Circling the Drain – The Gurgler’s Sporting Weekly-ish

Welcome to The Gurgler’s weekly, or more accurately, occasional sporting review highlighting what tickled our fancy and what we think is worth clearing the weekend schedule for. Plus the home of the multi which will eventually win, so be on it just in case. All of your favourites will be here except Ariaga II.

ANZAC DAY RUGBY LEAGUE FESTIVAL
Rugby League for once did something right both on and off the field with great tributes to the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing as a fitting tribute before some excellent games of football.

There was nothing better than 10+ hours straight of rugby league goodness, more if you could catch the lower grades before the NZ GC kick off. One can dream of 5 games in a row every Saturday, but that is unlikely with Channel 9 and time zones. Maybe when a Perth side are admitted into the comp.

The only lowlight of the whole round was involved with the storm stopping the Roosters v Dragons game. It wasn’t the weather which can’t be helped, nor the taking the players off the field, it was the smart move.

No the lowlight of the weekend was Ray Warren interviewing Todd Greenberg and asking about what was going to happen to the Channel 9 news. I’m surprised given the broadcaster influence on the game that Greenberg didn’t announce there and then that the remaining 55 minutes would be split into 3 x 10 thirds to allow the news to get close to 6pm. And, really, does anyone who is watching the League give a flying f*** about when the news starts. The arrogance shown by Channel 9 in the need to ask the question is yet another reason one can only hope that they lose the broadcasting rights next time. Though, given Channel 10’s finances and Channel 7’s AFL and Olympics it looks unlikely. Shame.

INDYCARS
The recent acquisition of Foxtel has allowed for a reunion with an old friend – Indycars.

Sure the cars look a throwback to some movie from the 90’s trying to predict what the future was, but the racing was good, and there’s enough personality on show to make the series interesting. It’s no F1, and that’s always a good thing. F1 loves Kimi, and rightly so, for being different, but he is about the only one who doesn’t speak solely in clichés.

Maybe it’s the reminiscing about the days in the mid-late 90’s golden era of motorsport when Indycars were at their peak and arguably as good as F1 to watch, and the BTCC had some of the maddest racing seen ever on a piece of tarmac.

Either way, it’s not a bad view, and there’s the token Australian Will Power to support, and Leigh Diffey. What else do you want.

LAST DAY OF THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE
The 72 teams of the three lower leagues of English Football have their last day in the sun on Saturday night, some it will be the last day in their division as the promotion and relegation fun sets in.

There’s nothing like all the games being played at once where results could determine another or multiple others fate for the next seasons.

This year is a little lower key than usual with a lot of the important ups and downs decided, but we provide a quick guide for those who care or need a small catch up.

CHAMPIONSHIP
1st and 2nd go straight up and these are decided.
Playoffs – two spots are decided, the final two spots are between four teams.
Relegation – all three sides are already down.

LEAGUE ONE
1st – already won by Bristol City.
2nd – A battle between Preston and Milton Keynes
3rd to 6th – Sorted after 2nd is determined.
Relegated – One team down – three to go. It could be any of the 6 teams, including 1987 FA Cup winners Coventry and one of our favourites Leyton Orient.

LEAGUE TWO
1st – Battle between Burton Albion and Shrewsbury – 2 points in it.
3rd (and last automatic promotion spot) – Battle of three Southend, Bury, Wycombe – covered by three points – GD similar.
Relegation – both Cheltenham and Tranmere went down last round. Former Tranmere boss Ronnie Moore who was fired for small gambling activities must be laughing as certain last place holders for so long Hartlepool survived thanks to him, at the expense of Tranmere.

Here’s some of our favourite last day clips for UK Football.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMqn3cideP4&list=PLNuM0ozsZ45ab9U_hleL_TEZ9Exh78DEV

ASK DR SPORTZ – your sporting questions answered.
Ask Dr Sportz a uestion – gurgler.chat@gmail.com

Q – What do you think of the Wallabies New Rules for Overseas players?
from Korona Laybels-Outt, Warringah NSW
A – To be honest it’s Australian rugby union, so, who gives a toss.

Q – Is the Rugby League International Break a good thing?
from Bob, Albion QLD
A – Yes, as it not only features the Kangaroos v Kiwis, but there are plenty more sideshow attractions for all. Of course there is the City-Country game featuring all the Blues hopefuls. But the real goodness is away from Ray Warren with Pacific Island Tests, Junior Tests, and the first Qld v NSW stoush of the season.

Find out more about that all here.

SPORTS MULTI

BRISBANE ROAR to beat Adelaide
WELLINGTON to beat Melb City
COLLINGWOOD to beat Carlton
DRAW – Cricket – West Indies v England
MAYWEATHER to beat Pacquiao

$1 multi pays $58.

SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS