England will not be going to Euro 2008 after suffering a 3-2 home defeat to Croatia, along with Russia's one nil victory in Andorra, which left England 3rd in the group.
The likelihood is that Steve McClaren will now lose his job, despite his relucatance post-match to quit, an FA Board meeting tomorrow morning may make the decision for him. England lacked direction, leadership and quality both on and off the pitch last night. On the pitch, we looked clueless and only seemed to play the football required when we were behind. The defence was all over the place, and the decision to drop Robinson, in the end, has condembed McClaren. Off the pitch, the leadership in making the right decisions by the coaching staff was also amiss. Nobody is saying Carson isn't a good goalkeeper, but to give him his competitive debut in such a big match was perhaps not the best decision ever made. The early error which gave Croatia the lead showed his nerves, but he did make some good saves later on. Just consider this though, we were playing without our first choice back four; instead of Gary Neville, Ferdinand, Terry and Ashley Cole, we had Richards, Campbell, Lescott and Bridge; so would this be the game you choose to blood a new goalkeeper? I think not! The decision also completely pushed David James out of the frame. If Robinson was to be dropped, it was to be for James, not Carson. The time for big decisions was 15 months ago, not on the most important game of the qualifying group.
It is true that England through qualification away in other games. Drawing at home to Macedonia, then the mistakes in Croatia, and then losing in Russia having taken the lead, left our hopes dangling by a thread. But we got a second chance, even a third chance when we pulled it back to 2-2, but it wasn't to be. Gutless, toothless, clueless, whatever the adjective, we were poor, and hopefully not making the finals will kick the FA into action over sorting out the mess that is the England team once and for all. Decisions need to be made about grassroots, money, playing as a team, etc, and then there needs to be a clear directive and plan about the best way forward. Oh, and find a decent coach. I hear Mourinho is still unemployed...
Thursday, 22 November 2007
Tuesday, 20 November 2007
Our destiny is in our hands again
On Wednesday, England will take on Croatia at Wembley safe in the knowledge that a draw will see them qualify for the EURO 2008 finals next summer, and we have Israel to thank for giving us this chance, but it will mean nothing unless we do the business against Croatia. An win for England would see them top the group, which is quite astonishing, considering the dire situation everyone thought we were in this time last week. But that is the beauty of sport, it can change just like that and you have to take what it gives you. England have been given a second chance, let's take it!
But how do we take this chance? Do we play for a draw or go out for a win? There is no Owen or Rooney, so do we play Crouch up front on his own, or do we play Jermain Defoe alongside him. Stevie Mac has a lot to ponder, including whether to keep Beckham and Lampard in the side, or does he recall Barry and Wright-Phillips who have performed admirably in recent performances for England.
One thing is for sure though, England have a great group of talented players, but its not always the best players or the most talented players who make the best team. Stevie Mac has some tough decisions to make, so let's all hope he has the bottle to do it. Picking the players who make the team a better one is tough to do, but it is also hard leaving experienced players on the sidelines.
With the players we have, 4-4-2 doesn't really suit us. We have always had a problem down the left wing, and with fitting Gerrard and Lampard in the team. Joe Cole has done a fantastic job on the left, but it stifles his attacking threat. We should be picking genuine wingers, like Ashley Young, or players in his mould, with pace and a real attacking threat. However, if Stevie Mac wants to go with these players, I think playing a 3-5-2/5-3-2 formation is the way forward. Ben Foster, in my opinion, will end up as England's number one was recovered from injury, with Green and Carson as understudies, fullbacks will be Richards on the right and either Ashley Cole or Wayne Bridge on the left, with Ferdinand, Terry and King in the middle. Gareth Barry, Owen Hargreaves or Michael Carrick will play the holding role, with 3 from Gerrard, Lampard and Joe Cole as the two attacking midfield options, and then, if fit, Owen and Rooney up front, with Crouch, Defoe, Bent, Johnson, etc waiting in the wings. I do not believe this is the best England team possible with the players available in the country, but with the players Stevie Mac seems to be going with, this seems the best way to get the best out of the players he has. Of course this won't work for the Croatia match as lots of these players are unavailable, but I think the pace of the players at Aston Villa is something England should take notice of that and think about building in a similar way to that.
That's a long term view, the short term is getting a result on Wednesday against Croatia, and getting to the EURO 2008 finals.
But how do we take this chance? Do we play for a draw or go out for a win? There is no Owen or Rooney, so do we play Crouch up front on his own, or do we play Jermain Defoe alongside him. Stevie Mac has a lot to ponder, including whether to keep Beckham and Lampard in the side, or does he recall Barry and Wright-Phillips who have performed admirably in recent performances for England.
One thing is for sure though, England have a great group of talented players, but its not always the best players or the most talented players who make the best team. Stevie Mac has some tough decisions to make, so let's all hope he has the bottle to do it. Picking the players who make the team a better one is tough to do, but it is also hard leaving experienced players on the sidelines.
With the players we have, 4-4-2 doesn't really suit us. We have always had a problem down the left wing, and with fitting Gerrard and Lampard in the team. Joe Cole has done a fantastic job on the left, but it stifles his attacking threat. We should be picking genuine wingers, like Ashley Young, or players in his mould, with pace and a real attacking threat. However, if Stevie Mac wants to go with these players, I think playing a 3-5-2/5-3-2 formation is the way forward. Ben Foster, in my opinion, will end up as England's number one was recovered from injury, with Green and Carson as understudies, fullbacks will be Richards on the right and either Ashley Cole or Wayne Bridge on the left, with Ferdinand, Terry and King in the middle. Gareth Barry, Owen Hargreaves or Michael Carrick will play the holding role, with 3 from Gerrard, Lampard and Joe Cole as the two attacking midfield options, and then, if fit, Owen and Rooney up front, with Crouch, Defoe, Bent, Johnson, etc waiting in the wings. I do not believe this is the best England team possible with the players available in the country, but with the players Stevie Mac seems to be going with, this seems the best way to get the best out of the players he has. Of course this won't work for the Croatia match as lots of these players are unavailable, but I think the pace of the players at Aston Villa is something England should take notice of that and think about building in a similar way to that.
That's a long term view, the short term is getting a result on Wednesday against Croatia, and getting to the EURO 2008 finals.
Tuesday, 23 October 2007
McLaren finish empty handed
Hamilton and Alonso have tussled for the lead in the Formula One Championship all season, and in the end, they both came away with nothing. Both McLaren drivers finished the season on 109 points, 1 behind eventual winner Kimi Raikkonen.
But what happened to Hamilton and Alonso. Did they get so engrossed in having a go at each other throughout the course of the season, that they forgot what they were racing for. It is true that Hamilton seemed to be coasting with two races to go, but after not finishing in the penultimate race, and Kimi getting max points, the pressure was suddenly on. Superb tactics by Ferrari prevanted Lewis from getting a good start, and when Alonso overtook Hamilton on the first corner on Sunday, he lost his nerve momentarily. He showed the signs of a quality driver though, by recovering quickly, but on lap seven, his championship all but deserted him. The car seemed to cut out, shifting in to neutral and not responding. After sorting the problem out, Lewis had lost 40 seconds on Raikkonen, Alonso, et al, and that as they say was that. Lewis needed a miracle to get himself up to the required 5th place that would give him enough points to overhaul Raikkonen should he win, but no miracle was forthcoming during the race.
However, it has transpired since the race, that BMW and Williams, which have cars which finished ahead of Lewis, had fuel temperature irregularities, which were investigated, but not punished with disqualification. It has been announced this evening, that McLaren will formally contest this issue, although Lewis has stated he doesn't want to win the title by default, and Alonso says it would embarrass the sport.
So, the outcome of that appeal will be known soon, but whatever happens, it has been a great first season for Lewis, lets hope he can produce the goods again next season.
But what happened to Hamilton and Alonso. Did they get so engrossed in having a go at each other throughout the course of the season, that they forgot what they were racing for. It is true that Hamilton seemed to be coasting with two races to go, but after not finishing in the penultimate race, and Kimi getting max points, the pressure was suddenly on. Superb tactics by Ferrari prevanted Lewis from getting a good start, and when Alonso overtook Hamilton on the first corner on Sunday, he lost his nerve momentarily. He showed the signs of a quality driver though, by recovering quickly, but on lap seven, his championship all but deserted him. The car seemed to cut out, shifting in to neutral and not responding. After sorting the problem out, Lewis had lost 40 seconds on Raikkonen, Alonso, et al, and that as they say was that. Lewis needed a miracle to get himself up to the required 5th place that would give him enough points to overhaul Raikkonen should he win, but no miracle was forthcoming during the race.
However, it has transpired since the race, that BMW and Williams, which have cars which finished ahead of Lewis, had fuel temperature irregularities, which were investigated, but not punished with disqualification. It has been announced this evening, that McLaren will formally contest this issue, although Lewis has stated he doesn't want to win the title by default, and Alonso says it would embarrass the sport.
So, the outcome of that appeal will be known soon, but whatever happens, it has been a great first season for Lewis, lets hope he can produce the goods again next season.
Monday, 22 October 2007
South Africa are world champions
South Africa beat England by 15 points to 6 on Saturday in the 2007 rugby world cup final, in what was a closely fought contest. No tries were scored, although there was a controversial incident, with England wing Mark Cueto being denied a try by the video referee. England have surprised many with their return to form in this tournament, having been hammered 36 nil by South Africa 36 days before the final, many thought their tournament was over, but some soul searching and streetwise performances have lead the England team from zeroes to heroes.
Saturday was not to prove the fairytale ending for England however, but it was a fairytale ending for South Africa. Consistently the best side throughout the tournament, and with outgoing coach Jake White at the helm, South Africa oozed a confidence and physicallity deserving of world champions. Percy Montgomery kicked four penalties and Francios Steyn one, to Jonny Wilkinson's two for england, but the turning point came when Matthew Tait stepped past Steyn and Habana, only to be hauled down just short of the line by man of the match Victor Matfield. Quick recycling got the ball out to Cueto who slid in at the corner for what seemed a certain try. However, the diving tackle of Dannie Roussouw put doubt in the referee's mind and he called for the video referee, Aussie Stuart Dickinson, to make the call. After much deliberation, Dickinson said no try, as Cueto's foot and just scraped the touch line. On such fine margins are games won and lost is a fair statement at such a time. The score was 9-3 at this time, and the try with conversion would have given England the lead. Instead a penalty got us back to 9-6, but that was the closest we got.
Instead, I would like to look the positive backline we ended the game with; Wilkinson, Cueto, Flood, Hipkiss, Sackey and Tait. Young, exciting and pacey. Rob Andrew has today said that the last three years have been a mess for England rugby. There are lots of new young players to come in to the England fold. Let's integrate them in now and reap the rewards in the years to come, with Ashton at the helm.
If England had won on Saturday, it would have papered over the cracks of a poor four years, performance and selection wise. Getting to the final does this partly anyway, but it is important for the public to realise that we stumbled through. In four years time, lets power through and despatch teams properly. We have a chance to build now, let's take it.
Well done South Africa on an awesome world cup, and thank you to France, for not only hosting a great world cup, but by providing much entertainment to many around the world by losing twice to Argentina!
Saturday was not to prove the fairytale ending for England however, but it was a fairytale ending for South Africa. Consistently the best side throughout the tournament, and with outgoing coach Jake White at the helm, South Africa oozed a confidence and physicallity deserving of world champions. Percy Montgomery kicked four penalties and Francios Steyn one, to Jonny Wilkinson's two for england, but the turning point came when Matthew Tait stepped past Steyn and Habana, only to be hauled down just short of the line by man of the match Victor Matfield. Quick recycling got the ball out to Cueto who slid in at the corner for what seemed a certain try. However, the diving tackle of Dannie Roussouw put doubt in the referee's mind and he called for the video referee, Aussie Stuart Dickinson, to make the call. After much deliberation, Dickinson said no try, as Cueto's foot and just scraped the touch line. On such fine margins are games won and lost is a fair statement at such a time. The score was 9-3 at this time, and the try with conversion would have given England the lead. Instead a penalty got us back to 9-6, but that was the closest we got.
Instead, I would like to look the positive backline we ended the game with; Wilkinson, Cueto, Flood, Hipkiss, Sackey and Tait. Young, exciting and pacey. Rob Andrew has today said that the last three years have been a mess for England rugby. There are lots of new young players to come in to the England fold. Let's integrate them in now and reap the rewards in the years to come, with Ashton at the helm.
If England had won on Saturday, it would have papered over the cracks of a poor four years, performance and selection wise. Getting to the final does this partly anyway, but it is important for the public to realise that we stumbled through. In four years time, lets power through and despatch teams properly. We have a chance to build now, let's take it.
Well done South Africa on an awesome world cup, and thank you to France, for not only hosting a great world cup, but by providing much entertainment to many around the world by losing twice to Argentina!
Sunday, 14 October 2007
England battle through
It was just that. A battle. England and France went head to head at the Stade de France in the world cup semi final last night, and England came out on top, by 14 points to 9, in a tense, pulsating victory, which was still in the balance right up until the end. Two Jonny Wilkinson kicks in the last 10 minutes, one penalty, and then a customary drop goal, pushed England from a point down, to 5 in front.
I know I have maintained thoughts throughout this world cup that England are not favourites for it, and that I was not in favour of the selection policy used, and I will maintain those views, but I am going to give a lot of credit to Brian Ashton and his coaching staff for turning the squad around and giving them the belief and game plan to go out and win. Our squad is playing to its strengths. It might not be glamorous, it might not be pretty, but it is mighty damn effective. We have shown a determination and steeliness since the South Africa defeat, something England have been lacking since winning the Webb Ellis trophy four years ago. We now seem to be understanding a way of playing together, showing the power and pace that is needed at this level. If only Ashton could have got in the hotseat sooner, instead of wasting time with Andy Robinson, we might have been further on in our development, but nevertheless, we will defend our world title in the world cup final, to South Africa or Argentina (and it's a brave man who whould bet on a winner in the semi and the final, given the recent unpredictability of this tournament).
So credit to England and the coaching staff for turning the fortunes around. But last nights game was not the best by any stretch of the imagination, and France probably had the best of the play, but didn't make the most of the possession they had. My honest opinion is that last night was a case of "after the lord mayor's show". Both teams had their cup final last weekend, and then tonight was the next game that never lives up to billing. It was a bit scrappy, there were errors, the kicking from hand was not the best, an area England still need to improve on.
And what about the future for England Rugby. Next Monday, whatever the result in the final, offer Ashton a four year contract. Give him the chance to build the side he wants, with the players he wants over four years and let us really challenge in the next world cup, not as underdogs battling through, but as a quality team, who play attractive rugby. Ashton was given a poisoned challice. It was a no-hoper, surely, but Ashton has found the antidote to the poison. He has got something about him which the players respect. Let's make sure we keep hold of him. There needs to be a changing of the guard playing wise, and this team, this country and the players it has, have a great chance to do that. We're not being ungrateful for what the older players have done by talking about them moving on already, but need to look forwards. We have the younger players to take us forward, and of course, if Jonny stays fit, he will be available in four years time. Harry Ellis will be back at scrum half. Hipkiss looks a good outside centre, and maybe an outside bet for the final. Such pace and strength to stand up in the tackle. England does have a positive, rosy future. Let's hope the powers that be recognise it, thank the players who have got us here, and move on and look forward. World rugby is constantly moving, let's make sure we stay in touch.
As for who to play next Saturday, South Africa or Argentina, either way it will be a tough one, and tonights semi is too close to call. This has proved to be an open tournament, and what an exciting one its proving to be! C'mon on England! One phrase inparticular springs to mind, "no guts, no glory". We have shown guts, now let's go for the glory!
I know I have maintained thoughts throughout this world cup that England are not favourites for it, and that I was not in favour of the selection policy used, and I will maintain those views, but I am going to give a lot of credit to Brian Ashton and his coaching staff for turning the squad around and giving them the belief and game plan to go out and win. Our squad is playing to its strengths. It might not be glamorous, it might not be pretty, but it is mighty damn effective. We have shown a determination and steeliness since the South Africa defeat, something England have been lacking since winning the Webb Ellis trophy four years ago. We now seem to be understanding a way of playing together, showing the power and pace that is needed at this level. If only Ashton could have got in the hotseat sooner, instead of wasting time with Andy Robinson, we might have been further on in our development, but nevertheless, we will defend our world title in the world cup final, to South Africa or Argentina (and it's a brave man who whould bet on a winner in the semi and the final, given the recent unpredictability of this tournament).
So credit to England and the coaching staff for turning the fortunes around. But last nights game was not the best by any stretch of the imagination, and France probably had the best of the play, but didn't make the most of the possession they had. My honest opinion is that last night was a case of "after the lord mayor's show". Both teams had their cup final last weekend, and then tonight was the next game that never lives up to billing. It was a bit scrappy, there were errors, the kicking from hand was not the best, an area England still need to improve on.
And what about the future for England Rugby. Next Monday, whatever the result in the final, offer Ashton a four year contract. Give him the chance to build the side he wants, with the players he wants over four years and let us really challenge in the next world cup, not as underdogs battling through, but as a quality team, who play attractive rugby. Ashton was given a poisoned challice. It was a no-hoper, surely, but Ashton has found the antidote to the poison. He has got something about him which the players respect. Let's make sure we keep hold of him. There needs to be a changing of the guard playing wise, and this team, this country and the players it has, have a great chance to do that. We're not being ungrateful for what the older players have done by talking about them moving on already, but need to look forwards. We have the younger players to take us forward, and of course, if Jonny stays fit, he will be available in four years time. Harry Ellis will be back at scrum half. Hipkiss looks a good outside centre, and maybe an outside bet for the final. Such pace and strength to stand up in the tackle. England does have a positive, rosy future. Let's hope the powers that be recognise it, thank the players who have got us here, and move on and look forward. World rugby is constantly moving, let's make sure we stay in touch.
As for who to play next Saturday, South Africa or Argentina, either way it will be a tough one, and tonights semi is too close to call. This has proved to be an open tournament, and what an exciting one its proving to be! C'mon on England! One phrase inparticular springs to mind, "no guts, no glory". We have shown guts, now let's go for the glory!
Friday, 12 October 2007
Who would have predicted that...
So Australia and New Zealand both slump out of the world cup, suffering defeats by a mere 2 points. So near and yet so far. England took on the Aussies upfront and mullered them, but could not force a try. However 4 penalties from King Jonny saw us through, although he missed a couple, and England were lucky Stirling Mortlock didn't have his best game with the boot. Australia were much the better side behind the scrum, but didn't have what it took up front. England's victory suprised a lot of people, but I think another win against the French will suprise a lot more. France will not be such pushovers in the scrum, so England will have to show something behind the scrum to get somewhere. Of course, as an Englishman, I want England to do well and win, but even so, we will have our work cut out after the world cup. There will be lots of players who will call it a day, Dallaglio, Regan, Robinson, Catt, more than likely Corry and Gomarsall. There have also been so many players that could and should have been given more exposure with England over the past 4 years that it reeks of bad management we have all these 30+ players who we pitted everything on four years ago, and somehow they are struggling through again. Let's hope tomorrow that England turn up like they did last week, and make this into a cracking semi final.
Thursday, 4 October 2007
England v Australia: preview
Well this time yesterday, I was preparing to write a piece about how Andy Farrell's inclusion in the England side is a good thing, now I will have to rethink that. But a quick word about Farrell. I believe that his inclusion was a good thing, not necessarily because he is the best inside centre in the country, but because he is the best inside centre in England's world cup squad! Barkley hasn't inspired playing there, and Catt is very much past it, and Flood has been brought into the squad to replace Noon, who quite frankly, isn't international class. Flood could be brought in, in my view that would be the best answer, if he had been playing in the games already, but as he hadn't, it has to be Barkley, unfortunately. I do feel we would be lightweight in the backs and Hipkiss should be included, but the only way I think that will happen now is if Lewsey is moved to 12, a position he has played for Wasps. Well, we find out tomorrow what Ashton will do with his team now. The people I feel sorry for, are all the journos, as without Farrell in the team, who will they blame now when England get trounced!
The other contentious issue, is recalling Phil Vickery. Yes he is the official captian, but that doesn't give him a right to be in the team. Matt Stevens has been playing really well, and will be gutted to have lost his place. And also, what has Tom Rees done wrong? Only natural openside flanker in the squad, and he can't get a game. Oh well, that's England for you!
My real hope is that we don't get beaten too badly (you never know, we might win, shocks happen), and then we can move on from this world cup, and Ashton is allowed the chance to build his own team for the future and shift out the dead wood once and for all. Let's get some young exciting English players in the team and see what they can do! The modern game is all about pace and power. Let's embrace it and move forwards!
The other contentious issue, is recalling Phil Vickery. Yes he is the official captian, but that doesn't give him a right to be in the team. Matt Stevens has been playing really well, and will be gutted to have lost his place. And also, what has Tom Rees done wrong? Only natural openside flanker in the squad, and he can't get a game. Oh well, that's England for you!
My real hope is that we don't get beaten too badly (you never know, we might win, shocks happen), and then we can move on from this world cup, and Ashton is allowed the chance to build his own team for the future and shift out the dead wood once and for all. Let's get some young exciting English players in the team and see what they can do! The modern game is all about pace and power. Let's embrace it and move forwards!
Monday, 1 October 2007
Jenkins pays the penalty
Gareth Jenkins once said, "Judge me on the world cup", so the WRU did, and sacked him! 20 odd games in charge and only 6 wins, one of those against England last March, and the rest against smaller nations, no offence to Canada and the like!
Unfortunately, I think Jenkins has paid a big price for what is not necessarily a result that is all down to him. Look at the players on the field. They missed 5 kicks at goal. That isn't going to help. And with the current set up of the Celtic League, narrowing down teams into regions, the WRU along with their Irish and Scottish counterparts, have totally devoid their national sides of a player pool. Maybe this is a reason why they have struggled this world cup.
The Celtic League also doesn't offer massive competition. There is no relegation. League games don't matter so much. A lot of the Fiji side that won against Wales on Saturday ply their trade in England or France, where the competition in the league is a lot fiercer than it is in the Celtic League.
Maybe the WRU should look more closely at themselves before dismissing their coach and shifting all the blame on to him.
The Irish were also eliminated today, losing 30-15 against Argentina, who ended up topping their group. They will play Scotland in the quarter finals, and will now be favourites to reach a semi final, whilst France, the hosts, will have to go to Cardiff, to play New Zealand.
It looks very much like its going to be a southern hemisphere semi final, further illustrating how far behind the northern hemisphere has fallen. Let's hope things improve before the next world cup, or even the quarter finals next weekend. If we don't improve soon, we will be years and years behind!
Unfortunately, I think Jenkins has paid a big price for what is not necessarily a result that is all down to him. Look at the players on the field. They missed 5 kicks at goal. That isn't going to help. And with the current set up of the Celtic League, narrowing down teams into regions, the WRU along with their Irish and Scottish counterparts, have totally devoid their national sides of a player pool. Maybe this is a reason why they have struggled this world cup.
The Celtic League also doesn't offer massive competition. There is no relegation. League games don't matter so much. A lot of the Fiji side that won against Wales on Saturday ply their trade in England or France, where the competition in the league is a lot fiercer than it is in the Celtic League.
Maybe the WRU should look more closely at themselves before dismissing their coach and shifting all the blame on to him.
The Irish were also eliminated today, losing 30-15 against Argentina, who ended up topping their group. They will play Scotland in the quarter finals, and will now be favourites to reach a semi final, whilst France, the hosts, will have to go to Cardiff, to play New Zealand.
It looks very much like its going to be a southern hemisphere semi final, further illustrating how far behind the northern hemisphere has fallen. Let's hope things improve before the next world cup, or even the quarter finals next weekend. If we don't improve soon, we will be years and years behind!
Sunday, 30 September 2007
11 goals at Fratton Park, and zilch at Stamford Bridge...
..just a red card and broken cheekbone is all Chelsea can boast at the end of another disappointing league performance. John Terry is now a doubt for England's remaining Euro 2008 qualifiers after suffering a depressed fracture to a cheekbone. The news got worse for Chelsea as Didier Drogba was sent off, and Chelsea could not muster enough to beat a well organized Fulham side, who will also be disappointed that they didn't put away one of the chances they created. Avram Grant has some work to do ahead of the midweek trip to Valencia in the Champions League.
Meanwhile, Portsmouth and Reading shared 11 goals at Fratton Park, Pompey winning 7-4, in a game where every attack seemed to result in a goal. There was also some good saves from both keepers, plus Nicky Shorey missed a penalty for Reading, so a real end to end game.
Man Utd and Arsenal both won one nil away from home to keep up their impressive starts to the season. United are still not looking fluent, but they keep grinding out results, whilst Arsenal keep playing attractive football. The key for them will be if they can keep up the impressive results when their performance is not so impressive!
At the bottom of the league, the first relegation battle between Derby and Bolton ended one all, which really doesn't do either side any good. Both teams need to pick up some points quickly, or they will become adrift at the foot of the table, although the pressure at both clubs is extremely different. Derby aren't expected by manny to survive, or pick up many points this season, whilst Bolton have high expectations following several impressive seasons, and some big name players, like Anelka, Diouf, Campo and Nolan. Sammy Lee has some work to do, or he could be out of a job quicker than Iain Dowie last season, but not quite as fast as Les Reed!
Already the table is shaping up, with Man City doing well early on, and it will be interesting to see if they can maintain their position in the top 6. Let's hope we get some interesting games, suprising results, and a close run battle, at the top and bottom of the league this season. Bring it on!
Meanwhile, Portsmouth and Reading shared 11 goals at Fratton Park, Pompey winning 7-4, in a game where every attack seemed to result in a goal. There was also some good saves from both keepers, plus Nicky Shorey missed a penalty for Reading, so a real end to end game.
Man Utd and Arsenal both won one nil away from home to keep up their impressive starts to the season. United are still not looking fluent, but they keep grinding out results, whilst Arsenal keep playing attractive football. The key for them will be if they can keep up the impressive results when their performance is not so impressive!
At the bottom of the league, the first relegation battle between Derby and Bolton ended one all, which really doesn't do either side any good. Both teams need to pick up some points quickly, or they will become adrift at the foot of the table, although the pressure at both clubs is extremely different. Derby aren't expected by manny to survive, or pick up many points this season, whilst Bolton have high expectations following several impressive seasons, and some big name players, like Anelka, Diouf, Campo and Nolan. Sammy Lee has some work to do, or he could be out of a job quicker than Iain Dowie last season, but not quite as fast as Les Reed!
Already the table is shaping up, with Man City doing well early on, and it will be interesting to see if they can maintain their position in the top 6. Let's hope we get some interesting games, suprising results, and a close run battle, at the top and bottom of the league this season. Bring it on!
Saturday, 29 September 2007
And it's goodnight Wales...
Wales have been knocked out of the rugby world cup, after a 38 points to 34 defeat to Fiji, who in turn, now progress to the quarter finals. This was arguably one of the best games of rugby played at a world cup. It was fast, open, free-running rugby, with lots of tries, played on a clear sunny afternoon. The stakes added to the pressure, and made it all the more fascinating, with spectators not knowing which way the game would shift next, especially with the lead exchanging hand three times in the last 8 minutes.
Wales will be bitterly disappointed to have missed out on making the quarter finals, and this was a game they should have. They started well enough, taking a 3 nil lead, but Fiji then struck back to take a 25 points to 3 lead, despite having a player in the sin bin. Wales pulled back a try before half-time, but missed a penalty through James Hook on the hooter. This was the story of Wales' day, with several missed kicks, including two Stephen Jones conversions in the second half rebounding off the post, costing Wales a quarter final berth.
Wales took the lead ten minutes in to the second half with 3 quick tries, but from then on it was a tight affair, the lead changing hands several times, before Fiji snatched a late try and held on to progress to the quarter finals for the first time.
This defeat for Wales was just another match in this world cup which depicted how far behind the northern hemisphere sides are behind the southern hemisphere, in terms of physicality, in terms of pace, in terms of ability. Fiji took on Wales in the physical stakes and battered them. Yes Wales had the technical advantage in the scrum, but every time Fiji took the ball up, they made yards, and Wales struggled to the live with them. And that is the story with every north v south encounter, and was also shown with the South Africa v England match. The South Africans had a dynamism, which comes from this increased physicality, which the northern hemisphere sides are struggling to keep up with. We are some way behind, and need to catch up before the gap becomes insurmountable.
Scotland also qualified for the last 16 with a close 18-16 win over Italy. Scotland boast an impressive record this tournament, having not missed a kick at goal so far.
Wales will be bitterly disappointed to have missed out on making the quarter finals, and this was a game they should have. They started well enough, taking a 3 nil lead, but Fiji then struck back to take a 25 points to 3 lead, despite having a player in the sin bin. Wales pulled back a try before half-time, but missed a penalty through James Hook on the hooter. This was the story of Wales' day, with several missed kicks, including two Stephen Jones conversions in the second half rebounding off the post, costing Wales a quarter final berth.
Wales took the lead ten minutes in to the second half with 3 quick tries, but from then on it was a tight affair, the lead changing hands several times, before Fiji snatched a late try and held on to progress to the quarter finals for the first time.
This defeat for Wales was just another match in this world cup which depicted how far behind the northern hemisphere sides are behind the southern hemisphere, in terms of physicality, in terms of pace, in terms of ability. Fiji took on Wales in the physical stakes and battered them. Yes Wales had the technical advantage in the scrum, but every time Fiji took the ball up, they made yards, and Wales struggled to the live with them. And that is the story with every north v south encounter, and was also shown with the South Africa v England match. The South Africans had a dynamism, which comes from this increased physicality, which the northern hemisphere sides are struggling to keep up with. We are some way behind, and need to catch up before the gap becomes insurmountable.
Scotland also qualified for the last 16 with a close 18-16 win over Italy. Scotland boast an impressive record this tournament, having not missed a kick at goal so far.
England into last 16
An improving England side qualified for the quarter finals of the World Cup with a 36 points to 20 win over Tonga. The Tongans started well, taking a 3 nil, and then a 10-3 lead, and at this point, I thought that was going to be a tough ask to come back from that. However, a swift response followed from England; Jonny Wilkinson's cross field kick caught the Tongan defence short and Paul Sackey slid in to gather and ground and get England moving again. Jonny then kicked a customary drop goal, before Sackey took advantage of some poor hands from Tonga to pick up a loose pass and race home from 70 metres. Suddenly things were looking rosier. After the break, tries from Tait and Farrell allowed England to pull away and book their quarter final place. But will they be a match for the Aussies?
I still have doubts over Barkley as an international inside centre. He seemed somewhat indecisive at times, and I think, especially with Tait as the outside centre, we need a more physical presence inside. Step forward Mr Farrell. He took his try ever so well, and will be hoping that Ashton promotes him to the starting line up for the quarter final. Cometh the game, cometh the man and all that. Barkley's case won't have been helped by the fact he missed a drop goal from 15 metres out!
Up front, we were definately helped by having Lewis Moody and his added pace, and I think Borthwick did well in place of Shaw. I still don't see why we need Dallaglio on the bench, leaving us with no second row replacement. And I think Vickery will have a job getting back in this side, with Stevens performing so well.
We do have a chance against Australia, and we are improving. The Aussies are still missing influential fly half Stephen Larkham, but England need to go out with all guns blazing, hope the decisions behind the scrum are good, and Jonny can kick his goals (hopefully the balls are sorted out - rugby balls that is!).
Come on England!
I still have doubts over Barkley as an international inside centre. He seemed somewhat indecisive at times, and I think, especially with Tait as the outside centre, we need a more physical presence inside. Step forward Mr Farrell. He took his try ever so well, and will be hoping that Ashton promotes him to the starting line up for the quarter final. Cometh the game, cometh the man and all that. Barkley's case won't have been helped by the fact he missed a drop goal from 15 metres out!
Up front, we were definately helped by having Lewis Moody and his added pace, and I think Borthwick did well in place of Shaw. I still don't see why we need Dallaglio on the bench, leaving us with no second row replacement. And I think Vickery will have a job getting back in this side, with Stevens performing so well.
We do have a chance against Australia, and we are improving. The Aussies are still missing influential fly half Stephen Larkham, but England need to go out with all guns blazing, hope the decisions behind the scrum are good, and Jonny can kick his goals (hopefully the balls are sorted out - rugby balls that is!).
Come on England!
Wednesday, 26 September 2007
England v Tonga preview
England have named their team for the must win encounter with Tonga on Friday night. Captain Phil Vickery is available again after suspension, but must be content with a place on the bench, as Matt Stevens has been impressive in the last two games at tighthead. Steve Borthwick replaces Simon Shaw, and Lewis Moody replaces Joe Worsley. At last some pace in the back row.
The backline remains the same, but I still doubt the effectiveness of Olly Barkley at 12. The 9, 10, 12 channel all need to move closer, especially if we want to play the flat running game that Ashton wants us too. I like the pace in the back four. It looks useful, and if Wilkinson and Barkley can provide a platform, Tait, Cueto, Sackey and Lewsey can take advantage of it.
Rumours are that Jason Robinson could make a sensational return for the possible quarter-final, should England beat Tonga, with Australia. Whether he would start or not is a different question, but it would be useful as he is a better full-back than Lewsey; the ability to kick the ball being a major advantage. Ashton once said he would never pick Lewsey at full-back again. Injuries, plus his own selection policy have forced his hand, and no doubt Lewsey has the running lines and pace, he does not have the boot to match.
England should beat Tonga on Friday, but should not under-estimate them. The Tongan's pushed South Africa all the way, and England won't want to be knocked out with an embarrassing defeat.
The backline remains the same, but I still doubt the effectiveness of Olly Barkley at 12. The 9, 10, 12 channel all need to move closer, especially if we want to play the flat running game that Ashton wants us too. I like the pace in the back four. It looks useful, and if Wilkinson and Barkley can provide a platform, Tait, Cueto, Sackey and Lewsey can take advantage of it.
Rumours are that Jason Robinson could make a sensational return for the possible quarter-final, should England beat Tonga, with Australia. Whether he would start or not is a different question, but it would be useful as he is a better full-back than Lewsey; the ability to kick the ball being a major advantage. Ashton once said he would never pick Lewsey at full-back again. Injuries, plus his own selection policy have forced his hand, and no doubt Lewsey has the running lines and pace, he does not have the boot to match.
England should beat Tonga on Friday, but should not under-estimate them. The Tongan's pushed South Africa all the way, and England won't want to be knocked out with an embarrassing defeat.
Tuesday, 25 September 2007
Man Utd and Chelski: plenty to discuss
On Sunday, it was Man Utd v Chelsea, in what was going to be the biggest game of the season so far. Then Mourinho left Chelsea, by mutual consent, and this game got a whole lot bigger. Then Chelsea appointed a relative unknown to take over from the special one, and it gets a whole lot bigger. Avrem Grant had a point to prove on Saturday, but Chelsea went into the game with one up front, and had three shots in the entire match, all from outside the box, and all off target. Says it all really. He has a lot of work to do, and that's before he get's to be a manager, as without his UEFA pro licence, he only has 12 weeks in charge of Chelsea, unless Chelsea get special dispensation from the FA. I wonder how long it will take Roman Abramovich to get his required licences. It seems he wants to be in charge of Chelsea now, on and off the pitch, which is said to be part of the reason why Jose was going to be pushed, so Roman could employ a puppet for him to control his team, which is in a way, what Grant is!
Let's make this clear about Grant, he is no Jose Mourinho, in many ways, least of all with his relationship with his team. Many of that Chelsea squad firmly believed in Mourinho. They were like his disciples, and will not be pleased he has gone, and Grant may not have it easy getting them to play like they did under the special one. Grant also won't be able to entertain the public and press with his statements and press conferences in the same way that Jose did, but lets hope Grant can do it on the pitch instead. Unfortunately, Sunday wasn't a good start in that department either.
Some might say Chelski had some bad luck at Old Trafford. I say, what goes around, comes around. Before any Chelsea fans start moaning about diving, let me just say one thing; Liverpool away this season, Chelsea got a very, very dodgy pen, to get them a point, so let's have no complaining from the blues. I thought Ben Haim tripped Saha, and although Saha made a meal of it, it was a penalty. Maybe the FA should punish Saha now, or the referee could still have booked him for embelishment, even though it was a foul. Also, when the fourth official holds up the board with the stoppage time on it, on Sunday in the first half it was two minutes, this means a minimum of two minutes added time will be played, so he could play two minutes and 45 seconds, as that is a minimum of two minutes. If the fourth official put up three minutes, and then only played two minutes and 45 seconds, everyone would moan that he hasn't played enough stoppage time. I do not understand why there has been so much complaining about this stoppage time rule. It seemed fair enough to me. The sending off was harsh, but then United should have already had a penalty when Joe Cole brought down Evra, so its swings and roundabouts really. You take the rough with the smooth, although it isn't acceptable for referees to constantly make such poor decisions and hope they balance out.
Chelsea just missed so go forward drive. They didn't spend their money too wisely in the summer, and got rid of Robben, and having lost Duff 12 months ago, are short of natural width and creativity. They seriously miss Lampard and Drogba, who I reckon could be part of a mass exodus come January, not definately, but its a possibility. Chelsea also can't afford to play Shevchenko up top on his own. He doesn't have the legs for it, and needs to work in a pair with another striker.
All in all, Chelsea stop your moaning, and get on with it. Let's hope this week is better than last week for you!
Let's make this clear about Grant, he is no Jose Mourinho, in many ways, least of all with his relationship with his team. Many of that Chelsea squad firmly believed in Mourinho. They were like his disciples, and will not be pleased he has gone, and Grant may not have it easy getting them to play like they did under the special one. Grant also won't be able to entertain the public and press with his statements and press conferences in the same way that Jose did, but lets hope Grant can do it on the pitch instead. Unfortunately, Sunday wasn't a good start in that department either.
Some might say Chelski had some bad luck at Old Trafford. I say, what goes around, comes around. Before any Chelsea fans start moaning about diving, let me just say one thing; Liverpool away this season, Chelsea got a very, very dodgy pen, to get them a point, so let's have no complaining from the blues. I thought Ben Haim tripped Saha, and although Saha made a meal of it, it was a penalty. Maybe the FA should punish Saha now, or the referee could still have booked him for embelishment, even though it was a foul. Also, when the fourth official holds up the board with the stoppage time on it, on Sunday in the first half it was two minutes, this means a minimum of two minutes added time will be played, so he could play two minutes and 45 seconds, as that is a minimum of two minutes. If the fourth official put up three minutes, and then only played two minutes and 45 seconds, everyone would moan that he hasn't played enough stoppage time. I do not understand why there has been so much complaining about this stoppage time rule. It seemed fair enough to me. The sending off was harsh, but then United should have already had a penalty when Joe Cole brought down Evra, so its swings and roundabouts really. You take the rough with the smooth, although it isn't acceptable for referees to constantly make such poor decisions and hope they balance out.
Chelsea just missed so go forward drive. They didn't spend their money too wisely in the summer, and got rid of Robben, and having lost Duff 12 months ago, are short of natural width and creativity. They seriously miss Lampard and Drogba, who I reckon could be part of a mass exodus come January, not definately, but its a possibility. Chelsea also can't afford to play Shevchenko up top on his own. He doesn't have the legs for it, and needs to work in a pair with another striker.
All in all, Chelsea stop your moaning, and get on with it. Let's hope this week is better than last week for you!
World Twenty20 Final
It was always going to be a feisty affair India v Pakistan, but it also produced a great match, going down to the final over, with some great hitting, and some good bowling and plenty of wickets. India and Pakistan are the fiercest of rivals on the pitch, and this will have provided extra insentives going into the match.
Some tight bowling restricted India to 157 for 5, with Gambhir the mainstay of the Indian innings with 75. Unfortunately for India, Yuvraj was unable to fire today, and at the halfway point, I felt India were twenty runs light.
Most expected a tight finish, but at one stage, Pakistan were 70 odd for 6, losing star man Afridi for a first ball duck, and it looked as though India would stroll home. It was left to Misbah-Ul-Haq to rescue India, and he almost did it, bringing the equation down to 6 runs needed off 4 balls, but with just one wicket in hand. I don't know what made him attempt a flick over the keeper when having already hit 43, including several huge sixes, he didn't play proper cricket shots. The improvised stroke however was his downfall, but if he hadn't played that shot, I seem to think Pakistan would have won. However, it was India who came out on top, to win their first major trophy since the early eighties, and leave Pakistan deflated. Both teams can feel better about their efforts at this tournament, as opposed to results from the 50 over world cup earlier this year.
The Twenty20 world cup has proved a great success, in my humble opinion. The tournament has been fast paced, with lots of games in a short space of time, which helps add to the pace which is naturally derived from the high scoring nature of twenty20 cricket. Congratulations to the organisers for taking on board the points from this years world cup, which dragged on for so long it got boring in the end (infact I think it is still going on now)! It was also encouraging that a lot of the smaller cricketing nations seemed to have more competitive matches in this shorter format of the game, so hopefully they got more out of this tournament than they would from the 50 over version. It is also good to see 200 runs hit off 20 overs. Maybe this will help the scores of 50 over cricket continue to rise, which would help provide more interesting matches. Teams now know they can score consistently at 8, 9, or 10 runs an hour. Lets see them do it more consistently on the bigger stage!
Some tight bowling restricted India to 157 for 5, with Gambhir the mainstay of the Indian innings with 75. Unfortunately for India, Yuvraj was unable to fire today, and at the halfway point, I felt India were twenty runs light.
Most expected a tight finish, but at one stage, Pakistan were 70 odd for 6, losing star man Afridi for a first ball duck, and it looked as though India would stroll home. It was left to Misbah-Ul-Haq to rescue India, and he almost did it, bringing the equation down to 6 runs needed off 4 balls, but with just one wicket in hand. I don't know what made him attempt a flick over the keeper when having already hit 43, including several huge sixes, he didn't play proper cricket shots. The improvised stroke however was his downfall, but if he hadn't played that shot, I seem to think Pakistan would have won. However, it was India who came out on top, to win their first major trophy since the early eighties, and leave Pakistan deflated. Both teams can feel better about their efforts at this tournament, as opposed to results from the 50 over world cup earlier this year.
The Twenty20 world cup has proved a great success, in my humble opinion. The tournament has been fast paced, with lots of games in a short space of time, which helps add to the pace which is naturally derived from the high scoring nature of twenty20 cricket. Congratulations to the organisers for taking on board the points from this years world cup, which dragged on for so long it got boring in the end (infact I think it is still going on now)! It was also encouraging that a lot of the smaller cricketing nations seemed to have more competitive matches in this shorter format of the game, so hopefully they got more out of this tournament than they would from the 50 over version. It is also good to see 200 runs hit off 20 overs. Maybe this will help the scores of 50 over cricket continue to rise, which would help provide more interesting matches. Teams now know they can score consistently at 8, 9, or 10 runs an hour. Lets see them do it more consistently on the bigger stage!
Guinness Premiership update
I was fortunate enough to see a great collection of English rugby talent on display in Watford on Sunday. Youngsters such as Ryan Lamb, Anthoney Allen, Olly Morgan, Adam Powell and Dave Seymour, along with some more experienced campaigners, Kevin Sorrell, Dan Scarbrough, Alex Brown, James Simpson-Daniel, Andy HazellIain Balshaw and the one and only, evergreen, Richard Hill. The match was Saracens vs. Gloucester. It was open, some great running rugby, 7 tries, some good goal kicking, especially from young fly half Lamb, and it reminded us that good English players do exist. This game was far more entertaining than any England match for some time, and the display of talent was encouraging for the future of English rugby. All we need now is a coach who is willing to pick such individuals and not 30 something has beens (you know who I mean)!
Sarries started brightest, going 14-3 ahead, and in fairness, it should have been more, but Gloucester are not league favourites for no reason. Infact, it was when openside flanker Andy Hazell was sin-binned for a late tackle on Sarries skipper Neil de Kock, did the visitors pick up their game, and after 40 minutes, it was the visitors who lead by 19 points to 14.
Sarries needed to score first after the break, and did so, to retake the lead 21-19 with a Kevin Sorrell try, but an interception try by Ryan Lamb, plus a Luke Narraway effort put Gloucester clear. Ed Thrower got Sarries within touching distance again, but Olly Morgan's bonus point try sealed it.
Rugby league convert Lesley Vainakolo (the Volcano) could not get on the scoreboard in this match, despite 5 tries at Headingly last week. He limped off with a neck injury in the second half which we hope is not serious.
It was disappointing to see Sarries lose, but it was an entertaining game, and great to see some English players on display. Definately club over country at the moment!
Sarries started brightest, going 14-3 ahead, and in fairness, it should have been more, but Gloucester are not league favourites for no reason. Infact, it was when openside flanker Andy Hazell was sin-binned for a late tackle on Sarries skipper Neil de Kock, did the visitors pick up their game, and after 40 minutes, it was the visitors who lead by 19 points to 14.
Sarries needed to score first after the break, and did so, to retake the lead 21-19 with a Kevin Sorrell try, but an interception try by Ryan Lamb, plus a Luke Narraway effort put Gloucester clear. Ed Thrower got Sarries within touching distance again, but Olly Morgan's bonus point try sealed it.
Rugby league convert Lesley Vainakolo (the Volcano) could not get on the scoreboard in this match, despite 5 tries at Headingly last week. He limped off with a neck injury in the second half which we hope is not serious.
It was disappointing to see Sarries lose, but it was an entertaining game, and great to see some English players on display. Definately club over country at the moment!
Thursday, 20 September 2007
Adeus Jose
There have been rumours for a long time about the future on Jose Mourinho, but no-one thought it would actually happen, especially like this. Just after 1.45am this morning, it was announced the Jose Mourinho was leaving Chelsea by mutual consent. So Jose wasn't sacked, nor did he resign. That's the official word, but as is so often with the "mutual consent" line, it comes down to the board saying they want him gone, but not letting it be known in public that's what they want. The fact that Mourinho is apparently set to claim £25 million in compensation shows it wasn't him who walked away!
So why has Jose gone? This is the man who has won 6 trophies in 3 years, who brought the league title to Stamford Bridge after a 50 year wait! But when someone like Abramovich pumps that much money in to a football club, and he says them stuttering, struggling to win games, not playing good football, and a half empty home ground, then maybe it was expected.
We, the public, had become used to the fact that various managers would be linked with Jose's position, Sven being the main one, but there was a never a true threat because of the success he had brought to the club. Now, all of a sudden, on the night of the Premiere of a dvd depicting the success of the last three years and how it happened, Jose has parted company with Chelsea, and in all honest opinion, whatever you think of the special one, the premiership will be a poorer place without him!
So why has Jose gone? This is the man who has won 6 trophies in 3 years, who brought the league title to Stamford Bridge after a 50 year wait! But when someone like Abramovich pumps that much money in to a football club, and he says them stuttering, struggling to win games, not playing good football, and a half empty home ground, then maybe it was expected.
We, the public, had become used to the fact that various managers would be linked with Jose's position, Sven being the main one, but there was a never a true threat because of the success he had brought to the club. Now, all of a sudden, on the night of the Premiere of a dvd depicting the success of the last three years and how it happened, Jose has parted company with Chelsea, and in all honest opinion, whatever you think of the special one, the premiership will be a poorer place without him!
Monday, 17 September 2007
Watford top of the league!
It might not be the Premiership, but Watford are sitting pretty at the top of the Championship after an impressive start to the campaign. But it took two late goals from substitute Darius Henderson to give them a 3-2 win over a battling Southampton at Vicarage Road yesterday.
After going one nil up, the Saints struck back right on half time, and then a splendid goal from y0ung winger Nathan Dyer gave the away side the lead. Watford then piled on the pressure, and Henderson scored two poachers goals from inside the 6-yard box.
However, suprise of the season goes to Bristol City, who lie second at the moment. An impressive start for them, and already talks of successive promotions are being banded about. Manager Gary Johnson will have to work hard to make sure his players keep their feet on the ground.
Sheffield Wednesday are rooted to the bottom of the league without a win this season, with QPR and Preston occupying the other relegation places.
After going one nil up, the Saints struck back right on half time, and then a splendid goal from y0ung winger Nathan Dyer gave the away side the lead. Watford then piled on the pressure, and Henderson scored two poachers goals from inside the 6-yard box.
However, suprise of the season goes to Bristol City, who lie second at the moment. An impressive start for them, and already talks of successive promotions are being banded about. Manager Gary Johnson will have to work hard to make sure his players keep their feet on the ground.
Sheffield Wednesday are rooted to the bottom of the league without a win this season, with QPR and Preston occupying the other relegation places.
Toby Flood replaces Jamie Noon...
Newcastle Falcons utility back Toby Flood has replaced his injured club colleague Jamie Noon in England's World Cup squad. Flood had an impressive start to the Guinness Premiership season on Sunday and the fresh face and blood to the squad will hopefully liven things up a bit.
I bet Brian Ashton is wondering if he could call in some more young players and replace the old guard who simply don't have what is required to add any dynamism to this squad.
England's defence coach Mike Ford has dug himself into a very large hole, and probably put himself out of a job at the end of the world cup. That's not to do with the amount of points England are conceding, but the public criticism he levelled at his supposed friend Andy Farrell, and Mike Catt, following defeat to South Africa last Friday. Ford has reportedly said that Farrell is probably too old to get very far with rugby union, whilst saying that Mike Catt was always going to find it difficult to play fly-half on Friday, and would probably not be able to step up straight away. This will not help morale in the England camp, and Ford has probably helped the RFU with some difficult decisions post world cup by digging his own grave. I thought it was always, prasie and defend in public, and criticise or discipline in private.
England's world cup defence is no more than a farce at the present time!
I bet Brian Ashton is wondering if he could call in some more young players and replace the old guard who simply don't have what is required to add any dynamism to this squad.
England's defence coach Mike Ford has dug himself into a very large hole, and probably put himself out of a job at the end of the world cup. That's not to do with the amount of points England are conceding, but the public criticism he levelled at his supposed friend Andy Farrell, and Mike Catt, following defeat to South Africa last Friday. Ford has reportedly said that Farrell is probably too old to get very far with rugby union, whilst saying that Mike Catt was always going to find it difficult to play fly-half on Friday, and would probably not be able to step up straight away. This will not help morale in the England camp, and Ford has probably helped the RFU with some difficult decisions post world cup by digging his own grave. I thought it was always, prasie and defend in public, and criticise or discipline in private.
England's world cup defence is no more than a farce at the present time!
Formula One is getting very interesting...
...and it's not just because there is a British driver doing well for a change! The recent spying row between McLaren and Ferrari lead to a £50 million fine for McLaren, and there has been some constant back-biting between the two drivers, Fernando Alonso and star Brit Lewis Hamilton, seemingly always at each others throats, and things took another turn after yesterdays Grand Prix in Belgium.
Hamilton claims that his team-mate tried to force him off the track at the start of the race, and only stayed in the race because there was a run-off area which he moved into before re-joining the main race track.
Kimi Raikkonen won the race, with Alonso 3rd, and Hamilton 4th. The Brit leads the table by just two points from Alonso, with Raikkonen still thirteen points behind, but with three races to go, it is all to fight for, and it looks as if the tension is already starting to take effect. Just keep your cool, Lewis!
Hamilton claims that his team-mate tried to force him off the track at the start of the race, and only stayed in the race because there was a run-off area which he moved into before re-joining the main race track.
Kimi Raikkonen won the race, with Alonso 3rd, and Hamilton 4th. The Brit leads the table by just two points from Alonso, with Raikkonen still thirteen points behind, but with three races to go, it is all to fight for, and it looks as if the tension is already starting to take effect. Just keep your cool, Lewis!
South Africa crush England for the second time in three days!
South Africa produced a clinical bowling performance to defeat England in their first Super 8 match of the Twenty20 World cup.
England also bowled well against the hosts, but poor fielding, including three dropped catches, allowed the hosts to get their score up to 154 for 8. The hero for South Africa with the bat was all-rounder Albie Morkel, who hit three successive sixes of leg-spinner Chris Schofield.
England started poorly, as they have in all their matches in the tournament, losing Luke Wright, who had been promoted to opener, for a fourth ball duck. Kevin Pietersen was controversially run out, and Paul Collingwood then went for a golden duck, but credit must go to the South African bowlers and fielders, who didn't allow the England batsmen to get the ball and keep the required run rate managable.
England also sent in Jeremy Snape, playing his first game of the tournament at the expense of Darren Maddy, ahead of Dimi Masceranhas, which, in my opinion, was a poor decision, seeing as the required rate was approaching 12 an over.
Hopefully we will learn from these errors, improve our fielding, and top order batting, and have more success against New Zealand on Tuesday!
England also bowled well against the hosts, but poor fielding, including three dropped catches, allowed the hosts to get their score up to 154 for 8. The hero for South Africa with the bat was all-rounder Albie Morkel, who hit three successive sixes of leg-spinner Chris Schofield.
England started poorly, as they have in all their matches in the tournament, losing Luke Wright, who had been promoted to opener, for a fourth ball duck. Kevin Pietersen was controversially run out, and Paul Collingwood then went for a golden duck, but credit must go to the South African bowlers and fielders, who didn't allow the England batsmen to get the ball and keep the required run rate managable.
England also sent in Jeremy Snape, playing his first game of the tournament at the expense of Darren Maddy, ahead of Dimi Masceranhas, which, in my opinion, was a poor decision, seeing as the required rate was approaching 12 an over.
Hopefully we will learn from these errors, improve our fielding, and top order batting, and have more success against New Zealand on Tuesday!
Sunday, 16 September 2007
England lucky to get nil...
Well, it was as expected. South Africa completed a very classy and clinical win over England, pushing England in to deep trouble, and making it clear for all to see the problems that Brian Ashton faces in the coming weeks.
There's no need to perform open surgery on the match. I was optimistic, I always try to be, I had a small glimmer of hope. Maybe the South Africans would have a bad day at the office and we could sneak it, but unfortunately, it wasn't to be, and 36 nil scoreline was pretty fair.
Our best performer was Jason Robinson, and there is now a distinct chance that he won't play again in the tournament due to injury, thus being a very sad end to a glittering career. He had a pace, and a determination that seemed to escape many others in the side. It was always going to be a sad moment to see such a terrific rugby player leaving the field for the last time, but the way it happened is not how Jason, or anyone, would have wanted it to happen.
My quarms with the English selection go back a long way. So far, it was November four years ago. Yes, straight after the world cup win. We needed to start afresh from that point. If you were not going to be available to play in four years time, then you should have called it quits then, and let a new breed of team develop. Instead, we went on with some of the old guard, then some called it a day a year or 2 ago (Matt Dawson is one), and then some have come out of retirement to play again (Robinson, Dallaglio), and some are still knocking around now (Mike Catt at 36 anyone). We needed to be aware of what was happening in world rugby. Just take a look at the New Zealand and South African sides now. They are both in great form, with players who have had time to gel as a unit, as a team, as a squad, whereas England and are a bunch of players who don't know where they stand, and come from unsuccessful clubs (I'll come back to this point shortly). The New Zealand and South Africa teams have pacey, multi-talented players , who are not just players who play in and fill a position, they are players who have the skills to be 15 players on the pitch and take teams apart clinically. There skill and fitness levels are high. They are creative and are good to watch. Four years ago, we won the world cup with a brand of rugby that was going out of fashion, but that we had mastered, and had the players to execute it with. That time has gone, and it's high time the coaches, the selectors, and the RFU noticed that. This world cup was never going to happen for us. We are not a cohesive unit, and we never will be unless we start again from scratch.
I think it would be harsh call to dismiss Brian Ashton from his position after the world cup. Six months ago, he was put in charge of a sinking ship, the fall-out of the Andy Robinson era. On the other hand, maybe a culling is what is needed. A big clear out, get rid of the deadwood, only then can we start afresh and plan for four years ahead, and let's forget about short term stop gaps once and for all! And then we pose the question, not of who to bring in, but who would relish the challenge, who would be big enough to fill the position and impose themselves on the English national set up
There are two possible candidates that I personally feel could have what it takes, but both are currently under contract. One, is Dean Richards. The Harlequins Director of Rugby has sucessfully brought them back from National Division One, and now they look a solid unit, a force to be reckoned with, having watched their game against London Irish at Twickenham yesterday. Richards has an impressive CV, and a strong reputation, and a positive but hard attitude.
The other, is Eddie Jones. The coach of the losing finalists, Australia, four years ago. International experience and a fresh eye to look over this England side and selection. His current techincal role with South Africa seems to be doing wonders for them, but Saracens have got him in charge of their Academy, and they will not want to let him go!
So it's on one of those two choices in my opinion, or back Ashton to the hilt and tell him he has at least four years at it. It is a about time we took the bull by the horns and got a grip of ourselves!
Now back to the point I raised earlier; why play players from unsuccessful teams? Newcastle didn't have a great season last time out, in fact they haven't for several seasons, but players like Jamie Noon and Matthew Tait (I would say Jonny as well, but he has hardly player) are always selected. Bath always have players in the squad, yet they haven't performed for several seasons now. We should make our squad up of players from the top teams, who scored the most points, who have the best defensive records. Selection needs an overhaul! Look's like the whole damn thing needs an overhaul!
There's no need to perform open surgery on the match. I was optimistic, I always try to be, I had a small glimmer of hope. Maybe the South Africans would have a bad day at the office and we could sneak it, but unfortunately, it wasn't to be, and 36 nil scoreline was pretty fair.
Our best performer was Jason Robinson, and there is now a distinct chance that he won't play again in the tournament due to injury, thus being a very sad end to a glittering career. He had a pace, and a determination that seemed to escape many others in the side. It was always going to be a sad moment to see such a terrific rugby player leaving the field for the last time, but the way it happened is not how Jason, or anyone, would have wanted it to happen.
My quarms with the English selection go back a long way. So far, it was November four years ago. Yes, straight after the world cup win. We needed to start afresh from that point. If you were not going to be available to play in four years time, then you should have called it quits then, and let a new breed of team develop. Instead, we went on with some of the old guard, then some called it a day a year or 2 ago (Matt Dawson is one), and then some have come out of retirement to play again (Robinson, Dallaglio), and some are still knocking around now (Mike Catt at 36 anyone). We needed to be aware of what was happening in world rugby. Just take a look at the New Zealand and South African sides now. They are both in great form, with players who have had time to gel as a unit, as a team, as a squad, whereas England and are a bunch of players who don't know where they stand, and come from unsuccessful clubs (I'll come back to this point shortly). The New Zealand and South Africa teams have pacey, multi-talented players , who are not just players who play in and fill a position, they are players who have the skills to be 15 players on the pitch and take teams apart clinically. There skill and fitness levels are high. They are creative and are good to watch. Four years ago, we won the world cup with a brand of rugby that was going out of fashion, but that we had mastered, and had the players to execute it with. That time has gone, and it's high time the coaches, the selectors, and the RFU noticed that. This world cup was never going to happen for us. We are not a cohesive unit, and we never will be unless we start again from scratch.
I think it would be harsh call to dismiss Brian Ashton from his position after the world cup. Six months ago, he was put in charge of a sinking ship, the fall-out of the Andy Robinson era. On the other hand, maybe a culling is what is needed. A big clear out, get rid of the deadwood, only then can we start afresh and plan for four years ahead, and let's forget about short term stop gaps once and for all! And then we pose the question, not of who to bring in, but who would relish the challenge, who would be big enough to fill the position and impose themselves on the English national set up
There are two possible candidates that I personally feel could have what it takes, but both are currently under contract. One, is Dean Richards. The Harlequins Director of Rugby has sucessfully brought them back from National Division One, and now they look a solid unit, a force to be reckoned with, having watched their game against London Irish at Twickenham yesterday. Richards has an impressive CV, and a strong reputation, and a positive but hard attitude.
The other, is Eddie Jones. The coach of the losing finalists, Australia, four years ago. International experience and a fresh eye to look over this England side and selection. His current techincal role with South Africa seems to be doing wonders for them, but Saracens have got him in charge of their Academy, and they will not want to let him go!
So it's on one of those two choices in my opinion, or back Ashton to the hilt and tell him he has at least four years at it. It is a about time we took the bull by the horns and got a grip of ourselves!
Now back to the point I raised earlier; why play players from unsuccessful teams? Newcastle didn't have a great season last time out, in fact they haven't for several seasons, but players like Jamie Noon and Matthew Tait (I would say Jonny as well, but he has hardly player) are always selected. Bath always have players in the squad, yet they haven't performed for several seasons now. We should make our squad up of players from the top teams, who scored the most points, who have the best defensive records. Selection needs an overhaul! Look's like the whole damn thing needs an overhaul!
Friday, 14 September 2007
Twenty20 update: England qualify for Super 8s
England have qualified for the super 8 series in the Twenty20 World Cup, despite an eight wicket defeat to Australia this afternoon. Both the Aussies and England qualify at the expense of Zimbabwe because of net run rate.
Earlier today, Sri Lanka posted the highest score in a twenty20 international, hammering a massive 260 for 6 from their 20 overs against Kenya. Most sides would be happy with that from 50 overs, let alone 20. Kenya were dismissed for 88, a record margin of 172 runs.
Other cricketing news is that Rahul Dravid has resigned as the India captain in both forms of the game. Dravid, who has led the Indian side to test series wins over the West Indies, and more recently England, still wants to play for India, and hopes the relinquishing the captaincy will allow him to concentrate on his batting. With many of India's senior players in the their mid thirties, it may be the choice of the selectors to go for a younger option, with Yuvraj Singh or VVS Laxman among the favourites. India's biggest worries has to be that their older, experienced players all decide to call it a day before their replacements have had a chance to become experienced with international cricket.
Earlier today, Sri Lanka posted the highest score in a twenty20 international, hammering a massive 260 for 6 from their 20 overs against Kenya. Most sides would be happy with that from 50 overs, let alone 20. Kenya were dismissed for 88, a record margin of 172 runs.
Other cricketing news is that Rahul Dravid has resigned as the India captain in both forms of the game. Dravid, who has led the Indian side to test series wins over the West Indies, and more recently England, still wants to play for India, and hopes the relinquishing the captaincy will allow him to concentrate on his batting. With many of India's senior players in the their mid thirties, it may be the choice of the selectors to go for a younger option, with Yuvraj Singh or VVS Laxman among the favourites. India's biggest worries has to be that their older, experienced players all decide to call it a day before their replacements have had a chance to become experienced with international cricket.
Massive task for England
We are three hours away from one of the biggest challenges an English rugby union side has faced recently. England go into tonight's game with South Africa without a recognised fly half after an injury last week to Jonny Wilkinson, and then reserve Olly Barkley went down with a hip injury this week. Both do expect to be fit for next week's match but tonight's game was going to be a good marker of what to expect from England in this tournament. Mike Catt, will wear the number 10, contrary to earlier reports. Not that it matters. Both Catt, and centre Andy Farrell will share the playmaker duties, with Farrell taking over the kicking duties.
Let's hope England can put on a display that does show what they can do, and gives us supporters cause for optimism for the future of the tournament.
Let's hope England can put on a display that does show what they can do, and gives us supporters cause for optimism for the future of the tournament.
Wednesday, 12 September 2007
Barkley out...Farrell In
Andy Farrell will start at fly-half on Friday in England's big match with South Africa, after Olly Barkley was ruled out with a hip injury.
Farrell who has played just one union match at fly-half, that a Saracens 'A' leage match 11 months ago, will also take on the kicking duties.
The injuries to Wilkinson and Barkley may leave head coach Brian Ashton rueing the decision not bring Toby Flood, Shane Geraghty or Andy Goode as fly-half cover.
Farrell shouldn't be fazed by the situation. He is a player of great experience, and played as first receiver a lot in rugby league, and has acted as first receiver in union games too.
Maybe it will be a blessing in disguise, maybe 'Faz' can bring something to the party which has been lacking with England. His defence is good, so the channels around him should be secure. Let's hope it works!
Farrell who has played just one union match at fly-half, that a Saracens 'A' leage match 11 months ago, will also take on the kicking duties.
The injuries to Wilkinson and Barkley may leave head coach Brian Ashton rueing the decision not bring Toby Flood, Shane Geraghty or Andy Goode as fly-half cover.
Farrell shouldn't be fazed by the situation. He is a player of great experience, and played as first receiver a lot in rugby league, and has acted as first receiver in union games too.
Maybe it will be a blessing in disguise, maybe 'Faz' can bring something to the party which has been lacking with England. His defence is good, so the channels around him should be secure. Let's hope it works!
Tuesday, 11 September 2007
England's rugby team need a kick up the backside
And not a metaphorical one at that. Saturday's match against the USA was a great chance for us to develop some confidence, get some tries and points under our belts, and generally show the public what we could do. Unfortunately, it was a typically inept English performance. We lacked direction in midfield, and this was nothing to do with the absence of one Jonny Wilkinson. His replacement Olly Barkley had a good game, but those around him did not cover themselves in glory. Shaun Perry looked laboured and continually slowed the game down, whereas when Peter Richards came on he tried to put some pace in the game. Mike Catt and Jamie Noon were fairly annonymous all match, despite Catt's kick which put Robinson in for his try, which you feel any player could have made there was that much space! I also failed to follow the thinking of playing a wing at fullback, and two players who can play fullback, on the wing. At least Ahston has sorted this scenario by moving Robinson to fullback and bringing Sackey in on the wing.
One new problem to emerge is that of an injury to Olly Barkley in training, which puts him in doubt for Friday's game with South Africa. Who would play fly-half with Jonny out as well. You would imagine Mike Catt as he has experience there, or possibly Josh Lewsey also has some experience there, but you wouldn't throw Andy Farrell in there, or would Ashton do that. To be honest, no-one knows! The other doubt is Phil Vickery, the captain, after he was cited for foul play in the USA game. Let's hope he is available, as we need some experience and brute force out there against the very physical Boks.
Up front we were also slow and laboured, which did contribute somewhat to the slow service by Perry. Dallaglio and Worsley have been dropped, and Nick Easter, who should have started on Saturday is in at number 8, with Martin Corry restored to the side at blindside flanker. I hope Easter will improve things, but I am not sure about Corry. Tom Rees at openside had a storming game, and will look to continue with where he left off. He offers pace and aggression, something we don't have much of.
All in all, good luck England. We're going to need it!
One new problem to emerge is that of an injury to Olly Barkley in training, which puts him in doubt for Friday's game with South Africa. Who would play fly-half with Jonny out as well. You would imagine Mike Catt as he has experience there, or possibly Josh Lewsey also has some experience there, but you wouldn't throw Andy Farrell in there, or would Ashton do that. To be honest, no-one knows! The other doubt is Phil Vickery, the captain, after he was cited for foul play in the USA game. Let's hope he is available, as we need some experience and brute force out there against the very physical Boks.
Up front we were also slow and laboured, which did contribute somewhat to the slow service by Perry. Dallaglio and Worsley have been dropped, and Nick Easter, who should have started on Saturday is in at number 8, with Martin Corry restored to the side at blindside flanker. I hope Easter will improve things, but I am not sure about Corry. Tom Rees at openside had a storming game, and will look to continue with where he left off. He offers pace and aggression, something we don't have much of.
All in all, good luck England. We're going to need it!
Cricket springs the suprise
I don't think I was the only one who anticipated England winning the test match series and India winning the one day series. Well I was wrong, and so was anyone who thought the same. After surviving by a solitary wicket in the first test, India somehow found strength from somewhere to take England by storm. Terrific bowling performances from the likes of Zaheer Khan and RP Singh, coupled with some poor England batting, led to India being one up with one to play. England were not able to pull it back in the final test
Then came the one day internationals. After their defeat in the one day series to the West Indies earlier in the summer, the England management had said to judge their team at the end of the summer, and a good judgement has been cast. England now have a young exciting team with bags of potential, players who know how to play one day cricket, players who can score runs quickly, players who can take wickets, players who can save runs in the field and take outstanding catches; just what English cricket has been crying out for! Some excitement!
And who knows, maybe we can spring another suprise at the Twenty20 World Cup. That gets underway today, with the hosts South Africa taking on the West Indies. England's first match is on Thursday, and I believe we can give a good showing, especially because of the Twenty20 experience held within our squad.
Then came the one day internationals. After their defeat in the one day series to the West Indies earlier in the summer, the England management had said to judge their team at the end of the summer, and a good judgement has been cast. England now have a young exciting team with bags of potential, players who know how to play one day cricket, players who can score runs quickly, players who can take wickets, players who can save runs in the field and take outstanding catches; just what English cricket has been crying out for! Some excitement!
And who knows, maybe we can spring another suprise at the Twenty20 World Cup. That gets underway today, with the hosts South Africa taking on the West Indies. England's first match is on Thursday, and I believe we can give a good showing, especially because of the Twenty20 experience held within our squad.
Tuesday, 31 July 2007
Second test result: advantage India
Today India won only their fifth test match in England to go one up with one to play in this three match series. The result was as expected after the tourists dismissed England for 355 yesterday, leaving them a relatively easy target of 73 for victory. However, England will be more than delighted with the application of their bowlers, especially Chris Tremlett, who in only his second test match, seems to have reserved himself a permanent place in the line-up. India lost three wickets in their chase, all to Tremlett, and if only the England bowlers could have whittled three quick wickets from the Indian top order on Friday evening and Saturday morning, this test match would probably have had a very different result.
England lost this match by 7 wickets, but there was plenty of their cricket that deserved more than that, not least the second innings batting display, and the effort from the bowlers throughout the entire match. Luck plays a big part in sport, and on such fine margins, games are won and lost. Ryan Sidebottom in particular will feel aggrieved that he did not pick up more wickets on his home ground, following a fantastic display of consistent swing bowling. He will bowl a lot worse and pick up more wickets. Sod's law. I thought James Anderson was effective, but inconsistent, and if one bowling place was up for grabs for the third test, it would be his. However, I feel the selectors will go with the same attack, considering how close they got this time round, and hope the Oval brings more luck than misery. Tremlett, as already said, bowled superbly, and looks to have cemented a place in the England side for the forseeable future. Steve Harmison is going to have to work hard in county cricket before he gets another look in I feel. The consistency of Tremlett's bowling creates pressure, and he bowls a great line and length, gets swing and bounce, takes wickets and bowls at 80-85mph. A great bowler in the making!
It was England's first innings batting display that cost them this match, although again it was by fine margins. Another 50 runs in the first innings, and another 50 in the second, could have given the Indians a tricky target on a wearing final day pitch. Application was a word used earlier on, and the TV pundits have touched on it many times over the past five days. The English batter's application was probably not as good as it could have been. We have batsmen who love to cash in when it's all going good, but what we need is for these batsmen to show a harder streak. We need batsmen who can go out there and front up when the going is tough. Michael Vaughan played a captains innings, and I thought Strauss batted well second time around, and if those two had stayed together longer, we could have set a useful target for India. Vaughan showed what needed to be done, and was very unfortunate to get out in the manner that he did. Collingwood grafted well, but needed more support from the lower order. Plenty to work on for England's batting for the Oval, although the only change I would consider making is for Ian Bell. Bell is a quality player, but is short of runs and struggling with the swinging ball, and is not very experienced when batting with the tail. The only question is who to bring in? Owais Shah maybe?
The much fancied Indian batting line up fired in this game, all of them getting decent scores. They will be tough to bowl out twice, but the application (there's that word again) of the English bowlers today and throughout this test has definately given cause for optimism.
Zaheer Khan was man of the match, with 9 wickets in the match, and showing great consistency. I also thought RP Singh bowled really well. The wicket of Matt Prior in the second innings was fantastically executed, and at 21 years of age, he looks very promising. Sree Sreesanth is a talented bowler, but has become distracted in this match. His mind seems to wonder, and the Indian management need to sit him down and read him the riot act and get him back on the rails. If the ball swings at the Oval, both bowling attacks should do well, and it will be down to the application (!) of the batting line ups as to who proves the winner.
Michael Vaughan has never lost a test series on home soil, but his side are going to have to chase this one, so be ready for a very positive England performance looking to draw this series. What do I think? Well, biased opinion here, but I think England will bounce back and get the win, if the weather holds. The last few days have not gone as England would have planned, but a change of luck, and if the batters hold their own, and anything is possible, but don't be suprised to have another 5 day marathon. This series has been really good value so far, and I don't think the final test will disappoint!
England lost this match by 7 wickets, but there was plenty of their cricket that deserved more than that, not least the second innings batting display, and the effort from the bowlers throughout the entire match. Luck plays a big part in sport, and on such fine margins, games are won and lost. Ryan Sidebottom in particular will feel aggrieved that he did not pick up more wickets on his home ground, following a fantastic display of consistent swing bowling. He will bowl a lot worse and pick up more wickets. Sod's law. I thought James Anderson was effective, but inconsistent, and if one bowling place was up for grabs for the third test, it would be his. However, I feel the selectors will go with the same attack, considering how close they got this time round, and hope the Oval brings more luck than misery. Tremlett, as already said, bowled superbly, and looks to have cemented a place in the England side for the forseeable future. Steve Harmison is going to have to work hard in county cricket before he gets another look in I feel. The consistency of Tremlett's bowling creates pressure, and he bowls a great line and length, gets swing and bounce, takes wickets and bowls at 80-85mph. A great bowler in the making!
It was England's first innings batting display that cost them this match, although again it was by fine margins. Another 50 runs in the first innings, and another 50 in the second, could have given the Indians a tricky target on a wearing final day pitch. Application was a word used earlier on, and the TV pundits have touched on it many times over the past five days. The English batter's application was probably not as good as it could have been. We have batsmen who love to cash in when it's all going good, but what we need is for these batsmen to show a harder streak. We need batsmen who can go out there and front up when the going is tough. Michael Vaughan played a captains innings, and I thought Strauss batted well second time around, and if those two had stayed together longer, we could have set a useful target for India. Vaughan showed what needed to be done, and was very unfortunate to get out in the manner that he did. Collingwood grafted well, but needed more support from the lower order. Plenty to work on for England's batting for the Oval, although the only change I would consider making is for Ian Bell. Bell is a quality player, but is short of runs and struggling with the swinging ball, and is not very experienced when batting with the tail. The only question is who to bring in? Owais Shah maybe?
The much fancied Indian batting line up fired in this game, all of them getting decent scores. They will be tough to bowl out twice, but the application (there's that word again) of the English bowlers today and throughout this test has definately given cause for optimism.
Zaheer Khan was man of the match, with 9 wickets in the match, and showing great consistency. I also thought RP Singh bowled really well. The wicket of Matt Prior in the second innings was fantastically executed, and at 21 years of age, he looks very promising. Sree Sreesanth is a talented bowler, but has become distracted in this match. His mind seems to wonder, and the Indian management need to sit him down and read him the riot act and get him back on the rails. If the ball swings at the Oval, both bowling attacks should do well, and it will be down to the application (!) of the batting line ups as to who proves the winner.
Michael Vaughan has never lost a test series on home soil, but his side are going to have to chase this one, so be ready for a very positive England performance looking to draw this series. What do I think? Well, biased opinion here, but I think England will bounce back and get the win, if the weather holds. The last few days have not gone as England would have planned, but a change of luck, and if the batters hold their own, and anything is possible, but don't be suprised to have another 5 day marathon. This series has been really good value so far, and I don't think the final test will disappoint!
Tuesday, 24 July 2007
England v India - First Test Stalemate
The firs ttest between England and India at Lord's might have ended as a draw, but England will go away with plenty of positives from a game, which in all truth, they should have won. English weather once again decided a cricket match. India were 9 wickets down in their second innings, still 98 runs off winning, and England on the attack for that one final wicket. With the dimming light, England had Panesar and Vaughan bowling, so as to stay out as long as possible. Vaughan getting his 6 deliverys down as quickly as possible to allow the dangerous Panesar to do his stuff. I couldn't help thinking that maybe Kevin Pietersen would have been a better option than Vaughan , as KP gets more revolutions on the ball, and up against the number 11 might have caused more trouble, rather than wasting the overs just to get the Montster back on.
All in all though, this was a very promising England bowling attack. It was the first time since the 4th test agains the Aussies two summers ago that at least one of Jones, Hoggard, Harmison, Freddie and Giles had not been in an England side, but it showed the strength in depth England now have. The attack was very inexperienced, Sidebottom, Anderson, Panesar, and debutant Tremlett. Everyone expected the debutant to be Stuart Broad, but with the injury to Hoggard, the selectors had a rethink, and they wanted more variety. Tremlett offers the team something similar to Steve Harmison, but with more consistency in line and length. I thought Tremlett looked promising. Having been in and out of the one day side over the last couple of years, Tremlett has struggled with injury and consistency, but from working with Shane Warne and Stuart Clark at Hampshire, he has shortened his run up and looked a much better bowler. He showed that in this test match, taking 4 wickets and economically as well. His batting needs some work though, two ducks not the best start.
The rest of England's line up seems to be in pretty decent touch with the bat though. Strauss got 96 in the first innings, but he still looked scratchy. Cook got a couple of starts and will be disappointed not to have built on that. Vaughan looked decent, as did KP once he worked out how to play the left arm seamers. His second innings ton showed real hard graft, which hopefully will satisfy some doubters about his ability to do that. His test record is looking very impressive! I was disappointed for Paul Collingwood that he had two failures, and hopefully he can get going at Trent Bridge on Friday. I am still unsure about Ian Bell as a number 6, and once Flintoff returns to the test side I feel he will be the one who misses the cut, unless England go with only four bowlers. Prior had a good second innings and I was pretty pleased with his work with the gloves.
India have a famous batting line-up. Some big names, Tendulkar, Ganguly, Dravid, Laxman, amongst others, but they didn't seem to shine as was expected. Probably the last time some of these names will tour England, a lot was expected as swansong, but England's bowlers tied them down and forced mistakes. Panesar got the big wicket of Tendulkar in the second innings, who was coincidentally his first test victim. Dravid as well fell cheaply twice, which England will be delighted with. Personally, Dravid is the big wicket, as he has the ability to occupy the crease for a long time, so to get him back in the changing rooms early on is essential. Wicket-keeper Dhoni is a very dangerous player once he gets going, and if they target on the final day had not been so great, I feel he would have had a good day at getting India there. There was big talk of Sachin Tendulkar wanting to bring up a ton at Lord's as he, along with another world great, Brian Lara, have never scored a century at the home of cricket, and actually have pretty modest records at Lord's as well. Unfortunately for Sachin, he couldn't even make a 50.
India's bowling line-up started off indifferently, but they gained consistency as the game went on, and caused England plenty of problems. Left arm seamer RP Singh took five for in the second innings, showing that the young attack as a promising future. Sree Sreesanth also looks a handful, with plenty of physical aggression.
So the next test at Trent Bridge starts on Friday. It will be the same again for England I suspect, with Hoggard still out injured, and hopefully Panesar will continue to torment the India batsman. I think India will also be unchanged. They will hope the middle order picks up some runs, but they should be happy with the improvements the bowlers showed throughout the first test. The one problem with the Indians is their immobility in the field, and with fielding now such an important part of the game, England will look to take an advantage from that.
Let's hope the second test brings a positive result and better weather. Bring on Nottingham!
All in all though, this was a very promising England bowling attack. It was the first time since the 4th test agains the Aussies two summers ago that at least one of Jones, Hoggard, Harmison, Freddie and Giles had not been in an England side, but it showed the strength in depth England now have. The attack was very inexperienced, Sidebottom, Anderson, Panesar, and debutant Tremlett. Everyone expected the debutant to be Stuart Broad, but with the injury to Hoggard, the selectors had a rethink, and they wanted more variety. Tremlett offers the team something similar to Steve Harmison, but with more consistency in line and length. I thought Tremlett looked promising. Having been in and out of the one day side over the last couple of years, Tremlett has struggled with injury and consistency, but from working with Shane Warne and Stuart Clark at Hampshire, he has shortened his run up and looked a much better bowler. He showed that in this test match, taking 4 wickets and economically as well. His batting needs some work though, two ducks not the best start.
The rest of England's line up seems to be in pretty decent touch with the bat though. Strauss got 96 in the first innings, but he still looked scratchy. Cook got a couple of starts and will be disappointed not to have built on that. Vaughan looked decent, as did KP once he worked out how to play the left arm seamers. His second innings ton showed real hard graft, which hopefully will satisfy some doubters about his ability to do that. His test record is looking very impressive! I was disappointed for Paul Collingwood that he had two failures, and hopefully he can get going at Trent Bridge on Friday. I am still unsure about Ian Bell as a number 6, and once Flintoff returns to the test side I feel he will be the one who misses the cut, unless England go with only four bowlers. Prior had a good second innings and I was pretty pleased with his work with the gloves.
India have a famous batting line-up. Some big names, Tendulkar, Ganguly, Dravid, Laxman, amongst others, but they didn't seem to shine as was expected. Probably the last time some of these names will tour England, a lot was expected as swansong, but England's bowlers tied them down and forced mistakes. Panesar got the big wicket of Tendulkar in the second innings, who was coincidentally his first test victim. Dravid as well fell cheaply twice, which England will be delighted with. Personally, Dravid is the big wicket, as he has the ability to occupy the crease for a long time, so to get him back in the changing rooms early on is essential. Wicket-keeper Dhoni is a very dangerous player once he gets going, and if they target on the final day had not been so great, I feel he would have had a good day at getting India there. There was big talk of Sachin Tendulkar wanting to bring up a ton at Lord's as he, along with another world great, Brian Lara, have never scored a century at the home of cricket, and actually have pretty modest records at Lord's as well. Unfortunately for Sachin, he couldn't even make a 50.
India's bowling line-up started off indifferently, but they gained consistency as the game went on, and caused England plenty of problems. Left arm seamer RP Singh took five for in the second innings, showing that the young attack as a promising future. Sree Sreesanth also looks a handful, with plenty of physical aggression.
So the next test at Trent Bridge starts on Friday. It will be the same again for England I suspect, with Hoggard still out injured, and hopefully Panesar will continue to torment the India batsman. I think India will also be unchanged. They will hope the middle order picks up some runs, but they should be happy with the improvements the bowlers showed throughout the first test. The one problem with the Indians is their immobility in the field, and with fielding now such an important part of the game, England will look to take an advantage from that.
Let's hope the second test brings a positive result and better weather. Bring on Nottingham!
Tuesday, 17 July 2007
Footie season approaching...
So the clubs are now back in pre-season training, season tickets have been sold, new kits on sale...and the fans are eager for that opening game to arrive. It's been a couple of months since the last ball was kicked in anger, and now the wait for it all to start again is less than a month away. The first game of the season, that sunny afternoon in early August is nearly here, do not despair!
But during the summer, there is one thing that happens a lot, and there is plenty still around the corner, and that is transfers, and there have been a few big ones at that! I have already talked about Thierry Henry moving to Barcelona. Arsenal moved quickly to secure Eduardo Da Silva as replacement striker. Carlos Tevez is also keen to leave West Ham and join Man Utd, but it's complicated...! On the other hand, rumours are that Gabriel Heinze is about to leave Man Utd, possibly for Liverpool, although Fergie doesn't want to sell Heinze to a rival. Liverpool, (you see the link here) have signed big names in Ryan Babel and Fernando Torres, spending the American money!!!! And talking of spending foreign money, Sven Sven Sven!!! He's back, and he's back in charge of Man City, who today announced the signing of Brazilian and former Barcelona midfielder Geovanni on a free, to go along with the cash spent on Rolando Bianchi and Gelson Fernandes. Looks like Sven has been busy scouting during his time off!
Well, that's all for now. Hopefully there will be plenty more big signings to come, and don't be too impatient with waiting for that first big game to come (go see a pre-season game to keep you satisfied in meantime).
But during the summer, there is one thing that happens a lot, and there is plenty still around the corner, and that is transfers, and there have been a few big ones at that! I have already talked about Thierry Henry moving to Barcelona. Arsenal moved quickly to secure Eduardo Da Silva as replacement striker. Carlos Tevez is also keen to leave West Ham and join Man Utd, but it's complicated...! On the other hand, rumours are that Gabriel Heinze is about to leave Man Utd, possibly for Liverpool, although Fergie doesn't want to sell Heinze to a rival. Liverpool, (you see the link here) have signed big names in Ryan Babel and Fernando Torres, spending the American money!!!! And talking of spending foreign money, Sven Sven Sven!!! He's back, and he's back in charge of Man City, who today announced the signing of Brazilian and former Barcelona midfielder Geovanni on a free, to go along with the cash spent on Rolando Bianchi and Gelson Fernandes. Looks like Sven has been busy scouting during his time off!
Well, that's all for now. Hopefully there will be plenty more big signings to come, and don't be too impatient with waiting for that first big game to come (go see a pre-season game to keep you satisfied in meantime).
Cricket summer update...the heavens open!!!
Well, I bet when the ECB planned this summers itinerary, they did not have the slightest clue that the weather would be as bad as it has been. There have been so many postponements and matches called off due to the weather, that it has made a bit of a farce out of some of the games. Teams, for example, Leicestershire, went out of the Twenty20 cup because they couldn't get there games scheduled for dry days, let alone have a chance at winning them. One huge problem has been for Worcestershire. With somewhere around £200,000 worth of damage to their ground, this summer has been particularly tough on them, with postponed matches, re-arranged matches, and a badly damaged ground. Let's all hope that Worcs can recover from this set back and that the weather holds off to allow cricket this summer to be played out as it is meant to, not just have no results dominating the table.
On a different note, England's one day series went as planned, little success, but plenty to build on! Where have we heard that before... sorry, I'll stop being cynical, because I actually believe, for once, we are on the right tracks. Positive steps are being taken. England's 30 man Twenty20 World Cup preliminary squad includes Marcus Trescothick, plus an interesting debutant in Sussex all-rounder Luke Wright. Wright's inclusion is a developing trend from new England coach Peter Moores to introduce new players, and with that, in-form county players, in to the international fold. Wright has had a stormer in the Twenty20 cup this summer, so his inclusion is a good move by the management. The other inclusions in this squad which are well deserved go to Darren Maddy, Chris Schofield and Jeremy Snape. These are players that have been there and done it in this competition and other county one day tournaments. They are the inform players and should, in all fairness have been called up for at least the Twenty20 competition with the West Indies a few weeks ago. It is a specialist tournament, and requires specialist players, and the positive thing is that this new England management is beginning to see this and take notice of the specialist players! Something, I hasten to add, I do not believe the previous coach did enough of in the shorter form of the game.
That's all on the cricket front for now. England face India in a 3 match test series starting this week. Let's hope they can kick on from the West Indies performances. With Harmy ruled out, this is the chance for Stuart Broad to shine. Enjoy the series. I'll let you know what I thought of it in due course!
On a different note, England's one day series went as planned, little success, but plenty to build on! Where have we heard that before... sorry, I'll stop being cynical, because I actually believe, for once, we are on the right tracks. Positive steps are being taken. England's 30 man Twenty20 World Cup preliminary squad includes Marcus Trescothick, plus an interesting debutant in Sussex all-rounder Luke Wright. Wright's inclusion is a developing trend from new England coach Peter Moores to introduce new players, and with that, in-form county players, in to the international fold. Wright has had a stormer in the Twenty20 cup this summer, so his inclusion is a good move by the management. The other inclusions in this squad which are well deserved go to Darren Maddy, Chris Schofield and Jeremy Snape. These are players that have been there and done it in this competition and other county one day tournaments. They are the inform players and should, in all fairness have been called up for at least the Twenty20 competition with the West Indies a few weeks ago. It is a specialist tournament, and requires specialist players, and the positive thing is that this new England management is beginning to see this and take notice of the specialist players! Something, I hasten to add, I do not believe the previous coach did enough of in the shorter form of the game.
That's all on the cricket front for now. England face India in a 3 match test series starting this week. Let's hope they can kick on from the West Indies performances. With Harmy ruled out, this is the chance for Stuart Broad to shine. Enjoy the series. I'll let you know what I thought of it in due course!
Saturday, 23 June 2007
Ta Ta Thierry!
So, it's finally happened. Thierry Henry is leaving Arsenal; destination: Barcelona. And the price: a bargin at some would say at £16million. But is it really a bargin....he is 29, almost 30, and is going to sign a 4 year deal. Teams in the prem hardly ever plays over 30 more than 2 years, yet alone 4. Henry has also sighted the lack of stability at Arsenal following the departure of David Dein and Arsene Wenger unwilling to sign a new deal. Henry has himself said, "it was now or never, so it has to be now", which is fair enough. His career has a limited time, let him do what he wants to do. He has held Arsenal together for so long, and if they aren't going to make him feel wanted, he will go somewhere that does. Let's see what Arsenal can do without him...step forward Theo Walcott!
One other point...Eto'o, Ronaldinho, and Henry. What a forward line that is. All the defenders will be leaving Spain at the very thought of that!
Oh, and thanks Thierry what you have brought to the Premiership; flair, pace and excitement. it won't be just Arsenal fans that will miss watching you play!
One other point...Eto'o, Ronaldinho, and Henry. What a forward line that is. All the defenders will be leaving Spain at the very thought of that!
Oh, and thanks Thierry what you have brought to the Premiership; flair, pace and excitement. it won't be just Arsenal fans that will miss watching you play!
Captain Colly!
The ECB announced the One Day squad for the upcoming Twenty20 and 50-over internationals against the West Indies yesterday. Paul Collingwood will captain England, and for one am pleased with some of the decisions made by the selectors. Players like Dimitri Mascharenhas, Jonathan Trott and Stuart Broad are bold and brave, especially the first two. Broad has been around the squad a bit in the past year, but Mascharenhas and Trott, whilst maybe being touted by the media, haven't been considered previously be selectors. It is also good the Sidebottom is in the squad after his good performances so far this summer. Personally, I am pleased Owais Shah has another chance to shine, and hopefully he will. He is a batsman he likes to fill his boots when he gets the chance, and now is his big opportunity. I am not suprised Vaughan and Strauss were left out. Vaughan has played nearly 90 ODIs and not hit a hundred. If he wasn't captain, he would have been dropped sooner, and Strauss needs to go back to Middlesex and rediscover himself. One player I am suprised is still in the squad is Ian Bell. He is another without an ODI hundred to his name, and consistently fails to kick on in one day innings. His failure, and the rest of the teams, to take advantage of the powerplays during the world cup were a big hinderance to England. And it can be with no suprise that he was left out of Warwickshire's FP semi-final with Hamshire on Wednesday. Yes it was the day after the Test Match finished, but Hampshire flew KP down to the Rose Bowl for the match. Bell could have gone with him, but Warwickshire didn't want him to play. One player who I thought was inline for a recall was Vikram Solanki, who has been in excellent form this season, and it's also tough on Paul Nixon who started to come into his own in the world cup, but Prior is a lot younger and could play in the next 2 world cups, so he has to the be choice, plus his test appearances have been excellent so far.
I think the selectors have a tough call for which team to pick, but once again it will be with a view to looking to the next world cup. The issue with Duncan Fletcher was that he was planning for the 2007 world cup forever, even one month before it started he wasn't sure of his line-up. Hopefully Peter Moores will tackle this area successfully and settle on a line-up sooner rather than later.
So my team for the Twenty20 matches: Cook, Prior,Trott, KP, Shah, Colly, Dimi, Broad, Plunkett, Sidebottom, Monty (not necessarily in that batting order, but I feel Cook can find the gaps better than Bell, so he gets the nod)
and for the 50 over matches: Cook, Prior, Trott, KP, Shah, Colly, Dimi, Broad, Plunkett, Sidebottom, Monty. Yes it's the same side. It's a good mix of attacking blend and workers of the ball. It can also be flexible. You could use Dimi, Broad or Plunkett as a pinch hitter early on during a powerplay. 50 overs you hav time to build an innings, and Cook is someone who can bat through the innings whilst others play around him. I was very suprised he didn't go the world cup. Yardy is not in my choice as I am not a big fan of his, although that is based on what he did last time out in an England shirt. Maybe Moores will get more out of him this time around though.
And talking of Peter Moores, I am already pleased and impressed with the changes he is bringing in, a fresh face and fresh ideas were definately needed. The future, for me, is definately bright (hopefully I won't have changed my mind in 2 weeks time).
I think the selectors have a tough call for which team to pick, but once again it will be with a view to looking to the next world cup. The issue with Duncan Fletcher was that he was planning for the 2007 world cup forever, even one month before it started he wasn't sure of his line-up. Hopefully Peter Moores will tackle this area successfully and settle on a line-up sooner rather than later.
So my team for the Twenty20 matches: Cook, Prior,Trott, KP, Shah, Colly, Dimi, Broad, Plunkett, Sidebottom, Monty (not necessarily in that batting order, but I feel Cook can find the gaps better than Bell, so he gets the nod)
and for the 50 over matches: Cook, Prior, Trott, KP, Shah, Colly, Dimi, Broad, Plunkett, Sidebottom, Monty. Yes it's the same side. It's a good mix of attacking blend and workers of the ball. It can also be flexible. You could use Dimi, Broad or Plunkett as a pinch hitter early on during a powerplay. 50 overs you hav time to build an innings, and Cook is someone who can bat through the innings whilst others play around him. I was very suprised he didn't go the world cup. Yardy is not in my choice as I am not a big fan of his, although that is based on what he did last time out in an England shirt. Maybe Moores will get more out of him this time around though.
And talking of Peter Moores, I am already pleased and impressed with the changes he is bringing in, a fresh face and fresh ideas were definately needed. The future, for me, is definately bright (hopefully I won't have changed my mind in 2 weeks time).
Wednesday, 20 June 2007
England U21s - proud to be English
Never have I been so proud of an England football team than when I watched the U21 game against Holland U21 this evening. There was pace, a good team ethic, and players who worked hard, and a team that fitted well together. And in the end, the result typified a proud, yet disappointing evening for the team. There were players playing on through injury, Steven Taylor, the Newcastle defender, was playing on one leg, and then stepped up to put away a great penalty in the shoot out. And I think the penalty result of 13-12 is a world record as well. It was so surreal watching this though. So many scored penalties, and when England, who were taking the first pens, missed, so did Holland. In the end it was the Dutch who held their nerve to go through, following a one all draw, in which England had taken an early lead through Leroy Lita, only for a late Dutch equaliser to force extra time.
In the second semi-final, Serbia U21 beat Belgium U21 2-0. The final is on Saturday evening.
In the second semi-final, Serbia U21 beat Belgium U21 2-0. The final is on Saturday evening.
4th and final test...
So England wrapped up a convincing three nil test series win over the West Indies, and its now on to the one day series. This test match was always going to be a case of after the Lord Mayor's show, the series was already over, and with the first day a wash out, and not much possible on the 2nd, you would have been forgiven for thinking this game would drag on to an inevitable draw. In the end though, the final day was quite exciting. England again cleaned up the West Indies tail, with the only real resistance coming from Gayle (who at last scored some runs), Chanderpaul (the man who for the third time in his career, went over 1000 minutes between being dismissed in a series), and Dwayne Bravo (the West Indies most promising player). Other than that, the West Indies collapsed in mediocre style again, with England using this series as a way to bring back some form to players who much needed it. Andrew Strauss at last scored some runs, and Steve Harmison once again looked menacing and took some wickets he deserved to take. Another plus was King Monty taking another 5 for, leading to pundits calling him the world's best finger spinner, or maybe even the world's best spinner, obviously playing international cricket, as Warne is still probably the best! The one thing everyone will ponder about this series is, if the West Indies had had Brian Lara and Ronnie Sarwan available for the whole series, could they have mounted more of a challenge with the bat. Personally, I think the series would have been more competitive, but not necessarily a different result. England are several classes above, and now we move on to the one day series which starts next week with a couple of 20twenty matches...
Who is going to captain England though, and will Vaughan get a place in the side. Collingwood and no and the answers there. Well they should be. If we want Vaughan to play against Aus in 2009, he needs to start resting his body to protect it from further damage. Collingwood is an inspirational cricketer, who I feel would do the job until the next world cup or thereabouts, when Alistair Cook, who for me is the future captain in both forms of the game, could take over and England could look forward to a long and successful era with Cook at the helm. The squad for the up-and-coming one dayers is announced on Friday.
Daren Ganga has not been given the captaincy for the West Indies for the ODIs. That has gone to Chris Gayle, Mr Cool Personified. Let's see if he can rouse these players to put up a challenge!
The other cricket news from today is thatr Durham and Hampshire will meet in the final of the Friends Provident trophy at Lords after knocking out Essex and Warwickshire respectively.
Who is going to captain England though, and will Vaughan get a place in the side. Collingwood and no and the answers there. Well they should be. If we want Vaughan to play against Aus in 2009, he needs to start resting his body to protect it from further damage. Collingwood is an inspirational cricketer, who I feel would do the job until the next world cup or thereabouts, when Alistair Cook, who for me is the future captain in both forms of the game, could take over and England could look forward to a long and successful era with Cook at the helm. The squad for the up-and-coming one dayers is announced on Friday.
Daren Ganga has not been given the captaincy for the West Indies for the ODIs. That has gone to Chris Gayle, Mr Cool Personified. Let's see if he can rouse these players to put up a challenge!
The other cricket news from today is thatr Durham and Hampshire will meet in the final of the Friends Provident trophy at Lords after knocking out Essex and Warwickshire respectively.
Wednesday, 13 June 2007
Sheffield United come to London...
...with the legend that is Sean Bean at the helm!
Sean Bean has led a delegatioon to Parliament, protesting at the circumstances surrounding Sheffield United's relegation from the Premiership. This, of course, is all revolving round the Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano case, and Sheffield United supporters claim West Ham should have been docked points, and subsequently relegated, after using players who were not properly registered.
An arbitration panel will the claim made by Sheffield United on 18th June. West Ham were fined a record £5.5million, but Sheffield United state that was not enough. There has also been support from other football clubs and fans from the Premiership.
What do I think? I was shocked that West Ham were not docked points, and their recent recovery was down a lot to Carlos Tevez, especially the goal he scored to beat Man Utd on the final day of the season, although by this point he was registered legally. Mascherano's involvement with West Ham was limited to a couple of performances before moving to Liverpool. So yes, I think West Ham should have been docked points, and whoever got relegated in place of them was going to challenge it. Will the Premier League have the balls to change their stance? We wait with eager anticipation!
Sean Bean has led a delegatioon to Parliament, protesting at the circumstances surrounding Sheffield United's relegation from the Premiership. This, of course, is all revolving round the Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano case, and Sheffield United supporters claim West Ham should have been docked points, and subsequently relegated, after using players who were not properly registered.
An arbitration panel will the claim made by Sheffield United on 18th June. West Ham were fined a record £5.5million, but Sheffield United state that was not enough. There has also been support from other football clubs and fans from the Premiership.
What do I think? I was shocked that West Ham were not docked points, and their recent recovery was down a lot to Carlos Tevez, especially the goal he scored to beat Man Utd on the final day of the season, although by this point he was registered legally. Mascherano's involvement with West Ham was limited to a couple of performances before moving to Liverpool. So yes, I think West Ham should have been docked points, and whoever got relegated in place of them was going to challenge it. Will the Premier League have the balls to change their stance? We wait with eager anticipation!
Back to reality
I know this is a blog about sport, but there was an event in the news yesterday which really hit home to me how irrelevant the world of sport can be, compared with other things that go on.
What I am talking about is of course the murdered police officer in Luton. What is this country coming to. It wasn't even half past seven on Tuesday morning. He hadn't even been on shift for 30 minutes, and yet PC Jon Henry was fatally stabbed. He leaves behind his wife and a young baby daughter, who had just learnt to walk. His little girl will grow up without a father, and all because he responded to a 999 call and was willing to help some other members of the public who were being threatened. This is totally unacceptable behaviour from the person who did this. A man was arrested and appeared in court today, and will return on 26th June.
I just do not understand why some people feel the need to harm others. It just isn't the right way to live.
What I am talking about is of course the murdered police officer in Luton. What is this country coming to. It wasn't even half past seven on Tuesday morning. He hadn't even been on shift for 30 minutes, and yet PC Jon Henry was fatally stabbed. He leaves behind his wife and a young baby daughter, who had just learnt to walk. His little girl will grow up without a father, and all because he responded to a 999 call and was willing to help some other members of the public who were being threatened. This is totally unacceptable behaviour from the person who did this. A man was arrested and appeared in court today, and will return on 26th June.
I just do not understand why some people feel the need to harm others. It just isn't the right way to live.
Sunday, 10 June 2007
England get home...eventually
Congratulations go to England after clinching the Wisden series against the West Indies, two up with one to play. This game also saw Michael Vaughan become the most successful English cricket captain of all time in test matches, with his 21st win. It took England until just after lunch on the 5th day to clinch this win, eventually bowling the West Indies out for 394, which incidentally was the games highest innings score, and the second highest 4th innings score in the history of test matches at Old Trafford. The West Indies did have 3 wickets in hand going into lunch on the 5th day, but Steve Harmison picked up a couple, before Monty finished them, leaving Shiv Chanderpaul stranded down the other end with an unbeaten century.
One thing that this battling innnings from the West Indies has proven, is that England cannot afford to carry two out of form bowlers. It was ok when their batting line up was crumbling, but now they are fighting and we lack the necessary fire power. Yes, Harmy does look like he is turning the corner, but Liam Plunkett needs to go back to Durham and just bowl for them and get his confidence back. Hoggard has been included in the squad for the 4th test to replace Plunkett, although that would leave us with a long tail, we would be saved all the extras that Plunkett throws away! Stuart Broad would also have been a great option, but he is injured. All credit to Sidebottom for coming into the side and showing the courage, determination, and consistency required at this level! County cricket is beneficial. Something I have various pundits say, particularly Beefy, is that Plunkett, along with the likes of Anderson and Mahmood, have not bowled enough overs in first class cricket. They are learning their trade in international cricket, which isn't the way to go. Let them have a few seasons of consistent county cricket, and then they will know their action and how they want to bowl much better, and this will then put them in a much better position to serve English cricket.
Several other worries about our side as well. Firstly, Andrew Strauss. Now I am a big fan of Straussy, but he has hardly scored a run in 6 months. Is international cricket the place for him to work his way out of this rough patch. There are also some question marks over his technique, especially getting out lbw early in his innings. True he has got some good deliveries, especially in Australia, but he is out of touch, and surely should go back to Middlesex to get back into form. Who to replace him? Trescothick has to come back to the England fold at some point. My other choice would be maybe bring in Ravi Bopara. He was fantastic at the world cup, and took to international cricket like a duck to water, and there is talk of him playing at 6, especially as Flintoff is not fit, he would offer a similar all round role to Freddie. This would mean Vaughan to open, and Bell to move up to number 3. The other issue is that Ian Bell has a woeful record in his 2nd innings, averaging mid-twenties, when his overall average is mid-forties. Yes his first innings form is good, but he needs to sort out his second innings stuff. Having said that, he deserves credit for digging England out of a hole in the first innings, without which, this would be a much closer test match! But that's all irrelevant now as England have only dropped Plunkett for the returning Hoggard, and Hoggy himself has backed Andrew Strauss to come good in this test match. Hopefully with Harmy bowling on his home ground, he can show us some true fast bowling of old.
One thing that this battling innnings from the West Indies has proven, is that England cannot afford to carry two out of form bowlers. It was ok when their batting line up was crumbling, but now they are fighting and we lack the necessary fire power. Yes, Harmy does look like he is turning the corner, but Liam Plunkett needs to go back to Durham and just bowl for them and get his confidence back. Hoggard has been included in the squad for the 4th test to replace Plunkett, although that would leave us with a long tail, we would be saved all the extras that Plunkett throws away! Stuart Broad would also have been a great option, but he is injured. All credit to Sidebottom for coming into the side and showing the courage, determination, and consistency required at this level! County cricket is beneficial. Something I have various pundits say, particularly Beefy, is that Plunkett, along with the likes of Anderson and Mahmood, have not bowled enough overs in first class cricket. They are learning their trade in international cricket, which isn't the way to go. Let them have a few seasons of consistent county cricket, and then they will know their action and how they want to bowl much better, and this will then put them in a much better position to serve English cricket.
Several other worries about our side as well. Firstly, Andrew Strauss. Now I am a big fan of Straussy, but he has hardly scored a run in 6 months. Is international cricket the place for him to work his way out of this rough patch. There are also some question marks over his technique, especially getting out lbw early in his innings. True he has got some good deliveries, especially in Australia, but he is out of touch, and surely should go back to Middlesex to get back into form. Who to replace him? Trescothick has to come back to the England fold at some point. My other choice would be maybe bring in Ravi Bopara. He was fantastic at the world cup, and took to international cricket like a duck to water, and there is talk of him playing at 6, especially as Flintoff is not fit, he would offer a similar all round role to Freddie. This would mean Vaughan to open, and Bell to move up to number 3. The other issue is that Ian Bell has a woeful record in his 2nd innings, averaging mid-twenties, when his overall average is mid-forties. Yes his first innings form is good, but he needs to sort out his second innings stuff. Having said that, he deserves credit for digging England out of a hole in the first innings, without which, this would be a much closer test match! But that's all irrelevant now as England have only dropped Plunkett for the returning Hoggard, and Hoggy himself has backed Andrew Strauss to come good in this test match. Hopefully with Harmy bowling on his home ground, he can show us some true fast bowling of old.
Welcome to Phil Talk's Sport
Having seen the efforts of some friends in the world of blogging, I was impressed and decided to give it go myself. That and searching for something to fill the quiet times at work. Having once presented and produced uni radio shows on the great world of sport, I now feel its time to fill the void left by that and put my views into word form on the great world wide web. Now you might wonder why start now, the footie season has just about finished. However, now is the perfect time to start. It gives me the chance to build up to the new season by looking back over what has just happened. Plus the English cricket season is not long under way, and we can look forward to a summer full of twenty20, one-day and test match cricket. Well, only if you have access to SkySports that is. Not that I have much against Sky. Their coverage of any sport is considerably better than that of terrestrial channels, although it does narrow down the potential audience.
Anyway, these debates will come and go constantly as sport is becoming more and more like a business. These men in suits should never be questionned...(sarcasm, you might get a bit of that in this blog too!) I hope you enjoy browsing...
Anyway, these debates will come and go constantly as sport is becoming more and more like a business. These men in suits should never be questionned...(sarcasm, you might get a bit of that in this blog too!) I hope you enjoy browsing...
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