Well that’s it from me for tonight, it’s been a pleasure having your company. Don’t forget to stay with us for our live blogs of the Cricket World Cup, Women’s World Cup and the French Open during the night. I’ll be back tomorrow to take you through a big Sunday of sport! So long and thanks for all the fish.
AFL: Adelaide beat GWS 12.10 (82) to 9.7 (61)
An upset victory from Adelaide at home will give them no end of confidence, toppling the second placed Giants by 21 points. Josh Jenkins continued his dominance in the second half, ably supported by Taylor Walker.
Super Netball: West Coast Fever 62-62 Giants Netball
Unbelievably it was a third draw in four games for the West Coast Fever. Netball legend Liz Ellis called for extra time during the week after a glut of draws this season and it looks like many fans will be rallying behind her after this game. Both teams squandered late chances, Kaylia Stanton throwing a baffling pass out the back of the court with 30 seconds remaining, only for the Giants to work it down to Caitlin Bassett who slotted a shot after the final whistle that was ruled no goal.
Player of the match and Giants captain Kim Green was noticeably upset with the result. “At the end of the day, we didn’t come here for a draw, so we’re really disappointed,” she said. “We need to become a little bit better in those critical moments. We’re not going to celebrate a draw.”
Cricket World Cup: Checking in on our England v Bangladesh live blog and England are doing it fairly easy so far in their innings. Bangladesh will need a big batting performance if they want to cause an upset in Cardiff today. Head on over to the blog to keep up with the latest in this match.
NRL: Cowboys 20-22 Sea Eagles
A big second half effort from the Sea Eagles got them the two points in Townsville tonight. Two tries to nil in the second half got Manly over the line - a strong effort in attack and defence to keep the Cowboys scoreless for the half.
Daly Cherry-Evans backed up from his State of Origin captaincy on Wednesday night and was very happy with his team’s effort. When asked the difference to the Eagles of 2018 he was considered in his answer. “I think we’re making ourselves accountable to play good footy every week,” he said after the game. “We’re demanding consistency and while the last two weeks maybe didn’t reflect that, we’re working hard on it.”
Super Rugby: Waratahs 24-35 Brumbies
The second half was better than the first for the Waratahs, finishing with a consolation try after the siren, but it wasn’t enough to take the points and creep into second place on the Australian conference ladder. The Brumbies won’t be happy with their second half defence and will need to improve heading into finals in a couple of weeks.
Brumbies play maker Christian Lealiifano was happy the team wrapped up top spot with a round remaining. “Pleased to get the result tonight, top of the conference is really nice,” he said after the match “We took our opportunities in the first half, we tried to play reasonably simple and our forward pack did their job.”
Cricket World Cup: An update on the injured net bowler from our man on the ground Adam Collins - he has apparently been taken to hospital as a precaution. Hopefully a quick recovery for him.
No final XI yet for Aus tomorrow. Warner “pretty shaken up” after a shot he played hit a net bowler in the head in their follow through. He’s gone to hospital but only as a precaution, we are told. #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/heR0i4PbyL
— Adam Collins (@collinsadam) June 8, 2019
Super Netball: The Giants have the half-time lead at Perth Arena, up 32-28 at half-time. The Giants have both bonus points so far, which is bad news for the Fever who need every point they can get their hands on after a poor start to the season. Also concerning for the home side are goal attack Kaylia Stanton’s shooting stats - yet to score after 30 minutes.
Jo Harten nails a goal on the siren to make sure we claim the bonus point!
— GIANTS Netball (@GIANTS_Netball) June 8, 2019
It's half time, Fever 28 GIANTS 32.#RiseAsGIANTS pic.twitter.com/Z5T1eoHkwn
AFL: Adelaide hold a narrow lead over GWS at half-time, ahead 4.7 (31) to 3.4 (22). Josh Jenkins doing some great work for the home side so far, with six disposals and two goals to his name in the first half.
Cricket World Cup: A local net bowler suffered a head injury during a training session with the Australian team at the Oval.
From AAP:
A local net bowler had to be stretchered from the ground after being struck in the head by a David Warner straight drive in Australia’s training session at The Oval. Australia were completing preparations for Sunday’s game against India when Warner drove a half-volley back towards the medium pacer.
The ball struck the bowler in the head. He went to ground and required urgent medical assistance before being taken off in a medicab. The Australian team showed immediate concern for the bowler, with training stopped for more than 10 minutes.
Warner was comforted by assistant coach Ricky Ponting while he checked on the man’s welfare and did not immediately resume batting.
Super Rugby: The Waratahs were handed a brilliant opportunity to leapfrog the Rebels into second place on the Australian conference ladder, but they’re not looking like making use of it, trailing the Brumbies 28-3 at half-time. The Brumbies have shared the scoring load, while Christian Lealiifano has been spot on with the boot, nailing all four conversions.
What.A.Try! #WARvBRU https://t.co/05Yt8NxnSN
— Plus500 Brumbies (@BrumbiesRugby) June 8, 2019
NRL: Half time in Townsville and the Cowboys lead the Sea Eagles 20-12. It’s all about Jake Clifford for the North Queenslanders tonight - he has scored all three of their tries, including the clincher right on the siren. The Sea Eagles won’t be happy with their finish to the half, blowing a 12-2 lead to go into the break behind.
Three consecutive tries for North Queensland! 😲#NRLCowboysManly 20-12 🤠#TelstraPremiership pic.twitter.com/AKr4A3MOnf
— NRL (@NRL) June 8, 2019
AFL: Very thought provoking discussion from ID9357571 in the comments regarding the AFL’s apology to Adam Goodes this week:
“So the apology from the AFL - three and half years after the collective crime committed against this generations greatest Indigenous footballer, in direct response to two documentaries outlining their complicity in his despicable and racist treatment - smacks of a brand damage limitation exercise. And embarrassingly not so subtle given the previewing of the documentaries by the AFL.
Let me know your thoughts, either in the comments or on Twitter, was it a genuine apology or simply a case of damage control?
French Open: We’ve got live blogs galore tonight! Head on over to our French Open blog as we follow along with an exciting semi final between Novak Djokovic and Dominic Thiem.
Super Netball: After the dust settled from the Diamonds selections last week, the harsh reality of taking a mid-season break in the Super Netball began to sink in. Already it has had an impact, with the NSW Swifts this week announcing that they will allow English import Natalie Haythornthwaite to rest until the World Cup, not taking the court for her Super Netball franchise until after the completion of the tournament. There are all kinds of complications that arise from this five week break in play, which Erin Delahunty broke down beautifully in her column this week.
Super Rugby: Crusaders 66-0 Rebels
Well, things didn’t get any better for the Rebels in the second half. If you can believe it, things actually got worse. Brandon Ennor and Sevu Reece each bagged a hat trick for the Crusaders and the Rebels differential has taken one hell of a hammering. A win for the Waratahs over the Brumbies tonight will see them leapfrog their southern rivals into second place on the Australian conference ladder.
FULL TIME - The Crusaders put on a show for their home crowd with an outstanding win against the Rebels https://t.co/dTdRO1QiG8 #SuperRugby #CRUvREB pic.twitter.com/IpotwXOYeY
— Super Rugby (@SuperRugby) June 8, 2019
NRL: Cronulla 42-22 Parramatta
While they couldn’t stretch the lead further with a conversion attempt after the siren, there is plenty to celebrate for the Sharks tonight. A dominant 20-point win over the Eels will do a lot for their confidence at this stage of the season and will keep them safely inside the eight.
In more good news for the boys from the Shire, Wade Graham made a successful return to the field tonight, playing his first game in nine months after rupturing his ACL in last year’s qualifying final.
“I felt good,” said Graham after the game. “The lungs need a bit of work, but it was a relief to get out there. Glad it’s done and now I can get into the season. It was pretty disappointing we let those tries in late, but we got the win and that’s what matters.”
Hopefully the team will shout him a soft serve at Engadine Maccas tonight to celebrate.
Xerri get's the double!#UpUpCronulla #NRLSharksEels pic.twitter.com/ZcyFVFKOAQ
— Cronulla Sharks FC (@Cronulla_Sharks) June 8, 2019
AFL: North Melbourne beat Gold Coast 14.15 (99) to 11.6 (72)
It wasn’t the second half the Kangaroos would have wanted, but they will be pleased to take the four points out of this one. The Suns will take heart from a stronger second half but will rue the fact that it was too little, too late.
Kangaroos forward Mason Wood was pleased with his form in the game, but was quick to credit his team for his good work. “I’m a product of how the team’s going - three wins from the last three games has been great,” he said after the game.
The skipper leads the way in his 200th, as we take the win at Metricon Stadium.#AFLSunsNorth #North150 pic.twitter.com/m8SZDCCExy
— North Melbourne (@NMFCOfficial) June 8, 2019
Cricket World Cup: The England v Bangladesh match is about to get underway in Cardiff. Join Rob Smyth and Adam Collins for over-by-over updates and see if Bangladesh can sneak in a win against the hosts.
NBA: Interesting talking point out of the US this week with news that the NBA wants to increase female coaches and referees with the aim to hit 50%. Though I find the line “I’m not sure how it was so male-dominated for so long” from NBA commissioner Adam Silver quite staggering. I have a few ideas, starting with wilful exclusion, that I could share with him if he’s open to it.
Cricket World Cup: Have you listened to The Guardian’s new cricket podcast The Spin yet? It’s a cracker of an episode this week as Emma John is joined by Rob Eastaway and Jon Harvey to discuss why cricket was better in the 90s. It’s only 39 minutes long, so plenty of time to listen before England v Bangladesh starts.
Super Rugby: Things aren’t looking quite so happy for the Melbourne Rebels, trailing 26-0 to the seemingly unstoppable Crusaders. It illustrates the stark difference between the Australian and New Zealand conferences, with the Crusaders first of the Kiwis and the Rebels second on the Australian ladder.
HALF TIME - The Crusaders have a convincing lead at the break against the Rebels https://t.co/dTdRO1QiG8 #SuperRugby #CRUvREB pic.twitter.com/pimEwgMZfO
— Super Rugby (@SuperRugby) June 8, 2019
NRL: Half time at Shark Park and the home side are looking happy with a 14-point lead over Parramatta. A Josh Dugan try right on the hooter sets them up for a big second half and the chance to push their advantage home for a much needed boost to their points differential.
Josh Dugan crosses on the stroke of half-time! 👌#NRLSharksEels 20-6 at the break 🦈#TelstraPremiership pic.twitter.com/qfGuB5H7SV
— NRL (@NRL) June 8, 2019
French Open: If you’re planning to be up late watching Ash Barty play in the French Open final, make sure you check out our Guardian live blog for the best insights live from Roland-Garros. To get you ready for the #BartyParty, have a read of Simon Cambers’ great analysis of the rise of this young star.
State of Origin: The NSW team for the women’s State of Origin was named today, with Kezie Apps to lead the team for the first time. 2018 captain Maddie Studdon retains her spot but has been asked to concentrate on her half back duties. I think my favourite story of the team is 43-year-old Kylie Hilder who comes back into the side at hooker after a decade. If that’s not a comeback, I don’t know what is.
The @NSWRL team has been announced for the Holden Women's State of Origin!#OurWay pic.twitter.com/ZOU9tSxLsy
— Women's Rugby League (@WRugbyLeague) June 8, 2019
Women’s World Cup: What a week of build up it’s been - we’re all just itching for the Matildas to get underway against Italy tomorrow night. During the week, our sensational football reporter Richard Parkin caught up with Matildas veteran Lisa de Vanna to get her thoughts on the team’s preparation. It’s refreshing to hear how frank and honest she is - so unusual in modern sport. I think netball fans will see some similarities between de Vanna and Collingwood’s Nat Medhurst - from the 1984 birthdate to the willingness to speak her mind to the refusal to accept less than perfection from herself and those around her. A fascinating read.
AFL: Half-time on the Gold Coast sees the Kangaroos with a solid early lead over the Suns 9.5 (59) to 4.3 (27). A big win tonight could put North Melbourne in touch with the top eight, so they will be looking to build in the second half and get a big percentage booster out of this one.
We couldn't repeat the same efforts of the first quarter, but we still hold a strong lead going into the main change.
— North Melbourne (@NMFCOfficial) June 8, 2019
Ziebell and Polec our best in the second. #AFLSunsNorth #North150 pic.twitter.com/lp9qfpT6yS
NRL: Across the ditch the Storm were too strong for the Warriors, running out 22-point winners over the New Zealanders.
From AAP:
Hughes stars in Storm win over Warriors
A breakout performance from Melbourne fullback Jahrome Hughes has helped orchestrate a 32-10 win over the Warriors that ensures the Storm top the standings at the midway point of the NRL season. Not at their best until the second half, Melbourne were irrepressible in fighting back from 10-2 down late in the first half in Auckland on Saturday to register a fourth straight win. It was their eighth successive defeat of the Warriors, who slump to a 4-8 record and are gazing at a sizeable task to play finals football.
Kiwi-born Hughes was the chief executioner, bagging the first double of his NRL career with crucial tries either side of halftime. The 24-year-old did so after switching to halfback, where he played the last 50 minutes after Brodie Croft was forced off with a head knock. His energy, the craft of Cameron Smith and the toil of a pack led by Dale Finucane allowed Melbourne to take control of a match dogged by blustery winds and a high penalty count.
Despite fielding Josh Addo-Carr, Will Chambers, Cameron Munster and Felise Kaufusi three days after their State of Origin duty, they owned the second half, scoring 24 unanswered points.
Kodi Nikorima was a central figure in all three first-half tries as the Warriors ground out a 10-8 lead. Nikorima’s speed created space for impressive left winger Ken Maumalo to bag his ninth try of the term. The diminutive five-eighth then crossed courtesy of a Blake Green grubber.
However, Nikorima was the villain when Hughes stepped inside him after a neat Smith blindside switch. Hughes strolled over for his second in contentious fashion, with the Bunker ignoring Warriors claims of obstruction from Finucane on Issac Luke.
Melbourne’s late dominance resulted in tries to Suliasi Vunivalu, Jesse Bromwich and Marion Seve. The Bromwich try was meritorious given Melbourne had been reduced to 12 players following the sin-binning of Christian Welsh for persistent team offending.
Super Netball: The Adelaide Thunderbirds nearly caused an almighty upset this afternoon in Darwin, up by one goal going into the final quarter against defending premiers Sunshine Coast Lightning. The late injection of Ugandan star Peace Proscovia sealed the deal for the Queenslanders, but there were promising signs from persistent cellar dwellers the Thunderbirds during the game. Talking to new Super Netball Commission Chair Marina Go during the week, she emphasised that the league is only as strong as its weakest team and the rise of the Thunderbirds will be heartening for competition organisers to see.
FULL TIME ⏱️
— Suncorp Super Netball (@SuperNetball) June 8, 2019
It's the @sc_lightning who held on to take the win in Darwin!#SSNThunderbirdsLightning pic.twitter.com/9NslJGs4lm
AFL: Big news for Carlton this afternoon, coming from behind to beat Brisbane in David Teague’s first game as head coach.
From AAP:
Carlton have climbed off the canvas in David Teague’s first AFL game in charge, coming from behind to defeat Brisbane by 15 points at Marvel Stadium. The Blues conceded the first six goals of Saturday’s game before mounting a Patrick Cripps-inspired comeback to prevail 11.12 (78) to 9.9 (63), less than a week after sacking fourth-year coach Brendon Bolton.
Cripps was sublime for Carlton in just their second win for the season, gathering 38 disposals and booting four goals in another performance certain to net him three Brownlow Medal votes. The brilliant skipper put the result beyond doubt in the dying minutes when he soared out of a pack and kicked truly for his fourth major.
Ed Curnow (30 disposals, eight clearances) was also influential in the midfield and helped to quell the influence of Brisbane ball magnet Lachie Neale, while younger brother Charlie booted three goals in his best game of the season. Neale racked up 24 disposals to halftime but managed just seven after Curnow went to him in the second half.
After witnessing North Melbourne upset Richmond in Rhyce Shaw’s first game in charge, Carlton fans were hoping their own caretaker coach would conjure something similar. But six minutes into the second quarter, Brisbane held a six-goal lead and the Blues were yet to kick a major. The Blues had 10 of the first 11 inside-50s but continued to waste their opportunities, allowing Brisbane to seize the momentum.
Quick goals to Charlie Cameron, Neale and Hugh McCluggage extended the Lions’ lead to six goals before Michael Gibbons finally put the Blues on the board at the 12-minute mark of the second term. Having reduced the margin to three goals at halftime, the Blues came out firing in the third quarter as Cripps booted two goals in quick succession. Mitch McGovern then took a strong contested mark and kicked truly to put Carlton ahead and pave the way for a much-needed victory.
Key defender Harris Andrews held Harry McKay goalless and was among Brisbane’s best but the Lions were well-beaten in the midfield. The Blues host the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium next Saturday while the fifth-placed Lions head into their mid-season bye with seven wins and five losses, having blown a golden opportunity to remain in touch with the top four.
Preamble
Hello and welcome to a big night in sport! We’ve got lots going on tonight, with NRL, AFL, Super Netball and Super Rugby on the agenda. We’ll also have standalone blogs later in the night for the Cricket World Cup matches, Women’s World Cup and of course the French Open. So let’s get into it!
