Stumps
As I prepare to take my leave, a quick recap:
Today’s games:
Rugby:
Wallabies 37-14 Fiji
Crusaders 3-12 British & Irish Lions
NRL:
Gold Coast 12-34 New Zealand Warriors
Penrith 24-20 Canberra
Parramatta 6-32 North Queensland
Super Netball:
Melbourne Vixens 57-65 Western Sydney Giants
AFL:
Gold Coast Suns 13.17 (95) d. Hawthorn 12.7 (79)
Brisbane 18.13 (121) d. Fremantle 9.10 (64)
Essendon 19.17 (131) d. Port Adelaide 8.13 (61)
That’s that, then. My eyes are bleeding, usually a good time to call it quits.
Don’t forget, the cricket’s on (Australia 4 for 217 in the 40th):
Thanks for your company, I’ve left the building.
Cheerio.
Updated
The Day That Was and Still Is
As Essendon continue their rout of Port, I’ll take this opportunity to begin my long goodbye; the kind of thing one’s partner tends to do when you’ve finally convinced them to leave the party only to find that instead of ghosting out of the room with you they (Oh God, No!) stop to farewell everyone they know and, in each case, get involved in a suddenly in-depth conversation (“Tell me about your trip!”) that sucks the very air out of you.
Today’s Big Winner
Who else but Super Netball’s Giants? The women from Western Sydney travelled to Melbourne for a preliminary final against minor premiers, the Melbourne Vixens, and never looked like losing. From the outset they were a step ahead and they moved through the Vixens mid-court like a tapeworm. English import Jo Harten was super impressive, and she formed a dynamic duo with goal shooter Kristina Brice. The Vixens had no answer. After losing just two games all season they’ve now lost two consecutive finals and have bowed out of the inaugural Super Netball season. Given tonight’s showing, the Giants will be hard to beat next week. Their confidence must be sky high.
Big winners of another kind include the Brisbane Lions (last-placed Brisbane), who flogged a fragile and, frankly, feckless Fremantle in an attack of alliteration.
Today’s Big Loser
Apart from Fremantle and the Vixens? How about the Canberra Raiders? Ricky Stuart’s men were leading 20-12 with less than three minutes remaining and contrived to lose 24-20. After a late try to Panthers back-rower Corey Harawira-Naera, the Panthers then went 100 metres in the next set with Tyrone Peachey backing up Matt Moylan to score under the posts with what was the last possession of the game.
Play of the Day
For that reason, how can we go past Peachey’s match-winner?
Bathurst was jumping.
— NRL (@NRL) June 10, 2017
It's now HEAVING!
The @PenrithPanthers win it.#NRLPanthersRaiders#NRL pic.twitter.com/bjiSlONMKD
Wallaby Israel Folau wins the Play of the Day second prize, a fidget spinner from my local $2 Shop. The fullback played a starring role, and scored two tries, in the Wallabies’ 37-14 win over Fiji in Melbourne. Well done that man.
NRL:
Yeah, I don't think Coen Hess is ready for #Origin either. Said nobody. Ever. #NRLEelsCowboys pic.twitter.com/NzL9hhUcHu
— Daniel Watson Hayes™ (@dwatsonhayes) June 10, 2017
NRL:
A recap of today’s NRL games:
NZ WARRIORS 34 (B Ayshford 2 A Hingano R Hoffman K Maumalo R Tuivasa-Sheck tries I Luke 4 R Hoffman goals) bt GOLD COAST 12 (D Copley K Elgey J Hayne tries) at Cbus Super Stadium. Referee: Chris Sutton, David Munro. Crowd: 14,067.
PENRITH 24 (N Cleary C Harawira-Naera M Moylan T Peachey tries N Cleary 4 goals) bt CANBERRA 20 (N Cotric 2 J Leilua J Rapana tries J Croker 2 goals) at Carrington Park. Referee: Chris James, Henry Perenara. Crowd: 8,730.
NORTH QUEENSLAND 32 (K Feldt 2 C Hess J Thurston A Winterstein tries J Thurston 6 goals) bt PARRAMATTA 6 (B Takairangi try C Gutherson goal) at TIO Stadium. Referee: Gavin Reynolds, Adam Gee. Crowd: 11,968.
AFL: Q3 27:30 gone: Essendon 14.13 (97) Port Adelaide 7.7 (49)
Ah Chee goals for Port, bringing the Power within, um [counts on fingers, toes, extremities, and more] 48.
Honestly didn't think @EssendonFC could play to this high a level. Been outstanding so far. #AFLDonsPort
— Rohan Connolly (@rohan_connolly) June 10, 2017
Updated
NRL: Parramatta 6-32 North Queensland
The Cowboys have run out easy winners at Marrara Stadium in Darwin. The big story out of the game is that Johnathan Thurston returned to action, he was instrumental in the win, and his shoulder held up.
With Origin II a week and a half away the Maroons camp will be delighted.
Cricket:
Now, I haven’t had a chance to tell you, but the Champion’s Trophy match between England and Australia is well underway.
Australia are batting first and are 1 for 126 after 21.4 overs. Warner fell for 21 (c Butler b Wood) but Finch (62) and Smith (37) are rolling along nicely.
You can follow the action on our dedicated live blog:
NRL: 64mins: Parramatta 0-32 North Queensland
In disturbing news for NSW fans, especially ones who follow the Eels, Johnathan Thurston has made his return from injury tonight and he’s helping the Cowboys pulverise the Eels. It’s five tries to nil at this point:
"JT the magnificent!"#NRLEelsCowboys #NRL pic.twitter.com/72e4iUEEqd
— NRL (@NRL) June 10, 2017
Super Netball: Melbourne Vixens 57-65 Western Sydney Giants
The Giants are through to next week’s grand final where they’ll play the Sunshine Coast Lightning at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. “They may well be unbackable next year, the Vixens,” says the commentator (I think it’s Anne Sergeant), really laying it on now.
Anyway, a huge win by the Giants who had such a lead they could do a Usain Bolt and coast to the finish line, saving their juice for next time. This time last year there was no Giants team — no name, colours, players or fans. Just a coach, Julie Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald has now steered her gals into the grand final, which will be Fitzgerald’s eighth as a coach. She’ll be hoping for a sixth title.
Super Netball: Q4 2:00 remaining: Vixens 55-63 Giants
“A wonderful, courageous finish,” says the commentator about the Vixens. Hmm. I really do get the sense the commentators are disappointed about this result.
Super Netball: Q4 3:40 remaining: Vixens 53-63 Giants
The Giants appear to have clocked off a little, some sloppiness creeping into their game. It’s allowed the Vixens to crawl back some ground. But too little too late, as they say.
Super Netball: Q4 4:30 remaining: Vixens 52-61 Giants
A few quick goals to the Vixens and then the Giants turn it over. Philip scores to get the Vixens within 10. Then the Vixens get the centre and score again. Surely not...
Super Netball: Q4 7:22: Vixens 47-60 Giants
“Stay hungry!” is the call from the Giants’ huddle during a timeout.
Super Netball: Q4 8:50 remaining: Vixens 44-60 Giants
The shooting stats tell a story. A horror story if you’re a Vixens fan.
For the Vixens, Philip is 16/21 for 76%; Kumwenda is 28/34 for 82%.
By contrast, the Giants: Brice 39/41 for 95%, Harten 21/23 for 91%.
Super Netball: Q4 10:30 remaining: Vixens 42-58 Giants
The Giants go in, then out, then in again, three quick-fire passes finding Brice in space in the circle. She’s as unerring as a metronome.
Super Netball: Q4 11:30 remaining: Vixens 41-57
Another Vixens turnover and again the Giants make them pay. This time it’s Harten.
Super Netball: Q4 12:30 remaining: Vixens 41-54 Giants
Early in the final quarter there are no signs that the Giants are about to fall over. The Sydney team have one foot in next week’s decider.
AFL: Q2 29:50 gone: Essendon 12.9 (81) Port Adelaide 4.4 (28)
The swashbuckling Bombers are giving the Power a not-so-jolly rogering at Docklands. Hooker has 5, Daniher 3, and Stewart 2.
AFL:
Something on Brisbane’s boilover win at the Gabba:
Bottom-placed Brisbane have dominated Fremantle to win by 57 points at the Gabba on Saturday evening, for just their second victory of the season.
The two Daynes, Beams and Zorko, starred in the midfield, while small forward Lewis Taylor produced a superb performance kicking four goals and assisting in another five in the 18.13 (121) to 9.10 (64) triumph.
The Lions dominated all phases of the game, winning the clearances 46-28, the inside 50 count 65-43 and recording 26 more contested possessions.
As impressive as the Lions were, the Dockers were woeful with forwards Cam McCarthy and Shane Kersten providing no threat to the Lions’ backline.
Only 11,742 people were in attendance, the second lowest crowd at a Lions home game.
Brisbane took control of the game early and led by 22 points at the first break with Zorko enjoying 14 touches.
Freo felt the absence of injured ruckman Aaron Sandilands and Lions big man Stefan Martin provided his midfield with silver service.
The margin was increased to 36 points midway through the second quarter but poor defensive errors and attacking pressure from the Dockers saw this reduced by 10 at the long break.
The hosts came out with far more intent in the third quarter with 12 scoring shots to the visitors’ one to build an unassailable 52-point lead and breach the 100-point mark for the first time in 2017.
Ross Lyon has now seen his Dockers side lose three in succession and they will fall out of the eight by the end of the round.
Despite the win, Brisbane are a game behind second-bottom Carlton, ahead of the Blues’ match with Greater Western Sydney on Sunday.
AAP
Super Netball: Three-quarter time: Vixens 38-51 Giants
It will take a miracle from here for the Vixens, you’d think.
Super Netball: Q3 0:30 remaining: Vixens 37-51 Giants
The Giants cannot be stopped it seems. They hit 50 and keep going.
Super Netball: Q3 2.25 remaining: Vixens 35-47 Giants
Time out by the Vixens, and a tactical change. Liz Watson to centre, Kate Maloney to WD (in place of Chloe Watson), Khao Watts on as WA.
Super Netball: Q3 2:59 remaining: Vixens 35-47 Giants
Nice play there by the Giants. They steal the ball from the arms of GA Philip then four quick passes up court, zip zip zip zip, and it’s Brice all alone in the circle dropping in another goal.
Super Netball: Q3 4.00 remaining: Vixens 34-46
Harten and Brice are putting on a clinic.
Super Netball: Q3: 5:38 remaining: Vixens 32 - Giants 43
The Giants move the ball so easily through mid-court. Brice scores after a strong catch. Then the Vixens turn it over and Susan Pettitt feeds Brice who scores again. The Vixens are shooting themselves in the foot.
Super Netball: Q3: 7:50 remaining: Vixens 31-41 Giants
The half-time break hasn’t helped the Vixens who trail by 10. The Vixens look lethargic. Did last week’s loss drain them on their mojo?
Updated
AFL: Q2: 4:12 gone: Essendon 7.6 (48) Port Adelaide 3.3 (21)
We’re into the second quarter at Docklands in Melbourne; good early signs for the Bombers. Mind you, they were leading 40-1 after scoring the first six goals of the game.
The Dons have been unstoppable! #AFLDonsPower pic.twitter.com/mtfUlFlg2t
— AFL (@AFL) June 10, 2017
NRL:
More on that incredible finish in Bathurst, where the Panthers scored two converted tries in the final two minutes to pinch the win over the Raiders:
Two Matt Moylan try assists in the final three minutes have fired Penrith to a stunning 24-20 comeback win over Canberra and temporarily move into the NRL top eight.
The Panthers trailed by eight points on Saturday evening when Moylan put Corey Harawira-Naera over in Bathurst, before the captain then sent Tyrone Peachey across on the final play of the match.
Penrith earlier looked to be cruising to an easy win when Nathan Cleary crossed in the first set after halftime to give the hosts a 12-4 lead.
However, the Raiders blew the game open for the 8730 crowd with two tries in four minutes.
First, Elliott Whitehead soared and offloaded to Joey Leilua for the go-ahead try in the 57th minute, before a diving Nick Cotric made it 20-12 soon after.
And that’s how the scorelined appeared to have finished before Moylan’s late heroics, giving the Panthers their fourth-straight win and momentarily move into the top half of the ladder.
It took just four minutes for Jordan Rapana to extend his lead atop the competition’s tryscoring list, the Raiders’ winger finishing off a set piece from the scrum for first points.
Penrith hit back when Moylan beat a rushing defensive line, however that’s how the scoreline remained until the break despite both teams giving everything in attack.
In a fiery end to the first half, forwards Harawira-Naera and Joseph Tapine were sin-binned for slapping that instigated a minor scuffle after the halftime siren.
AAP
Rugby: Crusaders 3-12 British and Irish Lions
It’s all over in Christchurch. After their opening tour loss, the Lions have hit back with a tough, tryless 12-3 win over the Crusaders.
Super Netball: Half-time: Vixens 24-32 Giants
Not sure if the commentators are merely hoping for a close game but they sure are riding home the Vixens. But the home side look well behind the pace at the moment. Their defence is so far no match for the transitional play of the Giants —whose shooting has also been superior.
Jo Watson, however, is putting in a good shift:
Christ, Jo Weston is a financial analyst with a Big 4 company as well as a pro-netballer? #VIXvGIA #SuncorpSuperNetball pic.twitter.com/RwDNVrcuy3
— Thomas Nguyen (@ThomasHNguyen) June 10, 2017
Super Netball: Q1: 0:30 remaining: Vixens 24-31 Giants
Kumwenda scores and the Vixens get the centre. Tegan Philip then adds another to close the gap slightly. But, again, the Giants stroll down court and add another.
Super Netball: Q1: 2:50 remaining: Vixens 21-30 Giants
Intercept by Jamie-Lee Price, but then the Vixens intercept through Watson. Kumwenda converts. But then the Giants add another two with ease. They are getting into shooting positions much easier than the Vixens. Giants coach Julie Fitzgerald yells her encouragement after Brice nets.
Super Netball: Q1: 4:30 remaining: Vixens 20-27 Giants
Shooting percentage in this quarter is 67% to 92% in the Giants’ favour.
Super Netball: Q1: 6:00 remaining: Vixens 18-26 Giants
During a timeout, Vixen centre Kate Maloney implores her team not to drop their heads because of the 8-goal deficit. “This is nothing!” she says, “it’s only the second quarter!”
Super Netball: Q1: 6:30 remaining: Vixens 17 - 25 Giants
Vixen WA Liz Watson has been dominant over the past minutes. Enough to get the crowd into the game. But the Giants look composed, and steady through Brice (16 from 18) and then Harten (9 from 10).
Super Netball: Q1: 9:00 remaining: Vixens 16-21 Giants
Watson drops a looper into Kumwenda’s arms. She scores. Moments later, the Vixens win a turnover and Kumwenda adds another.
Super Netball: Q2: 11:00 remaining: Vixens 14-19 Giants
Four of the past six goals to the Giants has the Vixens chasing the game. They’ll need to keep their cool. Plenty of time left.
Super Netball: Q2: 13:26 remaining: Vixens 12-16 Giants
The Giants open the scoring in the second quarter through Brice, and then get the ball back. But they turn it over. A few missed opportunities by the Giants to really turn the screws.
Super Netball: Quarter-time: Vixens 12-15 Giants
With quarter time looming, the Vixens turn it over. Racing down court the Giants step, missing the opportunity to get a five-point lead. This gives the Vixens time for one last shot, which Kumwenda makes. That’s quarter time.
Super Netball: Q1: 1:30 remaining: Vixens 9-13 Giants
A nice pass over the top is won by Kristina Brice who had her opponent all over her, like a cheap suit. She takes a breath and sinks the shot.
Super Netball: Q1: 3:16 remaining: Vixens 8-11 Giants
Pressure tells in big games. Mwai Kumwenda misses her shot under the hoop and then spills the rebound. But then the Vixens win the ball back before the Giants can make them pay. Kumwenda then gets another opportunity which she takes. Vixens close in.
Super Netball: Q1: 6:30 remaining: Vixens 6-10 Giants
Sorry about that, housekeeping, you know... Anyway, the Giants have skipped out to an early lead.
NRL: Penrith Panthers 24-20 Canberra Raiders
Before I head off to the netball prelim, I can report that the Panthers have stunned the Raiders, coming back from an eight-point deficit to score two converted tries in the 79th and then 80th minutes! Flippen ‘eck!
Ricky Stuart has probably self-combusted, and the Bathurst locals could do worse than to gather around him and warm their hands on what is a chilly night in the Central Tablelands.
Bathurst was jumping.
— NRL (@NRL) June 10, 2017
It's now HEAVING!
The @PenrithPanthers win it.#NRLPanthersRaiders#NRL pic.twitter.com/bjiSlONMKD
AFL: Brisbane Lions 18.13 (121) Fremantle 9.10 (64)
We’re done and the Dockers have been dusted. Fremantle have been given a pasting at the Gabba by the lowly Lions. That flight home will seem longer than usual.
Rugby:
It’s still 9-3 to the Lions in Christchurch*, 68 minutes gone. The Lions are pounding the Crusaders’ line but the locals are holding out impressively.
But hold on! Here’s a penalty to the Lions right in front. Farrell could kick it with a blindfold on and after being spun around 10 times by the referee and given a cheeky slap on the rump. He kicks it with no such preamble, however. Lions 12-3, eight minutes to go. *No it isn’t.
NRL: 70min: Penrith 12-20 Canberra
The Raiders have gone further ahead in Bathurst. Cotric has scored his second. Time is now against the Panthers.
Super netball:
I was anticipating a 7pm start to the Vixens-Giants game but, nah. Caught the end of Some Like It Hot as you read. Anyway, the teams are warming up. Won’t be long now. Stay tuned.
Some Like It Hot
It’s all over, GEM’s coverage of the 1959 classic Some Like It Hot. Cross-dresser of the match goes to Jack Lemmon, just ahead of Tony Curtis. Final thoughts? “Well, nobody’s perfect.”
NRL: 59min: Penrith 12-16 Canberra
A lovely try puts the Raiders ahead. From 30m out Sezer puts up a bomb, Whitehead leaps highest to catch it and is barely on the ground when he flicks a no-look pass behind him to Joey Leilua. From 10m there’s no stopping him. Crocker converts.
Super Netball:
I’ll be heading over to the Super Netball preliminary final between the Melbourne Vixens and Western Sydney Giants soon.
Here are tonight’s starting teams:
It's #AllOnTheLine with a spot in the #SuncorpSuperNetball Grand Final up for grabs! 😱 @9Gem and Netball Live app from 7.00pm AEST. #VIXvGIA pic.twitter.com/MdaDAXQlKG
— #SuncorpSuperNetball (@SuperNetball) June 10, 2017
NRL: 48mins: Penrith 12-10 Canberra
The Raiders hit straight back after that try to Cleary, Cotric with the try, Crocker converting. Some 8,000 fans in attendance in Bathurst.
AFL: Q4: 1:00 gone: Brisbane Lions 15.11 (101) Fremantle Dockers 7.7 (49)
There will be no Lazarus-like recovery in Brisbane tonight, folks. Fremantle are gone and on the nose. Taylor has four for the Lions who can put the cue in the rack, go home and still win.
NRL: 42min: Penrith 12-4 Canberra
The Pennies have hit the ground running after oranges. Penrith, 40m out, go down the short side though Rein at dummy half; he finds Moylan who skips left but then passes inside to Edwards. He, in turn, finds Cleary on his inside, and it’s a clear run to the line for the star-in-the-making.
Rugby:
It’s half-time in Christchurch where the Lions lead 9-3. Gerard Meagher is live-blogging for the Guardian UK. Here’s his half-time wrap:
So much better from the Lions, who lead at half-time for the first time this tour. Right from the word go they have been in the Crusaders faces with Murray and Farrell bringing exactly what was hoped of them. The scrum is strong – they certainly have the benefit of the doubt in the eyes of the referee – and the lineout is going really well with George and Kruis combined.
But in the backs, with front-foot ball, Murray, Farrell and Te’o are combining well and putting the Crusaders under real pressure. The Crusaders have been rattled, Mo’unga has been a bit jittery but they have looked dangerous on the odd counterattack and the Lions did well to hold firm under their own posts.
The Lions have had chances – Davies came close early on and had Hogg found Williams on the left they were in – and they must score tries to win matches on this tour. Davies and Hogg are both off with head injuries though so Farrell is playing at 13, rather than 12, with Sexton at fly-half.
Orienteering
You can stop drumming your fingers. Results are in from today’s national league event at Wagga Wagga!
Orienteering Results National League
Rd 9: MEN: Snr: 6.5km: M Crane (ACT) 38m35s S Uppill (SA) 39m4s B Nankervis (TAS) 39m14s. Jnr: 5.5km: A Key (VIC) 38m34s A Haines (SA) 40m35s T Miller (ACT) 43m53s. WOMEN: Snr: 5.2km: J Allison (ACT) 41m43s B Anderson (SA) 43m58s B Lawford (ACT) 45m26s. Jnr: 4.6km: T Melhuish (ACT) 38m7s A Steer (VIC) 41m56s G Jones (NSW) 42m51s.
I did orienteering once, when I joined a high school mate on an event. There was lots of running about with a map and a compass in the bush in the dark. I didn’t pay enough attention to decipher the above results but I familiarised myself with contour lines, something I’d been introduced to in geography class. Consequently, if I got lost in the bush with a map and a compass I reckon I’d be fine. As long as I also had a satellite phone. And lots of food. And water. And Bear Grylls.
AFL: Q3: 17:00 gone: Brisbane Lions 14.10 (94) Fremantle Dockers 6.7 (43)
The Lions are kicking away in Brisbane. First Zorko picks up some crumbs and snaps his second goal. Then Taylor, on the boundary, kicks home on the angle.
Brisbane have had the last 11 scores, four of them goals. Oh Freo.
NRL: Half-time: Penrith 6-4 Raiders
On the half-time hooter the players, obviously feeling a little bored given the state of the game (it’s sort of crumbling at the edges like a sandcastle made with too-dry sand), get involved in a wee brouhaha. I didn’t see what sparked it. Not that it takes much.
AFL: Q3: 8:12 gone: Brisbane Lions 12.8 (80) Fremantle Dockers 6.7 (43)
Zorko fails to land a 50m bomb but he’s had a big game so far, more touches than a [redacted for reasons of good taste]:
Zorks leading the way after the first half of footy 📈 #AFLLionsFreo pic.twitter.com/aFNJyKqHE4
— Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) June 10, 2017
NRL: 31min: Penrith 6-4 Canberra
No change to the score in Penrith. Wearing a grey hoodie on the sidelines Ricky Stuart looks unhappy. You could say that’s his default look but nevertheless... Oh dear, the Raiders have just dropped the ball on their own 20m line. That’s 11 or 18 sets completed for the Green Machine, which explains Stuart’s stoney visage.
AFL:
I think alcohol was invented for Freo Dockers supporters 😩#AFLLionsFreo
— paleo_on_a_pension (@dockergirl53) June 10, 2017
Looks like Dockers supporters aren’t enjoying the action from the ’Gabba at the moment.
Still, that’s a contestable statement. No end of supporters of other clubs could make that claim. How about Washington Generals supporters?
Rugby:
Approaching the 20th minute in Christchurch, and the Lions have a 6-0 lead through two penalty goals to Farrell.
AFL: Half-time: Brisbane Lions 11.3 (69) Fremantle Dockers 6.7 (43)
Brisbane have their highest score against Fremantle in the teams’ last eight meetings. And, as you can see, it’s only half-time. The Lions, if you need reminding, are anchored, like barnacles, to the bottom of the ladder.
Stats at half time 📈 #AllForOne pic.twitter.com/kVHTOxlvM1
— Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) June 10, 2017
NRL: 15mins: Penrith 6-4 Canberra
Rapana scored the opener for the visitors after just four minutes, but the Panthers have hit back with a try to Moylan.
That was Rapana’s 50th career try; he’s sure in form this season.
The local boy with the ball.@RapanaJordan with career try number 50.#NRLPanthersRaiders#NRL pic.twitter.com/5bqVOu6bUM
— NRL (@NRL) June 10, 2017
NRL:
It won’t help this year but South Sydney fans, suffering at the moment, will surely be pleased to see that Newcastle’s Dane Gagai has signed a four-year deal with the Bunnies from 2018.
Rugby:
Over the way, the tour game between the British and Irish Lions and the Crusaders or Christchurch has just got underway.
I’ll provide updates but for more than that, here’s a live-blog of the encounter from New Zealand’s south island:
Rugby death: more
Nine.com.au have more on the tragic death of a young man during a Sydney grade rugby game this afternoon:
A 25-year-old man has died after collapsing on the field during a game of rugby in Narrabeen, in northern Sydney.
Police said they were called to the Rat Park football field at 1.45pm.
CPR was performed on the man, but he died at the scene.
There are no suspicious circumstances but a report will be prepared for the coroner.
It is not believed the man had a prior medical history.
This afternoon the Warringah Rugby Club suspended all games at the park following the death, citing an “incident involving an injury to a player”.
The game was between the Warringah and Randwick football clubs.
NRL:
And something from AAP on the Warriors’ big away win over the Titans:
The Warriors have belted the Titans 34-12 on the Gold Coast for their their seventh consecutive win at Cbus Super Stadium - their home-away-from-home in the NRL.
Titans prop and Queensland State of Origin hopeful Jarrod Wallace faces a nervous wait over a late shoulder charge on the halftime whistle.
Wallace was Maroons 18th man for Origin I and, if charged with a grade-one count, would face a one-match ban, making him ineligible for Origin II.
The Titans scored in the 6th minute on Saturday afternoon at Robina but that was where celebrations ended for Gold Coast fans.The Warriors’ first try came off the back of a penalty. Shaun Johnson delivered a superb pass to Ryan Hoffman - playing his 300th NRL game - who scored in the 10th minute.
Their gung-ho brand of football was on full display for their second try, with a trademark Warriors offload to Johnson who lobbed the ball across to Blake Ayshford for a try.
Halves Kieran Foran and Johnson attacked the Titans’ right edge regularly, sending traffic towards Ash Taylor and Morgan Boyle.
They struggled in defence without captain Ryan James who couldn’t get the correct rotation to return to the field and only played 58 minutes of the match.
Jarryd Hayne scored a superb solo try to give the Titans some life at the start of the second half but, as rain fell in Robina, the Titans slipped further away.
The Warriors scored their fifth try of the match in the 67th minute through Ayshford again.
Both sides suffered injuries late in the game, the Warriors’ Foran limped off in the 64th minute.
The Titans’ Kane Elgey dislocated his shoulder and left the field five minutes later - and Warrior Konrad Hurrell went off in the 75th minute with an injured ankle.
AFL:
Here’s a snippet from the wires about the Suns’ win over Hawthorn earlier:
Gold Coast have withstood a fourth-quarter onslaught from Hawthorn at the MCG, downing the Hawks by 16 points in a rollercoaster AFL clash.
The Suns recorded a 13.17 (95) to 12.7 (79) win, their second victory this season over the Hawks.
Down by 32 points at Saturday afternoon’s final break, the Hawks surged to life with recalled big man Tim O’Brien booting two goals in five minutes.
Jack Gunston followed it up with consecutive majors to reduce the deficit to single figures, before Hawks rookie Kaiden Brand conceded a 50m penalty for impeding Ben Ainsworth’s set shot in the dying minutes. Ainsworth then kicked truly for goal.
The result leaves the Hawks stranded in 16th place on four wins and eight losses, with a nightmare Adelaide Oval clash with the ladder-leading Crows after next week’s bye. AAP
Updated
AFL: Q2: 3:26 gone: Brisbane Lions 7.1 (43) Fremantle 3.2 (20)
Some straight shooting at the ’Gabba has the home side out to a healthy early lead.
Rugby:
Michael Cheika will be reasonably happy after that game, I’d venture. The Wallabies did look a little uncertain when Fiji managed to get some offloads away, and there were 34 missed tackles and two tries conceded, but the Australians were always in control.
Israel Folau had one of his best games in some time, scoring a double to break a try drought stretching back a year, to June 11, 2016, when he last scored for the Wallabies (against England).
Rugby: Australia 37-Fiji 14
And that’s full-time. A solid-enough effort from the Wallabies given it was their first hit-out of the year. They’ll face stronger opposition, though. Fiji threatened in patches, but they couldn’t contain Australia at key moments.
Updated
Rugby: Australia 37-14 Fiji
80min + 2: Try! Australia spin it right from a midfield scrum; Cooper, to Folau, to Speight, who is over in the right corner.
Sydney rugby player dies
Some awful news from Sydney, where a 25-year-old man has died during a lower grade rugby match. More to come.
All rugby games at Rat Park cancelled following the death of a 25-year-old lower grade player. @Warringahrugby were playing @GallopingGreens pic.twitter.com/anrkQKCjLY
— 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) June 10, 2017
Rugby: Australia 32-14 Fiji
78 min: Another consolation try to Fiji, Nagusa crashing over after a Fiji ruck on the Wallabies’ line.
NRL: Gold Coast Titans 12-34 New Zealand Warriors
It’s all over amid the meter maids and old sun-luvin’ blokes with skin like horse hide. The Warriors have won, six tries to three.
Rugby: Australia 32-7 Fiji
72 min: Quade Cooper is now on for the last minutes of the match. Adam Coleman, meantime, puts Vulivuli on his back with a well-timed hit.
I must say, I do enjoy afternoon football (of any code). A sign of my age, no doubt.
Rugby: Australia 32-7 Fiji
71 min: Some Wallaby debutants to congratulate:
Great to see Ned Hanigan, Joe Powell and Dickie Hardwick making their @qantaswallabies debuts! Well deserved. #AUSvFIJ
— David Pocock (@pocockdavid) June 10, 2017
Rugby: Australia 32-7 Fiji
69 min: Try! Fiji’s joy didn’t last long. A rolling maul close to Fiji’s line ends up with Stephen Moore breaking away and crashing over. Foley converts.
Rugby: Australia 25-7 Fiji
61 min: Try, Fiji! Australia cough the ball up inside their own half and after a quick pass inside off the ground from Volavola, Goneva catches and races clear. Keeping clear of Speight the chaser, he dummies to his outside man as Haylett-Petty approaches, Haylett-Petty buys it, and Goneva continues on his merry way, scoring under the posts. The Fiji bench, and the crowd, enjoyed that.
Rugby: Australia 25-0 Fiji
58 min: Fiji knock on a metre out from Australia’s line; Matawalu’s pass from the ruck giving Nakarawa no chance.
Genia picks up and the ball ends up with Haylett-Petty who makes a long run downfield before kicking ahead to himself... only to see the ball find touch.
Rugby: Australia 25-0 Fiji
55 min: Try! Folau has a double. A short ball from Foley to Folau just inside Fiji territory puts the fullback into acres. He gallops towards the right corner, quite a sight in full flight, before a goose-step of sorts makes Nagusa, the cover defender, hesitate. It’s enough to buy Folau time to score in the corner.
Foley converts from wide out.
Updated
AFL: Hawks 12.7 (79) Suns 13.17 (95)
It’s all over at the MCG. Despite their rally from 43 points down, and a five-goal final terms, Hawthorn have fallen short against the Suns. That’s their second loss to the Suns this season.
Updated
Rugby: Australia 18-0 Fiji
50 min: Almost a lovely Wallabies try. Do they get anything for that? A hearty handshake at the very least? Anyway, after a series of off-loads on the right —a move that started with Hunt and was aided by a flick-pass from Folau— Kuridrani had a shot at the Fiji line on the right touchline and it appeared he’d scored. The replay showed, however, his right boot just crossed the touchline before he got the ball down.
Rugby: Australia 18-0 Fiji
46 min: Folau can’t quite ground a loose ball in the Fiji in-goal —but it wouldn’t have mattered anyway as Speight knocked on in the build-up when contesting a cross-field kick by Foley.
Mike Ticher has gone for the double-word score answering two of my earlier questions in one hit:
Would rather vacuum a kelpie right here right now than pay to watch arg v Brazil any time. Does that help, @PFConnolly? pic.twitter.com/LBMZrcnVoO
— Mike Ticher (@mikewsc1) June 10, 2017
AFL: Q4: 23:00 gone: Hawks 11.7 (73) Suns 12.16 (88)
Meantime... after being 43 points down, the Hawks are making a game of this after five straight goals — until Ainsworth breaks the run and gets a settler for the Suns.
Rugby: Australia 18-0 Fiji
42 min: The rugby has recommenced at AAMI Park. Michael Cheika is relaxed enough to participate in an interview during the game.
“I thought the first half was pretty nice,” he says. “We made a few errors but the things we wanted to focus on, high work rate and strong defence [we did well].”
NRL: 43mins: Gold Coast 4-24 Warriors
Up on the Gold Coast, the Titans are hosting one of the league’s worst travelling teams —though they are travelling well today, it seems.
After Elgey scored for the Titans in the fifth minute the Warriors put on four straight, first-half tries to Hoffman, Ayshford, Maumalo and Tuivasa-Sheck.
Updated
AFL: Q4: 11:33 gone: Hawks 9.7 (61) Suns 11.16 (82)
Back at the MCG, the Suns are keeping their noses in front, though they should be out of sight: 16 behinds, ladies and gentlemen. Looks like they’ll all be staying back after training on Tuesday night for some extra kicking practice.
Rugby: Half-time: Australia 18-0 Fiji
The siren sounds and, as if super keen to get into the sheds, Fiji’s Nakarawa fires off a no-look pass to his outside men who wouldn’t have got to that had they the arms of Inspector Gadget. It bounces into touch.
Rugby: Australia 18-0 Fiji
37 min: Higginbotham enters a ruck from the side, collaring Maafu, and is penalised. It’s kickable but there’s no reason to take a shot, is there? Given the deficit I’d be going for the try. Fiji go for the kick. Volavola hooks it and the score remains 18-0. I won’t say I told you so.
Rugby: Australia 18-0 Fiji
35 min: After a thrilling Fiji left-flank move breaks down (one basketball pass too many) Australia win a penalty from a scrum near their own line.
Nevertheless, it’s been a good few minutes for Fiji, though they’ve nary a point to show for it.
Rugby: Australia 18-0 Fiji
29 min: Penalty goal! After Matawalu is pinged for lying in the ruck as if luxuriating on a waterbed, Foley knocks one over from right in front.
Rugby: Australia 15-0 Fiji
Foley takes an intercept near his own line and has clear space in front of him. He gets to the Fiji 22m —somewhat slowly, relatively speaking— before he’s hauled in. The Aussies attempt to keep the ball alive with some quick passing by their enterprising play breaks down and Fiji can breathe again.
Rugby: Australia 15-0 Fiji
24 min: From a scrum on Australia’s 10m line, Matawalu receives a smart pass from flanker Qera and strolls over the line! Oh, it’s called back, as someone had hold of Hooper’s jumper preventing him from making the tackle.
Rugby: Australia 15-0 Fiji
21 min: Fiji come within an inch of scoring. From a tap, following a Wallabies offside near their own line, prop Ravai puts his head down and burrows through four goal jerseys. He’s only just brought down.
Rugby: Australia 15-0 Fiji
19 min: Yellow card! A high tackle by Folau on Dawai sees Fiji awarded a penalty. It didn’t look malicious —Dawai was falling— but the video refs are reviewing it. Folau was not in control, according to the refs, and Folau has been given a yellow card and 10 minutes rest.
Rugby: Australia 15-0 Fiji
16 min: A lovely scything run from Folau up the guts. He then finds Kurindrani with a pass around the back but he’s swallowed up by the defence. It’s all Australia at the moment. Fiji have barely had the ball in Australia’s half.
Rugby: Australia 15-0 Fiji
12 min: Try! The Wallabies are in again in the right corner. This time it was ball-through-the-hands stuff; a clever inside ball from Higginbotham to Haylett-Petty who then lofted a pass wide towards Folau. As it was a little ahead of him Folau showed good presence of mind not to attempt a catch. Rather, he let it bounce and it did so, right into the arms of his winger Speight who caught and dived over in the corner. Foley misses the difficult conversion attempt.
Updated
Rugby: Australia 10-0 Fiji
9 min: Penalty goal! A Foley penalty goal sends Australia out to an early 10-0 lead. Is this a good time to remind you that the last Fiji win over Australia was in 1954?
Fiji concede another penalty. Their third gift of the match.
Updated
Rugby: Australia 7-0 Fiji
7 min: Nakarawa breaks from a scrum in a flash and catches Foley out. Foley’s kick is charged down and the loose ball is kicked ahead by Matawalu but the ball had just crossed the touchline before his kick. Just as well for the Wallabies as Matawalu won the race to the ball and seemingly ‘scored’.
Helen Brennan writes in with this important answer (to my earlier question): “Yep it is definitely possible to vacuum a dog. In fact [a certain vacuum cleaner manufacturer] even have a dog grooming attachment.” Looks like my Christmas present is taken care of.
Rugby: Australia 7-0 Fiji
5 min: Try! And the try is awarded! An early blow delivered by Australia, added to by a Foley conversion from the right touchline.
Updated
Rugby: Australia 0-0 Fiji
4 min: After a penalty Foley picks up from a mess of a scrum and kicks across field to Folau. Opposing fullbacks Murimurivalu and Folau both contest the ball, which ends up on the deck in goal. Folau falls on it and appears to score. But we’ve gone upstairs.
Rugby: Australia 0-0 Fiji
1 min: Peeeep! And some good early ball control from Fiji, playing through five phases deep in their own half before a clearing kick.
Teams:
Fiji:
Campese Maáfu, Sunia Koto, Peni Ravai, Tevita Cavubati, Leone Nakarawa, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Naulia Dawai, Akapusi Qera ©, Nikola Matawalu, Ben Volavola, Vereniki Goneva, Jale Vatubua, Albert Vulivuli, Timoci Nagusa, Kini Murimurivalu, Tuapati Talemaitoga, Joeli Veitayaki, Kalivati Tawake, Api Ratuniyarawa, Viliame Mata, Nemani Nagusa, Seurpepeli Vularika, Benito Masilevu
Australia:
Your #Wallabies team to take on @fijirugby at 3pm. Tune in LIVE to @FOXSportsAUS, @channelten & @RUGBYcomau Radio. #AUSvFIJ #ArvoRugby pic.twitter.com/HDCz4TQuEi
— Qantas Wallabies (@qantaswallabies) June 10, 2017
Rugby:
Kick-off is upon us at AAMI Park, Australia in gold, Fiji in white, the sun a resplendent yellow, the sky blue. Yep, it’s a fine day in Melbourne. That could change, however. In a few minutes.
The teams are lining up for anthems etc.
Rugby:
The Wallabies have won the toss! What a start to the international season! Here’s a pic of the toss. Or is it one of those ‘Find the Coin!’ photo competitions like we had back in the day?
We've won the toss and will kickoff! #AUSvFIJ #ArvoRugby pic.twitter.com/Shc6pj0pCQ
— Qantas Wallabies (@qantaswallabies) June 10, 2017
AFL: Half-time. Hawks 4.4 (28) Suns 6.7 (43)
Back to back goals to Mitchell and late-inclusion Stewart keep the Hawks in touch at the long break.
Questions to raise conversation:
If you’re considering writing in today, here are some potential topics, some of them of the click-bait variety:
- What value do friendlies, like last night’s Argentina v Brazil game, have for Australian punters?
- Have the Swans a hope of making the finals?
- Are NRL referees’ eyes painted on?
- Is Karmichael Hunt going to keep his Wallaby jersey through to the World Cup?
- Can you vacuum a dog? (For instance, a black Kelpie X that is a prodigious shedder of hair)
Football:
Last night, in case you missed it, Argentina played Brazil at the MCG in front of 96,000 or so. For what it’s worth —about $229 for a “platinum restricted view” seat— Argentina won 1-0. My colleague Russell Jackson was there. Fair to say he wasn’t entirely impressed. Here’s his take on it:
AFL: Q2 13:45 remaining. Hawks 2.4 (16) Suns 5.6 (36)
Meanwhile, back in downtown Melbourne, the Gold Coast have scored four goals on the trot to move out to a 20-point lead over the Hawks. Six different goal-scorers for the Suns.
For those who are interested, the Cleveland Cavaliers have just this very minute beaten Golden State Warriors 137-116 on their home court, a win that keeps the best-of-seven finals series alive. Cleveland now trail 3-1 with the action moving to the west coast for the next match.
Conspiracy theorists will say the Warriors threw the game so they could wrap up the title on their home court.
For a catch up, have a read of the live blog:
The game featured a pretty handy dunk by LeBron James, who’d be a pretty decent pick-up for any Aussie rugby, rugby league or AFL team. Built like a Winnebago with the manoeuvrability of a dirt bike:
Can't stop watching this. #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/qfR8u6ApKe
— NBA (@NBA) June 10, 2017
Preamble
Hello there, welcome to another edition of Guardian Australia’s Sportwatch, the Hawaii Ironman of live blogging. Accordingly, I’ve surrounded myself with the accoutrements of the endurance athlete; comfortable shoes, tight knickers, Vaseline and energy bars. Well, my equivalent of energy bars, that is; Vegemite toast, my North, my South, my East and West, My working week and my Sunday rest.
Being a Saturday in June we’ve a packed card to enjoy today —and later tonight.
First off, at 3pm, will be one of two feature matches I’ll be giving my full attention to in today’s Sportwatch; the rugby Test between the Wallabies and Fiji in Melbourne.
It’s the first international of the season for these teams so you’d expect that some of the combinations will show signs of bump and clunk but let’s hope for some open and entertaining rugby all the same. The visitors, Fiji, have a well-deserved reputation for a little playground joyfulness in their game (sometimes that’s not the compliment it seems), and you’d expect them to chance their arms today given they will be carrying less expectation than the Aussies.
The Wallabies? You wouldn’t go so far as to suggest Australian rugby is in a such a state of decay that one needs to apply a swipe of Vicks to the upper lip when viewing it, but nor is it skipping down the street singing Zipadeedoodah. Australia’s Super Rugby teams, for instance, are so far behind New Zealand’s that it seems like a kind of victory when they don’t get a cricket score put on them.
So, with a seemingly unbeatable All Blacks on the horizon, the Wallabies need to get some confidence in the bank by beating teams like Fiji and, after that, the visiting teams of Scotland and Italy. Complicating (or helping) matters, is that Michael Cheika will be testing a lot of debutants in the coming weeks. Will they be up to it? Moreover, will any of them make a claim on Wallabies jersey for the long haul?
One such debutant will get a run today at centre: ex-league international, Karmichael Hunt, a man who has also played in the AFL and done reasonably well all things considered. He’s certainly got the mentality to be a success in a gold jersey. He is 30, however, which possibly says a little something about where the Wallabies are at right now.
Our second feature game will be at 7pm when Melbourne Vixens host the Giants of greater western Sydney in the Super Netball preliminary final. The winner will face Sunshine Coast Lighting in next week’s grand final. If momentum is your thing, the Giants look to have an edge. They were down and out last week against Collingwood —by six goals late in the fourth quarter— but came home like a prodigal daughter being chased down the drive by next door’s deranged Doberman. They also beat the Vixens four weeks ago in their round 12 encounter so they should hold no fears of the Melbourne posse.
The Vixens, meanwhile, lost last week to the Lightning. It was only their third loss of the season but, given the timing, will it trouble them like a stone in the shoe tonight? Vixens coach Simone McKinnis will have the job of not only trying to tactically outwit her opposite, the redoubtable Julie Fitzgerald —a five-time premiership-winning coach who will be taking part in her 24th finals match today— but ensure her team maintain the rage that saw them finish the regular season on top of the ladder.
If tonight’s game is anything like last week’s finals matches, both one-pointers, it’ll be a treat.
Between these games there’s plenty of ground to cover.
After the Wallabies match, there’s more rugby happening across the ditch, with the Crusaders hosting the British and Irish Lions at 5.45pm (AEST).
In the AFL, Hawthorn take on the Gold Coast from 1.45pm, Brisbane play Freo from 4.35pm and Essendon take on Port Adelaide at 7.25pm.
In the NRL, there are three matches today: Titans v Warriors (3pm), Panthers v Raiders (5:30pm), and Eels v Cowboys (7pm).
If all that’s not enough, you ask too much. If you stand by your claim anyway, well, there’s cricket on tonight too. Champion’s Trophy cricket no less, Australia v England. There’ll be a separate live blog for that tasty encounter but I’ll give some score updates along the way before finally signing off, or passing out, whatever happens first.
So enjoy the next seven or so hours with me, and remember, I’m all alone in a garret on a wind-swept hill and would welcome your correspondence. So drop me a line along the way. Twitter or email (links to the left), whatever floats your boat.
Tally ho!
Paul will be with you shortly. In the meantime, check out yesterday’s biggest story from the AFL world.
