IPL 2011 Final

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) won their second consecutive IPL in convincing style by beating Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by 58 runs.
From the 159 run opening partnership between M. Hussey and M. Vijay to the early wicket of RCB's C. Gayle everything went right for CSK, as a target of 205 proved to be be beyond RCB.

Whilst there is no denying CSK produced a quality display, other factors definitely helped them to win. Before the final, seven out of the last eight matches at the ground (Chennai) were won by the team batting first. Once CSK captain MS Dhoni won the toss a significant advantage was gained.
Also RCB had to qualify for the final via a third place playoff that took place just a day before the final, compare this to CSK's four day rest before the final and its not hard to see why Chennai performed better on the day. The scheduling of the playoffs might need to be looked at.
Regardless of this, as a Chennai fan I am still very happy that they have become the first team to win the tournament twice.

Nintendogs 3DS

I decided to get Nintendogs for the 3DS earlier in the week, I really want to get a dog but unfortunately I'm not able to get one. I'll have to make do with a virtual dog, so I'm introducing you to Cookie (I'm terrible at naming things).

I really like the ability to take photos of the pets whilst playing the game, makes it easy to share the fun. Enjoy!

IPL Semifinals 2011

It's semifinal time in the fourth year of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and we were in the unusual position of the semifinal fixtures being played as the last games of the league. It will be Chennai against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Mumbai against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), but what do the matches on Sunday tell us about the respective chances of each team?

Firstly, RCB are my pick as the favourites to win the tournament. The destructive batting of Chris Gayle, by far the best batsman on current form, has propelled them to the top of the table and their easy win against Chennai on Sunday showed why they are serious challengers. I would, however, never rule out Chennai who have a never give up attitude that makes them difficult opponents. If they do not beat RCB in their semi I still expect them to make the final through the additional playoff.

Of the other two teams it is Mumbai who stand out as most likely to make the extra playoff, especially after their last gasp win over KKR a few days ago. KKR were almost certain to win before a lot of luck and a bit of bad bowling got them off the hook and earned them an unlikely win. After a long streak of losing games this was a much needed win for Mumbai which could be the turn around in form they need to win the tournament. KKR will have a tough time bouncing back from this loss, and it is unlikely they will make the final.

As always T20 cricket is a very unpredictable game so i will not rule out anyone winning at this stage. The matches start later today with the final taking place this Saturday.

Arsenal 2010/2011 Season

Today is the end of the Premier League season and as an Arsenal fan it has been another very disappointing one. Three months ago we were competing in all four competitions and looking likely to end the five year wait for a trophy. Three months later, we haven't won anything and are just hanging on to fourth place in the league. What went wrong? It seems that we just don't have a strong enough squad to compete in every competition for a whole year, key players are constantly getting injured meaning even younger players have to step in to fill the gaps. This is very evident amongst our defenders this year, we were never going to win a trophy with defending like that (The Carling Cup final is an obvious example but I don't really want to remember that).

Looking forward to next season and it is clear that the manager Arsene Wenger has got to get some experienced players in to the team. The five years of experimenting with a purely young squad have not produced any trophies, for a club like Arsenal this must change.
Not everything is looking so negative though, whilst we might have to go through
another summer of Fabregas loyalty indecision; the club is in a more that good enough financial position to fund any team changes. So, hopefully by next September I can look forward to a season where Arsenal play their good football  all season round, have a solid defence, and actually win a trophy.

Dead or Alive Dimensions 3DS

New Dead or Alive 3DS game is out today, I'm thinking of getting it but I'm not entirely sure since I've already got a fighter game. It does look pretty good though, maybe when I get some more spare cash I'll see what it's like. Here's a video in case you were interested.

Noodles!!

Noodles!! I love my noodles, so here's a picture of my lunch yesterday.

It only takes me a few minute to make and is sooooo tasty. Right now I only add a bit of chicken into it but I'm  thinking of trying some new things, got any ideas?

IPL World Record

Another thing I love is cricket, and a game of T20 is a nice distraction now and then.

Just a quick comment on the stunning world record partnership between AC Gilchrist and SE Marsh in the
63rd match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) last night. A massive 206 runs were hit off 16 overs that proved too much for even Gayle of the opposition Royal Challengers Bangalore to match despite his recent amazing form. Gilchrist scored 105(55) including eight fours and nine sixes. Kings XI Punjab won the match by 111 runs, the second highest win in IPL history, and puts them within reach of a playoff place which was looking unlikely just a week ago

3DS Review

I have a bit of a thing for all things Nintendo so here's a brief review of mine

My first impressions are that it is a very nice piece of tech, it looks great (I got the blue one) and is very nice to handle (having upgraded from the old silver DS).
The built in games (AR Games, FaceRaiders) are great fun and show off what the system is capable of although they don't have much depth, I have only played them for about an hour each.,Hopefully there is more to come regarding those.
The launch line up isn't particularly exciting and the only game i have purchased so far is Super Street Fighter IV 3DS. I would say I am impressed by the game and in particular the 3D effect which is fantastic. What the game lacks for in a one player mode its makes up for in a very competitive multi player, however the many encounters of 'spammers' does ruin the experience slightly.
I'm happy that I bought the console however it has a lot more to prove if it to live up to its price tag.

Welcome to my blog!! I've started this blog to write about a selection of my favourite things and interests. Hopefully you can share your thoughts with me too