The sporting weekly returns to a reasonably low key week. The British GP stands out as the upcoming highlight of the week ahead, and we’ll sift through the highlights of the week that passed.
PNG HUNTERS
Our favourite team have stormed into outright second with their 9th straight win, and a biggun’ at that. The 68-4 win over the Capras showcased the attack that’s always on offer with the Hunters, but equally impressive was the mere 4 points conceded.
Central only turned up with 15 players due to Visa issues, so two locals got to be a Capra for a day, ironically the only try that PNG let in was to one of their own, giving PNG 14 tries in total for the day – 13 to the Hunters.
They sit just two points behind the Townsville Blckhawks, and are one of just two teams who they have been beaten by. Finals football looking likely now, and a hope that they can go not only all the way to the Queensland Grand Final, but to Sydney on the NRL’s big day.
WOMENS WORLD CUP
Like most who will admit it or not, The Gurgler joined the bandwagon just in time for watching the Matildas bow out in the quarter finals against Japan.
In the European Football hibernation period, the Women’s World Cup has been a welcome sporting addition, the timeslot perfect for early morning weekend sport. The quality has been good too, not that any amount of World Cup victories will change their broadcasting interest. Except on maybe Fox Sports or the ABC. And if it became popular, then maybe Channel 9 could ruin it too.
With just England, Japan, Germany and the USA left, we are cheering for England or Germany, but the USA will win it.
FORMULA E
The electric powered semi-F1 cars had their grand finale in London on the weekend. After it’s conclusion there were calls that it is here to stay and it could overtake F1.
Now whilst it is entertaining, and a good alternative to a non-F1 weekend, and it usually has a quality field of forgotten ex F1 drivers and other motorsports has beens, al I can say is pfffft.
I can remember A1GP, which was an excellent summer alternative, but that came and went too quickly. Same with GP Masters. And the breakaway F1 series. And without the Indy 500 so would have the IRL.
In saying that, if F1’s arrogance, snobbery, lacklustre racing, and constant rule changes which make no difference continues, maybe they will be right.
One thing in Formula E’s favour is the races are in he heart of cities, and whilst very temporary, there’s more on view than a Tilke built track in a desert somewhere of 500 km from the nearest major city like Korea or a bastardisation of once great track.
THE GURGLER – YOUR HOME OF THE ROD PAMPLING UPDATE
Gurgler favourite Rod Pampling had a productive week on the second tier Web.com Tour in the US. Here’s our round up that we supply with each sporting review.
LAST TOURNAMENT: Tie 6th – WEB.COM TOUR, Kansas
WORLD RANKING: 183rd (up 6 from last week – up from 252 end of 2014)
VIDEOS
It’s a pretty slow sporting week if you don’t like Tennis and shortened almost pointless NRL rounds. So why not have the next best thing to sport. Take a trip down memory lane….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g79vcg6BIvU |
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6SkoNY3Fl8 |
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwF3Bo5GK_0 |
BEST BETS
Here’s our Super Multi for your consideration and avoidance.
SYDNEY SWANS to beat Port
HAWTHORN to beat Collingwood
GC SUNS +23.5 start v North Melb
FREO -56.5 start v Brisbane
PENRITH with +12.5 Handicap v South Sydney
NORTH QLD +6.5 start v Dragons
MANLY to win by 13+ v Sharks
WESTS TIGERS to beat Parra
$1 pays $124
HIGHLIGHTS
Friday, Saturday, Sunday
BRITISH GRAND PRIX
Friday
COLLINGWOOD v HAWTHORN
Saturday
MELBOURNE v WEST COAST in Darwin
Sunday
REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS v PNG HUNTERS
Live on Channel 9 – 1:40pm
Next Wednesday
STATE OF ORIGIN III
ASHES FIRST TEST