WEEKLY SPORTS DIGEST: The sevens crown, Phoenix victory

WEEKLY SPORTS DIGEST: The sevens crown, Phoenix victory

07/02/11 Executive sport summary– An overview of the major sporting events – Results, key moments and talking points – Everything you need to know to foot it at the water cooler this week.

By Jonathan McKeown

WELLINGTON SEVENS: New Zealand claimed the Wellington sevens crown for the fifth time with a comprehensive 29-14 win over England. Three tries to young star Declan O'Donnell ensured victory. Perennial super-coach Gordon Tietjens unearths a potential superstar almost every year, and in 2011‘the auburn express’ is that man.

O'Donnell also scored two tries against Australia in the semi-final as New Zealand won 17-0, taking his tournament tally to 10. England overcame Samoa 7-5 in a tightly contested second semi but fell to New Zealand’s forward dominance as well as the pace and precision out wide.

England and New Zealand both have 64 competition points as the international sevens circuit moves to Las Vegas.

PHOENIX: Wellington Phoenix have all but secured an A-League finals berth with a rare away victory across the ditch. Chris Greenacre's first-half goal took the Phoenix to a shock 1-0 win over Adelaide United. The important victory came in the 'Nix's 100th A-League match where the three points were compounded by other favourable results.

The seventh-placed Melbourne Heart drew 1-1 Central Coast with in a rain-affected game. The draw gave Wellington breathing spacein sixth, while Central’s failure to take three points handed Brisbane Roar the minor premiership.

BLACKCAPS: The Blackcaps will carry momentum into the ICC Cricket World Cup after they rallied to beat Pakistan in the final ODI in Auckland. Anaggressive century from Jesse Ryder set up the 57 run victory although quick wickets threatened a big total.

Scott Styris (58) and Nathan McCullum (65) combined well at the end to steer the Kiwis to an innings total of 311-7. In reply Pakistan had the run-rate required under control but ran out of wickets. The embattled Pakistan side certainly will take a lot from the 3-2series victory and will be a strong prospect on the sub-continent pitches.

BREAKERS: The New Zealand Breakers have a forged an impressive record after round 17 of the ANBL. An 80-76 win over Wollongong has given Breakers an 83% winning record at 15 and 3. In second place Cairns have dropped to 11 and 7 with eight rounds remaining.

SIX NATIONS: The 2011 Six Nations competition is underway to find Europe’s top rugby nation in the World Cup year. A last minute Ronan O'Gara drop goal denied Italy their first ever victory over Ireland, finishing 13-11 in Rome. Defending champions France looked convincing in a 34-21 win over Scotland, although the Scots have continued to build upon an impressive 2010 season.

Two tries from winger Chris Ashton got England off to a flying start in the opening match. Under the roof at Millennium Stadium England claimed a vital 26-19 away victory over Wales.

INTERNATIONAL CRICKET: Australia havegained Ashes revenge completing a 6-1 series rout over England in Perth. The Aussies finished with a convincing 57 run win in the final ODI at the WACA. Adam Voges (80) and David Hussey (60) set up Australia's innings of 7-279. In reply England crumbled to be 5-64 and eventually fell for 222 in the 44th over.

With this form Australia have a good chance to win the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup, the favourites are clearly India due to their extraordinary depth and home advantage.

PREMIER LEAGUE:Premier League:Newcastle United came from behind to draw 4-4 at home to Arsenal. The Gunners missed a golden opportunity to gain significant ground on the league leaders as Manchester United crashed to their first defeat of the season losing 2-1 against Wolves.

Carlos Tevez netted a first-half hat-trick as third place Manchester City beat West Brom 3-0. Tottenham Hotspur struck a 90th-minute winner to beat Bolton Wanderers 2-1 at White Hart Lane while Louis Saha struck four goals as the Everton beat Blackpool 5-3.

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