Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Latest Sports Buzz

Latest Sports Buzz

SL vs NZ: Hosts aim to leave controversies behind

Posted: 18 Aug 2010 11:00 PM PDT

SL vs NZ

SL vs NZ

All the teams at the tri-series in Dambulla, Sri Lanka have returned to the second leg of the tournament and today's match will see New Zealand taking again on hosts Sri Lanka. The teams, all three of them have won one match each and shall look forward to secure a stronger position post the league matches.

Sri Lanka has been more worried about the no-ball controversy than the loss to India in their second game. They also stood to lose a bonus point after the six wicket defeat. The team was accused of playing with the spirit of the game and both Suraj Randiv and the management were forced to apologize to the Indians.

The probe by the Sri Lankan cricket board led to the suspension of Randiv for the game with the Kiwis. In addition, Dilshan and Randiv were also made to forfeit their match fees. Captain Sangakkara was also reprimanded by the board who earlier had said that this kind of acts do not have any place in cricket. He however, maintained that the no-ball controversy will not affect the team's performance.

The squad is also worried regarding its batting performance post the defeat to India. Given the fact that Randiv is out of the match, the bowling onus shall be on Rangana Herath and Ajantha Mendis.

New Zealand meanwhile is entering the fight after a good round of rest and they feel this could work as an advantage. However, Captain Taylor seemed concerned of the top order batting as they witnessed collapse in the earlier matches, leaving the responsibility to the middle order. Kane Williamson is hopeful that he would able open his account in the match. In both the previous games, the batsman was sent back without any runs on the scoreboard.

England vs Pakistan Day 1 Score: Riaz Has a Debut of a Lifetime but Broad and Prior Lead Eng Fight-Back

Posted: 18 Aug 2010 11:41 AM PDT

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England looked in all sorts of trouble as Wahab Riaz wrecked the top order by an amazing bowling display in his debut at The Oval. Matt Prior and Stuart Broad, however fought to give England a semblance of recovery.

Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir contributed with 2 and 1 wickets respectively to leave England tottering at a dismal 94/7. But Broad and Prior made good use of their batting talents to bond together and maintain a steady flow of runs resulting in an unbeaten 81 run stand for the 8th wicket.

at tea, the England team had achieved a respectable 175 runs for the loss of 7 wickets . Under the circumstances, this was nothing short of a miracle.

Riaz who was just replacing Umar who's the regular offensive bowler of Pakistan, and missing all the action due to a hamstring injury he sustained in Pakistan, proved his mettle.

His skiddy pace took the advantage away from the England players. His domestic record doesn't speak much about this lad but what he did on the field in his debut was nothing short of a miracle. Wahab ended up with a magnificent 5 wickets conceding just 63 runs.

The England players were all bundled out for 233, not by any measure, a Test match score.

In reply to this remarkably low score from England, Pakistan is at 48 with the loss of just 1 wicket of Imran Farhat who was done in by Anderson.

The only hitch in Pakistan's otherwise disciplined bowling came when Mohammad Yousuf dropped Prior in the later part of the innings. There is no doubt in the minds of everybody who's the player to watch out for.

Let's take a look at the updates of the first day:Pakistan-48/1
England-233

Pakistan trail England by 185 runs.

Gamescom conference raises cheers for Playstation 3

Posted: 18 Aug 2010 11:04 AM PDT

- playstation 3 , sony playstation 3Playstation 3 fans have a reason to celebrate. On Tuesday, BioWare announced at the Gamescom conference in Germany that the game Mass Effect 2 would be coming to Sony's plastation 2. So far, this has been the best game of 2010. In January, it will be available for Playstation 3 users. How will Microsoft respond, many wonder.

This announcement comes in the wake of prior franchise rights of Mass Effect being restricted to only Xbox 360 and PC gamers. Is Microsoft upset about losing Mass Effect 2's exclusive rights? It feels that it still has the best console to play the game. Xbox 360, it feels, is the best gaming experience for Mass Effect.

Playstation 3 and Mass Effect details are more or less still under wraps. The good part is that Playstation 3 is all geared up for opportunity. It is coming up with another version with bigger hard drives.

It will introduce console/Blu-ray player soon enough. This will add more storage as well as a new wireless controller similar to Nintendo’s Wiimote. When the competition is all heated up, the maximum benefits will be derived by gaming fans, who will now have more choice and much more to experience.

Also, Sony's cheaper Playstation Model, costing $299.99 has a 160 gigabyte hard drive. It'll soon be hitting the stores. The other $399.99 model will have storage of 320 GB and will include new features like the Move wireless, motion-sensitive controller.

Playstation 3 is giving fans just what they need especially with the Gamescom conference raising new cheers!

Western Force Sign Maori Flyhalf Ripia To Two-Year Pact

Posted: 18 Aug 2010 08:51 AM PDT

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Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Sydney, Australia (AHN) – The Western Force, seeking to stabilize its flyhalf post, inked New Zealand Maori representative Willie Ripia to a two-year deal.

The 24-year-old Ripia, who has logged 30 Super rugby appearances with the Otago Highlanders and Wellington Hurricanes, could later represent Australia once he has passed the residency qualifications.

Ripia, a New Zealand under-19s and under-21s representative, has moved to Perth as a ‘foreign development player’.

The Hurricanes playmaker could be the answer for the Force, which has endured problems at pivot.

Before the season started, the Force lost marquee signing Andre Pretorius to injury.

In order to address the issues at pivot, Western Force tapped the services of Kiwi veteran David Hill on a short-term basis

Ripia played in nine matches for the Hurricanes this year.

He also took part in the Maori tour victories against England and Ireland.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

United In Tune With Win Vs. Newcastle; Giggs Extends Record

Posted: 18 Aug 2010 08:51 AM PDT

Andrew Lawn – AHN Sports Correspondent

Manchester, United Kingdom (AHN) – When Chelsea smacked six past West Bromwich Albion Saturday it sent a clear messge to Old Trafford that the Blues were intent on retaining their Premier League crown.

Manchester United were made to wait until Monday to answer the gauntlet laid at their feet, but answer it they did.

Aside from an Andy Carroll header early on, the Red Devils never looked threatened by a Newcastle United side which offered little resistance as Manchester United eased its way into the new campaign.

Dimitar Berbatov, given the nod ahead of Mexican star Javier Hernandez, opened the scoring with a crisp drive half hour into proceedings.

Darren Fletcher doubled United’s advantage just before the break after a clever touch from Wayne Rooney, who hasn’t scored a goal since March.

The icing on United’s cake came five minutes from full-time when a superb ball from Man of the Match Paul Scholes, found United’s other Golden Oldie, Ryan Giggs unmarked.

The United winger, now 36, showed the technical brilliance that has allowed him to remain at the very peak of the professional game all these years, to volley home a sublime third.

Giggs’ finish maintains his remarkable record of scoring in every Premier League season since the League’s inception in 1992 and ensured United start the season on song.

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San Jose Earthquakes Sign Brazillian Midfield Ace Geovanni

Posted: 18 Aug 2010 08:51 AM PDT

Andrew Lawn – AHN Sports Correspondent

San Jose, CA, United States (AHN) – San Jose Earthquakes have signed Brazillian international midfielder Geovanni on a free transfer.

San Jose moved for the creative midfielder after he was released from recently relegated English Premier League side Hull City.

Geovanni starred for Hull in its first Premier League season, after joining from Manchester City, including a memorable winning goal against Arsenal at the Emirates.

The playmaker struggled to make an impact in his second season and the club was relegated back to the championship.

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Miller-Fuqua Team Top Inaugural Red River Bass Fishing Tourney

Posted: 18 Aug 2010 08:51 AM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Colfax, LA, United States (AHN) – The team of Keith Miller and Ricky Fuqua landed a five-fish stringer, weighing over 10 pounds to win the title at the inaugural LSUA/ALBC Scholarship bass fishing tournament on Red River Saturday.

The champions’ nearest competitor also reeled in a five-fish stringer but could not surpass team Miller-Fuqua’s haul of 10.43 pounds.

The tandem of Kenny Goodeau and Kevin Lasyonne took second place at 8.31 pounds.

Nicky McNeely and Brett Danzy ended with a 5 fish, 8.21 pounds, while Rodney Wiley had a 4 fish, 7.63 haul.

Rounding out the top five is the team of Mike Humphries and Danny Kellogg (5 fish, 6.56 pounds).

The sponsors of the bass tournament, the Association of Louisiana Bass Clubs (ALBC) and LSU Alexandria, will use part of the proceeds to provide money for deserving criminal justice and biological sciences students.

The winning teams will receive 70 percent of the payout, while the 30 percent will be directed for LSUA scholarships.

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Cable Program Documents Maine High School Football Rivalry

Posted: 18 Aug 2010 08:51 AM PDT

AHN Sports Staff

Rumford, ME, United States (AHN) – Football is far and away America’s sport. On the opening weekend of the NFL’s regular season, Smithsonian Channel strips away the glitz and glamour of a sport that at its core is about competition with a story that can be heard in cities and towns across the country.

It’s a tale of champion versus challenger, the haves against the have-nots.

On Saturday, September 11 at 9PM ET/PT, Smithsonian Channel presents the world television premiere of THE RIVALS, which follows one incredible season in the lives of two high school football teams in Maine who share the same goal: to win the state championship.

It’s a story about football, but also a story about America and the universal quest for respect.

Rumford is a blue-collar town in the rugged mountains of Western Maine, supported by a dying paper mill that sheds workers on a seemingly daily basis. While the town is suffering economically, its football team is a perennial powerhouse. Rumford’s Mountain Valley High School has been a contender in high school football for the better part of 20 years.

They have six conference titles and two state championships under longtime coach Jim Aylward. Having played high school football in Rumford, Aylward left for college, hoping that he would never have to work in the same paper mill where his father toiled for years. His goal, besides winning, is to prepare his players to be successful in life by excelling on the field.

The town of Rumford supports the team wholeheartedly, giving everything they can, even if they don’t have much, to ensure the continued success of the team. The football team is the heart and soul of the town and a source of pride for all of its residents.

Cape Elizabeth is a wealthy suburban town right outside Maine’s largest city, Portland. It’s two hours south of Rumford, and home to Cape Elizabeth High School, which is known as a “soccer school,” since its football program didn’t exist until 2004.

The “Cape Kids,” as the students are known, seem to have it all. Although their football program is in itsinfancy, they have better equipment and facilities than Mountain Valley could ever afford. Knowing that these advantages will only take the team so far, their fiery young coach, Aaron Filieo, tries to instill in his players the same work ethic that his coach taught him during his playing days.

The Rivals documents these two teams, their coaches, players and towns during their tumultuous 2007 season, which had enough twists and turns for a Hollywood movie. Each team shares the same simple goal – to be the best.

This isn’t just a film about high school football and competition on the field – it’s a story of class, pride and perseverance. These are lessons that the athletes from Mountain Valley and Cape Elizabeth will carry with them wherever they go, for the rest of their lives.

THE RIVALS is produced by Lone Wolf Films. Kirk Wolfinger is the director. The film has been well received on the independent film festival circuit, having won the Audience Choice Award at the 2010 Woods Hole Festival, Best Picture at the 2010 Phoenix Film Festival and Best Documentary at the 2009Los Angeles Reel Film Festival.

ABOUT SMITHSONIAN NETWORKS

Smithsonian Networks (SNI/SI Networks L.L.C.) is a joint venture between Showtime Networks Inc. and the Smithsonian Institution, formed to create channels featuring programs largely inspired by the assets of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum complex. Smithsonian Channel features award-winning original documentaries, series, and groundbreaking programs highlighting America’s historical, cultural and scientific heritage.

Smithsonian Channel brings the American experience home in high definition and Dolby Digital 5.1 and is available to customers of DirecTV, Time Warner Cable, Comcast, Charter Communications, Cablevision, Verizon, AT&T, and more. Learn more at www.smithsonianchannel.com .

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Angels Ink Prep Phenom Third Baseman Cowart

Posted: 18 Aug 2010 08:51 AM PDT

AHN Sports Staff

Anaheim, CA, United States (AHN) – The Los Angeles Angels made an investment for the future, signing third baseman prospect Kaleb Cowart to a deal.

Cowart, the 18th overall pick in June’s First-Year Player Draft, officially became a Halo after signing a deal before the deadline to ink draft prospects expired Monday.

Though the terms and length of deal were not publicly released, several sources indicated the reigning Gatorade High School Baseball Player of the Year will receive at least $2.3 million in signing bonuses.

Cowart’s drew attention with a sensational senior year at Cook County High School, where he recorded the second highest batting average in the state of Georgia at .654.

Aside from his terrific batting average, Cowart also blasted 11 homers, 59 RBI and 55 runs scored in his senior year.

Moreover, the 18-year old phenom also finished with high slugging percentage (1.206) and on-base percentage (.721). He was also 36 for 36 on stolen bases, flashing both speed and power.

Angels’ director of scouting Eddie Bane viewed Cowart’s signing as wise move for the future.

“We’re pleased to officially welcome Kaleb to our organization,” Bane told MLB.com. “He will add to the talented pieces already in our farm system and will play a large role in the future success of the Angels.”

A source close to the Angels said the team was not only impressed with Cowart’s high school resume, but also the maturity he showed throughout the course of the negotiations.

Cowart, 18, is expected to join the team’s Arizona instructional league team before playing with the Angels’ minor league affiliates in the following months.

Cowart was originally committed to Florida State, but Monday’s development formally ended his chance to play college baseball.

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Nats` Harper, Several MLB Draftees Agree To Pacts At Deadline

Posted: 18 Aug 2010 08:51 AM PDT

Kareem Shaker – AHN Sports Reporter

Washington, DC, United States (AHN) – The Washington Nationals reached a last-minute agreement with No. 1 overall pick Bryce Harper on a five-year, $9.9 million deal Monday just before the midnight deadline.

Harper, 17, will get a $6.25 million signing bonus and start his career at left field, despite coming up as a catcher.

The Las Vegas native garnered a lot of attention when Sports Illustarted labeled him the “chosen one” and compared him to LeBron James.

Harper has awed scouts with his incredible bat speed and maturity, batting .442 with 29 home runs and 89 RBI during the 2010 regular season as a freshman in junior college

“This guy is another impact player in the system,” general manager Mike Rizzo, who successfuly signed last year’s No. 1 Stephen Strasburg, told MLB.com. “He is a guy that could possibly be a cornerstone in our lineup in the very near future and a talent we’re pleased to put in the organization.

Harper highlights a list of 14 first-round picks that signed last-minute deals with their teams Monday.

The Pittsburgh Pirates reached an agreement with No. 2 pick Jameson Taillon on a $6.5 million deal, the largest ever for a player straight out of high school.

No. 3 pick Manny Machado agreed to a deal with the Orioles ($5.25M) and No. 5 Drew Pomeranz signed with the Cleveland Indians for $2.75 million. No. 4 pick Christian Colon signed with the Royals back in June for $2.65 million.

Arizona’s No. 6 pick Barret Loux did not sign, prompting speculation he will head back to college and re-enter the 2011 draft.

The New York Mets signed No. 7 overall pick Matt Harvey to a $2.52 million deal, also Monday. No. 8 pick Deline DeShields (Mets) and No. 10 Michael Choice (A’s) signed just after the draft.

The San Diego Padres, the only team that picked in the top 10 threatening to make the playoffs, failed to sign No. 9 pick Karsten Whitson

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