By CASEY O’CONNOR
SPORT has certainly been dealt its fair share of body blows in the past few months. Firstly the cricketing world was brought to its knees with the death of Phil Hughes. More recently the rugby league world has been left to fathom the death of one of their own, James Ackerman. While still grieving the loss of Ackerman we were all shattered when we woke to the dreadful news last Friday of the death of the Adelaide Crows coach Phil Walsh, murdered in the most horrific circumstances.
I scarcely, if ever, remember a period where sport in this country has been tinged by such sadness. The vision of the Collingwood and Hawthorn players, coaches and fans united in a tribute to Walsh on Friday night at the MCG and the tributes across all codes reminds us that whatever the game it is just sport. The effects on the families of Walsh, Ackerman and Hughes is life’s reality – something their families have to live with, digest and process long after the tributes have fallen silent in much the same way Alex McKinnon his fiancé Tegan and parents are dealing with his injuries.
It should put a lot of things into perspective as we settle in to watch this week’s State of Origin or turn up to watch out our local team run out this weekend. No matter the result, the sun will always come up for us the next day. Some are not so fortunate.
This is a lesson that could be well learned by our out-of- control tennis brats. I am sure there are many of us who are just itching for someone close to both Tomic and Kyrgios who are acting like spoilt and indulged children to box their ears or send them to the naughty corner.
Hats off to Tennis Australia for showing Tomic the sideline in the upcoming Davis Cup. Here are two gifted athletes who really do need life to toss them a timely reminder of their place in the universe.
– Casey
HARNESS RACING RETURNS
PLANS are well underway for the return of harness racing to Warwick on Sunday 6 September, which happens to be Father’s Day. The meeting will be held on the grass proper at Allman Park.
Following the success of a similar meeting in 2014, the Darling Downs Harness Racing Club (DDHRC) and Racing Queensland have secured Sky Racing and TAB coverage for the upcoming meeting.
It will be only the second time a full TAB meeting on a grass track in Queensland has been covered by the TAB. The first was a Deagon in 2014.
At the corresponding meeting last year, the club raised several thousand dollars for Relay for Life, and this year the gate takings will be donated to the Cancer Council Queensland (CCQ).
Organisers are anticipating nominations from as far afield as Tamworth and Redcliffe for the eight race card which will feature the $5000 Garrard’s Warwick Cup. Another feature event on the program will be the 2015 CCQ Jackie Bunch Memorial along with several other community cups.
If you are unsure what to get the Dad who has it all then why not plan a day out at the trots where organisers are sure there will be something for all the family. In addition to the bar, bookmakers and normal race day facilities, there will be a wine tasting stand and the Fashions on the Field will carry a prize purse of over $1700. Kids will be well catered for with a jumping castle, face painting and an animal nursery.
Further information regarding the September meeting are available from club president Anthony Collins, who can be contacted on 0498 123 440.
LOW SCORES FOR COUNTBACK
NICK Milne and Matt Waterworth were both back in the clubhouse with the low score of nett 67 last Saturday and a countback was required to determine the winner of the Stanthorpe July Monthly Medal. Milne got the nod and his name was added to the list of players who will play for the Medal of Medallists later in the year. Runner-up Matt Waterworth received some compensation his lowest gross score of 72 earning him the much sought after Dale Mullins Memorial trophy sponsored by Michael Thompson Concreting. Mick O’Brien was the medal event sponsor.
In a close round, Medal winner Nick Milne also won the balls for best pin shot at 3/12. In addition to the best gross, runner- up, Matt Waterworth also had best gross, least putts of 25 for the round and took the pro-pin at 5/14.
Rob Reeves collected the pin shot at 17 and pro-pins went to Stephen Kay at 1/10 and to Dylan Barraclough at 9/18. In the run downs, it was a ball each to Aaron Simmers (68), Tom Fittock (70), Trevor Ludlow and Chris Fittock (71).
Hannah Reeves was back in the winner’s circle on Saturday, winning the ladies event with nett 74. The young golfer had a great day on the course collecting the balls for best approach at 17, best ladies gross and fewest putts of 25 for the ladies. Lyn Ludlow with a score of 76 was runner-up in the Ladies event. The Ladies run down went to Kay Webb and Tric Fittock.
Two match plays were decided on Saturday. Bob Watts had a win over Stephen Kay and Rob Reeves outlasted Max Hunter. Both winners progress to the next round.
The club appreciates those members who answered the call to take a turn volunteering in the starter’s box, however organisers are looking for a few more. It is hoped that all members will take a turn in getting the field away.
On Saturday, you will see Ron Batterham on duty as players head out for the Single Stableford sponsored by Reece Plumbing. If any prospective volunteer wants to see what is done, you’ll be most welcome as an assistant.
Tee off from on Saturday is from 11am. Get your name on the time sheet now to avoid having larger groupings at the end of the field.
BUSY WEEKEND ON RANGE
IT WAS another busy weekend at the Inglewood SSAA range with a large contingent of shooters arriving from the Coast ready for a weekend of shooting competition.
The club held pistol and shotgun competitions on both Saturday and Sunday.
On Saturday in the Clays competition, Tom Donald was on target taking out the event ahead of visitors Rob Ugljesa and Eddie Ugljesa who filled the minor placings.
Junior shooter Ollie Ugljesa managed a decent first time around score of 33.
In the Pistol event, Rob Ugljesa turned the tables on the locals outgunning Tom Donald to win the event. Eddie Ugljesa had to be satisfied with another third placing.
The visitors were back on Sunday for the Pistol event and Malcolm Voyka won the event. He scored a great 296/300 using a club gun. Anna Kim placed second and third spot went to the consistent Rob Ugljesa.
This weekend it is Sunday competition for Single Action and Rimfire.
THOMPSON WINS GARRA MEDAL
LAST Saturday, the Wallangarra Golf Club held the July Monthly Medal and Putting competition. Winning the July Medal was A. Thompson who finished the round a whisker ahead of Dennis. McMeniman was on song with the flat stick taking out the putting competition. K. Williams played a nice round to secure third spot.
No pin shots were claimed on the day, however we hear that a fledgling member had an ace on hole 11 mid week during casual play. Due to the overall ability of the member in question, we are taking his account of things with a few grains of salt while seeking further confirmation of the event. This Saturday the club is hosting a 4BBB Stableford.
CITY COUNTRY CULTURAL EXCHANGE
IT IS what rugby league should be all about having fun, experiencing new places and meeting new people. We were reminded of that recently when kids from some of the remotest areas of Queensland joined their coastal cousins for one of the major highlights on the Junior rugby League calendar, the Glyn Rees City-Country Cultural Exchange. This year the carnival was hosted by the Coolum Colts.
Queensland Rugby League operations manager (outback) Peter Rafter said teams from all over Queensland competed in the annual event.
Rafter said the team included representatives from places like Mt Isa, Charleville and Cloncurry. “They spent 30 hours on a bus to get here,“ Mr Rafter said, “and they are having a ball.”
Teams in from across the state including Warwick played in Under 14, Under 14 and Under 16 games.
In a wonderful gesture, the host club Coolum donated money raised from raffles and donations throughout the carnival to support the family of Gold Coast Falcons player James Ackerman.
Wattles and rugby league stalwart Glyn Rees congratulated the Wattles Junior players, and all of the Warwick and District ’Chargers’ team, who participated in the carnival.
CLOSE SINGLES GAMES
PLAYER numbers were down slightly at Association Croquet in Stanthorpe last week, so singles games were the order of the day. In the game between Val Richards and Pat Schoor, Pat pegged out 26 against Val’s 9. Joy Newman and Margaret Dickenson went head to head in another game which finished 26 – 19 in Dickenson’s favour. In the final game, Grace Howard defeated with Andre Denkewitz 26-22.
Hoop runners took over the green on Wednesday morning with a short game of triples which ended in a close game with the scores 7-6. In this very even game, while all players played well there were no outstanding performances or exceptional shots. After the morning tea break, players took to the green for a first to 13 triples game which ended with the score 13 -10. The triples games are becoming popular, allowing everyone to play together with no to split groups. Golf croquet is a very social game, and is well suited to those looking for a fun time.
Two players took the opportunity to get in some practice on Saturday. One of the new recruits, Judy Lock is enjoying the game and says she can’t understand why more people don’t give it a go. If you would like to see firsthand what is involved in the game and enjoy some great company, call Elaine on 0401 630 272 or simply turn up at 9am Wednesday or 1pm Saturday.,
BIG TURNOUT AT MORGAN PARK
THERE was a big turnout last weekend for the National Historic Queensland Race meeting at Warwick’s Morgan Park Raceway last weekend, which was held in near perfect racing conditions.
A total of 193 cars raced over the weekend event, with the most popular car the Mini Cooper S followed closely by the ever popular Torana GTR’s.
Competition across the nine divisions was intense. Local driver Matt Campbell finished in second place in the HRCC trophy and won the Racing Group Q in his Porsche Carrera with a op lap time of 01:19.252. The Jack Lacey Trophy was won by Brisbane driver Simon Phillips driving a Torana GTR Xu1.
SUMMIT BOWLERS HEAD TO COAST
SUMMIT Club Bowlers represented the club at Evans Head last weekend. The group of tourists enjoyed the fast greens, salt filled air in the lungs and the treat of warm fine weather. Nine bowlers trekked to the Coast to join their Evans Heads brothers and apparently had a very enjoyable weekend but men – any trophies or results or are you keeping that information very close to the chest? What happens on tour stays on tour perhaps?
Social Bowls were played on Saturday at home base, and there are some results available for those games. Chris Stratford Rob Parker Keith Mungall and Eliseo Zamprogno defeated Andrew McGlashan Artie White, John Shannon and Ray Spiller 24-20 in an entertaining game of fours.
This Saturday the Summit club is holding the B grade Singles. Last year’s winner says his money is on Tyler Sweeney – no pressure.
The Draw for Section One is Brian Brown Tyler Sweeney and Brian Wilmot. Section Two Chris Stratford Trevor Morris and Paul Zamprogno. Section Three Attilio Zamprogno, Phil Davis and Kurt Empen.
A reminder that Friday is the deadline for nominations for the President’s Singles. Players are also asked to indicate their availability or otherwise for upcoming Pennants on 29/30 August.
WATTLES STAMP THEIR AUTHORITY
THE 2014 TRL premiers Wattles had a convincing win in the local derby against the Warwick Cowboys at Platz Oval last weekend.
The win elevates Wattles to joint leaders on the TRL table with Gatton Hawks and Highfields as the run to the finals heats up.
It was a game where Wattles toughed out a gutsy five tries to three win. Wattles may pay a hefty price for the win with injuries to key players. The win was full of character with the home side finishing the game with just their 13 players on the field and no bench.
The Cowboys drew first blood in the local derby, but after two tries to Wattles in the first half fullback Corey Blades scored in the second half to take the score to 22-6. Justin Croft put the Cowboys back in the contest with a try in the second half as the Cowboys continued their fight back with a try to Braydon Wilson. Tries to Corey Blades, Joel Koina, Brodie Ciesiolka, Aaron Scheid, Nick Morris set up Wattles 26-18.
In the Reserve Grade Game, Wattles shocked the top-of-the- table Cowboys, posting a 38-20 win. In the Under 18 game, the Cowboys posted a pleasing 54-12 win. Millmerran C Grade side continued their domination of the Clive Berghoffer competition with an 82-10 win over the cowboys.
The Cowboys have dropped to seventh place on the ladder but only a point away from the fifth-placed side Valleys. The task does not get any easier for the Cowboys who this round host the Gatton hawks on Saturday night at Fr Ranger Oval. Despite their injury challenges Wattles will start favourites this weekend when they meet Souths Tigers at Clive Berghoffer Stadium.
WIN FOR ZIKAN
PHIL Zikan had a good win at Sporters last Sunday edging out runner-up Paul Byrnes. Hannah Reeves followed up her impressive effort in Saturday’s competition to finish with the Best Gross and she also claimed the Pro Pin.
Run-downs went to Dick Hilton and Ray Thorn and Terry Brynes picked up the Pin Shot on the third. Meat tray winners were Mick Speer and Angelo Maugeri.
Tee off this Sunday is at the normal time but a heads up to Sporters players – there will be no Sporters competition on Sunday 26 July due to the Landmark Golf Day.
ALLMAN PARK GOES JUMPERS AND JAZZ
THE Warwick Turf club committee is preparing for a big Jumpers and Jazz meeting on 25 July. The five race card will be one of the final events on the Jumpers and Jazz Calendar.
Strong fields are expected for the program. Sponsors include Raheen Stud, who is enjoying a purple patch of success with their progeny Carey Brother’s Butchery and Bubbles Barbierato Photography. Bar and bookmakers will be operating and there will be a live music following the meeting from 4.30-6pm.
GREMLINS ADD TO WINNING TALLY
THE Stanthorpe Gremlins added another win to their impressive winning tally this season with a 44-10 win over the Cutters last weekend. Killarney has been under the pump all season struggling with numbers each week and that has cost them the consistency we saw in the past two seasons. On Saturday, they fielded a 17-man squad and despite some strong performances led by captain coach John Trindall, they were unable to match with the competition front runners.
While the Gremlins win looked impressive on paper, their coach Damian Petrie is looking for more from his players who, he says, switched off at times during the game. He was however full of praise for one of the new generation of young Gremlins who has come through the junior ranks, Connor Hartley Simpson. The youngster made the move from hooker to second row and looks to have found his ideal position.
In the Ladies League Tag, the Gremlinettes also posted a win over their Killarney rivals.
This weekend, the Gremlins have another home game when they host Wallangarra. It will be the first time the two sides have met since the game in Wallangarra which was called off by the referee. The Rams have plenty at stake this weekend and it is sure to be a spirited clash.
TIGERS SLIP BACK INTO WINNING FORM
AFTER a couple of disappointing results, the Tigers regrouped last weekend for a tough 30-26 win over the Wallangarra Rams. In front of a record home crowd, the Rams failed to overhaul the Tigers in an entertaining game.
The Tenterfield Tigers are clinging to second spot on the BRL ladder in what has been a tough season for the club.
After battling injury problems and down on player numbers, it was a welcome return to form for the Tigers.
The Rams are proving to be tough opponents for any club this season, and a club official said earlier this week they were hopeful of hosting a home semi final. At this time of the season, all clubs and players are struggling with some injuries, and last weekend Wallangarra were without several key players but are hoping to field a more complete side this weekend when they take on the Gremlins.
The Tigerettes continued on their winning way, adding another win to their record and are short priced favourites to win back-to-back premierships.
This weekend, Tenterfield travel to Killarney in what will be a crucial match for the Cutters.
