Lyon helps save face

Ballandean’s Anika Spiller sneaks one past the Tenterfield goalkeeper, only to be called offside.

World Cricket is alive and well or so it seems after Bangladesh posted their first win against Australia last week.
Australia now face a must win game to save face in the two-game series before the Ashes. While the win of Bangladesh may have raised eyebrows in some quarters, it should have come as no real surprise and announced that Bangladesh have skipped out of the minnow’s pool at last.
This has been by far their best season having already notched up wins against the Poms and Kiwis.
After all, we should not forget that it was Bangladesh who bundled the Black Caps out of the ICC Champions trophy.
Upsets like these can do nothing but enhance the state of the world game. It is not that many years ago we were somewhat surprised at the success of those then newcomers, Sri Lanka. That was before they unleashed the likes of Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara and that little bloke who had everyone in a spin over his crooked arm, Muttiah Muralitharan.
As I finish this column, Nathan Lyon has once again shown his worth bagging five wickets on the opening day of game two, but the job is still all to do for the Aussies as their opponents have fought back again. This will develop into an interesting finish and leaves cricket lovers wondering what impact it will have on our summer of cricket. One thing we do know, International Test cricket is never dull these days. Bring it on.
– Casey
FAIRYTALES DO COME TRUE
United stole the main prize but the Ballandean Football Club who hosted last weekend’s Stanthorpe Football grand finals should take a bow. What a great day.
For Ballandean who had teams in four of the five finals it was shaping as a great very special day with wins by their three teams prior to the men’s final.
However, it was a fairy-tale finish for Ballandean’s opponents, United Redbacks in the main event.
In a thrilling game, the scores were locked at 1-1 at full time. United’s first goal came off a series of errors in the Ballandean goal mouth. The home side hit back with an impressive goal from Tim Carnell who headed the ball past the United keeper to get the local supporters up and on their feet.
In a real arm wrestle worthy of any grand-final play swung from end to end with both sides missing opportunities to put the game to bed.
In an unusual turn of events, even the referee was feeling the pinch. Going down in the middle of the pitch referee Michael Ho was forced to retire with a leg injury and was replaced by Peter Patti.
As the lights kicked in over the ground, United capitalised on an error to put first points on the board in extra time. At the changeover, United held a 2-1 advantage but no-one in the crowd was going anywhere with the result far from decided.
In the dying stages of extra time, United’s Ben Manahan produced on the best goals I have seen in a local soccer (football) game.
Considering, Manahan had starred in the earlier Senior Colts game, the 16- year-old showed remarkable pace and skill. He gathered the ball from half way running it to the goal mouth beating several defenders with a good step and swerve before landing the ball in the back of the net to seal another premiership for the United Men’s team. It was the highlight performance of a great game.
United have a bevy of premierships to their name but the 2017 premiership and the earlier 5-0 win of the Senior Colts side was an extremely special and emotional win for the club.
Players, officials and supporters were quick to dedicate their win to the late Angelo Musumeci, a United club stalwart and manager of the Men’s and Colts team who passed away suddenly earlier this year.
The day began well for the Ballandean club who were successful earlier in the Fillies and Junior colt’s finals.
The Ballandean Ladies took the 2017 title in extra time in their game against Tenterfield.
Ballandean’s Anika Spiller showed all of her skill and class finding the back of the net on at least two occasions but was deemed to be offside. It was fitting that the 16-year-old scored the winning goal in extra time.
The day was a great showcase of local football talent.
JUNIOR SHOWING THE WAY
Stanthorpe Junior golfer, Billy Webb, produced one of his better rounds to upstage his more senior rivals in last Saturday’s monthly medal stroke event. Webb played a consistent front nine but a one over par 37 on the back nine closed out the competition. Webb returned a score of 83 off the stick for a winning nett 62.
Not to be out shone by the young gun, Keith Allen also produced one of his best rounds – 86 gross for nett 63 to claim the runner-up position. A costly seven on the 10th hole was not very helpful. Mark Hendry had the best gross score of 75 on the day and best putting went to the winner, Billy Webb, 26 for the round.
Pin shots went the way of Aaron Simmers at three, Graham Tonkin at 12 and Terry Roser at 17. Pro-pins were claimed by Bill Pyne at 1/10, Matt Waterworth at 5/14 and Trevor Ludlow at 9/18.
The ladies medal was won by Nikki Waterworth who also had the best gross score of 90 off the stick for nett 62. Annelle Batterham with nett 73 was runner-up. Racheal Hendry won the putting honours with 28 for the round. Lyn Ludlow claimed the pin shot at 3 and Nikki Waterworth had best approach at 17.
The men’s run down went to nett 68 and the ladies to nett 76.
Thanks to the day’s sponsors, Aqua Rural Supplies who supplied the prizes for the round and joined members for the day’s play.
On Saturday, the club will host a single stableford competition for the Laurie and Val Newley Memorial day which will be sponsored by the Newley family. Tee off is from11am, and there is a time-sheet on the board.
A reminder that next Sunday is the men’s and ladies’ foursome championships. The event is to be played over 36 holes and competition gets under way from 9.30am after Sporters.
Any member not playing in the Foursomes who could assist with bar duties on Sunday morning would be appreciated.
ORIENTEERS HEAD TO AMIENS FOREST FOR CHAMPIONSHIPS
More than 180 orienteers are expected to find their way to the Amiens Forest outside Stanthorpe for the two-day Queensland Orienteering Championships this weekend.
The Championships are being organised by the local Bullecourt Boulder Bounders in conjunction with the Toowoomba’s Range Runners Club.
Liz Bourne of the Bullecourt Bounders and one of the event organisers said at least eight international competitors from New Zealand, England, Sweden and Russia are expected to join 30 interstate orienteers and a large contingent of Queensland competitors.
Ms Bourne said, “We’ve got 37 classes at the Championships, ranging in age from the under-10s to the over 80s, so people of all ages and ability are catered for. “We are expecting some top competition over the weekend with our men’s and women’s elite fields particularly strong.”
Special orienteering maps have been produced for the Championships. Competitors are required to navigate their way through the bush to specified control sites on their course using their map and compass. Course lengths vary from 12km for the elite men down to 2.5km for the under 10 age class.
The area’s detailed granite terrain provides some of the most challenging navigation in Australia, and many of the orienteers have competed here before and enjoy the challenge.
“The Championships will be held in a mixture of a pine plantation managed by HQ Plantations and a natural eucalypt section managed by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service,” Ms Bourne said.
A number of local community groups including the Amiens School P and C who will provide the catering at the site will be benefit from the championships.
Ms Bourne also acknowledged the support of the Southern Downs Regional Council who provided funding to help update the maps for the Championships and also to help promote the event.
If you would like further details of the championships, head to the website www. oq.asn.au/2017-qld-champs or contact Liz Bourne on 07 4683 6374
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT
The Stanthorpe Croquet Club is holding a ‘Come N Try day’ on this Saturday.
Mallet sports often get a bad rap from the uninformed, so here is a guide to help the uninitiated understand the sport a little better.
Mallet Sports – What are they? Mallet sports, include all forms of croquet including gateball, and are played outdoors on a grass court. The history of croquet is clouded in mystery. Some say it was started, 2000 years ago by the Roman Legions using branches as mallets to knock a leather wrapped bag against trees. Others believe the game came from Europe or Ireland. With the advent of tennis, croquet went into a decline but with the introduction of faster games such as golf croquet it has become more popular in recent times.
Players use a mallet to score points by hitting balls through a series of hoops. There are a number of games within the sport and all are played in Stanthorpe.
Association croquet is the most tactical game, usually played doubles or singles. Golf croquet is a simpler game, but still competitive and lots of fun, also played doubles or singles.
Gateball originated in Japan. It is notably different from the other mallet sports being played on a smaller court using smaller balls and mallets. Gateball is mostly played by two teams of five players.
Stanthorpe Mallet Sports Club play four times a week. The court is located within the Golf Club grounds, at 50 Amosfield Road, Stanthorpe.
The club is hosting a free open day on Saturday 9 September from 10.am to 3pm. All croquet equipment will be supplied, so if you are intrigued to learn more about this unique sport all you need to bring is yourself, a hat, sunscreen, soft shoes and water.
Mallet sports are a mentally challenging and provide gentle exercise so why not give it a go and challenge yourself.
For further enquiries, contact Margaret Dickenson (07) 4681 0475; mobile 0437 835 708 or email:
peakvale@gmail.com
HUNTER A WINNER
Max Hunter clocked up a win at Sporters on Sunday. A good round saw Max take the bikkies and relegate another regular Sporters, Wattsy to the runner-up position, but he also picked up the pro pin. The run-downs went to Phil Zikan and Angelo Maugeri while Paul Byrnes had the best gross. Ian Anderson claimed the pin shot at the third. Aaron Simmers and Terry Byrnes did not leave empty handed – winning the meat trays on offer. Tee off is set down for the usual time of 8am – 8.30am – fancy a hit? Why not join the Sporters who always make visitors very welcome.
2018 BORDER STATE CHALLENGE
The local rugby league season may be done and dusted, but already the Goondiwindi Boars are planning their 2018 Border State Challenge Knockout Carnival. There is plenty of cash up for grabs for senior teams with $14,000 prizemoney for the winners. $2000 runner-up and $1000 consolation prize. Enough to make players get those training boots back out of the cupboard already. Any clubs or players who would like further information on the carnival which will be held on 17 February should contact organisers Jamie Russ 0428 961 225 or Tony Carter 0428 718 199.
BATTLE OF BAGDAD A PERSONAL CHALLENGE
If you fancy some fresh air and a personal challenge this Sunday, then the Battle of Baghdad at the YMCA Camp, Leslie Dam is the place to be.
Locals are invited to get along to Leslie dam and take on and conquer the fun, but challenging obstacle and a challenging, yet fun obstacle course is in place at the YMCA Camp, with Warwick residents urged to come and conquer it.
The Battle of Baghdad is the YMCA’s latest fund-raising venture, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to a very worthy cause at Leslie Park.
Obstacles have been created for participants to climb over, walk along and crawl under. There are several obstacles placed close together a tunnel and a tyre station among others.
Local personal trainer Sarah Bourke knows firsthand what it takes to complete the course. She did the course in under nine minutes last Sunday and is looking forward to the challenge of doing it twice this week.
Volunteers from Pentathrun, Warwick Warrior Woodcutters and Warwick Community Anzac Memorial Committee are expected to assist with the event.
There will be a sausage sizzle and music, and leashed dogs are welcome.
Entry is $20 for adults and $5 for children, with funds going towards the New Dais Memorial Walls. This new fixture planned for Leslie Park will commemorate the battles from the Boer War to more recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan involving Australia Personnel.
BILLY CARTS ARE BACK
It is that time of year when everyone can get in touch with their inner child – the Ballandean Billy Cart Bash is on again this Sunday.
Dads, mums and kids have been busy over recent weeks in sheds all across the Southern Downs preparing carefully crafted machines to take on the Jacobsen Road course in the shadow of the Ballandean Pyramid.
There is an event for everyone – if you are five to 99, you can join the fun – entries close on 6 September, and numbers are limited.
Scrutineering will be held from 8am and 9.30am to ensure there are no illegal entries.
For the winner of the 2017 Open Class, things will heat up quite a bit – from Billy cart horse power to V8 horse power – the winner will get to experience the thrill of Hot Laps in a V8 racing car kindly donated by Sirromet Wines.
There is sure to be plenty of interest in the Pharaoh’s Cup, the School Principal’s Challenge and the Inter School Challenge between schools on the Granite Belt which is on again.
There are cash prizes for the Age section winners and a trophy for the Best Race Outfit.
Of course, if you have left it a bit late to nominate or finish your custom made cart, there is plenty on offer for spectators.
A gold coin entry fee will get you tack side to enjoy the action plus there are market stalls and food stalls (breakfast from 8am), Billy cart merchandise and a huge multi draw raffle as well as face painting and a jumping castle for the kids.
The Ballandean Billycart Bash is an annual spectacular not to be missed.
McGAHAN BACK WHERE HE BELONGS
It’s been quite a journey from a junior rugby league players to assistant coach of the Queensland Red’s but Tony McGahan is looking forward to returning to Queensland and the next chapter of his coaching career.
McGahan originally from Warwick has forged a successful coaching career in rugby union although his early roots were with Rugby League.
As a youngster, McGahan played for Collegians and went on to play with the Warwick Cowboys before joining the Brisbane Broncos.
He was introduced to Rugby Union as a student at Nudgee College going on to represent Queensland Schoolboys. McGahan also won a premiership with Eastern Suburbs in Brisbane.
His impressive coaching resume includes a successful stint with Irish club Munster. He joined the Melbourne Rebels in 2014 after a stint as the Wallabies defensive coach and leaves the club as their longest serving coach.
McGahan has signed on as assistant coach of the Queensland Reds for the next two seasons. He will take up his new role beside Reds coach Nick Stiles, and is looking forward to the challenge ahead and to returning to Queensland after a 13-year absence.
Stiles and McGahan have a big job ahead if they are to turn around the fortunes of the Reds. It is anticipated McGahn’s appointment will add depth and experience to the Red’s coaching program.
COWBOYS UNDER-18s GO DOWN
In the TRL under-18 grand-final, the Warwick Cowboy’s went down to the defending Premiers Valleys on Sunday. Valley’s blew the Cowboys off the park in the opening stages of the game dominating the game and raced out to a 24-0 lead after just 17 minutes.
When the Cowboys finally got some possession, they posted their first points in the 20th minute. Shortly after captain Coen martin-Brown crossed to narrow the margin to 24-8 which was the score at the half time break.
The opening minutes of the second half looked to be a repeat of the first half as the defending premiers posted the first points only a minute into the second half.
The Cowboys never gave up, and a try to Mitch Watson brought them to within 14 points of Valleys before Valleys Josh Bathgate scored to ensure back-to-back premiership glory for Valleys. Not the season end the Cowboys were hoping for and a repeat of the 2016 result.
VALLEYS ROOSTERS 38 (Brock Diment, Coen Hopkins, Zac Miles, Travis Turnbull, Pat Brunner, Josh Bathgate, Kurt Squires tries; Squires 3, Chris Chalmers 2 goals) defeated WARWICK COWBOYS 18 (Tom Lloyd, Coen Martin-Brown, Mitch Watson, Chris McIvor tries; Kai Etherington goal)
WINNING WEEKEND FOR DALBY
Dalby wrapped up their first TRL premiership in a dominant display over defending premiers Pittsworth the in TRL grand-final at herb Steinhort Oval on Sunday.
The game was all but over when the Diehards scored at better than a point a minute to lead 32-0 after 27 minutes.
It was not the defending Premiers day. The Danes have prided themselves on their defence this season, but they had no answers against the Diehards momentum in this game.
In the end, Dalby had too many guns and relished their two weeks off as they looked fresh and out-enthused their opposition.
It was a massive weekend for Dalby sports supporters. At a time when larger centres than Dalby are struggling to put a team of any flavour on the paddock Clive Berghoffer Stadium proved a happy hunting ground for Dalby teams on the weekend.
On Saturday, the Dalby Wheatmen defeated the Goondiwindi Emus in the grand-final of the Rugby Union Rison Cup, and on Sunday the Diehards backed up the win with not only a win in A Grade final but they also took out the Second Division. The results will no doubt take a few days to sink in for the Dalby faithful but this was a weekend to savour.
DOWN TO SERIOUS BUSINESS
Only one more sleep until the business end of the NRL season descends upon us, but not before Round 26 threw up a couple of surprises. At one point it looked like we might see the biggest upset of all as the Roosters seemed about to have their tail feathers trimmed by the Titans.
To the relief of many a tipster, the Roosters finally shook off their lethargy and got the job done, (just).
Cowboys supporters rode the result of the Bulldogs Dragons game to the wire, and the North Queensland boys will have to put their end-of-year celebrations back on hold after they snuck into the eight.
Melbourne continue to dominate, and this week Captain Marvel Cam Smith gets to celebrate breaking Darren Lockyer’s playing record (355 games) in front of his home crowd as Melbourne take on the resurgent Eels. The Blue and Gold army pleased to see their team back in finals contention after an absence of too long.
The Roosters and Broncos kick off the 2017 finals series on Friday night at Allianz. It is hard to imagine the Roosters repeating their performance against the Titans and you would expect Brisbane will face a much more enthusiastic and committed outfit.
Brisbane have their own inconsistency problems and it is hard to see Darius Boyd recovering from a hamstring problem to play here. In a tough game, I’m going with my heart and tipping the Broncos.
On Saturday the Eels get to play the premiership hot favourites as a reward for finishing fourth on the ladder. They have unsettled plenty of sides through the season causing some real headaches. This might be a closer game than many think – with the AAMI park advantage and Smith’s 356th game, I think the result will go Melbourne’s way.
The Sea Eagles and Panthers will battle for survival at Allianz on Saturday. This could go either way – neither are playing up to their best and there seems to be some unrest at the Panthers. The Sea Eagles get my nod here on the back of the form the Turbo brothers.
On Sunday, the game between the Sharks and Cowboys is sure to be another battle of attrition. You can only applaud the efforts of the Cowboys who have hung in and overcome so many setbacks this season. The defending premiers are not in good form and although they have been winning don’t look like the menacing 2016 outfit. My heart says Cowboys but my head says Sharks will progress.
Casey’s tips
Broncos
Storm
Sea Eagles
Sharks (reluctantly)