Category: Sport

Season ticket

New season for the mighty Bees. An early start in August for which I was unavailable. So Joe went in my place to see a big win.

A vey solid start and early table topping after a 5-1 win.

We are both going to the next home game.

London Cycle Weekend

The Ride London event is something that I came across by accident when looking to see what event was disrupting roads and transport for the weekend. Apparently it is a legacy event of the 2012 Olympics with professional races over the weekend and a public event to cycle 100 miles from the original Olympic stadium to Surrey following the original route of the JO.

Today I took part in the fun cycle that, with roads closed, allows the public to cycle in the centre of the city getting close up to well known sites of the city.

I cycled to Buckingham Palace via Battersea Park and Chelsea Bridge for the start. Early on the route was fine but certainly the numbers had increased by the time I had done my leisurely circuit of 8 miles.

I few images of  sites along the way:

 

World Cup

This afternoon we watched the final at home with France coming out the winners 4-2 against Croatia. A good final, a very good performance by Croatia who were always behind. France good for the win though fortunate with a penalty decision and a dive for a free-kick from which the first goal was scored in the first half.

The tournament contained good matches and football with plenty of goals.

England reached the semi- final so a good arm chair ride for the nation taken in good humour. They did better than expected and people were happy to follow and enjoy them again. A team rather than a set of superstars with others included. They were not good enough to win but the hope was there again for a while.

Football is yet to come home:

Back in action-resumé

Again a long time since being able to post. A number of factors, firstly due to a lack of time with being on holiday in Australia en famille in Melbourne and Apollo Bay in country Victoria. The Ashes were on and Joe and I thought another trip to the MCG would be worth it and good value. In the end not to bad.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The principal reason for the delay was the changing of the host for the blog. The change was made for good reason-cost. Hosting for 3 years for the cost of one previously. However the transfer did not so smoothly and I had to pay to have that done- so not so much of a saving in the end! All took time too.

Plus there is a lot going on with moving. Wow.

May tries to set a new tone

Theresa May has made a significant speech on Brexit in Florence. It seems to set out some clarity, is more conciliatory in tone but still leaves some things left answered. A desire to have a transition phase at least acknowledges reality that the exit date is fast approaching with slow progress being made in the negotiations. How much this moves the process on-who knows?

Brixiteers have reacted with criticism and NF talks of treason- no surprise there.

The reality is that the opposing demands of control and trade and relations are irrecocilable. So where will the line fall?

 

Auckland trip 

So Joe Sara and l are here for game one.

After a good win against the Maori NZ team last week and a solid performance and win against a weakened Chiefs team, we arrive with confidence of at least a competitive match ahead.

So a rushed get away from work to the airport yesterday then with a bit of a delay. A long trip on the bus from Auckland airport was followed by a good meal at an Israeli restaurant. Something different but good.

Now fun and shopping today before the Warriors game.

Lions update

Tomorrow is the ‘fourth test’-that is how the game against the NZ Maori is usually described. And certainly the Lions came a cropper against them in 2005.

As ever the Lions needs a win, particularly having lost on Tuesday to the Highlanders by a point. It was a game that they were expected to win against a depleted Highlanders team that had players withdrawn as they were on All Blacks call-up and because of injuries.

The Highlanders game was a marked contrast to the Crusaders game- open and attacking. The lions played well in parts but worryingly continue to fail to finish off scoring chances. They also failed to control the game when in the lead mostly I think due to poor discipline and the giving away of penalties.Weaknesses exist and I do not know if they can be overcome.

Last Saturday the Lions beat the form  Super team with a power display with very effective defense. Maybe some things went their way that night.

The NZ Maori are full of some very good players. Of note, Matt Procter, currently playing for the Hurricanes and ex-St Pats Boy.