It has been another busy week of sport marred by poor sportsmanship and nasty injury. The sheer indifference the two Superbrats of Tennis (who unfortunately happened to be Australian) have shown to their chosen sport and their lucrative gravy train beggars belief. Just when you think you cannot be anymore outraged by the tennis brats, they seem to step things up and pull out another royal command performance.
I am sorry but I am not in the camp who feels sorry for this pair. Australians have invested a lot of $$$ in their development. I see them as arrogant and over indulged. I admit that like many I hanker for the days of Newk, Rafter and co. The old guard at Wimbledon continues to shine. Nadal is out, but fingers crossed we see Federer in another Wimbledon final.
Someone who does work hard at his sport and deserves success is bike rider Richie Porte. Unfortunately for him the Tour De France is not a bed of roses. After a flat tyre stymied his performance last year, his horrendous race fall days ago sees him out of the race and recovering in hospital from a dislocated shoulder and broken pelvis. Graciously he accepts full responsibility for his accident and vows to be back next year.
When this edition of the SFT hits your lawn State of Origin 2017 will be done and dusted. Naturally I am hoping we will be celebrating another Maroon victory, but this is the best Blue’s side we have seen in over a decade and who knows what will happen – it is after all Origin.
Closer to home, I want to acknowledge the job the Stanthorpe Gremlins are doing. I was critical of a lack of commitment from some players a few weeks ago. The return of several former players has bolstered the ranks, and I understand there is a real positive vibe around the club at the moment. Bush footy is at the heart of all country towns, and it was great to see the Gremlins reap the reward of their hard work with a win last week.
I am sure there have been times this season when giving up on the club would have been an easier road to take. Well done to the players and officials.
No over indulged prima donnas here. They might not drive flashy, expensive sports cars and have homes littered across the world, but they play sport in the right manner and for the love of the game. That’s good enough for me.
– Casey
TIGERS TO WIN SILVERWARE
The BRL President’s Cup goes south of the Border this season after Tenterfield wrapped a 30-10 win over the Inglewood Roosters. There was an early interruption to the game when Roosters player Tim West suffered a nasty knee dislocation. Play was halted until an ambulance arrived and transported West to hospital.
With no allowance for injury time, there was only around 60 minutes of playing time in the game. The loss of West one of the Roosters key players was a big blow to the visiting side who were already down on numbers at the start of the game and were left with no reserves on their bench.
Scores were level at four all at half time, but the lack of bench players for the Roosters was telling in the second half as the Tigers took control of the game.
Andrew Gormely was named Players Player in the winning side after a strong performance in the middle. Gorman made good metres and proved difficult to contain and scored a double. Other try scorers included Geoff Swan Jnr.
It was a timely win for the Tigers who now sit alone at the top of the BRL ladder with four fixture games remaining. They have a one-point buffer over the Roosters.
The BRL teams have a bye this weekend, but will be back in action for the final round of the competition which will see the first of a series of double headers played in Tenterfield at Rugby League Park. The club will also honour the team’s number one fane the late Aub Gillespie at that game – The Tigers will hold their annual Aub’s Day and will incorporate a jersey auction following the game.
Tenterfield players and coaching staff will be working hard over the next couple of weeks determined to hold on to the top spot when they will play the Stanthorpe Gremlins in the first of the double headers.
A vastly improved Gremlins side proved much too strong for the Killarney Cutters last weekend. The Gremlins who have been improving with every outing in past weeks posted a well-deserved 64-10 win over a very under strength Killarney side.
The Gremlins have welcomed back some experienced former players over recent weeks and the team is certainly benefiting from their presence and some hard work at training.
On Saturday the Gremlins captain coach Gary Skimmings led by example and found plenty of support from his players. The Gremlins scored a total of 11 tries during the game as Michael Solomon, Justin Field, Lukas Wilkinson Corey Rashleigh and brothers Gary and Michael Skimmings scored tries. Nicholas Marsh scored a double Michael Marini notched up a treble and converted 10 of the 11 tries in an outstanding individual effort.
The Cutters were well below par and are suffering from a lack of player numbers. With only a handful of players turning up for training each week it is really showing in their improved performance on the paddock.
While players from all clubs have the week off, it is not the case for the Roosters two Brents – Brent Osborne and Brent Hearne. They have a big weekend ahead of them. The Inglewood players will travel to Cairns to take their place in the Queensland Outback side which play in the curtain raiser to the NRL clash between the Bunnies and Cowboys at Barlow Park. Good luck to them both.
CLUBS FINED AFTER BRAWL
The wash-up of the all-in brawl in the game between the Warwick Wolves and St Albans clubs at Queens Park two weeks ago has seen both clubs fined $1000.
As a result of what Football Queensland described as a “melee“ the game was called off by officials.
Football Queensland has indicated that both clubs have the right of appeal and have seven days to lodge an appeal in writing if they wish to go down that path.
No players were suspended as a result of the incident.
On Saturday the Wolves hosted competition leaders Willowburn at Queen’s Park and despite suffering a 3-0 loss, the game was far closer than the score line indicated. Coach Jon Pearson rated the performance of his players highly.
ROUND TWO DECIDED AT TANNY
Round two of the third Tanny Classic wrapped up on Saturday and the Tannymorel Club had another great roll up. Some new faces joined the competition playing in the Classic for the first time.
Taking the honours and adding to their points tally in round two was the team of Tuck, Sue Butz and Peter Collis who blitzed their opponents Gordie Assay, Brian Walsh and Darren Rabbit 19-4.
Taking the runners-up spot were Allen Buse Matty Shepherd and Grumpy who had a 20-12 win over M Rabbit, Myrtle and Koala.
In other games the team of Quinton Coleman Don Clouten and Mick O’Leary had a 16-11 win over their opponents Julie Buse Gazza Penn and Aaron McKinney.
Lyn Coleman and partners Lorna T and Peter Gynther were too strong for Don Neal Geoff Farmer and Geoff Creighton winning their game 12-8.
Allen Buse Shep and Joel Farmer had a 12-7 win over the luckless Ash Coleman and Thommo.
At the end of Round Two, it is newcomer Allen Buse leading the field on nine points. Shep and Pedro Collis are hot on his heels. Each has eight points. Mick O’Leary and Grumpy are sure to be there when the whips are cracking only two points behind the leader at this stage. There is a cluster of players sitting on six points – Peter Gynther Aaron McKinney Don Clouten and Sue Butz.
It is certainly shaping as a very close competition and round three will be decided on Saturday so get your name in. It’s not too late to have a crack at the Tanny Classic.
ONLY SIX BUT STILL TOUGH TIPPING
Another split round in the NRL this week and with only six games to pick up points. If you had a tipping performance like mine last round, you will be hoping for some divine intervention or at least teams to play to form. Looking at the draw however, I have no doubt that there could be some more upsets.
The Warriors and Panthers open proceedings at Mt Smart. The Warriors should be using the Origin period to improve their standing, but they have been as unpredictable as ever. Snagging them on a winning day is up there with jagging the Lotto numbers. The Panthers looked impressive against Manly finally showing the form they promised on paper at the start of the season. I think we may see another late run from the Penny Panthers. I think they can upset the Warriors at home.
The Raiders are another team of under achievers. They have a stellar cast on paper, but on the paddock they are struggling and coach Ricky Stuart is ageing before our eyes. Although they are at home this weekend, I fancy the Dragons to upset them.
The Knights cannot buy a win this season, but they get a gold star for effort. Last week they looked to have stolen the thunder from the Dogs only to have the win snatched from their hands at the very last. They face a tough assignment this week hosting the Broncos. I can’t see any joy for Knights supporters here even if some of the Broncos rep players don’t back up. Bank another win here for the Broncos.
The Titans and Sharks do battle at CBus, and it has not been a happy feeding ground for the Sharks in recent times. Both sides will have players backing up after Origin, but I am leaning towards the Titans who are due for their share of good fortune.
The Sea Eagles played well, but could not get the points against the Panthers last round and with DCE no doubt out to prove he should have had his spot in Origin, I think they will have too much fire power for the Tigers.
The Bunnies and Cowboys take their game to Barlow Park and while the Bunnies have had success in past games in Cairns, I think the Cowboys will get the chocolates in front of a very parochial crowd.
Good luck tipsters.
MC COSKER FINCH CUP WINNER
Stanthorpe Golfers played a single stableford competition on Saturday and included play for the Finch Cup. Although three players returned cards with 40 points, eligibility rules saw the Cup presented to local player, Mark McCosker, who will have his name engraved on the Cup this year.
It was Inglewood visitor John Slack who took the honours in the day’s single event with visiting Tony Herman paying a welcome visit taking out the runners-up spot.
Madeline Jarman ensured the Ladies event was more straight forward. Jarman was the outright winner of both the day’s single event and the Ladies Finch Cup when she carded 36 points. Linda Kelly collected the runners-up prize with a score of 34 points.
Wes Smith closed out on the pin shots collecting the balls on offer at three 12 and 17. Mick O’Brien held the pro-pin at5/14 and Stephen Kay collected 9/18.
Hannah Reeves took the ladies pin at 3 and Racheal Hendry had best approach for the ladies at 17.
Wes Smith closed out on the pin shots, collecting the balls on offer for 3, 12 and 17.
Reece Plumbing continue their support of Stanthorpe Golf sponsoring last Saturday’s event.
In the run down, scores of 38 and better for the men and 33 and better for the ladies earned a ball.
A big thank you to the small army of volunteers and professionals who helped with the concreting work last week. Apparently there were a few sore bodies hobbling around after the event, but the results look impressive. Thanks to the ladies for keeping much needed supplies up for the workers.
This week the club has a single stroke event scheduled and the sponsor is the Stanthorpe greenkeeper Bill Pyne. Tee off is from 11am, and there is a time sheet on the board in the club house.
WATTLES IN THE MIX
After an up and down season, the Wattles Warriors are showing some good form at the back end of the season. Wattles scored a comprehensive away win over the Oakey Bears last weekend have climbed to fifth on the TRL ladder with only a handful of fixture games remaining before the finals get under way.
Wattles took a 30-nil lead to the sheds at half time despite having a few players out with injury. In the second half, they closed out the game scoring another 14 points while Oakey players Aaron Cherry and Josh Robinson crossed for the home side.
There were plenty of try scorers for Wattles as Braydon Wilson, Ty Gardner, Ryan Duggan, Brodie Frizzell, Jackson Green, Josh Henry, Joe Morris, Michael Pearson all got across the try line. Josh Henry, not the Warriors regular goal kicker kicked six conversions.
Wattles also posted another big win in reserve Grade defeating the Bears 76-12, but went down 36-10 in the under-18 game.
This week Wattles host top of the table Dalby in what is sure to be a tough game. A win against the Diehards would confirm Wattles as genuine finals contenders this season.
HAMSTEAD GETS A WIN
Steve Hampstead notched up a win in Saturday’s competition at Wallangarra Golf club, and it has been a while between drinks for the local player. He returned a winning score of 40 points to head the good field who enjoyed reasonably good conditions on the course on Saturday.
Brett Thompson was the runner-up while Kevin Williams claimed the Captain’s stakes. Only two pins went off – Brendan McMillian took the third and Hampstead the ninth.
On the programme this week is a single stableford competition (President Vs Captain).
The greens maybe a little tricky to the uninitiated, but all golfers and non-golfers are always made most welcome at the ‘Garra.
WINTER ON THE RANGE
Winter has arrived albeit a little later than usual on the Inglewood range, and getting a warm gun going has been a top priority. Tom Donald was certainly on fire, leading the charge in the first competition in July. Donald took out the Down the Line Clays shoot outscoring Graham (Scruffy) Morgan and Allen Hudson. A pistol competition was held following the clays, and again it was Tom Donald leading the charge with Stephanie Dudgeon Ray Dudgeon and Macey Willaims filling the minors.
Last Sunday, the club held two Rimfire Benchrest events and it was Ray Dudgeon who took the honours. In the 50-metre five target event, it was Dudgeon taking the honours. Peter Russell was the runner-up and Ross Jackson finished in third place.
In the 50-metre Rabbit 10 shots, once again it was Ray Dudgeon with the best score, edging Peter Russell and Tom Donald in to the minor placings.
Dudgeon was the overall winner on the day ahead of second-placed Peter Russell and Ross Jackson.
This Sunday is a Muzzle Loading and Centrefire Rifle Shoot.
STEELE’S SPORTERS WIN
Tony Steele turned in a winning performance at Sporters on Sunday relegating Mark Lynam to the runners-up position. Marg Locke and Paul Byrnes figured in the run downs and Byrnes also claimed the pin shot at the third. Paul Armstrong scored the best gross for the round. Paul Byrnes took the pro pin. Marg Locke and Ray Thorn were the lucky meat tray winners.
Same time tee-off next Sunday between 8-8.30am.
LOSS FOR COWBOYS
The Warwick Cowboys suffered what could be a costly loss against the Dalby Diehards last Saturday. With several players unavailable due to injury, the Cowboys despite a great effort from some of the under-18 players were no match for the top of the table Dalby side going down 24-nil.
With just four rounds of the home and away competition to play before the finals series, the Cowboys find themselves in a precarious position now sitting eighth on the ladder sharing 12 points with Souths. Wattles and the Gatton Hawks in fifth and sixth respectively are on 14 points.
The Cowboys were without enforcer Mick Bloomfield and Dylan Galloway and four other regular players.
Several of the under-18 players backed up after playing in the earlier under-18 game.
Several of the Cowboys players sidelined last week are expected to return for Saturday night’s clash with the Oakey Bears at Fr Ranger Oval. If the Cowboys are to play finals football in 2017, this looks like a game they must win to stay in touch on the ladder.
It wasn’t a happy weekend all round for the club with all three of the lower grades also suffering losses.
In a tight game, things did not go the way of the Cowboys under-18s who led with only minutes left on the clock only to see their unbeaten run come to an end when Dalby scored to snatch a 22-20 win. Despite this loss, the under-18s look to be assured of a finals berth as do the Second Division team.
Some important games ahead for the Cowboys.
TOUGH DAY AT BALLANDEAN
An afternoon of good football at Ballandean on Saturday was marred by injuries. The Junior Colts game kicked things off, and despite a lack of numbers on the Tenterfield side play went ahead with Ballandean willing and able to provide some stand-in players. Ballandean led 6-1 at half time, and went on to win the game with Tenterfield adding to their two goals to their score.
In the top of the table Ladies game, there was no quarter given by either side in a fast and furious and sometimes dangerous game. Only minutes into the game, the Ballandean goalie went down with a knee injury. She was stretchered from the field and subsequently taken to hospital by ambulance.
Only minutes after the ambulance left and play recommenced, another of the Tenterfield ladies was injured. Tia Campbell was stretchered from the field with a leg injury and it was nowhere near half time.
Next clash found the Ladies taking to the field. Play was rough, fast and at times dangerous, but the ladies were determined not to give anything away to the opposition. Tenterfield lost their goalie early in the game when she suffered a leg injury and was stretchered from the field and later transported to hospital by ambulance. No sooner had the ambulance left the field another of the Tenterfield players was injured. Junior players Sam Gower and Emma O’Brien were called upon to fill the void as the Tenterfield bench was nonexistent.
It was a valiant attempt by Tenterfield but the game ended with a score line that read nil all on the field – knee injuries two and two Tenterfield players in Stanthorpe Hospital.
The men’s game also saw quite a few injuries, but fortunately there was no need for an ambulance or hospital trip. It was a hard and fast game which saw Josh Gower being yellow-carded for Tenterfield. In a tough game, Ballandean got the upper hand winning 3-0.
By the end of play, the two girls had returned to the ground with braces crutches. Hopefully, their injuries will not keep them out of the game for too long at a crucial time of the season.
CASEY’S TIPS
Panthers
Dragon
Broncos
Titans
Sea Eagles
Cowboys
