Summary
Thank you very much for your company today. Plenty going on all over the country from the Silver Ferns pinching the Constellation Cup lead down to Sydney FC doing just enough to hold off the Wellington Phoenix. In between we had the news of Michael Cheika’s decision to quit the Wallabies and the emergence of a 16-year old in the WBBL.
Let’s hope for more of the same when we come back to do it all again next weekend.
Rugby: Wales 20-19 France - After the walkovers of Saturday, the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals get a barnburner on Sunday.
Rugby: 76 mins: Wales 20-19 France - Sacre bleu!
Rugby: 70 mins: Wales 13-19 France - Into the closing stages of the Rugby World Cup, France clinging on.
Sydney FC 2-1 Wellington Phoenix
The champions got away with that one. Second best for large spells against an unfancied Wellington, there are obvious problems with Sydney FC’s new line-up and the shape it is adopting. They still leave Leichhardt Oval with three points though and they have started the new A-League season with back-to-back wins.
That was a promising showing from the Nix after their drab opening round defeat. They are pointless from two matches but on today’s showing they will pick up results soon enough, especially once Gary Hooper adds some much needed potency to the forward line.
A-League: 90+3 mins: Sydney FC 2-1 Wellington - Piscopo drills a low free-kick from 30m out through the defensive wall but wide of Redmayne’s goal. Is that the last chance for an equaliser?
A-League: 90+2 mins: Sydney FC 2-1 Wellington - Barbarouses misses with a snapshot after a long and creative lead-up featuring a stack of Sky Blues.
A-League: 90+1 mins: Sydney FC 2-1 Wellington - Into the first of four minutes of added time and Sydney are finally asserting themselves on these closing stages.
A-League: 87 mins: Sydney FC 2-1 Wellington - One of those subs, Piscopo, shoots straight at Redmayne when he should have done better. That’s followed by another sub, Ivanovic, looping a header into Marinovic’s opening arms.
A-League: 85 mins: Sydney FC 2-1 Wellington - A couple of substitutes have just disrupted the tempo of this one as we enter the closing stages.
A-League: 82 mins: Sydney FC 2-1 Wellington - The Nix are committed to the equaliser now, even with ten men, which means they are open to the counter. Sydney should make it three from one of these when Ninkovic carries the ball almost the length of the pitch without being challenged before shooting wide when, for the second time tonight, Le Fondre is ignored with a tap-in on offer.
A-League: 80 mins: Sydney FC 2-1 Wellington - RED CARD (Cacace) - Once VAR was engaged there was only one outcome. In real time it looked like a mistimed challenge in a 50:50 on the wing. On replay you can see the Nix wingback going well over the ball and stamping firmly on Caceres’ outstretched leg.
A-League: 80 mins: Sydney FC 2-1 Wellington - VAR check... Cacace could be in trouble for a late challenge on Caceres.
A-League: GOAL! (Grant) 77 mins: Sydney FC 2-1 Wellington - Caceres does well to earn a free-kick in a decent crossing area on the right wing and from that low O’Neill delivery Grant somehow gets to the front of the pack to hook his right foot under the ball and loop it over Marinovic. Barely deserved, but Sydney are back in front.
A-League: 74 mins: Sydney FC 1-1 Wellington - Caceres is on for Baumjohann; a substitution I reckon you’ll see often this season. Corica adding an extra body into his overworked and undermanned midfield.
A-League: 73 mins: Sydney FC 1-1 Wellington - Sydney are just committed to the counterattack now - which seems odd considering their array of attacking midfielders - but Barbarouses again takes the wrong option. He has made a number of poor choices tonight.
Rugby: 50 mins: Wales 10-19 France - France are down to 14 men for good! Can Wales capitalise in the closing half hour?
A-League: GOAL! (Davila) 69 mins: Sydney FC 1-1 Wellington - And there it is! Davila with a very nice finish, cutting in on his left foot and drilling a low finish from just inside the box and beyond Redmayne after lovely build-up play down the right from Sotirio. Nothing less than Wellington deserve.
📺 Re-live our first #Nix goal of the season and @uli_davila's first @ALeague goal 🔥🔥🔥#StandUpWithYourNix #ERereTeKeo#SYDvWEL 🔵 (2-1) 🖤 pic.twitter.com/2nC7UFi4Cb
— Wellington Phoenix (@WgtnPhoenixFC) October 20, 2019
Updated
A-League: 68 min: Sydney FC 1-0 Wellington - McCowatt has shown flashes of his potential down the left and he impresses again, skinning Brattan then whipping in a cross that’s deflected, forcing Redmayne into conceding a corner. From that set-piece Rufer is millimetres away from the equaliser with a glancing header. The Phoenix have deserved a goal.
A-League: 66 min: Sydney FC 1-0 Wellington - A break in play while Ryan McGowan receives treatment after falling awkwardly at a corner.
A-League: 63 min: Sydney FC 1-0 Wellington - Good save from Marinovic to repel a Le Fondre shot from the edge of the box after good work from Ninkovic on the counterattack.
Despite the scoreline Wellington will take the most away from this game as it stands. After that opening burst from the home side the Nix have controlled the tempo and Sydney’s inability respond in general play will be a cause for concern for Steve Corica. That midfield dup of O’Neill and Brillante have just been overrun, with little support from Ninkovic or Baumjohann, the latter also making matters worse by giving the ball away cheaply on a number of occasions.
A-League: 60 min: Sydney FC 1-0 Wellington - Since about the 15-minute mark the game has been played on Wellington’s terms. If they had a little more class in the forward half of the field they would probably be comfortably ahead by now. As it is they remain behind and the empty space where Sydney’s midfield should be continues to go unpunished.
A-League: 57 min: Sydney FC 1-0 Wellington - Sweeping counterattack from Wellington and it ends when Cacace is felled inside the box but the referee waves play on. At first view that looked give-able without being stone dead. VAR has given it the all clear. Let-off for Sydney. The replay indicates it’s very Lucas Neill / Fabio Grosso.
Updated
A-League: 53 min: Sydney FC 1-0 Wellington - Another decent spell from Wellington with the visitors camped in Sydney territory but the best they can muster is a Rufer drive charged down before it reached Redmayne. This has been a fun game.
A-League: 50 min: Sydney FC 1-0 Wellington - Wowee! How did that stay out!? Wellington should be level after Ball strikes the inside of the left-hand upright, following up Redmayne’s save from Davila’s shot. End-to-end stuff at Leichhardt Oval.
A-League: 49 min: Sydney FC 1-0 Wellington - Sydney should be two-up and Le Fondre has every right to cross Barbarouses off his Christmas card list. After sumptuous skill from Baumjohann just after halfway the Kiwi flyer was through on the Nix defence but he opted to shoot when Le Fondre had a tap-in a few yards to his left. Good save by Marinovic to be fair but selfish from Barbarouses.
A-League: 46 min: Sydney FC 1-0 Wellington - Back underway at Leichhardt Oval, and there’s an immediate penalty shout with the ball striking the arm of Steven Taylor, but appeals are rightly waved away.
Rugby: HT: Wales 10-19 France - All to play for in the second half.
WBBL: Confirmation of Phoebe Litchfield’s extraordinary performance earlier for Sydney Thunder.
Youngest to make 50 in the #WBBL:
— Ric Finlay (@RicFinlay) October 20, 2019
16/185 PLitchfield
17/276 HMatthews
18/277 AGardner
19/362 SMolineux
Rugby: 33 mins: Wales 10-19 France - And France take immediate advantage of their numerical supremacy.
Rugby: 30 mins: Wales 10-12 France - Wales have clawed their way back into this Rugby World Cup quarter-final, but they are down to 14 men for the next ten minutes following Moriarty’s yellow card.
A-League: HT: Sydney FC 1-0 Wellington - A surprisingly even first-half at Leichhardt Oval. Sydney’s attacking combinations clicked early and threatened to cut through the Nix at every opportunity but a tactical rejig has seen Wellington grow into the contest and create the more promising openings in the past 20-25 minutes.
A-League: 44 min: Sydney FC 1-0 Wellington - Sydney drill a few balls in the box from wide areas but Wellington’s defence stands firm. The Nix then sweep down the other end in a flowing move that ends with Ball dinking over a cross for Sotirio to plant a free header to Redmayne’s left but the Socceroo keeper flies and paws the ball around the post. Superb shot-stopping.
A-League: 41 min: Sydney FC 1-0 Wellington - Sydney break a couple of times down the left but the Nix remain compact in defence and deny the onrushing ball-carrier any obvious outlets.
A-League: 39 min: Sydney FC 1-0 Wellington - Lovely work in tight areas by Sydney - Le Fondre, Ninkovic and Baumjohann all involved - but they eventually ran out of space with Wellington doing well to deny any space behind their back four.
A-League: 38 min: Sydney FC 1-0 Wellington - First yellow card of the match goes to Steinmann for being a smidgen late in a 50:50 with Le Fondre in the middle of the park.
A-League: 35 min: Sydney FC 1-0 Wellington - The visitors remain the team dictating terms and have recently fashioned decent openings down both flanks but delivery from he overlapping fullbacks has been found wanting.
A-League: 30 min: Sydney FC 1-0 Wellington - The Phoenix have had the better of the past ten minutes, figuring out that if they drop off and allow Sydney to play out from the back there is a dislocation between Brattan and O’Neill and the Sky Blues’ front four, creating the opportunity for a turnover and control of possession in that space. Despite the best efforts of Ball and McCowatt they’ve been unable to create a clear cut shooting opportunity from that tactical advantage.
Rugby: 13 mins: Wales 7-12 France - It’s all happening in Japan.
A-League: 25 min: Sydney FC 1-0 Wellington - Half-chances at both ends with Ball the most noteworthy, the Nix forward swivelling sharply but not getting much purchase on his shot towards Redmayne. Wellington are enjoying plenty of possession in midfield where Sydney seem happy to be undermanned for the time being and exploit the spaces behind on the counter. Against higher quality teams in possession it will be a high-risk strategy.
Rugby: 8 mins: Wales 0-12 France - Two early tries to France in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final. You can follow all that right here:
A-League: 21 min: Sydney FC 1-0 Wellington - Almost an immediate equaliser for Wellington. Ball does brilliantly down the left, skinning Grant and driving into the box but his cross hits Davila without the Mexican reacting swiftly enough to divert the ball beyond Redmayne who clutches the ball gratefully on his goal-line.
A-League: GOAL! (O’Neill) 17 min: Sydney FC 1-0 Wellington - Brandon O’Neill opens the scoring for Sydney. Corner from the right is only cleared as far as the edge of the box where O’Neill stabs a left-footed effort goalwards. That shot deflects back to him ending with a more successful snapshot that smuggles its way into the back of the net.
The perfect start for @SydneyFC.
— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) October 20, 2019
Brandon O'Neill's strike nestles in the back of the net after a wicked deflection. #ALeague #SYDvWEL
🎥 @FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/f41xTDxjmK
Updated
A-League: 12 min: Sydney FC 0-0 Wellington - It’s an open, end-to-end match so far at Leichhardt Oval. Not a lot of sideways probing in midfield. That means Sydney look dangerous in attack but vulnerable to the counter. Wellington have had enough opportunities to mount decent attacks but there’s a lack of composure in their final third. From Sydney’s viewpoint this XI is a much more attacking prospect than the one that won the championship last season. Brattan for Brillante in midfield and the addition of Baumjohann further forward - a man not renowned for his defensive work-rate - means the Sky Blues look exciting creatively but much more porous than the machine created by Graham Arnold and inherited by Steve Corica.
A-League: 9 min: Sydney FC 0-0 Wellington - Sydney are moving the ball beautifully from back to front, finding their key playmakers with ease. The latest attack ends with Le Fondre shielding the ball well in the box before teeing up Grant who lashes the ball over the bar.
A-League: 7 min: Sydney FC 0-0 Wellington - First corner of the game goes to the Nix but the first phase of play it generates comes to nought. Wellington retain possession from the clearance though and recycle the ball well to fashion a shot that doesn’t trouble Redmayne.
A-League: 4 min: Sydney FC 0-0 Wellington - Grant has been everywhere in the opening minutes, linking well with Baumjohann down the right to nip into the box once more. The quality of the interplay in Sydney’s final third is superb.
A-League: 1 min: Sydney FC 0-0 Wellington - Sydney almost opening the scoring inside a minute. That fearsome looking attacking unit combined well before Grant hit the penalty area on the burst but his cross was smuggled away. Bright start from the home side.
Some stats to chew over as the opening whistle blows and the match gets underway...
- Sydney FC have won seven of their last nine A-League games against Wellington Phoenix (D1, L1), including their last two on the bounce by scores of 1-0.
- There has been an average of four goals per game scored between Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix in their last five A-League games hosted by the Sky Blues, with only one clean sheet kept in that time (to Sydney FC).
- This will be just the fourth A-League game played at Leichhardt Oval, with Sydney FC having picked up a win, draw, and loss there thus far.
- Wellington Phoenix have lost their last three A-League games on the bounce; the last time they lost more in succession in the competition was an eight-game stretch from March-October 2016.
LINEUP | Here’s how we shape up for our first home game of 2019/20!@RhyanGrant & @redders_20 return while Paulo Retre moves to left back, what do you make of the squad?#SydneyIsSkyBlue #WeAreChampions #SYDvWEL pic.twitter.com/Qp8tVqoKZw
— Sydney FC (@SydneyFC) October 20, 2019
Sydney are bolstered by the returns from international duty of Andrew Redmayne and Rhyan Grant. Teenage fullback Joel King can probably count himself unlucky to make way for Grant with Paolo Retre shifting from the right to the left side of defence.
🔥 #Nix Head Coach, Ufuk Talay names an unchanged starting XI for tonight's fixture against the @ALeague Champions.
— Wellington Phoenix (@WgtnPhoenixFC) October 20, 2019
💪 Which battle are you looking forward to seeing out on the park?#StandUpWithYourNix #ERereTeKeo #SYDvWEL pic.twitter.com/Cqi64JGfCx
Hooper’s first A-League goal will have to wait because he’s not ready to make his Nix debut. Former Sydney FC assistant coach Ufuk Talay has therefore gone with the same XI that lost to Western United last time out
Now it’s time to keep an eye on the final A-League fixture of the round between Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix from Leichhardt Oval.
The home side will start unbackable favourites of course. Reigning champions, winners interstate last week, and boasting a squad full of attacking talent, the Sky Blues are the early standout side this season.
Sydney sneaked past Adelaide last time out but the awesome potential of their front four of Adam Le Fondre, Kosta Barabrouses, Milos Ninkovic and Alex Baumjohann was there for all to see. The more minutes that quartet play together the greater their understanding will become, and the highlights will surely follow.
The Phoenix by contrast were losers at home last week, a result that provided early confirmation of preseason predictions the much-changed Wellington squad could struggle this year. Hopes were raised earlier this week though with the signing of former Celtic forward Gary Hooper. Still only 31, the Englishman knows his way to goal, as the following stat (nicked from Wikipedia) testifies: he has scored in the Premier League, Championship, League One, League Two, Conference National, Conference South, FA Cup, League Cup, Football League Trophy, FA Trophy, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, Scottish Cup, Scottish League Cup and the Scottish Premier League. The A-League would of course be the most cherished addition possible to that roll call.
Here’s your first draft of the Michael Cheika news:
WBBL update time...
- In Melbourne, an uneaten 60 from Nicola Carey has guided the Hurricanes to victory against the Stars. The visitors chased 137 with nine balls to spare.
- In Sydney, the Thunder chased Heat’s 150 with seven balls remaining. Alex Blackwell was unbeaten on 42, but she was overshadowed by 16 year old Phoebe Litchfield who stroked a composed 52.
- In Adelaide, the Renegades hunted down the Strikers’ 152 with an over up their sleeves. The English pair of Danni Wyatt (61) and Tammy Beaumont (41) delivered.
Josie Dooley, in her second showing in red, wins it for the @RenegadesWBBL ❤ #WBBL05 pic.twitter.com/gqloZtqIN6
— Rebel Women's Big Bash League (@WBBL) October 20, 2019
Melbourne City 2-1 Adelaide United
Melbourne City take the spoils courtesy of Jamie Maclaren’s first-half brace. It was far from a vintage performance in a match that struggled for tempo at times, especially in the second half. Maclaren’s finishing was the difference with both sides fashioning decent opportunities.
Adelaide didn’t disgrace themselves but looked vulnerable to balls in behind them in defence and, not for the first time in recent seasons, lacked a cutting edge in the penalty area. They will hope to find their shooting boots on Wednesday they host City in the FFA Cup final.
A-League: 90 mins: Melbourne City 2-1 Adelaide United - Ooh, that was almost the equaliser! Toure does superbly down the left, jinking his way to the byline then almost finding Opseth with his cutback but Windbichler just gets a toe in the way to deny the shooting opportunity.
A-League: 89 mins: Melbourne City 2-1 Adelaide United - The game has become a little ragged as bodies tire in the closing stages. Connor Metcalfe did his best to rouse the crowd from its slumber but he could only belt the ball over the bar from the edge of the box. Metcalfe is some player though. Still only 19 and now a fixture in the heart of City’s midfield showing plenty of maturity and no little skill in these early rounds.
A-League: 83 mins: Melbourne City 2-1 Adelaide United - United are pushing hard for that equaliser. Nathan Konstandopoulos has just forced a fine diving save from Dean Bouzanis after stepping inside and driving hard and low on his right foot.
A-League: 75 mins: Melbourne City 2-1 Adelaide United - Back in the A-League Melbourne City should be two-up but Noone wasted a glorious opportunity after a flowing move. The City flyer is not fully fit though after a knock earlier in the half. Adelaide have impressed in the second half and an equaliser would not be unfair on them given the balance of play.
Michael Cheika has resigned as Wallabies coach
Thank you very much Scott.
Massive - if unsurprising news there from Scott in his dismount. Michael Cheika will not continue as coach of the Wallabies. Expect plenty more on that shortly.
And I now leave you in the capable hands of Jonathan Howcroft. Thanks for your company today but it’s not over yet. Over to you, Jonathan.
As a parting gift, I can confirm that Wallabies coach Michael Cheika won’t be seeking reappointment. Watch this space.
A-League: GOAL! Melbourne City 2-1 Adelaide United (McGree, 67 mins)
Another Mac (OK, Mc) finds the net but it’s not the one City fans want. The home defence suddenly looks stretched and Marrone sets up McGree, who drills the ball low past Bouzanis to half the deficit. Moments later, McGree is found again on his own in the box but this time his shot goes wide.
The Rugby World What? Oh yes, I can confirm that the tournament will be continuing despite Australia’s exit. Next up it’s Wales v France.
A-League: 61 mins: Melbourne City 2-0 Adelaide United
Two more clear chances for Maclaren but he squanders both, and with them the opportunity to bury Adelaide good and proper. Does this man have the ball on a string? City make their second substitution of the match, replacing Wales with Brillante.
A-League: 50 mins: Melbourne City 2-0 Adelaide United
Two changes to start the second half, with City exchanging Najjarine for Cabrera and Adelaide making the forced switch of Abetew (injury) for Brook. Play is held up for several minutes as the busy Noone goes down with what appears a knee injury. City fans breathe a sigh of relief as the winger gets up and carries on.
A-League: HT: Melbourne City 2-0 Adelaide United
Adelaide did have a chance or two in the latter parts of the first half - including a close-range shot from Maria which was stopped by Bouzanis - but the opening 45 minutes were all about City and one man in particular, Jamie Maclaren. Two goals in the space of five minutes from the Socceroos striker has blown this game wide open. Seriously, is there a hotter marksman in the country?
At the double. ✌
— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) October 20, 2019
Jamie Maclaren is on fire. The @MelbourneCity striker has six goals in eleven days for club and country.
🎥 @FOXFOOTBALL #ALeague #MCYvADL pic.twitter.com/sCMJZCkUl4
WBBL update, anyone?
- In Melbourne, the Hurricanes are 98-5 in the 16th over chasing 137 for victory against the Stars. The visitors will look to Carey, unbeaten on 41, to carry them home.
- In Sydney, the Thunder are 82-3 after 12 overs in response to the Heat’s 150-9. Stalenberg and Priest put on 48 for the opening wicket to get the home side off to a good start in their reply.
- In Adelaide, Wyatt is 61 not out off 36 balls with the Renegades 83-1 after 11 overs in pursuit of 153 for victory against the Strikers.
DANNI on it!
— Women's CricZone (@WomensCricZone) October 20, 2019
Fifty for the opener from England and she has her English counterpart with her to take the game away from the Strikers.#WBBL05 #WBBL pic.twitter.com/g7dGNvWOng
A-League: GOAL! Melbourne City 2-0 Adelaide United (Maclaren, 28 mins)
Maclaren gets his second, barely five minutes after his first. A set piece drill from a corner sees Jamieson feed the ball into dangerous areas and Adelaide can’t clear, leaving Jamie-on-the-spot to tap the ball home from metres out. Floodgates. Open. Maclaren. Superstar.
Jamie Maclaren on goal when an attack is coming his way like #MCYvADL pic.twitter.com/6RRnCmCPfd
— The Ladies League (@LadiesALeague) October 20, 2019
Updated
A-League: GOAL! Melbourne City 1-0 Adelaide United (Maclaren, 23 mins)
Metcalfe instrumental in the goal that was definitely coming, forcing the United defence to overcommit before Najjarine sets up man-of-the-moment Maclaren, who slots it past Izzo from close range.
A-League: 14 mins: Melbourne City 0-0 Adelaide United
United now starting to settle from the early City onslaught, Abetew skipping past two on the right wing before sending the ball into the box and winning the Reds a corner.
A-League: 6 mins: Melbourne City 0-0 Adelaide United
It’s Metcalfe this time who slices through the Adelaide defence, leaving Najjarine with a clear shot on goal. His shot low to the keeper’s left is just kept out by Izzo, who doesn’t take the ball cleanly but gathers in the nick of time. Ominous signs early from the home side.
Updated
A-League: 2 mins: Melbourne City 0-0 Adelaide United
A bright chance early in the game for City goes begging, with Noone’s fancy footwork setting up an attacking foray but ultimately Najjarine and Noone can’t connect in front of goal.
Updated
At AAMI Park, the A-League encounter between Melbourne City and Adelaide United is about to get under way. And what do you know, it serves as something of a precursor to the FFA Cup final between these teams on Wednesday.
Melbourne City (4-3-3) - Dean Bouzanis (GK); Scott Galloway, Harrison Delbridge, Richard Windbichler, Scott Jamieson; Ramy Najjarine, Rostyn Griffiths, Connor Metcalfe; Lachlan Wales, Jamie Maclaren, Craig Noone. Subs: Tom Glover (GK), Joshua Brillante, Marcelo Cabrera, Nathaniel Atkinson, Adrian Luna, Curtis Good, Moudi Najjar.
Adelaide United (4-2-3-1) - Paul Izzo (GK); Yared Abetew, Michael Marrone, Michael Jakobsen, Ryan Kitto; Louis D’Arrigo, Vince Lia; Michael Maria, Riley McGree, Nikola Mileusnic; Kristian Fardal Opseth. Subs: Isaac Richards (GK), Nathan Konstandopoulos, Lachlan Brook, Al Hassan Toure.
Our boundary riders around the country are an intrepid lot. They’ve been monitoring the day’s WBBL action and here’s an update:
- In Melbourne, the Stars finished their 20 overs on a thin-looking 136-7. Lee’s 25 at the top of the order was the best the hosts could muster. In response, the Hurricanes are 18-0 after two overs.
- In Sydney, the Heat recovered somewhat from a mid-innings slump to post 150-9 against the Thunder, Jonassen’s 42 off 34 balls instrumental.
- In Adelaide, the Strikers top-order were in fine fettle as the hosts tallied 152-5 from their 20 overs against the Renegades. Each of the top four made at least 24, with Devine’s 48 the best of the lot.
Heat’s up@JJonassen21’s 42(34) & Beth Mooney’s 35(24) helps @HeatWBBL post 150/9 in 20 overs. Lack of stands in the middle hurt their push for a taller score.
— Women's CricZone (@WomensCricZone) October 20, 2019
For @ThunderWBBL Samantha Bates picked up 3/33 & @CoolNidadar picked 2/22.
Thunder need 151 to win.#WBBL #WBBL05 pic.twitter.com/u0Y6qVqZ2R
Megan Maurice was an eye witness to that Constellation Cup classic at Qudos Bank Arena and has been kind enough to treat us all to this ripping match report. I do suggest you read it.
And it’s time to go around the grounds in the WBBL...
- In Melbourne, the Stars are going along nicely at 72-3 in the 11th over. Lee and Inglis both got to 20 or beyond but were removed by Hurricanes medium-pacer Carey.
- In Sydney, the Heat have been pegged back after their blistering start. Having been 44 without loss in the sixth over, the Heat are now 94-5 after 12 with Thunder seamer Bates taking three wickets.
- In Adelaide, the Strikers are humming along after winning the toss against the Renegades. The hosts are 56-0 in the eighth over, with Bates and Devine scoring at will.
That’s 1️⃣5️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ #WBBL career runs for @sophdevine77! 😱 #BlueEnergy pic.twitter.com/ZCzM5KcFxi
— AdelaideStrikersWBBL (@StrikersWBBL) October 20, 2019
Updated
Constellation Cup: FT: Australia 53-54 New Zealand
Wow. Both teams had their chance to ice the game but in the end it’s the Silver Ferns who hold their nerve the better. Ekenasio netted the winner barely 20 seconds from time and Australia could do nothing with their last chance to level the scores. The series now heads to Perth, with New Zealand 2-1 up and in the box seat to take the crown for the first time since 2012. A great comeback by the Silver Ferns after trailing for much of the game.
The last two minutes of that INCREDIBLE game.
— 9Netball (@9Netball) October 20, 2019
WARNING: It's an emotional rollercoaster. 😲 #ConstellationCup | @Channel9#9WWOS #9Netball pic.twitter.com/BOD307lgsE
Constellation Cup: Q4: 3 mins rem: Australia 52-52 New Zealand
I have nothing to add...
Constellation Cup: Q4: 11 mins rem: Australia 45-48 New Zealand
New Zealand have started the final 15 minutes much the brighter, forcing errors from Australia and capitalising on the turnovers. The stage is set for a gripping finale. What are you made of, Australia?
Constellation Cup: 3QT: Australia 43-42 New Zealand
I can’t look. And I can’t take my eyes off it. This game was lively enough in the first half but energy levels leapt off the dial in that third stanza. A great comeback by New Zealand, but after falling behind it’s Australia who enter the final term with a narrow advantage.
What a quarter! @SilverFernsNZ hit back and now the #ConstellationCup at the end of the 3rd is AU 43 v NZ 42.
— Gabbi Stubbs (@gabbistubbs) October 20, 2019
So tight. Heart in your mouth stuff. #GoDiamonds#FeelTheRivalry pic.twitter.com/RqSiPiMYRL
Back to the WBBL, and the Stars have recovered from that early loss to be 25-1 in the fourth over. Over in Sydney, Brisbane Heat won the toss against the Thunder and are making hay in the sun to be 41-0 after five overs. Jolly good.
Updated
Constellation Cup: Q3: 10 mins rem: Australia 31-34 New Zealand
Sport, glorious sport. After looking dead in the water, the Silver Ferns have come out breathing fire in this third quarter. On the back of a five-goal run, a four-goal half-time deficit has been transformed into a three-goal lead. Folau again pivotal under the net.
In Melbourne, the day’s WBBL action has commenced. Hobart Hurricanes won the toss and elected to field against Melbourne Stars. And it was an eventful first over. After twice whacking Villani to the fence, Vakarewa perished to said bowler, caught on the fifth ball of the match. You live by the sword, you die by the sword. Apparently.
Constellation Cup: HT: Australia 30-26 New Zealand
Again Australia threatened to blow this match apart but again New Zealand refuse to lie down. More sterling work from Tippett saw the Diamonds push out to a six-goal break, but (with Tippett off) some desperate hustle from the Silver Ferns sees them trail by just four goals at the long break. Still, Australia look to be dominating field possession and are passing the ball at relative will. If the trend continues, New Zealand will do well to remain in touch in the second half. Australia shooting at 88%, New Zealand at 93% to stay in the game.
What more does Tippett have to do to get a full game ? #ConstellationCup
— Abbey morgan (@abbeymorgan2000) October 20, 2019
So if rugby players play for a World Cup purse of $13 million, a horse race can be worth $14 million and chess players go at it for $430,000, what do the world’s elite starers earn? Strangely, the game’s ruling body has always been quiet when it comes to these details.
Constellation Cup: QT: Australia 16-13 New Zealand
OK, so the Diamonds threatened to put a big gap on New Zealand during that first stanza but the Silver Ferns fought back to trim the deficit to three at the break, Folau netting from long range in the closing seconds. Tippett is shooting at 100% from nine attempts for Australia.
LONG BOMB! 💣
— 9Netball (@9Netball) October 20, 2019
Folau can slot it from anywhere. #ConstellationCup | @Channel9#9WWOS #9Netball pic.twitter.com/KN8cLTZmAJ
Don’t know about you but I love a bit of chess. Over in the Isle of Man, where else, two fellas are about to move some objects around a board with the one who does it better to trouser an absurd amount of money. I had no idea there was so much coin in chess.
Constellation Cup: Q1, 7 mins rem: Australia 10-4 New Zealand
Although we were slated for a 1pm (EDT) start in Sydney, proceedings didn’t begin until close to 20 past the hour. But that’s fine. National anthems are an absolute must at these events. Eight minutes in and it’s all Australia. The Silver Ferns have committed three turnovers with Australia going on a five-goal run.
The Diamonds are looking QUICK in attack. 🔥#ConstellationCup | @Channel9#9WWOS #9Netball pic.twitter.com/B57nsuipIr
— 9Netball (@9Netball) October 20, 2019
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I really don’t like to dwell on the negative, or pick at the carcass of the vanquished, but what of those Wallabies, eh? It would be nice, even comforting, to say their campaign at least promised something, but in truth it was spluttering from the beginning. So while I hate to be a Sunday’s expert, perhaps the job England did on them wasn’t so much of a surprise. Regardless, Michael Cheika looks to be done and dusted. Bret Harris has penned a delightful piece on the embattled Australia coach. Do yourself a favour.
Preamble
Good afternoon, sports fans. It would be fair and reasonable to label today Sombre Sunday after Australia’s meek Rugby World Cup exit. And no doubt there are plenty of sore heads among the nation’s ruggers fans as they sober up to the realisation that, yet again, this is not the Wallabies’ year. But unlike my eldest son, who yesterday stacked his new, and rather expensive, mountain bike after a tree “came out of nowhere”, I prefer to look at what’s ahead of me, not at what’s behind me. So I hereby dub this Sensational Sunday, and diners do we have some sporting treats on the menu. Any second now the third instalment of netball’s 2019 Constellation Cup will begin, with the series level between Australia and New Zealand; there is a feast of WBBL action to gorge on, with Stars v Hurricanes, Thunder v Heat and Strikers v Renegades to be decided; in the A-League Melbourne City will host Adelaide United before Sydney FC and Wellington lock horns; and later on the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals continue with Wales taking on France and Japan facing South Africa (both to be documented in separate liveblogs). Sensational, indeed.
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