News that the Border Rugby League (BRL) will not form for the 2018 season is a body blow to our local communities who have followed their football teams through heady days of success and darker days of uncertainty.
It is also a blow for the many volunteers over the years who have given much time and effort to keep the competition afloat.
I know that I speak for Steve McEvoy, Norm Crisp and Dolly Bennett when I saw it is a cruel blow. As BRL presidents, we all worked hard to improve the competition and keep it viable. I can imagine that this has been the very situation for Norm Crisp the current BRL chairman, and he bears no responsibility for the current situation.
If this can happen to a competition that has been running successfully for over 20 years, then my advice to other sporting organisations is to look closely at what has happened and ensure that there is succession planning in your organisation. I admire the steps that the Stanthorpe United Redbacks Football club has taken in this regard.
The older more experienced heads have for several years now taken on more of a mentoring role in running the club. Many of the important roles on the committee are filled by younger players. It is a great blueprint. It keeps the younger players more involved and engaged, and does not burn out those few to whom the tough jobs always fall. It also gives the younger generation a taste of what it takes to run a successful organisation and they become immediately invested in the club.
We have seen with the BRL that a lack of willingness to take on committee roles at club level – not a lack of players- has caused the demise of the competition. What a travesty.
No amount of government grant money to improve facilities, no amount of input from the Division or the QRL can overcome the apathy or the belief that it is someone else’s job to do the hard yards.
Tenterfield remains a strong club and will now rejoin Group 19 in NSW while the Gremlins will apply to join the TRL’s second tier competition. For players in both of these centres, this will mean a lot of travel. For the sake of the administrators of those clubs, I hope they will not be let down by a lack of player commitment.
For our small and larger communities on the Southern Downs, sport has always played an integral role, and let’s hope for the sake of our youngsters and the community as a whole this is just a blip on the radar and BRL will be back better and stronger after a gap year.
– Casey
STANTHORPE REGAIN THE WICKETS TROPHY
Stanthorpe won back the Wickets O’Connor trophy last Saturday after a fine performance against the Queensland Cricketers Club Over 40s side. The annual game has been played for over 25 years, and the combined Stanthorpe Tenterfield won the toss and elected to bat first. In a strong batting performance, Stanthorpe set the visitors a total of 209 runs in the hot conditions.
Stanthorpe openers Jason Lawer (37) and Mark (Bluey) Lanza (35) put on an opening partnership of 68 setting a good platform for the team. Alan Cameron who suffered a hamstring injury in the corresponding game last year was back to his best form of old, retiring at the mandatory 40 run mark. Fowler was another who batted well, retiring on 41.
The visitors bowling was spearheaded by Robertson from the Gold Coast who finished the innings with 4/22 from nine overs.
In reply, the visitors got off to a fair start with Reddick and Milles putting on a 25-run partnership before Alan Cameron had Reddick caught by Ross Lupton for (9).
The visitors pushed on with Holly and Robinson putting together an impressive third wicket partnership of 73 runs. At 3/111, the visitors looked to be working steadily towards their target. Wickets fell steadily with all batsmen getting starts. As the overs ticked down, the local supporters were having a few nervous moments. With the score at 7/159 and the required run rate down to around four an over, a close finish was looking imminent. Goff Swan took control with the ball late in the innings dismissing the last three visiting batsmen cheaply to wrap up the game for the home-side in the 42nd over. Good fielding and tight bowling contributed to the Stanthorpe win. Ross Lupton deserves special mention for a superb effort taking in the field taking four catches.
The visitors Man of the Match was Robertson who took 4/22 from nine and added 40 with the bat. Alan Cameron picked up the Stanthorpe Man of the Match award after an impressive stint with the bat and winding the clock back opening the bowling to take 1/15 from five overs.
It is the first time since 2009 that Stanthorpe has won the trophy and the annual game looks likely to be played on the Gold Coast in 2018.
CHRISTMAS PLAYING GAMES WITH NUMBERS
It’s feeling a lot like Christmas and it’s having an effect on numbers on the Croquet court
At Association Croquet last week, Joy Newman and Effey Russell teamed and played Pat Schnoor who had a comfortable 23-14 win.
There was only one other game played and that was the match between Jenny and Peter Tunbridge and Andrea Denkewitz and Val Richardson. Denkewitz scored two breaks of three hoops in a succession as she and her partner went on to a 19 -11 win.
Ricochet is played on Thursday morning and last week players welcomed a new face to the ranks, John Draper. Sharyn Roser took the new player under her wings, showing him the intricacies of the game as they partnered in a game against Margaret Dickenson. The experience of Diceknson was evident in the game, but the newcomer and his partner were far from disgraced. The final score line 21-16.
In the other game decided, Andrea Denkewitz and Bronwyn Southgate played Jenny Tunbridge and scored a 22-17 win.
It is that time of the year unfortunately when many players have other commitments and there was a poor turnout at gateball. On a brighter note, there was another new face on the court.
Margaret Dickenson spent the early part of the morning coaching Leigh on one court, while on the second court Andrea Denkewitz and John Draper paired up against Grace Howard and Sharyn
Roser. In a tight game it was D & D, Denkewitz and Draper who scored a narrow one point win – the final score 8-7.
In the second game, John Draper, Sharyn Roser and Grace Howard teamed up to play Andrea Denkewitz, Margaret Dickenson and Leigh. The game finished in a nine-all tie, but after a countback the win went to Andrea, Margaret and Leigh.
Further play was abandoned after the break with a severe thunderstorm brewing.
SPORTERS WELL FED AND WATERED
Sporters were out in force on Sunday morning for the annual Christmas hit out. The festivities began with a slap up barbecue brekkie, and thanks to the volunteers who were up and about even earlier to preparing it.
A very well fed and watered group hit the course following the breakfast and it was Ian Anderson who came home a winner ahead of runner-up Jim Mitchell. There must have been something good in that breakfast, Anderson also picked up the Best gross and the Pro Pin. The rundowns went to Billy Webb who would have been popular when he arrived home with a meat tray in his keeping as well and Mark Lynam. It was Ray Thorn who claimed the pin shot on the 12th while Matt Waterworth cleaned up on the 17th. The final meat tray winner was Paul Byrnes. Following the round, the Sporters enjoyed their Christmas party and lunch. Thanks to the great bunch of volunteers who looked after the bar and kept the masses well fed and watered.
It’s back to normal this week Sporters – you’ll tee off between 7.30 and 8am.
WEATHER IMPACTS FINGERLING ORDERS
The cooler temperatures experienced throughout the district during October November and early December have forced a delay in the Warwick District Recreational Fish Stocking Association order of fingerlings. The stocking season commences in the New Year and orders have been placed for 132,225 golden perch, 15,000 Murray cod and 5000 silver perch for Leslie Dam at an estimate cost of $34,706.
Connolly Dam, meanwhile, is to be restocked with 6072 golden perch, 1500 silver perch and 500 Murray cod which will cost $1723. The cost of the restocking at Connolly Dam will be met by the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme.
It is planned that the Condamine River and tributaries will be stocked with 22,000 golden perch, 1500 silver perch and 2000 Murray cod.
The Warwick Shire River Improvement Trust has donated $5000 towards the cost of stocking and the club will pick up the remaining tab of almost $600 to put fingerlings in the rivers.
This would not be possible if it were not for the local fishermen who join the club. The annual membership fee of $10 can be paid at Tackle ‘N Tusk, Westside, Warwick Outdoors and Sports, Palmerin Street, the caretaker at Connolly Dam or mailed to the Club Secretary, PO Box 955, Warwick.
In other news, the club is pleased to announce it has secured an RADF grant to have a sculpture of two Murray Cod in the mating carved by Paul Stumkat. The sculpture is being carved out of a three-and-a-half tonne block of off-white marble donated by Seibelco, Elbow Valley. The piece is nearing completion and will be installed next to the O. O. Madsen Bridge in January.
It is hoped that the sculpture will prove to be a tourist attraction while also recognising the rehabilitation work done by members of the club. A total of 165 individual pieces of structure have been installed in the Upper Condamine River to enable fish to breed and shelter.
SOUTHS UP LATE FOR WIN
It was a late night out for the Souths and Valleys cricketers on Friday night, but unlike the some of the Pommie cricketers it was all above board. In the game played on Friday night on the CF White South’s took on Valleys in what became a marathon match. It was not lights out until around 11.30.
There was only one fixture game played in Stanthorpe last weekend due to the annual visit form the Queensland Cricketers’ Club Over 40s team. Souths had first use of the wicket and under threatening skies their captain Ben Staley proved to be the backbone innings. Staley put together a solid 71 runs in a total of 175. Opener Jordan Lanza got the competition leaders off to a good start, scoring 30 runs before he was dismissed. Tom Bonner’s batting has improved this season, and he is proving to be a headache for opposition bowlers. He added a handy 24 runs. Valleys bowlers were well off the mark, and the 29 wides they bowled added significantly to the Souths total of 175. Damian Anderson was best of the Valley’s attack. He claimed four wickets and was well supported by Anthony Coup who claimed three scalps.
Valleys had only nine players available, and chasing a 175-run target under lights was always going to be a tough ask and not many gave them a chance.
The Valley’s batsmen showed plenty of grit – Anderson backed up his performance with the ball top scoring with 53. In another all-round performance, Coup also batted well for his 20-run contribution. Valleys managed to get with 25 runs of the target, but had few answers for the Williams bowling show as the father and son combination of Harry and Scott claimed a total of five wickets. More points to Souths as the end of round two approaches.
HAMPSTEAD MAKES HIS MARK ON MUG
Members of the Wallangarra Golf Club turned out in numbers to decide the December Monthly Mug and Putting on the first weekend in December. Winners of Monthly Medals throughout the year also played for the Mug of Mugs.
It was a double for Steve Hampstead who was crowned Mug of Mugs and also the December Mug winner. He also held the pin shot at the 11th hole. Runner-up in the December Mug was Peter Butler with Tony Murphy claiming the Captain Stakes on a countback.
Nick Hurtz didn’t go home empty-handed, snaring the pin on the ninth, Peter Butler and Brendan McMillan took the approach shots on the second and 14th. Tony Murphy topped off a good day to win the putting stakes.
Steve Thomas was out on the course for a social game and the remaining players were pleased about that as he shot 79 gross in the best game of his life – couldn’t miss a thing. – well done.
The club would like to thank the Wallangarra Railway for their continued support and sponsorship of thee Monthly Mug and other events throughout the year.
A reminder that new members and social players are welcome at all times.
PESKY MEXICANS MAKING IT TOUGH
It has been a tough couple of weeks for the members of the Inglewood Sporting Shooters club. They appear to be under attack from the Mexicans. The first shoot in December saw a couple of Mexicans from south of the border down Yetman way sneak across the border to steal a first and second placing in the Single action competition- Glen Holmes outscored Dan McCosker with Iain Bowen filling the third placing.
In the SSAA Field Shot Gun event, the locals were back on top with Ross Donald winning the event and Tom Donald and Stephanie Dudgeon filling the minor placings.
In the DLT Trap, the locals again showed the pesky “southerners” how things should be done. It was Michael Dudgeon who took out the event with Sam Privitera and Ned Faust filling the minor money.
Last Sunday, the club held Single Action, Rimfire Benchrest and three Positional 50-metre and 100-metre events.
Again it was that Mexican Glen Holmes who snuck off with the win in Single Action – maybe a wall would help?
The Texan Iain Bowen managed a second placing for the good guys and a new Mexican interloper Carolina Anderssen snared third placing.
The Team event was won by the motley crew, thee Border Regulators. Glen Holmes, Ted from Yetman and Kelly-Anne McCosker all won their rounds.
The Bosnjak Raiders managed only two round winners, Dan McCosker and Tom Donald.
In the Benchrest SSAA IRB match, Richard White defeated Ray Dudgeon and Monika White. He also shot well to claim a win in the Hunter Class 50-metre, scoring a win over Stephanie Dudgeon and Monika White.
However, Monika White proved stronger in the Hunter Class 100-metre taking out the event from Richard White, Ross Jackson and Rechelle Privitera.
This Sunday Black Powder, Centrefire Rifle and other Pistol events have been scheduled. For those who have not looked a calendar recently, a reminder that the following Sunday is Christmas Eve and for all those who have their Christmas preparations well under control, the range will be open and it will be a free day with all visitors welcome.
BILLBOROUGH BATS FOR WHEATVALE WIN
Carter Billborough was the mainstay of the Wheatvale innings, scoring 111 in a total of 272 in the game between Wheatvale and Allora played at Slade Oval on Saturday. Wheatvale piled on the runs, setting their opponents a 272-run chase. Billorough was well supported in his innings by James Breen (43) and Cooper Tate (35). In a dominant performance with the bat, Wheatvale lost eight wickets in their innings. It was a tough day out for the Allora bowlers. Bruce Ole was thee pick of the Allora bowlers and finished with four wickets. If it was tough for the Allora bowlers, then their batsmen found it even tougher as Wheatvale’s bowlers took the batting line-up apart. Rylie Doherty was the main destroyer. Doherty finished the game with 5/17. Steve Jones also bowled well picking up two wickets for just 19 runs. This bowling performance cemented a 181-run win for Wheatvale as Allora were dismissed for just 93 runs.
A TOSS, A TON, WICKETS AND A WIN
The Rosewool Redbacks played Allora Rascals on their home ground last weekend and had to pull out all stops to come away with the points.
The visiting side was without several key players, but came away with a 72-run win after setting Rascals a decent target of 191 following some solid batting performances.
Ben Heppell standing in for the captain at the toss elected to bat on a bouncy wicket. Fortunately for him, he backed up that decision by scoring a ton and was a standout for Redbacks.
Allora began well with the ball and got an early break through when opener David Brady was bowled middle stump by Tom Morris (4/32). His opening partner Kurtz (17) was out only a few overs later after smashing a couple of boundaries and a no ball six quickly – another victim of Morris’ bowling. Don Drewery (17) joined Ben Heppell at the crease and the pair dug in, putting together a match-winning partnership of 101. With the score at 4/130 in the 25th over, Drewery was dismissed off the bowing of Christensen when Morris held on to a diving catch. After a handy partnership with Gilchrist (5), Heppell was counting down his first ton for the Redbacks. When he went in to overdrive celebrating the milestone a couple of overs later the scorers were confident he had gone off early and was only on 99. He faced two more deliveries before he was dismissed apparently on 99. (A check of the scorebook showed he indeed cracked his ton and his celebrations were in order). With the score at 6/159, the tail wagged enough to push the total to 191.
Allora’s run chase did not get off to a good start, with the opening over from Clarkson (3/21) a maiden. Allora lost their first wicket in the fifth over when Christensen (1) fell to Clarkson. With the fall of a couple of early wickets and rain approaching, the spinners were brought into the game to get through the overs. Rascals made it to drinks at 2/76 and looked comfortable at the crease. A batting collapse after the break had Rascals struggling at 5/88. Joe Morris (42) top scored for Rascals, but on the back of some good performances with the ball Redbacks had Rascals dismissed for 119.
No surprise that Ben Heppell was named the Redbacks Players Player. After notching up his century, he took 3/30 with the cherry and of course won the all-important toss.
ANIMALS CAUSE AN UPSET
Sovereign Animals and Colts played on the Queens park turf. Sovereign batted first and were dismissed for a moderate total of 126. Luke Cullen (46) topped the scoring for Sovereign. It was spinner Shaun O’Leary who did the bulk of the damage with the ball. O’Leary finished with three wickets and contained the run rate. Jacob Gross also bowled well, taking 2/18.
Defending only 126 meant the onus was on the Sovereign Animal bowlers to pressure the batsmen. The bowlers were certainly up to the challenge.
Caleb King and Luke Cullen tore through the Colts batting line-up. King took 4/18 and Cullen backed up his performance with the bat taking 5/19 as finishing with 4-28 and 5-19 respectively, to bowl their opposition out for a paltry 81 runs in what was perhaps the upset of the round.
After struggling for some weeks to field sides, the Inglewood Cricket club has pulled up stumps and officially withdrawn from the 2017- ’18 Condamine Cup competition.
POPULAR COMP NETS WIN FOR IN FORM DUO
M and D and the Spiller family have been long time sponsors of the Stanthorpe Golf Club, and again last Saturday they sponsored the popular Two Ball Ambrose competition which saw a good field of members and many visitors out on the course.
Continuing their impressive recent individual performances, Mick O’Brien and Matt Waterworth formed a winning team. Both finished the round with scores of 33 on the front and back nine for a total of 66 (nett 61.5). The score was good enough to put them one shot clear of the field.
Filling the runners-up spot was the team of Bill Pyne and Alan Kerr.
The Ladies only event was won by Nikki Waterworth and Neta Thouard who just held off runners-up Annelle Batterham and Helen Jones.
Pin shots went to Meggsie Irwin at three, Chris Fittock at 12 and Trevor Ludlow at 17. Richie Reardon collected the 1/10 pro-pin and Matt Waterworth shut out the field collecting both 5/14 and 9/18.
Long drives on the day went to Jason Bacon for the men and Lyn Ludlow for the ladies. Helen Jones had best approach for the ladies at 17.
Run down prizes awarded to the teams of Rob Reeves and Stephen Kay, M and J Irwin, and Luke and Richard Reardon.
This Saturday the club competition is a Single Stableford sponsored by Stanthorpe Community Bank and a time sheet is on the board in the clubhouse.
Santa is just around the corner and, of course, that means the annual Boxing Day Classic is not far off. With the field nearing capacity numbers, anyone intending to play is reminded to submit their nominations before all the time slots are taken.
