It has been an interesting few days for Sporting Sport Opinions and it will still be awhile before the full extent of what has transpired to fully be known and realised.
On Friday when we were preparing for the weekly pubcast we had no idea of what really laid ahead. Although it was bucketing down and had been torrential all day, the only thoughts we had were for the great guests that laid ahead.
We were quite humbled to have former Carlton Premiership winner, Peter Bosustow, on our show who regaled us with some great stories from his playing days and an insight into AFL today. Also it cannot be missed are the views of Mark "Jacko" Jackson who is a very passionate Australian. The biggest surprise we had was the last minute notice that Warwick Capper would also be available for a quick chat.
During the recording (great editing cut it out) was the call that I received from my wife asking him to immediately come home. Many passionate sports fans out there will understand the bravado that a few beers can give and it was a "She'll be right" response. We obviously got out of town safely and are now quite ok in our homes.
As the weekend unfolded it was soon realised why my wife was insistent on our speedy return home. As many are aware Bundaberg is experiencing it's worst flood in history and the coastal parts of town were smashed with high winds & tornadoes. We are not able to do much out here but sit and watch on TV and social media the devastation occurring knowing that the best thing we could do was sit tight rather than be a hindrance in town like the rest of the sightseers.
Bundaberg and many regional towns are going to be rebuilding their lives and livelihoods for a long time after this.
We will continue to bring you our pubcast every week but we also will be doing a lot for our community.
In discussion with The Sideline Reporter we are going to organise a charity night to raise funds via an auction. Once we have full details of when & where this will occur more information will be available. Many sporting organisations have been hit hard by this flood and we will be seeing what we can do to help out those affected.
Keep posted as we will be asking for lots of help.
Tuesday 29 January 2013
Saturday 26 January 2013
Pubcast Ep 9 - AFL Legends Edition
We started out thinking we would only be talking about the NSW bias that always dominates Australian cricket and the mind boggling way that Steve Smith seems to always get picked for Australia.
From there we talked briefly about Liverpool FC and had a good discussion about the Hazard vs Ball Boy incident that has been the talk of the last few days.
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| MD & Peter Bosustow |
Then the show hit new standards with a legendary guest in Carlton Premiership player, Peter Bosustow, who regaled us in great tales from his playing days and why the AFL game of today has lost a lot from it's glory days. There is also a news coup thrown in that we are proud to have been given by Peter.
Peter was on the show thanks to the great staff at the Grand Hotel Bundaberg who gave us access to the stars of Comedy Under The Stars show that was on that night and is touring the country. Heading to Yeppoon next (if the rain allows) and then down to Melbourne for 10 shows. It is a show not to be missed if you can handle a good laugh.
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| Mark "Jacko" Jackson & MD with Warwick Capper in the background |
While we did try and keep on our normal track and talk about the NRL, the Azarenko saga in the Tennis and of course the usual ending with the Awards, the show received an extension (apologies for the editing & recording of this bit) thanks to a great little interview with Mark "Jacko" Jackson & Warwick Capper. It is worth listening to just to hear Jacko's thoughts on where our country is going wrong.
I really hope you enjoy this episode as mush as we did recording it. Apologies if any of the language offends but I will never censor someone just because of a little Language.
Sunday 20 January 2013
Pubcast Ep 8 - The Reef Edition
Sitting in the cool breeze with an ocean view MD & Johnnyjojoshabadoo jump straight in the Big Bash Final & the great win by the Brisbane Heat over the Perth Scorchers.
It is just a question whether any of the players get the nod for national selection. Obviously we couldn't miss the opportunity to also discuss the National side who are having some problems with the bat of late.
With Lance Armstong the biggest issue in sport at the moment we give our thoughts of the subject but in the end decide that we all need to just walk on from the matter.
Walking on can only mean that as usual Liverpool FC are discussed after an emphatic 5-0 win over Norwich and plenty of good signs coming from Anfield. It is another story for the Brisbane Roar though who are not doing so well. We also announce the winners of the LFC Fan packs.
It may be hot and summer but the NRL is kicking into gear with the All-Stars game not far off and we have a look over the teams and return serve to a certain Mason. A short condolence to the family of Jon Mannah as well who sadly lost his battle with cancer during the week. The Titans are on board with us and we mention a great piece that would look great in any poolroom that should raise quite a lot of money for Variety Queensland.
As always we finish off with the Awards and this week there are nominations for all three, Mart, Bryce & SSO Fail which managed to have a few contenders.
Saturday 12 January 2013
Have a Heart For Charity
Sporting Sport Opinions is in need of your help to raise funds for Variety & thanks to the Brisbane Heat you have the opportunity to not only help those who need it but to own a great piece of sporting memorabilia that would look great in any conference or meeting room or be the talking point of any good bar or poolroom.
What do you have to do to get your hands on this great item? The answer is quite simple. All you have to do is place the largest bid before the 28th February and this item is yours.
The bat contains all the signatures from the 2011/12 Brisbane Heat Squad that played in the first Big Bash. With names like Matthew Hayden, Daniel Vettori, Brendon McCallum & James Hopes this an item that any cricket lover would want to have.
Once the auction ends the highest bidder who confirms their bid with payment will be the lucky recipient.
So go ahead and make a bid by emailing Sporting Sport Opinions at michael.scos@bigpond.com
First bid has been received:
Bid: $100
75% Proceeds of the auction will be going to Variety Queendsland & the remaining 25% will be to cover administation costs.
Pubcast Episode 7
Recording at Coral Cove Resort on a typical stinking hot summers day it was a relief to have some crispy cold Coronas on ice as we delved into the sporting week.
Howzat: How are the Aussie B graders going in the One day match and do they all deserve to be there? The Big Bash is getting towards the finals and the Heat are still in with a chance but maybe the bigger issues evolve around things that didn't affect results but still make for good conversation pieces as chucking and hitting wickets get a good run down.
Walk On: No week can go by without MD talking about Liverpool and with a handy goal by Suarez there was always going to be something to talk about. As always an update on the Roar who have made a few signings through the week.
Simply the Best: His can only mean one thing, it may be summer but the NRL has made plenty of headlines during the off season but finally they are getting down to discuss new rule changes and the obstruction rule causes plenty of headaches.
Game in Union: Australian Rugby has announced a new CEO and does anyone actually now much about him? Will he be good for the game and hopefully we might see Australia coached by an Australian.
Competitions: This is the last week for your chance to win an LFC Fan Pack. If you are a fan of Liverpool FC or football in general make sure you listen and get in your entry.
The Awards: All three awards get a nomination this week but they might not all be what you think. See who gets the "The Marto" in commentary, named after the turncoat Rugby commentator Greg Martin. Then there is the poor officiating award, "The Bryce", named after the Bryce Lawrence and last of all is the "SSO Fail" which is handed out for complete failure in the sporting world.
Sunday 6 January 2013
Weekend Wrap
Straight off the bat it is apologies to those who like to read what I have to say about the sporting week that was. With the launch of the pubcast, the Christmas New Year break and then getting back into the swing of work, it meant that writing was put on the back burner. So what has transpired of late that needs a look into?
Test Clean Sweep
Australia wrapped up the test series against Sri Lanka 3-0 and deservedly so. Although all three test were always going to be formality of a win for Australia, it has raised much debate about the make up of the Australian side. Will Cowan survive for much longer if he continues to make insignificant innings that are painful to watch? If is converting his innings into centuries then one can put up with his slow nature but he needs to convert soon. Whilst I do like how he approaches the game, unfortunately he is not rewarding the selectors with their faith. With Watson openly saying he wants his opener spot back, I am sure Cowan will be nervously awaiting the next Test selection. Also it has to be asked for how long it will be tolerated for Warner to throw away his innings so often. While it is exciting for him to score at a frenetic pace, it is also a failure on his part to lose his wicket so often after reaching 30 to 50 runs. Watson also is guilty of not converting regularly and his injury problems make him a liability especially on tour where a replacement cannot be sought quickly. I cannot see all three of these batsmen going on the next tour.
Then there is the debate over the bowlers and the rotation policy. I cannot understand the resting of players in case they may get injured. If a bowler is in form and fit to play then he should be selected. The more they treat the bowlers with kid gloves the more we will see them break down. If Starc was rested for a test because they thought he might get injured then why was he selected in the One Day squad? The same can be said for Mitch Johnson. What the selectors need to be more worried about is finding a good spin bowler to work in tandem with Lyon in India or potentially replace him. And if Mitch Johnson is in the rotation policy then he cannot play as the all-rounder which means a good all-rounder needs to not only be picked but given time.
With the announcement of the One day side I will look at doing a more indepth report of that once I have analyzed some statistics. I can say openly now though that the selection of Haddin is mind boggling and not a step for the future and if Bailey was only selected for his captaincy abilities then it raises serious questions about what the selectors are trying to achieve. I can see some changes in the selectors panel over the course of 2013.
Liverpool FC Moving Upwards
The recent form of LFC after what has been a very frustrating and inconsistent year, it appears that we are seeing what appears to be a team with more confidence and in form. The test though will be the next few games where Liverpool face a very tough run with games away to Manchester United, Arsenal & Manchester City. If Liverpool gets through this period well though it may start challenging for that top four spot. Heavy losses though will most likely see the end of it's chances to finish much higher than 6th.
A-League Has Problems
This season the A-League has had a successful year in most areas. Crowds are good, television audience is good. The spectacle of the games is entertaining and plenty of goals are being scored. Unfortunately though one area in which the A-League has gone backwards is in the standards of the officials. When it comes to cards being issued one never knows when it will happen or what colour it will be. Incidents that cause a player to be suspended are totally missed during the game or the opposite happens where a player is shown a red card but it is found to be unwarranted and gets rescinded. Blatant offsides are missed or goals are not given due to an offside ruling only for a replay to show there was never an offside. Offsides are the bane of contention for me as this is the main thing a sideline official needs to get right yet the so often get it wrong. I can tolerate a goal being scored by a player that is a fraction offside as with the naked eye and the speed of play this is an excusable error. What is frustrating is when the player is offside by more than a metre and they miss it, or they call a player offside that is not. It makes you wonder if the sideline official guesses and if it continues may bring into uses the requirement for technology. Everyone wants goal line technology brought in but the first person who can invent something that detects offside during play will find themselves to be one of the most significant game improvers in the history of football.
What it does raise though is what does the A-League do when it comes to training and selected the officials who run the games. Is it time for marquee referees to be brought in for Australia who are used to handling big games and large crowds.
Pubcast
The Pubcast is going well and every friday myself & the sideline reporter sit down and talk about the issues that stood out during the week to us. We welcome feedback or if you have an issue that you want us to talk about make sure you let us know. Don;t forget to listen to episode 6 to find out how you can win an LFC Fan pack as well. If you are ever in Bundaberg and want to catch us in action let us know and we tell you where we are recording from that week. Recordings are alternating between Coral Cove bar & Restaurant (Coral Cove International Golf Course) & The Grand Hotel Bundaberg.
The Pubcast is going well and every friday myself & the sideline reporter sit down and talk about the issues that stood out during the week to us. We welcome feedback or if you have an issue that you want us to talk about make sure you let us know. Don;t forget to listen to episode 6 to find out how you can win an LFC Fan pack as well. If you are ever in Bundaberg and want to catch us in action let us know and we tell you where we are recording from that week. Recordings are alternating between Coral Cove bar & Restaurant (Coral Cove International Golf Course) & The Grand Hotel Bundaberg.
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Saturday 5 January 2013
Pubcast Episode 6
This weeks episode covered the cricket test against Sri Lanka and a few issues arising in the Big Bash with particular reference to a few heated moments.
As expected the game of football is discussed as MD talks about his beloved LFC and Brisbane Roar's resurgence. And mention of Higuita will ahve you wondering why this video is linked in
Also don't forget that 2 great LFC fan packs are announced as prizes, so make you listen for how to win one.
The Awards wrap up the episode with nominations for all three, the Marto, Bryce & SSO Fail.
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