with Chris Karas
Hayne heroics in grade thriller
A VINTAGE performance from the greatest run-scorer in Sydney first grade cricket helped UTS-Balmain pull off a thrilling tie with Penrith last Saturday at Drummoyne Oval.
Master blaster Greg Hayne - who is set to retire from cricket in a fortnight after an illustrious career with his beloved Balmain club - compiled an unbeaten 69 to keep the Tigers in the hunt for first innings points.
Rookie teenager Jay Poria was bowled by Penrith paceman Paul Goldsmith for 11 in the 98th over after scoring two runs off the previous ball to level the scores on 260.
Poria, a talented 19 year old seam bowler who starred for the triumphant NSW U/19s with Tigers’ team mate Manjot Singh at the National Championships in Adelaide, had joined the experienced Hayne at the crease with the Tigers in trouble on 9-233.
But he displayed a cool head - belting the first ball he faced to the boundary - and adding 27 crucial runs for the final wicket with Hayne to salvage a tie in a nerve-racking finish.
Earlier the Tigers struggled in their run chase - losing batsmen Joe Denly (28), Singh (11), Tim Sparke (2), Karl Whatham (17) and Jarrod Gordon (1) - to be reeling at 5-81.
A 60 run stand between Craig Hankinson and Hayne for the sixth wicket steadied the ship before Hankinson was tragically run out for a stoic 51 off 83 balls that included six boundaries.
The Tigers rallied with Hayne and skipper Mark Atkinson (39) posting an 80 run partnership before keeper Atkinson was trapped LBW by Goldsmith with Balmain precariously placed at 7-221.
Hayne faced 191 balls in his gritty knock and cracked a six and nine boundaries. Quick bowlers Goldsmith (3-44 off 20 overs) and R Smith (3-55 off 19) were the pick of the Penrith attack.
Last October Hayne, 34, became the highest run-scorer in Sydney first grade cricket when he scored 56 against Randwick-Petersham at Drummoyne Oval to eclipse the record of 12,119 set by legendary Test opener Warren Bardsley some 73 years ago.
SECONDS: Penrith 8 dec 275 (Vilen Sithloo 2-33, Pat Little 2-37) d UTS-Balmain 180 (Andrew Hoppett 47, Cameron Lane 30, Gregg Everest 29, Richard Colbran 17) & 5-140 (Andrew Watkins 49, R Colbran 34no);
THIRDS: UTS-Balmain 241 (David Cody 53, Ian Burge 45) drew with Penrith 9-181 (Nidhu 5-39, Anthony Lown 2-64);
FOURTHS: UTS-Balmain 6-228 (Sam Parajarasingham 64, M Brooks 43no) d Penrith 206 (M Brooks 3-39, Cameron Gordon 2-34);
FIFTHS: UTS-Balmain 223 (P Kariawasam 70, J Murphy 46) d Penrith 172 (J Murphy 3-25, Jon Orme 1-4).
Record-breaking Tigers’ batsman Greg Hayne scored an unbeaten 69 in a thrilling tie with Penrith last Saturday.
Tigers re-sign Fulton
IT was a week to remember - and forget - for Wests Tigers under-rated forward Liam Fulton.
The premiership-winning lock signed a new three year deal with the Tigers in the lead up to last Saturday night’s trial match against Canberra at Davies Park in Brisbane.
22 year old Fulton was knocked out and stretchered off the field during the Tigers’ shock 26-4 loss to the Raiders but is expected to be fit for the NRL pipe-opener clash with Melbourne Storm on Friday March 16 at Olympic Park.
The skilful young forward missed the entire 2006 season after damaging his shoulder in the Tigers’ opening round clash with St George-Illawarra at Telstra Stadium.
It was a cruel blow after playing every game in the Wests Tigers’ premiership victory in 2005.
Fulton’s new contract will see him remain in the Tigers den until the end of the 2010 season.
Off contract at the end of 2007, Wests Tigers Recruitment Manager Warren McDonnell said securing Fulton was a high priority.
“We are very happy to have one of the most talented young players in the game with the club until the end of 2010,’’ McDonnell said.
“Liam now joins hooker Robbie Farah here until the end of 2010 and they are two quality players we can build a team around.
“The re-signing of Liam comes on top of the club recently re-signing Chris Heighington, Rocky Trimarchi and William Mataka to new deals.
“Heighington and Mataka are now at the club until the end of the 2008 season. Trimarchi has signed on to the end of 2009.’’
“It is a terrific feeling to know that I have my playing future for the next few years settled,’’ Fulton said.
“I enjoy playing at Wests Tigers under the coaching staff of Tim Sheens and Royce Simmons. This is a great club with a bright future and I’m glad to be here.
“I missed so much football last season and I can’t wait until the kick-off against the Storm.”
Fulton has played 33 games for Wests Tigers since making his first grade debut against the Warriors at Ericsson Stadium in 2003.
Balmain-Ryde Eastwood defeated South Logan 24-10 in a Premier League trial last Saturday in Brisbane.
The Tigers were best served by forwards Luke Harlen, Bronson Harrison, hooker Stuart Flanagan, Rocky Trimarchi and centre Chris Lawrence.
Meanwhile Balmain trounced Central Coast 60-20 in a lopsided Jersey Flegg U/20 trial at Leichhardt Oval.
James Shepherd’s Tiger cubs dominated from the outset with strong performances from half back Steve Moses - a nephew of legendary Balmain hooker Benny Elias - and forwards Damon Harth, Loni Vunakece and Herman Retzlaff.
The Tigers ran in 11 tries with lock Harth and winger Ben Falcone nabbing doubles and Moses, centre Kingi Akauola, fullback Gavin Gowan, winger Bill Callaway, back rower Vunakece, Alistair Taua’a and James Cameron all posting four pointers. Moses booted six goals and Callaway (2) to complete the rout.
Adam Gardiner Foundation Golf Day
MASSEY PARK Golf Course at Concord will stage the inaugural Adam Gardiner Memorial Foundation Golf Day on Friday March 23.
Some of the district’s leading golfers will line up in the ambrose event to commemorate the late Balmain rugby league personality Adam Gardiner, who lost a brave battle with amyloidosis last year at the age of 35.
Former Balmain and New Zealand international half back Gary Freeman and Radio 2GB Continous Call personality Darryl Brohman will MC the Sportsman’s Luncheon that follows the golf in the Clubhouse at 12.30pm.
Entertainment provided by covers band Jellybean Jam.
Funds raised on the Golf Day will aid in the development of a specialised clinical service for patients with amyloidosis.
If you would like to support The Adam Gardiner Foundation contact Trish on t_gardiner@bigpond.com
All donations are fully tax deductible and should be directed to the “IIAR - Adam Gardiner Fund” PO Box 3179, Rhodes Westside NSW 2138.
Try Lawn Bowls
Concord RSL Bowling Club in Nirranda Street Concord West is offering an opportunity for members of the community to try their hand at lawn bowls - FREE of charge - in a relaxed and fun environment followed by light refreshments during Seniors Week.
This event will be staged on Monday March 12 from 10am to 12 noon. All equipment provided with expert guidance by club members. Contact Frank Madden 9743 1918 to book your spot.
Matthews cubs in nine try blitz
BALMAIN junior representative rugby league teams endured travel weariness and heatwave conditions but tasted minor success on their weekend sojourn to the Australian Capital Territory.
The Tigers finished strongly in the U/16 Harold Matthews Cup fixture to whip Canberra 54-22 at Seiffert Oval.
Strapping forwards Taniela Vaivaka, Aaron Woods, Patrick Politoni and classy backs John Nicholas and Junior Rogica turned in powerful performances as the Tiger cubs bounced back to form.
Balmain coach Stuart Stanton was full of praise for his squad who he said “showed a lot of character to respond after their shock first round loss to Western Sydney Academy.
“Travelling down and playing on the same day is always a tough challenge but our players prepared well and that preparation flowed onto the field with their performance” he said.
Canberra stunned their rivals with two quick tries to skip to an early 10-0 lead before the Tigers clicked into gear to rush in four unanswered tries.
The junior Raiders then capitalised on handling errors by the Tigers to score twice and keep themselves in the hunt for two competition points.
But the Balmain side rallied with dynamic centre Rogica stamping his mark on the game with two brilliant tries and creating havoc out wide with his pace and strength.
Half back Nicholas provided slick service and capped a fine match with a faultless kicking display - booting nine goals from as many attempts.
BALMAIN 54 (T Simona 2, J Rogica 2, M Pangai, AJ Vaivaka, P Politoni, D Laing, J Fedele tries; J Nicholas 9 gls) d CANBERRA 22 (G Reid, S Meskell, J Pender, P O’Keefe tries; S Meskell 3 gls).
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CANBERRA had too many big guns for Balmain in the S.G Ball U/18 encounter - registering a 38-10 victory in balmy conditions.
The well drilled Raiders enjoyed a glut of possession and good field position to establish a 16-0 lead before the Tigers hit back with a try double to boom forward and skipper Dean Webster.
It was a disappointing effort by the Tiger cubs, who lost key forward Ahmed Omar early in the match with a damaged shoulder.
Talented utility Darren Nicholls again shone at hooker with his slick running and passing and high workrate while gun fullback Tom Clyburn also turned in a solid display.
Tigers coach Darren McLean summed up: “In this competition you need to be ready for anything that is thrown at you - we let ourselves down against the Raiders but will be working hard this week to rectify the result.”
CANBERRA 38 (T McLean, B Sione, T Holland, J Woolford, M Picker, J Dugan, J Croker tries; J Croker 5 gls) d BALMAIN 10 (D Webster 2 tries; N Plummer gl).
World Cup glory for touch titans
John Moujalli and Barry Gibson are the toast of the district after helping the Australian Over 35s team bring home the 2007 World Cup trophy.
The touch titans starred for the Aussies at the world titles - engineering a 3-2 Cup Final victory over host nation South Africa in Stellenbosch to remain undefeated.
Gibson was later named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player for his skilful performances at the prestigious event.
Australia twice defeated South Africa, France and the Australian 40s team in the six preliminary matches to qualify for the Cup Final with the South Africans tipping out France to advance to the trophy decider.
The championship win was a satisfying result for the gifted Moujalli, who missed Australia’s last World Cup campaign after damaging his knee prior to the team jetting off to New Zealand.
Both are accomplished players who have also represented NSW with distinction in State of Origin matches against Queensland.
Gibson and Moujalli both started their touch footy careers with Ryde Eastwood Association in the early 1990s.
John played with his brothers in a team called the Enzeds which also included Kiwi rugby league superstars Olsen Filipaina , Clayton Friend and Mark Graham and later represented Western Suburbs.
He was also a classy rugby league centre with the Ryde-Eastwood Hawks, capturing premierships in the Balmain Junior League and later in the Metropolitan Cup competition.
‘Gibbo’ - who now represents Manly at State Cup level - began with Col’s Body Shop in the RETFA series, playing alongside his close mate Darren Bollard.
However Barry still plays on Monday nights at Putney with The Blues while his daughter is a regular with the strong Ryde Eastwood Mixed team at Port Macquarie each year.
Since returning from South Africa, John and Barry have turned their hand to coaching and prepared the Ryde Eastwood U/10 and U/14 boys teams at the recent Junior State Cup Carnival in Wollongong.
Barry’s promising U/10s captured the imagination of the sporting public when they finished a creditable third at their very first State meet - pushing eventual winners Penrith all the way in a hard-fought semi final.
Ryde Eastwood Touch Football Association patron and Ryde Liberal candidate Vic Tagg congratulates touch football whiz John Moujalli on his World Cup success with the all conquering Australian Over 35s touch football team.
John teamed up with another local product Barry Gibson to help Australia defeat hosts South Africa 3-2 in the Cup final and preserve their unbeaten record. TWT on-the-spot PHOTOS.
Trophy for Hawks
FLASHBACK 1989: Can you recognise the faces in this Ryde-Eastwood Touch Football Open representative team that won the Consolation Trophy at the State Cup Carnival at Port Macquarie.
Pictured back row: Patrick Walsh, Allan Curry, Craig Simmons, John O’Brien (referee), Sergio Mezzina, Steve White, Peter Moujalli, Mick Hose (referee), Darren Bollard; middle John Moujalli, Ray Moujalli, Tom Merhi, Mick Moujalli, Tony Moujalli; front Marty Lubrano, Chris Douglas, Terry Janes, Raymond Janes, Garry Noel (captain-coach), David Clegg and Craig Lane. The team defeated Kempsey 5-3 in the final with Mick Moujalli a stand out.
Tees to Greens
LANE COVE
Medal A: G Steel (12) 56; B: A Moran (14) 60; C: G Holmes (22) 61;
Major Metropolitan Pen-nant: Cammeray 4 1/2 d Lane Cove 2 1/2 (J Richardson d D Leckie 7-5; M Erichsen lost to P Doherty 2 down; N Thomsen lost to D Tearle 1 down; B Storer sq W Belgre; S Basford d J Back 6-5; M Brennan d A Happell 3-2; R Kato d S Robinson 5-4; Women: Stb: S Woodman (44) 43.
MASSEY PARK
Summer Cup Final: Jack Waters d Greg Bouldon 1 up; Medal A: Ben Smith (5) 60; Scr: B Smith 65; B: Steve Gale (15) 61 Kevin Kilday (15) 61 to play off; Scr: S Gale 76 cb; C: Barry Chambers (25) 59; Scr: B Chambers 84 cb; Hole-in-one: Graham Parry at 6th; Stb: Adrian Quinn (17) 44; Scr: Geoff Mitchell 32; Women: Medal Div 1: Helen Winning (11) 64; Div 2: Paula Hartigan (34) 64; Major Pennants: Northbridge 5 d Massey Park 2; B Brown d B Smith 2-1; G Todd d Shane Fitzpatrick 2-1; B Benson lost to Nick Hayes 6-4; A Vong d Tim Wand 2-1; R Ambrogio lost to Steve Little 2-1; R Otten d Pino Mazzone 6-5; H Coombes d Scott Bunnell 5-4).
NORTH RYDE
Medal A: L Polson (9) 65; Scr: Richard Ellis 72; B: C Hrysanthos (14) 65; Scr: G Boyer 83; C: T Hukins (22) 66; Scr: B Robinson 92; Jnr: Kyle Mathieson (4) 67; Scr: B MacCrae 82; 2B: J Cummins (19) B MacCrae (12) 48; Mixed: M Good (Asquith 17) B Good (Concord 28) 46 cb; WW: L Ong (21) G Wong (41) 43; Indiv A: T Crockart (12) 43; B: J Coady (19) 41; C: P Burg (20) 38; W Div 1: L Ong (21) 34 cb; D2: M Kendal (42) 35; Women: Par Comp Div 1: S Chim (19); Div 2: S Whang (25); Div 3: P Sherlock (35); Div 4: J J Lim (38); Stableford: Div 1: J Merrick (18); Div 2: M Rechichi (28); Div 3: J Robson (36); Div 4: B Clarke (37); Veterans Ball Comp: J Merrick (38pts); M Rechichi (37); J Durham (36); H Brayshaw (36); K Attenborough (35); J Gaynon (34); F Michell (33); C Ward (32); Major Pennants: North Ryde 6 1/2 d Roseville 1/2; David Calleija d N Barrett 6-5; Brenden Ellam d J Ash 6-5; Luke Brown d S Stead 6-5; I Papallo d T McAllister jnr 6-5; Blundell sq Seagg; P Richardson d Kenny 2-1; Ben Russell d Saunders 4-2.
RYDE-PARRAMATTA
Medal A: Steve Taylor (8) 69; Scr: Michael Cuthbert 73; B: Ron Chuck (15) 70; Scr: Jack Morling 86; C: Edward Lee (22) 68; Scr: Surinder Joson 92 cb; D: Aldred Wu (26) 73; Feb A: S Taylor (8) 69; C: E Lee (22) 68; Hole-in-one: Steve Lawrence at 17th; 2B Agg: Warwick Barber (5) Neil Lawther (8) 77; Mixed: T Roth (31) A Bowling (10) 73; Indiv: W Barber (5) 40 cb; W: Helen Ma (18) 39 cb;
Major Pennants: Pennant Hills 6 Ryde-Parramatta 1; G Naylor d M Cuthbert 1 up; D Calvert d J Wells 7-6; S Herden lost to Peter Montague 4-3; T McMurchie d Bob Hooper 6-4; S Oitmaa d David Forster 7-6; R Parfett d Greg Hickey 8-7; L Walker d Max Farr 4-2.
Summer Cup win for Jack
VETERAN Massey Park golfer Jack Waters of Epping has taken out this year’s Summer Cup matchplay title.
74 year old Waters defeated Greg ‘Bugsy’ Bouldon one up in the final staged recently at Massey Park Golf Course at Concord.
Evergreen Jack has been an accomplished member of Massey Park for 45 years. And it’s a case of “all in the family” with Jack’s wife Betty an established golfer in the Club’s Mixed Pennants team.
Ryde RSL AGM
Ryde District RSL Sub-branch will hold its AGM on Monday March 12 in the Ryde Ex Services Club auditorium at 12.30pm.
Benefit Night for Lachlan King, 3
A Benefit Night for seriously ill toddler Lachlan King will be held on Saturday March 24 at Balmain Leagues Club from 6.30pm.
Tickets are $100 per head and must be pre-purchased. Lachlan is only three years old but has already suffered more health problems than many of us face in a lifetime.
Within 48 hours of his birth, he began having severe epileptic seizures, which continue to this day and despite extensive medical investigations the underlying cause remains a mystery.
As Lachlan continues to grow it has became more and more evident that he will not reach his developmental milestones. Lachlan needs our help, so his parents, former Ryde residents Megan and Robert, have organised this benefit evening.
He can’t sit unassisted, can’t speak and is visually impaired, although his favourite pastime is rolling. As a result of this developmental delay, he has also struggled to eat and drink orally.
So, 18 months ago he had an operation to insert a gastrostomy peg into his tummy, which will be permanent. He is now fed via a tube. The most recent medical issue Lachlan is facing is osteoporosis in two of his vertebrae due to his chronic steroid use. His parents and older brother Ben say Lachlan is an extremely placid child with a wonderful nature.
Unfortunately, Megan has been unable to return to work and now devotes her time to taking care of Lachlan. With the prospect looming of Lachlan requiring a wheelchair, their dream is to buy a vehicle that can eventually be adapted for wheelchair access. There’ll be auctions and raffles to help raise further funds for the King family. No tickets available at door on night.
For more details visit www.lachlanking.com or phone Julie O’Grady - 0411 540711 julie.ogrady@fire.nsw.gov.au; Paul Hutcheson - 0418 223203 or Megan and Robert King - 02 4389 3530 meganking@tadaust.org.au
Coach O’Brien a top mentor
JOHN O’BRIEN - one of the finest rugby league mentors with over five decades of coaching experience - has been nominated for life membership at Balmain Football Club’s AGM this Sunday at Balmain Leagues Club that commences at 10am.
The evergreen O’Brien of Ryde played hooker for the Balmain and North Sydney clubs in the Sydney premiership before embarking on a long and successful coaching career in the Balmain district.
He has a long association with Holy Cross College - coaching schoolboy and junior league teams for the past 50 years and preparing players of the calibre of Benny Elias, Wayne Pearce, Denis Bendall, Greg Cox and the late Garry Webster for the grade ranks.
O’Brien is something of a coaching phenomenon and has devoted a life time to the sport especially at grass roots level. Last year John coached the Holy Cross Ryde U/13 schoolboys team to the State Knockout Finals.
Martial arts with a difference
Grand Master John Kim is bringing his unique brand of tutorage to our area with his all new self-defence martial arts classes kicking off on March 12 in the Gladesville Presbyterian Church Hall.
John is more qualified than most to tutor in the ways of taekwondo. Throug-hout the years, he has notched up a long list of accolades in the sport including the titles of 1973 world champion and Australian coach from 1991 to 1993.
John said: “My classes have both fitness and self defence elements, but I don’t focus on combat. I just want people to be more aware of their health.
“I work with a balance of fun and seriousness.”
His classes, which run two nights a week, are based heavily on the NEWSTART program. This involves elements of nutrition, exercise, water, sunlight, temperature, air, rest and trust.
“This particular training style will help you capture the magic and mystique of exercise so that you can maintain a physical fitness level and self defence ability that will stay with you for the rest of your life, John said.
“Your newly acquired skills in self defence may well save your life if you’re ever in danger of physical assault.”
The classes will also have a positive effect on an emotional level by relieving pent-up negative emotions and making you feel better about yourself. John actually prescribes his classes as a way of delaying emotional fatigue.
As well as being an Australian taekwondo coach in the past, John has had plenty of experience passing his skills onto others.
“I taught classes out of this very same building about 25 years ago, John said.
“I hope people remember me and I really want to invite those people back as well as inviting people of all ages and skill levels to come and have a go,” John said.
Classes begin on March 12 in Gladesville Presbyterian Church Hall, corner Victoria and Pittwater roads. Adults and children of all ages and experience are welcome to come along. For more info-rmation phone Grand Master John Kim on 9799 2299.
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North Ryde RSL Womens Bowling Club president Margaret Davies (centre) recently hosted her first Presidents Day. She is pictured with North Ryde RSL WBC vice presidents Jan Cassimatis (left) and Jill Greene.
Drummoyne water polo girls crowned State club champions
DRUMMOYNE girls U/16 water polo team covered themselves in glory when they recently clinched their maiden NSW State Club Championship trophy at Wollongong University.
In an action packed game the Drummoyne girls toppled defending champions Cronulla 3-1 to bring home their first State title.
Drummoyne qualified for the final after rolling St George 4-2 in a semi final - staging a gutsy second half comeback after trailing 2-0 at the break.
In the final Drummoyne’s Dani White opened the scoring with a penalty goal to give her side a 1-0 lead at quarter time. The Drummoyne defence was outstanding with Elise Mirabito given the task of marking Cronulla’s Australia junior rep Brea Appel who scored their only goal to even up the score in the second quarter. Cronulla had a chance to take the lead with a penalty goal but Drummoyne’s goalkeeper Serena Reid made a brilliant save.
Both teams had their chances with plenty of exclusions throughout the game but some strong defence and goalkeeping kept both teams scoreless in the third quarter. The Drummoyne girls were on fire in the final quarter scoring two extra man goals. With Cronulla rushing the Drummoyne extra attack Simone Piper was left free to score on the post and give Drummoyne the lead midway through the final quarter. Drummoyne pressed forcing a turnover and secured another extra man attack which was converted by Tournament MVP Ellen Pittorino on the left hand post with 1 min 50 sec remaining in the game to give Drummoyne a two goal buffer. Cronulla threw everything at Drummoyne but their defence was solid with Reid shutting the opposition with some great one on one saves in the final moments.
The result was a fine achievement for the Drummoyne girls who are continuing their winning form after their trifecta of titles last season. “The girls really combined well as a team, they stuck to the game plan and played disciplined water polo which frustrated our opponents” summed up Drummoyne coach Allira Gofers.
With the majority of the girls backing up next season the Drummoyne club has some exciting junior talent who are an important component in the future success of the club as it continues to develop its senior program.
Drummoyne’s Under 16 team that won the NSW Club Championship was: 1. Serena Reid, 2. Ellen Pittorino, 3. Simone Piper , 4. Kate McGraw, 5. Dani White, 6. Elise Mirabito, 7. Demi Pandol, 9. Devon Boyle, 10. Morgan Baxter, 11. Rebecca Meyer, 12. Genevieve Fogarty, 13. Kate Murphy.
Visit www.drummoynewaterpolo.com.au for more information about Drummoyne Water Polo Club and their Junior Development Program.
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Two great Tiger fullbacks met at Aussie stadium for the inaugural Foundation Cup and Junior Cup, Keith “Golden Boots” Barnes left who presented the Foundation Cup and today’s Brett Hodgson, pictured with Keith’s granddaughters Alexandra and Gabrielle Anthony. Keith and Brett will be special guests at the 2007 Balmain Tigers Hall of Fame Dinner Tuesday week March 20. TWT on-the-spot PHOTO.
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