FOOTBALL: Southampton midfielder Steven Davis believes even the club’s most committed fans will not begrudge Rickie Lambert his dream move to Liverpool.

The England striker left St Mary’s to join his boyhood team this week for £4 million, completing a remarkable rise through the divisions to the Champions League.

“I think he has deserved this move, I don’t think anyone will begrudge him it and I am delighted for him personally,” said Davis.

CRICKET: Liam Plunkett picked up four wickets as Yorkshire made short work of Northamptonshire on the final day to record their third County Championship win of the season.

Hosts Northamptonshire began on 66 for three in pursuit of an improbable 432 for victory but, even with a delayed start to proceedings, they only lasted until mid-afternoon before being bowled out for 160.

FOOTBALL: Club captain Michael Dawson has distanced himself from a move away from Tottenham and believes the team can challenge for a place in the top four under new manager Mauricio Pochettino.

“I have been at Tottenham for nine-and-a-half years,” said Dawson.

“It is a great football club and I have loved every minute of it.” 

TENNIS: Maria Sharapova succeeded where Serena Williams failed in quelling the fire of Garbine Muguruza to reach the semi-finals of the French Open for a fourth straight year yesteday.

Despite losing the first set, Sharapova waited for the youngster to fade and came back to win 1-6 7-5 6-1.

HOCKEY: England defeated the Netherlands yesterday to win their first game at the World Cup.

Simon Mantell scored with two minutes to go to seal the victory after Mark Gleghorne put them ahead after 27 minutes.