with Chris Karas
Sports Star Awards for Jess & Adam
AUSTRALIAN womens rugby league representative Jessica Palmer of Putney and rising baseballer Adam Barbaro of Ryde are the third and fourth monthly winners of the 2008-09 TWT Club Six/Ryde Sports Foundation Sports Star of the Year Award.
Palmer, 24, will represent Australia as a hooker-half back at this year’s World Cup tournament on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast in November while 11 year old Barbaro, a promising catcher, caught the eye at this year’s World Children’s Baseball Fair in Japan.
Both will receive their $300 monthly Sports Star awards this Friday night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club at 6pm.
Palmer, a former schoolgirl soccer sensation, has experienced a meteoric rise in the world of women’s rugby league.
She’ll line up for the Australian Jillaroos at this year’s World Cup tournament to be staged from November 3-15 at Kawana in Queensland after top displays at club and State level.
Jessica turned in top displays for the women’s NSW Origin team at hooker/half back during this year’s interstate series with Queensland and forced her way into the NSW Origin team after only a handful of club matches for the Forestville Ferrets in her debut season.
She’ll create history when she joins her dad Ron Palmer - the current Roosters, NSW and Kangaroos head trainer - on World Cup duty.
Jessica, an ARL Development Officer for the North Sydney region, is one of the fittest and fiercest competitors in the Womens League and also a capable goalkicker which should keep her in good stead for the big games ahead.
She is a punishing defender and elusive player in attack.
Last Friday she led her Forestville team to a 22-18 golden point victory over the Canley Vale Dragons in the major semi final to advance to the Sydney premiership decider on September 12.
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RYDE schoolboy Adam Barbaro realised a dream when he represented Australia at this year’s World Children’s Baseball Fair & Exchange Games in the Japanese town of Aichi.
Utility player Adam - a talented 11 year old catcher who also shone at third base, shortstop and as a pitcher - was one of three NSW juniors selected for the tour.
He returned home a more polished player after impressive displays at the International Exchange Games where he came under the scrutiny of international talent scouts.
Adam is a product of North Ryde Junior Baseball where he has played since the age of 5 - winning three consecutive A Grade Grand Finals and spearheading a title trifecta as opening pitcher.
Barbaro was a Ryde Hornsby Baseball League rep last season and participated in the Baseball NSW U/12 Elite Winter Development program.
Versatile Adam is also a talented soccer player with the Ravens U/11 Div 1 side - helping the team capture four Gladesville-Hornsby Association titles in five seasons.
Hillies in Nicholson Cup Grand Final
YOU could roll back the years to see some of the great names of Hunters Hill rugby in a Grand Final with the likes of White, Brunsdon, and O’Toole - but these names are now the sons of former Hunters Hill greats appearing in the Nicholson Cup Grand Final this Saturday at Granville Rugby Park with 10am kick off.
The hopes of bringing another premiership back to Boronia Park are carried by the Hunters Hill fourth grade side in what should be a classic match against old foes Petersham.
Hunters Hill has won 14 matches in a row on the way to the Grand Final and after losing to Petersham on the opening day followed by two draws and two losses, it has been a remarkable turnaround for the side coached by life members and 500+ game stalwarts Phil Shaw and David Polly with support from runner Gary Lane and manager Paul Shields.
The front row of Hayden Brown, Andy Ball and Will Wassell (club secretary) have dominated scrums all year, the youth and experience of Matthew Shelton and Rob Knight in the second row combined with the trio of Renny Iles, Liam Cooper and Jon Gelling make up a strong and mobile pack.
Half Richard Colley, a former Clubman of the Year and best and fairest winner, is captain and along with experienced five eighth Ron White (the club’s top point scorer with 101) have marshalled the team around the park. Mark French, another club great from the early and late 1990s premiership winning sides, is back at inside centre for one last shot at glory. Outside backs include Simeli Latilevu, Ben Williams, Ross Warwick, Ryan O’Toole and Stuart Brunsdon - the youngest son of the late great Tony Brunsdon.
Some
64 players have competed for the Hillies fourths this season and all deserve
special praise.
Hunters Hill presentation night will be held on Saturday September 20
in the Hunters Hill RSL hall. Tickets can be purchased by inquiring via
the website: www.huntershill rugby.org.au
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PUTNEY Rangers Over 35 Div 2 mens soccer team that finished minor premiers and joint champions with Ravens for 2008 after a 1-1 draw in the recent Grand Final at Morrison Park. This team has been together for many years and is looking to power on again next year. One possible exception is foundation team member Rob Palmer, who after 25 years in the game, is contemplating retirement. Rob, the brother of popular league trainer Ron Palmer, scored the Rangers’ goal after a typical bullocking run. Ex first class cricketers Mark Atkinson and Greg Hayne - of Tigers cricket fame - were prominent squad members. Pictured back l to r Michael Rosinski, Michael Stuart, Warren Woodick, Troy Moorhouse (captain), Pete Blackwell, Greg Hayne, Patrick Little; middle Scott Baikie, Wes Allen, Rob Palmer, Rob Orth, Lindsay Tobin; front David Dobbin, Rick Somboli, Mark Atkinson, Shane Moore, Paul Begbie, Chris Biviano.
Water Polo Training Day
UTS-Ryde Water Polo Club will hold a Junior Development Training Day on Saturday September 27 for boys and girls aged 10 to 14 years old at Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre, 504 Victoria Road, Ryde from 11.30am to 2pm. Cost $5 plus pool entry includes a sausage sizzle. To book your place email: registrations@uts-rydewaterpolo.com.au or contact David 0425 270 124.
Tigers bid for Pringle-Ryan Cup
A RESURGENT Balmain-Ryde Eastwood rugby league team remain in contention for the VB NSW Cup finals after a gutsy 16-6 victory over competition leaders Wentworthville last Saturday at Leichhardt Oval.
The Tigers’ rugged forward pack led by Alan Schirnack, Tevita Metuisela, Ryan Tandy and Jarred Farlow paved the way for a crucial win over the high flying Magpies.
Tandy, Farlow and rookie back Brett Peacock scored tries in a bruising encounter as the Tigers produced their best defensive effort of the season.
Coach Paul Fletcher praised his troops for their attitude and commitment and predicted another bold showing in the crunch match against Newtown this Saturday at Henson Park.
A victory over the Jets in the Neil Pringle-Trevor Ryan Cup showdown could seal a finals berth for the Tigers (15 points), who have now strung three wins on the trot.
WESTS Tigers U/20 cubs can cement a finals berth in the NYC with a win over Gold Coast this Sunday at Skilled Park.
Peter Gentle’s cubs moved into eighth spot with a 20-14 win over the Sharks at Leichhardt Oval with Australian Schoolboys utility Junior Rogica, winger Peni Tagive, centre Brett Lane and lock Matt Hyland scoring tries for the Tigers with five eighth Robert Lui booting two goals.
LEAGUE fans paid tribute to departing Wests Tigers fullback Brett Hodgson in his final ‘home’ appearance last Friday night at Leichhardt Oval.
The record-breaking Hodgson, who has signed a two year deal with English Super League club Huddersfield, had mixed emotions after his side’s demoralising 32-6 loss to the Sharks.
Utility Dene Halatau produced a strong game for the Tigers and will be a valuable asset to the New Zealand Test team during this year’s World Cup campaign.
Barry scoops pool
CONGRATULATIONS to North Ryde RSL Community Club president Barry Herbert (pictured) on tipping the Round 24 card in the 2008 TWT Footy Tipping competition.
Barry tipped all eight winners to keep the North Ryde RSL team in contention for this year’s Tipsters’ title.
Lane Cove MP Anthony Roberts and Bennelong MP Maxine McKew were others to achieve the feat recently and also deserve recognition.
Ryde Eastwood Leagues (114) hold a narrow one point lead over North Ryde RSL (113) going into this week’s final round of tipping.
Charity Sports Luncheon
Hunters Hill Club hosted a successful Charity Sports luncheon last Friday in aid of Giant Steps. Pictured l to r are Tigers legends Paul Sironen and Gary Freeman who were guest speakers on the day; comedian Ray Seagar who entertained patrons, Wallaby back Mark Gerrard, MC Andrew Voss and Souths great Bob McCarthy. TWT on-the-spot PHOTO.
Sporties Book launch
GLADESVILLE Bowling & Sports Club legend George ‘Buddy’ Brennan officially launched the Golden Jubilee history book “The Story of the Beginnings and the First Fifty Years” compiled by club stalwarts Les Chambers and senior vice president John Gibson at the Sporties Club last Thursday. They are pictured with TWT Sports Editor Chris Karas - author of the book “From Fraser to Farah - History of Balmain Junior League 1908-2008”; Ryde City Mayor and club patron Ivan Petch and former Balmain, Queensland and Australian Test fullback Frank Drake, who is one of five internationals produced by the Gladesville Junior Rugby League Club. Others include George Bishop, Frank Griffiths, Ian Thomson and Paul Sironen. TWT readers can win copies of the book in The Weekly Times next week. TWT on-the-spot PHOTO.
Real deal for lucky locals
Australian Poker League Tournament of Champions commenced recently with over 30 locals qualifying to participate in the World’s largest FREE roll poker tournament event held at The Cube Entertainment & Convention Centre at Campbelltown.
Over 1000 players competed over three days for their chance to win part of a $1,000,000 prize pool.
Alex Fallon who just missed out on the final table still managed to walk away with an exciting $6,000 cash. Peter Mc Carthy who made the final table finished in 8th place and won himself an amazing $25,000 cash.
This annual event had plenty to offer participants and spectators with Celebrity Poker Game which included Miss Bondi Blonde Jaime Wright, Biggest Loser Trainer Shannon Ponton and past Big Brother housemates.
For your chance to be part of this experience come along and play FREE at any of the following local venues:
MONDAY: Gladesville RSL 2pm & 7pm;
TUESDAY: Gladesville RSL 2pm; Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club 7:30pm; Canada Bay Club 7:30pm; WEDNESDAY: Massey Park Golf Club 6pm; Ryde City Bowling Club 7pm;
THURSDAY: Canada Bay Club 2pm; Ryde Ex Services Club 7:30pm; Briars at Greenlees 7:30pm;
FRIDAY: Ryde City Bowling Club 7:30pm; Ryde Ex Services 11:30pm;
SATURDAY: Massey Park Golf Club 7pm; Gladesville RSL 7:30pm;
SUNDAY: Hawks on Second Ave 3:30pm; Bayview Tavern 7:30pm.
To find out more head to www.playAPL.com
Trans Tasman tour for Epping athletes
Epping Boys High School have returned from a sporting tour of New Zealand with a 14 yrs rugby team and a 14 yrs soccer team.
The boys played games against the Hutt International Boys School, Nelson
College, Marist Rugby Club , Capital Football Club and a West Coast football
representative team.
Sports Co-ordinator Michael Hoban stated that the overseas EBHS sports tours play an important role in the positive development of the sports program at the school.
On the latest tour the boys played against high quality opposition. As well the boys took time out for a walk on Fox Glacier, jet boat riding in Queenstown along with skiing and snowboarding. The tour took in Wellington and the west coast of the south island.
Mr.Hoban said that EBHS have toured Hong Kong and Canada in the past three years and that the next tour is planned for April 2009 when two senior rugby teams will travel to British Columbia and the west coast of the USA.
He also advised that the Central Coast Mariners have decided to establish a football academy based at EBHS as part of the initiative to identify and coach talented soccer in the Gladesville/Hornsby area.
This will contribute greatly to the development of the school’s football players and identify the potential football stars of the future.
Tigers Captain Farewelled
Wests Tigers rugby league captain Brett Hodgson was farewelled at Leichhardt Oval last Friday night at the last game of the season at the Tigers’ home ground and back at the Tigers Leagues Club afterwards. Among the well wishers were Balmain icon Dawn Fraser, right, with Mrs Mary Rooney wife of Balmain Leagues Club president Kevin Rooney and her sister Peg May. TWT on-the-spot PHOTO.
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Holy Cross Ryde’s talented Under 13 rugby league team recently won the NSW All Schools Championship.
Boxer Dean tunes up for title fight
NSW bantamweight boxing champion Dean Livanos of Denistone scored an impressive victory over Papuan Kartu Arang at the recent Fight Night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.
The unbeaten Livanos, a TWT/Club Six Sports Star Award recipient, was a unanimous winner on points as he tuned up for a showdown with national title holder Fred Mundraby of Queensland later this year.
“I was very happy with my performance - Kartu hit hard and took a lot of punishment and was able to give me a tough fight” said Dean.
Livanos, who regularly spars with world champion boxer Vic Darchinyan, will now focus on snaring the Australian title off 20 year old Mundraby.
Netball Grand Finals
Holmans RetraVision ERNA Netball Grand Finals: 11/1: D Central d St G 26-13 11/2 NRRSL d Ravens 28-23 11/3 Robbins d NRRSL 31-29 11/4 YMCA d Villa 13-9 12/1: Spirits d St G 32-24 12/2 D United d D Centra 24-22 12/3 Robbins d R Ladybirds 18-17 12/4 Alexanders d Santa 21-13 13/1 NRRSL d D United 41-20 13/2 Robbins d NRRSL 29-14 13/3 Santa d OLMC 20-16 14/1 NRRSL d WRR 34-28 14/2 Santa d D United 53-18 14/3 Santa d Woolwich 23-18 15/1 WRR d Flames 50-47 15/2 Robbins d E United 30-26 15/3 OLMC d YMCA 40-22 Cadet 1 Alexanders d WRR 54-44 Cadet 2 D United d WRR 31-30 Cadet 3 Eagles d NRRSL 50-46 Cadet 4 M Bluebells W D United F A1 Woolwich d Spirits 59-53 A2 WRR3 d WRR 4 42-39 B1 WRR d OLMC 43-42 B2 Woolwich d Spirits 53-45 B3 Epping Rugby d NRRSL 33-29 B4 D United d WRR 56-24 C1 NRRSL d E United 45-32 C2 Ravens 4 d Ravens 3 45-27 C3 NRRSL d E Rugby 35-32 C4 D United d Flames 45-36 C5 Eastwood XLs d WRR 32-26 C6 D United drew M Bluebells 30-30; C7 Alexanders drew Ravens 26-26 D D United d Ravens 44-26.
Green Shield Cricket Trials
SYDNEY Cricket Club will hold its 2008/09 A.W Green Shield U/16 trials on Sunday September 14, 21 and 28 at St Ignatius College (Riverview) No 2 Oval nets from 11am to 2pm.
The College is situated in Tambourine Bay Road, Lane Cove. Bring all your own cricket gear, drinks, afternoon snacks and sunscreen.
Wear clothes suitable for cricket practice (whites not necessary). Rubber soled shoes. A number of players may be invited to an intra squad match in the October school holidays. Inquiries Daryl Chappelow 0423 798 956.
Ladies Golf Shield triumph
NORTH Ryde Golf Club recently captured the Bronze II Pennant Shield for lady golfers. Pictured displaying the Shield are triumphant team members l to r Jan Durham, Cheryl Staunton, Sharon Gordon, Marlene Peters, Kerry Attenborough, Helen Brayshaw, Chris Amery and Lisa Oldfield. The North Ryde ladies defeated Chatswood, Asquith, Castle Hill, Muirfield, Pymble and Killara to win the trophy for the first time since 1978. Castle Hill finished runners up.
Ryde Hockey Roundup
RYDE-Hunters Hill mens hockey teams have qualified for the third, fourth, fifth, sixth and 8th grade finals.
Firsts: Glebe 5 Ryde-Hunters Hill 4 (Sean Dobbin 2, Alex Jones 2); Seconds: Ryde-Hunters Hill 4 (Cameron Brown, Nathan Arnold, Nick McEwen, Duncan Brown) Glebe 2; Thirds: Ryde-Hunters Hill 1 (Peter Cox) Glebe 0; Fourths: Ryde-Hunters Hill 5 (David Coombs 2, Paul Dobbie, Mark Ellis, Stuart Farquarson) Glebe 2; Fifths: Ryde-Hunters Hill 4 (David Burke 2, Steve Dunn, Mark Woolnough) Glebe 1; 6th Grade: Ryde-Hunters Hill 7 (Brad Parkes 3, Mark Richards 2, Dan Waring, David Moore) Glebe 0; 7th Grade: Gordon-North Sydney 4 Ryde-Hunters Hill 1 (Stu Kerr); 8th Grade: Ryde-Hunters Hill 4 (Greg Merchant 2, Kevin Li, Andrew Haynes) Gordon-North Sydney 1; 9th Grade: Ryde-Hunters Hill 3 (Scott Robinson 2, Dan Halpin) St George-Randwick 1; Grand Final: U/17A: Glebe 2 Ryde-Hunters Hill 1 (Adam Shield); U/17B: Ryde-Hunters Hill play major semi final this week.
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