He was public enemy number one during the India /Australia series several years ago after the “monkey” taunts directed to Andrew Symons. Now veteran off spinner Harbhajan Singh is again rubbing Aussies up the wrong way. This week he mocked the current crop of Australian cricketers declaring the Australian side lacked “quality”. His suggestion to fix the immediate problem was a call for former Australian captain Michael Clarke to “come out of retirement”. On Monday he said the era of producing top class batsmen Down Under is over.
“Mate u need to come out of your retirement and start playing again. I think era of Aussies producing top batsmen is over. I feel no quality,” Harbhajan tweeted.
Not a tweet as momentous as some of Donald Trump’s, but sure to attract the ire of some past and present Aussie players.
A subtle reminder that the summer of cricket must be just around the corner.
– Casey
FINALS FLLED WITH FAIRYTALES
The dress rehearsals are over and now we are left with the best we are only a couple of sleeps away from the main dance in both AFL and NRL. What grand finals we are in for.
There is more than the hint of a fairytale around whoever wins the AFL flag on Saturday. It’s 30 plus years since the Tigers roared in victory and for the Adelaide Crows reward for coming out the otherside of a tragic year in 2016.
On Monday night the best and brightest of the AFL attended the Brownlow Medal and there was little doubt who would win according to punters and players. Dusty Martin started as short as Winx in a mid week maiden with his main rival Patty Dangerfield ruled out of the race after copping a suspension at the back end of the season.
In the end the tipsters were correct and Martin polled highest – in fact one of the highest votes ever polled to take the prestigious award.
He adds the Brownlow to a swag of awards this season and there is just one missing and that is a premiership. Perhaps, on Saturday his set will be complete.
The Tigers could not have been more impressive against GWS last weekend. Almost as impressive as the form team of the competition the Crows were in savaging the Cats. The Tigers fans were an awesome sight at the “G” last weekend but won’t have it all their own way on Saturday. In a tight game my heart is hoping the Tigers – form leans towards the Crows.
With an early deadline, we do not know the result of the Dally M as this column is finalised. I am hoping as in the Brownlow, the Dally M goes the way of the favourite, Cameron Smith.
On Sunday it is the last waltz of the season for Melbourne and the Cowboys. And wow the stories and sub-plots here are amazing.
Will it be Cooper Cronk’s swansong? will Billy hang up the boots in favour of his beloved thoroughbreds? There is the battle of the Innisfail boys – Slater v Bolton. Can Cam inspire and lead this champion side of champions to just one more win this season or will the fairy god mother sprinkle more fairy dust on the Cowboys and deliver the impossible?
In a game where the score line was not a reflection of the quality of the game, Melbourne held Brisbane scoreless in their preliminary final. Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett declared the Storm just “too good” and anointed them as premiership winners.
But are Paul Green’s brave men from NQ set to be the first team to come from eighth (some say outside the eight) to hoist the trophy? One thing you can be sure of they there are 17 Cowboys players and a couple of champions on the sideline who believe anything is possible.
The Cowboys win over the Roosters must go down as one of the bravest games of football I have watched. It was heart in your mouth theatre. Full of guts determination and a never say die attitude.
There were many heroes in this battle, Michael Morgan of course who may have had a transfusion of some of that ice that runs through Cam Smith’s veins. Try scoring whiz Kyle Feldt, the Big JT, Justin O’Neill, Scott Bolton and my personal favourite the Gundy born Ethan Lowe who would not look out of place in a green and gold jersey in the coming weeks are but a few. In fact count in the whole 17.
Who will win on Sunday – I daren’t even contemplate. On paper you would say the Storm should. They will wear the favourites tag for a good reason, but it would be a foolish person to write of the NQlanders. Both would be worthy winners and I may be proved wrong, but I doubt we will see a runaway winner.
If the Cowboys can stay in the grind, they are the best finishers I can recall. Melbourne if they bring their A game are almost unbeatable.
My heart says Cowboys – my head says Storm and really I don’t care either way. The prospect is mouth watering.
Unfortunately, there has to be a winner and loser but whoever wins there will be enough magic to go around.
What a sensational way to end the season in both codes.
KERRSISTENCY
Consistency was the key to Alan Kerr’s round in the Single Stableford at the Stanthorpe Golf Club on Saturday. Kerr scored 23 points on the outward nine and almost matched that with 21 points on the back. It was a steady score that earned him a win in the event. Three players returned scores of 42 points for the runner-up position, and after a countback Keith Allen got the decision.
Mark McCosker was also hitting the ball well. He claimed the pin shot at three, a pro-pin at 9/18 as well as the birdies nest at 15. Mick O’Brien held the pin at 12 while 17 went unclaimed. Mark Hendry held the pro-pin at 1/10.
Kay Webb returned 41 points to win the Ladies event. Her score was just enough to hold out Lyn Ludlow who returned 40 points. Webb also had the best second shot at 5/14 to claim that pro-pin. Shaneen McLellan won the ladies pin at 12 and Rachael Hendry held best approach at 17.
Greg Yap (42), David Burgess (42), Trevor Ludlow (41), Tom Fittock (40), Tric Fittock (39) and Lorraine Evans (38) each collected a ball in the run down.
Thanks to the sponsors of the day, Eric McLellan and Shaneen McLellan who returned to Stanthorpe in time for the day.
The scores for ‘Golfer of the Year’ have been updated. They were posted on the notice board at the club last weekend. As the next issue will be at the end of the current season, players can check the current standings to see if they are (or aren’t) in the running for the award.
A reminder that the Mixed Foursomes Championships will be held on Sunday 8 October, so there is still plenty of time to arrange your partners for the event. Unlike other foursomes, this one will most likely be played over 27 holes.
This Saturday a Canadian Foursome is scheduled and play will be for the Howard and Sons Cups. The event will be sponsored by Howard and Sons and Mitre 10. It is the last weekend of the month therefore tee off is a shot gun start at 11.45 am. Registration must be completed by 11.30 am.
PLENTY HAPPENING ON THE TANNY GREENS
The Tannymorel Bowls Club celebrated a big week of bowls with the Tanny Triples and Burmester memorial decided.
The successful team in the Tanny Triples was Greg Dent, Don Clouten and Gordie Assay. Mike O’Leary, Matty Shepherd and Pete Gynther finished runners-up.
the eventual winners had a big win over John Griffiths, Alan Buse and Jean Calam. The final score 21-6.
The runners-up defeated Marg Martin, Yvonne Campbell and Wendy Nerney 17-13.
In other results, Barb Cross, Gazza Penn and Greg Cross drew 12 all with Brian Walsh, Marg Thompson and Myrtle Wagner.
P. Supelt, I. Campbell and Ed Welsh had a 12-6 win in their game against V. T. Seinger, P. Wagner and M. Holder.
The Summit crew defeated Sue Butz, Geoff Creighton and Grumpy 11-9 while the team of Prickles Geoff Davis and Johno Johnson had a 23-6 win over Tuck M. Wright and Pete Collis.
In the second round, skips only, the skip of the winning crew, Greg Dent continued on the winning path and defeated Myrtle Wagner 12-8 to wrap up the overall win for his team. Jean Calam had a win over the Summit skip while Johno Johnson posted an 18-9 win over Ed Welsh.
Mick O’Leary comfortably defeated Pete Collis 11-6, while Greg Cross had a 15-10 win over Grumpy and Wendy Nerney showed Max Holder a clean set of heels winning their game 13-5.
It was a great day with some great bowls played – well done to everyone who made this another successful Tanny event.
On Saturday, the club celebrated the Vern Burmester Memorial day. It was another successful event with a full green of players and the teams selected by the Burmester family.
Eventual winners were the team of Kim Creighton, Kev Creighton, Brian Walsh and Gordie Assay. The runners-up were Cam Larfield, Di Walsh, Leanne Smith and Gazza Penn. The “horses rear” award went Dave Crump, Jenny Crook, Myrtle and Geoff Creighton.
The overall winners defeated Dave Crump, Jenny Crook, Myrtle and Geoff Creighton 22-13.
Cam Larfield, Di Walsh, Lenny Smith and Penny also had a 22-13 win over Deb Brown, Jeff Kay, Jane Domjahn and Francis Lyons.
In the remaining games Lyn Coleman, Rossco and Burt defeated Hugh, Shazza, Gav O’Leary and Crocodile 20-12. Courtney Millelsen, Mitch Smith and Thommo had a 16-12 win over Shane Roberts, Al Buse and BP.
In a tight game Kenny, Julie Buse, Shep and Don Clouten scored a narrow 16-15 over Rebecca, Kacie Kay, Dave Butz and BP.
Daniel, Quinton Coleman, Rob Lechmer and Jack Peasnell had no answers to counter their opposition and went down 21-9 to Jane Walsham, Kerry, Ron Washbourne and Mavis Lawarden.
Courtney and Cory Burmester, Tim Crook and Sue Butz has a 14-8 win over Thomasin Keogh, Ben Matty and Ash Coleman.
Following the fun on the green, players enjoyed a beautiful meal, raffles, plenty of hilarity and some not so good singing which indicated a few people should stick with their day jobs. The club extends a big thank you to the Burmester family; it was a day Jean and Vern Burmester would have been proud of.
A reminder that the next round of the popular Tanny Classic gets underway on 6 October. Be sure to get your name in and have six weeks of fun and games and the chance to win some great cash prizes.
TWO DAYS OF COMEPITTION ON THE RANGE
The Inglewood Sporting Shooters held two days of competition last weekend with Pistol and Rifle competitions held on Saturday and Sunday.
In the Pistol event on Saturday, honours went to Monika White outscored Richard White and Wal Shepherd.
In the Benchrest Rimfire, it was Ray Dudgeon who was on target. He outpointed Wal Shepherd and Ross Jackson to take out the event.
On Sunday the Rimfire event was won by Peter Jones who relegated Saturday’s winner Ray Dudgeon to a minor placing with Lynne Shepherd filling third spot.
Monika White continued her good form from the previous day to win the Centrefire. Once again it was Richard White and Wal Shepherd who filled the minor placing.
In the Benchrest event, Ray Dudgeon got a win over Wal Shepherd and Tom Donald.
This Sunday is the club’s scheduled clay target shoot followed by pistol practice of Rimfire Benchrest. A reminder that on 14 and 15 October the Inglewood Sporting Shooters will be hosting the Qld State Muzzle Loading Championships. Visitors are most welcome but the range will be open only to those shooters competing in the championships.
You can keep up with all the action on the club’s Facebook page.
TOURMENT COINTINUES
The torment that is cricket on the sub-continent continues for the Australian cricketers.
A five-wicket win in the third game of the current ODI series has handed India an unassailable 3-0 lead over the Aussies.
On one hand the win also stretches India’s winning streak to a record 12 matches across all formats.
India have won 10 of their 13 Tests on home soil in the 2016-17 season. The current results are a worry for the Aussies and their fans as they continue their losing streak in the ODI format that they not long ago dominated. With the upcoming Test series around the corner, there are plenty of raised eyebrows and questions to be answered around the form and make-up of the side. Australian spinner Ashton Agar will return home after it was confirmed he suffered a broken finger in the last game.
Steve Smith’s arch rival Indian Captain Virat Kohli has called on his players to be “ruthless” after the crushing one-day series win over Australia took India top of the world one-day rankings to add to their number one Test status.
The Indian side has been on a roll for the past year since regaining the number one Test spot with a 3-0 home whitewash of New Zealand.
Kohli has led from the front with 1137 runs in 21 50-over matches this year, the highest one-day scorer in 2017.
Kohli praised his team after the latest win against the once mighty Australians, who have been outplayed in India. The Aussies have some soul searching to do after also losing a 1-2 in India this year and their recent loss to Bangladesh in the first of the two game series in that country.
WIN FOR WATTS
Bob Watts scored a well-deserved win at Sporters in Stanthorpe on Sunday after returning a winning round. John Rawlings finished just a few shots back to the balls on offer for the runner-up. Paul Armstrong returned the Best gross of the round – scoring 40 for the nine holes. Armstrong also collected the prize for the pro-pin at 14.
In the run down, Ian Anderson and Phil Zikan went home with a ball for their efforts. Pin shots were won by Aaron Simmers at 12 and Jim McPherson at 17.
Both Phil Zikan and Aaron Simmers can host a barbecue after collecting a meat tray each in the raffle.
Sporters golf is held each Sunday with tee off at 8am, and all are welcome to come along and have a hit and a laugh.
COMEPTITIVE GAMES
A small but competitive group of association croquet players enjoyed great conditions on the court last week. Jenny Tunbridge won her game against Grace Howard and Val Shepherd with a score of 26 which included two breaks of three. Andrea Denkewitz and Heather Widderick played well, but lost in a tight game to Pat Schnoor. The final score 23-22. Pat played very well and had one great break of seven. Margaret Dickenson, meanwhile, took on a coaching role showing new comer Peter (Barney) the ropes.
Numbers were also down last week at golf croquet with several players suffering ill health or other commitments and two shorter games were played.
In ideal conditions, the first game was won by Elaine Brown and Teresa Pyne. They had a win over Justin Liddy and Shirley Page. After the break ,the group swapped partners and Teresa Pyne and Justin Liddy combined for a narrow 6- win over Shirley Page and Elaine Brown. Teresa Pyne had the best combined score of nine on the day.
BIG SCORES IN GATEBALL GAMES
There were some big scores in several of the gateball games played on Friday.
Bill Golding, Les Williams, Sharyn Roser and Grace Howard formed team one and played team two, Pat Schnoor, Val Fancourt, Jenny Tunbridge and Margaret Dickenson in four games.
It was Team Two who got off to a winning start opening with a win of 16-8.
Margaret Dickenson starred in this game, playing some great shots. Unfortunately for Team Two it was all one way traffic for some time after that game and they were in the wrong lane.
Team One clicked into gear to win the second game 17-8. They then scored 13 points to their opponents 10 in the following game.
The final game was the closest of the day. It bounced back to take a 10-6 win. Bill Golding was the Player of the Day taking every opportunity to spark opponents out and making some very excellent long shots.
This weekend the VWs HIT THE TRACK
Warwick Drag Racing Association plays host to the VW drag racing weekend now in its twelfth year. The event has grown into Australia’s premier VW motorsport weekend.
For VW tragics, this weekend’s programme has been modified. A Dyno session will be held at the track on Friday evening. Diesel Tune are bringing along their mobile dyno for a number of invited and guest drag cars to run some figures on the rollers. It is open to spectators, and everyone is welcome, get along and watch the action.
On Saturday there will be the traditional morning street parade and static display in the Warwick CBD at Leslie Park 9.30am until 11am. An excellent opportunity for all VWs, competing or spectating, to showcase their cars to the public. It will also constitute some judging for the Show’n’Shine on Sunday.
Back at the track, scrutineering will be held from 11am until noon followed by a driver briefing. Unlimited practice and qualifying will follow the briefing.
On Sunday morning, there will be an additional hour practice from 9am – 10am, followed by a four round, Round Robin competition with a final.
VW Warwick is an 1/8th mile track, a perfect introduction for the novice, but long enough to entice the professionals to go hard.
This year there will be two finals for the Top VW Shootout, a final for normally aspirated cars and one for forced induction.
Both finals should field the full eight cars in each and with a number of interstate competitors planning to attend the final results are sure to be thrilling.
YOUNG ORIENTEERS SETTING THE PACE
Young Warwick orienteer Simeon Burrill continues to impress. Last weekend he competed in the Australian Sprint Championships at the Charles Sturt University at Bathurst finishing third in the M20E class in a field of 39.
He followed up Saturday’s run with a fifth in the Australian Middle Distance Championships at Hill End, north west of Bathurst.
Burrill a member of the Bullecourt Bounders is building an impressive orienteering resume having competed in three World Championships and several Australian and State Championships.
Another member of the Bullecourt Bounders, Jaiden Fidge also competed last weekend finishing ninth in the M16A class at the sprint championships. In a field of 40 Fidge finished in 11th place in the middle distance event.
Fidge will be competed in the Australian Schools Individual Championships on Tuesday in Cowra, the sprint championships in Bathurst Wednesday and the relay championships on Thursday.
ENGLAND SELECTORS CONUNDRUM
While the Aussies battle India and the conditions on the sub continent, the Poms are set to announce their Ashes squad this week. Despite recent wins over South Africa and the Windies there is still a state of flux over the make-up of the side to tour Australia.
England have had a season of crushing victories and heavy losses. Often winning because of their ability to bat so deep in to the line up. Stokes and Moeen Ali have had stellar season and are shaping as two of their best-ever all-rounders. The top order has been less convincing. Alastair Cook and captain Joe Root are certain to play in the first Test at the Gabba on 23 November, but aside from that there are plenty of question marks.
Mark Stoneman is likely to be Cook’s opening partner after playing in three Tests against West Indies, but there is debate over which batsmen deserve another chance to prove themselves in Australia.
The days when England could ink in proven performers like Jonathan Trott, Ian Bell and Kevin Pietersen in the middle order have long gone.
England coach Trevor Bayliss says the squad is likely to include only players who have featured in the past 18 months, opening the way for a recall for Hampshire’s James Vince as England seek to fill their problem number three slot.
Stuart Broad and James Anderson, who recently took his 500th Test wicket, will again spearhead the attack although neither is naturally suited to the extra pace and bounce of Australian pitches.
The debate over who plays in the Australian squad is yet to begin and there is sure to be fallout after the Indian massacre.
KANGAROOS JILLAROOS AND PNG
The Kangaroos and Jillaroos both notched up wins over their PNG rivals last weekend, however, the scores seemed to matter little to the huge crowd who flocked to see the games. For two of the veteran Jillaroos, our own Steph Hancock and her teammate Renae Kunst the clock is ticking towards retirement after illustrious careers that have seen them blaze the way for the next generation of female footballers both have indicated they will not play on beyond the World Cup at the end of the year.
Kunst and Hancock are the only survivors from the Jillaroos’ 2008 World Cup campaign and provide the link between the game’s foundation stars and those who are enjoying a far greater public profile in recent years.
The experience of playing in front of the massive crowd last weekend is no doubt one that will remain with the retiring duo for years to come.
The Jillaroos were at their clinical best in the first half putting on 30 points against the Orchids playing in their first international game.
For the vocal crowd, the high point came in the second half when Maima Wei became the first try scorer for the Orchids.
The Orchids showed great defensive skills in the final quarter of the game to deny the Jillaroos. The final score might have been 42-4, but I doubt anyone really cared.
