Morning Star international editor ROGER McKENZIE reminisces on how he became an Aston Villa fan, and writes about the evolution of the historic club over the years

MEN’S FOOTBALL: The New Saints moved six points clear in the Cymru Premier with a game in hand after a comfortable 4-0 win over second-placed Penybont.
Haverfordwest drew 1-1 in Caernarfon to sit a further six points back in third, Cardiff Met beat Bala 2-1, Llansawel Briton Ferry won 1-0 at Connah’s Quay and Newton drew 1-1 with Barry Town.
Aberystwyth are four points adrift at the bottom after losing 2-0 at Flint.
MEN’S BOXING: The death of 28-year-old John Cooney was announced from Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hotel on Saturday evening.
Cooney had been stretchered out of the ring following the first defence of his Celtic super-featherweight title at the Ulster Hall 10 days ago and underwent emergency surgery on a brain haemorrhage.
Ealing-born Cooney made his professional debut in 2020 and lost just one of his 12 career bouts.
MEN’S CRICKET: Nathan Lyon became the third Australian to bag 550 test wickets as the Aussies beat Sri Lanka by nine wickets to seal a 2-0 series victory in Galle on Sunday. Lyon finished with match figures of 7-200.
Australia’s leading test wicket takers are Shane Warne on 708 and Glen McGrath with 563.
The teams next play a two match one-day series in Colombo before Australia begin the Champions Trophy against England next Saturday.
MEN’S FOOTBALL: Brora Rangers moved top of the Highland League on goal difference after they won 3-0 at Wick and former leaders Brechin were held 2-2 by third-placed Banks O’Dee.
In the only other games to escape the weather Deveronvale edged out form-team Turriff United 2-1, Inverurie Locos won 3-1 in Lossiemouth, defending champions Buckie Thistle thumped second-bottom Rothes 5-1 and Fraserburgh lost 2-1 at Formartine.