By CASEY O’CONNOR
IN RACING, you can be on top of the world one moment and on the deck the next and Melbourne Cup winning jockey Michelle Payne is no stranger to the ups and downs. Earlier this week Payne underwent surgery in a Melbourne hospital following a nasty fall from one of her brother, Patrick’s runners at Mildura. Payne was initially thought to have suffered merely bruising but was transferred to The Alfred hospital where she underwent surgery to repair a tear in her pancreas.
The fall came just days after Payne renewed her association with Melbourne Cup winner Prince of Penzance in an impressive run in the RA Lee Stakes at Morphettville.
Members of Payne’s extended family were briefed by doctors, but it unlikely the fall will cause this feisty lady to hang up her saddle.
Payne is being booked for rides at Royal Ascot and Sweden in the coming weeks, but it unsure how long she will be sidelined following surgery. Early indications are she will be in Prince Alfred Hospital for a week.
The danger jockeys face each and every ride was also highlighted in a horror six-horse fall at Taree on the same day. The footage of the fall is sickening, and it is a miracle no-one was more seriously injured. Of the six apprentices in the fall, one sustained a broken leg.
There is certainly only a split second between glory and disaster during a race. These falls are sobering reminders of the risks jockeys take every time they throw their leg over a saddle.
– Casey.
MAROON and BLUE – ALL THINGS ORIGIN
THE action is certainly heating up with only a handful of sleeps left before State of Origin One. There has been much reported around the selections of the Blues side which sports many familiar faces, but also a clutch of debutantes keen to erase the bitter taste of the Game Three shellacking they received from the Maroons last season.
No real surprises in Camp Maroon as the Dad’s Army as the NSW press referred to them last year march into another year of battle. While we are probably coming to the end of a the reign of Smith Cronk, Thurston Inglis and their cohorts there is no Dad’s Army chatter from south of the border this year and neither should there be on the back of the club form of just about all of the players.
It is certain to be a nervous night on Wednesday for Kev Walters who has gone from a kid in the outer with his brothers and the Langer boys watching their heroes run out with Artie Beetson in that remarkable first ever Origin game to the man with reins of team Maroon. It has been far from plain sailing for this bloke, but if ever anyone deserves to taste success as Queensland coach it’s Kev Walters.
This looks like an improved Blues side but the selection of Dylan Walker has raised plenty of eyebrows – as has the selection of a man squad rather than a NSW “team.”
Walters will no doubt bring his own flavour to the side, but I doubt they will stray too far from the tried tested and successful, and I think there will be more blue tears for Laurie and co this time next week. It will be close, but I think the Maroons might just get away with it – by seven or eight points.
SPLIT ROUND
WITH Origin on the table, we have the first of the split rounds this week. Origin selections can often play havoc with the rosters of teams, and it is always a test of a team’s depth at this time of the year.
The Broncos and Tigers get Roudn12 underway on Friday night at Suncorp. Bennett will roll out another team of baby Broncos, and I expect them to deal with an understrength Tigers.
On Saturday the Dragons host the Cowboys at Win Stadium. While the Cowboys will be minus a host of stars, I think they are strong enough to deal with Origin these days and expect them to continue on their winning way.
The Raiders were big winners in NZ last week, and I like their performance. The Doggies have improved greatly, but I am going for the Green machine.
The Eels woes just go from bad to worse, and this week face the Knights who are desperate for a win and have nothing to lose. I think the tide might turn for the Knights who will have the home ground advantage on Monday night. Possibly some joy for the Novocastrians.
HODGSON CLAN OUT IN FORCE
NUMBERS on the fairways and greens of the Wallangarra Golf Club were bolstered last Saturday when the Hodgson clan joined members of the club for the annual Frank Hodgson Memorial day.
Members of the Hodgson family travelled from as far as Orange, NSW, Gladstone, the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane to play in the single stableford competition for the unique but much-sought after Frank Hodgson Memorial Trophy.
While the Hodgson clan were out in force, it was Andrew Thompson who added his name to the list of winners on the trophy after finishing one shot clear of the inform Steven Hampstead.
Thompson also won the jackpot on the ninth nine. Pin shots went to Shane Purcell on nine and Hampstead on 14.
With two rugby league referees in the mix, Tom and Kerry Hodgson, we can report there were no send off and no sin-binnings, but some questionable calls were registered. Both were about to toss away the clubs and grab the referees gear and the whistle from the boot of the car to fill in at the local rugby league game when the call came across the greens from the rugby league ground that the referee had not arrived.
A look of warning from Hodgson team captain Fran was all that it took to dismiss thoughts of offering their services.
After the shenanigans of last weekend, things return to normal this Saturday in Wallangarra where members will be playing an Irish Four ball competition kindly sponsored by John Green.
l/r Dan, Kerry, Martin, Fran (team captain) Tom, Alex, Christopher
Stephanie Hodgson
TO THE TOP OF THE WORLD
ADHERING to the old adage of if at first you don’t succeed Toowoomba teenager Alyssa Azar realised her dream last weekend to become the youngest Australian to scale Mount Everest. After Mother Nature thwarted her two previous attempts, confirmation was received on the weekend that Azar and her team had succeeded in reaching the summit. Her dream finally taking her to the top of the world.
An earthquake foiled her first attempt, and last year a serious avalanche prevented Azar continuing. At her third attempt, there were again concerns over weather conditions, however the teen has finally achieved her goal.
It came as news was received of the death of another Australian climber who succumbed to altitude sickness on the descent from the summit, highlighting the point that the descent is often as dangerous as the ascent.
It was confirmed on Monday that Alyssa and her team made it safely back to base camp following their descent from the top of the world.
This dedication and determination of this remarkable young woman should be an inspiration to us all.
GREEN’S GREEN
SPORTERS were presented with a perfect morning for golf and perfect greens last Sunday. It was Keith Green who owned the greens in Sunday’s competition and ran out a winner ahead of runner-up Mark Lynam. Green also claimed the Pro Pin. The run downs went to Mark Lynam who also held the Pin shot at the third and Jim McPherson. Cameron McPherson returned the Best Gross score of the morning. John Walsh and Angelo Maugeri did not go home empty- handed, each winning one of the much-prized meat trays.
Sporters Golf would like to thank Dale and staff at Stanthorpe Meats in the Plaza for their great service and the meat trays they have provided each Sunday. Best wishes in your new venture.
MARYVALE TO TAKE ON INVITATION XI
All is in readiness for the annual Maryvale Cricket competition between the Lew Cooper Invitation X1 and the Maryvale Boys at the Maryvale Cricket Ground on Saturday.
The Lew Cooper Invitation XI includes Mark Gaskell (capt), Dustin Gaskell, David Lyons (Snr), David Lyons (wicket- keeper), Scott Prestwidge, Jack Prestwidge, Will Prestwidge, Georgina Prestwidge, Lee Watts, Sam Turvey, Victor Schumlin, Peter ‘Buddy’ Holley and Brett Henschell.
Missing from the visitors ranks will be the talented Lucas clan. Son Ben is playing rugby union in France; Matt is currently playing with the Waratahs; Tom is recovering from a full knee reconstruction and youngster Isaac is involved in GPS selection trials. Patriarch of the clan former first class cricketer Phil is busy keeping up with them all but says he will be there in spirit.
The Maryvale team will once again be under the guidance of Kevin and Michael Bourke with plenty of other Bourkes filling the ranks.
Jeff (Killer) Killorn makes a return to the centre to act as umpire. The game will be followed by a dinner at the H and J on Saturday evening.
COWBOYS HIT A HURDLE
AFTER some lean pickings in recent season, Toowoomba team, Souths continued their stellar season with a win over Highfields at Clive Berghofer Stadium in Round nine. The win puts Souths four points clear at the top of the TRL table.
The Warwick Cowboys “A” grade side has been riding high in the saddle in recent weeks, but on Sunday afternoon at Glenhome Park they hit a hurdle when they were defeated 30-16 by Brothers. The Cowboys have been in great form playing a consistent brand of football, however on Sunday it was the Brethren who made best use of their opportunities.
Brothers scored shortly before the half time break to lead 16-12 at the break. In the second half, the Cowboys hit back taking an 18-16 lead, but it was Brothers making the most of their opportunities. Quick tries late in the second half gave Brothers a 24-16 lead but an intercept try just on full time blew the score out to 30-16.
Warwick coach Craig Mullaly praised Trent Richardson and Mick Bloomfield in a beaten side. Mullaly said the try just before half time by Brothers cost them. Brothers certainly had to play well to beat the Cowboys who this weekend will need to regroup and be at their best when they host competition leaders Souths at Fr Ranger Oval on Sunday.
Brothers 30 (Michael Cochrane 3, Marcus Cochrane 2, Brayden Barrett tries Michael Witt 3 goals) defeated Warwick 16 (Matt Marshall, Ryan McIvor, Brook Croft tries Dylan Galloway 2, Mick Bloomfield goals).
Warwick Under 18s bounced back after their loss in round eight to score a 26-18 win. Warwick was also successful in Reserve grade 32-6 but Brothers took out the second division game with a convincing 50-8 win.
SCORE FOR DANIEL
A GREAT initiative around the grounds on the weekend as the Stanthorpe football clubs participated in Score for Daniel. Clubs supported the cause aimed at raising funds and awareness of child safety. Getting behind the initiative Stanthorpe United contributed $10 for each goal scored in their game against Inter. City encouraged their supporters to wear red and donate to the cause. The club made a $250 donation. Funds raised go to the Daniel Morecombe Foundation. A simple but effective fund-raiser – well done.
GREAT CONDITIONS; GOOD GAMES
MEMBERS of the Stanthorpe Croquet Association are revelling in the perfect May conditions and last week in the Association Croquet game Val Shepherd and Pat Schnoor scored maximum 26 points in their game against Andrea Denkewitz and Grace Howard. Effie Russell with 19 hoops outplayed Heater Widderick and Carol Verwey 15.
Margaret Dickenson pegged out 26 to defeat Joy Newman 20 in a game of singles where Joy had a break of four.
Shirley Page and Dianne Wren displayed their experience when golf croquet was played later in the week. The pair scored 13 hoops against new players Justin Liddy and Marion Castle. The final score in the game where Page top scored with seven hoops and newbie Justin Liddy scored a hoop in one was 13 – 7. This was the final of the trial period for the new players and both have decided to become members.
In the second group, Val Fancourt and Bill Golding were in great form and proved too slick for Teresa Pyne and Elaine Brown, winning 13 – 8. Teresa Payne however scored a hole in one and equal top scored with Fancourt – each finishing with seven hoops apiece.
Following the break, Dianne Wren and Teresa Payne teamed up in a game of doubles against Elaine Brown and Marion Castle, winning 13-9. Wren top scored in this game with seven hoops.
Val Fancourt played two balls against the two-man team of Bill Golding and Justin Liddy. In a very close game, the men scored a 13-10 win not before Val scored a hole in one. In this game, Liddy top scored with a total of nine hoops. They narrowly defeated her 13 – 10. However, she did score a hole in one and Justin top scored with nine hoops.-
Once again the great conditions ensured a good turnout for the gateball competition on Friday.
A couple of team games were played with Andrea Denkewitz refereeing. Margaret Dickenson captained the White team while Val Fancourt took the reins in team Red.
Red won the first game 12 – 8, however the tables were turned in the second game while White recorded a one-point victory – the final score 11-10.
Following the break, the group split into four teams to play triples. On Court 1, John, Carol Verney and Margaret Dickenson, playing the White balls, won the first game 12 – 10. Their opponents, Grace Howard, Joy Newman and Jenny won the second game 14 points to 9.
On Court 2, Andrea Denkewitz, Justin Liddy and Val Fancourt played the Red balls against Bill Golding, Heather Widderick and Les.
The Red team won both games.
BUSY WEEKEND FOR SHOOTERS
IT WAS a busy weekend at the Inglewood range with events on both Saturday and Sunday.
On Saturday there was something for all tastes with four action Pistol events decided.
In Round 1 Lynne Shepherd took the honours ahead of Jeff Pickering and Ray Dudgeon. In the second round, the experience of Tom Donald came to the fore when he claimed a win over Jeff Pickering and Ross Jackson.
It was third time lucky for Jeff Pickering in the next round finally claiming a win over after his two second placings in earlier events. He proved too strong for Ross Jackson and Ray Dudgeon.
In the final event, Tom Donald made it a double with a win over Ray Dudgeon and in third spot, Vamshi Gandrath.
On Sunday in the first event, Wayne Duffy outscored Ross Jackson and Tom Donald.
In the timed event, Wayne Duffy proved too slick for Wal Shepherd who defeated Stephanie Dudgeon.
Wayne Duffy is relocating, thank heavens (according to some members – their words not mine) and they ensured we ran a picture of him before he left the scene.
This weekend is a free for all, with no events scheduled, but members and guests are invited to rock up and have some fun.
WATTLES NOTCH UP WIN OVER BOARS
WATTLES scored a much-needed win on Saturday night when they defeated Goondiwindi 36-18.
The Warriors scored four tries to three with Jason Wilmott’s boot the difference. Wilmot nailed eight goals in a clinical kicking display from the best boot in the TRL competition.
The win came as relief to Wattles players and satisfied their coach Gary Lawrence. Best on ground for Wattles were Joe Morris, Jason Wilmot and Cameron Shannon who was very effective off the bench and scored two of his team’s tries.
The Boars were let down by some poor execution, however they are on the improve and based on their round nine performance they will trouble some of the teams sitting above them on the ladder especially in their home games.
This weekend Wattles host Valleys on Sunday at Platz Oval.
PENTATH RUN POPULAR
A RECORD number of competitors took part in the 14th annual Daily News Pentath run last weekend. The men’s and women’s events were both won by newcomers to the sport. Liam Willett was encouraged to enter by 2015 winner Dan Symonds.
Winner of the overall women’s event was Kylie Simpson who was a late entrant in the event encouraged to nominate after a conversation with a staff member from Nike Robina. Simpson is no stranger to distance running, having competed in half marathons. She has an eye on selection in the upcoming Commonwealth games, and says she will train for the Pentath run next year.
RAMS WINNERS OVER CUTTERSs
THE Wallangarra Rams notched up another win this season when they proved too strong for an improved Killarney Cutters last Saturday on their home ground. In a game which was delayed until a referee arrived the Rams got the job done in front of a parochial home side. James Springborg showed he has matured as a player and had a good game as did the consistent Farron Anderson. Killarney were much improved and for their supporters it was pleasing to see 15 players run out for the Cutters, giving them some bench players. Once again injuries in the first half meant 13 players were forced to shoulder all the work in the second half. In the end, the score line was 44-22.
This weekend will be a massive challenge for the Cutters who host Inglewood when they play for the Bob Garred Memorial Shield.
ROOSTERS CROWING
THE Inglewood Roosters and their supporters were doing plenty of crowing after upsetting BRL competition leaders the Tenterfield Tigers at McIntyre Oval on Saturday. It was a great way for the team to celebrate Brent Osborne’s birthday.
The Roosters confirmed their position as contenders in the 2016 BRL premiership race with a 44-14 win over the previously unbeaten Tigers. It was a good win for the home side, who down on player numbers, was forcing some of their players to compete for the full 80 minutes.
There were some fine performances from the Roosters with a man-of-match effort from Roosters stalwart Brett Bennett. It was a great defensive effort from the home side in the second half, forcing the visitors into a flurry of errors.
The Roosters have a solid mix of younger and older players and dare improving in attitude and defence with every outing.
