Ben Hilfenhaus finished with career-best T20 figures of 5 for 23, complementing the 109-run partnership between Peter Fulton and Henry Nicholls, to secure Canterbury’s seven-run win over Otago at Hagley Oval.After choosing to bat, Canterbury’s Fulton and Nicholls each struck half-centuries in their 71-ball third-wicket stand, which rescued Canterbury from 8 for 2 in the third over. Fulton, who scored 64 off 43 deliveries, reached his half-century off 36 balls, while Nicholls took one ball more to the landmark, eventually falling for 52 off 40 balls. Nicholls’ fifty was his third in five Super Smash matches. Their partnership came at close to 10 an over and had set Canterbury up for a strong total, before they lost 5 for 35 to close their innings. Fulton’s wicket, taken by Christi Viljoen, stemmed Canterbury’s scoring rate as they could add only 40 more in their last six overs and finished their innings on 157.Like Canterbury, Otago lost two early wickets – Anaru Kitchen and Neil Broom were caught behind off Matt Henry and Hilfenhaus respectively – before a third-wicket partnership of 60 between Michael Bracewell (38) and opener Hamish Rutherford (38) steered their chase. However, following Bracewell’s run-out, Otago fell swiftly from 70 for 2 in the 12th over to 94 for 5 by the 15th.Hilfenhaus took two of those wickets and followed it up with two more scalps in the 19th over to finish with a five-for. Needing 18 off the last over, Otago managed only 10 runs and finished seven runs short of Canterbury’s total. The win took Canterbury to fourth, tied on 12 points with Otago.Mitchell Santner followed up a 21-ball 45 with three economical overs to help Northern Districts defeat Central Districts by ten runs at Seddon Park.Having been put into bat, the Northern Districts scored 57 before the opening stand was broken off the last ball of the fielding restrictions when Dean Brownlie (36) was dismissed. Contributions from BJ Watling (35) and Corey Anderson (28) carried Northern Districts along at a fast lick before Santner and Scott Kuggelijn (23 off 10) provided a late surge to lift them to 197 for 5.Central Districts’ reply was led by Mahela Jayawardene, who had earlier bowled for the first time since March 2010 and gone for 15 runs in his solitary over. He followed up his century in the previous game with 64 off 36 deliveries in an opening partnership of 84 that took just 8.2 overs. He was dismissed by Santner, who then put the brakes on the Central Districts, conceding only 12 runs off his three overs. Central Districts managed only 58 runs in the 7.5 overs after their opening stand, and even an unbeaten 16-ball 37 from Josh Clarkson wasn’t enough as they fell short by ten runs. The win, Northern’s second in the series meant they remained on fifth while Central were on second place.

West Bromwich Albion are back in action tomorrow evening with a clash against promotion hopefuls AFC Bournemouth at the Hawthorns.

The Baggies’ previous league outing saw them fall to a disheartening 1-0 defeat against their Midlands rivals Birmingham City thanks to a goal from Lyle Taylor.

With that in mind, Steve Bruce’s side will undoubtedly be wanting to put that loss behind them and pick up a positive result on Wednesday against the Cherries, who are currently 18 points ahead of them in the league table.

On the chalkboard

One figure that completed the full 90 minutes against Birmingham that shouldn’t be in the team on this occasion is Callum Robinson.

With just 36 touches in total last weekend, the Irishman could only accurately complete 15 of the 26 passes he attempted.

From an attacking point of view, the £18k-per-week earner failed to register even one clear shot at goal and only completed one of the two dribbles he made.

In comparison, fellow West Brom attacker Karlan Grant at least managed to have one attempt at goal before he was taken off after 68 minutes.

Even without the ball, the striker didn’t have much of an impact for his side, having lost six of the eight duels he was involved in and getting dribbled past on one occasion according to SofaScore.

This display didn’t escape the attention of Baggies journalist Joe Masi, who said that the attacker had a “dreadful” afternoon and delivered a “woeful” performance.

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Taking this into account and the fact that Robinson has only managed to score one goal in his past 14 league appearances, keeping the Irishman in the side to take on the Cherries should not be in Bruce’s mind when putting his XI together.

If the Baggies want to have any chance of picking up all three points against Bournemouth, who have found the back of the net 20 more times than West Brom in this campaign, they will need their players to be in top form and in a clinical mood.

In other news: Irvine disaster: West Brom had a howler on “dangerous” flop who cost £1.4m-per-goal

With the highest run-scorer, Alex Hales, and the highest wicket-taker, Reece Topley, in the ODI series against South Africa – roles-reversed from the Test series where South Africa lost despite leading both tallies – England’s coach Trevor Bayliss identified fielding as main difference between the two sides.”The batting and bowling was fairly even – both teams relied on about three of their batters and bowling was similar,” Bayliss said. “But they’re a better fielding team than us at the moment.”Although England did not put down any catches in the decider in Cape Town, they dropped several in the preceding games, including three at the Wanderers that could have sealed the series. JP Duminy was let off when he was on 1, AB de Villiers on 9 and Chris Morris on 14. The last of those cost England the most. Morris took South Africa to within one run of a series-levelling victory and, not for the first time on this tour, Bayliss has stressed the need for England to work on their fielding.”We’ve got a number of guys that are not the quickest in the field but I also think it’s an attitude thing,” Bayliss said. “You want the ball coming at you; you want to prove to people that you can field. At times, some of us don’t want the ball to come anywhere near us. When we are good, we’ve very, very good but it’s something we’ve got to continue to work at.”Progress is something England have done a lot of since their disappointing 2015 World Cup campaign and their new attitude has already brought them some success. They won series against New Zealand and Pakistan and came from 2-0 down to take Australia to a decider.Despite losing three in a row to squander the advantage in South Africa, Bayliss believed they remain on the right track. “I don’t think we are far off. We’ve played some pretty good cricket,” he said. “It’s a fine line. Had we taken some catches, we could be sitting here having won 3-2. We’re disappointed to lose the series having played some very good cricket.”He said that translating that good cricket into good results more often will come as players mature and become more consistent. “We’ve got some work to do there and that will come with experience. At some point that experience has got to pay dividends.”An example of how that is already working is Hales. After struggling through the Tests, in which he scored one fifty and did not get past 26 in his other seven innings, Hales finished on top of the run charts with four fifties, including a 99, and a century in the final match to prove his quality.”He was disappointed with the number of runs he scored in the Test arena but the way he has played here is top class,” Bayliss said. “I think he is more comfortable will his role in the team and the way he goes about playing the one-day game. Now he’s got to take that into Test arena. The way he has played here, there is no reason why he can’t do the same in Test cricket.”Hales, and the rest of the England line-up, have been asked to look at someone like AB de Villiers for further instruction on how to develop as batsmen. De Villiers took control of the chase and guided South Africa from 22 for 3 to victory.”We’ve got to take a leaf out of AB’s book. The way he paced his innings and the way he went about it, it was top class. The best batter in the series did his job today and he showed everyone else how to do it,” Bayliss said. “Hopefully the guys will learn from it.”

During yesterdays half-time interval I, for one, sat listlessly gawping at the box as a litter of giddy, excited adverts espoused England’s World Cup chances; given the preceding performance, it seemed like a vulgar and untimely gag.

Friendly matches are always a bit of a drag and not really a fair reflection on a teams true features; especially one so close to the World Cup (injury worries, squad rotation, etcetera, etcetera). Plus, we eventually won, for whatever that’s worth, managed to overcome a deficit – a useful exercise in crisis management – and again proved we can play below par and prevail, so we shouldn’t get overly disheartened.

But, still, I foolishly sat down expecting to behold an England romp and to reaffirm my optimistic (deluded) belief that we could actually win the World Cup; a deluded belief which is persuading me to patriotically slam some money on England success.

Instead a limp lethargic display ensued, throughout which I unconsciously found my mouth making lots off huffing and puffing noises as England frustratingly dithered.

The first-half was particularly exasperating. Conceding from a set-piece is disappointing, but the defence looked a little rickety throughout. A long ball outwitted both Terry and Ferdinand as the latter was outmuscled, swung a limb, missed the ball, and offered a great chance for Japan to double their lead.

If we defend in a similar manner against stronger sides, you get the feeling they will ruthlessly strike a rusty shovel against our skulls, drag us to the bottom of the garden, spend the moonlit night digging before placing pretty little plant pot on the eventual perturbing, and protruding, mound of earth (i.e. kill the game, and England, off).

Johnson was responsible for a decent proportion of my huffy puffy noises; he sloppily lost possession on a number of occasions and still looks defensively defective. He is, of course, usually an outlet going forward and it seems there not many other options at right-back, though Carragher demonstrated that he can certainly put in a solid and steady shift in this position.

To highlight one player is probably unfair; everyone looked fairly sluggish. Walcott only reaffirmed my opinion that he is a great athlete but largely a frustrating figure of little end-product, but Lennon also missed the best chance of the half when Rooney played him through, so its ‘swings and roundabouts, mate, yeah?’ Yeah. Huddlestone and Bent didn’t get much chance to enforce and impress themselves on proceedings, you get the feeling it may be to their cost. The previously mentioned Rooney was, inevitably, probably the most imposing player throughout the game.

Overall, though, going forward we lacked any real potency.

Cue those cruel, sardonic half-time adverts.

The second half was a slight improvement, but it is also slightly worrying that we seem unable to thrust ourselves on the game from the outset and often require a half-time cuppa and a good old rollicking.

Changes of course ensued, with Joe Hart, Joe Cole and maybe Shaun Wright-Philips benefiting most. Indeed, Hart responded well when called into action and England emerged more direct and threatening offensively; Joe Cole providing the cross for Japan to score their second own-goal of the game and hand England victory. Certainly two own-goals aiding us to victory is not ideal but at least we were threatening and making a nuisance of ourselves.

Rooney and Gerrard linked-up relatively effectively on occasion, something we must utilize and exploit more often. It was also Gerrard’s cross which adeptly landed right at the head of the ineffable Emile Heskey. Heskey then dutifully demonstrated why he remains the butt of ‘couldn’t score in a brothel’ jokes; for a prospective England World Cup striker – or, indeed, any human – it really was a bad miss.

So, overall an unconvincing victory, but a victory nonetheless; going into the tournament following failure to beat Japan could have been a confidence sapper.

However, it did paper of cracks, against a very mediocre opponents; Brazil, Spain, Germany and all that crazy clan lay in wake, are you confident?

Still, it was a friendly, a lethargic friendly, a friendly we came from behind to win. The vitality and vim will surely materialize when the tournament begins; hopefully, or its going to be a thoroughly frustrating, huffing and puffing summer. Indeed, it’s the real thing now…the World Cup…it’s been a long wait, and I can’t wait…I’m excited again…I’m even smiling in giddy gormless expectation as a write…we’re gonna win baby! We are definitely, without any slither of doubt, gong to win! I’m off to throw my (limited) life-savings on England.

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Wales international goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey has signed a new five-year contract with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The 23-year-old still had two years of his current deal to run, but has now extended his stay at Molineux until the summer of 2015.

Manager Mick McCarthy told the club's official website:"I'm delighted that Wayne has signed his new contract.

"We're blessed to have three very good goalkeepers at the club who are currently fit and battling for the position. Wayne is somebody who I believe is a top-class young keeper who will also get better.

"This is really good news for the club to have secured one of its best young players and one who will be keen to play a big part in the future."

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Hennessey has made just over 100 appearances to date for Wolves, while during the 2006-07 season he was loaned out to Stockport County where he kept a club record nine consecutive clean sheets.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

As England prepare to face Algeria tomorrow in the second World Cup group game, Fabio Capello’s men will be looking to finally make a proper start to their World Cup campaign. However in order to do so Capello is going to have to make some changes, here are three that he needs to make:

3. Play Joe Cole

The midfielder’s inclusion was a surprise to some due to his limited playing time for Chelsea last season. However now that he is in the squad he needs to be used for a game like this after England’s disappointing start. James Milner who started the game against the USA was disappointed and seemed to be overawed by the occasion of playing in a World Cup. Shaun Wright-Phillips came on in his place and although he got into some good positions, had a disappointing impact on the game.

Therefore Joe Cole needs to be given the chance to shine and whilst he may not of had too much an impact for Chelsea last season he is a quality player. He also has the experience of playing in a World Cup and won’t falter because of the occasion, against the USA England were lacking a spark and Cole could be the man to provide it. It’s only fair that Cole gets his chance against Algeria as England’s other options for the left hand side have been tried out and haven’t done the business.

2. Play Michael Dawson

The Tottenham defender is only at the tournament because of Rio Ferdinand’s injury, so he has had a slice of luck on his part. However now that Ledley King looks likely to be out of the World Cup as well, Capello needs to decide on a new partner for John Terry at the heart of England’s defence. Michael Dawson despite his fortuitous inclusion is the best centreback in the squad after Terry. Jamie Carragher hasn’t had a great season for Liverpool and looks to be past his best and the same can be said about Matthew Upson. Dawson in contrast has had a fantastic season for Tottenham and was even awarded their player of the year, without a doubt Dawson is who Capello should go with to partner Terry.

1. Switch to 4-5-1

Although it may not be the most exciting formation around, 4-5-1 is the formation that suits England best and allows them to play to their strengths. England are blessed with a whole host of talented midfielders and this formation would allow England to accommodate them all. Gareth Barry can be the lynch pin in midfield and England will still have the drive of Steven Gerrard, and Joe Cole and Aaron Lennon would offer some good width. As for Frank Lampard, he has plenty of critics but you cannot argue that he has had a great season for Chelsea and is a class player.

Sadly England do not have enough quality strikers, Wayne Rooney is England’s only world class striker and the rest are decent by not up to his standards by any means. Rooney has played upfront on his own several times for Manchester United this season and has thrived on being the main man for his club so why can’t he do it for his country? Emile Heskey got his chance against America and despite setting up the goal didn’t do anything else, Peter Crouch is similar to Heskey and Jermain Defoe despite having scored 18 league goals for Spurs, the majority were several goals in one game against inferior opposition so he hasn’t shown any real quality.

Rarely do sides play a flat out 4-4-2 anymore and if England play 4-5-1 they can switch to a 4-3-3 when in possession and it could be deadly against their opponents. Rooney will be able to thrive off service from Cole and Lennon and then it will leave Lampard, Gerrard and Barry to run the midfield as a three and it could be a masterstroke from Capello if he chooses to employ it.

What changes do you think Capello needs to make?

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Click image below to see a gallery of all the Dutch babes:

New boss Avram Grant insists West Ham's struggle to avoid relegation last season will have no bearing on how they perform when the new campaign gets underway.

The former Chelsea and Portsmouth manager was confirmed in the Upton Park hot-seat last month after the Hammers parted company with predecessor Gianfranco Zola on the back of a turbulent season.

Following talk of financial turmoil and the likely departure of key players, they laboured to a 17th-placed finish in the final table after being embroiled in a relegation dogfight during the closing weeks of the campaign.

However, despite the severe problems of last season, Grant believes there is every reason for optimism ahead of the new campaign.

"What happened in the past happened in the past. I'm looking for a new beginning, " he said.

"Our target is not only for next season but for the next seasons. We want to progress. We want our academy to progress.

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"We want the team to progress. We want to build a platform that will progress each year and I'm sure we will do it.

"We want to progress with good players. The players from the academy are doing a good job, but we need good experienced players with talent too."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

The start of the 2010/11 Premier League is drawing ever closer and teams like Manchester United are well into their pre-season campaign. Like many Premiership teams, United headed to America for a pre-season tour where they took on Philadelphia Union, Kansas City Wizards and the MLS All-Stars. Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson would have been keeping a close eye on his troops ahead of the new season as he plots to regain the Premier League title the Red Devils lost to Chelsea last time out. Pre-season is not just all about hard work though and there is time for the players to relax and explore different surroundings. Edwin van der Sar and Nani did just that and here they are on the famous ‘Rocky’ steps in Philadelphia. Can you provide a funny caption for the image?

Leave your suggestions below…

This week you can win a £50 iTunes Voucher!

Our prize has been provided by VoucherCodes.co.uk (www.vouchercodes.co.uk). At the moment they have 70% off Nike Air Max (http://www.vouchercodes.co.uk/sportsdirect.com).

To see the FootballFanCast.com Caption Competition Terms and Conditions click here.

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And check out our Caption Competition Gallery for some inspiration and to see the winners so far.

Last week’s winner: ulley – click here to see all entries

Fulham assistant manager Mark Bowen has confirmed that his club hope to tie England striker Bobby Zamora down to a new long-term contract in the near future.

The 29-year-old was linked with both Liverpool and Birmingham City before the transfer window slammed shut, but the Cottagers now hope to secure Zamora’s long-term services.

Bowen told Sky Sports:“What I know is that he is currently in discussions with the club over a possible new deal.

“It has been ongoing for a few months and obviously way before Mark Hughes and I came in.

“But my understanding is that we are hopeful Bobby will agree a long-term contract with the club.”

Meanwhile, veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has refused to re-open the wounds caused by his move to Arsenal being blocked by the Cottagers.

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The 37-year-old Australia international commented: “I would really rather not say anything, because otherwise I might say something wrong.”

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Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland is determined to try and force his way back into Wigan Athletic's first team, having lost his place following a dismal start to the new season.

The 29-year-old was dropped after shipping ten goals in two games, with loanee Ali Al Habsi being given the nod by manager Roberto Martinez.

A defiant Kirkland told the Wigan Observer:"It's the first time I've ever been in this situation in all the time I've been playing, but I'm no different to everyone else.

"There are much better players than me who have been left out of the team and have had to work their way back in. I'm no special case or anything like that.

"I've always had to work very hard to stay in the team and now I'm not I know I'll have to work even harder to get back in there.

"It's hard not playing, of course it is, but I know that I didn't play well enough to deserve to stay in the team.

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"And I've always said that it doesn't matter who you are – if you're not playing well enough, there are people here who will come in and take your place."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email