By CASEY O’CONNOR
RUGBY league and some rugby league players seem intent on doing the game harm. At a time when we should be focused on the machinations of the top eight in the NRL – who is in – who is out and who might win the Minor premiership we are hit with yet another drama of players own doing -the appalling behaviour of the Fifita brothers at a junior league game last weekend. The pair have been handed a 12-month ban by Penrith Junior Rugby League. They have been stood down by Cronulla and face an NRL inquiry into the matter.
One has to wonder at what point players and supporters will get the message that it is not okay to abuse referees at any level.
This was by all accounts an ugly incident, and I suspect that no amount of argument by heavy weight legal eagles will prevent the proverbial book being thrown at the pair.
Hopefully, this incident will be the catalyst, the line in the sand where the NRL and officials back the referees and say enough is enough.
NRL is a great product and those involved in running the game can beat their chests and marvel at the success of State of Origin and the NRL but without referees at grassroots and above, there will be no game no matter how many $$$ the television and media rights bring in.
The game is losing referees at all levels, and in particular young referees, at an alarming rate. You cannot blame anyone for walking away given the abuse they cop for either being a volunteer or simply doing their job. No referee or volunteer at any game should require a police escort to leave a football ground. Unfortunately, it is a situation that is becoming all too familiar.
You only need to look at the refereeing situation in our own backyard to know the difficulty in finding people willing to do the job. It is hard enough to find someone week in week out to run a line locally.
The problem however is not unique to Australia a recent report revealed that a NZ provincial rugby league competition has been pushed to the brink of extinction partly because of sideline and onfield abuse.
The only two referees in Gisborne are quitting at the end of the season, leaving Gisborne Tairawhiti Rugby League with the prospect of having no referees for next year.
It has left the game in the area at a crossroads. Two decades of rebuilding the sport in the area could now count for zip. In a sad indictment of rugby league and their supporters, five games have been called off in the region this year – three were for fighting/alleged referee assault/brawl. Oh did I mention there was also a problem with isolated, violent incidents.
There is a need to address sideline and on-field behaviour at all levels including and most importantly at junior level where players learn the basics and the rights and wrongs of the game.
Playing junior sport should be a rite of passage for kids everywhere. It should be a positive experience.
Time for the NRL to stand up and be counted and show plenty of support for the men in the middle with the whistle. Without them there is no game.
– Casey
MOTOR RACING ROYALTY HEADING TO LEYBURN
SOME of Australia’s best known motor racing identities of past decades will be in the spotlight when the Historic Leyburn Sprints host the inaugural Legends Dinner during the 20th anniversary event in August.
Some of the familiar faces of motor racing including Ron Tauranac, Bo Seton, Bruce Allison, Paul Stokell, John French, Bob Holden, Jim Bertram, Brian Michelmore and John English will attend the dinner on Saturday 15 August at where else other than the historic Leyburn Royal Hotel. It is fitting that the function is to be held at the historic venue which has a licence that dates back as far as 1863.
Bo Seton, now aged 78, won the 1965 Bathurst Armstrong 500 and will be making his first appearance at Leyburn, the round-the-houses time trials that commemorate the running of the 1949 Australian Grand Prix on a wartime airfield just outside the Darling Downs village.
Adding to the attractions, Seton’s favourite Bathurst Ford Capri will be part of the weekend’s celebrations.
“Captain Capri”, as he’s known, hopes to bring the car that he and his son Glenn shared in the 1983 Bathurst 1000. Bo hasn’t driven the Capri for several years, but says it’s the only one he has kept from the many he built and raced, because of its sentimental value.
This year Leyburn organisers are expecting entries from up to 225 classic, historic and performance cars on the track. The names of more special guests for the Legends Dinner are expected to be announced soon.
“Our Legends’ achievements will be already well known to the community of competitors and friends that has grown over 20 years of the Historic Leyburn,” Sprints Committee President Ann Collins said.
“Leyburn is proud to have an association that goes back to the earliest days of Sir Jack Brabham’s career. Although Sir Jack didn’t contest the Grand Prix he did race in a later event on the old airfield circuit and with his passing last year, it is very fitting to celebrate the cars and achievements of this great Australian.“
The inaugural Legends Dinner will provide welcome entertainment for the many competitors and supporters who camp every year and add to the Sprints’ special country atmosphere.
Tickets for the dinner are $85 and can be booked through the website:-www.historicleyburnsprints.com.au.
While on-track competition takes centre stage, off-track attractions will feature Shannon’s Show ‘n’ Shine and Vintage Caravans displays, both offering prizes for winners in several classes.
WATTS SMITH COMBO TOO GOOD
BRETT Watts (Borneo Barracks GC) and Wes Smith (both better known for their football feats than golfing) teamed up to win the end of month medley 4BBB Stableford in Stanthorpe with a score of 48 points for their round. Brett played an anchor role in the round allowing Wes coming to the fore at the end to keep the scoring in tact. The 23 points on the outward nine was bettered with 25 points on the homeward journey. One point back, with 47, was the team of Mark McCosker and club president and sponsor Stephen Kay) who took out the runner up prize.
Pin shots went to Dylan Barraclough at 3/12 and to Stephen Kay at 17. Matt Waterworth had his hands full after collecting the balls for pro-pins at 1/10 and 9/18 as well as the birdies nest at 11. Mick O’Brien claimed the final pro-pin at 5/14. No ladies to take the pin at 3/12 but Hannah Reeves had best approach for the ladies at 17.
In the run down a ball each to Aaron Simmers and Bob Watts (46), Dylan Barraclough and Hannah Reeves (44) and Bruce Frizzell (Toogoolawah) and Jamie Purcell (Wallangarra).
One match play was completed on the weekend with Rob Reeves outlasting Darryl Boekholt to progress to the next round. A reminder to all players that round two Matchplay must be completed by 15 August.
This Saturday is the August Monthly Medal and putting competition sponsored by local business, Gino’s Floor Covering. Tee off from 11am and in the starter’s box are Trevor Ludlow and Ian Harvey. The club is still looking for more volunteers for the starter’s box. If you are unsure what this involves why not offer to assist on any Saturday.
Pistol comp success
DOWN on the Inglewood range the two-day weekend pistol competition was another success with 23 entries in the Rimfire competition.
Tim Devine was successful in the Rimfire competition defeating Peter Russell and Stephanie Dudgeon.
Stephanie Dudgeon exacted some revenge to win the Centrefire from Tom Donald and Dan McCosker.
The Inglewood Sporting Shooters held their AGM last Sunday. Paul Drier was elected president and the remainder of the executive is Scott Johns (vice-president); Doug Redmond (secretary); Stephanie Dudgeon (treasurer); Tom Donald (publicity officer). Congratulations to those members.
The monthly meetings will be held on the fourth Sunday each month at 11.30 am.
This Sunday, the club has scheduled a pistol and clay shoot.
WATTLES ON TOP
WATTLES moved to outright leaders of the TRL competition with their win over Dalby last Saturday but not before giving their supporters some anxious moments. The win came after the defending premiers took their foot off the gas at the back end of the game, allowing the Diehards to get within reach. . As the clock wound down to single figures, the premiers looked to have an unassailable 34-16 lead, but Dalby kicked into gear and mounted a late challenge scoring two late tries. In the end, it was a 36 -30 win to Wattles.In other games, Dalby were successful in Under 18s (72-8) and Reserve Grade (32-18). The Millmerran Rams continued on their winning way in the second division competition with another big win 62-4 over Dalby.
Although the A Grade win takes Wattles to the outright lead in the march to the finals, there is still little between the top three sides.
With only five of fixtures remaining, Wattles host Oakey this weekend in a game they would expect to win.
Arch Rivals the Gatton Hawks also have a home game in round 19. They play Dalby on Sunday.
Highfields who now sit in second spot will play Brothers at Glenholme Park on Saturday.
A REFUGE FROM TREES AND TRUMPETS
THERE have been plenty of visitors in town over the last 10 days for the ever-growing Jumpers and Jazz Festival. There have been husbands and partners sneaking away from tree viewing and trumpets to take in some solace on the golf course and they brought with them some very positive comments on the condition and playability of Warwick golf course.
Friday’s Red Rooster Rumble nine hole competition attracted 27 players with a few shooting under their handicaps. One in particular was so hungry for a win he had to shoot one under off the stick to take the pro shop trophy. Congratulations to Geoff Hinze on a great round. It included a three; a five on the par five second hole, (yes that’s five stableford points). Hinze carded 23 points ahead of runner-up Bob Lester with 22 on a countback from Neville Heard. Also figuring in the run down were Dale Derrick 21, and Shaun Morrison 21. Sponsors Red Roosters provided hot chicken vouchers for nearest to the pin shots and these were won by Shaun Morrison (5), Pieter Kantors (Tewantin) (7) and James Olsen (9).
A total of 49 players lined-up in last Saturday’s single stableford event sponsored by B&K Motors – three finished with 40 points. Anthony Austin (one of the club’s new members) won on a countback from Peter Millard (runner-up) and Ben Hollis (just a run down ball for 64 off the stick to this plus one marker).
Balls also went to Jesse Harris (39), Brendon Jones (38), Peter Boney and Lennie Williams (37) and Phil Economidis (36). Nearest to the pins were Keith Farrell (5 and 9); Rupert Smith (7), Mark Thomas (11), Greg Sellick (13), and Jesse Harris (16).
The August Monthly Medal will be played this weekend and Warwick Real Estate is the event sponsor.
The annual Holden Scramble held at the Warwick Golf Club is not far off – Sunday 23 August. There is still time to get your magnificent four together and participate in this national four ball Ambrose event. It could be your team that progress to the regional and national finals. Cost is $36pp and each team must have at least two members from Warwick Golf Club.
All the time sheets for these and other club events are in the pro shop (tel 4661 3664 – seven days).
H AND H WINNERS
IT was a win for the H and H’s at Wallangarra last weekend. Steven Hampstead and Michael Hurtz combined nicely to clinch the narrowest of wins over Kevin and Scott Williams in the ‘Garra’s Two Ball Ambrose on Saturday. Tony Murphy and Andrew Thompson played well for third place.
Hurtz grabbed a pin shot on three and Thompson landed one close to take the ninth.
This Saturday, it’ll is 1 August, so it is the Monthly Medal and Putting competition. Note that on Sunday 23 August, the club will be hosting a two ball Ambrose sponsored by Golf World. This is an early reminder for everyone to clear the in your diaries. More information will be available closer to the event.
GOOD RESULTS FOR COWBOYS
IT was a winning weekend for the Warwick Cowboys with wins over Souths in all three grades.
The A grade team capped off a great day for the Warwick visitors with a 44-30 win. The win moves the Cowboys to just one win out of the top five. Captain coach Matt Gainey scored two tries but was most impressed with the performance of two of the Under 18 players who stepped up to play their first A grade game. Both Harry Sullivan and Sean Perrin debuted for the A grade side who have been hit with a long injury list.
In Reserve Grade, the Cowboys had a 44-8 win and the Under 18s dominated their opposition keeping them scoreless. Final scores in this game 44-0.
This weekend, the Cowboys host Valleys at Fr Ranger Oval with the main game set to kick off at 6.10pm. With just five rounds left to play, the Cowboys will be pushing for another A grade win in a bid to forced their way into the top five.
STILL SOME BEANIES AND SCARVES
AT Association Croquet this week, Joy Newman and Andrea Denkewitz teamed up to play Heather Widderick and Pat Schnoor. Widderick and Schnoor won the game 26 – 18. Pat Schnoor scored breaks of two and six. Margaret Dickenson and Effey Russel played Grace Howard and Val Richardson in what was a very entertaining game. The result was a tough hard fought draw with both teams finishing locked at 15-all.
Conditions were a little better for Hoop runners this week – no snow at least (or unfortunately) but still enough of a chill for there to be plenty of scarves and beanies about and two groups braved the conditions to play doubles.
In the first group, Liz Ellway was in great form, top scoring with eight hoops and a great ricochet. Bill Golding was again on the mark with his trade mark jump shot. The final score a close 13-12. In the second team, Shirley Page top scored with seven hoops. Elaine Brown nailed a hole in one among the six hoops she scored. The score at the end of the game 13 – 10.
After the break, teams swapped and played another game. In the first team Judy Lock top scored with seven hoops. In the second team, Bill Golding once again featured, top scoring with six hoops including another of those trade mark jump shots.
Anyone wishing to come and try is invited to come along to the Saturday games. It is an ideal time for new players to get one on one instruction and get to know a little about the sport. If you are interested, contact Elaine on 0401 630 272.
SPORTERS BACK
LANDMARK held their annual Golf Day last Sunday, and for those Sporters players who were not involved – a sleep in was the order of the day. Sporters are back in action this weekend with tee off at the normal time 8am-8.30am.
BORDER RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYERS on TI
BRL players Jason Wilmot and John Trindall joined team mates from across Outback Queensland last week to play in the Queensland Country match against the Remote Northern Islands team on Thursday Island. Wilmot and Trindall were selected in the side following the success of South West Country in the Outback Muster held in Mt Isa recently.
In a tight game, the Queensland Outback side notched up back-to-back wins in the competition 32-30. The 2014 team was also successful. In a fine performance, Wilmot kicked five from five attempts. Reports from the coach of the side are that both Wilmot and Trindall did the BRL proud. Wilmot also set up a couple of tries while Trindall was very strong coming off the bench.
The highlight for both players was as much the entire experience as pulling on a Queensland jersey. For Trindall, the opportunity to visit TI communities and be involved in coaching clinics with young Indigenous kids is something, he says, he will never forget. Premierships aside, Trindall says this has been the highlight of his football career. The pair this weekend return to their club games.
CHAMPION TAKES TITLE NO 10
CHAMPION hoop Damian Oliver notched up Victorian Metropolitan Jockey’s premiership no10 this week. Oliver who is 43 came from behind suspended Dwayne Dunne to claim the milestone. The popular hoop whose career has been filled with highs and lows remains one of the most consistent riders in the country and despite some hiccups over the past 25 years, he is one of the most respected at his craft.
The win puts him just one premiership shy of the record held jointly by two former giants of the saddle, Roy Higgins and Billy Duncan. With premiership no10 in the bag, Olley’s thoughts now turn to the spring carnival where he has already secured some top rides. Between now and then, he will have a short break recharge and begin his assault on premiership no 11 and says it would be a “huge honour” to win another premiership and join Higgins and Duncan on 11 titles. Few would bet against him doing that before he hangs up his boots.
GREMLINS ROUND UP TIGERS
THE Stanthorpe Gremlins have what looks to be an unbeatable grasp on the BRL minor premiership and are un-backable favourites to take out the premiership in 2015. Last weekend, they were dominant in their win over the second-placed Tenterfield Tigers, winning 34-14.
It was an impressive win by the home side that was without Jason Wilmot who was on representative duty with the Queensland Country side.
The Gremlins now have an eight-point buffer ahead of the Tigers. The remaining scheduled BRL game between Killarney and Wallangarra was cancelled when the Cutters forfeited. The Cutters last season’s premiers have had problems with player numbers all season and have been struggling to keep a side on the field in recent weeks. Captain coach John Trindall was another on representative duty which further reduced the number of available players. There are genuine concerns for the future of the BRL despite the fact that a couple of teams are flourishing.
The Tenterfield girls continued their undefeated march to the ladies league tag finals with a good win over the Gremlinettes.
