The Aussies are finally putting up a fight in the cricket, with whom else but captain Michael Clarke leading the way with an unbeaten century on Day 1 of the third Ashes Test. The DRS has again come under fire after the controversial dismissal of Usman Khawaja was upheld but Clarke alongside Chris Rogers and Steve Smith have put some respectability back into the Aussie top order. As always we’ve another huge weekend of sport at SSC – here’s how our line-up is looking.
Friday night footy will see the Panthers host the Roosters in what has traditionally been a huge rivalry. The Panthers still have points to prove and earn in terms of playing finals football this season, while the Roosters have been installed as premiership favourites on the back of their miserly defence. Look for Michael Jennings to again have a big game against his former club but the young stars Penrith retained by letting their Origin centre go might yet have the final say on the result.
In the night’s other game, it will be the Knight’s up against the Broncos as Wayne Bennett once again goes up against his former club. Newcastle will be looking for a much better showing after they were humbled at home last weekend, while Brisbane will be looking for back-to-back wins after their close shave over the Cowboys last weekend.
Saturday night is all about the Super 15 Rugby grand final, where the Brumbies have pranced their way to the big dance courtesy of another heart stopping semi-final win. The Chiefs will be overwhelming favourites to defend their title on home soil after scrapping through with a one-point win of their own against the Crusaders but don’t discount the boys from the ACT causing another upset.
The Waikato side finished the regular season top of the competition, while the Brumbies were third. Hopefully they can go all the way to claim their first title since 2004 – don’t forget the early 5.30pm kick-off time as the match is being played in New Zealand.
There’ll be plenty more on throughout the weekend, as we bring you the rest of the round’s footy action, some tennis and golf and of course we’ll be staying up late with the cricket as the Aussies aim to keep the Ashes series alive with a win over England at Old Trafford.
Don’t forget we’ll also be holding our annual Club Championships this weekend, where we’ll be taking the action on court to see which tennis memberships can lay claim to being top of their division. There’s sure to be a lot of friendly rivalry across the draw, with Men’s and Women’s, singles and doubles, juniors, opens and veterans competition to be contested. Players can win up to a $100 gift voucher for the pro-shop although entries have now closed so hopefully you’re already signed up!
It all points to another big weekend of sport at Strathfield Sports Club. Hopefully the Aussies will pull through in the cricket and you don’t get caught out with what we’ve got planned!
Damien Bellemore