By CASEY O’CONNOR
IF the recent temperature spike has not been enough to convince you that it is summer then the constant thwack, thwack, thwack should be … and I am not referring to slapping the increasing mozzie population.
It is, of course, tennis time and as we power through the first week of the Australian Open we have already been treated to an outstanding entree in the form of the Brisbane International and several other pre-Aussie Open tournaments around the country.
I am sure we all willed everyone’s favourite Roger Federer to his 1000th career win in the Brisbane International.
Organisers may have had sweaty palms for a few games when things did not look as if they were going to plan but they really had nothing to worry about as the tennis gods had ordained that Roger’s career milestone would happen in Brisbane and the special presentation they had planned for him post game was never in doubt.
What an outstanding sportsman Federer is. While he continues to build on his remarkable career it is undoubtedly his humble attitude as much as his outstanding talent that draws fans to him like bees to a honey jar or Aussie flies to a barbecue.
While we all love Raffa – especially the ladies – and we enjoy the quirky humour and personality of Novak Djokovic it is Federer who is king among not only fans but also his peers. At the end of the 2014 season, Federer was selected by his fellow players as the winner of the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award for a record 10th time.
He was also selected by fans as the ATPWorldTour.com Fans’ Favourite (no great surprise there) for a 12th straight year. I can think of no other sport that can boast such an amazing ambassador, and when he does decide to hang up the racquet I am sure he will be acknowledged as the greatest player ever to grace the court.
Perhaps the introduction of a Sportsmanship Award in cricket might help raise the bar when it comes to on-field behaviour. Sportsmen and women in not only tennis but all other codes would do well to aspire to some of the standards Federer obviously lives and plays by.
Go the Fed – Let’s see 1001 in Melbourne. Thwack, thwack, thwack.
– Casey
“BALL KID” WITH LOCAL CONNECTION
Seamus Wakefield may have been born and raised in Brisbane but the centre of Ballandean is very near to his heart. Wakefield is the grandson of Peter and Heather Watters and has been a regular visitor to the Granite Belt. Ater finishing Year 12 he is currently back in the district working for Orchard Services. While he is enjoying the break, it is a far cry from centre court at the Brisbane Tennis International where he recently spent eight days as a “Ball Kid”.
The young tennis enthusiast, who is a regular on the courts at Redland Bay, nominated in March last year to “try out” for a stint as a Ball Kid. He was accepted and over the course of the next nine months under took several training sessions to prepare for the big event – and it was big.
During the training sessions there was a focus on skill development and the technical aspects of what is a most important part of the game.
Not prone to name dropping, young Seamus shared some of his special moments with me last Monday night when he attended a meeting of the Stanthorpe Rotary Club. After some prompting he eventually came clean and told how he was selected as a ball boy for Roger Federer’s first game of the tournament.
As you can imagine it was a great thrill to be up close and on court with the great man.
However, when pressed, Seamus declared his tournament favourite was undoubtedly Ana Ivanovic. He was fortunate to be on court for most of Ivanovic’s games throughout the tournament and was selected to do the women’s singles and doubles semi-final and finals.
While Federer and Sharapova may have taken home the Brisbane International silverware Seamus Wakefield was thrilled to be named “Rookie Ball Kid” of the tournament and collected, what he says will be a much treasured certificate, just a couple of hours before play got underway in the men’s final.
Wakefield admits the experience was a great buzz but is now looking forward to studying aviation at university and pursuing a career as a pilot perhaps with one or two more “Ball Kid” experiences along the way.
FINALISTS DECIDED
After some exciting games last weekend, the finalists in the Summit Club Fours 2015 have been decided. The two teams skipped by Wayne Thomas and Len Covill will play for the title on 8 February so there is plenty of time for both teams to tweak their play.
The rounds of the fours competition last weekend attracted 28 players who had to deal with the extraordinarily hot conditions combined with intermittent gusts of wind for much of the 18 ends.
A forfeit in game one gave the team of Brian Wilmot, Jamie Zamprogno, Quentin Stanley and Wayne Thomas an easy passage through to the next round.
In game two, the foursome took on McGlashan, Kurt Empen, Keith Mungall and E. Zamprogno. In a tight game, team Thomas prevailed with the scores 17-15.
In the third game, Attillio Zamprogno. Rob Newlands. Michael Sweeney and Rod Capelli outgunned their opponents 25-11.
In the first semi-final, Michael Surch, Paul Zamprogno, Alex Mattiazzi and Len Covill defeated White, Spiller Hartley and Stanley 15-12 to move through to the final.
In the other semi-final, the team of Brian Wilmot, Jamie Zamprogno, Quinton Stanley and Wayne Thomas had a comfortable 24-8 win to book their place in the final.
The greens were played beautifully last weekend and were a credit to the dedicated team of Zel, Phil and Ray.
While the focus for some is sure to be the final of the club fours there is a ladies day today Thursday (22 January), social bowls on Saturday 24 before 8 February. A date to mark in the diary for all bowlers is the Summit open triples carnival on Sunday 22 February.
GOLFERS COME OUT TO PLAY
Last Friday, 37 golfers took to the course in the very warm conditions for the Red Rooster Rumble.
The conditions had little effect on eventual winner Adam Byrne, who finished with 24 points – and following that effort has reduced his handicap by five shots.
Filling the runners-up position was Jimmy Olsen (22 points). Rundowns went to 19. Cooked chooks went home with Adam Byrne (5), Doug Wilson (7) and John Devitt at the ninth.
The heat continued unabated throughout the weekend but had no effect on player numbers.
On Saturday, another good field took to the fairways and greens in the single stableford playing for a trophy supplied by the club. Donald Warrener scored 41 to take out the event. Not long ago Warrener was playing on seven and his form of late indicates he is on his way back to that mark.
The gentleman of the fairway, John Devitt took the runners-up spot with a handy score of 38.
In the run down it was Trent Watts (37), Bob Lester, Evan Pfeffer, Mark Thomas and Jay Roberts (36), Nathan Jones and Eddie Kemp (35). The pins went to, Neil Carney, Nathan Jones, Mark Thomas, Geoff Hinze, Graham Clark and Don Warrener.
In the Sunday stableford, the 18-hole event was won by Danielle Seibel who had no problem dealing with the 35-degree heat as she carded 41 points.
Don Warrener continued his sparkling form and his score of 20 points gave him a win in the nine-hole competition. Both of the pins were skinners. The nine and 18-hole competitions are proving popular and the club will continue to run the tandem competitions providing something for everyone on a Sunday.
Another busy weekend of golf this weekend. The single stableford on Saturday will be sponsored by B and K Motors and there are only limited spots available in the two-ball ambrose on Australia Day. If you want to join the fun on Australia Day call the pro shop immediately on 07 4661 3664.
GEARING UP FOR AUSTRALIA DAY CRICKET CARNIVAL
THE Warwick Cricket Association is gearing up for an influx of visiting cricketers and local players for the annual Australia Day weekend carnival.
Organisers are expecting 30 teams to participate this year with games played on 10 grounds around the district. In all there will 76 games played.
The eight teams with the best winning margin will play on Sunday to decide the grand finalists. The final game is scheduled for a 1pm start on Australia Day.
Winners of the 2014 competition, Hulk’s XI, have firmed in favoritism to take out back to back titles.
Hulk’s XI are expected to field a similar team to their all-conquering 2014 team with perhaps only one change. Adding to the excitement of the final day, radio station 89.3fm will be on hand to broadcast live all the action from 9am at Slade Oval.
In total $2000 in prize-money and prizes are up for grabs. The ever-popular longest throw competition is well entrenched in the program and should get underway around 4.30pm prior to the official presentations. There is a $5 entry fee and the competition is open to all comers.
FOUNDATION CUP WIN FOR FRASER
Greg Fraser returned an outstanding two-round score of 129 to secure a win in the 2015 Foundation Cup and his name has now been added to the long and illustrious list of previous winners. Fraser’s was the first of two notable scores returned last Saturday at the Stanthorpe Golf Club. David Burgess secured his first club event with a score of nett 60 to grab the honours on Saturday. Congratulations to both players for some exceptional golf – both managed to lower their handicaps as a result.
In the ladies’ event, it was another win to Lyn Ludlow returning nett 70 while Linda Kelly took out the runners-up spot with a score of 74. Kelly also held the ladies’ pin at 3/12. Hannah Reeves is never far from the action and had the best approach at 17 and also collected a rundown with nett 75 in the ladies’ competition.
Fred Wharton may have been outgunned for the winning spot on Saturday but not only did he claim the runners-up spot but also held second place in the men’s comp, the pro-pin at 1/10 and a share of the birdies nest with Rob Reeves. Mark McCosker took the pin at 3/12 while the 5/14 and 9/18 pro pins had Dylan Barraclough’s name all over them.
This weekend, Repco Stanthorpe will sponsor a two-ball ambrose with a shotgun start tee off at 11.45am. Registration for the event will close at 11.30am and there is a timesheet on the board at the club.
Trappers hunters hit their targets
It was a day for the trappers and hunters as the Inglewood Trading Post opened last Sunday at the Inglewood SSAA range after a long break.
The trappers and hunters had to return and cash in the meat and hides they had collected. Best price was received by Dan McCosker of Yetman. He was closely followed by Swedish visitor Glen Holmes. Holmes is also known to frequent the Yetman area. Ray Dudgeon did his best to keep Inglewood in the winner’s circle with a third placing.
Eighteen targets in all were hunted with varying cash values when presented at the “Wheredehellarewe Trading Post”.
After all the hunting shenanigans the action will be back to pistols this Sunday.
Pictured
Dan McCosker – master hunter
HAMMY HAMS IT UP
Steven “Hammy” Hampstead was in fine touch on Saturday winning the stroke event with a 64 nett (two under off the stick).
Hampstead, explained his new hairstyle saying: “These dreadlocks are helping me keep my head down.”
Kevin Williams and Taffy Edwards tied for second with an impressive 68 nett and also shared the pin shots. Williams was successful at 3/15 and Edwards at nine. The Wallangarra club welcomes back Marie Cook and Scott Williams.
This Saturday, a single stableford event has been scheduled.
Several Wallangarra members are planning to play in the Warwick club’s Australia Day two-ball ambrose competition. Anyone who is interested in playing and needs a partner can make arrangements on Saturday.
STEELED FOR A WIN
Norm Steele had a good win at Sporters last Sunday with Ray Thorn filling the runners-up position. Run downs went to Aaron Simmers and Ian Anderson who also collected the pro pin. Dylan Barraclough returned the best gross. Hannah Reeves took the pin shots on both the 12th and 17th. Ian Anderson took the pro pin. Seen leaving sporting a meat tray each were Jim Mitchell and Mark Lynam. Sporters will be teeing off this Sunday at the normal time, 7.30am-8.30am.
WEBB ELLIS ON TOUR
With much talk about the upcoming Cricket World Cup there was a reminder this week as the Webb Ellis Cup lit up the streets of Rome, Milan and Treviso that there are less than 250 days until the another world cup event – the Rugby World Cup. The William Webb Ellis trophy – “Bill”, the holy grail of rugby – was completing the Italian leg of the Rugby World Cup Trophy tour. The Italians welcomed the famous trophy with open arms as the world’s best rugby players prepare to descend on England and Cardiff later this year.
Italian rugby legend Andrea Lo Cicero accompanied “Bill” during the Italian leg. Lo Cicero, who is an ambassador for one of the event sponsors Land Rover, said: “It has been a wonderful experience to take the Webb Ellis Cup somewhere it has never been before and extremely rewarding to meet passionate young rugby fans in the Treviso area. Excitement is already building for Rugby World Cup 2015 in Italy and Land Rover bringing the trophy here has stirred an even greater passion in this huge year for the game.”
The trophy tour which will visit 15 countries over 12 months as part of a celebration of rugby in the lead-up to Rugby World Cup now heads to Germany and Romania.
ONE OR TWO CENTURIES
As a cricketer, what is better than one century? Two of course and you would get no argument this week from Souths captain Ben Staley. Staley had never posted a ton in his cricket career – that was until last weekend and in the space of 24 hours he had two centuries to his name and his side had amped up their efforts to force their way into contention for this season’s finals.
On Friday evening Souths took on Valleys in a catch-up game played under lights.
The game was entertaining and at times there was plenty of verbal.
After winning the toss the Valleys captain elected to bat, and while some of his team-mates questioned the decision at the time his call turned out to be on the money.
At 2/16 Valleys were looking vulnerable but a 78-run partnership between Alistair Middleton and Alex Bell took the score to 2/94 off only 13 overs. Valleys built on that score with Damian Anderson and Michael Thompson contributing to vital partnerships.
Josh Anderson joined Middleton in the centre in the 25th over and fireworks followed as Anderson blazed his way to a quick-fire 50, which included four sixes and several boundaries.
Middleton continued to build his innings remaining not out as Valleys set Souths a 235-run chase.
Danny Folkers was a welcome inclusion to the Souths’ attack taking 2/54 in his return game. Caleb Hutchins continued his good form with the ball finishing with 3/39. Also among the wickets was Alex Cameron who bowled well taking 2/11.
That 235 looked to be a good score, but Souths captain Ben Staley was keen to make a match of it as he claimed his maiden century in a fine batting display.
His innings was highlighted by some outstanding running between the wickets and some well placed shots which seemed able to find the gaps in the field.
While Staley was in superb form, at the other end batsmen came and went in quick succession.
As Staley powered towards his maiden ton the only thing that looked likely to stop him was a lack of partners as only Tom Cameron and Jordan Lanza made it to double figures but ducks were plentiful.
In all, five Souths players were dismissed without troubling the scorer as they collapsed to be all out for 166 – 69 runs short of the target.
It was a fine display of pressure bowling from the Valleys’ attack. Curtis Allen finished with 1/30, Sandro Stefanon 2/37, Damian Anderson 1/9, Ryan Matthews 2/27, Josh Anderson 1/17 and Spencer Jenson 1/16.
The two teams backed up on Saturday in their regular fixture game and the complexion of the game could not have been more different to Friday night – however the one constant was the performance of Ben Staley.
Souths won what looked to be a good toss and elected to bat. The extremely hot conditions had little effect on the Souths’ openers as Staley and Mark Lanza combined for an 87-run opening stand.
Unlike Friday night, Staley found plenty of batting partners.
Sam Culham (19), Tom Cameron (16) and Jordan Lanza (19) all added much needed partnerships with Staley as Souths continued to build on their score with some outstanding running between the wickets.
In contrast to their previous innings, Souths finished with 4/241. Staley top scored with an unbeaten 132. His knock included 15 fours and again his work between the wickets was a highlight.
The Valleys bowlers toiled hard for little joy, Hayden Smith taking 1/31, Sandro Stefanon 0/24 Ryan Matthew 1/37.
Valleys could not find their Friday night form and Curtis Allen (22), Hayden Smith (15), Damian Anderson (16) and Anthony Marino (15) were the only batsmen to trouble the scorers as Valleys collapsed to be all out in the 26th over for 125 runs.
Jordan Lanza had a mixed day with the ball. He claimed three scalps for 31 runs but would not have been pleased with the number of wides he conceded.
Alex Cameron 1/22, Toby Culham 2/18, Hayden Taylor 2/18, and Sam Culham claimed 1/1 – all bowled with accuracy and success.
The win was a vital one for Souths and with the additional bonus point they now move to 20 points and into third place on the leader board behind RSL (48) and Valleys (24). Wanderers have slipped to the bottom of the table on 18 points.
Win for RSL despite Petrie ton
RSL returned to winning form last weekend following an upset loss at the previous outing.
RSL holds a comfortable lead in the premiership race but there were no signs of complacency in the performance against Wanderers last Saturday on the C.F. White turf.
Wanderers’ latest recruit Damian Petrie showed that football is not the only string to his bow as he raced to a century in his opening game for the club.
Wanderers set RSL a target of 183. With only sketchy details of the game available it is understood that Wanderers were possibly their own worst enemies dropping both Dowie boys on a couple of occasions which proved costly as RSL posted the winning runs with six overs to spare.
FOCUS TURNS TO SUPER 8s THIS WEEKEND
The focus moves from fixture cricket in Stanthorpe this weekend to the very social but for some teams very competitive Super 8s Australia Day competition.
The games will be played on Saturday at Sheehan and C.F. White Ovals and hopefully you have nominated your team as nominations closed on Wednesday.
Games begin at noon on Saturday with a bar and barbecue running throughout the day and evening.
There are sure to be plenty of entertaining games throughout the course of the day with men’s, women’s and combined ladies and men’s teams keen to share in the spoils.
TRIATHALON ENTERS FOURTH YEAR
Fitness enthusiasts, first timers and once-a-year triathletes are all preparing for the annual Stanthorpe Australia Day Triathlon. The popular event is now in its fourth year and one of the event organisers, Southern Downs Triathlon Club member Craig Magnussen expects another big turnout. Over 100 competitors across a variety of ages and abilities are expected to contest this year’s event.
A run/swim option for has been introduced this year for kids in a bid to encourage their participation.
While there will be many who contest the event for the first time or are semi-serious there is expected to be a large contingent of very serious athletes who will use this race as the perfect lead-up the hell of the West Triathlon which will be held in Goondiwindi the following weekend.
The swim legs of the Stanthorpe event get under way at the Stanthorpe Swimming Pool. Contestants will then hit the surrounding roads and parks for the all important bike and run legs. Entry forms are available from Smail’s Swim School.
The under-12s category will include a 100m swim, 4km bike ride and a 1km run. The open events will see competitors swim 400m before a 10km bike ride and a 3.5km run.
Race details:
Start: Stanthorpe Swimming Pool.
Transition: Under-12s opens at 6.30am, race at 7am. Opens, 7am for an 8am race start.
Categories: Under-12s, men’s open, women’s open, open teams
Cost: Opens $35, under-12s $20, teams $45.
