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Not a great look for the NBL, suspending the Indian Panthers after nine rounds of the NBL. PHOTO: DAVE LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY The Indian Panthers have been suspended from the National Basketball League (NBL) after allegations of contractual breaches by the franchise. In a statement, the league deemed immediate suspension necessary due to the gravity of the situation and potential impact on the league and its teams. LATEST HEADLINES: Aussie Gabi Simpson to the Pulse Black Ferns Pacific Four Series Super Rugby Pacific teams Rnd 12 Super Rugby contract extensions Indian Panthers issues hit NBL "It is very disappointing for the Commission to be facing this situation, especially given that following careful due diligence, the original concept was sustainable and so exciting for the league, the game and the fans, both here and in India," said Tracey Garland, chair of the NBL Commission. "However, we have had to face the reality that things have not panned out as any party intended." "The Commission determined that, given the seriousness of the allegations, likely period of time required to resolve them and the need to avoid damage to the financial position of all participating teams and the League, that the appropriate decision was to immediately suspend the Panthers from further participation in the League" Garland said an investigation had been launched. "The Panthers are fully aware of the conditions they must meet for any consideration given as to their future participation, and these will remain confidential while both parties work through this," she said. The suspension comes after allegations on social media of unpaid salaries and growing dissatisfaction in the squad. The Panthers players did not take the court against Canterbury Rams on Tuesday night in protest of the late payments, with the game being postponed.

Former Diamond Gabi Simpson has been bought in as cover for the Pulse PHOTO: CENTRAL PULSE GRAPHIC Facing injury issues Pulse have recruited former Australian Diamond Gabi Simpson as a temporary replacement player ahead of the 2025 ANZ Premiership netball league. Midcourter Simpson will add cover for Maddy Gordon and Whitney Souness, who are currently working through their `return to play’ programmes following respective injury and surgery. Gordon suffered a knee injury during a pre-season match against the Mystics last month while Souness has been rehabbing after undergoing ankle surgery prior to Christmas. LATEST HEADLINES: Black Ferns Pacific Four Series Super Rugby Pacific teams Rnd 12 Super Rugby contract extensions Indian Panthers issues hit NZ NBL NZ MTB riders confident for 2025 There is strong optimism the Silver Ferns midcourt duo will be back in action early in the season-proper and, in the interim, Simpson will provide strength and stability in the midcourt until their return. The third most capped player for the Queensland Firebirds with 157 appearances during a stellar 11-year national league career, Simpson also played 41 tests for the Diamonds during which she assumed the vice-captaincy. The Pulse have used several of their Manawa National Netball League (NNL) players through the pre-season but with the shorter ANZ Premiership season (two rounds), it was felt an experienced player was needed to help stabilise the midcourt. ``There is no time to grow another player and while we’re grateful to the NNL players who have stepped in, none have done a full NNL season themselves and we needed some experience,’’ Netball Central Director of High Performance Waimarama Taumaunu said. There was a wide search, including New Zealand-based players, before landing with Simpson, who will train with the Pulse for the first time today (Thursday) and be available for their Round 1 match against the Magic in Palmerston North on May 10. The Pulse have already ready been forced to draft shooter Amorangi Malesala in as a temporary replacement for Khiarna Williams who is out for several weeks with a shoulder injury.

Billy Proctor is staying with the Hurricanes and NZ Rugby PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Two-test All Black Billy Proctor, has recommitted to the Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby through to 2027. The St Patrick’s College (Wellington) old boy debuted for the Hurricanes in 2019 and since then has been a vital part of the franchise. LATEST HEADLINES: Blues Tele'a three game suspension Flutey added to Black Ferns coaches Tall Blacks, Tall Ferns named Corban Piper staying with Phoenix Third for Alker, Hendry, Ko down Known for his rugby mind, skill and brilliance in the centre position, Proctor represented the Māori All Blacks then he was finally noticed by the All Blacks and made his All Blacks debut in 2024. Billy Proctor was happy to keep on reprsenting his Super Rugby team. “I’m excited and proud to be signing on with the club and representing my hometown for the next couple of years.” Hurricanes Head Coach Clark Laidlaw was grateful to have Proctor sticking around in the cpaital. “Billy is a huge part of this team, he has been with the Hurricanes his whole career, since he was a teenager and he has grown and matured into an outstanding professional. It was a frustrating start to the year for Billy with injury but his return to play the last few rounds have shown the skill and leadership he offers this team. We’re excited to have him in the team and recommitting to the Hurricanes for the next few years. He’s going to play some amazing rugby going forward and we can’t wait to watch him continue to grow his ability on the field and his leadership. We genuinely feel like his best rugby is ahead of him and he’s maturing into a top-class professional.” The Hurricanes host the Chiefs on Saturday in Wellington in round 12 of Super Rugby.

Reuben Te Rangi is one of the experienced players in an experiemental Tall Blacks squad PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Experimental squads have been confirmed for the Tall Ferns and Tall Blacks to face the Australia in the trans-Tasman Throwdown. The series gives the long-time rivals a chance to put young and mainly home-based talent to the test, with games set to tipoff in Adelaide, the Sunshine Coast, and Hamilton next month. LATEST HEADLINES: Corban Piper staying with Phoenix Third for Alker, Hendry, Ko down First time NZ Speedgolf winners Black Caps experience in NZ A Hillier top-10 on DP World Tour Judd Flavell has named four teenagers in the Tall Blacks to face the Boomers; 17-year-old Jackson Ball and 18-year-olds Oscar Goodman, Tma Isaac and Juiius Halaifonua from Georgetown Univeristy. Two players are still to be added. Talented Hawkes Bay teenJackson Ball has been named in the Tall Blacks squad PHOTO: BBNZ The remainder fo the squad features the experienced heads of Corey Webster, Reuben Te Rangi, Shea Ili and Tohi Smith-Milner The Boomers are mainly Australian NBL playrs with a few youngsters from American universities. The Tall Ferns have eight players still to appear in full internationals but some with 3x3 experience to take on the Opals who are also giving domestic and young players an opportunity. Twenty-five-year-old Esra McGoldrick is he most experinced player with just 19 caps to her credit. She debuted for the Tall Ferns against Japan in 2019. Tegan Graham, Tylah Hooper, Ashlee Strawbridge and Ella Tofaeono, Sharne Robati and McGoldrick all play in the Australian basketball league. The games are Wednesday 7th May, Adelaide, Friday 9 May, Sunshine Coast, Sunday 11 May, Hamilton. Tall Ferns: Ella Bradley, Northern Kāhu & University of Texas - Tyler, debutant Ella Brow, Southern Methodist University, debutant McKenna Dale, Tauranga Whai & Mandurah Magic, 5 games Bailey Flavell, Northern Kāhu & Launceston Tornadoes , 3 games Tegan Graham, VFL AstroStars Bochum, debutant Keriana Hippolite, Tokomanawa Queens & Brisbane Capitals, debutant Pahlyss Hokianga, Tauranga Whai, 5 games Tylah Hooper, Melbourne Tigers, debutant Waiata Jennings, University of Alabama, debutant Esra McGoldrick, Mainland Pouākai & Casey Cavaliers, 19 games Sharne Robati, Mainland Pouākai & Casey Cavaliers, 2 games Emme Shearer, University of Portland, debutant Kaylee Smiler, Tauranga Whai, debutant Ashlee Strawbridge, Mainland Pouākai & West Adelaide Bearcats, 3 games Ella Tofaeono, Melbourne Tigers, 3 games Tall Blacks: Jackson Ball, Hawke’s Bay Hawks, 2 games Taylor Britt, Canterbury Rams & NZ Breakers, 31 games Walter Brown, Canterbury Rams & Tasmania JackJumpers, 18 games Flynn Cameron, Franklin Bulls & Adelaide 36ers, 28 games Max Darling, Canterbury Rams & NZ Breakers, 6 games Carlin Davison, Taranaki Airs & NZ Breakers, 1 game Oscar Goodman, University of Michigan, 1 game Julius Halaifonua, Georgetown University, 1 game Shea Ili, Wellington Saints & Melbourne United, 71 games Kaia Isaac, Canterbury Rams & NZ Breakers, 3 games Tamatoa Isaac, Canterbury Rams, 2 games Tohiraukura Smith-Milner, Canterbury Rams & Brisbane Bullets, 66 games Reuben Te Rangi, Franklin Bulls & NZ Breakers, 71 games Corey Webster, Manawatū Jets, 100 games Games: Wednesday 7th May Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide Australian Opals v 2degrees Tall Ferns 7:30pm tip off (NZT) Australian Boomers v Tall Blacks 9:45pm tip off (NZT) Friday 9th May UniSC Arena, Sunshine Coast Australian Boomers v Tall Blacks 7:30pm tip off (NZT) Australian Opals v 2degrees Tall Ferns 9:45pm tip off (NZT) Sunday 11th May Globox Arena, Claudelands, Hamilton Australian Boomers v Tall Blacks 2pm tip off (NZT) Australian Opals v 2degrees Tall Ferns 4pm tip off (NZT)

Riki Flutey has been appointed as a back and skill coach for the Black Ferns PHOTO: NZR SUPPLIED New Zealand Rugby have added Māori All Blacks and British and Irish Lions international Riki Flutey to the Black Ferns coaching group. Flutey has been appointed as Black Ferns Backs and Skills Coach, focusing on growing key concepts and skillsets within their game model. LATEST HEADLINES: Tall Blacks, Tall Ferns named Corban Piper staying with Phoenix Third for Alker, Hendry, Ko down First time NZ Speedgolf winners Black Caps experience in NZ A Flutely has plenty of playing knowledge having debuted for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby in 2002, earning 38 caps over four seasons, and represented the Māori All Blacks that same year. In 2008, Flutey earned a call-up to the British and Irish Lions and became the first-ever player to play against and then for the Lions on a Southern Hemisphere tour to South Africa in 2009. After retiring from playing, Flutey transitioned into coaching and in 2019 joined the Highlanders as their Assistant Coach leading various portfolios. While fulfilling his duties at the Highlanders, he offered his support to the Columba College 1st XV, Columba College Sevens, Otago Women’s Development Team and the University Women’s Premiers. “Working in women’s rugby teams including the hubs was rewarding; I was able to build meaningful connections which means a lot to me as I’m big on connection. It’s truly an honour to now be in this environment with the Black Ferns. I look to use my playing experiences and knowledge wherever I can add value to help grow each individual as we start building towards the Rugby World Cup,” Flutey said. “A lot of these players here in camp inspired my daughter Madison to play rugby several years ago now. She loves rugby because of them so it’s special to be able to give back directly to those who inspired her through their actions on the field and in the community to grow women’s rugby in Aotearoa.” Flutey completes the previously announced coaching make-up of Black Ferns Director of Performance Allan Bunting, Tony Christie (Rugby Lead and Attack), Steve Jackson (Defence) and Dan Cron (Forwards). Black Ferns Director of Performance Allan Bunting highlighted Flutey’s ability to connect with people. “I believe we’ve got the best people to empower and grow our players. Riki has a special skillset that I know will enhance our group, support our coaches and ensure we grow in certain areas of our game,” Bunting said. “It’s been special coming together, both players and management, we have an awesome crew. It’s great to have Riki onboard, he has already had an impact, and we are excited about what he will bring." Black Ferns Coaching Group 2025: Allan Bunting (Black Ferns Director of Performance) Tony Christie (Black Ferns Rugby Lead and Attack Coach) Steve Jackson (Black Ferns Defence Coach) Dan Cron (Black Ferns Forwards Coach) Riki Flutey (Black Ferns Backs and Skills Coach) Black Ferns timeline: May 1 – Pacific Four Series squad named with Black Ferns contracted group list attached, 8.30am NZT. May 3 – Travel day to Newcastle, Australia May 10 - Black Ferns v Australia, 5.00pm NZT kick-off | McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, Australia May 14 – PAC4 accreditation applications close May 17 - Black Ferns v Canada 3.35pm NZT kick-off | Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand May 24 - Black Ferns v USA, 3.35pm NZT kick-off | North Harbour Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand

Corban Piper has signed on with the Phoenix for another couple of seasons PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Popular defender Corban Piper is staying at the Wellington Phoenix for the next two A-League seasons. Piper, 22, joined the Phoenix on a scholarship contract at the end of the last year’s pre-season registration window, having been an integral member of Birkenhead United’s Northern League side. He has gone on to become a cult hero for the Nix in his rookie A-League season, winning over fans with his tireless work-rate. LATEST HEADLINES: Third for Alker, Hendry, Ko down First time NZ Speedgolf winners Black Caps experience in NZ A Hillier top-10 on DP World Tour Auckland FC wins Premiers title Piper found the back of the net three times in 21 appearances. Only Kosta Barbarouses has scored more goals for Wellington this campaign. Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano says Piper has worked hard since arriving in Wellington last year and deserves a new contract. “Corbs has an incredible attitude and I think that’s what’s endeared him to the fans,” Italiano said. “He gives 110% every day at training and during matches and if I had 11 players with Corbs’ attitude we wouldn’t lose many matches. “The exciting thing is he can improve a lot. I’m looking forward to witnessing that improvement first hand at the Phoenix.” Piper is delighted to be able to continue his stay in Wellington. “The Phoenix gave me my first taste of professional football and I’ve really enjoyed my time here,” Piper said. “I got my chance to play as a result of the team’s injuries this season, and I guess I took it quite well. “I get along with the boys really well and can’t wait for the next two years. “Over the upcoming seasons I’m going to develop myself technically and hopefully become the polished player that Chiefy wants me to be.” Piper also wants to continue to endear himself to the club’s supporters. “I love the fans and I love playing for them. “I like to give 100% and put in big tackles, and when I’m watching football I love watching someone get stuck in and give it their all. “It means a lot when I see the fans supporting me and giving me praise. It’s a real confidence boost and it helps me play even better the following week.” He has played as a fullback, centre back, central midfielder, winger and striker for the Phoenix this season and insists he doesn’t have a preferred position. “As long as I’m on the field I’m not bothered at all. “It’s not really up to me where I play. It’s up to Chiefy to choose that for me.” The Phoenix host Perth Glory on Firday 2 May at Sky Stadium in their final match of the season. .

Amy Linton and Harry Bateman winners of the NZ Speedgolf Open PHOTO: SIMON WATTS/BWMEDIA LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY A couple of firsts at Speedgolf in New Zealand at the the national championships in Taupo with two new title holders Wairarapa's Amy Linton became the first golfer to beat individual World Champion Liz McKinnon at the NZ Speedgolf Open format while Charles Tour regular Harry Bateman won his first national speedgolf title. LATEST HEADLINES: Black Caps experience in NZ A Hillier top-10 on DP World Tour Auckland FC wins Premiers title Silver for Tom Saunders in France Moorby takes silver, Wesche misses Held at the Taupo Golf Club, Centennial and Tauhara Courses Linton’s 253.17 total across two rounds was enough to edge her World Champion teammate by just 1.39 points. In the men’s division the competition was strong with Bateman coming from behind in the final round to to edge Brad Hayward and Robin Smith as he fired a sensational 73 in just 38 minutes and 27 seconds. Conditions wet and windy on the first of two days at Taupo Golf Club’s Centennial course, the women’s field had a top three separated by just 3 points with Linton holding a slender 2.81 point lead over McKinnon after carding a 77 in 51 minutes and 37 seconds. In speedgolf the margins are fine and Linton knew she would need to improve on her first round performance if she were to snap McKinnon’s decade-long dominance. She shaved three shots off her golf game and nearly a minute in her run, finishing with a 74 in 50 minutes and 40 seconds to claim the title. Linton said she was not only ecstatic to win the national open after many attempts and hard work, but to compete with her friend and teammate McKinnon. “It’s unreal actually and amazing to play with Liz. She just pushes you so hard and she was up my rear end coming down 16, 17 and 18 so I knew that I had to really push it. “But it’s great having her as a friend and a supporter. It just made me love the game even more.” The knowledge of having a player of McKinnon’s calibre as well as the strong chasing pack can weigh on both the mental and physical sides of speedgolf, but Linton said she was able to get into a zone and rhythm on the undulating terrain of Taupo Centennial. “I just tried to remember that the nerves are excitement and just meaning that you are enjoying it and having fun. “In speedgolf, you don’t have time once you get started, you have no time for nerves so just had to keep running really.” The Men’s division was always going to be a hotly contested affair, even without defending champion Jamie Reid who was forced into MC duties due to a knee injury, and the competitors did not disappoint. In the end, as often happens in speedgolf tournaments, the final placings were decided by a running race as the top three showed a relatively even golfing skill level. Round one leader Hayward backed up his even par 72 with a 74 in 43 minutes and 54 seconds but was outstripped by Smith’s 73 in 39 minutes and 59 seconds as he leapfrogged his Taranaki teammate to take second. Bateman had showed promise with his run time in the first round, a 40 minute and 27 second time, but had been off the pace somewhat with his golf, particularly for a golfer of his standard. Bateman took four shots off his first round to card a 73 as well as a full two minutes off his running time with a 38 minute 27 second 18 holes to surge and take the title. He said he knew he needed to improve the golf and maintain his running speed and ended up improving on both facets. “It’s pretty cool, I was pretty nervous this morning. I always get nervous before a run, I think more than the golf. But I knew I had to run basically the same as yesterday but shoot around even par. “Managed to do that and actually run a bit faster which was a surprise because my legs didn’t feel as good but golf was better so that sped up the game.” Bateman said he had no idea that he’d won the title after crossing the finish line, with no time to think while he was out on the course about how well he may be doing. “It happens way too fast, just put one foot in front of the other really and see what happens.” In the awards categories, Jamie Anderson took out the Men’s Under 20 with Bateman also taking out the Men’s 20-39 while Craig Russell emerged the victor in the Men’s 40-49, Damian Mills taking the Men’s 50+ and Collette Blacklock winning the Women’s 50+.

Nick Kelly is one of the captains for the New Zealand A squad to tour Bangladesh PHOTO: DJ MILLS/LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Nine players with Black Caps experience will tour with the New Zealand A squad to Bangladesh in May for five matches. The tour, will have three white-ball and two four-day matches across Sylhet and Dhaka, in an opportunity to develop New Zealand’s next level of men’s talent and follows last year’s successful home and away A tours against Australia A. LATEST HEADLINES: Hillier top-10 on DP World Tour Auckland FC wins Premiers title Silver for Tom Saunders in France Moorby takes silver, Wesche misses Daniel Hillier looking for big finish Wellington Firebirds captain Nick Kelly, who made his Black caps debut during the ODI series against Pakistan, will lead the team in the 50-over List A matches, while Northern Districts batter Joe Carter will captain the side in the two four-day matches. Carter excelled in New Zealand A’s last visit to the sub-continent, averaging 60 and scoring two first-class centuries, including a career-best 197 during the 2022 tour to India. Carter and Kelly will headline a strong batting unit which includes recent New Zealand debutants Rhys Mariu and Muhammad Abbas, as well as Canterbury Player of the Year Matt Boyle, Otago Volts Player of the Year Dale Phillips, and Central Stags Ford Trophy Player of the Year, Curtis Heaphy. Boyle, Phillips and Heaphy scored over 1,000 runs each across the domestic season. Boyle excelled in his white-ball game and finished as the top run-scorer in Super Smash with 377 runs at 37; Phillips led the way for the Otago Volts as their overall top-run scorer (1,094). Heaphy topped the Ford Trophy run-scoring chart with 502 runs at 71. Canterbury wicketkeeper-batter Mitch Hay will embark on his third New Zealand A series, after featuring 17 times for the Black Caps since making his international debut against Sri Lanka in Dambulla in November. The 24-year-old has proven his ability at the highest level with both bat and gloves and notched his highest international score, an unbeaten 99*, in the second ODI against Pakistan at Seddon Park earlier this month. Auckland Aces left-arm fast bowler Ben Lister, who featured 15 times for the New Zealand across the 2023-24 season, spearheads a talented pace bowling unit which also includes recently established Zak Foulkes and up and coming Northern Districts fast bowler, Kristian Clarke. Lister returns to the New Zealand A setup after a challenging string of injuries that kept him sidelined for majority of the 2024-25 season. The pace bowling stock are further bolstered by allrounders Josh Clarkson, who featured for the Black Caps in the T20I series against Sri Lanka last November, and Abbas - who offers a left-arm seam option. The spin bowling group will be led by Auckland Aces leg-spinner Adi Ashok and Central Stags left-armer Jayden Lennox, who receives his maiden New Zealand A call-up, while Otago Volts allrounder Dean Foxcroft also offers a right-arm off-spin option. Lennox was once again influential for the Central Stags across formats last summer, finishing as the side’s leading the wicket-taking in the Plunket Shield campaign including a maiden five-wicket haul (five for 66) against the Otago Volts in Alexandra last month, while the three-capped Ashok was part of the ODI squad which beat Pakistan 3-0 earlier this month. The squad will be coached by Bob Carter, with support from fellow NZC high performance coach Paul Wiseman, and former Otago Volts assistant coach, Ben McCord. New Zealand A squad: Muhammad Abbas (Wellington Firebirds) Adi Ashok (Auckland Aces) Matt Boyle (Canterbury) Joe Carter (Northern Districts) – Red-ball captain Kristian Clarke (Northern Districts) Josh Clarkson (Central Stags) Zak Foulkes (Canterbury) Dean Foxcroft (Otago Volts) Mitch Hay (Canterbury) Curtis Heaphy (Central Stags) Nick Kelly (Wellington Firebirds) – White-ball captain Jayden Lennox (Central Stags) Ben Lister (Auckland Aces) Rhys Mariu (Canterbury) Dale Phillips (Otago Volts) The squad leaves Auckland on Thursday May 1, before their first 50 Over match in Sylhet on May 5. New Zealand A tour to Bangladesh 50 Over Matches 1st 50 Over match – Monday 5 May – Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet – 3.30pm NZT 2nd 50 Over match – Wednesday 7 May - Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet – 3.30pm NZT 3rd 50 Over match – Saturday 10 May - Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet – 3.30pm NZT 4-Day Matches 1st 4-Day match – Wednesday 14-17 May - Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet – 4pm NZT 2nd 4-Day match – Wednesday 21-24 May - Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka – 4pm NZT

Daniel Hillier fomosjed tpo[-10 but didn' have the final round he wanted PHOTO: DP WORLD TOUR New Zealand golfer Daniel Hillier has finished top-10 at the Hainan Classic in China on the DP World Tour after a one-over final round. He started the final day in third but carded a round of 73 to slip down the order to be tied ninth. LATEST HEADLINES: Auckland FC wins Premiers title Silver for Tom Saunders in France Moorby takes silver, Wesche misses Daniel Hillier looking for big finish Wellington Phoenix fall to Roar The one over round started badly with a double bogey early on mixed with a couple of bogeys as well as three birdies. Countryman Kazuma Kobori finished at two-under and tied 45th. He now plays the DP Tour event in Turkey early next month. The 26-year-old eventually finished the tournament at 10-under seven shots behidn the winner Marco Penge of England on 17-uner. Hillier takes away nearly $91,000 in prize money for what is his best result since second placing at the Dubai Desert Classic in January where he was second.

Auckland FC celebrated becoming League Premiers in their inaugural season by defeating Perth Glory 1-0 thanks to a stunner from Marlee Francois. On an afternoon where Perth keeper Oli Sail pulled of a string of top-class saves he was eventually undone in the 62nd minute, sparking wild scenes on a celebratory day at Go Media Stadium. LATEST HEADLINES: Silver for Tom Saunders in France Moorby takes silver, Wesche misses Daniel Hillier looking for big finish Wellington Phoenix fall to Roar NZ Warriors top four with victory The new Premiers eventually found the opener, with Francois curling a right-footed effort over the keeper and into the back of the net direct from a corner in front of 24,221 delighted spectators. Finishing 1-0 on the day, Auckland moved to 53 points in their maiden season after a result which also extends their unbeaten run to 14 matches. Having already wrapped up the Premiership with two games to go thanks to Melbourne City’s failure to defeat Adelaide United, Steve Corica’s side were then presented with their trophy at full-time in what they hope will be the first part of an historic double this season. It took ust three minutes to fashion the first chance of the game as striker Max Mata drilled a low shot wide of the target after Perth keeper Oli Sail failed to properly deal with a cross into the box. Winger Francois then raced in behind the Glory backline and picked out Logan Rogerson less than 90-seconds later but his fellow attacker blazed his shot over the bar. Despite their goal being under siege though it was Perth Glory who almost bagged the game’s opening goal in the 12th minute. Collecting the ball in midfield, former Tottenham Hotspur youth product Luke Amos brilliantly played captain Adam Taggart in on goal but the Socceroo just couldn’t get enough on the ball to toe it past the on-rushing Alex Paulsen. Still the dominate team though, Auckland went close in the 22nd minute as an unmarked Mata headed wide of the near post after he was brilliantly picked out inside the box by Guillermo May. The chances kept on coming as May then saw his right-footed shot deflected wide of the target in the 26th minute before Francois’ dipping half-volley then bounced wide of the target two minutes after that. Cranking up the pressure before half-time, Auckland FC’s best chance of the opening 45 fell to Mata, and he would have scored had it not been for a stunning piece of goalkeeping. Drifting into space on the left hand side of the box, Francois played the perfect cutback into the path of the arriving Mata, however the striker’s powerful shot was somehow tipped over the bar by thanks to a stunning reflex save by Sail. Not done there, Mata then glanced a header agonisingly wide of the far post before the half was out as Corica’s Premiership winners headed back to the dressing rooms in complete control of the contest. Continuing the theme of the first-half, Perth keeper Sail was seemingly in inspired form whilst playing back in his home city as he thwarted winger Francois from close range in the 60th minute. However the breakthrough eventually came just two minutes later and for all of Sail’s good work prior to the 62nd minute, the keeper was left red-faced by Francois from a set-piece. Whipping a right-footed in-swinging corner into the box, Sail could only watch as Francois’ delivery sailed over his head and into the back of the net after kissing the post on it’s way in to make it 1-0. Looking to put the icing on the cake, substitute Liam Gillion headed wide of the target in the 83rd minute. Perth then threatened to somewhat spoil the party a minute later as Taggart drilled a powerful shot into the side netting while Colombian Neyder Moreno was then inches away from making it 2-0 late on. However the home side held on to secure their 15th win of the season as captain Hiroki Sakai lifted the Premiers Plate trophy high.

Tom Saunders celebrates his silver medal in the ILCA 7 at the French Olympic Week in France PHOTO: SAILING ENERGY Tom Saunders celebrated his return to the world stage with New Zealand’s second medal of the short international sailing season. The 32-year-old Tauranga sailor claimed silver in the ILCA 7 (formerly Laser) at the French Olympic Week in Hyères, climbing to second overall with an impressive third-place finish in the double-points medal race. LATEST HEADLINES: Moorby takes silver, Wesche misses Daniel Hillier looking for big finish Wellington Phoenix fall to Roar NZ Warriors top four with victory English back rower to join Warriors It was his first international competition since finishing seventh in his Olympic debut in Marseille last August, having taken a break from racing. Saunders enjoyed a consistent week, handling various conditions - from very light breezes to the famed Mistral, which blew at over 25 knots across the Bay of Hyères. He finished inside the top 10 in six of the nine qualifying races, including a win in the final gold-fleet race, before leapfrogging the Netherlands' Duko Bos into second with his performance in the decider. Hong Kong’s Nicholas Halliday took gold, while Kiwis Caleb Armit (12th) and George Gautrey (17th) narrowly missed out on a place in the medal race. Saunders, a former class world champion, credited his extended break from racing for his success this weekend. "It was nice to be back racing. It was my first event back, of course, but that doesn’t change too much - there's always an expectation to perform, and it's nice when it comes off. I've had a busy six months or so trying to figure out my best path forward. Sport can be selfish, particularly leading into Paris, and it’s easy to get tunnel vision," Saunders said. "Stepping out of that for a moment has been good." While this marks the start of his campaign towards the Los Angeles 2028 Games, Saunders will split his time between sailing, studying and coaching, which he has been doing a lot of over the past few months. "I have LA in mind, of course, but there's plenty more to do between now and then. It's a bit of a balancing act." Saunders is set to compete at the 2025 world championships in Qingdao, China, from 10 May. "I'm coming back home for five days and then off to China for our world champs. It'll be a very quick turnaround." Saunders was one of two Kiwis fighting for a podium spot in their medal events, with Josh Armit reaching the semifinals of the men’s iQFOiL (windfoil) medal series. Armit, who finished fourth in Marseille, qualified for the knockout round after winning three of his qualifying races. He also won his four-board quarterfinal before bowing out at the penultimate stage, finishing fifth overall - one place better than his sixth at the season-opening Princess Sofia Regatta in Palma, Spain, a fortnight ago. Fellow New Zealander Eli Liefting was 14th, while Stella Bilger and Aimee Bright represented the country in the women's event in the absence of Veerle ten Have, who won bronze in Palma. Armit and ten Have will lead the young Kiwi contingent at the pinnacle event in Aarhus, Denmark, in early July. In other results, Lukas Walton-Keim was 12th in the men’s kitefoil, with Toby Wigglesworth 40th and Lochy Naismith 42nd. Lucy Bilger finished 16th in the women’s kitefoil competition. Greta Pilkington continued her impressive start to the season with a 14th-place finish in a 72-boat ILCA 6 (Laser Radial) fleet, while Seb Menzies and George Lee Rush were the top New Zealand team in the 49er class. Menzies and Lee Rush, who achieved a career-best ninth place in Palma, finished 13th over the weekend, followed by Sam Bacon and Blake McGlashan (28th), and Francesco Kayrouz and Hamish McLaren (37th).

Daniel Hillier has his eyes set on the title at the Hainan Classic PHOTO: DP WORLD TOUR Kiwi golfer Daniel Hillier starts the final round of the Hainan Classic in China in third at 11-under, just one shot behind the leaders. The 26-year old is targeting his second win on the DP World Tour after success at the British Masters two years ago. LATEST HEADLINES: Wellington Phoenix fall to Roar NZ Warriors top four with victory English back rower to join Warriors Chiefs win in Super Rugby Pacific Ko struggles, Hillier up to second Hillier's feeling confident after a four-under third round featuring three bogeys, four birdies and an eagle kept him in contention for the title. The other New Zealander in the tournament, Kazuma Kobori is down the order tied 38th at three-under. The leaderboard is headed by China's Bowen Xiao and Marco Penge of England at 12-under. Meanwhile a third round disaster for Lydia Ko at the Chevron Classic in Texas, the first Major of the LPGA calendar. Ko carded a three-over round to be four-over for the tournament. She hit two bogeys and a double bogey in her front nine and then a bogey on her final hole. She did manage two birdies in the round. Ko's tied 58th, 13 shots off the current leaders.