By CASEY O’CONNOR
MANY people wondered how the emotionally wounded Australian batsman would react in the first Test of the summer after all that has happened. What we saw on Tuesday was a fine group of cricketers do what they do best – play some awesome and inspiring cricket. No-one will ever again question how this group reacts under pressure.
When David Warner and Chris Rogers strode to the wicket after Clarky won the toss many wondered what to expect. Warner especially fell back into his personal comfort zone – the one where he has a bat in his hand and knows how to use it.
And there were no half measures as Warner had the scorers busy, 4-4-4-1-4-4-4 and that was before the end of the third over. Warner scooted to a half-century and in a poignant moment the crowd stood and applauded as he reached what it seems will be forever an Australian cricketing milestone – 63.
That done and dusted he raced to a century.
Along the way Rogers and Watson came and went and his captain, my captain, was with him at the crease to celebrate one of the most emotional centuries.
The Aussies looked certain to amass a massive total with Clarke showing signs of great touch before he was forced from the field with what looked to be a serious recurrence of his back complaint.
Steve Smith entered the fray and picked up where Clarke left off. The new unofficial motto might be to dig in and get through to tea but Smith did that and even more reminding us all that he has had an awesome 12 months with the bat.
A late flurry of wickets put the Indians back in the picture but the Australians, are back in the game.
If their mate was looking on he would certainly have been as enthralled as the rest of Australia.
This may pan out to be one of the great Test matches. Can’t wait for the caravan to roll on to the Gabba next week.
Casey
REARDON MAKES IT 14
The much-needed rain affected most sporting events across the region last weekend. On the golf course in Stanthorpe rain threatened to disrupt the monthly medal but, apart from one short sharp downpour, playing conditions were ideal.
The Stanthorpe course has been playing much longer than in recent weeks and this was reflected in the winning score of 69. After a countback Richard Reardon was named the winner just nudging out Max Hunter and Ron Batterham. The win marked Reardon’s 14th monthly medal victory and has many wondering if his record can be challenged.
Dylan Barraclough shot another sub-par round but playing off a handicap of one makes it difficult to hold off the rest of the field. Both Dylan and Viv Thouard had nett scores of 70.
The captain’s match play final was conducted and despite a lot of practice, Keith Barnett was out-gunned by Craig Fossey six and five. Congratulations to Foss who did sneak past the first round on a forfeit.
There was one other significant event in the previous week – Eric McLellan was crowned Champ of Champs beating all other qualifiers. McLellan joined 20 other golfers in their annual break-up dinner. The mid-weekers acknowledge the significant contribution of Vita and Santo Cavallaro. This is the third time they have taken on catering for this event.
Winner of the mid-week competition was Kev Tooley and it was no surprise as he has been a frequent visitor to the winner’s circle recently.
Golfers are reminded that the Golfer of the Year competition starts on 1 January not 1 March as in previous years.
The seventh tee is out of action until further notice. Until then tee-off will be from the old seventh and this is sure to revive some old memories for many.
Social golfers, beginners and Stanthorpe members – please take note – the Chook Run is now played each Friday over nine holes. At the special rate of $2 for the month of December there is no cheaper golf in Australia. This presents a great opportunity for social players or beginners to try out the course. This week it is the front nine holes and golfers can play at any time during the day.
WORLD CUP COMES TO TOWN
Local cricket enthusiasts were reminded last weekend that the Cricket World Cup is on the horizon when the World Cup trophy visited Warwick last Sunday as part of the Australian trophy tour.
With only 65 days to go until the opening game, fans were able to get up close and personal with the trophy that every international cricketer will be aiming to get their hands on come February/March.
Accompanying the trophy was someone who is no stranger to the Slade Oval – former Lockyer player Andy Bichel who went on to wear the baggy green with pride and also win the World Cup. Bichel admits that winning the World Cup was a dream come true for a lad from Lockyer.
The trophy tour which began in WA will visit no less than 33 centres, many of them country areas before returning to Sydney on Australia Day.
Some 42 pool games will be played at venues throughout New Zealand and Australia before the final eight teams for the World Cup are decided.
The quarter-finals begin on 18 March and the competition will culminate with the World Cup final played at the MCG on 29 March.
In the meantime a generation of juniors and not so juniors have a chance to be inspired by the presence of the World Cup Trophy.
APPEAL TRIBUNAL SAYS STAY
The Stanthorpe Gremlins were last week denied permission by the QRL Central Division appeal tribunal to join the TRL competition in 2015. The tribunal ruled in favour of the Border Rugby League decision to deny Stanthorpe permission to leave the competition and play in Toowoomba.
It is understood that the Stanthorpe club has no intention of taking their appeal to the QRL board.
The ruling has been welcomed by the remaining clubs in the BRL and the outcome gives more certainty and stability to the BRL competition in 2015 which has been strengthened by the inclusion of Millmerran.
It is anticipated that Stanthorpe will again field an A Grade and ladies side in 2015.
The Central Division decision is sure to put pressure on the BRL to include some form of under-18 competition. A nine-a-side competition has previously been discussed as an avenue for the eligible juniors.
It is understood that many of the TRL clubs are also pleased with the outcome of the appeal. The decision means the TRL will now have an 11-team competition and clubs are happy to have a bye included in their draw to help manage player fatigue and injury through the season. TRL chairman Paul Dean said the decision would not have any major effect on the TRL.
NEW TRAP HOUSE SUCCESS
SOME 22ml of rain on Saturday night made for humid condition for Sunday’s shoot at Inglewood. In the sticky conditions members tried out the new trap house near the benchrest area and it received the thumbs up. A little bit of fine tuning and some concrete here and there and it will be completely set up after Christmas.
Ross Jackson certainly found it appealing as he took out the event ahead of Tom Donald and Choppy Bosnjak.
As everyone winds down for Christmas the Inglewood SSAA will hold their annual triathlon Christmas shoot, this weekend. A junior competition and senior competition will be held. Expect some changes to the senior shoot this year. Visitors are very welcome but on this occasion please advise someone at the club in advance.
BYRNES WINNER
Terry Byrnes relegated Clarky to the runners-up spot with a win at last weekend’s Sporters’ competition in Stanthorpe.
Rundowns went to Nick Casey and Ray Thorn and the in-form Dylan Barraclough had the best gross. There were no takers on the 12th or 17th pins, apparently Adam and Tiger had other commitments. Ian Anderson however looked after the pro pin. David McPaul and Marg Locke each won a meat voucher. There were no meat trays as Clarky confidently predicted 40ml of rain to fall on Sunday morning. No truth in the rumour he was seen applying for a position as a weather forecaster.
This Sunday is the big one for Sporters – the annual Christmas knees up. Don will be firing up the barbecue around 7am. Breakfast will be followed by a round of golf and then the lunchtime barbecue and plenty of Christmas cheer.
ALMOST THE SEASON
It is feeling a lot like Christmas especially at the Summit Bowls Club where preparations are underway for Saturday’s social bowls at 2pm followed by the Christmas party.
Last Saturday the deck was speckled with rain and the only bowls played was a grudge match for a meat tray. The results are apparently a state secret at this stage however we will get to the bottom of the story if for no other reason than to share in the barbecue.
The focus for many people is on the Christmas party – may have something to do with Nin and her team’s catering – but there are some bowls events in the offing.
Turkey triples will be played on Tuesday 16 December with social games set down for the pre-Christmas weekend the 20 December and for those who have not over indulged at Christmas again on 27 December.
The A Grade club triples will be decided on 10 January and the A Grade club fours the following week. Dates for your diaries bowlers.
STORMS AND WINNERS
As storms threatened overhead the monthly medal and Mug of Mugs were decided at Wallangarra last weekend. Kevin Williams had a red-hot round to pick up the monthly medal however the Mug of Mugs went to A. Pearce.
There were pin shots everywhere: 3/15 went the way of Kevie Williams, at nine it was so close between P. Butler and A. Pearce that even a flip of the coin came down on the edge, S. Hampstead took the approach shot; and rounding out a great day A. Pearce also won the putting with 28 putts.
The Wallangarra Club is a small club who love to give back to their community. This Saturday is hamper so be sure to turn up and be spoilt in special ‘Garra style.
PLENTY OF RUMBLING
There has been a lot of rumbling going on lately – mostly in the skies as those storms pass on by Warwick but on Friday Josh Hynes had a whole lot of rumblin’ going on when he won the weekly Red Rooster Rumble with 27 points and picking up a golf shirt. Runner-up with 26 points was Rod Winterton. Brad Rose with 23 points picked up a rundown ball. Only one pin went off and that was on nine to Gordon Barker who took home a voucher for a hot chook, which he may even redeem.
A good field of 48 turned out for the monthly medal on Saturday. Winner of Division One with a nett 67 and after a countback was Greg Sellick. Runner-up was Brad Rose. Division Two went the way of John Pearson ahead of runner-up Gary Hankinson. Best gross winner with 75 off the clubs was Jay Roberts. Best gross for a junior member was Sam McLennan who shot 79 off the stick.
Rundown balls went to John Porter and Neil Carney (68); Brendon Jones (69); John Brack, Mick Payne, Eddy Kemp and Gordon Kerr (70). Brendon Jones picked up pins at five and nine, David Craggs took seven, Phil Drewery 11, and Scott McLennan 13.
This Saturday the club has scheduled is a single stableford event.
A reminder that Sunday 21 December is a par-three Christmas event. There will be more details of this fun day available next week.
COLTS IMPRESSIVE
An impressive bowling display helped Colts nail a comprehensive win over Maryvale at Slade Park in the weekend’s round of cricket fixtures in Warwick.
Maugann Benn opened the innings for Colts with a quick fire 13 – finding the boundary twice in the opening over before being dismissed lbw.
His opening partner Geoff Thorley went on to a top score of 39 as the Colts were dismissed for 98.
John Cleary provided good support for Thorley scoring 30 runs. The talented all-rounder then contributed with the ball taking 6/38. The Maryvale batsman were all out for only 71.
The match between Allora and Allora Rascals was washed out.
QUALIFIED SUCCESS
Phill Covill has recently qualified as a full member of the Professional Golfers Association. Phill Covill has been a trainee in the Warwick pro shop for the last three years and completed his traineeship. The Warwick club wish him all the best in his future endeavours and thank him for all the energy and passion he put in to the Warwick Golf Club over the past three years.
Some of the more memorable events Covill has been involved in during that time are the two trainee pro-ams he organised as part of his traineeship; his dedication to seeing course improvements during the building of the new greens and of course his attention to fashion detail.
Phill is not leaving the district – he is basing himself in Warwick as he builds a golf teaching business and other related pursuits. Warwick golf club members are encouraged to buy him a beer, book a lesson and thank him for all the work he has done for the club.
GABFEST REACHES NO CONCLUSIONS
A gathering of the 16 NRL head coaches was held last week. What did achieve? Not a lot apparently.
The coaches left the meeting frustrated with no real resolution to any of the problems or issues they see confronting the game. One coach even predicting we will be served up nothing more than “a physical game of touch in 2015″.
Head of football Todd Greenberg boasted full attendance by all senior coaches. The Rabbitohs’ Michael Maguire and Cowboys’ Paul Green attended via speaker phone prompting Ricky Stuart to ask why they could not have all done a phone hook up (probably because Greenberg would not have been able to keep tabs on who was awake).
Understandably the practice of lifting came in for scrutiny – vocal among critics of the practice was Wayne Bennett who saw one of his own (Alex McKinnon) seriously injured last season in Newcastle.
Statistics were also presented showing that tries, line breaks and offloads had all decreased but the meeting ended without reaching consensus on what to do about that.
Speed in the ruck, holding down in tackles, cannon ball tackles and wrestling tactics all came under discussion. Yes there was plenty of that but no resolutions.
Despite the perfect attendance record for the class of 2014 the talkfest resolved zip – Greenberg has made it clear the coaches will not dictate rule changes; leaving coaches to ask the same question they have for the past 30 years – We are here why?
INGLEWOOD ROUTS SOVEREIGN
Inglewood put paid to Sovereign’s two-game winning run with an upset win last Saturday a Warwick headquarters, Slade Park.
Despite a disastrous start – that saw both Inglewood openers back in the clubhouse and the score still in single digits – the middle order rallied. First drop Brent Osborne (33) and Nick Campbell (59) combined to guide the visitors to a competitive total of 154.
There were some good bowling performances from the Sovereign attack including a six-wicket haul from Cainn Buckland.
Sovereign were expected to dominate with the bat but had no answers against the strong Inglewood attack as wickets tumbled. In a dismal performance they were all out for only 61. The top score in a forgettable innings was nine and perhaps it was the weather but there were ducks a plenty on the scoreboard.
OVER 40s COME TO TOWN
Normal cricket fixtures in Stanthorpe will take a back seat this week end to the annual over-40s game against the Queensland Cricketers’ Club XI. Stanthorpe Cricket fixtures will be played following the 50-over game on the C.F. White Oval on Saturday.
The visitors are expected to arrive with another competitive side which will include a smattering of former shield players.
Stanthorpe Cricket president Tim Harslett said the club was looking forward to hosting the annual event which has been part of the Stanthorpe cricketing calendar for over 20 years.
Play will get underway about 10.30am on Saturday and while their legs may not be as young as they once were the competitive spirit still burns in the bellies of players from both sides and this will be a keenly contested affair.
Organisers and visitors are hoping the weather gods are a little kinder than they were last weekend with games on both the C.F. White and Sheahan Oval washed out.
INQUIRY REVEALS CAUSE OF DEATH
An exhaustive inquiry into the death of Melbourne Cup favourite Admire Rakti confirmed a heart attack as the cause of death.
The inquest into the death of the Japanese stallion was carried out as a coronial inquest. The Caulfield Cup winner collapsed and died in the hosing bay at Flemington after failing in the Cup.
It is understood that Admire Rakti’s owner, Riichi Kondo, will now be able to claim insurance for an undisclosed amount following the autopsy results.
Kondo, devastated at the sudden death of the horse, is believed to be keen to return to Australia for another tilt at the Cup and he had been moved by the outpouring of sympathy for his horse.
Veterinary stewards at Racing Victoria sent samples to a number of laboratories across Australia, but it appears that the cause of death was simply a heart attack.
It was one of the most comprehensive inquiries following the death of a racehorse in recent years. However, RVL officials said that the sheer volume of testing was a time-consuming operation and were unapologetic for the four-week delay.
Specialists throughout the world were consulted during the autopsy process. As one senior racing executive said on Saturday: “It’s very sad but, like human beings, heart attacks come without notice and tragically it’s hit this horse as well.”
The inquiry also revealed that the behaviour of the horse behind the barrier prior to the race was in keeping with his mannerisms in other races in Japan putting paid to theories the horse was unfit to start in the race.
GREEN BACK FOR ROUND TWO
Former world boxing champion Danny Green has signed-on for another crack at the Sydney to Hobart which starts on Boxing Day.
Green who vowed he would never again contemplate the journey has signed to join world champion surfer Sally Fitzgibbon, former Wallaby Phil Waugh and Olympic gold medallist – and sailor – Tom Slingsby as a crew member for Perpetual Loyal.
However, he’ll need to tackle some old demons that still haunt him from his first – and only – crossing of the notorious Bass Strait in 2009.
In spite of his impressive boxing record Green was pummelled, left on his knees and praying to be put out of his misery.
Meanwhile as preparations kick in to top gear for the race, Wild Oats XI firmed its position as line honours favourite for the Sydney to Hobart yacht race after blitzing its rivals by more than a minute in the SOLAS Big Boat Challenge around Sydney Harbour.
Pre-race celebrations this year will include a Parade of Sail of historic Rolex Sydney Hobart entrants before hundreds of thousands of spectators ashore and on the water in Sydney. The race start will be broadcast live throughout Australia and also webcast live to a global audience.
