Hi, how you going? Good? Yeah me too. I’ve just turned the cricket on – India v NZ, the first test. There are 14 men on the field, a few security guards and the odd spectator. Without the advertising it would look like any other summer cricket game in NZ. I’m quickly reminded of how the Auckland public – all 1.42 million of them (thanks Google) – rarely support the sporting codes that go on up there. The All Blacks failed to sell out in Auckland last year, the cricket never does, the Blues haven’t enjoyed a capacity crowd in years. My question is, why do we hold these events in Auckland? I understand the Blues games there, given that’s their home base. This Indian Cricket tour has no games in the South Island….not one, nada, nicht. Would it really be that difficult to play at least one game down here? The NRL Nines next week should be an interesting gauge on how the ground can be filled for two days.
You know what else really grinds my gears? Apart from Lindsay Lohan? The ongoing Jesse Ryder thing. Who gives a shit? If he can’t do the team thing, then he’s not a part of the team. Perhaps I’m a bit black and white in my views but, how many chances do you get? On the other hand, it wasn’t that long ago when that sort of behaviour was expected of you. I refer to Mal Tongue’s book “Fuck I’m Good Just Ask Me”. I not sure that’s the title but close enough. In his book he fondly remembers having a bottle of god knows what parked in the motel room and none of the team being able to leave until it was done. All this at NZ Golf’s premier amateur deal – the Interprovincial Tournament. I understand you can’t keep tabs on these boys 24/7 but if they don’t toe the company line then they’re gone right?
I lay awake in bed last night, largely because the dog was sick and making loud coughing/hacking noises followed by the inevitable splash of vomit. While in my state of forced insomnia, however, I was thinking about the state of Canterbury Golf. Granted, it’s not the first time I’ve thought of this, nor is it the first time I’ve put forth an opinion. What I was thinking was the Canterbury has a plethora of quality golf courses. Canterbury has a multitude of quality players…men and women. Canterbury has pretty good weather. Canterbury has some of the most talented and knowledgeable golf coaches in the world. Why do the Canterbury players struggle at the Interprovincials? I have it on pretty good authority that the managers of these teams are trying to dictate how these players play golf. Wow! Who are these managers?? The convener of selectors – a 9 handicapper. The other selectors on 12 and 15 handicaps. Ok. The manager a 12 handicap. I’m sure these gentlemen do a fine job of organising and selecting…but what do they know about top-level golf and performance on the course? One wonders whether the recent success of Bay of Plenty and Manawatu, both provinces having been managed and coached by former professional players and current PGA professionals, is just coincidence. I think not. I am just reminded of an article written by someone in high management about the 2012 interprovincial team bagging their lack of success, forgetting of course that 4 of the team had just qualified for the NZ Open. Player’s fault? Nope. Anyway, enough of that….the Canterbury Union should be asking for help….you never know what you might get if you only ask.
On a slightly more positive note, footy season starts soon!!!!!!!! Yes, I am a fan of the NRL (rugby league) but am a rugby union fanatic. Can’t wait. I know it’s a long season but I love it. The league should be fun – it always is. How will Benji Marshall go? I think he’ll be ok. He’s certainly not the physical specimen that Sonny Bill or Israel Folau are, but is nevertheless a fine athlete and a remarkable ball handler. I’m sure he’ll fit in well. I only hope he doesn’t judge his rugby union career on this season alone.
Have a great weekend peeps.
mysportingvoice.com 