Summary
They’ve made the final four teams on eight out of nine occasions across the Big Bash era, the Stars, but for the second year in a row, they’ve made the big dance, but had their toes trodden on.
Josh Philippe and Steve Smith, with some late hitting from Jordan Silk put the Sixers in a pretty strong position, before excellent captaincy from Moises Henriques and brilliantly-executed bowling knocked over the Stars’ danger men early on. With Glen Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis back in the sheds it was always an uphill battle for the Stars.
Josh Philippe picks up the man of the match gong. The Sydney Sixers: BBL champions for the second time.
“This is up there with anything I’ve done in cricket” - Steve O’Keefe says post-match. He reckons his feet hurt from having performed a rain dance for the past three days, but having had to take to the field, he got it done with the ball anyway.
“That’s something pretty special, that” says fellow spinner Nathan Lyon. What a battle he had with Marcus Stoinis in the opening over, and how decisive that proved for the shape of the evening.
Lots of smiles, Gatorade flying everywhere, and pats on backs. They’re buzzing the Sixers, and who would blame them.
Big Bash final: Sixers win by 19 runs
Coulter-Nile winds up against Dwarshuis but he only gets two off the first delivery. One off a full toss before a dot ball. Larkin smashes a huge six over square, before playing and missing.
Some close ups of the long faces on the Stars bench - Glen Maxwell looks gutted.
And that’s that! Sydney Sixers have won BBL09 - a terrific batting performance backed up by an even better bowling display. Worthy winners.
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Big Bash - Stars 6/88 (11), Larkin 32*, Coulter-Niles 16*
Larkin slashes at one and it goes into the offside for two. Next delivery Hazlewood tries the yorker, but he digs it out for four! A slower ball deceives Larkin third up; dot. Next one goes to the boundary as well. 10 off 4! A six and a four and we could be in for a big last over.
But another terrific slower ball from JH deceives him for a dot - before excellent fielding on the rope from Silk saves four.
12 off it, but 29 to get on the final over.
Updated
Big Bash - Stars 6/72 (10), Larkin 20*, Coulter-Niles 16*
The big tailender comes in and throws the bat at everything and he gets them! Two off the first down the ground, a French cut for another two, a whack to the deep for two more, before a massive six followed by a top-edge that flew for four!
16 off the over. It’s almost good enough? 41 needed off 12, and it’s Josh Hazlewood with the ball.
Big Bash - Stars 6/60 (9), Larkin 20*, Coulter-Niles 0*
Larkin smashes O’Keefe over the rope from the final ball, but the spinner had already had the last laugh, picking up Seb Gotch trying the same thing a few balls earlier.
57 off 18 is the equation. Three very big overs.
Big Bash - Stars 5/49 (8), Gotch 5*, Larkin 12*
Five off that Dwarshuis over as Larkin swings wildly at a wide one and gets nothing on it. The stump mic picks up some colourful language from the batsman - and that’s how the evening has gone for the Stars.
Big Bash - Wicket! Stars 5/40 (6.2), Dunk out
It’s Nathan Lyons who picks up Dunk - who throws the cross-bat at it, but is deceived by the off-spinner! He departs lbw, and that, surely, is the end of that.
The Sixers can do this nicely from here, you’d imagine. To the delight of those that braved the heavy rains in Sydney.
Big Bash - Stars 4/39 (6), Larkin 7*, Dunk 11*
Finally a decent over for the Stars, as Dunk takes on O’Keefe and puts him over the boundary on the off-side.
They’ll need six more like that and then some. Otherwise curtains. At the halfway point though the bowling from the Sixers has been absolutely superb. What an attack, mind. Hazlewood. Lyon. O’Keefe. Abbott. Great list.
Big Bash - Stars 4/27 (5), Larkin 5*, Dunk 1*
Brilliant first over from Abbott - a wicket and two runs from it. They’re going at modern-day Test rate; you have to think the early loss of Stoinis plus scoreboard pressure has done them here, the Stars.
How crucial were those consistent overs from Philippe and Smith? Really got inside the heads of the Stars’ batsmen.
Big Bash - Wicket! Stars 4/25 (4.1), Handscomb 6 out
Ach, that’s awful. First ball, and they’ve done each other. They try for the second and Larkin slips - and then sends his partner back! Handscomb done at the bowler’s end - run out.
This is crashing like a supernova. The Stars are exploding.
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Big Bash - Stars 3/24 (4), Handscomb 6*, Larkin 4*
Another good over from Hazlewood, just five off it.
That’s a third of the deliveries eaten up, and they’re 93 runs short, with just 48 balls to get them in.
You can understand the settling over, but these two need to go, and go big from here.
Updated
Big Bash - Wicket! Stars 3/18 (2.4) - O’Keefe gets Maxwell!!
He glowers up at the replay screen as he trudges off. The Stars fans came to see this man - one of the game’s most destructive batsmen - work his magic. But O’Keefe deceives him with a slower spinning delivery, that goes on straight and catches the back pad. Was it bouncing too high? Possibly not. He took an age to make the decision, but the finger went up and Glen Maxwell is gone.
Sixers in the ascendancy - they’re looking pretty in pink now. 98 off 54 is the equation.
Updated
Big Bask - Wicket! Stars 2/14 (1.4), Maddison goes for a duck
He’s had a scratchy old tournament, Maddinson but after a few dot balls he goes after one and like Stoinis holes out in the deep. Vince with the catch - that will lift his mood after missing out with the bat.
Larkin comes in. Can he see off Josh Hazlewood and build the innings with Maxwell?
A wicket and one off the over from the big quick - that’s a phenomenal over in the short form of the game; let alone a reduced 12-over match.
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Big Bash - Wicket! Stars 1/10 (0.4), Stoinis out
It was the big-hitting Marcus Stoinis v the wily Nathan Lyon, and they both find a bit of joy. A boundary off the first - a six that just clipped the rope third ball, but then fourth ball he’s gone again and been caught on the boundary by Abbott! Stoinis goes - that’s a huge wicket, just four balls in.
It brings Maxwell to the crease. If he goes cheaply you would have to say it would definitely then be Sixers on top; no?
Okay - to my knowledge, I think that’s everything else in bed. Let’s get back to the Big Bash final and follow the whole of the Stars innings until it’s conclusion.
Don’t go anywhere - this could be an epic finish.
Full-time: Brisbane Roar 2-1 Adelaide United
Okay, I’ve gone back to take a look at those A-League goals. Oh my. The great JP Howcroft wrote an entire column earlier this season as an Ode to the Goalmouth Scramble but Perth’s effort against Newcastle had nothing on that equaliser from Brisbane Roar. McDonald thought he’d scored, then Muratovic’s follow-up effort was cleared off the line, then another a follow-up shot (from Inman?) was blocked - and then finally, the youngster volleyed home through a crowd of bodies!
A bit more straight forward with the second goal, although it was a short-corner routine that eventually ended up with Tom Aldred nodding home at the far post. They cop stick, the elaborate training ground routines, but when they come off, well. Fair play.
A huge three points for the home side - that makes four wins in their past six, and finally: they’re back in the six!
Updated
Big Bash: End of Innings - 5/116 (20), Philippe 52 out, last ball
Wowee. Who needs the extra eight overs, that was some high-octane stuff. Zampa gets belted for six but on the last ball he gets his man on the last delivery. Philippe gives himself room out leg for a sweep, but misses and gets rattled.
They’ll need 117 at 9.75. Not quite the 10+ but that’s still pretty intimidating - especially with a damp ball and a bit of moisture flying round.
Plenty of hope for both sets of fans - this one is very nicely poised.
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A-League - Goal! Brisbane 2-1 Adelaide (Aldred)
74 min: Hello! It’s the skipper, Aldred, and he nods home for Brisbane to come from behind! He’s a very popular figure in the dressing room, and that’s a very popular goal in the picture of the Roar’s season.
Can they hold on now for the three points?
Big Bash - Sixers 4/106 (11), Philippe 43*, Silk 26*
Big over off Haris Rauf - who goes for 13! Silk goes after him, and smashes it just shy of the rope - millimetres from a six, that. And on the final ball Silk goes again but it flies high into the night’s sky. Maddinson’s under it - it’s a tricky, swirling catch - and he puts it down!
Silk survives, and they grab two. Could that prove costly?!
Big Bash - Sixers 4/93 (10), Philippe 38*, Silk 18*
Jordan Silk opens the shoulders and lofts Coulter-Nile over cow corner for six! It’s the second time they’ve got him on the final ball; and another good over turns into a bad one, instantly.
100 was looking a decent psychologically barrier, not too many boundaries were coming - if they can push past that by some distance though the Sixers could have a good enough score.
A-League - Goal! Brisbane 1-1 Adelaide (Muratovic)
It took just ten minutes to hit back, and it’s the youngster Mirza Muratovic who hands the home side a share of the spoils. I’d love to tell you more, but I’ll confess I’ve got about three screens on and I’m not catching it all. Great to see the young strikers coming through under the tutelage of the great Robbie Fowler.
Big Bash - Sixers 4/82 (9), Philippe 36*, Silk 10*
Rauf doesn’t do a lot wrong (apart from one booming above-the-shoulders delivery that he has to bowl again) but he still goes for nine. They nudge him for a few twos off the end to make it a decent over.
It’s still really in the balance. 18 big deliveries - 25-30 could be enough for the Sixers. They need to get Philippe back on strike.
Super Rugby: Waratahs 12-32 Blues
Eek. That’s got ugly near the end. The Waratahs had pulled back to 12-20 and made it a little nervy for their front-leading visitors, but two tries late on for Telea really rubbed their noses in it.
“Credit to the Blues, they’re one of those teams that never give up - the try on the buzzer shows that” - that’s the word from a deflated Karmichael Hunt post-match. “We need to keep perspective - it’s still round two.”
Updated
Big Bash - Sixers 4-68 (7.2), Philippe 33*, Silk 0*
Zampa picks up the skipper Henriques - gone for 7 off 6, and they’ve pinched two in as many overs, as Maxi traps the new man Hughes lbw!
They’re still scoring at a decent clip, but they need to find somebody to go with Philippe, the Sixers. Stars suddenly on top - can they add a good over or two here to push the run rate down?
A-League - Goal! Brisbane 0-1 Adelaide (Halloran)
57 min: It’s the home side looking to lift the tempo, but with Brisbane edging proceedings, against the run of play a belter from Halloran!
He follows in Opseth’s blocked effort, and blasts a half-volleyed effort from 25-30m out. Great control with the first touch, at pace, and the second - even better! Whack. His sixth goal of the season.
Big Bash - Wicket! Sixers 1/49 (5.1), Smith 21 out!
Here’s a big moment! They were looking very comfortable, Philippe and Smith - the former seeing off the first dangerous Zampa over, with some smart singles and then a lovely final-ball boundary.
The skipper Maxwell decides something has to change - and he grabs the ball himself. Smith takes him on - and first ball, he’s holed out in the deep! A terrific catch from Handscomb who holds onto a swirling, difficult effort. Smith goes - is that a match changing moment?!
Henriques comes out, but it’s Philippe who takes on Maxi. A massive pre-meditated slog down the ground - a massive six!
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Big Bash - Sixers 1/40 (4), Philippe 17*, Smith 18*
It’s Smith v Rauf, as the Pakistani quick takes on perhaps the world’s best batsmen. First blood - Smith: a four, a massive six and then some smart singles. Both these batsmen looking very comfortable out there. They’ve seen off the first of the Stars’ danger men with the ball - here comes the other; it’s Zampa to bowl the fifth over.
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Big Bash - Sixers 0/15 (2), Philippe 11*, Vince 2*
He’s undone that good Worrall over, Nathan Coulter-Niles as with Vince pinned after a series of play and misses, he trundles down a wide one that Philippe lashes square, before clipping him off the toes for six off the final ball of the over!
Can they settle now, the Sixers? No! First ball of the next Worrall over, he’s picked up Vince! 2 off 9. That’s a really bad innings in a 72 ball game. He was going after every delivery, and he connected with very few.
In comes Steve Smith. Can he be the man for the Sixers?
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Big Bash - Sixers 0/3 (1), Philippe 1*, Vince 1*
We’re away! And it’s a terrific first over for the Stars - especially in a rain-reduced 3-over powerplay, where they’ve gone for just three!
Worrall finding great lateral movement in the damp conditions and Vince wafts at a few to no effect. The pressure is already straight on the Sixers; they’ve lost the toss, been sent in, and with just 66 balls left will already feel they need to get moving.
Updated
A-League: Brisbane Roar 0-0 Adelaide United - half-time
No goals, but plenty of intrigue in Brisbane. That near-howler from Izzo the closest we got to an opener, while at the other end the Reds had a few chances, but nothing too clear cut - at least to worry the league’s in-form ‘keeper, Young. More to come in this one, you’d imagine, as legs and minds tire, and the match opens up.
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A-League - 43 min: It’s the unlikely figure of Roar’s centre back Macauley Gillesphey firing a shot from distance - and it’s squirmed through ‘keeper Paul Izzo’s hands, but rolls agonisingly wide of the posts! Blushes spared - that was shades of Tom Glover’s howler in the Melbourne derby. Crucially though, the final result was different - with it coming at the cost of just a corner, not a goal.
Super Rugby - Tries! So much for the late half revival - the ‘Tahs have come out for the second half as cold as week-old sick. The Blues with back-to-back tries within the first five minutes, the latter seeing a No 8 putting it on the toe for a winger in acres of space. What happened there?! The Waratahs defence caught badly short out wide, and they trail now 7-20.
We have a bat toss! It’s looking like a 12-over game, and it’s Glen Maxwell’s Stars that have won the bat-flip and elected to bowl first. Ben Dunk the only change to Melbourne’s line up, the Sixers will be as they were last time out.
Move over The Hundred - welcome to the 72! That’s the figure if we do get the 12 overs in a piece. Game on.
A-League - 30 min: Still scoreless in grizzly, drizzly conditions in Brisbane. A fair bit of niggle in this one - Adelaide’s Gertjan Verbeek no shrinking violet on the touchline, and there’s a fair bit of steel to Robbie Fowler’s Roar these days.
Mauk fires a shot for Adelaide - but it only catches the back of his own player, Kristian Opseth! Ach. Friendly fire, that was probably goal-bound.
Super Rugby: Waratahs 7-8 Blues - half-time:
A try just in the shadow of half-time has the home fans feeling a little more optimistic. Lalakai Foketi grabbing the five-pointer after a good sustained period of possession for the ‘Tahs. That will make Rob Penney’s half-time chat a little more optimistic. It’s nicely poised this one; the home side very much fought their way back into the contest after looking on the back foot early on.
Updated
We could be looking at 12-14 overs each in the Big Bash final - which poses all sorts of conundrums for coaches and performance staff. Does Maxi open?? Imagine.
It’s reportedly reasonably dry underfoot - I don’t believe we’ve had a toss yet though; will keep my eyes and ears peeled (sure) on that front.
A-League - 10 min: No score from Brisbane in the inaugural “Stefan Mauk derby”. The man named Ingo (middle name) was of course until last month a Brisbane Roar player. He found his opportunities limited, or at least, not to his liking - and lines up this weekend for his new side, Adelaide United, against - you guessed it: Brisbane Roar.
It’s the Reds (playing in white) on the attack early on - they look to work something from a corner, but Jamie Young comes and claims comfortably.
Super Rugby - 25 min: So, not the ideal start for the Tahs, who go behind after ten minutes to a Blake Gibson try. It’s the Blues who have been probing and very much setting the pace, although there’s still been plenty of ball in hand for the home side. A penalty while on attack is also gratefully accepted: Waratahs 0-8 Blues.
The latest from the SCG and the Big Bash final: the super soppa is out working over-time, and a decent breeze is coming across the oval which is helping dry out the pitch. No official word on a starting time, or how many overs we’ll lose, but we are edging inexorably closer to a start. I believe.
Some bad news from the A-League and for Melbourne Victory fans (it’s really not been their week, let’s face it) - Socceroos star Robbie Kruse is set for a lengthy stint on the sideline:
Anna Harrington with the words out of Melbourne:
Melbourne Victory winger Robbie Kruse has suffered a fresh hamstring injury and will miss at least six weeks of the A-League season.
Kruse limped down the tunnel in the 84th minute of Victory’s 2-1 loss on Friday night, just 29 minutes after entering the fray, having missed the previous week’s draw with Perth Glory with hamstring tightness.
Victory confirmed Kruse had suffered a right hamstring injury - his other hamstring caused the Socceroo to miss the opening five rounds.
“Barring any setbacks during his recovery, it’s expected Kruse will be available for selection in the next 6-8 weeks,” the Victory said in a statement issued on Saturday.
Kruse’s setback means Victory will also have to reshuffle ahead of Tuesday’s Asian Champions League clash with Chiangrai United.
Another significant spanner in Victory’s stop-start season. Their traditional rivals Adelaide won’t mind though - we are just a few minutes away from kickoff in Brisbane, where it is the Reds in action.
Not sure the backstory behind it, but they’ve elected to open their season a few hundred kilometres up the road in Newcastle, the Waratahs. Not a bad call given if they were playing in Sydney tonight the game would have no doubt been cancelled. Here’s the respective XVs for Tahs v Blues - we’re actually up and underway, no score as yet:
LINE UPS|
— Super Rugby/TRC (@SuperRugby) February 8, 2020
Only 30 minutes to go until kick off! Can the Waratahs find their first win for the season?#WARvBLU #SuperRugby25years pic.twitter.com/7p0bjf8ffD
We do of course have Super Rugby still ahead, where the Waratahs will be looking to bounce back from their opening round loss to the Crusaders - they’re at home to the Blues.
An intriguing result a bit earlier coming out of the Waikato - where the Chiefs have beaten Razer Robinson’s South Islanders. Hello.
Super Rugby/ The Rugby Championship
— Super Rugby/TRC (@SuperRugby) February 8, 2020
FULL TIME - Chiefs steal a 25-15 win from Crusaders.
https://t.co/KTKJYQH7Wr #SuperRugby #SuperRugby25years #CHIvCRU pic.twitter.com/s8m7abxwBq
And here’s the official word on the BBL final - the final can be delayed for up to two hours before it will be officially cancelled; in which case the home side, the Sixers, would be declared champions.
Summary courtesy AAP:
Play would need to start by about 9:20pm for a completed game to be possible.
There is no reserve day in the BBL schedule.
The Sixers will be crowned champions if the clash is abandoned because they are hosting the final.
“They (umpires) are certainly hopeful of getting some sort of game in,” Stars skipper Glenn Maxwell said during Fox Sports’ pre-match program.
“They have to make sure it’s a safe environment for the game to go ahead.
“The last thing you want is a Josh Hazlewood or someone like that going down with an injury because of wet weather.
“I know everyone is desperate to get out there and have a game ... hopefully, we can get a bit of a break between the showers.”
Every eight minutes of play lost to wet weather will result in the match being reduced by one over per team.
Updated
Now the big remaining question mark over Sportswatch tonight is the will-it, won’t-it dilemma surrounding the Big Bash final, where the latest is that the torrential rains currently lashing Sydney have delayed the bat toss. So “yes, hopefully, but not straight away” remains the verdict there.
Thousands have braved the rains and made their way out to the SCG. Let’s hope for their sakes we can at least get a reduced game in. As the Thunder will remind you from earlier in the season - 5 overs is the minimum required for a formal contest.
AFLW: Brisbane defeat Adelaide 5.4 (33) to 3.3 (21)
They started the quarter in flying fashion, Adelaide, and for a moment you wondered, maybe, just maybe - with a goal inside the opening minute of the final stanza. But some old heads in the Brisbane defensive line stood tall, marshalled excellently by Sharni Webb, and any final term turnaround was slowly strangled out.
No Erin Phillips and plenty of other outs for Adelaide, but it was the eight debutants of Brisbane that stood tall - what a win for the home side!
And the somewhat incongruous sounds of La Marseillaise resound around Hickey Park. Incroyable.
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And a story looming from the late A-League fixture, which will be going ahead. It’s been one of the stories of the season - the emergence of FA Cup Final hero, Al Hassan Toure - but Adelaide United could be about to give a debut to his younger brother Mohamed - aged just 15.
Here’s the line ups for that one - Adelaide:
Stefan Mauk makes his first start since returning and we welcome Mohamed Toure to the bench!
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) February 8, 2020
Michael Marrone is not in the matchday squad due to an abdominal strain.#AUFC #BRIvADL pic.twitter.com/rL2krT0shF
And Brisbane:
Here’s how we’ll take the field tonight at Suncorp Stadium!
— Brisbane Roar (@brisbaneroar) February 8, 2020
Just an hour to go! ⏰ #BRIvADL #RoarAsOne pic.twitter.com/C1liHDEVOD
And, in news that won’t surprise too many - the USWNT has qualified for the Toyko Olympics courtesy an emphatic 4-0 win over Mexico.
It’s shaping as some tournament, with Brazil, UK, Netherlands and Japan all qualifying (the latest, more easily as hosts). Can Australia join them? After their 7-0 win over Taiwan you’d say it’s looking positive, but still very early days in Australia’s qualifying campaign through Asia.
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AFLW: three-quarter-time: Brisbane leads Adelaide 5.3 (33) to 1.2 (8)
Brisbane kept them scoreless in the first quarter, and now they’ve done it again, as the home side stretch their lead and start to threaten an opening-round boilover against the reigning premiers!
25 points the margin, surely the Crows can’t turn this around, even with the breeze behind their backs? They did dominate the inside 50s, so they are making chances, but perhaps not finding those clear-cut opportunities?
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Golf: There was a fair bit of hoo-ha flying round with the news earlier in the week that ABC would be showing the Vic Open on its primarily TV channel, relegating the Sydney derby to the minor channels, but with news the latter has been washed out; who’s laughing now?
Here’s Australian Associated Press’s report from the day’s action, where its wind, not rain, reportedly wreaking havoc:
Marcus Fraser has overcome “borderline unplayable” conditions to rocket into title contention in the third round of the $1.5 million Vic Open at 13th Beach.
With strong winds gusting over 60km/h late on Saturday afternoon at the links layout, Fraser hung tough to shoot a three-under-par 69, lifting him to 12 under.
He was a shot off the lead held by fellow Australian Min Woo Lee, who still had four holes of his round to play.
Fraser, 41, has won three times on the European Tour during his long professional career.
Kia ora! A great hello to you and yours, on what remains, as Megan rightly pointed out, a full basket of sports entertainment. A very magnanimous welcome too - much obliged. Sensational! I guess toothache is a sensation though..
As we’ve mentioned - if you’re just joining us there will be no A-League Sydney derby tonight due to the inclement rains across Sydney. Still, you’d take it over bushfires - let’s hope the rains do some good somewhere across the region. We’ll take you back to the AFLW shortly, but in the interim let’s see what else is happening out there.
It’s been a very exciting afternoon so far, with some nail-biters in the cricket and AFLW. There’s more sport coming your way this afternoon, with the second half of this fascinating contest from Brisbane coming up very soon, as well as the Waratahs taking on the Blues in the Super Rugby and another Brisbane v Adelaide match up - this time in the A-League.
There is also the increasingly unlikely chance that we might get a BBL final tonight, though my very scientific predictions that consist of “looking out my window” suggest that you might be watching a replay of the Stars and Sixers qualifying final on your TV instead.
To take you through tonight’s line up, I’m handing over now to the sensational Richard Parkin, who will guide you through the evening’s events, both rain-affected and dry. Until next time, so long and thanks for all the fish!
AFLW: Half-time - Brisbane leads Adelaide 3.3 (21) to 1.2 (8)
The weather has settled down in Brisbane, but the Lions are still raining on the Crows’ parade, adding another goal this quarter off the boot of Lauren Arnell. Courtney Gum added one for the Crows, but they weren’t able to close the gap, as the Lions continued their strong defensive efforts. Jessy Keeffe has been all over the park with four tackles and nine hitouts to her name this half. A riveting second half awaits - the Lions are determined, but will the Crows bounce back and let their experience shine?
The Lions take a 13 point lead into the half-time break at Hickey Park.
— Brisbane Lions AFLW (@lionsaflw) February 8, 2020
Goals to Greta Bodey, Orla O'Dwyer and Lauren Arnell.#AFLWLionsCrows #Uncaged pic.twitter.com/46kIC1QnU2
BMX: Worrying news out of Bathurst today with Olympic hopeful Kai Sakakibara airlifted to hospital during a race. From AAP:
Australian Olympic BMX cycling hopeful Kai Sakakibara has been airlifted to hospital with head injuries after crashing out of a World Cup event. The 23-year-old was racing on day one of the Supercross in Bathurst in central western NSW on Saturday when he was injured.
He was taken by helicopter to Canberra hospital in a critical but stable condition, according to a statement on the BMX Australia website. Sakakibara fell on the second corner during his opening-round heat and was treated on site by paramedics and a doctor before being taken to hospital.
The event was called off for the day after the men’s first round because of wind and rain. Sakakibara and his younger sister Saya aim to make their Olympic debuts in Tokyo.”
BBL: While the view from my window tells me it’s not currently raining in Sydney, it seems wildly optimistic to expect the BBL final to take place tonight. However it seems that there are a not-insignificant number of people who embrace wild optimism and have arrived at the SCG hoping to see some cricket. I mean, I assume that’s what they’re hoping and they haven’t just turned up for the $9 meat pies.
Gates are open at the @scg!
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) February 8, 2020
A huge thanks to everyone who has braved the weather conditions and got here early #BBL09 pic.twitter.com/Wy4eXpfJcN
AFLW: Quarter-time Brisbane 2.2 (14) leads Adelaide 0.0 (0)
It’s a very strong start from the home team who did a brilliant job to slot two goals before the weather decided it would be fun to recreate the game from Blacktown earlier this afternoon. It’s looking decidedly miserable out there, but the Lions are doing their best to make it worthwhile for the fans who braved the weather. Both goals were scored by debutantes in a brilliant sign for the Lions’ recruitment team, with Orla O’Dwyer and Greta Bodey doing the damage. The Crows look shell shocked and will need to fight the rain as well as their determined opponents to work their way back into this contest.
Orla O’Dwyer on debut and with some luck of the Irish, makes that two in a row for the Lions!
— Brisbane Lions AFLW (@lionsaflw) February 8, 2020
Lions: 2.2.14 - Crows: 0.0.00 #AFLWLionsCrows pic.twitter.com/gTo6jO6Ceb
Rugby: Things aren’t getting easier for Australian rugby and the hunt for a new broadcast deal highlights some of the struggles they’re facing. Bret Harris illustrates the woes here, with Fox Sports offering a much smaller deal than they previously had and Optus the only other bidder offering not much more.
Whether RA receives $20m a year or $30m, it still will not be sufficient to stop the exodus of Australian players to Europe and Japan, which will further dilute the quality of Australia’s four Super Rugby franchises. New Zealand and South Africa, too, are starting to lose players in significant numbers to overseas clubs, but they have more depth than Australia, which remains in a comparatively weaker position.”
AFLW: Another big match coming up, with Brisbane taking on Adelaide in just a couple of minutes. It will be a tough ask for Brisbane coming up against the defending premiers and the Lions’ preseason form hasn’t asked many questions of the opposition. But a home crowd might just spur them on as they look for a winning start to the season.
No changes, team is a 🔐 #AFLWLionsCrows pic.twitter.com/pVUZeAeDO4
— Brisbane Lions AFLW (@lionsaflw) February 8, 2020
AFLW: Another favourite from during the week, this great season preview from Kasey Symons. She makes some really interesting points about women’s coaching roles and what is being done to address the lack of top level female coaches.
Advocates for women in sport had hoped the expanded competition would establish more coaching opportunities for women. Yet of the 14 teams, only one boasts a woman as head coach – St Kilda, with Peta Searle, who made history as the first woman to be part of an AFL men’s coaching program.
Former AFLW head coaches Bec Goddard and Cowan have returned to the game in some way – Cowan as a forward line coach with the Eagles and Goddard with Hawthorn’s VFLW program – but progress remains slow in this space. The AFL established an AFLW coaching academy in 2019 (also headed up by Cowan) to address the issue, but the fruits of that are yet to truly be seen – either in the women’s or men’s competitions.
AFLW: Melbourne beat North Melbourne 3.4 (22) to 3.2 (20)
Another momentum swing saw the Dees steal the game and the spotlight from competition favourites North at Casey Field. Eden Zanker struck with an all-important goal for the Dees five minutes into the final quarter, and despite Shelley Scott only managing a behind in the 13th minute, the defence was strong enough to hold the lead, with North not able to add to their score for the quarter. It puts a target on the backs of the Dees who will look to continue this form into their match against the Bulldogs next Friday night.
Returning star Daisy Pearce was delighted with the win - her return to the field coming 694 days after she last played an AFLW match.
“Great to get the season off to a good start with a positive win against quality opposition,” she said. “Tough conditions - we love Casey but it always throws out some challenges. Great to be back out here and so proud of our team for what we put out today in tough conditions.”
What a game! 🤩
— Melbourne AFLW (@MelbourneAFLW) February 8, 2020
We hold on in a thriller at Casey Fields. #GoDees pic.twitter.com/c3LUckQfg8
Olympics: One of my favourite pieces of this week was this fantastic reminiscence from Geoff Lemon on the surprise star of the Sydney Olympics - The Dream with Roy and HG.
This was the joy of The Dream. It was a cleansing draught of bicarb soda to offset the saccharine stodge of the Olympic diet; the daily dose that made enjoying the rest possible. It came out of nowhere, but from a couple of practitioners who were in prime condition for the gig. It was bold and interesting programming from a network that usually shirks that. It made dagginess a centrepiece.”
Football: It was a dominant win for the Matildas last night without Sam Kerr and Samantha Lewis captured it wonderfully.
Friday’s 7-0 demolition of Taiwan showed just what a Kerr-less Matildas can look like. Ironically, the striker’s niggle appeared to be a confidence-booster for the side, allowing other players to step out from beneath her ever-lengthening shadow and claim the spotlight for themselves.”
AFLW: Three-quarter-time - North Melbourne leads Melbourne 3.2 (20) to 2.3 (15)
What a nailbiter this game is turning out to be! Momentum continues to swing back and forth and some nerves striking Melbourne, which allows the Kangaroos to take advantage. Tegan Cunningham had the perfect opportunity in front of the sticks, set up by a needle-threading kick by Kate Hore, but she sprayed it wide and came away with only one point for the quarter. Emma Kearney has been a powerhouse in defence for North, with seven tackles and 16 disposals for the match so far. What will the last quarter bring? Is there a scoring end or has North finally stamped their dominance on this game once and for all?
3QT: One quarter to go and it's going to be a big finish. Bring it home, girls.
— North Melbourne AFLW (@NorthAFLW) February 8, 2020
Emma Kearney is up to 16 disposals, while Ash Riddell has 15 and a goal. #OurTimeIsNow #AFLWDeesRoos pic.twitter.com/pK3Gz96GHv
Cricket: Due to that delightful NSW weather, the Bushfire Bash will be played in Melbourne tomorrow, which is quite possibly what Cricket Australia wanted all along. The squads are looking pretty impressive with some very big names in there, even after Shane Warne pulled out. What match up are you most looking forward to in this one? For me it’s Brett Lee v Alex Blackwell - I’m predicting Blackwell smashes some sixes off Tony Abbott’s best mate.
The Bushfire Bash roster is complete with the addition of former Australia rugby league captain and Melbourne Storm hero Cameron Smith #BigAppeal pic.twitter.com/RQ7A1TvMXw
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 8, 2020
AFLW: A brilliant article today from the always brilliant Kirby Fenwick. She has beautifully captured the atmosphere and energy surrounding AFLW at Princes Park.
For fans of the women’s game, returning to Princes Park on a Friday night in February has become a tradition. It’s a night we start pining for as soon as the shine of the grand final wears off. One that fills our bellies with nerves, and our hearts with joy. The old ground has a distinctive kind of magic, infused as it is with so many special AFLW memories – so many footy firsts, historic moments and iconic images.”
Cricket: The match report from Australia’s loss earlier this afternoon is now live. The loss makes tomorrow’s match against England a must-win encounter for Australia to qualify for the final of the tri-series.
AFLW: Half-time - Melbourne leads North Melbourne 2.2 (14) to 2.1 (13)
A much improved quarter from the Dees sees them hit the lead with a late goal right on half-time. Kate Hore has been a standout, with two goals and a behind, as well as 10 disposals and two marks. Melbourne’s fitness is starting to come to the fore as they power through this match. A fascinating second half awaits us.
HT |
— Melbourne AFLW (@MelbourneAFLW) February 8, 2020
Two goals to Kate Hore hands us the narrowest of leads at the main break.#GoDees pic.twitter.com/UwQFX0GEsq
Hockey: With wild weather forcing cancellations across NSW this weekend, the coronavirus is also playing havoc with scheduling. The Hockeyroos will be unable to travel to China for Hockey Pro League games in March. Here’s the latest from AAP:
Hockeyroos’ games in China postponed
The Hockeyroos have become the latest sporting team forced to alter their schedule because of the outbreak of the coronavirus. Australia’s women’s hockey team, who later this year will seek to win their first Olympic medal since triumphing at home in 2000, were slated to travel to Changzhou and face China in Pro League matches on March 14 and 15.
Those games have now been scrapped, with the International Hockey Federation (FIH) scrambling to find new dates and another venue. “This is the right thing to do under the circumstances and Hockey Australia fully supports the FIH’s stance,” said Hockey Australia chief executive Matt Favier said.
The FIH confirmed the latest change to its schedule, which comes after this weekend’s games between Belgium and China in Changzhou were also postponed. “Hockey Australia’s number one priority is always the health, well-being and safety of our athletes and staff,” Hockey Australia high-performance director Toni Cumpston said. “We raised our concerns with FIH and initiated discussions as soon as the threat of the coronavirus was first publicised. We are happy that FIH have made this decision and we look forward to working with them and the Chinese Hockey Association to organise another suitable time to play the matches.”
The Pro League, a home-and-away competition involving the world’s best teams, is a key part of the Hockeyroos’ preparation for Tokyo 2020. Australia lost to the Netherlands in last year’s Pro League final in a penalty shootout. The Hockeyroos’ 2020 Pro League campaign continues on March 6 against Argentina in Perth.
AFLW: Quarter-time - North Melbourne leads Melbourne 2.1 (13) to 0.0 (0)
It’s been a dominant start from the competition favourites, who seem to be relishing the favourites tag. Despite windy conditions in Melbourne, the weather is positively balmy compared to the last game. The Dees are playing with heart, but the Kangaroos look too big and too strong for them at this stage of the game. Kaitlyn Ashmore and Daisy Bateman have the goals for the Kangaroos, while Tahni Nestor has been dominant in defence.
*Royal wave* for "the Queen" 👋👸@DaisyPearce6 returns to footy and we couldn't be more pumped #AFLWDeesRoos pic.twitter.com/nmkGms6p4E
— AFL Women's (@aflwomens) February 8, 2020
Cricket: India 177-3 beat Australia 173-5
Despite Ash Gardener’s sensational 93 off 57 balls at Junction Oval today, Australia couldn’t come away with the win and seal their place in the final, going down to India with two balls to spare. A lack of wickets hurt the Australians, something they will be looking to address with their World Cup campaign due to begin in less than two weeks. India will be pleased with the seven-wicket win, but will be aware that the hosts aren’t giving away everything they’ve got so close to the World Cup.
A stunning chase by India!
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 8, 2020
They get home with a couple of balls to spare. #AUSvIND SCORECARD: https://t.co/qpkZooOWTI pic.twitter.com/L1vRGZrLGL
Craig on Twitter is also keeping a close eye on the cricket, but is looking forward to the upcoming AFLW game also.
Interested in how Daisy Pearce plays today and whether the Southern Stars can contain India in the next 5 overs!
— Craig Moyle 🦊🐯 (@Old_Rando) February 8, 2020
That match is kicking off very soon and there will be plenty of eyes on Pearce as she makes her return to the field after the birth of her twins last year. The game has been billed as the match of the round and North Melbourne are favourites for this year’s premiership, so the Dees will be extra motivated to start the season with a win over their rivals.
Don’t forget you can tweet or email me or leave a comment down below if you want to get involved in the chat around today’s great day of sport. Maddy on Twitter is enjoying the T20 at the moment, but shares my concerns about Australia’s lack of wickets going into the final three overs of the match.
Quite the #AUSvIND game going on right now! Aus need to take wickets ASAP if we want a chance in this match....
— Maddy O'Brien (@maddyoby) February 8, 2020
Delissa Kimmince with the ball for the 17th over, let’s hope she has a couple of wickets in her.
A League: News just in that tomorrow’s F3 derby is now in doubt due to ongoing rain on the NSW coast. The latest from AAP:
“The F3 derby between Newcastle and Central Coast is in doubt due to wet weather, with a decision expected to be made early on Sunday morning. Just hours after the Sydney derby was postponed due to torrential rain, the Jets on Saturday announced McDonald Jones Stadium will also be inspected at 10.30am on Sunday. “The inspection will assess the impact of the weather on the surface, and any decision regarding the #F3Derby fixture will be communicated following the inspection,” the Jets said in a statement.”
Cricket: India 129-2 after 14 overs
A big wicket from Megan Schutt gives some hope back to the Australians, with Jemimah Rodrigues departing for 30. Though it does bring the dangerous Harmanpreet Kaur to the crease, so still plenty of work for the bowlers to do in these last six overs.
YES SCHUTTER! 👏 She strikes with the huge wicket of Jemimah Rodrigues, and India now need 52 from 46 to win #CmonAussie pic.twitter.com/F1IP93reu6
— Australian Women's Cricket Team 🏏 (@AusWomenCricket) February 8, 2020
AFLW: GWS beat Gold Coast 1.3 (9) to 1.2 (8)
No more points were added in the end and GWS snuck away with the win, which they will hope will put their season on a better track than 2019. GWS captain Alicia Eva was happy with the win, although a little surprised when the siren sounded.
“I thought we were a point down!” she said. “That was a tough game. Credit to Gold Coast, they went hard and made us work hard. The ground is really hard under foot, but credit to our strength and conditioning coach who trained us hard over the preseason.”
After lasting mere minutes into last year's season before dislocating her elbow, Aimee Schmidt is back with the @GWSGIANTS first goal of the year 🏉 #AFLWGiantsSuns pic.twitter.com/uv7w2sKy97
— AFL Women's (@aflwomens) February 8, 2020
Updated
Cricket: India 120-1 after 12 overs
A career best score from Ash Gardener put the Australians on track to win at Junction Oval where they finished 173-5 in their innings, but India have not let up in reply. Of course it was El-Pez with the big wicket, but India have not slowed, needing just 54 runs off 48 balls for victory with nine wickets in hand.
Yes Pez!! She strikes with the huge wicket of Shafali Verma (49).
— Australian Women's Cricket Team 🏏 (@AusWomenCricket) February 8, 2020
LIVE: https://t.co/qYZh0acKUR #CmonAussie pic.twitter.com/4qQYQ6Info
AFLW: 4th quarter - GWS leads Gold Coast 1.3 (9) to 1.2 (8)
While the W-League wasn’t able to go ahead, the AFLW pushes on in a very wet and wild Blacktown. With visibility poor and the ball basically a bar of soap, it’s not the entry to the competition the Suns would have dreamed of. Aimee Schmidt got the goal for GWS, while Brittany Perry found the big sticks for the Suns. With less than five minutes to go, it’s still anyone’s game if they can hold the ball.
Updated
Preamble
Guess what’s back? Back again. Footy’s back. Tell a friend.
That’s right, despite still being in the throes of cricket season, we are blessed with the AFLW, giving us more women’s sport than you can poke a stick at, which makes me very happy indeed. More on the very soggy game from Blacktown in just a minute though, the big news is that the Sydney Derby in the A-League has been postponed due to heavy rain in Sydney. Football Federation Australia have released the following statement:
“The Sydney Derby that was scheduled to be played at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium today has been postponed due to torrential rain in the Sydney basin over the past 48 hours. FFA officials met with the referees and other stakeholders including the host broadcaster Fox Sports as well as the venue groundstaff to inspect the playing surface this morning. Having assessed the condition of the field, and considering the forecast for rain for the remainder of the day, all stakeholders agreed that the pitch was not safe to play on today.
FFA Head of Leagues, Greg O’Rourke, was personally on hand to inspect the field of play this morning and ultimately made the decision to postpone the match. “With over 100mm of rain falling in the Sydney area over the past two days, and in the interest of player welfare, all parties agreed that it was not possible to play the match as scheduled today,” said O’Rourke. “Whilst it is disappointing that a nearly sold-out crowd is unable to see another iconic Sydney Derby today, this was the right decision to give fans as much notice as possible under the circumstances,” concluded O’Rourke
The match will be rescheduled for another date to be decided following discussions between FFA, both Clubs and Fox Sports.”
Updated
