NEWS this week that the NRL could receive up to $1.7 billion in a record broadcast deal with Fox Sports can be seen as a coup for the game’s administrators and a win for the fans. If the deal goes ahead, every game in every round will be available live on TV for the first time.
The proposed deal for the broadcast rights from 2018-2022 would result in major changes to match scheduling. Thursday night football in – Monday night – out. One Friday night game and three on Saturdays and Sundays.
All eight games live on Fox Sports and three games live on free to air TV. State of Origin in the proposed deal will remain on free-to-air – I imagine there would have been lynchings had that been changed, despite it being the most valuable of all rugby league commodities.
What does all of that mean? Well, at the big end of town there would be lots more $$$ in the kitty to lift the salary cap substantially. Clubs would be able to access grants in the millions to help them retain the game’s elite.
All this is wonderful news – however, if you are an administrator trying to keep a country competition afloat or attract junior players to the game, it means diddly squat. The NRL must heed calls to refocus on grassroots football. Country NSW football is leaking teams and competitions like the proverbial bucket with a hole in it. Junior numbers across the board are in decline. The situation is no different in Queensland. Once vibrant solid and tough amateur and semi amateur competitions throughout the state are struggling. Yes, there those who are doing much better than others, but if the boys in suits do not take a look over their shoulder, they will find that the bickie barrel from which they draw their elite players is looking pretty empty.
– Casey
COUNTRY WEEK IS COMING
Weekend 15 /16 August is QRL Country Week, and Stanthorpe has been selected as one of the centres to host an Intrust Super Cup game. On Sunday 16 August, league fans from across the district should throw their support behind the initiative and get along to Sullivan Oval to see the Sunshine Coast Falcons play the Burleigh Bears. The game is one of seven that will be played in country centres from Port Moresby to Charters Towers Dalby Blackall to Stanthorpe. Sullivan Oval will be presented by the Gremlins at its very best for the game which will be televised on Channel 9/NBN/Win from 1.30pm.
YOUNG GOLFERS SHINE
STANTHORPE’S impressive junior golfers swept the board last weekend with wins in the men’s and ladies’ monthly medal stroke events sponsored by Gino’s Floor Coverings.
Jaidyn Milne took the honours in the men’s medal with a nett 66 to record his maiden win on the course. Jaidyn also held the pro-pin at 1/10. Dylan Barraclough returned 72 to par the round. He also returned the best gross and the pin at 3/12 and pro-pin at 5/14.
In the ladies event – it was all Hannah Reeves – the best nett of 72, best gross of 77, pin shot at 3/12, best approach at 17 and fewest putts with 31 for the round.
Greg Yap flew the flag for the seniors, runner-up with nett 67. Tric Fittock did the same in the ladies’ event with nett 74. Nick Milne returned least putts of 27 for the round and Mick O’Brien collected the pro-pin at 9/18.
In the run down a ball each to Nick Milne (68), Fred Wharton (68), David Burgess (70) and Kev Rowling (70) and Linda Kelly collected a ball for the ladies’ run down.
In match play, Trevor Ludlow, Kev Rowling, Len Leigh and Richard Reardon all advance to the next round after wins in their respective games.
This Saturday the competition is single stableford sponsored by Madeline Jarman. Tee off is from 11am and the time sheet is on the board.
In the starter’s box, this Saturday is Richard Reardon.
A reminder that a working bee has been arranged for this Sunday (9 August) commencing at noon. If members could spare an hour or so of their time to assist with preparations for more painting, it would be appreciated.
GOLFERS COME OUT TO PLAY
THE unseasonal conditions of the past few weeks (peppered with snowflakes one week, heavy frosts the next and finally summer for a day or two have brought out the inner golfer in many.
The scores were not high, but the participation was impressive in last week’s Red Rooster Rumble John Devitt sporting his new Mizuno clubs carved it up to score 21 points on the back nine to win the day. Runner-up was Carol Brandon with 20 points. Run down balls went to Laurie King, Dale Derrick and Gerry Morrissey- all with scores of 19. Pins went to John Brandon (11); Leon Sticklen (13) and no-one hit 16.
The Warwick Real Estate sponsored monthly medal scored high played on Saturday and also scored highly on participation with 67 punters teeing off.
Division One went the way of Charlie Morrison returning nett 68. Hot on his heels was Geoff Hinze with 69 to claim the runner-up spot. Division Two was won by Chris Hall with a score of 68 nett. John Francis (69) was the runner-up. Seventy-six off the stick was good enough for Tim Sutton to win Best gross. Josh Hynes was the Best junior returning 94.
Run down balls went to Ben Hollis (70), Shaun Campbell, Brett Donovan, Phil Economidis, Neil Glen, Gordon Kerr and Bill McKillop (71), Chris Hynes, Eddie Kemp and Rodney Macdonald (72). Pins went to Shaun Campbell (5), Shane McKenzie (7 and 13), Pete Boney (11) and Gordon McKeen (16). Nine was a skinner.
August is a big month of golf at Warwick Golf Club. This Saturday is Captain’s Day -a single stableford event. The Canning Downs Open is on Saturday 15 August and Sunday 16 August. Saturday is an 18-hole stroke event and Sunday a 27-hole stroke event with trophies for men and women. A great weekend of golf, and is sure to attract the interest of players from across the region.
Looking further down the track Sunday 23 August is the Holden Scramble – a Four Ball Ambrose. First prize is four Odyssey white ice putters. Definitely worth putting your best team of four together. If you need an extra player or some suggestions for strategy, contact the pro shop and they will be happy to give you some inside information.
Each team must have at least two members from Warwick Golf Club. Timesheets for all these events are in the Pro Shop (call 4661 3664) or call in.
giving back
How refreshing to hear that Canberra Raiders player Bake Austen is still involved in junior rugby league. Brothers Jake and Tom Trbojevic, who are setting the Manly Sea Eagles alight in NRL and Under 20s, still remain involved in their junior club. These are the things that encourage kids to be involved in the game, and the NRL hierarchy and clubs should place more emphasis on this with their elite players. In fairness to players, there is a tyranny of distance involved when you are talking about country centres, but ask any person involved in the game and they will tell you how difficult it is to get any current player on the ground to inspire the coming generations of players without there being talk of appearance fees etc etc. Current players should be encouraged to align with junior clubs and give freely of their time. Give back to a game that offers them so much. All too often we see players move on and loose touch with their junior roots. Well done to these three players, there should be more of this.
COME AND HAVE A GO
ALL disciplines of Mallet sport are played at the Stanthorpe Croquet greens located adjacent to the Bowls and Golf Club on Amosfield Road. Association croquet is played on Tuesday morning, golf croquet Wednesday morning and potentially Saturday afternoon, and gateball is played on Friday. Anyone who is interested in trying out is welcome to call down to the court on any of these days to “have a go”. If you are interested, contact president Margaret Dickenson (0437 835 708) regarding association croquet. Elaine Brown is the contact for gateball, (0401 630 272) or Shirley Evans if interested in golf croquet.
The team of Grace Howard and Heather Widderick defeated Val Shepherd and Pat Schnoor 26 – 21 in association croquet. It was a fine effort by Widderick as Pat Schnoor had breaks of six and five in her game. Joy Newman had a comfortable 26-15 win over Effie Russel and Andrea Denkewitz.
With player numbers down last week due to other commitments, hoop runners played two games of triples with a break for morning tea. Scoring was very close with one standout player. Val Fancourt scored a record three “hole in one”. Fine work from Val and it was great to see her return to the game after a break.
GREMLINS WRAP ANOTHER WIN
THE Stanthorpe Gremlins added another win to their impressive record this season, defeating Killarney on their home turf.
It was Killarney’s last home game of the season, but the home side could not get a win at Charlie Andrews Oval for their supporters.
Clashes between the two sides are always physical encounters, and Saturday was no different with several players injured. Gremlins Nathan Shatte was one of the casualties knocked unconscious after an attempted tackle on Cutters captain coach John Trindall. Trindall and Gremlins Ben Staley earned themselves a stint in the sin bin after a scuffle erupted following the incident. The Gremlins 46-14 win did not impress the club president who labelled it one of their least impressive wins and sloppy. Fresh from representative duties in TI, Jason Wilmot scored three tries and added seven more conversions to his tally this season.
In the ladies game, Stanthorpe had a 10-6 win over the Killarney ladies.
This weekend, the Gremlins have a bye and will play Tenterfield on Sunday at Sullivan Oval as a curtain raiser to the QRL Intrust Super Cup game.
DAY OF ACTION
IT WAS a day of action pistols and pistol action at the Inglewood SSAA range. The overall winner of all disciplines was Ray Dudgeon who finished ahead of runner-up Peter Jones and Tom Donald.
In the Rimfire competition, James McIver proved too strong for Michael Dudgeon and Andrew Clarke. Range captain, Iain Bowen was too strong for Peter Jones and Scott Johns in the Semi-Auto Centrefire. (Inside knowledge perhaps)
Ray dudgeon was on song in the Revolver Centrefire edging out Stephanie Dudgeon and Tom Donald.
PAINTBALL
STANTHORPE Rotary Apple and Grape Young Ambassador Samantha Blaxland is arranging a paintball day at the Inglewood SSAA range at the end of August. Anyone who is interested in joining the action can contact your scribe Casey (0438 813 942) or check out Sam’s Facebook page for further details.
COWBOYS STILL IN THE FIGHT
THE Warwick Cowboys kept their hopes of playing in the 2015 TRL final series afloat with a fighting 26-22 win over Valleys at Fr Ranger Oval on Saturday night.
Centre Joe Fuimanono ensured the two points went the way of the Cowboys with a try in the final minute of a thrilling game. The home side trailed the visitors by a converted try at half time.
Cowboys winger Braydon Wilson had the big home crowd on their feet with two outstanding tries in the second half to give Warwick a 20-16 lead.
They were made to work hard for the win when Bryce Whale scored under the posts for Valleys as the clock kicked down with less than five minutes to go.
The Cowboys showed great composure to get the ball up well into their opposition territory in the last set of six. Running the ball on the fifth, there were some heat-stopping moments as Ryan McIvor put the winger over to steal the game with the full-time siren sounding in the background. The reliable boot of captain coach Matt Gainey added the extras after fulltime to give the Cowboys a sensational win. With four rounds remaining in the 2015 fixtures, it was a timely win for the Cowboys.
The Reserve grade side also notched up a 44.20 win and also won the C Grade 36-14. Cowboys Under 18s went down 36-24 in the Under 18s.
This weekend the Cowboys take on the Dalby Diehards.
SOAKING UP THE RAYS
PERFECT conditions for Sporters soaking up the sun’s rays last Sunday – Ray Thorn obviously picked up some energy from conditions and grabbing a Sporters’ win. Runner-up was Aaron Simmers. He also bagged the Pro Pin Hannah Reeves followed up a great day in Saturday’s competition to claim the Best Gross at Sporters. The run-downs went to Dick Hilton and Keith Green. Both pin-shots went a begging. Owen McPaul and Paul Armstrong each had some luck in the meat tray stakes.
A diary date for Sporters – 22 November – Apple and Grape Ambassador Amanda McCosker is holding a golf day. An 18-hole three ball Ambrose with Shotgun Start; Multi Draw Raffle and much more. Watch this space.
SBW ADDS WEIGHT TO ARGUEMENT
ONE of the highlights of the NRL matches last weekend was the big hit by Roosters Kane Evans on man-mountain, Bulldogs forward Sam Kasiano. Such was the force of the tackle which sat Kasiano on his considerable backside, it could easily have caused an earthquake somewhere on the planet. Almost immediately and since there have been calls from all corners of the game to bring back the shoulder charge. There was no harm done here and even the tackled player acknowledged with a wry smile that it was a good hit.
As Roosters players high-fived and fans from both sides cheered, the referee blew a penalty and put Evans on report – such is the NRL rule.
Some are suggesting that Wayne Bennett, who is said to hold as much force in the game as that hit by Evans, should be leading the charge (no pun intended) to reinstate the banned tackle. Can’t see that happening any time soon when reports have surfaced that Bennett was seen deep in discussion with young Bronco’ forward Francis Molo who was handed an eight-week suspension for his tackle on James Ackerman prior to his death.
It is hard to see how the NRL could deem something they took off the table for player safety – now appropriate. That backflip would be worthy of politics but stranger things have happened.
Perhaps, one of the most powerful messages has come from one of the best exponents of the shoulder charge, Sonny Bill Williams. His shot on Penrith prop Joel Clinton features on almost every clip of big hits doing the rounds.
SBW has now indicated support for the NRL’s stance on the tackle following an emotional plea to officials from Andrew Ackerman “to never bring back the shoulder charge” following the death of his brother James. Williams has now thrown his support behind the ban.
The NRL have got this right. If banning the tackle can prevent just one incident which can have such catastrophic effects on players and their families, then banned it should stay. Leave it in the highlights reels.
GOOD ROLLOUT GOOD WEATHER GOOD GREENS
THERE was a good rollout on Saturday for social bowls at the Summit. 21 players enjoyed the sunshine and perfect greens. They even brought along some dedicated barrackers (or hecklers) – good on you Surchie and Jay.
It was a mixed bag of results with some close results and some big wins.
Attilio Zamprogno P Davis and Norm Gale were no match for Joe Zeppa Graham Rubie and Rod Newlands. They went down 25-14.
Darren Stanley, Lindsay Hartley, Dale Barker and Rob Capelli held off Ray Spiller, Adrian Jackson, Michael Sweeney, Tyler Sweeney 22-20. Brian Brown Kurt Empen Quentin Stanley was out gunned by Shotgun Shannon and his crew – Chris Stratford Trevor Morris Keith Mungall 16-11.
The following Summit bowlers have been selected for the upcoming Pennants competition: Steve Martin, Adrian Jackson, Brian Wilmot, Quinton Stanley; Eliseo Zamprogno, Norm Gale, Mick Sweeney, Darren Stanley; Rob Capelli, Tyler Sweeney, Lindsay Hartley and Kurt Empen. Reserves are Ray Spiller, Michael Surch, Peter Ayerst and Rod Newlands. All Pennant players are required to attend a practice roll up on Saturday 22 August at 1pm.
Here is a taste of what is just around the corner – today (6 August) – Ladies bowls; 8 August- Social Bowls 1pm; Tuesday 18 August – Turkey Triples; Sunday 23 August – Big Trophy Day 11am; 29/30 August. SDMDBA Pennants: 19/20 September Summit A Grade Pairs; 24/25 October – Apple Blossom Carnival.
WATTLES SCORE BIG WIN
IN A totally dominant performance Wattles thrashed the Oakey Bears 82-1 on Sunday.
Oakey player Chris Oliver plumbed for a field goal against Wattles to at least get some points on the board in the second half and save his side from complete humiliation before the game was called off.
It was a horror day for Oakey. The Bears began the game with a full side but were reduced to only nine players in the second half.
Oakey has 130 registered players, but many of the players who ran out in A grade had already played a full game of reserve grade earlier and it took its toll.
The game was called off in the second half when one of the Oakey players was injured and the team reduced to eight players.
Wattles this week travel to Goondiwindi.
