TOWARDS the end of the first frame of our recent Ex-Services snooker doubles match against Al Smith and Mick Steep I wasn’t game to look over at my partner Dick Bowden after I missed a relatively easy shot at the pink ball.

HAD the pink been potted, we would have won the opening frame but after a penalty of six points, it was all downhill from there with Al and Mick cruising home two frames to nil. As I have said each time we have been eliminated during the past decade, “there is always next year, Dick”.

WALCHA Jillaroo veterans Robyn Broadbent and Bonnie Brown have been appointed co-coaches of their team for the 2019 season where they would like to go one step further than runners-up this year. Robyn indicated team training would commence the week after the Walcha Races for all those players interested in pulling on a green and gold guernsey next year.

NINE Walcha golfers travelled to Tamworth last Sunday to play in a farewell charity day for Andrew Brennan at the Longyard Golf Course. Jarryd Bird, Deon Lawrence and Jack O’Hara finished 13^th, Anthony Smith, Steph Sweeney and A. J. Cross came 18^th, while Simeon Cross, Wayne Brennan and Luke Brennan were 20^th.

NOMINATIONS were cut off last Thursday after they reached the maximum 108 who teed off in the event to raise funds for professional trainee Andrew which will go towards A. J. finishing his traineeship at Armidale. All competitors had a chance to test their skills against Andrew on the par three 16^th ​on which A. J. aced the group before our own group arrived.

WITH one hole remaining, our group was trailing “Simone” and the Brennan Boys narrowly until “Smithy” drained a lengthy 35 foot putt to put us slightly ahead. When our opponents couldn’t respond to their challenge, we introduced the “Dance of Joy” to finalise the game.

FOOTNOTE: Anthony received a call from a Longyard course official earlier in the week who confirmed the putt was 55 feet after a measurement had been taken.

HERE on the homefront last Sunday, Brian “Magpie” Lynch and Kathryn Smith produced a very handy 56 points to win a 4BBB medley event for trophies donated by Brendan Blake from New England Accounting.

THE Walcha News Cricket Cup is currently two-thirds of the way through with Uralla leading on 56 points, followed by Round Swamp 48, Kentucky 32 and Colts 22. Round 11 is scheduled for this Saturday where Colts host Uralla at the Park and Kentucky do battle with Swamp. The competition will then go into festive season recess until Saturday, January 12.

IN the top of the table clash last week, Uralla defeated Swamp by 11 runs while Kentucky accounted for Colts by two wickets. In the past 50 years, Colts have finished wooden spooners just five times, and have a bit of work to do if they are going to avoid this season’s spoon.

LAST Sunday, the Walcha/Uralla Bushies defeated Guyra by two wickets in their Northern Tablelands veterans clash at Guyra. The Bushies chased down 176 runs with two wickets up their sleeve after Brian Wellings contributed 29 not out. Pete Mooney, “Wilba” Haslem, Michael Aspinall and “Pothole” Boyd were also members of the winning team.

BIG Wigs of the Week: Brad Partridge 66, Nathan Swann 66 n.o., Simon Wood 64, Lee Harrison 61, Ben France 58, Jacob Sherrin 56, Barry Hoy 55, Jay Grills 44, Eddie Strahan 40 n.o. Thor Crombie 5/45, Daniel Boyd 4/18, Luke Wellings 3/53. District – Jacob Sherrin 40, Lee Harrison 2/15.

POULTRY Farmers of the Week: Brad Ritchie, Blaire Moore, Harley Cox, Daniel Boyd, Stephen Haslem, Jed Wittig and Troy Tape. District Ducks: Nick Endacott, Lachie Fletcher, Jay Grills and Daniel Boyd.

KENTUCKY allrounder Daniel Boyd did not have the happiest of weekends with the willow when he was dismissed without scoring against Colts on Saturday and then backed up to repeat the dose against Glen Innes on Sunday. At least you fared a bit better with the ball, Daniel.

A GENTLE reminder that the annual Ann Berry Memorial golf event is scheduled for this Sunday, weather permitting. The Berry clan –  Col, Perc, Gavin and Bec – would like to see as many players compete as last year, where there were plenty in attendance. It is a three-person ambrose, so grab a couple of mates and come out for a bash on Sunday.