A busy weekend

This was a really busy weekend for sport – GB and Ireland win the Vivendi Trophy, although Padraig Harrington missed out on the big $10m bonus, after a strong start. Bernard Dunne got badly beat about in his first defence. Lewis Hamilton wins the Singapore GP and the Cork ladies pipped Dublin by a point.

The Mangers League is buliding up a head of steam, as more big name players get a run out in advance of the Heineken Cup. Munster had a convincing win against the Dragons, although it took them a while to hit the groove. A Munster debut for Jean de Villiers, but he looked off the pace. Nick Williams wasn’t running in a hat trick of tries, with Dougie Howlett grabbing a bonus point. O’Gara binned for messing – he probably deserved it. Meanwhile, Ulster’s win away at the Sportsground gives them a little bit of breathing space, as Connaught chase the elusive Heineken Cup spot. I didn’t see the game, but a couple of penalty misses by Keatley can’t have helped Connaught, whereas Ulster had man of the match Ian Humphries scoring with boot and managing a try. Leinster on winning form too, but it was a late drop goal from sub’ Johnnie Sexton that clinched a win. Leinster v Munster next week is something to look forward to, giving us an idea of form before the Heineken Cup get’s going.

Chelsea’s winning streak came to an end at Wigan – Cech sent off for fouling to give Wigan their second, but woeful defending early on gave Wigan the lead. Early days, but Chelsea were looking good of late, so it will be interesting to see if they can bounce back. Man U took full advantage of this with a 2-0 win to go top. Some big scoring for Liverpool who are hitting a bit of form, smacking 6 in at Hull. Spurs got 5 at Burnely, with Robbie Keane getting four.

Champions League returns, but all the English teams should do well – Fiorentina may prove the toughest opposition for Liverpool. Aresenal at home to Olympiakos and Rangers away to Nicosia. Rangers will do well to get a result at home to Sevilla.