The MCC Young Cricketers rounded off a tour of Abu Dhabi with a 50-over outing against Sussex at the 20,000-capacity Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Mo Abid taking the crucial wicket of Michael Yardy in a memorable two-run win.

Oldham, without a win in five, are expecting a tough game against promotion-chasing Chesterfield, who have won six of their last seven, including a thumping 6-0 win against Colchester United in midweek.

Bury’s players will contribute financially for the away trip to Portsmouth on Saturday in a bid to maintain their promotion push, according to manager David Flitcroft.

A ‘violent thug’ who punched his heavily pregnant teen partner in the stomach, causing her to lose her baby has been sentenced to four years and eight months in a young offender’s institute.

Nick Clegg warned voters that a right-wing alliance of the Conservatives, Ukip and the DUP could form the UK’s next government, urging people instead to vote for the Liberal Democrats.

Detectives investigating a gang who assaulted a police officer apprehending a suspected drug-dealer in Salford have released a CCTV image of one of the suspects.

High carbon levels in the atmosphere could eventually be reduced thanks to Manchester University scientists discovering genes that control the growth of trees.

Manchester Thunder netball coach Tracey Neville is hoping that their Superleague semi-final with Hertfordshire Mavericks will be a ground-breaking Northern sporting event.

IP EXPO, the UK and Europe’s leading IT infrastructure and cloud event series, today announced the launch of IP EXPO Manchester – a new addition to its series of technology events.

Although Neil Lennon has been largely happy with his side’s performances this season he has acknowledged that changes are needed if Bolton Wanderers are to fulfil their potential next season.

Wigan, who overcame Warrington Wolves 30-20 on Thursday, have confirmed full-back Sam Tomkins – who bagged 144 tries in 152 games for his hometown club before his move to Australia – will return to the DW Stadium on a four-year deal, for a fee in excess of £200,000.