Fair call?

Whistling in the wind

So it wasn't just me! Both NZ and Ozzy netball coaches bewildered by the bizarre umpiring calls in the two recent trans-Tazzy matches (I better say this now before tonight's deciding test, otherwise I'll look like a bad loser if Ozzy comes out on tops). Some of the decisions have been marginal at most, to say the least. To be frank, the refereeing standard has been absymal. A compelling argument to involve only downunder umpires in NZ/Oz games? Both sides are so far ahead of the rest of the world, it's a shame to see talented athletes 'penalised' by sub-standard umps who can't foot it on court. Then again, it's up to the players to adapt - no point arguing with the (wo)man with the whistle.

As an aside: isn't this the prettiest Australian team they've fielded since... ever? Sharelle McMahon! Mmmmm!
I nominate me to console her with hugs and caresses if the Ozzies lose...

...or win

;-)

Update: Arrgghh!! It's the end of the world!! The bad guys won. Oh, quel depressing! I definitely need Sharelle to hold and comfort me now. Those dang frickin' Ozzies!

I was gonna write a post praising John Howard for advocating nuclear power in Ozzy - but I doubt I'll be saying anything nice about that country for a long time now.

Brilliant Brisbane

Breath-taking Broncos
Wayne Bennett enters sports mythology becoming the first league coach to clinch six NRL grand finals with Brisbane victorious over the Melbourne Storm. Well done, him, and skipper Darren Lockyer [his post-match comments: here], whose two tries & drop goal (& inspirational leadership) helped cement the 15-8 win. A big day too, for ex-All Black, Brad Thorn, whose third child was born shortly after the match. And a fitting farewell for human ramrod and league legend, Shane Webcke (with whom I've had a long-term love/hate relationship - love him in a Broncos jumper/ hate him in a Kangaroo jersey/ love him in Maroon colours...), as he ends his golden career a champion.

Yours triumphantly,
Broncos supporter.