1. The Poms looked invincible Day One and suddenly they are/ were on the rack, not able to punch home the early advantage that Bairstow and Dawid Malan secured. Steve Smith was hitting the ball so smoothly on Day Two that a century almost looked inevitable from his opening strokes. And so it was...a double century by the end of day three even! And how about Mitchell Marsh? Much and deservedly maligned, but he comes good and punches out a big ton.
No doubt about it though, the Marsh boys also know how to disappoint...
You have to hand it to Steve Smith. He is revered in that team by his peers and everyone he has backed (outside of Nick Madinson and perhaps Callam Ferguson) have produced...Renshaw, Handscomb, Tim Paine, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh (both need to work on their hands however, dropping too many basic ones). Some of these blokes may not have stayed long, but they have produced.
What about Smith's record? Awesome. Unorthodox, but an eye like a dead fish.
It will be interesting to see, if England lose the series early - or in Perth:
i. Will Cook be axed? (I suspect Strauss needs to bite the bullet here for the future).
ii. Will Cook, Anderson and maybe Broad retire at the end of the series? This would leave a big hole in their bowling.
Handscomb is suddenly a long way away from a recall. A cruel game cricket.
When it rains in Perth it is a rare, rare day...England may be in luck.
2. Socceroos. Ange Postocoglou's replacement is slow in coming. Surely Graham Arnold needs the keys to the Datsun 180Y. He is a winner. I note that Tony Popovic just got the Turkish kebab sword from his brand new gig. Finally the WSW won a game too under the unintelligible Gombau.
3. Rugby League. The Roosters have now shed quite a few players, getting rid of three drug involved players - and a host of others - Pearce, Guerra, Watson, et al. Even Gordon went last week. It sounds like a lot of eggs in the Cronk basket - or Crichton! It will be interesting to see if he has the goods in a new gig without a few other superstars. Hoping for no injuries...
A couple of ex-Parramatta players caught as possible crims in a police sting..who would have thought? Lucky the leagues club is equidistant from the Parramatta Supreme Court and Parramatta Jail.
4. NRL Central. When will they do the obvious: hold all money centrally for salaries and pay it themselves when contracts are registered. They give the money out for it to be misused, but I note they have warned clubs that they are now on their own legs. No rescue packages.
And, have all third party contracts transparently published. This may actually bring more money the way of players as more people realise what support their business can give their beloved club. At present it is a circus.
5. B-League Video Ref. This video ref nonsense in the B-league has become a farce as blokes huddle around sideline monitors to make a decision to dismiss players from the field. Surely it should be used just to check on side/ off side and goal line disputes involving a possible goal.
6. NBL. It is hard to believe how popular the NBL basketball is in Australia. For the uneven standard, they do a good job attracting a crowd. The Kings have been horrible under Andrew Gaze and need a talent transplant. Lack of success can ensure a crowd will evaporate.
Sunday, December 17, 2017
Sunday, December 10, 2017
Wrap - Poms Trainwreck
1. Unsure why this weekend there was a starvation of sport - not even the Sheffield Shield. The women's T20 offered something with some crazy scoring...the B League something...but small morsels by the standard of most weekends.
2. England could't handle our pace attack and they can't handle their drink either. How much fun is Kevin Pietersen having bagging out Andrew Strauss. The plan to keep Stokes handy in NZ is a ridiculous distraction too. Their coach, Trevor Bayliss better put his foot down soon or his career will vanish. These long gaps between games are not conducive to good behaviour. Anderson has always been a favourite to have a drink thrown at him - or a broken arm. The Stokes stance encourages the idiot amongst them to think anything is OK.
A crushing loss in Adelaide after getting away on us the night before. Some serious soul searching needed. The pace of the WACA - if it still exists - may be brutal when Cummins steams in!
How Mitchell Marsh even gets his nose in the front door is beyond me. A Greg Chappell/ Steve Smith favourite.
3. Is there a reason why Australia is such an under performing, inconsistent nation with Rugby 7s? One week world beaters. next week being pumped by USA. Or is it just a mickey mouse tournament that attracts good tourists who enjoy a drink and don't quite care about too much?
4. Chelsea a shock loss to West Ham. Looks like Leicester are on the rise with a few back to back wins. Tonight's ManU v Man City clash will see City basically handed the comp if they win. They will go 11 points clear and should not be caught from there...even with many weeks to follow.
5. What has happened to the Western Sydney Wanderers? They have hit the wall losing 5-0 to Sydney FC. Coach Gombau better get busy or he finishes this year too. They are anchored to the bottom section of the table and when their new homeground is finished, they might want to be somewhere near winning a game.
6. Jeff Horn jumps back into it this Wednesday. Hopefully he doesn't get caught by an unexpected one to the chin and the dream collapses.
2. England could't handle our pace attack and they can't handle their drink either. How much fun is Kevin Pietersen having bagging out Andrew Strauss. The plan to keep Stokes handy in NZ is a ridiculous distraction too. Their coach, Trevor Bayliss better put his foot down soon or his career will vanish. These long gaps between games are not conducive to good behaviour. Anderson has always been a favourite to have a drink thrown at him - or a broken arm. The Stokes stance encourages the idiot amongst them to think anything is OK.
A crushing loss in Adelaide after getting away on us the night before. Some serious soul searching needed. The pace of the WACA - if it still exists - may be brutal when Cummins steams in!
How Mitchell Marsh even gets his nose in the front door is beyond me. A Greg Chappell/ Steve Smith favourite.
3. Is there a reason why Australia is such an under performing, inconsistent nation with Rugby 7s? One week world beaters. next week being pumped by USA. Or is it just a mickey mouse tournament that attracts good tourists who enjoy a drink and don't quite care about too much?
4. Chelsea a shock loss to West Ham. Looks like Leicester are on the rise with a few back to back wins. Tonight's ManU v Man City clash will see City basically handed the comp if they win. They will go 11 points clear and should not be caught from there...even with many weeks to follow.
5. What has happened to the Western Sydney Wanderers? They have hit the wall losing 5-0 to Sydney FC. Coach Gombau better get busy or he finishes this year too. They are anchored to the bottom section of the table and when their new homeground is finished, they might want to be somewhere near winning a game.
6. Jeff Horn jumps back into it this Wednesday. Hopefully he doesn't get caught by an unexpected one to the chin and the dream collapses.
Sunday, December 3, 2017
Wrap - Ashes Captaincy Rooted in Nonsense
1. The Ashes. It always amazes me with a run out in Test cricket - or any run out in Tests for that matter. What makes that single run so important? Are there not many more singles ahead? Warner absolutely barbecued Bancroft when they were completely on top.
Love seeing England try to sledge and amp up their manner. It is so out of character. False. At 8/442, England went a little quiet with the sledging surprisingly - especially after having won the toss and sent the Aussies in to bat. Dropped catches, slow over rates and even two blokes going for the same catch and coming up empty! It became farcical.
Love seeing England try to sledge and amp up their manner. It is so out of character. False. At 8/442, England went a little quiet with the sledging surprisingly - especially after having won the toss and sent the Aussies in to bat. Dropped catches, slow over rates and even two blokes going for the same catch and coming up empty! It became farcical.
However, I thought Smith got tangled up in their crap too often. It did take his concentration away - and his exaggerated 'leaves' looked very silly. More calm and composed leadership required. We need to remember that while this is The Ashes, it is also a series between the 6th v 7th Test playing nations.
2. Captaincy. Some of the Pommie field positions were completely ridiculous. They did not learn from last test with their deep fields in the fourth innings, letting the Aussies off the hook and paying heavily with 0/173 and losing. They were too inventive - started stupidly - and probably confused themselves. The bloke fielding right near the bowler - Anderson - was completely useless. Smith needed to step away and laugh at them loudly. Broad behaved like a tool and will come under fierce scrutiny when he bats. Short pitched bowling at the head might be a fan favourite.
2. Captaincy. Some of the Pommie field positions were completely ridiculous. They did not learn from last test with their deep fields in the fourth innings, letting the Aussies off the hook and paying heavily with 0/173 and losing. They were too inventive - started stupidly - and probably confused themselves. The bloke fielding right near the bowler - Anderson - was completely useless. Smith needed to step away and laugh at them loudly. Broad behaved like a tool and will come under fierce scrutiny when he bats. Short pitched bowling at the head might be a fan favourite.
3. Pink Ball Cricket. It really just becomes a game of survival at night. The cricket is interesting, even intriguing - but not entertaining. The ball dominates too much and slowing down the over rate becomes crucial for the batting team. The fewer overs played under lights the better for the batting team! The swing bowler becomes more lethal. Get your runs in the daylight overs or you will struggle! The rain break on night two was perfect for England because had they played on they were in strife. Joe Root is going to get smashed when he comes to the crease.
4. Batting Brilliance. Thought the Shaun Marsh innings was exceptional in the circumstances. Not often I write that. I also thought Paine turned the game our way with aggression. Still worried about Handscomb and Stuart Broad smells an LBW victim every time. Better from Kahwaja.
4. Batting Brilliance. Thought the Shaun Marsh innings was exceptional in the circumstances. Not often I write that. I also thought Paine turned the game our way with aggression. Still worried about Handscomb and Stuart Broad smells an LBW victim every time. Better from Kahwaja.
5. Rugby League World Cup Final. Brutal contact. Great fast game. Dry conditions in Brisbane makes rugby league such a better spectacle. The rain tested them too later! It's rare that these Queenslanders ever lose at home. Maguire played well. Gillett superb and even Aaron Woods was excellent early. Hard to write, but he offloaded and hit the line forwards, not backing into the defence for once. When he came on later he was off the pace. His connection with Klemmer was strong. The Poms put it to the Aussies...great chasing game.
Sam Burgess is a complete goose. Dumb liability and ill disciplined. It would not surprise if Souths cut him, but Rusty is a huge fan. They have some big units those Pommies. They would all love to come and play out here. Liked their halves. Tough and skillful.
Sam Burgess is a complete goose. Dumb liability and ill disciplined. It would not surprise if Souths cut him, but Rusty is a huge fan. They have some big units those Pommies. They would all love to come and play out here. Liked their halves. Tough and skillful.
Had to laugh when James Graham said he regrets nothing about his foul language in the middle of a World Cup Final. Turn the volume off was his recommendation. I think he is correct! Cooper Cronk continues to make himself look superb. He will be a long term NRL coach or commentator whenever he wants. A true professional.
6. Quayde Cooper. Gooone. Nick Frisby gone. The experiment is over and Brad Thorne has laid it on the line. About time QLD rugby had a makeover. Take nothing for granted and take as much money when you can.
7. Virat Kohli - 243. His run making skill is getting better and better. Not the most popular bloke, but clearly one of the best in the world - and likely to be ever. Averaging over 50 i nall forms of the game - Tests, ODI and T20. Incredible.
8. Jarryd Hayne. The human headline needs to shut up and work hard on his game. No crap. No laziness and no excuses. No looking around at other blokes when you miss a tackle or don't pass it to a bloke when he is destined to score. Tough it out and harden up. There are no promises and expect nothing. The only positive is that he will be better than Brad Takiarangi. Otherwise he will enjoy the sights and sounds of Wenty Leagues. I am still suspicious of his signing with Radradra coming off contract in July as well. Someone is not staying/ coming.
9. Ange Postocoglou. It didn't take long before the family excuse (a Hayne/ Foran special) was forgotten and cash took over. An excuse maker and whinger. The World Cup draw of Peru, Denmark and France was outstanding. It may now make another coach look brilliant. However who might score goals for us is a mystery. We have nothing at the front.
Sunday, November 26, 2017
Wrap - Wobblies Mirage and Ashes Headbutts
1. Cricket. Steve Smith must be getting sick of bailing out his mates, but he has inspired them to a likely win. Warner has been great in the second innings and batting with a right hander suits him too. Aggressive running between the wickets - and a six too from Bancroft is a far cry from Renshaw's dour stodgy approach.
However, a long way to go yet in the series. Far too often we are in top order trouble. "Smith out - all out" reminds me of the AB days. The Bancroft first innings shot was terrible for a test batsman. Outside his zone and a windy woof snick! Khawaja is the next Shane Watson with his pads. Too lumbering and a real risk to LBW too often. Handscomb is next in line for the chop without a lot of runs. He is under delivering big time at present.
Tim Paine was up and down (great stumping, but turfed a sitter), while the catching of Shaun Marsh - like everything from him - was inconsistent, brilliant, unpredictable and he almost took out Mitchell Starc with his sprigs. Such a risk. Batted real well on the second evening and then for 51 until his final shot said it all. The Maxwell 270+ at North Sydney Oval can just about be halved on that ground. Still a solid knock...(like Mitchell Marsh) sadly when it is too late...unreliable, wasted talent...a familiar record.
2. England. I really like the cut of this Moeen Ali. Mentally tough, resilient and resolute...not your usual Englishman. He saves them a lot. Runs and wickets. What about Broad...is he one of few bowlers worldwide who look like getting a wicket most balls? The Root LBW trap will be short lived. He is too good to get pinned down with this deficiency. Cook needs to improve or perish.
The spin in that deck so early was ridiculous. These old curators need to move on sometimes and I am told it is Kevin Mitchell Jr's last Test. Good. Haezelwood, Starc and Cummins need to fire up as well. Too tame for me on Day One. Starc smiles way too often on the field. They need to menace - and finally did late on Day Three.
Johnny Bairstow in a bit of strife for a headbutt on Bancroft at a niteclub early in the tour when playing WA...weak arsed England don't suspend him at all. I'd suspend him for that terrible shot that got him out in the second innings when he was in control. It cost his team badly. Self indulgent. Talk of Ben Stokes returning to play is beyond belief too.
The best part of the Australian showing thus far has been the fact that we DO NOT NEED an all rounder. Four bowlers can do it. Warner turns the ball a mile but never bowls. Smith too. I noticed Jon Holland got a lot of wickets v NSW.
3. Indian Test Match v Sri Lanka. I noticed at the same time, Pujara hit another test ton v Sri Lanka while Kohli hit a double ton. Kohli is as prolific as Smith. He hit a ton in the last test too.
4. Ange Postocoglou. How complicated is this nonsense? Pulls the pin before the World Cup? Ange has a million reasons for pulling up stumps. Fair enough. Will be interesting to see if a million here or there from a rich European or Asian club changes his mind in the coming weeks. He may "freshen up" quicker than a few boys on a night out in the queue outside The Orient.
5. Brad Fittler. How long does it take to appoint a coach? Saga of all sagas. No wonder we can't win a thing in Origin. Finally he is through the door. Excited to see this Reagan Campbell-Gillard play. He is awesome - and hopefully a few other names walk into camp. We need Ivan Cleary and a few speed machines...Cotric has been mentioned. Out with the busted attitudes of Ferguson et al...Woods would want to get better too. Hopefully Fittler has the courage to pick new folk of talent.
6. Rugby League World Cup. Fiji were outclassed 54-6, but won the singing and prayer stakes. A great effort by them all, but Australia looks unbeatable. Dugan looks very strong out wide and how good is Valentine Holmes. A good combo for Cronulla if they can get him away from trouble and the niteclubs. Awesome!
The Tongan effort v England was awesome. A shame they did not win. Typical arrogant NRL ref at the end. Cecchin. Not prepared to test the video ref in case uncle Wayne got upset (?)...please.
7. Wallabies v Scotland. After what looked like a late year recovery, the house of cards has crumbled in a heap. What a pathetic effort by a team that has more excuses than NSW Transport. Cheika's coaching career is on life support. But who are the options? Steve Larkham? less Kiss? Phil Blake? Surely there are better NSW options...
8. Golf. The Stonehaven Cup. Cameron Davis brilliant in the stretch home with a 64! Beating Day and Speith is no mean feat. Great to see some new young talent rising in Australian golf.
9. A-League. Melbourne Victory are struggling this season early. Newcastle Jets are going great guns but Sydney FC appear to be a cut above the lot - again.
10. Western Sydney Wanderers. They are on a winner with Josep Gombau as coach - but are anchored to 8 lousy points early. When Gombau arrived at Adelaide he famously told a sychophantic journalist whose son played in a lower division side with aspirations for the big league and who was annoying him: "your son is a shit goalkeeper". How can you lose with that honesty? He or Tony Popovic could be a Socceroo coach surprise...
11. V8 Supercars. Jamie Whincup in Newcastle was immense. He had to win and did. The Novacastians now have a new meal ticket and a new track. A hit for the town and you can't underestimate the petrol heads. They are massive fans who travel and party hard.
However, a long way to go yet in the series. Far too often we are in top order trouble. "Smith out - all out" reminds me of the AB days. The Bancroft first innings shot was terrible for a test batsman. Outside his zone and a windy woof snick! Khawaja is the next Shane Watson with his pads. Too lumbering and a real risk to LBW too often. Handscomb is next in line for the chop without a lot of runs. He is under delivering big time at present.
Tim Paine was up and down (great stumping, but turfed a sitter), while the catching of Shaun Marsh - like everything from him - was inconsistent, brilliant, unpredictable and he almost took out Mitchell Starc with his sprigs. Such a risk. Batted real well on the second evening and then for 51 until his final shot said it all. The Maxwell 270+ at North Sydney Oval can just about be halved on that ground. Still a solid knock...(like Mitchell Marsh) sadly when it is too late...unreliable, wasted talent...a familiar record.
2. England. I really like the cut of this Moeen Ali. Mentally tough, resilient and resolute...not your usual Englishman. He saves them a lot. Runs and wickets. What about Broad...is he one of few bowlers worldwide who look like getting a wicket most balls? The Root LBW trap will be short lived. He is too good to get pinned down with this deficiency. Cook needs to improve or perish.
The spin in that deck so early was ridiculous. These old curators need to move on sometimes and I am told it is Kevin Mitchell Jr's last Test. Good. Haezelwood, Starc and Cummins need to fire up as well. Too tame for me on Day One. Starc smiles way too often on the field. They need to menace - and finally did late on Day Three.
Johnny Bairstow in a bit of strife for a headbutt on Bancroft at a niteclub early in the tour when playing WA...weak arsed England don't suspend him at all. I'd suspend him for that terrible shot that got him out in the second innings when he was in control. It cost his team badly. Self indulgent. Talk of Ben Stokes returning to play is beyond belief too.
The best part of the Australian showing thus far has been the fact that we DO NOT NEED an all rounder. Four bowlers can do it. Warner turns the ball a mile but never bowls. Smith too. I noticed Jon Holland got a lot of wickets v NSW.
3. Indian Test Match v Sri Lanka. I noticed at the same time, Pujara hit another test ton v Sri Lanka while Kohli hit a double ton. Kohli is as prolific as Smith. He hit a ton in the last test too.
4. Ange Postocoglou. How complicated is this nonsense? Pulls the pin before the World Cup? Ange has a million reasons for pulling up stumps. Fair enough. Will be interesting to see if a million here or there from a rich European or Asian club changes his mind in the coming weeks. He may "freshen up" quicker than a few boys on a night out in the queue outside The Orient.
5. Brad Fittler. How long does it take to appoint a coach? Saga of all sagas. No wonder we can't win a thing in Origin. Finally he is through the door. Excited to see this Reagan Campbell-Gillard play. He is awesome - and hopefully a few other names walk into camp. We need Ivan Cleary and a few speed machines...Cotric has been mentioned. Out with the busted attitudes of Ferguson et al...Woods would want to get better too. Hopefully Fittler has the courage to pick new folk of talent.
6. Rugby League World Cup. Fiji were outclassed 54-6, but won the singing and prayer stakes. A great effort by them all, but Australia looks unbeatable. Dugan looks very strong out wide and how good is Valentine Holmes. A good combo for Cronulla if they can get him away from trouble and the niteclubs. Awesome!
The Tongan effort v England was awesome. A shame they did not win. Typical arrogant NRL ref at the end. Cecchin. Not prepared to test the video ref in case uncle Wayne got upset (?)...please.
7. Wallabies v Scotland. After what looked like a late year recovery, the house of cards has crumbled in a heap. What a pathetic effort by a team that has more excuses than NSW Transport. Cheika's coaching career is on life support. But who are the options? Steve Larkham? less Kiss? Phil Blake? Surely there are better NSW options...
8. Golf. The Stonehaven Cup. Cameron Davis brilliant in the stretch home with a 64! Beating Day and Speith is no mean feat. Great to see some new young talent rising in Australian golf.
9. A-League. Melbourne Victory are struggling this season early. Newcastle Jets are going great guns but Sydney FC appear to be a cut above the lot - again.
10. Western Sydney Wanderers. They are on a winner with Josep Gombau as coach - but are anchored to 8 lousy points early. When Gombau arrived at Adelaide he famously told a sychophantic journalist whose son played in a lower division side with aspirations for the big league and who was annoying him: "your son is a shit goalkeeper". How can you lose with that honesty? He or Tony Popovic could be a Socceroo coach surprise...
11. V8 Supercars. Jamie Whincup in Newcastle was immense. He had to win and did. The Novacastians now have a new meal ticket and a new track. A hit for the town and you can't underestimate the petrol heads. They are massive fans who travel and party hard.
Sunday, November 19, 2017
Wrap - F1J1
1. The Rugby League World Cup is still on and these teams being represented by NRL stars (Fiji, Tonga and Lebanon for example) are adding so much to the spectacle. Two cracking games this weekend: Fiji v NZ and Tonga v Lebanon.
New Zealand were appalling it must be said. A proud nation of league stars - McGahan, Freeman, Filipana, Marshall...David Kidwell is yet another 'Assistant Coach' who attracts headlines when near Bellamy and others, but on his own, he looks more like Steve Kearney. A modest, failing record. He has clearly lost the support of players. Hayne has done well here. Worth noting.
Are we headed to an International situation where players are aligned with certain nations from the outset of their careers? The World Cup has been built on the strength of this. Having them all play for Australia or NZ would have been terrible.
Looming as an Australia v England final. Tonga were lucky to beat Lebanon. F1J1 will not beat Australia...even if Kevin Naquama cries.
2. Socceroos. They got there in the end but expect them to get blasted off the park. There is zero attack really. Plenty of enthusiasm but short on talent. Honduras were kicked hard, but had we missed out we only would have had ourselves to blame. The saga about Ange Postocoglou continues...he needs to wake up to himself.
3. Australian Cricket Test Team. We exclude Bailey, Cowan and the like, but keep on selecting Shaun Marsh. Surely this is a cruel hoax. Marshmallow is pathetic under heat and stress. It has been a repeated failure (seven times!). When will this repeated mistake be put to sleep? Once again under Hohns and Greg Chappell, they have gone conservative with an escape clause after two tests. Bancroft was a well deserved selection, returning to the days when sheer weight of runs got you in the team. Tim Paine's selection is baffling, but he attacks as a batsman. Unlike Nevill who should be blaming himself. Nevill just refuses to dominate. While clearly tentative, he must be a tentative type of person, fearing leadership. True Australian wicketkeepers always lead and excel.
4. International Rules - Australia v Ireland. Actually a reasonably exciting game - and very physical -, but it would be great to have other countries play the code seriously. And not just Papua New Guinea.
5. Wallabies v England. We were robbed by yet another terrible rugby ref (is there any other kind?)...but then threw it away with some silliness and laziness. This says a bit about the group...and the coach. You have to endure the tough moments of refereeing stupidity...and rise above it. Regardless. Whinging wins nothing but talkback radio acclaim.
6. Soccer - A League - Newcastle Jets v Sydney FC. Sydney FC get back to the winning post first. Man City still miles in front. A shock if anyone gets close.
New Zealand were appalling it must be said. A proud nation of league stars - McGahan, Freeman, Filipana, Marshall...David Kidwell is yet another 'Assistant Coach' who attracts headlines when near Bellamy and others, but on his own, he looks more like Steve Kearney. A modest, failing record. He has clearly lost the support of players. Hayne has done well here. Worth noting.
Are we headed to an International situation where players are aligned with certain nations from the outset of their careers? The World Cup has been built on the strength of this. Having them all play for Australia or NZ would have been terrible.
Looming as an Australia v England final. Tonga were lucky to beat Lebanon. F1J1 will not beat Australia...even if Kevin Naquama cries.
2. Socceroos. They got there in the end but expect them to get blasted off the park. There is zero attack really. Plenty of enthusiasm but short on talent. Honduras were kicked hard, but had we missed out we only would have had ourselves to blame. The saga about Ange Postocoglou continues...he needs to wake up to himself.
3. Australian Cricket Test Team. We exclude Bailey, Cowan and the like, but keep on selecting Shaun Marsh. Surely this is a cruel hoax. Marshmallow is pathetic under heat and stress. It has been a repeated failure (seven times!). When will this repeated mistake be put to sleep? Once again under Hohns and Greg Chappell, they have gone conservative with an escape clause after two tests. Bancroft was a well deserved selection, returning to the days when sheer weight of runs got you in the team. Tim Paine's selection is baffling, but he attacks as a batsman. Unlike Nevill who should be blaming himself. Nevill just refuses to dominate. While clearly tentative, he must be a tentative type of person, fearing leadership. True Australian wicketkeepers always lead and excel.
4. International Rules - Australia v Ireland. Actually a reasonably exciting game - and very physical -, but it would be great to have other countries play the code seriously. And not just Papua New Guinea.
5. Wallabies v England. We were robbed by yet another terrible rugby ref (is there any other kind?)...but then threw it away with some silliness and laziness. This says a bit about the group...and the coach. You have to endure the tough moments of refereeing stupidity...and rise above it. Regardless. Whinging wins nothing but talkback radio acclaim.
6. Soccer - A League - Newcastle Jets v Sydney FC. Sydney FC get back to the winning post first. Man City still miles in front. A shock if anyone gets close.
Sunday, November 12, 2017
Wrap - Tongan Surprise
1. The Rugby League World Cup. What a joy to see the Tongans excelling - and the pre match hakas! Strong island nations in rugby league allow for some greater international possibilities. Maybe even some State of Origin expansion of what is a tiring concept (especially for NSW!). The Kumuls continue to dominate the fellow minnows. This Lachlan Lam (son of the movie maker) was outstanding and has tremendous skill and pace.
Lebanon were gallant in losing 34-0. Not the biggest loss against the Australian outfit. They probably will continue to be an exceptional force too given their affection for the game. It would be great if they could get stronger and bigger.
Lots of injuries from this tournament and it is starting to get quite late in the year in terms of preparation for the new season. Nervous NRL coaches abound! Makes the efforts of Cronk and Smith, especially, all the more amazing. Those guys have played a lot of football this calendar year, without missing a beat.
2. Cricket. Here's an idea...have a whole weekend off in the two weeks before an Ashes Test and play no games until the following Monday when no one can follow it. Ever since "High Performance" became a Cricket Australia catch cry, performance has been less than high. I wonder how we will look back upon this era's legacy...busted fast bowlers, rotation policies, dodgy selections (Heazlett, Stanlake), selectors that play charity golf days rather than watch cricketers. (Again the 'Greg Chappell Effect'). Look for Jake Lehmann to make his debut. He only needs to crack a half century and he is there. Not convinced about Wade, Nevill or Carey. Nevill is too stodgy as a bat. Ironically, this may help Wade's cause. Bancroft is a batsman, not a keeper. Tim Paine may be the best option.
Two hat tricks in a game by Mitchell Starc was an amazing achievement this week gone v WA. He cleans up the tail regularly - becoming known as "dunny paper".
3. Socceroos v Honduras. We are on the brink of obliteration. A goal against us and we are cooked. We need a 3-0 result our way as a minimum. (We wish!). New Zealand however look to be in the box seat v Peru. Now that would be salt in the wounds if that happened - they qualify and we don't. The lack of goal finishing ability by the Socceroos has been a curse all campaign. If we don't qualify we will only have ourselves to blame. It won't change world sport either. Significantly, it may precipitate some necessary changes in the organisation. One big change will be fees at the local soccer club will climb to cover the wages of the bloated administration of the game.
The question really needs to be asked...where are the great young Australian footballers? That sport impacts on so many kids, but is tossed aside too regularly by the same kids. Why is this game and its reach not having a bigger impact on our young sportspeople? They are not even in the A League either.
4. Redzel. What a phenomenal force in the sprint races. A colossus of a horse that has won many millions this year, including the Everest. Vengeur Masque won on Saturday too and looms as a massive threat this time next year. Should have been a late entry into the Melbourne Cup field. Great win by Rekindling.
5. Wallabies. Beat Wales in the end which was an enterprising game where finally more belief and a bit of razzle dazzle has emerged. Beale is in career best form, but Genia looked sharp too. More athletic and more expansive.
6. Australian Women's Cricket. A double ton to Ellyse Perry was an outstanding achievement. Her play under pressure here and in other contexts for Australia is immense. Lots of hard work by her father Mark (my former Maths teacher) over many years...sparkling skill and a balanced, beautiful kid. Hopefully this unusual Ashes series can fall Australia's way. Pure, clean and striking cricket without the big headed egos appeals to cricket purists.
7. International Rules winners. Relax and don't panic. International AFL is in safe hands. We beat the Irish and the world remains on an even keel. The annual farce, but someone must be making some good coin from it all.
8. Conor McGregor. He is mad and is out of control. His entry into the ring following a bout in Ireland and his aggression to the referee was extraordinary. Mind you, the ref was not worried. I think he would have dropped him. Wouldn't be a rematch with Mayweather coming up soon? A publicity hound...a rich one too.
Lebanon were gallant in losing 34-0. Not the biggest loss against the Australian outfit. They probably will continue to be an exceptional force too given their affection for the game. It would be great if they could get stronger and bigger.
Lots of injuries from this tournament and it is starting to get quite late in the year in terms of preparation for the new season. Nervous NRL coaches abound! Makes the efforts of Cronk and Smith, especially, all the more amazing. Those guys have played a lot of football this calendar year, without missing a beat.
2. Cricket. Here's an idea...have a whole weekend off in the two weeks before an Ashes Test and play no games until the following Monday when no one can follow it. Ever since "High Performance" became a Cricket Australia catch cry, performance has been less than high. I wonder how we will look back upon this era's legacy...busted fast bowlers, rotation policies, dodgy selections (Heazlett, Stanlake), selectors that play charity golf days rather than watch cricketers. (Again the 'Greg Chappell Effect'). Look for Jake Lehmann to make his debut. He only needs to crack a half century and he is there. Not convinced about Wade, Nevill or Carey. Nevill is too stodgy as a bat. Ironically, this may help Wade's cause. Bancroft is a batsman, not a keeper. Tim Paine may be the best option.
Two hat tricks in a game by Mitchell Starc was an amazing achievement this week gone v WA. He cleans up the tail regularly - becoming known as "dunny paper".
3. Socceroos v Honduras. We are on the brink of obliteration. A goal against us and we are cooked. We need a 3-0 result our way as a minimum. (We wish!). New Zealand however look to be in the box seat v Peru. Now that would be salt in the wounds if that happened - they qualify and we don't. The lack of goal finishing ability by the Socceroos has been a curse all campaign. If we don't qualify we will only have ourselves to blame. It won't change world sport either. Significantly, it may precipitate some necessary changes in the organisation. One big change will be fees at the local soccer club will climb to cover the wages of the bloated administration of the game.
The question really needs to be asked...where are the great young Australian footballers? That sport impacts on so many kids, but is tossed aside too regularly by the same kids. Why is this game and its reach not having a bigger impact on our young sportspeople? They are not even in the A League either.
4. Redzel. What a phenomenal force in the sprint races. A colossus of a horse that has won many millions this year, including the Everest. Vengeur Masque won on Saturday too and looms as a massive threat this time next year. Should have been a late entry into the Melbourne Cup field. Great win by Rekindling.
5. Wallabies. Beat Wales in the end which was an enterprising game where finally more belief and a bit of razzle dazzle has emerged. Beale is in career best form, but Genia looked sharp too. More athletic and more expansive.
6. Australian Women's Cricket. A double ton to Ellyse Perry was an outstanding achievement. Her play under pressure here and in other contexts for Australia is immense. Lots of hard work by her father Mark (my former Maths teacher) over many years...sparkling skill and a balanced, beautiful kid. Hopefully this unusual Ashes series can fall Australia's way. Pure, clean and striking cricket without the big headed egos appeals to cricket purists.
7. International Rules winners. Relax and don't panic. International AFL is in safe hands. We beat the Irish and the world remains on an even keel. The annual farce, but someone must be making some good coin from it all.
8. Conor McGregor. He is mad and is out of control. His entry into the ring following a bout in Ireland and his aggression to the referee was extraordinary. Mind you, the ref was not worried. I think he would have dropped him. Wouldn't be a rematch with Mayweather coming up soon? A publicity hound...a rich one too.
Sunday, November 5, 2017
Wrap - World Cup of Patience
1. Salary Cap Capers. The pathetic leadership of the NRL and the useless salary cap is starting to really impact. These third party agreements are an absolute farce.
The farce of Nick Politis obtaining Cooper Cronk...and wait for it, possibly the best young player in the game, Angus Crighton, from the Bunnies. Remarkably - and coincidentally - "The Rorters" have now exposed young Nikorima as a drug cheat and are looking to axe him on this moral count to free up the necessary funds. So much for the caring, concerned club who looks after player welfare. They actually have more drug cheats than any other (Paul Carter, Shaun Kenny-Dowell...any one they don't need or don't want...Ferguson?). This 'love' for Mitchell Pearce is a joke too. A club bankrupt in so many other ways - but not cash. Stealing others' junior players...not developing their own...on it goes.
The solution?
i. All player payments should be made centrally from the NRL. Presently, they give money to the clubs and then register contracts centrally. Odd...instead, why not have the clubs present the contracts to them and they pay centrally? They should pay the contracted sum centrally and publish a very accurate public record of it all. No back-ended deals, no savings one year for a boost the next year...an annual amount, use it or lose it. Nothing else.
ii. Third party agreements should be registered publicly by the NRL and limited to a set amount per club (ie. the same for everyone to prevent 'rich' clubs benefitting).
iii. All monies should be on the public record - disclosed and public.
iv. All overspends should constitute a fine amount that is then payable by that club to every other club in the NRL.
2. The Rugby League World Cup. Great...feel good...some better broader representation worldwide, but fair dinkum...how long is this going to take? We wait a whole week to watch France play Australia. A great league nation of 25 years ago, but really? 52-6 thrashing and then another week off. It drags on like the widening of the M2. Two games a week and move on. Like the old Kangaroo tours. There is only a modicum of interest in other games, but no one understands the draw or the qualification...is there one? If Australia can't win this we really need to hang our heads.
3. Lebanon. Who else but Robbie Farah to get caught up in a biting allegation? The Lebanese were busy and willing, but very small. They did well, but so long as you have heard of the country...not been born there, live there, visited there...just heard of it...you are signed up in this World Cup.
Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and Papau New Guinea have added a bit of spirit to the event and make it viewable. Channel 7 are doing no favours to anyone with their discarding of the event to 7Mate.
4. Shield Cricket. Some crucial match ups again, but can anyone believe how weak our batting has become? Remember the days of Martin Love, Jimmy Maher, Trevor Barsby, Michael Divenuto, Stuart Law, Dene Hills, Jamie Cox, Michael Bevan, Brad Hodge, Tom Moody, Jamie Siddons...and these blokes couldn't get selected at all - even with a Shield average of 50+.
These days, we will settle for a bloke who scores a 30 average ... Cartwright, Ferguson, Head, Maddinson, Bailey, Daniel Hughes...Surely we are kidding.
The ton by Jake Lehmann may well land him in Dad's team. He has some steel. Steve Smith also needs to start becoming more of a player, and less of a selector. Matthew Renshaw is in terrible nick. He may struggle to hang on to his position. He is also so slow and stodgy, he puts a lot of pressure on his fellow opener. This feedback from Warner would not be lost on Smith.
This is the same problem Peter Nevill faces. He survives and accumulates, but does not really take on the attack and ever dominate.
5. Bug Snappell. Couldn't help but notice that Greg Chappell is up to his old arrogant tricks, preferring a day at golf than being "at work"...a bit like most blokes. He skips out on attending a Shield game. That's high performance for you.
6. At Pace. Keep an eye on a horse called Merchant Navy which won the fifth race - The Coolmore - at Flemington this weekend just gone. It has a turn of speed that is electrifying!
7. The Melbourne Cup? Almandin looks the best (again)...Marmelo...Wall of Fire/ Amelie's Star. For a bit of value, this Thomas Hobson looks a tough horse over the big distance...Single Gaze, Ventura Storm. A big winner in the Caulfield Cup - Boom Time - but that may have been a career high then.
8. Wallabies...a crushing win v Japan - and so it should be! A minnow, but keen. Keen does not win Test matches.
9. EPL. Aaron Mooy keeps doing the business for Huddersfield - another minnow. His confidence and class has really grown in recent months. Hopefully he can lead us to victory v Honduras now that they may not have Tim Cahill to lead us. We could really struggle - especially in Honduras.
As wild as this may sound, Man City being 9 points clear of Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal, may be enough for the season! A huge lead really, but a long way to go.
10. Breaking News....Jarryd Hayne, Le Bron James, Clayton Kershaw, Winx and Roger Federer will sign this week for the Roosters. Apparently all fit under the salary cap as they off loaded Sonny Bill four years ago - and Aiden Guerra.
The farce of Nick Politis obtaining Cooper Cronk...and wait for it, possibly the best young player in the game, Angus Crighton, from the Bunnies. Remarkably - and coincidentally - "The Rorters" have now exposed young Nikorima as a drug cheat and are looking to axe him on this moral count to free up the necessary funds. So much for the caring, concerned club who looks after player welfare. They actually have more drug cheats than any other (Paul Carter, Shaun Kenny-Dowell...any one they don't need or don't want...Ferguson?). This 'love' for Mitchell Pearce is a joke too. A club bankrupt in so many other ways - but not cash. Stealing others' junior players...not developing their own...on it goes.
The solution?
i. All player payments should be made centrally from the NRL. Presently, they give money to the clubs and then register contracts centrally. Odd...instead, why not have the clubs present the contracts to them and they pay centrally? They should pay the contracted sum centrally and publish a very accurate public record of it all. No back-ended deals, no savings one year for a boost the next year...an annual amount, use it or lose it. Nothing else.
ii. Third party agreements should be registered publicly by the NRL and limited to a set amount per club (ie. the same for everyone to prevent 'rich' clubs benefitting).
iii. All monies should be on the public record - disclosed and public.
iv. All overspends should constitute a fine amount that is then payable by that club to every other club in the NRL.
2. The Rugby League World Cup. Great...feel good...some better broader representation worldwide, but fair dinkum...how long is this going to take? We wait a whole week to watch France play Australia. A great league nation of 25 years ago, but really? 52-6 thrashing and then another week off. It drags on like the widening of the M2. Two games a week and move on. Like the old Kangaroo tours. There is only a modicum of interest in other games, but no one understands the draw or the qualification...is there one? If Australia can't win this we really need to hang our heads.
3. Lebanon. Who else but Robbie Farah to get caught up in a biting allegation? The Lebanese were busy and willing, but very small. They did well, but so long as you have heard of the country...not been born there, live there, visited there...just heard of it...you are signed up in this World Cup.
Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and Papau New Guinea have added a bit of spirit to the event and make it viewable. Channel 7 are doing no favours to anyone with their discarding of the event to 7Mate.
4. Shield Cricket. Some crucial match ups again, but can anyone believe how weak our batting has become? Remember the days of Martin Love, Jimmy Maher, Trevor Barsby, Michael Divenuto, Stuart Law, Dene Hills, Jamie Cox, Michael Bevan, Brad Hodge, Tom Moody, Jamie Siddons...and these blokes couldn't get selected at all - even with a Shield average of 50+.
These days, we will settle for a bloke who scores a 30 average ... Cartwright, Ferguson, Head, Maddinson, Bailey, Daniel Hughes...Surely we are kidding.
The ton by Jake Lehmann may well land him in Dad's team. He has some steel. Steve Smith also needs to start becoming more of a player, and less of a selector. Matthew Renshaw is in terrible nick. He may struggle to hang on to his position. He is also so slow and stodgy, he puts a lot of pressure on his fellow opener. This feedback from Warner would not be lost on Smith.
This is the same problem Peter Nevill faces. He survives and accumulates, but does not really take on the attack and ever dominate.
5. Bug Snappell. Couldn't help but notice that Greg Chappell is up to his old arrogant tricks, preferring a day at golf than being "at work"...a bit like most blokes. He skips out on attending a Shield game. That's high performance for you.
6. At Pace. Keep an eye on a horse called Merchant Navy which won the fifth race - The Coolmore - at Flemington this weekend just gone. It has a turn of speed that is electrifying!
7. The Melbourne Cup? Almandin looks the best (again)...Marmelo...Wall of Fire/ Amelie's Star. For a bit of value, this Thomas Hobson looks a tough horse over the big distance...Single Gaze, Ventura Storm. A big winner in the Caulfield Cup - Boom Time - but that may have been a career high then.
8. Wallabies...a crushing win v Japan - and so it should be! A minnow, but keen. Keen does not win Test matches.
9. EPL. Aaron Mooy keeps doing the business for Huddersfield - another minnow. His confidence and class has really grown in recent months. Hopefully he can lead us to victory v Honduras now that they may not have Tim Cahill to lead us. We could really struggle - especially in Honduras.
As wild as this may sound, Man City being 9 points clear of Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal, may be enough for the season! A huge lead really, but a long way to go.
10. Breaking News....Jarryd Hayne, Le Bron James, Clayton Kershaw, Winx and Roger Federer will sign this week for the Roosters. Apparently all fit under the salary cap as they off loaded Sonny Bill four years ago - and Aiden Guerra.
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