MEN’S FOOTBALL: Strathspey Thistle look set for another season of dismay in the Highland League after they crashed to an 8-2 defeat at Buckie Thistle on Wednesday night and remain without a point from their opening 7 games. Table-toppers Brechin are the only unbeaten team following their 2-0 win over Deveronvale but high-scoring Brora Rangers, who eased to a 5-1 win at Nairn County, are just a point behind in second.

WOMEN’S CRICKET: League leaders and defending champions the Southern Vipers kick off the latest round of Rachel Heyhoe Flint trophy fixtures tomorrow when they travel to Worcester’s New Road Ground to take on the struggling Central Sparks. Second-placed Northern Diamonds are not in action until Sunday when they visit Lancashire Thunder while East Midlands’ Blaze host the Sunrisers and Western Storm are at the South East Stars tomorrow.

MEN’S RUGBY LEAGUE: Hull KR will move two points clear of Wigan at the top of the Super League with a win in tonight’s home match against Salford, who currently sit fourth and arrive on the back of a thumping 60-10 win over Huddersfield last weekend. Leigh will be without the suspended John Asiata when they host Warrignton in tomorrow evening’s other fixture. Wigan are at the Catalans Dragons on Saturday.

MEN’S FOOTBALL: England defender Kieran Trippier has announced his retirement from international football. The 33-year-old Newcastle full-back earned 54 England caps, famously scoring a stunning free-kick in the 2018 World Cup semi-final defeat to Croatia. Trippier started the final of Euro 2020 against Italy – claiming an assist by setting up Luke Shaw’s early goal – and also played at the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024 this summer.