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Issue Six Friday 19 October 2012 - FREE

WEATHER FORECAST

Min Max

SAT 18 38

Sunny. Hot. Extreme UV Index

SUN 19 38

Sunny. Hot. Very High UV Index

MON 21 38

Sunny. Hot. Very High UV Index

TUE 21 39

Sunny. Hot. Extreme UV Index

WEATHER FORECAST

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.

Hey, Hey it’s the Games

Virgins blitz short-course swim meetThe short-course swimming program provided five days of friendly competition for around 200 Swimmers at the Games.

There have been a lot of NT records swum during the meet, and possibly one national one, but this will not be known for certain until all the details are downloaded and confirmed at the completion of the Games.

Swimmers turned their attention to the outdoor pool yesterday for the fun of the relays and climax of the week, with a relaxing afternoon with the 1500m freestyle from 1pm today.

Being a short-course meet for the first time in the Games, all the gold medallists set records and received certificates.

Among the record recipients was first-time competitor John McNeur, 54, from Darwin who is swimming breaststroke in six events.

John began swimming in September last year to explore a healthier lifestyle and heard about the Alice Springs Masters Games and decided to be in it.

“I have not swum competitively since I was 15-16yrs and had put

a lot of practice into my turns only to find out you can’t tumble turn in breaststroke now,’’ he said.

“Two Katherine swimmers and one from Darwin taught me the correct procedure.

“I was presented my silver medal for the first event by Dawn Fraser. What a thrill.

“Swimming has opened a whole new world for me and everything about these Games is fantastic.’’

Swimming Convenor Kay Bailey said the meet had gone like clockwork with no problems that could not be solved on the spot.

“This is largely because the participants are willing to lend a hand as time keepers or general help,’’ she said.

“Swimmers have appreciated receiving their record certificates.

“I was concerned the venue might not have enough spectator capacity but it proved adequate for our numbers.

“The pool temperature has been good and I thank the pool management for keeping it at our requested temperature.

“It was warm inside for the final two days but keeping the doors and windows open worked well to let in air.

“A definite positive of being inside was that we did not have to worry about sunburn as in previous Games.

“It has also been good that the Games program has not interrupted the public use of the pool – including Learn to Swim classes held as normal during the week.’’

Kay has been the Convenor for the past four Games following her role as assistant for the two previous events. She has competed in eight Alice Springs Masters Games.

A lot of Alice Springs swimmers, including Kay, have swum personal best times during the meet – especially those who have not had the opportunity to compete elsewhere.

Kaye said a lot of the Swimmers claim they will be back in 2014, especially if the short-course format continued. Another option is to make more use of the outside pool.

“The facilities are there so why not use them,’’ Kaye said.

“These Games have been up there with the best I have been involved in.

“They have worked well due to the team of people – everyone from the volunteers in the club to the people from interstate who helped out.

“And of course the Swimmers, who are a great group of people.’’

The Games own Scarlett Pimpernel, better known as Ambassador at Large Daryl Somers, has been seen here, there and everywhere during the week.

He has run down the 100m sprint with the Games oldest Track and Field athlete Monica Osborne, and has been in constant demand to present ‘thousands’ of medals to ‘hundreds’ or recipients.

Daryl has also slipped into a Sports Medicine shirt and conducted a patient examination. Daryl took notes (noughts and crosses) and eventually confessed to his prank as the CONsulter. Fortunately Dr Geoff Thompson and his team were on hand and the patient survived.

He even got his hands on a gold medal and presented it to NT Administrator Sally Thomas AM.

“It has been a great week,’’ Daryl said as he stopped for a rare moment.

“I have also managed to finally have a beer with Duncan in the NT. If there are any more Duncans out there I would still love to have a beer with you.

“That is one thing off my bucket list – I will have to find something else to put on it.’’

There is no end in sight to Daryl’s antics, he was also found rescuing a Convenor’s dog and is constantly providing the Media Centre with scoops. One place he has not been seen at is his hotel room, due to keeping event staff up late with his shenanigans.

Pictured right: NT Adminstrator Sally Thomas with her gold

medal presented by the honourary Ambassador Daryl Somers

There has been alot of splash and dash in the swimming events at the Games

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SportS HoroScope14th Games – will it be

lucky for you?

Libra

After a few mid week stresses, it’s all falling into place now Libra. Remember to follow parking laws, you will get caught out.

Scorpio

A nice relaxing evening is well deserved. So kick back and enjoy yourself. For single Scorpios, a wandering eye leads you to an attractive destination. Follow the path.

SaGittariuSThere’s a big job ahead of you next week, Scorpio. Keep up your vegetable intake. Some music will help you keep your energy up.

capricornThere’s something in the air, Capricorn, follow your nose and you will find it.

aquariuSAfter the highs of a great week, you need to make sure you are taking the time to look after yourself, Aquarius. Be sure to eat healthily tonight, as temptation will be strong for the vein-clogging variety of meal. An off hand comment could be taken the wrong way, so be careful.

piSceSYou’re looking forward to an amazing Saturday night Pisces. For single fish, be on the look out for someone in blue. They could be just the fish you’re after. For those already in a relationship, take the time to smell the roses.

arieS

It turns out you have some very exciting times ahead, Aries. You’re going to need to work on your muscle tone to prepare you for something major next year, so start preparing. Your flexibility also needs working on; in your muscles and your mind.

tauruS

After a great start to the day, you might be feeling a little off. Don’t let the small things get you down, remember to breathe. For single bulls, chase the red, it will be worth it.

GeminiYou’re on a high Gemini. Trust your instincts to keep your winning streak going. You will be well rewarded for a job well done. There is the chance of something burning you on the weekend, hopefully it’s the sun and not a UTI.

cancerToday is your day, Cancer. If you’re on a bike, the odds are on your side. Children are a feature over the next day, so be prepared.

LeoSomeone around you is feeling a bit sensitive, Leo, so bring out your nurturing nature. Saturday night is an opportunity to let out a lion’s roar, so make sure your mane is looking fine.

VirGoWow, look at you, Virgo. You’re as keen as mustard. Your energy could be well spent on the dance floor, so dust off your blue suede shoes.

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

A slight twinge in the calf muscle when bowling his doubles event at the Dustbowl sent Frank Allen searching through his equipment bag for the Dencorub.Gently massaging the painful area, Frank sensed that something was not quite right. On further inspection he noticed he was using toothpaste.In the same vein another 10-pin bowler thought he was using toothpaste but had inadvertently applied a denture fixative paste to his toothbrush.

Heard at Athletics Track and Field - an athlete asking a friend as they were preparing to leave “Have you got all your medals?’’After checking her haul the woman replied “Only have to get the 1500m... oh, we still have to run that.’’

There has been a lot of fun at the Netball with the games showing while age may have affected a couple of areas, the skills are still high.

Ian SmithCarmen ButcherColleen HayesGary Jamieson

Jo-Anne SaundersRaelene KingLinda Wells

Andrew BriedisBrendan Meney

Kayleen IsaacsonScott Bray

With her side one goal behind, a shooter received a penalty in the circle and passed out to get a better shot.The only problem was the whistle had been blown to end the game and while a goal would have counted the pass ended the game so her team lost.Do not know if age had caused a hearing or memory loss - the good news - it was a perfect pass.

There were some visual darts cast at the Table Tennis with some family rivalry on display.Stewart Thornton, who is too young for the Masters but represented NT at the nationals in Perth, showed signs of jealousy when father Angus won a gold medal in the doubles with Paul Martin.‘’He does not even play competitive Table Tennis and I have been practising for years.’’ Stewart was heard to mutter. Paul revealed the secret of the medal win was getting the ball to land on the table more often.

There were some questionable tactics in the Pink Night Netball clash between Spectrum WA and the combined men’s team.At one stage Spectrum tried a version of the spectacular lift defence as the goal keeper sat on the shoulders of the goal defence to block the shot of the towering male shooter.Possibly the most outrageous was the close personal attention the Spectrum attack paid to her defender, forcing her to later touch up her pink lipstick. Fortunately the umpire saw it and advanced the penalty further down the court.

Touch player Chief Silver Cloud, pictured in Tuesday’s edition of the Friendly Times, has been a regular at the pool during the Swimming events.He has competed in a few events in addition to motivating and cheering on tribe members: Flying Feather, 2 Dogs and Silver Crow.

Expect an item on YouTube soon or The Funniest Home Videos from the Games.In the high jump one of the women concentrated hard on her final jump only to hit her head on the support beam for the bar.“If I am not done now, I am,’’ was her only comment as she picked herself up.The whole incident has been captured on video.

There were a couple of participants who have been to all 14 Alice Springs Masters Games but were not included in the list of 14-timers at the beginning of the week.Well done Rae Moody and Lorraine Adams. It is great to see you back here.Are there any more 14-timers out there?

We’d love your FEEDBACK!

Please complete our participant survey

on the Games website.alicespringsmastersgames.com.au

Lost dart delays restartDart players have flocked to Alice Springs for the Masters Games, with many enjoying the air-conditioning at its new venue - the Alice Springs Golf Club.

Bobby Ross has come down with family members David, Shirley, Heikki and Ron from Katherine.

David said he learnt to play in Katherine’s local drinking hole, Kirbys, more famous for its midday karaoke that serenades the top end of town, than any sporting events.

He scored an impressive double 2 in a match against veteran Cheryl Quirk from Davistown near Gosford in New South Wales. Cheryl flew here with two friends, and is really enjoying the atmosphere.

The colourful Purple Darts team from Alice Springs were concentrating efforts in keeping their hands steady with a few eye openers on Wednesday morning, enjoying the fact that, as sportsmen, they were entitled to drink from 9am at the club.

Darts players are quick to regale spectators with tales of the antics, whether they’re planking on rocks or posing as golfers to get the early takeaways from the Club House.

Arthur Grogan and Dot were abuzz about a local player, Jenny Kroker, who friends say momentarily thought she was throwing a boomerang rather than a dart.

The dart missed the board completely, and shot over a table and into the bar, where it took some time to find. The game could not resume for 15 minutes, as players had to recover their breath from laughing so hard.

Jenny then threw a double 10, a story sure to be regaled at future meets for years to come.

Stories aside, ask anyone who is going to win the Darts competition this year, and it’s “Chippy’s Mob”; a dapper group wearing shirts from Jamestown.

But true to Masters Games form, the team is made up of people from across this sunburnt country, including members from Karratha, Alli Prings (Alice Springs), Brisbane and Jamestown.

Chippy (Louis Miller), an Alice Springs local and the current NT champion, is ranked third in Australia for Darts.

He has only missed two Alice Springs Masters Games since 1986, and his team is currently undefeated.

Caught out reading the Friendly Times!If have missed an edition of the

Friendly Times, copies are available at the Games Centre.

A line up of the Alice Springs Purple Darts team

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“And you wouldn’t believe where I pulled

this stick out of”

Indians stay in touch

Time for change for long-time Convenor

Looking for soccer in the Masters Games program, and can’t find it?

A second inspection will reveal it under ‘Football’ a term usually reserved for AFL around the Red Centre.

The soccer competition has a strong Alice Springs contingent this year, with all three entered teams based in the desert oasis.

An interested crowd of regulars watched as the Vikings enjoyed sweet victory on Tuesday night, with local businessman 40-year-old Jo George kicking one goal and setting up another, with two other near misses.

Goal kickers for the Vikings were 62-year-old Phil Danby, Richie Farrell and Jai Cross.

Jo broke a 12-year-dry spell of kicking goals on Sunday night, and looks like he is regaining his 2000 form when he was the leading goal kicker with more than 40 goals for the season before he snapped his quadricep and was relegated to defence.

The team thought the pick-up in Jo’s performance may have been due to his expectant wife Sarah being present among the spectators; apparently a rare event these days.

Phil and Jo normally play for the Gold Coast Beach Boys, but the team didn’t make it so they were more than happy to play with their regular Alice Springs mates.

The Vikings will play Outback United for gold tonight. It’s may not be AFL, but soccer reigns at Ross Park.

The oldest golfers are finishing their stableford competition today after battling the heat over 54 holes.

Gold medals in the oldest divisions (80+) in the gross competition, played over 36 holes on Monday and Wednesday, went to David Owens from Cobdogla, SA and Centralian Georgie Oldfield.

There was a lot of competition in the younger age groups for both the gross and stableford medals – especially the 65-69 men’s gross which produced some good scoring.

The Golf continues tomorrow with the 35-59 age groups playing their final rounds in the stableford competition.

Vikings reign supreme

If the Indians get their way there will be a new form of Touch on the horizon.

It is ‘Walking Touch’ where no running is allowed.

They have introduced this new form of Touch during the week and hope it will take off in the Masters.

The Squaws attribute the need for this type of game for their aging joints and dwindling fitness, which may or may not have anything to do with drinking and smoking.

The Indians team is made up of former and current Alice Springs residents. They are a friendly and somewhat raucous bunch.

When asking them for information about their sport or their team, they reply “Talk to the Chief”.

It seems much of how the Indians operate is based around 1950s movies about native Americans and cowboys.

Women’s teams are called ‘Squaws’, men’s teams are called ‘Braves’ and even the accompanying children have names like ‘Howling Wolf’.

Approaching a bunch of Indians on the warpath or during an after-game pow wow could be intimidating, but not at the Friendly Games.

The Indians are a popular team, and have recruits in waiting relegated to swimming in the Masters Games, until they achieve the required 30 years to play for a Masters Touch team.

The Squaws are confident of taking home gold this afternoon - they say if their efforts on the field are not enough, they will wait in the car park for the victors.

Touch Convenor Tim Pearson understood the Indians’ concerns with the heat of the week which has forced the games to be played at 5pm instead of 3pm.

“We have had to cut the men’s and women’s games down to 15 minutes, but we have got through the full program,’’ he said.

“The mixed games in the morning have still had the full 20-minute halves.

“The finals this afternoon will have all the traditional rivalry with North Queensland and Darwin Buffaloes in the men’s and Chilli Chicks playing Squaws in the women.

“It was good to see Gove in the mixed final as it was the first time they have had a team in their own right in the Masters.

“We will be having a big finish to the week so it is just as well there were no games this morning.’’

The finish began with the mixed final yesterday and the Skit Night in the evening. Today is the men’s and women’s finals (from 5pm) followed by the presentations.

Tomorrow afternoon will be The Living Legends barbeque followed by a walk from the pool to the Closing Ceremony.

Tim said all the Touch players will be walking tall, even if a little slowly, with the Indians again in their tribal headdress.

“It has been a good tournament played in the right spirit,’’ Tim said.

“All the players know there is a time to have fun and a time to play seriously.’’

A dedicated team of people have helped Dale McIver make sure Volleyballers get the most out of playing in the Games.

Although she has been involved in the Games since 1994, with Sports Medicine and co-ordination since 2000, it is only the third time she has been old enough to play.

“My personal highlight of the Games was finally being able to compete after being the Convenor four times,’’ Dale said.

“It took many years but I finally showed that I could do it on the court and not just talk about it.

“I have had a lot of support from the Volleyball community.

Dale has represented Alice Springs and NT in her playing career including national junior championships and narrowly missing a medal in the international Arafura Games held in Darwin.

She tributes Sue White and John Spinks for being the driving force in Volleyball’s entry into the Games in 1994.

“Some players are after a more serious competition and this is a bit more social but all the games are competitive.

‘“My knees are not too bad from years of Volleyball. It is just a matter of looking after them.

“This will be my last Games as Convenor as I intend to travel but Alice Springs is my home and I will continue to play.”

Andrew McAllen from the Vikings

Oldies prove they’re top shots

WWWWWW

WWWWWWwww.alicespringsmastersgames.com.au

To keep up to date with all the latest stories, photos and results check out our revamped website

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Archery 7.30am - 3D 1 & 3 Arrow Archery Range

Athletics - Road & Cross Country

6am - 10km Run Simpsons Gap

Badminton 2pm - Individuals Marian Centre

Baseball 9am - Competition Lyle Kempster Park

Basketball 10am - Competition Traegar Park Stadium

BMX 6.30pm - Competition Blatherskite Park

Cricket 1.00pm - Finals Jim McConville

Cycling 5.30pm - Track Racing Velodrome

Darts 10am - Singles Alice Springs Golf Club

Equestrian 8am - Show Jumping Blatherskite Park

Football (Soccer)

5.30pm - Competition Ross Park

Golf 7am - Alice Springs Golf Club Cromwell Drive

Hockey 8am - Hockey Centre Traegar Park

Indoor Beach Volleyball

3pm - FinalsDesert Sands

Lawn Bowls 8am - FinalsMemorial Club

Netball 6pm - FinalsPat Gallagher

Shooting - Sporting Shooters

8.30am - Competition Shooting Complex

Softball 10am - FinalsJim McConville

Squash 2pm - Teams & Individuals AS Squash Centre

Swimming 1pm - 1500m EventsAS Town Pool

Table Tennis 4pm - Competition Marian Centre

Tennis 7.30am & 5.15pm - Medal Rounds Traeger Park Courts

Tenpin Bowling 10am - Competition Dust Bowl, Gap Road

Touch Football 9.30am - Finals Flynn Park

Volleyball 1.30pm - Finals CDU