It is fair to say that I am not a rabid fight fan – however like most sport enthusiasts I am a fan of a good contest. The Horn Pacquiao battle of Brisbane was not good, it was an amazing display of courage, talent, determination and self-belief and one of the most outstanding wins I have seen in any sport. The back story of course made it all the more special and is now written in blood in our sporting folklore.
Suncorp has witnessed much greatness from Queenslanders, and Saturday perhaps one of her finest hours. Of course that is until next Wednesday when all Queenslanders will be hoping that the Maroons will be channelling some of that energy and winning determination Horn showed as he came out of his corner after the ninth round.
With no JT to rely on and Darius Boyd also sidelined, the Maroons will be looking to the next generation to carry the baton of success. I doubt that Cameron Munster will be fazed by the enormity of the task at hand. He looks tailor made for Origin and Ben Hunt has shown us all how good he is at his best.
Fair chance the coaching staff will have Jeff Horn somewhere around the camp or in the sheds prior to the game to add a little more inspiration to the team.
If Origin Two was one for the record books, tie yourself in this one is going to be a doozy.
Can’t wait.
– Casey
Footnote
A very special thank you from the O’Connors to The String Family who so generously gave of their time to entertain my mother, Joan, members of her family and friends at Carramar on her 88th birthday last Tuesday Carramar. Your kindness and generosity was overwhelming. Thanks also to Rosey and Peter Harslett – you made a special lady feel extra special. Thanks.
UPSETS LITTER ROUND 17
After another round littered with upsets this week, NRL tipsters have only four fixture games to deal with as eight teams get the Origin bye and for some teams and tipsters it could not have happened at a better time.
On Friday night, an understrength Roosters take on the Bunnies at Allianz. The Bunnies were big winners over the Panthers last weekend and with the Roosters roster suffering an Origin headache, I think a full strength Bunnies might get the points.
The Panthers were woeful in round 17 showing little of the form good judges thought would take them to the finals this season. They host the Sea Eagles this weekend who with their 26-22 win over the Warriors have leapfrogged Brisbane into third spot on the table. Jake Trbojevic is on Origin duty and is a key out for Manly, however the Panthers are not playing well and Sea Eagles supporters should be cheering here.
Melbourne return to AAMI Park after turning on a clinic last week at Suncorp. Of course they will be without half of their side and have a big job against the Eels. With a full playing roster, the Eels are beginning to produce some good form. Despite the head to head clashes favouring the home side, the Eels are favourites by a long margin to win here. Don’t discount Bellamy’s side, they will be up to the task. In a game that could go either way, I’m sticking with the homeside.
We wrap up the round with the Dogs and Knights searching for winning form. The Dogs loose key players in Morris, Klemmer and Jackson while the Knights will be without the electric Gagai. Another tough decision here for tipsters, but just maybe Des’ Doggies can show some fight and grab a win at Belmore.
CONFRATERNITY SUCCESS
Players from St Joseph’s School Stanthorpe and Assumption College Warwick came together once again for the annual Confraternity Carnival. The annual Schoolboys’ Rugby League competition is conducted by the Queensland Independent Secondary Schools’ Rugby League (Q.I.S.S.R.L) and this year was hosted by Padua College, Brisbane.
The combined Stanthorpe Warwick side has been competing now for many years in the competition and in an exciting result for both schools the team brought home the Confraternity Bowl after a successful carnival and it was back to back successes for the Joey’s Assumption teams.
The team opened the carnival with an 8-0 win over St Columban’s, Caboolture. In their second game they went down 20-10 to Ryan Catholic College, Townsville.
They followed that loss with an 18-all draw with St Thomas Moore Sunnybank. In round three, they suffered a loss to Faith Lutheran College, but bounced back in the qualifying finals defeating St Thomas Moore College 24-8. In the semi-final game, they met St Columban’s and posted a solid 28-6 win to put themselves into the final against All Souls St Gabriel’s School Charters Towers. In a tough game, the Joey’s Assumption boys pulled off a 24-20 win to claim back-to-back Bowl wins.
A pressure sideline conversion by Cody Byrne clinched the win after their opponents took the lead in the second half. Dylan Brassel was named man of the match.
Coach Bob Bell was delighted with his team’s performance saying the team hung in well when it got tough and never gave up.
Since its inception in 1980, the Confraternity Carnival has produced 150 NRL players, 30 State of Origin and 20 Australian representatives. These include Jonathan Thurston, Michael Morgan, Matt Scott, Coen Hess, Ben Hunt, Nate Myles, Daly Cherry-Evans, Matt Bowen, Ethan Lowe and Wendell Sailor. The carnival has been and continues to be a great nursery for elite players and this week talent scouts were on hand from all major clubs.
TANNY CLASSIC BACK
On Saturday Round One of the Tanny Classic three were played at the Tannymorel Bowls club and there was a great roll up of bowlers and non-bowlers.
In a change of format, the game was scheduled for Saturday afternoon and began at 2pm. A total of 14 ends were played with teams for the day club selected.
Julie Buse and Pete Collis had a 13-8 win over Sue Butz and Brian Walsh. Gordie Assay and Grumpy defeated Ash Coleman and TB 17-11. Also sharing the winning feeling were Don Coulten and Pete Gynther. They had a convincing 16-8 win over Di Walsh and Thommo.
Allen Buse and Aaron McKinney showed plenty of style in their big win over Joel Farmer and Brenton Smith (23-5). Geoff Farmer and Ken Bryson had an 18-9 win over their opponents Lyne Coleman and Myrtle and Matt Shepherd and Mick O’Leary defeated Quinton Coleman and Geoff Creighton 21-14. After round one, Allen Buse and Aaron McKinney head the leader board with five points. They are followed by Matt Shepherd and Mick O’Leary (four points). Julie Buse and Pete Collis, Geoff and Koala, Gordie and Grumpy and Donny and Pete Gynther all earned themselves three points for their efforts.
The rest of the field had to settle for one point (thanks for coming). Word has it Di Walsh was none too happy drawing Thommo – apparently that was the end of any chance of a win.
The old fox “Grumpy” is back to see if he can steal the title again and Donny Coulten is back from holidays just to play in the event.
If you did not play last week and want to join the fun and frivolity then get your name into the club by 1.30pm on Saturday ready for a 2pm start.
Bowlers and non-bowlers are welcome to come and join in a great afternoon of bowls and laughs.
Congratulations to TB, Pedro Collis and Dale and Alana who won the Killarney Open Fours carnival on Sunday. Keep up the good work.
MONTHLY MEDAL FOR THOMPSON
The Wallangarra railway station once again proudly sponsored the July Monthly Medal and Putting competition at the Wallangarra Golf Club. Conditions for golf were perfect and it was Andrew Thompson who came out on top. He defeated Steve Hampstead and Jamie Purcell who were just one shot off the pace. Peter Williams had one of his best round for some time finishing a further shot back.
There was only one pin shot claimed on the day and that went the way of Kevin Williams on the 15th.
We are led to believe that from now on he will only be hitting his six iron on that hole – no more hybrids. Steve Hampstead may have missed out on the major prize of the day but claimed the putting honours by one.
Jnr won the Jnr award and is certainly improving with ever week. With the passion he is showing for the game, there is only one way his game is travelling and that is UP.
This Saturday there is a single stableford on the menu and a reminder that new members and visitors are always welcome at our club.
Following the game there will be some serious discussion to be had following the game at approximately 4pm regarding the future of the golf club. The executive would like to see all members available and present at that meeting. All visitors and new members are always welcomed.
NUMBERS DOWN BUT GOOD GAMES
Seven players took to the court for Association Croquet last week and the winners included Pat Schnoor who had a 26-15 win over Val Richardson. Jenny Tunbridge was another in winning form. Her 26-20 win in the game against Joy Newman and Heather Widderick included a break of two Newman and Widderick had two breaks of four but still could not peg back the lead. Grace Howard had one break of four and two breaks of three in her 26-23 win over Andrea Denkewitz 23.
SMITH HAS A DAY OUT
Hayden Smith made the July Monthly medal round with his win at the Stanthorpe Golf Club on Sunday. Smith had a great round and finished off by cleaning up in the trophy stakes. He won the July Monthly Medal with the best nett of 67. He then added the much sought after Dale Mullens Memorial Trophy with the best gross round (80). To wrap up a winning day, he also walked away with the balls on offer for best putting, 26 for the round and as a bonus prize also took the pro-pin at 9/18.
There was not a great deal left after that effort, but Simon Shannon collected the runners-up prize in the medal event with a score of 71(but not before a countback). He also picked up the pin at 12.
There were some crumbs left to be had, and Matt Waterworth collected the balls for the pin at 17 and the birdies nest at three. Mark Harris held the 5/14 pro-pin and Mark Hendry won the pin at three.
In the Ladies Medal event, honours went to Marg Locke who scored a nett 71. Nikki Waterworth collected the runners up prize with her score of 76. Kay Webb had the least number of putts for the round (29) to take that prize and also claimed the approach for the ladies at 17.
In the run downs, it was a ball each to Mark McCosker, Bill Pyne, Lyle Bryant, Ian Harvey, Lyn Ludlow and Racheal Hendry.
Once again the club is grateful to Michael O’Brien for sponsoring the July monthly medal and putting event and to Michael Thompson Concreting for his continued sponsorship of the Dale Mullins trophy.
This Saturday players will be teeing off from 11am in a single stableford sponsored by Reece Plumbing and there is a time sheet on the board at the club house.
STRUGGLING TO FIND FORM
Several of the regular golf croquet players look to be struggling to find their form after returning from breaks however for the most part the scoring in games last week were quite even across the board. There was not one player who turned in a stand out performance and the triples games were played in a great spirit.
In the opening game, Dianne Wren and Justin Liddy (playing to balls) scored a convincing 13-7 win over Marian Castles, Elaine Brown and Sharyn Roser.
The next game was played at a snail’s pace with both teams playing very tactical games. The game was very low scoring as Sharyn Roser (playing two balls) and Justin Liddy made six hoops to the three scored by Marian Castles Dianne Wren and Elaine Brown.
RESULTS SHOW SEASON WIDE OPEN
TRL results last weekend showed that the season is still wide open. Wattles played to their potential against the reigning premiers and could easily be in the mix when the whips are cracking at the back of the season. Souths are not done with this season after their convincing win over the Warwick Cowboys. In other results, Brothers threw a scare into the Valleys camp and Gatton upset Dalby to improve their position on the ladder.
Wattles stepped up to the plate showing they should be considered contenders in 2017 race to the premiership with a hard fought win over the Danes.
In a tough match, the Warriors caught the Danes by surprise and raced to an 18-nil lead after less than 15 minutes. The Danes regrouped and with possession swinging their way managed to lead 22-18 early in the second half.
Despite losing Jamie Abbas midway through the second half with a suspected broken ankle, Wattles made the most of their opportunities while mistakes from Pittsworth at crucial moments were telling.
Matt Duggan turned in a classy performance showing his leadership and class as he guided his team around the park while his own defence was outstanding.
Michael Pearson, Wattles front rower was named the Hutchies player of the Round and Ty Gardner won the Toowoomba Sports Club Play of the Day Award.
This week Wattles will be looking for another win when they take on the Oakey Bears on their home turf.
In other games at Pittsworth, the home-side defeated Wattles in Reserve Grade and under-18s.
Results: – A GRADE: Wattles 40 (Brayden Wilson 3, Ty Gardner 2, Ryan Duggan, Liam Ross tries Matt Duggan 6 goals) d V Pittsworth 26 (Thomas O’Sullivan 2, Jeff Weber, Braydon Gibbs, Jacob Little tries Alex Sinclair 3 Goals)
Reserve Grade: Pittsworth 34 d Wattles 30
Under 18s: Pittsworth 62 d Wattles 6
SOUTHS TOO GOOD FOR COWBOYS
The Souths Tigers continued their march up the TRL leaderboard with a comprehensive win over the Cowboys last weekend.
The Tigers sprang out of the boxes at Fr Ranger Oval on Saturday night and posted an 18 nil half time lead. In the second half, the Tigers built on their early lead shutting the Cowboys out of the game but for a lone try from Dion Galloway late in the game.
Tigers Dwayne Duncan turned in another impressive performance notching up another man of the match performance. Souths now sit just two points behind the Cowboys and Wattles and are pressing for a finals spot.
In Reserve Grade, Warwick had a comfortable 26-14 win over Souths continuing their good form in this grade. The under-18s also had a 34-22 win.
In their round 14 clash this weekend, the Cowboys will be hoping to find their best form when they take on the Dalby Diehards in an important away game.
Results: -A GRADE: Souths 23 (Dylan Collins, Sam Cocker, Tom Landers, Tyrell McCullagh tries Dwayne Duncan 3 goals) d Warwick 4 (Dion Galloway try)
RESERVE GRADE: Warwick 26 d Souths 14
UNDER 18: Warwick 34 d Souths 22
TRL LADDER after round 13-
A Grade : Dalby 20, Valleys 20, Highfields 18, Pittsworth 16, Gatton 14, Wattles 12 Warwick 12, Souths 10, Brothers 4,Oakey 2, Goondiwindi 2,
Reserve Grade: Gatton 22, Valleys 17, Dalby 16, Highfields 15, Brothers 12, Warwick 12, Souths 12. Wattles 10, Pittsworth 10 Goondiwindi 2, Oakey 2
Under 18: Dalby 22, Warwick 21, Valleys 20, Souths 20, South Burnett 19, Highfields 16, Goondiwindi 12, Gatton 12, Pittsworth 7, Brothers 5, Wattles 2. Oakey 0,
Ladder – Second Division: Gatton 12, Pittsworth 8, Warwick 8, Dalby 4, Brothers 4, Valleys 0
ARMSTRONG A WINNER
Paul Armstrong headed the winners list at Sporters on Sunday after playing a winning round which also included the Best Gross of the day and the pro pin. Marg Locke collected the runners-up prize with a score not too far afield. Figuring in the run downs were Dick Hilton and Mark Lynam. Ray Thorn took the Pin Shot on the 12th and Stu Rayner held the Pin Shot at 17. Visitor Wayne Hilton and runner up Marg Locke were the lucky Meat Tray winners. Remember too off happens between 8am and 8.30am each Sunday and newcomers and visitors are always very welcome.
BRAVING CHILLY CONDITIONS
Eight hardy Gateball players braved a very chilly start to their game on Friday morning. Red team players were Les Williams, Sharyn Roser, Grace Howard and Joy Newman. On the White team were Andrea Denkewitz, Pat Schnoor, Heather Widderick and John Draper. Due to the numbers one player from each team played two balls.
In game one it was Pat Schnoor who played the two balls for Team White while Sharyn Roser took on the responsibility for Team Red.
The White Team had a solid win in game one scoring 15 points to 9. In Game Two Heather Widderick and Joy Newman each took turns to play two balls the result was much tighter.
White had their chance to win the game but missed the final shot handing the Red team an 11-10 victory.
Following the break, it was Andrea Denkewitz and Les Williams who took their turn playing two balls for their respective teams. In a low scoring matched the honour went to the White team 10-7.
In the final game of the day, it was Grace Howard and John Draper playing two balls for their sides, and it was the Team Red who got away with another tidy 15-10 which meant honours were two a piece at the end of the play.
On Saturday afternoon with Snowflakes in full swing and many players away, Andrea Denkewitz and Sharyn Roser teamed up to defeat Margaret Dickenson in what was more of a practice session where they took the opportunity to work on better understanding some tactics and improving skills.
TIGERS NOTCH UP ANOTHER
The Tenterfield Tigers added another win in a successful season when they defeated a much improved Stanthorpe Gremlins side at Rugby League Park.
Despite the 38-28 win captain /coach Brenan Minns who spent another week on the sidelined with an on-going shoulder injury was not happy with the number of tries the team leaked.
Minns said after the game that despite a good win in front of their home crowd it was a win that left much to be desired with Tigers mistakes allowing the Gremlins some soft tries.
There were plenty of positives for the home side with some structured plays resulting in tries on the back of good passing and the team sticking with their game plan.
The Tigers were their own worst enemies however and found themselves under pressure on several occasions by either handing the ball over though handling errors or kicking out on the full from the restart. Simple mistakes that gave the Gremlins easy possession and metres, and the coach will be looking for players to rectify these lapses in their game.
Wayne Brown and Jake Adams shared the Players’ Player honours while Jack Wilson had a great game in the centres.
The Tigers scored seven tries, in all. Faron Anderson who is having a great season crossed twice for four pointers and Cameron Binge, Tim Kelly, Jack Wilson, Geoff Swan Snr and Wayne Brown all scored one try each.
Geoff Swan Jnr kicked extremely well, nailing six conversions. His contribution to the team has been excellent and he put six over the bar. He will be sorely missed when he returns to school on the Gold Coast. The coach is hopeful he will be able to return to play again before the finals and secure his eligibility to play when it will count most.
This weekend the Tigers take on Inglewood Roosters in the President’s Cup round. The Roosters will be coming off a big win against an understrength Killarney Cutters on the weekend and are crowing after their 66-8 win.
Minns is expecting another tough encounter and warns that his side will need to be on their game. The Tigers defence must stop Inglewood’s going forward and get away to a solid start if they are to get the points.
Things are tight at the top of the BRL leaderboard, and a win this weekend will put them one point ahead of their 2017 arch rivals.
The Tigers have only one more home game before the finals series begins, and are hoping for another big crowd to help get them over the line.
After a better showing in Tenterfield, the Gremlins play their final home game against Cutters this weekend and will be keen to post their first win of the season. After a disappointing result against the Roosters, the Cutters will be hoping to welcome back some of their strike players and find the form that showed in earlier games this season.
FINDING THEIR WAY AROUND THE GRANITE BELT
The Bullecourt Bounders hosted a large group of orienteers last Sunday and the Granite Belt turned on great weather for the event.
The conditions were perfect for the Applethorpe course which in parts some participants found quite challenging providing orienteers of all skills levels with a perfect opportunity to put their orienteering skills to the test.
Bullecourt Bounders club spokesperson Liz Bourne said the Applethorpe location was very familiar to the many local participants. “It is an area we have used many times,” she explained.
Despite being familiar with the course Ms Bourne said even the local members and some of the best runners in the competition made mistakes adding, “It’s better they come back being challenged than it being too easy.”
The course had been set by the club’s elite junior orienteer Simeon Burrill who is currently in Finland training for the upcoming World Championships.
More than 50 competitors took on the course with many visitors staying locally to enjoy the Snowflakes celebrations.
The club’s next event will be held at Dalveen on 13 August.
The Bullecourt Bounders will play host to the Queensland Championships in September. About 150 people are expected to participate in the event which will be held in Amiens. With each event it hosts, the Granite Belt region is growing popularity as an Orienteering destination because of the diverse and sometimes challenging terrain.
The sport of Orienteering offers something for people of all ages and skill levels and newcomers are welcome at the club. If you would like to find put more about the sport or the club contact Liz Bourne on 07 4683 6374 or email bbb@oq.asn.awebsiteu or visit www.oq,asn,au/event- calendar
