Sporting Sunday
In the great debate amongst the columnists of the Rust on attendance v television-viewing, let me add my ha’porth as I spent most of my Sunday watching in order cricket, championship football, golf, rugby, Italian football and yet more golf. In between I managed to give my cousin from New York a meal at a curry house. Also I expanded the Pargiter household budget by over £150. Steve Palmer has iconic status here as he picked his fifth winner of the season – and we are just in March.
Waking up early I followed the commentary of Sri Lanka victory over England. We do not seem to have adapted to this form of cricket as well as Sri Lanka who mastered both the test and short form game. The Racing Post had has 19 correct predictions and advised Brendan Taylor of Zimbabwe for a half century. It was literally a close run thing as he walked on 50.
Andy Sullivan – a Steve Palmer pick – won his second South African event by two shots. The Nuneaton lad was relatively unknown this time last year but I noted that his game held together in the back nine whilst David Howell and Antony Wall were more wayward. Age does not have the same relevance as other sports but its still unusual for a 29 year old to impose himself. With two wins on the European tour – both in Joburg – Sullivan has certainly done so.
Football-wise I did not do so well laying ( betting against) Liverpool and Arsenal who both won. However a swift exchange of emails with Stefano who said Fiorentina would get at least a draw at Inter made me lay the Milan side and la Viola won 1-0. Chelsea fans celebrating the Capital Cup and the city defeat at Liverpool might be interested to know that Salah scored 3 goals in 2 games for Fiorentina.
The PGA Honda classic at Palm Beach could not be completed due to bad weather but Ian Poulter and Paul Casey lead the way. Steve Palmer did not do so well as four of his picks including Rory did not make the cut but his fifth – the rookie Daniel Berger – stands overnight in fourth place might well make a top ten finish.
I was able to treat my cousin to his chicken biriani.
