By CASEY O’CONNOR
UNFORTUNATELY, I missed watching one of the most thrilling grand finals in memory live last weekend – the Firebirds win over the Swifts. Fortunately, I have been able to get my hands on a replay of what was a sensational game. If, like me, you did not get to see the game live, and you are a sports fan, then do yourself a favour and get your hands on a copy of the game.
It was a game that had it all. Skill in bucket loads, physicality beyond belief, drama at the highest level and unprecedented passion and commitment from players and supporters. Certainly not good for your blood pressure.
Netball on the international stage has given us some heart stopping and thrilling moments, but nothing can compare with the win for Queensland and Australian captain Allora’s favourite daughter Laura Geitz and the Queensland Firebirds. It was a truly inspirational win and absolute heart break for the Swifts who, as you should know, led for all but 15 seconds of the game. “It sucks” was a reasonable comment from the Swifts captain. No matter how parochial a Queenslander you are, it was hard not to feel for the captain and her team.
But, and there is always a but, what disappointed and incensed me was the poor to disgusting coverage the game was given on the national news on Sunday night. At a time when women’s team sport in this country is enjoying unprecedented success in many codes, I felt the netballers were slighted and poorly treated by all but the ABC. They at least made mention of the game in the news lead.
Australian women are world champions in cricket; we have an outstanding and talented Australian women’s rugby league side, the Jillaroos, the Matildas are making their mark in the Women’s Football World Cup; the Hockeyroos continue to perform at the highest level internationally; the Women’s Rugby Sevens side are into the Rio Olympics; our national netball side is about to play in a world cup and how is all this reported in our living rooms – in a word – poorly.
One of the most thrilling grand finals in any sport could only rate a tiny grab after rugby league results; news of another rugby league player behaving badly, rugby union, cricket, and golf and on and on. If there had been a marbles match in Antarctica, it probably would have got a mention before local champion Laura Geitz and the Firebirds and the beaten but brave Swifts.
The divide between men’s and women’s sport on the payment front is astronomical, but surely it does not need to be the same when it comes to reporting their success in our lounge rooms. Not good enough isn’t it girls?
– Casey
FOUR IN A ROW FOR SOUTHWEST
SOUTH West Country claimed their fourth successive win in the Queensland Outback Muster Carnival played in Mount Isa last weekend. The annual round robin competition, one of the QRL’s best country football initiatives gives players an opportunity to play representative football against opposition of a similar standard.
This year, the competition included A Grade teams from the Mid West (Cloncurry, Normanton), Central West (Barcaldine, Blackall, Illfracombe, Longreach, Winton), and South West Country (six clubs from the Roma and District Rugby League competition and four clubs from the Border League).
Border Rugby League was represented by Tenterfield players Jim Loneragan, Jake Kelly and Brendan Minns. Jason Wilmot (Gremlins) and John Trindall captain coach of Killarney. The South West won two of their three games. They opened their account with a 10-point victory over Central West but then suffered an unexpected 38-12 loss at the hands of the hosts.
A big win over Mid Wet (48-18) was enough to give the South West their fourth title in the A Grade Championship.
In the opening game, Mount Isa notched up a comfortable 40-10 win over Mid West.
South West Country began their title defence with a solid 26-16 win over Central West. Star of the show was South West Country winger Michael Purcell who laid on three tries.
Mount Isa scored six unanswered second-half tries to defeat South West Country 38-12 in their second game of the day. Halfback Marty Poulson was outstanding for the home team scoring 18 points. A brace of tries from centre Braden Russell guided Central West to a narrow two-point victory over Mid West after the scores were locked at 12-all at half time.
In the reverse fixture, South West scored five tries in the second half to gain revenge over the Northerners with a 22-6 win to finish the day on a positive note.
Michael Purcell once again played a starring role in South West’s 48-14 won over Mid West. Purcell scored two tries as did second row team mate Zac Downey.
Hosts Mount Isa had a shot at the title when they led 12-nil at half time in their final game on Sunday against Central West. Mount Isa saw their title aspirations slip away as they went down by two points to Central West when they failed to convert from the sideline on the full time siren to equal the scores as fatigue set in.
The Northern Outback team was successful in the under-20 competition playing the Southern Outback team in two enthralling encounters.
At the conclusion of the carnival, the Queensland A Grade and under-20 representative teams were announced. Congratulations to Stanthorpe’s Jason Wilmot and John Trindall who were both selected in the Queensland Outback side to play Far North Queensland United (combined Cape Torres team) on Thursday Island on 25 July.
This is the second time Gremlins player Jason Wilmot who returned to the BRL and Gremlins this season after a very successful stint in the TRL has been selected in the Queensland side while Trindall will relish the opportunity after suspension ruled him out of the 2014 side.
It was another great effort from the South West Team who have limited opportunities to train together prior to the carnival. There is a lot of time and travel involved, and the commitment the players show is outstanding.
Queensland Outback A Grade Representative Squad – 2015: Michael Purcell – (Mitchell) – South West; Thomas Krosch – Mount Isa; Cody Saltmere – Mount Isa; Braden Russell – (Blackall)- Central West; Bronson Smith – ( Mount Isa); Anthony Saltmere – ( Mount Isa); Jason Wilmot – (Gremlins) – South West; John Turlan – (Blackall) – Central West; Brenton Stonier -(Mount Isa); Corey Carlson -(Mount Isa); Donald Simmons -(Mount Isa); Zachary Downey – (Roma Cities) Sth West; Trent Hoad – (Ilfracombe) – Central West; Roger Batt (Ilfracombe) Central West; Thomas Elliott – (Ilfracombe) – Central West; Jack Kennedy – (Mitchell) – Sth West; Craig Logan – (Normanton) – Mid West; John Trindall – (Killarney Cutters) – South West. Coach: David Kerrigan
– Barcaldine Results
38 A POPULAR SCORE
THINGS could hardly have been closer in the finish of the Finch Cup. Four players returned a score of 38 points in the single stableford event. Bill Pyne scored 21 points on the back nine, and that was good enough to ensure a win in the event and get his name on the trophy in 2015.
An eagle at six ensured Dylan Barraclough pick up the Birdies nest to go with the pro-pin at 9/18 and second place in the event.
Both Ian Harvey and Darryl Boekholt who also returned a score of 38 points were relegated to the run down which went to scores of 36 and better for the men while the ladies run down went to scores of 31 points and better.
Matt Waterworth had best pro-pin shot at 1/10 and David Burgess the pro-pin at 5/14, while Jake Mills had best tee shot to win the men’s pin at 3/12.
It was also a tight finish in the ladies’ section, Hannah Reeves withstood a countback to win the ladies’ Finch Cup ahead of runner-up Kay Webb when both players returned 34 points.
Hannah also collected the ladies approach shot at 17 and Kay had an excellent shot to claim the ladies’ third pin shot.
Tom and Trish Fittock were the sponsors last Saturday, and the club is grateful for their support – thanks to Trish for presenting the prizes.
Members are being asked to volunteer for the starter’s box. Thanks to Ian and Trevor who did so last Saturday and to Viv who will be in the box this Saturday. If all members took a turn, the workload would be shared giving Matt a break from a job he has done for some time now. Put your name down on the list at the starter’s box.
This Saturday, the club has scheduled a medley Irish Stableford sponsored by Stanthorpe Meats. It is a shot gun start and registration is required by 11.30am.
BLACK POWDER GANG IN ACTION
ANOTHER fine winter morning kept things moving on the Inglewood range last Sunday as the black powder gang went on a rampage through the forest in search of game.
Stephanie Dudgeon stepped up to the winner’s plate to take out first place in the event ahead of Ray Dudgeon and Phil Neal who filled the minor placings in a good field.
The benchrest was popular with no competition being held it quickly became a day of sighting in.
There was plenty of interest around Pete Solomon’s latest big toy. Going back in time to the era of the Wild West, Pete was sighting in his 45/70 Sharpes rifle circa 1876 Using a 6 x Long Malcolm scope. This was a formidable long distance firearm back in those days.
This weekend is the club’s Pistol weekend. Members and guests are welcome to come along to the Inglewood Sporting Shooters range Saturday afternoon and/ or Sunday. Visitors are always welcome. Remember you can now follow the club’s activity on their Facebook page.
TWO HORSE EVENT
THE single stableford event at Wallangarra last weekend turned into a real two-horse race as W. Davis outclassed I. Chaplin to take out the event. Davis also snared a pin shot on three. J. Purcell was the only other player to get a look in taking the approach shot and the pin at the ninth.
This Saturday the Wallangarra Store are sponsoring a 2 ball ambrose event.
LEAGUE TRAGEDY
RUGBY League players officials and fans across the state were rocked to the core this week by the death of Sunshine Coast Falcons Qld Intrust Cup player James Ackerman. The popular front rower collapsed after a tackle in the opening minutes of the game last Saturday between the Falcons and North’s Devils at Bishop Park in Brisbane. The 25-year-old died on Monday in a Brisbane hospital surrounded by family, friends and teammates.
Ackerman, who is survived by his wife and two very young children, will no doubt be remembered at all football games played throughout Queensland this weekend as the rugby league family comes to terms with the loss of one of their own.
There has also been enormous support for the North’s player involved in the tackle who is understandably struggling to come to terms with this tragedy.
Rugby league is a resilient game, and one of its strengths is the ability to rally behind its own. I have no doubt that will be the case on this occasion.
Like the Phil Hughes tragedy last summer, it reminds that bad things can happen to good people.
It is also a timely reminder to all those involved in the game of the fragility of life and that sometimes actions have unimaginable consequences. Let’s hope this weekend is incident free at all levels of the game.
A Trust Fund has been set up for the family of the late James Ackerman. Butler McDermott Lawyers Trust Account
Bank of Queensland, 255 Queen Street, Brisbane
BSB: 124001
A/C: 11500777
HOLDEN SCRAMBLE THIS SATURDAY
A BIG field of golfers is expected to descend on the Allora Golf club this Saturday for the Holden Scramble. Players must be at the club by 8am ready for a shotgun start at 9am Saturday. Players need to be at the club by 8am for a shot-gun start at 9am. The club is delighted to have the opportunity to host the event, and golfers will be treated to a wonderful lunch at the conclusion of the game. The club would like to thank Aaron who has done the heavy lifting in securing this event for the Allora Golf Club.
BUSY AT ALLORA
A FIELD of 20 golfers took to the Allora golf course in last Friday’s Duck Run to get the golfing weekend underway. The friendly Allora crew made welcome visiting Inglewood Golf Club member Russell who joined them for the round. After a lengthy absence, the club welcomed Errol May back to the Duck Run. It was also good to see Tom Henry having a hit. Winner of the Duck Run was Chad Wilson with 22 points slightly ahead of runner-up Jack with 19. Nearest the pins went to Aaron Simpson on the sixth and Chad Wilson at the eighth.
On Sunday, players competed for the Jenco Monthly Medal. Winner of the June Medal was Garth Simpson with a net 63 two shots ahead of runner-up Kel Strange (65). Others to put in solid performances were Max Bielefeld Matt May and John Ellwood – all three finished with 66. NTPs went to Kev Harrison (7th) Matt May (9th) Rod Simpson (8th) and approach shots were won by Garth Simpson (1st and 2nd) and Max Bielefeld(6th). It was great to see Anthony Bowe back having a hit on his old course. After the big Holden Scramble event on Saturday, calm will be restored and players will be out on the course competing for the Railway Hotel Monthly Mug.
CLARKY ON TOP IN CONDITIONS
THERE was a great turn out last Sunday at Stanthorpe Sporters on a typical winter morning. The cool crisp conditions on Sunday morning had Clarky bright eyed and bushy tailed and certainly suited his golf too as he finished with the top prize. Runner-up was Paul Byrnes and the run-downs went to Jim McPherson and Tony Steele. Hannah Reeves had the best gross and grabbed the Prop Pin and Dick Hilton took the pin shot on the third. Bob Watts and Kev Rowlings were both seen leaving with meat trays.
Tee off this Sunday is between 8am and 8.30am and visitors are most welcome.
GOOD TURN OUT FOR PAIRS
WITH a clutch of regular Summit bowlers away representing the club at various other venues, it was great to have such a good turn out on Saturday for the pair’s games.
Brian Wilmot and Rob Capelli had the better of Michael and Tyler Sweeney. Final scores in that game 21-13. B. Brown and Attilio Zamprogno defeated Stratford and Parker 22-14. John Shannon and partner T. Morris were too strong in the end for the Zanatta White pairing winning 19-14. In another good game, P. Davis and Alex Mattiazzi defeated Eddie Zanatta and R. Parker 24-19.
This weekend there will be Social Bowls at the Summit headquarters on Saturday while the Club Challenge is being played at Tannymorel over both Saturday and Sunday.
In round One on Saturday which commences at noon, Stanthorpe play The Summit. Round two is a bye for the Summit, but bowlers will be back in action in round three against Inglewood on Sunday at 9am and again at noon against Southern X. In Round five, the Summit plays Warwick Inc at 2.45pm.
The following weekend (July 4/5) Summit bowlers are off to Evans Heads for their much anticipated road trip. Players who have not yet paid their deposits etc must now contact the club immediately.
A reminder that nominations for the Men’s B Grade Singles close on 4 July, and for the Men’s Presidents singles on 10 July.
GIVING BACK
AUSTRALIA’S elite sportsmen are often maligned for not giving back to their sport. That however cannot be said of the Australian Cricketers’ Association and the country’s elite cricketers who have teamed up to strengthen club cricket and narrow the gap between club and first-class cricket. And it means that they will be digging deep to give back to the sport that has given them so much. This comes after an increase in estimated income during the 2012-’17 Memorandum Of Understanding period.
In an unprecedented move Australia’s elite players are set to contribute more that $1 million to fund a new initiative The Premier Cricket Program that will support Australia’s 87 Premier (Grade) Cricket clubs in utilising former or non-contracted domestic cricketers to either play, coach or mentor club sides. Clubs can now apply for a $10,000 grant per year for three years to allow current ACA Members (former and current first-class players) to continue to be involved in Premier Cricket.
ACA chief executive Alistair Nicholson says the funding from the playing group outlines their commitment to the game at club level.
“Every player who represents a State, Big Bash League or Australian team comes through the Premier Cricket system,” Australia Test captain Michael Clarke said.
“While for some of us the opportunities at the moment to play at club level are limited, having competitive and testing competitions influenced by experienced and knowledgeable players is vital.”
The decision to devote the surplus funds in the Player Payment Pool was a unanimous one by Australia’s contracted players, with the Premier Cricket Program the first step in strengthening club cricket around the country.
“As current players, we’re passionate about strengthening Premier Cricket and remember the influence that former first-class players had on our careers as we came through,” said Australia all-rounder and ACA executive member Shane Watson.
“The decision to invest in the Premier Cricket Program is one that’s close to home and hopefully a way that we can ensure the generations to come receive the best possible education at club level.”
Players want to ensure that Premier Cricket remains the lifeblood of Australian cricket by providing a platform for ACA Members to remain in the game through playing, coaching, talent identification and administrative roles.
The current players strongly believe that former first-class players and those recently delisted possess a wealth of skill, experience and expertise that can be utilised to help strengthen Premier Cricket and narrow the gap between this level and high performance cricket.
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS FOR RUMBLERS
NOW that the chook runs for five days instead of just in the Red Rooster Rumble gives golfers normally not available to play on Friday an opportunity to compete in the popular event. It also allows people to play in this nine-hole competition on multiple days as with this week’s winner the newly semi-retired John Francis. Not only did he win the RRR with 21 points on his card on Friday, he also won a ball in the run down for the round he played on Tuesday (20 points).
Runner-up on a countback was Doug Wilson with 20 points (on a countback). Judy Lester and Karen Mackie each won a ball in the run down both. The only pin was won by Clive Pulley who collected a Red Rooster hot chicken voucher.
BURLEY NOT IN THE FOG
PLAYING in the fog on a Saturday morning is something all goflers have experienced. Sometimes, it is the weather occasionally due to some overindulgence on Friday night I’ve heard. Last Saturday, however, things were a little extreme – the fog did not lift until 10am and when it did 86-year-old Ken Burley was well under way to shooting his age over 18 holes to card a nett 64. Burley won the qualifying round of the Gray Cup, an honour board event sponsored by John Pearson at King Street Mechanical. Rodney Macdonald was runner-up with a nett 65. Also scoring well were Trent Watts (67), Jamie Saunders and Don Stewart (68), Scott Beard 70, Stuart Wade, Don Warrener and Carl Wade (71), and Phil Economidis (72). Pins went to Stuart Wade (5and 13), Eddy Kemp landed one at seven, Trent Watts (9), Brian Davidson(11),. John Porter (16).
The top eight players qualify for the next round. Players are asked to notify captain Brendon Jones if unavailable to play the next round.
This Saturday B & K Motors sponsor a single stableford event operating from a timesheet in the pro shop.
Don’t forget the big fund-raiser for the Redbacks AFL football club on Sunday. Tee times are available between 8am and noon. Cost is $15pp for members and $25pp for non members, $10pp for junior non members, $5 junior members.
Local golf professional Rob McConnell currently is currently running a special on one hour golf lessons during winter. Save $10 and pay only $65. Starter packages are also on sale, saving $50 on a package which includes a golf bag, driver, woods, irons and putter. Now there’s nothing stopping you getting into golf or improving your game. Contact the Pro shop for your equipment and details on all competitions at Warwick Golf Club on (07) 4661 3664 or email propshop@warwickgolfclub.com.au.
