By Jeremy Sollars
The racing public was treated to another delight when wonder mare Winx reigned supreme over her subjects in Saturday’s Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Another truly remarkable performance. Spare a thought for Hartnell who must be getting sick of counting the dapples on the mighty mare’s rump as she looms up and leaves him in her wake.
For all the joy and excitement of Winx’s win on Saturday, we were reminded of the harsh realities of horse racing shortly after. The very next event at Randwick, the Sydney Cup was declared a no race after two gallopers fell going out of the straight the first time. Racegoers gasped as Almonquith and favourite of many, Who Shot the Barman and their riders hit the turf. Sadly Almonquith had suffered a broken leg and was euthanised. Both jockeys escaped serious injury as did the popular Who Shot the Barman. While this was unfolding at Randwick, there was far more tragic news emerging from Warialda. The club was hosting its only meeting for the year when the unthinkable happened. In the third race, popular Tamworth hoop Darren Jones was involved in a three-horse fall and lost his life. Also injured in the fall were fellow riders Leanne Henry Melanie Bolwell who is in a very serious condition in the Gold Coast hospital.
Compounding the dreadful event was the news that two popular Toowoomba track work riders were seriously injured in a fall during track work on Saturday morning prior to the Weetwood Toowoomba Cup meeting. Both riders have suffered spinal injuries.
Winx gave us all such pleasure with her win – but the subsequent events and tragic news bring home to all who enjoy racing the enormity and danger of the job of jockeys in a sport which our country loves.
This Easter spare a special thought for the family of Darren Jones who is being remembered as “a typical battler from the bush“ who did good things in his sport and was a decent bloke. Also our thoughts should be with the families of the other injured riders. We hope they make good recoveries.
Please everyone stay safe if you are travelling this Easter. I hope the Easter bunny is good to you all.
– Casey
NRL TIPPING JUST GETS TOUGHER
Just when you thought the NRL teams were playing to form, the competition was again tipped upside down last weekend when the bottom-placed Tigers upset the front runner, the Cowboys. If that was not bad enough, Cowboys and Maroons supporters held their collective breaths when Johnathan Thurston was assisted from the field late in that game with what looked to be a nasty leg injury.
There was also a collective sigh of relief when Paul Green announced JT’s injury would only keep him out of the game for a couple of weeks. The star looks likely to miss the Anzac Day Test but will be back on deck for club duty in a couple of weeks and should be on board to harass the Blues again this Origin series.
Round six proved how hard it is just getting tougher to find winners in this competition and games played in torrential rain do not help.
This week I am looking for the Bunnies to continue their winning performance, after all how can you tip against the Bunnies at Easter.
The Roosters will not have things all their own way against the Knights, but should get the eggs.
The Titans cannot take a trick with a high and ever growing injury list that must be giving their coach nightmares. They will however be out to bring down big brother on Friday night, but I think it will be the Broncos enjoying a Good Friday win.
The Sea Eagles were disappointing against the Dragons last week, and they have a tough task against the Storm were defeated for the first time this season in their premiership rematch. I think Bellamy’s boys despite a couple of key outs will make amends on Saturday at Brookvale.
The Warriors are reaping the rewards of having Kieran Foran on the park putting together back-to-back wins. They face a tough road trip to GIO stadium this round to play the Raiders. Canberra too strong at home.
The Dragons have silenced all critics and sit at the top of the table which has even their fans scratching their heads. Against the Cowboys without JT this week, I think they will once again show some magic and get the chocolates.
The premiers fresh from their first win at AAMI take on the Panthers at Pepper Stadium. The Panthers welcome back their captain and his cohorts stood down last game and should be keen to bank a win for their supporters after their misdemeanours. Might upset the Sharks here.
In a rare Monday game, this season the round wraps up with the Eels and Tigers going head to head at ANZ. The eels have been woeful recently while the Tigers showed what they are capable of in Townsville last round. Despite their poor showing recently, I am going to give the eels one more chance.
– CASEY TIPS
Rabbitohs
Roosters
Broncos
Storm
Raiders
Dragons
Panthers
Eels
PUTTING WOODENBONG ON THE MAP
Teenager Remy Leonard is certainly doing his best to put his tiny home town of Woodenbong on the world map. The teenage archery whizz recently returned from the Vegas Shoot. It is one of the biggest shoots on the world archery calendar with around 3500 competitors vying for a combined prize pool of $400,000.
Leonard travelled to Atlanta to spend time with his coach, George Ryals IV, and had the opportunity to compete in the weekly league shoot where almost straight off the plane he shot 300 and finished fourth. He then travelled with the Hornets, a talented group of young archers to compete in Las Vegas.
After day one, Leonard was in 15th position and by the completion of day three he finished 12th in a field of 62shooters from around the world in the Young Adult Championship division.
Leonard’s recent results are causing people to sit up and take notice. Due to his Australian ranking, he has been invited by Archery Australia to shoot at one World Cup in Turkey and a second in Salt Lake City in June.
He has declined to attend the event in Turkey, but his family is hoping to get the talented youngster to the shoot in Salt Lake City.
The Woodenbong Progress Association is helping with fund-raising. The Leonard family will be manning the barbecue at the Woodenbong trail bike ride on 14 and 15 May. Of course, any financial support for this young man will be appreciated.
In the coming weeks, Remy and sister, Tabitha, will compete at the National Youth Championships in Victoria.
CLUB CAPTAIN SHOWS HOW
It was Stanthorpe Golf Club captain Matt Waterworth who showed the way in Saturday’s stroke event sponsored by Michael Lane. In a round that saw plenty of top scores returned, Waterworth was on fire scoring 73 off the stick for a nett score of 68 to claim a two-shot win. Wes Smith who has been in good form recently had another good round to secure the runner-up prize.
The ladies event was a close contest with two players returning nett 78 for the day. Nikki Waterworth went on to win after the countback, relegating visiting player, Wendy O’Connell from Wantima G.C. to the runners-up spot.
In the men’s event Pin shots were won by David Reeves at three, Matt Waterworth at 12 and John Spiller at 17. Alan Accurate collected the balls for his pro-pin at 1/10, but missed out on a pin shot and was beaten by his relative, More Accurate.
Matt Waterworth held 5/14 and Brendon Barker collected 9/18 and the Birdies nest was shared by Wes Smith and Brendon Barker.
The Ladies’ pin shots were claimed by Nikki Waterworth at three, Neta Thouard at 12 and Wendy O’Connell at 17.
Run downs went to nett 72 for the men and nett 79 for the ladies.
This week club member Simon Shannon is sponsoring Saturday’s single stableford. There is a time sheet on the board at the clubhouse and tee off is from 11.30 am.
STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS SUCCESS
It was certainly a big weekend on the Inglewood Sporting Shooters range. The club hosted the 2017 State Gallery Rifle Championships and is happy to report things went off with a bang.
The two-day event which drew competitors from across the country was won by the husband and wife team of Ashlea and Dave McCarthy.
During the course of the event, at least three State records were broken.
After the business of hosting the State Championships, members of the Inglewood SSAA are looking forward to a more relaxed weekend. On Saturday there will be the annual Easter Bunny Hunt. Pistol and rifle events get underway from 10am and visitors are most welcome to join the members.
On Sunday – it will be all about muzzle loading firearms.
DARLING DOWNS VETS HIT THE COURSE
There was a good field out on the Stanthorpe course on Monday as the Darling Downs Vets were well supported by local players in the mixed Stableford. Local knowledge proved an asset with several of the local players featuring in the main prizes.
Play was delayed to allow players to watch the final holes of the Augusta Masters and enjoy Sergio Garcia’s break through win. Perhaps winners Graham Tonkin and Christine Welstead drew inspiration from watching the thrilling play off. The pair scored 44 points to secure their win.
Richard Reardon and Lyn Ludlow combined to take out runner-up spot with 41 points. Mike McAuliffe and Debbie Wilmot featured in the run down. Lyle Bryant and Richard Reardon picked up prizes for their pin shots.
Thanks to all the volunteer workers on the day and to the local players and visitors who attended.
MINI CYCLONES HIT THE DISTRICT
Twenty-five budding Orienteers, the Mini Cyclones hit the Southern Downs last weekend for a training camp. The youngsters aged 10-14 attended the three-day camp on the Southern Downs and got a taste of the diversity terrain in the district.
The training courses were held in a variety of locations from the Warwick to the Granite Belt.
Among those who attended the camp were several junior members of the local club, the Bullecourt Bounders. Club spokesperson Ms Liz Bourne speaking after the event said it had been a great success with the younger brigade really enjoying the experience. “The group showed plenty of enthusiasm for the sport and had fun,” Ms Bourne said.
Experience ranged from kids who have only recently taken up the sport to some who have been competing for several years. Many of those attending the camp will be competing in the upcoming State School Orienteering Championships in July.
Simeon Burrill one of the most successful young Orienteers in the district travelled to New Zealand with his parent Phil and Marion Burrill recently. All three will compete in the Oceania Orienteering Championships. The Championships which will be held in Auckland are a three-day Ester Event.
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP DECIDED
Members of the Wallangarra Golf club relished a weekend of fine weather and ideal golfing conditions as they played a single event to complete the fourth round of the Club Championships.
Kevin Williams certainly enjoyed the conditions playing one of his best ever rounds to win the event by a hefty margin from runner-up Jamie Purcell. The Captain stakes was split between Peter Butler and Tony Murphy.
Peter Williams played the shot of the day, on the third almost acing it to win nearest the pin. Tony Murphy was on target at the ninth. Jamie Purcell and Steve Hampstead claimed the approach shots on the second and 14th holes.
With the final round of the Club Championships played, the winners of all grades were announced. Steve Hampstead won the A Grade Gross. The B Grade gross winner was Jamie Purcell and the C Grade gross winner John Green.
The B Grade nett winner was Kevin Williams and C Grade nett winner Peter Williams.
Great to see Scott Williams on the course, and he was in good form shooting a round of nett 69. Club members wish him all the best for his upcoming surgery and a speedy recovery.
This week the club will be holding an Irish 4 Ball on Saturday. The event will be sponsored by John Green. If you haven’t arranged your partners yet, you’d best hurry.
Looking forward to 22 April, the club has scheduled a single stroke event sponsored by Peter Williams. Anyone looking for a round of golf will always be made welcome by the members at the ‘Garra Golf Club.
BIG FIELD FOR BATES MEMORIAL
There was a great roll up for the annual Maureen Bates Memorial Day Golf Day on Sunday. Members of the Stanthorpe Golf club joined Sunday Sporters and plenty of visitors in a round of golf played in simply perfect Stanthorpe Autumn conditions.
Fresh from a successful season of cricket Sam Dowie partnered Steve McEvoy (better known in Football circles) to take the winner’s prize. Runners-up were Brisbane visitors David Schash and Andrew George. The run-downs went to Nikki and Matt Waterworth and Paul Byrnes and Paul Armstrong. Ian Anderson hit a sweet shot at the 12th to claim the pin shot and John Walsh was on target at the 17th.
The multi draw raffle, a tradition on the day was a great success. Special thanks to the Bates family for providing the trophies on the day. It was wonderful to see such a great turn out in memory of one Nancy Bates who was one of the great supporters of the Golf club.
A reminder that there is no Sporters this Sunday – so regulars can enjoy a lazy day chasing the Easter Bunny.
Sporters return on Sunday 23 April, but no need to set the alarm for an early start as this game is an afternoon tee off because of the Club Pennants game. Tee off is at noon.
Footnote:
Thanks to the crew who sent me off in a golf buggy last Sunday to take some pics around the back of the course. Of course, once I mastered the art of putting my foot on pedal as well as turning on the key to make the damm thing go, it was sooooo much easier than pushing it! Thanks for the driving lesson. Who said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
MIXED RESULTS
It was another weekend of mixed results for local footballers.
Warwick travelled to Oakey racked up wins in all three divisions. The A Grade side was on fire keeping the Bears scoreless as they piled on 66 unanswered points. The back line played some great football allowing Brodie Quirk to score four tries on the back of their great work. Good to see Mick Bloomfield back on the paddock after a lengthy lay off. Dylan Galloway was once again one of the best for the Cowboys.
The Bears spilt plenty of ball in the early stages of the game allowing the Cowboys to get away to a 20-nil start after 20 minutes. With no ball in the first half of the game, the Bears were forced to do the bulk of the tackling, and it showed at the back end of the game. The Cowboys have had an up and down start to the 2017 season, but made the most of their opportunities in this game and did not give the home side a sniff.
The A Grade win completed a hat-trick for the club, winning the Reserve Grade 16-8 and a close under-18 game 22-18.
A GRADE: Warwick 66 (Brodie Quirk 5, Dan Watson 2, Josh O’Brien, Paul Cantwell, Mick Bloomfield tries Dan Watson 3 goals) defeated Oakey Nil.
Great to catch the game live on radio with Terry Cook, Andrew O’Brien and others joined by George McVeigh on the commentary team of on FM 88.2. Great to have local footy back on the airwaves. Move over Continuous Call Commentary Team the local boys are coming to get you.
The picture was not as rosy for Wattles who came up against a very committed Dalby side. The Diehards are proving one of the best defensive sides in the TRL this season, and kept their impressive record intact keeping their opponents scoreless.
The half time score was 28-0 and despite a good effort in the second half the Warriors went down 64-0. Wattles had plenty of injuries and were down on personnel, but had no answers for the yet-to-be defeated Diehards.
In a man of the match performance, Dalby’s Jason Waldrop scored a double and Dylan Taylor played himself into the Clydesdales rep side after a polished display.
It capped off a dismal day for Warriors supporters after the Reserve grade went down 20-6 and the under-18s also suffered a 20-6 loss.
A GRADE: Dalby 44 ( Jason Wardrop 2, Brent Hunt, Zac Morris, Chris Wilkes, Corey Blades, Daniel Harms tries Zac Morris 8 goals) defeated Wattles 0 (tries goals)
TRL LADDER
The TRL LADDER- A Grade: Pittsworth 8, Valleys 6, Dalby 6, Warwick 4, Highfields 4 Gatton 4, Wattles 4, Souths 2, Brothers 2, Oakey 0, Goondiwindi 0,
Ladder- Reserve Grade: Wattles 6, Gatton 6, Souths 6, Highfields 5, Dalby 4, Brothers 4, Warwick 4, Valleys 3, Pittsworth 2 Goondiwindi 0, Oakey 0
Ladder – Under 18: Dalby 8, Valleys 8, Souths 6, Goondiwindi 6, South Burnett 4, Warwick 4, Highfields 4, Pittsworth 3, Gatton 2, Wattles 2. Brothers 1, Oakey 0.
WARRIORS CALLUP BUT NO COWBOYS
Despite a poor showing on the weekend, three Wattles players have been selected in the Toowoomba Clydesdales rep squad to play in the 47th Battalion Carnival in Yeppoon.
Selected are fullback Jackson Green, half Matt Duggan and forward Dale Perkins in the squad. Selectors have given Duggan who has a knee injury as much time as possible to prove his fitness.
Some Cowboys supporters were left scratching their heads after not one of their players was selected. Like many other teams, the 2016 Grand finalists have had some good and some ordinary performances in the early stages of the season. Paul Cantwell, one of the most consistent players in the league, must have been close to receiving a call up after taking on a more senior role in the team this season.
CLUDESDALE TEAM: Corey Blades (Dalby), Jackson Green (Wattles), Alex Ambia (Dalby), Billy Jackwitz (Gatton), Steve Franciscious (Dalby), Dwayne Duncan (Souths), Dylan Taylor (Dalby), Jarrod Lee (Highfields), Matt Duggan (Wattles), James Dempsey (Pittsworth), Jason Wardrop (Dalby), Rahari Peeti (Highfields), Callum Skinner (Goondiwindi), Dale Perkins (Wattles), Cameron Millar (Pittsworth), Eli Wickham (Dalby), Braydon Gibbs (Pittsworth), Ronnie David (Goondiwindi), Ricky Davis (Brothers), Jayden Motley (Highfields)
GOOD WINS FOR BUSHRANGERS
It is ironic that on the very weekend when the BRL clubs met to discuss the future of the 2017 competition, their representative side notched up their first wins at the South West Trail games for several seasons.
The Border Bushrangers stepped out in a brand new playing strip for their annual trial round robin event in Miles on Saturday and won both games.
In their first encounter, they defeated the Western Ringers 24-18 in a close game. Jamie Meddings had a great game, scoring three tries. Jamie Watts also crossed for a try. Brent Hearne kicked three goals and Joey Fry one.
In the second of their games, the Bushrangers met the more fancied Roma and District team and came away with what could be considered an upset 28-16 win. Roma has had the wood on the Bushrangers side in recent years and it was great to see the boys to get one back.
Jamie Watts led the try scoring with a double while Brandon Sauverain, Josh Drennert and Jamie Meddings all scoring. Brent Hearne added four more conversions to take his tally for the day to seven. Meddings and Watts were named joint of the Player of the Trials.
It was not surprising that the Border Bushrangers were well represented when the 2017 south West Country team was announced. Players selected were Brent Hearne, Brent Osborne, Jamie Meddings, Jamie Watts, and Brett Watts. Ian Brown while Jake Charles was named as a shadow player.
Tenterfield player Brandon Sauverin was selected in the South West under-20s team. The teams will prepare to play in the 47th battalion carnival at Yeppoon on 28 April. They will also be chasing another win in the Outback Carnival. This year Ilfracombe, the hometown of Cowboy’s enforcer Matt Scott will host the carnival on 17 June.
DECISIONS MADE ON BRL SEASON
While the Border Bushrangers tasted success in the representative arena, the clubs met on Sunday to discuss the future of the 2017 season. The Wallangarra Rams formally withdrew from the 2017 season at the meeting, unable to attract a full complement of players.
The competition will proceed with four clubs – last season’s premiers the Inglewood Roosters, the Killarney Cutters, Tenterfield Tigers and the Stanthorpe Gremlins. The Gremlins and Tigers are light on numbers but are confident they will have the numbers to be competitive on a week to week basis.
The Border Rugby League Ladies League tag competition, one of the highlights of the competition over the past three seasons, will not go ahead in 2017 after three-time premiers, Tenterfield and Stanthorpe failed in their bid to attract players this season. In an unusual twist the Wallangarra Ramettes who have been improving each season had ample players.
All clubs and the BRL officals are committed to hosting a good season of rugby league, and are calling on supporters to back the clubs as the season gets underway.
A revised draw is expected to be released in the next few days. It is hoped that there can be some new initiatives to attract club supporters to the games including double headers.
