GOOD Dane Lett’s selection for the Black Sticks and his second Olympic Games tops this week’s list, and deservedly so. The 128-test veteran would’ve been one of the first names jotted down, and his selection is a further testament that a sportsperson can make it to the highest level while living and competing in little old Wairarapa. Staying with hockey, Lett’s Dalefield were impressive 8–5 winners over Hutt United to make the Intercity final against Indians and a good chance of winning back-to-back titles.
The downside is that Lett and NZ Indoor Hockey international Ben van Woerkom will miss Saturday’s decider. I cannot go past Marist in this week’s hall of fame after their 79–14 demolition of East Coast, who didn’t play badly but were no match for the stampeding “green and whites” who were too big and too fast in running in 13 tries. The Pulse-Tactix premiership netball clash didn’t go the way of the Pulse, losing 58–53 in extra time, but what a pulsating contest.
Don’t bet against these two going toe to toe in the final. The Boston Celtics slam dunked a record 18th NBA Championship, beating the Dallas Mavericks 106–88 for a 4–1 series victory. The “green machine” were clearly the best team over the season and are worthy champions, and Larry Bird will be happy.
Euro 24 kicked off in a flurry with 34 goals scored over the 12 first-round games and generally good-natured crowds, even the English, who gave a good rendition of the Na Na Na Na .