Thursday 31 March 2016

Cricket World Cup- Womens

All of the talk has been about the disappointing performances by the Australian men in this World Cup. However, the Australian women's cricket team beat England last night by five runs to secure their place in the Grand Final. They will play the winner of tonight's second semi final between New Zealand and the West Indies.

Last night's five run win for Australia means that they now have the opportunity to play for their fourth consecutive World Cup. It was a bowler's pitch last night, so there were no surprises when England won the toss and chose to bowl first. Although, England didn't get their way early as Australia got off the marks quickly. Opener Elyse Villani knocked the ball around for a handy 19 runs before being given out LBW, bowled by Natalie Sciver. Natalie was lucky to still be out there bowling after copping a knock to the head the ball before. A team mate had thrown the ball to her, but she had taken her eyes off the ball and it had thumped into the side of her head. Luckily, she was able to recover and finish with bowling figures of 2-22 off 3 overs. The other opener, Alyssa Healy, was slightly more effective, hitting 25 runs off 15 balls.

Captain Meg Lanning showed why she is one of the worlds best female cricketers, finishing with 55 runs before a sharp piece of fielding ran her out. Some late wickets restricted Australia's middle order, and kept them to 132/6 off their 20 overs. Laura Marsh was outstanding for England, taking one wicket for just 18 runs off her four overs. Katherine Brunt was more expensive, going for 25 runs off 3 overs.

It was going to be a long run chase, and England were keen to get off to a good start. Both openers, Tammy Beaumont and Charlotte Edwards, managed over 30 runs, before some good catching from Meg Lanning dismissed both the openers. Sarah Taylor came in at number three and contributed 21 runs off 23 balls. An English middle order collapse resulted in the next six batsman combining for just for just 27 runs. However, England managed to bring it down to the last over, where they needed 13 runs off 6 balls. Desperate bowling from Rene Farrell restricted England from hitting any boundaries in the last over, and Australia were able to come out with a 5 run victory. Megan Schutt was a standout for Australia, finishing with figures of 15-2 off her 4 overs.

Australian Captain Meg Lanning talked after the game about the importance of their good start to the match in the power play, stating "it got us ahead of the game".

"It wasn't quite meant to be for us today", said English Captain Charlotte Edwards in the post game interviews.

So, although the Australian men struggled throughout the tournament, the women will have a chance to do Australia proud when they play in the final on Sunday the third of April.

Monday 14 March 2016

What's coming up in sport?

We are about to hit an exciting time in sport. The NBA is nearing its playoffs, the NRL season has just got underway, the MLB starts in under a month, the Cricket World Cup begins in just a number of days, the Rio Olympics are in sight and we are counting down to the 2016 AFL season. So what can we expect from these sports? Well over the next week I will be analysing each of these, and coming up with the teams and players to watch out for.

NBA
With most teams having played around 65 of their 82 regular season games, we are heading down the road to the playoffs. The big question that everyone wants answered is 'who is going to beat the Golden State Warriors (GSW)?'. Currently, the Warriors have a record of 59 wins and 6 losses. They are chasing the best record in NBA history, so how could they possibly not win the Championship?

Well the majority of NBA fans would agree that the GSW are unbeatable, but I know for sure that there are a few teams that would rate their chances of clinching the championship very high. The San Antonio Spurs, in my opinion, are the most underrated NBA team in a very long time. There is not much talked about them and they don't have players contending for MVP, but they are the second team to book a playoff birth. Their current regular season record stands at 56 wins and 10 losses. In any other season, this would be amazing, but they are being over shadowed by the GSW.

Another undervalued team with a shot at the title this year are the Toronto Raptors. They are positioned in second spot in the Eastern Conference behind Cleveland, with a record of 44 wins and 20 losses. Toronto's big strong point is their ability to close out game's when they have shot the ball well. When they have shot at a better percentage than their opponents from the field this year, they have only lost once and have won 34 times! So, if they plan on beating the warriors, or any team in the Playoffs, they are going to have to shoot well to give them a statistical advantage.

The next team that I would like to talk about are the Chicago Bulls. They have been the under achievers this season, without a doubt. Predicted to go close to finishing on top of the Eastern Conference, they are currently struggling to make the top eight! Today they sit in ninth position behind the Detroit Pistons. Chicago have an even record of 32 wins and 32 losses. They have struggled on the road this season, coming up short 20 times when playing away, and only claiming 10 away wins. Part of the reason for their downful was the absence of star shooting guard Jimmy Butler, who made his return today after several weeks on the sidelines with a knee injury. However, with Jimmy Buttler returning, I am predicting them to make the Playoffs and even clinch a series or two. I wouldn't be writing them of just yet......

Now for the underdogs of the season, the Boston Celtics. Boston have realy struggled in the past couple of years, but are now contending for the championship! They currently sit in third position in the Eastern Conference, after being predicted to finish towards the bottom of the ladder. They have brought an exciting brand of basketball to this season, averaging over 106 points per game, the fourth highest in the NBA. Last year they averaged 101 points per game, the thirteenth highest in the NBA. So, although it isn't a huge change, it seems to be making all the difference. If the Celtics can hold on to the top four, they will have home court advantage in the playoffs. If they can claim the home court advantage, I'm tipping them to pass at least the first round, and maybe even make the Conference Finals. The big thing for Boston over the next few weeks is to not take their foot off the pedal, and to keep winning.

The Los Angeles Clippers haven't had the best luck in the playoffs in recent memory. Last year they blew a huge series lead against the Houston Rockets and many thought that this would have a negative affect on them during the 2015/16 season. However, it seems to be quite the oppisite. The Clippers currently sit in fourth position behind the Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC), yet the most impressive thing about their season so far is that they have done it for the most part without Power Forward Blake Griffen. Blake Griffen broke his hand while he was in a fight with a team employee back on the 23rd of January this year. Blake was then suspended for four games and is still out with a broken hand, but the Clippers seem to be coping perfectly fine without him. Their current record stands at 42 wins and 23 losses. Now, as well as they have been playing without Griffen, I just can't see them getting past the second round. However, they will certainly fancy themselves and I by no means am calling them easy beats!

So, there is a taste of what to expect in the Playoffs this year. Although, don't forget teams like OKC, Miami Heat, the Portland Trail Blazers and the Atlanta Hawks, who are all a chance at taking down the defending champions, the Golden State Warriors. These teams will also be looking to be the 2016 NBA Champions!














Monday 7 March 2016

Paul Couch

It has been just a couple of days since the passing of AFL legend Paul Couch. Paul has made the Geelong Cat's team of the century, but how many people actually know who he is? For many young teenagers like myself, Paul Couch was playing well before we were born. So how good was he? What did he accomplish? Well let's take a look at the career of a true legend of the game, Paul Couch.

Paul Couch was born in Warrnambool in 1964 and made his debut at 21 years of age, for Geelong. He went on to represent the cats 259 times and is remembered at his club for having a great work ethic. Although, he wasn't the most conventional footballer. He played in the centre yet lacked pace, and was even rejected from Fitzroy for being too slow. Also, he was a one-dimensional kick, nearly always using his left foot. However, it was his 'good football brain' and his ability to dispose of the football that separated him from the rest of the AFL.

After a solid first few seasons where Couch averaged over 20 disposals a game, he reached his peak during the 1989 season. Leading Geelong to a Grand Final birth, Crouch racked up 700 disposals for the season which led to his first Brownlow Medal. He snuck in 23 goals for the season, to go with 82 marks and 56 tackles.

Although, in just his second season with Geelong he claimed his first Best and Fairest medal, This was the first of three, claiming one in his Brownlow medal season and one several years later in 1995. Paul Crouch didn't become an All Australian until 1991, before again making the team in 1995. In 2006 he gained one of the highest honours at the Geelong football club, becoming a life member.

Unfortunately, this fantastic footballer's life was cut short two days ago, when he suffered a heart attack at Apollo Bay while Cycling with friends. It was a very unexpected death and certainly a very tragic one. He will be missed in the football world, and he will be remembered for his broad, toothy smile as well as his freakish football talent.

   

Thursday 3 March 2016

AFL NAB Cup Week two review

We have had to wait nearly four months, but the footy is back! Week two of the NAB Challenge saw some exhilarating football and some new look line-ups! Here is a match by match analysis of how things went down over the weekend.

Western Bulldogs Vs GWS
Thursday night footy saw the Greater Western Sydney Giants taking on the Western Bulldogs at Startrack Oval in Canberra. New ruckman, Rory Lobb got the Giants off to a great start, taking a solid mark inside the forward 50 then going back and drilling the goal. The Dogs teased the Giants, dominating the game but just not converting, leaving the Giants with a chance. After scoring six behinds for no goals, the Dogs put on their kicking boots and kicked the Giants right out of the game, ending up with a 31 point victory. Their ability to get hold of the ball was impressive. They smashed the Giants in disposals, thanks to some superb rucking from both Will Minson and Tom Campbell.

It is the pre season, so let's take a look at the team's best young players coming out of the game. Koby Stevens from the Bulldogs stood out, racking up 29 disposals and 5 marks. He put his body on the line and was continuously rewarded, earning a total of 5 free kicks. Rory Lobb was impressive for the Giants. He had a handy 13 disposals and six marks. Rory spent some time up forward, booting two goals but wasn't good enough to get his side over the line.

Collingwood Vs Geelong
The two teams who had the best preseasons in terms of trading, faced off on Friday night at Simonds stadium. Patrick Dangerfield finally made his debut for the Cats and what a debut it was. Dangerfield had the first kick of the game and then went on to kick three goals and get a few touches in a very exciting game of footy. Although, it was a very unsettled game, to say the least. Geelong were fast starters jumping out to a healthy, early lead before Collingwood's 11 goal third term brought them right back into the match and even put them ahead by 21 points at the final break. Geelong then mounted a comeback but it was too little, too late for the Cats as Collingwood managed to hold on to an eight point victory.

Not necessarily Collingwood's youngest player, but, in my opinion, Alex Fasolo hasn't been living up to his potential. However, Fasolo looks like a shining light for the Pies up forward this year. He kicked five goals, took seven marks and had 19 disposals. If he keeps this up, Collingwood won't have to rely on Travis Cloke up forward all year.
Now Geelong's rising star is by no means new to the game but he was a huge pick up over the offseason. Patrick Dangerfield, a former Adelaide Crows midfielder, is going to be crucial all season if Geelong plan on making finals. Based on his performance in this match, Geelong supporters have a lot to look forward to.

Melbourne Demons Vs Port Adelaide 
The Melbourne Demons played off against Port Adelaide on Saturday at Playford Alive oval. For a team who really struggled last year, Melbourne were playing like a top eight team in the second half. After a sluggish first half, Melbourne came from over 5 goals behind at half time to apply pressure throughout the entire second half in a really impressive comeback.  Melbourne's hustle gave them 44 clearances and 135 contested possessions in their side's 19 point victory.

Jimmy Toumpas was a standout from a Port Adelaide perspective. The 21 year old, drafted back in 2012, had 17 disposals to go with four tackles. Matt Jones for the Melbourne Demons has played only 51 AFL games and is already 28 years old. Although he is starting to hit his peak, holding on to 6 marks to go with 16 disposals. He was even able to snag a goal, capping off a fantastic start to the season for him and also the Demons.

Hawthorn Vs Richmond

The reigning premiers are back again this season, looking to go back to back to back to back. Although, they were pulled apart by Richmond on the weekend, going down by 71 points. Shane Edwards kicked 4 goals and Jack Reiwold booted a supergoal in a dominant performance from the Tigers. To make matters worse for the Hawks, they suffered two major injuries. Cyril Rioli was out of the game early, going down with a calf injury and their new recruit, Jack Fitzpatrick damaged his knee in a marking contest.

Tim Obrien had a solid showing for the Hawks, taking 5 marks up forward and even snagging a goal. Liam Sheils who is not so new to the AFL but is still only 24 years old,  played an outstanding game to offer some defensive pressure that was hard to find for the Hawks. He finished the game with nine tackles while racking up 20 disposals. For the Tigers, it was a more even display of talent, but 24 year old Anthony Miles was outstanding.  With 26 disposals, 9 tackles and 7 marks in a classy display, he is someone that Tigers fans should definitely be getting excited about.

Essendon Vs Carlton
It was like the good old days on Sunday, with Princes Park hosting its first AFL game in a number of years. To add to the historic occasion,  Eleni Glouftis became the first ever female field umpire to officiate a game at AFL level. Essendon have a lot to prove this season, and they got off to a great start on Sunday. Their ten goal win over a very young Carlton team would have done a lot to their confidence. Essendon dominated all aspects of the game, especially clearances and inside 50's. Carlton were wasteful up forward, scoring eight behinds from twelve scoring shots.

21 year old Nick Graham was one of Carlton's only positives coming out from the game. Graham had 21 disposals, took four marks and received four free kicks. His team mates are going to have to follow his lead if they are going to accomplish something this season. Another 21 year old who plays for Essendon had an extremely good game as well. Martin Gleeson put together a solid performance, finishing with 22 disposals, five marks and a couple of free kicks. His pressure was also evident as he added three tackles throughout the match.

Fremantle Dockers Vs Adelaide Crows
One of the closer games from the weekend featured a couple of young teams who will once again be looking to place well inside the top eight. Adelaide started quicker than the Dockers, but were unable to punish them on the scoreboard. They butchered a number of opportunities in the first half including a goalless second term, where they were only able to kick six behinds. Had they been able to capitalise on some Fremantle mistakes, the game could have been over much quicker. Instead, they left the Dockers with a chance. Fremantle were able to bring a better brand of footy into the second half and slowly crept themselves into the game, led by Brownlow Medalist Nathan Fyfe. A tight last term saw it come down to the wire but the slightly more expeirienced  Fremantle side were able to hold on and claim a two point victory.

Besides Nathan Fyfe, another young player who stood out was Tommy Sheridan. Coming off a disappointing finish to 2015 for Sheridan, who dropped an easy mark in Fremantle's Preliminary Final last year that may have lost them the game, he really stood up and showed why he is such a mature footballer. Sheridan finished with 28 disposals and a couple of marks. For Adelaide, Rory Atkins played an above standard game. The 21 year old has only played eight AFL games but finished with 25 disposals, eight of them contested, and three inside 50's.


 






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