Richie Benaud versus Peter O'Sullivan

[brixtonA23]

I believe both deserve the gold. But there can be only one winner.

The voice of horse racing. Desert Orchid at Cheltenham and the 1977 Grand National. Just beautiful commentary.

The voice of cricket. Humour mixed with experience and totally impartiality.

And my winner. Richie.

My reasoning.

His response to Trevor Chappell's underarm and his farewell to us Brits as Pietersen walked off the Oval after destroying the Aussies. Plus his misjudgment of a straight six.

All commentators should be impartial, so if you look up any of the aforementioned classic moments (available on You Tube), if Peter hadn't said Red Rummy at the second last, it would have been a tie.

 

[Gregory2Smith1]

Peter O'Sullivan for me

no one said "The National" like him

Benaud was class mind

no one said "that's interesting?" like him

 

[northstandsteve]

My word thats got to be closw.

You can judge for yourself there.

In and out of the confectionery box

Richie for me, but O'sullivan is a legend

 

[Mo Gosfield]

Both legends. The best of all time.
I love Benaud but O'Sullevan shades it for me...
1) Sea Pigeon finally winning the Champion Hurdle...." the old mans coming to win it " etc
2) Dawn Run ( the day 60,000 cried at Cheltenham )..." Dawn Run is rallying, she's fighting back.." etc
3) Red Rum..1977..3rd triumph..." and its hats off at Aintree " etc
and not forgetting the way he held himself together when his own horse Attivo won at Cheltenham.
A consummate professional, in the sport that requires more research than any other. The ability to spot different colours in a large field and call it right every time.

 

[Badger]

Richie Benaud for me.

This is possibly influenced by the fact I love cricket and can't stand horse racing.

 

[Blue Valkyrie]

Murray Walker is the one I rate over them both.

 

[8ace]

Both legends. The best of all time.
I love Benaud but O'Sullevan shades it for me...
1) Sea Pigeon finally winning the Champion Hurdle...." the old mans coming to win it " etc
2) Dawn Run ( the day 60,000 cried at Cheltenham )..." Dawn Run is rallying, she's fighting back.." etc
3) Red Rum..1977..3rd triumph..." and its hats off at Aintree " etc
and not forgetting the way he held himself together when his own horse Attivo won at Cheltenham.
A consummate professional, in the sport that requires more research than any other. The ability to spot different colours in a large field and call it right every time.

I actually prefer the Des Scahill Dawn Run call.

 

[MattBackHome]

I'm not particularly arsed about cricket at all, but could listen to Benaud talk about the finer details of leg-spin for hours.

 

[Hatterlovesbrighton]

Never liked Richie Benaud. Overrated IMO in comparison to Johnners and other TMS stalwarts.

 

[Mo Gosfield]

I actually prefer the Des Scahill Dawn Run call.

Not heard that version...must try and listen to it.

 

[Goldstone Rapper]

Maybe we can have a favourite Peter O'Sullivan poll between the commentator and the footballer...

 

[ezzoud]

Both excellent - O'Sullevan's key strength for me was his ability to convey drama and excitement without a) resorting to shouting b) sacrificing accuracy (J McGrath et al take note).

Benaud an absolute master but it's hard to put your finger on exactly why, delivery and timing I guess. Sadly I find his writing much less worthwhile "My Spin on Cricket" one of the dullest books I've attempted to read, don't think I ever finished it which is unheard of.

 

[RedRob]

This thread has gone way, WAY, over the heads of our younger readers.......

Showing yer age there, mate......

 

[jimhigham]

Dan Maskell and Peter Aliss, to name but two more iconic commentators?

 

[Johnnyboy]

Both legends. The best of all time.
I love Benaud but O'Sullevan shades it for me...
1) Sea Pigeon finally winning the Champion Hurdle...." the old mans coming to win it " etc
2) Dawn Run ( the day 60,000 cried at Cheltenham )..." Dawn Run is rallying, she's fighting back.." etc
3) Red Rum..1977..3rd triumph..." and its hats off at Aintree " etc
and not forgetting the way he held himself together when his own horse Attivo won at Cheltenham.
A consummate professional, in the sport that requires more research than any other. The ability to spot different colours in a large field and call it right every time.

Blimey I remember that. 20/1 I think? I had it in two 25p singles and a 50p double with a 9/2 shot (name evades me!) Won more than my weekly pay and got a tiny bit drunk on snakebites in the Whitehawk!

 

[8ace]

Not heard that version...must try and listen to it.