The Count Claims Another Victim in Thrilling Lakeside Final

Chekov has poetically described the joys of darts, and I for one am sad that we will have to wait another 51 weeks for the return of The Count, Wolfie, Bobby and co. The thud of the steel tips into that cork circle is surely one of the most satisfying sounds in sport (alongside Anna Kournikova’s forehand grunts).

This year’s tournament produced some memorable games, not least the Final, in which Ted Hankey almost contrived to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. It would have been painful to watch Hankey if O’Shea did clinch it but thankfully he stumbled across the finishing line. One thing that really comes across when watching these players is the simple humanity and realism of it all. There is no pretentiousness and the players, whilst obviously disappointed in defeat, appear happy to take a place in the audience and cheer on their pals.

My favourite moment this year was a live interview between Ray Stubbs and Ted Hankey, who had just won his quarter final. Hankey was providing us with a detailed account of the benefits to his game of relative sobriety and a new found ‘healthy’ lifestyle. Stubbs then enquired as to whether he was now away to get some rest and prepare himself for the semi final. “No” was Hankey’s response. “I’m away for a fag”! Superb.

Liverpool Stutter as Benitez Falls into Sir Alex's Trap

Liverpool extended their lead at the summit of the Premier League on Saturday with a 0-0 draw against Tony Pulis’s well organised Stoke outfit. But the feeling amongst supporters is one of deflation and yet another missed opportunity. Many will see this as two points dropped for the Merseysider’s, but in truth they were lucky to escape the Potteries with a point, such was the dismal nature of their performance. Indeed, this was one of their worst showings of the season – all the more strange following such an impressive display in their last league outing against Newcastle. Yet again Rafa Benitez demonstrated his unpredictability by selecting Dirk Kuyt as a lone striker and leaving both Torres and Keane on the bench. It has been blindingly obvious for the past two years that Kuyt is not suited to leading the line by himself. Sure enough the Reds failed to create anything of note in the first half. Benayoun, having recently vented his frustration at not being a first team regular, was dire. Frustratingly, it took Benitez until after the hour mark to introduce Torres, but even he could not find a way past a stubborn Stoke rearguard. Gerrard glanced the post in the dying minutes, but a defeat would have been harsh on Stoke. The Reds now face a difficult run of fixtures including a Merseyside derby and the visit of Chelsea to Anfield. I will be surprised if they remain top by the end of the month.

Aside from the match it was manager Rafa Benitez’s bizarre press conference on Friday which drew most of the focus at the weekend. His verbal attack on Alex Ferguson has apparently backfired already, with Manchester United easily brushing aside a hapless Chelsea side 3-0. Quite why he felt the need to get involved with Ferguson at this stage of the season, particularly in such a calculated and predetermined fashion (he produced a sheet of A4 at the press conference) is anybody’s guess. Some have pointed to Ferguson’s assertion a few weeks back that Liverpool do not have the experience to go on and win the title, but in responding to this Benitez has fallen into his trap. This is a classic Ferguson tactic – making a seemingly unremarkable observation through the press and waiting for his opponent’s response. There was absolutely no need to pick a fight. I suspect he was also trying to put Ferguson off balance ahead of a key game, but following yesterday’s result it has apparently had the opposite effect. Or maybe he is attempting to emulate Jose Mourinho’s famous ‘outbursts’ in trying to get under Ferguson’s skin. However Benitez’s mannerisms, personality and slightly fragmented English does not help him in such situations. As far as I am concerned he would have been better advised to retain the moral high-ground and just keep quiet.

Regardless of the spat, Manchester United’s recent good form looks ominous, whilst Liverpool retain an air of inconsistency. Sadly United are huge favourites now to go on and claim a 3rd successive title.

Tasting Notes - Taylors Late Bottled Vintage 2001

As my drinking habits mature, I am becoming quite fond of the occasional port. Although I am by no means a connoisseur (yet), I am aware that Taylor's are one of the biggest names in port production. They are, if you like, the 'Ferrari' of the port industry. I enjoyed this 2001 as a Boxing Day aperitif, prior to imbibing in the more serious post dinner business of Jack Daniels. Indeed, I enjoyed it so much that I have since acquired a further bottle for my own casual consumption. It is of a deep red appearance, and slightly opaque. To the nose it is peppery and packed with fruity aromas, including rhubarb and perhaps a hint of elderberry. On the palate there is much more fruit, a hint of 'summer pudding' and dark, rich tannins infused with feint notes of licorice. The finish is bold and lasting, with a sweetness emerging and woody spices on the death. Highly recommended.

Shooting Stars

One of the best offerings on TV over the Christmas period was the Shooting Stars documentary. What a great show this was!

2009

I'd just like to wish all my readers a very Happy New Year. I hope all your wishes for the year come to fruition. Personally, I am aiming to ease back on the bottle and find some stability. My blog has suffered recently due to excessive drinking. A friend of mine once said "Listen son, keep some perspective. Don't enjoy the high's too much, and then the lows will be easier to deal with. Stay on the middle ground." I think I know what he means.

I'd invite all readers to share their new year resolutions.

Northern Ireland Slump Continues

Northern Ireland continued their slide back towards mediocrity last night with a grim 2-0 reverse against an average looking Hungarian outfit. Although I did not see the whole game, I am led to believe that it was a thoroughly depressing affair. Admittedly, the Ulstermen were without a number of key players, particularly in defence. But it is the general air of negativity that Worthington emits that is beginning to rankle with large sections of the GAWA. Nothing is ever HIS fault. Last night, it was the fact that a few players are not playing regularly for their club. And yet Sanchez was faced with exactly the same problem. There does not seem to be the same level of tactical understanding, discipline and work ethic within this team as there was under Sanchez. The players appear less confident and unsure of their duties on the field. Behind the scenes, it is widely known that the standards of discipline and professionalism in the camp have declined significantly under the current regime, perhaps reflecting the lack of respect the current squad have for Worthington’s management style.

Following a disappointing opening to their World Cup group Northern Ireland will not qualify for South Africa, and sadly the short term future does not look great. The only bright note is that the U-21 team recorded a stylish 3-1 victory over Scotland on Tuesday night. After 3 years of stability and relative glory, now may be the time to start rebuilding. But I am certain that Nigel Worthington is not the right man to oversee that rebuilding.

Toddy's Tips

With the going good, good-to-soft in places, it's hard to look past 11/5 chance Randy Bishop in the 1.30 Lifetime Hurdle at Fakenham. Irish flyer King Cyrus should not be ignored in the 3.30 meet, with trainer Jim Best having returned 5 winners in as many days. Saddler Christian Williams described him as a 'feisty little number' on Friday, and he is known for landing well on soft ground. All eyes, however, are on Saturdays Betfair Chase, with former Gold Cup winner Kauto Star a scorching 2/5 favourite. Fairly measly odds, but I'd lump big on it.