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Who likes sports shorts? For those who like their sports brief – to the point, that is, not unnecessarily revealing! – we have a few short shots to share. If you think we’re not playing fair, and other teams deserve a mention, email editor@franklintimes.co.nz and he’ll look into them… the teams that is, not their shorts.
Are you there, Liam?
As the F1 season enters the home straight, we’re sending out another appeal to a former kart racing ace – who’s since been driving a different type of car lately, or so we hear – Pukekohe pedaller, Liam Lawson.
As this issue of the Times went to print – prior to Belgium (July 17–19) and Hungary (July 24–26) – Lawson was off the pace, 10th with his Racing Bulls team in sixth, but win, lose or draw… Liam please call home, we’d still love a word or several.
Tall order?
A six-game cold streak is not to be sniffed at, but the Franklin Bulls could still turn their Sal’s NBL season on its horns. Victories in their final three regular season games could still see them claim a playoff spot.
The local lads could use all the support we can muster as they take on the Airs at the Stockyard on Sunday for what could be their last home game of 2026.
The Bulls then hit the road, facing the Jets and Rams. See bullsbasketball.nz for details.
Kiwis’ Kiel haul – Batten surpasses
Waiuku’s Blake Batten has come home with wet sails and a smile following the 29er World Championships.
It was a case of all hands on deck earlier this month as the combined efforts of New Zealand crews contributed to victory in sailing’s prestigious Nations Cup.
All five Kiwi crews qualified for the gold fleet (top tier of competitors), including Bella Jenkins and Jess Handley who won the Women’s Under-19 title, with three in the overall top 10. Batten and his teammate, Hugo Smith finished 10th in their class.
During six days of racing on the waters of Kiel, Germany, the Waiuku Yacht Club sailor faced testing conditions, from light, tactical breezes to strong winds.
Performing well in their qualifying series, Batten and Smith were on par with some of the world’s best.
As featured in the Times, Batten has rapidly risen through New Zealand’s junior sailing ranks. In Kiel his progress was apparent.
New Zealand won the cup by a whisker, finishing just two points ahead of the USA.
Batten has featured previously in the Times. Click here for more.
