That was a weekend! Friday marked Halloween and my children wanted to go trick-or-treating. A first for me, those outside New Zealand May not realise that it’s not a big deal here although is slowly gaining traction. They did well….I’m sure they will keep the dentists in business. Later that night my dog took a bite at my son, leaving him frightened but thankfully not injured. But, after that I could not trust the dog and took her to the SPCA where they put her down. I was and am devastated….the farting, barking, digging, chewing crazy mutt really got under my skin….I will miss her.
As per usual the story of the sporting world down here was the All Blacks. They played the USA Eagles at Soldier Field in Chicago…great occasion. The All Blacks predictably won easily but made many friends in the process. Unfortunately, there were injuries to newcomer Nathan Harris and veteran Cory Jane. My worry about old Janey Boy is he appears to made from paper. Magnificent player in every sense of a winger’s play but just injury prone. Might be time to give it away?
The Four Nations featured a clash between the Aussie Bashing Kiwis and the fearless Samoan side. It took the Kiwis virtually 80 minutes to overcome the Samoans. They will be a great side. The thing about international league is…it doesn’t matter. It’s great to see the Kiwis smash the Aussies, but am sure they just don’t give a shit. Not like they care about Origin or the NRL. So…..the Four Nations actually matter? Nope.
The EPL is on, European competitions and the stars are in play all over the telly. Football is a truly global game. Except in New Zealand. The Phoenix based in Wellington continue to be dismal. Does the general population give a toss about the Phoenix? I have friends who do…they love going to the football and supporting the Phoenix….but for the most part the yellow and black uniformed pretenders go by un-noticed. Perhaps it’s the Gareth Morgan factor?
Back to the league….putting aside the fact that the Four Nations doesn’t matter, England scored and were hard done by, by a TMO. a try that would have given them the game against Australia. Are the officials in all sports trained to be controversial? Certainly seems that way. You all know my thoughts on that subject.
Oh yeah. Tomorrow is Melbourne Cup Day. The race that stops a nation. As far as I can tell stops New Zealand too. There will be office sweeps and TAB betting and drinking and fancy clothes and hats. I think Melbourne is the capital of Southern Hemisphere sports and should be congratulated for what they do with racing, Formula 1, tennis, league, union, golf, AFL and so on. Melbourne may be the perfect city. Cosmopolitan and sporting – something for everyone.
May I end with a big happy birthday to my beautiful daughter, Hannah. Four years old today….love you Bubba.
mysportingvoice.com 