ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, Wednesday, December 12, 2012
SPORT
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Kiwi players could miss out By Michael Brown Olivier Rochus has been handed a wildcard to next month’s Heineken Open but there’s a distinct possibility that, for the first time in the tournament’s nearly 60-year history, no Kiwis will feature in the main draw. Rochus has twice reached the final of New Zealand’s premier men’s tennis event, including this year when he was beaten by world No 5 David Ferrer, but has dropped to 90 in the world rankings and outside the ranking cutoff of 61 for direct entries. But tournament director Karl Budge confirmed he had offered the Belgian a wildcard, leaving only two wildcard spots. Budge hopes to confirm another by the end of the week. He’s in talks with former world No 3 David Nalbandian, former No 7 Gael Monfils and promising American Ryan Harrison, but he has made no guarantees he will follow tradition and hand the third
wildcard to a New Zealander. Instead, he will hold off until the eve of the Heineken Open to see who is looking for match practice immediately before the Australian Open, in the hope of landing a big name. It’s not like New Zealanders have been presenting compelling cases for inclusion over recent years and even longer to when players like three-time winner Onny Parun were contenders. Rubin Statham, at 358, is the highest ranked Kiwi followed by Dan King-Turner (375), Michael Venus (514) and Artem Sitak (557). Statham was the last New Zealander to reach the second round when he beat King-Turner in 2010 and Mark Nielsen was the last to beat a foreign player when he dispatched Andreas Vinciguerra in 2002. “There are no guarantees [the third wildcard] will go to a Kiwi,” Budge said. “What I am looking at is weighing up the best options we have available at the time.
“I have two to play with between now and the tournament and one I will keep back to see who pops up at that time. “I have a responsibility of delivering the best possible players we can to provide the strongest field and best entertainment for tennis fans in New Zealand. “If I don’t have a big name, absolutely. “If it’s between giving it to someone like Rubin or Dan and a chap ranked 98 in the world no one has heard of, we would look at giving one to a Kiwi. “But if a big name is knocked out of Brisbane early and wanted some time on court, we would be silly to turn that down.” The best chance a New Zealander might have of making the main draw was to come through qualifying, although that has not proved an easy pathway. GD Jones did it in 2008 but was the first since Malcolm Elley in 1986. Most of the top Kiwi contingent will make the main draw of qualify-
ing by virtue of their ranking but Budge said he would hand them wildcards if needed. He also said he was considering giving one to promising 17-year-old Cameron Norrie. King-Turner said he understood where Budge was coming from but felt one wildcard should go to a home player. “It would be disappointing if a New Zealander wasn’t given a wildcard,” he said. “It’s our home tournament and it’s great to get the opportunity to play against top players. “If you can do well, it’s a great kickstart to the year. “A few years ago I went really close to beating Juan Ignacio Chela who was ranked 15 in the world. “After that match against someone of that quality, it gave me confidence going into the rest of the year and I had my best year.” - APNZ
al assignment could be up against England when they make their tour of New Zealand in February and March. Tim Southee and Kane Williamson will play their first match for Northern Districts this season and fellow international Daniel Flynn will also play against Otago on Friday. Northern will be without import James Foster, however, who returned to England for personal reasons. The Knights are optimistic he might return before Christmas for their Boxing Day clash with the Auckland and will confirm their playing squad today. - APNZ
Daniel Vettori: no African tour
It’s the Blunder Caps
M
isgivings. Miscommunication. Misinterpretation. Misunderstood. Misadventure. That’s a lot of mis-ses for one team, so it’s no wonder they are misfiring. The poor communication channels and equally poor processes have shown New Zealand cricket’s administrative infrastructure to be in disarray. It’s no wonder the team can’t perform on the field when the people in charge of getting them on the field don’t know what’s going on, who should be going on and who’s in charge when it appears they don’t know who is making the decisions. The men in charge don’t know what’s going on so is it any wonder our record is terrible and interest, and faith, in the team is on a steady decline. A series of administrative blunders make it appear the Black Caps are destined for a shellacking in South Africa, and when the boys return battered they may not have any fans left when they take the field against England. The Barmy Army may have free
reign of the grounds, if they can even be bothered turning up to watch. The captaincy saga has played out like a well scripted reality show, but the reality is it was a poorly crafted piece of administration. The decision was the right one, but delivered in a shambolic manner at the completely wrong time. Under Ross Taylor the Black Caps have five wins from their last 30 limited overs internationals, an appalling record that needed a change in direction to turn around the slide. But telling the incumbent he wouldn’t be required next tour before the tour was over was poor form, and so too was leaving out the exact details of the recommendations at the time or lying about a supposed misunderstanding later, depending on which side is in fact telling the truth. Mid tour is the worst time to read the captain his last rites, especially if you don’t read the whole thing to him.
SCOREBOARD Results Basketball NBA results NBA results yesterday (home team in CAPS): L.A. CLIPPERS 102 Toronto Raptors 83 OKLAHOMA THUNDER 104 Indiana Pacers 93 PHOENIX SUNS 90 Orlando Magic 98 BROOKLYN NETS 88 Milwaukee Bucks 97 L.A. LAKERS 110 Utah Jazz 117 NEW YORK KNICKS 112 Denver Nuggets 106
Bowls Bowls Mid Canterbury Sub Centre Annual Charity Tournament: Monday 17th November 12.30pm start, Rakaia Bowling Club. $5 per player. Dress Code: Mufti. Players to bring a small plate of food for a shared afternoon tea. Format: Rollover Triples. Teams for the day as follows: 1. M Eder, A Sutherland, R Brownlie 2. L Spargo, S Maw, R Bennett 3. G Taylor, J Wood, L Connell 4. H Boag, R Wade, P Smith 5. L Chaney, J McQueen, M Foster 6. V Bell, G Crack, D Thomas
7. R Herriott, D King, E Surridge 8. D Gutberlet, J Scott, N Early 9. T Johnson, J Harkness, K Congdon 10. G Eder, G Kelly, W Herriott 11. M Anderson, N Smith, T McCormick 12. A Gowan, J Bell, I Blackwood 13. G Whipp, R Smitheram, G Tappin 14. R Hood, J Bruce, M White 15. I Kaye, R Diamond, H Harris 16. B Harrison, J Chivers, S Scott Match Committee Contact: Rodger Herriott phone 308-5686
Golf Tinwald Golf Club Summer Golf - Women’s Results December 11, 2012 Competition: Hidden Holes; Ina Divers 39; Shone Vucetich 42; Mara Kennedy 44; Margaret Pawsey 44 Nearest the Pins: No 6: Carol Shanks; No 12: Colleen Linney Two’s: Colleen Linney 9 Hole Competition: Putting; Rosie O’Brien 15; June Cartwright 17.
Ashburton Lady Vet Golf Results of a Bisque Par played at Rakaia in November. First on a count back Val Fleming 8 up, 2nd Mera Kennedy 8 up, 3rd Diana Wellman 7up, 4th Joyce van Der heide 5up, 5th Ina Divers 5 up. Nearest the pin 0-27 M Pawsey, 28+ M Kennedy. Twos M Kennedy, J Smith.
By Jonathan Leask Guardian sports reporter
Coach Mike Hesson is lucky that he will keep his job, no one else wants it and New Zealand Cricket can’t afford to pay him out and hire a replacementwhen they are looking at a hosting a tour against England that only the diehard fans will bother tuning into let alone turning up to at this point. Taylor, arguably our best batsman, may not want to come back with Hesson still at the helm of the rudderless ship. The captaincy change is probably the right step moving forward, unfortunately the one orchestrating the steps have two left feet. Hopefully the whole debacle serves as a giant wake up call for the controllers of the game, or the catalyst for clean out.
Ashburton Golf Club On Saturday the Super Liquor Tournament was played in conjunction with the Christmas Salvers. The Women’s Salver was won by Rhonda Gallagher with 43 pts. Once again Club Patron Bill Hetrick shot better than his age to win the Men’s Salver with 45pts (he shot 82, 2 better than his age!). Other good scores were Dennis O’Sullivan 44, PK Ngutu, Eleanor Sullivan, Brian Hawksby and Bob Grant 42pts; Ron Carlson, Jude Stara, Ross Chatterton and Bernie White 41pts; Neville Trueman 40pts; Stewart Dunlop, Clarrie Galway, Miti Daniel, Mel Trewavas and Chris Thornhill 39pts; Gordon Crawford, Adrian Hopwood and Murray Cook 38 pts on countback from 3 others. Nearest The Pins: #4 Tony Gimblett, #8 Bob Grant, #12 Don Houghton, #14 Bill Hetrick. Blue Pub (Longest Putt): Bill Hetrick, Robilliards (Nearest Pin No 18) Ross Chatterton. Twos: PK Ngutu, Tony Gimblett, Brent Clarke and Bill Hetrick. On Sunday The Pro Shop Tournament was held with the following results: Women’s Stableford Bev Chinn 40pts, Delwyn McConnochie 37, Robynne Nicol 37, Alison MacGregor 36pts. The Gross prize for women went to Pauline Bell with a score of 78. Men’s Stableford Don Houghton 43, Lucas McGee
Come in and choose your Christmas Ham and BBQ Meats
Catherine Knight playing at number two for Aorangi yesterday clutch. We knew that they wouldn’t be easy to beat but it was good to get the win. “We think we have as good a chance as anyone here to win this week and we are looking forward to the next few days.” Wellington’s Julianne Alvarez and Te Rongopai Clay finished the job with convincing wins by margins of 5 and 4 and 4 and 2 respectively. Wellington beat Northland comfortably in the end by 4-1 yesterday afternoon. Meanwhile, Waikato also managed a fine comeback. The 2011 finalists lost its first two matches against Taranaki but its leading three players Hanna Seifert,
Sarah Bradley and Charlotte Willson all came home strong to secure the 3 - 2 victory. Bay of Plenty, which has won the title 17 times, was also tested by Southland. Bay No.1 Zoe Brake, who has again returned from the Navy to play the Toro, was beaten 2 and 1 by Robyn Pullar and Grace Senior was defeated at the last by Angela Gerken. But Tyla Kingi, Susan Lines and Alanna Campbell got them home with crucial wins. The Bay and Waikato had the bye in the afternoon and will look to catch Wellington and Canterbury who finished day one the only unbeaten teams from two matches. Canterbury opened in impressive fashion yesterday morning as they dismissed Hawkes Bay 4-1. But they had to fight to overcome Taranaki 3-2 in the afternoon with standout performances coming from Sylvie Williams and Jess Guezenrodt. Round One Scores: Otago 4 Aorangi 1 Laura Hoskin bt Catherine Bell 1up, Jo Hicks- Beach bt Catherine Knight 1up, Liz McRae bt Ginny Bolderston 1up, Dale Dagg lost to Nicole Nathan 4/2, Susan Greig bt Heather Oldfield 10/8 Round Two Scores Auckland 4 1/2 Aorangi 1/2 Wenyung Keh halved with Catherine Bell, Munchin Keh bt Catherine Knight 4/3, Joanna Kim bt Ginny Bolderston 6/5, Brittney Dryland bt Nicole Nathan 4/2, Larissa Eruera bt Heather Oldfield - APNZ
Ryder racking up the runs
Next golf day will be our AGM at Tinwald, on Friday 21st December, 9am for 9.30 start, playing an Ambrose.
Jesse Ryder’s rampant summer continued for Wellington yesterday as he finished with 162 in the Firebirds’ first innings against Central Districts on day two of their Plunket Shield outing at Karori Park. Resuming in the morning on 108, Ryder didn’t let a brief ground delay due to overnight rain put him off his stride, as he continued his assault on the CD bowling attack.
The big left-hander was eventually dislodged by pace bowler Andrew Mathieson with 162 runs next to his name. His three-and-a-half hour knock included 20 fours and four sixes and overshadowed the solid century that veteran opener Michael Papps put together as the pair added 256 - a record for Wellington against CD for the third wicket. Wellington were bowled out for
403 in reply to Central’s first innings of 260. Trailing by plenty on the first dig, CD went out and produced a solid start to their second innings as openers Jamie How and Jeet Raval went about erasing the 143-run deficit. How was dismissed late in the day for 51, his 32nd first-class half century as CD closed play on 98-1, 45 runs behind. - APNZ
42, Jeff Williamson 41, George Brown 40, Rodney O’Neil 40, Brian Nuttall 39, Gerardo Eskuche 39 and Gaby Jansen 39. The Men’s Gross prize went to Josh Smith with a score of 71. Longest Drives: Women Bev Chinn; Men Paul May Nearest The Pin: Women Vicki Moore; Men Murray Kippenberger
Pigeon Racing
On Saturday 15 December the first of the Summer Stablefords and qualifying rounds for the Hydraulink Shootout will be held. Starting Time: Morning 8.00am; Afternoon Report at 11.30 for a 12 noon start Saturday Starters: Morning David Fisher; Afternoon Neil MacDonald and Gaby Jansen Results Grant Russell and Match Committee.
Tinwald Golf Club Results from December 8th The 2nd round of the summer trophies and championships were played on Saturday in ideal conditions and the course in top order after the recent rains. The Thompson Cup combined stableford was also played by mixed couples with the winning pair being Warren Scott and Barb MacGregor with a combined total of 78 points. Leading stroke round scores: 0-14; Paul Boon 67, Randall Feutz 67, Kevin Greenaway 68, Brent Smith 70 b/l.15-21; Ray Bell 65, Bryan Shanks 68, Paul Hefford 68, Ryan Ford 69 b/l.22 plus; Lindsay Jackson 65, Warren Scott 66, Wayne Ross 69, Keith Bonnington 69. Women 0-20; Joyce VanderHeide 74. 21 plus; Sally Lane 65, Pam McAndrew 72. Nearest the Pin: Tinwald Liquorland #2; Cawte Whiting. Gluyas Ford # 6; Warren Ineson. Stirling Sports # 12; Paul Hefford. Ideal Electrical Supplies # 16; Sally Lane. Two’s: Josh Smith, John Smitheram, Paul Hefford, Jeff Hewitt, Jacqui Beardsley. Net Eagle # 2 Keith Bonnington, Jacqui Beardsley.
V8 Supercars have held talks with the owner of a circuit in southern China with the intention of returning to the country. Consultant Graeme Staerk represented V8s during a recent Gold Coast City Council trade mission and met the owner of Zhuhai International Circuit to discuss the possibility of holding a V8 race at the track. V8 Supercars raced previously in China at Shanghai in 2005 and a spokesman confirmed the latest talks. - AAP
Brumbies coach Jake White says he feels like he won first prize after getting NRL coaching veteran Brian Smith to help improve his Super Rugby team’s defence. The move comes a month after the NRL blocked White’s move to bring Newcastle Knights captain Danny Buderus in to assist part-time in the offseason. “If I could obviously have a first choice I would rather take a coach,” said White yesterday. “(Smith) would have seen defence coaches come and go. He would have seen certain things that worked in defence that obviously didn’t work the next season. If I look back now the first prize is - AAP getting a coach.”
Right: David Ferrer will defend his Heineken Open title next month. Ferrer has already won seven titles this year.
Many of the big teams survived scares on day one of the Toro Women’s Interprovincial at the St Clair Golf Club in Dunedin yesterday. Wellington, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Canterbury were all made to sweat as they were put under pressure by lesser-fancied rivals in the opening rounds of the seven-round championship. Auckland and North Harbour, the finalists at Whakatane last year, made solid starts winning their only matches over Aorangi and Tasman respectively after having the bye this morning. But it was the close shaves from the other contenders that was the talking point. Wellington, who has won the title on five occasions, and came into the event as one of the favourites, were being outplayed by a determined Manawatu/Wanganui outfit in round one. Manawatu/Wanganui No 5 Kelly Nicholas and No 3 Brydie Hodge got their team on the board with wins and Stephanie Hyatt was 1up with four holes to play against her rival Lucy Davis. But the Wellington No 4 rallied and turned her match around to win the contest 1up. “I knew that I was under pressure and that my match would have a big say in whether we won or not,” said the 22-year-old from the Manor Park Golf Club. “But I stuck to my processes and even when I was four down I thought I would come back. My putting was really solid throughout the match and in those last four holes it was
• V8s talking to China
• Brumbies grab Smith
Comeback stalls again Top teams get a fright Daniel Vettori’s return to cricket has been delayed even further, with the left-arm spinner absent for Northern Districts’ HRV Cup Twenty20 match against Otago at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Friday. Vettori hasn’t played since the Twenty20 world championship in late September and had been targeting a return to the field for Northern in time to play for the Black Caps in their upcoming test matches against South Africa next month. The 33-year-old won’t take any part in the tour to the Republic and it remains to be seen when he will recover from his Achilles problem to be back on the field. Vettori’s next potential internation-
13
Ashburton Racing Pigeon Club Results – Final Race for 2012 Liberation Point: Hicks Bay; Time: 4:05:45:00; Date: 8 December 2012 Fanciers Entered: 4; Birds Released: 15 Fancier: 1st S. Davidson; Flying Time: 17:47:41; MPM 838.3350; 2nd M. Davidson 665.7733; 3rd R. Cornwall 589.4317; 4th R. Cornwall 499.0183; 5th M. Davidson 465.7133.
Draws Bowls
Methven Bowling Club The following skips have teams entered in the Stuart Gordon Open Fours to be played at the Methven Green this Sunday 16th December starting at 9am. Whites to be worn. Lunch available. R Herriott, G Taylor, R Cockburn, G Clarke, M Smallridge, B Mayson, B Holdom, M Middleton, D Gutberlet, R Smith, G Pagey, B Marsh, J Moore, M Skilling, A Hill, T Taylor. Enquiries to B Harper 3087623 or W Blackwell 3028834.
Golf Ashburton Golf Club
Tinwald Golf Club The Tinwald Golf Club draw for the Lynne Trophy (Par) to be played on Saturday will be at the clubhouse for an 8am and 12.30pm start. Players are asked to report 15 minutes prior to tee off times. Starters: am; P Roulston, pm; D Cockburn, J Moore. Cards; A Marshall.
Tennis Mid Canterbury Tennis Open Grade Draw - Saturday 15th December 2012 held at Ashburton Trust Tennis Centre A Reserve -12.15pm Allenton Gold v Hampstead Blue; Hinds/Mayfield v Tinwald; Methven White v Hampstead Gold; Methven Purple v Allenton Maroon; Hinds/Longbeach v bye A Grade - 1.30pm Allenton v Dorie; Tinwald v Hampstead; Methven v Fairton
• Sri Lankans inspired Sri Lankan superstar Kumar Sangakkara says the possibility he could be on his last trip to Australia is a massive motivator for tasting a Test match victory. The 35-year-old international cricketer of the year joins fellow old guard members Mahela Jayawardene (35), Tillakaratne Dilshan (36) and Thilan Samaraweera (36) on the Lankans’ so far elusive quest to win a five-day game in Australia in 11 attempts. They will get the first of three chances this summer at Bellerive from Friday. “When you do get older, you do look for achievements where you haven’t really tasted victory so, here and in India, (there are) Test matches still to win,” he sid yesterday. “That’s a great motivator for guys like Dilshan, Mahela, myself and Samaraweera.” - AAP
• Warne all fired up The Perth Scorchers are on guard for a fired-up Shane Warne when they take on the Melbourne Stars in tonight’s Twenty20 clash at the WACA Ground. They expect Warne to be desperate to atone for his horrible start to the Big Bash League season when he returned figures of 0-41 from just two overs in the Stars’ eight-wicket loss to the Melbourne Renegades. The 43-year-old legspin great hit the headlines in the lead up to that game when he teasingly suggested he hadn’t completely ruled out a return to Test cricket in time for next year’s Ashes. But for now, Warne is keen to get his team’s Big Bash campaign back on track, and Scorchers coach Justin Langer says his team should be wary. “There’s only one Shane Warne, isn’t there? He has been a superstar of the game,” Langer said. - AAP
• Fulham breaks drought Hugo Rodallega fired Fulham to their first win in eight matches as the Colombian ended his goal drought to seal a 2-1 victory over Newcastle at Craven Cottage yesterday. Rodallega had failed to hit the back of the net since September, but the striker finally notched only his second goal since his pre-season move from Wigan with a second-half header to kill off the Magpies. It was sweet relief for Rodallega and Fulham boss Martin Jol, whose struggling side had blown the first-half lead given to them by - AFP Steve Sidwell.
• Black Sticks unbeaten The Black Sticks women’s hockey team have retained their winning run in the series with India after a 3-1 victory in Palmerston North last night. But yet again the young New Zealand side had to come from behind to claim the win after letting the visitors go 1-0 up. The eventual win was sealed with a late goal from local Manawatu player Michaela Curtis, who scored her first international goal in only her second match for her country. Head coach Mark Hager said it was another scratchy start from the new-look team captained yesterday by Wellington’s Anita Punt. “It was pleasing to see us come through with the win but we really need to start better tomorrow and not give them a head start.” - APNZ
Extended Christmas hours from the 17th December Monday – Friday 7am-6pm|Saturday 22nd 8am-3pm|Sunday 23rd 9am-3pm Christmas Eve Monday 24th 7am-5pm
Allenton Meat Centre 94 Harrison Street, Ashburton - Ph 308-6594
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