Record-breaking British yachtswoman Dee Caffari, who sailed into the record books in May 2006 by becoming the first woman to sail solo, non-stop around the world against the prevailing winds and currents, will start her next ‘world first’ attempt on Sunday 9 November. Caffari is attempting to become the first woman to sail solo and non-stop both ways around the world.
The solo skipper, sponsored by the world’s fifth largest insurance group Aviva since her first world record voyage in 2005/06, will start the Vendée Globe yacht race at 12:02 (GMT) on Sunday 9 November from Les Sables d’Olonne, France. The Vendée Globe, often known as the ‘Everest of the Seas’, is an extreme 27,000-mile challenge through the Atlantic and the notorious Southern Ocean.
Caffari may be making her Vendée Globe debut but she already has a wealth of experience of battling the storms and depressions widespread in the treacherous Southern Ocean. She has accumulated over 200 days of sailing in this hostile region on previous voyages. The main difference is that this time she will be sailing with the winds and currents and it will be in a competitive race environment. Caffari took 178 days to complete her first record-breaking voyage known as the Aviva Challenge but, with a new generation, state-of-the-art Open 60 yacht also called Aviva, she will attempt to circumnavigate the globe in approximately 90 days.
A total of 30 solo skippers from seven different countries will start the Vendée Globe on Sunday. The majority of the fleet are French but competitors from the UK, Spain, Switzerland, America, Canada and Austria are all determined to challenge the French dominance in this race. Since 1989 a Frenchman has won every edition of this gruelling race. However, with 22 new boats built specifically for the Vendée Globe 2008/09, this is going to be the most hotly contested race to date.
Caffari said from the dockside in Les Sables d’Olonne:
‘On Sunday, I’ll set sail against the best solo sailors in the world in my attempt to set a second world record. My boat Aviva has been prepared well and I’ve trained hard both physically and mentally to be in the best shape to take on this gruelling race. My number one goal is to bring Aviva home safely and sail into the history books again. The Vendée Globe is a notoriously tough and challenging race with history proving 40% of the fleet will fail to make the finish line but I’m feeling confident I can complete the double world first.’
Philip Scott, chief financial officer, Aviva added:
‘Everyone in the Aviva group is hugely proud of Dee’s achievements to date and we all wish her the best of luck in the Vendée Globe. Dee may be alone at sea, but I know that she has the support of 57,000 employees in our 27 countries around the world behind her. We’re all looking forward to watching the race unfold and will be following Dee’s progress daily.’
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Switzerland Set the Pace in Chengdu
Chengdu, China – The A1GP Powered by Ferrari cars took to the Chengdu International Circuit in China for the first time today. Nicolas Prost started the day as the quickest rookie and reigning champion Switzerland set the pace this afternoon with Neel Jani’s time of 1m 16.349s.
In an incident-packed first day on track, the rookies and developing nations were joined in the opening official practice session by USA and India, the teams yet to complete the same amount of testing mileage as the other teams. India’s Narain Karthikeyan topped the timesheet with a 1m16.710s, as the team began to make up for lost time after missing the season-opener at Zandvoort, but France’s Nicolas Prost was the quickest rookie.
“It went pretty well,” said the 27-year-old Frenchman making his A1GP race debut this weekend. “We had a small problem in the first session with the engine and a little spin, but it was good and I got a grasp of the track pretty quickly. It’s good to be up there right at the beginning though. I’m not really used to this kind of bumpy track but I think this is the same for everyone. The track is pretty interesting and the bumps make it even more interesting so you just have to deal with it.” Prost, who is taking over race driver duties from Zandvoort Feature race winner Loïc Duval didn’t know if he was more excited or nervous about tomorrow. He added: “There is a lot of pressure on me, of course, but the team understand that it’s my first race so I’m just going to try to do as good as I can and see what happens.”
Thirty-minutes into the official practice session this afternoon, the first red flag came out as Malaysia was stranded out on track after a spin. France had initially set the pace, but after the session was re-started Switzerland went quicker and remained at the top despite two more red flags caused by local favourite China’s Ho-Pin Tung.
“This afternoon was the first time I have ever driven on this circuit but it’s very bumpy and dirty at the moment,” said the Swiss driver, “so it’s just been about finding the quickest line for us, which wasn’t always the traditional ideal line as everyone seemed to be taking alternative quick routes.
“It will definitely be one of the hardest A1GP races so far because it’s so easy to make mistakes on the bumps. That one qualifying lap will be something in between playing it safe and finding the limit of the car.”
Tung said: “Although it’s our home race, this track is also new for me so we are still learning and will make some further set-up changes in order to improve the car’s stability over the bumps.”
After making a flying start to the day, India carried the momentum into the afternoon, finishing third just 0.125-secomds behind Switzerland with South Africa’s Adrian Zaugg posting a quick time towards the end of his run to move up to fourth.
Former F1 driver, Robert Doornbos made his A1 Team Netherlands debut, finishing fifth while Marco Andretti made a promising start on his debut for the USA in eighth, just 0.834-seconds adrift of Jani.
As well as allowing India and the USA in the Rookie sessions to increase there testing mileage, there were also two hours of additional running for them and Great Britain. A1 Team GBR’s Danny Watts commented: “We have a good set up at this early stage. We’re not really worried too much about lap time we just want to make sure we have the car set up correctly and make sure everything is ok.”
A1 Team Mexico’s David Garza also got his first taste of the A1GP Powered by Ferrari car, but as his own car was still not ready he did this in A1 Team Switzerland’s machine. The Mexican team has also been allocated additional running on Saturday.
Official Practice Session 1 – Rookie drivers and developing nations only – Part 1
In an incident-packed first day on track, the rookies and developing nations were joined in the opening official practice session by USA and India, the teams yet to complete the same amount of testing mileage as the other teams. India’s Narain Karthikeyan topped the timesheet with a 1m16.710s, as the team began to make up for lost time after missing the season-opener at Zandvoort, but France’s Nicolas Prost was the quickest rookie.
“It went pretty well,” said the 27-year-old Frenchman making his A1GP race debut this weekend. “We had a small problem in the first session with the engine and a little spin, but it was good and I got a grasp of the track pretty quickly. It’s good to be up there right at the beginning though. I’m not really used to this kind of bumpy track but I think this is the same for everyone. The track is pretty interesting and the bumps make it even more interesting so you just have to deal with it.” Prost, who is taking over race driver duties from Zandvoort Feature race winner Loïc Duval didn’t know if he was more excited or nervous about tomorrow. He added: “There is a lot of pressure on me, of course, but the team understand that it’s my first race so I’m just going to try to do as good as I can and see what happens.”
Thirty-minutes into the official practice session this afternoon, the first red flag came out as Malaysia was stranded out on track after a spin. France had initially set the pace, but after the session was re-started Switzerland went quicker and remained at the top despite two more red flags caused by local favourite China’s Ho-Pin Tung.
“This afternoon was the first time I have ever driven on this circuit but it’s very bumpy and dirty at the moment,” said the Swiss driver, “so it’s just been about finding the quickest line for us, which wasn’t always the traditional ideal line as everyone seemed to be taking alternative quick routes.
“It will definitely be one of the hardest A1GP races so far because it’s so easy to make mistakes on the bumps. That one qualifying lap will be something in between playing it safe and finding the limit of the car.”
Tung said: “Although it’s our home race, this track is also new for me so we are still learning and will make some further set-up changes in order to improve the car’s stability over the bumps.”
After making a flying start to the day, India carried the momentum into the afternoon, finishing third just 0.125-secomds behind Switzerland with South Africa’s Adrian Zaugg posting a quick time towards the end of his run to move up to fourth.
Former F1 driver, Robert Doornbos made his A1 Team Netherlands debut, finishing fifth while Marco Andretti made a promising start on his debut for the USA in eighth, just 0.834-seconds adrift of Jani.
As well as allowing India and the USA in the Rookie sessions to increase there testing mileage, there were also two hours of additional running for them and Great Britain. A1 Team GBR’s Danny Watts commented: “We have a good set up at this early stage. We’re not really worried too much about lap time we just want to make sure we have the car set up correctly and make sure everything is ok.”
A1 Team Mexico’s David Garza also got his first taste of the A1GP Powered by Ferrari car, but as his own car was still not ready he did this in A1 Team Switzerland’s machine. The Mexican team has also been allocated additional running on Saturday.
Official Practice Session 1 – Rookie drivers and developing nations only – Part 1
ENGLAND BRACED FOR TOUGH OPENING DAY
England will aim to hit the ground running as they attempt to win a record fifth Hong Kong Cricket Sixes crown this weekend.
Champions in 1993-94 and again in 2003-04, England have been drawn against the India Sixers, Pakistan – also four-time champions – and South Africa in the Bradman Group.
With only the top two teams in each group advancing to the Cup rounds, the action promises to be fast and fierce when the tournament gets underway on Saturday (8 November) at the Kowloon Cricket Club.
“It looks like a tough draw with India, Pakistan and South Africa and it’s going to be interesting to see who gets through,” said England captain Dimitri Mascarenhas.
“Obviously the first game’s going to be all-important. It’s vital to get off to a good start because if you lose the first one you’re going to be struggling.”
The England team is packed with limited overs specialists and have an ace in their pack in the explosive Graham Napier, who hammered an astonishing 152 – including a world record 16 sixes – in an English Twenty20 game last June.
“We’ve got a decent team with a few internationals,” added Mascarenhas. “We’re a fairly young side, we all bat and we all bowl, whereas some of the other teams have specialist batters or bowlers, so we’ve got a good mix.
“And we’ve got Graham – hopefully he’ll be able to knock a few out of the park.”
In the other half of the draw, the awesome-looking All-Stars will face defending champions Sri Lanka, Australia and hosts Hong Kong in the Sobers Group.
The All-Stars team includes Sri Lankan icon Sanath Jayasuriya – scorer of an astonishing 27 hundreds in one day internationals and another 14 centuries in tests.
He is making his first visit to the Sixes since 1993 when he helped Sri Lanka reach the final. “It’s nice to be back, it’s been a long time,” he said.
The big-hitting Jayasuriya is ideally suited to six-a-side cricket and he promised Hong Kong fans he would be going all out to entertain.
“I always try to play my natural game and I’ll be doing my best. We’ve got some very good players in our team and I’m looking forward to getting out there and playing,” he added.
Joining Jayasuriya in a world class All-Stars batting line-up will be West Indies run machine Shivnarine Chanderpaul, the current Wisden and International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricketer of the Year, together with Australian great Justin Langer and former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming.
The bowling will be shouldered by pace aces Matthew Hoggard of England and Chaminda Vaas of Sri Lanka plus South African allrounder Tyron Henderson, the leading wicket-taker in Twenty20 cricket worldwide.
The All-Stars face a first-day group showdown with Sri Lanka, who have returned to Hong Kong with four of the team that triumphed in the Sixes last year.
“It’s good to be back and we’re looking forward to the tournament,” said Jeevantha Kulatunga, one of the quartet.
“We enjoyed winning last year and it was a fantastic moment for us. We played some really good cricket throughout the tournament but we never thought about winning it, we just took it match by match.
“We’re confident this time, but we’ve got a slightly different team. Of course, the All-Stars are a really good team but it’s going to be tough against any opponent.
“It’s the shortest version of the game and anything can happen, so we’ll just be aiming to do our best.”
The action starts at 8:20am on Saturday with group games throughout the day. Sunday will see matches in the Cup and Plate.
Gates will open at 8am on both days of the tournament and a small number of tickets will be on sale on Saturday morning.
Champions in 1993-94 and again in 2003-04, England have been drawn against the India Sixers, Pakistan – also four-time champions – and South Africa in the Bradman Group.
With only the top two teams in each group advancing to the Cup rounds, the action promises to be fast and fierce when the tournament gets underway on Saturday (8 November) at the Kowloon Cricket Club.
“It looks like a tough draw with India, Pakistan and South Africa and it’s going to be interesting to see who gets through,” said England captain Dimitri Mascarenhas.
“Obviously the first game’s going to be all-important. It’s vital to get off to a good start because if you lose the first one you’re going to be struggling.”
The England team is packed with limited overs specialists and have an ace in their pack in the explosive Graham Napier, who hammered an astonishing 152 – including a world record 16 sixes – in an English Twenty20 game last June.
“We’ve got a decent team with a few internationals,” added Mascarenhas. “We’re a fairly young side, we all bat and we all bowl, whereas some of the other teams have specialist batters or bowlers, so we’ve got a good mix.
“And we’ve got Graham – hopefully he’ll be able to knock a few out of the park.”
In the other half of the draw, the awesome-looking All-Stars will face defending champions Sri Lanka, Australia and hosts Hong Kong in the Sobers Group.
The All-Stars team includes Sri Lankan icon Sanath Jayasuriya – scorer of an astonishing 27 hundreds in one day internationals and another 14 centuries in tests.
He is making his first visit to the Sixes since 1993 when he helped Sri Lanka reach the final. “It’s nice to be back, it’s been a long time,” he said.
The big-hitting Jayasuriya is ideally suited to six-a-side cricket and he promised Hong Kong fans he would be going all out to entertain.
“I always try to play my natural game and I’ll be doing my best. We’ve got some very good players in our team and I’m looking forward to getting out there and playing,” he added.
Joining Jayasuriya in a world class All-Stars batting line-up will be West Indies run machine Shivnarine Chanderpaul, the current Wisden and International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricketer of the Year, together with Australian great Justin Langer and former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming.
The bowling will be shouldered by pace aces Matthew Hoggard of England and Chaminda Vaas of Sri Lanka plus South African allrounder Tyron Henderson, the leading wicket-taker in Twenty20 cricket worldwide.
The All-Stars face a first-day group showdown with Sri Lanka, who have returned to Hong Kong with four of the team that triumphed in the Sixes last year.
“It’s good to be back and we’re looking forward to the tournament,” said Jeevantha Kulatunga, one of the quartet.
“We enjoyed winning last year and it was a fantastic moment for us. We played some really good cricket throughout the tournament but we never thought about winning it, we just took it match by match.
“We’re confident this time, but we’ve got a slightly different team. Of course, the All-Stars are a really good team but it’s going to be tough against any opponent.
“It’s the shortest version of the game and anything can happen, so we’ll just be aiming to do our best.”
The action starts at 8:20am on Saturday with group games throughout the day. Sunday will see matches in the Cup and Plate.
Gates will open at 8am on both days of the tournament and a small number of tickets will be on sale on Saturday morning.
Heartland XV name team for second match
Heartland XV coaches Peter Kemp and Guy Lennox have named their side to take on a USA Select XV in Salt Lake City, Utah, this weekend.
The match is the opening act of a USA Rugby double-header featuring a Test match between USA and Uruguay being played at the new Rio Tinto Stadium, home of United States Major League Soccer team Real Salt Lake. The stadium, which has a capacity of 25,000, was only officially opened last month.
Heartland XV coach Peter Kemp says the team have definitely noticed the move from San Francisco, where they defeated the Pacific Coast Grizzlies in the first match of their tour, to Salt Lake City.
“The temperature has dropped about 15 degrees and there’s a heavy covering of snow on the mountains here.
“We believe the USA selection will be a lot different to our last opponents. They are the second tier of the USA’s top players so we expect a greater level of intensity.”
New Zealand Heartland XV team: 1. Hayden Rasmussen (Thames Valley), 2. Joseph Harwood (Wairarapa Bush) (Captain), 3. Jason Rickard (Mid Canterbury), 4. Malcolm Cairns (Mid Canterbury), 5. Daniel Dwyer (Mid Canterbury), 6. Jon Dampney (Mid Canterbury), 7. Jason Gill (Mid Canterbury), 8. Michael Broadhurst (Poverty Bay), 9. Andrew Stephens (Buller), 10. Leon Mason (Wanganui), 11. Brenton Connell (Mid Canterbury), 12. Scott Leighton (Poverty Bay), 13. Coll Campbell (Poverty Bay), 14. Lasa Ulukuta (West Coast), 15. Aseli Tikoirotuma (Wanganui).
Reserves: 16. Andrew Gadsby (West Coast), 17. Matthew Gilbert (Wanganui), 18. Ross Hay (North Otago), 19. Eric Smith (South Canterbury), 20. Hamish McKenzie (North Otago), 21. Corey Simpson (West Coast), 22. Cameron Crowley (Wanganui).
Match details: Heartland XV v USA Select XV, Rio Tinto Stadium, Salt Lake City, 8 November at 1:15pm (9.15am Sunday NZT).
The match is the opening act of a USA Rugby double-header featuring a Test match between USA and Uruguay being played at the new Rio Tinto Stadium, home of United States Major League Soccer team Real Salt Lake. The stadium, which has a capacity of 25,000, was only officially opened last month.
Heartland XV coach Peter Kemp says the team have definitely noticed the move from San Francisco, where they defeated the Pacific Coast Grizzlies in the first match of their tour, to Salt Lake City.
“The temperature has dropped about 15 degrees and there’s a heavy covering of snow on the mountains here.
“We believe the USA selection will be a lot different to our last opponents. They are the second tier of the USA’s top players so we expect a greater level of intensity.”
New Zealand Heartland XV team: 1. Hayden Rasmussen (Thames Valley), 2. Joseph Harwood (Wairarapa Bush) (Captain), 3. Jason Rickard (Mid Canterbury), 4. Malcolm Cairns (Mid Canterbury), 5. Daniel Dwyer (Mid Canterbury), 6. Jon Dampney (Mid Canterbury), 7. Jason Gill (Mid Canterbury), 8. Michael Broadhurst (Poverty Bay), 9. Andrew Stephens (Buller), 10. Leon Mason (Wanganui), 11. Brenton Connell (Mid Canterbury), 12. Scott Leighton (Poverty Bay), 13. Coll Campbell (Poverty Bay), 14. Lasa Ulukuta (West Coast), 15. Aseli Tikoirotuma (Wanganui).
Reserves: 16. Andrew Gadsby (West Coast), 17. Matthew Gilbert (Wanganui), 18. Ross Hay (North Otago), 19. Eric Smith (South Canterbury), 20. Hamish McKenzie (North Otago), 21. Corey Simpson (West Coast), 22. Cameron Crowley (Wanganui).
Match details: Heartland XV v USA Select XV, Rio Tinto Stadium, Salt Lake City, 8 November at 1:15pm (9.15am Sunday NZT).
Friday, November 7, 2008
LOUIS VUITTON PACIFIC SERIES CONFIRMS 12 TEAMS
PARIS, FRANCE - At the New Zealand Embassy today, Louis Vuitton announced the names of the 12 teams from 11 countries which will compete in the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series in Auckland, New Zealand next February.
The New Zealand Ambassador, Her Excellency Mrs Sarah Dennis, joined Mr Yves Carcelle, Chairman & CEO of Louis Vuitton, in welcoming the participation of all the teams.
The aim of the regatta is to allow all former Louis Vuitton Cup competitors to get back on the water and compete in a friendly match race series. When the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series was announced last September, 23 teams expressed their interest.
Fourteen teams have confirmed they want to compete. With the number of participants being limited to 12, the last two entries have been placed on a waiting list. If, in the next month, one or more teams drop out, the teams in waiting will have the opportunity to fill the vacancy.
“The success of the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series has exceeded our expectations. We are pleasantly surprised that the announcement of this event has created a sense of excitement and conciliation in the world of the America’s Cup,” said Yves Carcelle.
The teams will now start their preparations. They will arrive in Auckland on January 23rd in order to familiarise themselves with the boats, which have been loaned for the regatta by BMW Oracle Racing and Emirates Team New Zealand. Two weeks of match racing competiton begins on January 30th.
Bruno Troublé, spokesperson for Louis Vuitton, said that the gathering of international teams and sailors which will convene in Auckland for the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series is one of the most impressive ever brought together.
The Louis Vuitton Pacific Series is being organised in association with the New Zealand Government, Emirates Team New Zealand, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, Auckland City and Sky City Entertainment Group.
A representative from each of the teams travelled to Paris this week in order to attend a meeting organised in preparation of this event.
Alinghi, winner and defender of the 2003 Louis Vuitton Cup is one of the confirmed participants.
Six daily match races are planned on short windward-leeward courses laid at the entrance to Auckland's Waitemata Harbour, between Rangitoto Island and the city foreshore. There will be a daily draw to decide which yacht competing teams will sail that day.
LOUIS VUITTON PACIFIC SERIES (By order of entry)
Emirates Team New Zealand – New Zealand
Luna Rossa – Italy
BMW Oracle – USA
K-Challenge- France
Mascalzone Latino – Italy
Team Origin - UK
China Team – China
Team Shosholoza – South Africa
Italia – Vasco Vascotto - Italy
Team Germany - Germany
Greek Challenge - Greece
Alinghi – Switzerland
Waiting list:
Italia – Francesco De Angelis – Italy
Team French Spirit – Marc Pajot – France
The New Zealand Ambassador, Her Excellency Mrs Sarah Dennis, joined Mr Yves Carcelle, Chairman & CEO of Louis Vuitton, in welcoming the participation of all the teams.
The aim of the regatta is to allow all former Louis Vuitton Cup competitors to get back on the water and compete in a friendly match race series. When the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series was announced last September, 23 teams expressed their interest.
Fourteen teams have confirmed they want to compete. With the number of participants being limited to 12, the last two entries have been placed on a waiting list. If, in the next month, one or more teams drop out, the teams in waiting will have the opportunity to fill the vacancy.
“The success of the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series has exceeded our expectations. We are pleasantly surprised that the announcement of this event has created a sense of excitement and conciliation in the world of the America’s Cup,” said Yves Carcelle.
The teams will now start their preparations. They will arrive in Auckland on January 23rd in order to familiarise themselves with the boats, which have been loaned for the regatta by BMW Oracle Racing and Emirates Team New Zealand. Two weeks of match racing competiton begins on January 30th.
Bruno Troublé, spokesperson for Louis Vuitton, said that the gathering of international teams and sailors which will convene in Auckland for the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series is one of the most impressive ever brought together.
The Louis Vuitton Pacific Series is being organised in association with the New Zealand Government, Emirates Team New Zealand, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, Auckland City and Sky City Entertainment Group.
A representative from each of the teams travelled to Paris this week in order to attend a meeting organised in preparation of this event.
Alinghi, winner and defender of the 2003 Louis Vuitton Cup is one of the confirmed participants.
Six daily match races are planned on short windward-leeward courses laid at the entrance to Auckland's Waitemata Harbour, between Rangitoto Island and the city foreshore. There will be a daily draw to decide which yacht competing teams will sail that day.
LOUIS VUITTON PACIFIC SERIES (By order of entry)
Emirates Team New Zealand – New Zealand
Luna Rossa – Italy
BMW Oracle – USA
K-Challenge- France
Mascalzone Latino – Italy
Team Origin - UK
China Team – China
Team Shosholoza – South Africa
Italia – Vasco Vascotto - Italy
Team Germany - Germany
Greek Challenge - Greece
Alinghi – Switzerland
Waiting list:
Italia – Francesco De Angelis – Italy
Team French Spirit – Marc Pajot – France
Mark your diaries for a special Auckland Anniversary Regatta
Preparations for Auckland Anniversary Regatta on Monday 26 January 2009 are already underway.
This is a major event on the yachting calendar and, regardless of the type of boat you sail, or how big or small it is, it is a great opportunity to take part in a historic and spectacular regatta.
Visit www.regatta.org.nz for times and places.
This is a major event on the yachting calendar and, regardless of the type of boat you sail, or how big or small it is, it is a great opportunity to take part in a historic and spectacular regatta.
Visit www.regatta.org.nz for times and places.
HOGGARD IN AWE OF ALL-STARS BATTING LINE-UP
England fast bowler Matthew Hoggard has no intention of pulling on his pads and walking out to bat at this weekend’s Hong Kong Cricket Sixes.
For the Yorkshire pace ace is part of an All-Stars team that boasts the best batting line-up in the history of the tournament.
Leading the way will be the world’s highest ranked batsman, Shivnarine Chanderpaul of the West Indies.
Also featuring for the All-Stars will be the great Australian opener Justin Langer, Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya, former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming and big-hitting Twenty20 king Tyron Henderson from South Africa.
The awesome line-up means cricket fans can expect plenty of huge hits when the Sixes is staged at the Kowloon Cricket Club on Saturday and Sunday (8-9 November).
“If the ground is small enough you might see me hit a couple of sixes,” laughed Hoggard. “But I’ve got no intention of batting because we have so many great batsmen. If I have to go in, then we’re in trouble!”
The England star expects all the bowlers to come in for some rough treatment at the showpiece tournament.
“If you’re going to play sixes, don’t be a bowler!” he advised. “Obviously, there are a lot of balls that are going to be disappearing into the crowd, put it’s great for the spectators and it’s a fantastic way to help make cricket popular.
“If you can sell out a ground with people watching cricket then that has to be a good thing for the game. Everyone has a great time and if they have a great time, then they’ll come back.”
The All-Stars – who also have Chaminda Vaas, Sri Lanka’s greatest fast bowler, in their seven-man squad – will start as favourites in the eight-team tournament.
And captain Fleming is hoping his new teammates play as well as they did when he faced them during his illustrious 111-test career.
“If they don’t bowl like they used to bowl to me, or bat the way they used to bat when I was fielding against them, I’ll be disappointed,” he said.
“Sanath Jayasuriya haunted me when I was playing and Chaminda Vaas used to get me out with his eyes shut, so if we don’t get wickets and runs then I’ll be upset!”
The All-Stars have been drawn in the Sobers group alongside defending champions Sri Lanka, Australia and hosts Hong Kong.
The Bradman Group will be contested by India, Pakistan, England and 2006 Sixes champions South Africa.
Gates will open at 8am on both days of the tournament and a small number of tickets will be on sale on Saturday morning.
The Hong Kong Cricket Sixes is fully sanctioned by the International Cricket Council and is the sport's longest-running, best-established and most high-profile sixes tournament.
Players who have taken part over the past 16 years include Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, Steve and Mark Waugh, Viv Richards, Andrew Flintoff, Adam Gilchrist and Wasim Akram.
The tournament is organised and promoted by the Hong Kong Cricket Association’s commercial arm, China Cricket International Limited.
The HKCA’s proceeds from the Sixes will be ploughed directly back into cricket development in Hong Kong.
For the Yorkshire pace ace is part of an All-Stars team that boasts the best batting line-up in the history of the tournament.
Leading the way will be the world’s highest ranked batsman, Shivnarine Chanderpaul of the West Indies.
Also featuring for the All-Stars will be the great Australian opener Justin Langer, Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya, former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming and big-hitting Twenty20 king Tyron Henderson from South Africa.
The awesome line-up means cricket fans can expect plenty of huge hits when the Sixes is staged at the Kowloon Cricket Club on Saturday and Sunday (8-9 November).
“If the ground is small enough you might see me hit a couple of sixes,” laughed Hoggard. “But I’ve got no intention of batting because we have so many great batsmen. If I have to go in, then we’re in trouble!”
The England star expects all the bowlers to come in for some rough treatment at the showpiece tournament.
“If you’re going to play sixes, don’t be a bowler!” he advised. “Obviously, there are a lot of balls that are going to be disappearing into the crowd, put it’s great for the spectators and it’s a fantastic way to help make cricket popular.
“If you can sell out a ground with people watching cricket then that has to be a good thing for the game. Everyone has a great time and if they have a great time, then they’ll come back.”
The All-Stars – who also have Chaminda Vaas, Sri Lanka’s greatest fast bowler, in their seven-man squad – will start as favourites in the eight-team tournament.
And captain Fleming is hoping his new teammates play as well as they did when he faced them during his illustrious 111-test career.
“If they don’t bowl like they used to bowl to me, or bat the way they used to bat when I was fielding against them, I’ll be disappointed,” he said.
“Sanath Jayasuriya haunted me when I was playing and Chaminda Vaas used to get me out with his eyes shut, so if we don’t get wickets and runs then I’ll be upset!”
The All-Stars have been drawn in the Sobers group alongside defending champions Sri Lanka, Australia and hosts Hong Kong.
The Bradman Group will be contested by India, Pakistan, England and 2006 Sixes champions South Africa.
Gates will open at 8am on both days of the tournament and a small number of tickets will be on sale on Saturday morning.
The Hong Kong Cricket Sixes is fully sanctioned by the International Cricket Council and is the sport's longest-running, best-established and most high-profile sixes tournament.
Players who have taken part over the past 16 years include Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, Steve and Mark Waugh, Viv Richards, Andrew Flintoff, Adam Gilchrist and Wasim Akram.
The tournament is organised and promoted by the Hong Kong Cricket Association’s commercial arm, China Cricket International Limited.
The HKCA’s proceeds from the Sixes will be ploughed directly back into cricket development in Hong Kong.
SABBATINI TO MAKE UBS HONG KONG OPEN DEBUT
PGA Tour ace Rory Sabbatini and former US Open champion Michael Campbell will be aiming to add the UBS Hong Kong Open titles to their impressive CVs this month.
The illustrious duo will be joined in the US$2.5 million showpiece by European Tour hotshot Graeme McDowell and Indian star Jeev Milkha Singh.
The 50th edition of the UBS Hong Kong Open will be staged at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling from November 20-23.
The illustrious duo will be joined in the US$2.5 million showpiece by European Tour hotshot Graeme McDowell and Indian star Jeev Milkha Singh.
The 50th edition of the UBS Hong Kong Open will be staged at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling from November 20-23.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Should umpires / referees be fined for blatantly bad decisions POLL
When polling closed - the decision was 100% in favour
ALL-STARS PROVE A HUGE HIT WITH STUDENTS
A group of Hong Kong school students were bowled over today (Wednesday, 5 November) when their regular cricket class was visited by four of the biggest names in the game.
Australian great Justin Langer, England bowler Matthew Hoggard, former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming and South African all-rounder Tyron Henderson were a huge hit at St Margaret’s Co-Ed English Secondary and Primary School in Sham Shui Po.
The quartet – members of the All-Stars team taking part in this weekend’s Hong Kong Cricket Sixes – joined in the fun and games as they batted and bowled with the delighted youngsters.
After a breathless hour-long session, the players signed autographs and posed for photos with the star-struck students.
“It’s a great experience for us to see the kids out here enjoying themselves, which is what cricket is all about,” said Henderson, the all-time leading wicket-taker in Twenty20 cricket.
“We’re so used to seeing the professional side of the game yet this is how we all started out – playing in the school yard or on a field with our friends, that’s how we learned to enjoy the game.”
Cricket has been part of the sports curriculum at the school for around seven years with youngsters being taught the basics of the game by Hong Kong Cricket Assocation coaches. The older students are in a team that plays in a secondary schools league.
“They start at age six with twice-weekly sessions which are obviously a lot of fun and they go all the way up to senior secondary players,” explained John Gaffney, an English teacher at the school and also vice-captain of Lamma Cricket Club.
“At the senior level the majority of the players are Indian, but we have six local Chinese playing at junior secondary level and the majority of players in primary one and two are Chinese.”
The school visit was the first stop in a busy build-up to the Sixes for the All-Stars. Later on Wednesday they were due to conduct an All-Stars Masterclass for the Hong Kong national women’s team at Mission Road Cricket Ground in Mong Kok.
On Thursday (6 November) some of Hong Kong’s best young players will benefit from the All-Stars’ advice in a Junior Clinic at the Hong Kong Cricket Club.
Australian great Justin Langer, England bowler Matthew Hoggard, former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming and South African all-rounder Tyron Henderson were a huge hit at St Margaret’s Co-Ed English Secondary and Primary School in Sham Shui Po.
The quartet – members of the All-Stars team taking part in this weekend’s Hong Kong Cricket Sixes – joined in the fun and games as they batted and bowled with the delighted youngsters.
After a breathless hour-long session, the players signed autographs and posed for photos with the star-struck students.
“It’s a great experience for us to see the kids out here enjoying themselves, which is what cricket is all about,” said Henderson, the all-time leading wicket-taker in Twenty20 cricket.
“We’re so used to seeing the professional side of the game yet this is how we all started out – playing in the school yard or on a field with our friends, that’s how we learned to enjoy the game.”
Cricket has been part of the sports curriculum at the school for around seven years with youngsters being taught the basics of the game by Hong Kong Cricket Assocation coaches. The older students are in a team that plays in a secondary schools league.
“They start at age six with twice-weekly sessions which are obviously a lot of fun and they go all the way up to senior secondary players,” explained John Gaffney, an English teacher at the school and also vice-captain of Lamma Cricket Club.
“At the senior level the majority of the players are Indian, but we have six local Chinese playing at junior secondary level and the majority of players in primary one and two are Chinese.”
The school visit was the first stop in a busy build-up to the Sixes for the All-Stars. Later on Wednesday they were due to conduct an All-Stars Masterclass for the Hong Kong national women’s team at Mission Road Cricket Ground in Mong Kok.
On Thursday (6 November) some of Hong Kong’s best young players will benefit from the All-Stars’ advice in a Junior Clinic at the Hong Kong Cricket Club.
Pakistan ban Yousef
Mohammad Yousuf, the Pakistan batsman, has formally signed up for the ICL, ending months of uncertainty surrounding his move. The announcement brought a swift response from the Pakistan Cricket Board, which banned him from "any type of cricket" in Pakistan and terminated his central contract.
2008 Steinlager Rugby Awards nominees announced
The nominees for this year’s Steinlager Rugby Awards, New Zealand’s premier rugby awards, have been announced.
The Steinlager Rugby Awards recognise and acknowledge the achievements of New Zealand’s teams, coaches, players, referees and volunteers in 2008. The ceremony will be held at the Langham Hotel, Auckland, on Thursday 4 December and shown live on SKY Sport and The Rugby Channel.
The nominees for Rebel Sport Super 14 Player of the Year are Crusaders and All Blacks Captain Richie McCaw, Hurricanes hooker Andrew Hore and Highlanders fullback/wing Paul Williams.
Nominees for the New Zealand Rugby Volunteer of the Year, which honours the many volunteers who work in community rugby, are Rob Burton from the Ardmore-Marist club in Counties Manukau, Horowhenua Kapiti’s Ken Swain and Anna Waaka from the Awatere club in Marlborough.
The nominees for New Zealand Rugby Coach of the Year are All Blacks Coach Graham Henry, former Crusaders Coach Robbie Deans, Air New Zealand Cup winning Coach Rob Penney from Canterbury, and Wanganui’s Meads Cup winning Coach Guy Lennox.
The adidas Team of the Year nominees are the All Blacks, winners of the Iveco Series, Philips Tri Nations and Bledisloe Cup; Rebel Sport Super 14 Champions the Crusaders; Air New Zealand Cup winners Canterbury and AA Rewards Heartland Championship Meads Cup winners Wanganui.
In the Women’s Player of the Year category, the nominees are Oliva Coady from Canterbury and the Auckland pair of Victoria Grant (nee Blackledge) and veteran lock Victoria Heighway.
The nominees for Air New Zealand Cup Player of the Year are a trio of new All Blacks; Southland prop Jamie Mackintosh, Wellington wing Hosea Gear and Canterbury loose forward Kieran Read.
The AA Rewards Heartland Championship Player of the Year nominees are Wanganui winger Cameron Crowley, King Country lock Aarin Dunster and South Canterbury loose forward Eric Smith.
Several of the award winners, including NZRU Referee of the Year, NZRU Age Grade Player of the Year, Richard Crawshaw Memorial Sevens Player of the Year, the Tom French Memorial Maori Player of the Year and the Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Player of the Year will be named on the night.
The Steinlager Salver, a special presentation to a person who has made an outstanding contribution to New Zealand rugby, will also be presented at the Awards function.
The judges for the 2008 Steinlager Rugby Awards are former All Blacks captain and former NZRU President John Graham, NZRU Board member and former New Zealand Maori captain Paul Quinn, SKY Sport rugby commentator Grant Nisbett and NZRU General Manager Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen.
The 2008 Steinlager Rugby Awards nominees
Women’s Player of the Year
Oliva Coady (Canterbury)
Victoria Grant (nee Blackledge) (Auckland)
Victoria Heighway (Auckland)
New Zealand Rugby Volunteer of the Year
Rob Burton (Counties Manukau)
Ken Swain (Horowhenua Kapiti)
Anna Waaka (Tasman)
Rebel Sport Super 14 Player of the Year
Richie McCaw (Crusaders)
Andrew Hore (Hurricanes)
Paul Williams (Highlanders)
adidas Team of the Year
All Blacks
Crusaders
Canterbury
Wanganui
AA Rewards Heartland Championship Player of the Year
Cameron Crowley (Wanganui)
Aarin Dunster (King Country)
Eric Smith (South Canterbury)
Air New Zealand Cup Player of the Year
Jamie Mackintosh (Southland)
Hosea Gear (Wellington)
Kieran Read (Canterbury)
New Zealand Rugby Coach of the Year
Graham Henry (All Blacks)
Robbie Deans (Crusaders)
Rob Penney (Canterbury)
Guy Lennox (Wanganui)
Kelvin R. Tremain Memorial Player of the Year
NZRU Referee of the Year
NZRU Age Grade Player of the Year
Tom French Memorial Maori Player of the Year
Richard Crawshaw Memorial Sevens Player of the Year
Steinlager Salver for an Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand Rugby
Winners named on the night
The Steinlager Rugby Awards recognise and acknowledge the achievements of New Zealand’s teams, coaches, players, referees and volunteers in 2008. The ceremony will be held at the Langham Hotel, Auckland, on Thursday 4 December and shown live on SKY Sport and The Rugby Channel.
The nominees for Rebel Sport Super 14 Player of the Year are Crusaders and All Blacks Captain Richie McCaw, Hurricanes hooker Andrew Hore and Highlanders fullback/wing Paul Williams.
Nominees for the New Zealand Rugby Volunteer of the Year, which honours the many volunteers who work in community rugby, are Rob Burton from the Ardmore-Marist club in Counties Manukau, Horowhenua Kapiti’s Ken Swain and Anna Waaka from the Awatere club in Marlborough.
The nominees for New Zealand Rugby Coach of the Year are All Blacks Coach Graham Henry, former Crusaders Coach Robbie Deans, Air New Zealand Cup winning Coach Rob Penney from Canterbury, and Wanganui’s Meads Cup winning Coach Guy Lennox.
The adidas Team of the Year nominees are the All Blacks, winners of the Iveco Series, Philips Tri Nations and Bledisloe Cup; Rebel Sport Super 14 Champions the Crusaders; Air New Zealand Cup winners Canterbury and AA Rewards Heartland Championship Meads Cup winners Wanganui.
In the Women’s Player of the Year category, the nominees are Oliva Coady from Canterbury and the Auckland pair of Victoria Grant (nee Blackledge) and veteran lock Victoria Heighway.
The nominees for Air New Zealand Cup Player of the Year are a trio of new All Blacks; Southland prop Jamie Mackintosh, Wellington wing Hosea Gear and Canterbury loose forward Kieran Read.
The AA Rewards Heartland Championship Player of the Year nominees are Wanganui winger Cameron Crowley, King Country lock Aarin Dunster and South Canterbury loose forward Eric Smith.
Several of the award winners, including NZRU Referee of the Year, NZRU Age Grade Player of the Year, Richard Crawshaw Memorial Sevens Player of the Year, the Tom French Memorial Maori Player of the Year and the Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Player of the Year will be named on the night.
The Steinlager Salver, a special presentation to a person who has made an outstanding contribution to New Zealand rugby, will also be presented at the Awards function.
The judges for the 2008 Steinlager Rugby Awards are former All Blacks captain and former NZRU President John Graham, NZRU Board member and former New Zealand Maori captain Paul Quinn, SKY Sport rugby commentator Grant Nisbett and NZRU General Manager Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen.
The 2008 Steinlager Rugby Awards nominees
Women’s Player of the Year
Oliva Coady (Canterbury)
Victoria Grant (nee Blackledge) (Auckland)
Victoria Heighway (Auckland)
New Zealand Rugby Volunteer of the Year
Rob Burton (Counties Manukau)
Ken Swain (Horowhenua Kapiti)
Anna Waaka (Tasman)
Rebel Sport Super 14 Player of the Year
Richie McCaw (Crusaders)
Andrew Hore (Hurricanes)
Paul Williams (Highlanders)
adidas Team of the Year
All Blacks
Crusaders
Canterbury
Wanganui
AA Rewards Heartland Championship Player of the Year
Cameron Crowley (Wanganui)
Aarin Dunster (King Country)
Eric Smith (South Canterbury)
Air New Zealand Cup Player of the Year
Jamie Mackintosh (Southland)
Hosea Gear (Wellington)
Kieran Read (Canterbury)
New Zealand Rugby Coach of the Year
Graham Henry (All Blacks)
Robbie Deans (Crusaders)
Rob Penney (Canterbury)
Guy Lennox (Wanganui)
Kelvin R. Tremain Memorial Player of the Year
NZRU Referee of the Year
NZRU Age Grade Player of the Year
Tom French Memorial Maori Player of the Year
Richard Crawshaw Memorial Sevens Player of the Year
Steinlager Salver for an Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand Rugby
Winners named on the night
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Muralitharan's action not clean - Gilchrist
Adam Gilchrist has said he believes Muttiah Muralitharan, the Sri Lankan offspinner, has a suspect action, but blamed the ICC for allowing him bowl in international cricket. Gilchrist wrote in his autobiography that there was no doubt in his mind that as per the laws of the game, Murali and many others have been guilty of chucking.
"I don't think he's personally to blame: he bowled the way he bowled, and it was not up to him to do any more than he was asked," Gilchrist wrote.
"I don't think he's personally to blame: he bowled the way he bowled, and it was not up to him to do any more than he was asked," Gilchrist wrote.
Gambhir's appeal against ban rejected
The Indian board appears to be heading for a confrontation with the ICC over the one-Test ban on Gautam Gambhir. While the BCCI has rejected the decision of the appeals commissioner, Justice Albie Sachs, to uphold the ban, and issued a strongly worded protest, the ICC has said the "matter is closed".
A1GP Heads to Chengdu
Chengdu, China – A1GP World Cup of Motorsport heads to Chengdu International Circuit in Sichuan province in the south west of China for round two of the 10-event series on 7-9 November. This brand new track to the series has a lot to live up to in terms of entertainment after a thrilling season-opener at Zandvoort, in treacherous wet conditions, saw Malaysia’s Fairuz Fauzy take the team’s first victory in 27 races and France’s Loïc Duval take the Feature race win.
A1 Team China was in action last week testing at Silverstone in the UK with both Ho-Pin Tung and Congfu Cheng getting a chance behind the wheel of the new Powered by Ferrari car. The team is yet to announce which driver will be in the race seat for its home event, but both were equally keen to get the opportunity, although neither would have any advantage as Chengdu is unknown territory to them.
Tung was recalled to race in the season-opener at Zandvoort last month to start China’s Season Four campaign. Talking about the team’s hopes for the season, he said: “I am pretty confident we should be able to rack up the first win for China this year, and we should also be able to finish much higher in the championship than we have done so far.
“I think we’ve got a really strong team, everybody is working well, and cooperation is really good. I am happy and confident that we should be able to do a good job and be one of the front running teams this season.”
Commenting on Chengdu, Congfu Cheng said: “A lot of people are living there and the nature side of things is very beautiful. The place traditionally makes very good food. The food is very spicy, maybe hotter than in India, but I think it is a very good chance for all the people in A1GP to taste some of the special Chinese food, because you don’t get this in Europe. A lot of the people living there like motor racing, so we should have good support at the race.”
A1 Teams Great Britain, India and Mexico have still not tested their chassis, but their cars were in the freight that left the UK on Saturday to go to China. The A1GP organisers will allot extra testing time on Friday to these teams at the Chengdu International Circuit.
Great Britain has recruited the services of Danny Watts to help kick-start the team’s 2008/09 campaign in Chengdu, with the 28-year-old bringing a wealth of racing experience with him. After a successful 10-year racing career, which has spanned single seaters and GT racing, Watts has also undertaken testing in the new Powered by Ferrari car during its development process, running for two days this summer effectively replicating the running that has been available to the majority of other A1GP teams. Narain Karthikeyan will take to the track for A1 Team India and, after securing the team two victories last season, he will make his 29th race start for his nation.
India’s lead driver, Narain Karthikeyan said, “We are more ready than ever to get on the track at Chengdu. It has been a long break and, after doing a good deal of physical training during the off season, I am feeling fit and am eager to get behind the wheel of the brand new Powered by Ferrari car.”
Mexico will make its Season Four debut with David Garza behind the wheel. The 20-year-old last raced for his nation in front of his home crowd in Mexico City last season.
Former F1 driver, Robert Doornbos, will get his first chance to race for the Netherlands in Chengdu as the team’s two lead drivers alternate race weekends throughout the season. Doornbos moved into Formula 1, first as a test driver at Jordan and later at Minardi, via Formula 3 and F3000. After F1 Doornbos moved to the US and competed in the Champ Car World Series with Minardi Team USA. The 27-year old driver from Rotterdam, then moved to the USA to compete in Champ Car World Series.
“I’m really looking forward to making my debut for A1 Team Netherlands and representing my country for the first time,” he commented. “It's a new experience for me to be representing my country in this successful A1GP series. I have never seen the circuit in Chengdu and have only tested the A1GP Powered by Ferrari car for 20-laps.”
Marco Andretti will take over the driver duties from Charlie Kimball for the US team in Chengdu. The 21-year-old, from the Andretti racing dynasty who is the son of Michael and grandson of Mario, has competed in the IndyCar series this year as well as making three starts in the American Le Mans Series at Sebring, Lime Rock Park and Road Atlanta.
"Getting to race in China is something I'm really looking forward to,” said Andretti. “Although the A1GP programme is new to Andretti Green, I thought the crew did a great job with the first race. They had to put in a lot of effort just to get on track and they were able to get the car up to speed rather quickly. I know there is a possibility that the weather could add another element to the race, and that should only make the race more challenging for the drivers and more entertaining for the fans."
Earl Bamber put in a stunning drive for New Zealand on his race debut claiming two podiums in the Netherlands and Chris van der Drift will be hoping to keep the good run of form going this weekend. “I’ve been looking on the internet at some videos of the track,” said van der Drift. “It looks pretty tight and twisty in places! Driving the GP2 car has been good preparation for the weekend. The cars are similar in style, they’re both big cars.”
Joint championship leaders France and Malaysia also head to China, hopeful of keeping their position at the top of the championship. Fauzy says of returning to the cockpit after his first round success, “We had the best start we could have hoped for in Zandvoort and now we need to show consistency. I’m pleased that Aaron (Lim), who is driving in the rookie sessions, will be assisting the team with his feedback and early weekend experience of running at the track. We have a very strong team and will be aiming for more success next weekend.”
France is yet to decide upon its driver for Chengdu, but rookie Nicolas Prost was in action at Silverstone last week and commented: “I would be really proud to race for my country. It’s a lot of pressure as you know people must believe in you so you have to deliver something good. It would also be my first race in the championship so I would just try as hard as I could not put too much extra pressure on myself.”
The A1GP Chengdu, China event runs from 7 – 9 November, kicking off with the rookie driver and developing nations’ sessions on Friday from 10.45 to 11.15 and again from 11.35 to 12.05. All teams can take part in the later practice session from 14.00 to 15.00. Final practice and qualifying for the Sprint and Feature race will take place on Saturday with the two races scheduled to run on Sunday at 11.00 and 15.00 respectively.
A1 Team China was in action last week testing at Silverstone in the UK with both Ho-Pin Tung and Congfu Cheng getting a chance behind the wheel of the new Powered by Ferrari car. The team is yet to announce which driver will be in the race seat for its home event, but both were equally keen to get the opportunity, although neither would have any advantage as Chengdu is unknown territory to them.
Tung was recalled to race in the season-opener at Zandvoort last month to start China’s Season Four campaign. Talking about the team’s hopes for the season, he said: “I am pretty confident we should be able to rack up the first win for China this year, and we should also be able to finish much higher in the championship than we have done so far.
“I think we’ve got a really strong team, everybody is working well, and cooperation is really good. I am happy and confident that we should be able to do a good job and be one of the front running teams this season.”
Commenting on Chengdu, Congfu Cheng said: “A lot of people are living there and the nature side of things is very beautiful. The place traditionally makes very good food. The food is very spicy, maybe hotter than in India, but I think it is a very good chance for all the people in A1GP to taste some of the special Chinese food, because you don’t get this in Europe. A lot of the people living there like motor racing, so we should have good support at the race.”
A1 Teams Great Britain, India and Mexico have still not tested their chassis, but their cars were in the freight that left the UK on Saturday to go to China. The A1GP organisers will allot extra testing time on Friday to these teams at the Chengdu International Circuit.
Great Britain has recruited the services of Danny Watts to help kick-start the team’s 2008/09 campaign in Chengdu, with the 28-year-old bringing a wealth of racing experience with him. After a successful 10-year racing career, which has spanned single seaters and GT racing, Watts has also undertaken testing in the new Powered by Ferrari car during its development process, running for two days this summer effectively replicating the running that has been available to the majority of other A1GP teams. Narain Karthikeyan will take to the track for A1 Team India and, after securing the team two victories last season, he will make his 29th race start for his nation.
India’s lead driver, Narain Karthikeyan said, “We are more ready than ever to get on the track at Chengdu. It has been a long break and, after doing a good deal of physical training during the off season, I am feeling fit and am eager to get behind the wheel of the brand new Powered by Ferrari car.”
Mexico will make its Season Four debut with David Garza behind the wheel. The 20-year-old last raced for his nation in front of his home crowd in Mexico City last season.
Former F1 driver, Robert Doornbos, will get his first chance to race for the Netherlands in Chengdu as the team’s two lead drivers alternate race weekends throughout the season. Doornbos moved into Formula 1, first as a test driver at Jordan and later at Minardi, via Formula 3 and F3000. After F1 Doornbos moved to the US and competed in the Champ Car World Series with Minardi Team USA. The 27-year old driver from Rotterdam, then moved to the USA to compete in Champ Car World Series.
“I’m really looking forward to making my debut for A1 Team Netherlands and representing my country for the first time,” he commented. “It's a new experience for me to be representing my country in this successful A1GP series. I have never seen the circuit in Chengdu and have only tested the A1GP Powered by Ferrari car for 20-laps.”
Marco Andretti will take over the driver duties from Charlie Kimball for the US team in Chengdu. The 21-year-old, from the Andretti racing dynasty who is the son of Michael and grandson of Mario, has competed in the IndyCar series this year as well as making three starts in the American Le Mans Series at Sebring, Lime Rock Park and Road Atlanta.
"Getting to race in China is something I'm really looking forward to,” said Andretti. “Although the A1GP programme is new to Andretti Green, I thought the crew did a great job with the first race. They had to put in a lot of effort just to get on track and they were able to get the car up to speed rather quickly. I know there is a possibility that the weather could add another element to the race, and that should only make the race more challenging for the drivers and more entertaining for the fans."
Earl Bamber put in a stunning drive for New Zealand on his race debut claiming two podiums in the Netherlands and Chris van der Drift will be hoping to keep the good run of form going this weekend. “I’ve been looking on the internet at some videos of the track,” said van der Drift. “It looks pretty tight and twisty in places! Driving the GP2 car has been good preparation for the weekend. The cars are similar in style, they’re both big cars.”
Joint championship leaders France and Malaysia also head to China, hopeful of keeping their position at the top of the championship. Fauzy says of returning to the cockpit after his first round success, “We had the best start we could have hoped for in Zandvoort and now we need to show consistency. I’m pleased that Aaron (Lim), who is driving in the rookie sessions, will be assisting the team with his feedback and early weekend experience of running at the track. We have a very strong team and will be aiming for more success next weekend.”
France is yet to decide upon its driver for Chengdu, but rookie Nicolas Prost was in action at Silverstone last week and commented: “I would be really proud to race for my country. It’s a lot of pressure as you know people must believe in you so you have to deliver something good. It would also be my first race in the championship so I would just try as hard as I could not put too much extra pressure on myself.”
The A1GP Chengdu, China event runs from 7 – 9 November, kicking off with the rookie driver and developing nations’ sessions on Friday from 10.45 to 11.15 and again from 11.35 to 12.05. All teams can take part in the later practice session from 14.00 to 15.00. Final practice and qualifying for the Sprint and Feature race will take place on Saturday with the two races scheduled to run on Sunday at 11.00 and 15.00 respectively.
STEVE WHITE RE-LAUNCHES HIS IMOCA 60 AS ‘TOE IN THE WATER’
British skipper ready to compete in the Vendée Globe 2008
4th November 2008: British solo sailor Steve White today re-launched his IMOCA 60 yacht in Les Sables D’Olonne (France), announcing that he will compete under the new name of ‘Toe in the Water’. The tenacious skipper secured sufficient funds from a consortium of private backers at the eleventh hour to enable him to compete in the pinnacle ocean racing event. The funding has come from a group of like-minded supporters who together will provide the money privately and whose only request has been that Steve’s boat carries the branding and message of the Toe in the Water project with him around the world.
Steve (35, from Weymouth, Dorset), commented from onboard Toe in the Water: “I have dreamed of participating in the Vendée Globe for many years and have been building towards November 9 for the last four years. We managed to qualify by completing The Artemis Transat in May this year, but have struggled to find sufficient sponsorship. We arrived in Les Sables D’Olonne in October, unsure as to whether we could even keep hold of my family’s home, let alone sail alone around the world. With these new funds, we can finish the necessary preparations, and I am delighted to carry the name and colours of Toe in the Water around the world.”
The private sponsors first encountered Toe in the Water during Cowes Week 2008 and were inspired by the manner in which the servicemen had overcome serious injury. Many of the individual sponsors behind Steve are ex-servicemen or have past/existing links to the armed forces, and therefore wanted to help raise the profile of the project.
The private backers, who will remain anonymous, were equally inspired by Steve, who displayed similar characteristics to those servicemen that they had met through Toe in the Water. The backers therefore saw Steve’s Vendée Globe campaign as an opportunity to achieve two objectives: assisting Steve in achieving his dream and raising awareness for a worthwhile cause. The support is a philanthropic gesture as Steve will not benefit directly from the financing – it will allow him to participate in the Vendée Globe under the colours of Toe in the Water, thereby raising the profile of the worthwhile project.
Toe in the Water, which has not made any financial contribution to Steve’s campaign and will not be involved in the day-to-day management of the project, was honoured and grateful to be offered the opportunity to raise awareness of the competitive sailing initiative for injured servicemen and women in the UK.
Toe in the Water, established only six months ago, is a new project designed to use competitive sailing as an extension of the rehabilitation work carried out at UK’s Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) at Headley Court for as long as there are injured servicemen and women in need of support.
Holly King, the founder of Toe in the Water, concluded, “When we were approached by Steve’s backers and asked if they could use Steve’s campaign to raise awareness of our project, we were both surprised and delighted. We are honoured that Steve’s boat will be called Toe in the Water and will carry our colours on his sails and hull. We are committed to inspiring servicemen and women through competitive sailing, and hope that Steve’s story will inspire many more people all over the planet. We wish him the best of luck in this extraordinary endeavour.”
Toe in the Water has received huge support from many of the British IMOCA teams and skippers over the last six months, most notably Brian Thompson (Bahrain Team Pindar) who invited two injured servicemen to join his crew during Cowes Week. Steve and his family also have links to the armed forces via their families and through their home in Weymouth, an important Military centre in the UK. Steve and his family are delighted to be involved with Toe in the Water, a campaign they have also followed closely since its launch in 2008.
For more information on Steve White, please visit www.whiteoceanracing.com
For more information on Toe in the Water, please visit www.toeinthewater.org
4th November 2008: British solo sailor Steve White today re-launched his IMOCA 60 yacht in Les Sables D’Olonne (France), announcing that he will compete under the new name of ‘Toe in the Water’. The tenacious skipper secured sufficient funds from a consortium of private backers at the eleventh hour to enable him to compete in the pinnacle ocean racing event. The funding has come from a group of like-minded supporters who together will provide the money privately and whose only request has been that Steve’s boat carries the branding and message of the Toe in the Water project with him around the world.
Steve (35, from Weymouth, Dorset), commented from onboard Toe in the Water: “I have dreamed of participating in the Vendée Globe for many years and have been building towards November 9 for the last four years. We managed to qualify by completing The Artemis Transat in May this year, but have struggled to find sufficient sponsorship. We arrived in Les Sables D’Olonne in October, unsure as to whether we could even keep hold of my family’s home, let alone sail alone around the world. With these new funds, we can finish the necessary preparations, and I am delighted to carry the name and colours of Toe in the Water around the world.”
The private sponsors first encountered Toe in the Water during Cowes Week 2008 and were inspired by the manner in which the servicemen had overcome serious injury. Many of the individual sponsors behind Steve are ex-servicemen or have past/existing links to the armed forces, and therefore wanted to help raise the profile of the project.
The private backers, who will remain anonymous, were equally inspired by Steve, who displayed similar characteristics to those servicemen that they had met through Toe in the Water. The backers therefore saw Steve’s Vendée Globe campaign as an opportunity to achieve two objectives: assisting Steve in achieving his dream and raising awareness for a worthwhile cause. The support is a philanthropic gesture as Steve will not benefit directly from the financing – it will allow him to participate in the Vendée Globe under the colours of Toe in the Water, thereby raising the profile of the worthwhile project.
Toe in the Water, which has not made any financial contribution to Steve’s campaign and will not be involved in the day-to-day management of the project, was honoured and grateful to be offered the opportunity to raise awareness of the competitive sailing initiative for injured servicemen and women in the UK.
Toe in the Water, established only six months ago, is a new project designed to use competitive sailing as an extension of the rehabilitation work carried out at UK’s Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) at Headley Court for as long as there are injured servicemen and women in need of support.
Holly King, the founder of Toe in the Water, concluded, “When we were approached by Steve’s backers and asked if they could use Steve’s campaign to raise awareness of our project, we were both surprised and delighted. We are honoured that Steve’s boat will be called Toe in the Water and will carry our colours on his sails and hull. We are committed to inspiring servicemen and women through competitive sailing, and hope that Steve’s story will inspire many more people all over the planet. We wish him the best of luck in this extraordinary endeavour.”
Toe in the Water has received huge support from many of the British IMOCA teams and skippers over the last six months, most notably Brian Thompson (Bahrain Team Pindar) who invited two injured servicemen to join his crew during Cowes Week. Steve and his family also have links to the armed forces via their families and through their home in Weymouth, an important Military centre in the UK. Steve and his family are delighted to be involved with Toe in the Water, a campaign they have also followed closely since its launch in 2008.
For more information on Steve White, please visit www.whiteoceanracing.com
For more information on Toe in the Water, please visit www.toeinthewater.org
All Blacks announce team to play Scotland
All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu will captain the All Blacks for the first time while three players will make their Test debuts, with All Blacks coach Graham Henry and his assistant coaches Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen today naming their team to play Scotland at Murrayfield, Edinburgh, on Saturday November 8.
The team is:
1. Jamie Mackintosh
2. Keven Mealamu (captain)
3. John Afoa
4. Anthony Boric
5. Ali Williams
6. Kieran Read
7. Adam Thomson
8. Liam Messam
9. Piri Weepu
10. Stephen Donald
11. Josevata Rokocoko
12. Ma’a Nonu
13. Richard Kahui
14. Anthony Tuitavake
15. Isaia Toeava
Reserves:
16. Corey Flynn
17. Neemia Tialata
18. Ross Filipo
19. Richie McCaw
20. Andy Ellis
21. Dan Carter
22. Cory Jane
Southland prop Jamie Mackintosh, Waikato’s Liam Messam and Canterbury loose forward Kieran Read will all make their All Blacks Test debuts, becoming All Black numbers 1081, 1082 and 1083 respectively. All three players captained their provincial teams in this year’s Air New Zealand Cup.
29-year-old Mealamu, who will play his 62nd Test this weekend, will become the 63rd All Blacks Test captain and the fourth player of Samoan heritage to captain the All Blacks in a Test, following in the footsteps of former team mates Tana Umaga and Jerry Collins and current team mate Rodney So’oialo.
“Keven is one of the key players in the All Blacks and a strong leader and we congratulate him on reaching this significant milestone,” All Blacks Coach Graham Henry said.
Henry said with the All Blacks playing five Tests on consecutive weekends, as well as the match against Munster, the coaches had to strike the right balance when it came to selections for each Test match.
“This is a strong team with a mix of experienced players and new faces and we have picked the best team to win this Test match,” he said.
”We will not be taking the Scottish team lightly. They will be playing with passion and determination in front of a vocal Murrayfield so we are expecting a physical encounter,” Henry added.
The All Blacks have played Scotland 26 times, with the last Test at Murrayfield during Rugby World Cup 2007 when the All Blacks won 40-0.
The team is:
1. Jamie Mackintosh
2. Keven Mealamu (captain)
3. John Afoa
4. Anthony Boric
5. Ali Williams
6. Kieran Read
7. Adam Thomson
8. Liam Messam
9. Piri Weepu
10. Stephen Donald
11. Josevata Rokocoko
12. Ma’a Nonu
13. Richard Kahui
14. Anthony Tuitavake
15. Isaia Toeava
Reserves:
16. Corey Flynn
17. Neemia Tialata
18. Ross Filipo
19. Richie McCaw
20. Andy Ellis
21. Dan Carter
22. Cory Jane
Southland prop Jamie Mackintosh, Waikato’s Liam Messam and Canterbury loose forward Kieran Read will all make their All Blacks Test debuts, becoming All Black numbers 1081, 1082 and 1083 respectively. All three players captained their provincial teams in this year’s Air New Zealand Cup.
29-year-old Mealamu, who will play his 62nd Test this weekend, will become the 63rd All Blacks Test captain and the fourth player of Samoan heritage to captain the All Blacks in a Test, following in the footsteps of former team mates Tana Umaga and Jerry Collins and current team mate Rodney So’oialo.
“Keven is one of the key players in the All Blacks and a strong leader and we congratulate him on reaching this significant milestone,” All Blacks Coach Graham Henry said.
Henry said with the All Blacks playing five Tests on consecutive weekends, as well as the match against Munster, the coaches had to strike the right balance when it came to selections for each Test match.
“This is a strong team with a mix of experienced players and new faces and we have picked the best team to win this Test match,” he said.
”We will not be taking the Scottish team lightly. They will be playing with passion and determination in front of a vocal Murrayfield so we are expecting a physical encounter,” Henry added.
The All Blacks have played Scotland 26 times, with the last Test at Murrayfield during Rugby World Cup 2007 when the All Blacks won 40-0.
CRICKETING YOUNGSTERS TO RECEIVE ALL-STAR TIPS
Hong Kong’s budding young cricketers will be getting expert advice this week from some of the game’s greatest players.
Members of the All-Stars team taking part in this weekend’s Hong Kong Cricket Sixes are due to conduct a series of coaching sessions around the territory.
Australian great Justin Langer, England bowler Matthew Hoggard, former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming and South African allrounder Tyron Henderson will meet young players of all abilities to pass on their knowledge.
The All-Stars’ first appointment is on Wednesday (5 November) when they will visit St Margaret’s Co-Ed English Secondary and Primary School in Sham Shui Po. The quartet will supervise coaching sessions for pupils and sign autographs.
Later in the day they will conduct an All-Stars Masterclass for the Hong Kong national women’s team at Mission Road Cricket Ground in Mong Kok.
On Thursday (6 November) some of Hong Kong’s best young players will benefit from the All-Stars’ advice in a Junior Clinic at the Hong Kong Cricket Club.
“The All-Stars are very keen to make the most of their visit and to promote cricket in Hong Kong,” said Sixes tournament director Mark Burns.
“These sessions are a fantastic opportunity for players of all abilities – whether they play just for fun or show serious potential – to meet world class cricketers and learn something from them.
“We are particularly delighted that the All-Stars are visiting St Margaret’s – a school where cricket is part of the sports curriculum.
“The Hong Kong Cricket Association is especially focused on spreading the game amongst the local population and more than 60 per cent of participants in all junior cricket activities are Hong Kong Chinese.”
The Sixes will take place at the Kowloon Cricket Club on Saturday and Sunday (8-9 November).
Members of the All-Stars team taking part in this weekend’s Hong Kong Cricket Sixes are due to conduct a series of coaching sessions around the territory.
Australian great Justin Langer, England bowler Matthew Hoggard, former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming and South African allrounder Tyron Henderson will meet young players of all abilities to pass on their knowledge.
The All-Stars’ first appointment is on Wednesday (5 November) when they will visit St Margaret’s Co-Ed English Secondary and Primary School in Sham Shui Po. The quartet will supervise coaching sessions for pupils and sign autographs.
Later in the day they will conduct an All-Stars Masterclass for the Hong Kong national women’s team at Mission Road Cricket Ground in Mong Kok.
On Thursday (6 November) some of Hong Kong’s best young players will benefit from the All-Stars’ advice in a Junior Clinic at the Hong Kong Cricket Club.
“The All-Stars are very keen to make the most of their visit and to promote cricket in Hong Kong,” said Sixes tournament director Mark Burns.
“These sessions are a fantastic opportunity for players of all abilities – whether they play just for fun or show serious potential – to meet world class cricketers and learn something from them.
“We are particularly delighted that the All-Stars are visiting St Margaret’s – a school where cricket is part of the sports curriculum.
“The Hong Kong Cricket Association is especially focused on spreading the game amongst the local population and more than 60 per cent of participants in all junior cricket activities are Hong Kong Chinese.”
The Sixes will take place at the Kowloon Cricket Club on Saturday and Sunday (8-9 November).
Kumble retires
Anil Kumble ended his 18-year Test career after the third Test against Australia at the Feroz Shah Kotla.
Eighteen years, 132 Test matches, 40,850 deliveries, 619 wickets.
Eighteen years, 132 Test matches, 40,850 deliveries, 619 wickets.
Ponting admits verbal clashes not good
Ricky Ponting has admitted some of the verbal clashes between Australia and India did not look good.
Gautam Gambhir's elbow of Shane Watson on the first day earned him a one-match ban, which he is appealing, and was the first in a series of emotional exchanges.
The part-time spinner Simon Katich also argued heatedly with Gambhir.
The officials were also involved when Mitchell Johnson managed to irk the usually unflappable VVS Laxman.
"There was no real malice from anything Mitchell had to say," Ponting said. "It was about some of the comments that VVS had made in the newspapers, to tell the truth. That was all he was talking about. The umpires spoke to me and said it happened three times in the over, I think, and it wasn't acceptable. So I spoke to Mitchell at the break and that was it."
Gautam Gambhir's elbow of Shane Watson on the first day earned him a one-match ban, which he is appealing, and was the first in a series of emotional exchanges.
The part-time spinner Simon Katich also argued heatedly with Gambhir.
The officials were also involved when Mitchell Johnson managed to irk the usually unflappable VVS Laxman.
"There was no real malice from anything Mitchell had to say," Ponting said. "It was about some of the comments that VVS had made in the newspapers, to tell the truth. That was all he was talking about. The umpires spoke to me and said it happened three times in the over, I think, and it wasn't acceptable. So I spoke to Mitchell at the break and that was it."
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
David King honoured for lifetime contribution to leisure marine sector
David King, chairman of Princess Yachts, has been awarded the inaugural Maritime Fellowship Award for his lifetime contribution to the leisure marine sector.
This new award is part of the Maritime Media Awards which are made annually in memory of the late Desmond Wettern, writer on maritime affairs for some 30 years. The Award is to honour an individual for a lifetime contribution in a chosen sector of the maritime industries and this first one has been made in the marine leisure sector.
Jon Eads, President of the British Marine Federation, said: “I am delighted to announce that David King has been awarded the Maritime Fellowship Award. David was chosen for his outstanding life time contribution to the UK leisure marine industry, especially powerboat design and construction. His part in the extraordinary growth and success of the industry has been fundamental. He is a hugely popular character within the industry and regarded as an unsung hero.
“I would also like to offer my congratulations to the other nominees, Robert Braithwaite and Peter Nicholson, and thank them for the enormous contributions they too have made to the industry.”
On receiving the award David King said: “I am honoured to accept this award and in turn would like to thank those at Princess International. My background is in the Royal Navy, and in fact that’s where my inspiration for boat building came from, and as such I am delighted to be part of this very special evening.”
The Maritime Media Awards are to commemorate Desmond Wettern’s single minded dedication to the belief that the UK’s wellbeing and security are inextricably bound up with the sea and to encourage publicists and writers to draw attention to this linkage. Other Awards include the Desmond Wettern Maritime Media Award for Best Journalistic Contribution; the Mountbatten Maritime Award for Best Literary Contribution; the Donald Gosling Award for Best Television, Film or Radio Contribution; and the Desmond Wettern Fleet Award for the best contribution to a positive image of the Royal Navy.
The awards were made on Thursday 30 October at the Institute of Directors, London.
This new award is part of the Maritime Media Awards which are made annually in memory of the late Desmond Wettern, writer on maritime affairs for some 30 years. The Award is to honour an individual for a lifetime contribution in a chosen sector of the maritime industries and this first one has been made in the marine leisure sector.
Jon Eads, President of the British Marine Federation, said: “I am delighted to announce that David King has been awarded the Maritime Fellowship Award. David was chosen for his outstanding life time contribution to the UK leisure marine industry, especially powerboat design and construction. His part in the extraordinary growth and success of the industry has been fundamental. He is a hugely popular character within the industry and regarded as an unsung hero.
“I would also like to offer my congratulations to the other nominees, Robert Braithwaite and Peter Nicholson, and thank them for the enormous contributions they too have made to the industry.”
On receiving the award David King said: “I am honoured to accept this award and in turn would like to thank those at Princess International. My background is in the Royal Navy, and in fact that’s where my inspiration for boat building came from, and as such I am delighted to be part of this very special evening.”
The Maritime Media Awards are to commemorate Desmond Wettern’s single minded dedication to the belief that the UK’s wellbeing and security are inextricably bound up with the sea and to encourage publicists and writers to draw attention to this linkage. Other Awards include the Desmond Wettern Maritime Media Award for Best Journalistic Contribution; the Mountbatten Maritime Award for Best Literary Contribution; the Donald Gosling Award for Best Television, Film or Radio Contribution; and the Desmond Wettern Fleet Award for the best contribution to a positive image of the Royal Navy.
The awards were made on Thursday 30 October at the Institute of Directors, London.
All Blacks call up Hikawera Elliot
Hawke’s Bay hooker Hikawera Elliot has been called into the All Blacks squad for the team’s tour to the United Kingdom and Ireland.
22-year-old Elliot replaces Andrew Hore who is returning home to New Zealand after suffering a left high ankle sprain in last night’s win over Australia in the ANZ Hong Kong Bledisloe Cup Test.
Elliot will meet up with the team on Monday evening (UK time) in London on the way to Edinburgh.
The All Blacks play Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday 8 November.
22-year-old Elliot replaces Andrew Hore who is returning home to New Zealand after suffering a left high ankle sprain in last night’s win over Australia in the ANZ Hong Kong Bledisloe Cup Test.
Elliot will meet up with the team on Monday evening (UK time) in London on the way to Edinburgh.
The All Blacks play Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday 8 November.
Andrew Hore to return home
All Blacks hooker Andrew Hore is to return home to New Zealand after injuring his ankle in tonight’s All Blacks win over Australia in the ANZ Hong Kong Bledisloe Cup Test.
“Andrew suffered a left high ankle sprain early in the game,” All Blacks Doctor Deb Robinson said.
“He has had an x-ray which has been reported as normal, but the injury is deemed serious enough for him to be unable to play. He will return home for further investigation and treatment,” Robinson said.
A decision on a replacement hooker will be made in due course.
Meanwhile, the All Blacks departure from Hong Kong has been postponed until Sunday afternoon (HK time) after the team’s flight was delayed. The change means the team will stay overnight in London on Sunday before continuing on to Edinburgh.
“Andrew suffered a left high ankle sprain early in the game,” All Blacks Doctor Deb Robinson said.
“He has had an x-ray which has been reported as normal, but the injury is deemed serious enough for him to be unable to play. He will return home for further investigation and treatment,” Robinson said.
A decision on a replacement hooker will be made in due course.
Meanwhile, the All Blacks departure from Hong Kong has been postponed until Sunday afternoon (HK time) after the team’s flight was delayed. The change means the team will stay overnight in London on Sunday before continuing on to Edinburgh.
New Zealand Heartland XV notch first up win
The New Zealand Heartland XV beat the Pacific Coast Grizzlies 35-12 in the first game of their American tour in San Francisco earlier today (NZT).
The Grizzlies are a composite side, made up of the best talent from local clubs as well as those within the Pacific Coast area.
West Coast winger Lasa Ulukuta and Mid Canterbury flanker Jon Dampney picked up a brace of tries each for the New Zealand side. A strong forward game gave the Heartland XV domination at set pieces and they went out to a 21-0 lead before a period of sustained pressure on the Heartland XV line led to the Grizzlies scoring on the stroke of halftime.
The Heartland XV scored a further three tries in the second spell, the last an outstanding set-piece move that led to the second of Ulukuta’s two tries, which he scored under the posts. Kevin Moore also dotted down for a try, while all five were converted by Poverty Bay’s first five-eighth Scott Leighton. Another strong performer was Poverty Bay number eight Michael Broadhurst.
The match was played in good conditions before a crowd of around 600 at Rocca Field in San Francisco.
The Heartland’s XV second and final game of the tour is against a USA Select XV in Salt Lake City on Sunday (NZT).
Heartland XV: 35
Tries: Lasa Ulukuta (2), Jon Dampney (2), Kevin Moore. Cons: Scott Leighton (5)
Pacific Coast Grizzlies: 12
Next match: 8 November: Heartland XV v USA Select XV, Real Salt Lake Stadium, Salt Lake City at 1:15pm (9.15pm Sunday NZT)
The Grizzlies are a composite side, made up of the best talent from local clubs as well as those within the Pacific Coast area.
West Coast winger Lasa Ulukuta and Mid Canterbury flanker Jon Dampney picked up a brace of tries each for the New Zealand side. A strong forward game gave the Heartland XV domination at set pieces and they went out to a 21-0 lead before a period of sustained pressure on the Heartland XV line led to the Grizzlies scoring on the stroke of halftime.
The Heartland XV scored a further three tries in the second spell, the last an outstanding set-piece move that led to the second of Ulukuta’s two tries, which he scored under the posts. Kevin Moore also dotted down for a try, while all five were converted by Poverty Bay’s first five-eighth Scott Leighton. Another strong performer was Poverty Bay number eight Michael Broadhurst.
The match was played in good conditions before a crowd of around 600 at Rocca Field in San Francisco.
The Heartland’s XV second and final game of the tour is against a USA Select XV in Salt Lake City on Sunday (NZT).
Heartland XV: 35
Tries: Lasa Ulukuta (2), Jon Dampney (2), Kevin Moore. Cons: Scott Leighton (5)
Pacific Coast Grizzlies: 12
Next match: 8 November: Heartland XV v USA Select XV, Real Salt Lake Stadium, Salt Lake City at 1:15pm (9.15pm Sunday NZT)
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