IT was something of a phoney war in that both sides were keeping a little in reserve for the championship, but Ballyhale Shamrocks picked up their first title of the year when winning the senior hurling league final against James Stephens on Saturday.

THE Kilkenny senior hurling league final, which will be played two weeks after the All-Ireland final, will be contested by champions Ballyhale Shamrocks and old city foes James Stephens.

New York police are investigating a second shooting incident involving 50 Cent and his estranged protege The Game hours after the In Da Club star was escorted from a radio show.

Hawick captain Kevin Reid last night set his sights on Murrayfield and vowed to claim the BT Cellnet Cup for the Mansfield Park fans.