Sport
24 October, 2026
Stunning 40-point round pennants win by Cockle jnr
A STUNNING 40-point winning round from Caine Cockle jnr and another dominant pennants’ performance highlighted a successful fortnight for Innisfail Golf Club, with the club continuing its strong start to the FNQGA pennants season.
After an early start and long road trip to Mossman Golf Club on 11 October, Innisfail took on Atherton in round two of the pennants’ competition. With both clubs having swept all three grades the previous week, plenty of close contests were expected.
In A-grade, a thumb injury sidelined Jake Cockle from playing duties, although he still played an important role as caddie for his son Caine. That opened the door for Trent Mann, who made the most of his opportunity with a one-up victory. Darren Ritchie secured a convincing 3/2 win before the competition tightened.
Both Colin Bidgood and Caine Cockle took their matches to the 19th hole. Bidgood rolled in a downhill 20-footer to seal victory, while Cockle held his nerve to claim a crucial win, helping Innisfail secure a strong 4/1 A-grade victory.
B-grade saw Steven Marsh continue his impressive form, recording his first B-grade pennants win with a commanding 5/4 result. Ian Street also claimed a two-up victory after birdieing his final hole. Despite strong efforts from Marc Di Carlo, Luke Peters and John Casale, Innisfail went down 3/2 overall.
C-grade again proved Innisfail’s strength. Gary Breitkreutz continued his winning streak, claiming victory in extra holes with teammates watching on. Peter Milani posted a comfortable 3/2 win, Stephen Todd secured his first pennants victory on the final hole, and Norm Stewart held his nerve late to complete a 4/1 win for Innisfail.
Wednesday all sporters competitions on 7 October continued to attract strong fields. On, Rob Mills won with 26 points, ahead of Glennis McGrath and Colin Bidgood. NTP: Colin Bidgood.
Friday sporters on 9 October saw John Abbott take the win with 20 points, followed by Jeff McGrath and Craig Alman on 19 points (countback). NTP: John Cavanah.
Meanwhile, Saturday’s 18-hole Stableford competition on 10 October produced some excellent scoring. Veteran Hal Barclay set the benchmark with a superb 39 points after recent work on his driver paid off. Leanne King and Rodney Green both posted 36 points, but the afternoon belonged to Caine Cockle jnr, whose eagle putt on the third helped propel him to 40 points and a one-shot victory.
Results
1st: Caine Cockle jnr: 40pts
2nd: Hal Barclay: 39pts
Advertisement3rd: Rodney Green: 36pts c/b
NTPs
1/10 Jack Johnston
2/11 Stephen Todd
3/12 Jack Johnston
4/13 Rodney Green
5/14 Caine Cockle Jnr
6/15 Colin Bidgood
7/16 Paul Piccolo
8/17 E. Nest
9/18 Bryce Hoad