By CASEY O’CONNOR
AS THIS edition goes to press we have only a couple of sleeps until the NRL season gets underway.
For many it can’t come soon enough, but before the whistle blows attention will be on the court appearance of some of those caught up in the cocaine scandal.
Hopefully those proceedings will not take away from what is sure to be a great season opener at Suncorp.
While all of that is unfolding the ICC Cricket World Cup is developing into a fascinating battle.
Great to see some of the minnows of the game emerging. How special was it to see Afghanistan win their first World Cup game and the Irish are playing with the luck of the Irish.
The game between the Black Caps and the Aussies may not have developed the way many expected – no 400-plus runs in that game – but how exciting was it as Australia almost pulled off a miracle victory.
There are almost as many rumours circulating around the Australia captain Michael Clarke as the PM at the moment. Getting almost as much press attention is Daly Cherry Evans who is openly shopping for a new club for 2016.
Not sure how that works at the start of season 2015.
Fans are spoilt for choice at the moment and it is all exciting stuff.
As a Broncos fan I’m looking forward to a big year from Brisbane. Trying to select a top eight in the NRL looks tough this year in one of the most open competitions in years. Can’t wait – let the fun begin.
– Casey
LASTING LEGACY
MANY people are passionate about their sport or several sports but few leave a lasting legacy – Bill Campbell was one such person. His legacy is simply the Morgan Park Raceway precinct. Last weekend at the Short Circuit Motorsport meeting members wore black armbands and paid tribute to a man whose sudden passing shocked so many and is sure to leave a giant hole in the sport.
Fred Berge, secretary of the association and a friend of 40 years remembered him as “the brains behind Morgan Park Raceway”.
While those at Morgan Park were showing their respect and sharing their memories, Campbell’s grandson, Matt was competing in the biggest race of his life in the Carrera Cup Series on the street circuit in Adelaide.
He was sitting in third spot when he was forced to withdraw with a broken radiator. At the time he had posted the third-fastest lap time.
Things will take a while to fall back into place at Morgan Park after Campbell senior’s passing but those who are passionate about their motorsport will ensure Campbell’s vision for the raceway continues.
NEWBIES SHOW HOW
NEW members of the Stanthorpe Golf Club, Sean O’Reilly and Cal Smith, took little time to notch up their first win.
The pair combined successfully to take out the Betty Yap Memorial medley 4BBB Stableford sponsored by Greg Yap.
Their score of 45 points saw both players contribute equally. One point back was the team of Todd Beckett and Mark McCosker who also combined well for the round, sharing the scoring honours but were left rueing the 11th hole, the only hole where a one-pointer was recorded.
Rain at half-time caused some over the pin and pro shots. In the end, Viv Thouard, Tom Fittock, Lyn Ludlow, Dylan Barraclough and Sean O’Reilly each received a ball for winning shots.
Quite a lengthy rundown with balls also supplied by the sponsor and most scores of 38 and better were awarded a ball until the supply ran out.
The start of this new month also sees the beginning of the financial year.
Members who are not financial may play in competition but are ineligible to win and can play only for minor prizes.
Members are asked to bring their fees up to date prior to teeing off to save disappointment.
This Saturday members will play for the March monthly medal and putting competition and the first of three rounds for the Pike Trophy.
The medal round is sponsored by long-time supporter of the Stanthorpe Golf Club, Maddies Gift Gallery. Players are asked to note that tee-off is at the earlier time of 11am as there is a private function in the clubhouse commencing at 6pm.
GOOD RESULTS IN DISTRICT COMP
SUMMIT bowlers tasted success in the preliminary rounds of the District Pairs. In the SDMDBA pairs, three Summit club teams made it to the post sectionals – Dale Barker and Rob Capelli, Michael and Tyler Sweeney and Len Covill and Jamie Zamprogno.
On Sunday, at the end of the post-sectional stage the field narrowed to two Summit Pairs teams to play out the final – Michael and Tyler Sweeney will play Capelli and Barker. It will be the challenge of youth up against maturity in the final this Saturday.
It was triple treat time at the Summit on Saturday as the crew took to the greens for social games (very social, I hear). Joe Zeppa, Phil (Timber) Davis and Rob (Tightrope) Slack had the wood on Brian (Cocktail) Brown, Trevor (Mr Bionic) Morris and Alex (Mr Prov) Mattiazzi. The result 24-12.
The scores were much closer in the game between the grey bomber (Attilio Zamprogno) Martini McGlashan and the big EZ, Eddie Zanatta and the combination of Hollywood Stratford, Rocket Newlands and Keith (deadeye) Mungall. The Big EZ’s mob won 24-21.
The all-important bar roster for this week sees J. Shannon on duty on Friday and on Saturday Kurt Empen is in charge. Diary date – 15 March – Downs Diggers Day 9am start – lunch. Please finalise your teams of rinks bowlers together in preparation for this event which is just around the corner.
Williams winner
GOLFERS at Wallangarra went round in a stroke event on Saturday. The winner with a score of 66 nett was Peter Williams ahead of runner-up Steve Hampstead and Kevin Williams. The pin shot on nine went the way of Hampstead and Green claimed the approach shot.
The Wallangarra Club Championships played over four rounds will be held over the coming two weekends. On Saturday the March Monthly Medal will be played in conjunction with a round of this event.
Clay day
SUNDAY was another fine day for a clay on the Inglewood Range. Shooters lined up for a down the line shoot. Tom Donald has been showing some excellent form in all disciplines recently. On Sunday he had to pull out all stops to beat off the determined placegetters Steve Bevan and Corey Clark who both shot well.
This weekend shooters can test themselves in the single action and rimfire disciplines.
PRACTICING NOT GOING UN-NOTICED
IT’S been reported that there may be plenty of sly practicing in the early morning at the Warwick Golf Club. Then of course there are those putting in hours in the early mornings, late afternoons, middle of the day, even on occasion around the bar, pretty much anytime.
Anyone would think the annual Warwick Golf Club championship is on the horizon.
The tension is building and handicaps are cracking, grown men are groaning, and only the courageous steal furtive glances to the gilded fonts on the honour boards and the names of those who have been before them. Great names all of them.
And then there’s the chook run … the Red Rooster Rumble where many a champion has earned his hot chooks. These chooks have kept players heading into Friday’s battle week after week.
The battle last Friday was led by Greg Morrisey who carded 20 points, winning on a countback from Dion Phillips. Rundowns to 19. Collecting those sought-after hot chook vouchers from Red Rooster for nearest to the pins were Jeb Jerome (11), Neville Heard (13), and Laurie King (16).
Peter Millard broke through for a win last Saturday In the B&K Motors sponsored event against 54 competitors. He played like a gladiator to win the day with 44 points. Jesse Harris is also championship-ready after his runner-up performance, carding 41 points. Rundowns went to 37. Nearest to the pins were won by Adam Skinner (5), Nick Milne (7), Eddie Kemp (9), Declan Murphy (11), Jesse Harris (13), and Phil Daley (16). The weather gods smiled on the annual WGC President’s Cup sponsored by Gary Russell-Sharam and Jan Maher. Never far from the winner’s circle were Charlie and Kath Morrison who pulled out all stops to put on the winning score, with Eamon Cochram and daughter Tegan taking out runners-up. Pins went to Don Stewart, Sam Hinze and Trish Bell.
The time sheets are filling fast for the club championships. It is likely there will be an increase in numbers this year – almost double a normal Saturday, so get your names in pronto. The course will be in immaculate condition with thanks to the greens director Bob Lester, greenkeepers Craig Cox and Paddy O’Dea, and the almost full-time volunteers Mick Payne, Jill Barnes, Effie Austen, Angus Cargill and the Thursday boys.
MILNE LEADS THE WAY
A BIG field came out to play at Sunday sporters – doing best of the bunch was Nick Milne who played strongly to defeat runner-up Rowan Anderson.
Rundowns went to Paul Armstrong and Jaidyn Milne. Nick Milne also had the best gross and capped off a great day, winning the pro pin. Norm Steele was in form on the 12th and collected the pin. The 17th was claimed by Mick Doorley, Angelo Maugeri and Bob Watts – each went home in the company of a meat tray.
Same time (tee-off 7.30-8.30), same place (Stanthorpe Golf club) this Sunday – why not join the fun – visitors are always welcome.
MALLET MAYHEM
Players enjoyed perfect conditions for Association Croquet in Stanthorpe and played in two groups of four.
Joy Newman and Andrea Denkewitz had a close game against Grace Howard and Effey Russel winning 17-15. Jenny Tunbridge and Margaret Dickenson were defeated in a close game by Heather Widderick and Pat Schnoor, 25-18. Pat played very well with breaks of six and four. Margaret fired after morning caffeine to make two breaks of three.
New members are always welcome – croquet is played on Tuesday mornings commencing at 8.30am but as the weather gets cooler a later start time is sure to be announced.
On Friday morning the Gateballers come out to play and conditions were hot and humid after a wet start. Whites had two wins 19-7 and 13-12. The remaining three games were very close, but went to the Reds.
In the first game Barry Russell played very well, sparking plenty of balls out, going through the gates easily and finally a successful “agari”. Effey Russell and Pat Schnoor also played some good shots.
The group is playing well as they become more familiar with the rules. Players will get a guide to their progress when they host Toowoomba in a couple of weeks. Anyone interested in playing can contact Margaret (4681 0475).
Hooper Runners Golf Croquet is played on Wednesday and the two games were very close with plenty of friendly banter. Teresa Pine was playing at her best with another “hoop in one”. Another birthday this week, (Elaine Brown) meant another batch of cupcakes. The sugar hit did wonders for Dianne Wren who was playing like a pro with some wonderful shots after the break. Well done Di, some very good shots. The Gateballers are always looking for new members, both male and female. For information contact Elaine 0401 630 272, Val 0420 415 154, Shirley 4681 1683.
WEATHER GODS HAVE THEIR SAY
THE weather gods played their hand last weekend and disrupted cricket in Stanthorpe and possibly played a hand in an upset result.
On a day where there were to be two rounds of 20/20 games, rain forced one round to be cancelled and the remaining games to be transferred to the synthetic wicket at the High School.
Souths and Valleys lined up in the early match, with Souths desperately seeking a win. They were sent into bat and scored 117 from their allotted 20 overs. The bowlers gave them plenty of assistance with wides contributing significantly to the total. Some eight and even 10 ball overs a sign of some undisciplined bowling.
Big-hitting Danny Folkers clubbed five fours in his innings to top the scoring for Souths. Damian Anderson returned the best bowling figures for Valleys. He completed his spell with one wicket for eight runs.
Rain began to fall late in South’s innings and the match was finally abandoned without Valleys facing a ball.
When the rain eased the synthetic pitch dried enough for the game between RSL and Wanderers to get underway.
Batting first Wanderers were able to set a decent target of 146 for the competition leaders, RSL. In a sign of good things to come for Wanderers, Mark Matthews-Fredricks playing his first game for the club shared the top scoring honours with experienced clubman Jamie Carnell – both scoring 36.
Wanderers’ batsmen all managed to get off to good starts and contributed to the total.
In a good team effort, six of the eight RSL bowlers claimed wickets.
A run-out and a legside wide stumping added some interest to the dismissals.
RSL have been at the top of their game all season but on Saturday had to call five juniors into their side and although the target was a little more than seven an over, it was always going to be a challenge for the youngsters.
Experienced batsmen Duane Lihou, Sam Dowie, Luke Brady, and Dave Becker all did their best getting starts as did David Murgha, but with no-one able to go on and post a big score the task was made very difficult. RSL managed only 107, suffering only their second defeat this season.
It was a good all-round performance from the Wanderers’ attack but it was the big in-swingers bowled by Scott Armbruster that did the most damage. Armbruster finished the game with four wickets for 24 runs.
With two games until the finals RSL are assured of the minor premiership while the race for the remaining two finals berths are becoming clearer.
The scoreboard now has RSL 61; Valleys 33; Wanderers 30 Souths 24.
The win gives Wanderers a little clean air between themselves and Souths, however they cannot afford a loss in either of the final games. Souths on the other hand are in a must-win situation.
This weekend RSL play Valleys but all eyes will be on the game between Wanderers and Souths.
COWBOYS CONTINUE SUCCESS
THE stellar pre-season form of the Warwick Cowboys continued last weekend when they downed the 2014 BRL premiers Killarney in the annual Xylon Smith Shield match in Killarney.
The early signs were promising for the hosts when Captain Coach John Trindall posted the first try of the game and club president Dion Galloway converted.
The Cowboys did not take long to get into their stride and at half-time the scores were 16-6, but Killarney were still well in the game.
After the break the Cowboys came out firing and owned the second half in a dominant performance. To their credit, the Cutters did not give up as the Cowboys’ superior fitness began to tell. Jesse McIvor scored a treble for the Cowboys. Braydon Wilson crossed twice – other try scorers for the visitors were Matt West, Carl Gale and Jason Croft. Captain coach Matt Gainey slotted three conversions and Ben Sullivan and Trent Achilles each landed a conversion in the 42-6 Cowboys win.
This game however is about much more than the score. It is played in memory of a popular young player who pulled on the jersey for both clubs.
In the supporting game the Tenterfield Tigers stepped out for the first time in 2015 playing against the Cowboys’ Reserve Grade. It is a new-look Tenterfield line-up this season and in a close game the Cowboys prevailed 28-18.
Try scorers for the Tigers were Matthew Brown, Jack Daniels, Simon Lee and Murray Dunn. Captain-coach Brendon Minns led from the front and was one of the Tigers’ best.
Dane Walker scored a double for the Cowboys. Other try scorers were Callum Freeman, Josh McIntosh, and Dallas Dennison. Former Inglewood player Ryan Donovan had a good game in the forwards for the Cowboys.
The Cowboys who have now had wins against Aspley, the TRL and BRL premiers will now prepare for the start of the TRL season.
It was a red-letter day for the Killarney ladies who fielded a League Tag Team for the first time.
There was strong support for the Killarney ladies who are obviously finding their way in a game that is very new to them. They were outclassed on the scoreboard by last season’s premiers, the Tigerettes from Tenterfield. Meg Landers, the 2014 Player of the Year picked up from where she left off, leading the girls to a big win. Despite the blowout scoreline we can expect to see some good performances from the Killarney girls as the season progresses.
COLTS DERAILED
COLTS suffered their first loss this season, derailed by an impressive performance from Maryvale all-rounder Scott McLennan.
Colts had first use of the Hamilton Oval wicket, but McLennan put the brakes on the scoring with his spinners taking 4/18 from in a seven overs. Solid performances from several Colts batsmen saw them post a reasonable run chase of 154.
After a fine bowling performance McLennan went on to star with the bat. He top scored with 53, combining with Michael Bourke (30) to put on a match-winning fourth wicket partnership of 72.
GOOD WIN FOR INGLEWOOD
IN A rain-shortened game Inglewood came away with a big win against Sovereign. David Elsley continued his good form, top-scoring with 47 in Inglewood’s total of 173. Daren Apted also batted well for a score of 43.
Inglewood were able to dismiss their opponents for only 62 runs, thanks in part to a fine bowling display from Ted Callaghan. Callaghan finished the game with a five-wicket haul and figures of 5/21.
GOOD SUPPORT FOR ALLMAN PARK MEETING
A BIG crowd turned out to Allman Park for Saturday’s race meeting, which was well supported by owners and trainers to the delight of club officials.
Picavino was an impressive winner of the opening event. That win may have earned the filly a trip north to Rockhampton for the Capricorn Yearling Sales Classic in April. Ridden by claiming apprentice Emma Ljung the Kevin Kemp trained two-year-old was having her first start since October and finished impressively to beat Toowoomba gallopers Precious Ruler and Fair Ruler.
Burmese Rugby starting at the good odds of $13 made it a worthwhile trip to Warwick for the Kemp stable, handing them a double when she won the fourth race.
Supporters of local gallopers did not have to wait long to collect. The locally trained Norm Hilton galloper Had Me At Hello started a short priced favourite in the second event and Kenji Yoshida looked to have plenty in hand as he drove the three-year-old filly to the post to win comfortably by a little over a length.
The filly was purchased at the Adelaide Magic Millions by Hilton’s wife and after being sidelined for 15 months it was a sweet victory for connections who have a big opinion of the well-bred galloper.
Eagle Shaman was a good result for favourite punters, taking out race five for his Sunshine Coast connections.
In other results, Beaudesert galloper Our Grand Finale starting at $26 had bookmakers cheering him all the way to the post as he careered away for a nine-length win in the Class 1 Handicap (1350 metres). There was also plenty of joy for the bookies in the next event, when $17 shot Aubrey’s Ace narrowly defeated the well-tried Mutual Benefit and favourite Oggie.
Punters were back in the saddle in the next. $2.60 favourite, Anymore from the John Dann stable was a comfortable winner in the Fraser Livestock Transport Class Four.
The meeting wrapped up with the running of the 1100 metres Warwick Credit Union Class Four. There was no posing for the cameras from winner Selfie. Ridden by apprentice Brooke Stower, the Toowoomba galloper accounted for Round Mountain Gal and Hammersmith.
Ridden honours for the day were shared between Emma Ljung and Kenji Yoshida who each rode a double.
