By Casey O\’ Connor
The Women’s AFL grand final was a thriller, and although the Lions girls went down to Adelaide anyone who watched the game could not fail to have been impressed by the game. It went down to the wire with a kick on the siren giving the Lions one last crack at a win, but it was not to be.
As women’s sport takes hold in Australia, the AFL is once again leading from the front.
In other good news, it has been announced that the Australian Women’s cricketers will receive a well-deserved pay rise from Cricket Australia. It is sure to make the game even more attractive to younger players.
While the Australian men’s side went down to India in the final Test of the Indian Series, there were some positive signs for the upcoming summer Ashes tour.
The Aussies had their chances in the game, but the failure of the top order in their second innings put the writing on the wall and handed the Indians a win and the Border Gavaskar trophy in what was a spiteful series.
Smith was named Man of the Series but the rift between the Australians and Kohli may never be healed.
In good news for fans of the round ball game, the Socceroos nailed a 2-0 win over the UAE in their Qualification AFC Final Group Stage on Tuesday. It was a must win game for the Socceroos as they work towards a spot in the next World Cup.
With one qualification game to play, Australia is now in control of their World Cup destiny. While some fans were questioning the merit of the win, coach Ange Postecoglou and his men are simply focused on working towards another World Cup. That surely has got to be a good thing – fine tuning can follow later.
– Casey
UNHAPPY KENNEL AFTER ROUND FOUR
After round four of the NRL Doggies, supporters are snarling, barking, howling and baying for the head of someone, anyone. Directly in the firing line is coach, Des Hasler. While Hasler apparently has the support of the CEO Raelene Castle at the moment, things in the kennel are far from cosy. The Bulldogs disaster against Manly was somewhat timely for the Knights and Bunnies as it has deflected the heat from their pretty poor performances.
The Storm caravan rolls on although they were given a wake-up call early in the game by the Tigers. It was nothing compared to the spray they copped from their coach at half time. Melbourne responded, built momentum and came away with a solid if not pretty win in the end. Slater appears to be handling his return to the paddock well, and his value to the team is only going to increase as we get further down the track. The Tigers may have removed their coach Jason Taylor, but that obviously hasn’t resolved their problems.
The star of Latrell Mitchell continues to rise as the Roosters powered on to another victory. Manly showed they are not a one-trick pony as did the Dragons. The Sharks snapped up the Eels but not before some well-placed porkies from their coach put them into attack mode.
The Broncos were looking down the barrel of a one from four winning ratio coming, and supporters were relieved to see them put another win on the board. Great to see Ben Hunt back to his best. The Cowboys managed to get a win without field goals, golden point and extra time after a really tough first few rounds. Young gun Kalyn Ponga was outstanding and might be one the Cowboys regret slipping through their net in the future.
At the end of four rounds, not even the most ardent Dragons fans would have predicted they would be perched in third place on the ladder behind the Roosters and Melbourne and ahead of the Cowboys and some of the more fancied sides. No doubt round five will bring more twists and turns.
Casey’s Tips round Five
Broncos
Roosters
Cowboys
Sharks
Raiders
Storm
Warriors
Dragons
BOWEN WINS PISTOL COMP
On Sunday the improved weather conditions allowed for a 25 metre Standard Pistol competition.
Iain Bowen was the winner of the competition. Filling the placings were Ray Dudgeon and Peter Jones.
If you are interested Sporting Shooters the Inglewood Club is holding a Clay Target shoot on Sunday and the pistol range will be open for an informal competition.
RAIN INTERFERES WITH MALLET PLAYERS WEEK
Once again, rain forced abandonment of Association Croquet on Tuesday morning.
Let’s hope we get a game in this week.
Croquet and in particular golf croquet has been impacted by weather conditions in recent weeks and again numbers were down significantly last week. Six committed players however were on the court and all games were closely contested with just one or two hoops deciding each mage. Winners were Justin Liddy, Val Fancourt and Di Wren.
The gateball players hosted a visiting group from the Toowoomba Mallet Sports club on Friday. Both courts were full all day to accommodate all players. Stanthorpe and Toowoomba relished the chance to play with and against each other.
On Saturday afternoon, there were a few triples games played. The Red team of Andrea Denkewitz, Margaret Dickenson and Sharyn Roser played Bill Golding, Les Williams and Val Fancourt, the White team. The Red team won the first two games convincingly with scores of 19 – 13 and 17 – 11 respectively. The White team had the last laugh winning the last game of the day 11-9.
STEELE A WINNER
Conditions were fine, but still a little damp on the fairways for the Sporters crew on Sunday. That was not a problem for Norm Steele who went home with the winners not only the winner’s trophy but also the balls for the pro-pin at the No. 5.
Runner-up was John Walsh who collected two balls for his effort on the day. The run down included all the Jims – Mitchell and McPherson. Phil Zikan had an excellent tee shot to be closest to the pin at the third hole. Paul Armstrong returned the Best Gross of 40 for the day. Not a bad effort considering there was very little run on the course.
The raffle winners were runner-up, John Walsh, and Nikki Waterworth, both leaving with a meat tray for their work.
Just a reminder, the Maureen Bates Memorial Day, (a two ball Ambrose) is just around the corner. By now golfers should have Sunday 9 April pencilled into their diaries. It will be a shot gun start to the day at 9am with registrations closing at 8.30am. There is a time sheet on the board at the club house, so grab a partner and get your names in if you haven’t already. There will be a barbecue and raffle after the game.
This week however, it is business as usual with Sporters teeing off at the usual time between 7.30am 8am.
ROOSTERS CROWING AFTER ROUND ROBIN
Inglewood Roosters picked up from where they left off last season when the Border Rugby League teams held their pre-season round robin competition on Saturday at Macintyre Oval.
Inglewood collected up their first piece of silverware for the season winning the annual trophy with a 24-0 nil win over Killarney in the final game. They were rewarded with a number of players selected in the BRL rep side to play in the South West trials in Miles.
Inglewood captain Brent Osborne was named captain coach of the side which was announced following the final. Osborne will be joined in the squad by Roosters Brent Hearne; Brandon Sauverain; Adam Drennert; Tom Halford; Jake Charles and Jamie Meddings.
Killarney look to have a much stronger team this season and seven of their players were selected. They include Josh Drennert; Brett Lambert; Ian Brown; Brett Watts; Jamie Watts; Brent Humphries and Jacob Polzin.
Gary Skimmings is the lone Gremlins representative while Tenterfield captain coach Brenan Minns heads the Tigers representatives which include Ethan Moore; Nathan Dearden and Jake Adams.
Numbers remain an issue for many of the teams, and BRL chairman Norman Crisp is hopeful things will fall into place in the next couple of weeks for the start of the competition proper. The BRL executive has given all teams until next week to commit to the 2017 men’s and women’s competitions. Most teams are still on the hunt for players, so if you are available contact the club secretaries or speak to BRL Chairman Norman Crisp on 0418 716 591.
WILLIAMS WEATHERS CONDITIONS BEST
On Saturday the second round of the Wallangarra Golf Club Championships were played. Following the recent weather conditions, players found the course wet and tough going. Peter Williams shone above the field to notch up a win with Steve Hampstead runner-up. Jamie Purcell took home a captain stakes and also snared the pin shot on the ninth. Hampstead played a good shot to claim the approach shot at the 14th.
As another month rolls, round golfers will be playing for the Monthly Medal and Putting sponsored by the Wallangarra Railway. The round will also count towards round three of the club championships.
The club recently welcomed its newest member Simon Avery and the crew look forward to playing with him each week. The club welcomes and encourages new members and visitors who may want to come for a game and have some fun.
SMITH AND SMITH WINNING COMBINATION
How welcome were the improved weather conditions last weekend for golfers who all had the chance to complete their full round of 18 holes in Saturday’s medley 4BBB Stableford although the fairways were still quite damp and did not give much run.
Keeping the ball in the air was the name of the game and Wes Smith and Hayden Smith managed that nicely and returned a winning score of 45 points. Just one point back was Stephen Kay and Mick O’Brien who held on in a countback to take second place edging out David Burgess and Santo Cavallaro who were relegated to the run down.
Sponsor Ian Harvey donated an additional prize for the best mixed pairing which was won by Matt and Nikki Waterworth with 41 points.
George Merritt (3), Matt Waterworth (12) and David Burgess (17) each picked up pin shots while Rachel Hendy collected ladies’ pins at 12 and 17.
Wes Smith claimed the pro-pin at 1/10 and Luke Reardon held the rest (5/14 and 9/18). There were no takers for the birdies nest at 7. In the run down, it was a ball each to scores of 43 and better.
Saturday members will be playing for the April monthly medal and putting competition sponsored by
Richard Reardon. Tee off is from 11.30am and there is a time sheet on the board.
Sunday marks the beginning of the men’s pennant season with the Stanthorpe team to travel to Warwick Golf Club where they will play against Allora.
A reminder, the Stanthorpe greens will be undergoing maintenance and renovation work on Monday April 3. If you are able to volunteer some time to help it would be greatly appreciated. Work will commence around 8am.
COLTS PREMIERS IN A NAILBITER
In front of a great crowd, the Warwick Hotel Colts defeated Maryvale Condamine in the Warwick Cricket Association grand final on Saturday in a nail-biting finish to one of the best grand finals in recent history. In the end, Colts reached their target of 208 with just three balls remaining in the 50 over game and two wickets in hand.
It was a game that had more twists and turns than a game of snakes and ladders with both sides having their chances throughout the game. Maryvale batted first and did not get off to an ideal start when opener Dave Walkers was caught by Cameron Peterson in the opening over after facing only three balls. Will Gordon joined Pat Bourke at the crease and the pair built a 49-run partnership before Gordon was dismissed. The majority of the Maryvale batsmen got starts, but were not able to go on with the job and when captain Andrew Ryan came to the wicket his side were 6/129 and in some trouble. Ryan played a great captain’s knock finishing the innings 77 not out. Unfortunately for Maryvale, he ran out of partners and they were dismissed midway through the 47th over for 207. Those additional couple of overs which could have netted another 15 or 20 runs became crucial at the end of the game.
The Colts bowling attack was on song from the opening over, and Cameron Peterson bowled extremely well taking three wickets. He claimed the crucial wickets of Walker and Gordon. Spinner Shaun O’Leary took three wickets and was economical while Jacob Gross frustrated the batsmen with a tight bowling performance.
In the second innings, the Maryvale bowlers made things tough for their opponents and saw off Colts dangerous opening pair of Geoff Thorley and Lachlan Gross for just 27runs. The bowlers kept the run rate down in the middle stages with some good bowling from Keiran Bourke and Andrew Ryan, but could not get that break through wicket.
As the overs ticked by, the run rate began to climb and as has been the case in their past three meetings the match was headed for a nail-biter.
Some big hitting from Cameron Petersen saw the score edge closer to the required total before he was dismissed for 51 with a little under four overs remaining and the score at 5/188. His 77-run partnership with Kev Poole was crucial to Colts win as was Poole’s innings of 65. Good catching by the Maryvale players in particular Will Gordon, Keiran Bourke and Jason Steketee put Maryvale right in the game.
Colts lost Poole in the 48th over with five runs still required. McVeigh was run out in the final over giving Maryvale a final throw of the dice. It was left to Mitch Watson to stitch up the win for Colts when he hit a six off Mick Bourke to seal victory and the premiership for Colts.
In the Warwick Reserve Grade Grand final played at Mayhew Oval Allora Rascals defeated Allora. Jake Christensen was named Player of the Final after scoring 46 runs and taking five wickets for his team.
PETERSON CLEANS UP
Warwick Hotel Colts Cameron Peterson was named Man of the Final after a thrilling finish to the Warwick Cricket season and received the Walsh Medal. He was also named WCA Player of the Year and received the Dennis capping off a great day for the all-rounder. Premiership winning captain Shaun O’Leary paid tribute to his players for a great back end to the season and the team’s sponsors the Warwick Hotel and Thorley’s Scrap Metal in accepting the Condamine Cup after the game.
Umpire Greg Payne was received the President’s Award for Volunteer of the Year. Geoff Thorley and Ross Billborough were presented with life membership at the presentations following the grand final.
Lachlan Gross who has had an outstanding season and was presented with the Max Thorley Memorial Shield as Colt of the Year.
Will Gordon was recognised as the Representative Player of the Year.
Once again the Warwick Cricket Association will be sending two young cricketers on the annual Wanderers Country Cricket Tour in August. Pat Bourke and James Breen will be joining the tourists on the 2017 tour of Central and Northern Queensland.
Award winners were:
Jake Christensen Player of the Reserve Grade Grand final
“Walsh Medal“ Player of “A“ Grade Final … Cam Peterson
RSL PREMIERS IN A CLOSE ONE
Nearly all games in the Stanthorpe Cricket Association finals series have been disrupted by rain, and Saturday’s grand final had to be postponed until Sunday due to the unsafe condition of the outfield and the state of the wicket. Blue skies, hot conditions and a strong breeze on Sunday morning allowed the game to go ahead.
RSL went into the grand final as warm favourites but had to fight hard to win their second premiership in five years.
The wicket despite the rain played well and did not appear to favour either side. RSL batted first and the opening partnership of Sam Dowie and Duane Lihou got the team off to a good start with an opening stand of 60 runs before Dowie was dismissed for 33 caught by Scott Williams off his own bowling.
Duane Lihou and Ross Lupton combined to push the score out to 3/111 before Lihou was bowled by Alex Cameron. Ross Lupton was out shortly after as Alex Cameron claimed his second wicket. Todd Brady followed Lupton back to the clubhouse as the normally strong RSL tail got the wobbles. Captain Will Dowie came in with the score at 5/118. He and Dave Becker put together a much-needed 20-run partnership before the captain became Jordan Lanza’s second victim of the afternoon. Dave Becker did will to see the innings out as RSL finished with 154 for the loss of seven wickets.
The Souths bowlers showed much more discipline in this game, keeping wides and no balls to 14.
Chasing 155, the game was Souths to win. Souths were looking for a good start from their openers Bluey Lanza and Adam Bonner but Lanza was dismissed in the first over when Lauchie Green took a great catch off the bowling of Ross Lupton.
Souths needed a big innings from Jordan Lanza after his efforts with the ball and he did not disappoint but when Adam Bonner was dismissed for 14 with the score at 2/35 the game looked to be swinging to RSL. A steadying partnership was required and Jordan Lanza and captain Ben Staley saw the score climb to 107 before Lanza was dismissed for 61 caught by Duane Lihou to give Ross Lupton his second wicket.
With seven wickets in hand and their captain still at the crease, Souths were right in the game putting pressure on the RSL bowlers. Luke Brady picked up the crucial wicket of Staley and then the wickets of the big hitting Tom Bonner and Scott Williams to swing the momentum back to RSL.
RSL held their nerve, dismissing the remaining tailenders cheaply to claim a nine-run win and wrap up the premiership win.
Souths Jordan Lanza was named Player of the Final after taking two wickets, a catch and top-scoring with 61 runs.
President of the Stanthorpe Cricket Association paid tribute to the efforts of Mark Lanza and John Hendry in preparing the wicket after a week of dreadful weather.
