What an amazing record Raffa Nadal set earlier in the week winning his 10th title at Roland Garros. Surely a record that is unlikely to be broken. I doubt there has ever been a player who has dominated a surface the way Nadal does this clay court, and it is not as though he has had to overcome bunnies on his way to the record.
As we have come to expect he dazzled as he raced away with the match and the title leaving many of the legends of the game stunned and in awe.
In 2017, Nadal had to do the one thing he has not faced before in the French Open and that is play a previous winner in the final. Stan Wawrinka must be counting himself lucky that Nadal was forced out of the Open in 2016 due to an injury when he won the title.
The court and the French Open belong to Nadal but post-game he was the humble winner we have all come to appreciate. Wonder if that brat Kyrios was watching. After once again embarrassing our country during this tournament you have to wonder how many more chances Tennis Australia are going to give him. More than the Aussie public that is for sure. Thankfully there is another Aussie youngster in the wings showing immense promise. Alex Popyrin became the first Australian to win the junior title at Roland Garros. Couple of Aussie greats who have won this title are none other than Rosewall and Newcombe. Hope he can follow in their footsteps on and off the court.
Perhaps in the not too distant future, we will be talking more about Popyrin’s talent and less about unacceptable behaviour of Kyrios.
In this particular week, the less said about the Australian cricketers and the Saudi footballers the better.
– Casey
MARYVALE HOLD BOURKE COOPER CUP
Conditions were perfect for last Saturday’s annual Cooper XI Maryvale game played at Maryvale. The Maryvale team secured back-to-back wins in the annual match with a good win over the visitors who were without the support of their mentor Lew Cooper. Cooper who recently celebrated his 80th birthday suffered a mild stroke earlier in the month and although he is recovering well has been hobbled by the doctors and given orders of bed rest.
His lieutenants did a great job in his absence and although he possibly does not believe it, the game went off without a hitch. The only problem for his side was that they could not take home the trophy.
Captain of the visiting XI, and former Queensland player Mark Gaskell said after the game it had been an extremely enjoyable game played in great spirit. He was also impressed with the quality of cricket from the younger players in both sides.
It was a case of here a Bourke there a Bourke everywhere a Bourke as fathers, brothers, uncles and cousins made up the bulk of the Maryvale side. However, it was Jason Steketee who got the home side off to a flyer, cracking 40 runs in just 20 balls before he was forced to retire. Steketee found the boundary on four occasions and sent his opponents searching for the ball after some big sixes. Mick Bourke was also seeing the ball well, another forced to retire when he reached the mandatory 40 runs as did Scott McLennan. It was no surprise that Steketee was named Player of the Match for the Maryvale side.
Heading the scoring for the Cooper XI was former Queensland under 21 captain and Qld Country player Steve Baker. Baker, who opened the innings with Lee Watts, also hit a quick fire 40 and retired as did his batting partner who again made the trip from Bowen to play in the match. Baker also kept wickets for most of the visitors’ innings, and had Neil Vickers stumped off the bowling of Tom Watts. He was the visitors’ Player of the Match.
Baker is currently the cricket coach at the Southport School and enlisted a couple of the school’s first XI for the game.
The Cooper XI batted first and set the Maryvale side a gettable target of 218 to win from their 45 overs.
In a strong batting performance, Maryvale prevailed and won the game by three wickets.
Gaskell vowed after the game that the visitors would return next year in the hope of wresting the trophy from the hands of Kevin Bourke and Co.
MAROONS BACK ON TRACK
Queensland selectors have made some tough but necessary selection decisions for Origin Two after a lack lustre performance in the opening game. Maroon supporters will be looking for a vastly improved performance after dining on Blue humble pie for a couple of weeks. Bit sad to see Sam Thaiday miss out on his 30th appearance for the Maroons, but the prospect of Coen Hess in Maroon is equally as exciting. Hopefully the Maroons are back on track.
The bolter from the Storm, Tim Glasby has created his own Storm and his selection has all the hallmarks of a similar shock selection when Ian Healy was named Aussie wicket keeper. Queenslanders will be hoping the Toowoomba-born Rockhampton raised Glasby is as successful.
What has surprised some was the announcement that the side will be slumming it at the Crown Casino in the week leading up to the game. Good luck with that Laurie.
Of course before we get to the main course, Origin II we have the NRL split round to contend with after more upsets in round 14.
The Bunnies kick us off on Friday night and that looked menacing against the Broncos last week. They are sure to start favourites against the Titans who are in total disarray ravaged by injury. Titans coach Neil Henry must be wondering what he has ever done to deserve such bad karma.
A rare win in 2017 coming the way of the bunny hutch I think.
The Storm and Cowboys go head to head at AAMI Park and although both sides have plenty of players on Origin duty, I think this one might go the way of the Cowboys who possibly have the least disruptions.
The Sharks should be too strong for the Tigers at Shark Park on Saturday night. The split round wraps up with another tough game for tipsters when the Eels and Dragons go head to head at ANZ on Sunday. Who saw the Dragons defeat coming last week – not this tipster? I expected a bolder showing from the Doggies but the Dragons were well off the boil as the score line showed.
The Eels were simply outclassed by a JT masterclass in Darwin.
But I think they will make amends here.
Up the mighty maroon next Wednesday night.
JUNIOR SHOWS THE WAY
Young Stanthorpe golfer Billy Webb has been in good form recently and last weekend scored an impressive nett 63 to win the Stanthorpe Club’s Single Stroke event.
Webb went out in 46 on the back nine and came home in 42 for a gross of 88. It was the talented junior’s best ever score for a full round of 18 holes. Darryl Boekholt led the rest with nett 68 claiming the runner-up spot.
It was a day for players to produce personal bests – Nikki Waterworth returned nett 69 after a round of 98 – one shot better than her previous best and good enough to take out the Ladies event with Kay Webb collecting the prize for runner-up with a score of nett 73.
In addition to the PB performances of the winners, there was another notable ‘best’ during the round. Hayden Smith shot eagle at the par 4 four, eighth hole. Not sure what club he used for his second shot, but it finished in the hole for a two.
The day was sponsored by Keith and Helen Jones and Keith presented the trophies.
Michael Thompson came close to clearing all pin shots. Only one stayed with him, claiming the third. Matt Waterworth collected 12 and Hayden Smith collected at 17. Nikki Waterworth held the ladies’ pin at 12 and Neta Thouard had best ladies approach at 17.
Len Leigh took the pro-pin at 1/10, Darryl Boekholt at 5/14 and Matt Waterworth at 9/18.
The Men’s run down went to nett 72 and better and ladies run down to 74 and better.
The draw for the Captain’s Match play has been released and has been posted on the notice board at the club. Those players who have nominated should check the board and arrange a time to play the match within the time designated.
The club has scheduled another single stableford event this Saturday which will be sponsored by
Tom Fittock and Tric Fittock. Play is also for the Finch Cup and there is a time sheet in the usual place on the board at the clubhouse.
CONDITIONS NO DAMPENER
Overcast conditions on Sunday did little to dampen the powder or the enthusiasm of the competitors at the SSAA Inglewood range.
The Inglewood club held Single Action events at one end of the range and rimfire at the other.
Iain Bowen was on song in the Single Action shoot out, scoring Peter Solomon and Tom Donald to win the event.
Richard White defeated Monika White and Ross Jackson in the Bowfly Rimfire event. In the Standard 50 metre Rimfire, Monika White reversed the placings to defeat Richard White with Ross Jackson again taking out the minor placing.
This Sunday there is another single action event in addition to muzzle loading and centre fire.
CLOSE CALLS AT GATEBALL
Friday’s gateball games were in the main tightly contested. Eight players split into Red and White Teams for the day’s play. Andrea Denkewitz, Pat Schnoor, John Draper and Effey Russell made up the Red Team and their opponents were the White Team of Margaret Dickenson, Sharyn Roser, Grace Howard and Heather Widderick. Players on each team took turns in playing two balls.
It was the Red Team that was most successful winning three of the four games played. The White team were off to a winning start taking out the first game 13-10. Les Williams joined the Red team after game one and the team went on to win the next two games 12-10; 12-8. In the final game, the White team had trouble getting a ball through the first gate the Red team skipped away to an early lead which their opponents could not claw back. The final score 16-7. There was some good accurate shooting by a numbers of players including Pat Schnoor, Sharyn Roser, Les Williams and Andrea Denkewitz.
ENTERTAINING GAMES DESPITE LOW NUMBERS
It seems that some of the golf croquet players are either escaping the cold conditions or have other commitments recently and numbers have been down slightly. Regular player Val Fancourt is off on an extended overseas trip, and will be missing in action for some time.
Two groups played doubles last week, with one player in one group set with two balls.
Teresa Pyne and her partner Val Fancourt played the consistent team of Sharyn Roser and Bev Sullivan. Although Payne had the top score of the day (eight hoops) she and her partner were beaten 13-11.
Playing with two balls, Judy Lock took on Liz Ellway and Elaine Brown and played very well for a 13 – 9 win.
After the break, the group played a social triples game. Sharyn Roser, Elaine Brown and Judy Lock had a 7-5 win.
Elaine Brown and Sharyn Roser wrapped up the day’s play with a singles game. They called a finish with the score 5-all.
GREAT GOFLING WEEKEND: GREAT CAUSE
Wallangarra Golf Club wrapped up two big days of golf on Sunday with play in the Annual Two Ball Ambrose event – the Breast Cancer Charity Day. Despite the not so great conditions, a great field turning out for the popular annual event including visiting players from Stanthorpe and a few non – golfers. A great day was had by all and it was all for a great cause.
The Gross winners went to the local duo of Jamie Purcell and Kevin Williams with 70 hits. Nett winners were Simon Avery and Steve Hampstead on 62 1/4. Nett runner-up was the team of Tony Murphy and Brad Grogan on 65.
Only the one pin shot went off, and that went to Neta Thouard who put all the males to shame on the ninth with a shot Neta and then she sunk the birdie putt.
The Accuracy drive for the women was won by the on song Lynette Ludlow while John Green won the men’s.
Jamie Purcell won the all-important ‘Best Dressed’ (thanks to his partner Jess) while the raffle winners were Eric McLean and Tom Fittock.
Special thanks to the Wallangarra Store and the Wallangarra Football Club for their sponsorship.
Wendy Williams put in endless hours preparing an amazing lunch for everyone while Jess Reibelt and Jade Williams helped out during the course of the day and George took on the barbecue duties. Without their help, the day would not be a success and the club and players express their sincere thanks.
Club players warmed up for the big Sunday game with a Single Stableford on Saturday. Steve Hampstead scored 39 points to win the round. John Green was next best with 35 points and claimed the runners-up spot.
This Saturday is Patron’s Day and a single stableford has been scheduled we will be playing a single stableford (patrons day). Hope to see you all there again
BIG DAY FOR COWBOYS
At about the midpoint in the TRL competition, Saturday’s local derby between the Warwick Cowboys and Wattles Warriors at Fr Ranger Oval was an important game for both sides who were level pegging on 10 points on the ladder heading into the round.
As expected, the game was a thrilling but tough encounter. At the half-time break three tries put the Cowboys ahead 18-6. The game however was far from over and in the second half, the Matt Duggan led Warriors staged a fight back.
Two tries in the second half from Ty Gardner and two Duggan conversions had the scores locked up at 18-all. Supporters from both sides in the big crowd were on the edge of their seats before a great individual try from Josh Cruice broke the deadlock with 15 minutes left in the game. The reliable boot of winger Dan Watson clinched the conversion and gave the Cowboys a 24-18 lead.
Wattles were not done with and had several chances only to see key passes go to ground. As the clock ticked down towards full time, a Duggan pass to Gardner stuck and he was over to wrap a hat-trick for the game. Duggan had a sideline conversion to again lock up the game, but with seconds on the clock, the conversion was unsuccessful, and from the kick off the Cowboys took the ball dead to clinch an important win. The final score 24-22.
Both coaches were pleased with the efforts of their teams. The Cowboys now standalone on in fifth spot on the TRL ladder with 12 points.
The win wrapped a big day for the Cowboys Club who hosted Junior games in the morning and a popular ladies day function during the afternoon and evening.
Cowboys back rower David Hallman notched up game number 300 and was given the honour of leading the Reserve Grade team on to the paddock. The Reserve Grade made it a memorable occasion for Hallman with a 32-16 win. Hallman himself marked the occasion by scoring a try and showing his versatility by kicking three conversions in the game.
The Cowboys club marked Hallman’s milestone with a presentation to the ever reliable player of a framed 2009 Reserve grade premiership winning jersey and montage of photos.
In the other game played earlier on Saturday, the under-18s outclassed their opposition 84-nil.
The TRL breaks this weekend for the Madsen Rasmussen round. The only local team playing this weekend is the Cowboys Second Division side who play Gatton Hawks in the President’s Cup. Results:
A GRADE: Warwick 24 (Craig Donn, Morgan Taylor, Abraham Vakai, Josh Cruice tries Dan Watson 4 goals) defeated V Wattles 22 (Ty Gardner 3, Matthew McCarthy tries Matt Duggan 3 goals)
RESERVE GRADE: Warwick 32 d Wattles 16
UNDER 18: Warwick 84 d Wattles 0
TRL LADDER-
A Grade : Dalby 20, Valleys 16, Pittsworth 14, Highfields 14, Warwick 12, Wattles 10, Gatton 10, Souths 6, Brothers 4,Oakey 2, Goondiwindi 2,
Reserve Grade: Gatton 18, Dalby 16, Valleys 13, Highfields 13, Wattles 10, Brothers 10, Souths 10, Warwick 10, Pittsworth 6 Goondiwindi 2, Oakey 2
Under 18: Dalby 20, Souths 18, Warwick 17, Valleys 16, South Burnett 15, Highfields 12, Goondiwindi 12, Gatton 10, Brothers 5, Pittsworth 5, Wattles 2. Oakey 0,
Second Division: Gatton 10, Warwick 8, Pittsworth 6, Dalby 4, Brothers 2, Valleys 0
FUNDING NEWS FOR LOCAL RACE CLUBS
As the Warwick Turf Club prepares for this weekend’s Killarney Cup meeting, officials have been buoyed by the announcement in the Qld State Budget more than $1million worth of infrastructure grants have been allocated to 29 Darling Downs Racing clubs. The Warwick Turf Club is set to receive $36,000 while Stanthorpe Jockey Club will receive $15,400 and Clifton Race Club $5400 for welfare equipment and towers. Further afield Goondiwindi is set to receive over $60,000.
Racing Minister Grace Grace said the funding would result in upgraded facilities and new infrastructure throughout the region.
The Warwick Turf Club has been the beneficiary of additional meetings due to the flood damage at the Beaudesert race track, and with racing at Eagle Farm headquarters iced until the track issues are resolved, there could be more meetings on the horizon.
This weekend Allman Park will host its fourth meeting in five weeks and the course proper is holding up well to the additional racing.
The club has received over 100 nominations for the five-race card. The main race the Killarney Cup has drawn a strong field of 13 nominations including several last start winners. Oakey galloper I’m No Ruby was a winner on the track back on 6 June in a Benchmark 58 race and has shown a liking for the Warwick track with two wins here.
Toowoomba trainer Jason Judge has nominated Jai’s Luck for the event and followed a recent win in Toowoomba with a third placing to Had Me at Hello at the recent Warwick mid-week meeting.
Another Toowoomba galloper with good form coming into the race is Scrap Copper who is a last start winner at Casino. Beaudesert-trained Boomi Dazzler is another winner at his last start in Toowoomba. On paper this already looks like a great race.
Officials will be keeping a close eye on weather conditions as the week progresses with a big crowd expected for the meeting.
ROOSTERS TOP OF THE TABLE
Two BRL games were played last weekend, and it was the Roosters and Cutters who nailed the points.
The Tenterfield Tigers have been in winning form, but came up against a pretty hot Inglewood side and were beaten 46-14. Geoff Swan Jnr played in his first senior rugby league game and following in his father’s footsteps had a great game for the Tigers. The youngster took on the line on plenty of occasions and came up with some try saving tackles. Expect to hear more of young Swan in the future.
Lock Andrew Gormely also played well in a beaten side. The Roosters have moved to the head of the BRL ladder on the back of the win.
At Charlie Andrews Oval, Killarney were too strong for a vastly improved Gremlins side. Killarneys were too experienced for the Gremlins who were the most competitive; they have been all season going down 20-16. In a pleasing sign for supporters, the Gremlins have recruited some additional players and the mood in the club is far more positive. Brett Watts was back for the Cutters and had a big impact on the result. He was named Killarney Players Player.
This weekend there are no BRL fixtures with Cutter’s Brett and Jamie Watts Ian Brown and Inglewood players Brent Osborne and Brent Hearne in the South West side which will play in the annual Outback Carnival at Ilfracombe.
The South West Country side holds the title and will be looking to retain their unbeaten record.
The Cutters Jacob Polzin and Rooster’s Brendan Sauverain have both been selected to play in the South West under-20s side in the Carnival.
CASEY’S TIPS
Rabbitohs
Cowboys
Sharks
Eels
Queensland
