David EdwardsWeekend Wrap - When Irish Batters Are Smiling
March 18th 2007 14:06
Well the footy season is once again upon us. The NRL started its 2007 season, whilst the AFL gave us a taste of things to come next week. Follow that up with a few surprises in the ICC Cricket World Cup, and the Melbourne F1 to name a few and this weekend was heaven for the sporting fans!
Lets start with the NRL , and a few upsets were had in the first round of the 2007 season. The Newcastle Knights overcame an injury to star captain Andrew Johns and a 24-8 half time deficit to take the game 25-24 against the Bulldogs. The Knights were able to tie up the match late in the second half, before a field goal by Kurt Gidley gave them a dramatic first round win. The predicted premiers Melbourne Storm won their first match of the season, however were unable to thoroughly thrash the West Tigers at home, only to scape a win in by two points, winning 18-16.
Manly scored the biggest win of the round, and therefore top of the table after one round, defeating the predicted wooden spooners Canberra 32-6. The win to Manly, who were in control the entire match, was despite losing players such as Steve Matai and Steve Menzies to injuries in the first 30 minutes. Last year’s premiers Brisbane were upset by the Cowboys on Friday night, losing to North Queensland 23-16. The Cowboys were in form in the first half, taking a 16-6 lead. However the Broncos tied up the match with two quick tries in the second half, but Bowen scored a vital try in the final six minutes of the match to give the victory to the Cowboys.
In other games, Cronulla scored their first win since June last to take out the Panthers 18-0, the New Zealand Warriors thumped the Parramatta Eels at home 34-18, and the Dragons ruined the perfect start to the Titans inaugural NRL game, winning 20-18 despite Gold Coast fighting back in the second half to get within two points.
In the AFL Carlton once again became the force in the pre-season competition, taking out the NAB Pre-Season Cup against Brisbane 2.12.7 (97) to 0.10.12 (72). The Blues were looking quite lacklustre in the first half, letting Brisbane take the momentum and despite horrible kicking accuracy in front of goals, sneak out to a seven point lead by half time. Yet in the third quarter the Blues came back in force and took back the lead, which Brisbane could never recover for the rest of the match. Whilst many people throughout Carlton are satisfied with the pre-season glory, critics are already pointing out the last time the Blues took the cup in 2005, which resulted in them winning the wooden spoon at the end of the regular season.
In the ICC World Cup South Africa was able to thoroughly show off their one day strength, absolutely demolishing the Netherlands by 221 runs. The game was completely one sided towards South Africa, and held two records as South Africa hit an amazing 18 sixes in their innings, including the impossible feat where Herschel Gibbs became the first player in one day history to hit six 6’s in one over, doing so against Daan van Bunge (remember that name, it will be a vital trivia question one day!). New Zealand struck first blood in their first group match, beating England by six wickets. Helped by half-centuries by Styris and Oram, they were able the reach their target of 210 with nine overs to spare.
In other games Sri Lanka crushed minnows Bermuda by 243 runs, and Banglasdesh scored a stunning five wicket upset over India. Set 192 for victory, Bangladesh reached the target with five balls to spare. India are now in the hot seat, having to now win their next two matches against Bermuda and Sri Lanka to be in contention for the next round.
However the most interesting story is coming from the biggest upset the World Cup has ever seen. Ireland entered the World Cup as a minnow side, but now have become the dark horse of the competition after two upsets so far in the competition. Ireland first tied their match with Zimbabwe, after they were looking to be on the path of a easy victory against the Emerald Isle. However the Irish left the best for their next match, where on their day (st. Patricks Day), they celebrating by knocking Pakistan out of contention with an impressive three wicket victory. Ireland had limited Pakistan to only 132 runs, which was reduced to 128 due to the duckworth lewis system. They went in to bat, and despite losing a number of players at the worst possible times, pushed through and were able to reach the target in 41 overs, finishing off with a six to take the match. Pakistan are now out of the competition after losing their first two matches, and now have only Zimbabwe to face. Ireland on the other hand, are at the top of their group for the time being, and now face the probable chance of entering the final 8, where they could upset the entire competition.
In Melbourne over the weekend the Formula One Grand Prix started off its season, and Kimi Raikkonen showed that after the Shumacher era, Ferarri are still the dominant force, taking out the race. After taking pole position, Raikkonen was never in threat of losing, or even under pressure, as he finished 7.2 seconds in front of 2nd placed Aloso. But the biggest surprise came from Britain rookie Lewis Hamilton, who was able to fight in his McLaren car to take his first podium in his first race.
In the EPL Manchester United still tops the table with seven games remaining, thumping Bolton 4-1. Chelsea is still in contention to upset the leaders, running 2nd after their 3-0 win against Sheffield United. In other games, Manchester City beat Middlesborough 2-0, Tottenham beat Watford 3-1, West Ham came off a five game losing streak beating Blackburn 2-1, Wigan tied with Fulham 0-0 and Portsmouth drew with Reading 0-0.
In the Super 14’s , the Sharks won their 6th match beating the Hurricanes 27-14. The Western Force also showed their dominance, thrashing the lacklustre Queensland Reds 38-3. In other games, the Stormers beat the Waratahs 16-10, the Crusaders thumped the Bulls 32-10, the Cheetahs beat the Brumbies 38-20, and the Chiefs beat the Lions 34-7.
We are now in the thick of the 2007 sporting season, and I would not want to be anywhere else. With the AFL starting its season next week, all I can do is relax until next Friday night, as it starts all over again! What a great time to be a sports fan.
Until next time, sporting minds.
Lets start with the NRL , and a few upsets were had in the first round of the 2007 season. The Newcastle Knights overcame an injury to star captain Andrew Johns and a 24-8 half time deficit to take the game 25-24 against the Bulldogs. The Knights were able to tie up the match late in the second half, before a field goal by Kurt Gidley gave them a dramatic first round win. The predicted premiers Melbourne Storm won their first match of the season, however were unable to thoroughly thrash the West Tigers at home, only to scape a win in by two points, winning 18-16.
Manly scored the biggest win of the round, and therefore top of the table after one round, defeating the predicted wooden spooners Canberra 32-6. The win to Manly, who were in control the entire match, was despite losing players such as Steve Matai and Steve Menzies to injuries in the first 30 minutes. Last year’s premiers Brisbane were upset by the Cowboys on Friday night, losing to North Queensland 23-16. The Cowboys were in form in the first half, taking a 16-6 lead. However the Broncos tied up the match with two quick tries in the second half, but Bowen scored a vital try in the final six minutes of the match to give the victory to the Cowboys.
In other games, Cronulla scored their first win since June last to take out the Panthers 18-0, the New Zealand Warriors thumped the Parramatta Eels at home 34-18, and the Dragons ruined the perfect start to the Titans inaugural NRL game, winning 20-18 despite Gold Coast fighting back in the second half to get within two points.
In the AFL Carlton once again became the force in the pre-season competition, taking out the NAB Pre-Season Cup against Brisbane 2.12.7 (97) to 0.10.12 (72). The Blues were looking quite lacklustre in the first half, letting Brisbane take the momentum and despite horrible kicking accuracy in front of goals, sneak out to a seven point lead by half time. Yet in the third quarter the Blues came back in force and took back the lead, which Brisbane could never recover for the rest of the match. Whilst many people throughout Carlton are satisfied with the pre-season glory, critics are already pointing out the last time the Blues took the cup in 2005, which resulted in them winning the wooden spoon at the end of the regular season.
In the ICC World Cup South Africa was able to thoroughly show off their one day strength, absolutely demolishing the Netherlands by 221 runs. The game was completely one sided towards South Africa, and held two records as South Africa hit an amazing 18 sixes in their innings, including the impossible feat where Herschel Gibbs became the first player in one day history to hit six 6’s in one over, doing so against Daan van Bunge (remember that name, it will be a vital trivia question one day!). New Zealand struck first blood in their first group match, beating England by six wickets. Helped by half-centuries by Styris and Oram, they were able the reach their target of 210 with nine overs to spare.
In other games Sri Lanka crushed minnows Bermuda by 243 runs, and Banglasdesh scored a stunning five wicket upset over India. Set 192 for victory, Bangladesh reached the target with five balls to spare. India are now in the hot seat, having to now win their next two matches against Bermuda and Sri Lanka to be in contention for the next round.
However the most interesting story is coming from the biggest upset the World Cup has ever seen. Ireland entered the World Cup as a minnow side, but now have become the dark horse of the competition after two upsets so far in the competition. Ireland first tied their match with Zimbabwe, after they were looking to be on the path of a easy victory against the Emerald Isle. However the Irish left the best for their next match, where on their day (st. Patricks Day), they celebrating by knocking Pakistan out of contention with an impressive three wicket victory. Ireland had limited Pakistan to only 132 runs, which was reduced to 128 due to the duckworth lewis system. They went in to bat, and despite losing a number of players at the worst possible times, pushed through and were able to reach the target in 41 overs, finishing off with a six to take the match. Pakistan are now out of the competition after losing their first two matches, and now have only Zimbabwe to face. Ireland on the other hand, are at the top of their group for the time being, and now face the probable chance of entering the final 8, where they could upset the entire competition.
In Melbourne over the weekend the Formula One Grand Prix started off its season, and Kimi Raikkonen showed that after the Shumacher era, Ferarri are still the dominant force, taking out the race. After taking pole position, Raikkonen was never in threat of losing, or even under pressure, as he finished 7.2 seconds in front of 2nd placed Aloso. But the biggest surprise came from Britain rookie Lewis Hamilton, who was able to fight in his McLaren car to take his first podium in his first race.
In the EPL Manchester United still tops the table with seven games remaining, thumping Bolton 4-1. Chelsea is still in contention to upset the leaders, running 2nd after their 3-0 win against Sheffield United. In other games, Manchester City beat Middlesborough 2-0, Tottenham beat Watford 3-1, West Ham came off a five game losing streak beating Blackburn 2-1, Wigan tied with Fulham 0-0 and Portsmouth drew with Reading 0-0.
In the Super 14’s , the Sharks won their 6th match beating the Hurricanes 27-14. The Western Force also showed their dominance, thrashing the lacklustre Queensland Reds 38-3. In other games, the Stormers beat the Waratahs 16-10, the Crusaders thumped the Bulls 32-10, the Cheetahs beat the Brumbies 38-20, and the Chiefs beat the Lions 34-7.
We are now in the thick of the 2007 sporting season, and I would not want to be anywhere else. With the AFL starting its season next week, all I can do is relax until next Friday night, as it starts all over again! What a great time to be a sports fan.
Until next time, sporting minds.
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