Sport

Man City Women put an end to Chelsea’s unbeaten run as they take Champions League lead

They're looking resilient going into the second leg.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 20th March 2025

Manchester City Women have taken a crucial lead in the Champions League quarter-final after making it past Chelsea to finally end their lengthy unbeaten run.

The Blues took on the WSL leaders for the second time amidst a series of four consecutive meetings across all competitions this month, having only just lost to Sonia Bompastor’s side in the League Cup Final this past weekend.

Missing out on the trophy could have seen City dip their heads but returning interim head coach Nick Cushing made sure that his team responded by bouncing back.

Now taking a 2-0 lead into the second leg of the quarters, there is still the chance of winning silverware this season – though there is definitely still work to be done.

Man City Women managed to end the East Londoners’ winning streak thanks to a brace from substitute Vivianne Miedema, who came on in the second half and managed to open the scoring by sniffing out a rebound off the bar just before the hour mark.

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The turn and cross in from Mary Fowler – a shining light in City’s season thus far who created plenty of big chances and nearly grabbed another assist – was sublime but the instinct to swallow up the loose ball proved to be crucial in giving the home team the edge all night.

In truth, the initial header from Laia Aleixandri was strong and kept out by an impressive save, but Miedema’s willingness to cover great ground meant she was in the right place at the right time.

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You could say it was a similar story for her second.

Notching her second of the night and 31st goal overall in just 35 UWCL games, a simple side-step to change lanes as she ran into the box

Speaking after the match, the 28-year-old forward said the result is “a massive confidence boost for us going into the next two [fixtures against Chelsea]”, insisting that the fight shown in the first half half game them the belief to say “we can actually win today.”

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As for Cushing, he told the club’s media shortly afterwards: “I was confident if she got chances, she’d score, we just have to create those moments for her. Tonight, we saw many and she thinks she should’ve had a hat-trick!”

City Women play Chelsea for a third time this weekend, once again hosting them at the Joie Stadium only this time in the league, before playing that decisive second leg down in the capital next Thursday, 27 March. Will a two-goal advantage be enough? We’ll have to wait and see.

You can watch the highlights down below:

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Featured Images — DAZN

Sport

The Hundred is calling for up-and-coming presenters to co-host this year’s tournament

Danny Jones Danny Jones The Hundred new presenters applications

The Hundred 2025 is fast approaching and cricket’s fastest-growing tournament is once again asking for aspiring presenters to join their roster of co-hosts and help cover the action.

The fast-paced 100-ball format is entering its fifth year and next to T20, you find a more accessible and thrilling form of cricket, so it’s no wonder the competition is gaining a greater audience each year.

With that in mind, the need for a top-notch broadcast team is more crucial than ever but just like those who backed The Hundred in its infancy, they’re looking to invest in future creatives and on-screen talent.

Are you someone looking to get into presenting or know someone who is? Keep reading.

The Hundred – Rising Hosts

So how does it work? Well, it’s pretty straightforward: The Hundred is looking for eight up-and-coming presenters to join their team of main venue hosts up and down the country.

Tasked with guiding and talking fans through an action-packed five weeks across all host cities, successful applicants will be responsible for building excitement and atmosphere inside the seven cricket grounds on each match day.

From player and pundit interviews to crowd engagement and interactive other activations with partnered brands, not to mention members of this year’s live music lineup, you’ll be a key part of putting out the top-quality sports and entertainment product they promise every year.

The best part of all is that no prior hosting experience is necessary – this is all about platforming you and The Hundred as a whole.

presenting opportunities manchester
present for the hundred
Credit: The Hundred (Press Shots)

Successful applicants will be mentored by the main hosts at their respective venues and will attend a two-day workshop with special guests to get them ready to hit the stage this summer.

The ‘Rising Hosts’ scheme has been set up in tandem with their dedicated event production agency, Progress Productions, which will be in charge throughout the application and selection process.

Shortlisted applicants will then have their details shared with the ECB (English Cricket Board) who will be involved when it comes to making their final decisions.

It goes without saying that even if you just love sports or just want to find a way into the industry, this is an opportunity that is not to be missed.

You can find the full terms and conditions online and apply HERE – best of luck to you!

Manchester Originals sign seven new players in The Hundred Draft as 2025 squads are confirmed
We might not know all of our presenters for The Hundred this year, but we do know our teams.

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Featured Images — The Hundred (press images)

Sport

Sale Sharks notch another new signing ahead of next season – and he’s rather big

Danny Jones Danny Jones Sale Sharks new signing Jacques Vermeulen height

Sale Sharks have acquired another new signing ahead of next season as they have secured the services of Jacques Vermeulen.

Oh yeah, and in case you didn’t know, he’s a very big lad…

The 30-year-old South African will be joining the second group of Sharks in his career, having previously played for Durban’s Hollywoodbets team of the same nickname based back in his home country.

He made his move to the Gallagher Premiership back in the 2019/20 campaign and after spending six years with the Exeter Chiefs, Vermeulen is now set to swap Sandy Park for Salford.

Capable of being deployed at lock or along the back-row, the Paarl-born rugby union player has been labelled one of the best in his position that the league has seen in recent times, having made over a century of appearances for the Chiefs, who won their second title the season he arrived.

Joining Alex Sanderson’s side on a two-year contract after spending six years at Sandy Park, he will make his way to the Salford Community Stadium next season, following the arrival of Nathan Jibulu.

Towering above many other players at a whopping 6’6″, not only is he massive in stature but the Premiership heavyweight is known for his work rate and aggression, as well as being no stranger to grabbing a try or two.

Speaking via an official club announcement, Vermeulen said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Sale Sharks. I’ve heard nothing but great things about the club’s structure and incredible fan base, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.  

“I already have some good friends in the squad, which will make the transition even smoother, and I truly believe this team has the talent and ambition to achieve big things.  

“I’m excited to contribute and give my all for the club, and I can’t wait to get started. Sale Sharks are a very physical outfit and that suits my style of play.” 

Sharks Director of Rugby, Alex Sanderson, went on to add: “Jacques has been one of the most consistent performers in his position in the league ever since he arrived at Exeter.  

“His enthusiasm is infectious and he’s always been a nightmare to play against and someone we’ve had to target. He’s one of those players you want on your team because of his unparalleled, unrelenting physicality and work-rate. 

“He’s a real enforcer, his ability to repeat physical actions is second to none and he’ll complement what we’ve already got. He can play anywhere across the back five but I think there’s more to come from him and that’s really exciting. 

“He already has plenty of good mates here, so I have no doubt he’ll fit right in. We’re all buzzing to get him here.”

With fan-favourite Raffi Quirke also signing a new deal recently, the Curry brothers still running the flanks and George Ford looking on top form too, the Sale Sharks are looking strong going into 2025/2026.

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Featured Images — Exeter Chiefs/TNT Sports (screenshot via YouTube)

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