Thankyou for joining me
That’s all from me here on this Sunday Sportwatch. It wasn’t the most memorable A-League feature game, with a nil-all draw between the Roar and Mariners. That’s a record losing streak for Brisbane, as neither side manages their first win for the season. The Mariners were probably the more deserving side of the two, but both goalkeepers - neither their side’s first choice - were impressive in ensuring a clean sheet for both teams. De Silva will be rueing several gilt-edged opportunities to score for Central Coast, while Maccarone can consider himself lucky the VAR let him get away with what looked like a punch to the face.
Earlier today, in part one of the W-League/A-League double-header, American Rachel Hill made a name for herself on Australian soil, with a hat-trick, while Sam Kerr again impressed for the Glory, scoring herself, and setting up Kerr twice. Glory ran out 4-1 winners over the Roar.
In the Rugby League World Cup, results went as expected, with the Azzurri winning 46-0 over the USA, and PNG grinding out a closer-than-expected win over the Irish, 14-6. For PNG, Garry Lo provided the fireworks, while Tedesco put a week of controversy behind him to score a double for Italy alongside Josh Mantellato.
In the final game for tonight the Fijians will take on Wales in North Queensland, with plenty of emotion again surfacing during the Fijian national anthem.
Rugby League World Cup PNG beat Ireland 14-6
Meanwhile, PNG have prevailed over Ireland in their Rugby League World Cup outing, winning 14-6. Ireland scored the early converted try, to race to a 6-0 lead, but were unable to score again.
Garry Lo provided plenty of highlights, running 153 metres for two line breaks and a try.
A try to Watson Boas in the 79th minute sealed the result for the Kumuls.
Fiji will now take on Wales in the final game for the day - in what should be a convincing win for Fiji.
Updated
Rugby League World Cup Italy beat USA 46-0
This just in from Wires on the Italy v USA clash:
Italy ended a difficult week on a high with a 46-0 rout of the United States in their World Cup clash in Townsville.
A heavy defeat by Ireland in their opener was followed by a much-publicised dust-up between full-back James Tedesco and Huddersfield forward Shannon Wakeman which resulted in fines. But both players were named in Cameron Ciraldo’s squad for Sunday’s match and they played their part in a thumping win.
Tedesco scored two of Italy’s eight tries, with Joey Tramontana helping himself to a double and Josh Mantellato, Ryan Ghietti, Paul Vaughan and Mason Cerruto also crossing.
The United States reached the quarter-finals four years ago but Brian McDermott’s side are already out after back-to-back heavy defeats.
Brisbane Roar draw with Central Coast Mariners 0-0
Well, both teams will have to wait another week for their first win. Wellington Phoenix drop to the bottom of the A-League table, while the Roar are seven weeks without a win for the first time in A-League history. It’s also the first goalless draw for this A-League season - not the finest honour.
Ben Kennedy provided two brilliant saves for the Mariners, while Jamie Young also did a fine job of stepping up in the absence
Bautheac wins player of the match for the Roar. He needs a translator - and says he takes no solace in the award, since the team has not come away with the win. Down the other end, Jamie Young also did a fine job in the absence of Michael Theo. Still, De Silva should really have scored on the break a couple of times, but was too slow in his execution.
One of the talking points, no doubt, will be the performance of the VAR and on-field officials - hard to believe the Maccarone hit to the face went without penalty, while Papadopolous looked certain to give away a penalty for his careless defending in the box. Think, despite the conjecture in the first half, that the off-side call for Maccarone may have been correct - or at least too difficult to overturn. Can’t say the same for several controversial second half decisions.
A-League 94:25 Brisbane Roar 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
Brama being held by Skapetis. Will this be the chance the Mariners need to claim the win? Hoole takes it and the delivery isn’t bad - but it’s off the head of McGing and out. Paul Okon looks highly unimpressed with the quality of this game.
Down the other end the Roar have a corner and it’s a dangerous one - Maccarone just misses the header, which Jade North hits on the dive. Amazing save by Kennedy.
Hoole meanwhile finds his way into the penalty box, but his touch is poor and it’s out for a goal kick. Very disappointing.
A-League 91:00 Brisbane Roar 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
“A lack of quality is why these teams are both down the bottom of the ladder” - couldn’t agree more!
#BRIvCCM this game doesn't even deserve a goal.
— shaboogen (@shaboogen) November 5, 2017
Not going to the game was probably the best decision i made today. This has been a big yawn. #BRIvCCM
— Giroud Bullet Header (@therealthandoe) November 5, 2017
A-League 87:00 Brisbane Roar 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
Just five minutes to go plus stoppage time and it’s getting sloppy. Buhagiar comes on for Asdrubal.
The Roar finally force a corner - with the crowd behind them. Papadopolous gets his head to it, but it’s well wide.
A-League 83:56 Brisbane Roar 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
Bautheac is off for Skapetis as the Roar look to change the tide of momentum currently going against them. Asdrúbal wins the foul, and the Mariners come again.
Oxborrow now off for Jacob Pepper after he’s given a yellow for pulling back his opponent.
Updated
A-League 82:00 Brisbane Roar 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
Appiah fires a ball into Asdrúbal but it’s too fast and too far behind him. The Mariners look much more likely to break the deadlock now.
A-League 77:40 Brisbane Roar 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
Sloppy play from the Mariners gifts Oxborrow a long-range shot on his left, but it’s too high to trouble the keeper.
Down the other end Appiah is into the action immediately. McGing delivers an outstanding cross, which results in a beauty of a header from De Silva. It’s a wonderful save from Young again - who has had a great game as a stand-in. It’s off-side anyway, but a great save.
De Silva goes into the book for a poor tackle on Papadopolous.
A-League 74:26 Brisbane Roar 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
McGing again, he finds Asdrúbal who should’ve been in - excellent work from Jamie Young. Still, De Silva has another excellent chance to hit the deflection - and he’s too slow again!
Pain comes off for Appiah - don’t mind that move. Pain has been one of the Mariners’ better players, but Appiah looked dangerous late against the Victory.
A-League 71:26 Brisbane Roar 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
Corner off North, after a nice in-swinging cross by McGing. He’s provided some good delivery for his team. Pain has a long-range shot, but it’s easily dealt with.
Updated
A-League 70:15 Brisbane Roar 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
Holman to come off for Gameiro - what a nice moment amongst a less than appealing match so far. Great to see him on - and the Roar supporters are up and about.
A-League 65:00 Brisbane Roar 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
Maccarone gets a boot to the face by Golec - whch earns Golec a card and Khalfallah a free-kick. It’s a long way out, and there’s an appeal for handball, but it’s not paid. De Silva takes the deflection all the way down the ground and finds the side of the net. Great run.
We’re all still reeling from how Maccarone got away with that punch in the face.
#BRIvCCM
— Phil_K3n_Sebben (@Phil_K3n_Seb) November 5, 2017
Missed penalties and a punch in the face.
This ref and VAR are working wonders.
Punch in the face = fair play
— 50ShadesofJay (@JayJayK75) November 5, 2017
High boot = yellow card
Only in the A-League 😂😂😂😂😂 #BRIvCCM
Updated
A-League 61:00 Brisbane Roar 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
De Silva takes a dive in the box and draws the ire of the referee. Looked like Maccarone actually hit him in the face, to be fair, after pushing him. Here comes the VAR - but there’s no further action taken. Very strange. I also can’t understand how Papadopoulos didn’t give away a penalty against McGing, but nevermind.
A-League 58:00 Brisbane Roar 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
Yellow card for Hingert who catches Conor Pain on the run with a sliding tackle. Pain with the set play from just outside the box on the left wing. It’s cleared - but McGing is down and very sore after a clash of heads with Papadopolous. Looked to be illegal contact.
A-League 54:20 Brisbane Roar 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
Another golden chance to score after a beautiful cross from Bautheac. Lucky Josh Rose read the ball well to clip the header, before Kennedy was again called into action by a stinging strike from Hingert. Excellent save.
Seems as if Baro is injured.
Updated
A-League 52:00 Brisbane Roar 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
Apologies for the brief break due to technical difficulties (aka a horrible internet connection - and no it’s not NBN).
De Silva has a gilt-edged chance to score from an awful turnover from Oxborrow in defence. No idea what he was doing there - and his keeper in Young looked mortified. Luckily he sprung to action and saved the shot on goal - but De Silva really should have done better from there. He was alone, with time and the advantage of a shock chance.
Rose comes on for Baro in the first change of the game for the Mariners.
Updated
Rugby League World Cup H2 42:00 Italy 32-0 USA
A much more one-sided contest over here, with the Azzurri well up against the USA, 28-0 at half time. Joe Tramontana has a double for his side.
Make that 32-0 as play resumes and Tedesco cleans up a dropped USA ball to dive over in the corner!
Rugby League World Cup half-time PNG 8-6 Ireland
The Irish hit the lead early - in the 4th minute to be exact, through Michael McIlorum, but PNG hit back with a couple of tries - to Garry Lo in the 15th minute and Nene MacDonald in the 25th. Lo’s in the 15th was
PNG have dominated play - with 60% of possession, and 8-0 line breaks to PNG.
Garry Lo beat about five players in ten metres to score - but I can’t find a replay of that incredible try. Here’s Nene McDonald’s instead.
PNG Kumuls: Speed, strength and height! @RLWC2017 live on @7mate and free https://t.co/AOPHgAnOIs app. Follow @7RLWC. #PNGvIRL #RLWC2017 pic.twitter.com/qOK5ROE2jB
— 7RLWC (@7RLWC) November 5, 2017
A-League 44:50 Brisbane Roar 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
Can’t get much clearer than this on the off-side. Hard to overturn that surely - would’ve appeared the right call in real-time.
It was so, so close
— FOX SPORTS Football (@FOXFootballLive) November 5, 2017
Was Maccarone kept on by Baro's trailing leg?#BRIvCCM live: https://t.co/uAOdCZAi3t pic.twitter.com/wXtV57p0ur
Maccarone was onside (just) because of the defender's foot. Still, impossible to get right in real-time. #BRIvCCM #ALeague
— Товарищ Ray (@screw_dog) November 5, 2017
Just the one minute of stoppage time for this half.
Updated
A-League 40:22 Brisbane Roar 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
Mariners go very close to scoring but for some excellent reflexes from Jamie Young. McGing was almost in with the header after some pinpoint delivery by Hoole. Nice scrambling on the last line by the Roar.
Updated
A-League 39:40 Brisbane Roar 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
Still lots of conjecture over the Maccarone off-side, which Aloisi was decidedly unhappy about. The main point of conjecture seems to be about the inconsistent use of the VAR.
Where's the stupid VAR on that one?
— Liam Johnson (@SkyblueJohnno) November 5, 2017
Aloisi was spot on
either get rid of it(prefferable) or use it for every team#BRIvCCM
VAR only protects the defending team. Get rid of it or get rid of the linesmen #aleague #BRIvCCM
— Nico (@HOU53) November 5, 2017
A-League 37:10 Brisbane Roar 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
Beautiful release from Bautheac, which finds Khalfallah out wide. His immediate cross forces a corner – but it’s a poor effort from Bautheac, which sails wide over Kennedy and out of play.
A-League 32:30 Brisbane Roar 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
Maccarone looks for a penalty after Kennedy catches him by the ankles, but the flag goes up for off-side (he looked only JUST off-side - perhaps with a back leg?) He was set up ideally for a score after the Bautheac strike deflected off Kennedy and into Maccarone’s path.
A-League 29:43 Brisbane Roar 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
The Mariners have finally got some rhythm into their approach – but are a little slow pulling the pin on their passes. They’ve had 66% possession in the last five minutes.
Updated
A-League 25:40 Brisbane Roar 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
Here come the Mariners finally, who win a corner off a North deflection. Hoole delivers a deep ball, and Asdrúbal gets some rare possession, but it’s won back by Holman.
Pain forces another corner with a dangerous looking cross. De Silva goes short but the Mariners’ defence aren’t fooled. Hoole thinks the Mariners have a third corner - and it looks to have been clearly deflected off McKay - but it’s ruled otherwise.
Papadopoulos looks to have a groin injury of some kind.
Updated
A-League 20:07 Brisbane Roar 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
Maccarone almost dinks Kennedy - but misses narrowly to the right. The deflection spilt backwards from the Mariners’ midfield defensive line, and set the Italian up for what should have been a fairly regulation shot. He’s looming large, Maccarone.
Updated
A-League 18:07 Brisbane Roar 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
Holman gets a second chance in the box - but Golec provides the block after a scramble from the defence. Some nice footwork from Holman to set up the second chance - and a nice, diving block from Golec. There were some shouts of handball by the Roar, but the replay shows there’s no such trouble.
Updated
A-League 15:30 Brisbane Roar 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
Free-kick results to Maccarone on the edge of the Mariners’ penalty area – the error is McGing’s.
Kennedy guards the near post – and Maccarone’s shot is well over the crossbar. Disappointing effort from the set play.
Updated
A-League 13:27 Brisbane Roar 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
After more than 10 minutes gone, there’s almost nothing between these sides possession-wise. 2-0 intercepts to the Roar, as well as 3-0 crosses. Otherwise, passing accuracy and other key stats almost level.
Plenty of possession to Baro (15), Hiariej (13) and McKay (12).
Updated
A-League 09:07 Brisbane Roar 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
Big collision between Golec and Bautheac, it looks borderline in terms of a yellow - and Golec gets off. Looked simply too fast for Bautheac.
Maccarone gets another shot in on Kennedy - this time a header, but Kennedy isn’t challenged.
Updated
A-League 06:50 Brisbane Roar 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
And we’re off. Our commentators (Simon Hill and Andy Harper) are discussing the fact that Jade North is currently the only indigenous A-League football player in the league. They ask what more can be done to draw indigenous players to football. Good question, would love your thoughts!
There’s also a lot of love for the new away strip for the Mariners. Again, I invite your thoughts.
Here goes Maccarone from the box, who finds Jack Hingert out wide to the right. But his shot on goal is little to no threat to Ben Kennedy, who tidies up neatly.
Updated
A-League Brisbane Roar v Central Coast Mariners
Our teams are lined up and almost ready to go. Pitch is almost entirely bathed in shade today, after the Brisbane and Perth W-League teams played in much harsher sun. It’s 29 degrees in Brisbane currently.
#BRIvCCM team news coming up pic.twitter.com/H0u9cHADzj
— BNE Football Review (@RoarReview) November 5, 2017
NBL
NBL duopoly Perth Wildcats and New Zealand Breakers are set to clash three times in their next four games, after establishing themselves as the early-season pace-setters.
Star-studded Melbourne United (4-3) forced their way back into the contenders conversation by snapping a three-match losing streak and recording two big home wins, but it’s the Breakers (6-1) and Wildcats (5-1), leading the way.
The Breakers made it six straight wins with a couple of narrow victories in round five. They squeezed out a 92-88 home win over Adelaide and followed up with a 73-70 away victory over Cairns, who had won the last five tussles between the two clubs.
In an amazing climax, guard Edgar Sosa hit a game-winning three-pointer with four seconds to go, but Taipans captain Cam Gliddon nailed a three-quarter court prayer with 0.1 second left. However, Gliddon’s miracle shot was ruled too late, as NBL rules stipulate a shot under 0.3 seconds cannot be a catch and shoot.
The Breakers and Wildcats have each won four of the last eight NBL titles.
- Australian Associated Press
Back shortly with A-League minute by minute updates.
Indo Pacific Rugby Championship
It looks like Andrew Forrest has agreed to play his new Indo Pacific Rugby Championship during the Super Rugby window, with its inaugural season pushed back to 2019.
Forrest and Rugby Australia (formerly the ARU) have agreed to a series of core principles regarding the new competition, but nothing has been signed off.
The IPRC was initially set to be played after the Super season in the August-October period, but it will now be played from March-June if it can get World Rugby approval.
- Australian Associated Press
Tim Cahill update
Now the update I’m sure you’re all waiting for - it looks like Tim Cahill will fly to Honduras, but it’s not clear whether he’ll actually play. The good news is that he hasn’t fractured his ankle, but he’ll leave a day later than the rest of his teammates to continue rehab. Cahill injured his ankle in Melbourne City’s 1-0 A-League loss to Sydney FC, landing awkwardly after he tried to hurdle Jordi Buijs.
Robbie Kruse won’t make the trip to San Pedro Sula - after he took a knock to the knee with VfL Bochum. He’ll meet the rest of the team in Sydney for the critical second leg, as will Mathew Leckie and Mark Milligan (who are currently suspended).
The absence of Cahill alongside Kruse, Leckie and Milligan would be a huge blow for the Socceroos’ chances.
Tennis
Anyone else been following Ash Barty’s incredible comeback? Seems like Steffi Graf has, describing her rise up the rankings as an “incredible story”.
Barty could finish the year as high as No16 after she reached the WTA Elite Trophy semi-finals last week:
“This time last year Barty was ranked outside the world’s top 300 and in late 2014 appeared to be lost to the sport when, citing the need for a mental break, she took up cricket.
“I don’t completely know exactly how she came back to playing cricket and then back to tennis but it is a pretty incredible story,” Graf said.
“Seeing her play so well, especially this year from where she’s started to where she’s ending, it’s a pretty incredible speed of how she’s finding herself back into the tennis tour.”
The Ipswich product had nine wins against top-20 opponents this season, including a straight sets thumping of two-time grand slam champion and former world No.1 Angelique Kerber last Thursday.
- Australian Associated Press
W-League
Like this quirky stat from our resident W-League columnist Ann Odong. Very impressive from the American. Shrewd signing by the Glory.
5: If Rachel Hill was a #wleague team she would be on top of the table with the most goals scored. Prolific. #OptaAnn #BRIvPER pic.twitter.com/YRHu23rfwH
— Ann Odong 🌈 (@AnnOdong) November 5, 2017
A-League Brisbane Roar v Central Coast Mariners starting XIs
Here are our starting line-ups for the double-header clash between the Central Coast and Brisbane Roar. Confirmation that Corey Gameiro is in as a substitute. Ingham will start at fullback. Aloisi confirms Theo has carried the finger injury from the beginning of the season.
Roux hasn’t recovered in time for the Mariners, so McGing is in back in his place.
Line up 🔐 Ben Kennedy makes his Mariners debut in tonight's battle against @brisbaneroar! #CCMFC #BRIvCCM pic.twitter.com/NMsZugrc5D
— #CCMFC (@CCMariners) November 5, 2017
Here is it Brisbane! Here is how we will lineup in this afternoon’s @ALeague clash @suncorpstadium #FeelTheRoar #BRIvCCM pic.twitter.com/K79NGQSILR
— Brisbane Roar (@brisbaneroar) November 5, 2017
W-League Perth Glory beat Brisbane Roar 4-1
A hat-trick to Rachel Hill highlights a convincing win by the Glory over the Roar. That’s back-to-back 4-1 wins for their team, and they’ll top the table at the end of this round. Sam Kerr scored the other for her team, and also assisted Hill for her first goal. It was likewise Kerr’s cross which created the opportunity for Hill’s second, while Kerr forced her own penalty against Arnold. There are no signs of her form letting up.
The Roar will be disappointed with the magnitude of the loss, particularly after they equalised only 60 seconds after Hill’s opening goal.
Rugby League World Cup
In RLWC news, Scotland have axed three players, including their captain Danny Brough, from their squad for misconduct. The others are Sam Brooks and Johnny Walker. The three stayed in Christchurch on Sunday following their 74-6 loss to New Zealand, while the rest of the team flew to Cairns to prepare for their clash with Samoa next weekend.
According to Australian Associated Press “it’s believed they were deemed too drunk to board a plane”.
“It’s understood the matter will not be investigated by the tournament’s integrity unit, but will still spell the end of the trio’s campaign after they were released by team management.”
“We expect everyone involved in Scotland Rugby League to adhere to the highest standards of behaviour,” Scotland Rugby League chairman Keith Hogg said.
“Unfortunately, these three players have not adhered to those standards and those values and will be leaving early from a tournament that it is a privilege for us to be involved in.”
There are several RLWC fixtures on today: PNG v Ireland at 5pm AEDT, Italy v US also at 5pm AEDT and Fiji v Wales at 7:30pm AEDT. I’ll give you updates on the first two games during half-time of the A-League.
Updated
W-League 83:05 Brisbane 1-4 Perth Glory
And it’s a hat-trick to Rachel Hill! There was some question as to whether Kerr was offside, but there was no interference with play and the goal stands.
That’s five goals in two games for the US youngster. She enjoyed an incredible college career – scoring 61 goals in 89 games for the University of Connecticut. She then joined Orlando Pride – the same club as Westfield Matildas Steph Catley and Alanna Kennedy - earlier this year and found the net eight times in 15 games in the NWSL.
W-League 77:10 Brisbane Roar 1-3 Perth Glory
It took a while to break the deadlock - it was nil all until the 42nd minute, when Sam Kerr provided the assist for Rachel Hill to score from the centre of the box into the top right-hand corner. It took Brisbane less than a minute, however, to equalise, with a very close-range shot into the bottom right corner (assisted by Clare Polkinghorne from a well-drilled set piece).
Then, in the 59th minute, Hill scored a double after the Glory peppered Mackenzie Arnold’s net following a dangerous Sam Kerr cross. Hill capitalised on a deflection off Arnold from close range.
Live, Kerr has just taken a touch from Arnold – and wins a penalty for her efforts. She’ll line up to extend the Glory’s lead to two goals. She hits it emphatically. It’s 3-1 Glory.
Here’s the goal that broke the 0-0 deadlock.
The moment @PerthGloryWomen took the lead against @brisbaneroar. #BRIvPER #WLeague pic.twitter.com/jJ7gsvJj4O
— Westfield W-League (@WLeague) November 5, 2017
Welcome
Hello everyone and welcome to this Sunday afternoon edition of Sportwatch. I’m Kate O’Halloran, and I’m here to take you through some of today’s action, whatever your preferred shape of ball.
Our feature game for today is the 5pm A-League clash between cellar-dwellers Brisbane Roar and Central Coast Mariners at Suncorp Stadium. Both sides will be desperate for a first-up win for the season, and it is Brisbane who will take in the head-to-head advantage, having won their last eight against the Mariners. It’s their longest winning streak against any club in the competition’s history. They’ve also managed 17 goals in their last four games against the Mariners at this stadium.
Roar will, however, be without veteran goalkeeper Michael Theo, who will miss a couple of weeks with a finger injury. In his place steps in Jamie Young who is no stranger to A-League appearances against the Mariners; he has made 65 against the Central Coast. Of course Theo has plenty of company on the sidelines – joining Luke DeVere (out for at least 10 weeks with a knee), Corey Brown (hamstring), Daniel Bowles (knee), Thomas Kristensen (hamstring) and Shannon Brady (foot).
In good news, John Aloisi’s side did come back from 3-0 down at half-time against the Phoenix last Saturday, and will be hoping to take some of that second-half form into today’s clash. I’m looking forward to seeing what former Italian international striker Massimo Maccarone produces today – he has looked ominous in his first few appearances on Australian soil. We will also see the feel-good return of Corey Gameiro, after his third knee reconstruction in four years. He’s been named on the bench.
Paul Okon knows his side will be up against it to come away from today’s match with a win; the Mariners haven’t won outside NSW since they defeated Adelaide 2-1 in November 2016. News has also just filtered through that Ben Kennedy will debut in Tom Glover’s place (who has a minor shoulder injury), which means Adam Pearce moves to the bench. Storm Roux is likewise out with a minor ankle injury.
The Mariners have attempted more passes than any other team this season, and have the best passing accuracy of 80%. Daniel De Silva is in particularly good form – with 187 passes at 86% accuracy. He’s also won 29 duels from 52, won 11 fouls, and scored once from four games to date. Look for him to shine, alongside Golec who has the best passing accuracy of any player to have made at least 200 passes this season. He’s likewise one of only four players to have made over 10 interceptions and 10 tackles.
This should be a fairly close one, even if the Roar have the edge historically.
Kate will be here shortly. In the meantime, here’s how the Wallabies fared in yesterday’s historic Test match in Yokohama.
Updated
