The Sporting Weekly

January – the most gruelling month in the sporting calendar. The English winter truly kicks into gear and pitches succumb to the frost almost every week. That said it’s far more rewarding coming off the field unable to feel your fingers, knowing you got that all important victory. Here’s a summary from the sporting world this week.

BUCS fixtures start up again this week weather permitting. The Men’s Football 1sts host Bedford 1sts this Wednesday in the only home fixture. Off on their travels are the on form Men’s Lacrosse 1sts who will be hoping to get a victory at Nottingham Trent. The Women’s Lacrosse and Netball teams play Birmingham as do the Men’s Golf 1sts.

According to FourFourTwo, raisins are a source of nutrition which will significantly boost your pre match preparations. “Tucking into a packet of raisins an hour before kick-off will top up your blood sugar levels to help power your muscles for the full 90 minutes.”

Blisters: In rain or snow water is more likely to seep into the soles of your footwear and in greater volume. If your socks are thin or not padded well you could get some painful blisters.

Hamstring: Muscles need to be warmed up with greater care in cold conditions; otherwise the hamstring in particular is at risk.

One of England’s defenders summing up Sven Goren Eriksson’s half time talk, after they are knocked out by Brazil in the 2002 World Cup:

“We needed Winston Churchill and we got Iain Duncan Smith”

Greg Norman, an Australian golf champion:

“I am a winner. I just didn’t win today”

The Australian Open: The first major tennis competition of the year continues this week. Andy Murray has a strong chance of reaching the final with Nadal still out injured.

The Premier League, Sunday 20 January: Chelsea host Arsenal, who are at risk of losing touch with the Tottenham in the fight for fourth. Spurs take on Man United later that day.

The African Cup of Nations: If you’re still hungry for more football the African Cup of Nations starts this Saturday. And with the threat of snow affecting the fixture list this weekend you can be certain this tournament will go ahead. A competition notoriously hard to predict winner wise, Zambia won against favourites Ivory Coast last year.

Lance Armstrong’s interview on Oprah: Armstrong’s talk with Oprah was recorded on Monday night. Some believe he will admit to the doping allegations against him. Either way the interview will be fascinating to watch.