Exeposé’s new online sports editor Ed Alexander takes a look back at some of the lesser-known sporting stories from the last seven days
Hey guys, we’re starting a new weekly feature on things you might have missed from the world of sport, just to help keep you all in the loop.
We’ve got six stories from the week just gone, so have a peek and expand your sporting knowledge!
A Tale of Three Countries
Those familiar with the Super League may know of Toronto Wolfpack, a Canadian side that compete in the British rugby league system. Well, they secured their promotion to the top-flight thanks to a 24-6 triumph over Featherstone Rovers – but, they won’t be hosting any games across the pond for a while.
Due to the bitter nature of the Toronto winter, the Wolfpack are looking to play their first few ‘home’ matches on foreign soil and have been offered the chance to use stadiums in Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Imagine that, a Canadian team battling English clubs in the Netherlands!
The Brilliant Blind Runner
Sinead Kane helped Ireland record a top-ten finish at World 24-Hour Championships, a long-distance running event held in France. Until Wednesday evening, Kane’s participation had seemed unlikely as she waged a legal battle against the competition’s regulations.
The previous rules prevented a runner from having a guide, but the 37-year-old’s challenge was successful, setting up a strong performance from Kane in Albi. She placed 67th out of 147 female competitors, totalling 185.848km in the allotted 24 hours.
Party Like it’s ‘93
The San Francisco 49ers remain unbeaten in this season’s NFL after hammering the Carolina Panthers 51-13, racking up their highest score in a game since 1993. There were seven touchdowns for the Californian outfit as they decimated the Panthers, who lost for the first time this year.
Eddie Jones Just Couldn’t Resist
It’s no secret that England coach Eddie Jones doesn’t see eye-to-eye with Wales boss Warren Gatland. The latest chapter in their rivalry saw the former poke fun at Gatland’s World Cup semi-final heartbreak, the Kiwi watching on helplessly as his recruits were dumped out by South Africa.
In the wake of the defeat, Gatland suggested England had peaked too soon and would come apart against the Springboks. Jones’ reply was witty as ever, saying to reporters: “Well guys, can you just send my best wishes to Warren and make sure he enjoys the third-fourth place play-off.” 1-0 Eddie.
Making Amends
Birmingham City downed Luton Town 2-1 at St Andrews’ on Saturday, with striker Lukas Jutkiewicz having a mixed afternoon against the Hatters. The hosts were leading by a single goal when the hitman missed from three-yards out… with no keeper guarding the net.
That kept Luton alive in the contest and they duly punished his stunning error when Harry Cornick turned home an equaliser, all eyes turning to a horrified Jutkiewicz. However, the forward refused to accept his role as villain, instead crowning himself as the unconventional hero of the day with a late header to win the points for Birmingham.
A Very Slow Burner
Leinster are powerhouses of the rugby union world, collecting four European Cups, as well as six league title in the 21st century. Conversely, their opponents on the weekend, Zebre, have finished bottom of the table in five of their seven Pro14 campaigns.
You’d have thought Leinster would ease to victory versus the Italians, but you’d be wrong. The match finished 3-0 in favour of the Irish side as a first-half penalty from Ross Byrne sealed a slender win for the defending champions. For context, some of the other results on Saturday included a 46-7 triumph for Edinburgh over the Scarlets, and an 36-30 thriller between Benetton and Southern Kings.
