By CASEY O’CONNOR
THE rugby league season has finally come to an end. We seem to have been watching rugby league and talking about it for over 12 months.
The Kangaroos fell short of the Kiwis in the final of the Four Nations after a try was disallowed that would have levelled the scores.
Whether it was a try or not – the Kiwis outplayed us and were deserved winners of the tournament.
Without doubt they were the best team in the competition.
It shows the gap between the Aussies and the rest has narrowed. Granted it was a Kangaroos line-up full of unfamiliar faces with many of the regular faces in rehab.
It once again raises the question about the length of the season and whether we should be talking rugby league when we should be focussing on Michael Clarke’s hamstring woes and the first Cricket Test at the Gabba.
League fans need not fret because the new season is just around the corner and you will barely have time for withdrawal symptoms before we are back into the Clun Challenge, New Zealand Nines, the All Stars game and then the trials and the season proper.
Of course you are allowed to have Christmas and tune into the Boxing Day Test or the Sydney to Hobart for a bit of a change.
I personally believe the game administrators should be wary of killing the goose and all that. It is a path that cricket has been hurtling down for some time and interest, ratings, partly filled stadiums and declining crowd numbers tell a story all of their own.
In the meantime as Cam Smith heads off for a well-earned rest, Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke is undergoing sessions in a state-of-the-art spinal machine while he waits on the results of tests on his injured hamstring. With the worst-case scenario surgery plenty of people have their fingers crossed the diagnosis will be better than expected.
If Clarke is unavailable then the Australian captaincy may come down to a lucky dip. Interesting times ahead.
– Casey
LEAGUE NOW ON A WAVE
IT WAS an appointment no-one saw coming when Suzanne Young was announced as the new Chief Operating Officer for the NRL and replacement for the experienced Kiwi Jim Doyle.
That the second highest position in the NRL has been handed to a woman came as a shock to many.
But this is a mother of six who broke her nose playing rugby league as a kid ticks all the boxes and more for the position.
She has more than two decades of experience managing strategy, development and operations for the likes of Qantas, Leighton Holdings and the Commonwealth Bank.
Along with her business acumen, comes a background in surf lifesaving as a participant, coach, official, administrator and director of Surf Life Saving Australia.
Young says her appointment is simply the newest addition to the female participants within the sport.
“There are lots of women who are managers of teams, who are coaches of teams; volunteers who do canteen duty,” she explained.
“I’m not the first woman to be involved in the league and I hope to make a significant contribution just as they have done.”
Young, who was Australian lifesaver of the year in 1996, will have responsibility for overseeing the salary cap, integrity unit and governance of clubs.
Young, who has a bachelor of economics, a masters of tax law and a masters of accounting and is a certified practising accountant and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors has hit the ground running and has already impressed many of the club CEOs at NRL level.
There have been plenty of changes in the administration of rugby league and for an organisation so long criticised for “the jobs for the boys”, it is great to see the organisation taking a leading role in breaking the glass ceiling in business.
It is perhaps no surprise that the QRL has included the first QRL Women’s Leadership Seminar in the program for the QRL Admin Conference in 2015.
WANDERERS BOUNCE BACK
FOLLOWING their loss to RSL, the in-form side of the competition the previous weekend Wanderers bounced back with a good win over Souths last Saturday in conditions which should have seen only mad dogs and Englishmen out to play.
Wanderers now sit in second spot on the ladder a point ahead of Souths.
Souths began the game well with openers Staley and Cameron putting together a tidy opening stand. The first wicket fell in the sixth over with the score at 1/39. However a good all round bowling performance from the Wanderers men with the ball saw Souths restricted to 127.
The Wanderers’ batsman always looked in control of the situation in their innings. Openers Tim Harslett (16) and Rob Yates (34) set a solid platform for the remaining batsmen. Adrian Hill added 27 runs before he was LBW to Lanza as Wanderers went on to pick up the winning points.
RED HOT ACTION
AS THINGS got underway last Sunday at the Inglewood Range, the temperature was a little cooler and conditions a little more pleasant than Saturday but the action was red-hot.
A cooling breeze dropped the temperature to a mere 35 after the mercury had hit 44 on Saturday.
The wind was up and down and made hitting the bull challenging.
Although two events had been scheduled a decision was that with severe fire warnings in place muzzle loaders were perhaps not the flavour of the month with the firies so it was off to benchrest.
At 50 metres Quentin Chapman lead the charge followed by Ray Dudgeon with Tom Donald 0.01 behind in third place, Stephanie Dudgeon came in a distant fourth with the remainder of the field strung out behind the leaders.
Quentin Chapman also headed the leader board in the centre fire 50 metre open sights. Pete Russell took out second place and Tom Donald again had to settle for third sport.
The club welcomed four visitors now keen to become members.
Three hail from Goondiwindi – Vikki Lindemeir, Tony Gamble and Tristan Lane and Mae Whitfield of Brush Creek.
Organisers and members have their fingers crossed for more pleasant conditions this week for the three event pistol day.
MARG’S DAY
MARG Locke had a win at Sporters last Sunday when she edged out runner-up Keith Green.
The run-downs went to Jamie Mitchell and Angelo Doorley. Dylan Barraclough had the best gross figures and also took the pin shot on the third. The Pro Pin belonged to Clarky (Graham Clark).
Leaving with a smile on their faces and a meat tray in hand were Angelo Doorley and Paul Mills.
Sporters Christmas party is not that far away – December 14 so if you have not already – mark the date in your diary. It should be another great day with a barbecue brekkie to give Sporters some fortitude for the game which will be followed by lunch.
Tee-off this week is at the normal time of 8am.
STARS SHINE
THE Southern Stars secured their fourth consecutive one-day victory over the West Indies on Tuesday and completed a clean sweep of the series.
Meg Lanning who has debuted behind the microphone this year for the Channel Nine commentary team had another dominate performance on the field as did her partner in crime Ellyse Perry.
A dream 121-run partnership between Lanning and Perry left the visitors chasing 275 runs. The Australian girls were too strong for an injury riddled West Indies, eventually winning by 148 runs.
In the game played at the Bradman Oval in Bowral Lanning cut an intimidating figure at the crease, having notched her highest one-day international score of 135 in the last game. She created history as the first female player to hit a century on what some believe to be the most hallowed turf of all, the Bradman Oval.
Lanning also became only the seventh Australian to reach 1500 one-day international runs.
It is good to see the southern Stars finally getting some well deserved recognition. They recently played curtain-raisers to the Australian South African T20 series.
Ladies’ cricket is a sport that is growing in popularity and with the continued success of the Southern Stars it is finally is getting some air time and some interest from the media and public.
The Southern Stars now return to their respective state sides for the upcoming summer competition.
HATS IN THE RING
TWELVE hot and sweaty golfers threw hats and head covers in the ring last Friday each with the same aim – beat someone else and trying to escape the heat.
The winner with a score of 24 points was the consistently improving Doug Wilson Gerry Morrissey’s score of 20 points was good enough to get him second place. Pins for hot chooks from Red Rooster went the way of Jamie Saunders (11), Brett Donovan (13) and Gerry Morrissey (16).
ANOTHER MITCH SHIELD SCALP
STANTHORPE added another victory to their 2014-’15 Mitchell shield campaign with a win over Toowoomba last Sunday in the game played at the CF White Oval.
Hayden Lanza returned to play for Stanthorpe and had the wicket of Toowoomba opener Sperling in the very first over when he was trapped leg before for just one run. It was the perfect start for the home side and put Toowoomba under immediate pressure.
Toowoomba regrouped and set Stanthorpe a very gettable target of 141 on a good wicket and lightning outfield.
Stanthorpe openers Ben Staley and Hayden Lanza combined in a handy opening partnership of 47 before Staley was caught behind for 19.
Sam Dowie added only two runs before he was also caught behind. A dominant partnership between Hayden Lanza (not out 57) and Luke Brady (not out 51) steered Stanthorpe to an easy win.
Stanthorpe will play Warwick on November 30 in the next round of the Mitchell Shield.
SINGLE STROKE OR HEAT STROKE
JOHN Porter survived the conditions on Saturday to win the single stroke (no not heat stroke) event sponsored by Bell’s Butchers and Danny Lyons Sports.
That’s two weeks in a row. Last week 41 points, this week a nett 65. And the drums are beating – there could be people looking at that handicap.
Runner-up on a countback was Chris Hall. Rundown balls to Don Maher and David Craggs (65), Sam McLennan (66), Evan Pfeffer 67. Pins to Trevor King (5), Eddy Kemp probably had “carp” on his mind but took the pin at seven. Brendon Jones claimed nine, David Simon 11, Herbie Ware 13, and Murray Wright 16.
The final charity day on the Warwick Golf club 2014 calendar drew a crowd of just under 100 people last Sunday. The big crowd braved the 40 gazillion degree heat (probably figuring it was cooler on the greens than indoors to support the NAB golf day with proceeds going to dementia support.
The winning team with the best nett score of 53 was Neil Carney, Angela Burrows, Doug Rickert and Kimberly Smith.
Runner-up best nett with 53.25 was Tim Sutton, Jeremy Ralph, Ben Brownlie, and Scott Beard.
Winner best gross with 59 (that’s 10 under off the stick folks) was the team of Sam McLennan, Kris McLennan, John Devitt and Jack Daley had the best gross – score of 59 that us a whopping 10 under off the stick. Runner-up best gross with 63 off the clubs was Brad Rose, Jamie Saunders and Jesse Harris. Run down in best nett with 54.625 was Geordie Russell, Coralie Russell, and Lyn and Charlie Cockerell (escaping G20 Brisbane). Team NAB Paul Swift, Scott McLennan, Kevin Bourke and Wayne Watt with 55 nett and the combination of Geoff Hinze, Rodney Hinze, Neil Nason and Butch Lutch also finished with nett 55.
Other winners were Sam McLennan and Judy Lester (golfers) – long drive. Non-golfers Kimberley Smith (non golfers) and Kev Bourke (non golfers) won the long drive for non-golfers.
Pins went to Ian Carrie (5), Josh Mazzaracca (7), Jesse Harris (9), Charlie Cockerell (11), Chris Hynes (13), and Paul Butler (16).
The Brown Hornets led by Terry Duggan took out the award for the Best Dressed Team. The encouragement award went to Howard Gross’s team and Jamie Saunders collected the cash in the putting competition.
Some great scores topped off a wonderful day and supporting a great cause and if you missed the action you only have to wait until sometime in the New Year for the first of the four ball Ambrose days in 2015.
This Saturday’s Advance Metal sponsor a men’s competition single Stableford. As usual the time sheets are in the pro shop (4661 3664).
RSL LEAD THE WAY
RSL are showing their opponents a clean set of heels in the Stanthorpe Cricket Association competition.
They sit on 24 points well ahead of second placed Wanderers (9) and Souths (8) and remain undefeated this season.
On Saturday they outplayed Valleys in another round of T20. Playing on Sheahan Oval RSL took first use of the wicket and were 1/31 before they lost in form opener Same Dowie to a good ball from Sandro Stefanon.
Despite some good bowling performances from the experienced Valleys attack RSL were able to set a 168 target for the opposition. Greg Mackenzie top scored in a cameo innings which netted him 46 runs.
The Valleys batsmen were on the back foot from the outset and despite good performances from Anthony Marino who top scored with 39 and Damian Anderson (24) the RSL bowlers always looked to have the upper hand.
There was some tidy bowling from Tom Garland who took 2/19 and Sam DiBella was also on target taking 2/27 as Valleys fell well short of the required score.
Pierce trophy popular
BOB and Elaine Peirce travelled from Toowoomba for Saturday’s mixed 4BBB Stableford last Saturday which they sponsored.
Bob presented the Peirce trophy and was among a large contingent of players who ignored the conditions and enjoyed a great day of golf.
Kev Tooley and Denise Grozier combined to return a winning score of 48 points and collect the Peirce Trophy.
Mark Hendry collected the balls for his pin shot at 3/12 and the birdies nest. Eric McLellan held the pin at 17. Lyn Ludlow won the ladies’ pin at 3/12 and Margie Locke had best approach at 17.
Pro-pins were won by Viv Thouard at 1/10 and Brendon Barker collected the rest at 5/14 and 9/18.
In the rundown, a ball each to teams who scored 46 points and better.
Craig Fossey and Keith Allen played their semi-final for the Captain’s Trophy.
After a winning round Craig moves into the final where his opponent will be Keith Barnett.
This Saturday, Eric McLellan sponsors a single Stableford event.
Christmas is not far away but the Stanthorpe Golf Club will be holding their Christmas break up on Nov 29 directly after the day’s event. For catering purposes there is a sheet on the notice board.
BUTLER AT THE HELM
FOLLOWING the Wallangarra Rams AGM last weekend the club has a new President for the 2014/15 year – Peter Butler.
Steve Kinsella who has held the position for the past three years has done a great job overseeing the improvements to the ground and fighting fiercely to keep the club afloat.
Kinsella is not gone from the executive – he will take on the role of vice-president for the upcoming year.
The club has worked hard since almost finding themselves sitting the season out in 2014. Volunteers have been busy improving the change rooms and exterior of their building. There is a plan in the pipeline to fence the playing area to assist with crowd control but perhaps more importantly to give the volunteers looking after the field some respite from those pesky rabbits.
The club has a clear action plan to improve on the performances of the past couple of years and are close to announcing the signing of a new coach for 2015.
District triples around the corner
CONDITIONS and the busy schedule of events in Stanthorpe last weekend kept bowlers to a minimum at the Summit. In a social game Attilio Zamprogno and P. Davis went head to head with B Brown rob Newlands. The score 18-8.
A reminder that District Triples are just around the corner – set down for 22/23 November – please nominate at the club.
SUNNY SPEAKS OUT
THE first cricket Test of the summer is just around the corner and as the Aussies grapple with the reality that their captain Michael Clarke may not be fit for the series the Indians are digesting the outcome of yet another probe into match fixing in the IPL.
Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar in Australia at the invitation of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was joined by other cricketing legends such as Kapil Dev, VVS Laxman, Steve Waugh, Glenn McGrath, Allan Border, and Jason Gillespie at a reception at the MCG.
The former Indian captain has called for radical changes in the approach to what has become the scourge of the game.
Gavaskar hit out at Gurunath Meiyyapan, son-in-law of ICC President it is alleged was aware of spot fixing but did not act according to the latest investigation.
“The full force of the law must come down on Meiyyapan,” Gavaskar.
He called for zero tolerance against match-fixing and betting saying if any player is found guilty of participating in wrong acts he should be jailed and his entire cricketing history deleted from the record books.
He praised new legislation in New Zealand which allows for guilty players to be jailed. He also called for the legalisation of betting on cricket in India in an effort to stamp out the black market and black money that is having such an effect on cricket.
MORRIS TAKES THE TROPHY
A SIZEABLE field turned out in the extreme heat conditions to play for the Bob Ditton Trophy last Saturday at Wallangarra.
D. Morris finished just ahead of I. Chaplin and S. Hampstead to claim the prize. Pin shots went to S. Hampstead on 15 and T. Edwards had the approach hot on nine.
The golfing Gods smiled on Pete Butler and he snared the Birdies Nest on hole one.
Golfers will be looking for cooler conditions this Saturday for the club’s 4BBB competition.
BIG PROGRAM A SUCCESS AT ALLMAN PARK
THE Warwick Turf Club hosted a big seven event program last Saturday at Allman Park and the big fields lay testament to the popularity of the course with owners, trainers and jockeys.
The main race of the day, the $20,000 Olsen’s Produce/Freestone Feedlot RQ Summer Provincial Series BM 75, was won Gold Coast galloper Moon and the Stars.
The four-year-old mare started favourite and is trained by Harold Norman and was ridden by claiming apprentice Rikki Jamieson.
The meeting opened with the running of the Warwick Daily New QTIS maiden for three-year-olds.
American Spirit who placed second at her last start in Toowoomba gave Michael Nolan and apprentice Brooke Stower a winning start to the meeting.
Training honours went to Killarney trainer Les Clarke with back to back wins in the fourth a and fifth races.
Vegas Luck had an easy two-length win over Crown the Boss in the Olsen’s Produce 1350 metre maiden.
The Clarke stable backed that up with another win when Ollie Runs Hot edged out the Len Wheeler trained Handful of Silver.
The favourite Look at Anything disappointed and finished at the tail of the field.
Trainer Lacey Morrison had a first up win with Monsieur Hughes in the 1100 metre Freestone Feedlot maiden. The gelding, having his first start since February, started at the good odds of $11.
The meeting concluded with the running of the Blue chip Accounting Handicap over 1200 metres.
Leading Coff’s Harbour Jockey Terry Trichel combined with the Kevin Hickmott trained Zounite to narrowly win the final event.
Zounite was another winner at good odds ($8) and in a bobbing finish got the judges nod over the favourite Rum Tum Tugger.
