‘Mighty warrior’ Smith retires from cricket

Reuters

Graeme Smith has announced an end to his 347-match international career, which will take effect after the current Test series against Australia. File picture: Siphiwe Sibeko

Johannesburg -

The Proteas’ Test captain, Graeme Smith, has announced an end to his 347-match international career, which will take effect after the current Test series against Australia, Cricket SA (CSA) said on Monday.

Smith broke the news to his team-mates after the close of play on Monday, CSA said in a statement.

“This has been the most difficult decision I have ever had to make in my life,” Smith said.

“It’s a decision that I have been considering since my ankle surgery in April last year.

“I have a young family to consider, and I felt that retiring at Newlands would be the best way to end it because I have called this place home since I was 18 years old.”

Smith made his first-class debut for South Africa at the age of 21, and ends his illustrious career with 17 228 International runs and as the most capped Test captain in the history of the game.

“I have always been someone who has left everything out there on the field for my team and for my country,” he said.

“I’m extremely honoured and proud to have had the privilege to lead so many wonderful players and to have been a part of building the Proteas culture to what it is today.

“It is a culture that every player can be, and is, immensely proud of.”

CSA reacted with surprise to Smith’s decision. Chief executive Haroon Lorgat was, however, full of praise for the player’s contribution to cricket in the country.

“Although Graeme’s decision to retire from all forms of international cricket comes as a surprise to all of us, we must respect him for deciding to call time,” Lorgat said.

“Knowing him as well as I do, having been instrumental as a selector in appointing him as a young captain, he would not have taken this decision lightly or without a great deal of thought.

“He has captained the Proteas for more than a decade and he will draw a lot more satisfaction from the fact that he leaves our Test team at the top of the world and in such good health rather than from all the personal records he has achieved.”

The 33-year-old Smith has also led South Africa to the World Cup semi-final in 2007.

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the support from my parents and brother, my wife and children, my friends, my fans and to Cricket South Africa,” he said.

“I thank and honour the players who I have played with and those who have supported me and helped me to be the person and captain I am today.

“I have been fortunate to have had many highs, amongst them leading and being part of the best Test team in the world. I will cherish these memories for the rest of my life.”

Lorgat said Smith can proudly leave the game behind and deserved the gratitude of South Africans for leading the Proteas with distinction.

“I would like us to remember Graeme for his nerves of steel and his match-winning performances that were synonymous with some of the most remarkable fourth-innings victory chases of all time,” Lorgat said.

“These included setting up the 414 runs chase against Australia at Perth and his series-clinching innings at Edgbaston in 2008, not to mention the unbeaten century the last time he faced Australia at Sahara Park Newlands in 2011.

“His role in setting up the famous 438 win over Australia in 2006 was also a performance never to be forgotten.”

Lorgat said as a member of the panel that appointed Smith as captain in 2003 ahead of his first assignment on the tour of England – he was privileged to see the player move on to the next stage of his career.

“He has been a mighty warrior, a leader of men and an exceptional part of our international cricket,” Lorgat said.

“Following the recent retirement of Jacques Kallis from Test cricket, there is no doubt that we are now ready to move into a new era and it is our job to build on the solid foundations that these great players leave behind.” – Sapa

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‘Mighty warrior’ Smith retires from cricket

Reuters

Graeme Smith has announced an end to his 347-match international career, which will take effect after the current Test series against Australia. File picture: Siphiwe Sibeko

Johannesburg -

The Proteas’ Test captain, Graeme Smith, has announced an end to his 347-match international career, which will take effect after the current Test series against Australia, Cricket SA (CSA) said on Monday.

Smith broke the news to his team-mates after the close of play on Monday, CSA said in a statement.

“This has been the most difficult decision I have ever had to make in my life,” Smith said.

“It’s a decision that I have been considering since my ankle surgery in April last year.

“I have a young family to consider, and I felt that retiring at Newlands would be the best way to end it because I have called this place home since I was 18 years old.”

Smith made his first-class debut for South Africa at the age of 21, and ends his illustrious career with 17 228 International runs and as the most capped Test captain in the history of the game.

“I have always been someone who has left everything out there on the field for my team and for my country,” he said.

“I’m extremely honoured and proud to have had the privilege to lead so many wonderful players and to have been a part of building the Proteas culture to what it is today.

“It is a culture that every player can be, and is, immensely proud of.”

CSA reacted with surprise to Smith’s decision. Chief executive Haroon Lorgat was, however, full of praise for the player’s contribution to cricket in the country.

“Although Graeme’s decision to retire from all forms of international cricket comes as a surprise to all of us, we must respect him for deciding to call time,” Lorgat said.

“Knowing him as well as I do, having been instrumental as a selector in appointing him as a young captain, he would not have taken this decision lightly or without a great deal of thought.

“He has captained the Proteas for more than a decade and he will draw a lot more satisfaction from the fact that he leaves our Test team at the top of the world and in such good health rather than from all the personal records he has achieved.”

The 33-year-old Smith has also led South Africa to the World Cup semi-final in 2007.

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the support from my parents and brother, my wife and children, my friends, my fans and to Cricket South Africa,” he said.

“I thank and honour the players who I have played with and those who have supported me and helped me to be the person and captain I am today.

“I have been fortunate to have had many highs, amongst them leading and being part of the best Test team in the world. I will cherish these memories for the rest of my life.”

Lorgat said Smith can proudly leave the game behind and deserved the gratitude of South Africans for leading the Proteas with distinction.

“I would like us to remember Graeme for his nerves of steel and his match-winning performances that were synonymous with some of the most remarkable fourth-innings victory chases of all time,” Lorgat said.

“These included setting up the 414 runs chase against Australia at Perth and his series-clinching innings at Edgbaston in 2008, not to mention the unbeaten century the last time he faced Australia at Sahara Park Newlands in 2011.

“His role in setting up the famous 438 win over Australia in 2006 was also a performance never to be forgotten.”

Lorgat said as a member of the panel that appointed Smith as captain in 2003 ahead of his first assignment on the tour of England – he was privileged to see the player move on to the next stage of his career.

“He has been a mighty warrior, a leader of men and an exceptional part of our international cricket,” Lorgat said.

“Following the recent retirement of Jacques Kallis from Test cricket, there is no doubt that we are now ready to move into a new era and it is our job to build on the solid foundations that these great players leave behind.” – Sapa

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Mountaineer Shanti Rai cycles 2,500 km for greener and cleaner India

NAMCHI, 17 Feb: Sikkimese mountaineer Shanti Rai is back from a challenging 35-day bicycle expedition covering 2,500 kms across the country. The expedition, Go Green Girls (GGG), was organized by the Women’s Adventure Network of India (WANI) between 05 January and 07 February, 2014.

The participants cycled through the west coast of India from Kutch to Kerala covering distance of approximately 2,500 kilometers. Fifteen women took part in the 35-day cycling expedition that was flagged off from Bharuch, Gujarat.

The team cycled 50-120 kilometers every day which amounts to about five to seven hours of cycling each day. The aim behind organizing the expedition is to promote a greener, cleaner and healthier India and encourage younger women to higher levels of achievement through presentations in schools and colleges.

Shanti was selected after a tough physical endurance test in Nagpur and is the first woman from Sikkim to participate in such an adventure event. 28-year-old Shanti has an MPhil in Botany and had never cycled before. She reached her home town, Namchi today.

WANI is a women’s organisation committed to empowering women through adventure. It is the brainchild of a few passionate women adventurers who decided to get together to create a powerful movement that will sweep across India. This initiative resulted in the birth of the Women Adventure Network of India (WANI). One of the missions of the organization is to bring women of all adventure sports on one platform.

WANI had organized a similar cycling expedition from Kolkata-Kanyakumari where 15 women cycled 3000 kms in 35 days from 26 Jan-28 Feb in 2011.

via NorthEast Calling - NorthEast India's No1 Website http://ift.tt/1eYEkIK

Aussies in total control

Reuters

Fast bowlers Ryan Harris and Mitchell Johnson bowled Australia into a strong position on the third day of the third and final Test against South Africa at Newlands. Photo by: Shaun Roy/Reuters

Fast bowlers Ryan Harris and Mitchell Johnson bowled Australia into a strong position on the third day of the third and final Test against South Africa at Newlands on Monday.

South Africa were 200 for six at tea in reply to Australia’s 494 for seven declared.

Harris took three for 44 and Johnson two for 29. Both bowlers gained reverse swing, with the accurate Harris in particular troubling the batsmen with deliveries which dipped in sharply towards right-handers.

Despite losing early wickets, South Africa scored freely during an extended morning’s play, reaching 127 for four off 32 overs at lunch.

But the scoring slowed to a trickle after form batsman AB de Villiers was caught at second slip off Johnson for 14 soon after lunch.

JP Duminy fell to a catch behind by Brad Haddin for four and Faf du Plessis and Vernon Philander were forced to defend resolutely in an unbeaten seventh wicket stand of 54.

Only 73 runs were scored off 26 overs between lunch and tea. Du Plessis was on 42 not out after facing 98 balls.

Du Plessis had two escapes. Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, who took four catches, missed a stumping off Nathan Lyon when Du Plessis was on 30, then dropped a difficult leg side chance off Harris when the batsman was on 35.

With play starting 30 minutes earlier because of rain which cut 51 overs from the second day’s play, Australian captain Michael Clarke declared overnight.

It proved a shrewd move because there was early movement off the pitch for the bowlers, with South African captain Graeme Smith caught behind off a ball from Harris which seamed away from him. Smith has made only 42 runs in five innings in the series.

Dean Elgar made 11 before he was superbly caught by Haddin off James Pattinson, the wicketkeeper flinging himself to his right to hold an inside edge by the left-hander.

Alviro Petersen and Hashim Amla added 53 off 58 balls with Petersen reaching a fluent half-century off 50 balls with eight fours.

But Petersen added only three more before he gloved Mitchell Johnson down the leg side for Haddin to take his third catch of the innings.

Amla looked in good form but was bowled for 38 when Harris made a ball swing back sharply to find a gap between bat and pad.– AFP

via NorthEast Calling - NorthEast India's No1 Website http://ift.tt/1eNOYGB

Mountaineer Shanti Rai cycles 2,500 km for greener and cleaner India

NAMCHI, 17 Feb: Sikkimese mountaineer Shanti Rai is back from a challenging 35-day bicycle expedition covering 2,500 kms across the country. The expedition, Go Green Girls (GGG), was organized by the Women’s Adventure Network of India (WANI) between 05 January and 07 February, 2014.

The participants cycled through the west coast of India from Kutch to Kerala covering distance of approximately 2,500 kilometers. Fifteen women took part in the 35-day cycling expedition that was flagged off from Bharuch, Gujarat.

The team cycled 50-120 kilometers every day which amounts to about five to seven hours of cycling each day. The aim behind organizing the expedition is to promote a greener, cleaner and healthier India and encourage younger women to higher levels of achievement through presentations in schools and colleges.

Shanti was selected after a tough physical endurance test in Nagpur and is the first woman from Sikkim to participate in such an adventure event. 28-year-old Shanti has an MPhil in Botany and had never cycled before. She reached her home town, Namchi today.

WANI is a women’s organisation committed to empowering women through adventure. It is the brainchild of a few passionate women adventurers who decided to get together to create a powerful movement that will sweep across India. This initiative resulted in the birth of the Women Adventure Network of India (WANI). One of the missions of the organization is to bring women of all adventure sports on one platform.

WANI had organized a similar cycling expedition from Kolkata-Kanyakumari where 15 women cycled 3000 kms in 35 days from 26 Jan-28 Feb in 2011.

via NorthEast Calling - NorthEast India's No1 Website http://ift.tt/1eN3dM7

Aussies in total control

Reuters

Fast bowlers Ryan Harris and Mitchell Johnson bowled Australia into a strong position on the third day of the third and final Test against South Africa at Newlands. Photo by: Shaun Roy/Reuters

Fast bowlers Ryan Harris and Mitchell Johnson bowled Australia into a strong position on the third day of the third and final Test against South Africa at Newlands on Monday.

South Africa were 200 for six at tea in reply to Australia’s 494 for seven declared.

Harris took three for 44 and Johnson two for 29. Both bowlers gained reverse swing, with the accurate Harris in particular troubling the batsmen with deliveries which dipped in sharply towards right-handers.

Despite losing early wickets, South Africa scored freely during an extended morning’s play, reaching 127 for four off 32 overs at lunch.

But the scoring slowed to a trickle after form batsman AB de Villiers was caught at second slip off Johnson for 14 soon after lunch.

JP Duminy fell to a catch behind by Brad Haddin for four and Faf du Plessis and Vernon Philander were forced to defend resolutely in an unbeaten seventh wicket stand of 54.

Only 73 runs were scored off 26 overs between lunch and tea. Du Plessis was on 42 not out after facing 98 balls.

Du Plessis had two escapes. Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, who took four catches, missed a stumping off Nathan Lyon when Du Plessis was on 30, then dropped a difficult leg side chance off Harris when the batsman was on 35.

With play starting 30 minutes earlier because of rain which cut 51 overs from the second day’s play, Australian captain Michael Clarke declared overnight.

It proved a shrewd move because there was early movement off the pitch for the bowlers, with South African captain Graeme Smith caught behind off a ball from Harris which seamed away from him. Smith has made only 42 runs in five innings in the series.

Dean Elgar made 11 before he was superbly caught by Haddin off James Pattinson, the wicketkeeper flinging himself to his right to hold an inside edge by the left-hander.

Alviro Petersen and Hashim Amla added 53 off 58 balls with Petersen reaching a fluent half-century off 50 balls with eight fours.

But Petersen added only three more before he gloved Mitchell Johnson down the leg side for Haddin to take his third catch of the innings.

Amla looked in good form but was bowled for 38 when Harris made a ball swing back sharply to find a gap between bat and pad.– AFP

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Clarke dominates on second day

Reuters

Australia’s Michael Clarke plays a shot on the second day of their third cricket test match against South Africa in Cape Town. Picture: Mike Hutchings

Cape Town – Michael Clarke remained unbeaten on 161, one of the more heroic of his 27 test hundreds, as Australia reached 494 for seven before rain brought an early end to the second day of the series-deciding third test against South Africa on Sunday.

Clarke reached 150 for the 10th time in his test career and in doing so moved past three Englishman on the all-time run scorers list – Geoffrey Boycott, Kevin Pietersen and David Gower.

His innings was interrupted just past the midway point of the afternoon session by a downpour, together with high winds, which forced the players from the field at Newlands for the remainder of the day.

“The advantage now is we start at 10am every day, so we’ll still get some overs back,” Clarke told reporters. “The forecast is pretty good for the next three days.”

He added he would be happy to give up the chance of a double-hundred if the team decide to declare and put South Africa in to bat.

“If we think declaring overnight is the best way (to win) then it doesn’t bother me.”

Should Australia not declare overnight, Clarke will resume on Monday with Ryan Harris (four).

The Australian captain took a battering on day one from pace bowler Morne Morkel, who struck him a number of times, including a sickening blow to the back of the head.

But he showed admirable composure to tough it out on what is a flat wicket and having been unbeaten on 92 overnight, was able to bring up his hundred, though not before spending 24 balls stuck on 99.

He reached his century off 215 deliveries with 11 fours and Newlands is now the first ground outside of Australia where he has two tons to his name.

Clarke thanked Australia physio Alex Kountouris and doctor Peter Brukner for ensuring he was able to resume his innings on Sunday morning.

“It was a long night, a longer morning to be honest. Without their help, no way would I have got on the park today.”

South Africa picked up just one wicket in the morning session but added three more after lunch, including two in consecutive balls from part-time spinner JP Duminy (four for 73), who took his career-best figures.

Steve Smith (84) had looked in immaculate touch before he played onto his stumps off Dean Elgar. It ended a fourth-wicket stand of 184 in 50 overs between Smith and his skipper.

Shane Watson looked to attack the bowling with 40 from 32 balls but perished when he picked out Hashim Amla at long-off off Duminy.

The spinner then claimed two wickets in as many balls, first Brad Haddin (13) caught at mid-off by Amla following a brief juggling act, and then Mitchell Johnson (zero) who got a feather edge to a leg-side delivery and was caught by wicketkeeper AB de Villiers.

The South African pace attack has been blunted by the absence of the world’s top test bowler Dale Steyn, who limped out of the game on Saturday with a hamstring strain. He is unlikely to bowl again in the match.

The teams are level at 1-1 with South Africa not having beaten Australia in a home test series for 44 years. – Reuters

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City win League Cup final

Quick-fire goals by Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri, pictured, inspired Manchester City to beat Sunderland in the League Cup final at Wembley. Photo by Jamie McDonald/

London – Sensational quick-fire goals by Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri inspired Manchester City to come from behind and beat Sunderland 3-1 in the League Cup final at Wembley on Sunday.

Sunderland had taken a 10th-minute lead through on-loan Liverpool striker Fabio Borini and a fine first-half display left them on course for a first piece of major silverware since 1973.

However, City responded in the second half, with Toure lobbing in a superb long-range equaliser and Nasri smashing home less than two minutes later before substitute Jesus Navas added a third goal at the death.

Victory for City enabled them to partially atone for the shock of last season’s loss to Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup final and keeps Manuel Pellegrini’s side on course for a domestic treble.

It was ultimately a bittersweet first trip to the new Wembley for Sunderland, but they could reflect with pride on a valiant display that augurs well for their Premier League relegation battle and forthcoming FA Cup quarter-final against Hull City.

City welcomed back top scorer Sergio Aguero after a month out with a hamstring injury and he served an early reminder of his threat with a snapshot that was parried by Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone.

Gus Poyet’s Sunderland had started the game with intent, however, snapping into tackles in the middle of the pitch, and a minute later they rocked City by taking the lead.

Lee Cattermole, starting in place of the cup-tied Liam Bridcutt, robbed Toure just outside the Sunderland area and fed Adam Johnson, who lofted a ball down the right flank for Borini to chase.

Vincent Kompany got to the ball first, but the City captain’s attempted clearance was blocked by Borini, who cut into the box from the right and deftly found the bottom-left corner with the outside of his right foot.

Sunderland were quick to gather men behind the ball, but they continued to threaten, with Wes Brown heading over from a corner and Johnson sparking panic in the City defence with a low cross.

When City did muster an attack, Nasri saw a tame shot saved by Mannone, and it took a magnificent last-ditch block by Kompany to prevent Borini from extending Sunderland’s lead before half-time.

It was to prove a spurned opportunity that Sunderland would rue, as within 11 minutes of kick-off after the interval, City were in front.

The teams exchanged chances early in the second half, David Silva testing Mannone and Costel Pantilimon pushing a long-range Ki Sung-yueng effort over at the other end, before Toure equalised with an exquisite strike.

With Sunderland camped inside their area, Pablo Zabaleta rolled the ball back to Toure and the giant Ivorian lifted a gloriously nonchalant effort over Mannone and into the top-left corner from 30 yards.

Sunderland barely had time to draw breath before Nasri made it 2-0, meeting Aleksandar Kolarov’s deflected left-wing cross with an emphatic shot from the edge of the box that swerved deliciously inside the left-hand post.

Immediately, City introduced Navas in place of Aguero, while a shellshocked Sunderland sent on Craig Gardner and Steven Fletcher, who quickly tested Pantilimon with a low shot.

Kompany almost added a third for City when he hooked wide from a Nasri corner, before Navas rattled a shot inside Mannone’s near post from Toure’s pass to rubberstamp City’s third League Cup crown. – Sapa-AFP

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ATCAM urges

Source:

Imphal, March 01 2014 : The All Tribal Contractors’ Association, Manipur urged the State Government to release the long pending bills of 2000-2014.In a joint statement issued by the ATCAM’s General Secy, James Lamkang and President, LS Asheli, contractors in all the five hill Districtshad invested a huge amount of capital into the contracts and the works were duly completed.

However, the Government did not pay any heed to the contractors’ grievances.

The statement also expressed its disatisfaction over the monopolization of the concerned authority while writing the CDAs.

ATCAM demanded that the Government release the pending bills immediately before the association agitates.

Manipur e-pao.net Snippets

More articles by Meghna Sharma »

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City win League Cup final

Quick-fire goals by Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri, pictured, inspired Manchester City to beat Sunderland in the League Cup final at Wembley. Photo by Jamie McDonald/

London – Sensational quick-fire goals by Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri inspired Manchester City to come from behind and beat Sunderland 3-1 in the League Cup final at Wembley on Sunday.

Sunderland had taken a 10th-minute lead through on-loan Liverpool striker Fabio Borini and a fine first-half display left them on course for a first piece of major silverware since 1973.

However, City responded in the second half, with Toure lobbing in a superb long-range equaliser and Nasri smashing home less than two minutes later before substitute Jesus Navas added a third goal at the death.

Victory for City enabled them to partially atone for the shock of last season’s loss to Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup final and keeps Manuel Pellegrini’s side on course for a domestic treble.

It was ultimately a bittersweet first trip to the new Wembley for Sunderland, but they could reflect with pride on a valiant display that augurs well for their Premier League relegation battle and forthcoming FA Cup quarter-final against Hull City.

City welcomed back top scorer Sergio Aguero after a month out with a hamstring injury and he served an early reminder of his threat with a snapshot that was parried by Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone.

Gus Poyet’s Sunderland had started the game with intent, however, snapping into tackles in the middle of the pitch, and a minute later they rocked City by taking the lead.

Lee Cattermole, starting in place of the cup-tied Liam Bridcutt, robbed Toure just outside the Sunderland area and fed Adam Johnson, who lofted a ball down the right flank for Borini to chase.

Vincent Kompany got to the ball first, but the City captain’s attempted clearance was blocked by Borini, who cut into the box from the right and deftly found the bottom-left corner with the outside of his right foot.

Sunderland were quick to gather men behind the ball, but they continued to threaten, with Wes Brown heading over from a corner and Johnson sparking panic in the City defence with a low cross.

When City did muster an attack, Nasri saw a tame shot saved by Mannone, and it took a magnificent last-ditch block by Kompany to prevent Borini from extending Sunderland’s lead before half-time.

It was to prove a spurned opportunity that Sunderland would rue, as within 11 minutes of kick-off after the interval, City were in front.

The teams exchanged chances early in the second half, David Silva testing Mannone and Costel Pantilimon pushing a long-range Ki Sung-yueng effort over at the other end, before Toure equalised with an exquisite strike.

With Sunderland camped inside their area, Pablo Zabaleta rolled the ball back to Toure and the giant Ivorian lifted a gloriously nonchalant effort over Mannone and into the top-left corner from 30 yards.

Sunderland barely had time to draw breath before Nasri made it 2-0, meeting Aleksandar Kolarov’s deflected left-wing cross with an emphatic shot from the edge of the box that swerved deliciously inside the left-hand post.

Immediately, City introduced Navas in place of Aguero, while a shellshocked Sunderland sent on Craig Gardner and Steven Fletcher, who quickly tested Pantilimon with a low shot.

Kompany almost added a third for City when he hooked wide from a Nasri corner, before Navas rattled a shot inside Mannone’s near post from Toure’s pass to rubberstamp City’s third League Cup crown. – Sapa-AFP

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City win League Cup final

Quick-fire goals by Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri, pictured, inspired Manchester City to beat Sunderland in the League Cup final at Wembley. Photo by Jamie McDonald/

London – Sensational quick-fire goals by Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri inspired Manchester City to come from behind and beat Sunderland 3-1 in the League Cup final at Wembley on Sunday.

Sunderland had taken a 10th-minute lead through on-loan Liverpool striker Fabio Borini and a fine first-half display left them on course for a first piece of major silverware since 1973.

However, City responded in the second half, with Toure lobbing in a superb long-range equaliser and Nasri smashing home less than two minutes later before substitute Jesus Navas added a third goal at the death.

Victory for City enabled them to partially atone for the shock of last season’s loss to Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup final and keeps Manuel Pellegrini’s side on course for a domestic treble.

It was ultimately a bittersweet first trip to the new Wembley for Sunderland, but they could reflect with pride on a valiant display that augurs well for their Premier League relegation battle and forthcoming FA Cup quarter-final against Hull City.

City welcomed back top scorer Sergio Aguero after a month out with a hamstring injury and he served an early reminder of his threat with a snapshot that was parried by Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone.

Gus Poyet’s Sunderland had started the game with intent, however, snapping into tackles in the middle of the pitch, and a minute later they rocked City by taking the lead.

Lee Cattermole, starting in place of the cup-tied Liam Bridcutt, robbed Toure just outside the Sunderland area and fed Adam Johnson, who lofted a ball down the right flank for Borini to chase.

Vincent Kompany got to the ball first, but the City captain’s attempted clearance was blocked by Borini, who cut into the box from the right and deftly found the bottom-left corner with the outside of his right foot.

Sunderland were quick to gather men behind the ball, but they continued to threaten, with Wes Brown heading over from a corner and Johnson sparking panic in the City defence with a low cross.

When City did muster an attack, Nasri saw a tame shot saved by Mannone, and it took a magnificent last-ditch block by Kompany to prevent Borini from extending Sunderland’s lead before half-time.

It was to prove a spurned opportunity that Sunderland would rue, as within 11 minutes of kick-off after the interval, City were in front.

The teams exchanged chances early in the second half, David Silva testing Mannone and Costel Pantilimon pushing a long-range Ki Sung-yueng effort over at the other end, before Toure equalised with an exquisite strike.

With Sunderland camped inside their area, Pablo Zabaleta rolled the ball back to Toure and the giant Ivorian lifted a gloriously nonchalant effort over Mannone and into the top-left corner from 30 yards.

Sunderland barely had time to draw breath before Nasri made it 2-0, meeting Aleksandar Kolarov’s deflected left-wing cross with an emphatic shot from the edge of the box that swerved deliciously inside the left-hand post.

Immediately, City introduced Navas in place of Aguero, while a shellshocked Sunderland sent on Craig Gardner and Steven Fletcher, who quickly tested Pantilimon with a low shot.

Kompany almost added a third for City when he hooked wide from a Nasri corner, before Navas rattled a shot inside Mannone’s near post from Toure’s pass to rubberstamp City’s third League Cup crown. – Sapa-AFP

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Mountaineer Shanti Rai cycles 2,500 km for greener and cleaner India

NAMCHI, 17 Feb: Sikkimese mountaineer Shanti Rai is back from a challenging 35-day bicycle expedition covering 2,500 kms across the country. The expedition, Go Green Girls (GGG), was organized by the Women’s Adventure Network of India (WANI) between 05 January and 07 February, 2014.

The participants cycled through the west coast of India from Kutch to Kerala covering distance of approximately 2,500 kilometers. Fifteen women took part in the 35-day cycling expedition that was flagged off from Bharuch, Gujarat.

The team cycled 50-120 kilometers every day which amounts to about five to seven hours of cycling each day. The aim behind organizing the expedition is to promote a greener, cleaner and healthier India and encourage younger women to higher levels of achievement through presentations in schools and colleges.

Shanti was selected after a tough physical endurance test in Nagpur and is the first woman from Sikkim to participate in such an adventure event. 28-year-old Shanti has an MPhil in Botany and had never cycled before. She reached her home town, Namchi today.

WANI is a women’s organisation committed to empowering women through adventure. It is the brainchild of a few passionate women adventurers who decided to get together to create a powerful movement that will sweep across India. This initiative resulted in the birth of the Women Adventure Network of India (WANI). One of the missions of the organization is to bring women of all adventure sports on one platform.

WANI had organized a similar cycling expedition from Kolkata-Kanyakumari where 15 women cycled 3000 kms in 35 days from 26 Jan-28 Feb in 2011.

via NorthEast Calling - NorthEast India's No1 Website http://ift.tt/1i5c9Q1

ATCAM urges

Source:

Imphal, March 01 2014 : The All Tribal Contractors’ Association, Manipur urged the State Government to release the long pending bills of 2000-2014.In a joint statement issued by the ATCAM’s General Secy, James Lamkang and President, LS Asheli, contractors in all the five hill Districtshad invested a huge amount of capital into the contracts and the works were duly completed.

However, the Government did not pay any heed to the contractors’ grievances.

The statement also expressed its disatisfaction over the monopolization of the concerned authority while writing the CDAs.

ATCAM demanded that the Government release the pending bills immediately before the association agitates.

Manipur e-pao.net Snippets

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City win League Cup final

Quick-fire goals by Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri, pictured, inspired Manchester City to beat Sunderland in the League Cup final at Wembley. Photo by Jamie McDonald/

London – Sensational quick-fire goals by Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri inspired Manchester City to come from behind and beat Sunderland 3-1 in the League Cup final at Wembley on Sunday.

Sunderland had taken a 10th-minute lead through on-loan Liverpool striker Fabio Borini and a fine first-half display left them on course for a first piece of major silverware since 1973.

However, City responded in the second half, with Toure lobbing in a superb long-range equaliser and Nasri smashing home less than two minutes later before substitute Jesus Navas added a third goal at the death.

Victory for City enabled them to partially atone for the shock of last season’s loss to Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup final and keeps Manuel Pellegrini’s side on course for a domestic treble.

It was ultimately a bittersweet first trip to the new Wembley for Sunderland, but they could reflect with pride on a valiant display that augurs well for their Premier League relegation battle and forthcoming FA Cup quarter-final against Hull City.

City welcomed back top scorer Sergio Aguero after a month out with a hamstring injury and he served an early reminder of his threat with a snapshot that was parried by Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone.

Gus Poyet’s Sunderland had started the game with intent, however, snapping into tackles in the middle of the pitch, and a minute later they rocked City by taking the lead.

Lee Cattermole, starting in place of the cup-tied Liam Bridcutt, robbed Toure just outside the Sunderland area and fed Adam Johnson, who lofted a ball down the right flank for Borini to chase.

Vincent Kompany got to the ball first, but the City captain’s attempted clearance was blocked by Borini, who cut into the box from the right and deftly found the bottom-left corner with the outside of his right foot.

Sunderland were quick to gather men behind the ball, but they continued to threaten, with Wes Brown heading over from a corner and Johnson sparking panic in the City defence with a low cross.

When City did muster an attack, Nasri saw a tame shot saved by Mannone, and it took a magnificent last-ditch block by Kompany to prevent Borini from extending Sunderland’s lead before half-time.

It was to prove a spurned opportunity that Sunderland would rue, as within 11 minutes of kick-off after the interval, City were in front.

The teams exchanged chances early in the second half, David Silva testing Mannone and Costel Pantilimon pushing a long-range Ki Sung-yueng effort over at the other end, before Toure equalised with an exquisite strike.

With Sunderland camped inside their area, Pablo Zabaleta rolled the ball back to Toure and the giant Ivorian lifted a gloriously nonchalant effort over Mannone and into the top-left corner from 30 yards.

Sunderland barely had time to draw breath before Nasri made it 2-0, meeting Aleksandar Kolarov’s deflected left-wing cross with an emphatic shot from the edge of the box that swerved deliciously inside the left-hand post.

Immediately, City introduced Navas in place of Aguero, while a shellshocked Sunderland sent on Craig Gardner and Steven Fletcher, who quickly tested Pantilimon with a low shot.

Kompany almost added a third for City when he hooked wide from a Nasri corner, before Navas rattled a shot inside Mannone’s near post from Toure’s pass to rubberstamp City’s third League Cup crown. – Sapa-AFP

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Another attack on NE people in Delhi

Source: / Ninglun Hanghal/PTI

New Delhi, March 01 2014 : In yet another incident of violence against North eastern people in the national capital, a girl and her cousin brother hailing from Manipur were allegedly attac-ked by two men who thrashed them, hurled racial abuses and molested the girl last night.

According to the police, both the assailants, identified as Kamal, a motor mechanic and his associate Manpreet have been arrested.

Reacting to the assault of a NE boy and a girl near Delhi University yesterday night, about 300 youth from NE stormed the Police Station at Model Town in Delhi.

The victims hail from Ukhrul district of Manipur.

The 24-year-old-woman is pursuing BEd from Delhi University.

The incident took place at around 10 PM in Vijay Nagar area which is close to Delhi University’s north campus when the boy was going to drop her cousin sister to her PG after having dinner at his place.

A file photo of a rally in Delhi condemning racial killing of Nido Taniam and assault of 2 Manipuri women on 4 Feb 2014 :: Pix – MSAD

As they reached near a park at Buddha Colony, they saw a man urinating on roadside.

Seeing the girl, he turned towards her and started making lewd gestures and comments.

“They first ignored him but as he continued and went on to call them ‘chinki’ and ‘nepali’, the boy confronted him.

Kamal and Manpreet, who were in an inebriated state, thrashed the boy black and blue, and when the girl tried to intervene, they too beat her, tore her dress and molested her and even tried to rape her in front of her brother,” said a friend of the duo.

As they shouted for help, locals and neighbours rushed to the spot after which the assailants fled from the spot.

Police was informed and both the victims were taken to a nearby hospital, from where they were discharged after first aid and medical examination.

However, soon after the incident, Northeastern students and other locals reached Model Town police station and protested.

The demonstrators pelted stones due to which over 10 vehicles including a PCR van were damaged, the officer said.

“We have registered a case under relevant sections and both the accused have been arrested,” said a senior police official.

The angry demonstration against racial attack on NE people went on till the wee hours today.

About 15 vehicles belonging to Police and the local residents were damaged by the protesters.

Early today the police registered an FIR under IPC Sections 323/341/354/354 (A) 354 (B) / 341 and under 3XI SC/ST (POA) Act 1989 .

Later in the afternoon, a meeting of the Delhi Police led by DCP Gnanasambandan and NE representatives were held at the Police station.

Sources told that the Police commissioners and officers in charge have expressed concern over the violence, where the NE representatives were reportedly cautioned that such act could possibly invite retaliation, which could be de- trimental for the NE people living in the area.

The Police commissioner could not be reached for comments.

Meanwhile, the North East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) has accused the Police of trying to hush up the matter in connivance with the local land lords shortly after their arrival at the scene instead of taking the grave matter seriously.

Moreover the Police tried to make fun of the issue displaying the insensitivity and racial bias of the police.

This irresponsible behaviour by the police led to more students assembling at the location, the NEIFIS alleged.

“When the students started pressurising the police to promptly file an FIR the police instead of listening and taking the incident seriously started to act otherwise by misbehaving with female students and one of the NE wo- men was slapped too.

This led to slogan shouting from the students and to disperse the agitated crowd police resorted to lathi charge, man- handling and molestation,” Chinglen Khumukcham said in a statement.

Many students were seriously injured and one student was taken into police custody where he was beaten so harshly that he can’t move now.

When more students assembled, the police reached new lows by indulging in stone pelting.

“Neither did the police have female personnel nor any senior police officer to handle the matter,” he lodged.

The students who suffered grievous injuries were not even given MLC facility, he added.

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Another attack on NE people in Delhi

Source: / Ninglun Hanghal/PTI

New Delhi, March 01 2014 : In yet another incident of violence against North eastern people in the national capital, a girl and her cousin brother hailing from Manipur were allegedly attac-ked by two men who thrashed them, hurled racial abuses and molested the girl last night.

According to the police, both the assailants, identified as Kamal, a motor mechanic and his associate Manpreet have been arrested.

Reacting to the assault of a NE boy and a girl near Delhi University yesterday night, about 300 youth from NE stormed the Police Station at Model Town in Delhi.

The victims hail from Ukhrul district of Manipur.

The 24-year-old-woman is pursuing BEd from Delhi University.

The incident took place at around 10 PM in Vijay Nagar area which is close to Delhi University’s north campus when the boy was going to drop her cousin sister to her PG after having dinner at his place.

A file photo of a rally in Delhi condemning racial killing of Nido Taniam and assault of 2 Manipuri women on 4 Feb 2014 :: Pix – MSAD

As they reached near a park at Buddha Colony, they saw a man urinating on roadside.

Seeing the girl, he turned towards her and started making lewd gestures and comments.

“They first ignored him but as he continued and went on to call them ‘chinki’ and ‘nepali’, the boy confronted him.

Kamal and Manpreet, who were in an inebriated state, thrashed the boy black and blue, and when the girl tried to intervene, they too beat her, tore her dress and molested her and even tried to rape her in front of her brother,” said a friend of the duo.

As they shouted for help, locals and neighbours rushed to the spot after which the assailants fled from the spot.

Police was informed and both the victims were taken to a nearby hospital, from where they were discharged after first aid and medical examination.

However, soon after the incident, Northeastern students and other locals reached Model Town police station and protested.

The demonstrators pelted stones due to which over 10 vehicles including a PCR van were damaged, the officer said.

“We have registered a case under relevant sections and both the accused have been arrested,” said a senior police official.

The angry demonstration against racial attack on NE people went on till the wee hours today.

About 15 vehicles belonging to Police and the local residents were damaged by the protesters.

Early today the police registered an FIR under IPC Sections 323/341/354/354 (A) 354 (B) / 341 and under 3XI SC/ST (POA) Act 1989 .

Later in the afternoon, a meeting of the Delhi Police led by DCP Gnanasambandan and NE representatives were held at the Police station.

Sources told that the Police commissioners and officers in charge have expressed concern over the violence, where the NE representatives were reportedly cautioned that such act could possibly invite retaliation, which could be de- trimental for the NE people living in the area.

The Police commissioner could not be reached for comments.

Meanwhile, the North East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) has accused the Police of trying to hush up the matter in connivance with the local land lords shortly after their arrival at the scene instead of taking the grave matter seriously.

Moreover the Police tried to make fun of the issue displaying the insensitivity and racial bias of the police.

This irresponsible behaviour by the police led to more students assembling at the location, the NEIFIS alleged.

“When the students started pressurising the police to promptly file an FIR the police instead of listening and taking the incident seriously started to act otherwise by misbehaving with female students and one of the NE wo- men was slapped too.

This led to slogan shouting from the students and to disperse the agitated crowd police resorted to lathi charge, man- handling and molestation,” Chinglen Khumukcham said in a statement.

Many students were seriously injured and one student was taken into police custody where he was beaten so harshly that he can’t move now.

When more students assembled, the police reached new lows by indulging in stone pelting.

“Neither did the police have female personnel nor any senior police officer to handle the matter,” he lodged.

The students who suffered grievous injuries were not even given MLC facility, he added.

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Mountaineer Shanti Rai cycles 2,500 km for greener and cleaner India

NAMCHI, 17 Feb: Sikkimese mountaineer Shanti Rai is back from a challenging 35-day bicycle expedition covering 2,500 kms across the country. The expedition, Go Green Girls (GGG), was organized by the Women’s Adventure Network of India (WANI) between 05 January and 07 February, 2014.

The participants cycled through the west coast of India from Kutch to Kerala covering distance of approximately 2,500 kilometers. Fifteen women took part in the 35-day cycling expedition that was flagged off from Bharuch, Gujarat.

The team cycled 50-120 kilometers every day which amounts to about five to seven hours of cycling each day. The aim behind organizing the expedition is to promote a greener, cleaner and healthier India and encourage younger women to higher levels of achievement through presentations in schools and colleges.

Shanti was selected after a tough physical endurance test in Nagpur and is the first woman from Sikkim to participate in such an adventure event. 28-year-old Shanti has an MPhil in Botany and had never cycled before. She reached her home town, Namchi today.

WANI is a women’s organisation committed to empowering women through adventure. It is the brainchild of a few passionate women adventurers who decided to get together to create a powerful movement that will sweep across India. This initiative resulted in the birth of the Women Adventure Network of India (WANI). One of the missions of the organization is to bring women of all adventure sports on one platform.

WANI had organized a similar cycling expedition from Kolkata-Kanyakumari where 15 women cycled 3000 kms in 35 days from 26 Jan-28 Feb in 2011.

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Tinkler lauds Pirates’ patience

Assistant coach Eric Tinkler was pleased with his Orlando Pirates players for retaining their composure as they coasted to a 2-0 win over Premiership strugglers Free State Stars. Photo by:

Johannesburg – Assistant coach Eric Tinkler was pleased with his Orlando Pirates players for retaining their composure as they coasted to a 2-0 win over Premiership strugglers Free State Stars at Orlando Stadium on Saturday night.

Stars held off their rampant hosts for the entire first half, but the Buccaneers netted twice within the first 10 minutes of the second period as they climbed to fifth in the league standings, holding at least one game in hand over each of the teams above them.

“We told the players they needed to be patient and play with width,” Tinkler said.

“We knew they would come here defending very deep and in numbers, but as long as we had players giving us width we would find spaces in-between and the chances would come, and it paid off.”

Tinkler admitted the hosts struggled after Stars changed their formation and pushed more bodies forward in the final half hour, but he was satisfied with the victory, with newly appointed head coach Vladimir Vermezovic watching from the stands.

“Overall I’m happy because we knew it would be a tough game and scoring two goals is a bit of a bonus.”

With Vermezovic expected to take over as early as their next match, Tinkler was eager to return to his number two role with the Soweto giants.

“I’m very happy at the club. Life goes on and I’ll go back to my duties as the assistant coach and provide what I can to benefit the team.”

Stars coach Themba Sithole was disappointed to concede twice in quick succession after his side stood firm for nearly 50 minutes, as the Free State outfit remained second from bottom in the table.

“I think we lost concentration on two occasions, and that’s what cost us the game,” Sithole said.

“We have to learn to concentrate for 90 minutes. You can’t concede goals like that, early in the second half.

“We’ve got mature players and we could have done better than we did.” Sithole was not overly concerned, however, despite his team going down in their 10th defeat in 18 league games this season, and he was confident they could lift themselves clear of the relegation zone.

“We just have to concentrate more. We are playing Ajax next week at home and it’s a must-win game.

“If we can win our home games, I think we’ll be ok.” – Sapa

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Mountaineer Shanti Rai cycles 2,500 km for greener and cleaner India

NAMCHI, 17 Feb: Sikkimese mountaineer Shanti Rai is back from a challenging 35-day bicycle expedition covering 2,500 kms across the country. The expedition, Go Green Girls (GGG), was organized by the Women’s Adventure Network of India (WANI) between 05 January and 07 February, 2014.

The participants cycled through the west coast of India from Kutch to Kerala covering distance of approximately 2,500 kilometers. Fifteen women took part in the 35-day cycling expedition that was flagged off from Bharuch, Gujarat.

The team cycled 50-120 kilometers every day which amounts to about five to seven hours of cycling each day. The aim behind organizing the expedition is to promote a greener, cleaner and healthier India and encourage younger women to higher levels of achievement through presentations in schools and colleges.

Shanti was selected after a tough physical endurance test in Nagpur and is the first woman from Sikkim to participate in such an adventure event. 28-year-old Shanti has an MPhil in Botany and had never cycled before. She reached her home town, Namchi today.

WANI is a women’s organisation committed to empowering women through adventure. It is the brainchild of a few passionate women adventurers who decided to get together to create a powerful movement that will sweep across India. This initiative resulted in the birth of the Women Adventure Network of India (WANI). One of the missions of the organization is to bring women of all adventure sports on one platform.

WANI had organized a similar cycling expedition from Kolkata-Kanyakumari where 15 women cycled 3000 kms in 35 days from 26 Jan-28 Feb in 2011.

via NorthEast Calling - NorthEast India's No1 Website http://ift.tt/NiJx8d

Mountaineer Shanti Rai cycles 2,500 km for greener and cleaner India

NAMCHI, 17 Feb: Sikkimese mountaineer Shanti Rai is back from a challenging 35-day bicycle expedition covering 2,500 kms across the country. The expedition, Go Green Girls (GGG), was organized by the Women’s Adventure Network of India (WANI) between 05 January and 07 February, 2014.

The participants cycled through the west coast of India from Kutch to Kerala covering distance of approximately 2,500 kilometers. Fifteen women took part in the 35-day cycling expedition that was flagged off from Bharuch, Gujarat.

The team cycled 50-120 kilometers every day which amounts to about five to seven hours of cycling each day. The aim behind organizing the expedition is to promote a greener, cleaner and healthier India and encourage younger women to higher levels of achievement through presentations in schools and colleges.

Shanti was selected after a tough physical endurance test in Nagpur and is the first woman from Sikkim to participate in such an adventure event. 28-year-old Shanti has an MPhil in Botany and had never cycled before. She reached her home town, Namchi today.

WANI is a women’s organisation committed to empowering women through adventure. It is the brainchild of a few passionate women adventurers who decided to get together to create a powerful movement that will sweep across India. This initiative resulted in the birth of the Women Adventure Network of India (WANI). One of the missions of the organization is to bring women of all adventure sports on one platform.

WANI had organized a similar cycling expedition from Kolkata-Kanyakumari where 15 women cycled 3000 kms in 35 days from 26 Jan-28 Feb in 2011.

via NorthEast Calling - NorthEast India's No1 Website http://ift.tt/1eOIKBC

Donald not happy with bowlers

Proteas bowling coach Allan Donald was left disappointed in his troops as Australia sailed to 331 for three on day one of the third Test at Newlands. Photo by Morne de Klerk/

Cape Town – Proteas bowling coach Allan Donald was left disappointed in his troops as Australia sailed to 331 for three on day one of the third Test at Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday.

South Africa took three wickets in the day, as David Warner 135 (152 balls, 12 fours, one six) and captain Michael Clarke 92 not out took the game away from the hosts.

“A lot of questions have been asked of us, and I was a little disappointed with the way we started this morning,” said Donald at the close of play.

“We were too full and now someone has to make a play and stand up.”

The big blow for South Africa came when Dale Steyn had to leave the field with a sore right hamstring in his 11th over. Team management said they would work on Steyn overnight and decide whether he could bowl on day two.

“He’s going to have a little fitness test tomorrow, as he’s a little stiff at the moment.

“If you lose the kind of bowler that Steyn is, your other bowlers just have to step up.”

The visitors had been using former spinner Shane Warne as a consultant, and the leading Australian wicket-taker in Tests said Warner provided the platform for his side.

“Dave set the tone first up, he puts pressure on the opposition so early,” said Warne.

“I saw a sign of maturity with his batting.”

Australia would need to pile on the runs on day two, as the wicket could deteriorate considerably according to Warne.

“If Australia batted poorly today we could’ve been close to losing the series.

“If the sun stays out with the wind, and we can score a big first innings, those runs will be crucial.”

Warner plundered the South African attack from ball one, and took just 104 balls to bring up his seventh Test century before tea. Warner was finally out for 135, when JP Duminy had him caught behind by AB de Villiers as Australia lost their third wicket on 217.

After Warner’s demise, Clarke kept up the momentum as he brought up his 28th Test half-century off 122 balls (one six). It marked Clarke’s highest score of the series, as he had struggled with scores of 19, 1, 23 and 17 in the first two Tests.

At the close of play Clarke (92) and Steve Smith (50) were the unbeaten batsmen, as they shared in a 114 run fourth wicket stand.

Before tea, Clarke, though, was targeted by the South African bowlers.

In Morne Morkel’s ninth over, he produced a short ball assault on Clarke from around the wicket. With the third ball, Morkel struck Clarke on the side of the helmet and the batsman fell to the ground. After a delay for receiving treatment, Clarke was able to play out the over.

Donald was pleased with the fiery spell Morkel produced to Clarke.

“It’s great to see how Morne roughed up Clarke.

“There has been a lot of pummelling in this series. We’ve seen a little bit of a series of pace and pain.”

Alex Doolan (20) was the only wicket the South Africans claimed in the afternoon session. Doolan was out pulling Vernon Philander, but he top edged it to mid on to Steyn as Australia lost their second wicket on 138.

In the morning session, Steyn took the first wicket for South Africa. With Australia on 65 for no wicket, opener Chris Rogers was out for 25 caught at first slip by Graeme Smith, as Steyn found the edge. – Sapa

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Bulls register first win

The Bulls won their first match of the season with a 25-17 victory over the Lions in a stop-start encounter at Loftus Versfeld. Photo by Lee Warren/

Pretoria – The Bulls won their first match of the season with a 25-17 victory over the Lions in a stop-start encounter at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday.

Despite the constant drizzle, both sides played attacking rugby from the start which ultimately led to a host of handling errors.

The hosts had a slight edge over the Lions for most of the match with new Bulls flyhalf Jacques-Louis Potgieter adding an attacking dimension to the side.

It was, however, his performance with the boot that made him a valuable contributor to the victory with a conversion, five penalty conversions and a drop goal for 20 points in total.

His tactical kicking also helped the Bulls in playing in the Lions’ half, while he drove the visitors back when the pressure was on.

It was a typical Bulls performance where the grinding work by the pack of forwards proved to be instrumental.

The Bulls built an early cushion with Potgieter succeeding with a penalty goal eight minutes into the match before he added three more points in the 11th minute.

A minute later – against the flow of the game – the Lions found their way over the whitewash after the restart.

Lions centre Stefan Watermeyer charged down a Jurgen Visser clearance kick which he collected to dot down, with flyhalf Marnitz Boshoff converting for a one-point lead to the Johannesburg franchise.

The Bulls, however, responded with a try of their own in the 23rd minute when Jan Serfontein finished a good facet of play.

The Pretoria side made quick and well-weighted passes to the edge of the field where a speeding Bjorn Basson made the most ground before he offloaded to Serfontein on his inside for the try, with Potgieter converting.

Boshoff pulled three points back with seven minutes left in the half before Potgieter slotted a drop goal in the 35th minute.

Potgieter further extended the lead in the 37th minute with a penalty conversion to give his side a 19-10 lead going into the half-time break.

The game went into a 20 minute lull after the break with neither of the teams finding it easy to score points.

Potgieter made the second half breakthrough with a penalty conversion in the 62nd minute before he scored his side’s last points of the half with his fifth penalty goal six minutes from time.

With three minutes on the clock the Lions scored a consolation try courtesy of replacement hooker Willie Wepener.

Wepener charged down a Francois Hougaard clearance kick to fall on the ball for the five-pointer before Boshoff converted.

Scorers: Bulls 25 (19): Tries: Jan Serfontein, Conversion:

Jacques-Louis Potgieter. Penalties: Potgieter (5). Drop goal:

Potgieter.

Lions 17 (10): Tries: Stefan Watermeyer, Willie Wepener. Conversions: Marnitz Boshoff (2). Penalties: Boshoff. – Sapa

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Mountaineer Shanti Rai cycles 2,500 km for greener and cleaner India

NAMCHI, 17 Feb: Sikkimese mountaineer Shanti Rai is back from a challenging 35-day bicycle expedition covering 2,500 kms across the country. The expedition, Go Green Girls (GGG), was organized by the Women’s Adventure Network of India (WANI) between 05 January and 07 February, 2014.

The participants cycled through the west coast of India from Kutch to Kerala covering distance of approximately 2,500 kilometers. Fifteen women took part in the 35-day cycling expedition that was flagged off from Bharuch, Gujarat.

The team cycled 50-120 kilometers every day which amounts to about five to seven hours of cycling each day. The aim behind organizing the expedition is to promote a greener, cleaner and healthier India and encourage younger women to higher levels of achievement through presentations in schools and colleges.

Shanti was selected after a tough physical endurance test in Nagpur and is the first woman from Sikkim to participate in such an adventure event. 28-year-old Shanti has an MPhil in Botany and had never cycled before. She reached her home town, Namchi today.

WANI is a women’s organisation committed to empowering women through adventure. It is the brainchild of a few passionate women adventurers who decided to get together to create a powerful movement that will sweep across India. This initiative resulted in the birth of the Women Adventure Network of India (WANI). One of the missions of the organization is to bring women of all adventure sports on one platform.

WANI had organized a similar cycling expedition from Kolkata-Kanyakumari where 15 women cycled 3000 kms in 35 days from 26 Jan-28 Feb in 2011.

via NorthEast Calling - NorthEast India's No1 Website http://ift.tt/1fz5gEI

ATCAM urges

Source:

Imphal, March 01 2014 : The All Tribal Contractors’ Association, Manipur urged the State Government to release the long pending bills of 2000-2014.In a joint statement issued by the ATCAM’s General Secy, James Lamkang and President, LS Asheli, contractors in all the five hill Districtshad invested a huge amount of capital into the contracts and the works were duly completed.

However, the Government did not pay any heed to the contractors’ grievances.

The statement also expressed its disatisfaction over the monopolization of the concerned authority while writing the CDAs.

ATCAM demanded that the Government release the pending bills immediately before the association agitates.

Manipur e-pao.net Snippets

More articles by Meghna Sharma »

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