By CASEY O’CONNOR
ONLY two weeks into the NRL season, and we are seeing more of the same – inconsistency in the interpretation of the rules and despite the myriad of camera angles and advanced technology some decisions that beggar belief.
On one day, a tackle I deserving of a lengthy suspension – on another line ball and not even a slap on the wrist.
Not one to be a critic of the man in the middle, I yearn for the time when a ref made a decision and we moved on. We all know referees and umpires are only human and will make mistakes from time to time – that is par for the course. Might also be time some of those commentating on the game acknowledged that very fact. Their very behaviour and that of some of the players filters through to grassroots and junior level.
While I am on the subject, I am sure I am not the only league fan who would like to see the NRL officials with the whistle remember they have a sin bin and use it and yes the send-off rule still applies although you could be forgiven for thinking otherwise.
It also concerns me that at every turn the referees are “coaching” the elite of the game while they are on the paddock. There is a constant stream of rhetoric from referees, “Stand here”; “Put the ball in here not there,“ “You’ve moved off the mark – come back here and play the ball.” I believe coaches are paid to coach; players paid to play and referees paid to enforce the rules. If these players can’t get basic things right – penalise them – won’t take long for their coaches and team-mates to make sure they all know the rules. Across the board there are people asking for the NRL to address these matters before we get too far into the season.
Never mind changing the colour of the referees strip to command more respect let’s see some strong performances where they show too some ###s.In the meantime, players, coaches and fans become more and more frustrated with the NRL and the Voldermorts.
Casey
GRANDFINAL BOUND
Wheatvale booked themselves a spot in the Warwick Cricket Association grand final this Saturday following their convincing win over the Warwick Hotel Colts last weekend. Wheatvale will play Maryvale Condamine for the Condamine Cup at Warwick headquarters, Slade Park.
Wheatvale had first use of the wicket and they did not get off to the best of starts. They had lost four wickets with only 29 runs on the board when Chris Malone joined his brother, Wheatvale opener Brendan at the crease. The pair set about rescuing the innings and put on a 150 run fifth-wicket partnership. Wheatvale was finally dismissed for 212. Chris Malone top scored with 80 and Brother Brendan was not far away with 74.
There were some good performances with the ball from the Colts bowlers – Shaun O’Leary took 4/47 from his 10-over spell. Geoff Thorley also bowled well and finished with 3/11 from 3.2 overs.
A total of 212 did not look to be an ungettable target for Colts when they came to the wicket.
Maugan Benn and Adam Byrne looked to have Colts on track after the loss of an early wicket. When Benn and Byrne were dismissed, there was little resistance from the remaining batsmen as the Wheatvale bowling attack gained the upper hand. Chris Cantwell took three wickets for only nine runs and was well supported by Paul Cantwell, James Breen and Carter Bilbrough.
In reserve Grade, Allora Railway Hotel Rascals earned themselves a start in the Grand Final with a win over Sovereign. They will play at Allora at Mayhew Oval.
Both grand finals will be played on Saturday with games commencing at 10am.
Following the games, there will be a presentation of trophies in the club house at Slade Park.
WIN FOR ARMSTRONG
Paul Armstrong had a good round at last Sunday’s Sporters in Stanthorpe and came away with a win ahead. Along the way, he collected the pin shot on 17. Runner-up was Mark Doorley. In the rundowns, Rob Reeves collected a ball and also returned the Best Gross. Also figuring in the rundowns was Bob Watts. Mick Speer took the pin shot on the 12th and Paul Byrnes took the Pro Pin. Not too sure if we saw a little bit of rivalry or follow the leader from the senior members of the executive – Mr President had a nine at the first hole; following the example of his esteemed leader Mr Treasurer equalled that score at the next hole.
Winners of last week’s meat trays were Craig Pearson and Don Carey.
Another reminder for Sporters and all golfers and would-be golfers the Maureen Bates Memorial Day is scheduled for 10 May. Get your team together now for this great day. As always there will be plenty of great prizes and a multi draw raffle. In the meantime, you can get in plenty of practice at Sporters – tee off this Sunday at the usual time.
PINCHING PRACTICE AT RRR
Several players took the opportunity for some last-minute practice for the Warwick Championships during last week’s The Red Rooster Rumble. John Francis the eventual winner carded 22 points and runner-up Greg Wallace 21. Six players handed in cards with 19 points but on a countback only two got a rundown ball, Jesse Harris and newcomer Stuart Wade. Pins went to Ross Kannar (11), Peter Millard (13), and Mal Crawford (16).
CHAMPIONSHIP WIN FOR COCKRAM
The final of the Warwick Club championships were played last weekend, and as always the competition brings out a mix of emotions among grown up men. I heard it mooted that some even said dust off the abacus to tally their daily scores.
After four rounds of stiff competition the winner of the 2015 A grade championship with a best nett score of 72; 65; 68 and 70 (*275) was Eamon Cockram. Warwick Real Estate sponsored the nett winners for each grade in the championships. Jamie Saunders took out B grade best nett with scores of 68, 64, 70, 78 (280). Tom Smith returned scores of 73, 61, 70, and 65 (269) to take out the “C” Grade.
Saturday’s competition sponsored by the Horse and Jockey Hotel Motel was the third round of the championships a field of 72 players took to the course. “A” Grade player Geoff Hinze returned the best nett score of 64 four clear of runner-up Peter Millard. Ball run downs went 70 with a cluster of players receiving balls. Pins went to Carl Simmons (5), Declan Murphy (7 and 11), Jay Roberts (9), Gary Russell-Sharam (13), and Geoff Hinze (16).
In the final round on Sunday, the top-seeded players were last onto the course with the top eight players in A, B and C grades allocated the final six tee times.
In all, 42 golfers played in the final round – the trophy for the daily winner was sponsored by King Street Mechanical. Proving his score of 61 the previous week was no fluke 14-year-old junior Tom Smith carded 64 to win the daily round. Ken Burley with nett 66 was Sunday’s runner-up. Run down balls went to 71. Collecting pins on the final day of the championships were Phil Economidis (5), Geordie Russell (7), Craig Locke (9), Al Thornton (11), Jason Owens (13) and Shane McKenzie (16).
MOPAR MUSCLE AT MORGAN PARK
Action returns to the Warwick Dragway at Morgan Park this weekend for the sixth annual Mopar Muscle Weekend. Featured will be Chryslers of all makes and models ranging from early Aussie Valiant’s to modern Chrysler 300C’s. Enthusiasts will see Chargers, Pacers ranging from standard spec original to modified street machines, along with American Dodge Challengers, Plymouth Cuda’s and much more.
The event is open to anyone who has a Chrysler they wish to race or perhaps take part in Sunday’s Show and Shine event might be more your pace.
The cars cruising into town for a two-hour display at Leslie Park from 10am until noon on Saturday morning to get the event underway. Saturday afternoon will be taken up with testing and tuning, practice/qualifying in preparation for Sunday’s racing kicks which will get underway at 10.30am.
The winners and runners-up from each of the four brackets receive trophies and cash prizes. To wrap up the event, the winners will then race off against each other in a thrilling finale to determine the Grand Champion.
All racing is DYO, and all racers get three full rounds regardless of win/lose under the Chicago Shootout formula, making the event suitable to both experienced racers and first-time cruisers.
Should be a great weekend for motor enthusiasts especially Chrysler gurus.
BUSINESS END OF WORLD CUP
After what seems to have been an age, the line-up for the Quarter Final of the ICC World Cup has finally been decided.
So now on to the real battle and who will ultimately be crowned World Cup title holders.
Sri Lanka and South Africa got things underway on Wednesday and India play Bangladesh of Thursday at the MCG in what is surely the biggest cricketing moment in the short history of Bangladeshi cricket.
On Friday at the Adelaide Oval, Australia must beat Pakistan to progress to the Semi Final round. Pakistan has looked in good touch throughout the tournament and Australia will not be able to afford to put a foot wrong in this game. If there is one ground in Australia where the tourists are capable of beating the Aussies, it is surely Adelaide. Pakistan has already played two games there in this tournament and the pitch should hold no surprises.
New Zealand play the West Indies on Saturday in Wellington to decide the final spot in the Semi Finals.
MISSING IN ACTION
There was a glitch at the Inglewood range last Sunday after the no show of the shoot captains – MIA. Apparently there are those who know where they were the night before. Their absence meant a hastily arranged hit and giggle session with Muzzle Loaders, Rimfire and Centrefires.
This weekend, members are hoping Sunday’s pistol events will go off without a hitch. The captain’s plans for the day however remain top secret.
What is not embargoed is the annual Anzac Tribute Shoot that will be held over two weekends (the first on 19 April and the official shoot on 26 April). A big program is being put together, and visitors are most welcome to attend this popular event.
155 shoot
SANTO SEALS A WIN
A well-constructed back nine sealed a win for Santo Cavallaro last Saturday. Forty off the stick was enough for Cavallaro to claim the win – his nett score of 66 gave him a two-shot cushion ahead of runner-up Chris Fittock who just pipped Rob Reeves in a countback. All other minor prizes except the pin at 17 were won by two players. The day was sponsored by Kay Webb, Linda Kelly and Margie Locke.
Matt Waterworth has been in good form of late and walked away with the pin at 3/12, pro-pin at 1/10 and a ball in the run down. Dylan Barraclough continues to impress with such a low handicap and collected the pro-pins at 5/14 and 9/18, the birdies nest at 9 and a ball in the run down with nett 69, 70 off the stick.
The remaining pin at 17 went the way of the overall winner, Santo.
In the best two of three rounds for the Pike Trophy, Matt Waterworth has almost got both hands on the trophy having already posted a nett 132. In the distance are Darryl Boekholt and Dylan Barraclough who are currently six and seven shots in arrears.
Saturday is the final round of the Pike Trophy, a single stroke event which will also be played for the Nuffield Cup. This long standing club trophy makes for some interesting reading when you take the time to check out the previous winners. Mark McCosker will sponsor the day with tee off from 11.30 am. The time sheet is on the board.
BRL ROUND ROBIN
The Border Rugby League open the 2015 season this weekend when the Tenterfield Tigers host the annual pre-season Round Robin at Rugby League Park.
It will be an action-packed day with games commencing at 11.15am (AEDST).
The Killarney Cutters have won the Round Robin trophy for the past two years. They will be looking for another positive start to the season as they prepare to defend back- to-back A Grade Premiership titles.
In the opening game on Saturday, the hosts Tenterfield Tigers play the Wallangarra Rams.
The 2014 League Tag premiers, the Tigers Ladies will also be in action. They open their 2015 account with a game against the Wallangarra Rammettes. That game is set down for 1.05. The Ramettes have been training well, and despite being defeated by the Stanthorpe Gremlinettes last weekend in a trial game at Sullivan Oval are expecting to have a more successful season.
There will also be a nine-a-side Under 18 game played between Tenterfield and Stanthorpe.
The program is as follows:
11.15am: A Grade Tenterfield Vs Wallangarra ;12.10pm A Grade Stanthorpe Vs Killarney; 1.05pm League Tag Tenterfield Vs Wallangarra; 1.40pm: A Grade Tenterfield Vs Stanthorpe; 2.35pm: A Grade Killarney Vs Wallangarra; 3.30pm: League Tag Stanthorpe Vs Killarney; 4.05pm: A Grade Final; 5pm: League Tag Final; 5.25pm: U18’s nine-a-sideTenterfield Vs Stanthorpe. (Players and fans are reminded that all times are AEDST).
All A Grade games will play 20 minutes each way; Ladies League Tag will play 10 minutes each way and U18s will play 15 minutes each way.
Following the busy afternoon of football, the Tigers will be holding a fund-raising jersey auction in the clubhouse (approx. 6pm).
If you are an avid supporter of the Tigers and want to be part of the club sponsorship program this year, then this is an ideal opportunity to show your support. Spend over $500 and you will receive a free replica 2015 Tigers Jersey. 6pm: If you are an avid supporter of the Tigers and want to be a part of the club sponsorship program this year, this is for you.
If you spend $500 or more, you will receive a free replica 2015 Tigers Jersey.
Tigers president Brendan Minns said the surface at Rugby League Park was in perfect condition after recent rain and he expected a great crowd.
There are some new faces in the Tigers line-up this season and Minns is urging all Tigers’ supporters to come out and support their local team.
BUSY BOWLERS
It has been another busy week for Summit Bowls club members. A large group were out on the greens on Saturday for three games of three bowl pairs. On Sunday the club hosted a visiting group from the Downs Diggers Club.
Sunday Results: The team of J. Gillam, P. Davis, B. Stevens and K. Livingstone d B. Jurgs, T. Morris, E. Zanatta and R. McPherson 27-14. In a very tight game, there was only one end separating K. Dean, J. Zeppa, G. Muller and L. Covill and the team of M. Zanatta, K. Hewitt, R. Newlands and N. Jurgs – final scores 18-17. F. Henderson, B. Buntain, K. Empen and R. Stubbs had a clearer win over A. Zamprogno, G. Rubie, M. Stubbs and Pres D. Stanley 19- 12.
There was nothing between the teams of J. Gillam, A. White, and P. Muller and T. Beutel, C. Jackman and W. Thomas who played out a thrilling 13-all draw.
M. Stevens, C. Parker, L. Mitchell and R. Bradford defeated C. Stratford, R. Parker, J. Letherbridge and L. Williams 20-15.
The overall winners were the team skipped by Bob Stubbs. The lucky losers were the group skipped by Lee Williams.
On Tuesday the team of Alex Mattiazzi Joe Zeppa and Artie White were the overall winners in turkey triples. Ten teams played two round of 12 ends. The winners of round two were the Gaye Wilmot skipped team of Attilio Zamprogno and Margaret Harvey.
GOOD CONDITIONS FOR MALLET PLAYERS
There was plenty activity on the green at the Stanthorpe Croquet club with games played in ideal conditions last week. Members played two sets of pairs in association croquet last week. Grace Howard and Heather Widderick pegged out a 26 – 18 win against Joy Newman and Effey Russell. In the other game, Margaret Dickenson and Val Shepherd drew 17-all in their game against Andrea Denkewitz and Pat Schnoor. In an exciting game, Margaret Dickenson and Pat Schoor had breaks of four.
It was the Hoop runners on the green on Wednesday and two games were played. Three players in the group had outstanding games. Bill Golding showed that he has mastered the very difficult jump shot. Golding managed some other very inventive and cheeky shots that were perhaps not quite out of the text book. Teresa Pyne, Dianne Wren and Bill Golding all went close to scoring a “hoop in one” landing the ball in the hoop but unfortunately not all the way through.
Anyone wishing to learn more about Gateball is welcome to join the group on Wednesday mornings or call Elaine Brown 4681 4357 Val Fancourt 0420 415 154 or Shirley Evans 4681 1683.
Gateball was played on Friday with four player Heather Widderick and Effey Russell managed the refereeing duties.
The games resulted in three wins for the White team and two for the Red. New players are most welcome to join the Gateball coaching sessions held each Thursday afternoon at 4pm.
Captains for each division of the game were recently elected. The new captains are Pat Schnoor, (association croquet); Val Fancourt (hoop runners golf croquet) and Margaret Dickenson (gateball) who heads off this weekend to play in a tournament this weekend while the association who will be playing a tournament next weekend.
Knock out semi in stanthorpe
There will be no second chances for one team after the Stanthorpe Cricket Association knock-out semi-final this weekend. Valleys and Wanderers will be playing for the right to meet RSL in the grand final on 28 March.
Valleys go in to the game as slight favourites and with winning form after defeating South’s last weekend.
Despite a slow start to the 2014/’15 season, Wanderers captain Tim Harslett has been impressed with the performance of his side in the past few weeks. Several players have returned to the side and there looks to be much more depth in the team. There are a number of Wanderers players who have struck form at the right end of the season with both bat and ball and Harslett is quietly confident his side will be there on 28 March.
Minor premiers, RSL enjoy a weekend off as they prepare for the final.
The Stanthorpe Cricket Association will hold their annual presentation evening this Saturday night at the Stanthorpe RSL.
IMPRESSIVE SEASON OPENER
The Warwick Cowboys opened their 2015 TRL season with an impressive win 46-nil thumping of Brothers on Saturday night. Captain coach Matt Gainey was delighted with the effort of his team who have shown outstanding form in the pre season. A procession of Cowboys players lined up for tries, but Gainey was most impressed with two players having their first run in a Grade – Braydon Wilson and Michael Pearson. Tom Cameron also made an impressive return to the squad.
In other grades, the Cowboys had a 46-6 win in reserve grade but he Under 18s were defeated 24-14.
This weekend the Cowboys play Pittsworth in Pittsworth, and will be looking for another win after their impressive opening game.
FAVOURITES LEAD THE WAY AT ALLMAN PARK
The Warwick Turf club hosted another successful seven-event programme last weekend. Punters had a field day with favourites winning all but two of the seven events.
Three-year-old filly Had Me at Hello showed her liking for the Allman park track winning the Class Two handicap over 1100m. The three-year-old bay filly who started favourite made it back-to-back wins when she defeated Handful of Silver and Hammersmith in a thrilling finish.
In an unusual set of circumstances, stewards last week revisited the photo finish of the Armidale galloper Kingston Time’s dead heat with Warwick galloper Cuban back on 31 January. Following the inquiry, stewards set aside the result and amended the placings, declaring Cuban the winner and relegating Kinston time to second place.
It is most unusual for placings to be amended once correct weight is declared and this scribe can only recall one other occasion when it has occurred.
Connections of Kingston Time have no such concerns after the geldings impressive in in the opening event on Saturday. The six-year-old trained by Paul Grills slipped away to a four-length win over his archrival Cuban.
Stormy Grey was successful in the Better Than Ready three-year-old 1500 metre QTIS event. The Jim Hanna trained gelding narrowly defeated Toowoomba visitor Finnomony.
