•Anthony Testa of West Coast Wheelers had a storming ride in the second round of the Kearney Cycles Connacht Mountain Bike League in Westport on Sunday when he rode to victory in the Experts’ class, beating Connacht champion Padraig Marrey (Western Lakes CC ) into second place. The race was over five rounds and Testa was well ahead after three but then was passed by Marrey when his chain broke. Amazingly he sorted out the chain, set off in pursuit, and was first to cross the line two laps later, aided by Marrey having his own mechanical problems. The next round is in Derroura, outside Oughterard, on November 22.
•The Magners League is offering one member of the public the chance to become the Magners League ‘Professional Fan’ for this current season. The many benefits include seats at Magners League games, meeting rugby stars, getting to know team managers and trainers, and travel.The winner must be available to attend matches in every round from December through to next May’s grand final. The winner will work with the Setanta Sports production team, interviewing players and fans as well as providing match summaries and his/her own blog. Applications will be taken until November 24, 2009. For further details visit http://www.bulmers.ie/profan.
•Connacht’s Sean Cronin has been named on the Irish bench for the opening game of the Guinness international series matches against Australia. The hooker will take his place as the number 2 behind former Connacht player Jerry Flannery. And in the Ireland A side, Gavin Duffy and Brett Wilkinson have been included to play Tonga in Ravenhill on Friday night. Duffy is selected at full-back, while Wilkinson is at loosehead prop in a team which is coached by Michael Bradley. Connacht out-half Ian Keatley is included among the replacements. The team will be captained by Shane Horgan and also includes experienced internationals in Peter Stringer and Neil Best.
