By CASEY O’CONNOR
THERE has been much talk during the past week regarding the future of the BRL.
A letter has been received by the BRL from Stanthorpe Rugby League requesting permission to play in the TRL in 2015.
This matter will be discussed at the BRL annual general meeting and no doubt at QRL Central Division level. The TRL is also yet to assess the strength of the Stanthorpe application. While this might mean a different looking competition it would not spell the end of the BRL.
A request has been received by Millmerran to join the BRL in season 2015.
Amid this game of musical chairs, discussions are ongoing between the TRL, BRL and Central Division as to how a proposed cross-over competition may work in the coming season and last weekend I attended the TRL annual meeting. The TRL executive remains unchanged for the coming year and following the meeting there were informal discussions with TRL chairman Paul Dean and secretary Vicki Ryan regarding a range of issues.
There is still much to be done before the make-up of both competitions is finalised.
The BRL annual meeting has been re-scheduled and will now be held on 23 November at the Vines Motel meeting room, starting at 10.30am.
– Casey
WHITE, OFF-WHITE, CREAM, BEIGE?
Richie – the man who made white, off-white, cream, beige and even occasionally pink his signature – the captain of the commentary team made a cameo appearance at the Channel Nine launch of the Summer of Cricket early in the week. At 85 and looking decidedly frail Benaud pledged to be back behind the microphone at some point this summer despite his poor health.
Benaud suffered a serious back injury in a car accident last year but the man who had no fear of batsman or bowler revealed he is in the fight of his life as he battles to overcome the scourge of so many Australians who have played sport in the hot Australian summers – skin cancer.
It is a timely reminder to all our sportsmen and women about the dangers of playing sport in the harsh Australian summers without the good old Slip, Slop, Slap.
Benaud has a lifetime deal to call cricket for Nine but has indicated this will be the last summer we will hear him at the microphone.
His ability to remain relevant to audiences across the decades is a wonderful tribute to a man who last played international cricket for Australia in 1964 and is considered to be perhaps the most influential cricketer and cricket personality since World War II.
Benaud, it is said, realised long ago that the knowledge you gain along the way doesn’t belong to you it’s to be shared.
Former team-mate and fellow Australian great Alan Davidson summed it up when he said that his former captain “doesn’t talk that much during the broadcast but when he opens his mouth he makes sure his brain is engaged” and that is a piece of wisdom that should most definitely be shared.
His signature might be white, cream, off-white, etc – his commentary has never been beige.
CATCH A CARP
Fancy your chances of catching a Charlie Carp in the Condamine? Then you should head along to the Condamine Alliance and the Warwick Fish Stocking Association Carp Catching Day this Sunday. You can register from 7am at Tiddalick in Federation Park or behind the skateboard bowl in Queen’s Park.
There are plenty of prizes on offer for anglers young and old lucky enough to bag themselves a carp, thanks to event sponsors Tackle ’n’ Tusk, Warwick Outdoors and Sports, Warwick RSL Services and Citizens’ Club.
A total of $2300 of prizes will be given away or won including six fishing rod and reel combos. There will also be 100 “Finley’s Great Escape’’ books for children from Grades 1 to 4 who register on the day.
A barbecue will be operating and cold drinks will be available with proceeds used to stock the rivers in our shire with fingerlings of Murray cod, golden and silver perch.
WHAT DO WE WANT FROM OUR GAME
Journalist Paul Kent echoed the feelings of a lot of people involved in rugby league recently after a Men of League function in Bundaberg.
Kent joined men and women, fundraisers and volunteers and broken down players at a function for the Men of League.
Among the guest speakers was Wayne Bennett who kept the audience captivated for over an hour as he shared his experiences and his thoughts on all that is currently going on in the game.
The crowd was made up of commonsense people who love the game and give it more than they have ever got back, and wouldn’t have it any other way.
Kent observed that – overwhelmingly – a great many decent rugby league people are growing tired of modern players with their modern excuses.
He reported that many don’t watch the game anymore, having finally had enough of blokes urinating in their own mouths, calling league bosses “****”, getting sent to jail for assault, not getting sent to jail for assault, and then inevitably finding some way to be excused, to become the victim in their own drama.
He said there are always people ready to defend these people, because they have a vested interest or because they are generally young and part of the whole “Me” generation.
The Bundaberg function like others that have been held in country areas in the past 12 months was a reminder that the rugby league community is bigger than 400 players in the NRL.
Country people also have a major stake in the game so why do they deserve less consideration than others?
Kent pointed out that there are many good people in rugby league who genuinely loved the game, and want to see the game they are part of celebrated. Sooner or later, decisions need to be made regarding what we stand for as a game.
Do we aspire to make the game bigger? Do we honour those players like Johnathan Thurston, Cameron Smith, and Greg Inglis … the players that elevate it? Or will our default position always be the lowest common denominator? To defend those who continue to embarrass the game. By defending them are we sending the message that we now find that standard of behaviour acceptable? It will be a sorry day for rugby league if that is the case.
Kent’s observations have struck a real chord with many of the league officials in QRL Central Division. I am sure they will strike a chord with most league lovers and followers and volunteers who keep country rugby league afloat have a vested interest in the future of the game.
RSL UNDEFEATED
RSL kept their unbeaten record this season intact while Souths bounced back to their best to notch up a win over Valleys in cricket fixtures in Stanthorpe at the weekend.
Chasing a total of 202, the Wanderers had no answers against the in-form bowling attack of RSL. The form of Ross Lupton this season with bat and ball has been impressive and he once again starred for RSL – top scoring with 78 and taking two wickets. Luke Brady ripped through the Wanderers’ batting line-up, taking 5/25.
Valleys and Souths clashed on Friday night under the lights at CF with Valleys having first use of the wicket and set Souths a total of 151 to chase. Cole Harris (38) top scored for Valleys. Opening batsman Pat Cameron made a spectacular return to cricket for Souths. Having not played for some time, Cameron took no time to get back into the swing of things smashing his was to 98 runs to deliver Souths a comprehensive win in only the 20th over.
FINALLY A CENTURY
Warwick Hotel Colts were in trouble at 2/7 when Shaun “Robbo” O’Leary came to the crease in the game against Inglewood last weekend. In an innings that included 18 fours, O’Leary proved that persistence pays when nailed his first century after 15 years of cricket. He went on to score an unbeaten 118 runs as he helped guide Warwick Hotel Colts to a win in Inglewood.
O’Leary, who normally bats towards the tail, was promoted up the order and after his impressive performance – which included a seventh wicket partnership of 51 runs – might have found himself a new spot in the batting line-up.
At the end of the Colts’ innings, thanks in no small part to O’Leary, Inglewood was faced with the task of scoring 201 runs. Matt Shaw top scored with 38, however Inglewood never posed a threat and were dismissed easily. Rod Hansen showed his liking for the Inglewood wicket taking 3/14 from only five overs. He was well supported by Aaron McVeigh who also proved hard to handle for the batsmen finishing with 3/21 from his five overs.
TAIL OF TWO LIAMS NOT ENOUGH
Wheatvale added another win for the season despite a defiant last-wicket partnership from Railway Hotel Rascals batsmen Liam Duncan and Liam Keating. The pair put on 60 runs as the Rascals’ tail wagged but could not save the game for Rascals, who fell 40 runs shy of their goal.
Wheatvale had set Rascals a 198-run target. The Wheatvale openers got their side off to a positive start both scoring 32 but batting honours went to Chris Malone (53) for his half-century.
Rascals had a disastrous start to their run chase when opener Brad Johnson was dismissed cheaply. There was some resistance from Jake Christensen but the Rascals were in danger of a big loss before Duncan and Keating looked to give them a slim chance.
Ryan Collins finished with the best bowling figures for Wheatvale taking 3/24 from his seven overs.
AGM IN THE OFFING
The Summit Bowls Club and members are gearing up for their annual general meeting on Tuesday 18 November. Members should keep the evening free as the club prepares to elect a new board and fill club positions. The meeting will follow a big afternoon of Turkey Triples. Members are reminded that their membership should be up to date before the meeting to have a say in the future of the club.
Last Saturday, social bowlers took to the greens. Triples were keenly contested. Attilio Zamprogno Ray Spiller and Len Covill (16) went down to the combination of Brian Brown, Artie White and Dale Barker (21).
It was a 24-11 win to Phil Davis and Eddie Zanatta who proved too hot for the team of Chris Stratford Paul Zamprogno and Alex Mattiazzi.
The district triples will be played on November 22 and 23, and players wishing to participate should get their nominations in.
TWO OUT OF TWO
Cameron Charles played Friday’s Red Rooster Rumble and for the second time in as many weeks he notched up a win and he also claimed the only pin for the day. After his previous success this win is sure to see him drop further back into realistic handicap territory. In a smaller than usual field there were still some great scores and Charles won with 24 points on a countback from Helen Olsen.
INTERNATIONAL FLAVOUR
There was a certainly an International flavour at the Inglewood shoot last Sunday. Had the G20 come early to Inglewood some were asking? Along with the locals and Texans, the Poms and Germans were also represented.
The guests took the opportunity to have a try in the single action competition and Will the Pom even placed third in the event.
The single action competition was won by Shelley Fisher aka Rochelle Bynon. Second in the event was Will Fisher aka Jodi Byron ahead of Bushy Bill – Will (the Pom) Martin.
The club also held a three-pronged event which included single action revolvers, coach guns and lever action rifles at metal targets.
There was also a rimfire competition held on Sunday. The honours went to Ray Dudgeon who finished ahead of Michael Dudgeon and Wayne Duffy.
This Sunday, the competition will include muzzle loading and centre fire.
BIG FIELD
A field of 50 golfers lined up in near perfect conditions for the men’s single stableford competition at the Warwick Golf Club on Saturday. It was great to see such a good turn out and John Porter clearly relished a bit of competition and carded a winning round of 41 points. He finished one point ahead of Dion Phillips. Run down balls went to Bill Morrison and Paddy O’Dea (38), Charlie Morrison, Tim Sutton and Mitch Carter (37) and Adrian Murphy and Lennie Williams (36 both on a countback). Pins went the way of Cameron Scutts (5th), Henry Kelly (7th), D. Dempsey (9th), Ken Burley (11th), Keith Farrell (13th) and K. Mortleman (16th).
On the agenda this weekend is a stroke event on Saturday. On Sunday, the last four-ball ambrose competition of the year will be played and proceeds of the day will be donated to support for dementia.
As the weather heats up, players are keen to get out earlier so if you are planning a start before 8am please advise the staff at the pro shop so the ladies and men’s pins can be left in the locker room.
Timesheets for both days are also available at the pro shop.
PERFECT CONDITIONS FOR SPORTERS ROUND
Sporters turned out in style last Sunday for a round of golf in perfect conditions. Paul Byrnes had a good morning. He proved too strong for the rest of the field to claim a win ahead of runner-up Angelo Magueri and then won one of the meat trays to cap off the winning feeling. The run downs went to Keith Green and Jim McPherson while it was Bob Watts who had the best gross. He also took the pro pin. Aaron Simmers claimed the pin shot on the 17th while Phil Zikan took home the final meat tray.
Sporters tee off again this Sunday at the usual time of 8am to 8.30am.
BENDING IT LIKE A BECKHAM
If you are a fan of the round ball game and have missed the thrill of following David Beckham since his retirement, another Beckman may be about to follow in his rather large footsteps. It has been reported that the Beckam’s eldest son Brooklyn has recently signed a short-term deal with Arsenal after impressing the coaches.
The youngster has apparently been a stand-out in all the training session and games he has played.
It is rumoured that next season may see him signed in a big money deal to perhaps Arsenal although word is he has caught the eye of a host of clubs including Man U – his father’s former club.
Younger brothers Romeo and Cruz, aged 12 and nine respectively, have also been training with Arsenal’s appropriate youth teams.
Prepare to see Beckhams “bending it like Beckham” in the not too distant future.
OPEN DRAWS A CROWD
Wallangarra Golf club hosted the Wallangarra Open last Sunday rounding out a busy weekend on the greens and fairways.
Saturday members and guests played a single stableford. Taffy Edwards took out the first prize with N. Comer runner-up. Kevin Williams saved all his good shots for the par threes and approach and as a result claimed all four pins.
The open was played in perfect conditions and was drew plenty of support from both members and guests. The club appreciates the support of the many players who travelled from Toowoomba, Clifton, Stanthorpe and Toowoomba to play.
Local player Stephen Hampstead won the A Grade gross and a Toowoomba golfer was the A Grade nett winner ahead of runner-up J. Hurtz.
Taffy Edwards showed that his form on Saturday was no flash in the pan when he claimed the B Grade gross. Clifton visitor R. Imhoff was the B Grade nett winner ahead of K. Williams.
The C Grade Gross was won by A. Pearce with P. Williams claiming the C Grade nett title as D. McMeniman settled for the runners-up spot. Pin shots went the way of Alan Lutter 3/15 and Stephen Hampstead at nine.
The ladies gross was won by another Clifton visitor K. Harbon with Stanthorpe providing the nett winner and runner-up in M. Jarman and Marg Locke.
It is back to life in the slow lane this weekend but Saturday will be another great day of competition as members and guests play for the Bob Ditton Trophy.
ANNUAL EVENT A BIG HIT
The Stanthorpe Golf club and M&D Auto Parts combined for one of the most popular days on the Stanthorpe Golfing calendar, the M&D two-ball ambrose event on Saturday.
The popular annual event saw a mix of members and visitors hit the greens for another very social afternoon of golf.
There was little between several teams when play was completed. Only half a point separated the winning combination of Mark Hendry and Hannah Reeves and runners-up Craig Fossey and Rob Reeves. The runners-up survived a countback, narrowly getting the nod ahead of the unlucky Lyle Bryant and Greg Yap.
Linda Kelly and Edith Stewart were the winning combination in the ladies-only competition.
The club’s lowest markers Luke Reardon and Dylan Barraclough who play off a one handicap returned a gross score of 64.
Luke Reardon had longest in the men’s comp and Davis Burgess held the men’s pin at 3/12 while Rod Pettiford grabbed the pin at 17.
The ladies long drive and pin at 3/12 were won by Richelle Reardon and Margie Locke held the ladies approach at 17.
The club would like to thank M&D for their sponsorship and support for another successful event.
This Saturday is a mixed four-ball stableford played for the Peirce Trophy.
A number of ladies are looking for playing partners so golfers please check the time sheet at the clubhouse. Play gets under way from 11.30 am.
JILLAROOS CAPTAIN
Killarney’s favourite daughter Stephanie Hancock reached another milestone in an illustrious career in rugby league last weekend when she captained the Australian Women’s Rugby League side, the Jillaroos.
In a thrilling game that was curtain raiser to the Australia Samoa four nations game, the Jillaroos took on arch-rivals the Kiwi Ferns. The Kiwis mounted a second-half comeback and avenged their loss to the Jillaroos in last year’s World Cup final. Scores were locked at 8-8 at half time after the Jillaroos led 8-0 early in the game.
A 79th-minute try to Ferns second-rower Teuila Fotu-Moala denied Hancock a win in her first game as captain. The score: 12-8 the way of the Ferns.
