By CASEY O’CONNOR
THERE are vastly differing reports coming from the BRL game at Wallangarra last weekend between the Stanthorpe Gremlins and the Rams.
The TRL referee called the game off 19 minutes before full time, with the score at 26-14 after a crusher tackle on Gremlins player Brad Crisp. Rams player Marc McGrady was placed on report following the incident.
However, it was the ensuing events that forced the game to be abandoned. Rams players allegedly incited the already angry Stanthorpe supporters, and some very ugly scenes ensued.
While players and coaches may claim there was no malice on the field, this is not the picture country football should portray no matter how passionate you are about your preferred team. The BRL has worked hard over the past several years to ensure the NRL Code of Conduct for players, spectators and officials is adhered to. It was disappointing therefore to hear from a neutral spectator what transpired last Saturday. This person was attending their very first BRL game and unfortunately chose this game as his first foray to local league. He will not be back. People may well say that is only one family, but that family has family and they have friends and the best and worst publicity is spread by word of mouth.
While it may have seemed appropriate behaviour from all those involved, this person was thoroughly disgusted by the behaviour and language of the players on the field and similarly the spectators. Where were the ground managers or security he asked?
The NRL and QRL Code of Conduct clearly states that any person can be removed from a game and barred from attending future games if their behaviour warrants such action.
As I was not at the game, I cannot comment on what action should be taken, and am aware the matter is being reviewed by the BRL.
In my experience, referees do not call games off for s###s and giggles. It is action that is not taken lightly. One of the concerns of course is that behaviour like this does nothing to encourage TRL referees to make the trip to BRL games to officiate.
I urge all players, officials and spectators to take a long hard look at last weekend’s incidents. The BRL is an amateur competition with football played at a higher standard than some outsiders are willing to admit. Let’s not see it ruined by the actions of a few.
– Casey
SMITH NO.1
IT IS official – the ICC this week confirmed what Australian cricket lovers already knew, Steve Smith is the best Batsman in Test Cricket.
Smith’s somewhat heartbreaking score of 199 in the first test in the West Indies cemented his spot at the top of the world batting rankings.
To say the Australian vice-captain has had a stellar season is an understatement. Over the past 18 months, Smith has plundered runs at a rate almost unheard of in the game.
It is a well-earned reward for a tenacious cricketer who had his lifelong dream of a baggy green debut in 2010 shattered when he was dropped several times from the Australian side.
His rise from debutant to No 1 has been remarkable and is testament to his personal investment in his craft. Initially, Smith was brought into the Australian team as a leg spinner – “the next Shane Warne” some said.
After he scored an entertaining knock of 77 at Headingley, it was apparent that while he is more than a handy leggie, his future lay as a batsman.
Three years after his debut, Smith was back in the Aussie squad as they returned to England chasing the Ashes. Smith himself was chasing a permanent spot in the side.
Things finally clicked for Smith in the fifth and final Test and the image of him going from 94 to 100 with an a commanding six down the ground summed up his transition from fringe player to a permanent member of Australia’s XI.
It is that style of play that thrilled cricket lovers throughout last summer and beyond as Smith carved up the best bowling attacks in all forms of the game. But it is in Test Cricket that Smith looks most at home. He stepped up to the plate, and took on the Australian captaincy without a mere ripple in his form. When Clarke returned from injury, he stepped back seamlessly into his role as batsman and captain in waiting.
If his outstanding form continues, history may well regard Steve Smith as one of our greatest-ever bastmen but for the moment he tops the ICC rankings, above such luminaries as Kumar Sangakkara, AB de Villiers and Australia captain Michael Clarke.
COOL SUITS KAY
PRESIDENT of the Stanthorpe Golf Club Stephen Kay found the cool conditions to his liking last Saturday. His recently acquired set of clubs that ping when they are hit are certainly working for the president. He easily won the club’s June monthly medal event, with a score of nett 67. Next best was Mark McCosker with a nett score of 69. Run down for the men went to scores of nett 73 and better.
Dylan Barraclough now has a zero handicap and finished with the best gross of 73. He also won the pro-pin at 9/18, and had best putting of 25 for the round. Other pro-pins went to Mark McCosker at 1/10 and Len Leigh at 5/14. R. Rigg collected the pin at 3/12 and Keith Green had closest at 17.
Margie Locke had a good weekend returning a nett 75 on Saturday to win the ladies medal from Madeline Jarman in second place (nett 78 after a countback). Kay Webb had best approach at the ladies 17th pin with Hannah Reeves collecting everything else for the ladies, best gross of 82, least putts of 29, pin at 3/12 and the run down with nett 78.
Ian Harvey who sponsored the round ensured players started the day with the right spirit.
The captain’s match play is underway. The draw on the notice board. Players should check for opponents in the first round and make sure the match is played by the due date.
This Saturday, the club has scheduled a single Stableford event played for the Finch Cup sponsored by Tom Fittock and Trish Fittock. Tee off is from 11am and the timesheet is on the board at the clubhouse.
DRESSED FOR THE OCCASION
JUNE long weekend – Race meeting at Injune – David Kemp of B & K motors thought – Why not? Sounds like a great weekend. What’s better than a day at the Injune Races? A day at the Injune Races with most of your staff for a staff bonding day and just to add some spice, the boys should dress for the occasion – or something. We are loving the shades, but not sure if the boys would get a start in the Myer Fashions on the Field at Flemington but our sources tell us they all had a great day.
RRR FORMAT POPULAR
29 PLAYERS hustled and bustled for positions and points in last week’s Red Rooster rumble in Warwick. At the end of the week, the winner was declared – Brett Donovan with 22 points. Runner -up (also with 22 points) was Jesse Harris. The ball rundown went to Noah Little-Shires 22, Brad Rose 21, Gerry Morrisey 20 and, Doug Wilson 20, Leon Stickland, Phil Economidis Jamie Saunders and Ross Kingston all with 19. Chooks went to Brad Rose (11) and Jesse Harris (13 and 16).
The new format for RRR is proving popular and a reminder to anyone interested in playing, you are able to play any day of the week.
Down Inglewood way, the “Bad Bunch“ rode into the Inglewood SSAA Range last Sunday and shot the place up with the following arrests:
First arrested was Rochelle Bynon followed by second Tom Donald and then Doug Redmond. A new rider with the bunch was Lynda Johnston who is learning the ropes.
Down at the other end of the complex, a Rimfire event was far more civilised. It was won by Ray Dudgeon who defeated second-placed Adam Cooper and in third spot Stephanie Dudgeon.
This week folks, it is Muzzle loading and Centre fire competitions on the range.
A reminder that the fourth weekend of the month, the club holds a variety of pistol events, Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.
Diary date – Saturday 25 July 2015. The SSAA (Inglewood Branch) Inc 2015 AGM at lunchtime. The club is planning to have a pig on the spit for lunch following the meeting. Remember to check out the Inglewood Sporting Shooters Facebook pageImg 5803 Shooters
McLENNON A WINNER
THE Horse and Jockey Hotel Motel sponsored the Single Stableford competition at the Warwick Golf Club last Saturday and a hot field of more than 40 players were out on the fairways.
Some players are still finding the conditions tough out there, but Kris McLennon carded 38 points to win on a countback. Pipped at the post (also with 38 points) was the big improver Phil Economidis.
Run downs went to scores of 35 or better. Shane McKenzie was on fire and dominated the nearest the pins, winning five, seven and nine. Viv Roser got a look in at 11 and Greg Wallace at 13, however no-one managed to hit the green on the 16th.
This Saturday is the Gray Cup Qualifier with the top eight to go through. Sponsor is Jon Pearson’s King Street Mechanical.
Golfers and Redbacks supporters are reminded that the Redbacks AFL Charity Golf Day (a four person Ambrose) is on 28 June. Organisers are expecting a big crowd and timesheets for all events are in the pro shop – or give them a call on 4661 3664.
CLOUDS GIVE WAY TO BOWLS
IT WAS a pleasant surprise when the clouds parted Saturday, giving way to a great afternoon of bowls at the Summit Club.
Playing triples, Phil Davis Kurt Empen and Aaron McInnerney were too good for Andrew McGlashan Attillio Zamprogno and Wayne Thomas. The final score 28-10. The pairs game was a close affair between Maurice Zamprogno and Eddie Zanatta and opponents Brian Brown and Keith Mungall. The double Z’s get the rub of the green to win 22-19. Well played, Maurice. The final end was played with the jack thrown by the skip, winning the coin toss but only after all bowls were played first.
The Champion of Champion singles event was played on Sunday. In a tight game where there were some outstanding bowls played, Roberto Capelli was successful 25-21 against Mick Mills.
The 2015 Club Challenge teams have been announced: (Singles) Darren Stanley; (Pairs) Tyler Sweeney, Michael Sweeney; (Triples) Brian Wilmot Rodney Newlands and Quinton Stanley; (Rinks) Ray Spiller, Kurt Empen, Eliseo Zamprogno and Rob Capelli; (Reserve) Paul Zamprogno. The Club Challenge will be held on 27 and 28 June.
This weekend Summit bowlers Len Covill, Zel, Paul Zamprogno are heading to the big smoke to play in the Salisbury Fours Carnival.
This Saturday social Bowls start to roll at 1pm. A date for your diary bowlers, the closing date for nominations for the
Men’s Presidents Singles is on 10 July.
ZONE THREE CHAMPIONSHIPS SUCCESS
THE Allora Golf Club hosted the Zone Three Championships last Sunday, and 44 golfers from across the Darling Downs competed in the event. The weather was excellent and was matched by the standard of golf.
The gross winners were Hayden Gomez (71) Rod Simpson (78) and Matt Pierce (88) in A, B & C grades respectively.
It was good too see the club’s own “struggling B grader“ Rod Simpson feature on the day.
Nett winners and runners-up were: A Grade – Lindsay May (net 62); Matty May (65); B Grade: Neil Chandler (67) Darren Hedges (67); C Grade: Jim Anderson (73) and Gene McMillan (74).
Another great showing by the local boys. (A touch of local knowledge perhaps.)
NTPs were won by Hayden Gomez (A Grade) Aaron Simpson (B Grade) and Matt Pierce (C Grade). Approach shots went to Tony Wise (A Grade); Ross Burgess (B Grade) and Gene McMillan (C Grade).
The weekend got off to a great start on Friday, with a group of 15 playing the Duck run. Winner was Garth on 23 points from Lindsay on 21. Pin shot was won by Jack.
In Allora this weekend, the members will be playing for the Jenco Monthly Medal on Saturday. A reminder to all golfers that the club is hosting a round of the Holden Scramble Four Player Ambrose. The highlight of the day will be the prize of a Holden car for a hole in on the 16th. Will you be driving away in a brand new car?
COWBOYS FALL TO HAWKS
THE Warwick Cowboys Reserve Grade failed in their bid to win a third President’s Cup as unforced errors cost them the game against the Gatton Hawks. With the score at 24-nil at half time, many thought it was game over, but in the second half the Cowboys fought back to hold the Hawks scoreless in the second half and get within a converted try of their opponents.
The Cowboys Reserve Grade now head into the second round of the TRL comepittion at the top of leader-board.
This weekend all Cowboys sides are in action at Gelnholme Park where they take on Brothers in the first game of Round Two of the TRL.
SPORTERS OUT IN FORCE
AFTER a one-week break, Sporters were out in force in Stanthorpe on Sunday. Marg Locke capped off a successful weekend on the course, adding a win at Sporters to her success in the Ladies competition on Saturday. Runner-up was Tony Steele. The run-downs went to Paul Byrnes and Phil Zikan. Aaron Simmers had the Best Gross and John Walsh claimed the pin shot at the 12th. Mick Doorley did best at 17, but the Pro Pin went a begging. In the meat tray stakes, Angelo Maugeri and Terry Byrnes both tasted success.
Sporters are back into it again on Sunday and tee-off this week is between 8am and 8.30am.
NEWMAN BACK AND IN FORM
JOY Newman is fresh from a holiday, and she was quickly back into good form at association croquet last week, pegging out to score the maximum (26 points) in her game against Andrea Denkewitz and Val Richardson (17 points).
Player numbers were down a little. Grace Howard and Heather Widderick played Carol Verwey and Jenny Tunbridge. Grace showed a great return to form with a break of seven hoops in a row. Unfortunately, it was not enough as she and her partner lost the game 26 to 20.
A full contingent of players hit the green for hoop runners for the first time in a while. Gwen McBean made a return after a long lay off.
In the first game, Shirley Evans was on fire in the first game, top scoring with eight hoops. Teresa Pyne also scored a hoop in one. The second group played a very even 10-all draw.
In the second game, Teresa Pyne scored her second “hoop in one”. A hoop in one also helped Bill Golding to his top score of the day – nine hoops.
A small group braved the very bleak conditions on Saturday afternoon. Three games were played in nasty conditions. All players scored evenly with Shirley Evans adding another “hoop in one” to her tally.
New players are always welcome on both days. Call Shirley on 4681 1683 or Elaine on 4681 4357 for further details.
The gateball crew also had cool conditions for their games on Friday morning. Nine players braved the weather and had an enjoyable but chilly morning. The results this week were two games to white and one to red. If you are interested in giving gateball a go, contact Margaret on 4681 0475. All current players are gaining more experience and improving each week. The director of Gateball Queensland will be visiting Stanthorpe shortly to provide tuition to players.
KILLARNEY CUP NOT TO BE MISSED
THE Warwick Turf Club is gearing up for the Killarney Cup meeting to be held on 27 June. The popular event is proudly supported by the Killarney businesses including the Killarney Hotel Motel, the Killarney Co-op; Wickham’s Farms; Shirl and Sandy’s; Veronica’s on Willow and Smith’s Farms – the Falls Killarney.
A big five race card is planned, and gates open at 11am. There will be prizes for Fashions on the Field and a bus will run from Killarney. For details or bus bookings, contact Shirl and Sandy’s or the Killarney Hotel.
To get the Killarney folk in the mood, a Calcutta will be held on Friday 26 June at the Killarney Hotel.
MADSEN RASMUSSEN WIN FOR WATTLES
THE reigning TRL Premiers Wattles picked up more silverware lat weekend with a convincing win in last weekend’s Madsen Rasmussen Trophy at Clive Berghofer Stadium. The Warriors dominated the 2015 TRL competition leaders the Gatton Hawks in a 32-14 win.
Wattles went into the game with several familiar faces missing from their line-up, but their convincing win announced that they are gunning for back-to-back TRL premierships and are bang on target half way through the season.
Wattles held an 18-10 lead at half time, and in a tough second half they scored three tries in 10 minutes to put the game beyond the reach of the Hawks. Wattles Corey Blades was named Player of Match and received the Steve Pollard Family Medal.
As Wattles prepare for Round Two of the TRL, they have a bye this weekend.
REDS SEARCH FOR PATH TO REDEMPTION
IT IS almost four years since that heady night when the Queensland Reds held the Super Trophy aloft at Suncorp Stadium and it has been pretty much downhill all the way since then.
The lacklustre performance by the Reds in their final game of the 2015 season was another blow to fans as they watched their team crushed by the Waratahs 31-5. It’s been a frustrating season for fans and for some just too hard to watch. The Reds managed just three wins this season, and surely that must lead to some major changes at Ballymore. The result of a review of the whole operation is due shortly – the outcome will be, to say the least, interesting.
The coach’s tenure must come under the microscope although it is rumoured his position has been guaranteed by back office boys.
Seventeen debutants were blooded for Queensland this season with just Genia and Slipper playing every match.
Stalwarts James Horwill, Will Genia and James Hanson have all played their last game for the Reds. Quade Cooper’s future has not been determined and Ben Tapuai’s future apparently lies in another state.
One familiar face that has re-signed is Allora export Greg Holmes who has extended his contract for another year. He will head into the 2016 season as the most capped Reds player – 129 appearances and sits fourth on the all- time Queensland players record.
Where to from here for the Reds? The review has already brought some new faces to the table, but the path to redemption for the playing group and their exasperated fans may lie in the person who takes the coaching reins going forward. All eyes will be on the results of the review and movements and announcements from Ballymore.
The Red showed in 2009 under the right conditions it doesn’t take a lot to turn things around. Will history repeat itself?
