CB series -Sri Lanka Vs India on 21st February - Gabba, Brisbane

Even though Sri Lanka is down in the points table, tomorrows win with bonus point against India will enhance the morale of the team further.

See the points table below:

Teams	Mat	Won	Lost	Tied	N/R	Pts	Net RR
Australia	5	3	2	0	0	14	+0.433
India	5	2	2	1	0	10	-0.672
Sri Lanka	4	1	2	1	0	7	+0.323

Sri Lanka only played 4 matches and maintaining plus Net RR. And from last match against Australia captain Mahela as well as Dilshan back to their normal form with Sangakkara. More importantly Faveez Maharoof proves his quality with fine bowling figures of 8 overs, one maiden, 18 runs and two wickets.

The fielding was exceptional and first time in Sri Lankan cricket history we got three all-rounders in the team who can bowl fast medium and medium fast (Maharoof,Angelow and Thisara).In match against Australia Kulasekara was well supported to Malinga with better Slow left-arm orthodox bowing of Rangana Herath. And up to now in the series Sri Lanka headed by largest victory in terms of wickets and runs (vs Australia).

In bowling Herath,Maharoof(plays only one match) as well as Kulasekera are in the top five slots under “Best Economy rates” category. Dinesh chandimal is in the fourth place among top runners (but he played only four matches as all others played five matches) .The captaincy of Mahela in this series also has been hailed by many cricket experts as well.

On the other hand India having all sought of problems as their inform Match wining captain MS Dhoni has been suspended for one ODI .He was the third most run getter in the series. Furthermore there was a question mark on fitness of Virender Sehwag and specially Sachin Tendulkar who went for a precautionary MRI scan after being hit on the helmet by a Brett Lee bouncer.

So there is a chance to Sri Lanka to win with extra point which would take the team into number two spot in points table. But more importantly it will further boost the morale of the team and cricket loving community in Sri Lanka. And also special gratitude should be given for the Sri Lankans who are living in Australia supporting our team with always playing “our songs” with specific local “Baila” with our identity. This uniqueness can be observed in any part of the world which Sri Lankan cricketers are playing and separate social research can be done on that as well.

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Aussies Pound India at the Gabba, Brisbane

Australia have rocketed to the top of the tri-series standings as Ben Hilfenhaus continued to torment India in his return to one-day cricket.

Replacing an ill Clint McKay for his first ODI in more than two years, Hilfenhaus took a career-best 5-33 as the home side pounded the tourists by 110 runs on Sunday night.

But both sides face growing worries about modern-day greats Ricky Ponting and Sachin Tendulkar who were both made to look second-rate with ugly failures at the Gabba.

A tired Ponting’s immediate one-day future is on shaky ground after he looked all at sea making just seven – his fifth straight single-figure failure – as Australia posted 5-288.

But the stand-in skipper, due for a rest with Michael Clarke expected to return from injury this week, still managed to marshall his troops to a convincing victory by routing India for 178.

The tourists had no answers to the pace and swing of new-ball duo Hilfenhaus and Brett Lee (3-49) who ripped through their top-order to effectively kill off the contest at 4-36.

Skipper MS Dhoni delayed the inevitable with a patient 56 but once he holed out to Hilfenhaus, in the 38th over, a bonus point was in the bag for Australia.

Australia’s dominant win takes them to the top of the table on 13 points – three ahead of India (10), who will meet Sri Lanka (7) on Tuesday.

While Australia’s selectors have a dilemma in how to handle Ponting’s twilight years, especially with the next World Cup three years away, India appear to have just as big a problem in managing Tendulkar.

The Little Master, searching for his hundredth international century for the past 11 months, was made to look like a rookie as he upper cut Hilfenhaus straight to Xavier Doherty at third man to fall for three.

While Ponting has just 18 runs in the tri-series at an embarrassing average of 3.6, Tendulkar has 68 runs at 17 and hasn’t looked like challenging for his milestone century.

Like Tendulkar, who lasted 12 balls, Ponting struggled to find the middle of his bat and the gaps in the field in a painful 26-ball stay after David Warner propelled the home side to 1-70 with a breezy 43.

Australia’s momentum halted with his innings and only an impressive century stand by Mike Hussey (59 off 52) and adopted Queenslander Peter Forrest (52 off 71) put the home side on track on a good batting wicket.

Late lusty hitting by Dan Christian (30no off 18) and David Hussey (26no off 20) then ensured India would face a tough chase as they blasted 65 off the last six overs.

India shot themselves in the foot in the field with four dropped catches, including two off Mike Hussey, and two muffed run outs.

The comedy of errors wasn’t restricted to the players though with the match officials involved in farcical scenes after third umpire Bruce Oxenford unwittingly giving Hussey out on one.

Oxenford blamed a technical malfunction as he attempted to give the not out call to a stumping review but “OUT” flashed on the big screen before the batsman trudged off, only to be recalled by the on-field umpires.

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Now That's Impressive Parking - Queen Mary II's Royal Arrival in Brisbane

THE world's most famous cruise ship arrived in Brisbane yesterday and it was up to Ipswich's Captain Chris Gallagher to ensure the ship's safe arrival into port.

Captain Gallagher of Karalee took control of the Queen Mary 2 at 3.30am yesterday as it floated off the coast at Mooloolaba.

He was one of two pilots guiding in the Queen Mary 2 for the final three hours of its trip before docking in the Brisbane River.

Despite its impressive size, Captain Gallagher said the Queen Mary 2 was easy to direct.

"The ship is very manoeuvrable. Despite its size it is very powerful and has an amazing propulsion system," he said.

"It's very much a team effort. It's not down to one person. There was a second commander who is like the captain and 10 other people on the bridge."

Preparations for the ship's arrival began over a year ago, and included a trip to Sydney for Captain Gallagher to meet the ship's crew.

"We actually spent a bit of time on a ship simulator at the Brisbane Airport and had a number of scenarios. We put in high winds and currents before the ship arrives so we know how it will perform once we get on board."

It was a happy moment once the ship had docked safely.

"It was exhausting. Once we got along side the dock there was a lot of relief. A high profile ship like that we don't want to it to go wrong."

He described taking control of the ship as one of his career highlights.

"It has to be. She's a very special ship and it would have to be up there when I look back on my career."

In 2009 Captain Gallagher piloted his first international vessel, the USS Ronald Reagan down the Brisbane River and into port.

Royal arrival

The Queen Mary 2 cost $1 billion to construct and is three times the size of the Titanic.

It is 345m long, 41m wide and travels at a top speed of 30 knots.

The ship has over 300 original art works, valued at over $5 million.

Now That's Impressive Parking - Queen Mary II's Royal Arrival in Brisbane

Brisbane's Carbrook Golf Course - Metro Hotels

“Hotel General Manager – Allan Hilt said” - It will be a big year for the club as they will host their first National Championship in April 2012 with the Australian Girls’ Amateur Championship and the Australian Girls’ Interstate Teams Matches.

Check out the sharks – see the u tube video’s that have caused a sensation around the world the sharks in the lake around the 13th to 15th holes, “absolutely no searching for your lost golf ball”

The golf club is one of the very few members' owned golf clubs established in Queensland in the last 50 years. As such, the members have control over their own destiny, without interference from landlords or other external parties, and enjoy knowing that any contribution they make to the club stays with the club.

The club property consists of 3 blocks of riverfront land on Beenleigh-Redland Bay Road, Carbrook at the confluence of the Logan and Albert Rivers. It is on the Eastern boundary of the Logan City Council area and closely adjoins Redland Shire. It is a 5 minutes drive from the Loganholme Hyperdome, 8 minutes from Redland Bay, and 15 minutes from Capalaba.

The property totals 92.83 hectares, of which the golf course, including the clubhouse, buggy shed, workshop, and carpark are built on approximately 40 hectares. The balance is a combination Practice Range, Lakes, and unused land.

The golf course is of genuine championship standard: being 18 holes, Par 71, ACR 72 and 6127 metres in length.

The club has a resident Professional, Teaching Professional, and Trainee operating from a well stocked shop. There is a fleet of near new electric Golf Carts for hire at reasonable rates and there is a Driving Range which is free to members, and a warm-up practice nets facility.

The modest but modern clubhouse overlooks the course and adjacent lakes and members and social players can enjoy a drink before or after their round on the outdoor deck overlooking the lake, or test their luck on the gaming machines if they wish. The Bistro is open 7 days with meals 4 days and snacks the other 3. Espresso coffee is available at the bar.

“Play and stay” at Metro Hotel Tower Mill – Call the Hotel on 07 3832 1421 for more information.

Metro Hotel Tower Mill's General Manager, Allan Hilt

Brisbane's Carbrook Golf Course - Metro Hotels

Brisbane’s Economy Will Double in 20 Years

IT is hoped Brisbane’s economy will double in 20 years, and the city will be home to an extra 340,000 workers in the next decade, under a new economic plan for the city.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk today unveiled the 20-year plan to boost jobs and economic growth on the back of the resources boom.

It aims to double Brisbane’s economy to $217 billion by 2031.

It’s also hoped an extra 343,000 workers will call the city home over the next decade.

Mr Quirk says there are 177 resource companies headquarters in Brisbane and more would follow if the city was smart about positioning itself as a global centre for resource industry technologies and services.

“The global expansion of resource industries is bringing an unprecedented window of opportunity to Brisbane and we are on the cusp of a resource-based economic transformation,” he said in a statement.

“For every direct job created in mining, a further 19 jobs are created across Brisbane in mining-related services and the great thing about these jobs is the majority of them are long-term high value professional services.”

He said a growing resource industry generated opportunities in a wide range of support services including financial, legal, specialist consulting, research and recruitment services.

Brisbane Tinnie and Tackle Show is Back

Brisbane's RNA Showgrounds host the trailerboat industry's premier event, the Brisbane Tinnie and Tackle Show, from March 23 to 25.

Bart Beek will demonstrate his culinary skills at the Club Marine Cooking Stage and visitors will have the chance to sample the finished product after his presentations, which will run hourly.

Education, entertainment and inspiration are the themes of the Fishing Expo Stage, which will be hosted by renowned angler, iFish's Saturday and Sunday.

Tips, tricks and tales will be shared in a series of presentations, with the program also featuring Dave 'Nugget' Downie and Gary Howard.

The Fishing Expo Stage will also host afternoon weigh-ins as part of the Queenslnd Bream tournament.

A full schedule of presentations and guests can be found online at tinnieandtackle. com.au

The Brisbane Tinnie and Tackle Show will be co-located with the National 4x4 & Outdoors Show.

Organisers have introduced a free travel option for those wishing to attend the show, with weekend trains from Brisbane's Central and Roma Street Stations running across the weekend for ticketholders.

Tickets are now available to buy online at tinnieandtackle.com.au

Entry is adults $15, concession $10, students $10 and children under 15 free.

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Nitro Circus Live Cap City 2012

The all new touring sensation Nitro Circus Live, having just performed its biggest ever show to a sell-out crowd at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, is set to embark on its ambitious 40 city tour of Europe, the USA and Australia in 2012.

The great news for Australian fans is that the all new show which set 15 world firsts in Vegas, will kick start its world tour in Australia, in May next year.

The 5 capital cities of Australia will see the most star-studded action sports line-up ever to come to our shores. Apart from the hugely popular Nitro Crew, the tour will feature 20 times X Games medallist Bob Burnquist, BMX great Chad Kagy, Switzerland’s Red Bull X Fighters Champion Mat Rebeaud on his first trip to Australia, plus world number one FMX rider Nate Adams, and 35 of the world’s best “Big Air” action sports stars on some crazy new Nitro contraptions, all launched off the 50 foot high Nitro Gigant-A-Ramp.

The tour will follow the release of the new Nitro Circus Live TV series on MTV in October and the 3D Motion Picture, due for global release next March.

Stay tuned to nitrocircuslive.com for more info.

Don't miss the greatest live action sports show ever produced.

TOUR DATES*:

Fri 11 May - Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Sat 12 May - Brisbane Entertainment Centre

*Ticketek is selling for the above venues only.

Nitro Circus Live Cap City 2012