All posts by h716a5.icu

The vastly wide gulf between one of the region’s major teams and another of the fledgling rookies was emphasised again here yesterday in a massive no-contest

20-Aug-2002The vastly wide gulf between one of the region’s major teams and another of the fledgling rookies was emphasised again here yesterday in a massive no-contest.Barbados thoroughly made fools out of opponents, who clearly should not be competing at this level, to win their second successive Red Stripe Bowl match that has virtually guaranteed them a place in the Final Four.If they hardly raised a gallop in defeating newcomers University of the West Indies by 102 runs on Friday, they didn’t even leave the starting gates in embarrassingthe Leewards XI by 193 runs at the Melbourne Club ground.It was a vast disappointment to the fair-sized Sunday crowd who might have wanted to see a competitive affair.In marching to their highest ever total in a regional limited-overs match, Barbados walloped to 323 for five from 50 overs and then restricted their woeful opponents to 130 in 33.5 overs.Make no mistake about it – it was a clinically efficient performance by Barbados but they know full well that because of the inferior quality of the Leewards XI, it cannotbe adequately used asa yardstick."This was a very, very good win," team coach Hendy Springer said. "The guys did exceptionallywell in the batting and the only question mark I had about the bowling was that the guys bowled too many no-balls and wides. It doesn’t matter how the opposition is doing, we’ve got to cut that down to prepare ourselves for when we meet much more serious opposition"Among the batsmen who dominated were: Dale Richards and Ryan Hinds, with 81 each, and Floyd Reifer with a hurricane70 off 57 balls, while Sulieman Benn was the chief destroyer of the Leeward innings that offered very little on either side of a fourth wicket partnership of 79 between Colin Cannonier (47) and Tonito Willett (27).Benn removed both to good catches in the deep and added a furtherthree scalps to finishwith five for 18 from ten mean overs."I am feeling good about my bowling. The pitch was a little slow. I’m in good form. I’m confident and it was quite easy actually," he said."It is known that good spinners get wickets against the Leewardsall the time. I am not really surprised."Benn and the other Barbadian bowlers had the benefit of defending a huge total after the batsmen indulged ina run-feast.The stark reality of it was that this Leewards attack resembled nothing more than a decent intermediate club standard and, even at this early stage of the competition, officials should be contemplating whether it was wise to separate them from Antigua and Barbuda.From the first over to the last, balls were constantly coming offthe bats like the soundof shotguns.Hapless Leewards spent their time retrieving the ball from the boundary 43 times and on five occasions they had to fetch it from beyond the ropes on a ground which carries the famous names of Michael Holding and Courtney Walsh ateither end.The Melbourne Club ground, with small boundaries in certain sections and its lightening fast outfield, is tailor-made for runs and almost every Barbados batsman cashed in on the syrup that was served up in mainly cloudy conditions – the major contributions coming Dale Richards, Ryan Hinds and Floyd Reifer.By the half-way stage of the innings, Barbados advanced to 151 for one with Richards and Hinds in the course of a second-wicket partnership that seemed unlikely to be broken. They looked like Lara and Hooper together, but having said that, the bowling would have been in the incapable hands of primary schoolboys.Hundreds seemed a forgone conclusion for both Richards and Hinds but they were denied only by the run-out route when each was 19 away.The dismissal of Richards, in particular,was freakish.After cracking ten fours, mainly from power-fully struck cover-drives and cuts, along with two straight sixes from uncomplicated off-spin,he was found shortof his ground whenHinds’ drive back along the pitch rebounded from the bowler Alex Adams, and onto the stumps.Hinds, positive fromhis first scoring stroke, justified management’s decision to allow him the No. 3 position.He was never once bogged down and his cutting and flickingwere authoritative tosay the least.Never before has he completed a century at this level and he was clearly angry when he found himself at the same end with Reifer, who correctly did not respond to his call for a tight single to point.Hinds’ 81 off 87 balls included ten fours, but he showed his obvious disappointment by banging his bat and helmet into the turf when he had to go.For the last few seasons, Reifer has probably been Barbados’ most consistent and most valuable batsman and he underlined that tag by smashing 70 off 57 balls to ensure Barbados capitalised on its position.In the latter stages he was joined by the big-hitting Vasbert Drakes and the pair pulverised the Leewards to the extent that 91 runs came from the last ten overs.

Indian captain Sourav Ganguly grinned from ear to ear when he met the press after his side waltzed to an eight-wicket win over England to set up a semi-final clash against South Africa

Anand Vasu22-Sep-2002Indian captain Sourav Ganguly grinned from ear to ear when he met the press after his side waltzed to an eight-wicket win over England to set up a semi-final clash against South Africa.Centuries from Ganguly and Virender Sehwag ensured that that India overhauled the target of 271 with more than 10 overs to spare.”We should not have allowed England to get to 270, but Sehwag’s 100 took the game away from England,” began the Indian captain.Not too many people expected India to beat England with such ease and Ganguly echoed this. “This game is never easy,” said the skipper.He was effusive in his praise of Sehwag’s knock, saying, ” Sehwag’s innings was absolutely brilliant and took the pressure away from us. The way he played was took the sting out of the game. By the time he was dismissed the game was already in our pocket. Unless something went terribly wrong, we were going to win from that position.”Nasser Hussain for his part admitted that his England side were totally outclassed on the day.”Nothing went wrong really. India just played exceptionally well on the day. The first eight overs they bowled were very difficult for our batsmen and again when they batted their first 15 overs were very good. Sometimes you just have to give credit where it’s due.”The England skipper seemed powerless to stop the onslaught of the Indian batsmen and conceded that nothing he tried on the day worked for him.”We’ve played against India a lot and have studied their game carefully. We know what areas they do most of their hitting in and have thought of a few ways to restrict that. It just didn’t work today though.”Both openers came at us strongly and we didn’t have an answer. We need to show more character in situations like this. We’re all right when teams don’t quite come at us as strongly as this and we’ll have to work out ways to counter this.”Hussain acknowledged that his side had problems when batsmen came at them and pointed out a couple of areas where England need to improve to counter this.”We need to show more character in these situations. And variations become important too. We tried a few variations today, slower balls and bumpers and the like. But today everything we bowled seemed to go for four. In English conditions where the ball does a bit more off the wicket and in the air you don’t need to do much more than put the ball in the right place. In conditions like this you need more variations.”Not totally distraught at the loss, Hussain did look back positively at the way the batting fared.”As far as the batting is concerned I’m quite pleased with the way we’ve done. In the last year or so the batting has not been a cause for worry. Even today I thought the middle-order batted exceptionally to take us to 270.”Ganguly has now led India to more than one dramatic win against England. He did however say that there were other wins that gave him more satisfaction.”Every win is satisfying really, at the international level. But I would have to say that the win at Lord’s in the NatWest trophy final and the Test win at Headingley probably mean more to me.”

Leeds United are ready to smash their transfer record to sign Cagliari and Uruguay midfielder Nahitan Nandez this summer.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Marcelo Bielsa is eyeing up a summer move for the 25-year-old, who could be available for much lower than his release clause.

Italian publication La Nuova Sardegna has now claimed that the Whites are actually ready to pay the €36m (£31m) release clause in order to bring him to Elland Road, with Bielsa insisting on signing him. That deal would eclipse the club-record £26m fee that Leeds paid Valencia to sign Rodrigo last summer.

Bielsa will love it

Connor Clancy, editor-in-chief at Forza Italian Football, has thrown his support behind a potential Leeds deal, saying in an exclusive interview with This Is Futbol recently: “Anywhere Bielsa wants to play him, he’d do a job. I like him a lot. I think he’s only about five foot seven, but you wouldn’t know it if you just watched clips of him, he is a little bit of a machine. He’s so powerful but at the same time, has really, really good ball control.”

According to Sofascore, he averaged 1.8 tackles and won an impressive 6.1 duels per game in Serie A last season, which favours well compared to Leeds talisman Kalvin Phillips – the Whites ace averaged 2.6 tackles and won 5.3 duels per match in the Premier League last season.

His performances for Cagliari even led journalist Mina Rzouki to say: “Cagliari’s Nandez is one of the most underrated players. God he’s been so amazing, especially in Cagliari’s last 3 games. He scored the equaliser against Napoli. Man of the match in the win against Udinese. Against Roma – just wow. Unstoppable.”

If Andrea Radrizzani sanctions a record-breaking move for Nandez, then Bielsa would surely love it, especially with reports claiming that he’s insistent on bringing him to Yorkshire.

Meanwhile, Marcelo Bielsa would be furious with this unforgivable Leeds mistake…

Former Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer fears Marcelo’s wages would have a negative impact on the Whites’ dressing room.

Talk of the Real Madrid left-back joining Leeds this summer has recently emerged, with the Mirror reporting that the Yorkshire club are ready to do battle with Premier League rivals Everton for his signature.

According to one website, Marcelo is currently earning over £250,000 a week. And while you would not expect him to be paid anywhere near that at Leeds, a side who were only promoted to the top flight last year, a player of that profile is still likely to command big wages.

It is a concern for Palmer, who has warned his old side about paying one player so much money. On the Brazilian potentially moving to Elland Road this summer, the ex-Leeds star told FFC:

“I remember when we were at Leeds United and they brought in Tony Yeboah. If you bring in a player like Tony Yeboah and he’s on more money than everybody else, you get away with it because Tony Yeboah was getting us a win bonus, getting us into Europe.

“He delivered, he came and delivered and he was a great lad – then you get away with that. It’s when you’ve got a player that comes in who earns an awful lot of money and doesn’t do it, and then it kills the dressing room. You’ve got to be very, very careful.”

It is certainly something for Leeds to consider, who will have to give the 33-year-old a two-year contract, according to the same Mirror report.

Dynamic all-rounder Ian Hewett and rookie fast bowler Rob Cassell have been included in the Bushrangers squad to take on the Queensland Bulls in Friday’s Pura Cup clash at the MCG

Cricket Victoria06-Nov-2002Dynamic all-rounder Ian Hewett and rookie fast bowler Rob Cassell have been included in the Bushrangers squad to take on the Queensland Bulls in Friday’s Pura Cup clash at the MCG. Prahran leg-spinner Bryce McGain was also included, whilst Mathew Inness has been left out after sustaining a torn hamstring against Tasmania.A squad of 15 has been named as precautionary measure, due to the injury concerns of pace trio Shane Harwood, Ian Harvey and Mick Lewis. Harwood suffered back soreness following last week’s Pura Cup match against Tasmania, whilst Harvey reported lower back and hamstring soreness after the ING Cup match against the same side. Lewis strained his groin in the opening Pura Cup match against the Southern Redbacks.Hewett 26, has played three matches previously in the Pura Cup, whilst Cassell 19, will make his first-class debut if selected.Bushrangers Coach David Hookes said the selectors would cull the squad after tomorrow’s final training session. “We’ll have a light session tomorrow and talk to the boys that pulled up sore from last weekend’s matches and assess their condition accordingly. At this stage I’m confident that they will be ok, but if not I think that Ian Hewett and Rob Cassell are two promising young players that will acquit themselves very well”.BUSHRANGERS
Darren Berry (c), Jason Arnberger, Will Carr, Rob Cassell, Matthew Elliott, Ian Harvey, Shane Harwood, Ian Hewett, Brad Hodge, Nick Jewell, Mick Lewis, Bryce McGain, Jon Moss, Graeme Rummans, Cameron WhiteMATCH DETAILS
Victorian Bushrangers v Queensland Bulls
Date: Friday, November 8 – Monday November 11
Time: 11.00am – 6.00pm

Luke Hatfield from The Express and Star reckons that Tammy Abraham is “unlikely” to sign for Aston Villa this summer as Dean Smith won’t be able to guarantee him first-team football.

Abraham spent the 2018-2019 on loan at Villa and scored 25 Championship goals to help them get promoted back to the Premier League.

He had been initially signed by Steve Bruce, but following his sacking, the 23-year-old fared even better under Smith and played a huge part in Villa returning to the top-flight.

And with Abraham’s lack of game-time last season leading to a likely Chelsea exit, he’s been linked with a move back to Villa Park on a permanent deal.

However, with Ollie Watkins on the back of an impressive first campaign at Premier League level, which means he’s firmly Smith’s first-choice centre-forward, Hatfield told Football FanCast that Abraham would be better off looking elsewhere despite his connection with the club:

“Abraham would be loved by the Villa fans, but it’s one which is unlikely – he probably goes elsewhere because Villa have got Watkins and they need someone that is happy to play that role of coming off the bench more often than not, despite his affinity with Villa Park.”

The KwaZulu Natal Dolphins continue their quest to bring home the StandardBank Cup once again this year

Loshnee Pillay20-Nov-2002The KwaZulu Natal Dolphins continue their quest to bring home the StandardBank Cup once again this year. The team, backed by Protea stars, ShaunPollock and Jonty Rhodes will take on North West Dragons on Friday (22November) at Kingsmead.The team will be chosen from the following squad:Ahmed Amla, Ashraf Mall, Jonty Rhodes, Dale Benkenstein (capt), Hashim Amla, Jon Kent, Shaun Pollock, Errol Stewart (wk), Andrew Tweedie, Nixon McLean, Ross Veenstra, Yadeen Singh, Imraan Khan.Coach Eldine Baptiste said that although the team is disappointed with theirearlier defeats, “they are well aware of what is expected in terms of theirperformance.””They have been working hard to ensure a better result on Friday”.The new Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World will once again be givingout free slot play vouchers to the value of your ticket. There’s fun forthe whole family. Kiddies can entertain themselves at the Jumping castle andmeet Dolphie and Stan The Duck. They can also sign up for the officialjunior supporters club, Dolphin Club, for just R20 and receive a freesticker.In addition five lucky supporters can have the chance to win R 25 000 in theexciting Hit The Stump competition. The competition will be held during thedinner break and promises to be great fun.Gates open at 14:45 and game plays at 15:45.

Writing on Twitter, journalist Ekrem Konur has made a major six-word West Ham United claim involving winger Felipe Anderson.

The Lowdown: Anderson eyeing move away?

The Brazilian attacker has been heavily linked with a move away from the London Stadium over these last few weeks.

Indeed, regional news sources such as La Lazio Siamo Noi claim that Anderson is personally very eager for a return to former club Lazio and pushing to get it through.

This is backed by reliable transfer source Fabrizio Romano, who says West Ham and the Serie A giants are currently in talks with personal terms already agreed.

The Latest: Konur drops major Anderson claim

Writing a six-word message on Twitter, reporter Konur has now shared his own update involving Anderson and his exit from West Ham this summer.

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He explains that the winger has already left east London, stating: ‘Felipe Anderson is now Lazio’s footballer’.

Both clubs are yet to confirm or make an official announcement, but this is quite the claim to emerge as West Ham look to offload unwanted players and reduce the wage bill.

The Verdict: Good move by the Hammers?

Getting rid of Anderson’s £85,000-per-week salary is, of course, a real blessing amid the financial implications of the pandemic and the closure of stadiums over this past year.

Saving money wherever possible is imperative for the club as a whole and it is arguably time for the 28-year-old to part company.

Anderson started just one Liga NOS game over the entirety of his spell on loan at FC Porto last season (WhoScored), and given his alleged desire to return to Lazio, West Ham shouldn’t stand in his way.

In other news: Journalist drops 11-word West Ham transfer claim involving ‘phenomenal’ forward, find out more here.

England have staged a remarkable fightback on the second day of the first Test at the Gabba, dismissing Australia for 492 and ending the day in the relatively strong position of 158 for the loss of just one wicket

Claire Killeen08-Nov-2002England have staged a remarkable revival on the second day of the first Test at the Gabba, dismissing Australia for 492 and ending the day in the relatively strong position of 158 for the loss of just one wicket. After Ashley Giles took four wickets for the tourists, Marcus Trescothick and Mark Butcher both completed unbeaten half centuries.Resuming at 2/364, Australia crumbled and their middle order failed. Only Shane Warne (57) provided any stability down the order. Matthew Hayden (197) was out early, caught behind off the glove as he looked to cash in on an Andrew Caddick (3/108) short ball. The left-hander looked tired after his marathon innings yesterday – it was probably his determination rather than his strokeplay that got him as close as he did to the double century.After the departure of Hayden, Damien Martyn (26), Steve Waugh (7) and Darren Lehmann (30) did nothing to cement their places in the team. Martyn needed runs to justify his promotion to number four. Waugh, under ever-increasing pressure to justify his place, was caught at leg gully off Caddick. Lehmann is returning to Test cricket after an absence of nearly four years. All three missed a chance to boost their confidence for the remainder of the series.With Adam Gilchrist out without scoring, Warne was the only contributor from the lower order. His rapid 50 included eight boundaries, but his team-mates were pinned down by the England bowlers’ improved line and length. They all bowled better than yesterday, particularly Giles (4/101) and Craig White (2/105), who changed the tempo of the match for their captain.After Warne eventually fell to Caddick, the stitching completely unravelled. Lehmann and Andy Bichel were dismissed by consecutive balls from Giles, and although Jason Gillespie denied the left-arm spinner a hat-trick. Glenn McGrath did not trouble the scorers and added the third duck to the Australian scorecard.The England openers Trescothick (63*) and Vaughan (33) got off to a flyer. Vaughan was particularly aggressive, smashing McGrath (1/57) out of the attack, taking 23 off his first four overs. Vaughan hit the lanky pace bowler to all parts of the ground, showing no respect for the number one ranked bowler in the world.Although McGrath got his own back when Vaughan nicked a ball that nipped back off the seam through to Gilchrist, that was the only joy for Australia, as England dealt confidently with Warne (0/46) and Bichel (0/40). Gillespie, apparently injured, bowled just three overs.Trescothick was dropped twice, by Martyn at slip and Hayden at point. It may cost Australia dearly, as both he and Butcher have gone on to post half centuries. The dropping of Mark Waugh has resulted in players shifting from their regular positions. Martyn has moved to second slip, with Ponting moving into third and Steve Waugh moving into the cover region.England’s recovery has set up what could be an enthralling third day, with Australia needing to regroup and focus on playing positive cricket, much as the tourists did today.

Aston Villa have made a €45m (£38.6m) offer to Chelsea for striker Tammy Abraham, according to journalist Ekrem Konur.

The Lowdown: Links building; Evans insists he isn’t on radar

The links over a return to Villa Park for the 23-year-old have been building. Reports in April suggested that the Blues were prepared to offload the striker this summer, with Villa one of three clubs interested in him.

The Mirror then suggested last weekend that Villa were preparing a big-money offer for the England international and were willing to spend up to £40m.

The Athletic’s Gregg Evans insisted in recent days that Abraham isn’t on the club’s radar at this moment in time, but other reporters believe that a move is developing.

The Latest: Konur’s post

Konur posted on Twitter on Saturday morning, suggesting that Abraham, who earns £82,000-a-week at Stamford Bridge, is ‘pleased’ with Villa’s interest.

The journalist added that a €45m offer has been made, which converts to £38.6m, whereas West Ham are also monitoring the situation. He tweeted:

“Tammy Abraham is pleased with Aston Villa’s interest. Chelsea expect talks between Aston Villa to turn positive. Aston Villa have made a €45m offer to Chelsea. West Ham are also keeping a close eye on Tammy Abraham.”

The Verdict: Wesley to make way?

If Konur’s claim is accurate and a £38.6m deal for Abraham materialises, Villa would end up breaking their club transfer record for a second time this summer.

Villa spent £34.56m on Emiliano Buendia last month, and if the Chelsea striker arrives, you’d think that Wesley Moraes could be on his way out of the Midlands. Reports back in March claimed that Villa would be open to offers for the Brazilian this summer after an injury-hit 18 months.

Villa paid £22.5m for Wesley back in 2019 and he’s now worth just £11.7m. It could be wise to cash in and then put the money towards Abraham, who already has 26 Premier League goals to his name.

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘Here we go’ – Many Aston Villa fans erupt as ‘tasty’ news emerges, find out more here.