The Sports Matrix: Monday 17 September 2012

Defoe doubles up to give Spurs and AVB a first victory

Jermain Defoe scored either side of half-time to help Tottenham Hotspur to a 3-1 victory at Reading yesterday, their first maximum of the season. The forward, right, sandwiched Gareth Bale's strike to also give Andre Villas-Boas his first win as Spurs manager. Hal Robson-Kanu scored a late consolation for the Royals, who struggled to match the visitors throughout. MORE

Tiernan-Locke takes British title

Jonathan Tiernan-Locke became the first Briton to gain a domestic victory since 1993 when winning the Tour of Britain. The 27-year-old, from Plymouth, has been tipped to replace Mark Cavendish – who won yesterday's final stage from Reigate to Guildford – at Team Sky. MORE

Pavey happy with fifth on road return

Jo Pavey said she was satisfied with her performance in the Great North Run after finishing fifth. "I was fairly pleased," she said after running within 30 seconds of her half-marathon best. "I really enjoyed this year being back on the track." MORE

Mancini warns City of task ahead

The Manchester City manager, Roberto Mancini, has warned his side of the challenge of tomorrow's trip to Real Madrid, despite the Spanish side's poor form. "We start at a difficult ground against a top team," he said. "We should be ready for it to be very difficult." MORE

Holders seek T20 positive portents

England approach the defence of their World Twenty20 title in Sri Lanka this week without their best batsman, Kevin Pietersen, but can take hope from their recent form in the format. Stephen Brenkley assesses the contenders ahead of the tournament. MORE

Opinion: James Lawton

Spurs again had the look of a team of considerable talent and the means of imposing genuine authority. Andre Villas-Boas's side showed us more than a glimpse of some extremely fine football.  MORE

Fantastic Foster helps Hull to win

Hull moved a step closer to the Super League Grand Final, thrashing Huddersfield 46-10. The hosts started strongly and Jamie Foster contributed 22 points, while Tom Briscoe went over twice. Hull visit Warrington for a place in the semis. MORE

W Indies reverse halts England's run

England went down to a three-wicket Twenty20 defeat against the West Indies at Arundel yesterday, surrendering their 21-match unbeaten run. The hosts, who had already secured the series, now head to Sri Lanka for the World T20 tournament.

Wolves move through the pack

Wolves jumped into the top half of the table with a 2-1 win over Leicester at Molineux. Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Richard Stearman gave the hosts an early lead and they hung on, despite Paul Konchesky's long-range goal for Leicester. MORE

Jewell puts crown on Welsh victory

London Welsh fought back from an early deficit to record their first Premiership victory, beating Exeter Chiefs 25-24 at the Kassam Stadium yesterday. The Chiefs held an early 14-0 lead, but a penalty try heralded the revival. Seb Jewell's late conversion sealed the win. MORE

Olazabal: Europe are in good shape

European captain Jose Maria Olazabal is pleased with his side's Ryder Cup preparations. "I am happy with the way the team has been playing," he said. "Let's hope they'll play the same way in a couple of weeks." MORE