Sport

The Sharks will hope that a three-week break from fixtures due to the Six Nations and LV=Cup will provide the perfect tonic to their indifferent form in time for the crucial run in.

A Salford University lecturer and student are hoping to help kickstart ‘stellar’ athletic careers when they arrive in China for tomorrow’s World Cross Country Championships.

The Rugby World Cup Trophy is visiting Manchester for three days, July 25-27, before Albert Square hosts one of the Official Fanzones from October 9-11.

Up to 16 students (eight boys and eight girls) will then pedal the same weekend as the world’s best riders, something NCC BMX development coach Andy Adkin said was vital for growing the sport.

Oldham’s Kyle Eastmond has a huge international advantage when it comes to his World Cup prospects and that’s his club relationship at Bath with England’s player of the Six Nations Jonathan Joseph, according to midfield rival Manu Tuilagi.

Toloe Bagheri, who has represented his native Iran at both the Asian and World Championships, stressed lifting the BUCS Trophy has given the team an extra boost ahead as they bid to earn promotion to BUCS Premier Division next month.

Oldham moved up to 11th in a tightly-packed League One, just four points from the play off places, after a 3-0 win over Rochdale on Tuesday.

Ex-England international and Manchester United forward Dion Dublin has worked extensively in the media since retiring, and has appeared as a guest on the BBC’s Match of the Day programmes on numerous occasions.

Jessica Ennis-Hill will make her competitive return at the Manchester Great CityGames on May 9.

Erika Heginbotham’s time wasn’t good enough for a podium finish in either run as she came home 16th and 14th respectively, yet the 16-year-old, who is part of the Delancey British U18 Alpine Ski Squad, admits the discipline fulfils her need for speed.

England duo Phil Jones and Chris Smalling have impressed in United’s last two Premier League fixtures – victories over Tottenham and Liverpool respectively – that have put Champions League qualification well within their grasp.