
Aiden Markram helps South Africa beat Australia in World Test Championship final
Bavuma fell early on Saturday morning for 66 and, though Markram was dismissed six runs short of the victory target, his 136 was the crucial innings and allowed David Bedingham and Kyle Verreynne to finish the job.
It ends a series of agonising near misses for the five-time World Cup semi-finalists and 2024 T20 World Cup runners-up and marks the Proteas' first global trophy since 1998, when they won the Wills International Cup – the precursor to the Champions Trophy – and the Commonwealth Games.
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Belfast Telegraph
28 minutes ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Northern Ireland striker set to be subject of League One bidding war as multiple sides weigh up offers
The Belfast Telegraph revealed earlier this week that the former Cliftonville hero was open to a move away from the Scottish Championship side in order to keep his World Cup dreams at international level alive. After scoring 18 times for Ross County last season, Hale has already netted four goals this term for the Staggies and played 90 minutes on Saturday in the 2-2 draw at Airdrie as the Highlands club began their campaign in Scotland's second tier following their relegation from the top flight in May. It is understood the striker, having made a positive impact on his Northern Ireland debut in June, is keen to play at a higher level to cement his place in Michael O'Neill's squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, which kick off with an away double header versus Luxembourg and Germany in September. League One sides Luton and Wycombe Wanderers have been tracking Hale, while Reading have also been keeping an eye on the 26-year-old and could now be ready to make their move. In turn, that may lead to others following suit, with Ross County looking for a healthy return on a player who has been a big hit for them and has two years left on his contract. Reading, who on Saturday lost their opening League One fixture of the season 2-0 at Lincoln, have money to spend after midfielder Harvey Knibbs joined Charlton Athletic for an undisclosed fee. Fellow Hale admirers Wycombe Wanderers were also defeated in their first game 2-1 at Bradford. Scottish Premiership clubs are monitoring the situation but it seems the English sides have moved ahead in the race. Belfast native Hale played at youth and Under-21 level for the Republic of Ireland but last year opted to go through a protracted FIFA process to complete an international transfer to Northern Ireland. Having waited patiently for his first appearance for O'Neill's side, he started in the 1-0 friendly win over Iceland at Windsor Park and looked dangerous in attack. After enjoying his first taste of senior international football, Hale is hungry for more and is determined to give himself the best chance possible of playing in the World Cup games.

Rhyl Journal
2 hours ago
- Rhyl Journal
Marlie Packer hands England World Cup worry during 97-7 rout of Spain
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Powys County Times
2 hours ago
- Powys County Times
Marlie Packer hands England World Cup worry during 97-7 rout of Spain
Marlie Packer's availability for the start of the World Cup is in doubt after she was sent off in England's crushing 97-7 demolition of Spain. The veteran flanker, who was captaining her country in Leicester, was dismissed 19 minutes from time for an adjudged illegal clearout on Spain full-back Claudia Pena. With the Red Roses set to play France next weekend in their final warm-up match ahead of their World Cup opener against the United States on August 22, Packer will face a disciplinary hearing to determine her fate. We take the win 🌹 #RedRoses — Red Roses (@RedRosesRugby) August 2, 2025 Helena Rowland scored a hat-trick at Welford Road as England's preparations for a tilt at global glory on home soil began in ruthless fashion. The versatile back, who was hailed as 'probably the most valuable person' in the Red Roses' squad by head coach John Mitchell after being named to start on the right wing, claimed two of seven first-half tries. Number eight Maddie Feaunati, scrum-half Lucy Packer, wing Jess Breach, prop Sarah Bern and centre Jade Shekells also crossed in the opening 40 minutes. Bern registered her second try early in the second period before Rowland completed her treble two minutes later and lock Lilli Ives Campion added another for Test rugby's top-ranked nation. Spain, who are ranked 13th in the world and will face Ireland in Pool C at the World Cup, claimed a fine 53rd-minute consolation through 19-year-old Harlequins player Pena, which was converted by fly-half Amalia Argudo. Full-back Emma Sing stretched England's lead before replacements May Campbell, Hannah Botterman and Abby Dow and vice-captain Megan Jones completed the scoring following the premature departure of skipper Packer.