Renshaw in the runs
MATT Renshaw has notched up his third English County Championship century in eight innings for Somerset with 106 off 171 balls against competition leaders Nottinghamshire. The left-hander has now scored 411 Championship runs for Somerset at an average of 58.7, making his early departure due to an Australian A tour call-up in August all the more galling for the country. His latest century included 12 fours and two sixes.
Jones says his piece
EDDIE Jones saw his England side crash to a fifth successive defeat after a blistering start gave way to a dramatic collapse as South Africa emerged 42-39 winners from a thrilling first Test in Johannesburg. And following the defeat, Australian Jones had an altercation with some South Africa fans in the tunnel after the final whistle at Ellis Park. Supporters leaned over the railings but the former Wallabies boss stood his ground for 10 to 15 seconds and engaged with his tormentors before being ushered away by players and staff.
Tie at top of St Jude
DUSTIN Johnson and Andrew Putnam are tied at the top after the third round at the St Jude Classic as the two leaders separated themselves from the pack. In a promising tune-up for next week’s US Open, Johnson continued his excellent form with a five-under-par 65 on a scorching day at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee. But Putnam was even better, putting brilliantly for a 64 to join Johnson at 15-under 195, five strokes clear of fellow American Stewart Cink (64) with one round left. World number two Johnson will regain top spot if he wins today.
Marlins catch the win
THE Cairns Marlins have cruised to a comfortable 83-74 win over Southern District Spartans at the Fish Tank. The Marlins were led by former Sydney Kings development player Christian Jurlina, who poured in 19 points but was just 5-17 from the field on Friday night. In the women’s clash, the Spartans proved too strong for the Dolphins, running away 76-62 winners. Imports Robin Perkins and N’Dea Bryant combined for 44 points in the loss. The Dolphins and Marlins take on Rockhampton and Gladstone in a road double next weekend.
Dixon dominates
NEW Zealand’s Scott Dixon reaffirmed his mastery of Texas Motor Speedway yesterday, leading 119 of 248 laps en route to his third win there and the 43rd of his IndyCar career. Dixon broke out of a tie with Michael Andretti for third-most career wins. He had joined Andretti on 42 victories last weekend in Detroit. Dixon, driving a Honda-powered Chip Ganassi Racing car, took the chequered flag 4.2943sec in front of Team Penske’s Simon Pagenaud of France in Fort Worth. Dixon now tops the season standings with 357 points.