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Last Friday I was very sad to hear of the passing of an Australian cricketing legend.
Richie Benaud lost his battle with skin cancer.
The “Voice of Cricket” was a national icon and you could hardly picture cricket without hearing Richie’s inciteful commentary.
In true unassuming fashion, the 84 year-old’s family are respecting his wishes of a small and private remembrance service and declined a State Funeral offered by the Prime Minister.
Richie never wanted to be the spotlight which made him a perfect ambassador of the game he loved.
One of my earliest memories of international cricket was listening to Richie commentate the one day matches with my Nan when I was five or six years old.
Also an avid cricket fan, my Nan and I would sit in her lounge room and watch the Aussies against the Windies and enjoy Richie’s deft description of the match.
It was easy to get caught up in his love for the game.
The outpouring of tributes which have followed his death of the great man are nothing more than he deserves.
The calibre of player and person who are giving these tributes are a true indication of a nation’s love for a man who touched the lives of so many.
The testimonials have not been isolated to Australia either.
Prominent international figures have praised Benaud and in a mark of ultimate respect, the MCC flag at Lords has been lowered to half mast and will stay that way until after Richie’s funeral.
Rest in peace Richie Benaud.
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It has been a while since I have mentioned how Arsenal are going in the English Premier League so I shall rectify that now.
My affinity towards the Gunners is well known and they are definitely repaying my support.
Languishing in sixth spot in the league at the turn of the year, Arsenal have transformed into the form team in all of Europe.
They have averaged more points per game than any other team including the likes of European giants Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
The Gunners have won eight matches in a row in the league and currently sit in second place, seven points behind leaders Chelsea who also have a game in hand.
While it is highly unlikely Arsenal can win the league with only six matches remaining, their 2015 form gives me high hope for a concerted title challenge next season.
The good run of form coincides with having most of the squad available for selection.
A lot of people are saying we have been unlucky with injuries, but I don’t see it that way.
The very good teams who compete well in their domestic leagues while managing to produce strong results in European competition have strong squads, not just a strong first team.
Arsenal have been guilty of not having enough squad depth and it has cost us any chance of the title this season.
Very importantly though, Arsenal only need to win two of their final six matches to once again finish above Tottenham!