1. Cameron Bancroft. Last week it was Steve Smith trying to hijack the Boxing Day Test and now Bancroft wearing a stupid singlet and ridiculous haircut to present as the 'innocent young man'. Political spin doctors out of touch who have Foxtel in their pocket. I think Steve Smith did three "exclusive" interviews in three days. People have had a gutful of these clowns. In fact Warner has been made super popular in his silence. He does not need to front the press. Now let's hope Candace and Roxy don't advise poorly.
The cricket public are even now wanting to see the back of Bancroft for a long, long time. His booing last night in the BBL was no accident. He has brought it all his way. ‘I wanted to fit in...’. What a spineless, irresponsible excuse.
The wrath of the ex players says it all. An immature goose who has learned nothing (remember his giggling post match press conference?). He is flippant, arrogant and has not owned his own behaviour. Gilchrist was hardly helpful either. He refused to ask tough questions adding to the lame tenor of the whole pathetic charade.
Suddenly Bancoft is a long, long way from a return to the Australian team. His weakness here and public lack of 'team' perspective, will count heavily against him. Smith will return through our necessity. Warner, if he stays silent, will be back soon too. A bit rich of Aaron Finch offering to welcome back Warner as a senior player - when he can't hold his own spot in the squad!
2. Third Test Fiasco I. The MCG staff should hang their heads. They serve up an Indian deck that pleases the Indian pay masters and expect the same favour in Eden Gardens? If not, what is wrong with Victorian cricket and where is the investment in a better deck? They have a record number of players in the Australian Team - Finch, Harris and Siddle. Their favourite son, Peter Handscomb is punted and all of their players fail on the biggest stage. The crowds, outside of the Indian support, were pretty pathetic too!
Typical pandering (no DRS for a few years, no Indian IPL players in other countries' T20 leagues....). I even noticed Kerry O'Keefe penning a public letter of apology to Indian fans after a few funnies at their expense. They need to lighten up. They are ever so precious at times, despite blitzing us on the field.
3. Third Test Fiasco II. On the field, things are worse. Finch has the worst technique in world cricket. How he has scored so heavily in ODI and T20 cricket is beyond me. As the only Australian player competing in all three forms of the game, they need to end him in Test Cricket. Mitchell Marsh is a terrible selection, but he did a 'relieving' job bowling his ineffective seamers to give others a break. He is averaging 74.88 in the past 15 Tests with 9 wickets from 181 overs (23 innings). Not impressive numbers.
Khawaja has hardly set the world on fire and he and Shaun Marsh need to step up. They are both part of the malaise of Australian Cricket who cannot consistently crack the code of focus and steel required at this level. Travis Head gets bowled far too often for mine. He too is on shaky ground. Josh Hazlewood (162 Test wickets) and Mitchell Starc (198 wickets) need to get busy too. Their strike rates are too moderate against the best batsmen. They need to start dominating erlier and stop playing 'make up' cricket. Starc seems incapable of moving the red ball.
Who to bring in? Pucowski from Victoria, Lehmann from South Australia, Stoinis... all marginal.
Despite their talent, Wade and Maxwell seem to have a stunning knack of exciting selectors' strong views of their attitudinal problems. However the absence of Shield fixtures makes the readiness for excellence in Test cricket unlikely. They are not playing enough four day cricket and averages are pretty bleak too as a result. More time in the middle!
Is it time to trawl Grade Cricket in the larger states and find some long term stars who may not have had the silver cricket spoon through Australian U/19s, etc? Hard nosed players of gravity who know how to win. They could start at Parramatta in Sydney with young Bertus.
4. Complete Fiasco - Siddle. Why is he in the Test squad firstly and secondly, why is he fielding for us at a key time? Joke. Hands like Nemo. There is not a better fieldsman out there? Where is Mickey Edwards? The fielding generally was poor and worse in the BBL. Clive Rose is the worst in Australia.
5. World Cricket Stage. Dale Steyn overtakes Shaun Pollock as South Africa's leading wicket taker ever v the Pakistanis and in NZ, Trent Boult brains them to lead the team home. The fans love when ball dominates bat in Test Cricket.
6. EPL -ManU. Ole Gunnar Solskjær as the relieving football manager is igniting Pogba and the team to surge up the table into sixth place after 20 games. He is unleashing the team's spirit and grandeur in a quiet, reassuring manner. Having played for many years at Old Trafford has helped his credibility and resolve. Meanwhile Liverpool roll on as the stuttering Man City have given them the Christmas jump.
It must be said that the foxes of Leicester and the wolves of Wolverhampton have had great years to date, closing in on the magic 30 points when teams like Huddersfield cave in and look set for relegation.
7. Socceroos. Stunning words from the great coach, Graham Arnold, who suggested that the 5-0 win over Oman was inspired by his scrutiny of Liverpool games and their style. Honest, but leagues and miles away!
8. NRL. A week without a taxi rank/ niteclub/ M4 incident is staggering.
9. Sydney Mania. The Sydney Kings are in first place at the turn of the season. Amazing how quality players can get you there! Bogut has been stunning. The same with the Sydney FC and the Sydney Bluesox (baseball)! Add this to the NRL Premiers, the Sydney Roosters too and the netball Grand Finalists, the Sydney Swifts! Sydney on fire.
Monday, December 31, 2018
Sunday, December 23, 2018
Wrap - Christmas Frenzy
1. Steve Smith. Can anyone explain why he did a press conference last week? A sympathy gatherer... a part of his redemption? Honestly...he needs to take a tip from Shane Flanagan. When banned, suck it up and keep an eye on the calendar. Don't complicate things unnecessarily. I noticed he cracked a ton for Sutherland to steer them to victory in First Grade this weekend. That is better talk.
Please tell me Mitchell Marsh is not going to be selected in the Boxing Day Test. He has no form, no runs, no wickets. Why would he be selected? Give it up. Is Handscomb being picked as a fieldsman? He certainly has the best hands since Mark Waugh. He needs to move his feet at the crease like he does in the field and back himself in.
2. Shane Flanagan. He has learned cruelly that no one is bigger than the game. Fifty emails to the club when you are banned is not smart. Where are the brains in rugby league? The club will survive but they need the right people there fronting the show. Why do clubs in trouble have bad administration (Bulldogs, Tigers, Sharks, Eels)? They can't win a thing with poor decisions from the top. These then transfer into the player recruitment and on field team decisions.
Forget the cash (is this a driver for the NRL Integrity Commission - self funded?). When will clubs be docked points for misdemeanours? This is the only way to really hit them hard. However consistency in this area is all over the place.
3. EPL Liverpool. Going into Christmas as the leading EPL team is an excellent sign. A tight race in 2018-2019, so it should be interesting. Great win by Crystal Palace over Man City and Leicester over Chelsea over this weekend. These results help Liverpool big time. Arsenal have that flavour of perennial runners up/ third place earners.
4. WBBL. The women's BBL is really taking off. How good is Elise Perry? A champion person and player. It's actually enjoyable to watch.
5. BBL. Can we accelerate some of the youth in Australian cricket? Great to see Jason Sangha doing well on his first outing. Bring back Australia A as well! Australia A on the bigger public stage was when we last dominated. More players have to know what it takes.
6. Jose Mourinho. High maintenance and too much goose in him has brought his demise. Punted by ManU at long last and hopefully they appoint a former legend eg. Ryan Giggs or Paul Scholes. Real Madrid might pick him up. Amazing how with him gone, ManU pile on 5 goals! The millstone has been removed!
7. A League. Is the whole show going stale? Are there enough top quality operators on the fields? Star power is lacking. Ball control is getting worse.
8. Anthony Mundine. Seeking a rematch with Jeff Horn. As if! He is a money machine, but he never knows when to quit. It is a sad and lonely figure the boxer knocked down early seeking a re-match. Move on.
9. Cash In. Keep an eye on a horse Brooklyn Hustle in the coming season. Stunning pace.
10. NBL. Still amazed at how popular basketball is in Australia. The NBL is really well attended with plenty of intensity. Lots of locals and a smattering of imports. Perfect blend and a great pathway for your aspiring club ball players. Big avenue of US colleges with a healthy appetite for quality as well. Even the Kings are going well!
Sunday, December 16, 2018
Wrap - NRL Crisis
1. The NRL is in free fall. The stupidity of players to put themselves into poor positions where contention, allegation and sordid accusation follows is incredible.
These fellows are taught, advised, counselled, etc and still it happens. The anger and spite that then follows at the expense of women is hurting the game. The 50% of the population thing may be hard to understand (?).
What reasonable mum thinks rugby league is a great idea for their child? I am doing the rounds mentally with my mates and cannot think of one of their children who play(ed) the game! It will remain a residual tribal sport where very few families engage with it, support it or attend it. Watching it from home remains the best bet...it's the furthest distance from the murky world that they have created.
For all their faults, enter AFL and football/ soccer.
2. Nathan Lyon continues to excel. Bowling tweakers and turners that don't really do that much off the deck. He is a master tactician and remains positive and aggressive as a bowler with flight, drift and spin. He has now got more wickets that Murali against India. He is zooming in on DK Lillee's 356 now with 331 Test wickets.
3. Virat Kohli. No ton in the first Test but one in Perth. He is a superstar. He has the ability to bat for long times. 25 Test tons... he will be the benchmark when he retires in all forms of the game. Amazing... no matter what sort of person you may like/ not like.
4. Peter Handscomb needs to go (however what a pair of hands he has!) and I am still not convinced re Shaun Marsh. As soon as the pressure is tuned up, he vanishes! Khawaja needs to bat big if we are to win it. It would be nice to see Tim Paine put a ton up in Tests too. He has not hit a ton for years. Not good enough for a modern day keeper.
5. Horse racing. I saw two really good runs on the weekend - Tip Top and Sky Boy. Both worth a spot in your blackbook!
6. A-League Expansion. Western Melbourne and Macarthur South-West Sydney are added while many other have not been added. Fair enough. They have had a few teams come and go already. The pressure will be on any new club. Unproven experience.
7. BBL. It is around the corner again and the excitement will rise above so many other programs. We will all enjoy the nightly excitement!
8. Premier League. On they surge, Man City. What a machine of a club they are. No nonsense...just titles.
These fellows are taught, advised, counselled, etc and still it happens. The anger and spite that then follows at the expense of women is hurting the game. The 50% of the population thing may be hard to understand (?).
What reasonable mum thinks rugby league is a great idea for their child? I am doing the rounds mentally with my mates and cannot think of one of their children who play(ed) the game! It will remain a residual tribal sport where very few families engage with it, support it or attend it. Watching it from home remains the best bet...it's the furthest distance from the murky world that they have created.
For all their faults, enter AFL and football/ soccer.
2. Nathan Lyon continues to excel. Bowling tweakers and turners that don't really do that much off the deck. He is a master tactician and remains positive and aggressive as a bowler with flight, drift and spin. He has now got more wickets that Murali against India. He is zooming in on DK Lillee's 356 now with 331 Test wickets.
3. Virat Kohli. No ton in the first Test but one in Perth. He is a superstar. He has the ability to bat for long times. 25 Test tons... he will be the benchmark when he retires in all forms of the game. Amazing... no matter what sort of person you may like/ not like.
4. Peter Handscomb needs to go (however what a pair of hands he has!) and I am still not convinced re Shaun Marsh. As soon as the pressure is tuned up, he vanishes! Khawaja needs to bat big if we are to win it. It would be nice to see Tim Paine put a ton up in Tests too. He has not hit a ton for years. Not good enough for a modern day keeper.
5. Horse racing. I saw two really good runs on the weekend - Tip Top and Sky Boy. Both worth a spot in your blackbook!
6. A-League Expansion. Western Melbourne and Macarthur South-West Sydney are added while many other have not been added. Fair enough. They have had a few teams come and go already. The pressure will be on any new club. Unproven experience.
7. BBL. It is around the corner again and the excitement will rise above so many other programs. We will all enjoy the nightly excitement!
8. Premier League. On they surge, Man City. What a machine of a club they are. No nonsense...just titles.
Sunday, December 9, 2018
Wrap - A World of Stark Pain
1. Test Cricket. The whole joint is a schemozzle. You have a Channel 7 TV 'presence' that makes people think they are watching the bowls. They even missed the toss. It lacks everything. Foxtel is better. Then you have no crowds as no one knows their Head from their Hands(comb). A world of Stark Pain. No Warner or Smith who have received two of the most ridiculous penalties in world sport since Jim Comans was around.
The only bloke getting runs is that wonderful medium pacer and bat called Matthew Wade. He is our best batsman in the country at present - not the Australian captain, Tim Paine, who has must have found Willie Wonka's Golden Ticket. Fair dinkum he looks ordinary. Top bloke by all reports, however. Michael Clarke's assessment of Australian cricket is not too far wrong.
It should therefore come as no surprise that if we have batsmen who cannot average 30 in Shield cricket that they would swing it around and average over 30 in Test cricket! Not many can get over 30 at present.
The perennial failure with the stick, Shaun Marsh, has hit back and gotten to 31no. A ton that wins us the Test match would anchor him in our team of tolerance. At the age of 35-36, he may be done if he can't aim up. Head is going OK, but I can't see consistency in his game. Finch was laughable. Handscomb not much better. Khawaja still can't play spin and Marcus Harris needs to remember that 20 is a failure in Test cricket... but seemingly not in Shield cricket.
The GOAT - Nathan Lyon hit 8 wickets for the Test which is good going. He is ahead of Bob Willis and on his way to DK Lillee's record of 355. He will have taken about 25 more Tests to get to it when it arrives.
Starc seems to switch off quickly. Far too nice at times yet a lethal bowler when he is on. We needed more from him.
2. A League. Sydney FC got their tails whacked in Wellington in the A league on the weekend. Nothing to see here other than an acknowledgement that Graham Arnold is missed and is one of the best coaches in Australia.
3. Wallabies. I am sensing that Cheika is about to be punted despite the rumblings that there is no one else... surely he cannot continue.
4. EPL. An amazing effort by Chelsea in the EPL to narrow off Man City for a win. Liverpool are on fire this year and the coach Jurgen Klopp has them firing. Seems like a really sensible bloke. Meanwhile Mourinho escapes the noose for another week. ManU actually looked pretty switched on this week.
5. NRL. What a forgettable week of domestic violence by league players. When will the code ban blokes for long periods of time with this nonsense. Dylan Walker's on field behaviour at times has made this sadly seem part of his unpredictable, erratic character. Hopefully a few smarter league players (eg. Cooper Cronk) realise that there are many many women in the world (about half the population) who they need to respect ... otherwise there will not be little boys playing this game.
Ever again Dylan. Do you get it Dylan?
The game has really lost its sheen in recent years as the lid is lifted on this and other nonsense.
6. Women's Sport. This is tending to rescue the Australian sporting landscape repeatedly... cricket now soccer on the horizon. We can only hope.
The only bloke getting runs is that wonderful medium pacer and bat called Matthew Wade. He is our best batsman in the country at present - not the Australian captain, Tim Paine, who has must have found Willie Wonka's Golden Ticket. Fair dinkum he looks ordinary. Top bloke by all reports, however. Michael Clarke's assessment of Australian cricket is not too far wrong.
It should therefore come as no surprise that if we have batsmen who cannot average 30 in Shield cricket that they would swing it around and average over 30 in Test cricket! Not many can get over 30 at present.
The perennial failure with the stick, Shaun Marsh, has hit back and gotten to 31no. A ton that wins us the Test match would anchor him in our team of tolerance. At the age of 35-36, he may be done if he can't aim up. Head is going OK, but I can't see consistency in his game. Finch was laughable. Handscomb not much better. Khawaja still can't play spin and Marcus Harris needs to remember that 20 is a failure in Test cricket... but seemingly not in Shield cricket.
The GOAT - Nathan Lyon hit 8 wickets for the Test which is good going. He is ahead of Bob Willis and on his way to DK Lillee's record of 355. He will have taken about 25 more Tests to get to it when it arrives.
Starc seems to switch off quickly. Far too nice at times yet a lethal bowler when he is on. We needed more from him.
2. A League. Sydney FC got their tails whacked in Wellington in the A league on the weekend. Nothing to see here other than an acknowledgement that Graham Arnold is missed and is one of the best coaches in Australia.
3. Wallabies. I am sensing that Cheika is about to be punted despite the rumblings that there is no one else... surely he cannot continue.
4. EPL. An amazing effort by Chelsea in the EPL to narrow off Man City for a win. Liverpool are on fire this year and the coach Jurgen Klopp has them firing. Seems like a really sensible bloke. Meanwhile Mourinho escapes the noose for another week. ManU actually looked pretty switched on this week.
5. NRL. What a forgettable week of domestic violence by league players. When will the code ban blokes for long periods of time with this nonsense. Dylan Walker's on field behaviour at times has made this sadly seem part of his unpredictable, erratic character. Hopefully a few smarter league players (eg. Cooper Cronk) realise that there are many many women in the world (about half the population) who they need to respect ... otherwise there will not be little boys playing this game.
Ever again Dylan. Do you get it Dylan?
The game has really lost its sheen in recent years as the lid is lifted on this and other nonsense.
6. Women's Sport. This is tending to rescue the Australian sporting landscape repeatedly... cricket now soccer on the horizon. We can only hope.
Sunday, December 2, 2018
Wrap - Shaun, Sean, Shorn...
1. Cricket Test Series v India. The biggest points of interest in this series will be to see if Kohli can hit a ton in every test, which is on the cards. Also, whether Tim Paine is playing his last Test series - and whether we can all put up with the anticipated twin failures of the Marsh brothers. How long? 2/3 Tests? Surely we need someone to step up. Lyon (318) needs 8 more wickets to beat Bob Willis (325) and 13 more wickets to beat Allan Donald (330). Ravi Ashwin needs 20 more wickets to beat our own DK Lillee (70 tests). Ashwin has played 64 tests only. Amazing how curators can help your career.
2. Shaun Johnson. What a tremendous signing by Cronulla. A goalkicking half who scores tries continuously. What were the Warriors thinking? Did Parramatta pick up the phone?
3. BBL League. There appears to be more interest in the BBL than this upcoming Test series. The game has changed and is shifting to a new space. New fans. This is fast becoming the new face of Australian cricket. Very few young fans are interested in tests. I like the look of the Thunder - Joe Root, Jos Butler... A shame there is no Warner.
4. Mundine. Totally outclassed and outgunned. Has made himself very wealthy however. Hopefully he can be sensible with the money and not like a zillion other boxers before him. I think Anthony set his sights on being like ALI, but had no charm and charisma. He actually held the super-middleweight title twice between 2003 and 2008, as well as the IBO middleweight title from 2009 to 2010, and the WBA interim super-welterweight title from 2011 to 2012. Jeff Horn is in a different class.
5. Bennett - Seibold. What a gaggle of clowns. Both over rated and seemingly think themselves bigger than everyone else. Lots of games being played and complete silliness over the last few weeks. Memo Broncos: sacking someone by text message or email never looks good.
6. Cameron Smith. What a famous Australian sporting name! How good was his play to comeback and win the Australian PGA golf after he seemed to have lost his way. Mental toughness to win the Joe Kirkwood Cup back to back. He has joined the likes of the world famous bluer - Robert Allenby - in achieving this feat. Top 30 in the world of golf. Pretty amazing for a young Australian guy.
7. Corey Norman. I noticed that while underperforming, the worst of the overpaid players at Parramatta - Corey Norman and Mitchell Moses - are being shopped around, but they are not stupid. They are staying to be paid in full and to convey their continued brand of excellence on the club. Both should be in the Wentworthville team as the club looks to other options. How can you now welcome them back into the team? They are cancerous to the necessary culture. Hopefully no new signings who are cocaine sniffing, M4 biffers who consort with criminals and abuse women.
8. ManU. Anchored on 22 points after 14 games (6 wins, 4 draws, 4 losses), they are 16 behind Man City who are almost away and uncatchable! Surely Jose is on the slippery slope out of the joint! Fulham look like relegation material already... some significant Christmas cheer and pudding will be required.
2. Shaun Johnson. What a tremendous signing by Cronulla. A goalkicking half who scores tries continuously. What were the Warriors thinking? Did Parramatta pick up the phone?
3. BBL League. There appears to be more interest in the BBL than this upcoming Test series. The game has changed and is shifting to a new space. New fans. This is fast becoming the new face of Australian cricket. Very few young fans are interested in tests. I like the look of the Thunder - Joe Root, Jos Butler... A shame there is no Warner.
4. Mundine. Totally outclassed and outgunned. Has made himself very wealthy however. Hopefully he can be sensible with the money and not like a zillion other boxers before him. I think Anthony set his sights on being like ALI, but had no charm and charisma. He actually held the super-middleweight title twice between 2003 and 2008, as well as the IBO middleweight title from 2009 to 2010, and the WBA interim super-welterweight title from 2011 to 2012. Jeff Horn is in a different class.
5. Bennett - Seibold. What a gaggle of clowns. Both over rated and seemingly think themselves bigger than everyone else. Lots of games being played and complete silliness over the last few weeks. Memo Broncos: sacking someone by text message or email never looks good.
6. Cameron Smith. What a famous Australian sporting name! How good was his play to comeback and win the Australian PGA golf after he seemed to have lost his way. Mental toughness to win the Joe Kirkwood Cup back to back. He has joined the likes of the world famous bluer - Robert Allenby - in achieving this feat. Top 30 in the world of golf. Pretty amazing for a young Australian guy.
7. Corey Norman. I noticed that while underperforming, the worst of the overpaid players at Parramatta - Corey Norman and Mitchell Moses - are being shopped around, but they are not stupid. They are staying to be paid in full and to convey their continued brand of excellence on the club. Both should be in the Wentworthville team as the club looks to other options. How can you now welcome them back into the team? They are cancerous to the necessary culture. Hopefully no new signings who are cocaine sniffing, M4 biffers who consort with criminals and abuse women.
8. ManU. Anchored on 22 points after 14 games (6 wins, 4 draws, 4 losses), they are 16 behind Man City who are almost away and uncatchable! Surely Jose is on the slippery slope out of the joint! Fulham look like relegation material already... some significant Christmas cheer and pudding will be required.
Sunday, November 25, 2018
Wrap - Pressure Points
1. Wallabies. A sign a team is in strife is when there are blokes stood down. The coach has lost the dressing room - and the carpark. How two experienced players thought it a good idea to bring people back to their room is beyond me. Relatives or not, dumb.
On the field, the second half capitulation has been an extraordinary feature of their recent demise. Errors and ill discipline abound. The worst ever Wallabies? Where are the changes at different levels? Raelene Castle is beginning to get a common reputation across codes for under performance.
2. Women’s T20 World Cup. Awesome achievement from these girls who are by far the best Australian team in world sport at present. Their names are becoming more familiar than Australian men’s cricket names. Their talent may just be better as well!
3. Australia v India in T20 Cricket. Not sure how we got a 1-0 lead, but with a second game washout, it will be nice not to lose a series for once. A drawn series is as close to a win as we will ever see.
4. Crowds. Isn't it appalling that the roar of the crowd followed Indian cricketers and their achievements in the T20 from the SCG? The Australian cricketers barely raised an eyebrow from the crowd. Are we that over our cricketers? Is it the "NRL or Wallaby Effect" where spoilt, over indulged players are not interested in the fans. Rather just themselves. In return, the fans can't give a tinker's cuss about the players.
4. NRL. Jarryd Hayne. Surely even he could not be that dumb, inappropriate...and offensive. Gunshots at a Kings Cross niteclub, dodgy folk who they hang around, inappropriate matters of all kind, accusations and allegations. Social media has taken care of another naive and out of touch person.
5. A League. Adelaide on fire. Melbourne City continue to disappoint. The standard is improving all the while. Sydney FC have been rolled by a Honda.
6. ManU are showing more patience than a child waiting for the Council Christmas visits with santa in the back of the truck. Coach must go ASAP, before Champions League hopes are dashed.
7. Newcastle Super Cars. A sensational looking track and plenty of thrills and spills. Scott McLaughlin the winner after a long season! Plenty of loyal supporters to the cause here.
8. Tennis. How about young Zverev in the tennis. Knocked over the big guns like Djokovic to win this week.
Sunday, November 18, 2018
Wrap - All Over It Ringerdingding
1. Cricket. The Australian cricket team is clearly looking for a new opener. Alex Doolan seems set to get the job, but a miracle happened today at Manaka Oval in Canberra when both NSW openers - Daniel Hughes and Nick Larkin - both scored tons. Even the famous Moises got a ton this game. An outbreak of runs is new territory in Australian cricket. Yet Renshaw was a dud again. Labuschagne struggled and Mitchell Marsh too. Of course Shaun Marsh hit 70no and looks destined to stay in the team. Young Lehmann promises much and gets nothing. The star bowler of the country is Victoria's Chris Tremain. The trouble he faces is Starc-Cummins-Hazelwood-Lyons, but also that he gets too many wickets to be considered. We are more into promise these days.
2. Wallabies. A solid victory v the Italians. However no time for handstands...England awaits. The Irish beating the All Blacks was an outstanding achievement. It is remarkable that people celebrate the impossibility of such a feat as much as the feat itself.
3. Australian Open Golf. Great work by this Ancer. Four sub 70 rounds in the wind is some sort of achievement. Great strength and concentration.
4. Indian Cricket. They have arrived this week and it may not be an exaggeration to consider Kholi getting a ton in each test this time. Last time he missed out. These days that is real rare. Rockinghorse rare. A bit like a parent who is prepared to watch cricket every Saturday morning.
5. NRL. Good to see some change up at the Broncos. Josh Maguire is not that old to be letting go. No loyalty in this gig. I am seeing some strength heading to the North QLD Cowboys. Holmes as well apparently. What price Kevin Walters as their next coach?
Can anyone quite believe that Parramatta have a tight salary cap? Where is their money? Honestly, this ruling by Greenberg that back ended contracts are out is a fair ruling. Pay today's dollars and today's rates and stop the player manager influence in the game. Greed has become the game's greatest enemy.
6. Socceroos. A lucky 1-1 result v Korea and they were happy. Hard to see it as that great. These international friendly weekends get in the way of the best soccer worldwide - club level. And for what gain?
7. Usain Bolt. I noticed the Jamaican rugby league team are off to the World Cup of Rugby League. Will Usain play on the wing for them?
8. ATP Tennis Finals. Alexander Zverev will play Novak Djokovic for the title. Djokovic is a machine. He has won the last two Grand Slams and not looking like losing. He may beat Roger Federer's Grand Slam record one day in this rare run of form.
9. Horse Racing. The horse tip last week got up again...Ringerdingding!
2. Wallabies. A solid victory v the Italians. However no time for handstands...England awaits. The Irish beating the All Blacks was an outstanding achievement. It is remarkable that people celebrate the impossibility of such a feat as much as the feat itself.
3. Australian Open Golf. Great work by this Ancer. Four sub 70 rounds in the wind is some sort of achievement. Great strength and concentration.
4. Indian Cricket. They have arrived this week and it may not be an exaggeration to consider Kholi getting a ton in each test this time. Last time he missed out. These days that is real rare. Rockinghorse rare. A bit like a parent who is prepared to watch cricket every Saturday morning.
5. NRL. Good to see some change up at the Broncos. Josh Maguire is not that old to be letting go. No loyalty in this gig. I am seeing some strength heading to the North QLD Cowboys. Holmes as well apparently. What price Kevin Walters as their next coach?
Can anyone quite believe that Parramatta have a tight salary cap? Where is their money? Honestly, this ruling by Greenberg that back ended contracts are out is a fair ruling. Pay today's dollars and today's rates and stop the player manager influence in the game. Greed has become the game's greatest enemy.
6. Socceroos. A lucky 1-1 result v Korea and they were happy. Hard to see it as that great. These international friendly weekends get in the way of the best soccer worldwide - club level. And for what gain?
7. Usain Bolt. I noticed the Jamaican rugby league team are off to the World Cup of Rugby League. Will Usain play on the wing for them?
8. ATP Tennis Finals. Alexander Zverev will play Novak Djokovic for the title. Djokovic is a machine. He has won the last two Grand Slams and not looking like losing. He may beat Roger Federer's Grand Slam record one day in this rare run of form.
9. Horse Racing. The horse tip last week got up again...Ringerdingding!
Sunday, November 11, 2018
Wrap - New Blood
1. Cricket. Great to see some youth step up in the Sheffield Shield/ Pura Milk Cup (Sangha and Edwards), but the standard is terrible as Ponting has said. Do they still have an Australian Cricket Academy? The most exciting cricketer is Pope the SA leggie and what happens? He has to go to the Sydney Sixers to get a BBL gig! Too many old worn out voices and no modern thinking.
Are we trying to learn from India - or too proud? Where is Nick Bolleterri when you need him? IMG? There appears to be more interest in Sutherland v Randwick in the cricket than in the national team. Finally Pat Cummins is back. He has had more time off than Eric Grothe senior, Brett Papworth... Have we seen a tear away quick in recent living memory? No.
Sad to see Pat Howard sacked as High Performance Manager of Australian Cricket. How will we keep the standards up now?
The ODI looks like a crushing loss is in order early. Lynn and Short are very disappointing at International level...no runs!
2. Tennis. Young Alex de Minaur is doing really well on the ATP circuit. He has just been voted ATP World Tour New Comer Of The Year. Great accolage for a young man on the up. Who was Kygrios? What about Nadal...the fairest and Federer was voted the fan favourite for the sixteenth successive year.
3. F1. Lewis Hamilton is world champion once again and now they want to tinker with the season again and try and get 25 races in. Too many. Corporate sporting greed knows no bounds.
4. Wallabies v Wales. We always promise a lot. I really feel for Michael Hooper. He tries so hard every week and looks like he has run into a bus. Yet they lose repeatedly. An outside back or two of quality for the Wallabies would be a nice change.
Would Tim Mannah or Michael Cheika have the worst win/loss record in world sport?
5. NRL Coaching Merry Go Round. Des will be too cranky. Maguire too intense. Bennet too old and Seibold too inexperienced. Cleary has a shocking record as a coach really ,so he could be the worst of the lot. Not sure that being coached by your dad is the best thing in life...think Jelena Dokic, Mary Pierce, Tony Mundine... break the umbilical cord please and stand on your own.
Trent Barrett could just about have ended his coaching career in Australia with his antics. He has not been smart. But Jason Taylor still gets work (and premierships) so there may be hope yet!
6. AFL and League. Just about now the Integrity Commissioner starts sharpening the pencil and filing all contracts in alphabetical order with some red tabs on the known fools out there. I noticed that Parramatta are slowly getting the message...Jennings, Mahu, Hayne all about to exit. If dopey Brad Arthur brings in more ex-criminals and drug accused, he needs to be marched over to the Parramatta Weir and thrown in head first. Clean up the place and publish the report for transparency to the members of the joint.
7. A-League. The excitement of former years seems to be dulled with each successive year. No big names and an average standard. Possession is yielded and surrendered far too easily. Who is improving the standard of the game? How? Big crowds should adorn the game in Australia. Thankfully Graham Arnold has the national team. Gee we are missing Ange Postacoglou.
8. Horse racing. Hopefully The Wrap's Melbourne Cup tip last Sunday of Cross Counter was seized upon. It paid handsomely. Re-read it. Great run from the back of the field.
Really liked the run of Trap For Fools leading from start to finish in the LS Mackinnon Stakes on Saturday. Paid $26.00 for the win. Sweet rewards! Keep an eye on Belflyer as well. A Cracking horse from the bush who won the recent Kosiuscko. It had a great win on the Sunshine Coast on Saturday, paying $4-$5. Redzel ran a disappointing fifth in the VRC Sprint. Two to watch: Top Prospect and Order of Command. Roughie: Snitch. Black book the lot of them. Jaameh and Ringerdingding too!
This big lump of a horse - Sexy Eyes - is a strong thing too. Another thing called Brax nailed them on the Sunshine Coast too.
Sunday, November 4, 2018
Wrap - Punting Hang Time
1. Australian Cricket. By the end of the summer there may well be no one left watching this lot. There is such a distance between all elements of our cricket compared to others that it is laughable. Lots of big mouths with poor techniques.
Lots of rhetoric and reports, but not much has changed. We seemingly want a team of cleanskins who can chant slogans to each other. Justin Langer may end up with a Thesaurus where the sun don't shine if he is not careful.
The effort v South Africa was pathetic really. Channel 9 may have made the best business decision since Allan Bond bought it off KP all those years ago. The Big Bash will out rate the international forms.
2. Shield. Cannot see anyone other than Tom Cooper, Jake Lehmann, Peter Handscomb scoring runs regularly in Shield. If ever there was a time to do it... Australian cricket jersies are being raffled at present.
Has Darcy Short scored over 20 since the Big Bash? He is in world class horrible form. More ducks than the great Graeeeeemmmme Wood.
3. Jarryd Hayne. Would there be a reason Parramatta can't make a decision to end him? With that one should go a few others. Interested to see Brooks being pedalled to other clubs too. Is he poisonous? Norman is gone... others?
4. Western Sydney Wanderers. That crowd is frenzied but also ridiculous too. They need a reality check. Loud is different to loud and obnoxious.
5. EPL. Newcastle finally crack a win and Liverpool look the goods in 2018. They have a hard edge that will be hard to toss in the tough games.
6. Melbourne Cup. WhoShotTheBarman must be the oldest horse still running. Has a great Melbourne Cup record but not in great nick at present. I like Finche and Cross Counter. Good punting!
Best run of the weekend - Divine Quality.
Lots of rhetoric and reports, but not much has changed. We seemingly want a team of cleanskins who can chant slogans to each other. Justin Langer may end up with a Thesaurus where the sun don't shine if he is not careful.
The effort v South Africa was pathetic really. Channel 9 may have made the best business decision since Allan Bond bought it off KP all those years ago. The Big Bash will out rate the international forms.
2. Shield. Cannot see anyone other than Tom Cooper, Jake Lehmann, Peter Handscomb scoring runs regularly in Shield. If ever there was a time to do it... Australian cricket jersies are being raffled at present.
Has Darcy Short scored over 20 since the Big Bash? He is in world class horrible form. More ducks than the great Graeeeeemmmme Wood.
3. Jarryd Hayne. Would there be a reason Parramatta can't make a decision to end him? With that one should go a few others. Interested to see Brooks being pedalled to other clubs too. Is he poisonous? Norman is gone... others?
4. Western Sydney Wanderers. That crowd is frenzied but also ridiculous too. They need a reality check. Loud is different to loud and obnoxious.
5. EPL. Newcastle finally crack a win and Liverpool look the goods in 2018. They have a hard edge that will be hard to toss in the tough games.
6. Melbourne Cup. WhoShotTheBarman must be the oldest horse still running. Has a great Melbourne Cup record but not in great nick at present. I like Finche and Cross Counter. Good punting!
Best run of the weekend - Divine Quality.
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Wrap - Save Dave's Shoey
1. Dave Warner. A supreme batting talent.
However, surely reports are wrong that the biggest trash talking cricketer in some time has not liked the brother of someone he also sledged, sledging him? Warner’s sledging role on that fateful Phil Hughes day is suddenly under the microscope again. So is his reaction in the subsequent inquiry.
Hopefully a story comes out that his Randwick teammates told him to wake up to himself and get back out there. Cricket has a lot to learn. This nonsense is endorsed by umpires who have inspired and empowered a generation of Warner types. They fail to intervene and allow it. Who is going to step up and bin the first first class cricketer under the new rules? Spineless.
Dave Warner’s greatest weapon is his bat - not his mouth. He is 32 and I hope he learns that soon. We all love watching him bat, not talk.
NOTE: LAWS OF THE GAME - https://www.lords.org/mcc/laws-of-cricket/laws/law-42-players-conduct/
42.4.2 If such an offence is committed,
42.4.2.1 The umpire shall call Time, if necessary.
42.4.2.2 Together the umpires shall summon and inform the offending player’s captain that an offence at this Level has occurred.
42.4.2.3 The umpires shall direct the captain to remove the offending player immediately from the field of play for a period in accordance with the following:
42.4.2.3.1 In a match where the innings are not limited to a number of overs, the player shall be suspended from the field of play for 10 overs.
42.4.2.3.2 In a match where the innings are limited to a number of overs, the player shall be suspended for one fifth of the number of overs allocated to the current innings at its commencement. If, in calculating the length of the suspension, a part-over results, it shall be considered as a whole over. Furthermore, any balls remaining in the over in progress at the time of suspension shall not count towards the overs for which the player is suspended.
42.4.2.3.3 If the offending player is a fielder, no substitute shall be allowed for him/her. The offending player may return to the field of play after serving the period of suspension and may bowl immediately.
42.4.2.3.4 If a bowler is suspended mid-over, then that over must be completed by a different bowler, who shall not have bowled the previous over nor shall he/she bowl the next over.
42.4.2.3.5 If the offending player is a not out batsman, he/she shall be replaced by another member of his/her team. The offending player may return to bat after having served the suspension only at the fall of a wicket. If no batsman is available to bat during a batsman’s suspension, the innings is completed. If the offending player does not continue his/her innings for whatever reason, he/she is to be recorded as Retired – not out.
42.4.2.3.6 If the offending player is a dismissed member of the batting side, the period of suspension will not commence until the start of the next innings. Furthermore, in these circumstances, the offending player may not act as a runner during the innings when he/she was suspended.
42.4.2.3.7 Warn the offending player’s captain that any future Level 1 offence shall result in the award of 5 Penalty runs to the opposing team.
42.4.2.3.8 Any overs remaining to be served from a suspension shall be carried forward to the next and subsequent innings of the match. A part over at the end of the innings shall not count towards the overs for which the player is suspended.
42.4.2.4 As soon as practicable, the umpire shall
- award 5 Penalty runs to the opposing team
- signal the Level 3 penalty to the scorers
- call Play.
2. NRL Coaches. The coaching merry go round simultaneously sells papers and annoys people. Bennett to Souths gets the imagination going. He could be going there at a key phase of their evolution. A GF beckons with a fit Greg Inglis. Not sure about Maguire. Cleary will need some ear muffs from Gus’ blessings and Seibold will move next week. Untenable.
3. The Draw. Does anyone give two fat watusees about the AFL or NRL draw for 2019? Does it matter that much? Good sides just win. Bad sides look at draws and make excuses...pre season!
4. Winx. What a phenomenon. The roar it got at Moonee Valley was awesome. Courageous owners who are not selfish, but have every reason to be. A special experience for sports lovers as its Cox Plate and overall winning/ Group 1 record will never be beaten in our lifetimes!
5. Wallabies. Let’s face it. We are simply not good enough. 100 tests to Kepu...how many wins? We are playing reserve grade really in comparison. We need Jarryd Hayne in the team they tell me.
6. Redsox v LA Dodgers World Series. Redsox 3-1 up and on the brink of victory at LA tomorrow. Enough people are confident they will win that my young bloke is heading to the Game 4 showdown in LA to be part of history!
7. NBA. Pressure on Andrew Gaze to win something... he has won a match as coach, just... The owners will wield the axe soon if he is not careful. He has zero excuses with his 2018 roster. How big are the crowds to these games? A sport on the rise I suspect. And they play in all weather.
8. F1 - Daniel Riccardo. On pole position, which is unfamiliar territory. Now wait for the mechanical disaster...or a shoey!
9. Sydney FC are that far ahead of the rest it is ridiculous. Western Sydney Wanderers appear to have lost their soul, but I enjoyed the sending off of the new coach. A League and VAR...joke.
10. EPL. Helicopter disaster for Leicester's owner and friends. There are a lot of accidents in the pointy end of society...jets, fast cars, sea planes, helicopters. A dangerous business.
Sunday, October 21, 2018
Wrap - World's Finest Flagwavers
1. Cricket I. Justin Langer has me worried. When he started his career he was conservative and was dropped. He then became quite an electric opener who dominated world attacks with Hayden. His current philosophy however is to attack at all times when your middle order are head cases. Dumb. Shaun Marsh is surely gone? The human hydra. Ah no...Shaun is an exceptional white ball player we are told and will earn yet another chance...Mitch is a future captain so Langer tells us...ummm...really?
The skipper position is a huge issue. Tim Paine is a good guy, but barely holds his spot as wicketkeeper. Nathan Lyon was anointed by Mike Hussey as the "sprig of wattle" team song custodian and most of us nearly fell over...so it is proven now that he is the next best (only?) captaincy choice. With the keeper, they need to do "an Ian Healy" and go with a young gun for a long time eg. Alex Carey. Build around this.
Langer's career will be limited as head coach with this approach. Fail fast with duds. Get them out and go in a completely different direction. Isn't it uncanny how a first class Australian player selected for the biggest stage averaging 30, gets to Test cricket and yep...pretty well never breaks 30 runs there either. Shock.
Young Will Pucovski in Victoria, Jason Sangha in NSW...Renshaw... even Trent Copeland are better options. Open minds are needed, not state allegiances with failed performers.
2. Cricket II. Are we getting to a point where opposing teams in world cricket determine whether they bat or bowl? Eliminate the toss and the ridiculous sub-continent doctored pitches. The lack of worldwide curating standards is hurting the sport. It is safe to say a cricket toss is probably the most important toss to win in world sport. The NRL toss is not so critical, unless it is golden point.
3. NRL. Plenty of flags! An awesome Tonga crowd in Auckland, but the Australian's have too much fitness and a comparative absence of errors. Tedesco is a special talent. So quick on his feet. Valentine Holmes is also quite awesome. Cronulla should retire a few dinosaurs and do everything to keep him. He could win you a premiership on his own.
4. US Sports. How amazing is the whole US sport scene...NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL? Incredible game day attendances (except if you support San Diego in anything). Seamless seasons run into seasons and complete immersion by TV and newspapers. Not perfect, but they would run rings around our administrators.
5. RedSox v LA - World Series Baseball. An exceptional contest ahead. Best of seven games...excitement plus (even if the 'world' is represented in the team composition - rather than the opposition!). It is simply the best in the world. ...make no mistake.
6. EPL - ManU. Jose knows no bounds. His attempt to go the biff with a former assistant coach was outstanding theatre, but really... a goose. He gives owners plenty of reasons to be punted.
7. EPL - Others. Remarkably there are three undefeated teams in Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea...and a couple doing really poorly in Newcastle and Huddersfield. They are 20 points behind already. Coaches will be punted very soon no doubt!
8. NRL - Hayne Drain. Everyone is hoping like hell that the Parramatta NRL Internal Report is released soon with recommendations on recruitment practice...no dickheads hopefully. This may see an exit of monumental proportions. Hayne goes first...Taka...Norman...Moses... a clean out. You could cop a wooden spoon each year if they actually looked like improving their culture and investing in their young products.
Quite ironic that the Eels have no stadium to play at in 2019... they may not need a big one like that for a few years anyhow. Richie Benaud Oval at North Parra might just about do.
9. Marc Marquez. Five time 2018 MotoGP World Champion. Awesome.
10. Lewis Hamilton. Yet another pole position. A fifth world title is imminent. More awesome.
Sunday, October 14, 2018
Wrap - Who Would Have Thought?
1. NRL International. New Zealand had a great win over the complacent Australians. Usually it is the other way around, but over there it is always a struggle. It looks like some of the New Zealand players are actually caring enough to be bothered these days. An enthralling end to the game, but too laboured and slow by Australia. Jake Trobejivic was outstanding and Valentine Holmes electric. If north Queensland snare him, that will be a great signing for them. Cronulla have everyone they want, but they need young legs. Losing Jessie Ramien is a big loss.
A great effort by coach Maguire who must be on a good wicket there to knock back coaching Manly. Fancy getting Des back to coach. Honestly that club is the closest to folding out of all of them. Shaky financials and rusted on culture.
2. Major League Baseball. The Houston Astros did a number on the Boston Redsox in their first game. Too strong all over the park. Boston need to unleash their bats if they are to bounce back. It will be a struggle for the Redsox whose bullpen has been found wanting at the back end of the season. Plenty more needed there.
3. The Everest. Redzel ran an amazing race to be a two time winner of the $13 million Everest race. It is a lot of coin for such a short race. However, the field was pretty awesome. The wet deck was a test, but Redzel was amazing. The 50-1 shot winner in the Country equivalent - The Kosciusko - was a great story. The owners looked like they enjoyed a drink. If they didn't then, they do now!
4. Andrew Gaze - NBA Sydney Kings. Hopefully he can turn things around, but really they are stacked to the hilt now with stars and they still can't produce - although Adelaide are pretty awesome. Bogut won't be able to do it on his own. His body is hanging together by a thread I suspect.
5. Cricket. A great effort by Khawaja and Paine to save the Test. Nice to see Paine step up as he has been moderate at best as skipper. This is as close to a win as we might see, so lap it up! Finch went well, but the middle order was awful really. All of them got ducks in one of the two innings- S Marsh, M Marsh (who would have thought?), T. Head and M. Labuschagne. Horrible. However Marnus got some wickets which was at least something. Lyon and Holland OK, but these decks are too flat. Spice them up.
6. Usain Bolt. Good to see him score some goals. What does that say about the standard of our league?
7. Parramatta. In a week where the club completed, but did not publish, its report into the culture at the club (finding lack of leadership and ill discipline the twin evils behind a wooden spoon winning season - who would have thought?), young Jaeman Salmon graduated into the ranks of Parramatta stupidity with his effort in a car crash where we are told: "the 19-year-old’s white Jeep Cherokee hit three parked cars before rolling onto its roof, stopping southbound traffic in Miranda in Sydney’s south". As you do. A normal night out. Yet another goose embodying the lack of leadership and complete ill discipline of anyone who walks in the door of that joint. I am going to run for a position on the Board of that place one day and straighten the joint out.
8. AFL. The trade whispers and draft talk are almost making the code a laughing stock. Trying to become like a US sport and failing miserably. Have an off season and relax.
Monday, October 8, 2018
Wrap - Back In The Pouch
1. NRL Media. How they love a story of 'rags to riches'. Nearly every story post Grand Final is the same in essence. Sounded like the whole Roosters team had been to the Somme at one stage. It is a game and they won with more talent and remarkable courage. Full stop. Nice to see Keary get a start ahead of Munster. Unfortunately, it sounds like Munster has a few demons to settle and control which is terrible for the young bloke. The GF was not good for him.
2. Joey Johns. Is Joey always fully there? He jumps from club to club and then utters the silliest of comments regularly. Calling for Melbourne to shake up their club and warning they will come back to the field, is a nonsense. The club is too smart for Joey. They have succession planning down to an art form.
Brodie Croft, Curtis Scott, Joe Stimson, Christian Welch, Brandon Smith, Jahrome Hughes, Nelson Asofa Solomona... no one had heard of any of these blokes up until 2018 and they have all played a Grand Final. Extraordinary. Sure they will miss brilliance of individuals, but they are in safe hands and at least ten clubs would trade all of their roster for the set up at Melbourne. It is still strong.
3. Greg Inglis. He himself claimed it had nothing to do with earlier mental health issues, but the newspapers tread necessarily lightly in this space. He clearly has taken a heavy hit for his behaviour, losing the captaincy so publicly, but how does this get announced first if communication channels are as they should be? Typical amateurism by the code. He could have been spared the embarrassment.
4. Virat Kohli. Perhaps one of the most disliked characters in world cricket this side of Mumbai, but how talented and prolific? Another ton v the West Indies this week. He has played 72 Tests only and with an average of 54 has scored 24 test tons the same as Greg Chappell already (who was phenomenal in his 87 tests). Border hit 27 Test tons in 156 tests by way of comparison! He is destined to be the greatest of all time at this rate.
5. Australian Cricket. Ian Chappell is right. Tim Paine is seemingly not strong enough to keep Justin Langer at arms length as coach. Paine has not got enough form himself to be really confident in the position. Relying on the Marsh brothers, Khawaja on spinning decks, Travis Head and Aaron Finch who can be up and down in the longer format of the game.... there will be changes if it goes south. Marnus Labuschagne in the Australian team? We all wish him well, but how unfair at this point of his career. It brings back memories of Julian Weiner.
Can you believe the nonsense idea of putting plastic bottles down on the pitch to help the Aussies play spin bowling? Ridiculous. Up there with the plastic chair idea in India. By the way, whatever happened to that method of controlling dog faeces in the local neighbourhood with a few plastic bottles full of water?
6. Manchester United. This once proud club needs an overhaul despite its gritty win v Newcastle. They need some old fashioned steel and flair. I would not be surprised to see Alex Ferguson return for a year to set them right after the misery of Jose Mourinho subsides and passes. No shortage of ex players who enjoyed amazing success at the club, ready for a comment or two...or three on the current disaster.
7. Wallabies. Some sort of second half to secure the win, but the Argies should hang their heads for their appalling defence. Cheika needed to wake a few up at halftime. They have been a rabble for too long. Over paid and lacking hunger for the jersey essentially. They get out of jail, but so much more work on attitude is needed.
8. Conor McGregor - UFC. His bout v Khabib was a cracker, but what a mug's game. It is brutal and stupid at the same time. The post match violence is a complete disgrace. Always amazing how McGregor never seems to get the full brunt of an attack - until this one. For all his showmanship and bravado, he is a master in this space and really amps it up for the crowd. A master entertainer, even if he is a fair bit to take for most. His earlier attack on the Khabib bus was outrageous. These blokes are lawless too. Not wanting to press charges continues to allow the poor behaviour. The Nevada licensing mob are usually pretty brutal themselves in this space.
9. Bathurst 1000 - Hardie Ferodo, Tooheys 1000, AMP 1000, FAI 1000, Bob Jane TMarts 1000 and Supercheap Auto 1000. You always know you've hit rock that tricky dearth in the range of annual Australian sporting events when Jamie Whincup and co start dominating the TV screens. However, good luck to them. The event has become iconic in the calendar and provides an ideal opportunity for all the rev heads to re-live their youth and celebrate in the rain. Holden too good. It is an iconic race of endurance. Lowndes seems to be ageless. He now has 7 wins (v Brock's 9 wins) and has had the most podium finishes of 14 ever!
10. AFL Draft Talk. This is becoming an annual kitbag of complicated nonsense with restricted and unrestricted trades, father and son rules and the like. It helps player prices, but really is a lot of rumour relying on the 'generosity' of clubs to accommodate players they really don't want. Having said that the Tigers recruiting Tom Lynch is a joke. How strong can one club become at the expense of another? The Gold Coast could well be the first AFL club to wind up as a failure.
11. Formula One. The efforts of Lewis Hamilton continue to amaze. Not quite in the Schumacher class just yet, but getting close. Four World Driver's Championships to Schumacher's seven...closing in on five in 2018 to equal Fangio in second spot. Awesome. Best we have seen since Eddie Cheever, Keke Rosberg, Jackie Stewart, Andrea de Cesaris, Rubens Barcichello, Jenson Button, Gerhard Berger, Martin Brundle or Nelson Piquet.
2. Joey Johns. Is Joey always fully there? He jumps from club to club and then utters the silliest of comments regularly. Calling for Melbourne to shake up their club and warning they will come back to the field, is a nonsense. The club is too smart for Joey. They have succession planning down to an art form.
Brodie Croft, Curtis Scott, Joe Stimson, Christian Welch, Brandon Smith, Jahrome Hughes, Nelson Asofa Solomona... no one had heard of any of these blokes up until 2018 and they have all played a Grand Final. Extraordinary. Sure they will miss brilliance of individuals, but they are in safe hands and at least ten clubs would trade all of their roster for the set up at Melbourne. It is still strong.
3. Greg Inglis. He himself claimed it had nothing to do with earlier mental health issues, but the newspapers tread necessarily lightly in this space. He clearly has taken a heavy hit for his behaviour, losing the captaincy so publicly, but how does this get announced first if communication channels are as they should be? Typical amateurism by the code. He could have been spared the embarrassment.
4. Virat Kohli. Perhaps one of the most disliked characters in world cricket this side of Mumbai, but how talented and prolific? Another ton v the West Indies this week. He has played 72 Tests only and with an average of 54 has scored 24 test tons the same as Greg Chappell already (who was phenomenal in his 87 tests). Border hit 27 Test tons in 156 tests by way of comparison! He is destined to be the greatest of all time at this rate.
5. Australian Cricket. Ian Chappell is right. Tim Paine is seemingly not strong enough to keep Justin Langer at arms length as coach. Paine has not got enough form himself to be really confident in the position. Relying on the Marsh brothers, Khawaja on spinning decks, Travis Head and Aaron Finch who can be up and down in the longer format of the game.... there will be changes if it goes south. Marnus Labuschagne in the Australian team? We all wish him well, but how unfair at this point of his career. It brings back memories of Julian Weiner.
Can you believe the nonsense idea of putting plastic bottles down on the pitch to help the Aussies play spin bowling? Ridiculous. Up there with the plastic chair idea in India. By the way, whatever happened to that method of controlling dog faeces in the local neighbourhood with a few plastic bottles full of water?
6. Manchester United. This once proud club needs an overhaul despite its gritty win v Newcastle. They need some old fashioned steel and flair. I would not be surprised to see Alex Ferguson return for a year to set them right after the misery of Jose Mourinho subsides and passes. No shortage of ex players who enjoyed amazing success at the club, ready for a comment or two...or three on the current disaster.
7. Wallabies. Some sort of second half to secure the win, but the Argies should hang their heads for their appalling defence. Cheika needed to wake a few up at halftime. They have been a rabble for too long. Over paid and lacking hunger for the jersey essentially. They get out of jail, but so much more work on attitude is needed.
8. Conor McGregor - UFC. His bout v Khabib was a cracker, but what a mug's game. It is brutal and stupid at the same time. The post match violence is a complete disgrace. Always amazing how McGregor never seems to get the full brunt of an attack - until this one. For all his showmanship and bravado, he is a master in this space and really amps it up for the crowd. A master entertainer, even if he is a fair bit to take for most. His earlier attack on the Khabib bus was outrageous. These blokes are lawless too. Not wanting to press charges continues to allow the poor behaviour. The Nevada licensing mob are usually pretty brutal themselves in this space.
9. Bathurst 1000 - Hardie Ferodo, Tooheys 1000, AMP 1000, FAI 1000, Bob Jane TMarts 1000 and Supercheap Auto 1000. You always know you've hit rock that tricky dearth in the range of annual Australian sporting events when Jamie Whincup and co start dominating the TV screens. However, good luck to them. The event has become iconic in the calendar and provides an ideal opportunity for all the rev heads to re-live their youth and celebrate in the rain. Holden too good. It is an iconic race of endurance. Lowndes seems to be ageless. He now has 7 wins (v Brock's 9 wins) and has had the most podium finishes of 14 ever!
10. AFL Draft Talk. This is becoming an annual kitbag of complicated nonsense with restricted and unrestricted trades, father and son rules and the like. It helps player prices, but really is a lot of rumour relying on the 'generosity' of clubs to accommodate players they really don't want. Having said that the Tigers recruiting Tom Lynch is a joke. How strong can one club become at the expense of another? The Gold Coast could well be the first AFL club to wind up as a failure.
11. Formula One. The efforts of Lewis Hamilton continue to amaze. Not quite in the Schumacher class just yet, but getting close. Four World Driver's Championships to Schumacher's seven...closing in on five in 2018 to equal Fangio in second spot. Awesome. Best we have seen since Eddie Cheever, Keke Rosberg, Jackie Stewart, Andrea de Cesaris, Rubens Barcichello, Jenson Button, Gerhard Berger, Martin Brundle or Nelson Piquet.
Monday, October 1, 2018
Wrap - Crowing and Coasting
1. NRL Grand Final. 21-6. It is hard to imagine a game of league when the Storm have made more mistakes with their hands. They were under pressure and got a terrible case of dropsy. Attacking defence won the day for the Roosters. However, the penalty rate from the Roosters provided the Storm with every opportunity. Munster has had a shocker. Two sin bins in one Grand Final is some sort of record! He needs to gather more composure under pressure as a young player. Kicking blokes in the head is never a good look. The effort of Cooper Cronk at a new club in the state he was in was pretty amazing. A broken scapula. Ouch!
The dynamic first half by the Roosters was scintillating! Never like to see a team shooting field goals with 20 minutes left. There’s a defensive mindset that can backfire.
Trent Robinson has done really well. Two Grand Final wins is rare for an NRL coach. Played one game for the Eels in 2002 and his renewed connection with Jason Taylor there has been brave, when no one wanted to know about Taylor at all.
2. Roosters now have 14 titles ever (since 2000, 3 titles, 4 runners up, 5 minor premierships). A remarkable effort and that is success. The Storm stay behind Parramatta (4) on 3 titles. The back to back winning of premierships is a tough gig! (How successful have the Storm been (3 premierships, 2 stripped, 3 minor premierships).
3. AFL Grand Final. An amazing game from West Coast with the skinniest of leads in the end. Great comeback as an out of town playing group. Hopefully they won't self destruct like the Ben Cousins group all those years ago. Collingwood will continue to strengthen and Maguire’s support of Nathan Buckley when under fire for years has been amazing. Loyalty repaid.
4. Cricket. D’Arcy Short’s 23 sixes in his 250 in ODI was phenomenal. Outstanding talent, but Hurstville Oval!?
5. Ryder Cup Golf. Always a cracking competition. Huge crowds and sensational standards. The European team simply looked too good from the start, but the US had the names! The European home course is hard to crack for the US! Time to change the ‘in the hole’ call. Old and passé... put it in the ‘oi, oi, oi’ basket!
6. NFL. From New England way, the Patriots were under immense pressure in their 16 game season, with an unexpected 1-2 season start. Coach Bill Belichick, famous for his ‘do your job’ mantra for his team, absorbed this pressure and they bounced back 38-7 v the Miami Dolphins. An old salt!
7. MLB. The Boston Redsox also sitting at their most wins ever in a season (108). This is a 66% winning percentage, The best since 1912. Their run into the play offs has been really patchy however. Their policy of resting blokes is not helping. Their risk is playing against the Yankees in the second game of the playoffs without rhythm. Time will tell. Their bull pen is skinnier than most teams, but their hitting is exceptional.
8. ManU. Big troubles now and Jose will need to go very soon. Something needs to give!
9. Wallabies. Last for a reason. Awful. Cheika seems a bit clueless still. His time is ticking.
The dynamic first half by the Roosters was scintillating! Never like to see a team shooting field goals with 20 minutes left. There’s a defensive mindset that can backfire.
Trent Robinson has done really well. Two Grand Final wins is rare for an NRL coach. Played one game for the Eels in 2002 and his renewed connection with Jason Taylor there has been brave, when no one wanted to know about Taylor at all.
2. Roosters now have 14 titles ever (since 2000, 3 titles, 4 runners up, 5 minor premierships). A remarkable effort and that is success. The Storm stay behind Parramatta (4) on 3 titles. The back to back winning of premierships is a tough gig! (How successful have the Storm been (3 premierships, 2 stripped, 3 minor premierships).
3. AFL Grand Final. An amazing game from West Coast with the skinniest of leads in the end. Great comeback as an out of town playing group. Hopefully they won't self destruct like the Ben Cousins group all those years ago. Collingwood will continue to strengthen and Maguire’s support of Nathan Buckley when under fire for years has been amazing. Loyalty repaid.
4. Cricket. D’Arcy Short’s 23 sixes in his 250 in ODI was phenomenal. Outstanding talent, but Hurstville Oval!?
5. Ryder Cup Golf. Always a cracking competition. Huge crowds and sensational standards. The European team simply looked too good from the start, but the US had the names! The European home course is hard to crack for the US! Time to change the ‘in the hole’ call. Old and passé... put it in the ‘oi, oi, oi’ basket!
6. NFL. From New England way, the Patriots were under immense pressure in their 16 game season, with an unexpected 1-2 season start. Coach Bill Belichick, famous for his ‘do your job’ mantra for his team, absorbed this pressure and they bounced back 38-7 v the Miami Dolphins. An old salt!
7. MLB. The Boston Redsox also sitting at their most wins ever in a season (108). This is a 66% winning percentage, The best since 1912. Their run into the play offs has been really patchy however. Their policy of resting blokes is not helping. Their risk is playing against the Yankees in the second game of the playoffs without rhythm. Time will tell. Their bull pen is skinnier than most teams, but their hitting is exceptional.
8. ManU. Big troubles now and Jose will need to go very soon. Something needs to give!
9. Wallabies. Last for a reason. Awful. Cheika seems a bit clueless still. His time is ticking.
Sunday, September 23, 2018
Wrap - Good Clock
1. Richmond AFL Club should hang its head. An impossible one to lose, but full credit to the Collingwood Magpies. Eddie 'Chins' Maguire stuck with coach, Nathan Buckley when he could have punted him way back. A crushing win - and the same with the West Coast Eagles who triumphed easily in the end.
This second week home game for a GF Qualifier has me worried. Too big an advantage for mine. Only St George v Broncos in the NRL really threatened this world order in season 2018. Maybe GWS...but is it deserved for the season's slog and grind and for coming ahead of others on the table, regardless of how many points?
People forget in this year's NRL, only two points separated the whole top eight! The Roosters (1) landed on 34 points and the Warriors (8) 32. No real dominance by any team.
I noticed a John Reinberger moment with the Roosters on Saturday night v the Rabbits: Paul Momirovski. A unique name to match - and a try! Love the Chris Guider type GF story!
3. GF Week. This week we go into the whole injury/ suspension media scrum for three days...Slater, Friend...Cronk... It is a tired and boring part of Grand Final Week having many glad the thing happens and is ended by Sunday! No bad weather for many years, but this game could be amazing in the wet. NRL defences that are huge and relentless.
Added to that is the awards ceremony with players who these days need to be paid for speaking, waking or farting when not on the field. It may be unfair, but a lot of these nights are becoming harder to take, including the AB Medal. Most people prefer the old version of these players - not the new. A Hall of Fame, Tem of the Century, Team of the Year are much more palatable.
People forget in this year's NRL, only two points separated the whole top eight! The Roosters (1) landed on 34 points and the Warriors (8) 32. No real dominance by any team.
- I would like to see it reserved for those who have at least TWO wins ahead of other teams.
- I would like to see it for every team in the same position, despite the size or nature of their home ground. eg. Sharks.
- I would like to see a best of three Grand Final series too. If it is good enough for Origin...
I noticed a John Reinberger moment with the Roosters on Saturday night v the Rabbits: Paul Momirovski. A unique name to match - and a try! Love the Chris Guider type GF story!
3. GF Week. This week we go into the whole injury/ suspension media scrum for three days...Slater, Friend...Cronk... It is a tired and boring part of Grand Final Week having many glad the thing happens and is ended by Sunday! No bad weather for many years, but this game could be amazing in the wet. NRL defences that are huge and relentless.
Added to that is the awards ceremony with players who these days need to be paid for speaking, waking or farting when not on the field. It may be unfair, but a lot of these nights are becoming harder to take, including the AB Medal. Most people prefer the old version of these players - not the new. A Hall of Fame, Tem of the Century, Team of the Year are much more palatable.
4. Best sports commentator comment of the weekend. In relation to a player that seems to have a lot of time..."He's got a good clock".
5. Cricket. Great to see Warner and Smith piling on the grade runs. Both will be back and based on the sorry selection lot we have seen, we'll need them. It is a worry when there is simply no one else. Hopefully cricket umpires - especially Sydney/ Melbourne Grade umpires start to get tough on sledging and iron it out at that level. It would send a strong message.
Yet to hear of a bloke who has been "binned" in cricket, despite the rule now being over a year old. Might be like 'timed out'... a fiction, except in the backyard.
6. Ordinary Cricket Play. Has anyone noticed how poor NSW cricket is going? They need an overhaul and need to promote youth ahead of older hacks who have simply not produced. Blokes like Henriques, Hughes, Abbott, Nevill....they need to start delivering more consistently or move aside. Like a football squad who sticks with the same mix under their salary cap and turns around in surprise - too late - to suddenly realise they have not got enough in the tank.
I notice Jason Langer is doing the "crazy cricket coach thing" with putting plastic bottles on the pitch to recreate unpredictable bounce for the Aussies headed to the UAE. Honestly.
I notice Jason Langer is doing the "crazy cricket coach thing" with putting plastic bottles on the pitch to recreate unpredictable bounce for the Aussies headed to the UAE. Honestly.
6. Boston Red Sox Baseball. This team for 2018 is about to become the 'winningest' Boston team since 1912, for most wins in a season of 162 games. Of the 162 games, they have 105 wins and need one more to do the business. I will be there on Wednesday night at Fenway Park v the Orioles to see it hopefully!
The Boston Red Sox took 86 years to get the job done with a World Series title (1918 then 2004), and have now tied a team record of over one hundred years (1912) with their 105th win for the season (2018). Quite a few games remain this season so it should fall! A 90+ winning year means you are closer to a World Series than you think.
7. Ellicazoom. Keep an eye on this horse over 1200m or less. A lightning horse with a good - sometimes too late - motor. It needs a better jockey that understands this to start cleaning up regularly.
Sunday, September 16, 2018
Wrap - Stripping Brains From Statues
1. Wallabies. Seventh in the world in rugby. Now that news shows how the game is struggling in our neck of the woods. Wallabies losing to Argentina is almost unbelievable. How Folau does not pass that ball is beyond me. Such selfishness in a player is hard to bear. Equally unbelievable that the Springboks can win in Wellington v the mighty All Blacks. It has been a while that they have lost under lights in New Zealand. It won't happen for a while to come now.
That ridiculous local competition in Australian provincial ball continues...60-41 results don't fill you with confidence that the game is being played with strong defence needed to move up the world rankings.
2. NRL. Great finals on the weekend with two one point games. Incredible that a team kicks three field goals in the modern era to win, but it probably tells us why Souths will struggle v the Roosters. They just seem unlikely to score. Reynolds was channelling the inner Eric Simms. Inglis needs to rise up more strongly. Typical league antics happening at present. Roosters v Storm for mine in the GF. The Sharks look busted and tired. Too many injuries.
Has anyone noticed what an advantage the Storm hold for semi finals having them at their home ground? If someone like the Sharks can knock them over at home it would be huge! Cameron Smith to go around again next year...amazing that he may play 400 first grade games. Write your own post career media ticket.
Is the rugby league toss one of the most stupid things in world sport?
3. Parramatta. Did anyone notice that TRex has been done for a drug offence again? No wonder he went to Parramatta. They tolerate this loser behaviour. Yet Blake Fergu-sin will be on the straight and narrow? Hardly. That club needs to strip out every ill disciplined fool on the roster and punt them. Play with young kids and stop cultivating a culture of adapting to the goose. Brad Arthur is still on shaky ground for mine. He has endorsed this ill discipline through his recruitment policy...Hayne, Auva'a, Evans, Junior Paulo. Looking forward to seeing a copy of their 2018 internal review.
4. NRL. When did the penalty goal make such a glorious return? Its popularity is helped by the fact there is no shot clock at these times. A time waster. Great to see the seven tackle rule when you kick the ball dead has really changed the game. Four one on one strips in the Saints v Souths game. Impressive stuff. No link whatsoever to the stripping in recent weeks by boof headed players.
5. AFL. The Giants die in the early stages of the semis again. This is getting too frequent for their talent on their roster. Collingwood may surprise, but Richmond will power on. They are too quick on the big MCG ground.
Major rule change in the game needs to be when the ball is kicked out on the full, it reverts to a free kick from where it was kicked! This would make the game quicker and challenging.
6. Cricket. The new domestic ODI series is underway. The JLT Cup (aka the McDonalds, Gillette, FAI, Mercantile Mutual, ING, Ford Ranger, Ryobi, Matador BBQ Cup). This has absolutely no bearing on anything, it is at a ridiculous time of the year and amounts to very little. Why does it exist? These sponsors know it too...
7. Lleyton Hewitt. Still playing Davis Cup tennis and winning. Incredible spirit and fight in the bloke. Cut to Kgyrios et al who have nothing like it. Millman, de Minaur are credible and gutsy however.
Sunday, September 9, 2018
Wrap - Tennis Elbows
- 1. NRL. The Storm remain stronger than many suspect. They are now one win away from yet another GF outing. They have been one of Australia's most successful sporting teams for the past decade. The Penny Panthers suddenly look like impressive contenders again. Ciraldo is doing the business for Gus. The Roosters' defence is colossal. Latrell Mitchell's trysaver on Luke Lewis was extraordinary. Hard to score tries these days. The Roosters are going to take some beating for the premiership!
- How disappointing were the Warriors? If you can't win that final away from home, will you ever win one?
- What a phenomenal effort by St George. A stirring victory after a few weeks of mediocrity. Bennett has until Tuesday afternoon for mine.
2. AFL. The Swans. Absolutely dusted by the Giants who were fitter and quicker. A familiar theme in recent years of finals. The Swans need to recruit more heavily and more quality. They simply cannot continue to carry Jack, Hannebery, McVeigh...old legs. Their scoring all year has been abysmally low. They simply cannot get goals from Ronke and Papley. The GWS team have promised a lot for many years...but delivered zip. Maybe Scully may return yet and really position them for a crack at their first GF?
- 3. GWS - Toby Greene. For some reason - usually niggle, the pompous strut, the leg kicking out in a marking contest - he is probably one of the most hated players in the AFL. That said, he is also one of the best. His ability to rise up under pressure is incredible. He has the killer instinct and is a superstar of the future, if he can iron out the nonsense.
- Richmond still look to be the complete picture. A crushing win v Hawthorn. Their winning record at the MCG (22?) will continue and they seem unstoppable for the 2018 flag. GWS may just topple Collingwood.
3. Wallabies. A 23-18 win is like gold at the moment. After crushing losses to the All Blacks, they'll take this. Often is seems like it is a case of no Folau, then there is no hope. We are simply not good enough to toss the All Blacks, but the real test will be if we can win in South Africa which has proven quite elusive in recent years.
Troubled by the amount of silverware in rugby contests. Every game they play seems to have a new trophy/ plate/ mug/ urn. Can they just play a Test and win without appearing to have taken home the America's Cup?
4. England v India Test Series. A stunning series win by England. Remember it because we will be feeling that too next Ashes. Kohli cannot do everything. There is no shorter patience than Indian selectors and officials. Alistair Cook with 12,000 runs has had a highly successful career. Another 70 in the first innings of the current test, but retirement there will leave a hole.
5. Nadal. US Open Tennis. Another Grand Slam and another crushing injury brings him to retire early. Seems to be going the way of Tiger and majors. Lots of talent, but lots of injuries. Meanwhile Djokovic powers on. His record is phenomenal too. 13 Grand Slams with a 14th imminent. Federer (20) and Nadal (17) lead him.
6. Serena Williams. US Open Tennis. 23 Grand Slams and 8 Runners Up titles. She is awesome. However they are catching her. Osaka from Japan did very well. The strength of these women is something to behold. Amazing talent. The beauty of sport is too often spoiled by umpires/ referees who want to take their own slice of glory. Some look for issues - and what do you know, they find them! Love a resistant official who does not want to back down. Poor brinkmanship and pathetic officiating. Serena gets unusually emotional at her home final and will be kicking herself. Even Sammy Stosur beat her once when she had a meltdown. Needs more ice cool in her kit and less reaction. Surprising granted her record, but very hurt by the cheating allegation. Illie Natase would have come down from the stands to sort that out if he was the coach!
Sunday, September 2, 2018
Wrap - Mad Monday Warehouse Clothes - Initialled
1. JT - Jonathan Thurston.
A legend who will leave a big hole. Michael Morgan will need to step up post injury. Like this
AJ Brimson who can run and play. Really love an initial based player...often encouraged by their parents.... AB Devilliers...PJ Marsh... JP Duminy...DK Lillee... others? KD Lang. OJ Simpson. WG Grace. Is it a sign of greatness or notoriety to only be known by initials? OJ, MJ, LBJ...
2. The
Eels. Pathetic. 14 wooden spoons. No fight. No appeal to the fans. The place needs yet another
clean out of the bad attitudes. Mitchell Moses is unfortunately quite horrible.
His kicking game is not NRL standard. How they can all be so bad and spineless is beyond me. Brad Arthur needs to go before he dies of embarrassment. They were more interested in Mad Monday and have little respect for the remaining fans. By now Parra players would have an absolute warehouse full of clothes and dress ups. One plus is they can save on hire fees after all their success in recent years.
Lattrell Mitchell is awesome. He will be
huge in years ahead. He will dominate Origin. His power close to the line is awesome.
Parra could do worse than sign young Blake Lawrie from Saints. A forward of the future who McGregor ignores.
3. Losers. Is there a more losing player than Tim Mannah? He has lost
so often it is worth asking if he knows how to lead a team to victory. Lovely bloke and all that, but he lacks inspiration. Too many poor trainers and ill disciplined fools at Parramatta
I must say, the player manager for Michael Jennings is a genius...a five year deal. He has two years left on his contract!!! And Corey Norman on $950,000 a year... amazing negotiation skill.
4. AFL.
A nuisance having a week off, but it recharges the crowd. Really looking
forward to the Hawthorn Hawks v Richmond Tigers clash. West Coast, Swans and
Geelong look the goods. This game is going gangbusters. The crowd brings a crowd. It is amazing how the buy in to the game encompasses so many more women. Crowds would be close to 50-50 male-female. NRL has a huge issue in that space and it is getting worse.
4. US
Open Tennis. John Millburn into the fourth round playing Federer. Kgyrios. Can you believe how
delighted the composed Federer must be seeing that match up in his draw?
Federer has made the fourth round 17 times at the US Open. Kgyrios and all his nonsense is so boring. Conversely a stirring effort by Alex De Minaur who lost in five sets in the early hours of the morning to Marin Cilic (seventh seed). Great effort and all things we admire in our sports stars.
5. Test Cricket - England
v India. Fourth Test. England up by 250 runs and Moeen Ali back taking five
wickets. I must say ‘the Bum’... Bumrah is a very handy Indian bowler and tough on a
seaming deck. This Sam Curran (brother to Tom who played in the recent Ashes) is handy with the bat...and offers them left arm bowling. The match is poised for a Kohli ton to level the series up at
2-2. It has been an enthralling series. The weather plays such a role in this part of the world with cricket. James Anderson has been nullified here in the dust at Southhampton. Big crowds. The bowlers have dominated the series however.
6. EPL. Liverpool,
Chelsea and Man City still powering on. What about Wolves? A battling team of
character - one win and two draws and mid table. ManU may have a new coach after tomorrow. Jose could be passe. How they lose anything is beyond me. Ryan Giggs needs to coach them for mine. Someone from the Fergie era.
7. Horse Racing. Keep an eye on two horses this spring. One is Ellicazoom. Its pace over 1200m - 1500m is awesome. Mind blowing. The other is Youngstar (and Outback Barbie). Boom prospects! Impressed by Unforgotten and Redzel's strength in the last 100m is not to be trifled with in the upcoming Everest. Get on Theanswermyfriend too over anything near 1500m as well. It leads from the front and wins! There is a Melbourne horse...Bryan...that wins all the time too. Blackbook the lot!
Sunday, August 26, 2018
Wrap - A Tale of Two Barretts
1. NRL. The crazy end of season form of a few top clubs continues to perplex the fans. Souths had the minor premiership in their sights and have gone to the dogs when it mattered. Then so did the Roosters, while the St George team has just capitulated. Saints look horrible. The Panthers have also just thrown it all away. It will be interesting to see if the Warriors can surprise a few in their first semi final appearance for a while. Somehow the Storm and Sharks just seem to be the most stable in big games. The Roosters have been shocking the last two weeks. The comp is anyone's guess.
2. Spoon-a clock. One thing needing no guessing is the wooden spoon winner. Their 14th such honour - is going to the Parramatta Club, replacing the triple crown winners and ending an era of supreme domination of the Henny Penny Newcastle Knights 2015-2017. Parramatta have now easily secured more spoons than the North Sydney Bears (9) and the Newtown Jets (8). Only Manly remain spoonless.
On Manly, I must say that Trent Barrett is beginning to look quite silly with some of the comments he is coming out with now. His inability to manage his players and win is the issue. Inexperienced and promoted before his time really. That club is on a knife edge. If the Penn family walk away, where will they be?
3. Wallabies. I thought the under fire Michael Cheika managed himself quite well in the press conference after yet another loss. He remained strong and clear but managed his agitation well. The bottom line is that we simply cannot compete with the All Blacks. Our Queensland rugby juggernaut is spluttering and with it our national team brings very little. Beauden Barrett is easily the best oval shaped footballer in the world. He is an awesome competitor and a machine in attack. A complete superstar.
4. BBL Cricket. I noticed the Thunder have signed both Joe Root and Jos Butler. Handy additions. I would also be signing JP Duminy or AB Devilliers. Those two are unbelievable. Andre Russell is another bloke the franchises should be queueing up to secure. A hat trick and a ton in his last game.
5. Virat Kohli. India look like they are hunting down England in their Test Series. Down 1-2 with two tests to play... and Kohli is by far the best in the world. It could be very interesting.
5. AFL. The Hawks may have what it takes to knock over Richmond in the first qualifying final. They are awesome for a team which was written off. They are so resilient and absorb pressure better than most. GWS seem to be falling apart when it matters and Sydney will take them on at home which makes it more difficult yet again for them. The Melbourne Demons are confident, but Geelong could spring a big surprise for mine. They have the best in the business in their squad and they will be itching to dominate in the finals. West Coast and Collingwood... it will depend on venue.
6. EPL. I am liking the look of the Bournemouth operation at present in the EPL soccer. The year looks a lot closer already which is a great thing. Even Manchester City are dropping points to Wolves! Plenty happening and such tremendous atmosphere at all games.
Sunday, August 19, 2018
Wrap - Bledisloe Bleeding
1. Wallabies. It’s not often you go to the Wallabies v All Blacks at Stadium Australia and come away with a win. In fact since games were played there, the record is better than many venues, but not great....17 games played there. 7 wins and a draw only...mainly in the Eales/ Gregan era. Up 6-5 at half time then a complete capitulation. Found out badly on our left edge - especially when Folau exited. The laziness of the forwards is staggering. hard to ignore that when Queensland rugby is weak, our whole show is weak.
2. The Spoon. The Eels have just about sealed the wooden spoon for 2018 (after the Dogs won v the pathetic Warriors) and what a mighty effort it has been. Another appalling waste of money and with a spectacular new stadium, the thought of it being half empty is firming. They lack discipline in all facets of the game. Maybe this may attract someone who knows the game and can direct the club into the future...but not through the Saturday paper advertisement. Perhaps they have to get a bit corporate and be more sophisticated in their approach...more modern and more contemporary... maybe use the internet?
The only thing missing in this advertisement is the lacquer administration skill set for the fine collection of teak, pine, oak, ash, blackbutt, maple and mahogany wooden spoons.
The Sharks are warming up. The Storm too. Rabbits have squandered the minor premiership, but the Roosters were disappointing. How they ever lose with their roster is beyond me.
The Panthers, Warriors and are wasteful. They will need to lift.
The big test is Hawthorn next week at home. No team wins tougher than them. Melbourne into the finals for the first time in 12 years is striking. Richmond is streets ahead of all of them.
4. Adil Rashid. Not often in Test cricket does a player not get a bat, not get a bowl, not take a catch and contribute nothing across four days. But so it was in the second test between India and England. Jimmy Anderson’s match figures 9/49. Much better than Adil. Adil, thanks for coming!
It was Chris Woakes who killed them with the bat and then with the ball in the second test. He has doubled up again in the third test which is on now to take more wickets. Handy player.
5. Tiger Woods. Tiger’s surge home in the USPGA was awesome. Spirits in the crowd were lively. This Brooks Koepka is something else. Composure and poise! More majors (3) than the nudist now and all in two years. A brilliant player from down Florida way.
6. Winx. A brilliant effort. Surging down the Randwick straight at supreme speed. What a record. Special to watch live. We may never see the likes of this again. Certainly not in our life times.
7. Usain Bolt. A joke or not, he can run but he can't play. The Mariners will have Manfred Moore there very soon.
Sunday, August 12, 2018
Wrap - My Word Is Stronger Than OAK
1. Jimmy Anderson. In England and especially at Lords, Jimmy Anderson wreaks havoc. His swing bowling is easily the best in the world and he can rip through an attack like India with ease. He is almost unplayable after rain. Night Test cricket would make him also unplayable. 550+ Test wickets says he is a legend of the game. India's top order are on notice...nervous and unable to make a difference on foreign soil.
2. US PGA Golf. Brooks Koepka and Gary Woodland are on fire at what appears to be an interesting PGA course. Adam Scott is also well placed. Such days in majors are rare in a professional golfer's life. You have to rise up and seize the chance.
3. AFL - Hawthorn. This footy club has spirit and tenacity. Amazing strength and will to win. There are never any easy victories against this mob. Geelong are disappointing under pressure and all that with a roster that screams premiership. No one beats Richmond this year on what we have seen so far.
A gutsy win by the Swans and all of that away from home at the MCG where they are typically barbecued! GWS on a mission and on a roll now. They have more speed that most other teams and it could just make the key difference.
4. Memo Anthony Griffin and Phil Gould. There is no use crying over spilt (OAK) milk. Reminds me of the Jerry Maguire movie..."my word is stronger than OAK"
See Gus and Anthony Griffin in their negotiation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1exKGizfJ0s
5. Clearyesque. This dad and son combo is fascinating. Obviously Ivan will walk away after his Tigers contract is up. He hasn't been a real successful coach when it is all said and done. He's won 137/288 (148 losses and three draws), a tick over 50%. Not good enough really. Would you want him?
6. NRL. The Roosters look good things this year. They'll have Sonny Bill next year to replace Blake Ferguson as well. Angus Crichton will be a star there too. Storm will need to lift now that Slater is fading out. It will be intriguing to see how long Cameron Smith continues, but he never gets injured. He is made of steel. The Storm are looking like becoming like everyone else again. A few losses back to back and they have to play Parramatta next week. That should fix it.
Souths and the Roosters will challenge the Storm this year. The others don't seem to have it. Penrith are loose. Saints are falling hard. Sharks may have some bite left, but are way too inconsistent.
7. EPL. Back underway with the shortest off season in world history. These guys are machines. Entertainment machines...and fit! The usual suspects are in line to win it, but the minnows still love it and those small English grounds make for outstanding atmosphere.
8. Bledisloe... can we come within 20 points of the All Blacks?
2. US PGA Golf. Brooks Koepka and Gary Woodland are on fire at what appears to be an interesting PGA course. Adam Scott is also well placed. Such days in majors are rare in a professional golfer's life. You have to rise up and seize the chance.
3. AFL - Hawthorn. This footy club has spirit and tenacity. Amazing strength and will to win. There are never any easy victories against this mob. Geelong are disappointing under pressure and all that with a roster that screams premiership. No one beats Richmond this year on what we have seen so far.
A gutsy win by the Swans and all of that away from home at the MCG where they are typically barbecued! GWS on a mission and on a roll now. They have more speed that most other teams and it could just make the key difference.
4. Memo Anthony Griffin and Phil Gould. There is no use crying over spilt (OAK) milk. Reminds me of the Jerry Maguire movie..."my word is stronger than OAK"
See Gus and Anthony Griffin in their negotiation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1exKGizfJ0s
5. Clearyesque. This dad and son combo is fascinating. Obviously Ivan will walk away after his Tigers contract is up. He hasn't been a real successful coach when it is all said and done. He's won 137/288 (148 losses and three draws), a tick over 50%. Not good enough really. Would you want him?
6. NRL. The Roosters look good things this year. They'll have Sonny Bill next year to replace Blake Ferguson as well. Angus Crichton will be a star there too. Storm will need to lift now that Slater is fading out. It will be intriguing to see how long Cameron Smith continues, but he never gets injured. He is made of steel. The Storm are looking like becoming like everyone else again. A few losses back to back and they have to play Parramatta next week. That should fix it.
Souths and the Roosters will challenge the Storm this year. The others don't seem to have it. Penrith are loose. Saints are falling hard. Sharks may have some bite left, but are way too inconsistent.
7. EPL. Back underway with the shortest off season in world history. These guys are machines. Entertainment machines...and fit! The usual suspects are in line to win it, but the minnows still love it and those small English grounds make for outstanding atmosphere.
8. Bledisloe... can we come within 20 points of the All Blacks?
Sunday, August 5, 2018
Wrap - Monumental Wins
1. AFL.
Buddy Franklin was outstanding for the Swans scoring six goals and hitting the post with
three more. His hands were excellent under pressure too. A big win for the
Swans who were under a lot of pressure. may not get there in the end however with a tough road home (Demons, GWS, Hawks). They simply cannot score points! Is
Nathan Buckley a double of that bloke who rapped and caused mayhem from the
last series of Married At First Sight (Dean)?
How
close was the AFL this weekend? Five games determined by three points or less. Hawthorn win tough by a few points over
Essendon as do Richmond over Geelong and North Melbourne by three points over
Brisbane. Adelaide by three over Port. Close games showing fight and steel
under pressure. No wonder AFL crowds and ratings are through the roof.
2. NRL.
Souths beating Melbourne was an upset despite being on the same points. Anthony
Seibold has worked a miracle so far with the Rabbits, but I can't see them winning the comp. The Eels win against the Gold Coast was a match of the most woeful. The Gold Coast are appalling. Parramatta have thrown away games all year. The wooden spoon race is
one of the most interesting in the comp at present. Wins to Manly and the Dogs too. St George have also hit a bad
patch which is an annual event. Widdop and Hunt need to step up. Cannot believe how terrible the Sharks were. Valentine Holmes was awful when it mattered.
3. Super Rugby. Crusaders
won their ninth Super Rugby title and the coach Scott Robertson’s dancing
celebration post game was again outstanding. He needs to keep up the lessons as
they will no doubt continue to win it. What a dominant force.
4. Surfing. Stephanie
Gilmore zooming in on seven world surfing titles. A staggering success rate.
5. Hockey - Hockeyroos.
Penalty shoot outs in hockey are ridiculous. Keepers running out from the goal one on one
with a player running in. Silliness.
6. F1. Daniel
Riccardo to Renault from Red Bull. He needs more tall podium finishes.
Surprising move, cash talks and he obviously needed a change. Red Bull's loss. Perhaps a more marketable European star (Maxy Verstappen) was chosen over an Australian star with a 'shooey' or two?
7. Cricket. Virat
Kohli. Scored 200/ 436 of the team’s match total runs. The highest percentage
ever for India in a single Test match. A truly great performer but needs some mates. India’s batting
away from home is poor. Ben Stokes brained them. He will kill Australia if he
can stay on the park. And he bats. A phenomenal test played with great
intensity. Edgbaston is a fortress for England. It is 17 years since England
lost a Test there to an Asian side. England’s 1000th Test ends in victory.
Sunday, July 29, 2018
Wrap - Ding Deng The Witch Is Dead
1. Tour de France. The Welshman Geraint Thomas to win the Tour de France. For a change it would be nice to know there are no drugs involved. Outside of world athletics, possibly the least trusted sport in the world.
2. Golf. Francesco Molinari’s win in the British Open golf last week was unexpected, but broke the traditional USA player frenzy on the home stretch. The surprises continually arise in British Open golf. A great tournament.
3. Super Rugby. Waratahs v Lions. Fought hard, but a lack of tough defence. Poor work around the chip and chase by lazy forwards at a key moment. Outgunned. Not a bad draw to get to the semi finals! Crusaders have won 14 in a row and will win the GF easily. Folau is a huge human...talented!
I must say that the game is alive and well in South Africa and New Zealand.
4. NRL. Storm on fire. How good are they? The Roosters are the only team that can beat them. Munster, Scott, the new halfback...they have so much talent. Tigers massively disappointing and Canberra simply do not tackle. Eels and Manly...pathetic defence. How inevitable that the Eels were run down! The Warriors are appalling too. So much talent and so poor at times. Lost 28-0 in the second half. Saints have hit the wall again too. Their defence which was so good is starting to fade. Widdop needs to stand up.
5. AFL. The Crows...terrible decline from 2017. The Swans have hit the wall and may not win again this year after dropping games to the Suns and Dons. Hopeless lack of concentration and an absence of speed. GWS have hit their straps and with injury returnees, they could surprise further. Geelong are a smokey. However it is Richmond to the end....a powerhouse at present. A great reward for the club that persisted with their coach, Hardwick and have profited from their investments in key players. 100,000 to a club game? The NRL would never in a million years see that.
6. F1. Is Lewis Hamilton the greatest ever? He is fast getting there and a win in Hungary will stretch his lead over Vettel. The wet conditions in qualifying sort the sheep from the billy goats.
7. Australian Athletics. How about the Kenyan/ Sudanese refugee Joseph Deng who beat the 800 metre Australian record from 1968? Quick by our standards and more to come! 1min 44.21. A 50 year record is something special, but our Sudanese athletes are starting to impress... Allir, Magak Daw, Maker in the NBL...
8. Women's Soccer. Our women’s soccer team the Matilda’s are awesome. They have crushed Brazil yet again 3-1. Play USA tonight which will be interesting.
9. India v England Test Cricket. The Poms will be hoping for some overcast weather this week to dismiss the top six before the sun starts shining. India's bowling will come under pressure I suspect, but so too will Broad and Anderson. They tend to excel at home however.
Sunday, July 22, 2018
Wrap - Fibs and Bad Lies
1. Cricket. Great batting from the Pakistani opener, Fakhar Zaman. He now has an amazing record (on the back of playing Australia and Zimbabwe in ODIs) as the quickest ODI player EVER to 1,000 runs. The great IVA Richards took four more innings than him. Just quietly, Zimbabwe were lucky Viv did not play them!
Keshav Maharaj picked up 9/129 for the South Africans v Sri Lanka in their second test, but they are staring down a big loss again - and a lame series loss if they can't bat well. Amla looks to be the key. Recent South African team innings scores of 126, 73, 124 don’t win many Test matches and South Africa have been found out. Not good news for any of them seeking an IPL contract either. Can't play on low slow turners? ... don't go to India.
2. Waratahs. A mighty win for the much maligned team. No idea how they make the semis of that competition based on the season they have had. Sounds dodgy, but a trip to South Africa to play will test them. The poor home crowd sums up their season. The public have given up. A win would be intriguing. The comp will be restructured yet again if this occurs.
3. Crowd Sizes. It is always interesting when sports commentators and journalists whine about crowd sizes. Their air conditioned, free food and drink gets to their heads sometimes. The Tigers-Rabbits crowd was excellent for a cold Saturday night however.
4. British Open Golf. Speith and Tiger... Speith may be too far ahead. It will be interesting on the home stretch. The British Open and the US Masters always seem to be the most engaging of the golf majors. The US PGA and US Open just seem to come and go... like ODIs!
Keshav Maharaj picked up 9/129 for the South Africans v Sri Lanka in their second test, but they are staring down a big loss again - and a lame series loss if they can't bat well. Amla looks to be the key. Recent South African team innings scores of 126, 73, 124 don’t win many Test matches and South Africa have been found out. Not good news for any of them seeking an IPL contract either. Can't play on low slow turners? ... don't go to India.
2. Waratahs. A mighty win for the much maligned team. No idea how they make the semis of that competition based on the season they have had. Sounds dodgy, but a trip to South Africa to play will test them. The poor home crowd sums up their season. The public have given up. A win would be intriguing. The comp will be restructured yet again if this occurs.
3. Crowd Sizes. It is always interesting when sports commentators and journalists whine about crowd sizes. Their air conditioned, free food and drink gets to their heads sometimes. The Tigers-Rabbits crowd was excellent for a cold Saturday night however.
4. British Open Golf. Speith and Tiger... Speith may be too far ahead. It will be interesting on the home stretch. The British Open and the US Masters always seem to be the most engaging of the golf majors. The US PGA and US Open just seem to come and go... like ODIs!
Tiger showed some vintage touch in his third round 66. How brown is the course at Carnoustie? Looks like Royal Rouse in its summer heyday. Bad lies on holes where drives are easily hitting 400 yards... (rare gold) and rolling ridiculously far.
5. AFL. Geelong v Demons saw a thrilling end. A great game and good to see Melbourne start to prosper after years of problems. How the Swans lose to the Gold Coast Suns is beyond everyone. What a costly loss in the longer scheme of things. Ordinary and odd to me. The stewards need to have a close look at that one.
The AFL refs are an interesting beast. Zero accountability and lopsided free kick counts never seem to be picked up by media. The Swans have a few of these. GWS are on the charge now. They have too many good players not to make an impression. Great win in Adelaide v Port.
6. NRL. A rare weekend when Saints hit near to the top of the ladder and the Eels, Newcastle and Tigers win. The Tigers win over the 300 gamer, John Sutton, from Souths, was most surprising. Robbie Farah needs to retire soon before he has no memory of any games at all. He is getting bashed up badly at present. Sam Burgess sails close to the wind and is a risk. Jim Comans would have loved Sam.
6. NRL. A rare weekend when Saints hit near to the top of the ladder and the Eels, Newcastle and Tigers win. The Tigers win over the 300 gamer, John Sutton, from Souths, was most surprising. Robbie Farah needs to retire soon before he has no memory of any games at all. He is getting bashed up badly at present. Sam Burgess sails close to the wind and is a risk. Jim Comans would have loved Sam.
I cannot believe how many tackles Jonathan Thurston is missing each week. His shoulders must be gone. How good are the Storm? On top of the comp with a heap of blokes out, new combinations, etc. The Bellamy, Smith and Slater combo may be the best there has ever been.
Ricky Stuart is right. The Cronulla v Canberra debacle of the bunker and refs are a blight on the game. Over governed and too much obsession. How does the NFL get it so right? I suspect Stuart's points about rugby league losing fans after a blitz on penalties and the weekly focus on certain rules over others, are absolutely right. They breed an absolute contempt of the system.
Back in the day, the one ref and two touchies did not get it so wrong...even the in-goal ref wasn't so bad... even if we had the odd seven tackle furore and angry decision that was completely wrong. The crowd loved to boo!
7. Basketball. The aptly names "FIB - A" are a joke... telling more lies than the actual footage revealed. The behaviour of the Phillipino basketball team, coaches and crowd was a complete disgrace. Then they do the old 'blame the visiting team' thing to protect themselves.
A joke. Who would have thought they have the next FIBA World Cup of Basketball there in the coming years... would never have picked it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)