I realise this thread seems to be mainly a Wigan love fest, but as a Rhinos fan I salute a remarkable achievement in winning the treble. The sad part is the legends Peacock and Sinfield will be sorely missed, how do you replace that experience?

It could be the last silverware we win for a while, but what a way to finish.

Off the see the wonderful Frank Turner at Manchester Academy in November.

Present Tense - Pearl Jam

Roll on July. Off to see the mighty Pearl Jam at Leeds Arena.

Like a Stone - Audioslave

The 'business model' obviously works well and Jocelyn Neve has the backing to exploit it.

As you say, they seem to have it sussed.

I have only tried the O&O (many times), I really need to sample one of the others.

Fenwick ? Was that the one on Ramsey's nightmares

The very same Abs. Completely changed now.

http://www.fenwickarms.co.uk/

Them Bones - Alice in Chains

Hard work in the nets have made him the bowler we now see.

He always had pace, but was wild. The difference now is in delivery. His arm and wrist are a lot more upright. This hasn't happened by accident. Hours and hours have been put in.

Anyway, moving on.

Second test will hopefully have less animosity, and hopefully an England win.

It seems we might be going with two spinners. Could our Australians friends tell us the kind of surface we can expect?

Nothing Man - Pearl Jam

I don't have a problem with on field banter and sledging, and Anderson gives as good as he gets. As long as it doesn't cross the line it's fine.

What does concern me is the Australian media. England seem to have walked straight into a storm from day one that seems to be bordering on hatred. Yes again our media have proved themselves in the past to be far from angelic, but the treatment of Trott is indefensible. Here was an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health issues, but instead, they decided to mock the man.

This series really has taken a turn for the worse in every way. You always expect a bit of banter, but some of the stuff, in particular from the Australian media is just ridiculous. I certainly didn't expect this level of animosity.

The stuff written about Trott is frankly scandalous, "done a runner", and "taken his bat and ball home." When you also filter in wind up merchants like Malcolm Conn on Twitter leaves this series in danger of becoming the most unpleasant since leg theory.

I think England will win 2-1. We should in Perth, and England will win two of Adelaide/Melbourne/SCG/Brisbane. There will be a draw somewhere.

That was my prediction before the season started, after yesterday maybe it will be England 3-1.

I think we both need to think again! Good as yesterday was for England, day 2 has been awful.

Now where is that promised rain?

Excellent first day for England.

The rock breakers baiting of Stuart Broad seems to have worked a treat.

Prediction time.

Expecting a tough series, but I still think England will prevail. Don't expect Australia to win a test. 2-0 England.

Clog and Billcocks shut down for refurbishment for a couple of weeks (btw the entire chain of RVI's are being refurbed), so rather than revert to my default the O&O in Feni I gave the new chef and cheaper menu a try in the Butlers Arms twice last week. From the new owners coming in in a blaze of publicity last summer the BA lost it's way somewhat. Stuck just a mile between the Clog and the O&O the policy of trying to sell poorer fare at higher prices than the neighbours is a fools charter as a rapidly declining footfall attested.

Must say though the new chef produced two very good meals (including one of the best steaks I can recall for some time) plus the entire place seems to have a revitalised and refreshed air about it.

It was very expensive when it opened, so credit to them if they have had a rethink. I shall check it out. I've also heard good things about The Royal Oak at Riley Green. Anybody been?

Off to The Oyster and Otter tomorrow night.

Been countless times, as in my opinion it is very, very good. And it's local for me.

I understand it does divide opinion though.

Whilst visiting San Francisco last month, I was lucky enough to see the brilliant Frank Turner at The Fillmore.

In my opinion, he is the finest English singer/songwriter around at the moment. Live, he didn't disappoint.

By the way, The Fillmore is worth a visit. Outstanding legendary venue.

Red Mosquito - Pearl Jam

Good and Gone - Frank Turner

Simon, I watched a bit of the game.

That wicket has to be one of the flattest. It gave nothing for the bowlers. The ball was just sitting up and saying "Hit Me".

Having said that, the bowlers are nowhere near selection for a second string Aussie side.

Yes, it's hardly a minefield, and Ryan Harris with the new ball in his hand will be altoghter a different proposition, but Cook with big runs (on whatever surface) under his belt will still worry Australia.

Call me a cynic but I've got the feeling the Aussie's would like Carberry in the Test side. It's not the first time they've played somebody into the side.

You make a good point, despite the innings, I'm still not convinced Carberry will make it into the team for the first test.

But make no mistake, after a relatively poor summer, they will be concerned that once again Cook has a liking for Australian surfaces.

A few weeks ago we went to The Calfs Head at Worston.

Ate in the conservatory, food, drink and service very good. It seems to be very popular. Very busy when we called in.

The usual choice on the menu, and the portions were large.

Recommended.

Maybe not the best bowling attack, but a nice start by Cook and Carberry.

Cook in particular will now be a cause of worry for the rock breakers.