Search Results

New Zealand rider Winni Goldsbury (26) in action at the opening round of Enduro at the UCI MTB World Series in Pietra Ligure, Italy. (Credit: Sebastian Scheck) Kiwi teens Winni Goldsbury and Cooper Millward made stunning starts to the UCI MTB World Series at the opening round of the Enduro in Italy. Goldsbury (Specialised Gravity, Christchurch) has finished seventh in her debut in the elite women’s competition, while Cooper (Alexandra) placed second in the junior men in the gruelling two-day World Series event in Pietra Ligure, on the Italian Riveira. LATEST HEADLINES: Mystics, Tactix opening netball wins NZ Under 20 Rugby Champs win Payne beats Feeney in Tasmania Tall Blacks earn win over Boomers Ryan Fox in top-five, Lydia Ko top-10 Enduro is the mountain bike equivalent of motor rally, where the contestants are timed over a series of short downhill tracks, which are joined by lengthy liaison trails, with riders with the skills of downhill and the endurance of cross-country. Riders tackled over 100km of riding along with seven timed stages totalling 20kms with 1480m of climbing and 1899m of descents. Goldsbury, who won two round of the junior women’s competition last year, enjoyed an outstanding debut in the elite ranks. After finishing 10th in the opening stage, Goldsbury was third on stage two and then settled in the top 10 in the remaining stages. She finished in seventh overall, 1:50.806 behind winner Harriet Harnden (GBR) who was in a class of her own, fastest in five stages and winning by over 24 seconds. Experienced New Zealand rider George Swift (Yeti-Fox Factory, Nelson) was 15th, five minutes down on the winner. Millward, competing with fellow Alexandra rider Marcus Sayers who finished in ninth overall, was outstanding. Third after the first day, the Yeti NZ Development Team rider was fastest in three of the four stages on day two to finish just 14 seconds behind winner Melvin Almueis from France. This margin was lost on the opening stage on day one, and from that point Millward proved a real challenge for the Frenchman. New Zealand enduro star, Charles Murray (Specialized Gravity, Christchurch) was 11th overall in the elite men’s competition. Third overall in the world series last year, Murray was in 15th place after the first day but enjoyed a solid series of timed runs on day two to climb to 11th 45 seconds down on winner Daniel Booker from Australia who claimed his first World Series win by less than a second. “It was a very big weekend of racing. Overall it was a solid competition for me but Winni rode amazingly well, and Cooper was really impressive,” said Murray. Goldsbury was delighted with her debut in the elite category. “I was pretty stoked for my first elite World Cup. I think I was the youngest elite in the field and managed to do pretty well. Seventh was stoked, and coming third in one stage was even better,” said Goldsbury. “The liked the long liaison stage on the first day which reminded me of home.” Leading the rest of the New Zealand elite men were Rotorua’s Joe Millington in 29th and Matthew Walker (Pivot Factory Racing) from Kawerau in 34th. There is no time to relax with the UCI MTB World Series moving to Bielski-Biala in Poland for the second round of the Enduro competition, joining the Downhill riders who make their championship start. Results: Elite Men: Daniel Booker (AUS) 43:00.767, 1; Slawomir Lukasik (POL) at 0.374s, 2; Alex Rudeau (FRA) at 4.719, 3. Leading NZers: Charles Murray (Specialized Gravity) at 45.302, 11; Joe Millington (Yeti NZ Devo Team, Rotorua) at 1:31.227, 29; Matt Walker (Pivot Factory, Kawerau) at 1:41.117, 34; Lachie Ross (Yeti NZ Devo Team, Upper Hutt) at 2:28.147, 45. Elite women: Harriet Harnden (GBR) 29:33.7848:02.801, 1; Ella Conolly (GBR) at 24.376, 2; Morgane Charre (FRA) at 51.558, 3. Also NZers: Winni Goldsbury (Specialised Gravity, Christchurch) at 1:50.806, 7; George Swift (Yeti-Fox Factory, Nelson) at 5:04.720, 15. Junior men: Melvin Almueis (FRA) 44:53.80, 1; Cooper Millwood (Yeti NZ Devo Team, Alexandra) at 14.718, 2; Matteo Falcini (ITA) at 49.950, 3.

Sam Sutton is leaving the Wellington Phoenix along with Scott Wootton PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Defenders Sam Sutton and Scott Wootton, who have each played over 100 games for the Wellington Phoenix, are leaving the A-League club. The pair are believed to have signed with rival A-League club Perth Glory. LATEST HEADLINES: Fox chips in for maiden PGA win Goldsbury, Millward shine UCI MTB Mystics, Tactix opening netball wins NZ Under 20 Rugby Champs win Payne beats Feeney in Tasmania All White Sutton and Wootton will play their final games for the Phoenix on Wednesday night when Wellington take on against Brisbane Roar in their Australia Cup playoff in Darwin. The Phoenix confirmed their departure in a statement after what had been a disasterous season finishing "Both Sutts and Scotty have left a lasting legacy. Sutts has quite literally grown up at the Phoenix, having joined the academy as a 14-year-old in 2016," said director of football Shaun Gill. Sutton hoped this is a 'see you later' rather than a 'goodbye'. "The club's been a big part of my life, and it's meant everything to me," Sutton said. "The Phoenix is my home. I've been here for the best part of 10 years and not winning any silverware is pretty heartbreaking for me." Sutton said he had enjoyed his two coaches at the club, Ufuk Talay and Giancarlo Italiano. "loved playing under Uffy and Chief. Both of them are two very good managers. I wish Chiefy nothing but success moving forward with the team."

The Mystics beat cross-Auckland rivals the Stars PHOTO: NETBALL NZ/MICHAEL BRADLEY PHOTOG RAPHY The Mystics maintained their recent dominance in the Northern Challenge, after second half push for a 71-55 win over an injury-ravaged Stars at Eventfinda Stadium ito open their season.. The Stars were forced into change after facing an injury crisis when losing the service of three starting players through the match. After losing the services of defenders Greer Sinclair and Kate Burley, there was more gloom when shooter Charlie Bell was carried off with an ankle injury with just over a minute remaining in the match. LATEST HEADLINES: NZ Under 20 Rugby Champs win Payne beats Feeney in Tasmania Tall Blacks earn win over Boomers Ryan Fox in top-five, Lydia Ko top-10 NZ A win game three v Bangladesh Sinclair departed just before the first quarter break with a knee injury and Burley late in the third quarter with an ankle injury, both playing wing defence at the time of their demise. With midcourter Mila Reuelu-Buchanan returning on managed minutes after overcoming a serious knee injury from last season, the Stars resources were stretched thin. It was the visiting Stars who got away to a flying start, holding sway over the defending champions during the first stanza with Australian import Bell had the honour of sinking the first Super Shot of the opening quarter, the 1.96m sharp shooter igniting a bonanza of double point shots. However as the game professed from the second quarter onwards the Mystics took control and never looked back as the Stars struggled to overcome injuries and the slick form of the champions. Karen Berger looks to get the pass away for the Tactix against the Steel PHOTO: NETBALL NZ/MICAEL BRADLEY PHOTOGRAPHY Meanwhile former Silver Fern Donna Wilkins launched her elite level coaching career in the best possible was as the Tactix scored a 57-50 win over the Southern Steel in Christchurch to finish the round. Honouring the memory of the late Kelly Hutton, who passed away in 2023 from ovarian cancer, and her sister Megan Hutton, both former Canterbury representative with Megan also playing for the Steel, the Hutton Family Trophy was on the line for the first time. Taking time to find their feet, the Tactix took charge in the second half through their young midcourt pairing of Holly Mather and Parris Petera, a lively defensive contribution from Jane Watson and sure shooting from Martina Salmon. With the game delicately poised and the Tactix leading 42-41 at the last break the Tactix making a telling push to forge a handy lead in the run home. Aliyah Dunn, despite being sidelined for two minutes after dangerous play in the final quarter, came back to nail two two-pointers, the southerners remained well in the frame throughout. The young Steel team made a great fist of challenging the Tactix, whose greater experience proved decisive in the end. Respective goal shoots, Ellie Bird for the home side and Dunn, in her 100th national league match, suiting up in her hometown colours against her old team, were key figures through the first stanza with both returning blemish-free returns from one-point range. New signing Carys Stythe made Bird earn her goals, the long reach of the defender, who made the move south during the off-season, grabbed a series of clutch turnover ball. With five goals on the trot, the Steel grew in confidence through their effective defensive pressure and sure flow through court, the experience of Kimiora Poi and midcourter Serina Daunakamakama having a healthy impact. Drawing level 10 minutes in, Steel goal attack Georgia Heffernan nailed two super shots to nudge the visitors into a 27-26 halftime lead. A revelation last season, Salmon was injected into the game for the Tactix for the second half alongside wing attack Petera as the teams went goal-for goal throughout a close contest, the shooter going on to have a telling impact. Watson got some classic turnovers under the Steel hoop as the Tactix flexed their collective muscle, Salmon adding to the home team’s impetus with a third quarter two-pointer to push their buffer out to five. In a tale for the ages, 40-year-old Steel assistant coach Leota was injected in at wing attack for the visitors for her 211th national league match after playing for several New Zealand and England franchises during a decorated career. Her presence had the desired result, helping the Steel make another concerted push, a two-pointer from Dunn leaving the match on a knife-edge when the Tactix took a 42-41 lead into the last turn.

The New Zealand side has retained the men's under-20 Rugby Championship title after an exhausting 48-45 victory over hosts South Africa in Gqeberha. The victory meant the Baby Blacks edged Australia for the title after the trans- Tasman rivals they beat Argentina 40-36. LATEST HEADLINES: Payne beats Feeney in Tasmania Tall Blacks earn win over Boomers Ryan Fox in top-five, Lydia Ko top-10 NZ A win game three v Bangladesh Warriors one point win over Dragons New Zealand were behind 19-0 after 13 minutes after conceding two early tries to the young Springboks before fighting their way back into the game. The two sides swapped tries throughout the match with New Zealand taking the lead for the first time during the second half. However, it was a tense finish as the visitors were reduced to 13 players after Caleb Woodley was red-carded and Randall Baker was given a yellow card. Celebration time for the New Zealand Under 20 team PHOTO: RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP Flanker Woodley was marched for a head clash with 11 minutes to play, while Baker was binned with three minutes to play for pulling down a maul which resulted in a penalty try. New Zealand managed to defend strongly and held on for a memorable win and retention of the title. Centre Harlyn Saunoa scored three tries and winger Maloni Kunawave two. New Zealand try scorers were: Harlyn Saunoa (3), Manumaua Letiu, Maloni Kunawave (2), Sika Pole and Stanley Solomon, while Will Cole kicked four conversions. Both New Zealand and Australia finished with two wins and a draw with New Zealand handed the title on points differential. The Junior World Cup kicks off in Italy on 29 June. New Zealand Under 20: 48 (Harlyn Saunoa 3, Manumaua Letiu, Maloni Kunawave 2, Sika Pole, Stanley Solomon tries; Will Coles 4 con) South Africa Under 20 : 45 (Albie Bester, Simphiwe Ngobese, Siphosethu Mnebelele, Gino Cupido, Wandile Mlaba 2, Penalty Try tries; Vusi Moyo 4 con) HT: 24-26

Chanel Harris-Tavita celebrates after scoring in the Warriors win over the Cowboys PHOTO: NRL A stunning individual performance from Warriors halfback Luke Metcalf has taken the side to a 30-26 win Cowboys in Brisbane. The victory matches 2018 for their best-ever start to a season with six wins and two losses. LATEST HEADLINES: Sullivan four Canes beat Chiefs Fox weather delay at PGA Texas Reynolds, Watt reach Ostrava final Hardy inspires Bulls past Nuggets Blues get bonus-point win over Force Metcalf scored two tries, kicked five goals and put in a try-saving tackle on Murray Tualagi in the win which has them currently in second on the ladder.. Along with Metcalfs heroics there was top performances from Leka Halasima and Erin Clark who both pulled in some big metres around the park. The Warriors led 28-12 at the break thanks to additonal tries from Edward Kosi, Chanel Harris-Tavita and Adam Pompey. However the Cowboys scored three tries in seven minutes in the half to equal up the scores before Metcalf kicked a penalty and then put in the winning tackle on Tualagi who had already schored one try. The Warriors head to Wollongong next Saturday to take on the Dragons. Warriors 30 (Luke Metcalf 2 tries, Edward Kosi, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Adam Pompey tries; Metcalf 5 goals) Cowboys 26 (Jaxon Purdue, Tom Dearden, Rob Derby, Murray Taulagi, Jeremiah Nanai 63’ tries; Scott Drinkwater 3 goals). HT: 28-12.

Taylor Britt looks for the shot against the Australian Boomers PHOTO: BBNZ The Tall Blacks have beaten the Boomers 106 to 97 in Hamilton in a rare victory over the Australians. The New Zealand side dominated the first three quarters before the Boomers stormed back with 33 points to challenge in the final stanza. LATEST HEADLINES: Ryan Fox in top-five, Lydia Ko top-10 NZ A win game three v Bangladesh Warriors one point win over Dragons Chiefs stun Crusaders in Super Rugby Sorensen-McGee stars Black Ferns Taylor Britt top-scored for the Tall Blacks with 23 points and also had nine rebounds and eight assists and was stoked to get the win Reuben Te Rangi put up 18 points with Kaia Isaac 14 and Tohi Smith-Milner 13. Australia looked lacklustre at time and had just three players make doubles figures; Elijah Pepper with 28, Mitchell Norton 19 and Dejan Vasijevic 13. It was the 10th time the Tall Blacks have beaten the Boomers in 75 internationals and the first time since 2020 The Tall Ferns had their closest match of the series going down 86- 71 to the Opals after keeping close, particlularly in the third quarter which ended at 61-57 to the Australians. Tall Blacks 106 (Britt 23, Te Rangi 18, K. Issac 14) defeat Australian Boomers 97 (Pepper 28, Norton 19, Vasiljevic 13 Q.1 28-16 Q2 29-28 Q3 31-20, Q4 18-33  Australian Opals 86 (Borlase 18, Woods 16, Froling 11) defeat the 2degrees Tall Ferns 71 (McGoldrick 19, Robati 11, Dale 11).

Kiwi Matt Payne (left) crosses the line just ahead of Broc Feeney PHOTO: SUPERCARS New Zealandi rising star Matt Payne has pulled off one of the most dramatic wins in recent Supercars history. The 22-year-old beat championship leader Broc Feeney by just 0.05s in a heart-stopping photo finish at the Tasmania Super 440. LATEST HEADLINES: Tall Blacks earn win over Boomers Ryan Fox in top-five, Lydia Ko top-10 NZ A win game three v Bangladesh Warriors one point win over Dragons Chiefs stun Crusaders in Super Rugby The result was the third closest winning margain in the history of Supercars. The Penrite Racing driver came from 11th on the grid and used smart strategy and a perfectly timed second pit stop during a mid-race Safety Car to take the lead late in the race. Feeney, who won on Saturday, was charging through the field and looked unstoppable as he closed the gap in the final laps. He pushed hard and drew alongside Payne on the run to the chequered flag – but the Kiwi held on in one of the closest finishes the category has seen. The win is Payne’s third in as many Sunday races and just his fifth career victory, after claiming both wins in New Zealand at the last round. Despite just missing out on the win, Feeney extended his lead in the championship lead over teammate Will brown to 38 points with another strong result. Brown finished third to round out today's podium. Payne remains third ahead of Tickford's Cam Waters who dropped from second to fourth in the standings this weekend. Early race leader James Golding crossed the line fourth ahead of PremiAir Racing teammate Richie Stanaway. The dramatic 88-lap race featured wheel-to-wheel battles, clever strategy calls and a flurry of incidents throughout the field – but the final lap showdown between Payne and Feeney stole the show. The major turning point in the race came when defending Bathurst 1000 Champion Brodie Kostecki spun around on the run to the hairpin. Replays showed Kostecki being tipped into a spin by BJR's Bryce Fullwood as they rounded Turn 3, with the latter earning a drive-through penalty. Fullwood's day got worse, being handed another penalty over a Safety Car breach. The 2025 Repco Supercars Championship continues at the Bosch Power Tools Perth Super 440 from June 6–8. Tickets are on sale now.

Ryan Fox is in contention at the Myrtle Beach Classic going into the final round PHOTO: PGA TOUR A chaotic third round for Ryan Fox at the Myrtle Beach Classic in South Carolina as he chases his first PGA Tour title. He only made three pars to go with nine birdies and six bogeys to sit in a share of fourth place, three shots off the lead. LATEST HEADLINES: NZ A win game three v Bangladesh Warriors one point win over Dragons Chiefs stun Crusaders in Super Rugby Sorensen-McGee stars Black Ferns Pulse open season win over Magic American Carson Young is at the top of the leaderboard at 13-under Lydia Ko is tied for 10th with one round to play at the LPGA Tour event in New Jersey. She shot a two-under par third round to be seven-under overall, seven shots off the lead which is held by Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand. Kazuma Kobori is tied 53rd at two-under at the DP World Tour event at Antalya in Turkey. He carded a third round 70 with three birdies and two bogeys

A better performance with bat and ball by New Zealand A against Bangladesh A PHOTO: BCB An allround performance by the New Zealand A cricket side has prevented a whitewash against Bangladesh A in Sylhet. After dropping the first two games and not batting out their 50 overs the New Zealand side showed more grit at bat. LATEST HEADLINES: Warriors one point win over Dragons Chiefs stun Crusaders in Super Rugby Sorensen-McGee stars Black Ferns Pulse open season win over Magic Trans-Tasman basketball losses The home side made 226 all out in the 47th over as Adithya Ashok took 3-44 from his 10 overs while Ben Lister, Dean Foxcroft and Jayden Lennox. In reply the New Zealand batting finally hit their straps. All eight batters reached double figures as they hit the total of 231-6 in the 49th over with 10 balls to spare. Openers Rhys Mariu and Dale Phillips made 33 and 34 respectively while Joe Carter hit 33, Foxcroft was not out 36 adn Zak Foulkes 28 not out. The first of two unofficial test match starts on Wednesday at Sylhet.

Celebration time for the Warriors as they win over the Dragons PHOTO: NRL Luke Metcalf had another starring hand for the NZ Warriors as he landed a 30-metre field in the rs a 15-14 over the St George Illawarra Dragons at WollongongL. The win puts the Warriors second on the NRL table, but it was never certain despit lead 14-0 close to halftime. LATEST HEADLINES: Chiefs stun Crusaders in Super Rugby Sorensen-McGee stars Black Ferns Pulse open season win over Magic Trans-Tasman basketball losses Fox top-10, Ko top-20 tournaments It was then the Dragons sprung to life with captain Clint Gutherson scoring and from that moment the visitors were on the back foot. Jackson Ford suffered a head clash in a tackle and was concussed out of the game as the home side came back strong. Tries to second-rower Dylan Egan and winger Corey Allan within three minutes pulled the Dragons level with 30 minutes remaining. The Warriors then lost front-rower Bunty Afoa to a knee injury and had second-rower Marata Niukore in for a head check, which he passed. Extra time appeared likely, but Metcalf took the opportunity from a Warriors attack, with the winning kick with 10 minutes remaining. The Warriors then managed to control territory enough to deprive the Dragons. Centre Valentine Holmes had an attempt from 40 metres that drifted wide, but was run off his mark in the dying moments, and the visitors played down the clock. Earlier in the game Metcalf opened the scoring with a try after eight minutes while Taine Tuapuki also crossed. The Warriors have now risen to second on the table and will take on the Dolphins at Brisbane next Saturday. Warriors 15 (Luke Metcalf’, Taine Tuapuki tries; Metcalf con, 2 pen, goal) Dragons 14 (Clint Gutherson, Dylan Egan, Corey Allen tries; Valentine Holmes con) HT: 14-4

Leroy Carter dives over for a Chiefs try against the Crusaders PHOTO: CRAIG BUTLAND/LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY The Chiefs have scored 32 unanswered points to beat the Crusaders 35-19 in Christchurch and stand alone at the top of the Super Rugby ladder. It was a huge turnaround for the Chiefs, who weren't really in the large parts of the first half and found themselves down 10-19 at the break. LATEST HEADLINES: Sorensen-McGee stars Black Ferns Pulse open season win over Magic Trans-Tasman basketball losses Fox top-10, Ko top-20 tournaments Blues beat Drua playoffs still alive Tom Christie, Scott Barrett and Antonio Shalfoon all crashed over from close range for the Crusaders as they kept the ball in tight. But just on halftime Emoni Narawa, had the ball bounce into his arms after Sevu Reece tried to intercept a Shaun Stevenson pass. Narawa went on to score. At the start of the second half Damian McKenzie crossed for his first try of the season and just six minutes later Leroy Carter scored the try of the match. Gideon Wrampling picked up a David Havili kick before flicking the ball to Carter at speed to race 70m to give the Chiefs the lead. Two more McKenzie penalties extended the lead out, before Wallace Sititi finished off an 18 phase movement to remove all doubt on the result. The Chiefs now take a week off while the Crusaders travel to Sydney to face the Waratahs and now have to rely on other results to get first place back in the last three weeks of the regular season. Chiefs 35 (Emoni Narawa, Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Wallace Sititi tries 73min; Damian Mckenzie 3 pen, 2 con) Crusaders 19 (Tom Christie, Scott Barrett, Antonio Shalfoon tries; Rivez Reihana 2 con). HT: 10-19

Braxton Sorensen-McGee and Amy du Plessis hug after the Black Ferns win over Australia PHOTO: The Black Ferns continued their dominance of the Australian Wallaroos as they ground down their opponents to eventually win 38-12 in Newcastle in the Pacfici Four Series. . After their first half effort the New Zealand side held on, then scored late in the second spell to show their authority. LATEST HEADLINES: Pulse open season win over Magic Trans-Tasman basketball losses Fox top-10, Ko top-20 tournaments Blues beat Drua playoffs still alive Auckland United FC OFC League Shylvia Brunt and Amy du Plessis excelled in the midfield but the shining star was newbie Braxton.Sorensen-McGee. The teenager injected herself into play from the back and scored tries in each half of the gamel looking comfortable at the high level of international play. Blues prop Chryss Viliko crashed over as half a dozen defenders tried to stop her as she put in plenty of power in the front row. The New Zealanders were up 26-0 shortly after halftime before Australia came back strongly in the second half with two tries. . Wing Ayesha Leti-I'iga was powerful as she scored in the 12th and 26th minute while Brunt crossed in the 67th minute and Sorensen-McGee had her second in the final minute of play The Black Ferns now face Canada next Saturday in Christchurch. The defending-champion Canadians beat the United States 26-14 last weekend in Kansas City. Black Ferns 38 (Ayesha Leti-I’iga 2 tries, Braxton Sorensen-McGee 2 tries, Chryss Viliko, Sylvia Brunt tries; Ruahei Demant 3 con, Hannah King con) Wallaroos 12 (Eva Karpani, Ashley Marsters tries; Faitala Moleka con). HT: 19-0.