The Sporting Day: Some Sporting Observations

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Some Sporting Observations

8. Dirk Nowitzki may have saved the Dallas Mavericks season. After winning the Western Conference two seasons ago and finishing with the best regular seasons record last season, big things were expected of the Mavs. But the team from Dallas has disappointed to date and despite their winning record, looked set to miss the playoffs in what has been a halcyon year for the Western Conference. The return of Nowitzki, however, seems to have changed the fortunes of the Dallas Mavericks. In his three games back, the Mavs have gone two and one against quality opposition with Nowitzki scoring 29.3 points per game. The win against Phoenix was particularly impressive, holding the high scoring Suns to just nine points in the final quarter. The Mavs are now two games clear of Golden State, who are in ninth spot. The Mavs will make the playoffs and a deep run would not surprise.

7. Then there were two. March Madness has built to an unstoppable climax with only Kansas and Memphis remaining. Both made it through the national semi-finals of the most revered tournament in all of college sports with upset victories. Memphis, who are now 38-1 for the season, downed the UCLA Bruins 78-63 in the first semi-final, keeping alive the dream of a first Tigers national championship. In the other semi-final, Kansas stunned North Carolina by establishing a 40-12 lead before kicking again after the game got to three points midway through the second-half. The win was more pleasing for Kansas as they managed to beat the team of Roy Williams, the former mentor at KU who many Jayhawks fans still believe betrayed them. The final will be a thrilling display of athleticism and basketball with Memphis looking to have a slight edge in talent.

6. It certainly wasn’t predicted by pundits. The fairytale FA Cup run of two teams continued over the weekend while it was shattered for two others. For both Portsmouth and Cardiff, the dream continues with Pompeii reaching their first final since 1939 and Cardiff reaching their first final since 1927. Barnsley and West Bromwich Albion were the unlucky losers. No Arsenal. No United. No Chelsea. No Liverpool. Not this year. This year we have a final representing what the FA Cup is all about. Fairytales.

5. The New South Wales Waratahs were far too hasty in dismissing coach Ewen McKenzie and will pay the price in coming seasons. McKenzie has done a fine job with the New South Wales outfit, guiding them to two finals series in four seasons. And he has hardly had the most talented outfit in the Super 14 to work with. McKenzie has always looked in control, is regarded as a good manager of his players and he has acted with dignity when dealing with the media. With no outstanding replacement waiting in the wings, the Waratahs have made a grave mistake in firing McKenzie.

4. Ben Holland’s actions in launching legal action against his former club Richmond are petulant and reek of bitterness. Holland claims that Richmond owe him in excess of $500,000 due to a failure to fulfill promises made about financial planning, work as a chiropractor and land deals. Holland claims that Richmond promised him all these things when he re-signed with the club in 2002. There is no written documentation of his claims and Richmond denies the claims. Holland, simply, does not have a leg to stand on. He seems to be living on missed opportunities.

3. The South Sydney Rabbitohs are a team in a lot of strife and the pain does not appear as if it will be receding any time soon. Souths were simply inept against Manly on Sunday afternoon in a game that was as lifeless as it was dull. The performance of Souths, however, was not surprising considering how poorly the Bunnies have played in the first month of the 2008 season, not winning a game to date. While Souths have tried hard, they have struggled to score points. This is simply a result of major instability in the halves. Jason Taylor has used four halfbacks in four games and while he was left with no choice but to replace Craig Wing after he was injured, Taylor should have shown more faith in his replacement. Constantly switching halves will not achieve anything. If Souths are to turn their season around, Taylor needs to commit to a halves combination and stick with it.

2. Canberra prop Michael Weyman launched a vicious and unprovoked attack on Gold Coast replacement forward Daniel Conn and deserves to be suspended for a long period by the NRL judiciary. Weyman reacted angrily to a seemingly innocuous tackle by Conn, punching Conn numerous times in the face while his hands were by his side. Weyman has again damaged the chances of the Raiders by resorting to cheap violence. His thuggery is a blight on the game and he deserves a long stint on the sidelines.

1. The Dragons are set to once again become a force in the NRL with the signing of Wayne Bennett. Bennett will take charge of the Dragons in 2009 and it is a fair bet to suggest that many on the Dragons current roster are fearful of their future. Wayne Bennett is known for getting the best out of his players but he is also known for being a tough disciplinarian who has very little time for those who are not prepared to put in the hard yards and play with obedience. Players like Jason Ryles, who cost the Dragons the game on Saturday night with a silly extra-time penalty, and Beau Scott will really have to work hard this season if they are to remain Dragons in 2009.

Upper of the Week: The decision by the Singapore Turf Club and Singapore quarantine officials to relax quarantine rules that will allow Australia’s most popular racehorse Takeover Target to race in the T.J Smith Stakes. It appeared unlikely that Takeover Target would be able to race in Australia this season but due to the relaxation of the rules, he will race at Randwick. That is wonderful for Australian racing.

Downer of the Week: The whole sordid Nick D’Arcy affair. The Australian swim team has been renowned for doing Australia proud. Nick D’Arcy has severely tarnished that reputation. D’Arcy should be thrown out of the Olympic team and banned for a long period.