By Casey O’connor
What a privilege it was to watch the final of the Australian Open on Sunday night. I am sure like me most people were glued to the TV as two of the giants of the game went head to head. Much has been written and said about the game and Federer and Nadal – all I can add is it was a privilege to watch such an enthralling game. On Saturday night, the Ladies final certainly did not disappoint as the Williams sisters turned on a masterclass and showed the rest of the world what amazing players they are and what a special relationship they have.
There is no doubt the 2017 Australian Open will be talked about for years to come as perhaps the best of all time.
The BBL final on Saturday night had many people channel surfing keeping up with the tennis and cricket scores. BBL is done and dusted for another year with the Scorchers adding another title to their collection. The competition broke all records and exceeded the expectations of everyone. Now with talk of expansion on everyone’s lips, let’s hope organisers do not sacrifice a great tournament for financial gain.
A crazy International cricket schedule now has an almost unrecognisable Australian team in NZ playing an ODI series for the Chappell Hadlee trophy while others prepare or rest up for an Indian Tour. Seems bookmakers are not giving the Aussies much hope of an upset win on the sub-continent-last odds I heard had Australia better than 20/1. India will certainly separate the wheat from the chaff – it will be a true test on many levels for not just the players but also the coach and selectors who are under a fair amount of pressure.
This weekend the Rugby Sevens tournament gets underway in Sydney and our all-conquering ladies team, the Pearls have put the Rio experience firmly behind them as they prepare to shine in Sydney. The men’s team will be hoping for a better outcome than Rio.
It is also time to kick into rugby league mode. The Auckland Nines this weekend signal the Rugby League season is almost upon us. There is already much talk around who will be playing for what team in 2018 before a ball is kicked in the 2017 pre-season or the ref blows time on. Me thinks that while there will be plenty of fans chomping at the bit anticipating the start of the league season there will be some turned off by the horse trading talk.
Let’s just get some footy played in this 30deg plus heat. It’s all a bit hard to comprehend really.
– Casey
BACK TO BUSINESS FOR WARWICK CRICKETERS
After the excitement and colour of the Australia Day cricket carnival the previous weekend, it was back to business for Warwick Cricketers in round 11 of the Condamine Cup as the season draws rapidly towards the finals.
On Saturday, Wheatvale travelled to Inglewood and came away with the points after setting the home side a total of 236.
Carter Billborough has been one of the inform batsmen this season, and against Inglewood the captain led from the front top-scoring with 88. He was joined by Jonno Colfs in a fourth-wicket partnership that netted 76 runs before Colfs was run out for 53. Ross Bilbrough (23no) and Jarryd Fearnby (21) also batted well.
Chasing a big total, it was important that the Inglewood openers made a positive start. Jamien Smith was out for 24 and Lachlan Campbell top-scored with 30 before he was dismissed. Unfortunately, the good news ended with the dismissal of the openers and the home side were bowled out 75 runs shy of their target.
The Wheatvale bowling attack was spearheaded by good performances from Riley Doherty (4/29) and Colin O’Brien (3 /18).
In Allora it was Maryvale Condamine who faced a good bowling performance from Allora bowler Lee Watt. Watt took five wickets for 12 runs. Paul Bourke was the backbone of the Maryvale innings, scoring 45 not out as the side was dismissed for 109. Maryvale showed plenty of fight defending the small total well and had their opponents all out for 86 to grab the points.
Redbacks had a comprehensive 124-run win over Sovereign Animals at Slade on Saturday. Coen Slatter (65) helped set up their total of 165.
In the run chase, Sovereign collapsed to be all out for 39 as Redbacks bowler Morgan Gilchrist ripped through the batting line-up taking five wickets for just four runs. Sam Waetford’s bowling figures of 3/8 were almost as impressive.
In Sunday’s fixture Warwick at Slade Oval Colts dominated in their game against Allora Railway Hotel Rascals. Colts batted first and set a cracking target of 226 after a fine batting performance from their top order. Maugann Benn top-scored with 74. Teammate Lachlan Gross continued his good form scoring 33.
There was little joy for the Rascals bowlers with Jack Bannister the best of the attack finishing with 3/33 from his six overs.
In reply, the Rascals struggled after losing their opener Jamie Holmes for just four runs. Only three of the Rascals batsmen made it to double figures with James Moore top-scoring with 22.
Maugann Benn topped off a fine innings with the bat finishing with match winning figures of three wickets for nine runs from his three overs. He was well supported with the ball by youngster Jacob Gross (2/14 from four) who continues to impress this season.
This weekend teams will play the T20 matches that were washed out in Round one of the fixtures.
The T20 draw is:
Mayhew Oval: Inglewood v Redbacks 10am; Maryvale v Allora 1pm
Slade Park: Colts v Sovereign 10am; Wheatvale v Allora Rascals 1pm
On Sunday, Warwick play Toowoomba in the final of the Davis Shield at Heritage Oval.
CHANGING CONDITIONS AT ‘GARRA
An enthusiastic field played the Single Stroke event at the Wallangarra Golf Club on Saturday. The group enjoyed plenty of sunshine and things were cooled off with a couple of showers throughout the game that had no-one complaining. W. Davies handled the changing conditions better than others coming out on top with a 66 nett. A few shots back was runner up, K. Williams one shot in advance of and Steve Hampstead.
Hampstead and Williams claimed the only two pin shots during the round. Hampstead at the third and Williams on the ninth.
This week the club will be playing for the February Monthly Medal and Putting sponsored by the Wallangarra Railway Cafe.
A date to put in your golf calendar is certainly 19 February when the Wallangarra Golf Club hosts the Darling Downs Golf Association (DDGA) Open Carnival.
A friendly reminder to all members that membership for the financial year is due by the 19 February.
PAYNE PATRON
Michelle Payne, who raised the profile of women in racing since her historic Melbourne Cup win, was recently named Patron of the Australian Jockey’s Trust.
For the 31-year-old, this is a very special honour and something she says is very close to her heart and has opened up about some of the unspoken challenges she and many other jockeys face.
The NJT provides support for former and current jockeys, and their families, following a serious injury, illness or death.
“To be a patron is really special to me,” she said. “Every jockey at some stage of their career has had a fall where they have been put in the position where they need help, and it is so comforting to know that the National Jockey’s Trust is there.”
Payne, who is no stranger to adversity, revealed for the first time she suffered depression after a horrific race fall early in her career.
Her first serious fall at Sandown in 2004 resulted in bleeding in her brain and post-traumatic amnesia. She said despite the severity of the fall she never wavered from her desire to make it as a top rider.
Danger and racing go hand in hand, and since 2004 the Trust has provided assistance to more than 300 jockeys.
If the AJT was looking for someone to give their cause a strong voice, they have certainly found it in Payne who has shown in the past she is not afraid to voice her opinions on the things in which she believes strongly about.
SPORTERS WIN FOR HILTON
Dick Hilton overcame a good field to claim a win at Sporters last Sunday in Stanthorpe. Terry Roser was another player who had a good morning. A good round landed him the runners-up spot and he also took home one of the meat trays. Runner downs went to John Rawlings and Angelo Maugeri.
Matt Waterworth was another who had a great day picking up the Best Gross, the Pin Shot on the third and the Pro Pin. Nick Casey took home the remaining Meat Tray. Tee off next Sunday is at the normal time of 7.30am – 8.30am. A reminder that visitors and first time players are always welcome to join the regulars.
TANNY CLASSIC ROLLS ON
Last Friday night was round three of the popular Tanny Classic. A great roll up of 40 bowlers turned up at the Tannymorel Bowls Club and reports are that at least 15 were up to no good at all.
Venus started things by tying herself to the flagpole in protest of the judiciary who unanimously decided to let her get her own way but take note – “they are watching you”.
Leonie Rickard is claiming the title of “Best Bowler” in the Rickard household. Apparently she practices her delivery up the hallway. While she is busy skiting about her bowling prowess her husband has been heard making noises about the benefits of her using a vacuum cleaner or something.
No surprise that Leonie Rickard was among the winners on Friday night. Also on the winning side of the ledger were Lorna T, Geoff Farmer and Jimbo Rickard who all picked up four points. Runners-up were Wayne “Corn Cob” Petersen, Jessie Wallace and Myrtle and Pedro Gynther who each got three points.
In third place were Michelle Amos, Vic Nelsen, Veronica Banditt and Grumpy who received two points.
The evening results looked like this: Matt Shepherd, Mavis Lauradon, Richy Tartan and Mick O’Leary defeated Hamish Hoffman, Iro Fordyce, Jason Fritz and Aaron McKinney in a good game with final scores 14-10.
Clayton Frank, Venus Smith Sandy Wallace and Johno Johnson had a 13-10 win over Maria McDonald, Shirl Wallace, Geoff David and Tadpole Banditt.
The overall winners Leonie Rickard, Lorna T, Geoff Farmer and Jimbo Rickard had a comprehensive 18-7 win over Geane Lambert, Wayne Frank, Brian Walsh and Ant Butz. Runners-up Wayne Petersen and his crew defeated Gary Amos Cory Burmester Marg T and Thommo 15-5. The third placegetters had a 14-7 win over Shaun Kelly, Jimbo Lamb, Sue Butz and Tuck.
With three rounds of the Tanny Classic done and dusted the scoreboard is very congested. Leading the way on eight points are Marg T and Jimbo Rickard One point back are Tuck and Pedro Gynther. Breathing down their necks are a group on six points including Geoff Farmer, Grumpy, Leonie “No 1” Rickard, Lorna T, Venus (minus the Flagpole) and the “Ole Fella” Vic Nelson. Hot on their heels are Gary Amos, Geane Lambert, Fritzy, Shep, Myrtle and VB. Looks like it’s going to be a battle to the end.
Organisers are thrilled to see so many bowlers and non-bowlers turning up for a rollup, a laugh and some great country hospitality.
Thanks to Gordie Assay who has donated the winners and runners-up prizes for the first five weeks of the classic.
STANTHORPE GOLFERS KEPT BUSY
It was a busy week for Stanthorpe golfers. On Australia Day a large field of regulars were joined by members of Sporters for the Ambrose event. Play got underway early in the morning with a shot gun start allowing players plenty of time to enjoy the remaining Australia Day activities.
It was a close finish, however it was the team of Peter Goodsir and Ian Anderson who eventually prevailed with a nett 60 after scoring 73 for the round. Two of the group flying the flag for Sporters, Mark Lynam and Rod Pettiford scored a nett 62 for a gross return of 72 which gave the pair of a second placing.
The club extends a special thanks to those volunteers who helped the day and sponsored the events.
On Saturday club stalwart Aaron Simmers turned back the clock and won the Single Stableford Club event. Simmers shot a front nine score of 24 points and backed it up with a back nine of 21. His score of 45 points handed him the winner’s prize two points clear of club captain, Matt Waterworth, Waterworth has been in good recent form and his round was par for the course. In the run down, a ball to Max Hunter (41), Viv Thouard (41) and Lyle Bryant (40).
Kay Webb scored 35 points to take out the Ladies Stableford. A countback determined the runner-up – that spot eventually going to Dale Minchenton (32 points). Helen Jones, also 32 points left to settle for the run down.
Len and Pauline Leigh sponsored the day’s competition and presented the trophies at the end of play, but not before Len had best pin shot at three finishing just a short distance from the hole.
Lyle Bryant also played an excellent tee shot to land a short distance away from the pin at 12. Matt Waterworth collected the remaining pin at 17 and the pro-pin at 9/18. Graham Tonkin and David Burgess collected the balls on offer by winning the pro-pins at 1/10 and 5/14.
Margie Locke took the ladies pin at three and best approach at 17. There were no takers for the ladies pin at 12 or the birdies nest at 17.
Saturday will see members vying for the Monthly Medal and putting competition sponsored by Wes Smith of Dixon Homes. There is a time sheet on the board at the club house and tee off is from 11.30am.
Members are reminded that fees are now due, and invoices, personal invoices are available at the bar.
AIR DIAMOND SHINES IN CUP
On Saturday Sunshine Coast visitor Air Diamond took out the main event, the Allora Cup at Allman Park. The six-year-old mare trained by Rob Davis made it three wins in a row for her connections with her one length win over favourite Galway Town in the popular event.
The six-event program opened with a win for Toowoomba galloper Poetic Diamond. Starting at $5, the mare was ridden by claiming apprentice Baylee Northdurft.
In Race Three, the Anthony Parker Maiden over 1100 metres local galloper Pressway impressed at his first start for connections. Ridden by Les Tiley, the three-year-old gelding had an easy three-length win over Sheza Good Girl with Rumba Laara over five lengths back in third place.
It was a good win for the Les Bryant trained galloper against more seasoned horses, and there looks to be more wins in store for the McBain family.
Man of Law gave Les Tiley a race to race double with a win in the Invergarry Equine Centre Class B over 1100 metres. The Nanango visitor was too good for favourite Psycho Said So and Gold Search and started at good odds of $7.
Racecraft made light work of his top weight of 62kgs to win the Benchmark 60 Handicap. The well-travelled galloper who hails from Inverell started $3.20 favourite after finishing a good second at his previous start in Glen Innes.
Beaudesert trainer Greg Cornish took out the final event on the card with Wig Wam Bam. The top weight appreciated the 2kg claim of apprentice Jedidah Hodge narrowly beating Nautical Lad and favourite Zaha County.
It wrapped up another successful Allora Cup Day meeting for the Warwick Turf Club.
CONDITIONS NO PROBLEM
The stifling heat association croquet has done little to dampen the enthusiasm of the Stanthorpe Mallet Sports Groups
When the association croquet group hit the court, it was Margaret Dickenson and partner Jenny Tunbridge leading the way. Margaret nailed three brakes of three in their score of 26. Jenny Tunbridge had the shot of the day with a past roll going straight through the hoop. Andrea Denkewitz and Effey Russell out-scored the pairing of Grace Howard and Val Richardson 22-10 in their match up.
Good numbers played golf croquet later in the week, and players welcomed a new player Sharyn Roser to their ranks. Sharyn was teamed with experienced play Val Fancourt in her first game and she impressed scoring four hoops in their total of nine. They were beaten 11-9 in a close game by Liz Ellway and Justin Liddy. Liddy top-scored with six hoops. Dianne Wren, playing two, defeated Teresa Pyne and Shirley Page 13- 9. Although beaten on the scoreboard, Shirley Page landed a very tricky jump shot while her partner scored a hoop in one. Wren top-scored with seven. Elaine Brown also played two in a game against Pauline Inglis and Bev Sullivan and scored nine.
In the second session, Liz Ellway and Elaine Brown teamed up to score a narrow win 10-9 over Dianne Wren and Bev Sullivan. The remaining group played a triples game. Newcomer Sharyn Roser notched up her first win when she partnered Val Fancourt and Teresa Pyne for a 7-5 win.
Sharon Roser also joined the gateball players on Friday to try yet another form of the game and teamed up with Margaret Dickenson, Joy Newman, Val Fancourt and Grace Howard to play the White balls. Making up the Red Ball team were Andrea Denkewitz, Bill Golding, Les Williams, John Draper and Effey Russell.
In game one, White had an excellent 20-8 win with all team members contributing some good shots. The Red team turned the tables in game two and picked up a 12 -8 win, thanks in part to some good play from Bill Golding.
Team changes were made after the break and the make-up of the White team was
Bill Golding, Sharyn Roser, Les Williams and Jenny. They took on the Red team of Joy Newman, Val Fancourt, Effey Russell, and Margaret Dickenson and John Draper. Andrea Denkewitz acted as referee. Once again it was one game apiece with White successful 18-10 and Red taking a close game 10-9.
TRIATHALON TRIUMPH
A field of 90 competitors were out early for the Australia Day Triathlon in Stanthorpe. While there were many local competitors from across the Granite Belt and Southern Downs, there were also visiting competitors from Brisbane Kingaroy Dalby and Toowoomba. Entrants swam, cycled and ran their way around the course.
The annual event is growing in popularity with many families taking on the course. There was even one well-known sportsman who even made it a “JanDry” month as he prepared for the Tri challenge.
Organisers Dan Cuthbert and Michael Smail were delighted with the outcome of the event. Both praised the volunteers who assisted, and said the event ran smoothly.
Winner of the Men’s Open event was Wayne Schnitzerling. The Women’s Open event was won by Jenny Costanzo. Taking out the team’s section was Team parkrun.
Over 20 youngsters took on the modified course some experiencing triathlon for the first time. The junior Aquathon was won by Alex Waterworth and the Junior Triathlon winner was Jordan Waterworth.
