The Angry Budgie Live

Tuesday 22 December 2009

Phoenix v Sheffield 20th December Game Review - Not Quite

Just to let you know I have not dropped off a cliff, there will be no game review from last sunday. As simply there was no game! After heavy snow fall on sunday across the north, and with various Sheffield players/officials stuck in snow the game was called off.

Even Manchester Airport, not but a few miles down the road, was closed!

So a night off for both teams, the game is to be re-scheduled in the new year!

Thursday 17 December 2009

The Angry Budgie Live: A, 05th December, Manchester Academy 3


So go on who remembers 'A'?

They supported Feeder at the very first gig I ever went to in Liverpool! Unlike Feeder 'A' have managed to remain a rock band, though I do still like Feeder, they have gone a little soft for me!

I remember reading early this year that the possibility of A reforming and doing some shows were on the cards, needless to say I was raaather excited by this! So when tickets went on sale for their gig at the Academy 3 venue I had to get tickets!

Highlights of the set for me had to be Foghorn and Nothing, two real great rock songs! But must not forget Rush Song, one of the best opening riff's ever! Especially 'Nothing' I have moshed to that many a time in a rock club! Jason Perry is still a great front man and entertainer. A rocked hard, minus Daniel P Carter sadly but never mind the boys still put on a great show!

Nothing:


Rush Song:



Monday 14 December 2009

Phoenix v Guilford Flames 12th December Game Review

Phoenix were at home on Saturday night this past weekend, entertaining the Guilford Flames for the first time this season! The fixture gremlins had really thrown up something strange already this season. This being the first visit of the Flames to the Ice Dome, comes after the Phoenix playing all their home games against the MK Lightning!

Going into this game I was not too hopeful, the Phoenix squad had already lost Steve Fone to a shoulder injury. This weekend and next would see the squad loose 4 further players to the GB Under 21 squad away in Hungary. Though this was tempered slightly as the Phoenix had called up four Trafford Metro’s players. These guys would have to get some ice time, or the existing Phoenix squad would be dead on its feet! All this, and a Thursday night heavy defeat away to Peterborough, did not fill me with confidence! All the reports of Guilford heading into this game were off a good and improving team. So almost a perfect storm for the Phoenix!

First Period: Despite all the worries outlined above the Phoenix came out and played hard from the beginning. Some great early chances were created, but a little worryingly, the defence hadn’t quite caught up with the hectic offence. Tony had jiggled with the lines for this came, for obvious reasons! Ben Wood being promoted up to the second line along with Adre Payette! Adam Summerfield was called into action early and, thankfully, showed he was up to the task! The Phoenix were first on the board after 6min 19sec through Jaakko Hagelberg scoring from Tony Hand and Ed Courtenay. Guilford hit back around 5 minutes later, with Martin Masa scoring after 11min 37sec. The Phoenix then scored two goals in two minutes to effectively win the game in the first period. Adam Walker got another goal after 14min 20sec as the top line clicked once again. Then, after 17min 27sec Tony Hand would score. This followed at least two or three scoring attempts by Mr Hand, finally his resolve snapping and rocketing a slapshot from the hash marks past Mark Lee in goal.

Second Period: The most surprising thing about this game, was how poor Guilford were! Im not saying the Phoenix were amazing, but after hearing other comment on the Flames, maybe I was expecting more from them. But, as mentioned above, the game was really won in the first period. The second period carried on as the first had ended, the Phoenix creating chances and Guilford not really doing a lot. Only two goals were scored in the second period, the first at 23min 12sec through Ryan Johnson. His first of the season capped off a great performance from him. In my eyes and of others, the man of the match. He broke down the left wing and ripped a shot past Lee, only to hit the post with a loud ‘ping’. The puck ricocheting off the post, onto the back of Lee and finally resting up in the net. The next, and subsequent final goal of the game fell to Mr Tony Hand! I know two goals in the game! Another unfortunate one for Lee in goal. Tony Hand centred the puck across the face of the goal, only for it to be deflected into the goal by a Flames defenseman. So the natural order of things restored, Tony Hand only ‘assisted’ that goal!!

Third Period: With the scores at 5-1 and the Flames not really turning up, we could have ended the game there and gone home. But the third period was played out and not much happened! As the Flames did not press, the Phoenix just had to contain them and finish off the game, which they duly did.

Verdict: A very strange game, and really because the Flames did not turn up! Which is a shame as a decent crowd from Guilford turned up to support their team. They did try, but even the drummer had really given up by the third period! Even the home support had sort of given up by the third, this lead to a very strange atmosphere at the Dome. Maybe we have been spoilt by some rip-roaring games in the past, but I think most people were shocked by the non-event on the ice! But hey you still have to beat the team in front of you! The Phoenix did that and avoided a potential banana skin!

Attendance: A bit lower than normal due to the Saturday night staging of the game. Ill guess at around 800 in the Ice Dome.

Highlights:


As you may have see in today's post we have a few pictures too! Think of it as an early Christmas present!

Thursday 10 December 2009

The Angry Budgie Live: Five Finger Deathpunch, 26th November, Manchester Academy 1

So for the first time in a while The Angry Budgie went to a gig, and at the back end of last month off we went to see Five Finger Deathpunch at the Manchester Academy 1. This gig had already been upgraded from the smaller Academy2, either way, after seeing them at Download 2009, we were sure it would be a great show!

Ill admit I first got into 5FDP after seeing the video for The Bleeding on Scuzz, instantly I became a fan. It had all the ingredients of a classic metal song, with some ten ton riffage! The gig itself was amazing, 5FDP really are such a great band live, and in their front man a real talisman. Ivan Moody whipping the crowd into a frenzy and pulling off some storming vocals.

Their new album, War Is The Answer, had just been released before the UK tour and there were already a few favorites. The opening four tracks of the album make for an awesome opening to any album. So far my favourite tunes of that album are Bulletproof and Hard to See. Both performed on the night. The band themselves played/rocked hard. They also showed some real class, towards the end of the gig and crowd surfer went over the barrier and had a pretty nasty fall. Mid-song Ivan stopped the set to make sure he was ok, then, with some genuine drum sticks and ensuring he was ok, the band got right back at it!

So an absolutely stonking gig, and a band I would defiantly recommend you go and see!

When I get round to doing so I will have a gig review from a recent 'A' gig The Angry Budgie went to. I've been a fan of A for many a year, and A even supported Feeder at the first ever gig I went to! They were back (minus Daniel P Carter) and rocking hard as ever!

Tuesday 8 December 2009

Florida Gators vs Alabama Saturday 05th December SEC Championship Game

So the Gators completed a perfect season and went up against Alabama for the SEC Championship. Alabama also completing a perfect season! Great set up for a fantastic game!

First Quarter: Alabama won the toss and elected to receive, this tactic almost instantly paid off. Recieving the ball Alabama embarked on a 47 yard 9 play drive into LSU territory. Leigh Tiffin would connect on a 48 yard field goal to put the first points on the board for the Crimson Tide at the 10min 27sec mark. The Crimson Tide heaped more pressure on the Gators when on their next drive, Alabama's Mark Ingram found the endzone after a seven yard touchdown run. With 5min 33sec left Alabama now lead 9-0. The Gators finally clicked and got their own points on the board when Riley Cooper carried for nine and twelve yard third down conversions to the Alabama half. Caleb Sturgis would step up and score a 48 yard effort to peg the scores back to 9-3.

Second Quarter: After exchanging punts in the second quarter, a sack by Ahmad Black forced the Crimson Tide to go for the field goal. So after a 68 yard 12 play drive, from the 34 yard line Tiffin scored to extend their lead to 12-3. This sparked the Gator machine and on their next possession the Gators scored their first touchdown of the game. On a 70 yard scoring drive Tim Tebow accounted for 38 of those yards that took 1min 36sec off the clock. A 23 yard pass to David Nelson narrowed the lead to 12-10. Alabama hit right back, Ingram would score his second touchdown of the evening, a three yard rush into the enzone. Then a 32yard field goal from Sturgis brought the Gators back withing 6 points, 19-13 with 1min 18sec left in the half.

Third Quarter: Alabama would start the second half how they started the first! Forcing the Gators to punt the Crimson Tide would start a 74 yard drive. Greg McElroy would make a 17 yard touchdown pass to Colin Peek to make the scores 26-13.

Fourth Quarter: The Gators would be held to a scoreless second half, and again it would be Alabama putting points on the board. Ingram scored their third touchdown of the game with 13min 49sec left after a one yard rush. The resulting field goal was missed so final scores were 32-13 to Alabama.

Attendance: 75,514 @ The Georgia Dome:

Highlights:

Monday 7 December 2009

Phoenix v Milton Keynes 06th December Game Review

Saturday night saw the Phoenix travel to Bracknell and the game was also broadcast live on BBC radio, with Ollie Williams doing the superb commentary. The Phoenix seem to be making a habit of starting games slowly, and listening in to the commentary it seemed the case in Bracknell. The Phoenix only really getting going when 4-1 down. Adam Summerfield continued in goal and by the sounds of things coped well. Sunday's game at home to MK Lightning would be a different matter. The attacking forced posed by MK far superior to anything young Summerfield had faced so far. Personally I didn't hold much hope for a victory, but being a supporter of the Phoenix conditions you for surprises! Plus this would be the last visit of the Lightning to the Dome (for a league game anyway) this season! Utter madness when you consider we haven't even played Guilford yet!

First Period: Another good crowd in the Ice Dome and a healthy contingent up from MK making a racket as usual. A typically fast and frenetic first period saw young Summerfield tested early. The Phoenix defense was not quite on the ball with helping Adam out and as a result MK would score first. The goal coming after 3min 41sec on the powerplay to Adam Brittle. Further pressure would be heaped on Summerfield (and the Phoenix') shoulders just 4 and abit minutes later, an even strength goal at 8min 6sec from Monir Kalgoum. The Phoenix managed to stem the flow of goals in the first, but could not get their own offense scoring just yet. Another feature of the first period was some questionable reffing from Goodwin, seemingly picking on the Phoenix in the first period. The star call being a misconduct penalty on Ed Courtenay for abuse of official. Those who saw the incident saw Ed dumping the puck into the MK zone, just missing Goodwin's head!

Second Period: The second would see Goodwin realize their were two teams on the ice and start calling MK for some penalties. Despite this MK would score first in the second period, after 29min 24sec Michael Farn would score un-assisted, and a goal that Adam will want back. The Phoenix would finally get into gear, and as on many previous occasions, the top line would get things going. Adam Walker on the receipt of some exquisite play from Hand and Courtenay at 30min 44sec. MK would make it 4-1 at 35min 23sec, and make the Phoenix recover from another 4-1 deficit. Monir Kalgoum scoring his second of the game. At this point it seemed MK would loose their discipline and head into penalty trouble. The Phoenix would lift home spirits with a storming end to the second period. With two goals in less than 30seconds in the dying stages of the period. The first at 38min 47sec saw Mattsson tip in a shot from Courtenay on a 5 on 3 powerplay. Then again on the powerplay Jaakko Hagelberg would send the Phoenix into the interval just one goal down when he scored at 39min 15sec.

Third Period: All set for another barnstorming finish at the Dome, the Phoenix would have to work hard to come up with the goods. More end to end action, but the Phoenix would score to tie the game, again as a result of some poor discipline from MK the game tying goal came on the powerplay.With Leigh Jamieson in the bin for tripping, then Nick Poole in for a misconduct penalty the Phoenix would capitalise when Jaakko Hagelberg would get his second of the game and send the home support into raptures, scoring after 57min 19sec. No further goals to come in the period sent us into overtime. GIven we were playing with our back up goalie, if you had offered me a point at faceoff, and when we were 4-1 down I would have bitten your arm off! Now we had a chance to go for the win!

Overtime: 4-4 would always suit the Phoenix, with such fast and skillful forwards the open ice would be an advantage. Then, with Mattsson and Towalski in the box on delay of game penalties, the Phoenix would seal the win 3 on 3. After a faceoff in Phoenix territory, the MK defence got confused on the blue line and missed the advancing Boothroyd up the wing. The one man who didn't, Tony Hand, found him with an inch perfect cross. Luke would race down the wing and score a real peach through the 5 hole to give the Phoenix the extra point.

Verdict: Wow what another cracker against MK! The game was a gem, tempered slightly by some poor reffing. Initial worries about young Adam in goal have been soothed by another good performance, in what was his most intense game yet! Another comeback win, just proves the resolve in this team. A feature that could just well win a shiny pot or two!

Attendance: Seem to be picking up now, and games of last night's standards will only help! Not the biggest of the season I think but ill guess at around 950 in the Dome.

Highlights:


Phoenix 5 - MK 4 - MEN Article

Thursday 3 December 2009

LSU vs Arkansas Saturday 28th November

Arkansas up next for LSU, and the Tigers will want to be putting the previous weeks loss to Ole Miss behind them as soon as possible!

First Quarter: Arkansas began the game receiving possession and tried to exert some early pressure. Arkansas forced a sack and began their own drive from the 39 yard line, ending up at the LSU 34. The Tigers defence put pressure on Mallet and Arkansas had to settle for a long field goal attempt. So with 8min 17sec left, Tejada would score a career best 47 yard field goal to give Arkansas a 3-0 lead. LSU hit right back when Jefferson found LaFell at the second attempt for a 16 yard touchdown pass that may have been intended for Toliver. Jaspers extra point gave LSU a 7-3 lead with 5min 21sec left in the quarter. LSU pressured the Arkansas line again, but the defence came up big and stopped LSU on the 2 yard line. Jasper came up big again on a 47 yard field goal, to give LSU a 10-3 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Second Quarter: LSU forced another punt after a sack on Akansas, the following 47 yard punt found Holliday who began an 87 yard run for the endzone. With 12min 29sec to play LSU had a 17-3 lead. Arkansas refused to be beaten and following two more punts had the ball with 1min 51sec to go. Advancing to the LSU 18, Arkansas had to turn to a field goal, and with just 48sec left on the half Tejada converted a 35 yard field goal to make the scores 17-6.

Third Quarter: Arkansas began the second half in fine style, Franklin picked off an LSU pass and returned the ball 28 yards to the LSU 27 yard line. Three runs later and Arkansas would score their first touchdown of the game from 13 yards. With 12min 24sec left the LSU lead was cut to 17-13. LSU responded almost immediately when Jefferson had acres of space in the pocket to find Peterson alone in the endzone for a 15 yard touchdown. With 7min 15sec LSU lead 24-13. Arkansas hit right back and scored their second straight touchdown drive. Advancing the ball 73 yards on seven plays they cut the LSU lead to 24-20 with 4min 15sec left in the quarter.

Fourth Quarter: So with just 15min left in the game would LSU grind out the win or would Arkansas pull off a tremendous comeback? Two 6 yard runs would get Arkansas to the LSU 28 yard line, Arkansas tried hard and Mallet would be forced from the pocket and only pick up 5 yards. This forced Arkansas to go for the field goal, and Tejada duly delivered a 40 yard effort. So with 9min 52sec Arkansas edged close to LSU, scores now 24-23. LSU would drive the ball hard on the next possession and would get to the Arkansas 34 yard line. LSU couldn't manage the conversion, and had to bring Jasper onto the field. With just 4min 05sec LSU lead 27-23 following Jaspers 47 yard effort. Arkansas would ensure a grand stand finish in Baton Rouge. With just 1min 18sec to play, on a fourth and 9 from the LSU 14 yard line, Mallet would step up into the pocket and pick out Joe Adams in the endzone to score the touchdown. This gave Arkansas a 30-27 lead, their first in the game! The stadium exploded with just 4sec to go, Jefferson had completed three straight passes of 10/11 and 8 yards to get to the Arkansas 40 yard line. A further 9 yard gain would set up a 41 yard field goal attempt by Jasper, and with nerves of steel he scored to send the game into Overtime.

Overtime: Jasper would prove to be the winner for LSU, scoring another field goal to give LSU the 33-30 win.

Attendance: 93,013 in the last game at Tiger Stadium for the season.

Highlights:

Tuesday 1 December 2009

12,000km.org

I wanted to make a special post after being contacted by Ryan Stotland promoting his very worthwhile cycling trek across South America, 12,000km.org. So please take a look at the video below, and spend a bit of time reading about what he is doing, and send him some messages of support!!



HABSInside/Out

Florida Gators vs Florida State Saturday 28th November

Next up for the Gators would be a state rivalry game against the Florida State Seminoles on senior day. This would prove to be a classic in the swamp!

First Quarter: The Gators were the first to put points on the board, at the 6min 48sec mark Tebow passed an 18yard shovel to Hernandez who dashed over to score. This capped a six play 48 yard drive. The Gators managed to sack the Seminoles quarter back forcing them to punt, this gave the Gators possession. The Gators then drove the ball 69 yards downfield with Chris Rainey on form advancing the ball. Sturgis then scored the following 37 yard field goal to extend the Gator lead to 10-0 at the end of the first quarter.

Second Quarter: An FSU punt with 11min 43sec to go would set up the Gators for their longest drive of the season. The Gators advanced 80 yards downfield for an 18 yard Tebow rush that took 7min 44sec off the clock. This was Tebow's 55th career touchdown rush, giving the Gators a 17-0 lead. The Gators defense held firm on the next FSU drive and got the ball back with 2min 19sec left in the half. Hernandez then rushed for 49 yards, then another Tebow pass set Hernandez up to score. This gave the Gators a 24-0 lead.

Third Quarter: The Gators defence held firm early in the third quarter forcing FSU to punt once again. The Gators then struck back on a four play drive capped by a 39 yard pass from Tebow to Cooper to score. This was Coopers 17th catch of his career and gave the Gators a 30-0 lead. Not to be completely blown away FSU capitalised on a Tebow fumble with just 3sec left in the quarter. Dustin Hopkins would narrow the margin on the resulting field goal. As the teams headed off the field the Gators held a 30-3 lead.

Fourth Quarter: A career tying 62 yard drive from Demps set up Florida's next score. On the next play Tebow rushed to score his 56th touchdown on a 1 yard dash. The Gators now lead 37-3. This prompted FSU to come back and score their only touchdown of the game. FSU quarterback Manuel connected with Jarmon Fortson on a nine yard pass to bring the scores to 37-10. The Gators then picked up an FSU fumble and drove the ball downfield, but time ran out before the Gators had a chance to extend their lead.

Attendance: 90,907

Highlights:
To come.....