By CASEY O’CONNOR
STATE of Origin 2016 is done and dusted but there are some who have been left with a bitter taste in the mouth following the fallout from Game Three. Congratulations to long- suffering Blues supporters who finally had a win to celebrate. Not one participated in the sport of bashing referees, I can only think the guy in the middle had blue blinkers on. Like most Maroons, I was hoping that at some point he would blow the pea right out of his whistle, but it was not to be.
The result and the snubbing by Gal’s pals of Cameron Smith has at least reignited the passion or something in Origin – as if anyone needed to light the Queenslanders afterburners. I felt the actions of the NSW players were in poor taste at best, bad sportsmanship at worst. Perhaps, even a little childish and took some of the gloss off their win.
While everyone attempted to apportion blame to someone else, it makes you wonder what is with Rugby League that they continue to get these little things that mean so much so wrong.
Pretty sure you would not see such petty behaviour after the AFL Grand Final; the Bledisloe Cup or grand final of the Netball series.
Rugby League meanwhile continues to lurch from one debacle to another.
Parramatta fans and league enthusiasts to say nothing of the leaders of the game will be praying to the football gods that the appointment of an administrator at the Eels can set that ship back on course.
Surely, there cannot be any other dramas that befall this embattled club. Hats off to the players and to their coach who continue to turn up and do their club proud. Had some of those clever suits done likewise, we more than likely would have been talking premiership chances not survival chances.
Survival and courage are two words which go hand in hand with Aussie surfer Mick Fanning after his win at J Bay during the week. Twelve months after that horrifying encounter with a great white shark left us all second guessing whether or not it was safe in the bath Fanning has faced his demons and a pod of dolphins (probably made his heart race for just a nano second) and come out the winner we have always known he is.
Some NRL footballers could take a leaf – courage, toughness, humility, guts, determination and a desire to simply be the best he can be and enjoy life.
That Shark had no chance when you think of it.
– Casey
GUNNING FOR A PREMIERSHIP
THE Warwick Cowboys circled the wagons and sent a clear message to their TRL counterparts after round 17 – The message – “We are gunning for the 2016 premiership” was loud and clear after they thumped Highfields 33-4 in a clinical display at headquarters, Fr Ranger Oval on Saturday night. The Cowboys outplayed the Eagles to score six tries-to-one in an impressive victory.
Cowboys, Trent Richardson, Sam Broomhall and Hutchies Man of the Match Mick Broomfield dominated in defence and were equally as punishing in attack.
A strong “go forward” effort provided the ideal platform for halves Paul Cantrell and Ryan McIvor to dominate their opposing halves. The Cowboys took a 10-4 lead to the halftime break after tries to Sam Broomhall and Mick Bloomfield. In the second half, Warwick simply wore down their opponents and while they piled on points they were able to hold Highfields scoreless in the second half.
The Cowboys unrelenting defence continued to pressure Highfields into what was a mistake-riddled game and arguably their worst performance of the season. Uncharacteristic errors at crucial times proved costly for the Eagles.
The second half was simply all Warwick. With Bloomfield proving dangerous in attack and almost unstoppable in defence the Cowboys drove home their advantage with tries to Matt Marshall, Aaron Mc Veigh, Craig Don and Trent Richardson. The Cowboys final try of the afternoon summed up their game with a defensive bust leading to a 70-metre try. Adding salt to the wound, Jamie Abbas slotted a field goal from 25 metres in the final play of the match.
It was a comprehensive victory for the Cowboys who sit two points behind competition leaders Pittsworth. With just five rounds before the finals, Warwick have a bye this weekend and should be at full strength for their top-of-the-table clash against the Danes the following week.
The battle between Pittsworth and Warwick is not limited to the A Grade competition. The two clubs are on equal points in the battle for the club championships.
Last weekend the Cowboys also had wins in Reserve Grade (28-14) and Under 18 (46-0).
While the two senior grades are enjoying their bye this weekend, the Under 18s will take on South Burnett White at Murgon.
Results A Grade: Warwick 33 (Sam Broomhall, Mick Bloomfield, Matt Marshall, Aaron Mc Veigh, Craig Don, Trent Richardson tries, Jamie Abbas field goal. Dan Watson 4 goals) defeated Highfields 4 (Sean Hamel try).
TRL LADDER AFTER ROUND 17
A GRADE: Pittsworth 28, Warwick 26, Brothers 22, Souths 22, Gatton 20 Highfields 19, Dalby 12, Valleys 11, Wattles 8, Goondiwindi 2, Oakey 0
Reserve Grade: Gatton 27, Warwick 26, Pittsworth 24, Souths 23, Valleys 21, Highfields 14 Goondiwindi 11, Dalby 10, Brothers 7, Oakey 3, Wattles 2.
Under 18: Valleys 30, Burnett Blue 24, Pittsworth 24, Warwick 22, Dalby 18, Brothers 16, Souths 12, Wattles 11, Burnett White 10, Highfields 10, Goondiwindi 9, Border 4, Gatton 2 .
2nd Division: Gatton 16no, Souths 12no, Pittsworth 10, Brothers 10, Valleys 8, Dalby 8, Warwick 2
NEWCOMER AT HOME IN CONDITIONS
THE cold conditions last Saturday in Stanthorpe seemed to be reflected in the scores returned by most of the players.
However, Keith Jones, a recent newcomer to Stanthorpe and far more at home in warmer conditions was not unduly affected returning a nett 71 for his round which was good enough to claim a win in the event sponsored by greenkeeper Bill Pyne.
A countback gave Trevor Ludlow (nett 74) second place after four players finished on 74. The remaining three placegetters Mark McCosker, Matthew Burgess and Keith Barnett were left to rue what might have been, and collected a ball in the run down.
In the Ladies event, it was also a three-shot win to Lyn Ludlow who shot nett 80. In second place (also after a countback was Margie Locke (nett 83).
Pin shots were won by Greg Yap at 3/12 and Keith Jones at 17.
No pin for ladies at 3/12, but Kay Webb had best approach at 17. David Burgess held the pro-pin at 1/10 and Richard Reardon collected at 5/14, however 9/18 went unclaimed.
Kay Webb and Tric Fittock (nett 83) collected a ball in the run down.
In match play events, Reno Piovesan won through after a close fight with Ian Harvey, Mark McCosker held out Len Leigh and Richard Reardon was successful against Mick O’Brien.
This Saturday another stroke event has been scheduled and will be sponsored by Stanthorpe Meats. Tee off from 11am and players will be hoping for better conditions. (Welcome back to correspondent Aaron Simmers who has been on tour for the past few weeks).
CONDITIONS NO WORRIES FOR GILLAM
THE typically cool winter conditions on Sunday morning took their toll on numbers at Sporters with many choosing to stay close to a fire, heater or not wanting to leave the AC. Those who braved the chilly conditions enjoyed a great round, none more so than Dale Gillam who handled the conditions best and notched up a win. Runner-up was John Rawlings. Run downs went to John Walsh and Paul Armstrong. Armstrong once again had the best gross. Clarky took the Pin shot at the third while the Pro Pin was claimed by Evans Head visitor Fran Dickens. Tee off this Sunday is at the normal winter start time of 8.30am – 9am.
A reminder to Sporters that there will be no competition on Sunday 31 July – Landmark Golf Day
LEADING THE WAY AGAIN
MICHELLE Payne is no stranger to breaking new ground in racing and on 1 August she is set to continue as a trailblazer in the industry. The Melbourne Cup winning jockey who has tasted the highs and lows of racing in the past 12 months is poised to become one of the first people to hold dual jockey-trainer licences in Victoria. Payne, who is recovering from emergency surgery to her pancreas following what could have been a career-ending fall at Mildura in May, confirmed she is applying for one of the new licences. She has completed the relevant paperwork and hopes to receive her licence on 1 August.
This move does not mean it is the last we have seen of Payne in the saddle. She is back riding light work and working with a physio on her strengthening, but is yet to confirm a date for her return to riding. This new move is more a step towards her future post riding and the next step in Payne’s long-term plan to take up training full time once she hangs up her saddle.
Payne has already purchased the property next door to her father in Ballarat where she has spent two years setting up as an agistment farm. She now plans to add stables, a trotting area, round yard and some jumps and says she is looking forward to the challenges of training.
It will be interesting to see how many other jockeys take up the challenge of juggling a riding career with the demands of training. There is little doubt Michelle Payne will be successful in leading the way in another field.
SCHNOOR BACK ON DECK
ONCE again conditions made play a little uncomfortable for Mallet sport competitors last week. They were not enough to deter Pat Schnoor who returned to the game after quite a long break. Schnoor teamed up with Val Shepherd to play Margaret Dickenson and Effie Russell. An entertaining game finished in an 18-all draw.
Grace Howard and Val Richards meanwhile pegged out 26 against Carol Verwey and Andrea Denkewitz 18.
The Golf Croquet group also braved cool conditions that were a slight improvement on the previous week. Eight players played doubles.
Justin Liddy and Dianne Wren paired up to play Teresa Pyne and Marian Castles. Liddy and Wren finished 13-6 winners with Dianne Wren, top scoring with eight.
Elaine Brown and Shirley Page defeated Judy Lock and Liz Ellway’s 11- 9 in their game. Elaine Brown top scored in this game with seven hoops.
Following the break, there was a reshuffle of teams and Shirley Page and Liz Ellway proved too strong for Elaine Brown and Justin Liddy. Marian Castles and Judy Lock scored the extra point in a tie break, edging out Dianne Wren and Teresa Payne 13- 12. In a thrilling game, Lock top scored with eight hoops and Dianne Wren scored a hoop in one
Friday’s gateball turnout included newcomers John and Marion Castles.
On the top court, triples games were played in the first session. Margaret Dickenson led the White team, while Pat Schnoor captained the Red team.
White won the first game 12 – 10. Scores were level at 10-all at the end of the regulation 30 minutes. However, the White team always has the last go, even when time is up. In this case, White were able to score the deciding points. John Draper and Val Fancourt both played well in the other game which was won 13-12 by the Red team.
On the bottom court, Andrea Denkewitz and Marion Castles teamed up to play Carol Verwey and John Castles to give the newcomers some coaching and a better idea of the tactics of the gateball game.
The Red team also claimed the second game 13-9. In this game, Carol Verwey and Grace Howard played well.
WALLANGARRA GEARING UP FOR CHARITY DAY
PLANNING is well underway at the Wallangarra Golf Club for a big weekend of golf this weekend. On Saturday the club will host a single stableford competition and on Sunday all roads lead to Wallangarra for the annual charity day for Breast Cancer. A fun day to raise funds for a serious disease. Visitors are very welcome, and there will be plenty of great prizes on offer and much fun to be had. The cost of $25pp includes lunch and tee off in the two-ball Ambrose is from 9am – 9.30am.
Tony Murphy and Andrew Thompson warmed up in preparation for this weekend’s big day when they combined to take out the two-ball Ambrose competition on Saturday. The pair outplayed runners-up Steven Hampstead and Brendan McMillan not too far away in second spot while the pairing of the Williams brothers, Kevin and Scott took out third place. Sutcliffe, Murphy and Hampstead all nabbed a pin shot each.
THE POINTY END
WITH Origin a mere memory and the split NRL rounds done for another year, we are down to the real business end of the NRL season, and it is time to start focussing on the finals and possible contenders for the 2016 premiership.
On Thursday night the match of the round kick starts the run to the finals when the Cowboys host the Bulldogs. The Dogs have clawed their way into the top four and will be fighting like mad to stay there. This is going to be one tough game. Michael Morgan returns for the Cowboys who will be keen to keep their record at home in tact. In a close game, I think the Cowboys will get home. Beware the Dogs however.
If the Broncos are to gallop back into premiership calculations, they need a win over the Panthers on Friday night. Their job will not be made any easy with Jordan Kahu back in the casualty ward where he is joined by Matt Gillet – two big outs for Brisbane but at Suncorp they should still get the prize.
The Sharks continued on their winning way notching up win no 14 last weekend. It is hard to see them getting beaten when they take on the Knights on Sunday at Shark Park. The boys from the shire are certainly flying however the Knights have shown there are heading in the right direction with some excellent games recently albeit without a win. If the Sharks take their eye off the prize, the Knights might cause an almighty upset.
The recent form of the Titans has been excellent and Queensland now boast three teams in the top eight on the back of the Titans vastly improved form. No wooden spooners this year. In Round 20, they take on the Eels who will again be without Corey Norman. The Eels have been brave, but I think the Titans can win again at home.
Melbourne, who are in second spot on the ladder and looking for another grand final appearance, host the Roosters this weekend. This is a litmus test of how Roosters have come this season after some eye-catching recent performances. Storm too clinical I think.
The Raiders should get home over the Warriors while in other games the Tigers should get the points against the Dragons who have lost their puff and the Bunnies without Inglis again this weekend look likely to fall prey to the Eagles. Happy tipping.
REASON TO REMEMBER
THIS week there have been many poignant reminders of the links between some of the villages on the Granite Belt with the WWI battles fought on the Western Front in France. There will be another reason to revisit our past on 27 August at the Stanthorpe RSL Club. There will be an official unveiling, dedication and blessing of the WWII Honour Roll in memory of the Stanthorpe and District members of the 25 Battalion who fought at Milne Bay, Bougainville and the Pacific. Family and friends are invited to attend the ceremony which will commence at 10.30am with a lunch to follow at the RSL.
Booking for this special celebration are essential so mark the date in your diary and contact Rodney and Frances Steele to confirm your booking (Phone 46811627 or 0439 827 483). Bookings will not be accepted after 20 August.
TIGERS HONOUR ONE OF THEIR BEST
THERE is only one game in the BRL Men’s competition this weekend – the Tenterfield Tigers host Killarney and the club has chosen this weekend to honour one of their finest – the late Aub Gillespie.
The staunchest of Tigers Aub Gillespie was a true gentleman and was passionate about his Tigers. It is fitting that the club pays such a tribute to Aub this weekend and there are sure to be plenty of yarns about Aub throughout the day.
Play kicks off at 2.30pm and while the Tigers are at the top of the table Killarney have shown improvement in recent weeks, and if they travel with a full complement of players will be no pushovers.
In the Ladies League tag, the Tigerettes are unbackable favourites to defeat the Ramettes who were narrowly beaten by Stanthorpe/Texas last weekend.
Proceeds of the charity day will benefit the Tenterfield Hospital and the Tenterfield Junior Senior and Ladies Rugby League teams.
ALLORA TO CELEBRATE OLYMPIAN
THE local Allora community will come together this Saturday to support track and field athlete Matthew Denny prior to the Rio Olympics.
The celebrations are being organised by Perry Cronin president of the Allora Sports Museum. For a community of its size, Allora certainly punches above its weight when producing champions and has a rich sporting heritage.
Also supporting Denny at the event will be former hurdler Don Wright who made the semi finals of the 110m hurdles in LA in 1984.
The function commences at 4pm, and everyone is welcome. Denny will receive a memento to carry with him to Rio from the Allora community.
