Cricket: BBL|04, and why KP is going for glory

Rob Quiney & Luke Wright, Melbourne Stars (Photo: Rediff.com)

When the Big Bash League changed to its current format before the commencement of the 2011/2012 Australian season, not much was certain.

There was a litany of changes – state teams became city-based teams, there were overseas imports, and a whole new ball game was born.

Perhaps the biggest story for BBL|04 is the Melbourne Stars signing former England batsman, and now gun-for-hire Kevin Pietersen.  The 34-year-old caused a controversy after the news was revealed, with the England Cricket Board reluctant to release him until the release of his book earlier this month.

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AFL: 1-5 for the Lions in rebuilding stage

Billings & Raines collide in a tough contest on ANZAC Day (photo: AFL Media)

It has been a while since I took some sort of “point out a problem” stand on Beyond Realisation.  This time around, the target is the Brisbane Lions.

However, rather than call the Lions a target, it is instead a topic that got me very excited on ANZAC Day.  The Lions mustered their first win – albeit a very, very nervous one – by three points against a determined St. Kilda outfit in Wellington.

AFL: Leppitsch at the Lions helm is a positive for 2014

Leppitsch at Lions Training (photo: News Ltd/Steve Pohlner

(from the mouth of a Lions fan)

In sport, experience matters when it comes to leading a list of players.  Each AFL team has around 40 of them; that’s a handful.

For the Brisbane Lions, a new approach with Justin Leppitsch may just be the kickstart needed after two years on the fringe, coupled with some disappointing results.

Cricket: The Ashes: Test 1, Day 1: It’s all England at the Gabba, but Australia fight back

Stuart Broad celebrates the dismissal of David Warner (source: ESPN Cricinfo/Getty Images)

The lead up to the first Ashes test included a lot of media hype from the Australians, trying to throw the English off guard.  Dramatic backfiring ensued on a very sunny first day.

Winning the toss and electing to bat first, signs were looking good.  Then the inevitable happened, and the first two sessions belonged to the England bowlers.

Australian University Games: La Trobe University Day 4 – Volleyball, AFL and Hockey

La Trobe (right) v Griffith on Thursday at Labrador (photo mine)

Men’s Volleyball

La Trobe dft by University of New South Wales 1-3

La Trobe dft by Bond University 1-3

To play volleyball you need agility, quick arms and sharp eyes.  Pace is the name of the game, and at Bond University on Thursday morning, La Trobe took on the University of New South Wales.

AFL: Brisbane Lions v Gold Coast Suns: Round 15 Preview

Brisbane Lions logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In March, not many people would have foreseen this game to be much entertainment.  The Gold Coast Suns, entering their third year in the competition, have now exceeded all expectations, and have taken the long handle to the likes of powerhouse teams Hawthorn and Essendon.  Against another struggling team in the Brisbane Lions, the Suns shape up as a real contender at the Gabba.

AFL: Essendon v Brisbane Lions: Round 8 Preview

Essendon Football Club (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Overview

Essendon and the Lions are sitting at polar opposite positions on the ladder.  The Bombers have found a rejuvenated strength and belief in 2013, culminating in six victories in the first seven rounds, losing only to powerhouse team Geelong.  The Lions just have not found the gear that they shifted into during the pre-season, and it has proved costly.

Running the ball down the ground, and an incredibly solid backline have been key assets to the Bombers roaring start to the season.  By finding space and not giving their opponents a chance, there is a huge belief in the red and black army.

Have a look at the Lions, and recent weeks have had “danger” written all over them.  There is huge potential on the list, but not being able to stay with opponents for a full game and being caught in defence has caused Michael Voss‘ tenure to become somewhat fragile.

AFL: Where to now – Brisbane Lions

Matthew Kruezer battles it out at Etihad with his opponent, June 2011 (photo mine)

Pressure has come down on the Brisbane Lions like a building would on a footpath.

After their excellent NAB Cup campaign (which ended in the Lions winning the silverware), the season proper has seen a turnaround and letdown on expectations.

The strong side that displayed courage and intensity has been lacking in the first five rounds, and it has certainly put coach Michael Voss under the knife.

AFL: Brisbane Lions v Adelaide Round 2 Preview

Adelaide Crows Logo
(sourced from Wikipedia)

Redemption is on the minds of both Brisbane Lions and Adelaide fans this weekend, with neither side posting a win in round one.

Adelaide were beaten at home by Essendon, while the Lions were huge fancies to beat the Western Bulldogs in Melbourne, but ultimately succumbed to not being able to run out the four quarters.

After a superb pre-season competition, the Lions wanted to start season 2013 off with a bang-a goal which proved to be unachievable.  Hope, however, may lay in store at the Gabba in front of loyal hometown fans.