SPORTSNEWS

with Chris Karas

Balmain Juniors Life Members

BALMAIN Junior League - the oldest established Junior League association in Australia - celebrates its 100th anniversary on April 6 this year.

Pictured at the recent Balmain Football Club Centenary birthday party at Balmain Leagues Club where they collected Centenary medals are BJL life members Paul Wheelhouse, John Doyle, John Stanton, John Carrington, Bill Brown, Bob Henderson, Billy Wise, Bob Barnett and kneeling TWT Sports Editor Chris Karas, Austin Hoyle and Steve Leslie with former Birchgrove and Codocks stalwart Geoff Large - the father-in-law of Tigers’ Grand Final warrior Kevin Hardwick - and Bill Tulloch, a centre in the 1939 Balmain Presidents Cup-winning team.

Balmain and South Sydney Junior Leagues (formed April 7) are both celebrating Centenary seasons in 2008. TWT’s Chris Karas is writing a book “The History of Balmain Junior League 1908-2008 - from Fraser to Farah” with the assistance of Geoff Large, Austin Hoyle and John Stanton to be released in July. TWT on-the-spot PHOTO.

100 Years of Rugby League

Two TWT readers have won a two-volume boxed set of the sporting book “100 Years of Rugby League” compiled by renowned rugby league historians Ian Collis of Epping and Alan Whiticker.

Winners are Pam West of Hunters Hill and Matthew Wilson of Gladesville.

With the centenary season of rugby league about to kick off, “100 Years of Rugby League” is the perfect companion to this special occasion.

The book looks at every year of the competition with detailed statistics and some never-before seen photos.

It is regarded as the most comprehensive analysis of the game ever published.

Respected rugby league historians Ian Collis and Alan Whiticker have crafted this reference book which is fully up-to-date.

Each year tracks the season’s most dramatic and memorable games and events, the final competition ladder and the finals series, international matches as well as a variety of brilliant images, memorabilia and statistics. The two-volume boxed set is available at all leading bookstores at RRP of $100.

Mighty Moss spurs Tigers

INSPIRATIONAL skipper Jon Moss (pictured) starred with bat and ball as Sydney first grade cricket team claimed day one honors in their clash with Sydney University last Saturday at University Oval.

The valuable Moss upstaged his high profile rival Stuart MacGill to guide the Tigers to a strong position at stumps and keep his side in contention for the 2007-08 finals series.

JON MOSS - outstanding performance for Tigers.

Moss compiled a power-laden knock of 47 not out as Sydney finished the day on 2-91 after earlier skittling the second-placed Students for 151 in the 72nd over.

The former Victorian all rounder cracked a six and seven boundaries from 45 balls and proved just as effective with the ball - returning the economical figures of 2-33 off 18 overs as the Tigers produced one of their finest bowling and fielding displays of the summer.

An ecstatic Moss later praised the efforts of his productive co-bowlers who restricted the strong University batting line up to a modest total.

Rookie spinner Luke Donovan (3-31 off 15 overs), Nathan Ball (2-32 off 14), Craig O’Shannessy (1-22 off nine) and Russel Arnold (1-0) backed their skipper up with tidy spells as the Tigers dominated from the outset.

Only a last wicket stand of 30 between former Test all rounder Greg Matthews (17 not out) and Nick Dunford (13) gave the Students’ total some respectability.

Moss will resume with team-mate Tim Sparke (14 not out) this Saturday with the Tigers requiring another 61 runs to claim first innings points.

Test leg-spinner MacGill - on the comeback trail from carpal tunnel surgery - went wicketless for the Students, conceding 28 runs in five overs.

Sydney pounced in the morning session to have University reeling at 4-64 after removing Josh Ryan (5), NSW rep Ed Cowan (19), Shane Stanton (8) and Ian Moran (25).

A fifth wicket stand of 49 between Mark Faraday (31) and Will Hay (24) gave the Students a glimmer of hope before Moss claimed the wicket of Hay and Donovan bowled Faraday.

Sydney lost openers Jarrod Gordon (16) and Nidhu Gotadke (7) in the run chase before skipper Moss and the gifted Sparke steadied the ship in the final session.

St George lead the Sydney first grade cricket competition on 65 points from Sydney University (59), Eastern Suburbs (57), Northern District (51), Bankstown (47), Sydney and Gordon (44) and Penrith (43).

Hodgson a smash hit at Wests Tigers Clinic

WESTS Tigers have honoured a promise to children who were denied free entry to the game against South Sydney at Leichhardt Oval last August.

With the game between the Tigers and Souths a sell-out, children were unable to use their school or Junior League passes to gain entry into Leichhardt Oval.

It was the first time Wests Tigers had been unable to grant entry.

To make amends and to help ease the disappointment, Wests Tigers ran a competition for 10 children who couldn’t use their passes to win a coaching clinic with Brett Hodgson in the off-season.

James Hill , Luke Docherty, Nick Tutill, Max Veltro, Brad Doherty, Brad Meehan, David Wassef, Jack Clancy, Ryan Sakowicz and Caleb Porter were the lucky winners.

The clinic was held recently at Concord Oval.

Accompanied by family members, the children were shown around the Wests Tigers training facilities where they managed to meet Robbie Farah, Dene Halatau, Chris Lawrence and Shannon McDonnell.

They were then escorted onto the training field where Hodgson and Balmain’s ARL Primary Schools officer Clinton Hill took them through a sharp, skills session.

Following the session, Hodgson then presented each child with a Wests Tigers showbag and happily posed for photos and signed autographs. Lunch was then served to the families.

Tigers set to pounce

WESTS Tigers open their 2008 campaign this Saturday night when they tackle the Sydney Roosters in the second annual Foundation Cup challenge at Sydney Football Stadium.

Supporters can still purchase tickets for the Cup clash, which will be the first hit-out this season for Wests Tigers as the club celebrates 200 years of history - 100 years of Western Suburbs Magpies and 100 years of the Balmain Tigers.

Last year’s inaugural Foundation Cup match attracted more than 16,000 supporters with the Sydney Roosters winning the shield.
It also will be the first big game in the centenary year of rugby league.

Prior to the Foundation Cup, Wests Tigers supporters will also be able to see for the first time the Wests Tigers Toyota Cup team play the Roosters’ Toyota Cup side in the pre-game match.

Balmain/Ryde Eastwood Tigers State League Cup squad will also play Newtown in the first of three matches for the day.

Pre-purchase tickets cost $20 adults and $10 for children. Tickets at the gate on the day cost $22 adults and $12 for children. Limited reserved seating is available for $25 adults and $15 children.

Todd Payten

Steelers double

BALMAIN junior representative rugby league teams opened their 2008 NSWRL Junior Cup campaigns on a disappointing note with losses to Illawarra last Saturday at Leichhardt Oval.

David Brooks’ Harold Matthews U/16 cubs were beaten 32-14 by a disciplined Steelers team that controlled the ball to run in six tries.

The Tigers constantly turned the ball over and were forced to defend for long periods. Promising Balmain forwards Brodie Monroe, Quin Filipaina and Joel Luani, half back Gerard McCullum, fullback Maroun Estaphan and 14 year old centre Kyle Lovett produced strong games.

Illawarra overpowered a depleted Balmain S.G Ball team 34-6 in the U/18s clash.

Coach Darren McLean is counting the days to the return of several key players, who are currently sidelined with injury.

The Tigers were caned 26-8 in the penalties but got value from prop Matt Mizzi, lock Matt Hyland, utility Ryan Isberg and fullback Junior Rogica.

Walla Rugby is pure fun

RYDE Junior Rugby Club are gearing up for another successful season in 2008.

“Fun and safety” is the club’s motto with an emphasis on teaching youngsters the finer points of the game.

The Club competes in the Eastwood junior competitions and also field U/6 and U/7 teams that play a modified game called Walla Rugby which doesn’t involve tackling at all ( players tag each other ).

All these matches are played at Marsfield Park.

Club training sessions are held at Ryde Park No 3 Oval in Princes Street Ryde and there are free socks and shorts for new members.

Tackling starts from U/8s upward when the players are stronger and more confident within themselves.

The Club has a number of qualified coaches and conduct tackling clinics and training drills which are designed to make sure that the kids have the correct technique and the potential for injury is minimised. They make sure that all kids go onto the field fully prepared.

Ryde rugby training sessions are designed to teach kids the proper techniques and they conduct tackling clinics to enhance their confidence.

While they’re primarily a junior club, the parents aren’t neglected either with a number of social gatherings throughout the year.

If you missed the club’s Try Ryde Rugby days then contact Graham Ferguson 0415 160 974 or Warren Price 0419 219 755. For further details log on to website: www.ryde. rugbynet.com.au

Adam Gardiner Golf Day Lunch

MASSEY PARK Golf Club at Ian Parade Concord will host the second annual Adam Gardiner Foundation Golf Day on Friday April 4.

The event perpetuates the memory of Balmain rugby league identity Adam Gardiner, who died tragically of amyloidosis in 2006 at the age of 35.

If you are unable to participate in the golf game, join participants for the after game drinks, lunch and entertainment for $120.

Golf Day commences at 7am with registration and barbecue followed by shotgun start off all tees at 8.15am.

Massey Park Golf Course is an attractive and testing layout that provides a true challenge to golfers of all handicaps. Inquiries Trisha 0416 462 356 or email: trisha@agf.org.a

Legend Nev heads home

AFTER more than 50 years of yeoman service, Balmain cricketing legend Neville Carnegie has returned home to Brisbane.

Nev is pictured above with Tigers’ players Anthony Brooks, James Crosthwaite, Nathan Ball, Luke Donovan, Craig O’Shannessy, Jon Moss, Tim Sparke and Nidhu Gotadke proudly displaying the framed cap he earlier received from club great Greg Hayne - a memento for his sterling service.

A widely respected figure on the Sydney grade cricket scene, he leaves behind an army of friends and golden memories after five decades with the Balmain Cricket Club.

At the age of 81, Nev is ready to enter the next phase of his life “back home” in Queensland where he’ll spend more time with his family.

Nev first caught the “Tigers” sporting bug back in 1956 when through his job with the ABC he transferred from Brisbane to Sydney to take up a position as personal assistant to General Manager Sir Charles Moses and later with Talbot Duckmanton.

It was at the ABC in Sydney that Nev first met one of Balmain Cricket Club’s great stalwarts Fred Bennett who introduced the sports-loving Queenslander to the Tigers’ cricketing family.

Nev, a capable top order batsman, was not residentially qualified to play grade cricket with the Tigers but represented the club in the local Balmain-Drummoyne Cricket Association - coaching and managing the Balmain U/16 junior team in the morning competition before turning out for the seniors in the afternoon.

A former opponent of Nev’s during those days was the wily Bill Trodden from Balmain RSL Club - the father of current Balmain Tigers Football Club president and Cricket Club director David Trodden.

Nev went on to skipper the Balmain fifth grade team in the NSW Cricket Association competition - scoring a ton - before retiring as a player at the age of 42.

He then was involved in club administration - managing the Balmain teams on their Easter trips to the country for ten successive years and the Tigers’ sides that challenged their Melbourne ‘sister’ club Richmond during the early 1970s.

Nev was a Balmain committeeman for several years under the leadership of club legends Cliff Winning and Fred Bennett and a former Publicity Officer.

He rose to become club patron and was bestowed with Life Membership in 1997.

Nev has vivid memories of those early years in Sydney, living at Dobroyd Point (in Western Suburbs territory).

While in Brisbane he was a Wests Magpies rugby league supporter - sharing a great interest in the careers of ex-Queenslanders Kel O’Shea and Noel ‘Ned’ Kelly who were playing with the Magpies in Sydney. Upon joining the Balmain Cricket club, he “automically switched allegiances” and soon was chanting “Tigers, Tigers, Tigers” during summer and winter.

Today Nev is one of the staunchest Tigers supporters on the planet - and remains the most active club supporter since the era of Cliff Wining and Fred Bennett.

During his long association with the Club. Nev has watched some of the great cricketing Tigers in action.

Two of his former U/16 ‘juniors’ Ross Collins and Don Renneburg went on to bigger and better things: Don played first grade and Ross graduated from the Tigers’ Coaching Class to first class cricket with the NSW Sheffield Shield team.

Nev admired the skills of paceman Dave Renneburg, spinner John Gleeson and batsman Tony Steele - Balmain greats that represented Australia in the international arena.

“Tony Steele and Mark Waugh were two of the most elegant batsmen that the game has produced,” says Nev.

Nev watched Nathan Bracken, Gavin Robertson, Simon Cook and Michael Slater develop into Test players and the likes of Tim Grosser, Adrian Tucker, Greg Hayne, Greg McLay, Andrew Jones (NSW) and Mark Atkinson (Tasmania) graduate to Sheffield Shield ranks.

“Grosser and Alan Davidson were the only two players I’ve seen hit a ball on the full over the trees at Drummoyne Oval and into Cometrowe Street” he reflected.

Five wickets in five balls for seamer Seale

GLADESVILLE cricketer Tony Seale has created some type of record in the Gladesville Cricket Association by snaring an incredible hat-trick of hat tricks at Gannan Park last Saturday.

Playing for the Breakfast Point Palace Hotel in an A Grade fixture against Gladesville RSL Green, the talented seam bowler took five wickets in successive deliveries to finish with 6-17 and engineer an amazing win in the 40 overs per side clash.

Chasing the Palace Hotel’s 6-185, the Greens were poised at 5 -99 when Seale began what was to become a famous 34th over.

In an extraordinary display of sharp and intelligent bowling, Seale had the first Gladesville batsman stumped by the swift gloves of wicket-keeper Jes Wesley-Smith; second batsman was clean bowled, losing his off-stump to a searing yorker and the third batsman was given out LBW in a classy decision by RSL captain Matt Austin to give Seale his hat-trick.

But little did anyone know there was more drama to come.

The fourth batsman was also clean bowled, as the momentum and pressure become unbearable before the fifth and final batsman edged the ball to slip, where it was juggled and eventually caught by Ewan MacGregor.

Earlier, Palace batsmen Jeremy Turvey (49), Chris Campbell (44 not out) and Prashan Kumar (24) had set an imposing total, allowing last year’s Grand Finalists to qualify for the A Grade finals.

MEANWHILE 14 year old left arm seamer Jordan Miller grabbed 4-15 and his father Glen Millar (2-7) as Ryde-Hunters Hill No 1 team rolled Lane Cove Dream Team in B Grade.

A GRADE: (Round 8) Holy Cross Crusaders 3-80 (Sepp Disch 29, Mick Story 22no, Luke McColl 12no) d The Weapons 77 (Ben Slade 3-14, Steve Spackman 3-20, L McColl 2-16, Tim Story 1-17); Breakfast Point/Palace 6-185 (Jeremy Turvey 49, Chris Campbell 44no, Prashan Kumar 24) d Gladesville RSL Green 99 (T Seale 6-17); Sydney Windies 5-159 (Ratish Jassra 49, Adam Learmonth 40no, David Gemmola 18no, V Lopes 16, G Modi 13) d Gladesville RSL Gold 158 (D Lindsay 3-24, V Bhan 2-13, D Gemmola 2-36, M Ghani 1-15, A Learmonth 1-19).

B GRADE: (Round 12) Five Dock 9-123 (H Piggen 25, P Cordeaux 21, M Anshaw 15, S Nabhan 13, S Causley 12, K Button 11, Michael Whitney 3-26, Kym Cheeseman 2-9, Luke Smith 2-25) d Ryde-Hunters Hill (2) 121 (Dave McGuinness 39, K Cheeseman 17, Roy Maggio 11, S Causley 3-29, M Anshaw 2-17, A Foster 2-19, T Hawata 1-4, S Nabhan 1-14); Concord RSL 6-184 (Daniel Brown 2-9, Josh Pywell 2-21, G Pywell 1-8, Sam Kennan 1-16, C Payne 1-22, R Dalton 1-32) d Balmain 126 (Mick Dalton 56no, D Brown 29, S Kennan 22, J Pywell 17, Pat Cullen 15no); Gladesville Indoor 3-107 (Matt Dornan 28no, Adrian Intili 28no, Paul Wiggins 21) d Bayview Tavern 105 (R Burke 4-27, D Jovanovich 4-30, M Falzon 1-16, A Intili 1-20); Ryde-Hunters Hill (1) 5-50 (Steve Auburn 15, Frank Guidaci 12no) d Lane Cove Dream Team 45 (Jordan Miller 4-15, Glen Millar 2-7, James Beer 2-16).

Old Buffers Reunion

NORTH Ryde Soccer Club ‘Old Buffers’ have organised a Reunion Night on Saturday March 29 at Eastwood Rugby Club at 7.30pm. Calling all players involved with the Club from 1980 to 1994. Inquiries Alan Wagner 0298 881 138.

Benefit Night for John “Tiger” Tassone

A BENEFIT Night has been organised for young Wests Tigers statistician John Tassone on Saturday March 1 in Balmain Leagues Club auditorium at 7.30pm.

Ryde resident John - nicknamed “Tiger” - is a highly dependant quadriplegic who was seriously injured in a football accident at the age of 15 while playing for Holy Cross in a Balmain Junior League match in 1989.

He requires the imperative service of Homecare twice daily and a modified vehicle.

Guest speakers include Tigers legends Wayne Pearce and Paul ‘Nobby’ Clarke with league personalities Mick Campbell and Ron Ryan to MC and auctioneer on the night.

Tickets are $100 per head and include three course meal (beer, wine, soft drinks); comedian Kenny Graham, memorabilia auction, silent auction, lucky door prize, raffle draw and much more. $2 raffle drawn on the night.

You can purchase tickets from Manning Funerals 9555 7551; Mick Manning 0418 161 124; Laura Macri 0424 819 530 or Teresa Macri 0403 563 826.

“Class of 1914” - start of Holy Cross dynasty

HOLY CROSS College Ryde’s first rugby league side - the “Class of 1914” (pictured) that competed against Catholic Old Boys teams throughout the Sydney metropolitan area before the First World War.

Records indicate that Holy Cross and Lewisham Christian Brothers are the oldest rugby league playing schools in Australia with the Ryde team pictured above one of the first schoolboy outfits to play the “new professional code.”

Holy Cross have produced four Kangaroo representatives in Balmain legends Tom Tyrrell, Ben Elias and Paul Sironen and former Canterbury Test winger Chris Anderson.

The College has also proved a breeding ground for many a first grade player with the likes of centres Denis Bendall and Jacin Sinclair, half backs Greg Cox and Scott Gale, winger Mark Lawson, props Mike Marketo and Paul Clarke, lock Paul Beavan, back rowers John Owens and Craig Clarke and utility Bronson Harrison establishing themselves in the top grade.

Other Holy Cross schoolboys to taste first grade include Craig Carrington, Brett and Grant Wheelhouse, Peter Clarke, Paul Daley, Glenn & Stuart Stanton, David & James Shepherd, Josh Lewis, Adam Tippett, Ben Kusto, Jim Gillon, Brett Gale, John Moses, Jason Stewart, Dane Morgan, Gerard Crowe, Troy Perkins, Mike and Chris Culbert and Mark Williams.

Holy Cross will celebrate the Centenary of rugby league with an Old Boys Reunion Sports Dinner on Friday March 28 in the School Centenary Hall from 7pm.

A highlight of the evening will be the screening of a special Centenary video featuring classic moments from the school’s rugby league halcyon days and the announcement of a Holy Cross Team of the Century - a huge talking point in the lead up to the Dinner.

Players in contention for Team of the Century spots include:

FULLBACKS: Greg Cox, Patrick Walsh, Craig Carrington, Brett Wheelhouse, David Marando, Simon Greally, Allan Jarvis, Michael Culbert.

WINGERS: Chris Anderson, Mark Lawson, Peter Clarke, Grant Wheelhouse, Paul Wallace, Dean Fisher, Ian McAndrew.

CENTRE: Dennis Bendall, Paul Daley, Jacin Sinclair, Christian Kerisiano, Chris Brennan, Paul Perkins, Franco Kmet.

FIVE EIGHTH: Glenn Stanton, David Shepherd, Josh Lewis, Paul Beavan, Jamie Shepherd, Allan Jarvis.

HALF BACK: Scott Gale, Greg Cox, Steve Fletcher, Eddy Basile, Adam Tippett, Ben Kusto, Allan Jarvis, Jim Gillon, Jamie Shepherd.

LOCK: Paul Beavan, Gerard Crowe, Craig Clarke, Michael Bourke, John Moses, Brett Gale, Bronson Harrison, Luke Barrell, Todd Simmons, Eloni Vunakece, Matt Hyland.

SECOND ROW: Tom Tyrrell, Paul Sironen, Mark Riddell, John Owens, Stuart Stanton, Dane Morgan, Jason Stewart, Adam Wright, Bryan Dickson, Gerard Crowe, Craig Clarke.

PROPS: Paul Clarke, Mike Marketo, Paul Sironen, Troy Perkins, Chris Salem, Paul McInerney, Andrew Karas, Mark Williams, Chris Culbert.

HOOKER: Ben Elias, Mark Riddell, Max Beecher, Luke Fahy, Allan ‘AJ’ Jarvis.

COACH: John O’Brien, Kevin Smythe, Peter Bevan, Greg Skeed, Keith Rugg.

Junior Hawks reach State Cup decider

RYDE EASTWOOD junior representative touch football teams proved they are a force to be reckoned with after encouraging performances at the Junior State Cup Carnival in Wollongong last weekend.

The young Hawks can hold their heads high after mixing it with the best in the boys and girls divisions in only their second appearance at the prestigious event that attracts the top junior touch footballers in NSW.

Pictured below is the Hawks’ talented U/14 Boys team that finished runners up to Manly after superb displays in their age group.
Coached by Simon Farrell and Ray Moujalli, the Ryde Eastwood young guns chalked up wins over Northern Lakes, Batemans Bay, Wests (6-3), Muswell-brook and Hornsby (4-2) before toppling favourites Parramatta 2-1 in a semi final.

Led by dynamo Max Dimarco - who scored 28 tries - and skilful colts Luke Brooks, Brad Plug, Mason Farrell and Martin Wahbe the Hawks produced an enterprising brand of touch football to advance to the trophy decider where they lost 6-3 in a tough encounter.

The U/14 Hawks are the first Ryde-Eastwood team to reach a Junior State Cup Grand Final.

Simon Farrell’s Grand Final squad was: Luke Brooks, Ben Bury, Dane Clifford, Michael Constanton, Max Dimarco, Mason Farrell, Brandon Frison, Matt Furness, Shae Jarvis, Scott Mateffy, Brad Plug, Paul Ramondino, Martin Wahbe, Jayden Wheelhouse.

RYDE EASTWOOD U/12 Boys team also produced outstanding displays to reach the semi finals of the Zabielo Cup.

RYDE Eastwood U/12 Boys touch football team reached the semi finals of the Junior State Cup for a second successive year.

The Hawks’ whiz kids defeated Kiama, Forster, Balmain, Muswellbrook, Griffith and drew with Liverpool before bowing out after a 5-2 loss to eventual Cup champions Wagga in a semi final.

Promising juniors Matt Wilson, Mal Cheney, Brad Gibson, Regan Walsh, Jack Wheelhouse and Mason Cohen all starred for the well-drilled Hawks who showed courage and skill to reach the last four.

RETFA president Garry Noel praised all squads for their commitment and tenacity.

“The 10 & 12 yrs Girls and 10 yrs Boys teams narrowly missed quarter final spots while the 14 & 16yr Girls and 16yrs Boys acquitted themselves well against quality opposition” said Noel.

“A big thank you to all coaches and managers for the hard work and precious time you put in to achieve these great results” he added.

LUKE BROOKS - starred for Ryde-Eastwood U/14s at Junior State Cup.

Junior Cricket

U/8: North Ryde RSL Blue 62 (Robert Smith 13, Jackson Fennell 12, Michael Moloney 9) d Balmain Black Tigers 17 (Rochan Chitale 3-7, Anthony El-Koura 1-6); Ryde-Hunters Hill Buccaneers 3-59 (Alex Lessing 1-3, Ryan Kelleher 1-4) d Holy Cross 6-47 (Ryan Kelleher 7no)

U/9: North Ryde RSL 83 (Josh Condon 18, Shannon Condon 14, Dan McDermott 12,Will Bradley 10) d Balmain Sabre Tigers 69 (W Bradley 3-11, S Condon 2-9, Dom Perrone 2-11);

U/11: Balmain Bengal Tigers 2-57 (Anthony Overton 1-3, Christian Minale 1-19) d Holy Cross Crusaders Gold 56 (James Loneragan 18, C Minale 9no);

Holy Cross Crusaders Maroon 5-65 (Tom Avgenicos 17no, Connor Sheehan 17 no) d Five Dock RSL 8-61 (Daniel Jones 2-2, C Sheehan 2-4, Michael Precious 1-3, Chris Bonnett 1-5, Xavier Nelson 1-8, T Avgenicos 1-8);

U/12: Holy Cross Crusaders 6-52 (Luke Johnston 14) d Concord RSL 50 (Jack Riley 3-3, Mitchell Ward 2-5, Lucas Blinkhorn 1-4).

Charitable Pirates

RYDE-HUNTERS HILL Pirates Cricket Club will stage their 5th annual Charity cricket match between the Mayors X1 and a President’s Invitational X1 on Sunday March 30 at Eastwood Oval.

Action in the 50 overs per side clash starts at 10am when Pirates’ players and local identities including Ryde City Mayor Ivan Petch and Hunters Hill Mayor Sue Hoopmann pad up for a worthy cause – to raise funds for the Children’s Cancer Institute of Australia.

Cost is $50 per player and includes breakfast, lunch and drinks; a post match barbecue and souvenir playing shirt.

Batsmen retire at 40 runs and bowlers can send down a maximum six overs with a minimum three overs for each player.

Pirates’ head honcho and Gladesville Junior Cricket Association secretary Roy Maggio said the charity match was an important event on the local sporting calendar.

“We all can relate that some kids are not as fortunate as others, so when we take to the field next month we shall be playing for those less fortunate” he said.

Outsider spoils party

TWO Schooners and Middy 16ft Skiff steered by father and son combination of Peter and Geordie McSullea and crewman Elliot Grills took out honours in heat six of the Drummoyne Sailing Club Champiponship.

This was handicap event with the winner having a 28 minute start and winning by ten minutes was never headed during the race. Riv Robson the handicapper will be adjusting the time start next time as the closest rival was Bentons Real Estate which made up 18 minutes on the leader. Third was Gary Wills’ Srixon skiff who regained the point scoring lead narrowly from Frank Moloney skiff.

Bruce Moore’s Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu still has a chance of winning the last race this week in the championship, with plenty of contenders now vying for the title.

Drummoyne Sailing Club will now be staging a number of knockout heats with plenty of action as the skiffs are matched up against each other.

The TS16 saw the popular Dennis McDermott and Bevan winning the scratch event on “Murphy Law” and runner up being Uncle Bob and third Rapscallion.

Handicap went to Artic Term sailed by Peter Behr with Windsight runner up and third place to Tranquil.

Special mention must go out to the loyal volunteers each week who assist in the staging of the race; these volunteers are Denise Epis-Walsh, Gail Kellam, Sheena Anderson, Linda Thebridge, Cameron Wilkes, Ed Williams, Irene Williams, Dawn, Riv Robson and Ron Notter and all play an important role.

Gary Wills’ Skiff Srixon

Major Pairs Champs

Gladesville Mens Bowling Club winners Mario Zanella (left) and Tom La-Greca.

MP Smith salutes sporting talent

Epping MP Greg Smith recently recognised the contribution of young sports competitors by hosting an afternoon tea and presenting awards for local children in the Epping electorate who represented NSW.

“You never know which one of these bright young athletes will be Australia’s next Olympic gold medalist,” Mr Smith said.

“I’m very proud to have so many young people displaying such tremendous talent in the local area,” he said.

“In Epping we have young people representing the state in sports as diverse as acrobatics, aerobics, figure skating and athletics.
“It just shows the tremendous talents that people have in our area and serves as an inspiration to other young locals in the area to set their sights high at a goal and work to achieve it,” Mr Smith said.

Recipients of the awards included: Emily D’Arcy of Pennant Hills and Rebecca D’Arcy of Pennant Hills (Acrobatics National Championships); Katherine Wu of Epping (School Aerobics National Championships); Alyce Jansen; Alan Jansen of Beecroft; Zoe Rollo of Epping; Chantelle Kerry & Brendan Kerry of Epping (Australian Figure Skating Championships); Anthony Overton of Epping (Trans Tasman high jump, shot put, discus, 100m sprint challenge); Elizabeth Osborne of Westleigh (Australian Synchronised Skating Championships).

“I encourage any parent of a child who has represented our State to contact my office on 9877 0266 and we can arrange for a certificate to be awarded to them,” Mr Smith said.

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