The Roar » Laine Clark

Gold Coast A-League fans punished

Laine Clark — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:22:52 +0000

Spectators will be limited to Skilled Park’s Western Stand for at least the next two Gold Coast United home games as a result of crowd trouble on Boxing Day.

United coach Miron Bleiberg said access to the rest of the stadium would only be available if fans behaved at their next two home clashes, starting with Sunday’s A-League showdown with Melbourne Heart.

Bleiberg said United owner Clive Palmer made the decision after a scuffle occurred outside the stadium following Gold Coast’s 1-0 win over Brisbane on Boxing Day.

Roar fans also let off flares during the game.

“Clive was very disturbed after the Roar game because he had heard there was a disturbance and violence outside,” Bleiberg told AAP.

“We didn’t even have time to celebrate the win.

“He said he wasn’t into developing a gang or tribal war – he said ‘if they want to turn it into violence seen in Europe I am not into it’.”

Bleiberg hoped United fans used the next two home games to show their support for the club, not take it personally.

“Clive said to me ‘if our supporters are so good, let them prove it to me’,” Bleiberg said.

“For the next two games behave, show that they are there to watch and support the team.

“After these two games if there are no disturbances or violence then we will open the stand again.

“It is like a good behaviour bond.”

Bleiberg said he fully supported Palmer’s decision.

“The message to our supporters is that they don’t see it as something personal against them,” he said.

“They have to prove they are part of the community that is coming to watch football.

“I enjoyed the two camps singing against each other (on Boxing Day) but no one anticipated the violence afterwards.”

United are last on the A-League ladder but Wednesday night’s 3-2 loss at Newcastle ended a four-game unbeaten run.

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Article link: Gold Coast A-League fans punished. Written by Laine Clark, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Tomic has a good tennis IQ, says Murray

Laine Clark — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:19:03 +0000

If top seed Andy Murray becomes Bernard Tomic’s latest scalp at the Brisbane International, he may only have himself to blame after giving the Australian No.1 a huge wrap ahead of Saturday’s semi-final clash. World No.42 Tomic, 19, was ecstatic enough after moving through to his first ATP semi-final with a 6-3 7-6 (7-4) win [...]

Article link: Tomic has a good tennis IQ, says Murray. Written by Laine Clark, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Voss wary of Lions AFL finals talk

Laine Clark — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:46:21 +0000

Under pressure to perform in 2012, Brisbane Lions coach Michael Voss is still making no promises of AFL finals footy this year. Voss doesn’t have to be reminded that the Lions board will not tolerate another disastrous year after sweeping changes were made following a review of the club’s coaching and football departments. When the [...]

Article link: Voss wary of Lions AFL finals talk. Written by Laine Clark, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Two Aussie men left at Brisbane

Laine Clark — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:47:16 +0000

Only two Australian men are still standing at the Brisbane International after rising star Matthew Ebden joined a long list who stumbled in the first round on Tuesday. He might have a love affair with Brisbane but relations could become strained after Radek Stepanek defeated Australian No.2 Ebden. The wily Czech extended his amazing record [...]

Article link: Two Aussie men left at Brisbane. Written by Laine Clark, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Gold Coast fancy upsetting Roar

Laine Clark — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 13:11:17 +0000

Dead-last on the A-League ladder – it’s not a scenario that usually inspires comparisons with English heavyweights Arsenal. But Gold Coast United coach Miron Bleiberg reckons he can see a bit of The Gunners’ English Premier League revival in a side that has the wounded Brisbane Roar squarely in their sights. “People don’t realise we [...]

Article link: Gold Coast fancy upsetting Roar. Written by Laine Clark, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

GC coach feels for wounded Roar mentor

Laine Clark — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 20:47:46 +0000

Even Miron Bleiberg, coach of the last-placed Gold Coast, is feeling sorry for Brisbane Roar mentor Ange Postecoglou ahead of their Boxing Day A-League derby at Skilled Park. Gold Coast United’s Bleiberg admits the timing couldn’t have been better for his side to tackle the wounded defending champions. But Bleiberg is scratching his head over [...]

Article link: GC coach feels for wounded Roar mentor. Written by Laine Clark, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Wounded Roar in Gold Coast’s sights

Laine Clark — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:49:47 +0000

Not so long ago, Gold Coast coach Miron Bleiberg admits he would have found a way to call off an A-League derby with defending champions Brisbane Roar. But Bleiberg’s cellar dwellers suddenly fancy their chances of breaking a two-year drought against their once-dominant rivals at Skilled Park on Boxing Day. Bleiberg even went as far [...]

Article link: Wounded Roar in Gold Coast’s sights. Written by Laine Clark, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Roar happy with being second best

Laine Clark — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:46:04 +0000

The team that redefined perfection – the Brisbane Roar – reckon they have no complaints about suddenly being second best. Roar veteran Massimo Murdocca has claimed second spot on the A-League ladder was the ideal launching pad for his mis-firing side to rediscover their mojo. Murdocca admitted his side were uncomfortable as the A-League’s poster [...]

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Stars beat the Heat in BBL

Laine Clark — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:49:52 +0000

Normal service resumed on The Shane Warne Show after the legendary leg-spinner proved the catalyst to Melbourne Stars’ eight-run Big Bash League Twenty20 win over Brisbane Heat at the Gabba. Never one to be kept quiet, Warne bounced back from his underwhelming BBL debut last weekend to take 1-22 off his four overs and turn [...]

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Rich ready to fire for Brisbane Lions

Laine Clark — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:05:21 +0000

A step backwards may yet help gun Brisbane Lions midfielder Daniel Rich take his game forward in 2012. Rich, 21, claimed he not only had second year but also third year syndrome after bursting onto the AFL scene two years ago, claiming the Rising Star award. The low point came when his run of 59 [...]

Article link: Rich ready to fire for Brisbane Lions. Written by Laine Clark, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

India bowling weak, says Warne

Laine Clark — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:02:14 +0000

In what must be music to the ears of under pressure veterans Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey, Shane Warne has predicted good times for Australia’s batsmen against a “weak” Indian attack in their four-Test series. The 37-year-old Ponting and Hussey, 36, look set to line up in the Boxing Day Test but their long term [...]

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Ponting, Hussey in for Boxing Day Test

Laine Clark — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:50:09 +0000

Fading champions Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey are guaranteed selection for the Boxing Day Test against India – and beyond – after Australian coach Mickey Arthur revealed an exit plan for the veterans had not even been discussed. Calls for their heads grew louder after both failed again in a remarkable collapse of 8-74 in [...]

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Aussie batsmen prepare for India

Laine Clark — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:48:46 +0000

No inside information is expected to be gleaned by Mickey Arthur from former Indian coach – and fellow South African – Gary Kirsten ahead of the Boxing Day Test. But the Australian coach knows exactly what to expect from India in their upcoming four-Test series. A woeful second trans-Tasman Test loss in Hobart on Monday [...]

Article link: Aussie batsmen prepare for India. Written by Laine Clark, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Time runs out for Phil Hughes

Laine Clark — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 20:22:54 +0000

The road to redemption for Phil Hughes appears as unorthodox as his technique after Australian captain Michael Clarke conceded Test players axed this summer would need to get Twenty20 runs to don the baggy green again. Clarke admitted Hughes would be the big casualty of Australia’s shock seven-run second Test loss to New Zealand in [...]

Article link: Time runs out for Phil Hughes. Written by Laine Clark, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

New Zealand win thriller, beating Australia for first time in 20 years

Laine Clark — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 03:42:35 +0000

A brave final-wicket stand by David Warner and Nathan Lyon could not stop New Zealand celebrating their first Test win in Australia in 26 years. Read Geoff Lemon’s review: New Zealand break Aussie drought in last-wicket thriller Doug Bracewell (6-40) and Tim Southee (2-77) combined to finish off Australia for 233, sealing a dramatic seven-run [...]

Article link: New Zealand win thriller, beating Australia for first time in 20 years. Written by Laine Clark, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

NZ gaffe keeps Hughes’ Test dream alive

Laine Clark — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 13:49:25 +0000

Replays of Phil Hughes’ lucky let-off proved hard to watch for New Zealand but they will turn to more enjoyable footage to keep hopes of a rare Test upset over Australia alive in Hobart. The Black Caps were kicking themselves for not reviewing a caught behind shout after discovering hot spot technology showed that Hughes [...]

Article link: NZ gaffe keeps Hughes’ Test dream alive. Written by Laine Clark, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

NZ dream of historic Test win in Hobart

Laine Clark — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 18:27:30 +0000

The message from Michael Clarke’s men was clear after New Zealand dared to dream of ending a 26-year hoodoo on Australian soil – “we can chase anything”. The Black Caps are in the box seat to notch their first Test win in Australia since 1985 after moving to 3-139 in their second dig by stumps [...]

Article link: NZ dream of historic Test win in Hobart. Written by Laine Clark, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Australia may rue Test bowling choice

Laine Clark — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 18:24:35 +0000

One look at the green deck on offer in Hobart convinced Australian selectors to keep a three-pronged pace attack for the second trans-Tasman Test. Two days into the Hobart Test they could be forgiven for kicking themselves. Fate stepped in to ensure New Zealand used four quicks on the Bellerive green top – spinner Dan [...]

Article link: Australia may rue Test bowling choice. Written by Laine Clark, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Pattinson ready for kill against New Zealand

Laine Clark — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:43:02 +0000

Already James Pattinson is thinking about the Boxing Day Test against India after helping Australia rout New Zealand in Hobart. Pattinson was not trying to be arrogant as he cast his mind forward to the four-Test series opener at the MCG. But no one could begrudge the Victorian quick for assuming he will have a [...]

Article link: Pattinson ready for kill against New Zealand. Written by Laine Clark, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Siddle’s time will come, says Clarke

Laine Clark — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:30:44 +0000

All eyes may be on James Pattinson ahead of the second trans-Tasman Test in Hobart starting on Friday. Especially after emerging as Australia’s great fast bowling hope with fellow tearaway Pat Cummins expected to miss most of this summer with a serious heel injury. But the name on Australian captain Michael Clarke’s lips ahead of [...]

Article link: Siddle’s time will come, says Clarke. Written by Laine Clark, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Clarke confirms same starting XI for Test

Laine Clark — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 01:05:33 +0000

Allrounder Dan Christian will be 12th man for Australia in the second cricket Test in Hobart starting on Friday after selectors stuck with the same XI that beat New Zealand by nine wickets in Brisbane. Captain and co-selector Michael Clarke admitted it was tempting to hand South Australian Christian a Test debut but was confident [...]

Article link: Clarke confirms same starting XI for Test. Written by Laine Clark, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Australia can cover Cummins: Ponting

Laine Clark — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 16:45:53 +0000

The injury cloud hanging over Australia’s bowlers only seems to be getting bigger, but at least former skipper Ricky Ponting can see a silver lining. Reeling from the news that Pat Cummins looks set to miss the entire four-Test series against India this summer, Australia received word that allrounder Shane Watson had appeared to suffer [...]

Article link: Australia can cover Cummins: Ponting. Written by Laine Clark, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Pattinson sends Aust pace stocks surging

Laine Clark — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 20:21:16 +0000

Australia’s bowling stocks are surging after James Pattinson followed Pat Cummins as the second youngster to star on debut in as many cricket Tests. The 21-year-old Victorian looked set to feature with 18-year-old Cummins in Australian attacks for years to come after turning the first Test against New Zealand into a nine-wicket rout on the [...]

Article link: Pattinson sends Aust pace stocks surging. Written by Laine Clark, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

NZ on rack in trans-Tasman Test

Laine Clark — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 17:07:08 +0000

The lives finally ran out for Michael Clarke at the Gabba on Saturday. But New Zealand’s cricketers were feeling the pain in the first trans-Tasman Test. The Australia captain rode his luck to hit 139 as the hosts amassed 427, for a first-innings lead of 132, to all but bat the off colour Black Caps [...]

Article link: NZ on rack in trans-Tasman Test. Written by Laine Clark, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Cairns excited about Kiwi’s chances against Australia

Laine Clark — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:04:51 +0000

Former Kiwi all-rounder Chris Cairns has declared New Zealand have their best chance of beating Australia in a Test since 1985. The Black Caps tackle an injury-hit and inexperienced Australia line-up in a two-Test series starting on Thursday in Brisbane. New Zealand have won only one series in Australia, a Sir Richard Hadlee-inspired 2-1 win [...]

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New coach Arthur asks for patience

Laine Clark — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:03:04 +0000

The Argus report prompted rapid change in Australian cricket, but new coach Mickey Arthur reckons fans might need to wait four years before getting a true gauge on his rebuilding team. Arthur’s recent appointment completed the overhaul sparked by the Ashes debacle last summer – with the South African charged with returning Australia to the [...]

Article link: New coach Arthur asks for patience. Written by Laine Clark, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Watson’s days as opener numbered?

Laine Clark — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 17:59:32 +0000

Australian vice-captain Shane Watson has given his strongest indication yet that his days as opener are numbered – but someone has forgotten to tell captain Michael Clarke. Watson said his increased bowling workload under new skipper Clarke made it difficult to balance his role as opening batsman. However, Clarke told reporters ahead of this week’s [...]

Article link: Watson’s days as opener numbered?. Written by Laine Clark, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Test bowling auditions held in Brisbane

Laine Clark — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 04:56:36 +0000

Auditions for Test fast bowling spots were held on Tuesday in a brutal net session that had Australian captain Michael Clarke ducking and veteran Mike Hussey sweating. Clarke may have had second thoughts about his dual role as selector as he faced all three young quicks hoping to secure a Test debut against New Zealand [...]

Article link: Test bowling auditions held in Brisbane. Written by Laine Clark, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Cricket overhaul 10 years overdue, says Ponting

Laine Clark — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:27:37 +0000

The radical policies adopted by Cricket Australia in a bid to reclaim the world No.1 ranking were demanded 10 years ago by John Buchanan, Ricky Ponting says. However, Australian captain Michael Clarke believes they have already taken the first step towards being the world’s best with their dramatic second Test win in South Africa. Former [...]

Article link: Cricket overhaul 10 years overdue, says Ponting. Written by Laine Clark, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Weird to be Test spearhead, says Siddle

Laine Clark — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:21:07 +0000

Even Peter Siddle thinks it’s “weird” that he is suddenly Australia’s Test spearhead. Considered a chance of missing this week’s first Test against New Zealand in Brisbane due to poor form, Siddle finds himself leading the attack after a spate of injuries. Siddle, 27, admitted he felt like an old man at Australia’s training session [...]

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