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 Running: Recollections of Marathon Running and Triathlons from an Old-Timer
February 23, 2021 by 7 Comments
Almanac Rugby – Super Rugby AU Round 1: Big wins and a new media landscape
February 22, 2021 by 2 Comments
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?
February 19, 2021 by 1 Comment
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
February 19, 2021 by 9 Comments
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
February 17, 2021 by 3 Comments
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?
February 11, 2021 by 11 Comments
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
February 10, 2021 by 2 Comments
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
February 10, 2021 by 6 Comments
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)
January 21, 2021 by Leave a Comment
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
January 18, 2021 by Leave a Comment
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
January 14, 2021 by 1 Comment
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
December 16, 2020 by Leave a Comment
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
December 14, 2020 by 5 Comments
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 Rugby Union: The 2020 Tri Nations Series – Australia 16 drew with Argentina 16
December 8, 2020 by 2 Comments
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!
Almanac Baseball: ‘Legends of South Australian Baseball Book 5 – Neil Philip Page aka ‘Supee’’
December 4, 2020 by 16 Comments
In an extract from his book, ‘Legends of South Australian Baseball Book 5 – Neil Philip Page aka ‘Supee’’, Gary Bennett provides an introduction to one of his all-time favourite pitchers.
Almanac Soccer: The Dockerty Cup – outside of Melbourne?
December 2, 2020 by 2 Comments
Almanac historian Roy Hay takes us back to 1931 to recount the only time the Dockerty Cup was held outside of Melbourne.
Almanac Life: The Yachts
December 2, 2020 by 3 Comments
Smokie fondly remembers some of his teenage exploits as a budding yachtsman on Hobsons Bay.
Almanac Surfing: Summer is here and Dips is up
December 1, 2020 by 17 Comments
Evidence of Dips O’Donnell as a genuine surfer has landed at Almanac HQ.
Sports Archaeology? What lies beneath the pitch…
November 30, 2020 by Leave a Comment
When did the English start their climb to the top of the limited-overs rankings in cricket? According to this photo, it could have been much earlier than you think!
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