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Sports Commentators (non-football)
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IanFergus
27-03-2011
ITV's World Cup team in 1991 was thus:
Hosts - Frank Bough and David Bobin
Commentators - John Taylor, Alistair Hignell, Bob Symonds
Analysts and Reporters - Nigel Carr, Gareth Chilcott, Gerald Davies, Fran Cotton, Peter Wheeler, Clive Woodward, Steve Smith, Gordon Brown, Bill Calcraft, David Kirk, Nigel Melville , Clive Norling, Gareth Evans

On 9th October, Fred Cogley commentated on Ireland v Japan.
johnnylogic
27-03-2011
Originally Posted by IanFergus:
“On 9th October, Fred Cogley commentated on Ireland v Japan.”

Cheers, Ian!
The Difference
27-03-2011
Steve, Ian and Johnny - just to say thanks for some fantastic posts and information after the theme of ITV's coverage of the Rugby World Cup was resurrected on here.

Rather sad to hear that Alistair Hignell had an unhappy spell presenting ITV's coverage in 1995. I'm only really familiar with his latter days as a commentator on Radio 5 Live, where he was a terrific commentator and came across as a really nice bloke too. Criminally underrated though - he was a welcome calming presence to the hyperbolic yet much more celebrated style of his colleague Iain Robertson.

Funny this topic should come back up on here as John Taylor guested on talkSPORT's rugby show Full Contact last night. I caught the start of the show, presenter Mike Bovill introduced him as "the voice of the Rugby World Cup" and from the way he was talking he seemed to confirm that JT will be talkSPORT's lead commentator in New Zealand, as mooted by Charles Sale in the Daily Mail a few months ago.
ariusuk
28-03-2011
Some motorsport commentators from the weekend:

F1 - Australian GP (BBC)
Martin Brundle and David Coulthard

GT1 - Abu Dhabi (ESPN)
Ben Edwards and John Watson

WRC - Portugal
ESPN - Paul King
Motors TV - Simon Hill

British Rallycross - Lydden Hill (Motors TV)
Martin Haven

Indycar - St Petersburg (Sky Sports)
Scott Goodyear and Marty Reid
Steve Williams
28-03-2011
Originally Posted by IanFergus:
“In 1987, BBC held the Rugby World Cup rights in the UK. Commentators, analysts and reporters included Bill McLaren, Nigel Starmer-Smith, Martyn Williams, Peter Wheeler, Fred Cogley (of RTE), Scott Hastings and Bill Beaumont”

Yes, though as it was in New Zealand only three matches were shown live, one of the quarter finals at 6am on Monday on BBC2, one of the semi finals at 6am on Sunday on BBC1 and the final at 4am on Saturday on BBC1. They were a bit limited with other live games though as they were either at 2am or they were showing Breakfast Time on BBC1 and the Open University on BBC2. The rest of the time there were highlights on Grandstand - they showed the final as live at 11am - and in evening highlights programmes presented from London by Steve Rider.
pakokelso93
28-03-2011
Super Rugby - from Twickenham
Crusaders v Sharks

Commentators: Miles Harrison, Stuart Barnes and Justin Marshall

Justin Marshall also reporting/interviewing

Certainly was a joint Sky Sport NZ and Sky Sports UK production. Doesn't look like here in the UK there was any studio presenter or anything. I recorded the full coverage later on, and it just had Miles and Stuart ad-libbing at half time.
chrisfinch
28-03-2011
The weeks boxing...
Prizefighter: The Super-Middleweights II (Sky Sports)
Presenter: Dave Clark with Richie Woodhall and Steve Collins
Commentators: John Rawling and Jim Watt
Reporter: Ed Robinson with Dale Tempest

Friday Night Fights-Lara v Molina (ESPN)
Presenter: Brian Kenny
Commentators: Joe Tessitore and Teddy Atlas
Reporter: Jaime Motta

Pirog v Maciel (Premier Sports & Setanta Sports)
Commentator (International feed): ???

Saturday Fight Night-Vassell v Ushona (Sky Sports)
Presenter: Dave Clark with Johnny Nelson and Jamie Moore
Commentators: Nick Halling and Jim Watt with Bob Mee
Reporter: Ed Robinson

Nick Halling's first live boxing commentary for Sky as far as I'm aware. He did some undercard stuff a few weeks back though.

The Pirog v Maciel commentator didn't namecheck himself at the start of the broadcast, and Premier cut the feed right after the decision. Never heard him before though.

And a very busy week of cycling...
Volta Ciclista a Catalunya (British Eurosport)
Commentator: Carlton Kirby

UCI Track Cycling World Championships (British Eurosport)
Presenter: Phil Jones with Rob Hayles
Commentators: David Harmon and Tony Gibb

UCI Track Cycling World Championships (BBC)
Presenter: Ore Oduba
Commentators: Hugh Porter and Chris Boardman
Reporter: Jill Douglas

Criterium International (British Eurosport)
Commentators: Carlton Kirby and Magnus Backstedt

Gent – Wevelgem (British Eurosport)
Commentators: Carlton Kirby and Magnus Backstedt

Rare to see Eurosport put out a slicker product than the BBC, but they managed it with the Track World Champs. Massively reduced BBC coverage this year, Wednesday to Friday was just Porter and Boardman over the world feed with no interviews, and Saturday was basically a highlights programme of the week so far. Add to that the dreadful Oduba stumbling over every second word, calling Boardman 'Sir Chris', and pronouncing Krupeckaite differently every time and it was a poor effort. God knows who Jill Douglas pissed off.

Eurosport had Phil Jones (the reporter from the athletics on BBC) presenting trackside with Rob Hayles, with the riders and staff coming over for interviews. Some good video packages early in the week narrated by Simon reed put the BBC to shame.
chrisfinch
29-03-2011
Apologies for the double post, but I thought this was worth a mention-particularly for anybody who watches american boxing.

Commentator Nick Charles is suffering from terminal bladder cancer and only has a few weeks left to live. He's done plenty here and there, but is probably most well known for commentating on Shobox, on US network Showtime.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated a month back he said that his final wish was to call one more fight on television. In a really classy move, HBO invited him to do the Mikey Garcia v Matt Remillard fight on Saturday night. A big surprise, and a lovely gesture, as the majority of his boxing work had been for HBO's rivals Showtime.

I only caught the latter end of Nick's Shobox work, but I always enjoyed him, adding character to fights and full of enthusiasm and class. It would be nice if Showtime had an interview or something with him on Shobox next week.

It was a bit tough to listen to him on Saturday though, with it being his last fight. Also when he was talking about HBO's upcoming fights wondering whether he would be alive to see them.

But at least he got to do his final wish, and I hope his remaining time is as pleasant and comfortable as possible.

Here is an article about how it came about...
shelsey93
29-03-2011
Sri Lanka v New Zealand - Semi-Final (Tuesday 29th March)

Presenter: David Gower
Pundits: Marvan Atapattu, Nick Knight and Jeremy Coney

Commentary from ICC World Feed team of Russel Arnold, Simon Doull, Nasser Hussain, Sir Ian Botham, David Lloyd, Tony Greig, Tom Moody and Alan Wilkins

An expanded commentary team was used today with three in the commentary box at a time and spending a full 6-8 over stint together rather than each commentator swapping out individually as they have been in the World Cup so far

Highlights were presented by Charles Colvile with Bob Willis, Ajit Agarkar and Michael Holding
kentkiwi
31-03-2011
Here's a practice that could be applied more widely:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0s4Hc6Qqy3w

It's one of a very entertaining series of promos for Sky NZ's coverage of the Rugby World Cup. The commentator is former All Black Grant Fox, who, along with Justin Marshall, is Sky NZ's chief "expert comments" commentator.
kentkiwi
31-03-2011
Originally Posted by pakokelso93:
“Super Rugby - from Twickenham
Crusaders v Sharks

Commentators: Miles Harrison, Stuart Barnes and Justin Marshall

Justin Marshall also reporting/interviewing

Certainly was a joint Sky Sport NZ and Sky Sports UK production. Doesn't look like here in the UK there was any studio presenter or anything. I recorded the full coverage later on, and it just had Miles and Stuart ad-libbing at half time.”

This is very much the style of covering rugby in NZ. Even when there is a presenter and panel, coverage stays with the match commentators at half time, reviewing highlights, match stats etc. Why this is I'm not sure, as rugby league here usually crosses to the studio/on-ground presenter at half-time as elsewhere.
Alex2606
31-03-2011
Originally Posted by pakokelso93:
“Super Rugby - from Twickenham
Crusaders v Sharks

Commentators: Miles Harrison, Stuart Barnes and Justin Marshall

Justin Marshall also reporting/interviewing

Certainly was a joint Sky Sport NZ and Sky Sports UK production. Doesn't look like here in the UK there was any studio presenter or anything. I recorded the full coverage later on, and it just had Miles and Stuart ad-libbing at half time.”

Was that the NZ feed you were watching pakokelso93? On the feed I was watching online, which I'm guessing was the Sky Sports feed, they had Simon Lazenby, Thinus Delport and one other from the studio in Northampton where they had earlier shown the Saints v Wasps game.
shelsey93
31-03-2011
India v Pakistan - Semi-Final (Wednesday 31st March)

Presenter: Charles Colvile
Pundits: Ajit Agarkar, Nick Knight and Azhar Mahmood

Commentary from ICC World Feed team of Ravi Shastri, Sunil Gavaskar, Sanjay Manjrekar, Sourav Ganguly, Ramiz Raja, Wasim Akram, Michael Atherton and Mark Nicholas

Charles Colvile presenting his first live game of the tournament with David Gower on his way to Mumbai for the final. Sky clearly deciding to go with Colvile's greater presenting experience ahead of Allott/Floyd for such a massive game despite him having presented only two previous live games all winter.

Highlights were presented by Paul Allott with Bob Willis, Marvan Atapattu and Michael Holding
bluedolph
31-03-2011
Originally Posted by Alex2606:
“Was that the NZ feed you were watching pakokelso93? On the feed I was watching online, which I'm guessing was the Sky Sports feed, they had Simon Lazenby, Thinus Delport and one other from the studio in Northampton where they had earlier shown the Saints v Wasps game.”

The other guy was Nick Evans, former NZ fly half.
pakokelso93
31-03-2011
Originally Posted by kentkiwi:
“This is very much the style of covering rugby in NZ. Even when there is a presenter and panel, coverage stays with the match commentators at half time, reviewing highlights, match stats etc. Why this is I'm not sure, as rugby league here usually crosses to the studio/on-ground presenter at half-time as elsewhere.”

Originally Posted by Alex2606:
“Was that the NZ feed you were watching pakokelso93? On the feed I was watching online, which I'm guessing was the Sky Sports feed, they had Simon Lazenby, Thinus Delport and one other from the studio in Northampton where they had earlier shown the Saints v Wasps game.”

No, I recorded the full replay of the match later on Sunday Evening. It just had Miles Harrison introducing etc, then the game and at half time Harrison/Barnes were ad-libbing. At Full time there was interviews etc and Harrison concluded about 10 mins after full time.

There was no Presenters at all, I think Simon Lazenby and co. finished after the Northampton game and that was it?

They also had/used the Sky Sport NZ Super Rugby opening titles etc too.

I have a recording of the Sky New Zealand feed and Super Sport feed on my PC. Both are exactly the same, only exception being Sky NZ using their own graphics to Sky UK.

__

Just noticed this...
Originally Posted by IanFergus:
“In 1987, BBC held the Rugby World Cup rights in the UK. Commentators, analysts and reporters included Bill McLaren, Nigel Starmer-Smith, Martyn Williams, Peter Wheeler, Fred Cogley (of RTE), Scott Hastings and Bill Beaumont”

Thanks for the info... Scott Hastings been spouting his shite since mid 1980s He is up there with one of the worst pundits in Rugby! Even worse commentator when they sparingly need him on main comms duty!
Alex2606
31-03-2011
Originally Posted by bluedolph:
“The other guy was Nick Evans, former NZ fly half.”

Thanks bluedolph

Originally Posted by pakokelso93:
“No, I recorded the full replay of the match later on Sunday Evening. It just had Miles Harrison introducing etc, then the game and at half time Harrison/Barnes were ad-libbing. At Full time there was interviews etc and Harrison concluded about 10 mins after full time.

There was no Presenters at all, I think Simon Lazenby and co. finished after the Northampton game and that was it?

They also had/used the Sky Sport NZ Super Rugby opening titles etc too.

I have a recording of the Sky New Zealand feed and Super Sport feed on my PC. Both are exactly the same, only exception being Sky NZ using their own graphics to Sky UK.”

That's interesting because the live coverage of the game definitely had Lazenby, Delport and Evans in the studio at Franklin's Gardens at halftime. They spent most of it talking about the difference in northern and southern hemisphere rugby. There may have even been a bit from Scott Quinnell on 'The Front Line' aswell
The Difference
31-03-2011
Sky Sports rugby union commentator Will Chignell is leaving the network after 16 years working for them to become the new Head of Media at the RFU.

Will begins his new role on July 4th so he should see out the season as a commentator. I wonder if he'll get a few big games to finish off his Sky career?

Obviously you would expect the duo of Miles Harrison and Stuart Barnes to get the showpiece games (the Heineken Cup Final and Aviva Premiership Grand Final), but it'd be nice if Will got the nod to do commentary on a Heineken Cup Semi-Final and/or the Amlin Challenge Cup Final as he comes to the end of the many years of service he's given to Sky.
Alex2606
31-03-2011
Originally Posted by The Difference:
“Sky Sports rugby union commentator Will Chignell is leaving the network after 16 years working for them to become the new Head of Media at the RFU.

Will begins his new role on July 4th so he should see out the season as a commentator. I wonder if he'll get a few big games to finish off his Sky career?

Obviously you would expect the duo of Miles Harrison and Stuart Barnes to get the showpiece games (the Heineken Cup Final and Aviva Premiership Grand Final), but it'd be nice if Will got the nod to do commentary on a Heineken Cup Semi-Final and/or the Amlin Challenge Cup Final as he comes to the end of the many years of service he's given to Sky.”

Best of luck to him, he's always been an able No. 2 to Miles Harrison and done an excellent job over those many years. My best moment of his is probably when he commentated on the Tigers beating Bath in the Heineken Cup quarter final a few years ago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVeYwdQAAp0

I wonder if this will see Mark Robson move up to No. 2 in the Sky ranks?
pakokelso93
31-03-2011
Will Chignell is a bit like Peter Drury of the Rugby world, the way he sounds etc but not scripted like Drury!

He should get the Amlin final, he usually gets that match. I hope Robson is Promoted. Although I like Johnnie Hammond too.
chrisfinch
31-03-2011
Originally Posted by The Difference:
“Sky Sports rugby union commentator Will Chignell is leaving the network after 16 years working for them to become the new Head of Media at the RFU.

Will begins his new role on July 4th so he should see out the season as a commentator. I wonder if he'll get a few big games to finish off his Sky career? ”

I'm far from an expert on rugby commentary, but didn't he do the LV Cup Final the other week? Mind you, it's arguable as to whether that counts as a 'big game' or not?
LOSG
31-03-2011
Originally Posted by The Difference:
“Obviously you would expect the duo of Miles Harrison and Stuart Barnes to get the showpiece games (the Heineken Cup Final and Aviva Premiership Grand Final ), but it'd be nice if Will got the nod to do commentary on a Heineken Cup Semi-Final and/or the Amlin Challenge Cup Final as he comes to the end of the many years of service he's given to Sky.”

I think that's on ESPN this year anyway. Maybe he'll get it if Sky have a highlights show.
SSReporters
01-04-2011
Originally Posted by chrisfinch:
“Apologies for the double post, but I thought this was worth a mention-particularly for anybody who watches american boxing.

Commentator Nick Charles is suffering from terminal bladder cancer and only has a few weeks left to live. He's done plenty here and there, but is probably most well known for commentating on Shobox, on US network Showtime.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated a month back he said that his final wish was to call one more fight on television. In a really classy move, HBO invited him to do the Mikey Garcia v Matt Remillard fight on Saturday night. A big surprise, and a lovely gesture, as the majority of his boxing work had been for HBO's rivals Showtime.

I only caught the latter end of Nick's Shobox work, but I always enjoyed him, adding character to fights and full of enthusiasm and class. It would be nice if Showtime had an interview or something with him on Shobox next week.

It was a bit tough to listen to him on Saturday though, with it being his last fight. Also when he was talking about HBO's upcoming fights wondering whether he would be alive to see them.

But at least he got to do his final wish, and I hope his remaining time is as pleasant and comfortable as possible.

Here is an article about how it came about...”

Thanks for sharing this, chrisfinch! I listened to him frequently on Showtime and on Versus and he's a solid commentator. I'm very saddened to hear of his illness because initially I believe they said it wasn't terminal at first but when there was a re-occurrence they knew he had a short time to live.

Kudos to HBO for this and may Charles live the rest of his life peacefully.
Andy Rimmer
01-04-2011
Originally Posted by johnnylogic:
“
My abiding memory of Hignell in 1995 was of him completely fluffing a link into an ad break during presentation of one live game, then starting to remonstrate with himself just as the break bumper faded in. I actually felt sorry for him.”

I recall one broadcast of his from that World Cup in which we was hosting a second or third match from a now completely dark stadium that had hosted a game earlier and he was left to contend with a very noisy flock of birds or geese in the background.

The biggest memory I have of the coverage though was the South Africa v France Semi Final one Saturday that saw the 2pm uk time kick off pushed back to 3:30pm (which must have affected ITV's early evening schedule, well worth it if Blind Date got cancelled haha) because of torrential rain. That was a lot of time for him and ITV to kill and despite the rain never easing the game went on in joke conditions which under normal circumstances would have seen an abandonment or postponement.

I'm sure they killed time by playing music videos of both the official World in Union theme song and a version of Swing Low that someone had done. I remember thinking, get this cr*p off I want to see women getting wet through desperately sweeping water off the pitch in vain with a brush!
rfonzo
01-04-2011
Tennis is the worst commentated sport, especially at Wimbledon. Greg Rusedski, Virginia Wade, Andrew Castle, John Mcenroe and Boris Becker are awful. The best commentated sport is cricket as the experts are intelligent and are also humorous and they have to be because Test Cricket demands on air broadcast for hours.
pakokelso93
01-04-2011
Originally Posted by rfonzo:
“Tennis is the worst commentated sport, especially at Wimbledon. Greg Rusedski, Virginia Wade, Andrew Castle, John Mcenroe and Boris Becker are awful. The best commentated sport is cricket as the experts are intelligent and are also humorous and they have to be because Test Cricket demands on air broadcast for hours.”

I'd take Andrew Castle off that list.
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