So the Melbourne Storm have been a bunch of underhanded cheating scum.
Their penalty for cheating the system is:
* Loss of 2 premiership titles
* Loss of 3 minor premiership titles
* Loss of all competition points earned this year
* No further points can be accrued this year
* $500k Fine
The NRL had no choice but to impose this penalty on the Storm particularly in light of the way they deliberately avoided the system.
I feel sorry for the fans who have supported this team and will be absolutely gutted at the wankers in the suits that have ruined this club's reputation.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
White ball for test cricket?
John Mehaffey from Reuters writes:
I'm not sure about this. Why do we need day / night test matches anyway? From a New Zealand perspective it wont make any substantial difference to the numbers that attend Test Matches.
Agreed.
White balls may be used when day-night test matches are introduced, according to International Cricket Council (ICC) general manager of cricket Dave Richardson.
I'm not sure about this. Why do we need day / night test matches anyway? From a New Zealand perspective it wont make any substantial difference to the numbers that attend Test Matches.
White balls are used successfully in day-night one-day matches but the players wear coloured clothing and black sightscreens are employed. Clothes and sightscreens have always been white in test cricket.Coloured clothing in test matches just doesn't seem right to me. That's the charm of the extended form of the game and retains some of the tradition that is slowly being whittled away.
ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat told Reuters on Tuesday a switch to coloured clothing for test cricket would have to be carefully considered.
"It is a debate that we would love to engage in because I am not totally sure of removing the white clothing in test cricket," he said.
"There's a part of me that still wants to keep that. We need to apply our minds very carefully if we are going to change some fundamentals."
Agreed.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Weekend Tips - Post Mortem
The weekend started in brilliant fashion with Lleyton H storming home at Alexandra Park. That meant before I had time to say "its looking like a good betting weekend" I already had $48.50 in the bank.
My hopes of pulling in some really good $ were dashed a little by the pathetic effort at home by the Chiefs. They must be wondering what they have to do to win at Waikato Stadium!
Both my NRL bets on Friday got rolled. I wasn't surprised to see St George win but to see Wests get beaten by cellar dwellers the Bulldogs was somewhat baffling.
That left my fate in the hands of the Blues. Let me tell you the Blues do not inject any confidence in you whatsoever. Therefore I was pleasantly surprised to see the Blues turn up and smash a pretty ordinary Force outfit. Another $26 to add to the kitty.
So that gave me a total of $74.50 for a nice little profit of nearly $25. Happy with that start - let's see if it continues next weekend.
My hopes of pulling in some really good $ were dashed a little by the pathetic effort at home by the Chiefs. They must be wondering what they have to do to win at Waikato Stadium!
Both my NRL bets on Friday got rolled. I wasn't surprised to see St George win but to see Wests get beaten by cellar dwellers the Bulldogs was somewhat baffling.
That left my fate in the hands of the Blues. Let me tell you the Blues do not inject any confidence in you whatsoever. Therefore I was pleasantly surprised to see the Blues turn up and smash a pretty ordinary Force outfit. Another $26 to add to the kitty.
So that gave me a total of $74.50 for a nice little profit of nearly $25. Happy with that start - let's see if it continues next weekend.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Tim Wilkinson
From Stuff:
Hopefully Tim can produce two good rounds to finish this tournament and earn a decent size cheque. Had it not been for injury over the past couple of years I have no doubt he would be doing quite nicely on the PGA Tour and this once again proves his ability.
NZ is screaming out for another high quality golfer to fly the flag after Cambo's form has dropped off and I think Tim Wilkinson is our best chance.
New Zealand golfer Tim Wilkinson moved within two strokes of the lead after recording a blistering second round 66 in the Heritage Classic golf tournament at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, today.
Hopefully Tim can produce two good rounds to finish this tournament and earn a decent size cheque. Had it not been for injury over the past couple of years I have no doubt he would be doing quite nicely on the PGA Tour and this once again proves his ability.
NZ is screaming out for another high quality golfer to fly the flag after Cambo's form has dropped off and I think Tim Wilkinson is our best chance.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Weekend Tips
Starting today I will keep a running total of my profit or loss to see whether I am full of shit or actually know what I'm talking about.
Here is how I'll spend my $50 this weekend:
Super 14. $15 Head to Head. Chiefs (vs Stormers)
With the Chiefs paying $2.00 at home I couldn't stay away from this game. They will need to improve on recent performances but they certainly can beat this Stormers side that are coming to the end of a long tour. Return $30.
NRL. $5 Double. Gold Coast (vs St George) / Wests (vs Bulldogs)
A nice little double for Friday night. I've picked both the home teams although Gold Coast will have to play well to beat the well performed St George. Worth the bet with chance of a 300% return. Return $20.65.
Franklin Harness Racing. Race 6. $5 Each Way - Lleyton H.
He's a good solid performer although recent form has been average. He'll be there or therabouts tonight. Return tbc.
Super 14. $20 Head to Head. Blues (vs Force).
I'm thinking this could be a mistake but I think Blues should be able to beat the Force at Eden Park. Sure they have been inconsistent but they certainly have the talent and are overdue for a good performance. The Force did have a comprehensive win last weekend but that was against the Highlanders who Auckland Grammar first 15 would probably beat at the moment. Return $26.
Here is how I'll spend my $50 this weekend:
Super 14. $15 Head to Head. Chiefs (vs Stormers)
With the Chiefs paying $2.00 at home I couldn't stay away from this game. They will need to improve on recent performances but they certainly can beat this Stormers side that are coming to the end of a long tour. Return $30.
NRL. $5 Double. Gold Coast (vs St George) / Wests (vs Bulldogs)
A nice little double for Friday night. I've picked both the home teams although Gold Coast will have to play well to beat the well performed St George. Worth the bet with chance of a 300% return. Return $20.65.
Franklin Harness Racing. Race 6. $5 Each Way - Lleyton H.
He's a good solid performer although recent form has been average. He'll be there or therabouts tonight. Return tbc.
Super 14. $20 Head to Head. Blues (vs Force).
I'm thinking this could be a mistake but I think Blues should be able to beat the Force at Eden Park. Sure they have been inconsistent but they certainly have the talent and are overdue for a good performance. The Force did have a comprehensive win last weekend but that was against the Highlanders who Auckland Grammar first 15 would probably beat at the moment. Return $26.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
McCaw
From Stuff:
About time! I cant understand why you would play the best openside flanker in the world out of position. To me it's a specialist position and you need the right person in there.
Crusaders captain Richie McCaw returns to the No 7 jersey for the first time this season in Saturday night's match against the Cheetahs in Christchurch.
About time! I cant understand why you would play the best openside flanker in the world out of position. To me it's a specialist position and you need the right person in there.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
The Masters - Final wrap
Phil Mickelson produced a flawless bogey free round to earn his third green jacket and to confirm me as the greatest golf tipster of all time.
Okay so maybe the last part isn't true but what an amazing display of accurate and daring golf by Mickelson capped off by emotional scenes on the 18th green which will ensure this Masters is remembered for years to come.
Mickelson looked in control from the first tee and as the challengers came and went he held his nerve perfectly. The fact he didn't shoot a bogey in that pressure cooker environment in one of the toughest tests of golf is testament to his skill and temperament. A worthy champion no doubt.
The last round had a bit of everything. Anthony Kim produced a sizzling 7 under par 65 to gain the clubhouse lead at 12 under. KJ Choi looked like he may be the dark horse of the field as he raced up the leaderboard but couldn't keep things going and faded over the last few holes.
Tiger Woods produced another round of inconsistent golf. He was pretty average off the tee but to come fourth in his comeback tournament was still an outstanding effort and he will be a real threat in the remaining majors of the year.
The disappointment of the day has to be Lee Westwood. He just didn't fire. It appeared he was trying not to lose as opposed to an all out attacking strategy. Probably reflective of the English mindset it has to be said.
All in all the 2010 version of the Masters was one of the best I have seen in recent years. Next is the Open Championship to be hosted at St Andrews on the 15th of July.
Okay so maybe the last part isn't true but what an amazing display of accurate and daring golf by Mickelson capped off by emotional scenes on the 18th green which will ensure this Masters is remembered for years to come.
Mickelson looked in control from the first tee and as the challengers came and went he held his nerve perfectly. The fact he didn't shoot a bogey in that pressure cooker environment in one of the toughest tests of golf is testament to his skill and temperament. A worthy champion no doubt.
The last round had a bit of everything. Anthony Kim produced a sizzling 7 under par 65 to gain the clubhouse lead at 12 under. KJ Choi looked like he may be the dark horse of the field as he raced up the leaderboard but couldn't keep things going and faded over the last few holes.
Tiger Woods produced another round of inconsistent golf. He was pretty average off the tee but to come fourth in his comeback tournament was still an outstanding effort and he will be a real threat in the remaining majors of the year.
The disappointment of the day has to be Lee Westwood. He just didn't fire. It appeared he was trying not to lose as opposed to an all out attacking strategy. Probably reflective of the English mindset it has to be said.
All in all the 2010 version of the Masters was one of the best I have seen in recent years. Next is the Open Championship to be hosted at St Andrews on the 15th of July.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Weekend Tips - Post Mortem
I have to admit it was a terrible weekend for my tips.
It started badly with the Chiefs going down to the Bulls which I knew was a risky bet but I thought the Chiefs would put up a better fight than that. It didn't really matter in the end as the limp Highlanders lost to the Force.
Smiling Shard was a touch unlucky in the Derby. He got himself into an excellent position with a lap to go but then the challengers swooped around the outside and boxed him in. He was full of running in the straight but had nowhere to go.
I was extremely disappointed with the Yankees as they went down to the Rays. I was doubly hacked off the next day to see them rout the Rays 10 nil in the second game!
So $50 down the drain. I need to do better next week.
It started badly with the Chiefs going down to the Bulls which I knew was a risky bet but I thought the Chiefs would put up a better fight than that. It didn't really matter in the end as the limp Highlanders lost to the Force.
Smiling Shard was a touch unlucky in the Derby. He got himself into an excellent position with a lap to go but then the challengers swooped around the outside and boxed him in. He was full of running in the straight but had nowhere to go.
I was extremely disappointed with the Yankees as they went down to the Rays. I was doubly hacked off the next day to see them rout the Rays 10 nil in the second game!
So $50 down the drain. I need to do better next week.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
The Masters. Round Three wrap
Another cracking day on the greens of Augusta today.
The highlight was a three hole blitz by Mickelson where he eagled two consecutive holes (including holing a shot from 140 yards) followed by a birdie. This saw him pick up 5 shots in half an hour and put some real pressure on Lee Westwood who was out to a 5 shot lead at one stage.
I have to say Mickelson is my favourite from here. He has the momentum and the crowd support and also has the big time experience which I think will get him across the line. Having said that Lee Westwood replied well in the latter stages of the round today which will give him confidence going into the last round with a one shot lead.
Of course we cant rule out Tiger Woods who is four shots behind although he has struggled to get all facets of his game working together on one day. If he does then he will certainly be amongst the challengers.
My other pick Anthony Kim is still up there tied for 9th at 5 under par but would need an outstanding round to topple the front runners. Unfortunately Ernie Els has failed to keep pace and finds himself at 3 over the card and realistically wont be a factor come late tomorrow.
So the stage is set for an exciting last round. As I said my pick is Phil Mickelson but if Lee Westwood can keep focused he certainly has the game to hold on for his first green jacket.
The highlight was a three hole blitz by Mickelson where he eagled two consecutive holes (including holing a shot from 140 yards) followed by a birdie. This saw him pick up 5 shots in half an hour and put some real pressure on Lee Westwood who was out to a 5 shot lead at one stage.
I have to say Mickelson is my favourite from here. He has the momentum and the crowd support and also has the big time experience which I think will get him across the line. Having said that Lee Westwood replied well in the latter stages of the round today which will give him confidence going into the last round with a one shot lead.
Of course we cant rule out Tiger Woods who is four shots behind although he has struggled to get all facets of his game working together on one day. If he does then he will certainly be amongst the challengers.
My other pick Anthony Kim is still up there tied for 9th at 5 under par but would need an outstanding round to topple the front runners. Unfortunately Ernie Els has failed to keep pace and finds himself at 3 over the card and realistically wont be a factor come late tomorrow.
So the stage is set for an exciting last round. As I said my pick is Phil Mickelson but if Lee Westwood can keep focused he certainly has the game to hold on for his first green jacket.
The Warriors
A last minute try to beat the Doggies - great effort!
The Warriors are really surprising me this year. They have a heap of injuries but more often than not they are finding ways to win games. The other aspect has been their ability to win games in Australia this year.
It's a long way out but you have to say they are a serious playoff contender particularly in light of the talent that is to come back into the team.
Watch this space....
The Warriors are really surprising me this year. They have a heap of injuries but more often than not they are finding ways to win games. The other aspect has been their ability to win games in Australia this year.
It's a long way out but you have to say they are a serious playoff contender particularly in light of the talent that is to come back into the team.
Watch this space....
Saturday, April 10, 2010
The Masters. Round Two wrap
The Masters has experienced a British Invasion with Englishmen Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter leading the way by two shots at 8 under par.
They both shot two of the best rounds of the day with a 69 and 68 respectively. I give each man a great chance of capturing their first green jacket although would favour Westwood given his experience.
They will be very much looking over their shoulders though. Who do you think is tied for third at 6 under? Easy to guess, the man himself Tiger Woods. Undoubtedly he has to be the favourite. His mental toughness has been evident once again in coming back after such a long break to put himself amongst the leaders. His putting was much better today and as the course is likely to become firmer and faster over the last two rounds I expect him to put the pressure on.
The Leaderboard is stacked with talent with Anthony Kim (one of my pre tournament picks) along with Phil Mickelson (another one of my picks!) and KJ Choi also at 6 under. Every one of those men has the talent to win this tournament.
The legend Tom Watson posted a 2 over 74 to be 6 off the pace but in the more difficult conditions today that is nothing to be sniffed at.
My other pick Ernie Els is at even par and cannot yet be written off.
Poor old Cambo shot in the 80's again and it's curtains for him again this year. This is a sad story to one of NZ's greatest ever sportsman and he probably now needs to take a break from golf and re-evaluate his future.
So a huge round 3 is in store. I can't wait!
They both shot two of the best rounds of the day with a 69 and 68 respectively. I give each man a great chance of capturing their first green jacket although would favour Westwood given his experience.
They will be very much looking over their shoulders though. Who do you think is tied for third at 6 under? Easy to guess, the man himself Tiger Woods. Undoubtedly he has to be the favourite. His mental toughness has been evident once again in coming back after such a long break to put himself amongst the leaders. His putting was much better today and as the course is likely to become firmer and faster over the last two rounds I expect him to put the pressure on.
The Leaderboard is stacked with talent with Anthony Kim (one of my pre tournament picks) along with Phil Mickelson (another one of my picks!) and KJ Choi also at 6 under. Every one of those men has the talent to win this tournament.
The legend Tom Watson posted a 2 over 74 to be 6 off the pace but in the more difficult conditions today that is nothing to be sniffed at.
My other pick Ernie Els is at even par and cannot yet be written off.
Poor old Cambo shot in the 80's again and it's curtains for him again this year. This is a sad story to one of NZ's greatest ever sportsman and he probably now needs to take a break from golf and re-evaluate his future.
So a huge round 3 is in store. I can't wait!
Friday, April 9, 2010
The Masters. Round One wrap
What a great day on the greens of Augusta in the first round of the Masters today.
There were several outstanding performances including a 5 under 67 by the legendary Tom Watson along with a 6 under 66 by the leader and former Masters winner Fred Couples.
But the reality is there was only one story today and that was the return of Tiger Woods. Many thought he would struggle in his comeback but man did he silence the critics. Woods finds himself just 2 shots off the lead and shot in the 60's in the first round of the Masters for the very first time.
His competitors should be very worried. Tiger was not at his best on the greens and could have posted a very low number had his putting been working. The range of shots he executed today were mind boggling including an amazing low roping hook from under the trees to land 10ft from the pin on one occasion.
From this position I give Tiger Woods an excellent chance of being in the thick of the action come Sunday.
The other golfers I tipped before the start of the tournament are performing well also. Phil Mickelson is tied for 2nd at 5 under the card and Anthony Kim matched Wood's effort at 4 under. Ernie Els was hot early but faded a little on the back 9 to card a 1 under 71 - by no means out of the running.
Day two should be another cracking day.
There were several outstanding performances including a 5 under 67 by the legendary Tom Watson along with a 6 under 66 by the leader and former Masters winner Fred Couples.
But the reality is there was only one story today and that was the return of Tiger Woods. Many thought he would struggle in his comeback but man did he silence the critics. Woods finds himself just 2 shots off the lead and shot in the 60's in the first round of the Masters for the very first time.
His competitors should be very worried. Tiger was not at his best on the greens and could have posted a very low number had his putting been working. The range of shots he executed today were mind boggling including an amazing low roping hook from under the trees to land 10ft from the pin on one occasion.
From this position I give Tiger Woods an excellent chance of being in the thick of the action come Sunday.
The other golfers I tipped before the start of the tournament are performing well also. Phil Mickelson is tied for 2nd at 5 under the card and Anthony Kim matched Wood's effort at 4 under. Ernie Els was hot early but faded a little on the back 9 to card a 1 under 71 - by no means out of the running.
Day two should be another cracking day.
Weekend Tips
There are plenty of ways to invest my $50 this weekend but here is where I'll be putting my money:
$20 Multi - Super 14 and NRL. Chiefs, St George, Manly, Highlanders. Return $72.20
A bit of a risky bet this one. The Chiefs are the marginal pick up against the very good Bulls outfit. Chiefs are due for a big performance and I think this is the game they will do it. St George should be too good for Brisbane while at home I can't see the Sharks being able to beat Manly. The Highlanders are at home against the Western Force and should be too good.
$10 Each Way. Christian Cullen NZ Derby (3 Year Olds) - No 14 Smiling Shard.
Smiling Shard is a very talented young horse and has the ability to overcome a tough draw in the big race at Addington tonight. Russley Rascal will be hot favourite but I'm picking an upset in this one.
$10 Head to Head. Major League Baseball. Yankees. Return $18.50
Yankees have just come off an away series win against the Red Sox and although they'll be away at Tampa Bay their strong offense and solid bullpen should see them triumph.
$20 Multi - Super 14 and NRL. Chiefs, St George, Manly, Highlanders. Return $72.20
A bit of a risky bet this one. The Chiefs are the marginal pick up against the very good Bulls outfit. Chiefs are due for a big performance and I think this is the game they will do it. St George should be too good for Brisbane while at home I can't see the Sharks being able to beat Manly. The Highlanders are at home against the Western Force and should be too good.
$10 Each Way. Christian Cullen NZ Derby (3 Year Olds) - No 14 Smiling Shard.
Smiling Shard is a very talented young horse and has the ability to overcome a tough draw in the big race at Addington tonight. Russley Rascal will be hot favourite but I'm picking an upset in this one.
$10 Head to Head. Major League Baseball. Yankees. Return $18.50
Yankees have just come off an away series win against the Red Sox and although they'll be away at Tampa Bay their strong offense and solid bullpen should see them triumph.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
US Masters - Picks
The Masters could throw up any winner but here are my picks.
Ernie Els. Without a doubt the form player on the US PGA Tour winning his last two starts. He is a multiple major winner and has the mental strength to perform at Augusta.
Phil Mickelson. Mickelson has a good record at the Masters winning in 2004 and 2006. He will have huge crowd support and should be there or thereabouts.
Anthony Kim. This is my roughie. Kim has been performing well on the tour and has plenty of talent. His putting can be a bit streaky so he will need to have the short stick on target to compete.
Tiger Woods. Because he is Tiger Woods.
Ernie Els. Without a doubt the form player on the US PGA Tour winning his last two starts. He is a multiple major winner and has the mental strength to perform at Augusta.
Phil Mickelson. Mickelson has a good record at the Masters winning in 2004 and 2006. He will have huge crowd support and should be there or thereabouts.
Anthony Kim. This is my roughie. Kim has been performing well on the tour and has plenty of talent. His putting can be a bit streaky so he will need to have the short stick on target to compete.
Tiger Woods. Because he is Tiger Woods.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Last Masters for Cambo?
Michael Campbell is now in his last year of exemptions for entry into the majors on the back of winning the 2005 US Open. With that in mind and considering his particularly bad run of form for the last few years it is conceivable that this will be his last US Masters Tournament.
It's a real shame he hasn't been able to kick on after the US Open win which for me still rates as my favourite sporting moment. Cambo has immense talent but it appears the mental side of the game has been tough for him.
I hope he at least makes the cut this weekend but with an unforgiving Augusta course and a game that has abandoned him I don't know if he can make it.
Incidentally there are 19 ways to qualify for the Masters:
It's a real shame he hasn't been able to kick on after the US Open win which for me still rates as my favourite sporting moment. Cambo has immense talent but it appears the mental side of the game has been tough for him.
I hope he at least makes the cut this weekend but with an unforgiving Augusta course and a game that has abandoned him I don't know if he can make it.
Incidentally there are 19 ways to qualify for the Masters:
- Masters Tournament Champions (Lifetime)
- U.S. Open Champions (Honorary, non-competing after five years)
- The Open Champions (Honorary, non-competing after five years)
- PGA Champions (Honorary, non-competing after five years)
- Winners of the Players Championship (Three years)
- Current U.S. Amateur Champion (6-A) (Honorary, non-competing after one year); Runner-up (6-B) to the current U.S. Amateur Champion
- Current British Amateur Champion (Honorary, non-competing after one year)
- Current Asian Amateur Champion
- Current U.S. Amateur Public Links Champion
- Current U.S. Mid-Amateur Champion
- The first 16 players, including ties, in the previous year’s Masters Tournament
- The first 8 players, including ties, in the previous year’s U.S. Open
- The first 4 players, including ties, in the previous year’s Open Championship
- The first 4 players, including ties, in the previous year’s PGA Championship
- The 30 leaders on the Final Official PGA Tour Money List for the previous calendar year
- Winners of PGA Tour Regular Season and Playoff events that award at least a full-point allocation for the season-ending Tour Championship, from previous Masters to current Masters
- Those qualifying for the previous year’s season-ending Tour Championship
- The 50 leaders on the Final Official World Golf Ranking for the previous calendar year
- The 50 leaders on the Official World Golf Ranking published during the week prior to the current Masters Tournament
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Back on deck - weekend commentary
The weekend produced some pretty big results. I wont go into them in too much detail but here are my thoughts on a few of the games.
Rugby
Blues beating the Bulls was unbelievable yet very believable. It's the sort of performance you expect from this team and always leaves you thinking why they cant produce that sort of rugby on a consistent basis. With the Chiefs winning the NZ teams have crept further up the table but the Crusaders draw with the Hurricanes have dented their aspirations somewhat. Waratahs lead the competition but have played one more game than the others in the top four.
NRL
I have to say a disappointing game by the Warriors on their home turf. They just couldn't get things going and made too many errors. A huge crowd turned up and the fair weather supporters will be jumping on the bandwagon no doubt.
EPL
Chelsea (who I still think will choke) pulled off the biggest win of their season by downing a Rooney-less Man United at Old Trafford. This year's comp is an absolute cracker with only 3 points covering the top 3.
MLB
The Major League Baseball season got underway with the Red Sox hosting the Yankees at Fenway Park. I'm looking forward to this season with a number of player movements that could even up a few of the divisions. The scummy Red Sox beat the Yankees in a pretty entertaining opening game day and set the scene for a fierce battle in the American League East.
Rugby
Blues beating the Bulls was unbelievable yet very believable. It's the sort of performance you expect from this team and always leaves you thinking why they cant produce that sort of rugby on a consistent basis. With the Chiefs winning the NZ teams have crept further up the table but the Crusaders draw with the Hurricanes have dented their aspirations somewhat. Waratahs lead the competition but have played one more game than the others in the top four.
NRL
I have to say a disappointing game by the Warriors on their home turf. They just couldn't get things going and made too many errors. A huge crowd turned up and the fair weather supporters will be jumping on the bandwagon no doubt.
EPL
Chelsea (who I still think will choke) pulled off the biggest win of their season by downing a Rooney-less Man United at Old Trafford. This year's comp is an absolute cracker with only 3 points covering the top 3.
MLB
The Major League Baseball season got underway with the Red Sox hosting the Yankees at Fenway Park. I'm looking forward to this season with a number of player movements that could even up a few of the divisions. The scummy Red Sox beat the Yankees in a pretty entertaining opening game day and set the scene for a fierce battle in the American League East.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Quiet blogging next few days
I'm not sure about my access to the internet over the Easter break so things may be a little quiet on Rugby, Racing and Beer over the weekend.
Tip of the weekend - Forbury Park tonight, Race 9 - Western Flare.
Tip of the weekend - Forbury Park tonight, Race 9 - Western Flare.
2nd Test NZ vs Aussie - Wrap up
As I said yesterday we need to make a mental note NOT to hassle Mitchell Johnson next time he is here. I put forward a motion that the phrase "Johnson's a wanker!" gets banned forever!
The enevitable crumbling of the NZ batting order was completed yesterday at the hands of Mitchell Johnson and we were soundly beaten again by the Aussies.
Yes we need to get better. Yes we want to beat the Aussies. No we are not good enough. That's the bottom line - we are just not good enough to beat the Aussies in a test match. I don't buy the view that we just need to apply ourselves more because the reality is we just don't have good enough players to compete with Australia. The fact we haven't beaten them in a test since 1993 is clear evidence to that fact.
Should we throw in the towel? Absolutely not! We are definitely not good enough but we should strive to improve ourselves in order to become more competitive. But at the same time we need to be realistic.
To me, our biggest weakness is our bowling attack. To win test match cricket you need to take 20 wickets and against quality batsman we struggle to do that. Ricky Ponting pointed exactly to this issue where he indicated the biggest difference between the sides was NZ's lack of a strike bowler. He said he has the luxury to call on three different bowlers who can bowl 140km /hr + at any given time while at the moment NZ has none.
The injured Andy McKay may provide some light at the end of the tunnel in this regard but it must be said that we generally lack quality bowlers in the first class scene. I see Peter Ingram who was all at sea against the Aussies came back into our domestic competition and scored 178. That is a clear indictment on the quality of our bowling stocks.
I think if we take a look at the Australian tour there were some real highlights for the Blackcaps. Brendon McCullum's (he bought me a Heineken once) century at Christchurch in the second 20/20 was magnificent. That innings along with Southee's blockhole bowling ensured we drew that series 1 all.
The ODI's were generally disappointing for NZ particularly in light of our success over the past few years in these encounters. After we won the first match on the back of a Ross Taylor 70 it was pretty much downhill from there. Thanks to Daniel Vettori we nearly got there in the second match only to fall 12 runs short before we were outplayed in the third match. The fourth ODI in Auckland has to be one of the most disappointing batting displays of the summer. McCullum and Guptill rocketed out of the gate only to see the rest of the batting order collapse once again thus handing the game to Australia. We restored some pride in the final game and it was finally good to see our bowlers take wickets (Bond and Southee both got 4) to dismiss the Australians for 190.
The only real highlight of the first test match was McCullum's century in a match that Aussie smashed us by an innings. The second test match saw an outstanding first innings bowling effort led by Southee and Vettori with 4 wickets each. Taylor smashed an oustanding 138 but had no support from the other batsmen. The bowlers were then subjected to a torrid time as Australia amassed 511 runs. It was a forgone conclusion from there as we put up little resistance to finally lose by 176 runs.
Blackcap's player of each series (in my opinion):
20/20's: Brendon McCullum - the century was simply outstanding
ODI's: Scott Styris - initially not wanted by the selectors, he came back in and averaged 49 with the bat
Tests: Ross Taylor. Excellent century and averaged 51 for the series.
Overall player of the series has to be Mitchell Johnson. He consistently took wickets at key time and was the chief destroyer for the Aussies.
The enevitable crumbling of the NZ batting order was completed yesterday at the hands of Mitchell Johnson and we were soundly beaten again by the Aussies.
Yes we need to get better. Yes we want to beat the Aussies. No we are not good enough. That's the bottom line - we are just not good enough to beat the Aussies in a test match. I don't buy the view that we just need to apply ourselves more because the reality is we just don't have good enough players to compete with Australia. The fact we haven't beaten them in a test since 1993 is clear evidence to that fact.
Should we throw in the towel? Absolutely not! We are definitely not good enough but we should strive to improve ourselves in order to become more competitive. But at the same time we need to be realistic.
To me, our biggest weakness is our bowling attack. To win test match cricket you need to take 20 wickets and against quality batsman we struggle to do that. Ricky Ponting pointed exactly to this issue where he indicated the biggest difference between the sides was NZ's lack of a strike bowler. He said he has the luxury to call on three different bowlers who can bowl 140km /hr + at any given time while at the moment NZ has none.
The injured Andy McKay may provide some light at the end of the tunnel in this regard but it must be said that we generally lack quality bowlers in the first class scene. I see Peter Ingram who was all at sea against the Aussies came back into our domestic competition and scored 178. That is a clear indictment on the quality of our bowling stocks.
I think if we take a look at the Australian tour there were some real highlights for the Blackcaps. Brendon McCullum's (he bought me a Heineken once) century at Christchurch in the second 20/20 was magnificent. That innings along with Southee's blockhole bowling ensured we drew that series 1 all.
The ODI's were generally disappointing for NZ particularly in light of our success over the past few years in these encounters. After we won the first match on the back of a Ross Taylor 70 it was pretty much downhill from there. Thanks to Daniel Vettori we nearly got there in the second match only to fall 12 runs short before we were outplayed in the third match. The fourth ODI in Auckland has to be one of the most disappointing batting displays of the summer. McCullum and Guptill rocketed out of the gate only to see the rest of the batting order collapse once again thus handing the game to Australia. We restored some pride in the final game and it was finally good to see our bowlers take wickets (Bond and Southee both got 4) to dismiss the Australians for 190.
The only real highlight of the first test match was McCullum's century in a match that Aussie smashed us by an innings. The second test match saw an outstanding first innings bowling effort led by Southee and Vettori with 4 wickets each. Taylor smashed an oustanding 138 but had no support from the other batsmen. The bowlers were then subjected to a torrid time as Australia amassed 511 runs. It was a forgone conclusion from there as we put up little resistance to finally lose by 176 runs.
Blackcap's player of each series (in my opinion):
20/20's: Brendon McCullum - the century was simply outstanding
ODI's: Scott Styris - initially not wanted by the selectors, he came back in and averaged 49 with the bat
Tests: Ross Taylor. Excellent century and averaged 51 for the series.
Overall player of the series has to be Mitchell Johnson. He consistently took wickets at key time and was the chief destroyer for the Aussies.
Tua's fight
The fight ended up being a bit of a fizzer if you were expecting (as I was) Tua to knock Friday Ahunanya out.
The reality was Friday did everything in his power to stay away from David Tua and never looked at any time like he might win a round let alone the fight. Tua probably recognised this fairly early and set about to accrue points on a regular basis and did enough to score a unanimous victory via the judges.
There were a few aspects of the night that were pretty annoying. The ring announcer made a complete fool of himself with his over the top introductions that in the end took away from the credibility of the event.
I found the commentating to be inconsistent and repetitive. I don't know how many times the Colonel said "Tua's got to use his uppercut" or "Tua will come out in this round and really step it up" or "those body blows to his left side are really going to hurt later on". In the end the commentating became tedious. On top of that was the inconsistency of the call. At the start of the match they were saying that Tua needed a knockout early to prove his worth in the world of boxing and by the end they were saying the fact he went the distance will actually help him in his quest for a title shot!
So all in all it was somewhat of a non-event. Tua did the job like a professional and well done to him but the rest of the show was pretty average.
The reality was Friday did everything in his power to stay away from David Tua and never looked at any time like he might win a round let alone the fight. Tua probably recognised this fairly early and set about to accrue points on a regular basis and did enough to score a unanimous victory via the judges.
There were a few aspects of the night that were pretty annoying. The ring announcer made a complete fool of himself with his over the top introductions that in the end took away from the credibility of the event.
I found the commentating to be inconsistent and repetitive. I don't know how many times the Colonel said "Tua's got to use his uppercut" or "Tua will come out in this round and really step it up" or "those body blows to his left side are really going to hurt later on". In the end the commentating became tedious. On top of that was the inconsistency of the call. At the start of the match they were saying that Tua needed a knockout early to prove his worth in the world of boxing and by the end they were saying the fact he went the distance will actually help him in his quest for a title shot!
So all in all it was somewhat of a non-event. Tua did the job like a professional and well done to him but the rest of the show was pretty average.
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