MEN’S FOOTBALL: Rochdale still lead the National League by two points with two games in hand after squeezing past fourth-placed Carlisle 1-0. York extended their unbeaten run to 19 games with a 2-1 victory over Forest Green to stay second and Scunthorpe edged Southend 1-0 to move third. At the other end of the table, Truro beat fellow strugglers Morecambe 2-1 for a first away win. Bottom club Gateshead’s game with Braintree was postponed.

MEN’S RUGBY UNION: Defending champions France top the Under 20s Six Nations table on points difference after cruising to a 50-21 victory over Ireland in their opening fixture at Perpignan. Last year’s runners-up England came from 16-0 down to beat Wales 19-16 in Northampton while Scotland scored six tries in brushing aside Italy 36-10 at Treviso. Scotland face England next Friday when Wales host France and Italy are in Ireland.

MEN’S BOXING: Kirkby’s Nick Ball suffered a first career defeat in 25 fights and lost his WBA featherweight belt when he was knocked out by Texan Brandon Figueroa in the final round of their championship bout in Liverpool on Saturday night. Figueroa, who had lost his WBC featherweight title to compatriot Stephen Fulton a year ago, improves his record to 27 wins and a draw from 30 fights. 

MEN’S FOOTBALL: Bottom of the table Rothes earned a surprise 4-2 success at Deveronvale on Saturday to claim their first Highland League win of the season. They are now just seven points from safety after second bottom Lossiemouth went down 4-0 at home to Fraserburgh. Table-topping Brora thumped Strathspey 7-1, Clachnacuddin left it late to beat Buckie 2-1, Nairn drew 1-1 with Wick and Brechin won 1-0 in Huntly.