By CASEY O’CONNOR
THERE seems to be a general consensus among all Australians, those who love cricket and those who really have no idea of the game or interest in it that summer in Australia will never be the same after the passing of Richie Benaud.
Generations have now grown accustomed to Richie’s unique voice, introducing us all to a summer of cricket. It has been as Australian as meat pies and Holden cars. At age 84, Benaud’s was an innings well played by a truly remarkable man.
When you reflect on Benaud’s life as many have done in the past few days, you cannot help but marvel at the vision of this man who played such a pivotal role in shaping the game of cricket in this modern era. It was Benaud along with Frank Worrell who rejuvenated the ailing Test Cricket scene during the famous tied Test in 1960.
Benaud, of course, will always be remembered for his links to World Series Wicket and his role as Captain of the Channel Nine Commentary Team. What that has overshadowed for many years was his outstanding cricket record.
His minimalist approach to broadcasting was outstanding, but he did not step back from controversy as we saw during the infamous underarm incident.
There are many things in the current game that have their origins around Richie Benaud. He had just a touch of showman as a player. The first to come to the crease with the famous upturned collar and unbuttoned shirt. The first to celebrate the fall of a wicket.
He was always quick with a naughty quip about an on-field incident but never pushing the boundaries too far.
Many have a Richie moment including myself. About 12 years ago, Ian Healy invited my young nephew Dylan and I to tour the commentary box during a break in play in a one day match at the Gabba. All the normal suspects were there and I am not sure who was more overawed to be in the presence of Australian Captains Mark Taylor, Bill Lawry and Ian Chappell. Heals in hushed, almost revered tones indicated to a chair pointing out Benaud’s famous beige jacket “That’s Richie’s – he’s just not here at the moment”.
A little disappointed, we continued our tour but were delighted to find as we were about to leave that the man belonging to “that jacket” had returned. We both knew it was something special to share a few words about that game and cricket in general with him.
Benaud was the master of the one liner. Here are some of my favourites:
“There was a slight interruption there for athletics” (a streaker on the paddock).
He’s not quite got hold of that one. If he had, it would have gone for nine. (Justin Langer).
Bruce Reid is not the worst batsman there is at the international level? But those who are worse would not need to hire the Myer Music Bowl to hold a convention.”
“He’s usually a good puller, but he couldn’t get it up that time” (batsman).
Richie Benaud – cricketers and fans across the world owe you a debt of gratitude.
You were “Simply Marvellous” – summers will never be quite the same.
Casey
MIKE JONES AIMING HIGH
On his way to winning the second round of the Super Bike Championships at Morgan Park Raceway last weekend, Mike Jones smashed his own lap record in the Super pole session. Jones went eight-tenths of a second under his own lap record on the fifth of his six laps in the 10-minute Superpole session. Underlining his supremacy in the event, Jones dipped into the 15s on three of his six laps to put his Pirelli on pole position. A trip to the WA is now likely for the promising young rider.
Jones finished third in round one of the Championships on the famous Phillip Island track and although he has not ridden the Barbagallo track in Western Australia, he is aiming for a podium finish. Jones who at 21 is a veteran of the Morgan Park circuit is hoping to eventually compete in Moto GP or world superbikes. His performances at Morgan Park over the weekend were certainly eye-catching. In the 10-minute Superpole session on Saturday, Jones was almost two-seconds quicker than the rest of the field.
A crowd estimated to be around 5000 flocked to Morgan Park for the popular event.
EARLY START TO GRAB A WIN
It is great to get an early start – but as Eric McLellan found out last weekend when you give the field a score to catch, you have a nervous wait until you safely claim a win. McLellan was back in the Stanthorpe clubhouse with a score of nett 62, which was eventually good enough for a win. His closest rival was Declan Beare. His nett 63 earned him the runners-up spot.
In the Ladies event, Hannah Reeves who returned nett 73 had a one-shot margin over runner-up, Kay Webb. All four players are now in the best dressed category, thanks to the sponsor of the day, Richard Reardon.
Pro-pins were won by Declan Beare at 1/10, Hannah Reeves at 5/14 and Kev Rowling at 9/18. Brendan Barker played the 13th hole in four to take the balls on offer for the birdies nest. Pin shots went to Darryl Boekholt at 3/12 and Brendan Barker at 17. Hannah Reeves took the ladies pin at 3/12 and Neta Thouard had best approach at 17.
In the run down, there was a ball each to Davis Burgess (64), Max Hunter (68), Simon Shannon and Rob Reeves (69). Lyn Ludlow took a ball in the ladies run down.
This weekend, the Stanthorpe club is hosting visitors from Wantima and the API players who are sponsoring a single stroke competition on Saturday and a four ball on Sunday.
Local golfers are reminded that early tee off times have been arranged to accommodate the large number of visiting golfers, so please check the time sheet on the board and get your names down for the available places if you have not done so already.
The Stanthorpe Pennants team had a white wash against their opponents at Pittsworth last weekend. Contact Darryl Boekholt if you are available this weekend. Pennants players will be playing at Clifton on Sunday and are expecting sterner competition when they take on Pittsworth.
KRAAK EARNS AUSTRALIAN CALL UP
WARWICK softballer Rachel Kraak has been selected in the Australian U17 Girls Softball Squad to play at the Friendship Series International Tournament in Sydney in June this year. Rachel was selected on her performance at the Nationals in Canberra in January.
Rachel is the first softballer from Warwick in the past two decades to make an Australian squad.
Earlier in March, Rachel, a senior at Warwick State High School represented the Darling Downs Softball team at the State Championships in Townsville where she recorded a batting average of .577 and a slugging average of 1.000. Rachel was selected from this tournament in the Queensland U19s School Girls Team to compete at the Pacific School Games in Adelaide in November.
HOLES FOR BOWLS
Have you heard the saying “Holes were made for Bowls.“ It was never more evident than on the fast greens of The Summit and Goondiwindi during the SDMDBA district singles championship last weekend. As the action moved to Texas on Sunday for the finals, bowlers continued to find the holes between bowls to either claim shots or glide right on past.
Congratulations to Stanthorpe’s David Stibbard who outlasted the opposition to claim the singles title this year. Summit greenkeepers Zel and Postman Ray did a wonderful job preparing two fine greens for the event on Saturday. Thanks to all the markers who generously donated their time and also to Darren and Quinton for marking/umpiring and running the bar.
The Summit team of Norm Gale, Gaye Wilmot, Wayne Thomas and Rod Newlands was in the winner’s circle on Sunday winning the Fours Carnival at Stanthorpe.
Bowlers are advised that the Summit Bowls club will now hold the A Grade Singles competition on 9 May. The winner will go on to represent the Summit Club at the Champion of Champions event.
The Summit Bowlers weekend at Evans Head is scheduled for 4 and 5 July. Organisers are seeking numbers for the weekend to confirm arrangements. Those players planning on escaping the winter chill on that weekend are asked to provide a $50 deposit to the club by 2 May.
It is a 1pm start for $100 trophy day this Saturday at the Summit. Bowlers are asked to have their names in to the club by noon.
Coming events: 21 April Turkey Triples 12.30pm start; 9 May – A Grade Singles 9am; 27-28 June – Club Challenge; 4-5 July – Evans Head.
VETERANS ENJOY
VETERAN golfers from across the Darling Downs enjoyed a mixed four ball Stableford at the Stanthorpe Club on Monday. One player certainly proved that age is no barrier to enjoying a good game of golf. Keith Hill celebrated his 90th birthday on the day.
Local players used their knowledge of the course to win the major prizes. Keith Barnett teamed with ex-Stanthorpe member, Tub Ingall, their score of 43 points enough to give them a win. Only a point off them in second spot were Linda Kelly and Aaron Simmers returning 42 points.
David Cass collected both pin shots for the men and Christine Welstead held the ladies pin at 3/12. Doreen Duffy took the approach at 17.
In the run down, balls were shared by the teams with 41 points. They included John and Belinda Bridle, David and Ann Cass, Lyle Bryant and Edith Stewart and Angelo Maugeri and Rosemary Fawdon.
The course was beautifully presented by greenkeeper Bill and the organisers would like to thank all those volunteers who assisted and made it such a successful day.
SINGLE ACTION ENJOYMENT
Single Action for one and all at Boothill or at the very least Inglewood SSAA last weekend.
A good crew rolled up and enjoyed the day. Doug Redmond outperformed the field to win the event. Tom Donald took out the runner’s-up spot with Wayne Duffy in third spot.
All is in readiness for the first round of the Anzac Tribute Shoot this weekend.
It will feature a three to four event program and will include 10 bisalloy gongs for the military pistol event. Five bisalloy targets for the rifle, 2 shots each target. A 100 metre 10 shot paper targets from the benchrest area. An optional extra is a 300 metre prone using military scope. (Cost $25pp)
The second wave of the Anzac Tribute Shoot will be held on 26 April. Organisers have split the event over two days to give the ambos and police members and others on duty or involved on 26 April an opportunity to compete.
BUSY ON THE CROQUET GREENS
CATCHING up with all the Association Croquet news after the Easter break. In games on 31 March, Carol Verwey pipped Val Richardson in a close game 14/13. In another close game, Grace Howard and Jenny Tunbridge (18) just edged out Joy Newman and Effey Russell (17).
This week Margaret Dickenson and Andrea Denkewitz took on Val Shephard and Carol Verwey. Margaret had breaks of five and three pegged out with the score 26 – 14.
Playing against Jenny Tunbridge and Joy Newman, Pat Schnoor and Heather Widderick had a 25-18 win. Breaks of seven and four by pat Schnoor helped the team to the win.
Effey Russell had a 26-20 win over Val Richardson in a game where Val showed her skill scoring two peels.
Hoop Runners enjoyed two long games. The 10 players were divided into two teams of six and four. Visitor William McCreery -Rye joined the group for a game, and despite never having played before went close to nailing “hoop in one.” Another enjoying the game for the first time was Judy Lock.
Congratulations to Val Fancourt who scored another “hoop in one” adding another tick under her name on the competition board. Games commence at 8.30am, and for anyone interested in joining the Hoop Runners, information is available through Elaine 4681 4357, Val 0420 415 154 or Shirley 4681 1683.
Gateballers were reduced to three on each team due to the school holidays. The Red team were in control, winning all matches. Those on the white team will be out to make amends at their next encounter. Gateballers are hosting a visiting Toowoomba team on 24 April and invite anyone interested in trying the game to come along and watch. There will be two games being played on the court at the same time starting at 9.30am and finish around 2.30pm.
PLAYERS ENJOY COOLER CONDITIONS
THE cooler conditions signal even better golfing conditions on the Warwick course and the hordes are flocking to Friday’s Red Rooster Rumble. Even the phantom “Feathers” McCosker (Lord of the Chicken) came for a trot round last Friday. Gordon McKeen with a score of 23 points was the winner ahead of John Brandon (22). Run down balls went to those with scores of 20 or better. Nearest to the pin shots were rewarded with hot chicken vouchers compliments of Feathers’ Red Rooster outlet. Enjoying hot chicken will be Kerry Wharton (11), Adam Byrne (13) and Alan Matthews (16).
A field of 59 turned out for the monthly medal with trophies sponsored by Neil Carney at Warwick Real Estate. Recent B grade championship winner Mal Galloway romped home with a 64 nett, off an 11 handicap to win Division One. Runner-up was Shane McKenzie with 69 nett. Peter Millard carded a 68 nett to win division two from youngster Rhys Farrell (69 nett). He was returned the gross score for a junior. Tim Sutton won the best gross with 77 of the stick.
Run down balls went to a clutch of players on 72 or better. Collecting pins were Peter Morrison (5), Graham Clark (7), Rhys Farrell (9), Shane McKenzie (11), Mal Galloway (13) and Buddy Hicks (16).
This Saturday is the Diggers Cup, a single Stableford event sponsored by the Horse and Jockey Hotel Motel.
2015 WARWICK MATCHPLAY DRAW
The draw for the 2015 Warwick match play championships has been released.
A grade – Nathan Jones plays Brendon Jones; Tim Sutton plays Dion Phillip; Nathan Dionysius plays Ross Bell; Geoff Hinze plays Declan Murphy; Luke Munro plays Doug Rickert; Adrian Murphy plays Charlie Morrison; Shane McKenzie plays Peter Farrell; Jay Roberts plays Don Warrener.
B grade – John Pearson has the bye, Neil Carney plays Scott McLennan; Peter Boney plays Josh Hynes; Eddie Kemp plays Jessie Harris; Jason Owens plays Rhys Farrell; Jamie Saunders plays Peter Walsh; Clive Pulley plays Dave Craggs; Wayne Foster plays Peter Millard.
C grade Ken Burley plays John Brandon; Rick Mills plays Tom Smith. Organisers would like to see more C Grade players competing. Contact Brendon Jones if you would like to be thrown in the mix.
First round matches must be played on or before 3 May. Round two matches are to be completed by 24 May. Cut off for round three is 21 June and the final round 5 July. If you require further information on this or any event -contact the pro shop on 4661 3664 or proshop@warwickgolfclub.com.au
WIN TO HAWKS
THE Gatton Hawks hit the ground running against the Cowboys in their TRL clash at Cahill Park last weekend, scoring in the opening minute of the game. The Cowboys were on the back foot for much of the first half as the Hawks opened up an 18-nil lead and did well to go to half time with the score at 26-12. The Cowboys who had several players out with injury had better use of the ball in the second half and fought back strongly to get within four points of their opponents.
The Hawks again upped the tempo and late tries to Billy Jackwitz and Callum Woolacott put the game beyond the Cowboy’s reach.
Warwick Centre Joe Fuimaono scored a double crossing in the first half and again in the second half. The Cowboys other try scorers were Tyson Skyring (one of the best on ground) and Michael Pearson. Matt Gainey nailed three conversions.
In a thrilling game, the Cowboys reserve grade won 22-20. The Under 18s had a 28-16 win. The C grade game was won by Gatton.
This weekend’s bye will be welcomed by the Cowboys who have a few injury concerns among the group. The Cowboys next game will be a home game at Fr Ranger Oval on 26 April when they host Souths.
ONE FOR WATTSY
Wattsy (Bob Watts) nailed a win at Sporters last Sunday. Rob Reeves had to be satisfied with the runners-up position but had the Best Gross. Run-downs went to Angelo Maugeri and Josh Anderson who has found more time for golf now that the cricket season is over. The pin shot at the third wen to Keith Allen. No Won Kim took the Pro Pin. The lucky winners of the meat tray winners were M.Z. and Mick Speer.
Sporters are reminded that Sunday is the API Golf Day – an 18 hole game. Sporters play the normal nine holes. Anyone wishing to play in the 18 hole event will need a second card for the remaining nine holes. The two cards will be combined for your final score.
There will be No Hire buggies available for Sporters this week. Sporters Tee off time is between 7.30am-8am and the other 9.30am.
Diary note – the Maureen Bates Memorial Golf Day is 10 May. Get your team together early.
WATTLES THRASH SOUTHS
ROUND four of the TRL had that winning feeling for Wattles. On Saturday night at Platz Oval, Wattles ran away with a big 52-22 win over Souths. Last season’s premiers dominated across the park in the first half. Two tries late in the half allowed the Tigers to go to the break, trailing 22-12.
In the second half, Wattles went on a scoring spree adding 24 points in the space of 15 minutes.
Tries to Jason Bradfield and Brenden Wilson and a double to Joel Koina, gave the premiers a big win. It capped off a great day for Wattles who were successful in all four grades. The Under 18s won 45-12; Reserve Grade 54-0 and C Grade 20-12. This weekend Wattles play Valleys at Herb Steinhort Oval on Saturday.
BUSHRANGERS MAKE SOUTH WEST TEAM
THE Border Bushrangers have seven representatives in the South West Country side after last weekend’s annual trials played in Miles. The Bushrangers put in a solid effort against the combined Mitchell, Miles and St George side but were beaten 50-36.
Coach Butch Smith said he was pleased with the performance of the side who had only a couple of opportunities to train together before the game. Smith said one of the highlights of the game was the performance of Mitchell flyer Michael Purcell who once again showed all of his class and speed with the ball. Smith was full of praise for Gremlins player Kyle Marsh who had a great game in the trial. John Trindall the Killarney captain coach earned himself another South West jersey. Smith said he was impressed with Trindall’s level of fitness this season. Other BRL players selected were Jason Wilmot (Gremlins), Jack Daniel (Tigers), Brendan Perkins (Gremlins); Jake Kelly (Gremlins) and Jarrod McIntosh (Gremlins). BRL President Dolly Bennett said she was delighted that seven players had made the squad.
The full South West Country side to play in the 47th battalion carnival in Roma in May are:
Danny Flynn Chinchilla
Michael Purcell Mitchell
Matt Waites Cities
Neil Hooper Chinchilla
Jeremy Weatherall St. George
Steven Brownhalls Chinchilla
Jason Willmott Border
John Trindall Border
Locke Naprasnik Red Bulls
Kyle March Border
Brandon Lee St George
Jack Daniel Border
Bob Hobbs Red Bulls
Sam Davis St George
Brendan Perkins Border
Jake Zerbst Chinchilla
Jake Kelly Border
Luke Kuhl Miles
Jarrod McIntosh Border
Zac Donney Cities
The side will be coached by Bushrangers coach Graham (Butch) Smith.
