By CASEY O’CONNOR
IT was no surprise that the T20 World Cup finals had us on the edge of our seats. Who would have thought going into the competition that we would see a final between the Caribbean Kings and the Poms.
The West Indian team is certainly the Princes of the Caribbean after their stunning victory in the final over of the World Cup. English bowler Ben Stokes was barely consolable after Carols Braithwaite smashed four consecutive sixes in the last over of the final to clinch a remarkable win for The West Indians.
The picture did not look as rosy for the West Indians when Chris Gayle was dismissed cheaply, and perhaps the English team were counting their chickens a little early.
But with West Indies needing 19 runs off six balls, Brathwaite stepped up to the challenge.
It capped off a great series for the Windies. Their Ladies team earlier defeated the Aussie Southern Stars who were shooting for their third consecutive World title.
The wins will be a great shot in the arm for cricket in the Windies, and hopefully will lead to a resurgence of the glories of past West Indian teams.
It can do cricket on the World stage no hard either.
In the meantime for the West Indians it party time Caribbean style, and as it’s been a long time between drinks these celebrations will be long and strong you would think.
– Casey
FOOTY TIPPING – A HEALTH HAZARD?
FOR many footy tipping competitions have become our armchair winter sports, but the 2016 NRL season is fast becoming a health hazard.
Just when you think you have the teams sorted, someone comes along and causes a monumental upset.
Take the Dogs for instance in round five. Did someone fail to let them off the chain – they were but a mere shadow of the side that played so well the week before.
Or is it perhaps that we are underestimating how physically challenging it is for teams to be “up” every week.
Watching your favourite sides at home is beginning to become a real challenge for the faint hearted – how many golden point games can one deal with in a round. Games may soon have to be advertised with a health warning if this continues.
This week the round kicks off with the Broncos hosting the Dragons at Suncorp, and it looks unlikely the way the Dragons have been playing that they can pull off an upset here. The Broncos continue to impress but will not be taking this game lightly.
The Roosters have been playing like plucked ducks, and supporters will be hoping for more than a feather duster performance against the Rabbits on Friday night, but I fear the Bunnies will not be doing them any favours.
Things don’t get any easier on Saturday with the inform Eels up against the resurgent Raiders at Parramatta Stadium. I think the Raiders might just be capable of causing another upset here.
The Sea Eagles have also been below par and face a tough task crossing the ditch to take on the Warriors. Think there will be more pain for the Manly faithful again this week.
The Cowboys have been in electric form and decimated the Dragons last week, but this is a danger game against the Panthers at Pepper Stadium. I think the visitors will have too much fire power, but this will be an entertaining game.
The Sharks and Titans go head to head at Shark Park on Sunday. Both teams have started the season better than many expected, and I am looking for the Titans to launch an upset win here.
The Knights host the Tigers on Sunday afternoon and their first win for the season could come here.
On Monday night, the Storm and Bulldogs are in action at AAMI Park. Which Doggies outfit will turn up? One thing for sure is the Storm will play their regular brand of consistent football and I can see another win coming for them here, but beware the vanquished Doggies – they may bite back here.
WOODENBONG TO ANKARA NOT A LONGBOW
IT seems a far cry from the surrounds of Woodenbong and Urbenville to a podium in Turkey, but that is the journey young Archer Remy Leonard recently took.
Aged only 16, Leonard competed in the World Archery Indoor Championships in Ankara, Turkey, and announced his arrival on the World Stage with a medal winning performance.
The youngster was accompanied on the journey by his father, Chris, and grandparents, Sharyn and Terry.
He competed in the individual shoot in the Junior Men’s Compound division and the Junior Men’s Compound Team. The team’s event consisted of three shooters- Remy Leonard, Devilliers Duvenage and Harri Howden who amazingly prior to the event had never met. Their only contact had been via Facebook. All three proved to be capable shooters and settled into a comfortable rhythm in the competition.
In the Junior Men’s Compound division, Remy Leonard reached the quarter final. A tie led to a one arrow shoot off.
In a remarkable effort in the Junior Men’s Compound Team, the three boys were outstanding given their circumstances and won bronze for Australia. The Russian team took the gold medal and the Italians claimed silver. You can bet they had done a little more than chat on Facebook prior to the event.
The boy’s bronze medal proved to be the only medal win for Australia at the event.
Archers from all over the world, including Russia, Mexico, the United States, Ukraine, Iran and hosts Turkey competed in the global event.
Expect to hear more of this youngster who should get used to travelling. His archery calendar is filled with events including the IBO World Championship in the United States, Australian Field Open in Melbourne, Junior National Championships in Penrith and the Trans-Tasman event in New Zealand.
ROOSTERS COCK A HOOP
AFTER a hiatus of three years, the Inglewood Roosters are back in business. On Saturday a big crowd of passionate supporters flocked to the MacIntyre Oval for the Roosters return to the BRL, and by the end of the game they had plenty to crow about as their side posted a 56-6 win over the combined Stanthorpe Texas side.
In the Roosters line-up were 12 debutantes with several players who have come through the Inglewood junior ranks donning the Roosters jersey for the first time and they brought plenty of youthful enthusiasm to the side. They were joined by a clutch of Millmerran players and some familiar faces returning to the Rooters ranks after playing a season in the TRL for the Warwick Cowboys.
Inglewood looked in strong form from the get go and in the hot conditions their complement of 25 players was a big advantage. There is still improvement to come in this Roosters side as their fitness levels improve and they fine tune some of their combinations. Brent Osborne looked to be as dangerous as ever, playing half back this season and played a leading role in the Roosters win. Jamie Meddings was named as the Roosters Players Player.
The Stanthorpe Texas side had not had the chance to train or have a run together since the announcement of the merged side. In the hot conditions and up against a slick Inglewood outfit, they were found wanting. The side will be better for the run, however if the merger is to work, players need to show a real level of commitment. Only 16 players were available for Saturday’s game it was always going to be a tough ask in the conditions. Coach Nathan Shatte is confident of a better showing from the group once they find their feet.
There are no fixture games this week due to the South West Trial games in Miles. The next outing for the Roosters will be a tester when they take on the Tenterfield Tigers in Tenterfield. The combined Stanthorpe Gremlins side have a two-week break because of an upcoming bye giving coaching staff and players a chance to work on some cohesion in the team.
TIGERS WIN COSTLY
THE Tenterfield Tigers battled hot conditions and serious injuries to key players in their opening game of the 2016 season against the Wallangarra Rams.
The Rams put the first points on the board soon after kick off, but it was not long before the Tigers equalised.
Poor ball handling and repeated penalties handed the Tigers field position and opportunities and they kicked away to an 18-9 lead.
The Tigers went to the half time break ahead 22-10, and despite a mounting injury toll the Tigers showed plenty of guts and determination in the second half to post a big win.
Jarrod McIntosh returns to the Tigers this season and immediately made his presence felt, scoring four tries and nailing three conversions.
Three players debuted for the Tigers, Matt Clothier, Tim Kelly and Levi McGrady all make their A Grade Debuts for the Tigers and stepped up. Due to injuries all three were played in unfamiliar positions, but left their opposition clutching at thin air as they carved up the defence. McGrady certainly had a memorable debut crossing for four tries and looks to have a big future as a Tiger.
Another of the Tigers players who has returned in top form to start the season was Murray Johnson. His hard work during the game earned him the Players Player Award.
Wallangarra have several players still to return from injury or suspension and also need to work on their fitness and ball security. Several of the Tigers key players will be looking forward to this weekend off to address some serious injury concerns after the game.
TIGERETTES ON TOP
THE Tigerettes opened the 2016 BRL season with a gutsy win over the Ramettes in Wallangarra last Saturday.
With several debutantes in their ranks, the Tigerettes who are chasing a third consecutive premiership in 2016 began slowly.
As the girls worked in to the game, they took an 8-4 lead to the half time break, and Wallangarra supporters were hoping for an upset.
In the second half, the girls found their rhythm and combinations clicked in to place. The girls worked hard for each other in the second half and eventually ran away with the game 38-4. The win continues the Tigerettes outstanding two-season unbeaten run.
Grace Clothier, Ella McIntosh and Hanna Byrnes all made a good start to their League Tag careers while Emily McMeniman returned to the side and had an outstanding game. Grace Clothier was voted Players Player for the day!
The Ramettes certainly look to be the improvers this season and are another team with plenty of new faces in the ranks.
MILLS HITS FORM
AFTER an outstanding performance from Jake Mills, it is hard to know if last Saturday was the April Monthly Medal; Nuffield Cup; Pike Trophy or simply the Jake Mills benefit day at the Stanthorpe Golf club.
The recent form of Mills who previously had not won a competition has been on a steady improve recently, and it all came to fruition when he swept the board last Saturday to win all three gongs.
The April monthly medal, the Nuffield Cup and securing best nett score two of three rounds to win the Pike Trophy. Runner-up for the medal day was Richard Reardon with an impressive nett 68, two shots back from the winner.
The day’s stroke event and Nuffield Cup was sponsored by Mark McCosker while The Pike Trophy was sponsored by the club.
The ladies event was won by Margie Locke with nett 77, a one-shot lead over runner-up, Rachael Hendry.
Dylan Barraclough and Luke Reardon had the best gross (74) in the men’s event. Rachael Hendry had best gross (96) in the Ladies event. Putting honours went to Mark Hendry with 23 putts for the round. Fred Wharton, Grant Howard and Rachael Hendry took the balls for pin shots and pro-pins went to Dylan Barraclough, Brendan Barker and Darryl Boekholt.
Neta Thouard and Kay Webb shared the ladies putts with 30 for the round.
The run down went to nett 71 for the men and to nett 79 for the ladies.
The Stanthorpe club hosted the Darling Downs Vets last week. A field of 50 players turned up and played the mixed 4BBB stableford. The Toowoomba team of G and J Stevens and the local pairing of Angelo Maugeri and Kay Webb finished locked up at 47 points, with a countback eventually giving the win to the visitors. A. Bryce and J. Kruse claimed the trophy for best nine with 24 points. Thanks to local sponsors and the many volunteers who made it a very successful day.
Things are about to get busy at the club – a reminder that Junior golf coaching re-commences next Tuesday 12 April after school. All junior golfers are welcome to come along and participate.
This weekend, the club pennants get underway. The Stanthorpe team travels away on Sunday and will play Millmerran at Warwick Golf.
On Saturday, organisers have scheduled a single stroke event sponsored by Richard Reardon. Tee off is from 11.30am and the time sheet has been posted.
MONTHLY MEDAL TO PURCEL
SHANE Purcel was the runway winner of the April Monthly Medal and Putting at Wallangarra Golf Club last weekend. A nett 65 score out Purcel well ahead of runner-up Steven Hampstead (69) and Jamie Purcel (70) a close third.
Pin shots went to Purcel on three, Kevin Williams on nine and Hampstead at the 14th approach. Jamie Purcel won the putting with 25.
This week the club has set down a single stableford game. A reminder that the first and second rounds of the Club Championships will be played on 16 and 17 April.
TRIATHLON SHOOTING
THE Inglewood Sporting Shooters held a triathlon of pistol events last week and a good roll up of members and visitors enjoyed the competition.
Charlie Nelson of Inglewood was joined by new members, Karen Welch and John Draper of Texas and enjoyed the shoot.
Iain Bowen and Peter Jones had shooters on the hop with three different disciplines on the go.
The event commenced with a 25-metre standard pistol and was followed by two action pistol matches which included the new Jungle Run.
Tom Donald showed all of his versatility and experience to take out the vent from Iain Brown and Peter Jones.
This weekend Single Action and Rimfire Rifle competitions are on the agenda as well as some silhouette shooting.
GOOD HOME WINS FOR COWBOYS
THE Warwick Cowboys A Grade completed a successful Sunday for the club at Fr Ranger Oval with three of the four local sides posting wins against Valleys.
The A grade side got away with a hard fought 34-28 win over Valleys after heading to the sheds with a comfortable 22-4 break at half time.
Midway through the second half they still held a 34-10 lead, but to Valley’s credit they did not go away and kept coming at the Cowboys.
The Cowboys hung on determinedly as Valleys crossed three times to narrow the margin to just six points.
In the end it was a gutsy win by the Cowboys.
The Cowboys posted another win in the under 18 competition, defeating the 2015 premiers 30-16. The Reserve Grade also had a 28-22 win. Valleys won the C Grade 30-16.
MALLET PLAYERS KEPT BUSY
PAT Schnoor returned to association croquet in Stanthorpe last week after a long break. Playing alongside Val Richards the pair drew 22-all with the team of Carol Verwey and Grace Howard. Effey Russell and Val Shephard Shot 16 in their game against Joy Newman, however it was not good enough to win and they were defeated 21-16.
In a very close game, Heather Widderick edged out Andrea Denkewitz 20-19 to claim a win after having a break of three in the game.
There have been some close games recently in golf croquet.
Val Fancourt, playing two balls, and her partner Dianne Wren, won a very tight game against the trio of Elaine Brown Bill Golding and Teresa Pyne. The final score 13 – 12. Although on the losing side, Brown top scored with 10 hoops, and shot a hoop in one. On the winning team, Fancourt also scored a hoop in one.
The second game played was just as close. Bill Golding teamed with Dianne Wren and Elaine Brown to secure a 10-9 win over Val Fancourt and Teresa Pyne, playing two balls, Elaine Brown once again led the way, top scoring with five hoops while Fancourt scored a very skilful jump shot.
There was only one short game last week due to the rain and lack of players.
Teresa Pyne and Val Fancourt were outscored 6-3 by Dianne Wren, Shirley Page and Bill Golding. Pyne scored a hoop in one and Fancourt skilfully put Wren through the hoop with a jump shot to take the point in an entertaining game.
Both courts were in use last Friday for gateball as regular players were joined by four young visitors on school holidays. The youngsters, Emily, James and Kara had played a little gateball before. Julianne however was new to the game, but proved to be a quick learner and exceptionally well in all games.
On Court One, members played two five-a-side team games. Red winning the opening game 18-9. In the second game, White reversed the result to win 16-12.
On Court Two the visitors were joined by two regular players in two games of triples. In Triples, one player (usually the captain) plays only one ball, while the other two players play two balls each. The scores finished quite close. Red won one game 16 points to 14, while White was successful in the other game 12 points to 11.
The young visitors enjoyed the games and showed plenty of skill – it is a reminder that this is a game for all ages and all members of the public are invited to come along to the Come and Try weekend planned for 16 and 17 April. On Saturday, you can try golf croquet and on Sunday gateball which begins at 1.30pm. Contact Margaret Dickenson for further information.
SPORTERS WIN FOR MAUGERI
A SMALL but competitive field were out on the course for Sporters last Sunday. Angelo Maugeri posted a win ahead of runner up Norm Steele. The run-downs went to Dick Hilton and Tony Steele. Dave Williams had the best gross. Pin shots at 12 and 17 went begging however Mark Lynam picked up the Pro Pin. Dick Hilton and Ray Thorn did not leave empty handed – each winning a meat tray.
A reminder that the Maureen Bates Memorial Day is this Sunday 10 April.
A nine hold two ball ambrose has been scheduled, and it is a shot-gun start commencing at 9am. There are some great prizes on offer and a multi draw raffle. The all-important barbecue and bar will be operating and there is a sheet on the board at the club.
This is always a popular day for local golfers and this should be another great day.
CLUB DINNER AT BALLANDEAN
THE Ballandean Soccer club will be holding a club dinner on Friday night at the “Chookhouse” commencing at 6.30pm.
During the evening, players will receive their new playing strips for the 2016 season. It will also be the last opportunity for players to pay outstanding registration fees prior to the start of the season. Players who have not paid registrations will be unable to take the field. Anyone who is experiencing difficulties with registration fees are urged to contact the club executive.
Dinner costs are $10 adults and $8 for Under 12s. Bookings can be made by emailing ballandeanfc@gmail.com
