Adrian Seconi

There are a few things you should know about Lance Allred:

It was like a Geoff Boycott hundred. Got there in the end but at times excruciating to watch.

By his own admission, John Reid was lucky to make the Otago Best XI.

Two of the Steel's most indefatigable personalities will reach a significant milestone against the Melbourne Vixens tomorrow.

Even the most ardent Steel fan would have taken some joy from the smile on Maree Bowden's face after the Canterbury Tactix' surprise 49-44 win against the Steel in Christchurch last night.

Sometimes you have to be prepared to fight for a better future. And boxing is a good platform from which to reach at-risk Maori teenagers, Arai Te Uru Whare Hauora health and fitness adviser Elwyn Rouvi says.

On any other day, Scott O'Gallagher's arrival in the city to play basketball for the Otago Nuggets would have attracted its share of fanfare.

It is a story of love, loss and courage, and actor Jonny Brugh tells it with barely a prop in sight, let alone another performer.

Champion Dunedin club Green Island had to be content with a tie on Saturday but had already wrapped up its fourth consecutive senior title - a feat which has not been achieved since the 1920s.

Otago has made one change with strike bowler Neil Wagner returning to bolster the attack for the crucial match against Northern Districts in Hamilton, beginning today.

Confidence is a fickle companion. Last season, Steel co-captain Liana Leota was a model of consistency and did not have to sacrifice one ounce of her trademark flare. She simply had the belief to turn and pass and found her targets with a rare efficiency.

Otago captain Craig Cumming is used to scoring 100s but usually they do not take more than two or three sessions.

Former professional golfer Greg Turner looked a bit funny without a putter to lean on and you have never seen a defender quite as short and squat as former All Black prop Kees Meeuws.

Steel coach Robyn Broughton will not admit it but the franchise's hopes of reaching the play-offs are slim at best following a disappointing loss to the West Coast Fever in Perth on Saturday.

The sight of Otago fast bowler Neil Wagner limping around is nothing new.