Sporting Thoughts
LIKE ALL SPORT FANATICS I use the sporting calendar as opposed to the Gregorian (so as far I'm concerned this issue is coming out on 'Third Thursday of the Six Nations'), and as the spring approaches, the next few months present a huge wealth of live action
The climax of the football season is always exiting (despite the fact that my beloved Sunderland seem to be already doomed to life in the Nationwide league), and this year the Premiership race is actually looking like a contest for a change. Add to that the FA cup and the continuing British interest in both European competitions and you've more than made up for the lack of a major international tournament this year.
With their exit from the World Cup now confirmed, the Winter of Discontent for England's cricketers has finally ended, but the summer brings new hope: after a warm up series against Zimbabwe there is the prospect of South Africa, a major cricketing nation who we actually have a chance of beating. They were also highly unimpressive at the World Cup, and they do not have the sheer class of the Aussies. With the return of Thorpe and possibly Gough (though don't hold your breath), England have every chance of extending their unbeaten run at home.
My weekends around Easter are spent listening to Sport on Five: every one has a major event...the Boat Race, the Grand National, the London Marathon, the aforementioned rugby, the World Snooker Championship, the US Masters...
As the winter sports season's draw to their mouth-watering finale, many others are roaring into life: Formula One, Rugby League, Tennis (although don't get me started on the British media's tennis coverage and their obsession with Tim 'Oh So Close' Henman, theres a whole other article there!).
There may be no Olympics this year, but nevertheless there is always loads of athletics coverage to be enjoyed: the indoor season is now upon us, and then the outdoor competition begins, building up to the World Championships in Paris in August, where our list of real medal prospects is lengthening all the time: Radcliffe, Edwards, Holmes, Caines, Merry, Gardiner to name but a few.
So sit back, ignore your exams and enjoy the show!
27th Feb 2003