SPORTSNEWS

with Chris Karas

Seven of the best for Colbran

A STYLISH ton by boom colt Tim Sparke and unbeaten half century from skipper Mark Atkinson inspired UTS-Balmain cricket team in their first grade clash with North Sydney in the Sydney grade competition last weekend at North Sydney Oval.

But their sterling efforts with the bat were all in vain as the Tigers (8-253) finished 20 runs shy of their northern rivals (6-273) in a drawn fixture.

With no play possible the previous Saturday due to the condition of the pitch, both teams had 120 overs to force a result.

Sent in to bat, the Norths side racked up 273 runs for the loss of six wickets off 60 overs with number five Scott Rodgie top scoring with 90 and Rob Aitken compiling an unbeaten 54.

Rodgie shared a fourth wicket stand of 100 with Peter Sachs (33) and combined with Aitken for a fifth wicket partnership of 49 after Norths had lost three wickets with 54 runs on the board.

Rookie Tigers’ paceman Jay Poria tuned up for this week’s Australian U/19 Championships in Ade-laide with a confidence-boosting haul of 4-56 off 12 overs.

Poria, 18, and Balmain team mate Manjot Singh will represent NSW at this year’s national titles after impressive performances on the grade scene and in selection trials.

Young quick Craig O’ Shannessy chimed in with 2-61 in a fiery 18 over spell.

The Tigers were cruising at 2-188 when centurion Sparke was caught by Rodgie off the bowling of G Sullivan - a wicket that hurt the visitors.

Sparke was in brilliant touch, posting a ton off 127 balls and hammering 14 boundaries and a six to put the Tigers in a strong position.

He was supported by the pugnacious Atkinson who carved out an unbeaten 62.

UTS-BALMAIN second grade team chalked up an outright win over Norths at Drummoyne Oval - with all rounder Richard Colbran earning Player of the Match honors.

Colbran snared the excellent figures of 7-32 in a stunning 18 over spell as Norths collapsed to be all out for 127 in their second innings.

Joe Denly (29) and Colbran (16 not out) led the way with the bat as the Tigers scored the 79 runs required for maximum points for the loss of seven wickets.

BALMAIN (794) have established a 100 point lead in the Club Championship race from second placed Randwick-Petersham (694).

The Tigers currently lead the second and fourth grade competitions and sit in second spot on 44 points in third grade behind leaders Gordon (46).

SECONDS: UTS-Balmain 8 dec 145 & 7-79 (Joe Denly 29, Richard Colbran 18no, Adam Maher 11no) d North Sydney 93 & 127 (R Colbran 7-32, Luke Donovan 1-13, A Maher 1-38); THIRDS: UTS-Balmain 260 (Ian Burge 65, Darren Smith 61) d North Sydney 156 (Anthony Lown 3-23); FOURTHS: UTS-Balmain 4 dec 215 d North Sydney 82 & 8-190; FIFTHS: UTS-Balmain 9 dec 219 drew with North Sydney 9-217.

RICHARD COLBRAN - bagged 7-32 for Tigers.

Big Ben captures elusive NSW title

AT the ripe age of 32, Gladesville athlete Ben Phillips (pictured) can be described in sporting terms as a “late bloomer.”

The Kings School physical education teacher recently celebrated his finest sporting achievement to date when he won the NSW Amateur Boxing Association Super Heavyweight title at Coogee-Randwick RSL.

It was a proud moment for Phillips who defeated his second opponent with a first round TKO to claim the gold medal.

With former Tongan professional boxer Alani Moala in his corner, Ben realised the potential he has shown since first donning the boxing gloves as a 13 year old schoolboy.

A spartan training regime under the teak-tough Moala at Parramatta Police Citizens Youth Club has reaped a dividend for Phillips in the shape of a State boxing title.

“I began boxing at the age of 13 because my father felt that becasue I was big for my age it was important that I learn how to handle myself. I remember him saying ‘older blokes are going to want to test you’ so he took me to the Tom Lamming’s Golden Gloves Gym in Glebe and I’ve been hooked ever since” said Phillips.

“To finally win the NSW title after so long is satisfying indeed and a lot of the credit must go to the trainers that have influenced my career - people like Alani, Danny McDougall, Roy Bijkerk, Johnny Lewis, Steve Deller, Anthony Sobb and Tom Lamming jnr.”

As a 16 year old, 91kg heavyweight Phillips made his ring debut and reached the final of the NSW Junior titles losing a split decision. “All I had to do was jab him and my trainer Danny McDougall was into me to follow the fight plan. I tried to bang him over but my 100kg opponent ended up outscoring me. Looking back that loss was the best thing that could have happened because it fuelled the desire to win the NSW title for 16 years. Phillips’ recent gold medal triumph improved his record to 12 wins from 18 career fights which also includes the Australian Universities Heavyweight title in 1994.

Football has also figured prominently in Phillips’ sporting life with the forward warrior overcoming a serious leg injury to make his first grade debut with Eastwood Rugby Club at the age of 29.

During his schoolboy days Phillips teamed up with future Kangaroo back rower Ben Kennedy in a crack St Josephs College Hunters Hill 1st XV that conquered all to win the 1992 GPS Championship.

It was during that era that Phillips made a name for himself as a fearless rugby league forward with the Balmain Harold Matthews, S.G Ball, Jersey Flegg and Presidents Cup teams as well winning a Metropo-litan Cup title with Ryde Eastwood Hawks. Winning the Student Rugby World Cup as part of the un-defeated Australian Ter-tiary team in 1996 was another highlight.

“I had some great coaches during my football days including Brother Anthony Boyd, Ken Stapleton, Steve Roach and Eastwood mentor Chris Hickey” said Phillips.

Ben’s motto these days is: “You’re a long time retired and you don’t want to die wondering.”

“I’ll just keep training hard and see how the body holds up” he said.

More runs for JK

JOHN Kosmidas was in good batting touch for North Ryde RSL first grade cricket X1 last weekend - clouting an unbeaten 63 in his team’s draw with Rydalmere in the Northern District Cricket Association.

Fourth grade quick Jason Reay grabbed 6-54 in North Ryde’s loss to Epping YMCA while Pranav Chopra hit 50 for the Golds in fifth grade.

FIRSTS: (Round 8) Ry-dalmere 8 dec 232 (Gra-ham Condon 4-82) drew with North Ryde RSL 1-101 (John Kosmidis 63no, Rafe Aman 31no);

SECONDS: Rydalmere 8 dec 195 (Wade Nobbs-Quintel 4-38, Rod Flynn 3-25) drew with North Ryde RSL 2-77 (Scott Martin 24no, George Scapalatto 23);

FOURTHS: Epping YMCA 175 (Jason Reay 6-54, Warwick Brody 2-28) d North Ryde RSL 80 (Shane Bell 33);

FIFTHS: West Ryde Rovers White 5 dec 225 (Mike Vasavada 3-44) drew with North Ryde RSL Gold 6-120 (Pranav Chopra 50, Ray Lo 20); North Ryde RSL Blue 8-100 (A Flawith 19, A Pritchard 18no) d Vikings 97 (B Sawyer 2-13, J Dempsey 2-13, W Lane 2-16, A Pritchard 2-17).

One-day tons are the order of day

CENTURIES by former Australian Deaf batsman Chris Ashenden, Grant Thomson and Indefatigables opener Danny Fowler were the stand out knocks in Gladesville Cricket Association limited overs fixtures.

Ashenden hit 102 for Silent Warriors in a rain-marred clash with Holy Cross at Morrison Park No 5 while team-mate Thomson cracked an unbeaten 122 against Sydney Windies seven days later at the same venue.

Fowler smashed an unbeaten 111 against Ryde Hunters Hill at Westminster Park - bringing up his ton in the 20th over!

Other players to shine were David McGuinness (96), Matt Austin (89), Anthony Bocca (81), Hayden Ready (65 not out), Emmett O’Reilly (60) and Kevin Smith (53 not out).

A GRADE: (Round 6) Breakfast Point 8-216 (D Hickey 3-34, B Slade 2-37, A Ward 1-28, S Webb 1-38) drew with Wanderers; Silent Warriors 6-225 (C Ashenden 102, K Smith 53no, S Pichowski 18, D Rowe 14no, L McColl 2-41, S Spackman 1-23, M Cleary 1-33, M Harrison 1-36) drew with Holy Cross; Sydney Windies 88 (D Gemmola 25, G McInness 14, T Walsh 13no, R Jassra 12) drew with Gladesville RSL White 1-23 (V Bhan 1-12); Round 7: Holy Cross 171 (D Kennedy 45, G Collis 24, C Adamati 19, Angus 19, P Bywaters 16no, M Cleary 12, A Ward 2-32, D Hickey 1-7, S Webb 1-23, M Trodden 1-28) d Wanderers 87 (T McWhirter 23, S Webb 19, A Ward 17, R Davis 17, L McColl 3-5, P Bywaters 3-21, M Cleary 2-26, S Spackman 1-14); Silent Warriors 5-260 (G Thomson 122no, T Clews 45, P Walker 26, M Theo 20no, N Nadarajah 10, K Babb 1-23, V Bhan 1-26, M Ghani 1-32, D Gemmola 1-38, S Hussean 1-47) d Sydney Windies 160 (S Elalingam 34, V Bhan 27, D Gemmola 22, R Jassra 11, D Merritt 11, T Walsh 10, A Colquhoun 3-21, B Skinner 2-10, M Hayman 2-39, K Smith 1-8, P Walker 1-25).

B GRADE: (Round 7) Ryde-Hunters Hill (2) 7-233 (Michael Harrison 112no, Peter Curran 29, R Maggio 19, D McGuinness 19, G Patterson 19, A Calavrias 2-26, M Calavrias 2-37) drew with GRSL Gold; Balmain 159 (N Anderson 3-29, M Austin 2-2, T Austin 1-21, C Sewell 1-25, D Hunt 1-44) drew with Gladesville RSL Green 1-11 (J Davidson 7); Lane Cove Dream Team 120 (D Richardson 39, J Longbottom 25, A Smith 20, D Leishman 19no) drew with Five Dock RSL 4-21 (D Leishman 3-8, J Longbottom 1-12); Indefatigables d Palace Hotel; Round 8: Gladesville RSL Green 6-229 (J Playle 2-22, R Yule 2-32, N Schubert 1-19) d Bayview Tavern 212 (A Bocca 81, H Ready 65no, J Playle 22, N Yule 13, B Beattie 10); Palace Hotel 144 (G Metcalfe 37, R Caldwell 29, M Lawson 22, G Bigalow 18no, B Sawyer 16, C Stewart 11, A Intili 3-48, D Jovanovich 2-31, M Falzon 2-33, L Prescott 1-28) d Gladesville Indoor 128 (L Prescott 28, M Dornan 23, A Do 22, A Intili 16, B Neskovic 10, B Mallinson 3-22, R Bush 3-29, G Bigalow 2-21, R Caldwell 1-13, A Buckley 1-19); Indefatigables 1-208 (D Fowler 111no, K Purnell 45, J Wright 40no) d Ryde-Hunters Hill (1) 7-199 (J Wright 3-37, T Hastings 2-36, S Lindsay 1-21, D Fowler 1-43); Gladesville RSL Green 6-229 (M Austin 89, M Green 43, D Hunt 35no, M Cook 18, J Davidson 17) d Bayview 212 (C Jones 3-33, N Anderson 3-35, C Sewell 3-40); Ryde-Hunters Hill (2) 8-186 (D McGuinness 96, M Verma 43) d Balmain 112 (Sandeep 3-0, J Nash 2-14, S Hickson 2-24, R Freeman 2-32); Gladesville RSL Gold 193 (E O’Reilly 60, A Kennedy 45, G Kull 24, M McRae 17, G Jones 10) d Five Dock RSL 163 (C Dreverman 4-20, E O’Reilly 2-38, M Morris 1-13, A Kennedy 1-20, M McRae 1-32).

Hillies break hoodoo

HUNTERS Hill Cricket Club smashed a four year hoodoo when they defeated Old Cranbrookians in the Sydney Suburban cricket competition at Dangor Oval Rose Bay last Saturday.

The Hillies compiled 6-147 after an opening stand of 50 by Andrew Hobden and Pete Bennett and a quickfire 28 from Tom Turner. Cranbrookians were all out for 112 after accurate bowling from Peter Jones, Luke Ahern (3-7), Hobden (2-9) and Stewart Kimber (1-18).

Junior talent a force on track

RYDE Athletics Centre competitors produced outstanding results at the recent Australian All Schools Championships held at Homebush.

The Hunters Hill U/16 Mens Relay team (comprising Ryde members Jason Chen, Len Pearce, John Pearce and Clinton McEwan) showed their class by winning the Australian Schools 4 x 100m event in a time of 44.72 sec.

Epping Boys U/20 Relay team (comprising Ryde members Boyd Arndell and Ben Gardiner) finished third in a time of 44.71 sec while Cheltenham Girls U/20 Relay team led by Ryde’s Jamie Casaclang finished fourth in a time of 50.12 sec.

Lottie Ferrier produced a personal best time of 7 mins 43.32 secs to finish sixth in the U/ 15 Girls 2000m Steeplechase event - improving her PB by a staggering 19.22 sec.

Jessie O’Brien also recorded a PB of 7 min 37.28 sec to finish fifth in the U/ 16 Girls 2000 m Steeplechase event, shaving 21.06 sec of her previous best.

John Pearce finished fourth in his heat of the U/ 16 Boys 100 m Hurdles in a time of 13.99 sec to advance to the final. John was the lead leg runner in the NSW U/ 16 Boys 4 x 100 m Relay team that won gold in a time of 42.65 sec.

Michael Todd advanced to the final of the U/ 15 Boys 800 m when he finished third in his heat in a time of 2 mins 01.71 sec while Bridget Oakley missed out on a medal when she finished fourth in the U/18 18 Girls Long Jump event with a leap of 5.50m. In the U/ 18 Girls 200 m she finished eighth in her heat (26.01 sec).

John Pearce finished sixth in the U/ 16 Boys 100m final, clocking 11.19 seconds while twin brother Len placed fifth in his heat of the U/ 16 Boys 100 m in a time of 11.44 sec. In the Triple Jump Len won the silver medal with a PB leap of 14.12 m. This jump was 43 centimetres better than he had previously achieved.

McEwan won bronze in the U/ 16 Boys Triple Jump with a PB leap of 13.25m.

John Pearce finished seventh in the final of the U/ 16 Boys 100 m Hurdles in 13.62 sec while Len added a bronze medal to the silver he won the previous day when he finished third in the U/ 16 Boys Long Jump with his best leap of 6.42 m.

Todd finished fifth in the U/ 15 Boys 800 m event in 2 min 02.56 sec.

Touch Football Roundup

FIRST DIVISION: Cactus Imaging 5 West Ryde Trophies 3; Vikings 5 NRMA 1; Blues 2 Attractive Blinds 2; Holy Cross Old Boys (bye); SECOND DIVISION: Nothing Over 12 4 Annandale Transport 2; Ken Morrow 6 First National 1; Putney Pirates 5 Polo Smash 2; Ray White 2 Cubs 1; Zebara Painting 5 Is this Golf 3; Raven Electrical 8 Fading Force 2; Balmain Leagues (bye).
THIRD DIVISION: Ross Patten 7 Crimmo’s Crew 3; Polo Smash 2 Fosters 0; Moonies 4 Palmer’s Glass 3; Boronia Park Framing 6 Hombres 1; Bears 7 Nads 0; Rucola (bye);

MIXED: Custom Carpentry 8 Risky Business 2; Anyone Haveaball 1 Ken Morrow 1; Other Mob 5 Page 96 3; Ray White 5 Hens 2; Touchdowns 2 Cowboys 1; The Edge 7 Dupay 0.

JUNIORS: 8s: Orange 2 Royal 0; Gold 5 Red 1; Emerald 1 Azure 0; 10s: Royal 8 Yellow 1; Turquoise 4 Orange 0; Azure 4 Red 3; Aqua 6 Gold 0; Emerald 1 Ice 0; 12A: Red 5 Yellow 1; Aqua 2 Gold 2; Royal 3 Emerald 2; Ice 9 Azure 0; 12B: Aqua 8 Gold 0; Orange 2 Turquoise 0; Emerald 4 Pink 0; Yellow 2 Red 0; 14s: Red 5 Yellow 5; Azure 9 Turquoise 1; Orange 6 Gold 3; Pink 4 Emerald 2.

Girls Night Out

UMPIRE’S committee of Eastwood Ryde Netball Assocation recently held a successful ‘Girls Night In’ evening at Meadowbank Park to raise finds for the Cancer Council.

ERNA officials would like to thank everyone who came along and entered into the fun of the night and gave so generously to the cause.

It is well known that each and everyone of us knows of someone who has been affected by Cancer.

PUBLICITY officer Neita Matthews said the Umpires committee were overwhelmed with the response from so many of the ERNA clubs including the generous donations from members and friends who attended the event.

Umpires co-ordinator Terri Sivertsen expressed sincere thanks to Carol Rezo who spoke so inspiringly and honestly about her breast cancer journey.

There were many damp eyes amongst the large group and hearts were filled with admiration for her courage in not only living through her experiences but talking about it.

Those people present remembered ERNA’s Carolyn McLead who succumbed to cancer earlier this year. Carolyn was a hard working member of the ERNA Umpires committee for many years.

“We felt honoured to have Carolyn’s sister Jenny and daughter Nikki with us on this special occasion” said Terri.

Many people went away with a greater awareness and understanding of this illness which affects so many people.

The night was considered a huge success with over 100 people attending the function and spokes-person Stephanie Lower said the committee had raised over $4,500 on the night.

* * *

Tigers chairman David Trodden presents John Skandalis with a framed tribute at last Thursday’s gala farewell dinner.

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