By CASEY O’CONNOR
THERE will only be one thing on sporting fans’ minds this week as we all prepare for next week’s State of Origin. Queensland will head deep into enemy territory in an effort to draw first blood in this year’s battle for the Origin Shield.
There were no major surprises when the official Maroon side was announced on Tuesday afternoon. There were the anticipated changes to the Blues line-up.
In-form Cowboys player Michael Morgan has been rushed into the Maroon squad to shadow Daley Cherry Evans who is under a cloud with a shoulder injury.
The build up to Origin thus far has been a little less frenetic than in past seasons and ticket sales at ANZ Stadium have been slow.
Despite this, game two in Melbourne is looking like a sell-out and tickets to game three are as rare as hen’s teeth. Not sure what that says about those Blues supporters.
There are plenty of reputations at stake in game one and the tried and true Maroon firm (Dad’s Army according to those South of the border) will need to be at their very best.
If last weekend’s NRL games were any indication, we are in for another sensational game on Wednesday night. So strap yourselves in folks and hang on as age and experience are challenged by youthful exuberance all mixed with bucket loads of super talented individuals.
Go the mighty Maroons.
– Casey
STATE OF ORIGIN TEAMS
THE State of Origin sides as they will line up next Wednesday night at ANZ Stadium
QLD XXXX Maroons
NSW VB Blues
1. Billy Slater
1. Josh Dugan
2. Darius Boyd
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Greg Inglis
3.Josh Morris
4. Justin Hodges
4. Michael Jennings
5. Will Chambers
5. William Hopoate
6. Johnathan Thurston
6. Mitchell Pearce
7. Cooper Cronk
7. Trent Hodkinson
8. Matt Scott
8. Aaron Woods
9. Cameron Smith (c)
9. Robbie Farah (c)
10. Nate Myles
10. James Tamou
11. Aidan Guerra
11. Beau Scott
12. Sam Thaiday
12. Ryan Hoffman
13. Corey Parker
13. Josh Jackson
Interchange
14. Daly Cherry-Evans
14. Trent Merrin
15. Josh McGuire
15. Boyd Cordner
16. Matt Gillett
16. David Klemmer
17. Jacob Lillyman
17. Andrew Fifita
Coaches:
Mal Meninga
Laurie Daley
CLASS OF ’65-’66 INSPIRES WINNING PERFORAMNCE
THE Collegians Under 18 premiership class of 1965-’66 reunited last weekend for a special milestone – their 50-year reunion. Eighteen members of the playing group were on hand to celebrate the event. Returning to Warwick for the reunion, Wayne Bennett recalled fondly his Under playing days under his uncle and coach Eddie Brosnan who had a profound effect on Bennett and many of the other players.
The reunion was organised by Mike Keim and his wife and on hand to cut the special anniversary cake were Betty Murphy wife of the late Des Murphy and Cathie Brosnan wife of Eddie Brosnan Jnr.
The presence of the past players obviously inspired the current crop of Cowboys players who made it three wins from four games against Dalby. The Cowboys notched up wins in the A grade and Reserve Grade and C Grade. Unfortunately the Unde 18s went down 18-12 in a close game.
The A Grade game was a tough and physical encounter and at half time the scores were locked at 6-all. The Cowboys lifted in the second half to come away with a convincing 40-16 victory.
Dalby sit at the top of the reserve Grade ladder and the 38-14 win was a major upset.
TOP PERFORMANCE FROM LAWER
JASON Lawer showed that he is a more than capable golfer on Saturday, returning 70 off the stick for a nett score of 66. It was a result good enough to win the Stanthorpe Golf club stroke event. Family work and other sporting commitments mean that Jason does not get as much time on the fairways as he would like but plenty of potential even collecting the balls for the Birdies nest and his approach at 1/10. Rob Reeves also had a good round, finishing in second spot.
Stephen Hooper collected best pin shot at the men’s 3/12. Richard Reardon held the pin at 17 and the pro-pin at 5/14. It was left to Matt Waterworth to claim the pro-pin at 9/18.
Madeline Jarman returned a nett 75 to win the ladies event, one shot clear of runner- up, Lyn Ludlow. Lyn also took the pin shot for the ladies at 3/12 while Hannah Reeves had best approach at 17.
Thanks to club member Peter Hines for his sponsorship on the day.
There is only one round remaining in this year’s Club Championships and that will be played next Saturday. It is hard to imagine Dylan Barraclough getting beaten in the A grade and overall. At this point he looks a certainty.
There are challengers emerging from everywhere for the B Grade title which is a much closer affair. Bill Pyne leads the field but Mark McCosker and Aaron Simmers are hot on his heels.
Greg Yap has a one shot lead in C grade. He is narrowly ahead of four players who are closing. Both B and C Grades are far too close to call at this point.
The draw for the final round of the championships has been posted on the board at the club. Places have been allocated for players who have not competed in all championship rounds and who wish to play. Add your name to the list.
The final day of the championships will be sponsored by Geoff Patti.
Final round of the championships will be held on Saturday and a draw for places is on the board. There are spaces for players who have not competed in all rounds, so just add your name to the list. Sponsor for the day is club member Geoff Patti.
LOCAL GALLOPERS POPULAR WITH PUNTERS
LOCAL gallopers enjoyed success at the Warwick turf club’s Picnic Race meeting last Saturday.
Punters sent Rip Rip Woodchip out $2 favourite in the final event of the Warwick Picnic race meeting. They were right on the money when the Easy Rocking six-year -old who is trained on the track by Garry Schwenke saluted in the 1100 metre Grove Juice Squeeze BenchMark 70 Handicap.
Earlier in the day, the John Collins-trained Starwood got followers of the locally trained horses off on the right foot when he won the second event on the five-race program. Ridden by Toowoomba jockey Kenji Yoshida, the three-year-old was well tried by punters starting equal favourite at $4.
In the opening event, the Toowoomba-trained three-year-old Ole Pablo having his first start since December narrowly defeated Starbyte and Mrs Boole to claim his maiden win.
Gatton trainer Carolyn Alladyce made a successful trip to Warwick. Alladyce saddled up two runners in the QTIS Maiden Plate, and they finished first and third. Starting at the good odds of $7, Arkroyal streeted the field to win by over six lengths from Jamoby Girl and stablemate Come Over Joe.
The Peter Overell owned and trained Steel to Heel had not started since 18 April when he finished well down the track to Tellzcay but made amends for that run with a win in the Ergon Energy Benchmark 55 event on Saturday. The six-year-old beat a strong 11-horse field to win by over a length.
It was another successful day for the Warwick Turf Club with a big crowd attending the popular annual Picnic Race day.
TWO BETTER THAN ONE
WHAT is better than one hole in one – two of course? Charlie Morrison, resplendent in his lucky yellow trousers (if they were not before we are led to believe they are now) was the first cab off the rank and then proving anything you can do, I can do better. Geoff Hinze, son of well known Stanthorpe golfer Ken, knocked it in for a magic “one” on the 16th. It was all happening as 39 players hit the fairways and green last Saturday for the Cunningham Trophy Single Stroke event sponsored by Bob Lindenberg. Winner of the event was Rhys Farrell the club’s newest 18 hole playing junior who returned a score of nett 69. Farrell finished one shot clear of runner-up Shane McKenzie. In the ball run down, Tim Sutton (70), Gordon Kerr (71), Ken Burley, Brendon Jones and Ron Simon (72), and John Brack (73) each collected a ball. Nearest to the pins went the way of Shane McKenzie (5), Dion Phillps (7), Geoff Hinze on (9 and 16), Charlie Morrison (11) and David Craggs (13).
This Saturday B and K Motors are sponsoring a single stableford event. A reminder – Sunday 31 May is a four ball Ambrose in aid of Akooramak. Timesheets for all events are in the pro shop, call 4661 3664.
WATTLES HIT BACK
THE Wattles A Grade side were back to their best last weekend to post a convincing 52-22 win over the Goondiwindi Boars after suffering a shock loss to Oakey at their previous outing.
Wattles were impressive as they put on 10 tries against the visitors. The home side led 32-6 at the half time break. In the second half, Goondiwindi put some respectability into the score line with three tries in quick succession to trail 36-22 with 20 minutes remaining. Wattles regrouped and put the game away with three more tries. Matt Duggan led the way for Wattles in a top performance.
The Wattles Reserve Grade won their game – 26-24, but went down 50-18 in under 18s. Wattles C Grade side, Millmerran Rams notched up anther big win – the score 50-12.
This weekend Wattles take on Highfields who are sitting in second place on the TRL ladder just two points ahead of them.
WHEREDEHELLAEREWE
THE “Wheredehellaerewe Trading Post did a roaring trade with the monthly meat and fur event at Inglewood SSAA last weekend.
Best meat man of the day was Ray Dudgeon, followed by visitor Jake Thompson and Tom Donald.
Another Inglewood visitor, Bindi Skeels joined in the fun.
In other club news, Inglewood SSAA Qld received the materials for the new cover over pistol bays. The funding was provided by a grant from SSAA Qld. Blask Engineering came to the party, providing an excellent quote for the materials.
CHANGES TO RUMBLE
THERE are changes afoot for the Warwick Golf Club’s Red Rooster Rumble. The popular nine hole format of RRR will now run from Monday to Friday and will be open to members and social players. The change will give those people who are ruled out on Friday’s due to other commitments an opportunity play. Costs will vary slightly as there will only be nearest to the pins on Fridays. Monday to Thursday fees will be $7 for members and $17 for non-members. Friday’s fee remains at $8 for members and $18 for non members. Of course, the other benefit is that the prize pool for the week should be greater.
The winner of last Friday’s RRR was Doug Wilson with 21 points ahead of runner-up Mick O’Dea on 20 points. Run down balls to Mal Crawford on, Gerry Morrissey 19, and Bruce Knight (19). Mal Crawford claimed the only pin at 13.
NEW RULES AND REGULATIONS OUTLINED
QUEENSLAND Boating and Fisheries officer Paul Kuhn outlined some of the rule changes for anglers at the Warwick Fish Stocking AGM last Sunday.
The rule changes allow anglers to have only two (2) silver perch in their possession. They also include a closed season for Murray Cod in the Condamine River during September, October and November to allow the cod to breed.
Murray Cod can still be caught during the closed season in the stocked impoundments (Leslie and Connolly Dams).
Set lines are now banned. Anglers can use six fishing lines, but must remain within 50 metres of them.
Bait traps in the rivers must have only a 5cm rigid opening. To reduce the size of current 10cm trap openings, cut a plastic bottle and fix the neck into the opening. Traps with 10cm opening are still permitted in impoundments.
The election of officer bearers was held, resulting in the following officer bearers: president, Roger Martin; vice-president, Barry Hounslow; secretary-treasurer, Ed Kemp; assistant treasurer, Bob Reid and Ken Martin and Rowan Osborne were elected on the committee.
Life membership was awarded to the president, Roger, for his outstanding service to the club over many years. The club now has nine life members.
CUTTERS FIND FORM
AFTER a disappointing start to the 2015 season, the Killarney Cutters bounced back last weekend to defeat the Tenterfield Tigers in a thriller. The Tigers again started the game slowly and the Cutters took full advantage of their opponents’ errors. Leading the charge for the Cutters were captain coach John Trindall and Dion Galloway who looked dangerous with every touch of the ball. It was a much-improved performance from the defending premiers, who showed they will be in the mix this season if they can keep players on the paddock. Six Tigers players scored in an all-round team performance.
The lead changed several times throughout the game, and the Tigers were not without their chances.
Josh Lucas crossed for three tries for the Tigers. Other tries came from Brown and Kelly. It was the Tigers first loss this season.
In the Ladies league Tag game, the Tigerettes showed their class and experience with a massive 94-nil win over the Killarney girls.
It is the Killarney girls first season in the competition, and they were simply outclassed by the more experienced Tenterfield.
This weekend the Tigers host the Rams and Killarney face another tough test when they host the Gremlins.
BIG CROWD ANTICIPATED
THE Wallangarra Golf Club is expecting a big crowd this Saturday for the popular Frank Hodgson Memorial Day, a single stableford event.
Last Saturday, the club held a two ball Ambrose event. P. Williams and W. Davis combined well to sneak away with a win a whisker ahead of K. Williams and B. McMillan.
S. Williams was all alone snaring the only pin shot on nine.
PERFECT CONDITIONS
THE Croquet Association players appreciated the perfect conditions last week as they hit the green.
Val Shephard and Andrea Denkewitz (23) defeated Margaret Dickenson and Carol Verwey (19) in their match up. Jenny Tunbridge played well with a break of four, and together with her partner Pat Schnoor scored a 26-16 win over opponents Joy Newman and Grace Howard.
The Hoop runners were out and about on Monday and Wednesday last week. On Monday, there were two great games of doubles. Shirley Evans and Elaine Brown began very smartly, holding a strong lead early in the game. Shirley scored another “hoop in one” while Elaine had her best ever score of eight eight hoops. Their opponents Shirley Page and Judy Lock fought back very well to close the score, only losing by a very narrow margin.
The second game was a very close affair, with all players on an even number of hoops until the last shot, when Judy Lock scored the winning shot to give the Lock Evans partnership the win, but not before Shirley Evans scored another “hoop in one” in this game.
On Wednesday two groups played doubles. The scores in the three short games were very even. Four players snared a “hoop in one”; were Lynette Haselgrove (in her very first game), Shirley Page, Shirley Evans and Bill Golding. This used to be a rarity but with players constantly improving it becoming quite normal.
If you would like to join the Hoop runners for a game and morning tea, contact Elaine Brown on 4681 4357 or Shirley Evans on 4681 1683.
It was the gateballers turn last Friday, and each week they are noticing a steady increase in numbers. Pat Schnoor was in great form hardly missing a shot. Others in form were the consistent Heather and Les. For more information on gateball, contact Margaret 4681 0475 or join the crew at 9am on Friday.
SPORTERS WINNER
MICK Doorley had a win last Sunday at Sporters in Stanthorpe. Doorley edged out runner-up Angelo Maugeri. The run-downs went to Paul Byrnes and Marg Locke. Aaron Simmers had the Best Gross. Marg Locke also took the Pin Shot at the third and the Pro Pin went also went the way of Paul Byrnes. Phil Zikan and Jim Mitchell took home a meat tray each.
A reminder to Sporters that winter tee off is 8.30am -9am.
GREMLINS BIG WIN
KYLE Marsh turned on a master class last weekend at Sullivan Oval in the Gremlins clash with the Wallangarra. Marsh bagged two tries and made good ground with every touch in a man-of-the-match performance as the Gremlins ran away with a 64-8 win over the Rams.
The home side dominated play with nine players finding the try line as they piled on the points. Jason Wilmot was on song with the boot, converting 10 of 11 to add the extras. The big win now puts the Gremlins at the top of the BRL table.
The Rams who have shown better form this season must now regroup as they prepare to play Tenterfield at Rugby league Park this weekend.
The Ladies League Tag game was a much closer game with the Gremlinettes sneaking home with a 6-4 win in a thrilling game.
Scarlett Hawksworth scored an early try for the home side and successfully converted her own try. The lone point scorer for the Ramettes was Crystal Duroux. In a really close tussle, the Stanthorpe girls hung on grimly for the narrow but exciting win.
A nine-a-side Reserve Grade game was played for the first time on Saturday. Stanthorpe made it three out of three for the afternoon with a 36-4 win.
WINNING FEELING
BRIAN Brown and Phil Davis had that winning feeling last weekend. Not only did they score a 25-17 win over Chris Stratford and Attilio Zamprogno in the social bowls event; the pair wrapped up the win by walking away with the raffles. A reminder to members that deposits for the July trip to Evans Heads are now required.
Results of the Turkey Triples will be available next week.
A reminder that it is Ladies Day today (Thursday 21 May).
This Saturday is the $100 Trophy social bowls commencing at 1pm, and the club Challenge will be played on 27-28 June.
