By Casey O’connor
I IMAGINE that most households are now on serious Santa countdown with only a few more sleeps until that man in the red suit swings by with a sack full of surprises and as this is the final Spin for the Year, it is time to take a glance back at the year that was. The highs the lows and the sheer surprises. And to be fair there have been plenty of those. In fact 2016 will go down as the year of the drought breaking underdog – the year of the left field surprise.
Before taking a look back at some of the special 2016 moments, it is time to say thank you to our readers and to those people who regularly contribute information about their chosen sport each week.
A special thank you to Tanya and our editorial staff who are so accommodating of last minute changes given the strict deadlines. Terry who you can count on to get that special sporting shot when you need it and of course thanks to my partner in Spin.
I hope everyone has a happy and safe Christmas, and I am sure you will all be making an appearance on Santa’s “nice list” and find there is a special something under the Christmas tree for you.
Of course in a traditional Boxing Day style, I will be front and centre relaxing after the excesses and stresses of Christmas Day with cold ale in hand and taking in all of the action of the Boxing Day Test.
Whatever you have planned enjoy.
– Casey
2016 – The Year in Review
LOOKING back on 2016 one of my biggest highlights of the year does not fall into the category of surprises. It was the sensational performance of Usain Bolt at the Rio Olympics. As I watched the breathtaking performances of this stunning athlete, I got a sense that I was witnessing a very special moment in sport something akin to a Mohammed Ali moment, a Bradmanesque-like performance or a Black Caviar record, and I doubt I will have the privilege of seeing such a dominant performance by an athlete again.
Of course, the win of Leicester in the premier league set the ball rolling in the upset stakes. Who wouldn’t have loved a piece of those &5000/1 odds. But then who will forget the amazing performance of the Western Bulldogs to come from an improbable seventh position on the ladder to take the AFL flag. Not to be outdone, the Sharks turned the porch lights off in the shire when they snagged their maiden NRL premiership.
On the world stage, one of the most memorable moments must surely have been the efforts of the Icelandic football team, who against the odds, made it to the Euro 2016 finals and gave sports lovers all over the world not just a David and Goliath moment but the Viking clap which has surely taken over from the Mexican Wave which is now “so yesterday”.
As is often the way we sadly said goodbye to some of the true greats of our time. Mohammed Ali – the man who floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee. Mr Golf himself Arnold Palmer and closer to home “Ave a good weekend Mr Walker” – Max “Tangles” Walker.
JANUARY –
THE year opened in a relatively ho-hum fashion. There was of course plenty of hype around the Australian Tennis Open as Lleyton Hewitt called time on a great career and the infamous “ComeOn” cry was mothballed. Unfortunately, there was no fairy-tale exit for Hewitt. Hewitt took on the role of Australian Davis Cup captain – “Good luck with that” was what most of us were thinking as Tomic and Kyrios became Hewitt’s problem children.
On the local scene Australia Day events took centre stage as Warwick hosted the ever popular Australia Day cricket carnival. Stunned Mullets took the prize as the overall carnival winners while Lachlan Gross was named Player of the Carnival.
Stan Gilchrist, father of Aussie wicket keeping legend Adam Gilchrist was the special guest at the Woodenbong Australia Day cricket festivities – another financial success for local charities.
In Stanthorpe the annual Super 8’s competition was hailed much fun and a success by organisers and over 100 competitors lined up in the Stanthorpe Australia Day Triathlon.
FEBRUARY.
ALMOST like clockwork with the impending Rugby League season looming large came another instance of bad behaviour from an NRL player, and while fans were left to wonder “why” Mitchell Pearce was left to suffer the significant consequences of his own stupidity.
Rugby League got through the Auckland Nines without any major behaviour issues. The NRL used the series as an opportunity to trial a few left field rule changes that had some players, commentators and certainly spectators a tad confused.
Gloveman extraordinaire Wally Grout and the one and only Thommo were inducted into Cricket’s Hall of Fame. It will be some time before there is an acceptance speech as honest, hilarious and politically incorrect as Thommo’s.
Allman Park kicked off their 2016 racing season. Local trainer Mick Hemmings got 2016 off to a winning start for local connections.
On the cricket scene, both Stanthorpe and Warwick were battling testing weather conditions. Maryvale Condamine and Stanthorpe RSL both looked grand final bound as the close of the local cricket seasons drew closer.
A group of emerging Origin players blotted their copy book – “too cool for school and rules”. Their behavior breaking a curfew coach Kev Walters set for an emerging Origin players camp cost them any chance of playing Origin in 2016 as the coach reminded everyone who was in charge.
On a sad note, Tenterfield Tigers players, officials and supporters farewelled club patron 95-year-old Aub Gillespie a champion of the club and a champion bloke.
In a contentious move, the Poms got their man, naming Wayne Bennett their new international coach. The appointment raised plenty of eyebrows.
MARCH
THERE were upsets in the finals of the Stanthorpe and Warwick cricket fixtures with the favoured sides in both centres beaten. Wheatvale defeated Maryvale Condamine in Warwick, and in Stanthorpe, Valleys toppled RSL. Colts were the Warwick Reserve Grade premiers.
Jordan Lanza was the big winner at the Stanthorpe Cricket Association presentation evening after a stellar season and was named Junior (Colt) Player of the Year and also Stanthorpe Player of the Year.
In Warwick, Lachlan Cross was named Player of the Final
The BRL football season was on the horizon, and after a stellar season in 2015 the Stanthorpe Gremlins were faced with the reality that they would not be able to field a stand-alone A Grade side in 2016. Work began in earnest to broker a deal with Texas to field a combined Stanthorpe Texas side.
The TRL season kicked off with Warwick showing good early signs.
As the NRL season got underway, Melbourne Storm’s Billy Slater succumbed to his recurring shoulder injury and his season was over almost before it started.
March also saw the Queensland Rugby Union sack coach Richard Graham after the Reds disappointing season.
APRIL
WARWICK stamped its place as the hub for equine events. A successful Polocrosse carnival was followed by a weekend of eventing. More than 200 riders and their horses flocked to Morgan Park for the Inglewood Quarries One Day event. The first in a series of events held by the Warwick Horse Trials club throughout the year.
The experienced Matt Gaske who along with his brother Ross have a big team in work at Kalbar came to Warwick with a team of three horses and was successful with Kolora Stud Triple 8.
The Warwick Cowboys were making opponents sit up and taking notice with some impressive early season performances.
The Border Bushrangers A grade rep side travelled to Miles for the annual South West Country trials. Coach Matt Gainey was disappointed when only 15 players made the trip.
Jarrod McIntosh earned himself a spot in the South West Country side, and was joined by Stanthorpe players Gary Skimmings and Nathan Brannigan who earned a run in the South West under-20s side after a strong performance.
The Border Bushrangers under-18 side took their place in the TRL competition, but was finding the going tough.
The Stanthorpe Mallet players held a successful come and try game and attracted a number of new players to their sport.
Peter Moody called time on his training career after his long battle with the VR Integrity Unit over the Cobalt fiasco.
A road trip north saw him turn up on the front lawn at Raheen Stud wrapped up like a large chrysalis in his swag. It surprised the Nolan clan and proves you can take the boy out of the bush but not the bush out of the boy.
MAY
NRL tipsters were doing it tough as upsets continued in the National league. Many tipsters this early in the season were resorting to a blind fold and pin.
As the focus of League lovers began to turn to State of Origin, the Kangaroos and Kiwis played an uninspiring Test. The NSW City Country Origin trial again had many questioning the merit of this game, but the rep round with Pacific Island countries and PNG playing was certainly more entertaining.
The combined Stanthorpe Texas side recorded their first win in the BRL competition.
Racing throws up some diamonds and some bricks and while Michelle Payne’s win in the 2015 Melbourne Cup was certainly a diamond a seemingly innocuous fall at Mildura threw what turned out to be a brick at the feisty jockey. Payne was airlifted to Melbourne with a very serious tear to her spleen. The injury had many doubting if she would return to the saddle and saw her sidelined until late October.
At attempt number three, Toowoomba teenager Alyssa Azar realised her dream and became the youngest Australian to scale Mt Everest.
In Wallangarra members of the Hodgson family travelled from as far as Orange, NSW, Gladstone, the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane to play in the single stableford competition for the unique but much sought after Frank Hodgson Memorial Trophy.
Blues supporters finally had something to cheer about after taking out the opening State of Origin game. Underway to host the Queensland State under 10-12 year Football/ Soccer Championships.
JUNE
STANTHORPE Gremlins under-16 player Matt Murphy was selected in the Central Crows side to play in the Queensland under-16 trials in Toowoomba on 30 June.
The Stanthorpe Gateballers hosted a group from the Toowoomba Mallet Sports Club last Friday. The Toowoomba club has been playing gateball for many years and the visit boosting playing numbers as they competed in a successful round robin competition.
The Border Bushrangers under-18 side notched up a win over Highfields and in the BRL the Tenterfield Tigers and Inglewood Roosters were sitting at the top of the table.
Basil Nolan’s Raheen stud was one of the top purchasers at a mammoth nine days of selling at the Magic Millions National Sales.
On the opening day of the sale, Nolan purchased a filly by Snitzel for $220,000 after it initially was passed in at $210,000. The filly was the top-priced yearling on the first day of the sale.
The passes were flatter the tries more spectacular and the tackles tougher or so they said when players from Toowoomba, Ipswich and Brisbane came together last weekend to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the 1966 Bulimba Cup competition. Among those celebrating was Stanthorpe’s John Scott. Top BRL referee Bernie Pramberg once again had the whistle acting as MC for the event. Peter Betros, QRL chairman and himself a former first class referee made presentations to the players.
Much to the horror of Maroons supporters, the Blues landed a killer blow winning Origin Two.
After a series of thrilling games at the Outback Rugby League Carnival in Miles last weekend, South-West Country claimed the Outback crown for the further year in succession. South West had wins over Central West and Mt Isa and impressed the selectors who were on hand to choose the Outback Queensland Team.
JULY
THE arrival of July heralded only one thing and that was Wimbledon and tennis tragics spent the next few weeks sleep deprived. Andy Murray went on to win the Men’s Singles and Serena Williams added another Wimbledon Singles and doubles title to her impressive record.
In the NRL, the marriage between Keiran Foran and the Eels went into melt down as things went from bad to worse for the embattled Eels. An expensive exercise that did not work for either party.
In an Australian first, the Clifton Jockey club hosted Australia’s inaugural standalone Arabian horse race meeting.
The event was a combination of colour and excitement with impressive horses, a market day, a Middle Eastern theme and some serious gallopers.
The Queenslanders bounced back in the State of Origin denying Gallen’s men a clean sweep and restoring some Maroon pride. Gallen won no friends when he and his players snubbed a very gracious Cameron Smith during the presentations.
Over 200 cyclists converged on Warwick last week as stage two of the Brisbane Camperland Queensland Road Team Series (QRTS) rolled into town, giving Warwick a little taste of their own Tour de France.
Promising young Stanthorpe golfer Hannah Reeves scored a rare albatross on the par five ninth hole in Stanthorpe during a Saturday competition and backed up to win the popular Sunday Sporters competition. A young lady who looks to have a big future in the game.
Mid way through the TRL season and the message was pretty clear from the Warwick Cowboys “We are gunning for the 2016 premiership”
AUGUST
AFTER all of the negative publicity, Rio and the Olympics grabbed our attention. Allora’s Michel Denny took his place in the Australian track and field competition competing in the discus event. As the youngest competitor in the field he should be justifiably proud of his efforts.
While the medals did not flow as anticipated in the pool, Charlotte Caslick became a household name as she and the Pearls won the first gold medal in Women’s 7’s Rugby Union. While the efforts of Chloe Esposito gave us all a lesson in the sport of modern pentathlon.
Usain Bolt, Michael Phelps and Anna Meares all stole our hearts for one reason or another.
On a personal level, I completed yet another Wanderers tour and while umpiring all games got to see some of the cricketing talent in the country areas. Warwick’s Carter Bilbrough and Dave Walker were also tourists or terrorists depending on your point of view and impressed.
SEPTEMBER
SEPTEMBER tis the season of footy finals.
The Inglewood Roosters wrapped up a successful return to the BRL when they scored an overwhelming win in the 2016 premiership match against Tenterfield. Tenterfield had more success in the Ladies League tag competition where the Tigerettes took out their third consecutive grand final win – again going through the season undefeated.
The Inglewood Sporting Shooters Association successfully hosted the Queensland State Lever Action Championships giving everyone a taste of excellent country hospitality.
The Stanthorpe Football Association grand finals could not have been played in worse conditions, but it did not deter a big crowd from attending.
Honours went to Ballandean who took out the Men’s and Ladies Titles. Also had a win while City won the Junior Colts while Inter won the Fillies and Senior Colts.
In a thrilling TRL grand final, the Warwick Cowboys were edged out by the Pittsworth Danes and while they did not take home the main prize the Warwick players and supporters should be congratulated on a great effort.
On the NRL scene things were getting to the interesting stage and the Cowboys and Broncos met a replay of the 2015 Grand final. There was to be no sweet revenge for the Broncos as the Cowboys and JT asserted their authority. Meanwhile, the Sharks and Melbourne Storm were well on their way to a GF appearance.
OCTOBER
THE Western Bulldogs proved fairy tales do come true when they overcame the more- fancied Sydney Swans at the MCG to win the 2016 flag a mere 62 years after winning their first and only premiership. The MCG cauldron was a Dogs paradise and no place for a feint hearted Swan.
Dogs coach Luke Beveridge had everyone grabbing for a tissue when he presented his winning medallion to the club’s inspirational captain Bob Murphy. Beveridge provided the Cinderella glass slipper moment in this fairy-tale when he called Murphy to the podium and handed over his medallion.
The AFL GF set the stage for the footy gods to deliver another magic moment in the NRL grand final and for once they obliged.
Porch lights across the shire have finally been extinguished after the Sharks claimed their first premiership in the club’s 50-year history. (No word yet on any sightings of Harold Holt however).
The win had fans, club legends and players including their skipper in tears while Storm skipper and Australian captain Cam Smith reinforced his position as one of the nicest in the game almost stealing the show with an outstanding show of sportsmanship in his postgame speech. No ugly stepsister on display here more Prince Charming. Unsung hero Luke Lewis was a popular winner of the Clive Churchill medal.
As the book closed on the football seasons, even Tanya and resident Sharks fans had plenty to smile about, thanks to a small wager on her beloved Sharks at the start of the season.
A total of 700 orienteering enthusiasts from across Australia and other well credentialed internationals from China the UK the Czech Republic and Denmark took over the forests on the outskirts of Stanthorpe for the Australian National Orienteering titles. The tricky course provided plenty of challenges for the competitors who were full of praise for the courses and the location.
Warwick and Stanthorpe both held successful annual racing carnivals showcasing the best of country racing.
As October drew to a close it was time for punters to sharpen their pencils and pins,
The Melbourne Spring Carnival served up a delightful entre to the Melbourne Cup with the sensational win of Jameka in the Caulfield Cup. Winx meanwhile blitzed the Cox Plate field and stole the hearts and imagination of seasoned punters and sometime racing enthusiasts
NOVEMBER
THE Melbourne Cup is front and centre of most people’s minds and imaginations on that famous first Tuesday in November.
Another chapter was written into the Aussie Melbourne Cup folklore. Lloyd Williams resplendent in top hat picked up a record fifth win in the Cup with Almandin, becoming the most successful owner in the history of the great race.
The cricket season in both Stanthorpe and Warwick got underway. A dispute between the SDRC and Stanthorpe Cricket Association threatened to derail the season in Stanthorpe but players eventually got on the pitches.
Stanthorpe golfers played for the sought after Medal of Medallists and the Roy Carnell Memorial trophy. Graham Tonkin continued his red hot form ensuring his name is added to the Shield.
In a close contest was Fiona Kelly who won the Ladies event.
Rose City Boxing Club’s Jacko McMahon and Jake Wyllie capped off an outstanding year by winning two State titles in a performance their head trainer Damien Lawler described as “awesome”.
In a disappointing performance, the Aussie cricketers suffered sensational defeats at the hands of the South African side. The losses ultimately led to chairman of selectors Rod Marsh standing down from his position and one of the biggest shake-ups in the Aussie cricket side for years.
The day night Test in Adelaide proved a winner in more ways than one as the new look side grabbed a win against the South Africans and won back the hearts of the Australian fans.
DECEMBER
THE day night Tests caught the imagination of the public and proved to be a bonanza for Cricket Australia and the public at the Gabba.
It was one of the highlights of my year. This past week I have had the privilege of meeting two of my cricketing heroes Allan Davidson and the charismatic Sir Garfield Sobers. To add to my excitement I spent almost an hour before play last Saturday chewing the fat on all things cricket with the indomitable Kerry O’Keefe. And, of course, the cricket hasn’t been half bad either. Santa definitely came early for me.
And so that is a wrap for Spin in 2016. I hope you, our readers have a wonderful Christmas and that the New Year brings health and happiness. – Casey
