There must be something about the name Ashley.

It doesn’t appear to be that lucky.

It hasn’t been for me anyway, but I am wondering whether local cricket star Ashley Noffke is feeling a bit the same.

Call me biased but surely he should have been bowling at the Gabba for Australia this week.

He is in unbelievable form, taking wickets against the Sri Lankans the other day, but missed out.

Maybe they could pick him as a batsman.

Leading into this weekend’s Pura Cup game, he has scored more runs this season than his more fancied Bulls teammates.

Horse flu heartache

I must say the magnitude of the equine flu hit home to me last week on Melbourne Cup Day at Corbould Park.

Sure, I felt a little bit sorry for the turf club, even though they kept a stiff upper lip before during and after in regard to attendances, but more that that it hit home to me how hard it must be hitting staff and families associated with horse racing, particularly the battlers.

With racing nearly on its knees in Queensland, maybe it is time that Queensland Racing bit the bullet and made a few more tough decisions before racing resumes next month.

Now this is only my opinion but with things already crook, why not finally sort out one of the most ridiculous situations they have put off dealing with for a number of years – two racetracks and two clubs across the road from each other sitting on prime real estate.

Throw in a great facility at Deagon and I would think the word “overkill” may spring to mind.

I wouldn’t have a problem with it if country race clubs had not been hammered in the process, losing meetings and facilities.

Why wouldn’t they combine tracks, their substantial assets and sell the other one off?

Now that’s spooky!

The NRL Snipe has been getting over end-of-season festivities but he did surface this week.

Here’s his latest report.

“A spooky occurrence happened at a Legends of League match between Australia and New Zealand a couple of weeks ago in Toowoomba.

“Shortly after a tribute to the late referee Barry Gomersall, a grasshopper landed on the hand of former Queensland star Bryan Niebling while he was sitting on the bench.

“The grasshopper then flew to the middle of the field just as the players kicked off, and then wasn’t seen again – freaky.”

For those few that don’t know, Barry’s nickname was “Grasshopper”.

The Snipe also ran into former Broncos tough guy Shane Webcke at Brisbane airport the other day.

“It looks like big Shane is going to try his hand at coaching with the Broncos in 2008 and even though he was disappointed that Petero and Brad Thorn won’t be there, he said it made him a little bit more comfortable with the coaching caper as he would have found it difficult to stand over his two old mates at training because they probably knew most of his bad habits.”

Say no to violence

Maroochydore Rugby League Club is getting behind Luke Thomson, who recently lost sight in his eye after he was the victim of a cowardly assault in Mooloolaba recently.

The club is having a fundraiser at 3pm on Sunday, November 25, at the Mooloolaba Surf Club.

There will be raffles and auction items to raise some funds for Luke’s medical expenses and loss of income.

It is also a chance to raise awareness in the community of what we shouldn’t be putting up with.

The theme of the day is “Thommo Says No To Violence”.

Maybe they should invite a few judges and defense attorneys so they can see what families have to go through.

For information on the day ring Glen Peatling on 0416 227 556

Don’t miss the carnival

Currimundi Primary School is once again hosting its Kerri Thomas/Joel Parkinson Shield on November 22-23 at Ann Street beach.

They will also be using the carnival to launch the first lifesaving surf awareness program in Australia for Years 1-7.

The proactive school is doing this in conjunction with Dicky Beach Surf Club and Queensland Lifesaving.

Action starts at 7am both days. For more information ring Con James on 5436 6888.