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But I’ll bet there won’t be a more potent illustration this year of the intangible greatness of sport and its power to lift the spirit than the end of the Rugby Premiership final. The match itself was OK — apart from Andy Goode’s woeful kicking — but when Lawrence Dallaglio, who had done his share of weeping that day, dedicated the victory to the BBC’s Alastair Hignell, it would have brought tears to a glass eye. Hignell has always been one of the brightest and the best: a wonderfully gifted sportsman, blues at rugby and cricket at Cambridge, he played rugby for England while still at university, and county cricket for Gloucester. Now he’s stepping down to cope with the multiple sclerosis that was first diagnosed nine years ago. There’s can’t be a person in the land who doesn’t wish well for this finest, most dignified of men.
Highs and lows. Munster’s shameful kill-ball tactics to win the Heineken Cup against Toulouse. There must be a rule-change to stop it. And not before time, Maria Sharapova has shrieked her way out of the French Open. She’s now a dislikeable player, with the charm — and the build — of a KGB bodyguard: so different from the wonderful fresh-faced 17-year-old who took Wimbledon four years ago.
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CG
June 8th, 2008 7:08pmYou've been at the Spectator a few months now and are still to come up with a decent article. I've learned my lesson and even I am not so sad that I will be reading your drivel in the future.
David
June 9th, 2008 1:44pmI presume Rugby League is considered far too working class for the esteemed ex-editor of the Observer Sports Monthly. Is this why you never referred to Rugby League in that misleadingly entitled publication? Horse racing is obviously far more de-rigueur. Please, in future, if you are unable to say anything nice about Rugby League then don't say anything at all. Stick with the inferior version of rugby, i.e. your beloved union. There are enough union bigots floating about the media without the need for your asinine comments.
John
June 17th, 2008 2:35pmI couldn't have put it better David. That drivel just made me throw up in my mouth.
PD
June 17th, 2008 2:36pmGood God, this is terrible.
Steven Davy
June 17th, 2008 3:14pmThe comments protesting at the humorous remark about rugby league may seem rather over sensitive. However, it is in the context of rugby league coverage being almost eliminated from The Oberserver, aside from a few snooty dismissals - most notably in the Observer Sports Monthly magazine.
This is rather petulent in itself and has generated some bad feeling. It is rather insulting when the snide remarks are personal, or be it against rugby league fans in general.
Where is Charles Nevin when we need him?
mark
June 17th, 2008 3:39pmDid you wife run off with a Rugby League player or did you run away from her with a Union 'player'?
Awfull article.
John
June 17th, 2008 3:41pmWhat a peculiar article that was. And not peculiar in such a manner as to encourage me to read another from the same author.
Peter Cooke
June 17th, 2008 4:03pmYou truely are a sad,inadequate man Roger.I shall never purchase your drivel again.
Mark Simpson
June 17th, 2008 4:29pmThis piece is awful, a crime against journalism, and that by standards these days is saying something.
Chris
June 17th, 2008 4:48pmSave your conceited remarks for your circle of establishment chums that share your views, and if you are planning on publishing these views at least do it professionally.
Those remarks are an embarrassment to yourself, the paper, and decent journalists everywhere.
Matthew
June 17th, 2008 4:50pmI used to purchase the Spectator. No longer after this article. It seems Rugby League types don't figure highly for your readership. Goodbye.
RJG
June 17th, 2008 4:53pmDon't fool yourself Roger - whatever you'd like to think, you really are a sad little man...
J-P Flynn
June 17th, 2008 4:56pmI cannot believe the cretinous comments in this article which are posing as'journalism'. I have heard a rumour that the author is due to join the Independent newspaper. I will be watching closely, as i buy it each day, and that will cease immediately I see the name 'Alton' in print.
Rhubarbtriangulist
June 17th, 2008 5:54pmGreat read that Roger; I had a good laugh at it. I think some of my fellow League lovers have been a little harsh on you. I’d be happy for you to accompany me to the next Wakefield Trinity home game so you could see the sport first hand and get into context how just wrong you are to dismiss such a fine sport. Whilst we’re at the game perhaps the RAF could be persuaded to carpet bomb your home.