Sports News 12:30

BULLETIN SPORTS NEWS 5 December 12:30 pm

Good day, let’s look at the latest sports news and scores

# We start off with rugby: SA Rugby’s president, Mark Alexander has reiterated that the 1.4-billion-rand investment with Ackerley Sports Group is essential for the sport’s sustainability amid economic struggles. SA Rugby faces a pivotal vote tomorrow for the investment deal, requiring a 75-percent majority for approval. Government concerns include transparency and ex-CEO Jurie Roux’s consultancy role despite past financial misconduct. Alexander says if the deal is rejected, SA Rugby vows to seek alternative investments.

More rugby news: Bulls loose forward Mpilo Gumede will miss the team’s next three matches after his red card in the United Rugby Championship match against Connacht. He was sent off for eye-gouging halfway through the second half. Gumede pleaded guilty before a disciplinary hearing, and won’t be available for his team’s next two Champions Cup games against Saracens and Northampton Saints, and the URC derby against the Sharks. Connacht flanker Sean Jansen was given a six-week suspension for his earlier red card in the same match.

# Cricket: The Proteas Women put in a commanding all-round performance to beat England by six wickets in the first one-day international in Kimberley. The visitors were bowled out for 186 with Marizanne Kapp and Annerie Dercksen taking three wickets each. In reply, captain Laura Wolvaardt scored an unbeaten 59, her 33rd ODI half-century, and Nadine de Klerk slammed an unbeaten 48 as South Africa reached the target with 70 balls to spare. The second of three ODIs takes place in Durban on Sunday.

# Golf: Defending champion Max Homa leads one of the strongest fields of the Nedbank Challenge at Sun City. The American is seeking to become the eighth player in the tournament’s history to successfully defend his title. He is joined by compatriot Will Zalatoris and Canadian duo Corey Conners and Mackenzie Hughes. Thriston Lawrence leads a strong local challenge that includes Christiaan Bezuidenhout and Erik van Rooyen. Lawrence says playing at the Gary Player Country Club is always a highlight:

# And finally, cycling: The world’s longest single-stage mountain bike race, the Desert Dash, starts in the Namibian capital of Windhoek early tomorrow morning. It will end at Swakopmund on the coast 24-hours later after a gruelling 401 kilometres across the Namib desert. Over 900 cyclists have entered for the race, which is now in its 20th year. There are 80 two-person teams, 156 four-person teams and 190 solo participants. Fifteen cyclists will also participate in the e-bike category. A new age category for over 50s was introduced this year.

Stay tuned for more news………….