Latest news with #SWpix.com
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lizzie Deignan's farewell tour off to tricky start on Yorkshire home roads
Kim Le Court and Kristen Faulkner congratulate each other on finishing first and second respectively. Kim Le Court and Kristen Faulkner congratulate each other on finishing first and second respectively. Photograph: Olly Hassell/ There was personal celebration but professional frustration for Lizzie Deignan on the opening day of her final Tour of Britain when her Lidl-Trek team failed to stop the Mauritian national champion, Kim Le Court, taking the first stage win and overall race lead in Redcar. Deignan's valedictory race on British roads began with a fast 85.6km opening stage, from Dalby Forest to the beachfront in Redcar, and took in some of her longstanding training roads within an hour or so of her home in Otley, West Yorkshire. Advertisement Related: Simon Yates rides away with prize of Giro d'Italia while rivals lose the plot | William Fotheringham But although her team had strength in depth in the 20-rider pursuit of the day's breakaway, they proved unable to close down Le Court and Kristen Faulkner, the Olympic champion, who stayed clear to contest the seaside finish. 'We had a clear plan and executed it exactly as we wanted,' said Le Court, riding for the AG Insurance-Soudal team. 'I'm really happy that the legs reacted and I was able to pull it off for the team. We'll see how long I can keep the jersey for. Friday is a stage that suits me a bit more, so I'm going in with a bit more confidence than today.' Deignan was prominent throughout the stage, but whenLe Court, winner of this year's Liège-Bastogne-Liège, broke clear on Langburn's Bank, the steepest gradient of the second classified climb, Deignan's Lidl-Trek team was distanced. Advertisement Le Court's powerful acceleration on the 16% sections at the base of the climb proved too much for her rivals, including Deignan's teammate, the Paris 2024 silver medallist Anna Henderson, who tried to give chase but was unable to follow the move. Only Faulkner, of EF Education-Oatly, was able to close the gap and the pair, who joined forces on the descent, then worked together to build a half-minute lead on their pursuers during the undulating run into Redcar. Even though Deignan's team had four of their five riders in the chasing group, and were aided both by Cat Ferguson's Movistar team and the French FDJ-Suez team, they were unable to close down the half-minute advantage. But Faulkner almost came unstuck on a right-hand bend in the closing kilometres, misjudging her speed and skidding to a halt against a traffic island. Sportingly, Le Court, knowing that their break had a better chance of success if the pair stayed together, waited for the American. While Lorena Wiebes, a past stage winner, took third in the sprint, Ferguson, making her debut in the race, was the first British finisher on the stage, finishing fifth. The junior world road race champion is now sixth overall, 18 seconds adrift of Le Court. Advertisement Ferguson, who also took the lead in the best young rider classification, admitted she had expected there to be a regrouping in the final kilometres. 'I thought it would definitely come down to a sprint,' the 19-year-old said, 'so for the two to stay away was a surprise. They were too strong, so credit to them for staying away.' By her own admission Deignan's days as an overall contender are probably gone, but Skipton-born Ferguson, seen as her natural heir, is well-placed to make an impact as the race goes on. 'I've not thought about my strategy yet,' she said, 'but I'm just going to take it day by day and approach each day like we did today, like a real team.' Friday's second stage of the four-day race takes the peloton from Hartlepool to Saltburn-by-the-sea and finishes with the infamous hairpins of Saltburn Bank, the venue for recent National Championships. The steep climb to the finish is well-known to British riders in the peloton and was pivotal to the outcome of the women's road race in 2023 and 2024, both of which were won by Pfeiffer Georgi, of the Picnic PostNL team.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Who's in and who's out as Warrington Wolves reveal Wembley squad
Warrington Wolves and Hull KR are preparing to face off in Saturday's Challenge Cup Final (Image: Allan McKenzie/ WARRINGTON Wolves and Hull KR have confirmed their 21-man squads for Saturday's Challenge Cup Final. And for The Wire, head coach Sam Burgess has named a squad that is largely the one many expected. Advertisement Having declared himself fit earlier in the week, skipper George Williams is included and is set to return at stand-off having missed the past seven matches - including the semi-final victory over Leigh Leopards - due to surgery on ruptured ankle ligaments. Second-rower Lachlan Fitzgibbon is also expected to be fit despite limping off during the first half of Friday's Super League victory over Castleford Tigers with a knee injury, while centre Toby King and forward Jordy Crowther are in contention as they battle to recover from groin and ankle issues respectively. While their injury crisis has somewhat eased, Burgess still remains without long-term absentees such as Matty Ashton, Oli Leyland (both ACL), Danny Walker (knee), Leon Hayes (ankle) and Cai Taylor-Wray (hamstring). Outside-back Connor Wrench is also brought in as Burgess makes two changes to the 21 he named last week. Young hooker Ben Hartill and forward Tom Whitehead are the unlucky duo to drop out. Advertisement The club left the job of announcing their most important squad of the year to their fans in a novel video released this afternoon. Warrington Wolves 21-man squad for Challenge Cup Final vs Hull KR Jordy Crowther, Ben Currie, Matt Dufty, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, James Harrison, Adam Holroyd, Toby King, Arron Lindop, Joe Philbin, Sam Powell, Stefan Ratchford, Dan Russell, Marc Sneyd, Rodrick Tai, Jake Thewlis, Josh Thewlis, Paul Vaughan, George Williams, Max Wood, Connor Wrench, Luke Yates Having completed their final full training session yesterday, the Wire squad are now in London and will complete their preparations with a final 'captain's run' session at Wembley itself tomorrow afternoon. Advertisement Meanwhile, opponents Hull KR have their own injury recovery story within their 21 in the shape of Michael McIlorum. The experienced hooker was expected to miss at least another month with a torn bicep but is in contention to play having been named in head coach Willie Peters' squad. The Robins are also able to welcome back New Zealand international prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves after he missed the past two games, including their 31-12 Super League victory over Warrington at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, through suspension. They will, however, be without full-back Arthur Mourgue, who is cup-tied having featured in the earlier rounds of the competition for Catalans Dragons before his move to Humberside.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
A family that has fallen in love with Warrington - an evening with the Vaughans
IT'S a beautiful spring evening – perfect weather for the latest Australian family to have taken Warrington into their hearts. On such a lovely day, there are few better places to be in these parts than Walton Gardens and that is where we are warmly greeted by Paul Vaughan, his wife Ellie and their two daughters – Mackenzie, 6, and three-year-old Peyton. Advertisement We're invited along to join an idyllic after-school evening out and as Mackenzie shows off some impressive cartwheels, it is hard to imagine this is a family living more than 10,000 miles from home. What is clear, though, is that the Warrington Wolves prop and the three girls he holds most dear are now – and always will be – adopted Warringtonians. There's even a hint of a Warrington accent for the girls – perhaps understandable given most of their lives have now been spent here since arriving at the end of 2022 – which raises a smile from Mum and Dad. 'We're very outgoing as a family so we're always out doing something, plenty of activities outside of the house,' Vaughan explains as we sit and chat while the girls enjoy themselves in the outdoors. Advertisement 'When we first came over, we adapted really well. We were excited to experience something different. 'Since we've been here, the way in which everyone in the town has responded to us and taken us in has been great. 'Our girls' development and the way in which they've grown and embraced it has been really special to see for us as parents. 'For that, Warrington will always hold a special place in our hearts. 'We love the place, we love the club and the set-up – we've loved every minute of it.' Vaughan with daughters Peyton, left, and Mackenzie after the Challenge Cup semi-final win over Leigh Leopards (Image: Allan McKenzie/ Whether its walks around local beauty spots like this one or after-school sports – Mackenzie takes two jiu-jitsu classes per week at the Gracie Barra gym in the town centre – or trips abroad whenever the chance presents, the Vaughan family certainly keep themselves busy. Advertisement With different cultures on their doorstep, they have been keen to embrace the full experience. 'It's good for them to see a different side of the world and so many other cultures – we've travelled well while we've been over here. It's great for young kids to see things like that,' Paul says. 'You have the priority of playing great rugby but when you get the chance to do a bit of travelling and experiencing something else, it's pretty much on your doorstep and we've done as much as we can. 'Initially, coming over to the other side of the world was a bit scary but its been so enjoyable.' Mackenzie and Peyton attend jiu-jitsu classes at the Gracie Barra gym in Warrington town centre (Image: Contributed) And when the time comes to cross the white line for the cornerstone of the Wire pack, Ellie and the girls are never too far behind. Advertisement Indeed, fans got a taste of exactly that in a Super League feature during their first year in Warrington when Mackenzie wore a microphone to capture her emotions while watching her Dad play. The Halliwell Jones Stadium is clearly a happy place for them, with Mackenzie and Peyton just as much at home on the field as Paul himself. 'The girls come into training and walk around like they own the place,' he laughs. 'It's fun to watch them carry on like that but having that family feel is massive for us as a club. 'The best thing about playing this game is being able to share it with your family and your friends – there's nothing I like more after a win than going over to the girls and getting them onto the field.' Advertisement And no chat about matchdays at the HJ would be complete without discussing THAT chant… For the Wire fans, it was pretty much love at first sight when Vaughan first took the field for them – and they certainly let him know. With a beaming smile, he reveals: 'I sometimes get it chanted at me in the street – it tends to be older men doing it! 'I find it pretty funny but that's the great thing about fans over here. 'It gives you a massive boost when you play as well. 'I think the first time I heard it was at Catalans in my first year. Every time we hear it, it always brings a smile to my face and I love having that kind of connection with the fans.' Advertisement The Wire choir were certainly feeling 'Vaughany' at the recent Challenge Cup semi-final, when the big front-rower turned into a dummy-half to score his first try of the season and help them beat Leigh Leopards to book a place at Wembley for the second year in a row. Vaughan celebrates scoring against Leigh Leopards (Image: Alex Whitehead/ As thousands sang his name, his biggest fan was waiting with her own piece of praise. 'I hadn't scored a try before that this year and as I was walking up the tunnel for half time, Mackenzie was hanging over the edge shouting 'Daddy you finally scored,' the 34-year-old said. 'I had a bit of a laugh there – they keep me on my toes! Advertisement 'The stakes were a little bit higher – Leigh are our rivals and to be honest, they'd had the wood over us. 'I really wanted to get the best out of myself, and it was a great game. 'You don't want to let those opportunities go past you and I managed to have a strong game. The whole team was on fire that day.' And so, to Wembley – the scene of a day Vaughan ranks as one of the most disappointing of a career that has seen him earn State of Origin and international representation. This time last year, he was part of a Warrington side that faltered badly in the Challenge Cup Final and were forced to watch neighbours Wigan Warriors lift the trophy. Advertisement Vaughan in action during last year's Challenge Cup Final defeat to Wigan Warriors (Image: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire) They go into this year's final as underdogs against a Hull KR side flying away at the top of Super League but for Vaughan, there burns a desire to repay the town that has taken his family in. 'It would be massive and huge for me,' he says. 'As a club, we're always looking to win trophies but it's been a fair amount of time between drinks. 'For me personally, it would be the icing on the cake. I'd always hold it close to my heart. 'A lot of Aussies have said this in the past, but I came over not really knowing too much about the Challenge Cup. Advertisement 'Getting to experience the lead-up, making it through the rounds and walking out at Wembley – the feeling of it is pretty hard to explain. 'Getting to do that for a second year in a row is quite an achievement for us as a club, and we'll be better off this year. 'We've got the same kind of squad and this time, the boys know what they're in for. Not many of us had played in that kind of big arena last year, so I think we'll be better for that. 'It was obviously disappointed tossing up what we did last year. It wasn't how we wanted to play but we have another opportunity now which not many teams get.' Advertisement While securing silverware is his immediate priority, the million-dollar question for many Warrington fans is about next year – and whether or not Vaughan will still be a part of their squad. His current deal runs out at the end of the year but Warrington have been public in their desire to keep him around for another year – and the feeling is clearly mutual. The big man knows he does not have much on-field time left, but he knows where he wants to spend it. 'We're working through a few things at the moment and hopefully, we'll get something sorted,' he said. 'It's getting a bit scary, to be honest! I've turned 34 this year so we're getting towards the end but I'm enjoying my footy. Advertisement 'I've been having a ball this year, to be honest and physically, I feel great. 'Ellie and the girls are settled here in Warrington and I love representing the club and the town as best I can.' (Image:
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Matt Dufty offers advice to Wembley first-timers and discusses role change
Matt Dufty is preparing for his second Challenge Cup Final after being named as player of the match during the semi-final victory over Leigh Leopards (Image: Allan McKenzie/ LAST year, the majority of Warrington Wolves' players were experiencing Wembley for the very first time. Indeed, 11 of the 17 players Sam Burgess selected to contest the 2024 Challenge Cup Final had never played on the grandest stage British sport can offer before, including full-back Matt Dufty. Advertisement It showed in their performance as The Wire faltered badly against Wigan Warriors to end up on the losing side, but they now have a chance at immediate redemption. This time, the number of Wembley first-timers will be much lower and Dufty believes the experience will serve him and his teammates well. 'You don't realise how special a venue it is until you walk out there,' he said. 'I don't usually like going looking at fields before going out to play – my first taste is usually going out for warm-up – but I probably should have had a look last year. 'When I first walked out, I was thinking 'oh my word.' Advertisement 'To get there two years in a row is special but lifting that cup would be even better. Winning something with this playing group would be top of the list for me.' Despite scoring a try, Matt Dufty's first experience of playing at Wembley was an unhappy one as part of a Wire side that lost to Wigan in last year's Challenge Cup Final (Image: Ed Sykes/ So having lived and learnt, what would his advice be for the likes of Luke Yates, Adam Holroyd and Arron Lindop – all of whom are likely to be in the same boat as he was last year? 'Everybody handles things like this differently but I think it will help to go and have a look beforehand. Any excuse to be inside Wembley is a good one,' he said. 'I'd say the key thing to remember is that it's another game of footy. Advertisement 'We got a bit swept up in the occasion last year and I think we lost the game rather than Wigan beating us. 'Get a touch of the ball, get your first carry out of the way and it will soon become another game of footy. There's no next week, so we've got to put our best foot forward.' In his key role at full-back, Dufty is likely to play a big part in Warrington's bid to beat the odds on Saturday as they bid to derail the juggernaut that is Super League leaders Hull KR. And his position has become much more vital in recent weeks given the absence of skipper George Williams and hooker Danny Walker from the creative spine, with scrum-half Marc Sneyd having also been in and out of the side of late. Advertisement That has meant his role has had to change given he was among the more experienced players remaining, but it is a change he is embracing. Matt Dufty chats to the Warrington Guardian's Matt Turner (Image: Allan McKenzie/ 'It's been different for me this year,' the Australian said. 'Sometimes I feel like I'm the last man standing in that spine but I've tried to take on more of a leadership role with it. 'I feel like I'm learning about myself a lot more. 'I try and do what's best for the team – I'd say humbling is probably the wrong word but it's certainly been a learning experience. Advertisement 'Obviously, I'm associated more with the flashy stuff but I've tried to focus more on the unseen things that help the team more. 'Last year, we were in form almost all year. Our consistency was there and we didn't have too many injuries. 'This year, we've had a few challenges that have probably rattled the group a bit but anything can happen in a Challenge Cup Final. 'It's hard because you want to win every week. Sometimes you look back and think we played better than the result but there's others where we just weren't there at all. 'We've probably had too many of those this year but we've been building in the last few weeks and learning from our losses.' Advertisement One of the defeats Dufty mentioned came just a fortnight ago against their Wembley opponents, with Hull KR leaving The Halliwell Jones Stadium with a 31-12 victory in Round 12 of Super League. The Warrington side that takes the field on Saturday is likely to be much closer to full strength than the one that did so that night, and the number one believes the game painted a clear picture of how they can get the job done. Dufty was a part of the Wire side beaten by Hull KR a fortnight ago (Image: Olly Hassell/ 'Their coach touched on it after the game – they took their opportunities and we missed a few,' he said. 'We had chances to be in that game more than we were and I think the scoreline didn't really reflect how the game went. 'For us this week, it's about nailing our plan, not dropping too many balls or conceding too many penalties. 'They are a well-structured team that sticks to its game plan. We've got to do the same.'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
James Harrison on taking the final step towards 'completing Wembley'
PLAY, score, win. The ultimate Wembley Stadium checklist for a player in any sport. James Harrison has done all of those things in what has been a relatively short career to date – it could be said that he has, as the youth of today would say, 'completed it, mate.' Advertisement Indeed, he did it all in one game for Featherstone Rovers back in 2021 as he touched down for a try against York City Knights to help them lift the 1895 Cup in a game played as a curtain-raiser to the Challenge Cup Final between St Helens and Castleford Tigers. However, the fact he's yet to leave the national stadium with a Challenge Cup winner's medal means there's still a piece of the jigsaw to fulfil. 'Playing there with Featherstone – we won and I scored in that one – so I've nearly completed Wembley,' he said. 'There's just the one thing missing. 'It's mad playing there. We obviously experienced it last year so now we know what to expect. Advertisement 'It's always a great occasion and historically, playing there is probably the pinnacle of rugby league in England.' James Harrison scored a try in Featherstone Rovers' 1895 Cup Final win at Wembley in 2021 (Image: Ed Sykes/ Having featured in last year's final defeat to Wigan Warriors, Harrison is now gearing up to run out onto the hallowed turf for the third time, making him something of a 'Wembley veteran.' And for a player who will always naturally be compared to his father Karl – himself a prominent name in English rugby league from the 1980s and 1990s – that's something he'll always be able to hold over the old man. Harrison Senior won Premierships and Great Britain caps during his playing days while he was also a Super League head coach at Salford, he never quite got that big day out at Wembley. Advertisement Now, though, his satisfaction comes in following the burgeoning career of his son wherever he goes – even if it hits him hard in the wallet! 'My Dad never actually got past the semi-finals in the Challenge Cup,' he said. 'With me getting to Wembley in back-to-back years, he's told me I'm costing him a fortune! 'He came out to Vegas to watch us and now it's Wembley again – the family are getting a load of minibuses to get down there so there will be a few of them.' Harrison's father Karl was a Super League head coach with Salford Red Devils having represented Great Britain as a player (Image: Simon Wilkinson/ Now, having experienced both sides of a Wembley final, the 28-year-old is desperate to make his latest big occasion more akin to his first than his last. Advertisement He was in the starting Wire side last year as they were beaten by Wigan – and he is clearly itching to right that wrong. 'Last year hasn't been spoken about really but individually, I think we've all thought about it. I certainly have,' he said. 'I got a taste of it last year and it was one of the toughest days I've had to take a loss like that. 'That being said, I can't wait to get back there now.' A dejected Harrison following last year's Wembley defeat to Wigan Warriors (Image: Simon Wilkinson/ They were not favourites against a Wigan side that ended up completing an unprecedented 'quadruple' of trophies, and they will likely play the role of underdogs again as current Super League leaders Hull KR await under the famous arch. Advertisement Much the same as Warrington's 70-year wait for a league title, the Robins' failure to win a trophy of any kind since 1985 has been the subject of terrace mockery but having established themselves among the elite, they will sense a glorious chance to silence those taunts. Harrison and his teammates are well aware of what is coming their way – indeed, they got a taste of it a fortnight ago in Super League – but he insists a confident group will be heading down the M6. 'It's going to be a great occasion – we'll take loads of fans and I'm sure Hull KR will as well,' he said. 'They're a world-class side with world-class players across the board. 'They will fancy it but with the players in our group, we fancy it too.'
