Ah, memories!

I was reading the post 'Kerryl muzzled' and Coach's description of him as our 'esteemed driver' reminded me of one glorious night, the Partisans' Meteor limousine, swathed in victory departed the Moonah indoor bowls centre...

Our driver on that occasion, Coach, perhaps earned the title of our 'less-esteemed' driver on that night; after an encounter with a particularly generous member of the constabulary and a non-encounter with a red traffic light, delivered us safely home. Victory, licence and skeletal structure intact!

Speaking of the likes of Phabulous and Kerryl, shall we see them making a post or are the Partisans again fielding a strong 3 with a ring-in perhaps? (I thought I should start a post to relieve Coach while he is at the bar buying a round)

"Of beauty rich and rare..."

I thought Howard was gone. Yesterday was unbelievable around Hobart - lots of cars were decked with little Aussie flags. A neighbour said "Happy Australia Day long weekend" to me. As we were walking up the Brooker Highway a car went past with a young woman leaning out singing/screaming the National Anthem. I looked for a hint of irony but I saw none. Surely not I thought.

What happened to our good old long weekend holiday no matter when January 26 fell - a weekend where most Aussies went somewhere to relax if not camp, perhaps have a barbie and wonder why we had a long weekend? There were certainly no flags in sight apart from at very poorly attended ceremonies for a few who were becoming citizens.

All I felt was a strong sense of alienation. I was born here - I had no choice. I'm an aussie by accident. I like the place but more days like yesterday will lead to asking Mrs Clark to fire up the Hercules for my evacuation.

Tomic-Naut

George Martin gave the Beatles their chance. Snooker may be remembered for his call for Tomic to be bandied around. He is through to Round 4 of the Boy's singles. In Januarys to come will we hear of his preparations for the Open, will this be his year? Which soap star will he marry?

Given Lleyton's demise it's none too soon for a new star. Chris Guccione carried our hopes for a weekend (before the Open began). Given Lleyton's record though he is the best Australian men's player in history. He will end up on the high side of rank 30 in the world this year.

Did Peter Roebuck beat Australia?

How much did the very public and widespread questioning of the all conquering Aussie team's approach and behavior undermine their cricket? It was visible in Ponting's between test media work - he was clearly taken aback with the fuss surrounding the Sydney test - perhaps surprised that he and his team were not the universally loved champions they assumed. Why didn't he open the bowling with the supposed tearaway Tait - an early wicket might have set the tone for the whole game. Why did he choose to ask Brett Lee to bowl from the end he did - where he would not gain the advantage of support from the wind. Where was his 'best since Bradman' batting?

At the end of the game there are some clear team weaknesses - Rodgers didnt really get a chance but Clarke - despite another second innings success - Johnson and Tait are the most obvious problems. Ponting's captaincy can be challenged but not by the new Dirk Welham (Michael Clarke). Ponting is out of form. In terms of the approach to the game there was a definite improvement from Sydney - but has the team learnt or is it just hiding its approach after being hurt by the public reaction? Listening to "Haydos" and "Alfie" on Friday on Channel Nine's coverage suggests the latter.

Under John Howard anyone who questioned Australia's approach was pilloried. A similar reaction greeted Peter Roebuck.

Kevin Keegan returns to Newcastle Utd

I expect to see the real magpies' results skyrocket. The 4 - 1 result in the FA Cup round is not a bad start.  Imagine the lift in the dressing room! Like Tommy going back to Tigerland, like Jack Dyer sending a text to Richo before the game ... like Kerryl actually turning up for a game at Sandy Bay. Relegation is now out of the question - perhaps a Euro spot is on the way?

John Howard's Cricket team

John Howard was all about winning - there was no other goal.  He passed on his philosophy (an exaggeration) to our cricket team. These boys truly represent what was worst about his rule.  Would prefer to see the boys roll up their sleeves, forget about their holidays, get down to an agenda  of work and play cricket for all Australians.

Kerryl muzzled!

I have received word that our esteemed Driver Kerryl will be unable to participate on the blog as his employer's policy  expressly forbids blogging.  I have offered to post his emails but I think this has him a bit worried - clearly his work needs editing and I have offered my services!  I also enquired as to his home email address but it reads like a strange military code which I found indecipherable.  I guess what this really means is that Kerryl has gone missing when he was needed - again.

Australian Open

Does anyone think lil Lleyton will make it past Round 1 of the Open?  Will he be inside the top 50 by the end of the year?  Was Tony Roche only a good coach when he had a good player? Will Chris Guccione break anyone's serve other than his own?