By Casey O’connor
FOR cricket tragics like myself, a week that started with such promise turned into a horror show at the WACA as the South Africans handed the Aussies a good old-fashioned flogging and without the self-proclaimed snake slayer Dale Steyn who suffered a career-threatening shoulder injury on day two. The injury requires surgery and a very long rehab.
While Steyn’s rehab is going to be lengthy and painful, if the performance of the Australians is a true measure of their form, then the summer might be a long and painful experience for Australian fans.
Injury will force the make-up of the Australian side to change for the Tasmanian Test this weekend and hopefully some players do a lot of soul searching between leaving the WACA and waking out onto Bellerive Oval. Ultimately, all the coaching, mentoring and sports physiologists can only do so much. Players should be accountable for their own performances in the middle – good and bad.
Cricket Australia can be grateful that another rugby league scandal has pushed cricket off the headlines as the news of yet another Ben Barba indiscretion broke. Hats off to Cronulla for their handling of the situation. While they continue to offer one of the star players of their premiership team every support, they have cancelled his contract and in 2017 Barba will not be donning the Shark’s jersey.
The NRL could not have been more open about its intention to drug test at the end of season and it begs the question – Do we need players in the competition who still flaunt the rules. Sadly, a player of great talent obviously believes those rules don’t apply to him and will now pay a hefty price. What a waste.
– Casey
POOR FORM
LOCAL cricketers need to remember that while they are not playing for sheep stations, the rules and laws of the game governing player behaviour still apply to them.
The performance of one senior player in a game in Stanthorpe last weekend was nothing short of a disgrace. So bad in fact that an official of another sporting code, watching with his kids is likely not to be back.
Not the example of good sportsmanship or player behaviour that senior players should be setting for their younger counterparts.
Players need to remember the umpire is not going to reverse his decision no matter how much you mouth off at him or swear and curse as you leave the field. We all make mistakes and umpires are only human and unfortunately human error is part of our game. On the International stage, we have recently seen how contentious even DRS decisions could be.
My advice – if you think the umpire has made a clanger – cop it sweet – chances are your side might be on the right end of a wrong decision next innings and you will be setting a better example for the kids.
RACING QLD UNDER FIRE
RACING Queensland may have underestimated the backlash a proposed change to the Brisbane winter racing carnival has brought. Earlier this week, there was disbelief and outrage from all quarters when the Courier Mail revealed RQ were planning to move the iconic Doomben 10,000 from Doomben to Eagle Farm in yet another proposed shake up of the Brisbane Winter Carnival.
The move was widely criticised by owners, trainers and jockeys both past and present to say nothing of punters. Many likened the idea to trying to move the Cox Plate from Moonee Valley to Flemington. Sometimes you are left wondering at just what drives some of the decision making in Queensland Racing. It seems on this occasion the heat in the kitchen may be a bit fierce for the decision-makers who have now indicated that this decision is still under review, and they will listen to all arguments – that in itself may be a first.
One decision that was more warmly received by the racing industry was the recent announcement by the Parliamentary inquiry that Hendra Virus vaccinations not be made mandatory. The Qld Thoroughbred Breeders Association president, Basil Nolan of Raheen Stud said the Parliamentary Committee had made sensible and manageable recommendations. He said research of the vaccine was still in its infancy and mandatory vaccinations would have been a financial burden while the long-term effects of the vaccine on broodmares, foals and racehorses was still uncertain. Finally, some common sense prevails.
MEDAL OF MEDALLISTS DECIDED
EACH of The winners of the Stanthorpe Golf Club Monthly Medal over the past 12 months teed off on Saturday competing for the sought after Medal of Medallists and the Roy Carnell Memorial trophy.
Graham Tonkin has been in red hot form recently and franked that form on Saturday, winning the event and ensuring his name is added to the Shield.
The winners of the Ladies Medal events over the past year also played for a trophy sponsored by Tom and Tric Fittock. The winner in a close contest was Fiona Kelly.
All players were eligible for the November monthly medal, the first of the new season which also decided on Saturday. The results in both men’s and ladies’ event was a repeat of the final with both Graham Tonkin and Fiona Kelly winning their respective competitions.
Tonkin shot nett 69 finishing, relegating Ron Batterham to second place after he returned nett 70.
Fiona Kelly’s nett 74 gave her a three-shot advantage over runner-up Margie Locke (nett 77).
Both events were sponsored by Poole’s Produce, and the winners are the first to qualify for next year’s Medal of Medallists.
Dylan Barraclough had another good round, finishing with the best of 73 and the least putts – 26. Margie Locke had best ladies gross of 102 and the putting honours were shared between Madeline Jarman, Helen Jones and Linda Kelly who all had 32 putts. Rundown went to nett 71 for the men and to nett 78 for the ladies.
There is only one single round remaining before the announcement of the Stanthorpe Golfer of the Year. Players earn points throughout the year for both regular and consistent play. Results from recent rounds have not been published, but we understand that the race for the prize in both the men’s and ladies contest is very close.
The Apple & Grape Motel are once again sponsoring the Men’s event and Gracious Living is the Ladies Sponsor.
The annual Christmas break up has been scheduled for Saturday 26 November following golf and the winners of the Golfer of the Year will be announced there.
All members are invited, and organisers are asking those planning on attending to add their names to the sheet in the clubhouse as soon as possible to assist with catering.
In the meantime, the club will hold a mixed 4BBB Stableford on Saturday with golfers playing for the Peirce Trophy sponsored by the Peirce family.
For those men who are unable to find a lady to partner them, the club will also hold a lonely players event. Tee off is from 11.30am and the time sheet is, as usual, on the board at the clubhouse.
IDEAL CONDITIONS FOR CLAYS AND ACTION
SHOOTERS appreciated the ideal conditions at the Inglewood Sporting Shooters range last weekend for the Clay and Action Pistol.
Ross Jackson took the honours in the Clay event, outscoring placegetters Michael Dudgeon and Tom Donald.
Two Action Pistol events were also decided, and results were the same in both events. Iain Bowen relegated Peter Jones and Tristan Lane to the minor placing in these events.
This Sunday the club has planned Single Action and Rimfire Rifle events.
Saturday 10 December has been announced as the date for the Open Day. $10 per head will give you the chance to try Muzzle loaders, Pistol and Shotgun fun (Under 16 free).
BUSY ON THE COURT
IT was another busy week on the court for those involved in Mallet Sports in Stanthorpe.
Numbers were down for the association croquet games played last week but players welcomed back Grace Howard who returned after a short illness. She partnered Pat Schnoor in a game against Margaret Dickenson. In a good game, Dickenson had breaks of five and four before pegging out 26-20 for a nice win.
Effey Russell and Val Shephard outplayed their opponents Carol Verwey and Heather Widderick to score a 26-16 win.
In the golf croquet games, doubles were the order of the day and games were played in great conditions.
The opening game between Judy Lock and Bev Sullivan and Teresa Pyne and Liz Ellway was a very hard-fought affair. Honours eventually going to Lock and Sullivan 13-12.
Dianne Wren and Justin Liddy teamed up to play Elaine Brown and Marian Castles and hit off a little later. Wren and Liddy scored a decisive 13-7 win over their opponents.
Player of the Day was Dianne Wren who scored 10 of the 13 points, and is quickly earning the moniker of “Dead Eye Di” because of her consistency and eye for direction.
Following the break, teams were re-drawn and Payne and Liddy defeated Sullivan and Brown.
In the shortened game, it was Teresa Payne who top-scored with seven.
It was a narrow 7-6 win for Judy Lock and Liz Ellway who played Marian Castles and Di Wren in the second game.
The gateballers hit the court on Friday, and it was the White team who had the ascendency.
Andrea Denkewitz, Carol Verwey, Les Williams, Heather Widderick and Val Fancourt, made up the Red team and could only manage a 13-7 win in the third game. All honours were with Margaret Dickenson, Bill Golding, John Draper and Pat Schnoor. They won the first game 16-8. Game two looked like it was going to be a closer affair that was until John Draper playing the final turn of the game, scored an Agari (hitting the ball onto the centre peg) for two points after knocking a red ball off the court to give White another win – final score 13-9.
A shootout was necessary to decide the winner of the final game when both teams finished locked at 10-all. In the shootout, each player had one shot at passing through Gate One. With scores still level after the first round, the process was repeated until finally there was a miss by the Red team handing the White team their third win in unusual fashion.
SLIPPER CONTENDERS
THE jewel in the Australian Racing Crown, the Melbourne Spring Carnival drew to a close last weekend with the running of the Emirates now a $2.5 million race. Some of the International contingent of runners is making their way home – some will stay and the visiting international trainers, jockeys and the entourages have departed. You would think that it is time for punters and racing enthusiasts to take breath and contemplate the results – nah. First acceptances for the 2017, $3.5 million Golden Slipper have been announced. It should come as no surprise that Goldolphin head the list with 113 youngsters entered. The Waterhouse/Bott stable are not too far off – they have entered 102 two-year-olds. And so the two-year-old circus begins.
WILLIAMS AND PURCELL ‘GARRA WINNERS
MEMBERS of the Wallangarra Golf Club played for the November Monthly Medal and Putting last Saturday. Sponsor of the event which was won by K. Williams was the Wallangarra Railway Cafe. Gary Sutcliffe won the Putting Competition and J. Purcell was runner-up in the Medal competition. Williams and Purcell had a winning day out with the pair claiming the pin shots on the ninth second and 14th respectively.
This week the programmed single stableford will be played after the club’s scheduled 10am general meeting.
COLTS CONTINUE IMPRESSIVE START
CRICKET fixtures continued last weekend in Warwick after a break to accommodate the Rodeo activities. Winning teams were Maryvale-Condamine, Wheatvale, Colts, and Allora.
Warwick Hotel Colts continued their impressive start this season when they notched up their fifth win in convincing style, beating Inglewood by 167 runs on their home patch.
Centuries from opener Nick Inmon who remained not out 161 and team-mate Wayne Gross guided Colts to the big win. Goss, who bats first drop, and Inmon put on a winning second- wicket partnership of 256 runs. Both batsmen cut a swathe through the attack. Inmon’s innings included four sixes and 22 boundaries.
The effort of his batting partner, Gross was almost as impressive and included nine boundaries and eight sixes.
By the end of their 40 overs, Colts had set their opponents a massive 325-run target for the loss of only four wickets.
Colts backed up their impressive batting with a good performance in the field, and the run chase proved too much for the home-side who was bowled out for 158. Inglewood opener Adam Drennert top-scored with 48. He found support from Shane Hooper (34) and Osborne, who remained not out on 38.
Colts captain Shaun O’Leary led the way in the field, taking four wickets for 16 runs in a four- over spell. Fraser McVeigh and Maugan Benn 2-27 off five bowled well, and each finished with a pair.
BOAL STARS IN WHEATVALE WIN
WHEATVALE had a four-wicket win over Railway Hotel Rascals in the game played at Slade Oval on Sunday.
In a memorable top grade debut, youngster Lachlan Boal (who is still eligible to play junior cricket) took four wickets in five overs to help Wheatvale to victory. A fine effort in the field restricted Rascals to a gettable score of 110. Boal’s fine performance with the ball was backed up by some good fielding. None better than that of Neil Cantwell who took a screamer at first slip to remove Rascal’s Tom Morris. James and Jack Breen also bowled well, and finished the innings with two wickets apiece.
Chasing 110 for victory, a win for Wheatvale looked a forgone conclusion, however Rascals bowlers had different ideas. Liam Duncan and Joe Morris both bowled well for Rascals as Wheatvale made it difficult for themselves losing early wickets. At six down for 76, Rascals supporters were hoping for an upset, however Wheatvale captain Paul Cantwell and Brendan Malone steadied the ship and saw off the bowling attack to record a win.
WIN NO 4 FOR MARYVALE
IN Saturday’s game at Slade Oval Maryvale, Condamine played their first game against newcomers to the Warwick competition Redbacks. Despite winning the game by a comfortable margin, it was not all smooth sailing for the more experienced Maryvale side.
Maryvale had first use of the wicket, and faced some good bowling from Sam Waetford, Tyhe Clarkson and spinner Dave Drewey who took three wickets. Redbacks fielded well with some good catching from Tyhe Clarkson and Kieran Politch.
Michael Bourke showed all of his experience to top score with 72 for Maryvale. Dave Walker and Mitch Bourke also batted well while at the end of the innings Keiran Bourke’s 25 was a handy addition to the score as Redbacks were set a 213-run target
Redbacks opener Kerin Politch set a handy pace in the opening stages of the innings, scoring off shots all-round the ground and was looking comfortable before he was dismissed for 29. Dave Walker’s form with the ball was once again consistent, taking four wickets as Maryvale dismissed Redbacks 50 runs short of the required total despite some solid performances from the Redbacks lower order. The win was Maryvale’s fourth this season.
ALLORA BOWLERS SET UP WIN
ALLORA coasted to an easy win in their game on Saturday against Sovereign Animals who could only post a score of 48 runs. An understrength Animals side had no answers against the Allora bowlers. Tom Henry took three wickets for just nine runs while Stewart Henderson backed him up, taking 2/6 from his five overs as the bowlers took control of the game.
Allora lost only one wicket as they chased down an easy win. Matt Kiernan (34no) scored the bulk of the runs and batting partner Gavan Scheiwe finished the innings not out 16.
This weekend sees the first of the Representative games for the season and also the start if the T20 competition.
POPULARITY GROWING
MOUNTAIN bike tourism is a growing phenomenon reflected by the recent establishment of the Southern Downs Mountain Biking Club.
The club is in the process of applying for community grants and is in consultation with the Southern Downs Regional Council to utilise unused council and forestry land and transform it into usable mountain biking trails.
Club president Michael Foresto says these trails would attract a large number of travelling mountain bikers prepared to travel long distances to use new and quality trails for recreational and competitive purposes.
“We currently have 20 riding members, and we only opened up for membership two weeks ago, so we are expecting quite a few more memberships in the future from all across the Southern Downs and Granite Belt,” Michael told the Free Times.
“We are currently looking to gain support from local businesses that could see the benefit of establishing a quality trail network in our area as it would be another attraction to our lovely region as well as bring more tourism through visitors for casual riding and competition in the future.”
The club will hold a free family friendly ride, meeting and lunch this Saturday 12 November at Stanthorpe’s Happy Valley Retreat, with the ride starting at 9am.
All levels of riders are encouraged to come and have a go and see what the club is all about.
The ride will finish around 11am back at Happy Valley in time for lunch and a general club meeting.
Happy Valley Retreat is at 146 Glenlyon Drive, Stanthorpe. For more information, contact Michael Foresto on 0424 760 848.
WARWICK SELECTORS NAMES REP SIDES
THE Warwick team Davis Shield team will play a Toowoomba side in their first Rep game of the season on Sunday in Toowoomba. The Mitchell Shield side will take on Central Downs in Pittsworth. Players selected are:
Mitchell Shield
Jason Steketee (captain); Lachlan Gross; Jamie Saunders; Ryan Collins; Michael Bourke; Carter Bilbrough; Chris Malone; Paul Cantwell; Shaun O’Leary; Cam Peterson; Andrew Ryan.
Davis Shield
Dave Walker (captain); Pat Bourke; Tom Bourke; Cahal Davis; Caleb King; Kieran Bourke; Josh Ryan; Tyhe Clarkson
