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Issue Four Wednesday 17 October 2012 - FREE

WEATHER FORECAST

Min Max

THU 20 38

Sunny. Hot. Very High UV Index

FRI 20 38

Sunny. Hot. Extreme UV Index

SAT 21 38

Sunny. Hot. Very High UV Index

SUN 21 38

Sunny. Hot. Extreme UV Index

WEATHER FORECAST

These maidens bowling over the blokesOne of the longest standing records in sport will continue at these Games – the run of ties by the Cricket ‘Granites’ team will continue through a third Games.

There are three 14-timers – team organiser Lyne Grahame, Yvonne Cook and Sue Tromp – in the team and one Masters Virgin, Andrea ‘Taffy’ Wallace.

Taffy, who suffered the first Games injury for the team, dislocating her finger at the Opening Ceremony even before the team took to the field, also had the honour of wearing the team tiara for missing a team function.

“I had known the players for a while and when they came back heard all stories about how much fun they had and wanted to be part of it,’’ Taffy said.

“I waited until I was mature, turning 40, as they obviously needed someone to look after them.

“I had never been to Alice Springs before and I love it.

“I have not had so much fun in ages and will be back in 2014 and we will bring a new Masters Virgin with us.’’

Granites originally came across to play Indoor Cricket and later combined that with Softball but Lyne said “That almost killed us

going back and forwards between the two’’.

When the Indoor Cricket centre closed and Cricket went to eight-a-side and 14 overs, Lyne thought the team could handle that.

The team of women was happy to play against the men, although Lyne said they had to “teach the men how to have fun’’, and some male players wanted to join the team.

One in particular was Neil ‘Mario’ Richardson but Lyne said Granites could not afford his transfer fee from Wests Hasbeens.

When Mario passed away shortly after the 2008 Games, Granites and Hasbeens decided to play a perpetual trophy in memory of him.

“There have been two hard-fought ties so we are trying to work out what to do with the trophy – maybe cut it in half,’’ Lyne said.

“The person with the hardest job on the team is the scorer to make sure the scores add up correctly.

“We have found a couple of guys who did not have teams and they have joined us.

“We are always social people.

“One has not played cricket before but that is okay as the last time I picked up a bat was when I packed the kit after our final game in 2010.

“There is no women’s cricket or indoor cricket in Mt Isa. We are here to have some fun, that is what the Games are all about.’’

The Granites players are also involved in other sports during the Masters week.

There is one mine truck driver, a couple of nurses, a few administrative officers and one domestic executive who looks after her grandson.

The cricket finals will be played on Friday at Jim McConville Park.

Weather Alert!With the Temperatures

soaring and an Extreme UV Index don’t forget to hydrate regularly and cover up to to

avoid heat distress.

Mid week party is onThere will be plenty of action on the lawns of Lasseters Hotel Casino and Alice Springs Convention Centre as Melbourne party band Plastique get into Masters mode.

The complete 80s tribute band, Plastique, has proven versatility and attention to detail with more than 10 different themes and different costume change options.

The eight-person headline group consists of five singers, dancers and a six-piece brass and rhythm section.

Plastique has been described as “The best of the best show bands of the modern era’’.

It will be an exciting night at Alice springs’s premier entertainment venue. One not to be missed.

The doors will open at 7pm. There will be food and drink available. Under-18s will not be admitted.

There are plenty of teams with a healthy appetite for fun and commitment to good sport at these Masters Games, and the baseball teams are no different.

Kerry “Kunpa” Strong 50, from Berkeleyvale, NSW, has played baseball for about 14 years.

She joined the Viagra Eagles for the opportunity to play with her mates from her home winter baseball competition in her first Alice Springs Masters Games in 2012.

Kerry regularly plays for the NSW Country Team in the National Titles.

The Viagra Eagles are a colourful bunch, with a team history dating back to ’98. The team is based on the Central Coast of NSW.

On their way to each game, they sing their team song to the tune of “Waltzing Matilda” with the lyrics spruiking a tribute to the virtues of Viagra.

Staffy, the team’s sports nutritionist, was concerned the baseballers may not get enough vegetables during the week, so supplied the team with a healthy tomato based beverage garnished with celery for breakfast.

Teams from across Australia have commented on the spectacular quality of the diamond enjoyed at Lyle Kempster Park. The quality of the pitch far exceeds the home playing grounds for many of our visitors. It may have something to do with the lack of water restrictions; with the Mereenie Formation, a

20,000 year old source of ground water providing us with greener pastures.

The competition in baseball is strong, and there are many teams with interesting histories; including the Bridgewater Bulls from South Australia who felt they preferred the smaller balls of baseball to their former, larger softballs. The Viagra Eagles hope they will be vying for gold again this year against the Gold Coast Slammers, but it may depend on their vegetable intake for the week.

Baseballers attribute performance to vegetable intake

The Granites Cricket Team from Mt. Isa enjoying playing against the men

Umpire Spider keeping an eye on East Coast Slammers and Darwin Crocs

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SportS HoroScope13th Games – will it be

lucky for you?

LibraStriking a balance – the key to a successful outcome is: good food, exercise and rest. Forget about them, party instead. It’s all systems go this week – prepare for a surprise.

ScorpioMaintaining an inner balance will help you find your feet. Be patient, and keep practising your skills. You are due for a celebration.

SaGittariuSWeigh what you want against the price to be paid. Getting to know a new group could be very rewarding. And.... watch that weight.

capricornYou may be overloaded with commitments, but push on. Give priority to the most important and delegate the rest. Good news is coming.

aquariuSFreedom and responsibility - the right balance is worth working towards. Buy yourself something special.

piSceSParanoia may serve a purpose: keep an eye on what is going on behind you. Try being more spontaneous this week and reap unexpected rewards.

arieSIf your relationships are out of balance, restore them to an equal footing, but only if they share your interest in the Games. Your sporting interests are crucial, keep them going for a happy, healthy life.

tauruS Put a stop to your fitness kick after the Games and be lazy for a while. It will help you recharge and make the less energetic around you feel better about themselves.

GeminiStick to your commitments and enjoy joy and success. You will thrive on more variety. Watch your spending, make sure you get value for money.

cancerWeigh your options, and try to be diplomatic when confrontations arise. Keep practising to attain a successful outcome, and when you do, give credit to your opponent.

LeoYou will find inner harmony when revisiting a special place. You might come to a turning point for your life’s goals, try turning left.

VirGoA surge of action will help you reap rewards. A new door to further success will open up opportunities for to use your particular talents. Try not to forget your keys.

If you have news or want to give a shout out please SMS or CALL

There was a sure sign the ‘Wests Hasbeen’ cricketers are getting a little older the other day.The volunteer cook for the barbecue was wondering why the sausages were not sizzling like they should.He had to call in his teammates but it still took a while to discover they forgot to turn on the gas.

There was a bit of excitement at the Swimming on Monday when a ‘phantom’ appeared to have competed in one of the lanes. The electric timer kept going off to indicate the swimmer had finished – but no Swimmer was in that lane.It took a little while to discover the ‘culprit’. The Swimmer from the adjacent lane pulled out of the event and swapped lanes and kept leaning on the timing mechanism in lane one.

Megan WilliamsLindsay KareyMaree Hayes

Matthew McConvilleMichael Bartholomew

Andrew GaffCatherine ConnorKaren Cockrem

Ronald SaintRussell Simon

Adelaide Mighty Ducks made a big hit at the first day of Softball by defeating Central Masters B 19-1.The 19 runs were more than the Ducks had scored in three previous visits to the Games from 2004 to 2008.It is much the same group of players, from teams in the Adelaide D-grade competition, and opinion is divided as to the reason behind the improvement.Is it due to extra practice during the year away from the Games, or that the team now has a 22yr old coach, Megan Williams, whose birthday is today?

Saying she now feels like the ‘Bionic man’ following two knee replacements, Anja Taylor is back on track to defend her Open Masters title at the Dustbowl.

Taylor’s return to bowling in late September, following surgery, saw her convincingly win the 10-game Alice Springs Tenpin Bowling Association ‘Open’.

Tenpin Bowlers were spotted at Uncle Edy’s Ice Cream hoeing into buckets of delicious gelato.When quizzed on the health aspect, (given they are supposed to be ‘elite’ athletes), one was promptly shown the advertising signage.Given the low fat content of Sorbet and Gelato, both gluten and gelatine free, there was no option but to join them for a quick training session.

The Alice Springs Legends have made it back to town for the Masters Games to remember good times and play a bit of Baseball.

The Legends are made up of ex-pats of Alice Springs, with members now living in every state of Australia.Training sessions can be held wherever the coach decides and people who don’t attend are fined. When he called a session in Tucson, Arizona, everyone had to pay up.

Who was the female dart player, from country SA, who was seen removing the pants off the mannequin in the Golf Club foyer?She even went down on hands and knees to check out what was revealed.

another case of ministers competing

Darwin’s Lorikeets are birds of different feathers

a lane for all age swimmers

There are five NT Government Ministers competing at the 2012 Alice Springs Masters Games.

Chief Minister Terry Mills congratulated the quintet for leading by example so everyone can live a healthy and active lifestyle.

Competing in the Games are Deputy Chief Minister Robyn Lambley (Athletics Track and Field), Alison Anderson (Softball), Matt Conlan (Golf), Adam Giles (Cricket) and David Tollner (Basketball and Cricket).

“It is wonderful to see the Ministers taking part in this Northern Territory

Government run event,’’ Mr Mills said, who was in Alice Springs to open the Games on Saturday.

“I encourage all Territorians to be active and participate in sports.

“The Games draw almost 4000 competitors, volunteers and staff to Alice Springs and provides an opportunity for everybody to participate, regardless of age.

“The most common age group for this event is 50-59 years, proving age is no limit to being active.

“These Games bring people together in a fun and friendly setting”.

While the name suggests they have all flown down from the Arafura Pearl, the Darwin Lorikeets are a mixed bunch of birds, coming from Port Lincoln, Port Augusta and Alice Springs to play Hockey.

The unlikely relationships formed over beer, wine and good spirits at previous Masters Games social events. So when Port Lincoln was unable to pull together a side, a bird call went out and they flocked together for 2012.

The Lorikeets are planning a special dress up event on Thursday, which may include slightly risqué outfits, but for now, it’s top secret. The girls

The youngest competitor at the Games is 25-year-old swimmer Brendan Taylor-McInnes from Alice Springs. Although he is the minimum age to be a competitor, Brendan is no stranger to the Games.

He was a Touch referee and his mother and father have both played in previous events.

Touch Convenor Tim Pearson said he would be a referee again this year as “that’s the sort of bloke he is, he gets himself involved’’.

“You have to be 30 to play Touch so he looked around for the sport with the youngest age limit and it was Swimming, so he nominated,’’ Tim said.

Brendan’s only swimming event was the 25m freestyle on Sunday afternoon which delighted Tim as it meant Brendan had time to be a Touch referee.

The oldest participant is 90-year-old Trudy Bullivant from Rosebud West in Victoria. She is less than two months older than runner Monica Osborne.

She is looking forward to her fifth ASMG as she said “I love coming to Alice Springs’’.

Trudy has a full program with the 25m freestyle, 50m backstroke on Sunday, 100m backstroke and 25m backstroke yesterday and the 200m backstroke today plus a couple of relays.

“I feel okay – good actually. I can still keep going at 90,’’ she said.

“As long as I can keep going I will be okay.

“I used to do the breaststroke but that hurt my knees and back.

“Now I prefer the backstroke as you can lie on your back and it is easier

to breathe – and I have been quite successful as well.

“I don’t know if I will be back in two years as there is a lot of walking in Alice Springs and that is getting harder.”

90 yr old Trudy and 25 yr old Brendan

anticipate that the Darwin Bulldogs will wear boxer shorts against the Mt Isa Dead Ants in a nod to the dress up tradition.

For Janet from Port Lincoln, the Friendly Games present an opportunity to catch up with mates living in Alice, and share good times on the Hockey pitch with this mismatched flock.

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It’s not ping pong, but come along

Kruske girls lend a hand

Down the lane from the court

Game, set and match for the good doctor

Oops... record too high

Council tips in for Games

“Oh my, what big eyes you have!”

Marti - 3739

Everyone knows that playing sport keeps you young, and the spirited players of table tennis are testament to this fact.

82 year old Thelma Wade came to Alice Springs for her tenth Masters Games with her friend Eva Halliger from Cobar in New South Wales.

Eva learnt to play table tennis growing in Leyte, Phillipines with her family of ten. Eva married her German pen pal, and moved to Australia in 1982. It wasn’t until many years later that Eva returned to the sport, when Thelma advertised in the local paper for another player to join their team.

Eva has claimed two bronze medals, in the 40 - 59 Singles and the under 110 mixed doubles along with Roland Maddocks.

Eva joined the Cobar NSW team ten years ago, and has loved every minute. Eva is hoping to recruit her husband to the sport who will retire next

year. “It keeps you young” says Eva, “Look at Thelma!”.

There are almost double the number of Table Tennis players at the Games than the first time the sport was included in 1998.

Alice Springs Table Tennis Association president Graeme Shaughnessy is delighted at the increased interest and that the sport has virtually maintained its numbers from 2010.

Another pleasing aspect of the Games is the number of people who visit Alice Springs between Masters.

“People who come to the Masters come back and meet with us in the off years,’’ Graeme said.

“At least 20 per cent of them have come back in the Masters off season just for a visit with friends.’’

The Table Tennis competition has singles, doubles, mixed doubles in age groups and a teams competition, with three players in each team.

There is about a 60-40 split in males and females.

Players have come from NSW, Victoria, SA and Darwin – including NT independent MLA Jerry Woods – to play against the local players.

“We are in our third Masters venue, the new Marian Hall at the OLSH Sadadeen campus,’’ Graeme said.

“It is a fantastic venue with great lighting – more than the 600+ lux we need .

“OLSH principal Brother Paul Gilchrist and especially Ian Clarke have been fantastic in helping us set up for the Masters.

“There is also more room so we have gone from eight to 12 tables on a rebound ace floor, which is a lot easier on the knees.

“We have bought a few top-class competition tables since moving into the venue. We’ve also purchased 144 more balls for the Masters.

“There is also a grandstand for spectators so they can come and watch our games.’’

Table Tennis is sharing the Marian Hall with Badminton and Graeme said there was plenty of room for both. Get down to OLSH, Sadadeen campus and check out the great atmosphere and sport of Table Tennis.

A first for everything, even at 83. Dr Reginald Prasad, from Darwin is testament to that.

He is playing his first tennis tournament today, having only previously played socially with good mate John Britton.

The good doctor had just completed his first competitive singles match, and didn’t do too well apparently. Not that you could tell from the smile a mile wide on his face.

He is having fun! Without a wrinkle

on his face, he remains incognito as the oldest male tennis competitor.

When questioned about where he’d discovered the fountain of youth, he replied “in a bottle’’. Hhmmm......…. what type of bottle?

Dr Reginald has been a locum GP in Darwin for the past 15 years, coming from Melbourne where he had a private practice for 35 years.

He loves living in Darwin and when he’s not patching up people he likes to sing in the Chorale Choir.

Reginald retired last Thursday, so isn’t wasting any time enjoying his free time. Although retiring is something he does well, he has done it many times in the past!

With tongue in cheek he described himself as a nomad, but without the ‘no’.

He doesn’t look mad, he looks like someone having the time of his life! Reginald said he’d try anything …. obviously 83 years young is our Reggie.

How many mothers and daughters get to play a sport together?

Judy and Alicia Kruske are working together as Volunteers during the Games – for the third time.

In previous years they have helped out at the Netball, in which Alicia recently represented Alice Springs at the NT Link Championship.

But this year they have broadened their service to the Games by working in the accreditation area for the first few days, and then as and where required.

Alicia would like to meet some of the top sports men and women who come to be part of the Games.

“I am looking forward to being old enough to play in the Games one day,’’ she said.

Judy played netball many years ago

and gave social lawn bowls a try in 2010 – and won a bronze medal.

“We are just doing something different this year,’’ she said.

“After the Games Centre gets quiet, the organisers can send us where they like.

“Meeting people is the most enjoyable part of the Games.

“It is about getting involved and being a part of it all.

“The atmosphere of the Games is great as the whole town comes alive as there is a flow on effect for everyone.

“I am blown away by the sportsmanship of the participants. There are so many wonderful stories.’’

Their duties have been mainly in the late afternoon and evening as Judy has to work and Alicia goes to school during the day.

What sport do has-been netballers play?

A motley crew from South Australia, mainly from Port Pirie, have come up to enjoy the Friendly Games.

The group describe themselves as netball has-beens, and have registered themselves in Tenpin Bowling to take advantage of the conveniences that come with that sport, including air conditioning and a bar.

A spokeswoman for the team says that they enjoy the flexibility of the Friendly Games, and being able to schedule game times between their social events and catching up on other sports. Monday saw the ladies taking in the Baseball over some refreshing cans of Jack Daniels.

While these ladies are not likely to make a perfect score in the bowling lanes, they are enjoying the perfect weather and atmosphere here at the Games.

The results for the men’s 35-39 high jump from Day 1 Athletics Track and Field Athletics were actually for the triple jump.

We are sure that gold medallist David Scott would have been delighted with a high jump of 10.66 metres – as would have been his colleagues with their jumps.

The Alice Springs Town Council has a long history of supporting the Master Games and is again proud to be a sponsor of this year’s ‘Friendly Games’.

Mayor Damien Ryan said: “There’s something special about the Alice Springs Masters Games and I think it’s that the competitiveness on the field is matched only by the friendliness off field!”

Council contributes to the Games both financially and with in-kind support.

The town, the sporting facilities and the public venues are all prepared and maintained by the dedicated Council team.

The Alice Springs Town Council has been a major part of the smooth running of the games since its inception in 1986.

This year Council is a Diamond sponsor and is proud to be a major supporter of the “Friendly Games’’ each year.

The Council team has worked tirelessly in preparation and for the running of the games.

This includes grounds preparation and maintenance, traffic management, cleaning facilities and litter removal, coordination of ablutions, grandstands and crowd barriers.

Council hopes all the participants enjoy the 2012 Master Games.

“Best of luck to all participants, I hope you all have a fun and successful games!’’ said Mayor Ryan.

Eva Halliger, Bronze Medallist

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Archery 8am - IFAA Archery Range

Athletics - Masters Mile

6pm - Men & Ladies Gap Road

Badminton 2pm - Individuals, Marian Centre

Baseball 9am - Competition, Lyle Kempster Park

Basketball 10am - Competition - Traegar Park Stadium

BMX 6.30pm - Competition Blatherskite Park

Cricket 1.30pm - Semi Finals Jim McConville

Cycling 7pm - Street Sprint Todd Street

Darts 9.30am - Team Games Alice Springs Golf Club

Eightball 5pm - Competition Club Eastside

Equestrian 9am - Show Jumping Blatherskite Park

Football (Soccer) 4.30pm - Competition Ross Park

Golf 7am - Alice Springs Golf Club Cromwell Drive

Hockey 8am - Hockey Centre, Traegar Park

Indoor Beach Volleyball

2pm - Competition Desert SandsKennett Court

Lawn Bowls 9am - Knockout Singles Memorial Club

Motorcycling 7.30am - Scrambles (Last Event),AS Motorcycle Club

Mountain Biking

4.30pm - Dirt Criterium, Scouts Hall

Netball 6pm - Semi Finals, Pat Gallagher

Shooting - Pistol

8am - Competition, Pistol Club

Shooting - Sporting Shooters

8.30am - Competition,Shooting Complex

Softball 10am - Competition, Jim McConville Oval

Squash 2pm - Team Events, AS Squash Centre, Gap Road

Swimming 1pm - Relays, AS Town Pool

Table Tennis 4pm - Competition, Marian Centre, OLSH

Tennis 7.30am & 5.15pm Singles & Doubles, Traeger Park Courts

Tenpin Bowling 10am - Competition, Dust Bowl, Gap Road

Touch Football 9.30am & 3pm Competition, Flynn Park

Tri/Duathlon 6am - Duathlon, Desert Park

Volleyball 4pm - Semi FinalsCDU