Halai stars as Blues down Hurricanes

Rene Ranger ... scores a five-pointer in the Blues' first-up assignment. Source: Wayne Drought / AP

Sir John Kirwan's reign in charge of the Blues got off to a perfect start on Saturday as debutant Frank Halai scored a match-winning try minutes after being controversially sin-binned to down the Hurricanes 34-20 in their Super Rugby clash in Wellington.

The Blues put memories of a nightmare 2012 season behind them to overcome being reduced to 14 men midway through the second half and hand coach Kirwan a win on debut.

1 Tries 4
Julian Savea 26'	Frank Halai 21'
	Charles Piutau 49'
	Rene Ranger 71'
	Frank Halai 76'
1 Penalty Tries 0
Penalty Try 56'
2 Conversions 1
Beauden Barrett 27'	Piri Weepu 77'
Beauden Barrett 56'
2 Penalties 4
Beauden Barrett 9'	Piri Weepu 5'
Beauden Barrett 19'	Piri Weepu 40'
	Piri Weepu 61'
	Piri Weepu 80'

Their victory was built on strong defence, determination and a killer instinct to cross for four tries, two of them to former NZ sevens star Halai.

Australia Conference		W	L	D	PD	BP	Pts
1	Brumbies	2	0	0	35	1	9
2	Melbourne Rebels	1	1	0	-10	0	4
3	Waratahs	0	0	0	0	0	4
4	Western Force	0	1	0	-7	1	1
5	Reds	0	1	0	-18	0	0
New Zealand Conference		W	L	D	PD	BP	Pts
1	Blues	1	0	0	14	1	5
2	Chiefs	1	0	0	14	1	5
3	Crusaders	0	0	0	0	0	4
4	Highlanders	0	1	0	-14	0	0
5	Hurricanes	0	1	0	-14	0	0
South Africa Conference		W	L	D	PD	BP	Pts
1	Bulls	1	0	0	8	0	4
2	Cheetahs	0	0	0	0	0	0
3	Sharks	0	0	0	0	0	0
4	Southern Kings	0	0	0	0	0	0
5	Stormers	0	1	0	-8	0	0

When he was deemed to have deliberately batted the ball over the dead-ball line to deny Julian Savea a try 15 minutes into the second stanza, the Hurricanes were awarded a penalty try which gave them a 20-16 lead.

Halai was yellow carded but, perhaps feeling hard done by, the Blues were sparked into life with Francis Saili to the fore as they denied the Hurricanes the opportunity to take advantage of their numerical edge and scored a penalty of their own to narrow the gap to a point.

Blues centre Rene Ranger, playing his 50th Super Rugby match, powered past three would-be tacklers to score out wide to hit the front again inside the last 10 minutes.

When Halai, who had scored the first try of the match, crossed with five minutes left the match was theirs.

A penalty to Piri Weepu, who brought up his century of Super Rugby matches, put the icing on the cake for the team who were last in the New Zealand conference in 2012.

There was no inkling of the drama of the second half after an error-strewn opening quarter had the Hurricanes leading 6-3 through two Beauden Barrett penalties after Weepu had given the Blues an early lead.

---

Re-live the action with our Super Rugby Match Centre.

---

The game burst into life on the 20-minute mark when Blues winger George Moala came inside to bulldoze over Conrad Smith to free space for Halai to score in the corner.

Hurricanes skipper Smith, who later left the field with concussion, went close before the home side's dominance of possession and territory was rewarded when All Black winger Savea crossed for his 10th Super Rugby try.

Weepu kicked a 47m penalty on halftime to see the Blues close the gap to 13-11, and the visitors struck back early after the resumption through impressive fullback Charles Piutau.

Their strong-running midfield backs and the dynamic loose forward Steven Luatua ensured that, and despite losing Halai there was enough in the tank to complete a stirring comeback with two late tries.

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Bogut injures back again

Injury ... Andrew Bogut is out indefinitely say the Warriors. Source: Paul Connors / AP

Australian centre Andrew Bogut's injury-marred NBA season continued on Friday when the Boomers big man was ruled out indefinitely because of back spasms.

Golden State's Bogut was set to take on compatriot Patty Mills when his Warriors hosted the San Antonio Spurs in Oakland.

But Bogut, who has missed 43 of 55 games this season - most due to microfracture surgery on his left ankle - was a late withdrawal.

Golden State coach Mark Jackson said Bogut had an MRI earlier on Friday, but the team failed to release the results of the scan.

Back trouble is nothing new to the No.1 draft pick, who is averaging 7.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 22.5 minutes over his 12 games this season.

Bogut also missed more than half of the 2008-09 NBA season with a stress fracture in his lower back, one game with a mild back strain the following season and five games with a sore back during the 2010-11 season with Milwaukee.

He had been slowly finding his form since returning form the ankle injury on January 28.

Mills had only 10 minutes on the court during Friday's match, which the Warriors won 107-101 in overtime.

Point guard Mills failed to score, with Golden State counterparts Jarrett Jack (30 points and 10 assists) and Stephen Curry (19 points and six assists) starring.

The Warriors hadn't won against San Antonio since another overtime game at home, in January 2008.

Australian Aron Baynes, also on the Spurs' books, was not used in the match.

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Wanderers into seventh heaven

Wander-land ... Joe Gibbs and Michael Thwaite tussle for the ball. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

Aaron Mooy's first A-League goal secured Western Sydney Wanderers' seventh straight win as they ground out a 1-0 home win over struggling Perth Glory to ensure their qualification for the finals in their debut season.

The Wanderers on Saturday became the first team since Melbourne Victory in 2006 to win seven on the trot but were made to work hard by a doughty Glory outfit at Parramatta Stadium.

Ultimately the Wanderers needed a little touch of fortune for the deciding goal with Mooy's 58th-minute shot deflecting off Glory defender Michael Thwaite and past goalkeeper Danny Vukovic.

It was no more than the Wanderers deserved as they created the majority of chances and were the more offensively-minded side.

However, they struggled to find the final pass or shot and weren't as slick as in some of their recent wins.

Perth fought hard in their second match under caretaker coach Alistair Edwards and for a long period looked as if they might add another point to the three they secured in Edwards' first match in charge against pacesetter Central Coast last week.

---

Relive the Wanderers momentous win over Perth Glory in our A-League Match Centre, featuring video highlights.

---

Glory had a brief purple patch just after the 80th minute with substitute Ryo Nagai firing in two shots and Liam Miller one, all in the space of three minutes.

The Wanderers did most of the attacking in the first half.

Mark Bridge had a 44th-minute attempt from the edge of the area pushed away by Vukovic who was in position to more comfortably snuff out shots from Joe Gibbs and Shinji Ono.

Perth's only on-target first-half effort was a 36th-minute Thwaite header from a corner which went straight into the hands of Wanderers goalkeeper Ante Covic, who had little to do in his 100th A-League appearance.

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Chiefs earn bonus point in opener

Aaron Cruden ... orchestrates a thrilling first-up win for the Chiefs. Source: AAP

The Chiefs began their defence of the Super Rugby title on Friday with a 41-27 bonus point win over the Highlanders in a thrilling clash in Dunedin.

Lightweight outside centre Tim Nanai-Williams used his blistering pace to score the first and last of the Chiefs' four tries.

3 Tries 4
Ben Smith 12'	Tim Nanai-Williams 15'
Hosea Gear 38'	Patrick Osborne 46'
Kade Poki 48'	Aseli Tikoirotuma 61'
	Tim Nanai-Williams 66'
3 Conversions 3
Lima Sopoaga 13'	Gareth Anscombe 17'
Lima Sopoaga 40'	Gareth Anscombe 62'
Lima Sopoaga 50'	Gareth Anscombe 67'
2 Penalties 5
Lima Sopoaga 44'	Gareth Anscombe 5'
Lima Sopoaga 57'	Gareth Anscombe 22'
	Gareth Anscombe 25'
	Gareth Anscombe 70'
	Gareth Anscombe 74'

The teams exchanged tries - seven in total - as play swept from one end to the other of Dunedin's enclosed stadium.

Australia Conference		W	L	D	PD	BP	Pts
1	Brumbies	1	0	0	18	0	4
2	Melbourne Rebels	1	0	0	7	0	4
3	Waratahs	0	0	0	0	0	4
4	Western Force	0	1	0	-7	1	1
5	Reds	0	1	0	-18	0	0
New Zealand Conference		W	L	D	PD	BP	Pts
1	Chiefs	1	0	0	14	1	5
2	Crusaders	0	0	0	0	0	4
3	Blues	0	0	0	0	0	0
4	Hurricanes	0	0	0	0	0	0
5	Highlanders	0	1	0	-14	0	0
South Africa Conference		W	L	D	PD	BP	Pts
1	Bulls	0	0	0	0	0	0
2	Cheetahs	0	0	0	0	0	0
3	Sharks	0	0	0	0	0	0
4	Southern Kings	0	0	0	0	0	0
5	Stormers	0	0	0	0	0	0

At its most frenetic, two tries and 15 points were scored as the lead changed hands three times in three minutes immediately after halftime.

More to follow...

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Kangaroos start with win over Demons

Battle ... Kangaroos defender Ben Cunnington looks to offload in the NAB Cup. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

The AFL's first Sudanese-born player Majak Daw showed glimpses of his exciting athletic potential in a North Melbourne pre-season win over Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.

1.2.2 (23)	Q1	0.2.2 (14)
1.4.5 (38)	Q2	0.5.6 (36)
	Q3
	Q4

Lachlan Hansen 1	Jeremy Howe 2
Ben Jacobs 1	Jesse Hogan 1
Drew Petrie 1	Dean Kent 1
Robbie Tarrant 1	Jack Watts 1
Lindsay Thomas 1

The Kangaroos beat a Demons side stacked with new faces 1.4.5 (38) to 0.5.6 (36) in the first match of Friday night's triple-header, also involving Richmond.

While Daw, elevated to North's main list at the end of last season after three years as a rookie, didn't do a lot, what he did do stood out.

The powerful 195cm forward-ruckman took a strong pack mark in defence midway through the first half.

Soon after he produced a nice ruck tap from a boundary throw-in to set up a nine-point super goal for ex-Port Adelaide recruit Ben Jacobs.

It was a bright start in Kangaroos colours for Jacobs, who had set up North's first goal with a kick into attack which allowed Lindsay Thomas to take a high-leaping mark over Demons recruit David Rodan.

Another Melbourne recruit, Shannon Byrnes, was involved in letting in the opposition for a goal later in the half, being run down by Kangaroos veteran Brent Harvey, with the turnover setting up Lachie Hansen to mark and goal.

---

Who will you pick in your FOX FOOTY Supercoach team? Join Australia's biggest fantasy sports game and have a shot at $50,000.

---

There were a few good signs for the Demons.

Big-leaping Jeremy Howe kicked two second-half goals from marks, to tighten the contest after the Kangaroos threatened to run away with it.

The Demons would have been thrilled to see hulking 18-year-old Jesse Hogan use his body cleverly to mark late in the first half, then thread through a goal from the pocket.

The only problem is they'll have to wait more than a year to watch him do something similar in a game for premiership points, as the under-aged recruit is only allowed to participate in the pre-season this year.

Nathan Jones continued his best-and-fairest form from last season, while midfield father-son recruit Jack Viney had some good moments, but ex-Collingwood key forward Chris Dawes had a quiet start in Demons colours.

Captain Andrew Swallow was North's best player.

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Live: swimmers bare all

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

In the gun ... Eamon Sullivan, James Roberts, James Magnussen and Matt Targett. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

Members of Australia's 4x100m freestyle relay team have admitted abusing prescription drugs in the lead-up to last year's London Olympics.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Fronting a media conference in Sydney on Friday, the swimmers admitted using the sedative Stilnox as part of a "bonding session".

They now face sanctions from the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) which could include bans and fines.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The AOC banned athletes from using Stilnox and other prescription sedatives about three weeks before the start of the London Games.

Five of the six freestyle relay squad members - James Magnussen, Tommaso D'Orsogna, Cameron McEvoy, Eamon Sullivan and Matthew Targett - admitted to all taking one Stilnox tablet during their bonding session at the pre-Games camp in Manchester.

Fellow swimmer James Roberts was with his teammates during the "bonding session" but did not take Stilnox.

Australian Swimmers' Association general manager Daniel Kowalski read out a statement on the relay swimmers' behalf at Friday's media conference.

"We all acknowledge that at the time Stilnox was consumed, it had been recently prohibited by the AOC," Kowalksi read.

"We own up to it ... and are deeply sorry for it."

Favoured to win the gold medal in London, a team of Magnussen, Targett, Sullivan and Roberts swam the final and finished fourth.

The swimmers believed the bonding session was "harmless fun".

All six will now also face a Swimming Australia integrity panel.

World 100m champion Magnussen and Sullivan insisted taking Stilnox had no effect "at all" on their swim performances in London.

Magnussen said the prescription drug was taken "to bond with these guys".

"In hindsight it was a ridiculous choice and ridiculous method ... but I don't feel it affected my performance," Magnussen said.

The revelations came a day after Swimming Australia created its integrity panel in the wake of two damning reviews released publicly on Tuesday.

One review, into culture and leadership, found a "toxic" culture cruelled Australia's swim team at last year's London Olympics.

Australian swimmers won just one gold, six silver and three bronze medals at the London Games, the lowest tally in the pool in two decades.

The nation also failed to produce an individual gold medallist for the first time since the 1976 Montreal Olympics.

The review cited incidents of "getting drunk, misuse of prescription drugs, breaching curfews, deceit, bullying" which were not addressed by team hierarchy.

A separate review, into swimming's governance and high performance program, identified shortcomings including a lack of clear national vision and poor accountability, transparency and communication.

It also found Swimming Australia's board was unable to deal with issues and made 35 recommendations to improve governance and the high performance program.

Replay our live coverage of the press conference below.

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Clarke demands big hundreds

Ton up ... Michael Clarke has led by example the past year. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

Australia captain Michael Clarke has put his batsmen on notice that a nice 50 isn't going to cut it on this tour of India.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The skipper says if the tourists are going to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in the four-Test series starting on Friday in Chennai they'll have to cash in whenever one of their specialist batsmen gets a start.

While the game's leading runscorer Sachin Tendulkar hasn't scored a Test hundred in the past two years, Clarke is expecting the little master to fire against Australia and the skipper is demanding the tourists show the same level of application.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"Like all players it's always tough at the start of your innings,'' Clarke told reporters on Thursday.

"What I know about players like Sachin is once they get in, especially in conditions they're so accustomed to, it's really difficult to get them out.

"So the key is if you get any sort of momentum in the subcontinent you have to run with it for as long as you possibly can.

"One of the things I spoke to the boys the other day about is that it's more crucial here if you get a start to go on and make a big score.

"So if you make a 50, a 60, a 70, and get out, you're more accountable there than the guy who made zero because it is a really difficult place to start, especially against spin or walking in against the reverse-swinging ball.

"So the guys who get a start, it's up to them to take the team forward and keep running with that momentum.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"The same if we get a wicket. We know it's hard for the new batter to start, so we need to be on our game as soon as that new batter comes in and run with the momentum for as long as possible.''

Clarke has led by example with over 1000 runs with three hundreds including two double tons and four half-centuries in the past 12 months in nine Tests.

His vice-captain Shane Watson, who will remain at No.4 despite preferring a return to his favourite spot at the top of the order, is one player who immediately springs to mind in terms of converting starts into big scores.

Watson has a record of 19 half-centuries and two hundreds in 38 Tests and could be the difference between the two sides if he can turn his starts into big scores.

The ex-Queenslander, who now plays for NSW, says he has been inspired by Hayden's 549-run performance on the three-Test tour of India in 2001.

"That really was the catalyst for him as a Test cricketer. So everyone draws inspiration from what Matty Hayden did,'' Watson said.

While Watson wants to open but is happy to bat at No.4 if that's what the team needs, Clarke has admitted he would also potentially benefit from a change in batting position but is staying at No.5 for team balance.

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Smith axing tough for Robinson

Trent Robinson ... faced a bittersweet moment when taking on Roosters role. Source: Sam Ruttyn / News Limited

Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson admits it was a bittersweet moment being offered the opportunity to coach the NRL club after the axing of close friend and mentor Brian Smith.

Smith was shown the door at the end of last season after missing out on the finals for a second successive year.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Robinson, who at 35 is the youngest coach in the NRL, worked under Smith at Parramatta and again at Newcastle then followed him to the Roosters in 2010 as assistant coach.

So when he got the call from Roosters supremo Nick Politis to replace his former boss, Robinson made sure he spoke to Smith before accepting.

"It was difficult seeing someone you've worked with for so long hurting,'' Robinson.

"You don't like seeing anyone losing their job. So when I got the opportunity here it was difficult.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"But I know Brian well enough and he knows opportunities in rugby league don't come up very often and this was a great opportunity for me.

"I thought it important to let him know they were considering me for the job and I was close to getting it.

"He's been in rugby league a long time and he knows how it works and wished me well.''

---

Who will make your NRL SuperCoach team? Register now for your shot at $30,000 plus weekly prizes!

---

Despite admitting taking over of a Roosters side packed with talented names such as Sonny Bill Williams, Michael Jennings and Mitchell Pearce is his dream job, Robinson says he was in no rush to leave France.

A fluent French speaker and living at the foot of the Pyranees, Robinson was very settled in Europe with his French partner of nine years, who will give birth to their second child next month.

After guiding the Catalans to sixth spot in his first season he was named Super League coach of the year, and in his second he secured a top-four finish.

It was enough to make Politis pick up the phone and entice him home to Sydney.

"I was never really interested in coaching an English team in the Super League,'' he said.

"I am very passionate about rugby league in France and its development. I'd played over there for Toulouse and I loved living out there.

"But coaching in the NRL is always what I aspired to. Having worked here before and knowing the club, most of the players, the board, the office staff, it was an easy decision in the end.''

Having worked under Politis before, Robinson is aware patience is not something in great supply at Bondi Junction.

Robinson will be the club's fourth coach since 2007, as Politis desperately tries to find the coach to deliver him a first premiership since 2002.

And the new man knows the luxury of a star-studded roster increases the pressure on his shoulders.

"It's a good position to be in,'' he said.

"There will be pressure on me and the players. But this is a club where there's always been high expectations.

"Nick loves his club with a passion and he wants to win. We speak regularly and ultimately he'll want to see results.

"Every coach knows that's what you'll be judged on. It's no different here to any other club in the NRL.''

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cassio's 150 reasons to celebrate

Defender ... Cassio celebrates a special milestone against Wellington. Source: Liam Driver / News Limited

Adelaide United's most loved player Cassio will celebrate his 150th Reds match on Sunday.

The Brazilian is Adelaide's current longest-serving player after joining the Reds in 2007.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

His milestone will be played out in New Zealand, which was the scene of the worst moment in his Reds career.

Although Adelaide faces Wellington Phoenix in Wellington for the first time since Cassio was forced out of the game with a foot injury in 2011, the Brazilian-born new Australian remembers the Auckland incident well.

That injury forced Cassio to seek medical help in Brazil where he made a return to Adelaide after just 40 days, without surgery.

The original prognosis in Adelaide was surgery and possibly a year out of the game.

But he said Adelaide had given him some of the most unbelievable experiences in his career.

"The best moment as a player with the club is the (AFC) Champions League campaign in 2008," he said.

"We went through the whole system and we got to the grand final. We did very good and we should be proud of that."

Cassio, skipper Eugene Galekovic, Fabian Barbiero, Osama Malik and former skipper and current coach Mike Valkanis are the only survivors from 2008.

Bruce Djite played in the group stages before heading to Turkey and returning to the Reds in 2011.

Djite had another setback this week when he rolled his ankle at training.

Djite was coming back from a groin injury and missed this morning's session at Santos Stadium.

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Victorian bats dominate Bulls

Century ... Cameron White hits an impressive ton against Queensland. Source: Michael Dodge / News Limited

Victoria has the inkling of a chance to move a game clear at the top of the Sheffield Shield table after a dominant batting performance against Queensland at the MCG on Wednesday.

The Bushrangers secured first-innings points on the third day, piling up 9-536 declared in reply to Queensland's 322, behind centuries from captain Cameron White, Michael Hill and Chris Rogers.

SHEF - Melbourne Cricket Ground

18 February 2013 - Day 3, Session 3

Queensland 2nd Innings

G. Moller	19	48	3	0	39.58
L. Pomersbach	28	43	5	0	65.12

Queensland will resume their second innings on Thursday at 0-60, still 154 runs behind.

White's Victorians, who came into this match equal with Queensland, will be six points clear at the top with two matches remaining if they can grab an outright win on a wearing strip.

Even if the match is drawn the Bushrangers will grab top position.

Left-hander Hill's patient 144 was his first-ever Shield century for his state and just his second ton in first class cricket, eked out over 414 minutes and 323 balls.

He added 186 for the fourth wicket with White, who was explosive at times, returning to some of his best form in scoring the identical total, 144 in 321 minutes with 16 fours and three big sixes.

It was White's first Shield century since the 2008-09 final, and his first ton at first class level since November, 2010.

The runs came at the expense of a Queensland bowling attack weakened by Ben Cutting and Alister McDermott's selection in an Australia 'A' team, and the knee injury to fast bowler Matthew Gale, who was not able to bowl on Wednesday.

In their absence, off-spinner Nathan Hauritz toiled through 54.3 overs to take 5-135.

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Anasta: Chooks captaincy a burden

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Braith Anasta ... is relishing life after the Roosters. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

Braith Anasta is in love with rugby league again, free from the burden of one of the toughest gigs in the NRL in recent years - Sydney Roosters skipper.

The Wests Tigers recruit will go up against his former club for the first time in Saturday night's Foundation Cup clash, fresh from scoring a double on debut for his new club against Parramatta.

But while he still admits to having a soft spot for the Roosters, Anasta admitted to some relief at having left the club.

Anasta was not just Roosters skipper - he was the face of a club which endured more than its fair share of off-field drama during his reign.

In the end, he'd had enough.

"There was that many things going on there,'' Anasta said.

"I love the place and I loved the captaincy - I don't know if it's as intense everywhere else as captain but it certainly was there.

"I was very passionate about the job and the players and the club - I've still got a soft spot for the them.

---

Will Braith Anasta be in your NRL SuperCoach team?

---

"But I've definitely noticed a bit more freedom now that I don't have that and I think it's helped with my footy.''

Not only did it affect Anasta's enjoyment, but it also fast-tracked his departure from the club.

''... it was one of those situations at the time where I wasn't really enjoying my football and there was a million reasons for that,'' Anasta said.

"They probably weren't rushing to re-sign me either because it was obvious I wasn't enjoying myself because I wasn't playing that good - it was a bit of a mutual thing (to leave) I think.''

Now at the Tigers, Anasta is no longer one of the big guns, a tag which belongs to Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah.

He has also been relieved of playmaking duties with a shift to the back-row, Anasta reviving the left-edge role he thrived in during the Roosters' run to the 2010 grand final.

Anasta said he'd had a chat to a few of his former teammates about the upcoming clash, and said he was relishing a chance to get the match-up out of the way.

"It's a bit weird, it's still just a trial game - it's probably a good time to play them because it's early on,'' Anasta said.

"People can move on and get over it. I can move on and get over it and get it out of the system.''

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sayers injured but SA on top

Rib ... Chadd Sayers will be a massive loss for South Australia. Source: Michael Marschall / News Limited

South Australian paceman Chadd Sayers has torn through two things: New South Wales' batsmen and a rib muscle.

Sayers will have scans on a potentially season-ending injury after putting the Redbacks on course for a Sheffield Shield win against the Blues.

SHEF - Adelaide Oval

19 February 2013 - Day 2, Session 3

New South Wales 2nd Innings

S. O'Keefe	3	19	0	0	15.79
A. Zampa	6	13	0	0	46.15

NSW were 7-141 in their second innings at stumps on Wednesday's second day, a lead of just 58 runs.
But SA, poised to climb into Shield final calculations, were rattled by the loss of Sayers and fellow quick bowler Kane Richardson.

Richardson's season appears over after scans on Wednesday revealed a stress reaction in his back, suffered while playing for Australia A against the British Lions two days ago.

Sayers, the Shield's leading wicket-taker with 38 victims at a stunning average of 18.02, nabbed three more scalps on Wednesday to follow his five-wicket haul in NSW's first innings.

But after dismissing dangerman Brad Haddin, Sayers doubled over in pain and clutched his left ribcage. He delivered one more ball, then left the field.

"We are certainly not writing Chadd off at this point in time ... he feels as though he has got off (the ground) before
he has done anything major,'' SA coach Darren Berry said.

But Richardson's scenario was grim, with a recent change in his bowling action likely causing his back injury.

Richardson altered his action after being banned from bowling for running on the pitch during his Australian limited overs debut in late January.

"We knew the dangers of it but we had to change his action,'' Berry said.

"Whether that (injury) is the direct correlation - probably. But we don't absolutely know.

"It's not a stress fracture, it's not as dire as we thought, but he has got a hot spot.''

The injuries took the gloss of a polished performance against the Blues on what Berry described as "the best day's cricket that I have coached South Australia''.

The Redbacks were 5-51 on Tuesday in reply to NSW's first innings of 157 and resumed on Wednesday at 5-101.

They recovered to made 240 and then almost bowled the Blues out again.

"We were 5-51 - you have seen us roll over many times from there,'' said Berry, named SA's coach in March 2011.

"We fought, with people with character.''

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Bulls hit back against Bushrangers

Leader ... Captain Cameron White is still in for Victoria. Source: Michael Dodge / News Limited

A depleted Queensland fought back with two late wickets on day two of the Sheffield Shield cricket match against Victoria at the MCG.

SHEF - Melbourne Cricket Ground

18 February 2013 - Day 2, Session 3

Victoria 1st Innings

M. Hill	64	175	4	0	36.57
C. White	18	20	4	0	90

A great diving catch from Cameron Gannon dismissed Chris Rogers for 101 and David Hussey was caught behind for four, continuing his poor run of form.

The Bushrangers were 3-212 at stumps in reply to Queensland's first innings 322, with Michael Hill on 63 and captain Cameron White 22 not out.

Rogers' century prompted the 35-year-old to call for a Test recall. He made four and 15 when he opened for Australia against India at the WACA, then his home ground, in early 2008.

"I think I've probably shown that I'm one of the best batsmen in the (Shield) competition,'' said Rogers, who has played for Victoria since the 2008-09 season.

"If we're picking the best Australian side, we should pick the best side and not guys who are going to be good players in three-four years' time.

"I still think I'm as good a player as I've ever been and I'm not giving up hope - and what more can I do?

"That's 13 (Shield tons) for Victoria, still one in every four games and I don't think there are many people who can say they do that.''

Tuesday's play was called off with 12 overs left because of bad light, despite the ground lights having been on during the day.

A rain delay kept the players off the field for more than an hour earlier on day two.

Queensland opening bowler Matthew Gale will miss the rest of the match after hurting his knee in a fielding incident.

Gale tried to slide for a ball in the outfield, but he landed heavily and his left knee took a big divot out of the ground.

James Hopes and Luke Pomersbach helped him from the field and the Bulls fear he had suffered medial ligament damage.

Nathan Reardon also had to leave the field, meaning assistant coach Justin Sternes had a spell as a substitute fielder and even head coach Darren Lehmann was ready in his whites if needed.

Nathan Hauritz trapped opener Rob Quiney lbw for 19, while Hopes picked up the vital wicket of Rogers and Ronan McDonald continued Hussey's run of outs.

Rogers' 58th first-class century means he has 597 runs for the Shield season at an average of 54.27.

He is also the first player this summer to score three tons in the competition.

The left-hander now has 8956 career Shield runs, putting him 16th on the all-time list and ahead of Sir Donald Bradman.

Play will start a half hour earlier on day three.

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Nugent: no idea of toxic culture

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Leigh Nugent ... denies having knowledge of a "toxic" culture in London. Source: Kym Smith / News Limited

Leigh Nugent says he'll fight to keep his job as Australian swimming's head coach despite damning reviews uncovering drug abuse in a "toxic'' culture in the sport.

Reviews found Australia's swim campaign at last year's London Olympics unravelled amid a lack of leadership, collapsed morale and animosity between swimmers.

But Nugent, who oversaw Australian swimming's lowest medal haul at an Olympics in two decades, said he had no idea of the cultural failings.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"A lot of these things have come out in reflection,'' Nugent told reporters in Canberra.

Two separate reviews were released publicly on Tuesday, both condemning swimming's culture and management.

One review cited a "toxic'' culture in Australia's swim team at last year's Olympics, saying incidents of "getting drunk, misuse of prescription drugs, breaching curfews, deceit, bullying'' were not addressed by team hierarchy.

Claims some swimmers devised an initiation ritual involving the use of sleeping drug Stilnox were being further investigated, with the Australian Olympic Committee warning of likely sanctions for using the banned prescription drug.

Australia's swimmers won just one gold medal, six silver and three bronze at last year's London Games, the lowest tally in the pool since 1992 in Barcelona.

Read "The Bluestone Review" in full.

Australia also went without an individual gold medal for the first time since the 1976 Montreal Olympics.

The London team was undermined by a lack of moral authority and discipline which manifested in a "schoolyard clamour for attention and influence'', said the Bluestone Review into culture and leadership.

"Situations were left to bleed,'' the report said.

The festering and lack of leadership caused swimmers to feel alone and without support.

"Swimmers described these Games as the lonely Olympics and the individual Olympics ... swimmers felt undefended, alone, alienated,'' the report said.

The review said some older athletes saw the storm brewing, with stalwart Libby Trickett admitting she was among them.

Trickett said she heard rumours of swimmers abusing prescription drugs and others being bullied.

"Definitely there were some things that were toxic,'' Trickett said.

"It wasn't one thing or a particular person that was toxic. It was an unfortunate series of events that led to that outcome.''

Trickett backed Nugent to continue as head coach, despite the review finding a disconnect between swimmers and the coach, and also veiled criticism from Australian Sports Commission (ASC) chief Simon Hollingsworth.

"It is fair to say that the head coach should have oversight over the broad happenings of the team,'' Hollingsworth said.

The ASC and Swimming Australia commissioned the other report, the Independent Swimming Review, which identified serious management shortcomings.

The review highlighted a lack of clear national vision, poor accountability, transparency and communication, and questionable use of funds.

It also found Swimming Australia's board was unable to deal with issues and did not critically evaluate performance, and made 35 recommendations to improve governance and the high performance program.

Swimming Australia president Barclay Nettlefold said an integrity panel had been created to examine recommendations from both reviews.

"Before we look at winning gold medals, we want to win back the admiration of the nation,'' he said.

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Demons fined $500k but won't fight AFL

Suspended ... Dean Bailey (L) and Chris Connolly have both been punished Source: Colleen Petch / News Limited

Melbourne Demons have been spared of draft penalties and technically cleared of tanking while the AFL have avoided a costly and drawn-out legal fight.

But the Demons were on Tuesday fined $500,000, the third-largest fine in AFL history.

Then-football manager Chris Connolly and then-coach Dean Bailey were both suspended as a seven-month investigation of the club's actions late in the 2009 season was finally resolved.

While no one at the club was found to have deliberately lost matches for draft picks, Connolly and Bailey were both found to have acted in a manner ''prejudicial to the interests of the AFL''.

Connolly, now in a marketing job with the Demons, was banned from serving any role at any AFL club until February next year.

Bailey, now an assistant coach with Adelaide, has been suspended for the first 16 rounds of the coming season.

That adds another blow to a horror off-season for Adelaide.

The Crows were already without chief executive Steven Trigg, suspended until July, and football manager Phil Harper, suspended until March over the Kurt Tippett saga, which also cost them draft picks and a $300,000 fine.

Connolly and Bailey will both remain employed by their clubs.

The Crows will continue paying Bailey during his suspension and the Demons will consider doing the same for Connolly.

The finding against the Demons centred on a comment Connolly made in a 2009 football department meeting regarding the team's performance and the desire to secure a priority pick.

While there have been suggestions the comment was light-hearted, AFL acting general manager of football operations Gillon McLachlan said Connolly now accepted that it was stupid of him to say it and that people in the room took him seriously.

That included Bailey.

''He (Bailey) felt pressured after that meeting and made decisions to appease ultimately Chris and made decisions around resting players and around positional selections of players,'' McLachlan said.

But McLachlan said there was no evidence that Bailey didn't coach to win on game days, that players didn't give their all or that club officials had issued any directive to lose games, so the Demons were not charged with tanking.

Demons president Don McLardy said while the club were unhappy with aspects of the process and outcome, they wouldn't fight it.

''A legal avenue is the last resort, not the first resort,'' he said.

''We sought to discuss openly with the AFL the situation and we feel that this is a resolution that we can accept.''

He said the fact the Demons could play their first pre-season match on Friday night with the issue resolved was a big consideration.

''We need clear air,'' McLardy said.

But while McLachlan said the AFL had drawn a ''line in the sand'' by creating a beefed-up integrity department, McLardy said clubs were none the wiser as to what separated experimentation from tanking.

''Nobody has got clear-cut ideas about tanking and what it means,'' McLardy said.

''But I still respect the AFL's right to protect the integrity of the game.''

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Burns ton leads Aus A to victory

Joe Burns ... put the England Lions to the sword in the second tour clash. Source: News Limited

The Australia A side have declared drubbing "the Poms" 5-0 is top of their agenda in the one-day series which has begun in Hobart.

The second-string Aussies have taken a 2-0 series lead with a 122-run thrashing of the England Lions at Bellerive, while the visitors are yet to win in five games on tour.

With two Ashes series and major one-day tournaments to be played between the nations later this year, century-maker Joe Burns says the urge for a clean sweep is "massive".

"It's always nice to beat the Poms, whether it be at A-level or in the top team," he told reporters after cracking 114 from 136 balls in Australia A's 7-315.

"We've spoken about that as well and we really want to go 5-0 in this series.

"At the start of the series, we don't talk about winning 3-2 or 4-1, we speak about winning 5-0 and that's the approach we have to have and just be clinical."

The toothless Lions were all out for 193, losing their last six wickets for just 23, as the temperature hovered around 35C in Hobart.

Lions allrounder Rikki Clarke, who has played two Tests and 20 one-day internationals for England, said experience in Australian conditions was more important than the scoreboard for the young squad.

"I don't feel personally that's the be-all and end-all," he said.

"There's a bigger picture and a bigger plan rather than maybe losing the games so far we've lost here."

Burns, with his maiden one-day ton, and Callum Ferguson (74 from 78) ensured the Lions would face a huge run chase with a 128-run third-wicket stand.

The 23-year-old Queenslander hit 13 fours and two sixes to better his previous best one-day score of 82.

"After the Big Bash, it's nice to come back into forms of the game where you have a few more balls to set up your innings," Burns said.

"It's something I was really focused on, going on and getting hundreds."

Touring captain James Taylor (78 from 87) offered some resistance but John Hastings (2-26) and part-time tweaker Aaron Finch (2-44) put the visitors on the back foot.

"The next three games, we're going to go back, look at the drawing board and come back and hopefully be an improved side and get a win," said Clarke, who stood tall with 4-54 with the ball.

Game three is at Bellerive on Friday before the series moves to the SCG.

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Five unforgettable MJ moments

Michael Jordan ... a sporting legend - and perhaps an unhappy father at the moment. Source: AP

As the greatest basketball player of all time celebrates his 50th birthday, here are five unforgettable moments from Michael Jordan's illustrious career.

5. "His Airness" (Slam Dunk Contest, 1988) 

Back in a time when star athletes cared about the NBA's All Star festivities, Jordan and Dominique Wilkins put on an unprecedented show for the ages. The two athletes went toe to toe before Jordan sealed matters with his iconic dunk from the free throw line that became a poster plastered on the bedroom walls of boys around the world throughout the 1990s.

4. "The Flu Game" (Bulls vs Jazz, NBA Finals, Game 5 – June 11, 1997) The mark of a truly great athlete is their ability to perform whatever the circumstances. On the eve of Game 5, Jordan was told there was "no way" he would be able to play the following night after being diagnosed with a stomach virus or food poisoning. Nevertheless, the champ arose from his sick bed just moments before the tip, leading his team back from a 16-point road deficit to claim the all-important fifth game. A flu-stricken Jordan's line on that iconic night was 38 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals.

3. The 63-Point Game" (Bulls v Celtics, First Round, Game 2 – April 20, 1986)
After a broken foot caused him to miss 64 games of his sophomore season, Jordan returned in time for the playoffs. Despite being swept 3-0 by a Boston side that is widely considered one of the greatest NBA teams of all time, Jordan dropped 63 points in game two at the Boston Garden. This mark still stands as a playoff record and provided a spectacular glimpse of the mark Jordan would leave on world sport throughout the next decade.

2. "The Shot" (Bulls vs Cavaliers, First Round, Game 5 – May 7, 1989)

Fighting through a smothering double team by Larry Nance and Craig Ehlo, Jordan takes the in-bound pass from Brad Sellers, dribbles to the top of the key and arcs an off-balance shot over the extended arm of Craig Ehlo as time expires. More telling than making the shot itself was the wildly emphatic fist-pumping celebration by Jordan. It was his first game-winning shot in post-season play and symbolised the birth of the Bulls as a playoff force. After losing all four games to Cleveland during the regular season, it was the sweetest form of retribution.

1. "The Final Shot" (Bulls vs Jazz, NBA Finals Game 6 – June 14, 1998)

One of the most iconic plays in the history of sports that simultaneously put a bow on the Michael Jordan legacy. With 18 seconds on the clock and trailing by one, Jordan stole the ball from Karl Malone, dribbled to the front court where he was met by Byron Russell. Jordan drove, executed a cross-over and hit a 20-foot jumper to put the Bulls up 87-86 with five seconds remaining. John Stockton missed the ensuing three-point shot as Chicago claimed its third successive NBA title and Jordan retired on top of the sport.

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Forrest ton saves Bulls in Shield

Centurion ... Peter Forrest saves the day for Queensland against Victoria. Source: Sarah Reed / News Limited

Queensland face a tough fielding slog in the Sheffield Shield cricket match against Victoria after an opening day of wildly-fluctuating fortunes.

Former Australian one-day player Peter Forrest returned to form with a timely century and combined with captain James Hopes for a crucial partnership to save the Bulls' first innings at the MCG.

SHEF - Melbourne Cricket Ground

18 February 2013 - Day 1, Session 3

Queensland 1st Innings

C. Gannon

13

33

1

0

39.39

The Bulls won the toss in this top-of-the-table clash, but were 4-41 and then 5-90 on a flat wicket before the 169-run stand between Forrest and Hopes steadied them.

Hopes was dismissed for 88 and Forrest for 119, triggering a late-order slump of 5-63 that resulted in a first-innings total of 322.

Forrest said Queensland must now dig in and make the Victorian top order battle for every run on day two.

"Normally down here ... you win or lose in the fourth day," he said.

"We know tomorrow is about hard work, shutting the scoreboard down and making sure if we're not taking wickets, then they're not scoring runs.

"It's a tough grind, it always is down here."

It was Forrest's first Shield century since their match at the MCG last summer and his form slump has cost him a place in the national one-day team.

"It's a relief - it's been a pretty tough year personally," he said.

"It's nice that if you hang in there and do the hard work, you get the rewards eventually.

"It's reasonably rewarding personally, only because we were obviously in a fair bit of strife this morning.

"We're probably a little bit short of where we wanted, but at least we're in the game."

Left-armer Will Sheridan was on a hat-trick when the Bulls lost their fourth wicket and he led the attack with 4-71 in the hot and uncomfortable conditions, while wicketkeeper Peter Handscomb took five catches.

"At the start of the day we'd have been pleased with around 300, but I think 250 would have been ideal," Sheridan said.

"We definitely lost a bit of momentum in the middle there with some poor bowling, but I really think the batsmen we have got we can really take the game back off them."

Spin twins Fawad Ahmed and Clive Rose impressed in their Shield debuts, with Ahmed dismissing Forrest and Rose producing a superb delivery to bowl Hopes.

Rose's left-arm spin returned 3-52 and Ahmed, the former asylum seeker from Pakistan, snared 2-79 with his leg breaks.

While Hope's knock was vital, the Bulls captain has now gone six seasons without a Shield century.

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Brisbane keep finals hopes alive

Brisbane ... Besart Berisha shoots his second half goal during the 2-1 win. Source: Dave Hunt / AAP

A maiden A-League goal by Steven Lustica and striker Besart Berisha's 33rd for the club helped take the heat off Brisbane's newly signed coach Mike Mulvey on Sunday.

Mulvey's two-year appointment on Friday didn't go down well with everyone, with the defending champions struggling to make the finals, but the 2-0 win over Wellington must have placated some.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

A group chose to make their sentiments known on Sunday, waving a large white banner declaring "Mulvey Out".

The sign was confiscated by ground security in the second half which sparked Twitter outrage.

Playing just his fourth game for the Roar, Lustica was presented with a clear shot at goal in the 32nd minute following an incisive infield burst by Ben Halloran and some crisp short passing between veteran Massimo Murdocca and crafty German Thomas Broich.

Besart's goal early in the second half followed some careless ball control by rival Daniel Sanchez.

Despite playing without their leading goal scorer Jeremy Brockie, Wellington had numerous scoring opportunities to put the pressure back on Brisbane in the second half.

Each time they threatened, Roar goalkeeper Michael Theo was up to the task.

---

Relive the action from Brisbane Roars important win over Wellington Phoenix with our A-League Match Centre, featuring video highlights.

---

A loss to Wellington, who've not won in nine previous Suncorp Stadium appearances, would have ended Brisbane's season and further fired up critics surprised by Mulvey's appointment.

But Brisbane lifted themselves into seventh spot with a better goal difference than Melbourne Heart, both teams sitting two points out of the top six.

Wellington were first to put the ball in the back of the net in seventh minute when new striker Corey Gameiro, on loan from Fullham, headed past Brisbane keeper Michael Theo who'd been forced out of goal by a dangerous Tony Lockhead cross.

However the goal was disallowed by a touch judge with Gameiro found to have fouled Brisbane defender Jade North by pulling him down on the edge of the box.

Most of the action on goal in the first half came from Wellington and in particular Gameiro who continued to impress in his A-League debut testing Theo early and again in 25th minute with a low shot which almost got past the Roar keeper's outstretched right hand.

Mulvey praised the effort of his players backing up for their third game after their disappointing exit from the Asian Champion League in Thailand.

"We haven't given up on the season," said Mulvey.

"We're in a dog fight and there are still plenty of points to get."

BRISBANE ROAR 2 (Steven Lustica 33m, Besart Berisha 49m) beat WELLINGTON PHOENIX 0 at Suncorp Stadium. Crowd: 9,282. Referee: Alan Milliner.

16.42 | 0 komentar | Read More

Shin wins Women's Aussie Open

Jiyai Shin ... with the winner's trophy after her victory at Royal Canberra. Source: AFP

One of the best shots of South Korean star Jiyai Shin's life delivered her an eleventh LPGA win at the Women's Australian Open golf tournament in Canberra.

Shin completed the four-round tournament at Royal Canberra in 18-under 274 on Sudnay, two shots clear of world No.1 Yani Tseng and four shots ahead of New Zealand amateur Lydia Ko (278).

Former world No.1 Shin was hot out of the gates, birdieing the par-5 first hole as her overnight co-leader Ko double-bogeyed.

A bogey on the second hole by 15-year-old Ko then delivered Shin a sizeable four-stroke advantage.

But Ko fought back, birdieing consecutive holes while Shin slipped a shot with a bogey on the fifth after running into bunker trouble.

Shin then dropped another stroke on the 12th to fall equal with Ko and a blistering Tseng soon made up her eight-stroke overnight deficit to momentarily make it a three-way tie.

Under pressure and in the rough next to a sign to the left of the 14th green, Shin then lob-wedged in for a birdie to reclaim the outright lead in what she said was one of the best shots of her life.

"The ball was sitting pretty good, so if I dropped it, I'm not sure the ball would be sitting that good," she said.

"Before I chipped it in, my play was a little bit tough, but after I chipped it in finally I get more relaxed and enjoyed the other few holes."

Shin followed the chip-in with another birdie on the next hole to all but seize the championship.

It wasn't the fairytale many where hoping it would be for Ko, who hit two bogeys after Shin's chip shot to fall from joint-leader to four shots off the pace.

"Third at a professional tournament is a pretty good result and I can't say I'm not fully pleased," Ko said.

"I was disappointed with how I played today.

"I think it was just a couple of drives and one putt in the game, but overall I had my career-low (score) on Thursday so I think it was a pretty good week."

Ko said her round of three-over on Sunday might have been due to tiredness.

"But you know, I've got another tournament next week and if I really want to go on tour I'll be playing three or four weeks in a row so those are the kind of things I will need to build up," she said.

Tseng was eight shots off the leaders overnight and a bogey on the first hole of the day just about put her winning aspirations to bed.

But the Taiwanese golfer turned in some blistering form, dropping five strokes in the next four holes that included an eagle on the par-5 6th to turn in a round of the day 66.

"After the first hole I wasn't happy to make bogey," she said.

"But that bogey I think give me a pump a little bit, that's why I think I made three birdies in a row.

"Tough fight, top 10, I'm pretty happy."

Queenslander Katherine Hull-Kirk was the best of the Australians, finishing equal 8th on 281, while four-time champion Karrie Webb (287) finished equal 36th.

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Crows finish on a high, beat Power

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Showdown ... Crows' youngster Brad Crouch gets his kick away just in time. Source: Sarah Reed / News Limited

Adelaide Crows ensure all three teams take wins from the NAB Cup triple-header in Adelaide with a strong 16-point win over rivals Port Adelaide.

The Power had earlier demolished St Kilda by 50 points, while the Saints got the day started with a 26-point win over the Crows.

Adelaide had the break between games and took advatange of the Power backing up in hot conditions at AAM Stadium, triumphing 6.3 (43) to 4.3 (27).

There was improvement across the ground for the Crows with forward-ruckman Josh Jenkins particularly impressive.

Jenkins has been earmarked as the replacement for Kurt Tippett in the Crows line-up and he did his chances no harm with a strong showing, while one-time top draft pick turned forgotten playmaker Richard Tambling also showed signs he can contribute for the Crows.

Youngster Brodie Smith was the only casualty on the day after the Crows midfielder looking to injure his shoulder.

The Power kicked a goal with 10 minutes left to close the gap to 10 points but were unable to get any closer as Richard Douglas kicked the final goal to seal the result.

Rookie-listed Kane Mitchell was good in both games for Port Adelaide but stepped up against Adelaide and could have sealed elevation onto the senior list for round one. 

In the second game, Port Adelaide showed signs of major improvement with a big 50-point win over St Kilda in the NAB Cup.

Fatigued by the triple-header's first game, St Kilda were powerless to stop a rejuvenated Power, succumbing 1.9.2 (65) to 2.3 (15).

In very hot conditions, the Saints won their opening game against Adelaide Crows but undid a lot of their good work by getting smashed by the Power.

0.0.4 (4)	Q1	0.4.1 (25)
0.3.6 (24)	Q2	0.8.2 (50)
	Q3
	Q4

Graham Johncock 3	Trent Dennis-Lane 2
	Beau Maister 2
	Terry Milera 2
	Stephen Milne 1
	Ahmed Saad 1

It was the Power's first game under new coach Ken Hinkley and it was a completely different outfit to the one that was often a shambles in 2012.

Rookies Jake Neade and Ollie Wines showed some exciting signs while leaders Travis Boak, Jackson Trengove and Brad Ebert were outstanding.

In the opening game, Saints recruit Trent Dennis-Lane made an instant impact with two goals in a 26-point thumping of an under-strength Adelaide Crows.

St Kilda coach Scott Watters said he was pleased with the first game but his team found it tough to back up in the hot conditions.

"There were a lot of things out of the first game that we were pretty pleased with, obviously we had a slightly more mature group of players out there," he said.

"We still got a lot out of the second game, to expose those young players ... there are 20 players who have played less than 20 games of footy for this footy club.

"So there were some great learnings on how to maintain you structure on what was a difficult, hot day.''

The Saints won 0.8.2 (50) to 0.3.6 (24) as Dennis-Lane, Terry Milera and Beau Maister (formerly Wilkes) each kicked two goals for St Kilda, while veteran Graham Johncock kicked all of Adelaide's goals.

St Kilda kept Adelaide goal-less in the opening half of a match played in searing 38-degree heat, while kicking four majors themselves.

Small Saints Milera, Dennis-Lane and Ahmed Saad all potted early goals and formed a dangerous forward line against a Crows outfit missing nine top-line players.

Dennis-Lane, in his first official match for the Saints after being traded by Sydney, added another second-half goal while spearhead Maister also kicked goals in each half.

The duo benefitted from frequent chances provided by a dominant midfield headed by Farren Ray, Jack Steven and David Armitage.

---

Who will you pick in your FOX FOOTY Supercoach team? Join Australia's biggest fantasy sports game and have a shot at $50,000.

---

And the Saints were also in control defensively, with creative backmen Arryn Sippos and James Gwilt gathering repeated disposals across half-back.

In contrast, Adelaide struggled for cohesion and didn't register a major until the second minute of the second half when veteran Graham Johncock strolled into an open goal.

Johncock booted two more in the half but was the sole shining light in attack for the Crows.

The Saints next play Port Adelaide before the Power meet Adelaide in the final game of the triple-header.

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More