Well that’s it from me tonight – what an exciting evening it’s been! Head on over to our live blog of the Cricket World Cup warm up match to keep your night of sport going.
I was going to tell you Richmond had the game wrapped up at the MCG, but I forgot that it was Richmond we were talking about. They currently lead by 15 with Essendon coming storming back.
Up at the Gold Coast the Suns also refuse to lie down, also trailing the Cats by 15 but keeping their noses in it in the final quarter.
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Super Rugby: Waratahs 15-23 Jaguares
The Waratahs remain winless at the new Western Sydney Stadium, unable to muster a win against the Jaguares and all but ending their season. Captain Michael Hooper remained upbeat after the match.
“We fought very hard,” he said. “We had no ball in the first half. Each game this year we’ve had to fight and we fought to the end.”
NRL: Rabbitohs 32-16 Tigers
While the Rabbitohs were able to build on their lead after a leg injury to half-back Adam Reynolds, the news is not so good for the NSW State of Origin team, who are fast running out of options at number seven with the team due to be announced tomorrow.
AAP reports:
NSW’s defence of the State of Origin shield have been thrown into disarray after possibly losing three halves options in a horror 24 hours.
A day before announcing their game-one team, Luke Keary was ruled out of contention due to concussion, before Adam Reynolds suffered a leg injury.
A third option, former halfback Mitchell Pearce, is also believed to have aggravated a groin issue that will limit his preparation if picked.
The triple blow means coach Brad Fittler may have to stick with out-of-form incumbents James Maloney and Nathan Cleary in Brisbane.
Keary’s scratching may have forced Fittler to opt for the club combination from the Rabbitohs, before Reynolds limped off in the first half of Saturday night’s clash with the Wests Tigers.
The Rabbitohs No.7 was attempting a tackle on fullback Corey Thompson when his leg got caught under teammate Mark Nicholls.
It is understood Reynolds has been booked in for x-rays on Sunday morning, with a fractured fibula the worst possible scenario.
Reynolds emerged on the Rabbitohs bench during the second half at ANZ Stadium on crutches.
Cricket: And while we’re on the subject of the Cricket World Cup, Geoff Lemon has written a fantastic article on the Australian team and their preparations. I’ll admit, I’m a bit of a Geoff Lemon tragic, I love reading his work. I especially enjoyed his astute description of Glenn Maxwell, who he notes is key to Australia’s fortunes at the World Cup.
Under Langer and Finch, Maxwell has found his role in the middle format, and responded with a string of substantial innings that alternate responsibility and damage as required. He’s one of those rare talents who can hit balls to places that others can’t, and has shots that others never will. If this is his time, don’t miss a ball.
Cricket: Checking in on the World Cup warm up match in Southampton and Australia are currently 108-3. Aaron Finch was gone for 14 early in the innings, with David Warner getting to 43 before losing his wicket. Shaun Marsh managed to add 30 before being caught off the bowling of Plunkett. You can keep up with all the action over at our live blog.
Super Rugby: It wasn’t a great start for the Waratahs but they continue to fight back, currently trailing the Jaguares 10-17 in Parramatta.
Super Netball: Lighting 72-61 Giants
The 2017 and 2018 premiers the Sunshine Coast Lightning continue to be the comeback queens of this competition. After a lacklustre first half, they stormed in with a 25-14 third quarter and built on that lead in the final term. The Giants’ shooting combination of Diamonds captain and Caitlin Bassett and England star Jo Harten continue to struggle. While Bassett appeared to struggle more of the two, it was Harten who was replaced with youngster Kiera Austin. Bassett was disappointed with the team’s performance after the match.
“We gave up too much of the ball, but we can look at it with some positives and know that we’re better than that,” she said.
The Lightning were a much happier camp, with match MVP Karla Pretorious full of praise for her teammates. “I’m surrounded by wonderful people and you’re only as good as the people you’re surrounded by,” she said. “It was a great team win and we’re really happy.”
AFL: Love this summation of the game at the MCG from reader greatdividingmange in the comments: “...how’s this game of stacks on curling at the G? ...reminds me of frozen fingers and not being able to undo my bootlaces and hot soup on a wet Sunday covered in mud. ...some amazing sticky fingers there as well... low scoring but riveting entertainment and waterslide bravery on display.”
Tennis: Another article that caught my eye during the week was this interview with Sloane Stephens. It’s not every day you read about a professional athlete whose hobbies include cremation and embalming. It provides a lot of excellent insight into Stephens as a person and a player. This paragraph really stood out to me:
In an individual sport like tennis, age and power only bring responsibility if you seek it. Some top players, like Maria Sharapova, only ever look out for themselves, but Stephens seems to be finding her voice and embracing the idea of being a leader. During the Australian Open, ESPN showed images of her vanquished opponent, Petra Martic, weeping behind the scenes. Stephens was irate. More importantly, she recognized that she had the power to change things. So she marched to ESPN and demanded that the footage be erased.
AFL: Half-time at the MCG sees the Tigers 4.7 (31) leading Essendon 1.7 (13). Scoring has been shared around by the Tigers this half, while Josh Begley has the only goal for the Bombers. Meanwhile up on the Gold Coast the Cats have recovered from a slow start to lead the Suns 6.8 (44) to 6.5 (41).
NRL: Half-time at ANZ Stadium and the Rabbitohs lead the Tigers 20-12. Adam Reynolds went down awkwardly in a tackle and ended the half off the ground, but hopefully is able to get back on. The Bunnies kept up their strong attacking work in his absence, with Dane Gagai taking over the kicking duties.
Super Rugby: While the Waratahs continue their season tonight in the post-Israel Folau era, it’s a good time to read this great article from Bret Harris earlier this week. This part was especially interesting as we consider the effect Folay’s sacking will have on the Pacific Island community.
The New Zealand Rugby Union recently commissioned a report, which was titled Navigating Two Worlds: Pacific Island Experiences and Contribution to Non-Playing Participation in Rugby. An “overarching theme” that emerged from the research was Pacific Island people constantly “navigate two worlds as Pacific Island New Zealanders, living a life with Pacific Island principles and Kiwi practices”.
Super Netball: Half-time on the Sunshine Coast and the Giants lead the Lightning 33-30. Interestingly it’s not Diamonds captain Caitlin Bassett who’s doing the majority of the damage. English goal attack Jo Harten leads her shooting partner for both goals and accuracy. This will be a cracker of a game, so keep an eye on it as it plays out.
Plenty going on right now, with two games underway in the AFL, the Rabbitohs taking on the Wests Tigers in the NRL and the Waratahs playing for their season in the Super Rugby. The Super Netball is also underway on the Sunshine Coast. Hope you’ve all got multiple screens going on!
AFL: Still recovering from that tight game in Adelaide! What a finish by the Eagles to take that one.
From AAP:
Eagles run down Crows in tight AFL tussle
West Coast have produced a stunning comeback to down Adelaide by 12 points in a tense AFL tussle on Saturday.
The Eagles came from 33 points down in the third quarter to prevail 13.7 (85) to 10.13 (73) at Adelaide Oval. With scores level with three minutes to go, 12-gamer Oscar Allen and Jack Darling booted late goals for the Eagles to consolidate their top-four slot.
Darling and fellow forwards Josh Kennedy and Patrick Cripps slotted three goals apiece as West Coast banked a seventh win from 10 games this season. The Eagles’ trusty ball-winners Dom Sheed (31 disposals), Andew Gaff (33 possessions), Elliot Yeo (28 disposals) and Luke Shuey (33 touches) were all influential in the precious road win.
West Coast appeared down and out when Adelaide’s Eddie Betts booted his second goal to give the Crows a 33-point lead seven minutes into the third term. But the visitors kicked 10 of the last dozen goals of the game to produce a stirring victory.
The Crows, now with five wins and five losses, slip further into a clogged middle of the ladder. Adelaide midfielder Brad Crouch gathered a game-high 39 disposals and his fellow midfielders Rory Sloane (32 possessions) and Cam Ellis-Yolmen (30 touches) were prominent.
Crow Wayne Milera (three goals) and Betts (two majors) were dangers in attack but Adelaide relinquished control in the second half.
Much of the Crows’ lead was created in a commanding second term when they kicked five goals in a 14-minute burst - they had a remarkable 15 consecutive inside 50s. But West Coast dragged themselves back into the contest in the third term, kicking five goals to two trail by 10 points at three-quarter time.
Eagle linchpin Kennedy booted two clutch final-term goals before rookie Allen gave them the lead with three minutes to go - he cleverly tapped the ball to himself over a pair of players, then ran into an open goal, before teammate Darling iced the result.
The Crows next meet Melbourne in Darwin on Saturday night with the Eagles hosting Western Bulldogs the following day.
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Super Rugby: Crusaders 19-11 Blues
The Blues provided some fightback in Christchurch, but the Crusaders showed why they are at the top of the New Zealand conference and far and away the leading team of the competition.
FULL TIME - The Crusaders take the win at home over the Blues https://t.co/LTYZfzxF6g #SuperRugby #CRUvBLU pic.twitter.com/peqPB00tDn
— Super Rugby (@SuperRugby) May 25, 2019
AFL: West Coast 13.7 (85) beat Adelaide 10.13 (73)
A tight contest at Adelaide Oval that the Eagles managed to save with two late goals. Jack Darling and Oscar Allen came through with the goods and locked up the game for the away team.
FULL TIME: EAGLES WIN!!!!!!!!!!
— West Coast Eagles (@WestCoastEagles) May 25, 2019
🦅 85
🅰 73#AFLCrowsEagles pic.twitter.com/LXaAVoF7Bv
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NRL: Warriors 2-8 Broncos
Well there wasn’t much to trouble the scorers over at Mt Smart Stadium. An Anthony Milford try in the second half was enough to break the deadlock and give all the tipsters a sigh of relief after a weird old start to the round. The Broncos will be pleased to escape with the two points out of that one.
From AAP:
Milford try decides Broncos-Warriors clash
Anthony Milford has scored a brilliant solo try to give Brisbane an 8-2 win over the Warriors in a NRL arm-wrestle in Auckland.
The lowest-scoring game of the season was decided on Saturday when Broncos five-eighth Milford stepped inside a tired Ligi Sao, breaking the shackles of a defence-dominated contest at the three-quarter mark.
Anthony Siebold’s men resolutely held out to secure a third-straight win at a crucial time, with State of Origin commitments set to chew into their playing ranks.
All of Brisbane’s Origin contenders did their selection hopes no harm, with forwards Matt Lodge, Payne Haas, Matt Gillett and Joe Ofahengaue among their best in a fierce battle.
All ran more than 100 metres, with Blues hopeful Haas the best of them again, the teenage prop charging for 204m and making 35 tackles.
Milford’s slim Maroons hopes were boosted by his try, although he was relatively muted for much of the game, with the Warriors having shaded possession on the back of a favourable penalty count.
Kodi Nikorima was lively in his first home game for the Warriors but was well contained by his former club.
There was a flashpoint when five-eighth Nikorima was lowered in a coat-hanger tackle from Kotoni Staggs which resulted in the teams coming together and the Broncos’ centre being placed on report.
Adding to the Warriors’ woes, utility Jazz Tevaga limped out of the game late in the first half with what appeared to be a serious ankle injury.
The tone of the match was set when Haas was driven back by five Warriors in the first play of the game.
Both teams failed to convert their chances, resulting in a 2-2 halftime scoreline, with Broncos winger Jamayne Isaako cancelling out Patrick Herbert’s early penalty goal on the stroke of the break.
When the try came, it was surprisingly simple and against the run of play, with Milford taking the ball as first receiver and barely being touched.
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Cricket: The Cricket World Cup warm up match between Australia and England is about to get underway over in the UK and we’ve got you covered for live updates. Head on over to our live blog of the game - I promise my colleague Rob Smyth will take good care of you.
Good evening everyone. It’s been a busy day in sport already and we’ve got lots more to come. The second Super Netball game of the evening will begin soon up at the delightfully named Sippy Downs. Looking forward to your company for the rest of the evening.
Megan Maurice is taking over the blog for the rest of the evening. Thank you for your company and all the comments. Keep them coming.
AFL: there are six minutes left in the third quarter at Adelaide Oval and it’s Adelaide 9.9 (63) - 8.6 (54) West Coast.
AFL: it’s halfway through the third quarter at Adelaide Oval and it’s Adelaide 9.8 (62) - 7.6 (48) West Coast.
NRL: it’s half-time in Auckland and a score for the visitors with the last kick of the half leaves it Warriors 2-2 Brisbane.
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Super Rugby: it’s half-time in Christchurch and it’s Crusaders 13-3 Blues. Looks like a very cold night there, judging by how rugged up the crowd is.
AFL: it’s three minutes into the third quarter at Adelaide Oval and it’s Adelaide 7.8 (50) - 3.5 (23) West Coast.
Super Rugby: 29 minutes played in the first half in Christchurch and it’s Crusaders 13-3 Blues.
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NRL: there are 12 minutes left in the first half and it’s still Warriors 2-0 Brisbane. There was a bit of biff as I turned over, but I didn’t see what caused it. All smiles soon after, though.
Super Rugby: 22 minutes played in the rugby and it’s Crusaders 13-0 Blues.
Super Rugby: 17 minutes played in the rugby and it’s Crusaders 6-0 Blues.
NRL: it’s 16 minutes into the game and it’s Warriors 2-0 Brisbane.
Super Rugby: 12 minutes played in the rugby and we have a score, it’s Crusaders 3-0 Blues.
AFL: Dr Rudi has made a good observation in the comments. “If any Sportswatch readers are wondering why the West Coast Eagles are not wearing their Indigenous Guernsey it’s because of the clash rules - so they are in the regular away strip today. Next week, and probably one other before the end of the season for the Indigenous guernsey.”
AFL: it’s half-time at Adelaide Oval and the home side have a strong lead. It’s Adelaide 7.8 (50) - 3.4 (22) West Coast.
Super Rugby: four minutes played in the Crusaders v Blues game, and no score yet.
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NRL: it is five minutes into the Warriors v Brisbane game and it’s scoreless so far.
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AFL: there are six minutes left in the second quarter and it’s Adelaide 4.4 (28) - 3.4 (22) West Coast.
AFL: six minutes into the second quarter and it’s Adelaide 2.3 (15) - 3.4 (22) West Coast.
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Super Rugby: Sunwolves rolled over by Rebels
Super Rugby: it’s all over in the rugby in Tokyo and the final score will not be pleasing to Japanese eyes. It finished Sunwolves 7 - 52 Rebels.
From AAP:
Rebels keep Super Rugby finals in sight
Melbourne’s big Super Rugby win over the Sunwolves has come at a cost with Test halfback Will Genia knocked out.
The Rebels kept their quest for a maiden finals appearance on track with a 52-7 bonus-point win over the Sunwolves on Saturday in hot conditions in Tokyo.
Recording their highest score in Super Rugby, they remain a point behind the conference-leading Brumbies, who had a win on Friday night over the Bulls.
Wallabies winger Marika Koroibete continued his run of impressive form, picking up two tries and setting up a third, among the team’s haul of eight.
Fellow flyer Jack Maddocks scored a brace as well, while Rebels playmaker Quade Cooper had a hand in many of the five-pointers.
World Cup hopeful Jordan Uelese made his first appearance of the season after a knee reconstruction, looking fit off the bench, and collected a try from a maul after the final siren.
But Genia might miss Friday night’s crucial showdown with the NSW Waratahs at AAMI Park.
In the first minute of the second half, Sunwolves wrecking ball Amanaki Mafi ran over the top of Genia, with the halfback’s head collected by the boot of centre Phil Burleigh as he ran through.
Genia managed to walk from the field, but looked dazed. The only upside of the injury was that reserve halfback Michael Ruru impressed, scoring a try, after limited game time this season.
Apart from the Genia blow, the Rebels looked sharp against the struggling Sunwolves.
They led 19-0 at halftime thanks to a try by flanker Angus Cottrell and Koroibete’s double.
That was pushed out to 31-0 before the home side finally made it onto the scoreboard in the 62nd minute when fullback Jason Emery charged down a Reece Hodge clearing kick and won the race to the ball to touch down.
Melbourne’s set piece also deserved praise. The Rebels’ pack dominated the lineout and scrum to give plenty of go-forward for their backs.
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Super Netball: Fever beat Magpies in close game
Super Netball: the games are finishing thick and fast around the country. In the netball, after an exciting and tense game, it has just ended Fever 61-63 Magpies.
From AAP:
Fowler inspires Fever to Super Netball win
Jamaican goal shoot Jhaniele Fowler has inspired the West Coast Fever to their maiden win of the Super Netball season, a hard-fought 63-61 triumph over the Collingwood Magpies at Bendigo Stadium.
With so many players vying for spots in the Australian Diamonds side to be selected later this week, it was Jamaican star Fowler that stood above the pack with an incredible display of accuracy.
She netted 51of her 52 attempts to dominate the fifth round clash for last season’s runners-up. Fowler had 25 points by halftime and then more than doubled her tally in tandem with Kaylia Stanton (12/14). The goal attack was the ideal foil for Fowler, laying on a game-high 28 assists as the Fever started atoning for a disappointing start to the competition.
West Coast’s four-goal lead at the end of the first term proved crucial as Collingwood was only able to trim the margin to two at halftime before the final two quarters ended in stalemate. Fowler’s counterpart and compatriot Shimona Nelson was left to rue seven misses from her 51 attempts.
The Fever will be on the road again next weekend when they take on the Queensland Firebirds, while the Magpies will look to bounce back in Sydney where they face the in-form NSW Swifts.
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AFL: 12 minutes into the third ALF game of the day and it’s Adelaide 2.1 (13) - 1.1 (7) West Coast.
NRL: Cowboys conquer Canberra
NRL: it’s a win for the visitors from the north at GIO Stadium. Final score: Canberra 16-22 North Queensland.
From AAP:
Cowboys hand Raiders third-straight loss
Canberra have lost star hooker Josh Hodgson and a third-straight NRL game after falling 22-16 at home to North Queensland.
Hodgson left the field in Saturday afternoon’s second half with a suspected broken thumb, while Cowboys veteran Matt Scott was scratched in the first half with a shoulder complaint.
The Raiders struggled badly without Hodgson last season when he was out injured. The Canberra co-captain will likely miss at least a month.
Scott’s injury appears less serious and he should remain in contention to play for Queensland on June 5 in the State of Origin opener.
Canberra burst out of the blocks and should have scored after three minutes when Jordan Rapana broke down the right wing and hit an unmarked Sam Williams inside but the halfback dropped the pass.
The Cowboys opened the scoring through a Jordan Kahu penalty goal. The Raiders conceded four penalties inside 10 minutes but their defence held strong to keep the visitors tryless.
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad looked to have scored from a Jack Wighton grubber but the bunker wasn’t satisfied with the grounding from the Canberra fullback on 16 minutes.
Cowboys hooker Jake Granville sliced through out of dummy-half before putting Tom Opacic in to score untouched after 18 minutes and Kahu converted for an 8-0 lead.
Wighton responded with a 40-20 and, minutes later, threw a pinpoint cut-out pass to Bailey Simonsson who scored in the corner but Jarrod Croker missed the conversion.
The Raiders took the lead when Williams grubbered in-goal and Gideon Gela-Mosby missed the ball to hand Michael Oldfield a gift on 28 minutes.
The seesaw affair continued when Cowboys centre Justin O’Neill crashed over to wrestle back the lead and they extended the margin after halftime when Michael Morgan kicked for an unmarked Kyle Feldt to score in the corner.
A North Queensland penalty goal made it 20-10 before Canberra super-sub Siliva Havili scored from close range out of dummy-half with 20 minutes to play.
The Cowboys booted another two-pointer and the Raiders had several chances to send it to golden point but the visitors held on to win consecutive games for the first time this season.
Canberra (6-5) have lost their past four games by six points or less and drop out of the top four for the first time since round two.
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AFL: North Melbourne beat Bulldogs
AFL: it’s all over at Marvel Stadium. Final score: Western Bulldogs 13.12 (90) - North Melbourne 18.7 (115).
From AAP:
Roos farewell Scott with stunner over Dogs
North Melbourne have farewelled outgoing coach Brad Scott in fine style with a pulsating 25-point win over the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium.
Emotions ran high after Scott addressed speculation over his future with his players before the game and they responded with a stunning 18.7 (115) to 13.12 (90) in front of 26,156 fans on Saturday afternoon.
It was Scott’s 211th AFL match in charge since he took the job in 2010, the result leaving him with a record of 106 wins and 105 losses.
The Bulldogs trailed by a game-high 32 points late in the third quarter but slammed through six unanswered goals to snatch back the lead 11 minutes into a frantic final term.
But somehow Scott’s men dug deep to blast home the last five goals of the contest to celebrate a stunning victory.
Todd Goldstein turned back the clock with a brilliant 57-hit out, 28-possession performance, with Shaun Higgins (34 disposals) and Ben Cunnington (29) also important.
Ben Brown and Mason Wood each booted three goals in the upset result.
Caleb Daniel led the way for the Dogs with 29 touches, Marcus Bontempelli was also prominent with 25 disposals while Sam Lloyd booted three goals.
Scores were level at the first break after a free-flowing opening term, but the Roos lifted in a five-goals-to-one second quarter to lead by 22 points at halftime.
The game looked out of reach for the Roos as the Bulldogs rallied late but they gave themselves a chance when they shaved the margin to 20 points at three-quarter time.
Tim English and Lloyd each booted two goals as the Dogs pressed but Nick Larkey added two of his own as North charged home.
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NRL: four minutes left at GIO Stadium and the visitors have extended their lead. It’s Canberra 16-22 North Queensland.
Super Netball: let’s take a dip back into the netball. With 12 minutes to go in the fourth quarter, it’s Fever 52-48 Magpies. A tight finish is on the cards.
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AFL: that traffic flow is continuing at Marvel Stadium. With four minutes to go in the final quarter it’s Western Bulldogs 13.11 (89) - North Melbourne 17.6 (108).
AFL: the third game of the day, Adelaide v West Coast, has just started. No score yet.
AFL: wow, things are moving fast at Marvel Stadium – and it’s mostly one way traffic. It’s now Western Bulldogs 13.11 (89) - North Melbourne 16.6 (102).
NRL: 18 minutes left at GIO Stadium and the visitors are still leading. It’s Canberra 16-20 North Queensland.
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AFL: I clicked save on that last post just a millisecond too soon, it’s now Western Bulldogs 13.10 (88) - North Melbourne 14.5 (89).
AFL: there are 12 minutes left in the fourth quarter at Marvel Stadium and the Bulldogs have made a serious comeback. It’s Western Bulldogs 13.10 (88) - North Melbourne 13.5 (83).
Super Netball: nine minutes to go in the third quarter and it’s Magpies 37 - 40 Fever.
AFL: Hawthorn trounce Port
AFL: it has been a bad day in Launceston for Power. Final score: Hawthorn 12.8 (80) - 6.13 (49) Port Adelaide.
From AAP:
Gunston leads Hawks to AFL win over Port
Jack Gunston has booted six goals for Hawthorn who have toppled a sloppy Port Adelaide by 31 points in a low-scoring AFL clash in Launceston.
Hawthorn kept the Power scoreless in Saturday afternoon’s opening quarter in a 12.8 (80) to 6.13 (49) victory to remain firmly in the top-eight mix.
Gunston, who equalled his best-career haul, slotted the opening two majors and picked up 21 disposals and nine marks in a starring performance.
The 27-year-old showed off his soccer skills, with an outside boot nudging the ball around a post and across the goalline for a fourth.
Hawthorn’s Ricky Henderson topped the possession count with 37 in front of a crowd of 11,637.
Port Adelaide, slipping to 5-5 for the season, didn’t kick a major until the 12th minute of the second term in their lowest-scoring first half this year.
Hawthorn join them on 20 competition points in a tight tussle for the top eight.
The Power missed ruckman Scott Lycett, who sat out the round-10 match with injury.
Hawthorn won hit-outs 46-36, with Marc Pittonet getting 29.
In the first game against his former club, gun Hawthorn recruit Chad Wingard was relatively quiet and finished with 20 touches.
Aided by a strong breeze, Hawthorn kicked all four goals of the opening quarter and dominated inside 50s 16-6 for a 25-point lead.
Several Hawks’ goals came after Port fumbles.
The Power cut the margin to 18 points midway through the third term but, every time they threatened, Hawthorn pulled away.
With his side leading by 22, Gunston gave Hawthorn extra breathing space early in the final term when he cruised into the goal square for his fifth.
Tom Rockliff, who had 25 disposals for the Power, failed to finish the match with an apparent hamstring problem.
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NRL: it’s 13 minutes into the second half at GIO Stadium and the visitors have extended their lead. It’s Canberra 10-18 North Queensland.
AFL: the fourth quarter has just started at Marvel Stadium and it’s Western Bulldogs 10.9 (69) - North Melbourne 13.5 (83). As an aside, I’ve often wondered if kids who grow up loving Australian Rules football are better than maths (due to all those calculations) than kids who didn’t?
Super Netball: it’s half-time in the netball and it’s Fever 32-30 Magpies.
AFL: in Launceston, things are not getting better for Port, they’re getting worse. Six minutes into the fourth and it’s Hawthorn 10.7 (67) - 5.8 (38) Port Adelaide.
AFL: and back to Marvel Stadium, where it’s just over half way through the third quarter and it’s Western Bulldogs 7.8 (50) - North Melbourne 12.5 (77).
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AFL: Brendan in the comments below, made reference to AFL legend Michael Long being happy with his statue, unlike various round ball footballers and their fans, so it’s only fair to link to an article on this. Thanks for pointing it out, Brendan.
NRL: it’s half-time at GIO Stadium and it’s Canberra 10-14 North Queensland.
AFL: and back to Launceston, where it’s three-quarter time and it’s Hawthorn 9.5 (59) - 5.7 (37) Port Adelaide. It’s hard to see Port pulling back 22 points in the final quarter.
AFL: back to Marvel Stadium, where it’s two minutes into the third quarter and it’s Western Bulldogs 7.6 (48) - North Melbourne 10.4 (64). Can the Bulldogs fight their way back into this game after an early goal in the third quarter? We’ll see.
Football: speaking of the Women’s World Cup, as we were a while ago, here is a handy guide to all the venues.
NRL: some scoring since we last checked in on the league. With 13 minutes left in the first half, it’s Canberra 4-8 North Queensland.
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AFL: there are seven minutes to go in the third quarter in Launceston and it’s Hawthorn 8.4 (52) - 4.5 (29) Port Adelaide.
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NRL: if you have a moment between checking in for the scores, have a read of this story where Australian comedian talks about his love of rugby league.
AFL: it’s half-time at Marvel Stadium and it’s Western Bulldogs 6.6 (42) - North Melbourne 10.4 (64).
AFL: it’s four minutes into the third quarter in Launceston and it’s Hawthorn 6.3 (39) - 2.4 (16) Port Adelaide.
NRL: and we have an opening score in the first league game of the day. It’s Canberra Raiders 0-2 North Queensland Cowboys.
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AFL: it is just over halfway through the second quarter in the second AFL game of the day, and it’s Western Bulldogs 6.4 (40) - North Melbourne 9.3 (57).
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Surfing: good news for Stephanie Gilmore, with a win in Bali.
A perfect 10 ride as Stephanie Gilmore beat Sally Fitzgibbons to win the World Surf League event in Bali. Gilmore's 1st win of season takes her to #1 in the rankings.
— Duncan Huntsdale (@duncs_h) May 25, 2019
Vision courtesy @wsl.@abcnews @abcgrandstand @Steph_gilmore pic.twitter.com/jKUHKoMPhc
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AFL: it’s half-time in the first game of the day and it’s Hawthorn 6.2 (38) - 2.3 (15) Port Adelaide.
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Football: what is it about footballers are statues? Why can’t they get them right? My fellow Irishman George Best is the latest to suffer the ignominy of a tribute that only bears a passing resemblance to him.
Football: I’m sure you saw it, but in case you didn’t, Mark Rudan has been confirmed as the inaugural coach of new A-League side Western United.
Football: Matildas midfielder Tameka Yallop, who is in Turkey for a training camp before the Women’s World Cup, said the squad is itching to play the Netherlands in Eindhoven next week as the team continues to tune-up for France.
“I think any game is exciting for us especially once you are in camp and you are training, and we are training towards our first game at the World Cup,” Yallop said. “But it’s nice to have a good hit out in between then and the girls are definitely looking forward to [the Netherlands fixture].”
“Both previous World Cups that I have been to feel pretty different. One was in Germany, it was in Europe so it was grass-based, and Canada was turf, which was quite different. I am looking forward to getting back on the grass and also in Europe, which is where I have been playing club, so for me it is less of a transition. I think the atmosphere is going to come at us in France and will be pretty similar to Germany, but the women’s game has gotten so much bigger as well since then, so I am excited for it.”
Cricket: and speaking of cricket, Moeen Ali says this northern summer represents such an incredible opportunity for cricket in England. “As England players we are so fortunate to have both a World Cup and an Ashes on home soil. Do the double and we really will be in dreamland.”
Preamble
Good afternoon (or morning, if you are tuning in from distant time zones), and welcome to sportwatch. And what a busy day we have in store, with AFL, NRL, Super Netball, Super Rugby and cricket (though that will be done as a separate live blog).
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