The sports desk

[Kazzl]

I'm a big sports fan (of the armchair kind) and find that watching sport on tele is a good way to distract myself when I'm down and dwelling on things or if my mind is racing. This time of year it's cricket, with tennis coming up. And Christmas, oh! Boxing Day test, Sydney to Hobart. Love it. Then the Aussie Open around Australia Day. Then the start of the motor racing year, then the footy season (league and rugby for me), the Tour de France, Wimbledon, Formula 1. Sigh.

Any other sports tragics out there? Looking forward to the Oz/ New Zealand test tomorrow!

Kaz

[Guest_5218]

Hi everyone.  Not much activity here lately, so I thought I'd resurrect the thread.

It was good to see at least one Sydney team into the semi's of the Big Bash League, dont you think?  It wasnt my preferred team as I follow the Sixers, but it was still nice to see Thunder get into the semi's.  Well done to Mr Cricket's team!

And is anybody been following the tennis this week so far?  A number of Aussies playing, or have already played, in the Aussie Open today.  I do feel very sorry for Samantha Stosur though.  She is still a very good player, but she just cant seem to be able to bring her A game to Australia.  The pressure to perform in front of her home crowd must be too much for her.

And what else has been happening?  Does everyone agree with the selection of the Aussie T20 team?  A couple of new faces there, as well as a couple of somewhat controversial inclusions.

Sherie xx

[Scotchfinger]

Hey Sherie. Do you take bets? I'll have 100 bucks at fixed odds of 5-1 for Tomic to win his next match. Don't tell anyone but this game is fixed. I can't lose!!

[Guest_5218]

Ha ha ha, not sure I believe you there Scotchfinger.  But you do have an honest face ...............     ( - :

What about Kyrigos, are you betting on him as well?  And Lleyton Hewitt, he just beat another Aussie in James Duckworth?   If you have any sure things, perhaps you can go for a multiple bet and increase your payout.  But no, I dont take bets unfortunately.  Although I do have an on-line betting account, which I mainly use for Horse racing and occassional sporting bets.

I would just be happy if there was still an Aussie left in the main draw by Australia Day !!!!!!!!!  

Sherie x

[Scotchfinger]

re horseracing Sherie

There was a period in my life when I spent about 6 months, every day in the TAB. I spent all my savings about 30 grand in that time. Regrets I've had a few and that is one of them, big time.

Now , believe it or not, I can watch horseracing on TV on Saturday, without actually gambling at all! Just pick some horses and see how I go. I get some satisfaction when they lose, "oh at least I didn't have money on it."

Hope you don't lose too much Sherie. I never had a TAB phone account. that would be highly dangerous for me.

[Neil_1]

Dear Sports Fans

Am loving the Big Bash, though it’s soon to finish.  I thought Chris Gayle’s massive smash the other night absolutely amazing – 50 runs off just 12 balls to equal the record fastest 50 ever.  Just doesn’t seem possible, but there you have it.

The T-20 team is a bit, um, odd – though, I guess that’s where the lounge-chair critics are able to make such comments.  I thought Usman Khawaja and George Bailey were unlucky not to be included.  But then I guess, who do you drop to allow one or both of them in?

Sean Tait was a big left field selection I thought, although The Wild Thing can still sling ‘em down and fast as well and I guess the Aussie bowling stocks are a bit light on at the moment.  I thought Brad Hogg might have been a sneaky chance to get in – no-one seems to be able to read how he spins it.

Not so much into the tennis – is Kyrigos behaving himself of late?

Ps:  sorry to hear of your losses on the ponies ScotchFinger – I do enjoy a punt and did ok on Magic Millions day, a couple of weeks ago.  I really love the different carnivals with the top horses competing, the jockeys, the colour, the hype – gosh, I sound like Bill Lawry there, though he’s never gone into that about racing.  I have had a phone account (now an on-line one) in the past, but tend to make out my bets on a Friday evening, and put them on, on a Saturday morning and go home and watch them.  That way, they’re my bets and no chasing losses or doubling up any winnings.

Neil

[Guest_5218]

Still speaking cricket - The ODI series against India has been pretty good.  The Aussies have done well to chase down 3 targets of just over/under 300 runs, so they are doing well.  I was away last week but managed to see most of the matches.  There is the 4th match of the series today down in the ACT.  Kaz, are you going perhaps?

T20 selections?  I would replace Shaun Marsh with Khawaja.  Agree re Sean Tate, with all the injuries to our young fast bowlers he is a fair selection.  And he can still bowl 4 overs of pace, which is all thats required for T20. Hubby thinks he should be in ODI team too, but I dont agree.  He cant be relied on to bowl 10 overs.

Yes Neil, so far, young Kyrigos seems to be trying very hard to be a half decent fellow.  Hope he can continue. He's a showman and thrives on attention, and is a very talented player with lots of potential, so I guess its pretty hard for him to be humble.  Lets hope he keeps his feet firmly on the ground and not in his mouth!  I think Lleyton Hewitt is mentoring him now, so I hope he is a good influence.  Lleyton, when he was young, wasnt such a good role model himself, but matured well.

Horseracing - Gosh Scotchie, thats not good about the gambling.  It can definitely be a trap.  My hubby used to be somewhat hooked, but never had an account thankfully.  I have an on-line account which I've had for about 5 years now after putting $300 in when I first opened it.  I still have around that same figure, taking some losses and then some wins.  But I only bet small.  $2 - $5 place bets mostly, and occasionally a $5 each way bet (on a sure thing!).  Sometimes I put a $10 bet on a quaddie or a trifecta.  I generally do pretty well, or good enough to maintain my balance.  But I can also be a bit of a sentimental punter.  And have been laughed at endlessly by some for putting on a $2 place bet on the likes of Black Caviar.  But often favourites pay as much for a place as they do for a win, and I figure you've got 3 chances (or 2 if a small field) with a place bet.  It is very much a luxury thing, and I keep it that way for myself. I also love going to the races just to watch the colour and sounds of race day.  Love watching the horses come out and parade in the mounting yard, and back again after the race.  I love horses!  And often when I go to the races, I dont even have a bet.  So I dont think I'm a problem gambler. And I'm glad you're not any more either Scotchie! 

Have a good day all.

Sherie x

[Neil_1]

Hi there Sherie

Wow, we’ve got some chat to happen here – your last post really rang an accord with me.

Firstly, I’m in the same town as Kaz as well – but nope, am not going, but will be able to watch it on the teev, when I get home from work and the gym.  Though, if the clouds that are brewing up come to something, it could be potentially a stop start arve/evening … let’s hope not.  And they’re not really forecasting it for today.

I like Khawaja as well – and mark this name down – I reckon Jake Lehmann will represent Australia in all three forms of the game.  Remember Sherie, you read it here first.  I wonder what odds I can get on that?  🙂

It’s also a major pity about Pat Cummins … he could have developed into a superstar fast bowler, but his injuries are letting him down.  It must be so frustrating for him.

Yes, the matured version of Mr Hewitt has come ahead in leaps and bounds since his arrogant youthful years – I guess it must be it – loaded with talent and the arrogance comes through.  Maturity could also be due to his marriage and kids?

I love horses as well – used to ride them a lot when I was growing up on our farm, and we had an ex-thoroughbred on our property – only it was a galloper from the picnics;  but holy smoke, even a picnic thoroughbred can certainly travel.

We went down to Melbourne to see Black Caviar run in her 17th race – and were a part of the inaugural cheer squad for her – we assembled at the far end of the straight at Moonee Valley and after Race 1, our group (of 50 or so) walked down the straight, and then were assembled in the first tier of the grandstand at the 50 metre mark – was the most sensational night.  So many memories – and we got to pat her afterward and got photos.

One of my all time faves (and my Dad’s ALL time fave) was Apache Cat.  What a ripper he was – and since Dad passed, I now have a tatt with The Cat’s face on it – with his magnificent white blaze as well.  It’s very special.

Cheers

Neil

[Guest_5218]

Oh gosh Neil, I'm so envious of you.  Fancy getting to meet Black Caviar in the flesh!  And Apache Cat was also a favourite of mine.  And how can you forget Kingston Town, Sunline, Octagonal, Might and Power, Saintly, Makybe Diva (with her 3 Melb Cup wins).  And closer to town for you, good old Takeover Target, what a great story that was! Anyway I could go on and on, but I wont coz you already know them all.   I have been to the city races (in all capitals other than Adelaide) a number of times, but never one of the major carnivals.  

I also grew up on a farm, between Goulburn and Boorowa, and we always had horses as kids, usually the bosses stock horses who we were allowed to ride.  But later on we got our own horse and she was an ex registered racehorse.  And yep, she sure could run.  She was a bit of a bolter though, and generally we rode bareback, so we had our share of spills when coming to a stop at fences and the like.  But they were good times.

The cricket is progressing pretty well so far.  Bit of a pity that Warner got our in the 90's, but Finch just reached his century.  Manuka Oval usually has big scores, so they are going to need a big one.  Even more so if your weather forecast comes to fruition and Duckworth Lewis calculations come into being.  Always seems to favour the chasing team for some reason.

Yes I am also a big Pat Cummins fan, and felt so badly for him when he again went out with injury.  But he seems pretty positive about a comeback, and I just hope he can do it all again.  I'm also a Mitchell Starc fan, and it must have been pretty devastating for him to come down with a stress fracture in his foot at this time of year. Just when he'd become our #1 spearhead bowler with the retirement of Johnson last year.  So he is being missed in all forms of the game.

Okay, I must go and check on the cricket again.....    Good to have a chat about all the stuff I love.

Sherie xx

[Kazzl]

Neil! Did I read that right? You're a Canberran! I knew I liked you, now I like you even more😃

How very cool! Oh Lordy! Maybe we've met and don't know it. LOL! You'd remember me I'm sure - I'm the one in the grey cardigan with a pass on a lanyard around my neck. (Sorry everyone else, lame little Canberra joke).

I don't know why, but this has made me ridiculously happy!

OK, back to the cricket.

[Guest_5218]

Ha ha, isnt that funny?  I'm so glad you two have 'found' each other!

Can I be part of the fun too,  by saying that I used to be a Canberran?  

I lived there for 13 years before leaving in the year 2000.  

I try to avoid it these days (nothing against the ACT, its a trigger thing), and I still have a sister living there.

Oops, get back on topic Sherie, you dont want another rap over the nuckles!

Sport in Canberra was always good.  I used to attend the NRL at Seiffert Oval in Queanbeyan before they moved, and used to regularly go to the Canberra Cannons basketball matches and the athletics when it comes to Bruce Stadium.  I've even competed there in athletics myself!  But that was a while ago.  I also used to go to watch the ACT Brumbies. And as I said in an earlier post, I used to go to cricket and AFL matches at Manuka. And go to the races at Queanbeyan and Canberra.  Great place for sport!   I miss that side of it............

Sherie xx