Hello and welcome to another episode of the SLF. As mentioned I spent last week in WA and things are looking patchy over there, but unlike us they seem to be getting a front or two come through every week. They (like us) don’t need a hot day or two as the crops are not far developed and very late and a hot day will knock many for 6.

“Rain rain come again”, I’m sure that’s what farmers across wide areas through SA, Vic and NSW would be muttering. It’s going to be a tough week or so as no real rain is forecast until the 9th of September. I don’t have to tell you, but if it takes that long then the pastures and crops will be sapped of moisture. Let’s hope for rain very soon.

My Tigers spoilt the Bombers party on Sunday night but what a turn out of Bombers fans, everywhere you looked it was black and red and hardly any black and yellow. But old Kev and smooth James got the grand send off they deserved.

I was talking to a former Marnoo shop owner in the last quarter of the Tigers Bombers game and he suggested that Wallaloo East resident Peter “Lloyd” Jenkins would have pushed the off button in disgust about half way through the last quarter. Bit of a passionate Bombers boys is Lloydy.

What the hell has happened to Armand “Herbie” Duxson, you used to be able to fill half this column with information on his exploits over a period from Friday night to Monday morning. Has he turned over a new leaf? Has “Guru Norm” finally tamed the loin? Has the lovely Marcia got him under the thumb? What is going on, not good for a weekly news column when one bloke used to supply most of the news.

I’m told from members of the public around St Arnaud way that former air force Major John “Traynors” Mathews is very popular in his new role at Landmark in St Arnaud. For those that don’t know John, he and his better half, the Lovely Jodie (ex Newall) have settled in the Traynors Lagoon area.

I’m told that former Marnoo Junior star Andrew “Upstart” Nisbet had his kicking boots on last weekend booting 8 goals in a final for Sepentine. I’m tipping he would have celebrated the feat with one or two too many.

All has been pretty quiet on the golf scene of late but it’s about to hot up soon as championships take place and then of course the corporate cup. In the championships I’m tipping that Graeme “G Train” Ellen will perform well and I also recon that SLF favourite Bruce “Boofhead” Hendy could run into some form and give the more fancied rivals a run. Of course you will get pretty good odds on the latter.

If John Howard won the election and decided to load up his cabinet with Marnoo locals then this is who I recon would be fit for each role: PM – John Howard, because he is the boss. Deputy PM – John “Jack” Cameron, because he has had some experience as a Senator. Treasurer – Without doubt Guru Norm for reason that are obvious. Foreign Affairs – Jack “Jumping” Carter, because he has had experience in other countries. Transport – Bruce “Boofhead” Hendy, experienced in this field. Finance – Mark “Pest” Raggatt, the heir apparent to Guru Norm. Trade – John “Trooper” Newall, big on commodities. Resources – Greg “D9” Newall – loves digging. Agriculture – Pete “Downtube” Newall – Can put his hand to anything. Health – Tania “Cycle city” Walter – because she looks after herself. Sport – Graeme “G Train” Ellen, a lot of knowledge and experience in this area. Water – Jack Cameron, doesn’t like wasting it. Environment – Jock “Sock” McGregor, because he has planted some trees lately.

That’s all now

SL

Hello and welcome to another week of the SLF. I was actually back in the district over the weekend and things look really good but the eyes of all the farmers in the district are firmly focussed skyward. Having travelled a bit lately it is certainly the same all across the country.

I am currently on a plane the Perth and doing this report from 36000 feet, one such native that was doing a bit of flying last week was SLF favourite Bruce “Boofhead” Hendy. He was the person who sent the mystery text last week all the way from sunny Darwin. I’m told from a spy or two that the Darwin Cup was a real hoot. I’m just wondering if our friend Boof behaved himself.

I’m told that Wallaloo won the challenge at Landsborough over the weekend with one of the stars being Graeme “The G Train” Ellen with 41 points. It’s great to see President G Train leading from the front.

I managed to get down to the Royal for a hit on Saturday with Gary “Larry” Cameron and Daryl “Norman” May for 18 holes and once again the course was presented in magnificent fashion. Leggy Norman May show glimpses of great form throughout his round and will be a big improver over the next year or so. He certainly gives it a big swing.

Daryl was also telling me about his nephew Zack May (by Andrew out of Michelle) who backs up against the door at 196 cm and is only just 14. They tell me it’s a sight to see on the footy field in the under 14s.

I called in and saw my old mate John “Jack” Cameron after golf and he was in top form. He now has a couple of whisky’s on the rocks before he goes to bed and said it makes him sleep better.

Local legend Brian “Farmer” Healy was in good tune on Friday night and believes that with all the low rainfall seasons the Wimmera is the new Mallee. But he also stated that Wallaloo East should be called the Darling Downs it’s that good. He’s good for a witty statement or two is Farmer.

I see where the Cats are starting to talk Grand Final tickets, that is dangerous I recon.

That’s about all for this week.

Hello and welcome to another week of the SLF. I must apologise for last week absence of the SLF but I was out at a station near Cunnamulla, Qld, with no mobile or internet coverage and by the time I got out of there it was too late. I guess that’s why people forward plan.

They tell me it’s a little bit quiet down at the “Royal” at the moment with not much happening post tournament. I guess the next big event will be the cooperate cup. A few of the Yarra boys are excited about that event.

My Tigers beat those Magpies on the weekend and what satisfaction that brings. I’m guessing that the Maggies would be ropeable as they could have been in second spot with a win. Anyway watch out for a guy called Nathan Foley, he is a star in the making.

What about the form of the Doggies though, they have been desperately disappointing and I’m sure everyone had them to finish top four at the start of the year. I know one former shopkeeper would be feeling it a bit.

My local team the Pigeons (Yarra) are back in touch and have two games to go before the finals. Former Marnoo coach Damien “Walshy” Walsh is still staring in the twos according to my local spies. At the ripe old age of 37 I don’t think he is a candidate for a call up.

Local comedian Stewart “Smacka” MacPherson received a disturbing phone call last week. The RSPCA called him up to investigate the alleged riding of a pony in the Marnoo Hotel late one evening. The RSPCA was disturbed that such an action would happen in a local community who’s livelihood derives from livestock. After several minutes “Smacka” twigged that the call might be a hoax and was very relieved to eventually find out that Marnoo’s 1987 premiership coach was on the other end of the line.

Premiership coach John “Jumping” Drum and Gary “Larry” Cameron are sneaking up this way this week for what they tell me is a fact finding mission. I’ll have to investigate further.

I had a text from an individual who was at the Darwin Cup this week, it read “Square Leg at the Darwin Cup enjoying the sun and the beer”. Why don’t these people leave a name so I can investigate further. Someone was having some fun anyway as I attended a Darwin Cup many years ago and boy was it a good show. I’m told that Premiership reunion underwriter Sandy “The Know All” McGregor was seen at the event partaking in a few.

Let’s hope for some rain as its noticeable that the days have a more Springy feel about them. We still haven’t filled the dams or the creeks and rivers so the drought ain’t over yet. That right isn’t it “Jack”

Until next week
SL