Desert Island Clips

Rugby league has always been a working man’s sport ever since it was born after the Northern Union split from their southern counterparts and this commentary defines everything that is great about the game.

During the Regal Trophy Final in 1994, Mick Morgan sounds like any other fan packed inside Headingley rather than a commentator broadcasting to thousands of people when the Wigan player swings a stiff arm in the direction of his Castleford opponent consequently causing Morgan to lose his cool. He can't help but show his West Yorkshire roots as he orders the referee to 'walk him if he's got any bottle'.

The reason I chose this commentary is because it shows what is great about rugby league, it sticks to its heritage of being an M62 corridor sport rather than be made into some fancy corporate event in which 'prawn sandwich eaters' want to attend. The lack of professionalism makes it something to behold, phrases such as 'gerrim off t' field', ‘I can’t speyk’ and ‘you bottless get Campbell’ have made him a cult hero in the town of Castleford and even has Antipodean fans.

I’ve been lucky enough to meet the man behind the voice in 2015 when England opened the test series against New Zealand with a comfortable 26-16 victory and he is a credit to the game, he could sit there for hours telling stories from the all-time greats he’s battled against to the big matches he’s commentated on.

Mick Morgan is an inspiration to anyone who comes from a background with a strong accent which wouldn’t be classed as proper English who wants to work in sports broadcasting because instead of losing his origin as being a working class man from an industrial background he has embraced it in a rebellious way against the big media outlets who would cut their ears off if anyone like this ever covered one of their games. His unique style of commentating represents how everyone should approach their life; being themselves instead of pretending to be someone they’re not just to impress people.

Here's a video of Mick Morgan explaining his antics in the commentary box.

Is Mayweather May-clever?

May 2nd 2015 - MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas

Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao fought in what was promoted as the fight of the century, the battle for greatness. All throughout the build up I wanted Pacquiao to tear 'The Money' a new one because I always considered Floyd to be a fraud and didn't fight a style which deserved to be preserved in boxing history alongside the Alis, Robinson's and Marciano's. Every time I watched his fights I was amazed that he was aloud to pretty much hug his way through every round. Never taking punishment from hay-makers because he never let his opponent within a large enough distance to be able to attack him as once he was on the back foot he'd just hug and hug and hug. Everyone knew he was scared of the little Filipino, why else would he find a different excuse to avoid the bout every time.

'Llllllllets get ready to rumblllllllle' bellowed Micheal Buffer, boxing aside, that man’s voice wow any man or woman into bed with just one word. Anyways back on topic, as the opening bell was heard in front of millions of viewers around the world I knew that in 12 rounds time 'Pacman' would take his rightful place on top of the boxing world.

One..two...three rounds passed and shockingly I found myself aesthetically appreciating Mayweathers style, the man was dodging right hooks like pop stars avoid tax! Weaving and bobbing his way left and right, forwards and backwards, altering his stance from southpaw to orthodox every  couple of combinations leaving Manny clueless and even when Manny did get Floyd on the back foot he would bring him close and squeeze him like a boa constrictor to avoid getting jabbed in the face, and whilst he was close he would strike him several times like a python with speed and vigour. This was some kind of wizardry, he must've built some kind of force field around him because this was inhumane the way he was controlling this fight.

As the fight ended I couldn't help but feel annoyed and disappointed that I hadn't experienced the Mayweather era with more detail, oh well, at least I have youtube to watch his highlights.

Wyke Rugby Match Report

Wyke rugby team came back from 24-12 to earn a 24-24 draw against their local rivals Wilberforce College.

The first half started disastrously for Wyke as straight away from kick off they were under pressure after the ball bounced into touch on the left edge. To make matters worse the referee penalised them for offside putting them under immense amounts of pressure early in the game. But fair play to Wyke as they held out and forced an error after a couple of big hits from Ellis Dickinson.

The game was end to end before an error from Wyke gained Wilberforce some momentum which only increased following another penalty for offside and then a penalty for dissent. The Wyke defence finally fell apart as a switch play to the left hand side put Wilberforce’s winger over in the corner.

Wilberforce piled on the attack once again but a stray pass on the right flank was intercepted by Kieran Wilson who showed some pace to race ninety metres only to be caught by the Wilberforce full back. From the following set, Wilberforce conceded a penalty because the markers were not square and Ellis Dickinson barged over to the left of the posts. The try was converted by Wilson to edge Wyke two points in front.

Wilberforce hit straight back through their full back who scooted from near his own line to sprint past the disorientated home defence. Wyke gifted Wilberforce valuable field position again as their kick off went straight out on the full. The away team capitalised on this mistake as the left side centre crashed over to extend their lead.

But on the stroke of half time Wyke hit back through hooker Tom Greenham who dummied over close to the line.

Half Time score 16-12

The second half started the same as the first half with Wilberforce making the most of an error strewn first half as quick hands saw the full back score his second of the game, quickly followed by the centre also completing a brace of tries. Luckily for Wyke neither try was converted leaving them only twelve points behind Wilberforce.

With under ten minutes remaining Wyke have themselves a chance as Sam Simms crashed over from close range which was easily converted by Wilson leaving a six point deficit. Wyke's perseverance paid off as quick hands to the left hand edge sent Daniel Williams over in the corner, calm under pressure Kieran Wilson kicked his fourth conversion from four attempts to level the game. But unfortunately Wyke couldn't take advantage of having an extra man following Wilberforce having a man sin binned for dissent and the game finished 24-24 with conversions being Wilberforce’s downfall as they outscored Wyke five tries to four.