Hammers Heading for Europe

Two second half headed goals from the Irons defensive duo of Upson and Ferdinand was enough to give West Ham United their third consecutive win over Manchester United. Having done the double on the Red Devils (and Arsenal) last year West Ham have now proved themselves to be an official bogey team of Sir Alex.

Tevez got the winner for West Ham in the last game of last season, while this year he faced up against his old team mates from the East End.

However there was nothing he could do to stop his team slipping to only their third defeat of the campaign, even Portuguese 'wonder-kid' Ronaldo was unable to procure three points for the traveling team.

Upton Park is an extremely fickle place. Last week the crowd booed the team off following a dismal draw with ten men of Reading. This week the support was positively electric.

Welcome Home

Not many returning Hammers receive a warm reception at Upton Park, Lampard, Cole, Defoe and Ince could all testify to that, but such was the heroic impact of Carlos Tevez last season that he will always be fondly remembered.

It wasn't single handed, and you could argue his arrival with Mascherano was the catalyst for the demise in the first place, but Tevez definitely achieved the status of Hammers Legend in his brief spell at the club.

This latest win will keep West Ham in the hunt for a UEFA cup spot although most fans will be more than happy with a steady top ten finish after the traumas of last year.

The title race however is far from over and it is likely to go right down to the wire. And what price would you get for West Ham to complete a double double over United in the penultimate game of the season, to decide the championship?

Christmas Number One?

If you could personify statistics I fear they would look rather like Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Sometimes invaluably insightful, other times dangerously misleading.

Sport relies on rankings to determine who is the best, who is number one.

In most cases, they are taken as given, for example no-one would argue that Roger Federer is the best men's tennis player in the world, or Tiger Woods the best golfer.
But sometimes the computer throws up some curve balls that surprise even the purest of fans, and call into question how these stats are generated.

Googlies

Cricket is one sport which often has a dark cloud of confusion thrown over it by muddy statistics.

It is impossible to argue that the Aussies aren't the best Test and One Day team in the World, and that's great (really great), but the best of the rest are constantly being muddled.

Maybe it doesn't matter, maybe we should all just make up our own statistics. Opinion based statistics, now there's a good idea!

Pie in the Sky

Another annoyance of statistics is their over-use during live sport for which the blame must lie with the producer.

Sky Sports tend to be the worst offender. At the weekend when watching the first of their 'Grand Slam Super Duper Sunday' football matches, my eyes were distracted from the hi-octane action to a stat-flash letting me know that both teams had won one corner each.

I didn't think it could get much more exciting but it did. The next flash told me that for the last 5 minutes Liverpool had 76% of possession.

Both these stats were not only unnecessary and blindingly obvious but also an annoying distraction from the action.


A Pick of the Rankings

Football, Cricket, Rugby, Tennis, Golf

Black Day for RFU

Last weekend saw the second leg of back to back matches in the Heineken Cup group stages in which the English teams had mixed results, although there was no lack of controversy.

Leicester were always going to lose to Toulouse in France as French teams seem to be almost unbeatable on 'la terre Francais'.

Illustrated by London Irish getting done over in Perpignan in snowy conditions. Although a flying elbow from Englishman Perry Freshwater, which left London Irish flanker Kieran Roche with a broken cheekbone, stole the headlines.
Gloucester continued their imperious form by bludgeoning Bourgoin 51-27 at Kingsholm, they now look set for a home quater-final.

Ryan Lamb was once again man of the match, and today's news that the CPS have dropped their case against him for public affray will give the Cherry-Whites some Christmas cheer.

Black Sting

The highlight of the weekend though was at Adams Park, where London Wasps held on to beat Clermont Auvergne 25-24.

Wasps dominated the first half under the magical control of prodigous new talent, Danny Cipriani.

Three scintilating tries and a penalty put Wasps in total control at half-time, 22-0. But the second half was a different story.

As Wasps went for the kill, they were twice caught on the break, once by Rougerie and once by Delasau.

But the real drama came on the hour when a fight broke out on the touchline, Jamie Cudmore rained down the punches onto the head of Wasps prop, Tim Payne.

As the fight spilled into the hoardings, a Wasps fan leant over and tried to wallop anything French with his programme. This man was Alan Black, a RFU employee, former Wasps captain and club member! He has since apologised and been given a season long ban from England and Premiership games.

Bonus Blunders

On the pitch Wasps contrived to give away the losing bonus point to Clermont as the French team scored a last minute try.

That means three points squandered in the double header, after throwing away a losing bonus point of their own last week, and the double wammy of missing the four try bonus and the losing bonus this week.

A win is a win though and two more against Llanelli (home) and Munster (away) will see them through to the quater finals which should be laden with English teams.

Arsenal's Fate Hinges on the Physio

This Sunday sees the top four of the Premier League going to head to head in what is the biggest day of the season so far.

Both Arsenal and Liverpool slipped up last week dropping valuable points against Middlesbrough and Reading respectively.

Arsenal have been suffering a tough time of it on the injury front, with the midfield torn to shreds and their main goal threat all out of action.

This weekend they will be hoping that they see most of them return to the field. Fabregas and Van Persie have been their two best players over the last 18 months and they are both on the brink of recovering full fitness.

If these two return then I think the Gunners will retain their one point lead over Man United, as I cant see them losing to Liverpool.

Super Sunday

It indeed will be a Super Sunday, two top football games, Leicester vs Toulose in the Heineken Cup, and the BBC have finally got the rights to show the Hatton-Mayweather replay.

I predict, Arsenal, Man U and Leicester to come out on top, although I think Hatton might have met his match in the boxing, possibly a Mayweather win in the 10th?

Family Affair at Awards

One month ago I predicted Joe Calzaghe would win the BBC Sports Personality Award, and your votes supported me. Last night he proved us right. But he wasn't the only Calzaghe to scoop a prize.
Joe's father and trainer Enzo won the award of best coach for his efforts in nurturing three world champions, his son Joe, cruiserweight Enzo Maccarinelli and light-welterweight Gavin Rees.

Calzaghe received his award in Vegas where he had been supporting his friend and boxing counterpart Ricky 'The Hitman' Hatton.

Had Hatton beaten pretty boy Floyd he would have given Calzaghe a much closer run for the top award although with two boxers in the top three, it has been a spectacular year for British pugilism.

A Few Surprises

Although Calzaghe's victory was no surprise, the BBC did throw in a few shocks. Firstly, James Toseland playing the piano (badly) and then Mark Ramprakash dancing (badly). Strange interludes to an otherwise impressive review of the sporting year.

The other shock was the England Rugby Team winning the team of the year award. Those that read my blogs regularly (hi mum) will know that I love rugby, but England did not deserve to win this award.

Two decent wins against the Aussies and Les Bleus in the World Cup in an otherwise dismal year. A poor Six Nations, a terrible tour of South Africa and an abysmal group stage of the RWC, should not have won them the award.

Oh well, I guess the memory of a sports fan is short, and that's probably a good thing anyway.

Here are the full results from last night:

1. Joe Calzaghe 177,748 (28.19%)
2. Lewis Hamilton 122,649 (19.45%)
3. Ricky Hatton 85,280 (13.53%)
4. James Toseland 84,570 (13.41%)
5. Jason Robinson 67,061 (10.64%)
6. Paula Radcliffe 34,895 (5.53%)
7. Jonny Wilkinson 30,302 (4.81%)
8. Andy Murray 13,242 (2.1%)
9. Justin Rose 10,227 (1.62%)
10. Christine Ohuruogu 4,481 (0.71%)

Total votes: 630,455

James Haskell - Part Three

James Haskell has a bright future and if he can continue to improve and learn from those around him he may well earn as many England caps as his hero Lawrence Dallaglio. Today I ask him about his future in the England team and what he has gained from players and coaches at Wasps.
Haskell is a down to earth guy who knows he’s good but also knows he could be better.

“I think I’ve still got a long way to go, I feel confident and pleased with my ability, I’m trying to work as hard as I can in the areas I need to polish up.”

“I always need to improve skills, my tackling, my ball carrying things like that, all the little nuances, the rucking, you can only train so much which its about playing, I’m only 22 and only played about 35 games if that.”

When asked about his chances for selection for the Six Nations, his modesty kicks in.

“To be honest with you, I genuinely haven’t thought about it. I think if you do well playing for your club, especially one like Wasps, then hopefully, you will be considered.”

“Thinking about it now, I would be very disappointed if I didn’t have an opportunity, but nothing is guaranteed and you have to keep playing well, there are so many talented back row guys out there, it’s matter of keeping performing really. I would love to get another opportunity, to be involved again.”

Coaching Cream

At only 22 James is still in the infancy of his career, however he has already the chance to work and play with some of the best in the world.

With Sean Edwards lurking in the background James was quick to praise the coaching team.

“We’ve got a fantastic coaching setup, Sean is a legend an amazing coach and he’s very passionate about the game, he doesn’t just turn up, he thinks about it all the time.”

“Dowdy (Craig Dowd) is the most capped All Black prop, so he keeps our feet on the ground, I’m like a sponge just trying to soak it all up really.”

Welsh Kiwi

He also had the chance to gain experience from Warren Gatland the new Wales Coach.“He was a great man manager, a great coach in terms of the way he gave me and Tom (Rees) opportunities, he brought out the Wasps attitude of work hard play hard.”

And what of Warren’s new job?

“I think it will be very good for Wales, I was disappointed England didn’t look at him and might have taken him, because he is such a good coach.”

Heroes

It’s not just the coaches at Wasps, the players also inspire and encourage Haskell.

“The senior players like Lawrence, that is who I look at, Tom (Rees) and I are still very much learning, these guys have been there done it, witnessed the pitfalls.”

“Reesy and me have been in a similar boat, Tom has forged ahead and had the chance to play four or five games and establish his talent, I want to emulate him and get those opportunities.

“When he got into the World Cup I was gutted he didn’t play as much as he should have done, I would have liked to have done that but u know, I’m still fairly young so we’ve got a lot of time on our side to do things.”

This is the last part of my interview with James Haskell, I would like to thank both James and Wasps for the opportunity to do this.

James Haskell - Part Two

James Haskell has had a varied and exciting career and he is still only 22. Today I ask him about his experiences with the Barbarians and the England Sevens Squad as well as his relationship with Matt Hampson.

Last year James played for an England XV against the Barbarians.

“It was my first real taste of being involved with England, I really enjoyed it.”

“It was a weird weekend, I was in Amsterdam playing Samurai Sevens, in a tournament we won, and I got a call saying ‘listen we want you to be involved in the England team against the barbarians’, I thought it’s a wind up”

“It was a great thing to play at Twickenham with an England squad playing against a team that had a lot of talent, I would love to do it again, whether it was for the Barbarians or England.”

Following the recent controversy with Premiership players being denied the chance to play for the Baa Baas I asked James what he thought of the situation.

“I think it’s disappointing, the Baa Baas will lose their mystique, they will struggle.”

“However, clubs can’t afford to have these players missing, results are so important, because at the end of the day it’s a business I do understand both points of view.”

Sevens

The Barbarians are famous for playing champagne rugby, as style of play which also makes the IRB Sevens Series so exciting.

“I really enjoy sevens, I think it has a really important role. I can see the benefits from working with Phil Greening and Mike Friday, it was invaluable, it helped my game 10 fold”

Although he does admit it has its limitations as far as developing the 15-man game

“I don’t think going to every game would be good for me, but I would like to get a tournament under my belt every season, keep things ticking over. I think it helps you as a rugby player, but it can detract a bit from 15s.”

And as far as future opportunities in 7s go James understands it’s not all in his hands.

“I have spoken to them (Wasps) but I’m not sure they would let me go yet, but I’m sure if I don’t play very well they might boot me out!”

Matt Hampson Trust

As well as all of James’ rugby exploits he also finds time to support the Matt Hampson Trust.

Following the collapse of scrum during England U21 training in 2005 Hampson tragically became a quadriplegic.

However the support he has been given by those in the game has been phenomenal.

“I was obviously there, at the time, playing in the scrum when he hurt himself.”

“I think, its very easy at this time of life to not except your own mortality, and not appreciate what opportunities you have and how lucky you are.”

“I speak to Matt all the time, he so positive about lots of things.”

“If I was in a similar circumstance I wouldn’t be as strong or brave, it’s made me see more of my character, and its puts a perspective on things.”

“Hopefully if I could show half the courage and determination he’s got then I will be able to go a long way.”


This is Part Two of my interview with James Haskell. Tomorrow – Haskell on his future in the England team and the players and coaches who have helped him along the way.

James Haskell - Part One

Wasps have been at the top of English rugby for a number of years. They have consistently challenged for and won silverware and also regularly provided a number of key players for England. Last week I got the opportunity to speak to James Haskell one of their rising stars and find out what the future holds for both himself and the club.

James Haskell is part of one the most exciting and dynamic squads in the Premiership and his talent hasn’t gone unnoticed. Last year he won his first England caps during the Six Nations when he formed an all Wasps back row with Tom Rees and Joe Worsley.

Since then he was unlucky to be cut from the final World Cup Squad but his form for club should ensure he doesn’t remain on the sidelines for long.

“When I came back from the world cup training squad I looked at the guys around the team and there was so much talent”

Slow Start

However it didn’t all go to plan in the early stages of the season.

“The results didn’t go our way but only due to a few minor details, we turned the ball over too much, a lack of discipline, and our leadership and direction.”

“That is the sort of thing the England guys brought back, its pretty good we’ve got the confidence back, because we have a lot of talent.”

Back to back wins over Newcastle and a number of other impressive wins in both the EDF and Heineken Cup have put Wasps’ season back on track.

“We turned the results round in the Heineken Cup and the EDF, and we’ve carried that through. But it’s all down to the hard work we’re putting in and the guys are taking more pride in their performances and lowered the error rate and that’s the key really”

‘A’ Team

Coinciding with the success of the first team the ‘A’ team have also started their season with a bang. Three impressive wins from three have made them early favourites to repeat their glory from last year. Having played a number of games for the A team over recent seasons I asked Haskell if he has had a chance to watch any games.

“Unfortunately I haven’t been able to get down to one, but the good thing about Wasps is that we are all part of one squad, one team.”

“The players try to take an interest in everything that happens, I’m always interested to see them doing well, it’s a mark of the talent in the squad.”

It’s also a good chance for the first team players to keep an eye over their shoulder for up and coming players.

“I’m not a great watcher of games I could potentially be involved in, when you see your competition playing well it's never a nice feeling.”

This is Part One of my interview with James Haskell. Tomorrow – Haskell on the Baa Baas, Sevens and Matt Hampson.

Coventry Teetering on Edge of Abyss

Coventry City fans could be handed a miserable early Christmas present next week if no one decides to buy them out.

The club officially registered to go into administration yesterday and they now have ten days for someone to put an offer in.

If there are no offers they will be docked the mandatory 10 points which will see them move into the drop zone at the foot of the Championship.

It's not all doom and gloom though as the club insist this is a controlled decision which will simply speed up their sale, and ultimatley their revival.

"This is merely a process protecting the bank and its creditors, and should speed up the potential takeover and therefore take Coventry City into a solvent financial situation." the club said.

The expected new owner is Ray Ranson and Sisu Capital, however it is a gamble and if it falls through they could be in serious trouble.

Slippery Slope

Ian Dowie has already threatened to leave if the club lose ten points, and their prospects for survival would be slim, especially as they are currently under a transfer embargo.

If they do go down they could join a host of teams all who have been in the Premiership in recent years.

Oldham (last in the premiership - 94), Leeds (04) and Nottingham Forest (99) are all already in League One, and with Norwich (05) and QPR (96) also in the drop zone, it could be high profile league next season.

Coventry were forced into this situation by debts which reached £38mill, and now they must pray someone will save them, otherwise they will begin the all too familiar slide down the leagues into the footballing wilderness.

Baa Baas Batter Boks

Jason Robinson took his final bow on the international stage on Saturday as the Barbarians provided an apt display to shock the weary World Champions.

I was lucky enough to be at Twickenham for his send off and his team did not disappoint.

Right from the off Justin Marshall and Matt Giteau pulled the strings and although South Africa enjoyed sustained periods of pressure the Baa Baas took the lead through Giteau with a straight forward penalty.

He extended their lead soon after with a magical length of the field team try.

After a couple of missed chances from the Barbarians the Springboks finally crossed the whitewash, as Schalk Burger's late replacement Pieterse leaped over the line.

Rocky

That was all the World Champions would get out of the game with Martyn Williams and Rocky Elsom scoring suitably exciting tries either side of half-time to leave the final score 22-5.

In the second half the rain started to lash down and the quality suffered as a result, although the enterprise and adventure never lacked.

And it didn't dampen the atmosphere in the stadium either as Jason Robinson received a rapturous standing ovation.

Following a peerless career in both codes of rugby Robinson produced a vintage performance and helped set up the second try with a trademark jinking run from the loose.