Something From The Weekend: AMLA – a bearded wonder ; Hamilton's woes; Fan learns hard lesson

The Good, The Bad and The Odd

The Good: AMLA – a bearded wonder

Hashim Amla, England's nemesis at the crease, astonished cricket followers around the world with his record-breaking triple century at The Oval – and the Beard Liberation Front (BLF) was particularly impressed. So much so that the BLF, an informal network of beard wearers, announced that South Africa's batsman had been admitted to the Beard Hall of Fame. This hall comprises a handful of the hirsute, whose beards, apparently, prove positive influences in the public eye. Fellow members include actor Brian Blessed, entertainer Rolf Harris and singer Robert Plant.

The Bad: Hamilton's woes

Lewis Hamilton's frustrating season continued yesterday as he retired from the German Grand Prix, an early puncture proving his downfall with 10 laps remaining of his 100th grand prix. The Brit has finished eighth on three occasions this year, including at Silverstone. Merely to mention his collision with Pastor Maldonado in the European GP, resulting in a dispiriting 19th place, would probably prompt a spiky response. Given this campaign's unpredictability, though, Hamilton will hope his victory in Canada is not his last this year.

The Odd: Fan learns hard lesson

During Japan's 2-1 victory over Mexico, a pre-Olympic football warm-up game in Nottingham, the ball was cleared out of play near the halfway line. But what was seemingly a harmless passage of play turned into a moment of pain for a fan. The ball headed straight to a young girl sitting in the aisle only a few rows from the front, who failed to react fast enough, being struck in the face and floored by the ball. She needed help and sympathy but, worryingly, the incident drew laughter from the commentators.