So everyone at this time of year goes through the year with a fine tooth comb and espouses their worst of/best of. So why not me? These opinions are mine alone and by no means hold any water.
As in all things someone has to start first and why not a fail.
Eldrick Tiger Woods. Since his indiscretions he's not been the same. Injuries, new coaches, a playing mentality short on professional, and excuses. A top sportsman doesn't stay on top by pumping out excuses. And with a willing media (and public) to be ready and there to knock him down, he's getting airtime, when other golfers deserve more of that airtime. I'm not sure of his current bank balance but it would be fair to say time to raffle off the bags/clubs and go into golf course designing.
And to mix it up a bit, a Good un.
Have to be Blackcaps versus India at Wellington. Sure it petered out to a draw, but the manner in which we played against one of the big teams in world cricket bore testament to the change of ethos in this team. Neesham's maiden test century and Watling's battling century both key highlights in their own right, but of course the stellar performance was the captain with the bat. 302 will live long in history (unless Williamson cashes in on his true potential)
Ugly.
The All Blacks. In a year when all have been dumping plaudits on this supposedly great team there have been shortcomings. They wouldn't make my team of the year at the Halbergs based on the following. A draw in Brisbane versus a Wallaby team that was, fair to say, abysmal. And to be crowned a true champion you need to win games both at home and away. Although the coaches didn't allude to the travel issue from going to Argentina, then on to South Africa you got the feeling after that SA loss that was on their minds. A champion team wins despite the obstacles.
Why Ugly? The Northern Hemisphere Tour. 2014 should have been a year to blood new players with 2015 in mind (Rugby World Cup) and yet we saw four 1st fives on tour, an area we are very well off with. My key concerns, and they still stand, is the lack of depth at Openside. I felt Carter should have been dropped for this tour and another Openside sent away (and played a few games) to back up a very weak position if Richie doesn't make it to the Cup. Oversight or poor planning. Hansen gets the nod as a good coach sure, but sometimes his lack of vision shows through and that could be worrying come next year.
Great!!
Lydia Ko. In all aspects, a true promise. Yet to win a major but building nicely. And what a charm for the press to interview. Rocky Steady. Rock Solid. A Fortress on all tours for years to come. Hopefully she doesn't employ anyone that's been tainted by The Tiger!! My one gripe - she should have had Steve Williams on her bag for a couple of years extending his retirement. She'd have learned a lot.
Tainted
New Zealand Cricket. Surprisingly in a year of greats and huge milestones one act of selfishness ruined what could have been a stellar year. Lou Vincent's indiscretions. And the ugly mess that still hangs over Chris Cairns. I won't go into any details, that's been done, but my personal opinion is that both were top of their game and put themselves in positions they shouldn't have. Vincent proved guilty, Cairns still has a shadow. Both have done this countries cricket community a disservice.
Impressive
Rowing, Cycling, and Joseph Parker.
On the Wane
Hockey, Swimming and anything to do with the Horsey community.
Struggling
Anything to do with Americas Cup. Sir Peter Blake gave us as a nation something to celebrate. Those wins under his guidance galvanised a nation, good kiwi battlers, rank amateurs (supposedly) but a will and desire to not only perform at their very best, but for their country. The Cup has lost that lustre, and now folks are getting very displeased with the rock star status of these athletes and the money required to serve egos. We are but a country of 4 million. We don't have the resources other countries have. Good on Team New Zealand for finding funding off shore, but in so doing they also lose that Kiwi identity and can-do belief. I think it's time to put the horse back in the stable and glorify the wins on the mantelpiece.
302
Just wanted to give Brendon his own spot!!
The Sow's Ear
Has to go to sports broadcasting and in fact broadcasting across the board in this country as a whole. It seems The News of the World has a finger in every aspect of reporting and there are few and far between willing to talk facts, report with skill and dignity, and give the public the truth. Supposition and personal slants rule our media. 2015 won't be much better!!
And to round off my selections:
Startling
Manawatu promoted
Tasman 2nd
Wellington joining Otago (How do 2nd tier teams retain Super Franchises??)
Kiwis Four Nations Win
Compelling
Phoenix rising
Breakers back on top
Auckland FC
A horsey girl is ahead of Andrew Nicholson and Josh Paget on the world eventing rankings and I don't know her name (does anyone)
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