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Inspired second half sees Freo home

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 23 Maret 2013 | 22.07

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Bounding ... Stephen Hill is too quick for his West Coast opponents and was instrumental in the win. Source: TONY MCDONOUGH / AAP

West Coast forward Mark LeCras injured his arm and Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich was reported in the Dockers' 28-point AFL western derby victory at Patersons Stadium on Saturday night.

LeCras, who missed all of last season with a knee injury, appeared to suffer a serious shoulder injury after copping a heavy but fair bump from Tendai Mzungu.

2.0 (12) Q1 3.5 (23)
5.4 (34) Q2 6.7 (43)
11.10 (76) Q3 7.10 (52)
16.12 (108) Q4 11.14 (80)

Nick Suban

3

Jamie Cripps

2

Michael Walters

3

Ashton Hams

2

Kepler Bradley

2

Josh Hill

2

Chris Mayne

2

Josh J. Kennedy

2

Danyle Pearce

2

Mark LeCras

2

Hayden Ballantyne

1

Chris Masten

1

Michael Barlow

1

Matthew De Boer

1

Ryan Crowley

1

The 2010 All-Australian immobilised his right arm by wrapping it up in his jersey, but was later seen icing his forearm with fears it could be broken.

The injury capped a forgettable third quarter for the Eagles, with Fremantle piling on six goals to one to set up the 16.12 (108) to 11.14 (80) victory in front of 39,629 fans.

Dockers midfielders David Mundy and Michael Barlow were the joint winners of the Ross Glendinning medal after dominant displays.

Fremantle were left with their own worries after Pavlich was reported for charging Will Schofield.

Schofield took a brave mark running back with the flight of the ball when Pavlich cannoned into him.

Pavlich was already in mid-air when Schofield claimed the mark, and the Fremantle spearhead turned his body when he realised contact was imminent.

Schofield was shaken by the hit, but was able to take the free kick.

The AFL's match review panel is also sure to assess a first-quarter incident when Eagles midfielder Scott Selwood was felled off the ball.

Fremantle duo Hayden Ballantyne and Nat Fyfe were in the area at the time, but it was unclear who delivered the blow to Selwood, who stayed on the ground for around 20 seconds and left the field nursing a sore head.

The likely loss of LeCras for the early part of the season is a bitter blow for West Coast, who are already missing ruckman Nic Naitanui (groin), midfielder Daniel Kerr (knee), Matt Rosa (quad), Mark Nicoski (hamstring) and Sharrod Wellingham (ankle).

And in a further setback, key defender Eric Mackenzie appeared to injure his left hamstring in the third quarter.

West Coast led by nine points at halftime, but were blown out of the water in the third term as Fremantle's midfield took control.

Such was Fremantle's dominance, they ended up winning the inside-50m count 61-38.

Former Port Adelaide midfielder Danyle Pearce performed strongly in his first AFL game for the Dockers, while Barlow, Stephen Hill and Mundy were also key contributors.

Tagger Ryan Crowley restricted gun Eagles on-baller Luke Shuey to just 12 touches, while Luke McPharlin was strong in defence for the Dockers.

Pavlich booted just 0.3 for the match, but Fremantle's small brigade stepped up in his absence.

Michael Walters and Nic Suban booted three goals, while Pearce and Chris Mayne chipped in with two apiece.


22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Lyon leads feisty Aussie fightback

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Five-for ... Nathan Lyon bowled well on day two in Delhi. Source: Tertius Pickard / AAP

A bit of aggressive banter goes a long way and it helped Australia rattle India's batsmen on day two of the fourth Test in Delhi, Aussie spinner Nathan Lyon says.

4th Test - Feroz Shah Kotla

22 March 2013 - Day 2, Session 3

India 1st Innings

R. Ashwin 12 41 1 0 29.27
B. Kumar 10 17 1 0 58.82
N. Lyon 22.1 3 94 5 4.24

India have dominated the series and are still in a strong position to push for a four-nil sweep.

However they were made to fight awfully hard for a first-innings advantage on Saturday, reaching 8-266 at stumps in reply to Australia's 262.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar will resume on Sunday on 10 with only Pragyan Ojha and Ishant Sharma for company after Lyon claimed 5-94 including the wicket of Ravi Ashwin lbw from the last ball of the day's play.

Five long years after the 'Monkeygate' scandal of the 2008 Sydney Test, tensions between the two sides exploded in the 51st over on Saturday. India batsman and captain MS Dhoni appeared to be warned by the umpire for running down the pitch.

Australia fielder David Warner became involved in a verbal spat with Dhoni and reports suggested Warner had been warned by the umpires, although an Australia team spokesman said he was unaware of any action taken against the fiery opener.


Relive all the action with our Match Centre, and watch day three LIVE, EXCLUSIVE and in HIGH DEFINITION on Fox Sports 2.


Warner's captain Shane Watson stepped in to have a word with his player. Watson also spoke to Dhoni as both captains attempted to calm the situation.

It's understood Warner gave Ravindra Jadeja a spray for taking a drinks break during the over, which led Jadeja to complain to the umpires about Warner's tactics.

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"We do wish that we did do it earlier,'' Lyon said of Australia's sledging tactics.

"That's a way that Australia plays its best cricket, when we're putting the contest to the opposition.

"And no matter who the opposition is, I think it works well."

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Dhoni was out two overs after the incident for 24 at 6-210 but India fought back with a 44-run partnership between Jadeja (43) and Ashwin (12).

"Yeah there was definitely a lead-up (to Dhoni's dismissal)," Lyon said.

"We need to have that aggression. We need to get in the contest and that led to every wicket that fell out there.

"That was how it was with the conflict that went out there in the middle. The aggression that was going on, Dhoni fell away to Patto."

Dhoni's pull shot landed in the safe hands of Watson at mid-wicket off the bowling of James Pattinson in a key blow.

Australia had resumed on 8-231 and were bowled out for 262 including tailender Peter Siddle's career-best 51.

Offspinner Ravi Ashwin claimed 5-57, giving him 27 wickets for the series in a dominant performance.

India raced to 0-59 at lunch off 14 overs. Murali Vijay (57) and Cheteshwar Pujara (52) completed half-centuries after lunch, adding 108 for the first wicket.

However Australia's aggression paid dividends as India lost 6-102 in a collapse before Jadeja and Ashwin made sure the home side's tail wagged, just as Siddle and Pattinson (30) had done for Australia with a 54-run partnership for the ninth wicket.


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Video: heated exchanges in Delhi

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Fiery ... Watson steps in to pull Warner back from Dhoni. Source:Fox Sports

It may have come a bit late, but Australia finally showed the fight they're renowned for as things got heated on day two of the fourth Test against India in Delhi.

4th Test - Feroz Shah Kotla

22 March 2013 - Day 2, Session 3

India 1st Innings

R. Ashwin 12 41 1 0 29.27
B. Kumar 10 17 1 0 58.82
N. Lyon 22.1 3 94 5 4.24

It's probably no coincidence this occured on what was perhaps Australia's most successful day on tour so far, with their aggression leading to eight wickets from their bowlers, including five for spinner Nathan Lyon.

The confrontation that is most likely to attract the attention of the match referee centred around India skipper MS Dhoni and Australia opener David Warner.

The tourists weren't happy after Dhoni appeared to run down the centre of the pitch, complaining to umpire Aleem Dar.

Dar casually warned Dhoni, which the wicketkeeper-batsman didn't take too kindly to, indicating he had no choice but to run down the pitch as James Pattinson was blocking his way.

This kicked things off for the Australian fielders, with Warner in particular getting stuck into Dhoni.

Umpires Dar and Richard Kettleborough stepped in and called on temporary skipper Shane Watson to calm his teammate down, which Watson did, but not before sharing a few choice words with his opposite number.

Words continued to be exchanged throughout the number, after which the umpires wisely, or perhaps fortuitously, called for drinks.


Follow the fourth Test LIVE with our Match Centre and watch it unfold LIVE, EXCLUSIVE and in HIGH DEFINITION on Fox Sports.


22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Late try seals Cheetahs win

Heartbreaker ... Kyle Godwin tries to stop Raymond Rhule's progress. Source: Faith Moran / News Limited

The Cheetahs spoiled the Western Force's first home match of the season with a come from behind 19-10 win in Perth on Saturday night.

The nine-point Cheetahs victory ends the Bloemfontein-based franchise's best ever tour of Australasia in which they enjoyed victories over NSW Waratahs, Highlanders and the Force.

1

Tries

1

Winston Stanley 27' Willie le Roux 77'

1

Conversions

1

Sias Ebersohn 29' Riaan Smit 79'

1

Penalties

4

Jayden Hayward 59' Riaan Smit 25'
Riaan Smit 34'
Riaan Smit 70'
Riaan Smit 73'

It was the Force's first home game of the season after losses away to the Melbourne Rebels, Southern Kings and Bulls before last week's stirring win over the Queensland Reds.

It also marked the opening of nib Stadium's new $95-million eastern grandstand that seats almost 10,000 taking the ground's capacity to 20,500.

The home fans went home disappointed though.

The Force looked relatively comfortable after dominating play in the first half and scoring a try through Winston Stanley, but the Cheetahs kept coming and eventually a late try to Willie Le Roux sealed the result.

The Force completely dominated the opening 20 minutes in terms of territory and possession, but could not put the score on the board with the Cheetahs defending grimly and Sias Ebersohn missing two penalty attempts for the home side.

As so often happens, the Cheetahs earned a penalty on their first foray into their 22 and Riaan Smit had no trouble slotting the goal.

The Force continued to attack, though, and were rewarded with a lucky try to Stanley after Toby Lynn earlier caused the turnover that led to the try when clearly offside.


Watch the Cheetahs snatch victory from Western Force in our Super Rugby Match Centre, featuring video highlights.


The home side wasn't about to complain and took a 7-3 lead when Ebersohn converted, but that was cut to just one by halftime when Smit scored another late penalty for the visitors.

The game opened up in the second half but it took almost 20 minutes for the first points to be put on the board when the Force's replacement kicker Jayden Hayward converted a penalty.

He missed another minutes later with the Force clinging to a 10-6 lead and that was cut to one with 10 minutes to go via another Cheetahs penalty goal.

Smit then nailed a long-range penalty minutes later from almost halfway to give the visitors a two-point advantage before Force forward Ben McCalman coughed up possession, allowing second-rower Francois Uys to set up Le Roux for the match-sealing try.


22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ashwin dominates Aussies yet again

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 22 Maret 2013 | 22.07

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Chief destroyer ... Ashwin dominated the Aussie batsmen on day one. Source: Noah Seelam / AAP

Trailing three-nil in the four-match series, Australia's batsmen showed their usual ability to get starts and get out on Friday's opening day of play, slumping to 7-136 before reaching 8-231 at stumps thanks to some determined efforts from their tail.

4th Test - Feroz Shah Kotla

22 March 2013 - Day 1, Session 3

Australia 1st Innings

P. Siddle 47 125 4 0 37.6
J. Pattinson 11 57 1 0 19.3
R. Jadeja 22 6 34 2 1.55

But Delhi has form as a dangerous pitch and Australia's quicks aim to exploit any terrors in the wicket with some fearsome fast bowling in the fourth Test on Saturday.

No.9 Peter Siddle will resume on a career-best 47 not out with James Pattinson on 11.

Steve Smith played a mature knock of 46 off 145 balls with three fours and two sixes, adding 53 for the eighth wicket with Siddle.

Opener Ed Cowan (38) and No.3 Phil Hughes (45 including 10 boundaries) also got starts.

Hughes was struck on the helmet by a nasty rising delivery from Ishant Sharma and played a ball onto his stumps in the same over.

Offspinner Ravi Ashwin led the way for India with 4-40 off 30 overs, giving him 26 wickets for the series.

Smith says a score of 280 would be a reasonable effort on this pitch.

"It's not too often you see the wicket turning like that the first day of a Test match," Smith said.

"It is going to be pretty tough.

"There's not too many balls that go through the top like the one that hit Hughesy.

"If we'd seen a few more of those they might have called the match off.

"It is going to be good for us to bowl (on that pitch).

"It's not too often on the first day of a Test match you see a ball going through the top like that and hitting a bloke in the grille (of the helmet).

"That would have shaken him up a little bit. It definitely would have shaken me up.''

The tourists made five changes on Friday. Shane Watson was recalled from his one-match "homeworkgate" suspension to take over as Australia's 44th Test captain in the absence of injured skipper Michael Clarke.

Australia boast a strong pace attack of Siddle, James Pattinson and Mitchell Johnson, plus spinners Nathan Lyon and Glenn Maxwell.

In sunny conditions on a dusty, cracked pitch already starting to show signs of variable bounce at Delhi's Feroz Shah Kotla ground, the visitors once again had no answer to India's spinners.

Australia haven't lost four matches in a Test series since the 1978/79 Ashes, which was during the turmoil of the breakaway World Series Cricket years.

Watson's men were well-placed at lunch at 2-94 after losing the wickets of David Warner for a duck and Hughes.

Five wickets tumbled for 30 in a middle-order collapse including the key dismissal of Watson stumped for 17.


Follow all the day two action LIVE with our Match Centre, and watch it LIVE, EXCLUSIVE and in HIGH DEFINITION from 2.50pm (EDT) on Fox Sports 2.


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Caviar canters to 24th win

Smile for the photo ... Black Caviar brings up win 24 in the William Reid Stakes. Source: Joe Castro / AAP

Moonee Valley burst at the seams to farewell the immortal Black Caviar on Friday night and she cantered off the local stage with a typically effortless victory in the William Reid Stakes.

The race itself amounted to little more than an exercise gallop for the seven-horse field but Black Caviar's Melbourne swansong was always about the event rather than the race, as it has been for most of her epic 24 straight wins.

The packed house crowd of 25,000 burst into wild applause as Luke Nolen allowed Black Caviar to surge past stablemate Karuta Queen approaching the home turn.

Salmon and white streamers burst across the public lawn moments after Black Caviar crossed the line four lengths clear; a tickertape finale to a night of celebration never before seen on a Melbourne racetrack.

Trainer Peter Moody, paraded before the race like a rock star, said Black Caviar's impact on sport, let alone racing. had been "second to none".

"She put on a wonderful show," he said.

While the Black Caviar story is probably just two runs from reaching its end - one start in Sydney, another in Brisbane - Moody declared her at the peak of her powers.

"She's going super - it's scary how well she's going," he said.

"Just the way she let down and quickened. What do you say. I'm lost for words."

Nolen said his associaton with Black Caviar "has been a wonderful ride the whole time".

He added: "It's amazing to be part of not just a wonderful racing story but a (wonderful) sporting story."

"Thank God she didn't let anyone down tonight."

Like Moody, Nolen said Black Caviar had never been in better shape.

"She felt amazing to me," he said, adding he gave Black Caviar a gentle tap with the whip turning for home "just to keep her balanced and happy and she took care of the rest".

Moody said "you never say never" about Black Caviar racing again in Melbourne - a crack at a fourth straight Patinack Farm Classic in November would be the logical option, if any - but his strong sense on Friday night was that she had run her last race in Melbourne.

There was a profit to be made for some last night. One Sportsbet punter plonked $500,000 on Black Caviar, for a $15,000 profit.


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Dons destroy Crows

Party Time ... Ben Howlett celebrates one of his four goals in Essendon's rampant victory. Source: DAVID MARIUZ / AAP

Besieged Essendon emerged from a drugs cloud to open the AFL season with a spirited 35-point upset win against Adelaide on Friday night.

The Bombers showed tremendous ticker in their 18.9 (117) to 11.16 (82) away triumph at AAMI Stadium.

Essendon didn't score for the initial 20 minutes as they conceded the initial three goals, but then steamrolled the fancied Crows.

3.4 (22) Q1 1.3 (9)
4.9 (33) Q2 7.5 (47)
8.14 (62) Q3 13.7 (85)
11.16 (82) Q4 18.9 (117)

Taylor Walker

3

Ben Howlett

4

Richard Douglas

2

Alwyn Davey

3

Nathan van Berlo

1

Tom Bellchambers

1

Josh Jenkins

1

Stewart Crameri

1

Graham Johncock

1

Courtenay Dempsey

1

David Mackay

1

Brendon Goddard

1

Jared Petrenko

1

Michael Hibberd

1

Jason Porplyzia

1

Heath Hocking

1

Nick Kommer

1

Jake Melksham

1

David Myers

1

Brent Stanton

1

Jobe Watson

1

Utility Ben Howlett sparked the Bombers' comeback and capped a best-afield game with four goals while Alwyn Davey booted three.

Essendon midfielders Jobe Watson, Dyson Heppell and Brent Stanton were prominent and ruckman Tom Bellchambers shaded big Crow Sam Jacobs.

Adelaide struggled for clear winners with Richard Douglas (two goals), on-baller Matthew Wright and defender Brent Reilly among their best while Taylor Walker kicked three goals from limited chances.

Leading into the match, coach James Hird hailed his players' resilience amid the club being investigated for possibly using banned drugs last season.

And his charges demonstrated terrific character to fight back after a fast-starting Adelaide streeted to an early 22-0 advantage.

Essendon didn't kicked a goal until the 27th minute of the first quarter and appeared fortunate to only trail by 13 points at quarter-time.

But the Bombers blitzed Adelaide with six goals to one in the second quarter, with Howlett kicking two and setting up another, as the victors took a handy 14-point break into halftime.

And their lively goalsneak Davey ensured they were never headed by booting three goals in the third quarter, including one from a controversial new law.

Adelaide's Reilly slid into Davey's legs while gathering the ball, only for the Bomber to be given the free kick under the rule which penalises any sliding into an opponent's legs.

The goal helped Essendon stifle Adelaide, who repeatedly threatened a comeback but, after their initial three-goal spree, couldn't kick consecutive goals for the rest of a match attended by 42,218 spectators. 

Goals

Essendon: B Howlett 4 A Davey 3 B Goddard B Stanton C Dempsey D Myers H Hocking J Melksham J Watson M Hibberd N Kommer S Crameri T Bellchambers.

Adelaide: T Walker 3 R Douglas 2 D Mackay G Johncock J Jenkins J Petrenko J Porplyzia N van Berlo.

Leading FOX FOOTY SuperCoach scorers:

Essendon: Howlett (164) Dempsey (124) Watson (121) Stanton (117) Hocking (93)

Adelaide: Jacobs (102) Wright (102) Douglas (91) Thompson (91) Walker (91)


22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Pistorius brothers both have court dates

A LAWYER for Oscar Pistorius says his appeal against bail conditions will be heard on Thursday, a day after the culpable homicide trial of older brother Carl begins in another South African court.

Advocate Kenny Oldwadge has told The Associated Press that they have confirmation from Pretoria's North Gauteng High Court that the appeal is scheduled for March 28.

The Olympic athlete, charged with murder in the shooting death of Reeva Steenkamp, is challenging travel restrictions and having to report twice a week to a police station, among other conditions.

Oldwadge and prosecutors say Pistorius is not required to appear in court.

Carl Pistorius' trial is set for Wednesday and Thursday at a court south of Johannesburg. He was charged in the death of a woman in a 2008 road collision.


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French anti-doping chief calls for funding

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 21 Maret 2013 | 22.07

THE president of the French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD) on Thursday criticised leading international federations for not taking the fight against doping seriously enough.

Bruno Genevois also expressed his frustration at the time taken to put into place the measures required to carry out the fight against doping.

At a hearing at the Senate, the upper house of the French parliament, into the efficency of the anti-doping system, Genevois said the delay in putting plans into action was one of the biggest barriers to fighting doping efficiently at an international level.

"There is a discrepancy between those who believe (in fighting doping) and those who put it into practice," he said.

"For example, the international football federation (FIFA) dedicates 1.2 million euros ($A1.51 million) a year to the fight: that is 0.09 percent of their revenue of 1.394 billion euros ($A1.75 billion).

"For the Olympic federations, some sources say they dedicate 35 million euros ($A43.95 million) a year, while for tennis it is 1.3 million euros ($A1.63 million)."

Different sporting federations also apply very different methods when it comes to doping controls, Genevois added.

He said that, during the 2010 football World Cup in South Africa, "unofficial sources claimed that just four urine tests and one blood test were carried out for each competing nation over the course of a one-month competition".

"That seems to me to be completely insufficient."

Genevois also complained that the AFLD was set to be seriously hit by a cut in funding from the French government.

"We discovered in mid-February that the subsidy given to us would be reduced by a tenth in 2013," he said without revealing any exact figures.

"It is bad news even if the AFLD understands that those controlling public finances have to make certain choices."

According to Genevois, the government subsidy constitutes 90 percent of the AFLD's budget, which is believed to total around 9.2 million euros ($A11.55 million).

The Senate commission into the effectiveness of doping controls intends to hear in the near future from the organisers of various sporting events, including the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), which organises the Tour de France.

"The commission will hear from some of the leading event organisers," said Jean-Francois Humbert, a politician from the opposition UMP party who is the president of the investigating commission.

"I have no precise date, but I know it is something we will do.

"It has escaped nobody that we are talking a lot about cycling. ASO will be among those called forward."

The commission, set up at the end of February, has six months to complete its report, but should do so before the end of June, when the French parliament goes into summer recess.


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Penrith refuse to rule out Carney

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Carney ... is on the radar of the Panthers. Source: Rohan Kelly / News Limited

Penrith refused to rule out making a play for Cronulla's Todd Carney with the cashed-up Panthers on the hunt for a star playmaker after missing out on Johnathan Thurston.

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Carney admitted during the week his contract talks have been called off because of the drug scandal surrounding the NRL club which resulted in Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan being stood down.

It leaves the NSW State of Origin five-eighth unsigned for 2014 with speculation clubs like Penrith and St George Illawarra are interested in Carney's services.

Penrith recently missed out on North Queensland superstar Thurston and while Cleary didn't want to talk about potential targets ahead of Sunday's home clash with South Sydney, he admitted they were looking for "good players".

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"I don't really want to talk about recruitment today. It's pretty obvious we've been active in the market last year. We've been making a lot of changes," Cleary said on Thursday.

"We're looking for good players but let's leave it at that."

The Panthers lost five-eighth Lachlan Coote for the season with a pectoral muscle tear with Cleary giving former Parramatta and Wests Tigers playmaker Tom Humble a shot at the No.6 jersey against the Rabbitohs.

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"That's the great thing about professional sport. One door closes and another one opens and I'm really confident Tom will do a good job for us," Cleary said.

"It's up to him to stand up and do himself proud and take the opportunity."

Humble, 24, who will make his Panthers' debut on Sunday, is delighted to get a crack in his favourite position after playing halfback in Penrith's final trial against Parramatta.

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"It's a huge opportunity for me to set myself for one position. I've played a utility role at the last couple of clubs and this is a chance to make a position my own," Humble said.

He believes the Panthers' pack hold the key to beating the Rabbitohs who have enforcer Sam Burgess returning from suspension after getting away with a 14-12 win over Cronulla on Monday.

"They don't get headlines like some other packs like Souths but they'll go forward against anybody and I'm looking forward to playing behind them," he said. 


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Storm clinch win over brave Bulldogs

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Ryan Hinchcliffe ... scores the first try for Melbourne in the grand final re-match. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

Melbourne Storm's spirited win over the Bulldogs has come at a cost with NRL superstar fullback Billy Slater placed on report for allegedly kicking the face of teenage prop David Klemmer.

4

Tries

3

Ryan Hinchcliffe 21' Sam Perrett 43'
Mahe Fonua 36' Krisnan Inu 71'
Matthew Duffie 63' Kris Keating 75'
Lagi Setu 66'

3

Conversions

3

Cameron Smith 23' Krisnan Inu 44'
Cameron Smith 65' Krisnan Inu 72'
Cameron Smith 67' Krisnan Inu 76'

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy and Smith were bewildered by the call.

"What's Billy supposed to do with his foot ... chop it off?", said Bellamy.

"If he's catching a kick and he's gone up off the ground, he's not to be touched.

"If you touch him in the air, you're going to get penalised."

Bellamy said it was tough call that changed the game.

The Bulldogs scored through Sam Perrett in the ensuing set.

Smith said he'd seen the Test custodian take the ball in the same way since he started his career.

"Billy's been going up for high balls like that for as long as I can remember, he works on that every week at training," Smith said.

"I was quite mystified by that. 

"It was unintentional by Bill.

"David (Klemmer) hit Bill in the air so I don't know what else Bill is supposed to do there." 

Bulldogs coach Des Hasler said he didn't think the Slater incident was intentional.

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"It was probably just dangerous play," Hasler said.

He lamented his team's failure to make the most of their chances.

"It was two points we could have got tonight.

"It was all within our grasp and we'll take some hard lessons out of it.

"We probably had some genuine opportunities we didn't really capitalise on enough."

He said troubled fullback Ben Barba was a chance to play in their Good Friday clash with Souths and he will make a decision mid next week.

The Storm repeated their 2012 grand final performance with a 22-18 victory at AAMI Park, denying a thrilling late charge by the Bulldogs.

The home side took a halftime 10-0 lead but their second half couldn't have started any worse.

Slater leapt high to take a bomb and his boots made contact with the face of the Bulldogs forward.

The video referee said Slater had "kicked him'' with referee Ben Cummins putting the Test custodian on report for dangerous play.

Cameron Smith protested that Klemmer had attempted to tackle Slater in the air but Cummins told the skipper that Slater kicked the Bulldog "before anything else happened".

Slater was only available for this match after making an early guilty plea to a dangerous contact charge after he knocked out Antonio Winterstein early in last round's win over the Cowboys.

The rattled Storm a minute later conceded a try after Bulldogs five-eighth Josh Reynolds put a cross-field kick into the hands of winger Sam Perrett to touch down.

A Cooper Cronk try was then disallowed because of obstruction by Bryan Norrie and it looked like the Bulldogs were going to cause a boil-over.

But Melbourne regrouped and scored two tries within three minutes to look to have the match in their keeping.

Winger Matt Duffie showed his aerial credentials with a special leap to take a Cronk bomb before planting the ball in the 63rd minute and he was quickly followed by young forward Lagi Setu, who burrowed across the line.

Smith added the extras and the scoreline was out to 22-6.


Re-live the game by clicking here and visit our NRL Match Centre, featuring play-by-play commentary and stats.


However the Bulldogs showed some fight to strike back with two tries of their own.

Centre Krisnan Inu and halfback Kris Keating both crossed, with Inu converting to make it 22-18 with four minutes remaining.

They had a set of six 10m from the tryline but couldn't find the points they needed with the Storm defence holding firm.

Slater said after the match he only had eyes for the ball.

"I just go up for the footy and try to protect myself as best I can," he said.

"What they (officials) saw in it, I'm not too sure."


22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mel's A-League preview: R26

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Date/Time: 2012:10:12 12:34:45 Source:FOX SPORTS

Fox Sports football commentator Mel McLaughlin previews round 26 of the A-League season and gives you her tips for every game.

Melbourne Victory v Perth Glory, AAMI Park, Saturday 5:30 PM (EDT), FS1HD

RUN HOME:

Melbourne Victory - 3rd, 41pts, Perth (H), Phoenix (A)
Perth Glory - 8th, 28pts, Victory (A), Adelaide (H)

International Duty

Victory - Archie Thompson, Mark Milligan, Marco Rojas
Glory - Michael Thwaite, Shane Smeltz

On paper the Victory had no business taking a point against Sydney FC – if you look at the backline anyway, 17 year-old Dylan Murnane made his debut at left back to put a nice symmetry to the defence, Sam Galloway at right back is the same age, and captain Adrian Leijer was suspended. In fact they could have won, Marco Rojas and Archie Thompson uncharacteristically missing some gilt-edged chances in front of goal, Connor Pain as well.

The Big Blue was frantic, thrilling, edge-of-your-seat and end-to-end, the points probably justifiably shared but I'm sure I saw the two coaches age before my eyes.

The key attacking duo and Saturday's goal scorer Mark Milligan are all missing on international duty but Leijer returns from suspension, and Marcos Flores is back from injury. But will he be at his best? We haven't seen it yet in Victory colours but we know what he's capable of, and he'll have plenty of responsibility this weekend – Pain continues to impress in attack, if they click anything is possible.

Perth blew a big chance last week to already be sitting in the 6 – it's always the way – Wellington with nothing to lose travel over there, enjoy a few days in town then do the unthinkable, and beat last season's runners up and the team odds-on to win and continue their charge for the finals. That's football.

No Michael Thwaite in defence or Shane Smeltz up front are key losses and the suspension of Jacob Burns doesn't help – they only just got him back!

There's depth in the squad though and stability now at the top with the club announcing Alistair Edwards as head coach on a 3 year deal after a good start.

Travis Dodd is in line to slot in for Smeltz while Steve Pantelidis returns to replace Thwate, and you would think there would be enough experience in defence to deal with the youngsters the Victory will have up front. In theory, at least.

Can Ange Postecoglou ever be underestimated? Edwards faces another big challenge but having already picked up some points on the road the task won't seem out of reach – but they must remain positive after last weekend's damaging result. He says their strength is in attack, and they have to go for it.

I'm going out on a limb and tipping a desperate Glory, Victory are missing three of their finest.

Tip: Perth Glory

P W D L GD Pts
1 Western Sydney 25 17 2 6 17 53
2 Central Coast 25 14 6 5 23 48
3 Victory 25 12 5 8 3 41
4 Adelaide 25 12 4 9 3 40
5 Sydney 25 9 4 12 -8 31
6 Newcastle 26 8 7 11 -12 31
7 Brisbane 25 8 5 12 0 29
8 Perth 25 8 4 13 -3 28
9 Heart 25 8 3 14 -6 27
10 Wellington 26 7 6 13 -17 27

Western Sydney Wanderers v Sydney FC, Parramatta Stadium. 7:45 PM (EDT), FS1HD

RUN HOME:

Western Sydney - 1st, 52 pts, Sydney (H), Newcastle (A)
Sydney 5th - 31 pts, Western Sydney (A), Brisbane (A)

There are some big fixtures in all codes this weekend – but if you only watch one – it's this. Former Sky Blues now Western Sydney captain Michael Beauchamp has described it as "war", it's hard to tell who is more excited by this one, the players or the fans.

The final Sydney derby of the season, sold out in the blink of an eye, and it's in Wanderers' territory. The first time they met it was the Sky Blues who took the points, and that was expected. It was in Parramatta but there was a sea of Sky Blue shirts in the crowd. It's a very different story now, the Wanderers return home after achieving another milestone – an Australian football record of 10 straight wins, just unbelievable. And I daresay the ratio of red and black to blue will be very different. Should Western Sydney win, they'll lift the Premiers' Plate – a week before the regular season concludes, and against their fiercest rivals. A win for Sydney and they remain 5th regardless of how the other fixtures pan out and in a perfect position to stay in the 6 for the last round, and on to week one of the finals.

Tony Popovic must contend with the absence of Youssouf Hersi, Aaron Mooy and Jerome Polenz, all key players. He's proven in the past though he has the depth and publicly says he's unconcerned.

For Sydney, Terry McFlynn is again out injured but Lucas Neill is available, and Frank Farina must decide who lines up in defence after last week keeping the faith in the back four that kept a clean sheet against Central Coast, despite Fabio being available. It's likely the Socceroos captain will come in to partner Adam Griffiths in the centre of defence. On top of that, who will line up in goals? Vedran Janjetovic turned up late after being stuck in the infamous Sydney traffic, and as a result Ivan Necevski was given another chance, and he was outstanding against an at times relentless Victory attack. Farina says he'll decide when he's ready who's in.

They're one a piece, Western Sydney has been the better team this season, and Sydney FC have not been good away from home. However, they need this, and barring McFlynn are at full strength. Given who is out for the Wanderers it just may be the time to play them.

Tip: Sydney FC

Brisbane Roar v Melbourne Heart. Suncorp Stadium, Sunday 4:00 PM (EDT), FS1HD

Brisbane - 7th, 29pts, Heart (H), Sydney (H)
Heart - 9th, 27pts, Brisbane (A), Central Coast (A)

International Duty - Jade North

Brisbane are back home for their final two matches, two games left to sneak into the finals while Melbourne Heart go on the road for their last two, and you'd be living under a rock to not know that painful statistic – no wins outside of Victoria this season – in over a year in fact. They come up against a team that, although struggles away and has all but slipped out of contention from finals (I stand by last week's declaration that it's over for them), has soundly beaten them on their previous two occasions this season.

Up until Brisbane's visit to Gosford it looked like they might be back to their best, or close anyway, but the performance might have served more as a wake up call. Mike Mulvey said this week the absence of Socceroo Jade North was a big blow, but he's got a few options to partner James Donachie – Ivan Franjic could drop back again, regardless, the coach has defensive options. You'd expect Mitch Nichols will start, he's been one of the consistent positives off the bench recently and surely has earned it. They must react positively especially after going down at Bluetongue and missing a chance to push for the top 6. Brisbane and Perth really helped Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets last week.

Whilst the Big Blue will attract the big headlines, this match could feature the highest quality football, if both are at their best. Melbourne Heart are again without key men and the suspension of Simon Colosimo doesn't help. Last week against the Wanderers they were restricted to just 6 shots in the match. If they lose, they are definitely out. A promising start this season, but things have slowly unraveled.

In the visitors' favour though is the fact they've beaten Brisbane on their last two occasions (regardless of having fewer shots and less of the ball) and in fact are unbeaten from their past 5 encounters.

Regardless, Brisbane has been the better team in recent times and must click in the final third. I expect it to happen on their 100th match at Suncorp.

Tip: Brisbane

Adelaide United v Central Coast Mariners, Hindmarsh Stadium, Sunday 6:30PM (EDT), FS1HD

Adelaide - 4th, 40pts, Mariners (H), Perth
Central Coast - 2nd, 48pts, Adelaide (H), Heart (H)

International Duty - Eugene Galekovic, Mat Ryan, Michael McGlinchey

A top four battle with both goalkeepers missing to the Green and Gold – allowing 18 year old Paul Izzo his third chance in front of goal, while for the Mariners it's Justin Pasfield who'll again wear the gloves.

The Reds are back home and coming off a draw – Michael Valkanis admitted before kick off last week that internally they were still eyeing off 2nd spot, but that's off the table now and it's all about building confidence and momentum heading into the finals, and perhaps snatch 3rd spot along the way.

Central Coast finally got back in the winners' circle, and it was comprehensive against big rivals Brisbane Roar, important for many reasons – the points, confidence and proving a point to themselves after a string of losses.

Just a goal the difference, but it could have been more. Bernie Ibini continues to go from strength to strength and Daniel McBreen continues to search for that elusive 16th goal.

Some big players missing for both – not just to international duty but the injury to Marcelo Carrusca, one of Adelaide's best could prove damaging – importantly it's thought to be just a week out for the Argentine though.

A plus in Bruce Djite's name listed on the "ins" list this week – in fact Valkanis said last week he could have played. For the Mariners, regular right back Pedj Bojic is set to return from injury.

Central Coast will have to put the off-field financial dramas of the week aside. Between these issues that rear their ugly head from time to time, plus the heavy workload of A-League and Asian Champions League at this stage of the season the last few years, you can never accuse this club of doing things the easy way.

Head to head it's the away team with a huge advantage, in fact Adelaide have only beaten Central Coast twice in their last 16 attempts, and the visitors have won the last 7 encounters. Interestingly Graham Arnold's team has come from behind to win 3 of the past 4 matches as well. I'm providing these stats to confusingly tip a draw. Some key players missing – McGlinchey a big one, and the Reds have to show some fight at this stage of the season.

Tip: Draw

Wellington Phoenix 2, Newcastle Jets 1  *match completed

Wellington - 10th, 27pts, Victory (A)
Newcastle - 6th, 31pts, Wanderers (A)


Watch every game of round 26 of the A-League, Live and Exclusive, and in stunning High Definition, on Fox Sports.


22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Video: Hird's stirring praise to Bombers

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 20 Maret 2013 | 22.07

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Encouraging words ... James Hird pays tribute to his "outstanding" Bombers players. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

Essendon coach James Hird is confident a traumatic off-season has instilled in his AFL team the resilience they were missing.

 Hird has told his players they've climbed into the elite level, which wasn't the case in his previous two years in charge.

And he says it's remarkable they've achieved it while facing an anti-doping investigation, showing tenacity he believes will pay dividends when times get tough this season.

"We've spoken a lot about the resilience of this group and that maybe in the real hard times we haven't had that resilience that we need," Hird said in a speech to his players

"I'm confident that the one element that was missing has been built on and grown.

"That you're ready to take on that challenge and ready to go to the next level and play consistently quarter after quarter after quarter and back up when things don't go your way.

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"The mental capacity of you guys to do what you've done over the last six weeks and still come out and perform and train the way you've trained is outstanding."

Hird's speech, given earlier this week, aired on Essendon's show The Hangar on FOX FOOTY on Wednesday night.

So did a speech Bombers chairman David Evans gave to staff.

Evans said the club were confident they would find out whether players were given banned substances and uncover how ``irregular practices'' were allowed to develop at the club.

"Some of our systems, protocols and procedures failed us," Evans said.

"We want to make sure that that never happens again."

He said it was a traumatic time but the Bombers would end up better and stronger for it.

"I think it has galvanised us together and we want to take that into the season," Evans said.

That view was echoed by players.

Midfielder Brent Stanton said there were initial feelings of shock and disbelief when the scandal broke, while captain Jobe Watson admitted players became frightened when the scale of what they were facing hit home.

But they said the crisis had also caused them to stick tightly together as their teammates were the only ones who fully appreciated what each other were experiencing.


Watch the video at the top of the page to get an all-access look at what Hird had to say to his troops.


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'How can Barba handle pressure?'

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Ben Barba ... has his first day back at training with the Bulldogs after being discharged from a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

Embattled superstar Ben Barba should not be rushed back into Canterbury-Bankstown's NRL side, according to Fox Sports NRL expert Brett Kimmorley.

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Barba is back at Bulldogs training, days after finishing a stint in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation clinic after being stood down indefinitely by the club to address personal problems stemming from the breakdown of his relationship with his childhood sweetheart.

Former Bulldogs halves coach, Kimmorley, says Barba will struggle to return to the football field because the scrutiny which forced him from the game will be the same when he returns.

"(Barba) will struggle to come back in because the pressures that got him into those situations are going to be the same pressures he's going to be under when he comes back," Kimmorley said on NRL 360.

"Everyone's going to say 'how good is it that Barba's back, the savior's back, were going to score points' and that scrutiny is going to come back straight on him.


Watch the video at the top of the page to see Gordie and Noddy discuss Barba's return to the NRL.


"If he couldn't handle the pressure before how is it going to be any different next time?"

Barba has not been named for the grand final re-match against Melbourne on Thursday and did not travel with the team on Wednesday.

While his return is imminent, former Australian and Queensland captain Gordon Tallis believes the more time spent on the sidelines will only increase the pressure.

"The pressure is going to be if he sits out too long and comes back out of form, there is going to be more pressure on him," Tallis said.

"There's pressure that if we wait any longer and he runs out of condition and he comes back there's going to be a huge media scrutiny on this kid that got him in trouble in the first place."

The Bulldogs will wait on a written letter from Barba's doctor clearing him to play before he makes his return.
 
"He got back to training last Friday so we will just have to monitor it from here on his physical wellbeing."
 
Bulldogs coach Des Hasler said during the week; "this early in the competition we won't be making any rash decisions."

"At the moment I can't give an answer on his immediate comeback probably until midway through next week, once he gets some solid training under his belt."


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Video: your AFL team previewed

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Footy is back ... Fox Sports previews every club before the 2013 season. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

Footy season is here! Our experts run the rule over every club before Friday's blockbuster round one clash between Adelaide Crows and Essendon.

Fox Sports AFL commentators Sarah Jones, Julian de Stoop and David King preview every team before the 2013 season, while re-living great moments from 2012 and offering punting advice for those who like a flutter.

Our experts put Carlton, Hawthorn, Sydney, Collingwood and Essendon under the microscope in the video above.

Catch the previews of Geelong, West Coast, Fremantle and Adelaide Crows below.

Fans of Richmond, Brisbane Lions, Melbourne Demons, Port Adelaide, North Melbourne, Greater Western Sydney, St Kilda and Gold Coast Suns watch the preview below.


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Mourinho claims FIFA vote rigged

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Fishy ... Jose Mourinho says something is amiss in FIFA's voting for the Coach of the Year award. Source: Andres Kudacki / AP

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has questioned the awarding of FIFA's World Coach of the Year for 2012 to Spain manager Vicente del Bosque, claiming there were people who voted for him that had their votes changed.

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The Portuguese finished second in the vote carried out by international players, managers and journalists, but the former Chelsea boss said he didn't attend the gala event in Zurich in January due to what he believed to be irregularities in the vote.

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"I don't regret not attending the event in person," he told Portuguese TV station RTP

"One, two or three people called me to say they had voted for me and in the end another name appeared in their votes. Therefore I decided not to go."

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However, FIFA confirmed that the official list published with the votes of all those who took part was correct.

Meanwhile, Mourinho reiterated his belief that Cristiano Ronaldo should have won the award for World Player of the Year at the same event ahead of Barcelona's Lionel Messi.

Messi won the award for the fourth consecutive year, but Mourinho said that Ronaldo's feats in guiding Real Madrid to the Spanish title last year should have been recognised.

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"Cristiano Ronaldo ought to have been the winner of the last Ballon d'Or. He was the champion of the league and decisive in a record championship win both in terms of goals and points," Mourinho said.

And Mourinho also quashed suggestions that he has agreed a deal to leave Real come the end of the season.

Speculation has linked the 50-year-old with a move to Manchester City, Chelsea or Paris Saint-Germain, but he insists there is no such deal in place.

"I don't have any agreement with a club to leave. There is nothing signed, it is nonsense to say otherwise."


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Smith lashes 'inconsistent' refs

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 19 Maret 2013 | 22.07

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Not happy ... Cameron Smith lashes NRL refs regarding Billy Slaters hit on Antonio Winterstein. Source: Colin Whelan / AAP

Melbourne Storm captain Cameron Smith has called for greater consistency from NRL referees in officiating on the newly outlawed shoulder charge.

While teammate Billy Slater only escaped suspension through an early guilty plea after a hit on North Queensland winger Antonio Winterstein during Saturday night's game, Smith says he's already seen a number of other shoulder charges let go this season.

"For me, and I actually spoke to the referees during the game on Saturday night, we were told at the start of the year if there's any tackle made where there's no wrapping motion of the arms and it's just using your shoulder to bump someone, it's going to be penalised," Smith said.

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"I've seen every game that's been played this year and it's just been let go, until someone's hit high or it looks spectacular where someone's knocked off his feet."

Smith said he remained confused by the referees and judiciary interpretation of the shoulder charge rule brought in this year after similar incidents went unpunished throughout round two.

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On Monday night, South Sydney winger Nathan Merritt was overlooked after a questionable tackle on Cronulla's Matthew Wright.

"I'm not sure if the rules have changed within the referees where they interpret it differently now but, again, it's inconsistent," Smith said.

"Bill's (Slater) made a similar attempt to tackle as Nathan Merritt and there are two different outcomes.

W L D B PD Pts
1 Storm 2 0 0 0 42 4
2 Sea Eagles 2 0 0 0 40 4
3 Rabbitohs 2 0 0 0 20 4
4 Titans 1 1 0 0 34 2
5 Eels 1 1 0 0 26 2
6 Panthers 1 1 0 0 12 2
7 Broncos 1 1 0 0 8 2
8 Sharks 1 1 0 0 0 2
9 Knights 1 1 0 0 0 2
10 Bulldogs 1 1 0 0 -8 2
11 Cowboys 1 1 0 0 -10 2
12 Roosters 1 1 0 0 -16 2
13 Tigers 1 1 0 0 -22 2
14 Warriors 0 2 0 0 -32 0
15 Dragons 0 2 0 0 -36 0
16 Raiders 0 2 0 0 -58 0

"That's the frustrating thing for players and coaches - that inconsistency with rulings.

"If we could have the same things every week for every game there would be no dramas but at the moment it just seems to change every week."

Smith said he was certain the Storm hierarchy would take up the issue of the disparity in the Slater and Merritt cases with the referees' boss Daniel Anderson.

Meanwhile, Smith said the Storm were keenly anticipating the return of Canterbury's Ben Barba, who has been sidelined due to off-field issues.

Bulldogs coach Des Hasler says Barba will not be rushed into the side for Thursday's NRL grand final rematch at AAMI Park but Smith says the sooner the star fullback returns the better for the game.

"We're going to prepare as if he's going to be playing," Smith said.

"It will be good for our game if he's there, it will be good for the crowd if he's there because he's one of the guys in our competition who people pay money to come and watch.

"But if he's not then hopefully he's back on the paddock soon and everything is sorted out with him," Smith said.


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Live: NRL round three teams

Dropped ... Blake Ferguson will remain in NSW Cup this weekend. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

Canberra coach David Furner has resisted the urge to rush back stood down winger Blake Ferguson for Sunday's NRL clash with struggling St George Illawarra.

Ferguson was dumped to the NSW Cup as a result of his role in the alcohol-fuelled bender which resulted in Josh Dugan being sacked by the club.

But despite the 36-point hammering by Gold Coast last Sunday, Furner has shown faith in the same backline, his only changes being the reinstatement of hooker Glen Buttriss to hooker and former Test prop Brett White to the engine room.

Ferguson is expected to continue doing his penance with Mounties in the NSW Cup.

Under-siege Dragons coach Steve Price has also opted not to ring in the changes in the face of an uninspiring 0-2 start to the season.

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There was speculation Price would offer a call-up for former Manly under-20s halfback Josh Drinkwater in a bid to add some spark to a side which has managed only three tries in 160 minutes of football.

Penrith have opted to throw former Parramatta and Wests Tigers utility Tom Humble the No.6 jumper for Sunday's meeting with South Sydney, after first-choice pivot Lachlan Coote was ruled out for the year following surgery on his pectoral muscle.

Sam Burgess has been reinstated to the Rabbitohs pack following his one-game ban, with Jeff Lima dropping back to the bench.

Timana Tahu will play his first game of the year in place of injured centre Dane Gagai when Newcastle host North Queensland Cowboys on Monday night.

Gagai faces six weeks on the sidelines after injuring his ankle in the 32-0 loss to Manly on Sunday.

With Ray Thompson sidelined for a month with torn ankle ligaments, Michael Morgan will play halfback for the Cowboys, who have dropped Tariq Sims to the Queensland Cup in a bid to get the blockbusting forward more game time.


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Arthur: Twitter "not worth it"

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Officially offline ... Mickey Arthur has walked from Twitter. Source: JULIAN SMITH / AAP

Mickey Arthur says being on Twitter is "not worth it" after the Australian coach on Tuesday quit the social-media network following a torrent of abuse over the sacking of the Mohali Four.

Arthur boasted more than 33,000 followers, but had not posted a single message since the suspension of Shane Watson, Mitchell Johnson, Usman Khawaja and James Pattinson last Monday week for failing to take part in a performance review.

The South Africa-born Arthur formally deleted his account on Tuesday morning, signing off with: "Thanks twitter, has been fun but deleting my account now! Thanks to all the genuine supporters out there."

While some social-network users were supportive of Arthur, many had used the platform to launch personal attacks on the 44-year-old, who has polarised opinion over the cultural shake-up of Australian cricket.

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Arthur on Tuesday explained why he decided to shut down his account as the Australian team flew out for Delhi for the fourth and final Test starting Friday.

"I just used it as a medium to get news really," he said.

"For me, it just wasn't really worth it now.

"I used it to stay in contact with a lot of mates.

"It's not earth-shattering news by any means. I think if you're on it you just open yourself up to that (abuse).

"There has been some very positive stuff as well, but it's not worth it.

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"I've got bigger things to worry about than Twitter to be honest."

Arthur immediately became the butt of jokes after announcing he was quitting the network.

"Mickey Arthur has deleted his Twitter a/c and thanked all his fans but that person is yet to reply," a parody Bill Lawry account tweeted shortly after.

Arthur's most controversial tweet came during the Australian summer as the shorter-form sides were exposed by Sri Lanka on the back of several senior players being rested.

Arthur tweeted: "For the last time there is NO rotation policy - it is player management!!! Appreciate your support Aussie fans, we only want to make you proud."

The former South African coach said he had no regrets over the demotion of the Mohali Four, despite a plethora of former Test stars lambasting the decision.

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"It was a stand I felt we needed to make," he said.

"The way the team has responded over the last week has been phenomenal.

"It's really been outstanding. In my opinion it was a hardline stance but it had to happen.

"You've got to understand that it was done with the team in mind, and it was done so we could make a real paradigm shift in where we were going to.

"Would I do it again? Yeah I would, because I think it was the right thing to do for this cricket team at this stage."

The fourth and final Test against India starts in Delhi on Friday, but the Aussies will be without quick Mitch Starc, who this morning flew home to have ankle surgery to ensure he is fit for the Ashes.

- with Sam Landsberger


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Aussie coach Mickey Arthur quits Twitter

Australia's head cricket coach Mickey Arthur has deleted his Twitter account. Source: AAP

AUSTRALIA cricket team coach Mickey Arthur grew tired of the vitriol he was receiving on Twitter and closed his account on Tuesday.

His action led to more criticism, jibes and abuse from some frustrated followers of the injury-hit and inexperienced Australian team who lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Monday when they slumped to the third straight Test loss of their India tour - where Australia has won only one Test series since 1970.

Last week's bombshell - when Arthur announced four players including vice-captain Shane Watson had been suspended from the third Test for failing to submit required assessments on how the team could improve - was clearly a sore point for some Twitter followers.

First the controversies during the summer of the resting of key players during a busy playing schedule, and now this.

And for Arthur, it was also the last straw.

With his third-ranked side trailing three-nil in the four-match series against India and the final Test starting in Delhi on Friday, Arthur will be bothered no longer by abusive Twitter followers.

"Thanks twitter,has been fun but deleting my account now!Thanks to all the genuine supporters out there," Arthur said on Twitter on Tuesday.

He later told reporters: "I just used it (Twitter) as a medium to get news really.

"For me, it just wasn't really worth it now.

"I used it to stay in contact with a lot of mates.

"If you're on it you just open yourself up to that (abuse).

"There has been some very positive stuff as well, but it's not worth it. I've got bigger things to worry about than Twitter to be honest."

A sample of the latest advice dished out to Arthur by one frequent tweeter @jimmyob13 may indicate why Arthur stopped using social media.

"Hey Mickey Mouse @MickeyArthur do you have enough quicks for 3rd test? Now it's going to be a seamer so I suggest you play 4 spinners...," the user posted on March 12.

The following day he wrote: "@MickeyArthur How's the team spirit this morn? Did they all wear the correct uniform? Did Hughes and Warner scrub skippers whites for him?"

Arthur's decision to close his account was greeted with more scorn on Twitter.

One tweeter, @adam_pearce13 said "It's about time you focus on the cricket anyway "

Another, @willderen tweeted to Arthur "You're an idiot.", @MarkCooper said "you suck", while @KevinWilde described Arthur's move to delete his account as "weak".

Arthur last week described the decision to suspend Watson, James Pattinson, Usman Khawaja and Mitchell Johnson as a line-in-the-sand moment to create a better culture within the team after a series of disciplinary lapses by the team in general including lateness, backchat and attitude issues.

The homeworkgate affair was widely ridiculed in Australia, especially by ex-players.


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McGuire still 'sad' about Malthouse

Written By Unknown on Senin, 18 Maret 2013 | 22.19

Trouble at Collingwood ... Mick Malthouse and Eddie McGuire. Source: Colleen Petch / News Limited

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire has expressed his sadness over the breakdown of his relationship with former Magpies' coach Mick Malthouse, but maintains he has no regrets about the way he ended the premiership coach's 12-year tenure with the Pies.

In a candid interview with Mike Sheahan in the first episode of Open Mike of 2013, McGuire was asked about the contentious deal that was to see Nathan Buckley replace Malthouse as senior coach at the end of the 2011 season.

The arrangement that would have seen Malthouse take on the newly created role of director of coaching ended in acrimony when the 2010 premiership coach severed ties with the club before taking on the job late in 2011 as planned.

"I'm very sad, to be honest. It (the friendship) will come back," McGuire said of his strained relationship with Malthouse.
 
"I think Mick is a person who really generates energy off the 'us against them' and the 'them' is Collingwood now.
 
"Personally, I was a bit disappointed that there was such enmity last year and both sides got emotional at stages because we were so close.
 
"Mick's contribution was profound at the Collingwood Football Club and when the time is right he will be made a life member, definitely a hall of famer, and a legend of the club.
 
"I'll be driving that because his contribution was fantastic. Things will sort themselves out."

The relationship appeared beyond repair last year when the pair exchanged barbs in the media with McGuire declaring Malthouse "wouldn't have a friend at Collingwood" after the former coach publicly questioned Buckley's game plan.

After spending 2012 in various media roles Malthouse went on to replace Brett Ratten in September after the Blues champion was sacked as Carlton coach.

"Mick has a view why this all came about and I know exactly why it came about from my point of view," McGuire said.

"Everything we did was for the good of Mick in that situation.
 
"He wanted to coach … good, and it probably refreshed him. He'll be out there and a great coach this year, but I have absolutely zero worries about what I did with Mick Malthouse.
 
"The only regret I have is it didn't pan out, that Mick didn't stay to be the position I wanted him to be at Collingwood."


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India scrape home in nail-biter

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Pumped ... Virat Kohli top-scored for India on day five. Source: Aijaz Rahi / AAP

Australia conceded the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after India's six-wicket win with 15 balls to spare on Monday in the third Test in Mohali, despite a brave last-day effort from the tourists.

3rd Test - Punjab Cricket Association Stadium

14 March 2013 - Day 5, Session 3

India 2nd Innings

M. Dhoni 18 28 3 0 64.29
R. Jadeja 8 5 2 0 160
M. Starc 10.3 1 51 0 4.86

Set 133 to win, India made 4-136.

Skipper MS Dhoni finished unbeaten on 18 after hitting three consecutive fours at the start of the 34th over to close the match.

Openers Murali Vijay (26) and Cheteshwar Pujara (28) shared a 42-run stand and Virat Kohli's departure for 34 at 3-103 brought hard-hitting Dhoni to the crease.

Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar added just 13 runs off 33 balls and Tendulkar (21) was run out by David Warner at 4-116 with 4.5 overs left, as the tension ramped up a notch in Mohali.

However Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja (8no) hit a flurry of boundaries in the next two overs to put the match in India's keeping against an Australian side that showed plenty of fight on the final day's play.

Australia captain Michael Clarke admitted his back injury could prevent him from playing in Friday's fourth Test  but failed to clarify if Shane Watson would take over as skipper.

Clarke was keen to focus on the positives when discussing Watson's return.

"It's very positive that Watto is coming back,'' Clarke said, attempting to put an end to the speculation over the past week about Watson's personality clashes with his Australia's captain, coach Mickey Arthur and high-performance chief Pat Howard.

"I know all the boys are looking forward to having him back and no doubt if I am unavailable ... I haven't spoken to the selectors but I would imagine that Watto would be captain,'' said Clarke, who is also a selector himself.

Watson, one of four players suspended for the third Test over the homeworkgate affair, was en route to Delhi on Monday after returning to Sydney for the birth of his first child.

Having been labelled a good team man sometimes by Howard last week, Watson is now facing the prospect of leading the side if Clarke is ruled unfit.

Clarke's dual roles as skipper and leading batsman in the side would leave a gaping hole if he was absent and the 31-year-old is confident he can protect a proud record over his 92-Test career.

"It's pretty sore," Clarke said.

"Fortunately I have got a few days before the next Test and I will spend as much time with Alex (team physio Alex Kountouris) as I can to get it right.

"It is the same problem I have had since I was 17 and I have been trying to manage it throughout my career.

"The next four days will be no different to normal when my back goes on me like this.

"It's about plenty of treatment, listening to the experts and doing everything I can to get it right for the next Test match.

"Touch wood I haven't missed a Test match due to injury so far in my career and I wouldn't like this to be my first one."

Earlier, Clarke's men resumed on 3-75 in their second innings and were bowled out for 23.

Phil Hughes regained form with a fighting knock of 69, in which he was very unlucky to be given out lbw. Clarke was clearly troubled by a back injury and was out for 18 batting at No.6.

Shikhar Dhawan received the man-of-the-match award in Mohali for his brilliant knock of 187 on Test debut.


Relive all the action from the dramatic final day with our Match Centre.


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'Heads are going to go at Bombers'

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The Bombers ... trying to focus on their opening-round clash. Source: Tim Carrafa / News Limited

Veteran AFL journalist Mike Sheahan has warned that the drugs scandal that has rocked the code - and wider sporting community in Australia - will see heads roll at Essendon.

3:15 PM

Melbourne Cricket Ground

All times are listed in EDT

The Bombers are under three investigations for supplements that players took in the 2012 AFL season.

The ASADA investigation will take months, while the AFL is also looking into what happened at Essendon and the club itself has commissioned an independent review into what chairman David Evans has called "irregular practices".

Sheahan, speaking on the return of FOX FOOTY's On The Couch on Monday night, said the opening of the AFL season this weekend provided a break, but not the end of the issue for the game.

"We've got a diversion, it's definitely not behind us," Sheahan said.

"This has dented the AFL reputation more than (anything) I can remember.

"There's no doubt there's been a serious breakdown in governance at the Essendon Football Club," Sheahan added.

"I think some heads are going to go (at Essendon).

"The reputation of the game and specifically the footy club has been badly hurt in this.

"And it shouldn't happen. Whatever the substances this is shocking in the literal sense of the word.

"When you pick up the paper and you read that a group of young blokes have been taken off site to have injections administered to the abdomen with a supplement we're not sure about, I am staggered that nobody in the football department, the medical department, the coaches, parents or players blew the whistle on that.

"I am staggered it went on as long as it did."

Brownlow medallist Gerard Healy said the situation at Essendon would likely lead to a change in practices across the competition.

"To me the issue is 40 injections into the gut is a no-go zone," Healy said.

"If anything comes out of this I think we're going to understand that if you have an injection in football it's potentially to allow you to play at your best, not to improve your best.

"Because that is what this supplement program is all about. It's making you a better player than you otherwise were.

"If you have to become a battery hen to become a top-line AFL footballer then we've lost our way.

"The information will go from one club to the next club to the next club so there's no net gain. Everyone will be doing 40 injections and all we're doing is diminishing our brand."


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Sharks want Flanagan back: Sharp

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Shane Flanagan ... remains a popular figure at the Cronulla club. Source: Tracey Nearmy / AAP

Interim Cronulla coach Peter Sharp admits he has no idea if Shane Flanagan will be reinstated as head coach on Tuesday, but says everyone involved with the side wants him back in the driver's seat.

A board meeting scheduled for Tuesday is set to decide Flanagan's future with the club, after he was stood down pending a further investigation into his role in the 2011 drugs scandal currently engulfing the club.

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Four other football staff members were sacked as a result of the initial probe, while Flanagan was given a stay of execution, but Sharp was adamant this would remain Flanagan's team.

"I've got no idea," Sharp said when asked if Flanagan would be reinstated on Tuesday.

"He's the coach of this football club and everybody in the football club wants him back, myself included.

"Let's hope we get some closure on that as well."

Of the players, Sharp said it was hard to forget the drama surrounding as many as 14 squad members who are believed to be in the sights of ASADA.

It is believed ASADA's interviews with players will be held next week after originally being scheduled for this week.

"There's certainly a cloud hanging over the place to some degree," Sharp said.

"It would be nice to get some closure on it all, one way or the other."

Meanwhile former Olympic basketballer Damian Keogh has emerged as a possible chairman candidate at the club.

Keogh is believed to be on a ticket involving a group of Sutherland Shire businessmen.

Nominations for the April 16 AGM closed on Monday.

Former Cronulla chairman Damian Irvine stood down last week following controversial comments made in relation to the drugs scandal, but it is believed he will seek re-election to the board.


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Hughes, Aussies hold on in Mohali

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 17 Maret 2013 | 22.07

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Resurgent ... Hughes made his highest score of the series on day four. Source: Manan Vatsyayana / AAP

Australia crashed to 3-75 in their second innings on Sunday and face an uphill task to avoid another massive defeat in the third Test against India with one day's play remaining.

3rd Test - Punjab Cricket Association Stadium

14 March 2013 - Day 4, Session 3

Australia 2nd Innings

P. Hughes 53 68 9 1 77.94
N. Lyon 4 17 1 0 23.53
R. Ashwin 7 2 25 0 3.57

Trailing 2-0 and needing to win the last two matches to square the series and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Michael Clarke's side look like sitting ducks against India's bowling attack, especially with the skipper Clarke yet to bat because of a sore back.

Australia trail India by 16 runs, with Phillip Hughes the unlikely saviour late on day four.

David Warner played a loose cut shot and was caught behind for two to paceman Bhuvneshwar Kumar on the third delivery of the innings.

Kumar (3-25) also removed Ed Cowan lbw for eight at 2-35 and Steve Smith was bowled by Kumar for five.

Hughes, with just 27 runs in his first five knocks in the series and clinging desperately to his place in the side, was sent in at No.3 and has smashed a defiant 53 not out off 68 balls.

Nightwatchman Nathan Lyon is unbeaten on four.

Team physio Alex Kountouris said Clarke had injured his back during the warm-up on Sunday morning.

"He'll undergo further treatment overnight," Kountouris said.

"We'll assess that and see how it settles in the morning to determine when he's able to bat."

Earlier, India claimed a first-innings lead of 91 after tea with a total of 499.

Paceman Peter Siddle showed his trademark grit on a flat Mohali pitch to claim 5-71 off 29.1 back-breaking overs.

Spinners Lyon (1-124) and Xavier Doherty (0-87) had little impact while occasional leggie Smith (1-63) served up plenty of half-trackers in his 10 overs, although he did pick up the crucial wicket of Sachin Tendulkar.

Shikhar Dhawan (187) and Murali Vijay (153) hit centuries in a 289-run stand, having resumed on Sunday on 0-283.

India went to lunch at 3-384 and moved ahead of Australia's 408 in the 101st over, which was the last with the old ball.

Mitchell Starc's inswingers claimed two lbws to remove Vijay and MS Dhoni (four) in the first five balls with the new cherry.

Siddle dismissed Ravindra Jadeja (eight) and Ravi Ashwin (four) in consecutive overs as India slumped to 7-431.

Kumar (18) was caught behind to Moises Henriques shortly after tea, ending a 61-run partnership with Virat Kohli (67 not out).

Siddle took the last two wickets to fall to move to 148 from 40 Tests.


Follow all the day five action LIVE with our Match Centre, and watch the drama unfold LIVE, EXCLUSIVE and in HIGH DEFINITION from 2.20pm (EDT) Monday on Fox Sports 2.


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'Storm cloud ruins JT's night'

Melbourne Storm ... too clinical for the Cowboys. Source: Colin Whelan / AAP

In his weekly column, Fox Sports expert and Canberra assistant coach Brett Kimmorley offers his thoughts and predictions of round two of the 2013 NRL Premiership season.

Eels vs Bulldogs, ANZ Stadium

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This was an intense, back and fourth game for the full 80 minutes. Parramatta should be enormously proud of the effort. They were competitive but crucial errors early in the tackle count hurt them. However, they will take a lot out of the game while it was a gutsy win for the Bulldogs. With Ben Barba missing the 'Dogs are yet to reach their full potential in attack. Josh Jackson was outstanding and pushing for a regular place in the starting side while Josh Reynolds is maturing as a genuine ball player.

Dragons vs Broncos, WIN Stadium

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The Dragons had plenty of ball and opportunities to score in the first half but superhuman defensive efforts from the Broncos frustrated the opposition, causing them to stray from their game plan. Justin Hodges and Matt Gillett were outstanding for Brisbane, while returning playmaker Scott Prince and Peter Wallace combination is slowly starting to click. The Dragons showed a lot of character in the first half. Trent Merrin has found his position at lock. He asked a lot of questions of the Broncos defence and would be feeling confident facing the Raiders in Canberra.

Warriors vs Roosters, Eden Park

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The Roosters had the game wrapped up but a little spark from Shaun Johnson had the Warriors back in the contest, revealing some holes in Sydney Roosters defence. Big Ben Matalino was outstanding for the Warriors, taking it to the Roosters pack like a one man army. Sonny Bill Williams showed improvement in his first game as a starter. Trent Robisnon will be happy to get his first win as a coach regardless of how ugly the win might have been. The Roosters discipline improved from the previous week, but they let the Warriors back into the game.

Cowboys vs Storm, 1300SMILES Stadium

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Melbourne sent a massive reminder that they should be the favourites in this competition. They blew away the Cowboys in the middle of the park which isn't easy considering North Queensland's arsenal of big men. The Storm's guard was up all night. They are so disciplined and play an up-tempo game that is very hard to compete with. Cooper Cronk was magical, executing the game plan with surgical precision. Billy Slater and Cameron Smith were brilliant in attack as well but it was defence that won them the game. They also ruined Jonathan Thurston's celebration at 1300SMILES Stadium.

Titans vs Raiders, Skilled Park

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Canberra made a lot of mistakes and the game was over at halftime. In the end you can't be that poor in such a close competition. If you make a lot of tackles against a team like the Titans who are a large side with pace around the ruck you are going to let in points. Ultimately the Raiders conceded too many soft tries and were out-enthused by the Titans. It's a big year for John Cartwright – he has been there for some time and has the players he wants. Expectations are high and they give the competition a shake this season.

Tigers vs Panthers, Campbelltown Sports Stadium

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Tigers coach Mick Potter copped criticism following last Monday's loss to Newcastle but will be relieved following Sunday's win.  It will give him belief that what he is working on is right and vice versa with the players. Benji Marshall showed touches of his brilliance after a quiet game last week.  The Panthers will be competitive this year but it came down to a touch more class with Marshall out pointing Luke Walsh. He knew when to make the big plays and when to settle the side. It wasn't pretty or flashy but it was a starting point for the Tigers.

Sea Eagles vs Knights, Brookvale Oval

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Manly sent the competition a reminder of just how good they are - especially at Brookvale. Their key individuals in Kite, Stewart and their halves lead and guide the side around the park. The Manly halves were relentless, while Watmough was at his damaging best around the ruck. They love playing the bully and they play it extremely well. They are a side who like to dominate and they do in attack and defence. They would have been more excited by keeping Newcastle to zero than the 32 points they scored. Newcastle were ambushed at the start of the game.
 


22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More
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