with Chris Karas
Alan Jones at Gala Sports Star Dinner
RADIO king Alan Jones (pictured) is guest speaker at the TWT/Club Six Ryde Sports Foundation Sports Star of the Year Award Gala Dinner on Thursday May 1 at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.
The award-winning 2GB broadcaster and sports enthusiast will be joined by doyen of sports broadcasters Norman May in a salute to the Olympic movement.
Ryde Sports Foundation will host the Dinner from 7pm which includes a special Rhythmic Gym-nastics display from pupils of Meriden Rhythmic Gymnastics Club under the guidance of Sydney 2000 Olympian Danielle Leray.
Twelve of Ryde district’s elite sporting talent are vying for the coveted Sports Star of the Year and Club Six Encouragement Award trophies.
Finalists for 2007-08 include Nicole Hoynaski (tennis); Sebastian Hui (gymnastics); Ashil Patel (karate); David Calleija (golf); Nicole Harrison (netball); Matthew Hyland (rugby league); Vicki Watson (Masters swimming); Len Pearce (athletics); Lisa Jones, Bianca Illaqua, Eliza Hui (sports acrobatics); Aiden Roach (water polo); Michael Todd (athletics) and Jaelle Cohen (rhythmic gymnastics).
All finalists will share $10,000 in prizemoney and will receive individual trophies on the night. They’ll receive a further $700 to go on top of their $300 monthly awards courtesy of Club Six.
25th Sports Star of the Year winner also will be presented with the Ryde Sports Foundation Ross Horner Mayoral Perpetual Shield.
Tickets $40 include three course meal with wine, beer and soft drinks and can ONLY be purchased from Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club reception desk. Inquiries 9807-2444.
All sporting groups, parents and friends are asked to purchase a ticket and come along and support these fine local athletes.
Sporting groups can now nominate members for the 2008-09 TWT Club Sports Star of the Year Awards by contacting RSF secretary Neita Matthews on 9889-4906 or TWT Sports Editor Chris Karas 9807-6666.
Tigers greats in Ball Relay
BALMAIN TIGERS 1969 premiership winning heroes will take part in this Sunday’s nostalgic Olympics style Ball Relay from Birchgrove Oval to SCG starting at 12 noon after the historic Tigers v Magpies replay at 10am. The ball will arrive at the SCG in time for the Tigers v Souths heritage clash at 3pm.
Some of the Balmain Tigers ‘69 heroes who will participate on Sunday are pictured at a 25th anniversary re-union at the SCG: skipper Peter Provan, Len Killeen, Sid Williams, Dave Bolton, Alan Fitzgibbon, George Reubner, Gary Leo, Bob Smithies, Arthur Beetson, Paul Cross, Keith Outten, Peter Boulton, Terry Parker, John Crawford, Olaf Prattl, Greg Fryer, Peter Fardell, John Spencer, Joe Walsh, Barry McTaggart, club secretary Kevin Humphreys and coach Leo Nosworthy. Historic TWT on-the-spot PHOTO.
Tigers’ trip down memory lane
BALMAIN-Ryde Eastwood rugby league team is planning to turn back the clock 100 years in Sunday’s historic State Cup showdown with Western Suburbs at Birchgrove Oval.
Tigers’ coach Paul Fletcher believes his charges are ready to produce their best against sister club Wests on a nostalgic day for league diehards.
The Tigers and Magpies will relive history during the Special Community Event which marks the centenary of the first ever NSWRL premiership match staged at the “spiritual home of rugby league.”
It was back on Easter Monday April 20, 1908 that foundation clubs Balmain and Western Suburbs participated in the first-ever top grade rugby league match in Australia at Birchgrove with the Watersiders recording a 24-0 victory.
“The boys are fully aware of the historical significance of the match and have trained strongly all week” said Fletcher, who is in his first year as head coach of the Balmain-Ryde Eastwood squad after serving a long apprenticeship.
“It is going to be an emotional match for all players and we go in with a bit of confidence after our win last week over the Auckland Vulcans,”
“They are proud to be participating in this Centenary game and look forward to playing in front of a vocal crowd at the famous Birchgrove ground” he added.
The State Cup match will kick off at 10am.
Former Balmain and Western Suburbs players will attend the Special Community Event which is being billed as a Family Day - starting at 9am with kids activities, face painting, jumping castle and merchandise.
At the conclusion of the medal and trophy presentations, the match balls will be handed to the oldest living player from Balmain, Sid Ryan, and the oldest living Wests player Bill Keato for the start of the Wests Tigers Ball Relay from 12 noon to the SCG.
86 year old Ryan, a punishing forward who still resides in Tigers territory at Marsfield, played 104 matches for Balmain and was a member of the club’s premiership-winning teams of 1944 and 1947.
Keato, a goalkicking fullback and great clubman, is the Magpies greatest points-scorer with 772 points.
In “Olympic Relay” style fashion the match balls will be passed over 12 legs by more than 100 rugby league greats via countless historical sites reaching the SCG in time for the kick off between Wests Tigers and South Sydney at 3pm.
These same balls will be used in the NRL match, further linking the history of the game to the founding clubs of rugby league.
Balmain Tigers Ambassadors Keith Barnes, Larry Corowa, Benny Elias, Mark O’Neill, Sid Ryan, Darren Senter, Paul Sironen and Wayne Pearce will also be at Birchgrove along with Wests legends Keith Holman, Arthur Summons, Noel Kelly, Harry Wells, John Hayes, Bill Owens, Jack Thompson, Carl Ross, Tim Murphy and Barry Glasgow.
Tandy inspires big win
BALMAIN-Ryde Eastwood returned to the NSW State Cup winners list with a 30-16 triumph over Auckland last weekend at Leichhardt Oval.
The Tigers’ forwards laid the platform for a morale-boosting victory with prop Ryan Tandy, back rowers Luke Harlen and Tevita Metuisela and lock Jarred Farlow turning in stand out performances.
Other players to impress were half back Mick Moran and winger Nick Youngquest, who capped a strong game with a try and five goals.
Auckland jumped to an early 10-nil lead before the Tigers hit back with tries to winger Lee Bennett and forward Metuisela to lead 12-10 at the interval.
The Tigers repelled the Vulcans with robust defence and set up victory when Harlen, Moran and Youngquest crossed for second half tries to secure two valuable competition points.
A feature was the Youngquest try after the ex-St George and Penrith flyer burst downfield before flicking a ball to forward Rod Griffin who scooted 30 metres before drawing two Auckland defenders and positioning the ever-alert Youngquest to nab a spectacular try.
Coach Fletcher later praised his team’s defence but is still concerned by the elementary errors that have plagued his side in the early rounds.
Tigers’ utility David Gower in action against Auckland last Saturday. Photo by Ryan Cunningham.
Balmain Junior League 2008
UNDER 9 Div 1: Holy Cross Gold 36 Leichhardt Wanderers 10; Strathfield Raiders Black 38 Concord-Burwood Blue 6; Dundas Shamrocks 36 Leichhardt Juniors 10.
Div 2: North Ryde White 32 North Ryde Red 20; Holy Cross Maroon 24 Concord-Burwood Maroon 12; Balmain PCYC 38 Concord-Burwood White 4; Holy Cross White d Five Dock RSL; Strathfield Raiders White (bye).
UNDER 10: Holy Cross 24 Shamrocks 12; Strathfield Raiders 70 Carlingford Cougars Maroon 0; Concord-Burwood 26 Wanderers Red 10; North Ryde Red 38 Five Dock RSL 10; Cougars Blue 26 North Ryde White 12; Wanderers Black (bye).
UNDER 11: North Ryde 68 Cougars 0; Concord-Burwood Maroon 54 Shamrocks Yellow 4; Concord-Burwood Blue 24 Strathfield Raiders White 0; Shamrocks Green 40 Five Dock RSL 0; Strathfield Raiders Black v Leichhardt Juniors (deferred).
UNDER 12: Holy Cross Gold 40 Carlingford Cougars 0; North Ryde 10 Leichhardt Juniors 8; Shamrocks 36 Balmain PCYC 0; Concord-Burwood Blue 50 Holy Cross Maroon 0; Strathfield Raiders v Wanderers (deferred); Concord-Burwood Maroon (bye).
UNDER 13: (St George competition) Holy Cross Gold 58 Arncliffe Scots 6; Strathfield Raiders 68 Concord-Burwood Blue 0; Kingsgrove Colts 22 Renown United 10; Hurstville United 54 Brighton Seagulls 6; Penshurst RSL 32 Earlwood Saints 10; (Balmain competition) North Ryde 52 Shamrocks 4; Holy Cross Maroon 32 Concord-Burwood Maroon 6; Wanderers 22 Five Dock RSL 12.
UNDER 14: Kingsgrove Colts 72 Renown 4; Holy Cross 62 Arncliffe Scots 4; Hurstville 32 Dundas Shamrocks 18; Five Dock RSL 40 Penshurst RSL 22; North Ryde v Concord-Burwood (deferred).
UNDER 15: Dundas Shamrocks 70 Earlwood Saints 0; Five Dock RSL 48 Arncliffe Scots 0; Kingsgrove Colts 22 Brighton Seagulls 14; Hurstville 48 Penshurst RSL 4; Wanderers 6 North Ryde 6; Concord-Burwood (bye).
UNDER 16: Holy Cross 20 Arncliffe Scots 0; Five Dock RSL 26 Leichhardt Juniors 14; Kingsgrove Colts 22 Renown 0; North Ryde 18 Concord-Burwood 12; Hurstville v Brighton Seagulls (deferred).
UNDER 17: Kingsgrove Colts 32 North Ryde 20; Earlwood Saints 36 Renown 8; Arncliffe Scots d Concord-Burwood; Renown (bye).
UNDER 19: Kingsgrove Colts 32 Renown 6; Hurstville 19 Brighton Seagulls 12; Arncliffe Scots 28 Holy Cross 14; Dundas Shamrocks 24 Penshurst RSL 10; North Ryde v Earlwood Saints (deferred); Concord-Burwood (bye).
A RESERVE: (Manly competition) North Ryde 20 Pennant Hills 6.
Major bowls title for Vic
UNDERDOG Vic Tagg (left) was crowned Ryde X Phoenix Mens major singles champion for 2008 after rolling hot favourite and representative lawn bowler Matt Dedini 31-29 in last weekend’s championship final.
Tiger Trailwalkers
BALMAIN Tigers trailwalking team has completed the unenviable task of the Oxfam 100km Trailwalk through Melbourne’s Dandenong Ranges.
The team - comprising current Balmain and Wests Tigers chairman David Trodden, board member and ex-Balmain first grade forward Danny Stapleton, former Balmain and Eastern Suburbs forward Tim Russell and Special Minister for State Senator John Faulkner - completed the walk in 26 hours 40 minutes last week.
David described the walk as one of the most fulfilling tasks of his life: “It is definitely a great personal reward to finish, knowing that you’ve finished such a long and arduous task.”
The team was placed first in fund-raising in the sporting and recreational clubs category and seventh overall, collecting more than $11,000 to date for the charity.
Some of the notable donations include money from current Wests Tigers stars Robbie Farah and Benji Marshall, both of whom were surprised by the mental and physical toughness of their fearless leaders.
“Dave and Danny must’ve done a lot of work. I struggle running the bay (Hen & Chicken Bay) once or twice without cramping up. I can’t imagine doing it 15 times round” said Farah.
John and Tim also completed the Sydney trailwalk last year, but it still meant little as they battled the fluctuating conditions to finish in a very good time -beating their effort last year by 6 hours.
Despite all this, they remained in a jovial mood at all parts of the trip. “We all had a great time, some great stories told, and it has created some great stories for the future,” said Tim.
“We definitely kept high spirits; you have to in order to get through this.”
All believe it was a great experience, and with some persuasion, would probably so it again.
They didn’t complete the walk without significant help. Their travelling support crew was on hand whenever possible to lend assistance and included Danny’s wife Jenny and children Jack, Taylor and Billy and David’s wife Elaine and son Matt.
Danny believed that they were a great help. “They were spectacular, especially for the night points. They were always on hand for anything we needed, always with plenty of food and drink, a laugh or too as well.”
The team were also joined by Balmain and Wests Tigers Director Dr Leslie Glen, acting as team doctor for the walk. He was seen as one of the greatest helps, being described by John as a “great Australian” and seen by both the walkers and support crew as key to the completion of the walk. Support Crew member Jenny Stapleton believes they would not have completed the walk without him.
The Tigers team would like to thank all their great support including all who donated to their fund. They would also like to thank Oxfam Australia for their help. For anyone wishing to donate to the team, visit the trailwalker website at www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Melbourne/team/163 or to donate straight to Oxfam phone 1800 088 110 or visit the Oxfam website at www.oxfam.org.au
Rovers Soccer
9/2: West Ryde Rovers 2 Hills Hawks 2; Rovers 4 Normanhurst 3; 9/3: Roselea 5 Rovers 0; Beecroft 0 Rovers 0; 9/5: Ryde Panthers 8 Rovers 0; Pacific Hills-Dural 3 Rovers 0; 9/8: Rovers 2 Pennant Hills 0; Rovers 3 Beecroft 0;
10/2: Rovers 2 Epping YMCA 0; Thornleigh 2 Rovers 1; 10/5: Pacific Hills-Dural 4 Rovers 1; Redfield 7 Rovers 0; 10/6: Rovers 2 Ryde Panthers 1; Hills Hawks 8 Rovers 0; 11/1: Rovers 2 Saints United 0; Ravens 1 Rovers 0;
12/3: Rovers 2 Nth Epping Rangers 1; Rovers 3 North Ryde 2; 13/1: Rovers 5 YMCA 0; Rovers 1 Putney 0; 13/3: Rovers 3 Redfield 0; Hills Hawks 2 Rovers 0;
14/1: Hills Hawks 3 Rovers 1; Pacific Hills-Dural 2 Rovers 1; 14/4: Glenhaven 4 Rovers 0; St Andrews 4 Rovers 1; 15/3: Rovers 3 Normanhurst 1; Rovers 2 Macquarie Sports 1; 16/3: Hills Hawks 3 Rovers 0; Rovers 7 Thornleigh 0;
17/2: Pennant Hills 2 Rovers 1; Rovers Black 2 Pennant Hills 1; Rovers Red 2 Normanhurst 1; 18/19 Div 1: Glenhaven 2 Rovers 1; Rovers 9 MacquarieSports 2; 21/2: Holy Cross 2 Rovers 0; Rovers 4 Ryde 1; AA1: Ryde 2 Rovers 0; Rovers 4 Glenhaven 2; AA4: Rovers 1 St Andrews 0; Rovers 4 OIS 1; AA6: Beecroft 2 Rovers 1; Rovers 1 Thornleigh 0; AA11: Ravens 2 Rovers 0; Rovers 7 WPH 0;
AA12: West Pennant Hills 3 Rovers 1; Holy Cross 4 Rovers 0;
AA16: Rovers 1 Ryde 1; Rovers v Pacific Hills-Dural (abandoned);
AA21: Rovers 7 Glenhaven 1; Rovers 3 WPH 2; 35/1: Rovers 3 Epping-Eastwood 1; Rovers 6 All Saints 3; 35/3: Pennant Hills 2 Rovers 1; YMCA 6 Rovers 0; 35/4: Rovers 3 Beecroft 0; Rovers 0 YMCA 0; 35/7: Putney 3 Rovers 0; YMCA 2 Rovers 1.
Ravens Soccer
Gladesville Ravens Mini Soccer Results: U6 Ravens Red def Putney Rangers 7-4; scorers George Kriezis 1, Luke Saleh 4, Zac Lenzo 2: U6 All Saints def Ravens Yellow 7-3; scorers Thomas Lockie 1, Anthony Pellegrini 1, Callum Harsas 1: U7 Ravens Red (b) def - GLS 14-2; scorers Ned Denton 6, Aaron Chater 5, Thomas Gavros 1, Jason Dingli 1,Charlie Ransom 1: U8 Ravens Orange def Epping-Eastwood 3 - 1; scorers Cameron Clarke 1, Patrick Fitzgerald 1, Aidan Yeoh 1.
Mighty Wrens fly high
RYDALMERE Cricket Club - the local sporting organisation that unearthed former Test cricketer Greg Matthews - has just completed a bumper season in the Northern District Cricket Association.
The Mighty Wrens, as they are affectionately known, soared high in the 2007-08 competition to capture a trophy trifecta and consolidate their number one ranking on the local cricket scene.
Rydalmere underlined their depth of talent by clinching a second successive Club Championship title and premiership wins in first and second grade.
The club fielded four teams and were minor premiers in first, second and fifth grades with thirds finishing a close second on the ladder.
All four teams then progressed through to the Grand Final with Rydalmere’s all conquering first grade X1 preserving its unbeaten record with a rousing victory over The Ranch at ELS Hall Park.
Rydalmere posted 171 on a difficult pitch with gritty knocks from Harpreet Singh (38) and Steve Kazurinsky (34 not out) who combined for a crucial 44 run partnership.
Matt Kennedy (7-22 off 16 overs) and Steve Holland bowled superbly to skittle The Ranch for 116 and secure the title - despite a seventh wicket union of 47 between Gorman (36) and Dobson (32).
Darren Barnes claimed 5-35 off 20 overs for The Ranch.
Rydalmere (5-138) proved too strong for The Vikings (123) in the second grade final at Marsfield Park with Shane Fegan (5-11 off seven overs), Scott Palmer (3-40), Vetti Nadarajah (44) and Chrishan Satchi (24) stamping their mark.
Brock Heydon snared 5-30 in third grade.
It was a second title in three seasons for both Rydalmere teams with first grade skipper Ashley Flint failing to win a toss all summer!
Incredibly, the club lost only four games in total across all senior grades during the regular season.
The Rydalmere club, which has Order of Australia medal recipient and Ryde Sports Foundation secretary Neita Matthews as vice president, has slowly built from being a one team club ten years ago to now having a strong presence in the NDCA with competitive teams and a talented mix of senior and junior talent coming through the ranks.
Club secretary Matt Roberts said the club’s achievements can be attributed to creating a fun, relaxed but competitive atmosphere.
“Our success comes from having a diverse mix of players from many
cultures, backgrounds, ages and abilities who basically love playing cricket”,
said Roberts.
A couple of our young rising stars recently immigrated from Pakistan, India and Afghanistan and now call the Wrens home!”
“The Club promotes the traditions and values of cricket in a friendly yet competitive environment. We are fortunate to have a lot of talented and experienced players who enjoy each others company on and off the cricket field”.
“We also have two great sponsors - The Family Inn Rydalmere and Rheem Australia - who have supported the development of local cricket for many years. It’s great to have such a strong partnership with businesses with a genuine interest in the local community”.
The club is always on the lookout for senior and junior players of all ages. If you’re interested in playing the 2008-09 season, contact club secretary Matt Roberts on 0412 863 869.
PICTURED above is Rydalmere’s first grade premiership team standing l to r: Steve Holland, Ryan Rawding, Steve Aquel, Cameron Rawding, Mitchell Edwards, Ashley Flint (captain); seated Brent Rawding, Harpreet Singh, Brett Papworth, Steve Kazurinsky, Matthew Kennedy.
Kind-hearted Pirates
RYDE-Hunters Hill Pirates Cricket Club raised nearly $2000 for the Children’s Cancer Institute from the 3rd annual charity cricket match held recently at Eastwood Oval.
Local Mayors Ivan Petch (Ryde City Council) and Sue Hoopmann (Hunters Hill Council) were in attendance as the Pirates’ Presidents X1 (4-223) skippered by Dave McGuinness toppled the Mayors X1 (189) led by John Rae in a 50 overs per side match.
Hats off to the amazing Roy and Liliana Maggio and their tireless band of volunteers who continue to rally behind worthy causes with sheer gusto.
PRESIDENTS X1 4-223 (Andrew Johnston 42 ret, Roy Maggio 41 ret, John Denton 41 ret, Ben Curran 17, Paul Gannon 15 ret, Alistair Snell 13 ret, Maneesh Gupta 2-19, Frank Guidaci 1-20) d MAYORS X1 189 (F Guidaci 41 ret, Steve Auburn 32, Franco Rocca 25, Taylor Auburn 24, Ross Hayden 17, Sandeep 3-8, Mike Whitney 2-8, B Curran 2-15, R Maggio 2-31, D McGuinness 1-13).
MEANWHILE the Pirates have entered teams in the All Stars Winter Cricket Assoc-iation competition for the first time in the club’s short history.
This nine-a-side competition has a 20/20 format and will be played on Sundays from May 4 to June 29.
Due to strong demand, the Pirates will enter three sides - two in the U/10s and one in the U/12s.
Bulk of the squads comprise of Pirates’ players with additional recruits from the Balmain and Gladesville RSL Youth clubs who will represent the Gladesville district against players from all over Sydney including Georges River, Bankstown and Canterbury West Assoc-iations.
Home games will be held at Gannon Park - thanks to the generous support of Ryde Hornsby Baseball and Ryde City Council. More later.
McDonald’s helps locals shoot a goal
EASTWOOD-Ryde Netball Association will benefit from a McDonald’s sponsorship agreement with Netball NSW for the 2008 season.
Some 180 McDonald’s stores from across the Central Coast and Sydney metropolitan region will participate in the sponsorship, encouraging local kids to live an active and healthy lifestyle.
The sponsorship package includes encouragement awards, VIP cards for officials and end of year pennant awards which will be provided to 21 Associations during the season.
ERNA will also receive a sports grant valued at $1,500 from McDonald’s to purchase new equipment for the club.
“Netball is a great way for children to participate in social activities in the community whilst being active and keeping fit at the same time” said Carolyn Campbell, General Manager of Netball NSW.
Pierre Azzi, store manager of McDonald’s Gladesville, said that he is proud to be supporting grass roots sports in the Gladesville community.
“McDonald’s is committed to contributing to the communities in which we operate,” said Pierre. “We look forward to further building a strong relationship with the Eastwood/Ryde Netball Association for the second season and together drive netball at a local level.”
Winter netball competitions run from March through to August each year. For more information on Eastwood/Ryde Netball Association or to find out how to register visit www.netballnsw.com
Golf Day fetches $50,000 for clinic
SECOND annual Adam Gardiner Foundation Golf Day Sportsman’s luncheon held recently at Massey Park Golf Club at Concord proved a success with over $50,000 raised in aid of a specialised clinical service for patients with amyloidosis at Westmead Hospital.
The event perpetuates the memory of Balmain rugby league identity Adam Gardiner, who died tragically of amyloidosis in 2006 at the age of 35.
MC for the day was Radio 2GB personality Darryl Brohman pictured with team of Allan Dingwall senior and junior, Tony McCosker and Jason Hamilton who won the ambrose golf event with 44.75 points. Also pictured are Adam’s wife Trish, his parents Wendy and Terry Gardiner and Westmead Hospital’s Prof Graeme Stewart.
Last year’s fund-raising event fetched a total of $55,000.
Trish and the Gardiner family deserve special praise for their tireless work behind the scenes as do Massey Park Golf Club secretary-manager Tony Rosillo and staff on preparing a first class golf course and luncheon. For further details log onto: www.agf.org.au
Srixon wins Sailing title
GARY Wills 16ft skiff Srixon has taken out the coveted Point scoring Drummoyne Sailing Club championship for the 2008 season.
Wills crew consisted of Ken Nagle and Warren Bourke and performed strongly to win the championship - decided in the last heat of the series from arch rival “Marine Express” captained by Frank Maloney.
Second spot in the championship went to Maloney and crew members Denis Gruik and Daniel Gruik with Brett Pollitt’s Benton’s Real Estate finishing third.
Pollitt’s crew members Craig Jelfs and Charles Fisher won the scratch championship for the fastest 16ft skiff of the season. Runners up were Bruce Moore’s Delloitte Tohmastu and Maloney in third spot. The new season will commence in September.
Holy Cross Soccer
U/7 Green: Holy Cross 8 All Saints Hunters Hill 3; Yellow: Ravens 7 Holy Cross 4 (A Clark 3, C Elliott); Red: Holy Cross 10 (J Murdocca 3, D Coary 3, C Necovski 3, R Nelson) All Saints 0; 9/4: Holy Cross 7 (M Zdilar 3, S Lucas 3, L Kimber) Nth Epping Rangers 0; 9/6: Holy Cross 1 (R Chitale) All Saints 1; 10/3: All Saints 7 Holy Cross 0; 11/6: Nth Epping Rangers 4 Holy Cross 0; 12/2: Holy Cross 3 (J Talevski 2, I Deklerk) Glenhaven Sports 1; 15/2: Holy Cross 4 (D O’Brien 3, A Zavaglia) Glenhaven 2; 16/4: Holy Cross 2 (D Arriola, F Bouserio) Glenhaven 0; 21/2: Holy Cross 6 (E Kzouz 4, M Salloum 2) Pennant Hills 0; AA4: Macquarie Sports 2 Holy Cross 1 (M Sufferini); AA5: Holy Cross 3 (F Arriola 2, M Canone) Carlingford Redbacks 0; AA8: Carlingford Redbacks 11 Holy Cross 0; AA10: Epping-Eastwood 1 Holy Cross 0; AA12: Holy Cross 4 (J Beer, J Zaouk, T Sone, P Jeptha) West Ryde Rovers 0; AA13: Holy Cross 3 (M Bottaro, D Jovanovich, B Cleal) Putney Rangers 2; AA17: Holy Cross 5 (N Turcinskis 3, H Juhasz 2) Gladesville Sharks 5; O35/5: Holy Cross 1 Epping-Eastwood 0.
Junior Hockey
U/11: Baulkham Hills 5 Ryde Panthers 0; Ryde Tigers (bye); U/13: Northern District 2 Ryde Tigers 1; Ryde Panthers (bye); U/15: Ryde Tigers 11 Baulkham Hills 0; Ryde Panthers d Baulkham Hills on forfeit; Ryde Lions 0 Gordon-North Sydney 0; U/17: Ryde Tigers 5 NWS (2) 1; Ryde Panthers 1 NWS 1.
Saints Soccer
U/6 White A: Saints United 7 Ryde District 3; White B: Putney Rangers 3 Saints 1; White C: Saints 9 North Ryde 5; Yellow A: Saints 9 All Saints Hunters Hill 4; U/7 Red B: Saints 10 Putney 4; Yellow B: Saints 12 Ryde 2; Green A: Saints 16 North Ryde 0; U/8 Blue: Saints 1 All Saints 1; Gold: Saints 6 Macquarie Combined Sports 0; Purple: Saints 5 All Saints 1; White: All Saints 2 Saints 0; 9/1: Saints 5 Kenthurst 0; 9/2: Saints 1 Hills Hawks 0; 9/6: West Pennant Hills 2 Saints 0; 10/1: Putney Rangers 5 All Saints 2; 10/4: WPH 8 Saints 0; 11/1: WPH 4 Saints 1; 12/1: Saints 2 Roselea 1; 13/1: Saints 2 Kenthurst 1; AA1: Saints 2 WPH 1; AA5: Kenthurst 5 Saints 1; AA7: Saints 4 All Saints 0.
Jan’s Beijing bid
Australian bronze and silver medallist Jan Pike is making a strong bid for selection in the Paralympic horse riding team for Beijing later this year.
Jan - who grew up in Putney and was a former guide leader in Meadowbank - rose to fame after her medal winning performances at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games on her wonderful partner Dr Doolittle.
The 56 year old was born with cerebral palsy and spent most of her early years in hospital.
Jan suffered life threatening muscle spasms and in 1981 was near death when doctors discussed her future. They felt that her only hope was for them to operate and insert a “Cerebellum Implant” into her head which would control the electrical impulses which cause her muscle spasms.
The implant is controlled by a battery pack which is fitted in a pouch that has been inserted into Jan’s tummy and joined up by wires. The battery lasts seven years.
Without this piece of modern medical technology Jan would probably not be with us, as the only other option the doctors had back in 1981 was to switch off the medical support apparatus which kept Jan alive.
Jan has gone on to do remarkably well with the help of her implant and has been able to overcome all odds to lead a full and happy life. She is married (for 33 years) to Greg - who is also bound to a wheelchair and says that they get by supporting each other, with a minimum of outside help needed for their day to day activities.
Horse riding is now acknowledged as an excellent therapy for people with motor neurone disorders such as cerebral palsy, as the movement of the horse stretches muscles and helps to improve co-ordination and more importantly - disabled people find that being on a horse removes the limitations of mobility that are encountered in all aspects of everyday life.
Horses provide freedom of movement, mobility and the chance to be at the same height as other riders and not feel the disadvantage of always looking up from a wheelchair.
Swimmer boosted by Pink Bun campaign
Bakers Delight Rhodes not only provides customers with all their bakery needs, but is supporting women with breast cancer in their own community.
TWT Club Six/Ryde Sports Foundation Sports Star of the Year finalist Vicky Watson, a breast cancer survivor, heads to Perth this week to compete in the XII FINA World Masters Swimming Championships knowing her favourite Bakers Delight store will continue to support and create awareness for women with breast cancer during the annual Bakers Delight Pink Bun Campaign which raises money for Breast Cancer Network Australia.
A National Masters champion, Vicky also formed a strong bond to the local Bakers Delight staff during her treatment including chemotherapy as she became fond of the daily chats with staff and the cinnamon scrolls.
“I think the girls here saw me every other day over the past 16 months during my treatment and it is wonderful that they are really supporting all the women around the country affected by breast cancer during the Pink Bun Campaign”.
Bakers Delight Rhodes will donate 100% from the sale of their specially baked Pink Finger Buns to support Australians affected by breast cancer from April 24 to May 14.
Annual Pink Bun campaign raises invaluable funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia to help ensure the 36 women a day diagnosed with breast cancer across Australia receive the very best care, treatment and support.
The community can show their support for Bakers Delight Rhodes by visiting www.bcna.org.au
Milestone for Bowling Club
Denistone East Bowling & Recreation Club is celebrating its Golden Anniversary in 2008 - a proud milestone that not even the founding fathers could envisage reaching at their initial meeting to form the club 50 years ago.
To celebrate, the club will be hosting a special lunch and bowls afternoon later in the year.
People passing the club now would be unaware that the carefully manicured greens and surrounds that beautify this area, was once a deep blackberry and vermin infested gully. Known as Kings Park the gully ran through the then Eastwood Golf Course that covered all the land east of Kings and south of Lovell Road.
Ryde Council resumed the golf course in 1946 for an extensive housing project containing a “Public Garden and Recreation Area.
Development of the site was slow and it was not until May 27, 1958 that a group of 39 local citizens keen to bowl met and instigated a plan to build a two green bowling club.
From day one, history has shown that the club’s battle to exist on lease-hold land, securing finance and interested members to get it “up and running “ was just as difficult then as it continues to be today.
However in these days of clubs merging or closing DEBC soldiers on, supported by the dedication and voluntary work of it’s members and the proud record of it’s many bowls triumphs.
In these days of an increasing ageing population the Club provides a place of friendship and comrade-ship to the community and to those who love their game of bowls, the serenity of cool greens and the click of bowl on bowl.
The club, in 2008, looks forward with confidence to the years ahead and with the continued support of members, to many more successes in their beloved game.
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