Sports Shorts

Arthur to fight on in Lightweight division

Edinburgh’s former WHO superfeatherweight champion, Alex Arthur, announced that he will be continuing his boxing career as a Lightweight competitor. Arthur explained: "I had a chat with my manager, Frank Warren, earlier this week and we both agreed that I am better now fighting in the lightweight division [nine stone six pounds] so my days as a superfeatherweight are now over.”

Arthur’s decision all but rules out the possibility of a rematch with Ricky “The Irish Mexican” Gomez.

Speaking at a press conference in Motherwell following his victory over Coventry’s Baz Carey, Gomez announced his indifference to Arthur’s decision: "I'm the one who would be granting Arthur a favour by fighting him at lightweight so why should I? I can fight Ricky Burns for his Commonwealth title instead so I don't need Arthur.'' 

Fouls and foul language as Spartans beat Hibs in Ladies’ semi-final

Saturday saw a gruelling stand-off between Spartans and Hibs Ladies at Heriot-Watt’s Ricarton ground on Saturday.

The Women’s Premier League semi-final clash, which ended 5-3 to the Spartans, was a high-tempo encounter, during which a referee’s assistant had to warn players on a number of occasions not to swear at him.

Spartans star Diana Berry stole the show, scoring four of her side’s five goals, two of which were penalties resulting from her being brought down in the area by the Hibs defence.

The tough-tackling Hibs side were certainly a force to be reckoned with coming from 2-0 down to level the game at 2-2 just after the re-start, but it was Spartans who proved to be the greater threat in front of goal, netting three times in the second half.

Spartans will now play Glasgow City in the final at Stirling’s Forthbank ground on Saturday, 8 November.

New Easter Road stand hangs in the balance

Despite the current global financial crisis, Hibs are determined to continue with plans to build a new East Stand which will increase capacity at Easter Road to around 22,000.

Initial plans for the new stand were unveiled last year, however, since then, the price of steel has increased by a staggering 77 per cent. Moreover, according to club chief executive, Scott Lindsay, the current economic situation does not favour the Leith club.

Lindsay commented: “Unfortunately, since [plans to develop the stadium were made] another consistent factor has been the volatility of both financial and commodity markets.”

Although Hibs currently have cash balances of around £4 million, the planning permission for the new stand expires in February, and there is no certainty that it will be successfully renewed.

According to club chairman, Rod Petrie: "What [the board has] to do is assess what is in the best interests of the football club both in the short and long term."