Shouting from the Hop

It's been pretty hectic in the Pedro45 household this weekend so far - trying to fit in all the usual weekend duties while catching the multitude of sporting offerings on TV whenever I can.

First up yesterday afternoon were England's Rugby Union guys, who hammered Australia 26-16; a much more comfortable win than the score suggests. Then the Rugby League guys, Great Britain this time, beat up on the New Zealand team, 38-12. That gives them a chance to make the Tri-Nations final if they beat the Aussies by three points next weekend.

Between the rugby codes, we had Englands footballers taking on Argentina in a friendly in Geneva (for some reason...). The lads won 3-2 in one of the best friendly international matches I've ever seen - goals, shots, passion, commitment, and Peter Crouch! Behind twice, goals from Wayne Rooney (seen top, hitting the post) and then Michael Owen dragged England level very late in the game. Owen then popped up with the winner well into injury time to secure an unlikely victory! Charlton's Luke Young played 80 minutes, before being subbed as Sven tried to salvage a result (which worked for a change!).

The morning entertainment had been provided by Englands cricket team, playing the first test against Pakistan in Multan. I missed the early stuff (due to the 5am start UK time) but watched as the bowlers dragged the game back Englands way - Flintoff and Harmison excellent. At 244-6, Marcus Trescothick can be very pleased with his latest first day as England's stand-in captain.
This morning, things got better for Banger and the lads - The seam bowlers rolled the Pakistan tail over inside an hour and then Tres (left) batted all the rest of the day making well over 100, as the team got with 20-odd of the Pakistan total of 274, and with just three wickets lost. If they push on, continuing to bat sensibly, then this will be a game that they should very much win.

As this house will have workmen arriving early for the next few mornings, I'll be up at the crack of dawn and turning on the TV to see England try to take a one nil lead in the series.

Then on Tuesday night, it remains to be seen if Charlton's two young England soccer players - Darren Bent and Darren Ambrose can help the Under 21's past their French counterparts to secure a place in the mini-World Cup. The first leg finished 1-1 on Friday night, with Ambrose scoring a late equaliser.

Busy times for sport on TV; now I better go placate my girlfriend...