The Inner Sanctum

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Tue, 07 May 2013 22:57:03 +1000

damecharlottekealey: everythinghamishandandy: Hamish and Andy...

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 09:28:19 +1100

damecharlottekealey:

everythinghamishandandy:

Hamish and Andy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, February 21st 2013. [x][x]

Perfect

Was sitting just behind these guys that day. Had a talk to them…Fantastic blokes! Genuine…

Reblog if you’d like 1 message from a curious anon.

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 21:43:14 +1100

The best concert I’ve been to.

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 23:36:22 +1100

The best concert I’ve been to.

A season with Cricket Victoria

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 22:11:00 +1100

As the Bushrangers final game of the season, A Ryobi One Day Cup final against Queensland comes to a close, I have a chance to look back and reflect on the past four months I’ve had as the Media Intern at Cricket Victoria.

In terms of personal highlights, this is definitely up there. You’d be correct in saying I spent a lot of time in an unpaid Internship, however for the love of the game and the experience I’ll take from it, it’s definitely been worth it.
Upon a quick observation, I spent a lot more time than what I’ve actually thought at the MCG. It adds up to approximately 100 hours, which consists of 8 One-Day matches, a Test and a T20. Such a stat doesn’t worry me at all purely because I’ve loved and enjoyed every single second of those 100 hours.

Over the 10 days, My main role has been to mediate the Social Media accounts for the Bushrangers during domestic matches and Cricket Victoria for International matches. Whilst this has been challenging at times, It’s been a highly rewarding experience. Simple things like fatigue, which at times caused me to perhaps Tweet the wrong score or misspell a players name. Mistakes like these are immediately picked up on when you’ve got a follower base of 16 thousand, which is generally more depending which search tools you use, like hashtags or getting retweeted by others.
Through real-life experiences such as media releases, pressers and talking to resident journalists I’ve been given that extra insight for my Bachelor of Communications Course (majoring in Public Relations). Only a week has gone with this course, however I can already see these experiences shining by knowing what Lecturers and Tutors are talking about.

In addition, Cricket Victoria have provided entry (as well as food) for every cricket match held at the MCG this summer. Coming into my first year at Uni, where saving your money is crucial, this has helped immensely.

I’ve had the amazing chance to not only watch incredible games of cricket, but to meet a lot of new people in the process. Often long talks are had in the innings breaks with Jesse Hogan (The Age) and Mark Hayes (Herald Sun) about everything and anything. Cricket is generally the main focus, however, we tended to waiver off this topic.
I’ve seen some incredible games of cricket too. Aaron Finch and Bobby Quiney at the start of the season were on absolute fire – hitting everything in their zone. The ‘youngsters’ (Sheridan, Handscomb, Hill, ect.) in the Bushrangers team stepping up has definitely been a good sight, not to mention Pakistan-immigrant Fawad Ahmed showing how spin is bowled…
With every good side, there’s always a negative. The International games, at times got insanely boring. This definitely didn’t take away from the experience as a whole.
I’ve had the opportunity to see my Bushrangers (who I’ve followed for a number of seasons) have an amazing Ryobi One-Day cup campaign, which saw them only losing 2 of 8 matches.

I could literally go on all day about this, but I suppose I should wrap things up.

I’d officially like to thank Richard and Cricket Victoria for this opportunity. I’ve got no idea how this came about, or even how Richard knew of me, but one thing is certain, I’m thankful. This definitely won’t be the last time you’ll see my name affiliated with Cricket Victoria…I’ll be back.

Melbourne Renegades First XI...

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 00:02:50 +1100

With the Melbourne Renegades having finalised their squad of 19 last Friday, and their first match for season 2012/13 fast approaching, I’ve compiled a squad that I believe will pull on the famous Renegade Red for their first match against cross-town rivals, the Melbourne Stars on Friday.

1. Aaron Finch - Opening the batting for the Renegades this season will be Aaron ‘The Grinch’ Finch. Stats are essentially irrelevant in T20 cricket, however the Grinch has amassed a whopping 500 runs in 6 domestic One-Day matches this year with a mammoth average of 99.4. Stats like these are far too hard to ignore and Finchy has shown in BBL|01 that he is more than capable of opening the batting in T20 cricket. This position is essentially guaranteed to be Finchy’s.

2. Dan Harris - Having played T20 cricket all around the world, ‘Doctor Dan’ has more cricket experience than I’ve had on this earth (No joke). Admittedly, his form of late for Ruhuna Royals (Sri-Lankan Premier League) and Deccan Chargers (IPL) hasn’t been too crash hot but Doctor Dan certainly knows how to open the batting in T20 cricket, as he showed in BBL|01 for the Adelaide Strikers. He does boast an impressive average of just under 35, but The Doc will certainly be looking to improve this in the next 7 games for the Melbourne Renegades.

3. Faf Du Plessis - Signing a one-match contract (for this first game against the Melbourne Stars), Faf is guaranteed to be playing. I’ve put the fiery South African at 3 because of his explosive T20 nature. Having made his T20 debut in 2007, Faf has played 80 T20 matches (including 5 Internationals) and experience has earned him an outstanding 2012 IPL season opening the batting for Chennai, boasting an impressive average of 33 and strike rate of 131. His CLT20 form with Chennai is not to be ignored either. Scoring the 9th highest amount of runs in the tournament, scoring 121 runs from 4 matches. Due to Faf only playing one game, expect the Renegades other import, Marlon Samuels to come in at 3 for the remaining of the tournament.

4. Ben Rohrer - The crafty left-hander arrives at the Renegades after his recent stint for the Sydney Sixers in both BBL|01 and the 2012 CLT20. ‘Rohrs’ was a vital part to the Sixers BBL|01 title, compiling 116 runs with a strike rate of just over 140. Not only is Rohrs a “calculating top-order bat” (Helmot), he is an excellent fielder and an essential player to any T20 team. His ability to assess the game and play each ball on its merits has Rohrer batting at number 4 for the Melbourne Renegades this season.

5. Tom Cooper - ‘Coops’ as he’s known in the rooms is no stranger to T20 cricket. Playing for the Adelaide Strikers in BBL|01 and the Netherlands in International cricket, Tom Cooper is an “explosive middle order batsman” (Helmot) and not afraid to have a swing late in the match. Scoring just over 100 runs in 5 games for the Strikers, Coops has a strike rate of 136 and more than capable to either ‘steady the ship’ or ‘go for gold’ in the middle to the end of an innings.

6. Will Sheridan - This left-arm fast medium and right hand batsman sees him the perfect fit for number 6 for the Melbourne Renegades. Having played two games for the Renegades last season, ‘Sherro’ is essentially the All-Rounder the Renegades need. Having taken 2/26 (5 overs) and smashing a quick-fire 28 runs in the Bushrangers recent Ryobi One-day match, Sherro is more than capable at playing at 6, being the genuine All-Rounder.

7. Peter Nevill - Without signing another full-time wicket keeper, the former Sydney Sixer will play all 7+ games for the Renegades, baring injury. ‘Nev’ will play the typical wicket-keeping position, batting at 7. If called upon, Nevill can bat up the order, averaging 20 runs in the Sixers successful BBL|01 campaign. Predominantly however, Peter Nevill will be the sole-wicket keeper for the Melbourne Renegades and will need to be in fine form out on the field to take as many chances as possible. After all, who wouldn’t love share in a wicket with Murali?

8. Aaron O’Brien - I’ve always said that spin is the way to win T20 cricket and both the Sydney Sixers and Perth Scorchers showed that in BBL|01. I believe this former-Adelaide Striker, in tandem with Murali will be the key to the Renegades chance against the Stars. Whilst not having the most effective season in BBL|01, ‘Obi’ will be required at the Renegades. Taking 6 wickets last season, Obi went for 6.5 runs an over and will no doubt be looking to decrease his average this season.

9. Darren Pattinson - The older brother of Australian test superstar, James Pattinson, Darren is more than likely to pull on the Renegade Red on Friday against the Melbourne Stars. Patto’s an experienced T20 player, gaining the utmost respect in the English T20 arena with Nottinghamshire. Of recent however, D.Pat’s having a stellar One-Day season with the Bushrangers, snaring 10 wickets in 5 matches - averaging a wicket every 25 runs. T20, however is a different game but I’m backing Darren Pattinson to play a major role in keeping the runs down for the Stars!

10. Nathan Rimmington - The expat-Scorcher is a T20 specialist bowler. Rimmo (or ‘The Beard’) was a crucial part to the Perth Scorchers success in BBL|01. Having taken 7 wickets last season, Rimmo has a handy slower-ball and brilliant variation, which makes him a deadly T20 bowler. He holds the title of being the first player to take a Big Bash Hatrick (back in 2008 vs Victoria) however more recently, he was in the top 25 wicket takers for the CLT20 - keeping in mind the Scorchers didn’t make it past the group stage. Rimmo will make an appearance for the Melbourne Renegades on Friday, with the intent of tearing through the Stars top order.

11. Muttiah Muralidaran - ‘Murali’ as he’s commonly known, will be a sure starter to play for the Melbourne Renegades on Friday night. The legendary Sri-Lankan is the Melbourne Renegades second import player. Despite the fact Murali hasn’t been in the best T20 form of late, he is arguably the best test spinner to have ever played cricket. Murali will be hungry for wickets on Friday night and it’ll be a fantastic sight for all those in attendance. In the long run, Murali is now a T20 specialist and has taken 144 wickets from his 124 matches. Even if Muttiah doesn’t play well, he’ll be pulling in the crowd - a bonus for the Melbourne Renegades!

I felt as though both Jayde Herrick and Michael Hill were both tough to not choose, so expect either of those two to be 12th man. If anything happens however, expect Jayde Herrick to come in for Darren Pattinson or Michael Hill for Will Sheridan.

So there’s my starting XI for the Melbourne Renegades on Friday night against the Melbourne Stars. There’s no doubt it’ll be a close game and I for one, can’t wait to watch!

If you have any questions or comments, you can find me on Twitter - @Bigjuzz

History: Revolutions Exam...

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 20:45:40 +1100

mylifeisashes:

I’m frightened of the History exam tomorrow. What if I blank? What if I don’t know what to write about? What if I can’t remember how to spell the Russian and French names? I’m so scared its no longer funny. WHY AM I FREAKING OUT OVER THIS!?

THIS! Describes me to a tee right now. Except Russia and China for me. I HAVE CHINESE NAMES THAT CAN BE SPELT A MULTITUDE OF WAYS. Like, Yuan Shikai….I MEAN WHO IS CALLED YUAN SHIKAI?
So nervous for my History Exam tomorrow….My fingers are crossed for some amazing questions. Only time will tell, I suppose.

Yup...

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 23:57:43 +1100

That’d be right. The Inbetweeners comes on just as I’m going to bed. Looks like it’s another late one!

Ran into English Woman’s Cricketer Danielle Wyatt down at...

Sat, 27 Oct 2012 19:58:56 +1100

Ran into English Woman’s Cricketer Danielle Wyatt down at the VicSpirit match this morning. Had a good chat about the World Cup ahead, school and just life in general. She really is an amazing person. Hope she enjoys the rest of her short Australian holiday!

...

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 20:58:43 +1100

My hazard perception test’s booked in for next Wednesday! Please, please let it be easy!

With my Internship starting on the 28th of October, This is...

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 20:37:32 +1100

With my Internship starting on the 28th of October, This is where I’ll be spending a majority of my summer. Some could call it my second home.

I’m actually pretty excited for my Internship, too. Full ground access for Ryobi Cup Matches and access to International Matches. It’s going to be so damn cool!

Make sure you like the Bushrangers on Facebook and follow them on Twitter to see my posts come October 28th!

How's life!?!

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 19:13:44 +1000

I have no idea how long this has been sitting in my message box…But life’s pretty sweet!

I’ve got 3 weeks left of school and have a meeting for my Internship tomorrow. Plus it’s cricket season and my 18th and Summer’s coming. :D

My boy Glenn Maxwell takes his second T20 International...

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 21:42:30 +1000

My boy Glenn Maxwell takes his second T20 International Wicket…The wicket of Ireland’s Ed Joyce - a very handy wicket indeed.

Photo courtesy of the Victorian Bushrangers.

Shane Watson snares the wicket of the Irish captain, Will...

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 21:37:58 +1000

Shane Watson snares the wicket of the Irish captain, Will Porterfield on his way to figures of 3/26.

Image courtesy of Cricinfo.

how long ago did JMac say that quote and where? :'(

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 18:26:17 +1000

It was a part of the news segment I watched last night. Around 4:30 here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMpIdF5Vt6k&list=UUsOcrfhLz6EHQj8EiZPuS_w&index=37&feature=plpp_video

"I’m only young. I have plenty of time to win Premierships."

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 20:02:00 +1000

“I’m only young. I have plenty of time to win Premierships.”

- John McCarthy (on Port Adelaide not making the finals in 2012)

Get this going! In memory of the late John McCarthy. Simply just...

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 12:43:10 +1000

Get this going! In memory of the late John McCarthy. Simply just write ‘JMac’ on your wrist, in memory. Rest Easy, JMac!

Rest in Peace, Helen Corrigan...

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 22:37:21 +1000

Saturday fortnight ago (18th August), the world lost an amazing woman, Helen Corrigan.

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Helen and I will never forget the fond memories I have of her. She was an extremely kindhearted and generous woman and I was fortunate enough to be a target of this kindness and generosity. Helen was the sort of person who indirectly influences you, made you feel something special when you talked to her. She was certainly somebody who I’ll never forget.
The love and devotion she showed towards her grandchildren was something that was extremely rare; beautiful to see. It’s something that Julian, Jake and Mariah should hold close to their hearts.

Helen, I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to come and say my final goodbye’s and thank-you’s but I know that you knew, that I was sincerely grateful and thankful for everything you did for me. Your two amazing and inspirational battles with cancer is something that I’ll use to inspire myself and push myself further.

To Jules, Steve, Julian, Jake and Mariah…You have my deepest sympathy. I hope and pray that you all will have strength during this time of loss. May you be comforted by your memories of your mum and nanny and there’s no doubt that your love for her is very much still alive.

God saw you getting tired
and a cure was not to be
so he put his arms around you
and whispered,
“Come to me”

With tearful eyes we watched you
and saw you pass away
and although we love you dearly
we could not make you stay.

A Golden heart stopped breathing
hard working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the best.

Rest in Peace, Helen. xx

Just amazing…

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 21:19:11 +1000

Just amazing…

My Summer Ahead...

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 23:28:32 +1000

Where to start? How about I just get straight into it…

Last Wednesday morning (15/8), I woke up with a direct message (DM) from the Victorian Bushrangers account. It just said that Cricket Victoria (CV) are looking for a Social Media Intern for the summer ahead. It had an email address and a contact name.

Having done work experience with Cricket Victoria two years ago, I know this is a great organisation to be involved with. There are some great people there and the CV officers are just an inspiring place to be at. In addition to this, it’s a Social Media Internship.
Having been on Twitter since 2008 (18,600 Tweets; 253 followers) and Facebook since 2007, it seems that I’m forever involved in online conversations. I’m an active user (on Twitter) with various sports teams so I know what the fans want. Plus, for the first time in thirteen years, this upcoming summer is the first ‘free’ one I’ve had. School finishes in early November and from then on, I’ll have nothing to do for the summer. I essentially felt that this internship would suit me really, really well. So I decided to email Richard.

I’m not going to go into too much detail, for various reasons, but Richard said that the DM was sent by himself. This was too my surprise as I thought it was sent by someone inside Cricket Victoria whom I may know of, just encouraging me to go for the position. The reply email just went on to say that CV have needed to look outside their current comms department for support in order to service their channels. As a result of this, they’re looking for a social media intern who is “prepared to operate the Bushrangers Twitter account and Facebook page during the RYOBI One-Day Cup (both home and away), as well as International matches.”

Thoughts are racing through my head….Joy and excitement prominently. Not only was this position for the One-Day matches, but International matches (Australia v Sri Lanka/W/Indies) in Victoria. But wait, it does get better…

“I hope that you could perform the social media function from the media centre at the MCG during home games for the RYOBI One-Day Cup, as well as international cricket.”

Uhhhh. Yeah, what did I just read? I’ve only been to the media centre once, during a One-Day match between Victoria and South Australia last year…and this was only for a few minutes, let alone a whole match. Let me say that it is the best seat in the house with amazing views on the game. Just the thought of potentially getting a position that allowed me to do this would be an amazing experience.

Richard did go onto stress that this was an unpaid internship, which is honestly more than fine with me! Experience is the key to this…and it’s something that would be amazing to fill in my summer, and learn so much from.
Also, Richard was well aware that I had various important commitments in school. Which for me, is a real confidence builder. An organisation and person actually cares that I do have important commitments.

I sent an email back just saying that I’d love to continue talks in regards to the position as cricket is my passion and that an internship in the field would be an incredible experience.

From here, Richard was just interested in learning my availability for over the summer. Being so far out I was pretty much available for a large majority of matches, except for a few interstate games around exam time. Which was fine.

So this pretty much puts me at last Friday. Richard and Cricket Victoria are required to conduct an interview, as “a matter of due diligence”. Which is fine for me. Richard wanted to know when I was free for an “informal catch-up to discuss the role” and he was happy to wait until the school holidays, if it suits me best.

This puts us at today. Essentially, whilst it’s still a good month away, I currently have a meeting with Richard (date yet to be decided) to discuss the future position and all relevant information. I’m extremely keen for the task and role, providing everything is okay from here on in. It’ll be an amazing experience and give me something to do for the summer ahead.

I must stress to you though, nothing is official yet. Whilst I am eager for it, anything could happen from here on in. If it happens to fall through, then it wouldn’t be the end of the world. Currently, I’m just focused on completing my VCE and fulfilling the remaining of my School Captain duties. This position and my future within it is yet to be 100% confirmed and I will cross each bridge as it comes. :)