Rugby League. What a terrible loss! New Zealand were sharp and may be showing a turning tide in the rugby league world order as the Pacific Islands and Maori players dominate the NRL too. They were too strong and tough. Australia mention a 'bad attitude' and 'complacency'... surely not. This was an international final, even though the crowd made it look like a park final. Very concerning that it was the Australian Kangaroos who lost so easily. 30-0 is a record loss and the proud work of bygone eras may see Mal Meninga in strife long term too.
Conversely Michael Maguire adds a Pacific International win to his CV. Impressive that he could get the most out of his team against such odds. Maybe 'Tiger Town' was an aberration on his career where he has won the comp with Souths as well of course. Hopefully NSW Blues redemption awaits.
Could be time for a few of those players to rest and recuperate. Fisher-Harris and Moses Leoto especially.
ODI Cricket. Nothing better than beating England in cricket - no matter what format. The Poms played with such recklessness. Coach Matthew Mott will be back in Australia before we know it. What a misery that experience has been.
Adam Zampa continues to get wickets - mainly caught - but he takes them at key moments. Leg spin is such a powerful art. The batting still is of concern. Steve Smith needs to break the shackles at some point. Kohli and de Kock are running rings around him. He may be closer to retirement than we want to admit. Still a legend of the game.
It would not be cricket without a drama from the Marsh family. Hopefully Mitchell can make a comeback and contribute. Stoinis getting runs is rare gold. Cameron Green too.
Looks like we are in the semis after a woeful start. Playing Afghanistan and Bangladesh yet and two wins may see us avoid India which would be valuable. The groundsmen will already be preparing an absolute turner for the final. India must be $1.01 to win. They are dominant - and should be screaming favourites.
Horse Racing - Melbourne Cup. Confident that Gold Trip with JMac on board can double it up. Like Without A Fight and Soulcombe (a place). Vow and Declare is not hopeless and would join Peter Pan as the only other horse to win the Cup twice after a gap of years.
Archer (1861, 1862), Peter Pan (1932, 1934), Rain Lover (1968, 1969) and Think Big (1974, 1975) are the only others outside of Makybe Diva (three times - 2003, 2004, 2005) as multiple winners.
Given recent events, it stands to be a NZ horse who wins - especially with rain forecast.
EPL. Tottenham take on Chelsea this week to retain top spot. It will be a close one with Chelsea itching for a victory after a few dismal outings. Man City hammered Bournemouth 6-1 without Haaland scoring once (!) who was injured at half time.
MLB. Texas Rangers crush the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-0 where Aussie, Craig Shipley (ex Epping Boys HS) is in the senior management. A great achievement but a quiet and humbling exit.
Shield Cricket. NSW continue to fall (although beat WA in an ODI game). Charlie Wakim from Tassie may become a possible batsman to watch int the future. No one is blowing the door down however. So inconsistent and lacking the hard edge. Back in the day, Dene Hills, Jamie Cox, Michael di Venuto, Stuart Law, Jimmy Maher, Martin Love used to peel off the tons every week and none of them played Tests!
No comments:
Post a Comment