A few things for my 2010 wishlist

OPINION:  Boxing Day, writes Nathan Burdon in this week's Straight Up.

Englarged stomachs, empty wallets and discarded wrapping paper trying to escape from the wheelie bin.

It's a time for leftovers, holdable sports columns and the New Year's resolutions.

I hope Santa was good to you.

In case he didn't get my note about a 60-degree lob wedge or MySky, there's nothing wrong with a late gift, but given my princess starting walking for the first time (and almost immediately gave it up for the much faster option of crawling) last week I'm pretty much happy with whatever came out from under the tree.

Looking ahead to 2010, I've got a few basic requests.

Please, whoever is in charge of these things, can the Highlanders start to win a few games?

There's a certain reverse enjoyment that can be taken from the `landers' ability to chuck games late in the piece, but that particular vein of interest has been mined out.

There are a lot of our boys in key positions in the team nowadays, so it would be nice if they could start getting a few Super 14 results.

Unfortunately Otago rugby has been doing its best to alienate the fans of late, but they are still our team and I really want them to do well. It makes the five-hour drive to cover a game a little bit more appealing and it would be something a bit novel in a competition that is about as stale as it can get – a situation that won't be solved by adding another franchise.

If you haven't been to a game of rugby at Carisbrook, take the opportunity because you are running out of time.

It's well beyond its use-by date but there's still an air of history about the place that is worth experiencing. Bring on the new stadium.

Before we get to the Super 14 we have to get through the rest of the summer without Shane Bond.

He's been only a fleeting part of the New Zealand test scene since his introduction, but when he's around he's a joy to behold.

There are few things better for a cricket fan than knowing your team has a bowler capable of creating genuine fear in the opposition.

There are no replacements on the horizon.

Not for the first time cloning sportsmen could be considered here. Imagine a cricketer with the pace of Bond and the physical robustness of Brad Thorn.

He would be able to bowl 50 overs a day at 160kmh. Even the pyramids would crumble under that sort of barrage.

I hope Tiger Woods comes back to golf soon. I'm over hearing about his personal life. Woods, the person, never really interested me in the first place. Woods the golfer is fascinating and we need him back. At The Hills at the end of January would be a fair start.

Even without Bond, a summer spent contemplating Southland as the Ranfurly Shield holder is pretty special.

It's going to be a big year next year. Just how big would it be if we were sitting here in 12 months time with the log of wood still in the Rugby Southland trophy cabinet?

Have a safe New Year, see you in 2010.

» Nathan Burdon has been the Southland Times sports editor since 2003 and has won numerous journalism awards, including provincial sports writer of the year.

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