Punching above weight

CRICKET
POVERTY Bay is the smallest association in the Northern Districts region but punches above its weight, says senior men’s coach and Poverty Bay Cricket Association development officer David McDonald.
“We had 13 players picked for

Cricket: Bennett ruled out of HRV Cup

New Zealand Cricket medical staff today confirmed Canterbury Wizards fast bowler Hamish Bennett has been ruled out of the HRV Cup Twenty20 competition.

NZC national selector manager Kim Littlejohn said: "Hamish has been

'Yachting: 'Stealth Zone' awaits Camper

Camper Emirates Team New Zealand, skippered by Chris Nicholson from Australia. Photo / Supplied

Team New Zealand skipper Chris Nicholson says the crew aboard Camper are ready to attack on day 11 of the Volvo Ocean

All Blacks: Grant Fox eagerly awaiting new job as selector

Grant Fox. Photo / NZPA

New All Blacks' selector Grant Fox didn't think twice about accepting the job offer, even if it meant less time working on his tan this summer.

The former first five eighth

Soccer: Phoenix beat down Newcastle

Andrew Durante of the Phoenix runs the ball under pressure from Ryan Griffiths of the Jets during the round 12 A-League match between Wellington Phoenix and Newcastle Jets at Westpac Stadium. Photo / Getty

Phoenix

Cricket: India embark on setting records Down Under

Sachin Tendulkar from India. Photo / AP

India's 10th tour to Australia has the potential to be one of the most memorable in history for the cricket-obsessed nation.

But with so much on the line, there's

Cycling: Sergent double finalist for BikeNZ awards

Jesse Sergent, cyclist. Photo / Supplied

Feilding cyclist Jesse Sergent had his stunning 2011 season recognised by being named a finalist on road and track at the BikeNZ rider of the year awards.

Sergent came second

Direct route beckons

CANOEING

GISBORNE’S London Olympic hopeful Darryl Fitzgerald will head a five-strong local assault on the Oceania Canoe Championships at Penrith, Australia, in March.
For the 21-year-old it is the last chance to take the direct route

Triathlon: Bremer comes home an international winner

Bremer enjoyed an unexpected breakthrough victory in Ironman Western Australia earlier this month. Photo / Dean Purcell

Former Mt Maunganui athlete Michelle Bremer is hoping next month's Port of Tauranga half ironman will prove a happy

Soccer: Yaya Toure scoops top African player award

Manchester City's Yaya Toure (L) vies for the ball against Arsenal's Robin van Persie. Photo / AP

Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure has been named African Player of the Year at an awards ceremony in the

All Blacks: Friends reunited for new era

Aussie McLean (L), Steven Hansen (C) and Ian Foster (R). Photo / Getty Images

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen believes his new coaching staff and selectors will keep the World Cup winners "ahead of the pack"

Golf: New Zealand women's open confirmed for Canterbury

Kristie Smith of Australia will return to New Zealand to defend her 2011 title. Photo / Getty Images

The New Zealand Women's Golf Open will return to Canterbury next February, almost a year to the day

Racing: Dunedin Cup in his sights

[1]
The Solitaire (outer) wins at Wingatui in October. Photo by Tayler Strong.

Trainer Steve Anderton has an eye on the Dunedin Cup with either The Solitaire or The Glitzy One.

Angling: Top conditions for next few days

[1]
An angler looks for a fishing spot at Lake Benmore's Sailors Cutting near Otematata. Photo by Craig Baxter.

In the next few days anglers will be spoilt for choice as far as

Rugby: Taranaki rules out swoop on Highlanders

Taranaki has no plans to try to take the Highlanders out of the South as talks continue behind closed doors over the franchise and the role of the new Forsyth Barr Stadium.

With

Rugby: Grant Fox mystery All Black selector

Steve Hansen's coaching staff will be announced today, with most of the mystery surrounding the appointment of an "external'' selector.

Speculation has ramped up as to who that could be, but it seems

Cricket: Clarke primed to take on India, doubters

[1] Michael Clarke
A swashbuckling century on debut against India was the making of Michael Clarke as a test batsman. Seven years later, the one-time golden boy of Australian cricket might hope a home series

Football: Match replay possible after attack on goalie

[1]
AZ Alkmaar goalkeeper Esteban from Costa Rica reacts as he is attacked by an Ajax Amsterdam supporter during the teams' match at Amsterdam Arena. REUTERS/Ajax/Louis Van De Vuurst

The Dutch football

Rugby: Foster joins ABs coaching team

[1] Ian Foster
Former Chiefs coach Ian Foster is the new assistant coach of the All Blacks and Grant Fox is to join as a selector, it was announced today.

Former Hurricanes assistant coach

Football: Spurs hold Chelsea to draw

[1] Tottenham Hotspur's Emmanuel Adebayor (R) and Chelsea's Ashley Cole vie for the ball during their Premier League match at White Hart Lane in London. REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
Tottenham have maintained the edge over Chelsea in