TIM Henman stands on the brink of sporting immortality. The rain which lashed down on Wimbledon's emerald lawns last night were so untimely as to be cruel to a nation, praying for a hero to make its dreams come true.

But this Wimbledon has seen a change in Tim Henman. He has become mentally tough, learned to keep his nerve while millions of patriotic supporters could hardly bear to watch.

The delay might once have unnerved him - but surely not this time.

Of course, he still has to beat a man in Goran Ivanisevic who remains a highly dangerous opponent. Then, he must overcome Pat Rafter, who will pose a mighty challenge. But Tim's so close - so very close.

And make no mistake about the historic significance of a victory in tomorrow's final. It would be one of those priceless moments when we would remember where we were on the day Henman won Wimbledon - just as those who saw Bobby Moore lift the World Cup in 1966 remember it all so vividly.

Cross everything you can find to cross.

Trust betrayed

AS a priest, Father William Jacks was in a position of great trust. It was a trust he shamelessly and horrifically abused.

He has let down those who supported him, he has let down the Catholic church, but most of all, he has let down the boy whose childhood he so badly scarred.

Judge David Hodgson, sitting at Newcastle Crown Court, has made it plain that there is no option but to give Jacks a custodial sentence.

It should be a very lengthy one indeed.