By CASEY O’CONNOR
AS the debate raged on Tuesday as to whether or not Michael Clarke would be fit for the first Test at the Gabba, the cricketing world was rocked by the horrific injury to NSW batsman Phil Hughes who this season is playing for South Australia.
Hughes mistimed a hook shot and was felled by the delivery bowled by NSW paceman and former team-mate Sean Abbott.
As this paper goes to print the gutsy batsman, who was in line for a recall to the Australian squad, is in an induced coma in a Sydney hospital following surgery and is fighting for his life.
The incident has sent shock waves through the cricket community. Hughes who burst on to the Australia cricket scene as a 20 year old in a series against South Africa hails from Macksville in Northern NSW is a popular bloke in cricket circles.
When Hughes debuted for Australia, I recall a discussion I had with the late Stanthorpe publican Neil Johnson, who knew the Hughes family and the youngster well. He was full of praise for the unassuming but cheeky lad from Macksville who had so much talent to offer.
After an impressive debut Hughes went on to become the youngest player to score centuries in both innings of a Test when he cracked 115 and 160 in the second Test against South Africa at Kingsmead. A prodigious talent Hughes has played 26 Tests but has been unable to cement his spot in the Australian side.
He had a penchant for playing from outside the line of the ball and scoring from slashes through the off-side field but it often proved his undoing.
He was on the cusp of kick-starting his career in the baggy green – thought by many to be a shoe-in for the upcoming Gabba Test with Clarke almost certain to be unfit despite being named in the squad.
While the thoughts and prayers of all go out to Hughes, the trauma that young quick bowler Sean Abbott must be suffering cannot be overlooked. There was nothing untoward in the delivery – this was just a freak accident. The bowler and former team-mate will need plenty of support in coming weeks.
Ironically, when as an 18 year old Abbot made his first class debut for NSW, it was Phil Hughes who was there to welcome him to the dressing room.
Cricket is not a sport the average punter classes as dangerous. We expect serious injuries in contact sports but overlook the dangers involved in cricket. The public does not get to see the serious bruises, bumps and lumps and breaks concealed by a set of creams and some well-placed padding. The armour of modern cricket tends to disguise the ever-present danger in the game. It is after all played with a weapon, a missile. It only ever takes a slight chink for things to go badly wrong.
Far from being a gentleman’s game, batsmen face real peril when they face seriously quick bowlers. Anyone who has ever played the game at any level knows that the little red cherry is hard, and comes at a frightful pace, and hurts when it hits
As we saw on Tuesday the introduction of the helmet does not make batsmen immune from serious injury and over the years we have seen some pretty serious ones.
Only two weeks ago Pakistan batsman Ahmed Shehzad was hospitalised after being struck in the head in a game against NZ. Like Hughes he was well set – had been at the crease for hours and was on 176. He was luckier than Hughes and was released from hospital after a short stay.
As Phil Hughes, a renowned fighter, takes on the biggest battle of his life perhaps we should be giving more credit to those blokes in white who stride to the crease at the Gabba next week.
We have just received a stark reminder of what can happen when a shot goes wrong. Between now and then the entire cricket community across the world are praying and hoping for Hughes’ recovery and at the same time have rallied behind a devastated Sean Abbott.
– Casey
NEW TEAM TAKE THE BRL REINS
After last Sunday’s BRL annual general meeting, a new executive will be taking the league forward in 2015.
I have enjoyed my three years in the role of chairman. I took on the role when Steve McEvoy stepped aside and it seemed no-one was prepared to put their hand up. Things over the past three years have not always gone smoothly. Unfortunately that is the nature of country rugby league. The challenges that face the BRL are not unique to this area – they are the same problems facing league officials in every area. Rugby league now has to fight hard for participation and support.
I am pleased to say that prior to the AGM I was able to negotiate successfully with Millmerran to join the BRL and that will only strengthen the competition.
I leave the role of chairman knowing that I have done the job to the best of my ability and always with the best interest of the league at heart.
Looking back over the past three years I can say that the highlights include the outstanding final series last year and the sensational grand final which drew an unprecedented crowd at Tenterfield to witness a great game.
The introduction of the Ladies League Tag competition last year, the first in Central Division proved a huge bonus and it would be great to see all six clubs playing in 2015.
Perhaps the biggest thrill was the success of the South West team in three consecutive Outback Carnival wins and the contribution of some extremely talented BRL players whose ability is so often overlooked.
It would have been terrific to see the BRL expand to include an under-18 competition but despite everyone’s best efforts the player numbers in each centre are just not there for a viable competition.
One of my biggest disappointments was to hear of Stanthorpe’s intention to play in the TRL next season from a third party and not from the club.
I know the league will be in good hands under the guidance of the new executive headed by chairman Dolly Bennett who brings a wealth of experience to the table. I wish the executive and the clubs every success in the future.
HOT STUFF
There are a couple of ways to describe those people who braved the 44-degree heat last Sunday to contest the Inglewood SSA shoot – Hot or Crazy.
So much for the forecast 35 degrees – it came and went early on.
Because of the conditions, only two events rather than the planned three events were held. The first was a wild animal hunt with bear and buffalo as the game.
Wayne Duffy proved no duffer in the conditions and proved too hot for the placegetters Iain Bowen and Tom Donald. Many a paw shot by Scott Johns relegated him to fourth place.
Following the lunch break the temperature dropped to a mere 43, when a 25-metre Mayleigh Cup shoot was held under cover.
Wayne Duffy continued his hot form again relegating Iain Bowen to the runner-up spot. Scott Johns improved on his earlier performance to fill third placing.
This Sunday is a scheduled working bee – if nothing else members might be working on keeping cooler.
GOOD PERFORMANCES IN LOCAL CRICKET
Stanthorpe cricketers had the additional problem of the heat to deal with on Saturday afternoon as they battled out their weekly fixtures.
In the searing heat, RSL and Valleys notched up wins.
On Sheahan Oval, the cricket was almost as hot as the temperature as Souths failed to spoil RSL’s unbeaten run.
Souths set the competition front-runners a serious target of 218. Souths’ openers laid the platform with a solid opening partnership of 37. Captain and opener Ben Staley went on to score 44 before he was dismissed lbw by Ross Lupton with the score at 3/101. Adam Bonner returned to the Souths line-up and his knock of 60 not out was invaluable.
Duane Lihou caused the Souths batsmen plenty of headaches claiming five wickets in his five-over spell. Ross Lupton was again economical with the ball. His seven-over spell included a wicket and four maiden overs for the addition of only 11 runs.
RSL lost their openers cheaply but never looked in danger.
Ross Lupton notched up an unbeaten century.
In a punishing batting display, the gutsy all-rounder hammered the Souths’ bowling attack to all points of Sheahan Oval on his way to 101. He was well supported by his captain Will Dowie who finished the innings not out 52.
Souths’ cause was not helped with the addition of 35 wides in the innings.
RSL cruised past the required total in the 28th over to collect the winning points and another bonus point.
On the CF White, the action was just as hot as Valleys broke their shackles to set Wanderers a target of 203. Wanderers got off to a good start when they had both openers out cheaply. Curtis Allen’s wicket was the first to fall in just the third over with the score on only 14. In the next over the Wanderers wicket keeper had Andrew Middleton caught behind off the bowling of Brendan Drayton with the score on only 18.
Valleys captain Damian Anderson got the innings back on track with a great captain’s knock of 68 as he guided his side to 203.
Once again some sloppy bowling from the Wanderers attack gifted Valleys 50 runs.
Valleys defended the total well throughout the second innings. The bowling attack restricted the run rate early in the innings. Curtis Allen dismissed Wanderers captain and dangerous opener Tim Harslett cheaply in only the third over and went on to take 4/43 from an eight-over spell.
The Wanderers keeper Hill top scored with 76 and provided some middle order stability as wickets tumbled.
It was a fine performance from a very young and inexperienced Valleys side who earlier in the week lost one of their club stalwarts from their playing ranks when Todd Beckett announced his retirement. Beckett said after 27 years playing for Valleys he felt the time was right to hand over to some of the young talent in the side. He was spot on – there is certainly a group of talented young players among the Valleys side and it augers well for the future of the club.
HOT CONDITIONS HOT SCORES ON GREENS
Eric McLellan sponsored the single stableford competition at the Stanthorpe Golf Club last Saturday and the scores were almost as hot as the weather.
Tom and Trish Fittock recently donated a drinking fountain which is conveniently located in the barbecue area. It certainly got a solid workout during last Saturday’s round.
Mick O’Brien scorched around the field to record a winning score of 45 points just in advance of runner-up Matt Waterworth who finished with 44.
Astrid Turner from the Warwick Golf Club sizzled to return 41 points in the ladies’ event well in advance of runner-up Linda Kelly 39.
Santo Cavallaro and Matt Waterworth each claimed a pin at 3/12 and 17 respectively. Pro pins went the way of Bill Pyne (1/10), Stephen Kay (5/14) and Viv Thouard (9/18). The birdies nest was crowded – shared by Bill Pyne, Ian Harvey and Mark Hendry. Ladies’ pin shot went to Linda Kelly (3/12), and Hannah Reeves had the best approach at 17.
In the run down, scores of 42 points and better qualified for a ball.
In other news, the RSL Wednesday golfers have purchased turf which now supplements several tees and has repaired a patch of bare ground on the seventh fairway.
A reminder to all golfers, the Stanthorpe Golf Club is holding a Christmas break-up next week when the Golfers of the Year will be announced. There will be a barbecue following the Delaney Family medley 4BBB stableford (registration 11.30am, shotgun start 11.45am). The time sheet is on the noticeboard and also an RSVP for the Christmas break-up.
STANTHORPE BID STALLED
The Stanthorpe Gremlins’ bid to play in the 2015 TRL competition has stalled after the BRL delegates voted to deny the club permission to leave the competition.
It is believed that the Gremlins will now take their argument to QRL Central Division by way of an appeal in a bid to have the decision overturned.
At the BRL delegate meeting which followed the BRL AGM, the majority of BRL clubs argued that to lose Stanthorpe would be detrimental to the ongoing well-being of the league. While Stanthorpe is adamant they have the required 60 players across three grades to enter the TRL competition other clubs were sceptical wondering if some of their key players might be in Stanthorpe’s sights.
An under-18 competition appears once again to be the sticking point. There are claims from within the Gremlins that the BRL has no interest in junior rugby league. That has never been the case, however with no direct report or link to a junior base it is understandable that some may see this as the case. The point was again made on Sunday that the player numbers produced at the recent Boundary Review Meetings did not indicate there were adequate numbers to sustain a competition. The answer may be playing a seven-a-side or nine-a-side competition in the BRL with some smaller areas combining. This was suggested at those meetings. Another solution floated was the transition of junior rugby league from under-14 and under-16 to 15s and 17s. I understand this was not meet with great approval from the junior governing body in the area, the Warwick and District Junior Rugby League.
As has always been said there are no easy answers. The decision on Stanthorpe’s future will now rest with Central Division who will make a determination based not just on the future of Stanthorpe but perhaps the future of the BRL. Interesting times ahead in rugby league circles.
BIG TURNOUT FOR TURKEY DAY
SOME 30 players turned out on the bowling greens at The Summit to play in the recent turkey triples. The conditions were surprisingly good and honours went to Noel and his Southern Cross team. The runners-up were Peter Collis, Mick O’Leary and Phil Davis. It was a great day and well organised by that dedicated band of volunteers Artie, John, Quinton and Ray while the ladies looked after the afternoon team.
Social bowls last Saturday were red hot in more ways than one. Brian Brown, John Harslett and Atillio Zamprogno (19) defeated Chris Stratford, Kurt Empen and Artie White (7).
The score in no way reflected the nature of the contest.
The district triples were held at Texas and The Summit. The Summit Bowls Club entered two teams. On the Saturday at Texas, The Summit teams were close but did not qualify for the post sectional play on Sunday which was held at The Summit.
Winning though to the Sunday round were teams from Tenterfield and Warwick. It was a close fought final with the Warwick team skipped by Lee Williams taking the title.
MITCHELLS CLEAN UP
Jamie Mitchell notched up a win over Jim McPherson at Sporters last Sunday. Run downs went to Terry Byrnes and Norm Steele. Angelo Maugeri had the best gross. Pin shot on the 12th went to runner-up Paul Byrnes and Jim Mitchell grabbed the pin at 17. Brendon Barker took the pro pin. The Mitchell family, Jim and Jamie made a clean sweep of the meat trays – barbecues this week Dell?
The Sporters Christmas party should be in your diary – if not add it now – 14 December.
Tee off this Sunday at the normal time.
QUEENSLAND CRICKETERS OVER-40S
The Queensland Cricketers over-40s side is assembling for their final game for the year, and – as is tradition – it will be played in Stanthorpe at the CF White Oval. The annual 50-over game is set down for 13 December and looking at the Cricketers Club line-up there will be a good mix of familiar faces and some new additions as they try to wrest the trophy back from Stanthorpe.
MORRIS + MORRIS TOO STRONG
The combination of D. and G. Morris proved to be too strong for the remainder of the field in the 4BBB at Wallangarra on Saturday. Runners-up in the event sponsored by B. McMillan and A. Pearce were Steve Hampstead and P. Williams. Taking out third place was the team of Alan Lutter and Dennis McMeniman. Only two of the four pin shots were claimed. Alan Lutter had success at nine and B. McMillan snared the approach.
There are some dedicated golfers out there – it would have been so much easier to stay home and find a cool spot and sip on a nice cold pina colada or ale.
The weather bureau has promised us much cooler conditions for the coming weekend – hopefully we will be playing a single stroke event not a heat stroke challenge.
RED FACED ROAR
There can be no harder gig in sport than being an elite coach. Winning last year’s A league title was simply not enough to save the bacon of Brisbane Roar coach Mike Mulvey after the side’s woeful start to the 2014/2015 season.
Brisbane Roar officials and hierarchy have been left very red faced after the media contacted Mulvey hours before the coach met with club and they delivered the news officially.
The club has now launched an investigation into how things went so wrong and who is accountable. There are saying that the decision to axe Mulvey was made on Sunday morning and a process put in place to firstly contact Mulvey, then the playing group, then the members and media. In the words of Roar managing director Sean Dobson, Mulvey had deviated from the club’s core playing and training philosophy and despite repeated meetings, a satisfactory arrangement could not be reached.
Seems that Perry Park must have the worst plumbing in Queensland – the leak was so great.
Frans Thijssen was appointed interim coach of the Roar after someone officially advised the incumbent he had the chop.
TEMPERATURES SOAR – GOLFERS STILL GOLFING
Temperatures are soaring and we all wish the water was pouring down but it is not to be apparently. But still the golfers are playing. The heat did little to perturb John Deveitt in last Friday’s Red Rooster Rumble. He carded a healthy 26 points off his Red Rooster Rumble handicap. Runner-up was decided on a countback and went to FIFO member Ben Pillar on 24 points just nudging out Mick Banks. Run down to Ben’s dad John Pillar on 22 points. The pins went the way of Bob Lester (5) and Al Matthews (9).
In the single stableford last Saturday in Warwick, Don Maher was the winner with a final score of 42 points. Charlie Morrison was the best of the rest finishing with a creditable 39. Run down went to 36. Pins went the way of Trevor King (5 and 11), Ron Simon (7) and Cameron Scutts (13).
This Saturday a 4BBB stableford has been scheduled. Sunday is Patron’s Day. Timesheets for both events are in the pro shop or phone 4661 3664.
Sevens carnival in LONGREACH
Fancy a pre-season footy trip to Longreach for a game of 7s as you prepare for the coming footy season.
The Longreach Thompsons Tigers are again hosting their annual Longreach 7s Rugby League Carnival on 14 February at the Longreach Showgrounds. While it may seem a long way to travel for a few games of footy. This is no hit and giggle stuff – there is $10,000 prize-money up for grabs.
There are Open Men’s and Open Women’s divisions with each team playing three pool games. The pool games will be followed by semis and two finals – Plate and overall winners. Prize-money has been allocated for the winner of the final, the runner-up, Plate winner, Player of the Carnival, Dash for Cash and Women’s Finalist.
The carnival will be played under full QRL rules and all players are required to be registered. Teams are restricted to a maximum of 20 per team and 14 per game.
Nominations close on 1 February and the contacts are Gavin Ballard 0421 608 287 and Tim Penrose 0475 468 107.
