WHAT a crazy week it has been in the sporting world, led by the sad passing of a truly great Australian in Richie Benaud.
Every Aussie I know grew up listening to “Morning All” before the start of play in the nation’s favourite summer game.
I met the great man on three occasions, the first two involved with his second passion in sport, golf.
In the early Noosa Pro-Am days and the start of the Jack Newton Classic, Richie was just one of the big names that turned up with support from his mates Gary Sobers, Ray Martin, Ian Baker-Finch, Peter Senior, Alan Border and politicians Jim Killen and Bob Hawke.
The next time we crossed paths was in 1986 when Greg Norman was walking up the 18th hole at Turnberry in Scotland on way to claim his first of two British Opens.
On a typical teary English afternoon, Richie stood out among the army of Aussies who followed Greg’s trek that day to finally bag a major.
I was on my way to the interview tent and only waved and he acknowledged me, but I am sure he was just being polite.
What I wasn’t aware of until earlier this week was that Norman had dinner with Richie and wife the night before, seeking his advice on the final day’s play.
We crossed paths again at the ‘98 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur when cricket was introduced, and as always he politely said g’day.
Of course I reminded him of the Noosa Pro-Am days, to which he responded with a smile.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott could be forgiven for his Duke knighthood stuff up, if he quickly offered the same to a great Australian. Sir Richie sounds good to me.
Just a disgrace
WHAT about the on and off field performances during the Canterbury v Souths NRL match? Simply disgraceful!
Firstly the abuse of the referee by Canterbury captain James Graham and team-mate David Klemmer was, and is, just not on.
Then the water bottles thrown at the officials as they left the ground – well, that just isn’t Australian.
I remember a similar incident when Wally Lewis was marched to the sin bin during the ‘88 Origin Series.
Cans of XXXX came from every direction as the King headed to the sidelines – thankfully it hasn’t happened since.
I would like to know what former Wide Bay league stars Mick Plant and Noel Liesegang thought of the incident.
Both happily retired living in Tewantin, they came from the old school of what happens on the field, stays on the field.
But I doubt they would support this recent behaviour, which clearly isn’t good for the game.
The good stuff
OKAY, let’s get back to the good stuff.
What a wonderful result for Coast athletes at the recent national swimming titles in Sydney.
It appears that 10 locals have been included in the national team for the world titles in Russia in July, Noosa’s Jake Packwood and Brittany Elmslie.
There was only one world record set during the competition, para star Blake Cochrane led the way with five other Coast university team-mates.
Good luck to all Coast Lifesavers in the national titles.
Until next time.
