By CASEY O’CONNOR
AS YOU sit down to read this column, I am off a Wandering. On Wednesday morning, I joined Lew Cooper and a merry band of tourists at Alan Border Oval, heading off on the annual Wanderers tour. This year the road trip will take us through Central and Western Queensland.
On tour with the group is former Australian cricket coach John Buchanan and Warwick cricketers Ryan Collins and Lachlan Gross who may return permanently scarred from their experience.
Among a raft of other tourists is mine host of the Manly Hotel Sandy McDonald. McDonald is also a Senior Director of the Intrust Super Cup and while I will not be at Sullivan Oval this weekend for the big game there, I will be in Blackall for the game between Easts Tigers and Souths. I am very much looking forward to catching up with members of the Central Queensland Rugby League Board.
The touring party travel North West to Barcaldine before making their way back through Emerald Springsure, Biloela Calliope enroute to Brisbane.
As usual, it looks an eclectic group, and I am sure there will be some good cricket played along the way and some great opportunities to coach juniors in the areas.
I look forward to bring you the news of the Central West from our tour bus as the wheels go around and around over the next couple of weeks.
– Casey
CLARKE CALLS STUMPS
MICHAEL Clarke surprised many with the announcement of his retirement from International cricket after the Aussie humiliating defeat at the hands of the Poms in the Edgbaston Test. Since that announcement, there has been much written and said about Captain Clarke. Some definitely deserved – some a little below the belt I think. Clarke has never entirely fitted the mould some cricket supporters and the media wanted of our Australian captain. He is definitely his own man and brought a different mindset to the dressing room. A lot of what actually transpired in the Aussie dressing room over the past couple of years we the public will never really know. I prefer to focus on the career of a remarkable player with great talent and resilience who probably deserves to retire with his average above rather just below 50. Clarke who has battled chronic back injury since the very early days of his career will walk away from the game that he says “owes him nothing but which he owes everything” with a great win loss record as Australian captain albeit not in this Ashes series. Clarke has polarised fans of the game but if for nothing else you must admire his brutal honesty. His recent performance, he says, was not acceptable. He has never been one to guild the lily at any press conference and has always told it as he sees it. Good or bad performance from either himself or his team.
He should also be fondly remembered for his leadership following the death of his great mate Phil Hughes.
History, I think, will view the career of this chameleon of the modern game far more favourably than some of his peers and some of the press. Me, I am grateful to have witnessed some of his great batting performances and inspiring captaincy. Make no mistake love him or hate him – M. Clarke’s shoes will be tough to fill.
FUNDING FORUM
THE office of South West Region I Sport and Recreation is holding a funding forum at their office in Guy street Warwick on Thursday august 20 from 6pm – 7.30pm.
At the forum, staff from Sport and Rec will go through the programs currently open for application, (Get Going Clubs – funding to help clubs grow and Get Playing Places and Spaces – funding to improve facilities), the guidelines and the new online application process.
If you are involved in a club that is interested in applying under this current round or you would like to be better informed on the funding and grant process, then this forum is a must for you.
Further information is available from their website www.npsr.qld.gov.auor by calling 07 4667 5102
WATTS A WINNER
ONE of the stalwarts of Stanthorpe golf, Bob Watts returned to the winner’s circle last Saturday with a win in the stableford event sponsored by Madeline Jarman. Watts had a steady front nine of 17 points and rushed back to the clubhouse with 23 points to just edge out the pack by one point.
Greg Yap maintained his runner-up spot with 39 points after a countback just slightly in advance of last week’s winner, Jaidyn Milne.
Event sponsor Madeline Jarman did well in the ladies’ event, returning the best score of 40 points however she declined to take her own prize. Instead, Margie Locke (39 points) picked up the prize. Linda Kelly finished with 31, taking the runner-up spot once again following a countback.
Minor prizes were shared. Pin shots went to Richard Reardon at
3/12 and Rob Reeves at 17. Dylan Barraclough claimed the pro-pin at 1/10, Chris Binge at 5/14 and Matt Waterworth at 9/18. Lyn Ludlow collected the ladies pin shot at 3/12.
In the run down, Jaidyn Milne, Rob Reeves, Stephen Kay and Madeline Jarman each collected a ball.
Two match plays were decided on Saturday. Trevor Ludlow and Mark McCosker advanced to the next round after their wins.
The committee would like to thank all those who attended the working bee last Sunday. If you missed out, don’t worry another working bee will be commencing shortly.
This Saturday a single stroke event has been scheduled with tee off from 11am. In the box this week are Tom Fittock and Bill Pyne who returns after his fact finding mission on golf courses in New Zealand.
TIGERS CLAW THEIR WAY TO WIN
THE Tenterfield Tigers have kept their hopes of a home semi-final alive with a nail biting win over a much-improved Wallangarra side at Rugby league park last weekend.
The Tigers broke a 34-all deadlock with just a couple of minutes remaining on the clock to snatch an important 40-34 win. In a high scoring game, the Tigers posted eight tries. Josh Lucas scored three of the Tigers eight tries. Matt Brown claimed two tries. Other try scorers were Genninges, Meriero and Maunder. Captain coach Brendan Minns kicked four conversions.
Minns said it was a good win considering his side had several players sidelined with injury.
“Nathan Dearden was outstanding,” Minns said. “He was named Players Player.” I don’t think I have ever seen Wallangarra play better. “I thought Wayne Brown was their best on field.” Minns said his team was looking forward to this weekend’s clash with competition leaders the Gremlins. The game will be played on Sunday as the curtain raiser to the Queensland In Trust Super clash between Sunshine Coast Falcons v Burleigh Bears at Sullivan Ovals one of the rounds of the QRL’s Country week initiative “Get in the Game”
Minns said, “It will be a great chance to showcase Border Rugby League the BRL vice-president said adding he hoped that a big crowd would support all the games.
The Gremlins have had the Tigers measure all season, however with several key players injured, the Tigers get their chance in this game. One of the highlights of the pre curtain raiser games will be the clash between the undefeated Tigerettes and the Gremlinettes in the Ladies league Tag game.
Good win for CAPELLI
SUMMIT bowlers have been kept on their toes with plenty happening.
Last Saturday Summit bowler Rob Capelli took out the Group 3 Singles Zone competition winning two games. There was some great bowling throughout the competition, and in a tough final game Capelli won 25-17. It was better luck next time for the Summit teams in the pairs and fours events who played at a high level but unfortunately did not advance.
Meanwhile, back at the club we had some of the regulars enjoy a light-hearted but firm competition. Ugo and Valda were both seen departing with meat trays.
On Sunday, a team travelled to Clifton for the fours carnival. The team of Wayne; Rod; Paul; Kurt won their first game in fine style by a big margin (17 shots). They went down by just a single shot in the second game and were soundly beaten in the third and final game.
A reminder to those bowlers selected for Pennants – there will be training on 22 August, commencing at 1pm.
Other coming events include ladies Day (13 August); Social Bowls (15 August); turkey Triples (18 August); Trophy Open Day (23 August); SDMDBA Pennants (29/30 August); Back to the Eighties (5 September); Summit Pairs (12/13 September); Trophy Open Day (11am, 20 September); Apple Blossom carnival (24/25 October).
GOOD BAD UGLY
YOU could have been forgiven for thinking you had wandered on to the set of the ’70s film The Good, The Bad and The Ugly last Sunday rather than the Inglewood SSAA range.
The Good, Bad and Ugly all turned up for a game of poker. The three highest winners were Doc Solomon of Texas followed by Tom Donald from the Whetstone region and another Texican Peter Jones. Many others played but went home poor.
Down at the quiet end of the village a Rimfire event was held. Will Patterson took out the junior event, defeating Katrina Johnson. Patterson actually shot so well his scores were better than a few senior competitors.
The 100metre benchrest event went the way of Quentin Chapman who out performed placegetters Murray Brown and Tony Gamble.
Chapman was also successful in the 50metre benchrest. Murray Brown once again had to settle for the runners-up spot while Ray Dudgeon picked up the other minor placing.
This Sunday gear up for muzzle loading and Centrefire events. Don’t forget, you can follow all the fun and frivolity on the Inglewood sporting Shooters Facebook page.
ROOSTER RUMBLING
THE RRR is running hot at the moment. Thirty-three players including a few Red Rooster rumble virgins played last week and scores were a real mixed bag. Joely Singleton was named the eventual winner on a countback just in advance of Peter Millard. Run down balls went to Shaun Morrison and Noah Shires (22), and Greg Wallace (21). All the pins went off and these lads will enjoy a hot chook from Red Rooster for their efforts – Brett Donovan (5), Peter Millard (7) and Rod Kilner (9). A reminder that the Red Rooster Rumble is a nine hole competition open to members and non members. It runs from Monday to Friday with pins only out on Friday. The cost is $7 Monday to Thursday and $8 on Fridays for members and $18 for non-members.
Captain’s Day
Forty-six players played in the single stableford men’s competition on Captain’s Day at the Warwick Golf last Saturday. The winner with 40 points was John Francis who finished three shots clear of runner-up was Buddy Hicks on 37 (countback). Balls in the run down went to Gunter Nicklich (37), Brendon Jones, Trevor King and Trent Watts (36), Peter Boney, Keith Farrell and Ben Hollis (35). Pins went to Anthony Austin (5), Brendon Jones (7), Shane McKenzie (9), Graham Clark (11), Trevor Rock (13) and Nathan Jones (16).
It is a busy time ahead at the Warwick Golf Club with plenty of major events just around the corner. Golfers are advised to get in early and get their names on the timesheets in the pro shop. The Canning Downs Open will be played this weekend with daily winners for both the 18 hole stroke event on Saturday and the 27 hole stroke event on Sunday as well as overall winners. A reminder that Sunday 23 August is the Holden Scramble, the biggest participation golf event in Australia.
Teams of four (all must have current Golf link handicaps) line-up for a four ball Ambrose to win a two ball Odyssey putter each. If your team wins, you will progress to the regional final (last year Ocean Shores GC, the previous year Pacific Harbour GC on Bribie Island) joined by your local golf professional Rob McConnell and play as a group of five.
If you win can win that event, then off you go to the national final. A three-day golf and fun fest at Twin Waters later in the year.
If you are keen to play but do not have a team, contact pro shop and they will play cupid and put you in a “winning” team.
WATTLES CONTINUE TO IMPRESS
WATTLES maintain their place at the top of the TRL ladder after an impressive performance against Goondiwindi. It was not all smooth sailing for the competition front runners who met some tough opposition in the first half. Wattles opened the game with an early try and held a 12-nil lead, but the Boars hit back with two tries and narrowed the margin to 12-8. A mistake by the home side early in the first half gifted the visitors a try. Wattles dominated the second half to post a 48-18 win. Try scorers for Wattles were Brodie Ciesolka (2), Michael Purcell (2) Corey Blades, Matt Duggan, Aaron Schied and Brenden Wilson. Matt Duggan also kicked seven goals and Purcell one.
This weekend Wattles host Highfields in a top-of-the-table battle.
IRISH FOUR BALL POPULAR
A LARGE field took advantage of the ideal conditions on Saturday to play in the Irish Four Ball event at Wallangarra. The team of K. Williams and C. Edwards combined well to clinch victory. Stephen Hampstead and Simon Blair finished runners-up. Alan Lutter and M. Cusack shared the Captain’s Stakes with A. Thompson and T. Murphy.
While there were plenty of good shots during the round, only one was good enough to take a pin and that went to Williams on hole nine.
Hampstead won the Birdies Nest at eight and Murphy snared the Jackpot on five.
This Saturday is the Flag Event. Hope you have made a note in those golf diaries that Sunday 23 August is the big Golf World Day at Wallangarra. A two ball Ambrose has been scheduled with tee off at 9.30am. The cost per player is $25 and includes lunch.
PERFECT CONDITIONS EARLY IN THE WEEK
CONDITIONS were almost perfect for association croquet last Tuesday and there was a good roll up.
Val Richards excelled with a break of four with Joy Newman. Andrea Denkewitz and Margaret Dickenson pegged out 26 – 13.
Grace Howard and Pat Schnoor played a singles game. Pat pegged out 26 -13. Val Shepherd and Heather Widderick had a 21-17 win over Effey Russell.
Two long games were played at hop runners where the cool conditions had players reaching for their coats.
In the first game the final score was 13 -5. Bill Golding top scored with eight hoops including a “hole in one”. Shirley Page also scored a “hole in one”.
The second game was very tight with both Bill Golding and Dianne Wren finishing with equal top scores of seven hoops apiece. Shirley Page scored her second “hole in one” for the day.
Elaine Brown had the chance to spend time with a new player during the Saturday session. Anyone looking for some entertainment on Wednesday morning or Saturday afternoon is most welcome to the Hoop runners. Call Elaine on 0401 630 272 if you would like to know more.
Conditions were cool and chilly with frost still on the green on Friday morning when the gateballers slipped in to action.
The games were fairly even but playing on the dead grass is a challenge at the moment and players are finding it difficult to stop the ball from moving under foot when sparking the balls.
Pat Schnoor, Bill Golding, Effey Russell and Joy Newman played the white balls and Grace Howard, Jenny Tunbridge, John Draper and either Andrea Denkewwitz or Margaret Dickenson using the red.
If you are interested in trying gateball, then Margaret Dickenson would love to hear from you – give her a call on 4681 0475.
A reminder that the Queensland championships are on this weekend at Kippa Ring.
The Australian championships will be held at Wynnum on the weekend of 6 and 7 September.
COWBOYS MAKE IT TOUGH
THE Warwick Cowboys blew an early 12-6 lead against Dalby on Sunday, eventually going down to the Diehards 40-16 after a poor second half performance. It was a loss that may prove crucial to the Cowboy’s chances of securing a spot in the top five and the TRL finals this season. After playing some great football in recent weeks, the Cowboys faltered against Dalby after leading midway through the first half. The two teams went into the game tied in fifth position. Dalby has now moved to fourth spot while the 24 point loss has relegated the Cowboys to sixth on the ladder with three rounds of fixtures remaining. The Cowboys now need wins over Oakey and Goondiwindi in the next two rounds before their final round clash with second placed Highfields.
The news was much better for the Under 18 and reserve grade teams who had wins. The Under18s 24-18 win keeps their semi final chances alive while the reserve grade scored a big 34-4 and now leads their competition.
This weekend the Cowboys are back to Fr Ranger Oval for their clash against Oakey.
SPORTERS FOR SIMMERS
AARON Simmers notched up a win last Sunday at Sporters. Runner-up was Jim Mitchell. The run-downs went to Gary Kirby and Bob Watts. Never far from the action, Hannah Reeves had the Best Gross. Wattsy continued his good form from Saturday’s men’s competition to take out both the Pin Shot on the third and the Pro Pin. It was barbecue time for Phil Zikan and Mick Doorley who both went home with a meat tray apiece. Sporters tee off at the same time this Sunday (8am -8.30am) and visitors are always welcome.
