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England women stripped of relay title after men’s 4x100 metres team land Commonwealth Games gold

England men's and women's relay teams land Commonwealth Games gold medals - GETTY IMAGES
England men's and women's relay teams land Commonwealth Games gold medals - GETTY IMAGES

After the medal frenzy, came the drama and controversy. With England’s athletics campaign coming to a close in a deluge of gold, silver and bronze, the curtain had fallen in perfect style when the women’s 4x400 metres team appeared to have edged the narrowest of victories in the final race of the programme.

A victory lap was enjoyed, interviews were conducted and most of the Alexander Stadium crowd departed elated, only for the English quartet to be disqualified for a lane infringement long after the event.

The English team considered appealing, but decided not to bother, with Jodie Williams clearly stepping out of her lane when receiving the baton from Victoria Ohuruogu at the first changeover.

It marked a sorry climax to what had been a thrilling race. Having earned a healthy lead through Ohuruogu, Williams and Ama Pipi, anchor-leg runner Jessie Knight was then tasked with clinging on in gold-medal position.

As the Canadians closed fast down the home straight, Knight flung her arm over the finish line and thrust her torso forwards. That seemed to have given England victory over Canada by just 0.01sec.

However, elation later turned to misery, with their disqualification.

England women's celebrations were shortlived - REUTERS
England women's celebrations were shortlived - REUTERS

Earlier, the men’s 4x100m team successfully defended their title to lead an English final-day medal haul that included silvers for Matt Hudson-Smith (400m), Ohuruogu (400m), and the women’s 4x100m team, as well as bronzes for Cindy Sember (100m hurdles), Williams (400m) and Ben Pattison (800m).

With world champions Canada and Jamaica not fielding men’s 4x100m teams in Birmingham, all eyes were on the hosts to top the podium and defend their title.

Jona Efoloko, Zharnel Hughes, Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake and Ojie Edoburun duly delivered with a minimum of fuss, leading from the gun to clock 38.35sec and see off Trinidad & Tobago and Nigeria.

Edoburun, who was the only change from the British team that won world bronze a fortnight ago, said: “I am just so happy to come in and fit right in with the boys. I didn’t want to miss out on this special generation of athletes.”

Efoloko said: “Honestly, it was amazing. I am loving it more and more. Second time [in the relay team], second medal.”

commonwealth games 2022 day 10 live birmingham netball cricket - REUTERS
commonwealth games 2022 day 10 live birmingham netball cricket - REUTERS

Despite her relay heartbreak, Ohuruogu continued her sister Christine’s legacy by winning the first individual major medal of her career. Having only broken 52 seconds once in her life prior to this year, Ohuruogu has seen huge improvement under the guidance of her sister as coach, setting a personal best of 50.72sec to finish behind Sada Williams, of Barbados.

“I am just so proud that our name is still on the track,” said Ohuruogu. “It took me quite a few years to get over the pressure of my sister and I don’t know if it’s too late but now I am coming into my own.”

Fresh from winning world 400m bronze a fortnight ago, Hudson-Smith fell victim to an extraordinary sprint finish as he missed out on a glorious homecoming at the track on which he learned his trade.

Hudson-Smith, the pre-race favourite, led halfway down the Birmingham home straight, only to be caught by unheralded 19-year-old Zambian Muzala Samukonga, who produced a staggering late surge that saw him go from a distant fifth place to snatch a dramatic gold in a personal best 44.66sec. His exertions meant he spent the next 15 minutes vomiting  before he was lifted onto a wheelchair and taken away in total exhaustion.

Hudson-Smith held on for silver in 44.81sec. Although disappointed, he insisted his medal haul from the summer marked success after his revelation a fortnight ago that he had attempted to take his own life last year following physical and mental-health issues.

The English women’s 4x100m team of Asha Philip, Imani-Lara Lansiquot, Bianca Williams and Daryll Neita were unable to keep hold of their gold medal from four years ago, running 42.41sec to take silver behind Nigeria.


Thomas ‘gives it everything’ but misses a medal

By Tom Cary, Senior Sports Correspondent

Geraint Thomas said he was satisfied he had “given it everything” in his final appearance in a Wales jersey as he bowed out of the Commonwealth Games with eighth place in the men’s road race.

Geraint Thomas (left) and Fred Wright - GETTY IMAGES
Geraint Thomas (left) and Fred Wright - GETTY IMAGES

On a flat 160km course which did not particularly suit him, the Glasgow 2014 champion made it into the day’s final selection. But with no team-mates for company, Thomas had to chase down moves, sapping his energy reserves. Thomas tried a solo attack inside the final 2km, rather than leave it to a sprint, but was himself chased down by Team England, who had three riders in the group including Fred Wright.

The south Londoner was the first to kick for home in the sprint but could not hang on with New Zealander Aaron Gate taking gold ahead of Daryl Impey (South Africa) and Finn Crockett (Scotland).

An excellent day for Scottish riders also saw Neah Evans take a surprise silver medal in the women’s race behind Australia's Georgia Baker.

Evans is a track specialist who won Olympic silver in Tokyo last summer where she raced alongside Laura Kenny in the team pursuit. Evans won silver in the points race and bronze in the team pursuit in the velodrome last week.

“I surprised myself,” Evans said after Sunday’s 112km race. “I hadn’t done a road race in quite a few years.”

Thomas, who arrived in excellent form having just finished third at the recent Tour de France, completing the full set of podium finishes at cycling’s biggest race, was phlegmatic at the end of his final Wales appearance.

"It was hard out there," he admitted. "It's definitely not my sort of course. It's real punchy, real explosive. I gave it everything. Unfortunately it was only myself up there. If we'd had another guy it definitely would have been better.

"I am not the most explosive anyway and after a lap of France I have definitely got a diesel engine now.”

Thomas added: "It's easy to look at the Tour and say ‘You finished third in the Tour, you should be winning here because there are not many people in the Tour [competing here].’ But it's such a different race. Compared to going up hills for two hours, this is completely flat, really punchy."

The 36-year-old said Birmingham 2022 would "definitely" be his last Games. "I might wear it (the Welsh jersey) around Cardiff, but I am not going to make another Commies. I am proud to wear this jersey for the last time."

Another rider who is unlikely to be around in four years’ time is Mark Cavendish. The Manxman would have been favoured to win Sunday’s race had it ended in a bunch sprint, or had he been able to make the final selection. But neither scenario played out.


Earlier in the day: As it happened. . .


04:45 PM

The gold medal winners

England win gold  - REUTERS
England win gold - REUTERS
Tess Howard celebrates her goal - PA
Tess Howard celebrates her goal - PA

04:40 PM

England captain Hollie Pearne-Webb speaks to the BBC...

"I'm a bit lost for words - it's the first time in history we've ever done this. It's a new group. I think over the next two years it's pretty exciting when we join up with the GB squad when the Scots and the Welsh come in."

"The crowd's support has been absolutely phenomenal. I just feel so lucky that's it's in my career that we get a home Commonwealth Games."

"Just pure relief - it was a bit of an up and down game. we played well first half, stepped off a little in the second half, absorbed a bit of pressure and got there in the end."


04:28 PM

ENGLAND WIN HOCKEY GOLD!!

The hosts have done it - that was a disciplined, mature performance from a young England side. They deserved that against the big favourites.


04:26 PM

Australia score!

With 19 seconds left on the clock Rosie Malone makes it interesting...they couldn't, could they?!

If they do those that sung 'hockey's coming home' will be to blame...


04:24 PM

How to ruin it...

The crowd are singing...'It's coming home, it's coming home, hockey's coming home...' YUCK


04:20 PM

Just two minutes to go

In the hockey...and it looks as though the gold is going the hosts way. Australia are still two goals down and England have all the possession at the moment.

It's been a great display of game-management by England.


04:18 PM

Aidan Walsh wins boxing gold for Northern Ireland

It's come in the light-middleweight division thanks to a regulation win over Mozambique’s Tiago Osorio Muxanga.


04:16 PM

Aaron Gate as he wins gold in the road race

Aaron Gate - GETTY IMAGES
Aaron Gate - GETTY IMAGES

04:15 PM

It's looking good for England

Just six and half minutes left in the match and they still lead 2-0 over Australia.

Hockey - AFP
Hockey - AFP

04:05 PM

Just one quarter to go in the hockey

And England still lead 2-0...can they hold on?


04:01 PM

Aaron Gate wins the gold!

Thomas was reeled in with 1km to go by Lucas Plapp but the Aussie only succeeds in leading out the Kiwi who then wins with space to spare. Daryl Imply got the silver and it's bronze for Scotland Finn Crockett!


03:58 PM

Geraint Thomas makes a move

With 1.7km to go!

He's raced into a 25m lead...


03:57 PM

Sam Watson is refusing to give way

Just 2.7kms left, Culverwell is doing his best to stay with him. The chasing pack are coming back fast and it looks as though they will reel them in.


03:53 PM

Watson and Culverwell still out in front

But Geraint Thomas and co are coming back to them - there are 5.2km to go.


03:48 PM

Sam Watson on the attack

In the road race and he's raced himself into a 100m lead along with Guernsey's Culverwell with 10km lead. Chris Boardman thinks it's all over.


03:40 PM

It's half time in the hockey

And it's been a brilliant one for England.

Australia are the favourites but have been outplayed so far and the hosts are well worth the two-goal lead.

England v Australia hockey  - PA
England v Australia hockey - PA

03:35 PM

One becomes two

So it doesn't have the same ring to it as a Spice Girls No 1 but it does manage to get across to you that England have doubled their lead in the hockey final.

Flora Peel has a shot and Tess Howard deflects the ball into the net for a 2-0 lead...the hosts are all over the Aussies at the moment.

England 2-0 Australia


03:31 PM

There's been a goal in the hockey, but for who?

Well, it's gone to the hosts!

Holly Hunt got the goal after good work down the right, a great first touch and a clinical shot into the corner.

England 1-0 Australia


03:27 PM

The breakaway of four in the road race

Has been reeled in - so still all to play for with 26kms to go.

Cycling - PA
Cycling - PA

03:21 PM

After the first quarter in the hockey final

It's 0-0. It's been played at sedate pace compared to the frenzy that was England's semi-final win over the Kiwis.


03:18 PM

A breakaway has been successful in the road race!

I use an exclamation mark (not something I usually do) as there have been attempted breaks aplenty at the front of the road race. But a quartet consisting of South Africa's Daryl Imply, New Zealand's Aaron Gate, Northern Ireland's Matt Teggart and England's Sam Watson have eked out a 25 second lead.


03:09 PM

It's all over in the netball

And in the second of the New Zealand vs England bronze medal matches the Kiwis again come out on top.

Having seen their T20 cricketers thrash Danni Wyatt and Co at Edgbaston earlier New Zealand beat the hosts 55-48 on the netball court. They were ahead early and never looked likely to relinquish that lead.

NZ netabll  - GETTY IMAGES
NZ netabll - GETTY IMAGES

03:05 PM

Lots of attacks coming in the lead group in the road race

But they're coming to nothing Australia's Luke Plapp is the latest rider to see his move thwarted.


03:03 PM

The hockey final has begun

Australia are the favourites but can England spring a surprise?


03:00 PM

On the road

There's just under 50km to go in the men’s road race and that 15-strong breakaway are still out in front and will more than likely be there come the closing stages . They know the medal will come from this pack.  There's about 65 mins or so left...


02:52 PM

England's gold-medal match against Australia is about to get under way

Before the push back here's a reminder of how they made it to the final via a bite-your-fingernails, squeaky-bum time penalty shootout...

READ:  England beat New Zealand to keep dream of first Commonwealth hockey gold alive

England celebrate beating New Zealand - GETTY IMAGES
England celebrate beating New Zealand - GETTY IMAGES

02:36 PM

England did what they had to do

In the third quarter of the netball in that they didn't let New Zealand extend their lead. They drew that period 12-12 and the score going into the final 15 minutes is 41-35.


02:34 PM

There's a gap of 1min 33secs

Between the lead group - which includes Wales' Geraint Thomas, England's Fred Wright, Sam Watson and Ben Turner, Scotland's Finn Crockett and Sean Flynn, Northern Ireland's Matthew Teggart, the Isle of Man's Ben Swift and Guernsey's Sam Culverwell - remain in the lead group of 15.and the chasing pack of six riders.

Cavendish's hopes of gold are all but gone with the likelihood of a sprint finish all but gone.

There are 65kms to go.


02:07 PM

At the end of the first half

And once again New Zealand have the upper hand over England in a bronze-medal match. This time it's in the netball with the hosts trialling 29-23.

Negland v NZ netball - GETTY IMAGES
Negland v NZ netball - GETTY IMAGES

01:55 PM

The road race isn't going Mark Cavendish's way

It doesn't look like there's going to be a sprint finish as there is a breakaway that has worked a lead back to the peloton of about two minutes.

That lead group of 15 riders iincludes Wales' Geraint Thomas, England's Fred Wright and New Zealand's Aaron Gate.


01:51 PM

Jona Efoloko and Ojie Edoburun seapk after that relay gold

“Honestly, it was amazing,” said Efoloko. “I am loving it more and more. Second time [in the relay team], second medal. It’s a lot of pressure and you want to do well.”

Edoburun, who was the only change from the British team that won world bronze, said: “I am just so happy to come in and fit right in with the boys. I didn’t want to miss out on this special generation of athletes.”


01:41 PM

Not for the first time today

It's an England vs New Zealand bronze-medal match - this one is in netball not cricket. The Kiwis won the cricket earlier, can they double up?

There are five minutes left in the first quarter and it's all square at 9-9.


01:16 PM

The attacks keep coming

On the roads around Warwick Castle but the main pack are still altogether. Wales Geraint Thomas as been near the lead and will doubtless be keen to make up for his disappointment of missing out on gold in the time trial. You suspect one of these attempts breaks will manage to eke out more than just a gap of a few seconds.


01:10 PM

In the men's road race

There's 133 kms to go. There was a break but it was caught, Chris Boardman, on BBC comms, says he expects to see many an attempted break today.

Road race - PA
Road race - PA

12:57 PM

Gold for Nigeria and silver for England

The Nigerian quartet won it in 42.10secs as the hosts' Asha Philip, Imani Lansiquot, Bianca Williams and Daryll Neita came in second. Jamaica, who had an awful run, grabbed the bronze.


12:54 PM

Now it's time for the women's 4x100m relay

England will be vying with Jamaica and Nigeria for the medals here.


12:45 PM

GOLD FOR ENGLAND!

That was nicely done by the hosts' quartet, not horrors with the baton changes as they win in 38.34secs.

Trinidad and Tobago got the silver with Nigeria claiming the bronze.

That is, believe it or not, England first athletics gold of these Games.


12:39 PM

Time for the men's 4x100m relay

England are the reigning champions with Jona Efoloko, Zharnel Hughes, Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake and Ojie Edoburun going for the hosts. Their main challenge for the gold will likely come from Nigeria.


12:31 PM

New Zealand win the bronze in the T20

After England were only able to post 110 the chances of the hosts getting their hands on the medal were always going to be slim and the Kiwis ultimately won by eight wickets with over eight overs left.

Devine struck an unbeaten half century (51 off 40)  and Kerr was 21 not out (off 15) at the end of what was tantamount to a stroll for New Zealand.

It's a bit of a shock for the hosts, who were one of the favourites for the gold after a strong summer, but they weren't able to sustain that and ultimately limped to a chastening defeat.

India face Australia for the gold at 5.


12:12 PM

A feint sliver of hope for England

Feint as in gossamer thin, need a microscope to see it etc etc...Suzie Bates was out out for 20, caught by Sarah Glenn off Nat Sciver...and that wicket was followed up Plimmer going for four BUT the Kiwis are currently 79 for two and the bronze is all but going to the other side of the world.


11:54 AM

It's not going England's way in the T20

And that's not the first time I've written that this morning.

After 3.4 overs New Zealand are 41 without loss chasing 111 for the bronze.

England needed early wickets and to put some sort of pressure on the Kiwis. They've achieved neither. Devine and Bates look fairly untroubled for New Zealand at the moment.

Suzie Bates hits out at Edgbaston - AFP
Suzie Bates hits out at Edgbaston - AFP

11:51 AM

Gold for Wales in the boxing!

It's come thanks to the efforts of Rosie Eccles in the light-middleweight division, upgrading from the silver she won four years ago.

"I cannot believe it...I just went and did a proper job, I am just over a moon."

Rosie Eccles - GETTY IMAGES
Rosie Eccles - GETTY IMAGES

11:41 AM

New Zealand have their innings under way

And after two overs the Kiwis are 19 without loss chasing 111 for the bronze medal.


11:35 AM

In the diving

All five Home Nations divers have made it through to the final.

Australia's Cassiel Rousseau was the  top qualifier and he'll be join later by England's Noah Lee, Matty Lee and Matthew Dixon as well as  Scotland's Angus Menmuir and Wales' Aidan Heslop.


11:28 AM

Can lightning strike in the same place twice?

Apparently, according to those clever boffins, it can and its a silly myth that it cannot...but this is a sports blog not a science lecture...however, I use that phrase to remind you that England did restrict New Zealand to just 71 in their group game...

For what it's worth (probs not much tbf) I reckon history won't repeat itself.


11:26 AM

England set New Zealand 111 to win the bronze

A gargantuan effort required to have a hope of getting a medal.


11:22 AM

England were expected to win a medal

In the T20, it was just a case of which colour it would be.

BUT as it stands it looks likely that the hosts will miss out on the podium. England are 106 for nine at Edgbaston - they're in the last over and it's hard to see New Zealand not cantering to victory here barring some brilliant bowling and fielding (spoiler alert: don't think it's going to happen...).


11:03 AM

Sada Williams wins with ease

In 49.91 a new games record! That was easy - she was the favourite and she was untouchable here.

BUT SILVER AND BRONZE FOR ENGLAND!

Victoria Ohuruogu (50.72 a new PB) takes the silver and Jodie Williams from the outside lane holds on for bronze


10:58 AM

Now back to the track

Where it's now the women's 400m final. A quartet of Home Nations runners is involved  - Zoey Clark for Scotland and Victoria Ohuruogu, Ama Pipi and Jodie Williams for England. Sada Williams of Barbados starts as the favourite.


10:55 AM

Dashing all over the place at the moment...

But it's back to Edgbaston where, and I fear I'm sounding like a broken record here, England remain in a dire position.

The hosts are currently 71 for six after 13.2 overs against New Zealand in the T20 bronze medal match...not looking good, is it?


10:52 AM

So back to the road race

Which was won, as we thought, by an Australian. Georgia Baker won in the anticipated sprint  just holding off the fast-finished Scot Neah Evans. Baker's compatriot Sarah Roy took the bronze.


10:50 AM

Silver for Hudson-Smith

The home hope led the way and was holding off all the challenges coming his way in the home straight BAR ONE - that of Muzala Samukonga. The Zambian 19-year-old sensation came from miles back from lane eight to win by about a metre in 44.66secs.

He's full of running and and ran a perfect race to win gold for Zambia.

Hudson-Smith perhaps didn't leave enough for that last 60 metres.


10:45 AM

It's all happening

As I try to watch the finale of road race the men's 400m final is about to get under way.

Wolverhampton's own Matt Hudson-Smith runs for the hosts. It's a strong filed but can the World Championship bronze medalist add to his collection here?

Meanwhile, over in the cycling...the Aussies look like they're controlling the front of the pack...


10:42 AM

Just four kms to go in the women's road race

And it will finish in a sprint finish with none of the breakaways managing to stay out in front.


10:40 AM

England still in trouble in the T20

Nat Sciver and Sophia Dunkley had managed to get the hosts to 43 for the loss of just those two early wickets BUT then Sciver is clean bowled by Devine for 27 (off 19) and Dunkley plays on for eight (off 14). England are currently 53 for four off nine over.


10:27 AM

Tobi Amusan wins in new Games record!

The world champion runs 12.30 smashing the games record which was 12.65 she was untouchable there - only one runner in it.

CINDY SEMBER gets the bronze in 12.59.


10:25 AM

The first final on the track is about to get under way

It's the women's 100m hurdles - Cindy Sember goes for England. The favourite is Nigeria's Tobi Amusan, the world champion from last month.


10:16 AM

England in early trouble in the T20

The hosts are 23 for two in the bronze-medal match against New Zealand. Danni Wyatt was out for four slapping the ball to extra cover before Alice Capsey was caught behind by Gaze off Rowe.


10:14 AM

The pictures of the road race on the Beeb

Are patchy at best, tbf they are apologising for it, so all is forgiven...but I can reveal that there was a breakaway but once again it's been reeled in. So once again it looks as though we are destined for a sprint finish.


10:05 AM

The bronze-medal match in the T20 has begun

England won the toss and elected to bat - they're currently five without loss after the first over.

There was much hope they'd be facing Australia later for the gold but India were just too strong for them in yesterday's semi-final. From the moment India put on 60-odd for the first wicket in the first six overs the host were always playing catch up and India's total of 164 proved just too much.


10:00 AM

Two laps to go in the road race

That's 32 kms and the breakaway has been reeled in so it's as we were...the clever money (when the fun stops, stop...) is on Australia and a sprint finish, according to Chris Boardman on BBC comms.

Road race - PA
Road race - PA

09:54 AM

There hadn't been a hint of a breakaway

UNTIL... five riders decide enough is enough. With 38km to go  Anna Henderson (England), Ruby Roseman-Gannon (Australia), Niamh Fisher-Black (New Zealand), Alison Jackson (Canada) and Anna Shackley (Scotland) managed to eke out a 10-second lead.


09:52 AM

News in the men's road race

The time trail gold medalist Rohan Dennis is out. The Australian capitalised on Geraint Thomas' fall to claim gold on Thursday but he isn't feeling well and won't start the race this afternoon.

Rohan Dennis - GETTY IMAGES
Rohan Dennis - GETTY IMAGES

09:50 AM

So...

...the women's road race has 45kms to go and the field, or at least the main contenders are in a leading pack that is currently led by Wales' Eleanor Barker. England's Anna Henderson, who won silver in the time trial, is looking good as is Warwick Castle which is a delightful backdrop to this race...here's a wee bit about the old edifice...

Warwick Castle is a medieval castle developed from a wooden fort, originally built by William the Conqueror during 1068. The original wooden motte-and-bailey castle was rebuilt in stone during the 12th century. During the Hundred Years War, the facade opposite the town was refortified, resulting in one of the most recognisable examples of 14th-century military architecture. It was used as a stronghold until the early 17th century.

*Thanks to Wikipedia for that history lesson...

Warwick Castle - REUTERS
Warwick Castle - REUTERS

09:33 AM

Hello and welcome!

To Telegraph Sport's coverage of the penultimate day of the Commonwealth Games. It promises to be an action-packed, exciting day one that see both the men's and women's cycling road races (the women's is under way now and we'll get to that ASAP!), the bronze-medal match of the T20, where England will battle it out with New Zealand from 10 at Edgbaston. The gold-medal match comes later when India face Australia for Commonwealth bragging rights.

Then there's the women's hockey final. England take on Australia from 3, and thought thought of gold isn't the only thing that excites England Hockey chief executive Nick Pink who says the country is "on the crest of a really exciting wave for women in sport".

The hosts have a chance to continue the success of the UK's top female athletes - a momentum Pink believes has "been building for a number of years".

But the Lionesses' Euros triumph has driven "significant change" for the perception of women's sport, aided by the number of women involved behind the scenes, the 45-year-old added.

"I don't think it's just been the last week with the Lionesses, I think it's been building for a number of years," Pink told the PA news agency.

"There's so much to celebrate about women's sport more broadly, and there's more and more women involved at all levels of administration in all organisations.

"And that's starting to play out in terms of the success on the field of play as well. We're on the crest of a really exciting wave for women in sport."

On top of that there's a host of intriguing finals on the track among, them the men's 400m, where England have Matt Hudson-Smith running, the women's 100m with Cindy Sember the home hope, the women's 400m with a quartet of Home Nations runners involved (Zoey Clark for Scotland and VictoriaOhuruogu, Ama Pipi and Jodie Williams for England), and the men's 4x100m where England are favourites.

That's just a smattering of what to come today so stay here for all the fun and games.