Diego Maradona’s recovery from well-documented battles with drugs, alcohol and obesity is, to quote Bobby robson’s reaction to The hand of God, "a bloody miracle". everyone haunted by the harrowing images of Maradona’s slack-jawed sneer and grotesque girth before his first heart attack in 2000 would scarcely have believed such a transformation possible, but the Argentinean Football Association (AFA) seems set to take advantage. It intends to offer him a role in the national team’s coaching set-up and england’s world cup nemesis may once again come back to haunt them.  The man voted FiFa’s player of the century, jointly with Pele, is thought to harbour ambitions of one day managing his country and there is mounting pressure on the AFA to recall their prodigal son in some capacity. That would have been unthinkable for most of the past decade, during which Maradona has suffered a succession of serious health scares. Having admitted a twenty year drug habit, which resulted in a fifteen month ban in italy, ejection from the 1994 World Cup and a career-ending scandal on his return to Boca Juniors in argentina in 1997, he developed heart problems, required psychiatric help for his habit and ballooned to around twenty stone.But now, following a successful recovery that included a recent operation to staple his stomach, the 45 year old football idol has slimmed down to such an extent that he has been prancing around on the italian equivalent of strictly come dancing. And his foray into the world of television does not stop there. Maradona is hosting his own chat show in argentina called The Night of the Number Ten and has already interviewed Pele, Robbie Williams and Fidel castro.His only official role in football at present is as Vice-president of Boca Juniors but the AFA is keen to harness Maradona’s unparalleled influence. his role would be to mentor players in the junior national teams, preparing them for full honours, and would not infringe on the work of current manager, Jose pekermen. Julio Grondona, President of the AFA, reiterated his backing for pekermen but said that the current manager had told Maradona: "You are the national team." Maradona has demonstrated his newfound diplomacy by vowing not to tread on anyone’s toes but Grondona clearly shares pekermen’s view: "things go according to plan, Maradona has a future with the national team and i don’t think there’s anyone who deserves it more." asked whether Maradona could manage the national team after the World Cup next year, the President gave his strongest indication yet, saying "he carries on like this, then why not?"One of the abiding themes of his autobiography, el diego, which was written from a cuban hospital bed, is Maradona’s fervent national pride and desire to see a revival in Argentinean football to match his own personal resurgence: "would love it if today’s kids, and tomorrow’s kids, could get this into their heads – there’s a special quality, a mystique, to be an argentinean footballer in the blue and white jersey. we can’t afford to lose that."And surely Argentinean football, and football in general, can’t afford to lose Maradona. The mere presence of a man who won the World Cup in Mexico in 1986 and led his team to the 1990 final in italy should provide extra motivation in Germany next year, but his renewed enthusiasm will also be invaluable. As leader of a new campaign, this time to restore the "mystique" of Argentinean football, Maradona would be in his element and would add another chapter to his remarkable reinvention.ARCHIVE: 6th week MT 2005

Oxford’s Mixed Lacrosse squad finally got their season started with a satisfying Busa league victory over Cambridge. After suffering a succession of cancelled or postponed matches a hungry, motivated side blew the tabs away and, led by seven goal hero Nick troen, kept the cambridge keeper busy fishing the ball out of the Light Blue net all day.The match got off to a sluggish start as Cambridge arrived late, delaying the start by thirty minues and leaving some Oxford players concerned about a lack of light. But despite this disruption, Oxford sprang from the blocks, playing aggressively and at a fast pace. it took just two minutes for Troen to open Oxford’s account. By the end of the first quarter the Dark Blues had gone on to notch up seven goals, while had responded with only one, leaving Oxford goalkeeper sarah Lewis with little to do. The Oxford midfield outclassed its rival with Laurence Witherington, David howie and Oliver proudfoot confidently picking up and distributing the ball with thoughtful passes that regularly produced scoring opportunities, and the Light Blue defence just could not cope with troen’s pace and clinical finishing.After the first quarter Oxford started to make use of their other advantage, a large squad of substitutes. Tired players were given time to catch breath with a few minutes on the sidelines and as a result Oxford stayed on top of the match. in fact had no female subs at all, forcing one of their girls to play on through injury to ensure her team had the obligatory six women on the pitch.Throughout the remainder of the match Oxford continued to notch up goals, albeit at less of a pace than in the first quarter. There was an outbreak of grumbling about barging from in the fourth quarter but referee emily dennis quickly quelled it and the match finished in good humour. Oxford can now look forward to their next game against Hertfordshire with some confidence as they build up to their match with uea, who promise to be a sterner test.Oxford co-captain Bryony tomlinson was clearly satisfied with the outcome of the match, stating after the final whistle: "we were awesome, once we settled into the match, the play was simply beautiful." Cambridge, meanwhile, were hoping for improvement. Mark Lee, playing left defence, explained, "Oxford definitely got the better of us, but we were down a couple of players and Iam sure that come Varsity the result will be much closer."  ARCHIVE: 6th week MT 2005

In an exciting match full of goals and even more narrow misses Oxford, led by player of the match Dominique Chaput, were able to retain their composure in defence to come out convincing winners and provide the perfect birthday present for their Captain, Marcie Reinhart.The Blues were on top from the off, Catherine Pinder netting with just forty seconds gone after some quick passing and heavy pressure at Invicta’s net, Jamie Waller doubling the lead only minutes later. The Dynamos came charging back however, with the masterful Chelsea Meaney driving a slap shot past the helpless Andrea Lewis before Kate Hancock levelled the scores. Only some athletic net minding from Lewis prevented Invicta from taking the lead. However, Reinhart now capped a fine first period performance with a stunning goal to regain the momentum for her side and give the Blues a 3-2 lead at the end of a breathless first half.The second period saw the Blues stamp their authority on the game, netting another three to put the result beyond doubt and leave out in the cold. Meaney continued to harass the Blues defence who at times struggled to get to grips with her speed and stick control. Meaney’s enthusiasm, however, got the better of her as she was sent to the sin bin for two minutes after a vicious body check. The Blues wasted no time in capitalising on the power play to put yet another past the helpless Vallerie Fraser who could only witness the onslaught unfold before her. Cat Pinder then added a fifth in what was a period dominated by the Blues. The final period saw the Oxford defence split open yet again by Meaney, who failed to capitalise on three opportunities as she tried to drag her team out of the huge deficit by their bootstraps. In the end though it was Lisa Villeneuve and Pinder’s partnership that paid dividends as they combined some incisive passes for Villeneuve to shoot the puck once again into the Dynamos’ net. Oxford’s Georgia Gale-Grant and Cat Pinder were unlucky yet again as they were denied what would have been fantastic goals by only inches as the puck flew tantalisingly close to Invicta net. Alina Turek who capped a great performance both by herself and the team by adding a seventh to the score board, heaping further dismay upon a disheartened side.a performance of such dominance and finesse against an side who currently top the British League South Division One must leave the Blues with very high confidence for the remainder of their season.The game was finally put even further beyond doubt by Rip-roaring, non-stop, end-to-end action” was the order of the day on Saturday as Oxford’s Women’s Ice Hockey team crushed the highly rated Iinvicta Dynamos at the Oxford Ice Rink.ARCHIVE: 6th week MT 2005

Alex Cairns’ women’s squad provided another outstanding performance, winning two pennants in the Women’s Senior 2 and Senior 3 coxed fours, while the lightweights also claimed an impressive performance with a top 100 finish.Oxford came out on top as Dark and Light Blue raised their oars in anger for the first time this year at Ssaturday’s Fours Hhead. President Barney Williams’ coxless four overtook Cambridge en route to overall victory in their category, ahead of the top two Cambridge crews. Olympic Champion Paul Daniels’ crew came out on top of Cambridge in the coxed four.ARCHIVE: 6th week MT 2005

Oxford gave new meaning to the phrase ‘winning ugly’ as they struggled past Cardiff University in the BUSA Women’s Premier Division on Wednesday. The Blues were clearly the better side, dominating posession and monopolising territory. Yet 70 minutes in they had yet to score. As they dropped passes, conceded penalties or chose poor options at critical moments. Their blushes were saved by Rhiannon Eevans, another Welsh representative, who crashed over after taking a quick penalty in the Cardiff 22, before Bethan Walsh made certain with a well taken penalty with 78 minutes gone.ARCHIVE: 6th week MT 2005

Port Meadow saw almost a hundred competitors in the cross country club’s cuppers last weekend, covering a 10km course. in the women’s race, Lucia Gibson (worcester) ran strongly throughout the race to break away from university team-mate Lizzie Brathwaite (Mansfield), but Mansfield packed three runners into the top six to beat worcester to the team prize.  The men’s race was dominated by Teddy Hall, with Alen Chetwynd and James hogan first and second, pushing Oriel into second.Paddy Wallace, Captain of the University Club, said afterwards that he was extremely confident for the forthcoming Varsity Match against Cambridge, adding "with a fully fit team we could take on any university in the UK".ARCHIVE: 6th week MT 2005

St Hugh’s’ up and down season continued as they slumped to a 5-0 defeat to St Catherine’s before bouncing back to edge past Jesus 1-0. St Ccatz were scarcely better than Hugh’s but made the most of Tobias Warnecke’s goalkeeping errors and the home side’s late capitulation. Chris Bargate’s header put the visitors 1-0 up, before Aarchie Hardiment doubled the lead with a 30-yard half-volley. Captain Ben Isaacs added a third before two own goals, one from Alex Lesley, the other Warnecke’s, completed the rout. Lesley made up for it two days later, scoring Hugh’s’ winner against Jesus. Catz beat Magdalen 3-2 the same afternoon to maintain their 100 per cent record.“I was very happy with the performance,” Isaacs said after the 5-0 victory. “think we’re going to go on and do very well this season. We’re gunning for the Championship, for winning it. Absolutely.”ARCHIVE: 6th week MT 2005

Worcester’s unshakable domination at the top of the premier division was finally ended by a powerful Queen’s side last Wednesday. In a tightly fought match the resurgent Queen’s side, previously pointless in the league, left with a well-earned point.   Worcester had previously recorded three wins from three, scoring over a dozen goals in the process and knocking holders Balliol out of cuppers. But the cancellation of the centaurs’ match saw Queen’s strengthened by a number of players from the University second team, a more challenging prospect than had encoutered thus far. Queen’s were able to shackle them successfully with hard working, aggressive and composed performances in midfield. As a result, never managed to assert themselves on this game as in previous weeks.From the off the confident swagger Worcester has earned this season was rattled. A twenty-yard strike from Queen’s simon Lennox on the stroke of fifth minute left rattled Worcester keeper Dave Quiggley beaten and only the woodwork prevented a surprise early lead. Offering the tantalising prospect of the goal fest we were all hoping for, Queen’s patience was rewarded early on with a perfectly positioned free kick from the left. The industrious Kirosh Nikbin struck the ball crisply into the heart of worcester’s defence to be beautifully converted by Captain Paul Gorrie.This proved to be the wake-up call Worcester needed to get their game in order. The remainder of the first half was commanded easily by the Worcester midfield who looked to be gaining the upper hand. It was not long before prolific fresher Toogood was in on goal only to be denied by a desperate clearance off the line.Worcester kept piling forward to try and preserve their unbeaten run, and were rewarded in fine style after Chris Beanland slotted the ball home from a nicely taken corner from sam rowlands, levelling the scores and dealing a psychological blow to Queen’s before half time.The second half saw neither team establish any dominance of the pitch in what was a hard fought and physical midfield battle. Worcester were unable to maintain the pressure they had piled on at the end of the first half, but Captain Lucian Weston gave a determined and diligent performance that was surely worth man-of-the-match to rouse his troops. The game was up for grabs as it suddenly came back to life in the last ten minutes of the second half. In what was a nail-biting finish it looked as though Queen’s were going to take the three points as Nikbin found himself in space on three occasions only to put the ball narrowly wide. In Queen’s captain Gorrie’s eyes "the Queen’s season starts here". However, Worcester will not be displeased. up against a side containing players of a calibre they are unlikely to meet again in the league, they held onto their unbeaten record and remain top ofARCHIVE: 6th week MT 2005

St Edmund Hall 27-LMH/Trinity 18: LMH were robbed of a huge upset win late in their opening match, away to champions St Edmund Hall. With Hall undermined by seven injuries, the visitors’ dominance at the set piece and an aggression and adventure out wide saw them build a healthy 13-0 lead early on before Hall showed yet again the class of champions, clawing their way back to snatch a victory.The first half belonged to LMH/Trinity, who won the majority of posession and had the wherewithall to use it. The game’s first try after ten minutes showed this. a cross kick to winger chris copplestone confounded the Hall defence, and he spilled the ball back for shaun Collins to score. Their second try, after half an hour, came as captain and flanker Jonny wright’s chip across the Hall line was collected by fullback tom Markham. after a Jack wallace penalty, faced a big deficit, but their icy cool showed itself once more. As the half drew to a close, the Hall backline fired to fashion a try for winger peter cay, and with rob Yates’ conversion the game was thrown wide open.The visitors scored first in the second half too. an excellent break by Markham, from between the half way and ten metre lines, led to a score for left wing Tom Harris. Hall struck back once more, and charged back into LMH/Trinity territory. From a lineout, the pack drove hooker paul Smith for a well worked score.The try saw Hall finally gain some ascendency. an hour gone they finally took the lead, after some rather scruffy passing gave cay enough space to skilfully round his marker. Yates converted from a difficult angle and, minutes later, added a straightforward penalty for a 22-18 lead, leaving LMH/Trinity in need of a try. Time was running out and as outside half George robinson tried to spark something with a horribly misconceived american football-style pass, david saleh capitalised and stole in for the decisive try.hall’s captain robert Newman understandably stressed that his side had been handicapped by injuries, but praised the squad players who had come in to replace more established names. his disappointed opposite number Jonny wright attributed his side’s late eclipse to a lack of fitness, stemming from games missed due to opposition concessions. if LMH/Trinity can rectify this, their skills and spirit leave no doubt that they can thrive in the top division.  ARCHIVE: 6th week MT 2005

Oxford 1 Oxford Brookes 1Oxford jubilation, Brookes despair. Reactions that tell their own story of a match in which Oxford’s dark blue shirts snatched a draw that, after 90 minutes of angst, trepidation and anxiety, felt more like a victory.The pivotal, defining moment, so cruel upon Brookes, so welcomed by undeserving Oxford, came in the dying moments. Jak hazzard tangled innocuously in the area and Oxford were granted the most dubious of salvations. seemed little more than an accidental clash of heads was unbelievably rewarded with a penalty. Vince Vitali converted and iffley’s silence was transformed into shocked enrapture. Oxford’s unbeaten run miraculously remained intact, and the nightmare start of their neighbours’ prolonged.For ninety minutes on a beautiful winter’s afternoon Oxford hobbled, stalled and stumbled against a side yet to record a win this season so that, deep into injury time, it was still difficult to discern which was the team unbeaten in the league and which was the side about to sink further into the relegation zone.Before that limpest of penalties Brookes had defied their poor start to the season, producing exciting and quick football, stretching the Blues on both flanks and, with the charismatic skills of Freddie sakyendoo, at the heart of every Brooke’s move, terrifying the Oxford backline. Only a desperate challenge from paul rainsford denied the striker a clear run at goal, a theme that would continue throughout.In contrast Oxford looked flaccid, a distinction manifested in the tales of the two strikers. unlike Joel Lazarus looked increasingly ineffectual and demoralised; isolated against a mean Brookes defence. everything he tried seemed to fail. a flick in midfield went directly to a striped shirt; a pass down the line went straight out of play and a clear sight of goal remained a distant dream. Oxford created just one chance in the opening forty-five, a corner, not cleared by the visitors that could not turn in from close range. But it was to be a brief interlude in a sea of Brookes dominance.Their inevitable opener came after half an hour. corner was completely missed by Mark addeley and sakyendoo rolled the ball home. Less than a minute later Brookes almost extended their lead as inside the area, found his powerful drive deflected into Nick Baker’s arms.With the smell of blue blood Brookes surged forward and should have added at least another two before the interval. Mark elliot and were out-battled on the left and were fortunate to see a shot ripple the netting. Moments before hazzard, under pressure from the indefatigable panicked and horribly skewed a header, meant for his keeper, out for a corner. The resulting set piece caused carnage in the Oxford penalty area, with tackles and scrambled hacks at the ball flailing, the home side were relieved to see the ball float over for a goal kick.The second half saw the Blues emerge with renewed vigour, a rebirth that was quickly tempered by the visitors and a return to the lethargy of the opening period. despite vicious roars in the tunnel Oxford returned to the pitch with something of a whimper. Five minutes in and a skewed clearance from Baker fell to the feet of a Brookes striker. his curled shot was not claimed cleanly by the off-balance Baker and only on his second attempt was an embarrassing second goal averted. Sakyendoo certainly should have sealed it but his shot, from an unmarked position in the area, looped awkwardly over.There were a few signs of life from the otherwise dormant Blues, but these were rare. Left-back aaron Barkhouse came close twice in thirty seconds in the closing minutes, first having a header cleared off the line from an corner, and secondly, as he was retreating into defence, sending a dipping shot just over. such sights were, however, rare glimpses of an otherwise unimpressive Oxford side. The visitors looked relatively comfortable throughout and only the delusions of the referee, at the death, were enough to break their stranglehold. ARCHIVE: 6th week MT 2005