By CASEY O’CONNOR
WHAT a week it has been. The extreme weather conditions were worth it when Stanthorpians woke or were woken in the early hours of Friday morning to a magical blanket of snow. Snow it seems puts a smile on faces.
Something else that puts a smile on faces is Aussie success – and there was that in spades over the past week.
I doubt I have ever seen anything as inspirational as the win of Lleyton Hewitt and Sam Groth in the Davis Cup tie in Darwin. I guess we all hope that someone takes a couple of spoilt “we deserve it all brats” to a quiet place and shows them how you should represent yourself and your country when you are playing not just tennis but any sport. Aussie fans love larrikins but they grow intolerant of knobs quickly.
What we will never grow intolerant of is watching Steve Smith pummel the Poms. He has the face of a cherub and the iron will of a prizefighter, and while the Pommies were determined to undermine his confidence and get under his skin he merely smashed them from one end of Lords to the other – helped along the way by an outstanding Australian batting line-up.
Mitch Johnson of course is a name that sends quivers down the backbone of the Pommie team and there will be some no doubt suffering permanent scarring at the crease as a result of the performance of Johnson’s and his cohorts in one of the most outstanding victories I can recall in Australian cricket.
The Broncos and Cowboys continue on the carousel of success in the NRL picking up from where the Queenslanders left off. And what of the formerly much maligned Wallabies. How good was their win.
For those lucky enough to be at Suncorp on Friday night to see Liverpool play the Roar the emotion of “You’ll never walk alone will probably stay with you for life”. The Stanthorpe United crew were there to soak up the atmosphere and watch a super team and a team of superstars. Front and centre was Warwick junior soccer player Hayden Gaske who partnered with Liverpool player number 27 Divock Origin for the official introductions and anthem. A memory he will treasure forever.
But the highlight of the week must be Mick Fanning’s amazing brush with a great white. Wow. Now that is a memory he will find hard to erase, as will the rest of us. We will all look at surfers differently after that incident, I am sure.
Quote of the week goes to the wit who came up with the line that “I expected Paul Gallen to pop up beside Fanning and the shark to complain to the referee.”
– Casey
GASKE ANOTHER AUSSIE TO WATCH
Australian golfers have always been a force to be reckoned with on the world stage and at the moment there are an increasing number making their mark in major competitions. While we have all become familiar with the exploits of Jason Day and Adam Scott another player shot to prominence in the final round of the British Open – Marc Leishaman.
Hoping to emulate the success of these players is a young Queenslander Ryan Gaske who recently took the opportunity to spend time with family in Stanthorpe while on summer break from college in the USA.
Gaske is making quite a name for himself on the US college scene – it is a pathway he hopes will lead him to a successful career as a professional golfer.
Gaske played the Stanthorpe course two weeks ago and was impressed with not only on the course but also in two of Stanthorpe’s junior golfers. Gaske spent time with Dylan Barrclough and Hannah Reeves, giving them some tips on how they could proceed if they are hoping to make a career of golf.
The Brisbane born 20 year old – who has been a keen golfer since picking up the clubs at the age of eight – had four top-five finishes in six college tournaments this year and won the Mesa Invitational with rounds of 65 and 69 (eight under par).
Since returning home to Australia, Gaske’s clubs have not been idle. He played in the Wayne Grady Cup at Virginia making eight birdies for the day and took the runner-up honours with 71-68-139.
“I have been able to reduce my handicap from +1 to +4 since returning home,” he said.
Figures beyond the wildest imagination of we mere hackers.
Two years ago Gaske secured a scholarship to Eastern Arizona College and says he has enjoyed the experience of playing for EAC. The young Queenslander has put together an impressive golfing resume.
This year he successfully defended his Arizona Regional Title, was voted Golfer of the Year for the Arizona State Conference and was named Male Athlete of the Year at Eastern Arizona College.
He was the first EAC golfer to be selected First Team All-American and finished the season ranked third in the nation, first in Region 1 of the NJCAA. He has also been invited to play in the 2015 Patriot All America Tournament in December.
Gaske says one his biggest thrills since moving to America was playing Colonial Crowne Invitational with Rod Pampling after the Aussie missed the cut in the main tournament.
After graduating with high honours from EAC he plans to continue his golf and academic career at Gonzaga in Washington.
It was one university that wasn’t on this Brisbane boy’s radar.
“It’s so far north and I don’t like the cold but they saw me play at nationals last year, the coach got in contact, and so I said yes. It was pretty cool,” Gaske said.
He will study a major in sports management with a minor in journalism, but his heart is on the green.
“I want to become a professional, but if I have to fall back on something, I’ll fall back on that and probably enjoy it,” Gaske said.
For now, he’s taking it one day at a time but urged our Stanthorpe youngsters to follow their dreams.
SNOW – NO FOOTBALL BUT YES LEAGUE
The white powdery stuff was magical but it caused problems for some sports events in Stanthorpe last weekend. While the Rugby League games were unaffected, Football Stanthorpe was not as fortunate. Amid concerns for player safety, fixture matches and a junior carnival were cancelled after the fields were drenched once the heavy snowfall melted.
On the Rugby League scene, the Stanthorpe Gremlins were scheduled to play in Killarney and the game was unaffected by the snow conditions.
Stanthorpe had another decisive win over the Cutters, who are struggling to put a team on the paddock and began the game with only one player on the bench.
Injuries to several key players during the game saw the Cutters reduced to 11 players as Stanthorpe scored another easy 58-12 win.
In the Ladies League Tag, the Killarney girls put it to the visitors and the score was eight-all at half time before the experience of the Stanthorpe girls proved a winner. The final score in that game 18-8.
Tenterfield and Wallangarra went head to head in Tenterfield in spite of the unusual weather events earlier in the week. The Tigers notched up another win and look to be the team gaining momentum as the regular fixtures draw to a close. With a more consistent line-up and several players back from injury, the Tigers are closer to a home semi-final.
The Tigers stepped out in stripes of another colour last weekend wearing special blue jerseys in an awareness and fund-raising day for beyondblue. Over $2500 was raised for the charity after jerseys were auctioned following the game.
The Tenterfield Ladies continued on their winning way with a comprehensive 24-0 victory over the Ramettes. The Tenterfield girls remain undefeated in their two seasons of Ladies League Tag and are one of the highlights of the BRL competition.
A reserve grade nine-a-side game resulted in another win for Tenterfield (50-18) making it a clean sweep for the Tigers.
SNOW COVERED OVALS IN STANTHORPE
TOUGH WIN FOR BROWN
Three Summit representatives played in the hotly contested Presidents SDMDBA Singles at the Southern Cross Club in Warwick. All played well but only four players progressed to the knockout round at Clifton on Sunday. In the first game on Sunday, Stanthorpe bowler Brian Brown defeated David Scotney by only a few shots. In the other rubber, Dan Sullivan progressed to the final after defeating Trevor Wright in another tight game.
The final was a tough game but it was Stanthorpe bowler Brian Brown who got the upper hand defeating Dan Sullivan 25-23 to win the title. The standard of bowls throughout the whole competition was of a high level.
Much of the talk on Saturday at the social game at the Summit centred around the fall of the white stuff. This weekend the focus is sure to be on the actual bowls. Saturday there will be the normal social competition, while Sunday is a $300 trophy day. Please confirm your intention to play with the club.
WATTLES WIN TOUGH GAME
Wattles hold on to their share of the top of the TRL table after a nailbiting win over Valleys at Platz Oval on Saturday.
Valleys came from 36-14 down to almost snatch the game from the home side in a late charge,
Corey Blades had an outstanding game for the Warriors looking dangerous with every touch. Michael Purcell showed his class scoring two tries the first of which highlighted his speed and agility.
In other grades Wattles were successful in reserve grade 28-22 but were defeated 82-10 in under-18s. In the C Grade game Millmerran Rams continue to dominate, winning 60-nil.
PERFECT CONDTIONS BUT STILL PATCHES OF SNOW
It was a truly unique experience for Stanthorpe golfers who played the course on Saturday with patches of ice still laying on the fairways from the snowfall the previous day. In the perfect conditions on Saturday things could not have been better for a round of golf.
David Burgess revelled in the conditions and was the run-away winner in the single stableford. He completed the round with a total score of 43 points – out in 21 and back in 22. Rob Reeves was his nearest rival. He finished six points back on 37 to claim the runner-up spot.
Mark McCosker had best tee shot at 3/12 and Chris Fittock at 17 to claim the balls on offer for pin shots. Robert Rigg (Toowoomba GC) picked up the pro-pin at 1/10, Ian Harvey at 5/14 and Mark McCosker again at 9/18. Rundown for the men went to Max Hunter (36), Stephen Kay (36) and Ian Pickering (36). It was great to see Cameron Turner on the fairways for a round of golf – he still hits the ball a mile.
Kay Webb took out the ladies’ event with a score of 39 points. She finished well ahead of runner-up Linda Kelly (31). Kelly also had best approach for the ladies at 17. Madeline Jarman took a ball in the ladies’ rundown.
This Saturday, club president Stephen Kay is sponsoring a medley 4BBB stableford. It is a shotgun start at 11.45am with registration by 11.30am. Aaron Simmers and Bob Watts are in the starter’s box. Have you volunteered to take a turn in the starter’s box yet?
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CAMP FOR JUNIOR PLAYERS
The QRL and NRL will be holding a Junior Rugby League Mod Camp at Gatton in September.
The camp which will be held at the USQ Campus in Gatton will run from September 28-30 and is designed for juniors from 10-12 years of age.
Bookings for the camp – which will be attending by Brisbane Broncos Development staff and NRL development staff – are now open and numbers are strictly limited. The cost of the camp is $290 and includes accommodation for two nights, all meals, two camp T-shirts, backpack, trucker cap, water bottle, football, pump and a kicking tee.
If you would like further information contact NRL development officer Jim Stevens on 0402 892 835 or email. To register simply logon at www.playnrl.com
IDEAL CONDITIONS FOR BACK-WOODMANSHIP
Conditions were cool and sunny on Sunday just right for a bit of backwoodsmanship with the monthly hunting competition on at the Inglewood SSAA.
Bear, wolf, elk and turkey were but part of the menu for the backwoods peoples day of fun.
The winner this month, Stephanie Dudgeon, showed her turkey gobbling expertise to clinch the title from second placed Ray Dudgeon. Phil Neal finished in third spot ahead of Scruffy Morgan who took out fourth spot.
This weekend there is a full program of pistol competitions on Saturday afternoon and Sunday.
A rotisseried pig is on the menu for a free lunch to be enjoyed as the club conducts the annual general meeting on Sunday.
In the middle of some rather extreme weather conditions, players had a great day on Wednesday pre-snow for Hoop Runners Golf Croquet.
In the first game of the day – first to 13 triples the final score was 13-7. Bill Golding top scored on the winning team with six hoops. Elaine Brown bagged a hoop in one.
A short first-to-seven game followed. The result was another close score of 7-5.
Association Croquet/Gateball was a no go zone on Friday and one look at the pictures of the green on Friday morning explains a lot. The gateballers wisely decided to play on Thursday morning. The red team successful in two games, one tied and lost one to the whites. Players are looking forward to playing in a tournament toward the end of August in Ipswich. New players are always welcome. Please contact Margaret on 4681 0475 for further information.
SPORTERS WIN FOR BYRNES
A win for Paul Byrnes on a very cold windy Sunday. Runner-up was Jim McPherson. The run-downs went to Dick Hilton and Ray Thorn. Hannah Reeves had the best gross. Pin shot on the 12th went to No Won, Kim and Dave Williams took the 17th. Hannah also took the pro pin. Lucky meat tray winners were Mark Lynam and Terry Byrnes.
Don’t forget Sunday there is no sporters due to the Landmark Day – back again the following weekend as usual.
LAST CHANCE FOR QLD CRICKET CLUBS TO PITCH FOR FUNDING
CommBank Cricket Club is helping local clubs score extra funds with a two-year sponsorship worth $2000 each year – and Queensland cricket clubs have just a few weeks left to apply for a CommBank Cricket Club sponsorship as applications draw to a close.
This is the first time clubs have been able apply for a two-year sponsorship deal from CommBank,
In addition to financial support, clubs will also receive new cricket gear, such as training balls and stumps, and other equipment, such as shade marquees and ground markers, to use on game days.
Ellyse Perry, Australian Test cricketer and CommBank Cricket Club ambassador, believes local cricket clubs are essential in supporting and nurturing players at all levels of the game.
“I owe so much to the support and guidance I received from my local cricket club when I was first starting out but we often forget that grassroots clubs need our help in return. This sponsorship program from the CommBank Cricket Club will make a big difference to clubs in need, so they can continue the great work they do within their local communities,” she said.
The new two-year sponsorship initiative is part of CommBank’s long-term commitment to supporting cricket at all levels – from the national men’s and women’s teams, to the grassroots clubs, to the fans of the game. CommBank has invested over $1.5 million in local cricket clubs over the past four years, and has reached a third of all clubs across Australia with their support and grant packages.
Applications are open to local cricket clubs across Australia until Sunday 9 August. To apply for a CommBank Cricket Club Sponsorship, please visit www.commbank.com.au/cricket
