By CASEY O’CONNOR
THE first Cricket Test of the summer was definitely one of the most exciting we have seen in a long time and it augers well for cricket lovers for the rest of the summer.
It was certainly an emotion-charged five days, and we saw some outstanding performances with bat and ball.
Dave Warner, Steve Smith and captain courageous Michael Clarke were simply extraordinary as were the Indian centurians.
Nathan Lyon, who found himself axed from the side last season, bathed in the glory of a career-best 12-wicket haul and has edged within striking distance of a record that has stood for more than a century. Hugh Trumble’s record as Australia’s most successful off-spinner. (141 wickets from 32 Tests at 21.79.) Lyon, a former groundsman at the Adelaide oval, now has 127 scalps.
Of course as I put the last column for the year to bed, a very different Australian side prepares to take it to the Indians at the Gabba.
With Michael Clarke undergoing surgery, the Australian cricket selectors have made one of the most significant calls in recent history by naming Steve Smith as the replacement captain at the age of just 25. The selectors obviously have an eye to the future and it is great to see them taking a positive outlook.
There is no doubt that Smith has had an outstanding 12 months with the bat and has shown maturity beyond his years in recent times. Clarke has endorsed his replacement as the man for the job – let’s hope that the Australian team, who appear as close-knit as any side we have seen for years, also get behind the new skipper.
While the big news has been the appointment of Smith, let’s not forget the selection of the Marsh brothers who will be only the fifth pair of siblings to wear the baggy green in the same game. Let’s hope they have as much success as their predecessors the Waugh twins.
In spite of the return of the Indian captain M.S. Dhoni and the inclusion of several fresh faces in the Australian side, this is the perfect platform for Smith to launch his captaincy – Australia is one up in the series entering a Test at the Gabba where they have almost cloak of invincibility.
The biggest issue, of course, is not the Indian side or the makeup of the Aussie team – it is decision by Cricket Australia to take over management of the nation’s Test cricket venues from the states. This means of course CA’s commercial beer partner CUB has been awarded beer-pouring rights.
For the first time in decades, there will be no XXXX or XXXX Gold served at the Gabba – sacrilege I say.
Nevertheless, I am off to the Gabba to be there for the first ball bowled and I guess I’ll just have to settle for a Carlton if the day gets too hot.
This year has been another long and eventful one in sport locally, nationally and internationally. This is our final Spin for 2014 and I would like to thank all those who have contributed so religiously each week. Thanks also to our Spin readers.
I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful and wet 2015. I hope you have all made it to Santa’s nice list – I have my fingers crossed for I have heard a strong rumour that the man in the red suit might finally have heard my pleas and will be leaving tickets to the Boxing Day Test under the Christmas tree.
However you plan to spend your Christmas – enjoy and stay safe. See you all in 2015
– Casey
BIG DAY AT TEXAS
Another big weekend of racing in Texas swelled the town numbers as visitors once again flocked to the annual December race meeting.
The highlight of the day on the five-race card was the running of the Texas Cup Open Handicap sponsored by Jeff Hannaford.
The Cup was won by the Grafton-trained Miss Caitlyn ridden by Norifumi Yamada.
The five-year-old mare, who had failed at her last start in Port Macquarie, had previous good form at Grafton and proved too strong for second placegetter Vice or Virtue. Warwick galloper Rip Rip woodchip finished third in the main event.
The meeting opened with the running of the Food Works Class B Event over the sprint distance of 900 metres.
Bookmakers got an early Christmas gift when Inverell visitor and rank outsider Dance Dude greeted the judge at odds of $21.
Bookmakers again took the honours in the second when well-fancied favourite Love Stories went down to Ganado Express ridden by apprentice Michael Schrapel.
The finish of the Don Morris memorial Maiden was a thriller. The judges and photo finish photo could not split the Goondiwindi galloper Haveaguess and the Toowoomba-trained Cadalora who dead heated.
The program wrapped up with the running of the Mick McGrath Benchmark 60 Handicap, which was won by On Ice Now ridden by apprentice Geoffrey Leung for Toowoomba trainer Jackie Crompton. It was the young apprentice’s second win for the day after dead heating on Haveaguess.
COUNTBACKS NEEDED
Close finishes were the order of the day at the Stanthorpe Golf Club on Saturday. In the Men’s event a countback was needed before Eric McLellan was declared the winner of the single stableford sponsored by Max Hunter. It was no different in the Ladies event with Lyn Ludlow and Linda Kelly also taking it right to the wire. Lyn Ludlow was eventually named the winner.
Pin shots went to Rod Werner at 3/12 and Eric McLellan at 17. Pro-pins collected by Kev Rowling at 1/10 and Matt Waterworth at 9/18.
There were no takers for ladies pin at 3/12 and Lyn Ludlow had best approach for 17. In the run down, Tom Fittock, Mick O’Brien, Lyle Bryant and Kay Webb each picked up a ball.
There is only one more day of competition before the jolly man in the red suit visits and that is the 4BBB medley stableford sponsored by Bendigo Bank. (There is a time sheet on the notice board). Bendigo has also shown great support sponsoring the club’s junior golf events each Friday afternoon through the year.
A reminder to all golfers – with all the upcoming Christmas celebrations, do not forget the Boxing Day Classic. What better way to clear the head and work off all the excesses of Christmas Day. Members, non members and visitors are most welcome -the annual event is sponsored by well known rugby league trio Michael Hancock, Tony Herman and Wes Smith Building.
Play gets underway with a shotgun start 9am on Boxing Day naturally. There is a nomination sheet at the club house – if you are planning on playing, nominate to help organisers with catering.
SKIES CLEAR FOR TRIATHLON SHOOT
After the recent much-needed rain, the skies over the Inglewood Sporting Shooters range cleared to a perfect day last Sunday – all that a shooter could want for the annual Christmas event.
The event is a triathlon shooting event, rifle, pistol and clay targets.
All competitors use the same rifle, pistol and ammunition.
In the junior competition things were close. With Cody Collett shooting like a future champion, Paige Donald had her work cut out, but eventually scored a one-point victory. In third spot was Atlanta Bynon. Once she learned that it was not a timed Single Action (cowboy match), she also settled down to some good shooting, a mean one with the pistol.
In the senior ranks, Dick Roese the club’s member from Gosford, NSW, proved too good for runner-up Tom Donald. Third spot was decided by a shootout with Ray Dudgeon nudging out Scott Johns.
A fine day of shooting was followed by an outstanding Christmas feast prepared by the ladies. I understand there are plenty of shooters sleeping with the Gaviscon by their bedside after feasting on chicken, venison, plum pudding, trifle and pavlova.
Santa came early for Ray Dudgeon – he won the annual Christmas Raffle – a large toolbox outfitted with muzzle loading.
After all the festivities of the Christmas shoot, it is back to a normal muzzle loading competition this Sunday at Inglewood.
Pictured: Gold Coast Cody Collett junior looks to have a big future in the sport.
Pictured: Shooters competing in the clay target section of the Christmas Triathlon.
FESTIVE FEEL
There was a very festive feel and perfect weather conditions for Sporters as they celebrated their Christmas hi-jinks this past Sunday.
A sausage sizzle brekkie ensured everyone arrived early and hit the course before they were back in the club house for sizzling steaks, a barbecue feast and a few quiet ales for lunch.
Wedged in between the sausages and steak was some golf. Angelo Doorley won the round with Norm Steele the runner-up. Run-downs went to Jim McPherson and Nic Casey. Ian Anderson had the best gross and took the Pro Pin. The Pin shot on the 12th went the way of Paul Byrnes and Ray Thorn picked up the pin at the 17th.
Hams all round this week in the Mitchell households. Jim Mitchell and Jamie Mitchell each left clutching a ham.
Sporters would like to thank Clarky and Clarks Bearing Service for sponsoring $50 for each Pin Shot. Surprise gifts were organised by Terry and Paul Byrnes for Clarky, Ray, Aaron and Don – they were just that – a big surprise.
It was a great way to wrap up a wonderful year – but wait, don’t go anywhere yet – Sporters are back on Sunday with tee off between 8am and 8.30am and then you can go and enjoy Christmas.
SUMMIT BOWLERS CELEBRATE
The Summit Bowls club wrapped up another successful year last Saturday with their much-anticipated Christmas knees up. Between showers Saturday afternoon bowlers managed to get a few ends in before the moving on to the main event, the Christmas party.
A big crowd, members and guests enjoyed the hospitality and great food. Nin, Alex, Val, Phil, Mary and Eddie all did a great job with the catering and organisation,
Social bowls will continue over the holiday period for those who are not venturing too far afield.
The club’s first competition will be held on 10 January, the A Grade Club Triples. The A grade Club fours will be held the following weekend 17 January.
NUMBERS UP FOR RUMBLE
Numbers are creeping back up in the Red Rooster Rumble. Twenty-four players hit the fairways last Friday. Twenty-two points was the winning score required to take out the day and that went to Kris McLennan. Alan Mathews finished in second place with 19. Rundown went to Lee Robson and Greg Wallace (18) and Helen Olsen. Keith Gunn (11), Brett Donovan (13) and Dave Duroux (16) all collected cooked chooks.
If you are a follower of the RRR, you will notice that the scoring was on the low side. It is not a reflection of the quality of the play but a change in the handicapping system.
It was decided that the players should go back to their club handicap to start and will be capped at four shots more maximum while social players will start at 18 in an effort to make this a much fairer event.
EARLY BIRDS
The Wallangarra Rams are hoping that the early bird does get the worm – or at least the footballers. The Rams are holding a 2015 sign on day for the Men’s and Ladies teams on 20 December at the Wallangarra Oval. Past present and new players are invited to sign on and enjoy a barbecue.
Good luck to the club which is showing great initiative. The Wallangarra football field is looking in sensational order following the recent rain and the committee and supporters have been busy on the end of paint brushes giving the club house a facelift.
HARDY OR DESPERATE?
Only the hardy or the desperate ventured on to the Warwick golf course in Saturday’s blustery and cool conditions to play in the Horse and Jockey sponsored single stableford.
The winner was a visitor from Borneo Barracks Golf Club, Vito Fiamingo with a score of 40 points. Viv Roser was the runner-up with 39. The rundown went the way of Don Stewart (37), Neil Carney and Eddie Kemp (36) and Trevor Rock (34). The pins went to Herb Ware (5), Cam Scutts (7), Tony Kahler (9), Rod MacDonald (11), Don Stewart (13) and Rob Lester (16).
The Warwick golf course is looking a picture at the moment with many members saying that it is the best shape they have ever seen. Craig, Paddy and Jilly and the many volunteers are to be congratulated on their efforts.
Members and social players can also play a role in the maintenance of the course by filling in their (and others) divots and repairing any pitch marks.This Saturday’s competition is a single stableford sponsored by Spanos IGA. Sunday the club will celebrate the Christmas break-up with a nine hole two ball Ambrose and perhaps even a few drinks on the deck afterwards.
ARMIDALE TO HOST 9’s PRE-SEASON COMP
The Armidale Rams RLFC is hosting the Inaugural Armidale Ex-Services Rugby League Nine’s competition on 28 February.
The competition is open to all CRL/QRL/NSW RL affiliated clubs (with permission granted from the relevant group/region).
Clubs aiming to kick start their 2015 season might look to entering a team to get some early game time under their belts and the chance to earn some prize money.
The competition is already shaping as a fun-filled day at Blush Tomato Park (Rugby League Park) in Armidale. Rams president Terry Carson would be happy to provide further information and can be contacted on 0427 665 580 or check out the Ram’s facebook page – www.facebook.com/pages/Armidale-Rams-RLFC
HAMPER DAY AT ‘GARRA
The Wallangarra Golfing fraternity celebrated Hamper Day last Saturday and played a stableford competition with partners drawn after the round. The combined scores of P. Williams and J. Green were good enough to win the day and claim the Hams. There were plenty of other goodies to be shared among the other golfers and no-one went home empty handed.
K. Williams had the pin shot at 3/15 and A. Pearce at nine while T. Murphy had the best Approach shot.
The club has welcomed two new members, Brodie Black and Harry Donnelly. These two young gentlemen are just starting out and showing a keen interest in golf and everyone is looking forward to tracking their progress.
On Saturday, Wallangarra will be playing a single stableford, the last event before Christmas. It could be perfect timing – play a shocking round – and explain how a shiny new set of golf clubs from Santa would greatly improve your game.
COLTS REMAIN UNBEATEN
Warwick Hotel Colts continued on their winning way with a nine-wicket win over Wheatvale last Sunday.
Some handy bowling performances from the Colts attack had their batsmen chasing only a 101 run total.
Cameron Pearson bowled beautifully for Colts, finishing with figures of 3/19 while Colts captain Shaun O’Leary was also among the wickets, taking 4/22.
Colts in-form opener Geoff Thorley added a half century to an impressive season batting performance as he and opening partner Maugan Benn (43) guided the side to another victory.
Colts now have their eyes fixed firmly on the premiership prize.
Easy win for Maryvale Condamine
Maryvale Condamine celebrated an eight-wicket win over Sovereign Animals last weekend in the Warwick competition.
Sovereign Animals went in to the game short of numbers – down three players and were always going to struggle.
Dave Walker destroyed the Animals batting line-up. In a seven over stint, he took five wickets for only eight runs as Animals slumped to be all out for only 39 runs.
Tony Munro was the only batsman to show any resistance, making 29 before he was dismissed.
In reply, Maryvale cruised to the easiest of wins – losing two wickets as they skipped past the required total.
ANOTHER WIN FOR INGLEWOOD
Inglewood cricketers notched up another victory last weekend when they easily accounted for Railway Hotel Rascals in the game played at Allora on Saturday.
Inglewood set the Rascals a total of 201 to chase after some fine batting. Rick Reilly top scored with 81 and was well supported by Jamien Smith (39) and Ryan Donovan (22).
Rascals put up little or no resistance against the Inglewood bowlers in their innings and were dismissed for only 50 runs.
Bowling honours went to Matt Shaw who took two wickets for three runs from his six overs. Others among the wickets were Troy Callaghan with 2/5 from four overs; Tyler Wolff 2/10 from his two overs and Ryan Donovan also picked up two wickets.
RAIN DISRUPTS CRICKET
The heavy rain associated with the fierce storm in Stanthorpe last Thursday played havoc with the scheduled cricket fixtures last weekend.
The annual Over 40s cricket game was cancelled as were all club cricket fixtures after the rain-affected wickets were declared unplayable.
