1.   Oxford United lost almost half a million pounds last season despite selling off several key players.

2.   Trout anglers at Leighton Reservoir enjoyed a marvellous start to the season despite poor weather.

3.   And Rolando Arrojo picked up his first save of the season despite committing two ugly errors.

4.   Athletes such as Russell and Detroit Red Wings center Steve Yzerman have enjoyed productive seasons despite playing with the permanently torn ligament.

5.   Blount has played well in spurts this season despite a pair of sprained ankles that have never healed.

6.   Closer Billy Taylor picked up his second save of the season despite walking Derek Jeter to start the ninth.

7.   Commissioner Karl Benson says he remains hopeful of an outstanding season despite recent developments that have caused considerable anguish in various Western Athletic Conference outposts.

8.   Donahue ran her best race of the season despite a strenuous schedule on Friday.

9.   Favre is coming off his second straight MVP season despite the problem with the painkillers and some well documented difficulties his siblings had with the law.