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Lyon midfielder Nemanja Matic has brutally labelled Andre Onana as "one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United's history".

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Onana claimed Man Utd are 'way better' than LyonMatic slammed the keeper for his commentsPointed out his dismal record since he joined UnitedFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

In the buildup to what could be a defining contest for Ruben Amorim's struggling United squad, Onana spoke to the media with conviction about his team’s chances of beating Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals, with the first leg set to be played in France on Thursday night.

"We all know the importance of this game, we will go there with the winning mentality," he told reporters. "We have to go there and show who we are. If we are focused, stay compact and together and follow the gameplan we will be winning the game. Of course, it’s not going to be easy, but I think we are way better than them."

Onana has faced waves of criticism since arriving at United from Inter Milan due to his inconsistent form. Moreover, with United languishing in 13th place in the Premier League and having won just three of their past 10 matches in all competitions, his remarks were met with scepticism.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT MATIC SAID

Matic, who played at Old Trafford between 2017 and 2022, didn’t hold back when asked about Onana’s remarks. He took issue with the Cameroonian’s confidence, questioning both his record and the appropriateness of his comments.

“I don't know. To say something like that, you need to have courage," the Lyon ace told reporters. "I respect everyone, but I need to answer. When you're one of the worst goalkeepers in Man Utd's history, you need to take care about what you are talking."

Matic added: "If David de Gea, Peter Schmeichel or Van der Sar said that, I will question myself. But if you are statistically one of the worst goalkeepers in Man Utd's modern history, then he needs to show that, before he says so. We will see."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

United’s domestic form has been patchy at best, with last Sunday’s goalless draw against Manchester City offering little comfort to fans already frustrated with their lack of consistency. By contrast, Lyon come into this fixture in excellent form, having secured eight wins in their last ten games. The French outfit are riding high on momentum and will be eager to make a statement against a vulnerable United side whose campaign has failed to take off since Amorim's appointment as coach back in November.

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

The Red Devils’ hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League now rest entirely on a successful Europa League campaign, making Thursday’s match even more crucial. Following the European showdown, United face another tough test with a Premier League clash against Newcastle on Sunday. Amorim's side will then host Lyon in the return leg four days later.

Somerset sign former Warwickshire opener until end of 2023 season

Matt Roller22-Jul-2022Andy Umeed, the former Warwickshire opener, has become the first graduate of the South Asian Cricket Academy (SACA) scheme to sign a multi-year contract with a county after agreeing a deal with Somerset until the end of the 2023 season.SACA describes itself as an “intervention programme designed to tackle the inequalities highlighted by research regarding the lack of British South Asian representation in professional cricket” and was launched in full this season in partnership with Birmingham City University.The research underpinning the scheme shows that 30% of recreational cricketers in England and Wales are British South Asian, compared to only 5% of professional British male players. A SACA XI has played regular fixtures against county second XIs this season and a number of players have earned county trials as a result.

“The South Asian Cricket Academy have helped me a lot. They’ve given me the opportunity to train through the winter and given me access to quality coaches. That has helped me to bridge that gap between club cricket and the professional game.”Andy Umeed

Umeed trialled for Yorkshire this season after making 77 against their second team and has now earned a contract with Somerset which runs until the end of next season. Somerset have struggled with the bat this season and Umeed will effectively replace James Hildreth, who is expected to retire at the end of the year and has not played in the Championship since May.He becomes the second SACA graduate to sign a professional contract after Kashif Ali, who played seven games for Worcestershire in the T20 Blast and has signed a deal that runs until the end of this season.​”I’m really grateful for this opportunity and it means everything to me,” Umeed, 26, said. “Being a cricketer is all I’ve ever wanted to do. My journey has highlighted how much I love playing cricket. Being out of the game has given me perspective and made me realise just how lucky I am to be able to keep pursuing my dream.”There have been ups and downs in my career so far, but this goes to show that if you keep doing your best and work hard then the rewards will come.”The South Asian Cricket Academy have helped me a lot. They’ve given me the opportunity to train through the winter and given me access to quality coaches. That has helped me to bridge that gap between club cricket and the professional game.”Related

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SACA set up to help British Asian players into county cricket

Andy Hurry, Somerset’s director of cricket, said: “We have been impressed with what we have seen from Andy during his time with us this summer. Andy’s story is a great reflection of his determination to succeed.”Having had the opportunity to observe him within the Second XI Championship this summer, where his assuredness, approach and method to scoring runs has impressed both coaches and fellow players, we are delighted he has agreed to join the club and we look forward to seeing his journey within the game continue to evolve”.Meanwhile, Tom Banton has hinted that he will extend his stay at the club, having been linked with a move away. Banton’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season but he told the club’s YouTube stream during their game against Yorkshire: “There’s only one club I’ll be at next year so don’t worry.”I’ve been signing stuff in the crowd and I’ve heard all sorts. I’m only ever going to be at one club. I think it had to be addressed because everywhere I went it was getting asked. Don’t worry.”

Everything you need to know about Mikel Oyarzabal's salary playing for Real Sociedad

Mikel Oyarzabal might still be relatively young, but the versatile attacker has every right to call him a Real Sociedad legend already.

The attacker rose through the Sociedad ranks, making his first-team debut for the club in 2015 and has become an integral member of the Sociedad squad since them, helping them finish in the top half of the table on a regular basis.

With over 300 league appearances, Oyarzabal is well-respected and understandably he has been well compensated by the club for his service.

He currently holds the captain's armband as well as the status of the highest-paid player at the club, so GOAL delved into the numbers with Capology to find out exactly how much the Spain international earns!

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Mikel Oyarzabal's wages at Real Sociedad in numbers

Under his current contract at Sociedad, Oyarzabal earns £57,894 ($75,788) on a weekly basis, making him the highest-earner at the club, followed by Martin Zubimendi. Meanwhile, his annual wages amount to £3 million ($3.9m).

Player

Nationality

Weekly wages in GBP

Weekly wages in USD

Annual wages in GBP

Annual wages in USD

Mikel Oyarzabal

Spanish

  £57,894

$75,788

£3,010,508

$3,940,958

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTop earners at Real Sociedad

As mentioned earlier, club captain Oyarzabal currently ranks as the highest-earning player in the Real Sociedad squad, followed by Zubimendi.

Meanwhile, Alex Remiro takes the third position, followed by fullback Alvaro Odriozola.

Finally, rounding off the list at number five is Japanese forward Takefusa Kubo.

Player

Nationality

Weekly wages in GBP

Weekly wages in USD

Annual wages in GBP

Annual wages in USD

Mikel Oyarzabal

Spanish

£57,894

$75,788

£3,010,508

$3,940,958

Martin Zubimendi

Spanish

£48,245

$63,156

£2,508,757

$3,284,132

Alex Remiro

Spanish

£45,029

$58,946

£2,341,507

$3,065,190

Alvaro Odriozola

Spanish

£43,421

$56,841

£2,257,881

$2,955,719

Takefusa Kubo

Japanese

£40,204

$52,630

£2,090,631

$2,736,776

Top earners in La Liga

When it comes to the top-five highest earners in the league, none of the Real Sociedad players make the cut. The list is completely dominated by the big three of LaLiga: Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid. Three Los Blancos players feature in the list, namely Kylian Mbappe, David Alaba, and Jude Bellingham at second, third, and fifth positions.

Atletico Madrid's only entrant, Jan Oblak, makes an appearance at fourth position, while Barcelona's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski takes the top spot as the league's highest-paid player.

Nationality

Nationality

Weekly wages GBP

Weekly wages USD

Annual wages GBP

Annual Wages USD

Robert Lewandowski

Polish

£536,006

$701,667

£27,872,290

$36,486,704

Kylian Mbappe

French

£502,556

$657,879

£26,132,886

$34,209,706

David Alaba

Austrian

£361,840

$473,673

£18,815,678

$24,630,988

Jan Oblak

Slovenian

£334,983

$438,516

£17,419,136

$22,802,822

Jude Bellingham

English

£334,983

$438,516

£17,419,136

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AFPHighest paid players in the world

Despite the impressive wages on offer in the league, none of the top LaLiga earners make it into the top-five earners list globally.

Saudi Pro League players heavily dominate the list, with former Real Madrid forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema at first and second spot, respectively.

Meanwhile, Riyad Mahrez comes in at number three, followed by Senegalese internationals Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly.

Player

Club

Weekly wages GBP

Weekly wages USD

Annual wages GBP

Annual wages USD

Cristiano Ronaldo

Al Nassr

£3,216,155

$4,210,425

£167,250,468

$218,942,120

Karim Benzema

Al Ittihad

£1,608,178

$2,105,213

£83,625,234

$109,471,060

Riyad Mahrez

Al Ahli

£839,469

$1,098,921

£45,652,372

$57,43,893

Sadio Mane

Al Nassr

£643,271

$842,085

£33,450,094

$43,788,424

Kalidou Koulibaly

Al Hilal

£558,038

$730,509

£29,017,956

$37,986,458

Sam Billings will captain an experienced squad in the four-day match in Canterbury

Matt Roller05-Aug-2022Dom Sibley and Dan Lawrence will have the opportunity to impress England’s new management after being named in a strong 13-man Lions squad to play the visiting South Africans in a four-day match at Canterbury next week.Sibley has not played Test cricket since England’s second Test against India last summer but has had a solid season for Warwickshire in the County Championship, while Lawrence has not featured since the tour of the Caribbean after a hamstring injury disrupted the early stages of his season.Related

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Both of them will have the opportunity to push their cases to Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, England’s Test coach and captain respectively, ahead of winter tours to Pakistan and New Zealand. While runs for Sibley would put further pressure on Zak Crawley’s spot at the top of the order after a lean summer so far.Eight of the 13 players involved have previous international experience, seven of them in Test cricket. Sam Billings will captain the side while Harry Brook and Craig Overton are included after being on the fringes of selection all summer. And Ollie Robinson will continue his return to full fitness after earlier this week being named in the squad for the first two South Africa Tests.There are also spots for Keaton Jennings and Ben Duckett, who have had successful County Championship seasons after long absences from the Test set-up. Will Jacks, the Surrey allrounder, is one of two spin options named along with Nottinghamshire’s Liam Patterson-White.Essex’s Sam Cook and Derbyshire’s Sam Conners are the other seamers involved, while James Rew, the 18-year-old Somerset wicketkeeper-batter, is the final squad member. Paul Collingwood will act as head coach.The Lions game clashes directly with several Hundred fixtures, meaning that teams will have to cope without some of their key players: Overton (Southern Brave), Lawrence (London Spirit) and Brook (Northern Superchargers) will each miss two games, while Billings and Jacks (both Oval Invincibles) and Cook (Trent Rockets) will miss one game apiece.Sam Billings will captain the Lions•Getty Images”I would like to thank the Hundred teams and respective head coaches who have enabled the eight players who are playing in the competition the opportunity to play for the Lions,” Mo Bobat, the ECB’s performance director, said. “We are grateful for their support. We are delighted that the Lions will have a competitive fixture against the South African tourists. The squad strongly represents some of the country’s current, next best and future England players. For some players, this game will be important preparation going into the Test series.”These matches for the Lions are pivotal as we try to build the depth of players that can further enhance the way the Test team have been playing this summer. It is a reward for players who have scored runs and taken wickets this season in the LV= Insurance County Championship campaign and have caught our eye in how they’ve gone about their business.”South Africa will use the game, which starts on Tuesday, as preparation for the first Test. They have named a 17-man squad for the three-match series.England Lions squad: Sam Billings (capt, wk), Harry Brook, Sam Cook, Sam Conners, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Keaton Jennings, Dan Lawrence, Craig Overton, Liam Patterson-White, James Rew, Ollie Robinson, Dom Sibley

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is personally eager for the club to move for a “versatile” player who’s impressed club scouts, as the Lilywhites continue pursuing their second January signing after missing out on Randal Kolo Muani.

Juventus win race for Kolo Muani as Tottenham miss out

Over the last week and beyond, Spurs and Juventus were reliably believed to be tussling for Kolo Muani’s signature – but a winner of the race has now been confirmed by reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

£27m player ready to join Tottenham if clubs can agree January deal

Spurs hold a serious advantage over fellow competitors.

3 ByEmilio Galantini Jan 11, 2025

On Tuesday evening, Romano dropped his famous “here we go” as Juve pipped Spurs in the battle for Kolo Muani’s signature – dealing bad news for Postecoglou, technical director Johan Lange and chairman Daniel Levy, as they are forced to return to the drawing board.

The 26-year-old PSG outcast was deemed by Spurs one of the best attackers available for hire on the January market (David Ornstein), so this news will come as a real blow for the club as they also prepare for a tense North London Derby against Arsenal this evening.

Following their snubbed advances to sign Kolo Muani, Postecoglou’s side remain in the market for a new forward, and the Australian has pleaded for his side to bring in some “help” for striker Dominic Solanke.

“If we can get him some help, yeah. Dom has just been outstanding in the way he’s carried the frontline for us during this period,” said Postecoglou on support for Solanke.

“With Dom being a new player, it probably would have been easier for him to slip in and do his job but he’s taken on the responsibility of helping the whole team. He’s been great for us. I really feel there is more to him and his game. We’ll be able to get more out of him if we can him some help.”

As well as another attacking option, reports suggest they’re in the market for another midfielder. Tottenham are targeting Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi as one option for that role, while it is believed Palmeiras star Richard Rios is on their agenda as well.

Ange Postecoglou really wants Richard Rios at Tottenham

As per CaughtOffside, sharing an update on their links to the Colombia international, Postecoglou is personally “very keen” for Tottenham to sign Rios.

This follows reports that Spurs had an official bid rejected for Rios very recently, and while it is unclear how much they offered, he could actually be snapped up for much cheaper than his £84 million release clause.

The 24-year-old signed a new contract in October 2024, including the seismic clause, but reports in South America claimed soon afterward that Palmeiras won’t sell for any less than £13 million (Hoy Diario del Magdalena via Sport Witness).

Rios is said to have really impressed N17 scouts as well. However, Spurs face stiff competition from Everton and Nottingham Forest, who are pushing hard to land the South American.

“Richard is a versatile player who can fit into several roles in midfield,” said Palmeiras head coach Abel Ferreira. “His ability to both defend and attack makes him a valuable asset for any team. We are excited to see what he brings to our squad.”

Symonds’ kids, Billy and Chloe, ran drinks during Australia’s fielding stint, and spent the innings in the team dugout

Andrew McGlashan28-Aug-2022Andrew Symonds’ children were at the centre of tributes to him during the opening ODI between Australia and Zimbabwe in Townsville.The outfield was emblazoned with Roy 388 – Symonds’ nickname and Test cap number – in memory of the former allrounder who died in a car accident west of Townsville in May.Related

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Symonds’ children, Billy and Chloe, were part of the pre-match ceremony, standing alongside Aaron Finch and Steven Smith for the anthems where there was a moment’s silence for Symonds. They then helped run the drinks during Australia’s fielding stint, and spent the innings in the team dugout.At the interval, Symonds’ family members Laura Vidmar, sister Louise and mother Barbara – along with his children and close friend Jimmy Maher – walked to the pitch to lay his baggy green, his bat, his Akubra hat, a fishing rod and a crab pot at the wickets. Symonds’ two dogs, Buzz and Woody, also walked to the centre.”What he did as a player was remarkable,” Finch said ahead of Australia’s match against Zimbabwe. “He was someone who put bums on seats, he was box office with bat and in the field. [It’s been] a really sad time obviously for Australian cricket over the last little while. It’ll be nice to have some tributes and his family here.The late Andrew Symonds’ kids, Chloe and Billy, run drinks during the game•AFP/Getty Images”For someone who was so laidback, his depth of knowledge of cricket and players was second to none. I think the larrikin tag was there, but the deep knowledge of the game was outstanding as well.”Earlier in the week, Australia coach Andrew McDonald had said Symonds was a cricketer who had changed the game.”Roy was an amazingly talented, natural cricketer and a brilliant team-mate. He loved playing for his country and his mates,” McDonald told the . “He had a significant impact on the game, particularly here in Queensland as well as across Australia and the world.”Roy also had a huge influence on inspiring the new generation of cricketers. He changed white-ball cricket just as Dean Jones did in his time. They were two of the true legends of Australian cricket. It is a great tragedy he is gone, but it is fitting we get the opportunity to honour him here in Townsville, and the local fans will be able to pay their respects to a true great.”It is expected that the grandstand at the Riverway Stadium will be renamed after Symonds in the near future.Symonds played 26 Tests, 198 ODIs and 14 T20Is for Australia, which included his central role in winning the 2003 World Cup in South Africa and a maiden Test century against England in the 2006-07 Boxing Day Test at the MCG.

Following the shock news that Jhon Duran is set to join Al-Nassr for a hefty fee before the end of the transfer window, Aston Villa have reportedly set their sights on signing a replacement worth £25m.

Aston Villa transfer news

At some stage, the Villans were always going to have to decide between Ollie Watkins and Duran, especially if they wanted to create spending power of their own and avoid profit and sustainability issues. Now, it seems as though they’ve made their choice after reportedly rejecting Arsenal’s £60m bid to sign Watkins at the same time as accepting a €77m (£64m) to sell Duran to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.

What Duran’s pending exit will certainly do is hand Aston Villa some room to manoeuvre on the incomings front in the closing days of the window and that could yet see an instant replacement arrive.

Aston Villa now plotting hijack to sign "physical" £25m Disasi alternative

This would certainly ignite their Midlands rivalry…

ByTom Cunningham Jan 30, 2025

According to Galatasaray reporter Yakub Cinar, as reported by Haber Sabrikirmizi and relayed by Sport Witness, Aston Villa are now plotting a move to sign Baris Alper Yilmaz, who has already been the subject of West Ham United’s rejected bid worth €30m (£25m) this month.

With added spending power, however, it remains to be seen whether Villa will enter the equation and offer Galatasaray an offer that they can’t refuse before Monday’s deadline. Villa sporting director Monchi is reportedly a big fan of the forward which could yet play a large part in his side’s pursuit either this month or in the summer when searching for a Duran replacement.

"Elusive" Yilmaz would replace Duran's goals

Whilst there’s no denying that Watkins is the undisputed main man in Unai Emery and Villa’s frontline after their decision to sell Duran, they could still do with replacing the latter’s goals from the bench and Yilmaz could do exactly that. The Turkey international impressed at the Euros last summer and has since taken that form into the current Galatasaray campaign.

Minutes

1,620

638

Goals

10

7

Assists

1

0

The forward has earned plenty of praise throughout his career and was even backed to thrive in the Premier League if he completes a move by former Turkey international Selcuk Inan, who told reporters as relayed by the Liverpool Echo: “I think Baris Alper Yılmaz can play very comfortably for many teams in the Premier League at the moment. He’s a very special player.

“We worked a lot together. If Barıs Alper improves himself with his final ball, he can easily play for the best clubs in the world such as Barcelona, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Arsenal. He’s a player with a lot of potential. Hopefully, he will get that chance and represent them.”

Tottenham could be set for major changes this summer with Ange Postecoglou set to depart and the club expected to undertake a major overhaul.

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Spurs set for summer shake-upPostecoglou tipped to depart after poor seasonClub could overhaul other departmentsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

A miserable season for Spurs is reportedly likely to result in key changes being made in north London. Tottenham are expected to "carry out a wide-ranging summer overhaul of its football operation" which could result in a number of high-profile departures, according to the . The club plan to make changes to their medical, sports science and analytics operations after a dismal campaign which sees the team currently down in 16th place in the Premier League table.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Tottenham could still finish the season on a high by winning the Europa League, but Postecoglou is expected to depart even if Spurs do go all the way and lift the title. Injuries have played a part in Tottenham's poor form which could spell bad news for head of medicine Geoff Scott. One change has already been confirmed with former Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham set to arrive as the club's new chief executive, and Scott Munn's position as chief football officer is now under threat.

DID YOU KNOW?

Tottenham suffered their 18th defeat of the Premier League season on Monday against Nottingham Forest, just one shy of their all-time Premier League record of 19.

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR TOTTENHAM

Life doesn't get any easier for Spurs, with Postecoglou's side facing a trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool next in the Premier League. After that, Spurs face Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of their crucial Europa League semi-final.

Orr, Haines show fight for hosts but final step proves too great for young team

David Hopps30-Aug-2022Lancashire 319 for 8 (Vilas 121, Lavelle 50, Lamb 57*, Hudson-Prentice 3-43) beat Sussex 254 (Orr 71, Haines 49, Hurt 3-43) by 65 runsSussex have benefited more than any county from the mass exodus of players for the Hundred, a young side gloriously gathering in confidence as August has progressed, but their challenge in the Royal London Cup was stilled at the semi-final stage at Hove by Lancashire and, in particular, by Dane Vilas, a county cricketer who has long been in the ranks of the grown-ups and whose 121 from 99 balls was at the heart of their 65-run triumph.Lancashire now face Kent in the final at Trent Bridge on September 17. Half the crowd will probably be wearing Darren Stevens face masks but if any county can stare down his apparent swansong then it could be Lancashire, who are efficient and well captained. Vilas could adopt the role of Pliny the Elder, who pronounced as long ago as AD 77 that the idea that a dying swan sings is a nonsense.To claim victory was quite a feat for Lancashire, who found themselves 67 for 5 at the start of the 15th over. Optimism flooded over Hove. Sussex’s bowling attack is their weakest component, but remove Vilas and it felt as if the match was theirs. Instead, he effortlessly addressed the situation from the outset, strong of sinew, even stronger of mind. There was no sense of risk or rush, merely an innings that was brisk and businesslike. Even his six sixes had the feeling of appropriate punishment, magisterial in their judgment. He has served Lancashire wonderfully.Sussex’s coach James Kirtley said: “We got ourselves in a good position then Dane Vilas showed his real class. That was an outstanding one-day innings. It will be a hard defeat to accept over the next few days but it will harden them up for future semi-finals because there’s a hell of a lot of talent in that dressing room.”And so, cricket traditionalists have reached the end of August, or as they may prefer to know it, the age of Lalochezia – defined as the emotional relief that a person experiences after cursing loudly and often. England’s Test team has been a delight and to witness the Hundred figure out whether it wants to be seen as serious professional sport, with all the rigorous analysis that demands, or a superficial light entertainment show has been vaguely diverting. But for devotees of county cricket, Lalochezia has been a time of meagre returns.Only the Royal London Cup has consoled them, a denuded competition for sure, but one where crowds have been surprisingly resilient and where spectators have at least been able to find rich consolation in witnessing the first steps of the next generation. Considering all the disadvantages, it has been highly entertaining.But nobody knows how long it will remain as such, as county cricket adjusts to its latest redesign. The Strauss Review has produced vague initial findings intended to wed the professional game entirely to England’s needs, and Rob Key, England cricket’s MD, talks jollily about the need for Championship cricket in August. Everything is couched solely as “for the good of England”, the need for holistic solutions forever underplayed by a desire to best serve the elite.Sussex are reaching the end of a 60-day gap without a home Championship match. The 50-over competition has given them five days of sporadic consolation. Beaten they may have been, but they have acquitted themselves with promise. To find a player who has blossomed there is no need to look further than Ali Orr. Last season, he was a rangy and somewhat pedestrian Championship opening batter. This summer, he has struck 526 runs at an average of 58.44 and a strike rate of almost 100, led by a double-hundred against Somerset.Orr made 71 from 5 balls and deposited three sixes over midwicket with the gusto of a batter fast heading for the shorter formats, although one inside-edged slog against Tom Bailey would have rattled into leg stump if there was any justice. Sussex were on target, until Liam Hurt bowled him through the gate as he stayed leg side of the ball, just as he had gated Tom Alsop with his first delivery.Only three players have made more runs than Orr, one of them the Indian batter, Cheteshwar Pujara. Pujara, who had hit three stately hundreds in this tournament, has skippered Sussex in the absence (until this match) of Tom Haines and he was returning to India after the match whatever the outcome.The pressure to provide a final as a parting gift was considerable. When George Balderson’s yorker had him lbw for 10, Pujara had laboured 31 deliveries and had might have been out several times. One mid-pitch collision with Hurt, a big unit, caused him to complain to the umpire and underlined his state of mind. By the time he was dismissed, the required run-rate had escalated to more than eight an over.Haines produced a decent 49 off 59, only to fall in Balderson’s next over, and there was a cameo from Delray Rawlins, who hit a straight six over the media centre in a 14-ball 23 before Bailey bowled him as he whipped to leg. But it became obvious that the game departed with Pujara, a Banyan tree ripped up from English soil.Lancashire had lost six limited-overs semi-finals since they beat Hampshire in the C&G Trophy in 2006, and it looked as if it might be seven when they lost half their side for 67.Luke Wells was a circumspect opener at Sussex and he returned eager to parade his late-career adventure; a brief flurry of boundaries was followed by an ambitious retreat to leg which saw Bradley Currie uproot his off stump. Josh Bohannon, beaten on the drive, fell to a marginal lbw decision; Keaton Jennings was bowled off the bottom edge as he tried to pull; and Fynn Hudson-Prentice rounded up Steven Croft and George Balderson to giveaway drives of back and foot respectively.Their innings was transformed by a sixth-wicket stand of 132 in 20 overs by Vilas and George Lavelle, who made a breezy 50 and then ran himself out, mentally unsettled perhaps by Rawlins’ perfectly fair desire to rattle through his overs. Danny Lamb completed the repair work with 57 from 48 deliveries, with four fours and two sixes. But the hero was Vilas. He fell to a ball from Hudson-Prentice, dashing down the Hove slope, that rose steeply. But it was Vilas who bounced Sussex out of the competition.