Pre-Season 2012/2013

This is what the pitch looks like, I'm sure the players would prefer an artificial

pic.twitter.com/O35hCwiq

I thought Gareth or someone said the India trip was fiscally neutral? No idea how but I understood the bottom line to be small.

I'd say bat first.  Looks like it will break up and take a fair bit of turn later on in the match.

No -we are without our big hitters.  Bowl first and hope for rain to assist in a draw.

Twofold.

1 - The whole tour is fdunded by a prmoter.

2 - it's about being in camp and bonding on a three week trip together.  Team Spirit and all that.

Would Waitak even have finalised their squad yet, yet alone started training?  Pretty sure Team Wellington haven't.

Has rain stopped play yet ??

I hope the return air fares are paid for......hard to do a runner from India

1 Have heard that before.... Hope he gets plenty to the games

2 Boot camp on Gt Barrier would be better than dodgy meals, and outside saunas

Good luck to them, at least the boss is there with them and is good on a motorcycle

I know an old lady who swallowed a fly.

Pitch inspection underway according to Gareth - should know soon if match will go ahead:

Have woken to another day in paradise. Pitch inspection underway to see if watering overnight has worked. Fingers crossed #phoenixindia

Also monsoon rains forecast during day - so concrete pitch could turn into a lake...

If it rains its going to be carnage. The only thing worse than a concrete pitch is a slippery concrete pitch.

Why couldn't they play here: https://p.twimg.com/A04ugXlCMAAiPf8.jpg

That pitch looks nice.

Why couldn't they play here: https://p.twimg.com/A04ugXlCMAAiPf8.jpg

That pitch looks nice.

I think that was when they were still in New Dehli

Why couldn't they play here: https://p.twimg.com/A04ugXlCMAAiPf8.jpg

That pitch looks nice.

Game seems to be a go.

Nix have announced lineup with Brockie on bench as expected

Meanwhile pre match Durante had this to say ...

Anywhere we can fet a feed or updates online?

Why couldn't they play here: https://p.twimg.com/A04ugXlCMAAiPf8.jpg

That pitch looks nice.

(I just wanted to feel part of the group)

https://twitter.com/WgtnPhoenixFC

Two chances so far. One to Ifill, one to Lochhead

Totori with an electrifying run from half way almost slots one past the keeper

Actually sounds like we're all over them

State of the pitch?  Did Ricki do the "key test"?

Yes and has Totori in early, off his long run, halfway to the fence

Wellington Phoenix ‏@WgtnPhoenixFC

Totori with an electrifying run from half way almost slots one past the keeper

Goal!!! Fenton beats his player on the wing, then crosses for Ifill who taps in.

Ricki's decision to bowl first has paid off.  Already Sikkim are one down on what looks like a pitch that can offer our pace attack some assistance.

"We want 10, we want 10"

Sounds like Lindsay and Fenton are doing well

Goal!!! Boyd with a volley screamer from 25m out!!

Not long now till the Dilmah tea break...

"Marvellous shot"

In other preseason news, Tards are beating the Peasants 3-0 (almost at ht).

Subs for Phoenix at start of 2nd half - Brockie and Biss on for Smith and Totori

Sub for Nix - Doyle on for Ifill

You can understand there's not much happening in a match when you read match updates like this:

A nice Wellington rain has set in! Just need the wind now!

3-0 final score

Goal!!!! Rowe corner Boxall knocks back and Fenton finishes with a header, 2 to go

Write up here

http://www.indianfootballnetwork.com/blog/2012/08/24/wellington-phoenix-register-a-comfortable-win-against-united-sikkim/

But who won the fight? That's all I need to know...

Other photos:

http://www.e-pao.net/epGallery.asp?id=1&src=Sports/Football/NESuperFootball20120824_1

Mrs Morgan?