Heart CEO in Twitter spat

Melbourne Heart CEO took to social media after Melbourne Victory's heavy defeat. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

Melbourne Heart CEO Scott Munn was involved in an unseemly Twitter altercation with Masterchef star George Calombaris on Saturday night.

Following Melbourne Victory's 5-0 defeat to Wellington Phoenix, Munn Tweeted Calombaris, a huge Victory supporter, with a screengrab of the scoreline from his smartphone, saying "thought you would like this" and "in some cultures 5 is a lucky number".

Calombaris responded to Munn's bizarre taunt, saying, "can't believe ur a CEO of a club and u take the piss out of another. Fish rots from the head down."

Although Munn's comments could be taken as tongue-in-cheek, it is still surprising to see someone in Munn's position take to social media to taunt celebrity fans of his club's cross-town rivals. Perhaps more so when you consider his own club's recent record of just one win in 19 games.

The club was unavailable for comment when contacted by Fox Sports.

18.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Reds set to unleash Browning

Curtis Browning is looking to establish himself at the Queensland Reds. Picture: Philip Norrish Source: Philip Norrish / News Limited

CURTIS Browning's rugby exploits were featured 11 times in The Courier-Mail before he graduated from high school.

Perhaps it was to be expected. After all, Browning's grandfather defined rugby union.

Browning captained University's first grade team as a teenager and, now 20, he is set to show why he is considered a future Wallabies captain.

Browning is primed to be the breakout star of Australia's Super Rugby franchises when the Queensland Reds to unleash him this season.

He is fighting for one of three backrow positions in the Reds team for their opening clash with the ACT Brumbies next month.

The Brumbies rated Browning so highly they tried to poach him last year, offering a ridiculous salary for a man with one Super Rugby game to his name.

The offer could not break his bond to Queensland.

The wild-haired No.6 is a bullocking ball runner and his ability to play all three backrow positions means he is in line for at least a bench spot in Richard Graham's inaugural line-up.

Browning has the blood of rugby royalty in his veins.

Curtis Browning shows off Queensland Reds' new strip while Nick Frisby models a 1900s style outfit. Picture: Liam Kidston. Source: News Limited

He is the grandson of former Wallabies centre Dick Marks, a man known as "Mr Rugby'' because he helped draft the International Rugby Board's "Charter of the Game''.

It is an inspiring lineage to live up to but Browning, a humble and laid-back character with a Ned Kelly beard, just wants to prove he deserves the hype.

"Everyone aspires to be in the first team and I am no different,'' Browning said.

"I have really enjoyed being able to do a full pre-season and learn so much off the boys.

"I want to get a few games under my belt, but really it is about getting experience. I just want to be around the squad and get as much out of it as I can.

"We have depth across the whole 15 and it is pushing everyone. Competition brings out the best in people.''

Browning has enviable drive. A full time Reds player, he is also studying commerce at University of Queensland and has created a successful business.

Curtis Browning is committed to Queensland after overtures from the Brumbies. Picture: Marc Robertson Source: News Limited

Browning co-founded Eveva Wholefoods, which sells pre-packaged nutritional meals online.

Graham has marvelled at Browning's rapid development since he became a full-time member of the Reds' squad.

"His physical development over the last three or four months is a credit to him. He's really applied himself,'' Graham said.

"He's very thick-set, very strong and he's working hard on the subtle skills of his game as a backrower and his ability to link with backs.

"I see him as a (blindside flanker) with the ability to play all three positions in the backrow.''

At 190cm and 108kg, Browning's stocky frame has been considered a potential downfall to long-term success in the backrow where specimens usually range from a minimum of 195cm.

But his smaller frame engenders versatility, a quality that has ARU officials excited by his potential.

The Reds' backrow trio for the majority of last year was Ed Quirk in No.6, Liam Gill in No.7 and Jake Schatz in the No.8 jersey.

Browning could fill any of those roles this season, but is mainly challenging for Quirk's jersey.

In fact, Browning is so malleable he was once considered a potential prop.

"That was a little trial which didn't amount to much, not that I'm complaining,'' he said.

"I played half a game of prop in reserve grade and that was that. I'm happy to keep my ears pretty.''

Another goal for Browning will be to feature in the same run on side as former Brisbane State High teammate Chris Feauai-Sautia.

The duo were members of the record-setting First XV that went unbeaten in 2009.

They also set the benchmark for the number of Australian schoolboys to emerge from one high school side.

Browning, Feauai-Sautia, Rohan Saifoloi, Matt Garland, Alo-Emile, Matt Ika and captain Jordan Tuapou all represented Australia from that team.

18.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ryan Pegs back expectations

In only her second start, the Gerald Ryan-trained Peggy Jean has ran down hot favourite Boomwaa to claim the $250,000 feature at Randwick yesterday. Picture: Simon Bullard Source: Simon Bullard / News Limited

THE master trainer of two-year-olds, Gerald Ryan, has a huge rap on Peggy Jean - but he has no intention of running her in the Golden Slipper.

And it's not because Ryan has the highly-touted Rubick making his debut at Randwick this Saturday.

"This filly is not a Golden Slipper horse, her race would be over a mile, a race like the Fernhill or even the Champagne if she is good enough,'' Ryan said.

Gerald Ryan has done it again with one of his babies. Source: News Limited

Peggy Jean ($10), was having just her second start, and ran down the hot favourite Boomwaa ($2.20) to win the $250,000 feature at Randwick with a big space to $61 chance Unequivocal in third.

Ryan said he's learned from the experience of two years ago when Cavalry Rose won the Inglis Classic.

"Cavalry Rose just got beaten in a stakes race and ran in the Golden Slipper after winning this race,'' he said.

"I wasn't surprised, I always said this filly could win a really nice race as a three-year-old. She could do it as a two-year-old yet.''

Ryan said he had tossed up running Peggy Jean in the Inglis Classic without her having a previous start but didn't want to risk her being balloted out.

"It's good when you're aiming at a race back in September and it comes off,'' he said.

"She was up and going early and we decided to put her away and aim at this race and it was a blessing.

"She grew and matured in the paddock and she's a nice filly who will be better over 1600m later on. She was a bit lost early, midrace she travelled a bit stronger and she wasn't sure what she was doing in the straight.''

The win brought up a race-to-race double for Ryan and jockey Kerrin McEvoy.

Peggy Jean (red silks), ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, claims Boomwaa near the post to win the Inglis Classic. Source: News Limited

"The winner set up some good fractions for me to run him down,'' McEvoy said. "I wasn't quite sure how it was going to unfold but I was able to cruise across into a good spot and I was confident turning for home.''

Boomwaa's trainer Robbie Laing will take stock when he returns home to Cranbourne and decide on a program for the beaten favourite.

Laing was far from downcast with the defeat and there's every chance he'll appear in a Blue Diamond Prelude at Caulfield next month.

Laing said it was clear that Boomwaa, whose first 600m was a cracking 33.74sec, didn't travel as sweetly as he can.

"Hugh (Bowman)'s advice after the race was exactly what I thought he might say - pull the blinkers off him,'' Laing said.

"They did the job, he was a lazy, fat two year-old and we put them on to get him going and now he has to go back a peg.

"It's a quarter-of-a-million-dollar race and you get beaten a short-neck, it's not that bad.''

18.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sydney FC slumps to Mariners

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

It was a blue night for Sydney FC as they went down to the Central Coast Mariners at Allianz Stadium.

Mile Sterjovski's second-half goal was enough to give the visitors the win in front of an angry crowd, who made their feelings known at the end of the game.

Certainly neither team was at their best, but the Mariners did enough to overcome the loss of their captain John Hutchinson. And after two draws, against Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne Heart, a 1-0 result will be a relief. For a team in transition and still dealing with the losses of Marcos Flores and Michael McGlinchley, the Mariners will be delighted with where they stand on the A-League ladder.

See how it all unfolded, with video and stats, in our match centre.

But for Sydney, it's now just one win from their last seven games. Their record against the Mariners is also a poor one, having won just two of their 11 encounters.

Before the game, the club farewelled veteran player Brett Emerton with a guard of honour by his Sydney FC teammates at Allianz Stadium last night, signalling the end of his impressive career.

Accompanied by his wife and two children, Emerton made his way out onto the field for a lap of honour, with the entire stadium applauding and giving the newly retired layer a standing ovation as he went past.

The emotional event too much for Emerton's wife Sarah, who was seen leaving the grounds crying.

Brett Emerton of Sydney and his family receive a guard of honour from Sydney FC. Source: Getty Images

Plagued with a back injury, Emerton made the decision the retire earlier this week, with speculation that he would participate in Sydney FC's game against the Central Coast Mariners, however he was instead left to watch his teammates from the sidelines.

Their inability to defend, aim for anywhere close to the goal and generally play well was ultimately a disappointing way to farewell Emerton.

The frustration spread into the crowds with Sydney FC fans clearly angry with decisions their team were making on-field, many leaving before the final whistle had gone.

Sterjovski put the Mariners in front soon after the break when his shot took a deflection off a Sydney player and flew into the back of the net. The goal was no less than the Central Coast team deserved and finally made the Sky Blues pay for some shoddy defending.

Just before the goal Corey Gameiro missed Sydney's best chance to give put his team on the scoreboard, but his poor finish aggravated an already frustrated crowd of 16, 006.

Aside from special tribute to Brett Emerton at the start of the game, it was an awful night for Sydney at Allianz Stadium. The few chances they created were missed, their defending poor. Not even Alessandro Del Piero could inspire much, in fact his genius went missing for most of the night too. The Italian skipper did show some commitment to play out the full 90 minutes, but it was arguably one of his worst ever showings in a Sky Blue jersey. His free-kick that flew over the bottom tier of the stadium summed up his night's and that of Sydney FC. But he certainly wasn't the only one - few Sydney players will be proud of their performance.

Sydney FC's poor results are increasing scrutiny on coach Frank Farina. Source: Getty Images

There was constant jeering from the crowd, clearly frustrated at the below-par showing of their team.

Somehow, it was 0-0 at the break, but the Mariners should have been at least two goals up, if not more.

Daniel McBreen had an opportunity to give his team the lead when his sixth minute header was cleared off the line by Corey Gameiro. Minutes later Joshua Rose found himself one-on-one with the keeper and he should have scored, but he shot straight at Liam Reddy.

The misses didn't end there. Sterjovski picked out Matt Simon with a great cross from the right and, with no one around, he headed wide. Then it was Nick Fitzgerald's turn. Lively down the wing all night, he managed to blast his 36th minute chance over the crossbar. And he didn't get an opportunity to redeem himself when he limped off early in the second half.

Sydney also had their chances, the best of them falling to Ranko Despotovic, who slotted the ball into the net only for the assistant referee to flag for offside.

At the end of the day the difference was that the Mariners just wanted it more.

Sydney coach Frank Farina was was disappointed with the result, but even more so with how his team responded to conceding.

"I expected a better reaction after the goal," Farina said.

"And if I'm not going to get that I'll try players that hopefully will. I'm not going to go into individuals, but I was disappointed with the reaction after. We've shown that we will fight, and I don't think we did that."

18.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Is the Fed Express out of steam?

Roger Federer's trek to Hisense Arena after 63 straight matches on Rod Laver Arena was symbolic of the changing circumstances. Picture: AFP Source: PAUL CROCK / AFP

IT was late this very afternoon six years ago that the cheap thrill of the impossible rippled through Melbourne Park.

His Elegance, Roger Federer, infallible in the first week of grand slam tournaments, had somehow stumbled.

In the fifth hour of gruelling examination, the ultimate power in tennis struggled to escape the clutches and the ratcheting pressure of Janko Tipsarevic.

The world No. 49 had in his sights one of the biggest upsets in history. The air was distinct at Rod Laver Arena.

It was documented as deeply absorbed, slightly stunned silence.

Hottest AO shots - Day 5

In such moments human nature tends to draw audiences to the quest of the underdog. But not here.

The quiet desperation for the champion to prevail was tangible. No one wants to see the gods made mortal.

By the time Federer finally extricated himself 10-8 from the decider, it was the longest fifth set he'd endured.

But the man himself didn't share the sense of relief. Instead he felt happiness to have partaken in something rare and wonderful.

"I'm glad I could deliver a five-set thriller," he told the crowd.

Switzerland's Roger Federer runs to return a shot to Blaz Kavcic during their second round match at Melbourne Park. Picture: AP Source: AP

"I don't have them that often, so it's nice to be part of something like this."

Such days of vulnerability are more common now as a 32-year-old.

While he hasn't missed the last four here in the past decade, Federer hasn't found his way to the final since winning the title in 2010.

Last year his startling second-round defeat by Sergiy Stakhovsky at Wimbledon ended the record streak of 36 consecutive quarter-finals at the majors. It was followed by a fourth-round exit at the US Open and evidenced as a veteran falling off the pace. Literally.

Federer would speak of the uncertainty of reaching a ball mid-rally where previously his only consideration was what shot he would play when he got there.

It brought to mind the observation of Greg Rusedski after losing to Pete Sampras in five sets at the 2002 US Open.

Rusedski noted Sampras was "a step and a half slower" than the model who'd ruled the circuit.

At 31 and seeded 17, Sampras went on to win the title - his 14th grand slam singles trophy - but never played on tour again.

Whether it's a burden or a responsibility, the great ones are charged with choosing the right time. That space between squeezing every last ounce of competitive juice and becoming a shadow of a once mighty force.

Federer has girded himself for this season, working relentlessly.

Yet when the draw put Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in his path from the fourth round, Federer was largely dismissed from title discussions.

The supremely popular Roger Federer acknowledges the adoring crowd this week. Picture: AP Source: AP

This week's trek to Hisense Arena after 63 straight matches on Rod Laver Arena was symbolic of the changing circumstances.

He turned on a regal performance. To sit in the crowd was to be reminded of the adoration Federer elicits.

His Elegance was immaculate as ever. He thundered forehands, slid for squash shots and rifled returns.

He inflicted a sense of helplessness on his rival. And, of course, rolled out the majestic backhand down the line.

It reminded you these days are precious for they are finite.

In this final phase, Federer appears undaunted by the trials.

If he's happy to embrace his mortality, then we shouldn't unduly fret on his behalf.

For while he's no longer the divine being that will live in legend at this tournament, he might still be capable of something rare and wonderful.

18.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

LIVE: Stosur loses to Ivanovic

SAMANTHA Stosur is out of this year's Australian Open, losing in three sets to Serbia's Ana Ivanovic, 6-7 6-4 6-2.

Earlier, Casey Dellacqua won through to the fourth round for the second time.

Stay with us throughout the evening for live updates and have your say on what's happening.

18.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Heart finally notches first win

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

AN unrecognisable Melbourne Heart produced its best performance of the season beating Newcastle Jets 3-1 in a dominant display on Friday night at AAMI Park.

Heart recorded its first win in 11 months to ensure it didn't break an unwanted record of 20 consecutive games without a win

A poor crowd of 5046 was on hand to watch Heart's 100th A-League game but the loyal fans were rewarded with a high-octane display where confidence and pride were restored for the battered side.

A brace from an excellent Mate Dugandzic sealed the win after Iain Ramsay equalised via a lucky deflection.

It was Kewell's liveliest performance in a Heart shirt and he controlled the game in the attacking third.

Our Match Centre features video highlights, play-by-play updates, stats and polls.

And marquee Orlando Engelaar made his long awaited debut after recovering from a broken leg, playing the last 31 minutes.

Though Heart is still rooted to the bottom, six points behind second last Wellington, the signs were good for John van't Schip's side and suggested they'll be a much tougher proposition in the final 12 games.

Mate Dugandzic of the Heart celebrates his goal with teammates. Source: Getty Images

The imminent sale is also bound to lift morale.

But the collective sense of relief after the second goal, a Dugandzic header just before half-time after a top Aziz Behich cross, was a good sign while the players appeared to be making up for lost time in the second stanza with Heart unlucky not to put five past the hapless Jets.

Heart had a host of early chances, with Iain Ramsay and Harry Kewell forcing a good saves from Mark Birighitti inside seven minutes.

Heart appealed for a penalty midway through the first half when Birighitti collected David Williams but replays showed he got the ball first.

Taylor Regan gave Newcastle Jets the lead at AAMI Park. Source: Getty Images

Williams needed treatment and unfortunately for him his night was soon over, with Michael Mifsud earning a reprieve within 32 minutes after being dropped.

Moments later the Jets opened the scoring when stopper Taylor Regan headed home former Heart winger Craig Goodwin's corner.

Van't Schip told the players to be more mentally resilient and the message was clearly heeded as the Jets goal sparked the home side into action.

Mifsud struck a venomous shot from distance but it wasn't long before Heart equalised, with Ramsay striking from the edge of the penalty box _ via a wicked Kew Jaliens deflection _ after Kewell headed it down for him.

Harry Kewell of the Heart heads the ball in front of Ken Jaliens of the Jets. Source: Getty Images

And Heart had a second in first half stoppage time when Behich sent in a brilliant low, zipping cross tucked away by a neat Dugandzic header.

Jets coach Gary van Egmond made a double sub at half time, withdrawing James Virgili and Sam Gallaway for James Brown and former Melbourne Victory and Perth Glory player Nick Ward, who was making his Jets debut.

The pair made the Jets more threatening with Brown forcing a good save from Redmayne.

But after taking a bit to settle it was Heart next on the scoresheet with Ramsay releasing Dugandzic who cleverly tucked it under Birighitti.

Mifsud, Kewell and Dugandzic all had chances to make the scoreline uglier for the Jets but failed to capitalise.

It didn't stop the players from celebrating with the patient fans well after the final whistle.

18.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Faulkner fires Aussies to miracle win

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

JAMES Faulkner became the new Michael Bevan when he helped Australia perform a great escape act to extend England's shameful summer of misery.

England's cricketers, already the biggest losers of the sporting world, are now the biggest chokers as well after failing to defend 8-300 at the Gabba.

It was an astonishing and epic ending to the game when Faulkner, who last year became the fastest Australian cricketer to score an ODI century, came in at No. 9 and went on an amazing six-hitting rampage.

RELIVE ALL THE ACTION IN OUR MATCH CENTRE.

All look lost when Australia had plunged to 5-120 but Faulkner (69 not out off 47 balls) and Glenn Maxwell (54 off 39 balls had other ideas).

Even at 9-244, all looked lost but Faulkner refused to give up as he launched an incredible 66-run 10th-wicket matchwinning stand with Clint McKay.

He smashed Ben Stokes for successive big sixes in the 49th over to give the home side a sniff. Then, with Australia needing 12 runs to win off the final Tim Bresnan over, Faulkner hit three successive fours to conjure an incredible final act.

It was the highest successful run-chase at the Gabba but a jubilant Faulkner said he had few doubts even when the game looked gone.

"I knew I could do it deep down but it's nice to get the boys over the line,'' Faulkner said.

"I saw one of the boys bouncing a beach ball in the dressingroom at one stage. Everyone was nervous but it was good to get the win.''

All of Faulkner's five sixes came off Ben Stokes and if England couldn't win Friday night's game they might as well give up and go home.

Faulkner's finishing knock, getting Australia home with three balls to spare, was reminiscent of some of the great last-gasp knocks by former Australian batsman Michael Bevan.

"He is the new finisher, he is the new Michael Bevan,'' skipper Michael Clarke declared.

Irishman Eoin Morgan started the ball rolling by smashing 106 off 99 balls to become just the second 'Pom' on tour, after Kiwi-born Stokes in the Perth Test, to make a century.

Helped by a captaincy error from Michael Clarke when he had made just two, big-hitting Morgan helped to bloat England's score to 8-300.

Fast bowler Chris Jordan, born in Barbados, snared both Australian openers early and took one of the catches of the summer in the process.

Jordan's one-handed catch off his own bowling to dismiss Dave Warner (18) was nothing short of freakish, given the batsman had absolutely belted it back to the bowler.

Gary Ballance, born in Zimbabwe, chipped in to take a wonderful one-handed grab at mid-off to send Aaron Finch packing for a duck.

After the Aussies plunged to 5-120, the 'Big Show' Maxwell did his best to revive the home side with an audacious display of hitting.

Maxwell, who was bought for $1 million in last year's IPL auction, reverse swept spinner Joe Root for three consecutive boundaries which had the Gabba crowd in raptures.

Maxwell did it again, this time reverse hooking fast bowler Tim Bresnan to the fence before pulling a ball straight to midwicket on the next delivery.

In a night of jubilation for the Aussies there was some pain.

George Bailey, who was lbw for 24, suffered a groin injury and rocked his head back in pain while running between wickets.

Bailey received attention from Australian physiotherapist Alex Kountouris but batted on and is likely to be assessed further on Saturday.

His Test spot for next month's South African tour is already under a cloud so an injury is the last thing Bailey needed.

In the field, Clarke made a rare captaincy blunder when Morgan had made just two.

Noticing that Clarke had one too many fielders positioned outside the fielding circle off his own bowling, Morgan went for a premeditated wild swipe and tried to clear the deep midwicket fence.

He was caught on the boundary but immediately motioned to the umpires there were too many Australian fielders outside of the circle.

Video replays proved him right and umpires called a no-ball.

Morgan went on to bash a cascade of big hits, including successive huge sixes off Faulkner which went many rows back.

He jumped for joy when he hit an innovative high ramp shot for four over the keeper's head off Nathan Coulter-Nile to bring up his century off 94 balls.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR MATCH CENTRE.

18.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tomic pulls pin on Open tilt

AuBernard Tomic pulled out of the Australian Open at the end of the first set. Picture Colleen Petch. Source: Colleen Petch / News Limited

BERNARD Tomic's roller-coaster career took another dip last night when a groin injury spoiling his much-anticipated showdown with Rafael Nadal.

The young Australian was forced to pull out of the match after the first set, which Nadal had won 6-4.

Tomic hurt his groin warming up earlier in the evening and it was obvious after the first point that he was struggling.

He took a medical time-out and left the court when leading 2-1, returning with heavy tape around his left thigh.

Despite the inconvenience Tomic still produced some amazing shots and had the No. 1 seed on the ropes before eventually the injury took his toll and he lost his serve in the ninth game.

When Nadal finished off the set in 39 minutes, Tomic called for the trainer again and decided he could no longer continue.

After shaking hands with his Spanish opponent, he then raised his hands to the crowd and mouthed the words: "I'm sorry".

Nadal, who missed last year's Open because of injury, was disappointed his opening match was short-lived.

"I am very sorry and I hope he get better very soon," he said.

"I know how tough this situation is as I had the same situation a few years ago. All the best for him for rest of the year.

"I saw at the beginning that he had some problems with the leg but the first few games he was serving unbelievable and I couldn't return."

Nadal faces another Australian in the second round, 17-year-old South Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis, who was a shock winner earlier in the evening playing in just his second match on the senior tour.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Heal: Kings good for take-off

Sam Young dribbles past teammate Kevin White with opponent Luke Schenscher lurking. Source: Sarah Reed / News Limited

IT'S taken a while but Sydney Kings coach Shane Heal finally has the team he always wanted.

After six weeks integrating American Sam Young into his playing roster, the Kings have found their groove, according to the former Boomer turned coach.

"I feel the second half of the season is where we will be playing our best basketball,'' Heal said.

"We look at the last six weeks as like a pre-season and now the real season has just begun.

"We feel like things are starting to click.

"We made a really significant change when Sam came in and it was always going to take a while to adjust. I don't think people understand that time is needed to embrace a new player."

Young, a 249-game NBA swingman, has made a significant impact for the Kings since signing with the Sydney side in November and is now averaging 21 points per game.

Last weekend he scored 24 points when the Kings ended Adelaide's 7-0 home streak.

Heal said the win over Adelaide proves the Kings have turned the corner and expects them to produce this weekend when they take on Cairns away on Friday and Melbourne at home of Sunday.

"Two games in three days, that is easier than training, so there are no excuses for us,'' Heal said.

High priority for the Kings is winning against Melbourne at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on Sunday.

"We had three losses in a row at home and we want to address that,'' Heal said.

"But the best thing about this team right now is they remain very positive.

"We are not going into this weekend chasing anything less than the two wins.''

Heal said neither team will be easy to topple in round 15.

The Kings are chasing the split against Cairns on Friday.

"They are very even across the board and very well drilled,'' he said.

"It's not like we can hold anything back against them for Sunday.''

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Rampant Thunder snap losing streak

Thunder captain Mike Hussey celebrates taking a catch to dismiss Dan Harris of the Renegades. Source: Robert Cianflone / Getty Images

THREE Prime Ministers and three Christmases later, the streak is over.

Sydney Thunder ended 753 days - and 19 matches - of Big Bash League futility with a shock win that also put in grave peril the Melbourne Renegades' finals chances.

Last year's minor premiers must now win both remaining matches - home to the Sixers and away to the Strikers - to have any chance of making the finals.

And the absolute hiding the hosts' run rate took as the Thunder ran down their miserable all out 104 total within 11.3 overs didn't help that task.

Usman Khawaja (46 not out off 34 balls) and Tillakaratne Dilshan (46 off 29) made light work of the chase with an opening stand of 89 in 9.3 overs.

Not only did their stylish strokeplay bely the Thunder's recent batting woes, it defined the intent that was obvious throughout the match.

It was fitting that skipper Mike Hussey (9 not out) - for much of the season the lone hand for the Thunder - hit the winning run in the nine-wicket mauling.

Usman Khawaja hits out for the Thunder at Etihad Stadium. Source: Getty Images

The Thunder had not won since the second match of the inaugural BBL on December 23, 2011 - and precious few gave them a chance with Australian one-day stars Aaron Finch and James Pattinson released to play for the Renegades.

Air was already thin when play started with the scoreboard showing 47C, but it thinned further when Gurinder Sandhu rattled hometown hero Finch's furniture second ball and the crowd collectively gasped.

The competition's leading run-scorer, so dominant at Etihad Stadium and fresh off an ODI century for Australia on Sunday night, trudged off with a rare duck to leave the 10,896 crowd strangely subdued.

And things didn't really improve.

They were hushed further two overs later when Sandhu nabbed a second scalp when Chris Tremain took a top catch at full stretch at mid-on to remove Alex Doolan for eight.

It wasn't until the third ball of the fourth over that regular Renegades saviour Ben Rohrer cut Andrew Pye to the point fence that the home team had its first boundary at a venue that normally requires nightly panel beating to the hoardings.

Thunder Tillakaratne Dilshan smashes a six against the Renegades. Source: Getty Images

But after Rohrer and opener Dan Harris - playing his first game for the year after breaking a hand in mid-December - shared a 50-run stand and looked to be in control, the flow of wickets began unabated.

Harris (30) was given out to a Tremain slower ball that climbed steeply and appeared to balloon off his elbow to cover.

But he was the only real stumbling block as Sandhu (3-21), Ajantha Mendis (2-21) and Andrew Tye (1-20) prevented any momentum with regular wickets.

And Hussey kept up the pressure with some aggressive field placements that were finally reinforced by the green team's dedication to the task.

And the hugs all round on the bench after the winning run showed exactly the relief that they'll be no longer burdened by talk of the streak.

Relive all the action from the Renegades-Thunder Big Bash League clash in our match blog below.

CLICK HERE FOR A BETTER EXPERIENCE IF USING AN APPLE MOBILE DEVICE

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Victory sizzles to burn Wanderers

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

MELBOURNE Victory's best performance under coach Kevin Muscat has earned it a 3-1 A-League win over Western Sydney Wanderers at AAMI Park.

Goals from Archie Thompson, Kostas Barbarouses and Gui Finkler gave Victory their first win over the Wanderers in five matches and propelled them to third on the A-League table.

Little more than two weeks after their previous encounter, Muscat ensured there would be no need for a last-minute saviour with his team starting at pace, making space for creativity through sharp one-touch passing.

Our Match Centre features video highlights, stats, polls and play-by-play updates.

The terms of engagement were decided early, with Victory's urgent work set against Wanderers' more patient and physical approach.

While Barbarouses was yet to find his shooting boots early, it was worse at the other end for Victory when Andrew Nabbout was stretchered off in a neck brace defending a corner.

After 13 minutes, as he was clearing a corner by head, Nabbout was collected by Dean Heffernan's swinging boot.

The delay seemed to remind the players of Melbourne's baking heat, with long stretches without clear chances.

The six minutes of time on brought Wanderers' best spell, with Nathan Coe denying shots from Mark Bridge and Brendon Santalab, and Nikolai Topor-Stanley's header.

After the break it was Thompson who opened the scoring, finishing a flowing Victory move on 52 minutes.

Victory had the ball zipping past Wanderers players from the back of the pitch to the midfield, where the outstanding Rashid Mahazi sent the ball wide to Barbarouses, whose pinpoint cross gave Thompson the easiest of chances.

Ten minutes later, Barbarouses made it two after racing onto a finely placed long ball from acting captain Leigh Broxham.

The New Zealand international baffled Topor-Stanley and buried his chance past Ante Covic in impressive fashion.

James Troisi could have added a third on a lightning-paced breakaway but found only the onrushing Covic as he sped through on the counter.

Deep into injury time, a Tomi Juric goal from a Youssof Hersi cross seemed to have set up a concerning finish for Muscat, but less than a minute after the restart, Finkler's finish past Covic gave Victory the margin their play merited.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Thunder have nothing on Bears

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

SYDNEY Thunder, meet the Quetta Bears.

Haven't heard of them? Well, maybe it's time you two got better acquainted.

The Pakistan-based team represent the holy grail of Twenty20 incompetence, having lost 28 matches in a row in a streak that began in April 2005..

That first loss set the tone for the Bears, with fearsome Rawalpindi Rams fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar taking 5-23.

The Bears almost ended their streak in December, 2012, against the Abbottabad Falcons, but, true to form went down in a one-over eliminator after the match ended in a tie.

The Thunder still have some catching up to do, but their loss to Hobart on Saturday pushed them ahead of Zimbabwe and Jammu & Kashmir into outright second place.

Tonight they travel to Melbourne to take on a Renegades side that welcomes back paceman James Pattinson and opener Aaron Finch, who smashed a ton for Australia in the one-day international on Sunday.

David Warner and Chris Gayle were one-time Sydney Thunder openers. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Limited

The little-known Bears boast few big names, outside Imran Khan, who unfortunately is no relation to the Pakistan great.
The Thunder, meanwhile, have had the likes of Chris Gayle, David Warner, Michael Clarke, Usman Khawaja, Eoin Morgan, Michael Hussey wear the electric green.

In a sport where luck often plays a huge part, it's an impressively inept feat to fall short so many times in a row.

But as Quetta proved, it's possible to keep on losing… and losing... and losing.

Michael Clarke hasn't played too many games for Sydney Thunder. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Limited

Plagued by poor administration, a lack of resources and inadequate training facilities in the first two seasons, Cricket NSW began pouring far more attention into the struggling western Sydney franchise before the start of their current Big Bash League campaign.

Their former coach Shane Duff was replaced by Chandika Hathurusinghe, who used his Sri Lankan connections to recruit two of the country's biggest names in Tillakaratne Dilshan and Ajantha Mendis.

The addition of Hussey was another major step in the right direction, but injuries to Khawaja and Dilshan and the loss of Morgan to England's limited-overs squad have hurt the already hurting Thunder.

"It's a shame that we don't have something to show for the progress, because we feel we've made tremendous progress," Thunder. general manager Nick Cummins said.

"But at the end of the day you get judged by wins and losses, so the 'W' and 'L' columns suggest we've made no progress at all, when we know that's not the case.''

The Thunder will face Sri Lankan spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan at Etihad Stadium and while the 41-year-old does feel for his struggling opponents, the Renegades have a semi-final spot to play for.

"If we start winning then we can go further in the tournament," Muralitharan said.

"We have a chance so it's up to us to grab it. We're going to play our best cricket on the day because we need the win badly, unlike them, because we can qualify.

"It's hard for them. It's a disappointment for them not winning a game for 19 games."

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Returning Jet ready for lift off

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

RETURNED Newcastle striker Joel Griffiths hopes to be back in the Jets colours in a fortnight, after his dramatic re-signing for the club.

Griffiths will train today for the first time back at the Jets, three years after leaving for China, and said two weeks of fitness work should be enough to make him fit for selection.

Released by his Chinese side Qingdao Jonoon upon their relegation late last year, the 34-year-old admitted he had "a big job" to get back to match fitness.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"I'll set out a schedule with the strength and conditioning coach and the physio," Griffiths said. "I've got a big task ahead of me in terms of getting my body in the right shape, but if I can do all the right things, I'm sure it shouldn't be a problem.

"We just have to be smart about it. I'm not going to put an exact date on when I'll be ready, but with a good two weeks under my belt with good training, I should be ready to go in around a fortnight.

"The most important thing for me is if I'm confident with my fitness, then my football will do the talking, there's no doubt about that.

"My main goal at the moment is to get as fit as possible to try and keep up with the players around me."

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Marquee returns to save Heart

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

MELBOURNE Heart's morale could<span channel="!Print">receive a timely boost in their bid to avoid breaking a dreaded A-League record</span>, with marquee player Orlando Engelaar set to make his debut on Friday night against Newcastle Jets.

The giant Dutchman returned to the pitch after four months on the sidelines with a broken leg, afterplaying almost 30 minutes for Heart's youth team in Sunday's 3-1 youth league win over Melbourne Victory.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Jonatan Germano, who was among the goalscorers for Heart, also played his first game of the season, although he's more likely to play another week with the youth team.

Harry Kewell required stitches on a leg gash but trained on Monday as did midfielder Engelaar.

"Orlando is even-money to be in the 16-man squad. His exact role depends on how he does at training,'' football manager John Didulica said.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"He got through just over 25 minutes in a game played at a pretty good pace. He trained again today and there wasn't any residual issues from his game. It's just about tracking him for this week and seeing whether he's right to be picked for Friday night.

"It was Germano's first kick all season. He got through 45 minutes OK, but we probably need to be more patient with him because he's had a series of soft-tissue injuries.''

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Heart hosts the Jets at AAMI Park hoping to avoid setting the A-League record for most consecutive games without a win - it is level with the now-defunct New Zealand Knights on 19.

"For us it's no different to any other week. We think we're a chance of winning and the challenge for us is if it doesn't go for us early we need the mental capacity to work through it,'' Didulica said.

"We know we can beat any team in the league, but we need to battle for a full 90 minutes as well.''

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Rebels' potential unlimited: Burgess

Luke Burgess says the Rebels have unlimited potential. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Limited

MELBOURNE's Super Rugby destiny sits in its own hands, according to Wallaby scrumhalf Luke Burgess.

The former Brumbies and Waratah back has been impressed with Melbourne's pre-season work ethic, noting high enthusiasm under coach Tony McGahan.

Declaring Melbourne's potential unlimited, Burgess says the Rebels are ready to essay a quantum leap towards finals action in the club's fourth season.

"If we stick to working hard and working for each other, I think we can't put limits on ourselves," Burgess said.

"We're really trying not to put limits on ourselves.

"We're not going to wait and we see. We're going to keep pushing and challenging ourselves and keep finding.

New Melbourne Rebels captain Scott Higginbotham models the club's new guernsey. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Limited

"We've got to find little bits of improvement where wherever we can, this group is pretty hungry and I think we can do that.

"There's a lot of quality, we've got to get the miles in the legs and the experience and keep working hard."

Melbourne players and officials believe the club is capable of dramatic rise this season after finishing 12th with a club record five wins in 2013.

Pointing to the swift ascent of the Brumbies in 2012 when the ACT powerhouse had virtually no Wallaby representation, Burgess senses Melbourne is similarly placed.

:It's a very inexperienced group of players, but really passionate, really enthusiastic," he said.

"We've got amazing coaching staff right through to a fantastic support network.

"It's a very driven group of people and that can only mean good things."

Melbourne will get its first gauge of its progress when it tackles Burgess' old club, NSW Waratahs, in Albury on February 1.

The trial is the first of three hit-outs for the Rebels as club membership climbs towards record levels.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Attractive formula making Millions

Vin Cox: "The hard part is knocking a horse back. Nobody likes to be told their kids are ugly." Source: Brendan Radke / News Limited

MAGIC Millions is perfecting the art of avoiding the "ugly kids".

A rise of $8 million in the gross of sessions 1-4 at a clearance rate of nearly 90 per cent heralded the sale a runaway success.

MM managing director Vin Cox heaped praise on his bloodstock department, headed by selection manager Barry Bowditch, for the yearlings they catalogued.

This sale had been known over the years for "having a long tail" but one leading vet, noted for straight shooting, remarked there were only about 20 horses that fit into that category this year.

"There's a real art to the selection process. It's a delicate balance of finding the right horses and getting breeders to bring the right horses," Cox said.

"The hard part is knocking a horse back. Nobody likes to be told their kids are ugly.

"We don't profess to getting it right every time, but when you're selling nine out of 10 horses in the ring, it means we must be doing something right."

Bowditch, who has been with Magic Millions since 2005 after transferring from Inglis, said he took particular pride in the success of some emerging sires at the sale.

"We committed to Denman (15 sold at an average of $180,000) early and also I Am Invincible (10 at $200,500)," he said.

"It's important to identify horses that might throw progeny pre-Christmas and those two sires took off early and thankfully we had good numbers to offer our clients."

Bowditch soldiered on during Saturday night, working until stumps, despite his in-laws celebrating the success of Noisy Ocean well away from the mayhem of the sale grounds.

"It was a long day, but pretty satisfying," he said.

***

REPOSSESSIONS from unpaid purchases made by Bill Vlahos and BC3 at last week's sales produced a better than expected result.

"They made about 75 cents in the dollar and we're delighted with that," Cox said.

BC3's bad debt to Magic Millions is significantly less than the money owing to Inglis in Sydney, pending the outcome of a $5 million insurance claim on the deceased "Jimmy".

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Thanks a millions - 75 of them

Gai Waterhouse deep in conversation with horse breeder Tom Magnier at the sales. Source: Adam Taylor / News Limited

MAGIC Millions is perfecting the art of avoiding the "ugly kids".

The first major yearling sale of the season has ended on a high with the four-day premium sale realising a gross of more than $75 million. It represented a rise of $8 million at a clearance rate of nearly 90 per cent.

Gai Waterhouse was the biggest buyer, outlaying more than $8 million for 39 lots including the sale-topping $1 million Redoute's Choice-Hades colt.

She will also get another 15 youngsters to train with Round Table Racing spending more than $2 million.

Magic Millions managing director Vin Cox heaped praise on his bloodstock department for the yearlings they catalogued.

"There's a real art to the selection process. It's a delicate balance of finding the right horses and getting breeders to bring the right horses," Cox said.

"The hard part is knocking a horse back. Nobody likes to be told their kids are ugly.

"We don't profess to getting it right every time, but when you're selling nine out of 10 horses in the ring, it means we must be doing something right."

Denise Martin's Star Thoroughbreds bought 19 yearlings for more than $2.4 million with all to go to Sydney trainer Chris Waller, who was active with 10 yearlings costing more than $2.3 million.

Selection manager Barry Bowditch, who has been with Magic Millions since 2005 after transferring from Inglis, said he took particular pride in the success of some emerging sires at the sale.

"We committed to Denman (15 sold at an average of $180,000) early and also I Am Invincible (10 at $200,500)," he said. "It's important to identify horses that might throw progeny pre-Christmas and those two sires took off early and thankfully we had good numbers to offer our clients."

A colt by More Than Ready out of Polaway fetched $600,000, the highest price of the Saturday night session. The colt was bought by newly licensed Sydney trainer Bryce Heys.

"Physically he was as an impressive colt as there was on the sale ground," Heys said. "He thought he was the best colt in the sale.

"He's got the pedigree to back it up. He's a generation away from a Golden Slipper winner and I bought him with a profile to graduate to that race."

The yearling focus switches next week to Sydney for the Inglis Summer Classic sale then moves to New Zealand for NZ Bloodstock's Premier Sale at Karaka in Auckland.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Money no object at Millions sales

THERE are all sorts of zany theme parks on the Gold Coast but only one place you can defy gravity.

That's the Gold Coast Magic Millions yearling sales which are essentially a tiny bubble of super-charged spending which floats above the rest of an economy where most wise men are protecting their savings like a palace guard protecting the Queen.

It was raining dollars from the first day of the sale last week when the car park was overflowing and the average price was $141,000.

That's what you might pay for a new Porsche or Maserati which, unlike your horse, is certain to get out of first gear and won't cost $3000 a month to feed.

"Did you know there was a recession on?" quipped leading Brisbane horse trainer Rob Heathcote with a knowing smile that suggested the spending blitz, while stunning, was nothing less than he expected.

It was once said that when things are tough the three things you don't buy are a race horse, a painting and a speed boat.

Artists and boat salesmen have been heard complaining about tough times but the racing industry churns on like one of those mango trees that gets belted by summer storms each year but still drops barrows full of fruit.

That's despite the lingering stench of the mysterious death of Black Caviar's younger half brother, a $5 million Sydney yearling purchase, and the perennial issue over whether some yearling prices are artificially inflated by private deals.

"When times are tough people gamble more,'" said Bill Mitchell, former trainer of crack sprinter General Nediym, who became one of the Magic Millions best advertisements when he was bought for just $20,000 at the sales, won the Magic Millions race and sired two other winners of it.

"You buy a horse and it is a ticket in the lottery. When the Global Financial Crisis hit Australia the breeders were still getting good money for good horses."

In the first Magic Million sales in 1986, 200 horses were auctioned and one of them was guaranteed to win the million dollar race snared by Snippets.

Now there are more than 3000 chasing $18 million in a number of races including Saturday's $2 million classic on the Gold Coast won by Unencumbered.

The pot of gold is enormous but it's a rugged journey with a brutal attrition rate.

If you took your yearling purchase plan to a bank manager and tried to convince him of its sense, you wouldn't even get to sit down before he picked up the phone, called security and sent you off with a Monopoly board and the suggestion you could get your big-spending thrills that way.

The purchase of the horse is just the start of your costs. A Brisbane-trained horse is likely to cost its owner around $30,000 to train each year, and if you put it with a top southern trainer, it could be another $10,000.

There were 18,355 registered horses who did not win a race in Australia last year, 4308 starters who did not make a cent and thousands more who did not even make the races.

The numbers crush you from all directions but horse racing is as much about the dream as the dollars.

It is a joyful moment for the industry when the winners are not Arab sheiks or casino owners but humble folk who unearth a gold nugget - like Scone breeder and mother of two Jilly Henderson who runs an agistment farm with her husband.

A couple of years ago she quietly slipped into a Scone broodmare sale and paid $18,000 for the mare called Zelady who was days away from dropping a filly to the then unproven sire I Am Invincible.

Such has been the strong impression created since by I Am Invincible's first crop of youngsters that Henderson's filly brought a staggering $450,000 at the sales last week.

When the bidding reached beyond $250,000 Henderson dissolved into tears and days later is still floating on that lottery winner's cloud.

"I'm still blown away - I have not come back to reality yet," she said on Sunday.

"When she was knocked down I had tears rolling down my face. I was in complete shock. I still struggle to even talk about it. I was very emotional because the day-to-day slog of running the farm is hard but this is the reward.

"I do find it a bit intimidating at the sales. I think 'little old me, what am I trying to do?' I sometimes get that feeling but I am passionate about what I do and I think why cannot I do as good a job as they do. This has been a dream really."

Big dreams that just occasionally come true ... racing would be nothing without them.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

'We are degrading the A-League'

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

MARK Bosnich says A-League clubs are "being treated with contempt" after some of the competition's best young talent was plucked away for the AFC Under 22 Championships in Oman

The former Socceroos and Mariners goalkeeper says it isn't acceptable that 18 players were whisked away for what is essentially a practice tournament during one of the more important periods of the domestic season.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"This isn't a qualifying tournament, it's purely developmental," Bosnich said on Fox Sports' Sunday Shootout.

"I wish we could have compromised earlier but self-interest always prevails in football," he said.

"Clubs are being treated with contempt and it's degrading the A-League."

Watch what Bozza had to say about the tournament in the video at the top of this page.

Bosnich's criticism followed that of Newcastle Jets coach Gary van Egmond, who was unimpressed with losing Adam Taggart, Josh Brilliante, Andrew Hoole and Connor Chapman for Friday night's stalemate with Melbourne Victory, who were without Nick Ansell, Scott Galloway, Jason Geria and Connor Pain.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"For me it is a blight on the game for the supporters and the members who pay their money to watch the game and I don't think it was right, van Egmond said after the match.

"I think it could have been handled a lot easier. It should have been a development squad that goes over."

"You can't tell me that it is better for the young boys to go over there than it is here in the A-League where they are playing against men each week."

But former Socceroo and now coach of Australia's under 17 team, Tony Vidmar, says the tournament, which is seen as preparation for the 2016 Olympics, should take precedence.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"It's a great experience and when your country calls, you go," Vidmar - who's brother Aurelio is the team's coach - said on Shootout.

"This is important. Every game is important. We've gone into Asia, we've struggled.

"It would be a great learning experience for the young kids.

"If players can choose not to go once, they'll just keep deciding not to play, and that won't help us."

Connor Pain of Melbourne Victory is another play away in Oman. Source: Getty Images

But Bosnich has his concerns for the players making the trip to Oman.

"The A-League clubs pay the players, not the FFA," he said.

"If they get injured, the FFA won't pay their wages.

"At this time of the season, you've got to think what the players need. You can't tell me the quality of that tournament is better than here.

Australia will play three matches in the tournament, and if the side makes it all the way to the final, A-League players won't come back to their clubs until after January 26th, meaning they would miss three matches.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More