Sports fans, it’s been a month since REM posted, been busy at work. Firstly, compliments of the season and may the New Year bring you joy, happiness, wealth and prosperity. I will do a quick round up of 2010, so sit back and enjoy.
The year will definitly be remembered for the 2010 World Cup. Spain winning it’s maiden World Cup and finally shrugging off the pressure that has kept them from winning on the big stage. Andries Iniesta showed why he is regarded as one of the best technical footballers on the planet. The World Cup also produced magical moments, Simphiwe Tshabalala’s opening goal bought the nation to it’s feet, Ghana progressed the furthest and despite heroic efforts couldn’t hold off Diego Forlan and his men, Thomas Mueller and Mezut Ozil emerged as two youngsters with bright futures. Germany stunned old foes England 4-1 in Bloemfontein and humiliated Argentina 4-0 in the Quarter finals. In the end a very entertaining World Cup with the host showing the world how it’s done, African style, with the Vuvuzela making it’s impact felt.
The All Blacks showed why they are heavy favorites for the World Cup by winning their 10th Tri Nations Trophy in 15 years. They also racked up the awards at the yearly IRB awards with McCaw, Graham Henry and the team itself amongst the winners. Watch out for them next year, they must win this World Cup on their home soil or else they will forever be labelled chokers, being one of the best teams in the sport certainly has it’s disadvantages. Personal achievements for John Smit and Victor Matfield who know joins Percy Montgomery as centurions in Test Caps was also achieved so well done boys.
The Blue Bulls won their Third Super Rugby Tournament by beating the Stormers in a entertaining game of rugby 25-17 in Soweto. The move to the home of Orlando Pirates was a stroke of marketing genius by the Bulls Management and initial sceptisism from the Bull Fans finally gave way to curiousity and eventually massive enjoyment as they embraced the rare opportunity to travel to SA’s largest township.
The Sharks were crowned Currie Cup champions and so in emphatic style by beating WP in the final 30-10. The final showed the class and immense talent of the Shark team, particularly Pat Lambie who scored 25 points in his maiden CC final. He overtook Naas Botha and Braam van Straaten on 24 points and fell one point short of equalling Derrick Hougaard’s record of most points in a final. He also racked up 205 points the season. Let’s not take away anything from the rest of the team as they played the most attacking and clinical rugby of the tournament. Bjorn Basson broke the try scoring record of Carel Du Plessis by scoring 21 tries in the tournament. Well and truly the crown jewel of SA rugby.
Supersport United were crowned PSL champs for the third year in succession. Chelsea denied Manchester United their fourth consecutive title by winning it on the final day of the season and ensuring their double. Inter Milan defeated Bayern Munich in the Uefa Champions League and thus ended a 45 year drought. Once again, the Chosen One shows why he is one of the best coaches in world football.
Hashim Amla had the season of his life. His stats speaks for themselves. He was the Proteas best batsmen in Test and second in ODI’s. He was chosen as ICC Player of the Year. Well done Hash you done us proud. Jacques Kallis scored his maiden double Test Century, a feat that took almost 15 years to achieve. He is surely the best all rounder on the planet. Muttiah Muralitharan reached the 800 wicket mark in test with his last delivery in Test Cricket. England won the T20 WC by beating the Australians by 7 wickets in the final. Sachin Tendulkar became the first ever player to reach 50 100’s in Test. The Chennai Super Kings won the Champoins League and IPL in 2010.
Louis Oosthuizen became a household name by winning the 139th Open Championship at the home of golf. He joins Bobby Locke(4), Gary Player(3) and Ernie Els as the only South Africans to hoist the famous Claret Jug. Alberto Contador won his third Tour de France by barely holding off the challenge of Luxembourg’s Andy Schleck. Roger Federer won the Australian Open but Rafael Nadal won the French Open , Wimbledon and US Open joined only seven players to have previously won a career Grand Slam.
Despite losing most of his endorsements through scandal, Tiger woods still managed to earn the most money this year. No surprise as the World number 2 is set to have a big year in 2011.
2011 holds much sport and the most important for us Saffa’s must surely be the Rugby World cup in New Zealand. The Cricket World Cup is also upon us. I hope that 2011 will be a year that we can all remember as a great one. Enjoy what is left of the festive season folks.
Cheers vi eers
REM
