Cloke fires Pies to victory

Relentless ... Jarryd Blair manages to handball sedpite the pressure from Trent Cotchin. Source: JOE CASTRO / AAP

On Friday, Travis Cloke put his dislocated finger back in its place. On Saturday, he put Richmond back in theirs with a stunning seven-goal haul to lift Collingwood past the Tigers by 34 points at the MCG.

The Magpies' 16.17 (113) to 11.13 (79) victory in front of more than 81,000 fans burst the Tigers' unbeaten bubble and showcased Collingwood's finals credentials on a day Richmond had desperately hoped to show their own.

3.3 (21)	Q1	1.4 (10)
6.5 (41)	Q2	5.8 (38)
8.6 (54)	Q3	13.12 (90)
11.13 (79)	Q4	16.17 (113)

Jack Riewoldt 3	Travis Cloke 7
Luke McGuane 2	Steele Sidebottom 4
Tyrone Vickery 2	Martin Clarke 1
Shane Edwards 1	Sam Dwyer 1
Bachar Houli 1	Jamie Elliott 1
Jake King 1	Harry O'Brien 1
Ivan Maric 1	Dane Swan 1

Cloke had suffered a finger injury at training on match eve.

But after two quarters of arm-wrestling, Cloke put Richmond in the tightest of half-nelsons in the third term.

He booted the opening three goals of the quarter, then soon after gave his side a 30-point buffer with a quality 50-metre goal from deep in the right forward pocket.

It was part of a run of eight unanswered goals to start the term - the Magpies upping their tackling pressure and forcing Richmond into error after error.

With Steele Sidebottom also prominent with two of his four goals in the term and midfielder Dane Swan brilliant, the Magpies battered Richmond to take a 36-point lead to the final change.

The Tigers didn't give in, battling back to give themselves a sniff with goals to Jack Riewoldt and Ivan Maric to open the final term.

But Collingwood gained breathing space with a Swan mark and goal soon afterwards, before Cloke iced the match with a set shot from the left boundary line.

In his 200th AFL game, Swan had 35 possessions - 13 coming in the final quarter.

Collingwood's effort was made all the more meritorious with five of their best 22 missing through injury.

Magpies defender Nathan Brown might add to that list, with a groin injury sustained in the final term and just a five-day turnaround until their next game - the Anzac Day clash with Essendon.

Riewoldt booted three goals for the Tigers, who also lost key defender Troy Chaplin when concussed by a teammate, and small forward Jake King to what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

Click here to view all of the stats and scores in the FOX FOOTY Match Centre.

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sacred Falls spoils Pierro's party

BMW Doncaster Day ... Pierro ridden by Nash Rawiller at Royal Randwick. Source: Adam Taylor / News Limited

Champion colt Pierro battled bravely under his crushing weight but was unable to hold off the Chris Waller-trained Sacred Falls when it mattered making for a thrilling end to this year's Doncaster.

Pierro met with tremendous support from punters in the lead-up to today's race and for a time it looked like he might reward his backers until Sacred Falls ridden by Tommy Berry forced his way through on the inside to nab the champion in the shadows of the post.

Today's triumph was a welcome change of luck for Sacred Falls, who was the victim of a checkered passage towards Doncaster glory as Waller explained.

"Nothing went right in his early preparation," he said.

"First-up he basically didn't handle the track. We scratched him second-up because of the track, so his second-up run was over a mile and he got shunted off the track which left up is no man land then third-up in a tough 2000m behind It's A Dundeel and I just then I had him where he needed to be so I just backed him off him and freshened him up."

Sacred Falls' win consolidates Waller's position as Sydney's No.1 trainer and delivered the quietly spoken Kiwi his third Doncaster in the past six years.

"It's racing at its finest you can't describe it, you can't prepare for it. It's an amazing feeling," a jubilant Waller said. 

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Tiger plunge to beat Pies

Plunge ... a finger injury to Travis Cloke is part of the reason the Tigers are now favourites to beat the Pies. Source: JULIAN SMITH / AAP

Richmond are now favourites to beat Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday.

"After opening $2.30 on Monday, Richmond is now into $1.85 and it has been all one way traffic for the Tigers," TAB's Adam Hamilton said.

Collingwood, who opened at $1.65 is now out to $1.95.

"There is an injury cloud over Scott Pendlebury and Travis Cloke and if either of them were to not play Collingwood could start $2, which is staggering considering the history between the two teams." Hamilton said.

One Sportsbet.com.au punter though has bucked the trend with a $30,000 wager on the Pies at $1.95.

Richmond is now into $15 in premiership betting with TAB after opening at $34.

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Rafa to feel the love at Anfield

Happier at home ... Rafa Benitez is beloved at Anfield. Source: Kirsty Wigglesworth / AP

It is the bond that ensured he was instantly rejected. On Monday morning (EST) it will be highlighted.

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The boos, the chants against him and the banners demanding him to leave will be in the minority. For the first time in four months when Rafa Benitez emerges onto the pitch there will be applause. 

Not from his own club's fans. They will sing Jose Mourinho's name they might even chant that Benitez is "just a fat Spanish waiter," but the Liverpool fans will welcome him back to Anfield.

It is unlikely to be just a polite welcome for a former manager.

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"If he hadn't already been given the nickname 'God' by the Valencia players, and had it confirmed by our dressing room, he'd have been given it by the Liverpool fans," Jamie Carragher said of Benitez's impact at Liverpool.

A Champions League title, an FA Cup, their highest ever finish in the Premier League and memorable wins over Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United all built the bond. But it was cast in stone from his battles with Chelsea and Jose Mourinho.

In the six years Benitez spent at Liverpool he faced Chelsea in the Champions League five years in a row, with the highlight being the three semi-finals where he twice knocked the Blues out. As is often the case familiarity breeds contempt but Bentiez was only too happy to add to it.

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"We don't need to give away flags for our fans to wave – our supporters are always there with their hearts, and that is all we need. It's the passion of the fans that helps to win matches – not flags," he said dismissively of the plastic flags Chelsea give their fans for big matches.

The Anfield faithful loved him for it. But the Chelsea fans despised him from then and as a result made it mission impossible before he had even walked in the door.

He would have known what to expect when he was appointed at Chelsea. When Andre Villas Boas was sacked in March 2012 the Spaniard was rumoured to be a target of Roman Abramovich before Chelsea fans made their feelings clear that he would not be welcomed.

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With this in mind it seems odd that he would take the job. Whilst having been out of work for two seasons would have been a major factor, the biggest was perhaps his self-belief.

"Mourinho was more brash and brazen in his arrogance, prepared to announce his special status to the world, but Rafa is just as certain of his own ability," Carragher said of his former boss.

Despite knowing the reaction that awaited him, Benitez's confidence would have made him sure he would be successful at Chelsea and as a result the fans would soon forget the past when the wins and trophies rolled in. Most outside of Stamford Bridge thought the same.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Man United	33	26	3	4	40	81
2	Man City	32	20	8	4	31	68
3	Chelsea	32	18	7	7	31	61
4	Arsenal	33	17	9	7	29	60
5	Tottenham	32	17	7	8	15	58
6	Everton	33	14	14	5	14	56
7	Liverpool	33	13	11	9	19	50
8	West Brom	32	13	5	14	-1	44
9	Swansea	32	10	11	11	1	41
10	Fulham	33	10	10	13	-7	40
11	West Ham	33	10	9	14	-9	39
12	Southampton	33	9	11	13	-7	38
13	Newcastle	33	10	6	17	-17	36
14	Norwich	33	7	14	12	-21	35
15	Sunderland	33	8	10	15	-8	34
16	Stoke	33	7	13	13	-13	34
17	Aston Villa	33	8	10	15	-24	34
18	Wigan	32	8	7	17	-21	31
19	QPR	33	4	12	17	-25	24
20	Reading	33	5	9	19	-27	24

This was never really put to the test with no manager in the Abramovich era winning less games than Bentiez did in his first 27 matches in charge.

While the start was far from the winning one he had hoped for it was not the only problem that he confronted. Reports of training ground bust-ups were rife and far too common to simply be dismissed as rumour. The feeling was that the majority of the Chelsea squad were no more enamoured with the manager than the fans.

The problem according to Rafa was clear.

"Chelsea gave me the title of interim manager, which is a massive mistake. I'm the manager," he said after confirming he would depart at the end of the season.

It raises the question as to why the title matters? Surely players will respond the same regardless of whether the manager is on a long term contract or not.

History at Chelsea suggests otherwise, with a manager needing as much power as possible when dealing with a notoriously strong willed playing group.

But they are not alone.

When Sir Alex Ferguson announced his retirement in 2001, which he later abandoned, he found his players to be less responsive. If the legendary Scot found this to be the case it is likely to have been so for Benitez at Chelsea.

While his impact may not have been the one he hoped for it is difficult to argue that Benitez has not improved Chelsea tactically, especially defensively. The side that were so vulnerable to being overrun in wide areas are now much more diligent when they don't have the ball.

Most suspected he would improve them defensively as this was the hallmark of his Liverpool and Valencia sides but this has not come at the cost of their attacking thrust.

Only Arsenal and Manchester United have scored more goals in the Premier League and worrying for Liverpool only themselves and United have scored more away from home.

Despite the weekend's loss to Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final he has also astutely rotated his squad through their taxing schedule of six games in 17 days ensuring they were fresh enough to remain in the top four and to move within touching distance of another European triumph.

A top four finish and a European Cup may give some Chelsea fans better memories of his time at the club but it will never shake their steadfast belief that Benitez should not be at the club.

The iconic clashes between the two clubs during his six years at Liverpool created too much controversy and bad blood for him to ever be accepted. Benitez even went as far as to state that he would never take the Chelsea job when he was at Liverpool.

On Monday morning Benitez will come face to face with the past that Liverpool fans will want to honour but also with the one that Chelsea fans will never forget.

Follow me on Twitter @beaubusch  

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Pavlich out for up to six weeks

Injury woes ... Pavlich is fit but his mates are battling. Source: Daniel Wilkins / News Limited

Fremantle has suffered a huge blow with the club announcing captain Matthew Pavlich requires Achilles tendon surgery and will miss up to six weeks of football.

The 31-year-old, who has been below his best over the opening rounds, will have surgery to repair his left Achilles tendon.

Freo general manager of football operations Chris Bond said the procedure was deemed to be the best course of action for Pavlich.

"Matthew's Achilles flared up last weekend after Friday night's match and, following an assessment by club medical staff and specialists, it was determined that the best course of action for him is surgery," Bond said.

More to come.

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Reynolds re-signs with Bulldogs

Staying on ... Reynolds put pen to paper on a four-year deal. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs five-eighth Josh Reynolds has committed to the club for a further four years - boosting them at a time when they are struggling to keep pace on the field.

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Reynolds has played 43 times for the Bulldogs since his debut midway through the 2011 season.

The 24-year-old has made the five-eighth position his own since Des Hasler's arrival in season 2012 and has 16 first-grade tries.

"It's great to know that I'll be here at Belmore wearing the blue and white for the next four years," Reynolds said in a statement. "I've spent all of my career here and I honestly didn't see myself going or playing with anyone else.

"I've got so many friends here who have been here for a long time and it'll be good to spend the next period with them.

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Watch the compelling exclusive interview with Reynolds's teammate Ben Barba in full on Sterlo, Thursday 7.30pm (EST), on Fox Sports 1HD.

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"We have a special group of players here who I know can do great things and I want to be a part of that."

Hasler said: "Josh is an integral part of our playing group and structure.

"His commitment to the team and this Club is something that can't be questioned.

"We know that he has been a part of this Club for a long time and it's good to know that he will be here for an extended period."

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Anzac side: Aussies have their say

Respected ... Greg Inglis, Manu Vatuvei and Billy Slater are among the elite. Source: AAP

How ruthless would you be as an Aussie choosing an Anzacs 17? Would more than one Kiwi make the cut?

While former Kangaroos Peter Sterling, Mark Gasnier and Ben Ikin were tempted to fill their sides with green and gold, each managed to get a sprinkling of New Zealand reps in their squads of 17.

Sterling in particular struggled with the task, at first admitting that he would find it tough to find a spot in the Australian team for any Kiwis other than Sonny Bill Williams.

But after deeper analysis, the legendary halfback managed to be more generous with his allocation of Anzacs jumpers to players from across the ditch.

Here are the sides picked by Sterling, Gasnier and Ikin, with an explanation from each of the former internationals on how they came up with their final selections.

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Would your Anzacs 17 resemble the sides picked by Peter Sterling, Mark Gasnier and Ben Ikin? Choose your team by clicking here!

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PETER STERLING

Billy Slater, Brett Morris, Justin Hodges, Greg Inglis, Manu Vatuvei, Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Matt Scott, Cameron Smith, James Tamou, Paul Gallen, Sam Thaiday, Sonny Bill Williams. Interchange: Ben Matulino, Nate Myles, Kieran Foran, Greg Bird. 

Anyone would love to coach this side. It would be the easiest coaching gig that there possibly is because all you'd be hoping to do is make sure you don't make them play worse. They could have a captain-coach. We don't need a coach, put a captain-coach in. Cameron Smith can captain-coach. And because it's such a good team, there were a few guys who were unlucky to miss out. I would have loved to have squeezed Anthony Watmough in, he's been in great form this season, as he has the past few seasons. You know, it's very difficult - I'm a huge Luke Lewis fan as well - for utility players on the bench, but I couldn't go past Greg Bird. Nate Myles, well, he'd be in any side I named. Kieran Foran's probably unlucky. I haven't got many Kiwis in the side but I've said since he came into the top grade that Kieran Foran is the best young player in the NRL, so I would have liked to have found a spot for him. The guy in this side I really want to give a rap to is Sonny Bill Williams. He was one of the first players picked and that's saying something coming back into the game after five years away. The thing I've loved about Sonny since he's come back - I know what ability he has and we've seen the talent and all those sorts of things but it's the little difficult parts of the game where he's been really impressive - the things he hasn't had to do in five years, like getting off the ground, getting back in the line, coming back 10, doing that six times in a row, and that's where he's excelled. 

MARK GASNIER

Billy Slater, Jason Nightingale, Justin Hodges, Greg Inglis, Brett Morris, Cooper Cronk, Johnathan Thurston, Jessie Bromwich, Cameron Smith, James Tamou, Greg Bird, Sonny Bill Williams, Paul Gallen. Interchange: Ben Matulino, Anthony Watmough, Kieran Foran, Tohu Harris. 

This was really tough to pick because there's so many good players out there. Nate Myles was the biggest one I would have liked to have found a spot for. It was out of him and Anthony Watmough to have on the bench. Myles has been in such good form, but as has Anthony Watmough so it was a flip of the coin there. The halves pairing wasn't an easy choice, I actually deliberated on that for a while. Obviously Johnathan Thurston goes in but I just like the way Kieran Foran's been playing down at Manly - I think he and Daly Cherry-Evans have been leading the way in the halves. But then I started to think how good Melbourne have been and how good Cooper Cronk's been going. I think he just deserves the spot for what he's done at the end of last year and the start of this year. People might look at the wingers and think I've made some odd choices but I think the wingers I've got, outside those centres, you need finishers, not necessarily guys who can create and those two are ever-reliable in defence as well. I think people choose their teams based on how they want them to play. And yes, if I had a team like that I'd want them to play in a certain way. 

BEN IKIN

Billy Slater, Manu Vatuvei, Greg Inglis, Justin Hodges, Brett Morris, Jonathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Matt Scott, Cameron Smith, Ben Matulino, Simon Mannering, Paul Gallen, Sonny-Bill Williams. Interchange: Issac Luke, Greg Bird, James Tamou, Sam Thaiday. 

The team's Aussie dominated but to me, that doesn't mean the Kangaroos are a way better side than the Kiwis. When you sit down and choose these kinds of sides you'll normally go on individual merits. But good footy teams, it doesn't matter if it's Queensland, Australia, Melbourne Storm or South Sydney Rabbitohs: good teams are more than just the sum of their individual parts. I'm a massive Greg Bird fan, so I would have liked to have got Greg Bird into the team but with Sonny Bill Williams back in league I reckon you probably had to find a spot for him in the starting side. Manu Vatuvei's rocks or diamonds so I wasn't 100 per cent sure about selecting him but I love watching him play, so I decided to give him a go. Thurston and Cronk are stand-outs in the halves. Cooper Cronk seems to win man of the match just about every game he plays and he's just gone up to another level in the last six to 12 months. He is at the top of his game and Johnathan Thurston is close to being the best player in the world so, even though Benji was injured, so I didn't consider him, he wouldn't have made the starting side in front of those guys. The backline is just so talented, and even though Inglis has been superb at club level as a fullback, I think picking Billy Slater to fill the No.1 jersey was still an easy selection. Inglis is the second best outside back in the competition at the moment... behind Slater.  

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Vote: Caviar's greatest win?

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Digging deep ... Caviar defies injury to win the Diamond Jubilee Stakes. Source: Steve Parsons / AFP

She leaves us as the greatest sprinter we've ever seen.

With an unbeaten record in 25 career starts, including a record 15 Group I victories, Black Caviar is a once in a generation horse that has left memories to last a lifetime.

The wonder mare rose to every challenge asked of her by Peter Moody and proved her champion qualities along the way. She overcame adversity, defied the weight of history against her, and left no less than 193 rivals in her wake.

But which was her greatest victory?

Re-live some of Black Caviar's best wins and vote for your favourite in our poll.

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No Adelaide trip for Caviar

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Adelaide averted ... Black Caviar is not among nominations for the Sportingbet Classic. Source: Bronwen Healy / News Limited

Superstar sprinter Black Caviar is a notable omission from nominations for Saturday week's $400,000 Sportingbet Classic at Morphettville.

The Peter Moody-trained sensation won the fillies and mares sprint feature last year before returning to Adelaide a fortnight later to claim the $500,000 Group 1 Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville.

Moody won't be without a runner in the feature, however, with impressive last-start Adelaide winner Kulgrinda among nominations.

It is expected Black Caviar's quest for a 26th consecutive victory will come in either the Goodwood at Morphettville on May 11 or the BTC Cup, which carries $100,0000 less prizemoney, in Brisbane on the same day.

The Sportingbet Classic shapes as an outstanding affair, with nominations including Sydney speedsters Snitzerland and Ortensia as well as quality Victorians Yosei, Lady Melksham and Shamal Wind.

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Ablett gives injured hand all-clear

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Gary Ablett ... vows to come out swinging against Port Adelaide. Source: Kym Smith / News Limited

Shaking hands is a problem for AFL star Gary Ablett but the Gold Coast Suns captain has vowed to come out swinging against old mate Ken Hinkley's Port Adelaide at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night.

"It was funny after the game," Ablett said on Tuesday nursing a swollen right hand.

"It was a little awkward because I went up to shake their hands and they were going in with the right hand and I was going with the left.

"I had to explain to a few of them that I hurt my hand during the game (but) it's good now."

Ablett said X-rays had cleared him of any fractures and follow-up scans on Monday had not revealed any major damage.

He was not sure how the hand was injured against the Lions but seemed certain he would run out against the Power.

"I've got to get through training Wednesday night but the hand's not feeling too bad," he said.

"I can't really clench it yet but I'm sure it'll be fine for the weekend.

"I remember running out of a pack (against the Lions) and the hand felt a bit sore and I wasn't sure if someone stood on it or it was a knock."

Ablett is set to line up against the man he considers a "second father" - former assistant coach at both Geelong and Gold Coast, Hinkley.

In his first head coaching role, Hinkley has guided Port to an impressive 3-0 season start - but isn't getting ahead of himself judging by a cheeky text to Ablett.

"I got a text from Ken this morning asking who I'd like for him to play on me," Ablett smiled.

"And the end of the text said something like 'please take it easy on us'.

"I always knew he was going to be a great coach so it's a great challenge for us and hopefully we can have our second win and give them their first loss."

Ablett admitted being relegated to a 1-3 record after this weekend would be a blow after the Gold Coast had been handed a favourable early-season draw.

"We know we've got a great opportunity this week. We can make it 2-2 and set our season up," he said.

Meanwhile, Ablett was on Tuesday announced as the new AFL Queensland ambassador for community football.

In other news, the Suns are sweating on scan results for ruckman Charlie Dixon (Achilles). 

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Aussie PGA criticised for tweet

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Hard luck ... Angel Cabrera misses a put at the second playoff hole. Source:AAP

The Australian PGA has been criticised on Twitter during the final round of the Masters for tweeting that "we need a mistake'' from Angel Cabrera.

With Jason Day, Adam Scott and Marc Leishman all contending for a first green jacket for any Australian, the PGA of Australia tweeted: "We need a mistake from the big hitting Argentine down 13.''

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A few minutes later, the ruling body for golf in Australia was criticised by a California follower: "Really? #badssportsmanship.''

The PGA quickly tweeted a reply: "We shouldn't wish bad luck for anyone and the previous tweet was bad sportsmanship Clearly let our enthusiasm get in the way.''

Cabrera hit into the creek on the 13th and later bogeyed the hole to fall out of the lead, with Day taking over.

Cabrera eventually lost out to Aussie Adam Scott in a dramatic play-off.

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Day: I should have won this

Shattered ... Jason Day after another final round collapse. Source: Jim Watson / AAP

Jason Day turned on the 18th green at Augusta National and said to long-time friend, coach and caddy Col Swatton: "I should have won this.''

The disappointment of a Masters green jacket that got away was evident on the 25-year-old's face after two late bogeys turned his two-shot lead on the 16th tee into a third placing.

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It was Day's second near-miss after he tied second with Adam Scott on debut in 2011 when South African Charl Schwartzel birdied the last four holes to overhaul them.

"I think pressure got to me a little bit,'' said Day, who was quick to congratulate Scott on his history-making achievement on Sunday after his fellow Queenslander won in a playoff from Angel Cabrera.

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Day can draw on the example of Scott, who bounced back to claim his maiden major title after the hurt of blowing a four-shot lead with four to play at last year's British Open.

For large sections of the final round, Day looked the man set to make Australian sporting history as the first to don a green jacket.

He raced out of the blocks, nailing a massive birdie putt on the first and following it with an eagle from the greenside bunker on two to take the lead.

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Check out the social media reaction to Adam Scott's Master victory - and re-live Brett Ogle's live chat with Fox Sports.

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His fortunes turned and by the end of his front nine he trailed Cabrera by three following bogeys at six and nine.

But the Queenslander turned the tournament on its head with three straight birdies between holes 13 and 15 to lead by two, only to pull his iron on the 16th left and miss a six-foot par save.

Still in a share of the lead, Day came up just a few yards short on approach to 17, landing in the bunker and was unable to get up and down.

"It was just a few little mental errors here and there, but overall I'm very, very happy about the way I played,'' Day said.

"I love this tournament regardless of where I finished.

"It's obviously an honour to come this week and play against the best players in the world and obviously have a shot at winning my first major and being the first Australian to win the Masters.

"It's a little disappointing (for me), but there's a lot of experience that I can take into next year and hopefully I can wear one of those green jackets soon.''

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Manly fend off fast-finishing Sharks

Manly Sea Eagles ... Daly Cherry Evans stars in win over Cronulla. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

Manly have moved to second on the NRL ladder courtesy of their 25-18 win over Cronulla at Brookvale Oval on Sunday.

5 Tries 3
Justin Horo 4'	Nathan Stapleton 29'
Daly Cherry-Evans 18'	Nathan Stapleton 46'
Tom Symonds 25'	Stewart Mills 71'
Peta Hiku 59'
Steve Matai 64'
2 Conversions 3
Jamie Lyon 20'	Michael Gordon 31'
Jamie Lyon 26'	Michael Gordon 48'
	Chad Townsend 72'
1 Field Goals 0
Daly Cherry-Evans 75'

The Sea Eagles dominated the opening exchanges of the round six match to lead 16-0 through tries to Justin Horo, Daly Cherry-Evans and Tom Symonds before Cronulla twice mounted gritty fightbacks before a crowd of 17,504.

Despite the absence of key playmaker Todd Carney, the Sharks were able to breach Manly's much vaunted defence through winger Nathan Stapleton each side of halftime to fight their way back to 16-12 after 48 minutes.

But Manly then found another gear.

Peta Hiku crossed in the 59th minute, after bombing a try only minutes before, when Brett Stewart sliced through the Sharks defence and passed on to the rookie winger who scored on his NRL debut.

Steve Matai then stretched the home side's lead to 24-12 after 64 minutes when Stewart Mills spilt a crossfield kick.

The Sharks weren't done though and Mills scored after clever lead-up work from Ben Pomeroy.

Chad Townsend landed the sideline conversion to bridge the gap to 24-18 and keep the Sharks' hopes alive.

A Cherry-Evans field goal with five minutes to go sealed the victory for Manly, who move above Souths into second position on the ladder on for and against - behind only undefeated defending premiers Melbourne.

The loss continued Cronulla's woeful record at Brookvale Oval where they have won just five of 36 encounters.

Manly's win was soured by a possible snapped achilles to Joe Galuvao which may mean the end of his 16-year career.

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Soward field goal steals victory

St George-Illawarra Dragons ... Jason Nightingale and Jamie Soward celebrate the win. Source: Philip Hillyard / News Limited

St George Illawarra have survived a furious Wests Tigers fightback, with a Jamie Soward field goal two minutes from time securing the Dragons a 13-12 NRL victory at the SCG.

2 Tries 3
Ben Murdoch-Masila 64'	Daniel Vidot 30'
Tim Moltzen 67'	Brett Morris 49'
	Matt Cooper 57'
2 Conversions 0
Braith Anasta 65'
Braith Anasta 68'
0 Field Goals 1
	Jamie Soward 78'

Soward, who missed all three of his conversion attempts, made good with the one kick that mattered as the Dragons won three on the trot for the first time under the coaching of Steve Price.

It appeared to be a far easier assignment when they led 12-0 with 15 minutes to go before the Tigers scored two tries in as many minutes to draw level on Sunday.

But a few costly fumbles when the game was there to be stolen stopped the Tigers' run.

It looked like being a perfect return to the NRL for Wests' Curtis Sironen when he crashed over seven minutes in, only to be denied for an obstruction in the lead-up.

The Tigers looked the most threatening early but it was the Dragons who eventually broke the deadlock - Soward crabbing across field before firing a bullet for Daniel Vidot to touch down just inside the corner post.

Chris Lawrence should have replied only to lose the ball over the line just before the break.

The struggle for points mirrored the 1963 grand final they were commemorating between St George and Wests Magpies, but the second stanza was more modern day as they points flowed.

The Dragons showed their new penchant to chance their arm when they ignored an easy penalty goal attempt eight minutes after the restart - their adventure paying dividends when Soward grubbered for Brett Morris to score.

The red and whites could have put the issue beyond doubt when Matt Cooper finished off a nice interchange between Soward and Chase Stanley - but Soward missed a conversion he should have made to leave the door ajar.

It was all the invitation the Tigers needed, Ben Murdoch-Masila, who had earlier suffered a head knock courtesy of some friendly fire, barging through three defenders to score following a run of penalties.

Two minutes later and it was all level at 12-all when Robbie Farah and Braith Anasta put James Tedesco into open space as he found a flying Tim Moltzen in support.

The Tigers should have had the lead three minutes later, but a desperately flung arm by Vidot robbed Blake Ayshford of the ball as he seemed headed for a certain try following another long break.

Soward missed with his first field goal attempt which was touched in flight, but he made no mistake with his second shot from 20 metres out. 

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