Circling the Drain – The Gurgler’s Week O Sport

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May 7, 2015

Another week, another wrap and look forward to the World of Sport. We’ve have picked the stuff we’re interested in and you should be.

HOGG

Did you know that the IPL was on? Probably not, but word filters through from time to time when an Australian performs well.

Unsurprisingly, one of those great Aussie performers is a Gurgler and Australian-wide favourite – Brad Hogg.

With the third best economy rate in the entire IPL and 8 wickets in 4 matches at a wicket every 11 balls, GBH is continuing on from his quality Big Bash form and proving age is no barrier, especially when the person in question is like a kid on Xmas day every match.

Talk again of his return to the T20 squad for Australia, The Gurgler asks the question, why stop there? Surely he would be a secret weapon in winning the Ashes on UK Soil.

THE BIG FIGHT
The Gurgler remembers when big fights were more than just a one off special events. Sure, half of those were Mundine vs Someone everyone else wanted to win, but nothing beats a day out at the pub for a fight.

Floyd Mayweather got the win on the day, and it has since come out that Pacquiao was injured. Although he possibly wasn’t hurt as bad as the wallet of whoever could pay over $100,000 to watch it.

Let’s hope for a replay.

INTERNATIONAL BREAK – RUGBY LEAGUE

We love the International break for the other teams who get their chance to shine.

See our thoughts on the weekend in our recent article about the International Break.

DRUNKEN MASCOT

Picked up from the Fox Sports website was the sacking of a drunken Mascot from Vienna. There’s nothing funnier than a mascot either getting into trouble, being punched and/or kicked and breakdancing.

In our videos of the week, we show the poor ex-mascot from Vienna, plus a few of our favourites from Youtube.

Stay with us after that for Ask Dr Sports, the Highlight for the weekend coming up, and best (worst) bets.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQS05wOBnT8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk7Euqa8SLg

ASK DR SPORTZ

Q- Dr Sportz, who is your favourite sporting mascot?
R.Ratcliffe – Ryde, NSW

Thanks for the question Ronny. Well first of all, like most of the Gurgler, I prefer mascots to be reasonably pissweak but full of either attitude and / or humour. No one likes a snooty mascot.

For instance, I do like Captain Charger from the now defunct Gold Coast Chargers. The uniform was plenty poor, barely more than a man in tights, but his zest for being a mascot was second to none, and a rare highlight from the Super League war era.

For longevity, Reggie the Rabbitoh (also our Gurgler Man of the Year) is also worth a mention.

Finally, another mascot that I still love despite not existing is Warren Z Vaughn from a Canadian lower level Ice Hockey team. This team from London, Canada and Werewolf mascot no longer exist but what an era to have an obscure musician as the basis of a mascot for a sporting team.

Wanna know more? Of course you, look below.

ONTO THE SPORTING HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK

DAY	TIME	CHANNEL	SPORT	EVENT
FRI	19:30	7MATE	AFL	COLLINGWOOD V GEELONG
FRI	19:30	FS 4	FOOTBALL	A LEAGUE – MELB VICT V MELB CITY
FRI	19:30	CH9	NRL	BRISBANE V PENRITH
FRI	23:30	CH9	RL	QLD RESIDENTS V NSW RESIDENTS
SAT	13:30	FS 3	AFL	NORTH MELBOURNE V RICHMOND
SAT	19:30	FS 1	NRL	COWBOYS V BULLDOGS
SAT	21:15	BE IN	FOOTBALL	IPSWICH V NORWICH
SAT	22:00	FS 5	F1	SPANISH GP QUALIFYING
SAT	23:45	FS 5	GP2	RACE 1
SUN	1:55	FS 1	RL	CATALANS V ST HELENS
SUN	3:55	FS 3	FOOTBALL	REAL MADRID V VALENCIA
SUN	15:30	CH9	NRL	EELS V STORM
SUN	22:00	FS 5	F1	SPANISH GP RACE
MON	19:00	FS 1	NRL	SOUTHS V DRAGONS

LAST BUT NOT LEAST OR AT LEAST OR THE LEAST…..

THE GURGLERS SPORTS SUPER MULTI

COLLINGWOOD to beat Geelong
FREMANTLE to beat Essendon
PORT ADELAIDE to beat West Coast
HAWTHORN to beat GWS
MELBOURNE +40.5 start v Sydney
IRELAND CRICKET to beat England
MELBOURNE VICTORY to beat Melb City
OVER 2.5 Goals – Sydney FC v Adelaide

$1 pays $44

Intrust Super Cup Round 9 Preview

By

admin

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May 7, 2015

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Interested in something other than the NRL this weekend, then why not catch up with the Intrust Super Cup aka Queensland Cup courtesy of the Gurgler’s friends at Nothing But League.

NOTHING BUT LEAGUE – QLD CUP ROUND 9 PREVIEW

If you would like to invest in our Queensland Cup Multi – help yourself below.

$1 Multi returns $22

EASTS TIGERS to beat Ipswich Jets
TOWNSVILLE BLACKHAWKS to beat Burleigh Bears
WYNNUM SEAGULLS to beat Tweed Heads Seagulls
MACKAY CUTTERS to beat Sunshine Coast Falcons
NORTHS DEVILS to beat Central Capras
REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS to beat Souths Logan Magpies
NORTHERN PRIDE to beat PNG Hunters

The Gurgler’s Guide to the UK Football League Playoffs

By

Theydon Bois

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May 5, 2015

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So it’s come to this…four team in the lower three tiers of professional football in the UK all fighting for the one remaining place in the division above.

Some games are played for the honour of promotion whilst in the Championship, the stakes are higher as it also comes with exposure and a shitload of money.

Most of the interest will centre around which team will make the EPL, so those first division snobs know who their team is playing next year, but all three divisions playoffs feature intriguing battles and for one team a reward for a hard slog of 46 league games. What’s another three if it ends in promotion. And great reward for The gurgler who has followed all four tiers with interest this year.

As a long suffering Ipswich Town fan, it is a nice and refreshing change just to involved this year, and to play Norwich in the semi finals with the newly acquired BeIn Sports subscription, it makes for football gold x 3 divisions.

We’ll give our thoughts below on the three tiers.

CHAMPIONSHIP

FIXTURES

CH	FRI	8	19:45	BRENTFORD	MIDDLESBROUGH
CH	SAT	9	12:15	IPSWICH	NORWICH
CH	FRI	15	19:45	MIDDLESBROUGH	BRENTFORD
CH	SAT	16	12:15	NORWICH	IPSWICH
CH	MON	25	15:00	CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYOFF FINAL

ODDS FOR PROMOTION
Norwich $2.70
Middlesbrough $3.00
Brentford $5.00
Ipswich $5.00

PROMOTION POSITIONS LAST 10 SEASONS
3rd – 6 times
4th – 1 time
5th – 2 times
6th – 1 time

IPSWICH (6th) v NORWICH (3rd)
2015 Results Norwich 2 Ipswich 0 / Ipswich 0 Norwich 1
Last 6 Meetings (to 2008) Norwich 5 Ipswich 1

Heart says Ipswich, everything else says Norwich. The biggest game of all the semi finals this year as it features the local derby (or Old Farm derby) between two bitter rivals.

Norwich fell just short of automatic promotion whilst Ipswich fell over the line for the playoff places, relying on Derby to go even worse than them on the last day of the season.

Norwich also have a superior record against Ipswich winning 5 of the last 6, so it all points to a respectable end to the season for Ipswich and further progress for Norwich. The Ipswich fan in me hopes I’m wrong.

PREDICTION – Norwich to win both legs.

MIDDLESBROUGH (4th) v BRENTFORD (5th)
2015 Results – Brentford 0 M’brough 1 / M’brough 4 Brentford 0
Last 3 results (to 2002) M’brough 3 Brentford 0.

Middlesbrough ended up a little like Derby County, was in the top two for most of the season only to fall behind eventually to 4th by the last day, unlike Derby who missed out on playoffs all together.

Brentford have a little more momentum after losing it a little a few months back when their owners advised the world that their current manager was not staying.

Middlesbrough tend to grind out results, where Brentford look the more dynamic.

PREDICTION – Brentford to surprise.

FINAL PREDICTION
Norwich’s experience to tell in the big game and go straight back up.

LEAGUE ONE

FIXTURES

L1	THU	7	19:45	CHESTERFIELD	PRESTON
L1	THU	7	19:45	SHEFFIELD UTD	SWINDON
L1	SUN	10	12:15	PRESTON	CHESTERFIELD
L1	MON	11	19:45	SWINDON	SHEFFIELD UTD
L1	SUN	24	17:30	LEAGUE ONE PLAYOFF FINAL

ODDS FOR PROMOTION
Preston $2.65
Sheffield Utd $3.60
Swindon Town $3.75
Chesterfield $5.50

PROMOTION POSITIONS LAST 10 SEASONS
3rd – 3 times
4th – 4 time (last four years)
5th – 2 times
6th – 1 time

PRESTON (3rd) v CHESTERFIELD (4th)
2015 Results – Chesterfield 0 Preston 2 / Preston 3 Chesterfield 3
Last 6 results (to 2008) – Preston 3 Chesterfield 1 Draws 2

Preston previously held the record for the longest stint in the Championship for over 60 odds years, so they will feel that the Championship is their rightful place. Pity though, they have lost their last 8 playoff attempt.

Chesterfield have done well this season after being promoted form the fourth divisions. But the experience and quality of Preston should shine through.

PREDICTION: Preston to win both legs.

SWINDON TOWN (4th) v SHEFFIELD UTD (5th)
2015 Results Shef Utd 2 Swindon 0 / Swindon 5 Shef Utd 2
Last 6 games (back to 2012) Shef Utd 3 Swindon 2 Draws 1

Sheffield United have now had their customary cup run, this it was the League Cup. Question is does it help or hinder the team who can quite get out of the third tier.

Swindon however have been in the Top 7 for most of the year, and will be relishing the opportunity to show why they finished the season a good 8 points in front.

PREDICTION – Sheffield United to win at home, Swindon to win second game, but by less a margin as the first leg. Sheffield Utd to advance.

FINAL PREDICTION
Both Sheffield Utd and Preston have awful records in playoffs, Preston haven’t won 8 in a row, whilst Sheffield Utd have been there and not done in the past also.

Sheffield United to go through on penalties.

LEAGUE TWO

FIXTURES

L2	SAT	9	19:45	PLYMOUTH	WYCOMBE
L2	SUN	10	18:35	STEVENAGE	SOUTHEND
L2	THU	14	19:45	WYCOMBE	PLYMOUTH
L2	THU	14	19:45	SOUTHEND	STEVENAGE
L2	SAT	23	17:30	LEAGUE TWO PLAYOFF FINAL

ODDS FOR PROMOTION
Southend $2.75
Plymouth $3.50
Wycombe $4.00
Stevenage $5.00

PROMOTION POSITIONS LAST 10 SEASONS
4th – 3 times
5th – 2 times
6th – 2 times
7th – 3 times

WYCOMBE (4th) v PLYMOUTH (7th)
2015 Results – Wycombe 0 Plymouth 2 / Plymouth 0 Wycombe 1
Last 6 Games (to 2012) Wycombe 3 Plymouth 2 Draws 1

Results went to the away sides during the 2014-15 season, and Wycombe will be wondering how they missed the automatic promotion when not so long ago they were amongst the leaders and looking a sure fire bet for going up.

Plymouth have done well to get to 7th, and give themselves an outside chance of going up. The odds tell a different story and Plymouth are somehow shorter than their higher ranked opponent.

PREDICTION: Plymouth to win first leg, draw the second.

SOUTHEND (5th) v STEVENAGE (6th)
2015 Results – Southend 2 Stevenage 0 / Stevenage 4 Southend 2
Last 5 Games – Southend 3 Stevenage 1 Draws 1

A battle of managers who have done the promotion thing before – Graham Westley with Stevenage in a previous life as they leapt through non league all the way to League One. Southend’s Phil Brown has done it in the big time as he took Hull City up into the EPL a few years ago.

So manager pedigree is high, and there is not much in the playing roster. Hard to choose.

PREDICTION: Draw first Game, Southend to win at home.

FINAL PREDICTION: Southend to beat Plymouth by a couple of goals.

The Gurgler’s Alternative Logies Winners

By

Kaaps Loche

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May 4, 2015

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You may have seen the Logies last night, if you were lucky you didn’t. You would have missed an entire evening of being the third wheel ay a convention of in jokes that always seemed funnier to the people themselves than anyone watching. Except for some of the excruciating banter between various presenters who couldn’t even muster a sympathy cough out of the jokes and conversation that looked as natural as an arranged first date between cousins.

These events do throw up one of the Gurgler’s favourite sights on TV, the brave look on the losing people’s faces when they clap on the winner.

But you get what you deserve, and if The Gurgler has problems with the Logies we just shouldn’t watched it. Thankfully we didn’t watch all, especially one of the worst things on TV ever – the Red Carpet, “What/Who are you wearing?”. It can be presumed it involved Richard Wilkins so that’s why it’s best avoided.

And so to the winners, whoever they are. It’s usually a bunch of Home and Away acting staff we’ve never heard of, and shows so predictably predictable it takes the fun out of the ceremony.

So, in the tradition of The Gurgler and all we stand for, have a bunch of alternative awards.

SILVER LOGIES FOR BEST ACTOR
STEFAN DENNIS – surely someone playing the same arsehole for so many years deserves a little sugar for his efforts.

SILVER LOGIE FOR BEST ACTRESS
NEW GIRL from Coles Ads – no one is or should be that excited about Freezer products. How she maintains that enthusiasm for such mundane items is award worthy.

BEST NEW TALENT
CLIVE PALMER for his extensive walk outs from most TV interviews.

BEST LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT
THE CHECKOUT – Chaser style information with good humour and without a great deal of the usual high horse.

BEST COMEDY
MICALLEF’S MAD AS HELL – rarely a miss with Micallef involved in anything. Danger 5 was a close second. Crazy, crazy show.

BEST REALITY TV
Apart from none – we go for the Sky Weather Channel that’s puts the real in reality.

BEST LIFESTYLE SHOW
BOGAN HUNTERS – anyone wanting to improve their lifestyle should take a look at how the other side lives and be thankful for what they’ve got.

BEST CHILDRENS SHOW
The entire of ABC KIDS from early morning to 7pm. Quality alternative to parenting.

BEST SPORTS SHOW
SANTO, SAM and ED’s TOTAL FOOTBALL – The perfect mix of humour and serious sports chat. The NRL Footy Show still wins award, but that still doesn’t make it watchable.

BEST SPORTS COVERAGE.
Funny, out of the nominations for best sports event coverage there are none for Channel 9, despite having some of the premium sporting events of the past year – State of Origin, NRL Grand Final win to South Sydney, Cricket World Cup, Test Series v India.

One wonders if the sheer arrogance, unapologetic bias, and self indulgent tripe of Channel 9’s sporting coverage has caught up with them. But don’t dare to question then or big bad Brad McNamara will come and get you. Or if you’re rich enough you may get the personal touch of a punch and wrestle fest on the street.

In the end, it’s the only award winner we agree with, the World Cup coverage SBS provided was outstanding and deserved its accolade.

HALL OF FAME
IAN TURPIE – like a lot of these it goes to a person posthumously but no less deserved. Part of the golden age of entertainers who could act, dance and sing, Turpie’s best work came from the 1980’s onwards.

The first host of Price is Right and Supermarket Sweep. He also fronted the long forgotten, but certainly remembered by The Gurgler – Press Your Luck. You know, Big Bucks, Big Bucks, Big Bucks, Stop, (Cue Cartoon Whammie Water Skiing and crashing).

Whilst is work with Roy and HG was also outstanding, his best work came as the stressed out, under pressure manager of the Swift and Shift Couriers depot. Some of the finest comedic acting of all time.

Plenty to like, and quite deserving of the Hall of Fame award.

Unlike this article, which has not much to like.

Pacific Tests – Opportunities for the NRL

By

Max Layne

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May 3, 2015

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The double header of Pacific Tests featuring Fiji v PNG and Tonga v Samoa was quality rugby league entertainment, and kudos to the players and Fox Sports for bringing it to the people.

Read the Fiji v PNG catch up from our friends at Nothing But League here.

It was so enjoyable, and given no real allegiance to any other (aside from a love of PNG rugby league in general) it was a pleasure to watch the games from some point of neutrality. It also allowed one to think about how to transfer some of this feel good factor to the week to week NRL.

The Gurgler tries from time to time to tell the NRL how to do things better, like our wildly fanciful attempt at re-doing the NRL draw for the future, but the suggestions we think may have legs, and be less of an intrusion to Channel 9 and their dominance of rugby league.

STAND ALONE ORIGIN with ADDED PACIFIC ISLAND TOURNAMENT
Those who saw the tests last night may well wonder why this only happens once a year, and why we only ever see the same clashes. Surely a round robin featuring all teams playing each other once and then a final would go down a treat for rugby league fans.

Yes, you would need four rounds to do so, but if you had a stand alone State of Origin like the contest deserves, and to be honest so does the rest of the NRL competition instead of the truncated rounds, shortened, star player missing, underwhelming mid season rounds thanks to Origin. Why have a premium rugby league if you run the comp into the ground whilst it takes centre stage, alas, that’s a rant for another time.

So, given the ratings are usually very high on a Sunday, it is a perfect storm for Channel 9 to play the origin on a Sunday night after the usual one hour news service. This would mean with a coverage kick off at 7pm, we might be a chance to see the real kick off by 8pm. Whilst Channel 9 will tell you about how great the ratings are on a Wednesday, and that they weren’t so good last time when it featured on a Sunday, the world is a slightly poorer place now, and people are more likely to stay at home on a Sunday night and it’s not a workday on the day of the game, so in fact the ratings may go up. The punters will have the same hangover dilemma be it on a Sunday or Wednesday.

This would leave the Friday night open for the second and third round robin stages of the Pacific Tests, and the deciding final on the Friday before the third origin. You would still have the first round of Pacific Tests where it currently lives – International break weekend. The two games can be shared by Channel 9 and Fox, so everyone wins. As long as Rad Hadley is not the lead commentator for Nine.

Just a thought though, and like most decision in rugby league, it will depend on how it affects the Channel 9 news.

TEAM ENTRANCES
Just as the week before in the Anzac Day rounds, why can’t both teams run out on the field at the same time. Instead of the usual booing of the opposition and the sponsor infested mascot led entrance of the home side, why not have both sides running out at the same time, surely you would get the entire stadium of applause and cheers rather than the back and forth of boo and cheer.

It doesn’t hurt the atmosphere of a competition of the size, power and money of the English Premier League.

PRE GAME SHOW
For different reasons, how good was the haka showdown between Tonga and Samoa, and the sight of the Fijians singing before kick off? And, unlike some pre game shows it is genuine thing, linked to their heartland, not a commercial endorsement or alliance.

Despite the calls to remain in their places for the hakas by the powers that be, what a sight to see the two opposing sides creeping toward each other. The passion was palpable and got one really in the mood for the football.

It is probably only something that works with the Pacific nations including New Zealand, but the call for the Aussies to do something similar to the Indigenous All Stars would look spectacular if taken seriously.

Although a long shot, what a sight if all 16 NRL teams have some kind of pre game tribal dance, or performance linked to their origins every week. Although one wonders what kind of display each club could come up with, sounds like a good crapothetical for a later day. But that might be too much of a good thing.

CONCLUSION
The above will likely be read only by a handful of people who may not feel the same way, but it is at least an alternative to the current NRL season, which in the next few weeks will enter it’s period of middle child syndrome. It will also give the both origin and NRL the billing it deserves, and shines a brighter light on the emerging Pacific nations who may thrive themselves instead of being cherry picked for higher Australian honours.

The Gurgler’s Forgotten NRL Player Smackdown – Manliest Man Names

By

Max Layne

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May 2, 2015

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Welcome back to another edition our new Rugby League hit – The NRL Forgotten Player Smackdown.

As our mantra of The Gurgler in general is celebrating the forgotten, what better way to relive some of our old Rugby League memories with a weekly or more likely occasional head to head battle of two of the past’s finest.

For our second ever Smackdown, we’ve decided to nut out which forgotten player has the manliest name.

For the record Paul Hauff won our Fullback poll.

We’ve only included a sample – feel free to suggest some down below.

STEELE RETCHLESS
How could you have a manliest name smackdown without Steele Retchless. The former Crusher, and Brisbane and London Bronco also represented the USA. Over 200 of his 238 games were played overseas.

BRETT LE MAN
Another no-brainer for manliest name. He will likely always (and only) be remembered for scoring the Broncos first try in 1988.

TONY MESTROV
With a name sounding like a Bulgarian Arm Wrestling champion, he may have been a forgotten name of the past. Played for Manly and Souths in Australia, and won a UK Super League title with Wigan, and also played for the London Broncos.

SAM BACKO
With a name to match the on field toughness, Sam Backo was a fans favourite in his heyday of the 1980’s. He made a Grand Final for Canberra and played for Qld and Australia no less.

MARK SARGENT
Any military name sounds manly and Mark Sargent matched that on the field. Played for Canterbury, but mostly associated with the Newcastle Knights and their Henny Penny sponsored jersey at Marathon Stadium. Also played origin and tests.

CRAIG GRAUF
As obscure as they get, coincidentally played a part in the Broncos first try for the above Brett Le Man. Only a brief NSWRL career, but quite the success in the Queensland Cup.

SCOTT TRONC
Played just under 100 games of first grade from Wests in Sydney to Souths via Broncos and Canterbury. Played 1 origin in 1988.

TONY but not Kevin IRO
We could only select one Iro brother and Tony sounds better than Kevin. Elder brother Tony played 200+ games of first grade and 24 Tests for NZ. Some of his clubs are Gurgler favourites – Hunter Mariners and Adelaide Rams. Also famed for running 50m backwards to ensure a rare Adelaide Rams win.

BILLY NOKE
Not sure why, but it just sounds manly. Played in a losing Grand Final for the Dragons amongst 100+ games.
Can you name more? Do it! Enter your thoughts below.

[contact-form][contact-field label=’Name’ type=’name’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Comment’ type=’textarea’ required=’1’/][/contact-form]

[socialpoll id=”2269270″]

The Own Goal – The Gurgler’s UK Football Weekly

By

Theydon Bois

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May 1, 2015

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Sad but it’s true, we are into the last full weekend of UK Football fixtures. Sure there’s still playoffs and weeks of EPL left, but it’s not quite the same without the plethora of football games kicking off across the UK.

So, with the three lower division having their last round, it’s time to check in beforehand on what is up for grabs, and what has already been decided.

The best thing about this weekend is that all the games in each division kick off at the same time, allowing for plenty O drama. Plus each league has been given it’s own timeslot. Given three times the goodness, and half the sleep of a normal weekend. But stop whingeing, it’s only for a few more weeks, then the non football months can be spent in hibernation.

CHAMPIONSHIP – All Games Sat 12:15pm UK / 9:15pm AU
1st and 2nd go straight up and these are decided.
Playoffs – two spots are decided, the final two spots are between four teams. Between Ipswich Town, Derby County, Wolves and Brentford.
Relegation – all three sides are already down.

LEAGUE ONE – All Games Sunday 12:15pm UK / 9:15pm AU
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 – All Games Sat 3pm UK / 12am AU
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.

In the EPL , Chelsea seem set to win the league after a win midweek at Leicester, and Leicester manager Nigel Pearson seems to be picking a figt with just about anyone at the moment. That feistiness has seen the Foxes move from certain relegation to potential survival.

Other bits and pieces is that it is back to being useless Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool, Newcastle are on a run of 7 losses, and Chelsea claim not winning trophies is boring. As an Ipswich Town supporter, he’s probably right.

BEST BETS
We unveil our regular tips, and have included some bonus bets as we celebrate the last full round of fixtures.

EPL BEST OF WEEKEND MULTI
$1 for $112
LEICESTER to beat Newcastle
MAN UTD to beat WBA
MAN CITY to beat Spurs
QPR to beat Liverpool
EVETON to beat Aston Villa

EPL – the 3pm Special
$1 for $1045
QPR to beat Liverpool
EVERTON to beat Aston Villa
BURNLEY to beat West Ham
DRAW – Swansea / Stoke
SUNDERLAND to beat Southampton

CHAMPIONSHIP MULTI 1
$1 for $36
DRAW – Ipswich v Blackburn
BRENTFORD to beat Wigan
WOLVES to beat Millwall
MIDDLESBROUGH to beat Brighton
CARDIFF to beat Nottingham Forest

CHAMPIONSHIP MULTI 2
$1 for $36
DRAW – Norwich v Fulham
WATFORD to beat Sheffield Wednesday
OVER 2.5 Goals – Derby v Reading
LEEDS to beat Rotherham
DRAW – Blackpool v Huddersfield

CHAMPIONSHIP PICK THE SCORE
Bournemouth to beat Charlton 5-2 or 5-3. @ $100+

LEAGUE ONE MULTI 1
$1 for $22
DRAW – Crewe v Bradford
MILTON KEYNES to beat Yeovil
BRISTOL CITY to beat Walsall
SWINDON to beat Leyton Orient
BARNSLEY or DRAW v Rochdale

LEAGUE ONE MULTI 2
$1 for $63
OVER 2.5 GOALS – Crawley v Coventry
UNDER 2.5 GOALS – Sheffield Utd v Chesterfield
DONCASTER to beat Scunthorpe
GILLINGHAM to beat Notts County
DRAW – Oldham v Peterborough

LEAGUE ONE PICK THE SCORE
Sheffield Utd v Chesterfield 0-0 @$10

LEAGUE TWO MULTI 1
$1 for $8
SHREWSBURY to beat Plymouth
WIMBLEDON to beat Cheltenham
BURY to beat Tranmere
BURTON to beat Cambridge

LEAGUE TWO MULTI 2
$1 for $120
SOUTHEND to beat Morecambe
HARTLEPOOL to beat Carlisle
DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE to beat Exeter
PORTSMOUTH to beat York
DRAW – Luton v Stevenage

LEAGUE TWO PICK THE SCORE
Bury 4 Tranmere 0 @ $23

Think you can do better? Here’s the fixtures list for you to try your hardest.

[soccer-info id=’2′ type=’fixtures’ title=’EPL GAMES’ limit=’10’ /]

[soccer-info id=’20’ type=’fixtures’ title=’CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES’ limit=’12’ /]

[soccer-info id=’21’ type=’fixtures’ title=’L1 GAMES’ limit=’12’ /]

[soccer-info id=’22’ type=’fixtures’ title=’L2 GAMES’ limit=’12’ /]

The Gurgler’s European Football Weekly

By

Theydon Bois

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May 1, 2015

0

Into the business end of the biggest football competitions in the world, and two of the four we feature here still have a battle for the win.

Bayern Munich have already wrapped up the Bayernmunich League, and Juventus have all but done the same in Italy. Spain is a battle between two fierce rivals and the two biggest moneybags in world sport Barcelona and Real Madrid. France has a battle of two within 3 points as their likely winner. PSG and Lyon are the combatants.

It’s not always about who wins the title, it’s about us winning cash. So we present our best bets for the top 4 leagues in Europe.

BEST BETS

LA LIGA MULTI
$1 for $6
BARCELONA to beat Cordoba
REAL SOCIEDAD to beat Levante
ATLETICO MADRID to beat Bilbao
VALENCIA to beat Eibar
ESPANYOL to beat Rayo Vallecano

SERIE A MULTI
$1 for $31
DRAW – Sampdoria v Juventus
NAPOLI to beat AC Milan
DRAW – Roma v Genoa
LAZIO to beat Atalanta

BUNDESLIGA MULTI
$1 for $52
BAYERN MUNICH to beat Bayer Leverkusen
BOR MONCHENGLADBACH to beat Hertha Berlin
WOLFSBURG to beat Hannover
WERDER BREMEN to beat Eintracht Frankfurt
DRAW – Koln v Augsburg

LIGUE 1 MULTI
$1 for 104
LYON to beat Evian
LILLE to beat Lens
TOULOUSE to beat Monaco
ST ETIENNE to beat Bastia
CAEN to beat Nice.

OR, CREATE YOUR OWN MULTI WITH THE FIXTURES BELOW.

[soccer-info id=’1′ type=’fixtures’ style=’red_light’ title=’SPANISH GAMES’ limit=’10’ /]

[soccer-info id=’3′ type=’fixtures’ title=’GERMAN GAMES’ limit=’9′ /]

[soccer-info id=’5′ type=’fixtures’ style=’green_light’ title=’ITALIAN GAMES’ limit=’10’ /]

[soccer-info id=’6′ type=’fixtures’ style=’blue_light’ title=’FRENCH GAMES’ limit=’10’ /]

Kick to Come – The Gurgler on Rugby League – International Weekend Edition

By

Max Layne

-

April 30, 2015

0

There’s a lot more to International weekend of Rugby League, it doesn’t just begin with the Anzac Test and finish with City v Country. Well, actually it does, but that doesn’t mean what’s in between is worse or deserves less of your interest than the bookending games.

JILLAROOS V KIWI FERNS – SAT 5:30pm SUNCORP STADIUM

For instance, away from Channel 9 on Friday night you have the Women’s Test between the trans Tasman rivals. If the performance and quality on show is the same as the Nines display earlier in the year, than this weekend starts of all right. And surely Australia will get the chocolates at home.

We tip – Jillaroos by 6.

Jillaroos

1 Samantha Hammond
2 Karina Brown
3 Annette Brander
4 Mahalia Murphy
5 Latoya Billy
6 Jenny-Sue Hoepper
7 Ali Brigginshaw
8 Stephanie Hancock (c)
9 Brittany Breayley
10 Heather Ballinger
11 Kezie Apps
12 Renae Kunst
13 Ruan Sims

Interchange
14 Vanessa Foliaki
15 Tallisha Harden
16 Casy Karklis
17 Simaima Taufa-Kautai
18 Alex Sulisi

Coach: Steve Folkes

Kiwi Ferns

1 Janna Vaughan
2 Atawhai Tupaea
3 Nora Maaka
4 Tasha Davie
5 Shontelle Dudley
6 Laura Mariu (c)
7 Hilda Peters
8 Kelly Maipi
9Sharnita Woodman
10 Krystal Murray
11 Teuila Fotu-Moala
12 Rona Peters
13 Kahurangi Peters

Interchange
14 Georgia Hale
15 Maitua Feterika
16 Annabelle Hohepa
17 Krystal Rota
18 Kristina Sue

Coach: Alan Jackson

FIJI v PNG – CBUS Stadium – 4:30pm – Suncorp Stadium

JUNIOR ROOS AND KIWIS – 3:00pm – CBUS Stadium
Saturday gives the punters what they want. Heaps of league back to back and plenty of action to sit and sloth with.

First up is the Junior Kangaroos v New Zealands’ best in youth. It kicks off at CBUS stadium on the Gold Coast at 3pm, the first of three there for the day.

The future is now on Saturday – Here’s the line up – we Tip Australia by 8pts.

Junior Kangaroos

1 Jackson Hastings
2 Brenko Lee
3 Robert Jennings
4 Jordan Drew
5 Valentine Holmes
6 Drew Hutchison
7 Ashley Taylor
8 Joe Ofahengaue
9 Jayden Berrell
10 Matthew Lodge
11 Coen Hess
12 Tepai Moeroa
13 Tevita Pangai Junior

Interchange
14 Tyrell Fuimaono
15 Salesi Funaki
16 Jayden Nikorima
17 Alex Twal
18 Jai Arrow

Coach: Justin Holbrook

Junior Kiwis

1 Jamayne Isaako
2 Tony Tumusa
3 Taane Milne
4 Watson Heleta
5 Joseph Manu
6 Te Maire Martin
7 Zach Dockar-Clay
8 Nelson Asofa-Solomona
9 Sione Katoa
10 James Fisher-Harris
11 Lamar Liolevave
12 Marata Niukore
13 Jazz Tevaga

Interchange
14 Daniel Levi
15 Braden Uele
16 Renouf To’omaga
17 Bunty Afoa

Coach: Kelvin Wright

FIJI v PNG – CBUS Stadium – 5:30pm
Next up is the flash of the entertainers – PNG v Fiji, in which the game will be high on attacking plays, and low on stereos and defence. It will be a battle of extreme big men running hard and plenty of entertainment for all.

An exciting prospect for the fans as Gurgler favourite Willie Minoga and Thompson Teteh features for the PNG fresh from a Qld cup win last weekend, and Fiji’s Kevin Naiqama is one of the many highlights of the Fiji side.

Boxes ticked.

We pick PNG on the back of Qld Cup by 4.

Players to watch:

Fiji

1 Kevin Naiqama
2 Marika Koroibete
3 Fabian Goodall
4 Brayden Wiliame
5 Eto Nabuli
6 Darryl Millard
7 Ryan Millard
8 Eloni Vunakece
9 Apisai Koroisau
10 Daniel Saifiti
11 Jason Bukuya
12 Jacob Saifiti
13 Korbin Sims

Interchange
14 Tyrone Phillips
15 Viliame Kikau
16 Tikio Koke
17 Osea Sadrau
18 Timoci Ratulolo Dabea

Coach: Rick Stone

PNG

Stanton Albert
Wellington Albert
Ase Boas
Josh Damen
Israel Eliab
Adam Korave
Nene Macdonald
Rhyse Martin
Tyson Martin
Willie Minoga
Kato Ottio
Luke Page
Brandy Peter
Wartovo Puara
Esau Siune
Thompson Teteh
Ray Thompson
Lawrence Tu’u
Noel Zeming

Coach: Mal Meninga

TONGA v SAMOA – CBUS Stadium – 7:30pm

The opening of this game should be worth of the ticket price for all three, if it runs to schedule. That means their version of the haka, and some crunching first up defence and length of the field specials.

There’s plenty of NRL experience in both sides, and hopefully it will be a tight ferocious game.

Our tips is Samoa by 12.

Samoa

Leeson Ah Mau
John Asiata
Sam Kasiano
Joseph Leilua
Ricky Leutele
Sam Lisone
Isaac Liu
Dunamis Lui
Alapati Mata’utia
Josh McGuire
Tautau Moga
Dominique Peyroux
Frank Pritchard
Tim Simona
Michael Sio
Sauaso Sue
Carlos Tuimavave
Daniel Vidot

Coach: Matt Parish

Tonga

1 Tuimoala Lolohea
2 Jorge Taufua
3 Konrad Hurrell
4 Solomone Kata
5 Mahe Fonua
6 Samisoni Langi
7 Joel Luani
8 Richard Fa’aoso
9 Pat Politoni
10 Peni Terepo
11 Sika Manu
12 Manu Ma’u
13 Siosiua Taukeiaho

Interchange
14 Sosaia Feki
15 Ben Murdoch-Masila
16 Felise Kaufusi
17 Albert Vete
18 Asipeli Fine
19 John Folau

Coach: Kristian Woolf

QLD CUP V NSW CUP – Tapout Energy Stadium, Langlands Pk, 1:40pm.
Last and certainly not least is the Resident state of origin game and the first clash between the two states.

The Queensland side almost look strong enough on paper to be an NRL team for real, NSW Cup meanwhile is full of enough NRL players as well.

It will no doubt be a game full of passion, and bragging rights for their comp will be on offer, for which as Qld Cup fans we hope it stays in Qld. We think it will too with a win from Qld by 6 points.

Queensland Residents

1 Hezron Murgha
2 Kalifa Faifai Loa
3 Aaron Whitchurch
4 Kyle Feldt
5 Javid Bowen
6 Ben Hampton
7 Shaun Nona
8 Daniel Beasley
9 Tom Butterfield
10 Mitchell Garbutt
11 Mitchell Frei
12 Kenny Bromwich
13 Ben Spina

Interchange
14 Matt Parcell
15 Davin Crampton
16 Patrick Kaufusi
17 Mark Ioane
18 Cameron Cullen

Coach: Aaron Zimmerle

NSW Cup Representative Team

1 Nathan Gardner
2 Mitch Brown
3 Levi Dodd
4 Peter Mata’utia
5 Chanel Mata’utia
6 Darren Nicholls
7 Mitch Cornish
8 Sam Anderson
9 Mitch Williams (c)
10 Danny Fualalo
11 Will Matthews
12 Mitch Barnett
13 Adam Elliott

Interchange
14 Matt Hyland
15 Leilani Latu
16 Mark Nicholls
17 Nathan Green
18 Daniel Alvaro
19 Nathan Ross

Coach: Garth Brennan

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

By

Kaaps Loche

-

April 30, 2015

0

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

DAY	TIME	CHANNEL	SPORT	EVENT
FRI	19:00	SBS/FS	A LEAGUE	FINALS – ADL v BNE
FRI	19:30	73/FF	AFL	CARLTON V COLLINGWOOD
FRI	19:30	CH9	RL	AUSTRALIA V NZ
SAT	15:00	FS	RL	JUNIOR AUS V JUNIOR NZ
SAT	15:15	FS	V8	PERTH RACE 7
SAT	16:30	73/FF	AFL	BRISBANE v GOLD COAST
SAT	17:15	FS	V8	PERTH RACE 8
SAT	17:30	FS	RL	PNG v FIJI
SAT	19:30	FS	RL	TONGA v SAMOA
SUN	12:00	FS +	BOXING	MAYWEATHER V PACQUIAO
SUN	15:30	CH9	RL	CITY v COUNTRY
SUN	16:30	FF	AFL	PORT ADEL v ADELAIDE
SUN	16:30	FS	V8	PERTH RACE 9
SUN	17:00	FS	A LEAGUE	FINALS WEL v MELB CITY