Eyes on the prize: Final Four return just first step to ultimate goal for Tigresses
Fifth year libero Rica Rivera said her team’s charge to the Final Four is a display that UST is still a force to be reckoned with in the UAAP.“This is part of our team’s legacy because this Final Four appearance is our way of giving back to UST,” said Rivera, who had 11 excellent digs in the two closing sets against the Lady Spikers, in Filipino Wednesday.“This is a huge way for us to lift the team back up and to show what UST really is in the UAAP.”The Golden Tigresses last won the title in 2010 and Rivera and her teammates are adamant of breaking that streak.“This is just part of our goal and of course the next one is the championship,” said Rivera.ADVERTISEMENT Phivolcs: Slim probability of Taal Volcano caldera eruption The Witcher series prompts over 500,000 reprints of Andrzej Sapkowski’s books LATEST STORIES Eduard Folayang gets new opponent for ONE Manila card SEA Games 2019: Rubilen Amit finally beats Chezka Centeno for 9-ball gold (HIGHLIGHTS) PLAY LIST 05:05SEA Games 2019: Rubilen Amit finally beats Chezka Centeno for 9-ball gold (HIGHLIGHTS)03:30PH’s Rogen Ladon boxing flyweight final (HIGHLIGHTS)03:34PH’s Carlo Paalam boxing light flyweight final (HIGHLIGHTS)02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award03:05Malakanyang bilib sa Phivolcs | Chona Yu Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard Duterte says he will appoint Gamboa as next PNP chief The Golden Tigresses stayed as one of the most respected teams in the league after a ridiculous title run winning two titles in the 2000s despite the rise of De La Salle during the decade with the Lady Spikers five championships from 2000 to 2009.Then disaster struck as UST failed to replicate its former glory, even missing the Final Four in five of the past six seasons.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGolden State Warriors sign Lee to multiyear contract, bring back ChrissSPORTSCoronation night?SPORTSThirdy Ravena gets offers from Asia, Australian ball clubsBut things are starting to turn around for the Golden Tigresses.UST locked up the second seed in the Season 81 tournament after overcoming La Salle, 25-14, 25-23, 23-25, 25-19, in the playoff for the no.2 seed heading into the Final Four. Pagadian on tighter security for 100,000 expected at Sto. Niño feast Gretchen Barretto’s daughter Dominique graduates magna cum laude from California college MANILA, Philippines—University of Santo Tomas has been known as one of the most formidable volleyball programs in the UAAP with 15 women’s titles including seven straight from 1985 to 1991.ADVERTISEMENT Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. LeBron James stretches lead in NBA All-Star Game fan voting Column: After beating cancer, fight isn’t too big for Daniel Jacobs Will you be the first P16 Billion Powerball jackpot winner from the Philippines? View comments MOST READ
The second of six “Imitate Jesus” conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses ended yesterday at the Assembly Hall in Mount Barclay, near Monrovia with over 2,000 Witnesses and their friends in attendance.The three-day convention began last Friday with both morning and afternoon sessions. A group of 22 deaf students participated in the program through sign language translators.Each of the three days was filled with activities and lectures. Friday’s session began with the examination of the topic ‘Imitate Jesus—Why and How?’ drawing attention on Luke 6: 40, (A pupil is not above his teacher, but everyone that is perfectly instructed will be like his teacher).It was followed by a symposium in which a discussion about the lessons from Jesus’ word pictures ensued, in which they were told to observe the birds and the lilies (Mat. 6:25-30); having salt in themselves (Mark 9: 50) and building their house on the symbolic rock (Luke 6:47-49).Another topic examined thereafter before the keynote address for the session was ‘Follow Jesus’ pattern—keep on asking, seeking and knocking.’ The morning session was concluded with the address: ‘Concealed in Jesus are all the treasures of wisdom.’After a special musical video presentation, the topics, ‘Imitate Jehovah by imitating Jesus’ with specific emphasis on when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples; when Jesus told Satan to go away from him; being peacemakers and paying back God’s gifts to God, were delivered with scriptural references.Next was part one of a drama, “For a certainty God made him Lord and Christ.” ‘He was favorably heard for his godly devotion’ was next discussed and the day’s program ended with a delivery of the topic ‘Jesus came to seek and to save what was lost.’The second day began with two symposiums on: ‘Imitate Jesus, Not Satan’ and it dealt on Jesus’ generosity (Luke 14: 13, 14); on appreciation (Luke 7:44); on truthfulness (Matthew 5:37) on loyalty, (John 13:1), being reasonable (Matthew 23:23, 24), forgiveness (Matthew 18:22) and being impartial (Matthew 11:28-30).The third symposium began the afternoon session on the topic ‘Do the work that Jesus did?’ which dealt on preaching, teaching and healing. It was followed by a lecture for baptismal candidates, who were encouraged to follow Jesus’ steps closely.The afternoon session continued with a symposium, an interactive discussion with selected families and individuals. Next were topics, including ‘following Jesus, but not at a distance; train, trust, and empower others, as Jesus does; a sound drama titled ‘For this I have come into the world’ and concluded with an admonition to the gathering to arm themselves with Christ’s mental disposition.The third day, yesterday, continued with a symposium when they were called on to have love among themselves, with specific points on patience and kindness; avoiding jealousy; repudiating pride and indecency; rejecting selfishness and provocation; not keeping account of the injury; enduring in all things and cultivating love, which never fails.A public discourse titled: Jesus Christ, world conqueror—how and when, was examined, followed by a summary of the Watchtower magazine to end the first session.The afternoon began with the discussion on “True liberation awaits those who imitate Jesus,’ which was followed by the second part of the drama ‘For a certainty God made Him Lord and Christ.’ The final discussion encouraged the gathering to maintain their focus as the storm approaches, in what was said to be the last days of the system of things.The conventioneers were drawn from 10 Jehovah’s Witnesses congregations in central Monrovia.Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
Deputy House Speaker Hans Barchue has termed as “frustrating and disappointing” Liberia’s education system.According to the Grand Bassa County lawmaker, politics has overshadowed the learning process forcing students to be more interested in “talking politics than focusing on educational materials that will keep them on par with their foreign counterparts.”The current status of the education system is seriously “dysfunctional and needs complete overhauling,” declared Barchue.“The reading and speech capacity of our students is very poor to the extent that sometimes you feel ashamed when some of our students speak in public places.“Nowadays, on our national holidays like Flag Day, Armed Forces Day and Independence you find no programs instituted by school authorities under the supervision of the Ministry of Education befitting these celebrations and all we do is politics.“No programs (are offered) to educate students on the significance of these historical events in our country and that needs to stop right now.“This country will go nowhere when these things are not addressed because this time around, the Legislature intends to checkmate the Education Ministry about most of its deliverables projected under the National Budget,” Rep. Barchue warned.He challenged the new Education Minister George Werner, to ensure that projects captured in the Budget to be implemented by his ministry across the country are effectively executed.The House is keen on adequately performing its oversight responsibility to make sure that whatever is placed in the Budget for school construction, purchase of desks, text books, chairs and other school materials are delivered.He spoke over the weekend at a charity program in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County where thousands of books for elementary and junior high students were brought in for distribution in Montserrado, Grand Bassa and Margibi.Deputy Speaker Barchue frowned on education authorities from the three counties, particularly District and County Education Officers (DEOs & CEO) for failing to attend the program.He noted that gone are the days when government functionaries made blanket projections about projects that should be undertaken without providing specifics.“Let’s embrace development and forget politics at this time, building institutions and making sure that what is promised in the budget will be supported by the first branch of government,” Rep. Barchue urged.Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
…and reportingAll Guyana’s all agog over the video of a lawyer “cussing out” a traffic cop who stopped his car and demanded he produce his driving licence. Now, every Guyanese who’s driven a vehicle on our roads would’ve experienced this arbitrary “stop and demand” by traffic Police. And felt their bile (and rage) boil up in their throats as they realise it’s nothing more than a shakedown for a “raise”. That they could be hauled to the Police station and forced to endure sitting for hours on the station bench like a common criminal forces most drivers to “pay up” and “move on”.Even though there have been numerous articles, letters, debates over the airwaves on the subject – all of which confirmed that you aren’t supposed to be stopped unless the cop had “reasonable cause” to so do — the practice continues unabatedly. It has to be that the Police, in general, don’t see the need for curbing the practice. Some have asserted that the loot is shared with supervising officers.Well, for all those long suffering and abused motorists – including your humble Eyewitness — lawyer Crawford just struck a blow for their emancipation from this Police tyranny! With great aplomb, Crawford demonstrated the verbal facility lawyers should develop after five years of legal training. And as his colleagues at the bar should’ve noted, it isn’t just about using big words: Crawford showed the subtlety that just intonation could impart to words by riffing on the single “F” word and its various tenses. Mostly, he used the form of the present participle “F***ing.Now, your Eyewitness isn’t going to get into the debate as to the “propriety” of using such “cuss” words. Some felt that, as a lawyer, he shouldn’t have descended “into the gutter”. But why should this be so? Anthropologists show that all cultures have cuss words – and gestures like sticking up the middle finger! So it must be a human response to certain social circumstances, no? Well, the psychologists tell us that cuss words are typically “transgressive” and offensive, but allow us to vent strong emotions about something that affects us. The words are usually about taboo subjects in the public realm – sex, bodily waste and religion.But your Eyewitness was intrigued by the representation of the cuss word in the Guyanese dailies. Unlike the London Times, for instance, which would use the word fully spelt out when quoting someone – like Crawford – the local newspapers used the first letter of the word, followed by asterisks – eg F***! The question your Eyewitness has is: why is this, the asterisked version, considered less offensive? And studies have shown that it is so with most people.So, if Crawford had yelled, “F-asterisk you!” to the cop, would it be okay?But it wouldn’t have been as cathartic for him, would it?…and EthnophaulismWell…well…well! Your Eyewitness learnt a new word today, and in of all places, the Chronic. A member of the ERC revealed that after three years in the making, their newly constituted body — meant to diffuse the racial hostilities that are always on the verge of boiling over — will be taking radical corrective action. And what’s that action? Fighting ethnophaulism!!If, like your Eyewitness, you just ejaculated, “What the heck is that?”, let him save you a peek into your dictionary – it’s an ethnic slur. Now a slur’s different from a cuss word – discussed above – in that it caricatures some identifiable feature of the group being derided. Like the “N” word being connected with colour. The ERC official wants “to develop a glossary of words that should not be used; (with) legislation in place that if that is done, that the authorities step in.”So, in addition to traffic Police shaking us down, we’ll now have “slur Police”?…those TrinisYour Eyewitness is happy he’s explained the cathartic effect of cussing. So don’t sweat about all the cusses you let loose on those Trinis last night, when they carried on against our Warriors!!You feel better, don’t you?!!
Dear Editor,The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) refers to a letter titled “GuySuCo is inviting sugar workers who feel misled to meet with management” which appeared in the June 21, 2017 edition of Stabroek News. The letter, under the hand of the Corporation’s Senior Communications Officer Ms Audreyanna Thomas, is seen by us as yet another public relations stunt employed by the sugar company in an effort to again denigrate our Union for its unrelenting and principled stance in defending the rights of thousands who stand to be affected by the ill-conceived plans for the sugar industry, as being advocated by GuySuCo.From the Corporation’s letter, it seems that the Union-organised protests at several estates are getting under the not-too-thick skin of the Corporation and its handlers. Our most recent activity — at Albion on June 20, 2017 — attracted an appreciable turnout, and demonstrates the disagreement shared not only by workers and their families, but by the wider communities with the plans for sugar, which will definitely pose severe and grave challenges to their livelihoods.Ms Thomas, in her letter, referred to the State Paper, which speaks to the continued operation of Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt estates; but she does not speak about the threat to close Uitvlugt, which was announced even before the ink had dried on the State Paper. Nor did she speak about the closure of LBI Estate in the latter half of 2016 on the grounds of consolidating Enmore, and then the about-face a few months later, when we learnt on December 31, 2016 — which was confirmed in the State Paper — that Enmore Estate would also be closed. Such contradictory statements do not repose much confidence in the State Paper and the utterances of GuySuCo. The GuySuCo officer may recall that – not too long ago, after the announcement of the Wales closure — we were informed by Guyana’s highest official that, in all likelihood, no more estates would be closed. Then, a few months later, we were advised about the need to close more estates. Obviously, credibility is seriously lacking.Our Union, nevertheless, is supportive of all plans which would secure the sugar industry; but, at the same time, cannot lend a supporting voice to plans which would wreck lives and imperil entire communities, as we have seen playing out at Wales. The Communications Officer may be interested to know that during the publicizing of our recent Albion activity, we met a vendor who resides at Wales and had plied his trade at the Wales market, but is now being forced to conduct his business at the Port Mourant market, as a result of the depressing state-of-affairs that have gripped the communities linked to Wales Estate. He expressed his fear and apprehension for the outlook of the future should more estates be closed. We ask: How can any right-thinking organisation offer its support to such a plan?Ms Thomas speaks about the securing of the industry through its non-sugar diversification programme, but this aspect seems to have suffered a stillbirth. As far as we are aware, apart from the planting of rice in some areas of Wales, nothing else is being done. Furthermore, our anxieties in this area have been heightened after we read Mr Tony Vieira’s letter, which also appeared in the June 21, 2017 edition of Stabroek News. Even the heavily promoted aquaculture venture Ms Thomas spoke so eloquently about had cold water thrown on it by Mr Vieira. While Ms Thomas spoke about workers being given lands to engage in agriculture production, this seems to be a pipe dream. As far as we are aware, no worker has, at this time, been given any land in this oft-touted intention, which by itself poses critical questions.The Corporation, like a wolf in sheep’s clothing, goes on to speak to provision of transportation and medical services to the workers and their families and pensioners. Is the company expecting the agriculture workers to join public transportation from their home at 5.00 am, and travel to the cultivation some 5 to 10 miles in rugged off-road terrain? We urge Ms Thomas to become acquainted with the history of the industry. Those facilities she mentioned pre-dated GuySuCo, and were not provided charitably, but came into being out of the struggles of workers. Moreover, the Corporation, in its submission to the Government in October 2016, sought to cease providing medical services, which have been in place for almost 65 years. It is saddening that mere days after our nation celebrated the heroism of the Enmore Martyrs, GuySuCo is obviously seeking to alter history. On the Weekly Production Incentive (WPI) scheme, the Corporation should be ashamed to call attention to this. Probably for the first time since the scheme’s introduction over 28 years ago, no worker benefited from any WPI incentive during the just concluded 2017 first crop.On the strikes in the industry, we reiterate that the majority of the strikes are confined to workers in a gang, and are not all industry-wide, as the Corporation seeks to paint. Most of the strikes are related to price disputes that arose from sub-optimal field conditions, and which are deemed legitimate in keeping with the agreement between GAWU and GuySuCo. Interestingly, price dispute strikes predated GAWU’s presence in the industry. Ms Thomas went on to refer to 150 strikes in 2016, but does not say man-days lost by strikes were the third-lowest between 2001 and 2016. We ask GuySuCo: Doesn’t it find it paradoxical that, whilst the rate of unemployment is steadily growing, it has a difficulty to attract workers? Two (2) years of no pay increases; shortchanged API in 2015, and no API in 2016; arbitrary cutting down of workers’ benefits; present and potential threats of closure have certainly not been helpful to the company’s cause in its recruitment drive. We note, too, the reference to M lost daily as a result of strikes, that figure was also quoted in a whole page ad that appeared under the hand of ‘Concerned Guyanese’ in the June 15, 2017 Kaieteur News. It seems the plot is thickening.We take serious and utmost umbrage with GuySuCo’s view that the GAWU is engaged in sabotage. This is completely unfounded and is a figment of someone’s imagination. The necessity of “customs and practices” is also questioned by the Corporation. Its reference, in our view, points to continued efforts to withdraw long established practices which have evolved over the years and are reflective of the unique nature of the operations in the sugar industry. Moreover, the Corporation also seems to question the wisdom of the workers’ protest actions, but wouldn’t any rational person whose livelihood is threatened take a similar approach? Ms Thomas and her colleagues, ensconced in the comforts of GuySuCo hierarchy, would sing a different tune had the shoe been on the other foot.In passing, Ms Thomas needs to be reminded that workers and the tax-paying public are still awaiting an account of the big sums of money given to GuySuCo in 2015, 2016 and this year, with no showing of any noticeable or tangible results.It’s quite befuddling that when the company’s intent is to lower even the current low production to 147,000 tonnes per year, it speaks of its efforts to increase production and productivity in sugar. GuySuCo seems to be in a haze of confusion.GuySuCo says it will very soon demand a “higher level” of service from GAWU, but such a call is best suited to GuySuCo. For instance, we have seen press reports of the intended expenditure of .5B of what is styled the Uitvlugt Estate Improvement Programme (UEIP) and the intention to produce 40,000 tonnes sugar by 2020, for which neither the Union nor the workers of Uitvlugt have been engaged, and remain clueless about at this point in time.We wish to caution Ms Thomas that our Union is working, and will continue to work, in the interest of our members. We are not a vendor or service provider to GuySuCo that the Corporation can seek us to provide them (GuySuCo) with better quality service. It seems the Corporation wishes to go back to the days of Company Unionism. We wish to advise the GuySuCo that that ship has long sailed.GAWU wishes to assure Ms Thomas that it will continue to appropriately respond in defending and safeguarding the interests of our members, and to inform the public about the grave dangers that lurk from the plans for sugar at all possible forums.Yours faithfully,Seepaul NarineGeneral SecretaryGAWU
Dear Editor,I sincerely hope that the current impasse in relation to the contract for teachers could be resolved without a prolonged saga; our teachers deserve better. Having said that, I cannot help but feel that the Guyana Teachers Union must also take some responsibility for the current sad situation our teachers find themselves in. This position was arrived at as a result of the following three points:1. The initial offer proposed could at best be regarded as reckless and would have contributed to the perception that the Union is not taking this process seriously. It is one thing to devise a wish list for consideration under ideal circumstances and entirely another to establish a basis for serious engagement in the best interest of those you represent.The proposal from the Union was clearly the former and would have undermined their ability to sit at the table and engage in worthwhile negotiations without seeming to lose significantly – let us be real, a 40 per cent increase for over 9000 teachers retroactive to 2015 in this economic climate is a tall ask. Add that to the request for debunching, which any government would balk at given the enormity of the payout, you leave yourself in the untenable situation we currently face.More importantly, the Union seems to lack the capacity to devise alternative practical arrangements that would see the disbursement of those funds over a protracted period in forms that would see teachers potentially benefiting without an actual cash payout – it appears that they are hoping that the Government would devise same and they will wait forever for that.2. The Guyana Teachers Union, whether they would accept it or not, appeared to be playing politics all along rather than strictly sticking to the business of teachers’ welfare.Unfortunately, like other unions in Guyana, the GTU showed its hand early in 2015 when the pre-existing contract expired under the previous Government and just prior to the general elections they decided to ‘work to rule’ as a form of protest for not arriving at a speedy contract renewal engagement. Three years hence, they have not yet treated the business of teachers’ livelihoods with equal urgency and allowed themselves to be exposed in numerous charades and exercises in futility.The fact that it was Minister Ally who was sent to the meeting with the GTU, instead of someone with more authority to fully address the issues at hand, speaks volumes in relation to how the Union is regarded by the Government. One could only assume that she was sent there to appeal to their political sensibilities.As such, the opportunity for objective and balanced engagement has long been squandered and teachers are now in a rather tenuous situation. Few would be surprised if in a few days a different pronouncement is heard from the Union regarding some compromise that leaves teachers in no better position than they currently are – that has been the pattern, talk big then back down.3. The GTU has failed to establish themselves as a formidable force that would give them the clout to truly orchestrate the coup they are attempting. Their laughable mini protests to date, with the same faces I might add, are a reflection of the fact that they are out of step with the masses they represent. Teachers are not engaged in the type of professional experiences that would move them to develop the collective consciousness that the Union is now desperately relying on. The occasional meeting and some cases of advocacy on the part of teachers within the system is a far cry from the role this Union should play in the lives of the almost 10,000 teachers they represent.The Union needs to demonstrate that they are contributing to the professional development of teachers on a consistent basis. Teachers need to see tangible evidence that they are part of a professional association that contributes to their professional and personal advancement.On this count, the Union has failed miserably. Unfortunately, our teachers are now asked to awaken some dormant affiliation to a cause that they have no faith has been handled in the best manner.The almost three-year delay in promotions a few years ago did nothing to help thousands of teachers who saw their professional advancement delayed for an issue few still understand –who really won? In the midst of this crisis, this might be bitter medicine for the Union to stomach, but it should at the least awaken a desire to do better in the future, because simply put, our teachers truly deserve better.Sincerely,Vivian D Brotherson
Stoke boss Mark Hughes told the club’s website: “Anyone who knows European football will be aware of him as a player and the fact that he sees his future at Stoke City is really exciting and an endorsement of the club itself.“He’s desperate to prove himself in the Premier League and we’re pleased to be able to offer him that platform.”Bojan was expected to fly out to Germany to join his new teammates, including former Barca defender Marc Muniesa, at Stoke’s pre-season training camp.Bojan, capped once by Spain, came up through the Barca academy and scored 41 goals in 163 appearances for the first team before joining Roma in 2011.After failing to leave a lasting impression in the Italian capital he was sent on loan to AC Milan prior to his return to the Nou Camp after the 2012/13 season.He spent last year on loan at Dutch giants Ajax and helped the Amsterdam club secure a record 33rd Eredivisie title.Bojan’s arrival at the Britannia adds to the signings of Mame Biram Diouf, Steve Sidwell, Phil Bardsley and Teixeira.0Shares0000(Visited 1 times, 1 visits today) 0Shares0000LONDON, July 23 – Stoke City have signed striker Bojan Krkic from Spanish giants Barcelona for an undisclosed fee, the Premier League side announced on Tuesday.Bojan, 23, has penned a four-year contract at the Britannia and becomes Stoke’s fifth signing of the summer.
BEVERLY HILLS – Britney Spears allegedly ran over a photographer’s foot with her car in a Beverly Hills parking garage, according to a broadcast report. The pop star was driving her white Mercedes-Benz convertible toward the exit of a parking garage yesterday when she was bombarded by photographers and moments later one man fell and shouted in pain, ABC7 reported. “He fell almost into me and his foot was under the tire…she started going forward and I guess ran over the guy’s foot,” a photographer for celebritybabylon.com named “Michael” told ABC7. “Michael”, who videotaped the incident, told ABC7 that it appeared Spears went over the man’s foot and he pulled his foot out of the back of the tire. AD Quality Auto 360p 720p 1080p Top articles1/5READ MOREGame Center: Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, 10 a.m.Spears appeared to realize what happened after the photographer fell and was stuck at the front of the left side of her car, “Michael” told ABC7. “She looked at him and then Britney put her hand over her mouth and almost immediately started crying,” Michael told ABC7. Once the crowd of photographers cleared, Spears drove out of the parking garage, according to video shown on ABC7. The condition of the photographer who was allegedly stuck was unclear. 160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set!
1 Jose Holebas’ excellent goal was enough for Watford to beat Middlesbrough A wonderful Jose Holebas goal was enough for Watford to beat Middlesbrough and move into the top half of the Premier League table.The Greek wing-back struck a superb second-half strike from just outside the area which secured the Hornets all three points in a match lacking in any other moments of quality.It was an intense start to the game, Deeney failing to get a shot off after fighting through the Boro defence, and Downing firing over for the hosts.Gaston Ramirez also flashed a strike wide, as Boro started to show their dominance – a Behrami header was a rare chance for the Hornets.The match died down heading to the 20 minute mark, with a lack of quality at either end of the pitch preventing any real chances; a dismissed Negredo penalty shout the only action of note.Downing and Gibson struck strikes wide, before Barragan – already booked for a foul on Success – was lucky to avoid a red card after scything down the Nigerian attacker a second time.It was a clear yellow card, but the referee decided against sending off the Spanish defender just half an hour in.Negredo – a constant menace to the Watford defence – recorded the first shot on target four minutes before the break, but his weak strike on the turn was right at Gomes in goal.The half ended with that as the only test either goalkeeper had to face, but both teams had a right to feel aggrieved at the standard of the refereeing.The second period started in the manner the first ended; both teams were breaking well, but a lack of quality in the final third was seriously bringing down the game.Forshaw managed a long-range attempt easily saved, Stuani flashed wide from just outside the area, and Success went down in the area – with nothing given.But in the same move in which the winger went down, the Hornets finally took the lead – with their first shot on target.The ball was cleared after Success went down, finding its way to Holebas on the left just outside the area.The Greek wing-back charged forward, before firing off a shot which curled away from Valdes into the top left-hand corner of the net.It was 1-0 to the visitors, and the goal appeared to calm Mazzarri’s men, who started passing the ball round in a much more composed manner than seen earlier in the game.Boro were still only recording half-chances, with Gomes never properly tested, and Watford managed the next clear chance, with Success firing a powerful strike held well by Valdes.A number of hopeful crosses were sent into the Hornets’ penalty area, but Gomes did more than enough to deal with everything he faced, securing a hard-fought win for the Hertfordshire side.
Here are the top transfer-related stories in Monday’s newspapers…Louis van Gaal is in the running to replace Unai Emery at Paris Saint-Germain. PSG’s board are already considering Emery’s position despite only employing the Spaniard in the summer and could turn to the former Manchester United boss. (Daily Express)James Rodriguez has admitted there is a chance he will leave Real Madrid during the January transfer window, claiming he has offers from a number of clubs. Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and a host of other big name clubs have been linked with a move for the 25-year-old in recent months. (Daily Mail)John Terry is at the centre of a £16million tug of war between two Chinese Super League Clubs with managers who have Chelsea connections. Terry is out of contract at the end of the season and the 36 year-old is unlikely to be offered a new deal by Chelsea. Former Blues boss Luiz Felipe Scolari is keen to take him to champions Guangzhou Evergrande, while ex-Stamford Bridge star Gus Poyet wants him at Shanghai Shenhua. (Daily Express)Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel is talks with Marseille over a January move. The Nigeria midfielder, 29, has been frozen out by Antonio Conte after playing for his country at the Olympics during the summer. (Daily Mirror)Axel Witsel has rejected an SOS call from Chelsea boss Antonio Conte as he prepares to join Juventus. The Zenit St Petersburg midfielder is out of contract next summer and a move to Turin has already been agreed. But that did not stop Antonio Conte from making an audacious – but unsuccessful – last-minute move for his services. (The Sun)Liverpool are keen on talented Nantes winger Amine Harit. The 19-year-old has caught the eye this season with some impressive performances for the Ligue 1 outfit and has been labelled the ‘new Hatem Ben Arfa’. (The Sun)West Ham and Southampton are tracking Eibar midfielder Dani Garcia, 26, ahead of a potential move next summer. (Marca)Mathieu Flamini is free to quit Crystal Palace and head home to join Marseille in January. The Frenchman has struggled to make an impact since moving to the Eagles on a 12-month deal in September. (Daily Mirror)Hull City’s leading scorer Robert Snodgrass has turned down a new contract offer. Snodgrass, who is out of contract next summer, has decided he is unwilling to commit long-term, with the Tigers unsure of preserving their Premier League status and owner Assem Allam reportedly trying to sell up. (Daily Mail)And here are the latest talkSPORT.com headlines…?LISTEN: Arsene Wenger tells talkSPORT ‘enough is enough’ as bad refereeing costs Arsenal victory over Manchester CityArsenal legend urges club: ‘BREAK THE BANK and keep Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil!’ – talkSPORT exclusiveLISTEN: Pep Guardiola admits Chelsea’s lead at the top of the Premier League could be insurmountableArsenal FC: ‘There’s a search party at the Etihad for Mesut Ozil!’ – Reaction as German goes missing v Manchester City‘Disappointed’ – Gary Rowett speaks out after shock Birmingham City sacking: ‘We were only halfway through the project’