Summary
Thank you all for your company today. It’s time for me now to take my leave and enjoy all the incredible overnight action. Great Britain will soon be the centre of the sporting universe for a few hours with the Cricket World Cup final, men’s singles decider at Wimbledon, and the British F1 Grand Prix all competing for headlines.
You can follow them all live on here of course, or check back in later for all the best reports and analysis.
NRL: The final contest of the day is underway between the Dragons and Raiders.
Croker gives Canberra an early lead ✌️#NRLDragonsRaiders 2-nil pic.twitter.com/DzY6tcVIeq
— NRL (@NRL) July 14, 2019
Cricket World Cup: Better news from London.
Good news from Lord’s: the rain has stopped completely and the hovercraft is leaving the field. The sun is poking through too. We’re all set. #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/cmaMP6jfz5
— Adam Collins (@collinsadam) July 14, 2019
AFL: HT: Port Adelaide 3.4 (22) v Brisbane 10.6 (66) - Brisbane have their foot on Port Adelaide’s throat and they are not letting go. With performances like this at some point the narrative is going to need to shift from the Lions as plucky underdog story into genuine flag contenders.
Go into the main break with a 44 point lead. @jlyons_31 with an equal game high 18 disposals and 4 tackles. pic.twitter.com/vuLivkDr7Y
— Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) July 14, 2019
AFL: Western Bulldogs 10.14 (74) v Melbourne 9.12 (66)
This was tight for four quarters but the Bulldogs always had their noses just about in front and so it proved at the final siren. A three goal to two final term settled it for the Doggies who climb to tenth on the ladder just one game outside the finals and on a three-match winning run. Defeat extinguishes any faint hopes Melbourne retained of playing footy in September and they’re now looking over their shoulders at the fast improving Carlton.
No question who the standout performer on the day was - Josh Dunkley finished with 39 touches, 15 tackles and two goals.
The @westernbulldogs held on in a tight finish, thanks to a career-best day from Josh Dunkley.#AFLDogsDees match report: https://t.co/YJzHLUvmTM pic.twitter.com/HZwqgY15fK
— AFL (@AFL) July 14, 2019
NRL: Tigers 18-30 Eels
It wasn’t the celebration Benji Marshall was hoping for in his 300th NRL appearance but his Tigers played their part in a terrific game of rugby league at Bankwest Stadium. The two points consolidates Parramatta’s spot in the playoff positions with Wests still lingering a game outside.
That is just GLORIOUS 😱#NRLTigersEels#TelstraPremiership pic.twitter.com/oJjZu61k6F
— NRL (@NRL) July 14, 2019
Cricket World Cup: By the way, the liveblog for the Cricket World Cup Final is underway:
Cricket World Cup: I’m not sure even England fans would begrudge a Black Caps victory. How such a small population continues to punch above its weight is inspirational.
AFL: 10 mins: Q4 Western Bulldogs 8.13 (61) v Melbourne 8.8 (56) - There’s still under a kick in it at Marvel Stadium, and that fine margin was highlighted midway through the final quarter when Christian Petracca fluffed his lines for the Demons only for Josh Dunkley to punish his mistake in devastating fashion. Dunkley slotted through his second goal to accompany 38 disposals and 11 tackles.
Josh Dunkley take a bow!#AFLDogsDees pic.twitter.com/JnfOqjwg9g
— AFL (@AFL) July 14, 2019
Updated
NRL: 60 mins: Tigers 8-22 Eels - Blake Ferguson has snuffed out thoughts of a Tigers comeback in scintillating fashion.
BANG! Fergo puts the right foot down 😤#NRLTigersEels#TelstraPremiership pic.twitter.com/bphPfLT2Rt
— NRL (@NRL) July 14, 2019
Cricket World Cup: Depending what your plans are tonight you might want to adjust them a fraction because there’s some weather around Lord’s that may well delay the start of play. The good news is the forecast is better for the remainder of the day.
The point being, you can’t see it because it’s pissing it down https://t.co/OsfV7IAvZw
— Barney Ronay (@barneyronay) July 14, 2019
Wimbledon: As well as the Cricket World Cup final tonight we’ve got the men’s singles final at Wimbledon to look forward to, another chance to enjoy the imperious Roger Federer on the grandest stage of all.
NRL: 55 mins: Tigers 8-16 Eels - The Tigers aren’t going down without a fight at Bankwest Stadium.
Knows how to finish 💯#NRLTigersEels#TelstraPremiership pic.twitter.com/YSoIFWmGaU
— NRL (@NRL) July 14, 2019
AFL: QT: Port Adelaide 2.1 (13) v Brisbane 7.1 (43) - Footy’s good news story for 2019 shows no sign of slowing down any time soon. The Lions jumped the Power early at Adelaide Oval, racing to a 41-point lead before Port bagged their first major. This one may already be over as a contest.
Tempers flared early in the first quarter of #AFLPowerLions.
— AFL (@AFL) July 14, 2019
Plenty of feeling in this one. pic.twitter.com/4K2i1mr1TX
AFL: 3QT: Western Bulldogs 7.13 (55) v Melbourne 7.7 (49) - It’s been nip and tuck all day and we’re set for a grandstand finale at Marvel Stadium. The Bulldogs keep threatening to break clear but poor goal-kicking and Melbourne’s determination ensures this one is alive into the final quarter. Josh Dunkley is now in rarefied air with 36 touches, ten tackles and a goal.
Cricket World Cup: The final pairing itself is fitting for England as they have remodelled their approach to white ball cricket thanks in large part to New Zealand. As Barney Ronay writes, “four years ago it was New Zealand who induced what future white-ball historians might refer to as The Event, that moment of rock-bottom introspection born of a pitiless thrashing in Wellington at the last World Cup.”
Cricket World Cup: Around the time this Sportwatch winds down you can nip on over to the liveblog building-up to tonight’s World Cup final between England and New Zealand. Lots and lots and lots of pre-reading to get through if you are so inclined.
From the Kiwi perspective (they’re the Australian choice, right?) Kane Williamson remains happy for his side to be seen as underdogs despite reaching the decider in 2015 and appearing at the business end of World Cups as consistently as anyone.
While Black Caps fans are finally allowing themselves the opportunity to dream, despite being all-too familiar with the pain of defeat.
Chess: Ah, praise be the gods old and new. What have we done to deserve such a perfect sport story? Chess grandmaster + phone in a toilet = cheating. Checkmate.
AFL: 10 mins Q3: Western Bulldogs 6.10 (46) v Melbourne 6.4 (40) - Meanwhile at Marvel Stadium everything’s gone a little scrappy, especially the Bulldogs’ goal-kicking.
AFL: 15 mins Q1: Port Adelaide 0.1 (1) v Brisbane 5.0 (30) - We’re underway in the third and final AFL fixture of the round, and Brisbane have begun on the tear.
Tour de France: Thomas De Gendt celebrated victory on stage eight but Julian Alaphilippe was in possession of the yellow jersey as Le Tour reached St-Étienne.
NRL: HT: Tigers 4-16 Eels - Everything began promisingly for Benji Marshall in his 300th NRL appearance...
Mr. 300 sets up a Thompson special 👌#NRLTigersEels pic.twitter.com/VeAhWcwCz2
— NRL (@NRL) July 14, 2019
But at a boisterous Bankwest Stadium the Eels stormed back into the contest to take a 12-point lead into half-time.
Two minutes, two tries 🤫#NRLTigersEels#TelstraPremiership pic.twitter.com/MctSQjlEQA
— NRL (@NRL) July 14, 2019
AFL: HT: Western Bulldogs 6.5 (41) v Melbourne 6.4 (40) - It’s still anybody’s game at Marvel Stadium with Melbourne doing well to peg the Bulldogs back just before and just after the quarter-time interval. Josh Dunkley is still having a day out, he’s up to 21 disposals, nine tackles and a goal. Although his afternoon was disrupted by brother Kyle...
Kyle Dunkley kicks his first AFL goal and flexes on his brother Josh who manned the mark! 💪#AFLDogsDees pic.twitter.com/7ohdtOJb1a
— AFL (@AFL) July 14, 2019
Updated
AFL: Poor Stephen Coniglio. Let’s hope the scans are not as bad as feared.
News out of Giants rooms re Stephen Coniglio: early tests cannot rule out ACL tear in left knee, will need scans to confirm extent of damage. Coniglio was on crutches after game #AFLTigersGiants
— Andrew Wu (@wutube) July 14, 2019
NRL: 8 mins: Tigers 0-0 Eels - We’re underway in our second NRL fixture of the day and it’s scoreless early in Benji Marshall’s 300th.
We love you Benji 💛🖤#Benji300 pic.twitter.com/RMgjWIxznr
— NRL (@NRL) July 14, 2019
NRL: Roosters 12-15 Cowboys
What a finish, and what a win for the Cowboys! A 6-0 half-time lead to the visitors quickly became a 12-6 second half deficit but John Asiata crossed ten minutes from the end to bring the scores level before Jake Clifford slotted the field goal - and a further penalty for good measure - to sneak North Queensland home and honour Gavin Cooper’s 300th NRL appearance.
The win pushes the Cowboys up to 11th on the ladder and just a game outside the finals. The Roosters miss the chance to move back up to second and they’re now eight points behind runaway leaders Melbourne Storm.
The @nthqldcowboys get a win for #Coops300 🤠#NRLRoostersCowboys pic.twitter.com/AJISoGbv34
— NRL (@NRL) July 14, 2019
AFL: QT: Western Bulldogs 3.2 (21) v Melbourne 3.2 (20) - Not much separating these sides under the Marvel Stadium roof. Josh Dunkley already has 12 disposals and six tackles.
Quick thinking from Jordan Lewis!#AFLDogsDees pic.twitter.com/IQBQicU12j
— AFL (@AFL) July 14, 2019
NRL: The Cowboys drop a goal to lead 13-12 with under a minute remaining!
Jake Clifford kicks the @nthqldcowboys in front 🎯#NRLRoostersCowboys 13-12 🤠#TelstraPremiership pic.twitter.com/ZWweAa34pL
— NRL (@NRL) July 14, 2019
Updated
NRL: 72 mins: Roosters 12-12 Cowboys - Things are hotting up on the Central Coast.
The @sydneyroosters hit the lead! 🐓#NRLRoostersCowboys 12-6#TelstraPremiership pic.twitter.com/aJd3Y7b4bA
— NRL (@NRL) July 14, 2019
John Asiata does it all himself 👌 🤠#NRLRoostersCowboys 12-all with 9 minutes remaining ⏰#TelstraPremiership pic.twitter.com/e396JeBYUa
— NRL (@NRL) July 14, 2019
AFL: Richmond 13.16 (94) beat GWS 9.14 (67)
In dreadful conditions at the MCG the Tigers and Giants put on an impressive show. Richmond ran out comfortable winners in the end but GWS were never miles off the pace and were periodically within a sniff of taking the lead.
However, the talking point from the Giants’ third defeat in row won’t be the scoreboard but the early injury to Stephen Coniglio who barely took any part in the contest after his already injured knee failed to withstand a first quarter knock. Questions will be asked over his readiness to participate.
The Tigers ascend to fifth on the ladder, level on points with fourth-placed Brisbane. GWS drop to sixth and are in danger of being swamped by the rising tide of clubs pushing for spots in the top eight.
NRL: 55 mins: Roosters 6-6 Cowboys - approaching the midway point of the second half and the Roosters are back on level terms.
Welcome back Jake Friend! 👏#NRLRoostersCowboys 6-all 🐓#TelstraPremiership pic.twitter.com/1B9RGBAr1s
— NRL (@NRL) July 14, 2019
Netball World Cup: In other World Cup news England continued their 100% record but suffered a tournament-ending injury to defender Layla Guscoth.
Aside from that disappointment it’s been a positive start to proceedings from the hosts as Emma John reports.
For much of its existence netball has been a sporting arms race between two teams, Australia and New Zealand, and England’s Commonwealth Games win was a signal their duopoly could be ending. But this World Cup is about much more than just the new pretenders to the crown. Africa is the most represented continent at this tournament. Fans have flown in from 30 different countries. This is a summer jubilee for a sport that is gaining ground fast.
Netball World Cup: Australia’s Diamonds are two from two in these early stages of the World Cup but Erin Delahunty believes there’s still plenty to work on if the favourites are going to return home from the UK with the title.
Against an opponent it’s never faced, world number one Australia looked lost and confused at times in Liverpool on Saturday and despite beating Zimbabwe 73-37, Lisa Alexander’s charges now have plenty to work on before the Netball World Cup gets serious next week.
Lisa Alexander’s side are next in action at midnight (AEST) against Sri Lanka.
Updated
AFL: 3QT: Richmond 10.13 (73) v GWS 6.7 (43) - Midway through the third quarter the GWS bandwagon was at full steam and the Giants threatened to hit the lead, but after Himmelberg failed to hit the target from the right forward pocket to bring the margin back to one kick Richmond burst clear courtesy of goals to Lynch, Lambert and Castagna. It has been a valiant effort from GWS but this now looks destined to end as a day to forget.
Chol sends it long to Castagna who squeezes it through! #AFLTigersGiants pic.twitter.com/uVk8jL32cD
— AFL (@AFL) July 14, 2019
NRL: HT: Roosters 0-6 Cowboys - A converted Jake Clifford try is all that separates these two sides at the interval. The lowly North Queenslanders are showing up in Gavin Cooper’s 300th, surprising the Roosters as they bid to return to second place on the ladder.
Like a hot knife through butter 🔪 Great effort from Jake Clifford 👏#NRLRoostersCowboys 6-nil 🤠#TelstraPremiership pic.twitter.com/HbC1xiNpPr
— NRL (@NRL) July 14, 2019
Updated
NRL: It will come as little surprise to anyone familiar with the NRL to learn of the sacking of Gold Coast coach Garth Brennan. What is it with the Gold Coast? Why is it such a sporting graveyard?
F1: Mercedes have locked up the front row of the grid again, this time for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. However, home fans will have to settle for Lewis Hamilton starting second behind teammate Valtteri Bottas. Giles Richards watched a hectic qualifying period unfold.
On his first hot run in the final third Hamilton was quickest in the first and third sectors but had a moment of oversteer through Brooklands in the middle sector and Bottas was quicker by three-tenths. When they emerged for the final time the expectation was Hamilton would pull something out of the bag on his final run, as he has done so many times before. The crowd held their breath in expectation of emitting a mighty roar but, as the British driver crossed the line, Bottas’s time stood by a margin so small as to be almost invisible – six thousandths of a second across a 3.66-mile lap.
We're underway here at Central Coast Stadium 😍#NRLRoostersCowboys pic.twitter.com/ykaPCcIqP7
— NRL (@NRL) July 14, 2019
AFL: HT: Richmond 6.7 (43) v GWS 4.5 (29) - Despite being a man down the Giants fought back well at a wet and dreary MCG. Lachie Whitfield stepped up a level as did Jeremy Cameron who is the only multiple goal-kicker on the ground. GWS are looking to snap a two match losing streak and climb up to fourth on the ladder while Richmond need the four points to hold off the pack of contenders bunching behind them on the fringes of the eight.
First goal in the #AFL for Bobby Hill! #AFLTigersGiants pic.twitter.com/SR6NUa2i8G
— AFL (@AFL) July 14, 2019
Wimbledon: The final Saturday at Wimbledon wasn’t only about the ladies’ singles final. Dylan Alcott made sure his name was once again in lights after securing his fourth straight grand slam title. The Logie winner made sure his latest ornament would be put to good use.
It sounds weird but I like using the trophy. You get a Tiffany crystal vase at the US Open. Why not put delicious, beautiful flowers in it, like we do? We actually use them. And it’s cool. Then they’re around the house. You don’t look like as much of a wanker as well.
Wimbledon: Williams was magnanimous in defeat, conceding she just came up against a better player on the day.
I can’t say that I had a lot of tension or was super tense, I just think my opponent played unbelievable. When someone plays lights out, there’s really not much you can do. You just have to understand that it was their day. There’s so many impressive things about her. Her tenacity, her ability to improve every time, just to keep improving. Her ability to find power. You can’t underestimate her. She’s like a little powerhouse.
For her part, the champion said she had never played better. It would be a surprise to learn anybody had ever played better.
Here’s some images from Centre Court if you’d like to see Halep’s name on the honours board.
Wimbledon: The biggest story from overnight is all about Simona Halep and her extraordinary demolition of Serena Williams in the ladies’ singles final at Wimbledon. The seventh seed, renowned as a clay court specialist, barely made an error during her 6-2 6-2 triumph, one that secured the second grand slam of her career and left Williams still agonisingly short of equalling Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24.
Sean Ingle was courtside to savour all the action.
Watching on it seemed impossible that when Halep was a young child in Romania she used to cry before going on to court because she was so shy. Yet on the game’s biggest stage the tiny introvert was transformed into a lion with ice in her veins, producing a near-faultless display to dismantle the greatest women’s player in history.
AFL: There will be some serious questions asked of the GWS medical staff following Coniglio’s early departure from the game.
What kind of "test" did Stephen Coniglio undergo to take his place in the team this week?
AFL: QT: Richmond 4.4 (28) v GWS 0.2 (2) - It is bitterly cold, wet and windy in Melbourne today and they’re just the highlights of GWS’s trip down south. Richmond smashed them in the opening quarter, one that began with Stephen Coniglio limping from the field after appearing to aggravate a knee injury that threatened to rule him out of the contest to begin with. Moving on to the positives, Sydney Stack continues to demonstrate he’s among the most exciting prospects in the competition.
Stephen Coniglio has been helped from the field after landing awkwardly in this play.#AFLTigersGiants pic.twitter.com/CMCNRTw6Mm
— AFL (@AFL) July 14, 2019
Preamble
Hello everybody and welcome to another action-packed edition of Sunday sportwatch.
In terms of live action this afternoon we’re all about the footy with the AFL and NRL to the fore.
In the AFL finals contenders Richmond and GWS began their duel at 1.10pm so we’ll check in on that shortly before turning our attention to Western Bulldogs v Melbourne (3.20pm) and Port Adelaide v Brisbane (4.40pm).
Our NRL action began at 2pm with the Roosters hosting the Cowboys, continues with the Tigers and Eels at 4.05pm and concludes with the Raiders visiting the Dragons from 6.10pm.
But that is only a fraction of what we’ll get through today after such a bumper night of sport around the world last night and another one in store tonight. That means we’ll check-in on Wimbledon, the British F1 Grand Prix, the Netball World Cup, and whatever else catches our eye.
Please keep me company, either on Twitter - @JPHowcroft- or by email - jonathan.howcroft.casual@theguardian.com.
Updated
Really, really hoping for a New Zealand win.