By Casey O’connor
I AM sure I am not the only one saying – thank you tennis “finally”- after the announcement of the action taken over Nick Kyrios’ latest petulant behaviour.
Hopefully, this will be the catalyst that allows him to allow himself to be the best he can at this sport. The jury is still out for me personally. If he dislikes the sport as much as he makes out, then perhaps he should move on. Quite obviously at this point in time, he has no respect for a game for which he has a natural gift and shows little gratitude for what it has provided him.
At the other end of the spectrum, one of Australia’s greatest ambassadors Anna Meares drew the curtain on an illustrious career earlier this week. Only then did she give an insight into what she physically put herself through to compete in Rio. An amazing woman, an amazing sporting work ethic – a true Aussie Champion. I reckon there is a movie to be made of this lady’s career down the track.
It’s been one of those weeks – Michael Clarke – yes you remember him, the “Pup” who went on to become the Aussie cricket captain and divided a nation. Clarke this week released his book My Story and it is sure to ruffle some feathers if his 60 minutes interview is anything to go by. Never one to run from telling it as it is – Clarke’s interview provided an insight into Clarke, the player, captain and person.
He revealed that early on in his career he did not have aspirations to lead the country being satisfied playing for Australia. He revealed it was more important to be respected by his team-mates than liked as captain and he did things his way. It was also very obvious that the death of close friend and mate Phil Hughes still weighs heavily on Clarke who, this season, is padding up and playing grade cricket for his beloved Western Suburbs in Sydney. Methinks history may judge M Clarke more kindly than many of his contemporaries.
– Casey
WILL THE WOBBLIES MAKE THREE
FIRST there was the Western Bulldogs breaking a 62-year drought. Then the Cronulla Sharks proved good things come to those who wait – if you live long enough – when they won the NRL premiership. Now the question remains can the Wallabies break a 30-year drought and win at Eden Park this weekend?
To end this hoodoo, Michael Cheika’s men must do what no team has done since the Andrew Slack captained and Alan Jones coached side of 1969 which won 22-9.
The 1969 team line-up was impressive: Andrew Leeds, David Campese, Andrew Slack [c], Brett Papworth, Matthew Burke, Michael Lynagh, Nick Farr-Jones, Steve Tuynman, Simon Poidevin, Jeff Miller, Steve Cutler, Bill Campbell, Enrique Rodriguez, Tom Lawton and Mark Hartill.
This weekend David Pocock returns from injury to bolster the Wallaby line-up. Pocock was not born when the Aussies last won in Eden Park and he will be hoping that he along with his team-mates can rewrite their own piece of history in 2016.
JANNENGA REALISES WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP GOAL
LAST weekend 28-year-old Stanthorpe man Adrian Jannenga took on the best in the world competing in the 2016 OCR (Obstacle Course Racing for the uninitiated) which were held in Blue Mountain, Ontario, Canada,
313 athletes from 42 countries qualified for the event held over three days. Jannenga qualified after his success in the recent True Grit competition held at Mount Tambourine.
The Stanthorpe local finished the World Championship course which is said to have included some of the best obstacles seen in the sport in 177th spot in a time of 2.50.10 with no penalties.
During the championships, he competed in three different races, a total of more than 60 obstacles with a 100 per cent completion rate and reported at the end of the weekend he was, understandably, “a bit tender.”
Jannenga thanked the Stanthorpe community who got behind him and helped achieve his goal to attend the OCR World Championships.
After soaking up the whole World Championship experience, Jannenga is now looking towards his next event – the Spartan Super in New Jersey USA in a few days. However, he is already planning his training regime to ensure he gets to the 2017 World Championship event after experiencing being part of Team Australia OCR.
Congratulations, a remarkable result for someone who only took up the sport three years ago.
CUP MEETING ANOTHER SUCCESS
THE weather could not have been more perfect, the course was in great order, the racing was good and the big crowd certainly enjoyed yet another great race meeting at Armstrong Park last Saturday.
The main race on the five-event card, the Central Motors Stanthorpe Cup was won in fine style by the Toowoomba galloper Sun Will Shine. The seven-year-old was turned out in great order by trainer Tom Dougall and was ridden a treat by one of the stable’s regular riders Nathan Evans. Starting at $6.00 the gelding showed a real liking for the tricky Stanthorpe track skipping away to a length and a half win over Tapestry Vision and Billy Goat.
The trainer and jockey got the meeting off to a winning start when they took out the opening event the Greenlands Timber / Stanthorpe Border Post Maiden with the well-backed favourite Golden Search. Having only its fifth race start, the four-year-old was an impressive four length winner.
Gary Schwenke trained the first of two winners when Whispering Wings saluted in the K & A QTIS Benchmark 55 Hcap over 1000 metres. The Warwick-trained mare hung on to win by a head from the Toowoomba galloper Zip to the Moon and the fast finishing Casse Bleu.
Inverell galloper Surf Ski started favourite in the Country Club / Liquor Legends and jockey Michael Schrapel gave connections and punters no cause for alarm. The mare leading all the way for a comfortable three-length win.
The well-fancied Virtuity showed a good turn of foot in the straight to win the final event on the program, the Stanthorpe RSL / Crisps Coaches Benchmark 55. The winner got home under strong riding from Jed Hodge in the closing stages to win by three quarters of a length from the fast finishing Chilli Beach and Felix.
The win gave trainer Gary Schwenke and jockey Jed Hodge a double on a very successful afternoon of racing.
Club president Chips Brunckhorst thanked sponsors, owners and trainers for once again supporting the annual meeting.
It was another great day for the public who turned out in numbers and frocked up in style. Fashions on the Field was as hotly contested as any race on the day. Regular Brisbane visitor Bernie Pramberg was once again full of praise for the meeting saying, “It’s been another great day – you never know who you will run into at the Stanthorpe Cup. “I’ve caught up with dual rugby international Geoff Richardson for the first time in 40 years. “He looks as fit as ever,” said Pramberg who is as well-known as a former first class Brisbane referee as he is Courier Mail journo.
Even though his charges could only manage placings, Toowoomba trainer Max Kropp was another full of praise for the meeting, the track and facilities.
LATE RUN FOR WINNING SCORE
WHILE many in Stanthorpe were preening, preparing and pawing over form guides, the diehard golfers were out on the course playing in a single stableford event sponsored by the Stanthorpe Golf Club. Lyle Bryant hit the course early and posted a score of 39 which quickly became the benchmark. Players came and went throughout the round and Bryant held onto the lead. It was not until the final group arrived back in the clubhouse that his score was beaten. Wes Smith with a late run returned 40 points to snatch the victory from Bryant’s clutches, leaving him to enjoy the runner-up spoils.
Viv Thouard, Alan Kerr and Eric McLellan each claimed a pin shot at three,12 and 17. Keith Green picked up the pro-pin 1/10 and Ian Harvey took both 5/14 and 9/18.
Things were a little less dramatic in the Ladies event which Neta Thouard won by a clear margin. Thouard returned 36 points for her round three points clear of runner-up Kay Webb.
Edith Stewart won the only ladies pin with her second shot approach at 17.
In the run down, those in the men’s competition with scores of 36 and better each took a ball and in the ladies, it was a ball each to those who scored 32 or better.32
Preparations are well underway for the Stanthorpe Open Carnival this weekend. With the recent rain, the course will be in tip top condition for the big field which will include many visiting players.
There are still some places available in the medley 4BBB on Saturday, however the field is full in Sunday’s single event.
It is a shotgun start at11.45am for Saturday’s event. In the single events on Sunday, there are a number of double tee off times with a number of players teeing off in the morning. Participating players are expected to be aware of their respective tee times and be ready at their allocated time.
The Stanthorpe Golf Club is extremely grateful to once again have the support of long term local sponsor Maddie’s Gift Gallery and also City Golf Club who sponsor many clubs in the region.
HOOPER PLAYS PIVOTAL ROLE IN WIN
SHANE Hooper played a pivotal role in Inglewood’s six-wicket win over Allora in last Saturday’s Warwick cricket fixtures. Hooper scored 54 as Inglewood reeled in the Allora total of 137. After recent top class performances with the bat, Hooper is establishing himself as one of the form batsmen this season. Team-mate Jamien Smith provided good support scoring 40 in Inglewood’s dominant performance. A captain’s knock of 39 from Brad Johnson was the top score for Allora. Mick Kelk also contributed 37 to the overall Allora total of 9/137 which was always going to be difficult to defend.
Meanwhile, the other fixture game played on Saturday between Maryvale Condamine and Sovereign Animals at Slade Park resulted in a big win for Maryvale. In another low scoring match, Maryvale bowlers dismissed their opposition for a paltry 64 runs. Tim Drennert (17) top scored for Sovereign Animals in an innings where the bowlers dominated the bat. Bowling figures made for good reading for Maryvale Condamine fans. Mitch Mack led the way with 2/2 from his one over. Not to be outdone, Andrew Ryan chimed in with 2/13 from six; Dave Walker 2/14 from seven and Scott McLennan 2/17 from eight. A score sheet to be proud of.
Chasing only 65 to win, it was in-form batsman Jason Steketee who led the way finishing not out 42 as Maryvale went on to win by 10 wickets.
BILLYCARTS FREE RANGING ON THE BORDER
BILLYCART racing something baby boomers enjoyed as free range kids is certainly making a comeback and gaining in popularity as a new generation of kids and their parents discover the magic of the “Billycart” hurtling down a hill.
Following recent successful events in Ballandean and Warwick, this weekend kids and some not so young but young at heart will be making tracks to Wallangarra for the Billycarts on the Border event now in its second year.
So if you haven’t nominated yet, the Wallangarra /Jennings border community invites you to come along for some country fun on Saturday.
All will be in readiness in Glenlyon Street at the ‘Garra with all carts starting from a purpose-built ramp. Get into your craziest outfit, get your billy cart ready and take up you position. There are plenty of great prizes to be won. Support crews and spectators will be well looked after with delicious local food stalls, market stalls, and entertainment for all ages.
But for the Racers it will go like this:
Off the ramp starts the race,
down the hill at a crazy pace.
Across the line at the end,
who will be first it will depend.
Because of the driver,
because of the cart,
or because of the will within one’s heart.
Looking forward to seeing you there on the day.
THORN COMES UP ROSES
STANTHORPE Sporters took to the course early on Sunday morning. The near-perfect conditions proved to be to the liking of one of the club stalwarts, Ray Thorn who picked up a well-deserved win edging out runner-up Tony Steele. Thorn also had the pin shot on the 12th. The run-downs went to Mick Doorley and Mick Speer. Doorley had the best gross and held the pin shot at the 17th. There were no takers for the Pro Pin. Lucky meat tray winners were Angelo Maugeri and Aaron Simmers.
Sporters are reminded that there is no play this Sunday due to the Stanthorpe Open – if you are not involved in that competition, enjoy your sleep in and things will be back to normal on Sunday 30 October.
COLTS OFF TO A FLYER
WARWICK Hotel Colts are off to a flyer in the 2016/’17 cricket season and remain unbeaten after the completion of three rounds. Last weekend they defeated Wheatvale at Slade Oval. Colts batted first and set their opponents a 208-run target despite a solid bowling performance by Wheatvale quick Paul Cantwell. He took three wickets in five deliveries to finish with figures of 5/20. However, Colts batsmen Geoff Thorley and Maugan Benn combined for an impressive third wicket partnership of 119 helping to push the score to over the two hundred mark.
Opener Thorley fell just four runs short of scoring a ton when he aimed to despatch a full toss to the boundary and was caught. His 96 included an impressive 12 boundaries.
Cantwell was well supported by fellow bowlers James Breen who took three wickets in his eight over spell and Carter Bilbrough who claimed 2/38 from six overs.
A defining moment in the game was the early dismissal of Wheatvale opener Paul Cantwell who was caught by Mitch Watson off the bowling of Cameron Peterson in Wheatvale’s first over. Wheatvale failed to recover and were dismissed cheaply for 95. Colts bowlers shared the honours. After making the initial breakthrough, Cameron Peterson proved difficult to score off taking three wickets for 14 runs in his eight-over spell. He found solid support from Maugan Benn Frazer McVeigh and Jacob Gross who each took two wickets.
FOURSOME CHAMPIONSHIPS DECIDED
THE Wallangarra golf club hosted the Wallangarra Foursome Championships last Sunday. Gross winners of the event sponsored by Stanthorpe Quality Meats were J. Purcell and S. Hampstead. Nett winners were Williams, S & K – runners-up T. Murphy and A. Thompson.
P. Williams shot close to an ace to take the pin shot at the third. K. Williams played the ninth equally as well and grabbed the pin shot on that hole. Steve Hampstead grabbed the pin shot at the eleventh.
On Saturday the club’s single stroke event was the perfect lead to Sunday’s Championship. K. Williams was the winner of the event ahead of runner-up G. Sutcliffe. The pair also cleaned up, winning the pins at nine and 11 respectively.
The club would like to thank the sponsor Stanthorpe Quality Meets for its local support and wish it to continue into the future
The Championship wrapped up a busy weekend at the ‘Garra and the club is grateful to the Championship sponsor Stanthorpe Quality Meats for their support.
BUSY WEEK FOR PLAYERS
ANOTHER busy week for those playing mallet sports in Stanthorpe. Association croquet players were down a player when regular Val Richards withdrew with foot pain. Val Shephard went on to take a break of six in the game she played against Carol Verwey and Jenny Tunbridge. Richards took out the game 18-13.
Pat Schnoor and Effey Russell teamed up to defeat Grace Howard 24-18. During the game, Schnoor had one break of five and two breaks of four while Grace Howard had a break of three. Andrea Denkewitz and Heather Widderick resulted in a close 19 – 17 win to Andrea.
Golf croquet players appreciated another day of great conditions and split into two groups. One group playing doubles the other triples.
Marian Castles, Justin Liddy and Dianne Wren teamed up to play Bev Sullivan, Judy Lock and Val Fancourt and won the game 7-4.
Bill Golding, played two balls in the doubles game defeating Elaine Brown and Liz Ellway. Golding scored a hoop in one in this game.
The doubles group hit off first in the second game. Judy Locke played two and scored a winning eight to seven hoops against Fancourt and Liddy. The triples group of Dianne Wren, Bev Sullivan and Bill Golding scored a win over their opponents.
Ten players were on deck for Friday’s gateball games. Andrea Denkewitz, Margaret Dickenson, Pat Schnoor, Jenny Tunbridge and John Draper teamed up for the Red team they faced off against the White team of Bill Golding, Val Fancourt, Les Williams, Carol Verwey and Heather Widderick and won 14 – 8.
In the second game, the after the mandatory 30 minutes scores were locked at 13-all and required a shoot out to decide the winner. Each player takes one shot at gate one and the team with the most successful passes win. The Red team won the shoot out 5 – 4 and went on to win the third and fourth games. There were some fine examples of sliders played several players, so the recent practice is obviously paying off.
COWBOYS PRESIDENT STANDING DOWN
DAVID O’Leary current president of the Warwick Cowboys has announced that he is standing down from the position after only one year in the job and what a year. O’Leary should be justifiably proud of the success of the club which won the 2016 club championship and he leaves the club in great shape.
A former Cowboys player and coach, the president cites the growing commitments of a young family as his reason for standing down from the position.
The Warwick Club’s AGM is scheduled for 26 October at 6.30pm. Anyone who may be interested in nominating for a position on the Cowboy’s executive can contact O’Leary by email at cowboyspresident@hotmail.com.
It is of course AGM season for local rugby league clubs and Stanthorpe Senior and Junior Rugby League are holding their respective AGMs on 25 October at Sullivan Oval. The Junior club’s meeting at 5.15pm and Seniors at 7pm.
Local Rugby League remains in the news and for a great reason. Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Warwick Credit Union will officially sponsor Warwick and District Junior Rugby League in a recently negotiated arrangement.
The sponsorship will directly benefit the 1000 plus junior players registered with WDJRL.
