B8 SUPERSPORT Monday, October 13, 2014 THE PRESS,

NETBALL Violent Injured incident mars win

A sickening act of violence toward for- Kopua’s mer Kiwi Lance Hohaia shaped and disfigured a dramatic grand final triumph for St Helens over their fiercest rivals Wigan. As Saints’ fans celebrated their team’s long-awaited 14-6 victory at in Manchester yesterday, future in Wigan’s prop forward was left to reflect ruefully on a moment of stupidity and brutality after just 123 seconds that led to him becoming the first man to be sent off in a grand final. Welshman Flower punched Saints’ standoff Hohaia in the face and then, as the former international doubt lay dazed on the floor, kneeled over his helpless victim and struck him flush in faces potentially career- AT A GLANCE the head again. defining scans on her left knee today The incident, which TV replays while her fellow Silver Ferns wrestle suggested could have been sparked by with their own form of psychological Australian Diamonds: 47 (Caitlin Hohaia’s earlier forearm smash on damage as Australia close in on a Con- Bassett 32/36, 10/10, Flower, prompted a melee between stellation Cup shutout in on Tegan Caldwell 5/6) Silver Ferns: 34 players from both teams. Wednesday. ( 14/14, Ameliaranne Wells It might easily have led to further Only a preliminary medical examin- 7/8, 8/12, 5/9). red cards but referee Phil Bentham had ation was required to rule out New Zea- 1st quarter: 14-7, Halftime: 24-15, 3rd no choice about dismissing Flower, land ’s inspirational defender from quarter: 35-24. who held his head in his hands after the remainder of the 2014 calendar – man- 1st test: Diamonds 59 Ferns 42 in comprehending his madness. agement and players are now anxious to Invercargill, Oct 2 Though Hohaia was unable to play learn the severity of an injury that left 2nd test: Diamonds 49 Ferns 40 in any further part in the match, it was her in agony during the latter stages of Melbourne, Oct 8 Wigan who inevitably were to suffer Saturday night’s 47-34 loss at Sydney’s most for Flower’s folly, having to play Allphones Arena. In agony: Silver Ferns captain Casey Kopua yells after injuring her knee during Saturday night’s test against Australia in Sydney. Photo: PHOTOSPORT for 78 minutes with 12 men. The third trans-Tasman test of the leader, a great player and she’s firmly set Former Kiwis centre Sia Soliola year was intended to at least provide the on recovery, however long that may ceded the squad was struggling mentally Australia’s 14-7 lead at the first break signed off at St Helens in style by scor- 87-test campaigner with the consolation take,’’ Taumaunu said. even before Kopua collapsed in agony. She’s very proved decisive as ing a try in the win. of becoming the Ferns’ longest-serving ‘‘Given it is a pretty major injury she’s ‘‘We’re not feeling good at the moment resilient. She’s a recorded nine goals; rival goal shoot The Saints were crowned cham- captain, yet that achievement was doing pretty well.’’ with our performance. We’ve kind of lost Cathrine Latu landed only two. pions of the English-based Super undermined in the cruellest of circum- Kopua’s team-mates were also bearing that confidence in each other a little bit. great leader, a great Latu had a perfect 14/14 shooting League for the first time since 2006, stances when she was taken off the court up under the strain associated with see- We’ve just got to go and find that.’’ player and she’s firmly match, but accuracy was counter- coming out on top after losing their on a stretcher with nine minutes remain- ing a valued colleague in distress. Taumaunu, who has brought in Kayla balanced by her output compared to previous five finals. ing. ‘‘My heart just sank into my guts Cullen as cover for the dead rubber and set on recovery, Bassett, so she was replaced by Bailey Soliola, who will join Canberra Kopua was wheeled through the really, it’s a bit close to home that one,’’ the following two-test series with Eng- Mes (5/9) in the final quarter. Raiders in the NRL next year after five departures concourse by her husband admitted 84-test defender . land, hoped her squad would lift to recog- however long that may Meanwhile, although Diamonds - seasons at Langtree Park, had been Terry yesterday morning as glum team- ‘‘We’ve just got to try and be strong for nise Kopua’s immense contribution to take. tain sympathised with involved in two of those grand final mates followed in her wake. her.’’ the sport. Waimarama Taumaunu Kopua, Australia obviously planned to defeats during his time in north-west Coach Waimarama Taumaunu was The South African-born defender now ‘‘I think we can certainly do that and capitalise on her absence and extend England but it was third time lucky. naturally among the most pensive of the benefits from Kopua’s absence, although we’ll do that largely out of respect for their streak to 17 – by winning nine Reuters, AFP entourage – the only consolation was that was no consolation. Case. We’ll certainly be aiming to do that lowest tally in 23 tests against Australia straight against the Ferns. Kopua’s latest injury occurred 10 months ‘‘It’s never easy to come in in those cir- for her in the future.’’ stretching back to a 36-33 loss at Brisbane Even so, fringe players Sharni Layton, out from the Silver Ferns’ return to the cumstances, but I’ve just got to get on There were few positives to offset 2009. and uncapped defender FOOTBALL venue for next year’s world champion- with it and do it for the team and for her.’’ Kopua’s exit, although Taumaunu ‘‘We weren’t able to create enough Claire McMeniman, who joins the squad ships. After suffering eight straight defeats to credited Saturday’s defensive effort – shooting opportunities. I was really dis- in place of the rotated , are Taumaunu was positive despite the world champions, including the spearheaded by her linchpin – for at least appointed with the number of shooting destined for court time in Auckland Kopua’s fate not yet being known. Glasgow gold keeping the Diamonds under 50 goals. opportunities we created, particularly in before they also host England this month. Reid likely ‘‘She’s very resilient. She’s a great medal match in August, de Bruin con- However, the 34 scored was the Ferns’ the first quarter,’’ Taumaunu lamented. Fairfax NZ

BASKETBALL to opt for SHIRT CLEARANCEThe Liverpool Breakers must win off-field battle Simon Plumb ● ●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●● ●

Buoyant but battered, the Breakers We’ll know more once we’re able to get A touted $30m shift from West Ham to face an important few days healing it checked out.’’ Liverpool by All Whites skipper Win- some wounded bodies ahead of Pledger’s situation is tricky . His ston Reid continues to gather momen- Friday’s visit by the . first stint on court was productive, but tum at a time when New Zealand coach After their upset win over the after that he struggled for timing and Anthony Hudson has increased his defending champion Wildcats in Perth pushoff. He had three points on one-of- own ties on the English scene, spend- to tip off the new Australian NBL three shooting, two rebounds and a ing time with Chelsea boss Jose season, ’s men will pair of blocks in about 14 minutes. Mourinho. look to consolidate their fast start in But Henare made it clear the Reid’s future has been the centre of their home opener that will double as a Breakers valued any contribution they much speculation as his West Ham WE are clearing all the shirts who ‘need to go to new tribute for retired club legend CJ could get out of their 2.15m centre. deal draws to a close this season. He homes’ yes - they are from previous seasons, yes - you Bruton. ‘‘I’m really, really proud of the big has been linked to glamour clubs may have seen them before BUT not at these low, That means dealing with a casualty man,’’ he said. ‘‘He’s in a little bit of dis- Arsenal and Manchester United by sev- low prices. Reduced ‘to go’ ward that grew by one in Perth, with comfort, but his presence was felt. Yes, eral British media outlets that have starting shooting guard Corey Webster he’s not going to be the we reported his preference was for Short sleeve casual jamming his back in the second quar- know and love but he still moved Liverpool. ter and unable to re-enter the game. reasonably well, especially on defence. Website Football-talk.co.uk and long sleeve leisure That made the Breakers’ 80-70 vic- You can’t teach seven feet – he’s a big reported: ‘‘Liverpool appear to have You recognise our brands, from Ben Sherman to Vonnella, tory over the Cats, snapping a five- boy, and he and Ekene [Ibekwe] did a won the race for Reid . . . with the Lichfield to Logan, you know the qualities, the styles are from game regular season losing streak in good job under the basket.’’ defender believed to have his heart set young ‘fashion forward’ to the ‘classics’. Fabrics both woven Perth, even more meritorious, as it was Abercrombie hoped he could play in on a move to Liverpool’’. and printed in100%cotton or cotton blends. essentially achieved with only seven fit front of what’s expected to be a big The Bath Chronicle, following the players. crowd at Vector. The springy small for- lead of the Daily Express, tipped Reid’s Polo and Golfshirts Centre Alex Pledger played nearly ward played through a series of niggles move to be as high as $30m, which All short sleeve in cotton, poly/cotton and 100% polyester knit 14 minutes, but was clearly hampered Action Jackson: Breakers guard dribbles past Perth Wildcat Deandre in the recent Tall Blacks World Cup would make him New Zealand’s fabrics. Designs range from the plain, the printed to woven and by the turf toe injury he’s trying to play Daniels’ during the Breakers’ 80-70 win in Perth on Saturday. Photo: PHOTSPORT campaign, and was looking forward to highest paid sports star. specialty weaves. Includes both designer and some golf brands through, while Tall Black Tom returning to the court free of pain. It was now a question of whether With over a thousand garments, Abercrombie stayed behind in Auck- watching brief, while Webster’s status clash. Assistant coach Henare said after the elation of a West Ham will look to take their own the selection is too diverse to list. land to recover from sports hernia sur- is optimistic, though it needs further said Webster’s improvement suggested rare victory in Perth, the team had slice of the action and sell him in Janu- gery. assessment. All three will require a quick recovery was on. quickly shifted its focus to a testing ary’s transfer window or let him slip Sizes SM right up to 5XL Abercrombie aims to play against intensive treatment this week to make ‘‘He’s in a little bit of discomfort, week that would end with a Sunday away with no reward as a free agent at the 36ers, Pledger’s situation remains a the startline for the Vector Arena and hopefully that will settle down. visit to Melbourne. Fairfax NZ season’s end. Fairfax NZ RRP prices were from $39 up to $119

To Clear FOOTBALL FOOTBALL $15 to $50 (All are individually priced) Moleskins Phoenix in (no) action replay Ward’s winner timely

12oz Tussock Creek olive, taupe, beige, Hamish Bidwell Their best first-half chance came in 99 ● ●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●● ● mocha $ the 29th minute when McGlinchey cut for Mainland Pride Tussock Creek – seconds, imperfects, New season, similar fare. the Glory’s defence to shreds with a The Phoenix showed ball into Burns’ path. Tony Smith Development team would cause a few oddments $43 to $73 ● ●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●● ● 46 signs of life, but ended their 2014/15 The Australian seemed certain to upsets this season. Other brands –broken size ranges $ A-League opener pointless after losing score, but Glory goalkeeper Danny Ashleigh Ward scored directly from an But he said Ward, who won the Casual pants; a large selection from 2-1 to the Perth Glory at Westpac Vukovic palmed it away. Burns had inswinging corner as Mainland Pride Pride’s player of the day award, burbank, Farah, Lichfield, Logan, Stadium last night been lively and the Phoenix building started their national women’s football stepped up at left back and goalkeeper- And many others reputable known brands. A late Glory goal killed off a game in nicely and he really needed to produce league title defence with a last-gasp 2-1 captain Esson, who was Small sizes 77/82 to clear $37 which the Phoenix hinted they’d be a a goal to show for that. win over the carrying a slight injury, ‘‘made a really better team this season, but ended with Instead it was the Glory that broke Development team. important save’’. 84/117cm to clear $43 to $77 an all too familiar result. the deadlock, in the 32nd minute. Mitch Ward, who has returned from col- Injuries left Pride with a more Summer needlecord $43 The first half belonged to the Glory. Nichols dinked a ball in from the right lege football in the United States, defensive-orientated substitutes’ bench (we now have four new fitting rooms) The Phoenix had a useful 10-minute side of the penalty area, which striker grabbed the winner in the 90th minute which limited their attacking options period halfway through it, in which a Andy Keogh nodded past Phoenix goal- at English Park yesterday. ‘‘when it came to chasing the game’’, We now have two stores, goal-mouth scramble was cleared and keeper . Pride coach Gareth Turnbull was Turnbull said. both in Bishopdale Village couldn’t convert, but it In the 73rd minute , ‘‘very pleased’’ with the victory over a But he threw on Cashmere Techni- was the Glory who took a deserved 1-0 Bonevacia and Burns combined and national youth team fielding Football cal player-coach Megan Shea, a former Brands you want lead into the break. McGlinchey provided the final touch to Ferns Daisy Cleverley, Jasmine Per- youth international goalkeeper, as a @ They were dominant for the first 15 make it 1-1 and reignite the game. eira and Martine Puketapu and a striker for the final 10 minutes. Prices you want minutes, with the Phoenix twice lucky Both teams created chances without clutch of New Zealand under-17 and Shea, who has been playing outfield to scramble the ball out for corners. Air battle: Andy Keogh of the Glory, left, appearing as if they had the quality to under-20 World Cup representatives. at club level, caused the Development an Outlet store for Manufacturers The Phoenix’s issues were expected to and Ben Sigmund of the Phoenix compete finish them. ‘‘It was a game more worthy of a defence a few flurries and was putting Hours: 10am - 4pm Mon - Fri 10am - 3pm Sat come in front of goal, but here they for a header during the A-League opener at That was until the 86th minute semifinal than the first game of a new pressure on when Ward’s last-minute were conceding possession in midfield Westpac Stadium in Wellington yesterday: when the Glory caught the Phoenix on campaign,’’ Turnbull said. corner flew into the net unaided. Closed Sunday and then being opened up at the back. Photo: GETTY IMAGES the counter and substitute Jamie ‘‘The opposition made life extremely Turnbull said Coastal Spirit MY It took them until the 18th minute to MacLaren lashed a left-foot shot past tough; they put us out of our rhythm. It defender Chloe Jones also performed mens store get a meaningful touch. finally scrambling the ball away to Moss to seal the three points. Fairfax NZ was a little bit unusual because we well on her national league debut. Burns, Roly Bonevacia and Michael safety. A minute later Burns was teed probably had less possession than the ❯❯❯❯ Other results: Auckland 2 Capital 1, Bishopdale Village Mall McGlinchey all featured in a up by Manny Muscat but blazed his Perth Glory 2 (Andy Keogh, Jamie MacLaren) Wel- opposition.’’ Football South 0 Northern Football 2, 5826983BQ lington Phoenix 1 (Michael McGlinchey). HT: 1-0.

movement that resulted in the Glory shot high and wide. 0.0Crowd: 7767. Turnbull predicted the Waikato-BOP 4 Central 0.