James O'Brien 
Wakefield Trinity recorded a dominant 26-16 victory over Leigh Leopards in the Betfred Super League play‑off eliminator, advancing to their first Super League semi‑final. The win was highlighted by tries from Smoothy, Johnstone, Vagana and Faatili, and a 500th point penalty by Max Jowitt, despite a red card for Emre Guler.
British boxer Hamzah Sheeraz has pulled out of his mandatory defence against Kazakhstan’s Janibek Alimkhanuly and given up the WBO super‑middleweight title. The decision follows a purse‑bid won by Queensberry Promotions, but the champion elected not to proceed, prompting the WBO to confirm his vacating of the belt.
York Valkyrie held off Leeds Rhinos 12‑8 at AMT Headingley Stadium in the Betfred Women’s Super League semi‑final, securing a spot in the Grand Final against Wigan Warriors. Tries from Liv Wood and Adaoha Akwiwu, plus goal‑kicking from Tara‑Jane Stanley, proved decisive, while Leeds struggled with errors and missed opportunities.
England fast bowler Brydon Carse will face no further police action after Derbyshire Police closed their assault investigation. The incident saw him arrested, de‑arrested and subsequently dropped from England’s Test and white‑ball squads, prompting comments from captain Joe Root and coach Brendon McCullum.
Oxford United issued a public apology after a newly released Campus Clothing shirt printed with “United 93” was criticised for evoking the 9/11 Flight 93 tragedy. The club said the design was intended to reference its 1893 founding year, withdrew the range and pledged to improve its approval processes.
Yorkshire bowled out Somerset for 101, winning by 185 runs at Headingley. The loss leaves Somerset with only three points, effectively ending their hopes of winning the County Championship.
Manchester United Women have endured a difficult start to the WSL, losing 2-1 to London City Lionesses and 5-0 to Chelsea. Manager Eva Olid acknowledged the constructive criticism and emphasized that the early setbacks are part of a longer-term rebuilding process as she implements a new possession‑based style.
The Buffalo Bills inaugurated their $2.2 bn Highmark Stadium with a dominant 41‑31 win over the Detroit Lions. Quarterback Josh Allen starred, accounting for four touchdowns – two on the ground and two through the air – as the Bills took an early 21‑0 lead and never looked back.
Seventeen‑year‑old Floyd Samba made a spectacular first‑team debut for Manchester City, netting two goals in a 5‑0 Carabao Cup victory over Norwich City. His performance earned him man of the match honours and drew praise from manager Enzo Maresca and former players, highlighting his potential despite the presence of stars like Erling Haaland.
England continued their strong T20 form by thrashing Sri Lanka by six wickets in Cardiff, clinching the series with a match to spare. The victory secured the series win for England, highlighting their dominance in the short‑format game.