Scotland dispair as Argentina claim late victory.

In one of the more engaging (if not high scoring) games of this year’s Rugby World Cup, Scottish hopes of qualification were dealt a massive blow after they were defeated 13-12 by Argentina. With eight minutes to go, Scotland held a six point lead and looked in relative control. However, a jinking run from winger Lucas Amorosino through some poor defence resulted in the only try of the game and allowed Felipe Contepomi to kick the conversion and steal the game. Scotland’s only remaining hope is to defeat an England side who looked much more impressive in their 67-3 rout of Romania. There were hat tricks for wingers Mark Cueto and Chris Ashton as a weakened Romanian team offered little resistance. However, there were enough mistakes from the English to ensure that Martin Johnson will still not be entirely satisfied going into the final pool game.

In the weekend’s Premiership action, Manchester United dropped their first points of the season as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Stoke. Another thumping Nani strike put United in the lead before a strong response from Stoke resulted in a Peter Crouch equalising header. United are now level on points at the top with rivals Manchester City – who fought to a tight 2-0 win over Everton. Mario Balotelli came off the bench to open the scoring in the second half before James Milner converted from a delightful through ball from David Silva. A Chelsea victory aided by Fernando Torres’ second goal in two games would be music to the ears of most Blue’s fans. However, as with most things associated with the temperamental Spaniard, the story was not quite that simple. A coolly taken Torres strike did set the Blues on their way to a 4-1 victory over Swansea. Unfortunately, he was then sent off for a foolish two footed lunge on Swans’ midfielder Mark Gower.

Manxman Mark Cavendish has claimed the Cycling Road World Championship title after a tight sprint finish in Copenhagen. Cavendish was quick to acknowledge the debt he owed to the eight man Great British team whose efforts delivered him to the position from which he could strike for home. He becomes the first Britain to hold the title since Tom Simpson in 1965. Cavendish stole victory ahead of Australia’s Matt Goss after a gruelling uphill sprint finish. He adds the rainbow jersey to the green jersey he won at this year’s Tour de France.     

Sebastian Vettel is now just one point away from securing the F1 World Championship after he produced another flawless performance to take victory in Singapore. Jenson Button’s second place finish ensured the young German would have to wait at least one more race to secure the title but, with a single point needed from the 125 still available, it would be a foolish man who bet against him. Lewis Hamilton was once again embroiled in some controversy, eliciting this reaction from Brazilian Felipe Massa after puncturing his tyre after another aggressive overtaking manoeuvre.

England’s cricketers ended a triumphant summer with a bit of an anti-climax as they lost their final Twenty20 International to the West Indies. Britain’s Andy Murray claimed tennis players could strike over proposed changes to the season’s calendar.

And finally: no one likes to lose. It is in the makeup of every professional sportsman to view victory as the only available option. However, as the poet alluded to, it is often how we treat the inevitable disasters that marks us out. Pity Luton’s Alex Lawless then who, trailing at half time to old club York, broke his own hand by venting his frustration on the changing room wall. Not only does Lawless face a self-inflicted spell on the side lines, it is also likely he will be fined by the club for, what we can only presume to be, rank stupidity!