Exeposé’s online sports editor Ed Alexander takes a look back at some of the lesser-known sporting stories from the last seven days
We’re back with a third instalment of Things You Might Have Missed. This week, there are five slightly obscure stories from the world of sport, including a sensational touchdown for the Seattle Seahawks and a record-breaking teenage batswoman.
Mighty Maldon
Maldon & Tiptree are in the eighth tier of the English footballing pyramid, yet they managed to overcome League 2 opponents Leyton Orient to seal their place in the second round of the FA Cup.
The Jammers have never ventured so deep into the competition, reaching this stage after seeing off their fully-professional hosts by two goals to one. Danny Parish rifled in at the near-post to break the deadlock, before Jerome Slew doubled the visitors’ advantage after a powerful drive through the heart of Orient’s defence.
James Dayton reduced the deficit as Carl Fletcher’s men looked to mount a comeback, which seemed all the more likely when Parish was sent off with several minutes still to play. However, Maldon held on and can now look forward to a clash with either Grimsby Town or Newport County.
Teenage Dream
15-year-old female cricketer Shafali Verma became the youngest ever batsman to rack up an international half-century for India when she hit 73 in her nation’s Twenty20 win over West Indies last Saturday.
It was a truly marvellous achievement for the teenager. But, how did she celebrate? By repeating the feat just one day later!
Yes, Verma went and posted another big score as she ended on 69 not out. Now, how about a hat-trick of 50s?
Pick That One Out
The Seattle Seahawks handed the San Francisco 49ers their first defeat of the NFL season courtesy of a 27-24 triumph at Levi’s Stadium on Monday night.
If that wasn’t impressive enough, the Seahawks scored one of the touchdowns of the year as Jacob Hollister snatched the ball from the air with just one hand, having been found by a deft lob over the top by quarterback Russell Wilson.
You can watch the play by clicking the following link to BBC Sport.
The Kings Arise
The inappropriately-named Southern Kings have been whipping boys in the Pro14 since making their debut in the competition during the 2017/18 campaign.
They finished bottom of their conference in each of their first two seasons in the competition and had failed to collect a single away victory – until now, that is.
The South African side stunned Ospreys 16-14 in Swansea to move up to… no, they’re still bottom of the table. Nevertheless, the Kings finally got that elusive win on the road after 25 straight losses! It’s been a long time coming.
Athletic Alterations
Viewers of the World Athletics Diamond League have become accustomed to the schedule that has been in place for decades, but things are set to change.
The governing body has announced that the 200m sprint will no longer feature at all events held across the globe, with the same true of the 3000m steeplechase, discus, and triple jump.
They came to the decision after a long, drawn-out survey on the popularity of different disciplines – it’s a bit of a shame, though the IAAF have taken action to ensure fans get the experience they want.
