Reds grind past Heart at Hindmarsh

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The difference ... Neumann continued his dream run in the A-League with another goal. Source:News Limited

A Melbourne Heart defensive blunder gifted Adelaide United import Jeronimo Neumann the match winner in a 1-0 triumph in Saturday's A-League encounter at Hindmarsh Stadium.

Neumann's second-half strike ensured Adelaide will end the round no lower than second on the table, the Argentine benefiting from a mistake by Heart stalwart Simon Colosimo.

The Melbourne defender, under little pressure in the 58th minute, butchered what should have been a routine clearance by inexplicably passing straight to Adelaide's Marcelo Carrusca.

Carrusca delivered to Neumann, who closed on goal and launched a shot from 10 metres.

Colosimo, diving to try and block the shot and make amends, had his agony compounded when Neumann's left-footer deflected from the defender's leg and into the net.

Adelaide's fifth victory from seven matches came after the Heart opened strongly on foreign turf.

But the visitor's captain Matt Thompson missed two genuine chances in the initial 20 minutes and the tide rapidly turned in the latter stages of the half.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Adelaide	7	5	1	1	6	16
2	Central Coast	7	4	2	1	7	14
3	Newcastle	6	4	0	2	1	12
4	Perth	6	3	1	2	2	10
5	Victory	7	3	1	3	-4	10
6	Brisbane	7	2	1	4	1	7
7	Heart	7	2	1	4	-1	7
8	Western Sydney	6	2	1	3	-1	7
9	Sydney	7	2	0	5	-9	6
10	Wellington	6	1	2	3	-2	5

The Reds crafted a series of scoring opportunities with Fabio Ferreira, Neumann and Evan Kostopoulos all unable to score from threatening positions.

Adelaide logged five shots on target to one in the opening half but Heart goalkeeper Clint Bolton was on song, denying both Neumann and Ferreira with spectacular saves.

Bolton instinctively thrust an arm into the path of the ball as Neumann charged at him in the 38th minute and nine minutes later produced a fine diving save to his right to steer from danger a Ferreira left-footer.

But Bolton could do nothing to prevent Neumann scoring for the fourth time this campaign as the Heart slipped to their fourth loss of the season - and fourth defeat in their past five games.

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Adelaide have now banked 16 points with five wins from seven games - a club best start to a season, which also equals their number of wins in the entirety of last season.

"It's no point dwelling on what we have achieved so far, it's what we have still got to achieve," Adelaide coach John Kosmina said.

"... It's a long way to go to achieve what I think they're capable of achieving as individuals and as a group."

In contrast, a fuming Aloisi criticised his side's mental weakness.

"It's a disappointing loss because we gave them the game," Aloisi said.

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"After they scored the goal, we stopped playing - we stopped moving, stopped competing, and that is the thing I'm disappointed about.

"You can go a goal down but you can't stop playing.

"We made that mistake and then it was all over."

Check out the stats at Match Centre!

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Soliman books bout with Sturm

The King ... Soliman (L) risks losing his shot at Geale by taking on the fight with Sturm. Source: News Limited

Veteran boxer Sam Soliman has received a lucrative but risky birthday present which could jeopardise his chances of fighting a fellow Australian for the IBF middleweight title.

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The No.1 ranked IBF contender, Soliman has signed to fight former champion Felix Sturm in Germany on February 2.

Soliman's manager David Stanley said the IBF granted champion Daniel Geale an exemption to fight Australian compatriot Anthony Mundine instead of his charge, provided the winner of that bout in Sydney on January 30 makes a mandatory defence by May 2.

Victorian Soliman could have waited for that opportunity, but that would have meant going just over eight months without a fight.

Instead he has opted to fight fourth-rated Sturm, who lost his WBA Super title to Geale in Germany in early September.

Geale was stripped of his WBA Super title for fighting Mundine instead of that organisation's standard WBA middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin.

The contract to fight Sturm came through on Soliman's 39th birthday last Tuesday.

Stanley confirmed it would be one of the most lucrative purses of Soliman's career and recognised they were risking his mandatory entitlement by fighting Sturm.

Soliman's last fight was a title eliminator points win back on August 24 against Giovanni Lorenzo, a man Sturm has also got a decision against.

"It's about the ring rust," Stanley said.

"Sam is a professional boxer as well, so it's a good fight in terms of good prizemoney for Sam.

"Sam knows what he's doing, he's putting his number one mandatory entitlement up, but obviously Sturm has got a steaming desire to get back at Geale."

Soliman is likely to head to Europe three weeks before the bout.

He may spend part of that final preparation period training in either Britain or the Netherlands before heading over to Germany.

Meanwhile, former IBF junior welterweight world champion Lovemore Ndou is set to make his Mixed Martial Arts debut on December 1, when he fights Aswin Cabuy for the Combat 8 featherweight title at the Panthers club in Newcastle.

"I have been boxing for 27 years and I'm starting to get bored in this sport, I don't find it as challenging anymore despite my love for it," said Ndou, who ultimately aspires to win a UFC title.

"I know boxing only forms a little part of MMA, but I'm working really hard to master the other parts of mixed martial arts."

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Mariners, Victory in riveting draw

Equaliser ... Melbourne Victory's Mark Milligan (C) levels the game with a header. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

A ten-man Central Coast courageously held on for a 2-2 draw against Melbourne Victory in Saturday night's A-League clash at Etihad Stadium.

The draw means the Mariners drop from top spot, ending a run of three consecutive wins.

Central Coast defender Patrick Zwaanswijk was red-carded in the 50th minute after both sides scored two goals each in the first half.

But despite the urgings of the vocal home crowd of 19,462, the Victory simply couldn't penetrate the Mariners' sturdy defence.

Veteran striker Daniel McBreen was a first-half hero for the visitors with two goals to take his season's tally to seven.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Adelaide	7	5	1	1	6	16
2	Central Coast	7	4	2	1	7	14
3	Newcastle	6	4	0	2	1	12
4	Perth	6	3	1	2	2	10
5	Victory	7	3	1	3	-4	10
6	Brisbane	7	2	1	4	1	7
7	Heart	7	2	1	4	-1	7
8	Western Sydney	6	2	1	3	-1	7
9	Sydney	7	2	0	5	-9	6
10	Wellington	6	1	2	3	-2	5

McBreen put the Mariners ahead with a brilliant one-touch, left-foot shot in the fourth minute after Mile Sterjovski crossed the ball towards goal with the outside of his right boot.

The Victory replied six minutes later through a strong header from teenager Andrew Nabbout, following a fine cross from creative midfielder Marco Rojas.

Nabbout's goal continued the teenager's fairytale run, coming into the starting side on Saturday night for ill Socceroos striker Archie Thompson after Nabbout scored twice as a substitute in last week's 3-2 win over Sydney FC.

McBreen showed his class by dancing around the Victory defence after seizing on a long ball from midfield to poke through his second goal for the match at the 22-minute mark as the Mariners regained the lead 2-1.

Mark Milligan's header into the net in the 40th minute allowed the Victory to draw level at 2-2.

Zwaanswijk had picked up a yellow card early in the first half for time-wasting and received a second and was sent off for leading with his elbow in a clumsy header challenge in midfielder against the Victory's Marcos Flores.

Rojas launched a shot from the penalty area which was saved on the goal-line by Central Coast defender Trent Sainsbury.

Flores didn't help the home side's chances when he gathered two yellow cards, one in the 65th minute for dissent and another in the 90th for a clumsy tackle, to also earn a send-off to make the contest 10 against 10.

Thompson was a late withdrawal because of a gastro complaint after vomiting during the warm-up.

A frustrated Victory skipper Adrian Leijer paid credit to Central Coast's defence.

"Against 10 men, you'd like to think we'd be able to get three points,'' he said.

---

Relive this cracker of a game, with all the stats and every goal, in our A-League Match Centre.

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'Beast' recovering after heart scare

The Beast ... Mtawarira was forced home after experiencing the heart palpatations in Dublin. Source: AP

Springbok prop Tendai "Beast" Mtawarira is recovering from the heart scare that forced him to pull out of South Africa's European tour and intends to be back in action next year.

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Mtawarira returned home to South Africa after he had a recurrence of mild heart palpitations shortly before the South Africans' tour opener against Ireland in Dublin on November 10.

He subsequently underwent "a minor medical procedure to correct an intermittent irregular heart rhythm" in Cape Town and was released from hospital on Friday, a South Africa Rugby Union press release said.

"I am well, so there is really no need to worry," said Mtawarira.

"The procedure went well. It's only a minor procedure and sometimes it needs to be done more than once to clear the palpitations.

"This is something that has happened to me before and that can be treated. Also, it's not career-threatening.

"Sometimes I get quite excited before a game and that is probably what triggered it.

"It's sad to miss out on the last two Tests of the season, but I've enjoyed a good year and am looking forward to 2013 very much."

The 27-year-old Mtawarira has been capped 41 times for South Africa. He was replaced at prop in Dublin by CJ van der Linde as the Springboks went on to win 16-12.

Toulouse prop Gurthro Steenkamp takes over from van der Linde for the second tour game against Scotland at Murrayfield.

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Video: goal of the year nominees

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Top of the lot ... Will Lionel Messi's strike against Brazil be judged as the best? Source:AFP

There are curlers, screamers, bicycle kicks, long rangers and stunning volleys but no Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

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FIFA announced its shortlist of the 10 goals of the year on the same day Zlatan's overhead goal against England sent the football world into meltdown.

Timing is everything, and FIFA say they won't bend the rules to get Ibra's goal added to the list.

At least we know one name on next year's voting.

And speaking of timing, on the same day as this year's list was announced, last year's winner Neymar of Brazil skied a penalty so badly it nearly went back over his own head.

The goal of the year award is named after Real Madrid and Hungarian legend Ferenc Puskás, who tormented defenders the world over during the 1950s.

Fans are invited to vote for their favourite on the FIFA website, with the winner being announced at the Ballon d'Or 2012 gala in January.

One belter that's missing is Papiss Cisse's goal for Newcastle against Chelsea.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moHR8tzNeyA)

Did the shortlist panel miss any others? Have your say below!

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Higginbotham rushes to join Wallabies

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See you hair ... Australia's Scott Higginbotham off to join the Wallabies. Source: Ross Setford / AFP

Wallabies standby forward Scott Higginbotham will arrive in London on Sunday (EDT) for the final two games of Australia's European tour against Italy and Wales.

Higginbotham will replace suspended reserve lock Rob Simmons who copped eight weeks for a lifting tackle against France.

Melbourne Rebels recruit Higginbotham would have been a definite starter on the tour but was unavailable for the opening two matches due to a suspension incurred for striking All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw.

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Higginbotham is available for the third leg of the tour against Italy in Florence on Saturday week and then the following week against the Welsh in Cardiff.

The Wallabies are set to appeal the severity of the Simmons's ban and have 48 hours to do so from the time they receive the written verdict.

But as of Friday in London, they had not received it.

Starting second-rower Kane Douglas, who was ruled out of Sunday's (EDT) Test with England, remains in doubt for the remainder of the tour with a knee injury.

He will be assessed before the squad travels to Florence.

---

Watch the Wallabies take on England LIVE, 1.30am (EDT) Sunday on Fox Sports 3HD.

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Rory gets it wrong in Hong Kong

Rory McIlroy ... missed the cut in Hong Kong. Source: Kin Cheung / AP

Rory McIlroy's bid to become the first man in half a century to retain the lucrative Hong Kong Open came to an embarrassing end on Friday as the world No.1 crashed out with a double-bogey.

With the 23-year-old almost certain to miss the halfway cut after a disastrous second round, New Zealander Michael Campbell surged to the top of the leaderboard and the tournament is now wide open after McIlroy's meltdown.

Campbell, who won the US Open in 2005 but has struggled since, took the clubhouse lead in blustery conditions with a 64 that was studded with seven birdies against a lone bogey for a two-day total of nine-under-par 131.

Miguel Angel Jimenez, Zhang Lianwei and the Swede Fredrik Andersson Hed were tied in second, a shot behind, with most of the second round completed at Hong Kong Golf Club.

McIlroy, whose third place in Singapore last weekend meant he tied up the European money list to add to his United States cash crown, started his second round brightly, making three birdies in his opening six holes.

But then the wheels came off. With the wind picking up under rolling clouds, the Northern Irishman went on a rotten run: he had four bogeys in five holes, made par on his penultimate hole, then finished with a double-bogey.

His round of two-over-par 72 left the starlet on five-over for the tournament, three shots shy of the projected cut.

He previously failed to make three cuts in May-June, including at the US Open where he was defending champion.

"I always enjoy coming back here. It's just a pity that this year had to end like that,'' said McIlroy, who audibly groaned when his approach shot went wayward on the fifth hole, to gasps from the large watching crowd.

"The wind was tricky. It definitely made play a little trickier. I didn't putt very well in Singapore last week. This week was the same, so a bit of putting practice is required in Dubai," he said.

What had until then been a hugely satisfying season for McIlroy concludes at the lucrative DP World Tour Championship next weekend. He has already sealed the Race to Dubai.

Anders Hansen of Denmark was fifth, two shots off Campbell. Daisuke Kataoka and the shock overnight leader, unknown Spaniard Javier Colomo, were tied sixth.

Marcus Fraser was the best placed Australian, a shot behind Kataoka and Colomo.

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Roar off bottom despite ADP double

Happy man ... Berisha's goal trumped a double strike from Del Piero. Source: AAP

The A-League's marquee man Alessandro Del Piero lived up to his superstar billing with two spectacular goals for Sydney FC against Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night, but it wasn't enough to stop the Roar recording a 4-2 win.

Unfortunately for the inspirational Italian the Roar found their attacking mojo, netting four times for a much-needed victory in front of 22,970 fans, who got more than their money's worth from Del Piero.

One fan was so appreciative of Del Piero's goals he ran onto the pitch in the 87th minute and gave the 38-year-old a hug before he was rounded up by security and escorted off the field.

After losing their coach earlier this week, Sydney slumped to their third straight defeat and are now under enormous pressure to turn their fortunes around and not let Del Piero's talents go to waste.

Brisbane led 3-1 at half-time with German Thomas Broich (30th minute), midfielder Erik Paartalu (33rd minute) and winger Ben Halloran (45th minute) all getting on the score sheet.

Del Piero ignited the big crowd in the 42nd minute when he broke free of Brisbane's smothering defence to crack a left-foot shot wide of mesmerised goalkeeper Michael Theo.

It was a classy piece of work by the World Cup-winning superstar, who topped the effort early in the second half with a brilliant goal which cut the lead to 3-2 and again had the big crowd on their feet applauding.

A swivel, half turn, a few steps and he was goal bound, fooling goalkeeper Theo with a shuffle of his quick feet before knocking it into the net.

Not to be outdone, Brisbane's own super boot Besart Berisha produced some magic of his own with a 56th minute goal that Del Piero would have been proud of.

His 25th goal also made him the club's all-time leading scorer.

In doubt all week with an abdominal complaint which coach Rado Vidosic joked had been cured by some "Balkan tea'', Berisha dribbled his way past four Sky Blues before beating keeper Ivan Necevski with his left foot.

Brisbane had a lucky escape several minutes later when fullback Ivan Franjic picked off a shot by Yairo Yau when it was centimetres from entering the goal.

Del Piero, who thanked the big crowd for turning out, said it was tough trying to come back at Brisbane all night.

"It was not a bad game, but not enough," he said.

The win lifted the two-time champions off the bottom of the ladder following three straight losses but left Sydney FC, who have now conceded 14 goals in their past three games, just one point off the bottom.

Review all the stats and watch video of the goals at Match Centre!

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Andrew Flintoff reveals bulimia battle

Fat Freddie drops ... the kilograms. Source: Samad Jewel / AFP

Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff regularly threw up in cricket grounds and restaurants as he battled bulimia early in his career.

As he embarks on a sporting comeback as a heavyweight boxer, Flintoff has revealed how lost 15kg during his struggle with the easting disorder.

"I used to be a really skinny kid, I used to be tall and skinny and I didn't drink, I didn't do much," Flintoff explained in a documentary to be aired in England later this month.

"Then I started putting weight on. I got to about 19 and a half to 20 stone.

"It was all a bit deeper than that because to lose the weight, I wasn't really sure how to go about it. I started being sick, I was sick a lot. I would eat and I would be sick.

"I would be doing it myself. I would put my fingers down my throat and everyone within the team hierarchy thought it was great because I was losing weight.

"I've thrown up in cricket grounds around the world, in restaurants, all sorts, and I lost about 15kg by doing that.

"It's not the right way to go, which I am very aware of. You start off doing it if you have a bad meal, you eat something you don't think you should have eaten or you have drunk too much.

"Then before you know it, even good meals you are getting rid of. It becomes a real habit. The only way really to lose weight is to train more and eat less, eat the right things."

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Warriors welcome Langer with win

Catch that ... Mitch Marsh of the Warriors. Source: Daniel Wilkins / News Limited

A day after securing Justin Langer as coach, Western Australia notched their first Sheffield Shield victory of the season with a 110-run triumph over South Australia at the WACA Ground.

SHEF - WACA Ground

12 November 2012 - Day 4, Session 3

South Australia 2nd Innings

T. Head	95	178	11	3	53.37
J. Haberfield	1	16	0	0	6.25

The Redbacks looked well and truly out of the contest early on the third day when dismissed for 237 in response to WA's 9(dec)-400, but roared back to life by bowling out the Warriors for just 191 in their second innings.

It could have been much less than that had it not been for Tom Triffitt's highest first-class score of 85, but it still left South Australia with some hope of chasing down 355 with just over day's play remaining.

Opener Sam Raphael couldn't quite survive until stumps as he fell lbw to Mitch Marsh for 12, Phil Hughes remaining not out on 17 and nightwatchman Joe Mennie unbeaten on two.

After WA took South Australia's last four wickets in the morning session for just 28 runs, Liam Davis (0), Marcus Harris (0) and Marcus North (1) all fell quickly, with the Warriors slumping to 3-3.

Adam Voges and Sam Whiteman steadied the ship before Voges was out just before lunch for three and Marsh fell for a 27-ball duck.

The score was 6-28 when Whiteman was run out for 15 and then 7-52 when Nathan Coulter-Nile fell for six.

Triffitt then combined for a 67-run partnership with Mitchell Johnson (38) before eventually falling for 85 from just 97 balls, his knock including 11 fours and a six.

He was the victim of an outstanding outfield catch from Callum Ferguson off the bowling of the underused Jake Haberfield.

Michael Beer added his second highest first-class score and remained not out on 26 with Michael Hogan the last wicket to fall for seven.

Chadd Sayers remained the pick of South Australia's bowlers taking 3-37 from 17 overs with Mennie finishing with 3-42, Haberfield 2-15 and Johan Botha 1-42.

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Wallabies name side to face England

Character ... Robbie Deans wants the Wallabies to fire up against England. Source: AAP

Fired-up Wallabies coach Robbie Deans set his side the challenge to bounce back against England and make amends for an inexcusable performance against France.

Deans admits it's been a tough week for the Wallabies who have been accused of lacking character against the French in their humiliating European tour opening 33-6 loss at Stade de France.

Of all the criticism aimed at them during the week, it's having the heart of the side questioned that's really hurt the Wallabies.

Starting: Berrick Barnes, Digby Ioane, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Ben Tapuai, Nick Cummins, Kurtley Beale, Nick Phipps, Wycliff Palu, Michael Hooper, Dave Dennis, Nathan Sharpe (capt), Sitaleki Timani, Ben Alexander, Tatafu Polota Nau, Benn Robinson.

Reserves: Stephen Moore, James Slipper, Sekope Kepu, Radike Samo, Liam Gill, Brett Sheehan, Mike Harris, Drew Mitchell.

Deans has made four changes to his team to face England at Twickenham.

"No one enjoys that,'' Deans said.

"The team has also shown a lot of character along the way and that's where last week's performance was out of character and inexcusable and we've got to get on and address it.

"Last week's performance was poor. I'm making no excuses about that and we've got to address that.''

To make Saturday's (Sunday Live on Fox Sports at 1.30pm AEDT) Test at Twickenham even more challenging, the Wallabies received a triple blow this week with inside centre Pat McCabe (neck) and second-rower Kane Douglas (knee) both ruled out of the England game.

They also lost reserve lock Rob Simmons for the tour after he copped an eight-week ban for his lifting tackle on French flanker Yannick Nyanga, with the Wallabies likely to appeal the severity of the suspension.

"We certainly have a lot of background in these sorts of challenges,'' Deans said.

"It's more the norm than otherwise and that's the nature of the industry - you've just got to keep going.

"Sure we've lost Tuesday's prep in terms of combinations but it's not the end of the world.''

Deans is likely to be forced into flying in two fresh players for the European tour following Simmons' ban, while it's feared Douglas' tour could also be over.

Standby Scott Higginbotham already has his bags packed while Deans has a decision to make on the other player to come in should Douglas not be declared fit for the Italy Test in Florence on Saturday (Sunday AEDT) week.

Higginbotham, who the Wallabies say hasn't been given an official call-up yet, is serving a suspension for striking All Blacks' captain Richie McCaw and will be available for Italy.

"We've maintained contact with Scotty, he continues to train and, from the outset, was hopeful that it wouldn't be the end of his tour prospects,'' Deans said.

"He's obviously a bloke who would have been here if he hadn't had that setback.''

There is major concern over Douglas with a call on his fitness expected to be made immediately after the England Test.

"We've got what we need for this (England) game. Obviously Dave (Dennis) can cover that area,'' Deans said.

"We need to monitor Kane's progress. It's possible we could call for two replacements. We've got to get through the weekend obviously.

"We'll do it as soon as it's evident. If the medical staff believe it's marginal whether he'll be available to us next week, we'll probably have to act.''

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Crows skipper caught up in cap drama

Nathan van Berlo ... the latest caught up in the Crows' cap crisis. Source: Colleen Petch / News Limited

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Adelaide Crows skipper Nathan van Berlo was paid outside the club's salary cap, it has been reported, as the Kurt Tippett saga takes an unexpcted twist.

A report from Melbourne newspaper The Age late on Thursday night said van Berlo was the second Adelaide player to become embroiled in the club's salary cap scandal.

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The Crows are said to be under investigation for third-party payments made to van Berlo.

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Adelaide are already facing heavy sanctions over third-party deals for Tippett and are set to face the AFL commission on Monday at 1pm (EDT).

The Crows confessed to their secret arrangements with Tippett just as a deal to send him to Sydney Swans was about to be completed in last month's trade window.

They were hopeful their decision to come clean to the league and their "exemplary" record would bring some leniancy.

However, if the van Berlo claims were found to be true, they will likely be hit even harder by the AFL.

Thursday's Fairfax Media report said that four companies were involved with the third-party payments brokered for Tippett when they signed him to a three-year contract which expired at the end of the 2012 season.

McMahon Services, a South Australian-based resource company, paid the full-forward $20,000 to $30,000 a year for two years, while club sponsor Amcor Packaging was also approached regarding a third-party deal for the 25-year-old, the report said.

Balfours Bakery diverted $30,000 from a club sponsorship to Tippett at the written request of the Crows, with one other, unknown company also caught in the scandal.

It is not yet known which company paid the extra money to van Berlo, who became Adelaide's captain last year, or how much he was offered.

The Crows were forced to delist young midfielder Nick Joyce on Thursday but have assured him that he will be redrafted at the "earliest opportunity" following their hearing.

Told by the AFL they could not delist Tippett ahead of the hearing, Adelaide needed to clear an extra spot on their list so that they could make their compulsory three selections at next week's national draft.

The Crows are bracing to be excluded from the first few rounds of the draft pending Monday's hearing, meaning they must hope Joyce is still available when they enter the draft.

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Perfect Knicks roll on in NBA

Unstoppable ... Carmello Anthony on his way to 25 points for the Knicks. Source: John Raoux / News Limited

Carmelo Anthony scored 25 points while JR Smith and Raymond Felton added 21 each as New York Knicks beat Orlando 99-89 to remain the NBA's only unbeaten team.

The Knicks moved to 5-0, with JJ Redick's 18 points unable to stop the Magic dropping their fifth consecutive game as they continue to struggle without starters Jameer Nelson and Hedo Turkoglu.

Danny Green hit the go-ahead three-pointer with 9.3 seconds left and Tony Parker scored 19 points as San Antonio beat Los Angeles 84-82 - the Lakers' first loss since firing coach Mike Brown.

After Pau Gasol missed a three-pointer, Tiago Splitter's hustle prevented the Lakers controlling the rebound before the buzzer sounded on Los Angeles' first game since hiring Mike D'Antoni.

Ramon Sessions scored 21 points as Charlotte had a 92-76 win over Washington, the Bobcats securing back-to-back victories for the first time since December.

Rookie Michael Kidd-Gilchrist chipped in with 15 points and eight rebounds before leaving in the fourth quarter with a sore back. Trevor Ariza scored 19 points for the Wizards, who fell to 0-6.

At Indianapolis, DeMar DeRozan scored 15 points and Jose Calderon had 13 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists as Toronto pipped Indiana 74-72.

Toronto led 69-58 heading into the fourth and hit only one field goal the rest of the way - a club low.

Brooklyn posted their third consecutive win with Deron Williams contributing 26 points and 10 assists in a 114-101 victory over Cleveland.

Anderson Varejao scored a career-high 35 points and grabbed 18 rebounds for the Cavaliers.

Damian Lillard had 22 points and nine assists to help Portland stop a four-game losing streak with a 103-86 win over Sacramento.

James Johnson scored 16 for the Kings, who dropped their third straight game.

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Starc only focused on Shield win

Bowling along ... Mitchell Starc is focused on four-day cricket. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

Mitchell Starc won't let his mind wander to Friday's likely Adelaide Test squad announcement, saying his focus is on helping New South Wales run through Victoria's lower order to capitalise on late wickets secured on Wednesday evening.

SHEF - Sydney Cricket Ground

13 November 2012 - Day 2, Session 3

Victoria 1st Innings

C. Rogers	84	178	12	0	47.19
C. White	2	5	0	0	40

The Blues cashed in on fading SCG light by bagging the wickets of Glenn Maxwell (39) and Peter Handscomb (0), giving the home side a much-needed lift after former Test opener Chris Rogers had blasted an unbeaten 84 to give the Bushrangers the upper hand in the Sheffield Shield clash.

The dual blow, delivered in tandem by Stephen O'Keefe and Josh Hazlewood, left the Bushrangers in a vulnerable state at 5-177, still 116 short of NSW's first-innings total of 293 set on Tuesday.

"It was nice to get those two wickets late there with that little burst of four overs," Starc said after the rain-marred day's play.

"That probably puts us back on even terms at the moment ... it's going to be a key session that first one, to get a couple of wickets and get into their bowlers hopefully with a bit of a lead."

Two hours and 15 minutes of play were lost to rain on day two but Starc, who is vying for a recall to the Australia team to play South Africa on Thursday week, said the overcast conditions hadn't had a significant impact on the wicket.

The tall left-armer didn't do his chances a great deal of good, taking just 1-50 off his 14 overs, but he said that was not his focus this week.

"We've got two more days of cricket out here," Starc said when asked if he'd done enough to regain his Test spot.

"All my focus is on winning the game for NSW and doing all I can with the ball and, if need be, a little bit with the bat to get the win.

"I'll let the rest of it worry about itself later."

His one victim was veteran Bushranger David Hussey, who was cramped for space when the left-armer came around the wicket and the Victoria star played onto his stumps on nine.

Starc said the lifeless wicket meant the most-effective weapon among the Blues' much-vaunted pace attack was reverse swing - which young gun Josh Hazlewood exploited late in the day to have Handscomb trapped lbw.

Vastly-improved all-rounder Moises Henriques was the pick of the bowlers, removing Carters and Aaron Finch (9) for the economical figures of 2-13 off nine overs.

Due to the time lost to poor weather on Wednesday, play will start half an hour early, at 10.30am (EDT), on Thursday.

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WA collapse opens door for SA

Leading the way ... Hughes will need runs on day four. Source: Renee Nowytarger / News Limited

South Australia have given themselves a chance of an unlikely Sheffield Shield victory over Western Australia, heading into the last day at the WACA needing a further 323 runs with nine wickets remaining.

SHEF - WACA Ground

12 November 2012 - Day 3, Session 3

South Australia 2nd Innings

P. Hughes	17	40	3	0	42.5
J. Mennie	2	5	0	0	40

The Redbacks looked well and truly out of the contest early on the third day when dismissed for 237 in response to WA's 9(dec)-400, but roared back to life by bowling out the Warriors for just 191 in their second innings.

It could have been much less than that had it not been for Tom Triffitt's highest first-class score of 85, but it still left South Australia with some hope of chasing down 355 with just over day's play remaining.

Opener Sam Raphael couldn't quite survive until stumps as he fell lbw to Mitch Marsh for 12, Phil Hughes remaining not out on 17 and nightwatchman Joe Mennie unbeaten on two.

After WA took South Australia's last four wickets in the morning session for just 28 runs, Liam Davis (0), Marcus Harris (0) and Marcus North (1) all fell quickly, with the Warriors slumping to 3-3.

Adam Voges and Sam Whiteman steadied the ship before Voges was out just before lunch for three and Marsh fell for a 27-ball duck.

The score was 6-28 when Whiteman was run out for 15 and then 7-52 when Nathan Coulter-Nile fell for six.

Triffitt then combined for a 67-run partnership with Mitchell Johnson (38) before eventually falling for 85 from just 97 balls, his knock including 11 fours and a six.

He was the victim of an outstanding outfield catch from Callum Ferguson off the bowling of the underused Jake Haberfield.

Michael Beer added his second highest first-class score and remained not out on 26 with Michael Hogan the last wicket to fall for seven.

Chadd Sayers remained the pick of South Australia's bowlers taking 3-37 from 17 overs with Mennie finishing with 3-42, Haberfield 2-15 and Johan Botha 1-42.

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Third umpire row mars Bulls' victory

Smashing ... Reardon got the Bulls home with 71 from just 54 balls. Source: News Limited

Third umpire controversies have reared their head again in the Ryobi Cup, with Queensland coach Darren Lehmann showing his anger at a call despite a five-wicket win over Tasmania at Bellerive Oval.

ODD - Blundstone Arena

14 November 2012 - Day 1, Session 2

Queensland 1st Innings

N. Reardon	71	54	8	3	131.48
J. Floros	10	11	1	0	90.91
J. Krejza	8.5	0	58	1	6.57

Lehmann brandished the competition's rule book at a television camera after Australia one-day representative Peter Forrest was given out lbw when third umpire Paul Wilson intervened.

On-field umpire Geoff Joshua had given Forrest not out when Tigers quick James Faulkner appealed in the 35th over with the score 2-168 and the Bulls chasing 276 for victory.

But on viewing a replay, Wilson reversed the decision and Forrest was on his way for four at a crucial point in the match.

Lehmann was seen leaving the players' viewing area with his copy of the playing conditions, returning several minutes later.

It is not the first time the competition's third umpire review system has come under scrutiny.

Bulls captain Chris Hartley recently questioned it, saying batsmen were hanging around waiting for replays.

Hartley called for international cricket's two referral system to be adopted.

Earlier in Wednesday's match, Tasmania keeper Tim Paine was sent on his way caught behind when an inconclusive TV replay was viewed and the original decision upheld.

Under the playing conditions, the third umpire can change a decision if TV replays show it to be clearly wrong.

The controversy overshadowed classy knocks from Tigers captain George Bailey (102 from 124 balls) and Queensland's former Test batsman Usman Khawaja (78 from 91).

Bailey showed the way as his struggling side made 275 after being sent in, with Alex Doolan (48 from 68) chipping in and James Faulkner blasting 30 from 16 balls, including three sixes from one Ben Cutting over.

Queensland were cruising at 0-116 and 2-168 when Forrest was given out before Nathan Reardon smashed 71 from 54 balls, with eight fours and three sixes, to steer his side to 5-278 with a single ball to spare.

The win was the Bulls' first for the season, while the Tigers are now 1-3.

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Pocock, Douglas out for Wallabies

Anticipation ... David Pocock - in his last Test appearance - will have to wait another week to return. Source: AAP

Australia's European tour nightmare has continued with star flanker David Pocock and second-rower Kane Douglas both ruled out of the Wallabies' clash with England at Twickenham on Saturday (Sunday AEDT).

Pocock had a calf muscle injury which is expected to see him miss one Test while Douglas has a knee injury.

The pair had scans on Monday afternoon with the results confirming that both would have to bypass the game, which kicks off at 1.30am on Sunday morning (AEDT).

Pocock hasn't played for the Wallabies since the opening match of the Rugby Championship against the All Blacks due to a medial ligament injury.

As the pair will be reassessed ahead of Australia's next Test the following weekend against Italy, standby forward Scott Higginbotham will not be sent to the UK at this stage.

Higginbotham still has one match to serve in his suspension for striking All Blacks captain Richie McCaw but he would be available for the third leg of the tour against Italy in Florence on Saturday (Sunday AEDT) week if required.

Australia were hammered 33-6 in the opening game of the European tour by France in Paris last weekend.

---

Watch the Wallabies take on England Live on Fox Sports 3HD at 1:30am on Sunday.

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Socceroos, Korea at crossroads

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Friendly ... Brett Holman and Ki Sung-Yueng tussle but neither will take part on Wednesday. Source: Marwan Naamani / AFP

Australia's Socceroos are looking for change and perhaps it can be found on Wednesday night in Hwaseong's new stadium, 45 minutes or so south of Seoul.

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Maybe the next generation will show, when they step onto the former rice fields converted to a football arena, that there is fertile ground to sustain the nation for years to come. For the Koreans, unsure as what to do with this game in terms of selection, the situation is a little more complex; but then nothing is ever straightforward in the so-called Land of the Morning Calm.

It is Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun, that has provided rivalry to the Socceroos in recent years, but a look a little to the west and this bustling nation of 50 million inhabitants, and Australia may find it has a few things in common.

• Eli Babalj
• Aziz Behich
• Alex Broqsue
• James Holland
• Mathew Leckie
• Ryan McGowan
• Matt McKay
• Lucas Neill
• Tommy Oar
• Mathew Ryan
• Adam Sarota
• Michael Thwaite
• Tomas Rogic
• Nikita Rukavystya
• Mark Schwarzer
• Matthew Spiranovic
• Archie Thompson
• Carl Valeri
• Luke Wilkshire.

Both leagues are at something of a crossroads, although the situation in Korea is much more dramatic. The K-League is still recovering from a shocking 2011 match-fixing scandal that implicated over 60 players and coaches, past and present and provoked the suicide of three, probably four, participants.

And that's not all. The recent arrest of  one of the ringleaders and former international striker Kim Dong-hyun for an attempted kidnapping and car chase through Seoul was just depressing as were pictures showing the disgraced Choi Sung-kuk, working as a forlorn-looking hospital receptionist, banned from the beautiful game he once played beautifully.

The scandal stung authorities into action. This is the first season that clubs will be relegated, the league has been split into groups of eight, two thirds of the way through the season and clubs are being forced to get their acts together off the pitch.

The long-term plan is that it will help the K-League catch up with its baseball counterpart. While football Down Under plays catch-up with NRL and AFL, over the past four or five years, the K-League has relinquished its position at the top of the domestic tree.

Even baseball can't compete with the national team though perhaps too much emphasis is placed on the World Cup and Olympic Games by the powers-that-be.

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Japan not qualifying for the World Cup would be a massive disappointment but the J-league would dust itself down after a few months and get back on track.

Such an absence would not only be a shock to Seoul, 1982 was the last time the Taeguk Warriors did not make it, it would be a serious blow to the K-League and football in general. Some think it would actually be a good thing and force a real clearout of the well-connected corporate types at KFA House, others are not so sure.

That may be a hypothetical debate at the moment but the growing number of Koreans heading to the Middle East is a genuine issue. Until now, shoulders have been shrugged in the face of 'oil money' but that could change if bigger and younger talents start to make the move. For players, it can be risky with even established internationals losing their places after moving west.

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What has been welcomed is the influx of Australians, most of which have made a positive impact. After the roaring success of Sasa Ognenovski, other clubs wanted Aussie defenders of their own and the likes of Adrian Madaschi and especially Luke De Vere have impressed, and not just in the expected terms of power, leadership and set pieces.

The arrival of Matt McKay marked an important change, the first Aussie not signed because he was big and strong. He has been perhaps the best attacking player with, an admittedly defensive, Busan. His incisiveness, consistency, and versatility have led the local media to start calling him the 'Australian Park Ji-sung' and a move to a bigger club, in Korea or Japan, in the winter is possible.

Park himself is rarely discussed these days in relation to the national team - he retired almost two years ago. The search for his replacement seems less intense after the emergence and/or development and genuinely exciting attacking talent. It is the search for a new defence that is on the mind of Korean coach Choi Kang-hee.

Neither of the full-backs who played in last month's loss in Iran will feature and it could be a new centre-back pairing too with captain Kwak Tae-hwi, fresh from lifting the Asian Champions League trophy, rested rather than dropped.

The English-based trio of Ki Sung-yeung, Kim Bo-kyoung, Lee Chung-young, the Bundesliga's Koo Je-cheol and Son heung-min and Park Chu-young in La Liga have been left with their clubs by coach Choi.

The eternally glum-looking tactician who led Jeonbuk Motors to one Asian title and one final (and who never wanted the Korea job in the first place, refusing the KFA a number of times before they took him out and got a drunken agreement) explained there was little point in having players arriving jetlagged for training on Monday, if they were lucky, for a Wednesday friendly.

Partly because of this and the Australian selection - as well as Ulsan's Asian Champions League win, the upcoming change of president at the Korean FA, various new teams being formed, one team's boycott of the K-League and the first ever relegation battle in the country -the build-up to the friendly has been muted.

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Fans to get club-themed cemetery

Afterlife ... Schalke fans will be able to continue supporting the club from their graves. Source: AAP

Many fans devote their lives to their beloved clubs, but in Germany fans can continue that support in the afterlife.

German side Schalke have opened up a cemetery which overlooks their stadium in which fans can reserve plots for $1525, with an annual upkeep of $152.

The 'Schalke Fan Field' will be a replica of the stadium, complete with full-size goals and substitute benches, all surrounded by blue and white flowers - the club's colours.

However Schalke, who follow in the footsteps of Argentine club Boca Juniors and Bundesliga rivals Hamburg in setting up club cemeteries, say the venture is not a money-spinner for them.

The club has stated that they don't do "business with death" and that their is a desire amongst their fanbase for the scheme to exist.

The club's official graveyard, just outside Schalke's Veltins Arena, will open in December and some supporters have already booked their spots, including fan club vice chairman Rolf Rojek.

"My life is Schalke and at some point I will lay on the fan field, with my friends having a view of the stadium forever," said Rojek.

"What more could you want?"

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Hughes falls short against WA

Just short ... Phil Hughes narrowly misses out on a century against WA. Source: Renee Nowytarger / News Limited

Former Test opener Phil Hughes was run out for 92 before South Australia's middle order wilted in their Sheffield Shield clash with Western Australia at the WACA Ground.

Hughes, who moved from NSW to the Redbacks earlier this year, cracked 17 boundaries and looked in ominous touch as he moved into the 90s.

SHEF - WACA Ground

12 November 2012 - Day 2, Session 3

South Australia 1st Innings

J. Botha	3	27	0	0	11.11
T. Ludeman	6	26	1	0	23.08

But Callum Ferguson's attempt at a quick single brought about the undoing of Hughes, who was short of his ground following a direct hit from ace Warriors fielder Nathan Coulter-Nile.

At stumps on day two, South Australia were 6-209 in reply to WA's 9(dec)-400, with captain Johan Botha unbeaten on three and Tim Ludeman on six.

The Redbacks were cruising at 1-141, but Michael Klinger's dismissal for 37 and the run-out of Hughes sparked a collapse of 5-59, with Ferguson (23) and Dan Christian (8) among the victims.

Although disappointed in his failure to reach three figures, Hughes could take comfort in his sizzling stroke play against a strong WA pace attack featuring former Test star Mitchell Johnson, the ever reliable Michael Hogan and Australia A representative Coulter-Nile.

Hughes, who was dumped from the Test fold last year following a lean trot with the bat, has now posted scores of 114, 95no, 95, 92 and 83 this summer in various forms of the game.

Stand-in WA coach Adam Griffith praised the influence of Coulter-Nile, who scored 52 in the Warriors' first-innings before completing the crucial run-out of Hughes.

"They're the game-changing moments that special players with that athletic ability can do, and he's done that today,'' Griffith said of the run-out.

Meanwhile, Australian Test great Justin Langer is set to be unveiled as WA's new coach on Wednesday.

Langer wanted to complete his duties as Australia's batting coach for the first Test against South Africa before confirming his new deal with the Warriors.

The 41-year-old's arrival comes at a crucial time for WA, who have been rocked by a series of off-field misdemeanours over the past few years, including the Perth Scorchers' boozy night out in South Africa last month.

"No doubt there was a lot happening there and the team did get distracted a little bit,'' Griffith said.

"But now we've made a conscious effort to move on from that, and I think the guys have done that this week.''

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Wallabies to ring changes for England

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In the frame ... Barnes could replace Harris at fullback for the clash with England. Source:News Limited

Berrick Barnes is expected to be among a raft of changes Wallabies coach Robbie Deans will make to his starting line-up to face England this weekend as the Australians look to get their European tour back on track.

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Deans has plenty of quality players returning from injury for the clash at Twickenham with flanker David Pocock, winger Digby Ioane, lock Sitaleki Timani and prop Ben Alexander available for Saturday's (Sunday's AEDT) Test.

Hooker Stephen Moore is also expected to come under consideration after making his return from a hamstring injury off the bench in last weekend's 33-6 loss to France in Paris where he became Australia's most capped hooker, while winger Drew Mitchell could also find his way into the team.

Blindside flanker Dave Dennis, who started against France, could be in the firing line with an option for Deans to start both openside specialists Pocock and Michael Hooper.

"We've got a number of blokes we should be able to consider this week," Deans said.

"We were always going to consider that group when they returned and obviously we consider the previous performance in determining our starting line-up at every instance."

Barnes produced a solid cameo at fullback in his return from injury against France with his effort pleasing Deans.

The NSW Waratahs star came on early in the second half for fullback Mike Harris who was struggling at the back for the Wallabies.

"Berrick did well. He did what he does well. He's a good communicator," Deans said.

Deans was asked if Barnes was ready start against England.

"Yes. He's obviously returning from injury and we sort of managed him through that but he reported as being fine after the game."

Until his French cameo Barnes hadn't played since suffering a punctured lung against Argentina in September.

"It was my first time back for a while and I really felt it out there," he said.

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"It'd be good to start (against England). I've got a bit of work to do fitness wise but some coaches like to start returning players then bring them off later but that's Robbie's call to make."

England are coming off a seven-try 54-12 annihilation of Fiji last Saturday and are looking to chalk up a third straight Cook Cup win over the Wallabies.

"They'll be puffing their chests out. They had a very good win against the Fijians," Barnes said.

"They'll be confident but we have to lick our wounds and get on with it. There's no better motivation than playing the Poms in their own backyard."

Australia's recent nemesis, winger Chris Ashton, is available to make his return for England after missing the Fiji game due to suspension after picking up three yellow cards in the Heineken Cup.

Ashton has scored three tries in three Tests against Australia and coach Stuart Lancaster said the speedster will be raring to go.

"Chris was desperately disappointed to miss this game (against Fiji)," Lancaster said.

"He likes scoring tries and, if anything, this will fuel his hunger and desire to get back into the side. It was a tough lesson to learn.

"(Australia) are a top-three side and we recognise the quality of players we will need to beat them."

Lancaster is also expecting to have prop Alex Corbisiero and centre Jonathan Joseph available to face the Wallabies.

Watch the Wallabies battle England Live and in HD on Fox Sports 3 from 1.30am (EDT) Sunday!

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Crows, Tippett charged by AFL

AFL ... Adelaide Crows and Kurt Tippett face draft tampering and salary cap charges. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

Adelaide Crows and Kurt Tippett face serious sanctions after being charged over alleged draft tampering and salary cap breaches.

The club, its CEO Steven Trigg, former football operations manager John Reid and the out-of-contract Tippett were all ordered by the AFL to front a hearing in Melbourne on Monday.

Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson last week admitting the Crows expected to be hit hard with sanctions for the next two national drafts.

AFL general manager football operations Adrian Anderson said he acted in in accordance with AFL Player Rule 17 which relates to the enforcement of the AFL Draft and Total Player Payments.

"I have charged the Adelaide Crows Football Club, Adelaide Crows chief executive officer Steven Trigg, former Adelaide Crows general manager of football operations John Reid and Adelaide Crows listed-player Kurt Tippett each with two charges," he said.

"The Adelaide Crows FC, Mr Trigg, Mr Reid and Tippett were advised in writing of the charges ... and will be heard before the full AFL Commission at 1pm."

The Commission has the power to impose penalties as it sees fit, including:

Clubs - financial sanctions and/ or eligibility to participate in up to four draft selection meetings and/ or loss of the right to register any player to whom a rule breach relates.

Players - financial sanctions and/ or exclusion from the right to participate in the draft process.

Club Staff - financial sanctions and / or the right to perform any role for or on behalf of the club.

Adelaide released a statement shortly after the AFL announced the charges.

"The AFL has advised the Adelaide Football Club of charges arising from its investigation into contract arrangements with Kurt Tippett," the statement said.

"The Adelaide Football Club is determined to explain its position to members, sponsors and all stakeholders as soon as possible.

In the meantime, the Club notes that this matter is being investigated by the AFL as a direct result of our decision to report it and offer full assistance to the investigation."

Former Crows captain Mark Ricciuto said based on past cases, the club and Tippett faced heavy penalties.

"The AFL don't do things by half and you look at anyone who's done wrong they've been given a fair whack, so I wouldn't be surprised if they go pretty hard at the Crows," he said.

"At the end of the day if they've done wrong - and it looks like they might have - their going to be hit hard with the salary cap, a fine and draft picks.

"That's not going to affect them so much next year but in four or five years when you're looking for those kids to come through ... then it will hurt a bit."

The news comes on the same day Melbourne Demons escaped immediate punishment for its alleged tanking in 2009.

The Demons still face unprecedented penalties but investigations are continuing, which means its key picks in the upcoming national draft - No.4 and No.27 (reserved for father-son star Jack Viney) will remain in their hands.

Given clubs need a week to respond to any potential charges, there is not enough time for the Demons to reply to any charges.

Should they be charged the penalties would not apply until the 2013 draft, which means Melbourne will be able to take their prized selections.

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Cowan reveals Test inspiration

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Relief ... Cowan locked up his spot for the series against the Proteas with a fine century. Source:AFP

Gazing toward the heavens after reaching his maiden Test ton at the Gabba on Monday, besieged Australia opener Ed Cowan at first looked like a man simply relieved to have silenced his critics.

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But when the dust settled on a remarkable fourth day of Australia's first Test against South Africa, Cowan, 30, revealed a much more poignant reason behind his emotional salute.

Twelve months ago to the day, his mentor and close friend Peter Roebuck was found dead at a Cape Town hotel while covering Australia's Test tour of South Africa.

"I am well aware of the date. That was why I looked skywards upon making a hundred," Cowan said after his 136 helped Australia reach 4-487, 37 ahead of South Africa.

"I had a conversation (about him) with my wife this morning on an earlier than normal walk because I couldn't really sleep.

"(And) it was this day last year that started my season, the day I found out that he had died.

"I was battling away a little bit (for Tasmania) so that kick-started me."

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By the 2011 Boxing Day Test, the memory of the respected commentator, player and writer had helped a rejuvenated Cowan earn his first baggy green.

But by the time Cowan had arrived for the Gabba Test against the world No.1 Proteas, he again seemed in need of inspiration.

On borrowed time after failing to reach triple figures in his 12 previous Test knocks, Cowan had also been passed over when Cricket Australia handed out their 17 contracts this season and had averaged only 21 in Shield cricket this season.

However, Cowan finally got the monkey - and selectors - off his back as he chimed into a record 259-run fourth wicket stand with captain Michael Clarke (218 not out) on Monday.

The usually patient Cowan appeared to follow a new attacking gameplan in his six-and-a-half hour knock - featuring 18 fours - that was abruptly ended after lunch by a freak run out.

But Cowan revealed the plan had been set at his last Test knock - 55 on a difficult Roseau deck against West Indies in April.

"A lot of you weren't watching but in the last innings in the West Indies ... I thought that was a pretty good blueprint," Cowan said.

"Before that I had a heart to heart with JL (batting coach Justin Langer); he was all about going out there and playing my shots.

"I felt like I backed that up."

Cowan survived a caught behind shout at 47 on Sunday before a run out scare on 106 and being dropped on 123 on Monday.

One of Cowan's few complaints was the fact the Gabba crowd's warm applause for notching his ton woke up his 12-week-old daughter Romy while she was being nursed by wife Virginia in the stands.

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Redbacks pay for dropped catches

Punishment ... Marcus Harris dropped twice on his way to a century for Western Australia Source: Alf Sorbello / News Limited

Western Australia opener Marcus Harris made the most of South Australia's butter fingers to put the Warriors in a strong position after day one of the Sheffield Shield clash at the WACA Ground.

Harris made 114 to lift the Warriors from a precarious 3-60 to a competitive 7-327, but the 20-year-old rode his luck along the way.

SHEF - WACA Ground

12 November 2012 - Day 1, Session 3

Western Australia 1st Innings

M. Marsh	51	99	9	0	51.52
M. Johnson	4	5	0	0	80

Michael Klinger was left to rue the one that got away after dropping Harris at first slip when the left-hander was on just six.

Then when Harris was on 51, wicketkeeper Tim Ludeman grassed a tough chance diving to his left.

The double reprieve came back to haunt the Redbacks, with Harris spending 276 minutes at the crease and cracking 19 boundaries to post the second century of his fledgling first-class career.

In March last year, Harris became the youngest player in Australian first-class cricket history to reach 150 when he made 157 against Queensland.

Harris was just 18 years and 227 days old at the time, and admitted he had struggled to string consistent performances together since then.

"It was a difficult year for me last year. I couldn't consolidate my spot,'' said Harris, who averaged 28.75 from 13 first-class hit-outs before this match.

"And I've had a frustrating start to this season.

"I've been hitting the ball quite well and I haven't been able to get past that 35-run sort of mark.

"So it's good to get a big score under my belt today and hopefully set up a good result for WA.''

After winning the toss, WA were in all sorts of trouble at 3-60 following the cheap dismissals of Liam Davis (four), Sam Whiteman (14) and Marcus North (7).

Harris should have been added to that mix, but Klinger spilled a chest-high catch at first slip off the bowling of paceman Chadd Sayers.

It was a day to forget for Klinger, who also dropped North when the former Warriors skipper was on seven.
North failed to add to his tally before hitting out.

Harris wasn't as generous, but his day was finally brought to an end when he tickled a Jake Haberfield leg-side delivery through to the keeper.

All-rounder Mitch Marsh picked up where Harris left off in making an unbeaten 51, while Nathan Coulter-Nile (52 off 52 balls) and new Warriors skipper Adam Voges (47) also made handy scores.

The Warriors, who will announce Justin Langer as their new coach later this week, sit last on the Shield table following three outright losses, while South Australia have one win from four games.

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Roar living in the past: Slater

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Past glories ... Brisbane Roar sit on the bottom of the A-League ladder after six rounds. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

It is easy to look good when your team is winning, but when you're losing, that is when a player's real character is exposed.

Brisbane Roar is finding that out. The back-to-back champions are living in the past and their results are proving it.

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It no longer matters what the Roar have done in the past two seasons. It's what they are doing now that counts.

During the next few weeks we are going to discover just how much Brisbane's shocking start to the season is hurting the players.

The Roar still has time to save its campaign and there is enough talent in the squad to resurrect its season.

But you find out a lot more about people when things are not going well for them.

While it is a big call to say the Brisbane squad no longer has the same hunger, this is a big test for every player to stand up and show what they are made of.

Rather than talking about how good they are, they need to show it.

The pressure is also mounting on Brisbane coach Rado Vidosic in what is a results-driven occupation.

Vidosic knew his every move was going to be scrutinised when he accepted the head coaching role after seven years as an assistant, the last of two of which were as master mentor Ange Postecoglou's right-hand man.

It is easy to say in hindsight, but Vidosic would have been better off starting his career as a head coach elsewhere.

It would have given him more time to succeed and put his own philosophies in place.

He is virtually on a hiding to nothing in Brisbane, where the expectation is now constant success after the club's deeds in the past two seasons.

There is no doubting that Vidosic is a great football person, who eats, breathes and sleeps the game. But he is such a nice guy and he has known these Roar players for so long, that it looks like it is an effort for him to get angry.

He was as white as a ghost when he described Brisbane's performance as "garbage" in their 4-1 loss to Melbourne Heart on Friday night.

As a head coach, you have to be able to mix things up.

An occasional Vidosic blast will ensure that his Brisbane players get the message that they can no longer consider themselves untouchable.

Rival teams no longer fear the Roar and are coming up with game plans to beat them rather than avoid losing.

Vidosic needs to make team changes for this Friday's home clash against Sydney FC.

The players Vidosic has stuck by are not getting results and a fourth-straight defeat would be disastrous.

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Social Grant no leader: Buzz

Social life ... John Grant must begin the business of running the game of rugby league. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

No wonder the NRL still can't find a chief executive, work out player salaries for next year, find a referees boss, or even decide the venues for our showpiece State of Origin series.

It's become too hard to drag chairman John Grant out of a social event or a meet-and-greet with Prince Charles, a flash restaurant, a hire car or the first-class cabin of a Qantas plane.

Rugby league has now officially become a laughing stock in Australian sport.

Not only are we still waiting for a new boss - it's now six months and counting - no one can tell us where next year's Origin games will be played.

Queensland was expected to have two matches at Suncorp - but we are now told that is all yet to be confirmed.

A commission meeting on November 20 will determine the venues following a late push from Melbourne.

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"It's all up in the air," one senior NRL executive said. "Like most things these days it's very hard to make a decision."

In Melbourne, you rarely see or hear from the AFL's chairman Mike Fitzpatrick.

He does his business from behind the scenes while Andrew Demetriou and to a lesser extent Gill McLachlan are the frontline faces.

Not so John Grant. Since stepping into the role at the beginning of the year, Grant and his lovely wife Helen have become social butterflies.

They were at Epsom Day at Randwick and later at the flash Century restaurant at Star Casino. They were in Melbourne last weekend for Derby Day.

The Maserati-driving multi-millionaire is also often seen in the company of Wayne Bennett and Bob Fulton.

He knows the enormous sway they carry in the game and has made a point of befriending them.

He's been to England - first class of course - on a holiday. It helps to explain the snail-like pace of decision-making at the NRL these days.

At least it's great news for NSW fans that they can't make their minds up about Origin venues. Only one game in Brisbane will help us.

The AFL has had its draw for the entire 2013 season for weeks while the NRL hasn't finalised club or representative schedules.

Blues coach Laurie Daley says he is not overly concerned about the venues.

"It doesn't matter where we play," Daley said. "We've still got to beat them, whether it's Melbourne or Brisbane. Obviously, the boys enjoy the home ground in Sydney with a full house at ANZ, but it's out of our control."

Some on the independent commission are in favour of again playing a game in Melbourne for both promotional and financial reasons.

The Victorian government has come to the table with a huge cash offer for games at Etihad Stadium. And you can bet John Grant will be there to hand out the trophies.

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Did Sydney back Crook?: Bozza

Support? ... Former Sydney FC coach Ian Crook (R), ahead of his resignation, with CEO Tony Pignata. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

Following Ian Crook's shock resignation as Sydney FC coach, Fox Sports football expert Mark Bosnich wants the club to start answering the hard questions.

Crook stepped down on Sunday morning following the his side's 3-2 loss to rivals Melbourne Victory after leading by two goals.

Fans booed the tactical decisions Crook made against Victory, and after last week's humiliating 7-2 defeat at the hands of Central Coast the Englishman came under fire as well, from Bosnich in particular, for defending his team's apparent 'lack of heart'.

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Bosnish says he sympathises for Crook and wants to know what is going on inside Sydney FC that led them into this quagmire.

"I'm not surprised after what happened last week at Central Coast Mariners, and then the capitulation in the last 12 minutes (against Victory)," said Bosnich.

"(But) they can take a lot of credit out of the way they came back from last week's debacle. I do have a great sympathy for him.

"The only thing I want to take a little bit of issue with is when he turns around says 'the club never came for me and said we were poor'.

"If they didn't come for him after that Central Coast Mariners game then something is very deeply wrong within the club."

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However, Bosnich thinks that isn't the only thing wrong at Sydney, and he wonders how much support and control Crook ever actually had.

"Once he was appointed did he get the backroom staff that he wanted? Did he want Stephen Corica as assistant? We need to know this," says Bosnish.

"Did he get the players? The recruitment of the players, was that down to the manager as it should be, or was that down to (football director) Gary Cole? Did Gary Cole say 'these are the players that you're getting and that's it'?

"Because if that's the case, that's the wrong way to go about running a club.

"You get a manager in, you pay him good money, and you back him. Give him what he wants and the weapons he needs to make your team a winning team.

"If he doen't do it THEN you sack him."

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SBW ready to sign for Roosters

Unveiling ... Sonny Bill Williams could be unveiled by the Sydney Roosters on Tuesday. Source: John Grainger / News Limited

Controversial code-hopper and boxer Sonny Bill Williams will reportedly sign for Sydney Roosters and be unveiled on Tuesday.

According to Fairfax Media, Williams will formally return to the rugby league fold four years after walking out on Canterbury-Bankstown in 2008.

Speculation has been rife that Williams' move to the Roosters could be scuppered by his agent, Khoder Nasser's, lack of NRL accreditation.

However, the powerful forward was in no doubt were he would be playing in 2013.

"It's a done deal. I made it a long time ago," Williams said in October.

"I know where I'm playing next year and I'm ready to meet the challenge head-on. There's no more negotiations that need to be done."
 

Williams is currently contracted to a Japanese rugby union club and is now in Sydney recovering from surgery on a torn pectoral muscle, an injury that forced him to postpone a fight against South Africa's Francois Botha until February.

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