Briefs
A round-up of today's other stories in brief
Pocock agrees three-year contract with Wallabies
RUGBY:Australia flanker David Pocock agreed a new three-year contract with the Wallabies yesterday which is expected to take him through to the 2015 World Cup.
The talented 24-year-old openside is considered one of the best poachers of the ball in world rugby and retaining his services for next year’s British and Irish Lions series and the World Cup is a big boost to the Wallabies.
“David has made an enormous contribution to rugby as a player and an outstanding individual,” said acting Australia Rugby Union chief executive Matt Carroll. “His leadership combined with his form on the field is a huge asset for Australia.”
Zimbabwe-born Pocock, who has won 45 caps for Australia, has captained the side on numerous occasions and has twice been nominated for the IRB international player of the year award.
He will play for the ACT Brumbies in the next Super Rugby season after leaving the Perth-based Western Force side earlier this year.
In June, Pocock led the Wallabies to a 3-0 home series win over Wales before injuring his knee against the All Blacks in August and missing most of the European Tour which concluded earlier this month.
O'Connor records second win of the week at Olympia
EQUESTRIAN:Olympic bronze-medallist Cian O’Connor recorded his second victory of the week at London’s Olympia when landing yesterday afternoon’s Santa Stakes.
Riding Ahmed Tolba’s chestnut gelding Splendor, the Meath-based rider was one of six riders through to the jump-off following the withdrawal of the Edwina Tops-Alexander-partnered Erenice Horta.
Britain’s Michael Whitaker was first to take on the shortened 1.60m track with Viking but had the vertical down for four faults in 33.05. O’Connor was next to go with Splendor and the 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding left all the poles intact in 33.31, a round which was to prove unbeatable.
In the evening’s 1.50m speed class, O’Connor finished third on the 10-year-old ISHD Dual Star (50.24).
MARGIE MCLOONE
Old Belvedere not to field senior team
CRICKET:Old Belvedere’s 60-plus years of involvement in Leinster senior cricket ended on Thursday night after the Cabra club announced that they will not field any senior teams in league or cup competitions.
The unanimous decision was made at the egm of the club in Belvedere College and comes after the club informed the Leinster Cricket Union that they did not wish to be entered in next summer’s Leinster senior cup draws.
Founded in 1960, the club won two senior league titles in the 70s and also collected four senior cup titles, including a hat-trick from 1964.
The club said they hope to continue cricket for their youth section from under-15 level.
