The Guardian from London, Greater London, England • 22

SPORTS GUARDIAN Thursday May 21 1981 David Lacey England 0, Wales 0 Barren England reach new low Robert Armstrong AZ'67 Alkmaar 4, Ipswich 2 (agg 4-5)' Robson's European dream comes true accepted a neat through pass from Hovenkamp, dragged the ball away from the advancing Cooper, and chipped a fine cross to the near post. Welzl, the Austrian winger, who degree of sympathy for the dejected Dutchmen who performed so bravely without ultimate reward. It was never likely that Ipswich would merely sit back and attempt to defend their three-goal lead from the first leg. but no one could have predicted that the Suffolk side would extent! the aggregate score with a priceless away goal within three minutes of the start. Ipswich's own Dutch niid-field men, Muhren and Thijssen, clearly relished the opportunity to parade their cultured skills before their compatriots in the setting of their national stadium and it was the pair's close support of their forwards, ably abetted by Wark, that gave Ipswich their early lead.

A clever interchange on the right touchline between Brazil and Thijssen culminated in a teasing cross from the Dutchman that Mel-god hastily whipped away from Wark's feet at the expense of a corner. When Gates took the flag kick from the left, the ball was only half-cleared to the edge of the penalty box and the industrious Thijssen was again on hand to send a superb volley past Treylel from 20 yards. Obviously AZ had nothing to lose bv committing everything to attack and English euphoria colourfully expressed by thousands of their valuable supporters was put in sober perspective when the Dutch quickly equalised. Their goal owed much to the composure of Metgod, who Bobby Robson realised the dream of a decade when Ipswich Town, a club he is considering leaving shortly, won their first European trophy last night. For sheer skill, tension, and courage, the game at the Olympic stadium in Amsterdam will surely rank among the most memorable Kuropean finals.

Although AZ Alkmaar ran out worthy 4-2 winners on the night, Ipswich emerged as proud possessors of the UKKA cup with a 5-4 aggregate victory that owed everything to their early commitment to attack. Apart from Hobson's delight at adding a European trophy to the FA Cup Ipswich won three years ago, it was aiso a night of personal U'iumpn for John Wark, whose first-half goal enabled the Scot to equal Altafini's European scoring record of 14 goals, set for Milan back in 1963. But even Wark's contribution, which includes a toli'I of 37 goals this season, was overshadowed bv the extraordinary display by Frans Thijssen, who wreaked havoc in the AZ defence when it really mattered. Ironically. Thijssen, like Rob-son, could also leave Ipswich in the near future.

If it takes two teams to bring unusual quality to a cup final, then AZ certainly played their part despite conceding a quick goal and trailing by an aggregate total of four goals shortly after the kick-off. "When the Ipswich players paraded the trophy they had retrieved from the ruins of the elusive treble before the joyful hordes of blue and white, one had to feel a pair meet, and gradually retreated. The Tottenham player pro duced several long penetrating passes but no shots of note. Rix had another of his frustratingly patchy games. Wilkins began full of authority but faded once more.

Coppell and Barnes wertj effective only in spasms. England's best player in de fence and attack was Sansoni, the only man in the team to give a performance of truly international quality, although Anderson inspired some of the better attacks on the right flank, Watson, cautioned in the first half after a series of spoiling fouls, often struggled for pace and Robson looked sufficiently vulnerable at the back to suggest that his real place is in midfield. Wales were much as expected! with Flynn. Nicholas and Thomas giving them speed and versatility between thhe penalty areas. James, until he was re placed by Rush in the second, half, played deep, concentrating on opening up the left wing with early passes rather than individual sprints and one of these should have brought Wales a goal in the 56th minute Flynn was given a clear run past Anderson.

Thomas then gained possession and scuttled; past Robson to the byline. Ha slipped the ball back, only for Walsh to shoot wide with the England defence completely exposed. Ten minutes from the end Giles, who had come on for Harris, outpaced Watson as he collected a through ball from Nicholas and beat the advancing Corrigan only to see his shot roll past the left-hand post. The closest England came to scoring was 14 minutes from the end when a header from Sansom was blocked on the goalline by Phillips. In the 83rd minute Woodcock, who had replaced Withe a little earlier-just failed to make contact with a low centre from Wilkins that reached him almost on the Welsh line.

A goal then would have given England much relief but little satisfaction and after last night the lesson is clearer than ever-At international level there is no substitute for skill and belligerent gestures are no substitute for goals. All this and the Scots still to come to Wembley. ENGLAND. Corriaan (Man. City) Anderson (Nottm Forest).

Watson (Southampton) (capt.l, Robson (WBA). Sansom (Arsenal). Noddle (Spurs). Wilkins (Man. Utd).

Ri (Arsenal); Coppell (Man Utd). Withe (Astcn Villa). Barnes (WBA) WALES: Divies (Wrexham), Ritcliffi (Everton). Jones (Wrexham). Nicholas (Arsenal).

Phillips (Swansea). Price (Luton), Hirris (Leeds). Flynn (Leeds, captain), Walsh (Crystal Palace). Thomas (Manchester United). Giles (Swansea).

Referee: B. R. McGinley (Scotland). WAITING FOR WITHE Phillips, left, and Nicholas of Wales are well prepared for the England centre-forward's aerial challenge at Wembley picture by Kenneth Saunders Stein keeping the fires low Patrick Barclay on the Scotland team to face England at Wembley on Saturday All Star match off singling out Sturrock for his success against an Irish defence that had frustrated Scotland in a world Cup tie at Hampden two months earlier. Paradoxically, the Dundee United striker is unlikely to play on Saturday, when Joe Jordan can be expected to return after suspension and resume his partnership with Steve Archibald.

Stein will probably bring back Alan Rough in goal, not as a reflection on Thomson buL as a kindness to the younger man, since Wembley is notorious as the Scottish goalkeepers' graveyard. With experienced midfield players in short supply, despite John Walk's offer to make himself available. Stewart and the stylish Tommy Burns probably have a better chance of retention, although Stein may attempt to stiffen the Scots' resistance by bringing back-Kenny Burns for a match in which the avoidance of failure may be seen as a reasonable priority. Goals continue to elude England at Wembley and after last night's 0-0 draw with Wales the World Cup hardly seems worth mentioning. Having failed to score in three successive home games England are now suffering their most barren sequence since internationals began in 1872 when players wore caps and knickerbockers but tended to have more success in achieving football's main object, the goalless original notwithstanding.

The latest performance by Hon Greenwood's team seldom gave the impression -of history in the making. While Hungary were winning 2-1 in Norway to draw level on points with England at the top of their World Cup group, strll holding the advantage of a game in hand. Greenwood's latest formation produced little evidence to suggest that the coming qualifying matches in Basle and Budapest are likely to yield anything other than further disappointments. Watched by the lowest crowd at Wembley for a full international since Greenwood took over as manager four years ago, England failed to follow up their promising display against Brazil by beating Wales at home for the first lime in eight years. Brazil had given England space but denied them the ball, hast night England had more possession overall but lacked the accuracy to penetrate a well-organised Welsh defence.

Not until the last half-hour when Wales, tiring visibly, had lost their earlier rhythm did England look like scoring. Until Greenwood announces his squad this morning it is hard to say just how relevant to England's next World Cup games this latest faltering performance will be. Last night Coppell and Barnes resumed their wide-ranging roles and Withe was again surging hopefully through the middle, this time on the chance of forcing Price into costly errors. It was even more obvious that without the sort of close, skilful support he enjoys from Shaw at Aston Villa. Withe will usually be less than effective against defenders who know their business.

Surely Greenwood must still be hoping that Francis and even Keegan prove sufficiently fit to make the trips to Switzerland and Hungary. There was little of comfort for the England manager last night. Hoddle began the game by pushing up in support of Withe but was chased and chivvied by Thomas, which is usually the case whenever the GOLF Belle's record Belle Robertson, the 45-year-old former Curtis Cup captain, broke the Stranraer course record with a one-under-nar 73 yesterday to lead the qualifiers the bcollisn women uoii I Championship. She also showed that. 26 vears after first play ing in the event, she is still very much a force in the "a me.

The Dunaverly golfer's total of 152 put her one stroke iC 1'ict rnnnpr-nn. nr (Voioii. Tlill ind the 1979 champion, Gillian Stewart of Inverness. The Surrey champion Debbie Howling shot her second successive 77 over the long t'ots-wold Hills course to head the list of 32 players who qualify for the final match-play stages of the English Women's Amateur Championship. She led lanet Melville, the first-round eader, who could only manage a five-over-par SO yesterday, by (wo strokes, The best' round of the day came from the defending Beverley New.

The 20-vear-old from Bristol, having had an 81 in the first round, recorded a 76 yesterday to be in a tie with three other players on SCOTTISH WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP (Stranraer). Leading qualifiers: 1o2 Mrs I Robertson Dimavtrtyi it i Stewart (Inverness) 77. 76- 153 Ai ken i Anderson i i ii "iool- 1 tOW Ran urly) 78 77 158 Mib Iw dridqe (Wenlworth) 03 75. A (B.lra!sie) 83. 75.

159 P. Wriqht lAl.one (Craiqe Hill) 76 77 81. 78. 161-Dr M. Richmond I K.imaco.rnr 80.

81. ENGLISH WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP (Cot.wold Hills) Leading qualifiers: 14, Mf j. Meiv.iie Furne n. ap. a.

r- ,,,,,,.11 Biown (Hayilock Park! 7B 71 L. L. lu.eii "smnqdaie) 76 ui. o. Park aiii- erook) 79 78: e.

New Lansdun 81 76. 7ii. c. Bjrker (Hartlepool) 79. 82 N.

Holloway 'Hunter-combe) 79 82: K. Doimlas (Low Asiuoni 79 mri iiinupiilf lU ftMEHntlCUlD Dni.nl VVCL3n HUniCn 3 unnniriunJiiir ww.w. St David's. Harlech). First Round M.

Rawlinqs (BaigociD beat S. Jump (Bui Bat) 4 and 3 P. Bumell (Holyhead) Heat Mrs M. Hutchinson (Ryl 51 David's) 6 and 5 Mrs B. Chambers (Mm) beat A.

Marie Maqee (Holyhead) 5 and 3 Mrs B. Cramp (Tenby) beat iVlrs Haye (Wiexham) 6 and 5 Mrs V. Thomas (Pennard) beat Mrs M. Fleming (Caernarvonshire) 8 and 7 Mrs A. Brians (Ryl Liverpool) beat Mrs J.

Brown (Rye) 6 and 5 P. Strange (Aberqele) beat D. Richards (Bargoed) 1 hole: S. Rowlands (Prestatyn) beat Mi.s N. Wriqhl (Ryl St David's) 2 holes; W.

Griffiths (Ryl St David's) beat Lop-i theme CVton) 3 and 2 9. Whitley (Wrexham) beat Mrs (Holyhead) 1 hole L. Isherwood (Ryl Porth- cav.l) beat J. Richards (Radyr) 2 holes Hump slhT Ma, yati lKL1 Ha (winvoe Bradley Barqoed beat Jroop Wenvoe David's) beat Mrs A. (Ryl Forth-: cav.il i and i u.

rrees ii-auyri ueai Jenkins If. vhj And 4 Mrs T. Thomas (Wenvoe uaslie) ueat wys ut 6 and 4. Second Round Miss Rawlinqs beat Mrs Bumell 4 and 3 Mrs Chambers M'S Strange 3 and 2 Miss Rowlands bMt MfS Cramlj 2 am) Mr, Thomas beat Miss Griffiths 4 and 3 Mrs Brigo; heal Mrt U)hillpv 7 and 1 Miss Isherwoou heat Mrs Humolueys 2 and 1 Mrs Sheldon beat Mrs Biadlev 4 and 3 Miss Rees beat Thmnas 1 hole. CARLSBERG WOMEN'S TOURNAMENT (Queen's Park, Bournemouth) First round leaders.

76, C. Panton (S Herts). 77, K. Ehrnlund (Swe). 78.

B. Cooper (Orsetl). 8. Huke (Dalmahoy). M.

Thomson (Ellis and McHardv) D. Reid (Ladybank), B. Lewis 'G. S. Last).

79, T. Fernando (Sri Lanka), C. Trew (Mere). C. Lanoford (British Car AuctionO.

P. ChuDQ (St Pierre). S. Latham (William Construction), S. Le Veque 'USA).

S. Galbraith (Aust). A. Middleton (Sunningdale), S. Moon (US).

I I I i I i I i Yesterdav's decision means that Northern Ireland will not play any sort of game at home during the Championship. In an FA statement yesterday, the secretary Ted Croker pointed out that the names of only eight players to make the trip to Belfast had been submitted to the FA. Of these, seven had the subsequent approval of their clubs to go, and the other player decided jointly with his club not to go. A different kind of dispute is looming between Plymouth Argyle and Blackburn Rovers. The Devon club are to refuse permission for Blackburn to offer Bobby Saxton the vacant manager's job at Ewood Park.

Instead they will hold a special board meeting tomorrow in an attempt to persuade the 37-year-old Saxton to slay. Engel sinking it makes thein more likely to go through. Neither Middlesex nor Northamplonshire ars out of the competition for certain and mathematics is too complex for that kind of thing but their prospects of qualifying are now very remote indeed. At Lord's, there were soft echoes of the Centenary Test. The square was playable all right and there had been less than an hour's rain in two days but that included an almighty thunderstorm yesterday breakfast time which sent water sweeping down the hill there is a 7 foot 6 inches drop from the Grandstand to the Tavern and made the water table, already exceptionally high for May, higher still.

If the Edgbaston inotorised covers can be made to work effectively. Lord's will be very interested. Gloucestershire are trying even more desperate measures. They have switched today's match with Nottinghamshire from waterlogged Bristol to the Wingel ground at Gloucester. There are not excelled as substitute in the first leg, scored with a firm downward header.

The battle for possession fluctuated wildly throughout the half as both sides put the respective goalkeepers under severe pressure with a series of high quality attacks that lacked nothing in entertainment. Certainly AZ did their utmost to take an iron grip on the second leg with further goals in the 25th and 40lh minute. However Ipswich struck again with a deserved goal midway between the Dutch efforts that enabled them to retain the overall initiative. No doubt Ipswich were less than satisfied with the marking and positional play of their centre backs. Butcher and Osman, as the ubiquitous Metgod rose unhampered to head home a right-wing cross by Peters who found himself ample space near the byline.

Ipswich again lacked defensive cover on their right when Metgod chipped a fine cross that Jonker flicked on for Tol to score off the inside of the left post. Fortunately on several occasions Ipswich had, almost casually, split open the AZ rearguard and their second goal in the 32nd minute had the effect of leaving the Dutch with a mountain still to climb. In a game that often seemed under the creative control of Dutchmen at both ends, it was Thijssen who took a corner on the right that Mariner headed on for Wark to hook home at close range. AZ fought desperately to save the final, After the interval they enjoyed superior territorial dominance, partly because of the striker Kist. who came on as substitute for Tol and immediately gave his side greater central penetration.

When Ipswich conceded a free kick outside their penalty area, the defensive wall had ample time to form up but Jonker bent his kick inside the left-hand post from fully 30 yards to score one of the finest goals seen in this season's competition. Alkmaar Treylel, Reynders Spelbos. Metqod. Hovenkamp. Peters.

Welzl. Arntz. Jonker. Nyqaard. Tol.

Ipswich Cooper. Mills. McCall. Thijssen. Osman, Butcher.

Wark. Muhren, Manner, Brazil. Gates. Rtf: W. Eschweiler (GDR).

slowly even any seals installed and admission will be free. Middlesex did try to move the Sussex game to Uxbridge but that was after the scheduled start and the Test and County Cricket Board turned them down. It is a relief that two days is now the maximum sitting around time for these matches instead of three. It is depressing enough anyway. Someone has felt so irritable that they have given Wisden its first, bad review, on the walls of the pressbox loo.

This is the new Almanack Wisden. About all those cricketing bods. In which Woodcock talks onlv to Swanton And Swanton talks only to God. Frank Hayes is to have a fitness tost before Lancashire pick their side to meet Derbyshire at Old Trafford today. He broke a finger a week ago.

Jack Bond, the Lancashire manager, said: Hayes has had more treatment and a specialist has given him the all-clear, providing there is no reaction." valiant model of judicious hitting while it lasted. Twice he struck Asif for six and his innings of 25 ended when Underwood made his late arrival and promptly held a return catch. Asif conceded 18 runs, including two successive wides as Glamorgan glimpsed late hopes of outwitting Kent's collective wiles. They were left to score 13 off the last over, and it was never going to be achieved at least some cricket was belatedly seen. KENT R.

A. Woolimr Miandad Ontong 14 M. Bensen Nash Lloyd 8 C. J. Tavari Francis Nash 21 C.

S. Cowdrey A. Jones Ontong 3 Asil Iqbal A. Jones Moseley 6 J. N.

Shepherd Moseley 13 A. P. E. Knott Miandad Moseley 4 G. W.

Johnson not out 4 G. R. Oilley Moseley 0 0. L. Underwood not out 2 Extras (lb 5) Total (for 8.

15 oitrs) 80 FaH of wickets: 17. 28, 46, 56. 57, 75, bid not bat: K. B. S.

Jarvls. Ontario 3-011-2; Batwick 3-0-23-0; Lloyd 3-0-12-1; Moseley 3-1-8-4; Nash 3-0-21-1. GLAMORGAN J. A. Houini run out 6 Javed MiaTdad Knott Shepherd 1 N.

G. Featheistone Shepherd Woolmer 8 R. C. Ontong Shepherd 14 A. Joni' and Underwood 25 D.

A. Francis Sheotierd Asif 0 E. Jones Knott Woolmer 0 E. Molesey run out 4 M. A.

Haiti Tavari Dilley 2 B. J. Lloyd not out 2 S. R. Barwldi not out i Extras (lb 4.

4) 8 Total (or 9. 15 iters) 71 Fall of wickets: 7, 8, 28, 35, 35, 41, 65. 65. 69. Bowling: Oilley 3-0-16-1; Shepherd 3-1-6-2: Jartls 3-O-10-O; Woolmer 3-1-7-2; Asif 2-0-22-1; Underwood 1-0-3-1.

Umpires: 0. R. Shepherd and A. G. T.

Whitehead, Those clips of Brazil's 2-1 win in West Germany were enough to give even Scottish football a sense of perspective, so in a way Jock Stein was anticipating the national mood when he played down his team's comfortable victory over Northern Ireland on Wednesday night. Bring on the English." may have been predictable cry from some at Hampden Park, but for the majority of the 22,000 crowd and those who watched the highlights on TV, the memory of Saturday's dismal defeat at Swansea was surely too fresh to disappear. Scotland, who have lost only one of their seven matches this season without ever giving a totally convincing performance, are being forced by the absence of Liverpool and Ipswich Town players to experiment during the Home Internationals and Stein wants judgments to be formed in this context. It wasn't the end of the world when we got beaten on AN AWFUL lot has happened to Dirk Wellham in just a few months. At the start of the last Australian season no one had heard of him, yet within weeks he had hit a 100 in his first innings for New South Wales, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and after playing in only five first-class matches he was chosen to tour England.

Wellham may not have the tall, strong good looks of the Boy's Own hero. He is fairly small, just 5 ft 8 ins. slightly and deceptively frail looking with neat blond hair, a six-month old moustache and. after a slightly shy start, an easy, relaxed manner which is in no way brash and yet makes him seem older than He is a serious young man who is determined to be successful on the cricket, field. He is also a qualified high school teacher, having taken a degree at Sydney University, in English and History, although by his own smiling confession, he is not now so much a dedicated teacher as a dedicated cricketer.

Probably the most striking thing about Wellham is Uncomplete lack of side or conceit about his extraordinarily fast progress. One felt that he was almost embarrassed when I asked him how he felt when he woke up in the morning and realised that he was now a full member of the Australian side louring England. I couldn't believe It at first. It's something you sit. back and look at and don't think you'll ever experience.

But when I got here I was determined to do well and I set myself certain goals for the tour. I want to do well from the start and to play as many Tests as I can. I've already found that the problems of batting are different in England. I was out to the first ball I faced from a medium paeer. At Arundel, Bob Woolmer bowled me an off-cutter which went through and bowled me.

I've got to work on getting my foot CRICKET SCOREBOARD No Play Yesterday BENSON AND HEDGES CUP. Middlesex v. Sussex at Lord's: Northamptonshire v. Leicestershire at Northampton. Each side took one point.

HOLTS TOUR MATCH. Hampshire v. Australians at Southampton, SZCOND XI COMPETITION. Leicestershire v. Northamptonshire at Leicester: Sussex i.

Middlesex at Hove: Yorkshire v. Lancashire at Harrouate. Starting Today BENSON AND HEDGES CUP (11.0 to 7.30). Essex y. Combined Universities at Chelmsford: Gloucestershire v.

Nottingham-shirt at Glouctsttr (Winntt Grounds); Lancashire v. Derbyshire at Old Tralford; Leicestershire v. Worcestershire at Leicester: Minor Counties v. Sussex at Slough: Somerset v. Kent at Taunton; Surrey v.

Middlesex at The Oval: Yorkshire v. Scotland at Brad-lord. HOLT PRODUCTS TROPHY. Hampshire v. Australia (11.30 to G.30).

SECOND XI CHAMPIONSHIP. Kent v. Glamorgan at Folkestone; Nottinghamshire v. Warwickshire at Trent Bridge; Sussex v. Middlesex at Hove.

Nottinghamshire bring in Kevin Cooper for for Peter Hacker and add Mike Harris to the 12: P. A. Todd, R. T. Robinson.

D. W. Rindall, C. E. B.

Rice (captain), B. Hassan, M. J. Haris. J.

D. Birch. B. U. French (wicket-keeper).

R. J. Hadlee, E. E. Hem-mings, E.

Cooper, M. N. Ball, Saturday." he said, "and it's not the start of a new one just because we have won this time." As ever, Stein is trying to keep down the temperature of debate and with his team obviously in no-man's-land, people seem to accept that this is the only wise course. It will, nevertheless, prove a difficult one to follow at Wembley this weekend. Public opinion demands that the manager field his strongest available side against England, which may mean dropping at least two of the inexperienced players who emerged unscathed from the Northern Ireland match.

Stein was happy with the performances of Paul Sturrock, Tommy Burns. Ray Stewart, and Billy Thomson, A Dirk with an edge WELLHAM have to adjust" across and into line. I soon saw that I had to adjust. It wasn't an encouraging start, but I'd like to have another crack at him." His determination was evident as he spoke. Wellham first watched Grade cricket with his family when he was three.

"Ever since 1 can remember I've always wanted to be out in the middle. I managed to work my way up through the intermediary and Grade sides and played first Grade cricket for Wests (Western Suburbs) when I was 10 under Bobby Simpson. 1 think 1 got close to the State side when I was IS, but in the weeks I had a chance I didn't seem to get a score." Simpson became Wellham's mentor. I used to work on a few things with him, especially fielding. He taught me to keep my eye on the ball and to Benson and Hedges Cup Group Tables GROUP A NR Pts 2 2 0 0 4 3 1113 2 10 13 Nottinghamshire Gloucestershire Leicestershire Northamptonshire Worcestershire 3 0 12 2 0 2 0 0 GROUP I NR Pts I Yorkshire 2 2 0 0 Derfjyshlri 3 1113 Warwickshire 3 1113 Lancashire 2 1 1 0 2 Scotland 2 0 2 0 0 GROUP I Kent 2 2 0 0 4 1 Glamorgan 3 1 1 1 3 Ersex 21102I Somerset 2 1 1 0 2, Lomomed univ 3 0 2 1 1 GROUP NR Pts Minor Counties 2 10 13 Hampshire 3 1113 Sussex 2 10 13 Middlesex 3 0 12 2 Surrey 2 0 111 A Pts Second XI Competition FOLKESTONE.

Kent (first innings) 274 for 8 dec. (L. Seef 94). Glamorgan first innings) 15 for 0. NOTTINGHAM.

Warwickshire (Fttst innings) 75 for 5 Nottinghamshire. The proposed match between All Star team and Northern Ireland in Belfast tomorrow night was called off yesterday, adding to the discord between the Football Association and the Irish FA. Irish officials said they could no longer arrange the game between Jimmy Hill's team of internationals and Northern Ireland at Windsor Park because of administrative difficulties and they accused the FA of "dragging their feet" over giving permission for the All Star side to play. The match had been proposed earlier this week by Hill, the Coventry chairman, and Manchester United's Lou Macari to fill the gap created bv England and Wales pulling out of their British Championship fixtures in the Province. ROUNDUP Matthew Holders CRICKET Middlesex, the favourites, and Northamptonshire, the holders, were the most prominent victims yesterday of the weather, which this year has taken a particular dislike to the Benson- and Hedges Cup.

The two counties, who met last year in a marvellous semi-final, have had identical traumas in this year's competition: a one-wicket defeat in the opening match followed by two abject washouts. Northamptonshire's game with Leicestershire was despatched with one look at the wicket; Middlesex v. Sussex lingered on through iwo-hourly inspections in which it was clear that Mike Brear-ley was considerably more enthusiastic about playing than anyone else. It was five o'clock before Brearley gave up. The abandonments suited Sussex and Leicestershire who have both won a game; David Foot at Cardiff Moseley's After the thunder, the lightning at Cardiff came from Glamorgan's young Barbadian Ezra Moseley, who still found time in his allocated three overs, in this restricted Benson and Hedges match to complete his first hat trick in this country.

But it was not enough Kent, competent as ever, won by nine runs. Play did not start till 5.40 p.m., and then after considerable deliberations. Eventually another wicket was chosen and the press were turned into willing exiles as the sight-screens were switched to obscure the view. They were still well placed to see Moseley's dismissal of Knolt. Shepherd and Dilley, and he went on to make sure of his Gold Award.

Kent innings, full of alien strokes and apologetic shrugs, never really looked as though it was going to be enough. Woolmer had one lively little flurry including a shamefaced six to long leg. Tavare, still fresh from agressive one-day deeds at Huddersfield. seemed the likeliest to stay and so he did until the reliable Francis grasped the ball deep at mid-wicket. Earleir, Francis had done the same but indicated that he was already over the.

improvised boundary. Glamorgan mostly held on to their catches, several of them off skiers that belonged more to the hop fields than Canterbury. Ontong bowled straight he hat trick not enough move my feet quickly, which was a mark of his own fielding. I was a slip fielder in those days, but now I am at cover where the same principles apply. Bobby Simpson and I use to have a fair few practice sessions together when he would tell me about things in detail.

He laught me to analyse bowlers, to work out how a bowler is trying to get you out. He taught me about leg-side play and the simple matter of slotting the weight on to the front foot. He also talked aliruii lln nhilosnnhv nf hattinu and what you re trying to do out in the middle. I'm probably stronger on tile back foot and I like to be aggressive if I can. although 1 try and bat according to cir cumstances.

I've always been lucky, too, in that I'm able to concentrate and build big scores as a result. I think it probably comes from not wanting to get out and batting is easier when you've got 50." I asked what was the main difference between players at this level and tli6.se iii Grade cricket. "I've played with people of similar ability before. But these guys here are able to turn it on and off wnen iney want, me main uu- ference between them and the I rest is their determination to I succeed and to concentrate, i They've all worked pretty hard at it." How did it feel to be in England It's all very new and I'm a little worried how I shall go. I had one luckv break in that first 100 for NSW, for I was dropped behind off Max Walker when 50 and I realised the importance of luck.

Coming into the Australian touring party 1 feel I've got to make imnrpintl slr.liwrit "It's a question' of working out a balance between enjoying myseit nere ana playing cricket." I do not think Well- ham will have too much of a problem, ri i i Henrv Blnfe I Evening racing- RIPOIM G.30 50 1. HERE'S SUE, S. Jarvls (7-1 fav); 2. Mrs Love It (33-1). 3.

Fan Dane (9-1). 10 ran (A. Jarvis). Tote: 18p. 58p, 17p.

Dual 10.84. CSF: 5.95. G.55 (51) 1. GOLDEN WILKIE. 0.

Gray (3-1); 2. Miss Prudent (10-1); 3. Reinforce (7-1). 10 ran (B. Wilkinson).

Tote: 57p; )8p. 25p. 15p. Dual 4.75. CSF: 2.19.

NR: Carrolls. Slanc Sparkler. Cot.ain Express (11-4 fav) and Lady Stittenham (20-1) withdrawn, not under i orders. Rule 4 applied to all bets. Deduct 2l' 111 lllc 7.20 (Urn) i RFFf-MMnnn cffiiFR.

A. li.i tr.u.i:. 3, Top Reef (7-2 Jt-Fav). The Small Uincie 7-2 Ji-Fjv 12 ran (K Stone). 1 To it B5- 69u 14o 17d Dual F- 19 75 CSF 13 10 Lsr.

lu.iu. 7.50 (1m 1. HISSING SID Cai lisle r79i- TuiiElt (100-3(1 Fav)- 3. Abaliul'it 12 ran (R. Hollinqsliead).

I Tote 32p; 17p, 18p, 46p. Dual 53p. CSF 1.61 8.20 (Of): 1. EFFECT, R. Hills (9-4 fav).

2. Renovate (7-1); 3. In Rhythm (9-1). 12 ran N. Callahan).

Tote: 30D; 16p. 33p. 20p. Dual 3.46. CSF: 1.90.

8.S0 (1m 1f) 1. FINE SUX N. Howe (3-1 it fav) 2, Milk of the Barley (10-1); 3, Cracking Form (3-1 it lav). Sula Bula 3-1 it fav. 15 ran (Miss S.

Hall). Tote 48p 17p, 16p, 13p Dual 3.54. CSF 3.27. PLACEPOT: 15.23. RESULTS Soccer BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP England (0) 0 Wales (0) 0 (Wembley.

34.280) WORLD CUP. Qualifying matches EUROPEAN GRUUP 4 Norway (01 1 Hungary (0) 2 Tiioiesen; Kiss (2) (Oslo) Group standing A Pts Enqlanil 4 2 1 1 7 3 5 Hungary 3 2 1 0 5 3 5 Rumann 4 12 13 3 4 Norway 4 1 1 2 4 8 3 Switzerland 3 0 1 2 4 6 1 Next match: Switzerland v. England. May 30. Asia-Oceania Group 1 Australia (2) 2 Indonesia (0) 0 Koimina.

Dav.dson (Melbourne) Group Standings A Pts 0 11 3 8 15 5 3 0 0 0 1 2 0 4 0 10 4 0 Zealand Australia 5 3 2 3 1 1 1 0 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 Taiwan Indonesia nther thrfp Aua-fktania arouas Saudi winners will meet winners Arabia. Kuwait, and China in play-off to decide two qualifiers for 1982 finals. UEFA CUP. Final: Second Leg AZ'67 Alkmaar (3) 4 Ipswich (21 2 Welzl Uleliiod Tol Jenifers: Thvssen War! (Amste-dJBU 23.500) (Ipswich win 5-4 on acq) EUROPEAN U.21 CHAMPIONSHIP. Norway 1.

Ccimaiiy 1. Cycling PEACE RACE. 12th Stage (Opole-Lodz. 12-lnils). 1.

S. (USSR) Ihr 59nun 15.ec; 2, 0. Ltidwig tE Ger) 4-59-47: 3. G. Mitchell (Britain) 4-59-49.

Overall standings. 1. Zaqretd.nov 43-59-06. 2. S.

Sukhoruchenkov (USSR) 44-04-50; 3. I. WiihCienko (USSR) 44-06-21. TOUR OF ITALY. Sixth stage (Rodi Gar-r qaniccr Er.ri 136 miles).

1. G. Saronni (It 6hr 19m. 2 P. Kehl (W.

Ger.) same time: 3, P. Rosola (It.) same time. Overall standings: 1, G- Saronni (It.) 32lir 27min. 27sec 2 P. Moser (It.) 32-2''.

51 3. G. Brawl (Vf. Ger.) 32-28-15. Tennis ITALIAN OPEN (Rome) V.

Gerulaitis (US) beat B. Prajoux (Chile) 4-3 (ret hurt); J. L. Clerc (Arq) heat J. Fitzqerald (Aus) 6-2, 6-3; M.

Ostoja (Yuqo) beat Z. Franulouic lYugo) 7-6. 6-5; A. (Sp) beat P. McNamee (Aust) 6-4.

6-3: G. Vilas (Aral beat A. Giammaiva (US) 6-1. 6-2; V. Pecci (Para) beat T.

Tulasn F' 3-- S-2' f-3-' p- McNamara (Aust) J. Lopes-Maeso (Sp) 6-1. 6-4; A. Tom Gulkson 6-0. 6-2: E.

Oibbs (US) beat C. Moltram yjs) Martinel (Bol) beat B. Manson 6-4. 7(, i. (C2h) beat F.

Tayoan (US) be beat R. Faqel (US) o-i. J. niuerjs tap Deal ivi. 0 BAVARIAN MEN'S TOURNAMENT (Munich) Third Round: B.

Watts beat S. Dentuiv (US) 6-4 6-4. C. Roller Vasseliri (Fra) beat C. F.ess (Fra) 6-2.

6-3: U. Plnntr (W Cer) beat D. Schneider 15! 6-4, t-2. W. GERMAN WOMEN'S OPEN (Berlin).

Second Round T. Austin (US) beat K. Sands (US) 7-5. 6-1 D. Jeavons (Britain) beat A.

Villaqran (Arq) 7-6. 6-4 S. Barker (Britain) beat R. Fairbauk (SA) 6-3. 2-6, 7-6 J.

Durie (Britain) beat P. Meiirado (Bra) 2-6. 6-4, 6-1. Ice Hockey NATIONAL Best of Seven Series: Minnesota North Stars 4, New York Islanders 2. (Islanders lead 3-1).

Sailing FREMANTLE TO BALI RACE. 1 Pilgrim (T. Ratlen, Aus) 144hr 38min 39sec; 2, Battle (R. Murphy. Aus) 148-01-32; 3, Sulphur 'A.

Newman, Aus) 150-04-0. Athletics REPRESENTATIVE MATCH (Perry Barr). 1, Northern Counties 224 pts; 2, Midland Counlle-. 197: 3 RAF 170. CLUB MATCH (Motspur Park).

1, Blackhcath 2, London Univ 3, Royal Navy 29. NVtball TOUR MATCH. Robura 37, England 45. Speedway BRITISH LEAGUE. Hull 46 (B Sanders 12.

I. r.Uiqef 11). Eastbourne 32 (K. Moran 12. G.

Kennett 12). Baseball NATIONAL LEAGUE. Cincinnati Reds 5, Chicago Cubs Pittsburqh Pirates 5. Atlanta Braves St Louis Cardinals 15. Houston Astros 12; San Dieqo Padres 3.

Montreal Expos San Francisco Giants 4. New York Mets Philadelphia Phillies 3. Los Anqeles Dodoerr 2. AMERICAN LEAGUE. Boston Red Sox 4.

Seattle Mariners Cleveland Indians 7, California Angels Detroit Tiqers 14. Texas Ranqers Baltimore Orioles 6. Oakland A'f Toronto Blue Jays 9. Chicaqo White Sox Milwaukee Brewers 4, Minnesota Twins 1j New York Yankees 6. Kansas City Royals I 4 EZRA MOSELEY: Gold Award and well, but it was the whippy Moseley who demonstrated that three overs was all needed in returning a significant four for eight.

When it was Glamorgan's turn to bat, Hopkins was run out in the first over and they were going uneasily at 41 for six after Shepherd had taken two finely-judged catches. He had himself, just before, produced one of the rare maidens and taken one of his two wickets with a brilliant vintage catch behind by Knott. Alan Jones has perhaps neither the mobility nor youth for. such a jaunt. But this was a.