By Casey O’connor
Another Warwick Australia Day cricket carnival is done and dusted and hats off to the organisers who again put on a great tournament. On Sunday, I spoke with many visiting cricketers and supporters who heaped praise on the organisers for another great weekend.
It was terrific to see so many teams grab a shady vantage point at Slade Oval and watch an entertaining final on Sunday.
The carnival remains one of the Australia Day highlights in Queensland, and is really only rivalled by the Gold Fields Ashes in Charters Towers. Once again players came from as far north as Cairns and all points in between to be part of what has become an iconic event.
Congratulations to event winners Stunned Mullets and winners of the social comp Digglers who I understand had a great time.
Starting with the carnival, it has been another riveting week in sport. The BBL is drawing to a close, and with the Perth Scorchers nailing a home grand final, the Brisbane Heat will have to overcome a home ground hoodoo at the Gabba to book their flights to Perth.
The AB Medal was announced on Monday night with many surprised when Dave Warner edged out his captain Steve Smith. Warner polled significantly more votes from his peers than the captain to clinch back to back AB medals and there were no surprises when Meg Lanning won her third Belinda Clark Medal.
The Oz Open tennis has provided plenty of upsets and it is the older brigade who are stealing the headlines. What great tennis from Federer, Nadal and Venus Williams and of course her sister Serena. Will we wind back the clock to see these four in the finals? Fingers crossed.
Of course our Australian chumps Tomic and Kyrios again performed like trained seals and the less oxygen given to their performances the better.
Even the most ardent fans are almost all cricketed out with just one more ODI before the trams head off to NZ, India and God knows where else they might be playing.
I’m sure the Pakistani players will be all too pleased to be boarding a plane home after Thursday night’s game following a summer that could have been so much more “if only”.
No matter how you plan to spend Australia Day today, be sure to enjoy and celebrate all the things that make Oz the best place on earth. “Come on Aussie Come Orn”!
– Casey
STUNNING WINNER AT AUST DAY CARNIVAL
Stunned Mullets made it three wins on the trot and six titles in total when they took out the final of the Warwick Australia Day Cricket Carnival on Sunday. After making it through to the grand final, Stunned Mullets took on a confident youthful Hulks XI side who were fresh from a win over last year’s finalists Marbucks XI.
Stunned Mullets set their opponents a target of 178. Lachlan Gross who figured prominently in Stunned Mullets win in 2016 and has had a good season in the local competition and recent rep games top-scored with 67. No surprise he was named Player of the Final again this year. Visiting Nathan Case also played a great knock of 51 with some classy shots giving the fielders plenty of chasing in the outfield.
Hulks were under pressure when they lost an early wicket, and despite a good knock from Andrew Ryan (34) the Stunned Mullets bowling line-up had their opponents on the ropes. With the steady fall of wickets, Hulks XI could not put together that much-needed partnership as the run rate climbed. Stunned Mullets showed plenty of determination in the field with some great catching to back up a fine bowling performance. Steve Hawthorne finished with 3/17. Leighton Skirrow and Ben Gross each picked up a pair as Hulks were dismissed for 109. A three-peat for Stunned Mullets.
For the second year, the competition was split into two sections, with a social competition providing plenty of entertainment. In the final, it was Digglers who were making their 20th appearance at the carnival who made it back-to-back wins after they chased down the Hurricanes Elite total of 80.
Oz Day Carnival Award Winners
Player of the Social Final – Mark Gillespie (Digglers) 25 runs
Player of Grand Final – Lachlan Gross (Stunned Mullets) 67 runs and a catch
Carnival All-rounder – Mitch Bourke (Condy Sports) 91 runs and bowling figures 6/44
Player of the Carnival – Sam Waetford (Rosewood Icemen) 144 runs bowling figures 7/ 70
Best Individual Score – Dennis Bohm 127
Batting Most Runs – Dean Murphy (Annie’s XI) 260 runs
Best Bowling Average – Doug Green (WBAS) 5/18 – 3.6 avg
Best Bowling Figures – James Moore (Blue Cow) 5/3
Bowling Most Wickets – Jim Doyle (Hugh’s XI) 7/41
Best Batting Ave – Dion Galloway (Digglers) 152 – 152
Longest Throw – Jordan Siebenhausen (Summers) 102 metres
GOOD FORM CONTINUES
Stanthorpe golfer Wes Smith franked his recent good form last weekend, taking out the Single Stroke event played on Saturday. With the Foundation Cup up for grabs, Smith was able to complement an excellent round the previous week to stamp his authority on the competition and add his name to the Foundation Cup winners. While most contenders for the cup played three rounds looking for their best two scores they were upstaged by the inform Smith who needed only two rounds to claim the win. Stephen Kay was the runner-up in the Saturday competition finishing with nett 69. He also took the pin shot at 12. Club member Alex Vale who sponsored the day’s play had the pin at the third and the pro pin at 9/18. Dave Williams and Eric McLellan also picked up pro pins.
After a countback, Linda Kelly was declared the Ladies winner with Racheal Hendry relegated to runner-up, but she did collect the Ladies pin at the third. Lyn Ludlow had the best Approach Shot at 17.
Run downs went to nett 71 for the Men and 71 for the Ladies.
After three consecutive weeks of single stroke competition, the club has scheduled a stableford this weekend which will be sponsored by Len Leigh. Tee off is from 11.30am, and there is a time sheet on the board.
A reminder to all members that yearly subs are due at the end of February. Invoices and reminders addressed await members at the bar.
Don’t forget the Big Australia Day Two Ball Ambrose this Thursday. It’s an early 9am Shot Gun giving you plenty of time to get to Weeroona Park for the Australia Day festivities later in the day.
NEW WAY TO BOUND INTO FITNESS
Runners looking for a new opportunity and a chance to keep fit are invited to come to a series of street orienteering events which will be conducted in Warwick over the coming weeks by the Bullecourt Boulder Bounders. The first event will be held this Sunday, 29 January.
Publicity oficer for the Bullecourt Boulder Bounders, Liz Bourne, said that street orienteering provided an interesting way to keep fit combining running with a mental challenge.
Ms Bourne said, “It’s like a car rally on foot with only basic navigational skills required. “Keen runners will enjoy exercising their brains as well as their body while walkers and family groups could also have fun testing their map reading abilities.”
Sunday’s event will start from the Warwick West State School at 19 George Street, with starts from 4pm – 5pm. No special gear is required and compasses can be borrowed at the event. Entry cost is $5.
Three courses of about 6km, 4km and 3km and an easy course for juniors around the school grounds will provide something for everyone.
If you are interested in giving street orienteering a try, then the Bullecourt Bounders are keen to see you. There will also be further street events at Dalrymple Park, Allora on 5 February and at Scots College on 12 February.
If you would like further information, contact Liz from Bullecourt Bounders on 4683 6374 or go to the website www.oq,asn.au/events
SHENANIGANS AND SOME BOWLS AT TANNY
There was a great roll up for Thursday’s round of Tanny Triples at the Tannymorel Bowls club.
Winners were Doug Ware Blacky and Pedro Collis. Paint Brush Davidson, Prickles and Johno were the runners-up. The lowest score went to Matty Shepherd Mick O’Leary and Terry Banditt.
Full results looked like this:
Phil Wagner, Max Holder and Doug Christensen defeated Tom Seneiger, Gene Rapp and Trev Wright 16-3. Lorna Wright Sue Butz and Philpsy also had a 16-3 win over Ed Zanatta, Phil Davies and Zel Zamprogno. Paint Brush, Prickles and Johno Johnson were too good for Gazza Penn and Barb and Greg Cross, taking a 12-7 win. Overall winners Doug Ware, Blacky and Pedro defeated Matt Shepherd Mick O’Leary and Terry Banditt 15-4.
It was certainly a great day, and if you would like to nominate a team for February simply give Tuck a call.
Results of the second round ‘Skips Only’ – T. Wright had a 12-7 win over Terry Banditt. Johno Johnson defeated Dough Christensen 12-7. Visitor Zel Zamprogno had a win over Philpsy and Pedro Collis had an 11-8 win over Greg Cross.
Round two of the Tanny Classic was played on Friday night, and there were plenty of laughs and lots of mischief. The protest from Aaron that Vic Nelson was too young to play was immediately dismissed, and it is rumoured Venus must appear before the Friday night Judiciary for breaking rule 1166.2 of Bush Bowls. The hearing will be held when they can find the rule book.
Amid the shenanigans there was some blows played. Jan Walsham, Lorna T and Jimbo Richard had a narrow 12-11 win over Clayton Frank and Burt and Brian Welsh. Geane Lambert, Richy Tartan and Thommo scored an 11-8 win in their game against Venus No 1 Smith Geoffro Farmer and Mick O’Leary. Leonie Richard, Grumpy and Koala had a 10-6 win over Lane Hoscher, Matty Sheppard and Myrtle. Jimbo Lamb Veronica Banditt and Ant Butz also finished with an 11-6 win in their game against Joal Farmer, Robyn Lechner and Johno Johnson. Vic Nelson, Marg Thompson and Pete Gynther played well to claim a 19-7 win over Maria Macca, Sue Butz and Terry Banditt. Gary Amos, Jas Fritz and Tuck defeated Michelle Amos, Geoff Davis and Roy McKinney 16-4 and were named overall winners. Vic Nelson’s crew and in third spot Jimbo Lamb’s crew.
After two rounds, it is pretty close on the points table. Marg T leads the way on seven just in advance of Tuck on six, Venus on five while Fritzy, Jimbo and Vic sit on four points.
Get your name in before 6pm and enjoy a great night of bowls and plenty of laughs followed up by a great meal from Deb’s Kitchen. If in doubt on the green, why not try a “Googly or Flipper”
MALLET PLAYERS ON COURT
Golf Croquet players made an early decision that playing full games because of the heat was not going to be a sensible idea last week.
In the first round, Val Fancourt and Shirley Page played Justin Liddy and Teresa Pyne and scored a 13-10 win. It was Val Shepherd who top-scored with eight hoops. Marian and John Castles took on Elaine Brown who played two balls and they were beaten 11-6.
In a short game after the break, Teresa Pyne and Justin Liddy scored a 7-3 win over John and Marian Castles. Val Fancourt, playing two balls was too good for Shirley Page and Elaine Brown and notched up a 6-2 win.
Triples games were played at gateball on Friday. Andrea Denkewitz, Margaret Dickenson and Les Williams made up the Red Ball team and played Bill Golding, Val Fancourt and Heather Widderick, playing White.
The Red team played well together winning both games with scores of 18-12 and 17 -12. After the break, the teams were reshuffled. Margaret Dickenson,
Les Williams and Heather Widderick drew the White balls while Andrea Denkewitz, Bill Golding and Val Fancourt played Red.
The White team had a good result in game one, scoring a 12-9 win. The final game went the way of the Red team 12-8.
CLOSE FINISH IN TWO BALL AMBROSE
Golfers were on the fairways and greens at Wallangarra on Saturday playing a modified two ball Ambrose competition sponsored by the Wallangarra Store. In a nail-biting finish, the winners were the duo of J. Green and B. McMillian closely followed by J. Purcell and S. Hampstead. The captain stakes went to the Williams brother.
Only two pin shots went off on the day, and both went to Steve Hampstead at the third and ninth.
This Saturday, a single stableford (envelope game) has been programmed. A reminder that the annual meeting will be held at 10am prior to the game and all are welcome to attend. Memberships ($130) are also due by the end of the month. It’s the cheapest membership going around, so why not join.
A date to put in your diaries golfers is the DDGA Open Carnival to be played at the ‘Garra on 19 February.
COOLER CONDITIONS WELCOME
The cooler conditions last Sunday were welcome by Sunday Sporters, and there was a big turnout for the weekly game. Mark Lynam was the overall winner ahead of runner-up Peter Goodsir. Lynam also took the pin shot at 12. Paul Armstrong had the best gross and run-downs went to Dick Hilton and John Rawling. There were no takers for the pin shot at 17 or the pro pin. Sneaking off with a meat tray each were Mick Speer and George Sherrin.
Tee off this Sunday for Sporters is unchanged at 7pm – 7.30am. Remember visitors and new players are always most welcome.
RACE TO THE FINALS HEATS UP
Results of club cricket games played in Stanthorpe on Saturday have the 2016 grand finalists RSL and Valleys fighting for top spot on the leader board with just six games left to play. Valleys played Tenterfield and RSL and Wanderers went head to head on CF White Oval.
On Sheahan Oval both Valleys and Tenterfield were missing key players and when Valleys chose to bat first they got off to a good start reaching 31 without loss. However, a batting collapse saw them slump to 5/54 before a 135-run partnership between Col Harris and Cameron Crestani saved the day. Harris scored 65 which included three boundaries and a six. Crestani’s knock of 67 also included two boundaries and two sixes. Valleys finished their innings on 211. In a good performance with the ball, Shaun Merchant claimed four wickets.
The Tenterfield innings started badly and got worse. In a hostile spell, Valley’s captain Damian Anderson claimed four wickets for just 10 and no doubt there will be a few batsmen still sporting some bruises to their bodies as well as their egos. His opening partner Sandro Steffanon was not to be outdone. In the sixth over, Steffanon picked up his the first hat-trick of his career and finished with figures of 4/28. The wicket was a batsman’s nightmare and bowler’s paradise and Curtis Allen chipped in to claim the last two wickets. His figures in a remarkable game 2/0. A big win to Valleys.
On the CF White Oval, Wanderers had first use of the turf and set RSL a 106-run chase. Tim Harslett top-scored with 51 including three boundaries. Damien Petrie (14) and Chris Williams (13) were the best of the rest. It was a good performance from all of the RSL bowling attack, with everyone chipping in to take wickets.
Sm Dowie and Ross Lupton led the RSL charge. Dowie scored 69 not out and Lupton remained unbeaten on 22. In a strong display, Dowie clubbed five boundaries and two sixes as RSL easily accounted for the required total in the 19th over losing only three wickets on their way to a two bonus-point win.
RSL now sits at the top of the leader board on 39 points, two in advance of the defending premiers Valleys with Souths on 32, Tenterfield 13 and Wanderers 5. The question now is who will finish minor premiers.
Don’t forget the Stanthorpe Super’s carnival this weekend.
CHAMPION HOOP CALLS TIME
Champion jockey Darren Gauci has taken racing by surprise announcing he is hanging up the saddle. The 51-year-old who is still matching it with his younger counterparts will retire with 35 Group One successes and over 2500 wins to his credit. He also won four Melbourne premierships, including three as an apprentice, but the Melbourne Cup eluded the hoop who finished runner-up on three occasions. While Gauci has announced his retirement, he will not be lost to racing. He has been appointed apprentice jockey coach alongside Matt Pumpa at Racing Victoria and will have a hand in nurturing the next generation of young Victorian riders.
While many including Gauci himself felt retirement was some way off, he says RV’s offer was “too good to refuse” and he is looking forward to working with young and aspiring jockeys.
“I probably could’ve ridden for a couple more years but this job came up, and I applied because it’s something that I’ve always wanted to do and the time feels right to transition into the next chapter of my life,” Gauci said.
The Victorian Apprentice Jockey Training Program has a reputation as one of the best rider development programs in world racing, and Gauci says he is excited to be joining a great group of people in the team. The future of a new generation of apprentices is in very good hands.
WOLVES ON THE HUNT
Warwick Wolves are calling for men, women and colts to join them in season 2017. Now playing in the Toowoomba competition after several seasons playing in Stanthorpe, the Wolves are looking to build on a successful 2016 season.
Players interested in being involved in women’s, men’s, colts and junior football this season can sign on now by going to the myfootball.com website.
