Blast from sporting past

THE Chronicle looks back to the Toowoomba sporting landscape on this day in 2009.

Former WBU world championship belt holder Michael Katsidis was preparing to fight Mexican Jesus Chavez on this day in 2009 – winning by knockout. Picture: Kevin Farmer

SPORTS : There’s been a distinct lack of sport of late as Australia bunkers down to navigate through the coronavirus situation.

The Chronicle has taken a look back through our history books to share what was making news in past editions.

Today, we head back to 2009, where history was created in Toowoomba Cricket, a local triathlete was pushing his international claims and harness racing was back on the agenda.

BOWLER CREATES HISTORY

The Toowoomba Cricket presentation for this season has been cancelled due to the coronavirus situation, but back in 2009 the evening had an international flavour.

English import Stuart Wedge became the first import to take out the Player of the Year award, finishing two points ahead of Nathan Stains, with Ross Christ and Chris Webster finishing in a tie for third.

Wedge took 38 wickets throughout the 2008/9 season at an impressive average of 13.82.

The team of the year was also announced, with current Metropolitan-Easts player Troy Gurski being named captain.

TOOWOOMBA BOXER GLOVES UP FOR FIGHT

Michael Katsidis took on some of the biggest names during his time in the ring, and this time in 2009 he was preparing to take on credentialed Mexican Jesus Chavez in America.

It shaped up as a big fight for the pair, with the Toowoomba boxer coming into the bout with losses to Juan Diaz and Joel Casamayor in two of his previous three fights.

He said he was prepared for the challenge of the Mexican, who has previously taken Floyd Mayweather Jr 12 rounds.

Katsidis would go on to claim a knockout win, flooring Chavez in the eighth round.

TRIATHLETE SECURES MOOLOOLABA VICTORY

Daniel Macpherson’s dream of competing at the ITU Triathlon World Championships took a huge boost.

The Toowoomba Triathlon Club member claimed a win at the Mooloolaba Triathlon in the 20-29 age group, backing up his 1km ocean swim win.

Macpherson said his sights were firmly set on qualifying for the world championships to be held later in the year on the Gold Coast.

HARNESS RACING BACK ON THE PACE

The Toowoomba Show was put to the side this year amid the threat of coronavirus, however 2009’s edition featured harness racing in all its glory at the showgrounds.

The six races held were the first time in six years that the trots featured at the Show, with insurance issues forcing the sport to watch on from the sidelines.

Harness racing has gone on to feature at a number of rural and country locations throughout the show circuit.

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