with Chris Karas
Balmain Kool Kat Annie
Tigers Sports Star 09...
...and Masters Gold Too!
RYDE superfish Annie McInerney is the Black & Gold Council Eric Brown Memorial Sports Person of the Year Award winner for 2009.
Champion swimmer Annie is pictured receiving her award from Balmain Leagues Club president Kevin Rooney last Thursday night at the Black & Gold Council Awards ceremony at Balmain Leagues Club.
Annie, the wife of former Balmain Tigers hooker forward enforcer Paul McInerney, starred for the Balmain Kool Kats Swimming Club this year - clinching gold in the Over 40s 50 metre sprint at the Southern Metropolitan Winter Swimming Championships.
TWT on-the-spot PHOTO.
Annie added to a big winning week on Saturday when she won a Gold Medal in the World Masters Games over 30s Competitive Soccer.
TWT SPORTS STARS – No 5
Honors for top gymnasts
CHAMPION Gladesville RSL gymnasts Rebecca Buffrey and Lucy Stevens are the fifth monthly winners of the 2009-10 TWT Club Six/Ryde Sports Foundation Sports Star of the Year Award.
The talented duo covered themselves in glory at an international competition in the United States earlier this year when they brought home Australia’s first-ever sports acrobatics gold medal.
They’ll receive their $300 monthly award at a special presentation this Friday night at North Ryde RSL Community Club from 6pm.
Representing their club and country, Rebecca and Lucy created history when they clinched the women’s pairs event at the Freedom Cup in Minnesota - a remarkable achievement.
The pair impressed judges with their gymnastic skills over the three day event - turning in polished displays in the balance, dynamic and combined routines.
Buffrey and Stevens defeated teams from ten different countries including powerhouse Russia, Belgium and England.
Lucy,16, has been a member of the Gladesville club for over eight years while 30 year old Rebecca - who took time out 12 months ago to perform for Circus Du Soleil - has served six years.
It was the third time that Rebecca had represented her country after previously finishing fifth at the 2003 European Championships and a top ten finish (10th) at the 2006 World Championships.
She honed her skills while performing ten shows a week with Cirque Du Soleil during 2007.
Buffrey and Stevens are Australia’s top ranked team in women’s pairs and are now preparing for the World Sports Acrobatic Championships next year in Poland.
Sparke ton keeps Tigers in hunt
Around the Wickets
with CHRIS KARAS
A STYLISH century from leading Sydney batsman Tim Sparke proved the highlight of opening day action between the Tigers and Gordon in a Sydney first grade cricket fixture last Saturday at Drummoyne Oval.
Batting at number three, Sparke was the Tigers’ mainstay - cracking a magnificent 128 to help Sydney reach a competitive total of 292.
He was supported by former Sri Lankan international and new Tigers’ skipper Russel Arnold who compiled a valuable 42; tailender Sandy Rogers who hit 35 not out and rookie bat Daniel Jacobs (32).
Sparke shared a second wicket stand of 77 with teenage opener Justin Moore (23) and a fourth wicket union of 80 with Jacobs before the Tigers scrapped their way to 9-233.
A defiant Rogers and spinner Luke Donovan then added 59 runs for the final wicket to boost the home side’s chances of a fourth round victory.
At stumps, the Gordon team were 0-52 with former Test representative Beau Casson (32 not out) and Cameron Eccles (13 not out) to resume at the crease this Saturday.
Earlier in the day, paceman James Kennedy (3-42 off 14 overs) and spinner Casson (2-66 off 20) had proved the pick of the Stags’ bowlers with impressive bowling spells on a flat Drummoyne wicket.
Young gun Roach is Europe bound
EMERGING rugby hooker Hugh Roach (pictured) of Hunters Hill has earned selection in the Australian Schoolboys rugby team for an upcoming tour of Ireland and the United Kingdom.
A product of the Hunters Hill junior rugby nursery, the skilful Roach forced his way into the strong tour party with outstanding displays for Combined GPS, NSW Schools and the Australian Schoolboys on this year’s representative scene.
The Year 11 Newington College student caught the eye of selectors with his enormous work rate and mobility in Australia’s thumping 83-18 win over Tonga and recent 28-24 loss to New Zealand Schools at Ballymore.
Hugh, 17, hails from good rugby stock. He is the son of former talented Western Suburbs first grade hooker Graham Roach who served the Pirates with distinction - playing alongside luminaries such as five eighth wizard Steve James, Rick Russo, Neil Murphy and gun centre Doug Nicholls.
As a budding hooker-forward, Hugh revelled in a crack Gordon representative team - coached by ex-Wallaby John Coolican - that won four State junior titles from Under 12s to U/15s.
He started with Hunters Hill Juniors at the age of six and yesterday paid tribute to the club that fostered him through those formative years.
“I’m a proud Hunters Hill boy and really appreciate the support the club has given me throughout my young career,” said Hugh.
“Hopefully, I can repay the club with some good performances in the United Kingdom in coming weeks” he added.
The Australian Schoolboys will play internationals against Irish Schools in Donnybrook, Dublin (November 27); Ireland U/18s in Limerick (December 2); Wales U/18s (December 5); North England Academies at Cheshire (December 9); England U/17s (December 13); South England Academies in Gloucestershire (December 16) and England U/18s on December 19.
Hat trick for O’Brien
BALMAIN Tigers cricketer Paul O’Brien claimed a hat-trick and scored a half century to cap a brilliant all round performance in second round action in the 2009-10 Inner West Harbour Cricket Association competition.
O’Brien smashed 51 for the Tigers Black X1 against Anti Social in a drawn C Grade fixture at Timbrell Park - then bagged 4-21 which included three wickets off three deliveries.
There was a nerve-jangling finish to the A Grade clash between Balmain Old Boys and Leichhardt Bowling Club at Campbell Park No 2 - with the Old Boys securing victory in the final over.
A last wicket stand of 41 between Paul Bonaventura (28 not out) and debutante Andrew Bragg (62 not out) set up a thrilling win for the reigning premiers.
Bonaventura brought up the winning runs with a leg glance to the boundary.
Damien Kennedy hit 105 for Holy Cross Crusaders against Balmain Black at Timbrell Park No 1 while Pirates’ bats Stu Hickman (69 not out) and Luke Smith (68 not out) guided their side to a B Grade victory over Drummoyne with an unbroken stand of 148.
Ric Diamonte posted 105 for the Tigers Black X1 against Regal CC at Bedlam Bay Reserve.
Pace bowler Tom Kempton grabbed 8-29 off 15 overs and batsman Phil Kwong hit 83 to steer Camperdown Dragons to victory over Leprous Goats at Callan Park.
Other players to shine were Aaron Cottrell (6-80), Tim Austin (5-74), Todd Stephenson (5-26 & 3-22); Pat Cullen (81), Anil Nair (73), Matt Whiting (64), Matt Daveron (64), Mark Young (60 not out & 4-36), Alex Peckman (58), Tom McDonald (56), Phil McLeod (55), Mike Stuart (55), Dave Taifalos (53), Daniel Gow (52), Michael Craig (51) and Mark Chochula (51).
A GRADE: (Round 2) Balmain Old Boys 9-219 (A Bragg 62no, B Delaney 32, J Czapla 28, Paul Bonaventura 28no, A Beetson 4-73, A O’Neill 3-66, L O’Neill 2-56) d Leichhardt Bowling 218 (D Gow 52, M Olsen 36, C Olsen 28, D Johnson 27, Aaron Cottrell 6-80, B Brown 2-29); Holy Cross Crusaders 7 dec 207 (D Kennedy 105, M Harrison 38, R Lucas 21, D Taifalos 3-41, S Katz 2-38) d Balmain Tigers Black A 84 (D Taifalos 27, M Porlezza 22, M Harrison 3-10, J Bass 3-14, L McColl 2-17, T Story 1-25) & 6-192 (D Taifalos 53, M Craig 51, C Doughan 28, J La Spina 26, M Harrison 3-53, N Fonti 1-16); Ryde-Hunters Hill Pirates (3) 153 (A Nair 73no, V Kedharanathan 30, C Campbell 4-54, Z Shah 2-23, T Bain 2-23) d Indefatigables Breakfast Point 94 (K Joshi 33, V Kedharanathan 5-12, M Vasavada 2-21) & 4-96 (M Narayanan 38no, M Turvey 27, A Shekhawat 2-15); Gladesville RSL Gold 7-160 (M Chochula 51, A Kennedy 34, M New 28, T Austin 5-74) d Gladesville RSL Green 158 (M Stuart 55, J Pryde 24, C Jones 22, T Hogg 2-10).
B GRADE: (Round 2) Ryde-Hunters Hill (2) 2-183 (S Hickman 69no, L Smith 68no) d Drummoyne Rats 169 (T Kuryluk 3-28, L Smith 2-27, V Chittasy 2-28); Gypsies 8-238 (A Imam 2-31, R Michel 2-50) d Concord RSL Black 235 (Phil McLeod 55, T Campbell 48, A Imam 38);
Balmain Tigers Black 3 dec 203 (R Diamonte 105, G Hawkins 32no, R Wonders 28) d Regal CC 194 (R Minter 3-21, A Power 3-61, R Diamonte 1-19, E Wilshire 1-25); Balmain Tigers Gold 3-165 (M Daveron 64, G Smith 45, C Hill 27no) d Shanachies 160 (L Rungwerth 3-35, M Khan 2-15, D Phelps 2-19, W Blacket 2-26, G Hammond 1-6).
C GRADE: (Round 2) Concord RSL White 335 (P Cullen 81, M Whiting 64, I Harkin 53, G Krestensen 34, T Burt 33, S Maronese 25) d Ryde-Hunters Hill (4) 111 & 96 outright; Gladesville RSL White 134 (T Stephenson 38, M Hoskins 31, M Katzakis 2-21) & 2 dec 152 (M Young 60no, M Hoskins 43, R Krishnan 33no) d Silent Warriors 100 (B Skinner 26, T Stephenson 5-26, M Hoskins 3-26) & 110 (AJ Park 46, M Young 4-36, T Stephenson 3-22, R Krishnan 2-13) outright; Ryde-Hunters Hill (1) 129 (R Hayden 33, F Guidaci 27) d Bayview Tavern 108 (A Martin 4-25, C Sheffield 4-34); Balmain Tigers Black C 8 dec 252 (A Peckman 58, T McDonald 56, P O’Brien 51, S Armstrong 45, C Sahai 3-42, G Li 2-37) drew with Anti Social CC 7-72 (P O’Brien 4-21 including hat trick, M Bryden 2-17); Camperdown Bowling Dragons 190 (P Kwong 83, V Lewis 15no, J Canavan 14, B Lewer 14) d Leprous Goats 94 (T Kempton 8-29, J Powell 1-19) & 84 (C Fester 4-28, J Powell 3-15, V Lewis 2-15, J Ormiston 1-1) outright.
Gold medals for Putney bowlers
PUTNEY-Tennyson lawn bowlers Les Burgett and Don Stojanovic (pictured) proudly display their gold medals after winning the Mens Over 60 pairs at the World Masters Games last week at Birrong Bowling Club.
Seasoned campaigner Les, 64, and boom bowler Don, 62, produced a stunning performance to defeat Brisbane duo George Munro and Ian Macauly 22-6 in the final.
Victorian Geoff Roberts and Feliks Woltersdorf (Tasmania) collected the bronze medal.
The Masters triumph capped a big year for Don, who has already captured the 2009 pairs and fours championship titles at Putney-Tennyson to add to the minor singles trophy that he snared last year.
He teamed with John Binet to claim the pairs after sharing the fours spoils with Peter Joint, John McWilliam and John Doyle.
Don, who took up lawn bowls three years ago, attributed the win to the support and tuition he has received from experienced mentors such as Les - a 30 year bowls veteran - and co at the Putney based club.
“I’ve learnt so much from the likes of John Binet and Les over the past three years,” said Don.
“Bowlers young and old receive plenty of encouragement and the club is now reaping the dividends.”
MEANWHILE Hunters Hill duo Rob Rose and Charlie ? picked up silver in the Over 45 pairs.
Putney-Tennyson welcomes prospective bowlers of all ages to come along and have FREE lessons. The Club will stage its Open Day on Sunday December 6. Inquiries 9807-4964.
Flying Squadron
Abbotsford 12 foot Flying Squadron Race: The Laser and Sabot classes at Abbotsford sailed the first heat of their club championship last Saturday. The race was sailed in fine weather with a south- east breeze.
Results were: Lasers: Vivacious (Lee Dewane), Zone (D. Hoppe), Seacure (N.Hibbard). Handicap. Indivisible (Tom Biskupic), Walk- a Shore (P.Barnes), Seacure (N.Hibbard)
One Up Sabots: Lightning Flash (Nicole Barnes), Sea U Later (J.Coombs), Another Circuit (A. Vervoort) Handicap: Lightning Flash, Another Circuit, Sea U Later
Two Up Sabots: Little Wing (Elliott Collins), Boatzillah (R. Biskupic) Handicap: Little Wing, Boatzillah
The club also welcomed many visitors on Saturday as Heats 1 and 2 of the Cherub State Titles were hosted by Abbotsford. It was a very pleasant day of sailing.
Champions of the triples
RITA Ellis, Sue Hardacre and Faye Bosward (skip) were recently crowned Gladesville Women’s Bowling Club Triples champions for 2009. They are pictured right to left after their hard-fought 26-22 triumph over runners up Anna Parisi, Jean Jones and Elaine Meagher (skip).
Rotary Charity Golf Day
Hunters Hill Rotary Club is joining forces with Rotary Clubs West Pennant Hills and Cherrybrook to host their annual Golf Day next Tuesday October 27 at Oatlands Golf Club.
The day will culminate with a dinner for all golfers and guests where prizes will be awarded.
Proceeds of the event will be directed to the Hunters Hill club’s project to assist youth sports education and training and Pennant Hills and Cherrybrook club’s commitment to help finance research into prostrate cancer.
Hit-off times between 11.30am and 1pm for stableford and four-ball competitions. Cost for golf and dinner is $110 or dinner only $55.
Sponsorship packages are available: Platinum ($2,000) for eight players and a table for dinner; Gold ($1,000) for four players and Silver ($500) for two players.
Cheques made payable to Hunters Hill Rotary Club should be mailed to Charity Golf Day, PO Box 1003, Hunters Hill, NSW 2110. Inquiries Rodney Binet 0412 822 608 or Tim Bowland 0438 212 582
Sailing gold for big hearted Rachel & Steve
SHE’S collected gold on the gymnastics floor at the Special Olympics and was a life member and saxaphonist with the Gladesville RSL Youth Club Band.
Now 39 year old Rachel Ward of Tennyson Point has overcome illness to win more gold at her first World Masters Games last week in the sport of sailing.
Rachel teamed up with her Dobroyd Aquatic clubmate Steve McGrath in “Rhapsody” to clinch the 3.3 Access Dinghies Double title in the 35yrs-45yrs division.
Both are pictured displaying their gold medals after mastering the blustery conditions on Dobroyd Point in a wind-marred competition to take out first place.
It was a great achievement for the pair - especially Rachel who underwent surgery in August to remove a benign tumour in her abdomen.
They recorded a string of top three finishes last Thursday and Friday to seal the gold medal.
Rachel started Sailability classes at Dobroyd Aquatic Club ten years ago and drew on her big heart and competitive instincts to match it with the more experienced sailors on a weekly basis.
She’ll now represent NSW at the National Special Olympics in Adelaide during April 2011.
As a talented gymnast, Rachel represented Australia at the World Special Olympics in Connecticut USA back in 1995 where she brought home a total of five medals - three gold, one silver and one bronze.
Persons interested in Sailability classes or general sailing at Dobroyd Aquatic Club should contact Wayne Teagle on 9713-2261 or check website: www.dobroydsailing.org
Tireless volunteers at Masters Sailing events at Dobroyd Aquatic Club – Linda Billington, BruceWilson, Eva Filla, Thomas Koch, Matt O’Donnell, Alex McCann, Elisabeth Pidd, Lesley Pike and Paul Derwent.
Triple gold for sprint queen Jackson
SPRINT queen Rachael Jackson is celebrating a gold medal trifecta at the 2009 World Masters Games in Sydney.
Jackson was one of five Ryde Athletics Centre representatives to compete at the Games and showed her class to bring home gold in the 30-34yrs 100m, 200m and 4 x 100m relay events.
Rachael blitzed the field in the 100m final - in a time equal to her last season’s best time of 12.02 sec (tailwind of 0.8 metres/sec).
In this event Rachael got away to her usual blistering start to win by a margin of some 10 metres.
In her 200 metres final, Rachael again burst from the blocks to set up yet another convincing win in 25.20 sec.
Her winning margin was 1.4 sec. Rachael was the second runner in the 160 yrs to 199 yrs women’s 4 x 100m relay (known as the “Kangaroos Paws”) which went on to win gold in a time of 48.65 secs.
This time was some 7 seconds faster than the team in second place.
SUE GORE finished 8th in the final of the 45-49 years 100m event in a personal best time of 14.89 sec.
In her 400m final Sue won a bronze medal in a personal best time of 68.83 sec. Sue finished in 8th place in her 1500m event in a time of 5 min 49.21 sec and eighth in the 800m final in a time of 2 min 37.53 sec.
She was third leg runner in the 160-199 yrs women’s 4 x 100m relay which won silver and added a further silver medal as second leg runner in the 160-199 yrs women’s 4 x 400m for the “Red Spider” team.
NEIL HOLMES reached the semi-final of the 45-49 yrs 100m and recorded a time of 12.78 sec and 200m semi final in a time of 26.18 sec.
ANDREW ATKINSON-HOWATT finished 16th in the 51-54 yrs Hammer Throw event with a throw of 29.93m and won bronze in the javelin with his throw of 45.72m.
The Shot Put event saw Andrew throw distance of 10.30m.
In his Weight Throw event Andrew finished 19th overall and seventh overall in the Men’s Outdoor Pentathlon event with 2495 points.
ANDREW DELLA-PORTA threw a distance of 28.27m in the Men’s Discus event for 60-64 yrs.
Yvette’s golden girls win Masters
OLYMPIC water polo champion and former TWT Club Six/Ryde Sports Foundation Sports Star of the Year Yvette Higgins has collected gold again in the pool.
Higgins - who scored the winning goal in Australia’s memorable victory over the United States in the 2000 Sydney Olympics final - teamed up with the golden girls at last week’s World Masters Games in Sydney.
Pictured l to r are members of the Way Beyond 2000 team that trounced Queensland Blues 15-1 in the Over 30s Water Polo final at Ryde Aquatic Centre - Nikita Cuffe, Danielle Woodhouse, Yvette Higgins, Bronwyn Smith (nee Mayer), Liz Scott (nee Weekes) and Renee Dunn. Absent are Taryn Woods, Naomi Castle, Sharon Wheeler and Jo Fox. The Way Beyond 2000 side dominated the competition - winning all their seven matches in comprehensive fashion.
TWT on-the-spot PHOTO.
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