Jock Landale shoots over Santi Aldama of Spain. Photo by AP Photo/Mark J Terrill.
Photo by
Mark J. Terrill
Jock Landale contributed significantly to the Australian Boomers’ strong victory over Spain to open their Olympics account.
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The Boomers have not beaten Spain - who are ranked number two in the word - in any game since a friendly in 2002.
Local lad and NBA star Jock Landale finished the night with 20 points, the most for a Boomer and second most on court.
He also grabbed nine boards to help his Aussie teammates out.
The Boomers are back on the courts tonight - 9.30pm Australian time - to play Canada.
Love for Jock
The Deni and district community is getting behind Jock and the Boomers - and Deniliquin business owners Andrew and Donna Jefferies in particular.
One entire window of the Party, Pack and Wrap shopfront in Hardinge St - the main thoroughfare through Deni - pays tribute to his second Olympics selection.
You’ll see a giant Australian Boomers jersey with ‘Landale’ and his number, 13, emblazoned across it.
Jock is the son of Clive and Suellen Landale who still farm in the region, and the grandson of Hunter and Peg Landale.
Olympics fun night
Still on the Olympics theme, the Deniliquin Rovers took full advantage of the hype around the start of the games at the weekend by hosting an Olympics-themed social function on Saturday.
Catie Lewis and Lauren Butcher took out the six-cup pong throwing tournament over potential favourites Joe Hay and Brady Trotman.
There were plenty of delicious nibbles on offer and DJ Aden Bermingham providing the tunes in the background.
Many Olympic-themed costumes and props were on full display for a night worthy of a gold medal.
Photos from the night will appear in our Friday edition.
Officials umpiring the Deni Rovers and Picola senior football game on Saturday sought temporary shelter from the rain and cold.
Four seasons in one day
There was not a cloud in the sky for much of Saturday morning, making it an ideal day for visitors aboard the Riverlander train to join locals in perusing the Deni CBD and the Lions Community Markets in the Waring Gardens.
But come noon, a cold snap descended and rain followed.
It made for challenging conditions for those gathered at Deniliquin’s Memorial Park to watch the Deni Rovers take on Picola.
Spectators ran for cover, but the players had no choice but to play on.
The rain and winds were so bracing, even the officials sought warmth and shelter during the three-quarter time huddle in the seniors match.
Junior soccer is back
After a few weeks off for school holidays, there were some very keen soccer players ready to take to the field on Saturday.
It was perfect weather in the morning before the cold snap came across.
Luckily, they finished up before that.
Make sure to check back on Friday for results and photos in PT Sport.