SPORTSNEWS

with Chris Karas

Tiger greats honoured

SOME of the biggest names in Balmain rugby league folklore were honoured with life membership last Sunday at the 100th Football Club AGM at Balmain Leagues Club.

Former Balmain internationals Tim Brasher and Larry Corowa and ex-New Zealand Test halfback Gary Freeman were three of 19 Tigers’ identities to receive life membership pins for outstanding service in the Centenary year of rugby league.

Other recipients included Olympic swimming great and Board director Dawn Fraser; Tigers’ legends Keith Outten, Larry Corowa, Neil Pringle, Steve Lavers, Trevor Ryan, John Davidson, Kerry Hemsley, John Owens, Mark O’Neill and Darren Senter; long serving head trainer Les Hobbs; master junior representative coaches John Stanton and Jim Thomson; former Balmain Junior League president and Football Club CEO Austin Hoyle; Balmain Football Club Vice Chairman Dr Leslie Glen and Balmain Leagues Club president Kevin Rooney.

Three of the recipients - Corowa, Pringle and Brasher - were unable to attend the AGM and will be presented with their life membership pins at Centenary functions later in the year.

Balmain greats Benny Elias and Paul Sironen joined their fellow Football Club director Danny Stapleton in paying homage to the Tigers’ stalwarts.

Below is a profile on the newly inducted life members:

LARRY COROWA: Electrifying winger played 96 games for Balmain between 1978-83, scoring 64 tries. Represented NSW in five games; 1978 Kangaroo tourist; played two Tests for Australia against Great Britain in ‘79. Tigers Hall of Fame inductee and Centenary Ambassador.

JOHN DAVIDSON: Durable and teak-tough winger played 172 first grade games for Balmain between 1980-88. Local Balmain junior graded from Birchgrove Scorpions after earlier stints with Ermington-Rydalmere and St Patricks. Scored 60 tries and 22 goals (272 points) for Balmain and 48 points (11 tries; two goals) in 39 games for Cronulla (1989-90). Member of Tigers’ Panasonic Cup-winning teams in 1985 & ‘87.

KERRY HEMSLEY: Rugged prop played 135 games for Balmain between 1980-88 including Grand Final against Canterbury. Recommended to Balmain by his Yanco captain-coach - Tigers’ 1969-premiership winning pivot Keith Outten. Hemsley represented Riverina against Great Britain in 1979. First Balmain player to return to England to play in a Wembley Cup Final for Wigan.

JIM THOMSON: Newcastle forward who joined Balmain in 1948, playing over 100 grade games. An outstanding coach, he guided the 1980 Balmain Jersey Flegg team to a premiership victory after his Tiger cubs - led by future Kangaroos Wayne Pearce and John Muggleton - had reached the semi finals in 1977 and a Cup Final in ‘78. Coached Balmain to a NSWRL Summer Coaching Schools title in ‘78 and also shaped the careers of Ben Elias, Steve Roach, Kevin Hardwick, Steve Massey and Mark Clinton. Coached the Balmain U/23 and third grade teams in the early ‘80s.

TIM BRASHER: Classy Balmain fullback-cum-centre who played 185 games for the Tigers between 1989 and 1997, scoring 538 points with 82 tries and 105 goals. Played 16 Tests for Australia and 21 Origin games for NSW. Member of World Cup-winning teams in 1992 and ‘95. Local junior from Burwood United, Brasher was an 18 year old schoolboy centre in Balmain’s 1989 Grand Final loss to Canberra in extra time. Tigers’ Hall of Fame inductee and Centenary Ambassador.

MARK O’NEILL: Great clubman who helped Wests Tigers win an historic NRL premiership in 2005. Played 102 games for Balmain between 1994-99 and 121 games for Wests Tigers from 2000-05. Captained every Balmain rep side from Harold Matthews Cup through to first grade. Represented City, NSW and Australian U/19s in 1994. Back home after stints with Leeds Rhinos and Hull Kingston Rovers in English Super League.

JOHN OWENS: Another outstanding clubman who once held the record for most number of club games with Balmain (231). Forward warrior played 55 first grade games with Tigers from 1981-88. Product of Five Dock RSL and Holy Cross juniors, represented City and NSW U/18s in 1979. Member of Balmain’s 1982 and ‘84 reserve grade premiership-winning teams. Son of legendary Western Suburbs forward Bill Owens and current Leichhardt Oval groundsman.

DARREN SENTER: Tough hooker forward who played 100 first grade matches for Balmain (1995-99) and inaugural captain of Wests Tigers. Played 96 games for the joint venture club from 2000-04.

GARY FREEMAN: Skilful and tenacious half back who played 51 matches for Balmain from 1988-91 including the ‘88 & ‘89 Grand Finals against Canterbury and Canberra. A fierce competitor, Freeman captained and later coached the New Zealand Test team.

LES HOBBS: Widely respected Head trainer for Balmain since the early 1970s. Served the Tigers for25 years and prepared the City, NSW and Australian teams under the coaching of Frank Stanton.

TREVOR RYAN: Punishing forward who played 159 top grade games for Balmain from 1972-82. Represented NSW twice in 1978. Member of Balmain’s 1976 Wills Cup and Amco Cup-winning teams. Nephew of former Australian Test lock George Smith. Captained Balmain in the late 1970s before short stints with Newtown and Wests. Hall of Fame inductee, Centenary Ambassador and former Club Director.

JOHN STANTON: Former Balmain lock who starred in the Tigers’ 1959 Presidents Cup and 1960 third grade premiership teams before venturing into the coaching ranks with much success. Arguably one of the best coaches to come out of the Balmain district, Stanton - then aged 22 - took the Tigers’ 1963 Flegg Cup team that included Bobby Grant to a Grand Final. Coached Balmain to a Jersey Flegg premiership in 1982 and has developed many local juniors into top graders. A life member of Leichhardt Wanderers and Balmain Junior League, John has coached many premiership sides and is widely respected.

DAWN FRASER: Swimming legend and three-time Olympian. Represented Australia at Olympic Games in Melbourne (1956); Rome (1960) and Tokyo (1964). Balmain Football Club Board member since 1997 and Wests Tigers Board member since 1999. Club patron for many years.

DR LESLIE GLEN: Chairman of Balmain Tigers Centenary Committee; Vice Chairman of Balmain Tigers since 2000; Board member since 1989 and Wests Tigers director since 2001.

AUSTIN HOYLE: Former Balmain Junior League president. Served as a Tigers committeeman and selector and was CEO of Football Club in early 1970s. Coached third grade for three years.

STEVE LAVERS: Tough forward played 93 games for Balmain from 1975-82. NSW rep 1976. Board member since 1994 and Wests Tigers director since 2007.

KEITH OUTTEN: Clever half who played 83 top grade matches for Balmain from 1968-71 & ‘75 including the famous 1969 Grand Final win over Souths. Former committeeman. Outten captained Balmain in front of the Queen at the SCG in 1970.

NEIL PRINGLE: Personality forward played 122 games for Balmain from 1975-82. Toured New Zealand with City rep team 1975. Helped Balmain win Wills & Amco Cups in ‘76. Centenary Ambassador.

KEVIN ROONEY: Played for Arlines club in Balmain Junior League and graded in 1950s. President Balmain Leagues Club since 2000. Board member since 1987.

PROUD TIGERS standing l to r John Davidson, Trevor Ryan, John Owens, Dr Leslie Glen, Darren Senter, Mark O’Neill, Keith Outten, Gary Freeman, John Stanton; seated Steve Lavers, Les Hobbs, Dawn Fraser, Jim Thomson, Austin Hoyle, John O’Brien (2007 recipient) and Kevin Rooney after receiving Life Membership at Balmain Football Club’s 100th AGM last Sunday. Absent: Kerry Hemsley, Larry Corowa, Tim Brasher and Neil Pringle. TWT on-the-spot PHOTO.

Payten a force again for Tigers

WESTS Tigers rugby league team returns to the scene of one of the club’s greatest triumphs this Sunday when they open their 2008 NRL premiership campaign against St George-Illawarra at Sydney Football Stadium.

The Tigers have fond memories of their last clash with the Dragons at the same venue - a Grand Final qualifier which resulted in a stirring 20-12 win en route to an historic Telstra Cup premiership triumph in 2005.

Tim Sheens’ exciting young charges hope to replicate that performance for this weekend’s competition pipe-opener against the Saints which doubles as a Heritage clash in this Centenary season of rugby league.

Fullback Brett Hodgson, five eighth Benji Marshall, lock forward Liam Fulton, back rowers Chris Heighington and Bronson Harrison, prop Todd Payten, utility Dene Halatau and classy hooker Robbie Farah are the sole survivors of that premiership-winning Tigers team that toppled the Dragons on a magical September night three seasons back.

The ball playing Payten will again lead a youthful forward pack with skilful number nine Farah and shapes as a vital cog in the Tigers’ engine room.

Payten - one of the Tigers’ best performers in 2007 - has recovered from a heavy knock sustained in the Foundation Cup pre-season challenge against the Roosters last month to take his place in the front row.

The under-rated prop turned in powerful performances last season to come under the scrutiny of representative selectors and his ability to put team mates into gaps with a deft pass is a big plus for the joint venture club.

All eyes will be on comeback stars Marshall and Hodgson, who missed several matches last season through injury.

The pair showed glimpses of their best in the Tigers’ pre-season trials against the Roosters and Gold Coast and will again spearhead the attack in 2008.

Exciting youngsters Chris Lawrence, Dean Collis, Ben T’eo and winger Taniela Tuiaki made an impact last season and show great potential.

Tuiaki was rewarded for his dynamic displays with selection in the New Zealand Test side for international matches against the Kangaroos and Great Britain while boom centre Lawrence is one of the brightest prospects in the NRL.

A fully fit Farah is gearing up for another big season after finishing runner up to Test half back Jonathon Thurston in last year’s Dally M Medal.

Farah is tipped to break into the NSW Origin team in 2008 and challenge the crafty Cameron Smith and Danny Buderus for the Kangaroos number nine jumper in this World Cup year.

Young forwards Harrison and Keith Galloway get a chance to cement spots in the Tigers pack following injuries to former Origin prop Ryan O’Hara and enforcer Bryce Gibbs.

The Tigers have boosted their stocks with the signing of rugged St George-Illawarra forward Corey Payne, speedy Penrith winger Nick Youngquest and skilful half back Matthew Head who will challenge John Morris for the number 7 jumper when he recovers his fitness after knee surgery.

TODD PAYTEN - key player for Tigers.

Nicholas shines in S.G Ball win

TALENTED Balmain five eighth John Nicholas produced his best game at junior representative level to engineer a 20-16 victory over previously unbeaten Newcastle in a quality S.G Ball Cup match at Birmingham Gardens last Saturday.

Nicholas, a skilful player and product of the Concord-Burwood Wolves, was at his creative best as the Tigers showed plenty of spirit to record a crucial win and rekindle their semi final hopes.

It was a disciplined performance from a courageous Balmain side - comprising 19 local juniors - that staved off a late challenge to secure two precious competition points.

With Nicholas calling the shots and emerging prop Aaron Woods producing a powerhouse game, the Tigers mounted plenty of pressure on the more fancied Knights.

Other cubs to shine were winger Ryan Isberg, hard working lock Matt Hyland, forward Shaun Vengoa and fullback Junior Rogca.

BALMAIN 20 (T Simona, S Vengoa, S Refaai tries; J Nicholas 4 gls) d NEWCASTLE 16 (S Dunn 2, C Marlborough tries; P Mata’utia 2 gls).

* * *

NEWCASTLE registered a 32-16 victory over Balmain in the U/16 Harold Matthews Cup fixture.

The Tiger cubs trailed 16-4 at the break but hit back with strong performances from Kyle Lovett, Sam Williams, Joel Luani and Brodie Monroe.

Balmain Summer Squad posted a 16-0 victory over Newcastle.

Wanderers clinch Cup

LEICHHARDT Wanderers - the longest established club in Balmain Junior League - added another trophy to their cabinet when they won the recent Junior Foundation Cup at Sydney Football Stadium.

Pictured with Balmain legend Wayne Pearce are the mighty Wanderers’ U/8s who defeated South Sydney club Coogee-Randwick Wombats in a hard-fought Cup final.

Outstanding prospect Ben Stevanovic clinched the title for Leichhardt after winning a 50 metre sprint-off to decide the champions after a 1-1 scoreline at full time.

Skipper Ben had earlier scored a brilliant try to give the Leichhardt cubs a 1-0 lead.

Wanderers survived two golden point play offs to reach the final after registering 0-0 draws with Campbelltown City Kangaroos in the opening round and Clovelly Crocodiles in a semi final.

Dynamic cub Mark Nawaqamitawase scored the winning try in extra time against the Kangaroos while the speedy Stevanovic proved the match-winner against the Crocodiles.

The Wombats advanced to the decider with victories over Bondi United and Ingleburn Tigers.

Teams from Balmain, South Sydney, Eastern Suburbs, Western Suburbs and North Sydney competed in the 2008 series.

The Wanderers are coached by former Balmain and Western Suburbs’ utility back Nick Stevanovic and trained by ex-Tigers’ Grand Final prop Steve Edmed.

They took out last year’s Benny Elias U/7 Shield and boast an exciting batch of Mini League talent that should help the famous Wanderers club return to its glory days.

Leichhardt Wanderers’ Cup-winning squad was: Ben Stevanovic (captain), Mark Nawaqamitawase, Griff Taylor, Tane Edmed, Ryan Musillo, Lewis Parfitt, Flynn Ladbrooke-Bower, Aayam Shrestha; Coach: Nick Stevanovic; Trainer: Steve Edmed; Manager: Julie-Ann Stevanovic.

Photo courtesy Melba Studios.

Footy Tipsters Comp Launch

TWT Footy Tipsters competition for 2008 begins this weekend with a shrewd panel of judges determined to stop TWT Sports Editor Chris Karas from claiming a third Tipsters title.

New Bennelong MP Maxine McKew joins the panel for the first time and will go head to head with Lane Cove MP Anthony Roberts, Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club directors, Concord RSL Community Club directors, North Ryde RSL Community Club directors, Ryde MP John Watkins, The One Eyed Tiger, Putney-Tennyson Bowling Club directors, Gladesville Sporties Club directors, Ryde Ex Service Club directors, TWT Sports Editor Chris Karas and Guest Tipsters.

Former winners of the Tipsters competition include Chris Karas (2000 & 2007); Top Ryde Shopping Centre (2003 & 04); Peter Graham (1999); John Howard (2001); Ryde City Mayor Ivan Petch (2002); Putney-Tennyson Bowling Club (2005) and North Ryde RSL Community Club (2006).

Norma King - wife of Ryde Eastwood Hawks stalwart Jack King - will act as unofficial scrutineer in 2008.

“I’ll keep close tabs on the TWT Sports Editor and The One-Eyed Tiger - their standings have looked a little dodgy in recent times” she warned.

* * *

JOHN TASSONE - the former Holy Cross schoolboy forward who was tragically left a quadriplegic after a junior match in 1989 - thanked his army of supporters at a recent Benefit Night in his honour at Balmain Leagues. 33 year old Tassone - the Wests Tigers statistician - is pictured with girlfriend Teresa Macri, Tigers’ greats Wayne Pearce and Steve Roach, premiership-winning Wests Tigers forward Mark O’Neill, ex-Tigers and Penrith prop Paul Clarke and long-serving Balmain Junior League patron Mick Manning who helped organise the fundraising event. Money raised on the night will help purchase a modified Tarago vehicle for John, who requires the imperative service of Homecare twice daily. TWT on-the-spot PHOTO.

Must win game for Moss’ Tigers

SYDNEY first grade cricket team suffered a setback in their quest to clinch a finals berth with a disappointing loss to Mosman last weekend at Allan Border Oval.

The Tigers are licking their wounds after crashing to a heavy first innings defeat against the Whalers but remain one of nine clubs in contention for a top six spot.

Sydney (54 points) can qualify for the 2007-08 first grade finals series with a victory over semi final rivals Bankstown (53) this Saturday in a limited overs fixture at Drummoyne Oval.

But they’ll need to improve in all facets after a lacklustre performance against Mosman which resulted in an embarrassing 189 run loss.

Resuming at 7-306, the Mosman side posted a total of 323 before paceman Cameron Eve produced a stunning 18 over spell to help rout the Tigers for a paltry 134.

Eve bagged the excellent figures of 6-30 as Sydney struggled from the outset in their run chase - losing their first seven wickets with only 83 runs on the board.

All rounder Jon Davison - the Canadian World Cup trump who teamed up with Test superstar Adam Gilchrist to win first grade premierships with Gordon 20 years ago - grabbed 3-13 off ten overs.

Earlier in the day, Tigers’ skipper Jon Moss returned the splendid figures of 6-59 off 24 overs before top-scoring for Sydney with a gritty 36.

Rookie batsman Evan Dix (28 not out), ACT wicket-keeper James Crosthwaite (27) and quick bowler Craig O’Shannessy (13) were the other Sydney players to reach double figures.

Leading into the final round, St George lead the first grade competition on 77 points from Eastern Suburbs (69), Sydney University (65), Northern District (57), Sydney (54), Randwick-Petersham (54), Gordon (54), Bankstown (53) and Hawkesbury (49).

MEANWHILE emerging Tiger cub David Johnston hit a stylish 77 not out and quick bowler Angus Moncrieff claimed 5-52 in Sydney’s comprehensive win over Mosman in second grade.

SECONDS: Sydney 7 dec 261 (David Johnston 77no, Ian Burge 68, Andrew Watkins 47, J Moore 25, Warwick Adlam 4-88) d Mosman 122 (Naiian Yazdani 38, Martin Haywood 23, W Adlam 23, Angus Moncrieff 5-52, Richard Colbran 3-44, Neil Maxwell 2-10).

THIRDS: Sydney 298 (Martin Brooks 81, Marcus Tripp 47, M Grice 46, D Smith 44, Josh Murphy 28, Nick Mundy 5-48, Izzy Gray 2-72) d Mosman 94 (H Sykes 28, N Mundy 25, Sean Pope 20, J Murphy 4-30, V Doddala 2-6, James Pryde 2-8, Andrew Plumber 2-39) & 3-40.

FOURTHS: Sydney 137 (P Wilmont 32, Nathan Fiore 28, M Baird 3-23, A Bircic 2-14, S Van der Merwe 2-14) & 6 dec 118 (J New 36no, D Jacobs 30, R Peiris 27, A Bircic 3-20) d Mosman 109 (M Braid 20, N Fiore 4-26, M Baker 4-33, S Efhala 2-9) & 6-46 (Tom Truelove 2-9, M Baker 2-13). FIFTHS: Sydney drew with Mosman.

ANTHONY BROOKS - Tigers’ talented opening bat who is looking for a big score against Bankstown this Saturday at Drummoyne Oval.

Junior Pirates showcase talent

RYDE-Hunters Hill Pirates Cricket Club held a barbecue last Friday for budding young cricketers in its Mini Cricket Program.

Pictured are participants with Club president Roy Maggio, Ryde City Clr Vic Tagg who donated $500 worth of meat for sausage sizzle and Program co-ordinators Greg Foley, Julian Brown, Luke Birmingham, Chris Greenwood and Bill Cox. Fred Khoury donated drinks and tireless trio of Liliana Maggio, Janine Hearne and Paul Bonaventura were kept busy on the barbecue. The Pirates continue to grow in leaps and bounds under the astute leadership of Roy and his hard-working committee. TWT on-the-spot PHOTO.

Ryde City Games

DENISTONE East Bowling Club - who are celebrating their Jubilee Year in 2008- will host the upcoming Ryde City Games for bowls on Wednesday April 2.

Bowls has been an intricate part of the Ryde Sports Foundation and the Ryde Games since its inception in 1980.

All bowling clubs in the City of Ryde participate each year for the honour of winning the Ryde Games medallion with Denistone East Bowling Club winning their lone title in 2004.

Back in 1980 the Ryde Sports Foundation was formed to support athletes going to the Moscow Olympic Games.

It has since supported athletes going to every Olympic, Commonwealth and Paralympic Games. In 1984 the Ryde

Games were formed so various sports could have warm up competitions for the 1988 Bicentennial Games, by which time 24 sports participated.

The Ryde Games have continued each year since.

The TWT Club Six/Ryde Sports Foundation Sports Star of the Year and Rising Star for 2007-08 will be named at a Gala Dinner on Thursday May 1 at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club from 7pm.

Denistone East Bowling & Community Club will celebrate its 50th Anniversary on Saturday July 26.

Denlow demoralises YMCA with 7-24

NORTH Ryde RSL first, second and fourth grade cricket teams have qualified for the 2007-08 Northern District Cricket Association semi finals series.

Fourth grade seamer Dan Denlow starred with the ball in North Ryde’s crushing win over Epping YMCA - bagging the impressive match figures of 7-24.

Other North Ryde players to shine were second grade bat Ross Gordon (54) and Matt Waygood who took 5-50 in third grade’s loss to Rydalmere.

FIRSTS: Rydalmere 6 dec 244 (Paul Brown 2-29, Andrew Thomas 2-48) d North Ryde RSL 74 (Sohail Ghafourian 34);

SECONDS: Rydalmere 233 (Rod Flynn 3-50) drew with North Ryde RSL 5-145 (Ross Gordon 54);

THIRDS: Rydalmere 127 (Matt Waygood 5-50) & 2-18 d North Ryde RSL 77 (Dave Murray 39) & 72 (Jim Shannon 32).

FOURTHS: North Ryde RSL 149 (Andy Flawith 20, Cameron Gordon 20) d Epping YMCA 74 (Tim Crockart 2-1, Dan Denlow 2-14, C Gordon 2-24) & 73 (D Denlow 5-10, Ali Al-Talebi 3-21);

FIFTHS: West Ryde Rovers 158 (Maria Harrison 3-57, Prashant Murthy 2-5, Naveen Patney 2-27) d North Ryde RSL 83 (Pranav Chopra 22, Ray Lo 15).

Junior Cricket

U/8: Holy Cross Crusaders 3-83 (Ryan Kelleher 13no, Isaac Lumsdaine 12no, Alex Lessing 9) d Balmain Black Tigers 3-53 (James Bradshaw 1-8); Ryde-Hunters Hill Royals 74 (Will Lawson 16, Eden Bradford 13, Matt Luke 12) d RHH Jolly Rogers 57 (W Lawson 2-0, Blake Russell 2-3, M Luke 1-5); Concord RSL Black 59 (Jeff Khoo 4-6, Daniel Monardo 2-0, Prakhar Sharma 2-6, Kineth Singh 2-9) d RHH Mariners 48 (Tim Khoo 14, P Sharma 11, Vincent Kerin 5, Tom Voss 3, K Singh 3); RHH Royals 8-74 (Daniel Fazzolari 2-6, Zac Knight 1-3, Ned Denton 1-5) d RHH Jolly Rogers 7-57 (D Fazzolari 13, N Denton 9, Max Harrison 9); RHH Jack Sparrows 50 (Ben Thompson 11, Cameron Dalton 8, Jack Newhouse 3, Tayne Andrew 3, Tom McEnearney 3) d Concord RSL Grey 45 (T McEnearney 2-9, Zac Noble 1-4, J Newhouse 1-4, B Thompson 1-5, Ben Wood 1-5); RHH Blackbeards 4-119 (Justin Ly 1-8, Ben Yeldam 1-19, Ashwin Aggarwal 1-19) d RHH Blackpearls 17 (Tahi Fiu 6, J Ly 3, Ben Kirkby 4);

U/9: North Ryde RSL Gold 164 (Will Bradley 33, Luke Jeffery 27, Lachlan Camroux 27, Josh Condon 27) d North Ryde RSL Blue 71 (Lachlan Camroux 2-5, Dan McDermott 2-6, Dom Perrone 2-9); Ryde-Hunters Hill Jack Sparrows 109 (Corey Fernandes 2-20, Alex Halliday 1-15, Ben Reader 1-27) d Holy Cross 24 (C Fernandes 10); Balmain Sabre Tigers 112 (Darshan Kander 3-7, Tom Gannon 2-20, Xavier Rickard 1-12) d RHH Black Pearls 100 (X Rickard 15, Eddie Poolman 13, James Raciti 12); RHH Buccaneers 6-78 (Harry Foristal 12, Angus McElroy 12, Michael Warren 9) d Balmain Golden Tigers 6-45 (Max McKay 1-3, Zac Sheffield 1-5, A McElroy 1-5);

U/10: Concord RSL 4-84 (M Konder 30no, Josh Kerr 1-6, Daniel Greco 1-18) d RHH Buccaneers 7-83 (Will Foristal 22no, Jason Pidcock 19, J Kerr 8, Geoff Merchant 5); Balmain Gold 6-101 (Roshan Kander 2-5, James Viana 1-9, Jacob Smith 1-16) d RHH Blackbeards 21 (Alex Cerotti 6, Frazer Campbell 2).

U/11: RHH Mariners 2 dec 246 (Eddie Yabsley 52 ret, Michael Roberts 50 ret, Ben John 50no, Michael Spackman 36no, Chris Butterfield 12) d Balmain Golden Tigers 44 (M Spackman 4-9) & 58 (C Butterfield 4-17, B John 3-4);

Balmain Bengal Tigers 200 (Michael Precious 1-6, Connor Sheehan 1-9, Nick Green 1-13, Chris Bonnett 1-19, Tom Avgenicos 1-24, Daniel Jones 1-25, Xavier Nelson 1-32) d Holy Cross Maroon 5-99 (M Precious 18no, Regan Walsh 10no, C Sheehan 10no); Gladesville RSL Gold 100 (Liam Calleja 3-4, Anthony Overton 2-5, Max Thomas 2-8) d Holy Cross Gold 6-97 (L Calleja 13); North Ryde RSL Gold 214 (Lachlan Whalley 2-14, Sagaraj 2-20, Zac Gee 1-5) d RHH Royals 140 (Brendan Millar 38, Liam Clark 18, S Nagaraj 14); Semi Final: Holy Cross Maroon 6-118 (C Sheehan 48, R Walsh 21, T Avgenicos 13no) d RHH Mariners 115 (Luke Egan 2-10, Jacob Murphy 2-11, M Precious 2-11, Ben Hesse 1-7, R Walsh 1-11);

U/12: Balmain White Tigers 6-182 (Arman Chahal 2-17, Jacob Ranieri 2-21, Doug Paish 1-17, Lachlan Welsh 1-19) d RHH Royals 135 (Anthony Meagher 31, Dean Ussher 23, Sam Hansen 20, Kirt Quar 11).

Bentons sailing title

A SHOWDOWN between Drummoyne’s two top 16ft skiffs resulted in a new club champion last Saturday.

From the start defending champion Bruce Moore sailing Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu and challenger Brett Pollitt, sailing Bentons Real Estate, provided an exciting match race.

Bruce Moore held a narrow lead until the final stages. When both sailors split tacks Pollitt picked up a favourable windshift to take the advantage.

Heading for the finish Pollitt and crew Craig Jelfs, Charles Fisher held off the late challenge from Moore to be crowned new Club Champion.

Heat six of the TS 16s Club Championship was won in impressive style by Eric Portland sailing Uncle Bob.

With one heat remaining, Portland and Graham Bevan sailing Murpy’s Law are the main contenders.

The photo shows close racing between Bentons Orange spinnaker and Deloitte yellow spinnaker.

Ryde Bowls Social

FIRST prize winners in Ryde City Bowling Club’s Australia Day Hire One Social Sunday event Charlie Costa (left) and Tony Marcellino (right) with Dan Abbott (centre) of Hire One who presented the $250 to the winners.

Major Pairs champs

West Epping Panthers Major Pairs champions for 2008 are Trevor Imer (skip) and Tony Bromley. They defeated Col Maskill and Michael Calvert 24-16 in the final.

Ryde Eastwood Touch Football

SEMI FINALS
FIRST DIVISION: West Ryde Trophies 11 Cactus Imaging 10; Blues 17 Putney Pirates 12; Attractive Blinds 17 Nothin Over 12 2.

SECOND DIVISION: Ken Morrow 11 Raven Electrical 6; Ross Patten 9 First National 4; Taxi Clothing 5 Fitzpatricks 4.

THIRD DIVISION: TCs 9 Palmer’s Glass 2; Page 96 11 Tahs 4; Cougars 7 Southern Cross 0; Das 11 Polo Smash 2.

MIXED: Untouchables 13 Pitto’s 8; Page 96 12 Touchdowns 3.

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.

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