A search and a small revelation on 21 January

David (Mountain Ash) Wilson reveals a little of his journey from A grade to C grade and back again – and again. A journey from ignorance to fear to wisdom – and back again. As all good journeys are. (A ***** Classic – Ed).

Crio’s Question : Unexpected Joys?

Crio shares some of the unexpected sporting classics he chanced upon. What are your memories of a great encounter you saw by accident?

NTFL Round 14 Wrap-Up

Jackson Clark tells us the weather was wet, windy and miserable for the footy in Darwin on the weekend. Meanwhile the southern states baked in record heat. Go figure.

Time stretches into the distance

John Green sees Preston North End at home to Coventry. The conversation about the junior system is intriguing. The game finishes in controversy.

Gone to the Dogs

Daryl Sharpen might have gone to the dogs, but he witnessed the special feat of legendary trainer EA (Teddy) Medhurst leading in 7 winners from 11 starters. Phenomenal. And Dazza may have had a small interest in their success.

Junior cricket: Vic Under 13s take the national title in the very best spirit

Simon Taylor travels to Bendigo to see dome of the kids he coaches represent Victoria – and they do it with skill and good will. [Reassuring – Ed]

Hi-ho, Hi-ho, it’s off to work we go.

Sam (Stainless) Steele has been wondering about the mundane (banal) nature of sport once it is in the grip of the professionalised industrial process. [Super article; thought-provoking. Ed]

The loneliness of the long distance raker

Nicko reflects on the joys (and otherwise) of little athletics, and all the Jayden, Hayden, Brayden’s who made it memorable. Still a man who is handy on the rake is always in demand. (Top stuff – Ed).

Run Out – the cruelest of dismissals

Peter Argent contemplates that most annoying phenomenon – the run out. [Nice photo – Ed]

Melbourne Uni CC Brekkie with Boof Lehmann et al

We have a full table. Thanks.

Blame Pietersen

Matt Watson thinks that Kevin Pietersen is being made a whipping boy for all that is wrong inside the England test team.

The Tractor Boys roll into town

John Green’s trip gets better and better as he takes in a classic against the tractor boys of Ipswich Town.

#BigBash03 – Are we there yet?

Jeff Dowling says there is actually much to like about #BigBash03, despite the lame brained celebrity circus exhibits as likely to catch the ball for their home viewer as Jesus coming on and bowling a maiden over (left arm orthodox). It’s his new guilty pleasure.

Crio’s Racing : Camperdown Cup Day

The city summer race fields are still pretty thin and low key. Crio recommends a trip to the ‘time honoured’ Camperdown Cup. Alternately wait for the good oil from the Goolwa Guru or the King of the Cowshed.

Australian Open: Oh Bernie

MIddle Australia speaks on behalf of Middle Australia regarding the disappointing end to Bernie’s Open.

Australian Open : Frank Dancevic v Bernard Tomic

Our Australian Open Tennis correspondent braved his heated imagination to bring you this pictorial report on yesterday’s epic Centre Court battle between Frank Dancevic and Bernard Tomic (or Snoopy as he is affectionately known around the Almanac locker room).

Running with the Wolves

John Green gets the supporters’ bus from Preston to Wolverhampton to see an away fixture. [Contains references to Slade and Johnny Farnham – Ed]

Who do I send the invoice to?

Saint66 has REALLY had it with the cross-promotional advertising on televised sport. Who knew that My Restaurant Rules is now an Olympic sport?

The Only Team Old Carlton Knows

Franc de Borges celebrates 150 glorious years of the Carlton Football Club. For richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health.

Australian Open: Taking no prisoners

Rod Oaten braved the heat so that you didn’t have to. Here’s his report from day 1 of the Australian Open. Some old-fashioned women’s tennis, and an injury for Hass – or was it?