Dan Wheeler

The Blaze remain top of the Women's One-Day Cup after Kathryn Bryce and Georgia Elwiss scored centuries in a record 233-run partnership, helping their side beat Durham by 59 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method. Hampshire stayed second after Georgia Adams' century secured a four-wicket win over Surrey. Somerset strengthened their qualification hopes as Bex Odgers and Sophie Luff both made hundreds against Essex, while Warwickshire moved up to third after defeating Yorkshire by 57 runs in a rain-affected match.

Port Vale midfielder George Byers says he is highly motivated to help the club return to League One at the first attempt after relegation. Byers, who previously won promotion to the Championship with Sheffield Wednesday and helped Vale rise from the fourth tier, believes the squad’s collective promotion experience will be crucial in navigating a competitive League Two season.

Walsall began Lee Grant's tenure with an impressive Carabao Cup victory over Championship side Bristol City at Ashton Gate. Using three centre-backs and debuting seven new signings, Walsall defended resolutely and won 1-0 through Aaron Pressley's second-half goal. Grant praised the team's unity and response to pressure, while cautioning that the club will not become carried away as it targets a League Two promotion challenge.

Surrey defeated Kent by 95 runs at The Kia Oval in a rain-shortened 49-over match, moving level on points with Group A leaders Leicestershire. Ryan Patel scored 73 and Dom Sibley made 53 as Surrey were bowled out for 286, while Kent’s chase collapsed from 30-0 to 88-5 before ending on 191 all out. Tom Lawes took four wickets and Tommy Ealham three, securing Surrey’s victory and leaving them behind Leicestershire on net run rate with two group matches remaining.

West Bromwich Albion have signed Norway international midfielder Felix Horn Myhre from SK Brann on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee. The 27-year-old, who has six caps and Europa League experience, said discussions with head coach James Morrison convinced him of the club’s potential. He becomes Albion’s sixth major summer signing and will reunite with former Brann and Norway teammate Aune Heggebo.

Stoke City striker Robert Bozenik says he has developed significantly after an injury-disrupted first season in the English Championship. He scored once in 22 league appearances before suffering a dislocated shoulder that ruled him out for nearly four months, but believes he is now stronger, fitter and more tactically aware. Working with manager Mark Robins through video analysis and training, Bozenik has focused on improving his movement and decision-making in the box. Rather than setting a personal goal target, he prioritizes contributing to Stoke's success and helping the club achieve promotion, while aiming to establish himself as the team's number-one striker.

Worcestershire batter Rob Jones will retire at the end of the 2026 season after a career spanning 11 years with Worcestershire and Lancashire. He has been a key contributor in one-day cricket, scoring 779 List A runs for Worcestershire and helping them win the One-Day Cup in 2025. Jones previously amassed more than 1,700 red-ball runs for Lancashire and won the County Championship Division Two title in 2019. Worcestershire figures praised his professionalism and impact on the club.

Luke Offord returns to Crewe Alexandra aiming to help the club secure promotion from League Two, motivated by previous success under manager Lee Bell and a desire to make up for missing their recent play-off final through injury. He believes the squad, coaching and fan support provide the foundation for a competitive season, stressing teamwork, physicality and the ability to stay under the radar as key strengths.

Aune Heggebo describes the influence of Erling Haaland and former teammate Torbjorn Heggem as Norway reaches the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time, praising their performances and the excitement they have generated at home. He reflects on the inspiration he draws from Haaland, the progress of Heggem since leaving West Bromwich Albion, and looks ahead to Norway’s upcoming match against England, expressing confidence in Heggem’s ability to contain Harry Kane.

Ethan Galbraith joined Stoke City in an eight-figure transfer from Swansea City, citing the club’s ambition, facilities and standards as key factors. The midfielder expressed respect for Swansea but believes Stoke is the right fit as he aims to help the team return to the Premier League. He is set to face his former club on the opening weekend, maintaining professionalism despite the quick reunion. Increased expectations surround Stoke following recent investment, with endorsements from figures including Michael O'Neill reinforcing Galbraith’s confidence in the move.

Crewe Alexandra manager Lee Bell expressed delight at re-signing former captain Luke Offord, describing him as a high‑quality addition who boosts tactical flexibility. Offord returns after two seasons at MK Dons and is expected to help offset the loss of key loanees alongside new striker Jordan Gibson. Bell acknowledged budget challenges in competing with wealthier League Two clubs but remains focused on strengthening the squad ahead of the new season.