By CASEY O’CONNOR
THE push for a Queensland grand final gained more traction last weekend after Suncorp hosted a rare but successful double header on Saturday. A crowd of 50,000 plus showed their support for the concept.
It was certainly a showcase event as the Cowboys and Melbourne Storm went head to head in a sensational game of rugby league. The following game between the Sea Eagles and Broncos did not soar to such dizzying heights but Broncos fans were pleased to see their side bank another win.
The whole concept was a window to all that is great about the game of rugby league at a time when the Queensland AFL clubs are floundering.
This week league fans are again served up a mouth-watering game when the Broncos travel to Cowboys territory for what will be another epic battle, I am sure. Though it pains a Broncos supporter to say it, but I think the NQ boys will get the bikkies.
The round opens with the Dragons and Rabbitohs going head to head at ANZ on Thursday night. The Bunnies looked much better in their win over the Eels, and I expect them to get the chocolates here.
In the first of the Saturday games, the Tigers and Knights will both be desperate for a win. Both are travelling terribly, but unfortunately for Knights fans I think the Tigers might pop up with a win.
The Raiders make the trek across the ditch to take on the Warriors at Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth.
Playing at the venue will be a new experience for many of the Raiders players and may just give the Warriors the advantage they need, but who would know which Warriors side will turn up.
After their performance last weekend against the Broncos, it is hard to see the Sea Eagles upsetting the Sharks, and I expect the Shark Park crowd will have plenty to cheer about Saturday night.
Sunday the Titans travel to Panther country and despite an outstanding win on Monday night and the inclusion of Nathan Peats in the side, I think they will find the Panthers too strong.
The Bulldogs host the Roosters on Sunday afternoon and neither side is playing to their potential. The Dogs have come under fire from all corners and I think they will have too much bite for the Roosters who were dismal on Monday night.
Round 11 wraps up with a big game between the Eels and Storm at Pirtek Stadium. Drama continues to reign supreme around the Eels, but they are still playing good football. However, I like the way the Storm went about their business against the Cowboys and think they will get the points here in a tough game.
Good tipping
– Casey
COWBOY INVASION
Last Sunday a group of Cowboys from Toowoomba took over the Inglewood Sporting Shooters range. Dressed for the event, the group including Apache Eagle; Deputy Sag; Texas Free ranger Crowbar and Chichello held a demonstration event showing just how things should be done.
Next door to them, the muzzle loaders competition was an all Dudgeon affair. Winning the event was Michael and the minor placing filled by Ray and Stephanie.
This weekend a little more law and order should prevail during Saturday afternoon and Sunday’s Pistol events.
Stanthorpe Golf
WANTIMA MAKE IT A BIG WEEKEND
STANTHORPE golfers last weekend hosted visiting golfers from the Wantima Club. The visiting group on their annual pilgrimage sponsored the single stroke event on Saturday and the medley 4BBB stableford on Sunday. Matthew Burgess an up and coming young local player had the best round to date, scoring a win in the single stroke event with a local junior golfer, Matthew Burgess, who played his best round to date to win the stroke event with a nett 65 result. Runner-up in the event was Wantima visitor Brandon Mitchell. Mitchell finished the round with a nett 67 and had the best gross for the day 69 on countback.
The honours in the Ladies event were with the local girls. Rachael Hendry finished with a nett 72 and ensuring it was a family affair Lyn Ludlow grabbed the runners-up spot with a score of nett 73.
After conceding bragging rights to the visitors last year in a challenge match, Stanthorpe were able to regain some glory by taking the Stanthorpe-Wantima challenge trophy for 2016.
Pin shots went to Len Leigh at 3/12 and William Svensen at 17. Dale Minchenton collected the ladies pin at 3/12 and Lyn Ludlow had best approach at 17. Pro-pins went to Matt Waterworth at 1/10, Dylan Barraclough at 5/14 and William Svensen at 9/18.
Mark McCosker deserves special mention for his round. You could have been forgiven for thinking he was playing poker – his card when read 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9. Not quite a winning hand – Missing a straight by just a seven. Back on golf his back nine of 42 was better than the front nine 52.
Committed players took to the course in Sunday 4BBB stableford event, some sporting their fair share of headaches. (Something they ate. Visitors Aubrey Testa and Jack Wilkosz led the way for the team Wantima proving too good for the locals to win with 46 points.
To add insult to injury, it was the same story for the runner’s-up spot when the team of Simon Button and Craig Boal narrowly edged out the local pairing of Kay Webb and Bill Pyne. Both teams finished on 44 points, however the visitors got the nod.
Luke Reardon picked up the pin at 1/10 and 9/18 pro-pins. The Testa Button combination won the pins at 3/12 and 17 with Aubrey Testa and Simon Button winning the pins at 3/12 and 17.
It was a great weekend of golf and the Stanthorpe Club is grateful to the visitors and hope that it was a memorable weekend in Stanthorpe, and the club looks forward to your return visit next year if not sooner. This Saturday is the third round of the club championships. Tee times for the final two rounds will be seeded. The draw has been completed and is on display at the club. Tee off from 11am. Players are asked to ensure they are on time for their tee off.
For those not playing all four rounds, there are spaces available, so put your name down on the sheet.
QCC SENT PACKING
THE Queensland Cricketers Club Over 40s side were sent home with their tail between their legs after the Warwick side were convincing winners of the annual Over 40s clash.
The Warwick side retains the Bill Hoiberg Trophy as the local teams continue their dominance over the visitors having won six of the past seven games.
In perfect conditions at Slade Oval, Warwick opened the batting and were off to a flyer before opener Jeff Morris (37) was dismissed shortly after the first drinks break with the score on 75. The local side pushed the score along with the second wicket falling at 110 and the third at 123. Chris Cantwell chimed in with 33 runs off 21 balls late in the innings. QCC were set a hefty 206- run target.
The visitors began well but lost opener Peter Clifford for 20. After drinks, Jamie Holmes claimed his second wicket when Darren Santer was caught by Chris Cantwell. Wickets fell steadily following that dismissal and QCC were dismissed for 168 well short of the required total.
Man of the Match was Warwick batsman Darren Byrne who scored 48 not out.
Despite the hefty loss QCC organiser Nev Taylor has vowed his side will be back next year with an eye on the elusive trophy.
HAMSPTEAD RUNAWAY WINNER
MEMBERS and guests played a single stableford at Wallangarra last Saturday. Steven Hampstead continued his recent good form and ran away with yet another event. On his way to a two under gross (43 points), he picked up four of the six pins on offer. The crumbs were left for Shane Purcell who grabbed a pin at three and Michael Cusack at 15.
Jamie Purcell finished the round in place with Alan Lutter and Brendan McMillan sharing third place.
Mick Hurtz won the jackpot on hole seven and spies tell us the bar is still open on the shout.
This Saturday the club is hosting the Frank Hodgson Memorial Day a single stableford event.
Golfers and non-golfers alike, put a note in your diary – 12 June is the annual charity day for breast cancer.
Historically, this has been a great day with plenty of prizes and fun for all. All proceeds from the day are donated to this great cause. Further information will be available closer to the date
COOL CONDITIONS; HOT FORM
THE temperature may have been cooler, however the form of Jenny Tunbridge was red hot in last week’s association golf croquet games. Tunbridge pegged out with 26 in her game against Carol Verwey and Effey Russell claiming a big win. The game between Pat Schnoor and Andrea Denkewitz was somewhat closer with Pat pegging out 26-18 for victory.
Organisers are delighted that the ranks are continuing to build at golf croquet
Last week the group opened the day with triples. Teresa Pyne, Val Fancourt and Elaine Brown scored a 13-4 win over 13 against Judy Lock and Shirley Page. Teresa Pyne was 37 in good form, her top score of seven hoops included a hoop in one. The second group played doubles and Justin Liddy and Di Wren claimed a 13-8 win over Marion Castle and Bill Golding.
After the break in a social game, newcomers Justin Liddy and Marian Castle showed they have adapted well to the game with some fine performances In fact Liddy was the player of the day scoring 17 hoops overall during the day’s play.
Recent conditions have been ideal for gateball and players have been taking full advantage of the unusually mild Granite Belt autumn weather. Many players however found it difficult to judge the speed of the court last week with a lot of balls flying over the boundary line.
Team games were the order of the day. Margaret Dickenson captained one team and Val Schnoor the other.
Schnoor won the coin toss and elected to play first (i.e. the red balls), usually a good tactic. Normally, it allows the team to set up and “guard“ in front of gate two after passing the first gate. Results however went the way of Margaret Dickenson’s White team for the most part.
White won the first game 14 – 6 and the second 12 – 8. They chalked up another 10-8 win after the break before Schnoor’s team finally grabbed an 18-10 win in the final game
Justin Liddy, Teresa Pyne, Val Fancourt and Elaine Brown attended the court on Internation Croquet Day for a social game.
BRAGGING RIGHTS TO ANDERSON
IAN Anderson took the bragging honours last Sunday at Sporters with Jim Mitchell once again left carrying the bouquet – bridesmaid again.
The run-downs went to Chook and Mark Lynam. Lynam finished the round with the Best Gross and rounded out the day by taking the Pro Pin as well. No one claimed the pin shot on the 12th but the 17th went the way of Ray Thorn 17th went to Ray Thorn. Clarky and Dick Hilton each left with a meat tray in hand.
With the arrival of Mr Jack Frost tee off time will now be pushed back to the later start time of between 8.30 and 9am.
REASON TO CELEBRATE
THE Warwick Cowboys A Grade and Reserve both scored wins at Fr Ranger Oval as the club snatched back the lead in the club championship race. It also gave patrons there to celebrate the 30th Anniversary a couple more reasons to celebrate.
The A Grade side posted a big win over Pittsworth to cap off a memorable evening. Warwick took a convincing 16-6 lead to the half time break. A glut of possession in the second half allowed the home side to go on with the job and they ran away with the game posting a 50-12 win.
As Souths moved to the outright lead at the top of the TRL rankings, Saturday’s win over Pittsworth has confirmed the Warwick Cowboys as real premiership contenders in 2016.
Former Killarney player Mick Bloomfield looked to have the ball on a string in the game scoring two great tries. He also kicked five goals in what was a Man of the Match effort. Experienced players Dylan Galloway and Matt Marshall led from the front while young guns Josh O’Brien and the inform Brock Croft both played their part in the impressive win. It was a clinical win by the Cowboys and the club president David O’Leary could not have been happier with the performance as the club celebrated their 1986 premiership win.
Players were lining up to cross the try line. Matt Marshall also claimed a double while Dan Watson, Ryan McIvor, Morgan Taylor, Brook Croft, Josh O’Brien grabbed a piece of the action. Morgan Taylor was also on song with the boot nailing two conversions.
While the A Grade win was impressive the Warwick Reserve Grade side retained their unbeaten status with a 32-10 win. They also held a 16-6 half time lead.
The Under 18 Cowboys side suffered their first loss of the season when they gave up a 16-12 half time lead in their game against South Burnett. The visitors put on tries early in the second half and held on to win 28-22. The Warwick Second Division side was beaten by Pittsworth 28-10 in the opening game of the day.
Cowboys A Grade 50 (Mick Bloomfield 2, Matt Marshall 2, Dan Watson, Ryan McIvor, Morgan Taylor, Brook Croft, Josh O’Brien tries Mick Bloomfield 5, Morgan Taylor 2) – Pittsworth 12 (Kabunare Kofe, Jordan O’Shea tries Jake Johnston 2 goals)
SOUTHS STRONG IN TOUGH WIN
WATTLES hosted Souths at Platz Oval on Saturday, and in spite of a 10-nil half time lead in favour of the visitors Souths did not have it all their own way early. The scoreboard not a fair indication of how close the first half was. Souths went on to post a 26-8 win however most at the game agreed the final score 26-8 flattered the visitors who scored two intercept tries. Souths 26 (Corey Blades, Aaron Hooper, Luke Nolan, Adam Waters tries Luke Nolan 5 goals) – Wattles 8 (Cameron Shannon, Tyrone Jowett)
PICNICS POPULAR AT ALLMAN PARK
THE Warwick Turf Club held another successful meeting at Allman Park on Saturday. The annual Picnic meeting drew a big crowd with plenty of visitors travelling from Brisbane for the popular meeting.
Toowoomba jockey Ron Goltz took the riding honours with a double. Goltz opened the meeting with a win on Man Overboard for Oakey trainer Gary Maroney. It was a big form turn around for the five-year-old who finished last at his previous start in Dalby.
Goltz made it a double for the day when he piloted home the Toowoomba trained It’s All Irish in race four the Bill and Margaret Hoiberg Memorial Benchmark 55 H’cap over 1350 metres.
Trained by Donald Baker the four-year-old gelding by Fastnet Rock put the writing on the wall at his last start in Gatton and was well supported by punters on Saturday.
Hashtag Yolo made it back-to-back wins for his connections with a win in the second event. The four-year-old trained in Oakey by Dale Murray started at the good odds of $5 despite coming off winning form in Chinchilla at his last start. Ridden by Jason Missen the gelding won by head from Charzooka with the locally trained I Got Trix in third place.
The three and half kg claim of Apprentice Grace Willoughby put Beaudesert galloper Enter Sandman into the Ergon Energy QTIS maiden Plate (1350m) with 55.5kg, and he narrowly defeated the favourite A New Sound ridden by Toowoomba jockey Kenji Yoshida the pair gapped the remainder of the field.
The meeting wrapped up with the running of the Grove Juice Squeeze Benchmark 65 Hcap over 1200metre. It wasn’t difficult to spot the Tracy Green trained pair in the last. The Beaudesert- trainer took out the quinella in the event with Omission downing stablemate Roman Secret by a two and a half-length margin. Bookmakers sent the pair out equal favourites and Omission who jumped from barrier 10 was well ridden by Ben Cornell to grab the stable bragging rights.
FORM SIDES WINNERS IN BRL
THE two form teams of the BRL competition this season Tenterfield and Inglewood both notched up wins last weekend. There was no joy for the Stanthorpe / Texas side who played their first home game at Sullivan Oval this season. They were soundly beaten by Inglewood who led 48-0 at half time. The visitors outclassed their opponents and went on to an 86-16 win in the second half.
The Stanthorpe Texas side have the bye this weekend.
The Border Bushrangers Under 18 side also palyed at Sullivan Oval on Saturday, taking on Dalby but could not repeat their good form of their previous game and were beaten 32-12. They travel to Toowoomba this weekend to play Souths.
In Tenterfield the Tigers extended their unbeaten run this season with a 38-16 win over arch rivals Wallangarra in the local derby.
Despite the score line, the Rams gave the competition leaders a fright leading at half time. It was a vastly improved performance by the Wallangarra side and was aided by some poor ball handling by the Tigers.
The two top sides meet in what should be a great clash this weekend at Inglewood. The Tigers will be hoping to continue their unbeaten run this season, however they will be in trouble if they hand over the ball to the Roosters as often as they did last week. They will need to play smarter more patient football to beat the inform Roosters.
Wallangarra will be looking to take their improved form into their clash against the Killarney Cutters this weekend. The Cutters are coming off a bye last weekend, and will be hoping for an improved performance after lack of numbers and injuries forced their last match against the Tigers to be called off after half time.
In the Ladies League tag, the Tigerettes continued on their winning way with another convincing win. The 38-4 score line is an indication that they continue to dominate this competition.
SOMETHING TO YEHAA ABOUT
THE local football result may not have given drinkers at the Stockman Hotel in Texas much to holler about last weekend, but they should have been drinking a toast to their publican Helen Rush. Helen a great supporter of the Texas Terriers and the Texas township recently picked up the gong for the top female publican at the The QHA Women In Hotels Lunch in Brisbane. Congratulations Helen a well-deserved award.
CANINE MAGIC
LATE last year, we brought you the tale of the two travelling canines belonging to Peter Bonner of Aloomba lavender. The pair of Liston tail waggers took themselves off on an adventure and were all but given up for dead when they eventually found their way home a bit the worse for wear and are probably still under house arrest.
Their tale almost paled into insignificance when we learnt of the recent exploits of Ziggy a very brave 16-month-old Dane/Bullarab cross. Recently Ziggy was short chained inside the tray of a utility when she lunged at a passing Linfox B Double heading to Inglewood. The ute was heading to Glenarbon. The shackle pin came out and Ziggy carried on sailing, all 50 kilos of her overboard. Colliding with the semi she was bounced back into the ute.
As if two 100 kilometre an hour impacts were not enough, the next was onto the bitumen.
Somehow Ziggy clambered to her feet and took off across paddocks and disappeared.
Despite 10 days of searching, there was no sign of her, or tracks at any waterhole nearby.
After being given up for dead, she amazed her owners 17 days later by crawling up the steps of their verandah and into her kennel on Saturday afternoon.
No-one knows where she was or how she got home but she weighed in at just 32 kilos. You can imagine she would face feral pigs, foxes, dingoes, and crows along the way all trying to make a meal of her.
She is currently undergoing treatment at Border Veterinary Surgery for a fractured hip, chipped knuckle which will probably be removed, infection and many other grazes.
One devoted dog to crawl back home after 17 days and in obvious agony with a temperature of 39 as a result of infection. If you would like to follow Ziggy’s progress check out her recently set up Facebook page – Ziggy the Bitch.
