England finish seventh in India

Hockey: England claimed a 3-2 victory over Belgium in the Hero Champions Trophy in Bhubaneswar, India, yesterday to take a seventh place finish in the competition.

David Condon scored twice from penalty corners after Florent van Aubel had put Belgium ahead in the 10th minute to give England a 2-1 lead at half-time.

Chris Griffiths (30) added England’s third, with Van Aubel’s second nine minutes later not enough to change the result.

Launchbury could miss Six Nations

Rugby union: England lock Joe Launchbury could miss the start of the Six Nations after Wasps director of rugby Dai Young revealed yesterday that his rehabilitation is behind schedule.

Launchbury was ruled out of last month’s autumn series at Twickenham because of a recurring nerve problem in his neck and was told he would need six to eight weeks of rest to recover but must now see a specialist for an update on his condition.

New Saints win to remain top

Football: The New Saints thrashed Port Talbot 5-1 yesterday to remain unbeaten and nine points clear at the top while the close battle for second place continued with wins for Bala, Aberystwyth and Airbus UK.

Bala beat Cefn Druids 3-1, Aberystwyth came from 2-0 down to win 4-2 at Gap Connah’s Quay, with two more goals for the league’s leading scorer Chris Venables, while Airbus UK saw off Prestatyn 2-1.

Bottom shock top in Ireland

International: Bottom club Warrenpoint caused the shock of the weekend beating league leaders Portadown 2-1 on Saturday.

Linfield moved into top spot after easing past Ballinamallard 3-0, while another Joe Gormley hat-trick for Cliftonville, who thumped Institute 4-0, moved them into second place.

Crusaders won 2-0 at Ballymena while a late Neil Henderson goal gave Glentoran a 3-2 win at Dungannon.