CRICKET: Australia cruised to a nine-wicket victory in the second Test against West Indies yesterday, allowing the hosts to retain the Frank Worrell Trophy after taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in three-match series
The Australians raced to their victory target of 78 in just 97 minutes from 26.1 overs before lunch on the fifth and final day at Bellerive Oval.
Western Australia opener Mike Hussey struck 31 not out, including the winning runs, from 82 balls to win the man-of-the-match award after making 137 in the first innings, his maiden test hundred.
Matthew Hayden, who also made a century in the first innings, was the lone batsman to be dismissed, throwing his wicket away for 46 with just one run needed for victory.
Trying to smash a boundary to reach his half-century, the Queenslander top-edged a half-volley from Chris Gayle and gave Devon Smith an easy catch at extra cover.
Captain Ricky Ponting faced three balls without scoring, allowing Hussey to flick a single round his legs off Ramnaresh Sarwan to seal victory.
RUGBY: A superb all-round display saw Connacht A beat Munster A 15-13 at Thomond Park yesterday. Connacht hit Munster with two first-half tries from Ted Robinson and Chris Venter and defended superbly in the second half when the home side threatened a comeback.
Many of Connacht's fringe squad members have now laid down a marker for selection ahead of three inter-provincial games in the Celtic League and two European ties with Worcester.
