By CASEY O’CONNOR
WELL it is good to be back. I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas break as much as I did.
They say that good things come to those who wait and I am beginning to agree.
I can now tick the Boxing Day Test off my bucket list after Santa finally left tickets for me under the Christmas tree.
I had previously been to the MCG but never to the iconic on Boxing Day Test and I was not disappointed. We were treated to some amazing performances.
As a cricket tragic it was a delight to witness some outstanding performances, none better than the Australian captain Steve Smith and the now Indian captain Kohli.
I was particularly impressed with Chris Rogers who has confounded the critics and found some outstanding form in the long form of the game and I see no good reason to doubt he will be part of the group to head to England for the next Ashes tour.
It was great to see some of the emerging players of the future up close and personal and while Queenslander Joe Burns might not have set the world on fire at his Melbourne debut I was not surprised by his subsequent performances.
With tickets initially for only the first two days of the game I was pretty chuffed to find myself seated next to Simon O’Donnell and his son when I decided to brace against the polar bear winds and go to the final day’s play hoping like everyone else to see an exciting result.
It is on to the ODI now for the Aussies and then the World Cup and haven’t there been some raised eyebrows and I believe unfair criticisms of the selection of Michael Clarke. Certainly is a hard gig captaining Australia, there is no doubt about that.
On the local scene, we are fast approaching the pointy end of the cricket season and football clubs have already begin pre-season training and so the 2015 merry-go-round begins.
Whatever your chosen sport I hope your team tastes success in 2015 especially if you follow the Broncos.
– Casey
BACK WITH A BANG
THE gang at Inglewood Sporting Shooters returned from their Christmas festivities to begin the New Year with a clay event and were joined by nine carpetbaggers who arrived from the east. Tom Donald opened his account for 2015 with a win in the event relegating team Dudgeon, Stephanie and Ray to the minor placings.
An impromptu rimfire shoot was held after the lunch break with Quentin Chapman, Tom Donald, Ross Jackson, Tony Gamble and his two daughters, Hannah and Lucy from Victoria entering into the spirit of things and acquitting themselves well.
Last Sunday the renowned card sharp and quick-draw Doc Solomon of Texas was joined by John and Clay Maher and Doug and Alex Redmond and all enjoyed the fun and games.
With guns blazing the results of the Little Bighorn did not change. It was a great day of single action events.
Tom Donald continued his winning form while Doug Redmond and Clay Maher filled the minors in the single action events.
Quentin Chapman had more success in the rimfire event and the runners-up were once again team Dudgeon.
This Sunday, the club has scheduled muzzle loading and centrefire events and visitors are welcome.
On Saturday, a safety course beginning at 9am sharp will be held at the range on Bosnjaks Road.
You can now keep up to date with all the planned events by visiting the Sporting Shooter Association of Australia Inglewood Branch Facebook page.
Pictured left to right is a pair of villains being Alex and Doug Redmond with New Mexico marshal Tom Donald and Texas Ranger Doc Solomon.
Tom Donald in action with cap and ball revolvers, .44 calibre.
NOMINATIONS OPEN
The Stanthorpe Cricket Association has already received 12 team nominations for the annual super-8s competition which will be played on 24 January. The annual event is growing each year in popularity so if you have not yet done so find seven mates (boys or girls) and enter a team. Nominations are available from the Suncorp Bank in High Street and close next Wednesday. Play kicks off at noon and the bar and barbecue at C.F. White will be open for business.
Why not make it a family day and bring the entire family along to one of the biggest sporting events on the Granite Belt.
It is always a day filled with friendly rivalry where everyone gets their chance to bat and bowl and take part in the many novelty and multi-draw events.
Cost of team nominations is $80. Round up your team and get ready to enjoy a fun-filled day.
BACK ON THE GREENS
Summit bowlers turned out in numbers back on New Year’s Day for some much-needed practice and followed that up with a good turnout the following Saturday when 22 bowlers filled the greens.
Last Saturday, the 2014 triples were held and it was a tough competition with the greens running beautifully after the recent rain and the TLC of the greens crew.
In the first game, B. Wilmot, R. Capelli and T. Sweeney (23) d K. Empen, P. Zamprogno and A. Mattiazzi (14). In game two, the team of K. Mungall, J. Zamprogno and D. Barker (21) proved too good for A. White, Q. Stanley and L. Covill (17).
The first semi-final saw the team of Brian Wilmot, Rob Capelli and Tyler Sweeney successful against Attilio Zamprogno’s team, 26-13. The second semi was a close tussle with Keith Mungall’s crew proving just a little too strong for the Parker trio, 18-15.
The final was decided on Sunday and after a tough battle over 24 ends it was honours to Brian Wilmot, Rob Capelli and Tyler Sweeney.
In what promises to be another great weekend of bowls, strong nominations have been received for the first fixture of 2015, the men’s fours. Play gets under way at 9am on Saturday. The draw is as follows: Game one – C. Parker, R. Parker, D. Parker and P. Parker v G. Rubie, P. Zamprogno, A. Mattiazzi and Len Covill. Game two – B. Wilmot, J. Zamprogno, Q. Stanley and W. Thomas v A. McGlashan, K. Empen, K. Mungall and E. Zamprogno. Game three: A. Zamprogno, R. Newlands, M. Sweeney and R. Capelli v P. Davis, M. Sweeney, R. Slack and S. Martin. Semi-finals winner of game one will play the tam of A. White, R. Spiller, L. Hartley and D. Stanley. The winner of game two will then play the winner of game three with the final to be decided on Sunday.
IN THE SWING OF THINGS
STANTHORPE golfers were quickly into the swing of things – Brendan Barker had a win in the first monthly medal competition of the year with a narrow win over Kev Tooley and Darryl Boekholt. Hannah Reeves kickstarted her New Year on the course with a nett 72 which was good enough to win the ladies’ event ahead of Neta Thouard.
Last Saturday, players were forced to contend with a heavy course but the recent rain and conditions proved no concern to Greg Fraser as he returned a nett score of 64 to take the honours in the stroke event sponsored by the Commonwealth Bank. Ian Henderson showed a return to form with a nett 66 to take runner-up.
Pin shots went to Richard Reardon at 3/12 while David Gianini used his prior course knowledge to take 17. Pro-pins were evenly shared with Tony Herman at 1/10, Mark Hendry at 5/14 and Stephen Kay at 9/18 taking the balls on offer. Tony Herman and Craig Fossey claimed the birdies nest.
In the run down, a ball was awarded to scores of 69 and better.
Margie Locke was successful in the ladies’ stroke event. A score of nett 71 just edging out Hannah Reeves who was once again in the mix finishing with nett 73. Linda Kelly had a double, taking the pin at 3/12 and the approach at 17. Kay Webb and Madeline Jarman shared in the rundown.
The second of three rounds for the Foundation Cup was also completed on Saturday – the final round to be played this weekend.
With two of three rounds to count, Kev Tooley is in the driver’s seat with a two-round total of 136. Next best is Ian Henderson on 141. Four other players have one round with a score in the sixties and will need to have a good third round to cause an upset. Players to watch are Greg Fraser, Tony Herman, Matt Leigh and Fred Wharton.
A stroke round has been scheduled for Saturday and will be sponsored by David Townsend. It will also be the final round of the Foundation Cup. Tee off from 11.30 am and the time sheet is on the board at the club.
DAMAGED GREEN
THE Sporters group also returned to the greens after only a short holiday break on 5 January. Thirty-seven players played the back nine and had to negotiate the damage done to the 11th green by some senseless fool in a four-wheel drive.
Nic Casey took the honours with Norm Steele the runner-up. Rundowns went to Jim McPherson and Ian Anderson. Brendon Barker continued his good form to take out the best gross. Also continuing her good form was young star Hannah Reeves, who claimed the pin at the 12th. Aaron Simmers played a great shot to take out the 17th pin and Dick Hilton played a beauty to take out the pro pin. Meat tray winners were Mick ‘Red Card’ Speer and Stuart Rayner; it was good to see Stuart back after a spell.
This past Sunday he played an excellent round to take the winner’s prize ahead of Jim Walsh. Rundowns went to Ray Thorn and Paul Armstrong who also had the best gross. The pin shot on the third went to Josh Anderson. Ian Anderson took the pro pin. Clarky and Angelo Maugeri each went home with a meat tray in tow. Sporters tee off at the normal time of 7.30am to 8.30am this Sunday.
IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE?
WHEN Valleys batted they got off to a flyer with John Fletcher and Alistair Middleton taking the score to 38 after six overs. Small partnerships had the Valleys side thinking the impossible was possible. But some very tight bowling from Duane Lihou and Luke Brady continued to build the pressure through wickets. One over late in the innings – where the Valleys captain cleared the fence twice – relieved the pressure somewhat, until it came down to one run and one wicket for either side to claim the win. A quick single to mid-wicket allowed Valleys to claim an unlikely victory.
CAMERON STEERS SOUTHS
SOUTHS’ batsman Tom Cameron blazed an unbeaten 129 runs to set his team up for a comfortable win over Wanderers at the weekend. Batting first Souths’ amassed 212 runs in their innings for the loss of eight wickets. Cameron was the backbone of the innings hitting some thunderous drives down the ground. Cameron found plenty of support from the in-form youngster Jordan Lanza (15) and Toby Culham (14). Best bowling performances for Wanderers came from Tim Harslett and Jamie Carnell.
In reply the Souths’ bowlers ripped through the Wanderers top order. Peter Patti batted well for Wanderers top scoring with 55, however the Souths’ bowlers always looked to have control of the game and dismissed their opponents for 139 in the 35th over. Toby Culham backed up his batting with a fine performance with the ball taking 2/17. Tom Furness also bowled well taking 3/28 as did Caleb Hutchings.
The win gave Souths much-needed points as they struggle to stay in touch on the ladder – but with a great track record in the Stanthorpe premiership stakes no-one would be prepared to write off their chances at this stage.
While RSL look to have an unassailable lead of 44 points there are only a few points separating the remaining teams. This weekend RSL plays Wanderers who are sitting in third spot on 18 points. Valleys (20) will be looking to cement their spot on the ladder and continue the good form they showed last Saturday when they take on Souths (15). These two sides have a catch up game yet to be played.-
WARWICK COURSE PLAYING TO PERFECTION
Conditions on the Warwick golf course were perfect last weekend with the course looking and playing better than it has for years.
With golfers obviously still in holiday mode the Friday Red Rooster Rumble continues to draw good numbers. Last week 31 players enjoyed the conditions – none more than Barry Hockings (23) who won the event after a countback from Adam Byrne. Rundown balls went to 19. Pins with the Red Rooster vouchers were collected by Barry Hockings (11), Cameron Charles (13) and at 16 Jack Pearson.
Saturday’s single stableford sponsored by the Horse and Jockey Hotel Motel attracted 40 players. The winner with 41 points was Evan Pfeffer and runner-up was Keith Clarke on 40 points (on a countback). The ball rundown went to Brett Donovan and Brendon Jones (40), Nathan Jones (39), Trevor King and Herbert Ware (37).
Timesheets are in the clubhouse for this Saturday’s single Stableford event and the Australia Day two ball Ambrose on Monday 26 January. For more information on golf in Warwick, booking golf lessons, or joining the club, pop into the pro shop and chat to Rob or Astrid or phone them on 4661 3664 at Rob McConnell’s golf shop.
2015 SATURDAY SHOOTOUT ON THE HORIZON
THE Saturday shootout competition kicks off again on 7 February. All members who play in the Saturday comp are eligible to enter. Each entrants’ best four Stableford points scores over the year are added together to create a total.
The highest total scores from 19 participants will qualify into the final which will be held on Sunday 6 December 2015 (I don’t believe are we talking about December already.)
The top 19 players will then assemble nervously on the first tee. Following photos and squeaky voiced ‘good luck’ nods they tee off consecutively. Each plays out the hole.
One person will lose on each hole, (occasionally after a battle of chip-offs) and be eliminated. By the 18th green there will be two lonely competitors and a bevy of well wishers, officials, scorers and the eliminated players (certainly not losers).
Finally one of them will win and people will whoop and holler. One of the big drawcards of this event is the opportunity for responsible gambling. A few nights before the shootout final, usually at the WGC presentation night a Calcutta is held and the players will be sold to the highest bidders following some theatrical sales pitches from the auctioneer. The whole event is full of fun and good-spirited competition.
The entry fee is a mere $30 and to nominate contact Brendon Jones or John Brack in the clubhouse any Saturday prior to 7 February.
Equally as competitive is the Saturday putting competition held in conjunction with the Warwick Real Estate monthly medal. It started on 3 January and finishes on 5 December 2015. All you need to do is record the number of putts on your scorecard each month. Job done. Putt less, write less, and win. Entry fee is $20 and you must play a minimum of eight monthly medals to qualify. Great prizes to be won and much kudos to be gained. Contact Mick Payne in the clubhouse on Saturdays or pay at the pro shop.
Another way to win from your putting prowess/luck is to come to the clubhouse on Friday night where if your name is drawn out and you can putt the ball meagre five or six metres to the hole you take home the cash. This week that putt could win you $1,800.
ODI
The One Day International Series kicks off on Friday at the SCG when Australia takes on the Poms in the first game of the Tri series. This series against England and India is the Aussie’s final step on the road to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.
For cricket fans there is nothing quite like seeing the Aussies go head-to-head against England.
As all teams make their final preparations for the world Cup the ODI format will see the Aussie take on India at the MCG on Sunday 18. England and India will go head to head in a game at the Gabba on Tuesday, 20 January.
Tasmanians get their chance to check out the Poms when they play the Aussie’s at Blundstone Arena on Friday 23.
The tradition of One Day games at the SCG on Australia Day continues with the Aussies taking on India.
India will go on to play the Poms at the WACA on 30 January prior to the final at the same ground on 1 February. A few weeks of intense One Day Cricket prior to the World Cup are sure to throw us some curve balls and strained hammies if the recently completed Test series is any indicator.
BIG WIN FOR YOUNG VALLEY’S SIDE
A YOUNG Valleys side last weekend broke RSL’s unbeaten run in this year’s Stanthorpe Cricket competition and picked up a bonus point on the way.
RSL has been in sensational form all season and when Valley fielded a side with eight players under 21 – four playing their first game of the season they were expected to notch up another easy win but as all cricket enthusiast know – cricket can be a strange game.
RSL won the toss and as expected took first use of the wicket. RSL were knocked for six when Hayden Smith claimed an early wicket but managed to regroup when Sam Dowie and Duane Lihou combined to take the score to a respectable 1/64.
Just as both batsmen were looking settled and ready to build a big score Valley’s captain Damian Anderson had Duane Lihou and in coming batsman Luke Brady dismissed in the same over.
The Dowie brothers pushed the score along before some good field from Alistair Middleton and a mix-up between the batsmen saw Will Dowie back in the clubhouse. John Fletcher bowled well for Valleys, finishing with the excellent figures of 4/16 as Valleys restricted their opponents to a very gettable total of 125 but not before Sam Dowie (53) claimed another half century.
John Fletcher and Alistair Middleton each had a great start with the bat and pushed the score to 38 after only six overs.
Fletcher found the boundary on four occasions in his innings and Alistair Middleton smashed a boundary and a six in his quickfire 19.
The Valley’s captain also did his it with the bat adding a valuable 20 runs which included two big sixes.
The RSL bowling attack of Duane Lihou (5/18) and Luke Brady (2/21) put plenty of pressure on the young Valleys side however they were up to the task and in a game that could have gone either way Valleys snuck home for an upset win. Damian Anderson 3/19, Hayden Smith 1/21.
MOODY FACING LENGTHY BAN
IT HAS been revealed that champion trainer Peter Moody of Black Caviar fame is facing a possible three-year ban after his horse Lidari returned a positive urine sample for elevated cobalt levels after running second in the Turnbull stakes at Flemington during the Spring Carnival. A maximum cobalt level has been in place in Victoria for nine months.
VRC chief Steward Terry Bailey said, “We put in place a threshold of 200 micrograms per litre in April last year. We have had the drug’s presence confirmed by labs in Western Australia and Hong Kong.”
Cobalt is a naturally occurring trace element but illegal treatment can produce similar effects to banned blood-boosting drug EPO.
Moody is said to be devastated and claims no knowledge or understanding as to how this could have occurred.
The champion trainer says he will work with the Racing Victoria Integrity Services Department to bring this matter to a conclusion as soon as possible.
Lidari, owned by former Australia cricketer Simon O’Donnell and Terry Henderson’s OTI Racing, may lose second-place prize money from the Turnbull Stakes if Moody is found guilty.
Peter Moody is not the first Victorian trainer to be investigated for positive cobalt levels.
The father and son training team of Lee and Shannon Hope last month were notified a horse had returned a positive cobalt test in Victoria. The Hopes have three horses under investigation. Expect to hear much more of this in coming weeks.
WHEATVALE NOTCH UP WIN
WHEATVALE notched up another win for the season last Saturday when they proved too strong for Sovereign Animals in the Condamine Cup cricket match against Wheatvale at Slade Park on Saturday. Despite a gutsy performance from Sovereigns’ Anthony Nero who remained undefeated on 62 Wheatvale chased down the total of 142 runs in only 22 overs. After bagging three Sovereign wickets Paul Cantwell starred with the bat for Wheatvale, scoring 38 in an impressive all-round performance.
COLTS PICK UP POINTS
THE Warwick Hotel Colts picked up the competition points in their game against Allora in Allora in last weekend’s fixtures. Allora were 9/161 at the close of their innings. In another fine performance with the bat, Luke Cullen scored an eye-catching 49.
Colts looked confident in their run chase and their six-wicket win was set up by the solid performance of their opening partnership of Geoff Thorley (51) and Maugan Benn (58). It took only 26 overs for Colts to reach the required target, losing only four wickets along the way.
Best bowling performances of the day came from Fraser McVeigh who finished with 2-9 and Maugan Benn 2-38 for Colts while Allora bowler Allan Shanks took a tidy 1/19 from his four overs.
BOWLERS IN FORM
MARYVALE Condamine set their opponents Railway Hotel Rascals a target of 202 in Sunday’s fixture game at Slade Park. The Allora side was making a good fist of the run chase in their first session but some fine bowling from youngsters Sam Gordon and Mitch Bourke began their undoing.
Bourke claimed two wickets in his first over before finishing with figures of 2/8 from only four overs. Sam Gordon removed Allora’s top-scoring batsman Joe Morris for 25 and in a seven over spell took 3/16 as Rascals capitulated to give Maryvale Condamine a fine win.
