Cardiff Devils have reached the Elite League Grand Final by beating the Belfast Giants 5-0 in their play-off semi-final in Nottingham.
Joey Martin gave the Devils an early advantage but they put the game on ice with four unanswered goals in the second period with Cole Sanford scoring twice and Josh MacDonald and Zach O’Brien also on target.
The Devils will face either Nottingham Panthers or Sheffield Steelers in Sunday’s decider.
The Giants were searching for their second Grand Slam in three seasons and had beaten Cardiff in five out of their six meetings on the way to winning the Elite League title and also in the Challenge Cup final in March.
However, the Devils, who are looking for their first trophy in three years, were quick out of the blocks and Martin fired them in front after only 68 seconds.
The rest of the first period was a tight affair with both goaltenders, Ben Bowns from Cardiff and the Giants’ Jackson Whistle, making key saves.
It was in the second period that the Devils seized control against an out-of-sorts Giants side who never reached the heights of their best form shown all season long.
MacDonald rounded off a period of sustained pressure to make it 2-0 and then a pair of goals, nineteen seconds apart, effectively sealed the win.
Both were scored by Sanford and both owed a little bit of luck as on the powerplay his shot deflected off the stick of Giants captain Mark Cooper and then almost immediately, Sanford’s attempted pass hit the skate of Josh Roach.
Both redirections gave Whistle no chance but the Devils had earned their luck. They were by far the hungrier team throughout the game.
With the Giants reeling, O’Brien’s superb solo effort made it 5-0 before the second intermission and ended the game as a contest.
Bowns went on to record the shutout in a man-of-the-match performance.
Down came from seven points behind to snatch an unlikely 2-19 to 0-23 victory over Fermanagh with two late goals from Daniel Guinness and Ryan McEvoy putting them through to the Ulster SFC semi-finals.
Fermanagh looked to be closing in on a first win in the provincial series since 2018 when they led 0-22 to 0-15 with eight minutes to go in Brewster Park.
After an evenly contested first half, which Down led 0-11 to 0-8 at the break, Conor Love was on fire with five second-half points for Fermanagh.
The Erne side hit 10 points in the third quarter with Down subdued until a two-pointer from Daniel Guinness set up a chaotic finish.
Guinness fired home a 65th minute goal with the Mournemen hitting an unanswered 2-4 in the last seven minutes.
The game looked to be heading to extra time until McEvoy fired home a second Down goal in the last minute.
Down will play Monaghan or Donegal in the Ulster semi-final on Sunday 27 April.
Tries: Kenningham, Murley, Anderson, Jibulu Cons: Smith 3 Pens: Smith
Sale: (26) 43
England’s Tom Curry scored two tries as Sale Sharks overpowered Harlequins and strengthened their claims for a Premiership play-off place.
The lead changed hands four times in a pulsating first half, but scores from Luke Cowan-Dickie, Curry, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Jonny Hill, Jean-Luc du Preez and Tom Roebuck secured a vital win for the visitors.
Quins had taken an early lead through Jack Kenningham and would add three more tries through vice-captain Cadan Murley, Cameron Anderson and Sale-bound Nathan Jibulu as they saw their hopes of a semi-final place take a big hit.
Victory moved Sale up to third in the table with 44 points, with Saracens, Gloucester and Leicester Tigers all yet to play.
Sale stars impress with Lions announcement on horizon
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With Andy Farrell set to announce his squad next month for the British and Irish Lions’ upcoming tour of Australia, many eyes are on who is performing in the final weeks of the domestic season.
And it was Sale’s stars who shone in the sunshine at The Twickenham Stoop, after they recovered from a slow start and the hosts taking a 10-0 lead.
All seven of the Sharks’ tries were scored by forwards as they dominated the Harlequins pack.
England hooker Cowan-Dickie was tireless in the front row and bulldozed his way through in a quick attack from the maul for his side’s first try of the match.
The first half was breathless at times as both teams attacked the spaces, and the Sale front rower never stopped running, chasing down a long kick from Ford when players from both sides were tiring.
With competition fierce among the fly-halves for spots on the plane, fly-half Ford provided a reminder of his quality with both hands and feet, central to every move forward from the visitors.
Another tough day for Quins defence
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Harlequins conceded more than 40 points for the third game in a row as they were ultimately well beaten at home.
Danny Wilson’s team have now shipped 152 points in their last three outings and face an uphill battle to make the top four.
They made a bright start with Kenningham’s early try but struggled to deal with the power of the Sharks as the game progressed.
The impressive Opoku-Fordjour made two powerful long runs, ending with Curry’s first try before the 20-year-old scored himself.
Hill and Jean-Luc du Preez were both able to dot down over the line from close range.
The hosts did give themselves hope with late tries from hooker Nathan Jibulu, who will move to Sale in the summer, finishing in spectacular style with a gallop to the corner, and then from Anderson, who was a late addition to the side with Nick David ruled out with illness, to bring them within seven points with three minutes left.
Sale: Carpenter; Roebuck, R du Preez, Ma’asi-White, Reed; Ford, Warr; Rodd, Cowan-Dickie, Opoku-Fordjour, Bamber, Hill, Van Rhyn, T Curry, JL du Preez.
Renowned Nigerian gospel singer and ordained pastor Bolaji Olanrewaju, popularly known as Big Bolaji or simply Big B, has passed away.
Big Bolaji, 50, passed away on Easter Saturday, 19th April 2025, following a brief illness.
His family confirmed the news in an official statement issued on Saturday, describing the late singer as a “cherished father, husband, brother, and an esteemed figure in both the church and the music industry”.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Bolaji Olarewaju, affectionately known as ‘Big B’,” the statement read. “Bolaji left us on Easter Saturday, 19th April 2025, after a brief illness. His departure leaves a void in our hearts that cannot be filled. ”
The family highlighted Bolaji’s impact on gospel music and Christian ministry. “Bolaji’s life was a testament to his passion for music, his unwavering faith, and his dedication to uplifting those around him. His legacy is not only in the melodies he created but also in the lives he touched and the unquantifiable joy he spread. ”
They added, “We take solace in knowing that his absence with us is his presence with the Lord. ”
Asking for privacy during this difficult time, the family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and promised to share funeral arrangements in due course.
“We are deeply grateful for the support we have received and ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers. ”
Before his death, he celebrated his 50th birthday widely, where guests, family and friends were in attendance.
The celebrated singer was also part of the Midnight Crew popular for their 2008 hit songs, “Igwe” and “Kene Yesu. ”
Tributes Pour In
Tributes from fans, friends, and fellow gospel artistes have since flooded social media.
His brother, Muyiwa, took to Facebook to mourn, writing, “My baby brother is gone. Please pray for his wife and children. ”
Veteran gospel singer Chioma Jesus paid tribute on Instagram, stating that he was a vessel and a light.
“It is well. You will be greatly missed, Big B. Your voice, your spirit, and your heart touched so many lives. You were more than a gospel artist; you were a vessel of joy, a brother, and a light in this world,” Chioma said.
Comedian and gospel performer Woli Agba wrote, “It is rather huge for me to bear. Losing two great people very dear to me in two days… Big B, Bolaji Olanrewaju, ah! I am heartbroken. Bolaji Afenifere, Big Bolaji… All will be well. ”
Popular gospel saxophonist Beejay Sax also posted a tribute with a heartbroken emoji, while other gospel artists, including Nosa, Mike Abdul, Joe Praize, and Peterson Okopi, shared condolences and memories online.
Big Bolaji
Ordained as a minister with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), his music style was marked by energetic worship, humour, and a fusion of Yoruba rhythms with contemporary gospel, which made him a favourite on many worship platforms.
Born in Gbongan, Osun State, and raised in Ibadan, Oyo State, he was the son of the late Reverend Mrs. Sola Olanrewaju, a broadcaster and choir coordinator who had a profound influence on his love for music.
He began his formal education at Subuola Nursery and Primary School in Ibadan, attended Loyola College briefly, and completed secondary school at Archbishop Tenison’s High School in London. He later studied Estate Management at Kwara State Polytechnic and was pursuing a PhD at the time of his death.
He was the founder and host of Turn It Up With Big Bolaji, an annual praise concert held in Ibadan, which stemmed from his long-running gospel radio show. He also served on the board of directors for the Living Spring Music Festival, one of Nigeria’s longest-standing gospel music festivals.
Big Bolaji met his wife, Tolulope, during his academic pursuits. The couple courted for over six years and got married in 2005. They are blessed with children.
In addition to his work in ministry and music, Big Bolaji was a certified estate surveyor, seamlessly blending his professional and spiritual lives.
Love Island fans are convinced Whitney Whitney Adebayo ‘jinxed’ her romance with Lochan Nowacki after sharing a video online boasting about the success of her relationship
Love Island fans believe Whitney boasted and gloated about her romance
Love Island stars Whitney Adebayo and Lochan Nowacki sent shockwaves across the nation when it was confirmed they had split. But now, following the re-emergence of a video posted weeks ago, where the reality TV star boasted about the success of her two year relationship, fans have been left convinced that she “jinxed” her romance.
The pair first met on the reality TV dating show in 2023 and while other couples from the same series failed to secure a blossoming romance, Whitney was seen “gloating” about the strength of her union.
Appearing loved up, Whitney not only shared a video to mark Lochan’s birthday but she then jumped online once again to show her pride of having a flourishing relationship.
She captioned the video saying: “POV: Most Love Island couples live with their partner and you decided to move our by yourself,” she penned.
A re-surfaced post of Love Island star Whitney leaves fans convinced she jinxed her romance with Lochan
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The video was posted in February and was captioned with: “Never fell victim of proving my love onlineee. ” But now, following their shock split, one fan wrote: “She jinxed it! And ppl in the comments of her Tiktok at the time were saying ‘thats why you two are going to last’. Anyway, good luck to both of them! “
Another person wrote: “Never fell victim of proving my love online – she should’ve gloated less tbh. “Nevertheless, these islanders can’t win. if they’re ‘private’ and don’t post each other much, they get accused of never spending time together, so they must be faking it. “
A third commented: “If they post each other a lot, then it must be a showmance and they’re just using each other for engagement lmao. “
Just a few weeks ago Whitney appeared to be loved up with now ex Lochan(Image: Instagram/ @whitneyadebayo)
Meanwhile a fourth person said: “People need to stop making rules about this couples bc real life relationships doesn’t have rules… same of them work and some don’t simple like that. “
Ahead of the couple’s split confirmation, fans believed Whitney had hinted infidelity was a contributing factor. Whitney posted a TikTok video that said: “I wish I could tell you there was someone else, something that would make it easier to understand. Maybe it was just one of those heartbreaking moments of ‘right person, wrong time’. “
It added: “I’m strong, but for the first time in a long time I can admit that I’m broken. I thought I had everything figured out, the future seemed so certain. “
The 27 year old star also revealed that she has moved into a new property. She said: “Now I’m 27, standing at a crossroads and questioning everything that I thought I knew. So many memories, so many plans, so many ‘I love yous’ that had their last day – I just didn’t know it. “
She added: “Now I’m here in my new apartment, surrounded by the quiet echoes of him.” Whitney and Lochan were runners-up during the Love Island final, missing out on being crowned winners to Jess Harding and Sammy Root.
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Loose Women presenter Coleen Nolan has issued an update on her relationship status as she issued a cryptic comment about her exes just months after her split from Michael Jones
Coleen Nolan has given a relationship update
Coleen Nolan has issued an update on her love life following the recent breakdown of her three-year romance. The Loose Women star, who turned 60 last month, started dating supermarket logistics worker Michael Jones after meeting on Tinder.
He even made an appearance on Loose Women with her yet, at the end of last year the pair decided to part ways. Following their split, Coleen revealed moving in full-time with Michael caused some anxiety about their relationship.
She is now living on her own again and recently confessed that all her money goes straight on her bills. Coleen has started a new life on a farm, but revealed she has “still got worries” financially now she is by herself.
The former Nolans star has remained tight lipped on her love life since splitting from Michael, but has now provided a fresh update. Speaking on an episode of the Loose Women: The Podcast, she said: “I haven’t found love again, but then, right now, I’ve not been looking for it. I’m kind of enjoying my singledom.
She is now living by herself on a farm(Image: Instagram/ @coleen_nolan)
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Coleen added a cryptic dig at her exes as she added: “And the goats. The goats are good and the horses and the animals, they don’t expect anything.”
Coleen was previously married to Shane Richie from 1990 until their separation in 1999, and together they share two sons; Shane Nolan, 36, and Jake Roche, 32.
With her second husband Ray Fensome, she has 24-year-old daughter Ciara. She previously expressed her desire to meet someone new but said she was enjoying independence and being “selfish”.
Speaking of her split, Coleen said: “Michael came along at just the right time for me and I think over the last three-and-a-half years we’ve helped each other grow. I always choose to focus on the times that were great, not the sad ending. “
When asked if it was strange to live alone again, she admitted: “If I’m honest, it was weird not living by myself. ” She added to Woman Magazine: “I think I found it more weird living full-time with someone. Maybe that’s what made me think, ‘Oh, I don’t know’. “
Coleen split from Michael at the end of last year(Image: Instagram/coleen_nolan)
Earlier this year, Coleen laid bare her financial woes and said her money problems are “just like everyone else’s worries”. Despite her huge success and fame with her sisters as part of pop group The Nolans, Coleen confessed they failed to boost their bank balances.
“Money that I make literally goes straight out on bills, the mortgage, like everyone, and insurance or whatever,” Coleen told Woman’s Own.
“So although it looks like, wow, she’s got a lovely life, a lovely little farm, and it is lovely, and I know there’s people a lot worse off, I’ve still got these worries. Especially at the moment, mine is the only income coming in. “
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Ahead of her 60th last month, Coleen explained how she wants a low-key birthday party to keep the costs down compared to her extravagant 40th and 50th dos. She told Closer: “I’m turning 60 feeling strong and confident, and quite proud of what of what I’ve achieved, especially in the past few years when I’ve achieved it on my own.
“Of course, I still lie in bed at night worrying about how I’m going to pay the bills, but it gives me the incentive to work hard, and that’s good. “
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