Rugby league musical chairs

Jordan Lanza was one of the lynchpins of the Stanthorpe Mitchell Shield win on Sunday.

By Casey O’connor

After a great Christmas and New Year break, everyone including the Spin team is back for another big year of sport following our preferred teams locally, nationally and internationally.
Already it is shaping as a great year. Locally our cricketers are working towards the back end of the season and wins and losses are now beginning to take on real significance. At the same time there is plenty happening on the local rugby league front with changes in playing and coaching personnel in all our local competitions as the swings and roundabouts start to play out. Already we have seen some unexpected defections and some surprise appointments. On the NRL front after a quiet holiday season bad news is again taking the headlines as teams return to full training and prepare for the Auckland Nines. Some interesting developments set to play out in that arena in coming weeks.
If you are a cricket tragic or just an occasional fan, you have been spoiled for choice in the past weeks. The Test series saw Australia redeem themselves with the emergence of some fine new players. The ODI series has been somewhat less convincing and perhaps injuries and changes to the team line-up will again shake up some of the under-performing players. The BBL has been a revelation in popularity and entertainment and goes from strength to strength. Despite the naysayers, it is providing a stepping stone for players to bigger and brighter things. Former Warwick player, Mark Steketee has been prominent in the Brisbane Heats successes. Also great to see the Women’s BBL Series getting some well-earned coverage.
Of course now we are well into the thwack of the Australian Open, and I think all Australians are hoping we can be talking about the talent of our top ranked players not their behaviours for a change. Meanwhile, in the opening games of the tournament there appears to be a group of very talented Aussie youngsters coming through the ranks who will soon be nipping at their heels.
And, of course, there are the outright champions to just sit back and admire.
Holidays what holidays – Bali, Lennox Heads, Adelaide, the Gabba what of these names you mention – now mere distant memories. Isn’t it great to be back in the harness for another year that is sure to throw up plenty of surprises?
– Casey

BIG SEASON ON HORIZON FOR WOLVES
Registrations for the Warwick District Football Association’s 2017 season are now open – and can be done online for greater convenience.
New club president Karen Welsh said the ‘Wolves’ were looking forward to another successful season in 2017 and encouraged last year’s players to sign up again and for those keen to try football out for the first time to have a go.
“In the 2016 season, the Warwick Wolves had 530 junior and senior playing members and fielded four teams in Toowoomba football – under 18 colts, two men’s teams and a ladies’ team,“ Karen said.
“The colts and ladies both made the grand finals.
“Football is now Australia’s largest club-based participation sport for adults and children.
“We welcome new junior and senior players and would love to see more new faces this year – we have a great atmosphere at our Saturday club competition at Queens Park and at carnivals around the south-west region.”
Age groups in 2017 are Cubs (under 5), under 6s, under 7s, under 8/9s, under 10/11s, under 12/13s, under 14-17s, Colts (under 18s) and Senior Men and Senior Women (18+).
The club will hold a registration information day on Saturday February 11 at Rose City Shoppingworld, and a second one on Saturday February 18 at the clubhouse at Queens Park. Keep an eye out for details of times on the Warwick District Football Association Facebook page.
Registrations for 2017 close on 12 March so get in quick. The easiest way to register to play football in 2017 is to complete it online at www.myfootballclub.com.au
GOFLERS BUSY OVER BREAK
While many of us have been enjoying a holiday break, it’s been a very busy time for Stanthorpe golfers.
There was little time to recover from the excesses of Christmas -The annual Boxing Day Classic once again proved its popularity and a capacity field hit the greens and fairways in the event which is sponsored by Mick Hancock, Tony Herman and Wes Smith. The Classic was won by the Len Leigh, Matt Leigh and W. Ward who finished just half a shot in advance of Hannah and Rob Reeves and Keith Allen.
The final round of the year saw Tom and Tric Fittock combine to win the last medley stableford on the course for 2016.
The Darling Downs District Vets visited on the New Year’s Day holiday and were joined by a large contingent of local players. Mark Baker and Darryl Boekholt flew the local flag and picked up second place in their division.
The first event on the New Year list the January Monthly Medal and putting competition also doubled as the first round for the Foundation Cup. The event was sponsored by the RSL Vets Playing Group. Players also played for a new memorial trophy in recognition of the late David Townsend and his involvement with the club.
In a very competitive field, it was Mark Baker who took out the event, scoring nett 67 and declared the winner after a countback. Baker is one of the improving players in the club and has been making steady progress on his game each week and is reaping the rewards. Hannah Reeves won the ladies event with a nett par round of 73 playing off her handicap of two. The two winners will be the first to have their names inscribed on the newly minted Memorial Trophy. Winners of the Best gross were Matt Waterworth and Hannah Reeves.
Last weekend, Wes Smith won the single stroke, the second round of the Foundation Cup, with a nett 66. His score on the front nine of 41 was bettered on the back nine coming in at one under par 35.
Greg Fraser, the early club house leader with nett 68 was relegated to second spot.
Helen Jones (nett 74) finished one shot ahead of runner up, Nikki Waterworth, to take out the Ladies event.
This Saturday, a single stroke event sponsored by club member Alex Vale has been scheduled, and it is also the final round of the Foundation Cup. It is the best two of three rounds in the Foundation Cup, and with no clear leader emerging after rounds one and two the event is wide open. There is a time sheet on the board at the club house and tee off is from 11.30am.
A reminder that a Two Ball Ambrose will be played on Australia Day. The event is open to members and social players. A handicap in not required. You must register by 8.30am with play getting underway at 9am with a shot gun start.
No doubt there will be plenty of appropriate Australia Day attire to celebrate the occasion.
FIRING ON ALL CYCLINDERS
The sporting Shooters in Inglewood are back firing on all cylinders following their holiday break. The club held a variety of shoots earlier in the month. On the program were Single Action and Benchrest Rimfire. In between Richard White of Omanama tossed in a military pistol match.
Glen Holmes proved to be on target in the Single Action. He defeated Iain Bowen and Carolina Anderssen.
Peter Russell did best in the Benchrest. Filling the placings were Ross Jackson and Richard White.
In the junior division, Blain Hafemeister out pointed Will Dudgeon.
The impromptu Military Pistol match was won by Tom Donald, defeating Monica White and Iain Bowen.
This weekend there will be plenty of action on the range with Pistol competitions Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. Both Action and Military pistol events are on the agenda.
Rimfire class, revolver class, military centrefire class.
The club is planning a Colonial Style Shoot on the Australia Day weekend – muzzle loading rifles and revolvers to the fore.
McMILLAN OPENS YEAR WITH WIN
The January Monthly Medal and Putting competition kicked off the New Year for the Wallangarra Golf Members. Tasting success was B. McMillan who defeated Steve Hampstead.
Last week the club held a single stableford competition open to members and non-members. J. Purcell defeated J. Green in the event with Hampstead filling third place.
Only two pin shots went off and they were taken by Peter Butler on the third and Steve Hampstead who had a bit of luck from the trees at the ninth. Hampstead also snared the birdies nest and Purcel also grabbed the chook after it took 15 redraws to get a winner.
A reminder to all members that a General meeting will be held on 28 January at 10am prior to the start of play.
This week the competition is Two Ball Ambrose in an event sponsored by the Wallangarra Store, so grab your partner and enjoy a day on the course. Tee off is from 11am -11.30am (Qld time).
SPORTERS ARE BACK
Sporters opened their 2017 season with a big roll up for their first game of the year, and Marg Locke claimed bragging rights as the first winner of the year. Runner-up was Terry Byrnes. Mark Lynam and Dick Hilton finished in the rundowns while Paul Byrnes had the Best Gross.
Another good field turned out last weekend, and Terry Byrnes improved from the opening week to win the day. Paul Byrnes filled the runners-up spot. The run-downs went to Matt Waterworth and Mark Lynam. Waterworth had the Best Gross and grabbed the Pro Pin. Aaron Simmers claimed the Pin Shot at the third. Scooting off with early meat trays were Mark Lynam and Paul Byrnes.
With everyone back into stride and the holidays a mere memory tee off is at the normal time of 7.30 – 8.30am this Sunday.
AUSTRALIA DAY TRIATHALON
Organisers are busy taking nominations for the fifth Australia Day Triathlon in Stanthorpe. The event will be held on Australia Day morning and is an event for everyone.
The event includes a pool swim, bike ride through some of the streets of Stanthorpe and finish with a run through Gleeson Park.
There are a variety of categories ranging from juniors (under 12) to Open Men’s and Women’s. The popular Teams event is also once again on the program. Entries close on 22 January. Head to the event’s Facebook page or contact Smail’s Swim School, Stanthorpe or Warwick Redback Cycles for further information.
WOODENBONG PREPARE FOR CITY COUNTRY CRICKET CLASH
With Australia Day just around the corner preparations for the annual Woodenbong invitation cricket match between Country and City are well underway.
The beneficiaries of the day will be the Rural Fire Brigade and the Town Hall restoration project.
Anyone interested in further details of the popular event which has been organised for several years now by Lew Cooper and Woodenbong publican Tony Neylon should contact Tony on 02 6635 1275.
TANNY CLASSIC A WINNER
Friday night bowls is proving popular at the Tannymorel Club and last saw round one of the Tanny Classic Six week challenge decided.
It is hoped the concept will attract both current and non-bowlers. Under the concept, players receive one point for attending, three points for members of the winning team each week and two points for members of the runner’s-up team. Points accumulate over the six Friday nights with a total prize pool of $1000 up for grabs. Names must be in by 6pm for a 6.30pm roll up.
Night one proved a hit with plenty of non-bowlers joining the regulars on the green for an entertaining evening.
Mavis Lauradon, Richy Tartan Sandy Wallace and Pete Gynther were narrowly defeated by Leonie Richard Pete Brosnan Brian Walsh and Mick O’Leary (15-14).
Vic Nelson Veronica Banditt and Burt Burmester played a 14-all draw in their game against Jim Lamb, Myrtle Wagner and Aaron McKinney.
Trev Fordyce, Sue Butz and Toucha Tuck had a 13-7 win over Geoff Davis, Geoff Farmer and Johno Johnson.
Jean Lambert, Matty Shepherd Grumpy and Jimbo had a comfortable16-9 win over Wayne Petersen, Maria McDonald, Jean Calam and Tadpole Banditt.
The evening winners were Venus Smith, Marg Thompson and Thommo who posted a 29 -12 win over Jan Walsham, Lorna T and Ant Butz. Taking the runners-up spot were team headed by Jean Lambert.
There was talk of a protest over the age appropriateness of one player while Lorna T was said to be heartbroken at the performance of her team blaming Butzy who she was heard to say was “hopeless” There was equal amounts of skiting and finger pointing going on following the game and something about Thommo’s wonderful body – what was that about you have to wonder. Someone due for a visit to the optometrist perhaps?
If you couldn’t play last Friday you could still join the fun and frivolity this week and have a hand in carving up the $1000 prizemoney. The club invites you to Get your name in, play bowls and stay on for a great meal and OOD.
SCHOOLING IN LEAGUE
Warwick teenager Brendan Hoffman has secured a partial contract with West Tigers and will complete Years 11 and 12 in that well known Rugby League nursery Keebra Park Sate High School. Hoffman has been accepted into the Rugby League Excellence Program.
It is great recognition and a life changing opportunity for the talented teen who has had a successful representative career with the South West Mustangs and Warwick Chargers.
The Eastern Suburbs junior will be not only hoping to improve his playing under the guidance of the some top coaching staff at Keebra Park but will also be living every young footballer’s dream studying League as a school subject. His studies will hopefully reward him with a Cert III in Rugby League coaching.
Hoffman is not only a promising league players but is also a talented all round sportsman with success in athletics and swimming.
While Hoffman is hoping to improve his overall game and secure an NRL contract in the future, his ambition not surprisingly is to follows in the footsteps of other successful footballers from the region and one day don the Maroon Jersey for his state according to his mum Wendy Hoffman.
MENTORING ROLE
Jordan Atkins is another former local junior who forged a successful NRL career playing with the Gold Coast Titans and Parramatta Eels and went on to play for the London Broncos. Atkins, whose career was plagued by injury, is now retired from the playing arena. Has combined the experience gained as an elite player with his degree in education in the next phase of his career. He is currently the Well Being and Education manager for the Cronulla Sharks. This mentoring is a role that many would say holds more responsibility than any winger ever had to shoulder.
WARMING UP FOR AUSTRALIA DAY CARNIVAL
Final preparations are well in hand for the 2017 Warwick Australia Day Cricket Carnival to be played on 28 and 29.
The draw has been released, and immediately you can see that there will be some interesting clashes on Day One of the carnival.
In total, 46 games will be played over the weekend, which, for some is merely a chance to catch up and have some fun while for others it is a serious business with team pride on the line and some scores to settle for past defeats.
At headquarters Slade Park on Saturday, three of the main contenders will be in action, Stunned Mullets, Ring Ins and Max XI. There are sure to be some thrilling matches in what will be a competitive round robin match up with some big hitters among the line-up.
The Dalrymple Dongers and Goomeri are back to take and will be playing at Allora.
Bears Smalls XI line up again, and there is sure to be stiff competition on the synthetic wickets at Queen’s Park where Mitch’s XI, XXXX and Doc’s XI will be in action. Look out for Jonesy’s XI who are sure to make things interesting at Mayhew.
There is sure to also be plenty of friendly competition in the social competition
Start times for all venues are:
Game 1 8.30am Team I v Team 2
Game 2 11.30am Team 2 v Team 3
Game 3 2.30pm Team 1 v Team 3
MAIN DRAW
GROUND TEAM 1 TEAM 2 TEAM 3
Allora Marbucks XI Dalrymple Dongers Goomeri
Maryvale Bears Smalls XI Condy Sports Rosewood Icemen
Yangan Hulks XI Bluecow XI Cows
Queens Park Mitch’s XI XXXX Doc’s XI
Mayhew Summers Jonesy’s XI Badzys Bandits
Briggs Oval WBAS XI Hugh’s XI SBH XI
Slade Park Stunned Mullets Ring-Ins Max’s XI
SOCIAL COMPETITION
GROUND TEAM 1 TEAM 2 TEAM 3
Killarney Sons of Pitches Digglers Sel’s XI
Queens Park Dutch’s Rudders Hurricanes Elite Rettkes XI
Turf
Dunning Oval Dales XI Annie’s XI Muzzas Men

MIXED REP SUCCESS FOR STANTHORPE
Rep cricket tossed up a mixed bag for Stanthorpe cricketers last weekend, with both Mitchell and Davis Shield teams playing at home. The Mitchell Sheild side was in action on the CF White turf playing Central Downs and hoping to secure a spot in the final.
The Davis Shield side taking on Toowoomba on Sheehan Oval.
Stanthorpe fielded a strong Mitchell Shield side and took first use of the CF White wicket. Things did not play out exactly to plan when opener and captain Ben Staley was dismissed for a golden duck however another solid batting performance from Jordan Lanza helped keep the Stanthorpe innings on track. Lanza was the best of the Stanthorpe batsmen before he was dismissed for 41. Chris Williams (31) and Alaistair Middleton (22) also played a significant role setting Central Downs a decent but gettable target.
When Stanthorpe took to the field the opening bowling partnership of Jordan Lanza and experienced Ross Lupton applied plenty of pressure. The pair took seven wickets between them never giving their opponents a sniff, and Central Downs were dismissed cheaply for just 57.
It was a top class team performance from Stanthorpe, and with several Mitchell Shield players unavailble it was left to some of the regular Davis Shield players to fill the gap.
The win puts Stanthorpe into the Mitchell Shield final for the third year in a row. Club president and senior Luke Brady and captain Ben Staley were both impressed with the comprehensive win. This side looks to be one of the strongest in recent years, but they will face a tough ask in the final when they face Lockyer in the final with Lockyer winning the right to host the game.
While it was all smiles on the CF White with several Davis Shield players playing up in the Mitchell Shield, things were not as bright on Sheehan Oval.
Batting first the young Toowoomba side looked all class as they amassed a total of 321. Aidan Watterson played an extremely good knock before he was dismissed for 112 late in the innings.
The Stanthorpe side had no answers to the bowling onslaught of the visitors and were dismissed for 65. Make no mistake there are some quality players in the Toowoomba line-up. It was however disappointing to hear that once again officials found it difficult to get players to commit to Rep cricket a situation I like many find hard to fathom.
BIG MARN BACK
Warwick and District Junior Rugby League are set to host a Sportsman Dinner on Saturday 25 February with guest speaker the indomitable Big Marn – Darryl Broham. Brohman is no stranger to the district. He and the Continous Call team did a live broadcast from Charlie Andrews Oval Killarney in 2012 during the Round Robin curtain-raiser to the BRL season. Few who were on hand will forget the arrival of him and Blocker Roach in the district chauffered in their very own Wickham’s semi – trailers. He was back in 2015 with the Footy show.
While Brohman has forged a great media career it cannot be forgotten that he was an outstanding football career playing Origin for the Maroons. He was unlucky to be ruled out of selection for an Australian jersey after he was sidelined with a broken jaw in a controversial tackle by Les Boyd. The Big Marn is sure to have plenty of stories to divulge and this is an event not to be missed for League lovers.
Tickets for the dinner are sure to be in demand as Brohman will be a great drawcard and will go on sale at the Warwick RSL from around 25 January. Tickets are $60 per head and the evening will include an informal dinner with finger food for all tables . There will be something for everyone with raffles and auctions throughout the night.
Proceeds of the evening will benefit the nine junior rugby league clubs across the district.