Nuno can fix Fullkrug blow by unleashing West Ham's academy "goalscorer"

As if Nuno Espírito Santo’s job at West Ham United isn’t already hard enough, he’s now been dealt a fresh injury blow.

Just before heading out on international duty, German forward Niclas Füllkrug reportedly tore his thigh while training with the East Londoners.

While it’s not clear when the 32-year-old will be back, it is clear that he won’t be available for at least a few Premier League games.

Fortunately, there are a few options Nuno can choose to solve this issue, including handing someone their first start for the side.

How West Ham can replace Fullkrug

The most apparent solution to Fullkrug’s injury, though the least inspiring, is to simply start Callum Wilson in his place.

Chalkboard

After all, the Englishman is an out-and-out striker with Premier League experience and has already scored a goal this season.

However, even though he’s scored, the former Newcastle United ace hasn’t looked particularly threatening or fit for the Hammers, and there is no guarantee he’ll score again since he only found the back of the net once in 22 games last season.

So with this in mind, it might make sense to move the far more prolific Jarrod Bowen back down the middle for a few weeks.

However, while this might not be the worst idea in the world, the Hammers’ incredible talisman can have a greater impact on proceedings and play to his strength when starting on the right.

Moreover, if he is down the middle, Nuno may have to throw the 19-year-old Luis Guilherme in at the deep end on the right, which doesn’t feel wise.

Finally, the manager could also potentially move Crysencio Summerville up top, as he looked a real threat in the game against Everton.

Yet, in doing this, Nuno would once again be significantly weakening his wide areas, as the Dutchman looks incredible out wide and is building a real understanding with El Hadji Malick Diouf.

How Nuno can fix West Ham's Fullkrug blow

While it seems there are significant drawbacks to every solution for Nuno, there is one last option he could try that may well prove to be the best: starting Callum Marshall.

Yes, with Fullkrug out of the picture and Wilson a less-than-inspiring stand-in, the manager should be bold and hand the academy gem his first competitive start for West Ham.

Granted, some might argue that the 20-year-old is still too young to be entrusted with a responsibility, but he already has a decent amount of experience for someone his age.

Appearances

46

Minutes

2841′

Goals

10

Assists

4

Goal Involvements per Match

0.30

Minutes per Goal Involvement

202.92′

For example, he spent last season on loan with League One side Huddersfield Town, scoring ten goals and providing four assists in 46 appearances, totalling 2841 minutes.

That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.28 games, or every 202.92 minutes, and while that might not sound overly impressive, it’s important to remember it was his first proper season of regular first-team football.

Moreover, he clearly made a significant impact during his time with the Terriers as he was named the club’s Player of the Year for his efforts.

On top of looking good on loan last season, starting the “natural goalscorer,” as dubbed by former Huddersfield boss Michael Duff, would also allow Bowen and Summerville to remain on the wings.

In other words, the youngster’s inclusion in the team will see the rest of the attack continue to perform at its best, which could help him get his name on the scoresheet for the first time in claret and blue.

Ultimately, it would, of course, be something of a risk to start Marshall, but considering everything and the other options, it certainly seems like a risk worth taking for West Ham and Nuno.

West Ham make Toney decision after being offered different striker who "fits the bill"

The Al-Ahli forward has been linked with a loan move to East London.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Oct 16, 2025

Titular do São Paulo e recém-convocado para Seleção, Welington atinge marca importante

MatériaMais Notícias

Titular nos últimos dois jogos do São Paulo, Welington chegou a uma importante marca pelo clube do Morumbi. O lateral completou sua centésima atuação pelo Tricolor no empate contra o Botafogo, neste final de semana.

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Ao ser questionado sobre sua relação com o time, o jogador, que está desde 2004 no São Paulo, tratou como ‘a realização de um sonho’. Há oito anos defendendo a equipe, se referiu à marca alcançada como ‘privilégio’.

– Quando cheguei ao São Paulo, era apenas um garoto com muitos sonhos. O principal deles era ajudar a minha família. Já se passaram oito anos e muitas coisas aconteceram. Superei diversas dificuldades e aqui estou. Com muito esforço e dedicação, tive o prazer de jogar a minha centésima partida no sábado. Me sinto um cara muito privilegiado por defender esse time e fazer parte da história do São Paulo – disse.

+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Tricolor com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

– Espero seguir a minha trajetória aqui com muito respeito e profissionalismo e, quem sabe, alcançar 150, 200 e muito mais jogos pela equipe. Obrigado ao São Paulo e a todos os nossos torcedores – completou.

Mas os últimos dias não foram importante para Welington somente pela marca atingida pelo Tricolor. O lateral, pela primeira vez, foi convocado para defender a Seleção Brasileira sub-23. Ao longo de sua trajetória, o lateral já havia sido chamado para as seleções inferiores do país, mas nunca para a equipe olímpica.

Na semana passada, o treinador Ramon Menezes o incluiu na lista dos convocados para representar a equipe pré-olímpica, que realizará dois amistosos, contra o Marrocos, nos dias 7 e 11 de setembro, visando os Jogos Olímpicos de Paris, em 2024.

Welington destacou o acontecimento, agradecendo principalmente a seus companheiros de equipe e a comissão técnica que esteve envolvida.

– A primeira vez a gente nunca esquece, né? Já tinha sido convocado para as seleções de base, mas nunca para a sub-23. Isso significa que o trabalho está sendo bem feito e que a comissão técnica do professor Ramon Menezes tem acompanhado todos os jogos. Gostaria de agradecer aos meus companheiros de elenco, à nossa comissão e a todos os profissionais do São Paulo, que sempre me dão todo o suporte e são fundamentais para a evolução da minha carreira – disse.

Nos 100 jogos que fez pelo São Paulo, Welington marcou dois gols e distribuiu nove assistências. Nos últimos jogos do São Paulo, sem Caio, tem sido a principal opção para a lateral-esquerda.

Jennings, Wells record stand puts Outlaws in the dock

Lancashire openers add 177 for first wicket to set up second win in a row

ESPNcricinfo staff31-May-2025

Jennings continued his sparkling start to the Blast•Dan Adams

Lancashire 216 for 3 (Jennings 95, Wells 87) beat Notts Outlaws 169 (Henriques 60, Barnard 3-23) by 47 runsLancashire openers Keaton Jennings and Luke Wells shared 177 inside 16 overs – the highest ever partnership for any wicket in the Vitality Blast North Group – as Lightning beat Nottinghamshire Outlaws by 47 runs at Emirates Old Trafford.Having elected to bat, Jennings crashed 95 off 49 balls and Wells 87 off 50 as Lightning totalled 216 for three to set up a second straight win to start their campaign.The Outlaws, who replied with 169 all out, have now won one, lost one. Less than 24 hours earlier, they conceded 226 for five against the Bears at Trent Bridge but chased it easily.This target was achievable even on a used pitch. But Lancashire returned a polished bowling display including a superb debut three for 23 from four overs for left-arm spinner Charlie Barnard. Moises Henriques made 60 off 32 balls for Notts.Jennings and Wells shared 79 on the same pitch in victory over Worcestershire on Thursday, and the two left-handers excelled again.They hit six sixes apiece and were dominant down the ground against both seam and spin. The 13 sixes in the innings equalled a Lightning record.Jennings had actually been dropped off his first ball, getting a leading edge off the part-time spin of Matt Montgomery, who went one-handed diving to his right.Dillon Pennington, Daniel Sams and the left-arm spin of Liam Patterson-White all claimed a wicket apiece for the Outlaws, but Montgomery was the pick of their attack, returning nought for 20 from four overs of off-spin.Wells reached his fifty first off 34 balls shortly before Jennings got his second in as many games off 27 on Pride day at Emirates Old Trafford.They bettered the previous North Group record stand – 175 between openers Graeme Hick and Vikram Solanki for Worcestershire against Northamptonshire at Kidderminster in 2007.After Wells uppercut the pace of Pennington to short third man to end the partnership, Notts did well to drag things back. They could easily have been chasing more.Henriques took a superb leaping catch at backward point to help Patterson-White remove his fellow Australian Ashton Turner as two wickets fell in the last 15 balls of the innings.Bustling pacer Tom Aspinwall then struck twice in the third over of the Outlaws’ chase – 21 for two – as captain Joe Clarke drilled to cover and fellow opener Lyndon James was bowled.Jack Haynes and lead partner Henriques then settled things and advanced by sharing 61 inside six overs, the latter hoisting two big leg-side sixes in that time.But when Haynes cut 20-year-old Barnard, who took the new ball, to cover for his first T20 wicket on debut, Lancashire were ahead again at 82 for three in the ninth.Veteran Henriques reached a 21-ball fifty moments later, and you felt he had to be the match-winner.So when he was trapped lbw by Barnard, shortly followed by Sams bowled later in the 15th over, it felt like game over at 131 for six. It proved true.Like Barnard, Aspinwall was excellent with three for 26. So to was overseas off-spinner Chris Green with two for 28.

He's a Kudus upgrade: Spurs make enquiry for "Dele-esque" £80m talent

Tottenham Hotspur suffered from a lack of creativity during Saturday’s defeat against Bournemouth on home turf, losing 1-0 after such good work in claiming six points from six to get the Thomas Frank era off to a flyer in the Premier League.

The hunt for a playmaker worth their salt has dominated much of the Lilywhites’ transfer window, with Xavi Simons signed on but only after botched efforts for Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze, who left Crystal Palace and joined Arsenal.

But the defeat against the Cherries, requiring more than an hour of action for a first shot on target, and Simons alone won’t provide the answer across the wide span of the campaign.

Mohammed Kudus has racked up a few assists already at this early point in his Tottenham career, but it’s not enough, and Daniel Levy looks ready to attack the market one last time and land a player with properties better suited to fixing this chink in the armour.

Spurs lining up D-day signing

Tottenham have what it takes to come on leaps and bounds this season, but much will depend on the coherence threaded through the first-team squad.

And without enough creative ammunition, Frank’s lofty ambitions might prove hard to hit. To put it another way, he could do with another impactful addition in the coming hours.

As per transfer insider Graeme Bailey, that man could be Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, with Tottenham having made an enquiry to ascertain the potential of a last-gasp bid for the England international.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The chances of the energetic attacking midfielder leaving are admittedly slim, but Tottenham may well pull it off if they offer a sum in the ballpark of £80m, the figure quoted as other clubs – including Liverpool – circle.

What Rogers would bring to Spurs

Aston Villa only signed Rogers from Middlesbrough in the Championship for £15m in January 2024, and already, the 23-year-old has established himself as one of the most dangerous players in the Premier League.

After all, he notched 30 goal involvements across all competitions last term, blending his prolific touch with such power and confidence when carrying the ball forward.

Might Spurs be set to land a stunning repeat of their one-time masterclass in winning the race for Dele Alli, who also had strong interest from Liverpool before leaving MK Dons in League One and joining Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham in a £5m package, aged 18.

The rest is history. While Dele’s career has sadly swerved down a dark path, he will always be remembered fondly down N17 for his incredible and prodigious emergence, with Pochettino actually saying back in 2017: “If he is not the best young player in Europe, he’s one of the best. Look at his age and his statistics, the potential is massive.”

Rogers doesn’t quite carry the same weight, but he’s still showcased immense potential under Unai Emery’s wing at Aston Villa.

Rogers – Stats (23/24 & 25/26)

Season (club)

Apps

Goals

Assists

25/26 (Villa)

3

24/25 (Villa)

54

14

16

23/24 (Villa)

16

3

1

23/24 (Boro)

33

7

9

Data via Transfermarkt

Not just a prolific midfielder, Rogers is something of “a machine” when on the ball, as has been noted by The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell. He won 4.7 duels per league match last year, as per Sofascore, and shifted from the centre to a more attacking berth with such gusto.

While he can play out on the flank, Rogers shares a further likeness with his countryman in that he is best utilised from the centre, with journalist Carl Anka actually remarking that he has a “Dele-esque” way about him in that regard.

Adding him to the ranks would strengthen Tottenham’s creative potential, to be sure, adding something that Kudus, for all his ability, doesn’t quite inject with the needed skill at this present moment. Indeed, last term, Kudus chalked up just nine goals and assists for the Hammers in all competitions, far fewer than Rogers’ haul of 30.

Kudus is a direct and dangerous winger, but he’s not the most effective of playmakers, and with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski both sidelined, adding a player of Rogers’ profile to the mix could go a long way toward weaving together the kind of tactical harmony needed for Spurs to hit their targets and exceed them.

More exciting than Simons: Spurs chasing "one of the best LWs in the world"

Spurs could seal a more exciting signing than Simons on transfer deadline day.

5

By
Matt Dawson

Aug 31, 2025

موندو: بشرط جزائي 500 مليون يورو.. لاعب برشلونة يستمر مع الفريق لمدة عقد من الزمان

كشفت تقارير صحفية أن أحد لاعبي فريق برشلونة سيوقع على عقد جديد، بشكل رسمي، يوم الأربعاء المقبل بعد توصل كافة الأطراف إلى اتفاق تام حول تلك الخطوة.

ويستعد برشلونة لخوض مباراة يوم السبت المقبل ضد جيرونا، في الجولة التاسعة من بطولة الدوري الإسباني، حيث يسعى لمصالحة جماهيره بعد السقوط أمام إشبيلية بأربعة أهداف لهدف في الجولة الماضية.

من جهة أخرى، ذكرت صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية أن فرينكي دي يونج سيوقع على عقد جديد مع برشلونة، يوم الأربعاء المقبل، حيث سيكون ساريًا لمدة 4 سنوات أخرى، أي حتى 30 يونيو 2029.

اقرأ أيضًا.. مباريات برشلونة التي سيغيب عنها داني أولمو وموقفه من الكلاسيكو

وأوضحت أن راتب دي يونج للفترة المتبقية من الموسم الحالي سيكون حسب الاتفاق القديم، بينما سيبدأ راتبه الجديد بدءًا من 1 يوليو القادم أي مع بداية موسم 2026/27.

وأشارت إلى أن قيمة الشرط الجزائي في العقد الجديد لـ دي يونج سيبلغ 500 مليون يورو بدلًا من الحالي الذي يُقدر بـ400 مليون يورو.

وانضم دي يونج إلى برشلونة قادمًا من أياكس في 2019، ومن ثم فإن عقده الجديد سيجعله لاعبًا في الفريق لمدة عقد من الزمان.

Jemma Botha: If you don't have nerves in a semi … you're not human

The South Africa opener scored a 24-ball 37 to lead her team to victory against Australia in the semi-final of the Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup

ESPNcricinfo staff31-Jan-2025

Jemma Botha laid a solid foundation as South Africa made it to the U-19 World Cup final•ICC via Getty Images

Jemma Botha admitted being nervous heading out to bat with South Africa chasing 106 against Australia for a place in the Women’s Under-19 World Cup final, but said talking to head coach Dinesha Devnarain and having Simone Lourens alongside calmed her.”I think before the game I spoke to the coach because I was really nervous. But nerves are good. It means that we care,” Botha said after South Africa’s five-wicket win. “And I think if you don’t have nerves going into a semi-final, then you’re not human. Going out to bat with Simis [Lourens] is always nice. I think we complement each other in many ways. She really helps with a lot of my anxiety and my nerves.”Botha came storming out, smashing five fours and two sixes in her 24-ball 37 to set up a solid foundation for the chase. Riding on her knock, South Africa raced to 50 for 2 in the powerplay which made the task easier for the rest of the batters. Captain Kayla Reyneke shepherded the team towards the finishing line.Related

Van Wyk, Botha outclass Australia as South Africa reach maiden final

There were a few nervy moments at the end but South Africa won rather comfortably with 11 balls to spare.”Simis going early was… I had a stressful moment there, but then I knew that it wasn’t about my stress or Simis’ wicket because there are still other batters and it’s not about us, it’s for the country,” Botha said. “And I think the country really needed us to go to the final and they need us to win it. So I’m happy that we can do this for them.”There was a lot of nerves and anxiety throughout the batting innings, but I’m glad that we [are] in the final.”This will be South Africa’s maiden appearance at the Women’s Under-19 World Cup final. They failed to make it to the semi-final in 2023 on run-rate but this time they have had an undefeated run in the tournament.”I think the 2023 group feels it the most because missing out due to net run rate is not the best thing,” Botha said. “And a lot of the management really deserve it because they put in so much hard work and so many hard hours.”I think us coming off and doing what they say is our way of thanking them for all that they do for us. Yeah, I think [the] 2023 group is really happy. I know some of the girls back home are watching us.South Africa will play the winner of the second semi-final between India and England in the final in Kuala Lumpur on February 2.

حقيقة تقديم شكوى ضد الزمالك بسبب محترف الفريق

كشف الإعلامي أحمد شوبير حقيقة أزمة نادي الزمالك مع فريق سوفا باكا الكيني بشأن لاعب الأبيض الحالي، بعد الأنباء التي ترددت مؤخرًا حول نية النادي الكيني التقدم بشكوى رسمية ضد القلعة البيضاء للمطالبة بحقوق مالية تتعلق بانتقال اللاعب.

وقال شوبير في تصريحات عبر برنامجه الإذاعي صباح اليوم الثلاثاء: “أمس تردد أن نادي سوفا باكا الكيني سيتقدم بشكوى ضد الزمالك بسبب مستحقات مالية تتعلق باللاعب بارون أوشينج، متحدثًا عن قصة وخلافات مالية مزعومة”.

وتابع شوبير موضحًا: “تواصلنا مع مصادر داخل نادي الزمالك، وأكدوا أن هذا الكلام غير صحيح، حيث تلقى الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم خطابًا رسميًا من الاتحاد الكيني يؤكد أن بارون أوتشنج لاعب حر، وقد تم قيده بعد فترة القيد لهذا السبب، وبالتالي لا توجد أي صحة لوجود عقد بين نادي سوفا باكا الكيني والزمالك”.

طالع أيضًا | الزمالك يوضح حقيقة رحيل جون إدوارد بعد تراجع النتائج

وأضاف: “مصدر آخر أوضح أنه قد تكون هناك بعض التفاهمات أو الاتفاقات المالية بين وكلاء اللاعب وبين الجهة التي توسطت في انتقاله إلى الزمالك، لكن حتى إن وُجدت مثل هذه الأمور، فسيتم حلها بشكل ودي، ولا توجد أي أزمة قانونية تخص نادي الزمالك في هذا الشأن”.

واختتم شوبير تصريحاته قائلاً: “هذا ما يتعلق بملف اللاعب بارون أوتشنج، وسنرى ما ستسفر عنه الأمور خلال الفترة المقبلة، خاصة وأن الاتحاد الكيني أرسل استعلامًا رسميًا يفيد بأن اللاعب حر، وهو ما يمنح الزمالك الحق في قيده، وإذا كان هناك أي جديد فسيظهر في الأيام القادمة”.

Palmeiras atualiza situação de machucados e inicia preparação para a Libertadores

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras se reapresentou na manhã desta segunda-feira (17), na Academia de Futebol, dois dias após vencer o Cuiabá por 2 a 1, no último sábado (15), no Allianz Parque, pelo Brasileirão. O elenco agora “vira a chave” e inicia a preparação para encarar o Cerro Porteño-PAR, às 21h, nesta quinta-feira (20), no Morumbi, pela segunda rodada da fase de grupos da Libertadores.

> Veja tabela e classificação da Libertadores-2023 clicando aqui

No trabalho desta manhã, os jogadores que começaram a última partida entre os titulares e atuaram por mais de 45 minutos seguiram o cronograma de atividades regenerativas na parte interna do centro de excelência. O restante do grupo disputou um coletivo em campo reduzido com a participação de diversos jovens da base.

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O goleiro Vinicius Silvestre, preservado dos últimos dois jogos em razão de mialgia na coxa esquerda, participou sem restrições da atividade específica para goleiros com os preparadores da posição. O lateral-esquerdo Piquerez, evoluindo em seu processo de transição física, realizou trabalho no campo integrado ao restante do elenco.

Já o meio-campista Bruno Tabata segue cronograma individualizado e fez trabalhos no campo e na parte interna. Mayke, em tratamento de entorse no tornozelo direito, e Rony, recuperando-se de uma fratura no antebraço direito, também realizaram atividades internas e no gramado sob monitoramento do Núcleo de Saúde e Performance. Jailson, que havia sido liberado para resolver problemas particulares na última semana, retornou aos treinamentos na Academia de Futebol.

>Leila Pereira evita puxões de orelha em Abel por expulsões pelo Palmeiras

Sobre Raphael Veiga, que se recuperar de lesão muscular na coxa direita, o clube não atualizou as informações. Todos esses jogadores seguem como dúvida para a partida desta quinta-feira, contra o Cerro Porteño. O prazo de seus retornos dependem da evolução diária de cada caso. Como de praxe, o Palmeiras não fala de tempo de recuperação de seus jogadores no Departamento Médico.

O Verdão ainda terá mais três atividades até a próxima quinta-feira, dia do jogo pela Libertadores. Vale lembrar que na primeira rodada, jogando na altitude de La Paz, o time de Abel Ferreira foi derrotado por 3 a 1, pelo Bolívar-BOL. Naquela oportunidade, entre as partidas da final do Paulistão, o treinador optou por escalar uma equipe toda reserva, deixando os titulares no Brasil.

CA schedule day-night Shield games to build pink-ball experience

All six teams will play one game each but none of the current Australia Test XI are likely to be available for the matches in November which coincide with the first Test

Alex Malcolm10-Oct-2024

The pink ball in focus•Getty Images

Cricket Australia has announced that three Sheffield Shield matches will be played under lights this season to give domestic Australian players exposure to day-night conditions given there will be at least one home pink-ball Test per summer moving forward.The matches have been strategically scheduled at Adelaide Oval, the Gabba and Bellerive Oval, with Adelaide and the Gabba the chosen pink-ball Test venues in recent summers.However, the timing of the matches means that none of Australia’s current Test team will get pink-ball practice before the Test summer despite most of the team playing at least one Shield match in the build-up.CA announced that South Australia and Western Australia will play a day-night pink-ball match at Adelaide Oval on November 23, just two weeks before the day-night Test between Australia and India at the same venue. However, there won’t be any current Australian Test players involved as the match clashes with the first Test in Perth.Queensland will face Victoria at the Gabba on November 24. That game could feature one or both of Michael Neser and Scott Boland who have played pink-ball Test cricket and could be in the frame to play for Australia this summer depending on the fitness of Australia’s incumbent quicks.Tasmania toss about a pink ball•Getty Images and Cricket Australia

Tasmania and New South Wales will play a late-season pink-ball day-night match at Bellerive in Hobart starting on March 15. Australia’s ODI players will have just returned from the Champions Trophy and are unlikely to be available but Nathan Lyon could be available for that game depending on how he has recovered from five Tests against India and a two-Test tour to Sri Lanka.”We are always exploring opportunities to further enhance the experience for domestic players and best-prepare them for the challenges of international cricket,” CA’s head of national teams Ben Oliver said.”Playing first-class matches at Test venues is important, and so too is exposure to day-night conditions which have become a feature of the Australian Test summer over the past decade.”With that in mind, we felt it was the right time to re-introduce day-night Sheffield Shield matches for our next group of international cricketers.”CA scheduled day-night Shield rounds consistently between 2013-14 and 2017-18, having first trialled day-night first-class cricket back in the 1990s when yellow and orange balls were used.Pink-ball games have since been reserved for Australia A, Prime Minister’s XI or CA XI matches against touring teams.

Kira Chathli, Alice Davidson-Richards guide South East Stars to brink of semi-finals spot

South East Stars advanced to the brink of a place in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy semi-finals by beating Central Sparks by 20 runs in a fluctuating encounter at Moseley.Put in, Stars totalled 270 all out from 49.5 overs, an imposing score built around a fourth-wicket partnership of 127 in 20 overs between Kira Chathli (80) and Alice Davidson-Richards (70). Katie George took 4 for 47 for Sparks and Charis Pavely 3 for 37.Sparks’ chase of the demanding target was then set back by the loss of early wickets and though they recovered boldly through Davina Perrin (50), Chloe Brewer (54) and Bethan Ellis (57), they fell short at 250 for 9.The victory means Stars will qualify for the semis if they win their last game, away to Northern Diamonds at Chester-le-Street on Saturday. Defeat there could still see them edged out of the top four if Sunrisers record a bonus-point win over Southern Vipers at Southampton.Asked to bat first, Stars lost a wicket to the 12th ball of the innings when George bowled Cloe Hill through an airy waft. Alexa Stonehouse and Phoebe Franklin added 70 in 14 overs but then fell in quick succession. Franklin, in pursuit of her seventh four, lifted Ellis to extra cover. Four balls later, Stonehouse was beaten in the flight and bowled by Pavely.Chathli and Davidson-Richards rebuilt first carefully then stylishly. The latter hit two straight sixes and the pair shared 14 fours to put their side in command before George slowed the Stars’ momentum with three quick wickets. The left-armer had Davidson-Richards caught at mid-wicket from a full toss then struck twice in four balls when Aylish Cranstone fell lbw and Emma Jones diverted an attempted pull on to her middle stump. Chathli’s polished innings ended when she hoisted Grace Potts to deep mid-wicket but Priyanaz Chatterji provided a useful late cameo of 17 off 18 balls.Sparks’ top order, without captain Eve Jones, who has joined Thunder on loan for the rest of the season, lost four wickets in the first 13 overs. Seventeen-year-old slow left-armer Tilly Corteen-Coleman dismissed openers Ami Campbell and Meg Austin, caught in the deep, in an opening spell of 5-0-14-2. Abi Freeborn edged a wide ball from Franklin to wicketkeeper Chathli. George chipped Chatterji to midwicket.Perrin reached a run-a-ball half-century but perished next ball when she lifted a shot ball from Danielle Gregory to deep midwicket. That was 104 for 5 but Brewer and Ellis rebuilt to send their side into the last ten overs needing 75 with five wickets still intact.Brewer reached her maiden half-century for Sparks from 75 balls and, after she top-edged Stonehouse to deep mid-wicket, Pavely lent Ellis further good support so that they needed 32 from the last three overs. But Paveley was run out by calm work from Chathli and when Ellis gave Stonehouse the charge and was bowled, Sparks’ gallant chase was over.

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