England are into the knockout stages of the 2023 Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand after the Lionesses finished comfortably at the top of their group with a 6-1 win against China.
The Lionesses had been limited to a single goal in each of their two opening games against Haiti and Denmark but ended up cruising into the round of 16 thanks to a hat full of goals, two of the most special coming from Chelsea’s Lauren James and the fifth of which came from Manchester City’s Chloe Kelly.
The Euro 2022-winning hero wasn’t the only Manc-centric player to find the back of the net either, as former United star Alessia Russo opened the scoring in just the fourth minute with a great touch and finish into the bottom left corner of the Chinese goalkeeper’s net.
Her first effort was nice enough but we could watch this second goal from Lauren James back all day:
She could have had a third as well were it not for an offside call.
Admittedly, it was a bit of a lacklustre performance from the Chinese, who have finished as runners-up in the both Women’s World Cup and the Olympics, as well as regularly dominating in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, but the Lionesses preyed on their weakness at every opportunity.
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England women’s found their sixth through a reactive volley at the back post from Aston Villa’s Rachel Daly and despite a few wobbles in concentration early in the second half, Sarina Wiegman’s squad showed the kind of quality that helped them become the European champions that they are.
While there was plenty to choose from, our pick of the bunch might just be Lauren Hemp’s, though, more because it showed every aspect of the Lionesses game, from their doggedness in the press, pace in the transition and clinical finishing ability when they’re in the mood.
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Just look at how quickly this goes from China in possession to an England goal:
The Lionesses closed out Group D with all nine points available and a total of eight goals scored, although the opening two games were, admittedly, a much more closely run affair.
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England will now face Nigeria in the round of 16 on Monday, 7 August at Brisbane Stadium, with the West Africa side having finished second in their group behind host nation Australia.
Keep it going, girls, we’re right behind you. It’s coming home.
Alex Sanderson summons Rudyard Kipling as Sale Sharks scrape into the semi-finals
Danny Jones
Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson referenced the famous Rudyard Kipling after Sale Sharks managed to book their place in the playoffs of this year’s Gallagher Premiership following a nail-biter of a fixture against Exeter Chiefs.
The Sharks sealed their spot in the semi-finals with a 30-26 win over the Chiefs on Saturday night, with a trio of tries, a singular pen and calmness when it came to conversions proving just enough to make it to full time.
Speaking on the narrow score at Sandy Park, Sanderson himself applauded that same composure during his post-match duties, casually quoting Kipling ahead of the next big game.
Writing on social media after nerves had just about settled, the club simply said: “Apologies for raising the heart rate, Sharks Family… but Saturday we go again.”
Beginning with an expression of that same defiant spirit that has seen them across the line on so many occasions, the 45-year-old told TNT Sports, “We got another Monday in us.”
The Sale Sharks coach went on to add: “So if you can keep your head, when everybody else is losing theirs – I think that’s the old Rudyard Kipling poem – you’re in such a better place on the back of that, knowing what we can fix from the Leicester game and what we can do better from today.”
It’s not every day you hear sportsmen calling up the poetic words of the beloved British-India writer, but it certainly impressed plenty of supporters, though Sanderson has always been popular among fans for his candour and charisma in interviews.
Ultimately, it was Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, Bevan Rodd, Luke Cowan-Dickie and George Ford that the Greater Manchester outfit had to thank for the electrifying finish
You can see how much it meant, clear as day…
Not done yet…
Thank you for your support Sharks Family, it’s truly appreciated!
Sale Sharks will now take on Leicester Tigers (who the local side finished just behind in third place following the result against the Chiefs) in the Premiership semis as they look to get revenge for previous painful meetings
Are you feeling hopeful, Sharks Family?
You can see the full highlights from Sale Sharks’ tense victory over the Exeter Chiefs down below.
Alex Sanderson channelled Rudyard Kipling and Sale scrapped like true Sharks.
Luxury Manchester gym Blok confirms permanent closure after weeks of uncertainty
Daisy Jackson
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure, weeks after the doors to the premium fitness facility mysteriously closed.
Around a fortnight ago, members began to arrive to their classes to find the gym on Ducie Street locked up and a forfeiture notice on the door – but at the time, Blok said that it was fighting to reopen.
Sadly, in an email sent to members today, its founder has confirmed that the studio is now permanently closed.
Blok – which has several very successful sites down in London – said that its relationship with its landlord has ‘broken down to a point where trust has been lost’.
The gym wrote that it’s been left with ‘no workable way forward’.
They said: “BLOK Manchester was a space built by our loyal and dedicated community. Whether you joined us for one class or one hundred, we are deeply grateful. You helped create something genuinely special in an incredible city.”
In the immediate future, they said they’ll be supporting the team of fantastic trainers who worked here, as well as looking after members.
Members will be contacted within a few hours with options and refunds owed.
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure. Credit: The Manc Group
CEO and founder Ed Stanbury said: “While this marks the end of a chapter, we don’t see it as the end of our story in Manchester. We’re already speaking with developers about potential future sites and remain committed to returning to the city when the time is right.
“Thank you for being part of our story so far. Let’s shape the future of wellness. The mission continues.”
Commenting on Blok’s Instagram post – its first in almost a fortnight – people have been sharing their sadness at the closure of its Manchester site.
One person wrote: “beautiful space, beautiful staff and beautiful community.”
Another said: “Sending love to all the instructors !! :(((( gutted”
Someone else commented: “THE BEST CLASSES. I’m gutted.”
Danny Jones -
1st August 2023 
