Police are hunting for three suspects who brazenly stole an ATM from a California gas station last Friday morning. CCTV footage shows the thieves in action at the Shell fuel stop along Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek. While one man distracts a cashier at the window, another leads a cable from the back of a white pickup to the cash machine. Once the cord is attached, the vehicle in the background speeds off and uproots the ATM from its mount. Sparks are caught flying into the air as the large device is dragged across the tarmac. The man who was previously  talking to the gas station clerk then runs towards the truck. He is seen wearing a bright red beanie, black pants, sweat top and sneakers. Although it is dark, he appears to load the ATM into the pickup before making a swift getaway with his crew. Caught on camera: Police are hunting for three suspects who brazenly stole an ATM from a California gas station last Friday morning . Swift moves: CCTV footage shows the thieves in action at the Shell fuel stop at 265 Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek, with one distracting a cashier at the window while another hooks up a cable to the ATM . Final moments: With the other end of the cord attached to a white pickup, the vehicle then speeds off, uprooting the ATM (far right) from its mount and dragging it across the tarmac . It is not clear where the gas station cashier was at this point. According to police, the theft occurred shortly after 5am when the area was pretty deserted. Two of the suspects have been described as white males with their escape vehicle  detailed as a white Ford F-250 or F-350 four-wheel drive. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call Walnut Creek police at (925) 943-5844 . Flying sparks: With the other end of the cord attached to a white pickup, the vehicle then speeds off, uprooting the ATM from its mount and dragging it across the tarmac . Still unidentified: Two of the suspects were described as white males, while the escape vehicle was detailed as a white Ford F-250 or F-350 four-wheel drive truck .

CCTV footage shows the thieves in action at the Shell fuel stop at 265 Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek . With one man distracting a cashier at the window, another hooks up a cable to the cash machine . With the other end of the cord attached to a white pickup, the vehicle then speeds off, uprooting the ATM from its mount . Two of the suspects were described as white males, while the escape vehicle was detailed as a white Ford F-250 or F-350 four-wheel drive.


Tyler MacNiven became known to millions when the aspiring filmmaker won the ninth season of The Amazing Race, and a $1million prize, and now it seems he may have used some of that money to create one epic save the date. MacNiven and his fiancee, Kelly Hennigan, made a three-minute film to give friends and family a heads up on their fast approaching nuptials, and the two went all out in the process. The video, inspired by action films, shows the two literally saving 'the date' as they wash up on shore, fight friends disguised as villains and ultimately escape from one very large explosion. And, most importantly, it lets everyone know they should not make plans for September 26, 2015. Scroll down for video . Tyler MacNiven, who won the ninth season of The Amazing Race, filmed a save the date for his upcoming wedding . In the video, MacNiven and his fiancee Kelly Hennigan battle friends and in the end escape one very large explosion . The couple's wedding will be on September 26, 2015, though the video fails to say where the ceremony will take place . The video ends with the couple, dressed in a tuxedo and wedding dress, enjoying a boat ride with friends under the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. And while MacNiven was able to use his Amazing Race experience to film the action-packed clip, Hennigan also had something to draw from as her brother is WWE superstar John Morrison. Now word yet if the save-the-date video, which first appeared in the site Broke Ass Stuart, also comes with a magnet for guests to put on their refrigerator.


Comments: Veteran broadcaster Peter Alliss has sparked controversy by claiming gender equality laws have backfired and ‘b*****ed up the game’ Veteran broadcaster Peter Alliss has sparked controversy by claiming gender equality laws have backfired and ‘b*****ed up the game’. Alliss, 84, has said that legislation designed to stop golf clubs from discriminating against female members has instead prompted a decline in women’s membership. Some clubs had previously only allowed female members if they played at restricted times in return for a discounted membership fee. But the Equality Act 2010, drafted by the previous Labour government, ruled that this was illegal discrimination, which means that women must now have equal access to the course – and pay the same membership rates as men. Mr Alliss, a former professional who is one of the game’s most decorated players, claimed that tens of thousands of members of the Ladies’ Golf Union have deserted the organisation since the rules came into force. ‘I’m told the Ladies’ Golf Union has lost 150,000 members since equality for women came in,’ Mr Alliss told the Radio Times. ‘Hundreds of women have left golf clubs because they’ve gone from paying half fare to full fare. It’s caused mayhem.’ He added: ‘Equality for women: A few people battled away to get it, they got it, and they have buggered up the game for a lot of people.’ But Sam Burton, finance director at the Ladies’ Golf Union, said there has only been a decline of 30,000 women since the law came into force, taking membership down to 159,000 by last year. Mrs Burton said: ‘It’s not good that ladies golf is declining and we have to look at it, but I don’t think it’s the equalities legislation that is to blame. Golf has been dominated by men and we are always going to be the minority in any club that is mixed. But on the whole golf is becoming much more equal.’ Rant: He added: ‘Equality for women: A few people battled away to get it, they got it, and they have buggered up the game for a lot of people.’ She suggested that possible reasons why golf was not as popular among women included the fact that it was quite an expensive activity and that other sports such as cycling ‘have been marketed more successfully at women’. She added: ‘In 2015 we have to encourage equality and I certainly wouldn’t be a member at a club where I was treated differently just because I was a woman. ‘I think a lot of ladies would feel the same in this day and age.’ However, Tory MP Philip Davies said he agreed with Mr Alliss, adding: ‘This is the consequence of all the legislation. The equality fanatics can’t pick and choose – they either want full equality or they don’t. If they want full equality then they are going to have to pay the same price as everybody else. ‘I don’t suppose [Mr Alliss’s] view is outdated. His view is a factual view to be perfectly honest. He is looking at the practicalities of it.’ The Equality Act applies to clubs with mixed memberships. Male-only golf clubs are still legal. Mr Alliss became a professional golfer in 1947, represented Britain in the Ryder Cup eight times and won 21 tournaments in his career. He began working for the BBC in 1961.

Peter Alliss says anti-discrimination laws have caused membership fall . Some clubs only allowed women at restricted times but for lower fares . Alliss says law change has made fees equal and many women can't pay . Equality Act applies to clubs with mixed memberships. Male-only golf clubs are still legal .


Winning the league championship used to be the ultimate achievement for any manager and make him bombproof for many years to come. That's not the case today. Incredibly, the last four mangers to have won the Premier League have all left their jobs by the following year – three sacked and one retired. And on the latest evidence, it will be no surprise if Manuel Pellegrini becomes number five this summer. A dejected Manuel Pellegrini following Manchester City's 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace on Monday night . Pellegrini guided City to their second Premier League title in three seasons back in May . But Pellegrini's City side were humbled at Selhurst Park on Monday to kill off any remaining title hopes . City sit fourth after the defeat, nine points adrift of leaders Chelsea, who retain a game in hand . WIN THE LEAGUE..AND THEN OUT . JOSE MOURINHO (CHELSEA) Won Premier League in 2006; sacked 2007 . Jose Mourinho ended Chelsea's 50-year wait to be champions by winning the Premier League in his first season 2004/05, and then retained the trophy the following season. But as his reputation soared, his relationship with owner Roman Abramovich soured and he left in September 2007 despite having three years left on his contract. Despite domestic success, Abramovich craved the Champions League and had become frustrated with the team's defensive style. For his part, Mourinho felt belittled by having players signed on Abramovich's say-so, most notably Andriy Shevchenko who was a declining force. Mourinho celebrates winning back-to-back Premier League titles with Chelsea in 2006 . Mourinho departed Stamford Bridge the following year, despite having three years left on his contract . CARLO ANCELOTTI (CHELSEA) Won PL in 2010; sacked 2011 . Carlo Ancelotti led Chelsea to their first league and FA Cup Double in his first season, scoring a record number of goals that still stands today. However, he failed to win a trophy in his second season and that was enough for Abramovich to pull the trigger despite finishing second in the table. Ancelotti knew the game was up as he puffed on a cigarette and chatted to David Moyes after Chelsea had lost the final game of the season 1-0 at Everton. The Italian bounced back to win the Champions League with Real Madrid last season and will be among the contenders for the City job should Pellegrini leave. Carlo Ancelotti celebrates with the Premier League trophy after Chelsea secured the title in 2010 . Ancelotti departed Stamford Bridge a year later after failing to win silverware in his second season . ROBERTO MANCINI (MANCHESTER CITY) Won PL in 2012; sacked 2013 . Mancini ended City's 44-year wait for the league title when Sergio Aguero scored against QPR on the final minute of the final day of the season. Yet his controversial approach led to him falling out with Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli, and criticising Adam Johnson and Joe Hart, and when City failed to win a trophy the following season and failed in the Champions League, the Italian was out. His demise was widely reported on the morning of the FA Cup Final against Wigan Athletic. City fans chanted Mancini's name but they lost the final and he was dismissed the following week. Roberto Mancini celebrates with the Premier League trophy as Man City win the league in 2012 . Mancini waves goodbye after being sacked by Manchester City 12 months after the title win . SIR ALEX FERGUSON (MANCHESTER UNITED) Won PL in 2013; retired in 2013 . The only one of the managers who left on his own terms. Ferguson won a record 13th title and walked away into the sunset after the final game of the season, a remarkable 5-5 draw at West Brom. The United boss said later he had wanted to retire the previous season but City's title win persuaded him to carry on for another year and wrestle the trophy back – which he did. Ferguson helped pick David Moyes as his successor but he grew disillusioned with his fellow Scot after Moyes got rid of his assistant Mike Phelan and built a team around Wayne Rooney. Sir Alex Ferguson led Manchester United to their 13th Premier League title in 2013 before retiring . Ferguson salutes the fans after his final game in charge at United -  a 5-5 draw with West Brom in 2013 . MANUEL PELLEGRINI (MANCHESTER CITY) Won PL in 2014, ??? The Chilean followed Mourinho and Ancelotti in winning the Premier League in his first season and also lifted the Capital One Cup as Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure in particular shone. But this season has been a major disappointment. City crashed out of the Capital One Cup, FA Cup and Champions League early and currently stand fourth in the Premier League. The knives are out.

Pellegrini is feeling the heat after Man City's 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace . The result left Man City nine points behind Chelsea in Premier League . The last four managers to win title have left their posts soon after . Jose Mourinho's first spell at Chelsea abruptly ended in 2007 . Carlo Ancelotti suffered similar fate year after title success . Roberto Mancini was shown door by City 12 months after first league title . Sir Alex Ferguson retired after winning a 13th Premier League at United . CLICK HERE for all the latest Manchester City news .


A journalist's line of inquiry with regards to an April Fools' Day gag left Arsene Wenger bewildered during Thursday's pre-Liverpool press conference. MailOnline ran a story on April Fools' Day stating that prior to Arsenal's clash with Liverpool at the Emirates, both pre-match teamtalks by captains Per Mertesacker and Jordan Henderson would be streamed live to the world. The story was of course a hoax but it still managed to create plenty of confusion for Wenger and the assembled press at Thursday's media gathering. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger fields questions from the media at Thursday's press conference . Wenger turns to an Arsenal official off camera after he is quizzed about Per Mertesacker's 'live' team talk . Wenger is informed that the story was an April Fools' joke and no basis of truth to it . The Gunners boss and the assembled media break into a fit of laughter following the revelation . 'Per Mertsacker this week is going to give a team talk live around the world,' asked the journalist. 'Is that not the case now before this game?' The bewildered Gunners boss then turns to his press officer off camera who tells Wenger: 'I think that's an April Fools' joke'. 'Ah, I do apologise,' the journalist replies prompting Wenger and the assembled press to collapse into a fit of laughter. Our story claimed that the Premier League convinced its clubs to cooperate with the move in order to keep up with the ever-changing technological landscape. The rivals were said to have agreed to a strict number of rules that will ensure neither side is left at a disadvantage. The story read: 'Although the teamtalks by Mertesacker and Henderson will not be screened on BT Sport - who are covering the match live on TV - fans who own a smartphone will be able to tune in. 'New social media tool Periscope - which was launched last week - will host both teamtalks as it bids to break into the sports market.' Sportsmail revealed at midday on April 1 that the story was indeed a hoax - something the said journalist must've missed! The April Fools' gag revolved around Arsenal captain Mertesacker giving a live team talk this weekend .

Arsenal face Liverpool at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon . The Gunners are currently third in the Premier League table . Arsene Wenger's side are looking to consolidate their top-four finish . To read MailOnline Sport's April Fools' Day gag, click here . READ: Wenger reveals secrets of his Arsenal team selection process . CLICK HERE for the latest Arsenal news .


Everton stars Leighton Baines and Luke Garbutt visited Alder Hey Children’s Hospital on Wednesday to spread some Easter cheer for the young patients and their families. The Toffees duo handed out Easter eggs and posed for photographs in the wards of the West Derby hospital following their training session on Wednesday. Speaking during the visit, Baines said: 'Us visiting with chocolate eggs can feel pretty insignificant in comparison to what the kids are going through, what they’re in here for and the period of time they’ve been here, but then you speak to some of the parents, they really appreciate you just coming in and breaking the day up. Leighton Baines (left) and Luke Garbutt paid a visit to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital on Wednesday . Despite being a Liverpool fan, this youngster looked thrilled to meet the Everton duo . 'Some of the kids I recognised from when we visited at Christmas and they haven’t been home since so every day is the same and it’s really tough for them. 'You see unbelievable strength and character here, you look at what some of the kids are going through, it’s so tough and yet they’re still smiling. Hopefully we’ve brightened the day up even if it’s just for a short period of time.' Garbutt and Baines will now be turning their attention to Everton's Premier League clash against Southampton on Saturday. Roberto Martinez's side have endured a difficult season, but will head into the match on the back of two consecutive victories against Newcastle and QPR. Everton and England defender Baines talks to a young patient after giving her several Easter eggs . Baines hailed the 'unbelievable strength and character' of the children at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital . The 30-year-old will be back in action for Everton on Saturday following his spell with England .

Leighton Baines and Luke Garbutt visit children's hospital in Liverpool . Everton defenders hand out Easter eggs to young patients and families . Toffees face Premier League clash against Southampton on Saturday .


Things have been going rather sweetly for Oscar in recent times. The Chelsea forward has a Capital One Cup medal to his name this season while his side are currently commanding a six-point lead at the summit of the Premier League standings. The 23-year-old also scored in Brazil's recent 3-1 victory against France in Paris for good measure. Ahead of Chelsea's clash with Stoke at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, the Brazilian took to his Instagram account to post a picture of him swigging from  a bottle of sweets. Chelsea star Oscar messes around on his Instagram account ahead of Saturday's clash with Stoke . Oscar fires past Mamadou Sakho in the 40th minute during Brazil's 3-1 victory over France in Paris . Oscar could be drinking a finely-crafted espresso in Turin next season if recent reports on the midfielder's future come to pass. Scouts from Juventus were present at the Stade de France last Thursday night specifically to watch Oscar in action against Didier Deschamps' side. The Serie A giants are reportedly weighing up an offer for the summer. Oscar signed a contract extension up until 2019 with Chelsea last year having joined the club in 2012. Juventus scouts were at the Stade de France to watch Oscar in action .

Chelsea lead Manchester City by six points at the Premier League summit . Oscar scored in Brazil's recent 3-1 victory against France . Juventus scouts were present in Paris to watch Oscar in action .


Carlisle United manager Keith Curle has launched a scathing attack on his side following their limp 3-1 defeat away at Accrington Stanley, even suggesting that some players 'don't deserve to be professionals.' The Cumbrians are without a win in five games in League Two and are just two places and three points in the table above the relegation zone. 'The strength of character in that changing room is alarmingly week,' Curle said to BBC Radio Cumbria after the match at the Crown Ground. Carlisle United boss Keith Curle has laid into his players following their dismal 3-1 loss at Accrington Stanley . He added, 'You've got to be accountable for yourself and have pride, there are players who can't say they care they put in a performance. They are players who don't deserve to be professionals' Carlisle were relegated from League One last season and have just five games left this term to avoid a similar fate. But Curle was demonstrably cynical as to their chances. 'There's no spirit in this changing room,' he said. The 51-year-old also revealed he was considering staging an open forum for the club's supporters. 'I might get 50 supporters to come down, have an open forum and through (club chairman) Andrew Jenkins they can have half an hour with the players. 'They can tell them exactly what they think of them, and they'll have to take it. Supporters can see when people aren't giving everything for the shirt.'

Carlisle slumped to a 3-1 defeat away at Accrington Stanley . The team's poor performance prompted a scathing assessment from manager Keith Curle who suggested some of his squad were not fit for purpose . Carlisle are without a win in five games in League Two and just two places above the relegation zone . The Cumbrians were relegated from League One last season and are at a serious risk of dropping out of the Football League entirely this term .


Yaya Toure was accused by Jamie Carragher of ducking out of the way of Jason Puncheon's free-kick which killed off Manchester City's hopes of salvaging something from Selhurst Park. Toure, who is paid £200,000-a-week, was part of a five-man wall when Puncheon stepped up to double Crystal Palace's lead, but Sportsmail columnist Carragher feels the City midfielder did not do enough to prevent the winner. 'That's not acceptable when you go into a wall,' Carragher said on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football. 'The rest of them are desperate to be hit with the ball in the face and it's poor from Yaya Toure. Jason Puncheon takes the free-kick that killed off Manchester City's chances at Selhurst Park on Monday . Yaya Toure was accused by Sportsmail's Jamie Carragher of ducking out of the way of Puncheon's free-kick . Fernandinho and Vincent Kompany look keen to get their head to the ball but Toure appears to duck . How the top of the Premier League table looks . 'It's a huge wall. Sometimes you look at walls, and that is one of the biggest you'll ever see. 'As he [Puncheon] connects with the ball, if you look at the knees, they're all crouching ready to jump. Yaya Toure doesn't look in the same position as the rest to start with. 'The only thing I was thinking was, does he think it is going to hit him in the face? He puts his head down to try to head it away. 'The more I look at it, everybody else is looking at the ball, doing everything they can. It's not in [Vincent] Kompany's line. It's not in Fernandinho's line. They're stretching their necks trying to get something on it. That's just damning for Yaya Toure.' The defeat left champions City nine points adrift of Chelsea, who also have a game in hand. Carragher accused Toure of shying away from his duties in the wall during the Premier League defeat . Carragher was speaking on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football with fellow pundit Gary Neville (right)

Crystal Palace beat Manchester City 2-1 at Selhurst Park on Monday night . Jason Puncheon's free-kick doubled Palace's lead in the second half . Yaya Toure was accused of ducking out of the way of the winning goal . Sportsmail's Jamie Carragher: 'The rest of them are desperate to be hit with the ball in the face and it's poor from Yaya Toure' Gary Neville: City have a mentality problem... they cannot sustain success .


A football fan is facing a three-year ban after running topless onto a pitch and performing a series of somersaults during his first ever game at the stadium. Charlie Sumner, 20, staged a one-man pitch invasion at Reading's Madejski Stadium during the team's FA Cup quarter final replay with Bradford City last month. The Reading supporter, whose team were 3-0 up at the time, did four front flips on the pitch, landing on his back each time, before being tackled by stewards. Charlie Sumner, 20, staged a one-man pitch invasion at Reading's Madejski Stadium during their quarter final replay with Bradford City last month (pictured) The Reading supporter, whose team were 3-0 up at the time, did four front flips on the pitch, landing on his back each time . Sumner - who said going to his first game was a 'brilliant experience' - is now facing a potential three-year ban for carrying out the stunt. The order, due to be decided on April 30, would stop him going to all Reading's future home and away matches. Sumner, from Wokingham, Berkshire, said he has no regrets about the incident, saying that he had done it for 'laugh' and that his family had 'seen the funny side'. Speaking outside court, he said: 'After doing it and seeing good comments and messages, even from the away fans, I don't look back and regret it. 'Obviously I wouldn't inform other people to do it. It was just spur of the moment. It's good to see good feedback and not negative feedback. 'I'd had a few drinks, I was happy and Reading were winning and I just went for it and had a laugh. It was brilliant.' Asked whether he goes to many Reading matches, he added: 'That was my first game actually. It was a good experience. Obviously being there on the first game - not after what I've done, but standing in the stadium, watching the game from the stadium - it's a brilliant experience. 'Obviously with the ban, I wouldn't be able to experience that experience again.' Charlie Sumner, pictured outside Reading Magistrates' Court. He is facing a potential banning order . After running onto the pitch, Sumner was tackled by stewards. The footage of Sumner's antics went viral . The incident took place on March 16, when the match was being broadcast live to millions of viewers on BBC One. Afterwards, footage of Sumner's antics also went viral on the internet. Sumner, who went to the match with a group of eight friends, said he talked with his friends in a taxi on the way to the match about potentially running on to the pitch. 'I did say no at first. Then Reading were winning and I got a bit excited,' he said. 'I went to rave on Friday and there's another video on Facebook and I'm doing flips there. I've had a few selfies, a few drinks bought for me.' Sumner said he spoke to friends on the way to the stadium about carrying out the stunt. He said he had no regrets and that his family had seen 'the funny side' But Sumner, who works as a dry liner fixing ceilings, said he thought a potential football banning order 'seemed a bit much.' 'I don't want a three year ban because obviously it's quite a bit,' he said. 'I'm not encouraging people do it and if I go to another game, I'm not going to do it again.' At today's hearing, Sumner's solicitor entered a guilty plea on his client's behalf to one count of going on to a playing area at a football match under the Football Offences Act 1991. Sumner, who was at court but missed his hearing after leaving the building briefly, was released on bail with conditions that he does not attend Reading's home or away matches. He will appear at Reading Magistrates' Court on April 30 when a decision will be made on whether he receives a football banning order.

Charlie Sumner, 20, invaded pitch at Reading's Madejski Stadium in March . He did four front flips during FA Cup clash before stewsards tackled him . Sumner, from Wokingham, faces three-year ban for home and away games . But he said he has no regrets and that his family had 'seen the funny side'


Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil seemed to be in a enjoying his home comforts after arriving back in London following the international break, posting a picture putting his feet up with his dog. The German star was in fine form as the World Cup winners beat Georgia 2-0 in their Euro 2016 qualifier on Sunday, and is now setting his sights on the Premier League encounter with Liverpool at the weekend. And Ozil gave an insight into what he does in his downtime after taking a snap of him playing with his pet with the caption: 'Home Sweet Home'. Mesut Ozil posted a picture on Twitter relaxing with his dog on Wednesday after returning home to London . Ozil impressed on international duty as Germany beat Gerogia 2-0 in a Euro 2016 qualifier on Sunday . The midfielder, who was signed for £42.5million from Real Madrid in 2013, missed Arsenal's last game against Newcastle through illness, but will be expected to start against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium. Ozil was said to have been spotted in a Berlin nightclub after missing the Gunners' 2-1 win at St James' Park, though manager Arsene Wenger rubbished those claims. He has been doing the business on the pitch after returning from injury though,  wracking up four assists and scoring three goals since January. And the former Schalke man says he is finally adjusting to English football, claiming he fits in 'perfectly'. 'There are a lot of what we call 'English weeks' in Germany - where you play twice, and there's no winter break either,' he said. 'It's demanding because you don't have many breaks to recover, but as a footballer it's great to have so many games and I'm the sort of player who prefers playing in many matches - that's why I fit perfectly here.' The playmaker has been in fine form since returning from injury for Arsenal this year .

Mesut Ozil starred as Germany beat Georgia 2-0 in Euro 2016 qualifier . Playmaker returns to London ahead of Arsenal's game against Liverpool . Ozil puts his feet up on sofa with his dog as he enjoys home comforts .


Lionel Messi should be fit to play in Barcelona's La Liga game at Celta Vigo on Sunday despite a scare over a possible foot injury, centre back Gerard Pique said on Wednesday. Messi, the top scorer in La Liga, did not feature in either of Argentina's friendlies during the international break after sustaining a blow to his right foot in last month's 'Clasico' against Real Madrid. 'I am optimistic about Messi, I have spoken to him,' Pique told reporters at a promotional event. Lionel Messi (right) should be available for Barcelona's trip to Celta Vigo, according to Gerard Pique . 'I think that he can play at Balaidos (Celta's stadium),' added the Spain international, who came through Barca's youth academy with Messi. 'In the end it is up to how he feels during the rest of the week. The medical staff are those who should decide. My feeling is that he will play.' Barca's 2-1 win at home to Real stretched their lead over their arch rivals at the top of La Liga to four points with 10 games left. Second-placed Real, who host Granada on Sunday, have stuttered in recent weeks and the 2-1 defeat at the Nou Camp was their third loss in their last four outings in all competitions. Messi (left) is slightly doubtful after suffering a foot injury in Barcelona's 2-1 win over Real Madrid last month . Barca, by contrast, are on a seven-match winning run and in with a chance of repeating 2009's unprecedented treble of Champions League and Spanish league and Cup after failing to secure major silverware last term for the first time in six years. They play Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals of Europe's elite club competition and are through to May's King's Cup final against Athletic Bilbao. 'We know it is going to be very hard and we will have to be at a high level if we want to win the titles,' Pique said. 'We have the team and we have demonstrated an improvement over the past year, the level has been rising and has given us a lot of confidence.' The forward didn't feature in either of Argentina's recent friendlies against El Salvador or Ecuador .

Lionel Messi didn't feature in either of Argentina's recent friendlies . Messi suffered a foot injury in Barcelona's win over Real Madrid last month . Barca sit four points clear of Real in La Liga with 10 game remaining .


FIFA has announced that Football Association chairman Greg Dyke has returned a £16,000 watch he was given as a gift. Dyke was given one of a limited edition of Parmigiani watches by the Brazilian FA during a FIFA Congress meeting in Sao Paulo during the World Cup - with 65 handed out in goodie bags totalling more than £1million. When the watches were recalled, Dyke initially refused to hand his back having promised to donate it to the FA's official charity partner, Breast Cancer Care, so that it could be auctioned. Greg Dyke (right) and the £16,000 Parmigiani watch that he was given as a gift at the World Cup last summer . But, with the threat of sanctions if he did not return the watch, FIFA's ethics committee has confirmed receipt of the item and has now closed proceedings on the matter. 'Mr Greg Dyke has returned the CBF Parmigiani watch. As a consequence, the adjudicatory chamber of the FIFA Ethics Committee has decided to close the proceedings in respect of a possible breach of the FIFA Code of Ethics,' the FIFA statement, issued on Tuesday afternoon, read. Dyke insisted he was unaware of the value of the gift when he first received it and, once made aware, said he would allow it to be auctioned for Breast Cancer Care, the official charity partner of the FA - who are looking to raise £500,000 for their cause before next summer. After six months of legal wrangling Dyke has now relented and the item has been returned, whilst it is understood all of the watches will now be auctioned for a Brazilian charity and that Dyke will make a personal donation to Breast Cancer Care. Dyke watches England play Costa Rica at the World Cup as England were eliminated in the group stage .

65 Parmigiani watches given to FIFA delegates at World Cup in Brazil . FIFA ethics committee ordered the watch be given back . Greg Dyke did not give his back as he wanted to auction it for charity . Dyke has now given the watch back with all 65 to be donated to charity .


Tyler Walker is a player who could form Nottingham Forest’s attack for years to come, according to manager Dougie Freedman. The 18-year-old striker came off the bench to score an impressive first goal of his senior career at Brentford on East Monday. It took him level with a Forest legend of the same surname: his dad Des, a scorer just once in 408 games for the club. Tyler Walker celebrates after scoring his first senior goal for Nottingham Forest away to Brentford . A source of mirth around the dinner table? Quite probably, although the younger Walker still has some way to go to match his father’s feats. He has managed just 56 minutes in his fledgling career so far, a distance from the 858 senior games, including 59 England caps, of Des. Still, the game is about goals… . True, and Walker Junior’s was a peach, controlling a high ball in an instant, shimmying past a defender, and rifling a left-foot shot into the net. It was curiously similar to his old man’s only goal, coming on New Year’s Day 1992 against Luton. He too smashed in an angled shot with his left. The younger Walker could already have passed his tally had he done better than skew wide a glorious chance at Griffin Park. The 18-year-old attacker is son of former England and Nottingham Forest defender Des Walker . He seems the real deal though, not just daddy’s boy made good through connections? That paternal link may have helped initially but since entering the Forest academy Tyler has proved his pedigree. He began the season in Jack Lester's Under-18 squad, and made a sizeable impression in January by firing a hat-trick against West Bromwich Albion in the FA Youth Cup fourth round. He progressed to Forest’s Under-21s and scored seven goals in 13 starts, leading Freedman to take notice and offer a chance following injuries to Britt Assombalonga, Matty Fryatt and Dexter Blackstock. Walker made his debut in the final minute of Forest’s 2-0 win over Rotherham on March 18, at the same age his dad did under Brian Clough 31 years earlier. Walker scored a goal of the highest quality as he twisted and turned before firing past David Button . Freedman presumably knows a good striker when he finds one… . The Forest manager is a huge fan of the teenager, hyping him up rather than playing things down. ‘I believe he can play for the club for a very long time and make the striker's role his in the very near future,’ Freedman said after the draw against Brentford. ‘I am pleased to stand here and say, “You have a wonderful young asset at the football club who is only going to get better”. ‘The biggest advantage is that he is a very well-rounded, level-headed boy that turns up every day and works hard. If he has that mindset then you have a chance.’ What are his attributes? As displayed by his goal, Walker is two-footed and possesses good balance. He is quick, an intelligent runner, and a smart finisher. He also has a striker’s mentality. As part of the FA Youth Cup hat-trick he won an argument with team-mate Gerry McDonagh over who would take a penalty, going on to score. The youngest is highly thought of by Forest boss Dougie Freedman, who believes he has a big future .

Tyler Walker came off the bench to score his first goal against Brentford . The 18-year-old is son of former England international Des Walker . Manager Dougie Freedman believes the forward has a bright future .


Veteran BBC commentator Peter Alliss has said that the corporation should have tried harder to win the rights to the Open Championship and that attempts to give women equal rights in golf have 'caused mayhem'. Recent legislation has given women more rights in golf clubs, while St Andrews and Royal St George's have both voted to admit female members for the first time. But Alliss told the Radio Times magazine that equality for women had 'b******* up the game for a lot of people'. Veteran broadcaster Peter Alliss (second right) claimed gender equality laws have ‘b*****ed up the game’ The commentator also claimed the BBC should have done more to secure the Open coverage . 'There's been a hell of a row because four golf courses that hold the Open Championship didn't have women members,' he said. 'I'm told the Ladies Golf Union has lost 150,000 members since equality for women came in. Hundreds of women have left golf clubs because they've gone from paying half fare to full fare. It's caused mayhem. 'All of the wives of members at these clubs could have used the facilities for free. When I was at Muirfield a couple of years ago talking to a few of the lady members, I said, "What about this equality? You must be happy about that?" "God no," they said. "We can come here and do what we like, we can play golf and don't pay anything".' He added: 'The equality thing is a great part of golf. Equality for women: a few people battled away to get it, they got it, and they have b******* up the game for a lot of people.' Alliss' comments come as the 2016 Open Championship will be the last to be broadcast live on the BBC before Sky Sports takes over. The former professional golfer, 84, told the magazine: 'I very much regret that the BBC has lost the Open Championship, but I said it might do 10 years ago.' He admitted that the BBC could not compete with Sky's deep pockets but added: 'I don't think there were enough people at the BBC dealing with the negotiations who cared enough. 'I can think of a couple of heads of sport from years ago who would have battled harder. But, having said that, when people get used to it I think the highlights will be wonderfully supported.' Alliss defended his style from critics, saying: 'I think they just don't like my delivery. They either think I waffle on, or don't know enough about the young players coming up. '"You're living in the past! You're one of the old Colonel Blimp school: must wear a tie to go and have a pee in the clubhouse." That sort of thing. 'I think I've moved very well with the times. But there are certain standards in golf that have been there forever.' The Broadcaster insisted he could not work for Sky . He said that he could not imagine working for Sky. 'They never asked me. I was a BBC man through-and-through and they paid me well enough,' he said. 'I think Sky is magnificent and if you like golf it's amazing, but they do it differently. The presenters look different. If I went to Sky the best I could do is sit in the studio or have a pre-tournament ramble about the players.' Alliss added: 'I was watching golf from Dubai a couple of weeks ago. It is a masterpiece, one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World. Every skyscraper is different. And in the middle of the desert they have created a golfing oasis. 'Not once in over four hours did the commentator say, 'What an amazing place this is'. You hoped the camera would pan round, lift up from the course. I would have said something daft like, 'If you've got very good eyesight, you might just see Lawrence of Arabia over that hill'.' He said that he had 'thought about leaving' the BBC. 'I've got problems getting about but the brain is still sharp enough,' he added. 'When I don't think it's sharp enough, I shall say I'm off. The BBC keep saying to me, 'Stay as long as you like.' 'It's lovely nonsense. What if I live to be 105? They'll only keep me as long as I'm all right, and I'll only stay as long as I'm all right,' he said.

BBC commentator Peter Alliss hits out at new equality rules . Alliss claims Ladies Golf Union has lost 150,000 members from changes . Veteran broadcaster also hits out at BBC for failing to keep the Open .


This is the hilarious moment a man performs a musical toast at his sister's wedding to welcome his new brother-in-law to the family. Amanda Beringer asked her brother Brad Fraser to make a toast at her wedding at Eagle Bay, south of Perth, over the weekend in place of their father who passed away. Far from a conventional toast, Mr Fraser performed a song which poked fun at the burdens of marriage. Scroll down for video . Amanda Beringer asked her brother Brad Fraser to make a toast at her wedding at  Eagle Bay, south of Perth . 'Well it's done now, you can't turn back. You're legally binded by the wedding trap,' Mr Fraser sang. 'For better for worse, it's only a curse, so open your wallet…and fill up her purse.' The crowd, who can be heard bursting out in laughter throughout the song, erupt into a standing ovation at the end of the performance. 'Are the bins out? Have the dishes been done? Hey, you take the kids and take the dog for a run,' Mr Fraser sang. He told Perth Now the performance was received far more positively than he anticipated. 'I thought it might get a bit of a giggle, but I never imagined it would go ballistic,' he said. Far from a conventional toast, Mr Fraser's song poked fun at some of the burdens of marriage . The song included jokes about the new husband needing to take the bins out and taking the dog for a run . The musical toast at his sister's wedding left the guests in stitches .

Amanda Beringer asked her brother Brad to make a toast at her wedding . Instead of a speech, he wrote a song poking fun at the burdens of marriage . The Perth man's musical toast had the wedding guests in stitches .


David Luiz could be a doubt for Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League clash with Barcelona after picking up a hamstring injury on Sunday. The Brazilian defender went off after 35 minutes of PSG's 3-2 win over Marseille after suffering an injjury to his left leg. Shortly after his side had fallen behind in their top of the table clash,the Brazilian was running away from a Marseille player, before being caught by a stray leg. David Luiz carries the ball out of defence on one of his trademark forays, but one such run led to his injury . The Brazilian defender immediately signalled to the bench that he would need to be replaced . The former-Chelsea defender attempted to continue breaking forward, but pulled up sharply holding his hamstring a couple of yards later. The club's official English Twitter account confirmed it was a muscle pull, tweeting: '@DavidLuiz_4 crumples to the floor with a hamstring pull #OMPSG' Reports suggest the 27-year-old will have scans on Monday to assess the extent of the injury. If it is serious as suggested then Luiz will surely be a doubt for PSG's upcoming games with Saint-Etienne, Bastia and Barcelona, whom the French side face in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on April 15. in his absence the French champions looked less than assured, conceding a second poor goal just a few minutes after Luiz departed, but they rallied to win the game and return to the top of the table with a better second-half display. Luiz limped off, and could now be a doubt for the Champions league quarter-final against Barcelona . PSG will hope their star defender can recover quickly, as he is a key part of their plans .

David Luiz pulled up in the 35th minute of Ligue 1's Le Classique . Luiz was immediately replaced, and club confirmed a pulled hamstring . PSG defender will have scans on Monday, but could be out for weeks . Barcelona meet PSG on April 15 in the first leg of Champions League tie .


A New Zealand man was taken aback after receiving a phone call from his brother who had been missing for 10 years. John Daniel Tohill, 37, was last heard from by family in 2005 after he left Nelson on the Tasman bay to travel north. But on Tuesday evening his brother Tobias received a call from John saying he had would be visiting in the coming weeks, reports Stuff NZ. John Daniel Tohill, 37, made contact with his family this week for the first time since 2005 . Over the years his family has hired investigators and police, but because he was an adult and had disappeared without notice before there was little incentive for police to appeal to the public for information. The family learned that John had never left the country, had no savings and did not possess a driver's licence. But after a call out for public sightings of him, John called his brother on Tuesday. 'It's pretty amazing,' Tobias said. 'He wanted to keep to himself all this time.' He was reportedly alerted to the search by a colleague who showed him the story on Stuff NZ. Tobias said his brother offered little explanation to his disappearance. John's brother Tobias (pictured) received a call from John saying he had would be visiting them in coming weeks . 'He is happy. He sounds well. He sounds like his is in a good way. We were very happy to hear from him.' John will visit his family in the coming weeks, including his father, who is in the final stage of dementia. 'It's a bit strange,' Tobias said. 'It's really good to hear he is well. I don't have to think about it any more.'

John Daniel Tohill, 37, was last heard from by his family in 2005 . His brother Tobias received a call from him on Tuesday evening . His family has hired investigators and police to track him down . John will visit his family, in particlar his ailing father, in coming weeks .


Forget learning ABCs. One doting dad has been teaching his son how to 'magically fly'. YouTube videos show four-month-old Noah Monte perfectly balancing on the palm of his father's hand as he's lifted through the air. As he whizzes up and down, the infant manages to keep his legs and body upright. His outstretched arms help him to remain airborne. Caught on camera: YouTube videos show four-month-old Noah Monte perfectly balancing on the palm of his father's hand as he's lifted through the air . Bystanders are heard laughing in the background as they watch the tot in action. Noah apparently started performing the 'circus act' when he was just one-month-old. However, as he was still wobbly on his legs he was lifted low to the ground. He also clung on to one of his father's hands for extra support. Perfect balance: As he whizzes up and down, the infant manages to keep his legs and body upright . Crowd pleaser: Bystanders are heard laughing in the background as they watch the tot in action . When his balance started to improve, Noah mastered the stunt hands-free. But now, more than a year on, it appears he could be getting a little too heavy for his father to lift in the palm of his hand. New videos show the infant getting up to more grown-up antics from 'riding shotgun on a skateboard' to tucking into a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Noah's parents describe him as having a 'fun' and 'crazy' adventurous spirit. Starting young: Noah apparently started performing the 'circus act' when he was just one-month-old .

YouTube videos show four-month-old Noah Monte perfectly balancing on the palm of his father's hand as he's lifted through the air . He apparently started performing the 'circus act' when he was a month old . But now - more than a year on - it appears he could be getting a little too heavy for his father to lift in the palm of his hand .


Gearing up for tonight's NCAA championship game, a group of meerkats have been testing out their basketball skills. The critters were filmed at Indiana's Indianapolis Zoo after getting a makeshift backboard and hoop installed in their pen. Footage shows them inquisitively inspecting the piece of sports apparatus and standing  tall on their back legs. However, instead of an even-surfaced court, they're forced to contend with the hilly floor of their enclosure. Spectators were seen smiling as they watched the team of animals in action. The zoo put on a range of Final Four activities over the weekend for visitors including a basketball-theme scavenger hunt. March Madness is set to come to a close tonight as the Wisconsin Badgers and Duke Blue Devils go head-to-head at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. In action: Gearing up for tonight's NCAA championship game, a group of meerkats have been testing out their basketball skills . Sporting activities: The critters were filmed at Indiana's Indianapolis Zoo after getting a makeshift backboard and hoop installed in their pen . Team work: Footage shows them inquisitively inspecting the piece of sports apparatus and standing tall on their back legs . Fancy footwork: However, instead of an even-surfaced court, they're forced to contend with the hilly floor of their enclosure .

The critters were filmed in action after getting a makeshift backboard and hoop installed in their pen . The zoo put on a range of Final Four activities over the weekend for visitors including a basketball-theme scavenger hunt . March Madness is set to come to a close tonight as the Wisconsin Badgers and Duke Blue Devils go head-to-head at the Lucas Oil Stadium .


Forget the Easter Bunny, it was an egg-laying chick spreading the joy in one household. A video uploaded by YouTube user Shkesi shows a baby girl mesmerized by a toy mothering hen. As the motorized plush bird bounces up and down and pops out an egg, the infant can barely believe her eyes. When the first egg emerges she cries  for joy and when the third comes she lets out a shriek with her arms waving around. Before laying its eggs - which are unfortunately plastic, not chocolate - the toy bird plays a short song. 'I'm about to show you how it's done, laying eggs is so much fun,' it chimes. Caught on camera: A video uploaded by YouTube user shkesi shows a baby girl mesmerized by the mothering hen . Wow! As the plush bird bounces up and down and pops out an egg the infant can barely believe her eyes . After the show is over, the baby's big sister asks if she would like to see it again. The little girl lets out another scream signaling a 'yes' as she sits excitedly wriggling in her highchair. To date the video clip - originally filmed in 2013 - has been watched more than one million times. Shkesi says the baby's 'egg-static' reaction is something that 'never gets old'. Smiles all around: When the first egg emerges she cries for joy and with the third delivery she lets out a big scream with her arms waving around . Encore: After the show is over, the baby's big sister asks if she would like to see it again .

A video uploaded by YouTube user Shkesi shows a baby girl mesmerized by the mothering hen . As the plush bird bounces up and down and pops out an egg the infant can barely believe her eyes .


A freak snowstorm was captured on video engulfing a bridge and then a river in a matter of seconds in Russia. The incredible weather event took place in Siberia’s third largest city, Krasnoyarsk, and shows the moment snow and sleet plunge the Yenisei River into darkness. A video maker captured the storm, which initially it looks like a large white cloud, from the bank of a river. The snowstorm moved at a speed of 45mph and engulfed the��Kommunalnyi Bridge in a matter of seconds . Suddenly the storm grows in size and begins moving at a speed of 45mph towards the Kommunalnyi Bridge, which it instantly dwarfs with its size. Flecks of snow can be seen in the air as the large cloud becomes increasingly grey in colour and the bridge disappears from view. The video maker then tilts the camera slightly and captures the cloud moving overhead. Flecks of snow become bigger and more frequent as the snowstorm continues to engulf the video maker . Visibility is drastically reduced as the snowstorm engulfs the Russian city in a matter of seconds . The flecks of snow suddenly become larger and more of them can be seen beating down on the side of the river bank. Moving ever closer, the wind begins picking up and suddenly the visibility is next to zero. The video maker then captures a friend standing nearby before returning to film the storm, which the pair are now very much a part of. The video maker momentarily films a friend before returning to the storm, which they are now a part of . The video concludes with more snow pelting the video maker and the grey clouds obscuring the sun completely. According to reports, warm weather is thought to have caused the cyclone, which swept through the city centre in less than a minute.

The cyclone travelled through Siberia’s third largest city, Krasnoyarsk . Video captures the snowstorm engulfing the Kommunalnyi Bridge . Flakes of snow become bigger as visibility reduces drastically .


Dogs are usually maestros when it comes to games of throw and catch - especially when there's food involved. But Fritz the Golden Retriever from California appears to lack any eye-mouth co-ordination skills, as a new video shows. The pooch was filmed wearing bunny ears this Easter trying - and miserably failing - to catch a hard-boiled egg between his teeth. Slow-motion footage shows him licking his lips and enthusiastically leaping up to catch the treat. However, despite his best efforts, the egg narrowly misses his jaw, bounces off his chest and hits the grass instead. A defeated Fritz is then seen hanging his head low, with his bunny ears falling to the ground. The pup has made quite a name for himself with his poor catching skills. Indeed, his YouTube channel boasts more than five million hits. Other videos show him being thrown steak, tacos, bread rolls, pizza and donuts, with misses every time. Fritz's owner, Evan Ball, hopes that one day the dog will be able to achieve the 'paw-fect' catch. He added: 'While we all intently anticipate the day when Fritz masters the skill of catching food in his mouth, we also patiently embrace the journey.' Ready, set, go: Fritz the Golden Retriever from California appears to lack any eye-mouth co-ordination skills, as a new video shows . Good effort: The pooch was filmed wearing bunny ears this Easter trying, and miserably failing, to catch a hard-boiled egg between his teeth . Not-so-paw-fect catch: Slow-motion footage shows him licking his lips and enthusiastically leaping up to catch the treat . Defeated: However, despite his best efforts, the egg narrowly misses his jaw, bounces off his chest and hits the grass instead .

Fritz the Golden Retriever from California has made quite a name for himself with his inability to catch . His YouTube channel boasts more than five million hits . Other videos show him being thrown steak, tacos, bread rolls, pizza and donuts, with misses every time .


A holidaymaker was left stranded in Tenerife after thieves stole her passport ID during a family holiday - and Ryanair staff refused to let her fly home over fears she was an illegal immigrant. Loushanna and Shawn Craig from Erdington, Birmingham, had gone away to the island for a three-day break, marking her birthday and the couple's anniversary. But, despite having flown to Tenerife from East Midlands airport, Mrs Craig was marooned on the island for up to two weeks after her biometric ID card was stolen. Loushanna Craig, from Erdington in Birmingham, had gone to Tenerife with her husband for three-day holiday but was refused to fly home over fears she was an illegal immigrant . The couple were on a trip to the volcanoes when Mr Craig had his wallet stolen, which had her biometric ID, as well as their bank cards inside. The 37-year-old was meant to return to the UK on March 9, but she only arrived back on March 24 - having spent more than three times what she had planned. The mother-of-four, who has a Jamaican passport, has now placed the blame squarely on the shoulders of Ryanair. She claims that she has the right documentation to prove she was allowed to return to the UK, but that the budget airline refused to fly her home anyway. She said: 'The whole experience has been humiliating. I will never use Ryanair again.' Mrs Craig, who moved to Birmingham from the West Indies 14 years ago, does not have a full UK passport because she has not yet been given permission to live here permanently. Mrs Craig, with her husband Shawn, who had her biometric ID card stolen while on holiday . Instead, she has the 'right to remain' status, a Government stamp which shows she resides in the UK. That stamp recently ran out, she said. But she has a biometric ID card, given to her by the UK Border Force, which, when used in conjunction with her passport, proves she has the right to reside in this country. She has previously used it as a passport in EU countries. Prior to the holiday, Mrs Craig had also obtained a visa from the Spanish Embassy in London, allowing her to travel out of the country. After the card was stolen, Mrs Craig travelled to Madrid where she was given documentation to prove that her card had been stolen. But when she tried to return home, she was stopped at the Tenerife South boarding desk and the police were called. She was led away, under suspicion of being an illegal immigrant. 'They just didn't want to know,' she said. 'They weren't interested in seeing the papers. I was led away like a crook. I also had a driving licence and bank cards which proved I was from the UK.' Mrs Craig, who was carrying other cards like her driving licence and National Insurance card, then got paperwork from the British Consulate in Tenerife, which also verified that her card had been stolen. But when Mrs Craig attempted to get home, she was turned back again. She alleges that a Ryanair representative at Tenerife South Airport told her: 'We send you Africans to Britain and they just send you back and fine us 6,000 euros.' She said: 'I was left feeling like a criminal.' Mrs Craig was told her Jamaican passport would have to be surrendered and re-stamped before she could return, a process that would have taken at least three weeks. But Desmond Jaddoo, a community activist, then intervened, speeding up the process, meaning she returned home earlier than expected. He described the saga as 'totally unsatisfactory in its entirety'. He said: 'Ryanair failed to take into account her circumstances, they failed to show any form of compassion and the fact that they stereotyped her is of great concern.' Mrs Craig travelled to Madrid where she was given documentation to prove that her card had been stolen but at the aiport she was stopped at the boarding desk and the police were called . A Home Office spokesman said the airline were right not to accept the ID card as a passport substitute . But a Home Office spokesman said the airline were right not to accept the ID card as a passport substitute. The spokesperson said: 'The biometric residence permit is proof of the holder's right to stay, work or study in the United Kingdom. It can also be used as a form of identification. The holder is not required to carry their permit at all times, but they must show it at the border, together with their passport, when travelling outside of, and when returning to, the United Kingdom.' A Ryanair spokesman said: 'While we apologise for any inconvenience caused, it is each passenger's responsibility to carry travel documentation which meets the requirements of Ryanair, immigration and other authorities.'

Loushanna and Shawn Craig were on three-day holiday on island in March . She was marooned in Tenerife for two weeks after biometric ID card stolen . The 37-year-old was given documentation to prove she was allowed back . But she claims she was stopped at airport check-in and police were called . Mrs Craig, who has a Jamaican passport, has placed blame with Ryainair .


Sir Nick Faldo will now know for sure whether Rory McIlroy is bulking up too much after appearing to give the world No 1 a squeeze during Monday's practice round at Augusta National. After McIlroy was on the cover of Men's Health magazine and admitted he was 'obsessed with the gym', Faldo, a three-time Masters winner, voiced his concern that the 25-year-old was spending too much time on the weights. Faldo last week told the Daily Telegraph: 'Throwing 200lb and 300lb weights around is not going to be good for your golf swing. The heaviest weight I would ever lift was my body weight. You can play some pretty good golf when you have just got some decent shoulders on you and a strong neck and a strong pair of hands.' Sir Nick Faldo puts a hand on Rory McIlroy's shoulder during Monday's practice round ahead of the Masters . McIlroy and three-time Masters champion Faldo greeted each other with a handshake at Augusta National . McIlroy's fitness programme doesn't seem to be doing him too much harm. He goes into the year's first major as the bookies' favourite and looking to become just the sixth player in history to complete the career grand slam. He shook Faldo's hand on Monday and the Englishman, wearing a green jacket McIlroy would love to have in his collection, gave him a squeeze on the shoulder. As expected, McIlroy drew a huge crowd as patrons piled in to the famous Georgia course and Scottish amateur Bradley Neil had a taste of things to come as he practised with him. The patrons were also keen to get close to McIlroy as Masters week began with the Monday practice . McIlroy, preparing to tee off on the fourth, is bidding to win a fifth major and complete a career grand slam . World No 1 McIlroy made sure he put in a bit of work in the huge bunkers at the Georgia venue . Meanwhile, just 27 per cent of McIlroy's fellow professionals think he will complete the career grand slam by winning the Masters this week. But the good news for the 25-year-old is that he is far more popular than defending champion Bubba Watson, who cannot rely on too much support if he gets into a fight at Augusta National. Those were among the results gleaned by an ESPN.com survey of 103 tour professionals - 21 of whom were major champions - who anonymously answered questions on a wide range of topics. Asked if McIlroy would be wearing a green jacket on Sunday, 28 players said yes, 72 said no and three abstained. McIlroy will have caddie JP Fitzgerald on the bag to help him plot his way round the stunning course . The Northern Irishman had Scottish amateur Bradley Neil for company during Monday's practice . And McIlroy congratulated Neil after he chipped in at the second... save them for Thursday Bradley . Asked which player they would not help in a fight in the car park, Watson got double the number of responses (22.6 per cent) of second-place finisher Patrick Reed (11 per cent). Rory Sabbatini was third and Robert Allenby fourth. Other topics covered in the survey included slow play and recreational drugs - Kevin Na was judged in need of the first one-shot penalty in 20 years on the PGA Tour, narrowly ahead of Ben Crane, while 40 players felt the Tour should stop testing for marijuana. And on the subject of Tiger Woods, only seven per cent thought he would not win another major before the start of the season. However, after Woods missed the cut in Phoenix and withdrew from his next event after 11 holes, the numbers became 50/50. McIlroy walks with Scottish amateur Neil on the 12th fairway during a practice round for the Masters . McIlroy putts on the 12th green as he puts the final touches on his preparations for the upcoming Masters .

Rory McIlroy admitted recently he was 'obsessed with the gym' Sir Nick Faldo warned the world No 1 against bulking up . The pair shook hands at Augusta National during Monday's practice . McIlroy is bidding to complete the career grand slam by winning Masters .


Three people are fortunate to be alive after a hot air balloon collided with a transmission tower and crashed to the ground during a training session in Russia. In the incident, which was captured on camera, the balloon catches the side of the tower and the basket, which carries three occupants, plummets to the ground. The instructor and two passengers were hospitalised with cuts and bruises but are all reported to be in a stable condition. The filmmaker captured the moment the balloon collides with the side of the transmission tower . The horrifying incident took place in the sky over Russia’s Dmitrov district. Recording from a car, the filmmaker follows three hot air balloons through the trees as they float in the sky. In the right hand corner of the screen a balloon can be seen edging closer to a transmission tower, but it seems it be moving in a controlled manner. Suddenly the balloon begins plummeting to the ground as the filmmaker continues to drive towards it . The balloon begins disintegrating and the basket, carrying three people, plummets towards the ground . Suddenly as the balloon passes by it collides with the tower, and despite the filmmaker’s distance from the accident, the tension on the balloon is visible. Continuing to drive closer to the balloon, the video maker captures it swaying in the wind – its tiny basket perched quite a distance above the ground. The car then makes its final approach towards it and suddenly the balloon begins plummeting as it starts to tear. The basket speeds up and hits the ground but luckily all of the passengers survive the accident . Within seconds the balloon appears to have disintegrated entirely and the basket begins to descend even quicker. Suddenly it crashes to the ground – and a scream can be heard from within side the filmmaker’s car. The video concludes with a number of people running over towards the fallen basket in an attempt to help the people on board as debris from the destroyed balloon rains down on them. The video concludes with people running over to the fallen basket and attempting to assist the passengers .

The hot air balloon crashed into the tower during a training session . Video footage shows balloon breaking apart as basket plummets . People on board received cuts and bruises but all survived . The terrifying incident took place in Russia's Dmitrov district .


Graeme McDowell admits he has sometimes needed to spend time in a padded room after failing to get to grips with the challenges posed by Augusta National. But the former US Open champion is optimistic he can improve on his Masters record this week after overcoming an ankle injury which forced him to withdraw from the Valero Texas Open last month. 'It was the third time in my career I've had to withdraw from a tournament and it's not something I enjoy doing,' McDowell said after a practice round at Augusta. 'I was not really sure the extent of how much I had hurt myself and nearly withdrew from the pro-am on Wednesday, and probably should have in hindsight. Graeme McDowell has vowed to play 'aggressive' golf to help improve his poor Masters record . 'It was a peroneal tendon strain and, with a big season ahead, I didn't want to force anything. This is the first 18 holes I have walked since, and I feel good, so we are actually in better shape than we expected.' McDowell has made the cut just twice in seven attempts in the Masters - although he finished 17th in 2009 and 12th in 2012 - and concedes the long course does not suit his game. But the 35-year-old Northern Irishman added: 'Despite the fact that my record round here is not great, I do love this golf course. I could easily play it every day and be very content. 'It's such a great golf course, you learn something about it every year. I was out there just picking up little nuances that I haven't perhaps noticed before and putting those in the memory bank and trying to apply your knowledge and experience and hope that some year I can come here and really compete. This could be the year. The golfer (left) took in a practice round with his coach Pete Cowen on the Augusta National course . 'I am excited. I am really focusing hard on my chipping and putting this year. I haven't putted well enough here and it seems like such an obvious key round here. 'Sometimes I have required a padded cell when I've walked off the 18th green because I have got frustrated, but I have learned to understand why the course frustrates you, because it makes you play with the handbrake on. You have to take it off sometimes and play aggressively to conservative targets. 'That's a sort of sports psychology thing, but it means you take shots on that you fancy and if you don't like it you have to play safe. Sometimes it can be dangerous to be playing extremely well coming in here because it gets you to take too much on. Sometimes when you are a tiny bit off and have to play a tiny bit safer and smarter, that can be a good recipe around here so it's getting that right balance.' McDowell chips towards the green as his caddie Ken Comboy looks on during a practice round at Augusta .

Graeme McDowell will play 'aggressive' golf to end his poor Masters record . The 35-year-old has only made the cut twice in seven attempts at Augusta . McDowell has just recovered from an ankle injury ahead of the Masters . CLICK HERE for all the latest golf news .


Tiger Woods declared himself ready to compete for a fifth Masters title after completing 11 holes of practice at Augusta National on Monday. Woods has started just two events in 2015, shooting a career-worst score of 82 to miss the cut in the first of them and withdrawing through injury after just 11 holes of the second on February 5. That led to the 14-time major winner taking a break from competition to work on his game, during which time he dropped outside the world's top 100 for the first time since September 1996, a slide which continued on Monday as he fell from 104th to 111th. Tiger Woods returned to action as he warmed up at Augusta National Golf Club ahead of The Masters . The 39-year-old is returning from a self-imposed break from golf to recover from injuries and a dip in form . Woods was given a warm welcome by the crowd and stopped to sign several autographs at Augusta . Woods has not won a major since the 2008 US Open and the last of his four Masters wins was a decade ago, with the 39-year-old only confirming on Friday that he would compete at Augusta. However, after showing no sign of the chipping 'yips' which blighted his performance in Phoenix on the range, Woods produced some vintage shots as he completed the front nine alongside long-time friend Mark O'Meara before playing the 10th and 18th alone. 'I felt good. It was nice to get out here,' said Woods, who was two under after four holes despite a wayward drive on the first and three-putting the par-five second for a par. 'Chipping is fine. I wanted to test out some wedges out here. That was why I was chipping a little bit more. It came down to a couple of different bounce settings because it's different from Florida. We figured the right one out. 'It's been a process. But I'm on the good side now. It's progression. I felt like I had to get my game into a spot where I could compete to win a golf tournament and it's finally there.' Woods has not won a major since the US Open in 2008 and will be looking to get back to his best . Woods stopped to chat to Europe's Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke (right) at Augusta on Monday . O'Meara, who won the Masters and Open in 1998, said: 'The thing about the kid is that you can never underestimate Tiger Woods. I'm a huge fan, a friend and I care about him. 'It was good to be out there with him. I saw some good signs. His pitching looks a lot better. 'There's a lot of pressure on him but there is no reason why he should not have a good week this week. 'There are not many people that have played the game of golf like he has. The game of golf is better because of Tiger Woods. 'He is in a good place and I think he is fired up about it. He will be nervous on Thursday but I think he will be fine. He hit a couple of shots that were a little off but a lot of quality shots.' Earlier in the day, US Open champion Martin Kaymer said he still felt Woods was 'the man,' but added: 'Who really knows what is going on in his head? Woods looked confident and managed to pull off some impressive drives in front of the crowd . Woods hits a chip shot on to the green during the practice session ahead of the Masters 2015 . Woods smiles during the practice round prior to the tee off of the 2015 Masters on Thursday . 'I hope he's happy. I hope he's fine. I hope he will play well this week. But what would bother me a lot is all the speculation. You don't have a choice; you will read about it somewhere. You will hear about it because you socialise with people. 'So mentally it must be quite exhausting and we know how important the mental part is in golf. It's difficult and some things I don't find very fair. You know, you should just let him be. Let him play golf, what he likes to do. 'Sometimes I look at it and find it quite sad how people treat the whole subject. It shouldn't be like this in my opinion. But that's how it is unfortunately. That is how a lot of people make their money and some athletes, they suffer because of that. 'Hopefully he's strong enough, he has people to talk to, and he finds a way to compete as good as he can. Because we all know when he's around, somehow it does make us play better, as well. 'I never experienced someone who played better than him. In my era, I never played with Seve (Ballesteros) and I never played with Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, those guys. So for me, what I have seen and what I have experienced, he's the man.'

Tiger Woods has made his first public appearance for 60 days . He had been on hiatus to recover from injury and a dip in form . Woods warmed up at the Augusta course ahead of the 2015 Masters . The 39-year-old was given a warm welcome back by the crowd .


Notts County have appointed Ricardo Moniz as their new manager just a week after the club announced that he was unable to commit to the role. The former Tottenham and Hamburg coach pulled out of the running due to 'family reasons' at the end of March but on Tuesday moved to Meadow Lane on a three-year deal. The 50-year-old Dutchman has six games to save his new side from relegation into Sky Bet League Two, with the Magpies currently one point from safety. Notts County have appointed former Tottenham and Hamburg coach Ricardo Moniz as their new manager . Moniz has six games to save Notts County from relegation to League Two with the club one point from safety . Notts County have been without a permanent manager since the departure of Shaun Derry on March 23, with Paul Hart and Mick Halsall taking caretaker charge of their recent games. But Moniz, who steered Red Bull Salzburg to Austrian league and cup glory in the 2011/12 campaign, will now take the reins. The club have confirmed that Dave Kevan will be Moniz's assistant, with strength and conditioning coach Mike Edwards and goalkeeping coach Kevin Pilkington remaining in their posts. The League One club have confirmed that Dave Kevan will be Moniz's assistant at Meadow Lane . Magpies chairman Ray Trew told the club's official website: 'As I have said previously, I set out on our search for a new manager with an open mind but with a determination to find someone who would be able to bring a new level of excitement to Notts County. 'I think in Ricardo we have found that because, having spoken to him at length, his footballing philosophy is one of structured attacking play, which I hope is something that our fans will buy into, because I know that when I come to Meadow Lane I want to be entertained, I want to be excited by what I see out there on the pitch. 'Results, of course, are the yardstick by which managers are ultimately judged, but if we can play the sort of football that gets people off their seats and instil in our players the desire to take games to our opponents, I think we can make a real impression in this division. Notts County have been without a permanent manager since the departure of Shaun Derry on March 23 . 'Ricardo has a fantastic reputation within the game, not only for the style of football that he plays, but also his ability to spot and nurture young talent, so I am confident that his appointment will be of benefit to all levels of the club. 'In Dave I have been able to bring in someone who knows this level of football and, perhaps equally importantly, knows this football club. He's a Notts County person and I am delighted that he agreed to return for what I feel is an exciting period ahead for the club. 'The new management team's immediate goal is clear, with survival in League One our short-term aim obviously, but work is already under way to ensure that we have the best possible squad available to make a real impression next season.'

Ricardo Moniz has six games to save Notts County from relegation . The Magpies are  in the League One drop zone, one point from safety . Notts County sacked Shaun Derry as permanent boss on March 23 . The club have confirmed that Dave Kevan will be Moniz's assistant .


A mysterious Easter Bunny has delivered chocolate eggs to every house in a village of 3,000 people. Residents from Alderholt, Dorset, woke to discover a chocolate egg on their doorsteps. Rob Wood, 67, said: 'It is just such a lovely gesture. Every house in the village got one as far as we are aware. Local residents in Alderholt, Dorset, pictured, awoke on Sunday to find an Easter egg on every doorstep . 'We walked around the village and everyone seemed to have been left one of these chocolate foil wrapped eggs. 'My daughter said everyone was talking about it on Facebook. It's never happened before. It must have been quite some operation.' Tracey Feltham added: 'It's just such a beautiful thing. Everyone is on Facebook going absolutely crazy about it. 'It looks like everyone was left an egg. It's very Vicar of Dibley! 'It's a wonderful act of random kindness and I think that explains where it has come from. 'It's just such a lovely thing to do. It's never happened before and I've lived here for 20 years.' Residents of the picturesque Dorset village described the deed as 'a wonderful act of random kindness'

Residents of Alderholt woke up yesterday to discover the big surprise . Nobody has an idea who is behind the wonderful and generous gesture . Residents took to Facebook in order to thank the mystery benefactor . Local resident Tracey Feltham said: 'It's such a wonderful act of kindness'


Ben Crenshaw will mark his 44th and last consecutive appearance in the Masters by standing in for Arnold Palmer in the traditional par-three tournament at Augusta National. Palmer is unable to play alongside Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus in the curtain-raising event on Wednesday afternoon as he recovers from a dislocated shoulder, although the 85-year-old will still act as honorary starter on Thursday. Billy Payne, chairman of Augusta National, said in a statement: 'We were sad to learn that Arnold will not participate in this year's Par 3 Contest, but his health is most important. Ben Crenshaw will join Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player in the par-three competition at the Masters . 'We are very excited to welcome him to the tee Thursday as an Honorary Starter, where we will once again honour his extraordinary contributions to the Masters Tournament and the game of golf. 'We are pleased to announce that Ben Crenshaw has accepted our invitation to join Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player for this year, which we felt was a fitting way to acknowledge the end of Ben's illustrious 44 years of competition at the Masters. We look forward to Arnold's return to the Par 3 Contest next year.' The winner of the par three contest has never gone on to win the tournament proper in the same year. Arnold Palmer (right) is unable to play because of a shoulder problem but will be an honorary starter .

Ben Crenshaw will replace Arnold Palmer for the par-three contest . Palmer is recovering from dislocated shoulder but will be honorary starter . Crenshaw joins Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus for the event opener .


Dundee manager Paul Hartley is not reading too much into Dundee United's recent slide ahead of Wednesday night's Scottish Premiership derby at Dens Park. United have lost seven of their last nine matches in all competitions, drawing the other two, while their last league victory was way back on January 24 against Motherwell. However, Hartley is refusing to believe that will make his side's job any easier as they attempt to register their first win in a derby this season at the fourth attempt. Paul Hartley is not reading too much into Dundee United's recent slide ahead of Wednesday's  derby game . Hartley said: 'They've still got good players. 'We're under no illusion about the talent they have throughout the squad. 'We've seen it throughout the season - and in games against us, in particular. We know they've got players who can hurt you anywhere. We need to be focused on what we can do.' Dundee are without a win in three matches themselves, following up their defeat to Ross County with 1-1 draws against Aberdeen and Inverness. Dundee Utd's Nadir Ciftci scores his side's equalising goal from the penalty spot against Ross County . Callum Morris celebrates his goal during the Scottish League Cup match against Aberdeen . That has left them in seventh place in the table on 41 points, five behind fourth-placed United and two adrift of Hamilton in sixth. Hartley said: 'We're trying to look at getting as many points before the split, try to get into that top six. 'We're not far off but we know we need to win some games. 'If we get a result in the derby, it takes us a couple of points behind United, yes. But the main thing for us is trying to catch our nearest opponent.' Dundee Utd's John Souttar battles for the ball with Liam Boyce during their game at Tannadice . Despite not having won since February, Hartley believes his players can still take confidence into Wednesday's match after taking points off top-three sides Aberdeen and Inverness. He said: 'We're on a pretty good run. 'Our results recently have been decent against some good teams in the league. So all credit to the lads for that. We want to keep that going and derby games are always special. If you win, it can give everyone a great lift. Dundee United's Cifti in action with Aberdeen's Peter Pawlett during the Scottish Communities League Cup . 'We know what's at stake and we want to finish the season as strongly as possible. 'Our punters will be really looking forward to it and we would love to give them the three points.' Dundee defender James McPake will be given until the last minute to prove his fitness ahead of the derby after being sent for a scan on his knee. Hartley said: 'He caught his knee in training on Thursday, did very little on Friday and felt OK throughout the Inverness game. He just landed awkwardly from a corner.'

Dundee face rivals Dundee United in the derby on Wednesday night . United have lost seven of their last nine matches in all competitions . But Hartley is not reading in to their troubles as Dundee themselves stutter . Dundee are without a win in three matches themselves going into the game .


Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood has vowed to give pal Chris Ramsey the red-button treatment if he tries calling him ahead of Tuesday's crunch six-pointer. Rangers will leapfrog Sherwood's side and plunge them back into the drop zone if they win at Villa Park in what represents a pivotal game for both sides. Ramsey, who was Sherwood's closest lieutenant at Tottenham last season, had at the weekend vowed to take the unusual step of trying to make contact with his opposing manager ahead of the game. Tim Sherwood  takes on his friend Chris Ramsey when Aston Villa play Queens Park Rangers . Ramsey (right) was Sherwood's ally when the the Villa man was at the helm of Tottenham last season . Sherwood's Villa team were swept aside by Manchester United on Saturday, losing 3-0 at Old Trafford . Yet Sherwood insists he will allow nothing to distract him from his primary focus of keeping Villa in the division. He said: 'I haven't spoke to Chris for a while. I keep red buttoning him! Have I text him to say well done (over the QPR result)? No. 'It's not changed. I hope he does well. I respect Chris as a coach and a manager . 'For someone to put is head on the block like he has, good luck to him, not tomorrow though. 'I hope we both survive. It's more likely we will than them because after Tuesday night we could be six points ahead. 'It's hard, what do you talk about? You can't share team notes. Only 'how's the family, are you alright? Ok, see you Tuesday.' 'He's a good pal of mine and very loyal friend but it's been put to one side.' Sherwood has guided Villa to an FA Cup semi-final, with Blackburn or Liverpool lying in wait on Sunday week. Yet he insists he will take no pleasure from their day out at Wembley if their they fail to get any more points on the board from their QPR showdown and Saturday's eagerly-anticipated return for the boss to White Hart Lane. Villa captain Fabian Delph looks dejected as Villa are beaten by United in the Premier League . Ramsey led QPR to a 4-1 victory at West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns on Saturday . Bobby Zamora scored a stunning goal in QPR's big win but Sherwood claims he saw 'chinks in the armoury' He continued: 'I'm not even considering Wembley, it's not an option. 'It won't be a good day out if we don't pick up any points before now and the semi final. It's all about Tuesday. This is huge for us.' Sherwood insists Villa, whose mini-revival has been halted by back-to-back defeats, should not fear QPR despite them winning 4-1 at West Brom on Saturday. He added: 'We saw they scored four goals, we know they have got threats and two goals were contenders for goal of season. 'We saw enough chinks in the armoury for a Villa side to play well and exploit. 'We can't rely on anyone else, we know what we need to do, we know we have to win a considerable amount of games between now and the end of the season to stay safe and, that's what we intend to do. 'It's a great opportunity for us to put some breathing space points between us and Chris' QPR. 'It's about those players when they cross the line, it's time for them to stand up and be counted, have they got what it takes to stay in Premier League? 'I believe they have, they need to believe it and we need to start showing it starting showing it from Tuesday.' The manager has bemoaned his team's crippling injury crisis with Ashley Westwood, Scott Sinclair and Alan Hutton all sidelined. Ali Cissokho, Tom Cleverley and Kieran Richardson are also doubtful, while Philippe Senderos and Libor Kozak have been long-term absentees. 'I've never seen an injury crisis like it,' Sherwood added. Sherwood admitted his concern at Villa's injury list as he looks to lead the club away from relegation . Scott Sinclair heads Villa's list of absentees, with Alan Hutton and Ashley Westwood also missing for QPR . 'I never thought I'd be one of those managers who moans about injuries. You get one back and lose another two. 'They're not trivial injuries, they're always two, three, four weeks. It is OK in September but not now. That's pretty much writing off the season. 'It's a case of seeing who can come in. A few are back from injury, medically rather than physically, but it's a need must situation. Some of them will be risked.'

Tim Sherwood and Chris Ramsey worked together at Tottenham last year . Sherwood's Aston Villa side take on Ramsey's QPR at Villa Park Tuesday . Villa are 17th in the Premier League and only three points above QPR .


Tomas Berdych set up a hotly-anticipated rematch with Andy Murray with a straight-sets win against Juan Monaco in the Miami Open quarter-finals on Wednesday. Eighth seed Berdych defeated Argentine Monaco 6-3, 6-4 to ensure a first meeting with Muray since their tense and at times acrimonious Australian Open semi-final which Murray won in four sets. Monaco, backed by a large Argentine support, put up a strong fight in the second set until Berdych broke for a 5-4 lead. Tomas Berdych hits a forehand on his way to a straight-sets victory in the Miami Open quarter-finals . Juan Monaco stretches to play the backhand in the last-eight clash in Miami on Wednesday . Berdych said: 'It was a very tough one, he played very fast and pushed me every ball. I am really happy I found a way through. On his fiery meeting with Murray in Australia, the Czech said: 'What’s positive for me is that I think [Murray] played a very good tournament [in Australia], very good tennis, and I managed to find a way to win a set. 'It’s definitely going to be my goal to stick to the game plan and execute it.' Berdych is coached by Murray's former assistant Dani Vallverdu and has recently started working with the Brit's former fitness trainer Jez Green. Berdych approaches the net to play the volley as the Czech sets up a rematch with Andy Murray .

Tomas Berdych beat Juan Monaco 6-3, 6-4 in the Miami Open last-eight . The Czech now goes on to play Andy Murray in Friday's semi-finals . Berdych and Murray contested a fiery match at this year's Australian Open .


World No 2 Roger Federer has been some enjoying some downtime in the snow and posted a picture of himself posing with a snowball and his racket on his official Twitter account. The 33-year-old provided the snap with a witty caption - 'tennice' - and was wearing the scarf of FC Basel, the football team he supports. Federer decided to skip the invariably warmer climates of the Miami Open this year as a matter of 'physical preservation' his agent Tony Godsick revealed. World No 2 Roger Federer poses with a snowball and his racket on his official Twitter account . Godsick told the Miami Herald, 'It's unfortunate because Roger loves Miami and has had success there, but he turns 34 this year and he just can't play every tournament . 'He has to play a schedule that works for him physically, that makes sense with his family, so he had to change it up.' Federer won the Key Biscayne event in 2005 and 2006, but skipped it in 2013 also to lighten his workload. Federer opted not to appear at the Miami Open this year as the 33-year-old aims to maintain his fitness . Federer plays a shot during the final of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells against Novak Djokovic .

Roger Federer decided not to take part in the Miami Open this year . Instead, the world No 2 has been enjoying some downtime in the snow . He posted a picture of himself posing with his racket and a snowball .


Exeter swept aside Newcastle 48-13 to set up a semi-final showdown with Gloucester in the inaugural European Challenge Cup. The Chiefs outscored their opponents six tries to one at Sandy Park, with a David Ewers score and a penalty try helping the home side into a 17-6 half-time lead. Exeter then added further tries through Thomas Waldrom, Byron McGuigan, Sam Hill and Dean Mumm after the break, with outclassed Newcastle only able to respond with a 68th-minute effort from Chris Harris and eight points from the boot of Tom Catterick. Carl Rimmer of Exeter Chiefs is tackled by Newcastle Falcons' Dom Barrow during match at Sandy Park . Exeter's Thomas Waldrom stretches over for a try during the European Rugby Challenge Cup match . The victory means Exeter will take on Gloucester at Kingsholm in two weeks' time for a place in the final against either Newport Gwent Dragons or the winner of Sunday's London Irish-Edinburgh encounter. The hosts made a number of changes from the side that lost 25-18 at Leicester in the Premiership last weekend with McGuigan, Ben Moon, Tomas Francis and Tom James being drafted in. The Chiefs were also forced into a late change with Damian Welch pulling-up in the warm-up so Ben White was promoted from the bench to play in the back row, skipper Mumm moved into the second row and Sam Skinner added to the replacements. Newcastle, who lost 46-17 to Exeter in the Premiership last month, started with two changes in the backs from the side that narrowly lost at London Irish with Juan Pablo Socino in the centre and Harris on the right wing. Both defences were tested in the opening 10 minutes but it was Exeter who made the first breakthrough just before the quarter-hour. Dave Ewers of Exeter Chiefs (centre) makes a break during his side's 48-13 victory against the Falcons . After the Falcons were forced to touch down over their own line, Exeter broke off the back of the five-metre scrum and Ewers barged over the line. Slade added the extras from out wide on the right and the Chiefs were under way. Exeter increased their advantage midway through the half when wing Matt Jess, who was on course to score from a loose ball, was pulled back twice off the ball by full-back Alex Tait. Referee Marius Mitrea had no hesitation in awarding a penalty try - which Slade converted - and Tait went to the sin-bin. Newcastle kept the Chiefs at bay while they were a man down and when they were back to full strength the visitors were awarded a penalty 12 metres out in front of the posts, which fly-half Catterick slotted over to get his side off the mark. Slade and Catterick then swapped penalties to leave Exeter with an 11-point lead at the interval. Dan Temm of Newcastle Falcons tackles Thomas Waldrom during the quarter-final encounter . That soon became 18 points as just 45 seconds after the restart Ewers broke from inside his own half, shrugged off a couple of half tackles, before offloading to number eight Waldrom to stretch for the line. Slade converted and, 12 minutes later, added his second penalty from 30 metres out to make it 27-6. The Chiefs' fourth try came just before the hour-mark when Will Chudley chipped over the head of the defence and into the arms of McGuigan to go over, with Slade again adding the conversion. The Falcons may have looked down and out but Harris rounded a couple of forwards to score a breakaway try under the posts with Catterick converting to cut the deficit to 34-13. However, the Chiefs replied immediately through Hill to help restore their advantage and then Hill turned provider for Mumm to score the Chiefs' sixth and final try, with replacement fly-half Gareth Steenson converting both to cap a one-sided triumph.

Exeter and Gloucester will go head-to-head for place in inaugural final . Winner will face either Newport Gwent Dragons, London Irish or Edinburgh . David Ewers helped his side into a 17-6 half-time lead .


There was no special treatment for Lewis Ferguson at Paul Nicholls’ yard on Thursday morning. The 18-year-old was mucking out the stables as usual, just a cut on the nose to show for the fall which has made him an internet sensation. Ferguson, whose double somersault horror fall from the favourite Merrion Square in the 4.20pm at Wincanton on Wednesday has been watched hundreds of thousands of times online. But he was back riding out and said he was undeterred from getting back in the sadal. ‘It was just a blur,’ he said, ‘I couldn’t work out what had happened until I got back to the weighing room and watched the replay. All the other jockeys asked me if I was alright and stuff, they all watched with me and looked away in horror. It’s about the most impressive fall I’ve seen. Jockey Lewis Ferguson, 18, who survived a spectacular fall from Merrion Square shows off the cut on his nose . Ferguson, whose double somersault horror fall has been watched by hundreds of thousands online . The 18-year-old was mucking out the stables as usual at Paul Nicholls’ yard on Thursday morning . ‘There was nothing I could do to avoid it, you just have to let it take it’s course and hope it’s not a bad one. I’ve just got a cut on the nose so I’ve been very lucky. I got a bit of abuse from the lads and picked up a few hundred twitter followers but it’s all good banter. It won’t stop me getting back on a course. There’s been no special treatment. ‘My parents who live in the Scottish Borders were worried so I gave them a call so they knew I was ok. It’s not going to put me off riding at all I’d like to ride at the Cheltenham Festival and Aintree every year, that’s the ultimate aim. Bit disappointing because he was in front and maybe could have won. Jockey Ferguson hits the fence after his ride stumbles wildly on the approach to the fence at Wincanton . Colliding with the barrier forces the amateur jockey into a spectacular mid-air somersault . Wincanton clerk of the course Barry Johnson called it the worst fall he had ever seen. It was only Ferguson’s fifth race and the first time he had fallen although he has fallen a few times riding out. ‘Hopefully the next time I’m on the front page of the newspaper it will be for winning the Gold Cup or the Grand National. I gave the horse a little pat after, not a big one. Given the somersaults, maybe I’ll look at having a gymnastics career after finishing racing.’ Merrion Square was a hotly-tipped favourite to win the 4.20 at Wincanton on Wednesday until the fall . Ferguson escaped the fall and the only real pain was the cut on his nose and the banter from his friends .

Lewis Ferguson fell from Merrion Square at Wincanton on Wednesday . Despite spectacular tumble he escaped with just a cut nose . Ferguson has been mucking out stables as usual on Thursday morning . The 18-year-old says incident that went viral was 'just a blur' to him .


An Australian goanna has been filmed swallowing a whole rabbit in under one minute. The footage shows the two-metre long reptile managing to balance at the top of the pole while swallowing its prey. The lizard swings its neck back and forth as it battles to swallow its catch, before managing to finish the feat in under a minute. Scroll down for video . The grisly footage shows the ravenous reptile battling to swallow its ill-fated prey . The video begins by closing in on the top of a towering power pole, where the goanna is perched with the rabbit . Prominent in Aboriginal mythology, goannas can unhinge their lower jaws when feeding, allowing them to eat over-sized prey. They are  not picky with their choice of food either, consuming anything from insects to birds and eggs through to large mammals like possums and cats. They even eat dead and rotten animals, and are attracted to the smell of rotten meat. The video, uploaded to YouTube last week, begins with the message: ‘Goanna swallows rabbit, some people may find this video a bit disturbing, but it’s only nature.’ Goannas, which come from the monitor lizard family, are found throughout most of Australia, but it’s unknown where the clip was filmed. The lizard swings its neck back and forth as it battles to swallow the catch, before managing to finish the feat in under a minute . Goannas can unhinge their lower jaws when feeding, allowing them to dispose of some staggering sized prey including the likes of possums and cats . As oppurtunistic feeders, gonannas will eat anything from insects, birds and eggs to mammals like possums and cats .

The gruesome vision was captured in Australia and uploaded last week . The lizard swings its neck back and forth in a bid to swallow the rabbit . Goannas can unhinge their lower jaws allowing them to swallow large prey .