Braden StokesSelebrating Super Soppers
October 16th 2008 13:25
Australian sports scientists are developing a reputation as world’s best with Harry Kewell inspiring confidence that has brought Tim Cahill and Mark Viduka back for medical help. Based on the Socceroos win last night Australian stadium managers, curators and ground-staff will be the next world leaders.
The Brisbane downpour spread upwards of 50mm in the hour before kick-off and the fixture's survival was hanging in the balance. As the rain fell flood warnings were issued and Qatar probably felt comfortable that the night was over; the Ford Ranger Cup clash between Queensland and Tasmania was called off as the Gabba pitch was soaked. So the real heroes of the Qatar victory were the ground-staff at Suncorp Stadium who were able to drain the pitch well enough to play football. Qatar struggled against the physical and dominating Australian team and their frail confidence drowned in the downpour; the psychological effect on Qatar can not be measured attempting to win against a team they fear in uncomfortable conditions.
Conditions certainly improved before the match as rain eased but it was the removal of puddles that allowed the game to go ahead. This makes last night's silent hero the super-sopper; arguably the greatest invention known to Western Science. Rain soaked playing areas, building sites and industrial areas can all be puddle-free with a super-sopper; born in 1974 by Sydney golf-enthusiast and inventor, Gordon Withnall the sopper is used in ten different countries. The English Cricket Association's Pitch Consultant Harry Brinde MBE is a big supporter "Not only do I consider it a must for all grounds but for any sport played on grass that requires a dry surface." Suncorp Stadium was made acceptable in half-hour with hand soppers like The Minnow (20kg) or The Sandpiper (30kq). Every stadium in Australia should have a sopper on hand, if it rains then the ball-boys can run around with soppers before kick-off.
The super-sopper could provide a cheap solution for various stadiums looking to avoid postponements and funds forfeiture. Under the rules in the event of a freak storm abandoned matches mean the host nation is up for half of all expenses with no revenue (art. 18 pars. 5-7). FIFA makes allowances for climatic conditions but the torrential downpours that can threaten Asian games are a big threat; Australia played Singapore in a friendly in March with enough pitch water to reverse Australia's drought. In this instance a super sopper would have made the ground more user-friendly; Harry Kewell picked an injury in the game that while not directly linked to the rain is at least mental munchies. When Prime Minister Rudd next travels to Asia marketing Australia he should take a Sandpiper with him as a gift to Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Mohammad Bin Hammam.
The Brisbane downpour spread upwards of 50mm in the hour before kick-off and the fixture's survival was hanging in the balance. As the rain fell flood warnings were issued and Qatar probably felt comfortable that the night was over; the Ford Ranger Cup clash between Queensland and Tasmania was called off as the Gabba pitch was soaked. So the real heroes of the Qatar victory were the ground-staff at Suncorp Stadium who were able to drain the pitch well enough to play football. Qatar struggled against the physical and dominating Australian team and their frail confidence drowned in the downpour; the psychological effect on Qatar can not be measured attempting to win against a team they fear in uncomfortable conditions.
Conditions certainly improved before the match as rain eased but it was the removal of puddles that allowed the game to go ahead. This makes last night's silent hero the super-sopper; arguably the greatest invention known to Western Science. Rain soaked playing areas, building sites and industrial areas can all be puddle-free with a super-sopper; born in 1974 by Sydney golf-enthusiast and inventor, Gordon Withnall the sopper is used in ten different countries. The English Cricket Association's Pitch Consultant Harry Brinde MBE is a big supporter "Not only do I consider it a must for all grounds but for any sport played on grass that requires a dry surface." Suncorp Stadium was made acceptable in half-hour with hand soppers like The Minnow (20kg) or The Sandpiper (30kq). Every stadium in Australia should have a sopper on hand, if it rains then the ball-boys can run around with soppers before kick-off.
The super-sopper could provide a cheap solution for various stadiums looking to avoid postponements and funds forfeiture. Under the rules in the event of a freak storm abandoned matches mean the host nation is up for half of all expenses with no revenue (art. 18 pars. 5-7). FIFA makes allowances for climatic conditions but the torrential downpours that can threaten Asian games are a big threat; Australia played Singapore in a friendly in March with enough pitch water to reverse Australia's drought. In this instance a super sopper would have made the ground more user-friendly; Harry Kewell picked an injury in the game that while not directly linked to the rain is at least mental munchies. When Prime Minister Rudd next travels to Asia marketing Australia he should take a Sandpiper with him as a gift to Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Mohammad Bin Hammam.
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