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Weekend wrap

Written by Big Jim

The Ashes has come to a thrilling and controversial end with England winning the series 3-0 over the Old Enemy but with plenty to think about before the return series in Australia in a few months’ time.

Having already wrapped up the series win, England employed some dubious tactics in the final Test to slow the game down with Australia on track for a much-needed win. After rain washed out the fourth day’s play, Australia made a sporting declaration to try and ensure a result (rather than a draw) but with England closing in on an unlikely victory the umpires called a halt to play due to bad light.

England has been in uproar since, insisting play should have been allowed to go on, but given their earlier go-slow tactics it’s a bit rich for them to be complaining about running out of time.

It wasn’t a great weekend for Australia in the rugby union either with the Wallabies losing the Bledisloe Cup to New Zealand for the 11th year in a row following a 27-16 loss in Wellington. Even the appointment of new coach Ewen McKenzie just before the series couldn’t inspire the green and gold who continue to lag behind their near neighbors.

It was better news for Australia in the golf with US Masters champion Adam Scott winning the opening US PGA Tour play-off event The Barclays overnight. Scott looked certain to be overhauled when he went to the clubhouse at 11-under but, remarkably, all of his rivals dropped like ten-pins and he celebrated his second big victory of the year after finishing one stroke clear of four players including Tiger Woods and Justin Rose. Sadly, our man Matt Kuchar was one of those to flop after leading the field with a round to play. Heart-breaking!

The Formula 1 returned after a three week lay-off and it was business as usual for reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel as he cruised to victory in Belgium. Vettel took the lead from pole sitter Lewis Hamilton on the opening lap and sped away to record the 31st win of his career ahead of Fernando Alonso and Hamilton. It means he now sits 46 points ahead of Alonso as he looks to secure a fourth consecutive driver’s title.