By Casey O’connor
AFTER a magnificent weekend of NRL which showcased all the best of rugby league once again, an elite footballer hit the headlines this week for all the wrong reasons. Like most fans I am well and truly over the antics of repeat offenders among our top player group. But enough of these selfish few.
Unfortunately poor behaviour is also too readily associated with grassroots Rugby League and fans and players often cop a lambasting. There are of course plenty of times when criticism is deserved. However, the TRL hierarchy, the clubs, supporters and players involved in Sunday’s TRL Grand Finals should take a bow.
The whole grand final day despite the weather was exceptional. Games were played in the true spirt of good sportsmanship and the supporters were outstanding. Quick to acknowledge good play from all teams. There was no out of control behaviour and while there were plenty of grandstand critics, there was none of the poor behaviour many have come to expect at a rugby league game.
Perhaps, it had something to do with the showery conditions – perhaps that is what some of those elite players who choose to ignore the implications of their actions need – a good hosing down.
Congratulations to the Premiers Pittsworth and commiserations to the Cowboys A Grade and under-18s – well played and well done Toowoomba Rugby League.
– Casey
COWBOYS SO CLOSE
The TRL grand final was a thrilling 80 minutes of football and while the Cowboys came away empty handed, they should be proud of what was an inspirational effort. The game was played in conditions that were tough for both teams. Heavy rain in the days preceding and during the decider meant that all finals at Clive Berghoffer Oval on Sunday were played in wet and muddy conditions.
After an outstanding final Pittsworth sunk the premiership hopes of the Cowboys with the score at 18-12 in their favour at full-time.
It was a real arm wrestle in the first half. Both teams had early opportunities but first points were not posted until the 21st minute when Pittsworth finally broke through the Cowboys defence and five eighth Mitchell Carpenter scored.
The Danes looked like going to the break with a 4-0 lead before Matt Marshall put the Cowboys on the board and Dan Watson landed a tough sideline conversion to give the Cowboys the lead.
It did not take Pittsworth long to hit back after the half time break. A try to centre Liam Jocumsen put the Danes back in the lead 8-6.
Conditions were making handling difficult for players from both sides, but a Cowboys error gave the Danes another opportunity and they extended their lead to 18-6.
Warwick have managed some outstanding come-from-behind results this season and the big crowd of Cowboys supporters knew their side was never out of the contest.
Cowboys centre Joe Fuimaono gave the supporters hope in the 62nd minute – his try and the conversion by Dan Watson who kicked beautifully in the conditions closed the gap to 18-12 and a grandstand finish.
Warwick continued to attack. Brodie Quirk strived for the try-line out wide, only to be collared by Danes second rower Mitchell Carpenter. The Cowboys had one final throw of the dice as the clock inched towards full time when Sam Broomhall took on the defence close to the line but the Danes hung on, denying the Cowboys and grabbing the TRL premiership.
It was a high quality game from both teams in wicked conditions. Pittsworth five-eighth Thomas O’Sullivan took out the John McDonald Medal for man-of-the-match.
Warwick players Joe Fuimaono Trent Richardson Luke Brosnan and fullback Craig Don played their hearts out for the Cowboys.
Warwick captain Dylan Galloway said after the game he was proud of his team.
“It was very tough out there. Conditions didn’t make it easy for either side,” he said. “Congratulations to Pittsworth. They played better on the day and deserve the win.
“(But) I’m feeling honoured. These bunch of blokes did an outstanding job. Although disappointed, the Cowboys are already looking towards next season, and are hoping to keep the nucleus of this successful side in 2017.
There was no joy for the Cowboys under-18 side earlier in the day when they too were defeated in their grand final appearance as Valleys made it a back-to-back win in the TRL under-18 premiership.
Valleys made it back-to-back wins in the TRL under-18 age group with victory over Warwick.
The Roosters recorded a 20-12 win over the Cowboys to make it two under-18 grand final wins in a row for the club.
In other results, Gatton Hawks had plenty to celebrate with wins in both Reserve Grade and Second Grade.
A Grade: Pittsworth 18 (Mitchell Carpenter, Liam Jocumsen, Daniel York, Kurtis Shayler tries; Thomas O’Sullivan goal) def Warwick 12 (Matt Marshall, Joe Fuimaono tries; Dan Watson 2 goals)
Under 18: Valleys 20 (Zac Stevens, Shannon Lawton, Denzel Burns, Percy Cubby) tries Wally Peglar 2 Goals) def Warwick 12 (Dustin Close, Michael Coleman, tries Kai Etherington 2 goals)
WORLD CHAMPS
THE Surf Life Saving season officially opened last weekend and volunteer lifesavers at clubs up and down the coast will once again be on patrol ensuring the safety of swimmers.
While all the recent hype has been around the performance of our elite athletes at the Olympics and Paralympics, a small but very dedicated group of lifesavers quietly slipped out of the country and headed for the unheralded World Championships of Lifesaving which was held in the Netherlands.
Get into trouble these days in the water and you will no doubt be picked up by one of the rubber duck (IRB) boats and their very experienced crews.
If you are planning a trip to the beach this summer you can be safe in the knowledge that Kirra and North Burleigh figured prominently in the gold medals in the IRB World Championship events. Kirra club is one of the most iconic on the Gold Coast and this year celebrated 100 years as a volunteer organisation and the IRB team added a gold medal to the celebrations.
While not wanting to take anything away from the efforts of our Olympic and Paralympic athletes, these teams were self-funded, no government hand-outs towards this sport. I’m sure the men and women who travelled to Noordwijk and Eindhoven and who week in week out give up their time to ensure our safety on the beaches would love to get a taste of some of the $$$ poured into Olympic sport – not for themselves but for their clubs.
SHOWPEICE OF LEAGUE
THE Cowboys and Broncos turned on another game for the ages when they clashed on Friday night at 1300 Smiles Stadium in the knock out semi fianl round. While the sell out crowd was in raptures following the game, the NRL heirachy must have had the biggest smiles as this game showcased the very best of rugby league.
The replay of the 2015 grandfinal was equally as thrilling the grandfinal itself and once again these two sides who now have without doubt the greatest rivalary in the NRL turned it on in a pressure cooker environemnt. And once again, as the siren sounded full time the teams were all locked up, thanks in no small measure to the freakish talent of that man JT as we have all come to expect.
After last year’s grandfinal, the NRL made the decision to play extra time in the finals series if scores were locked up at full time, so this mouth-watering game continued. It is unfortunate that there has to be a winner in games like this – it hardly seems fair but again it was the Cowboys riding high as Benny’s Broncos succumbed to more JT magic. One club’s season over and one club a game away from defending their premiership crown.
The game was played in stffling conditions, and it is to be seen this week what effect, if any, it has on the Cowboys players who will face a full strength Sharks outfit. Cronulla skipper and public enemy no 1 to all Queenslanders, Paul Gallen returns from injury for the do-or-die game at Alliaz Stadium as Cronulla chase their first premiership.
If Thurston looked fatigued at stages in Friday night’s game against the Broncos, it was no wonder- suffering from the effects of a virus it was revealed later had lost around 5kgs before and during the game and required injections at the half time break.
The Sharks may have had the luxury of a week off, but this Cowboys side can pick themsevles up off the canvas and find a way to win like few others. I will be very surprised if they are not grandfinal bound after Friday night’s game.
In the other knock out semi, the Green Machine motored on and now take on the might of the Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park. Although comprehenisve winners over Penrith there are still some question marks over the Raiders ability to tough it out for the full 80 minutes. They will be made to pay for any lapses at the back end of their game on Saturday night as the Minor Premiers are sure to be at their clinical best.
I think we are working towards a Storm Cowboys grandfinal.
REVELLING IN THE CONDITIONS
CONDITIONS were wet under foot and not the most ideal for golf, however, Rob Reeves revelled in the conditions like a good mud larker. He set up a winning score with a good front nine, but it was his 38 off the stick on the back nine that sealed the deal. His 69 was enough to hand him a win in the stroke event sponsored by Brett Lacey, Rodney (Buster) Pettiford and Danny Folkers.
Alan Kerr and Mark Hendry were hot on his heels, both finishing with 70. Kerr claimed second place after a countback.
Hendry’s consolation for missing out on the countback was a ball in the run down as well as claiming the pin shot at 12
Ian Harvey held the pin at the third and Kev Rowling had best shot at 17. No takers for the pin at 1/10 with Dylan Barraclough taking 5/14 and a ball in the run down. Jason Lawer claimed the pin at 9/18 and Stephen Kay and Keith Barnett also collected a ball in the run down. Aaron Simmers collected the birdies nest at 17.
The ladies event was almost a one-player affair as Kay Webb shot a winning nett 73 – an amazing seven shots clear of runner up, Lyn Ludlow with nett 80. Webb had best approach at 17. Linda Kelly collected a ball in the Ladies run down, but there were no takers for the pin shots at three and 12.
In match play, Alan Kerr came out on top with a one-up win over Richard Reardon.
This weekend Howard and Sons sponsor the Canadian Foursomes with the names of the winners to be engraved on the perpetual cups. This event is not mixed, and play commences with a shot gun start at 11.45am Registrations must be completed by 11.30am, and there is a time sheet on the board at the club for the event.
MURPHY STEPS UP FOR MONTHLY MEDAL
THE sun was finally shinning on the Wallangarra course last Saturday, and players who were competing for the Monthly Medal and Putting were enjoying the improved conditions after contending with a couple of weeks of wet weather.
Tony Murphy played the conditions to his advantage, and he came out on top by one. Breathing down his neck was Michael Ellis. Murphy and Ellis also picked up nearest the pin at the third and ninth. The pin at the 15th and the Approach shot on the second were claimed by A. Thompson. Stephen Hampstead took out the putting with 23.
Golfers will be hoping those great conditions continue this Saturday for the Two Ball Ambrose competition.
MOTO TRIALS THRILLS RETURN
THE Australia Moto Trials return to the district this weekend. Riders from all states have nominated for the trials, to be held at Sweet’s family property on Nundubbermere Road just outside of Stanthorpe where onsite camping sites are still available for competitors and spectators. Riders will be able to get in some practice from 10am on Thursday and Friday.
Gates open at 6am on Saturday morning. Machine examination and sign on commence at 7am before a Rider briefing at 9am and the official opening ceremony at 10am with competition getting underway at 10am.
The 130 riders who have nominated will compete in a wide variety of events on bikes that will vary from classic to side car through to the most modern and sophisticated and modified machines and all types in between.
Current Australian champions will be competing, and spectators will be treated to an incredible exhibition of style and bravery from some of the best riders in the country.
Unlike most other forms of motorcycle sport, Moto Trials is not racing. It is simply a rider and bike pitted against the terrain and elements. It is a sport of balance, skill and concentration. One at a time, competitors will ride over an obstacle course of boulders, streams, hill climbs, logs, drop offs, and nearly anything else they can find.
It is thrilling for not only competitors of all ages but also highly entertaining and thrilling for spectators.
There are classes for everyone. From juniors of 16 years of age – down to barely walking, through to Veterans from 40 to 70+. There are classes to cover all rider ability levels, with Expert, A, B, C, and Clubman/Novice levels. There are also classes for Masters (35+). Other classes include Sidecar, Post-Classic (twin shock) and Classic.
Trials (specific) bikes are specially made high-tech machines. Very light (~70kg), low seat height and lots of power.
While it is spectacular and sometimes appears dangerous at the top level, it is a very safe sport.
The weekend’s event is hosted by the Queensland Trials Committee with the assistance of the Queensland Trails Clubs. There will be full catering facilities at the site.
RUNNING THE GAUNTLET OF CONDITIONS
ASSOCIATION croquet players were once again lucky to get a game in before the weather conditions deteriorated. Players planning to join the golf croquet group for a trip to Warwick on Thursday were less fortunate.
Heather and Andrea Denkewitz had a narrow one-point win over Carol Verwey and Effey Russell. The final score 20hoop to 19. In the game, Russell had two breaks of three and Widderick r a break of three and a peel. (no, not orange lemon or mandarin – in golf croquet the term peel refers to scoring a point for a ball other than the striker’s by putting it through the next hoop in order.)
Pat Schnoor took on Val Shephard and Margaret Dickenson and pegged out with 26. Included in her score were breaks of three and four. Margaret Dickenson also played well with breaks of five and three.
On Wednesday morning the Golf Croquet crew were fortunate to get through a full morning’s play with rain beginning to fall as they were clearing the court.
All players looked to be in good form and returning some very even scores. There were plenty of good scores and great shots but the highlight of the day had to be the record five hoops in one. Two by Teresa Pyne, and one each by Justin Liddy, Elaine Brown and Judy Lock. Relative newcomer, John Castles scored his first jump shot at his first attempt. Dianne Wren top scored in both games she played notching up a total of 15 hoops for the day.
Results went the way of Shirley Page and Dianne Wren in the game of the day when they defeated Teresa Payne and Justin Liddy 13-9.
Elaine Brown played two balls in a games against John and Marian Castles and scored an 8-7 win. She also top scored with six on the brown ball in this game.
In the final games, John Castles and Judy Lock scored a narrow win 11-10 over Shirley Page and Elaine Brown11 – 10. Castles and Page shared the top scoring honours with six hoops each.
Justin Liddy and Teresa Pyne finished their day with a 13-9 win over opponents Dianne Wren and Marian Castles.
Golf croquet will be holding a Stanthorpe Friendship day on 6 October; more details as they come in.
BORDER RUGBY LEAGUE CELEBRATE
FORMER and current players, volunteers and supporters from all the BRL clubs came together on Saturday night to celebrate 20 years of the BRL competition.
Throughout the course of the evening, the 2016 BRL trophies were presented and the Rep team of the last decade announced.
There were few surprises when Tenterfield Tigers Jarrod McIntosh was name the BRL Player of the Year after an outstanding performance throughout the season. It was a big night for McIntosh who also collected the Jack Rush Memorial Trophy for Rep Player of the Year and was named the season’s leading try scorer and capped it off by being named in the Rep team of the decade. Inglewood youngster Brandon Sauverain was named as the Player of the Grand Final after what was an outstanding game. It was no surprise that he was also named as the Colt of the Year winning the Ron and Joan Moore Memorial Trophy. Brent Osborne who guided the Inglewood Roosters to a premiership in their comeback year to the BRL won Coach of the Year.
Captain of the all-conquering Tenterfield Tigerettes, Meg Landers was a popular winner of the Ladies League Tag Player of the Year. Wayne Minns coach of the undefeated Tigerettes has been alongside the Tigerettes for all three seasons, and won the Ladies League tag Coach of the Year.
Georgia O’Neill who had an outstanding game in the League Tag Grand Final picked up the award for the highest point scorer in the competition.
After a tough season for the Wallangarra Club, the Ramettes coach Shane Binney was awarded the Club Person of the Year Trophy.
One of the most popular awards of the evening was presented to retiring (perhaps) Texas Terrier Tim Smith – The Iron Man Award.
The team of the Rep Team of the decade 2007 – 2016 held few surprises. Brent Bennett (Roosters); Jason Cobon (Gremlins); Brad Crisp (Gremlins); Lucas Dearden (Tigers); Matt Gainey (Roosters); Matthew Hendry (Gremlins); Leon Karena (Gremlins) Jake Kelly (Tigers); Brett lambert (Cutters); Michael Marshall (Cutters); Jarrod McIntosh (Tigers); Brendan Minns (Tigers); Matthew Rouen (Rams); Nathan Shatte (Gremlins); Geoff Swan (Tigers); Coedie Tandy (Tigers and Cutters); John Trindall (Cutters; Jamie Watts (Cutters); Jason Wilmot (Gremlins).
BRL Chairman Norm Crisp said 2016 had been a difficult season for the BRL, but there is plenty of positive talk around the 2017 season.
COMING SOON AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEERING CHAMPIONSHIPS
NINE days of intense competition in the Australian National Orienteering Carnival will conclude with the Middle and Long Distance Championships to be held on the Granite Belt at Amiens on 1 October and the next day.
Over 750 entries from all states and territories of Australia, as well as New Zealand and New Caledonia have already been received with more expected before the cut-off date.
The Australian championships which will be hosted by Orienteering Queensland will run from Saturday 24 September to Sunday 2 October. The sprint events will be held on the Gold Coast followed by the Individual and Relay Events in the Scenic Rim district before wrapping up on the Granite Belt. The Boatfield and Cowley Road course at Amiens considered by many competitors as one of the best in the country.
Competitors of all ages (up to the age of 90) have nominated – with New Zealand sending a contingent of 40 to take on the Aussies.
For the Burrill family of Warwick, orienteering is a real family affair and they will be lining up in the Australian Championships after recently competing in the World Championships in Switzerland.
If you would like more information on the Australian Championships or are keen to become involved as a volunteer, further details are available on the website www.auschamps2016.com/ .
