With a pile of sporting action gone it’s time to get off our chest who were the sporting winners & losers for the weekend that was.
WINNERS
THE SHINY NEW DOLPHIN OVAL STADIUM
Despite losing a hill that harks back to childhood days when the Redcliffe Dolphins pre-dated the Brisbane Broncos, the inevitable progress is a good end result. The new Western grandstand looks great and the associated improvements look great. Happily Redcliffe haven’t taken advantage and entry remains $10 and icy cold beer in a can for $5. Not mid strength or below, proper choice of beer, because Queensland Cup fans can behave themselves better than an NRL crowd.
The game between The Gurgler’s two favourite sides the Hunters and Dolphins had the requisite Grandstand finish.
THE BRITISH OPEN & HENRIK STENSON
Just behind the US Masters for golf’s best tournament, and this year’s final days was one of the best. And to win for nearly man Henrik Stenson.
ANDREW BEEF JOHNSTON
With The Gurgler’s favourite golfer Miguel Angel Jiminez entering his twilight years, golf needs a new cult hero, and the British Open produced a new contenders. Andrew “Beef” Johnston looks like he’d be more at home with a 180 instead of 18 holes, but is a refreshing change from the stale sportsmen that litter the globe.
The 8th finish in the Open shows he’s got plenty to offer on the course as well.
ROD PAMPLING
Despite a world ranking well over 300, he teased by climbing as high as 18th before missing the cut by. Three bogeys on the last four holes will do that. Hopefully he’ll be back for more next year. He may have to wear a chicken suit, arseless chaps or something even more ridiculous to get some airtime.
MOTO GP
As a Formula 1 fan, it’s hard not to snob the bikes. However every time we tune in we are rewarded. Pure racing and great personalities and rivalries. The wet almost produced a second straight win for Jack Miller too. Looks like the step up to the big time is starting to pay dividends.
LOSERS
BRITISH OPEN COVERAGE
The British Open is one of the week’s double winners and losers. Almost as bad as the rotation of the Sunday afternoon games of NRL on Channel 9. Almost. Although we’re only sore because there was not one glimpse of Gurgler hero Rod Pampling, but the focus on one or two groups was awful. Whilst the big names are important, we don’t need to see every bloody second. A sharing of the love would be welcome but as realistic a chance of happening as a proper NRL comp during Origin.
BRISBANE LIONS
Terrible, although once again bitterness at the Lions costing us a 9 leg multi. What did we expect when we decided to get greedy and select anything that resembled success for the Lions. Almost the worst major sporting team in Australia this year.
NZ WARRIORS IN PERTH
The Warriors will be thanking yet another NRL team who made them double their travelling distance by making them play in Perth. 8 losses from 8 visits is damning. Despite the vocal support they receive. Perth is surely ready for a team, as is the NRL for 2 more. It won’t affect Channel 9’s rotation.