By CASEY O’CONNOR
IT CERTAINLY does not get any better for a cricket enthusiast than Sunday’s win in the World Cup final.
The win was fantastic and truly a credit to Michael Clark, the Australian team and Boof Lehmann. It was a perfect end to a summer of cricket that began in the most tragic of circumstances.
Former Kiwi great Martin Crowe who is battling a recurrence of cancer penned an open letter to the Kiwis and Aussies prior to the game.
In his letter he paid tribute to both captains, in whom he sees many similarities.
This great of the game sees them both as men of substance and style and both misunderstood for a long time by their countrymen. If you have not read or heard this moving tribute to the Kiwis and the Aussies, you should.
The semi-final between the Kiwis and the South Africans is sure to go down in the annals of cricket folklore, as will the devastating bowling of Mitchell Stark.
I doubt anyone watching the game could not have been anything other than impressed with the sportsmanship of the Kiwi players and the leadership of their captain Brendon McCallum.
He has revitalised Kiwi cricket and brought back some sanity to the game.
How good was it to see McCallum congratulating Clarke as he exited the MCG arena for the final time in the ODI format. It is the spirit in which the game should be played.
Perhaps now that he has a World Cup to his credit, some of M. Clarke’s knockers may also have retired. We can only hope.
One thing that was not as pleasing was the radio station that tracked down the Australian team after a night of celebrating and managed to get Brad Haddin to make a comment that he may have well regretted later in the day.
Of course the Stanthorpe boys attending the game were having a ball and regularly updated me on how thing were going, just to rub salt into the wound. Lucky ######!
– Casey
RSL WRAP UP PREMIERSHIP
RSL has dominated the Stanthorpe cricket season from round one and it was fitting that they wrapped up the season with a convincing win in the grand final and the premiership trophy on Saturday. Their opponents, Valleys were never going to die wondering and made RSL work for their win.
It was no surprise when RSL opted to bat first on the C.F. White wicket after winning the toss.
The RSL top order who have batted superbly all season lost only one wicket in the first 10 overs.
A partnership between Duane Lihou (46) and Sam Dowie (16) pushed the score along to 1/77 at drinks, with the game evenly balanced between bat and ball.
In the first over after the drinks break Josh Anderson got the break Valleys were looking for when Sam Dowie was dismissed. Incoming batsman Luke Brady picked up where Dowie left off. His 38 included four boundaries.
Valleys fielded well throughout the game and Duane Lihou was out to a good catch on the boundary from Sandro Stefanon with the score at 3/93.
Valleys players and supporters had plenty to get excited about four overs later when Curtis Allen took a great catch to dismiss RSL danger man Ross Lupton cheaply. At 4/118 the game was evenly poised.
RSL captain Will Dowie replaced Lupton and played a fine captain’s knock. He remained not out 37 at the end of the innings as RSL built towards a good score.
They pushed for runs at every opportunity and at the end of the innings had posted 179 runs.
The RSL innings was not without drama. In the final over Bryce Jackson misread a nasty bouncer and was hit in the face. He suffered a fractured cheekbone.
Set 180 to win, the Valleys top order collapsed as the RSL openers Ross Lupton and Tom Garland dominated. Valleys were floundering with the score at 4/20. Partnerships between John Fletcher (41) and Anthony Marino and Josh Anderson steadily built on the Valleys score however as the run rate climbed to over nine an over, the task was looking bleak for Valleys.
Valleys captain Damian Anderson went down fighting, adding a slashing 27 runs late in the innings.
The RSL bowlers ripped through the remaining tail-enders to wrap up the game in the 34th over.
Ross Lupton has been outstanding for RSL throughout the season and fittingly earned himself the Stanthorpe Cricketer of the Year Award.
While he probably considered his performance on Saturday with the bat below par, he and his bowling partner in crime Tom Garlan certainly turned the tide of this game. Lupton took two wickets in his eight over spell for the addition of only eight runs, putting enormous pressure on the Valleys batsmen.
Garlan, Luke Brady and Sam Dowie each took two wickets apiece. Luke Brady was named player of the final for his a fine all-round performance.
Brady scored 38 runs and took three wickets. The win was RSL’s first since 2009 and was a well-deserved reward for a great team performance throughout the season and the finals.
Valleys captain Damian Anderson said after the game it was a disappointing way to end the season but he was proud of the performance of his team and congratulated Will Dowie and RSL on an outstanding season.
Umpires for the grand final were John “Chook” Hendry and Paul Smithers.
STIFF COMPETITION IN MEDLEY
COMPETITION was stiff in the end of the month medley fourball at Stanthorpe Golf Club and a countback determined the winners.
Two teams returned 49 points, however Jake Mills and Keith Green had the better back nine (26 points) which was good enough to give them the win.
All reports indicate the result could have been better had it not been for the interference of a wayward tree at the last hole.
Stanthorpe’s promising juniors, Hannah Reeves and Declan Beare teamed up and were narrowly beaten by the winners.
The pair shot a top front nine of 27 but experienced a few minor hiccups on the back nine.
On the way Declan picked up the pin shot at 3/12 and the balls on offer for the birdies nest. Not to be outdone, Hannah claimed the ladies’ pin at the same hole, 3/12.
Angelo Maugeri put his hand up for the remaining pin shot at 17 and Tric Fittock had the best ladies’ approach at 17.
Fred Wharton held the pro-pin at 5/14 while Aaron Simmers took pro-pins at 1/10 and 9/18.
In the rundown, Eric McLellan and Ron Batterham (47), Mick O’Brien and Dave Williams, Mark McCosker and Keith Allen (46) each collected a ball.
The afternoon was sponsored by long-time members and great supporters of the Stanthorpe Golf Club, Clive Smith and Keith Cobon.
For those golfers not venturing away for the Easter break there will be a stroke event on Saturday for the April monthly medal and putting, a stroke round for all those not going away for the Easter break. Sponsor for the day is club captain, Matt Waterworth.
ALLORA STALWART RECOGNISED
I WAS thrilled to hear earlier this week the SDRC had accepted a request to rename the Allora cricket oval the Keith K.O. Masters Memorial Oval.
Keith Masters had a lifetime association with the game and I was fortunate to play with and against him during his career.
Our paths crossed later as umpires and at Eastern Downs Cricket Association meetings. This is a fitting recognition for a man who gave so much to the game in Allora, Warwick and Eastern Downs.
SDRC Mayor Peter Blundell advised that the appropriate signage would be installed in the near future.
STANTHORPE JUNIORS
STANTHORPE junior golfers Dylan Barraclough and Hannah Reeves recently played in the Downs School Golf trials at Middle Ridge.
Both have been in great form at club level and carried that form into the trials.
The pair each placed second in their respective divisions and earned selection in the Downs squads to play in the State titles later in the year.
STANTHORPE MALLET SPORTS
NUMBERS were up for last week’s Association Croquet and three groups played.
Effey Russell and Margaret Dickenson teamed up to defeat Val Shephard and Heather Widderick 17-11. Carol Verwey and Grace Howard played an entertaining game but lost (18-25) to Joy Newman and Andrea Denkewitz, Joy and Andrea both had two breaks of three and Carol also had one break of three.
In the other game Pat Schnoor and Val Richardson teamed up against Jenny Widderick who played two balls. Jenny who had one break of three won 18-16. Despite the loss Pat Schnoor was in good touch. She played one break of five and another break of three.
Shirley Evans returned after a break and was quickly into form with some excellent shots. Her “jumps shot” was impressive considering her lack of match play. Dianne Wren shot another “hoop in one” and now leads the competition.
A reminder that new players are most welcome – contact Val 0420 415 154 or Shirley 0427 147 040.
It was Red Friday last week with the red team winning all games of Gateball. Players were swapped from red to white teams, but still red could do no wrong.
Gateballers take a break this Friday, but will all be back on 10 April.
A reminder to all players that the Toowoomba club will be visiting on 24 April for a full day of play. If you are interested in learning more about Gateball give Margaret Dickenson a call on 4681 4075.
PREPARING FOR MEDAL
WALLANGARA golfers played a stroke event last Saturday in preparation for this weekend’s monthly medal and putting competition. Scott Williams had a good round finishing one shot ahead of runner-up Taffy Edwards.
The Pin shots went begging, however Peter Williams took out the jackpot on hole number three.
CLAYS FOLLOW HARD WORK
There was much activity on the range at Inglewood SSAA. The monthly working bee last Sunday saw the surrounds of the pistol bays demolished in preparation for the construction of the club’s new six-metre by 22.5-mwtre cover.
After all that work last week it is back to the fun stuff this weekend, with clays on the menu.
WINNING FEELING FOR LYNAM
MARK Lynam was in the winner’s circle at Sporters last Sunday.
Lynam edged out runner-up Rob Reeves. Another Reeves, Hannah collected a ball in the rundown and also had the best gross. Angelo Maugeri also picked up a ball in the rundown and a meat tray for good measure. Rod Werner claimed the in shot on the 12th and Aaron Simmers was in form on the 17th. Dale Gillam took the Pro Pin. Bob Watts was seen leaving with the remaining meat tray.
Due to the Easter break there will be no Sporters this weekend, however the cards will be in the “honesty box” for anyone who feels like a game over the break. Things will be back on track the following week with tee-off at the normal time.
PHILLIPS REAPS REWARD
SHOW holidays and golf sometimes go hand in hand – last week they went chicken in hand as 36 members ventured into the sunshine in search of chickens. They say the earlybird gets the worm, but the early golfer gets the bird or at least chook.
Winner was dawn buster Dion Phillips with a round of 24. No truth that he has a swag in the locker room. Runner-up with 21 points was maestro de shovel Dave Duroux. Collecting balls in the rundown were Ross Kingston (19), Charlie Morrison, Peter Hynes, John Devitt and Garry Adcock (18). In line for hot chicken vouchers were Peter Hynes (11), Dave Speedy (13) and Dion Phillips (16).
REDBACKS SEASON OPENER
The Warwick Redbacks opened the AFL season with a big day of football at Reddies Oval on Saturday.
The day kicked off with the ladies pulling on their jerseys for the season opener against Dalby. The girls who dedicated their game to Jamsyn Carter were beaten soundly by the 2015 premiers but lost no admirers in a tough game.
In a rematch of the 2014 grand final the Reddies took on University Cougars but the result did not go the way of the local side. Shane Iles was impressive in the opening game but Cougars proved too strong, winning 16.14-110 to Reddies 10.8-68.
The Reddies will regroup and settle into training now in preparation for their next match against the Toowoomba Tigers on April 18 at Reddies Oval.
C GRADE CHAMP SHINES
B&K MOTORS sponsored a single Stableford versus par event on Saturday. The Warwick club’s C Grade Champion, Jesse Harris scored a plus four to win the event. He was one of only four to keep their heads above water on Saturday.
Greg Sellick finished with a plus two to claim the runner-up spot. Rundown balls went to those with scores of plus one to minus two. Adrian Murphy (7), Jesse Harris (11), Greg Sellick (13) and Shane McKenzie (16) collected pins.
It was the dawn buster and a few loyal followers who rolled up on Sunday for the medley stableford. Dion Phillips again got the booty – runner-up was Peter Boney. Organisers are hoping that there will not be too many regulars hunting for Easter eggs or flying the coop to the coast for this Sunday’s event.
Due to the Easter break the April monthly medal will not be played on Saturday. Instead a single stableford sponsored by IGA has been scheduled.
The course and pro shop will be open Good Friday however the clubhouse will be closed.
NOMINATIONS EXTENDED
NOMINATIONS for the 2015 Warwick Golf Club Matchplay championships have been extended until this Saturday, 4 April. The draw will be posted on the whiteboard in the clubhouse by 17 April and the first round of matches must be played on or before 3 May.
WATTLES WIN LOCAL DERBY
WATTLES regained bragging rights after Sunday’s game against the Cowboys at Fr Ranger Oval.
The 2014 premiers suffered a pre-season defeat at the hands of the Cowboys and at half time Sunday’s result looked to be headed the same way.
The cowboys led by 14 points at the break but as they did against Pittsworth the Cowboys intensity and discipline fell away in the second game.
In the first half Wattles were the team guilty of poor discipline and unforced errors as they failed to complete a full set in the entire half. In the second half they showed far more respect for the ball and with penalties going in their favour better field position resulted in a turnaround of fortunes. The final score 32-24. Despite the win, Wattles coach Luke Duggan is looking for better ball control from his players when they face Souths at their next outing.
Cowboys coach Matt Gainey has warned his players that things will only get tougher from here and it is time to lift their game.
In other games Wattles Reserve grade defeated the Cowboys 28-22 and the C Grade went down 26-4 to the Millmerran Rams. The Cowboys Under 18s bounced back from losses in the first two rounds of the competition to hand Wattles a 56-12 thumping.
THE SUMMIT BOWLING CLUB
A BUSY weekend of bowls at the summit wrapped up last Sunday with the final of the A Grade club fours.
After a see-sawing game it was the team of Michael Surch, Paul Zamprogno, Alex Mattiazzi and Len Covill fended off of Brian Wilmot, Jamie Zamprogno Quinton Stanley and Wayne Thomas to win 19-13 Trophy Day on Saturday attracted a crowd for Triples games.
B. Brown E. Zanatta and K. Mungall (30) were too strong for B. Wilmot J. Zamprogno and W. Thomas (14). In a closer game T. Morris, A. White and D. Barker narrowly beat A. Zamprogno, P. Davis, and M. Sweeney 24-21.
A reminder to all bowlers that nominations for the District Singles close this Friday (April 3). Don’t forget your nomination.
The bowling calendar is looking pretty busy in coming weeks. Just around the corner are the following events: – 11 April (Sat) SDMDBA District Singles (Summit/Goondiwindi) Sectionals; 12 April (Sun) SDMDBA District Singles (Texas) Post Sectionals; 18 April (Sat) Trophy Day; 19 April A Grade Singles; 21 April Turkey Triples; 27-28 June Club Challenge; 4/5 July – Evans Head Weekend.
