By TANIA PHILLIPS
THE group of emerging Origin players who thought they were too cool for school and rules are now faced with the harsh reality that they will not be considered for Origin selection in 2016 after the QRL issued bans against all players involved including incumbent Australian player Ben Hunt.
The antics of these players has earned them the wrath of former and current Origin players who see the actions of the baby Maroons as disrespectful of the Maroon jersey, the players that have worn it in the past and all that it stands for. In fact their behaviour was almost childish – railing against rules that had been clearly put in place.
For most Queenslanders players fortunate enough to be playing in the NRL, a Maroon jersey is as sought after as the Kangaroos jersey. Some of this group may have blotted their chances for the opportunity of a lifetime. Broncos coach Wayne Bennett summed it up pretty well when he said, “We don’t want them”.
Me, I say well done to Kevin Walters and the QRL who have backed him in his tough stance.
Sometimes being too cool for school is not really cool at all.
-Casey
TIGERS LOOSE A CHAMPION
TENTERFIELD Tigers players, officials and supporters have paid tribute to Golden Tiger and club patron Aub Gillespie who passed away recently.
The 95-year-old was the most passionate supporter of the club and one of the most recognised faces not only in the Tigers club but in the Tenterfield district.
Barely a game passed that he was not at Rugby League Park cheering on his beloved Tigers and in more recent years the Tenterfield Ladies League Tag team – the Tigerettes.
Those who ventured to Rugby League Park inevitably got the chance to chat with Aub on his travels around the ground as he caught up on all the latest Tigers news or delivered it. He was the Tigers Ambassador.
Whether it was a win, loss or draw – it made no difference to this gentleman of the game – there was never a bad outcome in Aub’s eyes as long as you did your best.
Players said his presence on the sidelines always made you dig deeper when you thought you had nothing left. His gentle words of encouragement were always a great comfort when you walked from the field.
Aub Gillespie will be long remembered for his kind gentle nature, his passion for his home town and his beloved Tenterfield Tigers as well as the mighty Sydney Roosters. He was a true gentlemen of the game and a true Tigers Legend.
The game will be poorer for this loss but the Tigers are certainly richer, thanks to his long association and involvement.
QTIS TO STAY
THE announcement that Racing Queensland will retain several key components of the Queensland Thoroughbred Incentive Scheme (QTIS) has been met with relief and approval by those involved in country racing not only on the Southern Downs but also throughout the industry in Queensland.
It is a win for the voices of racing who lobbied the government following the release of the Tracking towards Sustainability Plan. Local stud owner Basil Nolan President of the Qld Thoroughbred Breeders Association declared the decision a major win for the breeding and racing industry as everyone benefits from QTIS.
The future is certainly looking a little brighter for country clubs than it was several months ago.
WILLIAMS A WINNER
WALLANGARRA golfers contested the February Monthly medal last Saturday. Kevin Williams continued his good form finishing three shots in advance of runner-up Brendan McMillan. Williams topped off his good round with a birdie on 18 to win the jackpot.
Simon Blair finished in third sport. Steven Hampstead took the pins at three and 14. Simon Blair snared one at nine and Jamie Purcell hit the second.
This Saturday the club has programmed a single stableford as players prepare for the
world famous Wallangarra Open on Sunday 21 February. The cost is $25 per person and the price includes lunch. Tee off for the Open will be from 9am – 9.30am. It promises to be another great day, so mark it in your golfing diary.
Members are also reminded that the AGM will be held on Saturday 27 February following the normal round of Saturday golf.
Head to the Wallangarra Golf Club Facebook page to keep abreast of everything that is happening in the club.
DIFFICULT CONDITIONS
GATEBALLERS had to contend with some blustery conditions when they played on Friday. The unpredictable wind gusts played havoc with some shots – at least it was the wind that bore the brunt of the blame as several well-credentialed players saw balls going out. Andrea Denkewitz, Joy Newman, Grace Howard and Bill won two games before the White team of Margaret Dickenson, Pat Schnoor, Val Richardson and Les Williams turned things around and winning the next two games.
It is pleasing to see all players are improving their game, and with three more players having electronic watches, there is sure to be even more enthusiasm for the game. If you are interested in finding out more about gateball, you are welcome to “come and try” on Friday mornings.
Eight players took to the greens for the association croquet games in Stanthorpe and played two groups of doubles. Margaret Dickenson and Val Richardson outplayed Joy Newman and Andrea Denkewitz. In an entertaining game, the final score was 26-22. Pat Schnoor and Heather Widderick paired up to play against Grace Howard and Effy Russell – ironically the final score was the same as in the previous game with Schnoor and Widderick claiming the win. Numbers are still a little fragile with some members of the regular association croquet crew yet to get back into the swing of things since the end of the holiday season. Players are hoping to see regular Carol Verwey off the sick list and back in action shortly.
The golf croquet players were out in numbers for an early morning game of triples. No scores available this week but a reminder that anyone interested in the game is welcome to join the group on Wednesday mornings with play commencing at 8.30am.
DONALD ON TARGET
THERE was a strong turnout at the Inglewood Sporting Shooters events last Sunday. Experience showed as the wily Tom Donald took out wins in both the Down the Line Clay event and the Action Pistol Shoot at the Inglewood range.
In the Clays, Donald outshot second placegetter Stephanie Dudgeon while Scott Johns finished in third spot.
He proved to be equally as strong in the Action Pistol event where he outscored Trevor Lewis and Paige Donald.
The programme for this Sunday includes Single Action and Rimfire Rifle.
CHARITY GOLF DAY
THE Warwick Golf Club will host the annual Andy Wilson Memorial Cancer Council Qld Golf day on Sunday. Another big field is expected to tee off in support of this great charity fund-raiser.
A dozen players from the Cudgen Leagues Club are expected to join local players and other visitors in the 4BBB Stableford event. Nominations for teams of four or individuals can be made at the Pro Shop at the Warwick Club where there is a time sheet for the event.
DEVELOPMENT CAMP FOR UNDER 18S SIDE
ONE of Stanthorpe’s favourite Rugby League sons, Michael Hancock will put the recently formed Border Bushrangers Under 18 squad through their paces this weekend during a preseason development camp at Sullivan Oval this weekend.
The former Stanthorpe Gremlin, who is now a game development officer with the Brisbane Broncos, will be joined by Jim Stevens and Damian Petrie. The Border Bushrangers Under 18 squad is made up from players from all BRL teams and will undergo some intensive training as they prepare for their inaugural season in the TRL.
Players who are 17 years or 18 years in 2016 are eligible for the team and many are already in training with their respective senior sides.
It is hoped that this weekend’s development camp will prepare players for the demanding 22 round TRL competition. Players will have a unique opportunity to tap into the experience of one of the greats of the game and learn what is required to make the step up from successful Gremlin to Queensland and Australian representative player.
Staff and parents will join players and camp at the Gremlins clubhouse overnight Saturday. Organisers are urging players to attend Sunday if they are unable to commit to both days. The camp is free.
SPORTERS WIN FOR SIMMERS
AARON Simmers claimed an overdue win at Sporters last Sunday. Simmers outscored runner-up Mick Doorley and also had the Best Gross on the day. Run-downs went to Gary Kirby and Paul Armstrong. Jim McPherson took the Pin Shot on the 12th and No Won Kim the 17th. Ray Thorn picked up the Pro Pin. Meat tray winners were Dale Gillam and Gary Kirby. Sporters will be out and about on Sunday as normal with tee off between 8am and 8.30am.
A reminder that the annual Maureen Bates Memorial Day is not far away. There is also the possibility of an afternoon Sporters game in the coming weeks – more news on these matters as they come to hand.
RAIN HALTS PLAY… AGAIN
FOR the second week, Stanthorpe Cricket Association fixtures were interrupted by rain last weekend. Both the games between Valleys and Wanderers and RSL and Souths were called off after only a few overs in the second innings due to rain and bad light.
In the opening innings of the game on the CF White Oval, Wanderers won the toss and put Valleys in on the rain-affected wicket.
Valleys had the scoreboard ticking over nicely and setting their opponents a target of 192. Stars of the Valleys innings were Anthony Marino and Andrew Middleton who both scored half centuries. The Wanderers batsmen had no choice but to push the run rate along when they took to the crease and were scoring at a good clip when play was abandoned after only six overs with the score 1/42.
In the game on Sheahan Oval, Souths set the competition front runners RSL a moderate total of 118 after their 40 overs. RSL barely had the chance to settle into their batting line-up when play was abandoned with the score at 1/15.
As the season speeds towards the finals, these interruptions could have a major impact on the make-up of the top four sides.
AUSTRALIAN CALL UP
WARWICK softball player Rachel Kraak has gained another Australian selection. The Warwick teenager was recently one of 30 players named, in the Australian Junior Women’s Spirit Softball Squad (Under-19).
It is another achievement for the former Warwick High school student who last year was selected in the Australian under 17 team.
The Under 19 squad will be cut to an 18-man side, and will be competing in the International Softball Federation Junior Women’s Softball World Championships in Florida, United States, in August 2017
WIN KEEPS FINALS HOPES ALIVE
WARWICK Hotel Colts batsman Lachlan Gross has been in stunning form with the bat in recent weeks, scoring a clutch of half centuries. In last weekend’s game against Inglewood, Gross went a step further converting a half century into a well-earned ton. His 102 was instrumental in Colts victory.
Batting first, Colts set Inglewood a target of 202. In the second innings, some good performances from the Colts bowling attack had Inglewood dismissed for 132.
Michael Coleman 2/19 and Mitch Watson 2/20 were the pick of the Allora bowlers.
The win keeps Colts hopes for an A Grade finals appearance alive.
Only two rounds of regular fixtures remain the Warwick competition before the teams are split into A Grade ad Reserve grade.
HAT-TRICK SETS UP WIN
WHEATVALE paceman Jack Breen pulled off a unique hat-trick in last weekend’s fixture game against Railway Hotel Rascals.
Breen, who has been in good form in recent weeks, took wickets with the second, third and fourth balls of the opening over of the game.
Breen bowled Rascals opener Brad Johnson with his second delivery. Tom Morris followed his teammate back to the sidelines after he was caught by Carter Billborough at cover the next ball. Liam Keating followed suit after Breen cleaned bowled him with his next delivery. It was the young paceman’s first hat-trick in senior cricket.
Chasing Wheatvale’s score of 208, Rascals failed to recover from the devastating opening over. Joe Morris offered some resistance against a determined Wheatvale bowling assault to top score with 75 but Rascals collapsed to be all out for 125.
It was hardly surprising that Breen finished with the best bowling figures (3/8 from four overs). He received great support from Ryan Collins (2/11 from five) and Carly Cooper who showed her versatility taking two wickets after a stint behind the wickets with the gloves netted her two catches.
It was a win full of merit for Wheatvale who were without the services of the four Cantwells and sends a clear message to their opponents that they are a club with a great deal of depth this season.
STILL BOXES TO TICK
STEPHANIE Hancock has achieved a great deal during her illustrious rugby league career. Despite rising to the pinnacle of her game, there are still many things that motivate Hancock to continue. As captain of the Jillaroos, the 33-year-old this weekend will show up for the Australian All Stars when they play the Indigenous All Stars in the curtain-raiser at Suncorp Stadium. There is a formidable winning record against NSW to keep intact. The Anzac Test against archrivals the Kiwi Ferns later in the year and of course what better way would there be to wrap up a career than with a win in next year’s World Cup. It will be her fourth appearance at the World Cup. In 2013, Hancock was a member of the winning side. To captain the Jillaroos to a win next year would probably tick the last box for this leader in women’s sport.
