The final NSW City Country game has descended into a farce and is a reflection of the ever widening gap between NSW country Rugby league and the NRL. It is understandable that clubs do not wish their players to be involved in what is now merely an exhibition match. The City Country game however has a great tradition, and it is unfortunate that those in power have allowed it to decline to this state of affairs.
The game will go ahead after teams were announced earlier in the week with TBA beside several positions – what a mockery, however I am sure for those players who have been allowed by their clubs to take the field there is no doubt playing in the final game between the two sides will be memorable. It is also unfortunate that some of the fair dinkum country players were not included in the selections to show what they are made of.
While we are all digesting the goings on in the NRL, if you are a sports fan, I hope you have a close eye on your sporting diary. Tickets for the summer Ashes series in Australia go on sale this week and are sure to be snapped up quickly. For racing fans, tickets to the Cox Plate also went on sale this week and they too will be in hot demand with Winx the big drawcard for that carnival. Packages for the Melbourne Cup and Caulfield Cup are already on sale, and of course you still have several days to apply to go into the draft for tickets to GC 2018. It’s going to be a busy few months.
– Casey
MUCH-NEEDED BREAK
Tipsters will get a bit of a break this weekend with the NRL hosting the Representative Round and I like many could not be happier after another round of results savaged many a tipster. Of course there were several who believe they were sunk by some questionable decisions by the men with the whistle and their friends and associates in the bunker.
It was a round that saw Cam Smith tick off another career milestone. Smith is now the most prolific goal-kicker in NRL history after nailing five conversions against the Dragons taking his career tally to 943. One of his partners in crime Billy Slater finally got across the line for his first try since believe it or not May 2015. Having broken his duck, Slater confirmed his return to the top of the game with another in the game.
The Broncos took their foot off the pedal and were a fright by the Panthers, but in the end a comfortable win sees them in the top four.
Once again we saw that Penrith need to score first half points if they are to win games.
I may have to blacklist the Bunnies after their lustre performance. Akuila Uate dominated, scoring four tries for the Sea Eagles in a demolition of the Rabbitohs.
Plenty of controversy swirling around the Bulldogs at the moment with 2018 player transfers the major topic of conversation and they are in the thick of things. Didn’t hamper their performance against Canberra who have been a little disappointing in recent weeks.
The Roosters had their tail feather clipped in NZ as a classic Shaun Johnson penalty goal saw the Warriors snatch a 14-13 victory over the Sydney Roosters.
The Warriors are hard to catch, but when they put it together they are certainly entertainers.
The Cowboys will be circling the wagons around JT and they will all be filled with cotton wool following their dismal performance against the Eels. Thurston has of course been named in the Australian Test squad but not confirmed as we go to press. All of NQ will have their hearts in their mouths if he plays in the Test.
The Sharks bit back against the Tigers who have lost their captain for several weeks with a hamstring injury. It is also a blow to Blues supporters as he will miss at least one Origin game perhaps two. Tigers fans probably not so sympathetic to him at the moment.
This week we saddle up for the Anzac Test and although Australia will start favourites and should win, this will be another epic clash.
Broncos captain, Darius Boyd, may be another to succumb to injury after he left training early with a twinge in his hammy. Not good news.
It will be a great round of football with no pressure for many tipsters with many competitions having a week off.
We start with the junior Kangaroos and Kiwis going head to head. Some of our stars of the future will no doubt be on display.
The Jillaroos are also up for a big game in the capital against the Kiwi Ferns.
On Saturday, team rivalries go out the door when Tonga play Fiji and England take on Samoa.
ANZAC SHOOT ON RISDON RANGE
The Southern Downs Rifle Club Inc. held an Anzac Memorial Shoot at the Risdon Range on Connolly Dam Road on Sunday. The range was established in 1942 when it was used as a training range for Australian and American troops. At the time, there were around 10,000 troops in the area, training prior to being sent north to New Guinea. Unlike the conditions the original Anzacs or those in 1942 faced, the shoot on Sunday was held under blue skies with the occasional light, but tricky wind, and of course they were not under fire.
Seventeen shooters took part in the event. The .303 and other military rifle shooters had an interesting programme. The first round of two sighters and six scoring shots were carried out in either the sitting or kneeling position, and the second round was carried out lying prone with seven aimed shots followed by five rapid. It was agreed by all that the aimed shots were more accurate than the rapid.
Those without 303s completed their usual F class shoot. The RSL Memorial Club donated four vouchers which were presented to the winner of the .303 with scope, Ross Bartley and the winner of the .303 without scope, Merv Bray.
The top two scorers in F class, Dave and Margaret Taylor won the remaining vouchers and the RSL were recognised for their kind donation.
The Southern Downs Rifle Club welcomes visitors to the range on a Sunday. The first Sunday of each month is the 300 yard range and if you have a .303 or other military rifles you are invited to join in and “get rid of the cobwebs.” For more information, contact Margaret Taylor on 4666 1018.
TANNY BOWLERS KEPT BUSY
Bowlers at Tannymorel were busy last Thursday with the club hosting another great day, the Tanny Triples. The boys from the Summit Club, Bob Brown H Strathan and Rob Parker took home the prizes. The winning team had a 20-8 win over Julie Buse Al Buse and Jean Calen.
Flying the flag for Tanny were the runners-up, Don Clouten Les Clarke and Terry Banditt who had a 16-8 win over Laurie Munroe, Doug Christensen and Greg Dent.
In other games, Tom Seaniger, Phil Wagner and Mex Holder had a big win over Vince Hemmings, Clarke ”Paintbrush” Davidson, Johno Johnson 25-6.
Col Johnson, Mick O’Leary and Pedro Collis had a 12-8 win over their opponents Bill Gibson, Marg Wright and Philpsy.
Jean Walsham, Gordie Assay and Pete Gynther also had a win in their game against Keo Mooney and Geoff Davis (16-14).
In the skips only round, Rob Parker held out Max Holder 12-11. T.B. proved too good for Grumpy winning 21-6. Philpsy had an 18-6 win over Greg Cross. In a close game, Myrtle held a 10-9 win over Geoff Davis. Johno Johnson defeated Ed Welsh 18-13. Greg Dent had a big 28-7 win over Jean Calan and in the battle of the Pete’s it was Pete Collis who got a 15-9 win over Pete Gynther.
On Friday night, the club held the final round of the Second Tanny Classic.
Another great evening of bowls saw the result go right to the wire.
The winner Grumpy, had a smile on his face as he walked away with $500 prizemoney. Also in the prizemoney were TB ($250), Venus ($100) Sue Butz ($65) and Di Walsh placed fifth.
In the final round, Jim Lamb Venus and Grumpy had a 13-11 over Fritzy Walshy and Don Clouten which ensured Grumpy and Venus landed in the money.
In other games, Di Walsh, Sue Butz and Geoffro Creighton had a 16-2 win over Brett Grayson Myrtle and Thommo.
Congratulations to all those who played making the “Second Classic” such a success.
Eli McKinney, Vic and Nick O’Leary also had a win in their game against Jean Walsham Gordie and TB – scores 13-9.
Wrapping up a big week at the club, the semi-final of the Open Singles was decided on Saturday. In a great game in which there were some beautiful bowls played after 33 ends, it was Mick O’Leary who narrowly outgunned the youngster Aaron McKinney 25-24. O’Leary will now meet Philpsy in the final.
On Saturday there will be a social game commencing at 2pm with meals and entertainment following the game. Contact the club on 4664 4230 to put your name down.
POPULAR EVENTS A DRAWCARD
Stanthorpe golfers had a busy weekend with the club hosting two popular events on the golfing calendar and good fields were out on the course for both events.
The 4BBB medley played on Saturday was sponsored by Jeff Ihle and Biz Ihle from Kilcoy and a large contingent of Kilcoy visitors joined the local players.
It was Stanthorpe players Brendon Barker and David Reeves who teamed up to take out the win returning 48 points for their round. Kilcoy visitors K. and D. Allery took home the runners-up prize with their score of 46 points for the round.
Pin shots were won by Ian Pickering at three, Brendon Barker at 12 and Ian Harvey at 17. Pro-pins were claimed by Alan Accurate (again) at 1.10, Mark Hendry at 5/14 and J. Raaen at 9/18.
The Ladies pins went to Kay Webb at three, June Tones at 12 while Linda Kelly had best approach at 17.
The Birdies nest at 11 was shared by Brendon Barker, J. Tones, Gordon Phillips and Matt Waterworth. The run down went to scores of 43 and better.
The Annual Central Motors Three Ball Ambrose played on Sunday was sponsored by Rob Reeves and again there many visitors joined a big field of local players aiming for the top prize in this much-anticipated event.
Once again it was local players figuring in the major placings. The winning team of Matt Beale, Adrian Jannenga and David Reeves getting the chequered flag by the narrowest of margins, one-sixth of a shot from another group of local players Mick O’Brien, Matt Waterworth and Simon Shannon.
First run down went to Richard Reardon, Hannah Reeves and David Reeves (McLeod GC) and second run down to visitors from Kilcoy, Wayne, June and Bert. All in pin shots were won by Richard Reardon at three, David Reeves (McLeod) at 12 and Matt Waterworth at 17. The pro-pins went to Kevin Allery (Kilcoy) at 1/10, Matt Beale at 5/14 and Gordon Phillips (Pacific) at 9/18.
Club president, Stephen Kay, thanked sponsors, visitors and local members for their involvement in the weekend’s golf competition at the presentations following the game.
It is anticipated both events will be held again next year.
On the horizon for local golfers this week is the Betty Yap Memorial Day, the May monthly medal and putting competition sponsored by Greg Yap.
Saturday is also the first round of the men’s club Championships which will be played over the next four Saturdays. The event is graded, A grade (H/c 0-12) B grade (H/c 13-19) and C grade (H/c 20 +).
Players are reminded to enter names on the time sheet and to note that from next Saturday, tee off is from the earlier winter time of 11am.
DUDGEON WINS PISTOL EVENT
Ray Dudgeon took the honours in last weekend’s 25 Metre Standard Pistol event at the Inglewood SSAA range. He edged out minor placegetters Tom Donald and Wayne Duffy.
The previous weekend the club held a SSAA Practical weekend with a Practical Shooting match. Twelve competitors took part in the event won by Peter Russell with the runner-up a junior Brianna Bull. Andrew Slack rounded out the placegetters.
They were followed by (4th) Paul Dreier; ( 5th) Ross Jackson; (6th) Ashley Dray; (7th) Crispin Kearney; ( 8th) Brendan Cotter; (9th) Quentin Chapman; (10th) Derek Harp; (11th) Michael Dudgeon and (12th) Stephanie Dudgeon.
This Sunday, clays have been scheduled followed by a pistol shoot. Visitors are always welcome at the club events and detailed information on club activities can be found on the club Facebook page.
PIN PLACEMENTS CHALLENGE PLAYERS
Golfers playing in Saturday’s single stableford at Wallangarra found the pin placements challenging. One local player confirming the pins were in some of the hardest spots he had ever seen on the Wallangarra course, and it certainly sorted the men from the boys.
It was Kevin Williams who did best, running away with a win. Wayne Davis claimed the runner’s-up spot but not before beating Steve Hampstead on a countback.
Jamie Purcell claimed the pin shot third. Steve Hampstead took out the ninth and Peter Williams claimed the 15th.
The previous week Andrew Thompson won the single stroke event sponsored by Peter Williams. Steve Hampstead finished runner-up. Wayne Davis also had a good day taking out captain stakes while ken Williams was the only sharp shooter. He claimed the pin shot on the ninth.
This week the club plays for the Monthly Mug sponsored by the Wallangarra Railway and apparently
John Green is off “Pin Duties”.
MOPAR MUSCLE
Organisers said overall numbers for the Mopar Muscle 2017 held last weekend in Warwick were down a little, however the quality and variety was “awesome” and the racing hard and fast.
The new “heads-up street racing pro tree” session on Saturday afternoon was very popular with drivers and the big crowd of spectators.
Taking the cash in Saturday’s qualifying session for best light was Gary Smith. The best Pro tree light went to Kirsten Emberley.
The Powderpuff final was anything but as two Valiant Chargers went head to head, with Karen Rasmussen winning the event.
It was a winning weekend for Valiants with Peter Johnson driving a Valiant hardtop was the overall winner. Runner-up in another Valiant was Brisbane driver Doug Knowles.
The course commentator Dave Willing based in Townsville was among a number who travelled plenty of miles to be involved in the weekend’s racing.
Ripley driver Peter Johnson was the overall winner as 45 drivers headed to Warwick for the eighth annual Mopar Muscle Weekend.
BORDER PLAYERS REPRESENT
Despite a delayed start to the Border Rugby League season, three teams were represented by players in the South West Country side in the 47th Battalion carnival in Yeppoon last weekend.
The South West country side has always been behind the eight ball in this carnival with limited opportunities for the side to train together due to the tyranny of distance.
South West made an impressive start, opening their account on Saturday with a 16 -12 win over Gladstone. Inglewood’s Brent Hearne was one of the best in the game scoring a try. Other try scores were Ricky Wright and Alex Coonan who also kicked two goals.
South West then played the ultimate competition winners Toowoomba Clydesdales, and although beaten held their own in a tough game going down 30-18. Again Brent Hearne crossed for a try. The remaining points game from Alex Coonan (two ties and a conversion and Chris Gelhaar.
On day two, South West played only one game. They were defeated by Bundaberg 32-12. The loss meaning they missed the chance to play in the Plate final which was won by Rockhampton who beat Central Highlands 32-12. South West finished a creditable fourth in the rankings.
The Toowoomba Clydesdales went through the Carnival undefeated and reclaimed the 47th Battalion trophy with a thrilling win over the Sunshine Coast Falcons in the final.
Despite Clydesdale’s impressive performance in the Carnival, Wattle’s Matt Duggan was one of only four Clydesdale players selected in the Central Crows side to play in the QRL State League Carnival at the Gold Coast in June. Duggan joins Clydesdale team-mates Corey Blades; Steve Fransiscus and Jason Wardrop.
The next challenge for the South West Country side is to retain the title in the upcoming Outback Challenge.
BRL SEASON KICKS OFF
The BRL competition gets underway this weekend with games in Killarney and Stanthorpe.
BRL Chairman Norman Crisp says things are looking positive for the season despite the competition being reduced to four sides.
All four sides have given Crisp a commitment that they will play out the season and have adequate numbers. The Stanthorpe Gremlins return to Sullivan Oval as a team in their own right this weekend after a season playing as a combined side with Texas. Fans are sure to turn out to support the Gremlins under new coach Gary Skimmings this week when they host Tenterfield.
Killarney have built on their numbers from last season and have a relatively new committee on board this season. President Aaron McKinney says there is a good feeling around the community this season and plenty of support from local business. Killarney has plenty of players on their books and along with Inglewood were well represented in the South West Country side.
In the opening game of the season at Charlie Andrew’s Oval, the Cutters will take on the 2016 premiers the Inglewood Roosters in what should be an entertaining game.
Unfortunately there will be no Ladies League tag competition this season however the BRL have scheduled several double header games for fans during the season.
BASKETBALL A HIT
The return of a basketball competition to the Granite Belt district looks likely to be a big success judging by the initial response.
Games were held last Thursday and although team names are yet to be finalised, president Damien Petrie said the response was amazing with seven men’s teams signing on.
Organisers are still working on a women’s competition with the numbers not quite there yet.
The men’s team numbers have been bolstered by the inclusion of two teams from Tenterfield. When last played in Stanthorpe, basketball was extremely popular both as a sport and social occasion and things are looking very positive for the new comp.
If you are interested in playing, contact Damien Petrie or the Stanthorpe YMCA.
