with Chris Karas
Robbie roars loud in Tigers try romp
Young gun Robbie Farah picked up coach Tim Sheens’ award for his classy display in the Tigers’ 49-24 win over Manly. TWT on-the-spot PHOTO.
ROOKIE Wests Tigers hooker Robbie Farah turned back the clock to engineer a rousing 49-24 victory over Manly last Friday at Leichhardt Oval.
The rising 21 year old cub revived memories of a young Benny Elias with an all-action performance that would have left the legendary Tigers rake beaming with pride.
Farah - a Leichhardt Wanderers junior product who captained the Balmain Jersey Flegg side in 2003 - menaced the Sea Eagles with his darting runs and clever passing as the Tigers secured valuable competition points to stay on track in the Telstra Cup finals race.
Just like Elias, the livewire Farah shows plenty of skill in attack; has already played Tests for Lebanon in the Mediterranean Cup series and continues to improve under the tuition of Tigers’ assistant coach and former Kangaroo hooker Royce Simmons.
But keen judges believe Farah is following in the footsteps of the great Elias and Simmons and one day could don the famous blue of NSW and green and gold of Australia.
Just as impressive was maestro half back Scott Prince who marshalled the Tigers with aplomb - producing yet another stand out display in the number 7 jumper to remind representative selectors of his value and status as one of the finest playmakers in the competition.
Fullback Brett Hodgson, lock Ben Galea, prop Todd Payten, back rower Chris Heighnington and five eighth Benji Marshall also shone as the Tigers ran in eight tries to live up to their “entertainers” tag.
In a high scoring contest the Tigers trailed 12-6 early in the first half after forward Sam Harris bagged a try double for the visitors before rallying to establish a 31-18 lead at lemons. They went on with the job after the interval to run out worthy winners.
The Tigers go into Sunday’s clash with the Roosters at Telstra Stadium brimming with confidence and fully aware that a victory over last year’s Grand Finalists can shape their finals destiny.
WESTS TIGERS 49 (B Marshall 2, S Elford, R Farah, L Fulton, B Galea, C Heighnington,, P Whatuira tries; B Hodgson 8 gls, S Prince field gl) d MANLY 24 (S Harris 2, B Stewart 2 tries; M Witt 4 gls).
Regal Ron engineers stunning comeback
BALMAIN-Ryde Eastwood staged one of the most bizarre comebacks in the NSWRL Premier League competition to eclipse Manly 44-38 last Saturday at Henson Park.
Spearheaded by dashing fullback Ron Prince - a late replacement for Joel Caine who was at the side of wife Coby and new-born daughter Reese in Sutherland Hospital - the Tigers scored 32 unanswered points to pull off a miracle win and remain entrenched in the top eight.
Trailing 38-12 with 20 minutes left on the clock the Tigers ran amok with the elusive Prince demonstrating his attacking skills to spark a second half try avalanche.
Prince - in his comeback match after tearing a pectoral muscle back in April - carved up the Manly defence with fleet footwork and sharp turn of speed and capped a mighty game by nabbing three tries.
Half back Jamie Nowland and forwards Jeff Lima, Bronson Harrison and Chris Beasley also turned in strong games for the Tigers in a spirited team effort.
BALMAIN-RYDE 44 (R Prince 3, J Nowland 2, M Rieck, L Hession, B Harrison tries; A Simpson 6 gls) d MANLY 38 (M Creary 3, P Stephenson, D Peachey, J Mullane, K Johnson tries; T Burns 5 gls).
* * *
BALMAIN Jersey Flegg team posted a crucial 24-16 victory over Manly in the U/20 fixture at Henson Park.
S.G Ball graduate Keith Eshman, a talented utility back, scored a determined 30 metre try to break a 16-all deadlock and keep the Tigers in finals contention.
Utility Joe Harris, centre David Pangai and Mafoa Filipi scored tries and Harris two goals to give the Tigers a 16-0 at the break before the Sea Eaglets hit back with three second half tries to lock Josh Brown (2) and centre Sean Meaney.
Balmain were best served by talented hooker Luke Fahy, half Clae Webb, forwards Mitch Stanfield, Tim Tobin, Jarrod Farlow and winger Eshman.
* * *
HOLY Cross Rhinos are making plenty of noise in this year’s Balmain Junior League competitions.
The Rhinos’ classy U/16, U/18 and U/11 outfits remain undefeated in 2005 and are poised to capture minor premierships while the Club’s U/9, U/10, U/13B and U/14B sides remain in finals contention.
With a progressive and energetic committee and top panel of coaches the famous Holy Cross junior nursery is set for another golden era. Take a bow Rhinos for a job well done.
Hillies crowned U/19 rugby Cup champions
PICTURED is the premiership-winning U/19 Hunters Hill squad: Victor Yang, Jesse Klueckmann, Dean Thomson, Ben Attfield, Sandy West, Mal Fraser (coach), Scott Meyers, Sam Shelley, Owen Steinle-Davies, James Allen, Elliot Blackwell, Tuherh Witheii, Matt Ah Chow (captain), Calum Winsor, Greg Forsyth, Ewen Molony, Robert Gray, Jacob Moyers and Bruce Lycett (manager).
HUNTERS Hill Rugby Club have produced one of their finest performances to clinch the NSW Suburban U/19 rugby premiership.
The jubilant Hillies coached by Mal Fraser and managed by Bruce Lycett are pictured celebrating their gutsy 18-5 Grand Final victory over the previously unbeaten Terrigal side last Saturday at Norford Park, Sefton.
It was a courageous effort from the Hunters Hill lineup who overcame a slow start to the season and a well drilled Terrigal outfit to bring home the prestigious Rugby Club Cup.
The Grand Final win broke an eight year drought and was the Hillies’ first title success in the senior ranks since 1997.
Hunters Hill outplayed their more fancied rivals and turned on the style after the break with powerful displays by hooker Victor Yang, skipper and flanker Matt Ah Chow and flying winger Jesse Klueckmann.
In a hard fought clash the Hillies led 3-0 at the interval via a Sandy West penalty goal and bustled their larger Terrigal opponents with robust defence and pin-point tactical kicking.
The Central Coast boys strung together phase ball to press their rivals line in the second half but Hunters Hill kept their composure and responded with a neat try to the inspirational Ah Chow that boosted the Hillies confidence and sapped the opposition’s resistance.
Further tries by fullback David Lew and five eighth West sealed victory for the Hillies who blotted their defensive copybook by conceding a late try.
Three weeks ago coach Fraser told his team that they had to win all remaining games to advance to the Grand Final. From that point the Hillies intensified their efforts - culminating in a championship title.
Team sponsor Huw Davies of Horizon Habitats Building Company was delighted with the Hillies performance and congratulated the side on a super effort. A strong contingent of Hunters Hill seniors were present at the ground with Club president Russell Kershler saluting the team on a well earned victory.
Kids to Kangaroos
COME along and have some fun at the Kids to Kangaroos holiday clinic on Thursday July 14 and Friday July 15 at Leichhardt Oval from 9.30am to 12.30pm.
The clinic for boys and girls aged 5-12 years is brought to you by ARL Development and Wests Tigers and proudly supported by Macquarie Bank and Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.
Cost $40 includes two day coaching clinic with qualified ARL staff; back-pack; football; water bottle and morning tea. To register down load a registration form from www.arldevelopment.com.au/balmain
All forms need to be completed and returned with payment prior to Friday July 8.
Inquiries Yvette Downey 8741 3312; 0411 159 277 or email balmain@arldevelopment.com.au
Tigers Slay Silvertails!
20 Try Spree Mauls Manly!
Tigers celebrated their second home game at Leichhardt Oval HQ Friday night when they slaughtered the Manly Silvertails in brilliant execution style 49-24.
They ran in eight tries with two to Benji Marshall and others to Ben Galea, Shane Elford, Robbie Farah, Liam Fulton, Chris Heighington and Paul Whatuira all converted by superboot Brett Hodgson eight out of eight plus a field goal by skipper Scott Prince right on half time.
Balmain Tigers minor grades completed the massacre on Saturday for a clean sweep over the Silvertails by a mighty 117 to 78 with a total 20 tries spree!
Balmain Ryde-Eastwood Premier League and Balmain Tigers Jersey Flegg recorded impressive wins at Henson Park where games were transferred because of last week’s heavy rain to protect the Leichhardt playing surface for the first grade clash.
Over 15,000 Tigers fans turned out to pack Leichhardt HQ Oval on a cold wet winter’s night to cheer their team to an emphatic victory at Australia’s best footy ground.
Rising Tigers star Robbie Farah declared publicly at the club presentation back at the Tigers Den what he’d earlier told journos in the dressing shed that he loves playing at Leichhardt which he described as the best ground anywhere.
And yet we have to host the Chicks this Sunday at a supposed “home game” at the Olympic coloseum at Homebush. What a joke. A lost true home game advantage.
Premier League play the Frights away and Jersey Flegg have the bye. Personally I’ll join the Flegg at the Tigers Den. See ya there.
Tigers Sports Lunch
BALMAIN-Ryde Eastwood Premier League team will hold a Sportsman’s Luncheon on Friday July 15 at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club from 12 noon.
Guest speaker is Wests Tigers assistant coach and former Kangaroo and NSW State of Origin hooker Royce Simmons.
Tickets $80 per head includes three course meal, beer, wine and soft drinks plus entertainment from comedian Ken Bennett.
There’ll be sporting memorabilia up for auction, raffles and lucky door prizes. Inquiries Paul Fletcher 0411 095 365.
Major award for top cricketer Kym, 11
Pictured with coach Mike Burden and manager Sarah Fereday are triumphant team members Liam Ahern, Nick Burden, Will Daly, Rory Fereday, Sam Gavan, Andrew Kellaway, Nick Kellaway, Jack Kemp, Nick Lloyd, Nick Maunsell, Jack Pixley and Tom Sproule.
GLADESVILLE RSL U/10 Green cricket team that won the Gladesville Junior Cricket Association premiership last summer.
The talented Greens line-up won 17 of their 18 games and were crowned 2004-05 champions after defeating the Gladesville RSL Gold side in the final by 93 runs to 75. In a great show of depth the Gladesville U/10 Silver team clinched the minor title after finishing the preliminary rounds on top.
At the Club’s recent Awards Day, promising 11 year old junior Kym Cheeseman was named Cricketer of the Year after scoring 255 runs @ 31.88 and snaring 18 wickets @ 6.6.
Perpetual Trophy winners were: U/10 Batting: Tim Cordner; Bowling: Geoff Wilson; U/11 Batting: Kym Cheeseman; Bowling: Jesse Fenech; U/12 Batting: Liam Betts; Bowling: Josh Smith; U/13 Batting: Tom Truelove; Bowling: Nick White.
The Club also farewelled three long serving stalwarts in president David Sewell, vice president Taylor Yule and registrar Derek Smith. Newly appointed president is Reza Bilimoria.
2005 Balmain Junior League
UNDER 9: North Ryde 17 Balmain PCYC 10; Concord-Burwood United 30 Dundas Shamrocks Yellow 8; Holy Cross 25 Shamrocks Green 10; Five Dock RSL 27 Carlingford Cougars 9; Leichhardt Juniors (bye). UNDER 10: Concord-Burwood Maroon 43 Concord-Burwood Blue 5; Holy Cross 32 Shamrocks 5; North Ryde White 15 North Ryde Red 10; Five Dock RSL 23 Cougars 5; Leichhardt Wanderers 52 Leichhardt Juniors 5. UNDER 11: Holy Cross 53 Concord-Burwood 0; Five Dock RSL Gold 30 Shamrocks 7; Cougars 46 Five Dock RSL Green 0; Leichhardt Juniors 22 North Ryde 8. UNDER 12: North Ryde Red 13 Five Dock RSL 8; Shamrocks 20 Concord-Burwood 19; Wanderers 5 North Ryde White 3. UNDER 13A: Renown United v Hurstville United; Kingsgrove Colts v Five Dock RSL; Arncliffe Scots v Concord-Burwood (deferred). UNDER 13B: North Ryde 24 Carlingford Cougars 6; Holy Cross 18 Leichhardt Juniors 12; Brighton Seagulls v Penshurst RSL (deferred). UNDER 14A: Concord-Burwood 44 Hurstville 20; Leichhardt Juniors 58 North Ryde 6; Kingsgrove Colts v Earlwood Saints (deferred). UNDER 14B: Arncliffe Scots 26 Holy Cross 18; Kings Head Cowboys v Renown (deferred); Brighton Seagulls (bye). UNDER 15A: Carlingford Cougars v Earlwood Saints; Shamrocks v Hurstville; North Ryde v Arncliffe Scots (deferred). UNDER 15B: Wanderers v Penshurst RSL; Renown v Kingsgrove Colts (deferred); Brighton Seagulls (bye). UNDER 16A: Holy Cross 41 Hurstville 16; North Ryde v Arncliffe Scots (deferred); Kingsgrove Colts (bye). UNDER 16B: Shamrocks 18 Concord-Burwood 12; Renown v Kings Head Cowboys (deferred); Brighton Seagulls (bye). UNDER 18: Holy Cross 48 Clovelly Crocodiles 14; North Ryde v Penshurst RSL; Kingsgrove Colts v Hurstville; Earlwood Saints v Wanderers (deferred). UNDER 21A: Mascot 38 South Eastern 0; Renown 41 Brighton Seagulls 34; Kingsgrove Colts (bye). UNDER 21B: Concord-Burwood 44 North Ryde 4; Redfern All Blacks d Hurstville. A GRADE: Renown v North Ryde; Hurstville v Arncliffe Scots; Brighton v Rockdale Bulls (deferred).
Singles title for ace Binet
JOHN Binet recently defeated Andy Rodger (left) 31-28 to clinch Putney-Tennyson Mens Bowling Club’s major singles championship. Both players produced a high class exhibition of lawn bowls in the final. They are pictured with maestro marker and Bowls president John McWilliam.
Major test for Maurie
Barely recovered from his 70th birthday party Putney-Tennyson Bowling & Community Club chairman, raconteur and occasional bowler Maurie Cousley moved quietly through the field with talented hot shot partner Warren Coulcher - displaying inspired tactics in the Club Major Pairs championship.
LANE COVE
Medal A: Davin Tearle (6) 55 ; Peter Doherty (7) 55 to play off; B: Phavin Bhana (15) 53; C: Kit Foo (23) 59; Anniversary Plate: P Bhana; Jimmy O’Loughlin Plate: D Tearle.
MASSEY PARK
Masters Pennant: Massey Park 6 d Barnwell Park 1 1/2: Steve Little d A Collins 2-1; Brian Fitzpatrick d G Learmonth 3-1; Geoff Bain d B Battaglini 7-6; Robert Bolt d K Anderson 3-2; Greg Boulden d J Ridd 4-3; Ken Element lost to B Thompson 7-6; Frank Ragen d A Davidson 6-5; Glenn Curry lost to B Gonzales 4-3; Stroke A: David Baker (13) 60; Scr: Tim Wand 69 cb; B: Kealan Tierney (19) 61 cb; Scr: Ron Lawson 76; Par C: Harold Dews (26) 2 up cb; Medal: K Tierney (19) 61 R Lawson (15) 61 to play off; Par: Fintan Tierney (18) 5 up cb; Medal C: Phil Russell (23) 64 Adrian Quinn (20) 64 P Brennan (21) 64 to play off; Scr: A Quinn 84; Women: Stroke Div 1: Betty Waters (16) 69; Scr: Helen Winning 78; Div 2: Fay Tomkins (29) 76; Scr: Paula Hartigan 95; Trophy: P Hartigan (29) 66; Medal Div 1: H Winning (10) 67; Scr: H Winning 77; Div 2: Winifred Morrison (27) 65; Scr: W Morrison 92; Trophy: W Morrison.
NORTH RYDE
Masters Pennant: North Ryde 5 d Palm Beach 2 1/2: K Neilsen sq P Richardson; D Mather lost to J Kerr 3-2; B Hadaway d S Player 5-4; D Hyland lost to R Brown 1 down; M Ward d G Baillie 3-2; R Clark d I Thorn 3-2; G Onley d L Bignell 3-1; M Collier d T Ryan 4-2; Agg Div 1: Ben Russell (9) Michael Hedger (4) 75; Div 2: Bruce Maish (20) Bob Bryant (18) 72; Indiv A: Rex Jurd (13) 40; B: Bob Bellamy (14) 37; C: Michael Quilty (25) 37; Nearest the Pins: 6th Kyle Mathieson; 10th Tony Pickrell; 18th Michael Bow; Stroke/Medal A: Graham Dowd (6) 65; R/up: Brent Bates (12) 67 cb; Scr: John Cincotta 72; B: Chris Lawrenson (15) 70 cb; R/up: Gary Moore (15) 70 cb; Scr: Armando Papallo 84; C: Bruce Johnston (20) 68; R/up: Bill Wiseman (22) 73; Scr: Cec Beynon 89; Juniors: Nett: Simon Woodhouse (9) 69; Scr: Reuben Saghabi 77; Nearest the Pins: 6th Jeff Adams; 10th Neville Johnson; 18th A Papallo; 2B: Mens Team: Brian Lambert (14) Jim Elphick (14) 46 cb; Mixed Team: Nick Fisher (27) Christine Fisher (30) 45 cb; Ladies Team: Carol Savage (25) Pat Kelly (36) 41; Indiv Men: A: Bob Harvey (13) 39; B: Ron Boundy (14) 41; C: John Bosward (21) 40; Indiv Ladies Div 1: Morag Irons (9) 35; Div 2: P Kelly (36) 35; Nearest the Pins: 6th Graeme Boyer; 10th B Harvey; 18th Paul Abate; Hole-in-one: Mark Purtill at 3rd hole; Women Foursome: B Boyer S Seaton (22) 73; C’ship: M Meynert A Cafe 176; Hcp: B Boyer S Seaton (22) 146
RYDE-PARRAMATTA
Medal A: D Forster (5) 69; Scr: C McGowan 72; B: K Ichimura (15) 74 S Morrisby (17) 74 to play off; Scr: K Ichimura 89 cb; C: B Yee (21) 74; Scr: S Vail 96; D: E Siu (32) 74; June A: D Vail (6) 74; C: M Dornan (22) 80; D: R Yau (27) 79; American Foursome: G McAdam M Holt (11 1/4) 66 3/4; Mixed: C Wong S Sun (15 3/8) 68 5/8; Scr: C Kim K H Sim 73 cb.
Sport Awards for Tarini & Peter
PROMISING lady golfer Tarini Karthi and disabled lawn bowler Peter Henry received their $300 TWT Club Six/Ryde Sports Foundation Sports Star of the Month Awards last Friday at North Ryde Golf Club. Tarini - fresh from helping Sydney North capture the NSW Combined High Schools Golf Championship in Armidale - is pictured receiving her award from North Ryde Golf Club president Michael Flaherty while Maureen Henry accepted a cheque on behalf of her son Peter who was in the United States representing Australia at the Cerebal Palsy World Lawn Bowls Championships in Connecticut. Also pictured is RSF chairman Jim Hull, North Ryde RSL Community Club president Barry Herbert, RSF committee reps Rod and Marie Youngman (Ryde Ex Services Club), RSF treasurer Beryl Ackroyd, RSF secretary Neita Matthews and deputy chairman Edna Wilde OAM. TWT on-the-spot PHOTO.
Glowing tribute to caring teacher Helen
Local teaching fraternity is mourning the sudden death of Helen Manefield (pictured) of Ryde at the age of 66.
Helen - who passed away on April 8 - was the wife of former Denistone East Public School principal and Ryde Ex Bowling Club past president Barry Manefield and an outstanding teacher in her own right.
She taught at a number of local schools including Putney, Truscott Street, Ryde and Meadowbank during a distinguished career that began in 1960 and richly deserved her appointment as deputy principal of Mortlake Public School.
Helen’s greatest attribute as a teacher was her love and acceptance of children. In all her dealings with them she expected their best in the classroom, was firm in her discipline, but believed that school should be a happy and welcoming place.
With her sense of fun therefore sports days, concerts, excursions and other extra curricula activities all benefited from her imagination and creativity with her sewing machine and as a gourmet cook.
Helen’s unstinting generosity in giving of herself was endearing and her zest for living contagious.
After retiring in 1994, Helen kept up her association with schools and taught as a special reading teacher for some time at Eastwood Public School. She is survived by husband Barry; daughters Jennifer, Robyn and Stephanie and three grandchildren and will be long missed.
Saints Gala Day champs
MEET the Saints United U/7 Kangaroos soccer team that clinched this year’s annual Thornleigh Gala Day championship recently at Oakleigh Oval Thornleigh.
Pictured are promising Saints juniors Daniel Laguzza, Christian Blasonato, Alex Mato, Jayden Scuglia, Vince Simeti, Rocco Di Monte and Andre Pelle.
The budding Saints demonstrated plenty of skill in attack and defence to win all their round robin games and set up a Grand Final encounter with a determined Normanhurst Magpies side. In the title decider the teams were locked 0-0 at full time with the talented young Saints finishing ahead 6-4 on corners after extra time to lift the trophy.
Saints United downed Holy Cross Magpies 7-0; Thornleigh Emus 11-0 and Normanhurst Koalas 7-0 in round robin matches before toppling Holy Cross Kangaroos 4-1 in a quarter final and West Pennant Hills Emus 2-0 in a semi final.
Power AFL reps
Drummoyne Power AFL juniors Luke Robinson, Sam Chapman and Matthew Sharkey who represented Sydney City Region Under 14s during this year’s representative season.
Top Ryde shoppers Roar Tigers to Victory!
Fifty lucky Top Ryde shoppers last Thursday won tickets to last Friday’s Tigers rugby league game at Leichhardt Oval against Manly Sea Eagles.
Tickets were donated by The Weekly Times who sponsor the Tigers. Lucky draw was conducted by The Weekly Times editor John F Booth AM with Top Ryde Shopping Centre marketing manager Linda Tateossian assisted by The Weekly Times sports editor Chris Karas. The lucky winners saw the Tigers defeat Manly 49-24 before a crowd of over 15,000 Tigers fans. See details in Sports Section.
Top Ryde shoppers will have an opportunity to win tickets to the next and final home game at Leichhardt this year when the Tigers play their traditional rivals South Sydney Rabbitohs on Sunday July 24 at 3pm. Fifty more tickets will be given away at 6pm on Thursday July 21 in Centre Court at Top Ryde Shopping Centre.
TWT on-the-spot PHOTO.
| TOP |