Baltray believed to be on shortlist for Irish Open

SPORTS DIGEST:GOLF: The Irish Open could make a return to the east coast next year.

It's believed Co Louth Golf Club in Baltray, just outside Drogheda, have been sounded out by European Tour officials seeking a home for the tournament in 2009.

And, following a meeting of the club's management, officers and committee earlier this week, a positive response has been relayed to the tour.

It is believed the tour have sounded out several other courses and that Carton House - which staged the event in 2005 and 2006 - have also indicated a willingness to stage the event.

Fáilte Ireland, however, are believed to favour a links venue which could bolster the Baltray case.

The famous links at Baltray played host to the event in 2004 when Australian Brett Rumford was victorious. The club won high praise for the presentation of the course and the handling all of the peripheral arrangements.

Next year's Irish Open has a new sponsor in mobile phone company 3, who have agreed a three-year deal and boosted the prize fund to €3 million.

In addition to the monetary incentive, the mid-May timing should also ensure the strongest possible field as the premier Irish golfing event falls between the Players Championship at Sawgrass in Florida and the BMW Championship at Wentworth.

The return of the Irish Open to Louth would be a boost for the local economy, but may prove a headache for the ILGU, whose Women's Close Championship was to be staged at Baltray around the same time.

Lobbe leads Sharks around Wasps 

RUGBY: Captain Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe scored two tries as Sale overpowered London Wasps, 31-3, at Edgeley Park yesterday.

The Argentinian backrower crossed twice as the Sharks chalked up four tries and England duo Mark Cueto and Charlie Hodgson also touched down as Wasps could only muster a Dave Walder penalty.

The Sharks were in predatory form, twice pouncing on Wasps errors to erase memories of their last-gasp defeat to Bath last weekend.

Meanwhile, Harlequins' buoyant season continues merrily into the Christmas period, with today's game against Leicester at Twickenham a confirmed 50,000 sell-out, which will set a new attendance record for the Premiership's regular season.

Leicester, though, have beaten Quins 11 times on the bounce in all competitions, including at Welford Road less than five weeks ago.

Wins for Cardiff and Edinburgh

RUGBY: Cardiff Blues achieved a crucial 21-19 Magners League victory at Newport-Gwent Dragons in an outstanding finale yesterday.

Cardiff came from behind twice to win their first league match in three months and the victory moves them one point adrift of the Gwent side down among the league's basement sides.

The Blues took the lead for the first time with 11 minutes left when the Dragons midfield were caught offside in front of their posts for Ben Blair to score.

The Dragons try came from wing Richard Fussell and fly-half Shaun Connor's boot did the rest.

Blues flanker Maama Molitika and fly-half Ceri Sweeney touched down while Blair's kicking proved the difference. The visitors played great containing rugby as the tie wore down to its conclusion.

And last night Edinburgh produced a sizzling display at Murrayfield to leapfrog their old rivals Glasgow, 39-6, into second place in the Magners League - thanks to tries by Mike Blair, Simon Webster, man-of-the-match Hugo Southwell and Ben Cairns.

Glenanne struggle in numbers game, but still win Neville Cup

HOCKEY: Glenanne survived being reduced to nine-men to claim their eighth Neville Cup success, beating YMCA 3-1 thanks to late goals from Shane O'Donoghue and Joe Brennan.

The Glens held the majority of possession, but took their time before killing off a Sandymount side in search of a first piece of silverware since 2003.

Glenanne won in spite of the absence of Irish international duo Stephen Butler and Graham Shaw.

During the game Jacob Webber saw red for YMCA for having a swipe at Gary Shaw, who was sin-binned for his reaction. Alan Browne then joined him in the bin for an over-zealous tackle.