Open Letter to the England Football Team.

[Elton]

Got to agree with Chevin - both in the rugby and the cricket, England beat Australia narrowly in very hard-fought games, played in the true spirit of sport. Respect for each other, the officials and the supporters shone through each step of the way.

 

On another day, we could easily have lost the rugby and the same applies to the cricket.

 

The Australian teams were very gracious in defeat, as were the English in victory, and it really whets the appetite for the next encounters.

 

Long live real sport.

[Westie]

No truer words have been spoken (typed). The Aussies could have won the series 3-1.

 

The only thing that niggled with me about the series were the times Ricky Ponting was booed by some idiots in the crowd when he was being interviewed by Athers - completely unnecessary and thankfully not repeated on Monday. Hardly surprising, given the relief that we'd got through the last day.

[Tog]

Dear me Chevin, not another Antipodean who can't take a ribbing?

I worked for some Aussies in the past; the ribbing I took from them year in year out is nothing in comparison to my little dig. (Obviously I had to wait until we actually won something!!)

My ‘gripe’ is with those who are paid bucket loads and provide thimblefuls of effort.

 

Regarding the yobs who did surface at a few of the Ashes matches – generally they were few in number and the crowd soon made them shut up.

How anyone could boo Warne’y is beyond me, having the chance to watch the best spinner in the history of the game is a privilege and those who did not realize it have no place at a match. We are lucky enough down here to have him for a few matches each summer (as well as KP!) and he’s treated as a god each time he appears for Hampshire.

Yes it was a very close series and certainly not the whooping many from down under predicted, I just hope the Aussie press doesn’t give their men too hard a time.

[argyll]

It was a ribbing chevin and whilst on the subject I've yet to understand how poms can be described as 'whinging' In my youthful days around Earls Court, the oz contingent were the biggest bunch of whining windbags I've ever met. Always complaining but for some reason never wanting to go home. Having said that, I agree that nobody got 'stuffed' I saw arguably the best test ever. One of the closest and well fought series I'm ever likely to see. Shane Warne may just be the best spin bowler ever to walk this earth.

 

[ 14. September 2005, 02:43 PM: Message edited by: argyll ]

[Jim Gibbinson]

I confess, I'm not a watch-sport-on-TV fan, but this latest Ashes series had me on the ede of my proverbial seat. Talent shone through both teams, as did generosity of spirit and superb sportsmanship. Crowds likewise - well behaved, appreciative and generous.

 

Interesting, too, that when players were interviewed they were articulate, and quick to share praise with other players (with the opposition, too).

 

Compare all the foregoing with football....

[northern mark]

chevin:

Doesn't Pieterson have his hair dyed?

I thought he'd leaned on some wet paint

 

It was a bl00dy good series and both teams deserved to win but there can only be one winner and I'm glad it was us

 

I think one of the memories of this series will be the true sportsmanship shown by both sides, not only to their own team mates but to the opposition as well.

[hembo]

he didnt dye his hair it was a skunk!!

[Alan Stubbs]

argyll:

It was a ribbing chevin and whilst on the subject I've yet to understand how poms can be described as 'whinging' In my youthful days around Earls Court, the oz contingent were the biggest bunch of whining windbags I've ever met. Always complaining but for some reason never wanting to go home. Having said that, I agree that nobody got 'stuffed' I saw arguably the best test ever. One of the closest and well  fought series I'm ever likely to see. Shane Warne may just be the best spin bowler ever to walk this earth.

Richie Benaud was talking about the Bodyline series and the telegram sent by the ACu to the MCC. His comment was marvellous...'The most assinine communication in sporting history' - and 'the longest whinge in sporting history'

 

But most importantly - and totally ignoring the results was the overall spirit in which the matches were played. Both sides congratulating a player on quality performances, both teams sharing jokes during the game and an over-riding feeling of genuine friendships out on the pitch between both teams. Even if Ponting and justin langer had a few expletives to share!

[Alan Stubbs]

argyll:

It was a ribbing chevin and whilst on the subject I've yet to understand how poms can be described as 'whinging' In my youthful days around Earls Court, the oz contingent were the biggest bunch of whining windbags I've ever met. Always complaining but for some reason never wanting to go home. Having said that, I agree that nobody got 'stuffed' I saw arguably the best test ever. One of the closest and well  fought series I'm ever likely to see. Shane Warne may just be the best spin bowler ever to walk this earth.

Richie Benaud was talking about the Bodyline series and the telegram sent by the ACu to the MCC. His comment was marvellous...'The most assinine communication in sporting history' - and 'the longest whinge in sporting history'

 

But most importantly - and totally ignoring the results was the overall spirit in which the matches were played. Both sides congratulating a player on quality performances, both teams sharing jokes during the game and an over-riding feeling of genuine friendships out on the pitch between both teams. Even if Ponting and Justin Langer had a few expletives to share!

 

Yeah, sport as it ought to be played.

[Vagabond]

Why is everyone posting twice on this thread :confused: :confused: