2010 English Premier League Explosion

Well the circus has begun again and it will be on a screen near you for the next 9 months. If the first weekend is anything to go by there'll be wonder goals, fumbling fingers, crunching tackles, diving divas and tricky South Americans galore.  In a regular series of wrap ups, I'll take you through the highlights of the weekend EPL matches.

Tottenham 0 v Man City 0
The millions of monopoly money that Man City threw at players over the summer has had no effect on their mediocrity as they struggled to 'achieve' a draw against Tottenham. Tottenham on the other hand were entertaining and should have been ahead on a number of occasions but for the inclusion of Joe Hart ahead of Shay Given in the sky blues goal. Hart was in inspired form as he made three finger tip saves that Buffon, Casillas and Schmeichel would have been proud of.

Blackpool 4 v Wigan 0
Blackpool marked their return to the top flight (for the first time in 39 years) with a shellacking of a woeful Wigan. Until Chelsea flogged West Brom, Blackpool were top of the league and the Tangerine supporters were all too happy to shout about it. Reality will undoubtedly hit next weekend when they face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Till then, the Tangerines will revel in their early season form.

Chelsea 6 v West Brom 0
Chelsea restored their pride after loosing the community shield last weekend with a flogging of old-blue boy Roberto Di Matteo's West Brom. At best West Brom looked like the Eric the Eel of football without the sentimental support. At worst, West Brom were no better than 11 ancient chinese terracotta soldiers. Drogba hit 3, Malouda 2 and Lampard 1 past the hapless Carson. West Brom on the other hand could not hit a barn door.


Aston Villa 3 v West Ham 0
It was surprising that Aston Villa not only won their opening day fixture, but more so that they won in such emphatic fashion. Surprising because of the weeks they had had prior to kick off, that is, after Martin O'Neil walked out five days earlier and with the James Milner to Man City transfer still on the boil. Who knows what will happen when Milner finally moves to the sky blues. As an aside, former US coach Bob Bradley and Argentinean legend Maradona have been names mentioned as taking over from O'Neil.


Wolves 2 v Stoke 1
Two of the least popular teams in the league fought out an entertaining opening day match which resulted in Wolves registering their first opening day victory since 1999. Stoke's record summer signing, Kenwyne Jones ($17 Million), was lively in the initial stages until a serious injury forced him off and placed his immediate playing future is in doubt.


Sunderland 2 v Birmingham 2
Birmingham staged a remarkable comeback from two goals down to gain a valuable point from the match. They were assisted by Sunderland's Lee Cattermole being sent off but that said they left their run late scoring the two goals in the last 13 minutes.    


Bolton 0 v Fulham 0
Nil - Nil. Enough said really. The only interesting fact from this game was Mark Schwarzer's absence from the team sheet, adding further weight to the rumours that he wants to move to Arsenal for Champions league football.


Blackburn 1 v Everton 0
A howler from keeper Tim Howard gifted victory to Blackburn. Howard appeared to catch the ball with ease and then all of a sudden it was like a bar of soap in jail. Everton failed to create any real chances and the game was settled because of Howard's butter fingers.


Liverpool 1 v Arsenal 1
The butter fingers were clearly infectious for Merseyside keepers. Liverpool, in spite of Joe Cole's harsh red card, appeared to be headed for victory on the back of David Ngog's opener (his fourth in 3 games) until Reina fumbled Marouane Chamakh's header into his own net in the 90th minute. 


Man U 3 v Newcastle 0
Man U crashed Newcastle's welcome back to the premier league party by slotting 3 big ones past the swiss cheese Newcastle defence. Grumpy Bulgarian Berbatov opening the scoring. Shortly afterwards, Fletcher took advantage of the led footed and seemingly lost Rooney to scuff the ball into the back of the net. Even Man U evergreen/geriatric Ryan Giggs got on the score sheet with a delightful volley that flew past Harper's outstretched hand.

Tour de France winner admits doping

Today 2006 Tour de France winner Floyd Landis has finally admitted to doping. Not only has he admitted to a single incident of doping, but he has admitted to doping in numerous forms for lengthy periods beginning with his time with the US Postal team.

Landis was sensationally stripped of his 2006 Tour victory whilst riding for the Phonak team shortly after tests revealed that he had taken more amounts of testosterone than a Chinese female swimmer. It is the only time that a Tour winner has been stripped of the title.

This positive test was no surprise to many as he had crumbled dramatically in stage 16 of the 2006 Tour only to explode in stage 17 effectively riding a 125km time trial to win the stage and surge from 11th position in the general classification to 2nd place, only 30 seconds behind yellow jersey wearer Oscar Pereiro. Landis then rode on to gain the yellow jersey and hold it coming into Paris securing an unimaginable victory.

The media at the time hailed Landis as a modern day hero after a herculean effort. Secretly, however, there were rumblings in the cycling fraternity that his feats were not natural. His tests later revealed these rumblings were true.

The most ridiculous aspect to Landis' admission was that he spent approximately $2 million in legal fees arguing that he had not used performance enhancing drugs when all along he knew that he had. Who knows the reason behind his seemingly pointless and financially ridiculous argument, but it is clear that Landis went to the same school of honesty as sprinter Marion Jones. Whatever his reasoning, to the outsider he must be a dead certainty for a Darwin award.

The story, however, does not end there. Not satisfied with having wasted approximately $2 million in legal fees fighting to 'clear his name' Landis starting throwing mud in all directions and most obviously at former US Postal teammates Lance Armstrong and George Hincapie. These two have dismissed the claims saying Landis has no credibility and after having fought his legal fight dishonestly, you tend to agree with them. What's for sure is that after Landis' comments this years Tour will not necessarily be about the riding but more about who's clean and who's not.

Twenty 20 World Cup - England's fun in the sun

The West Indies was anything but "cool marn" for Australia last night in the T20 final. Australia's attempt to claim the one international trophy that has eluded them, started and ended with a whimper.

Paul Collingwood, the England T20 captain, won the toss and sent Australia in to bat. His decision paid immediate dividends as Australia was reeling at 3 for 8 after 13 balls, with Ryan Sidebottom the chief destroyer (2 for 26).

Shane Watson wafted at a wide ball early on and sent the edge flashing to the keeper, Craig Kieswetter, who parried the nick into the air, goalkeeper style, for Graeme Swann to dive and take a simple catch at first slip. Michael Clarke then arrived at the crease and proceeded to run out David Warner and almost run out Brad Haddin in the space of an over. Haddin was then unlucky to be given out attempting to glance a ball down the leg side. At first glance it looked like he had nicked it, but the replay showed that the ball had clearly hit his waist and he even showed the red mark to his teammates when he arrived back at the dug out. David Hussey (59) and Cameron White (30) added some respectability to the score, but Australia ended with what looked like a reachable target of 6 for 147.

The English started like Betty White from the starting blocks, losing one wicket (Lumb) in the second over, but then exploded with Kieswetter and Kevin Pietersen putting on a second wicket partnership of 117 runs including 14 boundaries. With that in the bank, the English only needed a little interest to roll slowly to the finish line and eventually won by an easy 7 wickets. It was fitting that Collingwood hit the winning runs to send English cricket into ecstasy as he has been the mainstay of the shorter forms of the game for some time and ended England's chase of a major trophy at the fifth attempt (3 ODI world cup losses and a loss in the Champions Trophy).

No doubt these cricketers will be welcomed home by the Queen and perhaps knighted ala the 2005 Ashes victors. Or perhaps Her Majesty is a traditionalist and does not enjoy the bastard child of cricket? Either way, England were comprehensively the better team and perhaps Nasser Hussein was correct in his pre-match interview with Clarke when he said that many believed Australia's final was the miraculous semi final win against Pakistan. All that together, it should make for an explosive ashes series coming up this Australian summer.

Monaco GP - Mark Webber's Principality in 2010.

Mark Webber started from pole for the second time in two races and despite having to restart the race more times than he would have liked due to crashes that took place in his rear-view mirror, he recorded fastest lap after fastest lap and stormed to victory.

With 3 laps to go in the race, Trulli and Chandok came together in a horrible crash just meters in front of Webber at the La Rascasse corner, and viewers and Red Bull supporters heart's were in their mouths. As a result of that crash, the safety car came out for the fourth time in the race and it was feared that Webber may not have the honour of racing over the line at full speed. However, the safety car came off the track with one corner before the finish line and Webber burnt the last of his tyres traction over the course of the following 300 meters. Despite the safety car incursions during the race, with 10 laps to go Webber was leading by nearly 6 seconds and was so far in front of second that the coverage had to go back to the field to find more viewer friendly competitive driving.

It was imperious driving from the Australian and when he crossed the finish line he became the first Australian to win the Monaco grand prix since 1959 (Sir Jack Brabham) and now finds himself equal leader in the F1 along with his teammate Sebastian Vettel. Webber has now picked up 50 points in 8 days and with Red Bull apparently making further changes to their car for the next race in Turkey it probably wont be the last points he picks up this season.

The Monaco grand prix is normally as unforgiving as Scarface and today's race was no different. For the uninitiated, the streets are not widened and the advantage is always with the driver at the front. There is very little room for error let alone overtaking and if you are trailing there are few opportunities to make up time and places. One of the ways to make up time is to rely on someone else crashing, which as is sure as seeing former Prime Minister John Howard at a sporting event in the Australian summer.

The sheer speed that the drivers reached on the street circuit was awe inspiring and terrifying at the same time. When Hulkenberg slammed into the wall in the tunnel on the first lap it was the first evidence of the risks of the course and sure enough Barrichello soon followed suit.  Another driver avoiding these crashes and other hurdles such as starting in the pits, due to crashing in qualifications, was Fernando Alonso who drove so aggressively that he made his way through the field like Jonah Lomu through an English rugby union team (circa 1995 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hN3KuenjmaY&NR=1) and eventually finished 7th.  Webber, however, was on another level as he tamed the circuit and after his Spanish victory last week he is clearly in a good vein of form and may be the dark horse in the championship.

World champion caught with Austin Powers Swedish syndrome...

Clearly 400m World and Olympic Champion LaShawn Merritt has been watching Austin Powers International Man of Mystery too many times. Merritt has been banned from competition with immediate effect and faces a lengthy ban by the International Association of Athletics Federations after he has been caught using a steroid.....for a penis enlargement.


Merritt won gold in the 400m at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and then followed that up by winning the same event at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin but was clearly not impressed by his own 'package' in the slow motion replays and turned to medicinal assistance.


When confronted by the allegation, Merritt did not think to much about his response as he could have used some better words to defend his actions rather than the following:


"To know that I've tested positive as a result of a product that I used for personal reasons is extremely difficult to wrap my hands around."


If Merritt was not already going to be the butt of all jokes on and off the athletics track, his own comments will have definitely 'raised' his profile. Lets just hope he can 'wrap' his head around his stupid mistake and learn from it.

NRL Mexicans lose it all

Today, south of the border, the Melbourne Storm proved that they had been to the Bernie Madoff school of business over the past 5 years by fraudulently paying $1.7 million of brown paper bag payments to various unnamed players.

After the Bulldogs scandal in 2002, the Storm were always going to be judged harshly, but when NRL CEO David Gallop announced their penalties, the NRL made Judge Judy look like a fairy princess.

The penalties are:

1. Stripped of 2007 and 2009 Premierships.
2. Stripped of 2006, 2007 and 2008 Minor Premierships.
3. $500,000 fine payable to the NRL.
4. Pay back $1.1 milion won in prize money (to be distributed equally to all other NRL clubs).
5. Stripped of all 2010 competition points earned to date.
6. Unable to earn any further 2010 competition points

You could hear the jaws of the reporting journalists hit the floor and the collective gasp of all people involved in rugby league such was the severity of the penalties.

There are many questions to answer following this shocking news, not the least being:

1. Who in the club knew? Was it limited to the the executives or were the players in on it as well? What about the players agents?
2. Are the Storm destined to join the North Sydney Bears, the Hunter Mariners, the Adelaide Rams, the Western Reds and the South Queensland Crushers in rugby league obscurity?
3. What will the sponsors do? Will we see a Tiger Woods-like exodus of sponsors? 
4. What must the Melbourne Rebels (the new Super 15 rugby union team) be thinking having poached ex-Storm CEO Waldron with many people now suggesting that he was the architect in the salary cap rort.
5. Subject to the terms in their contracts, the Storm players will arguably be able to break their contracts as the Storm have breached the trust and confidence of their contractual relationship by acting fraudulently. As such, will their be a flood of Storm players on the market?
6. Will there be tax and or criminal charges following these revelations?
7. What will the players do with those large and visible premiership tattoos?

All of these questions will undoubtedly be answered, some quicker than others, but the fallout may well damage rugby league's already dart board reputation beyond repair and play straight into the hands of Rugby Union, AFL and Football seeking to strengthen their respective footholds in the competitive Australian sports market.

Underage Sex Scandal

French football is in the midst of a sex scandal of epic proportions only 50 days before the beginning of the  world cup in South Africa.

Franck Ribery, the star French midfielder and subject of numerous transfer rumours, is at the heart of the sex scandal which allegedly involves underage prostitutes. Its not a good look for the 27 year old husband father of two nor is it a stabilising influence for the national team so close to the world cup.

The French are hardly the favourites for South African glory this summer having reached the event due to 'the hand of frog' (Thierry Henry's handball against the Irish in qualification sudden death) but this turmoil will surely not help their cause any further.

On an individual front, given John Terry's recent indiscretions and the hullabaloo that created, it is unlikely that the blue west london door of Chelsea is open. Just who will keep the door open and pay the pre-sex scandal asking price of 45 million euros for a player who may realistically end up in jail is anyones guess...

Lance Armstrong has the Sh*ts

Lance Armstrong's 2010 Tour De France preparations have been thrown into disarray with the cancer survivor spending more time on the porcelain throne than in the saddle.

Armstrong has been struck down with a severe case of gastroenteritis with only 2 months before the Tour commences and with no sign that he will recover quickly, there are doubts that he will make the start line in competitive condition. Armstrong was in the middle of the four-day Circuit de la Sarthe race, in the north-west of France when the illness struck. The bout was so bad that Armstrong returned home to his native Texas and has spent the last week recovering.

Armstrong recently tweeted that he was"Not so lucky I guess. Sicker than a dog now. This sucks." He has only just started eating food again. As such, serious questions now have to raised as to how ready Armstrong will be for the Tour. That said, if anyone has the willpower and determination to overcome the odds, Armstrong is a good bet.

NRL 2010 Season Preview

So ladies and gents 2009 had many surprises...what will 2010 bring....

Here is a little guide of what each team has done over the offseason and what can be expected from them with the season only a dogs pant away.

Storm - The Storm recently proved that they are not only a great team for winning the NRL premiership for the second time in four years but now by beating Leeds in the World Club Challenge and becoming the only Australian team to win the title twice (after also beating St. Helens in 2000), they must be considered as one of the all-time greatest teams. So with that heavy burden surely anything less than a Premiership would be a fail? Well not quite, but with their strength, depth and under the stewardship of Craig Bellamy, expect the Storm to be the benchmark that other teams will be measured against. Tip: Minor Premiers


Bulldogs - The Bulldogs have lost plenty of players, none more influential than El Mazri, but they have gained Steve Turner from the Storm and Dene Halatau from the Tigers. The majority of the players the doggies have lost were bit part players and so the core playing group remains. The addition of Turner and Halatau should add more attacking options and allow the doggies push further than last years semi-final. Tip: 2nd


Rabbitohs - It would be a shock if the Rabbits did not make the finals let alone the top 4. They have recruited very well (Sam Burgess, Dave Taylor and Ben Ross) on top of a solid team and of those recruits Sam Burgess looks a bargain and the man most likely to explode in the NRL in 2010. At only 22 years old he has the youthful exuberance, the skill, pace, power and brute force to make SBW look like a led-footed fairy (except when fleeing the country). Apart from Burgess, the Rabbits also have Rhys Wesser returning from injury and a forward pack that is an Aston Martin and Manaro rolled in one. Tip: 3rd


Tigers - Like the Rabbits, the Tigers have recruited very well. Clearly at the Four Nations last year with Australia, Tim Sheens went on a Tigers recruitment drive picking up 5 Super League players and enticing, all but one of them, to return home to the NRL, not the least being Lote Tuqiri. With a solid team, Sheen's coaching masterclass and Marshall having just signed a long term contract, the Tigers will enter the 2010 season full of enthusiasm and excitement. Tip: 4th


Eels - The question everyone will be asking is can the Eels repeat the performances that brought them rave reviews and took them all the way to the grand final last year? The answer to that question will depend on the form of Jarryd Hayne and also on how the new top recruits (Justin Poore, Timana Tahu, and Shane Shackleton) gel with the remaining core of the 2009 team. The Eels are notoriously inconsistent at some stage of the season that said once they get on a roll (see the end of 2009), they are hard to stop. Tip: 5th 


Titans - The Titans took a massive punt on Greg Bird and after watching pre-season trials and the All Star game, it seems like he's a deal, he's a steal, he's the sale of the flipping century. The rest of the Titan playing roster is a exciting mix of fine wines (Bailey, Rogers, Laffranchi) and some alcopops (Mead, Toopi, Tomane) and if they can become more consistent on their travels they will surely be a force in 2010. Look for them to stay in the top 4 most of the season and then fade come finals time. Tip: 6th


Sea Eagles - Whilst Manly have gained some good players (Seu Seu, Gulavao) they have lost some stars   (Orford, Hall, Cuthbertson) and their season will depend heavily on how quickly 19 year old Kiwi international Kieran Foran develops in the number 7 jumper. Manly will still be a powerful force throughout 2010 with Watmough, Stewart (x2), Lyons and Hasler at the reins they should collect more W's than L's Tip: 7th


Dragons - Whilst many tipsters are putting these guys in their top two or three teams for the 2010 season, the loss of Dell, Poore and Paea and without any serious replacements, these tipsters are relying on the coaching wizadry of Bennett and the remaining core of the squad to reproduce their 2009 form. Relying on Bennett is not much of a risk, but with the number of players likely to be involved in the representative arena, even Bennett will be challenged and the Dragons will just make the finals. Tip: 8th


Cowboys - Willie or wont he be a blessing up the north? There is no doubt that Willie Mason has been like a three-legged racehorse in the steeplechase over the past 2 years but in the company of his old mate Thurston and under Neil Henry he should hopefully find some of his old rampaging form. Nevertheless, look to them to be inconsistent through the year as they, like many of the northern teams, struggle to travel. They will finish outside the eight and it could be the last we see of the Big Willie. Tip: 9th


Panthers - The chocolate soldiers will improve on their 11th place last year but not by much. Too much will rest on the shoulders of Pritchard and Jennings and the depth of their squad is like a fish tank rather than a lake. Much has been made of their beefing up pre-season (see Sammut and Coote) but all the girls curls in the world wont get them the trophy they are after. Tip: 10th


Broncos - The Bronco's will struggle this year. They have lost Hunt and Taylor. In their place they have gained troubled former star Tim Smith. The pre-season trials have shown that Smith has not lost his touch and provided he can keep his head off the field, the Broncos might do ok. That said Hodges is out for the first half of the season and lets face it, Lockyer, is no longer the dominator he once was. Tip: 11th


Roosters - Brian Smith has some work to do to turn the eastern suburbs boys from vacant poodles as they were under Fitler into ferocious attack minded piranhas. They will miss the wise old head of Fitzgibbon who has headed to super league, along with the Ogre Mark O'Meley. That said they have gained Jason Ryles coming the other way and with Todd Carney proving his worth after some time in the country, the Roosters will improve in 2010, but 2011 will be more their year. Tip: 12th


Sharks - They have Barrett and Gallen, but they are not the youngest (Barrett) nor the most reliable (Gallen - can he stop himself from being involved in a ball grab/racist/cheap shot scandal?). Apart from these two, the shire boys dont have a great deal to offer. Apart from my tip of ladder position, there is good money for Ricky Stuart to be the first coach booted in 2010 Tip: 13th


Warriors - New Zealanders should stick to rugby union. I dont know any Kiwi's that support the Warriors let alone any that even care about their week to week form. They have no real stars apart from Price and Tate who, when fit, are walk up Kangaroos. They have taken a punt on a club (both late night and NRL) reject in Seymour, but he will be unable to ignite a backline without a wick even when he is playing well. Tip: 14th


Raiders - These guys are only a tiny bit better than the Knights. Whilst they were occasionally troublesome at home for more fancied teams last year, they have added only a bit of moss on the stone in terms of players. Without any real talent added and the ability to travel like an agoraphobic frail grandma, the Raiders will end up in the bottom 3 teams this year. Malcolm Turnbull has more chance of regaining the liberal leadership than the Raiders have of making the 2010 NRL finals. Tip: 15th


Knights - It wouldnt matter if Andrew Johns came out of retirement or if a 25 year old Alan Langer, Wally Lewis and Mal Maninger were unfrozen from cryogenic chambers and joined the team this season, the Knights are a right off. Due to the off season drug issues, their season has imploded before it began. Will probably only add some kitchenware this year. Tip: Wooden Spoon


Grand Finalists - Storm v Bulldogs


Premiers - Storm

Team Canada skates all over US

Team Canada skated, bumped, faced off, and slap 'shotted' their way to ice hockey glory against Team USA, but not without true Olympic drama.

The entire match was at a frenetic pace with players skating up and back the rink faster than pistons in a V8 race car. It was tiring just to watch so spare a thought for these gladiators on ice. Throw into the mix more body checks and legally physical beatings and you have the gold medal grudge match where it was amazing that the teams had players still standing at the end.

To set the scene, Canadians have wanted nothing more than for Team Canada to win the gold medal at their home Olympics. Of course all of the other gold medals have been celebrated and revered accordingly, however, the men's ice hockey gold medal is the holy grail for all Canadians. This was illustrated no more obviously than when some members of the Canadian men's short track speed skating relay team came out wearing Canadian ice hockey tops after they themselves had triumphed in their event. Ice hockey to Canadians is what AFL is to Melbournians, rugby union is to New Zelanders or football is to Brazilians.

The women's Team Canada had paved the way by winning their respective gold medal match also over the women's Team USA. Now it was up to the men to bring home the holy grail.

Team Canada struck first with Jonathan Toews pouncing on a rebound off Team USA goaltender Ryan Miller in the first period. From a tight angle on the right of the goal, Toews threaded the needle between goal post and goal tender Miller and put Team Canada ahead 1-0. Canadians didn't not have to wait much longer for further celebration as they stormed to a two goal lead mid way through the 2nd period after Corey Perry also pounced on a rebound and slotted his shot past the left shoulder of Miller into the top right corner of the goal. At that point you could see the faces in the crowd nervously daring to dream that the holy grail was within their reach.

This nervous excitement turned to anxiety as Team USA forward Patrick Kane's innocuous 2nd period flick shot was deflected goal bound by his team mate Ryan Kessler. The puck somehow squeezed through Team Canada goaltender Roberto Luongo's arm and body to put Team USA back in the game.

Team Canada had lead the entire match and appeared to have the match wrapped up with only 2 minutes to go. However, with 90 seconds left in regulation time and with Team Canada now leading by a solitary goal, Team USA replaced Miller with an attacking player to storm the Canadian goal and try to force overtime. With just 24 seconds left in the game Zach Parise broke Canadian hearts by stealing a goal and forcing the game into overtime. Canadians had good reason to feel doubly aggrieved as Parise is the son of a former Team Canada and NHL All Star player JP Parise.

The game moved into overtime (where it is golden goal) and shots were flying aplenty and the question on everyone's lips were could Team Canada recover from the last second heartbreak or would Team USA's momentum continue to glory.

This question was answered 7.40 minutes into overtime when Team Canada's boy wonder Sidney Crosby slid in from the left flank, slotted a shot between the legs of Miller into the goal and sent Canada into nirvana. Amazing game, amazing result and a relieved and ecstatic Canada.

Links:

http://www.vancouversun.com/Canada+wins+hockey+gold+sets+Olympic+record/2624980/story.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympic_games/vancouver_2010/ice_hockey/8540966.stm

Australia v Pakistan - Sydney Test Match

An apparently monumental mistake by Ricky Ponting electing to bat first on a wicket that was more green than the Incredible Hulk turned out to be a masterstoke. That said, there were certainly whisperings in the crowd of a great escape as Pakistan stole defeat from the jaws of victory.

The first day of the test was delayed due to heavy rain. Once play resumed at around 2.30pm, Australia sought to establish a healthy 1st innings score. However, things did not go according to plan. After Australia's meagre first innings score of 127 (http://www.cricinfo.com/ausvpak09/engine/current/match/406200.html), it was clear for all to see that the swing ghosts of ashes past were still shamefully evident. Sami and Asif, with the significant aid of humid and overcast conditions, swung, cut and ripped through the Australian lineup within 45 overs. In short, Australia's bastmen handled swing like a child handles astrophysics.

Were it not for the batting of Watson and Hussey (with arguably the support of Siddle) and the bowling of Hauritz in the respective 2nd innings there is no doubt that Australia would not have prevailed. To Australia's credit, they applied immense pressure in the field and held the catches that ultimately helped them get over the line.

Australia was significantly helped in its push for victory by impatient Pakistani batsmen who appeared to be set on sightseeing on the 5th day rather than patiently seeing through the achievable 176 runs. Many commentators have said that the age of 20/20 cricket is upon us and influencing young players emerging onto the test arena. This was evident in how the Pakistanis approached the final run chase. Had they applied the tortoise versus the hare approach it is likely that they would have coasted home. After all, they had a day and a half to make the runs.

As I was exiting the SCG at the end of day 4, I could've sworn that I heard someone whistling the tune from The Great Escape. Then, when I saw a cardboard cutout of Steve McQueen on his famous motorbike from the same movie, it was clear that I was not alone in thinking that Australia was lucky and perhaps Ponting was vindicated in his election to bat first in bowling friendly conditions.

Next, the test series moves to Hobart for the third and final test where it will be interesting to see whether:

1. Pakistan can recover from what must be a mentally damaging loss and avoid a whitewash;

2. Kamran Akmal has done some much needed glovework to limit the large number of his dropped catches (3 off Hussey alone in his 2nd innings century) during the test match. Interestingly, it has been suggested that former Australian great Ian Healy, has offered his services to improve Akmal's glovework;

3. North and Hughes survive a the selector's knife;

4. Ponting can score some much needed runs whilst at the same time putting away his beloved pull shot which has been his downfall on at least three occasions this summer; and

5. Watson (aka 'Get Smart' due to his regular scores between 86 and 99) can finally convert good scores into centuries.

Australia v Pakistan - Boxing Day Test Match

What an enthralling test match.

Australia were ultimately successful (see the attached link for the full scoreboard http://www.cricinfo.com/ausvpak09/engine/match/406199.html), however, a number of talking points arose and will undoubtedly be examined between now and the 2nd Test (commencing in Sydney on 3 January 2010).

Firstly, does Australia need a communications coach? Australia seems to have a coach for numerous other areas (see fielding and bowling) but apparently the art of conversation between the wickets has been left behind like a overweight sprint cyclist heading up the mountains in the Tour De France. If this is not addressed, will someone at least speak to Katich and Watson and tell them that communication is vital between the wickets. At the very least, it is something that is ingrained in young cricketers psyche at the U10 level but somehow these two openers slipped through the system. This was illustrated, to their own detriment when, in the first innings, both batsmen were on the verge of their centuries, and they ended up at the same end after Katich had played a shot to gully. Eventually (after the 3rd umpire had reviewed who had placed their foot down over the crease first), Watson was given his marching orders and his disappointment was there for all 60,000 Melbournians to see as he trudged off the ground head hanging down and feet dragged.

Importantly, a telling and damning statistic is that Katich has been involved in 9 test run-outs with his partner being run out on 8 occasions. Similarly, on the 4th day’s play of this test, Watson left his partner Johnson high and dry (thankfully after Johnson had become just the 5th player in test history to take 50 wickets and score more than 500 runs in a calendar year) and as such he cannot be excused from communication classes.

Secondly, Australia’s batsmen failing to reach three figures has been as amusing as watching the number of women come forward and say they are Tiger Woods’ ‘true love’. Prior to Watson reaching 100 (although he tried his best to again stay in double figures – more on that shortly), there were 17 scores of 50 or more but none resulting in triple figures. In keeping with the theme of hiring more coaches for different aspects of the team, does the team need to hire a full time sports psychologist? And if they already have one, surely he or she needs to have his or her performance reviewed after this run of scores above 50 without any significant scores following.

Thirdly, Pakistan’s fielding was at times laughable and at other times hilarious. On numerous occasions, Pakistan appeared to have 11 players on the ground who were either blind, had one arm tied behind their back or treated the ball like a bar of soap in a jail and none of the players wanted to bend over to pick it up. The most notable incident was when Watson was on 99 and spooned a dolly of a catch to gully where Abdur Rauf was clearly unaware of Watson's previous form in the 90's and proceeded to drop the ball like it was a pair of used underpants. Pakistan will most definitely need to spend some time on the training park sharpening up their fielding as the long held motto of 'catches win matches' may well have proved true had Pakistan held the numerous chances which came their way.

Fourthly, spare a thought for Australia’s state spinners. When there were whispers of Hauritz not being fit to take the field, Steve Smith’s name was thrust forward as being his likely replacement. Pakistan’s captain Mohammed Yousef poignantly said what most Australian’s were thinking when he said ‘Steve who?’ in an interview prior to the test match. It is strange that Australia’s selectors have elected to push Smith’s case at the expense of numerous other spinners with test experience, albeit short and not always fruitful (Krezja – 2 Tests for 13 wickets, McGain - 1 Tests for 0 wickets, Casson - 1 Tests for 3 wickets, White 4 Tests for 5 wickets). Whilst Hauritz performed well in the 2nd Pakistani innings, should he not perform well or be injured in the immediate future, the selectors should at least consider some of the tried and discarded players before rushing to blood a young and unproven spinner such as Smith

Finally, Pakistan lasted almost 5 days and pushed Australia at certain points of the match and proved that they will not be a push over this summer (subject to their fielding improving). In particular, if they are able to recall Danish Kaneria for the 2nd and 3rd Tests they will have a quality spin bowler to counter balance their impressive pace attack. The 2nd Test Match should be an interesting one, especially on a traditionally spinner friendly pitch so stay tuned to see what happens as I will be at each day of the test with camera in hand.

Wallaby Spring Tour Interview with Luke Burgess

Just before the Wallabies travelled to Tokyo to take on the All Blacks in Bledisloe 4, I spoke to Wallaby Halfback Luke Burgess about the Spring Tour and the impending challenges he and the team faced.

Below is the candid interview that I had with him just prior to his departure (may take a few moments to load).

All Blacks Bledisloe whitewash

Both teams commenced their spring tours with Bledisloe 4 in Tokyo. However, the result shows that the All Blacks have gained from a 6 week break from playing together, whereas the same problems that have plagued the Wallabies throughout the Tri-Nations have not been improved during their break.

The opening stanzas were a little scrappy but the game was quickly brought to life by a wonderful break from Will Genia. He scooted 50 meters before linking up with James O’Connor. Whilst O’Connor did not score it showed that the Wallabies were willing to throw the ball around.

That willingness however did not convert into momentum as the All Blacks hit back in imperious form with a masterful try in the corner. Sivivatu was the man to cross the paint but importantly it showed that the All Black players have a skill level that on the whole is slightly higher then the Wallabies players. The ball went through numerous hands like it was a hot potato, and the All Blacks don’t need to look where they are passing as they are always in support.

The Wallabies looked to hit back straight away with some bustling running, but they fell short with Thorne executing a brilliant strip to regain control of the ball. And with that the game fell into a bit of a rut with the ball acting like a slippery soap that neither team could catch.

The Wallabies appeared to catch that soap with some quick passing and wide running, albeit when they did succeed in doing that they were left isolated.

Just before halftime the game took an unexpected turn…Sivivatu tackled Adam Ashley-Cooper high in the air and even though he was quick to apologise he was sent from the ground for a 10 minute breather.

With that the Wallabies made the most of the numerical advantage. Will Genia’s pass found Pocock on the bounce. Pocock burst through the ALL Black line. The Wallabies retained the ball from the ensuing ruck and went wide to Heynes who despite being smashed by 3 covering All Black’s was adjudged to have grounded the ball.

This was the Wallabies first try against the All Blacks since the 1^st Bledisloe cup match in Auckland earlier this year.

The momentum appeared to swing briefly in the Wallabies favour. From the restart the Wallabies managed to regather the ball and Genia chipped over the All Black ruck. Heynes chased onto it and but for the diving efforts of Nonu (who illegally pushed the ball over the dead ball line rugby league style) would have scored the Wallabies second try.

From the ensuing scrum, Palu ran forward like a rhino and it was only a miracle tackle from Cowan that stopped him from scoring and held up the ball over the paint. Again another scrum to the Wallabies, but the All Blacks quickly regathered and kicked for touch.

With the momentum heavily in favour of the Wallabies, the All Blacks fortunately held on until half time without conceding any further points.

Wallabies 16-13 All Blacks

The second half started with many Wallabies realising that whilst they have lead 5 out of the past 6 Bledisloe cup matches, they have failed to bring home the bacon in each of those games. And it did not start well for the Wallabies with Heynes knocking on from the restart.

This would prove to be indicative of the Wallabies second half performance as again they lost their way against some solid and crunching All Black defence and pressure.

The All Blacks piled on point after point evincing memories of the comments made by Robbie Deans after the last loss (i.e. that the Wallabies ‘rolled over’ at the end).

On many occasions, Wallabies were left isolated in the tackle and the All Blacks turned over the ball faster than Paris Hilton changes boyfriends.

The All Blacks second try all but sealed the match. It was again a try made out of nothing. Sivivatu broke through the line and was dragged down by some covering Wallaby defenders. The All Blacks managed to get quick ball and Cory Jane made a break from nothing, got his hands free and put Conrad Smith over for a try. Smiths journey to the line (all 5 meters of it) was littered with Wallaby players, but apparently there was a sniper in the stand as all the defenders appeared to fall down without laying a hand on Smith.

From there on, whilst the Wallabies tried to mount some counter attacks, they simply had no answer to the All Black defence and commitment. Even bringing on George Smith for his 106^th cap did not alter the changing winds of the second half. G.Smith did have some impact but his fellow players did not follow his energetic lead.

Sadly, the mistakes kept flowing and the Wallabies appeared to have rested on their first half laurels. Of particular annoyance for the Wallaby staff will have been the silly penalties and ball retention that the Wallabies struggled to control in the second half.

Finally, the All Blacks could have won by a bigger margin had they not butchered a try over the line. Having said that, from about the 70 minute mark their win was never in doubt.

Again this loss will highlight a number of things for the Wallabies, but most importantly the need to get the basics right. There were so many passes that did not hit the mark or that were knocked on that should that continue in Europe, any notion of a Grand Slam will be amended to ‘a challenging and developing tour’ party line.

On the other hand, the All Blacks look very good to have a successful spring tour and they are perhaps starting to build some momentum for the 2011 World Cup.

In short, another frustrating loss by the Wallabies 32-19 and yet more bragging rights to the All Blacks.

Storm clinch 2009 NRL title - Vini Vidi Vici

On Sunday evening the Melbourne Storm sent the western suburbs of Sydney into a spiral of depression. Meanwhile the majority of Melbourne jumped on a sporting bandwagon that has no signs of abating.

Melbournians, on the whole, know about as much about rugby league as Chicago knows about Olympic bid techniques, but they appreciate quality when they see it. They will claim the Storm victory as their own and hail it as a certainty, whilst at the same time wondering what a maths fraction has to do with Brett Finch.

In contrast, Parramatta knows rugby league like Einstein knew physics. Parramatta had surfed a wave of optimism for the past 3 months where they believed anything was possible. And why not? They had beaten the Dragons (Minor Premiers), Titans (3rd Place) and the Bulldogs (2nd place) to get to the big show, not to mention everyone else just to make the finals. Many Eels fans thought that this was the end of their long premiership drought (stretching back to 1986) and a return to their glory days of the 1980's.

How wrong they were. Anyone who saw the opening seconds of the match would have realised that the hit on Fui Fui Moi Moi was evidence that the Storm were not going to roll over and play dead. Yes Moi Moi hit back (see the hit on Brett White) over and over again, but without fellow enforcers, excluding Hindmarsh (who made a staggering 62 tackles) he was for the most part strangely uninspiring.

There was no doubt that the Eels were the underdogs and the way they played showed this. They threw the ball around like it was a pair of dirty jocks and created numerous breaks up the unusually soft Storm ruck. But for all their flamboyance and skill the Eels could simply not break through the last line of impenetrable Storm defence. It didn't help the Eels' cause, in fact some might argue that it created the bridge to far, when Inglis and Slater decided to leave their own marks on the game with two amazing tries.

To their credit, when all seemed lost, the Eels came back from the dead. It was that man again, Moi Moi, who led from the front (this time with some weary but courageous followers) and had the Eels back and within a whiff of victory after his rampaging run and try in the corner deep in the second half.

The Storm quickly put an end to the Eel revival with Inglis' drop goal (one of the ugliest drop goals you'll ever see, but nevertheless successful) and with only a few minutes left the premiership was again heading south.

Despite Melbourne's general lack of understanding about the game, the Storm's victory will go some way to illustrating that they have one of the best teams of all time in their own back yard. Rugby League is far from being a religion in the way that AFL is but this team is special. No ordinary team makes 4 grand finals in a row. And with such a high rate of player turn over Bellamy has shown that he has that inspirational coaching quality of make good players a hell of a lot better when under his tutelage. It obviously doesn't hurt having a core group of players such as Smith, Slater, Inglis, Cronk and Hoffman to further your success, but prior to this season who had ever heard of Dane Nielsen, Aidan Tolman, and Ryan Tandy. Only 2010 will tell whether Bellamy can do it all over again, but with that core back again for another tilt, don't rule it out.

A small aside, this was Daniel Anderson's third grand final loss in a row as he had lost the last two English Super League Finals with Leeds. As they always say, things come in threes, so what are the chances of a turnaround next year? He will find it particularly difficult with the salary cap putting a huge squeeze on his playing resources, but he turned around the club from being near bottom dwellers to grand finalists so nothing is beyond the realms of possibility. Having said that bookies are already putting the Storm back near the top of the favourites for the 2010 premiership, so there is no doubt 2010 will be eagerly awaited by sports fans all over the world. Only 156 days to go.....