SPORTS briefs

BELFAST. England's Ashes celebrations almost came to an embarrassing end when they narrowly avoided defeat against Ireland, claiming a three-run victory under the Duckworth/Lewis method in Thursday's one-day international in Belfast. Just five days after regaining the famous urn with a 197-run victory over Australia in the final Test at the Oval, England seemed to be suffering a hangover from their champagne celebrations. They spluttered to 203-9, with Oval hero Jonathan Trott and Ravi Bopara both dismissed without scoring, and only just managed to hold on as Ireland chased a revised total of 116 in 20 overs.

LONDON. Harlequins head coach John Kingston insists the blood cheating scandal that rocked rugby union should not be allowed to overshadow his club's achievements last season. Kingston is fed up with the constant criticism of Harlequins since it was revealed that winger Tom Williams faked a blood injury to allow a substitution to be made in last April's European Cup quarter-final against Leinster. Quins were hit with a $300,000 fine, while director of rugby Dean Richards was forced to resign after being banned from rugby for three years.

MADRID. After three years without a real playmaker, Real Madrid can now count on the services of Brazilian star Kaka, who has already proved he is a match for the last great player to take the role -Zinedine Zidane. But the 27-year-old, signed from AC Milan in June, already seems to be the ideal successor to the French legend Zidane. But one question remains: How long can Cristiano Ronaldo put up with being in his shadow?

LONDON. Tottenham and England midfielder David Bentley was banned from driving for a year on Friday after admitting drink-driving. Bentley pleaded guilty during the hearing at St Albans Magistrates' Court to drink-driving on August 13 in Hertfordshire. The 24-year-old crashed his Porsche into a lamp post after drinking four pints of lager and two spirits at a gig in London.

DILI. A tense duel between Australian cyclists marked the climax to the gruelling Tour de Timor on Friday, with Neil Van Der Ploeg pedalling to victory despite a narrow loss in the final stage. Van Der Ploeg, lost by a few metres in the final 92.5-kilometre haul back to Dili to fellow Australian Mark Frendo, who came third overall.