There has been some backslapping going on over at Quad Park after they pulled off a huge coup with the Manly Sea Eagles.

It was a huge effort and all parties should be congratulated.

There still may be a bit of angst in raising the $500,000 to get into the state league in 2009, but I do have a suggestion on how to do it.

Last week I read where a lower division soccer club in London, which needed to raise money and its profile, sold the club online to about 2000 buyers who agreed to pay an annual fee.

They all got a vote in what happened at the club and were kept informed online.

What a great idea, and why wouldn’t it work with a local league club?

The local Eagles could do the same and at $250 a year it might just work.

Imagine all the gear and social functions that could be generated online to actually make more than what is budgeted.

Now boys I’ve got a cheque here but I do want to talk to you about how slow one of your re-signed players is.

Enjoying the high life in France

Local league boss Billy Moore is back in town after his stint as trainer for the French national rugby league team, which is coached by John Monie.

It sounds like an interesting time and should be helpful to Coast league next year when the rugby league World Cup is on.

Thanks to John and Billy, there now is a good chance the French side might spend some time on the Coast.

Billy told me a few stories, one of which was about how casual the French are.

Apparently they went to the French Alps to do some high-altitude training and he described it as like putting a footy field on top of Mt Kosciuszko.

Before they left, his French helpers asked what equipment he would need as it was a remote location they were heading to.

“Tackling pads, agility ladders, 30 domes and footballs,” was the reply.

After 10 hours on a bus, the team arrived and Billy asked for his gear.

Tackling pads and agility ladders was a no. They had 15 cones, but the biggie was they proudly told him they had 10 brand new footballs.

When he asked where they were, they pointed to a plastic bag with 10 footballs, all flat.

“Got a pump,” Billy asked.

What do you reckon the answer was?

Tears tumble over shock victory

One local “big” businessman was heard lamenting about Tears I Cry’s shock 100-1 victory in the Emirates Stakes last Saturday.

Apparently he backed the same horse when it ran favourite in the last on Melbourne Cup Day and he was that keen on it he had two chops with no luck.

He avoided it like the plague last Saturday.

He was heard to say that there were plenty of tears, but none of joy.

Was there a yowie playing bowls?

I received an electronic newsletter the other day that contained a round-up of a corporate bowls day at a local club.

It was old news but I couldn’t help but see a picture of my roommate of many trips to the NRL grand Final, Graham “Johnson’s Baby Powder” Watterson.

There was the big fellow, large as life in the middle of one of two Savills teams.

So I made a few inquiries and found out Watto’s side got rolled by the other Savills team led by the wily old Barry Ashby.

Apparently feedback coming from the bowls club was that Watto’s rink resembled the Gaza Strip with yowie-type footprints and large dents from the bowls dropping at a great height, caused by a bending over problem.

The latest news was the club was awaiting payment on an invoice for the greenkeeper’s overtime.

Pucker up for the kiss of death

No doubt about the Kiss of Death. Last week I wrote about how unlucky Ashley Noffke was not making the Australian side.

I also commented on how good his batting was for the Bulls this year.

Ashley was 34 not out overnight on Friday against WA.

When play restarted on Saturday, he was dismissed with no addition to his score, which coincided with this column being published.

Thank God he got 44 in the second innings, but the Bulls did get pumped by the Warriors.

Don’t miss the Kerri Thomas/Joel Parkinson Shield

A reminder that Currimundi Primary School is once again hosting their Kerri Thomas/Joel Parkinson Shield on November 22-23 at Ann Street.
For more information ring Con James on 5436 6888.