On the Grapevine

However, club secretary Dianne Smith and treasurer Ron Simon of the Cobram Croquet Club assured me that it is more enjoyable and far less daunting for newcomers than the serious and highly competitive association croquet.

On Wednesday evening the club held a Come and Try night and two of the newcomers, Alan and Jenny Teal, enjoyed the sport immensely and I believe will definitely be back.

Playing in fours, two persons to a team, from the sidelines it looked easy, but attempting to use your mallet to get your ball through the hoop appears not to be so. There are considerable tactics involved and it can be quite challenging yet rewarding too.

You can block an opponent, knock an opponent’s ball out of scoring range, or use your ball to knock your partner’s ball into a better position.

It is a game that does not require strength as much as a good eye and if you have played sport in your early years you can adapt to it relatively quickly. There is no pressure, just a lot of fun in a relaxed environment.

The sport is gentle on your body and the benefits of being outdoors with a great bunch of people is health giving in itself.

If you would like to come along and have a go you will be warmly welcomed each Monday and Thursday morning from 8.30am to 11 am. Session fees are $5 per person and annual fees less than $100 including membership of the North Eastern District Croquet Association. If you would like further information about croquet, contact Dianne Smith (0407 563 500) or Ron Simon (0466 015 833).

The Croquet Club is looking into conducting a Come and Try day for school-aged children during the upcoming school holidays. It would be a fun activity for the kids to explore with their friends.

I have to confess I am somewhat intrigued by the game and look forward to giving it a try on Thursday at 8.30am. Like to join me?

ROOKIE PADDY PARNELL ON CROWS SENIOR LIST

The name of Parnell is widely recognised in Cobram and district, firstly through John Joseph (JJ) Parnell and his wife Nancy who operated a farming property on Parnell Rd, Muckatah.

JJ Parnell was a long-standing councillor in the Cobram East Riding when Cobram Shire was formed and later became shire president.

The couple raised four children, a daughter Anne and three sons, Patrick the eldest and his brothers James and Michael, both deceased.

Patrick Keating Parnell passed away recently at the age of 87 in Albury. A mass in St Patrick’s Catholic Church was celebrated on St Patrick’s Day for this gentle and popular businessman and hotelier attended by approximately 600, many of whom later joined the family at the Newmarket Hotel for ‘one last shout’.

A proud grandfather who together with his wife Margaret followed the activities of their 10 grandchildren over the years and could not have been more delighted when it was announced that their talented young grandson Patrick, fondly known as Paddy, had been picked up in the mid-season draft pick in 2021 as a rookie for the Adelaide Crows. He came to the attention of Adelaide Crows officials when playing with the Murray Bushrangers alongside Cobram talent Harry Beasley.

The day after his selection Paddy boarded a plane heading for Adelaide and an exciting career in football began two days later when he played his first game as a small defender in the Seconds for the Crows,

Paddy shares an apartment in the Adelaide suburb of Henley with Lachie Gallant, a second year player who was selected for his second senior game last Saturday.

Paddy, 20, is loving the whole experience of living, training and playing football in Adelaide yet very aware of the competition from other talented hopefuls and is determined to work hard to make his dreams come true. He is now on the senior list and it’s just a matter of time before he gets his big chance.

This coming weekend Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide go head to head and Paddy will take the field in his number 37 guernsey when his side plays the curtain-raiser for the big game.

Mum Tracey and Dad Terry Parnell are flying to Adelaide on Friday and will be in the crowd cheering on their talented son with gusto. The one downside for the family is that sadly his grandfather did not have an opportunity to see young Paddy play at Adelaide.

IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN

The Cobram Football/Netball Club will commence the long-awaited 2022 MFNL season at home when it takes on Finley this Saturday, April 2.

One would imagine that the young footballers are ‘chomping at the bit’ to get out there for the start of what is hoped to be a successful season and play the game they love.

The senior team, coached by John Brunskill, comprises talented locals, some of whom are studying or working in Melbourne and strongly committed to the club and will travel back each weekend. Additionally Tim Baker who played with the Tigers last year and younger brother Mark will add some height, strength and versatility to the side. The brothers live in Melbourne and previously played with North Melbourne Reserves.

Peter Beasley continues to lead the club as president and new coaches have been appointed for the seconds, thirds and fourth sides.

Netball president Carolyn Brunskill is excited about the upcoming season. “There is a great feel around the club already with some players coming back to play after several years out of the game.” One player openly expressed her feelings, “This netball adds excitement to my life, it’s the highlight of my week.”

Cobram will field teams in A, B and C Reserve and the junior sections of netball this year.

“There is definitely a good vibe around the Club and we are looking forward to our first games on Saturday.” added Carolyn.

The good vibe continues this Thursday after training, with meals available again for players, families and club members who are assured of a great meal cooked and served by a group of talented foodies from the committee, footballers and netballers.

It’s a great club night of good home cooking in a warm family environment with announcement of the teams and Joker/Poker offering some lucky person a chance to take home a few additional dollars. The bar is always open too.

Every Thursday night after training, members and friends have an opportunity to get to know the players both senior and junior and join together socially!

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ORIGINS OF A NAME?

It is always intriguing how places are named and after some research on the name of Cobram, I learnt that Cobram was the name given to a large pastoral station established in 1847 by Octavius Phillpotts, son of the Bishop of Exeter.

It is believed Phillpotts took the name from a Waveroo Aboriginal word meaning ‘HEAD’ after which the neighbouring town was named.

The grazing property was originally 128,640 acres and in 1880 the property was sold by Phillpotts and bought by the Dick family who operated it successfully for the next 110 years until it was sold in 1990.

Today Cobram Station produces Cockatoo Grove Olive Oils and associated oil products.

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