JUDGEMENTS; Winners and losers of the last seven days

WINNERS

Eric Cantona

who has saved his best form - and goals - for the most important part of the season, and will thoroughly deserve a fourth championship medal in five seasons should Manchester United win the title this year.

Sarah Hardcastle

who will return to the Olympic Games 12 years after becoming Britain's youngest summer Olympic medallist.

Dick Best

The Harlequins director of rugby saw his side set a Courage League record of 91 points as they beat West Hartlepool.

Ray Illingworth

who looks set to keep his job as England manager and chairman of selectors. However the circumstances -the late, farcical withdrawal of David Graveney as an alternative candidate - hardly amount to a vote of confidence.

LOSERS

David Ginola

Unlike his fellow countryman at Manchester United, the Frenchman has been unable to inspire his team as the title race reaches its closing stages.

Ian Wilson

who went into the Olympic trials as national record holder for 1500m freestyle, one of the country's strongest events, finished third, and so failed to qualify for the British team for Atlanta.

Ian Botham

Much touted as the answer to England's cricket problems, but without a proposer from the 18 first-class counties as an opponent to Ray Illingworth in this week's vote for England's supremo.