By CASEY O’CONNOR
IT IS that time of the year when sports fanatics burn the midnight oil. Wimbledon is underway and already Australia’s next “big thing” Nick Kyrgios has gone from darling in 2014 after his shock defeat of Raffa to 2015 devil after his diatribe at the chair umpire in his opening game.
Days after publicly declaring he “doesn’t even like the sport of tennis” he performed like a trained seal after a line call went against him. The 20-year -old oozes talent, but his attitude and performance this week have alienated many tennis fans. Put simply, it is “not the Aussie way. At the other end of the scale, 17 years after a brash kid from Adelaide caught our attention when he whopped Andre Agassi, Lleyton Hewitt bowed out of Wimbledon after losing his round one game in a fitting five set game. The former Wimbledon champ showed that although his legs and body may be weary,, he still has all the tenacity we have come to admire. While Tomic, John Millman and Thanasi Kokkinakis also made it through their first round, there are a host of other Aussie players to keep an eye out for Luke Saville, John Patrick-Smith, Sam Groth, James Duckworth, Marinko Matosevic, and Matt Ebden in the main draw. Seems are tennis stocks are in a healthy state.
On the Ladies side of the draw, we will be well represented by Sam Stosur, Casey Dellacqua, Jarmila Gajdosova, Daria Gavrilova and Ajla Tomljanovic.
If the thwack of the tennis ball is not your thing, then of course there are a couple of other sports that may have grabbed your attention this week. Did you find yourself channel surfing between the opening game of the Ashes series at Sophia Park Cardiff and the “Decider” – Origin Three at the Gabba?
While we are not keen on our tennis players behaving badly, there is a fair chance as we put this edition to print that there will be a bit of sledging at these two grounds.
The Poms have already begun the niggle by saying there shouldn’t be any and of course the Origin niggle is just ongoing.
Origin games are always top shelf, but I doubt you can ask for more than a “decider” at Suncorp Stadium. I know that whatever the results, it will be another epic battle in the showpiece of rugby league next Wednesday night.
-Casey
SPORTERS GOLF
TONY Steele grabbed a win at Sporters last Sunday ahead of runner-up Paul Byrnes. Run-downs went to birthday boy Ray Thorn who also picked up the Pin shots on the 12th and 17th and Phil Zikan. Ian Anderson had the Best Gross and claimed the Pro Pin going home with meat tray were Bob Watts and Angelo Maugeri. President Ray Thorn was celebrating his birthday in style after he added a win in the $300 raffle to his other booty.
Sporters will tee-off at the normal time on Sunday – between 8 and 8.30am.
TRIPLES AT HOME
TRIPLES last Saturday at the Summit Bowls Club while other club members were tearing up the greens at Tannymorel in the Club Challenge played over Saturday and Sunday. Unfortunately, The Summit representatives did not make it through to the final, going down to Inglewood. Inglewood will now play Goondiwindi who were the winners in the other section in the final of the Club Challenge.
Back on home turf, results went the way of Atillio Zamprogno, John Shannon and Phil Davis who defeated Trevor Morris, Brian Brown and Keith Mungall 23-19 in a close tussle.
Once again, Ray and Zel and Dale have the greens in great shape. The flat decks are welcome, and greens that run true are considered a bonus by players. Bowlers head off this weekend on the much-anticipated Evans head sojourn – if you are not booked but would like to join the tourists, contact president Darren. There will be social bowls this Saturday in the absence of the touring group. A reminder also that nominations for the B Grade Singles close on 4 July, and for the Men’s President’s Singles on 10 July.
CONSISTENCY A WINNER
A CONSISTENT round from Mark McCosker and Dave Williams paid dividends last Saturday when they combined to win the Irish Stableford sponsored by Stanthorpe Meats. The pair finished with a score of 86 points and there was only one hole where they did not record points.
Dave has only recently returned to the game and had his best round to date with an individual score of 40 points. Tom Fittock and Nick Milne with 76 points took out second prize. They were also consistent with their scoring, but a second dropped hole on the round was the difference.
Mark Hendry took the pin shot at 3/12 and Christina Hamilton had best approach at the ladies’ 17th. Pro-pins were shared. Dylan Barraclough took 1/10: Tom Fittock collecting 5/14 and Rob Reeves close at 9/18. Other pin shots and birdies nest went back in the box.
In the run down, Rob Reeves and Keith Allen with 72 points and Bill Pyne and Kay Webb with 65 points collected a ball.
There was one match play on the day, Len Leigh advanced to the second round with a two-up win over Aaron Simmers.
This weekend we are into July and so play will be in the July monthly medal and putting event sponsored by Mick O’Brien. The round will be played in conjunction with the Dale Mullens Trophy sponsored by Michael Thompson Concreting.
Tee off from 11am and the time sheet is on the board.
DOUBLE WHAMMY A SUCCESS
THE Inglewood Sporting Shooters Association held another double whammy pistol competition over two days and it was once again a resounding success.
On Saturday afternoon, the Rimfire competition was won by Tom Donald who edged out runner-up Peter Russell and Karl Rozenbaum.
Sunday there were Centrefire and Rimfire matches
In the Rimfire match, Stephanie Dudgeon proved too strong for runner-up Wal Shepherd and Lynne Shepherd who finished in third spot.
Tom Donald had more success on Sunday, winning the Centrefire competition ahead of Peter Russell and Jason Lewis who filled the minor placings.
This weekend, the club is holding a clay target event followed by an impromptu pistol competition with visitors coming from Brisbane the events.
The pistol bay area at the club is still a work in progress with the new pistol bay area shelter, and bays well on their way to completion.
Peter Russell and Brianna Bull from Goondiwindi competing in the Saturday afternoon competition.
Pistol bay area still a work in progress.
NEW BLOOD IN RRR
THE newly formatted Red Rooster Rumble is attracting some new blood, and giving the old blood a run for their money. Local fireman Noah Shires is discovering that golf provides the perfect foil for shift work. As a new player, and new member of Warwick Golf Club, he is also a great advertisement for practising and the benefit of taking some lessons from local golf professional Rob McConnell. Last week, Shires tasted success in the RRR. He finished with 23 points, two points ahead of a very inform, relaxed “I-just-got-back-from-holidays”, Al Matthews (21).
A run down ball and nearest to the pin on 11 went to the ever improving Ross Kingston. Stuart Sparksman collected the pin on 13 and Judy Lester at 16. Nearest to the pin winners received a hot chicken voucher from Red Rooster.
FAMILIAR NAMES
IF YOU watched Sunday’s Channel Nine Sports News, you may have heard Ian Healy signoff saying he was heading off to the Ashes. Not surprising as he is one of the Nine Cricket commentary team, but Heals will be keeping (no pun intended) an eye on the Australian under 19 squad currently on tour in the UK. Prominent in the team is Healy’s son Tom who recently dominated the Cricket Australia Underage Championships with his glove work. The youngster’s fast feet and tidy glove work, was highlighted with a 10-catch performance against Victoria.
Of course, Maryvale can boast having the young Healy playing on their ground first. Tom played alongside his famous father last year at the Father Son Charity match.
While there is an Aussie, Trevor Bayliss at the helm coaching the Poms in this Ashes series, our Under 19 touring party will be coached by CA high performance coach and former England batsman Graeme Hick. Funny world isn’t it. Hick will be joined by former Queensland fast bowler and Indian bowling coach Joe Dawes.
It is highly likely that in the future there could be familiar names in our Aussie teams with news that Steve Waugh’s 16-year-old son Austin has been selected in the in 17-man squad to represent Australia in premier underage tournament. He dazzled selectors, not with the bat but with a fine spell of bowling during a week-long state championships played in Darwin recently. The young Waugh took 4-8 and finished with an average of 8.9. He will be joined in the squad by Will Sutherland son of Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland. Sutherland hits the crease hard much like his father did, but it was his batting that earned him selection in the elite team. Sutherland has had a taste of first grade cricket in Melbourne and is quickly rising through the ranks.
These youngsters all with impeccable cricketing pedigrees ooze talent -it helps a little when you can call on arguably the best keeper in the world or the best batsman or bowler to give you a bit of coaching. However they have earned their chances through hard work and skill.
Healy, Waugh, Sutherland – throw in a McDermott a Buchanan and a few others and it will seem like we are be back to the 80’s and 90’s and our cricketing future looks to be in safe hands.
SCRAMBLE SUCCESS
THE Holden Scramble was played in almost perfect conditions last Sunday at the Allora Golf Club.
Twelve teams of golfers contested the four-person Ambrose event. Players had to contend with a slight wind, but the course was turned out in perfect condition.
The visiting team of Hayden Gomez, Steve Morritt, Craig Newmar and Dan Nevin from the Clifton Golf Club took out the event. The group played some outstanding golf shooting a 12 under par score of 56 and a net score of 49.5.
Flying the local banner was the team of Kev Harrison, John Ellwood, Neil Chandler and Max Bielefeld who finished runners-up with a very creditable nine under par 59 and net 51.75.
In third place was the team of Deacon, Padget, McMahon and Robinson with a net 52. The sports club was lucky to have many wonderful sponsors on board for the day and Golf Club president Lindsay May extends the club’s gratitude to them.
On Friday, in preparation for the Holden Scramble 15 golfers contested the Duck Run. Kel Strange emerged the winner with 22 points ahead of Hethe Ramus on 21 who was over from the Sunny Coast to have a hit. Aaron Simpson won both pin shots.
UNBROKEN
FORMER Newcastle Knights player Alex McKinnon this week released a self published book – ‘Unbroken”. This popular former player takes readers on an emotional journey recounting what life was like before and after the game that changed his life.
McKinnon says he hopes his book will educate some people and that the stories will encourage others and give hope to some to succeed. The book is currently being promoted through rugby league clubs, fans, members and stakeholders or the inspirational read can be purchased by visiting www.alexbook.com.au
WIN FOR MURPHY AND THOMPSON
THE Wallangarra Store sponsored last Saturday’s Two ball Ambrose competition at the “Garra. T. Murphy and B. Thompson played a nice round to win the day. Settling for second place was the team of W. Davis and I. Chaplin. Chaplin scored the pin on 3 while M. Ellis put one in close at the approach. This Saturday play will be for the July Monthly Medal and Putting.
MALLET NEWS
PAT Schnoor was back on track this week at association croquet, pegging out 26 to Grace Howard 12. A second game saw the scores finish at 12 – 3.
In a very close game, Jenny Tunbridge narrowly defeated Joy Newman 24 – 22. Andrea Denkewitz pegged out 26, with a break of four, against Carol Verwey who scored 15, with breaks of 3 and 2.
There was a good roll up at Hoop Runners later in the week. In a first to 13 game of triples, top scorers were Shirley Evans and Teresa Pyne who scored scored six hoops each, and Bill Goldingwho claimed a “hoop in one”.
A short, tightly fought game followed after the break with the final score 7-6. Bill Golding and Elaine Brown each scored “hoops in one” in this game.
REBACKS ALLOVER THE COURSE
THERE were Redbacks and supporters all over the Warwick golf course on Sunday. Eighty-one players took to the fairways for the Redbacks Australian Football Club fund-raiser Four ball Ambrose event. The best gross was won by John Pearson, Shane McKenzie, Scott McLennan and Jack Pearson with a score of 63. Runner-up best gross was won by Don Warrener, Joely Singleton, Ross Bell and Steve Bell with 65.
Team Hinze – Lacey, Sam and Geoff and grand dad Buddy Hicks won the best nett with a score of 55.25. Runner-up best nett was team Morrison – Shaun, Kath and Charlie and friend Viv O’Keefe.
The Bradman’s award was won by Team Elford, Locke, Carey and Johnson. The mens’ long drive was won by Stuart Finlay and ladies by Sam Hinze.
B & K Motors sponsored the Warwick Golf club’s Saturday event -a Single Stableford competition. First prize disappeared over the border with Tenterfield member Henry Kelly. He led the way with a score of 37 points. Runner-up was Evan Pfeffer(36). Run down balls went to Shane McKenzie, Alec Mc Kinlay, Herb Ware and Lennie Williams (35) and Brian Davidson 34. Pins went the way of the winner Henry Kelly at five, Shane McKenzie had success at seven, Geoff Hinze (9), Mick Payne (11), Dion Phillips (13) and new member Shaun Campbell (16). This Saturday play will be for the July monthly medal single stroke event sponsored by Warwick Real Estate. A date for your golfer’s diary – Friday 16 October – The Westpac Warwick Invitational Golf Day (the hundred dollar day) will be held on Friday 16 October.
WATTLES WINNING STREAK CONTINUES
LIKE football clubs and teams across the state, Wattles and Hawks A grade players observed a minute’s silence last weekend prior to the start of their game in honour of Sunshine Coast Intrust player James Ackerman. It was a moving tribute to the young footballer who passed away after being injured in a tackle in the game against Norths Devils a little over a week ago.
When play got underway, Wattles continued their charge towards a premiership defence with a hard fought win over Gatton Hawks. The two teams had come together only the week before playing for the Madsen Rasmussen trophy. Wattles led at the half time break 24-10 and snuck home with a win that puts them within striking distance of the ladder leaders.
The win made it a clean sweep for Wattles who were also successful in Reserve Grade (22-18); Under 18s (22-20) and Millmerran won the C grade.
This weekend Wattles host the Cowboys in all three grades in a local Derby and the Millmerran C grade also play the Cowboys.
The Cowboys will be keen to turn their fortunes around after their loss to Pittsworth at Fr Ranger Oval last Saturday night.
In front of a big crowd, the Cowboys lost by only a two-point margin in a very tight game. Captain coach Matt Gainey said after the game he was disappointed with the loss with simple errors costing the team the game.
The Cowboys have some injury concerns but need to put wins on the board in the coming weeks to assure their place in the top five.
The Cowboys Reserve Grade had a more successful game.They continued their solid form with a 40-10 win, however the Under 18s were also beaten 32-10. Warwick C Grade won 12-8. Opening the day’s play was a Ladies league tag game which proved popular with spectators. Pittsworth won the game 12-8.
GREMLINS ADD PRESIDENTS CUP
THE Gremlins scored a 54-20 win over the Tenterfield Tigers at Rugby League Park last Saturday, and in doing so added the the President’s Cup which was held by the Tigers to their trophy cabinet this season. It was a tough game for the Tigers who began the game with a reduced bench and when they lost Anthony Thomas with a shoulder injury early in the game, they were forced to play with 14 men.
Although the Gremlins have picked up injuries to some of their more prominent players in recent games, they were too strong for the Tigers.
The visitors led 24-6 at half time and dominated the game early in the second half to take a commanding lead.
Ben Staley had an outstanding game for the Gremlins, and it was no surprise he was the Players Player.
Brendan Minns said he was proud of the effort of his players under difficult circumstances. Jim Loneragan was a standout for the Tigers who this weekend must regroup for their game against Wallangarra.
The 2014 premiers were on the end of a loss last weekend. They were beaten 30-22 by the determined and much improved Wallangarra Rams side. The game was in the balance until a late try to the Rams gave them a winning margin.
Despite winning back to back premierships the Cutters are struggling for number this season and have also been hit hard by injuries.
Rams player Coedie Tandy proved a handful for his former club slicing through the defence and causing headaches every time he touched the ball.
The task does not get any easier for the defending premiers who take on the Gremlins at Sullivan Oval on Saturday.
Players at all BRL games observed a minute’s silence in memory of James Ackerman prior to their games.
The Tenterfield Ladies League Tag side continued their outstanding winning streak notching up another win on Saturday against the Gremlinettes. The margin is closing however with the scores 10-4 in a thrilling game.
In the Ladies game in Killarney the Wallangarra Rams claimed a 24-10 win in their clash with Killarney.
KILLARNEY CUP MEETING SUCCESS
Warwick Turf Club hosted the popular and successful Killarney Cup race meeting last Saturday. The meeting attracted good field and a good crowd to Allman Park.
Storm magic trained nu Jackie Crompton and ridder by Amy Van ser Sanden won the Cup. It is the gallopers third country Cup having already claimed the Kilcoy and Tara Cups on her way to this win. Connections are now considering a start in the Warwick Cup for the mare.
