Why we need another national sport
Tuesday, 16 October 2007
The shambles that is the All Blacks’ habitual efforts to bungle rugby world cups, that’s why.
Every four years the same cycle, the same hype and the same two labels – favourites and chokers, or more fitting, favourite chokers.
While the All Blacks have scampered home to sit on the naughty step, Kiwi’s around the globe are again embracing themselves for constant ridicule and another four years pondering ‘what if?’
So as the ritual changing of the guard happens – let’s not forget the player’s role in this failure – the question should be asked. Do we need a new national sport?
Here’s one suggestion, the competitive world of lawn bowls. Forget taking players out for ‘conditioning’ – not your hair All Blacks, lawn bowls requires a steady hand, a will to win and freshly pressed white uniform – sweat bands optional.
What more could you want? This sport has all the excitement and skill of any rugby test match.
I’m not saying that bowls is the answer or that we should turn our back completely on rugby, I just wonder if we should be continually dedicating as much national attention and support to a team that has failed to emerge from the shadow of our 1987 glory. The All Blacks should have to earn our attention by winning when it counts!
posted by Tim @ 11:27 am,
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Don't dream it's over
Friday, 7 September 2007
After dispatching team after team throughout the season, finals finally came around, providing the custard squares (Hot Custard fame) with two very close games.
In the semi, Marmighty – the old foe. The game was a hard fought battle sending both teams into extra time as there was a two all draw at full time. In accordance with the rules, a drop off situation applied, with golden point to decide who progressed to the final.
The custards D held strong and their attack was full of passion. They were not losing this game! The custards had enough gas in the tank to edge over the line securing their place in the finals – amongst rumours of a mis ‘touch’ call, but the ref played on.
Deservedly in the final, the custards need to once again rise to the challenge and muster all their energy to take on speed and skill of
With the light dimming, and on the back of two successive games, the custards season was about to turn to, well, custard.
Grand Masters went on to claim the fame and glory that comes with victory.
The season is not quite over for everyone. Teams have been assembled to head to Aberdeen on September 16th to compete in a tournament. So before he can hang up his boots, duty calls once more for young Timmy – I’ll keep you posted.
posted by Tim @ 4:35 pm,
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