There’s a case to be made for every season as the years roll by. The delight and fresh feeling of spring, long lazy summer days, cosy winter nights by the fire and the glorious colours of autumn. Now before this blog buries itself under an avalanche of clichés I would like to point out that the latter is my personal favourite. Putting aside the giddy excitement of Strictly Come Dancing, the third season also means that there is a huge selection of sport to enjoy and this year it seems that there is more than ever to choose from, and much of it contains the key ingredient of unpredictability that gives sport its endless appeal This weekend sees the start of the Rugby Union World Cup in New Zealand, although something of a marathon and generally dominated by just a handful of teams since its inception, the tournament has had the ability to surprise. Despite the “all conquering” All Blacks being favourites and hosts, the reality is that the last time they won this tournament was in 1987, hardly what you’d describe as “all conquering” although as I write this piece they have just conquered Tonga by quite a considerable margin in the opening game. Conquering Tonga with Eamonn Holmes is on ITV at 9pm on Sunday by the way, where the popular presenter travels to the Pacific Island to give his unique perspective of the nation and its people. Not really, but it’s always plausible with ITV.
Aside from Wilkinson’s last minute drop goal that claimed the 2003 title, who would’ve thought that England, under the tutelage of the unassuming Brian Ashton would go all the way to the final four years ago in France? After a 36-0 drubbing by the eventual winners in the pool stage, England gave a much better account of themselves against South Africa in the final before which they’d dispatched both Australia and the host nation. Although it may be fanciful to see a home nation in the final, tournament rugby can be unpredictable at times.
Away from New Zealand, crickets’ county championship is reaching a thrilling climax this September. In our area loyalties tend to be split between Warwickshire and Worcestershire and both sides face a tense final few days before the pads are packed away until that freezing, cold, wet day next April. Few would have given the Bears much hope of the Division one crown last spring but they are now tantalisingly close with Durham the only team that can beat them to the line. At the other end of the table, the Pears are fighting for survival in the same division.
Other sporting highlights prior to Christmas include the F1 title being decided although if that were to go to anyone but Vettel, that really would be a shock. The US Open limps on amid Wimbledon like conditions, players collapsing in press conferences and the courts soaking up water like a sponge, and talking of the States, the NFL season has just started. Exciting times for those who like to wear a Miami Dolphins jacket replete with elasticated bottom and who use the word “get” instead of “have” when ordering a meal or drink. Back home the early stages of the FA Cup are getting into stride and that has seen Gornal Athletic lead the Black Country charge with thrilling replay victories over Shifnal and Rugby. It’s Kidsgrove next for Ian Rowe’s men, and despite all the efforts of the professional game to eliminate the romance from the competition (seeding will be next, it’s only a matter of time), the guts and glory still exist at non-league level.
But not all sport is unpredictable, take the national game for example. In the Premier League the rich and powerful still dominate, the national side are world beaters one minute and deadbeats the next and Alex McLeish has turned Aston Villa into a tight defensive outfit who play unadventurous football.
Happy autumn.
Richard Nevin .
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