Search Results

The Warriors will need another big performance from Jackson Ford. PHOTO: NRL Queensland State of Origin hero Kurt Capewell, centre Rocco Berry and wing Edward Kosi come into the starting lineup for the NZ Warriors for their Round 17 NRL encounter with the Brisbane Broncos. The game will be held at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday afternoon with the Broncos currently sitting in fifth place, one spot behind the Warriors. LATEST HEADLINES: Maori All Blacks name 11 newbies Two new caps in Tall Ferns squad Esson signs for Phoenix Women Lulu Sun scores big WTA victory Steel beat Pulse in Premiership Capewell returns in the second row after being omitted for last week’s clash against Penrith due to his extreme travel schedule on the back of a gruelling second Origin match in Perth. Berry has recovered from a hamstring strain to come back into the centres for Moala Graham-Taufa, while Kosi will make his fourth appearance of the season replacing Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, ruled out for four to six weeks with an ankle injury. Capewell’s return to the back row after again slotting into the centres in his last start against the Sharks, sees him named alongside Jacob Laban with Leka Halasima going onto the interchange for rookie prop Tanner Stowers-Smith. Stowers-Smith is on an extended bench which also includes halfback Tanah Boyd, hooker Sam Healey, prop Bunty Afoa and fullback-winger Taine Tuaupiki. Saturday’s eagerly anticipated contest pits fourth against fifth with the Warriors fourth on 24 points with Melbourne, six points clear of the Broncos who vaulted up the ladder with their 34-28 comeback victory over Cronulla Sutherland last Sunday. With a 10-4 record after 14 games, the Warriors are seeking a rebound following their 18-28 loss to the Panthers, their second successive defeat at home. In away games in Australia this season they’ve won five out of six matches while they also prevailed in their Magic Round ‘home’ game against North Queensland at Suncorp Stadium early last month. NZ WARRIORS : Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Edward Kosi, Adam Pompey, Rocco Berry, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Luke Metcalf; James Fisher-Harris, Wayde Egan, Marata Niukore, Kurt Capewell, Jacob Laban, Erin Clark. Interchange: Te Maire Martin, Jackson Ford, Demitric Vaimauga, Leka Halasima. Reserves: Tanner Stowers-Smith, Tanah Boyd, Samuel Healey, Bunty Afoa, Taine Tuaupiki

The Black Caps have a busy home summer PHOTO: DJ MILLS/LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Plenty of home action this summer for Black Caps and the White Ferns against Australia, South Africa, West Indies and Zimbabwe scheduled for the 2025-26 season. The Black Caps will host Australia, England, the West Indies, and South Africa across multiple formats, the first three sides arriving before Christmas ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign in India and Sri Lanka - which starts January and runs into March. LATEST HEADLINES: Thomas aims for Temuka win Warriors injury selections Maori All Blacks 11 newbies Two Tall Ferns new caps Esson signs for Nix Women The White Ferns, involved in their own ICC Cricket World Cup between late September and early November, are set for a 14--game home summer, including a first-ever series against Zimbabwe. There's also a five-match T20I series against South Africa alongside the Black Caps and South Africa men, in a continuation of the successful T20 International doubleheaders. The home international summer will comprise 46 days of international cricket played at nine venues throughout the country: Eden Park (Auckland), Seddon Park (Hamilton), Bay Oval (Tauranga), McLean Park (Napier), Sky Stadium (Wellington), Cello Basin Reserve (Wellington), Saxton Oval (Nelson), Hagley Oval (Christchurch) and the University of Otago Oval (Dunedin). TVNZ and Sport Nation will once again be the free-to-air host broadcasters of the NZC international summer, with the Alternative Commentary Collective covering Black Caps matches via their digital channels. The Black Caps’ white-ball challenges comprise three T20Is against Australia in Mount Maunganui in early October, followed by three T20Is and three ODIs against England, and a five match T20I series and a three-game ODI series against the West Indies. Christchurch’s Hagley Oval, Wellington’s Cello Basin Reserve, and Mount Maunganui’s Bay Oval are the venues for the New Zealand Men's three-Test series against the West Indies in December, marking the start of the home side’s fourth ICC World Test Championship cycle. Pace-bowler Kyle Jamieson, who made a successful return from injury in the recent home summer, said it was exciting to have some of the best teams in the world coming to New Zealand. “It feels like a marquee summer,” he said. “The calibre of opposition means we’ll be constantly tested for the duration of the season and that’s what you want as a cricketer. “It’s great to have another three-Test series at home and I’m sure the fans will get in behind the Test team as they have in seasons gone by. “It’s always special to play in front of a home crowd and we’re hoping Kiwis will get out in force to support us once again this summer.” White Ferns rising star Georgia Plimmer said her side had plenty to look forward to. “We can’t wait for the international season and the chance to play in another ICC Cricket World Cup,” she said. “We want to play as much cricket as we can, especially in front of our home fans and it’s exciting to have a 14-game home summer to prepare for. “It’s great to see more T20I doubleheaders as they are such a great experience for teams and fans alike and it was awesome to see such strong crowds last season.” NZC Home International Schedule 2025-26 Black Caps v Australia 1st T20I, Bay Oval, Wednesday, 1 October 2025, 19:15 2nd T20I, Bay Oval, Friday, 3 October 2025, 19:15 3rd T20I, Bay Oval, Saturday, 4 October 2025, 19:15 Black Caps v England 1st T20I, Hagley Oval, Saturday, 18 October 2025, 19:15 2nd T20I, Hagley Oval, Monday, 20 October 2025, 19:15 3rd T20I, Eden Park, Thursday, 23 October 2025, 19:15 1st ODI, Bay Oval, Sunday, 26 October 2025, 14:00 2nd ODI, Seddon Park, Wednesday, 29 October 2025, 14:00 3rd ODI, Sky Stadium, Saturday, 1 November 2025, 14:00 Black Caps v West Indies 1st T20I, Eden Park, Wednesday, 5 November 2025, 19:15 2nd T20I, Eden Park, Thursday, 6 November 2025, 19:15 3rd T20I, Saxton Oval, Sunday, 9 November 2025, 13:15 4th T20I, Saxton Oval, Monday, 10 November 2025, 13:15 5th T20I, University of Otago Oval, Thursday, 13 November 2025, 13:15 1st ODI, Hagley Oval, Sunday, 16 November 2025, 14:00 2nd ODI, McLean Park, Wednesday, 19 November 2025, 14:00 3rd ODI, Seddon Park, Saturday, 22 November 2025, 14:00 3-dayer, Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Wednesday, 26 – Friday, 28 November 2025, 11:00 1st Test, Hagley Oval, Tuesday 2 – Saturday 6 December 2025, 11:00 2nd Test, Cello Basin Reserve, Wednesday 10 – Sunday 14 December 2025, 11:00 3rd Test, Bay Oval, Thursday 18 – Monday 22 December 2025, 11:00 White Ferns v Zimbabwe 1st T20I, Seddon Park, Wednesday 25 February 2026, 19:15 2nd T20I, Seddon Park, Friday 27 February 2026, 19:15 3rd T20I, Seddon Park, Sunday, 1 March 2026, 13:15 1st ODI, University of Otago Oval, Thursday, 5 March 2026, 11:00 2nd ODI, University of Otago Oval, Sunday, 8 March 2026, 11:00 3rd ODI, University of Otago Oval, Wednesday, 11 March 2026, 11:00 White Ferns & Black Caps v South Africa – T20I Doubleheaders 1st T20I, Bay Oval, Sunday, 15 March 2026, 14:45 & 19:15 2nd T20I, Seddon Park, Tuesday, 17 March 2026, 14:45 & 19:15 3rd T20I, Eden Park, Friday, 20 March 2026, 14:45 & 19:15 4th T20I, Sky Stadium, Sunday, 22 March 2026, 14:45 & 19:15 5th T20I, Hagley Oval, Wednesday, 25 March 2026, 14:45 & 19:15 White Ferns v South Africa 1st ODI, Hagley Oval, Sunday, 29 March 2026, 14:00 2nd ODI, Cello Basin Reserve, Wednesday, 1 April 2026, 11:00 3rd ODI, Cello Basin Reserve, Saturday, 4 April 2026, 11:00

Christian Gray headers the ball for an Auckland City FC goal against Boca Juniors PHOTO: PHOTOTEK/OFC Christian Gray has given Auckland City FC a moment to savour at the FIFA Club World Cup, scoring a second half header to secure a remarkable 1-1 draw against South American giants Boca Juniors in Nashville. Paul Posa’s Oceania champions turned in their best performance of the tournament against the Argentines, defending resolutely throughout the match, which was halted 10 minutes into the second half due to the threat of thunderstorms and lightning. LATEST HEADLINES: Big summer of NZ cricket Thomas aims for Temuka win Warriors injury selections Maori All Blacks 11 newbies Two Tall Ferns new caps Gray, a 28-year-old centre back who is training to become a school teacher, rose to deliver a powerful header following a corner from Jason Lagos in the 52nd minute to level the scores against the six times Copa Libertadores champions. Boca Juniors went into the match needing a big win to have any chance of qualifying for the round of 16, but were repeatedly frustrated by a well marshalled Auckland defence and young Nathan Garrow in goal. And when the Argentines did break through, it was rather fortunate, with a shot rebounding off Garrow into the back of his net in the 26th minute. Auckland lived dangerously at times but while Boca had plenty of shots, very few were on target in the remainder of the first half. Shortly after Gray’s stunning equaliser the players left the field for about 45 minutes while the weather system passed. Soon after the restart Boca thought they had restored their lead but VAR spotted a handball in the buildup and the goal was scrubbed out. Auckland City FC unlike against Benfica when they conceded five second half goals, kept their shape and structures admirably and while Garrow again poerformed some goalkeeping heroics, the only amateur side at the tournament, fully deserved to walk away with a point from the match. The Navy Blues head home with their heads held high. Drawn in Group C against three powerhouse sides, Auckland City recovered from the 10-0 drubbing by Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, held Portuguese giants Benfica to 1-0 at half-time, eventually losing 6-0, before proving resilient against a Boca Juniors side who fielded the likes of Edinson Cavani and Kevin Zenón. Benfica top Group C following their 1-0 win over Bayern Munich with the Bundesliga champions advancing to the knockout rounds as Group runners up. Auckland City FC 1 (Christian GRAY 52’) Boca Juniors 1 (Lautaro DI LOLLO 26’) HT 0-1

Football Fern Victoria Esson will play for the Wellington Phoenix Women in the next A-League season PHOTO RANGERS FC Another strong signing for the Wellingt Phoenix with Football Ferns keeper Victoria Esson to play for the club after seven seasons in Europe. Esson, 34, has spent the past three seasons at Rangers FC in Scotland, where she has won five trophies alongside fellow new signing Tessel Middag, after previously playing in Germany and Norway. LATEST HEADLINES: Lulu Sun scores big WTA win Steel beat Pulse in Premiership Alker close, Ko, Fox top-20 All Blacks named for France All Whites v Socceroos in Sept She has been capped 28 times by New Zealand at senior level and started all of the Ferns’ internationals in 2025. Interim Phoenix head coach Amy Shepherd is thrilled to have secured Esson’s signature. “She brings a wealth of experience from the international stage — including FIFA World Cups and Olympic Games — as well as from top-level club football, most recently with Rangers FC,” Shepherd said. “Vic’s leadership from the back and her passion for driving both this club and the women’s game forward in Aotearoa are qualities that will be vital for the 2025-2026 season. “She brings a winning mindset and high-performance standards, shaped by her recent successes. “As a goalkeeper, she is courageous, commanding, and proactive — always ready to take charge of her box. “We are excited to welcome her back home to New Zealand!” Victoria Esson has long dreamed of playing professionally in Aotearoa, but it wasn’t an option for her in 2019 so she had to go offshore in order to pursue a full-time football career. “I’m grateful for the opportunity the Phoenix have provided me to come home and continue to play professional football,” Esson said. “It’s amazing that young Kiwis can now aspire to play for a New Zealand team in the A-League. “For me it’s still a bit unimaginable being able to play professionally in my home country. “It’s going to be the first time my family and friends will be able to watch me play games at club level on a weekly basis. It’s pretty exciting that this is about to become my reality. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity and I hope we can make it a season to remember.” Esson was impressed by the club’s vision after meeting with Shepherd and academy director Emma Humphries, who has been assisting the Phoenix women with recruitment. “I liked the strong ambitions that were presented. I think it had substance to it and truth to it. “It seems like they’re trying to organise the team early so they’ve got the players we need to succeed this season.” She believes she can contribute to the team’s success on and off the pitch. “I hope to bring good goalkeeping, clean sheets and competitiveness in training and in games. “Having played in America, Norway, Germany and Scotland I think I’ve become a more rounded person and a more rounded footballer. “I am confident my experiences will help me to get along well with the visa players and being a Kiwi I hope I can connect well with the local players too. “I would like to set a good standard in training and challenge players to bring the best out of themselves, whilst being a kind person and a good teammate.” Victoria Esson is the 13th player confirmed in the Wellington Phoenix women’s squad for the 2025-26 A-League, with further signings and re-signings to follow in the coming weeks.

The new international glass court in Temuka had plenty of day one action PHOTO: SUPPLIED No major upsets on the first day of play at the Trust Aoraki Midlands PSA Challenger and District Open on the international glass court in Temaka as the men's draw got underway. Only one match went past three games as Squash Midlands coach George Thomas took a game off Frenchman Antoine Riehl much to the delight of the enthusiastic crowd in attendance. LATEST HEADLINES: Paul Coll out of Tour Finals Hobbs sets sprint record Auckland draw with Boca Big summer of NZ cricket Thomas aims for Temuka win There was a win for Northland teenager Freddie Jameson as the left-handed played some superb shots in an entertaining contest against Japan's Yuta Ando. He'll now face Dutchman Sam Gerrits in the second round. The longest match of the day featured Midlands bred Chris van der Salm in a battle with Korea's Seojin Oh which lasted for 32 minutes before the kiwi fell away in the third set as Oh applied the pressure. Second round play features fifth seed Mason Smales from the Henderson squash club starting at midday against Hong Kong's Lap Man Au while all other seeded players are also in action. That includes New Zealand No 2 Elijah Thomas with a ranking of 100 in the world as well as top seed Rowan Damming the current world No 89 and former top junior player. The tournament continues until the finals on Sunday 29 June with the women's PSA Challenger starting on Friday. Trust Aoraki Midlands PSA Challenger - Temuka Men's first round: Day session: Lap Man Au (Hong Kong) bt (ALT) Paddy Mulvihill (NZ) 11-5, 11-3, 11-6 (21 minutes), William Donnelly (NZ) bt Allan Bailey (NZ) 11-1, 11-3, 11-5, (27 minutes), Ahmed Sherif (Egypt) bt Bryce McMullan (NZ) 11-6, 11-6, 11-9 (29 mins), Jacob Robinson (Australia) bt James Nicholas (Australia) 11-2, 11-4, 11-4 (26 mins), Evening session: Freddie Jameson (NZ) bt Yuta Ando (Japan) 11-9 , 11-8, 11-6 (28 mins) Antoine Riehl (France) bt George Thomas (Wales/NZ) 11-7, 11-5, 4-11, 11-4 (28 minutes) Islam Kouritam (Egypt) bt Tom Marshall (NZ) 11-4, 11-9, 11-3 (22 minutes) Seojin Oh (Korea) bt Chris van der Salm (NZ) 11-8, 11-8, 11-1 (32 minutes)

Elijah Thomas about to break top 100 squash rankings PHOTO: MIDLANDS SQUASH New Zealand men's squash No 2 Elijah Thomas is on a mission to win tournaments at home and take his fledgling professional career to new heights. The 22-year-old from Auckland is about to play in the Trust Aoraki Midlands PSA Challenger tournament in Temuka 25-29 June on the international glass court. LATEST HEADLINES: Warriors injury selections Maori All Blacks 11 newbies Two Tall Ferns new caps Esson signs for Nix Women Lulu Sun scores big WTA win The tournament which also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Temuka Squash Club will be an opportunity for Thomas to make amends for his past three events in the South Island, two last year and one last weekend where he was a beaten finalist, each time to Dutchman Rowan Damming Damming is the top seed in Temuka and Thomas second with a current ranking of 100, something he doesn't get too focused on. "I try not to get too fixated on rankings. Top 100 will be a nice milestone to hit, but I see it more as a step closer to the end goal. Its good to see progression and I aim to continue to improve my level and keep climbing the rankings," he said. Thomas has been in five finals at the PSA Challenger levels of the standing of Temuka and come away with two titles. Already this year he has played in seven different nations from Australia, Great Britain, the Netherlands and beyond and says Temuka is definitely a new venue, but he's looking forward to the tournament on a real international glass court. "It's a little different as a location, but it looks great and there's some big activities going on around the event." Thomas is currently coached by Englishman Rob Owen who is in charge of numerous top players including fellow kiwi Paul Coll. Thomas has a bye first round and will have his opening match on Thursday 26 June at 2.15pm Meanwhile the women's draw in Temuka is headed by New Zealand's Ella Lash who has a world ranking of 127 and will face competition from second seed Kincso Szász from Hungary. Seeded third is Kiwi-Brit Jasmine Thirst followed by Hawkes Bay's Jena Gregory, a recent finalist at the Auckland Open. A number of local players have been given positions in the draws to compete with the professionals while there are also graded tournaments at local clubs as well

Olivia Williams is a new name in the Tall Ferns squad PHOTO: UC IRVINE Two potential debutants have been confirmed in the Tall Ferns squad for the upcoming FIBA Women's Asia Cup in Shenzhen, China. Head coach Natalie Hurst has named a squad of 12 plus two reserves with Rebecca Pizzey and Olivia Williams in the New Zealand women's basketball team for the first time. LATEST HEADLINES: Esson signs for Nix Women Lulu Sun scores big WTA win Steel beat Pulse in Premiership Alker close, Ko, Fox top-20 All Blacks named for France "Olivia brings more length on the wing. She's a defensive minded player who shows great instincts at that end, and isn't afraid to make a big play at the offensive end as well. Rebecca is a high IQ player. She also has great length at the defensive end and can stretch the floor at the offensive end. Another mobile big who can handle the ball for us, which is incredibly valuable with Sharne Robati not being available," said Hurst. The squad maintains a solid-core group of players from May's Trans-Tasman Throwdown, with guard Tayla Dalton returning, University of Hawai'i standout Ritorya Tamilo, and forward Charlotte Whittaker who has recently finished her French season with Toulouse. "I'm excited about a few things with this group, including the mix of youth and experience we have. Especially getting access to some of the ladies either finishing college or on their breaks, so we're stoked to welcome them into the group. Obviously with the Trans-Tasman Throwdown we blooded a lot of new squad members, who we now see heading to their first Asia Cup." The team is in a tough group alongside China, Indonesia and Korea. "We target the first two games and then see what happens from there," Hurst said. The Tall Ferns will get their FIBA Asia Cup campaign started against Korea on July 14th, before backing up against Indonesia the following day. The Tall Ferns final pool play match is against China on 16th July. Hurst said success would be getting through to the next round. Full squad: McKenna Dale, guard/forward, Tauranga Whai, Mandurah Magic Tayla Dalton, guard, Townsville Flames Bailey Flavell, guard, Northern Kāhu, Launceston Tornadoes Pahlyss Hokianga, guard, Tauranga Whai Esra McGoldrick, guard/forward, Mainland Pouākai, Casey Cavaliers Rebecca Pizzey, forward, Eltham Wildcats* Emme Shearer, guard, Mackay Meteorettes Ashlee Strawbridge, forward, Mainland Pouākai, West Adelaide Bearcats Ritorya Tamilo, centre, University of Hawai'i Ella Tofaeono, forward/centre, Melbourne Tigers Charlotte Whittaker, forward, Toulouse Metropole Basket Olivia Williams, guard, University of California - Irvine* *denotes debutant Reserves: Ella Brow, guard, Baylor University Maia Jones, guard, Santa Clara University

Lily Greenough in action at Papendal. PHOTO: COLE MCONIE The kiwi riders were without fortune in round four action at the UCI BMX Racing World Cup in Papendal, Netherlands today. After a win for Rico Bearman and medal for junior women’s rookie Lily Greenough in round three at the same venue yesterday, the kiwi contingent could not find a way to the podium on the fourth round. LATEST HEADLINES: Venus beaten London ATP final Tactix beat Stars for top-of-table Alker chases, Ko, Fox movers Crusaders return to winning Bearman win UCI BMX Racing The conditions proved a challenge, with rain falling for the key medal rounds which proved the downfall for several New Zealand riders. After his overall elite men’s victory in round three, national champion Rico Bearman was in strong form with wins in his heat and first round. But with the rain falling, he did not get his usual strong start in the quarterfinal and was unable to make up the ground. North Harbour’s Michael Bias qualified from his heat but was edged out by one spot in the one-eighth round. Best of the kiwis today was Greenough who continued her impressive form in her World Cup debut in Europe. She won her heat and dominated the quarterfinal, winning by a second, before finishing second in her semifinal to series leader Michelle Wissing (Netherlands). The kiwi made a strong start in the final and was heading for another podium but slid out on the wet and slippery final turn, and while disappointed, Greenough has retained third in the overall standings. Paris Olympian Leila Walker continued her improvement after returning to racing this month ago following foot surgery. Walker was second to Paris Olympic medallist Manon Veenstra (NED) in her first round, and fourth in a tight quarterfinal, only 0.7s from the winner, to progress to the semifinal. She slipped slightly out of the gate in the rain and could not force her way back through the pack in the semifinal, while compatriot Megan Williams went out in the quarterfinals. Best of the under-23 men was Jack Greenough (Cambridge) who was the only kiwi to make it through to the one-eighth round in what was the biggest class competing at Papendal. Finn Cogan (Cambridge) made it to the first round while Cooper Richardson (North Harbour) and Nick Cowie (Southland) went out in the Last Chance round. The riders now prepare for the UCI BMX Racing World Championships in Copenhagen next month.

Michael Venus hits a backhand volley in the final at the London ATP tournament PHOTO: LTA Michael Venus and Croatian partner Nikola Mektic have been beaten in a tight final at the Queen's tournament in London in three sets. They lost to the British pair of Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool 6-3 6-7(5) 10-6 in just under an hour and a half. LATEST HEADLINES: Tactix beat Stars for top-of-table Alker chases, Ko, Fox movers Crusaders return to winning Bearman win UCI BMX Racing Black Sticks win Nations Cup The result means the seven match winning streak of Venus at the tournament comes to an end after he won the title last year. There wer a number of break points in the first set helping the Brits take the initiiative in the eighth game in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd. Mektic dropped serve again at 1-1, missing a volley on break point to give Cash and Glasspool a crucial lead. With momentum firmly with the Brits, Venus and Mektic were staring at a straight-sets defeat on a surface where comebacks can be hard. However they found a way to fight back immediately breaking Cash’s serve to level the set, showing the sort of grit that has made Venus and Mektic mainstays at the business end of ATP doubles tournaments. In the tiebreak, they led 4-2 at the change of ends, and Venus then drilled a stunning return winner off a Cash serve to edge further ahead. That point proved decisive as they held their nerve to force a super tiebreak. Cash and Glasspool made the stronger start, leading 4-2 at the first change of ends and 7-5 at the next to then gon on and take the tiebreak for the loss of just one more point.

Jane Watson applauds the Christchurch crowd as the Tactix beat the Stars PHOTO: NETBALL NZ/MICHAEL BRADLEY PHOTOGRPAHY The Tactix have contineud their good form of the 2025 ANZ Premiership with a 61-53 win over the Stars in Christchurch. The Tactix now take back top spot from the Northern Mystics, while the Stars remain bottom after just one victory this season. LATEST HEADLINES: Alker chases, Ko, Fox movers Crusaders return to winning Bearman win UCI BMX Racing Black Sticks win Nations Cup Venus to defend Queen's title Having dropped their only match of the season to the Stars in Round 2, the rematch pitted the top team against the bottom, the Stars calling on 20 players so far while battling a horror run of injuries. With five centurions in their mix, the Tactix are the most consistent team in the competition and they showed that through a dominant first half. To their credit, the Stars came back strongly to win the second half. The home side easily won the opening quarter 19-10 and followed on with the second 17-9 for a 36-19 lead at the major break. Leading by 16 heading down the home straight, the Tactix were left looking over their shoulder when Marie Hansen, straight out of the Comets team in the Synergy Hair Netball League and making her senior debut in the final quarter. Showing no fear, the slightly-built Hansen calmly slotted five super shots on the trot to liven up the Stars performance, adding respectability against the well-drilled Tactix, who could look back on a strong first half buffer to get them over the line. With strong options at the scoring end, the Tactix opted for Ellie Bird to start under the hoop in an otherwise unchanged line-up. The Tactic midcourt unit of Holly Mather, Erikana Pedersen and Paris Lokotui were a cut above with their through-court play and fine feeding. Key play-maker Te Paea Selby-Rickit also had an impressive hand in play in and around the circle. Bird took a rest halfway through game and rising young shooter Martina Salmon stepped into the breach to put on another solid performance. For the Stars, 1.96m Australian import Charlie Bird returned to the starting spot at goal shoot while former Silver Fern and permanent replacement player Kayla Johnson slotted in at goal defence.

Steven Alker is in with a real chance of a second Senoirs Tour Major PHOTO: PGA CHAMPIONS TOUR Chaotic third rounds for New Zealand golfers Lydia Ko and Ryan Fox at their respective tournaments, but Steven Alker shot low. Ko has had a two-over third round at the Ladies PGA Championship to sit tied 27th after six bogeys and four birdies - a bogey on the second followed by three birdies and then a bogey.on the sixth. LATEST HEADLINES: Crusaders return to winning Bearman win UCI BMX Racing Black Sticks win Nations Cup Venus to defend Queen's title Breakers to open ANBL at home There were also bogeys at the 10th and 13th, a birdie on the 15th, bogey on the 16th and 18th. She carded a two-over par third round to be 12 shots back from Australia's Minjee Lee who holds a four-shot lead at six-under. Fox picked up a couple of shots to be two-under and tied 37th thanks to five birdies and three bogeys at the PGA tournament in Connecticut. Fox is 14 shots behind runaway leader Tommy Fleetwood from England. At the PGA Tour Champions event in Akron, Ohio Steven Alker is tied for the lead after the third round. Alker's carded a three-under 67 to share the 54-hole lead alongside Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez. They're two clear of the field. Alker's previous senior major win came at the 2022 Senior PGA Championship.

Celebration time for the Crusaders once again in Super Rugby PHOTO: CRAIG BUTLAND/LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY The Crusaders are back on top of the Super Rugby Pacific after a 16-12 win over the Chiefs in Christchurch. The victory is their 15th Super Rugby title and their 32nd consecutive finals win at home. LATEST HEADLINES: Bearman win UCI BMX Racing Black Sticks win Nations Cup Venus to defend Queen's title Breakers to open ANBL at home Mystics easy winners over Magic For the Chiefs, it's heartbreak once again as they taste defeat in their third straight final. In the first hlaf the home side rallied from an early deficit to take a one-point lead into the break. The second half was as tense as it comes, with a Rivez Reihana penalty with eight minutes left pushing the lead out to four and sealing the win. The Crusaders were troubled early after inspirational centre David Havili went to the bin in the 12th minute. Havili collected Emoni Narawa high, and the Chiefs took advantage of the space minutes later when prop George Dyer dived over under the posts. The hosts, who entered the game unbeaten in finals games in Christchurch, struck back via hooker Codie Taylor as the hooker squeezed down the blindside for the response. Two penalties to Rivez Reihana gave them the lead as their physicality took over. The Chiefs were able to rally and respond right before the break, thanks to fullback Shaun Stevenson, as the margin was reduced to 13-12 heading into the break. The Crusaders scrum won several penalties to help the hosts command field position for the majority of the second half. There were several chances for the Crusaders to finish the game, with Christian Lio-Willie held up, followed by a denied Havili try for offside. But it was their scrum that sealed the win with a massive penalty that allowed the lead to extend to four points. Needing a try, the Chiefs had few chances to break the Crusaders' line as the hosts celebrated their return to the title. Crusaders 16 (Codie Taylor try, Rivez Reihana con, 3 pen) Chiefs 12 (George Dyer, Shaun Stevenson tries, Damian McKenzie 1 con)