By Casey O’connor
WHEN this edition hits your front yard, like the Aussie cricketers I will be going through my warm up paces in preparation for the historic day night Test at the Gabba. There is plenty of buzz around the match with ticket sales at a premium.
It is good news for the Gabba. I have no doubt curator Kevin Mitchell Jnr will produce another stunning Gabba Test match wicket however Cricket Australia this week announced that the order of the cricket world will return to normal next year when the Gabba will once again host the opening Test of the Ashes series. No matter how successful this day night Test, it seems that the Poms next year will only play one day night event and that will be in Adelaide.
There is one big positive for the Aussies however in the revised schedule and that will see our Test players able to play three full Shield games as they prepare for the summer of International competition. With the Ashes on the line that has to be a good thing.
In the meantime, like many other cricket tragics I cannot wait for this Test. It should prove to be spectacular, and I am sure the ICC will be looking closely at the day night format at the end of the Australian summer.
The Pakistan side showed they are up for the challenge with a big win over the Cricket Australia XI in their pre-test game at Cazaly’s in Cairns last week. The visitors are expecting the Gabba wicket to provide plenty of bounce and their quicks are sure to deliver their share of short quick stuff for our batsmen. Matt Renshaw who debuted in Adelaide will no doubt be keen to show that he has more than block and stay tactics in his bag of tricks and on his home turf hopefully we will see more of what this young man has to offer.
Australia will be defending an impressive Gabba winning record and hopefully the day/might format lives up to expectations.
Talk is beginning to turn to the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. That of course means there cannot be many sleeps left between now and a visit from that Man in the Red Suit, so as we all prepare for our Christmas celebrations next week we will take a look at the Year that has been. Hopefully, that will include another iconic win for the Aussies at the Gabba.
– Casey
QCC OVER 40s VICTORY
IT IS several years since Stanthorpe and the Queensland Cricketers Club Over 40s teams have played due to scheduling difficulties and adverse weather conditions. At their last outing, the Neil “Wickets” O’Connor trophy was retained by the Stanthorpe side, but last Saturday in perfect conditions for cricket and on a well-prepared wicket the visitors sought and got their revenge.
In an entertaining game with plenty of friendly banter, the QCC side posted a good win despite Stanthorpe boasting several players still active in the current fixtures. Stanthorpe unfortunately suffered injuries to a couple of their key players. Alan Cameron was forced from the batting crease with a hamstring injury after attempting a run early in the innings. He was joined shortly after by Peter Nimmo, who spectators and players alike thought had been shot from the grassy knoll as he collapsed on the wicket with a similar injury. Good batting performances from Ross Lupton who showed plenty of class and Greg McKenzie who has not played for several seasons helped Stanthorpe to a total of 163.
The visiting batsmen took the game to the Stanthorpe bowlers and several of their top order batsmen retired after scoring 40 odd runs in accordance with the rules of engagement.
Wayne Sander, Peter Holly, Man-of-the-match John Fitzgerald and Gill Chapman who many older readers would remember as a top class half back for Wests in the Brisbane Rugby League competition, all batted well and retired undefeated.
The QCC captain Neville Taylor presented Greg McKenzie with the Stanthorpe Man of the Match after an impressive performance with bat and ball. After his performance, McKenzie is understood to now be fielding requests to return to playing in the Stanthorpe fixtures.
President of the QCC side Peter Chisholm returned from an extended 27 month layoff due to ill health to play in the match and was full of praise for the organisers of the game and said the visitors always enjoyed playing in Stanthorpe.
“The facilities are second to none, up there with the best we play anywhere in Queensland. “The wicket and field are first class as is the hospitality. “Now Lew Cooper has the QCC players and the game back on track we look forward to defending our win next year,” Chisholm said.
One of the most impressive performances in the game came from neither batsmen nor bowlers but from young Jordan Lanza who acted as my cohort umpire for the game. Lanza, who is an impressive talent as a cricketer, showed plenty of ticker out in the middle. It was no doubt a reasonably daunting task for a teenager to umpire this game and Lanza, as he does when he has bat in hand did not take a backward step showing plenty of confidence in his decisions. Hats off to the young man who we all know has a big future in the game.
Following the game, the visiting players enjoyed their annual Christmas party at O’Mara’s Hotel where they were treated to an unexpected visit from a bloke in a red suit bearing gifts.
WILLIAMS WINS MEMORIAL TROPHY
WALLANGARRA golfers were out in numbers last weekend playing a single stableford competition for the Paul Hampstead Memorial Trophy.
It proved to be a great competition with only two points separating the winner and the fifth-placed finisher.
S. Williams proudly claimed the win and the trophy and was closely followed by M. Ellis. In the run downs, T. Murphy, S. Hampstead and K. Williams finished tied.
Steve Hampstead claimed the nearest the pin at the ninth while T. Murphy had success at the hard hitting 11th and M. Ellis snared the 15th.
This Saturday is the annual Hamper Day. It is a 4BBB comp with partners drawn after the game.
Everyone intending to play are asked to bring along some goodies to add to the prizes and ensure that no one goes home empty handed.
JONES ON TOP IN CLOSE FINISH
A COUNTBACK between three players was required to find a winner in Saturday’s Stanthorpe Golf club’s Single Stableford sponsored by Max Hunter. Keith Jones Eric McLellan and Ian Henderson all finished their round on 40 points. Following the countback, Keith Jones was declared the winner relegating Eric McLellan to the runners-up position while Ian Henderson had to settle for a spot in the rundowns despite a good round. The men’s run down went to 38 with Richard Reardon, Wes Smith and Greg Fraser each collecting a ball.
There was also a close finish in the Ladies event. Rachael Hendry eventually won with 38 points just one point in advance of her nearest rival Linda Kelly (37). Lyn Ludlow and Kay Webb both featured in the ladies’ run down.
Pin shots went to Daryl Boekholt at three, Eric McLellan at 12 and Mark Hendry at 17. Rachael Hendry collected the ladies pin at three and the ladies approach shot at 17. Neta Thouard collected the ladies pin at 12 before being out for the count on 13.
Len Leigh (1/10), Matt Waterworth (5/14) and Keith Jones (9/18) all picked up Pro Pins.
This weekend play will be sponsored by the Stanthorpe Community Bank and the format a single stableford. Tee off is scheduled for 10.30am and there is a time sheet on the board at the club house.
The time sheet is also out for the Annual Boxing Day Classic. A three Ball Ambrose, will once again be sponsored by Michael Hancock, Tony Herman and Wes Smith Building.
This event is open to all however the field will be limited. If you are planning to shake off the excesses of Christmas Day with a round of golf you should nominate your team now to avoid the disappointment of missing out on one the club’s most enjoyable days. There is already a time sheet on the board for this event.
The Inglewood Sporting Shooters Open Day last Saturday was great success with visitors for Yelarbon and Goondiwindi converging on the range.
On Sunday the club held their annual Christmas shoot. It was a triathlon event with all competitors racing against the clock as they shot five small metal silhouette targets with pistol and lever action rifle. This was followed by five clay targets and five shots in minuscule paper targets. Number of shots taken irrelevant however the results were not.
Taking out the event was club stalwart Tom Donald in a time of time of one minute 25 seconds. Donald finished marginally in advance of Stephanie Dudgeon, – her time one minute 41 seconds while Michael Dudgeon was not far away with a time of one minute 51 seconds.
The range will be open for casual use over the Christmas holiday period with no scheduled events until the New Year. Members wish everyone a safe and merry Christmas.
PLENTY TO ENJOY AT SPORTERS
SPORTERS were out and about last Sunday enjoying an early morning Christmas barbecue brekkie before a round of golf and all the fun of the annual Christmas party. After recently returning from a short break, Aaron Simmers took the golfing honours ahead of runner in Mark Lynam who also picked up the Best Gross. Run-downs went to Paul Armstrong and Terry Byrnes. Julie Page flew the flag for the Ladies claiming the Pin Shot on the 12th. There were no takes for the pin shot at the 17th. Dick Hilton and Matthew Beale did not leave empty handed, each absconding with a meat tray.
It was more than just the usual morning of great social golf and the annual Christmas knees up for members. The landscape at Sporters will never be quite the same. After more years than he would care to admit too, Clarky stood down from his position with Sporters, and in appreciation of all that he has done for the club, he was presented with a farewell gift. Clarky is certainly one of a kind and as members wished him well and waved him goodbye, they know there will never be another and he will be greatly missed.
Sporters will tee-off this will at the normal time of 7.30-8.30am but of course there will be no Sporters on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day. Never fear things will be back to normal on 8 January.
TANNYMOREL BOWLERS KEPT BUSY
IT WAS another busy week on the green for the members of the Tannymorel Bowls Club. Two teams from the club made it through to the finals of the District triples. Congratulations to Aaron Pete and Butzy and also Tuck, Mick and Pete Collis on a great effort.
Last Saturday the club held a special fund-raiser for Tori a young lady battling cancer. Tori is a close member of our local larrikin Greenkeeper who wanted to do something a little bit special to help Tori. A lot of effort was put into the day, and special thanks to Lorna T for all of her efforts. The day was a great success and the team of Karla McDonald, Ian McDonald Jeff Davis and Bill Lee took home the main prize. Runners-up were Penny, Pat Gainey and Barb and Greg Cross.
Games finished like this – Kia Walsh Shannon McDonald Di Welsh and Dave Butz defeated Julie Buse, Dane Brent McDonald and Myrtle 23-20. Karla McDonald, Ian McDonald Jeff Davies and Bill Lee teamed up to defeat Brendan Walsh Coral Price Maria McDonald and Walshy 19-13.
Jean Lambert Jim lamb Donna Farmer and Sandy Wallace scored a 15-13 win over their opponents Rachel Inmon Nick Dowie Amy Love and Geoff Farmer.
Penny pat Gainey and Barb and Greg Cross were too slick for their opposite numbers Kerry Tori Sue Butz and Koala winning 22-17. Rickie Donna Thompson and Jean Callum played a 13-all draw in their game against Georgia Kiss and BP. Peter Thompson John Kiss and Tuck scored a 19-15 win over Brandan Murray Al Buse and Aaron McKinney. Dr John did mention on a few occasions that the only reason his team won was his superior ability and the fact that he was the heart and soul and backbone of that team. Peter Thompson he said was hopeless and all Tuck seemed concerned about was “how good he looked.”
It was a most successful day with plenty of light hearted banter and fun had by all the players. Special thanks to everyone who donated prizes and Carey Brothers who donated the meat for the barbecue.
MARYVALE SCORE COMFORTABLE WIN
MARYVALE Condamine pushed their premiership credentials this season when they defeated Wheatvale at Sade on Sunday. Maryvale set the premiers a big run chase of 249, but not before the loss of three early wickets. It was left to Keiren and Pat Bourke to steady the innings. When Pat Bourke was dismissed at the drinks break, Maryvale were sitting in the uneasy position of four wickets down with only 75 runs on the scorecard.
Mick Bourke came to the crease following the drinks break and the pair put together a fifth-wicket partnership of 123. Keiran Bourke top-scored with 90 while his batting partner contributed a solid 78 runs. Tom Bourke chimed in at the end with a cameo performance in the final five overs of the innings, adding a valuable 32 runs. Wheatvale’s bowling spearhead Chris Cantwell suffered a back injury very early in his opening spell. Col O’Brien finished with two wickets for 28 runs while Carter Bilbrough also bowled well, finishing with 1/27 from his eight-over spell. Late in the innings, in reply Wheatvale were dismissed for 146. A standout in their innings with the bat was Brendan Malone who fell seven runs short of a century. Wheatvale desperately needed a big partnership to challenge Maryvale, but it was not to be as the Maryvale bowlers asserted their authority.
ALLORA RASCALS WIN AT QUEENS PARK
ALLORA Rascals played Sovereign Animals on the synthetic wicket at Queens Park last weekend and scored a decisive win. Rascals set their opponents a run chase of 258 after some fine batting performaces. James Moore top-scored with 62 and Mick Kelk 49. James Burns took two wickets for Animals, however the batsmen were definitely in control in the Rascals innings. In reply, Sovereign Abimals were bowled out cheaply for only 94 runs. Tom Morris was the chief destroyer taking five wickets. Best of the batsmen were Anthony Nero and James burns.
In other Warwick fixtures, Colts had an 80-run win over Redbacks. Cam Peterson remained 73 not out for Colts while Jacob Gross continued his recent good form, scoring 61. Tyhe Clarkson finished with three wickets. Morgan Gilchrist and Shayne Watson each claimed two wickets. In reply, Redbacks batsmen Same Waetford and The Clarkson scored in the thirties, but the Colts bowlers took control of the game and dismissed their opponents for 135. Cam Peterson bowled well, taking 2/11 and Sean Bryson finished with 3/24.
Allora also had a good win over Inglewood. Allora scored 175 in their innings despite good bowling performances from young leggie Jamien Smith who picked up another five wickets. He was well supported by Scott Beard who took four wickets. The Inglewood batsmen struggled when they came to the crease and with four ducks in the scorebook, a win was always going to be difficult. Tyler Wolff and Shane Hooper put up some opposition with a 50-run sixth-wicket stand, but Allora was always in control. Best of their bowlers was Matthew Kiernan who finished with 2/34 from a seven-over spell while Nick Goltz and McLennan each took two wickets.
This weekend’s Warwick fixtures will be the last for two weeks as play gives way to the Christmas break.
Round 9 “The Condamine Cup”
Saturday Games begin at 12.15pm.
Inglewood v Redbacks at Inglewood; Wheatvale v Sovereign at Slade Park.
TENTERFIELD NOTCH UP A WIN
TENTERFIELD scored an upset win in the Stanthorpe fixtures played on Saturday when they defeated Wanderers. The visitors also claimed a much- needed bonus point. The day did not start well for Tenterfield who looked likely to be short of players early in the game, but with some late arrivals and the assistance of Alan Donges who skipped from the Queensland Cricketers Club side to the Tenterfield team, the visitors were able to post their first win of the season. Wanderers who were missing some of their stronger players set Tenterfield a 142-run chase, and it never really looked to be enough on the good wicket at Sheahan Oval. Sean Merchant was a standout in the Tenterfield side as they posted a much-needed victory.
RSL DOWN SOUTHS
WITH an Over 40s game scheduled for the CF White Oval on Saturday and players unavailable for both sides on the weekend, Souths and RSL played their fixture game under lights on Friday night. RSL batted first and relished the conditions, setting Souths a big run chase after an impressive batting display from Same Dowie and Dwayne Lihou who put on 170 runs. RSL finished their innings on 243. Leo was unbeaten on 74 and Sam Dowie batted beautifully for 86.
In reply it was youngster Jordan Lanza who led the way for Souths scoring 61 not out however tight bowling from RSL restricted Souths to 161 giving RSL a comfortable win.
