World Championship Weakend

What a dire weekend for British sport. After the pathetic exploits of the Scottish and English national football teams on Wednesday, the World Championship weekend ended without a single British winner.

In the Rugby, a disallowed try possibly turned the outcome of the World Cup. I am a big believer that England is disadvantaged in Rugby as every other nation that takes the sport seriously hates us, with the possible exception of New Zealand and the South Sea islanders. As a result, it is difficult to get a neutral referee. A few decisions went against England in the final, including decisions on blocking as well as the try. However, South Africa were probably the best team in the tournament even though they had a rather easy draw and most England fans would have taken a second World Cup Final appearance if offered before the tournament. As for the try, there was enough doubt not to award it. Well done to both England and new World Champions South Africa.

Well done also to new Formula 1 World Champion Kimi Raikkonen. Coming into the final race he was outsider in a three way title fight for the championship, but drove a faultless race to pull it off against all odds. Over two years ago I predicted on this blog that Raikkonen would come to dominate the sport; it is great to see him finally fulfilling his potential even though he defeated Lewis Hamilton in his amazing début season. I have also pointed out on this blog a couple of times the FIA's bias towards Ferrari. Even with the odds stacked against him the wise money would always have been on Raikkonen, particularly after Bernie Ecclestone said he would like to see him win to Martin Brundle before the race. As we may recall back in the early days of the Blair government, what Bernie Ecclestone wants, Bernie Ecclestone tend to get.

I will not dwell too long on the two Brum teams being beaten by those representing an inferior northern city either.

Moseley Promoted

I don't usually follow domestic Rugby Union but I was pleased to hear that Moseley have put all the problems of recent years behind them and got promoted back to National League 1 yesterday. They seem to have settled in well at their new home in Billesley common and hopefully will use this season as a springboard to even greater honours, maybe even representing Birmingham in the Premiership.

Across the city the Pertemps Bees, formerly Birmingham & Solihull, seem to be going in the other direction being as they are bottom of National League One. This comes as a surprise to me as last season they were runners-up, and had a great cup run that took them to the semi-finals, knocking out some professional Premiership teams on the way.

It seems that Moseley next season will once again be the main Rugby Union club in Birmingham

When Irish Eyes are Smiling

It's a good time to be Irish. On St Patrick's day an Irish horse won the Gold Cup, and yesterday the Irish rugby team defeated England to win the Triple crown. Once again their best player was the match official, who incorrectly judged two line decisions which led to two Irish tries.

When sixteen play fifteen men in rugby, there is only going to be one winner.