Beating the English!

[daveduke007]

 The Scots are currently World Elephant Polo Champions

The English are currently World Rugby Union Champs

[katoeylover]

And will soon be world cricket champs too! (or was that chumps )

[mbkljb]

Hmmmm, some interesting asessments of world sport and their association to the English. Not sure there is much relevance to some of the spin off games, but the football, cricket and squash sports have definite connection to British involvement in development

Personally, I enjoy Aussie Rules, a unique game played primarily in Australia  and enjoyed by thousands.  No bottle throwing, no spitting, no ..... ok thats enough. Sure, when they get stuck in, all hell breaks loose. Buts that the way they play the game.

Cricket is very different. I played for my Country so I know. But do I ?? Now we have physios, physcologists, personal trainers, bowling and batting coaches, bag carriers, drivers and a host of other camp followers. Is it really necessary ??  All I had was an old kit bag and a change of clothes with hand written notes on how to get to the ground.

Some interesting stuff posted above, so I'll remain quiet on all other stuff part from cricket.  

In sport, on and off the field, always    

[MARKUK]

(stogie bear @ Feb. 07 2007,09:44) Can someone please explain what it is about beating the English that is so high on the agenda of many people who are not English!

It's an amazing thing that seems to infect the whole world... Closer to home the Welsh absolutely must beat the English at Rugby, The Scots have a national holiday if they can squeak past the English in soccer.

Further afield the USA enjoyed it's finest sporting glory when it beat the English in a footy game 50 years ago and the Aussies have 'questions in the house' if they lose against us at cricket!

It's better to be hated than pitied, I suppose... but it's better still to be loved! But that ain't gonna happen, is it!

You'll have to explain it to me because I don't understand. I've met loads of Aussies and liked them all but talk to them about cricket and the English then depending on the game/series then you'll get a cold red cast drop over the antipodeans facial features and an unstoppable unceasing hatred begins to emerge.

The Americans are not used to losing anything because as part of the US culture "losing is not an option!" So when they lose against the Englsih they always remind us how lucky we are not to be speaking German!

As for the insane nationalism of the Scots... I don't think I've met a Scot that I didn't like, but don't start them on football... you'll not survive that encounter for sure.

So what can it be?

The English don't hate anyone. We aren't show offs that revel in winning, nor do we pout when losing, either. We aren't especially good at football, cricket and rugby, but (like other countries) we are competitive and we try to win on the field.

Some years back I remember being in a bar when England and Scotland could secure entry into The World Cup if some results went in favour of the teams playing that night. (They weren't playing each other.)

Every single Englishman was urging the Scots to win their game so they would go on and play at the big dance. But since that day I have seen the scots baying for blood when it's another country playing against England.

So it's not about just beating the Englsih. It's about seeing them lose and seeing them humiliated and against anyone will do, too!

I can't say that I've ever felt this way about another country. The English are good losers and we are supporters of our neighbours and friends during sporting rivalries.

Am I just imagining this or is there really something in some peoples psyche about crushing the English or at least seeing it happen?

Anyway... feed off the historical injustices, perceived or otherwise, be they political, social or sporting. That is why, no matter the state of the countires in terms of playing ability and skill, the scalp of England will always be the most treasured.

Interesting post, it is a mixture of hundreds of years of oppression by the English over us Welsh & Scots and Irish. We just love to see England lose. After all we are the true decendants of the British Isles - not the English. I (even though i swore allegiance to the queen and served in the British Army) now have no time at all for what i see as the "English Establishment" we are fed up with the government emposing on us the way of life - hence we now have our own limited legislation.

We are also fed up about hearing of the football and lately the rugby world cup and whilst you may not blow your trumpet every 5 minutes there are plenty of your country men who do.

As for the cricket - is at an "English team"? i thin you will find many a welshman who has fielded under this banner and there is little support for this.

I agree that the English will support other home nations, maybe because they see themselves as more "British" than we do, i for one will always cheer for the other team playing england and never ever for england themselves. (not even against the french!!)

At the end of the day who cares, i live in Thailand and take everyone as i see fit!!! Dont bother me and i wont bother you!!

[daveduke007]

(MARKUK @ Mar. 06 2007,09:16) As for the cricket - is at an "English team"? i thin you will find many a welshman who has fielded under this banner and there is little support for this.

Not to mention Aussies, South Africans and Indian's etc

[daveduke007]

(MARKUK @ Mar. 06 2007,09:16) i for one will always cheer for the other team playing england and never ever for england themselves. (not even against the french!!)

Against the French, thats taking it a bit far wasn't it Boyo, or should that be Isn't it

[katoeylover]

(daveduke007 @ Mar. 06 2007,17:49) Not to mention Aussies, South Africans and Indian's etc

Yep, we'll take them all if it gives us a better chance of winning...

[daveduke007]

 Yeah, Allan Lamb was my favourite England Player at the time and has the strangest English accent Ive heard

[Guest]

in england basketball is called netball and mostly woman play it

[allstar88]

(tim12121212 @ Mar. 09 2007,10:10) in england basketball is called netball and mostly woman play it

and baseball is called rounders