Bowls: Andy Thomson, who was named this week as captain of England for the home international series in Perth in March, was among four seeds to fall in the first five matches of the second round of the WBT world indoor singles tournament in Norfolk. Billy Jackson, the No 16 seed, lost on Thursday night to Richard Morgan and was joined on the list of casualties by John Price (No 4), Thomson (No 8) and Mark Royal (No 15).

Rixon approach

Cricket: Steve Rixon, the former Australia wicketkeeper, has been approached to succeed Keith Medlycott as Surrey coach. The 49-year-old from Sydney, who has enjoyed coaching success with New Zealand and New South Wales, has yet to make a decision.

Golden oldies

Cross country: Two Scottish former world champions, Liz McColgan, 39, and Angie Mudge, 33, will be among the contenders for the senior women’s title at the East District Championships at Callendar Park, Falkirk, today.

Wattana woe

Snooker: James Wattana, who was once as high as No 3 in the world rankings, was whitewashed in Prestatyn yesterday as he attempted to reach the final qualifying round of the Irish Masters. The Thai was beaten 5-0 by Mike Dunn, of Redcar.

Carlaw capture

Rugby league: Salford City Reds, the Super League newcomers, are to complete their squad for 2004 with the signing of John Carlaw, the New Zealand Warriors centre, who should join the club after their training camp in Florida this month.

Nel's wedding

Cricket: Andre Nel, the South Africa fast bowler, has put his wedding back by two hours to be available for a full day’s work on January 17, the Saturday of the fourth Test against West Indies. “I am pleased we were able to find an alternative time,” he said.