Motionless Hamilton on pole in Korea

Hamilton on pole.

Lewis Hamilton ended Red Bull's qualifying dominance in the 2011 season as he took pole position with a time of 1.35.820 ahead of World Champion Sebastian Vettel in second and his Mclaren team mate Jenson Button in third. It's been a difficult year for Hamilton and this pole position, which is his 19th career pole, would have given him a psychological boost despite the lack of motion he showed in the aftermath.

Tyre selection was the centre of debate as the teams prepared for qualifying and their race strategy but this wasn't as difficult to decide as earlier expected. Mclaren had already shown their competitive edge this weekend with Lewis and Jenson being at the top of the practice time sheets and had given their rivals, although the title race is over, a fierce warning ahead of this weekend's race. With P3 being over after the chequered flag was waved, Hamilton, Button and Vettel as well as Massa and Alonso were fighting hard on their final laps. Hamilton ended his session with a fast time getting into the 1.35s which was shortly followed by Button who managed 1.36.126 taking him up to second before Vettel followed denying Mclaren a one-two but not enough to take top spot of Hamilton. Mark Webber qualified in 4th in front of Felipe Massa who out qualified his Ferrari team mate Fernando Alonso in 6th.

When the drivers went in to Parc Ferme, Lewis Hamilton got out of his car slowly and did not celebrate his pole position. He showed no emotions and just went through to be weighed and cool off after an exciting qualifying session, Vettel came in and seemed rather content with his performance and inspected one of the Mclarens and made his way to be weighed. When the drivers came out for their top 3 photo, Hamilton didn't smile and again looked very subdued as Button and Vettel talked to each other. In the press conference, Hamilton was asked about his lack of emotion and said that he was very happy inside and gave a brief answer. This was the first time this season that Red Bull haven't been on pole position and that run stretches back to Brazil last year as well so it's nice to see someone different at the top.

If Hamilton can convert the pole position into victory tomorrow then I am sure that smile will return to the face of Hamilton who has admitted himself that this has been his worst year in Formula One but he has the chance to end it strongly. Although the battle for the world title is over, there is still plenty to race for and a strong end for Mclaren will give them the baseline for more development in 2012. It should be an interesting race and will  test whether Hamilton has still got the ability to get race wins. The race begins at 7am in England tomorrow morning.

France edge past Valiant Wales

A brave Wales side, who were reduced to14 men in the first half, could not beat the French at the Eden Park stadium in New Zealand. France won the game 9-8 after 80 minutes in the Rugby World Cup semi-final in controversial circumstances as Irish referee Alain Rolland sent off Welsh captain Sam Warburton for a high tackle after just 18 minutes of play.

A dejected Warburton after his dismissal.

It was nothing but a stupid tackle, however this foul did not appear to warrant a red card and a yellow would have been a justified decision. Nevertheless, Wales were given a disadvantage and this may have ruined the game as a spectacle. It was Wales who took an early lead with a penalty converted from James Hook. Hook had another penalty when the French front row was penalised but Hook couldn't put it in between the posts as it drifted towards the right. Then in the 18th minute it all went wrong for Wales when captain Warburton challenged Vincent Clerc and took him off his feet but immediately released him as his feet went off the floor. It was a bad challenge but Warburton realised this and let him go as soon as Clerc's feet were lifted off the ground. Despite Warburton's innocence, the referee, without referring to video evidence, sent off Warburton and Wales were facing a huge task ahead of them.

France soon got it level as well, Wales had a scrum and had the put in but France pushed the srum and won a penalty which was well taken by Morgan Parra. This made it 3-3 and France had the advanatage once more when Wales conceded another penalty from a scrum that was once again converted by Parra making it 6-3 to   Les Blues. It was continuing to be a kicking game when France extended their lead 10 minutes into the second half and Parra continued his good record in this game gaining the 3 points from a difficult position.

Williams with Wales try.

Wales responded and kept on pressuring the French and this paid off in the 58th minute. Wales got the first try of the game with Phillips picking up the ball from the ruck, dummying a pass and then going all the way to grab 5 points that got it back to 8-9. The conversion would have taken Wales into the lead but Stephen Jones  hit the post and agonisingly missed the opportunity to give Wales the advantage. It was now all to play for though with just a point separating the two sides.

Wales attacked France and kept possession for as long as they possibly could but with just 5 minutes to go, their opposition were remaining resilient. A drop goal would have been enough to win the game but the Welsh couldn't get themselves in the position to do so and that was a credit to France's determination. With the 80 minutes up, it was do or die for Wales but they lost possession and France inevitably kicked the ball out to put them through to the Rugby World Cup final.

France players celebrate victory.

It was utter heartbreak for Wales who have been magnificent for the whole campaign and showed great commitment again in this semi-final. They were given an early setback with the dismissal of their captain but kept on fighting until the very end and came so close to reaching that glamorous final but France just edged past them in the end. The sending off will be the main talking point of this game and the referee will come under a lot of criticism for this unfair decision. Wales have a lot of positives to take from this World cup and can certainly look forward to the future, there is a lot of potential in the side and they will most definitely be a world class side with more progress and development. Many believe that France have been the worst side in this tournament and don't deserve to be in the final but the fact is that they are there and have a great opportunity to win the world cup. They will either face New Zealand or Australia depending on the outcome of tomorrow's massive semi-final which should be a fantastic contest in this major rivalry. For Wales, their journey is not over just yet , they still have a 3rd/4th play-off to play next week so they still have the chance to finish strongly. 3rd place will still be a great achievement and reflect on how successful they have been in this tournament. They will play the losers of tomorrow's semi-final. France will now wait to see who they will face in the battle to claim the World Champion's status next weekend.

Ludlow 1-4 Sundorne

Ludlow School 1-4 Sundorne School

Starting XI: Wills, Jones, Smith, Green, Simmons, Jehu, Burrows, Rogers, Hanks, Dance, Clarke

Subs: Bebb, Mitchell

Sundorne School’s Year 11 team began their season with a victory that was less comfortable than the score line suggests when they made the trip down to the South of Shropshire on the 6^th October. The team had been training for a few weeks and were finally ready to play their first game of the academic year.

With goalkeeper Matthew Richards ill and unavailable to play as well as Matthew Parton for the same reasons, the team were given an early setback, also without Mark Murch and Aiden jehu because of injuries. Will Wills was called in to play in goal, and Chris Green was called up to the squad along with Jay Clarke. This match also saw a debut for Chris Jones who made a great first impression at the back.

The visitors started the game well, keeping possession and making regular attacks putting pressure on Ludlow before Josh Hanks had a great chance to open the scoring but he could only put the ball straight to the keeper who collected comfortably. The rain started to fall down and the conditions were not the most pleasant, particularly for those on the side lines. Then another opportunity fell to Jay Clarke who again couldn’t put it past the keeper and was unfortunate not to score. Sundorne kept on pressing and were winning a lot of corners and when the opportunity for a long throw from Hanks came about, defender Chris Green made his way up from the back but his close-range effort was put over the bar much to the agony of manager Mr Street. Ludlow were beginning to deal with the constant attacks and started to play the ball around themselves creating a few opportunities before they got their first real chance which they took with two hands. Against the run of play, the home side took the lead and that probably gave Sundorne a reality check and the need to start playing it on the floor more. Ludlow almost doubled their lead when their striker decided to have a shot that hit the post .However, they couldn’t find an equaliser before half-time and when the first period was over, Ludlow were leading 1-0.

Mr Street gave his side a thorough team talk and motivated the players to come out stronger in the second half. This appeared to have just gone in through one ear and out of the other when the second half started as Ludlow continued to attack with the Sundorne defence dealing with it well and managing to clear the danger. Eventually with just over 20 minutes to keep themselves in the cup, Sundorne started playing a lot better, Jordan Burrows was controlling the midfield and made some pin point passes finding James Jehu on the right hand side who was looking a lot sharper and eager. After a long time with no chances, striker Josh Hanks managed to get an opportunity which he took first time and grabbed an equaliser for last year’s County Plate and District Cup finalists. This certainly gave the away side the momentum and confidence to finish off the game and that they did. Hanks doubled his goal tally with a second for Sundorne which was shortly followed by a goal from Scott Dance who realistically ended all hopes of Ludlow coming back. It was great to see Ashley Bebb back on the football scene after his recent torment with his kidneys and he was brought on to replace the Jordan Burrows who, along with Jamie Rogers, controlled the midfield very well in the second half. We hope that Ashley will return to full fitness very soon and wish him the best.  Scott Mitchell also came on after for James Jehu. Although Ludlow continued to advance up the pitch, they couldn’t find a second and when Sundorne won a corner Chris Green rounded up the match with a fourth; the year 10 centre back rising up brilliantly to head it home. This was the final action of the game and the referee blew the final whistle.

Despite a rusty start, Sundorne had completed the comeback and put in a lot better performance towards the end of the second half. This was a good start considering it was the first game and should give the side a lot of confidence, the younger year 10’s were excellent; Jay Clarke and Chris Green showing great displays in their respectable positions. Captain Jamie Rogers spoke after the match of the need to be more punishing when in front of goal “I feel we need to be more clinical in front of goal and take some of our opportunities, they took their one chance and scored.” When asked about the younger talent in the squad he added “Yes, they fit in almost perfectly, Chris Green is a great new addition at the back along with Jay Clarke and we know Aiden Jehu and Mark Murch can offer a lot of talent to strengthen the squad even more.” Last year, the team reached the County Plate final and the District Cup final losing on both occasions. Rogers hopes the team can go one step further, “I believe we can go very far this year and I hope the lads feel the same as well because falling short in the last 2 years has been very disappointing. I think the silverware is ours this year.” The next game for Sundorne is against Bishops Castle who they beat 2-1 last year, this will be at home which will come as a relief for a lot of the players not having to make the long journey down to the south of Shropshire once more.

Vettel wins championship despite Button victory

Sebastian Vettel claimed third place in today's Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka to take the world championship for the second successive year as Jenson Button won the race ahead of Ferrari's Fernando Alonso.

Vettel-2011 World Champion

Vettel only needed one point from the reamining 5 races to take the championship so it was inevitable that he would be crowned world champion once more. The German started this race on pole with Button second and team mate Lewis Hamilton behind in third. From the start, it looked that Jenson Button had made a good get away but Vettel was not going to let him take 1st place easily pushing Button wide and on to the grass which allowed Hamilton to get upto second. The stewards then confirmed that they would be investigating the incident but took no further action. Button continued to race and kept on catching up with Hamilton before he got the chance and Lewis lifted off allowing Button through but it appeared Hamilton had a problem and slowed down before going to the pits. He had a puncture in one of his rear tyres and therefore lost a few places unfortunately.


Vettel was pulling out a good lead at the front but with Jenson second, this lead was reduced and after a few pitstops, Felipe Massa was leading the race. Then shortly after Button pitted once more but timed it perfectly and came out ahead of Vettel to claim the advantage.

Just under halfway through the race, Felipe Massa was closing down on Hamilton and the two made contact after all of the controversy in Singapore two weeks ago between the two. The debris left on the track from this and in another area consequently resulted in a safety car and brought the pack closer. Button was keen to back the cars up before he got away quickly. Fernando Alonso shortly overtook his team mate Felipe Massa in what appeared to be an ordered move. Alonso then went up to second as Vettel pitted an towards the end of the race continued to drive fast. With just a few laps to go Alonso was really closing in on Button who responded soon after with the fastest middle sector which meant he saw out the race comfortably to take victory. This was an emotional victory for Button, who's girlfriend is Japanese, because of the tragedies earlier this year in Japan. Alonso finished second and Vettel third to win the become the 2011 World Champion with 4 races left.

Before the podium ceremony could begin, the drivers were sat down when Vettel came in; he was congratulated by Jenson Button who then asked him "Did you not see me at the start?" to which Vettel replied "Yes, you were right behind me". Button then said "I was halfway alongside you and I was on the grass". Vettel responded "Yes, halfway". Button then replied "That's how were racing then". A bit of friction between the two which was entertaining to watch but Button congratulated him again on the podium and in his post race interview. It was a great way to celebrate his new contract at Mclaren and he certainly looks like he will be a fierce competitor next year. He hasn't given up this year despite Vettel's dominance. Vettel's worst position this year is 4th which says everything about his dominance. The next race is in a week's time in Korea. Congratulations to Sebastian Vettel for an incredible year and he thoroughly deserves the world championship for a second time, he is now the youngest ever double world champion.

Lacklustre England Qualify but Rooney sees Red

In England’s 900^th international game in their history, they failed to celebrate a victory after an unconvincing performance against Montenegro who were only playing their 37^th game as they let a 2-0 advantage slip. The night was marred by Wayne Rooney being sent off in the second half for a ridiculous retaliation. The draw though ensured England's qualification for Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine.

Young celebrates England's opener.

It wasn’t the most welcoming conditions for England in Podgorica where heavy rain poured down  on the Podgorica stadium making it difficult for grip and unpredictable for the goalkeepers. England started the game brightly with a couple of attacks including one where debutant Phil Jones decided to go on a run beating the Montenegro defence and forcing an early corner for the visiting nation. The corner came to nothing but after a few minutes of good possession by the Three Lions, a great chance fell to Arsenal striker Theo Walcott who volleyed the ball as it came down to his feet but was denied the opening goal by a reasonably good save by the Montenegro goalkeeper Mladen Bozovic . After it seemed that England had clear control of this match, Montenegro started to attack themselves with some skilful play in midfield causing the England defence some problems but they couldn’t convert their pressure into a goal. In the 10^th minute, England finally found a breakthrough after creating a lot of opportunities when Theo Walcott played a great cross into the box which was met by the header of Manchester United winger Ashley Young to give England a 1-0 lead which they deserved.

Rooney receives red card.

England weren’t going to be satisfied with just one goal and kept on searching for another gap in the defence to breach.  A beautifully weighted ball over the top from the back to find Ashley Cole led to a chance but he could only put it wide for a goal kick after the Montenegrin defence closed him down.  Darren Bent almost set up another England goal after he weaved his way through the defence with some good control; his ball to Rooney however fell short and was cleared away from danger. Suddenly, Montenegro were looking lively again and hunting for an equaliser to restore the jubilant atmosphere that was present before the match begun.  A long ball over the top almost found their strikers but Gary Cahill dealt with the situation well and headed back to Joe Hart who was probably having a busier game than many people expected.  This attack led to a succession of chances for Montenegro who were now taking the game to England winning a couple of corners that, unfortunately for them, didn’t result to anything but they were looking much more hungry. Despite the wave of attacks coming from the home side, England doubled their advantage when Wayne Rooney played a lovely ball through to Ashley Young who squared it to Darren Bent to give England a 2-0 lead. It was looking comfortable for England but anyone who thought Montenegro would give up was very wrong. Again, they attacked England and had a few long range efforts going close before they got a very important goal before half-time. Zverotic  chested the ball down to his feet before striking a half volley which took a deflection off Gary Cahill and went into the net despite some contact from  Joe Hart in the process. Therefore, Montenegro were right back into the game and certainly stole the momentum from the English going into half-time.

Montenegro decided to make a change at the beginning of the second half bringing on Milan Jovanovic to replace Kascelan.  England won a free-kick early in the second half and this was well whipped in by Young but no one could get on the end of it and Bozovic collected confidently in the air. Then, Montenegro attacked and Joe Hart was forced to make a good save which he did very well. The home team were certainly showing fluency in their performance and continued to pressure England and when the ball managed to get through the England defence, there were shouts for a penalty which could have been given as it appeared Cahill made contact with the attacker but the referee was not persuaded by the wild shouts from the home supporters.  Fabio Capello made his first change when he replaced goal scorer Ashley Young with Stewart Downing. Another ball over the top caught the England back four out but luckily the ball carried all the way through to Joe Hart.  Darren Bent was then replaced shortly afterwards by Frank Lampard. England started to attack more and a corner that was driven powerfully by substitute Downing was met by the head of Gary Cahill who couldn’t direct his header goalwards. All of a sudden, a bizzare incident happened when Wayne Rooney was blocked by one of the Montenegrin players and then unnecessarily retaliated by kicking out. His act of stupidity earned him a straight red card and rounded up a difficult week for Rooney off the pitch. With less than 20 minutes to go, England had to play with 10 men. Capello responded and awarded Danny Welbeck his second England cap who came on for Theo Walcott. In the 84^th minute a glorious opening fell to Montenegro with an overhead kick that went over the bar. Hart was then forced into another great save dealing with a difficult shot across the goal and tipped it wide for a corner.  Then there were more shouts for a penalty in the England box; again the referee waved appeals away and booked the culprit Jovetic for simulation and this was the right decision.

An additional time of 3 minutes was indicated by the fourth official at the end of the 90 minutes and in the 91^st minute, Montenegro completed the comeback with a dramatic equaliser from Delibasic that sent Podgorica into complete delirium at the final whistle. The game finished 2-2 and a poor performance from England meant that they had lost their 2-0 lead. However, only a point was needed from this game to qualify so although there was much disappointment at the draw, England had qualified for Euro 2012 and secured top spot of Group G. Montenegro had secured a play-off place so they can still qualify for the tournament next Summer. The main talking point will most probably be the sending off for Wayne Rooney who will miss a minimum of one game at the tournament next year. Rooney joins David Beckham as the only two players to see red twice as an England player and this is the first time England have let a 2-0 lead slip since September 2004 which was against Austria.  Of England’s 900 games they’ve won 510, drawn 218 and lost 172. They are just two goals away from reaching 2,000 international goals in their history as well.

Full Time:

Montenegro 2-2 England

Other results in Group G

Wales 2-0 Switzerland

Group G Table           P    W   D    L    Pts

England	8	5	3	0	18
Montenegro	7	3	3	1	12
Switzerland	7	2	2	3	8
Wales	7	2	0	5	6
Bulgaria	7	1	2	4	5