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Messi record not official: FIFA

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 15 Desember 2012 | 14.23

Messi ... isn't fussed about the goal-scoring record. Source: Angel Fernandez / AP

Football's governing body FIFA says they will not get involved in a controversy that has erupted around Lionel Messi's goal-scoring record.

  • Birthdate
    June 24, 1987
    Rosario, Argentina
     
  • Height
    1.69m (5ft 7in)
     
  • Club
    Barcelona (ESP) since 2004
     
  • Major club honours
    Three Champions Leagues, five league titles in Spain, two Spanish Cups, two Super Cups, two Club World Cups
     
  • International caps
    76 (31 goals)
     
  • International honours
    Olympic gold medal (2008)
     
  • Individual honours
    Three Ballon d'Or titles (2009, 2010, 2011)

The Barcelona striker scored his 85th and 86th goal of the year in his club's 2-1 win at Real Betis, breaking the record of 85 goals held previously by Germany's Gerd Mueller.

The Zambian football federation however, said that Godfrey Chitalu scored 107 goals in 1972.

FIFA spokesman Alex Stone told the BBC that as they did not keep domestic records, it was not an official FIFA record.

"We don't have a database which details every football game played in every country from around the world since day one of their formation," Stone said.

He said that the organisation did not recognise Messi - or anybody else for that matter - as holding the record.

"It's a record where someone in the media obviously collected statistics from somewhere and noticed Messi was about to pass that record."

-DPA


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LIVE: AUS v SL, T1 D2

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Hussey ... continues his golden summer with another century. Source: Luke Bowden / News Limited

Michael Clarke and Michael Hussey will look to push on to a big first innings total on day two of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Bellerive Oval.

Follow the action with our live and interactive blog.

Stick with us throughout the day and don't forget to send in your questions and comments by emailing blogs@foxsports.com.au or leaving a comment at the bottom of the page

You can also review all the stats, pitch maps and wagon wheels at our Cricket Match Centre.


1st Test - Blundstone Arena

14 December 2012 - Day 2, Session 3

Sri Lanka 1st Innings

T. Dilshan 41 64 6 0 64.06
T. Samaraweer... 6 8 0 0 75
B. Hilfenhaus 7.4 2 18 1 2.35

Live

First ball: 10:30 AM December 14, 2012
Location: Blundstone Arena

Match Summary

Australia: 5/450
Sri Lanka: 3/77

Latest comments (all times EDT):

1712: WICKET! (Karunaratne 14, caught Wade, bowled Hilfenhaus, SL 1/25) Good delivery from the bustling Tasmanian and his lean summer takes a turn for the better at home. Hilfenhaus angled the delivery across the left-hander and the leg-cutter caught the edge and Wade did the rest. That smacked into the gloves and bounced a little more than Karunaratne was expecting. This is a far more impressive Hilfenhaus than we saw against South Africa.

1710: Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle - who both missed in Perth due to fatigue - have got the energy to get us going after the interval. The final session is underway and Australia will be keen to ram home their advantage after Clarke's intriguing declaration.

1643: TEA! Australia fail to get a breakthrough in that seven-over stint and Sri Lanka will have a cuppa at 0/21. The pitch has offered little and Australia's bowlers rarely beat the bat of the openers. We'll see what happens in the final session.

1640: FOUR! No luck for Lyon in the penultimate over before the break. After some spin, Karunaratne pounces on a wayward one from Starc outside off stump and creams it in front of point for Sri Lanka's first boundary of the tour. Trouble-free start for the tourists.

1636: With a minimum of fuss, Sri Lanka have moved to 0/16 from the first five overs. There's been little movement from either Hilfenhaus or Starc. Both have been too straight. And, just before tea, Nathan Lyon gets a chance to bowl spin in the sixth over. This is a strange little session.

1627: Mark asks: With Ponting gone, who's 2nd slip now? If it's Watson who's 3rd? If Hussey is in the slips who's Gully?

John says: It's a strange sight with a slips set-up missing the great Ricky Ponting. He was one of this country's finest fielders in the cordon. I'd have Mark Waugh at No.1 in my rankings mind you. We've got Watson at first, Clarke at second, and Hughes has stepped into a third slip.

1623: Two overs have gone and Sri Lanka have progressed to 0/7.

1620: Mitchell Starc and local lad Ben Hilfenhaus opening up here for Australia. Dilshan and Dimuth Karunaratne to do the same with the bat for Sri Lanka.

1606: AUSTRALIA DECLARE! I wasn't ready for that. Australia have called time at 5/450 and were starting to up the scoring rate. Australia's bowlers have struggled for 20 wickets this summer so Clarke must be keen to give them plenty of time to do the job. We will soon find out.

1601: FOUR! Wade joins in with a very nice cut shot off Dilshan. They're accelerating in this session and Sri Lanka can't find a road block. The run rate is up to almost 3.50 and the past 10 overs have netted 64 runs. Welegedara has been thrown the ball to try and change the course of the afternoon.

1558: SIX! Cracking pull shot from Hussey, he's taking the game on after riding his luck for a century. Sri Lanka look lost, they've not got a bowler they can turn to for a breakthrough, and it's a case of going through the motions since the rain delay.

1555: Sri Lanka must be sick of the sight of Mr Cricket. He's scored five centuries from just six Tests against them. Going into this match he had an average of 109 against them, with seven of his nine scores above 93. Outstanding.

1550: Parko says: Gee, Trent sure saved his best joke 'tll last - you're the "esteemed colleague"??? I've seen more "esteem" from the inmates of Guantanamo Bay... and stop your WHINGING about having to stay there late - you're getting PAID to watch cricket!!!!!

John says: Parko, it's been too long my friend. How have you been? I had a short break and really missed you over the past week or so. Great to hear from you again. Not sure there's a question in your latest offering but it's just nice to include you. Yep, I am getting paid to be here. What are you up to on a Saturday afternoon that brings you back to take pot shots? Taking a break from pulling wings from flies? Enjoy the rest of your weekend if we don't get to talk again.

1545: DROPPED CATCH! FOUR! CENTURY TO HUSSEY! I told you this game had come alive. A half-tracker from Eranga was sent to the man patrolling the mid-wicket fence. That should have been swallowed by Mathews. Instead it goes through his hands and into the rope. That's five hundreds from nine innings for Hussey, along with a couple of scores in the 90s. Stunning.

1543: FOUR! Here we go, the game has sprung to life. Wade's most commanding shot of the day is a hook shot off Eranga that may have left a dent in the fence.

1542: FOUR! Hussey closes on his ton with a cut off Dilshan behind point. Australia are 5/413.

1541: FIFTY! Wade brings up his milestone in the first over of Tillakaratne Dilshan for the day.

1535: FOUR! Hussey moves into the 90s, the pair bring up their 100-run stand, and Australia are beyond 400.

1525: FOUR! Wade moves to 47 and closes on his second Test 50 with a nice punch through the off side. Wade is averaging 40 in his seven Tests for Australia. Fair effort for a bloke finding his feet.

1522: FOUR! Hussey leans into a full one from the quick Kulasekara and the ball rockets to the mid-off boundary. He's 81, Australia 5/391.

1521: Kulasekara bangs one in to Wade, outside off, and the 'keeper goes for the hook. One bounce and to the fielder on the fence. Not a chance but the ball was in the air a long time and could have gone to hand with an ounce of luck. It seems as if Kulasekara has opted for some short stuff to Wade. They need to try something different to break this partnership. It's worth 87 already.

1512: Wonderful over from the spinner. He almost had Wade caught at slip but the ball just bounced before the fielder. Then he drew Hussey into a prod which went by the outside edge. The left-arm orthodox spinner took an extraordinary 20 wickets in his last series, the two home Tests against New Zealand in November. He could be dangerous if Sri Lanka can score plenty of runs in this series.

1508: This session will run until 4.40pm (EDT) and the final session from 5pm-7pm (EDT). Means a late night for me, plenty of work for the floodlights (which are already in operation) and plenty of time for Wade to build a big score and Hussey to do as he has done for a long time now. Spinner Herath is on to try and spin a web here but there's little in the track for him.

1501: FOUR! As if wanting to make up for lost time, Wade jumps on the front boot and drives gloriously through cover. The outfield has been given plenty of treatment and this travels nicely across it into the rope.

1459: So, we're back. The pitch has been under the covers for a fair while now so there might be some life. Kulasekara will get us started after the two-hour break. Hopefully we can make up for some lost time with plenty of action.

1445: The word is we'll be playing cricket again from 3pm (EDT). Can't wait.

1420: The covers are off and the umpires will be out to have a look at 2.30pm (EDT). Hopefully things are in order and we can get some cricket in soon.

1400: There's some light at the end of the tunnel. The super soppers are out there and the sun is back out so we might not be too far away from some action. Sri Lanka need to fire up when we do resume as this Test is meandering along. Before we know it they'll be batted out of it if they're not careful. Matthew Wade will be keen to post a big score while Mike Hussey is in control.

1340: Welcome back. I have done my bit and scrambled back to my seat in time. However, the weather means the players haven't returned. There's some more rain about and the covers are down. We might be doing some overtime this evening to try and catch up on things.

1300: LUNCH! That's session one on day two done and dusted. Australia are 5/364. Wade (31) and Hussey (66) have built a very nice little stand after the early wicket of Clarke this morning. The session wasn't full of fireworks with just 65 runs scored in 24 overs but Australia will feel they've pushed further ahead in this Test. We'll be back in 40 minutes for the resumption. Meanwhile, get your brains ticking over and think of some questions to ask one of the game's great characters.

1247: Jayawardene is shuffling his bowlers around this morning as this pop-gun attack tries to fire up. Kulasekara is back for his second spell of the day. Maybe it's the letdown after a big series against the Proteas but this has little feeling this morning. What can we do to liven it up?

1242: DROPPED CATCH, FOUR! Ouch. Matthew Wade pulls and pulls hard as Welegedara pitches short and the man at mid-wicket - Suraj Randiv - got a hand to it. But the ball blasted through and went to the fence. Wade is now 24, Hussey 64, and Australia cruising.

1235: A desperate Sri Lanka appeal for an LBW decision against Matthew Wade via the DRS. No luck there. It looked to be hitting well outside off stump but because of the situation the visitors took a chance. A bowling change introduces spin for the first time. Here's Herath with Australia 5/346.

1228: FOUR! Ordinary from Welegedara. Just a short-of-a-length offering that Hussey picks up and slugs to mid-wicket for another boundary. He's pushing things along and Welegedara is letting him. Lunch has been pushed back to 1pm (EDT) so Sri Lanka have about 30 minutes to try and get a wicket or two. They need to.

1220: FOUR, FOUR, FIFTY! Michael Hussey must have enjoyed a sip of something special at the interval. He's come back with a pair of boundaries to take his score beyond 50. That's 29 Test half centuries for Mr Cricket. This one included only three boundaries, two this over. Australia are 5/338 after the 103rd over and well and truly on top.

1212: Welegedara - or Uda Walawwe Mahim Bandaralage Chanaka Asanga Welegedara - will try to swing the ball back into the left-handed batsmen. Mathews is working it across Wade and Hussey, angling for an edge. But it's drinks and Australia are 5/326.

1203: It'll be a double change in the bowling with the star of the show on day one, Chanaka Welegedara, on for his first spell of day two. He took 3-99 on Friday from 20 overs. Three more today with please the tourists.

1200: We're going to see Angelo Mathews for the first time today. He's being touted as the next skipper of the Sri Lanka Test side. Mahela Jayawardene will hand the reins over at the end of this series and Mathews, 25, looks a long-term prospect. His gentle medium pace shouldn't trouble Hussey (42) and Wade (12) looks on his way.

1149: Some good bounce in this track today, they're getting up off a length and Hussey and Wade are wearing a ball or two in the gloves. There's yet to be a boundary on day two. Australia have advanced the score to 5/313 in the opening half hour.

1146: Mark asks: Hi John, some trivia. Do you know when the last time Clarke got out between 50 and 100 in Australia?

John says: Morning Mark, very interesting question. By my calculations the last time, before this morning, that Clarke fell for a score in that range was against England in Adelaide in December, 2010. He was caught by Alastair Cook off the bowling of Kevin Pietersen for 80. He wen on to finish that Ashes series with scores of 4, 20, 20, 13, 4 and 41.

1135: Matthew Wade is the new man in and has had a torrid first 10 balls. One struck him on the finger, a couple more got by him, but the local lad is a fighter. He's three, Hussey has grafted for 39, and Australia 5/309. Sri Lanka's bowlers are working hard this morning but the fielders are on their heels a little. Singles can be found.

1128: WICKET! (Clarke 74, caught Sangakkara, bowled Eranga, AUS 5/304) And it's the big one, Michael Clarke is on his way for 74 as Sri Lanka strike early on day two. Sangakkara, the former 'keeper, didn't need his gloves this time at first slip. It was a nice delivery from the medium-pace man and Clarke, on the move, lurched at it and a low catch was cleanly taken. There's a little more in this deck today.

1120: PLAY UNDERWAY: Clarke and Hussey are out there ready to resume.

1113: Geoffrey Jones of Brisbane says: I am yet to figure out who ran who out yesterday. Was Warner's first call yes? Or did Phil Hughes take it upon himself to make the call (incorrectly might I add)?

John says: My take is that it was Warner's bad call - "Yes, yes, no, no" - that caused the carnage. Hughes went on the double yes and wasn't turning back. It was Warner's first run out in 45 Test partnerships by the way. Of his 19 Test dismissals before yesterday, 17 times he had been caught.

1105: Few changes to the day's play with lunch and tea pushed back and the hope of a start at 11.20am (EDT) now. Who would have thought the weather would have caused grief in Tassie?

1055: Ahhh, cricket. The battle of bat and ball has entertained us all for so very long. Unfortunately, a drop of rain and there's nothing doing. So, with the covers back on and Mark Nicholas back to talking about Phil Hughes's new-look technique, we're facing a later start again. Go and have a read of this by the scholarly speedster Brett Geeves to pass the time though.

1039: As for the state of play, well, we haven't any. Rain has delayed the start of play on day two. The covers have just been lifted and play is now due to start at 11am (EDT). Australia will resume their first innings at 4-299.

1035: Morning all, John Clark with you here this morning for day two of the opening Test from the Apple Isle. For those wondering, yes, it has been a while since I spent a day at the cricket with you. I was once described as the Bradman of the blog so that's a tough reputation to live up to. The fact I was the only one who described me as the Bradman of the blog should ensure I am OK. 

Stick with us throughout the day and don't forget to send in your questions and comments by emailing blogs@foxsports.com.au or leaving a comment at the bottom of the page.


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Kelly is the next Reynolds: Taylor

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 14 Desember 2012 | 14.23

Last chance ... Albert Kelly needs a big season with the Titans. Source: Tim Marsden / News Limited

At one stage Albert Kelly was on the NRL scrapheap.

Now he has been tipped by Gold Coast Titans teammate David Taylor to follow in South Sydney sensation Adam Reynolds' footsteps and become 2013's breakout halfback.

Taylor watched in awe at South Sydney this season as Reynolds burst onto the scene to guide the Rabbitohs to the preliminary final, collecting Dally M Rookie of the Year honours along the way.

Now settled at the Titans, Taylor is feeling a sense of deja vu as the once troubled Kelly fights to snap up the No.7 jersey left behind by surprise Brisbane Broncos signing Scott Prince.

Axed by two NRL clubs for off-field issues, Kelly, 21, is savouring the lifeline thrown by the Titans as he vies with fellow young guns Jordan Rankin, Beau Henry and Marmin Barba - younger brother of Ben - for the right to partner Aidan Sezer in the halves next season.

Prince's presence would have been a selling point when Taylor put pen to paper on his Titans contract but he reckons he didn't baulk when told of the ex-Test half's departure to Brisbane.

"It got me more excited about seeing the young halves stand up and prove themselves here," Taylor said.

"Look at Adam Reynolds ... everyone was asking questions about him and look how good he went.

"With a young halves partnership they won't have that fear when there is an older person who can dominate the game by their side - they can take control themselves."

Asked who at the Titans could become the next breakout half like Reynolds and Manly's Daly Cherry-Evans the year before, Taylor said: "I really like the way Alby has been training - he has been going really well.

"He's really talented.

"If he can get everything right and keep training the way he is and be injury free, I like it (his chances)."

But Taylor agreed that their impressive forward pack including Luke Bailey, Nate Myles, Ashley Harrison and Greg Bird would have to step up in Prince's absence.

"We have such an experienced forward pack. They are natural leaders and will stand up no matter what game we are playing," he said.

"Personally I want to learn from guys Ash, Nate and all the other older fellas there."

Meanwhile, the Titans unveiled their new-look strip on Friday - the first time since 2010 that they had dabbled with their jersey design.


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As it happened: AUS v SL, T1 D1

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Hussey ... has established a solid partnership with Clarke. Source: Rick Rycroft / AAP

Michael Clarke and Michael Hussey will look to push on to a big first innings total after making it to stumps unbeaten on day one of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Bellerive Oval.

Re-live the action with our live and interactive blog.

Stick with us on Saturday from 10.30am (EDT) and don't forget to send in your questions and comments by emailing blogs@foxsports.com.au or leaving a comment at the bottom of the page

You can also review all the stats, pitch maps and wagon wheels at our Cricket Match Centre.


1st Test - Blundstone Arena

14 December 2012 - Day 1, Session 3

Australia 1st Innings

M. Clarke 70 136 7 0 51.47
M. Hussey 37 81 1 0 45.68
N. Kulasekara 22 2 51 0 2.32

Stumps

First ball: 10:30 AM December 14, 2012
Location: Blundstone Arena

Match Summary

Australia: 4/299
Sri Lanka:

Latest comments (all times EDT):

1752: STUMPS: Well that's all she wrote on day one here in Hobart, with Michael Clarke and Michael Hussey again coming to the rescue when Australia looked a little shaky midway through the afternoon. Clarke will appreciate some treatment on that left knee after copping a nasty one and hobbling for much of the afternoon. Phillip Hughes helped set up the total with a promising 86 on return to the side, while David Warner also made a good fifty. Sri Lanka's bowlers have work to do tomorrow morning if they're to get back into this Test. Thanks again for joing me, Trent Hile, throughout the day. My esteemed colleague John Clark will be in the chair from 10.30am (EDT) tomorrow as we pick up the action.

1745: FOUR! Clarke flicks one away through the leg side in seemingly effortless fashion. He moves to 69 and Australia are now an over away from stumps.

1736: FOUR! Bang! Welegedara overpitches this time and Clarke plays one of the shots of the afternoon - a brutal straight drive. Save your legs, boys. AUS 4/289

1734: FOUR! Clarke flashes hard at one outside off from Welegedara and gets enough of it for the ball to sail away to the fence behind point.

1729: FIFTY TO CLARKE! The Bellerive crowd give the skipper a healthy applause as he notches another milestone in his remarkable season. It hasn't been easy, with the 51 coming off 117 balls. AUS 4/274

1715: FOUR! Welegedara pitches up and Clarke follows through on a drive with the full face, taking one hand off the bat in the process, as it runs away down the ground for four. AUS 4/271

1713: Bluey of Sydney asks: Has Malinga done a Shaun Tait and only plays in 20/20? Very sad theres only 3 decent sides left in Test cricket, the future is bleak for the 5 day game!

Trent says: Yes Bluey, sadly the Slinger has restricted his talents to the T20 format - and as he showed the other night in Melbourne Stars' win over Perth Scorchers in the BBL, he's still got it!

1707: Clarke is in a fair bit of pain here. Eranga hits him just above the pad with one - the Sri Lankans appeal but there was an inside edge. He's still hobbling a few deliveries later.

1703: A brief delay in Hobart as Umpire Hill raises the new ball. Sri Lanka will be keen to take one, if not two wickets with them to stumps in this final hour.

1657: Ouch! Hussey gets one that rears up at him from Eranga and catches him high on the forearm. Hussey rings his arm in pain. That would've hurt.

1644: Chance ... close! Hussey pushes back to cut the off-spinner Dilshan but gets a thick edge. It flies in the air past Jayawardene at slip but he can't repeat his earlier heroics. He might be standing a touch close there.

1633: Lewis of Macksville must have hit the pub early - too early - this afternoon and says: Punter hung around for the money and in one game Hughes shows that he will be a better batsman then Punter ever was, Ricky who.

Trent says: Can someone up there at the Star get Lewis a water?

1624: FOUR! Mathews strays down the leg side and Clarke just has to help it on it's way round the corner for four. AUS 4/234

1613: FOUR! There we go ... Clarke drives straight into the wicket and it evades both the bowler and man at mid off.  He's up to 24 with minimal fuss.

1611: Hussey is just taking his time getting going but rotating the strike nicely. Clarke looks a shot or two away from hitting his straps - he's had a couple of big drives cut off by fielders.

1603: The next hour is shaping as a really crucial period in the context of the match. Sri Lanka have plugged the flow of runs and if they can break this partnership, they can expose Australia's tail this evening. But if these two get in, there could be big runs on offering tomorrow morning.

1556: Here's a beauty from Boof's left foot of SA: Hey Trentster, Tea trivia - notice the 2 current bowlers UWMBCA Welagedara and HMRKB Herath have 11 initials between them. Must be a record no?

Trent says: There's been some beauties in the Sri Lankan team over the years ... David Lloyd tells a ripper about the great Warnakulasuriya Patabendige Ushantha Joseph Chaminda Vaas. If I recall correctly, the Sri Lankan naming system is very different from the western system where they take on clan names rather than surnames, hence the lengthy titles. And I thought I had trouble learning to spell in kindergarten!

1547: FOUR! Welegedara drops short to Clarke and with the pitch not offering too much bounce, the skipper helps himself to an easy boundary through mid-wicket.

1545: Greg of WA: Hey Trent, why do you think the selectors continually stick with a proven dud like Ed Cowan,giving him chance after chance and only gave Khawaja 6 test matches to prove himself?

Trent says: Well Greg I think people have very short memories - Cowan scored a pretty good ton in the first Test against South Africa, which after seeing Sri Lanka's attack today, will count for more than any runs made in this particular series in my opinion. However, I do agree that he is only a short-term plug. I would much rather see Hughes elevated to opener and Khawaja come into the side to bat at three.

1537: WICKET! (Hughes 86, b Welegedara, AUS 4/198) Hughes is undone almost straight away by a beauty! Welegedara gets a ball that shapes back in late, beating the gap between Hughes' bat and pad. He hears the death rattle and is forced to depart. That brings Michael Hussey to the crease.

1512: That's tea in Hobart, with Michael Clarke surviving a few early jitters and Phil Hughes looking rock solid and poised for what would be a memorable comeback ton. Enjoy your afternoon teas and scones and we'll be back shortly for the final session. 

1455: Well that was certainly one of the best catches I've seen this summer - right up there with one from Adelaide Strikers keeper Tim Ludeman in last night's BBL. Check it out and tell us which one was better.

1450: WICKET! (Watson 30, c Jayawardene b Welegedara, AUS 3/183) What a catch! Watson edges one wide of Jayawardene at third slip and the skipper holds on to a one-handed, full length diving screamer. Has the luck finally turned for the visitors? Wait ... Michael Clarke, a man who has scored four double hundreds this year is making his way to the crease ... perhaps not.

1442: Wicket ... wait ... no ball! Well there's a rarity in modern Test cricket: a wicket from a no ball, but without the use of DRS! Hughes gets a big nick from Welegedara and is caught behind, but Umpire Tony Hill has his arm raised. Replays show Welegedara over-stepped the mark by a long way too.

1432: FOUR! Welegedara back into the attack and Hughes greets his warm-up ball with a superb cut behind point for four.

1428: SIX! Hughes comes down the track and swats Herath over the fence at cow corner. A spectator in Row A drops a dead set sitter.

1426: FOUR! Mathews overpitches this time and Hughes is onto it in a flash, leaning into a perfectly-timed straight drive which races down the ground. The clouds aren't the only ominous signs for Sri Lanka now.

1421: FIFTY TO HUGHES! He brings up the half-century in good style too, with a lovely square-drive pulling up just short of the rope. Still, they pick up three. That's his first fifty on Aussie soil. AUS 2/145

1416: FOUR! Crunch... don't bowl there. Mathews bowls short to Watson and his eyes light up like it's Christmas come early. He pulls in front of square for four.

1412: Rippersportspro of NSW says: Hughes is looking good at the moment and it looks like that little tweak in his technique has made him a more expansive player, because although he is still playing the cover drive well, he has added more leg side shots to his repertoire. Watson looks more composed than he has a few times in the past and hopefully he gets some decent runs, ideally a century.

Trent says: Agree on both points Ripper. Although at the moment, I'd back my grandma to make runs against this Sri Lankan attack ... and she usually needs a few scotches to start seeing them in the Christmas Day Test in the Hile backyard. Ricky Ponting must be sitting back wondering 'what if' he made just one score against South Africa...

1405: FOUR! Well Hughes's leg-side play may have improved dramatically but his work on the off-side is still as potent as ever. He sways onto the back foot to Herath and punches him through the gap between cover-point to move within a shot of his fifty. AUS 2/136

1402: Mark offers up this little gem: Wanna hear an interesting stat? Hughes has scored more in this match than Ponting has against Saffers all series.

1400:  FOUR! Short from Eranga, Hughes is onto it quickly and plays a fantastic pull shot. He looked in complete control of that one and watches as it flies away through mid-wicket for four.

1354: FOUR! Hughes finds a gap behind point for his fourth boundary of the day. He moves to 39.

1349: Here's one of the more interesting bowling changes of the day ... the left-arm spinner Herath into the attack for the first time. He's certainly no Imran Tahir. He kicks off with a solid over, just the one from it.

1341: Bill of Warilla says: With Warner 54, he played the ball in front of the wicket. It was his call and Hughes reacted. No fault with Hughes.

Trent says: It was Warner's call, and he appeared to say 'no' but Hughes kept coming. He could have either held his ground or set off and hoped for the best. He went with the latter.

1333: FOUR! Classical drive from Watson, who shows the full face of the bat to record his second boundary of the day. I can see Herath loosening up in the distance...

1330: Parko of Queanbeyan chips in on the Warner run out: I was always taught in front of wicket is the striker's call; behind the wicket, non-striker's call. What's so hard about that?

Trent says: I think that's one of the first things they teach you in the Under 10s. Going by that principle, it was Hughes' fault.

1321: Hughes keeps out one that stays awfully low. That prompts a lengthy gardening session that would make Don Burke proud. AUS 2/105.

1318: FOUR! Watson gets away with an elegant drive through the off side. Superb timing.

1314: Just watching a replay of the Warner run out. For mine, Hughes looked at fault - it was Warner's call. What do you think? Post your verdict below or by using the hashtag #AUSvSL on Twitter.

1306: The Sri Lankans are in a huddle and Phillip Hughes and Shane Watson have emerged from the dressing sheds. Play is set to resume at 2/97.

1303: What did everyone think of that unbelievable Big Bash game last night? My cash was on the Strikers, but gee the Heat deserve credit for holding their nerve in those final couple of overs. And what about Kieron Pollard's run out? Check out all the highlights of the match here.

1246: Touching scenes in Hobart with one of Tasmania's favourite sons, Ricky Ponting, completing a lap of honour with his kids in the back of a ute. Farewell Punter. You'll be sorely missed.

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1243: Well that wicket will certainly put a dampener on the mood in the Aussie sheds at lunch, they were travelling along so well after losing the early wicket of Cowan. Sri Lanka's bowlers don't appear to have the pace to trouble Australia's batsmen. It will be interesting to see what impact their brilliant spinner Rangana Herath can have on this wicket.

1229: WICKET! (Warner 57, run out, AUS 2/97) Tragedy strikes before lunch! Dilshan comes into the attack for the last over before lunch, and there's a mix-up between Warner and Hughes. Warner hits one straight to cover, Hughes calls through for a single and Warner hesitates before reluctantly setting off. He's caught miles short. It might be lunch, but there's already been a barbeque at Bellerive.

1225: FOUR! Kulasekara sends a well-directed bouncer down to Warner but he's equal to the task, pulling him away in front of square for a boundary.

1222: Mark asks: Hi trent, What do you think of Hughes. Without Martin and Guptil it seems like he'll stay in for a while.

Trent says: Looks a shadow of the man who just about had those dreaded words 'c Guptill b Martin' branded on his backside 12 months ago. It's very early doors, I know, but he might have the right tools now to become the brilliant, consistent player we thought he could be.

1214: Fifty to Warner! The nuggety opener gets a short one that rears at him but he's good enough to bat it away through square leg and pick up three. That's a half century to Warner and he and Hughes are chugging along nicely. AUS 1/87.

1213: Chance! Just wide! Welegedara throws up a fuller delivery and Warner takes the bait, edging just wide of Jayawardene at slip. That was close!

1212: FOUR! Welegedara drops short and wide and this time Warner loosens his arms with a well-timed cut through cover-point.

1204: Close! FOUR! Warner gets away with a streaky drive that he French cuts - just missing his stumps - and it trickles away to the fine leg boundary.

1202: FOUR! Glorious cover drive from Warner. He's really kept his head this morning and looks in terrific order. That's also the 50 partnership between this pair. AUS 1/70

1155: Drew of Cairns asks: How is the pitch looking down there? has the hulk materialised?

Trent says: Sorry Drew, in the mad rush this morning I forgot to offer you my best Tony Greig impersonation. The pitch looks terrific - there's a slight greenish tinge with a hint of grass. There's been some early movement but it's certainly nothing like 'the Hulk' many feared it would be.

1143: FOUR! Terrific cricket shot from Warner, who simply leans on a straight drive from an Eranga half-volley and watches it run away to the rope.

1134: As the players enjoy a drinks break, just a reminder that Inside Cricket on Fox Sports 2 on Monday from 8.30pm (EDT) will feature one of the blog's all-time favourites, Viv Richards. As part of the show Viv will answer questions from you. Leave your question as a comment here or tweet it to us @FOXCricketLive using the hashtag #FoxChat - and we'll put the best five questions to the great man live on the show.

1129: Angelo Matthews completes a tidy first over of the match, with just a single from it. Hughes (19) and Warner (21) are moving along nicely. AUS 1/49

1121: After that ordinary shot to get out, the Cowan critics are starting to warm their voices:

PM Tony Abbott 2013 says: The selectors must drop Ed Cowan right now, the guy couldn't hit the basketball with the bat. Get either P Hughes or A Doolan to bat at 2 and U Khawaja at 3.

Trent says: Is Cowan skating on thin ice? Tell us what you think the opening pair should be by posting a comment below.

1115: FOUR! Take two! Hughes plays a carbon copy of the first stroke to record his third boundary of the morning and move to 17 off just 15 balls.

1113: FOUR! Shot of the morning from Hughes! The new bowler Shaminda Eranga offers him some width outside the off stump and Hughes crunches a drive through cover-point. That's the shot of a man in form.

1106: FOUR! Welegedara overpitches and Warner launches into a straightish drive through the off-side. The man at mid-off stood no chance there. AUS 1/31

1059: FOUR! Hughes opens his account with a characteristic swipe over backward-point for four.

1056: WICKET! (Cowan 4, c Eranga b Welegedara, AUS 1/18) Poor shot from Cowan. He attempts to pull a delivery that gets onto him too quick and probably wasn't short enough for the shot, and succeeds only in popping a simple chance to Eranga at mid-on. That brings Phillip Hughes to the crease. What a moment for the 23-year-old. 

1054: Brett Geeves will be a busy boy this Test, joining the ABC team – and writing his match highlights for us every day right here at www.foxsports.com.au. Keep an eye out for his entertaining pieces throughout this Test.

1047: Warner looking very comfortable at the crease this morning. He picks up seven runs with a cut and two nice drives off that Welegedara over. 

1045: Apologies for the slow progress this morning folks, we're experiencing a few technical glitches. Hope to have it sorted ASAP to give you timely updates.

1034: DROPPED! Cowan edges the first ball he faces and Angelo Mathews grasses a tough chance at third slip. It went low - he did well just to get a hand under it. That was very nearly another golden duck for the opener.

1032: David Warner and Ed Cowan are out in the middle with Nuwan Kulasekara to take the new ball.

1031: Good morning everyone and welcome to foxsports.com.au's live blog of the first Test between Australia and Sri Lanka in Hobart. Trent Hile joining you after a spell in the paddock in between series and looking forward to what shapes as an intriguing contest. Will Sri Lanka shape up to the challenge? Can Phil Hughes blossom in his recall to the Test side? Sit back over the course of the next five days as we find out!

Stick with us throughout the day and don't forget to send in your questions and comments by emailing blogs@foxsports.com.au or leaving a comment at the bottom of the page.


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Strange takes clubhouse lead at Coolum

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 13 Desember 2012 | 14.23

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Clubhouse leader ... Strange fired a 66 in the first round at Coolum. Source: Peter Wallis / News Limited

Coolum brings out strong emotions in Scott Strange who fired a flawless opening 66 to be the clubhouse leader in the Australian PGA Championship on Thursday.

A lot has happened to the West Australian over the past four years which have not only changed his outlook on life but also his priorities, and the connection is strong with the Queensland Sunshine Coast resort which hosting the PGA for the final time.

Strange felt on top of the world after capturing the Welsh Open title in November of 2008.

The breakthrough European Tour victory lifted him into the world's top 100.

Eleven days later, his world came crashing down after his sister, Natalie, died of cancer aged just 32.

A month later he played the PGA Championship at Coolum and attended a dinner by the resort's pool where Jimmy Barnes performed one of his classics.

"My sister's favourite song was Flame Trees," said Strange, barely holding back the tears after Thursday's round.

"As soon as he started singing it I had to get up and leave the table because I couldn't stop the tears."
Strange finished that tournament in third place behind Geoff Ogilvy.

Memories of his sister came flooding back again the next year when he returned to Coolum and chased home Robert Allenby in the 2009 PGA Championship.

Allenby played his final round that year wearing a pink shirt and dedicated his victory to his mother Sylvia who died from cancer earlier that year.

The loss of his sister and becoming a father for the first time to daughter Meghan have had a profound effect on 35-year-old Strange who admits he battled anger issues and gave his caddie a hard time during a difficult period in his life.

"I lost my sister to cancer a few years ago and I've had a few other problems with my mum and dad," said Strange.

"It took a while to process all that and it's even harder to deal with with that stuff when you are a long way from home."

It put a lot of things into perspective for Strange.

"I had a really good caddie and I took it out on him and did stuff you don't normally do and it just all becomes a blur."

Strange said his wife Lucinda was expecting their second child in January.

Winning the PGA Championship at Coolum this weekend would be very emotional.

But it's a win he'd cherish for life.


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Tinkler eases Jets, Knights fears

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Troubled times ... has Nathan Tinkler stretched himself too far? Source: Liam Driver / News Limited

Nathan Tinkler's Hunter Sports Group insists it is "business as usual" despite the Australian Tax Office moving to wind up Newcastle Knights and Newcastle Jets over unpaid debts.

Federal Court documents filed in Sydney on Wednesday revealed the Deputy Commissioner of Taxation had applied to have Hunter Sports Group, Newcastle Jets Pty Ltd and Newcastle Knights Pty Ltd wound up over unpaid debts of approximately $2.7 million.

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A spokesperson for Tinkler said he expected the outstanding amount to be paid in the next week.

"We are surprised we have not received any documents," the spokesperson said.

A hearing has been set for February 20. The spokesperson said it was expected the ATO would be repaid in full well ahead of that date.

The ATO's move against Tinkler's sporting operations is the latest blow to the Singapore-based mining magnate.

Two of Tinkler's companies, Mulsanne Resources and Patinack Farm Administration, are currently in receivership.

His personal jet and helicopter have been repossessed and his luxury suite at ANZ Stadium handed back.

Tinkler last month said that the Knights and the Jets were "safe and secure", but admitted he was prepared to walk away from his racing venture, Patinack Farm, for the right price.

"Both clubs are very close to my heart, they are community-based, and I don't need to have a lot to do with the clubs," Tinkler said.

"There are no financial issues with either club, they are safe and secure, they are all fine.

"Racehorses take management, man hours, lots of people, all those sort of things. Fortunately, there is no manes on most of those footy players so they can think and speak for themselves.

"The footy clubs are a much easier business to manage - horses is just massive, the money is massive, everything is just too hard."

The NRL has also released a statement saying it had safeguards in place to ensure the survival of the Knights, interim chief executive Shane Mattiske said he was confident the future of the Knights was not under threat.

"In relation to the ownership by Hunter Sports Group, guarantees have been put in place by the Commission to safeguard the Knights position,'' Mattiske said.

"Those safeguards were a condition of ownership and are there to ensure the club's future.''

A $20 million bank guarantee was a condition of Tinkler's privatisation of the club.


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Keep quiet over Ange: Roar skipper

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 12 Desember 2012 | 14.23

Respect ... Brisbane Roar captain Matt Smith has told his side not to come out with inflammatory comments about Ange Postecoglou before the clash with Melbourne Victory. Source: AAP

Keeping fiery striker Besart Berisha quiet may be easier said than done but Brisbane Roar captain Matt Smith wants his side to not comment on ex-coach Ange Postecoglou and let their football do the talking this week.

Still wincing over the fallout from the last time his teammates took aim at their former mentor, Smith said the second-last Roar were in no position to taunt ahead of Saturday night's A-League clash with Postecoglou's Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park.

Berisha set the tone before their first meeting with Postecoglou's Victory in October when he vowed to send his ex-coach home a loser.

A day later, Brisbane's German import Thomas Broich said the club's new coach Rado Vidosic was the "brains'' behind their two A-League titles under Postecoglou.

But instead of savouring a record 5-0 win over the Victory in round two, Vidosic felt compelled to apologise for his players' comments that Postecoglou described as "distasteful'' and "disrespectful''.

Smith admitted the hype created this week by the Roar taking on their former coach would be "great for the game'' but hoped his teammates did not add to it.

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"Personally, I won't be building it up,'' he said on Wednesday. "Because of past experiences, I am not going to get involved in any Ange talk.

"We don't need to be focusing on that. We are at a crucial point in our season. There was enough talk last time.''

Still buzzing from his Socceroos debut in a successful East Asian Cup qualifying campaign in Hong Kong, Smith hopes his Midas touch rubs off on the Roar, who slumped to their fifth loss in seven games last weekend.

"I have come back motivated,'' he said. "(But) time is running out. If we don't start getting some consistency I fear we won't be as successful as in the past.''

Smith said he struck up a friendship with Victory's Archie Thompson and Mark Milligan in the Socceroos camp but admitted it would matter little on Saturday night.

"They are very nice people, we got on well. But there will be no mates there on Saturday,'' he smiled. "Both teams are relatively in similar positions. I think that will ensure a great spectacle for the A-League this weekend."


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Sharpe claims players' award

Further recognition ... Sharpe's final season has been one to remember. Source: AFP

He may have been on a fishing trip but retired Wallabies captain Nathan Sharpe still hooked another award on Wednesday.

Another chapter was added to his memorable swansong tale when Australia's most capped forward claimed a record fourth Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA) Medal for Excellence in Sydney.

But the medal was accepted in Sharpe's absence by Queensland Reds captain James Horwill because the keen outdoors man had already booked an off-season fishing sojourn.

Sharpe becomes the first player to savour the top RUPA honour four times after equalling George Gregan's record of three last year.

Sharpe emerged triumphant in a field of finalists that also included Berrick Barnes, Gareth Delve, Michael Hooper, David Pocock and Sitaleki Timani.

Every Super Rugby player voted on a 3-2-1 points basis for the player they thought impressed on and off the field.

"His contributions go far and beyond the playing field," Wallabies coach Robbie Deans told Fox Sports.

"He is the second most capped Wallaby of all time and he exhibits all the qualities of the game."

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Sharpe's honour came barely a month after he became just the second player to win a John Eales Medal twice, joining George Smith.

"We came from the same club in Brisbane. He has always been someone I have looked up to coming through the ranks," Horwill said.

Brumbies winger Joe Tomane was named Newcomer of the Year after going from rugby league convert to Wallabies back within 12 months.

The dumped Melbourne Storm and Gold Coast Titans NRL player - currently nursing an ankle complaint - beat out a field that also included Bernard Foley, Kyle Godwin and Cadeyrn Neville.

In other awards, Jesse Parahi won the Sevens Excellence Award and Pat McCabe won the Academic Achievement Award for fast-tracking his law degree while recovering from a neck injury.

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Melbourne Rebels' Eddie Aholelei won the Community Service award for more than 75 hours spent this year mentoring underprivileged youth.

Meanwhile, Reds lock Adam Wallace-Harrison and Melbourne Rebels young gun James O'Connor met as part of a new-look RUPA board on Wednesday.

Wallace-Harrison replaces the retiring Adam Freier as RUPA president.

He joined the RUPA board with fellow new appointees O'Connor who was representing the Rebels, Matt Hodgson (Western Force), Benn Robinson (NSW Waratahs) as well as re-elected representatives Horwill (Reds) and Stephen Moore (Brumbies).


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AFL's biggest moment in 2012

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 11 Desember 2012 | 14.23

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Another huge year ... what was sport's biggest moment in 2012? Source:FOX SPORTS

Foxsports.com.au has gathered the five moments that defined AFL in 2012 and it's up to you to decide which was the biggest.

Check out our highlights video of the five big moments before heading to the bottom of the page to cast your vote - and then return on Monday, December 17 when the winner from each sport will go head-to-head in our bumper poll to find the ultimate sporting moment of 2012.

Have we missed any of AFL's defining moments for 2012? Leave a comment with your most memorable moments at the bottom of the page!


GIANTS JOIN THE PARTY
The AFL's newest franchise, led by the competition's oldest coach, stepped out for the very first time in 2012. Kevin Sheedy guided the young Giants to two victories but couldn't avoid the wooden spoon. A number of exciting youngsters, headed by Toby Greene, Jeremy Cameron and Stephen Coniglio, looked at home in the big time. Israel Folau, however, didn't. The big-money former NRL star turned his back on the code after a trying year.

BUDDY BOOTS A BAKER'S DOZEN
AFL crowds are used to Lance Frankling doing the seemingly undoable, but the game's most mercurial player took it to another level in round 10 against North Melbourne. Heading into the match with just 21.36 from the opening nine rounds, the Hawthorn hero slotted home 13 majors in a career-best performance. Buddy's performance helped his side crush the Kangaroos by 115 points, a record for the Hawks against the Kangaroos. Are you really surprised that, according to IMG Sports Technology Group, Franklin is the AFL's most popular player and more than twice as popular than the second-ranked player, teammate Cyril Rioli? Didn't think so.

Swans ... flew to the flag in 2012. Source: AAP

RATTEN OUT, MALTHOUSE IN
Carlton great Brett Ratten never really won over Blues fans as coach. The likeable Ratten helped the club return to the finals after a seven-year drought in 2009. They were bundled out by a kick, then again in 2010, before thumping the Bombers in an elimination final in 2011. Big things were expected in 2012 - a premiership, perhaps - but when Gold Coast rolled them in round 22, that was it for 'Ratts'. Mick Malthouse got the nod in no time and the former Footscray, West Coast and Collingwood coach will be paid handsomely to do so.

THE TIPPETT SAGA
He's not the biggest name in the game but Kurt Tippett has commanded more column inches than anyone in 2012. The off-season - and much of the season itself - was dominated by the former Adelaide Crows big man. Would he stay or would he go? Then, where would he go? And, then, what would the AFL commission decide. Collingwood superstar Travis Cloke did his best to keep pace with the Tippett for headlines before opting to sign a new deal with the Magpies.

SUPER SWANS
Hands up if you tipped the Swans to make the top four? Didn't think so. And forget it if you claim you had them as your pick for the flag. Sydney, powered by a blue-collar midfield, a dependable defence, and honest attack, upset the more-fancied Hawks in a classic grand final. Lewis Jetta's run down the wing with Cyril Rioli in pursit, Nick Malcesski's stunning goals, and Lance Franklin's third quarter were memorable.


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Tigers recruit Edwards avoids ban

All smiles ... Edwards has been handed a two-match suspended ban by the Tigers. Source: News Limited

Richmond recruit Aaron Edwards has avoided suspension from the club over an alcohol-fuelled incident in October.

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Just two days after being traded to his third AFL club, the 28-year-old former West Coast and North Melbourne forward was locked up by Melbourne police and fined for being drunk in a public place.

Tigers coach Damien Hardwick said at the time Edwards could expect to learn a "pretty harsh lesson" when the leadership group got together to decide a penalty.

But the club's leaders have handed the 28-year-old forward only a suspended two-week ban.

Football manager Craig Cameron said Edwards's attitude could not be questioned since he had started pre-season training with the Tigers.


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Power opt against signing Jurrah

Written By Unknown on Senin, 10 Desember 2012 | 14.23

Off-field assistance ... The Power are setting up a support structure for Jurrah. Source: News Limited

Port Adelaide have confirmed they will not select Liam Jurrah via the pre-season or rookie drafts, instead opting to put in place a support structure they believe will maximise his opportunity to resume an AFL career.

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Port Adelaide general manager football Peter Rohde said Jurrah had performed well while training with the Power over the past fortnight, but that it wasn't in the club's nor the 24-year-old's best interests to recruit him at this stage.

"Port Adelaide is committed to doing everything it can to assist Liam Jurrah to get back to the top level," Rohde said.

"However, we think that injury-related fitness concerns together with off-field issues he is dealing with, means it is not yet the right time to fully integrate him back into the AFL system and all that it demands.

Rohde said Jurrah had clearly shown a strong desire to relaunch his AFL career.

"We have given an enormous amount of careful thought to this decision and have weighed up a lot of factors, none more so that what we believe is the best thing for Liam and his long-term ability to continue what is a unique football journey," he said.

"Liam wants to return to AFL football and he has demonstrated that to a significant degree by the way he has applied himself to training in the last couple of weeks.

"We also think Port Adelaide has demonstrated its intent to help him achieve that goal when we think he has the best chance of doing it."


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Angry Fergie fumes at Aloisi

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Blame game ... Perth boss Ian Ferguson hits out at rival coach John Aloisi. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

Angry Perth coach Ian Ferguson has hit back at John Aloisi, claiming the Melbourne Heart coach was in the wrong during his heated verbal altercation with Glory skipper Jacob Burns.

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Burns and Aloisi had to be separated as the teams headed to the change rooms at halftime of Heart's 1-0 A-League win over Glory on Saturday.

Aloisi, who was talking to the fourth official about Perth's physicality when Burns first confronted him, labelled the Glory midfielder as "disrespectful" after the match.

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But Ferguson returned fire on Monday, saying Aloisi's decision to follow Burns down the tunnel further inflamed the situation.

"To me it was wrong," a fired-up Ferguson said on Monday.

"He (Burns) has seen Aloisi trying to influence the fourth official, and Jacob's not happy with that, and quite rightly so.

"If my captain sees that and he's trying to protect his players, then that's the way he should be.

"And then he (Aloisi) follows the player down the tunnel and tries to make something of it.

P W D L GD Pts
1 Central Coast 10 7 2 1 11 23
2 Adelaide 10 7 1 2 8 22
3 Victory 10 5 1 4 -3 16
4 Western Sydney 10 4 1 5 -2 13
5 Newcastle 10 4 1 5 -5 13
6 Wellington 10 3 3 4 1 12
7 Heart 10 3 3 4 0 12
8 Perth 10 3 2 5 -1 11
9 Brisbane 10 3 1 6 0 10
10 Sydney 10 3 1 6 -9 10

"Whether he's done that deliberately, I don't know. To kickstart something? To me it was wrong, and he shouldn't have done it."

Aloisi further infuriated Ferguson when he said: "A few of their players, once our player releases the ball, they either foul them a little bit or go through them a little bit."

Ferguson said that claim was nonsense, despite an incident in which Glory defender Dean Heffernan felled Josip Tadic off the ball.

"They keep on using that bullying word, that we're too physical, too strong," Ferguson said.

"They should go check the facts and stats before he starts making stupid comments.

"He said that we come in from the back and either kick you a little bit or go right through you.

"I don't know where he gets that from.

"I'm annoyed that a coach has actually said that."

Burns picked up his sixth yellow card of the season in the loss to Heart.

But Ferguson felt the 34-year-old was again harshly dealt with, and said the level of refereeing in the A-League needed to improve.

"I just don't understand where they're coming from with Jacob and I'm getting a little bit peeved off to be honest with you ... because he just doesn't deserve it," Ferguson said.

"There are jobs at stake.

"They (referees) keep making the same mistakes. They get a one-game ban, (but) we (coaches) are out the door.

"If results don't go right, we're out the door, it's as simple as that."

Perth, who take on Newcastle at nib Stadium on Friday night, have slipped to eighth on the table following a five-game winless run.


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Marquez floors Pacquiao

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 09 Desember 2012 | 14.23

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Make: Canon Model: Canon EOS-1D X Date/Time: 2012:12:08 22:07:10 Source:AP

A bloodied Juan Manuel Marquez knocked out Manny Pacquiao with a right hand with one second left in the sixth round to win their welterweight fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

The 39-year-old Mexican sent Pacquiao face first to the canvas, giving him his first victory over the Filipino star in the fourth fight of their epic rivalry.

Marquez ended the fight with a overhand right that hit Pacquiao flush, sending Pacquiao down hard. Pacquiao landed under the ropes and lay there for a couple of minutes before getting up and returning to his corner.

The shocking ending stunned the crowd of 16,348 as Marquez had held his own in their first three fights but failed to get a victory and had never knocked down Pacquiao until Saturday night.

There was no title on the line but plenty of pride as four division champion Marquez showed he was willing to go toe-to-toe with Pacquiao even after getting knocked down in the fifth round of this fight.

He knocked Pacquiao down for the first time in 39 rounds between them in the third round with a right hook over the top.

But Pacquiao kept coming and Marquez appeared to be heading to his third defeat to Pacquiao after he was bloodied and knocked down in the fifth.

Pacquiao came out attacking from the opening bell throwing lefts over the top of Marquez's gloves.

Pacquiao was the aggressor early, landing a solid left halfway through the second that jolted Marquez.

By the time the sixth round started Marquez looked a bloody mess, bleeding from a cut over his nose and from the mouth.

The fighters set a blistering pace, making it look unlikely this fight would go the distance as their three previous fights had.

Both the third and fourth rounds ended with the boxers slugging it out in the centre of the ring.


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Nervy England chase down 41 in India

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Injury ... Bell would have been looking to build on his Test form in the one-dayers. Source: Nigel French / AAP

England have opened up a 2-1 series lead after speeding to a seven-wicket victory over India on day five at Eden Gardens.

3rd Test - Eden Gardens

5 December 2012 - Day 5, Session 1

England 2nd Innings

N. Compton 9 30 1 0 30
I. Bell 28 28 4 0 100
R. Ashwin 6.1 1 31 2 5.03

India's second-innings resistance lasted just 10 further deliveries on the final day as Pragyan Ojha was bowled by James Anderson (3-38) in the second over of the morning.

His dismissal left partner Ravi Ashwin stranded on 91 not out at the other end and set England a victory target of just 41.

The target looked straightforward, however England gave India a sniff of a miraculous turnaround when crashing to 8-3 inside the opening five overs.

Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott and Kevin Pietersen all departed to spin in quick succession, however Ian Bell (28 not out) and Nick Compton (9 not out) saw England to their first Test win at the famous Kolkata venue since 1977.

Ashwin's batting heroics the previous evening had delayed England's celebrations, but Cook and his side had to wait just seven minutes before taking the final India wicket on day five.

After Ashwin had taken Steven Finn for two boundaries in the opening over, Ojha failed to see his partner through to a second Test century when Anderson breached his defences and grazed off stump - the bail belatedly falling off.

Chasing a meagre total, captain Cook was eager to see his side through to victory quickly, however he paid the price just five balls in when walking past a wide Ashwin delivery and looking back to see Mahendra Singh Dhoni whip off the bails.

Trott made just three before falling lbw to Ojha and nerves on the away balcony began to jangle when Pietersen (0) edged Ashwin through to Dhoni the following over to leave England tottering on 8-3.

Bell quickly eased any fears of a spectacular collapse, though, finding the boundary on five occasions to help put England 2-1 ahead with one Test, in Nagpur, remaining.

For India, it was a first defeat since the last millennium at Eden Gardens, and England will become the first tourists since 2004 to win a Test series here if they can at least draw the last match in Nagpur.


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