INTERESTING that so much of the sporting news was taken up reporting on injuries. Watching the game where Steve Smith injured his elbow, you could see he had a bit of trouble but it should never have been a thing that would stop him batting, yet it’s the main sporting story.
Then there was Jannik Sinner’s problem with the heat in the Australian Open. It was suggested this could help Alex de Minaur in their match but Sinner had no problems.
THE K’gari Island dingo attacks – K’gari Island Tourism suggested tourists carry a “Dingo Stick”. Huh? Could be anything from a cricket stump to a walking stick. Clearly, the fact that you use it on a dingo gives it is name and I bet that’s not on the brochure. How do you use the stick … No suggestions were made.
THE Aussies dropped Sam Konstas for the first Test and brought in Josh Inglis to bat at five and moved Travis Head to open.
As the opening slot has been the more difficult spot to fill with someone of competence, wouldn’t it be better to leave Konstas in and leave Head at No.5? Maybe they want to see if Head can bat forever and make gigantic scores? Head did well making 50-odd off very few balls, but what happens when they play back in Australia? They want to play Konstas, but if they drop Head back to five then Inglis misses out after making a 100 on debut. The selectors continue to make a rod for their own back.
Konstas’s inexperience has worked against him, but how can he get experience if they don’t play him?
Steve Smith said the surfaces in Sri Lanka are different – Konstas may be the best ever in these conditions, and hopefully we’ll find out in the second test.
Although I must mention that one local cricket legend from over Koondrook way thinks that Konstas has an ego bigger than Victoria’s debt and it won’t hurt him to be deflated.
SOMEONE had a crack at Kurl for suggesting January 31 for Australia Day – and fair enough. That date was selected only to indicate that any date would do.
Still the usual protesters in the major cities, but nothing like that in the local area, with the Australia Day breakfasts well supported.
THERE has been a bit of support shown for the ‘formerly’ proposed Kerang-Koondrook Rail Trail. Seems that there are many people opposing the Shire’s decision to cancel the development of the Rail Trail.
Pretty sure that some of the reasons used by the Shire to reject the proposal could be overcome if they only looked into it a bit more.
The Ramsar site has the old railway line going through it – use that, and the trail would be an excellent way to save the protected grasses rather than destroy them. Wouldn’t it be great if this decision could be revisited – or do I mean revised.
One local legend has done quite a bit of research on Rail Trails throughout Victoria and found that most are constructed of gravel.
Gravel all the way to Koondrook and back (as that is the challenge) would be perfect.
BLOOMIN’ heck. AFL season starts in four weeks. First round is played on March 6. But it won’t be titled the first round. Again, they are starting with the “Opening Round” then the second round being called Round 1.
Four games in the Opening round with 10 teams having a bye.
JOHNNY Hirst’s daughter Mia, who is only 11, has been playing in the U14 National Basketball Championships for the Victoria Under-13 Development Squad. They have defeated New Zealand, Tazzie and South Australia.
On Australia Day in Bendigo, the Swan Hill Flyers were playing and Mia had the ball with two seconds to go and threw a buzzer beater from ¾ court. Bit of talent maybe.
She will most likely fire up again for the Victorian State under age footy as a top ager this year. All the best Mia.
While speaking of that, I think that this year may be 40 years since her grandpa Jim Hirst captained the Wandella A Grade cricketers to a premiership.
I MADE a big blue last week and mentioned that Peter O’Brien was doing some work.
I received a message from Pete saying “Good on ya, I’m telling everyone I’m retired now and you blab in the Komment that I’m working. Guess you’re just going to have to come and help me do some real work now.” Sorry Pete, can’t do that.
So to all Komment readers, Peter O’Brien is not working. He is most likely fishing.
