Hayden Meikle

First things first - Stewart Downing might be a Liverpool player, but how on earth did he make the England squad?

If only every sequel to an unexpected smash hit could be this good.

It has taken a lot longer than expected but a new-look Otago Rugby Football Union board has been unveiled.

Hamish Bond is so laid-back you almost wonder if a row boat is really the best place for him. Those multiple world titles suggest he made a good decision to pick up an oar. Continuing our countdown to London, Hayden Meikle talks to Otago's greatest rower.

Richard Murray will again put faith in local talent when he leads Otago United into a second season in the national league.

Otago United hopes to get a jump on next season by confirming its coaching staff just a little earlier than last year.

Opportunities in elite sport often come down to being in the right place at the right time.

Georgina Salter's greatest coaching achievements came in one golden year, but she has given a lifetime of service to netball.

She already has two world titles to her name, but you get the impression Alison Shanks will not consider her work close to being done until she wins an Olympic medal. Continuing our countdown to London, Hayden Meikle speaks to the Otago cyclist.

Kenny Dalglish will never walk alone, but he has been forced to walk the plank. Liverpool fans the world over did not want it to end this way. One of them is sports editor Hayden Meikle, who looks back on the highs and the lows of King Kenny's second reign.

Highlanders talisman Adam Thomson acknowledges the clash with the Hurricanes on Saturday night will carry an extra level of intensity.

There is nothing particularly wrong with this game - it's just that it has all been seen before.

The Otago Spirit needs another fundraising push if it is to make it into the national women's championship.

Money is already rolling in to help get the Otago Spirit women's team back in the national championship.

Here are some examples of why this column is such an admirer of Otago's greatest active athlete.-