Almanac Rugby – Super Rugby AU Rd 3/ Aotearoa Rd 2: A round to be expected

Brian the Ruminator casts his eye over the latest action in the Super Rugby/ Aotearoa competition. Despite some close finishes, the results fell into a familiar pattern.

Almanac Tennis: Ant bed nation – why Australian tennis owes the termite

With the topic of ant bed tennis courts running hot on the Almanac in recent weeks, Michael Sexton delves into the career of one of Queensland’s finest tennis players in Mal Anderson, and the influence growing up of the famous ant beds.

Almanac Rugby – Super Rugby AU Rd 2/Aotearoa Rd 1: Reigns of the champs continue

The competition over the ditch has started up a week after the local iteration of Super Rugby kicked off. The stories so far are familiar to those who followed last year according to Brian the Ruminator, with the Brumbies and Crusaders seemingly on a level above the rest.

Almanac Boxing – Alvarez: The red-headed Mexican pound-for-pound king

Greg Andrew reveals just what makes the Mexican boxing phenomenon Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez so special, as arguably the world’s best boxer.

Almanac Life (and bodysurfing): Last wave

A holiday bodysurfing accident brought back memories of old trauma for David Wilson.

Almanac Running: Recollections of Marathon Running and Triathlons from an Old-Timer

If you have ever wondered what it is like to compete in marathons, triathlons and ironman events Wayne Matthews has some answers for you. [Welcome to the Almanac Wayne – cracking read! Ed.]

Almanac Rugby – Super Rugby AU Round 1: Big wins and a new media landscape

Another season of pandemically domesticated Super Rugby is upon us, with four teams in action while the Melbourne Rebels await their first crack. Brian the Ruminator shares his thoughts.

Almanac Tennis: Are Stefanos and Naomi the new faces of tennis?

The Australian Open, against all odds, has continued to power on over the last fortnight. With only three games left in the main draw, both sides hold a chance of changing the guard of world tennis.

The Tent Hill Tennis Club

A beauty from Glen Natalier; memories of tennis in the Lockyer Valley [One of the kids in the photograph c1948 is Cecil Logan, my (late) uncle. He was as big a character as Uncle Stan. Glen Natalier, is a former teaching colleague of mine – he grew up on the farm just up the road from my grandparents’ spud and watermelon farm. You haven’t played tennis until you’ve played on antbed – JTH]

Almanac Tennis: The last Aussie champ

With Ash Barty’s defeat this afternoon, can you remember the last Australian to win an Australian Open singles title?

Almanac Tennis: Just what do we make of Nick Kyrgios?

Last night’s amazing win at the Australian Open showcased the enigma that is Nick Kyrgios. Just what do we make of him? We invite your thoughts.

Almanac NFL: Tampa Bay – a town and team enduring through all crises

It has been a long road for Tampa Bay to win their second Super Bowl. Sean Mortell looks at the history of the city, and its most famous sporting franchise.

Almanac Baseball: Among the likes of Robinson, Mays, Clemente and Flood, Henry the Brave Was All Class Right to the End

The recent death of baseball great Hank Aaron is reflected upon by Adam Fox. Adam looks at Aaron’s magnificent career, and the struggles against racial prejudice that Aaron endured. He places that story within the larger context of others who battled racism in sport. (A piece about much more than baseball -Ed).

Almanac (Sports) History: It all happened on January 21 (with a bit of music thrown in)

Some big names feature in memorable sporting moments that happened on January 21; a couple Poms display a sense of fun; and it wouldn’t be The Almanac if it didn’t feature a bit of music!

Almanac Baseball: Tribute to a legend, Pride of the LA Royal Blue

Richard Marlow pays his respects to a colossus of baseball, LA Dodgers hero Tommy Lasorda, reflecting upon a chance meeting in Sydney over 20 years ago.

” ‘Pud’, ‘Patto’, ‘Pettsy’ and Pate” by KB Hill

After the holiday break, KB Hill returns with tales of noted cyclists ‘Pud’, ‘Patto’, ‘Pettsy’ and Pate. As always, KB sets a cracking pace!

Almanac Baseball: Mannymania

Brian The Ruminator is very, very excited that a Red Sox legend will be playing in this season’s Australian Baseball League.

Maradona and the bird

Rob Spurr shares a story of Diego Maradona’s extraordinary ability to change the atmosphere of a stadium and influence a grand slam winner in his prime, punctuated by dishing out “the bird” to an Australian fan on a fevered whim. [Stupendous but not entirely surprising – Ed.]

Almanac Food and Horseracing: The Bung Fritz Appreciation Society Handicap

Mickey Randall explains the origins of The Bung Fritz Appreciation Society and their involvement in horseracing.

Almanac Rugby Union: The 2020 Tri Nations Series – Australia 16 drew with Argentina 16

Brian the Ruminator took in Saturday night’s rugby union clash between the Wallabies and Los Pumas. The highlight of the night had nothing to do with the football!