By CASEY O’CONNOR
INDIAN cricket is in mourning after promising 20-year-old batsman Ankit Keshri died early Monday, three days after suffering a head injury in a freak accident during a one-day match in the eastern city of Kolkata. Keshri was hospitalised Friday after colliding with a teammate while attempting to take a catch during a local game.
In scenes eerily reminiscent of the Phil Hughes incident, the young cricketer was given CPR on the field and transported to the intensive care unit at Kolkata’s AMRI Hospital. He regained consciousness, but was still suffering a fever and nausea. He was initially moved from the ICU to a general ward before being transferred to Nightingale Hospital for more specialised treatment.
The right-hander who was captain of the Bengal Under-19 team was considered one of the up and coming talents in Indian cricket.
He suffered a heart attack early on Monday and died shortly after. Michael Clark said after the passing of Richie Benaud earlier this month and the death of great mate Phil Hughes that “cricket has been cruel to us this summer” Seems it still is.
Casey
INAUGURAL WIN FOR WANTIMA
RESIDENT Kangaroos on the Stanthorpe golf course had to share their space with a large contingent of visitors last weekend as players from the Wantima Golf Club (Brendale, Brisbane) and API social golf club joined the Stanthorpe regulars for a busy weekend of golf. First up was a single event challenge between members of the Wantima and Stanthorpe clubs on Saturday followed by a more relaxed four-ball competition on Sunday.
Wantima won the inaugural golf challenge, with the collective score for the visitors coming in two strokes better than the Stanthorpe group. That gave the visitors immediate bragging rights and their name on the trophy, however the locals have vowed to reverse that situation when the groups meet next year in what is set to be an annual challenge event.
In the single event sponsored by the Wantima players, the visitors also collected most of the top prizes. Simon Button returned the lowest nett score of 64 to win the day and Jason Roach had best gross score of 69. A score of nett 66 won Jim Roach the runner-up honours to complete the Wantima sweep of prizes.
The local ladies fared much better, restoring some sense of pride. In a close affair, Hannah Reeves took out the ladies event with nett 75 on a countback from runner-up Linda Kelly, and Rachael Hendry who settled for the run down.
Pin shots were won by Brendan Barker at 3/12 and Alex Stephan at 17.
Pro-pins went to Aubrey Testa at 1/10, Don Spencer at 5/14 and R. Perrin at 9/18. The Birdies nest was shared between six players and run down went to nett 70.
On Sunday, visiting players joined locals in a four-ball event. Play was disrupted by rain, but the hardiest persevered through the downpour to continue play. The highlight of the day was a hole in one at the par three third hole by Wantima player Brandon Mitchell.
Darryl Woods and Viv Thouard won the competition with a score of 45 points with “hole in one” Brandon and Simon Button runner-up with 43 points.
It was a very successful weekend of golf and would not have been possible without the assistance of a group of dedicated Stanthorpe volunteers. Stanthorpe golfers are already looking forward to the return visit on 2016 where they are determined to turn the tables on the visitors.
This Saturday the club is holding a 4BBB medley Stableford sponsored by Darryl Boekholt. It is a shot gun start at noon. Register by 11.30am. Players are also reminded that as it is Anzac Day the clubhouse will not open until 1pm.
Chilly conditions for Turkey Triples
TURKEY Triples were on the menu on Tuesday at the Summit and the winter chill was an unwanted reminder to bowlers that Mr Winter and Jack Frost are lurking around the corner. The distinctly icy conditions did little to deter Frank Taylor and his team who took home the winning prize. The Summit team of Artie White, Joe Zeppa and Andy McGlashan won round two of the day’s competition.
A team of four bowlers from the summit competed in last weekend’s two-day carnival at Drayton. Len Covill Paul Zamprogno Michael Sweeney and Rodney Newlands bowled well, winning two games. They were not successful in winning the overall competition, but made their opponents work hard for their win.
Meanwhile, back at the club there were two games of triples decided. The team of Andrew McGlashan Kurt Empen and Rob Capelli (25) were too strong on the day for Attilio Zamprogno Rob Parker and Quinton Stanley (14). Trevor Morris Artie White and Keith Mungall defeated Connor Parker Phil Davis and Wayne Thomas with a similar score line of 25-15.
This Saturday, Anzac Day social bowls will start at the special time of 2pm. Bowlers are asked to have their names in to the games director by 1pm. There will also be a team of Summit contenders flying the flag this weekend in Glen Innes – good luck to those travellers.
Members are reminded that there is a committee meeting on 28 April at 7pm.
PENNANT NEWS
THE Stanthorpe Pennants team made it two wins from two outings with a three – two win over Pittsworth last weekend. Pennants players are asked to advise Darryl Boekholt if they are unavailable for Pennants.
Warwick hosted the Division Three pennant team from Gatton on Sunday. The home team notched up a six and one win. Warwick also played host to all of the junior pennant teams (City, Gatton, Borneo, Dalby, and Toowoomba). The Warwick juniors were successful against Borneo Barracks (3/2).
The story was not as positive for the Warwick Division four side who were far less successful when they played Allora in Clifton.
The Warwick Division Three team play in Warwick this weekend. Division Four is playing at Allora and the Junior team will be in action at Toowoomba (Middle Ridge).
BUSY WEEK FOR THE MALLET PLAYERS
IT WAS a busy week on the greens at the Stanthorpe Croquet club but with some players still on school holiday duty only a small group played Association Croquet.
With breaks of five and three, Pat Schnoor (26) proved too good for Joy Newman (10).
Effey Russell and Andrea Denkewitz had a close game with Andrea pegging out 26 and Effey scoring 19. Carol Verwey won her game against Grace Howard, scoring two breaks of two.
On Wednesday, Hoop runners took to the greens.
Eight players formed two groups of four, with players swapping teams in the second round match up. Bill Golding’s skills again came to the fore. Golding’s jump shots are improving with each game and he is using the shot effectively to score. Shirley Page landed a “hoop in one” for the first time while Dianne Wren landed her third this year.
The Gateball group take over on Friday mornings and last week 13 players were on the green.
All games were evenly matched, but it is good to see the White team finally land a win. Jenny Tunbridge played some great shots and her “sliders” turned one game around dramatically. With the three men on one team, there was plenty of competition. Gateballers welcome more men to play in the competition while 12-year-old Emily proved young people can learn and adapt to the game quickly and enjoy the experience.
On Friday, the club is hosting a Toowoomba team. The game starts at 9.30am and visitors and spectators are very welcome.
LOW SCORES IN RUMBLE
LAST week’s Red Rooster Rumble was a low scoring event. Could it have been the slightly cooler conditions slowing down the spin rate of the ball – just one of the excuses that some players came up with?
Mal Crawford was one player with no reason to complain – Crawford finished streets ahead of the pack to win RRR with 24 points even collecting a chook on the seventh (not literally of course). John Brandon with a score of 20 points was the runner-up for the second week. Al Matthews had 17 points to score a ball in the run down, in a reduced field. Pins went to Greg Wallace (5), Mal Crawford (7), and Clive Pulley (9).
ANZAC TRIBUTE SHOOT
GREY skies and the threat of showers did little to deter those participating in the first round of the Anzac Tribute Shoot hosted by SSAA Inglewood on Sunday.
With three events on the go – Pistol 10 rounds; Redoubt rifle 10 rounds; Walk up shoot 10 rounds it was a busy time for everyone.
Junior visitor Hayden Belgin enjoyed his first event at Inglewood. On Sunday 26 April, the club hosts the last round of the event. Cost is $30 adults and includes lunch. Juniors are free. If you would like further information, contact Tom Donald by email on SSAAQ49@gmail.com.
In the Digger’s Cup played on Saturday at the Warwick Golf Club, field sizes were a little smaller than usual, but the quality of golf was a still high. Winner of the Diggers Cup was Michael Payne.
Shane Mackenzie carded 39 points to win on a countback from Ian Stewart in a field of 47 players. The run down went to 35 points and included Graham Clark, Don Stewart, Lennie Williams all with 37. Neil Carney and Michael Payne returned 36 and Don Maher and Geoff Hinze 35 to collect a ball each. Pins were won by Gunther Nicklich (5), Neil Moore (7), Ken Burley (9), John Devitt (11), Graham Clark (13) and Rick Mills (16).
This Saturday the club is holding a single Stableford event sponsored by B & K Motors. A reminder to all golfers – the clubhouse will not open until 1pm on Anzac Day.
A Single Stableford medley has been scheduled for Sunday with points accruing for the Style Shoes crystal vase.
Mixed bag for wattles
Wattles had a comfortable win last weekend over Valleys in the Hutchinson’s Builders ‘A’ grade competition but overall it was a day of mixed fortunes for the Warriors. Wattles recorded their third consecutive win with a 40-24 win in A Grade. The defending premiers overcame a 12-10 deficit at the half time break to nail the win and leapfrog into fourth on the ladder.
Coach Luke Duggan is still not happy with his players overall performance despite recent wins and is looking for better ball handling and more consistency.
In other grades, the results were not as encouraging for Wattles fans. The Under 18s went down 46-4 and Reserve Grade was also beaten soundly. The score 22-4.
The result was better for the Wattles C Grade side, Millmerran who had a 26-20 win. This weekend Wattles host Dalby and the Cowboys are back in action on Saturday at Fr Ranger Oval where they play Souths after having the bye last weekend.
After a promising pre-season, the Cowboys are one from four and will be looking for a much-needed change of fortunes.
SPORTERS SHRUG OFF APRIL SHOWERS
SPORTERS enthusiasts got a little damp last Sunday, but no one seemed to be complaining. In spite of the April showers, there were no complaints from the Byrnes family who finished the day with that winning feeling. Terry Byrnes took out the event and collected the Pro Pin. Keeping things in the family, son Paul grabbed the runners-up spot and was then seen leaving with a meat tray. The Byrnes didn’t leave much for the remainder with another member of the tribe Jim McPherson figuring in the rundowns. The remaining crumbs after the Byrnes clan cleaned up were left for Ian Anderson who had the Best Gross and grabbed the pin on the 12th and Phil Zikan who also got a mention in the rundowns. The Byrnes mob missed the pin on the 17th – No Won Kim took that. Aaron Simmers scampered away with the remaining meat tray. Although it seems winter is fast approaching, tee off this week remains between 7.30 and 8.30am.
LOCAL SUCCESS AT ALLMAN PARK
THE Warwick Turf club threw open the gates at Allman Park to members of the Warwick RSL last Saturday for their five-event program which included the running of the Warwick RSL memorial Club Long Tan Cup.
A big crowd was on hand to cheer home local galloper Rip Rip Woodchip in the main event for trainer Garry Schwenke and connections. Starting at the good odds of $7, the six-year-old Easy Rocking gelding showed his liking for the Allman Park course, making it two wins for two starts on the track. Ridden by Damion McIntosh, the gelding proved too strong for the Inverell-trained Bombproof and third placegetter Wylie trained in Toowoomba.
The race favourite Come By Often finished out of the placings.
The Beaudesert-trained natural sign won his maiden race in the opening event the RSL Memorial club Maiden Plate over the 800 metre journey. Ridden by Ben Cornell, the Ben Ahrens gelding started $2.20 favourite and narrowly beat Danni’s Diva and Chich De Troy to get punters off to a flying start.
The second race, also a maiden over the 1100metre journey went the way of Grey Derby trained by Kevin Kemp. The grey ridden by Ron Goltz was having his first race start and was sent out equal favourite with second placegetter Street Fashion.
Those casual racegoers with an affinity for backing greys were cheering when Rainy Grey became the third grey to win when he greeted the judge in the fourth race. Trained in Beaudesert by Diane Murphy, the grey mare ridden by Toowoomba-based Kenji Yoshida narrowly defeated Midnight Beauty.
The meeting wrapped up with the running of the Warwick RSL Memorial Club BenchMark 60 Handicap over 1350 Metres. The Inverell visitors finally got the money when Tellzcay trained by Nancy Stewart saluted. Paying the good odds of $10 the well- travelled eight-year-old ridden by Jodi Worley notched up his seventh win for connections.
The Warwick Turf Club holds their next meeting on 16 May.
TIGERS REVERSE FORTUNES
THE Tenterfield Tigers avenged their loss in the 2014 BRL grand final last weekend with a nail-biting win over premiers Killarney at Rugby League Park. The visitors had the early running and led 26-10 with only 15 minutes left on the clock. With a limited bench, many Killarney players were forced to play a full 80 minutes and at the back end of the game began to feel the pinch. In a remarkable turn around, as the Cutter intensity dropped off, the Tigers put on 26 unanswered points to come away with what looked like an unlikely win at half time.
The Tigers win was full of merit. Players showed plenty of determination and their never-say-die attitude was one of the most pleasing aspects of the win for their captain coach Brendan Minns. Despite the loss, it was a good start to the season for the premiers and the BRL competition will be a close affair throughout the season.
The day started on the right note for Tenterfield. The Ladies League Tag side, premiers in 2014, picked up where they left off last season. The ladies were far too strong for the Killarney side who although beaten 38-6 were far from disgraced in their first fixture game. The Killarney girls who did not field a side last season are improving with every outing.
In Wallangarra, the Rams opening game against the Gremlins drew a big crowd of spectators.
Wallangarra has recruited well this season, picking up several Tenterfield players, representative player Coedie Tandy and Marc McGrady who played in Brisbane.
The Rams made a promising start to the game and led 6-0 in the early stages. They were able to starve the Gremlins of the ball in the early stages but the Gremlins pack dominated when they got their hands on the ball.
Stanthorpe captain coach Damian Petrie watched from the sidelines, unavailable due to illness and although happy to get the win expects further improvement from his team.
Particularly pleasing was the performance of Bradley Britton who scored two tries in his A grade debut.
The final score 38-14 did not reflect the intensity of the game and the Rams showed they have plenty to offer this season. They certainly missed the attacking flair of Coedie Tandy who was unavailable for the match.
The Stanthorpe Ladies League Tag side had a 20-10 win over the Ramettes. Both sides showed great improvement in their second season of competition and like the A Grade, the Ladies competition has all the hallmarks of a close affair this season.
This weekend Tenterfield are at home again when they host the Stanthorpe Gremlins. If the pre season Round Robin is any measure to go by, this is sure to be a thrilling encounter.
Killarney has their first home game of the season and host the Rams at Charlie Andrews Oval on Saturday.
REDDIES HIT THEIR STRAPS
THE Warwick Redbacks looked more like the 2014 premiership team when they downed the Toowoomba Tigers. The Reddies controlled the game from almost the opening bounce.
