By Casey O’connor
THE Wanderers trip is wending its way to Warwick as this edition gets its final touches. The Wanderers will hit Warwick on Wednesday and will spend time coaching prior to playing against the local side.
I have spent the tour umpiring and while Australia is struggling against Sri Lanka to win the third test and avoid a whitewash, I can report that our future Queensland cricketing stocks are looking good if this group of young cricketers is the benchmark.
I have been extremely impressed by the performance of the young players both on and off the field during the tour, and to date they are undefeated. Queensland under-19 captain Jack Beath who plays for Valleys is an extremely competent opening bat. James Grady from the University club is another batsman who has caught the eye. Opening bowler Connor Weal who plays for Sandgate Redcliffe also shows plenty of potential. These are lads we are sure to hear more of in coming seasons.
Our two Warwick tourists Dave Walker and Carter Billborough have played well and have certainly enjoyed the experience and will return to their clubs with a wealth of experience under their belts next season.
We have been catching the highs and lows of Rio while on tour. Congratulations to Warwick’s Matt Denny on his performance in the discus event. As the youngest competitor in the field, he should be justifiably proud of his efforts.
It is impossible not to be in awe of the performances of Michael Phelps and of course the man of the moment Usain Bolt. We are fortunate to witness these two amazing athletes defying the boundaries of normal ability. I just wonder if anyone has checked Phelps very cute son to see if he has any hidden gills, fins, scales or an outboard motor inherited from his father.
The likes of Phelps, Bolt and our own Anna Meares and others reaffirm the ability of athletes to break down the barriers of evil in our world. They allow us along for the ride to enjoy their amazing talent and their joy in competing and doing the very best they can for their country.
– Casey
COWBOYS LEAD THE WAY
THE Warwick Cowboys lead the way on the TRL points table and are just one win away from a Minor Premiership.
The Cowboys head the table on 31 points just one in advance of Pittsworth. This weekend they take on the Goondiwindi Boars in the final fixture game of the season at Fr Ranger Oval and will start short priced favourites to win the match, but as we have seen all season there are no guarantees in the TRL in 2016 and upsets can happen.
Last weekend the Cowboys had a comprehensive 50-12 victory over South in the Hutchies game of the round at Clive Berghoffer Stadium.
The game was anyone’s at half time with the scores at 10-6 in favour of the visitors at half time. In an outstanding second half display, the Cowboys piled on 40 points. The Cowboys dominated possession, starving Souths. With an 80 per cent completion rate, the Cowboys ensured Souths saw very little of the pill in the second half. Halves McIvor, Cantwell and Brosnan toyed with their opposition, creating opportunities for their outside players.
Despite the best efforts of Souths captain coach Daniel Holmes to lift his team, in the end it was all Warwick, scoring eight tries to two and cementing themselves as one of the favourites of the TRL Premiership.
Ryan McIvor was named player of the match with Isaac Chaffey also playing well in his A Grade debut.
Warwick confirmed themselves as one of the TRL favourites to take out this year’s premiership with a comprehensive win over Souths at Clive Berghofer Stadium on the weekend.
It was a surprising score given the importance of the game, but is was Warwick’s 80 per cent completion rate that won it for them.
They starved Souths of the ball throughout the game and never gave their opponents an inch. In fact, they piled on 40 points in the second half in a ruthless display. The half time score was 10-6 in favour of the Cowboys. The game to that point was very competitive, but Souths lack of ball took its toll and they did not have enough gas in the tank to stop the second-half onslaught.
The news was not as good in Reserve Grade with Warwick going down 14-12 in a tight game.
The under-18s clocked up another decisive win 40-18 over their opponents. Warwick second division were defeated 30-26.
Warwick’s nearest rivals on the ladder Pittsworth also had a win in Round 21 scuttling Brothers chances in 2016. This weekend they host Souths in their final fixture game.
While the battle for the minor premiership is on in earnest, the race for the Club Championships also rests between Pittsworth and the Cowboys. The Cowboys must win all three divisions this weekend to win their second club championships in the past two years.
Warwick 50 (Brodie Quirk 2, Issac Chaffey, Jamie Abbas, Brock Croft, Dan Watson, Paul Cantwell, Ryan McIvor tries Dan Watson 6 Goals) d Souths 12 (Josh Ryan, Aaron Hooper, tries Luke Nolan 2 Goals)
Reserve Grade: Souths 14 Warwick 12
Under 18: Warwick 40 Souths 18
2nd Division: Souths 30 Warwick 26
CLUBHOUSE LEADER PIPPED AT POST
RIO Piovesan was an early clubhouse leader in last Saturday’s stableford club competition. Piovesan who was one of the first back in the clubhouse returned a score of 40 and had a long wait as Ken Hinze the last man out on to the course equalled his score. After a countback, Piovesan had to settle for the runners-up spot.
It was a similar story in the ladies event with both Margie Locke and Dale Minchenton returning scores of 35 points. Margie Locke held out in a countback to take the win.
Both the events were sponsored by Madeline Jarman.
Alan Kerr held the pin at 3/12 and a ball in the run down with 36 points. David Burgess collected the pin at 1/10 with Richard Reardon taking 9/18. There were no takers for the men’s pin at 17 or the pin at 5/14.
Dale Minchenton collected the ladies pin at 3/12 and Marge Locke had best approach at 17.
In the run down, a ball for Keith Jones (38), Richard Reardon (35) and Mark Hendry (35). Kay Webb collected a ball in the ladies’ run down.
In Captain’s match play, Richard Reardon overcame Daryl Boekholt to advance to the next round.
This week the club is holding a single stroke event sponsored by Ian Pickering. Tee off from 11am, and there is a time sheet on the board at the club house.
INGLEWOOD PREPARING FOR STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
The excitement is building in and around the Inglewood Branch of the SSAA with the club preparing to host the SSAA State Lever Action Championships over the first weekend in September. All SSAA members are eligible to enter and nominations forms are available by emailing SSAAQ49@gmail.com.
Members of the Inglewood club have been working on the site to prepare the range for the championships and modifications are almost finalised with resting poles now installed.
WHERE TO FROM HERE
AS the NRL season hurtles towards the finals, the competition has been turned on its head in recent weeks as the cellar dwellers find form and come out to play while the teams favoured to take the 2016 title look to have lost any semblance of form. The poor tipsters have been caned in recent rounds especially last week.
This week you could expect to be not much better. My strong suggestion is tipsters resort to the pin. Alternatively, make your selections and just reverse them or simply give the paper to the dog or cat and let them decide because frankly they probably have as much idea if last week’s results are any indicator.
The Broncos and Bulldogs open Round 23 on Thursday night at Suncorp. Both were winners last week. The Broncos maybe applying themselves back in to form with Hunt and Milford showing signs of the form that was so effective last season. Although the Bulldogs are in the top four and had a win last week over the Sea Eagles, they were far from convincing for the full 80 minutes. Milford is no certainty to play this week if the rumour mill is on target. He is however on the team list. I feel the Broncos performance last week was the more impressive and am looking for another win from them.
The Panthers and Tigers go head to head on Friday night and with the season-ending injury to Tedesco, I think we will see the Panthers improve their chances of finals football.
The Knights will clear the runway for the Titans and the Hayne plane on Saturday, and it is hard to see them grounding the flight. Titans with or without Hayne are too strong here. The Titans are in the eight and zeroing in on a finals spot.
The competition leaders Melbourne Storm looked flat against the Raiders on Monday night and were pummelled. The Sea Eagles are playing a better brand of football, but could not overcome the experience of the Dogs. Melbourne I expect will bounce back here but don’t take it for granted Storm fans.
The Cowboys host the Warriors on Saturday night at 1300Smiles. There were no smiles for the Cowboys last weekend when they were thumped by the Roosters. JT showed that he really is mortal having his worst game of the season. In fact the worst game for a couple of seasons. It would almost require stewards swabbing if he has another game like that this week.
The Warriors slipped out of the eight in one of the major upsets when the Bunnies battered them last weekend. They too will be looking for redemption.
This will be a tough game, but I feel the Cowboys with the home ground advantage will bounce back here.
The Raiders are the team that is on fire at the moment. Craig Bellamy declared them the team to beat in the 2016 premiership after they handed Melbourne a hiding on Monday night and put plenty of tipsters in the bin. This week they host the Eels in what should be another two points for the green machine.
The Roosters and Dragons face off at Allianz on Sunday afternoon. After miserable starts to the season both of these sides have found form at the wrong end of the season. There would be plenty of teams sitting in the top eight pleased not to have to face either team this week.
This local derby is a tough one for tipsters, however I am leaning towards the Chooks.
On Monday night, it is the Bunnies taking on the Sharks. The Bunnies shocked everyone with a stunning performance against the Warriors in Round 23 with GI back to his most potent best. The Sharks after a magic run through the season look to have hit some turbulent water. Beaten at their last two outings, many are now questioning if they too have the yips. If Souths can reproduce their game against the Kiwis, I think the Sharks might be floundering.
The race for the NRL premiership has never looked so open, and I can’t remember when members of the cellar dwellers association have been as menacing as they have become this season.
INGLEWOOD UPDATE
INGLEWOOD Sporting Shooters held a pistol competition on 7 August. The winner of the Pistol Action category was Ross Jackson who outscored Iain Bowen and Peter Jones who filled the minor placings.
Jackson was again on song in the Gong event and the placings were the same as the previous event with Bowen and Jones filling the minors.
Tom Donald took out the Double Barrel Shotgun competition on the same day, defeating Stephanie Dudgeon and Ragnar Lipp.
Donald also cleaned up in the Single Barrel event defeating Michael Dudgeon and John Draper.
Last Sunday, in the Single Action competition the Texas Rangers proved too string for the Bosnjak Raiders.
The individual winner was Peter Solomon who defeated Iain Bowen and Peter Jones.
In the Pistol competition, it was an all Dudgeon affair. Winner of the event was Rebecca beating Stephanie and Troy to keep it all in the Dudgeon family.
PERFECT CONDITIONS FOR STABLEFORD COMP
CONDITIONS on the Wallangarra golf course were ideal for last weekend for the Single Stableford competition.
Mick Ellis took full advantage of the conditions to post a one-point win over Gary Sutcliffe. Andrew Thompson and Tony Murphy tied for third. Murphy, Butler, Hampstead and Thompson all have a reason to return next week as they all had at least one good shot, grabbing a pin shot each.
The club has scheduled a single stroke event this weekend which will be sponsored by last week’s winner Mick Ellis.
A date claimer for your golfing diaries is the popular Golf World Day which will be played in Wallangarra on 4 September. Tee off in the Two Ball Ambrose competition will be between 9am and 9.30am and the cost of the day, including lunch is $25 pp.
NEWMAN IN FORM
JOY Newman was in top form for the association croquet games last week. Newman pegged out at 26 with two breaks of three in her game against the pairing of Jenny Tunbridge and Pat Schnoor 19. Pat Schnoor also played well and had a break of three in this game.
Val Shephard and Val Richards combined for a win 21 – 16 win over Heather Widderick.
In the final match up, Andrea Denkewitz and Margaret Dickenson combined to play Carol Verwey and Effie Russell. Denkewitz and Dickenson played well to notch a convincing 18-4 win. Andrea Denkewitz had an eye-catching break of four on the way to the win.
GALA NIGHT FOR STANTHORPE FOOTBALL
PLAYERS, officials and supporters came together last weekend to celebrate the Stanthorpe Football season at the annual presentation evening.
Special guests included representatives of Football Queensland. Chris Haynes president of Football Queensland said it was a wonderful evening which had topped off a great year. To have so many awards so tightly contested is an indication of the success of the season, he said.
Senior Men’s Player of the Year resulted in a tie between Jeremy Willoughby (Ballandean) and Curtis Allen (United).
Sarah Day (Ballandean) was named the Ladies player of the Year and talented teenager Anika Spiller runner-up. Anika also received the Under- 16 Rep Player of the Year following a successful Rep season.
Georgia Favero (United) was the Fillies Player of the Year and the award for the Junior Male Colt of the Year went to Jack Clark (City).
Liam Hitchener (United ) picked up the Senior Colts award.
United Redbacks were once again named Club of the Year.
POPULARITY GROWS
GOLF croquet continues to grow in popularity in Stanthorpe, and last week there were maximum numbers on Wednesday morning. Players divided into three groups of four playing doubles. Marian and John Castles brought along a visitor, their daughter who is now intent on finding a club in her area when she returns to the Coast.
Marion Castles and daughter Vanessa played against Liz Ellway and Teresa Pyne. While it was the more experienced pairing of Ellway and Pyne who claimed a 13-7 win – team Castle were not disgraced. Vanessa was impressive in her first game scoring six hoops, but it was Pyne who top scored with seven.
Shirley Page and Bill Golding were outscored by Val Fancourt and John Castles who won their game 13-7. Top scoring in this group was John Castles.
Bev Sullivan partnered Di Wren for a 13-8 win over Elaine Brown and Justin Liddy. Sullivan took the honours in this game with nine hoops.
In the second round of games, Dianne Wren and John Castles paired up against Marian Castle and Val Fancourt claiming a convincing 13-5 win. Dianne played a great game, contributing 10 of the 13 hoops.
Liz Ellway and John made 11 hoops before close of play in their game against Shirley Page and Bev Sullivan. Ellway narrowly took the honours with six hoops.
Elaine Brown played two balls in a game against Teresa Pyne and Bill Golding and although she was defeated 8-6, she picked up a hoop in one while Golding top scored with six.
Five players braved uncertain conditions on Thursday afternoon and tried an experimental form of the game that probably is not going to make it into the record books. After a break, players settled into a conventional game of triples before being driven off the court by rain.
BUSY COURTS FOR GATEBALL
GATEBALL players were on the court on Friday and it was all Triples.
On Court One, Les Williams, Pat Schnoor and Andrea Denkewitz, playing White balls teamed up to take on the Red Ball team of Joy Newman, Bill Golding and Jenny Tunbridge. The Red team squeaked home in a close encounter taking a narrow 10-9 win in the first game. The White team stormed back in the second game to take a more convincing 12-6 win. The Red team were back on song in game three, winning 12-7. Jenny Tunbridge was the most consistent player from this group while Joy Newman played well in game three.
On court two, it was Margaret Dickenson, Heather Widderick and Effey Russell playing the White balls against the team of Carol Verwey, Val Fancourt and John Draper, playing Red balls. The first game was a close game with the White team taking a 10-9 win. Results were reversed in game two with the Red team bouncing back to take a 13-11 win. The White team won the next two games 12 -7 and 18 – 11 to claim bragging rights. The most consistent players in this group were Margaret Dickenson and Effey Russell while John Draper and Val Fancourt both played well in game two.
In the games played on Saturday, there were different team combinations in each game. In the first game, Andrea Denkewitz played Red against the White team of Margaret Dickenson and Les Williams. It was a 13-9 win to White.
In the second game, Margaret Dickenson played the Red against Andrea Denkewitz and Les Williams. Margaret Dickenson played very well to come from behind and claim a 12-11 win for Red. In game three, Les Williams took on the role of team Red taking on the formidable pairing of Margaret Dickenson and Andrea Denkewitz, however Williams was back to his best form taking out the game, winning 17 – 11. Les’ turn to play Red against the team of Andrea and Margaret. Les was back to his best form, winning 17 points-11. A second game of the same combination resulted in a tied game at 14-all.
WIN FOR RAWLINGS
JOHN Rawlings claimed bragging honour at Sports on Sunday with a win over the consistent Angelo Maugeri. Paul Armstrong returned the Best Gross score and Run-downs went to Bob Watts and Ray Thorn. Marg Locke claimed the Pin Shot on the 12th, however the Pin shot at the 17th and the Pro Pin both went unloved.
Sneaking home with a meat tray each were Dale Gillam and Ray Thorn.
Tee off next Sunday is as always – between 8am and 8.30am and visitors or newcomers to the game are always most welcome.’
Sporters and other members of the golfing fraternity were saddened this week to hear of the passing of one of the stalwarts of Sunday Sporters in Stanthorpe, Don Carey. For many years Don volunteered his time to open the club and act as Barman every Sporters Sunday. He will be greatly missed and Sporters extend their sympathy to the Carey family. RIP – Don Carey.
BOARS REQUEST REJECTED
THE Warwick and District Junior Rugby league delegates knocked back a request from the Goondiwindi Juniors to leave the WDJRL and apply to join the TRL junior competition.
At a delegate meeting of the WDJRL, the move was overwhelmingly opposed.
President of the Goondiwindi Juniors Barry Horton said the decision this season to cap the number of players who could participate in games from under-13 to under-16 age groups to 20, 13 on the field and seven coming off the bench was one of the major drivers of the proposed move. He said that the club would be happy to remain in the WDJRL if the cap for player numbers in under-13 to under-16 age groups to 26.
WDJRL president Dave Landers said that the league this season had made provision for clubs to field two teams in an age group if necessary.
Goondiwindi argue that they need to be able to grow rugby league in what is a competitive local sporting market. There is strong competitions from other codes in Goondiwindi. Soccer and Rugby Union are very popular. Mr Horton said they believed allowing 26 players would still give players plenty of game time and allow clubs to grow.
Goondiwindi has the right to appeal the decision and that will be considered at the next club meeting in coming weeks.
TIGERS AND TIGERETTES MINOR PREMIERS
TENTERFIELD Rugby League supporters were celebrating their club’s Minor Premiership wins in both the Men’s and Ladies BRL competitions following last weekend’s final fixture round.
The Tigers outmuscled Killarney for an 84-16 win.
The convincing win handed the Tigers the Minor Premiership and a home semi-final when they finished with a better for and against record than arch rivals the Roosters.
The Tigerettes however are the success story of the BRL 2016 season as they waltzed through their third season undefeated and are shooting for their third premiership.
The win puts the Tigerettes straight into the grand final on 4 September.
This weekend, the Tigers will host the Roosters at Rugby League Park in the major semi-final. The winner of this game will host the grand final and earns themselves a week off.
The Border Bushrangers will play Brothers in the curtain raiser to this game. Kick-off is at 1pm with the main game commencing at 2.30pm.
Last weekend, the Roosters once again proved far too strong for the Stanthorpe Texas side. They dominated ball possession and ran away 78-0 winners. Zack Johnstone was named Players Player.
The combined Stanthorpe Texas side has faced difficulties all season with training together almost impossible, and unfortunately it has been reflected in their performances.
This weekend Stanthorpe Texas host Killarney in the minor semi-final. The Ladies League tag side will take on the Wallangarra Ramettes for a place in the grand final against the Tigerettes.
BRL TO CELEBRATE 20 YEARS
IT has been a tough year for the Border Rugby League, however they will end the season with a celebration to mark the 20th Year of the competition at a dinner on 17 September at the International Club.
BRL chairman Norm Crisp said special guests would include the original Border Bushrangers Rep team of the decade.
During the evening, the Rep team of the second decade 2007-2016 will be announced as well as the BRL 2016 Player of the Year in both the Men’s and Ladies competition.
Tickets are $35pp and the deadline for bookings is Friday 18 August. Contact Norm Crisp for further information. Phone 4681 2177.
