Thompson late-show lifts Victory

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Revenge ... Archie Thompson scores the match-winner. Source: Salpigtidis George / News Limited

Melbourne Victory striker Archie Thompson scores the winner deep in injury-time to secure a pulsating 2-1 derby triumph over crosstown rivals Melbourne Heart at AAMI Park.

Thompson netted via the crossbar two minutes into injury time to snatch all three points and sink the Heart, who grabbed an equaliser just minutes earlier.

The win lifts the Victory to third place and leaves the Heart third from bottom.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Central Coast	12	8	3	1	13	27
2	Adelaide	12	8	1	3	5	25
3	Victory	12	6	2	4	-2	20
4	Western Sydney	12	6	1	5	5	19
5	Perth	12	5	2	5	3	17
6	Newcastle	12	5	1	6	-7	16
7	Wellington	12	3	4	5	-1	13
8	Heart	12	3	3	6	-3	12
9	Brisbane	12	3	2	7	-1	11
10	Sydney	12	3	1	8	-12	10

The Victory took the lead with Marco Rojas' 67th-minute goal - a wonderfully-worked move sweeping through Thompson, Gui Finkler and Mark Milligan before the New Zealander finished sweetly.

But the Heart looked to have earned a share of the points when skipper Fred, who missed his side's two best chances of the match earlier, leapt high to meet a superb Michael Marrone cross and finish.

Then the Heart lost possession in the middle of the park in injury time.

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Relive the frantic Melbourne derby in our Match Centre

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Rojas grabbed the ball and sent a sublime pass to Thompson, whose shot hit the crossbar and crept just inside before Heart defender Aziz Behich thumped it out in vain.

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With more than 26,000 watching on, it was a first half of desperate defence - four shots blocked, cleared off the line or deflected to safety in a spirited opening 45 minutes.

Fred had the Heart's two best chances, squandering a first-half opportunity on 32 minutes when he shot dreadfully from Behich's superb run to the byline and cross.

But he went within a coat of paint of a spectacular goal six minutes after halftime, controlling then thumping a wonderful long-range volley just wide of the top corner.

Heart coach John Aloisi lamented his side's lack of cutting edge having had the better chances in the match, but felt his team at least deserved a draw, if not all three points.

"We were the team that was trying to go for the win, and we lost the ball in a bad area and they caught us on the counter,'' Aloisi said.

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"We felt we could go on and win the game. They showed really good character and spirit.

"They (the players) are distraught. But we've got a game in a few days against Wellington and we've got to pick ourselves up and get on with it.''

The Heart will go into the match without central defenders Simon Colosimo and Patrick Gerhardt, who both picked up yellow cards to exceed their limit and earn automatic one-match bans.

Victory assistant coach Kevin Muscat - deputising post-match for coach Ange Postecoglou, who left immediately after the game because of a family bereavement - felt his side had done enough to deserve the points.

"I thought we showed great belief and we controlled the game for long periods,'' Muscat said.

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Super Cooper gets Renegades home

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Late heroics ... Tom Cooper whacks two big sixes to help get the Renegades home. Source:News Limited

Expensive late overs from Brisbane Heat's import pacemen Kemar Roach and Thisara Perera allowed the unbeaten Melbourne Renegades to surge to another Big Bash League win at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

Set a modest victory target of 134, the Renegades were struggling badly at 3-88 from 16 overs, needing 46 from their final four overs.

T20 - Etihad Stadium

22 December 2012 - Day 1, Session 2

Renegades 1st Innings

B. Rohrer	27	25	1	1	108
W. Sheridan	11	5	2	0	220
K. Roach	3.1	0	29	1	9.16

They notched their fourth win from as many games with five balls to spare and six wickets in hand, after some big hitting from South Australia's Tom Cooper (29 from 15 balls) and NSW's Ben Rohrer (30 not out off 25) steered them home.

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The home side were struggling to find boundaries until Cooper swung the game by helping them take 14 off the 17th over, bowled by Perera.

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He opened the next over, bowled by Roach, with a huge swipe for six over square leg.

While Cooper was out lbw next ball, Rohrer took up the slack, smashing another six later in the over as Roach gave up 18 runs for the over.

Rohrer and new batsman Will Sheridan took 13 more runs off the next Perera over before Rohrer smacked Roach for four to win the game off the first ball of the last, making it 49 runs off the last 19 balls of the match.

Rohrer said the Renegades always felt they could launch a late charge with wickets in hand, but it was getting tight.

"Once it gets over 12 (runs an over), it gets pretty tough, so it was getting to the point where we knew we had to go and Tommy hit some big bombs and the rest is history," Rohrer said.

Earlier, Heat all-rounder Ben Cutting, who missed all of the first BBL season through injury, staged a fine rescue effort with bat and ball to put his side in the game.

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Coming in with his side 6-80 in the 13th over - after losing three wickets in five balls - he belted an unbeaten 33 from 24 balls to help them to a semi-respectable score.

Cutting then took 2-12 from four overs with the ball to put the Renegades on the back foot, before West Indian Roach and Sri Lankan Perera let the game slip.

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Nervy Jets hold out Sydney

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Ankle tap ... Ruben Zadkovich is tripped up by Ali Abbas Source:AAP

Newcastle picked up their first win for six weeks and extended Sydney FC's horror run to one win in eight matches with a nervy 2-1 win at Hunter Stadium.

Early goals from Craig Goodwin and Emile Heskey proved decisive, even though Yairo Yau gave the visitors a glimmer of hope after 32 minutes.

It was a far from dominant display from the home team who had not scored since knocking three past Melbourne Heart goalkeeper Clint Bolton on November 24.

The home side dominated the early exchanges and were rewarded with Goodwin's free kick and Heskey's tap in.

But Sydney eventually found their rhythm and pulled a goal back through the speedy Yau.

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Sydney pressed in the second half but couldn't find the decisive touch in front of goal.

When the two sides met in their much-hyped round-two encounter, the Jets produced a thrilling 3-2 win in an entertaining clash in which both marquee men Heskey and Sydney star Alessandro Del Piero scored.

But while Heskey was a force this time, Del Piero barely featured.

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There were seven fouls in the first 10 minutes in what was a heated clash.

Fabio conceded a foul for charging James Virgili just outside the penalty area and would come to regret it moments later when Goodwin scored from the ensuing free-kick.

Goodwin curled the ball into the net from an acute angle about four metres out to put the hosts up after 13 minutes and score the Jets' first goal since round eight.

The goal seemed to spark the Jets into life with Virgili making a defence-busting run down the right and forcing a save from Sydney gloveman Vedran Janjetovic.

Virgili worked his way into the box again, this time setting up Heskey who put the Jets two up with his sixth goal of the season, sending the 17,402 Newcastle faithful into raptures.

To keep the game alive, Sydney struck back minutes later with Panamanian international Yau forcing a save from goalkeeper Mark Birighitti.

But Birighitti, in his first match back from a five-week injury lay-off, couldn't contain the ball with Yau slotting the rebound into the back of the net.

Brilliante had Sky Blues' goalkeeper Janjetovic at full stretch just before half-time with a powerful long-range strike that just shaved the post.

Sydney returned from the break looking to equalise with Rhyan Grant threatening with a strike.

The Jets replied moments later when Ryan Griffiths was able to get on the end of a Goodwin cross with Janjetovic diving to save the header.

Del Piero played a superb ball to Yau in the dying minutes but the striker sent his shot just over the crossbar.

A furious Frank Farina warned his Sydney players to either shape up or ship out.

"When you have to rely on a 38-year-old player (Del Piero) who's just come back from a hamstring injury it's a bit of a worry,'' Farina said.

"We got what we deserved today and we didn't deserve to win.''

Despite an ill Brett Emerton getting subbed off after 30 minutes and missing injured pair Pascal Bosschaart and Jason Culina, Farina was making no excuses saying the side should have the depth to cope.

"There will be a lot of nervous players after that,'' he said.

"They won't like me when I get angry.

"I'm a fighter and I'll go down swinging in terms of the fight to make it off the bottom and I expect the players that will be with me will have that same attitude.

"If they don't, they won't play.''

Gary van Egmond by contrast was full of praise for the Jets, saying it was just the result they needed to get their season back on track.

"Tonight I thought we had two full-backs who had real intent getting past people, we had midfielders who really wanted to work, we had wide players who wanted to take people on, and strikers who wanted to win their duels and score,'' van Egmond said.

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Boof questions Samuels's action

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Under fire ... Darren Lehmann has questioned Marlon Samuels's bowling action. Source:News Limited

Melbourne Renegades' Big Bash League-topping form has hit controversy, with Brisbane Heat coach Darren Lehmann questioning the bowling action of star West Indian import Marlon Samuels.

Samuels produced a tight spell as the Renegades won their fourth straight game against the Heat at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

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But Lehmann queried how an offspin bowler who jogs in off a couple of steps can legally produce faster balls of about 120km/h.

"I've spoken to the umpires about it," Lehmann said.

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"I just want something done.

"He couldn't bowl in the IPL (Indian Premier League) last year, yet he can bowl in the BBL.

"We've got to seriously look at what we're doing. Are we here to play cricket properly or what?

"If he's deemed legal, I'm totally understanding of that.

"But from my point of view from 20 years' cricket, I've got a problem with 120km/h off no steps."

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Samuels was suspended from bowling in the IPL earlier this year after being reported for a suspect action.

Lehmann doubted the West Indian would be suspended from bowling in the BBL but wanted Samuels' action to at least be reviewed.

"I'm sure they'll go through the process but it doesn't help us now, does it?" he said.

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"And it doesn't help any of the teams that have played the Renegades so far.

"So that's certainly a query I've got and they've got to have a look at it."

Renegades coach Simon Helmot defended Samuels' action when asked if he was confident it was legitimate.

"Absolutely," Helmot said, adding he was disappointed with Lehmann's comments.

"That's up to umpires to decide on legitimacy of actions," he said.

"It's disappointing to have some comment made like that and we'll take it up with Cricket Australia tomorrow."

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India's former Olympics chief faces fraud

A JUDGE on Friday ordered prosecutors to charge India's former Olympics chief and five other sports officials with fraud relating to the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

Suresh Kalmadi, who headed the Games organising committee, his deputy Lalit Bhanot and four others were accused of favouring a particular company while awarding contracts for installing a timing system for the Games.

Judge Talwant Singh ordered the prosecution to frame charges of "cheating, forgery, criminal conspiracy and for other offences under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act" by January 10, the Press Trust of India reported.

Also facing charges are the organising committee's director-general V.K. Verma, procurement director Surjit Lal, sports director A.S.V. Prasad and treasurer M. Jayachandran.

Two Indian companies and the firm Swiss Timing, which was awarded a contract to supply equipment, are also accused in the case, the Press Trust of India said.

Police alleged in 2010 that Swiss Timing had supplied equipment "at exorbitant rates of one 1.07 billion rupees ($18 million)... thereby causing huge loss to the government".

It was unclear whether the judge has also ordered the prosecution of the companies.

The firms and the six Indian officials accused, who are all currently on bail, have denied wrongdoing.

The judge said they would be formally charged on January 10.

Kalmadi, a serving member of parliament, headed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), which was suspended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on December 4 for unethical practices during controversial IOA elections.

Kalmadi did not run in the IOA elections earlier this month, but Bhanot was elected unopposed as secretary-general, even though the IOC had declared the entire election process illegal.

Suspension from the IOC means India will not receive funding from the body and its officials are banned from attending Olympic meetings and events.

India's athletes would also be barred from competing in the Olympics under the national flag, although the IOC could allow some to participate under the Olympic flag.

The Commonwealth Games were meant to showcase India's status as an emerging global power, but sporting headlines were stolen by shoddy construction and budget overruns, with the cost of hosting the event tripling to at least $6.0 billion.

India's anti-corruption watchdog, the Central Vigilance Commission, received complaints alleging that up to $1.8 billion of Games money was misused.

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Glory hold off wasteful Roar

Matchwinner ... Stephen McGarry seals it for Perth. Source: Dan Peled / AAP

Midfielder Steven McGarry's wonder-strike gave Perth Glory a 1-0 victory and heaped more misery on struggling A-League champions Brisbane Roar on Friday night.

McGarry's 35-yard stunner just before halftime was enough to secure the Glory their first back-to-back wins of the season and leave new Roar coach Mike Mulvey ruing what might have been after the hosts squandered numerous opportunities.

In front of 11,352 fans, the Roar spent most of the second half attacking the Glory's penalty area but the home team failed to convert with star striker Besart Berisha particularly guilty of fluffing chances he'd normally bury.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Central Coast	11	8	2	1	13	26
2	Adelaide	12	8	1	3	5	25
3	Western Sydney	12	6	1	5	5	19
4	Perth	12	5	2	5	3	17
5	Victory	11	5	2	4	-3	17
6	Newcastle	11	4	1	6	-8	13
7	Wellington	11	3	3	5	-1	12
8	Heart	11	3	3	5	-2	12
9	Brisbane	12	3	2	7	-1	11
10	Sydney	11	3	1	7	-11	10

Brazilian Henrique hit the crossbar while midfielder Erik Paartalu and youngster Ben Halloran also came close but the Glory somehow held firm to deny the Roar an equalising goal in a lopsided second-half.

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McGarry's classy strike, which came after he was given space from a clever flick-on from Smeltz, lifts the Glory to fourth place with 17 points, ahead of Melbourne Victory on goal difference.

The Roar, who replaced head coach Rado Vidosic with Mulvey during the week, remain ninth with just three wins from 12 matches.

The Roar also suffered a late blow with substitute Jack Hingert limping off in the dying minutes of the match.

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FoxKopter hits the skies above MCG

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Up in the air ... FoxKopter fit right in at the MCG. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

The latest innovation in cricket broadcasting technology hit the skies above the MCG on Friday night.

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FoxKopter, a revolutionary eight-propeller airborne camera, is hovering above Australia's most famous cricket ground as Melbourne Stars and Sydney Sixers do battle in the KFC T20 Big Bash League on the ground below.

It is following all the action during play within the confines of the stadium, offering a genuine bird's eye view of the match.

The first time a genuine camera drone of its type has been approved for use above the playing arena during a match.

And it was an entertaining match to start with, as the Sixers struck early through Brett Lee and a Moises Henriques run out before some big hitting from Glenn Maxwell and Brad Hodge saw the Stars finish on 6-177 after their 20 overs, before the Sixers fell 21 runs short in their chase.

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Click on the video at the top of the page to see some footage of FoxKopter in action!

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Bird set for Test debut as Starc rests

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Bolter ... Jackson Bird could make his Test debut on Boxing Day. Source: Julian Smith / News Limited

Jackson Bird is on course to make a shock debut in the Boxing Day Test as Cricket Australia prepares to step up its rotation policy.

Mitchell Starc's heavy workload will see him rested for one of the next two Tests, with the tall left-armer expected to miss Melbourne and play his first home Test in Sydney.

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This means that Bird, a Sydney boy who moved to Tasmania, will become the seventh fast bowler used by Australia this summer.

Only attack leader Peter Siddle is expected to survive from the first Test against Sri Lanka in Hobart, which Australia won in the final hour last Tuesday.

This is despite Starc taking 14 wickets in the past two Tests.

Mitchell Johnson, who was 12th man in Hobart, will be recalled for the second Test at the MCG but Bird, 26, a right arm swing bowler, is expected to take the new ball with Siddle.

Starc was 12th man for the first two Tests against South Africa before playing the last Test in Perth and then in Hobart, where opening bowler Ben Hilfehaus broke down during the first innings.

This left Starc, just 22 and a veteran of only six Tests, shouldering extra responsibility.

He bowled 44.5 overs in Perth and then 52.2 overs in Hobart, pushing him into dangerous territory, particularly for such a young and inexperienced bowler.

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Starc has done remarkably well to stay on the park given he played county cricket with Yorkshire followed by one-day and Twenty20 tournaments against Pakistan in the UAE before the World Twenty20 and Champions League leading into this season.

Bird gets his chance as the leading wicket-taker in the Sheffield Shield with 27 wickets at 21.

He received the call-up as a replacement for Hilfenhaus. This followed James Pattinson and John Hastings breaking down in the previous series against South Africa.

Also out with injuries are Pat Cummins, Ryan Harris, Josh Hazlewood and Trent Copeland.

In a remarkable statistic, Bird is one of eight players in the 13-man squad produced by NSW but is amongst five who are now playing interstate along with Ed Cowan (Tasmania), Phil Hughes (South Australia), Nathan Lyon (South Australia) and Usman Khawaja (Queensland).

Khawaja is on standby for captain Michael Clarke, who believes he will overcome a minor hamstring strain in time to play on Boxing Day.

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Formerly a Manly boy, Bird moved to Tasmania at the beginning of last season and instantly made an impact.

He claimed 53 wickets at 16 in just eight matches to be named the Sheffield Shield player of the year.

There has been criticism that he has taken most of his wickets on a seamer-friendly Hobart pitch, where there have been a string of low scores.

However this is not the case. Bird has 80 career Shield wickets at an average of just 18 but 38 of those have come outside Tasmania at just 19 apiece.

Significantly, his most productive ground away from Hobart has been the MCG, where Bird has claimed 14 wickets in two matches at an average of just 12, including a career-best 5-35.

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Strikers outgun stumbling Thunder

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Got him ... Kieron Pollard celebrates the wicket of compatriot Chris Gayle. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

Adelaide Strikers have heaped more misery on the struggling Sydney Thunder, powering to a 51-run victory in their KFC T20 Big Bash League match at ANZ Stadium.

T20 - ANZ Stadium

20 December 2012 - Day 1, Session 2

Thunder 1st Innings

A. Zampa	3	7	0	0	42.86
D. Nannes	0	0	0	0	0
K. Richardson	3.4	0	9	3	2.45

In the process, the Strikers became the first team this season to win a match when batting first.

With Michael Klinger top-scoring with 60, the Strikers made an imposing total of 6-177 after being sent in to bat by Thunder skipper Chris Rogers.

And the bottom side were never in the hunt, being bowled out for 126 in the penultimate over.

Former Test speedster Shaun Tait made a welcome return to Strikers line-up for the first time this season, generating good pace in taking 3-22 off three overs.

The Thunder's listless start to their innings was epitomised by Chris Gayle's uncharacteristically slow 8 from 19 balls.

Only a seventh-wicket partnership of 51 between Ryan Carters and Scott Coyte saved the Thunder from more embarrassment after they crashed to 6-64.

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Sydney were eventually dismissed for 126 in the 19th over, with Coyte top-scoring with a breezy 33, including two sixes.

Earlier, Adelaide built a highly competitive score based on a strong opening partnership of 81 between Klinger and Tim Ludeman. Klinger top-scored with 60 off 46 balls.

Fellow opener Ludeman struck 46 off 39 balls, while Nathan Reardon smashed 42 off just 20 deliveries.

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Despite the run-fest, Thunder paceman Dirk Nannes impressed to take 4-17 off his allotted four overs.

Strikers paceman Tait was delighted with his first outing of the season after a recent spell with Wellington Firebirds in New Zealand.

"Two (wins) and one (loss) makes the next few games a bit easier. It gives us a bit of momentum going into the Sixers game, which is good for us," said Tait.

"It was nice to come out and get a couple of wickets.

"I have been training pretty well.

"The ball has been coming out well, probably the best for a couple of years to be honest.

"I was looking forward to getting a run and it come off tonight and my form is still there from training."

Dirk Nannes, whose left-arm seamers provided one of the few highlights of the night for the Thunder, lamented another defeat.

"The last few games we could say we were OK with the ball but tonight we struggled right across the board," said Nannes.

"It's going to be a long season if we keep playing like that."

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Relive the game with our Match Centre, featuring videos of every wicket and every boundary.

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We let ourselves down: Hodges

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Switching? ... Justin Hodges is keen on a move to fullback. Source: Peter Wallis / News Limited

Justin Hodges was so dirty about the way Brisbane Broncos finished the 2012 season he returned for pre-season two weeks early.

The Broncos were the early pace setters in 2012 and looked well on their way to a crack at another premiership before the wheels fell off during the State of Origin period.

In the end they just scraped in to the top eight and were bundled out of the play-offs in the first week by northern neighbours North Queensland Cowboys.

The slide was so severe, it included a six game losing streak and tugged at the pride of one of the game's top centres.

"Obviously I was a little bit dirty with how we finished," Hodges said on Fox Sports program NRL Summertime.

"We started so well and we finished so poorly. For me, it's still burning because we didn't deserve to go out the way we did."

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For NRL Summertime's full chat with Justin Hodges, click on the video at the top of the page!

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Hodges has endured a number of injury plagued seasons and hasn't always been considered the best trainer going around, but even at 30 the Queensland and Kangaroos rep is working on ways to improve his game.

"I came back a little bit early," Hodges said.

"Obviously I want to be in the best shape I can. It's the best shape I've been in with the skin folds and obviously my fitness test.

"I did my fitness test today and it's the first time in a long time I've actually got my goal before we finish our pre-season. Normally it takes me well into the new year but I've beaten that already and obviously it's the best I've felt."

And his determination to lead from the front might see the veteran take on a positional change in 2013.

Hodges started his career at fullback and after watching the exploits of Greg Inglis - his Origin centre partner - for South Sydney last season, the damaging ball runner is ready to make a similar impact from the back.

"Yeah, I spoke about it with the coach," Hodges said.

"It's something I've always enjoyed - I always played fullback since I started playing footy and only really moved into the centres when I went to the Roosters.

"So, for me, I'm hopeful I can get the chance.

"There's a lot more room at the back and when you're in the centres you're limited to one side, whereas playing fullback you can pop up wherever you like."

While Hodges is eying some extra responsibility on the field, he says he's not the kind of player to put too much time into off-field leadership.

"I just concentrate on playing footy first, that's my main priority," Hodges said.

"I know I'm one of the oldest guys, one of the senior players here but for me, I just put my footy first.

"We've got a great bunch of blokes here that look after themselves. And me and Sammy (Thaiday) and a few of the other boys watch over them sort of like a dad.

"But everyone's just doing their job."

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Video: amazing team-catch in BBL

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What a catch ... Borgas flicks the ball back into the field, where Coyte was waiting. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

Sydney Thunder might have bean comprehensively beaten by Adelaide Strikers at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday night, but the home side did provide the highlight of the night in the field.

Thunder players Cameron Borgas and Scott Coyte combined to take a screamer on the boundary, with Borgas acrobatically controlling a high shot from Nathan Reardon before throwing the ball back into the field for Coyte to catch.

It almost made up for an otherwise sloppy night in the field from the Thunder, with Borgas himself guilty of dropping a sitter while young spinner Adam Zampa had insult added to injury after he dropped a catch on the boundary, with the ball bouncing over the rope for six.

Zampa also had the misfortunate of missing out on a wicket - because he didn't appeal for it.

A quicker ball from the young leg-spinner caught Tim Ludeman on the pad before it hit his bat, and replays showed the ball would have gone on to cannon into off stump.

Zampa and wicketkeeper Ryan Carters didn't notice the connection with the pad - and fair enough too, given how quickly it happened in real time - but eagle-eyed Fox Sports commentator Mark Waugh did, and was quick to point out that they probably would have got the wicket if they'd simply asked the umpire.

Apart from those slip-ups, Zampa was actually fairly impressive with the ball on debut, and eventually got Ludeman's wicket by having him stumped.

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Man Utd draw Real Madrid in UCL

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Blockbuster draw ... Cristiano Ronaldo returns to his old club Manchester United. Source: Andres Kudacki / AP

Real Madrid will face Manchester United in a mouthwatering Champions League last-16 clash, sending Cristiano Ronaldo back to where he made his reputation, and Jose Mourinho to the club many believe he wants to coach one day.

"It is going to be thrilling for everybody,'' Real Madrid director Emilio Butragueno said.

Galatasaray (Tur) vs Schalke (Ger)

Celtic (Sco) vs Juventus (Ita)

Arsenal (Eng) vs Bayern Munich (Ger)

Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukr) vs Borussia Dortmund (Ger)

AC Milan (Ita) vs Barcelona (Esp)

Real Madrid (Esp) vs Manchester United (Eng)

Valencia (Esp) vs Paris Saint-Germain (Fra)

FC Porto (Por) vs Malaga (Esp)

In another blockbuster pairing, Champions League favorite Barcelona were drawn to play seven-time winners AC Milan.

Arsenal will face Bayern Munich, last season's beaten finalist, and big-spending Paris Saint-Germain were paired with Valencia.

Also, it was Celtic v Juventus, Shakhtar Donetsk v Borussia Dortmund, FC Porto v Malaga, and Galatasaray v Schalke.

First-leg matches are to be played from February 12-20.

Return matches are from March 5-13.

The storied history of nine-time European champions Madrid and three-time winner United would be enough to ensure top billing for the tie, with the first leg in Spain on February 13.

The friendly rivalries of Mourinho and Alex Ferguson in the dugout, and star forwards Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney on the pitch add an extra dimension.

''(Mourinho) is a fantastic manager, a fantastic coach and of course this tie is going to be a challenge for all of us,'' Butragueno said, declining to discuss speculation that the Portuguese will leave Madrid after the season, and covets the United job.

It was at Old Trafford where Mourinho truly arrived on the international scene when his Porto team eliminated United in the last 16 in 2004, the first of Ronaldo's six seasons in England before joining Madrid.

United defender Rio Ferdinand wrote on Twitter: "Oh yes, Madrid!! What a great couple a games that'll be!! (at)Cristiano see u soon bro!!''

Milan had the misfortune to draw Barcelona again after being unable to beat the Catalan side in four matches in last season's group stage and quarterfinals.

"They're not pleased, we're not pleased but this is what the destiny is,'' Milan director Umberto Gandini said.

"We have to go over the most difficult team on the planet.''

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Renegades grab third-straight win

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Impressive ... Nathan Rimmington took three wickets on Wednesday night.

Melbourne Renegades captain Aaron Finch has been denied a certain six by the Etihad Stadium roof while leading his side to a crushing KFC T20 Big Bash League win over Hobart Hurricanes.

T20 - Etihad Stadium

19 December 2012 - Day 1, Session 2

Renegades 1st Innings

A. Finch	46	40	5	0	115
T. Cooper	10	14	0	0	71.43
S. Styris	1.2	0	11	0	8.25

Chasing a measly 103 to win, the top-placed Renegades reached their target in 13.2 overs with seven wickets in hand to remain unbeaten after three games.

Finch, the competition's top-scorer this season, finished unbeaten on 46 to top his side's scoring for a third straight game.

He has scored 188 from three innings and been out only once.

But he should have six more.

In the third over of the Renegades' innings, Finch launched a mighty hit over the legside, off Hobart quick Doug Bollinger.

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Click on the video below to see the controversial moment when Finch hit the roof.

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It cleared the boundary before striking a roof beam about 25m high, which stopped the ball from most likely landing in the top tier of the grandstand.

The umpires conferred before deeming it a dead ball and a scoreless delivery followed.

The roof has been hit only once before, by Mike Hussey in 2005 in a one-day international against an ICC World XI.

The Hurricanes' loss left them with one win from three games.

They would have been disappointed with their batting performance, with wickets falling frequently throughout their innings of 9-102.

Retired Australia great Ricky Ponting (25 from 25 balls) top-scored before being bowled by Sri Lankan spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan attempting a reverse sweep.

Murali took 2-16 from his four overs, with West Indian off-spinning allrounder Marlon Samuels (3-22) and seamer Nathan Rimmington (3-18) also among the wickets.

"I realised straight away when it bounced back," he said.

"We'd been talking about it today actually, that if it hits the roof it's a dead ball, we knew that."

But opposing skipper George Bailey said common sense decreed it should have been six.

"I think particularly that beam that's just above us (that Finch hit), it's over the rope already, so it's probably a six with common sense," Bailey said.

"But having said that, if it hits the roof genuine you're probably going to be caught out so it probably goes both ways for the batters.

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Relive all the action with our Match Centre, including videos of every wicket and boundary!

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Socceroos slip, Spain finish No.1

Socceroos ... have slipped to 36 in the FIFA rankings. Source: Paul Miller / AAP

World Cup and European champions Spain completed a full year as football's leading nation after being named No.1 in the latest FIFA rankings while Brazil plummeted five places to No.18.

1. Spain

2. Germany

3. Argentina

4. Italy

5. Colombia

6. England

7. Portugal

8. Netherlands

9. Russia

10. Croatia

11. Greece

12. Switzerland

13. Ecuador

14. Ivory Coast

15. Mexico

16. Uruguay

17. France

18. Brazil

19. Algeria

20. Sweden

-------------------

36. Australia

The 2014 World Cup host Brazil has dropped while playing only non-competitive matches, and failed to win last month.

Brazil lost against Argentina, who remain at No.3, and drew with Colombia, who jumped three places No.5.

Australia dropped three spots to No.36 in the rankings with Japan Asia's leading team at No.22.

The rankings weigh a four-year results cycle, and Brazil dropped points from a 6-2 victory over Portugal in 2008.

Spain leads No.2 Germany, with European Championship finalist Italy at No. 4. England is No.6, and Europe fills all places through Switzerland at No.12 while Ivory Coast is Africa's best at No.14.

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Video: is it a six or a dead ball?

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'It went there' ... George Bailey shows the umpires where the ball really went. Source: Hamish Blair / News Limited

One of the biggest shots seen in this year's KFC T20 Big Bash League was hit by Aaron Finch on Wednesday night.

The only problem was, it counted for nothing.

Finch's massive stroke over mid-wicket off the bowling of Hobart Hurricanes quick Doug Bollinger was sailing towards the top-tier of Etihad Stadium when it struck a horizontal pylon hanging from the roof.

Video and still footage appears to show that the pylon is just about in line with the boundary rope, but that didn't stop the umpires from calling a dead-ball, meaning Finch didn't get any runs for the massive shot and the ball had to be rebowled.

It didn't seem to bother the Melbourne Renegades skipper too much, as he went on to top-score for his side and lead them to their third-straight win, downing the Hurricanes by seven wickets.

After the game, Finch said he was happy for the rules to stay as they are.

"It's good that it's one way or the other," he said.

"There's no 'Was it over the line or wasn't it?'

"It's good that they're consistent with the rule."

The top-scorer for Hobart, Ricky Ponting, also provided some spectacular vision for those at the game and fans watching on Fox Sports, but for completely different reasons.

The former Australia captain had just hit a towering six over cover when he went for an audacious reverse sweep against none other than legendary spinner Muttiah Muralidaran.

Unfortunately for Ponting, he missed the ball completely and was clean bowled.

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Parko gets hero's welcome

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Newly-crowned world champion surfer Joel Parkinson arrived back in his home town of the Gold Coast to a hero's welcome.

World title glory was a long-time coming for Parko after having previously finished the season in second place on four occassions, but he finally broke his duck by bettering 11-time champion Kelly Slater at the season-ending Billabong Pipemasters in Hawaii.

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After flying in via helicopter the 31-year-old addressed his fans and the press, saying the support he received both in Hawaii and back home was overwhelming.

"I thought we were just going to be down the ways on the other terminal," said a humble Parkinson. "But to see the effort that's just put into this is amazing.

"The support has been unbelievable from all over the world.

"Today I had a guy from Florida cheering for me, and that's Kelly's home state.

"There's going to be a lot of people that are going to want to cheers beers to me the whole way around town - I can't wait to obligingly accept!

"This is almost as good as the Titans winning the premiership!"

Parkinson paid tribute to deceased surfer Andy Irons, to whom the Pipemasters was dedicated, and said that he'll be back on his board defending his title next year.

See the full press conference in the video at the top of the page.

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Hobart day five: Geeves's Top Five

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A great contest ... Geeves was impressed by Australia's reverse swing in Hobart. Source:News Limited

Brett Geeves has only been to one Test this summer and what a ball he had. Here are his five final day reflections.

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1. Nail-biting finish

Big news here at Bellerive Oval on day five … Peter Siddle was caught shining the ball. There is a photo sweeping the internet of Siddle holding the ball. What you can see is quite shocking - look at the state of his fingernails!  Peter needs to start giving more care to the state of them. 

My recommendations would be:

1) Keep your fingernails dry and clean. This prevents bacteria, fungi and other organisms from growing under your fingernails. Wear cotton-lined rubber gloves when washing dishes, cleaning or using harsh chemicals, and avoid long soaks in the tub.

2)By the looks of it, those bad boys are down to the skin. I can guarantee that he is not able to pick open cans of Coke or find the beginning on a new roll of sticky tape with the length of those things. How do I know this? I too am a chewer of nails and in a grade game last weekend, I attempted to pick at the seam and rough side of the ball with no success. I threw the ball to Luke Butterworth instead - he is the master.

First Test ... ball tampering allegations. Source: Supplied

2. Reverse Swing

Getting the ball to reverse is as important as paying the ferryman, once you have reached your destination. Now if you listen to the slanderous words of Chris de Burgh, he will have you believe the hooded man near the rudder was dangerous and that the ferryman was running an under-the-table public transport business. If I were the ferryman, I would sue Chris de Burgh, based on the effect his hearsay words had on the Ferryman's respectable family business. Where is the Ferryman now? I'm told he and the hooded man were last seen entering Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire.

Late in one-day games, before a mandatory change of balls was brought in (over 35, now two new balls), reverse swing was used as a defensive tool. Yorkers that swing are tough to hit. Ask Karunaratne. Reverse swing was something that happened naturally with the white ball and there was no real science in getting the ball to swing in an unconventional way. The red ball, on the other hand, is a temperamental monster and requires a mother's love if you are to get it hoopin'.

For many years, Tasmania used the "spit rock" method. This involved letting the ball get wrecked and then throwing as much saliva as possible into one side of the ball. This meant that players were sharing saliva, which kept us close as a team and meant we could buy our cold sore cream in bulk and a large saving was enjoyed by all.

In 2005, Australia lost the Ashes simply because England had mastered the art of reverse swing. Simon Jones was the reverse genius and he bowled like Fred Spofforth in his heyday. Since then, Australia have put an enormous amount of time, and quite possibly money, into researching the best way of getting the Kookaburra to swing against the grain. The Poms used lollies and we were unable to find the answer.

Post 2005, Tasmania moved away from the spit rock and thought that to get proper reverse swing we had to … improvise. So, we applied chapstick (lip lubricant) to the shiny side of the ball and felt content that was the answer. So when I tell you that we went through at least three tubs of the gear in the first innings of a game against NSW, you would expect that we cheated our way to success. NSW all out for 5700 and the Blues bowling group laughing at me discreetly applying, knowing full well it wasn't having the desired effect. They knew the answer and bowled us out twice for under 200. Reverse swing is dangerous when applied correctly.

Whatever the Australians did in this Test, they need to write it down and put it away for safe keeping. They had the ball reversing for the most part of both innings. Mitch Starc and Peter Siddle have used it to full effect, bowling Australia to a hard-fought victory. Australia now has the answer - possum blood and maybe a little scratchy scratchy to the rough side? Who knows?

3. Matthew Wade bowling

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This is the conversation between Matthew Wade and Michael Clarke in the lead-up to the wicketkeeper getting a bowl. Wade: "Clarkey, I have a very, very cunning plan." Clarke: "Is it as cunning as a fox what used to be Professor of Cunning at Oxford University but has moved on and is now working for the U.N. at the High Commission of International Cunning Planning?" Wade: "Yes, it is." Clarke: "Hmmmmmm, that's cunning."

For a shortish bloke, Wade generated some reasonable pace and impressive bounce. If he bowled in half spikes, he can expect a bruised toe on Wednesday morning and if he is lucky, his big toenail may fall off and he can use this as a practical joke on one of his teammates. The old blood-ridden toenail in the glove trick.

4. Australia win

The even better news is that Sri Lanka made them earn it. A fighting first-innings partnership from Dilshan and Mathews, a fightback with the ball at the backend of Australia's second innings and some true resilience throughout their second innings showed the tourists have plenty to offer. If this game of cricket is any indication of what we can expect throughout this series, it's going the distance.

5. Stumps in Hobart

I'm actually done - I would like to thank a few people. Thanks for having me foxsports.com.au users; bombard the comments if you want some more. The ABC crew are a tremendous bunch to work with and I thank them for having me as part of their team for the Test as well. I did get to enjoy a dinner with them and if it wasn't for the fact that Jim Maxwell fell asleep at the table, I could say a terrific night was had by all.  Last, and by no means least, thanks also to the caterers. 

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Roosters calm over SBW deal delay

Doubts ... Concers are starting to emerge as Williams' contract still hasn't been finalised. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

Sydney Roosters aren't concerned their marquee signing Sonny Bill Williams' return to the NRL is in danger of heading down the same path as Israel Folau's aborted comeback to the code.

Five weeks after the dual international was finally unveiled as the club's biggest recruit in years, Williams' one-year contract is yet to be officially registered by the NRL's salary cap auditor Ian Schubert.

The 27-year-old is expected at training with the Roosters in just over 50 days after he finishes his rugby union commitments in Japan and fights South African Francois Botha in a heavyweight boxing bout.

But Roosters fans might be feeling a bit jittery that the strapping New Zealander's $550,000 deal hasn't been ratified, potentially jeopardising an emotion-charged return to rugby league after walking out on the Bulldogs in 2008.

Folau walked away from a return to the NRL with Parramatta earlier this month, opting for a switch to rugby union with the NSW Waratahs as he ''couldn't wait any longer sitting around'' for his contract to be sorted out.

However, Sydney Roosters chief operating officer Brian Canavan isn't fretting over the time taken to get Williams' deal ticked off and still hopes for a resolution over the next week.

''We're just exchanging correspondence back and forth (with the NRL),'' said Canavan on Tuesday.

''It's just the process that happens with these more extended contracts.

''The sooner the better. It would be lovely before Christmas.''

Canavan even suggested the reported jump in the salary cap from $5.85 million in 2013 to $6.3 million in 2014 will put the club in a strong position to extend the in-demand Williams' stay at Bondi Junction.

''We'd like to make him as comfortable and as happy as we can so he looks to our club to be his future,'' he said.

''We've just got to let that unfold.

''He wants to prove himself again in rugby league. If that's comfortable with him, we'll have further chats with him as soon as he opens the door.''

Canavan also isn't worried about Williams' February 8 bout in Brisbane in light of Cronulla captain Paul Gallen's elbow injury that flared up boxing in Auckland last weekend.

''That's the risk you take,'' he said.

''The physical preparation leading up to a fight is incredibly intense and that actually benefits them.''

Williams is expected to pull on the famous red, white and blue jersey for the Roosters' last trial match against the Wests Tigers on February 23 at Allianz Stadium.

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Scorchers win shortened slog-fest

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In form ... Shaun Marsh helped get the Scorchers over the line. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

A whirlwind display of hitting by Nathan Coulter-Nile has delivered Perth Scorchers a nine-wicket victory over Brisbane Heat in a rain-marred KFC T20 Big Bash League clash on Tuesday.

T20 - Gabba

18 December 2012 - Day 1, Session 2

Scorchers 1st Innings

S. Marsh	19	11	1	1	172.73
N. Coulter-Ni...	23	6	2	2	383.33
T. Perera	0.2	0	8	0	24.00

Needing 51 to win off just five overs following a lengthy rain delay, Coulter-Nile belted 23 off just six balls including 20 runs off one Dan Christian over before Shaun Marsh (19no) sealed the win with a six in the final over.

James Hopes appeared to have set the Heat on the way to victory when he conceded just six runs off the third over, taking the wicket of Herschelle Gibbs (9) in the process.

But Coulter-Nile, elevated into a pinch-hitting role, took the game away from the home team with a powerful display.

Brisbane faced 13.1 overs in their innings before the heavens opened to delay play for over an hour.

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Relive all the action with our Match Centre, featuring all the key stats and videos of every boundary!

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Chris Lynn scored 51 off 29 balls, the fastest half-century in this summer's BBL competition, as he shared an 84-run fourth-wicket stand with Christian (37no) to lift the Heat to 4-109.

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Alfonso Thomas and former Test spinner Michael Beer took two wickets each for the Scorchers, who have now won two games straight.

Coulter-Nile said his aim when he came to the crease following Gibbs' dismissal was pretty simple - swing hard.

"I spoke to SOS (Marsh) and said 'don't worry about the score, let's just try and hit the ball as clean as we can every one' and that worked for us," the all-rounder said.

"You can't really do anything else. Sounds strange but you just have to go out there and slog and that's what we did."

Hopes was left to lament what could have been, saying he was happy with how his team was travelling before the rain came.

"The frustrating thing is with nine balls to go, we shouldn't lose should we?," he said.

"Two hits. Two good hits and that's the game. We just didn't execute at the end."

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Messi to extend Barcelona contract

Hanging around ... Messi looks set to lock in a new deal with Barcelona. Source: AP

Barcelona's three-time Ballon D'Or winner Lionel Messi has agreed to renew his contract at the Spanish giants until June 2018, the club said on Tuesday.

Barcelona said in a statement it had reached an agreement with Messi, 25, whose current contract expires in 2016, and he would sign his new deal "in the coming weeks".

It also reached agreements with two of its other top players, veteran defender and captain Carles Puyol and midfielder Xavi Hernandez, who will each sign up to stay until 2016.

Puyol, 34, agreed to extend his contract when it expires next year and Xavi, 32, will do so when his expires in 2014.

"This news means that FC Barcelona has secured its ties with three of its most important players," the club said in its statement.

Barcelona are 13 points clear of their fierce rivals, title holders Real Madrid, at the top of the Spanish league, and nine points ahead of second-placed Atletico Madrid, who they beat 4-1 last weekend.

Messi - who has been at the club since 2004 - is the top scorer in the league with 25 goals so far this season and recently broke Gerd Mueller's 40-year record for the most goals in a calendar year.

Mueller scored 85 in 1972 and Messi has scored 90 so far this year, though there are claims that Godfrey Chitalu of Zambia and Zico of Brazil netted more.

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Shinji keen on extra year out West

Big boost ... Shijni Ono (L) has says he wants to stay longer at the Wanderers. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

Western Sydney received another boost in their impressive debut A-League season with news Japanese marquee signing Shinji Ono wants to extend his stay at the club.

Just two days after scoring a dramatic 2-0 derby win over Sydney FC in front of a raucous crowd of 26,000 at Allianz Stadium, the 33-year-old on Monday said flares thrown by Wanderers fans won't hold him back from re-signing.

"I don't know what (the Wanderers) are thinking about next season," said Ono, who penned a one-year deal in September.

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"But I can say I want to stay longer."

Ono was still buzzing from the impressive victory over the Sky Blues and believes it's no fluke the Wanderers have climbed to fourth on the ladder in their inaugural season given their "good mentality and fighting spirit."

And that strong bond will be severely tested over the next four rounds when they face fellow top-five sides Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne Victory and Central Coast.

But Ono says his best is yet to come.

"I think my confidence is getting better every day," he said.

Ono wasn't fazed by flares being thrown onto the ground against the Sydney FC, putting the incidents down to the passion of a crosstown rivalry.

Having played 112 games for Dutch club Feyenoord from 2001-05, Ono says that kind of fan behaviour highlights the intensity of the clash.

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"When I was in the Netherlands, there were big derby games," said Ono of the rivalry amongst the three Rotterdam clubs.

"When I saw that (against Sydney FC) I knew it was a big game."

The attacking midfielder is looking forward to testing himself against a speedy Adelaide United at Parramatta Stadium on Friday night.

"They have a lot of good quality," Ono said of classy Reds including Fabio Ferreira, Jeronimo Neumann, Marcelo Carrusca and Cassio.

"But we have been preparing well.

"It's a tough challenge. But I have a good feeling."

Ono expects more Japanese players will make the move to Australia given his successful stint has created plenty of interest back home.

But one clash that would gain plenty of excitement in Japan is firmly on his radar - the A-League All Stars match against Manchester United next July.

Ono has put his hand up for the All Stars in a battle that could pit him against his compatriot and Red Devils star midfielder Shinji Kagawa.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Haddin in frame as Test batsman

On the radar ... Haddin has been in sparkling form for NSW this season. Source: News Limited

Australia selectors will consider picking former Test keeper Brad Haddin as a specialist batsman if captain Michael Clarke's injury rules him out of matches in Melbourne or Sydney.

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The 35-year-old, who has controversially been overlooked for Matthew Wade this summer, could be thrown a lifeline if Clarke's hamstring problem stops him playing either of the remaining Tests against Sri Lanka from Boxing Day.

Haddin has averaged 67.40 in the Sheffield Shield for NSW this season and former captain Steve Waugh recently suggested he should be considered for a batsman-only role.

"We'll discuss that tonight (Monday night)," Australia coach Mickey Arthur said.

"That batter, whoever it is, would have to be part of our extended squad. There's possibilities.

"Haddin's one of them, (Rob) Quiney's one of them and certainly Usman Khawaja's very much in the frame.

"Alex Doolan has played well."

Australia will no doubt try to everything they can to get Clarke onto the MCG in a week's time but, if he is prescribed a rest period, vice-captain Shane Watson will almost certainly take over as skipper.

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Former Test No.3 Khawaja has thrived playing for his new state Queensland with a brilliant century on a tough Hobart pitch and three 50s in Shield cricket so far.

Bulls coach Darren Lehmann believes Khawaja has addressed selectors' concerns about his sharpness at the crease and in the field.

Tasmania's Doolan made 161 not out for Australia A against South Africa, while Quiney would be getting a second chance after he made just nine runs in his two matches against the Proteas.

Injuries have decimated what had been a deep pool of fast bowlers, with Ben Hilfenhaus one of seven pacemen who could have been considered.

Selectors are likely to turn to 12th man for Hobart Mitchell Johnson, whose return in Perth after a 12-month absence was encouraging.

Tasmania's Jackson Bird sits atop the leading wicket-takers list for the second straight season and will be considered as back-up along with West Australian Nathan Coulter-Nile.

"All I can say is we've had a list of bowlers leading into our summer, and we're well down the list at the moment," Arthur said.

"The names that have been on everyone's lips are a guy like Jackson Bird, it could be Nathan Coulter-Nile, and that will form part of the discussions."

Complicating matters is a lack of first class cricket while the Big Bash League is completed.

The Sheffield Shield season was suspended at the end of November and the next match won't begin until the end of January.

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Bell, Trott secure England's series win

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Super finish ... Bell was unbeaten on 116 when the game was declared a draw. Source:AP

England batted for more than two sessions on day five to secure a draw in the final Test in Nagpur and beat India 2-1 in the series.

4th Test - Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium

13 December 2012 - Day 5, Session 3

England 2nd Innings

I. Bell	116	306	16	1	37.91
J. Root	20	56	1	1	35.71
G. Gambhir	2	0	4	0	2.00

England needed to avoid defeat in the final Test to secure a first series triumph in the country in 27 years.

And the result was never in doubt on the final day as Jonathan Trott and Ian Bell both secured centuries before the players finally shook hands after tea with the tourists on 4-352.

Having resumed in the morning on 3-161, the first hour was always going to dictate how the day would play out, but Trott and Bell remained largely untroubled as they kept the scoreboard ticking over.

Bell, who had looked out of sorts after missing the second Test to return home for the birth of his child, brought up his half-century off 130 balls.

And then Trott, who had found himself at the centre of the action during a fiery fourth day, reached his century off 232 deliveries.

Piyush Chawla came closest to removing Trott in the final overs of the morning session - with a huge appeal after a quicker delivery held its line and struck the Warwickshire man on the back pad, however umpire Rod Tucker was unmoved.

It was more of the same in the afternoon session until Trott was finally out five overs before tea, tickling Ravi Ashwin straight into the hands of Virat Kohli at leg slip for 143.

He and Bell had put on 208 for the fourth wicket with Bell adding just 26 runs in the second session to move on to 87 not out, having had one escape on 75 when a fierce cut at Chawla was edged and put down by Virender Sehwag at slip.

He was joined by debutant Joe Root who promptly lofted the ninth ball he faced, from Ashwin, into the stands as England went to tea on 4-310.

They resumed after the break with the only remaining question being whether Bell would reach his 17th Test hundred and his first in India.

It, like the result, was a formalilty in the end and he got there with a leg glance from the 293rd ball he faced, eventually making 116 not out while Root remained on 20 not out before the players called it a day an hour into the final session.

Read more: http://www.skysports.com/cricket/match_report/0,,11066_13370_1,00.html
 

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Oldham fans set fire to rivals' hair

Lighting up ... Wanderers fans ignite flares during the Sydney derby. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

Western Sydney may have its own issues with fan behaviour at the moment, but they can take comfort in the fact they don't have Oldham Athletic's supporters.

On several occasions the English third-tier club's fans have been caught trying, sometimes successfully, to light rival fans' hair on fire.

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In recent matches multiple fans have reportedly been ejected from Boundary Park – Oldham's home ground – for the bizarre attacks, which has prompted the club to issue a warning to the culprits.

"Latics are warning fans that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated at Boundary Park," read a statement on the club's official website.

"We have recently had supporters ejected for such offences as bottle throwing and attempting to light people's hair with cigarette lighters.

"This is totally unacceptable behaviour and cannot be tolerated.

"Greater Manchester Police have "spotters" attending all games that are not policed and are aware of these incidents."

The League One side's drive this season to boost attendances with cheap £10 ($16) tickets is being blamed for the rise in anti-social behaviour at matches.

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Scorchers stop the rot with easy win

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Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

The Sydney Sixers' golden Twenty20 run came to an abrupt end on Sunday as the Perth Scorchers began their road to recovery by cruising to victory in the Big Bash League grand final rematch at the SCG.

T20 - Sydney Cricket Ground

16 December 2012 - Day 1, Session 2

Scorchers 1st Innings

H. Cartwright	5	6	0	0	83.33
S. Katich	8	4	0	1	200
L. Feldman	3.2	0	13	1	3.90

In a game where anything can happen, the Sixers' 12-match winning streak was something to behold.

But Sunday's seven-wicket loss proved even the world's best can have a shocker in the T20 form, as the Sixers suffered a devastating early collapse before turning in a sloppy effort in the field defending their modest total of 9-113.

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Sixers all-rounder Stephen O'Keefe, who top-scored for his team with 29 and also snared a wicket, said it was Sydney's worst ever performance.

"We scrapped out 113 which I thought was going to be competitive, but we just didn't turn up," he said.

"It was probably in my short stint here at the Sixers, our worst overall performance as a side. We definitely didn't deserve to win that match."

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Led by a 51-run opening stand by Herschelle Gibbs (40 from 42) and Shaun Marsh, the Scorchers chased down the total with four balls remaining to record their first win of the season and get themselves off the bottom of the ladder.

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Things got a little tight for the Scorchers towards the end, until captain Simon Katich came to the crease with his side needing 12 from 12 and smashed a six off the first ball he faced.

And it was the fact that their backs were against the wall that pleased spinner Michael Beer the most about the Scorchers' performance.

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"If we didn't win we were out of the competition pretty much, so we had to be right up for it," he said.

"We let ourselves down the other night so we had to do it.

"Confidence probably wasn't there but we made a commitment to each other that we were going to go out and have fun and back ourselves and not be scared.

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"(The Sixers) are world champions so it's a feather in our cap to beat them."

Since the Sixers beat Perth in last summer's BBL grand final, the Sydney-siders went from strength to strength to be crowned Champions League kings in October.

The Scorchers on the other hand made headlines for all the wrong reasons in the tournament held in South Africa - failing to get out of the group stage and finding themselves embroiled in off-field controversy after an alcohol-fuelled night out.

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Perth promised to make things right in the BBL and Sunday's breakthrough win after back-to-back losses to open the tournament proved the West Australians cared about restoring pride.

It's Justin Langer's first win as coach since taking over as Warriors and Scorchers mentor in mid-November.

Just four nights ago the Scorchers were skittled for a BBL-low 69 in an emphatic, albeit controversial loss to the Melbourne Stars in Perth.

But this time it was their turn to decimate an opposition, as they left the Sixers reeling for 5-18 and 6-28, before allowing the tail to score 42 runs from the final five overs.

The Scorchers' triumph after winning the toss meant the chasing team has now won nine out of nine times this BBL season.

Alfonso Thomas, Beer and Hilton Cartwright took two wickets each for the Scorchers, with Brad Haddin (10) the only batsman out of Sydney's top six to reach double figures.

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