Sporting Update

Well the biggest sporting news recently has to be the Ryder Cup in the golf. Europe beat the USA by 14 1/2 to 13 1/2. Its nice when Europe can get together as one so well done Europe!
The commonwealth games in Delhi is underway despite much speculation that things wouldn't be ready! The athletics is due to start on Wednesday with, surprise surprise, rumours that the track wouldn't be ready! After a all night work-a-thon it seems its going to be ready. The home nations aren't doing too bad with England ahead on 21 medals and Scotland weighing in with 4!
Chelsea are leading the premiership football league with Celtic and Rangers joint top in Scotland! Liverpool a big club struggling at the moment with ownership and league results! Euro international qualifying continues on Friday! Come on Scotland!
So the rugby. Worcester (about 500m from us) are top of the championship league. London Irish are top of the premiership. Munster are top in the Magners league and the Heineken cup kicks off on Friday and over the weekend. The Heineken cups always exciting and its nice to see all the teams playing together!
In the office Mike is injured with a reoccurring shoulder injury affecting his rugby career. Steve is still cycling to work with good commitment. The boss still hits the gym regularly and I (Rob) occasionally cycle to work and enjoy a walk every now and then....stand back!!!!

Euro 2012 for L'Ecosse?

Well having never learnt my lesson I sat down to enjoy/ watch Scotland play Liechtenstein in Glasgow in the football as qualification for Euro 2012. Surely it was going to be an easier result against weak opposition and surely guaranteed points at home. I forget that Scotland NEVER do things the easy way and I'd sooner put money on them against the bigger nations than trusting them against the smaller nations!

Lets set the picture..... Liechtenstein are ranked about 144th in the world, their population would struggle to fill all of Hampden Park and they don't have a team of full time pros. One of their players is a mechanic for example. Now Scotland have had some howlers in the past but surely this was a definite 3 points....surely?

Well the first half went past and no goals were scored. One minute into the second half Liechtenstein scored. A wonderful goal to be fair and suddenly we had to face the facts that forget a draw being a bad result we might actually lose the game. Now Liech. have only ever won 5 games and there best ever result was a draw against Portugal. This would be without fail Scotland's worst ever football result (impressive since we've had a few!) and would end any Euro 2012 hopes.

FINALLY after about 60 minutes Scotland scored the equaliser but still a draw probably wouldn't be enough. In a league with Spain and the Czech Rep. you need all your points and especially at home to Leich. The game went on and the presumed winner never seemed to come, it was going to be a terrible night for Scottish sport....again! 90 minutes passed and unbelievably 7 minutes into injury time Mc Manus scored Scotland's winner 2-1. For once we had had some luck and been saved a lot of blushes. It also turned out that Lithuania had beaten Czech Rep. a great result for us. So what had been on the verge of a terrible night for anyone Scottish actually 7 minutes into injury time ended up being a pretty good night. Not a pretty result but they all count.....bring on Spain!!!!

Another epic!

Well the last game was an epic beauty but this game was truely awesome. South Africa vs. Australia in Bloemfontein. It looked at one point as if Australia were going to walk it as they were very clinical and South Africa just weren't in the game. Australia led 31- 6 at one point.

The second half started and South Africa woke up and unbelievably pulled it back to 31-30 then took the lead. A period of lead swopping took place and it was just a hugely entertaining game to watch. 8 Tries. Then as the clock hit 80 South Africa gave away a penalty on half way on the side. A difficult last gasp kick to win it and Beale stroked it over with no effort at all. Australia won 41-39.

South Africa will be gutted but Australia probably deserved it on the whole despite an impressive come back from South Africa. South Africa will be gutted to lose but having had a bit of luck last week they can't complain. Having been so close to beating the All Blacks though as well they will feel hard done by. What a game though and can only be a good advert for the Rugby Union.

South Africa v. Australia....an epic!

What a game. 9 Tries in an enthralling, epic game! South Africa finally run out winners 44- 31. After Australia led all the way through the 1st half but SA never gave in and with some mammoth kicks and great tries run out winners! New Zealand can't be caught in the championship but 3 games still remain. SA play Australia again and Australia have 2 tests left against the All Blacks. Come on Scotland!!!!!!

New Zealand win Tri Nations

Well South Africa will be gutted as New Zealand won the Tri Nations on Saturday beating SA by 29- 22. New Zealand were the better team but the manor of the victory was very similar to Wales victory over Scotland in the 6 Nations just gone (still angers me!).
SA led all the way through the game and were on the verge of beating the All Blacks. You sensed from the beginning that SA were up for it. The crowd were up for it. Despite having a good 1st half SA couldn't get going in the 2nd half and New Zealand piled on the pressure. You felt SA were on the verge of a big result as they were clinging on to the lead but New Zealand were allowed a controversial try in the 78th minute when McCaw went over. It went to the TMO but was allowed so they were drawing level as Carter missed the conversion.
Now I don't know why teams always get last minute scores as it seems you play for 80 minutes then to concede in the final minute is always strange but happens so often. Dagg went over in the final minute to seal an epic victory and break SA hearts.You have to say New Zealand deserved to win the match and certainly deserved to win the Tri nations but it must be gutting for SA who came so close.
So the New Zealand train rumbles on. You have to say well done to them but i'd like to see them beaten. What a game though it was exciting to watch and it was nice to see a team put the All Blacks under pressure and be in with a shout at the end.

Tennis anyone?

Well done Andy Murray. He beat Nadal in the semi finals of the Rogers cup, then beat Roger Federer in the final. I wasn't to impressed with Mr Murray at first but he seems to have matured, is a better player and has a much better attitude. Also great that he's a Scotsman as well!

The Football has kicked off a new season. Doesn't seem long ago that it stopped. Beginning of a new season always brings in a fresh, new, anything can happen feeling! Off to watch Luton Town play with a friend tomorrow! He's a big Luton fan and I'm quite capable of cheering! Really I'm going for those dodgy roadside cheeseburgers!

Tri Nations again on Saturday. South Africa v. New Zealand. Can anyone de-rail the All Blacks! I bought my tickets to see Scotland's victory against the All Blacks in November!!!!!!

Cycled to work today so I don't feel guilty about my cheeseburger tomorrow!

Tri Nations

New Zealand win again but Australia put up more of an effort! In fact they were unlucky to not come out the game with more. Oz had a lot of the possession but the All Blacks defence was too good. There was just no way through and once again the AB's were super clinical. So its not officially over yet but the AB's have got it as good as won!

NB. The boss will be happy with Man U's 3 -1 victory over Chelsea in the Community Shield! Another football season about to begin, fresh dreams/ hopes!

Sport Update

Well the big news has to be the Athletics. Best ever medal effort by Britain at the European championships in Barcelona. The target was 15 and we got 19 medals in total. 6 Gold, 7 Silvers and 6 Bronze. Worthy of note is Derval O' Rourke who got Ireland's only medal with a silver. Is she any relation to our own Steve O'R. Steve is very fit with his cycling to work so is there a family connection? On a serious note special mention has to go to Merlene Ottey (used to run for Jamaica) who at 50 is running in the 4 x 100m for Slovenia (not sure why Slovenia!). She has a total of 27 medals in various competitions and it's a phenomenal effort she is still going at 50!
Debate still rages on about England's failure in the Football World Cup. I personally think there are too many foreign players playing in the premier league. Without wanting to get too deep about it all, it is very disturbing that the pro players can get as much in a week as I used to earn as a teacher in a year. You should play because you love the game but do some play for prestige, wags, money, cars etc etc? Who knows. Who cares?
Tri Nations is well underway and New Zealand are dominating. They seem the best team by far and look unbeatable. The other 2 teams are always capable of an upset though. It currently stands New Zealand top on 15 points, Australia second on 4 points and South Africa last on 0 points. More importantly Chris Paterson has returned to Scottish training! Be nice to see him further his 100 cap haul! Go Chris!

Sporting Life

Well the World Cup is at an end. I'm a rugby man but when a sport is on regularly you miss the daily routine of it. Same with Wimbledon. Luckily for us the Tri Nations is on. There always seems to be something which keeps me happy and my girlfriend slightly annoyed. Its all about compromise though and Sky +!
So Tri Nations then. You would fancy New Zealand but they always choke at some point. They are looking strong though. You can never rule South Africa out or Australia for that matter, even though they seem to be in a dip of form recently. I enjoy seeing teams beat New Zealand although you have to give them credit when they are on fire they are on fire!!!!!
Personally I'm off up to the homeland in November to watch Scotland beat New Zealand. Then have tickets for the Wales and Italy games at Murrayfield in the 6 Nations! I don't expect miracles from Scotland but their form seems on the up and its nice to see them win some games now. Andy Robinson has definitely made a difference and has the players believing now! With a few injured players to come back as well hopefully the tide is beginning to turn!
This all mixed with our daily, office olympics means there is still a lot to 2010 for Sports fans!

SPAIN

Well done Spain and well done Mike. Spain are World champions! I wanted Holland to win but have to say Spain were the better team and had loads of chances! I felt Holland let themselves down at the end with moaning with the ref! So Spain worthy CHAMPIONS! The office sweepstake ended so................

WINNER -Spain/ Mike with the jackpot of £18

2nd -Holland/ Adrienn with £9 (Cush make sure you pass the money over I gave you to your wife ha ha!)

3rd -Germany/ Rob £5

4th -Uruguay/ Cush £3

Bring on the Rugby World Cup and go Scotland!!!!!!

Go Scotland!!!!!!!

Well the final is Spain vs. Holland. Didn't see the game but thought the German manager was very gracious in defeat. I don't need that luxury jackpot anyway!!!!!! Well I have to say GO HOLLAND! I met lots of Dutch when I was travelling and they were a great bunch, good fun. We also took holidays in Holland every year when I was younger so i'd like to see them win! So.......

3rd Place play off - Saturday 10th July
Uruguay v. Germany
Cush v. Jock

World Cup Final 2010- Sunday 11th July
Spain v. Holland
Mike v. Adrienn

Come on Scotland!

Then there were 3

Well the winner of the World Cup is either going to be Holland, Germany or Spain! A European winner! Uruguay are out (sorry Boss!) and Holland are already in the final (well done Mrs Cush!). Germany (Jock) v. Spain (Mike) today! Who will take on Adrienn in the final? All very very exciting!

World Cup Semi Finals!

The last 4 now, all are guaranteed a massive £3 and maybe the luxury jackpot of £18!!!!!!

Tuesday July 6th
Uruguay v. Netherlands
Cush v. Adrienn

Wednesday July 7th
Germany v. Spain
Jock v. Mike

Remember Football is the winner!!!!!

Snowdon Experience- 6.3.10

Well we had a camping trip this weekend with the aim of climbing Snowdon in Wales. There is a large ability range within the group ranging from those with little experience (but lots of enthusiasm) to those with a lot of experience and technical ability.
4 of us did Snowdon on the Saturday, a couple couldn't attempt it due to car trouble and recovering from major surgery. I have climbed Snowdon 15- 20 times so off we set on our Merry way for a nice trip up the pig trail (tourist route). Well I can tell you all now that it was one of the hardest experiences I've ever had on Snowdon. This was due to a lot of snow and my lack of walking poles for grip. We passed many people coming down wearing crampons, with ice axes, walking poles etc etc. I must admit I had a little snigger at the crampons on a tourist route- seemed a little extreme! I was eating my words at the top and our group all promised to buy pairs of crampons upon return.
Normally wide paths were narrow ledges and the drops seemed more extreme. The volume of people made passing very difficult and the whole picture seemed more suitable for the Himalayas than a Welsh mountain! We made it to the top with a bit of sweat and were greeted by fantastic views in glorious sunshine. We settled for returning an easier way and followed the submerged train tracks back.
The real fun was just about to begin. The next morning we were having breakfast in 'Pete's eats' in llanberis. One of the boys came in the queue, excited, saying Kate Silverton was in the next room. Who? I'd never heard of her but was soon informed she was a celebrity BBC reporter. She passed us in the queue and collected her large Teas. One of the boys got chatting to her and mentioned we were on Snowdon yesterday. Turns out she is doing the 3 peaks challenge for Sports relief. She said to us you should come on the radio and we can ask you about conditions yesterday on the mountain. I asked whether it was for TV or Radio- if it was for TV then I was by far the best looking of the group ha ha! It was for Radio and right enough someone else from the group went on the radio.
Back at the breakfast table someone commented that Sir Clive Woodward had just passed in the car. Soon he entered the Cafe followed by Sir Steve Redgrave. They were all doing the 3 peaks challenge with Phil Packer (who suffered severe spinal injuries in 2008). I sat next to Steve Redgrave and watched our mate being interviewed on the radio. I briefly told him about what it was like yesterday in the snow. I think he was expecting an easy jaunt in the sun and was beginning to worry that there may be a little more effort involved. He was a nice guy and very easy to talk to. When being interviewed he said 'I was just chatting to a chap who has climbed Snowdon quite a few times and he said yesterday was the hardest he'd ever experienced'. That chap was me so I'd had my moment of fame ha ha.
Our group made a donation to the event and we left the Cafe for home with a happy buzz at the memories that had been made. A good weekend and a great breakfast!

World Cup Quarters

With a 2 day break in the World Cup its time to reflect on who faces who in the World Cup Quarter Finals...

Netherlands v Brazil
Adrienn v Josh

Uruguay v Ghana
Cush v Josh

Argentina v Germany
Cush v Jock

Paraguay v Spain
James v Mike

FIFA World Cup Update

As we enter the final few games of the last 16 round here's a quick update on the Tacklesport world cup sweep stake.

Cush looks to be in a strong position with 3 of his four teams in with a shout of making the 1/4 finals (both Argentina and Uruguay have already sealed their places) He just needs Chile to play the game of their lives against Brazil and he will be in the money !!

Mike was not entirely surprised by France's early exit from the competition and unfortunately his 2 remaining teams meet in the last 16 ensuring at least 1 will make it though to the 1/4's.

Jock's 'patriotic' swap looks to have landed himself in a great position to reach the Semis, with Germany annihilating a poor England in the last 16.
( Goal line technology Sepp... get it sorted, this is a multi-billion industry - professional clubs CAN afford it ! Ed.)

James has to relay on Paraguay to keep him in the hunt and unfortunately they face Japan who have turned out to be a surprise package in this tournament so far

Josh's strong group looks even stronger with both Brazil and Ghana in the mix and if the Slovaks can defeat Holland he will be sitting pretty with 3 teams in the 1/4's

Steve unfortunately is down and out. Despite the host nation producing some fantastic results in their group, none of Steve's teams made it through. Even the Italians forgot to turn up and the current world champs went home early.

Adrienn is still in with a fighting chance with Japan playing some exciting football and the elegant Holland team needing to beat lowly Slovakia to progress to the 1/4's

All will become clear by tomorrow evening, so we'll update the runners and rider then.

Mike

FIFA World Cup Fever hits Tacklesport

Like many offices up and down the country we have a world cup sweep stake running but unlike the official draw back in December 2009 with its glitz and glamor which went very smoothly, it took us 3 attempts to get it right. Using our own unique process... we ditched the 4 worst teams and made sure everyone got at least one top ranked side. Everyone chucked in a fiver and the money will be split between the top 4 places. The teams are as follows:

Cush - Uruguay, Argentina, Nigeria, Chile
The South American feel to this group is only matched by the MD's salsa - and with Argentina off to a good start, Andrew is surely in for a top 4 finish.

Mike - France, Slovenia, Portugal, Spain
A group dominated by European under achievers all starting in typically poor fashion, at least 3 teams should make the 1/4s

Jock - Mexico, USA, Denmark, Germany
The Scotsman was so disgusted when he drew England he swapped it for Germany ! This was before their 4 v 0 victory so James may not be too happy.

Josh - South Korea, Ghana, Slovakia, Brazil
The rest of the teams may be average but with Brazil in this group, Josh may be on to a winner.

James - England, Australia, Switzerland, Paraguay
As the only participating footballer (Church Stretton FC) in the office, James 'received' England . With Switzerland's surprise victory over Spain James is surely heading for the prize pot only to lose out on penalties !

Steve O’ R - South Africa, Greece, Italy, Ivory Coast
A tricky group for Steve (particularly as in the draw prior to this one he had the top 4 ranked sides... “Re-draw”). Despite their average start you can never write off the Italians.

Adrienn - Serbia, Cameroon, Japan, Holland
Mrs C can be rightly disappointed in her lot, as her teams were drawn on her behalf (while she is working in Budapest). Everyone always supports Holland but they never quite make it. Better luck this year.

Sport-able: The Apple iPad

Tech Team (Tackling technology)

We mulitmedia technicians at Tacklesport live on the cutting edge of technology and very few innovations are missed by our radar, so do not hesitate to get involved and question our knowledge.

It is nice of Apple to have halted the release of the iPad in the Uk until we started our tech blog. This is an exciting time for us as the increasingly more powerful portable devices means that sports coaching and monitoring software can be taken out into the field (literally). The iPad is described as the link between a computer and a mobile smart phone. The main feature of the device is the size, some have described it as being too large to be truly portable. However, fit and healthy sports people should have no problem holding the device for prolonged periods of time. The screen space which is availiable for apps is also exciting. This has inspired Tacklesport with many innovative ideas. However the question is what is needed by the sports men and women on the front line please get involved by leaving us a comment below.

England World Cup Squad - One Tip for the Future

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Class of 2010

If I could offer you only one tip for the future, coaching would be it. The long term benefits of coaching have been proved by pundits whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience…I will dispense this advice now.

Enjoy the power and beauty of your playing days; oh never mind; you will not understand the power and beauty of your playing days until they have faded. But trust me, in 20 years you’ll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can’t grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous a player you really looked…. You are not as devoid of muscle as you imagine. Don’t worry about the next game; or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to create a team play by drinking Guinness. The real troubles in your game are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blindside you at 4pm on some pulsating match day afternoon. Do one thing every session that scares you; Tackle! Don’t be reckless with other player’s legs, don’t put up with people who are reckless with yours. Use the elbows. Don’t waste your time on jealousy; sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes you’re behind…the game is long, and in the end, it’s only with the opposition. Remember the compliments you receive, forget the insults; if you succeed in doing this, tell me how. Keep your old award certificates, throw away your old disciplinary letters. Stretch. Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you need to do in your next match… the most interesting players I know didn’t know at 26 what they had to do in their next match, some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know still don’t know what a system is. Get plenty of energy drinks. Be kind to your physios, you’ll miss them when they’re gone. Maybe you’ll play premiership, maybe you won’t, maybe you’ll have more internationals, maybe you won’t, maybe you’ll retire at 40, maybe you’ll dance the funky chicken at your 75th club dinner… what ever you do, don’t congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself either – your team selection is half chance, so are everybody else’s. Enjoy your supporters, use them every way you can… don’t be afraid of them, or what other people think of them, they’re the greatest friends you’ll ever have. Warm-up… even if you have nowhere to do it but in your own changing room. Read the manuals, even if you don’t follow them. Do NOT read the Law book, it will only make you feel confused. Get to know your Owner, you never know when he’ll be at the Bar. Be nice to the media; they are the best link to your agent and the people most likely to stick with you in the future. Understand that Managers come and go, but for the precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in your game because the older you get, the more you need the short cuts you knew when you were young. Visit a gym once, but leave before it makes you muscle bound; visit a therapist once, but leave before it makes you soft. Travel. Accept certain inalienable truths – your transfer fees will diminish, your fitness won’t last, you too will get old, and when you do you’ll fantasize that when you were young you played for fun, you were fit and you could pass the ball. Respect the referee. Don’t expect the Club to pay you. Maybe you have a rich benefactor, maybe you have a wealthy Chairman; but you never know when either one might run out. Don’t mess too much with your retirement plan, or by the time you're 50 you will have bankrupted yourself. Be careful whose financial tips you listen too, but, be patient with those who supply them. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it’s worth. But trust me on the coaching…

Joe Public (courtesy of B. Luhrmann)

The things you see at work

At Tacklesport we have the luxury of an office set in the countryside with the benefit of the City and the Motorway only a stones throw away. Today something happened that very few 'office' workers will ever see.

A horse was born, no more than 40 feet away from the office window. I'm sure the Boss wouldn't mind as we all took 10 minutes off and watched this amazing event happen before our eyes.

Mike

Budapest and back in a day.

I recently travelled to Budapest (Hungary) to meet face to face with a company with whom we hope to do some work in the near future. From the moment the flights were booked I knew it was going to be a tough, long day....I was not wrong. It went a little something like this....

• Get up at 3.00am and leave the house by 3.15 (showered and shaved before going to bed of course.)
• Drive to Birmingham Airport in order to park up and catch the National Express bus down to Luton. (much cheaper than driving and parking in Luton) Problem 1 - The M42 is closed at junction 3a... (the bit which heads for the Airport and NEC) - No major drama as had had left plenty of time to get there. A quick detour down the M40 and I'm back on track.
• A trouble free journey to Luton arriving with an hour or so to spare which gives me time for bit of breakfast (coffee and pan-au-chocolat courtesy of Starbucks) - Problem 2 - Flight delayed for 45 minutes (this cuts into my meeting time by a quarter)
• The Wizz Air flight is OK, comfortable enough, refreshments were quite expensive so I didn't bother as I'd bought a bottle of water from the airport.
• I sat near the front which made getting off the plane and through customs much quicker where I was met by Peter my Hungarian contact who had expertly written my name, like any good driver... but using his shiny new, recently imported ipad... very clever !
• We had a great meeting for 3 and 1/2 hours with some very clever and dedicated designers which even allowed me a little time to play with his ipad (i want one - you will too). I needed to be at the airport for my return journey by 5.00 pm - Problem 3 - The traffic getting out of Budapest is a nightmare and the police incident didn't help. The road to the airport seems never-ending and I finally arrive at 20 mins past 5.00 - surely too late to catch my flight.
• With the help of Peter's wife, I am ushered through security, but wait... "please take off your shoes, belt, laptop out of the bag etc etc".
• T minus 15 mins - no chance of catching the flight, but hold on... - "great the flight is delayed by an hour", I might even get to have a sandwich before we go. One hour passes - still delayed, finally 2 hours later we are boarding. Problem 4 - No way I'm going to catch the bus home I wanted.
• We all line up and board the plane, seat-belts on, Problem 5 - There are 7 passengers missing and because the airport system has gone down they can't figure out which bag belongs to which passenger ! - Bags unloaded, everyone off (10 at a time) identify your bag (only 20 bags on the runway - everyone else had hand luggage). Problem 6, because of the delays we have missed our slot and are waiting for Dutch Air-traffic control to set us free.
• On arrival back into London Luton I make my way to the National Express counter to see what buses are available. One hour 30 minutes later ( plus a £5.00 admin fee). I am cheered by the phone call from The Boss who invites me to take the next day (a Saturday) off !!
• I arrive back in Birmingham at 2.00am tired and with stinging eyes ( i forgot to take my contact lenses out while dozing - but at least I didn't miss my stop unlike the poor chap who wanted to get off in Milton Keynes... oops
• I paid the car park fee (£12.00 for the day) Problem 7 - I need diesel - but the pump attendant must be sleeping. Eventually get home by 3.00 for a quick shower and bed.

All in all a very successful trip but a tough one. I hope it is worth it in the end and I am sure it will be... Watch this space.

For my parting shot I will leave readers with my 6 point guide to business travel abroad.

1. Allow plenty of time for every aspect of the trip.
2. Where possible get open tickets (bus / train)
3. If you are offered lunch during a meeting - take it, you never know when your next chance to eat will be.
4. Don't expect to get out of a major city quickly
5. Relax and don't get frustrated - generally there is nothing you can do about the problems you face.
6. Make sure you get the following day off

Thanks for reading. Mike