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Otago Daily Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Finals footy delivers the goods
Well Rugby Chat is done for the year (thank God, you'll be saying!) but we have a few things to cover off so we can enjoy the summer. Firstly, the final was a pulsating affair with a lot of points scored and defence seemed to be optional at times. The score ebbed and flowed in the first spell and the Harbour scrum looked ominous. But in the second spell Kaik stepped up at lineout time and shut the Hawks out and walked away with the game. They built up a commanding lead and although Harbour were gutsy, coming back with two late tries, it was never going to be enough. Congratulations to Kaik. Everybody wrote them off early, they battled to make the six then got past Taieri, Southern and Harbour to win it all. In the South, Clutha were up against West Taieri in an absorbing encounter. Clutha were the best team all year and only lost one game and that was to their fellow finalist. It was a very tight, tense affair, with the home side being down by four at the break to the West Taieri Pigs. They were still down by seven with 15 minutes to go, but they managed to breach the West Taieri defence and led by three with the clock winding down. They then had to defend staunchly for the last few minutes to get the job done. If rumours are to be believed there were a few surprising selections on the bench for West Taieri. Big congratulations to Clutha on their fine season and getting the banner over the line. In unbelievably sunny Wanaka, Upper Clutha made no race of the final with old foes Wakatip, and raced away to a commanding 35-7 victory, much to the delight of the bumper crowd. They were down early but squeezed a late try to go to a three-point lead at the break. The second half was one-way traffic as they piled on 25 unanswered points. Congratulations Upper Clutha on a stunning season, winning the banner and locking away the "Horse" for the summer. For their collective efforts, Clutha and Upper Clutha go head to head in Wanaka tomorrow to find out who is the best team on the "farm". I'll tip Upper Clutha by one, but really it's a toss of the coin. The Ainge Shield I said last week that three teams still had some chance of winning the Ainge Shield for being the best-performed club in town. Well now, Kaikorai has a firm hand on the prize, with their premiers winning at the weekend. Taieri, even if they win the prem 2 competition tomorrow, have no chance. The problem is the two colts grades don't hit the playoffs for another eight days. Dunedin still have an outside chance of tying with Kaikorai on seven points if they win both the colts grades. I see the finalists in both grades — barring massive upsets — as being Dunedin and Kaikorai. It should be a Dunedin Makos v Kaik final in the prem colts and a Kaik Undertakers v Dunedin Hammerheads in junior colts. Those finals are too close to call. So I have Kaik at 2-1 to win the Ainge Shield. Dunedin are at 20-1 to grab a share of the Ainge with Kaik. Club player of the year The club player of the year awards are on at the Kaikorai club up on the high veldt on Friday, August 8. The ODT /Speight's club player of the year trophy has been hotly contested this year and we didn't find a winner until we hit the semifinals, which is not surprising considering how close this year's comp has been. On awards night we also pick the Ben Smith medallist for most promising new player, women's player of the year, top try scorer and points scorer in prem rugby and ref of the year. It promises to be a great night. If you can't make it, ODT Rugby Chat will be there to grab all the highlights ( Club report card Now without further ado, we'll make a move on to the much awaited club report card. Remember, take a breath, don't take yourselves too seriously and there will be no correspondence entered into! Alhambra Union (Stallions or Ponies) Numerically very strong with seven teams in the club. They won prem women's and were runner up in the women's development grade (doesn't count for Ainge points), but that was about as good as it got. They were last in prems, bottom of the pile in P2s and didn't really raise a sweat in the colts grades. Numerically and socially the club is in great heart. They just need some "male results"C Dunedin (Sharks or Guppyfish) Numerically the strongest club with eight teams. Their prems were a major disappointment, finishing fifth. Their prems 2s, who struggled for numbers all year, finished fourth. Their senior side promised a lot but delivered a fifth placing. They lead prem colts and are second and third in junior colts. Their prem women finished second and their women's development team finished last. Their numbers are strong and club is vibrant off the field. But by their lofty standards a very average year. C Green Island (Grizzlies or Spannerheads) Numerically very strong with seven teams. Their prems had an awful year, finishing seventh. Their P2s are in the final this weekend. Their seniors finished seventh. Their prem colts finished fifth and their junior colts teams finished eighth and 15th. Their development women's team finished fourth. Compared with the highs of last year a disappointing year. Their numbers are good and off the field, on the face of it, it has been vibrant, but they have had some issues lately they need to resolve. C- Harbour (The Hawks or Cockabillies) Numerically not that strong with only four teams. Their prems finished second. Their prem 2s finished a commendable third. Their prem colts finished sixth and their junior colts 10th. Compared with recent seasons it was very good for a smaller club. Off the field they seem to be travelling well and you can't go past making a club final. B Kaikorai Numerically pretty good with six teams. Their prems won the banner. Their P2s had a big dip to second-last. Their seniors made the final. Their prem colts lie second. Their top junior colts side is c sitting No1 and their second side is sixth. Off the field the club, as per usual, is in great heart. They must at least share the Ainge Shield if not win it outright. An outstanding season. A Southern Numerically they are struggling with only four teams. Their prems finished third. Their P2s finished last. Their junior colts finished 10th. Off the field they are still struggling to attract numbers. On the field a marked improvement, with their colts making the four and their prems are always competitive. C- Taieri (The Eels) Numerically ended up with five teams, so not too bad. Their prems finished third. Their P2s are in the final and go in as favourites. Their seniors won the comp in a romp. The prem colts side finished eighth and junior colts side finished 14th. Off the field the clubrooms are not quite as vibrant, but that is coming off a high base. Their men's teams had a good year but their colts teams were a bit of a worry. B- Varsity (The bookworms or bookends) Numerically reasonably strong with six teams. Their prems finished sixth. Their P2s finished fifth. Their prem colts are third and make the semis next weekend. Their junior colts are fifth and ninth currently. Their prem women finished third. Off the field they are still struggling to find the "recipe", but there has been improvement. No real highlights on the field, but their prem colts side has improved out of sight. C Zingari (The Colours) Numerically they were OK with six teams. They have certainly gone backwards though in terms of performance. Their prems finished eighth of nine. Their P2s finished sixth and their seniors ninth. Their prem colts finished seventh and their women's teams both finished fifth. Off the field they are normally pretty good, but I suspect that has gone backward this year. The much publicised "cash splash" from last year hasn't helped them this year and they have work to do. D So that wraps up the season, so thanks to our sponsors for making these pages happen. Liquorland, Speight's, the Speight's Alehouse, the Mornington and Cableways. Just a bit of late mail to finish. The spokesman/medic/waterboy/sponsorship manager of the Eels senior side apparently was sent off in the final at the weekend when he ran on to award a try — tell me it's not so?
Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Brittany Hockley shows off her FOURTH wedding dress as she marries Ben Siegrist for a second time in 'very small' ceremony
Brittany Hockley has married Swiss footballer Ben Siegrist for a second time in an intimate Sydney ceremony. The 37-year-old showed off her fourth wedding dress on Tuesday as she shared photos from the small wedding after they tied the knot in her hometown. The radio host looked glamorous in a strapless white dress by Steven Khalil which featured a high slit as she posed with her husband on a yacht at Sydney Harbour. Ben looked dapper for the occasion in a black suit, white buttoned shirt and sneakers as he kissed his bride. The newlyweds couldn't wipe the smile off their faces as they tied the knot for a second time surrounded by their closest family and friends as well as Brittany's dog. DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'I really can't believe I got to marry the love of my life twice! And with the most iconic backdrop. My heart is just so full,' she wrote. 'A look at our very small second wedding, our official wedding, our legal wedding, our 'real wedding' whatever you want to a call it… One of the funniest and most emotional days of my life. We didn't stop laughing and crying the entire time…. 'The best part was Delilah was there and it just made us so happy. She's wearing the neck piece I wore on my wedding day, sorry @stevenkhalil you probably never imagined a dog wearing one of your designs but she's not a normal dog and she really nailed the look! There's a first for everything!' Brittany continued: 'I wore my 4th @stevekhalil look and yes I realise how that sounds - I can't wait for you to see this one properly!' Brittany and Ben's first wedding took place in Bali last month in a romantic clifftop ceremony overlooking the Bukit Peninsula. She was ever the blushing bride on her big day, walking down the aisle in a strapless dress by Steven Khalil which featured a lace corset with dramatic long train. Brittany accessorised her dramatic frock with a large flower choker, pearl earrings and a veil that cascaded across the floor. Her hair was slicked back into an elegant bun, highlighting her natural makeup look and undeniable wedding glow. For her second number, Brittany slipped into another sleeveless, corseted dress, this time foregoing the lace for a mini floral skirt, complete with a sheer, lace fringe that fell to the floor. Later on, she ditched the lacy maxi skirt to show off her long, trim pins on the dancefloor while also flaunting a fashion-forward anklet which seemed to be the same choker she wore when saying 'I do'. The Life Uncut podcast announced Brittany's engagement to Ben last year. Brittany, who formerly described herself as 'the perpetually single host', had been dating Ben long-distance for eight months when he popped the question. The duo met in November 2022 on the celebrity dating app Raya. At the time the goalkeeper's soccer team, the Glasgow-based Celtic FC, was playing in Australia against Sydney FC.
Belfast Telegraph
22-07-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Self-driving shuttle bus launched in Belfast Harbour
The Harlander shuttle has entered into general service today, with the eight-seater shuttle bus connecting the train station and the Catalyst Campus, just off Queens Road. There is no driver on board the bus, although there is a "safety operator' sitting behind a wheel that turns itself. Belfast Harbour say the goal of the project is to offer 'last mile connectivity' between the train station and the rest of the harbour estate, connecting 'transport networks to businesses, tourist attractions and education and leisure facilities'. During a pilot period between now and September, the bus will be entirely free to use for members of the public. The Harlander was developed by the Harbour along with several other companies, including eVersum, Oxa, Angoka, BT and Horiba Mira. A special right-hand drive version of an electric bus was created specifically for the Harlander service by the Austrian firm Hobira Mira. Oxa are behind the self-driving technology, while safety testing was carried out by Hobira Mira, a Coventry-based company. In May, Belfast Harbour said the vehicle was 'tested to death' by Hobira Mira in order to ensure its safety. Mike Dawson, people and digital transformation director at Belfast Harbour, said: 'Following eight weeks of testing, we are delighted to launch the Harlander to the public to offer last mile connectivity on the Harbour Estate. 'This is a groundbreaking project for Northern Ireland and is a step towards fully driverless transport. 'Belfast Harbour has a strong track record of supporting innovation and this project supports our Smart Port ambitions, utilising cutting-edge technology to support our tenants and the public. 'We're excited to see the public reaction and utilisation of the service.' In May, Mr Dawson described the shuttle as an attempt to 'incentivise' people to use public transport by more seamlessly connecting the train and Catalyst. He described the current loop of four stops as a 'model and a blueprint' that will be used to find what is 'viable for other services'. 'What we'd like to do is have this run, learn from it, particularly the passenger experience and customer experience. 'What does that look like? What does that feel like? What needs to be tweaked, improved? How do you make sure there are no barriers to entry for people to be able to get on and access it?' The Harbour plan for the Harlander to be a first step towards an increasing amount of autonomous vehicles being used in Northern Ireland's transport network. Mr Dawson said that he would 'like to see' self-driving vehicles across the city: 'We would like to see more of these, where you can create connectivity on the estate itself. 'We see this as a much bigger play regionally, not just for Northern Ireland, but also for GB, where you can get connectivity to those main routes. 'Imagine you had estates in the city where you had these types of routes feeding the Glider route. 'It doesn't replace bus drivers, it augments what we have in place today.'
Daily Mail
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
A shark devoured my arm and leg - it changed my life for the better and I've even dedicated my life to protecting them in the wild
Motivational speaker and SHARK! Celebrity Infested Waters star Paul de Gelder has opened up about the moment his whole life changed when a shark devoured his arm and leg. Despite the terrifying ordeal, the 47-year-old, who has been helping the famous cast get over their fears in the brand new ITV show, now dedicates his life to protecting them in the wild. On February 11 2009, Paul was taking part in a military operation in Sydney Harbour when a bull shark attacked him. The shark managed to rip both off his hamstring and hand, and despite that, Paul managed to get himself to shore before being rushed to hospital. Recalling the moment with Metro, Paul said: 'I'm thinking, I've seen Shark Week, I'll jab it in the eye but I can't move my arm. 'I look down and my hand is trapped in the shark's mouth as well as my leg. 'I grab it by the nose, try to push it off me but it decides that I'm breakfast, thrashes me around, takes me underwater and the pain is so all encompassing it takes the fight out of me. 'I was drowning in agony, being eaten alive and I realised there was nothing I could do, so I gave up.' After a week in hospital, Paul's leg was removed, and despite the agonising ordeal caused by the predator has led him on to become a shark conservationist. This has also led him on to present a number of documentaries for Discovery Channel's Shark Week. He's also currently helping the star-studded cast of SHARK! Celebrity Infested Waters overcome their fears. Helen George, 41, Lucy Punch, 47, Ade Adepitan, 52, Rachel Riley, 39, Ross Roble, 49, Lenny Henry, 66, and Dougie Poynter, 37, are those taking part in the show. Paul said of the programme: 'The show is really touching. It has all the emotions – fear, anxiety, happiness. 'Every spectrum of human emotion is there but it has an underlying message too. It's about the plight of sharks. 'People are out there killing sharks for fun every day and by doing so it's bringing us closer to extinction. 'If the sharks die, the ocean dies and we die. 'We're trying to get celebrities and the viewers to fall in love with sharks – which, granted, is hard, because they keep biting people.' Despite that, last week the programme failed to impress viewers who branded it 'boring' and 'unwatchable' following it's first episode on Monday. The new series, which coincides with 50th anniversary of Jaws, sees a bunch of famous faces, who are terrified of the sea, face their fears head on by taking a plunge surrounded by the scary predators. C all The Midwife 's Helen George, 40, who rubbed viewers up the wrong way with her tearful and fearful reactions branded 'attention seeking' and 'annoying'. Taking to X fans fumed: 'TV execs are now so bereft of ideas that they're literally feeing celebrities to sharks for our entertainment': 'This is pretty unwatchable because there's one celebrity on there who wants the entire programme to be about "me me me"'. 'WTF is she crying for FFS. You're on a f*****g show called Celebrity Infested Waters what did she think it was, swimming with Dolphins. Seriously waits the point of this tho, boring concept for a show': 'Helen just stick to acting': 'What is the point of this sown actually?' The BBC actress, who plays nurse Trixie in Call The Midwife, previously revealed she has a lifelong phobia of the ocean. She told how she had only 'been up to her knees' in the water in the last 20 years after an incident when she was younger. Helen previously explained: 'When I was very young I was at a swimming party. I remember going underwater, looking up and foam mats had been chucked where I was coming up. I couldn't get out.' Teasing what's to come, a ITV spokesperson said: 'The show will dare a group of ocean-phobic celebrities to confront their greatest fear – sharks. 'Throughout their adrenaline-fueled, challenge-heavy journey in the Bahamas – the shark capital of the world – these A-listers will push past their limits to come nose to nose with nature's 'villains.' 'Their firsthand experiences will provide immeasurable excitement and new perspective. 'They'll come to appreciate sharks' valuable place on the food chain and in our ecosystem, recognising that a world devoid of these notoriously terrifying creatures is downright frightening. 'Those taking part will be getting up close and personal with a number of different breeds of sharks throughout filming.' Head of Factual Entertainment at Plimsoll Productions, Karen Plumb, said: 'The team at Plimsoll is uniquely positioned to pioneer this format that blends conservation with wildly entertaining pop culture. 'We're constantly looking for innovative approaches to wildlife storytelling and are certain that our fish-out-of-water spin – delivering 50 years after Jaws – will transform the world's perception of these critical predators before it's too late.' Head of Entertainment Commissioning ITV, Katie Rawcliffe, said: 'We 're super excited to be combining the work of Plimsoll - a Blue Chip natural history production company - with the expertise of ITV Entertainment.
Otago Daily Times
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Kaikorai survive late surge to win Dunedin premier final
Kaikorai clinched a 46-41 win against Harbour to claim the Championship Shield at Forsyth Barr Stadium this afternoon. Harbour scored two late tries to create some late drama. But Kaikorai set up their victory with two quick tries in the third quarter of the game. They took a 22-17 lead into the halftime break. Harbour had the ascendancy up front and dominated the scrums. Kaikorai went wide at every opportunity, but it found more gaps through the middle ironically. They crashed over for three tries. Openside Slade McDowall had a dominant half and Ben Miller's tactical kicking helped put his side in good positions. Harbour, for their part, blew too many attacking lineouts. The Hawks did not execute well in that phase. But they struck early in the second to level the score. Centre Aleki Morris-Lome scored in the corner after the Hawks had been battering away at the line. But Kaikorai replied immediately. Miller ghosted through a gap and, after several passes, fullback Charlie Breen dotted down. Then Otago lock Will Tucker broke the line and flicked the ball to McDowall and angled his way to the corner. The game looked done but Harbour rallied with two late tries to replacement winger Mone Samate-Palu. Kaikorai 46 Slade McDowall 2, Henry Bell, Rawiri Martin, Charlie Breen, Lucas Casey tries, Ben Miller 5 con, 2 pen Harbour 41 Mone Samate-Palu 2, Boston Hunt, Jeff Ikani, Aleki Morris-Lome, Toni Taufa, tries, Rique Miln 3 con, pen, Nathan Hastie con Halftime: 22-17
