Games has revived Lauren Greenshield's swimming ambitions and she now wants to get back into the international arena.

Racing: Ohoka Texas to add Waikouaiti Cup to tally

Tayler Strong — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Ohoka Texas is poised to add the Waikouaiti Cup to his imposing record tomorrow.

Multisport: Goat Pass descent takes toll on Bell in Coast to Coast two-day

Wayne Parsons — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Nathan Bell (Fairlie) made the most of his opportunities but paid the price with tired legs and a few spills on the descent from Goat Pass on the first day of the men's two-day Coast to Coast race yesterday.

Multisport: Voyce makes most of warm-up for Patagonia

Wayne Parsons — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

With thoughts of Patagonia on his mind, Trevor Voyce, of Nelson, pulled out of the Longest Day Speight's Coast to Coast title, but blitzed the field on the first day of the two-day team section with Australian Matt Blundell.

Motorsport: Paddon ready to tackle snow

Catherine Pattison — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

New Zealand's top rally driver, Hayden Paddon will be relying on about 1200 studs to give him some stability this weekend as he tackles the challenges of rallying on snow for the first time.

Indoor bowls: Crawford claims gold medal with final bowl

Alistair McMurran — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

A last-ditch effort with his final bowl gave Bob Crawford (Dunedin) the gold medal yesterday.

Cycling: Still testing himself agains trivals, elements at 80

Alistair McMurran — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Retirement is not a word that Peter Grandiek understands. He still works hard on his deer farm near Invercargill.

Football: Youngsters need to step up for United

Rab Smith — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Hopes of a top four placing are fading as Otago United prepares to travel north to play Hawkes Bay at Napier's Bluewater Stadium tomorrow.

Rugby: Macdonald making most of Highlanders call-up

Steve Hepburn — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Hoani Macdonald never thought he would be seen again in the Highlanders jersey, but it is one chance he intends to take.

Rugby: Macdonald making most of Highlanders call-up

Steve Hepburn — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Hoani Macdonald never thought he would be seen again in the Highlanders jersey, but it is one chance he intends to take.

The Last Word: Brotherly love

Hayden Meikle — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Here is a topic that has had us stumped over the past few days.

League: Later start to 2012 campaign for Luck

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:28:56 +1300

With three weeks before the start of the season the Warriors have suffered an injury setback, with Micheal Luck requiring more surgery on his wrist.

Multisport: Bell holds lead in Coast to Coast

Wayne Parsons — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:54:12 +1300

It's all on for young and old for individual honours when the two-day section of the Coast to Coast resumes from Klondyke Corner tomorrow.

Cricket: New talent gives Black Caps options

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:22:33 +1300

Now the extended net session that was the one-day series against Zimbabwe is in the rearview mirror, it's almost time for the real competition to start.

Golf: Kiwi shares lead at Pebble Beach

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:21:25 +1300

New Zealand No 1 Danny Lee was in a share of the lead after the first round of the AT & T Pebble Beach National Pro Am after his best score on the PGA Tour.

Rugby: Sonny Bill to miss Highlanders clash

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:25:33 +1300

Sonny Bill Williams will miss the Chiefs second pre-season match against the Highlanders in Queenstown tomorrow but will suit up for their final hit-out against the Hurricanes next weekend.

Rugby: Sonny Bill to miss Highlanders clash

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:25:33 +1300

Sonny Bill Williams will miss the Chiefs second pre-season match against the Highlanders in Queenstown tomorrow but will suit up for their final hit-out against the Hurricanes next weekend.

Boxing: SBW unlikely to meet Welliver in ring

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:36:44 +1300

New Zealand's two professional heavyweight boxing title holders won't be squaring off any time soon.

Rugby: Gear to start on wing in Highlanders debut

Steve Hepburn — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:51:48 +1300

Hosea Gear will get his first outing in a Highlanders jersey tomorrow while a couple of King's High School old boys will patrol the midfield.

Boxing: Jones labels fight a farce

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

Sonny Bill Williams' New Zealand Professional Boxing Association heavyweight title fight has been labelled a farce by boxing aficionado Sir Robert Jones.

Fishing on internet

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

I am writing this column in Tauranga, as I am here pursuing one of my other interests - athletics - but due to the wizardry of modern technology, I have a good idea of the fishing possibilities for this weekend.

Darts: Girdler key in raising darts' profile

Alistair McMurran — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Darts again demonstrated its popularity on United Kingdom television last month when Adrian Lewis retained his world singles title.

Ice sports: Time for Gamble to hand over reins

Alistair McMurran — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

The New Zealand Masters Games is Neil Gamble's last major event as manager of the Dunedin Ice Stadium.

Multisport: Allan looks to go one better

Wayne Parsons — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

What does not kill only makes you stronger, will be an adage Dougal Allan takes on board when he lines up as one of the favourites for the Longest Day title of the Coast to Coast tomorrow.

Multisport: Down but not out

Wayne Parsons — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Failure is not an option for Shannon Edgar in the Coast to Coast starting today. Edgar, (18) provided one of the dramatic storylines of last year's event when she was airlifted from the course with a suspected broken ankle.

Ice hockey: Marauders show they are team to beat

Alistair McMurran — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

The Melbourne Marauders played blitzkrieg ice hockey in their first game and will be the team to beat for the division two gold medal.

Athletics: Dunedin's hills key to strength

Alistair McMurran — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Former Commonwealth Games gold medallist Dick Tayler paid a nostalgic visit to one of his old training venues in Dunedin yesterday.

Netball: Pregnancy rules Frew out of Steel

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Steel midcourter Wendy Frew is pregnant and out of the side for the coming season.

Netball: Chance for back-ups

Adrian Seconi — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

The Steel will be missing experienced shooters Donna Wilkins and Jodi Brown for pre-season games in Christchurch this weekend.

Rugby: Otago financial troubleshooter's stay extended

Steve Hepburn — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

The man brought in to help sort through the finances of the Otago Rugby Football Union is to have an extended stay.

Beck fined $10,000 over positive test

Tayler Strong — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Allan Beck, the Winton trainer, has been fined $10,000 and ordered to pay costs of $500 over a positive test returned by his horse, Call Of Duty.

Telegraph could prove useful guide

Tayler Strong — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Guiseppina could prove the worth of her Telegraph Handicap win in the Waikato Sprint at Te Rapa tomorrow.

Sir Lincoln firms for Magic Mile

Tayler Strong — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Sir Lincoln has firmed in favour for the Magic Mile at Ashburton tomorrow with the scratching of Gomeo Romeo and Monkey King.

Horseman of note dies

Tayler Strong — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Bryce Buchanan, who died in Christchurch on Wednesday after an illness, was successful as a trainer, driver, owner and breeder in standardbred racing.

Football: Capello quits England job

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 04:01:00 +1300

Fabio Capello's resignation as England manager capped a remarkable day for English soccer yesterday, with Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp at the centre of it.

Sports awards: All Blacks big winners at Halbergs

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:41:49 +1300

As results go it was hardly unexpected.

Cricket: Black Caps repeat dose to clinch clean sweep

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:22:20 +1300

You would have been forgiven for thinking you were watching a re-run.

Cricket: McCullum leads NZ to huge total

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:06:28 +1300

The Black Caps picked up where they left off in Whangarei, as a century from Brendon McCullum helped them post 373-8 against Zimbabwe in Napier today.

Video: Inside the Sonny Bill Williams camp after the fight

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:22:29 +1300

[video]

Golf: Attention returns to Tiger at Pebble Beach

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:00:50 +1300

Bill Murray stumbled into the back of a crowded conference room just as Tiger Woods was wrapping up his press conference at the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. The "Caddyshack" star looked more confused than usual.

Football: Keat only newcomer in All Whites squad

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:09:58 +1300

Dan Keat is the notable inclusion in the All Whites squad for the international friendly against Jamaica later this month.

Rugby: Henry signs on with NZRU

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:59:47 +1300

Sir Graham Henry has had his role of coaching the coaches confirmed after the World Cup winning coach signed a part-time deal with the New Zealand Rugby Union until the end of 2013.

Football: Capello quits as England coach

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:45:50 +1300

Fabio Capello has quit as England coach just four months before the European Championship, after publicly challenging the Football Association's decision to strip John Terry of the captaincy.

Boxing: Tutaki crashes SBW victory celebrations

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:54:18 +1300

Moments after Sonny Bill Williams took out New Zealand's heavyweight title he had another fight on his hands - from a former scheduled opponent.

Boxing: Knockout win for Sonny Bill Williams

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:11:44 +1300

The one thing everyone knew about last night's fight between Sonny Bill Williams and Clarence Tillman III was that Williams lacked the power to knock out the hulking American.

Cricket: No complacency for Black Caps as Proteas loom

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:23:54 +1300

Momentum is the buzz word in the Black Caps' camp as they set out to sweep Zimbabwe in Napier today.

Cricket: India bag win over Sri Lanka

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:50:46 +1300

India made heavy weather of a modest run chase before securing a four-wicket victory against Sri Lanka in the second match of the triangular series at Perth on Wednesday.

From afar: Races a window into the human psyche

Farah Palmer — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:26:00 +1300

Dallas and Julie Seymour epitomise the no-nonsense, mentally tough New Zealanders we all aspire to be.

All Blacks poised to dominate Halberg Awards

Hayden Meikle — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:26:00 +1300

It is shaping as one of the most predictable Halberg Award functions in recent memory. The All Blacks will sweep the floor, won't they? Hayden Meikle looks at the contenders for the top gongs.

Surf lifesaving: Otago team back in national league

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:26:00 +1300

The Otago team returns to the national surf league at Mount Maunganui today after an absence of two years from the teams event.

Olympian back in the pool still chasing medals

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:26:00 +1300

Margaret Wilding (nee Edwards) timed it badly. There was minimal support for elite sportsmen and women when she competed at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne.

Swimming: Greenshields out to break records

Alistair McMurran — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:26:00 +1300

Lauren Greenshields gets married in Scotland next month but she wants to break more New Zealand masters swimming records first.

Ice hockey: Thunder struck it lucky with coach

Jack Salter — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:26:00 +1300

Dunedin ice hockey players are in for a major boost with the appointment of Janos Kaszala as the Dunedin Thunder coach.

Golf: Pro-am great chance, says Ko

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:26:00 +1300

Amateur star Lydia Ko has accepted an invitation to play in the inaugural New Zealand PGA pro-am at The Hills next month.

Still swinging at 93

Alistair McMurran — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:26:00 +1300

Ivan Elder wears Bermuda shorts and long socks to his knees. It is golf attire from an earlier time. But there was nothing ancient about the golfing style of the 93-year-old retired Gore accountant yesterday.

Boxing: First-round TKO takes pundits by surprise

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:26:00 +1300

The one thing everyone knew about last night's fight between Sonny Bill Williams and Clarence Tillman III was that Williams lacked the power to knock out the hulking American.

Bowls: Couple drawn to bowling holidays

Alistair McMurran — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:26:00 +1300

They had fun four years ago and have come back. Harry and Grace Coulson, the husband and wife team from Canberra, are playing bowls in their second New Zealand Masters Games in Dunedin.

Athletics: Gutsell breaks rivals with fast pace

Alistair McMurran — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:26:00 +1300

Ricky Gutsell (Gore) made no mistakes and comfortably won the prestige 10km road race at the New Zealand Masters Games last night.

Cricket: Parlane, Kitchen sink Otago

Adrian Seconi — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:26:00 +1300

Auckland's Anaru Kitchen has one day a year when he makes batting look ridiculously easy.

Racing: Jay Bees Grin shows readiness to resume

Tayler Strong — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Jay Bees Grin is set to resume racing at Addington on February 24 after a brilliant trial win at Motukarara yesterday.

League: Warriors prop to have surgery

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:14:49 +1300

Warriors prop Jacob Lillyman will have surgery on his damaged right biceps tomorrow.

Cricket: Otago bow out of one-day competition

Adrian Seconi — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:33:21 +1300

Otago has been eliminated from the one-day tournament after a comprehensive 73-run loss to Auckland in the preliminary final at Colin Maiden Park yesterday.

Golf: Ko to play PGA Pro-Am at Hills

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:56:41 +1300

Lydia Ko will play 30 tournaments in a busy schedule in 2012 and today confirmed that next month's inaugural New Zealand PGA Pro-Am Championship at The Hills in Queenstown, will be one of them.

League: Warriors to try Vatuvei at centre

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:52:46 +1300

Manu Vatuvei has emerged as a surprise option to fill the troublesome centre spot at the Warriors this season and will be given time there in Saturday's pre-season game against South Sydney at Coffs Harbour.

Basketball: Breakers suspend hungover star

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:49:26 +1300

The New Zealand Breakers are playing hardball with teammate BJ Anthony and have imposed a 10-day suspension on the forward after he turned up to training hungover.

Cricket: NZ riding high after repeat wins

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:34:56 +1300

These are upbeat days for New Zealand cricket.

Cricket: Brownlie out with fractured finger

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:34:35 +1300

Black Caps batsman Dean Brownlie fractured a finger on his left hand when he was struck by a ball while fielding in yesterday's one-dayer against Zimbabwe.

Cycling: Contador considers appeal over doping ban

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:30:47 +1300

Alberto Contador is considering appealing against the two-year ban he was handed by Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for failing a dope test during his victorious 2010 Tour de France campaign.

Netball: Money troubles for Steel

Adrian Seconi — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:42:00 +1300

The Steel netball franchise's financial situation is so "grim" chairwoman Janet Copeland has written two letters to Netball New Zealand and drafted a third begging for financial assistance.

Cricket: Volts believe weakened Aces vulnerable

Adrian Seconi — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:29:00 +1300

If there was a team Otago did not want to play in a preliminary final it would be Auckland.

Masters Games: Competitors keeping sports medics busy

John Lewis — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Masters athletes are not the only ones getting a good work-out this week.

Masters Games: Successful event for Christchurch friends

Alistair McMurran — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Graham Grange grew up in England and started cue sports as a 13-year-old in the church billiard league.

Masters Games: Immortalz dominant in final

Alistair McMurran — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Jackie Padman was the inspirational captain who led a dominant Immortalz women's team to a gold medal at Ellis Park yesterday.

Skeleton racing: Pair up for world champs

Marjorie Cook — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

New Zealand's top skeleton racers Katharine Eustace and Ben Sandford have qualified to compete at the world championships this month despite finishing outside the top 10 in their World Cup races at Whistler, Canada, on Monday.

Snow sports: Murphy snaps up silver

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Wanaka adaptive snowboarder Carl Murphy won a silver medal at the Para-Snowboard World Championships in Orcieres, France on Sunday, in the latest in a string of recent top-three finishes overseas.

Racing: Cup winners nominated

Tayler Strong — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Ohoka Texas, winner of five of his six starts this season including the Invercargill Cup at his last outing, is among six cup winners of summer racing nominated for the Waikouaiti Cup on Sunday.

Motorsport: Unassailable lead for Ross

Catherine Pattison — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

The F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series has progressed from promising, to perfect scenario, for Dunedin's Steve Ross, as he now holds an unassailable lead after the weekend's penultimate round.

Masters Games: Tough test ahead for Cherry

Alistair McMurran — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Kathryn Cherry needs to step up to another level when she plays in a New Zealand Croquet invitation event in Palmerston North later this week.

Boxing: It's all about the belt...or is it?

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

A bit like remakes of Zorro and King Kong, the New Zealand Professional Boxing Association heavyweight title pops up every decade or so.

Bowls: Mason repeats U20 victory

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

It was deja vu in Monday's final of the Zone Six Kittyhawks under-20 bowls singles at Mornington when Forbury Park's Elliot Mason repeated last year's winning performance against Clyde's Conner Muir, winning in straight sets 7-6, 5-4.

Netball: More cross-ditch raids planned to capture ex-pats

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Netball New Zealand is planning further raids on Australian-based talent with Kiwi links following on from the inclusion of Sydney-born midcourter Courtney Tairi in the national programme.

Netball: Otago records financial loss for year

Adrian Seconi — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Netball Otago recorded a small loss of $5516 for the financial year ending on October 31, 2011.

Masters Games: Van Gorp bowing out of Games on highnote

Alistair McMurran — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Barry van Gorp will leave the New Zealand Masters Games scene on a high note with football the top of the pops this year.

Football: Young McGarry joins academy

Steve Hepburn — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

James McGarry has become the latest Otago product to join the Asia Pacific Football Academy, and will join a United Nations of talent.