SPORT IN BRIEF

GOLF SCOTLAND’S Catriona Matthew finished tied for ninth spot yesterday at the Australian Women’s Open in Adelaide,

The 46-year-old, who won the tournament in 1996, for her first pro victory, shot a finalround 72 at the Grange Golf Club to finish nine shots behind winner Haru Nomura of Japan. Defending champion Lydia Ko finished second (275) with Australia’s Karrie Webb third on 279. Kylie Walker from Glasgow tied for 20th place. ICE HOCKEY BRAEHEAD hockey operations director Gareth Chalmers has issued an ultimatum to the club’s misfiring players – salvage Clan’s season or forget any hopes of earning new deals.

The Glasgow side were hammered 5-1 at home on Saturday night when the Fife Flyers stunned a sold-out Braehead Arena crowd, and Chalmers said: “We’re coming up to the business part of the season, there is a lot to play for. Players are looking for contracts for next season, a number have expressed an interest in returning, it is over to them to prove their worth when we need it most.”

Following Saturday’s defeat, Clan’s losing run was extended to four games when they lost 2-1 in Dundee last night. RUGBY LEAGUE AUSTRALIAN clubs completed a whitewash of their Super League counterparts for the second successive year. Depleted Leeds had their moments in the World Club Challenge with a spirited firsthalf display against North Queensland Cowboys in front of a 19,778 crowd at Headingley, before collapsing after the break and conceding 34 points to go down 38-4. As the Rhinos went the way of St Helens and Wigan, the aggregate score of 118-28 over the three-match series summed up the gulf between Super League and the NRL.