SPORT | IN BRIEF
Clarets boss Laws in whine
FOOTBALL: Burnley boss Brian Laws accused Martin Olsson of diving after a 1-0 defeat to Blackburn pushed his side closer to relegation from the top flight.
David Dunn scored from the spot after Olsson tumbled over goalkeeper Brian Jensen, leaving the Clarets 19th and three points from safety. Laws said: “He took a dive, he conned the referee. It’s left us with a mountain to climb.”
Brit trio pipped in Andalucia
GOLF: Louis Oosthuizen held off a trio of British challengers to win his maiden European Tour title at the Andalucia Open.
The South African shot a final-round 63 to finish on 17 under par, three shots clear of England’s Richard Finch and Scotland’s Peter Whiteford. Finch’s fellow Englishman Robert Coles was a further two shots adrift in Malaga, in a tie with Italy’s Francesco Molinari.
Strauss hails his deputy Cook
CRICKET: England captain Andrew Strauss has hailed the “excellent job” done by his deputy Alastair Cook on the recent tour of Bangladesh.
Cook averaged 114 in two successful Tests as he stood for the skipper while he enjoyed a rest, and Strauss said: “It obviously didn’t affect his game, he batted exceptionally well and it further enhances his respect within the group. I don’t think he can faulted for anything.”
Saints enjoy Giants killing
RUGBY LEAGUE: Winger Francis Meli’s two early tries helped St Helens beat Huddersfield 24-6 for a third successive Super League victory.
Scott Grix’s fourth try of the season gave the Giants hope after they went in 10-0 down at half-time, but a Kyle Eastmond penalty and James Graham’s decisive touchdown killed off the visitors and lifted Saints into third place.