Ben Cowles

1 week ago | morningstaronline.co.uk | Ben Cowles

DURHAM believe England captain Ben Stokes would “jump at the chance” to front a new Hundred team in the region, but accept they may have to wait until 2029 for the tournament to expand. Discussions are still continuing between the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the private investment groups who have agreed to plough around £520 million of new money into the competition, with a number of areas yet to be ironed out before contracts are signed.

1 week ago | morningstaronline.co.uk | Ben Cowles

PREMIERSHIP Rugby has confirmed two fixtures which will trial away supporter zones across rounds 14 and 15 of the competition. The trials will take place this Saturday when Saracens host Gloucester at the Barnet Copthall, and the following weekend when Leicester welcome Harlequins to the Welford Road Stadium. It is hoped that the new initiative, which will allow supporters from visiting clubs to gather in a single stand, will improve atmospheres and drive up attendances.

1 week ago | morningstaronline.co.uk | Ben Cowles

CELIN BIZET and Grace Clinton scored as Manchester United defeated depleted rivals Manchester City 2-0 to set up a Women’s FA Cup final with Chelsea. The defending champions were good value as they reached their third final in a row, scoring both goals in the first quarter of the game, before goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce did her bit to see off any hopes of a revival from the hosts.

1 week ago | morningstaronline.co.uk | Ben Cowles

STILIYAN PETROV believes Celtic’s board will already have started working towards trying to extend Brendan Rodgers’ contract. The 52-year-old Northern Irishman returned in the summer of 2023 for a second spell in charge of the Hoops and his current deal expires at the end of next season. Rodgers oversaw a Premiership and Scottish Cup double last term, while he is closing in on a domestic treble this term in addition to having reached the last 16 of the Champions League.

1 week ago | morningstaronline.co.uk | Ben Cowles

NOTTINGHAM FOREST goalkeeper Matz Sels says his side have “six finals” to play as they try and get over the line in the race for Champions League qualification. Forest’s hopes took a big blow on Saturday after they were beaten by a last-gasp Everton goal at the City Ground in a 1-0 loss to make it two successive defeats. Their position in the top five is now looking vulnerable, but with six games left to play, Sels has called on his team-mates to finish the job. “We are doing well this season.