Tag Archives: queensland

NSW to rally towards 46th Sheffield Shield

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It’s not too late for the mighty NSW Blues to defend their Sheffield Shield, and considering we’ve won 1, lost 3 and drawn 2 matches it’ll have to be one hell of a late rally for us to contest the finals.

We’re currently sitting in 5th place out of the 6 teams. At this stage, I’d book the MCG out as Victoria are a certainty to top the table. They’re sitting pretty on 30 points and have a big gap to the next placed Queensland with 3 matches to go. To improve our chances I’ll be hoping for as many Victorian wins to keep them ahead of the field.

There’s 4 matches remaining:

  • Fri 30 – Mon 2 Feb vs Tasmania in Newcastle

  • Sun 15 – Wed 18 Feb vs Victoria in Melbourne
  • Thu 26 – Sun 1 Mar vs Queensland in Brisbane
  • Thu 5 – Sun 8 Mar vs WA in Sydney

and of the matches on this weekend, QLD lost to Western Australia but picked up first innings points, Victoria should beat South Australia, and NSW should beat TAS outright for 6 points, which will leave the table 7/10ths of the way through the comp looking like:

  • Victoria 36

  • Queensland 22
  • New South Wales 18
  • Western Australia 18
  • Tasmania 18
  • South Australia 8

The real challenge for NSW, as always, will be when our Test stars depart for the South Africa tour. There is a 3 day game against South Africa A on February 20th, and I’m guessing that safety first Cricket Australia wont let those selected play the shield match against Victoria that finishes on the 18th.

Phillip Hughes is now looking a certainty for his Baggy Green, along with Simon Katich, Michael Clarke and Brad Haddin. Hopefully we can hold onto Phil Jaques, Dave Warner (to get his First Class debut), Nathan Hauritz and Nathan Bracken at least until the One Day squad is sent over for the 27th March. We’ll also be carefully monitoring Stuart Clark’s elbow and Brett Lee’s ankle – their return could well be the deciding factor in this years shield.

Our young blokes will have to step up against the nearer full strength Victorian, Queensland and Western Australian outfits, and if they do we’ll be looking good for another finals appearance. And then, just maybe we can lift the trophy for the 46th time of the 106 times it’s being contested.

Jesse’s mum has got it going on

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Jesse Ryder

Jesse Ryder

What an inspiration it is to see the rotund kiwi waddling in to bowl, he’s twice the man I am, maybe even more. So with this new found Ryder inspired bowling ethos I’ll be rolling the arm over for NSCC 3rd grade reserve at some oval in St Ives, can already feel the pain.

Great start to the Trevor-Barry trophy by the Kiwi’s, they did exactly what they needed to do with tight bowling, movement in the air and intelligent captaincy. They’re lucky to have not lost a wicket in the 5 overs of batting last night and full credit to them. Sounds like it’ll be a minefield out there with a fired up Lee and Clark probing away.

EnZed are most definately in a commanding position in this test, however they’ll need to talk with the bat today and make it count. The Gabba has really favoured the bowlers this year, here’s the two Sheffield Scorecards and putting the Aussie performance in this context 214 isn’t looking terrible.

QLD vs TAS
October 10-12
QLD 236
Tas 106
QLD 62
Tas 144

Queensland vs Victoria
October 21-23
QLD 245
Vic 353
QLD 150
Vic 45*

A mixed day for my fantasy team the ‘Overhand Underarmers’, despite a very poor start thanks to Hayden and Katich, they were at least dismissed by Tim Southee who also made the cut. My fantasy captain Michael Clarke chipped in with a dominant 98 before my tubby fantasy mascot Jesse Ryder took his second wicket.

Waratahs Clothing Appeal

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The Tahs have arrived back in Sydney, however 95% of their playing kit has failed to follow them. It’s times like this that the fans can step up and really support the team, so dig deep into your rugby merchandise cupboard and donate whatever you can to help out the boys in light blue.

Donation bins have been installed at all major shopping centres (pictured), with team management specifically appealing for undergarments and toiletries. Lote has put in a special request for a bottle of Soul Glo.

I’ve already donated two of my Tahs’ Jerseys (the third one has been given to my brother-in-law after a recent bet he lost), as well as some spare boxer shorts and three pairs of odd socks.

While appreciative of the public’s generosity in the appeal to this point, there is a real dearth of XXXXL merchandise. Fortunately they made Morgs hand in his gear when he moved north last year so that’s Bennnn covered, however at this stage the rest of the pack will be running around shirtless which could present some difficulty in getting a decent bind. It should be noted that our scrum is still expected to monster the ailing Reds pack.

Waratahs management have assured me personally that all borrowed gear will be signed and returned to the owners as soon as they find the missing bags last seen strapped to the roof of a Joberg taxi.

Bloody Reds

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I know we really should be concentrating on the Stormers match, but regardless of that result the Queensland matchup in Week 14 will be HUGE.

Some would say that Super 14 priorities between New South Wales and New Texas differ significantly – historically they play the Super 14 so they can beat NSW, while we play to make the finals and take home the trophy.

The Tahs have an appalling record against the Reds in Super rugby, having won just 3 from their 12 matchups. The one comfort is that these 3 wins were in 05, 06 and 07 so at least our recent history is good, though to be fair they did have a Tasmanian coach during that period.

Now add to this the match will be the swansong for Latham, Croft, Moore, Cordingly and prossibly Shicofske ; they’ll have been preparing for the match since week 1. Bastards.

We’ll be playing for either a semi-berth or a home semi, and nothing would please the New Texas’ residents more than to rain on our parade. Follow all the developments in this vital matchup over at Go The Tahs