The Coodabeen Champions Competition
Round Seventeen:
" I never complain about umpires; but in the Third Quarter, Ricky Barham had the ball and... "
This week we ask you to recall, relive even, a great, game turning interpretation of the rules which you have witnessed.
From:
Craig Coombes
Hi Guys
This weeks bad umpiring decisions
I used to coach in Newcastle, NSW in 1992-93. Whilst coaching Cardiff the umpire in charge wasRay Dineen, formerly of Geelong and Head news reader on NBN Nightly News was officiating as he had done for many years, he is and was supposed to be the number 1 umpire in town! We were leading agame at 3/4 time and the opposition were to kick with the howling wind, my instructions were to bottle up the game at every chance, force ball ups, throw ins etc..we were doing a stirling job and holding on to our slender lead, when he simply lost the plot. After several packs that forced him to make ball ups, he stopped the game, yelled at all the players that this was called football for a reason, kick it...and he did, from where the pack was on the boundary line, he booted it staright to their centre half foward zone, blew his whistle and called play on, where they did , scooped it up and slammed it through for a goal, which gave them the lead with 2 mins to go, needless to say , they won the next centre clearance, kicked another and hung onto win the game, which was our only loss for the season!! We of course protested vigoursly after the game in regard to his actions, which were dismissed by the league due to lack of any video evidence ( no games in Newcastle were ever videoed anyway)!!
Craig Coombes
From:
Judy Hammer
BACK IN THE EARLY 1960'S, AN INEXPERIENCED NOVICE UMPY WAS PUT IN CHARGE OF A COUNTRY SECONDS GAME.
THE HOME TEAM RAN OUT ONTO THE GROUND AT EXACTLY 12 NOONREADY TO START, BUT THE VISITORS WERE STILL IN THEIR ROOM. THE UMPY BLEW THE WHISTLE, RAN OUT AND KNOCKED ON THE DRESSING ROOM DOOR, RETURNED TO THE CENTRE CIRCLE , ALAS STILL NO APPEARANCE OF THE VISITORS.
THE WILY CAPTAIN OF THE HOME SIDE APPROACHED THE NAIVE, NEW MAN IN WHITE SAYING, "WELL UMP, YOU'VE CERTAINLY GIVEN THEM A FAIR CHANCE, YOU KNOW THE RULES, THE MATCH MUST START AT 12 NOON, YOU HAD BETTER BOUNCE THE BALL, THAT WILL SMARTEN THEM UP."
UMPY DUTIFULLY BOUNCED THE BALL. THE UNOPPOSED RUCKMAN TAPPED NEATLY TO HIS WAITING ROVER WHO DASHED SWIFTLY TO THE FORWARD LINE AND WITH A PRECISE STAB PASS, HIT THE LEADING FULL FORWARD RIGHT IN THE GUTS. HE TURNED AND PUT THROUGH A SIX POINTER.
BACK THE BALL WENT TO THE CENTRE, BANG WENT THE BOUNCE, UNOPPOSED RUCKMAN DEFTLY FOUND HIS MARK AGAIN AND THE NIFTY ROVER RACED FORWARD AGAIN AND INCLUDED AN UNOPPOSED BLIND TURN JUST FOR PRACTICE. THE ELATED, STILL UNOPPOSED FULL FORWARD, BRIMMING WITH CONFIDENCE DECIDED TO PRACTISE AN UNOPPOSED, OVER THE SHOULDER SNAP - BAD LUCK ,HIS UNOPPOSED SHOWING OFF, RESULTED IN A BEHIND.
THE UMPY TURNED TO THE CAPTAIN OF THE ONLY SIDE ON THE FIELD AND ASKED, "WHAT HAPPENS NOW?'". "WELL, IT WOULDN'T BE FAIR IF WE KICKED IT IN TO OURSELVES, YOU'D BETTER DO IT UMP.', THE CAPTAIN SPORTINGLY REPLIED.
THE UMPY OBLIGINGLY KICKED THE BALL BACK INTO PLAY AND WAS KICKED OFF THE PANEL THE FOLLOWING WEEK.
VERIFICATION OF THIS STORY- I CANNOT RECALL THE NAMES OF THE TEAMS INVOLVED NOR THE EXACT YEAR , BUT
IT WAS OFTEN QUOTED TO UMPIRES APPOINTMENT NIGHTS IN THE MID SIXTIES AS AN EXAMPLE OF HOW UMPIRES MUST RETAIN CONTROL OF THE GAME.
THE LIKES OF DON JOLLY, PETER SLEETH, FROGGY THOMPSON AND CO WOULD AUTHENTICATE THIS INCIDENT.
NAME OF SENDER: - JACK WILLIAM
From: Paul Lucas
WORST EVER UMPIRE DECISION
Dear Coodabeens,
I've been in the fashion biz for 20 years. Believe me darling, I've worked with Trent and Calvin so I have to say that the worst decision the umpires ever made was to change their uniform.
My God, that 60's look was fantastic, the all white and the black socks was so retro. It shouted out "look at me, look at me, I am umpire, hear me roar".
But shat in the name of Lillian Frank are they doing with that new outfit. I see the sash and I think "Easter Parade" and Judy Garland (God bless her soul). Hello out there, didn't anybody see Babs in "Hello Dolly" now that's chic. And those socks, did one of the public schools have a summer stock take sale?
Memo to Wayne Jackson - they're running around out there blowing their whistles harder than Peter Allen in the "I go to Rio" film clip. Darling lets have some glamour for Gods sake.
Lets start with the shirt. How about a midriff tie off to show some abs or something off the shoulder. Nothing Madonna-ish, they're umpires not hookers. God I'm a bitch.
And those pants. My nanna wears those but she calls them lingerie. Wayne, they need something figure hugging but cut them high at the hip for extra leg length. We all want legs like Rhonda Birchmore, but frankly darling, at the moment they look like Carmen Lawrence.
When the umpires make a decision, I want the players to feel like they're getting a glimpse into the umpires heart, but at the same time I want them feeling that there's something intangible, deep in the umpire's soul that remains alluringly out of reach.
I want passion yet aloofness, I want sensuality yet chastity. My God, I want 3 Ingrid Bergmann's running around out there calling the shots.
Ciao Bella
From: Cheryl Harvey
Dear Simon,
I think my wife has had too much recognition so I have decided to add my 2 cents worth for a change!
The worst umpiring decision was in 1988 in the Jika Cricket Assoc. with my team Preston Druids versus Oakhill Clelands. Druids had only one premier batsman, me! i was also their captain and coach so if I didn't make runs as an opener we invariably fell apart!
I faced up to the opening bowler and first bal of the innings was a big in swinger which thundered in to my pads. I turned my back on the raucous 'HOWZAT!' as it obviously was going down leg, I turned around to see the umpires finger in the air. What came forth from my mouth is unrepeatable but as I passed the ump I asked why? He said in his opinion the ball had pitched outside off but he thought it would have hit middle and leg!!!!!!
I replied that I hoped none of his children ever inherited umpiring stupdity! This umpire's name.......Ron Goldspink! Yes you got it, the father of Darren Goldspink. Which I think just goes to prove that the apple does not fall far from the tree and that umpiring stupidity is definately an inherited trait!!!!
Mick Harvey
From:
vsa
Hi all
Congratulations on the ratings.
As a bitter and twisted Richmond supporter (who is thinking of changing his name to Hoysted or McArther) I would like to say that the greatest criminal activity perpetrated by the AFL is the naming of Darren Goldspink to umpire any Richmond game!
And now a ditty to the tune of the Richmond theme song
Oh we're from tigerland
Regards
From:
Matthew Laing
Hi Coodabeens,
In the wet at Melb ourne Uni a couple of years ago, the Yarra Valley old Boys took on Uni Blacks. Trailing all day by a couple of kicks in a low scoring game, a Blacks player took a grab 30 out in front early in the last quarter. At this point I must add that in the amatuers these daysthe introduction of quite a few female umpires has been a free thinking, forward, positve, progessive thing for our game. Infact that day we had a female umpire. So, while standing on the mark as the female umpire marked the spot and the other player was lining up the shotI, ...errr I mean a certain Yarra player who shall remain nameless, asked the umpire if she wanted to go out for a drink or maybe even dinner sometime.In what I think is a fairly free thinking, progressive move. It was to be a decision that has influenced more than justthat game. Over the last season or so, every time that player looks like doing anything near the football the whistle blows and he is pinged time and time again when she is officiating. I'm sure it's lovey dovey thing deep down, alittle bit like in the school yard where if you liked a girl you kicked her or pinched her. Perhaps Tony could give some advice in relation to Helen.
Matty Laing
Yarra Valley Old Boys
From:
mikeorlill
Love listening to you while working in our deli in Tatura (near Shepparton) on Sat mornings. Even if we are busy i try to make cappuccinos & lattes as often as possible because it's near the radio.
I feel like a virgin as this isthe first time that i have taken the time to contribute to the programme. Hope you can use it.
A couple of weeks ago there was a game between Nagambie & Stanhope in the Kyabram & District League.
Stanhope were the underdogs but lead valiantly all day against all odds and heading for a fairytale finish. There were only seconds to go in the game and Stanhope were leading by 3 points. A "DUBIOUS" free kick was awarded to a Nagambie player some 70 metres from goal & right in front ofthe Stanhope interchange & coachs' dugout. TheStanhope INTERCHANGE players went RIGHT OFF, giving the ump a real earfull. The umpire awards a 50 metre penalty "AGAINST THE PLAYER ON THE BENCH" just as the final siren sounds putting the Nagambie player some 15 - 20 metres out "DEAD IN FRONT" and kicks the goal.
NOT QUITE THE FAIRYTALE END
Regards
Mike & Lena Villani
Date: Mon, 22 Jul 2002 21:39:15 +1000
Hi guys, this is my first entry although I listen often. Just getting used to
all this new technology actually.
I never complained about umpires until midway through the final quarter of the
1997 Preliminary Final, when that blind goal umpire at the railway end of the
MCG, was the only one that didn't see the ball go through the goals after it
left Tony Liberatore's foot. Even the Crows supporters behind the goals knew
it was a goal, as they sat there with heads in hands.
The fact that this cost a Grand Final appearance, let alone the Premiership was
one huge mistake.
The other, to a much lesser degree, was Round 15, 2002, Hawks v Dogs at
Colonial. Again, the final quarter, when Kingsley Hunter was picked up, and
thrown to the ground before the ball was even inside the 50, yet not given the
free. As he was in the goal square at the time, I have no doubt he would have
slotted the major, which would have swung the momentum back the Doggies way.
Another finals campaign thwarted.
Go Dogs,
From: Fry Michael
There will no doubt be many examples given relating to injustices that occur
in every match in every round of every year the game has been played, going
right back to when the game was umpired, in consensus mode, by the two
opposing captains.
My view in this topic is somewhat more global and conspiratorial however.
Remember the story of how the kingdom was lost for want of a nail. Like
most things in life, the end result is never what was envisioned at the
beginning - like when the wife asks you to hang a picture - five years and a
second floor extension later...
In the good old days (1970) all was well with football. Twelve local teams,
six matches on a Saturday afternoon (between 2pm and 5pm). The pink
Sporting Globe (not the Pink Magpies!) available from the local newsagents
from 7pm with all the match and race day results. The 1970 Grand Final is
won by Carlton (allright, not everything was perfect!) who defeated
Collingwood (see, it gets better) in front of 121,696 genuine FOOTBALL
FOLLOWERS. Legend has it that even some of the competing clubs supporters
were able to get a ticket!!!
So where did the trouble begin I hear you ask? Expedience, envy,
opportunism and greed. The new four horsemen of the apocalypse, that's
where.
To overcome a potential 'restraint of trade issue' the VFL introduced the
"ten-year rule" [Expedience]: This is the single greatest, game turning
rule, the ember which has subsequently comsumed football as we knew it.
The AAA's saw the chance to finally get the ultimate success and stick it up
the powerhouse clubs [Envy].
The AAA's recruited heavily and won premierships in 1975 and 1977
[Opportunism], but at what cost?
Player contract demands grew. The new age of professionalism was born.
Players Managers came of age [greed]. Clubs made ever increasing demands on
players time and in turn forced to enter contracts and pay players through
the nose, under the table and everywhere else for the matter. Interstate
clubs were brought in, subject to a hefty licence fee in order to prop up
over-committed clubs. The newer ones even have the temerity to win
premierships. I mean to say, at least the Sydney Swans know how the story
was supposed to finish. Out in straight sets come finals time.
Now we have the draft to control player payments, a new broadcaster has paid
mega-dollars to stitch-up ratings. The average theatre-goer has to pay
clubs and/or the AFL an arm and a leg and a mortgage on their first born in
order to take the family to the footy, which can be held day or night, seven
days a week, and what for, 'Good Ratings' thats what. And do you get the
chance to see your team compete in the Grand Final when they eventually make
it. Buckleys & Nunn (Maybe we should call it Daimaru's chance now).
Just as well Jacko keeps telling us that 'Football' has never been in better
shape.
Prediction: 2010 Grand Final: Northern Territory Bombers def. Tassie Blues.
The match is being streamed live from Bangladesh (cheaper production and
streaming costs) on your AFL/AOL/Budweisser official 'plasma screen and
mini-bar'. Toss of the Coin: 4.30pm Saturday in Bangladesh - (4 hours
behind Melbourne).
The ten-year rule has a lot to answer for.
Michael Fry
From: "Mcrae, Peter"
Dear Coodabeens (Just in case someone different is running the comp this
week)
Apparently the winner of this competition is chosen by means not
readily recognisable to the casual listener, but here's mine anyway.
I recall (but would prefer to never relive) the 1990 Granny,
Everything was going to plan, Dons in front, Sammo had kicked a couple, and
we even looked like winning the fight. But then the central umpire made a
decision that not only changed the course of the game, but ended a
thirty-two year hiatus from the eternal arrogance of the black and white
army. HE BOUNCED THE BLOODY BALL TO START THE SECOND QUARTER.
Regards
From:
Brunswick Pianos
I never complain about umpiring decisions but in the third quarter of the 1973 Grand Final between Richmond and Carlton, Richmond half forward flanker, Stephen Rae, flew over Royce Hart and Bruce Doull to take possibly the mark of the year.
Unfortunately umpire Ian Robinson must have been on the wrong side of the pack and called for a "ball up", much to Stephen 's devastation. The replay of this clearly shows a mark.
How do I know this? BECAUSE HE'S NEVER SHUT ABOUT IT SINCE.
Yours sincerely
Morag Campbell,( S.Rae's long suffering wife of 22 years.)
From: John Ogge
Love the show, especially Simon. Cricket's not off-brief, is it? Can
possibly be edited, but necessarily a longish story.
GAME-CHANGING RULE INTERPRETATIONS
It was the summer of 1996-97. Glen Iris Uniting Cricket Club 5ths ("us")
were playing historic rivals Boronia Churches ("them"), and the first day's
play had progressed without incident until the fourth ball of the first
over.
The Glen Iris opening bowler pounded the Kookaburra into his own half of the
pitch (to see if he still could), just in front of the 4-foot no-ball zone
betwixt the two mats. Boronia's opening batsman, sensing danger, quickly
raised his hands, containing gloves and bat, to a defensive position between
the approaching ball and his helmeted head.
Then, as only a batsman in D2 Grade would or could, he apparently had second
thoughts about his shot selection. He reckoned that his eye was in early and
he might help the ball on its way out of the park. As he speedily adapted
his awkward backward defensive into an interesting blend of cut, hook and
leg-glance, not much happened insofar as the ball heading to the boundary
was concerned.
The Glen Iris fieldsmen, however, noticed a distinct sound as the ball shot
past his entangled upper body region. We confidently supposed the noise to
be that of leather on bat, and leapt as one in anticipation of a catch at
the wicket. The 'keeper, who as 'keepers do had started appealing before
the ball got to him, recovered quickly from the surprise of finding it
safely in his gloves and rejoined the chorus. (The 'keeper was, and still
is, known affectionately as "Grassy Noel").
This was good enough for the opening bat, who did not wait for a decision
from the umpire at the bowler's end but sportingly departed his crease,
trudging off via the mid-wicket area. Grassy Noel, who was anxiously waiting
on the umpire's raised finger, quickly ran to the stumps and, as a back-up
coup de grace, knocked the bails off with ball-in-glove.
Without warning, pandemonium broke loose at Anderson Park, Hawthorn East
(Melway 59 G3).
The Vanquished Bat ("VB"), who was now about twenty-five yards from the
wicket, looked over to the umpire at the bowler's end (stumpire?), who was
grimly shaking his head in the way that umpires indicate "I'm not totally
convinced that was out". The VB turned 180 degrees and sped back to the
crease; back to his splayed and de-bailed wicket.
The confused fieldsmen were by now asking the bowler's end umpire what was
going on. He replied that he was not sure that the VB had hit the ball, so
the caught-behind appeal was not upheld. Our attention now turned to
square-leg. Clearly, we asked the gentleman officiating there, if the
batsman was not out caught-behind, he had subsequently been stumped (Law 39)
by the panther-like Grassy Noel?
Now, you will recall the Dean Jones incident in the West Indies where Jones
walked when caught off a no-ball because he hadn't heard the call. A West
Indian then threw down the striker's wicket and appealed. The Test umpire
correctly ruled "not out" as Jones had left his crease under a
misapprehension that he was out (Law 27.5).
The square-leg umpire also evidently recalled the Jones' incident, if not
the exact details.
"Not out," he boomed to a startled band of sportsmen. "MISAPPREHENSION".
As captain of the fine body of men representing Glen Iris, I respectfully
asked the umpire if there was not a factor in our favour in that the VB had
actually walked and was therefore not under a misapprehension at all. I was
unsuccessful, the batsman was no longer vanquished and he resumed his
innings. (Notwithstanding that he had walked).
I have, with good grace, deliberately omitted the fact that the umpires
were, of course, members of the batting side.
From
In closing, might I add this:
They have always known who they are, and known that we know they know who
they are.
From: stuart mcarthur
Dear Simon,
re: umpy turning points
If Laurie Oaks had kept his big trap SHUT, innocent Australians wouldn't have been subjected to Cheryl-Gareth stories before going to bed, we wouldn't have subconsciously joined the dots to flesh out missing details in our sleep, we wouldn't have woken in horror from the resulting nightmares, and we would've gotten enough REM sleep to avoid the level of blurred vision that caused umpire Goldspink to blow the whistle on Matty Richardson's LEGITIMATE TACKLE!!!!!
Stuart McArthur
From: Greg & Sue Hoysted
Dear Simon,
There is only one really significant umpiring error in the history of
sport. It occured in Brisbane at the "Gabba" in November 1947 when Don
Bradman, having scratched around like an old chook for the worst 28 runs
of his career, was caught AT SECOND SLIP and given not out by the
Australian umpire. He went on to make 187.
Many good judges say that Bradman had played so badly until then that he
would have retired from cricket immediately if given out. Instead he
gained confidence and went on to complete the legendary "Invincibles"
tour of 1948. We are still paying for that umpiring decision every time
Steve Waugh talks about what it means to play for Australia.
Greg (and confirmed cricket widow) Sue Hoysted
From: shag@alphalink.com.au
Confession time...
I am a field umpire. I umpire in a lower grade of the Amateurs as a
club-supplied reserve grade umpire (ie. I umpire the reserves of my club
every week). This has been an eye-opener as it also means that the
opposition has their own club-supplied umpire. Enter controversy...
Recently, the opposition was down in the final quarter 2.7.19 to our
team 7.8.44 with no wind advantage, that is, if you don't count a
cheating umpire as wind advantage. This particular umpire, besides
suffering from a condition known as 'SMS' (or 'Short-Man Syndrome'), was
sledging me when he disagreed with any of my decisions, coached the team
from the middle & directed traffic throughout the game. This umpire
subsequently paid 10-15 dodgy free kicks in the last quarter to his own
team, all in their forward-line, and hence, got them over the line by 7
points. Gotta love grass roots footy.
Remember the World Cup...
The following ref's were allegedly seen leaving secret training sessions
run by 'The Giesh' in conjunction with the AFL Umpire's Association just
prior to leaving for Japan/Korea earlier this year...
1. The clown who gave 19 yellow & red cards in the same game
Cheers,
Shags (the entrant formerly known as Anthony Edmonds)
From: "Treseder, Peter"
Simon,
It was late in the last quarter in a match in the Bendigo league between
Kennington and Kangaroo Flat. I was playing mercenary football for
Kennington after playing with Box Hill in the VFA. (Mercenary football is
where you play for money and don't have to train. You just drive to Bendigo
from Melbourne each week and they even fill your car with petrol and give
you accomodation on top of what they pay you) But I digress.
It was late in the last quarter in a rain affected game in the Bendigo
league between Kennington and Kangaroo Flat, both teams having not recorded
a win for the season. During the game violence had spilled out all over the
ground as neither team wanted to be the winless side after this encounter.
Even the spectators getting involved in the violence from the other side of
the fence, being careful not to spill their beer with their non-punching
hand as they swung punches at opposition players. We were 6 points down
when, our sure-footed full-forward marked at 45 metres directly in front.
Distance was going to be the crucial factor with a heavy ball as he went
back to take his kick amongst the taunting of the Kangaroo Flat opposition.
Whilst preparing to take his kick the siren sounded as the umpire pleaded to
the Kangaroo Flat "boys" to get back on the mark. The siren only brought
more opposition players towards the mark. Once more the umpire appealed to
the taunting players to "get back". Then it happened. The "gutsiest"
decision I had seen in 20 odd years of football.
The umpire gave a 50 metre penalty putting our full forward on the goal line
and the resulting goal meant a draw. We remained ahead of Kangaroo Flat due
to a superior percentage and were still a mathematical chance for the
finals. Maybe the fact that the game was at our home ground and that the
umpire would have had the protection of the "locals" swayed his decision, I
don't know, but it the one decision I will always remember.
On a non-umpire related decision that one that sticks in my throat to this
day, and I have drawn attention to it on more than one occasion, was the one
made on the last Thursday in September in 1982 in the Richmond selection
committee room that ended up with the Tigers going into the Grand Final with
the backline - Strachan, Martello, Dunne!!!!!!
Peter Treseder
From:
Justin Hanrahan
Game turning? Not only are there several examples below that fit the bill, I think it is fair to say that these events destroyed a football club and it is time we asked why no Royal Commission or other, comparable waste of taxpayers money has been established to get to the truth of the matter...
1983Qualifying Final - Hawthorn Defeated Fitzroy by 4 points after the dodgiest of deliberate out of bounds was paid against Michael Nettlefold and was followed by an in the back decision against Gary Pert on Richard Loveridge (I think). Had these frees not been paid, Fitzroy would have inevitably won the flag, bolstered its membership, generated revenue and left another of Melbourne's inner city clubs to foldfollowing horrendous mis-management (preferably Carlton or Collingwood)
1991 Round 12 - Football Park - Adelaide pip Fitzroy after the siren following a chain of disgusting free kicks paid from the half back flank to the forward pocket where Rod Jameson slotted through a goal after the final siren to see the Crows win by three points. Just as Fitzroy supporters were thinking they had the league back on its side, the newcomer to the comp is given a chairty four points and the Roys were never to recover...
If any other club/supporter can claim that they were forced from the competition by a series of free kicks (8 years apart!!!) I haven't heard of it...
Regards
Justin Hanrahan
From:
Adrian Jackson
We could all think of numerous examples of momentous / game-turning decisions or non-decisions. I'll limit myself to three.
* Earlier this year. The Roos have the game in the bag. Umpire Gavin Dore is about to bounce the ball when Darryn Cresswell gives his opponent a shove in the guts. Shannon Motlop responds with a push to the chest. Cresswell throws his head back and goes to ground, as if shot. Anyone with any common sense would ignore it, or perhaps blow time on and tell both players not to be stupid. Gavin Dore, of course, gives Cresswell the free and the chance to win the game. (A tainted win which has dogged the Swans, in karmic terms, ever since).
* The start of the 1979 Preliminary Final. The Pies are desperate to break the hoodoo of the Colliwobbles. North are keen to make the Grand Final for the sixth year running. Umpire Ian Robinson (with his wispy moustache, ridiculous permed hairstyle, and tight Capperesque shorts) bounces the ball. Instead of leaping for the ball, Peter Moore ignores it, and starts wrestling with Gary Dempsey. Does Robinson pay a free ? No. Does he pay a free when this absurd wrestling continues throughout the entire game ? No. A new rule was brought in the next year, simply because the umpire chose not to do what he was paid to do, namely penalise a player who deliberately breaks the rules.
* A ground somewhere ; possibly Princes Park (as it was then known). The year : maybe 1987 or so. Carlton playing someone. The ball goes into Carlton's backline. Young Stephen Silvagni is applying a half-nelson to his opponent, who has no hope of extricating himself to contest the mark. An umpire (we don't know who he is, it's possible HE doesn't know who he is) observes this and thinks to himself, "Hmmm, that doesn't look too bad, maybe I'll let him get away with it this once." (Perhaps he is related to the first Test umpire who stood at square leg, saw Muttiah Muralitharan let one go and thought to himself, "Hmmm, that's definitely unusual, but maybe I'll let him get away with it this once.") A monster (the Lygon Street Python) is created, thanks to an umpire's unwillingness to pay the obvious free.
Adrian Jackson
From:
D J Baker
Dear Coodabeens,
I am a student of twenty years of age that has grown up in the south eastern suburb of Gardenvale all my life. I love footy and cant get enough of it as family and friends are obsessed as well. As the youngest of five children there are three different teams followed in the house. My old man took the two girls and made them Richmond supporters whilst my brothers made their own decision during the Eighties to get with the winning program and move to the "Family Club". I on the other hand was unable to make up my own mind b/c mum made an executive decision to name me and brand me a Collingwood supporter so she would no longer be alone. She has since passed on, which leaves me all on my own to cop more than enough flack from the rest. But not this season. J
As a junior footballer I played at the local ground with the "Vampires" in East Brighton. I was a small kid who off the field had to wear glasses that were almost bigger than my head due to my fathers genes of being blind as a bat.
I had enough skills in under 12s to bounce the ball and kick on the run. I didnt get much of the ball but when I did it felt amazing. Playing in non vital positions (like forward pocket or flanks and quite often center half bench) you can imagine the thrill of getting a kick. Let alone the possibility of kicking a goal.
On this one particular occasion, late into the season the ball came flying out of the square from what must have been the center bounce ( I cant see that far from the pocket without my glasses) to land in my Arms. Turning on my older brothers puma studs I find there is no one between the goals and me except fourty odd meters of luscious brown mud and grassor so I thought.
You see Dad liked to help out around the club, things like boundary and goal umpiring. But not today. So here I was running as fast as I could touching the ball to the ground once, then twice. The gap was closed by fifteen meters. A little further to go then the chance of a goal. One goal, the first for the season and most probably the only. A couple of meters and Id make it. About to kick..Siren. I kick anyway. The ball sails through the posts for a goal that would not be counted. Devastation passes over me as I pull on my hair looking into the stands to see MY old man sitting up the top with watch in hand and siren in the other. Its got something to do with Richmond supporters I suppose, they just dont get it.
Ben Baker
Gardenvale
From: Justin Hanrahan
Game turning? Not only are there several examples below that fit the bill, I think it is fair to say that these events destroyed a football club and it is time we asked why no Royal Commission or other, comparable waste of taxpayers money has been established to get to the truth of the matter...
1983Qualifying Final - Hawthorn Defeated Fitzroy by 4 points after the dodgiest of deliberate out of bounds was paid against Michael Nettlefold and was followed by an in the back decision against Gary Pert on Richard Loveridge (I think). Had these frees not been paid, Fitzroy would have inevitably won the flag, bolstered its membership, generated revenue and left another of Melbourne's inner city clubs to foldfollowing horrendous mis-management (preferably Carlton or Collingwood)
1991 Round 12 - Football Park - Adelaide pip Fitzroy after the siren following a chain of disgusting free kicks paid from the half back flank to the forward pocket where Rod Jameson slotted through a goal after the final siren to see the Crows win by three points. Just as Fitzroy supporters were thinking they had the league back on its side, the newcomer to the comp is given a chairty four points and the Roys were never to recover...
If any other club/supporter can claim that they were forced from the competition by a series of free kicks (8 years apart!!!) I haven't heard of it...
Regards
Justin Hanrahan
From: David Mcniece
Obviously the 15 metre penalty against Jim Stynes in the 1987 Prelim Final.
Cost the Dees the chance to score a further 15 goals the next week in the
Grand Final against Carlton (after breakfast at the Loaded Dog). Possibly
cost them a flag.
Collingwood whingers will reckon Wayne HArmes knock-back cost them a Grand
Final.
Carlton supporters will howl about Mike Fitzpatrick taking an eternity and
then Neale Daniher taking the game from CArlton's grasp.
Matthew Collins at Sandringham last year,tearing down the wing and inside
50 prior to half-time last year.
Whistle blows,Off the ball Penalty by umpire Keirin Nicholls 80 metres
behind the play.Then two fifty metre penalties against the Zebs. Northern
Bullants goal on half-time. Two goal turn around,cost Zebs game by about 4
goals.
Umpire Keiren Nicholls decked by cowardly spectator as a result of this
shocking Match-changing decision.
Sandy never recovered and went on to miss the finals as a result of this
shocking season turning decision.
NO, I dont know who the culprit was,but a mate of mine has never got over
the fact that his 5 year old son asked him for a kick of the footy at
half-time and he turned away to talk to him just as the umpire was
struck,and missed the lot.
From: Darren_Wharton@tac.vic.gov.au
Dear Coodabeens.
I haven't enetered for a while as I'm still waiting for Deed Pole to get back to me regarding my request to change my name to Stuart McArthur, but as I'm desperate to win a voucher to Duncans Liquor to top up on my stock of inexpensive domestic methode champanoise I'm submitting an entry under my old name and seek your indulgence.
My match turning incident involves a match at Victoria Park in 1999 when Collingwood played the West Coast Eagles. The great (but he wasn't back then even though he won the Coleman Medal) Scott Cummings was lining up for his 3rd goal of the first quarter at the Yarra Falls end, then the moment which turned the game occurred.
As Scotty was in the middle of his run up to kick at goal a flashing green object (read ... can of VB) sailed harmlessly past him probably due to the fact that the thrower actually aimed at him.
Had this can struck him the game would have turned favourably to the Magpies who would have steamrolled on to a meritorious 4 goal defeat instead of the 9 goal schillacking they received on the day. They were crucified by the umpires that day I can tell you.
The anguished cries of social club members still reverberate around the ghost town like remnants of Victoria Park. (Shhhh ... only Eddie calls it McHale Stadium).
Regards,
From: Mark Farrelly
Hello Simon.
As a Geelong supporter I am compelled to enter this week's competition -
but I will keep it mercifully brief as it still hurts :
1997, Football Park, 2nd Semi Final, Geelong v Adelaide, Leigh Colbert.
Great mark. Say no bloody more !
Mark Farrelly
From: Acacia Stirring Implement Faction
" I never complain about umpires; but in the Third Quarter, Ricky Barham had the ball and... "
Well Simon, the spoon is ours!
Not surprising that you lost the "Battle for the Wooden Spoon" on July 21, 2002. You paid off 3 white toe-rags!
A lop-sided performance by the three Martians: 19 free kicks to 8 in St Kilda's favour, four goals from a free kick including two in the first quarter. Your toe-rags shattered 1st year player Lukey Livingston's confidence by maliciously reporting him (he was later cleared) - it wasn't even a free kick! Not to mention a gratuitous 50m penalty.
In summary, there wasn't one Ricky Barham moment but a whole game full of them, courtesy of your friends in white.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< An AFL CoNsPiRaCy??? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Well, savour the next month and a half of Blue misery; a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Best Wishes,
Acacia-Stirring-Implement Faction (ASIF).
-- Peter Cox (founder)
From:
Leesa Filbey
Simon, I would like to point out I thought of this beforehis retirement was announced this week(About bloody time), but the most baffling umpiring decision/decisions I have witnessed would have to be the one to vote "Libba" as the Brownlow medalist in 1990. The ramafications of this decision are endless, this decision at the time,at worst I would have thought would have extended his career maybe two or three years but here we are 12 years later and he is still running around annoying the shit out of everyone.This decisionmay haveresulted in numurous players missing Brownlows or club best and fairest's aswell as possibly costing themmatches by belting him,being eye gouged or punched by him. It has earnt the AFL thousands of dollarsin wrestling fines and probably cost many aspiring young (probably skillful)Western Bulldogs careers. Surely there has not been a more annoying less skillfull player to play the game yet everyone will say in years to come what a wonderfull player that Brownlow Medalist "Libba" was, those umpires from 1990 have alot to answer for.
PS I am a kangas supporter and I would like to note that the peanut umpire in Sydney will have alot to answer for if we mis the eight by a game.
Paul Pickford
From: Cheryl Critchley
Howdy,
I reckon by far the biggest injustice dished out this year was the
judging of last week's competition ... anyway that's another story - now
to this week...
You could fill an encyclopedia with volumes listed alphabetically ie "B"
for blatant pushes ingnored and "O" for outrageous holding frees against
when it comes to poor old Matthew Richardson.
As a long-suffering Tiger fan I've lost count of the number of times
Richo has almost had his head torn off without getting a free or been
pinged for having the audacity to tackle his opponent. I'm sure we
would have won at least another 59 games if Richo was treated fairly but
those mugs in white.
The absolute worst was in 1998 when we played Collingwood at the MCG.
Richo contested a boundary throw-in and Damian Monkhurst proceeded to
fracture his jaw with an elbow/forearm to the face. He ended up getting
four weeks at the tribunal but GUESS WHO GOT THE FREE KICK FROM THAT
PASSAGE OF PLAY? Collingwood.
Our luck hasn't changed much this year...
Go Tigers,
Cheryl.
From: David Phillips
the most devastating decision ever as viewed by a
saints supporter.
What does this mean? The saints win 2 flags, Spudder
would now be our coach (Thomas as football director),
a humble Carey wouldn't have touched Kelli Stevens
and still be at north, the crows wouldn't have won a
flag and we wouldn't have got Blighty to sack, Tom
Hafey would be coaching Richmond andKnights would get
a game and Richo some form and Carlton would still be
on the bottom. Wouldn't the footy world have been a
happier place if only he called "play on".
How come Caven got away with wacking the head off an
effigy of Plugger on the Denton show. No fine no
please explain. Conspiracy?
dave phillips
From: David
Hi Simon
To find the most game turning umpiring decision you have to go far back.
Forget about the push in the back not paid to AlanNoonan in the 1968 Grand Final and Wayne Harmes pulling the ball back infrom over the boundary.
Don't worry about Ricky Ponting's LBW when on 96 in his debut test or
Maradona's "Hand of God" in the World Cup.
Long ago,on the playing fields outside Jerusalem, the Philistine champion Goliath stands before is much smaller opponent David. Incorporatingthe ancient ritualistic set-shot routine that will be used in the future by another
champion, he pulls up his socks, tucks in his jumper , throws a tuft of
grass in the air and slowlypoints his bow and arrow in the direction of David.
Suddenly a noise rings out
And to the boos of the Philistine crowd, David, who can't believe his luck, aims his slingshot at Goliath.
The rest as they say.......is history.
Cheers
David Bean
From: "Jakob, Joe"
Playing under 13's for St.Albans in the WRFL, it had been raining for 2
weeks and the ground was a quagmire.
Umpire turns up and says " A pleasant day for it, lets start" ( 9am on a
Saturday morning and raining again)
2 hours later everyone covered in Merri creek mud and reeking badly.
Through the following week we find out that all games had been cancelled for
that weekend but someone had forgotten to tell our white rabbit.............
Joe Jakob
From: Travis Bull
Dear Coodabeens,
I never complain about the umpires except there was one decision.
Picture this:
Sunny Day Late September, Eight year old boy in Fitzroy jumper, Sitting 3 rows from the front, approx. 50-70m(didn't have 50mtr line then so best estimate) from goal, Outer wing, Michael Nettlefold, Boy yells out "Handball it to me", He Did, Umpire blows whistle, Signals deliberate, Hawthorn players run away from boundary, Tuck runs to boundary, Gets ball, Kicks Goal.
18 Years Later:
From: mh@seafordps.vic.edu.au
Simon,
The match was played sometiime in 1968, St.Brigid's Catholic Primary School versus Our lady of the Sacred Heart Cheltenham on their potato chip oval. We (St Brigid's) are comfortably leading late into the 3rd quarter when the umpire (a dad from the opposition) decides that he's disgusted at the parents abusing his decisions and can't go on. The siren sounds and mentally scarred dad drives off in his spotless green Singer. With our school bus still 40 minutes away our parish priest Father Billy Baker, with a Georgie Bisset type build (affectionately known as "Scratchy") volunteers to umpire the last quarter. Much to our disgust "Scratchy" made many shocking decisions and whistled the home team to a 20 point win! There was much anger on the bus returning to school and even the nuns were upset with Father Baker. However, "Scratchy" must have realised he did a bad job because there was a noticeable "squaring up" with team members when punishments were handed out at the next school confession day. Normal sentences were slashed by as many as 6 hail Mary's!
Hassa from Beaumaris
From: Paul Martin
Dear Simon,
PLEASE HELP
Yes, I know it was only 4pts and not a 10 goal win but this decision changed more than a game it
CHANGED THE ENTIRECOURSE OF HISTORY.
I write to you on behalf of my father who is crouched in the lounge roomrocking backwards and forwards, backwards and forwards.
I hope that upon hearing this read out with the additional short, sharp, shocks from the cattle prod he will be back to "normal".
At approximately twenty past eleven last Saturday morning, he called for me. "son, quick, come over to the wireless."
He slowly proceeded with:
Thanking you in anticipation,
on behalf of D,H & C for the umps team of the century, Faction. (formerly paul martin)
From:
John and Diane Lyon
Dear Could Have Beens (forgive me, I'm an English teacher...),
How about the rule that says that when the ball goes between the Big Sticks it's a goal?
The 1997 Plimry Final (poetic licence - one of my students once wrote it this way) looms large here. Deep into
the last quarter, Libba puts it through The Big Sticks, effectively winning the game for the Doggies. Goal umpire
interprets the Big Sticks rule differently, and decides it's only a point.
Result? Libba retires sans premiership (Dogs were a moral to beat the Saints the next week - even Simon will
acknowledge that!).
Not only was this a game changing interpretation - it completely changed Libba's career!
Of course,this was not all bad - Libba now has AFL membership with 300 games overall, and has a career that
spanned about three generations in terms of footballers'average lifespan in the game. Still, if we are considering
long term ramifications of just one misinterpretation, this was the Big One...
Yours creatively, John Lyon.
From: Adam Ellerton
Hi Simon,
I haven't entered the comp this week in the vain attempt of actually winning it. Instead I thought I'd bag Geoff Richardson's judgment and then put my entry in as a token gesture.
Simon, I was at the Collingwood v Richmond game and saw the "Cloke debacle" first hand. To use racing terminology, Richardson wearing the black silks with yellow sash rode number 34, a horse called Cloke into the ground harder than what Shane Dye did 14 horses wide on Veeandercross in the Caufield cup. Cloke was given a well deserved free kick. Now I know Geoff is trying to protect his brother Matthew but his judgment in judging what is fair and what is not is clearly non existent, not only proven by his judgment on the free kick but on the judging of the competition a few weeks ago. Case closed.
Now for my token entry for the worst free kick, it's the early 90's at Victoria Park, the ball is infront of the Collingwood social club, Craig Kelly tackles Tony Modra around the neck. Whistle blows, Adelaide free kick. The umpire broke the unwritten rule in football, you do not pay a free kick against Collingwood in front of the social club, the interpretation of the rule states that infact the Collingwood player should get the free kick. The umpire broke the rule and the tradition of football.
There's not enough tradition in football these days. I say when the Collingwood social club is built at the MCG that the tradition comes back.
Adam Ellerton
From: KyselaO
Si
Votes in the 2001 Preliminary Final:
1 N. Thompson (Haw)
Darren was instrumental in 5 of the Bombers' majors, and instrumental in
preventing 2 Hawthorn majors, for a relative goal velocity of 7, clearing
establishing him as the most effective on the ground.
In fact Hawthorn wasn't hard done by at all. It was Oxygen that was hard
done by, as that was the only thing that could have possibly infringed the
Essendon forwards when they received their 5 gift wrapped shots at goal in
the first half.
I'm also still staggered by the "only one bounce" rule in the Little League.
This is discriminatory against blonde-haired ball carriers who work
tirelessly to find space out in the open away from those ugly packs, and
discourages children in focusing on what's most important about footy, and
that is individual honours.
Oliver Kysela
From:
From:
Bob Crain
Oh Simon Don't Get Me Started......
How about
West Indies v Australia in Adelaide - May and McDermott at the crease - Ambrose snorts through a bouncer which goes off McDermott's helmet as he is turning out of the way and the umpire gives him out - one run short of a tie and 2 short of a win - West Indies goes on to win the series. I had nightmares about that one.
Australia v France - Davis Cup Simi Final in Perth - Leconte v Masur 5th set winner goes on 4 games all Masur hits a serve 3 inches out on the far side of the court - linesman rightly calls out - Female Australian Umpire over rules then to make matters worse declares it unplayable even though LeConte had made no move to the ball and Masur is awarded the point- Australia wins the match on a shocking call.
San Francisco 49ers v Green Bay Packers NFC Conference Final winner goes to the Super Bowl - Young throws a pass to Jerry Rice who catches the ball takes two steps then fumbles Green Bay recovers game over - But no the Umpire comes in an calls it an incomplete pass 49ers retain possession and on the next play score a touchdown to win the game. Video Replay Review was reintroduced the following year as a result of that play.
But the very worst the most disgustingfinals deciding bad umpiring decision I have ever wittnessed was..
NBA Final- Chicago Bulls v UtahJazzGame 7 winner gets the ring loser goes home - 4th quarter Utah up by2 points - John Stockton of the Jazz throw up a high 3 pointer shot clock clearly goes off when the ball is in the air - shot goes in Jazz up by 5 with 30 seconds left on the clock but no the umpire comes in and waves off the score calling a shot clock violation - Bad Call but Utah is still up by 2 with 28 Seconds to go - Michael Jordan under intense defensive pressure can't get a shot up finally he goes up shot clock clearly goes off while he is in possession - he throw up a 3 pointprayer which is answered by the umpire, shot goes in NO SHOT CLOCK VIOLATIONpoints count Chicago wins it's 3rd NBA Championship in a row as a result of 2 very very bad calls.
Absoulte worst umpiring decision I have witnessed in 40 years of watching spectator sports.
Now that you have brought this all up again I am going to go over it in my head another thousand times - this is very serious stuff Simon IT'S NOT FUNNY.
Unfortunately that are that many shocking umpiring decisions in a weekend of footy they are all to common to comment on.
Regards
From: Jenny of Brunswick
Dear Simon,
I would never personally complain about the umpires - but ...
Having had the temerity to help myself to a seat in the Gold Carlton Social Club members premium seating area at Collo - decked out in the red, white and black- one is compelled by a sense of duty to make amends for this territorial infringement, by conveying the disgraceful - nay worst - umpiring decisions it was ere the misfortune of those blue-bag supporters to witness in a quarter of football.
The siren to start the final quarter saw St Kilda with a lead of a mere 13 points - and then as the Carlton fans' assessment will demonstrate - numbers 4, 18 and 22 took over - resulting in the worst umpired quarter of footy in the history of the game.
1st decision - Ang Christou tackles Hamill in front of goal. One is blown from one's seat by the cry of "Ball", but No. 2 taps onto Lawrence. Result - Goal - Lead of 19 points. The considered opinion of the Social Club members - "They never gives holding against Hamill. Unbelievable".
Response> YES - IT IS UNBELIEVABLE.
2nd decision - While going for the ball Steven Lawrence fails to avoid being coat hangered inside 50 by Livingstone and is awarded a free kick. Result - Behind. Enthusiastic response of the Carlton members - "Nice one ump - at least there is some justice".
Response> YES - AIN'T IT A SHAME (adding quietly) that he didn't bend the ball back a little.
3rd decision - Free kick to Baker (no idea why) who slips the cherry inside to Black. Result - Goal - Lead of 25 points. Assessment of the Social Club> "Two guys niggling each other but the umpire has to pick out a St Kilda player for a free". Response> YES - THAT IS SO TYPICAL.
4th decision - Justin Peckett gets Lappin's hand in his face and replies in kind. The umpire ignores the Social Club members' pleas for a free and balls up - footy falls to No. 5 who goals - making it 4 goals to zip in the quarter. The Carlton jury's verdict> Umpire's gotta pull his finger out". OH YES.
Yet another outrage - Mansfield pushes Stewart Loewe from behind as he attempts mark. Gets paid and another goal follows. Blue-baggers are losing power of speech, "You scum umpire". YES. YES. YES.
Final injustice before the crowd in blue evacuates the stand - Schwatz marks on 50 and Fevola dishes one out to Hamill. The 50-metre penalty ensures the resulting goal. The Carlton Social Club members position> "But ump he's been doing that all day". TRUE, VERY TRUE (and sotte voce) Fevola has got away with a bit.
Anyhow Simon, it's one thing for Carlton supporters to criticise umpires, but one feels bound to take a stand when they start hanging it on their own players. I had no hesitation in taking issue with Fevola being called a "dud white maggot" when he failed to pick up Everitt who marked 20 metres out from goal. As we know, white maggots are blind and therefore wouldn't notice that a 200 cm spider has had them for lunch.
Go Sainters.
Jenny of Brunswick
just one quick one that was sorely missed in relation to last weeks Camoes! How about you guys replacing The Wiggles, i can see you all in your coloured skivvies doing a medley of their hits including....Richo The Dinosaur (aka Dorothy the Dinosaur)...Wake Up Tony (aka Wake up Jeff) and Hot Potato, Hot potato (aka Hot potato, Hot Potato)
Paulo
A pack of pansies
We're from tigerland
In any weather you will see us chuck it in
Our back lines very thin
If we're behind then never mind
We don't know how to win
Oh we're from tigerland
Always beaten when the final sirens gone
Unlike the tigers of old
We're not very bold
Ohwe're from tiger
Yellow and Slack
Oh we're from tigerland!
Jeffrey F
The Deli 'n' Health Shop
From: Leonie Wainwright
Leonie Wainwright
Date: Tue Jul 23, 2002 11:39:27 AM Australia/Melbourne
Date: Tue Jul 23, 2002 03:41:20 PM Australia/Melbourne
Peter McRae (my first try, I may or may not improve)
Date: Tue Jul 23, 2002 05:01:59 PM Australia/Melbourne
John Ogge (as in James Boag)
Now we also know where they are.
They are OUT THERE
Date: Tue Jul 23, 2002 07:54:06 PM Australia/Melbourne
(where's my pills)
(my brother thinks I've drawn a long bow here, but I disagree.)
Date: Tue Jul 23, 2002 08:11:30 PM Australia/Melbourne
Date: Tue Jul 23, 2002 09:20:32 PM Australia/Melbourne
2. The Aussie ref who disallowed that goal instead of playing the
advantage rule
3. The guy who sent off a player for kicking the ball into Rivaldo's
knees when Rivaldo went down like the proverbial 'sack of spuds'
clutching his face.
4. The dude who disallowed the 89th minute, 50 metre goal from Italy v
Croatia for 'invisible offside', almost seeing Italy exit early,
Date: Tue Jul 23, 2002 10:42:18 PM Australia/Melbourne
Date: Wed Jul 24, 2002 02:58:43 PM Australia/Melbourne
Darren Wharton
Date: Wed Jul 24, 2002 04:20:23 PM Australia/Melbourne
Date: Wed Jul 24, 2002 05:21:29 PM Australia/Melbourne
I hope Tony (Leonard) doesn't get to upset by this.
Bendigo
Date: Thu Jul 25, 2002 12:23:54 PM Australia/Melbourne
Date: Wed Jul 24, 2002 11:18:24 PM Australia/Melbourne
SCG 94 Plugger and Peter Caven collide.He was going
for the ball!!! He got into His way, play on, but no
pay a free.It doesnt end there.The dramatics of the
umpire on that day led to trial by video...
weeks...plugger quits the saints.
If the ump had only called play on, then Plugger
would've stayed, we woulda won in 97,followed it up
back to back and Stan wouldn't have been sacked.
Plugger would've booted 1557 retired happy, no dodgy
come back. He would have been "the king", not Carey.
did yoyu know Ma Caven is an anagram of Caveman? hmmm
" ' TOOT ' I've already warned you Goliath " yells umpireMethusala "Time wasting. Free shot to David ".
Date: Fri Jul 26, 2002 07:03:07 AM Australia/Melbourne
Date: Fri Jul 26, 2002 08:59:04 AM Australia/Melbourne
Lounge Room, 26 Year old Man, Watching footy on TV, Sees Keiren Perkins "Kick it to me Add", Picks up Shoe, Throws Shoe, Hits TV, TV goes Blank
Date: Fri Jul 26, 2002 11:29:52 AM Australia/Melbourne
His arms wrapped around his legs and is humming "La Marseillaise".
The purchase and repeated playing of 2001 PREMIERS does not seem to be working.
"Son, it was the 3rd. of September, 1983." He drew a large sigh.................
"and Glenn James had the whistle.
Michael Nettlefold had the ball." His words began to quicken.
"Both he and the ball crossed the boundary line.
The whistle blew and the players prepared for the throw-in...........
But??........Michael Tuck now had the ball..........
He's got a free............
He aims.........NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
Date: Fri Jul 26, 2002 06:46:56 PM Australia/Melbourne
Date: Fri Jul 26, 2002 07:57:03 PM Australia/Melbourne
2 S. Lucas (Ess)
3 D. Goldspink (Ess)
BOB THE YANK
Date: Sat Jul 27, 2002 12:51:37 AM Australia/Melbourne