Sports Benches presents this week’s sports news update following no post last week due to NASCAR’s final off-weekend.
However, there was an update from the last Sports News post following an eventual Comm Games Netball in Glasgow, especially Silver Ferns who just won gold since Delhi 2010.
We will have more Comm Games for you later this time Athletics & Swimming plus NASCAR at Iowa & NRL featuring South Sydney v Parramatta.
As always Sports Benches is your weekly sports news home throughout the NASCAR Cup points season including the upcoming Chase Playoffs.
Also, check out our General Hospital content every Saturday where we now know Phoebe’s real father who isn’t a good one, while Willow’s gone wild & the Curtis v Isaiah feud has now spread in court.
NASCAR Cup Series at Iowa Speedway, Iowa Corn 350
For the second time in 2026, Ty Gibbs is your race winner in the No.54 Toyota Camry for his grandfather’s team.
A good qualifying performance of 6th was a great place to start where he was in & out of Top 10 earlier on before he gradually made his way into the Top 5 positions.
Then he found his sweet spot where he can just stretch his legs without injuring them after a quick two-tire stop while managing his tires & fuel.
Now that’s how Ty passed mate & most laps leader Christopher Bell on pit road who was able to close him down right on time with the race win.
Polesitter Ryan Blaney finished 2nd representing the Ford Mustangs at Team Penske following a great start to his weekend including qualifying day Saturday.
Just unlucky ahead of mid-race yellows/restarts when these Toyotas found a way to win right behind him as YRB finished 3rd.
Finally, it’s been a while from Ross Chastain in the No.1 Chevy Camaro for Team Trackhouse finishing 7th.
Wish he stayed on a bit longer before pitting late in case things get worse but ran well though earlier this afternoon.
NRL Saturday Night Football: Rabbitohs v Parramatta Eels
One half looked one sided, same as the 2nd half all on the right side goal posts.
But it was still a stunning close contest where Souths just survived a late scare from the Eels by 28-24 at Allianz Stadium.
Souths got the ball rolling throughout the opening 40 led by an Alex Johnston hat-track. It could’ve been four off the back of an phenomenal front foot style of play with 28 points to zero at the break.
Then Parramatta made up some lost time thanks to some smart interchanges that made such a big difference.
Unfortunately, gotta feel how they came up short when the Eels tried spoiling Souths as the clock ticks down.
A poor start including some fumbles under pressure allowed Bunnies to enjoy these last moments with the Steeden ball.
Fair play on the risk v reward but not quite even if Souths couldn’t translate into 2nd half tries, only possession is enough.
2026 Commonwealth Games Athletics and Swimming Recap
While we couldn’t get enough of the Netball, doesn’t mean we overlook both core Comm Games sports: Athletics & Swimming.
In Athletics, our long distance track races were unreal with Rose Davies (both 5 and 10km) & Ky Robinson (men’s 10km).
Same with the field performances & walk races not to mention the women’s high jump where Eleanor Patterson defeated compatriot Nicola Olyslagers.
Our sprinters were alright but shame there’s no Gout Gout due to injury.
Finally, shoutout to Ellen Barber — our Sports Benches guest earlier this year — who finished 4th in the women’s heptathlon for England.
Could’ve been an all-British Top 3 though with Aussie Tori West rounding the podium alongside Jade O’Dowda & Kate O’Connor.
Meanwhile in Swimming, Aussies still too good after they collected 35 gold.
My favourites?
a) Jenna Forrester’s individual best of three gold whether if it’s backstroke or medley;
b) Sam Williamson’s remarkable return in both 50 & 100m men’s breaststroke events after he couldn’t walk a year ago;
c) Kai Taylor emulating his mom Hayley Lewis’ success on familiar ground both individual & team gold in the freestyle races;
d) Same with Lani Pallister – our lead mid to long distance freestyle swimmer – who joined her mom Janelle as a Comm Games medalist but better in all individual gold;
e) Our one-lap freestyle specialists like Cam McEvoy & Meg Harris didn’t disappoint plus Meg’s upset win in the Women’s 100m freestyle.
