WELL the flags are flying as I finalise this column – the tribes are busily taking up their positions in time for this evening’s State of Origin Game 2 and I doubt it will come as much surprise that I am hoping as you pick this up on Thursday morning the Maroons are celebrating another iconic victory to send Corey Parker out of the Origin arena at Suncorp a winner.
Parker is the epitome of a Maroons player – tough unselfish and committed. His has not been a career sprinkled with glory from day one – instead it’s been a hard slog and a real tribute to this man’s tenacity and self-belief – aspiring rugby league players could do much worse than look to Corey Parker for lessons in commitment and never-give-up attitude.
Like many, I see game two as a much more entertaining game than game one, however I cannot see the Blue’s being the “easy-beats” some people have tagged them. They have made some good changes in their side and if they don’t have a hunger to win this game then they never will.
Let’s hope the “bunker” does not play an important role in the result and that we are talking more about the game than poor TV coverage and dodgy decisions.
And on the topic of dodgy decisions like all rugby league fans and sport fans in general, I was appalled to hear of the alleged assault on a young referee in an Under 12s game last weekend.
As we have often alluded to – games do not go ahead without referees and encouraging young kids to pick up a whistle is difficult enough without overzealous parents and officials taking the law into their own hands. Let’s hope the full force of the law and the NSW rugby league are brought to bear in this instance. We do not need people like this at any level of sport.
On a far brighter note, I am look forward to hearing the one person who can tell us all “where to go” – Karen Jacobsen performing the National Anthem at Suncorp tonight. Jacobsen is the voice of Apple’s Siri and frequently tells us which turn we should have taken on our Navmans and the like.
Jacobsen originally from Mackay is the niece of former well known Ballandeanite, Preben Jacobsen and I doubt there will be a prouder Queenslander watching her performance tonight.
Up the Maroons
– Casey
ROUND 16 NRL
AFTER a very average round last week, I am hoping for a better tipping performance this week in round 16. It is always difficult to predict who will line-up post Origin which makes it all the more interesting for tipsters.
My selections are Panthers after the Bunnies sorrowful performance last weekend. The dragons to inflict more pain on the Knights. The Warriors are showing great form at the moment and could be a chance to burst the Sharks winning bubble. The Broncos to bounce back against the Doggies despite their big Origin presence. The Titans to down the Raiders and continue their impressive season. The Storm to beat the Tigers and the Cowboys to line their home nest with some Eagle feathers.
AGE HASN’T WEARIED
THE passes were flatter the tries more spectacular and the tackles tougher or so they said when players from Toowoomba, Ipswich and Brisbane came together last weekend to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the 1966 Bulimba Cup competition.
The event was held in Ipswich. Former top BRL referee Bernie Pramberg once again had the whistle acting as MC for the event ensuring there were no forward passes knock-ons head high tackles or outlandish furfies told as Peter Betros, QRL chairman and himself a former first class referee made presentations to all the players present.
Among the Toowoomba team was Stanthorpe’s John Scott who was selected for Toowoomba while playing for Newtown. Also present was the 1969 Stanthorpe captain coach Dennis Pennisi who played for Valleys at the time.
There were some well-known but well-worn faces in the group including one of Queensland’s favourite sons former Kangaroo and Queensland Maroon’s selector Des Morris. Morris was a member of the Ipswich side in 1966 which won the Bulimba Cup. Another former Kangaroo Frank Drake entertained former team-mates and opponents with his recollections of the games.
The competition was widely recognised at the time as the toughest in Australia.
SOUTHWEST MAKE IT FOUR IN A ROW
AFTER a series of thrilling games at the Outback Rugby League Carnival in Miles last weekend, South-West Country claimed the Outback crown for the further year in succession. South West had wins over Central West and Mt Isa and impressed the selectors who were on hand to choose the Outback Queensland Team.
Mt Isa once a real force in rugby league in FNQ made their presence felt in this competition, but ultimately it was the South West who dominated according to coach Luke Brosnan.
But South West Country crawled back, thanks to a series of good runs and conversions from sharpshooter Charlie Adams, and proceeded to “blow them [Mt Isa] out of the park,”according to coach Luke Brosnan.
Brosnan, coach four all four of the South West successes praised the team effort of a group of players drawn together from far and wide.
“Any footy has rivalries, but when you get them together as a group it’s hard to have a bad word against them,” he said.
“To win both games is a big step to get as many into the Outback Side.”
Brosnan is also a strong supporter of the concept of the Outback Carnival which gives many players an opportunity to have their talents recognised.
“It’s a great concept, and the more we can share it around the region the better,” he said.
Jarrod McIntosh, Zac Downey, Dan Dwyer, Clinton Taylor, Ashley Dyball and Les Wortley are among the 18 players selected to represent the Queensland Representatives Side for 2016, which includes players from the south, central and north-west rugby league teams.
Tigers player Jarrod McIntosh was a stand out through the carnival and earned himself a call up to the Outback team which will play Torres Strait Islander Representative Side in a curtain-raiser for the Q Cup, Townsville Blackhawks. The team will spend a week in and around the Townsville area.
Coach of the side Dave Kerrigan said the Outback side this year was a good balance of youth and experience. “It’s about progression – you can’t keep selecting the same side, and we want to reward the players who deserve it.”
Mr Kerrigan said players should use this as an opportunity to progress further.
“There is the chance to impress scouts from the Cowboys Black Hawks and other Q Cup sides,” he said.
“Michael Purcell, Jim Lonergan, John Trindall, Zachary Downey and Jason Wilmot are among some previously selected players,” Mr Kerrigan said.
COWBOYS TOUGH IT OUT
THE Cowboys showed plenty of grit on Sunday when they overcame dreadful playing conditions and a determined Dalby side to keep their 2016 on track.
In the poor conditions, it was a day when defence and the ability to keep hold of the football was always going to be paramount and the Cowboys coach Craig Mullaly said it definitely was the Cowboys defence that won the day for his side.
The Cowboys were never headed on the scoreboard and always looked likely winners, however Dalby narrowed the margin to 16-12 after a try from Michael Fletcher was converted. Dalby fought hard in the latter stages of the game, however a long range try from Cowboys Man-of-the-Match Ryan McIvor put the game beyond doubt.
The Warwick Reserve Grade also had a win while the Under 18s defeated the Border Bushrangers 34-6. The Diehards took out the second division 18-14 in another close game.
A Grade Warwick 22 (Mick Bloomfield, Joe Fuimaono, Brodie Quirk, Ryan McIvor tries Mick Bloomfield 2, Dylan Galloway goals) defeated Dalby 12 (Michael Fletcher, Chris Wilkes tries Zac Morris 2 goals)
After Round 13 Warwick and Souths sit on 19 points one point behind competition front runners Pittsworth.
This weekend the Cowboys take on Valleys at Herb Steinhort Oval on Saturday.
WATTLES TURN IT ON
Conditions for all sporting events on the weekend were less than ideal, and it was no different in Clifton at Platz Oval where Wattles hosted Oakey.
On hand was Clifton’s favourite son Shane Webcke who handed out the jerseys to players and was one person with a smile on his face – possibly because he didn’t have to play.
Wattles turned on one of their most impressive performances this season in front of their special guest and showed good wet track form posting a big 54-6 win over their visitors after leading 28-6 at half time.
Wattles coach Garry Lawrence while happy with the win said the conditions were amazing. The coach praised the efforts of Brendan Wilson, Tyrone Jollet and Harry Fullwod. Lincoln Pukallus who debuted for the Warriors and also caught the eye with a good performance.
In reserve grade, Wattles had a 30-6 win while the Under 18s had a bye.
This weekend Wattles will be hoping to take their winning form to Gatton when they take on the Hawks in all three grades.
WHARTON WINNER AFTER COUNTBACK
Golfers had the better of the weekend conditions on Saturday and in Stanthorpe played a single Stableford competition sponsored by Tom and Trish Fittock.
A countback was required to find a winner with both Fred Wharton and Tom Page finishing with 43 points. Wharton eventually got the nod taking out the day’s competition and the Finch Cup and relegating Tom Page to the runners-up spot.
The Pro Pins this week went the way of Matthew Waterworth at 1st/10th and 5th/14th and the 9th/18th to Richard Reardon. Dylan Barraclough won the Pin Shot on the 3rd/12th and the 17th was won by Wes Smith. Rundowns to Wes Smith, Matthew Waterworth, Greg Yap, Dylan Barraclough and Bob Watts.
Kay Webb took out the Ladies competition with Marg Locke runner up with the rundown to Trish Fittock. Linda Kelly held the Approach shot at 17, but there were no takers for the pin shot at 3/12. The draw for the Men’s Match Play draw has been released, so check to see who you have drawn. On Saturday Bob Watts sponsors a 4BBB Medley Stableford.
Players are advised that the game this week is a shotgun start at 11.30am.
TRUE BELEIVERS TURN OUT
CONDITIONS had to be seen to be believed on Sunday for the weekly Sporters game in Stanthorpe, however the ducks and the true believers were out on the fairways and greens with bells on. Marg Locke proved she loves a wet track, taking a win in the wet ahead of runner-up Jim Mitchell, who like many others was having trouble keeping his fleece dry.
The run-downs went to Dick Hilton and Paul Armstrong. Armstrong also had the Best Gross and grabbed the pin shot at the third. Dick Hilton picked up the pro pin. Phil Zikan and Jim Mitchell were seen heading home for a warm shower with a meat tray tucked under their wing.
Tee off this weekend is at the regular time of 8-8.30am, and players will be hoping for kinder conditions.
YEAR OF THE TIGER AND ROOSTER
2016 is the year of the Tiger and Rooster on the football field as the Tenterfield Tigers and Inglewood Roosters continue their domination of the 2016 BRL season. Both sides again had comprehensive wins last weekend.
The Stanthorpe Texas side travelled to Inglewood short on numbers from the get go, and injuries in the first half forced the side to play with 12 players for much of the game. Once again the lack commitment from some players is disappointing for team-mates; supporters of both sides and officials are doing their best to keep the competition afloat this season.
Tenterfield also notched up another convincing win (60-12) over their cross border rivals Wallangarra.
The Tigerettes continued their unbeaten run with a 24-nil win in Wallangarra while in Inglewood the Stanthorpe Texas girls took on a Goondiwindi team in a friendly game.
The Tigers and Roosters have led the way all season and the recent form of both clubs sets up the game of the season this season this weekend when they battle it out at Rugby League Park for the President’s Cup trophy.
Last year, Tenterfield lost the silverware to the Stanthorpe Gremlins and the Roosters also have a good record in President Cup games – both sides will be keen to restore the silverware to their trophy cabinet and this is sure to be a quality game.
TOO WET TO KEEP POWDER DRY
THE weather gods stepped in and rearranged the scheduling at the Inglewood Range on Sunday. It was too wet to keep the powder dry for the muzzle loaders. Being a versatile lot, the programme was quickly altered to an action match pistol event.
The change caused Peter Jones no problems and he went on to win the event, out scoring Wayne Duffy and Ray Dudgeon in the bleak conditions.
Shooters are hoping for improved conditions this weekend and have scheduled a Pistol event for Saturday afternoon and also Sunday morning.
HAMSTEAD PATRON’S DAY WINNER
WALLANGARRA golfers played in the annual Patron’s Day on Saturday. Steven Hampstead proved far too strong for the opposition in the Single Stableford competition. Hampstead finished with 38 points with Tony Murphy and Andrew Thompson filling the minor placings and also collected the Approach shot at 14 during his winning round. Jamie Purcell and Tony Murphy picked up pin shots at holes three and nine respectively.
This weekend the Wallangarra Store will be sponsoring a Two Ball Ambrose and it promises to be a great day. The date for the popular annual Breast Cancer Charity Day. It has been scheduled for Sunday 24 July and will be a Two Ball Ambrose competition with tee off between 9am and 9.30am. Cost has been set at $25pp and includes lunch. Be sure to mark the date in your diary whether you are a regular golfer, casual player or would just like to support a great cause and have a fun day.
GROWING POPULARITY
GOOD numbers at both golf croquet and gateball recently show that the word is spreading about the popularity of these games.
Players took advantage of both courts at the Stanthorpe Croquet Club for last week’s gateball games. On court one, playing triples the team of Bill Golding Les Williams and John Castles took on the ladies – Val Fancourt Heather Widderick and Grace Howard. The men notched up a 12-10 win to gain early bragging rights while on court two the combination of Margret Dickenson, Jenny Tunbridge and Effey Russell won their opening game 12-7 defeating Andrea Denkewitz Joy Newman and Carol Verwey.
Determined to bounce back, the Ladies team on court one turned the tables on their male counterparts in game two with a convincing 14-8 win.
On court two, the game finished in a 10-all tie. After a countback, the decision was given to Andrea Denkewitz’s team.
Following the break the teams were re drawn and
On court one Andrea Denkewitz, John Castle and heather Widderick went down by only one point to Val Fancourt and Grace Howard.
On court two, the action was between, Bill Golding and Effey Russell who played Margaret Dickenson’s team. It was one apiece after two games. Bill Golding’s team taking the first game 12-9 while Dicken’s team fought back in game two to take a narrow 11-10 victory.
Maximum attendance at last week’s Golf Croquet required patience from players as three teams navigated their way around the court.
With new players joining, it looks likely that times will be extended in the near future to accommodate everyone. It is a good indication of the growing popularity of the game as word spreads about this fun form of the game.
Not all the scores last week were recorded this week, but newcomer Bev Sullivan top scored in her game, as did Liz Ellway and Judy Lock. Bill Golding scored a hoop in one.
A group of the newer members arranged a practice session with season players Elaine Brown on Sunday, but due to the inclement conditions, the session could not proceed.
New players are always welcome. If you are interested in learning more about the game, contact Elaine Brown on 0401 630 272.
