By CASEY O’CONNOR
ONE of Australia’s favourite sons Dizzy Gillespie this week turned down the opportunity to coach the South Australia state cricket side next season. It has further fuelled rumours that the former paceman, currently coaching Yorkshire, is set to be offered the position of head coach of the English side. This follows England’s dismal performance in Australia in the summer, their shock exit in the World Cup and their poor performance in the West Indies.
It seems that the door to the Pommie side has finally slammed in the face of Kevin Pietersen. Despite scoring an unbeaten 326 for his county side Sussex this week (a career best performance) Pietersen has been told by former team mate and England’s new director of cricket Andrew Strauss to forget about a recall.
Plenty of people in the old dart believe it is a petty act, and he has been knifed in the back. Some critics were going as far as saying, they believe Strauss has put personal animosity ahead of the national team.
English cricket appeared to be in disarray when they toured Australia and despite some changes at the helm, things still seem to be pretty rocky.
If Dizzy gets this job, it is going to be a tough gig – restoring some pride in the team and dealing with the personalities on the fringes and in the boardroom.
The man who could not get a coaching job in Australia, until this recent offer, has the runs on the board however and could be instrumental in giving the Aussies plenty of headaches in England in a few months.
Interesting times ahead for cricket tragics.
– Casey
THRILLING WIN FOR COWBOYS
THE Warwick Cowboys celebrated Mother’s Day with a thrilling 30-18 win over Valley’s Roosters, and has them knocking on the door of the top five on the TRL ladder. Luke Brosnan made a welcome return from injury adding plenty of experience to the Cowboys side.
The Cowboys held a four-point lead at half time, but the game was very much in the balance.
Both sides traded tries early in the second half before a length-of-the-field try to Cowboys flyer Braydon Wilson gave the visitors a 26-18 lead. In the concluding stages of the game, the Roosters threatened, but the advantage swung back to the Cowboys when the Roosters full back was sin binned seven minutes from full time. Hayden McNicol picked up his second try of the game as the clock ticked down to give the Cowboys a thrilling win.
In other games, the Cowboys had a 40-12 win in Reserve Grade. The Under 18 side went down 24-14 to the Roosters, and in a close game the C Grade lost 18-16. This weekend the Cowboys host Dalby at Fr Ranger Oval.
CRACKING DAY
THE whips were cracking as the Inglewood SSAA Cowboys round in for some Single Action fun on Sunday.
There were plenty of scenarios along the way, but eventually Tom Donald was declared the winner ahead of Iain Bowen and Peter Jones. Martin Unwin got away with the Rimfire event. He defeated Ray Dudgeon and Quentin Chapman.
More fun and game on the Inglewood range. With Muzzle Loading and Rimfire events scheduled, anything could happen. Remember there is always a warm welcome for visitors.
TIGERS TOP THE TABLE
THE Tenterfield Tigers cemented their spot at the top of the BRL ladder on Saturday with an away win over Wallangarra. In a tough local derby, the Tigers were looking down the barrel of defeat at half time. A lack of discipline and poor ball control in the first half saw them trailing the home side 12-4 at the break.
In an action-packed second half, the Tigers showed more composure and points followed.
Wallangarra struggled after their key playmaker Coedie Tandy was sent off in the second half. Tandy was originally sin binned, but was sent off after back chatting referee Daniel Grungo.
Tenterfield wrapped up the game with a 26-18, but the score could have been more with the Tigers having four tries disallowed.
Tigers captain coach Brendan Minns said he was pleased with the way his players stuck to their task after a disappointing first half, adding that there was still plenty of improvement in the side. “It was a strong team win,” Minns said.
Speaking after the game, Minns said he was pleased with the way former Texas player Bennett Sutton had slotted into the Tenterfield side and along with Brad Ashcroft was best on field for the Tigers on Saturday.
The Tigerettes continued their unbeaten run with a 28-4 win over the Ramettes. Despite the score line, this was an entertaining game and the Wallangarra girls are certainly showing a good deal of improvement. The Ladies League tag competition continues to grow in popularity both with players and spectators.
This week the Tigers travel to Killarney and the Rams play the Gremlins at Sullivan Oval after their big win over Killarney last weekend.
In their first home game of the season, the Gremlins thrashed an under-strength Cutters side 60-4.
The 2014 premiers are struggling with player numbers this season and battling a rising injury toll. The Cutters fielded only 12 players at the start of the game, and in the first half suffered a major blow to their chances when Kyle Daley was knocked unconscious, suffering a serious concussion.
With no bench players to call on in the second half, Killarney could do little to stem the flow of tries against them as the Gremlins scored a procession of tries.
Brad Britton continues to shine in his first year in “A” grade, scoring another double. Kyle Marsh was again one of the most consistent on the paddock and after his good showing in the South West Country rep side added another two tries to his tally for the season while team mate Lee Hicks also scored a pair.
Other try scorers were Jason Wilmot, Tom Cameron and Tom Jensen. Wilmot added the extras with eight conversions.
The Gremlinettes got the day off to a winning start for the locals with a tough 18-12 win over the Killarney girls. It is the first season of League Tag for the Killarney girls, and they showed plenty of skill in their game on Saturday.
PERFECT CONDITIONS FOR BATES MEMORIAL
THE weather gods certainly turned it on for the annual Maureen Bates Memorial Day on Sunday. A big crowd turned out in picture perfect condition. Matt Goddard and Henry Kelly (birthday boy) celebrated with a win and also returned the best gross round. Goddard also took the Pro Pin. Runners-up were Hannah Reeves and Keith Allen. The cricket boys dominated the run-downs with balls to Rod Pettiford and Brett Lacey and Josh Anderson and Anthony Marino aka Woggy, who also had the Pin shot at the 12th.
In case you had not noticed, Jack Frost has returned, so Sporters will tee off this Sunday at the later time – between 8.30-9am.
BEARS CATCH WATTLES NAPPING
TRL defending premiers, Wattles travelled to Oakey in round seven and the Bear handed them a wake-up call. The premiers were chasing their fifth successive win, but came up against a determined Oakey Bears outfit. The Bear were quickly out of the blocks and shocked the premiers to take a 36-10 lead at the half time break. Wattles scored 26 points in the second half in a great comeback, but Oakey hung on for a 48-36 win.
Wattles reserve grade had more success with a 38-22 win. Wattles C Grade, the Millmerran Rams posted another big win with a 62-nil win. The Millmerran Rams are dominating the Clive Berghofer Cup 2nd Division competition and have scored 128 points at their past two outings.
In round eight, Wattles will be looking to bounce back with a win when they host Goondiwindi.
BRANDON TAKES OUT RUMBLE
JOHN Brandon scored 19 points to collect the goodies in last Friday’s Red Rooster Rumble. There was a small but competitive field out and about John Brandon edged out runner-up Neville Heard who finished with18 points. Clive Pulley, Gordon McKeen and Greg Wallace each received a ball in the run down. Pulley grabbed the pin on seven; John Francis had success at nine but five seemed out of everyone’s reach.
McKENZIE GALLOPS AWAY WITH WIN
THE Horse and Jockey Hotel Motel sponsored the Men’s single stableford competition on Saturday. Shane McKenzie had the whip hand, carding 39 points to gallop away with a convincing win. Runner-up was John Brack with a score of 36. In the run down, John Francis Eamon Cockram, Charlie Morrison Viv Roser and Laurie King each picked up a ball. Shane McKenzie also collected the pin at five. Dennis Murphy tasted success on 7, Charlie Morrison 9, Brendon Jones 11, Don Maher 13 and Eamon Cockram at 16.
Saturday the trophy hunters will be out in force in an effort to get their name on the prestigious Cunningham Trophy. It’s a single stroke event and is sponsored by Bob Lindenberg.
On Sunday, the club is hosting a four ball Ambrose event in support of Akooramak. The timesheets are in the pro shop (4661 3664).
A reminder to all golfers that if you are looking for new clubs fitted exactly to your swing and idiosyncrasies, Jake Hartvigson from Mizuno in conjunction with Rob McConnell’s golf shop will be holding a club fitting and demo day on Wednesday June 10 from 10am – 1pm. Make your booking early to avoid disappointment.
QUALITY ON DISPLAY AT SUMMIT
THE 2015 A Grade singles played at the Summit Bowls Club last weekend showcased the depth of quality bowlers at the club. The standard was outstanding and any number of players could have won the Championships. In the end, it came down to two of the club’s most experienced to fight it out for the title, Rob Capelli and Len Covill.
There were some quality and competitive bowls played in the lead-up rounds. In the semis, Len Covill had a 25-12 win over Keith Mungall. Rob Capelli defeated Brian Wilmot 25-14 to move through to the final.
The final between Capelli and Covill was a tight tussle and went right to the wire. The winner was not decided until the last end when Rob Capelli snatched victory. The final score 25-22. Once again the club’s band of volunteer greenkeepers prepared the greens magnificently for the championships.
This weekend it is back to social bowls, and it is Ladies Day today (Thursday 14 May).
A reminder that deposits are now due for the upcoming Evans Head trip.
MALLET PLAYERS BUSY
THE Hoop runners finally cracked better weather for their game and the group played
Doubles. In the first group of game one, Bill Golding and Di Wren played well to claim a resounding 13-4 win over Shirley Evans and Val Fancourt. Teresa Pyne and Judy Lock defeated Elaine Brown and Shirley Page 13 – 11 in a close game.
Shirley Evans and Elaine Brown then teamed up to post a 13-4 win over Val Fancourt and Judy Lock. In the other game and Bill Golding and Shirley Page had a narrow 11-9 win over Teresa Pyne and Di Wren.
There were some good individual performances throughout the games. Bill Golding scored a “hoop in one” and Shirley Evans had some great jump shots in her games.
The Hoop runners are planning to start a second group on Monday afternoons. Games will commence at 1pm. For further information, contact either Elaine Brown on 46814357 or Val Fancourt on 0420 415 154 or Shirley Evans on 46811683.
In the early game of Association Croquet, Pat Schnoor and Val Shephard 24 defeated Heather Widderick and Jenny Tunbridge 16.
In the other game, Andrea Denkewitz played two balls and had a 26-18 win over Joy Newman and Val Richardson.
Later, Pat Schnoor combined with Margaret Dickenson to claim a narrow 19-17 win over Jenny Tunbridge and Grace Howard 19 – 17. In this game, Schnoor had a break of eight and Margaret Dickenson a break of three.
Val Shephard and Andrea Denkewitz defeated Joy Newman and Carol Verwey 19 – 17 in a close game of doubles.
In the remaining singles game, Heather Widderick had a 17-15 win over Val Richardson in a close game.
The Gateballers were keen to try some of the tactics the visiting Toowoomba club recently showed them and from the results it was obvious all players benefited from the visit.
The red team had a successful day with three wins; 14-10, 14-4. 11-9. The white team won the fourth game 11- 9.
Heather was the most improved player on the day. Gateball games only last half an hour, so it is easy to slot in extra players who cannot make the 9am start. Players welcomed Tenterfield visitor Lorraine who tried the game for the first time.
LEADERS AFTER SECOND ROUND
AFTER the second round of the Stanthorpe Golf club championships, Dylan Barraclough has taken a handy lead in “A” grade, and it is hard to see him being run down. In the “B” grade, Bill Pyne and Mark McCosker are on equal points but Aaron Simmers and Kev Rowling are hot on their heels.
Lance Eagle had a good round to jump to a one stroke lead in the “C” grade ahead of Viv Thouard, who had a few too many putts at the last hole. There are three players within three shots of this pair. The C Grade is a very open affair and we could be in for an exciting finish.
Last Saturday, Bill Pyne had the best round of the day. Pyne finished with nett 66, taking the top prize for the day. That round also elevated him to equal first place in the B grade section of the club championships. Runner-up Dylan Barraclough had another solid round of nett 69. He also collected the pro-pin shot at 9/18.
Eric McLellan played a great tee shot at the 12th and a friendly flick off some branches had him finish close to the hole and claim the pin shot. The outright winner, Bill Pyne claimed the remaining pin at 17. Jason Lawer collected pro-pins at 1/10 and 5/14.
The Ladies event was won by Lyn Ludlow with nett 73, just ahead of Linda Kelly in second place with nett 75.
Madeline Jarman was best of the ladies to take the pin at 3/12 with Christine Welstead having best approach at 17.
Ball run down went to nett 71 for the men and nett 78 for the ladies.
Craig Fossey sponsored the competition and members hope to see him back on the fairways shortly.
This Saturday, members play the third round of the club championship, a Single Stableford sponsored by member Peter Hines. The draw has been posted on the board at the club. There are still time slots available for those not playing all four round of the championships. Players are reminded to check in 20 minutes before tee time.
SINGLE STABLEFORD AT ‘GARRA
GOLFERS played a single stableford round last Saturday in Wallangarra. The sponsor was Dennis McMeniman, and he apparently also ordered some good weather.
Kevin Williams returned 41 points, a score good enough to win the round. John Green grabbed second place with Peter Williams and Brendan McMillan finished in third place.
Young Harry Donnelly had the shot of the day, taking the pin on 3/15. Scott Williams took the pin at nine while Tony Murphy hit a beauty on 11 for the pin on that hole.
John Green won the Jackpot on hole 11.
We are unable to confirm reports that John shouted the bar; however we can confirm an unnamed player who had one or two unfortunate Tee shots did indeed shout a few extra drinks. This weekend Sue and Taffy Edwards are sponsoring a Two Ball Ambrose at the ’Garra.
ACTION AT ALLMAN PARK
THE whips will be cracking at Allman Park on Saturday when the Warwick Turf Club host the 121st Warwick Picnic races.
The club has another big five race program scheduled for Saturday. After the close of nominations, a total of 89 horses were nominated for the program.
It is almost a month since local galloper Rip Rip Woodchip’s last start and he is ideally placed in the Grove Juice Squeeze Benchmark 70 Handicap over 110 metres and looks destined for another battle with arch-rival Bombproof.
The Ergon Energy Benchmark 55 has attracted 20 nominations. The Ken Waller trained Easy To Smile has solid form leading into this race.
Five-year-old Grey Derby, who was successful at his first race start at the last Allman Park meeting, lines up with a strong field in the Peter Stewart Automotive Class B over the 1100 metre journey. The two Maiden events over the 1100 metre and 1350 metre journeys have attracted big nominations.
Everything points to another great day of racing at Allman Park with pre-purchased tickets available for the coffee club Marquee. Ladies don’t forget the Fashions on the Field competition. A Calcutta evening will be held on Friday night at the Palace Hotel to kick start the meeting.
