LOOKING into the crystal ball, I see the Fassifern Bombers winning another A-Grade rugby league grand final.

The club’s exciting female teams will go one better and also share in winning glory next year.

Before that, the Fassifern Bushrangers will be victorious in their next Cricket Ipswich Third Grade decider.

And I predict more Boonah Brumbies soccer teams to feature in future playoffs.

At least, that’s my hope as I watch on in retired life.

As the Fassifern Guardian moves into a new media environment, it’s time for me to say thank you and farewell.

I’ve enjoyed spending more than four decades covering sport largely in Ipswich before focusing on Fassifern the past three years.

After working 4,000 Saturdays and Sundays away from my family, I’ve decided to see what the next chapter of my life presents. Fishing will be high on the priority list.

Being offered a sports position with the Boonah Newspapers Company provided a new lease of life.

After 37 years at The Queensland Times, I was able to continue covering regional sport at the Ipswich Tribune, along with an ever-enjoyable expanded role at the iconic Guardian.

Country sportspeople are so appreciative of consistent local coverage and someone taking an interest in their achievements.

I finish my time serving the Guardian, Tribune and sister publication, the Moreton Border News, proud of what has been accomplished.

My  final editor Wendy Creighton is someone who leads by example, is incredibly dedicated and supportive of the readership she has also served for many years.

Wendy leaves a remarkable family media legacy that hopefully will be acknowledged properly in her retirement.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed covering the Bombers, Bushrangers and Brumbies, along  with Fassifern tennis, netball and other sports which often don’t receive much attention.

Administrators like Paul Roderick, Tim Ryall, Nick Nordstrom, Amanda Dover, Janet Wilson, Jan Dover and Maz Watterson are first-class operators.

Passionate leaders like Grant Harvey, Ian Pocock and Maz Verrall serve their respective sports with admirable enthusiasm.

Families like the Lutters and Neuendorfs are wonderful people.

It’s hard to find a more helpful committee member than dedicated Fassifern netball hobby photographer Sonya Gibson.

It was also rewarding and a new experience writing stories about the high-achieving Fassifern Vaulters, led by Darryn Fedrick.

I’m thrilled to see Boonah State High building a stronger sporting program backed by supportive principal Dan Marrone.

The Fassifern community has plenty to look forward with rising talents like netballer Ruby Stanford, cricketers Jack Newlove and Harry Freiberg, and baseballer Eli Collyer.

 A host of promising rugby league and soccer juniors are worth watching as they progress.

So, as it’s game, set and match for me as a sportswriter, I wish everyone more success and hopefully that deserved grand final glory.