The late and high shot that felled Billy Slater and the fallout from the “no send-off“ that followed has dominated sporting headlines and commentary this week. Former players and referees and wiser men than I have all had their say. Almost to a person they are calling for an improved performance from the men with the whistle who seem to have lost the courage of their convictions. What has become more and more apparent is that former players, referees and fans would like to see a return to the days where referees actually refereed the rules of the game as they are written. A return to the time when the man with the whistle was the preeminent decision maker not those in the bunker. Surely that is why they have that whistle. Begs the question is Tony Archer’s position on shaky ground following this latest brouhaha.
Quote of the week I thought came from one of the quickest wits in sport and commentary, Kerry “Skull” O’Keefe who quipped-“The best thing to come out of the bunker all week was Jordan Spieth”. Funny and true after Spieth’s miraculous recovery to win the British Open.
While “that hit” has been the centre of attention, there have been a couple of other spectacular events including the Spieth’s win. Tour de France winner, Brit, Chris Froome, claimed his fourth win in the iconic event, however, it was the English women’s cricket team stealing the headlines after their upset win at the World Cup final at Lords which is being dubbed a major milestone in women’s cricket.
Australian cycling enthusiasts and lovers of the Tour de France finally had something to cheer about as Michael Matthews took the Green Sprinters Jersey hopefully inspiring another golden age of Aussie Sprinters.
And the cricket fiasco well that just rolls on with the two warring parties still unable to reach a compromise. Starting to become ridiculous now children. The broadcasters, the sponsors and even the pollies are starting to make noises. And let’s not forget the fans – in particular – this fan who is anxiously sitting on tickets to Brisbane and Adelaide and hoping to be looking at something more than churches in Adelaide. Sort it gentlemen.
– Casey
WINNING ROUND FOR MAGUERI
A field of 40 keen golfers took to the course on Saturday morning in the Stanthorpe Plaza Meats Single Stroke competition last Saturday.
While some players found the course quite challenging, the winner of the Men’s competition Angelo Maugeri had very few problems. Maugeri carded a stunning 69 in his winning round. Hot on Maugeri’s heels was runner-up Graman Tonkin.
Neta Thouard won the Ladies competition with a nett 75 after a very good back nine. Runner-up in the Ladies contest was Nikki Rossow who outscored Madeline Jarman on a countback.
This week, the club is hosting the popular Club President’s Day. A 4BBB Medley Stableford competition so get your playing partners together for the shotgun start at 11.45am. There is a timesheet on the notice board for this event.
Warwick Golf Pro Sam Eaves is bringing his mobile pro shop to the club this Saturday. If you are chasing any special items or would like to book some coaching lessons, contact Sam on 4661 3664.
DOWN TO BUSINESS IN NRL
We are down to the business end of the NRL fixtures and the result of every game now counts for teams and tipsters.
Round 20 saw most games go to script, however the biggest upset was the performance of Manly against the Dragons. That had plenty of tipsters and experts scratching their heads while the coaching careers of a few NRL big names appear to be on the line if the rumour mill is to be believed.
This week Bulldogs fans will be hoping it is not another repeat performance of their team unravelling as they take on the Panthers at Pepper Stadium. Hard to go against the Panthers who accounted for the Titans in a close encounter last outing. It seems apparent that there is much unrest in the Doggies kennel.
Friday night the Broncos and Eels go head to head at ANZ. The Broncos will be looking to grab another two points here but will not be able to take the foot off the accelerator against the unpredictable Eels. Boyd is almost assured to take his place and will be a key “in” for the Brisbane in what should be a great game.
The Sharks head across the ditch to Mt Smart Stadium and should come away with the points. Hard to have the Warriors without Shaun Johnson in the side.
The Dragons upset the Eagles last round and are expected to account for the Knights if they keep their mind on the job at hand.
The clash between the Roosters and Cowboys is shaping as one of the clashes of the round. The Cowboys have been in good form and have found a new confidence without JT. The Roosters are still dabbling with premiership favouritism behind Melbourne and although it has created friction in the household, I am leaning towards the Roosters.
Ricky’s Raiders should surely account for the hapless Bunnies in the remaining Saturday game. The Raiders will be without suspended Sia Soliola while big Sam Burgess is a key out for the Bunnies. A win here might put a smile back on Ricky’s face.
On Sunday, Melbourne should bank another tradesman like win over the Sea Eagles despite Billy Slater being unavailable apparently still seeing stars as a result of “that hit”.
Manly have plenty of questions to answer after being thrashed by the Dragons, and must surely play better here – doubt even their best would be good enough, however.
The round comes to a close with the Titans and Tigers in action at CBUS. The Tigers performed much better against the Eels last week with several players stepping up to answer their critics, however I favour the Titans at home.
CASEY’S TIPS
PANTHERS
BRONCOS
SHARKS
DRAGONS
RAIDERS
ROOSTERS
STORM
TITANS
BUSY WEEK ON THE TANNY GREENS
Tannymorel Bowlers have been kept on the ball with a busy schedule in the past week. There was a great turn out for the Monthly Triples competition at Tannymorel Bowls club on Thursday. It was a great day with the greens playing very well and an afternoon of very close competition for the most part. The boys from Southern Cross, Prickles, Geoff Davies and Clarke (Paint Brush) Davidson finished with bragging rights – winners on the day. They had a 14-9 win over Marg Martin Yvonne Campbell and Wendy Nerney.
Local lads Matt Shepherd Pete Gynther and Mick O’Leary had to settle for the runners-up spot after a win over the Summit visitors.
In other results, P. Supelt, Gene Rapp and Ed Welsh played well defeating Julie and Al Buse and Fran Clam 19-9.
In a close game, Di Welsh Sue Butz and playing partner Geoff Creighton had a two point win over Barb Cross, Gazza Penn and Greg Cross. Final score 12-10.
Summit visitors Ray Spiller Phil Davis and Zel Zamprogno also had a 12-10 win over Brian Walsh Gary Famer and Myrtle Wagner.
Tom Senniger, Phil Wagner and Max Holder also had a win over Gordie Assay Les Clarke and TB – scores 13-7.
In the second round (Skip’s only), winners were Zel Zamprogno, Ron P, Greg Cross, Wendy Nerney, Mick O’Leary, Ed Welsh and Di Welsh. Clarke Davidson set up a win for his partners with a 20-3 win over Myrtle Wagner.
Round four of the Tanny Classic was decided on Saturday after a great afternoon of quality play. At the end of the round, Pedro Collis leads the field on 17 points but he is just one point ahead of Matty shepherd. Mick O’Leary and Don Clouten are sitting on 12 points. Sue Butz Lyn Coleman and Allen Buse each share 11 points and behind them is a flock of hopefuls on 10 points. Looks like this Tanny Classic will go right down to the wire.
Last week’s results saw a win for Levi Rabbit Matty Shepherd and Thommo. Plenty of chatter to say Thommo was fortunate to have two such outstanding partners because he was hopeless. The trio had a 25-8 win over Joel Farmer Di Walsh and Mick O’Leary.
The afternoon’s runners-up were Lyn Coleman Sue Butz and Peter Collis. Julie Buse Geoff Farmer and Koala grabbed a win in a close game against Quinton Colem Gazza Penn and Darren Rabbitt.
Ash Coleman Brian Walsh and TB also had a good win over Allen Buse Don Clouten and Pete Gynther (16-8).
Good to see junior bowlers, Levi Mason and Joel playing in the Tanny classic and showing how it is done. Next round of the Classic this Saturday.
SHOOTERS ENJOY XMAS IN JULY
You should not really expect much more than cold conditions for a Xmas in July Shoot and the weather did not let members of the Inglewood Sporting Shooters down. A good roll up of keen shooters defied the cold conditions for the shoot last Sunday.
Stephanie Dudgeon was too strong in Stage One – Handgun. Stephanie outscored Monika While and Ray Dudgeon.
In Stage Two the Rifle shoot Ray dudgeon came to the fore with a win over Richard While and Glenn Small.
The winning team was decided after a lucky draw and honours went to Stephanie Dudgeon and Monika White.
Congratulations to all the competitors. It was a tough but enjoyable day of competition.
The competition was followed by the club’s AGM and members are looking forward to big things in the coming year – watch this space.
The new club year gets underway this week with a scheduled working bee and lunch. Bring your enthusiasm, lunch and don’t forget to include a hand gun to take on some targets after the work stuff is done and dusted.
GOOD PERFORMANCES DESPITE COLD CONDITIONS
A group of eight players braved very cold conditions to play golf croquet last week.
The conditions were no deterrent to Dianne Wren who had an excellent performance in both the games played. Wren top scored in both games, scoring 10 hoops in game one and seven in game two. She and playing partner Elaine Brown had a 13 -8 win over opponents Shirley Page and Sharyn Roser in the early game. In the second game, Wren partnered with Liz Ellway for a 13-8 win over Marian Castles and Shirley Page. Justin Liddy also played well, nailing seven hoops in each of his games. Liddy and Judy Lock had a 13-8 win over Marian Castles and Liz Ellway. After the break, Liddy and Sharyn Roser teamed for a 12-7 win over Judy Lock and Elaine Brown. Sharyn Roser was another player in good form, scoring six hoops in game one. Her performance included a hoop in one and a score of seven in her second game.
TRL RUN TO THE FINALS HEATS UP
The run to the TRL finals heats up this weekend with the Cowboys and Wattles both coming off last round byes. After last weekend Valleys have shot to favouritism for the 2017 premiership after a comprehensive win over Souths.
Pittsworth gave their chances a boost with a timely return to form, defeating the Oakey Breas. Highfields cemented their spot in the top four with a tight win over Dalby.
Wattles are currently sitting on16 points along with Gatton and the Cowboys and Pittsworth level pegging on 14 points.
It is do-or-die time for the two Southern Downs sides with just two rounds remaining. In must-win situations, the Cowboys have a big task ahead when they take on Valleys. Things do not get much easier for Wattles who will travel to Highfields.
FROST NOT AN ISSUE
There was still a little frost on the ground when gateball players hit the court on Friday morning, but it did not faze the playing group. The Red team played with three players (Heather Widderick, Andrea Denkewitz (captain) and Sharyn Roser) while White fielded a team of four (Grace Howard, Margaret Dickenson, John Draper and
Jenny Tunbridge) because of the uneven numbers.
Game One went the way of the White team with a 13-7 scoreline. The Red team had a better performance in game two, but went down 12-10. John Draper played some good shots to the line in this game to help his team to the win.
Games after the break were very close. The Red team had a 9-8 win in game three, and the final game finished in an 11-all draw. The honours eventually went to the Red team in this game, winning on a countback. They had one more three point score than their opponents.
On Saturday afternoon after a short working bee, Sharyn Roser, Andrea Denkewitz and Margaret Dickenson played three games.
In game one, Andrea played White against Sharyn and Margaret (Red). Red had a runaway win19-10 win.
In the second game, Sharyn Roser took the White balls against Andrea Denkewitz and Margaret Dickenson and played very well. Red had early control of the game however Roser hit a great long shot to pass the second gate and went on to spark the Red balls off the court went on to a 12-9 win.
In the final match of the afternoon, Margaret Dickenson played the White against her opposition. Dickenson gained early control of the game and went on to win, 13 – 8, scoring two agari’s (worth five points each) on her way to the victory.
TIGERS CELEBRATE AUB’S DAY WITH WIN
The Tenterfield Tigers continue to cling to their one-point lead at the head of the BRL Ladder after a comprehensive 58-12 win over Stanthorpe last weekend.
In the first of the BRL’s double header round, a big crowd turned out at Rugby League Park in chilly conditions to support the home side and help celebrate the Tigers annual Aub’s Day. The result went to script as an improved defensive effort from the Tigers kept the Visiting Gremlins scoreless for the entire first half of the game.
The Tigers looked spar and only a couple of lapses late in the second half allowed the Gremlins the opportunity to score.
It was a good team effort and solid work by the forwards created plenty of room for the Tiger’s backline which looked slick. The Tigers crossed for 11 tries with Faron Anderson having a day out scoring four. Mal Whightman grabbed a double while Adam Clothier (Player of the match) Jac Wilson Bruce Binge, Wayne Brown and Alex McGrady all got across the try line. Captain coach Brendan Minns who returned to the paddock after a couple of weeks out with injury landed seven conversions in what was an emphatic win.
SHOOTING FOR THE STARS
Following his overseas success earlier in the year, teenage archer Remy Leonard and his sister Tabitha recently competed in the national Youth Archery Championships. The multi-day event was held in Morwell outside Melbourne.
Remy picked up silver medals in the opening event the Clout followed by the Field Shoot. The Clout is shot over a longer distance than usual. The target a series of pegs laid out on the ground. The Field Shoot sees the archers traipsing through the bush shooting at a number of different-sized circular targets. He collected a gold medal in his division for the next discipline the Target Event while his sister Tabitha placed third in her division.
The final event in the NYAC was a Short Range event. 50m for Remy’s division and 30m for Tabitha’s group.
Remy collected his second gold for the week in this event. Not to be outdone, his sister also had a good day. Against some stiff opposition, she tied for first position and after a countback was declared the winner. Double gold for the siblings a great result to wrap up the Youth championships.
Remy went on to shoot in the Team Match play, placing fourth and in the Individual Match play missed out on the gold medal by just five points, but was happy to be taking home another silver medal in a successful week of competition.
In late June, Leonard and three other Australian archers competed in the third stage of the Hyundai Archery World Cup.
These are open events which means there are no youth divisions so the Woodenbong youngster was shooting against some of the world’s best male compound shooters, including world number one Stephan Hansen. Remy Leonard was the youngest competitor in the men’s open compound division. In the ranking round, Remy ranked 54 on the day.
In Day two matches, he won his first match defeating young Canadian archer, Tristan Moran, before heading into Round two against Frenchman, Fabien Delobelle, (ranked 11). Leonard pushed the older and more experienced archer all the way, and in the end was beaten by only three points. The result ended his advancement in the individual competition, but the team’s event was still to come.
Going into the team competition the Australian trio were ranked 14 and in their first outing, and were pitted against the team from Denmark who were ranked No 3. World No 1 Stephen Hansen was a member of the team.
In somewhat of an upset, the Australians defeated Denmark to secure a quarter final match against El Salvador. In a very tight contest which led to a one-arrow shoot off, El Salvador tipped out the Aussies.
It was a remarkable opportunity for this young man from Woodenbong who shows extraordinary talent. While it exposed Remy Leonard to a new level of competition – it also revealed his skill and dedication to others on the world stage.
The youngster would like to thank his parents and family and anyone who has helped him continue his world archery dreams. Remy has a GoFundMe page for those wishing to help. Any assistance is always very much appreciated. You can follow Remy on Facebook and Instagram. He has a bright future.
ROSEY FINISH FOR TERRY
Another dedicated group of Sunday Sporters braved some icey conditions to hit the course in Stanthorpe on Sunday morning. Terry Roser came out on top with a winning performance. Ray Thorn finished runner-up, while the run downs went to Bob Watts and Terry Byrnes. The Best gross score of the day was carded by Wayne Little. Stuart Rayner snapped up the pin shot at the third and Ian Anderson picked up the pro pin. Angelo Maugeri fresh from a win in Saturday’s club competition snuck home with a meat tray. The other tray left the building in the company of Terry Byrnes. If you are keen to see what a frosty Sunday morning looks like on the Stanthorpe Golf Course you can join the Sporter’s crew for tee off on Sunday between 8am and 8.30am.
MORE THAN JUST A WIN
The Redbacks had plenty to play for last weekend and notched up a decisive 17.15 (117) to 6.5 (41) victory over the Dalby Swans.
The win sees the Redbacks sitting at the head of the leader board ahead of the second-placed Swans with only a few fixture rounds remaining. The win should provide the Warwick side with plenty of confidence heading into the finals.
However, Saturday’s game was about much more than just competition points – it was a millstone game for one of the Redbacks favourites, Shane Walker who played game no 50 for the club. No mean achievement for this young man who has mild cerebral palsy. In another great achievement, Walker has been named to represent Queensland in the Inclusion Games on the Gold coast which commenced on Monday.
Teams from across Australia are currently competing in the 2017 AFL National Inclusion Carnival which commenced on Monday.
The carnival brings together footballers with an intellectual disability from across the country to take part in a round-robin carnival between teams from Northern Territory, NSW/ACT, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria Country, Victoria Metro, and Western Australia.
Participants will also undergo education sessions with the Gold Coast SUNS, deliver football clinics to students at Special Schools and attend an AFL match at Metricon Stadium. The finals will be played on Saturday 29 July at Ord Minnett Oval in Broadbeach.
LOCAL LEAGUES GET BEHIND “RIZEUP”
This weekend junior and senior rugby league clubs across the Warwick and District and Border Rugby League will join the fight against domestic violence when they get behind the charity “Rizeup.”
This will be the second year that the QRL Central Division, Local Leagues and Clubs have supported the charity which is committed to breaking the cycle of domestic violence.
QRL Operations manager, Michael Jensen, is helping to co-ordinate the round. He said: “The Rizeup Charity provides real practical assistance to victims of domestic violence by helping to furnish and fill a home with basic essential items that families need when moving into a bare home.”
Clubs are seeking support from the general community, and are looking for donations of laundry items, including all the basics from pegs and peg baskets to sponges mops buckets, and general cleaning utensils and products. All manner of kitchen items from Microwaves to through to cutlery, crockery and anything in between would be greatly appreciated. If you can help by donating any of the above-mentioned items, drop off items to your local Warwick and District Junior Rugby League Club or Border Rugby League Club this week or on game day this Saturday 29 July 2017.
Items can be left at any of the game day venues this weekend including:-Eastern Suburbs Junior Rugby League, St Marks Oval, Warwick; Collegians Junior Rugby League, St Marks Oval, Warwick; Wattles Junior Rugby League, Platz Oval, Clifton or Sullivan Oval in Stanthorpe.
Alternatively, any local junior or senior rugby league club in the region will arrange to collect donations if you are unable to deliver them to a venue this Saturday.
Further information is available by contacting Michael Jensen (mobile) 0439 735 865 or email m.jensen@qrl.com.au
