AFL: 2012 Grand Final Review: Sydney v Hawthorn

The 2012 AFL Grand Final will go down in history as yet another scintillating clash.  This time, the Sydney Swans defeated Hawthorn by 10 points in the dying minutes to clinch an emotional victory.

It is the Swans first premiership since 2005, denying the minor premiers the Hawks their shot at the flag.

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Cricket: ICC World Twenty 20: Australia v India Review

Shane Watson grabbed his third man of the match award in as many games as Australia cruised to a nine wicket win against India in Colombo overnight.

Watson scored 72 (including seven sixes) and earlier claimed 3/34 with the ball as Australia tested India with tight bowling and pressure.  Irfan Pathan was India’s highest scorer with 31.

Cricket-ICC World Twenty20 Preview-Australia v India

Australia’s next World Twenty20 match is against India on Friday at Colombo.  While the Aussies had to chase down 191 against the West Indies in a rain-affected match, India will be a much tougher task, given their squad depth.

AFL: Sydney v Hawthorn-it all comes down to this

Sydney v Hawthorn: this is the battle of the two best teams from season 2012.  The Hawks: the minor premiers, an incredible running team, and a powerful forward combination.  The Swans: battle-hardened and consistent.  Their squad has depth from one end to another.  And they’ve caused upsets in the past.

AFL: Preliminary Finals: Hawthorn v Adelaide-Hawks in a thriller

The MCG came alive tonight as Hawthorn produced a thrilling five point victory over the Adelaide Crows in their preliminary final, 13.19.97 to 14.8.92.  In front of a crowd of more than 69,000, and despite some momentary lapses, the Hawks fended off a determined Crows outfit hellbent on making their first grand final since 1998.

Cricket: ICC World Twenty20 Preview: Australia v West Indies

Australia’s second and final group stage match is against the West Indies at midnight September 23 AEST.

For Australia, their seven wicket win over cricketing minnows Ireland will serve as a confidence booster when they face a much tougher West Indies outfit.  With explosive opener Chris Gayle back in the side after a pay dispute, the line-up is looking much more threatening.

AFL: Preliminary Finals Preview

Sydney, Collingwood, Hawthorn and Adelaide are all one step away from the 2012 AFL Grand Final.  Their only way to get there: win this weekend.

Up against the Swans at ANZ Stadium tonight, Collingwood faces an uphill battle away from home.  The Swans have the benefit of the returning Heath Grundy, while Ben McGlynn is omitted due to his hamstring injury.  Collingwood loses Alan Didak to a calf injury, making way for Ben Sinclair.

Cricket: Hayden retires from all forms

Former Australian batsman Matthew Hayden today announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.  Hayden, 40, played 103 tests for Australia, which yielded 8,625 runs and 30 centuries with a batting average of above 50.

Cricket: World T20: Australia v Ireland review

 Australia’s Twenty20 World Cup campaign has begun with a seven wicket victory over Ireland yesterday.  Shane Watson scored 51 off 30 balls (including three sixes) and grabbed 3-26 with the ball from his four overs in a man of the match performance.

Cricket: T20 Preview: Australia v Ireland

Australia’s Twenty20 World Cup campaign will kick off against Ireland at 8.00pm AEST Wednesday September 19th (tonight).

Ranked 9th, one spot above their opponents, Australia’s T20 record has of late been disappointing.  Under new captain George Bailey, their record hasn’t been brilliant.  The team doesn’t have enough T20 experience under their belt, most of them missing domestic tournaments because of international duties.