I think all Queenslanders and rugby league fans across the board were shattered when news broke that Johnathan Thurston would require shoulder surgery thus putting an end to his representative career. Nor will we see him in a Cowboy’s jersey until next season. I think deep down we suspected this was coming, but hoped he would be afforded the fairytale finish to an illustrious representative career he so richly deserves.
He truly is an ornament to the game. No one in Thurston’s life ever told him he should give up his head gear each game, no one told it was the right thing to do to pick up the kicking tee and return it to the ball boys – he just knew it was right – in much the same way he knew it was the right thing to do by his team-mates and family and have this surgery now. As he said it means more to him to be able to pick up his kids post football than the alternative.
Perhaps, those players who were involved in the all-in brawl in the football game in Warwick should take a leaf out of this man’s book.
At a time when we are trying so hard to entice kids to play more sport, their behaviour is not the advertisement that is needed.
Last weekend there was also news of another brawl involving supporters, parents and officials of a junior rugby league game in another district. What are these people thinking? What example are they setting for the kids involved in the game? Players young and older should play sport and enjoy the game for what it is -a game.
To those players involved in the brawl in Warwick – by your actions you have brought your teams and the game into disrepute. Fortunately, this is an isolated incident in the sport football code, and I have no doubt the officials will be handing out appropriate penalties.
In the meantime, we all hope JT’s surgery is a success – they say no one is irreplaceable but it might take a generation, if ever, before we see his like in Maroon, Green and Gold or the Indigenous All Stars jersey. What is there not to love about JT- a gifted player, who has punched far above his weight for so long. Someone who has brought joy to fans young and old. A man with a strong social conscious, who uses his profile to do amazing things in his community. A sportsman who clearly has an understanding of what it means to be a true sportsman. Pity more do not follow the example he has set.
– Casey
PLAYERS TO PAY THE PRICE
Players involved in a brawl during the Warwick Wolves versus St Alban’s senior men’s football game in Warwick last Sunday could face fines or terms of suspension – or even expulsion from the 2017 competition – under Football Queensland rules.
As reported by the Free Times online earlier this week, the match referee was forced to call off the game after what has been described as an “all in brawl”, understood to have happened as the players were leaving the field at half time.
The Warwick Wolves were leading 4-1 at the time.
It has not been formally established at this point as to what triggered the brawl and which players were involved or instigated the incident.
A melee or brawl is defined under Football Queensland (FQ) rules as “misconduct” but it is understood penalties can vary depending on whether or not an incident took place on the field of play or behind the sidelines.
But those involved will potentially face stiff penalties or sanctions – including fines, suspensions and expulsions – which can be applied by FQ and also as prescribed under international FIFA standards.
Penalties can also be applied to clubs themselves.
The Free Times approached Football South West Queensland – the zone governing body – for comment on the incident earlier this week and was told the investigation had been referred to Football Queensland.
An FQ spokesmen said as the incident only occurred on Sunday, FQ “can’t offer speculation as to what led to the incident”.
“Decisions regarding disciplinary action and competition points will be made following a full investigation,” the spokesman said.
The game appears to have been listed as a “draw” on the Football South West Queensland website so there may be no allocation of points for the round.
Long-time football figures in the region have said it’s the first time they can ever recall a game being called off due to a brawl and have expressed concern about the damage done to the image of football in the region.
CASEY’S NRL ROUND 17 TIPS
Eels
Titans
Storm
Roosters
Sea Eagles
Raiders
Knights
Panthers
GOLFERS RETURN GOOD SCORES
Good scores were the highlight of the 4BBB stableford played in Stanthorpe. Bob Watts and Terry Roser returned winning scores of 50 points. Terry Roser had the better back nine of 27 points to nail the win.
Len Leigh and Greg Fraser also played well. Both had a very good front nine of 28 points, but with only 22 points on the back nine had to settle for runner-up.
Pin shots for the men went to Keith Allen at three, Len Leigh at 12 and Matt Waterworth at 17. The Ladies pin shots were won by Racheal Hendry at three, Helen Jones at 12 and Madeline Jarman had best approach at 17. Pro-pins went to Mark McCosker at 1/10, Len Leigh at 5/14 and Hayden Smith at 9/18.
The birdies nest had not been won for several weeks, but Reno Piovesan ended that run. He was not not content with a birdie but holed out from the fairway in two hits for an eagle. Well played.
Sponsors on Saturday were Mark Baker and Fiona Kelly of Granite Gardens Cottages who in addition to providing and presenting the trophies for the round put on a novel event, an accuracy drive at 5/14. Mick Radke, visiting from Watima Club won the prize with his first shot of the day in the Men’s division while Linda Kelly wrapped up the Ladies prize with an accurate drive with her second of the day.
A reminder to all members that Warwick Golf Pro Sam Eaves will have his ‘Pop-U’ golf shop on course in Stanthorpe this Saturday 1 July. If you are looking to purchase any special equipment or would like to arrange lessons, contact Sam at Warwick Golf Club to make appropriate arrangements.
Saturday the club will be holding the July monthly medal and putting competition sponsored by Mick O’Brien. In addition the annual Dale Mullins Memorial Trophy sponsored by Michael Thompson Concreting will be presented after the game. There is a time sheet on the board at the club and tee off is from 11am.
ORIENTEERS FIND THEIR WAY TO APPLETHORPE
Organisers are expecting another good roll up of Southern Downs orienteers will join enthusiasts from Toowoomba and Brisbane at the next local orienteering event being held at Applethorpe on Sunday 2 July.
Liz Bourne, Publicity officer for the local Bullecourt Boulder Bounders Club said the properties being used for the event had a good combination of lightly timbered grazing land with areas of scattered granite. These will be used for the easier courses while the more difficult courses for the more experienced Orienteers will use the more heavily timbered property with more complex granite boulders.
Ms Bourne said there would be seven courses offered to cater for all skill levels. The courses have been set by Warwick elite junior orienteer, Simeon Burrill, who recently left for Finland to compete as part of the Australian team in the Junior World Orienteering Championships. One of his sisters, Lilian, is also a multiple Australian representative at the junior level.
Newcomers are most welcome to come along to Sunday’s event. There will be instructions provided on the basic map reading and navigation skills. No special gear is required and compasses may be borrowed at the event.
Further details can be found on www.oq,asn,au/event-calendar or by contacting 4683 6374 or bbb@oq.asn.au
WALSH STARS AT SPORTERS
John Walsh was the star of the show at Sporters last Sunday in Stanthorpe notching up a good win. Runner- up Tony Steele also played well and picked up the pro pin. The run-downs went to Paul Armstrong, who also had the best gross of the day and Dick Hilton. The pin shot on the third went the way of Tony Steele. Aaron Simmers and John Rawlings did not go home empty handed – leaving with a meat tray each.
Tee off on Sunday will be at the normal time of 8am – 8.30am. Visitors are always made welcome and with the Snowflakes Festival in full swing this weekend, you can expect it to be a little cooler perhaps.
WINDY CONDITION FOR ASSOCIATION PLAYERS
Association croquet players had to overcome some windy conditions last week but the field adapted and played well. Heather Widderick and Val Fancourt went down in their first game 14-16 defeated by a determined Grace Howard. Effey Russell outscored Carol Verwey 26-21. Jenny Tunbridge and Joy Newman had a narrow loss in a tight game against Pat Schnoor and Sharyn Roser the final score 19-18, with a 8 against 19 from Pat Schnoor and Sharyn Roser.
DANES AGAIN
The Pittsworth Danes once again had the wood on the Cowboys when they met on Saturday night in Pittsworth.
Tough defence in the first half saw some dropped ball and the Cowboys were right in the mix. A Cowboys mistake on the stroke of half time handed the Danes a try to push the lead to 18-6.
Unfortunately, the Cowboys never recovered. Despite some solid attack in the second half especially from Mick Bloomfield, the Pittsworth defence was solid and Warwick found it difficult to break through. The Cowboys conceded show tries in the second half and scored a consolation try late in the second half to finish the game 30-16.
In a beaten but far from disgraced Cowboys side, Cowboys Flyer Kai Etherington was standout in his debut in A grade. A GRADE: Pittsworth 30 (Alex Kahler 2, Patrick MacDonald, Jeff Weber, Braydon Gibbs tries Alex Sinclair 5 Goals) defeated V Warwick 20 (Craig Donn Kai Etherington, Dylan Galloway tries
Pittsworth also won the Reserve Grade and Second Division games but the Cowboys Under 18s had a 44-Nil victory.
A GRADE: Pittsworth 30 (Alex Kahler 2, Patrick MacDonald, Jeff Weber, Braydon Gibbs tries Alex Sinclair 5 Goals) defeated V Warwick 20 (Craig Donn Kai Etherington, Dylan Galloway tries Dan Watson 2 goals)
This weekend the Cowboys host Souths at Fr Ranger Oval on Saturday night.
WIN FOR MURPHY
Wallangarra Golf Club played a single stroke envelope game last Saturday. The sun shone brightly throughout the game as did Tony Murphy who came out on top after a great round. Murphy finished with nett 67 to claim the win ahead of runner up Steve Hampstead. Hampstead claimed the pin at 11 and held the only approach shot won. Nearest the pin went to pin seeker Brendan McMIllian on the ninth. Jnr also won the juniors competition with one of his better scores since he has started playing. Well done.
Saturday sees the start of another new month and play will be for the July Monthly Medal and Putting sponsored by the Wallangarra Railway Cafe. The club and members welcome visitors to join them for a game every Saturday and new members are always welcome.
A reminder to all members that a meeting will be held before the game at 10am.
WINTER CONDITIONS MAKE GOING TRICKY
Gateball was played in perfect conditions on Friday, however the effects of a few recent winter frosts are being felt on the court. Players are finding the conditions a little tricky – it is more difficult to keep ball from slipping when sparking any distance as the grass begins to die off. That of course only makes for more interesting games.
Jenny Tunbridge, Grace Howard and Margaret Dickenson played the red balls in Friday’s games and scored a 13-9 win over Joy Newman, Les Williams and Sharyn Roser. John Draper took on the refereeing duties for this game. In the next game, the white team including Draper, defeated the red team who were joined by Heather Widderick 11 – 9.
The next two games were one apiece between the two teams. The final game was a close one and white required a countback to nail the win. It as an Agari that made the difference. Player of the day was Jenny Tunbridge.
On Saturday, Andrea and Les Williams were very consistent, winning two games against Sharyn Roser and Margaret Dickenson with one win.
MEN OF LEAGUE TO CELEBRATE 15 YEARS
It is difficult to believe that the Men of League Foundation is celebrating 15 years of caring for the men, women and children of the rugby league community.
Founded by Rugby League greats Jim Hall, Max Brown and Ron Coote AM, the concept for the foundation came about when Coote expressed his concerns after seeing game legend Doug McRitchie dying alone in a New South Wales South Coast hospital.
Together, the men identified a need to establish a Foundation which supports the tight-knit rugby league community.
To celebrate the 15-year anniversary, the foundation is showcasing the highlights of the past 15 years of the greatest game of all through the eyes of the honorary president and co-founder of the foundation, Ron Coote AM.
A public vote on Ron’s top 15 moments will now determine the greatest rugby league moment from the past 15 years – Through the Eyes of Ron Coote.
You can vote for your greatest moment from the past 15 years by logging on the Men of League website. Simply drag and drop your selected moment to the top, complete your details and submit. The most popular Through the Eyes of Ron Coote moment will be announced at the foundation gala dinner on Wednesday 26 July in Sydney.
If you are a rugby league fan, jump on line and cast your vote and while you are online if you are not a member why not join this fantastic self-funded organisation that cares for those who have cared for and or played the game.
Round 20 of the NRL is the annual NRL Men of League Foundation Round (21 July – 25 July).
SMALL GROUP- GOOD GAMES
Only a small group of players was available for association croquet games last week however there were still some close games and good performances.
In the first game, Justin Liddy and Elaine Brown partnered and went down 9-13 against Dianne Wren and Liz Ellway. In the second game, each of the players played two balls. Dianne Wren played to her usual standard with a winning score of nine.
TIGERS TOUGH WIN
The Tenterfield Tigers came away with two important competition points in their BRL game against the Killarney Cutters after a solid 36-20 win. It was a good away win for the Tigers players who dug in and got the job done on the back of a good defensive effort.
Captain coach Brendan Minns said during the week that renewed defensive strategies helped out push a stronger defensive structure and better communication in defence.
The Tigers crossed for eight tries with eight different players crossing the line. Different players: Faron Anderson, Geoff Swan Jnr, Alex McGrady, Malcolm Wightman, Geoff Swan Snr, Wayne Brown, Cameron Binge and Jack Wilson all scored. The number of try scorers is an indication of a good team performance.
Front Rower Floyd Oxford was named Players’ Player and had a top game in both attack and defence.
Minns himself watched the game from the sideline after succumbing to a shoulder injury, and is unlikely to line up this weekend for the Tigers home game against the Stanthorpe Gremlins.
Saturday’s win puts the Tigers in second place behind the Inglewood Roosters on the BRL ladder. This week’s game against the Gremlins will kick off at 2.30pm at Rugby League Park.
YOUNG DRIVER TAKES ON SHORT CIRCUIT
Fifteen-year-old Adam Hayne was one of a number of Tenterfield drivers who recently took part in the much-anticipated round one of the Short Circuit Motor Sport Association’s Qld NSW Sprint Challenge at Morgan Park Raceway. The event was to be run in March, however due to track resurfacing it was delayed until June but turned out to be a resounding success. Competitors from many parts of Queensland and NSW ensured some great results. For Adam Hayne, it was the culmination of many hours of preparation as he joined his father and brother for the first time on the circuit. Hayne drove a Hyundai XL, which he prepared himself and picked up third place in the Junior class under 2000cc with a time of 03:23.145.
The next round of the series will be conducted at Morgan Park on 8/9 July.
KIWIS TAKE HOME AULD MUG
Catamarans space-age wingsail controlled by something resembling an Xbox-like device.
And the Americans whined about a Winged Keel – times sure have changed since the ’80s. Bring back Australia 11 and Liberty at least they looked like boats for the uninitiated.
The Kiwis however have another special piece of silverware in their trophy cabinet.
GREMLINS IMPROVE – ROOSTERS TOO STRONG
The Stanthorpe Gremlins faced a tough assignment last weekend when they hosted the competition leaders the Inglewood Roosters. The home side went down 48-26 but were far from disgraced.
The Roosters led 18-12 at half time and the Gremlins were within striking range, but the visitors proved too strong in the second half. The young Gremlins side remain competitive and are improving with every game which is all that their supporters ask of them as the club goes through a difficult rebuilding phase. Gremlins try scorers were Michael Marini, Nicolas Marsh and Nathan Brannigan. Stephen Savio was named Gremlin’s Players Player.
Unfortunately Gremlins captain coach Gary Skimmings picked up a shoulder injury during the game. Skimmings was one of a number of Gremlins who came out of the game with injuries.
This week the Gremlins play an away game when they take on the Tenterfield Tigers.
SLICK SOUTHS TOO GOOD
Souths Tigers ignited their chances to play finals football this season with a win over a strong Wattles at Clive Berghofer. Wattles were their own worst enemy as their game plan strayed. They made good yards up the middle, but failed to capitalise.
Early in the second half, Wattles squared the game at 16-all but the Tigers completion rate in the second half put them over the line to grab the two premiership points.
Souths also won both Reserve Grade (18-16) and Under 18s (82-6)
Matt Duggan fresh from rep duties with the Qld Rangers side returns for Wattles this week when they host Pittsworth.
A GRADE: Souths 36 (Dylan Collins 3, Jesse De Veth, Dwayne Duncan, Clayton Flute, Luke Nolan, Jacob Whittaker tries Luke Nolan 4 goals) defeated Wattles 22 (Jarred Bradfield, Ryan Duggan, Ty Gardner,
