Over The Hill

‘RICHARD Hill!! Yes, folks, THE Richard Hill. You’ll all know who he is because ever since injury stopped him from playing the papers have been talking about Hill being the key to England’s chances of lifting the Rugby World Cup.

Passed fit

So let’s give a big hand for Richard Hill, the flanker who the Telegraph says has been included in the England’s starting line up to face the French in Sunday’s semi-final.

This is encouraging news for England, although Hill might be a wary starter given the praise that has been heaped upon him during his enforced absence from the team.

But if Hill had not have made it back in time, England could have done far worse than get on the phone to Bangladesh and call up Andrew Flintoff.

Bigger of shoulder than Hill, and every bit as hard a hitter, Flintoff is the toast of the Independent following his latest performances against Bangladesh.

Not content with taking two wickets for just 32 runs with the ball, Flintoff than smashed his way to an impressive 52 runs not out from a mere 39 balls.

Included in that fiery innings was the six he needed to overhaul Ian Botham’s record of 44 sixes by an England player in limited overs cricket.

Andrew Flintoff, as the Times says, is now England’s “sixiest” ever one-day player.

That is something of a bad joke. And if you want to hear another one, the Times has the news that David O’Leary is heading towards the exit door at Aston Villa.

But hold your laughter for the punchline. A roll on the drums, if you please. When or if he leaves the employ of Doug Ellis, the Villa chairman, he will be in line for a return to Elland Road.

That would certainly eclipse the return of Richard Hill…’

Posted: 13th, November 2003 | In: Back pages Comment | TrackBack | Permalink