By CASEY O’CONNOR
AFTER a lifetime of dreams and training for some, the ultimate reward, a chance at Olympic glory is just around the corner.
While Australia’s Chef de Mission Kitty Chiller shows the organisers that as Aussies we won’t be settling for second best, the athletes have begun arriving in Rio. As is nearly always the norm (unless the games are in Sydney) there have been plenty of last-minute dramas as organisers rush to get venues completed.
There is no spectacle quite like the opening ceremony of an Olympic games and while bad things continue to happen around us in the world, the Games brings us tighter as one like no other event.
Our Australian flag bearer Anna Meares certainly embodies that Olympic spirit and also the fighting spirit the Aussies are renowned for. There is sure to be a tear shed as this gutsy lady enters the stadium with our flag.
Following behind Meares and the stars of the Southern Cross on our flag will be a record number of athletes. This games team by all accounts, especially the swimmers are in a far better place than in London – far greater team harmony and a desire to get the job done. This, of course, has translated into expectation of a big medal haul.
It seems that the IOC have taken the soft option and passed the Russian situation on to individual governing bodies as quickly as you would get rid of hot coals. A missed opportunity to send a strong message, I personally, like many others believe.
Any Russian competitor to win a medal is now going to be under scrutiny as the rest of the world ponders the question. Is he or she – Did he or she?
I will be keeping a close eye on the Women’s Rugby Sevens as Charlotte Caslick daughter of a former cricket team-mate Don Caslick realises her dream to compete at Rio. The girls are favourites to bring home gold. In the final which will be played on 9 August, hopefully the Aussies will be front and centre in the battle for gold. On hand to watch will be her aunt Leah Costanzo from Stanthorpe and a host of family members.
As the Field events roll out – 12 August looms large for Allora discus thrower Matt Denny who will be competing in the heats that day and hoping for a throw good enough to make his way to finals on the following day.
Of course the swimmers will have set their sights on making a splash on day one as they go for gold and hopefully set the standard.
That would be great, but let’s just acknowledge the amazing effort of every competitor to make it to Rio. Seventeen days, 10,500 athletes, 33 venues, and while we have no idea how much insect repellent has been provided to ward off the Zika virus much has been made of the reported 450,000 condoms being supplied by the International Olympics Committee. Good to know organisers are being responsible I guess – but did we need to know that stat?
So please let the Games begin, soon – no more TV footage of squalid drains – we get the message. It is time to focus on the Games themselves and the athletes we tip our hats to. After all, they will join the most elite club in sport.
– Casey
COWBOYS TOP OF THE TABLE CLASH
THE Warwick Cowboys will go into this weekend’s TRL top- of-the-table clash against ladder leaders Pittsworth with confidence after the competition favourites went down to Highfields last weekend.
After suffering a big loss to the Cowboys at their previous outing, Highfields set the cat among the pigeons on the weekend with a convincing 34-26 win over the competition favourites. Pittsworth led 12-6 midway through the first half and were looking dominant. Highfields hit back with a vengeance, scoring the next 28 unanswered points sending an ominous message to the teams in final’s contention. Highfields Jarrod Lee looked to have the ball on a string – his kicking was accurate and he was solid in defence as he led the charge in attack.
Pittsworth playmaker Thomas O’Sullivan was injured early in the second half and did not return to the field. The Danes lost their momentum and the Eagles capitalised. Pittsworth hit back late in the second half with three late tries, showing what they are capable of. This was a tough game with both sides suffering injuries to players.
It sets up a thrilling clash this weekend. In one of the most important games of the season the Cowboys who should be at full strength following last weekend’s bye, travel to Danes territory in a bid to join their opponents at the top of the table.
There is little between the top four sides at the end of round 17 and who starts favourite in the finals is now anyone’s guess.
A Grade Ladder: Pittsworth 28, Warwick 26, Brothers 24, Souths 24, Gatton 22 Highfields 21, Dalby 14, Valleys 11, Wattles 8, Goondiwindi 2, Oakey 0
Reserve Grade Ladder: Gatton 29, Warwick 26, Pittsworth 26, Souths 25, Valleys 21, Highfields 14 Goondiwindi 13, Dalby 12, Brothers 11, Oakey 3, Wattles 2.
Under 18 Ladder: Valleys 32, Burnett Blue 26, Pittsworth 26, Warwick 26, Dalby 18, Brothers 17, Souths 12, Wattles 12, Burnett White 10, Highfields 10, Goondiwindi 9, Border 4, Gatton 4.
2nd Division Ladder: Gatton 18, Souths 12, Pittsworth 10, Brothers 10, Dalby 10, Valleys 8, Warwick 2
ROSE CITY BOXER LOOKING FOR ORIGIN GLORY
ROSE City boxer Jacko McMahon will travel to Sydney on Friday to compete in the boxing equivalent of State of Origin. Fifteen of Queensland’s number one boxers have been selected to compete against NSW’s finest. McMahon will fight in the 75kg Junior Division and has drawn a tough opponent in Kobi Rugless who is ranked number one in Australia.
Damien Lawler, head trainer of the Rose City Boxing Club says that McMahon has had an excellent preparation leading into this fight, and he is expecting big things from him. Given McMahon’s speed and strength, Lawler is very confident McMahon can bring home a win for the Maroons. The competition will be held at Cronulla Lifesaving Club.
CHANGING OF THE GUARD
FOLLOWING the annual general meeting of the Inglewood Sporting Shooters there has been a changing of the guard at the helm. The office bearers for the coming 12 months are president Iain Bowen; vice-president Tom Donald; secretary Peter Solomon and treasurer Stephanie Dudgeon.
Members of the club thanked past president Paul Drier for his contribution during his tour of duty. Much has been achieved behind the scenes during this time, and the club is most grateful to Paul.
Good numbers turned out for the Pistol action on the Inglewood range last weekend.
On Saturday in the Action Pistol competition, Richard Roese took the honours, defeating Wal Shepherd and Tom Donald.
Tom Donald improved on that finish on Sunday to win the Action Pistol event, defeating Samshi Gandrath and Richard Roese who could not be split and tied for second spot. Glen Small finished in third place.
Richard Roese showed his earlier win was no fluke when he grabbed a win in the Single Action Revolver. There was another tie for second spot when Stephanie Dudgeon and Tom Donald finished on equal points. The other minor placing went to Vamshi Gandrath.
You can follow all the action at the Inglewood club on their Facebook page.
HARVEY IN TUNE WITH CONDTIONS
AFTER several cold and windy days of competition recently, Stanthorpe golfers are adapting well to the conditions. On Saturday, Ian Harvey showed no ill-effects in the blustery conditions. Harvey returned a score of nett 70 – best in for the day and three clear of the field.
He set up his win with an impressive front nine of 40 off the stick and that was good enough to get him in the winner’s seat.
There was a group back on nett 73, but it was greenkeeper Bill Pyne, relaxed and ready to go after his winter holiday who took the runner-up spot after the countback.
Lyn Ludlow, last week’s ladies winner, made it back-to-back wins when she returned a nett 73. She also finished three shots clear of the field. Helen Jones, on nett 76, finished in second place. Sponsor for the round was Stanthorpe Plaza Meats.
Daryl Boekholt played a good tee shot at 3/12 to take the pin and Dylan Barraclough held on to 17. The Ladies pin at 3/12 went unloved, but Kay Webb had the best approach at 17. Kev Rowling collected the pro-pin at 1/10, Jason Lawer at 5/14 and Richard Reardon held 9/18.The Birdies nest at nine was shared by Richard Reardon and Brendan Barker.
In the run down, it was a ball each to Matt Burgess (73), Dylan (73), Keith Jones (73), Lyle Bryant (74) and Len Leigh (74). Kay Webb collected a ball in the ladies run down.
On Saturday, club president, Stephen Kay is sponsoring a 4BBB Stableford. It is the last Saturday of the month, so it is a shot gun start at 11.45am with registration at 11.30am. There is a time sheet is on the board at the club.
Any members available to help on the day and would-be helpers would be appreciated with play getting underway at 9am.
WATTLES BATTLE AGAINST BROTHERS
IT was a tough day out for Wattles on Saturday at Platz Oval, beaten 50-6 by Brothers in the A Grade clash.
2016 has been a season to forget for the Warriors who have been decimated by injury. Michael Duggan led by example for Wattles, scoring their only try. Dale Perkins was another who played a leadership role in the Wattles side in the game played for the Dan Ryan Memorial Trophy. Ryan a Bulimba Cup player played for both Wattles and Brothers.
There was little joy for the home side in the Reserve Grade game with the Brethren also scoring a comfortable 30-24 win.
A 22-all draw was the result at full time in a thrilling Under 18 clash. Wattles played most of the second half with only 12 players. Standout player for Wattles in this clash was Max Rubie who also debuted in A Grade.
This week Wattles take on Souths on Saturday.
TOP SHOT FOR RUSSELL
EFFEY Russell played the shot of the day last week as she and partner Heather Widderick defeated Val Richardson and Carol Verwey 22-12. Russell shot through hoop four back after breaks of four and three. In the other doubles game, the combination of Margaret Dickenson and Val Shephard was defeated by Andrea Denkewitz and Grace Howard. In this game, Denkewitz played well with breaks of four and three while Grace Howard had a break of three in the pair’s overall score of 23.
Joy Newman and Pat Schnoor played a singles game with Pat Schnoor, winning 26-18. Both players scored two breaks of three in an entertaining game.
Pat Schnoor will be off the scene for a time as she undergoes further medical treatment, and her playing partners wish her well.
WARMER WEATHER ENCOURAGES PLAYERS
A return last week to warmer weather had players out in force at golf croquet – some even in short sleeves. Alas I fear it will not last.
Val Fancourt and Bev Sullivan drew to play as a pair in a game against Elaine Brown and Shirley Page and took out a 13-8 win. Bev Sullivan top scored with eight hoops in a fine performance.
Judy Lock and Teresa Pyne played Liz Ellway and Justin Liddy and the scorecard finished the same as the previous group 13-8. In this game, Judy Lock scored best with a total of seven hoops.
In the second round of games, Judy Lock and Elaine Brown (13) defeated Teresa Pyne and Shirley Page (12) in a close and gripping game where tactics played a big part. All players were at the top of their game. This was a very close and gripping game with tactics playing a big part. Elaine Brown top-scored with seven, but all players were at the top of their game.
Meanwhile, Val Fancourt and Justin Liddy had a 13 – 5 win over Liz Ellway and Bev Sullivan. Val Fancourt was very sharp, scoring eight hoops.
THREE WINS FOR REDS
TENS players were in action for last week’s gateball games. Making up the Red team players were Val Fancourt (captain), Bill Golding, Les Williams, John Draper, and Grace Howard. Andrea White team players were Andrea, with Andrea Denkewitz captaining the White team of Margaret Dickenson, Joy Newman, Effey Russell and Heather Widderick. The Red team narrowly won the first two games although scores were close – 9-8 in the first and 12-11 in the second. Les Williams and Val Fancourt played with great accuracy. After the break, the Red team again tasted success, making it three wins for the day with a comprehensive 20-11 victory.
In the last game of the day, the White team finally scrambled for a one-point win. Play of the day.
DAY OFF FOR SPORTERS
SPORTERS can have a day off this Sunday with the course closed for the Landmark Annual Golf Day. Last Sunday was a much different story with a good turn out on Sunday morning. Peter Goodsir played well to notch up another win defeating runner-up John Rawlings. Run Downs went to Bob Watts and Max Jones. Aaron Simmers returned the Best Gross score of the morning. There were no takers for either of the Pin Shots at 12 and 17, however Jim Mitchell claimed the Pro Pin. Runner-up John Rawlings also took home a meat tray as did Bob Watts.
A well-rested group of Sporters will be back in action at the normal tee off time of 8am – 8.30am on Sunday 7 August
CREAM RISING TO THE TOP
IT is that time of the year when the cream rises to the top in the NRL competition as the battle for finals positions heats up.
Round 20 saw some spectacular wins and some unexplainable losses. The Dogs left to lick their wounds after being trampled by the Cowboys and the Broncos circling the wagons after a less than impressive performance and all the while the Sharks keep circling the pack at the top of the pond.
Round 21 kicks off with the Broncos looking to redeem themselves when they meet the Roosters at Allianz. They will be without Sam Thaiday and Josh McGuire both suspended last week. A change in their training program and a wake-up call last week might just be what is needed at Red Hill. Prepared to give the Broncos another chance.
Friday night the Dogs will be off the leash and out to salvage some pride against the Dragons. The Doggies were simply outplayed last weekend and should make amends here with the Dragons unable to buy points in their games.
All eyes will be on 1300 Smiles Stadium on Saturday night for the much-anticipated clash between the Cowboys and Storm. JT has not been named in the side after leaving the field last week with a slight hammy problem. Although the coach is not ruling him out entirely, you surely would not risk a player of his value at this stage of the season. Big test for the Cowboys without their skipper and although they have shown they are no longer a one-trick pony, I think Cronk Smith and co will prove too much of a handful in what should be a great game. Who knows we could be seeing these two teams in a few weeks in the 2016 grand final.
After a good win over the Broncos, the Panthers head across the ditch to take on the unpredictable Warriors. While the Panthers showed plenty of promise last week, I think at Mt Smart the Warriors might get the points.
The Eels are officially out of finals contention, and it is hard to see them being “up” for their game against the Tigers. On the other hand, the Tigers have everything to play for. While controversy rages around the sacking of Robbie Farah, coach Jason Taylor clearly has a plan for the future of the Tigers. He appeared to be vindicated after his side’s win last week. Should notch up another here.
The Bunnies are among a number of side to have under achieved in 2016, and were dreadful in their first half against the Eagles. More bunker controversy after the disallowed Burgess try as the NRL continues to shoot itself in the foot with poor decisions. Bring back the one ref – is the call of many. The Bunnies have a tough ask this week against the Raiders who slipped into the top four with a win over the Warriors. With Inglis still unavailable, it is hard to see a bounce back from the Bunnies. Ricky’s Raiders should plunder another.
The Eagles are on the fly and heading for a position in the top eight. Looked like they would blow the Bunnies off the park on Monday night, but allowed them back in the game. They take on Newcastle at Brookvale on Sunday afternoon and although they will start favourites, I would not be surprised to see a Knights upset. They are improving with every game and a win is not far away.
The Titans take on heavy weights the Sharks at Cbus Stadium, and are gunning for win no 16 to wrap up round 21. The Titans have done a remarkable job this season and have a reasonable record against Cronulla. Everyone is waiting for the wheels to fall off the Sharks and perhaps this is the game they might lose in their run to the finals. If like me, you need the points in your tipping competition then perhaps opt for an unlikely upset here.
AUB’S CELEBRATION
A GREAT crowd turned out to celebrate Aub’s Day at Rugby League park in Tenterfield on Saturday.
The day got underway with Junior league and there were plenty of junior Tigers on hand – they hosted the Goondiwindi Boars in a span of age groups and there was some great footy played by the juniors. With league numbers dwindling in many areas, the future is looking pretty bright for the Tigers if junior numbers are anything to go by.
BRL premiership number three looks to be only a formality for this talented group of players. Meg Landers once again one of the standouts in a team of stars.
The A Grade game against the Killarney Cutters was the only BRL game last weekend and was a very one-sided affair. The Tigers held a 60-nil lead at half time and after the break the news was no better for the diehard Cutters fans who made the trip as the Tigers notched up another 56 points before the full time hooter put the Cutters out of their pain.
The busiest people on the ground were the scoreboard attendants closely followed by goal kicker Brendan Minns. Coedie Tandy ran rampant against his former side.
Full credit to Killarney who only had 13 players from the get go and kept on trying. It is not easy when you are on the wrong end of a thrashing and they showed plenty of ticker to keep on trying.
Following the game the special Aub’s Day Jerseys were auctioned and raised a whopping $8000 which will be distributed between the Tigers junior and senior league, the ladies League Tag and the Tenterfield Hospital. A great initiative and congratulations to the Tigers committee and supporters. Tigers Junior and Senior Leagues, Ladies League Tag Side and the Tenterfield Hospital.
Gary and family at Gillespie Plumbing sponsored and designed the A grade Jerseys that the A Grade men wore.
It was wonderful to witness such great support for the Tigers, and was a fitting tribute to a man who had the Tigers at his heart.
On Saturday the Tigers head to Inglewood this Saturday and their task against the second-placed Roosters will be far tougher as they play for the Patron’s Cup. The Tigerettes will also be in action at McIntyre Oval – they play the Goondiwindi league Tag side.
