Category: Sport

Source: Radio New Zealand

Veteran George Bennett has won his second men’s national road cycling championship near Cambridge, with a strong attacking ride.

The 35-year-old Nelson cyclist with an impressive international CV was in tears after his victory.

“This win means a lot. I have had a really rough 18 months so this means the world. To finally win a race again – with my friends, my family, my team-mates and Bewls all here.”

Bewls is former pro cyclist Sam Bewley, director of Bennett’s NSN Cycling World Tour team, which has sprung from the controversy involving the former Israel Premier Tech team. It was the subject of pro-Palestinian protests which disrupted some major races last year. These championships were the first victory for the new team.

It was Bewley who encouraged Bennett to attack strongly. Part of a small lead group, he pushed hard with three of the 20 laps remaining and was never in danger from that point.

“I think I rode a really smart race. I picked the initial move and we rode well. It was a strong group with some really under-rated guys. We just stayed really smart,” Bennett said.

“I got the call from Bewls to open up the race early and went with 30kms to go. It is always a race within a race when you go early like that and I just had really good legs.

“Most of the time that move doesn’t work, but at least next time it doesn’t work out I can remember this one.”

Bennett won the elite men title by 41 seconds from recent Tour of Southland winner Josh Burnett, with Matthew Wilson four seconds back in third, and James Gardner close up and easily taking the under-23 crown.

It was Bennett’s second national title after he won in Cambridge five years ago.

“I am really proud to win this and take the jersey back to wear on the World Tour,” he said.

“My big target is the Tour de France this year so to be able to wear the jersey in something like that would be special. It hasn’t sunk in yet. It’s awesome.”

It was a tough race with 28 of the 71 starters failing to finish.

Ally Wollaston won the women’s road race on Friday.

Results:

Elite men, 188kms: George Bennett (NSN Cycling, Nelson) 4:09.45, 1; Josh Burnett (Burgos Burpellet BH, Invercargill) at 41s, 2; Matthew Wilson (Advanced Personnel Cycling, Auckland) at 45s, 3.

Under-23: 188kms: James Gardner (Whoosh-NZ Cycling Project, Dunedin) 4:10.43, 1; Josh Heissenbuttel (Counties Manukau) at 3:27, 2; Lewis Bower (Groupama FDJ, Auckland) at 3:40, 3.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wellington Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano says some mistakes were “inexcusable” from his Wellington Phoenix in the 3-2 loss to Melbourne Victory.

The Phoenix remain 10th on the standings and four points outside the top six with 10 matches remaining, after gifting the visitors too many good chances in front of a vocal home crowd at Sky Stadium.

Italiano was happy with most of his team’s performance, but felt they defended poorly.

“There were some really inexcusable moments that I’m really annoyed at that were easily preventable,” Italiano said. “We made some silly errors tonight… the second and third goals are terrible to concede.

“I don’t mind if we concede goals where we’re open and expansive, but not when it’s down to simple box defending principles we work on all the time.

“This is not the only game we’ve been in control and we’re just conceding at the wrong time.”

Wellington also had a late penalty overturned following intervention from the video assistant referee.

Referee Jack Morgan initially deemed first-half goalscorer Carlo Armiento was fouled in the box, but changed his decision, after watching numerous replays, to the chagrin of Italiano.

Victory took the lead in the 10th minute, when centre-back Sebastian Esposito flicked home a near post corner.

Armiento found an equaliser in the 39th minute, but Victory reclaimed the halftime lead with their second shot on target, when Nishan Velupillay took advantage of a favourable deflection.

The visitors went two goals clear with 13 minutes remaining, with substitutes Keegan Jelacic and Louis D’Arrigo combining effectively.

The Phoenix earned a lifeline three minutes later, when Victory turned a right-wing corner into their own net.

Wellington travel to Sydney for Friday’s next match against Western Sydney Wanderers, with re-signed All Whites midfielder Sarpreet Singh is poised to play.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

World Tour professional Ally Wollaston has continued her exceptional start to the year by clinching the New Zealand women’s road race title near Cambridge.

Wollaston used her sprint prowess to kick clear of a group of seven that had broken clear early in the 130km race, comprising 13 laps of a circuit.

Representing her FDJ United-Suez team, she saw off Mikayla Harvey by three seconds, followed by UCI World Esport champion Kate McCarthy in third.

Wollaston made her move on the final climb.

“Taking the jersey back with me to Europe was a really big goal for me,” said an emotional Wollaston.

“It was a tightknit group and no-one was skipping turns. Kudos to the girls who all threw the kitchen sink at it today and I was blown away that I was there for the final two laps.

“I love this loop. It feels like my backyard and I have trained here so much in my career.

“It was such a great environment out racing today.”

The win was Wollaston’s fourth in the last month.

She won the first two stages of the World Tour’s Tour Down Under near Adelaide and followed that up with victory at the one-day Great Ocean Race near Melbourne.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

The Olympic Committee has named snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott and freeski athlete Ben Barclay as New Zealand’s flagbearers at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.

The pair were formally announced as Ngā Pou Hāpai Tāne and Wahine (male and female flagbearers) during a special team gathering at New Zealand Lodge in the Italian town of Livigno.

Sadowski-Synnott said she felt “very honoured” to be selected.

“To share this with Beano (Ben) who I’ve spent a lot of my career with, not only on my snowboard but off it too, is special. He’s just an all-round great human being and I’m proud to be sharing this moment with him,” she said.

“I just hope to lead the NZ Team in a way that can make everyone proud, it means a lot to me,” she said.

Barclay echoed Sadowski-Synnott’s feelings of pride.

“It’s an honour to wear the kākahu (cloak) and be chosen as a flagbearer alongside such a good friend as Zoi. To lead the team into the opening ceremony is a privilege for both of us,” he said.

“When the kākahu was put on our shoulders it gave me a bit of a shiver, it’s an honour that not many people get to experience and to carry that forward throughout this Olympic experience will be incredible.”

The flagbearers were selected by the team’s chef de mission Marty Toomey, who considered past performances, leadership qualities, the ability to inspire teammates, and each athlete’s competition preparation and performance.

He said both athletes reflected the spirit the team wanted to take into the games.

“These two are not only incredible athletes, but incredible human beings … They work hard, they stay grounded and they lift the people around them.

“Ben represents resilience, commitment and genuine care for his teammates. He has earned deep respect across the team through his attitude, his professionalism and the way he supports others.

“Zoi has set new standards for New Zealand snow sports. Her consistency, her competitive courage and the way she carries herself make her a powerful example for every athlete here.”

Sadowski-Synnott, Olympian #1384 had a full set of Olympic medals, having represented the NZ Team at PyeongChang 2018 where she won bronze in Big Air and at Beijing 2022 where she won gold in Slopestyle and silver in Big Air.

Barclay, Olympian #1520, represented the NZ Team at the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Freeski Slopestyle and Big Air, finishing tenth in Slopestyle, which stands as New Zealand’s best result in the event.

New Zealand is set to be represented by 17 athletes at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, which run from 6-22 February.

The opening ceremony will be at 7.30am New Zealand time on Saturday.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wellington Phoenix have secured a stunning homecoming, signing 26-cap All White Sarpreet Singh for the rest of the A-League season.

The attacking midfielder is on loan from Serbian SuperLiga side Bačka Topola.

As a teenager, Singh made his professional debut for the Wellington outfit and logged 40 appearances, before moving to Bayern Munich in 2019 for what was then a club-record fee.

“I’m very happy to be back,” he said. “The club means a lot to me, and I can’t wait to get started and meet everyone.

“The most important thing for me is to be in an environment where I’m enjoying it, having fun and being able just be free on the field.

“That’s when I play my best football and I believe Wellington provides the best environment for that for me.”

Singh has played professionally in Germany, Portugal and Serbia over the past six-and-a-half seasons.

“I feel like I left as a boy and I’m returning as a more mature player,” he said. “Throughout those years, I’ve learnt a lot, and I’ve had plenty of highs and a lot of lows as well.

“I’ve had to deal with many setbacks throughout my career, and I feel like with age, time and experience, I’ve learnt a lot. I think I’m in a very good headspace and, physically, I’m very good as well.

“I feel like I’m a good age, I feel ready and I feel like my best years are still ahead of me.”

Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano jumped at the opportunity to sign Singh, after long being an admirer.

“We were very close to signing Sarpreet at the beginning of the season and he was going to be a player that I was going to try to build a team around,” Italiano said.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

For the first time in club history, a rejuvenated Wellington Phoenix sit atop the women’s A-league, after a tense 1-0 win over Perth Glory.

The successful outing at home capped a remarkable four-match winning streak, catapulting them past Melbourne City and Brisbane into top spot on the competition ladder.

In four previous seasons, the Phoenix women have never reached the playoffs, finishing ninth last season, but they seem to have found their feet under former Canada national coach Bev Priestman.

Captain Mackenzie Barry told SkySport her teammates knew exactly what was on the line entering the match.

“I’m just so pleased we got the win,” she said. “We were pushing so hard this week.

“It feels like a huge achievement and it felt like finals football today.

“We believe in each other, and we’re going to keep pushing and do what hasn’t been done before, so I can’t wait to see how the rest of the season goes.”

The decisive moment in the tough contest came on the stroke of halftime, when American forward Makala Woods pounced for her third goal of the season, tipping the match in Wellington’s favour.

The second half saw further chances for the home side, as Grace Jale unleashed a strike that clipped the crossbar.

Phoenix goalkeeper Vic Esson faced an injury scare, halting play with a hand injury, but she remained on the field.

Perth pressed for an equaliser late in the match, as Wellington’s defenders held firm.

Next week, the Phoenix women host Central Coast Mariners at Porirua Park.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand has made a flying start to the Winter Olympics in Italy, with all three men qualifying for the final of the snowboard big air event.

Lyon Farrell, Rocco Jamieson and Dane Menzies all finished inside the top 12 in a 30-man field to secure their spots in the high-pressure showdown at Livignio Snow Park on Sunday morning (NZT).

Farrell was the best of them, locking down seventh with his third and final run, reacting with animation when he landed his run and then again when the judges’ score was announced.

Needing to score 73.50 to finished inside the 12, Farrell produced a score of 81.50.

“Olympic finalist sounds incredible, I can’t believe it, it’s so good,” he told Sky Sport, reflecting on the additional pressure of being the 30th and last competitor to complete his run.

“There were a lot of people getting their runs done and I’m just waiting.

“I’ve got the best team ever, to keep me going forward. Everyone believes so much in me, it’s the best formula I could possible have to doing well.

“They kept me in a place where I felt like I could do anything and somehow in the last run I made it happen. Just crazy.”

Farrell, the oldest member of New Zealand’s 17-strong Olympic team at age 27, produced a combined score of 170.00. It was found by adding his two best runs.

That was enough to lift him one place ahead of Jamieson (168.25) while Menzies snuck through in 11th place with 164.00.

The top qualifier was Japan’s Hiroto Ogiwara (178.50), followed by Italy’s Ian Matteoli and Japan’s Kira Kimura.

The next New Zealanders in action will be Ruby Star Andrews and Sylvia Trotter in women’s freeski slopestyle qualifying on Saturday night (NZT).

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Auckland FC have signed British-born and Australian-raised rookie Sydney goalkeeper Jimmy Hilton until the end of the season.

The 23-year-old has impressed for Sydney club Marconi Stallions in the NSW National Premier League.

A call-up for the A-League has come as a complete shock for Hilton, with the competition representing a significant step up.

“If you told me last week, ‘Jimmy, come Saturday, you’ll be in New Zealand playing football for Auckland FC’, I wouldn’t have believed you, but here we are,” he said.

“Now the shock has worn off, I’ll be getting my head down, focusing on training, performing at my very best and seizing any opportunities the come my way.

“I’m 23, I want to make the most of my career and Auckland FC is a great place to do that.”

Auckland FC director of football Terry McFlynn said Hilton, who was born in Manchester, was an excellent addition to the squad.

He was awarded the National Premier League NSW 2025 Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.

“He has a good attitude, brings some great experience,” said McFlynn.

“With a couple of players injured and others doing the business in the OFC Pro League, signing Hilton was a no-brainer for us.

“We had a great chat on Monday, he has a good attitude, brings some great experience and will be an excellent addition to the squad. He also never missed a game though injury and we could probably do with some of that luck right now.”

Auckland second-string keeper Oli Sail will miss the remainder of the season, the club has confirmed.

He injured his patellar tendon during last week’s away game against Perth Glory and had to be stretchered off the field during the 2-1 loss.

Joseph Knowles is slowly working his way back to full fitness following surgery for a hip issue, Oscar Mason and Blake Callinan are away in Papua New Guinea, and Eli Jones is out with glandular fever, leaving coach Steve Corica with Michael Woud as the only fit keeper in the side.

Hilton, who also holds a double major degree in molecular genetics and disease, has plans to become a doctor after football.

He was invited to train with Auckland last Monday, after Sail’s injury blow.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand has made a flying start to the Winter Olympics in Italy, with all three men qualifying for the final of the snowboard Big Air event.

Lyon Farrell, Rocco Jamieson and Dane Menzies all finished inside the top 12 in a 30-man field to secure their spots in the high-pressure showdown at Livignio Snow Park on Sunday morning (NZT).

Farrell was the best of them, locking down seventh with his third and final run, reacting with animation when he landed his run and then again when the judges’ score was announced.

Needing to score 73.50 to finished inside the 12, Farrell produced a score of 81.50.

“Olympic finalist sounds incredible, I can’t believe it, it’s so good,” he told Sky Sport, reflecting on the additional pressure of being the 30th and last competitor to complete his run.

“There were a lot of people getting their runs done and I’m just waiting.

“I’ve got the best team ever, to keep me going forward. Everyone believes so much in me, it’s the best formula I could possible have to doing well.

“They kept me in a place where I felt like I could do anything and somehow in the last run I made it happen. Just crazy.”

Farrell, the oldest member of New Zealand’s 17-strong Olympic team at age 27, produced a combined score of 170.00. It was found by adding his two best runs.

That was enough to lift him one place ahead of Jamieson (168.25) while Menzies snuck through in 11th place with 164.00.

The top qualifier was Japan’s Hiroto Ogiwara (178.50), followed by Italy’s Ian Matteoli and Japan’s Kira Kimura.

The next New Zealanders in action will be Ruby Star Andrews and Sylvia Trotter in women’s freeski slopestyle qualifying on Saturday night (NZT).

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

The New Zealand Breakers have been left with a mountain to climb to reach the NBL playoffs after being outplayed on their home court 114-83 by the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

Missing a number of key players, the Breakers fell away in the second half after going to the main break with the scores locked at 52-52.

It completed a season-sweep for the Phoenix over the Breakers, having won all four of their games, and lifted the Melbourne club to the top of the table.

The Breakers dropped one place to eighth and will probably need to win all of their four remaining games to have any hope of reaching the top six, starting with tonight’s quick-turnaround contest against the Illawarra Hawks – also in Auckland.

Coach Petteri Koponen’s team will need to be better if they’re to beat the seventh-placed visitors, having been eclipsed in most departments by the Phoenix.

They were without rising star Karim Lopez, who picked up an injury in the buildup, adding to a medical list that also includes Sam Mennenga and Rob Baker, whose seasons have been ended prematurely by injury.

Izaiah Brockington stepped up to score 19 points while Tai Webster had 16 points and eight rebounds before he was ejected in the fourth quarter.

Guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright mixed 15 points with seven rebounds, five assists and two steals before he was ejected in the final quarter after earning two technical fouls.

South East Melbourne’s defence also forced New Zealand into 14 second half turnovers and they dominated the third quarter, winning it 34-15.

Six of their players scored double figures, led by Ian Clark with 23 points.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand