Latest news with #ChampionshipFinal
Scoop
31-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
Woodhill Forest Gears Up For Iconic Off-Road Racing Showdown
Press Release – Auckland Offroad Racing Club AUCKLAND, NZ – The rugged trails and sand tracks of Woodhill Forest will thunder to life this Sunday, 1 June, as the fifth round of the 2025 New Zealand Offroad Racing Championship rolls into action. Hosted by the Auckland Offroad Racing Club, the event will bring together the North Island's top off-road racers for a day of high-octane endurance and skill in one of the most celebrated fixtures on the national offroad racing calendar – the Landscape Yard Woodhill 100. Now in its fifth round of a six-round national series, the championship sees drivers accumulate points across three of six regional rounds – three held in the North Island and three in the South. The top contenders will ultimately face off for national honours at the Championship Final, held at TECT Park, Bay of Plenty, over Labour Weekend. This weekend's event is more than just a race. The Woodhill 100 is New Zealand's longest-running one-day off-road endurance race, tracing its origins back over four decades. Held in the dense and unpredictable terrain of Woodhill Forest, northwest of Auckland, the race is regarded as a cornerstone of the sport. Competitors must complete 160 km of punishing track, navigating multiple laps of shifting sand and treacherous gravel in a test of mechanical durability, physical resilience, and raw speed. The race attracts an elite field of purpose-built vehicles, from unlimited-horsepower Pro1 race cars to mighty Thunder-trucks. For most, it's a quest for championship points. For a few, it's about glory—winning outright and claiming a place in the storied history of this prestigious event. Among those chasing legend is six-time Woodhill 100 winner Tony McCall. Known for his relentless driving style and fierce competitiveness, McCall's decades-long rivalry with fellow six-time winner Ian Foster has become the stuff of off-road folklore. Now, McCall returns to Woodhill chasing a record-breaking seventh title—one that would place him alone at the top of the all-time leaderboard. 'It's not just another race,' says race organiser, Donn Attwood. 'For racers like Tony, it's personal. It's obsession. Winning the Woodhill defines their careers.' Also returning is #193 Daynom Templeman, who clinched his third Woodhill title in 2023 and is known for treating the grueling 160 km like a sprint. With cars pushing upwards of 700 horsepower, competitors must fine-tune their machines for the punishing dual nature of sand and gravel. Sand destroys drivetrains; gravel demands razor-sharp handling and braking, especially on the infamous Coast Road – a 4km straight that ends in a high-speed right-angle turn. Keeping your head while all others are losing theirs helps a lot, but also the Mechanical attrition is brutal—only half the starters finished in 2024. Preparation is paramount. Qualifying, too, is critical. Last year, McCall (#157) claimed pole position after laying down the fastest time from the eighth qualifying run. Before the main event, spectators will be treated to the Landscape Yard Junior Enduro – a 30-minute timed battle on a shortened junior circuit. With the crowd lining the track and roaring support, New Zealand's youngest off-road racers will demonstrate their emerging talent, pushing KiwiTrucks to the limit in an all-out sprint that is as thrilling as the main race itself. The Auckland Offroad Racing Club, formed through the merger of the Auckland Buggy Club and Western District Offroad Racing Club, continues to build on a proud legacy. The ABC was born in the Muriwai dunes and was known for its legendary sand enduros, while WDORC created the original Woodhill 100, a race that remains the crown jewel of the championship calendar. The Woodhill 100 is more than a race—it's a proving ground, a tradition, and a rite of passage for those who dare to conquer it.
Scoop
31-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
Woodhill Forest Gears Up For Iconic Off-Road Racing Showdown
AUCKLAND, NZ – The rugged trails and sand tracks of Woodhill Forest will thunder to life this Sunday, 1 June, as the fifth round of the 2025 New Zealand Offroad Racing Championship rolls into action. Hosted by the Auckland Offroad Racing Club, the event will bring together the North Island's top off-road racers for a day of high-octane endurance and skill in one of the most celebrated fixtures on the national offroad racing calendar – the Landscape Yard Woodhill 100. Now in its fifth round of a six-round national series, the championship sees drivers accumulate points across three of six regional rounds – three held in the North Island and three in the South. The top contenders will ultimately face off for national honours at the Championship Final, held at TECT Park, Bay of Plenty, over Labour Weekend. This weekend's event is more than just a race. The Woodhill 100 is New Zealand's longest-running one-day off-road endurance race, tracing its origins back over four decades. Held in the dense and unpredictable terrain of Woodhill Forest, northwest of Auckland, the race is regarded as a cornerstone of the sport. Competitors must complete 160 km of punishing track, navigating multiple laps of shifting sand and treacherous gravel in a test of mechanical durability, physical resilience, and raw speed. The race attracts an elite field of purpose-built vehicles, from unlimited-horsepower Pro1 race cars to mighty Thunder-trucks. For most, it's a quest for championship points. For a few, it's about glory—winning outright and claiming a place in the storied history of this prestigious event. Among those chasing legend is six-time Woodhill 100 winner Tony McCall. Known for his relentless driving style and fierce competitiveness, McCall's decades-long rivalry with fellow six-time winner Ian Foster has become the stuff of off-road folklore. Now, McCall returns to Woodhill chasing a record-breaking seventh title—one that would place him alone at the top of the all-time leaderboard. 'It's not just another race,' says race organiser, Donn Attwood. 'For racers like Tony, it's personal. It's obsession. Winning the Woodhill defines their careers.' Also returning is #193 Daynom Templeman, who clinched his third Woodhill title in 2023 and is known for treating the grueling 160 km like a sprint. With cars pushing upwards of 700 horsepower, competitors must fine-tune their machines for the punishing dual nature of sand and gravel. Sand destroys drivetrains; gravel demands razor-sharp handling and braking, especially on the infamous Coast Road – a 4km straight that ends in a high-speed right-angle turn. Keeping your head while all others are losing theirs helps a lot, but also the Mechanical attrition is brutal—only half the starters finished in 2024. Preparation is paramount. Qualifying, too, is critical. Last year, McCall (#157) claimed pole position after laying down the fastest time from the eighth qualifying run. Before the main event, spectators will be treated to the Landscape Yard Junior Enduro – a 30-minute timed battle on a shortened junior circuit. With the crowd lining the track and roaring support, New Zealand's youngest off-road racers will demonstrate their emerging talent, pushing KiwiTrucks to the limit in an all-out sprint that is as thrilling as the main race itself. The Auckland Offroad Racing Club, formed through the merger of the Auckland Buggy Club and Western District Offroad Racing Club, continues to build on a proud legacy. The ABC was born in the Muriwai dunes and was known for its legendary sand enduros, while WDORC created the original Woodhill 100, a race that remains the crown jewel of the championship calendar. The Woodhill 100 is more than a race—it's a proving ground, a tradition, and a rite of passage for those who dare to conquer it.
BBC News
21-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
'Sunderland have the emotional story'
Sunderland's dramatic play-off semi-final win over Coventry City will have given them belief they can beat Sheffield United in Saturday's Championship final, according to former Reading and Crystal Palace winger Jobi Black Cats scored a last-minute goal against the Sky Blues to secure a 3-2 aggregate win and McAnuff, who lost a Championship final with Reading in 2011 before winning promotion the following season, thinks that could strengthen their resolve."Sunderland have the emotional story, the euphoria of that last-minute goal from Dan Ballard," McAnuff told the BBC's EFL podcast 72+."That's hard to quantify because, on the balance of play, they weren't the better team over the two legs but they found a way to win so you're bringing that belief you can win a game regardless of how they played."Sunderland had considerably less possession than Coventry over the course of the semi-final including just 26% in their 2-1 victory in the first leg and McAnuff thinks it could be hard to beat the Blades if they play the same way at Wembley."I think Sunderland have shown the togetherness and belief to get through the semi-final - I just feel they need to keep the ball better so they're not doing as much work off the ball as they can be tough days if you're not seeing a lot of it."
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
A salute to Warrington Wolves' last Championship winners 70 years ago today
IT was 70 years ago, today, that The Wire celebrated arguably their finest hour. Winning a league title is tough enough, but to retain it is something very special indeed. And that's what Cec Mountford's men did on May 14, 1955, when they beat Oldham in the Championship Final at Manchester City's former Maine Road home. Wire celebrating the 1955 Championship success at Maine Road. From left to right, are Danny Naughton, Len Horton, Tom McKinney, Gerry Helme, Bob Ryan, Eric Frodsham, Syd Phillips, Harry Bath, Jim Honey, Jim Challinor, Brian Bevan, Gerry Lowe It was the third and final time Warrington have been crowned champions, and the only time they did so having also finished top of the table at the end of the league campaign, edging out Oldham on points difference. Heroes of the era like Harry Bath and Brian Bevan remain household names, not only in this town but in their Australia homeland too. The Wire became champions for the first time 77 years ago. In those days, like now, a play-offs system resulted in determining the champions, rather than the title going to the team that finished top of the table. On May 8, 1948, The Wire overhauled Bradford Northern 15-5 at Maine Road in Manchester. In Chris Brockbank's 12th year as manager, skipper Harold 'Moggy' Palin received the trophy off Lord Derby and lifted it for his hometown club in front of 69,143 spectators. That day, Bevan scored a record-breaking 57th try in a season while Stan Powell and Albert Pimblett also crossed the whitewash, with Palin kicking three goals. The 1948 Championship Final winning team above and below. Back row, from left, Brian Bevan, Bryn Knowelden, Bill Riley, Dave Cotton, Bill Darbyshire, Albert Pimblett. Middle row, Stan Powell, Les Jones, Harold Palin, Bob Ryan, Jim Featherstone. Front, Jack Fleming, Gerry Helme Warrington, who had finished second to Wigan in the table, knocked out Huddersfield 17-5 in the semi finals. That was the first of five Championship finals in eight years, two more of which were to be celebrated as victories in what was a golden era and included the club's first Wembley Challenge Cup triumph – 19-0 against Widnes in 1950. Warrington won the title again after locking horns with Halifax in the 1954 Championship Final, just three days after their never-to-be forgotten Challenge Cup Final replay at Odsal in front of a world record crowd. Again at Maine Road, this time attended by 36,519, four penalty goals from Bath defeated the Yorkshire outfit 8-7 on May 8. Just like at Odsal, deputising captain Eric Frodsham lifted the trophy, due to Albert Naughton being sidelined for the last five games of the season with a calf injury. That was Warrington's only league and Challenge Cup double to date - and they won the Lancashire League that season too for a smashing treble! The homecoming after the 1953/54 league and cup double The Wire had finished second to Fax in the table while they accounted for St Helens 11-0 in the play-off semi finals. The Wire then made it back-to-back league titles in the 1954-55 campaign, with Ally Naughton this time being on the field to share in the glory of it all. In fact, Naughton had scored two of the tries in the 17-9 win against Halifax to reach the final, with Syd Phillips getting the other. In almost monsoon conditions, The Wire were marvellous in the mud as Oldham were marooned 7-3. Bevan's 61st try of the season and two Bath penalty goals steered the ship home in front of 49,434 spectators. Of course, it takes the efforts of a full season to be able to go on and win a Championship Final - or a Grand Final as it is now. Twenty-five players contributed to the 31 wins and two draws achieved from the 40 matches played in all competitions during the 1954-55 season. Frodsham was the only man to play in every game that season, though Gerry Lowe (38), Bevan (37), Albert Naughton (36), Bath (35), Jim Challinor (33), Danny Naughton (33) and Gerry Helme (30) were prominent throughout. Only two other players joined Bevan in reaching double-figures in the try-scoring. They were Ally Naughton (26) and Challinor (19). Bath was The Wire's main goal-kicker, banging over 118 that season. Frodsham chipped in with 10 and Austin Heathwood just the one. Barrow, Halifax, Widnes, Bradford, Leigh and Wigan (twice) were the only sides that managed to topple the champions elect in one competition or another. Championship winning Wire teams: 1948: Les Jones; Brian Bevan, Albert Pimblett, Bryn Knowelden, Stan Powell; Jack Fleming, Gerry Helme; Bill Derbyshire, Dave Cotton, Bill Riley, Jim Featherstone, Bob Ryan, Harold Palin. 1954: Eric Frodsham; Brian Bevan, Jim Challinor, Ron Ryder, Stan McCormick; Ray Price, Gerry Helme; Danny Naughton, Frank Wright, Gerry Lowe, Harry Bath, Bob Ryan. 1955: Eric Frodsham; Brian Bevan, Jim Challinor, Albert Naughton, Len Horton; Jim Honey, Gerry Helme; Danny Naughton, Tom McKinney, Gerry Lowe, Harry Bath, Syd Phillips, Bob Ryan. Note that Bevan, Helme and Ryan played in all three Championship winning teams. Brian Bevan Gerry Helme Bob Ryan Sadly, all 13 members of the Wire side that won the Championship Final in 1955 have since died but we salute each and every one of them as Wire heroes.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
PSG vs. Arsenal: How to watch the UEFA Champions League semi-final game
There are just four teams left in the 2024-2025 UEFA Champions League tournament, and by the end of next week, just two of them will be headed to the championship final in Munich on May 31. Today's first leg semifinals matchup will be between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain in a game played on Arsenal's home turf at Emirates Stadium. The teams will face each other for their second leg game on Wednesday, May 7. Meanwhile, Barcelona and Inter Milan will play their first leg game tomorrow and their second leg match on May 6. The UEFA Champions League season began on Sept. 17, 2024 and runs through May 31, 2025. This season, Paramount+ and CBS Sports Networks have exclusive broadcast rights and you can watch this game and the rest of the semifinals on Paramount+. Here's a full schedule of every remaining UEFA Champions League game and how to watch them. Date: Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025 Time: 3 p.m. ET Location: Emirates Stadium, London Streaming: Paramount+ The first game between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal is this afternoon at 3 p.m. The two teams will play a second match on May 7 at 3 p.m. In the U.S, every UEFA Champions League game is available to stream on Paramount+. The teams that have made it through to the UEFA Champions League Semifinals are: Arsenal Barcelona Inter PSG All times Eastern First Leg Tuesday, April 29 Arsenal vs. PSG, 3 p.m. (Paramount++ Wednesday, April 30 Barcelona vs. Inter, 3 p.m. (Paramount+) Second Leg Tuesday, May 6 Inter vs. Barcelona, 3 p.m. (Paramount+) Wednesday, May 7 PSG vs. Arsenal, 3 p.m. (Paramount+) Saturday, May 31 Championship Final, Teams TBD, Munich Football Arena, Munich (CBS, Paramount+) In the U.S., UEFA Champions League games will stream exclusively on Paramount+.
