Sports digest
Head coach for Bord Gais Neptune Mark Scannell praised his team. “We needed that win. After our performances the last three weeks where we were nearly there, that win was coming to us. We got 11 men into the game tonight so it was an all-round team effort.”
It was DCU Saints that were awarded local bragging rights when they beat Dublin rivals, UCD Marian. David Donnelly, DCU Saints’ head coach, was pleased with the outcome. “It was a very intense game but we worked hard and held UCD Marian to 2 points in the last quarter. We had some big plays down the stretch even though we were left with a small line-up when our post players had to sit out due to foul trouble.”
Van Pelt dedicates win to caddie
GOLF:American Bo Van Pelt won his first event of the year at the Perth International at Lake Karryinyup yesterday and dedicated the title to caddie Scot Steele who died in the United States on Friday after suffering a heart attack.
The 55-year-old Steele, who was caddying for Kirk Triplett, collapsed in a golf club car park in North Carolina a week ago.
Van Pelt had rounds of 70 67 67 and 68 to finish 16 under par on 272.
“I’ve had a lot of top 10s this year and it’s great to get a win,” said Van Pelt after starting the day one shot clear of world number 10 Jason Dufner, who closed with a 69 to finish second.
In the US Tommy Gainey carded a stunning final-day 60 to claim a one-shot victory over David Toms in the McGaldrey Classic and earn his first PGA Tour title.
Harrington replaces Els
GOLF:Padraig Harrington has suddenly found himself called into the four-man PGA Grand Slam of Golf at Port Royal in Bermuda on Tuesday and Wednesday, and even if he finishes last he will earn €153,642.
Harrington replaces Open champion Ernie Els, who has pulled out with a left ankle injury, and in an event meant to bring together the season’s four major winners is up against Masters champion Bubba Watson, US Open winner Webb Simpson and last year’s USPGA champion Keegan Bradley — himself a replacement for Rory McIlroy. Northern Ireland’s world number one qualified with his USPGA victory in August, but is defending the BMW Masters title in Shanghai this week, while second and third alternates Graeme McDowell and Tiger Woods are also honouring commitments to play in Asia.
