I picked up the Sydney Telegraph on Monday and was blown away by an article written by respected sporting journo Phil Rothfield. It centred around the Group 19 grand final and the fairytale victory of the Macintyre Warriors over the Narwan Eels. The game played in Boggabilla – population 280 – grand final day 2500. Who says bush footy is dead.
Not many in our area would know a great deal about either team however if I mention the winners, president Peter Rice, I am sure it will prick the interest of many.
Peter Rice bought Goondiwindi into the BRL competition during my time as chairman. Rice may have rubbed some people up the wrong way, but his passion for rugby league was unquestionable.
He was then the driving force behind the Boars, and the year following he advocated their return to the TRL.
Since then he and the Boars have parted company, and he set out on a mission two years ago to form a club “across the river“ to help get local kids off the streets, away from alcohol and crime.
It was a great plan, and Rice once again put his money where his mouth was and sponsored the fledgling club.
He was not at the game this weekend to see his plan come to fruition. He stepped down as president just prior to the game after thieves sued sledgehammers to destroy his business Gundy Guns.
For Rice that was the last straw. He says he’s done. That is the last straw, and the fire’s gone out of the belly.
The grand final was itself a smorgasbord of bush footy “Indigenous style“ to quote Rothfield.
It was by all accounts a spectacular game, and in an amazing finale it was the Warriors 26-22. Rothfield writes that after the game “you are thankful that these two great clubs have restored your faith in rugby league“. Big words from the scribe. “Shame Peter Rice wasn’t there to see it“. And so it was.
– Casey
SO NOW THERE ARE FOUR
It was a weekend of triumph over adversity for the Broncos and Cowboys, and now both sides are 80 minutes away from the NRL grand final and potentially a repeat of the thrilling 2015 grand final – Do we as Queenslanders dare to dream?
On Friday night the Broncos might have been bruised and battered and down on numbers, but they found a way to win and while they have had their critics you can do no more than win.
Coach Wayne Bennett may have a headache to almost rival Corey Oates this week as he tries to sort out his selections. In addition to the sickening concussion to Oates, the Broncos will also be monitoring Jai Arrow (concussion) and Sam Thaiday (concussion). The one thing we do know is captain Darius Boyd will be back in the frame this weekend and will provide a boost for the Broncos when they face what has been the biggest challenge for any team this season, the Melbourne Storm.
Melbourne will start short priced favourites for this game and rightly so.
They have been described as unbeatable and the best ever in some circles. The Broncos have won just two of their last 12 matches against Melbourne, add to that Melbourne have only lost four games all year. It doesn’t paint a pretty picture for Brisbane.
However, as we have seen throughout the finals series there are no certainties in 2017 and it would be foolish to write off Brisbane who have a final’s record to rival Melbourne.
The Broncos will take some hope from their recent outings in Melbourne, winning two of their past three clashes at AAMI Park, with their only loss a 14-12 nail-biter in Round three.
Belief that they can win will be the blueprint Bennet and the Broncos will be looking for to upset one of the best coached teams in the NRL.
Ben Hunt was at his absolute brilliant best on Friday night, and looks committed to making amends for the 2015 grand final loss before he parts company with the Broncos. Another inspired performance against will be needed for that to happen.
It will be the final time the three Melbourne Musketeers, Smith, Cronk and Slater run out together at AAMI park. You can be sure they will bring everything they have in their bag of tricks to ensure it is not their final game together.
If last Friday night was the NRL appetiser, then the main course was absolutely mouth watering as the Cowboys defied the odds once again to book their place in the preliminary final.
Although the Cowboys received a heroes welcome on their return to Townsville last weekend, they have bigger fish to fry, or at least Chooks.
The Cowboys main man has always been Jonathon Thurston but as a football team they came of age without him against Parra. The man himself describing this team as the gutsiest he has ever witnessed.
The Cowboys who were not meant to even figure in the finals have trailed in both their finals wins and shown pure grit and determination to get the job done. While all the talk has been on the injured co-captains Thurston and Scott, Paul Green has been dealing with a huge injury toll to other senior key players throughout the season. The Cowboys ride to this season has been a tale of triumph over adversity, and it is not over yet as the club and supporters sweat on the fitness of Coen Hess for the clash against the Roosters.
The Cowboys club have shown on the field how strong their bond is but the sight of Thurston and Matt Scott on clean-up duties in the rooms following Saturday night’s win shows the strength of the club culture and why the pair are both held in such respect by their peers.
The Roosters are certainly not invincible and the Cowboys will be full of belief their dream run can continue. The tri colours have shown all season a tendency to switch on and off in games, and if they hit the pause button this weekend they will find themselves unplugged.
It’s sure to be a finger lickin’ good game.
Casey’s TIPS
BRONCOS to cause an upset (leading with my heart)
COWBOYS To continue the ride.
SIGN ON FOR LITTLE “A“
Little Athletics Stanthorpe will hold their sign on day on Sunday 8 October 2017, from noon at the Stanthorpe State High School Sports Facility.
The Little Athletics FAST Program or Fundamental Athletics Skills Training is a condensed Little Athletics program (designed by Little Athletics Queensland), and will commence on Wednesday 11 October 2017 at the Stanthorpe State High School Sports Facility from 5.15pm.
The program will run for one hour each week over an eight-week period, and if successful organisers hope to run the program again in Term One of 2018.
The cost per child for the eight-week block is $50. You can fast track your registration on sign on day by printing and completing the registration form on the Little Athletics Facebook page.
Organisers are excited to see the Little Athletics program back on the Stanthorpe sporting scene, and if you have any queries email stanthorpelittleathletics@gmail.com
PERFECT CONDITIONS FOR THE MALLET
The golf croquet crew struck perfect conditions when they played last week. Shirley Page topped the scoring in the singles games with a 10 hoops. Elaine Brown and Teresa Pyne shared the top combined two game score of 14 hoops each and Justin Liddy scored a great hoop in one.
In the opening game, Shirley Page partnered Justin Liddy for a close 13 – 12 win over Marian Castle and Teresa Pyne. Bev Sullivan and Val Fancourt both played well to score a 13 – 10 win over Elaine Brown and Sharyn Roser.
After the break Val Fancourt and Elaine Brown scored 13 hoops in their game against Justin Liddy and Bev Sullivan 11.
Judy Lock and Sharyn Roser had an 11 – 9 win in their game against Shirley Page and Teresa Pyne.
At the association croquet games earlier in the week, Jenny Tunbridge and Val Richardson starred to defeat opponents Pat Schnoor 22-14 when they played association croquet last week. In the other game decided, it was Val Shepherd and Andrea Denkewitz who were in winning form. They finished their game against Effey Russell and Verwey with a 22-17 win.
At gateball on Friday it was Andrea Denkewitz, Margaret Dickenson, Grace Howard, Heather Widderick and Jenny Tunbridge (Team One)played (Team Two) Bill Golding, Val Fancourt, Sharyn Roser and Les Williams (just back from his UK travels).
The teams proved to be evenly matched (despite the odd numbers). In game one, the scores were locked at 11-all with just a couple of minutes of play remaining. Team two had the final shots of the game and scored a further three points to win a thrilling game 14 – 11.
The second game proved even closer with team one scraping home 15-14.
In the third game played after the break, Team one scored a hard-fought win, taking out the game 11-9.
Team two managed to square the ledger in the final game scoring a win. It was the biggest winning margin of the day 13-7.
LOCALS LEAD THE WAY
The Wallangarra Golf Club hosted two big days of competition last weekend, and it was the local players who led the way. Steve Hampstead won the single stroke played on Saturday ahead of runner-up Nick Hurtz. Jamie Purcell took the captain stakes. Only two pins went off on Saturday. Eventual winner Steve Hampstead picked up the ninth while it was Jason Hurtz who claimed the hard hitting 11th. Kevin Williams didn’t go home empty-handed, taking the approach on the 14th.
On Sunday, players from Toowoomba, Stanthorpe and Tenterfield joined the local contingent on the course for the annual Two Ball Ambrose Golf World Day sponsored by the guys and girls at Golf World Toowoomba. Again it was the locals leading the way. The nett winners were the duo of Peter Butler and Simon Blair. Gross winners were Cameron Bolton and Steve Hampstead. Nett runner-up went to the Tenterfield father and son duo, the Cutmores finished nett runners-up. Rundowns went to Kevin Williams and Tony Murphy, the Hurtz pairing, Wayne Davis and Peter Williams. Jamie Purcell and Andrew Thompson and Stanthorpe pair Lorene Evans and Graham Tomkin.
Peter Butler topped off a great day, taking the pin on the 3/15. Michael Cutmore senior took out the ninth and Tony Murphy grabbed the 11th.
Lorene Evans took the 3/15 for the ladies and the Ladies accuracy drive. The Men’s accuracy drive went to Michael Cutmore Snr.
This weekend the President vs Captain Single Stableford is on the cards and all are welcome.
CRAFTY WIN FOR MAUGERI
Angelo Maugeri crafted a win in the stableford event played in Stanthorpe last Saturday with a final score of 43 points for his round. He played a well- constructed 26 points on the front nine before coming in with a sedate 17 points on the back nine. The runner-up, Ian Harvey, did the reverse. He went out with 15 points before heading home with 26 points on the back nine.
Pin shots were won by Keith Jones at three, Mick O’Brien at 12 and no one bettered the wind to claim 17. Pro-pins went to Ian Harvey at 1/10, Len Leigh at 5/14 and David Burgess at 9/18.
In the ladies event, Lyn Ludlow was a convincing winner with 41 points. Like the men’s winner, Lyn had a very good front nine score of 23 points and her 18 points on the back, was good enough to win the day.
Helen Jones has been golfing in places north of here and brought some good form back home to claim the runners-up spot after a countback with 38 points.
There were no pin shots to the ladies but the winner, Lyn Ludlow, had best approach at 17. The run down for the men and the ladies went to 38 points and better.
Thanks to the sponsors Ron and Annelle Batterham. Apparently, the rumour that first prize was to help spread deco at Ron’s place, was just that – a rumour.
Several match play games were also played. Junior golfer, Billy Webb was successful over Rob Reeves and now progresses to the final. Mark McCosker had the wood on Alan Kerr and Mark goes into a semi-final match.
On Monday, the club hosted the Darling Downs Vet golfers. A big field of 50 players hit the greens and fairways. Flying the flag for the locals was the winning team of Angelo Maugeri and Aaron Simmers. Thanks to the host of volunteers who helped on the day, especially the ladies for the lunches and morning tea.
This Saturday Eric and Shaneen McLellan are sponsors of the single Stableford competition and there is a time sheet on the board at the club house. A reminder that tee off is still at 11am.
BRACKIN MAKING GOOD ON MOVE
The move for Boxer Chris Brackin from Stanthorpe to Toowoomba and the opportunity to train under renowned trainer Brendon Smith at Smithy’s TGW Gym is paying dividends.
Brackin recorded an impressive win when he stopped Warwick boxer Kyle Teerin at the main event in the first Super Sunday Series at Smithy’s, and is building quite a reputation and an impressive professional record. The referee stopped the fight a little over two minutes in to the second round after a strong performance from Brackin.
Brendon Smith, Brackin’s trainer and promoter of the event which featured amateur and corporate bouts was pleased with what he saw from Brackin.
LOCAL WIN IN ALLORA CUP
The feature event of the Warwick Turf Club’s five-event programme last Saturday was the Allora Cup, and honours went to the locally trained Drum Muster.
The four-year-old gelding trained by Les Clarke showed his liking for his home track, making it two wins from two starts at Allman Park. Starting at the good odds of $7, Drum Muster ridden by mature-aged apprentice Michael Schrapnel who claimed a kilo and half allowance on the galloper won by two and half lengths on the line.
It gave Michael Schrapnel back to back Allora Cups after tasting success in the event last year.
Armidale visitor Lover in Flight opened the meeting with a win in the Anthony Parker Painters Maiden, but had to overcome a protest by the fourth horse. Real Dynamite’s rider Fiona Jervis alleged interference in the straight when the winner shifted ground, but the protest was subsequently dismissed.
The six-year-old mare put the writing on the wall with a solid third at Coffs harbour at her last outing, and was the punters popular pick starting $3 favourite.
Massie Whisper was a late scratching in the opening event when there was no rider available.
Punters were also cheering after the second event the Class B 1350m Handicap sponsored by the Allora RSL Sub Branch and Invergarry Equine Vet Centre.
$4 favourite Fine Eyes from the Toowoomba stable of Rex Lipp and ridden by Toowoomba jockey Kenji Yoshida finished a half length clear of Nautical Lad and Journalist. The winner overcame a bump as the field entered the straight but finished strongly to win by half a length.
The third event was won by the Beaudesert trained Rocky Halo. Ridden by apprentice Sally Sweeney for Mark Palmer and connections the gelding was having his first start on the track and began awkwardly before finding his galloping rhythm. In a tight finish, Rocky Halo edged out second placegetter Match Day who may have been a little unlucky. His jockey Beau Appo dropped the whip at the 50m mark.
The meeting wrapped up with the running of the m Open Handicap sponsored by Pershouse Rural, Allora.
Sun Will Shine ridden by Nathan Evans started at the short odds of $2.70 and despite hanging throughout the race and being tightened for room at the 800m mark proved too strong for the opposition.
The Warwick Turf club will next race on 14 October for the running of the feature event the Warwick Credit Union Warwick Cup.
CHILLY START FOR SPORTERS
It might be September, but those who turned out for Sporters in Stanthorpe last Sunday were met with a pretty cool morning. The cool conditions proved no problem for Norm Steele who went home with the winner’s meat tray tucked under his arm after some hot play.
Ian Anderson was runner-up, and had his hands full of golf balls after also collecting for best gross on the day. Best of the rest for the run down went to Bob Watts and Aaron Simmers.
Mark Lynam’s tee shot at the third hole was good enough for him to claim the nearest to the pin for the morning. The Pro-pin at the fifth hole was very elusive with no one getting on the green for two.
Raffle winners were John Walsh and Dick Hilton. Dick did a good impression of president Ray who is away holidaying, so it was fitting he won a meat tray.
Sporters this Sunday is at the usual tee off time of 8am. Why not join the fun.
LOOKING GOOD FOR BATHURST
22-year-old Warwick driving sensation Matt Campbell returned from a successful overseas stint to join the Red Bull Holden Racing team in the Sandown 500 on Sunday, and will be part of the team for the Enduro season. Campbell was co-driver for reigning V8 champion driver Shane van Gisbergen. Gisbergen was first behind the wheel at Sandown, and had improved to third position by the first change over to Campbell who drove for the next 64 laps.
Unfortunately, shortly after Van Gisbergen got back in the car, a blown tyre ended the pair’s hopes of a podium finish. While that was disappointing, the pair are looking good for the upcoming Bathurst race on 5 October. There is sure to be plenty of local support for Campbell as he makes his way round the Mount Panorama track.
Queen’s Baton to arrive for Christmas
After an epic 288 days travelling through the entire Commonwealth, the Queen’s Baton will touch down at Brisbane Airport (BNE) on Christmas Eve.
The announcement was made at the countdown to the Gold Coast 2018 Opening Ceremony, and to welcome the announcement of BNE as an official Games supplier.
The successful baton bearers for every state and territory will be revealed on 18 October, and on 17 November the exact route of the baton will be revealed and exactly where members of the public will be able to cheer on the QBR and spend time with the Baton.
Check out #QBR2018 on social media and follow the journey of the Baton.
GB SOFTBALL SIGN-ON
If you missed the Granite Belt Softball sign-on last weekend, it is not too late. The club is holding a second sign-on day on Saturday outside the Country Club Hotel. Individuals and /or teams can nominate for the upcoming season with a maximum of 10 players for team nominations.
The new season is set to get underway on 9 October, and nominations close on 30 September.
If you would like further information, contact president Matt Murphy (0409 342 052 or secretary Nita Caslick (0457 332 766).
