SPORTSNEWS

with Chris Karas

Benji injury
rocks Tigers

By CHRIS KARAS

FUTURE of Wests Tigers excitement machine Benji Marshall remains in limbo after the Grand Final hero damaged his shoulder for a fifth time last Friday in his short first grade career.

The mercurial five eighth dislocated his right shoulder in the dying moments of the Tigers’ 32-12 loss to NRL high flyers North Queensland at Dairy Farmers Stadium in Townsville and may have played his last game in season 2006.
It was a cruel blow for Marshall who underwent surgery on the same shoulder after the Tigers’ historic NRL premiership win last October and suffered a cheekbone fracture in his comeback match against St George-Illawarra in the opening round of the premiership in March.

The Kiwi international was facing another long stint on the sideline after his latest mishap but hoping to avoid surgery in a bid to get back on the field this winter.

Wests Tigers have experienced a wretched run with injuries to date in the 2006 competition and must now regroup for Sunday’s clash with Cronulla at Campbelltown Stadium.

BALMAIN-Ryde Eastwood retained a share of the competition lead with a hard-fought 31-24 win over sister club Western Suburbs last weekend in Premier League.

Strapping forward Keith Galloway - a major recruit from Cronulla - turned in a powerhouse display for the Tigers along with prop Stacey Katu, hooker Rangi Chase and centre Michael Crockett.

In a fiercely-contested tussle the Tigers piled on five tries through Chase, Crockett, wingers Taniela Tuiaki and Frank Samia and forward Bronson Harrison with half back Ben Reynolds booting six goals and a field goal.

BALMAIN Jersey Flegg team consolidated a top four spot in the U/20 series with a 24-20 victory over Souths Juniors at Leichhardt Oval.

The Tigers were best served by centres Gavin Cowen and Rob Chauvet, Mafoa Filipi and Alan Schirnak, who picked up the Essential Players’ Player award.

Cowen, Chauvet, Filipi, half back Marc Russell and fullback Dean McGrath scored tries with Russell landing two goals.

BALMAIN stayed alive in the S.G Ball Cup finals race after recording a gutsy 20-18 win over third placed Penrith at Leichhardt.
Powerful second rower Ahmed Omar proved the difference for the Tigers - turning in a tireless performance that inspired team mates to great heights.

Omar - rushed back into the Tigers forward pack after serving a two match suspension - ripped into the Panthers from the outset with his bullocking runs and rugged defence.

The Tigers led 16-8 before Penrith pounced with two quick tries to hit the front 18-16 midway through the second half. But the Tigers sealed victory when centre Mitchell Achurch positioned winger Scott Goodsir to score after a passing rush with three minutes left on the clock.

Other cubs to shine were half back Darren Nicholls with his pin-point kicking game; fullback Matt Ryan, hooker Ben Forbes, forwards Dean Webster and Troy Adams, winger Brendan Train and the promising Achurch who upstaged Penrith’s Australian rep centre Michael Jennings.

This Tigers’ U/18 side is capable of big things and can cement a finals berth with victories over Souths and St George in coming weeks.

PENRITH had too many big guns for Balmain U/16s - dishing out a 50-6 drubbing in Matthews Cup.

Rookie forward Aaron Woods, Matthew Mizzi and centre Cameron Mitchell turned in non-stop efforts for the Tigers.

Achieving your
fitness goal

MOBILE personal training is the way of the future, according to local fitness guru Chris Dingwall.

A fitness fanatic and personal trainer, Chris believes that many people don’t want to visit a gym where they can find it impersonal, embarrassing to train in front of others and often packed to the rafters with people trying to squeeze in a quick session before or after work.

As the founder of Core Health & Fitness he provides a service that prides itself on clients achieving their goals.
Chris grew up in Sydney’s north west and has had a life long interest in weight training and soccer, which he travelled overseas to play before returning home to start his career in personal training.

He noticed that the fitness industry was tending towards impersonal “mega” style gyms that didn’t cater individually to their clients needs and that due to time constraints, many people found themselves unable to make it to the gym at all.

“The beauty of Core Health & Fitness is that we come to you” he said. “You can choose to train in the local park, at home so you don’t have to drop the kids at day care or at work during your lunch hour. Your trainer will bring all the necessary equipment and guide and motivate you every step of the way so that you reach your ultimate goals.

“All our trainers are registered with Fitness Australia and have the ability to train everyone - from the beginner to the ultra-fit. Your trainer will write a specialised program for you and can help you with nutrition and healthy eating plans. If you would prefer to work out with a friend our trainers are happy to do buddy sessions and training with a small group (up to four) is a great way to save money while still receiving the personal touch.”

Pick up the phone and call Chris directly on 0414 419 919. He’ll talk to you about what you want to achieve and link you up with a trainer that will suit your needs. From there you can meet up for a consultation and your first session is free.

TWT Cup cricket champs

WANDERERS triumphant cricket team that recently clinched The Weekly Times Cup A Grade premiership with an emphatic win over Silent Warriors in the Gladesville Cricket Association Grand Final at Monash Park.

The team was led by inspirational skipper Steve Webb who revelled during the season proper and finals series with his tactical acumen. Ace all rounders Ben Slade and Travis McWhirter and lion-hearted quick Mick Koeford engineered the title with top performances. Pictured standing l to r Bruce Parnell, Ben Slade, Travis McWhirter, Andrew Goodrick , Dan Hickey, Mick Koeford; front Simon Plucinski, Matt Trodden, John Bateman, Andrew Halasz, Shane Webb, Steve Webb (captain), David Mara.

Holy Cross Soccer

U/6 Kangaroo: St Andrews Eastwood 5 Holy Cross 2; Wallaby: Holy Cross 11 (A Micalef 3, C Morfuni 2, JC Rodriguez 2, B Di Tommason 2, J Fraser 2) Beecroft Sports 1; U/7 Echidna: Holy Cross 8 (M Zdilar 4, L Counsell 3, L Amodeo) Gladesville Sharks 0; Emu: Holy Cross 2 (D Viana, D Lavery) WPH 1; Kookaburra: Kenthurst 2 Holy Cross 1 (R Chitale); Wallaby: Hills Hawks 7 Holy Cross 0; U/8 Blue: Holy Cross 1 (F Campbell) Putney Rangers 1; Green: North Ryde 4 Holy Cross 0; Orange: Holy Cross 5 (T Bernardinis 2, M Dang 2, N Gannon) Normanhurst 0; 9/4: Ravens 4 Holy Cross 1 (M Lattouf); 10/2: Epping-Eastwood 1 Holy Cross 0; 11/3: Holy Cross 5 (J Paton 2, M Racine, S Cossins, og) Redfield 0; 13/2: Holy Cross 7 (M Mihaljevic 4, M Jordan 2, J Hilli) Glenhaven 1; 14/4: Holy Cross 2 (D Cho 2) WPH 0; 18/1: Holy Cross 3 (A Bagola 2, A Martinez) Epping-Eastwood 2; AA6: Holy Cross 0 Saints United 0; AA7: Holy Cross 8 (V Vujasinovic 2, M Canone 2, Ben 2, J Wilcox, Fernando) Ravens 1; AA8: Holy Cross 6 (A Harrison 4, R O’Donahue, M Payne) Putney-Tennyson 0; AA12: Holy Cross 5 (N Lasorsa 2, D Nasif, N Gocher, R Tedesco) Kenthurst 1; AA16: Holy Cross 1 (D Skillen) Epping YMCA 0; AA17: Holy Cross 6 St Andrews 1; O35: Holy Cross 4 (D Hili 2, M Krstevski, B Basevski) Kenthurst 1.

Balmain Junior League

UNDER 9: North Ryde 50 Dundas Shamrocks Yellow 0; Concord-Burwood United Maroon 15 Holy Cross 8; Shamrocks Green 32 Leichhardt Juniors 8; Concord-Burwood Blue 35 Five Dock RSL 3.

UNDER 10: North Ryde Red 25 Leichhardt Juniors 15; Five Dock RSL 28 Balmain PCYC 10; Holy Cross 40 Concord-Burwood Blue 3; Cougars 33 Concord-Burwood Maroon 3; North Ryde White 28 Shamrocks Yellow 17; Shamrocks Green (bye).

UNDER 11 Div 1: Concord-Burwood Maroon 20 Holy Cross Gold 10; Concord-Burwood Blue 32 Five Dock RSL Green 13; North Ryde White 29 Leichhardt Wanderers Red 7;

North Ryde Red (bye); Div 2: Holy Cross Maroon 47 Concord-Burwood White 0; Cougars 19 Five Dock RSL Gold 18; Wanderers Black 25 Leichhardt Juniors 13; Shamrocks (bye).

UNDER 12: Holy Cross 50 Concord-Burwood 0; Five Dock RSL 15 Cougars 6; North Ryde 24 Shamrocks 10; Leichhardt Juniors (bye).

UNDER 13 Div 1: North Ryde Red 16 Five Dock RSL 12; Hurstville United 34 Earlwood Saints 24; Renown United 40 Kingsgrove Colts 22; Shamrocks (bye); Div 2: Concord-Burwood 52 North Ryde White 4; Penshurst RSL 28 Wanderers 20; Brighton Seagulls 14 Arncliffe Scots 12.

UNDER 14 Div 1: Kingsgrove Colts 46 Renown 12; Five Dock RSL 30 Hurstville 8; Arncliffe Scots 32 Carlingford Cougars 8; Div 2: Concord-Burwood 30 North Ryde 20; Holy Cross 28 Penshurst RSL 18; Brighton Seagulls 48 Leichhardt Juniors 18.

UNDER 15: Concord-Burwood 64 Holy Cross 4; Leichhardt Juniors 64 Renown 0; Kingsgrove Colts 40 North Ryde 4; Hurstville 42 Brighton Seagulls 16; Arncliffe Scots 22 Kings Head Cowboys 6.

UNDER 21: Renown 26 Wanderers 20; Concord-Burwood 32 North Ryde 20; Kingsgrove Colts 64 Kings Head Cowboys 14; Newtown v Mascot; RAB v South Eastern; Coogee Wombats v Maroubra (no results).

A GRADE: Renown 42 Kingsgrove Colts 12; Hurstville 18 Arncliffe Scots 10; North Ryde 26 Leichhardt Juniors 16; Rockdale Bulls 48 Balmain PCYC 18.

•U/16 & U/18 competitions deferred

Ravens Soccer

U/6 Platypus: Ravens 7 Pennant Hills 0; Kangaroos: Pennant Hills 6 Ravens 4; Kookaburras: Ravens 4 WPH 2; U/7 Kookaburras: Ravens 2 GSC 2; Kangaroos: WPH 3 Ravens 2; U/8 Blue: Ravens 3 St Andrews 0; Orange: Ravens 4 St Andrews 3; 9/1: Saints United 6 Ravens 0; 9/2: Ravens 1 Thornleigh 0; 9/4: Ravens 4 Holy Cross 1; 9/6: Ryde District 6 Ravens 0; 10/1: Eastwood 0 Ravens 0; 10/3: Glenhaven 7 Ravens 1; 12/1: Ravens 4 St Andrews 3; 12/2: Ryde 3 Ravens 0; 12/4: Ravens 2 Putney 2; 12/5: Ryde 5 Ravens 3; 13/3: Ravens 5 Thornleigh 0; 14/2: Ravens 6 Putney 1; 15/2: Pennant Hills 1 Ravens 0; 21/1: Ravens Blue 4 WPH Blue 0; Pennant Hills 2 Ravens Red 1; AA7: Macquarie Uni 3 Ravens Red 3; Holy Cross 8 Ravens Blue 1; AA14: Normanhurst 4 Ravens 0; AA19: Ravens 6 Epping Eastwood 1; Premier League First: Pennant Hills 3 Ravens 1; Res: Pennant Hills 2 Ravens 1; O35/1: Ravens 12 WPH 0; O35/2: Ravens 2 Glenhaven 1; O35/3: Ravens 4 YMCA 1; AA11: WPH 4 Ravens 0; AA9: West Ryde Rovers 2 Ravens 1; AA12: WPH 4 Ravens 3.

Putney Soccer

AA1: St Andrews 7 Putney-Tennyson 2 (Matt Madelaine, Matt Burton); AA8: Holy Cross 6 Putney-Tennyson 3 (Luke Marshall 2, Tom Hawkins); 14/2: Ravens 6 Putney-Tennyson 1 (Christian Colosi); 12/4: Putney-Tennyson 2 (Dane Clifford, Anthony P).

White flash inspires Cup win for Old Boys

Touch & Go with CHRIS KARAS

THEY were minus their high profile Kiwi connection but Holy Cross Old Boys capped a triumphant return to the Ryde Eastwood Touch Football Association by clinching the 2005-06 First Division title at Morrison Park Putney.

With Wests Tigers superstar Benji Marshall and Bronson Harrison in Christchurch and livewire Tiger cub Rangi Chase on Premier League duty the Old Boys dug deep to roll the experienced Cactus Imaging 8-5 in the Cup decider.

Ably led by the “White Flash” Tim White, the Old Boys hit their straps in the second stanza with a five try blitz after both sides were locked 3-all at the break.

Holy Cross jumped to an early 2-0 lead following tries to Dave McMillan and Matt Prosser before Peter Clarke and Pat Crown returned serve for the reigning premiers.

Cheyne Harrison notched the Old Boys’ third try after smart lead up work but Paul Hutchinson levelled the scores when he skirted around defencers to cross wide out.

Holy Cross used their raw speed and fitness to gain the upper hand and opened up a 7-3 lead after Ardi Master, Sam Raymond, Matt Graham and Bodine Hawea ran in tries in the stifling conditions.

Darren Whereat and Clarke pegged back the lead with second half tries before the White ‘Flash’ pounced on an intercept and scooted 40 metres to score.

“Hats off to Holy Cross” lamented Ron Ryan post-match, “they were too sharp on the day but I’m proud of the efforts of my squad especially the young guns Matt Ryan and Troy Pearce.”

“We were competitive throughout the summer and gave it our best shot - and the boys gained solace from the fact we upstaged Joey Jarvis and his band of under-achieving Pirates.”

HOLY CROSS OLD BOYS 8 (D McMillan, M Prosser, C Harrison, A Master, S Raymond, M Graham, B Hawea, T White tries) d CACTUS IMAGING 5 (P Clarke 2, P Crown, P Hutchinson, D Whereat tries).

* * *

CHRIS MACE stole the show as Annandale Transport made it back to back titles with a thrilling 4-3 victory over the much fancied Raven Electrical in the Second Division Grand Final.

Player-of-the-match Mace was at his effervescent best as Les Jarjoura’s boys showed their champion qualities to win the drop-off with a Jake McGauley try in extra time.

Steve Raven and co were poised for honors when they led 2-1 at the break but Annandale stormed back with second half tries to Chris Scuglia and Dylan Theverjahr to force the game into a drop-off.

Mark Rust, Luke McLeod and Scuglia also left their mark with dashing displays for the courageous Annandalers along with team veterans Jarjoura, Ken Lear, Merv Muggleton and Garry Noel.

FIRST Division champions Holy Cross Old Boys - Tim White (captain), Cheyne Harrison, Bodine Hawea, Sam Raymond, Matt Prosser, Dave McMillan, Matt Graham, Katie Peterson, Ardi Master; Absent: Benji Marshall, Bronson Harrison, Rangi Chase with Ryde City Clr Vic Tagg.

SECOND Division champions Annandale Transport - Les Jarjoura (captain), Chris Mace (vice captain), Ken Lear, Merv Muggleton, Liam Liston, Mark Rust, Dylan Theverjahr, Quinn Witika, Tom Merhi, Alan Mace, Luke McLeod, Jake McGauley, Garry Noel, Chris Scuglia. TWT on-the-spot PHOTOS.

Symbols of supremacy

WINNERS are grinners.....triumphant touch football skippers Peter Heidecker (Page 96), Tim White (Holy Cross Old Boys) and Les Jarjoura (Annandale Transport) proudly display their premiership spoils at the post Grand Finals function held at Putney-Tennyson Bowling & Community Club.

They are pictured with Ryde Eastwood Touch Football Association president Garry Noel, a member of the victorious Annandale Second Division team; Ryde City Clr and RETFA sponsor Vic Tagg; Putney-Tennyson Bowling & Community Club chairman Maurie Cousley and hard-working Tigers’ volunteer Vince Marando. TWT on-the-spot PHOTO.

MIXED Division champions Page 96 - front Belinda Woolford, Jessica Heidecker, Holly Fuda, Deanne Papas; centre Gerard Allport, Brian Allport, Rod Mongan; back Brock Heydon, Peter Heidecker, Macquire Tatola; Absent: Kristy Heydon, Ben Antonio.

ANNANDALE 4 (M Muggleton, C Scuglia, D Theverjahr, J McGauley tries) d RAVEN ELECTRICAL 3.

* * *

WARRIORS were crowned Third Division premiers after edging out Forster’s Painting 4-3 in the final.
The Warriors jumped to a 3-0 lead before the elusive Pat Walsh sparked a comeback for the Forster’s team - scoring a try and creating others for Matt Wallace and James Beer to set up a gripping finish.

WARRIORS 4 d FORSTER’S PAINTING 3 (P Walsh, M Wallace, J Beer tries).

* * *

PAGE 96 secured the Mixed premiership trophy when they outclassed Ken Morrow 13-4 with a brilliant exhibition of finals touch football.

Led by two try hero Peter Heidecker and Brian Allport the Page 96ers proved too slick for a gallant Ken Morrow side - running in six first half tries to open up a commanding 6-1 lead.

The athletic Holly Fuda produced a sharp performance for the premiers when she bagged three tries in the heatwave conditions.
Peter Heidecker (2), Kristy Heydon (2), Belinda Woolford, Ben Antonio, Jess Heidecker, Dianne Diablio, Macquire Tatola and Allport all showed their finishing prowess to also notch tries in a lopsided affair.

PAGE 96 13 (H Fuda 3, P Heidecker 2, K Heydon 2, B Woolford, B Antonio, J Heidecker, D Diablio, M Tatola, R Allport) d KEN MORROW 4.

Tees to Greens

LANE COVE
2B Stroke: A Cho (18) D Curry (16) 45; Indiv: F Taylor (12) 54; Scr: W Belgre 62; Medal A: W Rees (12) 55; B: J Cochrane (17) 58; 4B: D Martin (26) D Cameron (19) 57; Indiv: K Crowther (20) 44; Longmarkers: K Crowther; Veteran: K Crowther; Singles KO final: D McFarlane d J Back 1 up; Women: Stroke Div 1: C Gibson (23) 61; Scr: C Gibson 84; Div 2: J Heaney (33) 58; Scr: J Heaney 91.

MASSEY PARK
2B: Len Morrison (23) Sam Pace (14) 52; Indiv A: Shane Fitzpatrick (4) 39; B: David Dunn (18) 43; C: L Morrison (23) 47; Scr: S Fitzpatrick 35; 2B Agg: Robert Brown (23) Anthony Gallagher (18) 79; Indiv A: Frank Ragen (10) 41; B: R Craig (19) 41; C: R Brown (23) 43 cb; Scr: F Ragen 31; Medal A: Alex Forrest (13) 58; Scr: Ben Arraj 68; B: Michael Sgaramella (19) 55; Scr: M Sgaramella 74; C: C Lepre (23) 61; Scr: Ron Page 83; Tankard: Laurie Natale (10) 61; Jnr: B Arraj (8) 60; Irish team: Mark Page (13) Geoff Stephenson (30) Paul Jennings (19) Ken Westmacott (28) 139; Indiv: Fintan Tierney (13) 45; Scr: F Tierney 32; Hole-in-one: David Hilton at 6th; Women: 2B Agg: Win Morrison (26) Betty Waters (18) 77; Indiv: Jessica La Rosa (34) 46; Medal Div 1: Pamela March (19) 60; Scr: Loretta Dorman 78; Div 2: Kath Webber (27) 66; Scr: K Webber 93.

NORTH RYDE
Canadian 2-stroke: J Sincotta W Nelson (6 3/8) 58 5/8; Hole-in-one: M Brett at 14th; Women: Stableford: P Deehan (15) 37; 4B: T Mesiti (18) C Jeffers (15) 50; Indiv A: M McFarlen (4) 43; B: G Boyer (14) 44; C: Mick Quilty (14) 43; Hole-in-one: Mick Flaherty at 6th.

RYDE-PARRAMATTA
2B Agg: C Rutherford (12) E Ryan (9) 75; Indiv: C Rutherford (12) 41; Ambrose: Bobby Carter Wayne Williamson John Morgan Peter Besgrove (6 7/8) 51 1/8; Scr: Garry Squire Bob Laing Geoff Sadler Drew Semken 62; Medal A: Luke Brown (3) 66; Scr: C Kim 72; B: Robert Trent (15) 70; Scr: Peter McGivern 85; C: Wayne Wilkinson (22) 67; Scr: Henry Chong 92; D: Ed Siu (32) 69; 2B: Geoff Yates (20) R Green (12) 47; Scr: Nigel Thomas Col Kinnaird 36; Indiv: Sumitta Jayaratne (14) 41; Women: Ambrose: Lorraine Handel B Dalgliesh Mavis Windon Kathleen Hutchison (14) 68.

Hockey juniors

RYDE-Hunters Hill Hockey Club still require 12 year old players for their U/13 team and 14 year old juniors for their U/15 squad.
No skill required just a propensity for fun in safe,healthy activities. Phone Allan Wright 0411 708 029.

Balmain Junior League Stalwarts

TWT Sports Editor Chris Karas interviewed a host of former Tigers stalwarts at Balmain Leagues Club last Friday as part of research for his latest project - a book on the “History of Balmain Junior League” to be released during the Tigers’ Centenary celebrations in 2008.

Chris is pictured with premiership-winning Tigers forward Hilton Kidd and winger Sid Ryan; international referee Cliff Brown, Jack Walford, Geoff Large, Jim Fitzgibbon, Eddie McFadden, Bill Tulloch, Jim Fraser and History Book steering committee members John Stanton and Austin Hoyle. TWT on-the-spot PHOTO.

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