MEN’S CRICKET:

Ireland suffered a heavy 139-run defeat in Wednesday’s one-day international against South Africa in Abu Dhabi.

Chasing 272 to win, the Irish slumped to 132 all out from 31.5 overs, with George Dockrell top-scoring on 21. Lizaad Williams was the pick of the South African bowlers with 4-32.

The second leg of their three-match series starts at lunchtime tomorrow in the Sheikh Zayed stadium.

WOMEN’S RUGBY UNION:

Wales face Italy tomorrow afternoon in their second match at the WXV 2 tournament in South Africa.

Prop Sisilia Tuipulotu joins the replacements and Hannah Jones returns from injury to captain the Welsh, who went down 37-5 to Australia in their opening game, while the Italians lost out 19-0 to Scotland.

Ireland play France in WXV 1 on Saturday, before England take on world champions New Zealand on Sunday.

MEN’S FOOTBALL:

City of Liverpool face Macclesfield tonight in the first of tomorrow weekend’s sixty FA Trophy third qualifying round fixtures.

Two-time trophy holders Macclesfield now compete in the Northern Premier League, one step above City of Liverpool.

The winners of tomorrow evening’s tie will receive £2,450 in prize money, with the losers taking home £625. Three-time champions Telford play Cleethorpes Town on Saturday.

MEN’S RUGBY LEAGUE:

The first Super League play-off semi-final kicks off tomorrow evening with Hull KR hosting Warrington at Craven Park.

Hull, who have not previously reached a Grand Final, finished as runners-up behind Wigan during the regular season, two points clear of Warrington.

They will be without their suspended captain Elliot Minchella for tomorrow evening’s game. Defending champions Wigan take on Leigh in tomorrow’s other semi-final.