with Chris Karas
Balmain Juniors Centenary Book
Pictured with The The The Weekly Times Sports Editor and author Chris Karas, right, at the book launch with leather bound copies are Robbie Farah and Jimmy Fraser son of ‘Chook’ Fraser and research group assistants John Stanton, Annette Hardwick (representing her father Geoff Large) and Austin Hoyle. TWT on-the-spot PHOTO.
From Fraser to Farah
Balmain Junior League centenary history book “From Fraser to Farah” was launched at last Tuesday’s Balmain Tigers 2008 Hall of Fame Dinner at the Westin Hotel in Sydney. Balmain Tigers legend and Balmain Junior Mark O’Neill compered the book launch with the author and The Weekly Times Sports Editor Chris Karas.
The publication was an instant success with supplies on the evening running out. The book is a most comprehensive and detailed record of 100 years of the first Junior League Club in Australia fully illustrated with over 256 pages of historical and up to date photographs. A must for every Balmain Tiger enthusiast’s bookshelf.
The book is superb value at $49.95 hard cover or a limited edition gold embossed leather cover at $100 while they last.
Five Books to Win!
Five TWT readers can win copies of “From Fraser to Farah”. TO WIN write your name and address on the back of an envelope and send to: TWT Junior League Book, PO Box 123 Ryde 1680. Entries close July 28 and winners announced July 30.
Toughest test for Matt, 19
WESTS Tigers have been rocked by the news that rising teenage rugby league prop Matt Davidson (pictured) is battling leukaemia.
The power running forward was the Tigers’ form player in this year’s Toyota Cup National Youth competition until he was ruled out with a mystery illness last month.
He is the son of long-serving Balmain winger John Davidson, who was one of six club legends inducted into the Tigers’ Hall of Fame last week at the Westin Hotel Sydney.
Matt’s world fell in when he was recently diagnosed with leukaemia. He underwent chemotherapy last weekend but remains positive and confident that he can beat the disease.
It was a case of mixed emotions for the Davidson family with John and wife Tina keeping a bedside vigil at Westmead Hospital while Matt prepared for the fight of his life.
Mick Davidson, an ex-lower grade forward with Balmain, attended the Tigers’ Hall of Fame dinner to accept the award on his older brother’s behalf.
Matt joined the Tigers this season after starring for the Hills District Bulls in the Parramatta Junior League competition and helping the club snare a C Grade premiership in 2007.
He was recommended by Tigers’ stalwart and current Harold Matthews Cup coach David Brooks, who trained with the strapping youngster after he broke his leg last year.
Both Brooks and Wests Tigers’ coach Tim Sheens have been impressed with Matt’s raw strength and high workrate and predict a bright future for the tough tackling cub.
“The illness is a big setback for Matt but he is one determined character with a burning desire to play first grade,” said Brooks.
“He is a strong player just like his father and once he regains full fitness will challenge for a top grade berth.”
BALMAIN legends Jack Hampstead, Sid Ryan, Laurie Fagan, Bobby Mara, Neil Pringle and John Davidson were inducted into the Tigers’ Hall of Fame last week.
The late Hampstead - who played 112 games for the club - was a tough centre or lock in the Tigers’ premiership-winning 1944 and 1946 teams and won four caps with NSW. Jack’s award was accepted by his grandson - NRL and former Test referee Sean Hampstead.
SID RYAN is the oldest living Balmain player and figured in the Tigers’ premiership-winning sides of 1944 and ‘47. A hard working forward, Ryan played 104 games before coaching Balmain in 1957 and later St George reserve grade to title wins in 1963-64.
LAURIE FAGAN was a scheming half back who played 103 games for the Tigers between 1959-66 and 82 matches for Penrith (1967-70).
A product of Drummoyne Juniors, Fagan represented NSW against Queensland and Great Britain in 1962 and stamped himself one of the most skilful playmakers in the Sydney premiership.
BOBBY MARA was an accomplished winger in the Tigers’ Grand Final teams in 1964 and ‘66 and showed his pace and class to score 70 tries in 148 top grade matches.
An outstanding junior with Glebe Police Boys, the elusive Mara finished his career at Penrith where he played 26 games (1968-69) before returning to coach in the Balmain Juniors.
NEIL PRINGLE joined Balmain in 1975 after a three year stint with Newtown and developed into a forward leader and fine clubman. He played 122 matches for the Tigers and 64 with Newtown - representing NSW Colts and Combined Sydney.
Pringle figured in the Tigers’ 1976 Wills Cup and Amco Cup-winning sides and was one of the code’s great characters.
JOHN DAVIDSON was a teak-tough winger who chalked up 172 games with the Tigers during the 1980s. He was graded from the Birchgrove Scorpions after starting his career with Ermington-Rydalmere and played in the Tigers’ winning Panasonic Cup teams in 1985-87. Finished his career with Cronulla in 1989-90.
Balmain greats Pat Devery and Harry Bath - two early inductees - were also presented with framed photos at the Hall of Fame Dinner.
Tiger cubs capture Beetson Cup
BALMAIN Juniors celebrate regaining the Arthur Beetson Cup after thumping the Roosters 46-26 in the 3rd annual rugby league challenge last Saturday at Leichhardt Oval.
Under the guidance of former Balmain half back and reserve grade winning coach Peter Duffy, the Tiger cubs dominated up front with powerful performances from forwards Mitchell Bergin, lock and skipper Kelvin Weir, Stuart Bousfield, Jack Burke, Ali Musri, Aaron Brown, Daniel Casa, Matthew Mizzi and hooker Darren Beasley.
Mizzi proved a handful for the Roosters with his bullocking runs and capped a top game by scoring three of the Tigers’ nine tries.
With skilful halfback Cameron Nicholls calling the shots, the Tigers skipped to a handy 24-6 half time lead before the Roosters rallied after the interval.
Talented Balmain centre Brent Tedesco was sharp in attack and created havoc with his jinking runs out wide.
Nicholls, who will represent NSW in the upcoming Origin Touch Football interstate series, engineered many a try with his clever passing and tricky running.
Bergin was named the Tigers’ best forward while Tedesco picked up the best back award.
North Ryde Hawks supplied ten members of the triumphant Balmain side in Nicholls, Tedesco, Ben O’Reilly, Weir, Casa, Musri, Beasley, Brown, Burke and Chris Casali.
Other team members included fullback Lee Harper, winger Shane Coppell, centre Brett Peacock, five eighth Sam Reffaai and Larry Tassone with trainers Ken Stapleton and Steve Craig.
MEANWHILE Wests Tigers recorded a 34-16 victory over Melbourne in the NYC Toyota Cup at Campbelltown Stadium on Monday.
There was no fairytale triumph for Brett Hodgson and his Tigers after the Storm posted a 30-18 victory in the main game.
BALMAIN 46 (M Mizzi 3, J Burke 2, A Musri, B Tedesco, K Weir, A Brown tries; C Nicholls 4, M Bergin gls) d ROOSTERS 26 (M Ransfield 2, T Henderson, A Gorrie, R Paul tries; N Hemopo 3 gls).
Hawks’ Jubilee Dinner
NORTH RYDE Junior Rugby League Club will honor its past champions at the Red & White Night Jubilee Dinner on Friday August 1 at North Ryde RSL Community Club.
This memorable event commences at 6.30pm and combines the Hawks’ 50 year celebrations with their major fund raiser for 2008 with the naming of the Hawks’ Team of the Half Century a highlight.
Nominations for North Ryde’s Team of the Half Century include: FULLBACK: Steven Bortolussi,Paul Duncan, Rod Pethybridge,Tony Sculley, Brett Wheelhouse; WINGERS:
Darren Clark, Mark Lawson, Troy Pearce, Tony Raso, Ricky Trelor, Grant Wheelhouse;
CENTRES: Colin Bell, Peter Bell, Adam Braham, Peter Elliott, Barry Marler, Matt Ryan, Paul Wallace, Wayne Wigham, Rodney Wignell; FIVE EIGHTH: Jamie Bell, Grant Carmody, Colin Crockart, Dane Gernhoefer, Fred Higson, Barry Marler, Ron Ryan, Jason Tutt; HALF BACK: Robert Accord, Graham Booth, John Davey, Chris Mousmoutis, Craig Partridge, Mitchell Pearce, Ron Tutt, John Wythe; LOCK: Peter Booth, Paul Dalziel, Mark Evans, Brett Rodgers, Kevin Tyrrell; SECOND ROW: Dave Ferris, Peter Murphy, Paul Sironen, Ronnie Stone, Dean Webster; HOOKER: Max Beecher, Dene Halatau, Steve Hedger, Gordon Rytmeister, Graeme Tutt; PROP: Chris Burke, Martin Murphy, Rohan Privett, Matt Steele, Ian Thomson, Sam Waterhouse, Garry Webster.
COACH: Keith Aggett, Col Barbella, Peter Poole; MANAGER: Phil Allen, Phil Dries, Alan Lawson, Robert Stephens.
Tickets $60 per head include meal and entertainment. There’ll be a memorabilia display and pictorial presentation of the Hawks’ past 50 years; raffles prizes and auction of sporting memorabilia; drinks at club prices and entertainment from Wayne Pearce and the Big Hitters.
For further details contact Darren Leslie 0409 310 300 or Brian Johnston 0401 709 829.
Tigers win Pool Shootout
CAROUSEL Inn Tigers from Rooty Hill are Las Vegas bound after winning the Millennium International Pool Shootout at Ryde Ex Services Club last Sunday night.
Pictured are triumphant team members Shane Williams, Michael Romera, Graeme Park, David Uatia, Peter Sione, Lui Emelio and Natalie Moy with Millennium International CEO Graham Baillie and Australian 8-ball pool captain George Mariglas.
The Carousel Tigers defeated BTK St Mary’s Bakehouse in the final to earn a 12 night stay at the Riviera Casino in Las Vegas next year and compete in the world’s largest pool tournament that offers $800,000 in prizemoney.
Some 28 teams participated in the two day finals staged last weekend for the first time at Ryde Ex Services Club under the guidance of tournament promoters David Kaye-Smith of Denistone and Australian pool player Mariglas.
The NSW 8-ball League is a 20-week pool competition for teams in the metropolitan area and featured a Ryde Ex Services Club side led by CEO James Roberts.
This year’s event proved one of the most competitive on record with the new Millennium pool tables adding a new dimension to this popular tournament.
“Players have appreciated using the bigger ball (2 1/4 inch) and wider pockets - it has made the contests more even” said Mariglas.
Teams shared $5000 in prizemoney. For further details on the NSW 8-ball League contact pubpool.com
Ryde Hockey
MEN: Firsts: Bankstown 4 Ryde-Hunters Hill 2 (Dave Herbert, Sean Dobbin); Seconds: Ryde-Hunters Hill 10 (Alex Swart 4, Jon Collinge 3, Matt Wright 2, Scott Pecar) Bankstown 2; Thirds: Ryde-Hunters Hill 4 (Peter Cox, Richie Burton, Drew Parker, Matt Wright) Uni NSW 0; Fourths: Uni NSW 5 Ryde-Hunters Hill 1 (Mark Ellis); Fifths: Ryde-Hunters Hill 9 Uni NSW 0; Sixths: Ryde-Hunters Hill 5 (Grant Fisher 2, Brad Parkes, Ken Campbell, Dan Waring) Uni NSW 0.
Cheeseman snares third Cricketer of Year award
PROMISING all rounder Kym Cheeseman is the Gladesville RSL Youth Club Cricketer of the Year for 2007-08.
14 year old Cheeseman capped another bumper season by collecting the prestigious award for the third time in four years.
Playing in the U/14 team, Kym’s batting average was 81 with an aggregate of 565 runs that included a distinguished innings of 108 in the Northern Districts Junior Cricket Association final. He also contributed with five wickets and excelled in the field with a total of 12 catches.
As the new cricket season rapidly approaches, Gladesville RSL Junior Cricket Club has showcased the achievements of their players at their recent presentation for season 2007/8 held in a packed auditorium at the club.
Among several highlights were the awards handed out to the U/12 Silver team that went through the season as undefeated champions in the Gladesville Junior District competition. The side performed consistently with several players leaving their mark - Max Yabsley (batting averaging 36), all rounder Ian Hopkins (batting average 50 and 16 wickets) and pace bowler Bruno Playfair (17 wickets). The U/12 boys, coached by David Yabsley, also won the Jim Jackson Trophy for best club team.
Meanwhile the club has been working closely with Cricket NSW to develop a local ‘In2cricket’ program for young cricketers aged 5-7. Neil Hopkins, a level one coach, will conduct a number of relaxed and fun ‘mini cricket’ sessions on Sunday mornings starting October 19 for locals looking for an enjoyable introduction to the game.
Registrations for this and for all teams will take place at Gladesville Youth Club Hall on Saturday July 26 between 2pm and 4pm and Sunday August 3 from 10am to 12 noon. Further details are available on the club’s new website at www.grslcricket.com or contact Neil 0421213750.
Holy Cross Soccer
9/4: Holy Cross 2 (L Kimber, M Zdilar) Ravens 0; 9/6: Holy Cross 7 (R Suter 3, L Amodeo, O Adam, I Lumsdaine, S Germanos) West Pennant Hills 0; Holy Cross 3 WPH 0; 10/3: Ravens 3 Holy Cross 2 (B Sciancalepore, R Coary); 11/6: Holy Cross 2 (J Tassone, P Abi-Saab) Glenhaven 1; 12/2: Holy Cross 2 (D Ussher, A Abi-Saab) WPH 2; 15/2: Holy Cross 3 (A Zavaglia, S Matheos, D O’Brien) Carlingford United 2; 16/4: Holy Cross 2 (P Khzouz 2) WPH 1; 21/2: Holy Cross 5 (E Khzouz 3, C Felton, D Domeracki) Ryde 0; AA4: Ravens 3 Holy Cross 2 (P Galante 2); AA5: Holy Cross 2 (V Vujasinovic, A Coluccio) Kenthurst 1; AA8: Macquarie Uni 5 Holy Cross 1 (C Lane); Roselea 3 Holy Cross 0; AA10: Holy Cross 2 (P Adini, M Waygood) Kenthurst 2; AA12: WPH 10 Holy Cross 1 (P Pacuillo); AA13: Holy Cross 4 (M Bottaro, D Jovanovich, G Williams, A Intilli) Macquarie Uni 1; AA17: West Ryde Eagles 3 Holy Cross 1 (R Alam); O35/5: Holy Cross 3 (G Gioia, P O’Reilly, B Basevski) Glenhaven Sports 3.
Holy Cross Cricket Centenary Dinner
HOLY CROSS Cricket Club will celebrate its Centenary next summer with a Reunion Dinner on February 28, 2009 in the Holy Cross College Ryde Centenary Hall.
The Reunion Dinner is the highlight of the Club’s Centenary celebrations with the Crusaders keen to make contact with past players and officials from the junior and senior teams.
To register for information on the Centenary Dinner, contact Jen Bonnett on 0401 005 511 or email: crusaders_hcccc@optusnet.com.au
Holy Cross Crusaders offer Have-a-Go (for 5 -7 year olds) to junior competition teams from U/8 to U/16s) with both boys and girls welcome.
Register on Saturday August 2 or Saturday August 9 at Holy Cross College dressing rooms at Frank Street Oval from 10am to 2pm. For more information visit their website at www.hcccc.websyte.com.au or contact Registrar Barry Sheehan on 9804-8330.
Are you In2 Cricket?
IT’S a great hit for six - it’s Cric Hit, the innovative Cricket NSW program which is backed by Ryde-Hunters Hill Cricket Club with the aim of introducing the sport to girls.
This specially tailored programme involves a mixture of skills, games and a lot of fun for those girls who are interested in taking up cricket and who may be thinking of participating in a junior team.
RHHCC, which ran an introductory programme last season, is now looking for keen would-be players and those who may have picked up a bat and ball in the past to come and try out for a six week hit-out starting on Wednesday October 22. It goes through until November 26.
And for those enthusiastic players - both boys and girls - who are a lot younger, RHHCC invites you to sign up for In2 Cricket, a new “give it a go”, fun-packed once-a-week get-together for kids aged between four and six to show them what’s involved at a beginner’s level. It will also run for six weeks, from the middle of August. No previous knowledge or experience of cricket is needed - this is a simple and easy-to-participate-in form of the game where emphasis is on enjoyment and a little bit of learning too!
RHHCC’s version of In2 Cricket, which is a successor to Cricket NSW’s Have-a-Go programme, will run on Monday afternoons at Bremner Park, Morrison Road, Putney, between 4.30pm and 5.30pm starting on August 18.
This course is an introduction to RHHCC’s highly successful Mini Cricket programme which itself is tailored to the needs of 4-6 year-olds and operates over a 12 week period, beginning on Friday October 17. The venue for Mini Cricket is also Bremner Park and a player’s registration fee includes a free bat, training shirt, cap and drink bottle plus a Pirates’ show bag.
Mini cricket provides a pathway into RHHCC’s junior teams, starting at the under-8 level.
For further details contact RHHCC President and Junior Cricket co-ordinator Roy Maggio on 0418 299 347.
Reds toss Colleagues
DRUMMOYNE first grade rugby team stretched its winning streak in the Kentwell Cup after toppling Woollahra Colleagues 38-27 last Saturday at Woollahra Oval.
In a replay of last year’s Grand Final, the Reds staved off a determined Colleagues side to keep its unbeaten record intact.
Early tries to prop Tuainafua Veiru and a long range try by winger Wise Gavida after a strong run from Dan Hall gave the Reds a handy lead.
But poor defence and discipline enabled Colleagues to hit back with a couple of tries of their own. Drummoyne led 17-12 at the break but two yellow cards in the second half left the Reds with only 13 players.
They sealed victory with further tries to fly-half Inoke Turuva, centre Josh Asusasu and winger Gavida.
Drummoyne seconds posted a thrilling 20-19 victory over Colleagues with top games from number eight Will Fitzpatrick and hooker Alex Cruikshank. Fullback Peter Whan booted two late penalty goals to clinch victory.
In other matches, Drummoyne thirds lost 27-12; fourths won 29-19; fifths lost 25-7 and Colts lost 21-3.
Drummoyne host University of NSW this Saturday at Drummoyne Oval.
Milestone for local ref Michael Otter
UNIVERSITY Cup referee Michael Otter celebrates a significant milestone this Saturday when he controls his 500th game in the NSW Tertiary Student rugby league competition at Ollie Webb Reserve, Parramatta.
Otter is a local resident of The Weekly Times area, living in Rydalmere.
He’ll be assisted by touch judges Glenn Reece and Mark Anderson with in-goal judges Lou Petrucco and Gordon Allen.
Between all five, this will represent 1,200 games refereed in the Uni Cup (now NSWTSRL) competition.
The University Cup Referees Association was formed in 1972 and celebrated its 35th continuous year of operation in 2007.
It uses the Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club as its “home base.”
Mick joined the Association at the end of the 1975 season and his career highlights include:
• Started refereeing in 1970 after obtaining his referees ticket in Year 11 at Marist Brothers Eastwood from Cyril Wigsel; refereeing school boys up to U/12s with Balmain refs. Refereed with Balmain Association 1970 - 1975;
• Played Rugby League for Macquarie University 1973-1975;
• Junior Reps - ref and touch judge late 1970s and early ‘80s for four years;
• Has officiated at some interstate and international matches eg New Zealand and England University rep side;
• Student World Cup in England in 1989. Only Australian referee and was touch judge in final Australia v England which Australia won;
• Officiated during Student World Cup in Australia during 1992;
• President of Uni Cup Referees Association 1990-2003; Treasurer 1980-1985/1989; Awarded Life Membership in 1985; Vice-President since 2005.
• Assistant Treasurer, Delegate and Deputy Delegate to NSW TSRL; Awarded the Vic Saunders Trophy by his peers in 1990, 1991 and 1992 - only member to achieve this feat of three consecutive awards.
West Ryde Rovers Soccer
GHFA: 9/2: West Ryde Rovers 0 Nth Epping Rangers 0; 9/3: Rovers 5 Gladesville Sharks 1; 9/5: Rovers 3 YMCA 0; 9/8: Glenhaven 8 Rovers 0; 10/2: Kenthurst 4 Rovers 0; 10/5: Rovers 1 Normanhurst 0; 10/6: Pacific Hills-Dural 1 Rovers 0; 11/1: Glenhaven 5 Rovers 0; 12/3: Rovers 2 Thornleigh 1; 13/1: Rovers 3 Kenthurst 1; 14/1: Normanhurst 4 Rovers 0; 14/4: Rovers 5 North Ryde 3; 15/3: Rovers 2 St Andrews 0; 16/3: YMCA 1 Rovers 0; 17/2: Normanhurst 2 Rovers Black 0; Rovers Red 8 Epping-Eastwood 1; 18/19 Div 1: Roselea 1 Rovers 0; 21/2: Rovers 2 All Saints 2; AA1: Rovers 0 West Pennant Hills 0; AA4: Rovers 1 Macquarie Combined Sports 1; AA6: Rovers 2 Epping-Eastwood 2; AA11: Rovers 4 Glenhaven 1; AA16: Rovers 1 Sharks 1; AA21: Rovers 4 Roselea 2; 35/1: Rovers 3 Ravens 1; Nth Epping Rangers 2 Rovers 1; 35/3: NHF 3 Rovers 0; 35/4: Rovers 2 Hills Hawks 2; NWSWF: 12/2: Rovers 2 Putney 0; 13/2: Rovers 4 Thornleigh 0; 14/1: WPH 3 Rovers 0; 16/2: Rovers 0 Ravens 0; 18/1: Rovers 2 PAG 1; 18/2: Rovers 2 MSB 2; AA3: Rovers (1) 2 University 2; Rovers (2) 2 NMH 2; AA6: Rovers 3 Ravens 2; AA7: WPH 1 Rovers 0; AA8: Rovers 2 WPH 2; AA9: Rovers 0 WPH 0; AA10: Rovers 0 Roselea 0; AA11: University 1 Rovers 0.
Ryde Saints Soccer
9/1: Ryde Saints 9 St Andrews 0; 10/1: Hills Hawks 2 Saints 0; 10/4: Hawks 2 Saints 1; 12/1: Saints 2 Kenthurst 1; 12/3: North Ryde 3 Saints 0; 13/1: Saints 8 Glenhaven 0; AA1: Saints 1 Ryde Panthers 1; AA7: Carlingford Redbacks 6 Saints 0; WOMEN: 8/1: Ravens 7 Saints 1; 9/1: Ravens 4 Saints (10) 1; Ravens 2 Saints (9) 1; 11/1: Saints 1 Roselea 1; 12/1: Ravens 2 Saints 0; 13/1: Saints 3 Nth Epping 0; 15/1: Saints (5) 1 WPH 0; Saints (4) 2 Ravens 0; 16/2: Roselea 3 Saints 0; AA7: Sydney Uni 4 Saints 1.
* * *
Talented team of Maya Lal, Betty Watkins and Wendy Heydon of West Epping Panthers that defeated a strong Asquith combination 17-15 to capture the Northern Suburbs District Womens Lawn Bowls Championship.
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