By CASEY O’CONNOR
THE French Tennis Open is over for another year. Sarina Williams has further stamped her authority on the women’s game and men’s No 1 Novak Djokovic of US tearfully saw another chance at the French pass him by when he was out hustled by 30-year-old Swiss Stan Wawrinka at Roland Garros title. That means thoughts now turn to Wimbledon and more sleepless nights for tennis fans. For Australian cricket fans, the wait is nearly over. The Australian cricketers have just one more test to play in the West Indies before they head for the Old Dart in their bid to retain the Ashes and then there will be plenty of sleep deprivation for cricket fans.
The first Test in the West Indies was a triumph for persistence and the notion that you are never too old to follow your dreams.
For Australian batsman Adam Voges it has been a long wait to get his baggy green, and when Chris Rogers was injured in a net session prior to the first Test at Windsor Park, he grabbed his opportunity and ran with it. At 35 and 243 days, the gritty batsman became the oldest player in history to score a test century on debut.
Voges entered the record books for a second time when he reached 117, making him the highest Test scorer at Windsor Park.
To put his effort in perspective, Vogers did it the hard way – most of his partners were tail enders.
Voges had all but given up dreaming of owning a baggy green after being overlooked during a decade-long first class career.
In the end, he made it too difficult for selectors to overlook him again after his sensational Shield season. He scored 1358 runs at an average of 104.46 for Western Australia last summer.
After his effort in the Windies, Aussie fans are pretty pleased about that. Like 30-year- old “Stan the Man” Wawrinka, he too is pleased that persistence sometimes pays handsome dividends.
Now we will wait to see if both shine in the English summer.
– Casey
GALLOPER BREAKS 37-YEAR DROUGHT
IT has taken a champion galloper with a misspelt name to break US Racing 37-year Triple Crown drought. Earlier this week, US racing sensation American Pharoah put the American racing industry out of its Triple Crown misery when he won the Belmont Stakes.
The three-year-old colt became only the 12th horse in history to conquer the elusive Triple. He showed he is all class, winning the blue riband Kentucky Derby at the famous Churchill Downs course early in May. Two weeks later, he saluted in the Preakness Stakes on a rain-sodden Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore and added the jewel in the crown with a sensational five-length win in the Belmont Stakes this week.
It is the realisation of a dream for 62-year-old trainer Bob Baffert and jockey Victor Espinoza after both have gone close previously. Included in the list of near misses in the Triple Crown are three horses trained by Baffert and two ridden by Epinoza. Following the race, the pair announced they would donate their winning prize money to charities.
Connections explained after the race that a fan submitted the name of the horse in an online contest, and spelled “Pharaoh“ incorrectly. Regardless of the misspelling, the name was registered and the rest is history. Connections have now trademarked the name. It certainly has not stopped this amazing galloper from succeeding where other champions have failed – besides horses can’t spell.
The breeding rights to the three-year-old by Pride of the Nile out of dam Little Princess Emma were sold to Coolmore Ashford Stud in Kentucky for an undisclosed sum prior to the colts history-making win.
American Pharoah joins an elite group which includes some very famous names.
US TRIPLE CROWN WINNERS AND JOCKEYS: 2015-American Pharoah (Victor Espinoza); 1978-Affirmed (Steve Cauthen); 1977-Seattle Slew (Jean Cruguet);1973-Secretariat (Ron Turcotte); 1948-Citation (Eddie Arcaro); 1946-Assault (Warren Mehrtens);1943-Count Fleet (John Longden); 1941-Whirlaway (Eddie Arcaro); 1937-War Admiral (Charles Kurtsinger);1935-Omaha (William Saunders);1930-Gallant Fox (Earl Sande)
BIG WEEKEND OF GOLF IN STANTHORPE
THERE was a big contingent of local and visiting golfers out and about in Stanthorpe over the long weekend. A 4BBB stableford was played on Saturday and was a keenly contested event. A countback was required to find a winner. After some investigation, it was the popular pairing of Tom and Tric Fittock who took out the event with a score of 44 points. In the runners-up spot were Biz Ihle and partner T Haines also with 44 points. Finishing on that magic number of 44 points was the team of Keith Green and Kev Rowling who were consigned to the run down section after the countback.
Pro-pins went to K. Allery at 1/10, J. Kropp at 5/14 and J. Raaen at 9/18. M. Peddersen collected the pin at 3/12 and Cold Breeze won the pin at 17 for the men.
Hannah reeves collected pin at 3/12 for the Ladis while Lyn Ludlow had the best approach shot at 17. Run downs in the Ladies event went to scores of 39 and better.
For the ladies, Hannah Reeves collected the 3/12 pin and Lyn Ludlow had best approach at 17. Run down went to scores of 39 and better.
Local club members look forward to the Biz Ihle and Jeff Ihle sponsoring event each year, and it is now into its second decade. A number of players travelled from Kilcoy and other areas and always add another dimension to the day.
On Sunday, most players backed up in the Central Motors Three Ball Ambrose although there were a few who were noticeably a little the worse for wear. The nice crisp Stanthorpe morning seemed to quickly get everyone into the swing of things. Jason Lawer, Jamie Carnell and Brendan Barker combined to take out the major prize with a nett score of 56 and a fraction. (A fraction? Must have been the whopping long drive.)
The club wishes to thank rob Reeves for his continued sponsorship of this popular date on the golfing calendar.
An inquiry could be required as Inglewood SSAA as organisers and competitors try to fathom the worst ever recorded scores last weekend in the clay target competition. Someone please explain. It has been revealed that they were shockers. However, there was an eventual winner – Michael Dudgeon who finished ahead of Tom Donald and Ross Jackson.
Could it have been that all energies were expended on working as the roof on the pistol bay area was completed in readiness for the construction of the bays themselves?
Everyone is hoping for more respectable results in this weekend’s Single Action and Rimfire events.
QRL STATE DIVISION CARNIVAL
OVER the June long weekend, Men’s and Women’s teams from across Queensland played in the QRL State Division Carnival at Southport.
Stanthorpe Gremlins Jason Wilmot added selection in the Central Division Crows side to an impressive representative resume. The Crows played two games. On Saturday, they were defeated 22-14 by SEQ Poinsettias. The Crows led 10-4 at halftime but SEQ finished strongly. Wilmot was the only BRL player selected in the Crows line-up, and had one successful conversion in the game played at Owen Park. In the other Saturday game, the NQ Marlins defeated South East Queensland 32-10
Two games were played on Sunday to wrap up the carnival. South East Queensland and the Crows played a thrilling 30-all draw. The Crows had the upper hand at the half-time break, holding a 24-0 lead. Their opponents piled on 30 points to the Crows six in the second half to force a draw. Jason Wilmot scored a try for the Crows and his prolific goal kicking came to the fore as he nailed five successful conversions. Among the Crows try scorers was Gatton Hawks player Nicklas Boney.
In the wash up of the carnival, the NQ Marlins won the QRL Divisional Trophy. The final points were: Northern Marlins 9, SEQ Poinsettias 5, Central Crows 3.5, and South East Queensland 2.5.
Marlins player Jardine Bobongie was named Player of the Carnival.
Following the carnival the Queensland Rangers side was announced. Jason Wardrop from Maroochydore was the only Crows player selected in the squad.
ALLORA PREPARES FOR SCRAMBLE
IT is all hands on deck at the Allora Sports Club as final preparations are underway for the Holden Scramble on 27 June. The four-ball Ambrose event gets underway at 8am.
All players receive six (6) Callaway Golf Balls and a Holden Scramble Voucher book with special offers from the Holden Scramble Support Sponsors. You could also be in the running to win a Holden car if you are skilled (or lucky) enough to score a hole in one on the par three 16th.
In addition, all participants and their immediate family (and eligible participating club employees) will receive a $550 cash back offer from GM Holden on the purchase of a new car in addition to other incentives from event sponsors.
There are a host of other prizes on offer including the (4) Odyssey Putters for 1st (4) Callaway Storm 64” Umbrellas for 2nd and (4) Callaway Tour Caps for 3rd, valued at $1100.
Supporting sponsors have been incredibly generous and donated great prizes for individual holes.
The Allora Holden Scramble is supported by Warwick Holden, Master Hire, Ensign, Cook Haul, Simmos Landscape Management, Chad Wilson Personal Fitness and the Rural Bank. If you require tee times or further information on what is shaping up as a great day, contact Aaron (0427 389 955).
Before all of the Holden Scramble action, the Allora club this weekend will host the Zone Three titles. The titles are open to all players with a golf link number. The clubs in zone Three are Clifton, Allora, Crows Nest, Oakey, Pittsworth and Goombungee. Cost is $15, call Adam 0402 783 615 or Aaron 0427 389 955 for tee times.
LATE TRY DENIES COWBOYS
A LATE try from Highfield’s Nick Bainbridge denied the Cowboys a win in an arm wrestle against Highfields at Kuhls Road Sporting Complex on Sunday.
Highfields were out of the blocks quickly, scoring three early tries but with their kicker failing all three conversions Warwick were able to go to the break trailing by only two points after tries to Ryan Donovan and Braydon Wilson were converted by Matt Gainey.
The Cowboys took the lead after halftime, but Highfields answered with a try to Matthew Prowse and another unsuccessful conversion locked the game up at 16 all. Warwick again grabbed the lead when Brook Croft scored. Tensions overflowed and both teams lost players to the sin bin for 10 minutes. Highfields found the tryline and their kicker finally had success to take the scores to 22-20.
Braydon Wilson put the Cowboys back in front when he crossed for his second try. The Cowboys led 26-22 with only four minutes left in the game. An unforced error from the kick off forced a scrum and the home side scored. Highfields were left with a kick from in front of the sticks to claim a two-point win in a thrilling game. The final score 28-26. The Under 18 game was also a close affair with the Cowboys going down 22-16 in another thriller.
In Reserve Grade, Warwick had a big 48-4 win. They now sit at the top of the Reserve Grade ladder and will play in the President’s Cup game this Sunday. The game is the curtain raiser to the Madsen Rasmussen Trophy final. Wattles will meet top-of-the-table Gatton in that game after booking their spot with a convincing 58-12 win over Pittsworth.
BRANDON TASTES ROOSTER SUCCESS
John Brandon took out last week’s Red rooster rumble (now run from Monday to Friday as the one week-long competition). Brandon scored 23 points well clear of his nearest rival, runner-up Kerrin Delaney (20 points). Collecting Run down balls were Phil Economidis (19); Laurie King (18), Gerry Morrissey (18) and Noah Shires (18). With the spate of hole in ones recently (including Don Stewart’s on 13 last Wednesday), you’d think the pins would be going off like pop corn, but alas there was not one pin on Friday.
RICKERT MEDAL WINNER
THE Warwick Golf clubs June Monthly Medal, sponsored by Warwick Real Estate, attracted 41 players. Doug Rickert scored nett 70 to win Division one. Brendon Jones with nett 72 was the runner-up.
Division two was won by John Porter with nett 71. Gunther Nicklich finished in the runner-up position with nett 72. Best gross was won by Jay Roberts with 79. The ball run down went to Gordon Kerr 73, Phil Economidis, Jesse Harris, Mick Payne, Evan Pfeffer and Jamie Saunders (74). Nearest to the pins were won by Doug Rickert div 1 on 5, Viv Roser div 2 on 7, Jay Roberts div 1 on 9, Lennie Williams div 2 on 11 and 16, and Greg Sellick div 1 on 13.
Twelve players played in the Lane Cup Memorial qualifier four ball best ball stroke event, and all qualified.
This Saturday the club is holding a single stableford event sponsored by the Horse and Jockey Hotel Motel. A reminder that the qualifier for the Gray Cup, an honour board event, sponsored by John Pearson at King Street Mechanical will be held on 20 June. The top eight players in the initial single stroke event will qualify for handicap Matchplay.
Timesheets for all events are in the pro shop (tel 4661 3664)
TYPICAL WINTER CONDTIONS FOR MALLETERS
THE Mallet Sports brigade were faced with typical Granite Belt winter conditions – cold, frosty, warm or wet depending which day you played last week. Players were forced to deal with it all. The association players enjoyed perfect conditions for play after a cold and frosty start.
In a close game, Heather Widderick and Effey Russel (19) just pipped Grace Howard (18). Pat Schnoor and Andreas Denkewitz had a big win over Margaret Dickenson and Carol Verwey. The final score 22-9. In other results Val Shephard played well to defeat Val Richardson 26-17.
Di Wren top scored with seven hoops when Hoop Runners played. Shirley Evans added another “hoop in one” to her impressive tally. With numbers down, a second shorter game was played with scores evenly matched and only one point separating the final result.
Hoop runners played in their second weekly time slot for the first time last Saturday. A small group of players braved the icy conditions and have vowed to return again this week. Of the Saturday players Judy Lock and Shirley Evans both played particularly well.
If you would like more information regarding Hoop runners, contact Shirley (46811683) or Elaine (46814357). New players are always most welcome.
On Friday night, eight players braved the conditions taking to the green for the Gateball game. With even numbers, the Ladies took on the men in a game.
After a slow start, the men took out the first game 13 – 10. In the following two games, the Men extended their bragging rights taking the two very close games. The final score 11 – 10 and 9 – 8.
Bill claimed the shot of the day in the third game with a ’bomb’- knocking two opponents’ balls off the green in the one sparking shot. Play was abandoned midway through the Ladies game due to the inclement weather. The Ladies held a 9-4 lead when play was halted.
HAMPSTEAD FORM CONTINUES
STEVEN Hampstead continued his recent patch of form last Saturday, playing well to claim a two-shot win over Scott Williams in the Wallangarra Golf Club’s June Monthly Medal and Putting. Peter Williams finished a further two shots back in third place. Hampstead also won the putting with 24 pokes. There were no pin shots reported but Peter Williams won the Jackpot on hole two. This Saturday, the club hosts a two ball Ambrose competition.
Satur-play at the Summit
It was ’Satur-play’ at the Summit with two rounds of shortened-end games of Pairs with Power Plays (double points) creating some interesting results.
Twelve players hit the bottom green. First up, it was two four two pairs followed by a six-end three bowl pairs game.The cold wind certainly played a role, but good competitive play saw the following results. In Round one, Alex Mattiazzi and R. Parker drew 10-all with W. Thomas and P. Davis. Kurt Empen and John Shannon defeated B. Brown and Brian Wilmot 10-8.
Attillio Zamprogno and Keith Mungall proved too good for T. Morris Quinton Stanley, winning 15-7; In round two, P. Davis and W. Thomas were beaten 12-3 by Morris and Stanley. Empen and Shannon were on fire defeating Mattiazzi and R. Parker 11-2, and in the final game Attillio Zamprogno and Keith Mungall had a comfortable win over Brown and Wilmot – final score 14-7.
Summit players Len, Judi and Gaye represented the Summit in the Open Triples at Tenterfield. The pair won two games but did not get through on the long weekend. The week before Len and Gaye and Adrian Jackson with partner Penny competed in the SDMDBA Mixed Pairs. Len and Gaye won through to the semi finals at Clifton, but were beaten by Goondiwindi. The eventual winners were Frank Taylor and Joan Potter. On Sunday, the Summit A grade Champion Rob Capelli takes on District competitors in the Champion of Champions event on Sunday.
A reminder to all players that deposits must be finalised and paid for the upcoming trip to Evans Heads. Contact the club or Quinton Stanley for details.
Nominations for Pennants close on 12 June – Have you submitted your nomination yet?
