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