The Guardian from London, Greater London, England • 17

THE GUARDIAN Monday May 30 1994 SPORTS NEWS 17 Soccer International match: Germany 0, Republic of Ireland 2 GtaMmans tum green as CCellys rock boatt McGrath playing his first Cynthia Batoman In Hanover not at their fittest," he said, with Germany's World Cup opening game against Bolivia in Chicago less than three weeks away. "The Irish showed us how to play simple and successful Vogts said. "It's not good that we lost this but it's better than losing on June 17." The Republic with one game, against the Czech Republic, before they leave for the US began edgily. Irwin had a chance from a free-kick in the first minute that might have unsettled the Germans had tllgner, their experienced goalkeeper, not been well positioned for the save. But for a while it seemed the Hanoverian habit of a Sunday stroll' In the park would transfer itself to the pitch.

Charlton selected his reserve keeper Alan Kelly for only his third cap ahead of the veteran Pat Bonner, and the Sheffield United player proved himself within five minutes. He blocked a shot from Basler, a relative newcomer to the Germany side and a fast, slick midfielder. A Staunton shot flashed across the face of goal but for the most part the Irish were pinned back in defence. They had five men in midfield but still had difficulty keeping track of some of the grease-lightning moves through the middle by the Germans. 66 JUST give us the World Cup now," said one euphoric Irish man as Jack Charlton's team sent the cup holders on their-way to the United States with their tails between their legs, beaten on home soil for the first time in six years.

The Kellys were heroes. The young Leeds full-back Gary secured the victory with the Republic's second goal, and the reserve goalkeeper Alan, in his first start, kept out the German strikers. Tony Cascarino put the Republic ahead in the first half to set up their third successive win against World Cup opposition, having beaten Holland and Bolivia and now a full-strength German side which finished in disarray. Charlton, however, played down the victory: "I tipped Germany a month ago to win the cup and I have seen nothing today to make me change my mind. I don't know if we have been lucky winning the last three games.

But I think we were a bit lucky today." The German manager Berti Vogts was more upbeat with a good deal less justification: "I'm not going to be too critical at this stage. The players are iiWHIIllfti Eyres block the Burnley winger is denieu by Siuckpurn's guHlkeeper Keeley Wembley while County defender Williams looks un i-hank bahun Second Division play off final: Burnley 2, Stockport County 1 Two sent off and fal I short again Showing a leg Phil Babb helps keep Klinsmann at bay as did yellow for the retaliating McMinn. Stockport reorganised but the fates were against them. The Burnley winger Eyres found three defenders wanting when he set off on a run from right to left before crisply shooting inside Keeley 'a right-hand post for his 28th goal of the season. Eyres was deprived of a much richer Wembley collection by the crossbar (twice) and a defender's diversion.

Beaumont's rush of blood on the hour pointed to one conclusion to this bitter contest, his stamp on Thompson's calf being committed right under the eyes of a linesman. Stockport displayed high endeavour, their nine men enjoying two of the game's best opportunities. But Todd volleyed over from eight yards and Gannon missed from closer range. Riiaseli Thomas BURNLEY'S fervent following raised their claret and blue standards in the end to signal promotion but for much of an acrimonious afternoon the flags could Have been lowered for football as Stockport County became the first club to have two players sent off during a major occasion at Wembley. While Burnley climbed closer to their previous exalted status Stockport were condemned to an inglorious retreat home.

Desperation is: one thing; this was wanton sell-destruction. Stockport have now lost four times at Wembley in the last three seasons, this second play-off failure ac companied by two Autoglass Trophy disappointments. rneir reputation is now international since before Christmas and thankful for the tough fitness regime imposed in the run-up to this game by Charlton and the excellent Babb, his centre-half partner, had to work hard. The other untested link in Charlton's team was the 23-year-old Bolton player licA-teer, who was given his first start. He seemed for a while outclassed by another German newcomer Wagner, of Kaisers-lautern.

But on the half-hour McAteer finally beat his man wide on the right. He ran on towards the byline and put in an inch-perfect cross. Staunton leapt but had the ball taken off his head by the German defender Strunz. The ball carried on across goal ana cascarino, Ireland lone striker, headed it into the corner to stun the Germans and bring the 5,000 travelling Irish fans to their feet. Whelan came on for Sheridan and? Gary Kelly for Irwin at nalt-time, as the Germans pressed for the equaliser but Alan Kelly again proved capable and blocked Sammer's shot in the opening minutes of tne halt.

The Irish had to fight to hold their lead. McAteer, who seemed to. grow in confidence alter his successful cross, found it difficult to make headway against the experienced Matth- aus, the sweeper, but he was only inches away from scoring midway through the second half after some wizardry down the right by Gary Kelly. The young Leeds full-back then took the goalscoring bur den on to his own shoulders and put the Republic two ahead in the 68th minute with a defe- lected shot that gave IUgner no chance. OUIMMIYi IOsimci IsaHtiaue, Bucrroale loennoio, Jsminf, nonwr itiranrjerg, n-ll, Strunt, Oiminir, Raster, Waoner, A mm ms9lor, ri-r), mn (volfor, Kllnsmann.

RRPUM.IC OF IRILANDl Kelly Sheffield United): Irwin (Manchester Uld; a Kelly, Loads, h-l). MeQrath (A Villa), Babb lUDvemryj, rneisn (MancnesiBr uuyj McrMear (Bolton). Towniand (A Villa) Sheridan (Shetllold Wednesday: Whelan. Liverpool, fi-lf, Keane (Manchester Uld), Staunton (A Villa), Caacarlrte (Chelsea; woyne, rAoifierweii, o. Referee! Enclnar (Spain).

Broncos underestimates Wigan at one's Peru. It is true Wigan are a reduced force without their two mam- stay props Kelvin Skerrett (fractured jaw) and the Auck land-bound Andy Piatt. But this is a showcase occasion espe cially for any player fancying his chances in the tough but lu crative Sydney competition and, for his part. West has to convince the Wigan board that they need to appoint him permanently. He has three options for a partner to Neil (jowie, now his only specialist prop, with the second-row Billy McGinty drafted into the squad.

West said: "It's between Billy, Mick Cassidy and Denis Betts. won't make a final decision until Tuesday but I should think Billy will at least be on the bench. McGinty would be a surprise choice as he has not played a first-team game since early March because of hamstring problems, west outer selec tion poser should see Jason Rp'jinson retained on the rieht wing and Va'aiga Tulgamala named on tne substitutes bench. "There's a lot of competition lor tne wmg spot, west saiu. "Tuigamala played at Wembley but young Jason got his shot in the Premiership final and did well.

He a very hard worker. Davles IQB) 70, 74, 68, 72; Bredloy 65, 73, 70, 76. Uw 2BS A Nicholas (BB). Tennis FR2HCH OP1M (Perls): Men, fourth ram A trlMvadov (Ukr) bl Elllngb (Nelh) 6-4, 3-e, 6-4, 6-1: Courier (US) bl Dolsllro (Fr) 5-1, 5-7, 6-1. 7-6; 8 Brufuora (Sp) bl Ratter (Aus) 6-4, 6-3, 6-1; fteeruwaa (US) bt Tlllslroem (Swe) 6-t, 6-4, 1-fi, 6-4.

Doubles, third round! ApetVJ fjfarkrrutn (Swe) bl NljssenC Suk (NelhfCz Rep) 6-3. 6-1; CruuUR taneSei (Sp) bl McEn-rooR Reneberg (US) 6-3. 7-6; a CotmetVP OaibreHh (CanUS) bt EagleP Klldsrry (Aus) 6-1. 8-4, WoodlrnWgrUM Woodford (Aus) blL Jensen (US) 6-1, 6-2. Women, third rroundt A staiche Vlcjrto (Sp) bt dinner (Ger) 6-4.

6-2; Heiard (Fr) bl Davenport (US) 6-4. 6-2; A Hubee (Ber) bl Msskbl (Georgia) 6-1. 6-4: A Do chaorrHi'BBlleret (Fr) bl Gross! (II) 6-3, 6-2. Fourth round! Sanchei VkuerJo (Sp) bt A Ruber (Ger) 6-3. 8-2; Halard bl Zvareva (Beta) 7-s, 7-5; Rnter (Aul) bt Dragomlr (Rom) 7-6, 4-6.

6-0; Pferco (Fr) bl A Cooker (SA) 6-1. 6-1; Marttnu (Sp) bl A Bechaume-Balleret (Fr) 6-1. 6-2; 8 tiraf (Ger) bl I Spirlea (Rom) 6-0. 6-1; Keek (Ger) bt Statlord (US) Ootvocha-tegid (Arg) bl I Maloll (Cro) 7-S, 6-4. Doubles, rmond round! PrmdlelUM MeOnlh (US) bt Ruano-Poscualfl spirlea ISpfRoml 6-1.

6-2: MollnsVTI ttebbe (US Aus) bt A FusailM Mrot (FrlPol) 6-0, 6-2; SatolMJB afcrwKa. (ArgfNotn) bl Boo-gertN Muns-Jagerman (Nelfl) 3-4, 7-5, 6-2; DanMnportL rturirrnend (U3) bt JonesY Kamio (AusJspan) 7-6, 7-5; Pamart-dssH Zvareva (USrBol) bl A QrossmanfC Vis (USNettl) 6-3. B-4; HalansTH Tewfcat (Fr) bt A HuberM Oremans (QerNolh) 6-3, 6-3: 8 FaiwiaQ Hetoeean (NelhUS) bt A Oschaume-BalleretF Labal (FrArg) 6-3, 6-3. Mured doubles, second iwmOL NoNaHAI Louno (USMox) 111 BollegralrT Nilsaon Wclb) 6-2, 6-4: A anchoa Vkar-tal Case! (Sp) bl Smyllo'J Fitzgerald (Aus) 6-3. 4-6.

6-2: A CoaborL Raks (SA) bl ShrlverB Black (USZIm) 6-3, 2-43, 6-2, Da LanoJ bale (USfAus) bt Richard-sonK Ffach (N2US) 7-6, 6-4; MoOrettiS MeMtta (US) bl QreUH Leconto (GerlFr) 6-2, 1-6. 10-8. NATIONAL CUIR LrZAOUb Men's Ikieh Farm 5, David Lloyd Raynos Park 1 (D Sspsford losl lo Rates 7-5, 4-6, 1-6; Matttaeen bt Bailey 6-4, 7-5; Herdotia bt A Foster 6-3, 6-7, 7-6; Foa bl Forward 6-3. 6-4; SarrrdaMthaoon bt BeteafFos-ter 6-4. 6-2; HenkbalFos bt BalloyfFul- Third Division play-off final: Preston NE 2, Hoddle signs Minto Wycombe earn new rise County port end where a section of seating had been ripped out.

Few could have foreseen Stockport's afternoon degenerating so dramatically. They were ahead after lmin 58sec, Beaumont scoring with a deft header from Pram's free-kick to become the fastest scorer since the play-off finals moved to Wembley in 1990. After 12 minutes Burnley lost John Francis, deployed as a lone striker at the start, when he damaged knee ligaments in following through on Keeley in a challenge just outside the area. Francis received a yellow card before be limped off. It was the last advantage Stockport were to enjoy.

Two minutes later McMinn dispossessed Wallace, who reacted by fouling the Burnley winger and then added insult to injury by spitting at him. The red card followed, Wycombe Wanderers 4 mitted to run across a line of three defenders, turn inside and shoot home via an upright. Woods deserved greater protection, just as his counterpart Hyde had received only seconds earlier when a clutch of Wycombe defenders helped their goalkeeper escape after Whalley's header rebounded from his chest in Preston's last meaningful attack. John Beck, a play-off final winner in 1990 with Cambridge, readily conceded Wycombe's superiority. "Justice was done," he said.

SCORinSt reairrrt Qryson (32), Raynor (37) Wycombe, Thompson (33min), Garner (47), Carroll (57. 72. Wyeombei Hyde; Cousins, Croasley, Croaser, Titlerton, Carroll, Reid, Ryan, Quppy, Thompson. Garner. PrMtotii Woods; Feneome, Moyos.

Squires, Kldd. Ainaworlh, Carlwrlghl. Whalloy. Bryson, Raynor, Ellis. Raleraei Cooper (Pontypridd).

4n400m raiayt 1, Harlngoy 35.40 Fin) aUrttfftnflai 1. Larlos (Sp) 1.29pls; 2, Flame (II) 1 16; 3. RC Paris 97.5; 4, Ujtestl Doa (Hun) 95; 5, Prague 90; 6, Haringay 88; 7, Fenar-bacho (Tur) 61 8, Soda 60. Cyclfng QtnO D'lTALIA (Fiuggi, Italy)- fevMrth stag (119km circuit raco). 1.

Cublno (Sp) Kelme 2hr 56mln 12aoc; 2, Coppollllo (It) Navlgare al 1aec; 3. Jcher (Sw)t) Caalar-ama; 4. Bordonali (It) Bresclalal. 5. 0 Pclli-cioli (it) Pol II, 6.

A Chiurato (II) Mapel Clas atl same timo Eighth ataga (44km individual time trial): 1, Benin (Rus) Oewlss BoMon 50.46: 2, A de las Cuevas (Fr) Casiorama at 1.16; 3, Bugno 1.41; 4, Indurain (Sp) Ban-oalo 2.34; 5, LeIII (II) Mercatone 2 39; 6. Ugrumov (Lat) Oew! Ballan 2.46 Ovarall standlngai 1, Berlin 31.32,11, 2, do las Cuevas 2.16, 3, Bugno 2 33, 4, (nduiain Banosto 3 39, 5, Qlovannerti (It) Mapoi Clas 4 20. Baseball AMERICAN LEAOUEi Cleveland 4, Oakland 2, Toronto 9, CalHomia Chicago 6, Battl-moro 2, Kansas 3, New York Milwaukoo 7. Seattle Minnesota 10, Detroit 9, Texas 2. Boston Cleveland 3, Oakland Toronto 2.

California 6, Chicago 3. Qaltlmoro Kansas City 2, New York Milwaukee 5, Seattle Minnesota 5, Detroit Texas 4, Boston 3, NATIONAL LEAOUEi Montreal 2, Colorado Nbw York 5, Cincinnati San Francisco 2, Florida Philadelphia 5, Houston Atlanta 2, Chicago Los Angelas 2, Pittsburgh San Dlega 4, St Louis 0, Montreal 4, Colorado Philadelphia 2, Houston Atlanta 7. Chicago New York 10, Cincinnati Los Angelas 6, Pittsburgh 5, San Diego 6, St Louia San Francisco 4, Florida 3. Motor Sport ACAOOL1I RALLY. 1, Mcflao (GBO Subaru Improia; 2, Saim (Sp) Subaru Im-proia; 3, 0 Auriot (Fr) Toyota Gflllcal, Alio.

8, Wilson (OB) Ford Escort. Fixtures Soccer PLAY-OPF PINAL (Wembley): First Orw-lelont Derby Leicester (1 30). TOULON U-ai TOURNAMENT (Lea Pannos-Mirjibeau): Scotland Egypt SEMI-PROraSSlONAL INTERNATIONAL Fin): Finland lingland Afterwards Bergara appeared bemused by his side's indiscipline. "It was bizarre. You get a goal after two minutes and then I don't know what came over one or two of our players because we are not the kind of team to go berserk.

But on one or two occasions we did." Jimmy Mullen, the Burnley manager, who was celebrating his second promotion since taking over at Turf Moor in 1991, preferred to focus on his side's achievement. "It's the greatest day of my career. I'm delighted for everyone connected with Burnley. What we have achieved in the last three seasons is remarkable." Burnleyi Borosford. Parkinson, Davis.

Pender. Thompson, McMinn. Joyce, Hoath, Deary. Eyres. Francis (Farrell, 14min) Stockport Countvi Keeley.

Todd. Connelly. Williams (Praece. 59) Flynn, Gannon (Miller, 81) Ward. Fratrt.

Wallace, Beaumont, Francis IMmwh Eflerey (Harrow). Everton have dropped then-appeal against the 125,000 penalty imposed by the FA for poaching the former Norwich manager Mike Walker. A joint statement said the clubs wore bringing the matter to a close. "Everton and Norwich City have expressed a wish to restore the harmonious relationship they enjoyed prior to this issue and feel the conclusion of the proceedings is in the best interests of both clubs." Walker is now expected to drop his civil case for constructive dismissal against Norwich. The Oldham midfielder Paul Bernard has demanded a transfer from the relegated club.

England began the defence of their title at the Toulon Under-21 tournament with a 2-0 win over France, writes Peter Lansley. Trevor Sinclair opened the scoring after 30 minutes and Chris Bart-Williams added a 52nd-minute penalty. two metres. Chris Dickson's To-klo leads the W60s in the North Atlantic and Grant Dalton's New Zealand Endeavour the Maxis, writes Bob Fisher. LiRht, shifting winds, typical of Loch Fyne, gave the 240 crews competing in the Rover Series a testing day.

Alex Dul-fus's Eclipse, a Sigma 400, added another win to her record and now has a comfortable lead in Class 1, but only Jonathan Anderson, in the Sigma 38 class, has a perfect scorelme after recording his third win with Suave Dancer. Tennis Chris Bailey, the runner-up last year, has upset officials of the Beckenham Tournament which starts today by choosing to play in a new grass-court Challenger event in Austria instead, writes David Irvine. Bailey is one of four British players who have decided to play in Austria where ranking points are available. Jenny Willis, the Beckenham tournament director, said yesterday she was very disappointed. "1 understand they want points but it's not going to make any difference getting into Wimbledon because entries have already closed." French Opan, page 13 stained by the dismissals of Michael Wallace for spitting and Chris Beaumont for stamping.

The roll of Stockport dishonour did not end there with five other players. Ward, Todd, Preece, Gannon and Flynn, being booked. Danny Bergara's team played for 46 minutes with 10 men and for the last half-hour with nine, It seemed Burnley simply had to help themselves. But it was a task achieved nervously, keeping their support in a state of anxiety almost to the end. Burnley could not relax even after the 65th minute, when Parkinson seized on a loose ball and drove in a low shot from just outside the area that Keeley could only help in with a despairing arm.

Shortly afterwards police and stewards moved to reinforce an area of the Stock Wycombe, triumphant here in the 1991 and 1993 FA Trophy finals, but the quality and conviction underpinning this hat-trick surprised their manager. "Everything we have tried to do at the club has come right today," O'Neill said. Wycombe demonstrated resilience and a remarkable sense of timing. The inspirational Thompson struck within seconds of Bryson's dramatic overhead kick which put Preston ahead and Garner built the platform for victory with the second equaliser two minutes into the second half. On each occasion Preston's defence relaxed fatally.

Their tendency to stand off was to be punished again when Carroll, having crisply completed a four-man move, added his second goal when he was per Athletics RMBOK TRACK CHALLtNQB (Crawley): Mm, tOOtm 1, Williams (Shaltosbury Bar-net) 1D.6rsoc. 200mt 1, Goodluck (Bel-gravo) 2123, OOOmi Koech (Ken) 1.46B3, 2, A UN (Newham) 1.4752. IMQntt I.OWilBon (Armadale) 3.43.77. 1.J Shatban (Stiattssbury B) 13.46 4 Womwu 40Oni 1, Uowellyn (Shallosbury B) 54 77. aoomi 1.

Bowyer (Sale) 2.4.75. 1. A Wyelh (Parks i do) 4 14.62, 1, Thompson (Bath) 16.13.43 BRUM JWMIR CLAMIC 1P (San Joso. Calit): StactMl rault Mn, 1O0mi 1, A Caston (US) lO.OIaec. 4O0m: 1.

Rouser tUS)4524 IBOOmtl.SDoylo(Aui) 3.39.14. 40Om tardtow 1 Adhlns (US) 40.95. AImi 7, Henderson (GB) 50.80 High jumpt 1, Conway (US) 2.30m, Triplutnpt 1. to Con-ley (US 17.54m. Sbob 1.

TothfUS) 21.07m. Atefli 9, Edwards (GQ) 18 53 Hammtn 1. Da1 (US) 75 98m WofiMrt, 100m 1 1. Ctevera (US) 10.77. 4O0mi .1, Porac FM 50.65.

IOOOim 1. Procacclo (US) 4.06.77. 10Om hur-dtMt 1, MFfoemart (Jam) 12.74. Lontfjumpi 1, Joyrter-Korsoe (US) 7.30m. Dkeuw 1, Costlan (Aus) 63 78m.

EUROPEAN CLUBS' CUP (Malaoa): 100tfli 1, Bailey (Fornebache) 1026soc; 2, Brdithwaito (Harlrtgey) 10.40. lOOrru 1, Wariso (Harlngey) 20.151. 400mi 1. Matete (LarloB) 46.05. Atoot 3, Whittle (Hartngny) 46.6.

900ml 1, A Ben von nil (Flammo) 1.47.84; 2, 0 Strang (Hatingey) 1.4B.20. 15O0mi 1. Pancorbo (Larloa, 3.44.72. Also. 7, Fafrbrolher (Harlngoy) 3.50.00.

1, Jimenez (Larloa) 1425.57. Alw Puflsley (Harlrtgoy) 16.12.15. lOrQOOmi 1, Bouhaloufa (Racing Club Paris) 29.54.10. AImi Ponnoy (Harlngoy) 31.05.16. tcht 1.

Aihuola (LarloB) a.42.21. AIhi 6, WeifiMman (Hsr-inciey) 9.24.06. 110m hunt!) 1. JaneU (Harlngoy) 1353. 400m hurdltxu 1.

5 Mb-lata (Larios) 46.64. Alsoi 4, 0 Cadogan (Har-ingay) 51,57. Hlh umpi 1, 0 Grant (Hat in-gey) 2 27m. Long Jumpt 1, Qombala (Praguo) fi.Olm. Alsoi 7.

Foslnro (Hatfn-goy) r.23. Pol Vautb Tarasov (Uitoatf Qoig) Shob 1. Kocilan (Ujpeati D0A) 1891m. Alvot 7, Callaway (Harln-gey 16 43 Trfpto Jump. 1.

Czlngler (UJ-toatoOoH) 18.51. Mmrmwi1.YSodyhh,BC Pari si 76.94. AImi 7, 5 Pickering (Haringay) 57613. DketJii 1. A Horvalh (Ujlesll Doza) 62 62.

Attn 6, ClQfO IHaimfley) 5070. Jcrv-trfni Bollotll (Fiamo) 73.90 AImi 5, RObcrson (Harlngey) 7004 4i100m ratayi 1, FtC Pari? 39 56; 2, Harlngoy 30.77. Cycling Berzin doubles lead on trial EVGENY BERZIN of Russia more than doubled his overnight lead of 57 seconds when he won yesterday's 27'i-mile eighth-stage of the Giro d'ltalia on the flat Tuscany coast in 50min 46sec. He retained the pink jersey for the fifth day after he beat the Frenchman Armand de las Cuevas by lmin I6sec with Miguel Indurain suffering the biggest time-trial defeat of his life in finishing fourth, 2min 34sec behind. Indurain, aiming for his third consecutive Giro win, based his two previous victories on his time-trialling ability.

But yesterday's result did not dent his confidence: "I will still win because in the last week there are some big climbs," he said. "I wait to see if Berzin can last the distance." But Berzin, whose average speed of just over 32mph was a Giro record for a distance time-trial, was unfased: "I won because I worked hard and I prepared since last winter. Now I want to improve even more. "I am not yet a champion. The Giro is starting now and there are two hard weeks, many mountains and another tune-trial.

I was not so surprised by Indurain's showing. In the circuit race at Fiuggi I saw that he was not in good shape. He seemed tired and made heavy work of the hills Weekend results Soccer PLAY-OFF FINALS (Wembley) Third Division WycombaOla Proton (2) 3 Thompson 33, Garner 47 Bryson 32 Carroll 57, 72 Raynor 37 40.109 Second tuition Burnley (1)3 Stockport (1) 1 Eyres 2a Beaumont 2 Parkinson 65 44,806 FMBNDLY INTMMAT.Or.AL3 Germany (0) Rep of Inland (1)2 50.000 Cascaded 31 (Hanover) Kelly OS New Hevani United States 1, Oreece 1. Meaoowi Russia 2. Slovakia 1.

UKRAINIAN CUP (Kiev): Final. Chomomer-eta Odessa 0.. Tavrla Simferopol 0 (eel; Odessa won 5-3 pons). KIRIH CUP (Tokyo): Fran' 4. Japan PRIIHUUBTS (Johannesl urg): Moroka Swallows 0.

Aston Villa Ka ler Chiefs 0. Liverpool 0. TRANSPUti Scott Minto, defender, Cnarlton lo Cholsea. 775,000. POinuaUUI LRAHURi Benllca 0.

Qul-maraes 0: Braga 1, Sportino Setubal 2, Faronse 0: Soira Mar 1, Boavista Sal-(juelros 1, Belenensos Pacos Ferrelra 1, Ealrela Amadora Marlllmo 0, Oil Vicenlo Famalicao 0, Unlso Madeira 0: Estorll o. Porlo 1. Leading standtngej 1. 'Sendee (P33. Pla54); 2, Porto (33-51); 3.

Sporting. (33-49). champions. SPANISH LIAOUSj Pint dhrfelon promotion Dtay-ctrti Heal Valledolld 4, Toledo S. POOL CMICKi Jackpot dram (total 4): 15.

28, 40, 47. Hkjlt-seofsj draws (4): 2J. 32, 51. Ne-ecera drawa (4): 12, 14, 26, 39. Rugby Union WOULD CUP QUALinn (Madrid): Spain 35, Portugal 19.

TOUR MATCHBSi JoharnieeUursi Transvaal 24. England 21. AjgfHrttnai Cuyo 25, Scotland 11. Rugby League BNFL NATIONAL CUP FINAL Saddlovrorlli 33. Thalto Hoalh s.

Rugby League Buckling David Plumnrar In Brisbane BRISBANE BRONCOS are. by recent deeds, busy bucking their pretensions to be the game's best team. though the Winfield Cup cham pions are adamant they will shrug off some lacklustre form to defend their world title against Wigan this week. Of the two, the English champions appear in better shape for the World Club Challenge match before an anticipated capacity crowd of 55,000 here at the ANZ stadium on Wednesday night. The Broncos have shown unusual inconsistency this season, losing five of 11 matches; the low point was reached in the weekend's 26-4 defeat at Illawarra.

Wlgan's coach Graeme West was warning all and sundry yesterday of the danger of being caught in a Bronco backlash. "They'll be twice as hard after that defeat," said West, but privately he must have been smiling at the spectacular way Brisbane folded. Wigan are perceived as minor irritants in Brisbane. The bigger pressures He in the need tc win eight of the 11 matches left to reach the play-offs the Winfield Cup, a competition the Broncos have dominated for two years. And, as English clubs know only too well, one Snooker RUROPUN LUOUR (Blngen): Pkuli Hendry (Scot) bl Parrot! (Eng) 10-7.

Golf VOLVO PQA CHAMPIONSHIP (Weal Course. Wontworth): lafcrrj round (OBIre unless stated): 301 Els ISA) 68. 60, 71. aos Langer (Oar) 69, 70. 67: Olaiabal (Sp) 67.

69. 71: A Jimonoz (Sp) 68, 68, 72. and Nobllo (NZ) 73, 68. 68; Hs.eg.gman (Swe) 69, 69. 70: A Hunter 71, 65, 72.

20 floe 71. 70. 68; Romero (Arg) 69, 72, 68: Lanner (Swe) 70, 70, 69; Lylo 60, 71. 70; Brand 70, 69. 70; Balloeteros (Sp) 73, 66, 70, Hedblom (Swe) 69.

69, 71: Rocca (II) 67. 70, 72. 210 Lawrie 69, 70. 71. lit Lomas 74, 66, 69; A Ratforty 66.

73, 70, Singh (Fll) 72, 69. 70; James 68. 72. 71. aia Westwood 75, 70, 67; Mackenzie 73, 70, 69; Grappasonnl (II) 72, 71.

69. Clark 73. 69. 70; Faldo 72, 70. 70.

213 Rivera (Sp) 72. 72. 69. Riley (Aus) 68. 76, 69; stables 71, 7t.

71; BLane 70. 70. 73; Baker 73, 67, 73, Fulke (Swe) 72. 67. 74.

314 Mitchell 72. 72, 70: A Blnaghl (It) 72, 71, 71; Ames ITrl) 73, 69, 72; Jones 69, 71. 74; A Forsbrand (Swe) 69, 70, 75. 210 Smyth 74, 71, 70; Goosen (SA) 72. 73.

70; McLean 75, 70. 70: Payne 71. 74, 70; Walton 78, US, 71: Way 72. 72, 71: Fernandez (Arg) 73, 71, 71; Coceres (Arg) 71. 72, 72: Clayton (Aus) 70.

73, 72. 21 A Martin (Sp) 71, 74. 71; Gilford 71. 74,71: Jones 70. 74.

72, O'Connor Jnr 71, 72, 73: A Russell 72, 71. 73; Brand Jnr 69, 74. 73. 3)7 Ryatrom (Swe) 76. 69.

72; Bland (SA) 72, 73, 72: Level (Fr) 71. 73, 73; Curry 70. 74, 73; Evona 74, 69, 74; Davis (Aus) 70. 73. 74: Allenby (Aus) 71, 71, 76; A Oldcorn 75.

87. 75: Teravalnon (US) 70, 69, 78. 218 Orum-mond 73. 72, 73; Curty 72. 73.

73. Bosall 70, 74, 74; Monlgomerle 74. 69. 75. 219 Bowman (US) 72, 71, 76.

MnMHMSHI OALAMT (Hayaklla, Japan): Final eoorae (Japanese unless stated): SOS Tomorl 69, 68, 70. ail Nakaiima71, 68, 72, 212 Chen Wmlng (Tal) 88, 70, 74. 3 1 3 Ozakl 70. 72. 71.

Alael aiS Watts (US) 75. 72. 71; IthU (US) 73. 73, 72; Herrora (Col) 88, 76. 74: Franco (Par) 70, 73, 75.

218 Senior (Aus) 75. 74. 70. LPOA CORNINO CLASSIC (Corning: NYI: Final aeeraeu (US unless staled): 272 71, 71.69.2TQS Fatwio 68,71,69. 71; Ramabottom 64, 71.

71. 73. 321' RobblnB 75, 71. 66, 67; Owen 72. 73.

87, 69: Walker 71, 70, 68, 72; Nause 66, 69, 72, 72. 2BJ Andrews 72. 71, 70. 70; Richard 71, 71. 71.

70. 304 Johnson 72, 73, 73, 66: CHELSEA have signed Scott Minto, the England Under-21 defender, from Charlton for 775,000 on a three-year contract. The figure could rise to more than 1 million depending on appearances and senior international caps. Glenn Hoddle had tried to sign Minto, the target of several Premiership clubs, before the transfer deadline in a players-plus-cash deal. Bryan Robson has made his first signing as player-manager, picking up Clayton Blackmore, 29, on a free transfer from his former club Manchester United.

Archie Gemmill has been sacked by Nottingham Forest after seven years on the coaching staff. He had a year of his contract to run. The Forest defender Vance Warner is in a Tenerife hospital after contracting meningitis during a club tour. Sport in brief Golf Beth Daniel drove her final tee shot under a tree but still bird-ied the last hole to win the Corning Classic in New York State by one stroke ahead of Nancy Ramsbottom and Stephanie Farwig yesterday. Daniel's final round of 69, threc-under-par, gave her a total of 278 and her 28th victory on the US tour.

Laura Davios was equal tenth, six shots behind. Chess Michael Adams's bid for first prize at Gran Canarla faded when the British No. 2 resigned to the world No. 5 Alexei Shirov in the sixth round, writes Leonard Burden. The US No.

1 Gata Kamsky leads, while Adams shares fourth place with Anato-ly Karpov. Motor Rallying Colin McRae of Scotland, in a Subaru Impeza 555, took the lead on the first day of the gruelling Acropolis Rally by winning five of 10 special stages in central Greece. Sailing The British W60 Reebok had a close call in the Whitbread Round the World Race yester day when an iceberg appeared out of thick fog and missed by Russell Thomas ONCE proud Preston found no protection in tradition at Wembley on Saturday. The stadium joyously belonged to a Wycombe team demonstrating all the virtues befitting their youthful status. Martin O'Neill's men were confident, assertive and, at times, exhilarating.

Preston could not withstand the League's newest club, subsiding in a manner disappointing to the 23,000 loyalists from Lancashire and neutrals with a sense of nostalgia. Wycombe have broken new ground in becoming the first of seven GM VauxhaU Conference champions to gain promotion in their first League season. Wembley held no fears for ward 6-3. 7-6. LadJae1 flnak Clearview 5.

Bramhall Park 1 (M Welnwright lost to Taylor 6-7, 2-6. Caorengal bt Mawds-ley 6-2. 6-3; A Smith bl Bimngham 6-4, 6-2; Oarrtar bt Taylor 6-1. 6-2; Smhsi Coor enoal bt BrllfnghamC Taylor 6-2, 7-5, Oarrtee WfMnwrkirvl bt TaylorR Mawdaley Motor Racing SPANISH QP (Barcelona) 1, Hill (BB) Williams-Renaull; 2, Schumacher (Ber) Qonollon-Ford; 3. Blundoll (GB) Tyrrell-Yamaha, 4, AlesMFr) Ferrari.

5, P-L Martini (II) Mnardi'Ford: 6, Irvine (BB) Jordan-Hart; 7, Panls (Fr) Bor-nard (Fr) Llglor-Renault; 9. A Zanardl (II) Lo-tua-Mugen-Honda: 10, D. Brabham (Aus) Slmtek-Ford; tt, Brundle (BB) Mctaren-Peugoot World drlvere ohamplonehlp euuiJhiBB (altar 5 races). 1, Schumacher 48pls; 2. Hill 17; 3.

Bergsr 10, 4, Alosl 5, Barrlchello 7: 6, Larlnl (II), Brundlo 8, Hakkinen. Katayama, Wendtingor (Aut), Blundell 12, Flllipaldl (Br), A do Cosarls (II) 3. 14, FronUen, Martini (It) 2, 16. Comas, Atboreto, Irvine 1. Conetruotora criarriplonahfp! 1, Bonetton 46pU; 2.

Ferrari 25: 3. Williams 17. INDIANAPOLIS SOOi 1. A Unser Jr (US) Pensko Morcedes-Benr; 2, Vlllenouvo (Can) Reynard Ford Cos-north; 3. Rahal (US) Pensko llmor; 4, Vassor (US) Reynard Ford Coswuflh; 5, Gordon (US) Lola Ford Cosworth; 8, Andrettl (US), Roynard Ford Cosworth; 7.

Fab! (II) Roynard llmor; 8, Cheever (US) Lola Menard; 9. Hena (US) Lola Ford Cosworth; 10, Andretll (US) Lola Ford Cosworth, Basketball NBA PLAV-OFPSi bitem Confanne ffnatai Indiana 68. Now York 68 (New Yotit load 2-1 1. MfeatMit Cottfamw flnalM Utah 95, Houston 66 (Houston lead 2-1). Chess CANARY ISLANDS TOURNAMIMT.

Fifth roumli Adams (Eng) ft topatov (Bui) tt. ftfith round. I Morovlc (Chile) Potgar (Hun) Lautior (Fr) 0, llfflacaa (Sp) A (Rus) Kamahy (US) A Shtrov (Lat) 1, Adamn Epishin (Rus) Topalov taMntti. HlGaca, Vj, Karpov Kamsfcy 1, Epishin Tcpalov 1, Shirov Adams Morovic Polgar Lauder (unf). Stand-tngj Kamshy Topolov 4K; Lautler 4 (1 unl); Adams, Karpov Morovlc 314 Polgar 3 (1 unl); UlQBcas 3.

Shirov Epishin.