Give it a rest channel 9!

Where do you start with this mob? I will start today with sport. Their benchmark sporting events are being overrun. When the matches are being shown on delayed telecast I reckon, about every 8 minutes, there are paid advertisements in their coverage, generally, with them running ads for 2.5-3 minutes, sometimes longer. For live sport, after every score and at most breaks in play, they break for one or two advertisements. We expect that, we should, they are a commercial network and need the revenue to bring us such events and matches.

Within many of these ad breaks, there are also advertisements for their upcoming scheduled programmes. Why on earth do we then need to hear Ray Warren or Mark Taylor spruiking the shows within the coverage? They are there to commentate on the action, provide relevant and insightful commentary to the viewer to enhance the experience. I could not give a toss when the Block is ‘coming back’ or hearing Tony Greig flogging on about ‘Mike and Molly’. Channel 7 do it too, mostly in their tennis coverage, but never mid match in an AFL telecast. Come on Nine, wake up, you are losing your viewers in record numbers, surely you must have worked out that people are pissed at you for stunts like this.

I am also jack shit of Rabs telling me whose odds have shortened at half time or how much someone paid for first try scorer. Gambling is not my favourite hobby, that is no secret, but I also feel some responsibility needs to fall upon this network to minimise gambling advertisements, in much the same way as law changed for tobacco and alcohol sponsorships. Most who love a punt, will have their computer open or their phone on, and be able to access the odds as they fluctuate. Keep it off our tv, people are sick of it.

And while they are going, they can make a note that Ray Warren and Phil Gould cannot be sat in the same commentary box any longer, their banter is akin to that of an old married couple and incredibly irritating. Gould is awful in general commentary, and could be better used taking a backward step over there.  His pre-origin monologue is generally good, his 1 on 1 player interviews are good, (when they are about football and not off field issues) and he can stay on the Roast, but get him away from Rabbits. We might get a few more years out of Rabs yet, provided he keeps away from the sports gambling segways and away from Gould and gets back to commentating on the action in front of him. Heaven help us for what they have in store for the upcoming Rugby World Cup.

Remember to send me details of anything you would like included each month. Anything I have missed as well. And don’t forget to leave your comments.

Ganny

Poor Katie Gallagher

So I see our Chief Minister recently stepped down, probably a well timed political move for the party in this Ranters opinion. I think John Stanhope would have struggled for re-election this term, based solely on the debacle that is and has been the Glenloch Interchange and GD Extension.

We will, of course see significant benefit of this piece of infrastructure over the years, however why the entire dual carriage was not completed through the initial development has left me bewildered. As I understand, the funding for the development had been exhausted in one budget, yet had this been continued, I am sure this project would have been well and truly completed by now. Stopping after one lane, to then almost immediately, commence work on the duplication, yep, very puzzling. Three years of frustration for the North/South journey is far too long for their not to be repercussions come election time.

Having pissed off the north/south commuters (or is it just me??), they have just decided to impact almost everyone at the same time. Road works leaving Canberra on the Barton Highway, extended periods of development around Kings Avenue bridge and closing off part of Hindmarsh at the exit to Melrose Drive has left the majority of Canberrans affected for the early morning commute. Many of the roadwork areas involve development to enable more traffic to civic, yet there is now less parking in the city. Poor Katie, she is pushing shit up hill now, thrown into the deep end, lets see what she is made of between now and the next election.

Ganny

The Ranter Overseas

The week after presentation night, Crystal and I took off for the UK and France for a belated honeymoon/holiday. Having never been overseas before, I was expecting a pretty rough experience on the way over, made worse by lack of a smoke to appease the nicotine addiction. I didn’t find it too hard surprisingly.

We arrived early morning London time, on Sunday 10 April. My old mate, and mates with plenty of the rest of you, Mark ‘Mennis’ Ennis was at Heathrow to pick us both up, swinging by the famous Chip Shop on the way home for a sneaky look. Arriving back at his gaff, he smashed us up a quick Traditional English fry-up breakfast. Later that afternoon, I joined him at cricket practice to give the legs some work after a long sit on the plane.

Arriving at the venue, I was surprised to see some composite rubber rolled out over a basketball court. Three quarter length composite rubber over pine boards did not help a short ball, nothing got up over the waist, regardless of length. Couple of decent players and great blokes amongst the guys I saw that day. One of which, the famous ‘Barbs’, I felt like I already knew him before I met him, all the photos from the 2005 tour, and stories from former UK/Chipstead tourists. A little bit of dust on the court at the point of delivery saw myself and Mennis pull up lame in consecutive balls, both tweaking knees!!! One day in Pommieland and another bloody injury.

That afternoon was spent in the backyard of the Orr residence, with big, big Jimmy, Jayne and their family, along with Alec and his family (for those who know the crowd). Wine, beers and backyard cricket, Pom style, really good times with a great bunch of people.

The next few days were spent doing the tourist thing, and on Tuesday, Crystal decided to spend the evening in sleeping off the jet lag. Almost on queue, Mennis got a phone call from the Ones skipper, and we were on our way to Clapham for a few beers with Woodsy and Hatti. A few beers turned into plenty, but for some, work called the following morning so Mennis and I split back to his place, stopping in briefly at a classy establishment called Larry Flynt’s Hustler Club for a nightcap. Good times. That Mennis has some serious chat…………… serious chat. 

The first Thursday was day 1 at Lords for the County match between Middlesex and Essex. Unfortunately for me, Stuey was playing that day, so we were not going to get a chance to catch up, but some of Mennis generous friends offered tickets, and then member’s tickets to the day. In spite of this not having been a test match, this was definitely a highlight for me, cricket at Lords, in the members, drinking beers with a great mate. Pretty fresh though that day, would not have been a happy player playing on a day like that.  Crystal had spent that day at the Victoria and Albert Museum, so we met in Shepherds Bush after stumps for a few more frothies and a meal. Unfortunately due to his training and playing commitments, I didn’t get to catch up with the little Irish lad, but hope to have him back around the club this season, you coming back Stuey?

Mennis had organised a pub-crawl through central London for us the following day, taking in all the major sites along the Thames by foot. Another magic day, starting in Central London, riding the Eye, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the Tate Modern. The next day, we headed to Brighton to meet Crystal’s parents, who had been cruising from Perth for the 6 weeks previous.

The following Monday, off we headed to Loftus Road to see Queens Park Rangers v Derby in the Championship. This was a fairly dull match, but still an awesome experience, the fanaticism of English football fans something to behlod. The obligatory drink after the game exposed us to the dirty side of English football fans, having seen the Welsh Rugby number 8 and a former England prop set upon by 6 blokes, taking to the big Number 8 with a pint glass and then a heavy wooden bar stool, knocking him out cold. This was quite confronting, and ended up in the news over the coming days.

We went off to France for the next 5 days and enjoyed taking in the sights and history, and continuing to explore my new found appreciation for red wine. Great food and good wine every night, our final night in Paris spent with some local red, watching the Eiffel Tower light up the Paris skyline.

Back in London, the last few days were spent seeing more sights, drinking more pints and making the most of the strong Aussie dollar and the cheap retail prices. On the final afternoon, and on our way back to Heathrow, we stopped in at the Chipstead home ground to have a look at the facilities.

These facilities have only been recently built, and are a source of pride for the club, their own bar, sheds, social venue and a beautiful little ground nestled in a quiet area of south east London
Ganny

Wests Life Members

Season 2010/2011 saw the induction of three of Westies finest as Life Members, Ajay Mehta, Ben Keens and Allan McGann. All three of these men have had a major impact on my life and time with Wests.

Ajay Mehta has been a constant at Westies for over 30 years, having been a player, committee member; he has provided accommodation for young members and has been a clubman through and through. Ajay also helped organise end of season trips, this years one of his finest achievements. At the end of season 98/99 and with nowhere to stay in Canberra, Ajay kindly offered me a room at the Ngunna-mahal so I could remain in Canberra over the summer and play with Westies.

Ben Keens statistics speak for themselves, he is Wests most prolific wicket taker, and has over recent years been a batting revelation through the grades. Seasons with 60+ wickets, grade hundreds and several premierships have been complemented by his commitment to the committee in past seasons. Ben has been active in participation and organisation of Wests club functions and has recently assisted in updating the WDUCCC career playing statistics. After moving from Uni Residence at the end of first year, Ben also offered an accommodation solution for me in Giralang. I distinctly remember my first night out with the Westies First Graders ending up at Keensy’s place in the early hours. This, from memory, was also the first night out in Canberra for former WDUCCC superstar Mark Hatton.

Allan McGann joined Wests as a playing member in season 1999/2000, mentoring through the lower grades. Illness struck Allan in 2001 that saw him spend some time recovering away from the game. He returned the following season and, with more restricted movement due to the surgery, made a 5th grade hundred.  He has since taken on many roles within the Westies framework, and will always be fondly thought of by Westies members for coaching the side to it's first 2 day premiership in 13 years in 2007/2008. From this era, WDUCCC has also seen the emergence of two potential stars of Australian cricket, Ryan Carters and Nathan Lyon. His impact on me from a personal level is far more than that of which I have learned from him about cricket, he gave me life and love and continues to inspire me to be better.

I am sure that you will all agree that these three are deserving inductees into the Life Members club of WDUCCC. There are many more members whose impact on the cub has been immense and I anticipate further inductees over the coming years, rewarding individuals for significant contributions to WDUCCC.

Ganny

Wests 2010/2011 Presentation Night - Part 2

This year, Ben Keens, Dave Kidd and Darren Richards have been working tirelessly behind the scenes updating WDUCCC career statistics. Presentation Night was a perfect opportunity to this year, acknowledge those members who achieved milestones through the season. Joining Richo on the mic for the presentation was stalwart Steve Luby, whose impassioned speech and delivery of the package will be remembered for many years by all who were there to witness it.

State contracted players, and former WDUCCC members, Nathan Lyon and Ryan Carters were invited to attend, and it was great to see them both there, and so willing to put some time back into the club. Both were interviewed on stage, delivering polished and articulate responses about their experiences to date. I am sure there were several WDUCCC members who took inspiration from them, acknowledging the hard work it takes to become a First Class cricketer. Great job from Nath and Ryan, thanks boys, not sure how I go as an interviewer though, they worked hard with what they were given.

The Annual End Of Season production brought the night to a close, with the Brown Jacket nominations this year being read and recorded in a secret location by Matthew ‘Ron Burgundy’ Wheatley, his humorous look at some of our least fine moments of the year. I am sure you will all agree that for sheer weight of nominations and momentous acts of general rareness, David Spare was a worthy winner, the only choice to take the ’Jacket’ for the next 12 months. I expect to David’s name alongside the jacket for many years to come, a truly special man.

The production itself saw an array of images and footage from Stueys farewell, the season and the finals. It saw the return of a star and the emergence of a new one. It was fresh, groundbreaking, genre encompassing and a treat for the senses. Pete knows training debuted to raucous laughter, mixed with shock and horror, but has set the framework for the pre season, only 8–10 weeks away. And then, the one with a Facebook fan page, Spare Grylls returned, this year with ‘The Spare Room’, an insightful documentary about the some members homes and loves away from our great club. Both sets of footage were extremely enjoyable to film and put together. From the feedback from the night and since, all the hard work appears to have paid off. The production was again very well received, who knows what lay in store for next year? Let me know very early if you want to be involved next year, and send any ideas through to me, or comment below.

 

Congratulations to 2-time premiership winning captain Syed Jaffrey, his first premiership of the year, leading WDUCCC to victory in the T20 Division 3 final, and backing up with victory in the 4th Grade One Day grand final. Perter McKell also tasted success this season, as a young skipper of the successful 2nd Grade One Day Grand Final winners. Pete did a great job having stepped up into the job mid way through this season. Peter is our youngest captain by far and has shown great leadership since his appointment. Congratulations to all the players from those winning teams, great efforts and performances all season.

Thanks also to the grade captains for their hard work this year, Jeff Clark, Syed Jaffrey, Clinton Lillepruun, Peter McKell and Ben Oakley.

Many thanks must go to Derek Gould, Bob Taylor, Ben Oakley and Ajay Mehta for their tireless efforts in ensuring the success of the evening.

Wests 2010/2011 Presentation Night - Part 1

Season 2010/2011 was celebrated in fine WDUCC style at CSC Jamison on April 2. Over 100 members, their partners and friends of WDUCC were in attendance for the night.

From all reports, everyone enjoyed the evening. In attendance for the evening were special guests, Derek and Anne Gould, Bruce Dockerill, Nick Ewbank, Life Member Jeff Clark

Below is a summary of Award Winners, sorry to those I have missed, my sheet is incomplete, can you please comment.

CENTURIANS

Stuart Hook                        196            v            Weston Creek                27/10/2010

Sudha Rama                       118            v            Tuggeranong                 23/10/2010

Syed Jaffrey                       105*           v            NCGCC                       13/11/2010

John Cheadle                     100*           v            NCGCC                        13/11/2010

BOWLING[i.e 7 wicket innings and 10 wicket match]

Tim Westphal                        8/27 (14)            v       Tuggeranong  3rd Grade

Tim Westphal                        10/63 (21)          v       Tuggeranong 3rd Grade

Zain Mohsin                          7/33 (14)            v      Weston Creek 4th Grade

Brendan Duffy                      7/52 (15.2)          v      Queanbeyan 1st Grade

ALLAN MCGANN MEDAL

Brendan Duffy

JAY SLOANE AWARD

Matt Broers

CLUB STICKER

Alex  Taylor

LIFE MEMBERSHIPS AWARDED

Jeff Clark presented Allan McGann, Ben Keens and Ajay Mehta with Life Memberships

VOLUNTEER AWARDS

Emma Greenhalgh & Matt McGann

  

LEADING WICKET TAKER

Matt McGann

LEADING RUN SCORER

Stuart Hook

BROWN JACKET WINNER ANNOUNCED

Nominees

Jake Boyle

David Spare

John Cheadle

Ben Oakley

Kirby Porter

Jordan Smith

Winner                        DAVID SPARE

CAPTAINS AWARDS

1st Grade                    Jayson Bush

2nd Grade`                 Stefan Delhaize

3rd Grade                   Manuk Samarasinghe

4th Grade                   Peter Bradley/Stuart Hook

5th Grade                   Sam Wightman

Women                      Emma Greenhalgh

CLUB CHAMPION

Matt McGann

Ganny

Nathan Lyon to tour Zimbabwe

Sorry boys, the start of the off season has seen me slacken off completely. But I am back and ready to go again, with a recap of the way I have seen things over the last few months.

First of all, let me make mention of the outstanding achievement of Nathan Lyon, having been selected for the Australia A One Day tour of Zimbabwe. Nathan has been at the Centre of Excellence in Brisbane for the past few weeks in preparation for the tour.  Another quality article from Cricinfo , talks about Nathan’s meteoric rise.

Australia A tour Zimbabwe from June 24 until July 25. The One Day squad will be play a Tri Series between the Zimbabwean and South African sides. All matches will be covered ball by ball, by Cricinfo

Wed Jun 29                                              07:30 GMT | 09:30 local

Zimbabwe XI v Australia A                        Harare Sports Club

Thu Jun 30                                               15:30 WST | 17:00 CST

Australia A v South Africa A                     Harare Sports Club

Sun Jul 3                                                  07:30 GMT | 09:30 local

Zimbabwe XI v Australia A                        Harare Sports Club

Tue Jul 5                                                  07:30 GMT | 09:30 local

Australia A v South Africa A                     Harare Sports Club

Ganny