Poms' joy as Aussie collapse

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IN the immortal words of Australia's own The Divinyls - there's a fine line between pleasure and pain.

England enjoyed their best day of this Ashes series on Friday and experienced plenty of both.

When Mitchell Johnson's first delivery had Tim Bresnan ducking for cover, few could have predicted how day two at the MCG would unfold.

Check out the view from the UK.

Poms finally on top

England's attack has been blunted by an aggressive Australian batting line-up this summer but on a dry MCG deck, the Poms finally hit back.

While 255 was nothing to write home about, England finally had some scoreboard pressure and made it count, wrote The Telegraph's Scyld Berry.

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"England had nobody who could begin to match the threat of Mitchell Johnson ... but England's quartet of pace bowlers combined to dry up Australia's batsmen and pressurise them out," he wrote.

"As an almost inevitable consequence of this pressurising, Australian wickets fell. Steve Smith faced 77 balls and could only score 19 before slashing to second slip; George Bailey faced 19 balls without scoring; and Johnson, a hitter amongst his other attributes, took 30 balls for two runs."

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It could be the return of Tim Bresnan that boosted England's attack.

Former England captain Nasser Hussein, writing for The Daily Mail, believed the bustling medium-pacer was the difference.

"Bresnan's pace was down and he seemed more military medium than the bowler who would hit the bat harder than many batsmen imagined he would.

"But one thing you will know about Bresnan is that he will keep going for you and he chipped in with the vital wickets of Rogers and Johnson and the England attack as a unit will be very pleased with the way they controlled the run-rate and were so disciplined.

"(The bowling attack) managed to force pressure onto the Australian batsmen, had the benefit of having five bowlers, and the advantage of scoreboard pressure, however minimal a total of 255 is, so the home side were less able to get after Monty Panesar as they had Graeme Swann up to now. The end result, after an unpromising start, was England's best day of the series so far."

Chris Rogers takes a Stuart Broad bouncer to the head. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

Shouldering silly season

It started with Michael Carberry on day one and continued on day two as Monty Panesar and Michael Clarke shouldered arms only to find their castle knocked over.

While Panesar is a brave No.11, Clarke is the Australian captain and best batsmen, prompting The Daily Mail's David "Bumble" Lloyd to question where his mind was.

"All this shouldering of arms - I thought that's what they did outside Buckingham Palace! Michael Carberry and Monty Panesar did it in England's first innings, and now we've got Michael Clarke following suit.

"It looks like a wonderful thing, with the bat held proudly above the head - and then the ball cannons into the furniture. I can't understand why at this level the first instinct is not to hit the ball. The world's gone mad."

Hussein agreed and went one further questioning the efforts of Kevin Pietersen, David Warner and even Chris Rogers.

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"There are some scrambled brains among some of the batsmen of both sides now, the result no doubt of being nine Tests in to back to back Ashes series. It is almost as if these sides are punch drunk from facing each so often.

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"Just look at the dismissals of Kevin Pietersen, David Warner, Shane Watson and Michael Clarke on the second day here at the MCG. None of them will be pleased with themselves and all showed signs of mental baggage, scarring, call it what you will. Only Chris Rogers, really, got his head down and played properly and even he gave it away in the end."

The fury of Mitch and the frustration of KP

The day started with England and Australia's most frustrating and perhaps misunderstood talents making the headlines.

The Mirror's Dean Wilson summed it up best.

"Before they could get to the good bit, England had to suffer another horror morning with the bat, and of course it was that man Johnson yet again doing the damage.

"He had electrified the first day with two late wickets, and he started the second in the same fired up fashion.

"His first ball of the day to Tim Bresnan was a brute of a delivery that reared up and could only be fended to George Bailey at short leg.

"Much like a punch from Mike Tyson, you might know it is coming, but there is little you can do about it when you get it.

"With one end open, Johnson did what he has done all series and hurried through the tail.

"Kevin Pietersen might have decided to hang around with Stuart Broad and see where they could get the team, but instead he went for the quick runs strategy. It didn't work.

"Going for a wild slog out to the leg side, Pietersen missed everything and Johnson hit his middle stump. It looked bad, because it was."

Piers feels the pain.

No one experienced more pain on day two than a bloke who's never played a Test for England.

Social commentator Piers Morgan took up the challenge of facing six ball from Brett Lee ... and well ... we'll let the video do the talking. Check it out at the top of the page.

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This is a yacht race? Bit rich for me

Perpetual Loyal skipper Anthony Bell is a decent enough bloke, but those sailors who have slogged their guts out in smaller craft to win Olympic medals must chuckle when they see him among their ranks. Source: Daniel Forster / AP

NO greater sight exists than the start of the Sydney-to-Hobart yacht race. One of the world's great harbours forms a picture perfect backdrop as the fleet races to be first out of the heads.

Once you've seen the start of a Sydney to Hobart, from the water or the shore, it's something you will never forget.

The sails on the dozens of boats, the spectator craft trying not to run into each other and the expensive cruisers out for a day of fizz sipping. It's part of Sydney's DNA. Even the sounds - the boats slicing through the water and the choppers hovering above - are unforgettable.

None of this translates to television and the race itself becomes a turgid affair for most of us after the boats are past Bondi.

The start is the beginning, middle and end of my interest in ocean racing, a sport that has become the domain of seriously rich businessmen who are willing to spend obscene amounts of money in return for sporting kudos.

The race never reaches the crescendo of its beginning. Most of the yachts sneak into Hobart under the cloak of darkness, on their own, with no welcoming crowd and little fanfare.

The race might start at the yachting equivalent of Flemington but it ends in Warrnambool.

Wild Oats Xl races down the east coast of NSW as this year's Sydney to Hobart underlines again that sailing monster maxis is as far from grassroots sport as you can get. Picture: AP Source: AP

Accountant Anthony Bell is the skipper of the Perpetual Loyal boat. He has jam packed it full of sporting celebrities, fronted huge media conferences and hired the best in the business to actually sail the boat down the coast to Hobart.

He is a decent enough bloke, but some of those sailors who have slogged their guts out in smaller craft to win Olympic medals must chuckle when they see him among their ranks.

Bell's wife, Kelly, has even formed a band of wives from Bell's celebrity crews with the aim of rivalling the WAG brigade in other sports.

The glamorous gals will be on deck in their designer casuals when the yacht sails triumphantly into Constitution Dock sometime today.

This year's Sydney to Hobart underlines again that sailing monster maxis is as far from grassroots sport as you can get.

The bigger the cheque book, the better the boat, the more chance of grabbing line honours and bragging rights for another year.

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At the risk of offending the six billionaires in Australia who can actually afford to indulge their boyhood fantasies by grappling with the high seas, surrounded by sporting stars, this sort of sailing is a nonsense.

It is as far removed from what Aussie sport should be that it now rivals polo as the only pursuit in the world that is designed for those who can afford it. In fact, polo is positively working class compared with the dollars spent on making big boats go really fast.

The Sydney to Hobart has become a battle of big egos - who has the latest technology, best computerised navigation system, the latest carbon fibre doo dads. Luck plays very little part and there is barely a hint of the serendipity that keeps you on the edge of your seat watching normal sports.

Quite frankly, the evening news bulletins featuring a speck on the horizon and a satellite interview with the skipper, is not exactly riveting.

Ragamuffin sits off Merimbula in a race that has become purely a battle of big egos. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Limited

The America's Cup is in a similar realm. Two billionaires buy boats, inject them with the equivalent of technological steroids and hire guns from all over the world to race them.

This is all done under a sail sporting a country's flag, making a mockery of the idea that you should represent the country in which you were born.

There were more Kiwis and Australians on the American boat that won the America's Cup than there were in the New Zealand crew.

Sailing is in itself one of the oldest and most noble of pursuits. When it is man against the elements, in small boats that perform miracles at the hands of deft helmsmen, it is a genuinely athletic pursuit.

Unfortunately, the Sydney to Hobart has lost its way as more and more big money has found its way onto five or six maxi yachts.

There is no limit to the spending, no rules to constrain the seriously rich that level up the playing field. Winning on handicap holds little appeal to these guys - it's all about being first across the line for maximum exposure and ego boosts.

As you read this, one or other of these boats will be preparing to cross the line. Tens of millions have been spent on a victory.

Those mass participation sports relying on raffle tickets or sausage sizzles to stay afloat can only dream of the cash thrown at Sydney to Hobart yachts.

I really don't care who wins. I bet most of us don't either.

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Wild Oats strengthens lead

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THE oldest sailor to race to Hobart and a man who grew up on a chicken farm have emerged as the most likely roadblocks to Wild Oats XI claiming a record-equalling seventh line-honours win in the Sydney to Hobart today.

As the Mark Richards-skippered Wild Oats and Anthony Bell's Perpetual LOYAL slugged it out last night, octogenarian Syd Fischer (Ragamuffin) and Grant Wharington (Wild Thing) moved within striking distance of the leaders as they raced through Bass Strait.

Aiding both Ragamuffin and Wild Thing's bids for an upset victory is the fact both yachts have aboard special sails they are hopeful of using in the final stretch of the line-honours race.

"This is one hell of a race and it really could go all the way to the line,'' Bell said.

"We aren't looking that flash right now but things can change, things can happen and we will be fighting to the end.''

Fischer, 86, and already planning to be part of the fleet next year, last claimed line honours in 1990.

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Wharington, who grew up on a farm but has spent most of his life on the water, won in 2003. Each has positioned his yacht to take advantage of any slip made by the frontrunners or even the slightest change in the weather, which last night favoured Richards and his crew.

Bell will also be hoping for a change in fate after his yacht was overtaken by Wild Oats late yesterday thanks to ultralight winds on the racetrack.

"We are going to every playbook and we are not giving up the fight until it's over,'' said Bell, who is hoping today's forecast stronger winds will be fresher than anticipated.

Hong Kong businessman Karl Kwok's 80-footer Beau Geste is also still in the mix.

Meteorologist Roger Badham said the key to victory this year was how the yachts dealt with light winds overnight - and pockets of no wind - and then fast running conditions to the finish.

Wild Oats XI leads Perpetual Loyal north east of Flinders Island in Bass Strait on day two. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Limited

Wild Oats XI will equal the record of Morna/Kurrawa IV if she takes her seventh line-honours victory in the Sydney to Hobart.

At 10pm last night, she was 12 nautical miles in front of Perpetual Loyal, with Ragamuffin almost 12 nautical miles further back. Giacomo was 41 nautical miles behind Wild Oats, with Black Jack in fifth place, 44 nautical miles astern.

The Bob Oatley yacht won the race on debut in 2005 and is the only yacht in history to have claimed the race record twice - in 2005 and in 2012 when she covered the course in one day 18 hours 23 minutes and 12 seconds.

The race for the overall honours is still wide open with the early money on a bigger yacht claiming the handicap prize over one of the smaller boats in the fleet.

While the line-honours winner is expected to be docked in Hobart by late today, the majority of the fleet will still be sailing south and battling a nasty sou'westerly front packing a punch.

The crew aboard Perpetual LOYAL rest on the bow during very light conditions off Flinders Island in Bass Strait. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Limited

Sailors may have to deal with 50-knot gusts down the east coast of Tasmania.

Last night, Wilperina, the smallest yacht in the fleet at 34-foot became the third casualty of the race. The immediate reason for her retirement was unknown.

Just before 2pm yesterday, Wild Oats XI reclaimed the lead, coming from 13 nautical miles behind to again assume the leader's role in the southbound ocean classic.

"We have just taken them,'' Wild Oats navigator Tom Addis told The Daily Telegraph.

"We passed them approximately 300m away.''

It set the scene for a great battle in Bass Strait between the two frontrunners.

In the early hours of Friday morning, Perpetual LOYAL had established a 10 nautical mile lead over Wild Oats XI in light wind conditions.

But Wild Oats XI made steady inroads into that gap as the morning progressed, closing within three miles of the frontrunner, which was 44 nautical miles south east of Gabo Island off the Victorian coast.

Perpetual LOYAL can see her arch rival as she trails Wild Oats X1 across Bass Strait. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Limited

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A crewman aboard Wild Oats told The Daily Telegraph the yacht had sailed into a major wind hole off the NSW far south coast that had seen her concede her early lead to Perpetual LOYAL during the night.

But around midday the Mark Richards-skippered champion was back up there with her rival with the pair leading the 91-strong fleet into Bass Strait.

The 2013 race was billed as a thriller and it is living up to its pre-race hype with more than seven yachts still in the mix to claim the fastest time honours in this year's race.

These include the New Zealand 70-footer Giacomo, which early Friday was in third place and leading the race handicap overall despite being 30-foot smaller than the fleet headliners, Syd Fischer's Ragamuffin, the Queensland yacht Black Jack and Hong Kong's Beau Geste.

Round the world navigator Adrienne Cahalan, aboard the 55-footer Wedgetail, said the conditions at sea were pleasant but very light on the opening night.

"It is sunny and warm and a nice change to the normal wet and windy and bumpy approach to Bass Strait,'' she said.

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Perpetual LOYAL lies 65 miles off Eden on Friday. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Limited

On Thursday, the pre-race prediction of Perpetual LOYAL skipper and owner Anthony Bell that navigators would play an important part in the race appeared spot on.

After an incident-filled start on Sydney Harbour, Wild Oats XI was hounded by a group of rivals as she sailed down the NSW south coast before surrendering her lead.

In a boost for Wild Oats XI, Bell and his team on Perpetual LOYAL revealed they had lowered their protest flag over an incident just after the start.

This means there is no protest against Wild Oats, which could impact on her race result.

"We've had a meeting and decided not to proceed with the protest,'' Bell said.

"At first we thought we had been fouled, but in a sense we had not.''

Perpetual LOYAL sits about 65 nautical miles off Eden on day two. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Limited

The early leading pack included the four supermaxis Perpetual LOYAL, Wild Oats XI, Ragamuffin 100 and Wild Thing; new 80-foot boat Beau Geste and the Volvo 70s Giacomo and Black Jack.

But the news was not all good in the early afternoon, with the fleet reduced to 92 following the retirement of Audi Sunshine Coast (mast damage) and Dodo (torn mainsail).

The fleet was making slow work of the 628 nautical mile race because of headwinds but sailors were optimistic their journey south would speed up overnight when more favourable nor'easterlies hit the fleet.

Wild Oats XI makes good time on the opening day. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Limited

Skipper Eric Holden, aboard the clipper round the world race leader Henri Lloyd, reported that conditions at sea were pleasant after a hectic start.

"It was organised chaos as usual,'' said the Canadian who is skippering one of the 12 70-footers using the Sydney to Hobart as a leg of their round the world event.

"The conditions are fine and no one has any problems. We are chugging along quite nicely.''

The protest, retirements, and the thrilling early duel between Wild Oats XI and Perpetual LOYAL combined to make it the most eventful and exciting start of recent times.

Wild Oats XI off Port Kembla on day one of the Sydney to Hobart. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Limited

Cloudy skies gave way to a spectacular and sunny start to the 69th edition of the race, with Wild Oats winning the honour of leading the fleet up Sydney Harbour and out to sea.

Rival supermaxi and race debutante Perpetual LOYAL looked to have the inside running on Wild Oats XI approaching the first mark.

Perpetual LOYAL seemed to hesitate, with some commentators suggesting she might have been confused over which marking buoy to round.

Wild Oats XI, going for a record-equalling seventh line honours title, swept past the Sydney to Hobart rookie to be first to exit Sydney Harbour and turn south, followed by new 80-foot Hong Kong yacht Beau Geste and then Perpetual LOYAL.

Ichi Ban, skippered by Matt Allen, during the start of the Sydney to Hobart. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Limited

Perpetual LOYAL raised a protest flag soon after, though the reason for it wasn't immediately clear.

The race fleet was quickly reduced by two with Audi Sunshine Coast and Dodo retiring.

Queensland 50-footer Audi Sunshine Coast was forced out inside the first 30 minutes with rig damage, completing an unfortunate double. It was also the first boat out of last month's Cabbage Tree Island Race.

Crew of Audi Sunshine Coast during the start of the Sydney to Hobart. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Limited

"The code zero masthead fitting failed and the halyard tore down the side of the mast to the hounds fitting,'' owner and skipper Rod Jones said.

"I felt it wasn't prudent to continue.

"I feel subdued, very disappointed, but the world moves on.''

Sydney-based 52-footer Dodo had to pull out with mainsail damage.

The 2013 Sydney To Hobart start viewed from North Head. Picture: Bradley Hunter Source: News Limited

Fears of a rainy start to the race were allayed, as the sun broke through around an hour before the start and the fleet set sail in 15 to 18 knot southerly winds.

Supermaxi Ragamuffin 100 was right up there alongside Wild Oats XI and Perpetual LOYAL at the start.

The 1997 line-honours winner, maxi Brindabella, broke the start and had to turn back and go around again.

Thousands jumped aboard an array of vessels to be close to the action at the start, with the harbour foreshore crammed with spectators keen to farewell the fleet at the start of their annual trek south.

"It is just so exciting, I cannot wait," said Grace Kennedy, making her debut aboard Faceboat Sailors with disABILITIES.

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While Kennedy and the other sailors in the race will enjoy some fast downwind sailing tonight, they and other mid-sized yachts will be clobbered by a big front late Saturday night which comes with huge gusts and 4-5m seas.

While there have been reports of 12m seas they are unlikely to eventuate on the racecourse, with the fleet likely to tuck in close to the coastline to avoid the worst conditions as they sail towards the finish line on the Derwent River.

"I doubt if any of the boats will be seeing that where they are," top maritime weather specialist Roger "Clouds" Badham said.

Wild Oats XI surrounded by spectator fleet outside The Heads. Picture: Tim Hunter Source: News Limited

Wild Oats XI heads out into open water. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Limited

Perpetual Loyal (left) and Beau Geste make their way out of Sydney Harbour. Source: AP

Wild Oats XI (left) leads Black Jack and Perpetual LOYAL out of The Heads. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Limited

A yacht drags its spinnaker during the start of the Sydney to Hobart. Picture: Craig Greenhill Source: News Limited

The fleet heads out to sea as they begin their long journey south. Source: Getty Images

The crew onboard Wild Oats before the race start. Picture: Adam Taylor Source: News Limited

Wild Thing, skippered by Grant Wharington, makes good time as she leaves The Heads. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Limited

The crew onboard Black Jack ready themselves before the start of the trek south. Picture: Adam Taylor Source: News Limited

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Phoenix keep failing Heart winless

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JOHN Aloisi is under intense pressure to keep his job after Melbourne Heart recorded its eighth loss of the season, beaten 1-0 at home to battling Wellington Phoenix.

Heart failed to capitalise on a host of chances before former Belgian international Stein Huysegems netted the winner 15 minutes from time.

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Heart is now winless in 17 games, its last victory coming on February 24 against Sydney FC.

New Zealand Knights _ Wellington's forerunner - holds the record with a 19-game winless streak while Perth Glory's lasted 18 between 2006-08.

Heart is now six points behind Wellington and 12 points behind sixth-place Central Coast.

Aloisi's future is clouded with the backdrop of an imminent $12m sale to a consortium led by Melbourne Storm chairman Bart Campbell.

Melbourne Heart coach John Aloisi throws the ball back as he shows his frustration. Source: News Limited

Heart worked hard but a lack of concentration and sloppiness which has underpinned its season was again on show in front of 6486 fans.

Wellington had the best of the early chances with Jeremy Brockie getting goalside of Heart's defence before blasting wide while Carlos Hernandez struck the post from long range all within the first 10 minutes.

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And Hernandez delivered a set piece on a platter for fellow Costa Rican Kenny Cunningham in the 18th minute but he directed his header straight at Hart keeper Andrew Redmayne.

Heart slowly gained control of the game and David Williams missed a sitter from a swift counter when Michael Mifsud crossed from the right after he was released by Jason Hoffman.

Stein Huysegems of the Phoenix celebrates with teammates after scoring. Source: Getty Images

Hernandez, influential on his old stomping ground, forced a fingertip save from Redmayne moments later from a free kick but after that it was all Heart.

Williams had his shot blocked before midfielders Nick Kalmar and Massimo Murdocca both blasted over the bar from distance.

Like the first half, Brockie blasted wide from the first chance of the second half but this time Heart settled into the contest far quicker with Aziz Behich beginning to run rampant on the left.

He forced a save from Glen Moss after dribbling three Phoenix players in the 50th minute before Michael Mifsud, Williams and Patrick Gerhardt - who replaced suspended Patrick Kisnorbo in the first XI - all had scoring chances.

David Williams of the Heart reacts after missing a shot on goal. Source: Getty Images

Kewell then blasted narrowly wide of the post from just outside the penalty area before three Heart players queued up to get on the end of Hoffman's cross after a turnover but his delivery evaded everyone.

Brockie then spurned two chances, one with his feet then with his head and both from Hernandez passes, moments before making way for Tyler Boyd on 72 minutes.

And Ernie Merrick's move was justified within three minutes when Boyd capitalised on Behich's concentration lapse to break down the right and cross for Huysegems to tap it away in a carbon copy of no less than five of Heart's build ups.

Golgol Mebrahtu forced a good save from Moss seconds after replacing Behich from a free kick but that was it as Heart finished disappointingly.

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Five-star Roar routs Sydney FC

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FORMER Sydney FC prodigy Dimitri Petratos netted a hat-trick against his old club as Brisbane Roar returned to winning form with a 5-2 thrashing of the outclassed Sky Blues at Allianz Stadium.

One of three fresh faces brought into the Roar starting line-up after last Friday's 2-0 loss to Newcastle, 21-year-old Petratos made the most of his opportunity in just his third start for Brisbane since joining the club in the off-season after a short stint with Malaysian club Kelantan.

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Brisbane's ninth win of the season extended their advantage at the top of the A-League ladder to five points from closest rivals Western Sydney Wanderers, who play on Saturday night against Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park.

Roar coach Mike Mulvey brought in Petratos, Henrique and the fit again Jade North, for Corey Brown, Jack Hingert and the injured Besart Berisha.

Alessandro Del Piero of Sydney shows his dejection during the loss to Brisbane. Source: Getty Images

And despite trailing early, the changes worked wonders as Brisbane hit back with a vengeance to thrash the Sky Blues for the second time this season after a 4-0 round two win at Suncorp Stadium.

It was none other than Italian superstar Alessandro Del Piero who put Sydney in front in just the 11th minute after earning a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area from a Jade North foul.

Back in the side after missing Sydney's 1-0 loss to Wellington last Sunday due to a back problem, Del Piero bent the free-kick around the Brisbane wall.

Sydney's Brett Emerton tackled by Brisbane's Matthew Smith and Jade North. Source: News Limited

Roar goalkeeper Michael Theo should have the shot covered, but was slow across his line and could only push the ball into the net.

That was Sydney's only joy of the first half, with the Roar taking total control soon after.

Brisbane equalised in the 19th minute through Thomas Broich, who was found with a brilliant through ball from Luke Brattan.

In an onside position thanks to a hobbling Del Piero, Broich kept his composure to score his second goal of the season.

Thomas Broich of the Roar celebrates with teammates. Source: Getty Images

Four minutes later the visitors were in front after being awarded a penalty following a foul from Sebastian Ryall on Henrique.

Petratos stepped up to the spot and defied the pressure of being asked to retake the penalty by referee Ben Williams to give Brisbane the lead.

The Roar extended their lead in the 35th minute, bamboozling a shell-shocked and static Sydney with a superb passage of one-touch football involving Matt McKay, Brattan, Broich and Petratos, who finished with venom to score his second of the night.

Referee Ben Williams speaks to Alessandro Del Piero of Sydney after a penalty. Source: Getty Images

Del Piero did not reappear after half-time, succumbing to his lingering back problems.

Brisbane had a stack of chances in the second half, with Petratos again scoring from the penalty spot and Ivan Franjic netting in the dying stages.

Sydney grabbed a stoppage time consolation goal from Richard Garcia after some sloppy work from Theo, but it was too little, too late in front of a frustrated crowd of 17,662.

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It is the season to be Jolly

Karacatis surges through to win the traditional festive season feature at Caulfield yesterday. Picture: Mike Keating Source: Mike Keating / News Limited

IT was almost a very merry Christmas for Adelaide trainer Richard Jolly yesterday.

Stable star Karacatis scrambled home for a short head win in Caulfield's Christmas Stakes and minutes later Jolly's outsider Streetcar Valour failed narrowly to win the feature race of the same name at Morphettville.

Jolly opted to remain at home, leaving it to rising star rider Damien Lane to praise the efforts of both Jolly and Karacatis.

Karacatis surged through to lead the traditional festive season feature, kicking clear on straightening before staving off the late lunge of former South Australian Richie's Vibe.

Lane, who is now entrenched among the upper echelon of riders in Melbourne, said he did not regard Jolly's decision to stay home as a lack of confidence in Karacatis.

"I didn't think that, he's a very good trainer when he sends them over here he sends them for a good reason, as we saw today,'' Lane said.

Lane did what confident, capable jockeys do more often than most - applied Plan B.

Jolly told him to take a sit on Karacatis but the lead proved irresistible.

"The more they came the more he kept pulling out,'' Lane said.

"Leading's probably not his best role. I was told to ride him in fourth or fifth but when you lob there that easily it would be silly to hold him.

"It (adapting) is just instincts.''

Damian Lane drives Karacatis (rails) to the line in the Christmas Stakes. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Lane, who turns 20 in February, notched his first milestone win aboard longshot Se Sauver in the Manifold Stakes at Flemington last spring.

Yesterday's listed race win came on the eve of Melbourne's rich summer/autumn, where Lane hopes to secure the ride on VRC Oaks runner-up Solicit.

Solicit is trained by Flemington cousins Mat Ellerton and Simon Zahra, Lane's best supporters.

"Mat and Simon have lots of nice young horses and hopefully a few step up,'' he said.

"I'd love to get on Solicit this time in. She's probably our most promising young horse.''

Lane said the absence of some of Melbourne's top riders had provided him with a good opportunity this summer, as did the recent Ellerton/Zahra purple patch.

"I'm having a good run and when Matty and Simon are having a good run too it always helps me,'' he said.

"A few of the top riders are suspended and a few are injured and that always helps the cause.''

Lane rides less regularly for Darren Weir than he did a year or so ago but made an interesting observation about Weir yesterday.

Weir, who has over 100 horses in work at Ballarat, trained a Caulfield treble.

"No doubt he could win the (city) premiership from Ballarat,'' he said.

"He's a very good trainer. He's getting better horses every year.''

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Mourinho labels Arsenal 'boring'

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CHELSEA manager Jose Mourinho has labelled Arsenal boring for failing to score at home in Monday's goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium.

The Blues were booed off the pitch after claiming a Premier League point, to chants of 'boring, boring Chelsea', but Mourinho has defended his side's tactics and insisted the Gunners were the ones who should have felt the frustrations of their home supporters.

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Mourinho said: "I think boring is a team that plays at home and cannot score a goal. That's boring.

"If somebody was boring, they were boring because Petr Cech made zero saves.

"You go to your stadium and you fill your stadium, in weather like we had on Monday, to see victories. There is not a home fan in any club in the world who goes to the stadium and expects his team not to win."

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FOX'S FOOTBALL FEAST

Here's what you can watch from Thursday night (EDT) to Thursday morning January 2 (EDT).

ROUND 18

Dec 26: Hull v Manchester United (11.30pm, Fox Sports 1)

Dec 27: West Ham v Arsenal (1.50am, Fox Sports 1), Chelsea v Swansea (1.50am, Fox Sports 3), Norwich v Fulham (1.50am, Fox Sports News), Cardiff v Southampton, Everton v Sunderland, Newcastle v Stoke, Tottenham v West Brom (all 1.50am, Viewers' Choice), Manchester City v Liverpool (4.15am, Fox Sports 1), Aston Villa v Crystal Palace (delayed, 8am)

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ROUND 19

Dec 28: West Ham v West Brom (11.35pm, Fox Sports 1)

Dec 29: Norwich v Manchester United (1.50am, Fox Sports 1), Aston Villa v Swansea, Hull v Fulham, Manchester City v Crystal Palace (all 1.50am, Viewers' Choice), Cardiff v Sunderland (4.20am, Fox Sports 1)

Dec 30: Newcastle v Arsenal (12.20am, Fox Sports 1), Everton v Southampton (12.20am, Fox Sports 3), Chelsea v Liverpool (2.45am, Fox Sports 1), Tottenham v Stoke (2.50am, Fox Sports 3)

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ROUND 20

Jan 1: Swansea v Manchester City (11.35PM, Fox Sports 1)

Jan 2: Arsenal v Cardiff (1.50am, Fox Sports 1), Liverpool v Hull (1.50am, Fox Sports 2), Southampton v Chelsea (1.50am, Fox Sports 3), Crystal Palace v Norwich (1.50am, Fox Sports News), Fulham v West Ham, Stoke v Everton, Sunderland v Aston Villa, West Brom v Newcastle (all 1.50am, Viewers' Choice), Manchester United v Tottenham (4.15am, Fox Sports 1)

The resilient rearguard performance was down to preparation, according to

Mourinho, who also took a swipe at another of Chelsea's title rivals, Premier League leaders Liverpool, who play at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

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"We played Sunderland last Tuesday and we had one week to work which we didn't have since the summer," Mourinho added.

"I had three days to work tactically. I worked on everything because it was a special week for us. It was the kind of week Liverpool has every week."

Chelsea enter the Boxing Day contest with Swansea in fourth place, two points behind Liverpool, the leaders on goal difference from Arsenal, and Mourinho says he is enjoying the competitive nature of the Premier League.

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"For me, it is fantastic," he said. "The pressure is there. I have told the players they have, some of them, to learn how to cope with this situation. Because they have to learn.

"For me, it is not a problem. For some of the guys it is not a problem. But for them, now, they have to learn how to express themselves on the pitch in this situation.

"When you are 20 points behind the leader, you can play at home one day and win 6-0. But what does that mean? It means nothing.

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"What means something is when you are fighting for the title, play a fantastic match and score the winning goal.

"That is the way, especially young players, grow up quickly. They have to grow and I think I'm the right guy to teach them how to cope with this situation because it's a situation I enjoy."

The Christmas edition of the Fox Football Podcast is live and Adam Peacock, Simon Hill and Brenton Speed are joined by News Corp's football writers from across the country to review 2013. Daniel Garb also joins as usual, on the line from Emirates Stadium to discuss all things in the EPL. Subscribe at the iTunes store or via the iPP Podcast Player app.

Read more: http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11670/9088142/premier-league-chelsea-boss-jose-mourinho-labels-arsenal-boring

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C-Ash-ing in on double assault

Ash Barty's first qualifier for the Brisbane International is against Cagla Buyukakcay. Source: Mark Calleja / News Limited

NOT every 17-year-old can boast earnings this year of $US540,652 ($A608,499) as she counts down the days to the New Year.

Ash Barty, the Ipswich prodigy, will see out the year in which she and Casey Dellacqua were three time runners-up at Grand Slam tournaments with a task to win through qualifying for the Brisbane International.

Barty, the 2011 Wimbledon junior champion, will play her first-round qualifying match on Friday against Turk Cagla Buyukakcay at the Queensland Tennis Centre.

"That sounds like a lot of money, but it goes very quickly I can tell you that much,'' Barty said.

"A lot of people don't understand how expensive a sport it can be to fly around the world and have a team with you.

"I have been amazingly funded by Tennis Australia as well, so I have been able to keep some of it in my pocket. I have to continue to be smart with my money and try to invest it the best way I can and hopefully set up my future.''

Barty is ranked No.187 after a 2013 schedule restricted under WTA age regulations and she is eager to get into her first full season on the tour.

Former Wimbledon doubles champion Todd Woodbridge said Barty's achievements to make three Grand Slam doubles finals at her age was "extraordinary ... it hasn't been done since the days of Martina Hingis''.

"Someone said to me the other day that Ash hasn't progressed as well as she should. I disagree with that,'' said Woodbridge, who stepped down last month as Tennis Australia head of professional tennis to take up an ambassador role in which he will also work with players.

Barty and Dellacqua talk tactics at the 2013 US Open. Source: Getty Images

"Ash's skill level is as good as anyone in the top 10.

"She made the connection herself after the US Open that for her to beat those top girls she needs to be physically stronger. It's one of the best things to come out of the year because ... the returns, the volley, the serve-volley, the soft hands, it's all fantastic. She truly is starting to believe she belongs with those girls.''

Barty, who worked on her strength and conditioning in the past two months with three different AFL clubs, and her Melbourne coach Jason Stoltenberg are happy for her to have to win three qualifying matches at her home state tournament.

The 17-year-old from Springfield, who is ranked 13th in the world in doubles, is able to claim only four wildcards at WTA tournaments in 2014 and will use two at Australian tournaments, the Hobart International starting on Sunday week and the Australian Open.

Barty with a photo taken from her facebook page after a fishing expedition Source: Supplied

Melbourne's Olivia Rogowska, the last of TA's Brisbane women's event wildcards, is ranked 13 places ahead of Barty.

TA has reciprocal wildcards to issue for the French and US Opens and Barty has been gifted one by TA for the past two French Opens and this year's US Open.

Barty has a reasonable draw to be pitted against Buyukakcay, who is ranked No.158, 19 places better than the Queenslander.

"I really just started my career even though I have been playing tennis for 12 years,'' Barty said.

"I do enjoy playing and travelling the world and seeing amazing things. The day I don't, I will stop ... if I'm not enjoying it when I'm 19, or I'm not enjoying it when I'm 36.''

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MCG ton to cap big year for Warner

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IT HAS fallen - surprise, surprise - to Davey Warner to provide a clue or two to what the Australian team really thinks about the shock mid-series retirement of one of England's most senior cricketers, Graeme Swann.

"It's different ... it's like a little bit of a knockout blow," the outspoken opening batsman said at the MCG on Christmas Eve.

"It's weird with Trotty going home and now Swanny retiring. We look at that and don't know what to think in a way - but credit to us, we're playing good cricket."

That's as close as anyone in the Oz camp has come to expressing a sense of triumph at having battered a key opponent into submission long before the fight is finished, which is hard for the English camp to deny with their matchwinning off-spinner reduced to seven wickets at 80 apiece.

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Swann's unexpected exit, which follows the earlier withdrawal of senior batsman Jonathon Trott with psychological problems after the first Test, has attracted plenty of acidic criticism from Australian fans despite his explanation that his body is simply no longer up to the task of delivering 70 or 80 overs across a gruelling five-day match.

Swann's explosive barb about some players - whom he declined to identify, even by nationality - being up themselves didn't help.

"Who cares what he thinks? He has left his mates for dead and run away. Weak as!" was one tweet that thudded into my in-box, encapsulating a widespread sentiment.

Despite the willing sledging that has been a much-debated feature of this series - or at least the early part of it, before it became obvious that the scoreboard was going to speak more loudly than anyone - the Australians have been mostly careful not to bad-mouth a player they do respect now that they have put him down for the count.

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To a man, they have been generous in their applause for a fine career, which Swann certainly did deliver with 255 wickets in 60 Tests making him England's sixth most successful bowler, fast or slow, in history.

But there is no doubt they were surprised to see him walk away as if there was nothing left to play for.

"I couldn't believe it," skipper Michael Clarke said in his column this week.

"(He is) the one player I am most surprised won't be stepping out to play against us."

Warner provided Swann with his last two wickets, but only after giving him plenty of stick on the way to making 60 and 112 in Perth.

He said he heard the retirement news as he boarded a flight to Melbourne for the Test.

"At first it was a bit of a surprise," he said. "As he said, he came out here to try to win four (Ashes series) in a row.

"From our point of view it was a bit of a shock to the system, but he's had a fantastic career and its been a privilege to play against him.

"I wish him all the best in his retirement.

"As we have all said, we don't really care about what happens in the English setup - we have to keep playing our brand of cricket."

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Warner's turbulent year, which has involved a twitter row with senior journalists, a physical altercation with England batsman Joe Root in a bar and a rebuke for failing to keep an appointment to play club cricket, is ending in a good place, with 454 runs at 91.4 in the series so far.

This will be his third Boxing Day Test and he is yet to make a Test ton at the MCG, where he first made his name with an explosive 89 in a Twenty20 match against South Africa in January 2009.

There was a huge crowd that day and Boxing Day will probably bring an even bigger one.

"You've got to pinch yourself really because you don't get 90,000 people every day of your life," he said.

Time was when the adrenalin surge created by such an audience might have been enough to see him cut loose regardless of the situation or the quality of the bowling.

But maturity has kicked in on and off the field, it seems.

"I've started to learn my game a lot more and it is helping me out," he said.

"It has a lot to do with the way I've been playing. I'm still at the crease longer, watching the ball harder, feeling much more comfortable at the crease.

"You've got to treat every ball that comes at you as if it is the first one and then try to play the role you can for the team."

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With comparisons being made in the past few days about Australia's pace attack and South Africa's - bowling coach Craig McDermott claims his troops have the edge on Dale Steyn and Co - Warner was asked if he was already switched on by the next big challenge.

"Not at all," he said.

"I'm thinking a bout today's training session rather than Boxing Day. We live in the present, not in the past, and that's what I'm focused on.

"I probably did get too far ahead of myself and was playing each innings in my head 15 times. I've worked out the way to keep thinking about now rather than a few days time."

Few players would be more acutely aware than Warner of how quickly, and profoundly, things can change in cricket. Fortunately for him, the pendulum has been swinging in nothing but the right direction as his year of living dangerously comes to a more peaceful end.

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Miami turn up heat to win

LeBron James lays up in front of Rasual Butler as Miami beat the Hawks following late rally. Source: CHRIS TROTMAN / AFP

MIAMI'S Michael Beasley sank two free throws with 9.2 seconds left to give the Heat a 121-119 overtime victory over Atlanta on Monday, opening a 6-1/2 game lead over the Hawks atop the NBA Southeast Division.

Other key results on Monday included Dallas' victory over state rival Houston with Dirk Nowitzki leading the way, the other Texan team San Antonio defeating Toronto, and Indiana winning comfortably again by bouncing Brooklyn.

Miami's LeBron James scored 38 points as the Heat struggled to see off Atlanta despite taking an early 13-0 lead.

The hosts trailed by seven points with 90 seconds left in regulation before tying the scores when Ray Allen made three free throws with eight seconds left after being fouled by DeMarre Carroll.

Allen finished with 19 points for the Heat, who played without Dwyane Wade and still beat the Hawks for the ninth straight time.

Jeff Teague scored 26 points for Atlanta.

Dallas forward Dirk Nowitzki with a fade-away jumper over the Rockets' Terrence Jones. Source: AP

Dallas' Dirk Nowitzki scored 31 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter to guide the Mavericks to a 111-104 win over Houston.

The Rockets cut the lead to six points with about 3 minutes left, but Nowitzki knocked down consecutive baskets to push the Mavericks lead out to 107-97.

Dwight Howard had 29 points and 15 rebounds for the Rockets, who were playing their second straight game without leading scorer James Harden, who was out with a sprained ankle.

Houston's loss allowed San Antonio to build its Southwest Division lead to 4-1/2 games by beating Toronto 112-99.

Spurs guard Tony Parker squeezes past the Raptors' Terrence Ross and Amir Johnson. Source: AP

Tony Parker had 26 points and eight assists while Manu Ginobili had 18 points for the Spurs.

Kyle Lowry and Terrence Ross had 23 points each for the Raptors, who got within three or less on numerous occasions in the second half, but no closer.

Lance Stephenson eludes Joe Johnson for the Pacers against the Nets. Source: AP

Indiana's Lance Stephenson scored a career-high 26 points back in his hometown as the Pacers won 103-86 at Brooklyn.

Paul George also had 26 for the Pacers, who pulled away in the third period, when Brooklyn's Paul Pierce was ejected for a flagrant foul in only the second scoreless game of his career.

Indiana had won its previous two games by a combined 60 points and blew this one open after a competitive first half.

Joe Johnson scored 17 points for the Nets, who lost their third straight.

Gerald Green of the Suns with some hang time over the Lakers' Jordan Hill. Source: AFP

Phoenix's Gerald Green hit six 3-pointers and scored 22 points to lead the Suns to a 117-90 win over the undermanned Los Angeles Lakers.

Miles Plumlee grabbed a career-high 20 rebounds and added 17 points while having his way inside with an ailing Pao Gasol, who was still clearly struggling with a respiratory infection.

The Suns held a 62-39 edge on the boards in their eighth win in nine games.

Nick Young scored 19 points for the Lakers, who fell to 1-2 since Kobe Bryant was sidelined with a knee injury.

David Lee dunks in front of Timofey Mozgov, teammate Andrew Bogut and Wilson Chandler. Source: AP

Golden State's David Lee had 28 points and 10 rebounds for his ninth straight double-double, powering the Warriors to an 89-81 win over Denver.

Stephen Curry, battling foul trouble much of the night, added 14 points in the first meeting between the teams since the Warriors beat the Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs last spring.

Klay Thompson scored eight of his 13 points in the fourth quarter, helping Golden State overcome a fourth-quarter deficit for the fourth time this season and sending the Nuggets to their season-high fourth consecutive loss.

Ty Lawson had 16 points to lead Denver, which was outscored 25-15 in the final period and sank to a fourth-straight loss.

Brandon Jennings is fouled by Anthony Bennett in the Pistons' win over Cleveland. Source: AP

Detroit's Josh Smith scored 25 points as the Pistons beat Cleveland 115-92 to make it seven wins from eight road games.

New Orleans' Tyreke Evans made a memorable return, scoring a season-high 25 points and adding 12 assists to help the Pelicans defeat Sacramento 113-87 and end a four-game losing skid.

Charlotte's Al Jefferson had a season-high 26 points, and Kemba Walker nearly had a triple double as the Bobcats edged Milwaukee 111-110 in overtime.

Memphis' Zach Randolph scored 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as the Grizzlies beat Utah 104-94.

New York's Carmelo Anthony had 19 points before leaving the game with a sprained ankle in the third quarter, and the Knicks hung on to beat Orlando 103-98.

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Sharks devour Colorado

New York Islanders' Casey Cizikas's shot hits Detroit Red Wings' Petr Mrazek in the chest. Source: Paul Sancya / AP

SAN Jose's Joe Pavelski scored with just under 20 seconds left in regulation to tie the game and the Sharks then prevailed in a shootout to beat Colorado 5-4 in an NHL thriller on Monday,

Elsewhere, Anaheim's hot streak continued as the Ducks rallied past Washington, Dallas scored on its first two shots to set up a win over Los Angeles, and Chicago defeated New Jersey.

San Jose's win over Colorado built to an epic climax, with Erik Johnson and Jamie McGinn scoring just 12 seconds apart in the final two minutes to put the Avalanche up 4-3.

But there was still time for Pavelski to tie it after taking a pass from Joe Thornton, who has an 11-game point streak against the Avalanche, then Logan Couture and Patrick Marleau scored in the shootout to secure two points for the Sharks.

Jason Demers, Brent Burns and Matthew Irwin also scored for San Jose while Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog tallied for Colorado.

Anaheim also won a close game, edging Washington 3-2 to open the Ducks' lead in the Pacific Division to five points over city rival Los Angeles.

Hampus Lindholm scored the winner at 14:24 of the third period while Andrew Cogliano had a goal and an assist and Saku Koivu also netted for the Ducks, who have won a franchise-best nine-straight games.

A potential tying goal for Washington on a shot by Alex Ovechkin that hit the crossbar and landed just outside the line with about three minutes left was reviewed and ruled no goal.

Mikhail Grabovski and Nicklas Backstrom scored for the Capitals.

Dallas Stars' Cody Eakin (20) scores against Los Angeles Kings goalie Martin Jones. Source: AP

Dallas' Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn scored on the Stars first shots, laying the foundation for a 5-2 win over Los Angeles.

It was a horror start for the previously unbeaten Kings rookie goaltender Martin Jones, who conceded further goals to Valeri Nichushkin in the second period and Cody Eakin with 4:48 remaining. Shawn Horcuff was credited with an empty-net goal after he was tripped from behind in the Kings zone.

Justin Williams and Jarret Stoll scored first-period goals for the Kings, who were without ill captain Dustin Brown.

There was another 5-2 scoreline in Chicago where Patrick Sharp scored twice and Patrick Kane, Bryan Bickell and Nick Leddy also connected as the Blackhawks beat New Jersey.

Stephen Gionta and Michael Ryder scored for the Devils, whose season-high four-game point streak ended.

Kane has points in 12 straight games, matching his career high - set earlier this season and just before this run.

Ottawa's Craig Anderson made 27 saves for his second shutout of the season, helping the Senators cruise to a 5-0 win over Pittsburgh.

The game was close after two periods but the Senators dominated the Penguins in the third outshooting them 15-9 while getting goals from Erik Karlsson, Kyle Turris and Cory Conacher. Zack Smith and Bobby Ryan scored earlier for the Senators.

Carl Soderberg of the Boston Bruins shoots while laying on the ice Source: AFP

Nashville's Carl Soderberg scored on a power play and had two assists to lead the Bruins to a 6-2 win over Nashville.

Jarome Iginla added a pair of goals while Brad Marchand, Matt Fraser and Reilly Smith also scored for Boston, which gave coach Claude Julien his 400th career win.

Craig Smith scored twice for Nashville.

Calgary's Joe Colborne scored the only goal of the shootout to give the Flames an improbable come-from-behind 4-3 win over St. Louis.

Colborne took the first attempt in the shootout and beat Jaroslav Halak on a deke, while goalie Reto Berra turned aside three Blues' shots to earn the win.

Mark Giordano forced overtime by scoring the tying goal with 5 seconds left, while Jiri Hudler and Mike Cammalleri also scored for Calgary, which had lost its previous three games.

Kevin Shattenkirk, Jaden Schwartz and Paajarvi scored for the Blues.

Wayne Simmonds tries a wrap-around shot against goalie Niklas Backstrom. Source: AFP

Philadelphia's Wayne Simmonds had two goals and an assist as the Flyers downed Minnesota 4-1 to extend their home winning streak to nine games.

Tampa Bay's Martin St. Louis had a goal and two assists as the Lightning beat state rival Florida 6-1 to make it five-straight wins.

New York's Mats Zuccarello and Derek Stepan scored shootout goals to give the Rangers a 2-1 win over Toronto.

Columbus' Ryan Johansen and Jack Skille scored 1:28 apart late in the third period to rally the Blue Jackets to a 4-3 win over Carolina.

New York Islanders' Evgeni Nabokov checks the puck away from Detroit's Todd Bertuzzi. Source: AP

New York's Evgeni Nabokov made 23 saves for his 56th career shutout, helping the Islanders win 3-0 against Detroit.

Buffalo scored in bizarre circumstances to take a 2-1 win over Phoenix, as the puck became lodged in the back of the goalie's jersey and when he retreated to his crease, he unwittingly took it across the line to end the game.

Edmonton's Taylor Hall had a goal and two assists as the Oilers snapped a season-worst six-game skid with a 6-2 victory over Winnipeg.

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TD mark set to be fleeting

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PEYTON Manning says his season record of 51 touchdowns will be short-lived, suggesting Tom Brady will take it back soon enough.

Or, for that matter, any number of other quarterbacks could break it should NFL owners get their way and expand the season to 18 games.

Perhaps he's just being pragmatic.

Maybe he's just being modest.

"If it does go to 18 games, I think that is a practical assessment," said tight end Julius Thomas, who caught the record-breaker in Denver's 37-13 win at Houston on Sunday. "Those two extra games would give a quarterback two additional opportunities to go out there and put more touchdowns on the board.

"That will skew a lot of records. But you know he's also a modest person. That's who he is. It's pretty remarkable to throw 51 touchdowns. I believe records are meant to be broken and most are broken. But that's one that could stand for a while."

Peyton smiles after throwing his fourth touchdown and 51st of the season. Source: AP

It will stand for a long time, suggested Eric Decker, who retrieved the record-breaking memento when Thomas nonchalantly dropped it, unaware of the ball's emotional or even economic value.

"Of course he's being modest," Decker said. "Fifty-plus touchdowns in a season, you've got to do something very, very special. (Dan) Marino had it for such a long time and then it went back and forth for a while. But with the game how it is now, it's more of an offensive game and you have more opportunities to maybe do something like this."

Manning began the season by becoming the first quarterback since 1969 to throw for seven touchdowns in a game, one of eight games this season in which he's thrown for four or more touchdowns.

He's thrown a dozen touchdown passes to Julius Thomas and Demaryius Thomas and 10 each to Decker and Wes Welker.

After breaking Brady's single-season touchdown record of 50 on Sunday, Manning is 266 yards from surpassing Drew Brees' single-season mark for yards passing. The Broncos are 18 points shy of setting a single-season scoring record and 28 points from becoming the league's first 600-point team.

Peyton waits near the bench before the game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Source: AFP

They're already the first team in NFL history with five players with at least 10 touchdowns; running back Knowshon Moreno has 10 touchdown runs and two touchdown catches. Nobody else has had four players with double-digit touchdowns.

It's reached the point where it's expected that the Broncos will put up gaudy numbers each week, and when they don't march right down the field, fans wonder what's wrong.

"Yeah, we talked about that a little bit earlier in the season. If we punt, man, we would get booed," Julius Thomas said. "But it just speaks to what we've done as an offense. We have no problem with people having high expectations of us because we have high expectations of ourselves."

Maybe that's why he didn't realize he had the record-holder in his hands when he caught No. 51 on Sunday and just let it go instead of holding onto it. Decker picked up the ball and tucked it in the side of his jersey, where it remained as he walked off the field.

Peyton is greeted by Andre Johnson after setting the record for TD passes in a season. Source: AFP

"It wouldn't have surprised me if Julius would have went and handed it to some babe up in the stands, trying to get her phone number in exchange for the ball," Manning joked. "That would be right up Julius' alley."

Julius Thomas said: "If it was the right girl, maybe I'd think about it."

Decker, who was pranked by Manning in the offseason, when the quarterback invited him for a weekend passing camp at Duke University and tricked him into thinking he had to pay thousands of dollars for doing so, saw an opportunity for payback.

"I was going to take (the ball) home. That's an item that is going to go for a lot," Decker said. "H got me at Duke (and) I figured this was maybe a time where I could hold the ball ransom and see what I could get out of it. But I had to give it to him, and that was such a cool thing to be a part of."

Peyton waves to fans after the game. Source: AP

Manning can make it even more difficult to break his touchdown record when the Broncos visit the Oakland Raiders on Sunday.

Because the Broncos need to win to stay ahead of New England in the race for home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs and the Patriots kick off against Buffalo at the same time, Manning, and not his backup, Brock Osweiler, will be under center fine-tuning things before the playoffs.

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Bumper summer on the road

Orica Green Edge rider Simon Gerrans at the Herald Sun Tour Launch. Source: Michael Klein / News Limited

AUSTRALIA'S top bike riders will barely break for Christmas, with next week heralding the start of a bumper summer of cycling in Victoria and SA.

It starts with the Mitchelton Bay Cycling Classic in Geelong on January 2 where young gun Caleb Ewan will be out to defend his title.

Ewan became the youngest ever winner of the series this year, then went on to enjoy an outstanding under-23 season in Europe which led to a WorldTour contract with Orica-GreenEDGE.

The four-day Bay Cycling Classic also visits Portarlington and Williamstown, where Matt Goss will be looking to ignite his 2014 season after an unusually quiet couple of years since winning Milan-San Remo in 2011.

The Aussie peloton then heads to Ballarat for the national road titles from January 8 where riders will battle for the right to wear the green and gold jersey in Europe for the rest of the year.

Luke Durbridge did the double this year when he won the time trial and road race, but he faces an almighty fight to keep them next year.

Former champion Simon Gerrans yesterday became the latest rider to confirm his spot on the start line for the men's road race on January 12.

"I was really honoured to be national champion in 2012 and I really enjoyed wearing the Australian green and gold jersey throughout all the big races in Europe," Gerrans said.

"It's a race I'd love to win again. It's a course that suits me quite well because it's demanding with quite a lot of short and explosive climbing."

While the road race - which will also feature a full team of riders from new Pro Continental squad Drapac Professional Cycling - promises to deliver a showdown on Mount Buninyong, there is just as much interest in who will claim the time trial crown.

Depending on which riders nominate for the TT, Durbridge will have tough competition to retain the jersey with Michael Hepburn, Rohan Dennis, Richie Porte, Michael Matthews and Richie Porte expected to line up for a shot.

A decision on whether Cadel Evans rides the national titles is yet to be made but he would also be among the favourites.

The national championships are expected to provide Australian riders with a perfect lead-in to the Santos Tour Down Under in Adelaide on January 19.

With a new course for the opening and closing criteriums and Australia's best two Grand Tour general classification riders confirmed starters in Evans and Porte, the race is being touted as the best in years.

Drapac this week announced its team for the TDU would be led by former Saxo-Tinkoff sprinter Jonathan Cantwell and include Thomas Palmer, Travis Meyer, Will Clarke, Bernard Sulzbeger and Darren Lapthorne.

"Everyone knows Jonathan Cantwell is quick, but Drapac is taking a very balanced squad to the race," sports director Henk Vogels said.

"We'll aim to be the most attacking team and will be looking to take our opportunities wherever we can.

"Our guys won't just be waiting to come off Andre Greipel's wheel in a sprint finish. Expect Drapac to be mega-active where it counts."

The final stop for some riders before heading back to Europe is the Jayco Herald Sun Tour from February 5-9.

Orica-GreenEDGE and Garmin-Sharp - whose team is expected to feature Dennis, Nathan Haas, Lachlan Morton and Steele Von Hoff - are already confirmed for the race which starts with a twilight prologue through the Melbourne CBD.

A third WorldTour team, tipped to be Italian outfit Cannondale and include Tasmanian Cameron Wurf, is set to join them in the five-day race which finishes on Arthurs Seat.

AUSTRALIAN SUMMER OF CYCLING:

Mitchelton Bay Cycling Classic - Thursday, January 2 to Sunday, January 5

Mars Road National Championships - Wednesday, January 8 to Sunday, January 12

Santos Tour Down Under - Sunday, January 19 to Sunday, January 26

Jayco Herald Sun Tour - Wednesday, February 5 to Sunday, February 9.

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Porte earning career the hard way

Richie Porte credits a move to Italy with giving his pro cycling career its impetus. Source: Colleen Petch / News Limited

RICHIE Porte says claiming a Tour Down Under wildcard ride in 2008 did not open the flood gates towards a professional cycling career - contrary to popular belief.

The popular Team Sky Pro Cycling all rounder said he struggled on the "bones of his arse" for the next two years after making an instant impact at the 2008 TDU where he finished ninth overall.

He was an instant TDU revelation riding for UniSA after finishing fourth overall at the Australian national cycling championships and fifth in the 2008 time trial.

But Porte, 28, said it was his time with Italian amateur cycling outfit Bedogni Grassi Natalini that really kick-started his career before winning his first professional contract with Team Saxobank, which at the time housed Australians Stuart O'Grady and Brad McGee.

"I didn't get a pro contract for another two years after that ride as a wildcard at the Tour Down Under,'' Porte said.

"(The ticket towards a pro contract) was from an Italian amateur team, to be honest. It was that team that did a lot more.

"I shifted to Italy and it was a kind of round about way to win the pro contract."

The former Launceston-based swimming pool lifeguard worked a nine to five job in between jumping on the bike before emerging with a bullet at the 2008 TDU.

Porte didn't climb the ranks through the Australian Institute of Sport cycling system but said he was determined to earn a career in cycling despite being the "hard way."

"I worked around Launceston for an outdoor pool which was open all year,'' Porte said.

"It was always a dream to win a pro contract and when it happens it's just a life target."

"It was always my dream to turn professional but I have had some good people in my corner along the way like Brad McGee and Stuart O'Grady people like that.

"Stuey (O'Grady) is one of the best human beings you'll ever meet.

"I guess there were some of the lucky breaks to have people vouge for you and in cycling it's a lot of who you know, there's a lot of people that can't get into it.''

But after having a huge 2013 with Team Sky where he Paris-Nice overall honours and helped his good friend, teammate Chris Froome claim the Tour de France general classification, Porte who finished 19th overall at the French Grand Tour said he was now targeting GC at the TDU next month.

"I'd love to win it (TDU),'' Porte said.

"I think (Simon) Gerrans (Orica-GreenEDGE) is motivated as well and between us it's quite solid, the chance to trying to win the ochre jersey."

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From war zone to sailing dream

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SWAPPING one danger zone for another isn't everyone's choice of a holiday.

But for intrepid sailor Zoe Leffler, being bucked around and fire hosed by tonnes of water on the bow of a Sydney to Hobart racer for three or four days is the perfect choice for a break from her work in Islamabad, Pakistan.

The Swedish sailor, who works for the European Union in Pakistan, answered an advertisement in a newsletter to go sailing in December and is now part of the crew on the old Australian racer Helsal III.

While she has significant race miles under her belt, the 69th edition of the race will be her first Sydney to Hobart appearance and is part of Leffler's three-week vacation from work on the other side of the world.

"I miss the water when I am in Pakistan,'' admitted Leffler, who recently moved from Kabul to Islamabad for her job with the EU.

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"This, doing a Sydney to Hobart, has also been my dream since I was at university in Melbourne.

"When I saw the ad in the newsletter I get I just jumped at it.''

Leffler, who has a degree in law and politics, was born in Sweden and has completed three Atlantic crossings in boats, sailed dinghies during her childhood and has also done numerous Tall Ship events in Europe.

The former deckhand on super yachts around the world has also done a delivery from Hobart to Melbourne.

"I like being where it is wet and wild,'' she said of her job on the bow of the 29-year-old 66-footer.

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The well known Tasmanian yacht has been chartered by Gunnedah doctor Paul Mara, who has assembled a league of nations crew, including a British skipper in Paul Jackson and Corey Dollison, a carpenter from the Northern Territory.

This will be Mara's second race to Hobart after he made his debut in last year's race on the Sydney yacht Kioni.

"It was just something I always wanted to do,'' Mara said. "It's an incredible challenge.''

This years fleet of 94 is the biggest since 100 yachts started the 628 nautical miles in 2009.

The fleet ranges on size from the 100-foot fleet headliners to the 34-footer Wilparina.

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Gooch: England trying its best

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GRAHAM Gooch says England has to weather the storm of abuse and ridicule coming its way in its broken Ashes campaign.

The former captain turned England batting coach said there was no lack of effort by the beleaguered tourists who had just been outpointed by a "totally dominant" Australia.

"I think there has been a lot of fight over last 3-4 years," Gooch said.

"If you look at our record in the past year (England had been unbeaten in Tests since November last year before this tour), this team has been a good team and has played very good cricket.

"But this series, it's not working out. We've not played good cricket; not been allowed to play good cricket by Australia and they've got a settled team.

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"You can't say we haven't worked in the practice and training area, but it's not happened on the field.

"Everyone's got to look at their role and see how they can improve. Our performance is not acceptable to English cricket."

Gooch said it had been a "shock to everyone" that Graeme Swann had retired and that he'd leave "a big hole" in the English line-up.

"It's always disruptive when people go. You come out with a plan, with what you think your team is going to be and how it will play … and it clearly hasn't worked out," Gooch said.

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"You have to take that on the chin, get what's coming our way and we have to move on.

"When you're 3-0 down, there's always going to be a lot of noise around in the media and people (looking) for off-the-ball stories and anything to harp on.

"But the simple fact is we've been outplayed with the ball, the ball and in the field."

"We've just got to look at ourselves - the coaching staff, players, everyone - and say our performance has not been acceptable and we've got to improve on that, starting Boxing Day."

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Ken can't back Glyn right now

Kumaon (No. 6), ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, made Ken Callander's best run of the day.

I AM going to put a line through Glyn Schofield. I cannot back him at the moment.

I am still getting over his ride on The Alfonso at Randwick on Villiers Day and then comes his tearaway ride on Number One Gun, which the stewards are inquiring into, at Randwick on Friday followed up by Northern Glory at Rosehill on Saturday where Schofield missed the jump and gave the only other horse in the betting Calming Influence an impossible start.

It is too much for me with a top class jockey.

I hope Glyn is riding better when Boban returns from a spell. Otherwise Chris Waller might be tempted to look elsewhere.

One horse I thought Schofield rode a treat on Saturday was Vilanova, the day's best backed runner, and ironically, with the horse needing speed on, he had things made to order when Nash Rawiller set a record-breaking pace on the $15 chance Almighty Charge. Vilanova just wasn't good enough.

***

You will notice in the $190m redevelopment of the SCG the "new" stands are still named after cricket's heroes such as Don Bradman and Victor Trumper.

Yet when Kate and Will visit Sydney at Easter the move is strongly alive to christen the new Randwick grandstand as the Queen Elizabeth Stand. Michael Crismale, the new ATC chairman, and his committee can't be so out of touch. We would become the laughing stock of the world, even of the Poms.

There is only two possible names for the stand, the Tommy Smith Stand, after our all time Sydney racing hero, or the Punters Stand, after the people who paid for it.

***

I think Peter Snowden is certain to take over John O'Shea's 72-box Randwick stables when the Darley changeover occurs in May.

Snowden going to Randwick would be a good fit. Firstly Pete wouldn't be subconsciously looking over his shoulder at the Darley horses each morning as he may if he stayed at Warwick Farm and secondly I understand a large number of the current O'Shea owners would be agreeable to Snowden taking over their horses.

***

If the stipes had let the punters who backed Cyclone determine Nash Rawiller's suspension after the second race on Saturday the hoop would have got a lot longer stint on the sidelines than an extra six meetings.

Rawiller's carelessness on Franceso cost his stablemate Cyclone any hope of winning and cost punters thousands. For all of those punters who thought one Waterhouse runner would not protest against another, let me assure you the stewards would have fired in a protest if it had not been forthcoming.

The margin between second and third was a length and a half, but I am certain upholding the protest was the correct decision.

***

Peter Snowden and Kerrin McEvoy's incredible hot run gathered more pace at Rosehill with the wins of Kumaon, Limes and Emblems.

I have said it a few times recently, but Kerrin MvEvoy seems to be riding with a new found aggression. He's my new pin-up hoop - when you back him you feel he has tried everything possible to get his horse over the line first.

***

I think I must have been the only punter on Auld Burns on Saturday, who eased from $4 to $7.50 before running last in the four horse first race, the weakest Sydney Saturday field in memory.

Unless David Hayes can pull off a last to first form reversal like Glastonbury in the Metropolitan 20 years ago, he should be aiming Auld Burns at Gundagai or Bourke.

***

A happy and healthy Christmas to all of my readers and may you have some luck in the New Year.

***

RIDE OF THE DAY

Nathan Thomas on Mighty Lucky. If it was a higher profile jockey in the saddle the critics would be raving.

RUN OF THE DAY

Kumaon. Did heaps wrong and had little luck but still won the prize.

FORGET IT RAN

Cyclone. Was knocked flat and denied his winning chance.

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Live: Mitch cameo revives Scorchers

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CHRIS Lynn has saved Brisbane Heat from a perilous position with a match winning knock of 81 in a thrilling win over Perth Scorchers in their BBL grand final rematch.

In a match where the batsmen struggled to tame a pitch that had a bit in it for the bowlers, Lynn was superb - freeing his arms in the second last over to finally get the run rate under control.

He couldn't quite see the job out, losing his wicket to a stunning catch from 42-year-old Brad Hogg with just four deliveries remaining, but the cool head of Ben Cutting prevailed - the Heat's star with the ball finishing the game with a boundary.

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While the Heat players were elated with their victory over last season's grand final opponents, the Scorchers were visibly shattered after strong performances from Hogg and Mitch Marsh looked to have got them over the line.

Hogg once again defied his age, sparking a Heat collapse with 3-21 from his four overs, after Marsh had ensured the Scorchers had a competitive total to defend.

Marsh top scored for the visitors with 57 off just 35 balls to scramble the Scorchers to a total of 7/151 after early wickets to Alistair McDermott (1-38) and Ben Cutting - who was sensational throughout, finishing with the return of 4-31 - stopped the Scorchers in their tracks.

The only other Scorchers batsman to really get away was Marsh's older brother Shaun, who departed for 37 off 30, although skipper Simon Katich was the unlucky victim of an umpiring error - sent packing by a Daniel Vettori catch even after the bowler, McDermott, had clearly overstepped the crease and should have been called for a no ball.

And you can catch all the action right here, with our live blog, featuring social media updates and commentary on all the big moments!

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So close but no caviar for Belle

THE $2.6 million half-sister to the great Black Caviar was pipped on the post on debut in a Bendigo maiden yesterday.

But trainer Danny O'Brien and jockey Damien Oliver said they were far from giving up on Belle Couture despite the inauspicious racetrack start.

Starting $1.50 favourite, the three-year-old filly was edged out by a short half-head by home-bred fellow first-starter Paddy's Gem, the $7.30 second elect.

"She came here for the ­experience and education and it is not the end of the world," O'Brien said.

"I think she will be a filly who can get out to 1400m or a mile and that gives her a lot of options.

"She is not a rip, tear and sprint galloper. Very much more like (Black Caviar's star half brother) All Too Hard than Black Caviar.

"I think she has the right ­attitude to make a good racehorse. This is the start, not the finish.

"I do believe she is a stakes-class filly, if not this autumn then by next spring."

Oliver said Belle Couture, by Redoute's Choice out of Helsinge, the mother of Black Caviar and All Too Hard, was fighting back and would have won in another stride or two.

"A little further and she would have won,'' he said.

"This is not the worst thing that can happen to her because she can get to be a racehorse in normal circumstances instead of being under the microscope."

O'Brien agreed, saying the filly now could return with more maturity for another maiden rather than having to go straight to town for her ­second run.

Belle Couture took the lead at the 200m mark of the 1100m race but was quickly tackled by Paddy's Gem and I'm An Outoftowner.

She fought back in a blanket finish to be beaten a short half-head with a neck to third.

The let-down continued a dramatic past fortnight.

Belle Couture was bought by Bill Vlahos's now failed BC3 outfit at the 2012 Sydney Easter Yearling Sale. Receivers last week ordered the sale of BC3's remaining 16 per cent of Belle Couture and the share was snapped up on Wednesday by shareholder Donna Love.

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Waller in box seat for double

Good things come in threes but Chris Waller is aiming to win the trainers' double. Source: Colleen Petch / News Limited

CHRIS Waller is this week expected to be granted his Christmas wish of more boxes at Flemington.

And should Waller be given the green light to expand his team from 10 horses to 20 horses down south, his quest for an historic Sydney and Melbourne trainers' premiership double in the same season will become fair dinkum.

After two wins from two starters at Flemington on Saturday, Waller suddenly moved to 14 wins for the Melbourne season, just three behind Darren Weir, who has had the double the amount of starters.

Waller's double at Rosehill took his Sydney tally to 67, exactly 30 clear of Darley's Peter Snowden. He's $1.01 to win his fourth successive Sydney premiership.

Waller said yesterday he had spoken with Victoria Racing Club officials about doubling his boxes, and hoped to learn of their decision as early as this week.

The champion trainer said the only way he could make a play for the Melbourne title was to have more of a presence.

"At this stage I'd say 'no' (to winning the Melbourne title) because we're still taking little steps down there, the first step is getting more boxes, and we need more boxes to be competitive,'' Waller said.

Asked if it was easier to win races in Melbourne than it was Sydney, Waller said: "If you've got the right horse it doesn't matter where you go. A Saturday race is a Saturday race, they're all hard to win.

"I like having options. As soon as a horse runs, I'm looking where I can run them again within two weeks. Sydney is the preferred option, and if there isn't a race here, I'll see what's in Melbourne.

"You need a horse in peak form, and you're better off running them interstate rather than waiting around in your home state for three or four weeks for a suitable race. The way I train, my horses lose fitness three and four weeks between runs.'

Waller only has four Melbourne staff, led by Justine Hailes, who have done a remarkable job to keep in touch on the premiership table with limited numbers.

While there will be no Melbourne runners on Boxing Day, Waller said Index Linked would fly the stable flag on New Year's Day. I'm Imposing and Hoylonny will line up in the Summer Cup at Randwick on Thursday.

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