I couldn’t be any happier for Chris Walker!!

My uni work is virtually out of the way now and I have an opportunity to push on with the blog once again – and what better way to return than to congratulate Chris Walker on his Oulton Park race win in BSB last weekend.

Walker (2) battles it out in 2000 against former rival Neil Hodgson (4)

If I hadn’t already heard the result I can assure you I’d have been going absolutely mental as I watched Chris Walker take his first race victory in British Superbikes for 12 years!!!

Stalker – as he’s known to the motorcycle world – was my racing hero as a boy to the extent I still wear my ‘Stalker No.9′ cap proudly to most racing events I attend. I wish he could have been crowned champion just once after all those years he finished runner-up FOUR YEARS RUNNING!!

But to see him win this race – albeit in dodgy conditions – was a pleasure not only for myself but to the majority of the BSB world. Never one to complain and always one to give 110% no matter what he’s racing it was an absolute pleasure to watch him progress through the field, eventually to overtake ‘Shakey’ Byrne in the lead and take a deserved race win – even more so at the fact that it looked like he wouldn’t even have a ride at the start of this season.

It’s not easy – not by any means – to ride in those changing conditions and Walker made it look no problem at all. He rode near enough a flawless race as he showed the rest of the field how it’s done.

Can he keep it up?

I’m sure it’s a question many people are asking now. He’s riding a decent Kawasaki and surely Oulton Park has proved that Stalker can still compete with the best.

His desire to race has never left him. No matter what he’ll push whoever he’s racing until the end. Famous in the late ’90s for swinging the back end out around every corner he hasn’t changed as he’s grown up.

So if the bike works, there’s no reason why we couldn’t see Chris Walker back up there again this season.

He said himself the bike’s been working better than normal so far. It’s been a long time coming but for the motorcycling purist, surely seeing Chris Walker back near the top on a more regular basis would be an absolute delight!

 

Phil Taylor – Legend!

Need I say anymore?

Watching the Premier League Darts then – something I don’t often get watch not having a Sky subscription – it was clear to see just what an incredible player Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor really is.

Winner of an unrivalled 15 World Championships the man just oozes pure quality. Looking much thinner than he did a few years ago you’ve got to ask just how long he can go on for – because he doesn’t look like stopping anytime soon!

In this season’s Premier League his Leg Difference now lies on +51 after his 8-1 victory of James Wade – incredibly leaving him the only player from all eight in the competition on a positive Leg Difference – showing just how much he’s dominated this season alone.

I haven’t got a massive long bit to write about The Power. But no matter what he is – and looks set to always be – the greatest that darts has ever seen!

 

watsonspredictions – Easter weekend!

Just doing it this week for the Saturday and Sunday games:

Saturday

Bolton Wanderers v Fulham – 2-0

Bolton will probably be taking a bit of encouragement from a few decent results – particularly the big win against Wolves last week. They need another win to help their bid to stay up and I’m sure they can do it against Fulham.

Chelsea v Wigan Athletic – 2-0

It could well be more – but there’s no way Chelsea can come out of this with anything less than maximum points!

Liverpool v Aston Villa – 2-1

Pressure’s on Liverpool at the moment and I’m sure Villa will go there believing they can take something from this game. I think Liverpool will pull it out the bag in this one though – they need to anyway!

Norwich City v Everton – 1-1

Both teams have been fantastic of late. I can’t separate the two so I’ll hedge my bets on a draw.

Stoke City v Wolverhampton Wanderers – 2-0

Again – I hope to God Wolves can pull something out of this. I just want to see TC smile!!! But still I can’t see it happening. Home win.

Sunderland v Tottenham Hotspur – 1-1

Both sides are playing well. Sunderland were unlucky not to do the double on Man City last week. I’m going for a draw.

West Bromwich Albion v Blackburn Rovers – 1-2

I reckon Blackburn could do this one. West Brom haven’t been the best at home this season. Away win.

Sunday

Arsenal v Manchester City – 3-2

I think this could come close to the end of City’s title bid. You wouldn’t bet against Arsenal at the moment and City have looked dodgy away from home. Game on for Mancini’s men for sure!

Manchester United v QPR – 3-0

I can’t see any other winner than Man United in this. They’re looking good at home again and don’t see it finishing any other way than a home win.

 

Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians – Indian Premier League – Mumbai to chase 112.

While I was watching the IPL I thought I’d give this live blogging lark a go. So here is my commentary (very fitting indeed for the blog name) of Mumbai’s Innings against the reigning champions – Chennai Super Kings:

17:06 Chennai Super Kings finish the first Innings 112 All out off 19.5 overs. A tough wicket has provided a very low score. A lot of grass and the Mumbai Indians field proved very strong.

The chase is on for Mumbai when they come out for their Innings and they surely go out as favourites to win this one.

17:20 First ball of Mumbai Innings. Morkel to Levi. Dot ball.

17:21 Second dot ball. Levi taking his time.

Three in a row. Levi gets his bat to it this time. No runs from three balls.

17:22 One more.

17:23 First runs on the board. A single for Levi. Great stop from Bravo in the field to prevent any more.

17:24 A final dot ball. Tendulkar leaves it. Excellent first over from Morkel. One run conceded. 111 to go for the Indians.

17:25 Doug Bollinger to bowl second over. Levi deals with first ball nicely. FOUR RUNS! First boundary of the night for Mumbai.

17:26 Missed swing on leg side. Hits Levi’s pads. Dot ball.

Another dot ball from Bollinger. He looks intent to do some damage to the Mumbai attack. Good ball across the batsman.

17:27 FOUR RUNS. Swung across himself to the leg side. Bravo gets his hand to it but can’t stop the boundary. Four runs for Levi.

17:28 Wide ball from Bollinger down the leg side.

17:29 Another single for Levi. Nudged down his leg side.

Tendulkar leaves. Fuller ball from Bollinger. 11-0 Two overs!!

17:30 Levi on strike. Morkel bowling again. Single from a shot to square leg.

17:31 Outswinger from Morkel. Tendulkar swings and misses.

Tendulkar off the mark. FOUR RUNS! Gentle push through the covers.

17:32 Another outswinger from Morkel. Much closer to wicket. Better length. Tendulkar a little distracted from movement behind him.

17:33 Big swing from Tendulkar on his off side. SIX RUNS!!  Stretched for ball but when ends up like that it doesn’t matter.

17:34 Great response from Morkel. Lots of movement off the pitch. Tendulkar close to edging it.

17:35 Dot ball from final ball. 23-0 Three overs.

17:36 First ball form Bollinger. Levi flicks it on to leg side.  FOUR RUNS.

Swings for second ball. No distance. No runs.

17:37 Straight ball from Bollinger. Nudged for a quick single. Would’ve been close if the ball had struck the wickets for a run out.

17:38 Flicked off his legs again for a single from Tendulkar.

Levi strikes it over mid on. FOUR RUNS!! Good shot.

17:39 Short delivery. Comes off Levi. They’ll take a leg bye.

End of over. 34-0 Four overs.

17:41 Ashwin joins the bowling for a bit of spin.

First ball. Cheeky single for Levi.

17:42 Tendulkar pushes down his leg side. Avoids Square Leg. One more for the Indians.

Levi swings misses. Appeal for LBW. Not given!

17:43 Defended by Levi. Nice full length from Ashwin.

Strikes down leg side to fielder. Single earned. Tendulkar on strike.

Another shot down leg side. No run. 37-0 Five overs.

17:45 Up in the air on leg side. No one to pick it up. FOUR RUNS for Levi.

Struck down leg side over Mid On. SIX RUNS. Levi looking strong now he’s settled in.

17:46 Another two from Levi hits it straight back past the bowler.

Flicked up past the keeper. One more.

17:47 Big appeal for LBW. Once again not given.

Final ball of the over flicked off Levi’s legs for FOUR RUNS!

53-0 Six overs.

17:48 Ashwin back with the ball.

Single for first ball. Tendulkar flicks it off his legs.

17:49 Straight ball from Ashwin. Levi defends.

Well fielded from Ashwin. Levi tries playing it straight back past him.

No run again from fourth ball. Levi straight to fielder.

Levi goes for big shot and is rewarded with SIX RUNS. Over is up and running again from Mumbai.

17:50 Cheeky cut shot to point. Single run.

End of over 61-0.

52 more runs off 78 balls for Mumbai now.

17:51 Bravo steps up to bowl his first over. First ball. Dot ball. Good start.

17:52 Levi flicks it off his legs. Two more runs.

17:53 Change of pace from Bravo. Levi straight to point.

17:54 Bravo hit straight out the ground. Nothing more than a flick from Richard Levi. SIX RUNS and Levi passes the 50 mark!

Bravo with a ball outside off stump. Levi hits it straight to Deep Mid Off. LEVI IS OUT! He goes for 50. Mumbai are 69-1

17:55 Up steps Rohit Sharma.

17:56 Forced to defend first ball. Lovely straight and full ball from Bravo. That’ll end the over: 69-1

17:57 Doug Bollinger to bowl. Full toss to Tendulkar. Excellent hand in the field takes pace off ball. Just a single.

17:58 Full ball from Bollinger. Not a nice second ball for Sharma. Dot ball.

17:59 Break in play whilst Sharma recovers from being hit in a rather painful place.

18:02 Bollinger comes straight back with a wicket. SHARMA OUT FOR A DUCK! Umpire agrees there was an edge to the keeper. Little bit of bounce and it sees Mumbai on 70-2.

18:04 Ambati Rayudu off the mark straight away.

Bollinger with a shorter pitch. Tendulkar can only defend.

18:05 Straight ball. Tendulkar flicks it off his legs for a single.

Over ends. 72-2 off Nine overs. Time for a strategic time out. Mumbai need 41 runs with 66 balls to go! Still a tough ask for Chennai, surely.

18:08 Time out is over. Tendulkar appears to have picked up an injury to his finger. James Franklin will come in.

18:09 Wild swing off first ball of over. Bravo with a teasing ball down Franklins off side.

Much better second shot from Franklin. His shot beats point and he gets underway with a single.

18:10 Quick single for Mumbai. Good running between the wickets. Rayudu playing off the back foot.

18:11 Short pitch from Bravo. Franklin deals with it well for a third single in a row this over.

Nice line and length from Bravo this time. Dot ball. One more to go this over.

18:12 Single to end the over. 76-2 at the half way point. Not much difference between the two scores at the same stage! Who will go on to win it?

18:13 Left arm spin from Shadub Jakati . Mumbai will get a one from the first ball.

18:14 Very nice teasing ball from Jakati. No runs, or wickets this time though

18:15 Franklin deals with this one better. Straight through the covers and FOUR RUNS!

One more run for Franklin. Knocked on the ground to Mid Off.

18:16 Jakati around the wicket forces Mumbai into a quick single. No hesitation from runners.

Another single to finish the over. 84-2 off 11 overs! 29 more for Mumbai that’s just over three an over required!

18:17 First ball upon Morkel’s return brings just a dot ball.

18:18 As does the second.

18:19 Third ball brings a single. Franklin to the covers.

Excellent line and length and a good over from Morkel continues. Exactly what Super Kings need right now. Dot Ball.

18:20 Rayudu deals with that one. A single run. Only two runs from the over so far.

Eight wickets in hand. Time to go for it?

18:21 Ball up in the air from Franklin but it’s safe and another single.

Three runs from the over: 87-2 12 overs.

18:22 Ashwin back to bowl. Franklin plays first ball to Mid Off. Single scored.

18:23 Rayudu takes a quick single. Good running. Mumbai taking their time.

Franklin to point. No run.

18:24 Ashwin forcing Franklin to defend. Clearly no rush form Mumbai.

Quick single this time. Fielding error allows them to run back for TWO!

And one more to finish the over.

13 overs. 92-2.

18:25 What can Morkel do this over? First ball goes quickly to deep square leg. Single scored.

18:26 Morkel with another nice ball. Rayudu forced to defend. Stern effort from Super Kings to defend this low score so far!

Rayudu no messing about. Only a single return from that shot though.

18:27 Franklin goes for another quick single off a decent ball from Morkel. Indians aren’t messing about. Moving closer slowly but surely.

18:28 Another nice ball from Morkel. Rayudu with a swing and a miss!

One more single to finish the over. 96-2 off 14 overs. Only 17 runs required off 6 overs with 7 wickets in hand (Tendulkar retired)

18:29 Ashwin to bowl his final over. First ball goes for a single.

18:30 Second ball: Dot ball.

Franklin only reaches the covers. No score.

Plays it towards Deep Square Leg this time. Single for Franklin.

18:31 Rayudu to the deep covers. Another single.

Final ball of the over: Franklin will take another single. CENTURY IS UP FOR MUMBAI. 100-2 to end the over. They need 13 off 5 overs now.

Franklin and Rayudu look to be taking it slowly but no silly wickets falling. This is all they need to do.

18:32 First ball: Short and bounces from Bravo. No runs.

18:33 Franklin plays it down to third man. Only a single scored. Close to a boundary if it was 5 metres the other way.

Lovely ball from Bravo. Forces Rayudu to defend only.

18:34 Just three boundaries would win it in a game with very few boundaries!

Rayudu finds the deep field. One more for Mumbai as they edge closer and closer. They have wickets in hand they surely can’t lose this!

18:35 Franklin to face and this one skips past his off side. No run.

Final ball of the over. No it’s not it’s down the leg side for a wide!

18:36 One more from Bravo, then. Franklin will knock that for more. Bravo is 1-14.

Strategic time out; it’s 104-2 with four overs remaining.

Very few boundaries this game. If it wasn’t for Richard Levi it could easily have been a different story for Mumbai. Best show of the day from the South African.

18:39 Doug Bollinger is back. First ball will be a dot ball. Mumbai thought about running though.

18:40 Franklin goes over the top. One bounce. FOUR RUNS for Mumbai. They need five to win!

Bollinger replies with a dot ball.

18:41 Bollinger leaves hanging on the off side. Franklin will take a single.

Rayudu plays it up in there. Chennai can’t catch it GOES FOR SIX. And that is what wins it for Mumbai. Excellent shot from Rayudu behind the keeper and Mumbai take the first points of the tournament.

Mumbai will be delighted. They batted and bowled well. Nothing flash with that bat but they knew they didn’t need to be. The fielding was exceptional – very few mistakes. Very efficient performance in what wasn’t the greatest match ever to kick-off this seasons IPL!

 

Can anyone catch Carlos?

As Round 2 of the World Superbikes comes to an end, last season’s Champion Carlos Checa will be feeling rather satisfied after taking a double win and moving to the top of the WSB table.

The Spaniard has looked exceptional over the first two rounds – and if it weren’t for a high-side in race one at Phillip Island would surely be sitting top of the table with maximum points. As it is, he’s now four points in front of 2010 World Champion Max Biaggi. But can anyone keep up with the veteran Spaniard this season?

Despite Tom Sykes showing impressive speed in qualifying – and showing a good race pace in both races at Imola – for me there’s only one person who can bring the fight to Checa right now – and that’s Biaggi. His Aprilia looks rapid as always and the veteran Italian knows what it takes to win. Despite failing to finish within 3 seconds of Checa at Imola there’s no doubting Biaggi will be a force to be reckoned with this season.

That said – when his team-mate – Eugene Laverty – returns to full fitness the young Irishman will surely be contending for race wins as well. He proved last year on the Yamaha he was strong and his Aprilia is a package that can win races.

But if these riders are so strong why do I think they can’t finish above Checa?

For starters Checa has shown in both of the first two rounds that he can look after his tyres. This will be extremely important as it means he will be able to ride at his best throughout the race. We saw at Imola that once Sykes’s tyres started to go Checa was able to reel him in and as a result effectively won himself an extra ten points by taking top stop on the podium.

Of course – you still need the speed however much you keep your tyres and there will be races where Checa can’t keep up. But for most part if you can look after your tyres and use them effectively throughout the race you’re going to pick up better results – and Checa can do that!

The second is due to his experience. As good and talented as the young riders may be there’s always an opportunity for a bit of hot-headedness. You won’t see that with Carlos. He’s experienced enough to know when to take a second place rather than going all out for a win.

But that’s not to say he won’t go for it! It was clear to see this weekend that he was going for maximum points – he showed in Race 2 that he’s not afraid to stick his neck out and pull off some excellent passes.

The final reason has to be because of the package he’s riding. Ducati are the most successful manufacturer ever in WSB – and despite it no longer being run by the Ducati factory – this bike is tried and tested. It was the championship winning ride last year and it proved as reliable as any other manufacturer. If Checa’s bike works until the end of every race you can guarantee he won’t be dropping many points.

So – from where I’m sitting – the challenge has been laid down for every other rider in the WSB paddock this season: Beat Carlos Checa or settle for another unsuccessful championship challenge! I look forward to seeing who can take it up – starting at Assen in a few weeks times (which I will be at!!!).

 

Sinnott maintains Alty are focussed & Stones still confident for play-offs

Here’s another couple of articles from me from The Non-League Paper:

First here is one about Lee Sinnott and his belief in his Altrincham side:

http://www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com/article.asp?aid=14152&iid=287&sud=1891

And another about Wealdstone’s confidence despite the huge loss of their keeper Jonathan North.

http://www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com/article.asp?aid=14151&iid=287&sud=425

 

Ramshaw positive despite Eastwood relegation

Apologies for lack of content this week but I was working for The Non-League Paper. Here’s a taste of what I did with a piece I did that didn’t make into the paper about Eastwood Town:

IT’S AMAZING how much difference a year in football can make. For Eastwood Town it’s a year the club will soon want to forget.

This time last season the club were coming close to completing a 19 game unbeaten run before missing out on the playoffs because their ground wasn’t of sufficient quality.

Cue the summer; and the sale of the club for just £1 and the exit of manager Paul Cox to Mansfield saw the Badgers fortune take a dramatic turn for the worst. Just four wins in the league from a possible 36 this term meant Saturday’s 2-0 loss at Gainsborough Trinity confirmed Eastwood as the first Conference club to suffer relegation this season.

Despite the apparent doom-and-gloom current manager John Ramshaw insists the Nottinghamshire outfit is still a positive place to be.

He said: “We’ve got to be optimistic for the new season. We’ve essentially been working with an Evo-Stik Division One budget this term, but we’ve achieved our first goal which was to keep the club alive. We’ll see this season out with as much dignity as possible and then rebuild in the summer.

“We have a very young side and they’ve probably just been exposed to this level too early, but they’re good footballers and they’ll come out of it stronger.”

It’s not just Ramshaw’s players who’ve been learning this season either. He said: “It’s been a difficult season and I’ve learned a lot. It’s the first relegation I’ve experienced in 25 years of management but it’s been educational.

“You’ll see a renewed optimism from me next season and I’ll be looking to move the club upwards again.”

 

watsonspredictions – 24.03.2012 – 26.03.2012

Firstly, the lack of recent content has been due to my life being run by my Dissertation. Hopefully content will pick up on here again soon. But for now, here’s some predictions:

Saturday

Arsenal v Aston Villa – 1-1

Arsenal are flying at the moment but from what I remember Villa always seem to do okay at the Emirates. I don’t think they’ll win it but I can see them taking a sneaky point away from North London.

Bolton Wanderers v Blackburn Rovers – 2-1

Big game for Bolton with the whole Fabrice Muamba incident taking over their week. I would be surprised if any players pull out of the squad and surely they’ll be giving 200% each to earn a vital derby victory for the central midfielder.

Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur – 1-2

This game is huge. I said to someone the other week that if Chelsea win this one they’ll finish above Spurs in the league. I think that the midweek loss to Man City will have winded them a little though, and Spurs will come out all guns blazing after a poor month. 2-1 Spurs.

Liverpool v Wigan Athletic – 2-0

Wigan played well against West Brom last week but if they get anything out of this I’ll be shocked. That said; Liverpool have dropped points to a few lower table sides at home this season, surely they won’t let it happen again!

Norwich City v Wolverhampton Wanderers – 2-0

As much as I’d love to predict a Wolves win I can’t see myself doing it for the rest of the season. Norwich have been quality at home as well and I can see them causing some damage against what appears to be a non-existent Wolves backline.

Stoke City v Manchester City – 2-2

Man City have looked a little dodgy away from home recently and Stoke isn’t an easy place to go. It will be a tough game for both sides and I can see them cancelling each other out. That or either one will put away a late winner!

Sunderland v QPR – 2-0

QPR had a massive confidence boosting win against Liverpool in midweek. That said, I still think Sunderland will win.

Swansea City v Everton – 1-2

Everton have been a bit of a dark horse this season and I can see them getting something out of a place where many teams have struggled.

Sunday

West Bromwich Albion v Newcastle – 2-1

West Brom beat Newcastle at St. James’s and I’ve got a feeling they might do the double over Newcastle this season.

Monday

Manchester United v Fulham – 3-0

Fulham always struggle against Man United – and United seem to have a fire in their belly which I think will keep up their current winning form for a while. Comfortable home win.

 

watsonspredictions – 17.03.2012-19.03.2012

Premier League

Saturday

Fulham v Swansea City – 2-1

Swansea will surely still be on a high from a fantastic victory over Manchester City last week. Fulham aren’t doing too badly themselves though, and despite a blip in form at Aston Villa last week I think they’ll overcome a good Swansea side.

Wigan Athletic v West Bromwich Albion – 0-2

I’ve got to agree with Robbie Savage that Wigan look awful. Not often I’ll back the Albion to win but I think Roy Hodgson’s side will be too much for Wigan. And, dare I say it, I think Albion are looking a decent side at the moment. Away from home they’ve been terrific as well.

Sunday

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester United – 0-3

They struggled against Blackburn at home so surely Man United will be too much, especially having point to prove after another disappointing European outing. Furthermore they want to maintain that lead at the top. Wolves could possibly take something from it if they learn how to form a back line or show any sort of structure at all. I’m not hedging my bets though.

Newcastle United v Norwich City – 2-1

Two sides who have had very good seasons. I think Norwich will put Newcastle through their paces but the home side will come out on top.

FA Cup Sixth Round

Saturday

Everton v Sunderland – 2-2

This will be a close one. Despite Everton’s big loss to their arch rivals in midweek I think they’ll come out stronger this time. I’m expecting an open game, it could go either way but I’m backing a replay.

Tottenham Hotspur v Bolton Wanderers – 2-0

Spurs haven’t had it easy the last few weeks. I’m sure Harry will have his boys ready and raring to go to do the business in a competition I’m sure he believes they can win.

Sunday

Chelsea v Leicester City – 2-0

Roberto Di Matteo is undefeated since he’s been in charge and I don’t see that changing. Leicester haven’t had the season they expected and I can’t see them reaching an FA Cup semi-final either.

Liverpool v Stoke City – 2-0

I’m liking the 2-0s in the FA Cup this week. I’d be surprised if there are three 2-0 results but again I think the home side will be the victor in this one. Liverpool have looked good since their League Cup win and I can see that continuing this weekend. Stoke will desperate for a third trip to Wembley in two years (N.B I’m not a fan of the semi-finals being held there) and they will give an honest account of themselves I’m sure.

 

Can Marquez ever achieve his full potential?

It’s a question I’m sure a lot of people have been asking since Marc Marquez came off in Free Practice 1 at Sepang last year when a brief rain shower left turn 10 wet causing Marquez – and three other riders including Britain’s Bradley Smith – to come off.

He was forced to miss the final two races as result – denying him the chance to challenge Stefan Bradl for the Moto 2 title – and was left with double vision which he eventually needed surgery for.

But now he’s back and testing again – albeit two tests behind everyone else – but he’s back! So soon we shall see just how much that injury to his eye has affected him.

He was – like in 125s in 2010 – the man to beat in Moto 2 last year. After a slow start – again like in 2010 – he was unstoppable: Other than a crash at Silverstone he finished in the top two of every race since he won in Le Mans (Round 4) until he finished third at Phillip Island (Round 15). He closed a gap of 82 points in Round 6 down to leading by one point after Round 14 in Japan before Bradl retook the lead by three points at Phillip Island.

The Moto GP world was preparing for the final two races with bated breath. Would Marquez be able to succeed in one of the most epic championship wins ever? The answer was no – but for the wrong reasons.

So this year begs the question: Will Marquez come back to be the champion we expect him to become and complete an illustrious career in the Premier class of Moto GP, or will the tiniest of Malaysian rain showers and the marshals lack of signal not only have ruined Marquez’s 2011 campaign but also his entire career?