Caslick among golden Pearls

Rose city fighters performed well in Bundaberg last weekend.

By CASEY O’CONNOR

BY the time this edition reaches your table, I will have been on the road for a couple of days on the annual Wanderers cricket pilgrimage – this year to South Western Queensland. The boys from Warwick will have almost settled into the required routine, and my heart rate may just about have come back to normal after the excitement of the Women’s Rugby Sevens Gold medal game on Tuesday morning. What a great game and a huge thrill for team Caslick in Rio to support undoubtedly the number one player in the sport – Charlotte Caslick.
The 22-year-old now gold medal Olympian is the toast of the nation following the sensational win by the Pearls over the Kiwis. However, for keen readers of Spin we have been following Charlotte’s journey from a teenage Touch Football seas nation all the way to Rio.
Among her cheer squad in Rio were aunts Leah Costanzo (Caslick), Jamie Caslick, grandmother Beryl Caslick her parents Don and Tracy and brothers Sam and Zac. With a strong Statnhorpe connection through her aunt Leah (herself a top class shooter) and father Don who played cricket for Stanthorpe in his younger days, there were plenty of Stanthorpians like myself glued to the television on Tuesday morning watching four years of planning and hard work come to fruition.
Prior to the gold medal game, Leah described the atmosphere as electric nerve- wracking and exciting. It is now well recorded how coach Tim Walsh headhunted this group of girls the majority of which are Queenslanders. Many had never even touched a football but were turning heads in their preferred sports of hockey, athletics, basketball or in Charlotte’s case touch football.
Two years ago, the group turned professional and went into this game with the weight of expectation on their shoulders.
Charlotte who has twice been nominated as the best Women’s seven Player in the World turned in a top class performance throughout the tournament. Wendell Sailor declaring her performance in the gold medal game akin to any JT master class – now that is high praise.
Here at Spin we’re thrilled to have watched and reported as this remarkable journey unfolded all the way to Rio.
And as they say that is “Gold”.
– Casey
ANOTHER MONTHLY MEDAL
STANTHORPE golfer Darryl Boekholt collected another monthly medal last Saturday in the Stanthorpe competition sponsored by Gino’s Floor Coverings. Boekholt played a steady front nine but rushed home in the back nine with one over par off the stick for his round. His score of nett 67 giving him a two-shot lead over the field. After a three-way countback, Ian Harvey was declared the runner-up with a score of nett 69.
Lorraine Evans made it two wins in two weeks when she returned best nett of 70 for the ladies medal. Kay Webb claimed runner-up spot with nett 75.
Dylan Barraclough and Lyn Ludlow returned the best gross scores of 68 and 97 in their respective competitions.
Putting honours were awarded to Greg Fraser with 25 putts for the round. In the Ladies’ competition, Lorraine Ludlow had least putts in the event – 28 for the round.
Kev Rowling collected the pin at 3/12 and Matt Waterworth held the pin at 17.
Lyn Ludlow had best approach at 17. Pro-pins went the way of Rob Reeves at 1/10 and Grant Howard collected both 5/14 and 9/18. There was a four-way share for the birdies nest and the run down in the men’s competition went to scores of 70 and better. Madeline Jarman collected the run down for ladies with nett 76.
In match play, Allen Kerr was successful over Bill Pyne. Kerr now progresses to the next round.
This Saturday the club has scheduled a single stableford sponsored by Madeline Jarman. Tee off from 11am and a time sheet is on the board at the clubhouse.
PURCELL COLLECTS MEDAL
JAMIE Purcell proved too good in play for the Wallangarra Monthly medal on Saturday.
Steven Hampstead played consistently to place second. Hampstead, McMillan and K. Williams all claimed pin shots with Hampstead nailing the approach as well.
This Saturday is a single stableford and members are reminded that there will be a general meeting at 10am prior to tee off.
UNPLEASANT CONDITIONS FOR GATEBALL
PLAYERS faced unpleasant and difficult conditions in Friday’s Gateball games. Cold but undeterred a good turnout of players took up both courts.
On court one, Effey Russell, Val Fancourt and Pat Schnoor, playing the white balls, took on Margaret Dickenson, John Draper and Carol Verwey. White recorded a narrow win 11-10 win in the first game. In game two, it was even closer with the two teams tying at eight-all. The White team grabbed a second win in the next game with a 12-10 score line. Margaret Dickenson and the red team members got on the board in the final game, scoring a 16-12 win.
On the second court, Grace Howard, Jenny Tunbridge, Les Williams, and Joy Newman, played the White balls against the Red team of Andrea Denkewitz, Bill Golding and Heather Widderick. The first game was tied at 13 points at the end of regulation time. However, the White team had their final shot to play shot. In a thrilling finish, Les Williams managed to hit his ball onto the centre peg to secure a two-point victory for his team.
The White team went on to win the next game, 11 – 6, with some good play from both Williams and Joy Newman.
After the break, the Red team came back in winning form, taking a 12-10 win. Heather Widderick executed a great ‘slider’ in the last game, while Golding ‘sparked’ all the white balls off the court in the third game.
Gateball players are now spoilt for choice with games now also played on Saturday afternoons at 1.30pm. Anyone is welcome to come and try. The court is located at the Golf complex on Amosfield Road.
Conditions on Saturday afternoon were much better as Andrea Denkewitz, Margaret Dickenson and Val Shepherd teamed up against Les Williams and Bill Golding. Playing the White balls, Williams and Golding scored a 13-10 win over the ladies red team.
The tables were turned in the next game with the red team scoring a narrow one-point win.
In game three, the White team scored a convincing 13-8 win. In the final game of the afternoon, Andrea, Margaret and Val fought back to win by just one point. Les Williams was the most consistent player of the day.
IDEAL CONDITIONS FOR SPORTERS
CONDITIONS were ideal for a hit on Sunday and after a week off there was a good field at Sporters on Sunday.
Danny McAuliffe played well to score a well-deserved and long-awaited win. Runner-up was Chook. The run-downs went to Bob Watts and Terry Byrnes with Paul Armstrong scoring the Best Gross.
Jim McPherson picked up the Pin Shot on the third, however the Pro Pin went a begging. Not so the meat trays which were won by Terry Byrnes and Ray Thorn.
Sporters will be back on the course on Sunday morning with tee off between 8am and 8.30am. Same time tee-off next Sunday between 8am and 8.30am. Remember visitors are always most welcome.
SUCCESS FOR McMAHON
ROSE City boxer Jacko McMahon won his third consecutive Wide Bay Title on Saturday night in Bundaberg when he outclassed Kiwa King from Albert Boxing Gym in Brisbane. McMahon outboxed King with movement and long left hand jabs to win by an unanimous decision.
In other results, Jake Wylie fought Sam Cameron Hands current Qld title holder in the 60kg division and a veteran of over 60 fights. In a bout where nothing was left in the ring there were some impressive punches from both boxers. It was a fight that could have gone either way – the eight count was put on both boxers at different stages. The final judges’ decision went the way of Sam Cameron Hands.
Charlie Sweedman was the first boxer up to represent the Rose City Boxing Club and fought Nathan Keioskie from Bells Boxing Club in a bout of three two-minute rounds. It was a tough hard fight and in a points deskin Keioskie got the win.
ASSOCIATION CROQUET NEWS
PAT Schnoor arrived in the mood to play well in last week’s competition, and with Effey Russell as her partner the pair scored a 23 – 15 win over Val Shephard and Andrea Denkewitz. Schnoor was certainly on fire and had a tremendous break of 10 in the game.
In the other games, Grace Howard teamed with Heather Widderick, and the pair managed a tough 19-17 win over Margaret Dickenson. Jenny Tunbridge and Carol Verwey pegged out with 26 to win their game against Joy Newman and Val Richardson 19.
CLEARED FOR LANDING
THE Hayne plane was cleared for landing last week on runway one at the Gold Coast and made a successful touchdown after stopovers in LA, Fiji Sevens via London, a brief dalliance with France and the Catalans and an obviously disappointing attempted landing in the Eels pond.
And so J. Hayne is now a Titan and the circus rolled into the Cbus stadium on Sunday along with 18000 fans in what was a cross between the second coming and the return of the prodigal son if you believed some.
Whether or not you are a Hayne fan, you must admit he is a class athlete. After two years away from rugby league, he made his much-anticipated entrance into the game on Sunday after 20 minutes, and it was as though he had never left, well almost. His timing may have been a little rusty but his tackling technique, running, kicking and ability to read the play were close to spot on.
What I did not like was the lack of enthusiasm he showed for his new club in his post- signing press conference. While Titans CEO Graham Annesley may have wondered if the club’s multi-million signing was going to crash land after that press conference, he would have been far more relaxed I imagine after Sunday’s game despite the Titans 24-14 loss to the Warriors.
Named to play five eighth this week, all eyes will again be on the Hayne plane when the Titans take on the Tigers at Campbelltown Stadium on Saturday. This game is a big test for both sides who are fighting for their spot in the eight with just four rounds to be played before the finals.
While the media circus will surround Hayne, the results of many of the games in round 23 could have serious finals repercussions and on many forlorn tipsters.
We kick off tonight with the Doggies and Eagles. Both have been in great form of late, and this will be a tough game. The tenacious Dogs will be out to cement their spot in the top four and that should be incentive enough for them to get the points.
Friday night is a danger game for the Broncos who take on the Eels. The Broncos turned the corner last week with a much-needed win and face a team with nothing to play for and nothing to lose at Suncorp. The Broncos need this win, and I for one will be hoping they are on song and back in the groove.
The return of Greg Inglis from suspension seemed to spark the Bunnies, and they all but caused the upset of the round last week taking the Storm to golden point. A tough outing for them this week as they travel across the ditch to take on the Warriors at Mt Smart. Playing to their potential, they could win this but the Warriors are one of three teams in the hunt for that eighth spot and will be hard to toss at home.
The Dragons host the Sharks at Jubilee in a local derby and while the Sharks winning streak came to a sticky end last weekend, they should be too strong for an underperforming Dragons.
The Knights host the Panthers at Hunter Stadium and cannot buy a win. In round 22 they played well against the Bulldogs but were out muscled in the end. The Panthers looked the goods on Monday night in their win over the Roosters and while everyone is waiting for the Knights to notch up a win, I doubt it will come here.
The Roosters host the Cowboys on Sunday afternoon and the NQlanders will be chasing a win here to try and force their way back into the top four. Thurston will be better for the run last week. Kyle Feldt returns but Jake Granville is out. Cowboys should win this.
In the game of the round, the Raiders host Melbourne Storm on Monday night in a much-anticipated clash. The Raiders are flying but for me Melbourne will be too clinical, too good.
MORE CHOICES
AS the popularity of golf croquet grows, there are now more options for players. Players now have the choice of session on Wednesday morning or Thursday.
Despite the bitterly cold conditions on both days last week, both sessions drew good numbers. One visitor called, remarking “you lot are crazy playing in this weather”.
On Wednesday two groups of doubles were played, with one player in each group playing two balls. In the first game, John and Marion Castles paired up and played well. They played well and were narrowly beaten by just one point by Shirley Page’s two ball score of 11. Page had the top hoop score of seven.
Justin Liddy and Dianne Wren teamed up to play and won a tight game 13-12. Diane Wren top scored in this game with eight hoops.
In the second round of game, John Castle and Dianne Wren scored a 13-7 win over Justin Liddy and Marion Castle. Wren was again in good form, top scoring with seven hoops. In the other game, Elaine Brown played two balls to score a narrow 8-7 win over Shirley Page and Liz Ellway.
On Thursday, players welcomed a new starter Joan Potter and Elaine Brown put her through her paces in an instructional game. The experienced John and Judy Lock scored a good win over Justin and Marian Castles in a doubles game.
In the reverse games Justin Castle partnered newcomer Joan Potter in a game against John Castles who played two balls. Castles proved too strong, scoring eight hoops.
Marian Castle and Elaine Brown scored a 7-5 win over Judy Lock in a short game after play was cut short due to the conditions.
COWBOYS DRAW BUT STILL ON TOP
A 31-ALL draw was the result at the end of the Cowboys round 20 clash against Brothers at Fr Ranger Oval on Saturday, however the Cowboys still sit at the top of the TRL table.
The visitors were bolstered by the return of Nick Patterson and stunned the home side with an easy four pointer in the fourth minute of the game when Adam Watterson scored.
Stunned into action, Warwick hit back two minutes later when centre Joe Fuimaono charged Brothers line and scored. A try from fullback Craig Donn took the Cowboys to a 10-6 lead before Brothers took control of the game scoring tries at will. Tries to Michael Witt, ZC Loxley, Nick Patterson and Matthew Cottee had the visitors holding a commanding 30-14 lead with 25 minutes left in the game.
The Cowboys dug deep and showed why they are leading the TRL competition. Inspirational tries from Matt Marshall and Ty Gardner lifted the Cowboys intensity as they got within striking distance. Sam Broomhall and Paul Cantwell scored as Warwick levelled the scores at 30-all.
With their season on the line, Brothers half back Matthew Witt looked to have wrapped up a win for Brothers when he slotted a field goal to give his side a one-point advantage with four minutes left in the game.
Jamie Abbas hit back with a field goal for the Cowboys to lock up the scores at 31 all in a quality game.
It was a thrilling game full of intensity, and both sides forced to defend their line for long periods. Brothers William O’Grady, was named Hutchies player of the round. Brock Croft, Joe Fuimaono and Matt Marshall had excellent games and kept the Cowboys in the game.
In Reserve Grade Warwick scored a 46-12 win and the Warwick Under 18 side had another win, defeating Burnett Blues 32-18.
In the second division game, Brothers had a 32-14 win over Warwick.
With just two rounds of fixtures left, Warwick hold a one-point lead over Pittsworth. This weekend in a danger game they take on fourth-placed Souths who suffered a 40-32 loss to Highfields last weekend.
Warwick 31 (Joe Fuimaono, Craig Donn , Matt Marshall Ty Gardner Sam Broomhall, Paul Cantwell tries Dan Watson 3 goals Jamie Abbas field goal) drew with Brothers 31 (Adam Watterson, Michael Witt, Zac Loxley, Nick Patterson, Matthew Cottee tries Michael Witt 5 goals, field goal)
SUPER BIKES IN ACTION
THE Super Bikes roared into action at Morgan Park last weekend and so too did the crowds. Crowd numbers were almost double last year’s numbers for the event.
On the track there were plenty of big names in action across the weekend, however it was Golburn rider Troy Herfoss who led the way. Based on the Gold Coast, Herfoss rides for the Crankt Honda Racing team and showed all of his ability and class to secure pole position in both races on the weekend going on to win both events at the Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship.
In a thrill for the big crowd, Troy Bayliss a former World championship winner acted as team boss for Ducati at the weekend and made himself available to many of the fans over the course of the weekend.
During the lunch break, some lucky competition winners were treated to a spin behind Troy Bayliss, Shaun Giles and Steve Martin. SDRC Mayor Tracy Dobie accepted a challenge from the Mayor of Wanneroo in Western Australia and had her first taste of super bikes.
Organisers were thrilled at the turnout and support for the event.
LITTLE JOY FOR WATTLES
THERE was no relief for Wattles supporters in Round 20 as they watched the home side go down to Goondiwindi 30-14 last weekend. After a great season in 2015, Wattles have been decimated by injury this season. The Boars executed their pays well and consistently won the ruck in the game. There was better news for supporters with Wattles claiming a 52-20 win in Reserve Grade and a 38-all draw in the under-18 game. This weekend Wattles take on Valleys.
KILLARNEY CUP MEETING TAKE TWO
DALBY-TRAINED Le Max took out Saturday’s rescheduled Killarney Cup. Organisers were pleased with the crowd who turned out in numbers for the annual Killarney Day which was cancelled several weeks ago due to the state of the track. The Max Smith trained eight-year-old ridden by Cecily Eaton narrowly got the money in the main event ahead of Oakey visitors Hashtag Yolo and Our Clarky. The winner started at the good odds of $8 while the favourite Sam De Hero finished last in the big field.
The meeting opened with a win to Wehrman in the Killarney Coop Class B. Trained at Beaudesert by Ben Robinson, the Commands gelding ran home strongly for a 1.3 length win over the more fancied Turkana and Newcastle Dancer.
Race Two also went the way of the visitors when the Kevin kemp-trained Kel’s Shadow provided claiming apprentice Nicholas Keal with a winner.
Sunshine Coast trainer John Zeilke made a successful raid on Allman Park with Stryking Stunnah in the third event the Shirl and Sandy’s Class 3 plate over 1200 metres.
The three-year-old filly put the writing on the wall with a fifth placing at her previous start on the Sunshine Coast. With the claim of apprentice Corey Bayliss, punters sent the filly out $2.70 favourite.
The meeting closed with the running of the Warwick Credit Union Open Handicap over the 1200 metre journey and was won by Toowoomba Galloper Smooth Talker.
TIGERS SERVE UP A MAULING
THE Tenterfield Tigers bounced back from a loss in the BRL Patrons cup to trounce Stanthorpe Texas on Saturday at Rugby League Park. In the annual Caldwell Cup game, Stanthorpe Texas bolted out of the boxes to take a surprising 10-nil lead early in the game, however it was a short-lived moment as the Tigers rumbled into gear and embarked on a scoring rampage. When the final siren sounded, they lead 102-10.
The big win gives the Tigers much-needed points for any away against rivals Inglewood and also saw the Caldwell Cup returned to Tenterfield.
It was another big day for the Tenterfield with the undefeated Tigerettes also claiming another big win, outclassing their opposition 40-4.
The Tigers head to Charlie Andrews Oval this weekend for the final round of the BRL for a game they must win decisively to retain their spot at the top of the competition table.
In the other BRL game played at McIntyre Oval, Inglewood proved too strong for Killarney and notched up an 84-12 win. Full back Matt West had another outstanding game and was name dual players player with Ryan Donovan who has come back from an injury that many thought would finish his career.
The Roosters final fixture game of the season will be against Stanthorpe Texas, and they will be hoping for a big win to topple the Tigers off the top of the table.