The Sporting Day: Some Sporting Observations

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Some Sporting Observations

8. It was a blue ribbon day for the legion of Ford fans yesterday at Mt. Panorama with Ford filling the first three placings for the first time since 1988. In Australia’s premier and most beloved motor sport event, Ford dominated as Holden floundered. Craig Lowndes proved once again that he is Australia’s number one big race distance driver by displaying amazing skills in changing conditions to win once more at Bathurst. Still on the slicks when the rains came, Lowndes held the 888 car firm and led the team to another victory. It would take a game man to bet against Lowndes in a distance race.

7. Los Angeles isn’t known as a football town and in the professional game, the city is no longer relevant. But when it comes to college ball, Los Angeles houses one of the premier football programs in the country with the USC Trojans. The Trojans were ranked number one in the preseason and have not dropped below number two in the polls all season. They were expected to be fighting out the national title with LSU with an array of talent unmatched in the college ranks. Those expectations were shattered when the Trojans, as forty point favs with bookmakers, went down to Stanford in the dying seconds over the weekend. Stanford won 24-23 to continue the year of the upset. It ended USC’s 35 game win streak at home that dates back to 2001. Don’t expect to see the Trojans at the Big Dance this season.

6. There is a very real possibility that the New England Patriots will go through the NFL season as the first undefeated champions since the 1972 Miami Dolphins. Over the past few seasons, much has been made about the Colts going through undefeated but they have never had the weapons that the 2007 Patriots have had, nor did they appear to have that same thirst for victory that the Pats obviously have this season. The Patriots have won their first five with absolute ease, becoming the first team to record 30 points in each of their first five games. Randy Moss has been a star since moving to Boston, the rest of the receiving corps has been more than effective, the running game has been outstanding and the defence has forced turnovers. The Pats have a tough schedule but do not be surprised if they stay unbeaten for a long time to come.

5. Do not underestimate the Pittsburgh Steelers this season. The Steelers have been outstanding to date with their only stumble coming at Arizona. Under a new regime, the Steelers have really reacted well after what was a flat and disjointed 2006 under Bill Cowher where they never really seemed to get going. Big Ben has been magnificent and “Fast” Willie Parker found his feet but it is the defence of the Steel Men that has really caught the eye. This week they held Seattle scoreless. Pittsburgh will go far this season.

4. The Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks, two of the newest teams in Major League Baseball, will play each other in the National League Championship Series after sweeping through their Divisional Playoff series. The Rockies held the meek Phillies with both pitching and hitting while the Diamondbacks just blew the hapless Cubs right back to the Windy City. While both the Denver and Phoenix based sides are playing well, neither will have the fire power for whatever American League team shows up for the World Series. The gulf between the American League and National League seems to get bigger every year.

3. Devil Moon has burst onto the Australian racing scene this spring and she is the real deal. This whole preparation she has had her doubters but they were silenced on Saturday when Devil Moon shocked most racing followers by winning the group one Turnbull Stakes at Flemington. She downed more highly regarded rivals including the disappointing El Segundo, the shocking Marasco and the overrated Haradasun. She will look to the Cox Plate next start and with her heart, form and racing pattern, will be right in it.

2. Wayne Bennett has been heavily slammed over the weekend for his perceived snub of Broncos Chief Executive Bruno Cullen at the club’s annual awards night when Bennett was give life membership of the club. Cullen was reportedly furious that Bennett did not make an acceptance speech while anti-Bennett Sydney media identities have used the story as more ammunition against the man they love to chop down. Wayne Bennett is simply his own man and it has been the reason why the Brisbane Broncos club has been so successful both on and off the field. Bennett won’t deal with the politicking of Cullen nor will he give time to those with agendas. Just let the man coach. It is what he does best and what he does better than most.

1. Southern Hemisphere rugby needs to take a long hard look at itself after some abysmal failures at the Rugby World Cup. Australia went down to England 12-10 in a grinding affair that would put most sporting fans to sleep while the All Blacks were stunned by a rejuvenated France 20-18. Both teams were arrogant and in the end both outfits were outmuscled and in the end, both teams did a great deal of damage to the game in their country. Expect a big clean out of both teams that will involve not only coaches and senior players but an overhaul of tactics and preparations. Australian and New Zealand rugby cannot continue to meander along, all under the belief that the Southern Hemisphere teams are superior. They may be showier but when it gets to the World Cup, it is usually grit and determination that wins out and both teams are sorely lacking in those qualities.

Upper of the Week: Israel Folau becoming the youngest ever Australian rugby league Test player, breaking a mark that had lasted nearly a century. Folau had a stunning debut season, scoring 21 tries and winning a Premiership after hoping to play just one game of first grade. Modest and professional, Folau deserves all the great achievements and honours that are coming his way.

Downer of the Week: The cheapskating of the NBL. Basketball has seen better days in this country with the sport struggling to make an impact. It does not help that they are constantly disaffecting their fans with their poor live match coverage. Online scores have been impossible to get. The NBL better improve its image soon before it is all too late.