By CASEY O’CONNOR
THE first of the Day Night Tests is done and dusted, and I think for the most part an unqualified success although the jury remains undecided on whether or not a day night test will deliver a four or five-day event.
There did not seem to be any great concerns regarding the performance of the “pink ball” which seemed to stand up to the wear and tear and looked as though it may have swung the pendulum back in the favour of the bowlers.
The Kiwis left empty handed, but have won plenty of support for their sportsmanship in this series.
Where there is a will there is a way, and my companions and I in Fiji were able to catch a little of the Adelaide test albeit with a little trouble.
The summer of cricket now shifts focus with the arrival of the Windies. Question marks hang over the depth in the Windies Test squad, but I am sure we will be in for another colourful series.
Fiji has proved challenging and rewarding for our group, and with our work at the Naiyala High School completed we are on the move but will not be back home until Saturday evening.
Plenty to share then.
Again Bula from the Fiji connection.
– Casey
STORMS THREATEN BUT ACTION ON THE PITCH
CURATOR of the Stanthorpe turf wickets, Mark Lanza take a bow – Bluey managed to turn out two great wickets for the Davis and Mitchell Shield games after some seriously trying weather conditions looked likely to derail Rep Cricket between Stanthorpe and Warwick last weekend.
There was thunder and lightning in the distance. There had been rain and hail but the real action was on the wickets at the CF White and Sheahan Ovals last Sunday.
It all came down to the last ball of the last over in a thrilling Davis Shield game on Sheahan Oval.
Warwick won the toss and sent their opponents in, hoping to get an early advantage from the wicket.
Stanthorpe set the visitors a reasonable target of 235 at the end of their 50 overs.
Stanthorpe captain Todd Brady showed his experience, scoring a well-orchestrated 58. Stanthorpe opener Mitchell Drayton played a great innings to top score with 63.
The game destined for a close finish as the Warwick batsmen edged their way towards the target. Kev Poole led the way with a half century and found support from Will Dearden (49) and his captain Kris McLennan who scored 30 runs.
As the overs ticked by and wickets fell, Warwick needed a little more than a run a ball in the last few overs. In a nail biting finish, the visitors needed six from the last over. Keiran Bourke was out off the first ball of the over and it was left to Bourke’s clubmates Josh Ryan and Thomas Bourke to get the job done. It all came down to the last ball – two runs required for a Warwick victory; a wicket for a Stanthorpe win. Anthony Marino, who had the task of bowling the final over, held a spectacular caught and bowled opportunity to dismiss Josh Ryan and deliver a Stanthorpe victory. The Stanthorpe side had made things difficult for themselves by grassing no less than four catches off the Marino’s bowling during the innings.
Stanthorpe now has one win from two games and need a win over Downlands in their next Davis Shield game in January.
The Mitchell Shield game on the CF White Oval did not have the same dramatic finish as the Davis Shield game but netted Stanthorpe another win.
Warwick had first use of the wicket and posted a very gettable total of 154. In reply, Stanthorpe lost some quick wickets on their way to victory. Early in their innings, Stanthorpe slumped to 3/28 before a 61-run partnership between Jamie Carnell (46) and Ross Lupton (22) steadied the ship. Sam Dowie added valuable unbeaten 27 to wrap up the win for Stanthorpe.
The Stanthorpe bowlers all performed well in the conditions. Youngster Jordan Lanza took 3/16; Danny Folkers 2/24; Duane Lihou 2/25 and Andrew Einam 2/28.
Stanthorpe have now won two from two in the Mitchell Shield and looking towards a grand-final appearance. The two Stanthorpe sides also collected the annual Hendry Bourke trophies.
EXPERIENCE GAINED ON SHOW
THE experience gained from hosting the club’s first gateball tournament was evident last Friday as players enjoyed a more relaxed morning gateball after the hustle and bustle of the previous week.
Ten players took to the green, with all players showing substantial improvement in their game. Two team games were played both were close. There were also two games of doubles and two triples games played using both courts. Val Fancourt and Bill Golding played Andrea Denkewitz and Margaret Dickenson and were successful in both games. Grace Howard and Pat Schnoor were the captains of the triples games; once again both games were very close. Gateballers will be celebrating their Christmas luncheon on Friday and will only play until morning tea.
KEEPING WATERWAYS SAFE
THE recent presentation on tilapia awareness and native fish hosted by the Warwick District Recreational Fish Stocking Association Inc. drew an interested crowd of anglers. Fish scientist Greg Ringwood spoke to the group of the risks pest fish pose to the Condamine Catchment and the increasing threat tilapia pose to the Murray-Darling Basin.
The threats posed are significant and include the threat to water quality with the potential to impact drinking, stock and domestic and irrigation water. It is a threat to the biodiversity of the aquatic environment and, of course, a very real threat to recreational fishing and tourism.
It was pointed out that Tilapia can be found close to the catchment boundaries, and it is therefore extremely important people do not move tilapia around alive or dead as they keep their eggs and babies alive in their mouth.
Anglers who catch a non-native fish should kill it and dispose of it away from the river, preferably in a rubbish bin and always report unusual fish captures or sightings to Fisheries Queensland.
Restoring native fish populations was also on the agenda for discussion. A healthy native fish population will help prevent pest fish becoming established in the Condamine Catchment. Healthy riparian vegetation including grass is key to healthy native fish populations in the Warwick region.
Native fish and recreational fishing provide important social, cultural and economic values to the local Warwick community. Keeping our waterways healthy is vital to the future of fishing in our area now and in to the future.
WIN FOR McPHERSON
SPORTERS were back in action on the Stanthorpe course on Sunday. Jim McPherson was this week’s winner, edging out runner-up Mark Lynam. McPherson also had the Best Gross figures on the day.
The run-downs went to John Walsh and Marg Locke. Norm Steele claimed the Pin Shot on the third while the Pro Pin went to No Won Kim. Angelo Maugeri and Owen McPaul were the luck meat tray winners.
A reminder to all Sporters with Santa just around the corner the Sporters Golf Christmas Party will be held on Sunday 13 December. The morning will get underway with a sausage sizzle brekky followed by a game of golf and a barbecue lunch with many drinks. Good idea to let the boys know numbers for catering purposes.
Tee of this Sunday is as usual – between 8am and 8.30am. Remember visitors are always welcome.
T20 CLUB ACTION
IT WAS all Twenty/20 action in Stanthorpe on Saturday. Under threatening skies, Souths posted another dominant win over Tenterfield – their second in a week.
Jordan Lanza set a scorching pace, smashing a quick fire 80 runs as Souths set the visitors a target of 157.
Things began badly for Tenterfield with the loss of two quick wickets. Souths bowlers and fielders managed to contain the Tenterfield batsmen to a score of 110, well shy of the required total. It was an improved performance from the visitors who lost only four wickets.
Jordan Lanza capped off a good game, taking two catches in addition to his fine batting performance.
In the second Twenty/20 game, Wanderers and RSL again went head to head for the second time in a week.
RSL again proved too strong for Wanderers. RSL won the toss and relished the opportunity to bat first.
Luke Brady showed plenty of class in the innings. He remained not out 60 as RSL posted a total of 172.
Chasing a little better than eight and a half an over, Wanderers were immediately behind the eight mark with the loss of early wickets. Wanderers after bowling well were dismissed for only 77 runs giving RSL a big 95-run win.
Luke Brady Dave Becker and Dylan Lihou claimed two wickets apiece in a fine bowling performance for RSL.
PONY CLUB TETRAHALON HITS RANGE
MEMBERS of the Texas Pony Club kicked up their heels at their rifle shoot at the SSAA (Inglewood) range on Sunday.
The shoot was one leg of their annual Tetrathalon which includes swimming, running riding and shooting.
Natasha Paganin showed plenty of skill to take out the event. In second placing were Jessica White and Tom Paterson with a score of 850. Nicholas Shannon scored 700 to finish in third place.
Members of the Inglewood SSAA enjoyed supervising the group and look forward to hosting this great group again next year.
Members of the Texas Pony Club meanwhile are keen to challenge to other local pony clubs in the region.
There was also something for members and after the lunch break an Action Pistol competition was held 18 included a magazine change.
The winner of this event in 20.56 seconds was Peter Jones. In second spot was Tom Donald (22.78) and Iain Bowen (23.79) filled the other minor placing.
Of course out, Spin spies tell us that there was a very real chance that Doug Adams of Goondiwindi would have made a placing had he brought the key to his gun box. (Boom Boom)
‘TIS THE SEASON
‘TIS the season to be silly or be bowling at the Summit Bowls Club. One thing for sure there are plenty of summer days to lap up the atmosphere.
This weekend the club has their own festive celebrations with Christmas party including bowls this Friday. Organisers and some frazzled caterers would appreciate confirmation of your attendance.
On Sunday it will be all hands on deck as the club welcomes Lions Club joining them for barefoot bowls from 10.30 am, and will then catering a barbecue for the visitors – once again confirm numbers to the club.
It is certainly a busy time for the club on Saturday (5 December) there will be social bowls from 1pm and in the evening the Tractor Club is holding their Christmas party. Sunday the Lions Bowls Club Christmas party. Looking a little further ahead to (aagh) January 2016 – the SDMDBA Men’s Open Fours are scheduled for 30 and 31 January.
BUSY WEEKEND OF GOLF
IT WAS another busy weekend on the fairways and greens at Wallangarra last weekend. On Saturday Gary Sutclifffe got the chocolates in the stroke event. He finished just ahead of Scott Williams and Mick Ellis. Sutcliffe also nabbed the pin shot on nine and the birdies nest. Williams collected the pin on three and the best approach to wrap up a good day.
On Sunday the club hosted the Open 4BBB Challenge. Overall nett winners were A. Thompson and T. Murphy. Nett runners-up – B. McMillan and Scott Williams. The Gross winners – Stephen Hampstead and Gary Sutcliffe.
Also among the prizes were M. Hurtz, Peter Butler, Alan Lutter and M. Cusack.
Murphy won the pin shot on three, while Butler hit a beauty to claim the ninth.
The club would like to thank Sexton and Green Tenterfield for their continued support of this event. It was a great day and the club looks forward to hosting the event next year.
This Saturday is the Monthly Medal and the Medal of Medals, so if you have been successful in winning a monthly medal this year, be sure you are at the ‘Garra on Saturday.
NRL 2016
THE much-anticipated NRL draw for the 2016 season has finally been released, and as with all draws there will be winners and losers. The season kicks off in early March and for those of us on the Southern Downs, it could well be a choice between Apple and Grape Harvest Festival frivolities or first round of NRL. The Broncos season gets underway on Thursday 3 March when they play the Eels at Pirtek Stadium.
For those Broncos fans sweating on the first home game, they will have to wait until the following week when Brisbane host the Warriors at Suncorp – the first of their Friday night games in the new season.
Fans will have to wait until round four for the much-anticipated replay of the 2015 grand final when the Cowboys and Broncos go head to head on Friday 25 March – The game has been scheduled for Good Friday and is sure to be a blockbuster at Suncorp.
Under the new broadcast arrangements, there will be Thursday night games played in 18 of the 26 rounds and the jury remains out on that change.
Players have expressed their displeasure at being overlooked in the draw discussions and it will be interesting to see if they plan to take action.
For league followers, here are some dates that might make it into those brand new 2016 diaries.
For the early birds, the 2016 All Stars game is back at Suncorp on 13 February.
March 3 – Round One commences
March 17 – Play NRL Round
April 22 – Anzac Round
May 6 – Rep Round
May 12 – Indigenous Round
State of Origin 1 (Sydney) June 1
State of Origin 2 (Brisbane) June 22
State of Origin 3 (Sydney) July 13
(Tickets to games one and three have been on sale since November.
August 4 – Women in League Round
September 9 – 2016 Final Series begin
Sunday October 2 – 2016 Grand Final.
And that looks to be 2016 done and dusted before we even get there.
The full schedule can be found at www.nrl.com.
NEW BRL EXECUTIVE UPBEAT
THE newly elected BRL executive is upbeat about the coming season following the Border Rugby league AGM.
Former Stanthorpe Gremlins president Norm Crisp was elected unopposed to the vacant position of chairman of the BRL. Crisp will be joined on the executive by vice-president John Hendry who returns to the rugby league scene after a hiatus of several years. Treasurer Kerry Shatte also returns to the game’s administration. The newly elected BRL secretary Amanda Harrold is also from Stanthorpe.
At the AGM, all four current clubs expressed their confidence at fielding teams in A grade and Ladies League Tag in the coming season. There will be discussions with interested parties in Texas and Inglewood to canvass their return to the competition while Millmerran will be once again approached to join the BRL.
EDYVANE UPSETS APPLECART
IN A weekend of racing upsets, Brendan Edyvane (Moores Pocket, QLD) has upset the Top Sportsman applecart in the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series at the Warwick Dragway.
The volunteers at Warwick Dragway produced a flawless show while the racers turned on the action bringing a successful close to the first National Championship event held in Warwick.
Stepping up from Speedflow Super Sedan to Hungry Jacks Top Sportsman, Brendan Edyvane defeated strong favourite Scott Porter in the final.
Edyvane defeated Neil Maxwell in Round One before sending Jason Stares home in the semi final. The underdog then recorded a 5.747 elapsed time on the 5.71 dial in to defeat Porter and claim the Silver Christmas Tree.
“It’s a bit of a surprise,” Edyvane said. “We stepped up to Top Sportsman for the weekend and it all worked out well in the end.
“I looked over and saw Porter coming so, I was just hoping we’d go pretty close to the dial in and we weren’t far off.
“I cut a good light and he red lit, so he virtually gave it to me on the start line.”
Christine Steffens (Gatton, QLD) wrapped up a perfect weekend with an Ice Slushie Supercharged Outlaws victory over Brian Trott in the final.
Steffens defeated Tim Caswell in Round One to earn a solo pass in the semi final, but was made to work for her win the final showdown. Steffens left the start line first, leaving Trott to chase but he couldn’t reel her in with a 4.776 on a 4.75 dial in to Steffens’ 4.612 on a 4.57 dial in.
“We had a pretty lucky weekend,” Steffens said. “This bracket is hard work. It’s a tough bracket and all the racers are hard to beat.
“Having to do dial ins and the heat has just about got us, but the old girl came out in the end – and I’m talking about the car.
“I have to thank my husband Ricky, without him I wouldn’t be racing. My daughter Kaylee usually helps us out but she disappeared this weekend so I have a couple of ring ins.
Travis Liefting (Old Bar, NSW) spoiled the party for top qualifier Katie Cunningham in K and R Plumbing Modified winning the final with a perfect reaction time at the start line to record a 5.737 second time on a 5.71 dial in.
Cunningham was always under pressure, given Liefting’s perfect .000 light and could not make up the difference with a hard fought 4.876 on a 4.86 dial in. Liefting earlier defeated Lucas Holz, and Paul Doeblien to reach the final and as the first and only competitor to record a .000 reaction time during eliminations, he was awarded the Summit Racing Equipment Perfect Light Award.
Kevin Langridge (Capalaba, QLD) found himself on the winner’s podium in Speedflow Super Sedan, defeating Peter Whitbourne in the final with a 6.250 on a 6.21 dial in from a 6.740 and a 6.65 dial in. Langridge had to overcome Ashley Thomson, Mandy Pukis and Mitchell Bauer to reach the final and claim the trophy.
Denweld Modified Bike went to Tammy Goldthorp (Raceview, QLD) who defeated a red lighting Phil Halpin in the final with a 5.969 on a 5.89 dial in from Halpin who fouled by just .011 seconds. To reach the final, Goldthorp eliminated Luke Spence, Matt Halpin and Peter Strudwick.
Also in Modified Bike, top qualifier Daniel Sekli claimed a new eighth-mile National speed record for the B/MB class reaching 125.10 mph for the first ever National Record to be set at Warwick Dragway.
Rob Winterburn (Daisy Hill, QLD) showed his consistency to back up the Winternationals win earlier this year and a runner-up at the recent East Coast Nationals in Sydney to add another ANDRA Christmas Tree to his collection.
Winterburn defeated Rob Price in the Image Ink Super Street final with a 7.471 on a 7.42 dial in to a 7.434 and a 7.43 dial in. Earlier in the day Mark Peterson, Andrew Stathis and David Freeman were sent packing on the way to the final.
Dylan Leo (Jimbommba, QLD) wrapped up a successful weekend in Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster, taking home the trophy and winning the Gridstar by YBI Creative Best Presented Team Award.
Leo defeated Jordan Spencer and Andrew Tinney on his way to a final win against Charlee Wilson with an 8.148 second pass on an 8.12 dial in from Wilson’s 8.912 on an 8.94 dial in. Along with the Silver Christmas Tree the team also take home the Best Presented Trophy, six Best Presented Caps and a $50 Summit Racing Equipment voucher.
Finally in FG Loy and Sons Earthmoving Super Gas, Dale O’Dwyer (Toowoomba, QLD) eliminated current Super Gas champ Graeme Spencer followed by Darryl Stephen on the way to defeating Kerry Boyde with a 6.308 second pass to Boyde’s 6.378.
The event came to a close just as the weather turned and ANDRA would like to thank Warwick Dragway and all of the hard working volunteers for their effort this weekend.
The Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series now travels to Mildura in Victoria next weekend 4-5 December.
