Bulls flanker Deon Stegmann and Hurricanes lock Jason Eaton will appear before a SANZAR Judicial Officer after being cited for separate incidents in tonight’s Rebel Sport Super 14 match between the Hurricanes and the Bulls at Westpac Stadium, Wellington.
Stegmann was cited by Citing Commissioner Steve Hinds for an alleged dangerous tackle on Hurricanes midfielder Conrad Smith in the eighth minute of the second half, while Eaton was cited for allegedly stamping or trampling on Bulls lock Bakkies Botha two minutes later.
Stegmann will appear before SANZAR Judicial Officer Peter Hobbs at the NZRU offices in Wellington tomorrow, Saturday 21 March, with the hearing scheduled to start at 12.00pm, while Eaton will appear before Mr Hobbs at 1.30pm.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Titans focus on own backyard in enemy territory
Jetstar Gold Coast Titans coach John Cartwright says his side is focused more on themselves rather than their opponents heading into tomorrow’s test against St George Illawarra at WIN Stadium.
The Titans are attempting to break a drought against the Dragons, having never beaten the Red and Whites in four previous encounters since 2007.
But Cartwright said the key for his side would be concentrating on things in their own backyard rather than worrying about how to nullify their opponents.
“They’re dangerous right across the board, they’ve got very good halves, a good fullback and are dangerous around the dummy half,’’ said Cartwright of the Dragons.
“We’ve worked hard on where we think they are going to come at us, but the focus has more been on getting ourselves right this week.
“We’ve just got to focus on ourselves.
“It’s been a tough week really because we haven’t been able to do much coming off the back of the heat of the game last week.
“Mostly the week has been about attitude and how we approach the game.’’
The Titans were handed a boost on game eve today with Mat Rogers (wrist) cleared to play after getting through the club’s final training session at The University of Wollongong.
Rogers’ inclusion means the Titans will field the same 17 which took the field in last weekend’s gutsy 34-20 win over Newcastle at Skilled Park.
The match will mark Luke Bailey’s 150th NRL appearance against his former club.
The Titans are attempting to break a drought against the Dragons, having never beaten the Red and Whites in four previous encounters since 2007.
But Cartwright said the key for his side would be concentrating on things in their own backyard rather than worrying about how to nullify their opponents.
“They’re dangerous right across the board, they’ve got very good halves, a good fullback and are dangerous around the dummy half,’’ said Cartwright of the Dragons.
“We’ve worked hard on where we think they are going to come at us, but the focus has more been on getting ourselves right this week.
“We’ve just got to focus on ourselves.
“It’s been a tough week really because we haven’t been able to do much coming off the back of the heat of the game last week.
“Mostly the week has been about attitude and how we approach the game.’’
The Titans were handed a boost on game eve today with Mat Rogers (wrist) cleared to play after getting through the club’s final training session at The University of Wollongong.
Rogers’ inclusion means the Titans will field the same 17 which took the field in last weekend’s gutsy 34-20 win over Newcastle at Skilled Park.
The match will mark Luke Bailey’s 150th NRL appearance against his former club.
Whitnell Faces The Professionals In Portugal
Dale Whitnell’s reward for winning the recent Portuguese Amateur Championship is an entry into the Estoril Open de Portugal being played at Oitavos Dunes Golf Club on 2nd - 5th April.
It will be the Essex man’s first taste of golf on the PGA European Tour but one which he hopes will be commonplace after he turns professional at the end of the forthcoming season.
“It will be good to play in my first European Tour event and I’m really looking forward to it,” said the 20 year old who plays out of the Five Lakes club near his home in Tiptree.
“It will give me a chance to gauge myself against the professionals and to see if I’m getting to where I need to be with my game.
“I’m not there at the moment but I’m bound to learn a lot and it will show me my strengths and weaknesses.”
Whitnell’s success in the Portuguese Amateur in which he beat fellow international and good friend Jamie Abbott in a playoff, has provided him with a successful start to a season which he hopes will climax with the Walker Cup before he joins the professionals.
The Portugal Open will also complete a busy spell for Whitnell (photo courtesy of Tom Ward) as it follows the international with Spain at La Reserva this weekend (21st - 22nd March) and the European Nations Championship at Sotogrande (25th - 28th March).
It will be the Essex man’s first taste of golf on the PGA European Tour but one which he hopes will be commonplace after he turns professional at the end of the forthcoming season.
“It will be good to play in my first European Tour event and I’m really looking forward to it,” said the 20 year old who plays out of the Five Lakes club near his home in Tiptree.
“It will give me a chance to gauge myself against the professionals and to see if I’m getting to where I need to be with my game.
“I’m not there at the moment but I’m bound to learn a lot and it will show me my strengths and weaknesses.”
Whitnell’s success in the Portuguese Amateur in which he beat fellow international and good friend Jamie Abbott in a playoff, has provided him with a successful start to a season which he hopes will climax with the Walker Cup before he joins the professionals.
The Portugal Open will also complete a busy spell for Whitnell (photo courtesy of Tom Ward) as it follows the international with Spain at La Reserva this weekend (21st - 22nd March) and the European Nations Championship at Sotogrande (25th - 28th March).
King-Turner Reaches Semifinals Of ASB Pro Circuit Tennis Futures
New Zealand No2 Dan King-Turner has kept local hopes alive after a strong win in the quarterfinals of the US$15,000 Pro Circuit tennis Futures in Hamilton.
King-Turner beat Australian Rameez Junaid in the ASB sponsored event 6-4 7-6(2) to advance to his first semifinal of the year. Junaid the winner of the last week’s tournament at North Harbour and a player ranked at 441was always going to be a tough competitor for King-Turner with the Australian having won their two previous encounters.
For King-Turner the win came on the back of his strong serving, holding for the entire match and the fact he managed to break Junaid’s serve once – the ninth game of the first set. Junaid hit a couple of uncharacteristic errors in the tie break and a couple of big serves helped King-Turner win the match.
“It was good to make it to the weekend for the semifinals. I’ve really started to play aggressively and it’s come off this week. I’m happy with everything right now, especially since I was concerned I wouldn’t be able to make it to Hamilton over the weekend as a result of my leg injury,” says King-Turner.
King-Turner who has a current ATP ranking of 459 now plays second seed Tatsuma Ito from Japan who is ranked at 333.
Earlier Tatsuma had used the nagging length of his shots to oust Kiwi No1 Rubin Statham 7-6(5) 6-4 with there being just one break of serve in the match as Ito broke Statham in the third game of the second set.
Tatsuma has now beaten three New Zealand players to make the semifinals – Oliver Statham, Marcus Daniell and Rubin Statham.
“I’ve watched him play all three Kiwis,” said King-Turner “He’s a tough competitor.”
The other men’s semifinal will be contested between top seed Catsten Ball(Australia) who beat China’s Shao-Xuan Zeng in three sets and will play Chinese Davis Cup player and qualifier Ze Zhang.
The women’s semis in the US$10,000 draw feature fifth seed Ling Zhang from Hong Kong who won last week at North Harbour against Indonesian Ayu-Fani DAmayanti and the world’s top junior Noppawan Lertcheewakarn(Thailand) against eighth seed Ayaka Maekawa(Japan).
Semifinals start at midday at the ASB Waikato Tennis Centre.
Results:
ASB Pro Circuit US$10,000 women’s singles quarterfinals:
(5)Ling Zhang(Hong Kong) bt (3)Montinee Tangphong(Thailand) 6-0 6-3, (4)Noppawan Lertcheewakarn(Thailand) bt (Q)Jessy Rompies(Indonesia) 6-1 6-0, (8)Ayaka Maekawa(Japan) bt (2)I-Hsuan Hwang(Taipei) 7-5 7-5, Ayu-Fani DAmayanti(Indonesia) bt (1)Sandy Gumulya(Indonesia) 6-2 2-2 retired.
ASB Pro Circuit US$15,000 men’s singles quarterfinals:
(1)Carsten Ball(Australia) bt Shao-Xuan Zeng(China) 4-6 6-4 6-3, (2)Tatsuma Ito(Japan) bt (8)Rubin Statham(New Zealand) 7-6(5) 6-4, Dan King-Turner(New Zealand) bt Rameez Junaid(Australia0 6-4 7-6(2), (Q)Ze Zhang(China) bt Yuichi Ito(Japan) 6-3 6-3.
King-Turner beat Australian Rameez Junaid in the ASB sponsored event 6-4 7-6(2) to advance to his first semifinal of the year. Junaid the winner of the last week’s tournament at North Harbour and a player ranked at 441was always going to be a tough competitor for King-Turner with the Australian having won their two previous encounters.
For King-Turner the win came on the back of his strong serving, holding for the entire match and the fact he managed to break Junaid’s serve once – the ninth game of the first set. Junaid hit a couple of uncharacteristic errors in the tie break and a couple of big serves helped King-Turner win the match.
“It was good to make it to the weekend for the semifinals. I’ve really started to play aggressively and it’s come off this week. I’m happy with everything right now, especially since I was concerned I wouldn’t be able to make it to Hamilton over the weekend as a result of my leg injury,” says King-Turner.
King-Turner who has a current ATP ranking of 459 now plays second seed Tatsuma Ito from Japan who is ranked at 333.
Earlier Tatsuma had used the nagging length of his shots to oust Kiwi No1 Rubin Statham 7-6(5) 6-4 with there being just one break of serve in the match as Ito broke Statham in the third game of the second set.
Tatsuma has now beaten three New Zealand players to make the semifinals – Oliver Statham, Marcus Daniell and Rubin Statham.
“I’ve watched him play all three Kiwis,” said King-Turner “He’s a tough competitor.”
The other men’s semifinal will be contested between top seed Catsten Ball(Australia) who beat China’s Shao-Xuan Zeng in three sets and will play Chinese Davis Cup player and qualifier Ze Zhang.
The women’s semis in the US$10,000 draw feature fifth seed Ling Zhang from Hong Kong who won last week at North Harbour against Indonesian Ayu-Fani DAmayanti and the world’s top junior Noppawan Lertcheewakarn(Thailand) against eighth seed Ayaka Maekawa(Japan).
Semifinals start at midday at the ASB Waikato Tennis Centre.
Results:
ASB Pro Circuit US$10,000 women’s singles quarterfinals:
(5)Ling Zhang(Hong Kong) bt (3)Montinee Tangphong(Thailand) 6-0 6-3, (4)Noppawan Lertcheewakarn(Thailand) bt (Q)Jessy Rompies(Indonesia) 6-1 6-0, (8)Ayaka Maekawa(Japan) bt (2)I-Hsuan Hwang(Taipei) 7-5 7-5, Ayu-Fani DAmayanti(Indonesia) bt (1)Sandy Gumulya(Indonesia) 6-2 2-2 retired.
ASB Pro Circuit US$15,000 men’s singles quarterfinals:
(1)Carsten Ball(Australia) bt Shao-Xuan Zeng(China) 4-6 6-4 6-3, (2)Tatsuma Ito(Japan) bt (8)Rubin Statham(New Zealand) 7-6(5) 6-4, Dan King-Turner(New Zealand) bt Rameez Junaid(Australia0 6-4 7-6(2), (Q)Ze Zhang(China) bt Yuichi Ito(Japan) 6-3 6-3.
AH MAU’S NRL CALL-UP FORCES CHANGE TO VODAFONE JUNIOR WARRIORS
Prop Junior Afualo is back in the Vodafone Junior Warriors’ starting line-up for their second-round NYC encounter with Manly at Brookvale Oval in Sydney on Sunday.
Ah Mau (19), who made his first-grade debut last weekend, was today called back into the NRL squad after experienced back rower Micheal Luck was ruled out of making the trip to Sydney.
Front rower John Palavi has been added to the NYC squad as 18th man.
VODAFONE JUNIOR WARRIORS
1 KEVIN LOCKE
2 THOMAS AH VAN
3 RUSTY BRISTOW
4 SIUATONGA LIKILIKI
5 BILL TUPOU
6 SHAUN JOHNSON
7 JODY HENRY
17 JUNIOR AFUALO
9 ALEHANA MARA (c)
10 LUKE LABAN
11 MICHAEL AFIOGA
12 SIONE LOUSI
13 ELIJAH TAYLOR (c)
Interchange:
14 GOWAN DUFF
15 ELIJAH NIKO
16 KURT KARA
20 JAROME KUTIA
21 JOHN PALAVI
COACH: TONY IRO
Ah Mau (19), who made his first-grade debut last weekend, was today called back into the NRL squad after experienced back rower Micheal Luck was ruled out of making the trip to Sydney.
Front rower John Palavi has been added to the NYC squad as 18th man.
VODAFONE JUNIOR WARRIORS
1 KEVIN LOCKE
2 THOMAS AH VAN
3 RUSTY BRISTOW
4 SIUATONGA LIKILIKI
5 BILL TUPOU
6 SHAUN JOHNSON
7 JODY HENRY
17 JUNIOR AFUALO
9 ALEHANA MARA (c)
10 LUKE LABAN
11 MICHAEL AFIOGA
12 SIONE LOUSI
13 ELIJAH TAYLOR (c)
Interchange:
14 GOWAN DUFF
15 ELIJAH NIKO
16 KURT KARA
20 JAROME KUTIA
21 JOHN PALAVI
COACH: TONY IRO
LUCK OUT, AH MAU IN FOR VODAFONE WARRIORS’ NRL CLASH AGAINST MANLY
Young front rower Leeson Ah Mau has been brought into the Vodafone Warriors’ squad after it was decided today not to risk experienced loose forward Micheal Luck in Sunday’s second-round NRL clash against Manly at Brookvale Oval.
Luck (26) was originally named in the travelling line-up on Tuesday but has been undergoing assessment throughout the week after he was knocked out in a heavy tackle by Parramatta prop Fuifui Moimoi last Saturday night.
“Micheal did a psychometric test yesterday and on the basis of his results he could have played against Manly this weekend,” said team doctor John Mayhew.
“He hadn’t been experiencing any difficulties since last Saturday night but after discussing the situation with him, my recommendation was that he wasn’t fit to play.”
Luck, one of the NRL’s most durable forwards, has played all but two of the club’s 78 games since joining the Vodafone Warriors in 2006.
Ah Mau (19), who made his NRL debut against the Eels, had been named to turn out for the Vodafone Junior Warriors in the NYC this Sunday but now returns to the first-grade squad.
Coach Ivan Cleary said the final line-up wouldn’t be named until an hour before the match on Sunday. He said utility Aaron Heremaia, originally named as 18th man, was also in contention to play.
VODAFONE WARRIORS
LEESON AH MAU
NATHAN FIEN
IAN HENDERSON
AARON HEREMAIA
STACEY JONES
DENAN KEMP
JACOB LILLYMAN
WADE McKINNON
SIMON MANNERING
JOEL MOON
RUSSELL PACKER
STEVE PRICE (c)
SAM RAPIRA
JEROME ROPATI
JESSE ROYAL
UKUMA TA’AI
BRENT TATE
MANU VATUVEI
COACH: IVAN CLEARY
Luck (26) was originally named in the travelling line-up on Tuesday but has been undergoing assessment throughout the week after he was knocked out in a heavy tackle by Parramatta prop Fuifui Moimoi last Saturday night.
“Micheal did a psychometric test yesterday and on the basis of his results he could have played against Manly this weekend,” said team doctor John Mayhew.
“He hadn’t been experiencing any difficulties since last Saturday night but after discussing the situation with him, my recommendation was that he wasn’t fit to play.”
Luck, one of the NRL’s most durable forwards, has played all but two of the club’s 78 games since joining the Vodafone Warriors in 2006.
Ah Mau (19), who made his NRL debut against the Eels, had been named to turn out for the Vodafone Junior Warriors in the NYC this Sunday but now returns to the first-grade squad.
Coach Ivan Cleary said the final line-up wouldn’t be named until an hour before the match on Sunday. He said utility Aaron Heremaia, originally named as 18th man, was also in contention to play.
VODAFONE WARRIORS
LEESON AH MAU
NATHAN FIEN
IAN HENDERSON
AARON HEREMAIA
STACEY JONES
DENAN KEMP
JACOB LILLYMAN
WADE McKINNON
SIMON MANNERING
JOEL MOON
RUSSELL PACKER
STEVE PRICE (c)
SAM RAPIRA
JEROME ROPATI
JESSE ROYAL
UKUMA TA’AI
BRENT TATE
MANU VATUVEI
COACH: IVAN CLEARY
VIDIC: BRITS ARE BEST
Nemanja Vidic says the presence of four Barclays Premier League sides in the Champions League draw confirms English football's top-dog status.
United are joined in the quarter-finals by Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal for the second year running, with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Porto and Villarreal taking up the other places in Europe's elite eight.
Serbian defender Vidic is proud to be part of what he describes as 'the best league in the world' and after scoring a crucial goal against Internazionale in the last 16 round, he's determined to help at least one English team reach the Rome final.
"The English sides' performances [in Europe] have shown yet again that the Premier League is the best league in the world," Vidic told Red View.
"To have all four in the quarter-finals again is a big achievement for English football. There's a strong possibility we will play one of the other three in the Champions League, and it will be difficult because they are all top teams.
"It's the small details that will decide who goes through to the next round and we therefore need to give our best against whichever side we play."
Visit ManUtd.com from 11:00 GMT on Friday for Champions League draw news and reaction from players past and present including ex-midfielder Mickey Thomas.
United are joined in the quarter-finals by Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal for the second year running, with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Porto and Villarreal taking up the other places in Europe's elite eight.
Serbian defender Vidic is proud to be part of what he describes as 'the best league in the world' and after scoring a crucial goal against Internazionale in the last 16 round, he's determined to help at least one English team reach the Rome final.
"The English sides' performances [in Europe] have shown yet again that the Premier League is the best league in the world," Vidic told Red View.
"To have all four in the quarter-finals again is a big achievement for English football. There's a strong possibility we will play one of the other three in the Champions League, and it will be difficult because they are all top teams.
"It's the small details that will decide who goes through to the next round and we therefore need to give our best against whichever side we play."
Visit ManUtd.com from 11:00 GMT on Friday for Champions League draw news and reaction from players past and present including ex-midfielder Mickey Thomas.
INTERVIEW: MICHAEL ESSIEN
Plenty have had their say on Michael Essien over the past fortnight, from team-mates to Guus Hiddink, from outside commentators to fans who cheered the player's return. Now Chelseafc.com gives the man himself the chance to say a few words.
Michael Essien famously prefers to let his football do the talking. With that in mind, the player who is as quiet and unassuming as anyone you could find in the dressing room of a world-renowned football club, has in the last two games performed the on-pitch equivalent of climbing onto the rooftops with a megaphone and bellowing 'I'm back' to anyone within earshot.
By scoring game-changing goals and adding a dynamism and strength to Chelsea's play, one man's return appears to have re-energised hopes for the 10 weeks ahead.
It is reminiscent of the boost given to Chelsea by Gustavo Poyet's return from a cruciate injury 11 years earlier. That was also just in time for a European match and he too scored to level at 1-1 when the team looked to be descending toward elimination.
That year we went on to win the European competition we were in (the Cup Winners' Cup). It's a nice thought.
The two goals in the last two games have been one of the less-expected benefits of being Essien-equipped once more.
That he played the full 90 minutes of his first competitive game back, a reserve outing, and looked as energetic as anyone on the pitch in Sunday's win over Man City were likely to greeted by 'That's our Michael' nods of appreciation.
And that in his three first team games so far he has been asked to play three different positions simply shows Guus Hiddink is well-versed in the versatility of a player that has come under his wing.
Initially when given the green light to play again, Michael completed 60 minutes of a training ground practice match between teams of Chelsea reserve and youth players at Cobham. That was on the day of our home match against Juventus.
Five days later he took to the Villa Park pitch for a reserve fixture and played as a holding midfielder, scoring an 86th minute goal in a 4-3 defeat.
'I didn't know I was going to finish the game but as the game kept going, I felt strong and I said let me continue to the end,' Michael recalls from the match at the start of March.
'I am fit,' he adds with a smile.
Fit enough to persuade Hiddink, who sat in the stands for the whole match, to bring Michael on for the final 25 minutes of the Coventry FA Cup win five days later, again in an anchor role.
And then out of the blue came his deployment from the start as the widest, most forward player on the right of the team away to Juventus, with its dramatic consequence.
'It was quite strange, but I do a job for the team, it is not a big deal for me. They know my qualities and they know I could do it,' says the scorer of the first equaliser in the 2-2 draw in Turin.
'At first I thought Frank's shot was going to be a goal and then I saw that the ball was going to hit the crossbar so I tried to go for the rebound. I had to put it into the back of the net.
'I saw two defenders plus the goalkeeper there but I said let's go for it, you never know.
'It was great to be back and scoring. It had been a very long injury and in the end I managed to come back. The physios and doctors did a great job on me and the first thing that came into my mind when I scored was to go to Thierry [Laurent - Chelsea's rehabilitation physio] as he has been with me for the past six months.
'The rest of the physios have all done well but he was the one who was with me every day so I tried to go to hug him and say thank you.
'Didier [Drogba] has had a couple of problems with his knees as well and it was great that we both scored that night. The whole team did well to get qualified for the next stages. We did a great job.'
Tactical
What was remarkable about his selection in an unaccustomed position to the right of Drogba and Nicolas Anelka was that Luiz Felipe Scolari had tried the Ghanaian there in a pre-season friendly against Lokomotiv Moscow. Michael scored with a top-quality volley.
Two different managers with different coaching staff (Ray Wilkins had yet to return to Chelsea for the Moscow game) had both spotted the potential for something new.
'It was the same,' acknowledges Michael, 'although it was more tactical against Juventus because the gaffer wanted me to block Nedved. It is not my natural position but as I can fit in everywhere, I was happy to do it.
'It was more like 4-4-2 sometimes and Nedved played where the plan had expected him to until he had a knock and had to come off.'
Whether Hiddink will choose to repeat that selection should tactics demand remains to be seen. On Sunday, untethered from either the anchor role, which had been handed to Michael Ballack, or the need to counter a particular opponent, Michael was able to carry the game to Man City with his charges through midfield.
'It doesn't matter how you take it, the most important thing is the three points,' he said after his off-the-side-of-the-calf winning goal.
The performance must have been an uplifting sight for Joe Cole and Paulo Ferreira, our two more recent victims in a trio of cruciate ruptures that emphatically ended a decade clear of this injury at first-team level.
Poyet has already been discussed; goalkeeper Dmitri Kharine damaged the ligament a year earlier; but it was Pierluigi Casiraghi who completed the previous run of problems, suffering career-ending damage to other tissues at the same time in a collision at Upton Park in 1998.
Happily this season's three have been uncomplicated injuries.
'It is a shame,' Michael says of his colleagues. 'I don't know what happened but we never had this for years and one season we were just unlucky. But I am back now and hopefully the others can come back as well and help the team.'
First operation
The very earliest reports when he was struck down in a World Cup qualifier in Libya back in September claimed Michael had been the victim of a bad challenge. Then it came through that he had landed awkwardly after a leap. He puts the record straight, beginning the tale with that pre-season game against Lokomotiv Moscow.
'I had a knock in one of the games in Russia and I carried on playing and finished the game. The next day my knee was really swollen so when we came back from the pre-season, I went to do a scan but it didn't show a problem.
'I did work in the gym and played the first two games of the season for Chelsea. Then when we were with Ghana it happened.
'I was going to block a ball and then I found myself lying down and I knew there was something wrong. I was gong to block a cross, just normal running.
'It was my first bad injury and my first surgery but it was one of those things and you have to accept it.
'I had the operation in Paris. I knew the surgeon before and it was easy for me because I understand the language very well and I was with Thierry (pictured below) and they can communicate easily.
I knew I was going to be out for a long time and I just took things easy and took my instructions from the doctors and the physios. My Mum was there as well, and my best friends. Everybody was with me, as well as my team mates. It is great to be back among them and enjoying football.'
With knees the width of some people's necks, it seemed unbelievable at the time that Michael could suffer such an injury and one can only imagine the reaction in Ghana at the loss of their biggest sports star (so big that he was still named Ghana's Player of the Year in December despite the lay-off).
At the end of this month Michael's return will continue as his nation begins the next group stage towards qualification for the first World Cup in Africa.
'Ghana didn't play a lot of matches when I was out but they did really good when they did play. Maybe they won't need me.'
That's about as likely as Chelsea not requiring 'The Bison' in the final stages of the club campaign.
'We are still in the big competitions so we are looking forward to the rest of the games ahead and to keep fighting. We have to keep going and see what happens,' he orders.
That Michael Essien, with six months frustration and energy stored in the tank, will keep on going right to the end is in little doubt.
Read here what columnists Pat Nevin and Giles Smith had to say about Essien's return.
Michael Essien famously prefers to let his football do the talking. With that in mind, the player who is as quiet and unassuming as anyone you could find in the dressing room of a world-renowned football club, has in the last two games performed the on-pitch equivalent of climbing onto the rooftops with a megaphone and bellowing 'I'm back' to anyone within earshot.
By scoring game-changing goals and adding a dynamism and strength to Chelsea's play, one man's return appears to have re-energised hopes for the 10 weeks ahead.
It is reminiscent of the boost given to Chelsea by Gustavo Poyet's return from a cruciate injury 11 years earlier. That was also just in time for a European match and he too scored to level at 1-1 when the team looked to be descending toward elimination.
That year we went on to win the European competition we were in (the Cup Winners' Cup). It's a nice thought.
The two goals in the last two games have been one of the less-expected benefits of being Essien-equipped once more.
That he played the full 90 minutes of his first competitive game back, a reserve outing, and looked as energetic as anyone on the pitch in Sunday's win over Man City were likely to greeted by 'That's our Michael' nods of appreciation.
And that in his three first team games so far he has been asked to play three different positions simply shows Guus Hiddink is well-versed in the versatility of a player that has come under his wing.
Initially when given the green light to play again, Michael completed 60 minutes of a training ground practice match between teams of Chelsea reserve and youth players at Cobham. That was on the day of our home match against Juventus.
Five days later he took to the Villa Park pitch for a reserve fixture and played as a holding midfielder, scoring an 86th minute goal in a 4-3 defeat.
'I didn't know I was going to finish the game but as the game kept going, I felt strong and I said let me continue to the end,' Michael recalls from the match at the start of March.
'I am fit,' he adds with a smile.
Fit enough to persuade Hiddink, who sat in the stands for the whole match, to bring Michael on for the final 25 minutes of the Coventry FA Cup win five days later, again in an anchor role.
And then out of the blue came his deployment from the start as the widest, most forward player on the right of the team away to Juventus, with its dramatic consequence.
'It was quite strange, but I do a job for the team, it is not a big deal for me. They know my qualities and they know I could do it,' says the scorer of the first equaliser in the 2-2 draw in Turin.
'At first I thought Frank's shot was going to be a goal and then I saw that the ball was going to hit the crossbar so I tried to go for the rebound. I had to put it into the back of the net.
'I saw two defenders plus the goalkeeper there but I said let's go for it, you never know.
'It was great to be back and scoring. It had been a very long injury and in the end I managed to come back. The physios and doctors did a great job on me and the first thing that came into my mind when I scored was to go to Thierry [Laurent - Chelsea's rehabilitation physio] as he has been with me for the past six months.
'The rest of the physios have all done well but he was the one who was with me every day so I tried to go to hug him and say thank you.
'Didier [Drogba] has had a couple of problems with his knees as well and it was great that we both scored that night. The whole team did well to get qualified for the next stages. We did a great job.'
Tactical
What was remarkable about his selection in an unaccustomed position to the right of Drogba and Nicolas Anelka was that Luiz Felipe Scolari had tried the Ghanaian there in a pre-season friendly against Lokomotiv Moscow. Michael scored with a top-quality volley.
Two different managers with different coaching staff (Ray Wilkins had yet to return to Chelsea for the Moscow game) had both spotted the potential for something new.
'It was the same,' acknowledges Michael, 'although it was more tactical against Juventus because the gaffer wanted me to block Nedved. It is not my natural position but as I can fit in everywhere, I was happy to do it.
'It was more like 4-4-2 sometimes and Nedved played where the plan had expected him to until he had a knock and had to come off.'
Whether Hiddink will choose to repeat that selection should tactics demand remains to be seen. On Sunday, untethered from either the anchor role, which had been handed to Michael Ballack, or the need to counter a particular opponent, Michael was able to carry the game to Man City with his charges through midfield.
'It doesn't matter how you take it, the most important thing is the three points,' he said after his off-the-side-of-the-calf winning goal.
The performance must have been an uplifting sight for Joe Cole and Paulo Ferreira, our two more recent victims in a trio of cruciate ruptures that emphatically ended a decade clear of this injury at first-team level.
Poyet has already been discussed; goalkeeper Dmitri Kharine damaged the ligament a year earlier; but it was Pierluigi Casiraghi who completed the previous run of problems, suffering career-ending damage to other tissues at the same time in a collision at Upton Park in 1998.
Happily this season's three have been uncomplicated injuries.
'It is a shame,' Michael says of his colleagues. 'I don't know what happened but we never had this for years and one season we were just unlucky. But I am back now and hopefully the others can come back as well and help the team.'
First operation
The very earliest reports when he was struck down in a World Cup qualifier in Libya back in September claimed Michael had been the victim of a bad challenge. Then it came through that he had landed awkwardly after a leap. He puts the record straight, beginning the tale with that pre-season game against Lokomotiv Moscow.
'I had a knock in one of the games in Russia and I carried on playing and finished the game. The next day my knee was really swollen so when we came back from the pre-season, I went to do a scan but it didn't show a problem.
'I did work in the gym and played the first two games of the season for Chelsea. Then when we were with Ghana it happened.
'I was going to block a ball and then I found myself lying down and I knew there was something wrong. I was gong to block a cross, just normal running.
'It was my first bad injury and my first surgery but it was one of those things and you have to accept it.
'I had the operation in Paris. I knew the surgeon before and it was easy for me because I understand the language very well and I was with Thierry (pictured below) and they can communicate easily.
I knew I was going to be out for a long time and I just took things easy and took my instructions from the doctors and the physios. My Mum was there as well, and my best friends. Everybody was with me, as well as my team mates. It is great to be back among them and enjoying football.'
With knees the width of some people's necks, it seemed unbelievable at the time that Michael could suffer such an injury and one can only imagine the reaction in Ghana at the loss of their biggest sports star (so big that he was still named Ghana's Player of the Year in December despite the lay-off).
At the end of this month Michael's return will continue as his nation begins the next group stage towards qualification for the first World Cup in Africa.
'Ghana didn't play a lot of matches when I was out but they did really good when they did play. Maybe they won't need me.'
That's about as likely as Chelsea not requiring 'The Bison' in the final stages of the club campaign.
'We are still in the big competitions so we are looking forward to the rest of the games ahead and to keep fighting. We have to keep going and see what happens,' he orders.
That Michael Essien, with six months frustration and energy stored in the tank, will keep on going right to the end is in little doubt.
Read here what columnists Pat Nevin and Giles Smith had to say about Essien's return.
DUNLOP SQUASH TO SPONSOR AFRICAN SQUASH OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS
Dunlop Squash is pleased to announce their sponsorship of the third annual African Squash Open Championships, due to be held in Lagos, Nigeria. The tournament will take place from 23rd to 29th August 2009, with Dunlop as the Official Equipment Supplier for the event.
The African Squash Open Championships is the biggest squash tournament held in Africa, and is set to become an annual event rotated around various African countries. This year’s event will be broadcast live to the whole world via cable giant SuperSports and also streamed live via the Professional Squash Association (PSA) website for online viewers. The tournament has grown to become the premier squash event in Africa, and organisers expect to see a large contingent of the world’s top 20 players participating in this event this year.
Dunlop’s Group Product Manager for Squash, Matthew Shuker commented on the deal; “Dunlop is pleased to be associated with the African Squash Open Championships for 2009. Dunlop is committed to supporting squash at all levels, and with such a strong sponsorship portfolio, our position as the world's number one squash brand cannot be questioned."
Dunlop’s current stable of top 11 world ranked ambassadors include world number two Amr Shabana, Gregory Gaultier (ranked 3rd), Nick Matthew (ranked 5th) and Ong Beng Hee (ranked 11th), all of them endorsing Dunlop Aerogel 4D technology.
The African Squash Open Championships is the biggest squash tournament held in Africa, and is set to become an annual event rotated around various African countries. This year’s event will be broadcast live to the whole world via cable giant SuperSports and also streamed live via the Professional Squash Association (PSA) website for online viewers. The tournament has grown to become the premier squash event in Africa, and organisers expect to see a large contingent of the world’s top 20 players participating in this event this year.
Dunlop’s Group Product Manager for Squash, Matthew Shuker commented on the deal; “Dunlop is pleased to be associated with the African Squash Open Championships for 2009. Dunlop is committed to supporting squash at all levels, and with such a strong sponsorship portfolio, our position as the world's number one squash brand cannot be questioned."
Dunlop’s current stable of top 11 world ranked ambassadors include world number two Amr Shabana, Gregory Gaultier (ranked 3rd), Nick Matthew (ranked 5th) and Ong Beng Hee (ranked 11th), all of them endorsing Dunlop Aerogel 4D technology.
NRL Media Release - Sharks
The National Rugby League has this afternoon endorsed the actions of the Cronulla Sharks in standing down Brett Seymour over an off-field incident and has also suspended Sydney Roosters player Jake Friend for two matches.
Cronulla earlier today indicated its intention to stand Seymour down for two weeks and to fine him $20,000.
While acknowledging that the Roosters have treated the matter of Jake Friend with the utmost seriousness, the Board is of the view that a suspension is also appropriate under the Code of Conduct.
“Those few players who risk the reputations of everyone else in the game need to understand that the ‘stakes’ in this area have risen considerably,” National Rugby League Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said today.
“It is a fact that everyone is going to have to come to terms with.
“It is always going to be hard for clubs and coaches to stand players down but that now has to be accepted as a realistic outcome in these situations. It has always been possible that a player’s team will suffer if he gets himself in trouble.
“The game’s sponsors are certainly nearing the point where they have had enough and so too have the fans.
“Every instance has to be and will be looked at on its merits. There are going to be circumstances that differ in each case and the NRL will consider those differences in reaching any view.
“That is why we strongly believe that the clubs should have the option of taking the first action in an event and that they should be given the opportunity to report on that action.
“Going forward we propose working with the clubs to develop a more consistent approach from them in terms of the actions that they take.”
Cronulla earlier today indicated its intention to stand Seymour down for two weeks and to fine him $20,000.
While acknowledging that the Roosters have treated the matter of Jake Friend with the utmost seriousness, the Board is of the view that a suspension is also appropriate under the Code of Conduct.
“Those few players who risk the reputations of everyone else in the game need to understand that the ‘stakes’ in this area have risen considerably,” National Rugby League Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said today.
“It is a fact that everyone is going to have to come to terms with.
“It is always going to be hard for clubs and coaches to stand players down but that now has to be accepted as a realistic outcome in these situations. It has always been possible that a player’s team will suffer if he gets himself in trouble.
“The game’s sponsors are certainly nearing the point where they have had enough and so too have the fans.
“Every instance has to be and will be looked at on its merits. There are going to be circumstances that differ in each case and the NRL will consider those differences in reaching any view.
“That is why we strongly believe that the clubs should have the option of taking the first action in an event and that they should be given the opportunity to report on that action.
“Going forward we propose working with the clubs to develop a more consistent approach from them in terms of the actions that they take.”
Two Kiwis Reach Quarters At ASB Pro Circuit Tennis In Hamilton
Two New Zealanders have made the quarterfinals the Pro Circuit tennis Futures in Hamilton with very different journeys to the last eight.
New Zealand No1 Rubin Statham was convincing as he reached his second consecutive quarterfinal at.
Statham, 21 cruised through his match in the US$15,000 ASB Pro Circuit to reach the last eight with a 6-1 6-3 victory over Barbados player Haydn Lewis.
In the quarters Statham will face second seed Tatsuma Ito(Japan) who beat Wairarapa professional Marcus Daniell 7-5 6-4. Daniell, 19 had several opportunities to change the face of the match levelling the score at 5-5 and also 4-4 but Ito ranked at 333 was able to keep a steady head while Daniell ranked 806th played erratic shots when consistency would have been better.
Dan King-Turner had to work hard, but he managed to win his way into the quarterfinals coming from a set down and claiming the contest in a third set tiebreak for the second match in a row.
King-Turner, 24 who has an ATP world ranking of 459 beat Australian fourth seed and 379th ranked Adam Feeney 5-7 6-4 7-6(4) in the second round.
The Kiwi No2 was struggling to walk a couple of days ago with right knee ligament damage but put in a solid performance in a high quality match with his serve pulling him through, especially in the tie break where he came up with three aces while Feeney made a couple of uncharacteristic errors.
King-Turner will play Rameez Junaid after the Australian beat fifth seeded American Stephen Bass in the longest match of the tournament, three hours and 17 minutes 6-3 6-7(8) 6-3.
In other second round matches top seed, Australian Carsten Ball blasted his way past Korean Davis Cup player Young-Jun Kim 6-3 6-2 while women’s fifth seed and winner of last week’s ASB Pro Circuit title at North Harbour, Ling Zhang beat Kiwi wildcard Di Hollands 7-6(3) 6-1.
In women’s US$10,000 second round singles Hamilton born Katherine Westbury, 16 took third seed Montinee Tangphong(Thailand) to three sets but couldn’t match the experience of her opponent who is ranked inside the world’s top 350.
The Thai player winning the match 6-1 4-6 6-1 to move into the quarterfinals.
Also winning was the world’s top junior girl, Noppawan Lertcheewakarn, the tournament fourth seed from Thailand who easily overcame Japan’s Yrina Koshino 6-2 6-0.
ASB Pro Circuit US$15,000 men’s singles second round:
Dan King-Turner(New Zealand) bt (4)Adam Feeney(Australia) 5-7 6-4 7-6(4), (1)Carsten Ball(Australia) bt Young-Jun Kim(Korea) 6-3 6-2, Rameez Junaid(Australia) bt (5)Stephen Bass(United States) 6-3 6-7(8) 6-3, Ze Zhang(china) bt (7)Matteo Viola(Italy) 6-4 6-3, Shao-Xuan Zheng(China) bt Andrew Thomas(Australia) 7-5 6-3, Yuichi Ito(Japan) bt Nima Roshan(Australia) 6-4 3-6 6-3.
ASB Pro Circuit US$10,000 women’s singles second round:
(5)Ling Zhang(Hong Kong) bt (WC)Di Hollands(New Zealand) 7-6(3) 6-1, (1)Sandy Gumulya(Indonesia) bt Lizaan Du Plessis(South Africa) 6-0 6-1.
Men’s doubles semifinals:
Armstrong/Feeney(Australia) bt Zeng/Zhang(China) 7-6(6) 6-3, Gong/Yu(China) bt Ball(Australia)/R Statham(New Zealand0 6-2 6-7(3) 10-7
New Zealand No1 Rubin Statham was convincing as he reached his second consecutive quarterfinal at.
Statham, 21 cruised through his match in the US$15,000 ASB Pro Circuit to reach the last eight with a 6-1 6-3 victory over Barbados player Haydn Lewis.
In the quarters Statham will face second seed Tatsuma Ito(Japan) who beat Wairarapa professional Marcus Daniell 7-5 6-4. Daniell, 19 had several opportunities to change the face of the match levelling the score at 5-5 and also 4-4 but Ito ranked at 333 was able to keep a steady head while Daniell ranked 806th played erratic shots when consistency would have been better.
Dan King-Turner had to work hard, but he managed to win his way into the quarterfinals coming from a set down and claiming the contest in a third set tiebreak for the second match in a row.
King-Turner, 24 who has an ATP world ranking of 459 beat Australian fourth seed and 379th ranked Adam Feeney 5-7 6-4 7-6(4) in the second round.
The Kiwi No2 was struggling to walk a couple of days ago with right knee ligament damage but put in a solid performance in a high quality match with his serve pulling him through, especially in the tie break where he came up with three aces while Feeney made a couple of uncharacteristic errors.
King-Turner will play Rameez Junaid after the Australian beat fifth seeded American Stephen Bass in the longest match of the tournament, three hours and 17 minutes 6-3 6-7(8) 6-3.
In other second round matches top seed, Australian Carsten Ball blasted his way past Korean Davis Cup player Young-Jun Kim 6-3 6-2 while women’s fifth seed and winner of last week’s ASB Pro Circuit title at North Harbour, Ling Zhang beat Kiwi wildcard Di Hollands 7-6(3) 6-1.
In women’s US$10,000 second round singles Hamilton born Katherine Westbury, 16 took third seed Montinee Tangphong(Thailand) to three sets but couldn’t match the experience of her opponent who is ranked inside the world’s top 350.
The Thai player winning the match 6-1 4-6 6-1 to move into the quarterfinals.
Also winning was the world’s top junior girl, Noppawan Lertcheewakarn, the tournament fourth seed from Thailand who easily overcame Japan’s Yrina Koshino 6-2 6-0.
ASB Pro Circuit US$15,000 men’s singles second round:
Dan King-Turner(New Zealand) bt (4)Adam Feeney(Australia) 5-7 6-4 7-6(4), (1)Carsten Ball(Australia) bt Young-Jun Kim(Korea) 6-3 6-2, Rameez Junaid(Australia) bt (5)Stephen Bass(United States) 6-3 6-7(8) 6-3, Ze Zhang(china) bt (7)Matteo Viola(Italy) 6-4 6-3, Shao-Xuan Zheng(China) bt Andrew Thomas(Australia) 7-5 6-3, Yuichi Ito(Japan) bt Nima Roshan(Australia) 6-4 3-6 6-3.
ASB Pro Circuit US$10,000 women’s singles second round:
(5)Ling Zhang(Hong Kong) bt (WC)Di Hollands(New Zealand) 7-6(3) 6-1, (1)Sandy Gumulya(Indonesia) bt Lizaan Du Plessis(South Africa) 6-0 6-1.
Men’s doubles semifinals:
Armstrong/Feeney(Australia) bt Zeng/Zhang(China) 7-6(6) 6-3, Gong/Yu(China) bt Ball(Australia)/R Statham(New Zealand0 6-2 6-7(3) 10-7
Puma® Announces Association With IPL
Global sportlifestyle brand PUMA® announced its association with the Deccan Chargers as the official sponsor of their home and away uniforms.
PUMA brings a sense of fashion, and flair to the kits with tailored jerseys, tracks, bags and flip flops. Although the uniforms have a more tailored silhouette, the technical materials, cuts and shapes are driven purely by performance, designed for the players to have the maximum flexibility to perform better. Made with 100% polyester, the PUMA Deccan Chargers kits contain contract mesh inserts for comfort and breathability. They incorporate PUMA’s patented moisture management technology, USP (Ultimate Sport Performance). Each garment also has a wicking finish to allow moisture management, keeping the players dry and comfortable.
“Having the right technical gear and footwear during a 240-minute game is crucial to any cricket player,” said Rajiv Mehta, MD PUMA India. “PUMA has made apparel and footwear with the player in mind and they have truly proven themselves once again with the new uniforms.”
The chairman of Deccan Chargers Sporting Ventures Mr. Shankar opines that, “it is a major step forward in expanding our cricket-centric retail merchandising by tying up with PUMA, the brand leader of Sportslifestyle worldwide. The innovative products of PUMA successfully fuse the creative influences of Sports, Lifestyle and Fashion. This is bound to add tremendous value to the Chargers and our ambitions of creating a whole new brand of cricket.”
Adam Gilchrist and the chargers team are elated with the new gear. “The Deccan Chargers team and I are thrilled and excited to be in partnership with Puma for the approaching IPL season. The Puma brand is renowned across the globe for innovative products that maximise performance whilst looking fantastic and providing great comfort for the athlete.
It will be a new-look Chargers side, with bold colours and I've no doubt our supporters will be impressed with the new Puma playing attire and the brilliant range of supporters clothing."
The key color combinations for the team uniforms are:
HOME
Deccan Chargers
Midnight blue and strong Black
The fans needn’t be disappointed as PUMA has a whole range of fan wear and replica t-shirts for the Deccan Chargers. The fan wear is comprised of t-shirts, polos, linen shirts, caps, skirts and leggings for women, bags and flip-flops.
This is PUMA’s first foray into the IPL, although the brand works with cricketers like Luke Pommersbach, Andrew Flintoff, Brendan McCullum, JP Duminy, Makhaya Ntini, Herchelle Gibbs amongst others.
PUMA brings a sense of fashion, and flair to the kits with tailored jerseys, tracks, bags and flip flops. Although the uniforms have a more tailored silhouette, the technical materials, cuts and shapes are driven purely by performance, designed for the players to have the maximum flexibility to perform better. Made with 100% polyester, the PUMA Deccan Chargers kits contain contract mesh inserts for comfort and breathability. They incorporate PUMA’s patented moisture management technology, USP (Ultimate Sport Performance). Each garment also has a wicking finish to allow moisture management, keeping the players dry and comfortable.
“Having the right technical gear and footwear during a 240-minute game is crucial to any cricket player,” said Rajiv Mehta, MD PUMA India. “PUMA has made apparel and footwear with the player in mind and they have truly proven themselves once again with the new uniforms.”
The chairman of Deccan Chargers Sporting Ventures Mr. Shankar opines that, “it is a major step forward in expanding our cricket-centric retail merchandising by tying up with PUMA, the brand leader of Sportslifestyle worldwide. The innovative products of PUMA successfully fuse the creative influences of Sports, Lifestyle and Fashion. This is bound to add tremendous value to the Chargers and our ambitions of creating a whole new brand of cricket.”
Adam Gilchrist and the chargers team are elated with the new gear. “The Deccan Chargers team and I are thrilled and excited to be in partnership with Puma for the approaching IPL season. The Puma brand is renowned across the globe for innovative products that maximise performance whilst looking fantastic and providing great comfort for the athlete.
It will be a new-look Chargers side, with bold colours and I've no doubt our supporters will be impressed with the new Puma playing attire and the brilliant range of supporters clothing."
The key color combinations for the team uniforms are:
HOME
Deccan Chargers
Midnight blue and strong Black
The fans needn’t be disappointed as PUMA has a whole range of fan wear and replica t-shirts for the Deccan Chargers. The fan wear is comprised of t-shirts, polos, linen shirts, caps, skirts and leggings for women, bags and flip-flops.
This is PUMA’s first foray into the IPL, although the brand works with cricketers like Luke Pommersbach, Andrew Flintoff, Brendan McCullum, JP Duminy, Makhaya Ntini, Herchelle Gibbs amongst others.
Ben Cohen Signs For Sale Sharks
Sale Sharks are delighted to announce the signing of England International BEN COHEN on a two year deal. Ben was a World Cup Winner in 2003 and has been playing his rugby in France, for Brive for the last two years. Ben,30, has been capped 57 time by England, scoring 31 tries.
Director of Rugby Kingsley Jones said, “Signing Ben is a real coup for the club. I have been chasing his signature for weeks and am delighted to announce that he has now put pen to paper. He is still young enough to play for England again”
Ben said, “I'm looking forward to joining Sale Sharks in the summer and getting stuck in to Premiership rugby again. I am proud to be joining a squad with a great pedigree and with ambitions to win titles and trophies. I am confident that Sale has the players, coaches, management and support that will help me stake a claim to an international return next season."
CEO James Jennings said, “ Ben signing for us is great news not only for us but for English rugby too. Here is a player who is turning his back on playing in France to return to England and hopefully play for his country again.”
Director of Rugby Kingsley Jones said, “Signing Ben is a real coup for the club. I have been chasing his signature for weeks and am delighted to announce that he has now put pen to paper. He is still young enough to play for England again”
Ben said, “I'm looking forward to joining Sale Sharks in the summer and getting stuck in to Premiership rugby again. I am proud to be joining a squad with a great pedigree and with ambitions to win titles and trophies. I am confident that Sale has the players, coaches, management and support that will help me stake a claim to an international return next season."
CEO James Jennings said, “ Ben signing for us is great news not only for us but for English rugby too. Here is a player who is turning his back on playing in France to return to England and hopefully play for his country again.”
WHITE FERNS BEAT PAKISTAN BY 223 RUNS AND LOOK AHEAD TO THE ICC WOMEN'S WORLD CUP FINAL
March 19th.
Winning the toss and electing to bat first The White Ferns pelted the Pakistani attack to finish their fifty overs 373/7.
Opener Haidee Tiffen and number 3, Suzie Bates broke New Zealand partnership and individual records in their 262 run second wicket partnership.
This partnership established a new all time New Zealand batting partnership record and a second wicket one as well, and it's now the second biggest partnership for any wicket by any team in ODI Women's Cricket History ...only the 268 run English partnership between Sarah Taylor and Caroline Atkins against South Africa at Lords last season surpasses the 262 scored today.
Suzie Bates came in with the score at 34, she hit her fifty off 49 balls, her hundred came up off 81 balls and her 150 off 99 deliveries, the only New Zealander to score 150 ...she was out in the 40th over, caught on the boundary for 168 off 105 balls 19 fours and six 6's in this innings.
Haidee Tiffen, who debuted in 1998-99 has waited a decade for a maiden ODI and today she achieved this, accumulating and unselfishly giving the strike to Bates, previously Tiffen had notched 18 half centuries, her ton came off 127 balls with three boundaries. Tiffen was dismissed on this score.
Nicola Brown hit an unbeaten 33 off 22 balls to further add misery to Pakistan for NZ to finish 373/7.
Pakistan went about the massive task, putting on the best opening partnership against New Zealand at this World Cup,, 42 before Nicola Browne had Bismah Mahroof caught by Katey Martin for 14.
Browne cleaned out Ismavia Iqbal and Lucy Doolan tweaked out Armann Khan, at drinks Pakistan 59/3 off 19 overs.
Pakistan continued to value their time at The World Cup, opener Nain Abidi hunkered down and scored an excellent fifty off 100 balls before being bowled by Doolan, who finished with 3/30 off her ten overs.
Pakistan .were all out on the first ball of the 49th....a NZ win by 223 more importantly a finals berth for The World cup 2009.
Winning the toss and electing to bat first The White Ferns pelted the Pakistani attack to finish their fifty overs 373/7.
Opener Haidee Tiffen and number 3, Suzie Bates broke New Zealand partnership and individual records in their 262 run second wicket partnership.
This partnership established a new all time New Zealand batting partnership record and a second wicket one as well, and it's now the second biggest partnership for any wicket by any team in ODI Women's Cricket History ...only the 268 run English partnership between Sarah Taylor and Caroline Atkins against South Africa at Lords last season surpasses the 262 scored today.
Suzie Bates came in with the score at 34, she hit her fifty off 49 balls, her hundred came up off 81 balls and her 150 off 99 deliveries, the only New Zealander to score 150 ...she was out in the 40th over, caught on the boundary for 168 off 105 balls 19 fours and six 6's in this innings.
Haidee Tiffen, who debuted in 1998-99 has waited a decade for a maiden ODI and today she achieved this, accumulating and unselfishly giving the strike to Bates, previously Tiffen had notched 18 half centuries, her ton came off 127 balls with three boundaries. Tiffen was dismissed on this score.
Nicola Brown hit an unbeaten 33 off 22 balls to further add misery to Pakistan for NZ to finish 373/7.
Pakistan went about the massive task, putting on the best opening partnership against New Zealand at this World Cup,, 42 before Nicola Browne had Bismah Mahroof caught by Katey Martin for 14.
Browne cleaned out Ismavia Iqbal and Lucy Doolan tweaked out Armann Khan, at drinks Pakistan 59/3 off 19 overs.
Pakistan continued to value their time at The World Cup, opener Nain Abidi hunkered down and scored an excellent fifty off 100 balls before being bowled by Doolan, who finished with 3/30 off her ten overs.
Pakistan .were all out on the first ball of the 49th....a NZ win by 223 more importantly a finals berth for The World cup 2009.
WHITE FERNS BREAK RECORDS IN ICC WOMEN'S WORLD CUP, BATES AND TIFFEN GET TONS
Thursday March 19th.
The second wicket partnership between White Fern Captain Haidee Tiffen and 21 year old Dunedin student Suzie Bates had scorers reaching for their record books in The White Ferns match with Pakistan at Drummoyne Oval.
Suzie Bates fell in the 40th over her score 168 in 105 balls, 19 fours and six 6's...this is the highest New Zealand individual score at a World cup and this innings sits behind England's Charlotte Edwards of 173 no and Australia's Belinda Clark's 229 no against Denmark in India on the all time highest totals.
Bates's hundred was off 81 balls and her 150 off 99 deliveries, this her second ODI ton after getting 122 against India in March 2007.
Bates was eventually caught on the long on boundary off Sana Mir's right arm spin bowling in the 40th over..., the White Fern's second wicket partnership between Tiffen and Bates...now in the history books stands at 262 off 210 balls in 130 minutes....
Along the way Tiffen and Bates broke the New Zealand second wicket partnership,[170] ,The Highest New Zealand partnership [180] in ODI Cricket.
Opener Kate Pulford scored 24 before being caught behind, Sara McGlashan LBW for 11,Aimee Mason LBW for 5.
All through this time, White Ferns Captain and opener Haidee Tiffen was anchoring The Kiwi innings and today she recorded her maiden ODI hundred off 127 balls with three boundaries, Tiffen debuted in 1998/98, her previous best..... 91...v Australia in 1995, this was her 116th match for her country.
Tiffen was out for 100 in the 46th over White Ferns 329/5..at the completion of the 50 overs the White Ferns had amassed 373 with Nicola Browne unbeaten on 33 off 22 balls 2 fours and 2 6's in her innings
The second wicket partnership between White Fern Captain Haidee Tiffen and 21 year old Dunedin student Suzie Bates had scorers reaching for their record books in The White Ferns match with Pakistan at Drummoyne Oval.
Suzie Bates fell in the 40th over her score 168 in 105 balls, 19 fours and six 6's...this is the highest New Zealand individual score at a World cup and this innings sits behind England's Charlotte Edwards of 173 no and Australia's Belinda Clark's 229 no against Denmark in India on the all time highest totals.
Bates's hundred was off 81 balls and her 150 off 99 deliveries, this her second ODI ton after getting 122 against India in March 2007.
Bates was eventually caught on the long on boundary off Sana Mir's right arm spin bowling in the 40th over..., the White Fern's second wicket partnership between Tiffen and Bates...now in the history books stands at 262 off 210 balls in 130 minutes....
Along the way Tiffen and Bates broke the New Zealand second wicket partnership,[170] ,The Highest New Zealand partnership [180] in ODI Cricket.
Opener Kate Pulford scored 24 before being caught behind, Sara McGlashan LBW for 11,Aimee Mason LBW for 5.
All through this time, White Ferns Captain and opener Haidee Tiffen was anchoring The Kiwi innings and today she recorded her maiden ODI hundred off 127 balls with three boundaries, Tiffen debuted in 1998/98, her previous best..... 91...v Australia in 1995, this was her 116th match for her country.
Tiffen was out for 100 in the 46th over White Ferns 329/5..at the completion of the 50 overs the White Ferns had amassed 373 with Nicola Browne unbeaten on 33 off 22 balls 2 fours and 2 6's in her innings
WHITE FERN HITS 100
The White Ferns won the toss and batted in excellent conditions at Drummoyne Oval.
Pakistan were without their best performed bowler Almas Akram who split the webbing of her right hand in training yesterday and was operated on today to repair the damage.
For New Zealand, Kate Pulford and Haidee Tiffen put on 34 for the first wicket before Pulford was caught behind for 24, Asmaya Iqbal impressing for Pakistan with her pace and the bounce she was able to extract from the pitch.
Suzie Bates and Tiffen then added 73, Tiffen 34 off 48 balls, Bates 39 off 36 balls when the first drinks break was taken after 17 overs The White Ferns 107/1.
Bates and Tiffen continued to plunder the Pakistani attack , Suzie Bates bringing her 50 up off 49 balls with seven boundaries, Tiffen's 50 off 70 balls and one boundary.Team total 137/1 after 23 overs.
Double New Zealand representative , 21 year old Suzie Bates went onto to score her second ODI century , bringing up three figures off 81 balls 12 fours and 1 six, The White Ferns 206/1 in the 33rd over.
Pakistan were without their best performed bowler Almas Akram who split the webbing of her right hand in training yesterday and was operated on today to repair the damage.
For New Zealand, Kate Pulford and Haidee Tiffen put on 34 for the first wicket before Pulford was caught behind for 24, Asmaya Iqbal impressing for Pakistan with her pace and the bounce she was able to extract from the pitch.
Suzie Bates and Tiffen then added 73, Tiffen 34 off 48 balls, Bates 39 off 36 balls when the first drinks break was taken after 17 overs The White Ferns 107/1.
Bates and Tiffen continued to plunder the Pakistani attack , Suzie Bates bringing her 50 up off 49 balls with seven boundaries, Tiffen's 50 off 70 balls and one boundary.Team total 137/1 after 23 overs.
Double New Zealand representative , 21 year old Suzie Bates went onto to score her second ODI century , bringing up three figures off 81 balls 12 fours and 1 six, The White Ferns 206/1 in the 33rd over.
Black Sticks Men’s Team For Azlan Shah Cup
Ipoh, Malaysia – 1-14 April 2009
Black Sticks Men’s coach, Shane McLeod is continuing with his talent development programme by naming two more debutants in the team to play in the Azlan Shah Tournament in April in Malaysia. NZ will face Egypt, Malaysia, Pakistan and India in the 5 nation’s tournament and although a number of front line players will still be missing – the team will be keen to progress from the disappointing series loss to India last month.
The Black Sticks will be bolstered by the return of Olympians Kyle Pontifex, Blair Hopping, Dave Kosoof and Ben Collier – Hopping in particular will add some much needed steel and direction to the Black Sticks defence.
The two debutants are Arun Panchia from Auckland and Isaac Staples from Canterbury – both members of the recently named Junior Black Sticks team.
A number of high profile players will miss the trip including Ryan Archibald, Hayden Shaw, Phil Burrows, Simon Child, Brad Shaw and Shea McAleese.
Three players who were part of the team who went down 2-0 to India on the weekend – David Green and Shay Neal of North Harbour and James Nation of Auckland – have been left out of the team. Nation is being rested.
Shirt # Player Name NHL Team Age Caps Position
3 David Kosoof North Harbour 30 142 Striker
4 Nick Haig Canterbury 21 18 Defender
5 Andrew Hayward Canterbury 23 38 Defender
7 Blair Hopping North Harbour 28 189 Defender
8 Dean Couzins Auckland 27 172 Defender
9 Casey Henwood Midlands 28 78 Midfielder
11 Priyesh Bhana North Harbour 24 5 Striker
14 Joel Baker Wellington 22 10 Striker
15 Stephen Graham Midlands 23 5 Goalkeeper
17 Kyle Pontifex Wellington 29 74 Goalkeeper
21 Bryce Collins North Harbour 30 65 Midfielder
22 Lloyd Stephenson Midlands 27 99 Striker
24 Arun Panchia Auckland 19 - Midfielder
26 Isaac Staples Canterbury 18 - Striker
28 Richard Petherick Midlands 22 40 Defender
30 Ben Collier North Harbour 24 78 Midfielder
31 Steve Edwards North Harbour 23 62 Midfielder
32 Nick Wilson Central 18 25 Striker
Team Management
Coach Shane McLeod
Assistant Coach Darren Smith
Manager John Christensen
Physiotherapist Anousith Bouaaphone
Video/Specialist Paul Woolford
Nutritionist Daniel Healey
Itinerary
Monday 23 March Training 7pm – 9pm North Harbour
Thursday 26 March Training 3pm – 5pm North Harbour
Training 7pm – 9pm North Harbour
Monday 30 March Training 3pm – 5pm North Harbour
Training 7pm – 9pm North Harbour
Tuesday 31 March 10.45am Assemble at Auckland Airport
1.50pm Flight MH130 departs
8.15pm Arrive in Kuala Lumpur and transfer to Ipoh hotel.
Wednesday 1 April 10am – 12Noon Training
5pm – 7pm Training
Thursday 2 April 10am – 12Noon Training
Friday 3 April 10am – 12Noon Training
5pm – 7pm Training (Possible Practice v India)
Saturday 4 April 10am – 12Noon Training
5pm – 7pm Training
Sunday 5 April REST
Monday 6 April 5.00pm GAME v PAKISTAN
Tuesday 7 April REST
Wednesday 8 April 5.00pm GAME v EGYPT
Thursday 9 April 5.00pm GAME V INDIA
Friday 10 April REST
Saturday 11 April 7.00pm GAME V MALAYSIA
Black Sticks Men’s coach, Shane McLeod is continuing with his talent development programme by naming two more debutants in the team to play in the Azlan Shah Tournament in April in Malaysia. NZ will face Egypt, Malaysia, Pakistan and India in the 5 nation’s tournament and although a number of front line players will still be missing – the team will be keen to progress from the disappointing series loss to India last month.
The Black Sticks will be bolstered by the return of Olympians Kyle Pontifex, Blair Hopping, Dave Kosoof and Ben Collier – Hopping in particular will add some much needed steel and direction to the Black Sticks defence.
The two debutants are Arun Panchia from Auckland and Isaac Staples from Canterbury – both members of the recently named Junior Black Sticks team.
A number of high profile players will miss the trip including Ryan Archibald, Hayden Shaw, Phil Burrows, Simon Child, Brad Shaw and Shea McAleese.
Three players who were part of the team who went down 2-0 to India on the weekend – David Green and Shay Neal of North Harbour and James Nation of Auckland – have been left out of the team. Nation is being rested.
Shirt # Player Name NHL Team Age Caps Position
3 David Kosoof North Harbour 30 142 Striker
4 Nick Haig Canterbury 21 18 Defender
5 Andrew Hayward Canterbury 23 38 Defender
7 Blair Hopping North Harbour 28 189 Defender
8 Dean Couzins Auckland 27 172 Defender
9 Casey Henwood Midlands 28 78 Midfielder
11 Priyesh Bhana North Harbour 24 5 Striker
14 Joel Baker Wellington 22 10 Striker
15 Stephen Graham Midlands 23 5 Goalkeeper
17 Kyle Pontifex Wellington 29 74 Goalkeeper
21 Bryce Collins North Harbour 30 65 Midfielder
22 Lloyd Stephenson Midlands 27 99 Striker
24 Arun Panchia Auckland 19 - Midfielder
26 Isaac Staples Canterbury 18 - Striker
28 Richard Petherick Midlands 22 40 Defender
30 Ben Collier North Harbour 24 78 Midfielder
31 Steve Edwards North Harbour 23 62 Midfielder
32 Nick Wilson Central 18 25 Striker
Team Management
Coach Shane McLeod
Assistant Coach Darren Smith
Manager John Christensen
Physiotherapist Anousith Bouaaphone
Video/Specialist Paul Woolford
Nutritionist Daniel Healey
Itinerary
Monday 23 March Training 7pm – 9pm North Harbour
Thursday 26 March Training 3pm – 5pm North Harbour
Training 7pm – 9pm North Harbour
Monday 30 March Training 3pm – 5pm North Harbour
Training 7pm – 9pm North Harbour
Tuesday 31 March 10.45am Assemble at Auckland Airport
1.50pm Flight MH130 departs
8.15pm Arrive in Kuala Lumpur and transfer to Ipoh hotel.
Wednesday 1 April 10am – 12Noon Training
5pm – 7pm Training
Thursday 2 April 10am – 12Noon Training
Friday 3 April 10am – 12Noon Training
5pm – 7pm Training (Possible Practice v India)
Saturday 4 April 10am – 12Noon Training
5pm – 7pm Training
Sunday 5 April REST
Monday 6 April 5.00pm GAME v PAKISTAN
Tuesday 7 April REST
Wednesday 8 April 5.00pm GAME v EGYPT
Thursday 9 April 5.00pm GAME V INDIA
Friday 10 April REST
Saturday 11 April 7.00pm GAME V MALAYSIA
Top teams contest New Zealand Community Trust junior boys’ finals
Eight of New Zealand’s top Year 9 and 10 cricket teams will compete in the sixth New Zealand Community Trust secondary school junior boys’ national finals cricket tournament, to be held at Owen Delany Park in Taupo next week.
The competition, which runs from 23 to 26 March, is the culmination of a major national competition that began at the start of the 2008/09 season attracting 148 school entries.
The 2009 finalist schools include: King’s College (Auckland), Hamilton Boys’ High School, St Peter’s School (Cambridge), Francis Douglas Memorial College (New Plymouth), Lindisfarne College (Hastings), Hutt International Boys’ School, Christchurch Boys’ High School and Otago Boys’ High School.
This prestigious development tournament competition has already seen a number of players graduate to the ranks of first class cricket. They include: Corey Anderson (Christchurch Boys’ High School), George Worker (Palmerston North Boys’ High School), and Harry Boam (Wellington College). White Fern Sophie Devine (Tawa College) also played in the inaugural tournament.
All the schools entered in the competition initially played knockout matches within their Major Cricket Associations, with the winners making it through to this year’s finals, along with the runners-up of the two associations with the most entries – Northern Districts and Central Districts – a total of eight schools.
For the national finals tournament the eight schools are divided into two pools of four. The schools in each pool play round robin matches against each other over the first three days of the finals. They are then ranked on their results and on day four play crossover matches to determine the final placings and eventual winner of the 2009 NZCT Cup.
Pool A:
King’s College, St Peter’s School, Francis Douglas Memorial College, Otago Boys’ High School
Pool B:
Hutt International Boys’ School, Hamilton Boys’ High School, Lindisfarne College, Christchurch Boys’ High School
Otago Boys’ High School, joint winners in 2007, are the only school returning to the finals after competing in last year’s competition. Hamilton Boys’ High School, Francis Douglas Memorial College, Lindisfarne College and Christchurch Boys’ High School have been in previous finals, with Christchurch Boys’ High School (2004, 2005) and Hamilton Boys’ High School (joint winners 2007) having been previous NZCT Cup winners.
Three schools will be making their first appearance at the tournament this year – King’s College, St Peter’s School and Hutt International Boys’ School.
The national finals’ tournament will be officially opened at 9.15am on Monday, 23 March. The first round matches start at 10.30am. The draw for day one is:
Pool A:
King’s College v St Peter’s School, Francis Douglas Memorial College v Otago Boys’ High School
Pool B:
Hamilton Boys’ High School v Lindisfarne College, Hutt International Boys’ School v Christchurch Boys’ High School
The competition, which runs from 23 to 26 March, is the culmination of a major national competition that began at the start of the 2008/09 season attracting 148 school entries.
The 2009 finalist schools include: King’s College (Auckland), Hamilton Boys’ High School, St Peter’s School (Cambridge), Francis Douglas Memorial College (New Plymouth), Lindisfarne College (Hastings), Hutt International Boys’ School, Christchurch Boys’ High School and Otago Boys’ High School.
This prestigious development tournament competition has already seen a number of players graduate to the ranks of first class cricket. They include: Corey Anderson (Christchurch Boys’ High School), George Worker (Palmerston North Boys’ High School), and Harry Boam (Wellington College). White Fern Sophie Devine (Tawa College) also played in the inaugural tournament.
All the schools entered in the competition initially played knockout matches within their Major Cricket Associations, with the winners making it through to this year’s finals, along with the runners-up of the two associations with the most entries – Northern Districts and Central Districts – a total of eight schools.
For the national finals tournament the eight schools are divided into two pools of four. The schools in each pool play round robin matches against each other over the first three days of the finals. They are then ranked on their results and on day four play crossover matches to determine the final placings and eventual winner of the 2009 NZCT Cup.
Pool A:
King’s College, St Peter’s School, Francis Douglas Memorial College, Otago Boys’ High School
Pool B:
Hutt International Boys’ School, Hamilton Boys’ High School, Lindisfarne College, Christchurch Boys’ High School
Otago Boys’ High School, joint winners in 2007, are the only school returning to the finals after competing in last year’s competition. Hamilton Boys’ High School, Francis Douglas Memorial College, Lindisfarne College and Christchurch Boys’ High School have been in previous finals, with Christchurch Boys’ High School (2004, 2005) and Hamilton Boys’ High School (joint winners 2007) having been previous NZCT Cup winners.
Three schools will be making their first appearance at the tournament this year – King’s College, St Peter’s School and Hutt International Boys’ School.
The national finals’ tournament will be officially opened at 9.15am on Monday, 23 March. The first round matches start at 10.30am. The draw for day one is:
Pool A:
King’s College v St Peter’s School, Francis Douglas Memorial College v Otago Boys’ High School
Pool B:
Hamilton Boys’ High School v Lindisfarne College, Hutt International Boys’ School v Christchurch Boys’ High School
Lamb to unleash big guns on Jets
BULLDOGS TO BULLS AND BACK
He has a line-up that reads like an NRL team but Bankstown City Bulls coach Terry Lamb knows his side will need more than reputation to make an impact in this year’s NSW Cup.
But it’s hard to imagine the Bulldogs legend isn’t bearing a smile ahead of Round 2 of the NSW Cup this weekend after naming an unchanged superstar line-up to play the Newtown Jets on Saturday.
Lamb will unleash a team made up almost entirely of Bulldogs first-graders at Henson Park, all of whom are chomping at the bit to regain a spot in Kevin Moore’s resurgent Bulldogs NRL team.
With the NRL side having bought in abundance during the off season, Lamb has at his disposal a host of big names who are likely to give last year’s NSW Cup finalists a scare.
Brent Crisp, Heka Nanai, Tim Winitana, Matt Utai, Daryl Millard, Daniel Holdsworth, Trent Cutler, Michael Sullivan, Danny Williams, Yileen Gordon and Greek international Nick Kouparitsas are all set to run on against the Jets.
The fixture is one of several exciting clashes this weekend in the NSW Cup with spiritual home of the game, Birchgrove Oval, set to host Western Suburbs and Balmain Ryde Eastwood in a rematch of last year’s hugely successful Centenary clash.
Bulldogs coach Kevin Moore said he and his coaching staff paid close attention to performance of the Bulls – the Bulldogs’ official feeder side – and kept in close contact with coach Lamb.
“We’ve certainly got plenty of talented players waiting in the wings in the [Bankstown City] Bulls side and I’m sure all of them would be keen to perform well,” Moore said.
“They know that good performances for the Bulls will give them their best chance of selection for the Bulldogs.”
But Lamb said his big-name line-up had to do the simple things right this week following a 22-20 loss to 2008 NSW Cup Premiers Wentworthville last week.
“I had just about the same team last week and it didn’t make any difference,” Lamb said today.
“We didn’t hold the ball and I think in any game of Rugby League, regardless of the guys you have in your side, you have to do that well to get the win.”
Lamb said he didn’t feel any extra pressure for his side to perform well considering it closely resembles the 2008 NRL Bulldogs side.
“I was told 85 times last week that I had a great team but that didn’t put too much pressure on us,” Lamb said.
“Everyone knows each other and everyone has played with each other before, so that is to our advantage.
“We as a team have got to put pressure on the [Bulldogs] first graders, and the best way to do that is to play well as a team – it’s not all about the individuals.”
For the Jets, it’s the second week in a row the 2008 NSW Cup finalists have had to contend with NRL stars on a mission to regain their top spots, with St George Illawarra’s Neville Costigan wreaking havoc on the bluebags in their 42-10 defeat to Shellharbour last week.
The Jets will be keen to redeem themselves following their Round 1 loss and at the same time grab the attention of Brad Fittler following his side’s disastrous start to the NRL season.
He has a line-up that reads like an NRL team but Bankstown City Bulls coach Terry Lamb knows his side will need more than reputation to make an impact in this year’s NSW Cup.
But it’s hard to imagine the Bulldogs legend isn’t bearing a smile ahead of Round 2 of the NSW Cup this weekend after naming an unchanged superstar line-up to play the Newtown Jets on Saturday.
Lamb will unleash a team made up almost entirely of Bulldogs first-graders at Henson Park, all of whom are chomping at the bit to regain a spot in Kevin Moore’s resurgent Bulldogs NRL team.
With the NRL side having bought in abundance during the off season, Lamb has at his disposal a host of big names who are likely to give last year’s NSW Cup finalists a scare.
Brent Crisp, Heka Nanai, Tim Winitana, Matt Utai, Daryl Millard, Daniel Holdsworth, Trent Cutler, Michael Sullivan, Danny Williams, Yileen Gordon and Greek international Nick Kouparitsas are all set to run on against the Jets.
The fixture is one of several exciting clashes this weekend in the NSW Cup with spiritual home of the game, Birchgrove Oval, set to host Western Suburbs and Balmain Ryde Eastwood in a rematch of last year’s hugely successful Centenary clash.
Bulldogs coach Kevin Moore said he and his coaching staff paid close attention to performance of the Bulls – the Bulldogs’ official feeder side – and kept in close contact with coach Lamb.
“We’ve certainly got plenty of talented players waiting in the wings in the [Bankstown City] Bulls side and I’m sure all of them would be keen to perform well,” Moore said.
“They know that good performances for the Bulls will give them their best chance of selection for the Bulldogs.”
But Lamb said his big-name line-up had to do the simple things right this week following a 22-20 loss to 2008 NSW Cup Premiers Wentworthville last week.
“I had just about the same team last week and it didn’t make any difference,” Lamb said today.
“We didn’t hold the ball and I think in any game of Rugby League, regardless of the guys you have in your side, you have to do that well to get the win.”
Lamb said he didn’t feel any extra pressure for his side to perform well considering it closely resembles the 2008 NRL Bulldogs side.
“I was told 85 times last week that I had a great team but that didn’t put too much pressure on us,” Lamb said.
“Everyone knows each other and everyone has played with each other before, so that is to our advantage.
“We as a team have got to put pressure on the [Bulldogs] first graders, and the best way to do that is to play well as a team – it’s not all about the individuals.”
For the Jets, it’s the second week in a row the 2008 NSW Cup finalists have had to contend with NRL stars on a mission to regain their top spots, with St George Illawarra’s Neville Costigan wreaking havoc on the bluebags in their 42-10 defeat to Shellharbour last week.
The Jets will be keen to redeem themselves following their Round 1 loss and at the same time grab the attention of Brad Fittler following his side’s disastrous start to the NRL season.
Judiciary Results - Round 1
Lima Jeff Storm 24th Dangerous Contact - Unnecessary Arm/Shoulder Pressure 1 Guilty - Early Plea 0 75 75
Manuokafoa Manase Cowboys 77th Dangerous Contact - Contact with Kicker 2 Downgrade to 1 0 90 90
Hauraki Weller Eels 44th Dangerous Contact - Unnecessary Head/Neck Contact 2 Guilty at Panel 2 250 50
Hindmarsh Nathan Eels 58th Dangerous Contact - Unnecessary Arm/Shoulder Pressure 1 Guilty - Early Plea 0 75 75
Ballin Matt Sea Eagles 33rd Striking 1 Guilty - Early Plea 0 93 93
Kite John Bulldogs 33rd Contrary Conduct 1 Guilty - Early Plea 0 93 93
Waterhouse Trent Panthers 6th Dangerous Contact - Unnecessary Arm/Shoulder Pressure 1 Guilty - Early Plea 0 75 75
Jennings Michael Panthers 77th Dangerous Contact - Unnecessary Head/Neck Contact 1 Guilty - Early Plea 0 75 75
Gidley Kurt Knights 26th Striking 1 Guilty - Early Plea 0 62 62
Turner Glen Raiders 49th Contrary Conduct - Unnecessary Use of Head 1 Guilty - Early Plea 0 93 93
* Please note that Kurt Gidley of the Newcastle Knights has successfully applied for the 7 year Incident Free Discount for his current Striking charge. The points for this charge have been adjusted accordingly.
Manuokafoa Manase Cowboys 77th Dangerous Contact - Contact with Kicker 2 Downgrade to 1 0 90 90
Hauraki Weller Eels 44th Dangerous Contact - Unnecessary Head/Neck Contact 2 Guilty at Panel 2 250 50
Hindmarsh Nathan Eels 58th Dangerous Contact - Unnecessary Arm/Shoulder Pressure 1 Guilty - Early Plea 0 75 75
Ballin Matt Sea Eagles 33rd Striking 1 Guilty - Early Plea 0 93 93
Kite John Bulldogs 33rd Contrary Conduct 1 Guilty - Early Plea 0 93 93
Waterhouse Trent Panthers 6th Dangerous Contact - Unnecessary Arm/Shoulder Pressure 1 Guilty - Early Plea 0 75 75
Jennings Michael Panthers 77th Dangerous Contact - Unnecessary Head/Neck Contact 1 Guilty - Early Plea 0 75 75
Gidley Kurt Knights 26th Striking 1 Guilty - Early Plea 0 62 62
Turner Glen Raiders 49th Contrary Conduct - Unnecessary Use of Head 1 Guilty - Early Plea 0 93 93
* Please note that Kurt Gidley of the Newcastle Knights has successfully applied for the 7 year Incident Free Discount for his current Striking charge. The points for this charge have been adjusted accordingly.
Team Release – Crusaders versus Waratahs
The Crusaders team to play the Waratahs at 7.40pm on Saturday, March 21, at ANZ Stadium, Parramatta, is as follows:
1. Wyatt Crockett
2. Jason Macdonald
3. Bronson Murray
4. Brad Thorn
5. Isaac Ross
6. Kieran Read (Capt)
7. George Whitelock
8. Thomas Waldrom
9. Andrew Ellis
10. Stephen Brett
11. Colin Slade
12. Ryan Crotty
13. Tim Bateman
14. Adam Whitelock
15. Leon MacDonald
16. Daniel Perrin
17. Owen Franks
18. Michael Paterson
19. Nasi Manu
20. Kahn Fotuali’i
21. Hamish Gard
22. Blair Cook
1. Wyatt Crockett
2. Jason Macdonald
3. Bronson Murray
4. Brad Thorn
5. Isaac Ross
6. Kieran Read (Capt)
7. George Whitelock
8. Thomas Waldrom
9. Andrew Ellis
10. Stephen Brett
11. Colin Slade
12. Ryan Crotty
13. Tim Bateman
14. Adam Whitelock
15. Leon MacDonald
16. Daniel Perrin
17. Owen Franks
18. Michael Paterson
19. Nasi Manu
20. Kahn Fotuali’i
21. Hamish Gard
22. Blair Cook
NRL Judiciary
North Queensland Cowboys forward Manase Manuokafoa tonight successfully had his Grade 2 Dangerous Contact (Contact with kicker) charge downgraded to Grade 1 at the NRL Judiciary.
Manuokafoa will now be free to play in Saturday night’s NRL match against the Wests Tigers.
------------------------
Parramatta Eels forward Weller Hauraki was tonight unsuccessful in his bid to have a Grade 2 Dangerous Contact (Unnecessary Head/Neck Contact) charge downgraded at the NRL Judiciary.
Hauraki will be suspended for two matches.
Manuokafoa will now be free to play in Saturday night’s NRL match against the Wests Tigers.
------------------------
Parramatta Eels forward Weller Hauraki was tonight unsuccessful in his bid to have a Grade 2 Dangerous Contact (Unnecessary Head/Neck Contact) charge downgraded at the NRL Judiciary.
Hauraki will be suspended for two matches.
Doniger goes from Coast to Coast
Age is clearly no obstacle for 68-year-old George Doniger, who today arrived on the Sunshine Coast on day three of the Jetstar Gold Coast Titans’ MothersMilkBank Currumbin to Cairns Charity Ride.
Dongier said he felt ‘sensational’ after completing the first 300kms of the tough 1800km journey, even arriving at Coolum on the Sunshine Coast earlier than expected this afternoon.
Doniger will travel from Coolum to Gympie tomorrow on day four of the Charity Ride.
“I feel sensational, I’m having a great time,’’ he said.
“We hit a bit of rain but it was a good day because there was a strong southerly behind us.
“We got to Coolum an hour earlier than anticipated.’’
The former rugby league caller has been making the most of the scenery along the way, stopping to take photos at Kangaroo Point, the Storey Bridge and on the Old Hornibrook Highway Bridge to Redcliffe.
Doniger hopes the Charity Ride will raise $50,000 for the MothersMilkBank, which desperately needs funding to help set up a new community milk bank building on the Gold Coast.
The primary role of the MothersMilkBank is to provide pasteurised donor human milk to mothers who are unable to breastfeed.
Doniger has called on the community to support the ride by donating generously. To donate towards the Jetstar Gold Coast Titans MothersMilkBank Currumbin to Cairns Charity Ride, log onto www.titans.com.au.
“Every dollar people donate through the Titans website goes straight to the MothersMilkBank,’’ said Doniger.
Included below is the full Charity Ride route.
March
Day 1 Currumbin to Carina Monday 16th
Day 2 Deception Bay Tuesday 17th
Day 3 Coolum Wednesday 18th
Day 4 Gympie Thursday 19th
Day 5 Maryborough Friday 20th
Day 6 Bundaberg Saturday 21st
Day 7 Agnes Waters Sunday 22nd
Day 8 Gladstone Monday 23rd
Day 9 Rockhampton Tuesday 24th
Day 10 Sarina Wednesday 25th
Day 11 Mackay Thursday 26th
Day 12 Proserpine Friday 27th
Day 13 Bowen Saturday 28th
Day 14 Home Hill Sunday 29th
Day 15 Townsville Monday 30th
Day 16 Ingham Tuesday 31st
April
Day 17 Tully Wednesday 1st
Day 18 Innisfail Thursday 2nd
Day 19 Cairns Friday 3rd
Dongier said he felt ‘sensational’ after completing the first 300kms of the tough 1800km journey, even arriving at Coolum on the Sunshine Coast earlier than expected this afternoon.
Doniger will travel from Coolum to Gympie tomorrow on day four of the Charity Ride.
“I feel sensational, I’m having a great time,’’ he said.
“We hit a bit of rain but it was a good day because there was a strong southerly behind us.
“We got to Coolum an hour earlier than anticipated.’’
The former rugby league caller has been making the most of the scenery along the way, stopping to take photos at Kangaroo Point, the Storey Bridge and on the Old Hornibrook Highway Bridge to Redcliffe.
Doniger hopes the Charity Ride will raise $50,000 for the MothersMilkBank, which desperately needs funding to help set up a new community milk bank building on the Gold Coast.
The primary role of the MothersMilkBank is to provide pasteurised donor human milk to mothers who are unable to breastfeed.
Doniger has called on the community to support the ride by donating generously. To donate towards the Jetstar Gold Coast Titans MothersMilkBank Currumbin to Cairns Charity Ride, log onto www.titans.com.au.
“Every dollar people donate through the Titans website goes straight to the MothersMilkBank,’’ said Doniger.
Included below is the full Charity Ride route.
March
Day 1 Currumbin to Carina Monday 16th
Day 2 Deception Bay Tuesday 17th
Day 3 Coolum Wednesday 18th
Day 4 Gympie Thursday 19th
Day 5 Maryborough Friday 20th
Day 6 Bundaberg Saturday 21st
Day 7 Agnes Waters Sunday 22nd
Day 8 Gladstone Monday 23rd
Day 9 Rockhampton Tuesday 24th
Day 10 Sarina Wednesday 25th
Day 11 Mackay Thursday 26th
Day 12 Proserpine Friday 27th
Day 13 Bowen Saturday 28th
Day 14 Home Hill Sunday 29th
Day 15 Townsville Monday 30th
Day 16 Ingham Tuesday 31st
April
Day 17 Tully Wednesday 1st
Day 18 Innisfail Thursday 2nd
Day 19 Cairns Friday 3rd
Bulls Recall Halley And Let James Go On Loan To Halifax
Bradford Bulls have today announced that they have recalled Dave Halley from his loan spell at Wakefield and have allowed Prop Matt James to return to Halifax, where he spent last month on loan.
Bulls Coach Steve McNamara said today:
“We feel the time is right for both the club and Dave for him to return to the Grattan Stadium and the Bulls Squad and we also feel it is right for Matt James to get some regular first team football. It was always our intention, if the injury situation allowed, for Matt to return to Halifax where he will get a lot of experience in a tough competition.”
Halley will be available for selection for this weekend’s game in France against the Catalans Dragons.
Bulls Coach Steve McNamara said today:
“We feel the time is right for both the club and Dave for him to return to the Grattan Stadium and the Bulls Squad and we also feel it is right for Matt James to get some regular first team football. It was always our intention, if the injury situation allowed, for Matt to return to Halifax where he will get a lot of experience in a tough competition.”
Halley will be available for selection for this weekend’s game in France against the Catalans Dragons.
Pro-Golf Package Now On Sale With Ronan Rafferty And Scott Cranfield At Knock Castle
Leading hotel and luxury spa, Knock Castle located in Crieff, Perthshire is highlighting their pro golf packages.
The four day packages priced from £1995* per person include two full days of golf tuition and coaching with Ronan Rafferty and Scott Cranfield on some of Scotland’s finest courses.
Commencing on Thursday 18th and concluding on Sunday 21st June 2009 the package, limited to a maximum number of 30 (or 15 couples), includes:
• luxury private return transfers by car or helicopter*
• two full days play at Gleneagles on PGA and Kings courses
• green fees
• caddying
• full concierge and porterage
• comprehensive drinks package
• full board – breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner on all days
• accommodation in either a twin of double individually styled room
• transportation between courses
• unlimited use of spa and leisure facilities
• partners gala dinner and champagne reception
Coincidentally the long weekend also includes the summer solstice on Saturday 20 June so the golfers can enjoy the longest day with unrivalled access to some of Scotland’s best courses, playing alongside leading golf experts. As Perthshire has no fewer than six championship golf courses within the vicinity this is a place that Ronan knows well. Over the weekend as well as imparting some of his golfing skills he will also be on hand to talk over dinner on his other twin passion – wine. Chef patron Jason Henderson is an accomplished chef who has worked at several prominent UK and overseas culinary establishments in his 15 year career. Jason’s menu’s specially devised for the occasion includes expertly matched combinations using some of the regions best seasonal ingredients.
Non golfers are also well catered for with inclusive visits to local attractions including:
• visit to Drummond Castle and gardens
• tour of Famous Grouse whisky distillery
• visit to House of Bruar
• services of a personal shopper during their visit to Edinburgh / Glasgow
• fashion show with leading Scottish clothing retailers and golfing designers
• demonstrations from local Scottish companies on antiques, cosmetics and wine
To book and for further information contact golf@knockcastle.com or call to book on 01764 650088
The four day packages priced from £1995* per person include two full days of golf tuition and coaching with Ronan Rafferty and Scott Cranfield on some of Scotland’s finest courses.
Commencing on Thursday 18th and concluding on Sunday 21st June 2009 the package, limited to a maximum number of 30 (or 15 couples), includes:
• luxury private return transfers by car or helicopter*
• two full days play at Gleneagles on PGA and Kings courses
• green fees
• caddying
• full concierge and porterage
• comprehensive drinks package
• full board – breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner on all days
• accommodation in either a twin of double individually styled room
• transportation between courses
• unlimited use of spa and leisure facilities
• partners gala dinner and champagne reception
Coincidentally the long weekend also includes the summer solstice on Saturday 20 June so the golfers can enjoy the longest day with unrivalled access to some of Scotland’s best courses, playing alongside leading golf experts. As Perthshire has no fewer than six championship golf courses within the vicinity this is a place that Ronan knows well. Over the weekend as well as imparting some of his golfing skills he will also be on hand to talk over dinner on his other twin passion – wine. Chef patron Jason Henderson is an accomplished chef who has worked at several prominent UK and overseas culinary establishments in his 15 year career. Jason’s menu’s specially devised for the occasion includes expertly matched combinations using some of the regions best seasonal ingredients.
Non golfers are also well catered for with inclusive visits to local attractions including:
• visit to Drummond Castle and gardens
• tour of Famous Grouse whisky distillery
• visit to House of Bruar
• services of a personal shopper during their visit to Edinburgh / Glasgow
• fashion show with leading Scottish clothing retailers and golfing designers
• demonstrations from local Scottish companies on antiques, cosmetics and wine
To book and for further information contact golf@knockcastle.com or call to book on 01764 650088
Newcomer Shines For Kiwis In Long Battles At ASB Pro Circuit Tennis Futures
It may not be a win every time but New Zealand players showed plenty of grit on the court in the first round of singles at the ASB Pro Circuit tennis Futures in Hamilton.
While Kiwi No1 and tournament eighth seed Rubin Statham managed to beat countryman GD Jones 6-3 6-4 in one hour 26 minutes in the US$15,000 draw. The rest of New Zealanders spent plenty of time on court.
Jones had plenty of break points in his favour and an opportunity to go ahead 3-1 in the second set when Statham was serving love-40, however he wasn’t able to capitalise on his chances.
Statham will play Barbados Haydn Lewis who fought for three hours and three minutes to overcome Kiwi Davis Cup team member Adam Thompson 6-7(3) 7-6(8) 7-6(5).
Meanwhile it took second seed and world No333, Tatsuma Ito(Japan) just under two hours to put away Oliver Statham in the first round. Ito beat the 894th ranked Statham 6-4 3-6 6-4. Ito will play Kiwi teenager Marcus Daniell in Wednesday action.
Newcomer Katherine Westbury who turned 16 a couple of days ago and who has roots in the Waikato but is based in Sydney showed potential when she won a 4-6 6-1 6-3 battle over Aussie qualifier Hayley Erickson.
With her victory the double-handed Westbury should gain her first WTA ranking next week. She will need to step up in the second round if she wants to make her second career quarterfinal at US$10,000 Futures level when she plays third seed Montinee Tangphong(Thailand) who has a world ranking of 331.
Westbury will play first up at 10am followed by fellow Kiwi Di Hollands versus the winner from the North Harbour tournament last week, Ling Zhang. By coincidence Hollands played Zhang(Hong Kong) in the second round last week and lost in three sets. Zhang is the tournament fifth seed.
In other early day two matches top women’s seed Sandy Gumulya(Indonesia) defeated Australian Alison Bai in straight sets while men’s third seed Miles Armstrong was beaten 6-3 6-3 by Japan’s Yuichi Ito.
The New Zealand and Australian doubles duo of Rubin Statham and Carsten Ball won through to the semifinals after defeating another Trans-tasman duo, Marcus Daniell and Joel Lindner in three sets. Statham and Ball the tournament second seeds won 4-6 6-3 11-9 with Ball unleashing a few of huge serves which have helped take him to 114 in the world in doubles with a high of 102 and a vital place in the Australian Davis Cup team.
While Kiwi No1 and tournament eighth seed Rubin Statham managed to beat countryman GD Jones 6-3 6-4 in one hour 26 minutes in the US$15,000 draw. The rest of New Zealanders spent plenty of time on court.
Jones had plenty of break points in his favour and an opportunity to go ahead 3-1 in the second set when Statham was serving love-40, however he wasn’t able to capitalise on his chances.
Statham will play Barbados Haydn Lewis who fought for three hours and three minutes to overcome Kiwi Davis Cup team member Adam Thompson 6-7(3) 7-6(8) 7-6(5).
Meanwhile it took second seed and world No333, Tatsuma Ito(Japan) just under two hours to put away Oliver Statham in the first round. Ito beat the 894th ranked Statham 6-4 3-6 6-4. Ito will play Kiwi teenager Marcus Daniell in Wednesday action.
Newcomer Katherine Westbury who turned 16 a couple of days ago and who has roots in the Waikato but is based in Sydney showed potential when she won a 4-6 6-1 6-3 battle over Aussie qualifier Hayley Erickson.
With her victory the double-handed Westbury should gain her first WTA ranking next week. She will need to step up in the second round if she wants to make her second career quarterfinal at US$10,000 Futures level when she plays third seed Montinee Tangphong(Thailand) who has a world ranking of 331.
Westbury will play first up at 10am followed by fellow Kiwi Di Hollands versus the winner from the North Harbour tournament last week, Ling Zhang. By coincidence Hollands played Zhang(Hong Kong) in the second round last week and lost in three sets. Zhang is the tournament fifth seed.
In other early day two matches top women’s seed Sandy Gumulya(Indonesia) defeated Australian Alison Bai in straight sets while men’s third seed Miles Armstrong was beaten 6-3 6-3 by Japan’s Yuichi Ito.
The New Zealand and Australian doubles duo of Rubin Statham and Carsten Ball won through to the semifinals after defeating another Trans-tasman duo, Marcus Daniell and Joel Lindner in three sets. Statham and Ball the tournament second seeds won 4-6 6-3 11-9 with Ball unleashing a few of huge serves which have helped take him to 114 in the world in doubles with a high of 102 and a vital place in the Australian Davis Cup team.
VODAFONE JUNIOR WARRIORS WELCOME BACK TWO 2008 NYC REGULARS
Prop Leeson Ah Mau and hooker Alehana Mara return to strengthen the Vodafone Junior Warriors for their second-round NYC encounter with Manly at Brookvale Oval in Sydney on Sunday.
Ah Mau (19) will make his first NYC appearance of the year after his NRL debut for the Vodafone Warriors in their 26-18 win against Parramatta last Saturday night.
And Mara, also 19, returns after injury kept him out of most of the team’s trials programme.
Both players were regular selections in the NYC’s debut season in 2008, Ah Mau making 22 appearances and Mara 17.
Another hooker returning from injury is Waikato’s Jarome Kutia, who turns 19 on Sunday. He has been included on a five-man bench and, if he plays, he’ll be making his NYC debut.
In the corresponding fixture between the two teams last year, the Vodafone Junior Warriors had their first NYC win, beating Manly 22-14 after losing their first two games to Melbourne and Parramatta.
This time they’ll meet the Sea Eagles on the back of a last-minute 26-28 loss to the Eels while Manly had a convincing 40-22 success against the Bulldogs last weekend.
With Ah Mau and Mara coming into the line-up, first-round starting prop Junior Afualo and hooker Kurt Kara have been named on the bench.
Fullback Kevin Locke, who kicked three goals last week, needs eight points to reach 250 in the NYC.
Brookvale Oval, Manly
12.45pm, Sunday, March 22, 2009
VODAFONE JUNIOR WARRIORS
1 KEVIN LOCKE
2 THOMAS AH VAN
3 RUSTY BRISTOW
4 SIUATONGA LIKILIKI
5 BILL TUPOU
6 SHAUN JOHNSON
7 JODY HENRY
8 LEESON AH MAU
9 ALEHANA MARA
10 LUKE LABAN
11 MICHAEL AFIOGA
12 SIONE LOUSI
13 ELIJAH TAYLOR (c)
Interchange:
14 GOWAN DUFF
15 ELIJAH NIKO
16 KURT KARAI
17 JUNIOR AFUALO
18 JAROME KUTIA
COACH: TONY IRO
Ah Mau (19) will make his first NYC appearance of the year after his NRL debut for the Vodafone Warriors in their 26-18 win against Parramatta last Saturday night.
And Mara, also 19, returns after injury kept him out of most of the team’s trials programme.
Both players were regular selections in the NYC’s debut season in 2008, Ah Mau making 22 appearances and Mara 17.
Another hooker returning from injury is Waikato’s Jarome Kutia, who turns 19 on Sunday. He has been included on a five-man bench and, if he plays, he’ll be making his NYC debut.
In the corresponding fixture between the two teams last year, the Vodafone Junior Warriors had their first NYC win, beating Manly 22-14 after losing their first two games to Melbourne and Parramatta.
This time they’ll meet the Sea Eagles on the back of a last-minute 26-28 loss to the Eels while Manly had a convincing 40-22 success against the Bulldogs last weekend.
With Ah Mau and Mara coming into the line-up, first-round starting prop Junior Afualo and hooker Kurt Kara have been named on the bench.
Fullback Kevin Locke, who kicked three goals last week, needs eight points to reach 250 in the NYC.
Brookvale Oval, Manly
12.45pm, Sunday, March 22, 2009
VODAFONE JUNIOR WARRIORS
1 KEVIN LOCKE
2 THOMAS AH VAN
3 RUSTY BRISTOW
4 SIUATONGA LIKILIKI
5 BILL TUPOU
6 SHAUN JOHNSON
7 JODY HENRY
8 LEESON AH MAU
9 ALEHANA MARA
10 LUKE LABAN
11 MICHAEL AFIOGA
12 SIONE LOUSI
13 ELIJAH TAYLOR (c)
Interchange:
14 GOWAN DUFF
15 ELIJAH NIKO
16 KURT KARAI
17 JUNIOR AFUALO
18 JAROME KUTIA
COACH: TONY IRO
New Zealand Sevens squad named for Hong Kong and Adelaide Tournaments
A 17-man squad has assembled in Mount Maunganui to prepare for the Hong Kong and Adelaide legs of the IRB Sevens World Series.
New Zealand Sevens Coach Gordon Tietjens has had to draw on new talent having been forced to omit seven members of his national squad through injury and unavailability.
The training squad is: Tomasi Cama (Manawatu), DJ Forbes (Captain, Counties Manukau), Paul Grant (Otago), Luke Hamilton (North Harbour), Joe Hill (Wellington), Nigel Hunt (Bay of Plenty), Solomon King (Bay of Plenty), Zar Lawrence (Bay of Plenty), Lance McDonald (Bay of Plenty), Jordan Puletua (Auckland), Lote Raikabula (Manawatu), Julian Savea (Wellington), Ben Souness (Taranaki), Tutu Tairea (Auckland), Pehi Te Whare (Southland), Save Tokula (Waikato), Chad Tuoro (Counties Manukau).
Pehi Te Whare, who is a member of the Highlanders wider training group, and Jordan Puletua are trialling with the Sevens squad for the first time.
Four players were not considered due to injury. They were Edwin Cocker (broken leg), Willie Rickards (hamstring), Tu Umaga Marshall (back) and Viliame Waqaseduadua (concussion).
Meanwhile, national squad member Tim Mikkelson has been called up in to the Chiefs squad, and Auckland’s Tim Nanai Williams and North Harbour’s Nafi Tuitavake have been selected in the training squad for the New Zealand Under 20 team to be announced next week.
The New Zealand squad of 12 will be finalised later this week and leave for Hong Kong on Saturday March 21. The Hong Kong and Adelaide tournaments will both be held over three days on March 27-29 and April 3-5 respectively.
New Zealand Sevens Coach Gordon Tietjens has had to draw on new talent having been forced to omit seven members of his national squad through injury and unavailability.
The training squad is: Tomasi Cama (Manawatu), DJ Forbes (Captain, Counties Manukau), Paul Grant (Otago), Luke Hamilton (North Harbour), Joe Hill (Wellington), Nigel Hunt (Bay of Plenty), Solomon King (Bay of Plenty), Zar Lawrence (Bay of Plenty), Lance McDonald (Bay of Plenty), Jordan Puletua (Auckland), Lote Raikabula (Manawatu), Julian Savea (Wellington), Ben Souness (Taranaki), Tutu Tairea (Auckland), Pehi Te Whare (Southland), Save Tokula (Waikato), Chad Tuoro (Counties Manukau).
Pehi Te Whare, who is a member of the Highlanders wider training group, and Jordan Puletua are trialling with the Sevens squad for the first time.
Four players were not considered due to injury. They were Edwin Cocker (broken leg), Willie Rickards (hamstring), Tu Umaga Marshall (back) and Viliame Waqaseduadua (concussion).
Meanwhile, national squad member Tim Mikkelson has been called up in to the Chiefs squad, and Auckland’s Tim Nanai Williams and North Harbour’s Nafi Tuitavake have been selected in the training squad for the New Zealand Under 20 team to be announced next week.
The New Zealand squad of 12 will be finalised later this week and leave for Hong Kong on Saturday March 21. The Hong Kong and Adelaide tournaments will both be held over three days on March 27-29 and April 3-5 respectively.
Kiwi wins first tickets to cup final
Two lucky New Zealanders are the first people in the world to win tickets to the Rugby World Cup 2011 final at Eden Park.
Heineken gave away the tickets at a function in Wellington today to announce its Worldwide Partnership and Official Beer status of Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand.
More than a thousand Wellingtonians flocked to the Wellington Regional Stadium lured by the opportunity to win the first two tickets to the final.
Brendan Bartlett, a Wellingtonian originally from Gisborne, and wife Monica are the two lucky Kiwis who will be sitting in the grandstand on October 23, 2011 in Auckland.
“I’m shocked, I’m sure I’m going to wake up and it’s all a dream,” he said.
Heineken gave away the tickets at a function in Wellington today to announce its Worldwide Partnership and Official Beer status of Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand.
More than a thousand Wellingtonians flocked to the Wellington Regional Stadium lured by the opportunity to win the first two tickets to the final.
Brendan Bartlett, a Wellingtonian originally from Gisborne, and wife Monica are the two lucky Kiwis who will be sitting in the grandstand on October 23, 2011 in Auckland.
“I’m shocked, I’m sure I’m going to wake up and it’s all a dream,” he said.
Heineken partners with Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand
Heineken is proud to announce that it will be worldwide partner and the official beer of Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand.
This will be the fourth time that Heineken has been a sponsor and worldwide partner of the Rugby World Cup, having been involved in South Africa in 1995, Australia in 2003, France in 2007.
Stefan Orlowski, Heineken’s Group Commerce Director commented, “We are very excited to again be an integral part of the world’s premier rugby Tournament, and one of the world’s largest sporting event. It is the pinnacle of the sport and is taking place in a nation that really knows and loves its rugby. As the world’s most valuable, international premium beer brand, we have been associated with many high profile global sporting tournaments. We will bring this wealth of experience to the Rugby World Cup 2011 to help make this best and most enjoyable Rugby World Cup ever. We can’t wait to get started!”
RWCL Chairman Bernard Lapasset added, “We are delighted to again welcome Heineken as a worldwide partner of Rugby World Cup. The strength of the commercial programme is important to the delivery of a world class Tournament and ultimately the development of the Game around the world. This ongoing relationship with the world's leading international premium beer brand is a massive boost for the Tournament. Heineken has been a long-standing supporter of Rugby World Cup and Rugby worldwide and we look forward to working with Heineken to further the promotion of Rugby as the Rugby community looks forward to Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand".
Brian Blake, Managing Director Heineken New Zealand, said: “The stature and international television audience of the Rugby World Cup grows with each Tournament.
This will be the largest sporting event ever to come to New Zealand’s shores and Heineken New Zealand is preparing to showcase the best of our country to the world.
As a worldwide partner, we need to make sure there is a fantastic atmosphere for both visitors to New Zealand and Kiwi rugby fans to enjoy. We want to give them a truly memorable and unique experience.“
Heineken will implement a series of activities starting early 2010 to support the partnership, building up to the first game of the Tournament on September 9 with the Final being played on October 23 in Auckland.
It is estimated that a cumulative audience of 4.2 billion people watched the Rugby World Cup 2007 and that this will increase for the 2011 Tournament.
Sold in almost every country in the world, Heineken is the world’s leading premium beer brand and New Zealand’s number one premium European lager. Heineken has been the official beer of the 1995, 2003, 2007 and now 2011 Rugby World Cup tournaments. More than 30% of Heineken’s global volume is consumed in the major rugby playing nations. Heineken has been the title sponsor of The Heineken Cup – Europe’s premier club championship – since 1995 and has been involved in the International IRB Rugby 7’s tournament. Additional information is available on http://www.heineken.com/ and http://www.heinekeninternational.com/
This will be the fourth time that Heineken has been a sponsor and worldwide partner of the Rugby World Cup, having been involved in South Africa in 1995, Australia in 2003, France in 2007.
Stefan Orlowski, Heineken’s Group Commerce Director commented, “We are very excited to again be an integral part of the world’s premier rugby Tournament, and one of the world’s largest sporting event. It is the pinnacle of the sport and is taking place in a nation that really knows and loves its rugby. As the world’s most valuable, international premium beer brand, we have been associated with many high profile global sporting tournaments. We will bring this wealth of experience to the Rugby World Cup 2011 to help make this best and most enjoyable Rugby World Cup ever. We can’t wait to get started!”
RWCL Chairman Bernard Lapasset added, “We are delighted to again welcome Heineken as a worldwide partner of Rugby World Cup. The strength of the commercial programme is important to the delivery of a world class Tournament and ultimately the development of the Game around the world. This ongoing relationship with the world's leading international premium beer brand is a massive boost for the Tournament. Heineken has been a long-standing supporter of Rugby World Cup and Rugby worldwide and we look forward to working with Heineken to further the promotion of Rugby as the Rugby community looks forward to Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand".
Brian Blake, Managing Director Heineken New Zealand, said: “The stature and international television audience of the Rugby World Cup grows with each Tournament.
This will be the largest sporting event ever to come to New Zealand’s shores and Heineken New Zealand is preparing to showcase the best of our country to the world.
As a worldwide partner, we need to make sure there is a fantastic atmosphere for both visitors to New Zealand and Kiwi rugby fans to enjoy. We want to give them a truly memorable and unique experience.“
Heineken will implement a series of activities starting early 2010 to support the partnership, building up to the first game of the Tournament on September 9 with the Final being played on October 23 in Auckland.
It is estimated that a cumulative audience of 4.2 billion people watched the Rugby World Cup 2007 and that this will increase for the 2011 Tournament.
Sold in almost every country in the world, Heineken is the world’s leading premium beer brand and New Zealand’s number one premium European lager. Heineken has been the official beer of the 1995, 2003, 2007 and now 2011 Rugby World Cup tournaments. More than 30% of Heineken’s global volume is consumed in the major rugby playing nations. Heineken has been the title sponsor of The Heineken Cup – Europe’s premier club championship – since 1995 and has been involved in the International IRB Rugby 7’s tournament. Additional information is available on http://www.heineken.com/ and http://www.heinekeninternational.com/
Rodney So’oialo recommits to New Zealand rugby
Senior All Black and Hurricanes captain Rodney So’oialo has re-signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and Wellington Rugby Union through to the end of 2011.
So’oialo is the latest in a group of senior players to have committed to New Zealand rugby through to 2011, including All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, Keven Mealamu, Dan Carter, Ma’a Nonu and Andrew Hore.
An All Black since 2002, 29-year-old So’oialo has played 55 Tests for his country and is currently the joint third most capped All Blacks loose forward (with All Blacks great Michael Jones) behind Richie McCaw (77 Tests) and Zinzan Brooke (58 Tests). So’oialo has captained the side four times and has the rare distinction of having captained the All Blacks in a Test from all three loose forward positions.
So’oialo has also played 79 matches for the Hurricanes and 55 times for his Wellington provincial side, is currently fifth on the all-time Hurricanes list of appearances and has captained the Hurricanes since 2006.
A family man away from the rugby field, So’oialo said the decision to re-sign with the NZRU had, in the end, been an easy one.
“I love living in New Zealand and particularly in Wellington and love playing my rugby here. My family is important to me and they were a key factor in me re-signing with the NZRU and Wellington Rugby Union. We are settled here and my wider family are also in Wellington and this is my home,” he said.
“I am also excited by the Rugby World Cup in 2011 and would love to represent my country on home soil in that tournament,” he added.
New Zealand Rugby Union CEO Steve Tew said the importance of re-signing someone as experienced and respected as So’oialo could not be underestimated.
“Rodney is an outstanding, world-class player who could have easily commanded a significant package overseas, so we are thrilled to have him re-commit through to the end of 2011,” Mr Tew said.
“He has been tremendously loyal to Wellington, the Hurricanes and New Zealand and we thank him for his loyalty,” Mr Tew added.
Wellington Rugby Union and Hurricanes CEO Greg Peters said So’oialo was a “very special person and very special player.”
“We are extremely fortunate that he has shown such great commitment to the Vodafone Wellington Lions and the Hurricanes. His leadership qualities have helped so many of our young players to reach their potential and we are delighted that he will continue to influence the next generation of players, both on and off the field,” Mr Peters said.
So’oialo is the latest in a group of senior players to have committed to New Zealand rugby through to 2011, including All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, Keven Mealamu, Dan Carter, Ma’a Nonu and Andrew Hore.
An All Black since 2002, 29-year-old So’oialo has played 55 Tests for his country and is currently the joint third most capped All Blacks loose forward (with All Blacks great Michael Jones) behind Richie McCaw (77 Tests) and Zinzan Brooke (58 Tests). So’oialo has captained the side four times and has the rare distinction of having captained the All Blacks in a Test from all three loose forward positions.
So’oialo has also played 79 matches for the Hurricanes and 55 times for his Wellington provincial side, is currently fifth on the all-time Hurricanes list of appearances and has captained the Hurricanes since 2006.
A family man away from the rugby field, So’oialo said the decision to re-sign with the NZRU had, in the end, been an easy one.
“I love living in New Zealand and particularly in Wellington and love playing my rugby here. My family is important to me and they were a key factor in me re-signing with the NZRU and Wellington Rugby Union. We are settled here and my wider family are also in Wellington and this is my home,” he said.
“I am also excited by the Rugby World Cup in 2011 and would love to represent my country on home soil in that tournament,” he added.
New Zealand Rugby Union CEO Steve Tew said the importance of re-signing someone as experienced and respected as So’oialo could not be underestimated.
“Rodney is an outstanding, world-class player who could have easily commanded a significant package overseas, so we are thrilled to have him re-commit through to the end of 2011,” Mr Tew said.
“He has been tremendously loyal to Wellington, the Hurricanes and New Zealand and we thank him for his loyalty,” Mr Tew added.
Wellington Rugby Union and Hurricanes CEO Greg Peters said So’oialo was a “very special person and very special player.”
“We are extremely fortunate that he has shown such great commitment to the Vodafone Wellington Lions and the Hurricanes. His leadership qualities have helped so many of our young players to reach their potential and we are delighted that he will continue to influence the next generation of players, both on and off the field,” Mr Peters said.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Rugby Hero Tackles Abandoned Kiwi Dog Problem
Kiwi rugby legend Tony Woodcock has today announced his involvement with The Pedigree® Adoption Drive Charitable Trust and has adopted the first dog Mason as part of the scheme.
The Pedigree Adoption Drive Charitable Trust is part of a global programme established by Pedigree to help raise funds for desperate dogs in local communities.
The charity initiative aims to help house, feed and care for the more than 11,000* dogs dumped by their Kiwi owners each year.
“I’m thrilled to be involved with such a great initiative. We always had a family dog when I was younger and I can’t imagine how anyone could ever ill-treat or abandon one. I really hope that Kiwis get behind The Pedigree Adoption Drive to help give all of these dogs a second chance,” says Woodcock.
Woodock has adopted Mason, a nine month old Labrador cross, and says it was love at first sight when he saw the dog.
“He just won my heart as soon as I saw him. I just knew he was the dog for us. I truly believe that dogs make a huge contribution to a family. As well as providing company, security and friendship they help develop levels of care and responsibility in children,” says Woodcock.
Woodcock says Mason has settled into the family routine and has already claimed his own special place on the couch!
A registered New Zealand charity, The Pedigree Adoption Drive Charitable Trust, will donate money raised to animal shelters like the RNZSPCA to help house the thousands of dogs who are abandoned by owners.
The Chief Executive Officer of the RNZSPCA Robyn Kippenberger, says the organisation is grateful for the much needed support.
“The sad fact is that in New Zealand we are producing way more puppies than we need. People can’t cope and resort to drowning them in rivers, putting them in dustbins and dumping them in cardboard boxes on beaches. People these days are as careless with their animals as they are with their children.”
Kippenberger says there are a great many more dogs abandoned by their owners that are picked up by local authority dog control personnel.
In areas where the council has no agreement with the RNZSPCA pound dogs are often put down after the statutory seven days and there is no clear measure of just how many are affected.
Kippenberger says her organisation does its best to provide a safe haven for unloved and unwanted dogs but limited resources mean that the dogs aren’t in the best environment for their development.
“We don’t have a lot of options but to keep them in their cages for most of the day. Really it’s like being in prison. They get some exercise time in the yard and then it’s back to their cage. They are intelligent and the longer they are in their cages the harder it is to re-home them.”
The animals adopted from the SPCA make fantastic pets because they are just so grateful to have a home and know what life is like on the other side, she says.
Kippenberger says any money received from the Pedigree Adoption Drive Charitable Trust, would be used to help fund an offsite “Adoption Bus”– a resource used in the United States to increase animal adoptions.
“One of the biggest barriers we face in Auckland adoptions in particular is encouraging would be adoptees to get to Mangere as it’s a long way out for a lot of people. We need to have a fully kitted-out bus that visits urban communities and allows people to meet the dogs closer to home.”
Kippenberger says statistics from the United States show that in places where the buses operate more than half of the animals go in offsite adoptions.
The Pedigree Adoption Drive Charitable Trust now in its fourth year internationally, has been heralded a global success with over $3m being raised in 2008 alone, and homes found for dogs in countries ranging from the UK to Australia, US, Canada and Mexico.
Pedigree’s Marketing Manager Oliver Downs says he’s saddened by the high numbers of dogs who are abandoned by their Kiwi owners.
“At Pedigree we believe every dog deserves love, good food and a good home. Our company mantra “we’re for dogs” is something we’re proud of. We hope The Pedigree Adoption Drive Charitable Trust can assist us to look after the animals we love. On top of helping raise money to support the care and re-homing of abandoned dogs, our ultimate goal is to also increase the number of adoptions taking place.”
Each time you buy a Pedigree product between 8th March and 30th May 2009, Pedigree will donate a portion of every sale to the Pedigree Adoption Drive Charitable Trust to help care for New Zealand’s unloved and unwanted dogs.
For more information visit www.pedigreeadoptiondrive.co.nz to find out how you can support this worthwhile cause by making a donation or adopting a dog of your own.
The Pedigree Adoption Drive Charitable Trust is part of a global programme established by Pedigree to help raise funds for desperate dogs in local communities.
The charity initiative aims to help house, feed and care for the more than 11,000* dogs dumped by their Kiwi owners each year.
“I’m thrilled to be involved with such a great initiative. We always had a family dog when I was younger and I can’t imagine how anyone could ever ill-treat or abandon one. I really hope that Kiwis get behind The Pedigree Adoption Drive to help give all of these dogs a second chance,” says Woodcock.
Woodock has adopted Mason, a nine month old Labrador cross, and says it was love at first sight when he saw the dog.
“He just won my heart as soon as I saw him. I just knew he was the dog for us. I truly believe that dogs make a huge contribution to a family. As well as providing company, security and friendship they help develop levels of care and responsibility in children,” says Woodcock.
Woodcock says Mason has settled into the family routine and has already claimed his own special place on the couch!
A registered New Zealand charity, The Pedigree Adoption Drive Charitable Trust, will donate money raised to animal shelters like the RNZSPCA to help house the thousands of dogs who are abandoned by owners.
The Chief Executive Officer of the RNZSPCA Robyn Kippenberger, says the organisation is grateful for the much needed support.
“The sad fact is that in New Zealand we are producing way more puppies than we need. People can’t cope and resort to drowning them in rivers, putting them in dustbins and dumping them in cardboard boxes on beaches. People these days are as careless with their animals as they are with their children.”
Kippenberger says there are a great many more dogs abandoned by their owners that are picked up by local authority dog control personnel.
In areas where the council has no agreement with the RNZSPCA pound dogs are often put down after the statutory seven days and there is no clear measure of just how many are affected.
Kippenberger says her organisation does its best to provide a safe haven for unloved and unwanted dogs but limited resources mean that the dogs aren’t in the best environment for their development.
“We don’t have a lot of options but to keep them in their cages for most of the day. Really it’s like being in prison. They get some exercise time in the yard and then it’s back to their cage. They are intelligent and the longer they are in their cages the harder it is to re-home them.”
The animals adopted from the SPCA make fantastic pets because they are just so grateful to have a home and know what life is like on the other side, she says.
Kippenberger says any money received from the Pedigree Adoption Drive Charitable Trust, would be used to help fund an offsite “Adoption Bus”– a resource used in the United States to increase animal adoptions.
“One of the biggest barriers we face in Auckland adoptions in particular is encouraging would be adoptees to get to Mangere as it’s a long way out for a lot of people. We need to have a fully kitted-out bus that visits urban communities and allows people to meet the dogs closer to home.”
Kippenberger says statistics from the United States show that in places where the buses operate more than half of the animals go in offsite adoptions.
The Pedigree Adoption Drive Charitable Trust now in its fourth year internationally, has been heralded a global success with over $3m being raised in 2008 alone, and homes found for dogs in countries ranging from the UK to Australia, US, Canada and Mexico.
Pedigree’s Marketing Manager Oliver Downs says he’s saddened by the high numbers of dogs who are abandoned by their Kiwi owners.
“At Pedigree we believe every dog deserves love, good food and a good home. Our company mantra “we’re for dogs” is something we’re proud of. We hope The Pedigree Adoption Drive Charitable Trust can assist us to look after the animals we love. On top of helping raise money to support the care and re-homing of abandoned dogs, our ultimate goal is to also increase the number of adoptions taking place.”
Each time you buy a Pedigree product between 8th March and 30th May 2009, Pedigree will donate a portion of every sale to the Pedigree Adoption Drive Charitable Trust to help care for New Zealand’s unloved and unwanted dogs.
For more information visit www.pedigreeadoptiondrive.co.nz to find out how you can support this worthwhile cause by making a donation or adopting a dog of your own.
WHITE FERNS BEAT INDIA BY 5 WICKETS
The White Ferns fielded after losing the toss against India at The North Sydney Oval.
Tight bowling and outstanding fielding around the ring field from The White Ferns restricted the top order India batting line-up.
But the left hand /right combinations India used did present problems for the Kiwi bowlers and at the end of fifty overs 21 wides had been bowled.
Sophie Devine [2/35] and Kate Pulford [2/38] bowled with genuine pace , Pulford getting some cut back off the wicket.
And when Nicola Browne replaced Pulford, she too was miserly in her concedence of runs and she picked up the valuable wicket of Mithali Raj, Browne took 1/28 off 10, and was able to swing the ball back late into the batsmen.
Off spinner Aimee Mason chipped in with a neat spell with 1/24 off 7.
Meanwhile left hander, Anjum Chopra was anchoring her sides innings and was given a life when her score was 14 and the team total 49/2, Chopra was dismissed LBW by Aimee Mason for 52.
White Ferns Captain Haidee Tiffen, Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine prowled the circle edge and the team were rewarded in affecting four run outs in the Indian innings.
India took their batting power play in the 44th over and scored 42 runs with the loss of one wicket, Right hander Reema Malhotra was inventive and powerful in dispatching the Kiwi bowlers and was rewarded with 59 off 53 deliveries to help her side total 207 all out in 49-4 overs.
Set 208 to win, The White Ferns began in an aggressive mode, Kate Pulford and Haidee Tiffen putting on 75 when Pulford brought up her fifty off 50 balls, 7 boundaries in that 50.
Just on drinks the opening partnership was broken when Tiffen was out LBW for 23 and the team score 78,off the first over of left arm orthodox spinner, Shravanti Naidu.
NZ's 100 came up in the 24th over and The White Ferns continued to put pressure on the Indian fielders.
Kate Pulford's wonderfully powerful innings came to an end when Priyanka Roy had her dancing down the pitch and she was stumped for 71 off 88 balls 10 fours. NZ 109/2 27TH over.
Amy Satterthwaite fell to a brilliant catch by Sharma in the outfield off Gouher Sultana for 12, NZ 126/3 31st over.
Sara McGlashan was caught and bowled by Priyanka Roy for 11 team score 147/4 in the 38th.
17 runs were scored for The White Ferns in the fortieth over, left hander Aimee Mason hitting 15 including a six.
The White Ferns took their Batting Power Play in the 41st over 169/4 .....Aimee Mason was out forcing the pace in the 42nd over for 23 off 16..., NZ 175/5 .
Suzie Bates, who came in at the loss of the first White Fern wicket...was patience personified in accumulating and staying through the remainder of the White Fern innings getting an excellent 47 no..Nic Browne finished with 15 no
White Ferns BEAT INDIA BY FIVE WICKETS IN THE 48TH OVER.
Tight bowling and outstanding fielding around the ring field from The White Ferns restricted the top order India batting line-up.
But the left hand /right combinations India used did present problems for the Kiwi bowlers and at the end of fifty overs 21 wides had been bowled.
Sophie Devine [2/35] and Kate Pulford [2/38] bowled with genuine pace , Pulford getting some cut back off the wicket.
And when Nicola Browne replaced Pulford, she too was miserly in her concedence of runs and she picked up the valuable wicket of Mithali Raj, Browne took 1/28 off 10, and was able to swing the ball back late into the batsmen.
Off spinner Aimee Mason chipped in with a neat spell with 1/24 off 7.
Meanwhile left hander, Anjum Chopra was anchoring her sides innings and was given a life when her score was 14 and the team total 49/2, Chopra was dismissed LBW by Aimee Mason for 52.
White Ferns Captain Haidee Tiffen, Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine prowled the circle edge and the team were rewarded in affecting four run outs in the Indian innings.
India took their batting power play in the 44th over and scored 42 runs with the loss of one wicket, Right hander Reema Malhotra was inventive and powerful in dispatching the Kiwi bowlers and was rewarded with 59 off 53 deliveries to help her side total 207 all out in 49-4 overs.
Set 208 to win, The White Ferns began in an aggressive mode, Kate Pulford and Haidee Tiffen putting on 75 when Pulford brought up her fifty off 50 balls, 7 boundaries in that 50.
Just on drinks the opening partnership was broken when Tiffen was out LBW for 23 and the team score 78,off the first over of left arm orthodox spinner, Shravanti Naidu.
NZ's 100 came up in the 24th over and The White Ferns continued to put pressure on the Indian fielders.
Kate Pulford's wonderfully powerful innings came to an end when Priyanka Roy had her dancing down the pitch and she was stumped for 71 off 88 balls 10 fours. NZ 109/2 27TH over.
Amy Satterthwaite fell to a brilliant catch by Sharma in the outfield off Gouher Sultana for 12, NZ 126/3 31st over.
Sara McGlashan was caught and bowled by Priyanka Roy for 11 team score 147/4 in the 38th.
17 runs were scored for The White Ferns in the fortieth over, left hander Aimee Mason hitting 15 including a six.
The White Ferns took their Batting Power Play in the 41st over 169/4 .....Aimee Mason was out forcing the pace in the 42nd over for 23 off 16..., NZ 175/5 .
Suzie Bates, who came in at the loss of the first White Fern wicket...was patience personified in accumulating and staying through the remainder of the White Fern innings getting an excellent 47 no..Nic Browne finished with 15 no
White Ferns BEAT INDIA BY FIVE WICKETS IN THE 48TH OVER.
South Sydney’s stunning start
South Sydney’s stunning start to the 2009 Telstra Premiership has propelled them to the top of the inaugural NRL Club Championship unveiled today.
The Rabbitohs’ biggest win in 29 years, combined with their convincing Toyota Cup victory over the Sydney Roosters, has lifted them to the top of a competition that gives Rugby League fans a new way to measure the strength of their club.
The NRL Club Championship is a combined points table for the NRL and Toyota Cup with each competition given equal weighting.
Under the system, each club will be awarded two points for a win and for a bye, one point for a draw and zero points for a loss for each NRL and Toyota Cup match.
“More and more fans are becoming club members and the NRL Club Championship highlights the importance our members and our clubs place on achieving success in both the NRL and Toyota Cup,” NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said today.
“It is a great way for fans to gauge the overall strength of their club and it reflects the important status the Toyota Cup has in our game.”
Round 2 of the Telstra Premiership and Toyota Cup kicks off on Friday night with the Rabbitohs hosting the Eels at ANZ Stadium and the Broncos tackling the Storm at Suncorp Stadium.
On Saturday, the Dragons play the Titans in Wollongong, the Panthers face the Bulldogs at Penrith and the Cowboys clash with Wests Tigers in Townsville.
On Sunday, the Raiders host the Roosters in Canberra and Premiers Manly host the Warriors at Brookvale Oval while, on Monday night, the Sharks tackle the Knights at Toyota Stadium.
The Rabbitohs’ biggest win in 29 years, combined with their convincing Toyota Cup victory over the Sydney Roosters, has lifted them to the top of a competition that gives Rugby League fans a new way to measure the strength of their club.
The NRL Club Championship is a combined points table for the NRL and Toyota Cup with each competition given equal weighting.
Under the system, each club will be awarded two points for a win and for a bye, one point for a draw and zero points for a loss for each NRL and Toyota Cup match.
“More and more fans are becoming club members and the NRL Club Championship highlights the importance our members and our clubs place on achieving success in both the NRL and Toyota Cup,” NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said today.
“It is a great way for fans to gauge the overall strength of their club and it reflects the important status the Toyota Cup has in our game.”
Round 2 of the Telstra Premiership and Toyota Cup kicks off on Friday night with the Rabbitohs hosting the Eels at ANZ Stadium and the Broncos tackling the Storm at Suncorp Stadium.
On Saturday, the Dragons play the Titans in Wollongong, the Panthers face the Bulldogs at Penrith and the Cowboys clash with Wests Tigers in Townsville.
On Sunday, the Raiders host the Roosters in Canberra and Premiers Manly host the Warriors at Brookvale Oval while, on Monday night, the Sharks tackle the Knights at Toyota Stadium.
Furious Fifties In Full Force
As the fleet heads down to 54 degrees south, Ericsson 3 has extended her lead in conditions that Green Dragon’s skipper Ian Walker describes as “brutal”. The fleet is barrelling towards Cape Horn, just under 400 miles away and less than 24 hours ahead.
Ericsson 4 is now 48 nm behind Ericsson 3, dropping 15 nm in the last 24 hours as the teams battle through the Southern Ocean, pushing boats and people to the limits. It’s far from just another day in the office; it’s the furious fifties in full force.
“It’s borderline of what boat and crew can take,” says Ericsson 3’s navigator, Aksel Magdahl. Ericsson 3 has measured a wind speed of a steady 38 knots over the last hour, with frequent gusts of 46 – 50 knots.
“I think this is a record wind speed for Ericsson 3 so far. We have had to throttle back completely, furl the headsail and are sailing with a bottom-reefed mainsail only,” explains Magdahl. The boat is still reaching at 18 – 20 knots and the team will hoist a small staysail once the breeze and sea state settles. Magdahl describes the conditions as ‘terrifying’.
“The boat’s movements are violent, and one can feel how she twists in every gust or when landing after launching off a wave.” He says that the crew becomes very conservative for a long time after sailing in the conditions like this.
Ericsson 4 has been piling the pressure onto the Nordic boat for some days now, and the crew is showing signs of wear and tear from the constant salt spray and cold. Navigator Jules Salter says that Ericsson 4 has had a good pasting from the Southern Ocean.
“In line with the forecast and from observations of the low we have been tracking, we met some of its mighty force today,” he said. “This is when the crews dig deep to keep it all together in boat and people-breaking conditions,” he said.
Green Dragon is also sailing conservatively to avoid the peak winds of the low pressure. Walker says that they have throttled back on several occasions as the slamming of the hull became intolerable.
“This will cost us precious miles, particularly as we are first to fall off the [weather] system, but it is a decision I am happy with. Deep in the Southern Ocean, a thousand miles from anywhere is not the place for hoisting the ‘hero’ flag,” he said.
Telefónica Blue however, has not had any major gales in their part of the world, 795 nm from Ericsson 3, even though they too are in the ‘furious fifties’.
“It looks like the weather isn’t set to give us too much of a beating in the next few days on the way down to the Horn, which comes as a relief to everyone onboard,” said Bouwe Bekking.
However, Ian Walker sums up the conditions for the rest of the fleet when he says:
“We will remain cautious and respectful of where we are in the world and boat we are in.”
Leg Five Day 31: 1300 GMT Volvo Ocean Race Positions
(boat name/country/skipper/nationality/distance to finish)
Ericsson 3 SWE (Magnus Olsson/SWE) DTF 2632 nm
Ericsson 4 SWE (Torben Grael/BRA) +48
PUMA Racing Team USA (Ken Read/USA) +174
Green Dragon IRL/CHI (Ian Walker/GBR) +262
Telefónica Blue ESP (Bouwe Bekking/NED) +795
Delta Lloyd IRL (Roberto Bermudez/ESP) DNS
Telefónica Black ESP (Fernando Echávarri/ESP) DNS
Team Russia RUS (Andreas Hanakamp/AUT) DNS
Ericsson 4 is now 48 nm behind Ericsson 3, dropping 15 nm in the last 24 hours as the teams battle through the Southern Ocean, pushing boats and people to the limits. It’s far from just another day in the office; it’s the furious fifties in full force.
“It’s borderline of what boat and crew can take,” says Ericsson 3’s navigator, Aksel Magdahl. Ericsson 3 has measured a wind speed of a steady 38 knots over the last hour, with frequent gusts of 46 – 50 knots.
“I think this is a record wind speed for Ericsson 3 so far. We have had to throttle back completely, furl the headsail and are sailing with a bottom-reefed mainsail only,” explains Magdahl. The boat is still reaching at 18 – 20 knots and the team will hoist a small staysail once the breeze and sea state settles. Magdahl describes the conditions as ‘terrifying’.
“The boat’s movements are violent, and one can feel how she twists in every gust or when landing after launching off a wave.” He says that the crew becomes very conservative for a long time after sailing in the conditions like this.
Ericsson 4 has been piling the pressure onto the Nordic boat for some days now, and the crew is showing signs of wear and tear from the constant salt spray and cold. Navigator Jules Salter says that Ericsson 4 has had a good pasting from the Southern Ocean.
“In line with the forecast and from observations of the low we have been tracking, we met some of its mighty force today,” he said. “This is when the crews dig deep to keep it all together in boat and people-breaking conditions,” he said.
Green Dragon is also sailing conservatively to avoid the peak winds of the low pressure. Walker says that they have throttled back on several occasions as the slamming of the hull became intolerable.
“This will cost us precious miles, particularly as we are first to fall off the [weather] system, but it is a decision I am happy with. Deep in the Southern Ocean, a thousand miles from anywhere is not the place for hoisting the ‘hero’ flag,” he said.
Telefónica Blue however, has not had any major gales in their part of the world, 795 nm from Ericsson 3, even though they too are in the ‘furious fifties’.
“It looks like the weather isn’t set to give us too much of a beating in the next few days on the way down to the Horn, which comes as a relief to everyone onboard,” said Bouwe Bekking.
However, Ian Walker sums up the conditions for the rest of the fleet when he says:
“We will remain cautious and respectful of where we are in the world and boat we are in.”
Leg Five Day 31: 1300 GMT Volvo Ocean Race Positions
(boat name/country/skipper/nationality/distance to finish)
Ericsson 3 SWE (Magnus Olsson/SWE) DTF 2632 nm
Ericsson 4 SWE (Torben Grael/BRA) +48
PUMA Racing Team USA (Ken Read/USA) +174
Green Dragon IRL/CHI (Ian Walker/GBR) +262
Telefónica Blue ESP (Bouwe Bekking/NED) +795
Delta Lloyd IRL (Roberto Bermudez/ESP) DNS
Telefónica Black ESP (Fernando Echávarri/ESP) DNS
Team Russia RUS (Andreas Hanakamp/AUT) DNS
Thursday's NZ A v England A Twenty20 match to start earlier
New Zealand Cricket has advised that the Twenty20 match between New Zealand A and the England Lions (England A) on Thursday will start 30 minutes earlier than originally scheduled.
The match, at Pukekura Park, New Plymouth, was scheduled to start at 4.00pm. After consultation with both teams, match officials and the Taranaki Cricket Association it has been decided to start play at 3.30pm to ensure maximum playing time during daylight hours.
The Twenty20 is the final game in the tour by the England Lions which began in mid-February.
The match, at Pukekura Park, New Plymouth, was scheduled to start at 4.00pm. After consultation with both teams, match officials and the Taranaki Cricket Association it has been decided to start play at 3.30pm to ensure maximum playing time during daylight hours.
The Twenty20 is the final game in the tour by the England Lions which began in mid-February.
Two Kiwis Through At ASB Pro Circuit Tennis Futures On Day One
It wasn’t easy but two New Zealand players took the long road to make the second round of singles at the ASB Pro Circuit tennis Futures in Hamilton.
Di Hollands in the US$10,000 women’s draw ground out a three set win over her Australian opponent while Marcus Daniell did the same thing, also against an Australian in the US$15,000 men’s event.
For 19-year-old Daniell from the Wairarapa and ranked at 806 in the world the match was set to be finished in straight sets but didn’t quite go so smoothly against Australian qualifier Krishananth Balakrishnan but took three sets and a scoreline of 6-3 4-6 6-3 to progress.
“I don’t know what happened,” said Daniell after he was up a set and 3-0. “I still trying to figure it out. I just switched off in my head and got down on myself. Eventually I tried to relax a bit and get more balls in and get some rhythm.”
Daniell will play the winner of Oliver Statham versus second seed and 333rd ranked Tatsuma Ito of Japan.
Top-200 ranked Carsten Ball(Australia) won his singles over Korea’s Hyun-Woo Nam 6-2 6-3 and looks to be a real title contender for the tournament.
Meanwhile Hollands who made the quarters of the Sydney Challenger as a qualifier a couple of weeks ago and then the second round of the Pro Circuit last week at North Harbour won her singles against Alenka Hubacek 4-6 6-4 6-2.
Fifteen-year-old Leela Beattie of Canterbury put up a good fight in her match with Japan’s Ayaka Maekawa but lost her match 6-4 7-5. A winner with plenty of potential was women’s fourth seed Noppawan Lertcheewakarn(Thailand) who is the world No1 junior player. She beat Japan’s Aki Yamasoto 6-3 6-3
Wellington teenager Finn Tearney came close against talented Korean Davis Cup player Young-Jun Kim but couldn’t quite finish off the big points, eventually going down 6-4 6-3 while Kairangi Vano had all of the power but wasn’t able to defeat China’s Jie Hao who finished as the 6-0 7-6(5) winner.
In day two action Kiwis Rubin Statham and GD Jones clash in what could be an interesting encounter while Davis Cup team member Adam Thompson plays Haydn Lewis from Barbados and Dan King-Turner takes on qualifier Rylan Rizza.
Most interest will centre on Hamilton-born, 15-year-old Katherine Westbury who is currently based in Sydney. She has already made the quarters as a qualifier of one Futures event and will play qualifier Hayley Ericksen in what is a winnable match and should give Westbury a WTA ranking.
Di Hollands in the US$10,000 women’s draw ground out a three set win over her Australian opponent while Marcus Daniell did the same thing, also against an Australian in the US$15,000 men’s event.
For 19-year-old Daniell from the Wairarapa and ranked at 806 in the world the match was set to be finished in straight sets but didn’t quite go so smoothly against Australian qualifier Krishananth Balakrishnan but took three sets and a scoreline of 6-3 4-6 6-3 to progress.
“I don’t know what happened,” said Daniell after he was up a set and 3-0. “I still trying to figure it out. I just switched off in my head and got down on myself. Eventually I tried to relax a bit and get more balls in and get some rhythm.”
Daniell will play the winner of Oliver Statham versus second seed and 333rd ranked Tatsuma Ito of Japan.
Top-200 ranked Carsten Ball(Australia) won his singles over Korea’s Hyun-Woo Nam 6-2 6-3 and looks to be a real title contender for the tournament.
Meanwhile Hollands who made the quarters of the Sydney Challenger as a qualifier a couple of weeks ago and then the second round of the Pro Circuit last week at North Harbour won her singles against Alenka Hubacek 4-6 6-4 6-2.
Fifteen-year-old Leela Beattie of Canterbury put up a good fight in her match with Japan’s Ayaka Maekawa but lost her match 6-4 7-5. A winner with plenty of potential was women’s fourth seed Noppawan Lertcheewakarn(Thailand) who is the world No1 junior player. She beat Japan’s Aki Yamasoto 6-3 6-3
Wellington teenager Finn Tearney came close against talented Korean Davis Cup player Young-Jun Kim but couldn’t quite finish off the big points, eventually going down 6-4 6-3 while Kairangi Vano had all of the power but wasn’t able to defeat China’s Jie Hao who finished as the 6-0 7-6(5) winner.
In day two action Kiwis Rubin Statham and GD Jones clash in what could be an interesting encounter while Davis Cup team member Adam Thompson plays Haydn Lewis from Barbados and Dan King-Turner takes on qualifier Rylan Rizza.
Most interest will centre on Hamilton-born, 15-year-old Katherine Westbury who is currently based in Sydney. She has already made the quarters as a qualifier of one Futures event and will play qualifier Hayley Ericksen in what is a winnable match and should give Westbury a WTA ranking.
Bailey to notch 150th game against Dragons
Jetstar Gold Coast Titans co-captain Luke Bailey will play his landmark 150th NRL match when he takes on his former club St George Illawarra on Saturday night.
In a fitting achievement, the Shellharbour junior will reach the milestone at the very place where his career began when he leads the Jetstar Titans’ into battle at WIN Stadium, Wollongong on Saturday night.
Bailey, who made his NRL debut for the Dragons in 2000, said he was excited to be reaching the milestone against his former club despite feeling as though it was a little overdue because of several injuries throughout his career.
“I think the milestone probably should have come a year or two ago, I’ve had a couple of injuries,’’ said Bailey.
“But to come up against the Dragons should be good, it’s made a bit more exciting for the likes of mum and dad to get down there and have a look so hopefully it’s our first win down there.
“I remember playing back at WIN Stadium, the Dragons love playing there and try to use it as their graveyard.
“It’ll be a tough ask and it’s going to require some good footy but I’m sure we can step up to the mark.’’
Jetstar Titans coach John Cartwright has named an unchanged squad for the match, sticking with the same 17-man squad the registered a gritty 34-20 comeback win over Newcastle at Skilled Park on Sunday.
In a fitting achievement, the Shellharbour junior will reach the milestone at the very place where his career began when he leads the Jetstar Titans’ into battle at WIN Stadium, Wollongong on Saturday night.
Bailey, who made his NRL debut for the Dragons in 2000, said he was excited to be reaching the milestone against his former club despite feeling as though it was a little overdue because of several injuries throughout his career.
“I think the milestone probably should have come a year or two ago, I’ve had a couple of injuries,’’ said Bailey.
“But to come up against the Dragons should be good, it’s made a bit more exciting for the likes of mum and dad to get down there and have a look so hopefully it’s our first win down there.
“I remember playing back at WIN Stadium, the Dragons love playing there and try to use it as their graveyard.
“It’ll be a tough ask and it’s going to require some good footy but I’m sure we can step up to the mark.’’
Jetstar Titans coach John Cartwright has named an unchanged squad for the match, sticking with the same 17-man squad the registered a gritty 34-20 comeback win over Newcastle at Skilled Park on Sunday.
JOSH KRONFELD TO GRACE CARISBROOK ONCE AGAIN WITH FANCY FOOTWORK
Having run out onto Carisbrook close to 50 times whilst playing for his club, Otago, The Highlanders or The All Blacks, Josh Kronfeld returns to Dunedin this weekend to display a different style of footwork when he performs a dancing demonstration with Rachel Burstein prior to a Highlanders game to raise funds for Koru Care Otago.
Josh is excited by the challenge and looking forward to dancing on Saturday. “There have been many enjoyable times for me on Carisbrook, and dancing here will be another memorable occasion. I am really enjoying the dancing at the moment, and to be able to do it to raise funds for Koru Care Otago is makes it even more special.”
An 18m x 9m stage will be set up on the sidelines by the Carisbrook terraces with Josh and Rachel performing at approximately 5:15 pm. For those coming to the ground, the terraces will be opened up in order to allow those sitting in the stands to make their way closer to the stage to get a view of the performance should they want to.
Josh is currently dancing in the TVNZ show, Dancing With The Stars with Rachel Burstein.
Koru Care Otago is a registered charitable trust that has been set up to make dreams come true for children with different illnesses and / or disabilities. They achieve this by raising funds to take children to theme parks on the Gold Coast in Australia. The fundraising covers all aspects of the trip, including all accommodation, meals, entry fees, airfares, medical care and 24 hour caregivers
Josh is excited by the challenge and looking forward to dancing on Saturday. “There have been many enjoyable times for me on Carisbrook, and dancing here will be another memorable occasion. I am really enjoying the dancing at the moment, and to be able to do it to raise funds for Koru Care Otago is makes it even more special.”
An 18m x 9m stage will be set up on the sidelines by the Carisbrook terraces with Josh and Rachel performing at approximately 5:15 pm. For those coming to the ground, the terraces will be opened up in order to allow those sitting in the stands to make their way closer to the stage to get a view of the performance should they want to.
Josh is currently dancing in the TVNZ show, Dancing With The Stars with Rachel Burstein.
Koru Care Otago is a registered charitable trust that has been set up to make dreams come true for children with different illnesses and / or disabilities. They achieve this by raising funds to take children to theme parks on the Gold Coast in Australia. The fundraising covers all aspects of the trip, including all accommodation, meals, entry fees, airfares, medical care and 24 hour caregivers
THREE CHANGES TO VODAFONE WARRIORS FOR NRL CLASH AGAINST MANLY
Veteran halfback Stacey Jones is set to play his first NRL match in more than three and a half years when the Vodafone Warriors face defending premiers the Manly Sea Eagles in a second-round contest at Brookvale Oval in Sydney on Sunday.
A niggling calf injury kept Jones (32) out of the club’s season-opening 26-18 victory over Parramatta but, with interchange utility Lance Hohaia injured, he was today named on the bench for what will be his 239th first-grade appearance.
Also brought into the side are two new faces joining Jones on the interchange bench.
Former Newcastle prop Jesse Royal (28), a late acquisition for the 2009 season, will become Vodafone Warrior No 148 and Auckland Vulcans and Mount Albert back rower Ukuma Ta’ai (22) will be No 149 when he takes the field for his NRL debut.
While Jones replaces Hohaia, sidelined for three to six weeks with knee ligament damage, Ta’ai effectively comes in for injured second rower Ben Matulino (out for two to three weeks with an ankle injury). Royal, a 29-game NRL player with the Knights in 2007-08, replaces Leeson Ah Mau (19), who, after making his NRL debut last week, will turn out for the Vodafone Junior Warriors in their NYC encounter with the Sea Eagles.
The only change to the starting line-up is Jacob Lillyman coming into the second row for Matulino. Lillyman (25) played a straight stint of 61 minutes last Saturday night in his first NRL match since June last year.
While disappointed to lose Hohaia and Matulino with injuries, Vodafone Warriors coach Ivan Cleary was encouraged by the depth in this year’s squad to cover their absences.
“We said from the outset that this season is very much about working with a squad,” he said.
“It’s disappointing to be without Lance and Ben. They’re both important players in our mix but it’s great to be able to bring in players like Stacey, Jesse and Ukuma. It’s an early test of our depth.”
However, Cleary said the Vodafone Warriors faced arguably their most difficult assignment in any season taking on Manly and especially at Brookvale Oval.
“What happened to Manly against the Bulldogs last week is of little significance to us,” he said.
“They had a tough week leading up to that game but this week they’re back home in front of their own people. That’ll make a huge difference to them.
“The truth is we haven’t been very good against them at all for some time.
“They beat us four times last year, once in a trial and three times during the season. Our last visit to Brookvale last year was one of the most disappointing in our club’s history. They really towelled us up.”
That clash finished up 52-6 to Manly, the heaviest loss in the Vodafone Warriors’ history. They also lost at Brookvale in 2007.
While Ta’ai and Royal will play for the Vodafone Warriors for the first time on Sunday, halfback Nathan Fien will edge closer to becoming the 13th player to appear in 100 NRL matches for the club. This will be his 98th outing and, with the injured Evarn Tuimavave locked on 99, Fien is likely to reach three figures first; he’s also nearing his 200-game career milestone with what will be his 189th game.
1 WADE McKINNON
2 DENAN KEMP
3 BRENT TATE
4 JEROME ROPATI
5 MANU VATUVEI
6 JOEL MOON
7 NATHAN FIEN
8 SAM RAPIRA
9 IAN HENDERSON
10 STEVE PRICE (c)
11 SIMON MANNERING
12 JACOB LILLYMAN
13 MICHEAL LUCK
Interchange:
14 STACEY JONES
15 RUSSELL PACKER
16 JESSE ROYAL
17 UKUMA TA’AI
18TH MAN: AARON HEREMAIA
A niggling calf injury kept Jones (32) out of the club’s season-opening 26-18 victory over Parramatta but, with interchange utility Lance Hohaia injured, he was today named on the bench for what will be his 239th first-grade appearance.
Also brought into the side are two new faces joining Jones on the interchange bench.
Former Newcastle prop Jesse Royal (28), a late acquisition for the 2009 season, will become Vodafone Warrior No 148 and Auckland Vulcans and Mount Albert back rower Ukuma Ta’ai (22) will be No 149 when he takes the field for his NRL debut.
While Jones replaces Hohaia, sidelined for three to six weeks with knee ligament damage, Ta’ai effectively comes in for injured second rower Ben Matulino (out for two to three weeks with an ankle injury). Royal, a 29-game NRL player with the Knights in 2007-08, replaces Leeson Ah Mau (19), who, after making his NRL debut last week, will turn out for the Vodafone Junior Warriors in their NYC encounter with the Sea Eagles.
The only change to the starting line-up is Jacob Lillyman coming into the second row for Matulino. Lillyman (25) played a straight stint of 61 minutes last Saturday night in his first NRL match since June last year.
While disappointed to lose Hohaia and Matulino with injuries, Vodafone Warriors coach Ivan Cleary was encouraged by the depth in this year’s squad to cover their absences.
“We said from the outset that this season is very much about working with a squad,” he said.
“It’s disappointing to be without Lance and Ben. They’re both important players in our mix but it’s great to be able to bring in players like Stacey, Jesse and Ukuma. It’s an early test of our depth.”
However, Cleary said the Vodafone Warriors faced arguably their most difficult assignment in any season taking on Manly and especially at Brookvale Oval.
“What happened to Manly against the Bulldogs last week is of little significance to us,” he said.
“They had a tough week leading up to that game but this week they’re back home in front of their own people. That’ll make a huge difference to them.
“The truth is we haven’t been very good against them at all for some time.
“They beat us four times last year, once in a trial and three times during the season. Our last visit to Brookvale last year was one of the most disappointing in our club’s history. They really towelled us up.”
That clash finished up 52-6 to Manly, the heaviest loss in the Vodafone Warriors’ history. They also lost at Brookvale in 2007.
While Ta’ai and Royal will play for the Vodafone Warriors for the first time on Sunday, halfback Nathan Fien will edge closer to becoming the 13th player to appear in 100 NRL matches for the club. This will be his 98th outing and, with the injured Evarn Tuimavave locked on 99, Fien is likely to reach three figures first; he’s also nearing his 200-game career milestone with what will be his 189th game.
1 WADE McKINNON
2 DENAN KEMP
3 BRENT TATE
4 JEROME ROPATI
5 MANU VATUVEI
6 JOEL MOON
7 NATHAN FIEN
8 SAM RAPIRA
9 IAN HENDERSON
10 STEVE PRICE (c)
11 SIMON MANNERING
12 JACOB LILLYMAN
13 MICHEAL LUCK
Interchange:
14 STACEY JONES
15 RUSSELL PACKER
16 JESSE ROYAL
17 UKUMA TA’AI
18TH MAN: AARON HEREMAIA
BMW Sailing Cup
Congratulations to Roger Pagani and the crew of the Young 88 Triple 88, winners of the second BMW Sailing Cup to be raced in Auckland. The win means that the team will fly to Lake Garda in Italy this August to compete in the World Final of this prestigious international regatta. Amateur divisional winners from the BMW Auckland Regatta qualified for the BMW Sailing Cup.
Etihad snubbed by the AFL
Etihad Airways is being snubbed by the Australian Football League despite being a sponsor of one of the game's premier venues.
Etihad signed a five-year naming rights deal with the owners of the Telstra Dome
in Melbourne last year. The venue was rebranded from Telstra Dome to Etihad Stadium on March 1, but the AFL has refused to acknowledge the change because Qantas is a major sponsor of the competition. It still refers to the venue as the Telstra Dome.
The AFL has taken the matter to the Supreme Court, claiming it needs to see the
contract between stadium management and Etihad before deciding whether or not to sue for breach of contract.
Chief Justice Marilyn Warren has reserved judgement on the matter.
Almost 50 games will be held at the venue this season. It is the home ground for five
teams – Carlton, St Kilda, Essendon, North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs. Ironically, Qantas and Etihad last week signed a codeshare agreement.
Etihad signed a five-year naming rights deal with the owners of the Telstra Dome
in Melbourne last year. The venue was rebranded from Telstra Dome to Etihad Stadium on March 1, but the AFL has refused to acknowledge the change because Qantas is a major sponsor of the competition. It still refers to the venue as the Telstra Dome.
The AFL has taken the matter to the Supreme Court, claiming it needs to see the
contract between stadium management and Etihad before deciding whether or not to sue for breach of contract.
Chief Justice Marilyn Warren has reserved judgement on the matter.
Almost 50 games will be held at the venue this season. It is the home ground for five
teams – Carlton, St Kilda, Essendon, North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs. Ironically, Qantas and Etihad last week signed a codeshare agreement.
Junior Titans sitting pretty after fourth straight win
The Jetstar Gold Coast Titans’ new-look Harold Matthews (under-16s) side has rocketed to third position on the ladder after notching its fourth straight win on Saturday.
The competition newcomers continued their blistering start to their debut season in the Harold Matthews league with a dominant 40-16 win over Penrith at Boyd St Oval, Tugun.
The win was significant given it marked the side’s fourth victory in five matches and came against Penrith – a renowned junior rugby league nursery.
Titans’ Harold Matthews coach Aaron Zimmerle was ecstatic after the victory and said the win was a reflection of what a well-drilled side could achieve if they stuck to their game plan for the full 60 minutes.
“We knew that this game was going to be a physical challenge for us and its all credit to the boys for taking on and overcoming that challenge,’’ said Zimmerle.
“Winning the second half 22-0 was an indication that we didn’t fall away in the latter stages of the game and a real confidence boost for them.
“It showed that through sticking to our plan and executing it for the entirety of the game and working as a team, we could overcome a bigger side who seemed to rely on the individual performances of a couple of their players.
“At half-time we decided we were not going to be beaten by a one man team. The players really stood up today and Lloyd Perret deserves a special mention in his debut against some much older footballers.’’
The Titans’ SG Ball (under-18s) side remains in fourth spot on the ladder despite suffering a 28-14 loss to Penrith on Saturday.
The Titans led 14-4 shortly after halftime but three swift Penrith tries in a 10 minute period turned the game in favour of the visitors.
The SG Ball squad now faces Newtown at Henson Park next week while the Harold Matthews team is up against the Roosters at the same venue.
The Titans’ next home game is against Illawarra at Betty Diamond Oval (March 28-29).
The competition newcomers continued their blistering start to their debut season in the Harold Matthews league with a dominant 40-16 win over Penrith at Boyd St Oval, Tugun.
The win was significant given it marked the side’s fourth victory in five matches and came against Penrith – a renowned junior rugby league nursery.
Titans’ Harold Matthews coach Aaron Zimmerle was ecstatic after the victory and said the win was a reflection of what a well-drilled side could achieve if they stuck to their game plan for the full 60 minutes.
“We knew that this game was going to be a physical challenge for us and its all credit to the boys for taking on and overcoming that challenge,’’ said Zimmerle.
“Winning the second half 22-0 was an indication that we didn’t fall away in the latter stages of the game and a real confidence boost for them.
“It showed that through sticking to our plan and executing it for the entirety of the game and working as a team, we could overcome a bigger side who seemed to rely on the individual performances of a couple of their players.
“At half-time we decided we were not going to be beaten by a one man team. The players really stood up today and Lloyd Perret deserves a special mention in his debut against some much older footballers.’’
The Titans’ SG Ball (under-18s) side remains in fourth spot on the ladder despite suffering a 28-14 loss to Penrith on Saturday.
The Titans led 14-4 shortly after halftime but three swift Penrith tries in a 10 minute period turned the game in favour of the visitors.
The SG Ball squad now faces Newtown at Henson Park next week while the Harold Matthews team is up against the Roosters at the same venue.
The Titans’ next home game is against Illawarra at Betty Diamond Oval (March 28-29).
WHITE FERNS WILL FIELD AGAINST INDIA AFTER LOSING THE TOSS AT THE ICC WOMEN'S WORLD CUP
The WHITE FERNS will field after India won the toss in their ICC WOMEN'S WORLD CUP MATCH at The North Sydney Oval
Match conditions: Sunny, warm and the day's forecast indicates dry conditions: temperature maximum. 25 degrees.
Match conditions: Sunny, warm and the day's forecast indicates dry conditions: temperature maximum. 25 degrees.
WHITE FERNS TEAM NAMED TO PLAY INDIA AT THE ICC WOMEN'S WORLD CUP IN SYDNEY
White Ferns Coach Gary Stead has named an unchanged line up that played in the last two Cup matches, for tomorrow's crucial ICC WOMEN'S WORLD CUP clash with India.
Gary Stead believes his line -up is the best one suited to the North Sydney Oval, which will have more bounce and greater carry than The Bankstown Oval and The Bradman Oval at Bowral had, although tomorrow they are on a different strip from the one that they beat Australia on sunday week ago.
He says he is not placing any greater emphasis on this fixture than any other they have played here, but he admitted there would be nerves , because the winner almost certainly books themselves a spot in the final.
Gary Stead says India will have nerves as well and he's asked his side to play like World Champions.
Match starts at 10--00am Local time and will be screened live on SKY SPORT 3 as well as live scoring on ........
www.blackcaps.co.nz/whiteferns
Gary Stead believes his line -up is the best one suited to the North Sydney Oval, which will have more bounce and greater carry than The Bankstown Oval and The Bradman Oval at Bowral had, although tomorrow they are on a different strip from the one that they beat Australia on sunday week ago.
He says he is not placing any greater emphasis on this fixture than any other they have played here, but he admitted there would be nerves , because the winner almost certainly books themselves a spot in the final.
Gary Stead says India will have nerves as well and he's asked his side to play like World Champions.
Match starts at 10--00am Local time and will be screened live on SKY SPORT 3 as well as live scoring on ........
www.blackcaps.co.nz/whiteferns
Test tickets on sale
Rugby League fans tomorrow (17th March) have the chance to book their place at the most anticipated mid-season Test match in recent memory as Australia seek to avenge their World Cup final defeat to New Zealand.
Tickets for the VB Test between Australia and World Champions New Zealand go on sale to the general public tomorrow, Tuesday, March 17, at 9am AEST.
The VB Test match will be played at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Friday, May 8, and will be the first clash between the two nations since New Zealand’s stunning 34-20 victory over Australia in the World Cup Final in November last year.
It will also be the VB Kangaroos’ first match under new coach Tim Sheens.
Tickets are available through Ticketek on 132 849, at Ticketek outlets or online at www.ticketek.com.au.
Tickets for the VB Test between Australia and World Champions New Zealand go on sale to the general public tomorrow, Tuesday, March 17, at 9am AEST.
The VB Test match will be played at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Friday, May 8, and will be the first clash between the two nations since New Zealand’s stunning 34-20 victory over Australia in the World Cup Final in November last year.
It will also be the VB Kangaroos’ first match under new coach Tim Sheens.
Tickets are available through Ticketek on 132 849, at Ticketek outlets or online at www.ticketek.com.au.
Cartwright replaces Tim Sheens
The New South Wales Rugby League Board of Directors have today named John Cartwright City Origin coach for the 2009 City Country Origin match to be played at Orange’s Wade Park on Friday May 8.
Cartwright replaces Tim Sheens in the City Origin role following Sheens’ appointment as coach of VB Kangaroos last month. Cartwright has held the assistant coach role of the Kangaroos for the past two seasons.
The former Kangaroo represented the NSW Blues eight times during a distinguished 184 First Grade game career and has enjoyed a steady rise through the coaching ranks since emerging as a First Division coach at Penrith in 2000.
Cartwright has held assistant coaching roles with the Sydney Roosters (2003-05), City Origin (2006) and the NSW Blues (2004) and was appointed coach of the Gold Coast Titans in 2007.
“John has acquitted himself well in a number of assistant coaching roles with our representative teams in the past,” NSWRL General Manager Geoff Carr said today.
“His elevation to head coach of the City side is testament to the terrific work he has done with our teams and also the success he has had with the Titans.”
Cartwright replaces Tim Sheens in the City Origin role following Sheens’ appointment as coach of VB Kangaroos last month. Cartwright has held the assistant coach role of the Kangaroos for the past two seasons.
The former Kangaroo represented the NSW Blues eight times during a distinguished 184 First Grade game career and has enjoyed a steady rise through the coaching ranks since emerging as a First Division coach at Penrith in 2000.
Cartwright has held assistant coaching roles with the Sydney Roosters (2003-05), City Origin (2006) and the NSW Blues (2004) and was appointed coach of the Gold Coast Titans in 2007.
“John has acquitted himself well in a number of assistant coaching roles with our representative teams in the past,” NSWRL General Manager Geoff Carr said today.
“His elevation to head coach of the City side is testament to the terrific work he has done with our teams and also the success he has had with the Titans.”
Judicial finding - Owen Franks
Crusaders player Owen Franks has been cleared of a dangerous tackle charge stemming from an incident in Saturday evening’s Rebel Sport Super 14 match between the Crusaders and the Western Force at AMI Stadium, Christchurch.
Franks was cited by Citing Commissioner Jim Meates for an alleged dangerous late and high tackle on Western Force player Matt Giteau in the 78th minute of the match.
He appeared before SANZAR Judicial Officer Nigel Hampton QC at the CRFU offices in Christchurch today and was accompanied by legal representative Simon Porter with support from Crusaders Head Coach Todd Blackaddder.
At the hearing Mr Hampton viewed video footage of the incident and heard evidence from Franks and Blackadder.
The footage showed Giteau being tackled by another Crusaders player moments before being tackled by Franks. Mr Hampton said, after viewing the footage and hearing all evidence, he found that Franks’ tackle on Giteau had not been late, as Franks had been moving at speed ahead of the tackle. It also had not been high as Giteau had fallen downwards and into the space which Franks had been running into.
As a result, the citing was not upheld and there had been no breach of the laws of the game.
Franks was cited by Citing Commissioner Jim Meates for an alleged dangerous late and high tackle on Western Force player Matt Giteau in the 78th minute of the match.
He appeared before SANZAR Judicial Officer Nigel Hampton QC at the CRFU offices in Christchurch today and was accompanied by legal representative Simon Porter with support from Crusaders Head Coach Todd Blackaddder.
At the hearing Mr Hampton viewed video footage of the incident and heard evidence from Franks and Blackadder.
The footage showed Giteau being tackled by another Crusaders player moments before being tackled by Franks. Mr Hampton said, after viewing the footage and hearing all evidence, he found that Franks’ tackle on Giteau had not been late, as Franks had been moving at speed ahead of the tackle. It also had not been high as Giteau had fallen downwards and into the space which Franks had been running into.
As a result, the citing was not upheld and there had been no breach of the laws of the game.
Kiwis Ready To Take The Court For Week Two Of ASB Pro Cicuirt
There are plenty of opportunities for local players on day one of the Hamilton leg of the ASB Pro Circuit tennis Futures with five Kiwis lining up for first round singles matches.
In the men’s US$15,000 draw teenager Finn Tearney from Wellington has a tough task to add to his tally of four points for a ranking of 1444. Tearney faces Young-Jun Kim of Korea who is ranked at 587.
Another teenager from the lower North Island to take the court is Marcus Daniell. Ranked at 822 Daniell from the Wairarapa plays Australian qualifier Krishanath Balakrishnan in the first round on the first day of main draw play.
Other notable matches include top seed and world No193 Carsten Ball from Australia who plays Korea’s Hyun-Woo Nam. Ball has a huge serve and has been a doubles winner for Australia in its last two Davis Cup ties. His father was also a Davis Cup player for Australia.
Playing on day one in the US$10,000 women’s singles draw is the powerful Kairangi Vano from Auckland against qualifier Jie Hao of China while Di Hollands will hope to continue her form of late with a clash against Australian Alenka Hubacek who is ranked at 545.
Also on court is Leela Beattie from Canterbury who has a tough first up match as a wildcard in the main draw, she plays eighth seeded Ayaka Maekawa(Japan) who is ranked at 415.
A name to watch for in the main draw as a wildcard is Hamilton born, 15-year-old Katherine Westbury who is currently based in Sydney. She has already made the quarters as a qualifier of one Futures event and will play a qualifier on Wednesday.
In the men’s draw Kiwi No1 Rubin Statham will play the third ranked Kiwi, GD Jones on Wednesday while Davis Cup team member, Adam Thompson will take on Barbados player Haydn Lewis, Oliver Statham plays second seed Tatsuma Ito(Japan) and Dan King-Turner is draw against a qualifier.
A full round of men’s and women’s doubles will also be played with singles matches starting from 10am at the ASB Waikato Tennis Centre
In the men’s US$15,000 draw teenager Finn Tearney from Wellington has a tough task to add to his tally of four points for a ranking of 1444. Tearney faces Young-Jun Kim of Korea who is ranked at 587.
Another teenager from the lower North Island to take the court is Marcus Daniell. Ranked at 822 Daniell from the Wairarapa plays Australian qualifier Krishanath Balakrishnan in the first round on the first day of main draw play.
Other notable matches include top seed and world No193 Carsten Ball from Australia who plays Korea’s Hyun-Woo Nam. Ball has a huge serve and has been a doubles winner for Australia in its last two Davis Cup ties. His father was also a Davis Cup player for Australia.
Playing on day one in the US$10,000 women’s singles draw is the powerful Kairangi Vano from Auckland against qualifier Jie Hao of China while Di Hollands will hope to continue her form of late with a clash against Australian Alenka Hubacek who is ranked at 545.
Also on court is Leela Beattie from Canterbury who has a tough first up match as a wildcard in the main draw, she plays eighth seeded Ayaka Maekawa(Japan) who is ranked at 415.
A name to watch for in the main draw as a wildcard is Hamilton born, 15-year-old Katherine Westbury who is currently based in Sydney. She has already made the quarters as a qualifier of one Futures event and will play a qualifier on Wednesday.
In the men’s draw Kiwi No1 Rubin Statham will play the third ranked Kiwi, GD Jones on Wednesday while Davis Cup team member, Adam Thompson will take on Barbados player Haydn Lewis, Oliver Statham plays second seed Tatsuma Ito(Japan) and Dan King-Turner is draw against a qualifier.
A full round of men’s and women’s doubles will also be played with singles matches starting from 10am at the ASB Waikato Tennis Centre
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