Those who had written off Test cricket as outdated and out of favour have been left to rethink that take as the Aussies and Indians played out a tough draw in the third Test at Ranchi leaving the series in the balance at one all.
Steve Smith delighted with an unbeaten 117 runs in the first innings and made it two centuries in the series. Smith’s batting style may be unconventional to the purists, but it is certainly effective. In this series, he clocked up another milestone joining the 5000 run club. At 27, he is the youngest Australian test player to do so. Not a bad effort considering he played 12 Tests before scoring his maiden century.
It was great to see Maxwell finally get an opportunity to show that he is equally as suited to the longer form of the game. His 82 is certain to keep him in the mix.
It has been a delight to watch the emergence of Matt Renshaw who just smiles his way through all of the Indian chatter and continues to improve. Although it is said he is still not dealing as well with the food. Peter Handscomb showed plenty of courage at the wicket in the final sessions at Ranchi and cricket fans are lucky the talented sportsman chose a career with the bat rather than the tennis racquet.
The fourth and deciding Test gets underway next week at Dharamsala. It will be interesting to see what wicket is prepared for this game after all the chat about the Ranchi wicket. One thing is for sure the curators won’t do the Australians any favours.
– Casey
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR SCOTTY
The family of the late John Scott has invited friends to join them at the Stanthorpe RSL on Sunday at 9.30am for a memorial service for John. Many were shocked to hear Scotty had lost his battle with cancer late last week and there is sure to be a large crowd of friends and former team-mates on hand to give him the send-off he deserves.
Scotty was not just one of the finest footballers to ever lace on a boot in this district, he was a great bloke.
As young aspiring footballers, Johnny Scott was someone who I and others looked up to. He made his mark here in Stanthorpe and went on to play in Toowoomba for Newtown. In 1966, he was selected to play for Toowoomba in the Bulimba Cup side. In that bygone era, the competition was widely regarded as one of the toughest in Australia. Last June he joined team-mates and opponents at the 50th Anniversary Reunion of that Bulimba Cup which was hosted by the then QRL Chairman Peter Betros. Dennis Pennisi, former Bulimba Cup team-mate and past captain coach of Stanthorpe, recalled last week that in addition to playing Bulimba Cup, Scotty was selected in a Toowoomba side that played a touring Pommie side and came off the bench in the game. Never one to overplay his hand, it was a feat he kept pretty quiet about.
Following his stint playing in Toowoomba, Scotty returned to Stanthorpe and will be widely remembered by players from the Warwick and District competition of the late ’60s for his speed and toughness in the centres.
Scotty was not just a good footy player, he loved nothing more than a game of snooker and if you managed a win over John Scott at the snooker table, it was never well received. He was a regular playing in the Sunday morning snooker competitions at the RSL over many years.
I was fortunate to play league alongside Scotty and know what a tough and uncompromising player he was, but more importantly I was privileged to call him a mate.
Scotty’s pool cue is now back in the rack, and there will be an empty chair at the table when friends gather on Sunday with his sons Shane and Grant.
Like me there will be many who will miss the twinkle in his eye, his wry comments and dry sense of humour.
Rest assured, Scotty, you will be missed by many.
ROUND THREE KNOCKOUT
Well! what a round of NRL that was. The upsets sent shockwaves through the competition and if this continues, tipsters and fans will be needing therapy well before the season is over. The casualty wards are expanding with a rising injury toll and the number of suspensions are growing at a similarly alarming rate.
Jason Taylor became the first casualty in the coaching ranks just three games into the season. There has apparently been plenty happening behind closed doors at the Tigers prior to his sacking as players’ agents apparently flex their substantial muscle. The team looks to be in tatters and there are plenty of cracks appearing at board room level as well. Not much joy in Tiger territory.
The Cowboys were without key players against the Sea Eagles but they looked flat and out of sorts and their loss KO’D plenty of tipsters.
In a round that had plenty of highlights and low lights, the two standouts for me where firstly the win of the Titans against all odds. Perhaps, the Hayne plane needs to be kept in the hanger a little longer. Then there was the win of the Melbourne Storm and the successful return of Billy Slater. Slater admitted he was nervous before the game, but injected himself in to the play as only Billy Salter can and although a little rusty, there was plenty to like about his return if you are a Maroons or Melbourne supporter. It was the icing on the cake in what was another sensational game.
Three clubs have been hit with big fines for flaunting the concussion rules, and you can bet more care will be taken by clubs and coaching and medical staff in future games.
It was refreshing to see that it was not just Billy the Kid who made a return in round three -it looks like the refs have recalled the sin bin, and about time, too.
Not sure how anyone could be confident of their tips this week. I’m certainly not.
Casey’s tips
Roosters
Panthers
Broncos
Sea Eagles
Sharks
Cowboys
Storm
Dragons
WEATHER NO WORRY
The inclement weather did little to dampen the powder of the shooters in Inglewood for the SSAA Military Pistol Competition held on Sunday.
The Centrefire competition was won by Monika White who defeated Richard White and Iain Bowen.
Ray Dudgeon was the winner of Rimfire. Runners-up were Stephanie Dudgeon and Jaden Clark.
A reminder that the State Gallery Rifle Competition will be held on Saturday 8 April and Sunday 9 April.
With some of the entrants scheduled to compete in the World Championships later in the year, this weekend event should be a great one, and spectators are most welcome to attend.
This weekend the Inglewood club will be hosting Pistol competitions on Saturday and Sunday and there will also be a practice session for the Gallery Rifle Event. For further information, contact the club secretary SSAAQ49@gmail.com
AFL WOMENS GRANDFINAL DEBACLE
The first grand final of the AFL Women’s competition has turned into a debacle. The Brisbane Lions Ladies have come through the season undefeated, but will not be playing their grand final at the Gabba after the pitch was deemed unsafe earlier this week. The centre square at the Gabba was left severely damaged by the Adele concert several weeks ago, and despite the best efforts of ground staff the new turf has not taken sufficiently to play on safely. Disappointing that there are some who are pointing the finger at long time Gabba curator Kevin Mitchell. One not too well informed expert referring to Mitchell as the bloke who cuts the grass.
Despite calls for the game to be transferred to the MCG (a neutral venue) the game has been transferred to Metricon. Entry to the Women’s final is free, but patrons will have to exit the venue and re-enter several hours later if they want to watch the Suns opening home game. That can’t be a good situation for either game, and is quite bizarre. Let’s hope it does not rob the women of a decent crowd in this inaugural grand final.
ROUND ROBIN KICKSTARTS BRL
The annual Border Rugby League pre-season round robin will be held in Inglewood on Saturday. The comp gets underway with the first game between last year’s grand finalists Roosters and Tigers kicking off at midday. With several clubs struggling for numbers, the competition has been reduced to eleven-a-side.
BRL chairman Norm Crisp said earlier in the week that the Wallangarra Rams would not be fielding a side in the Round Robin.
The Stanthorpe Ladies will also be missing this weekend. They are desperate for players. Crisp said both clubs must advise the BRL by 1 April, if they have the numbers to field teams in 2017. If Stanthorpe is unable to field a Ladies team, unfortunately the League tag competition which has been successful and popular since its inception three years ago will fold.
If you are interested in playing, contact the club secretaries or Norm Crisp.
Round Robin draw
12noon Inglewood v Tenterfield (Men)
12.45pmKillarney v Stanthorpe (Men)
1.30pm Tenterfield v Wallangarra (Ladies)
2pm Inglewood v Stanthorpe (Men)
2.45pm Tenterfield v Killarney (Men)
3.30pm Wallangarra v Tenterfield (Men)
4pm Men’s Final
The Men’s teams will play 15 minutes each way with a seven minute half-time break. The Ladies will play 10 minute halves with seven minute breaks at half-time.
Following the Men’s final, the Border Bushrangers side will be announced. The team will play in the South West trials in Miles next month.
TOUGH DAY ON THE COURSE
It was certainly a tough and wet day on the Stanthorpe Golf Course for the final round of the Pike Trophy. Only the early starters managed to complete the round. Fortunately, the winner of the Pike Trophy is decided by the best two scores from three rounds, and there were sufficient scores to determine a winner.
John Spiller carded rounds of 71 and 77. His score of nett 136 was good enough to ensure his name joins previous winners on the trophy. Kay Webb had already posted scores of 96 for a nett 150 which was good enough to see her name added to the Ladies trophy as the 2017 winner.
Club member Mark McCosker sponsored the Day’s stroke event for the Nuffield Cup and the round was shortened to nine holes due to the weather. Wes Smith handled the conditions better than most and took out the Cup. Greg Fraser has been returning consistent scores recently and was named Thanks to club member, Mark McCosker, for sponsoring the day’s stroke event for the Nuffield Cup. The men’s event was shortened to a nine-hole event for the men, and Wes Smith had best score to claim the cup. Greg Fraser, who has been returning consistent results lately, was awarded runner up prize.
Pin shots on the day went to Tom Fittock at three, Allan Kerr at 12 and John Spiller at 17. Wes Smith collected pro-pins at 1/10 and 5/14 and Rob Reeves took 9/18.
The ladies showed that the early birds get in a full round of 18 holes. Nikki Waterworth returned best score of nett 81 to claim a win. She also held the best approach shot at 17. Helen Jones was next best with nett 84.
Congratulations and well done to all the ladies for finishing the round in such wet conditions.
Ian Pickering, Mick O’Brien, Ian Harvey, Mark Hendry and Lyn Ludlow each collected a ball in the run down.
On Saturday, Ian Harvey is sponsoring the end of month medley 4BBB stableford. It is a shot gun start at 11.45am. There will be a shot gun start at 11.45 am with registration by 11.30am. Time sheet is on the board at the club. Players will be hoping for better conditions this week, despite the gloomy forecast.
MARYVALE INTO FINAL
Minor premiers Maryvale have done it the hard way, but on Saturday they will take their place in the Warwick Cricket grand final after they returned to winning form last weekend in the Preliminary final against Redbacks.
The Maryvale bowlers got an early break-through, but Redbacks batsmen Coen Slatter (60) and Jamie Saunders fought back. The partnership was broken with the score on 89. Good bowling performances from the Maryvale bowler saw wickets tumble and Redbacks were dismissed for 121. Maryvale’s middle order have looked a little fragile in recent weeks but when it counted they found the form that took them through the season at the top of the ladder. With the score at 2/70, it was the middle order batsmen Gordon, 74, and Steketee, 70 who helped push the score to 258 at the end of the innings.
The father and son duo of Bourke bowlers Kevin and Keiran shared the bowling honours. Kieran Bourke finished his 10 overs with 4/29 and not to be outdone Kevin took three wickets for just eight runs in eight overs bowled.
Saturday’s grand final is certain to be a thriller. The last two games between the Warwick Hotel Colts and Maryvale could hardly have been closer. The winner of the 2017 Condamine Cup is going to have to play exceptionally well to lift the trophy. The 50-over game gets underway at 10am with players to be at the ground by 9.30am.
The Reserve Grade grand final will be an all-Allora affair after Allora Hotel Rascals had a comprehensive win over Inglewood in their knock out semi-final. The win puts them into the grand final where they will play Allora. The 40-over game will be played at Mayhew Oval commencing at 10am. Players are asked to be at the ground at 9.30am.
Presentations for match and season awards will be held at Slade Oval at the completion of the game.
PROMISING START FOR WATTLES
Wattles opened their TRL season with a big win over the Souths Tigers at Platz Oval. Souths posted the first points of the game shortly after kick off when Trent Baker scored, but it was the home side that took a 16-4 lead to the half time break. In the second half, it was all Wattles as they dominated shutting the Tigers out of the game and keeping them scoreless while they added another 14 points to win 30-4.
Wattles have put together an impressive side this season, and import Jordan Gale looked all class and opened his account scoring in the second half. Other try scorers were Jim Johnson who crossed twice, Matt Duggan and Braydon Wilson. Matt Duggan kicked five conversions.
Wattles had another win in Reserve Grade, defeating Souths 28-12 but the under-18s went down 40-22.
Wattles take on the 2016 premiers this Saturday night at the Dane’s home ground.
DANE’S TOO STRONG IN SEASON OPENER
In a replay of the 2016 grand final, the Warwick Cowboys hosted the Pittsworth Danes to open the 2017 season. Unfortunately for the Cowboys, the Danes again proved too strong, coming away with a 24-10 win.
Despite the loss, there are some encouraging signs for the Cowboys. Dylan Galloway Joe Fuimaono and Paul Cantwell all played well, and Brandon Vaughan who came off the bench earned plenty of praise from his coach Craig Mullaly.
Pittsworth had a handy 18-6 lead at the break. In the second half, the Cowboys narrowed the gap to eight points when Fuimaono crossed for his second try of the game. The Cowboys could not break through the Pittsworth defence and the Danes scored their final try off an intercept.
Try scorers for the Danes were James Dempsey (2), Braydon Gibbs, and Nick Schnitzerling. Alex Sinclair landed four goals. Joe Fuimaono scored both tries for the Cowboys and Dan Watson kicked one conversion.
Warwick had wins in Reserve Grade (44-18), under-18s (46-16) and Second Division (20-18)
In Round two, the Cowboys play Souths at Clive Berghoffer Oval on Sunday afternoon.
SOUTHS INTO FINAL IN UPSET
Weather conditions last Saturday prevented play in the Preliminary final of the Stanthorpe Cricket competition, forcing the game to be postponed to Sunday.
The covers were lifted on Sunday and despite some ominous cloud cover, Valleys and Souths took to the field. Valleys went into this game as warm favourites having had the wood on Souths for most of the season. Souths however have a never-say-die attitude that has seen them play in more grand finals than any of their counterparts and when a place in a final is on the line, they rise to the occasion. Sunday was no exception.
Valleys batted first and found the conditions tough and the bowling hard to get away. Jordan Lanza and captain Ben Staley combined to dismiss dangerous opener Curtis Allen for only six runs. After 10 overs, Valleys were 1/38 but lost three wickets in quick succession. Dave Gavin (26) was the best of the Valleys batsmen on a day where the ball dominated. Jordan Lanza and younger brother Liam took six wickets between them. Souths fielded well, making the most of their opportunities and holding on to their catches.
Souths had their own share of troubles early in their innings, losing openers Adam Bonner and Jordan Lanza cheaply. In a similar pattern to Valleys innings, Souths middle order were shaky, but Ben Staley steadied the ship playing a captain’s knock of 31. There were just five runs required for victory when he was caught behind by keeper Dave Gavin off the bowling of Sandro Stefanon.
It was left to Liam Lanza and Singh to get Valleys over the line. The final score 7/113.
Valleys were left to ponder what might have been. The team’s batting record, good fielding and the safe hands of their players letting them down when it most counted.
Souths now meet RSL in the grand final on Saturday, and both sides will be hoping for more favorable conditions.
Souths have a strong line-up, and will be looking for Jordan Lanza who walked away with an armful of trophies at the Stanthorpe presentation evening to fire with bat and ball.
If Souths are to contain the explosive RSL batsmen, their bowlers will need to bowl accurate line and length and not give away the number of wides they did in Sunday’s game.
RSL will retain strong favoritism going in to the final, but as Valleys discovered you can never underestimate Souths.
CRICKETERS CELEBRATE SEASON
Stanthorpe and Tenterfield cricketers celebrated what has been a successful if not sometimes frustrating season on Saturday night at the annual presentation of trophies.
Sam Dowie was named player of the Year; Jordan Lanza Colt of the year and Liam Lanza Junior Colt of the Year. The Umpires Player of the Year award was Jordan Lanza who also picked up the Best batting Aggregate after scoring 448 runs for the season. Not to be outdone, his brother Liam also picked up the trophy for most wickets (21). Sandro Stefanon was named Davis Shield Rep Player of the Year and also picked up his first hat-trick. The Mitchell Shield Player of the Year was Andrew Einam.
OTHER AWARDS
Round one winner – Wanderers
Round two winner – RSL
Round three winner – RSL & Valleys tied
Round four winners – Valleys
Minor Premiership – Valleys
Most catches – wicketkeeper Andrew O’Brien
Bowling Avg – Steve Martin (3.5)
Batting Avg – Sam Dowie
The Col Aiken Trophy for Service to Cricket was presented to Mark Lanza and John Hendry for their work throughout the season on the preparation of the wickets and the ovals in what has been a tough year.
