I HAVE to admit that I was never aboard the Hayne-plane when Jarryd Hayne was an Eel. Of course being a dyed in the wool Maroon definitely not when he donned the Sky Blue jersey however I have always acknowledged that he possessed extraordinary talent. What Hayne has just achieved in making the squad of the San Francisco 49ers is however remarkable. The outstanding athletes that play among the mere mortals on the football field often make code hopping looking relatively easy, however Hayne’s efforts are extraordinary. He is one of those players you watch and wonder why it is opponents have such difficulty tackling – slippery as an eel perhaps – but more so elusive and strong; quick and agile. These are the traits that the NFL fans are getting a look at. Sure he muffed his first touch on the big stage but I am certain that will soon be forgotten although it is sure to make the highlights’ reel of his NFL career. Hayne took a big gamble – he put it all on the line to pursue a dream, walking away from a very lucrative NRL career. It could have so easily all gone south however this is a bloke who is as capable of making tough decisions and working hard as he is talented.
There is much speculation now about others who may be lured to the NFL. Personally I doubt there are many who could make the transition as seamlessly or who would be willing to take such a gamble. The one thing Hayne has done has showcased the talent that is in the NRL and rugby league ranks on the world stage after all it is the “Greatest Game of All.” I’m not quite on the Hayne-plane yet – perhaps just on the wing. Now I have a good reason to watch another sport and try to understand what looks to be a complex game – albeit a little odd. But then for many of us – AFL was once just aerial ping pong and T20 hit and giggle. Situations and circumstances certainly make us all look at things and people differently.
Good luck Jarryd but I don’t think you’ll be needing it.
Casey
BILLYCART BASH A BIG HIT
ORGANISERS were overwhelmed at the response to the inaugural Ballandean Billycart Bash as over 100 Billycarts rolled in last Sunday. I recall (dimly) my days of Billycart racing at Ballandean and I can assure you I saw none of the fruit cases on wheels that I recall last weekend. There were Batmobiles, Ferraris and prototypes of all shapes and sizes. I suspect that there were plenty of dads and grandads out there who spent hours and hours in the shed or workshop trying to perfect their designs. Some were definitely bordering on Big Boys toys and the kids as well as the adults were loving it. Chris Haynes won the final of the Open event clocking up speeds in excess of 40kms an hour as he flashed past the Ballandean Pyramid. Another rev head getting in touch with his inner kid was Ron Wilson was clocked doing 46km/h by the police radar. Chris Haynes’ machine was developed from a couple of mountain bikes and a strategically and aerodynamically placed drum.The school challenge went the way of the hosts Ballandean with Principal Nathan Brown hanging on to beat Glen Aplin Rival Sean Cole. Lightning McQueen received the prize for the best presented cart which was a joy to the eye. There is now to be a great deal of interest expected in the Wallangarra Billycart racing which is only a month away. It was great to see kids and adults out enjoying the experience. There were a few mishaps but no major injuries and as I recall a little gravel rash and a few scratches were always worn as a badge of honour.The major casualty of the day appeared to be the drone which spent the day following the action on the track and swooping low over the spectators. It came to grief on the track late in the afternoon after a either engine failure or pilot error (still under investigation) and become a statistic. It certainly needed more than band aids and Mercurochrome. Just goes to show that modern technology is no match to the power of a well and lovingly constructed billycart. Billycarts 1 – Drone Nil – Ouch!
WATTLES KEEPING A LID ON BIG WIN
DEFENDING TRL premiers Wattles Warriors booked themselves a place in the 2015 TRL grand final with a 62-24 win over arch rivals and Gatton Hawks last weekend. The win puts the defending premiers straight through to the TRL grand final in a week’s time. Outside back Michael Purcell continues to impress since joining the Warriors and along with Joel Koina ran in three tries apiece. Koina, who has had a great season, opened the scoring in the 10th minute. Gatton almost immediately struck back to level the scores. Purcell scored the next two tries and Wattles held a handy 26-6 lead that half time. After the break the Warriors picked up where they left off scoring two quick tries to push the score out to 38-16. Gatton tried to mount a challenge hitting back with two tries to take the score to 38-18, however Wattles were far too strong right across the paddock and closed out the game scoring another 24 points. It was an emphatic victory and while they are only one win away from back to back premierships they are not getting carried away. Wattles head to the grand final as warm favourites but coach Luke Duggan is keeping a lid on things, saying that the big win was a case of everything falling in to place in the game. The Gatton Hawks play Dalby Diehards on Sunday in the preliminary final after Dalby upset the more fancied Highfields 26-22 in the second semi final. Sunday’s winner will meet Wattles in the TRL grand final.
RUMBLING ROUND THE SCENIC ROUTE
RED Rooster Rumblers played the scenic route last week, the back nine. Committed Rooster Doug Wilson scored 22 points and was the clubhouse leader all day. Ross Kingston also had a fine round – with a score of 21 points he was on the verge of returning to the halcyon days of his single figure youth. Run down balls went to Kath Morrison and Garry Adcock (18) and Leon Sticklen, Mal Crawford, Brett Donovan, and Col Smith who all finished with 17. Ross Kingston capped off his good round by collecting the nearest to the pin on 11.Charlie Morrison and Greg Wallace picked up the nearest to the pin at 13 and 16 respectively. All will receive a hot chicken voucher compliments of the sponsor Red Rooster.
GREENKEEPERS REVENGE POPULAR
THE annual Greenkeepers Revenge match proved as popular as ever with 51 golfers lining up to be in the running for the trophies provided by Craig Cox, Paddy O’Dea, Jilly Barnes and Effie Austin. It was therefore very appropriate that Michael Payne, one of the hardest working volunteers on the golf course, carded the highest Stableford points to win the event and the $50 Pro shop voucher. Another long-time volunteer, Keith Farrell was runner up in the event nosing out 14-year-old Tom Smith after a countback. Both players returning 40 points for the round. Figuring in the rundowns were Dion Phillips (39), Jay Roberts, Tim Sutton, and Ross Kannar (38), Lennie Williams (37) and John Devitt (36). Pins went to Tim Sutton at (5 and 7), Shaun Campbell (9), David Craggs (11), Trevor Rock (13), and Ross Kannar (16). This weekend the Horse and Jockey Hotel Motel are the sponsors for the single Stableford event on Saturday. On Sunday the 36 hole foursomes championship (gross event) will be held in conjunction with the 36 hole Coe Cup (a nett event). Timesheets for both events are in the pro shop (07 4661 3664). A time sheet has also started for the popular Westpac Warwick Invitational golf day on Friday 16 October. The hundred dollar day is a great fund-raiser for the club as well as an opportunity to enjoy a great lunch on the deck and even a few quality beverages throughout the day and there’s golf too – what’s not to like? It has been great to see some new blood (fresh meat?) around the club lately and current members are encouraged to politely assist anyone you see on the course (especially Saturday afternoons and Sundays) with etiquette and course care. Not everyone starting out knows everything about the game and its nuances. There is a lot to remember so if they’ve forgotten a sand bucket offer them yours, if they haven’t raked a bunker show them how – let’s give them a hand and keep them coming back.
MALLETERS BUSY
PLAYING numbers were a little light at Association Croquet with several members travelling however two entertaining games were played on Tuesday morning. Andrea Denkewitz and Jenny Tunbridge were no match for the pairing of Carol Verwey and Grace Howard who won 26-17. In the second game Margaret Dickenson played well to score a solid 26-19 over Val Richardson and Heather Widderick. Conditions are now ideal on the greens and new players are welcome to come and join the crew on Tuesday mornings. This week players will be off to Warwick on Thursday for the Warwick club’s annual Friendship day. Numbers at Hoop runners are also suffering the travelling complaint. Elaine Brown, Shirley Evans and Dianne Wren played the first game of doubles, with Shirley required to play two balls. The score was close with Evans taking the game 13-11, and top scored with one ball scoring eight hoops. Judy Lock played in the second game. Shirley Evans once again dominated with a top score of seven hoops and taking out the game 13 – 9. Hoop runners are also looking for new players now the weather is kinder. They play Wednesdays from 9.00am and would love to see some new blood. For further details please call Elaine 0401 630 272. The Gateballers are all business as they get in plenty of practice for the upcoming tournament in Toowoomba which is now only a couple of weeks away. The games this week were close with each team winning two games. The Stanthorpe players who travelled to Wynnum for the Australian Gateball championship recently saw some outstanding play. The Chinese teams were very professional and quite amazing to see. The Chinese players receive financial support from their government and practice every day. Two of their teams played in the grand final and they were very generous with their time showing the Stanthorpe visitors some different and interesting techniques.
CLUB FITTING SCHEDULED
THE Pro Shop at the Warwick Golf Club is running demo/club fitting days on Friday 9 October from 2pm to 5pm with Callaway’s Dan Barclay and Thursday 22 October from 9am to noon with Mizuno’s Jake Hartvigsen. At both of these demo days the reps will have the latest equipment, launch monitors and new releases and will work with you to find what clubs suit you best. There are limited spots so book at the pro shop as soon as possible if you’re thinking about improving or upgrading your kit.
TENTERFIELD RETURNS TO CRICKET COMP
TENTERFIELD will make a return to the Stanthorpe Cricket Association after a hiatus of more than a decade. Tenterfield for the past few seasons have played a social midweek competition and organisers are confident they will be more than competitive against the Stanthorpe teams. The inclusion of Tenterfield will see the Stanthorpe Cricket Association hold a five team (Tenterfield, RSL, Wanderers, Souths and Valleys) four round competition this season. President Tim Harslett said the competition would include one round of T20 competition with some games played on Friday night under lights. Tenterfield would also host some games at their home ground Shirley Park. Harslett said the turf wickets at both the CF White and Sheahan Oval were looking in great condition and should be in perfect order for the opening of the competition on October 3. He said he was looking forward to the inclusion of the Tenterfield team which should provide a boost to the local competition. Stanthorpe expects to field representative teams in both the Davis and Mitchell Shield competitions this season.
THEY CAME, PLAYED AND ENJOYED
THE Annual Bush Kids charity golf day held at the Warwick Golf club last Sunday and included among the 111 players was a lion, a tiger and a couple of safari guides. The four ball Ambrose format which attracted 49 members, 49 non-members and 10 juniors was a great success. Scores ran close all day as cards were handed in. The best nett was the team of Wayne Watt, Peter Hynes, Chris Hynes and Joshua Hynes with a score of 55.25 ahead of runners-up Scott Williams, Trent Watts, Anthony Austin and Paul Eldridge who scored a creditable 55.375. Best gross went to the team of Nathan Jones, Henry Hart, J. Winlaw and M. Wharton who scored 63. A score of 64 was good enough to get the team of Jamie Saunders, Brad Rose, Morgan Gilchrist and Rob Davies Best Gross runner-up prize. The Safari Team of Drew Costello, Thomas Farley, Peter Crummy and Dan Roche were runaway winners of the Best Dressed team – simply hilarious.
COWBOYS, COWGIRLS AND NEWCOMERS
LAST Sunday the Cowboys and Cowgirls swept into the Inglewood Sporting Shooters Ranch. One, Caroliona Anderssen all the way from Sweden. Another, junior Macey Wilson tyring her hand at Single Action Shooting for the first time. Jodi Byron took out the event ahead of placegetters Iain Bowen and Glen Holmes. Ray Dudgeon outscored Stephanie Dudgeon in the Rimfire with junior Macey Wilson taking out third place. This Sunday there are muzzle loading and centrefire events scheduled.
STEELE WINS SPORTERS
NORM Steele clocked up a win at Sporters on Sunday defeating runner-up Dick Hilton. Run-downs went to Jim McPherson and Paul Armstrong. Jim McPherson hit the ball very well to take out the best gross and also won the pro-pin. One of Stanthorpe’s up and coming junior golfers Jaidyn Milne took the pin shots at both the 12th and 17th. Paul Armstrong and Dick Hilton not only had success on the course they each won a meat tray. Sporters tee off at the same time on Sunday – 8am to 8.30am. Why not join the crew for a great morning on the Stanthorpe course – visitors and new players are always made most welcome.
TEAM THOMPSON AND MURPHY
ANDREW Thompson and Tony Murphy teamed up last Saturday in Wallangarra to post an impressive win in the 4BBB under beautiful skies. Their score of 52 was just one clear of runners-up Kevin and Peter Williams. Only a few shots back in third place was the team of Justin Moore and Jamie Purcell (Jay and Silent Bob) who also put together a nice round. In addition to the win Thompson snared the pin shots at nine and 11. The two remaining pins went to Blair on 15 and K. Williams took out the approach. Scott Williams won the Birdies Nest on hole 12. The club would like to thank all the members and others who donated their time for last weekend’s working bee and this weekend has scheduled a flag event.
SUMMIT CLUB PAIRS EVENT COMPETITIVE
EIGHT teams took to the well-presented greens at the Summit Bowls club to battle out the 2015 Club Pairs on Saturday. There were some competitive games in the opening rounds and results went this way: Kurt Empen and W Thomas had a comfortable 22-9 win over P Davis and Eliseo Zamprogno. Andy White and Dale Barker also proved too strong for team Parker C Parker and R Parker with a 28-5 win. Brian Wilmot and Keith Mungall defeated Atillio Zamprogno and Quinton Stanley 18-12. In a much closer game Paul Zamprogno and Len Covill defeated B Brown and Rod Newlands 17-14.
There were two thrilling games in the semi-finals.The pairing of Covill and P Zamprogno defeated Wilmot and Mungall 19-14. In the second semi-final Empen and Thomas defeated White/Barker 15-14 in a tie break. In the final to be played this Saturday Len Covill and Paul Zamprogno will come up Wayne Thomas and Kurt Empen. Congratulations to all players who played to a very high standard. Special thanks to Errol Moss for preparing wonderful greens for play. Brian Wilmot and Quinton Stanley made sure players were well fed and watered – manning the barbecue and bar. Winners of the recent Turkey Triples was Eliseo Zamprogno’s team. Winners of the second round was the team skipped by Mick O’Leary. A reminder to all bar volunteers that the bar roster is on the notice board. Nominations for the SDMDBA Presidents Pairs close on Friday. Sunday is the $300 Trophy Day so put your teams together and advise the club. Apple Blossom Carnival is also just around the corner so nominate your teams now.
WATTS ON THE RISE
BOB Watts took out the Stroke Event sponsored by $ Waters Supplies on Saturday in Stanthorpe. Watts returned a score of nett 64 to claim the day by four shots. Bob’s form has been slowly on the rise and is expected to just get better. Stephen Kay had next best score of 68 to claim the runner-up prize. Margie Locke also returned a nett 64 to win the ladies event by an impressive seven shot margin. Nikki Rossow has steadily improved her game since starting to play competition golf and finished in second spot with a creditable nett 71. Pin shots went to Stephen Kay at 3/12 and Greg Yap at 17. Neta Thouard collected the ladies pin at 3/12 and the approach at 17. Luke Reardon claimed the pro-pin at 1/10 and the birdies nest, Matt Waterworth held the pro-pin at 5/14 and Max Hunter claimed 9/18. On Sunday there was a chance for some players to get their name engraved on the trophy for the club foursomes championships for both men and ladies. The men’s event was sponsored by Andersens and the team of Matt Waterworth and Mick O’Brien claimed the A grade title after shooting a round of 122 shots for the 27 holes. The late pairing of Keith Barnett and Max Hunter earned best nett score for the day and after some detailed examination of the handicaps, they were also awarded the B grade division championship. The ladies event, sponsored by Granite Belt Brewery, was won by the team of Mandy Benussi and Hannah Reeves with a score of 132 shots for the 27 holes. Best nett went to the team of Neta Thouard and Lorraine Evans. This Saturday is the popular Laurie Newley Memorial Day, a single Stableford sponsored by the Newley family. Ian Harvey and Trevor Ludlow are in the starter’s box and play gets under way from 11.30am. A reminder that Sunday is the Inglewood Open and quite a few players from Stanthorpe are travelling to Inglewood for the day’s event. If you are intending to play please contact Inglewood and let them know for catering purposes.
