SPORTING WEEKEND

It's been an action-packed weekend of sport starting with the opening of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. The death of the young Georgian luge competitor during practice sessions threatened to overshadow the opening ceremony. I managed to watch a some of the ceremony and it was quite spectacular. I'm looking forward to seeing the downhill skiing and Team GB trying to beat our 4 medal haul in 1924. We've a good chance with Shelley Rudman in the skeleton and the women's bobsleigh team. The men's curling and dare I mention in the void left by Torvill & Dean, the Scottish siblings Sinead and John Kerr may have an outside chance in the figure skating.

No premiership football this weekend due to the FA Cup matches. Stoke City managed an impressive draw against Man City who looked a little shaky without the presence of Carlos Tevez. Birmingham, Portsmouth and Chelsea cruise through. Results still due in for mighty Spurs v Bolton, Villa v Palace and Fulham v Notts County. I'm hoping for a Spurs v Man City final which brings back some great memories of Ricardo Villa scoring that magnificent goal for Spurs in the replay. Other matches this weekend saw Blackpool get a draw against their arch rivals Preston and Newcastle go back to the top of the Championship.

In the Six Nations, England are favourites to beat Italy in Rome this afternoon. Whilst typing this and with an eye on the rugby, all I can hear is Brian Moore's commentary getting more and more exasperated with the England performance. We can't lose against the Italians and allow France a foot in the door can we? Aside from England's initial woes, the Welsh snatched a last minute win over Scotland and the Irish were outclassed by France. Good rugby on show and a fantastic Six Nations tournament.

Tuesday night sees Manchester United take on AC Milan in the Champions League and the debate hots up as to whether David Beckham will play and whether he'll celebrate if he scores. Old Trafford is a superb arena for the greatest players to ply their craft. I hope Beckham plays and I hope he gets a great welcome. Not sure I'd like him to score though....