Another Qld Wanderers tour wrapped up on Sunday as Rob Slack and I parted company with the remainder of the tourists in Toowoomba.
It was another successful and enjoyable trip, however the position of cricket in country areas should be a real concern to Queensland Cricket.
One standout for me was the state of play in Charters Towers, once a vibrant centre for the game. The town still hosts and boasts the world famous Gold Field Ashes competition on Australia Day which next year will be in its 70th year. Teams flock to the town and local teams come out of the wood work. This year 79 fields were prepared to accommodate the 200 odd teams that take part. Fantastic. But when it comes to the cricket season, there is no longer a competition in the town and keen cricketers travel to Townsville every weekend to play. Those less keen have drifted away from the game except perhaps for Australia Day.
Unfortunately, the story is all too familiar in most of the country centres we visited. Cricket certainly needs to raise their profile in country areas. On this trip, former Qld captain Chris Simpson and former Queensland player Geoff Foley certainly flew the flag and were well received at the centres they visited and the coaching clinics they ran.
Like all sport these days, if cricket is to survive and thrive grassroots must be nurtured. It should not be up to Lew Cooper’s band of merry men alone to beat the drums in country Queensland once a year, more needs to be done.
– Casey
25 ROUNDS DOWN
With 25 rounds done and dusted, there is just one round of NRL remaining and the Melbourne Storm has surged further ahead on the leader board – it’s the Storm, a country mile and then the rest.
They decimated the Bunnies last weekend and it’s unlikely they (the Bunnies) will poke their noses out of their hutch willingly this weekend, however they are required to make an appearance against the Eels at ANZ on Friday night.
The final make-up of the top four and the eight rests with results of many round 26 games.
On Thursday night, the Broncos will be hoping to move to second place if they can overcome the Cowboys at 1300 Smiles. It will be a tough gig with the home side playing to seal their spot in the eight. The Broncos need to perform much better than last week and in another grandstand finish, I think it will be the Broncos but have changed my opinion half a dozen times already.
Three games will be decided on Saturday, and it is incomprehensible that the Titans could even challenge let along beat the Roosters who should add plenty of positives to their for and against.
Penrith travel to Lottoland to take on the Sea Eagles. If the Cowboys are defeated on Thursday night, they will be following this game closely. The Panthers are looking shaky as are the Manly, but I’m favouring the home side.
Melbourne host the Raiders at AAMI Park and it will be interesting to see if Bellamy takes the opportunity to rest some of his players. The Raiders will be looking to end a disappointing season on a high, but although they will provide nuisance value, I think Melbourne will add another notch to their belt.
The Sharks will be expecting a win when they travel to Newcastle on Sunday and with injuries to some of the young players in the resurgent Knights squad, the Sharks should get the money.
The Dragons and Bulldogs meet on Sunday. There has been a slight redemption for the Dogs after a couple of recent wins. The Dragons could be fighting to sneak into the eight. They get the nod here with or without their perennial troublemaker Josh Dugan who should have his alarm set on Sunday if he gets the coaches nod.
The Tigers and Warriors wrap up the 2017 fixtures at Leichardt. Both teams underperformed this season and there will be no great anticipation around this game. The Tigers should win at home but who knows what the Warriors will bring.
And so that is it for another season, and on to what will be a thrilling month of final’s footy.
CASEY’S TIPS
Broncos
Eels
Roosters
Sea Eagles
Storm
Sharks
Tigers
Dragons
BALLADEAN SET TO DO GRAND FINALS IN STYLE
It is shaping as an historic weekend for the Ballandean Football club who will host their first football grand final in their 80 plus year history.
Club president Neil Newman is excited at the prospect of hosting the finals at the Cec Curr Oval. In true Ballandean style, the community and many volunteers have been working hard over the past few weeks to ensure the Ballandean soccer field is in tip top condition for Saturday’s games. Additional grandstand seating has been installed in anticipation of a big crowd.
In the men’s grand final, there will be plenty of support for the local lads when they take on United. In all, the club will be represented by four teams in the grand finals.
A bar will operate from 1pm, and there will be strict policing of the no BYO policy. A & G Ambassador Charlotte Bush will be running the canteen and there will be a band playing into the evening.
Buses will run from Stanthorpe to Ballandean and tickets can be purchased from Stanthorpe Sports and Camping – cost $10. The Stanthorpe Civic Centre in Lock Street is the pick-up and drop off point. Buses will be leaving at 9am, 11am and 1pm. Buses will return at 5pm, 6pm and following the presentations after the final game.
The action kicks off at 9.30am with the Fillies GF – Ballandean V Inter
11am Junior Colts – City Verse Ballandean
Fillies and Junior Colts Presentations
1pm Senior Colts – United Verse Inter
2.45 pm Ladies – Ballandean Verse Tenterfield
4.20 pm Men – United Verse Ballandean
Senior Colts, Ladies and Men’s Presentations
* Note: If any games go into extra time and or penalties, then posted game times after the Fillies may be delayed.
PRACTICE PAYS DIVIDENDS
Practice makes perfect or so the saying goes, but it certainly proved correct for Keith Barnett. Barnett who has put in plenty of practice sessions over the past few weeks teamed with Fiona Kelly to win the Howard and Sons 4BBB medley stableford at the Stanthorpe Golf Club last Saturday. While Keith was the mainstay of the team, Fiona certainly did her share adding the extras for a winning score of 49 points.
It was another day of close finishes with runners-up Tom and Trish Fittock won a countback after they and Mick O’Brien and Billy Webb finished level on 48 points. O’Brien and Webb forced to settle for a spot in the run down along with Margie Locke, Angelo Maugeri and Richard Reardon.
Pin shots went to Mark Hendry three, Richard Reardon at 12 and Alan Kerr at 17.
Racheal Hendry had the best approach at 17 for the ladies. David Reeves collected the balls on offer, collecting the pro-pin at 5/14, the birdies nest at 11 and the run down. Mick O’Brien held the pro-pin at 1/10 and Bill Pyne claimed 9/18.
Greenkeeper Bill did a great job of attracting the attention and comments of players during the round. The placement of the pin at 2/11 came under scrutiny drawing several comments throughout the day. Several managed to putt down the slope and back onto the fairway. Tric Fittock, however, had no trouble with it, recording three points at two and four points with a snake at 11.
We are powering through the months and Saturday the September monthly medal and putting competition will be decided. There are only three medal events left in 2017 to qualify for the Medal of Medallists in November. Play for the day will be sponsored by Aqua Rural Supplies another local business who is a strong supporter of the club. There is a time sheet on the board at the clubhouse and tee off is from 11am.
WIN FOR HILTON
Dick Hilton notched up a much-deserved win at Sporters last Sunday. After a good round, Hilton finished the day on top relegating stalwart Ray Thorn to the runners-up position. Paul Armstrong had another good round to finish with the Best Gross. The run-downs went to Peter Goodsir and Angelo Maugeri. Maugeri also claimed the pin shot at the 12th. It was Phil Zikan who held the pin shot at 17 while the pro pin went the way of Tony Steele. Heading home with a Meat tray each were Aaron Simmers and Nikki Waterworth. Tee off is once again between 8am – 8.30am and hopefully the frosty starts are almost behind us.
ROOSTERS CROWING
The Inglewood Roosters were cock a hoop on Saturday after securing back-to-back grand final wins after their success in the 2017 BRL grand final.
The Tenterfield Tigers again fell at the final hurdle, making it to yet another grand final game but coming away empty handed.
The Tigers were far from disgraced in a game that was in the balance in the final stages after Inglewood led 22-6 at half time.
If the Roosters were hoping for an easy run to full time in the second half, they underestimated the tenacity of the Tigers who clawed their way back into the game on the back of plenty of possession and some solid play from a strong bench.
Although the Roosters held the lead throughout the game, there were some nervous moments at the back end of the second half as the Tigers got to within two points of the Minor Premiers. Shane Hooper who has been a consistent force since joining the team sealed the win with a try for the home side and earned himself the award for the Player of the Final. The final score 38-30.
Following the game, presentations were made to the Player of the Year and it was no surprise when Inglewood captain Brent Osborne received the Award after his prolific try scoring during the season and all-round outstanding performance.
Killarney player Jamie Watts certainly earned his award for the Most Consistent BRL player. Gremlins Michael Marini was named Colt of the Year. Brent Hearne was the top point scorer and shared the Representative Player of the Year Award with his captain Brent Osborne.
Gremlins president David Ball and Killarney past president James Kelly shared the award for the Club Person of the Year.
WHY NOT COME AND TRY
The Stanthorpe Mallet players are holding a “come and try” day on Saturday 9 September. Potential players and anyone interested in learning more about the three different codes that are played in Stanthorpe are invited. There will be ample opportunity to try each of the three codes during the course of the “come and try day”. In the meantime, keep an eye out for the players selling raffle tickets in town over the next week as they will have flyers with them containing all the necessary information about their open day. You’ll never, never know if you don’t give it a go.
COWBOYS UNDER 18S RIDE INTO FINALS
The Warwick Cowboys under-18 side won a tough battle against the Dalby Diehards in Sunday’s preliminary final, and now advance to Sunday’s grand final. They face a big challenge against Valleys in what will be a replay of the last year’s grand final.
The Preliminary final was a tough, exciting game as the lead swung from one side to the other throughout the game. The Cowboys had not beaten the minor premiers Dalby throughout the season, and in a nail biting finish they grabbed the lead with 10 minutes to go and held on for an epic win.
The win wrapped up a good weekend for Cowboys winger, Kai Etherington who on Friday night won the award for the most points scored in the under-18 competition. In the game against Dalby, he kicked two goals and supporters will be hoping he has his kicking boots on next Sunday.
It is the fourth successive occasion, coach Matt Grew has taken his under-18s to the grand finals, and will be hoping they come home with the main prize in the decider on Sunday.
UNDER 18: Warwick 24 (Duston Close 2, Cruise Martin-Brown, Cody Byrne, Thomas Lloyd tries. Kai Etherington 2 goals) defeated Dalby 22(Lewis Boyd, Travis Babington, Braedon Green, Lachlan Kelly tries Jaylan Bond, Travis Babington, Travis Tate goals)
FOUR CLUBS MAKE FOR TOUGH GOING
Most players found the going tough last weekend on the greens and fairways at Wallangarra last Saturday in the four-club event. The exception was Wayne Davis who returned a nett 61 to win the event. It is rumoured he will have his club selection cut to three this weekend while the remainder of the field will be happy to have the full complement of 14 available in the bag this weekend. Under the circumstances, Steve Hampstead also had a creditable round finishing runner-up with nett 68 following a countback with Brendan McMillan. Hampstead also claimed the only pin shot on the ninth while Wayne Davis topped off a great day taking the approach on the 14.
On Saturday, the September Monthly Medal and Putting competition sponsored by the Wallangarra Railway station will be up for grabs.
A reminder that the Wallangarra Golf Club is holding their annual Two Ball Ambrose Golf World Day on 17 September. Cost is $25 per person which includes fees and lunch. Tee off from will be from 9am to 9.30am. Players, non-players and visitors will be warmly welcomed.
BLUES BOOT DALEY
While the rumour mill hit overdrive as to who would replace Neil Henry at the beleaguered Titans, George Peponis chairman of the NSW Rugby League and Blues heavyweights wielded the axe sacking Blues coach Laurie Daley. The announcement came after Peponis headed a month-long investigation into the performance or non-performance of the Blues in the latest Origin series in which there were some interesting facts that came to light.
The Blues camp certainly must have been a great social event with plenty of good cheer flowing. It has been widely reported that hefty bar bills from three team camps and a drinking culture among the SOG management and staff contributed to the downfall of Blues coach Laurie Daley.
Of course the burning question now is who replaces Daley after an unimpressive five-year stint and what will the broom be put through the remaining coaching staff. We will probably see a vastly different line-up in the Blues dressing room in 2018 and not just in the coaching ranks.
Mitchell Pearce, Jarryd Hayne, Ferguson and Dugan and Aaron Woods are likely to be just a few players in the firing line if the NSW hierarchy truly does want a fresh start.
2017 has been another coach killing year. Daley and Henry are joined by Jason Taylor, the vultures are circling at the Bulldogs and there are a couple of others hanging on by their fingernails after some lacklustre performances from some clubs this season. And so the vacancy sign is now out at NSW Rugby League headquarters and the Titans club – coaching, certainly not an easy gig no matter who you are.
ONE TO GO FOR REDBACKS
It is one down and one to go for the Warwick Redbacks after they booked their palce in the grand final of the 2017 Aussie Rules Darling Downs Division Two after scoring a 10.9 (69) to 6.11(47) win over Dalby in the major semi-final on Saturday.
It was a tough game and despite running out comfortable winners in the scoreboard, they trailed by on the scoreboard at quarter time and halftime. They bounced back in the third quarter to grab a three-point before clinching their place in the grand final with an outstanding final quarter. The Redbacks kicked clear in the last quarter which they won 20-1.
The focus of their coach Peter Millard has been to make the grand final this year and return Warwick to Division One next season.
The team will now enjoy a week off before the grand final in Toowoomba. They will be watching the outcome of Saturday’s Preliminary final with interest as Dalby and Highfields go head to head to secure a place in the grand final on 9 September.
AFTERNOON OF UPSETS
In an extraordinary amazing afternoon of Rugby League competition, three minor premiers found themselves bundled out of the race for a 2017 premiership in the TRL competition. A Grade Minor premiers, Under 18 Minor Premiers Dalby and Second Division Minor Premiers Gatton all found themselves celebrating an earlier-than-anticipated exit from the competition.
Perhaps, the biggest upset was in the A Grade preliminary final where Valleys who were the all-conquering side during the season found the defending premiers Pittsworth too strong earning the right to defend their title on grand final day this Sunday.
In a bruising encounter, Pittsworth scored a comprehensive 26-16 win over Valleys, sending an ominous warning to their grand final opponents Dalby.
The Danes scored the quickest try this season when fullback Jeff Weber found a gap to score close to the posts only 30 seconds after kick off. The try came as a result of a Valleys error from the kick off. The Roosters hit back and had the majority of possession, pressuring the Pittsworth line on many occasions. An intercept by Pittsworth winger Liam Jocumsen and an 85 metres run broke the Roosters momentum and put the Danes further ahead.
Pittsworth scored again to take a 16-0 lead to the surprise of many. Valleys finally got in the board after Budden crossed but the Danes scored on the stroke of half time and at the break led 22-6.
After a disappointing first half, Valleys burst into the second half firing and were quickly among the points after captain Ryan Stevens set up Jacob Ryals to get the Roosters back into the game.
Pittsworth were quick to respond – a perfectly placed grubber ended in another try. It was a body blow to Valleys but their gutsy captain never gave up and a perfectly placed kick saw Emmanuel Cerei score and a 10-point contest with the score 26-16.
It was a desperate finish to the game as Valleys threw all they had at the Danes, but when Pittsworth half back, James Dempsey scored his third try with 14 minutes on the clock, it basically shut the gate on Valleys chances.
The attrition rate was high for the Danes with injuries forcing Schnitzerling, Phipps, Miller and O’Sullivan from the field.
The Roosters also suffered injury setbacks with Choun, and Viane unable to complete the second half. They were then left with 12 men after Reggie Munn was sent off in the second half after repeated infringements.
Pittsworth now has the chance of back-to-back premierships when they meet Dalby in the 2017 grand final. A GRADE: Pittsworth 28 (James Dempsey 3, Alex Sinclair, Liam Jocumsen, Jeff Weber tries Alex Sinclair 5 goals) defeated Valleys 16 (Hnaloan Budden, Jacob Ryals, Emmanuel Cerei tries Brett Seymour 2 goals)
Valleys had more success in the Reserve Grade prelim final, edging out Dalby in a close game. Their 10-8 win sees them into the grand final where they will play the Gatton Hawks.
RESERVE GRADE: Valleys 10 (Dylan Haaijer, Daniel Bain tries) defeated Dalby 8 (Willian Hounslow, Brenton McMillian tries)
In Second Division, it is Dalby who will progress to the grand final after defeating Gatton 22-18 in another close finish.
SECOND DIVISION: Dalby 22 (Luke Tarrant, Chris Morgan, Josh Tarrant, Richard Woodbridge tries. Luke Tarrant 2, Mike Gaur goals) defeated Gatton 18 (Gary Everuss, Todd Godwin, Frank Green, Luke Morrison tries. Gary Everuss goal)
The grand final of all divisions will be played on Sunday at Clive Berghoffer Oval where there is sure to be some excellent footy skills on display.
Grand Finals
Second Division – Pittsworth V Dalby
Under 18- Valleys V Warwick
Reserve Grade – Gatton V Valleys
A Grade – Dalby V Pittsworth
UPS AND DOWNS OF MALLET PLAYERS
Numbers at association croquet were hit for six last week with several players on the sick list. Those still standing enjoyed playing in great weather.
Grace Howard and Sharyn Roser were in good form and scored 23 hoops to win their game against Effey Russell and Heather Widderick. Final score 23- 17.
The golf croquet group had no such health issues, and there was a good roll up. Due to the numbers, one group played doubles and the other triples. The first triples game went to Teresa Pyne and Dianne Wren who played two balls. The pair defeated the team of Justin Liddy, Shirley Page and Pauline Inglis 13-10. Liddy despite being on the wrong end of the final scoreline, scored a great hoop in one, the doubles win went to Elaine Brown and Sharyn Roser who played Bev Sullivan and Liz Ellway. The scores again 13 to 10.
Because of time constraints, the second game was shortened to a first to nine. The triples game was won by Elaine Brown, Bev Sullivan and Sharyn Roser. They defeated Pauline Inglis and Shirley Page (who played two balls) 9-6.
In a thrilling finish to the doubles game, a tie-breaker was necessary to decide the result and saw Dianne Wren and Justin Liddy sneak home to claim a 10-9 win over rivals Liz Ellway and Teresa Pyne.
Teresa Pyne and Elaine Brown shared the honours as the top scorers during the games.
A reminder to the golf croquet group that the start time will revert to 8.30am starts as from 6 September.
