Weekend Wrap

Another installment of the weekend wrap and all being well it should be a regular item again.



Was It A Good Draw?

Australia had South Africa on the ropes in Adelaide in the 2nd test match but down a strike bowler in Pttinson, they couldn't deliver the final punch required to seal the victory. Many in the media have spent the day talking about how great an effort it was by both sides but in particular South Africa for holding onto a draw but I would beg to differ.  Whilst a close draw can be exciting and have you on the edge of your seat, it can also be crowd killing. Like it or not the modern game is constantly under threat from the shorter format with society now demanding results and exciting cricket.

After a draw in Brisbane it was looking like Adelaide was going to end in a result after Australia scored so quickly in the first innings.On a pitch that produced a first innings score of 550 @ 5.12 runs per over, South Africa seemed to dawdle in their first dig to score 388 @ 3.18 rpo. Maybe the pitch was starting to slow up but with Australia scoring at 3.81 runs in their 2nd innings it seemed that it wasn't a testing pitch to score runs on.

This is where I get frustrated with South Africa. Their run rate ability. Although they lost early wickets on day four, no one would have expected a run rate of 1.68.  To highlight how slow they went, AB de Villiers faced the most balls without scoring a boundary in test cricket. His return of 33 runs off 220 balls is not going to attract people to test cricket.

You may think I am being overly critical but I look at it differently.  If South Africa took a more pro-active approach to their batting they may have even changed the result of the first test match when Amla & Kallis meandered along once they were settled into their innings. Then you take the 2nd test match. There were no demons in the pitch so if they managed to get an extra run every second over in the first innings there is another 60 runs. Then take the second innings and if they look to score at a pedestrian 3 an over there is an extra 140 odd runs. South Africa at the close of play were 181 runs short of the target Australia set. Although attacking cricket may have seen more wickets and a loss to South Africa, it is a sign that their negative mindset when at the crease is not going to win them matches like this. Considering they are the number one test match it is an interesting scenario. Imagine how exciting the game would have been if South Africa were close to the target.

Where Now For The Roar

Something is amiss in Brisbane and the team is on the verge of imploding. Every other team and the media are more than happy to stick the daggers into Brisbane during the struggle they are in, so they need to show resolve and not tear each other apart in the down times. Comments that have been coming from the coach are some that may be better said behind closed doors. If Brisbane keep on playing like they are I expect them to be chasing a coach soon. As everyone knows, it is easier to change a coach then a playing roster. Look for a mention of the McBreen tackle on Smith in Friday's pubcast.

Up And Away

On a beautiful Friday evening typical of Queensland, my sideline reporter and I sat down to record the first pubcast for Sporting Sport Opinions. We were venturing into unknown territory but had great faith in our idea and after 44 minutes a calypso high five was produced. With no hitches during the show we will recording our pubcast every Friday afternoon at the Coral Cove Resort in the bar area. If you are ever in Bundaberg feel free to drop in and watch and hang around for a chat. Who knows you might even feel the urge to participate and discuss the sporting world.

Debut Podcast By The Reef Episode 1

With nervous excitement after weeks of planning the scene was set for the debut podcast out of the bar at the Coral Cove Bistro on the scenic Coral Cove Golf Coarse overlooking the ocean. Some choice beverages were ready, the equipment tested and we were ready to go.

Not knowing what we were really delving into, my sideline reporter - Johnnyjojoshabadoo aka John and myself cracked the first beer and we were off. It was harder trying to figure out how to upload the audio to i-tunes then it was to do the show. 

The debut episode covered:

Introduction:

Welcome to the first ever Sporting Sport Opinions Podcast. Taking in all things sport that the media won't delve into. No subject is unwarranted but a warning must be in place. If you are looking for a neutral Commentary on the sporting world then you have tuned into the wrong place. We will be unashamedly bias towards all things Australian, furthermore we are Queenslanders and proud of the fact.

Straight off the bat - The Test match, is Michael Clarke a once in a generation player?

The NRL Draw - who won, the fans, the clubs or Channel 9?

Shoulder Charge - An issue that won't die.

ARU - Do they understand contracts in sport or is it a tactic to remove Quade Cooper

Is Beckham Coming to the A-League or is Gallop just dreaming?

SSO Awards - Bryce Lawrence nomination for Bias & The Poor Form Nomination

Thoughts for the weekend and sporting highlight of the week.

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Shoulder Charge Banned

The Australian Rugby League Commission has made the extraordinary decision to ban the shoulder charge at all levels of the NRL from 2013.  After reviewing a detailed report into shoulder charges it deemed that they pose an unacceptable risk in the game.

Reviewing some of the statistics that have been highlighted by the ARLC is it really that big a problem?


Statistcs noted are as follows:

Shoulder charges made up .05% of tackles in 2012.

So of the 142,355 tackles there were 71 shoulder charges. In the NRL season there were 201 matches which equates to one shoulder charge every 2.8 games.

5% of shoulder charges resulted in injury to either the defensive (1%) or the offensive (less than 4%) player.

So of the 71 shoulder charges effectively 4 tackles caused injury. 1 to a defensive player and 3 to an attacking player. One could argue that more players are injured due to poor ground conditions.

Essentially the ARLC has imposed a ban on a tackle that occurs every 2.8 games and results in injury every 40th game played. Rugby League is a high impact game where big hits are a large part of what draws the crowd. Has it made a rash decision to stamp out a play that it could have just imposed suspensions for high contact when it occurred. Whilst the safety of players needs to be paramount the ARLC also needs to ensure that it doesn't change the fabric of the game in the process. I can't see the ARLC getting too many supporters or players on their side with this decision even it is a tackle that occurs very rarely.

For a more detailed look into the shoulder charge ban go to my article on Armchair Selector -

Shoulder Charge Bane - Proactive or Reactive?

What Is The A.R.U. Doing?

With reports abound that Quade Cooper has quit Australian Rugby, the wisdom of the officials has to be questioned. Although nothing official has been announced, the ARU has placed Cooper in a position where no positive outcome can be seen for the game.

Since the World Cup, Cooper has been the scapegoat for the ARU and media alike for everything that is going wrong with the Australian team. When Cooper made alegations of a toxic environment and imposed a fine of $40,000 and a suspended 3 match ban for his comments, there was only going to be one of two outcomes. Cooper accepted the punishment and both parties move on in a positive direction.

Instead it seems that the ARU felt that Cooper still needed to be punished and offered a new contract that can only be seen as either an insult or a sign to Cooper that he was no longer wanted. Why would the ARU offer a 24 year old player, who at his peak is one of the best game breakers in the game and undeniably the best in his position, a low-grade incentive contract that is usually the norm for rookie players who are yet to establish themselves at the top level. 

Considering the Rugby Union Players Association questioned the severity of the punishment and whether or not it was allowable under the collective bargaining agreement now gains more momentum. If the ARU is seen to be punishing Cooper further then it can only be seen that he is no longer wanted in Australian Rugby but instead of cancelling his contract which may have led to legal action they have tried to make Cooper quit.

If the reports of Cooper quitting are just a smokescreen to test the ARU and see if they offer a topped up contract is a gamble that may end poorly for both. Cooper is obviously on the outer in an organisation that has shown it has little regard for his services and if he is bluffing he will find he is looking for a new job very quickly. Is this how the ARU wants to be seen though? If Cooper walks away from the game the ARU might find more stories start coming to light and they won't be in a position to sanction or punish.

If Cooper does walk away from the game and blames the ARU then it will be interesting to see the reaction from the Queensland Reds. Will they look to take action against the ARU for compensation, which they would be quite entitled to do. 

It won't be long until the truth is known but the sentiments will stay the same. Quade Cooper is right. The ARU is toxic and it needs a clean out. Not of players though, this time the officials need to be evaluated.

It's Just Un-Australian

Bundaberg Rum is pulling out of sponsorship of all Australian sport and only focusing on international sporting events. If my sources are correct this is a major blow to the NRL at a time when it cannot afford to lose major sponsors after Harvey Norman also pulled out earlier in the year as the major sponsor of State of Origin.

As a resident of Bundaberg it is intriguing to hear that an Iconic Australian drink no longer wants to be associated with sport within the country and is only focused on the international scene. This would indicate that Bundaberg Rum is preparing to make a global launch of it's brand.

The NRL currently states Bundaberg Rum as "the proud naming-rights sponsor of Bundaberg Friday Night Football, Bundaberg Super Saturday Football and the official dark rum of the National Rugby League".  This highlights either the NRL don't know yet or are waiting for an official announcement from the international owners, Diageo, before any statements are made. If the facts are true, the NRL needs to make a move quickly in a market where sponsorship if highly competitive.

Diageo also needs to be careful in how it handles this situation. Everyone know Bundaberg Rum is a well established drink within Australia but a poorly handled change in sponsorship strategy that may be seen as Un-Australian could have a damaging effect on the brand that may cost more than what the sponsorship did.

Strange Things Are Afoot At Sydney FC

That is how I view Sydney FC at the current moment. As a neutral sitting in the stands on Saturday night to watch Sydney FC take on Melbourne Victory many thoughts were going through my head as I took in the atmosphere and feeling of the parochial crowd.

After an embarrassing drubbing at the hands of Central coast on a week earlier, it was still no surprise that a 20,000 plus crowd turned up to watch the Sky Blues. The Cove was full and in full voice from the start. It seemed that many in the crowd were there for one reason only and that was confirmed when the team was announced. At the announcement and the arrival on the field of Alessandro Del Piero brought the crowd to life. Sydney could have lost 20 nil last week and they all still would have turned up to see there football hero. Sydney loves an event.

Before the game started I had no doubt that if Sydney capitulated again there would be serious questions asked of the team and especially the coaching staff. By half time with Sydney at 1-0 the Cove were in full voice and the fans were in a nervous excitement. When Pascal Bosschaart scored his first ever professional goal the crowd was buzzing and preparing to party the night away.

All this was to change though in the 66th minute when Del Piero was substituted. Although many are critical with this decision, I would maintain it was the right one. With Del Piero returning from a hamstring injury and starting to struggle, it was not worth the risk of further injury to a player that is worth so much to the team both on and off the field. This raises an issue that I hope is not the problem. Everyone agrees that Del Piero has been a masterstroke signing and marketing coupe for the game and the attraction of extra supporters to the ground and the merchandising bonanza he has brought the club has been worth it. What you do not want to see is that he is kept on the ground for the marketing reason rather for team tactical reasons and player injury management. If he is run into the ground every game, he will not last the season.

Last thing Victory's Adrian Leijer wanted was for a Del Piero free kick to connect the same spot as the five stitches he received after a head collision

The substitution brought out the fears I feel most in Sydney wish was not there. Without Del Piero on the field the teams structure holds in place as well has the little pigs straw house. Although Sydney capitulated and lost in an an amazing blitz in the last 12 minuted from Melbourne, they always looked vulnerable. As soon as Melbourne scored their first, there was a sense that the crowd knew that only luck would allow Sydney to hold on for a win. The faith amongst the fairweather fans is not very good.

When the final whistle blew and Sydney were leaving the field as losers, the next few days were always going to be interesting. Sitting at the airport early on Sunday morning I was waiting for news of a "please explain" from the club to coach, Ian Crook. I was a little surprised to land to the news that Ian Crook has resigned but in the end it was the only move he could make. As soon as he found himself in a situation where he was explaining himself to loyal supporters in the aftermath of the game, the writing was on the wall. If he feels he needs to explain himself to the supporters so quickly after a game, then he may as well go to the pub before the game to get his tactics.

Where to for Sydney though?  I am sure that when they signed Del Piero they never imagined such a  scenario where the were after their 7th coach in eight years. This is not a good sign for a proud club. Coaches come and go but if you average little more than a coach a season, then there will never be a real structure in place and the management of the club must come under scrutiny. It is also make you wonder if coaching Sydney FC is seen as a poisoned chalice. Sydeny FC supporters will need to hope that a quality replacement is found quickly, but they also need to support and back the coach and realise it may take time for improvement.

The Sydney Trip: Part 1

Not my normal sort of article but one I would like to share.

As I am a member of the Football Media Association I was given the opportunity to attend a Professional Development Day focusing on social Media. As I am a blogger and a facebook/twitter addict this was a good opportunity to learn and make sure that I know how it should be done by a journalist.

Thanks to the Johnny Warren Foundation I was flown down to Sydney to attend the day and a few more to take in an A-League game. My thanks can not be said enough for this opportunity. This though created a situation I never thought would be conquered. Firstly, I have a fear of flying. I had never flown before and with a history of collapsed lungs knew that flying was a major risk (mainly long distance flights, ie: overseas) but a fear nonetheless. Once the flights were booked though I knew I couldn't turn back but was that nervous at the airport waiting, I was shaking.  Although the air-con was cold so for now I am blaming it.

From the Moment I checked in though I knew it was all meant to be. Someone I knew was at check in and from there in I seemed to get special service. I was on a Dash-8 to Brisbane which didn't give me much confidence but seated next to me was someone who was part of a flight school and had flown a lot. They kept me distracted and once the plane was in the air, it became one of the best experiences in my life.

This is where the second issue arises. For those who don't know, I have facial agnosia, which is the inability to recognise faces and from that I have an anxiety of sorts about being at large gatherings or on my own in unfamiliar places. Brisbane airport was an overwhelming experience but it seemed that every staff member that dealt with me knew. Once I got on the plane to Sydney all my fears of flying were gone and all I wanted to do was watch the scenery out the window. I think I now have a want to fly more. Major fear conquered.

Once in Sydney though my anxiety kicked in again. Stars were aligned though and from landing onwards it has all been good. Taxi driver was excellent and hotel staff have been brilliant (gotta love housekeeping that sorts your clothes out for you)  and the food is great. Also Bundaberg needs to send people down so they can learn to make coffee.

Today was the main reason for the trip. A Professional Development Day for the Football Media Association on Social Media by Julie Posetti. I can confidently say that in Bundaberg I might be one of the most knowledgeable people on how social media should be used by journalists. To have had the opportunity to be trained and meet Julie is an honour and one I never thought I would get. One of the best, if not best, trainers/facilitators/teachers I have ever had. Now I think I have to start hassling the local paper. As a socially awkward person though it took me awhile to relax and talk to those attending. Very grateful that I did though. My passion could now grow to an obsession.

After talking to Julie my passion for sports writing has grown and I now have the confidence to write the article I have been sitting on for awhile but it will take time. Next stage is tomorrow where I will be at a pubcast that talks all that is football and it will be another test of my social awkwardness and if I conquer it I know I am doing the right thing.