The Weekly A-Z

Posted on August 7, 2020 | Posted by Digby Beacham

A – ADD ME TO THE LIST

Rafael Nadal joined a swag of stars, including Australian duo Ash Barty and Nick Kyrgios, this week in opting against contesting the US Open at Flushing Meadows because of fears surrounding the coronavirus. The star factor in The City That Never sleeps is going to be sadly lacking.

B – BEST OF THE BEST

The State’s premier greyhounds will showcase their undeniable talent at Cannington tomorrow night in the heats of the WA Sprint Championship and the final of the WA Distance Championship. Can Flake Monelli cross Cindy’s Oliver in box one of the final? All will be revealed just before 9pm.

C – CORRECT CALL

NSW Racing supremo Peter V’Landys was unapologetic this week when he explained his decision to ban Victorian horses from entering the State. His sole focus is NSW Racing and will do everything in his power to ensure the machine keeps rolling. Regardless of whether he is your cup or tea or not, V’landys stands up for what he believes in.

D – DOUBLE DELIGHT

When the AFL announced it would be staging double-headers during the midway part of the season, it seemed a little bit over the top. But it has been terrific and could well be an option in future fixtures should the league opt to play more than 22 home-and-away matches. If you love Australian Rules football, you are entitled to be a happy little Vegemite.

E – ESSENTIAL SERVICE

Victorian racing participants breathed a sigh of relief this week when Premier Daniel Andrews deemed racing an essential service, unlike so many other businesses. Thankfully, it gives key personnel an opportunity to keep planning for the upcoming spring carnival.

F – FAST EDDY

Eduardo runs into stiff opposition in tomorrow’s Group 2 Missile Stakes at Rosehill. It matters little to his new trainer Joe Pride. Eduardo fought on admirably when he was entitled to peak late in the July Sprint and will be presented with conditions that suit. If you were on him last start, it could well pay to go again.

G – GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

The simmering stoush between Wayne Bennett and Anthony Seibold boiled to the surface again this week, just in time for tonight’s showdown between South Sydney and the floundering Brisbane Broncos. If that wasn’t enough, Bennett was clipped by NRL supremo Peter V’Landys yesterday for a COVID-19 breach. Bennett hates being told what to do, but on this occasion he had no option. Gold.

H – HERE FOR A WHILE YET

It was music to the ears of Gold Coast fans yesterday when the Suns announced that teenage phenom Matt Rowell had committed to the club beyond his initial contract. It might be a stretch to declare a two-year extension long-term, but having secured the young gun until the end of 2023 is a feather in the cap of everyone at the club … and a peek into the character of Rowell.

I – IRISH EYES WERE SMILING

England didn’t field their first-choice XI for this week’s one-day international against Ireland and paid a high price. England were dismissed for 328 in the 50th over in Southampton, a target that looked well and truly out of reach of the visitors. Someone forgot to tell Paul Stirling (142) and Andrew Balbirnie (112), who were able to lift Ireland to a stirring seven-wicket victory with one ball remaining.

J – JOE’S JAW-DROPPER

The play-off for sides looking to earn promotion to the English Premier League is one of the most anticipated matches of the season. It is also one of the most lucrative given the TV rights associated to those in the top flight. This week’s clash between Fulham and Brentford went into extra-time and appeared headed for penalties until Joe Byrne unleashed a 40-yard cracker that sent Fulham back among the big boys. Breathtaking is a word that springs to mind.

K – KING-SIZED TALENTS

Twins Max and Ben King didn’t have enormous impact in the thriller between St Kilda and Gold Coast last night, but there are so many exciting years ahead for their teams’ supporters and football lovers in general. The duo have long levers, fly for their marks and are excellent finishers in front of goal. There will be the inevitable comparisons on who is the better King. Let’s just be thankful that we are going to have at least a decade to enjoy their work.

L – LAYING DOWN A MARKER

That is exactly what Jason Day did in the opening round of the US PGA Championship in San Francisco this morning. The 2015 champion fired a five-under 65 to lead the chasing pack by one shot. At his best, Day can dominate tournaments like few others. It’s been a while since he’s been in the cut and thrust in a major. Fingers crossed he can stay in the mix over the next three days.

M – MACEDONIAN MARVEL II

Peter Daicos did just about everything possible on a football oval. His goal against West Coast in the drawn 1990 qualifying final is the stuff of legend. Daicos’ young bloke Josh did his best to upstage the old man last night opposed to Sydney with a banana goal in time-on of the final term that gave the Magpies a buffer, and ultimately, a critical nine-point victory.

N – NBL

Yes, we all know what the three letters stand for … National Basketball League. However, they could easily stand for No Basketball Looming. The domestic league’s grand final series between Perth and Sydney was interrupted by the COVID-19 situation and it seems guaranteed that the start of the 2020-21 campaign will be delayed after a swag of Melbourne United players tested positive to coronavirus. Watch this space.

O – ONE OUT OF THE BOX

Clairvoyance, a daughter of Nostradamus, is not only one of the better named horses in training, she is one of the most exciting. The imposing filly lit up a handy little three-year-old field last Saturday, running figures that had all the data boffins raising their eyebrows. Having recently sold Talladega for $1.4 million, trainer Darren McAuliffe has a more than handy replacement.

P – PURRING

Full credit to Geelong for their effort on Wednesday night against North Melbourne. Brave to the end against West Coast here last Saturday night, the Cats jetted off to the Gold Coast on Sunday and faced up to the Kangaroos off a break rarely seen in AFL circles. They stood up like a class outfit and won well.

Q – QUICK RETURN

Nathan Brown’s days as a head coach in the NRL appeared doomed when he was sacked last season by the Newcastle Knights. But the decision by the New Zealand Warriors to axe Stephen Kearney and interim mentor Todd Payten electing against taking the job full-time has opened the door for Brown.

R – REMEMBER WHEN

The days of the Melbourne Cup being contested exclusively by Australian horses. Barring something remarkable, that is likely to be situation later this year (provided the race goes ahead). Charlie Appleby and Saeed bin Suroor won’t be attending and the presence of Japan’s finest would be a shock. The late, great Bart Cummings would be smiling at the prospect.

S – SPOILT FOR CHOICE

If you are a lover of harness racing and cannot get excited by the creme de la creme of King Of Swing, Ride High, Chicago Bull, Self Assured and Lochinvar Art, then you have no pulse. No excuse not to be sporting a smile like a split watermelon.

T – TIPPING POINT

There comes a time in an AFL season when the injury list at a club in the go-zone just becomes too much. We are about to find out if Collingwood are there. They look really close. Jordan De Goey, Scott Pendlebury, Jeremy Howe, Adam Treloar, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Tom Langdon and Isaac Quaynor are all casualties at the moment. Nathan Buckley is digging deep into the club’s stocks.

U – UP IN THE AIR

There can be no other way to describe the future of Ben Brown. The North Melbourne spearhead is out of contract at the end of the season and now has to overcome a lingering knee issue. Seemingly assured of finishing his career at Arden Street after three straight years of 60+ goals, the Tasmanian does not hold the same appeal he did entering 2020.

V – VOMIT

I dare say it was the initial reaction of many when they saw the graphic photo of Isaac Quaynor after he was taken from the ground on a motorised stretcher last night. Quaynor had his shin split wide apart by the studs of Sam Wicks as he attempted to tackle the Sydney youngster from behind. Sickening.

W – WHACK

LeBron James said the following in response to American President Donald Trump commenting that he was not going to sit and watch NBA games in protest at players kneeling during the National Anthem. “I really don’t think the basketball community are sad about losing his viewership, him viewing the game.”

X – X-RAYS

The Philadelphia 76ers feared the worst from the moment Ben Simmons flexed his knee during the Washington Wizards this week. So too did just about every Sixers fan around the globe. The Australian superstar was sent for the obligatory scans. They confirmed a subluxation of the patella, ruling him out of tomorrow’s match against Orlando at least. His availability is critical to the Sixers’ aspirations.

Y – YOU GET WHAT YOU DESERVE

From the moment young Adelaide Crow Will Hamill’s head bounced on the turf at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday night, Melbourne utility Alex Neal-Bullen was in trouble. Hamill walked off the ground with all the fluency of a new-born foal and didn’t return. Neal-Bullen is looking at a stretch when he faces the AFL Tribunal for his ugly sling tackle.

Z – ZERO AND 10

That is the win-loss record Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks has been forced to digest since Wednesday night’s meek performance against the equally besieged Melbourne on home soil. You read correctly … 0-10!!!!