Cryptic crossword No 3,326

Really good grid! Very much enjoyed solving this one!!

Well this was right up my street! (Still trying to make a 50 break- another doomed Sisyphus thing😆) So the themers leapt out at me, which made the going pretty good. You packed an impressive number of them in without compromising the grid or straining credibility with the clueing. Some really good individual clues- I highlighted 8a, 9a, 12a, 22a, 1d, 4d, 24d, & 28d. And nice to be reminded of the late 22a.

This was really good fun. The 'sporting' in the title caused some trepidation but I love a good theme. I had just finished a crossword and was going to put the site down for the evening but got caught up in this until I finished it. Hat tip to 4d in particular

Thanks Orinoco. Very well themed! Favourites were 29a,4d, 22d.