No fine for Tommy Berry’s tribute

Tommy Berry wasn't fined for this pre-post celebration on The Offer in the Manion Cup. Picture: Simon Bullard. Source: Simon Bullard / Supplied

IF ever there was a pre-post celebration that deserved to avoid punishment, yesterday was it.

Tommy Berry looked the winner on The Offer in the opening race at Rosehill, and punched the air with his left fist more than 50m before the winning post.

Berry has basically been to hell and back the past fortnight.

He raced back from Singapore on Friday where his twin and best mate Nathan Berry was in an induced coma.

Nathan was struck down with viral encephalitis nearly a fortnight ago, then on Tuesday diagnosed with the much more serious Norse syndrome, which relates to epilepsy.

Usually when jockeys celebrate before the finish line, stewards fine them as a safety issue. We reckon it's a dud rule.

Rather than spark a riot, chief steward Ray Murrihy decided not to censure Berry for going off early.

"If ever there was a case where we might forgive someone for celebrating, this was it. I don't think any of the stewards are of the mind to look at that,'' Murrihy said.

We told Murrihy, "you would have been lynched'.''

"You reckon? Well, we won't risk it then,'' he said with a laugh.

To prove what a genuine bloke he is, Tommy said he would have had no qualms coughing up a little coin if the stewards had pinged him.

"I just got there and thought, 'that's for Nathan','' he said. "I've never met a stronger person than Nathan. He just makes me more determined to be like him.''

Amazingly, Tommy kept it together while being interviewed by TVN's Bruce Clark.

It was the same spot that, 12 months ago, he was overcome with emotion after winning the Golden Slipper on Overreach. Seeing a teary Tommy cuddle Nathan on stage was an unforgettable Slipper moment.

KEVIN'S PRIDE

IF anybody knows how mentally tough Tommy is, it's his father Kevin Berry, who will board a plane for just the second time today when he and Tommy fly to Singapore to see Nathan.

The Warwick Farm trainer praised Tommy and Nathan for their toughness — both physically and mentally.

You wouldn't meet a prouder dad. As for being so far away from Nathan the past fortnight, Kevin said: "I'm getting these updates from (wife) Julie and (Tommy's fiancee) Sharnee. The doctors are quite happy at the moment, but they're not getting ahead of themselves because what he has is very serious.''

Hugh Bowman and Criterion win the Rosehill yesterday. Source: Getty Images

HIGH-FIVE FINE

STEWARDS had no hesitation fining Hugh Bowman and James McDonald for high-fiving aboard their mounts after the former won the Rosehill Guineas on Criterion. Boooooo!

PLAY IT AGAIN, SAM

SAM Clipperton kicked home his first Group winner when Intimate Moment got the cash at big odds in the last. All three of his Listed wins were for former master and Intimate Moment's trainer Ron Quinton, who gets the best out of his nags.

Sean Graham and Jim Cassidy at Rosehill Gardens yesterday. Picture: Richard Dobson Source: News Corp Australia

PUMPER'S YOUNG FAN CLUB

JIMMY Cassidy's fan club keeps getting bigger ... and younger.

We spotted nine-year-old Sean Graham in the Rosehill jockeys' room yesterday.

It turns out young Sean, who is almost as tall as Cassidy, goes to the same school as The Pumper's daughter, Piper. He donned the I Love Pumper cap, and was paid $50 for being Jimmy's valet.

If we were nine, we would have had the $50 on Cassidy's Dissident in the Rosehill Guineas. Cassidy gave good mate Ray Murrihy a cap, which would go nicely with the racing lawman's extensive collection.

"It was a gift from one king to another,'' Cassidy said with a grin. "I might even sign it for him.''

Cassidy brought up his 11th wedding anniversary with Vicki through the week.

"But there was no extra romance. I bring home the romance every day,'' Cassidy said.

Tim Martin is taking a break from training to address personal issues. Source: News Limited

MARTIN VOWS TO GET BACK ON TRACK

THERE is more to the story surrounding trainer Tim Martin's sudden departure from Rosehill.

Martin dropped a bombshell this month when he revealed he would step away from training to focus on his family and breaking in horses.

"I want to spend more time with my family, I want to be able to go to watch my kids play sport on weekends and the lifestyle of a trainer doesn't allow me to do that,'' he told Racing Network at the time.

Sadly, Martin has been doing it tough for some time. Being a proud country boy, he has a good poker face. Only a few close mates know the real story.

But the Group 1 trainer yesterday vowed to get his life — and training career — back on track.

"Like many people around my age, I've had some challenges over the years and I've always risen to those challenges,'' Martin said.

"I want to make it clear that I have not handed in my training licence. My aim is to continue working in the horseracing industry.

"To my staff, owners and associates who are affected by my actions, I'm sincerely sorry.

"For the sake of my health, my family and general wellbeing, I'm taking a break.

"I am extremely grateful for the support I've received from friends, family, Racing NSW, NSWTA and my colleagues.

"While I sort through my issues I'd ask that the privacy of myself and my family is respected.''

Expect Martin to be back.

A screengrab of the offenders at Albury on Friday. It looks cold out there. Source: Supplied

NAKED AMBITION

HOW good are country carnivals? Two dudes decided to strip naked and charge up the straight behind the field in the final event of the Albury Cup meeting on Friday.

NASH GIVES JOE A DIFFICULT CHALLENGE

JOE Pride told a funny story about jockey Nash Rawiller after the pair combined to win The Galaxy on Tiger Tees.

"Nash got off him last start in the Challenge Stakes, and said, 'He'll win the Challenge Stakes next start','' Pride said.

"I said, 'Nash, that's going to be a problem because you've just run in the Challenge Stakes? It's another 12 months away'.''

Pride will be out of pocket given that's two champagne and prawn brekkies he'll now need to provide for his fellow Warwick Farm trainers, which is part of the deal when a local bags a Group 1. He got the cash last Saturday with Steps In Time.

"That's why you win then close together, so two only become one (breakfast),'' Pride said.

NO HURDLES FOR CHRIS

CHRIS Waller clearly knows how to make horses run fast and win — now it's only a matter of time before Australia's leading Group 1 trainer takes out his jumps licence.

He is on the brink of trying his hand at hurdlers. Thubiaan is one of his contenders, a former Waller stayer now under the care of Eric Musgrove.

Waller used to ride jumpers when they were being schooled back in Kiwi Land.

Francesca Cumani interviews Gordon Lord Byron's strapper Kate O'Brien this week. Picture: Toby Zerna Source: News Corp Australia

KATE LORDS IT

GORDON Lord Byron's strapper Kate O'Brien is not just a pretty face. She graduated from the University of Limerick with an honours degree in sports and exercise science, and her thesis was on the effects of dehydration on jockeys. Also in Gordon Lord Byron's corner is former jumps jockey Eddie Power, who fell in a race last year and needed FOURTEEN screws and two rods inserted into his back.

Strapper Kate O'Brien puts Gordon Lord Byron through his paces this week. Picture: Toby Zerna Source: News Corp Australia

O'SHEA'S DUBAI DREAM

JOHN O'Shea reckons Dubai is one of the best — if not best — holiday destinations.

Darley's man-in-waiting is in town for the World Cup meeting, and caught up with a few officials before he takes over from Peter Snowden at home in May.

O'Shea spent Friday afternoon with Charlie Appleby, Godolphin's No. 1 trainer who was hoping former Aussie Long John could get the cash in the UAE Derby overnight.

CALLING ALL PUNTERS

THOSE wanting to have a big bet on the Golden Slipper (I already have 1300 reasons for Ghibellines to get the cash) should attend Friday's traditional Call of the Card at Randwick at 3.30pm.

Bookmakers David Dwyer, Bill Murphy, Mark Merlino, Rob Waterhouse, Warren Woodcock, Grant Palmer and Henry Noonan will bet punters to win at least $20,000. And an owner will also be able to back their horse to win at least $100,000.

LES NO BUNNY

LES Bridge was nervous while waiting for the judge to give Avoid Lightning the nod over Plucky Belle in the Birthday Card Stakes. "I'm always nervous. But not as nervous as I am when Souths play,'' he said.

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Late show CCM leapfrog Wanderers

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IT was billed as the Sterjovski send off, and in the end the Mariners went the extra mile to show the champions are still in business.

Bernie Ibini's dramatic late winner lifted both the roof off Central Coast Stadium and the Mariners above Western Sydney, meaning the race for second place will go down to the wire. Mile Stejovski's retirement can safely be put off for a few more weeks.

Re-live the action at our Match Centre, with video , play-by-play updates, stats and polls.

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On a wet Gosford night 12 months ago Western Sydney had sunk the Mariners' title hopes, and a year later Central Coast duly enjoyed their revenge served chilled to perfection.

Hanging on to the top six just a few weeks ago, now they are set fair for a top four finish and home advantage in the finals.

"I'm delighted with the performance - the three points are handy but I'm proud of the players," said coach Phiol Moss.

"Tonight we made a statement that we're here for keeps - we can achieve what we like if we play like that.

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"Tonight we showed that we can match it with the best going forward, and the score could have been even greater."

Wanderers coach Tony Popovic admitted his side had invited defeat by their second-half lapses. "First half we were outstanding, controlled the game and it would have been a disaster to go in 1-0 down at halftime.

"But the second half just wasn't good enough. We invited pressure and if you keep giving the ball away, you risk something like that happening."

The Mariners though would have been hard to live with for any opponent, such was their intensity married to some admirable one-touch football.

Retiring former Socceroo Mile Sterjovski bids the Mariners home fans farewell. Source: Getty Images

This was a game that mattered, fuelled by tension and sparking into life all over the pitch. Matt Simon set the tone with a late tackle on Youssouf Hersi for which he was highly fortunate to escape with only a ticking off.

Retribution came instead via a series of robust challenges from the Wanderers on the Mariners striker, the worst of which - a blatant bodycheck by Dean Heffernan - somehow went unpunished.

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Fortunately some players had their concentration on the football - Aaron Mooy in particular was effervescent as the Wanderers playmaker, almost scoring himself with a stunning angled shot from distance that crashed off the home crossbar.

But the Mariners were electric on the break, and when Josh Rose took a loose ball just inside his own half, the crowd rose to their feet. But few expected the leftback to still have the ball as he strode into the Wanderers box after a barnstorming run, threading his shot across Covic and in off the far post.

Immediately Western Sydney lifted the tempo, winning a succession of corners, and with 40 minutes played the score was level. Mooy was the main architect, finding room on the left to deliver a deep cross that Tomi Juric volleyed back across goal, and Topor-Stanley's outstretched boot did the rest.

Mariners fans make some noise at Central Coast Stadium. Source: Getty Images

Now the contest was really alive, with Mooy given time for a powerful shot just over the bar. The home fans then screamed for a penalty, with some justification, as Fitzgerald was taken out in the box, before Sterjovski departed the stage to a thunderous ovation.

His replacement, Ibini, almost had an immediate impact with a flashing shot narrowly wide, and the 13,157 crowd couldn't take their eyes off it, especially the Mariners' inventive attacking. Simon's square pass across the top of the box was dummied by Kim, but substitute Mitchell Duke hit his shot too high.

Still the home side attacked, and Rose found Ibini with an angled pass, only for the striker to fire wide again. Then Duke's imperious cross from wide on the right missed Simon's boot by millimetres.

So there was a sense of natural justice when Ibini struck in the 90th minute. Kim began it, slipping the ball to Roux in the box, and his calm cutback was sidefooted home to spark yellow delight.

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Red Bulls clash as Whincup dominates

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UPDATE: CRAIG Lowndes staged a remarkable Symmons Plains rescue mission yesterday with the Red Bull Racing veteran passing 20 cars to finish 5th after a qualification penalty forced him to start in last place.

Jamie Whincup continued his relentless V8 charge by winning both of yesterday's sprint races but his double was overshadowed by Lowndes and the stunning charge that saw him stay in the championship race.

Lowndes avoided disaster by relentlessly moving through the field after he was stripped of a front row start because of a piece of tape.

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The three-time series champion was forced to front stewards before the second race after a tape placed over a hole on his door was ruled to have given him an illegal aerodynamic advantage.

"I could do anything about the ruling,'' Lowndes said.

"It was out of my control. I knew I was going to be in traffic but the car was really speedy on the back straight and that is what I needed to pass cars.''

Lowndes was stripped of his qualifying result moments after being given a serve from his team boss Roland Dane for a collision with his teammate Whincup.

Dane described Lowndes and Whincup as childish after the pair came together during a passing move.

Whincup dived to steal the race one lead from Lowndes and sent his teammate off the track in a move that cost Red Bull Racing a one-two.

But Lowndes bounced back from the drama to steal 5th with a typically stunning drive.

Whincup topped both qualifying sessions and both races on Saturday. Source: Getty Images

But the day belonged to Whincup, who bounced back from a sluggish season start to win both races and give newcomer Volvo a slap.

"The car was excellent all day and we wualified well,'' Whincup said.

RED BULL BOSS BLOWS UP OVER BINGLE

"We had a fast car and I had a good battle with Mark (Winterbottom) after getting a much better start. It was also good to see Craig fight-back from his penalty.

Winterbottom landed second place following a third place finish in the second to give Ford fans hope after being blitzed by Holden and Volvo in the first two rounds of the season.

"That was good fun,'' Winterbottom said.

"We did a lot of work to the car to get it here and we can be really proud of what we have done.''

LIVE BLOG: SCROLL DOWN TO RELIVE THE RACES AS THEY HAPPENED

Lowndes trademark smile was wiped from his face before the race with the stewards ruling coming as a double blow after being bumped from the track by race one winner Whincup.

Both driver were given a dressing down following the crash but Whincup was unrepentant after the "textbook'' pass.

"It is unfortunate that it was Lowndsey,'' Whincup said.

"It could have been a 1-2 and it is disappointing that we didn't get that result. I am sorry it was him but I am not sorry about the move. It was a text box pass and I do not feel that I did anything wrong.''

Lowndes copped the bump in his stride before going on to finish the day with a stirring second place.

"It would not have been an issue if it wasn't Jamie,'' Lowndes said.

"When you have two competitive drivers eventually things like that are going to happen.''

The double saw Whincup reestablish himself as the man to beat following an early season onslaught from Volvo's Scott McLaughlin.

The new sensation finished 5th in the first race and 4th in the second at the track he was predicted to be "unbeatable''.

Courtney also continued his good form with the Clipsal 500 winner landing a podium for HRT as the team continues their long awaited rise.

RESULTS - Race 5, Tyrepower Tasmania 400

Pos Driver Car Time/Gap
1 Jamie Whincup (Holden) 42m46.3425s
2 Mark Winterbottom (Ford) +0.4875s
3 Fabian Coulthard (Holden) +2.2339s
4 Scott McLaughlin (Volvo) +3.7159s
5 Craig Lowndes (Holden) +3.9191s
6 Jason Bright (Holden) +4.3879s
7 Garth Tander (Holden) +7.1884s
8 Scott Pye (Ford) +7.3896s
9 Jack Perkins (Ford) +8.1507s
10 Lee Holdsworth (Erebus) +8.3990s
11 James Courtney (Holden) +8.8234s
12 Shane van Gisbergen (Holden) +9.8217s
13 James Moffat (Nissan) +10.4712s
14 Todd Kelly (Nissan) +10.9139s
15 Tim Slade (Holden) +11.3545s
16 Michael Caruso (Nissan) +12.1148s
17 David Reynolds (Ford) +12.5980s
18 Robert Dahlgren (Volvo) +12.7183s
19 Chaz Mostert (Ford) +31.8144s
20 David Wall (Ford) 41 laps
21 Russell Ingall (Holden) 41 laps
22 Dale Wood (Holden) 41 laps
23 Will Davison (Erebus) 40 laps
24 Rick Kelly (Nissan) 40 laps
DNF Nick Percat (Holden) 8 laps

Lowndes beat Whincup into the opening corners. Source: Supplied

RESULTS - Race 4, Tyrepower Tasmania 400
Pos Driver Car Time/Gap
1 Jamie Whincup (Holden) 39m48.2632s
2 James Courtney (Holden) +0.8999s
3 Mark Winterbottom (Ford) +1.3537s
4 Russell Ingall (Holden) +5.1238s
5 Scott McLaughlin (Volvo) +5.3126s
6 Garth Tander (Holden) +5.7946s
7 Will Davison (Erebus) +6.3556s
8 Craig Lowndes (Holden) +8.7485s
9 Fabian Coulthard (Holden) +8.8913s
10 Scott Pye (Ford) +9.2640s
11 Shane van Gisbergen (Holden) +9.8129s
12 David Wall (Ford) +12.4933s
13 Chaz Mostert (Ford) +14.1251s
14 Tim Slade (Holden) +15.3264s
15 Jason Bright (Holden) +15.4875s
16 Lee Holdsworth (Erebus) +17.6191s
17 Nick Percat (Holden) +17.8620s
18 James Moffat (Nissan) +19.1756s
19 Dale Wood (Holden) +19.7717s
20 Robert Dahlgren (Volvo) +20.0199s
21 Michael Caruso (Nissan) +20.8816s
22 Jack Perkins (Ford) +35.9884s
23 David Reynolds (Ford) 41 laps
DNF Rick Kelly (Nissan) 19 laps
DNF Todd Kelly (Nissan) 13 laps

Lowndes' car, with stickers over holes. Source: News Corp Australia

BAD TO WORSE FOR LOWNDES
The incident made for a double-blow for the V8 championship leader, with officials stripping Lowndes of his front row start for Race 5 over a technical infringement.

A rival team protested the placement of a sticker on his car during qualifying for Race 5, covering up an access hole on the Commodore's driver's side window.

The hand-holes allow the perspex windows to be easily removed in an emergency, but the argument is that covering the holes creates a small aerodynamic advantage, critical on a circuit with long straights.

Officials handed down their verdict during the gap between races.

Lowndes' car on Friday with the access holes uncovered. Source: Getty Images

QUALIFYING - RACE 4
Whincup emerged on top of an opening session that was dominated by he and teammate Lowndes.

Ingall was the surprise packet of the session, the V8 veteran getting the closest of all to toppling the Red Bulls. He will start this afternoon's opening race from third.

James Courtney capped off a top-four sweep for Holden, heading David Reynolds, Mark winterbottom, Scott McLaughlin, Shane van Gisbergen and Chaz Mostert, with Will Davison taking his first top 10 start aboard a Mercedes.

Percat's new-look car ended the first session in the sand. Source: Getty Images

The only major incident of the first session came when Nick Percat went off into the gravel at the hairpin, bringing out the red flags.

He was excluded from the session and had his fastest and only lap of the session deleted, relegating him to the back of the grid for today's first 100 kilometre race.

GRID - Race 4, Tyrepower Tasmania 400
Pos Driver (Car) Time/Gap
1 Jamie Whincup (Holden) 0m51.4110s
2 Craig Lowndes (Holden) +0.0604s
3 Russell Ingall (Holden) +0.1828s
4 James Courtney (Holden) +0.2237s
5 David Reynolds (Ford) +0.2441s
6 Mark Winterbottom (Ford) +0.2505s
7 Scott McLaughlin (Volvo) +0.2705s
8 Shane van Gisbergen (Holden) +0.2953s
9 Chaz Mostert (Ford) +0.3033s
10 Will Davison (Erebus) +0.3114s
11 David Wall (Ford) +0.3176s
12 Fabian Coulthard (Holden) +0.3222s
13 Lee Holdsworth (Erebus) +0.3660s
14 Garth Tander (Holden) +0.3686s
15 Scott Pye (Ford) +0.3811s
16 Tim Slade (Holden) +0.3955s
17 James Moffat (Nissan) +0.4762s
18 Todd Kelly (Nissan) +0.4786s
19 Rick Kelly (Nissan) +0.4819s
20 Jason Bright (Holden) +0.5442s
21 Robert Dahlgren (Volvo) +0.5685s
22 Jack Perkins (Ford) +0.5776s
23 Michael Caruso (Nissan) +0.5895s
24 Dale Wood (Holden) +0.8477s
DQ Nick Percat (Holden)

QUALIFYING - RACE 5
Whincup and Lowndes traded fastest laps in the second session, the reigning V8 champion recovering from an early mistake to snatch pole by almost two tenths of a second from his teammate.

Rounding out the top five was Brad Jones Racing's Fabian Coulthard on what's proving so far to be a tougher weekend for the team that dominated last year's races.

The two Erebus Mercedes qualified inside the top 10, Lee Holdsworth ahead of Davison in sixth and seventh, while Todd Kelly, Garth Tander and Reynolds rounded out the top 10.

Swedish driver Robert Dahlgren had his best qualifying session so far of his V8 baptism, qualifying 11th for race five.

Dahlgren missed a top ten berth by just 0.0272s. Source: Getty Images

The first of Saturday's two 100 kilometre races gets underway at 2:35pm AEDT, with the second at 4:35pm.

GRID - Race 5, Tyrepower Tasmania 400
Pos Driver (Car) Time/Gap
1 Jamie Whincup (Holden) 0m51.1439s
2 Craig Lowndes (Holden) +0.1941s
3 Mark Winterbottom (Ford) +0.3115s
4 Scott McLaughlin (Volvo) +0.3557s
5 Fabian Coulthard (Holden) +0.3704s
6 Lee Holdsworth (Erebus) +0.3735s
7 Will Davison (Erebus) +0.3766s
8 Todd Kelly (Nissan) +0.4076s
9 Garth Tander (Holden) +0.4102s
10 David Reynolds (Ford) +0.4205s
11 Robert Dahlgren (Volvo) +0.4477s
12 Jack Perkins (Ford) +0.4698s
13 Scott Pye (Ford) +0.4816s
14 Jason Bright (Holden) +0.5087s
15 Rick Kelly (Nissan) +0.5198s
16 David Wall (Ford) +0.5288s
17 James Courtney (Holden) +0.5479s
18 Russell Ingall (Holden) +0.5512s
19 James Moffat (Nissan) +0.5656s
20 Chaz Mostert (Ford) +0.5771s
21 Michael Caruso (Nissan) +0.5931s
22 Nick Percat (Holden) +0.5958s
23 Tim Slade (Holden) +0.5977s
24 Shane van Gisbergen (Holden) +0.6048s
25 Dale Wood (Holden) +0.6464s

Relive all today's action in HD at 9:40pm tonight on SPEED (Foxtel channel 512). Watch today's races LIVE and ad-free on Foxtel Go and Foxtel Play.

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Honours even in blockbuster Big Blue

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ON-LOAN attacker James Troisi kept his World Cup hopes flickering with a well-taken late equaliser on Saturday night to keep Melbourne Victory's top two hopes alive.

Joel Chianese had put Sydney FC ahead before Troisi's 64th minute goal secured a 1-1 draw in a game played at finals like intensity in front of 20,447 at AAMI Park.

Central Coast's win over Western Sydney earlier in the day left the race for the crucial second spot wide open _ two points separate second-place Mariners (39 points) and fourth-place Victory (37), who sandwich the Wanderers (38).

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

Kevin Muscat's penchant for big selection decisions continued with high-profile playmaker Tom Rogic left out of the squad entirely but Victory's attack fired without the Socceroo.

The first half was played at a frenetic pace with Gui Finkler's skills on show and Kosta Barbarouses and Archie Thompson interchanging wings and proving dangerous either side.

And while both teams created chances it wasn't until the tail-end of the half when either keeper was called into action.

Sydney Fc's Nikola Petkovic clears from the line. Source: News Corp Australia

Lawrence Thomas swatted away Matt Thompson's curling strike after 25 minutes while Finkler and Alessandro Del Piero's shots deflected for corners before Barbarouses blasted wide.

Sydney was unlucky not to win a penalty in dramatic scenes deep into first half injury time.

Pablo Contreras brought down Joel Chianese on the edge of the box and Del Piero's consequent free-kick struck Scott Galloway on the arm.

Jarred Gillett blew the whistle for half-time rather than a spot kick and words were exchanged at half-time as players from both sides surrounded the referee.

Mark Milligan had some choice words for Del Piero as they headed down the tunnel, perhaps remembering the Italian's late challenge that forced him off for treatment on his right knee.

Coach Frank Farina of Sydney looks on during the Big Blue. Source: Getty Images

And Del Piero then gave Muscat a piece of his mind as he did two minutes into the match when the Victory coach suggested to the referee that the player went down too easily from a Jimmy Jeggo challenge.

With 15 minutes to cool down at the break, Sydney re-emerged the more focused and took the lead three minutes later.

Thomas dived low to save Ali Abbas' shot but the rebound landed straight at Chianese's feet who tapped it into the empty net.

Thereafter the intensity rose several notches in a tactical and physical sense as Sasa Ognenovski's lunging tackle on Contreras saw tempers fray again.

Melbourne Victory's James Troisi celebrates his equaliser. Source: News Corp Australia

Nikola Petkovic headed off the line after a scramble but it wasn't long before Victory's press led to an equaliser.

Milligan pick-pocketed Abbas deep in Sydney's half and found Finkler who released Troisi and the lightning attacker toe-poked it past keeper Vedran Janjetovic.

Though Victory was the more threatening Sydney had the next chance, with Chianese shooting two metres wide after he reacted quickest to Del Piero's acrobatic effort.

Adama Traore limped off with cramp with 10 minutes left, such was the game's intensity.

Perhaps it was no surprise that the fatiguing sides failed to produce a meaningful chance in the dying stages, although Finkler tried his luck from distance in stoppage time but Janjetovic was alert.

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Del Piero still key for Sydney FC

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ALESSANDRO Del Piero remains as important as ever to the fortunes of Sydney FC.

Unquestionably the individual output of the Italian megastar has dropped this season as compared to his first in the A-League.

But as much as the stats don't lie about the minutes he's played and the goals he's scored, they also paint a stark picture about how pivotal he remains to the Sky Blues' setup.

Del Piero has missed seven matches since arriving in Sydney and his team has won just one of those games, losing five and drawing the other.

Fox Sports Stats reveal when he is either off the park or injured Sydney has a -16 goal difference (15 goals for, 31 against).

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When he plays the team scores every 59 minutes on average whereas without him they only find the back of the net every 72 minutes.

The 39-year-old obviously does his best work in the attacking third, but defensively the team is overwhelmingly better when he is on the pitch.

Sydney only concedes a goal every 63 minutes when Del Piero is on the pitch compared to every 35 minutes when he's not playing.

There's no better example of his value to the overall structure of the side than the Round 6 Big Blue of last year.

Sydney led 2-0 when Del Piero came off after 66 minutes at Allianz Stadium only to concede three goals in the last 24 minutes to lose 3-2.

Del Piero displays exceptional technique in Sydney FC's match against Central Coast Mariners. Source: News Limited

He's only averaging 73 minutes a game this year as opposed to 85 last year, but luckily for Sydney, and unluckily for Melbourne Victory, he will line up at AAMI Park tonight.

The affixed table suggests the 2006 World Cup winner hasn't been as breathtaking on the ball this season as compared to last.

But it's clear the unquantifiables — such as the confidence he gives his teammates when he's out on the field — remain as strong as ever.

Is tonight the last time we see Del Piero in Melbourne?

There was a time that it seemed he wouldn't see out the season for Sydney, then it was certain he would leave at the end of the 2013-14 campaign, now there's speculation he may even hang around for another year.

Regardless Del Piero is treating us, as A-League fans, to an outstanding show.

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Away victory crucial for battling Jets

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NEWCASTLE Jets coach Clayton Zane has denied the controversy surrounding Nathan Tinkler's ownership of the Knights has the potential to impact on the A-League club and derail their finals hopes.

While Tinkler is under increasing financial pressure in his bid to retain control of the Knights, there has been no speculation surrounding his ownership of the Jets.

Zane, whose side takes on cellar-dwellers Perth tomorrow in a must-win clash in the west, says there has been no issue with Tinkler and the club.

"I don't think it's ever been an issue to the players," he said.

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"There are no players within our squad that are owed money, that have a gripe with anything that's going on so far for us.

"It's not something we can worry about.

"We are here for one reason and that's to make sure we get results."

A result is what the sixth-placed Jets will be chasing in Perth with Zane admitting anything but a win will not be acceptable.

"It's not going to be a game where we go across, shut up shop and be happy with a draw," he said.

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"I think all three remaining games are must win games."

Despite their position on the ladder, the Jets are treading warily, particularly as the club has such a poor record in Perth with just one victory in the west since the A-League kicked off.

"Every game has its own challenge and the game against Perth, it's a team fighting to not be at the base of the table.

"It's a very dangerous game where we need to make sure we don't drop our standards."

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Gui to sign as Rogic rested

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FINISHING second will be Melbourne Victory's chief motivation on Saturday night, rather than atoning for its Australia Day horror show.

Coach Kevin Muscat is more than confident his side now is vastly improved to the one that lost 5-0 to Sydney at Etihad Stadium last time out.

Meanwhile Brazilian midfielder Gui Finkler, who will start at AAMI Park, is understood to be on the verge of signing a two-year contract extension.

There has been much conjecture surrounding Finkler's future, especially in the wake of his axing from Victory's Asian Champions League squad, but the two parties have edged closer to an agreement in the last week.

Gui Finkler's form has pretty hot for the Victory and is on the verge of signing a new contract. Source: News Corp Australia

The news comes on the eve of what is a crucial clash with the Sky Blues, a game for which Muscat is expected to start Socceroos star Tom Rogic on the bench.

Adama Traore will return to the starting line-up after missing most of March with a left knee injury and Pablo Contreras is likely to resume at centre back.

Jimmy Jeggo will take the place of Leigh Broxham (suspended) as a holding midfielder alongside Mark Milligan while Finkler, James Troisi, Archie Thompson and Kosta Barbarouses will play as the front four.

Rogic has played a part in 11 games (including Asian Champions League) since making his Victory debut in Round 16.

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But Muscat hinted that the 22-year-old's lack of match time at Celtic in the second half of 2013 had started to catch up with him.

"When we confirmed that Tom was coming we knew that a period would come where … depending what sort of load he'd done it'd be difficult for him in terms of his conditioning," Muscat said.

"He's probably at that period now with the number of games he's played and the load he's had.

"There's other information that we're privy to about the boys' bodies and he's not the only one (who's been rested), everyone's had the opportunity to freshen up."

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Muscat said the recent history between Victory and Sydney, including the 3-2 win by Frank Farina's men at Allianz Stadium earlier in the season, wasn't worth harking on about.

"We've come on in leaps and bounds since then in terms of how we go about things," he said.

"Probably our last two performances in terms of the way we defend, where we've shown a real resilience not to concede, is a far cry from that day six or seven weeks ago.

"Our form in terms of points and performances in the past six or seven weeks has been very good.

"We're at home tomorrow night, it's our last home game, we want to send our fans home with a smile."

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Woodward stars as Rebels stun Brumbies

Rebels fullback Jason Woodward tries to beat the tackle of Brumbies centre Tevita Kuridrani. Source: Colleen Petch / News Corp Australia

AN astonishing second-half charge and a record contribution by Jason Woodward piloted the Melbourne Rebels to a stunning upset of Super Rugby powerhouse ACT at AAMI Park.

Trailing 10-3 at half-time, Melbourne overwhelmed last season's finalist 32-24 in an unforgettable triumph against adversity.

Denied several first-choice players because of injury, the Rebels shocked the Australian conference leader with a mix of bruising physicality, unrelenting defence and attacking flair.

Fullback Woodward scored a try and drilled six penalties and two conversions to contribute 27 points, eclipsing Wallaby James O'Connor's previous club record of 24.

Centre Mitch Inman scored the home side's second try as Melbourne soaked up a late charge from the Brumbies to trigger jubilant scenes.

Match centre: Scores, stats, video highlights

Ending a three-match losing streak, the Rebels breathed vital life back into a stuttering season after losses to Western Force, Crusaders and the Waratahs.

"We knew we had to be really physical, that's the way we trained — and it paid off," Melbourne captain Scott Higginbotham said.

Rebels fullback Jason Woodward gets in the clear to score a try. Source: News Corp Australia

"We knew it would be a tough challenge and it's fantastic the way our guys played."

The Rebels' inconsistency cost Tony McGahan's team over the past three weeks and it looked like another case of dreaded deja vu when Brumbies fullback Jesse Mogg scored a try after only three minutes.

But from that uncertain start, the Rebels began a slow build that reached a screaming crescendo by full-time.

"You've got to give the Rebels credit for the second half," Brumbies captain Ben Mowen said.

"They really stuck to their guns."

Melbourne owned the second stanza, outscoring the Brumbies 29-14.

Turnovers haunted the Rebels in first 40 minutes — but those troubled moments gradually vanished as Woodward, Inman, Tom English, Tamati Ellison, Bryce Hegarty, Nic Stirzaker, Male Sa'u and Luke Burgess threatened behind a heroic pack.

The forwards were tremendous — again — and no one worked harder than Luke Jones.

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Having conceded a free kick from their own scrum feed, the Rebels were bullied into hasty retreat before Matt Toomua changed direction to put Jesse Mogg after only three minutes.

The Brumbies repeatedly attempted to pummel Melbourne with expert set piece manoeuvres as the Rebels' defensive intensity tried referee Jaco Peyper's patience.

Melbourne's hard-earned possession was often shed in anxiety as it faced a polished Brumbies' outfit.

The Rebels' two best attacking chances in the first half were lost with turnovers when they were deep in opposition territory.

And they were foiled in unfortunate circumstances for a third time when Bryce Hegarty kicked into touch after the half-time siren when the young flyhalf was unaware time was up and expected a lineout to follow.

Brumbies forward Scott Fardy tries to drag down Cruze Ah-Nau. Source: News Corp Australia

Peyper instead pointed to the changerooms, signifying half-time — and drawing the jeers of increasingly frustrated Melbourne supporters.

Melbourne coach Tony McGahan had words with Peyper at the break, further illustrating Rebel frustration.

Encouragingly, Melbourne's intensity meant the underdogs won the closing 10 minutes of the second half as Jones, Hugh Pyle, Scott Higginbotham and Scott Fuglistaller launched a string of searching runs.

It was a prelude of what was to follow despite the Brumbies edging to an 11-point lead before Woodward struck with penalties to pull Melbourne within five points — with 25 minutes remaining.

Sensing the Brumbies were fading, Melbourne drew level when the mercurial Woodward evaded four defenders to touch down.

Rebels centre Mitch Inman gets past a Jesse Mogg tackle to score a try. Source: News Corp Australia

Luke Burgess, substituting for impressive Nic Stirzaker, and Mitch Inman suddenly had the Brumbies on the back foot as Tom English charged over the line — but only after the ball had been knocked from his grasp by Mogg.

The Brumbies, always so disciplined and composed, continued to unravel when Scott Fardy was sin-binned for a ruck infringement as Melbourne continued to pour on the pressure.

Inman's try gave Melbourne valuable breathing space before a last-gasp effort from Robbie Coleman gave the Brumbies one last shot, which was professionally snuffed out by dogged Melbourne defence.

Woodward added a late penalty — his sixth — to seal victory for the Rebels.

MELBOURNE REBELS 32 (Mitch Inman, Jason Woodward tries Woodward 2 cons 6 pens) bt BRUMBIES 24 (1 penalty try) (Robbie Coleman, Jesse Mogg tries Nic White 2, Matt Toomua cons White pen) at AAMI Park. Referee: Jaco Peyper. Crowd: 10,726.

Relive all the action in our match blog below.

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Tania Hird may face Bombers board

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JAMES Hird will be grilled by the Essendon board via speaker phone on Wednesday.

Hird, who is studying in Singapore, is expected to be warned that further public airings related to his 12-month AFL suspension will cost him his job.

The gag order will extend to the exiled coach's wife Tania and his legal team.

Asked last night about reports Tania would also be hauled before the board to explain last week's public outburst on ABC TV, Bombers chairman Paul Little told the Herald Sun: "I'm not commenting."

In a statement late yesterday, the club said: "Essendon Football Club wishes to advise the matter relating to James Hird has been referred to a board meeting on Wednesday.

"The club will not make any further comment until after this meeting."

Hird's former teammate Matthew Lloyd declared on the weekend that Hird would not be sacked.

But the suspended coach will be asked to help bring an end to criticisms of the AFL's handling of the Essendon drugs scandal.

DANNY CORCORAN LANDS TOP VFL JOB

However Little, when fronted by a TV camera on Sunday morning, refused to confirm whether Hird was assured of his return.

"I don't want to comment on Matthew's statements or any other statements or any press articles ... I don't believe it's helpful in the current state of affairs," the Essendon chairman told The Sunday Footy Show.

"The appropriate forum for further discussion now is the Essendon board.

"We really now need to deal with the facts, and the facts are that certain things have been said and we need to assess that and decide what we do next.

"So I'm not going to speculate about what may or may not happen."

BOMBERS OVERCOME OFF-FIELD DRAMA TO BEAT ROOS

On Saturday night Lloyd, speaking on 3AW, was confident Hird would return to coach the Bombers next season as the club deals with the fallout from Tania Hird's television interview on Thursday night.

"My understanding is that they spoken — James Hird and Paul Little — today and that James

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Hird will be the coach of Essendon in 2015," Lloyd told 3AW on Saturday night.

Essendon would face a payout of up to $2 million if it decides to sack coach James Hird this week.

MARK ROBINSON: HIRD OUTCRY IS OLD NEWS

Essendon on Saturday denied reports chairman Paul Little would fly to Singapore for a meeting with Hird.

Hird is in Singapore on his way to France where he has been enrolled into an elite business school for a six-month course.

A club spokesman said there was no truth in the report of Little's Singapore trip and the Bombers had no plans of sending any representative overseas to speak with Hird.

But Little has demanded a "please explain" before the board meets.

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Essendon has already paid Hird nearly $1 million after he was suspended for this season.

The club would have to pay Hird a further $2 million if it terminates his contract for 2015/16 — a deal that was signed after his suspension late last year.

This would come on top of the $2 million fine for the supplement scandal that took place at the club under Hird's watch.

TAKE YOUR CASH AND SHUT UP, HIRDY

The directors will meet or have a telephone link-up as early as Monday to discuss their views on Hird's future.

Little will demand from Hird an explanation for the motives behind his wife's interview and what role or support he played in it. They want to know why and how it happened.

Interim coach Mark Thompson also expects to speak to Hird this week.

Thompson said on Saturday he was trying to shield and isolate his players from the controversies of the investigation into the club's use of supplements in the 2012 season.

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Little conceded after Essendon's 39-point win over the Kangaroos that the club and players were desperate to regain some respectability after the club was fined and deprived of their eighth position on the ladder last season and relegated to ninth over their supplements program.

"I think they felt they had a bit to prove," he said. "To get a win, just lifted a bit of pressure off everyone and it was a good thing.

"A loss would have been more difficult to cope with for sure because of what is going around at the club at the moment."

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Webb’s career flying high again

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KARRIE Webb's golden revival of five wins worldwide in 14 months is proof she can be in the hunt for an Olympic medal of the same colour.

Merely walking out for the opening ceremony in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 was never going to be enough for Australia's finest female golfer.

Now, she is certain to be among the favourites.

The hardened super-competitor at the age of 39 has lifted her world ranking to its highest level (No.5) since 2007 and continues to scoff at her veteran's tag.

Webb is all smiles as she poses for photos in Phoenix with the Founders Cup trophy. Source: AP

She pulled off one of her finest victories in Phoenix by chasing down Kiwi prodigy Lydia Ko, 22 years her junior.

Webb rattled home 10 birdies in her course record-equalling nine-under-par 63 to overtake 19 players on the final day to grab the Founders Cup.

That Webb's career has taken off again is indisputable after 2012 ended without a victory for the only time in her 20-year pro career.

Since landing on the Gold Coast at the beginning of last year with a world ranking of No.17, she has won in Australia (twice), the US (twice) and England.

Webb credits money well spent on a travelling osteopath to iron out the kinks of travel and a long career for keeping her fresher since 2012.

Webb clenches her fist in triumph after the final hole. Source: AP

The 2016 Olympics is her late-in-career driving force.

"That would be the icing on the cake wouldn't it if you could win a medal,'' Webb said.

"I've loved the Olympics since I can remember. I just think walking out in the opening ceremony with the team, the Olympic village ... it would be the ultimate.''

Webb donated $27,500 of her $248,000 winner's cheque to girls' golf in the US and the same amount to The Founders film, a documentary on the LPGA Tour's 13 founders.

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Campbell sisters’ thirst for success

Cate and Bronte Campbell take a breather during swimming training at The Valley Pool in Brisbane. Source: Mark Cranitch / News Corp Australia

CATE Campbell refuses to think about what is possible because frankly that would only limit her achievements.

The world champion 100m freestyler has reached the point in her career where she sets no goals, has no expectations and dismisses time targets as limits which can only negatively impact her performance.

Campbell, the fastest woman ever in a textile suit, is just 0.26 seconds off breaking the world record, which was set in the supersuit era.

Simply getting the freestyle times back in the same ballpark of the suit era is an achievement many thought impossible and it's why Campbell, and her sister Bronte, have adopted a "no limits" mantra.

Bronte performs a leisurely backstroke during training. Source: News Corp Australia

They feel that aiming for time targets actually puts a ceiling on the next performance or increases the disappointment factor if they fall just shy of the mark.

The Campbell sisters prefer free stylin' with their freestyle and after their breakthrough 2013 seasons you can understand why they prefer to take it as it comes.

"I never really go into competition with major expectations or goals. I'm not one of those people who sets goals, I find they can be limiting and disappointing," Cate said.

"Limiting as in that is all that you think you can do. I didn't think I could swim those times I did last year.

"It's disappointing if you didn't make those times then you constantly questioning yourself and what you're doing.

Cate had a breakthrough season last year and now wants to prove it was no one-off fluke. Source: News Corp Australia

"I'm not one of those big goal setters. I'm more just look for the experience and enjoyment in racing."

At the start of 2013 Cate Campbell's best 100m time was 53.03 seconds set in a 2009 rocket suit. Bronte had a best of 54.54s.

Now Cate is flying at 52.33s and Bronte is in the world's top 10 with a 53.72s effort, both monumental drops that elite swimmers usually only dream about.

"I don't like to set times because often they can be limiting, often I can go faster than I ever thought I could," Bronte said.

"That was shown last year. I suddenly dropped 0.8s of a second, I would never have predicted that and I feel like if I had I may not have dropped 0.8 of a second because I wouldn't have been aiming to do that.

"Setting targets can limit what you think you can do."

Bronte has moved through the rankings to enter the world top 10. Source: News Corp Australia

Which brings us to next week and Australia's Commonwealth Games selection trials at Brisbane where the sisters will both aim for more surprises in the pool.

Cate Campbell is now at the stage where every race brings her closer to the immortality of being the first sprint freestyler to break a super suit world record.

But for her 2014 is more about proving 2013 was no one hit wonder.

"I just want to be consistent and build on the performances I've done, kind of prove that they're not flukes because you do get people who race out of their skins occasionally and I want to be one of those consistent performers who can perform individually and be there for a relay team as well," she said.

"I think it's hard because I made such marked improvements last year I'm not expecting there to be any big drops this year. That would just be way to soon.

"I'm coming into these trials the most relaxed I've ever been … I'm just excited to race."

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Alexander among true ironman greats

Craig Alexander came fifth on Sunday in his last full ironman race, the Asia-Pacific championship. Source: Michael Klein / News Corp Australia

CRAIG Alexander has not exactly retired from Iron Man triathlon, but the time is right to invite debate on where he sits among the great Australian sportsmen of recent years.

It's a tricky question because as popular as it has become, this gruelling torture test is still not quite mainstream and champions such as Alexander tend to fly slightly under the radar because they train a lot and race relatively infrequently, mostly overseas.

But within the sport, "Crowie" has been a superstar of the highest order.

In Melbourne on Sunday, he raced the full Iron Man for the last time, finishing fifth in the Asia-Pacific championship race and then finding himself unable to hold back tears as he announced his 40-year-old body had decided enough was enough.

Craig Alexander goes down the Eastlink tunnel during the Asia Pacific Ironman on Sunday. Source: News Corp Australia

The 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and 42km run, which have to be completed in about eight hours in elite competition, is probably orthodox sport's most demanding challenge, especially as you get older.

"Impressive" doesn't do justice to his mastery of it.

Alexander won the world championship on the Hawaiian island of Kona three times, in 2008, 2009 and 2011 and was second in 2007 and fourth in 2012.

In his third win he took 12 seconds off the record, finishing in 8:03.56, and at the inaugural Asia-Pacific race three years ago, which he also won, he broke eight hours for the first time _ a feat Melbourne sports fans might be waiting a long time to see repeated.

He has also won the 70.3 — or half-distance — world championship twice and been runner-up once. Having won a 70.3 in Geelong recently, and with the urge to race till not quite purged from his ultra-competitive psyche, he figures he can keep doing those, with the world titles in Canada in September a possibility.

Alexander: "I'm comfortable with the decision because I race to win and to perform." Source: News Corp Australia

In other words, he isn't about to go "cold turkey" on the sport that has been his life, but readily concedes that its time to wind down.

He has three kids — the youngest, Lani May, was born just before last year's Melbourne race — and business interests that include a year-old coaching project which bore exciting fruit when his protege Paul Matthews finished second on Sunday.

"There is a bit of sadness knowing that for whatever reason — diminishing ability or diminishing time — I am not able to compete at that level now," he said yesterday.

"But I'm comfortable with the decision because I race to win and to perform, and if I can't do it 100 per cent what's the point?

Alexander won the Hawaiian Ironman Triathlon three times and set a course-record time in Oahu. Source: Supplied

"My overwhelming emotion is gratitude — I've been helped by a lot of great people who have steered me in the right direction."

As he prepared for the Melbourne race last year, in which he finished third, he told the Herald Sun he was determined not to embarrass himself by failing to recognise his use-by date.

"I'm certainly not turning up just to collect appearance fees," he said. "I race to win. And when I can't do that no-one will have to give me a boot in the bum to move on. I'll be gone."

While that's not unambiguously the case — an Iron Man spokesman said there were no plans, yet, to formally salute him because he is not fully retired — a round of applause is timely for a pleasant, popular character whose career can legitimately be labelled "great."

ron.reed@news.com.au

Twitter: @Reedrw

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‘Can’t take goal kicking lightly’

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IN his review of NRL round three, Fox Sports NRL commentator Brett Kimmorley tells the Eels to look west to the foot of the mountains for a reason to find a reliable goal kicker. It will win them matches.

Tigers 25 d Rabbitohs 16

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This was a bit of a shock to the system. I know Robbie Farah was a bit upset that they didn't get much of a rap for last week's win but that's when you make a statement and you back it up on the big stage. The Tigers did that, which was great to see. The platform for victory was laid up the front and it's no coincidence that it was the first time in a long time the two front-rowers - Woods and Galloway - started a game together. Then you've got Taupau and Seumanufagai adding punch off the bench, so I think the Tigers are starting to generate a competitive forward pack and off the back of that they've got two of the most exciting young players in the competition in Brooks and Tedesco. Now the Tigers were good, but they were certainly helped out by a very poor performance from the Rabbitohs. Their discipline went out the window and their backline looked pedestrian. Obviously losing Inglis was a massive blow but with the injuries they've already got, and now missing Issac Luke for at least a month, I think they might struggle.

Roosters 30 d Broncos 26

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Brisbane were extremely gritty and they've played that way for the first three weeks, which is a great sign for the coach. They did all bar win the football game, and I think they probably deserved the points. I thought the Broncos' pack might struggle without Ben Hannant, but they did well and on the back of that Ben Hunt had an excellent game. He's turning into a quality halfback and I think as Barba gets better, the Broncos will be very hard to beat. What they found out on Friday night is that when you're playing the best, you can't afford to let up even for a minute. The Roosters are an ultra-confident side and they've grown an ability to win the big moments when a game is on the line. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is a scary talent, and after he scored to keep the game alive for the Roosters, it was Mitchell Pearce who executed their go-to play from last season to put Boyd Cordner over.The champions got the points but if ever there's a game with two winners, that was it.

Panthers 18 d Bulldogs 16

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The Panthers started brilliantly and looked in control of the game and by the time the Bulldogs woke up and started to play, it looked like it was going to be too late. As it turned out, they went very close to winning but the Panthers showed a tremendous amount of resilience to come home strong. I think what Gus Gould has done out there is assembled a good young squad that doesn't rely on just one star. It's a very competitive football side. They got up for Melbourne last week but they were able to get up again for the Bulldogs, and with Jamie Soward back in the line-up, they looked very good. Matt Moylan seems to get better with every game. He just floats across the park and was incredibly cool under pressure, kicking a goal from the sideline to win his side the game. For the Bulldogs, it was another disappointing output from Tony Williams. The halves, Hodkinson and Reynolds were good again but I'm not quite sure Canterbury can compete with the best without a fullback. Sam Perrett's a wonderful player but his strength is his running game out of dummy half and putting him back to fullback takes that away from him. That's something for Des Hasler to think about and at the moment that's not the only problem that needs solving.

Dragons 14 d Sharks 12

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It was a derby, it was physical, but the quality of football was poor. I think it was only the fact that it was close that kept it interesting. The quality of the second half was extremely poor. In saying that, there were some diamonds in the rough. Gareth Widdop has come in and really polished up the Dragons' attack and he was good again. That try from Brett Morris was just sensational - and it enabled he and his dad (Steve) to become just the second father-son combination to each score 100 first grade tries, behing Bill and Brett Mullins. His try-scoring is just freakish and his dummy-half running in Saturday's game was also superb. I thought Todd Carney tried his hardest in his return from injury but perhaps he tried too hard, and was trying to do everything. It was like letting a kid loose in a lolly shop, they just get too excited, and sometimes you overplay your hand. Who would have thought we'd be sitting here saying the Dragons are three from three? It was ugly, but they'll take it.

Warriors 20 d Cowboys 16

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Matt Elliott came into this weekend as the most under-pressure person in the NRL, and finally he was able to relieve some of that pressure. To bring out one of the best performances they've had in a long time on the toughest road trip in the game up to Townsville was excellent timing. One of the big reasons for the turnaround I thought was Konrad Hurrell. He had to be in the side, but for some reason couldn't find a spot in the first two weeks. Shaun Johnson showed some class and Matulino was good. It must be so frustrating to be a fan of the club when you know they've got that potential and you only see it once a month. On the other hand, the Cowboys were a bit off again, and just can't seem to get things to click. It's far too early to point the finger at Paul Green, but when they were having similar troubles last year, Neil Henry lost his job. They were slow, poor and ill-disciplined until late in the game when they started to put up a fight. I thought it was an ordinary performance.

Sea Eagles 22 d Eels 18

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It was interesting to see how Parramatta responded to the hiding they got from the Roosters. Brad Arthur obviously came out with an honest assessment of what had gone wrong and how to improve it and the players lifted. Arthur's been at Melbourne and Manly so he knows what it takes to win tough games and I think he's got the players in the key positions at Parramatta to start to implement that toughness in the Eels. Manly may have got a little bit ahead of themselves after an excellent performance last week and they seemed a bit flat. But to Parramatta's credit they fought hard for the whole 80 minutes and if they could just find a goal kicker they would have won the game. I think they'll be knocking around the eight at the end of the season but it's vital that they find someone who can kick goals with a bit more reliability than poor old Joseph Paulo. They've used Corey Norman, Jarryd Hayne, Luke Kelly and Paulo but they need to pick one and stick with him otherwise it could cost them more games. It's so important now to kick at about 80 per cent. You saw that value from Matt Moylan on Saturday night when he kicked a goal to win a game for Penrith. The Eels simply must turn someone into a decent kicker.

Titans 24 d Raiders 12

This was another game that didn't reach any heights but was entertaining because of how close it was. Both sides settled into their game plan and just felt each other out for the first 40 minutes and at half-time both coaches would have been a bit unhappy about things like ball security and the execution of plays. The Titans struggled a little bit to get good field position due to the lack of long kicking, which they normally get from Aidan Sezer. With their five-eighth missing, Ashley Harrison filled in and I thought he did extremely well. In the end what started to make a difference was the speed the Titans were able to play at. They were quicker than the Raiders, they were able to play direct, and Albert Kelly made some linebreaks. Nate Myles was outstanding with something like 55 tackles from the front row - and that was the type of grit the visitors showed across the park. The Raiders still seem to struggle to win games when they've got the ascendency at times. They just weren't able to use their field position to get a grubber into the in-goal or score the try that would have broken the Titans' back when they were in front. That will improve. The Raiders have a new coach and a new playing style and they'll continue to get better over the next weeks and months.

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Samaready to tackle T.J. Smith

Samaready has drifted to $26 for the T.J. Smith after his disappointing ninth on Friday night. Picture: Getty Images Source: Vince Caligiuri / Getty Images

SAMAREADY will push on to the $2.5 million T.J. Smith Stakes (1200m) despite her ­disappointing effort in the William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley on Friday night.

Trainer Mick Price had the horse vetted but could find nothing wrong and she will run in Australia's richest sprint at Randwick on April 12 alongside stablemate Lankan Rupee.

Lankan Rupee yesterday firmed from $4.60 to $3.50 favourite with TAB for the race after the Hawkes stable said three-year-old gelding Notlistenin'tome would not run again this autumn after a virus.

Samaready drifted to $26 after his ninth on Friday night.

"She was ridden two or three lengths forward of where I thought she would be,'' Price said.

" I certainly didn't think she should lead and thought she should have taken up a position behind Thump.

"Regardless of all that I still thought it was a disappointing run. I wanted to see better."

Price said Samaready would be ridden quietly and then sprint home at Randwick.

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"That's what she does when she performs at her best."

Lankan Rupee has continued to please Price since he completed the Oakleigh Plate -Newmarket Handicap double.

Price was pleased with the effort of Cornrow who ran on well for third behind Ghibellines in the Todman Slipper Trial which was his first run since he finished third in the Blue Diamond Stakes.

"He ran on well after being held up and if he'd got out earlier he could have challenged for second. It was a good run," he said.

Price said stablemate and Blue Diamond Stakes runner up Jabali would miss the Golden Slipper after he weakened to finish seventh in the Todman Stakes and would be spelled.

Mick Price talks with jockey Craig Newitt after his ride on Samaready at Caulfield trackwork. Source: News Limited

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Dunstan has a Diesel engine

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Woodville-West Torrens coach Michael Godden has likened former Eagles youngster Luke Dunstan to former Carlton champion Greg Williams after a highly impressive debut for St Kilda on Saturday night.

After starting on the bench against Melbourne, Dunstan was thrown into the midfield early in the contest and he had a significant influence with five clearances and 21 possessions.

It was a similar performance to his SANFL league debut in round 18 last year when he had 22 touches against Glenelg and looked extremely comfortable.

''Luke rolled into league and I watched the St Kilda match - it was just another game for him, there was no difference,'' Godden said. ''If there was another level higher he would probably go to that.

''Obviously he has had a good pre-season. I saw him in a NAB Challenge game and he was almost best on ground. If you are rebuilding the footy club you have got to play him so I'm glad they did.

''He is a really good kid and the club is proud of him.''

Clare-raised Dunstan captained the South Australian under 18 side to the national crown last year and he shared the team's most valuable award with Matt Scharenberg.

A lack of pace was a concern for AFL's when discussing draft prospects and he was picked up at No. 18 by the Saints.

''His composure in traffic is terrific,'' Godden said. ''He makes good decisions and is old school - a Greg Williams type. He gets into really good positions at stoppages and gets the ball from hand to footy quickly.

''He is not overly quick but has speed of mind. It shows the AFL is not just looking at athletes. Luke is a solid athlete but he is a true footballer. After one pre-season his body looks quite lean from what we knew him.''

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Live: Pakistan set Aussies massive target

Doug Bollinger will play his first game for Australia since 2011. Source: Scott Barbour / Getty Images

AUSTRALIA are chasing 192 for victory in their opening match of the World T20, after Pakistan's batsmen took a liking to the Aussie attack.

The Aussies hit Pakistan with an immediate pace barrage but after Doug Bollinger made an early breakthrough it was tough going for George Bailey's side.

MATCH CENTRE: LIVE UPDATES, SCOREBOARD AND STATS

Umar Akmal made 94 in a wonderful knock while Kamran Akmal (31) and Shahid Afridi (20 not out) chipped in with useful contributions.

Australia then lost the David Warner and Shane Watson early in their run chase.

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