Sydney Test – Day 2 : Bring on South Africa

Raj Singh reviews Day 2, but his mind (and money) is already on the South African series. 58 more George Bailey runs will see him on the plane to Johannesburg. 58 more Haddin runs will see Raj tearing up his tickets. Roll on Day 3.

Man of the series – the match saver

Matt Watson makes a persuasive case for Brad Haddin as the Man of the Series, despite the deeds of St Mitch. Hard to argue with. Tell us what you think.

2013 – A Season in Song: Grand Final Edition

One last chance for airwave glory in 2013. Swish Schwerdt concludes his search for song glory on the Coodabeens.

The Art of Swing

Ever wondered what happened to cricket discards that don’t make the cut as Channel 9 commentators? Old cricket balls; scoresheets; English batsmen and ageing off spinners? Paul McGrath turns them into fascinating art. Check out his exhibition details here.

2013 – A Season in Song: Semi Finals – Fitness Test

It’s semi-final time at “Footy’s Got Talent”. ‘Swish’ Schwerdt was hoping for Danni Minogue, but these classics got a Guernsey from Greg Champion.

5th Test-Day 1: When Irish Eyes are Smiling

Luke Reynolds waxes lyrical about Irish cricket. Brad Haddin and Steve Smith batted brilliantly to save Australia from……… What’s their name again?

Fifth Test – Day 1: A totally implausible series continues, with a series of unlikely occurrences, that we’ve all seen before.

Sean Curtain with some observations of the day’s play and the series which, if presented as a script to an Ealing producer, would be rejected as totally implausible.

2013 – A Season in Song: Round 12 – Poor Form and Disillusionment / Early Retirement

‘Swish’ Schwerdt shares a song about a cranky Mick Malthouse, confusing umpiring and a disappointing Blues effort. It didn’t make the cut. Dogs, Eagles, Pies, Tigers and Saints fans had heard it before.

2013 – A Season in Song: Round 11 – Unrewarded Effort

Swish Schwerdt skipped Round 10, but came up with some of his finest work after Round 11. How did they resist the classic topics of video review and holding the ball?

2013 – A Season In Song: Round 7,8,9 – An Early Bye

After a Champy-enforced rest, Swish Schwerdt is back for Round 9, but is starting to wonder if the coach is playing favourites.

The North End of Preston

John Green has gone to England to see the team he fell in love with 30 years ago: Preston North End. This is the story of Preston – with its many interesting historical features – and of their match against Port Vale. [This is the first of a series of reports as John makes his way about the place – Ed]

The Boxing Day Test – by text message

Matt Watson let his fingers do the talking, with a summary of all the texts sent between his mates during the Boxing Day Test.

2013 – A Season in Song – Round 6 – Two Bites at the Cherry

Swish Schwerdt’s Round 6 efforts go unrewarded, but he does rate a mention regardless.

Crio’s Racing: first Saturday meetings of the year

Crio has a look at racing around the country, from the glitz and schmooze of the Magic Millions lead-up to the picnics in Victoria.

Menzel and Morabito: a tale of two unlucky footballers

Jackson Clark considers the future of two injury-plagued footballers.

Horseracing: A summer odyssey

Glen gathers the troops and heads to Corowa and to Hanging Rock for the races. Here’s how things panned out.

2013 – A Season In Song – Round 5: Return to Form

Swish Shwerdt nails one and gets a feeling of deep satisfaction, the like of which he has experienced since circa 1982.

Where are the counter-taunters?

Nicko wonders how England can be 4-0 down in the cricket, but miles ahead in the chanting, taunting and support of the Barmy Army. Is it beyond the collective wit of the Knackery to come up with better than “oi, oi, oi”?

Call for Writers : SCG (Sydney Coup de Grace)

Invers calls for nominations for Almanac writers for the Fifth Test (names and days please); and shares some holiday snaps from the family album.

Cheers

Some very kind words from Saint66 to start the year. [Thanks Saint66 – Ed]