Grand finals in all codes

Billy Slater with his latest “kid”.

By Casey O’connor

SPRING is here, and that means finals time in all football codes. Locally supporters have a full day of football (soccer to me) on Saturday in Stanthorpe where there is sure to be plenty of action. The Cowboys head to Toowoomba in the hope of securing their place in two grand finals and the BRL wrap up their season with grand final day in Inglewood on Sunday.
The results of the NRL season are still to be decided, and fans will be drawn to their TV screens, phones and the like to keep up-to-date with all that action.
In the AFL, the Swans have claimed the Minor Premiership, and in a break with tradition all clubs this weekend have a bye – the effects of which will be watched with plenty of interest. On the AFL front, the Lions and another coaching club legend have parted company after Justin Leppitch received his marching orders early this week – no surprise there really and the hunt and speculation now starts for his replacement.
At a time when the NRL finds themselves almost devoid of Sydney clubs in GF contention, the AFL have GWS and Sydney in the mix. Looks like the AFL push in Sydney’s west is paying dividends for the AFL and must be a concern for the NRL. There are plenty of disenchanted League followers at the moment and it is time for the NRL to sit back and take some notice or pay the price.
It is however a busy and exciting time for players and supporters in all codes.
On the local scene, good luck to all those involved in grand finals this weekend.
In Country towns, sport is often the glue that binds a community together, and I am sure we will see that in spades this weekend.
– Casey
PLENTY STILL TO BE DECIDED
AFTER 25 rounds of NRL, the composition of the final eight is still undecided and the Minor Premiership will be decided on Super Saturday when the Melbourne Storm and Cronulla Sharks do battle at AAMI Park.
It has certainly been a season of twists and turns, and no doubt there will be some more curved balls coming the way of supporters and tipsters this weekend.
Last weekend, many tipsters were blindsided by some upsets. This one included.
The good news for Queensland rugby league sides is the performance of the Broncos and Cowboys, and while the Titans may have to claw their way into the top eight the hard way, they are still there within a fighting chance.
On Thursday night, the final round of the season opens with a danger game for the Broncos against a resurgent Roosters.
The Broncos upset competition leaders Melbourne and issued a warning to those sitting above them on the ladder that they are peaking at just the right time. The Roosters looked to have the measure of the Sharks early their clash and will give Brisbane a tough run for their money. Brisbane looked like they were already in finals mode and at Suncorp will prove too good.
The Doggies have dropped out of the top four like a stone down a well. Their Friday night opponents, the Rabbitohs, on the other hand, have burst back into form. There will need to be a major turn around here to see the Dogs win but they are the masters of finals football, so don’t be surprised.
The Knights and Dragons are among the also-rans this season, but will be playing for pride on Saturday at Jubilee Oval. I would love to see the Knights finish their season with a win, but the odds are stacked against them here.
One of the most important games of the season will be the Titans match against the premiers in Townsville on Saturday night.
The Titans went within a whisker or a shaky field goal of securing their spot in the eight last weekend, and now have a mountain to climb to get there. Cowboy’s co-captain Matt Scott will not play but his replacement Scott Bolton will not let his side down. Many will be willing the Titans to a victory here, however I think we will see JT show the Hayne plane (which for me hardly got out of the hanger last weekend) how to really fly. Unfortunately, I think the Titans may have to rely on cards falling their way to make the eight.
The biggest game of the round will decided the Minor Premiership and that plays out at AAMI Park on Saturday night.
Melbourne were disappointing against the Broncos however it is unlikely we will see back-to-back performances like that from a Bellamy-coached and Smith-captained side. Gallen’s return to the Sharks certainly lifted them, but I doubt that will be enough to weather this Storm. Minor Premiership heading Melbourne’s way I think.
The Tigers headed across the ditch and came from behind to sink the Warriors aspirations in 2016. They return to Leichardt Oval in a bid to force their way into the top eight at the 11th hour when they host the Raiders. The Raiders are at the top of their game at the moment and should be too strong here and do the Titans a favour.
The Warriors host the Eels at Mt Smart Stadium to wrap up their season. After their round 25 loss, they will be looking to redeem themselves in front of their home crowd. Unfortunately, I think the Blue and Gold might once again send the message that they would have been a force in the finals if it were not for the actions of their back room boys over several.
The Panthers and Sea Eagles wrap up round 26 at Pepper Stadium. I liked the way the Panthers went about their business last weekend, and think they will come away with a win here.
Then again after last weekend’s results, I am about to consult the dog for second opinions.
FAMILY AFFAIR
THE 4BBB medley stableford mark the end of August on the Stanthorpe golfing calendar, and it became a family affair on Saturday when Ken Hinze teamed up with son, Geoff, from the Warwick Golf Club. After scoring 26 points on the front nine (the mainstay of their round) and a 21 points on the run home, the pair returned 47 points to take out the top prize. The dynamic duo certainly had a good round with just one hole returning only a single point.
Ian Pickering and Len Leigh combined to take out the runner- up spot. Pickering played well and looked to be the major contributor as the pair returned to the clubhouse with a score of 45 points.
Dylan Barraclough claimed both pin shots in the men’s competition. Geoff Hinze held the pro-pin at 1/10, Ian Harvey at 5/14 and Fred Wharton at 9/18.
The Ladies pin shot at 3/12 went to Dale Minchenton and Racheal Hendry had best approach at 17.
In the run down, it was a ball each to scores of 41 points and better.
It was great way to finish the month with the event sponsored by Howard and Sons.
This Saturday, spring will be in the air and play will be for the September monthly medal and putting competition.
The day will be sponsored by Gino’s Floor Coverings and a time sheet is on the board in the clubhouse. Tee off is from 11am, so get your name on the sheet which will also assist with catering arrangements.
A reminder to players that the club Foursome Championships will be played in the near future and the Inglewood Open is fast approaching.
A sheet has been left in the clubhouse- add your name if you intend playing so that numbers can be supplied to Inglewood.
EXCITING GF’S TO CLOSE SEASON
AFTER another outstanding season, it is Stanthorpe Football Association grand final time for the top two teams in each division. Five grand final matches will be played at the International club this Saturday. In a promoter’s dream, the best two teams all year have rightfully won a spot in each grand final.
In the final of the Men’s A Grade, Ballandean go into Saturday’s game confident and short priced favourites against Stanthorpe United.
Rovers have beaten the Redbacks on the four occasions the two teams have met this year. Several of United’s key players are battling injury concerns to make the team, and Ballandean will be very hard to beat.
United’s strength is undoubtedly their experience in grand finals – prior to last year the club notched up eight grand finals on the trot. Experience only counts for so much, however, and Ballandean has a good run to Saturday’s GF. They enjoyed a week off while United struggled to put away an understrength Carlton Bear’s scoring three goals in the last 15 minutes to snatch a 3-1 and book a place in Saturday’s game. This is sure to be a thrilling game.
Similarly in the Ladies competition, Ballandean Ladies will be odds on to win the ladies grand final. United their opponents on Saturday have not troubled Ballandean all year, and it is hard to see any change this week. Ballandean had a comfortable 3-0 win in the major two weeks ago. United won the right to play in the big one after a penalty shootout victory against Tenterfield after the teams were locked at 1-1. Sarah Day has had an outstanding season, and she is the key to Ballandean. If she plays well, Ballandean will be too strong.
In the Senior Colts GF, two teams who have had close games all year battle it out in the final game of the year. Inter won the major semi-final 1-0 – their first win over the premiers all year. The win will give the side confidence, and they go into the game knowing they can win. United must improve in a number of areas to challenge Inter. United were lacklustre against City in the preliminary, and were lucky to win a grand final spot with a late goal. This will be another close game.
Stanthorpe City have won every junior colts game they have played this year and it should be no different on Saturday. United have shown marked improvement over recent weeks, City are very strong across the park, but if United are to cause an upset, they must test City’s defence.
Ballandean Fillies have finished the season strongly and will be keen to win the grand final after their unlucky defeat last year. Ballandean play a tough but well-controlled brand of football. Their opponents on Saturday, Inter Club will push them all the way and make Ballandean work hard. Defence once again will be the key to this result as both teams can score plenty of goals
It will be an action-packed day at Inter Club, with the first game kicking off at 9.30am.
The grand final program is:
9.30am – Fillies – Inter v Ballandean
11am – Junior Colts – United v City
** 12.30pm – Junior Presentations
1pm – Senior Colts – United v Inter
2.45pm – Ladies – United v Ballandean
4.20pm – Men’s – United v Ballandean
** 6.30pm – Senior Presentations
BANGING GREAT WEEKEND
THE SSAC (Inglewood Branch) Inc. held their monthly pistol competition last weekend with a variety of Action Pistol matches and scenarios held over the two days.
There were three scenarios in Saturday’s competition.
In the first round, Tom Donald made light work of the Zombie attack, defeating Wal Shepherd and Peter Russell. Donald looked equally at home in the Combo Gong and Paper scenario when he defeated Ray Dudgeon. The placegetters from the first round Peter Russell and Wal Shepherd finished in third spot.
Donald then went on to make it a clean sweep for the day when he out-scored Stephanie and Ray Dudgeon in the Jungle Run.
Sunday’s competition began as a repeat of Saturday when Donald took out the first event the Jungle Run. In the minor placings were Michael Dudgeon and Ray Dudgeon.
Tom Donald’s run-winning run came to an end in the Zombie attack scenario on Sunday with Ray Dudgeon finally claiming a win. In second spot was Michael Dudgeon, and Wal Shepherd once again figured in the minor placings.
Peter Jones took out the final event on Sunday when he defeated Ray Dudgeon and Monika White in the Combo Gongs and Paper scenario to wrap up a fine weekend of competition.
Members of the Inglewood Branch will be watching the weather closely as they prepare to host the Queensland State Lever Action Championships on Saturday and Sunday. The current forecast shows a possibility of light showers, hopefully they will not interrupt the Championships.
Visitors are very welcome to come and watch AAA grade shooters compete over the weekend. If you would like further information or for any inquiries regarding the Inglewood SSAC email SSAAQ49@gmail.com
BEST OF CONDITIONS
IN a week where weather disrupted the Mallet fixtures, the gateball players got the better of the conditions.
On Court One, Pat Schnoor, Val Fancourt and Grace Howard played the red balls against the white team of Bill Golding, Les Williams and John Draper. The Red Team was successful in both games, winning 12- 9 and 14 – 9. Both Val Fancourt and Pat Schnoor played well in these games.
Meanwhile, on Court 2, the red team players were Andrea Denkewitz, Heather Widderick, Carol Verwey and Joy Newman. Their opponents were Margaret Dickenson, Effey Russell and Jenny Tunbridge playing white balls. In game one, the Red team scored a narrow 11-10 win, however the tables were turned in the second game when the White team ran away with a solid 17-12 victory.
There were some excellent shots from Heather Widderick and good shots coming from both Heather and Jenny Tunbridge in this game.
Following the break, the teams were redrawn and on Court One Andrea Denkewitz, John Draper and Grace Howard played the red balls against the white team of Margaret Dickenson, Jenny Tunbridge and Les Williams. The White team had a convincing 14 – 9 win in the first game. In game two, a countback was necessary to find a winner with the game finishing with both teams tied on eight points. The White team got the nod after the countback.
On court one, Red team players Joy Newman, Val Shepherd and Carol Verney went head to head with Pat Schnoor, Bill Golding and Effey Russell. Each team recorded a win. The Red team won the opening game 10-9 before the White team hit back in game two to claim a 15-10 win.
In Saturday afternoon games, there were six players in action. Andrea Denkewitz, Pat Schnoor and Margaret Dickenson drew the White balls while Bill Golding, Val Fancourt and Les Williams drew the Red balls. Game one resulted in a 13-9 win to Team Red.
Game two was a closer affair with Team White securing a 13-12 win. In the final game of the afternoon, the Red Team hit back to outscore White 16-7.
For the remainder of the week, the only action on the green was from the ducks who enjoyed the downpours.
SMALL GROUP – GREAT ROUND
IT WAS an unusually small field on Sunday at Sporters, but still an entertaining group who enjoyed a great round.
Winner of the round was Dick Hilton. Runner-up was Phil Zikan. Run-downs went to Brendon Barker (who also had the Best Gross) and Jim Mitchell.
The pin shot on the 12th went to Mark Lynam and the 17th to No Won Kim while Ian Anderson took the Pro Pin. Sneaking off with a meat tray each were Ray Thorn and Mark Lynam.
Tee off this Sunday is at the regular time of 8am am-8.30am. Why not celebrate the start of spring and join the Sporters for a hit – visitors are always welcome.
WET AND SOGGY AT ‘GARRA
CONDITIONS on the Wallangarra golf course were very wet and soggy on Saturday following the heavy rain early in the week, but it did not deter players in the single stableford competition.
Peter Williams showed a liking for the conditions and came out on top after a countback ahead of A. Thompson. The only two pin seekers for the day were A. Thompson who grabbed a pin shot on the ninth and J. Purcell claimed an approach on the 14th. The birdies nest also went off with K. Williams snaring feathers on the 16th.
Players are looking forward to a massive weekend of golf. On Saturday the entre is the monthly medal and putting competition sponsored by the Wallangarra railway station. Sunday is main course – the two ball ambrose sponsored by Golf World Toowoomba. Cost is $25 per person with lunch included. Tee off is between 9.30am -10am.
Congratulations to Kev Williams who snared a hole in one on the par three ninth during the week. Pity it wasn’t during a competition – members might still be celebrating Kev.
BILLY CART BASH IS BACK
PREPARATIONS are well underway for the 2016 Ballandean Billy Cart Bash. After the success of the inaugural event, organisers are expecting an even bigger crowd at the Jacobsen Road site in the shadows of the Ballandean Pyramid on 11 September.
There has been plenty of feverish work on carts in sheds and backyards around the district. An information and sign-on evening was held at the Ballandean Hall recently and there was plenty of interest in the carts on display and videos of last year’s events.
Entries this year are limited and organisers say they are coming in thick and fast, so to avoid disappointment get your nomination in now. Entry forms can be obtained on line at www.ballandeanbash.com.au. You can pay your race fees at Ballandean School ($15 -correct $$ please) or at High Street Motor Inn.
Once again, there will be plenty for the little kids (from five years) and those who among us who are still kids at heart.
Sirromet Wines and the Holden Performance Driving centre have once again come on board and are providing the main prize of V8 Supercar Hot laps for the overall winner.
There will also be cash prizes for winners.
NEW ADDITION FOR SLATER
THE road to champion footballer for the kid who grew up in Innisfail and dreamed of being a jockey has not been a conventional one. Billy Slater’s early ambitions in the racing industry are well documented and recently he returned to his roots in NQ as a popular Racing Ambassador for the Townsville and Cairns Cup meetings.
While many predict Billy the Kid has a career in rugby league coaching or broadcast when eventually he hangs up the footy boots, the league superstar might have given us a peek into the direction his future might take with a recent announcement.
Slater proudly announced the arrival of a new edition to the family. A colt (named TJ) out of Slater Thoroughbreds first broodmare Haman. The colt is sire by the exciting sire and aptly named Shooting to Win.
Racing is still well and truly in Salter’s blood. You can take the boy out of racing apparently, but not racing out of the boy.
BRL GRANDFINAL WEEK
THE Tenterfield Tigers and Inglewood Roosters have been far and away the best sides in the BRL in season 2016 and this weekend they face off in the grand final at McIntyre Oval in Inglewood with the game to be played on Sunday.
If history is anything to go by, the Roosters will be tough to toss on their home patch. I doubt that I have ever seen such enthusiasm for a football side as there is in Inglewood when their team makes a home grand final. This year will be no exception after the club spent a couple of years in the wilderness due to lack of player numbers. With several players returning to the Roosters this year from the Millmerran side that took all before them in the TRL C grade comp last year, they have been a strong side since the season opener.
Tenterfield led the competition for much of the year and claimed the Minor Premiership on a better for and against record. There has been little between the sides all season, at their last two outings it has been the Roosters crowing. Tenterfield have made their way to the grand final the hard way after a narrow loss to the Roosters in the major semi final. Last weekend in Tenterfield, they outclassed the Stanthorpe Texas side but will need to be on their A game this weekend if they are to claim the premiership.
Both sides play solid attacking football. The Tigers have players in their ranks capable of breaking the game wide open, but they will have to overcome the spirited defence that has been a highlight of the Roosters season.
Before the main game kicks off at 2pm, the Tigerettes will be shooting for their third consecutive premiership when they take on the Wallangarra Ramettes. There is sure to be plenty of Wallangarra support for the Ramettes following the collapse of the men’s side earlier this season.
On paper, the Tigerettes look the winners and will be aiming to go through their third season undefeated.
The Tigers have a supporters’ bus leaving the Telegraph Hotel at 9.45am on Sunday morning. Bookings can be made at the Telegraph Hotel.
Sunday is sure to be a great finale to the season. I think the Tigerettes will continue their winning run, but can’t decide between the Tigers and Roosters in the main game. Much will depend on player fitness. Good luck to players from all teams.
COWBOYS HUNTING FOR GRANDFINAL BERTHS
THE Warwick Cowboys will be hunting for a spot in the 2016 TRL grand final when they play Pittsworth in the major semi-final on Sunday at Clive Berghoffer Oval.
The Cowboys will be primed and ready for attack after their week off, courtesy of their Minor Premiership win.
Pittsworth last weekend defeated the Hawks 32-22 in their semi-final match while Highfields ended south’s season with a 34-16 win in the elimination final.
On paper, the Cowboys head into this match slight favourites but this is sure to be a tough match. A win for the Cowboys will send them straight to the grand final. The loser of this game has another chance to secure a grand final appearance. They will play the winner of the Gatton Highfields game in the Preliminary final.
The Cowboys under-18 side also has the chance to book their place in the grand final this weekend after a come-from- behind win over South Burnett Blue last weekend.
The under-18s will play Valleys in the major-semi – the curtain raiser to the Warwick Pittsworth game.
Following the Reserve Grade elimination final last weekend, the Cowboys bowed out of the 2016 competition after a 24-10 loss to Valleys. Despite the loss it has been a great season for the Reggies.