Looking for your sports fix for the weekend? Here’s what’s happening in everything from AFLW to cricket to netball this weekend.
AFLW Indigenous Round
Round 7 of the AFLW kicks off this weekend, and a big match up between Carlton and Collingwood is the one to watch this round. The two rival clubs will face off Sunday afternoon at Ikon Park in what is the AFLW’s Indigenous Round.
Djab Wurrong and Kirrae Wurrong artist Tarni Jarvis said the designs of the Collingwood guernseys tells the stories of the individuals and groups that make up the club.
“To see the men and women athletes wear this design in their respective Indigenous-round games will be a very special moment, a life-highlight,” she said.
Tonight’s match will feature Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs who are first and last on the ladder. The Crows will want to continue their undefeated streak and keep one hand on the minor premiership.
Adelaide currently sit at the top of the table with 24 points, North Melbourne and Melbourne not far behind on 20 points.
International Netball
The Constellation Cup started last night at John Cain Arena as the Australian Diamonds got a dominant win over New Zealand’s Silver Ferns by 10-goals.
The second test will be held at Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Sunday night as the Diamonds hope to maintain their fine form and take the upper hand in this series to take it 2 – 0. Australia are the current cup holders, and based on their performance last night, they will win it again as they looked unthreatened by a strong Silver Ferns outfit.
Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio is excited for game two and wants to take home the win to level up the series.
“We just can’t wait for game two, we — well I — have that feeling of just want to get out there already,” she said. “So, hopefully the group feels like that as well,”
The Aussie Kelpies also took home a massive 35-goal win over the NetBlacks in the pre-game. The national men’s team won every position out on court and will want to continue these dominant wins across the remaining two games in the Trans-Tasman Cup. The Kelpies and NetBlacks will play again this Sunday night prior to the Diamonds game.
Cricket World Cup
Australia were victims of a dominant 134-run win by first placed South Africa yesterday. The Proteas made 311 after 50 overs and bowled Australia out for 177. Australia will want to improve their performance as they look to take on Sri Lanka in their next match at the Cricket World Cup.
Pat Cummins, Australian captain, acknowledged Australia’s drop in form in the post-match press conference.
“Not much needs to be said tonight, everyone’s hurting,” he said. “We’ll try and make amends. There’s a few things we need to tidy up.”
This was Australia’s worst loss at a World Cup ever. They currently sit ninth on the table while Sri Lanka sit only two spots in front in seventh. Both nations are looking to get their first win of the tournament on Monday to keep their hopes alive.
Tomorrow will involve a match between India and Pakistan, one of the biggest rivalries in world cricket. It will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium, a venue that can hold 132,000 fans.
England v Australia Friendly Soccer Match
England and Australia will take part in a friendly match in Wembley Stadium, London on Sunday.
The Lions won the previous friendly match back in 2016, defeating the Socceroos 2 – 1. Australia have not beaten England since their 3 – 1 victory in 2003 at Upton Park.
Australia are currently ranked 27th in the world and England are ranked 4th.
Socceroo Jackson Irvine is relishing every moment returning to the UK, ready to face off against England.
“Everytime we play together, it’s an opportunity to make a statement and create special moments and special memories,” he said in the press conference ahead of the friendly game.
“It’s another big step for us on the path we’re on and other top opposition and a great opportunity for us to test ourselves against world class opponents.”
Photo: The Cricket Ball by Farrukh is available HERE and is used under a Creative Commons license. This photo has not been modified.