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| Thursday 16 th April 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 THE Dave Sheldrick Shield and Cup came to a thrilling end last Wednesday with the last round being played between St Francis College and Yanco Agricultural High School. YAHS smashed St Francis in the rugby league to win its first-ever shield, while the leaguetag cup went down to the wire. Chris Warland and Jacob Olsen dominated with two tries each to lead their school to victory, though coach Warren Weir said the score-line could have been bigger. “We went all right,” he said. “We probably didn’t execute as well against St Francis as we did against Leeton High. “We put some pressure on early, but let them off the hook a bit with poor passes or bad kicks at the end of the set. “Overall, the boys played really well. It’s good to see the school with a good team again.” The schools played out a 1-all draw in the leaguetag, with YAHS winning the match as it scored first. A countback was needed to see whether St Francis, YAHS or Leeton High School would take the cup after all won a game each. LHS was the eventual victor with its 2-1 win over YAHS pushing it across the line. “The girls were really happy,” LHS coach Sarah Turner said. “There was a countback and we just won it, which was really good. “The talent this year is phenomenal. “There’s been a lot of improvement this year. I think playing for the cup now has given the girls the motivation to do their best.” Turner named Emma Marks for her try scoring as the best against YAHS, along with Jacqui Marks and Kaila Grundy in a team effort, while Jess Borgese and Shannon Heness were best against St Francis. YAHS will now play the winner of the Griffith schools’ rugby league competition, but Weir said they have some injury concerns. “We play the winner of the Griffith comp now and we’ve got a game against Leeton (High School) in a couple of weeks as well,” he said. “The only thing is injuries. We’ve got two broken legs, a broken jaw and a dislocated thumb, so that might brings us down to the rest of the teams.” RESULTS Third round DAVE SHELDRICK CUP YAHS 1 (Kaitlin Headon) drew St Francis College 1 (Breeanna Coelli) (YAHS won on first try scored) DAVE SHELDRICK SHIELD OVERALL Dave Sheldrick Shield: YAHS Dave Sheldrick Cup: Leeton High School |
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| NSWRL SHOUTS M8's The NSW Rugby League today reinforced its support for both senior and grassroots levels of the game with the presentation of $280,000 worth of grants to development bodies based across the state. Among today’s participants were representatives from the NSW Western Sydney Academy of Sport, the South West Sydney Academy of Sport, the NSW Tertiary Rugby League and the NSW Women’s Rugby League. The NSW Western Sydney Academy of Sport fields teams in the NSWRL Junior Representatives and is situated next door to newly-formed NSWRL Western Sydney Academy at CUA Stadium in Penrith. NSW Western Sydney Academy of Sport Chief Executive Martin Bullock joked there had been more than one case of mistaken identity between the two Academies. “We have had couriers trying to deliver our things to the NSWRL Western Sydney Academy and their couriers delivering their gear to us,” Bullock joked. “But at the end of the day, whether it be the NSWRL Western Sydney Academy or the Western Sydney Academy of Sport, we’re all working towards building grassroots Rugby League in the region. “Our program is all about putting teams into the NSWRL Junior Representatives, which everyone knows are very prestigious junior sporting competitions. “We provide a pretty unique opportunity for Penrith and Parramatta juniors. It means we keep them in the district and keep them playing with their local junior clubs. “The funding we receive from the NSWRL is vital so it’s terrific to have that support again in 2009.” NSWRL Coaching and Development Manager Martin Meredith said the grants were to aid the development and running costs associated with each League and Academy. “It’s not only the grass roots of the game, it’s also those other affiliates that have senior players ranging from school Leagues to the Defence Forces to the Academy programs.” Another body to receive a 2009 grant was the South West Sydney Academy of Sport and its Rugby League program. “The NSWRL has been absolutely brilliant for us,” SWS Academy of Sport Chief Executive Gerry Knights said today. “It’s been assisting us with our Under-15 development program that has been going for a number of years now, and that program has provided a great range of quality players. “We’re also involved in the new partnership between the Western Suburbs Junior Rugby League and CRL Group 6 and we’re very excited to be a part of that and support Rugby League.” NSWRL 2009 GRANTS WINNERS NSW Western Sydney Academy of SportNSW Police Rugby League Push & Power Rugby League Armed Forces Rugby League NSW Deaf Rugby League NSW Tertiary Rugby League NSW CIS NSW CHS Norfolk Island South West Sydney Academy of Sport NSW CPSSC NSW PSSA NSW Women’s Rugby League |
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| Wednesday 15 th April 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Ben Thomson, Arlie Evans and Caleb Hewitt (right) have gained selection in the under 14s Group 11 team. The trio have been making quite an impression for the Parkes Marist under 14s this season and thoroughly deserve their representative honours. Thomson is a hard hitting second rower who has a knack for scoring tries in every game he plays. Evans and Hewitt are more involved in the playmaking side of the game, switching around the backline with ease. The Group 11 team will play a series of matches in coming weeks against other Group teams. |
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| NSW CCC SOUTHERN COUNTRY SCHOOLBOY TEAMS
On Tuesday 28th April 2009, the NSW CCC Southern Country Trials will take place at Edmund Rice College, Wollongong. This trial will involve teams from Western and Wollongong in both Fifteens and Eighteens age groups. The Western teams involve students from Forbes, Dubbo, Lithgow, Young, Canberra/Goulburn and Wagga Wagga areas while the Wollongong teams involves students from Nowra, Albion Park, Wollongong, Narellan and Campbelltown areas. TRIALS: When: Tuesday 28th April 2009 |
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YOUNG MAGPIES FLY HIGHER THE young Magpies bounced back from a disappointing last-round defeat to book a place in the semi finals in the junior rep comp after a solid win over the Illawarra Steelers at Campbelltown Stadium on Saturday. They appeared in control for most of the match but the victory was far from convincing. Unforced errors and a lack of discipline made their task more difficult than it should have been. While there is plenty of skill and ability in the team, players will have to come to grips with the need to play a more disciplined and measured game if they are to get to the finals series. They must also improve their defensive game to compete with the top teams and minimise errors which can prove costly. The Magpies have performed extremely well during the season to earn their place in the finals series, however consistency has robbed them of a top-three finish which they are more than capable of achieving. The club congratulates head coach Derek McVey, his staff and the players for their outstanding achievements through the season and wish them every success in their quest for the Harold Matthews premiership. Tries: Peter Brown, Daniel Cadden, Sabir Elhaj, Sonny Bristow (2), Lachlan Bristow, David Nofoaluma Goals: Mitchell Brasington (5). |
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| Tuesday 14 th April 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Spectators could be forgiven for thinking they are watching the Macquarie Raiders in action this weekend when the Western Rams run onto the field for the under-18s NSW Regional Championships. No less than seven Raiders - backs Ashley Widders, Alan Arnold, Josh Merritt and Eric Fernando and forwards Anthony Egan-Smith, Matt Langby and Ben McQuillan - will represent the Rams while a further six players from other Group 11 clubs make up the 17-man squad. Having won the inaugural Western Challenge Cup and then having a heavy presence in Group 11’s 50-18 win over Group 10 at Narromine, it comes as no surprise the Raiders feature so heavily in the side. The Rams juniors will play Newcastle at 2.15pm on Saturday in their first match of the championships to be played at Pioneer Oval in Parkes. The other matches will see Central Hunter Power take on Southern Redbacks at 10am, Bidgee Bulls versus Southern Stingrays at 11.25am and Oxley Pioneers against the Northern Thunderbolts at 12.50pm. The Rams will play a second match on Sunday, their opponents pending on the outcomes from Saturday. The weekend will showcase some of the best talent on offer in country NSW and based on previous years will contain many players looking to break into the Toyota Cup under-20s sides and on to the NRL. Meanwhile, the open Western Rams team will travel to Wagga Wagga on Saturday May 2 to compete in the Country Rugby League (CRL) Southern Regional Championships. Unlike the under-18s, there is a wide mix of clubs represented in the open side with no more than three players from any one club and 11 clubs represented in the 18-man squad. Their first opponent will be the Southern Stars at 12pm at McDonald Park while Bidgee Bulls and Illawarra will take the field at 1.30pm with the winners of the two games meeting the following day. |
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| NORTHS DEVILS TANGLE WITH STINGERS IN FINALS Story By :  The two top teams in the QRL Mal Meninga & Cyril Connell Cup's will face off in the final this weekend. North's Devils lead the competitions in both the Mal Meninga & Cyril Connell Cup in the Southern Conference. The Townsville Stingers sit comfortably on top of the Northern Conference table after some impressive performances against quality opposition in this successful junior competition. |
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| SG BALL JETS GET READY FOR SEMI SHOWDOWN WITH BALMAIN. The Newtown Jets have qualified for the 2009 SG Ball Cup semi-final series, and now go into a knockout semi-final against the Balmain Tigers at Penrith next Saturday. The Jets were dealt a stern lesson as to what might lie ahead in the upcoming finals series when they were thrashed 40-14 by competition heavyweights Parramatta in the ninth and final competition round of the SG Ball Cup. The Eels had the game well in hand with a commanding 28-4 halftime lead and punished Newtown’s lack of application and fragile defence. The Newtown boys made a much better contest of the second half but were never really likely to challenge Parramatta’s daunting points start. Jets frontrowers Lepuha Paseka and Samson Manu’a were Newtown’s best forwards and neither prop backed off in their joint confrontation with the giant Parramatta pack. Winger Michael Mizrahie scored two tries and continues to advance up the competition’s try-scoring table. Centre Cheyse Blair was a trifle tentative on occasions in his first game back from injury but showed some classy touches during the match. Newtown plays Balmain in the SG Ball Cup knockout semi-final round at the CUA Stadium, Penrith next Saturday (April 18th) at 11.00am. The Sydney Roosters Junior Rugby League Harold Matthews Shield team lost to Parramatta on Saturday by 38-16 but still qualified for the 2009 semi-finals. Advancing to the qualifying round has been an outstanding achievement by team coach John Dowall, his coaching and support staff plus all the enthusiastic squad members. The Roosters JRL face up to Parramatta again next Saturday at the CUA Stadium, Penrith at 12.30pm. In the fifth round of the NSW Cup Newtown travels across “The Ditch” to take on the in-form Auckland Vulcans next Saturday (18th April). This match is to be played at the Walter Massey Park, Mangere and is timed to start at 11.00am (Auckland time). |
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| Monday 13 th April 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In their third year of participating the Parramatta Eels were crowned winners of the Straits Open Boys division at the 2009 Nyngan Easter Rugby League Challenge after finishing runners up to Newcastle for the past two years. The Parramatta side scored in the last 5 minutes of the final to secure a 22-16 win over the Penrith Panthers. In the ITT Flygt 15’s division, Parramatta ran out convincing winners with the CRL Far West Academy placing second. Ten teams from across the state travelled to Nyngan to take part in the Easter Rugby League Challenge. Parramatta and Newcastle made the trip west for the third consecutive year and were joined by newcomers Cronulla, Western Suburbs and Penrith. On Friday evening the participating teams were welcomed by local Aboriginal elder, Kenny Lee, from the Wongaibon tribe and Bogan Shire Council Mayor Ray Donald. Ray commented on how proud and honoured the Bogan Shire council are to be able to host this great event in the Far West of NSW. Following the welcoming, the teams had a chance to test their bush skills participating in the Golden Tusk games. Teams were required to cook damper, chase goats and herd sheep through a set course. Some of the city teams showed they had some bush skills while it was obvious some had never been west of the Blue Mountains.. LeaRN MoRe |
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Mission Control to Squadron leader Fraser, come in. Mission Control to Squadron leader Fraser, come in. High flying Jets approaching New Era Stadium Cabramatta. They look fast and dangerous – over. Squadron leader Fraser to Mission Control: If they enter our space we will shoot them down - over. It took seventy minutes of football for the Parramatta Eels to do exactly as skipper Kyle Fraser said; they shot down the high flying Newtown Jets 40-14 in the SG Ball fixture at New Era Stadium Cabramatta yesterday in fine conditions. It was a convincing win over the fifth placed Jets and the news doesn’t get any better for opposition quarter final teams as the Eels are set to bring back the big Queenslander Pat O’Hanlon from their Toyota Cup team. O’Hanlon has been starring for the Eels in the Under 20 competition and he has qualified for the junior representative finals series by playing five earlier round games and scoring five tries in the process. The seven tries to three victory was a return to form for the Eels who have faded in the second half of recent games. The Jets went into the game with a two-pronged game plan; that a high tempo game would tire the bigger Eels team and to test fullback Chris Ulugia under the high ball. They were crafty tactics from the Jets coaches Joel Greig and former NRL star Sean Rudder. They would have studied the videos of Parramatta’s recent games where they appeared to drop off their intensity in the second half of games. They would have also noted the fumbles from fullback Ulugia in his first game at fullback last week against the Melbourne Storm. Jets half Jacob Miller kept peppering the fullback by neatly placed high balls that made Ulugia come forward to the ball. Under significant pressure Ulugia obliged by dropping three balls directed his way. Opposition final teams would have noted this. At half time the score was 28-4 in the Eels favour after tries to Tavita, Freeman, Wehbe and a double to centre Rory Brien who played his best game to date. Newtown got on the board courtesy of a good try to their athletic winger Michael Mizrahie after Eels forward John Leiataua spilled the ball from the kickoff. Krys Freeman’s effort deserves special mention as he cut through the Jets defence in the 13th minute. The son of former Kiwi International Gary Freeman, Krys showed outstanding speed and footwork in his thirty metre try. Seven minutes after half time Newtown hit back with a try from dummy half by Ethan Lowe and Eels fans were thinking; oh no – not again! Eels skipper Kyle Fraser hit back with a try soon after and the score was 34-10. In the 60th minute that speed machine Michael Mizrahie was at it again evading Eels defenders to score in the corner. Skipper Kyle Fraser finished proceedings in the 66th minute with a try near the posts after a Freeman offload. Final score 40-14. The Eels (2nd) now meet Cronulla Sharks (11th) in a quarter final next week while the Jets (6th) will face the Balmain Tigers (7th). |
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The Eels Harold Matthews Cup team celebrated Easter early by beating the Roosters 38-16 at New Era Stadium Cabramatta yesterday in fine conditions. The Roosters prize for running second yesterday is a return bout against Parramatta next week in the quarter finals. Congratulations! While the Eels got the money in the seven tries to three win Roosters coach John Dowall should take a bow. His tactics of kicking the ball away from star Parramatta fullback Jacob Gagen and having his players ruthlessly chase the ball effectively shut Gagen down. Opposition coaches should get the DVD and see how effective Dowall’s tactics were. It’s the first time this year I have seen Gagen reduced to just a normal player. So well done John Dowall! The first half of the game was a great tussle between the two determined teams. The Roosters shocked the Eels in the 5th minute when a fifth tackle kick from half Nathan Antonelli produced an awkward bounce for Gagen with the ball falling straight into the arms of flying fullback Jake Webb who scored a neat try. Soon after Eels Vai Toutai scored out wide after Gagen joined the backline and fed the big centre with a slick pass. In the 18th minute Roosters Jake Webb was in the action again when a good decoy move put him into space and he linked with his winger Brant Donlan who had too much pace for his wrong-footed opposite Derek Golding. Two more tries to Parramatta in the 22nd and 28th minutes to Vai Toutai and Kalausa Leha made the half time score 16-10 in the Eels favour. The Eels started the second half with a second try to Leha who chased a grubber kick into the in goal like a man possessed. Three minutes later tricky winger Derek Golding used his acceleration in a diagonal run from dummy half to score in the corner and makes the score 26-10. Eight minutes later huge Eels winger Kelepi Tanginoa, like a thief in the night, steals the ball from Roosters pair Webb and Jason Trindall who were undecided about who should catch the football. The Roosters never gave in and in the 47th minute their centre Alex Thomas scoots through the defence after a good decoy move and scores a good try. The score is now 32-16. In the last minute of the game Parramatta second rower Joseph Ualesi scores a try under the posts after another Jason Trindall fumble and the full time hooter sounds with the Eels running out winners 38-16. The Roosters showed plenty of character and football ability to push the Parramatta team. They have plenty of pace across the paddock and it troubled the Eels on a number of occasions. They are also the first football team to block out representative fullback Jacob Gagen and nullify his effect. There are many positives these boys can take into next week’s quarter final showdown. May the best team win. |
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NO SAFE LEVEL OF ALCOHOL FOR TEENS TEENAGERS who drink even small amounts of alcohol have a significantly higher risk of developing alcohol abuse or risky sexual behaviour as a young adult, research has found. The study casts doubt on national guidelines that suggest there is a "low risk" level of drinking for under-18s. It provides evidence for a move away from the "harm minimisation" approach to teen drinking and could even fuel a campaign to raise the legal drinking age, experts say. The team at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute in Melbourne say their study, which tracked 1520 young people's drinking habits over more than 10 years from the mid-teens, shows no "safe" or "sensible" level of drinking for adolescents. Official guidelines from the National Health and Medical Research Council define a "low risk" level of drinking for adults as fewer than three standard drinks a day. The researchers found that even at this level, teenagers increased their chances of alcohol abuse, social or legal problems, or alcohol-related high-risk sexual behaviours 10 years later. "The issue of when teens start drinking is very important," said the lead researcher, Elya Moore, an epidemiologist. "Those who abstained from any alcohol in adolescence experienced fewer [bad] alcohol-related outcomes than those who drank at the 'recommended' level. "We found no evidence of a level that may have been safe. I think that's the most remarkable finding." The study was published last week in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health. It found that by young adulthood, 27 per cent of men and 13 per cent of women met at least one of the criteria for alcohol abuse and risky sexual behaviour connected with alcohol use. The research showed a clear linear trend - the more boys drank in their teen years, the more likely they were to develop alcohol-related problems as young adults. For girls the trend was less clear. Dr Moore said this could have been a failure of the research method, rather than evidence that girls were more able than boys to drink at safe levels without long-term effects. Australia's official guidelines, announced in February, say the safest option is to drink no alcohol below the age of 18. For people aged 15 to 17 they say "the safest option is to delay … drinking for as long as possible", and "if drinking does occur it should be at a low-risk level and in a safe environment". But the study found that the chance of developing alcohol-related disorders among the "low risk" drinkers was closer to that of "risky" drinkers than to that of non-drinkers. George Patton, director of adolescent health research at the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne said he was surprised by the results. He had expected that those with no evidence of excessive drinking as teens would "do well as adults". "But we found, particularly for males, that those who start drinking early had very high rates of alcohol abuse and dependence, even if they had started [by] drinking sensibly," he said. He said the study was limited because it could not eliminate other factors such as personality and social background. But it would add to the debate about teen drinking policies. The chairman of the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation, Scott Wilson, said the study suggested that alcohol guidelines should be made clearer - "zero alcohol, full stop" for under-18s. "The attitude has to change where we think it's not such a big deal for a couple of young boys to have a six-pack of beer," he said. "You see that attitude when you go to a footy club, say after a [junior league] final when the Coke is quickly replaced by beers. It's that acceptance that has to be changed." |
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| Sunday 12 th April 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TITANS NYC SIDE SCORES BIG WIN OVER COWBOYS The Jetstar Gold Coast Titans NYC (under-20s) side has continued its brilliant early season form with a 48-16 demolition of North Queensland at Dairy Farmers Stadium tonight. The Titans scored 28 unanswered points in the second half to runaway with the match and register their fourth win from five matches this season. Halfback Cody Walker scored two second half tries to put the result beyond doubt while winger Lachlan Creighton also crossed for a double. The win ensures the Steve Murphy-coached Titans side will remain in the top-four of the NYC under-20s competition heading into next Friday night’s big clash against heavyweights Canberra at Skilled Park. The Titans led 4-nil after eight minutes after a long cut-out pass from Walker helped put winger Creighton away in the left corner. But the Cowboys hit back two minutes later through a converted try to five-eighth Michael Morgan. Titans lock Kurt Foggo gave his side back the lead when he crashed over from close range and five-eighth Jordan Rankin added the extras for a 10-6 advantage. Speedy fullback Jy Hitchcox extended that lead to 14-6 after 24 minutes when he showed some blistering speed close to the line. Both sides again swapped tries, interchange forward Ryan James giving his side a 20-10 advantage before Cowboys hooker James Segeyaro scored a try just before the break to a four-point difference at halftime. But it was all the Titans during the second stanza with Walker, Creighton, captain Ben Ridge and Rankin all scoring tries to run away with the result. | TOYOTA CUP SCORES | LADDER | |
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| Saturday 11 th April 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The race for finals positions is over after today's completion of round 9 in this years NSWRL District Representatives season. In both the Harold Matthew's & SG Ball Cups the top four were the only teams safely in the top 4, with all other teams scrambling for finals berths next weekend. Match reports and aCTioN FoTo'S LaTeR or after EASTER |
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Story By : Photo BY : A SENIOR rugby league executive accompanied his 10-year-old son to the lad's first league game in their local district, only to discover during the car trip home it would be his last. "They're too big," the lad said of the Pacific Islanders who had skittled the opposition on their monotonous trips to the try line. NSWRL Juniors manager, former Sea Eagles five-eighth Martin Meredith, said there was no data pointing to Pacific Islanders in schools and junior leagues causing a reduction in registrations of youth from European, Asian or Middle Eastern backgrounds. "There is no evidence to say there are more or less non-Polynesian kids playing as a percentage, but overall, our numbers in Sydney have increased 3per cent over the past 12 months," he said. "This follows an increase last year, suggesting more and more kids of all backgrounds are playing rugby league." Meredith did concede the disparity of weight in junior age groups led to a NSWRL experiment three years ago with age/weight categories in schoolboy carnivals across Sydney. Last year, seven age/weight carnivals were run in Sydney regions where under-16 players were required to weight below 75 kilograms; under-14s below 65kg and under-12s below 55kg. Boys who were heavier than these limits were forced to play in open age divisions. "In effect, we ran two carnivals, one in age/weight and the other open," Meredith said. "Fort Street High School entered the inner Sydney region in the age/weight divisions in 2007 and were beaten in the under-16 final by South Sydney High. It was the first time in years Fort Street played rugby league." Fort Street, a traditional selective school which produced NSW premiers, High Court judges and John Singleton, has a strong academic reputation. "Fort Street wouldn't have nominated in a normal carnival played without weight divisions," Meredith said. Sydney's junior leagues, administered by the NRL's district clubs, are yet to introduce age/weight divisions. Clubs such as Penrith and West Tigers have the numbers to divide age divisions by weight but the smaller eastern suburbs have strong concentrations of players of Pacific Island background. "We haven't moved into age/weight divisions in the junior programs yet but the schools experiment was a success," Meredith said. Some development officers complain the age of Polynesian players is difficult to validate. "There is a suspicion their age does not begin from birth but from baptism," one said in reference to Pacific Islanders' close attachment to their church. |
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Story & Photo's BY : Manly SeaEagles Harold Matthew's Cup team have equalled their best ever season in the NSWRL District Rep's Competition. The SeaEagles finished 3 rd in 1997, that year they won 9 games from 14 rounds, and this year of 2009 the SeaEagles won 7 games from 9 encounters The Sea Eagles English born coach Lee Addison said "we set it as a bit of a goal for ourselves after round 5 to try and match if not beat what the 1997 team did. A lot fo the players in our team are amazingly competitive, without naming names I think there are some who you'd have to drag off the field kicking and screaming to stop them from running or tackling, and that is a priceless commodity for a coach. To us, each game we have played this year has been tough, we have had 5 games where the winning margin has been between 2 and 6 points. Thats shows that we are not running rampant over teams, we are fighting in each game and luckily for us, we have come out on teh right side of most of them, but it could so easily have been the other way round and we could be sitting outside a finals berth. Many beleieve if the season was extended to 14 rounds the Manly side would have eclicsed the 9 victories in the 1997 champaign Thanks Lee Addison for taking the time to help us out with this great little story |
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 Canowindra Junior Tigers travelled to Parkes for their first away games and only the Under 14s came away with a win. UNDER 8'S The Chris Williams Under 8s continued on their developing way under as their combinations continued to progress. Max Coady, Josh Middleton and Codie Reid made some damaging runs which always gained ground but never quite got over the try line. William Ellis, and the Warne dynamos, Harrison and Lachlan, combined with the more experienced Jacob Fisher to halt the progress of the Parkes side. Andrew Cutmore showed his speed as he crossed the line twice while Austin Pengilly landed his first conversion of the year. The 8s progress hows promise for the next home game on the 26th April at the Oval, so come along early and cheer on the youngest Tigers. UNDER 10'S The Canowindra Services under 10s tried hard against their speedier opposition but couldn’t score as often as their Parkes opponents who ran out winners 40-6. The Tigers team of nine was bolstered by some Parkes blood but the 10s were out played despite some valiant-tackling- efforts from Connor Donelly, Joe Coady and Angus Fisher. Jelena Cutmore and Kyra McClintock joined Shae Reid with some damaging runs but it was Harley Smith who crossed the line for the Tigers only try. Jordan Kemper kicked the conversion for the Tigers tally of six UNDER 11'S The Canowindra Hotel under 11s comprised some of the 10s that had already played and the younger 12s yet to play and they went down to Parkes 48-0. The tigers kicked off and Parkes didn’t relinquish the ball much for the rest of the game. Shaun Ovington and Sam Willson tackled strongly from the opening kick off but it wasn’t long before Parkes broke through for their first six pointer. Kevin Beath and Nathan Whatman tackled gamely some times three in a row and yet still had enough energy to hit the ball up. Nathan combined with Callum Clyburn for a strong run almost to the try line but a dropped ball saw the movement break down. The Tigers were unlucky to go to the half time break three trys down as right on the hooter a kick ahead rebounded it a Parkes attackers arms and they scored a try. The second half was similar to the first as Parkes attacked and the tigers defended, with Jordan Kemper, Joe Coady, and Harley Smith all making a fine defensive effort. Hopefully when Parkes comes to the Oval in round 2 the 11s will be ready for the rematch. UNDER 12'S The Earsmans Concrete Under 12s suffered the same fate as the 11s as they kicked off and Parkes didn’t want to give possession back. Jumara Cutmore and Nathan Whatman tackled strongly from the opening whistle however Parkes ran in two unconverted trys. Zac Whitehead, Cal Clyburn and half Max Wensley tried to get many attacks going but Parkes never gave too much room to move. Gene Tarrant and Tylah Reid made ground but once again were closed down before they could cross the line. A top defensive effort from the whole team left little left for attack but the boys continued to try right up to the full time siren. UNDER14'S Parkes Under 14s scored first and again must have thought they were in for a winning time, however they didn’t count on the spirit and talent of the Canowindra Produce Under 14s who ran out winners, 56-12. Strong hit ups from Isaac Beath, Michael Watt and Lachlan Clulow took the 14s inside the quarter from where half Bradyn Cassidy darted over from dummy half. Tim Middleton brought his kicking boots and added the extras for the first of his five conversions. The Tigers next try was a beauty as five eight Jayden Brown had dropped back for the restart which went to Kurt Tidswell who took the initial run before Jayden got the ball and sprinted through the defence and under the posts for another six pointer. Runs from Tim Middleton and Curtis Hughes again brought play close to Parkes’ line from where Bradyn darted around the Parkes prop and scored next to the posts. A Josh Trayhurn special put the fourth try on the board and the Tigers went to the break 24-6. Parkes narrowed the gap to twelve points with another try at the beginning of the second half, before Jayden Brown was under the posts again, straight over the top of the Parkes’ halfback. Bradyn Cassidy added the extras and the gap was again two converted trys. Curtis Hughes was next on the try-scorers list as he went from just inside his own half through the defence and outpaced the defenders to score next to the posts. The score stretched to 40-12 with an unconverted try to Bradyn after another darting run from halfback. Josh went in for his second which Jayden Brown converted before a back line passing move off the scrum saw Michael Watt cross the line wide out on the left of the posts. The teams last score came as Isaac Beath capped off a great game as he pushed through the defence and planted the ball over the line as he was tackled. Bailey Cain added the extras for a 56-12 full time score. UNDER16'S The Ken’s Service Centre Under 16s tried to repeat the 14s efforts but went down to Parkes 38-4. A question before the report itself; which-motor-bike-riding-father failed to ensure the playing jumpers were in his car before he took off on his bike on Saturday? [We can hope the error will not be repeated.] Strong combinations at centre from Josh Cooney and Harry Myers saw either ground gained or Parkes momentum stopped. Dan Middleton and Luke Watt directed play at the halves as they sent Sam Barker, Elijah Beath and Kain Earsman at the Parkes line. However mistakes let the side down and Parkes scored four trys and converted three for a 22 -0 half time score. The tigers held Parkes out for most of the second half as strong running from Gerard Eppulstun, Blake Willson, Angus Clulow and James Watson saw the Tigers gain more possession and yardage but it wasn’t until late in the half that Gerard Eppulstun pounced on a loose ball and the Barker-Beath combination saw Elijah Beath force his way over for a four pointer. Parkes scored a four pointer of their own for a full time score of 38-4. |
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THE second round of the Dave Sheldrick Shield and Cup was contested last Thursday, with Leeton and Yanco Agricultural high schools facing off at No. 1 Oval. In the leaguetag cup, LHS bounced back from last week’s narrow loss to St Francis to down YAHS 2-nil in a solid performance. The LHS team was not as lucky in the rugby league shield, copping a 50-nil drubbing by a dominating YAHS outfit. The big win sets up what should be an interesting clash between YAHS and St Francis, with the victor taking the shield. COLLEGE STARTS WITH A BANG In the league-tag, a thrilling 1-all draw was played out. Jane Houghton scored for SFC, while Kayla Marks crossed for LHS. Under the rules, SFC took home the points as it scored first. The rugby league was also a close game with the schools tied 16-all with time running out. With only seven seconds left, SFC scored to take a 22-16 win. This week’s round will be on Thursday with LHS facing Yanco Agricultural High School. Results Dave Sheldrick Shield St Francis College 22 (Reece Maguire 2, Drew Hopwood, James Hodge tries, Mitchell Roser 3 goals) d Leeton High School 16 (Todd Bevan, Hayden Crockett, Daniel Easton tries, Mat Grundy 2 goals) It finished last week with YAHS beating St. Francis 28-0. Week one saw Leeton High vs. St. Francis and St. Francis were a little bit stronger with a 22-16 win against Leeton High. Round 2 saw Yanco Agricultural High School thrashing Leeton High with a 50-0 win. Round 3 saw another strong YAHS win 28-0 against St. Francis Dave Sheldrick Cup St Francis College 1 (Jane Houghton) drew Leeton High School 1 (Kayla Marks) (SFC won on first try-scored) |
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| Friday 10 th April 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 2009 NYNGAN EASTER RUGBY LEAGUE CHALLENGEThe 2009 Nyngan Easter Rugby League Challenge (10th – 13th April) again promises to be an exciting weekend of rugby league action. |
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| Thursday 9 th April 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Macleay Valley Mustangs’ Danny Cooper was been named in the under 18s Oxley Pioneers representative rugby league side on Saturday. The Oxley Region of Country Rugby League conducted trials for their 2009 representative sides at Port Macquarie’s Regional Sports Stadium on Saturday, with Group 2, 3 and four facing off. The under 18s matches were of 35-minutes duration with the first grade matches played over 40 minutes; no half-time break were taken. Group 2 hammered Group 4 34-12 while Group 3 also accounted for Group 4 22-16. In the local derby, Group 3 grabbed the honours from Group 2 18-14. In the under 18s, Group 4 accounted for both Group 2 and Group 3 with the score lines 10-6 and 12-10 respectively. Group 3 also beat Group 2 18-12. The Pioneers’ under 18s will train at Walcha this Friday, from 10am, while the seniors are scheduled to meet at Wauchope on Friday, April 24. The Oxley pioneers will contest the Country Champions. The under 18s pioneers are the reigning champions. Group 2 league games washed out Only one game was played in the VB Gold Group 2 Rugby League competition on the weekend. Port Macquarie defeated Coffs Harbour 40-20 on their home ground. In reserve grade Coffs Harbour won 20-16, while the under 18s match was a nail-bitter with Port winning 20-18. The rest of the round two matches were washed out including Macleay Valley Mustangs v Macksville and Nambucca Heads v Dunghutti. The clubs have until Monday, June 8 (long weekend) to complete their matches. They can play any time in between this date if both clubs agree. If clubs cannot resolve when they play then the match will be set down by group management for 12pm Sunday, June 6. |
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 IT takes more than a bunch of boys to stop Shakira Williams. The Norths under 11 centre might be the only girl in her team, but she’s quickly proving gender is no obstacle when it comes to rugby league talent. “It’s her first year with us and we’re only two games in, but she’s going really well,” coach Dave Hewitt said. “She was a bit timid in the first game but she certainly got more confidence on the weekend.” In fact, Shakira produced such an impressive performance that she was named player of the match, much to the chagrin of the some of the boys in her team. Hewitt said rugby league was something that runs in Shakira’s family, with her father a coach and her older brother also a player. “She’s really gets into it – she’s quite a good little footballer,” Hewitt said. The Norths side have so far recorded one win and one loss this season. They went down to Brothers by about 10 points in their first game but claimed victory against Souths at the weekend. Hewitt said the first half of Saturday’s game was all about Souths, who raced out to a 12 point lead. But Norths fought back in the second half to catch up and then secure their own 12 point advantage, before a final try to Souths in the dying minutes narrowed Norths’ winning margin to six. Hewitt said his Norths side includes plenty of talented players and has the potential for a very successful season if they can continue to build as a team. |
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| Wednesday 8 th April 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HOW THE NSWRL DISTRICT REP'S FINALS COULD BE
This is a copy of what is posted in a thread on the NSW Junior reps forum in League Unlimited. So it could be wrong. What we can confirm is that NSW teams are playing to qualify for a final 12 and their last pool match finishes next week. 1st v 12th (A) The Queensland comps will pit the top 2 in each against each other. 1st QLD sth v 2nd QLD nth (G) This will leave 6 teams left in NSW and 2 in QLD. They will then come together with (A) v (H) - I then I v L (M) finally (M) v (N) The main disadvantage seems to be for the team finishing 2nd who will presumably beat the 11th team in first round of finals but will then have to make the day trip to QLD to play a top team from there. |
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| Tuesday 7 th April 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BATTLE FOR FINALS SPOTS: JUNIOR REPS FINAL ROUND PREVIEW The junior representative competition ends this week for some teams. They will ponder on what could have been in 2009 while plans will already be underway by these clubs to improve their position for season 2010. Other teams are assured of continuing into the finals while others are sweating on final round results to know if their season will extend a week or two more. In SG Ball eight teams are assured of a spot; they being St George, Parramatta, Bulldogs, Jets, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Penrith and Newcastle. In ninth to tenth spot respectively are Balmain and Manly on eight points and Illawarra and North Sydney on seven points. Cronulla Sharks are circling these teams but are precariously placed in thirteenth spot. They will be ruing their upset loss on the weekend to the Canberra Raiders. They were expected to win at home and would have been on eight points and ninth spot had they done so. They should get the money this weekend over the Central Coast at Morrie Breen Oval. This means that Illawarra and North Sydney must win their games against the last placed Magpies and Canberra respectively to remain in finals contention. Unfortunately for the Bears I am tipping a Canberra win at North Sydney Oval and an Illawarra victory over Western Suburbs at Campbelltown. All this means that the Cronulla Sharks will qualify for a well earned finals position and the Bears will be the team to drop out to start preparing early for season 2010. PK’S TIPS FOR ROUND 9: Dragons over Manly HAROLD MATTHEW'S CUP In the Harold Matthews Cup eight teams are assured of a finals birth, viz Bulldogs, Parramatta, Manly, Gold Coast, Western Suburbs, Newcastle, Penrith and Central Coast. Cronulla sit on ninth spot with eight points while St George and the Roosters are in tenth and eleventh positions with seven points while Western Sydney cling to twelfth spot on six points just ahead of Balmain on percentages also on six points. Challenging for a finals birth goes right down to team seventeen. Balmain, Illawarra, Canberra, North Sydney and South Sydney could make the playoffs. A lot depends on whether Western Sydney can overcome the fourth placed Gold Coast at St Marys Leagues Stadium on the weekend. I’m not sure that they will given their schizophrenic performances this season. Their great win over Newcastle in round three should have been a catalyst for more big wins. They have also beaten SASAS and North Sydney. But they are challenged whenever they play a strong team. They have lost against Manly, Cronulla, Balmain and Illawarra. I think coach Mark Mahoney will be preparing for season 2010 come next Monday morning. The teams I believe will occupy positions eight to twelve will be (in order eight to twelve) Cronulla, Central Coast, St George, Roosters and sneaking into twelfth position on percentages will be the Canberra Raiders. PK’S TIPS FOR ROUND 9: Manly over St George |
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| Monday 6 th April 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The 2009 Nyngan Easter Rugby League Challenge (10th – 13th April) again promises to be an exciting weekend of rugby league action. The 2009 event will see NRL junior development sides from Parramatta and Newcastle, who are attending for their third year in a row, with newcomers Cronulla and Penrith participating. Representing the country areas will the CRL Western Academy, Group XI and CRL Far West Academy. There will be six teams competing for the Straits Tritton Open Boys title and four teams competing for the ITT Flygt 15’s title. The six teams in the Straits Tritton Opens Boys division will be split into two pools with the round matches to be played on Saturday, 11th April and the finals on Sunday 12th April, while the teams in the ITT Flygt division will play each other once over the two days. The Challenge will start on Friday afternoon when participating teams converge on the Nyngan Showground, their accommodation for the next two nights. There will be a welcoming dinner and an Indigenous welcome to country ceremony for all teams and special guests. Saturday will see 10 hours of non stop Rugby League with the first game kicking off at 9:00am between the CRL Far West Academy and Cronulla in the Open Boys. Sunday will see the finals of the Open Boys being played and the completion of the 15’s matches. The Open boys final is scheduled to kick off at 2:40pm with the event presentations to follow. The event aims not only to provide a rugby league experience but to provide the metropolitan and country athletes with a unique life experience. Over the weekend there are activities planned including watching local Aborigines perform traditional Aboriginal dances and playing the didgeridoo. Athletes will also participate in Traditional Indigenous Games and will be involved in a meet and greet with animals, including mustering sheep, milking cows as well as damper cooking. The event committee is working with NRL official, Sean Hampstead, to be in attendance for the 2009 event and to conduct a referee development session with the local referees who will be involved in the Challenge.
If Sean attends he will also work with the athletes in a mentoring role and provide feedback on the performances at the end of each day. CRL Far West Academy head coach and event organiser is very please with how the 2009 event has come together. “The Challenge is getting bigger and better every year and this year is no exception with the addition of Penrith and Cronulla to the starting teams. Spectators over the weekend will be treated to some great rugby league action and will be able to see some of the most talented rugby league juniors in NSW.” “An event like this cannot be run without the support of a lot of volunteers, associations and sponsors. The support from the Bogan Shire Council, Nyngan Senior and Junior Rugby League Committees, Far West Academy of Sport, New South Wales Rugby League and Country League as well as sponsors Country Energy, Straits Tritton and ITT Flygt has been invaluable. We are always looking for more sponsors who would like to be involved in the event.” For more information please contact : Col Wright – 0428 419 426 or Matthew Thompson – (02) 6847 3683 |
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JUNIOR CARNIVAL A VICTIM OF SCHEDULING THE problem-plagued Orange CYMS Junior Rugby League Carnival has again been forced off the calendar due to tight scheduling at Jack Brabham Park. Organiser Martin Power said yesterday the event would not go ahead this autumn as a suitable date could not be found before the start of the season. The junior carnival, which has been running for around three decades, has encountered problem after problem the last three years. The event has been called off in the past as the Jack Brabham Park surface was deemed too hard to play rugby league on, and now difficulty in finding a date for the carnival is the problem this year. Power will endeavour to organise the carnival for later this year or at its regular time before the start of next season. But if he is unsuccessful in reviving the carnival, that may be the end for the once annual junior event. “I think I’ll try one more time at getting it happening, but if we can’t, I don’t think I will bother,” Power said. “It’s a shame to lose things like this.” |
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 MARSDEN FUTURE NRL STARSOn Thursday 19 March Marsden Makos rugby league players, trialled for the Metropolitan East representive side in the under 15’s and open division. Marsden dominated selection in both age groups, having 15 player selected to represent Met East at the state tittles. Under 15’s being held in Mackey in early May and the opens being held in Townsville in late May. The players selected in the Met East under 15’s are: Roy Wight, Francis Winterstein, Laga Afamasaga, Caleb Timu, Eddie Tuifao, Rhys Benney, Ben Jackson, Brenco Lee, Patrick Mago and Soape Palau. The players selected in the Met East Open’s are: Matthew Smith, Eni Folau, Tautau Moga, Jared Teo and Masi Sivoinavatu. Also we had 3 shadow players named as well, they are Lucus Tipoai (15), Sekona Well done to all the boys who were selected in the two teams we wish all the best at the up coming state tittles. Keep up the hard work, GO the Makos…………… Also Congratulations to Ex-student Antonio Winterstein on making his NRL debut for the Brisbane broncos in round 1. Keep up the good work Tonies. |
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The Harold Matthews Raiders staged a massive second half comeback to down Cronulla 24-20 in front of a vocal crowd at Toyota Stadium on Saturday. Down by 20-4 at half-time the Raiders suffered early penalties and handling errors, getting out to a typically slow start, with an 8-0 deficit fifteen minutes in. Canberra opened their account in the midway through the first half when a clever chip, chase and recover by five-eighth Ryan Gowing gave Simon Lienisch his first try down the left wing. The Sharks were quick to strike back though when flimsy Canberra defence let in two tries in the five minutes before half-time. Coach Brad Donald said that he was still confident the team could come away with a win, despite the half time deficit. “The message at half time was ‘We’re right in this game,’ I thought there was at least 16 points in that breeze and I felt confident the whole way through that we could win the game,” Donald said. The Raiders began the second half with strong defensive sets before discipline and ball control again halted their progress. They finally broke the Sharks in the 44th minute, when a line break created a 2-on-1 for Adam Czarny to score under the uprights, bringing the score to 20-10. The Raiders turned around their poor defence in the first half to create a second half brick wall, keeping the speedy Cronulla team to a clean sheet in the final 30 minutes. Lienisch struck in the 48th minute and again in the 55th minute to create a nail-biting final five minutes, with the score at 20-18 to Cronulla. The Raiders fans had hearts in mouths when big Sam Everett knocked on from an awkward Cronulla restart, only for the Raiders to challenge the Cronulla scrum and steal the ball back. The Raiders showed great maturity and patiently moved play up field past the Cronulla 20 metre line. There they found a charging Sam Everett, desperate to make up for his fumble. Everett got the ball five metres out and crashed over, carrying four defenders with him, to put Canberra in front for the first time in the game, 24-20. The 59th minute try capped off a great comeback for the team, who duly celebrated when the siren sounded only 40 seconds later. Coach Donald was pleased with his side’s effort, attributing their success to a much improved defensive effort. “We still had some issues with our line speed but we did solve some problems from last week. Our blindside defence was really good, and not getting scored against in the second half was a nice change,” Donald said. Three try hero Simon Lienisch said the team expected a second half onslaught from the Sharks, but grew in confidence with the wind at their backs. “We thought they were going to come out strong but after a while we got a couple of tries and our confidence grew,” Lienisch said. “Sam [Everett] ran tough today, and Adam Czarny played well.” The victory puts the team back in contention with next weeks away game at North Sydney a must win to make the finals. CANBERRA RAIDERS 24 (Simon Lienisch 3, Adam Czarny, Sam Everett try, Chris Druett 2 cons) defeated CRONULLA SHARKS 20 (Rea Pittman 2, Nick Ratcliffe, Nesiasi Mataitonga try, Michael Lichaa, Aaron Bruce con) at Toyota Stadium |
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| SHARKS HEADING BACK TO NYNGAN It's been 2 years since the Sharks made the long trip west to Nyngan with the then Under 14's Development squad had a fantastic weekend of footy, pig chasing, yabbie races and meeting new friends at the local (footy field) This year the Sharks are sending the Under 17's Development squad, but this time the Bulldogs and maybe the Tigers are also heading west. Along with the Far Western Academy of Sport, the Sharks, Bulldogs & the Tigers will be putting on some great rugby league for the locals in what promises to be a great weekend of junior rugby league. The bus leave on Friday morning from Sharkies, ourfootyteam will bring you all the action from the Nyngan trip over the Easter Weekend. . LeaRN MoRe aBouT THe 2007 NYNGAN TRIP |
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| Sunday 5 th April 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
If the week of rain in Sydney wasn’t bad enough for the Parramatta Eels to contend with they were lucky to survive the Storm from Melbourne yesterday in the SG Ball fixture at New Era Stadium (formerly Cabramatta Sports Ground). The Eels won a tight match 18-16 after leading 16-0 at half time. The last three weeks they have held substantial leads at half time only to see them fritter away the advantage in the second half. EELS WIN 88 - 0. SHOCK HORROR AS GAGEN DOESN’T SCORE The Parramatta Eels trounced South West Sydney Academy 88-0 in the Harold Matthews Cup at New Era Stadium (formerly Cabramatta Sports Ground) yesterday. Despite the rain in Sydney the past week the ground was in excellent shape and is a credit to the Cabramatta club. The 15 try romp was spectacular football and will be remembered for two reasons. Firstly representative fullback Jacob Gagen played half a game and did NOT score! Secondly and more importantly half back Sean McGuinness scored two tries and kicked 14 goals (many from the sideline) to reap a personal tally of 36 points. A great achievement! Parramatta rested their big gun props Josh Neale and Junior Paulo and also took Jacob Gagen off at half time. There were many good performances from the Eels including two tries to tricky winger Derek Golding. But it was their defence in keeping South West to nil that caught my eye. Despite the one way score line South West mounted various challenges to the Parramatta defence and everytime it was met by fierce tackling to repel the South West challenge. I would like to make special mention of South West centre Sou Kamuta who stood out in defence for his team. This boy never stopped trying and the score could have been higher if it weren’t for his courage. Well done son! PK’S BEST & FAIREST: 3 – Sean McGuinness – Eels half back |
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ROUND 8 WRAP Dragons and Bulldogs command top stop on their respective ladders. The Bulldogs Matthew's Cup team are the only undefeated side on both competitions, while the Dragons SG Ball side are undefeated, the had an exciting 30 all draw in round 7 with the Panthers. In the Harold Matthew's Cup the top 7 will remain in the eight and only Cronulla (8 pts) , St. George (7 pts) & the East Junior League (Roosters) (7 pts) have a chance to get into the 8. HAROLD MATTHEWS CUP WESTERN SYDNEY 38 (T Young 2 T Eisenhuth C Iosefa N Folina L Fishburn M Mate tries C Bonanno 5 goals) bt PENRITH 6 (M Moylan try H Seijka goal). ST GEORGE 22 (L Pickerd 2 K Gillies T Rameka tries S Moran 2 A Sultana goals) bt NEWTOWN 16 (P Rokolati D Atkinson N Ehsman tries J Miller 2 goals). BULLDOGS 42 (B Aualiitia 2 M Barba A Hijazi A Sezer M Gorden J Lavulo D Fimuckame tries A Hijazi 5 goals) bt BALMAIN 34 (F Finau 2 B Williams 2 H Crouch T Simona T Faliuga tries P Politoni 2 J Nicholas goals). PARRAMATTA 18 (P Nati 2 C Ulugia tries J Tavita 3 goals) bt MELBOURNE 16 (Y Tonumaipea J O'Neill E Faamausili tries J Aldridge 2 goals). GOLD COAST 48 (R Klein 2 J Vaoa B Greber G Borgas M Parker M Srama S Irwinn D Blackburn tries J Springer 4 S Meskell 2 goals) bt CENTRAL COAST 10 (B Wiliame R Lippiatt tries J Drinkwater goal). CANBERRA 28 (S Loxley k Silvano P Vaughan J Bradley S Fulivai tries C Brueust 4 goals) bt CRONULLA 22 (H Peacock T Jarden C Tatahua J Tubbs tries C Townsend 3 goals). MANLY 28 (M Stronquist M Scott K Akavi B Ryan S Ala A Stalgis tries S Ala 2 goals) bt ILLAWARRA 22 (J Skeates D Meharg K Brinkworth K Martens tries S Maslanka 3 goals). |
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| Saturday 4 th April 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Story By : MSHSRLA Round 2 of the Mackay and District Schoolboys Rugby League competition saw Mackay SHS teams in action for the first time this season. In the Mick Shew Shield the Year 8 firsts and seconds both recorded wins. The MSHS 2’s took on the Mirani SHS 2’s on the school oval in what proved to be a very tight contest. With some gutsy defence late in the game the MSHS boys hung on to claim victory 22-20. Coach Tom Williams said, he was pleased with the early season effort and the boys really enjoyed themselves. The MSHS 1’s travelled to Magpies to take on Mackay North. This was coach Sam Granville’s first chance to look at his full strength side and they certainly impressed him. The boys attacked for the majority of the game and ran out winners 68-0. This is a promising start for the young side but they must continue to work hard as stronger opposition will surely follow. In the Col Grosskreutz Shield (Under 15) the MSHS 2’s just hung on to claim victory 24-22. Mackay North scored first from a fifth tackle option to have the MSHS boys on the back foot. With some strong running from forwards Damon Mooney and Jacob Pinyon, and with Bradley Boyd and Stuart Wingate directing traffic MSHS took an 8 point half time lead. To Mackay North’s credit they continued to fight with the game going done to the wire in a frantic final minute. MSHS’s best was Kyle O’Brien who ran exceptional lines on the fringes. The final game of the night was the Open boys in the Mick Aprile Shield. The MSHS 2’s played consistently to grind out a 22-0 win. The performance pleased interim coach Don Saunders as a number of the players in the side were bottom age. Trent Heading and Keith Hriba, both returning from injury, played strong games and should gain confidence from this performance.. LeaRN MoRe aBouT MaCKaY SHS RuGBY LeaGue |
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The QRL Northern Division is thrilled to announce that the Cowboys Leagues Club have agreed to become the Major Sponsor of the 2009 Foley Shield Carnival. The QRL Northern Division appreciates that this is a significant moment in North Queensland Rugby League. 2009 will see the time honoured tradition the Foley Shield rejuvenated and take on a carnival style format to be contested over the Easter Weekend in Townsville. The competition will be expanded with the introduction of teams from Mt Isa/Mid West, Innisfail/Eacham and Cape York/Torres Strait Islands. The new teams combined with Townsville, Mackay and Cairns will compete for the Foley Shield. Without the support from the Cowboys Leagues Club a Rugby League Carnival such as the Foley Shield would be extremely difficult to undertake. By showing their support it demonstrates their commit to grassroots rugby league in North Queensland and provides another stepping stone for those young players who aspire to become a North Queensland Cowboy. The Foley Shield weekend will be supported by the playing of the Mal Meninga Cup and Cyril Connell Cup matches between Mackay, Wide bay, Townsville and Cairns in the U/16 and U/18 age groups on Easter Sunday. Chairman of the Northern Division of the QRL Mr. Greg Sutherland said that the sponsorship recognises that the support from the Cowboys Leagues Club is about developing the sport right across the north. “The fact we have 6 teams in the Foley Shield is exciting for everyone and the addition of the 8 other teams on the final day really makes it a great competition.” “I thank the Cowboys Leagues Club and in particular General Manager Joe Kelly for his support. People know that this is about all of North Queensland and the Leagues club is there for all of us when we come to Townsville for work, sport or recreation. It is a natural link and I am proud that it has occurred.” The teams are all going to Cowboys Stadium on Easter Saturday night to support the NQ Toyota Cowboys in their match against the Gold Coast Titans. |
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| Friday 3 rd April 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SMWRL WOMEN'S 9-A-SIDE TOURNAMENT - CANCELLED The Sydney Metropolitan Women;s Rugby League 9-a-side tournament scheduled for Saturday 4th April has been cancelled due to wet weather and the closure of grounds. |
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MAJOR CHANGES TO SATURDAY DRAW WEEK 1 NORTH SYDNEY DISTRICT JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE ROUND 1 LATE CHANGES Manly Warringah District Junior Rugby League Junior Reps & NSW Cup (04/04/09) moved to Terry Lamb Complex Canterbury Bankstown Junior Rugby League STINGERS HOME PAGE Greater Brisbane Junior Rugby League Inc Wet Weather Group 18 Junior Rugby League Games have been Moved Group 21 Junior Rugby League Caloundra RSL Round 1 - GAMES ARE ON!! Sunshine Coast/Gympie Rugby League Ltd. 2009 UNDER 13's REP SQUAD Group 3 Rugby League - Juniors CRONULLA JUNIORS - ARE ON TOMORROW |
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The Bulldogs final home game of the Harold Matthews and SG Ball season has been moved from The Crest Stadium to the Terry Lamb Complex with the Round 4 NSW Cup Bankstown City fixtures to follow. Kick off times for the four games remains the same as originally scheduled, but due to Sydney's torrential weather all four matches have been forced to move to a different venue. All Round 1 Canterbury-Bankstown Junior League fixtures for this weekend have been postponed due to ground closures, but the Junior Reps and the NSWRL competitions continue to go ahead. Tonight's clash between the Chester Hill Rhinos and Campbelltown Eagles is still going ahead at the Terry Lamb Complex. The Bulldogs Junior Reps take on the Balmain Tigers with a victory to the Harold Matthews side sealing them the Minor Premiership. The Harold Matthews side has won 7 from 7 matches whilst the SG Ball have won 5, lost 1 and drawn 1 this season. Following the Junior Reps will be the Bankstown City Bulls Bundaberg Red Cup and NSW Cup Round 4 fixtures. The Bundy Bulls will take on the WA Reds and the Terry Lamb coached NSW Cup side does battle against Balmain Ryde-Eastwood. Support the Junior Bulldogs and the Bulldogs lower grades this Saturday up at the Terry Lamb Complex. The Terry Lamb Complex is located on Banool St in Chester Hill with ample parking available on Campbell Hill Rd, Virgil Ave, Frost Lane, Miller Rd and Waldron Rd. The venue is only a short walk west from Chester Hill Railway Station. Please note that the Bulldogs NRL and NYC matches are on this Sunday at ANZ Stadium against Cronulla with the NYC commencing at 11:45am and the NRL fixture kicking off at 2:00pm with the after match Players Presentation to be held at Canterbury League Club following the match. All NRL Junior and Official passes must be activated by 4:00pm this Wednesday if they are to be used for the clash against the Sharks. |
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As part of their 40 years of rugby league celebrations last week, St Johns College selected an all stars side of talented players that the school has produced over the past 40 years. Among the players named were current Canterbury Bulldogs captain Andrew Ryan and former Australian representative Dean Pay, who both completed their schooling at St Johns. Other prominent names included, Bernard Wilson, Justin Yeo and Daniel Conn. Last week the school invited back past and present rugby league players to help them celebrate a proud 40-year history of the game. The festivities kicked off with an assembly at the college, which was attended by all students, staff and a number of special guests. A dinner was then held on Friday night at the Amaroo Hotel, which gave past players the chance to catch up with former team mates, coaches and their families. Event organiser Greg McIntosh described the night as hugely successful, with a memorabilia auction raising over $17,000 for the school. “It was a really good night, it capped off what had been a great day,” he said. “The event really set the platform for the schools 40 year celebrations next month.” McIntosh said guests on the night were impressed with the ‘40 year’ team selected, saying they would have liked to have seen that side play today. Two months from now on May 22 to 24 the College will celebrate their 40th Anniversary Celebration Weekend, which will give ex-students and staff another opportunity to come together at a range of venues to socialise and reminisce. Scheduled events include an Evening Mass at St Brigid’s Church, a School Campus Open Day featuring a Memorabilia Exhibition, a formal dinner with The Enormous Horns for entertainment and a Charity Golf Day. |
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| GALLOP & CARR ADDRESS NEW PLAYERS AGENT ASSOCIATION. National Rugby League (NRL) CEO Mr. David Gallop and Australian Rugby League (ARL) CEO Mr. Geoff Carr addressed the newly formed Players Agent Association (PAA) in Sydney yesterday. The Association members, who represent the majority of NRL players, plan to work closely with the NRL, ARL and RLPA. The PAA, as the unified voice of individual agents, intends driving a number of issues with the League that are important to both the agents and their clients. The PAA confirmed it would also join forces with the Australian Secondary School Council and assist with sponsorship of schoolboy rugby league. “The PAA members are most mindful of supporting grass roots rugby league” newly elected PAA President Steve Gillis stated. “The PAA voted unanimously today to help fund kids getting to representative carnivals throughout the year.” A six man committee was elected at yesterday’s meeting, being Steve Gillis (President), Sam Ayoub, Mike Newton, Rick Wade, David Riolo & Ian Smith (Secretary). The PAA said it would endeavour to contribute $150,000 over 5 years to schoolboy rugby league. |
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The Macquarie Raiders under-18s rugby league side carried the flag for the whole of Group 11 rugby league in the past month, winning the Western Challenge under-18s competition on the weekend. Macquarie 18s were the only Group 11 side to reach the division one semi-finals in the 18s competition, while not one single Group 11 club reached the top four in either the division one or division two sections of the opens. Group 11 club Forbes Magpies won the division two under-18s grand final against Bathurst Panthers 30-18. The Greg Edwards-coached juniors displayed plenty of power in their 22-18 win against the highly-fancied Bathurst St Pat’s outfit at Carrington Park on Saturday. The opens division one was won by St Pat’s 38-30 over Orange CYMS. |
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Gold Coast identity George Doniger will embark on the final leg of his mammoth journey tomorrow in the Jetstar Gold Coast Titans MothersMilkBank Currumbin to Cairns Charity Ride. Despite covering more than 1700kms on his bike since leaving the Gold Coast 18 days ago, the 68-year-old even opted to take a longer route during the journey from Tully to Innisfail today. “We decided the course wasn’t long enough today so we deviated and went down to Mission Beach for breakfast,’’ joked Doniger. Doniger is expected to arrive at the Piccone’s Supa IGA Store in Cairns at around 2.30pm tomorrow, where he will greeted by officials from the MothersMilkBank. The Morning Crew from Sea FM in Cairns will also ride alongside Doniger in the final 10kms of his journey. Doniger is still collecting donations for the MothersMilkBank through the Titans website at www.titans.com.au. The Jetstar Gold Coast Titans have already put their hands up to sponsor the ride and it is hoped that $50,000 will be raised for the charity, which desperately needs funding to set up a new community milk bank building on the Gold Coast. |
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| Thursday 2 nd April 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ATTENTION : SPORTS COORDINATORS (ALL SCHOOLS)
NOTICE OF TRIAL Redcliffe District Primary School Sport would like to announce the trials for the following sport: Sport : Rugby League When : Monday, 6 April Where : Talobilla Park Time : 3:45-5:00pm GENERAL INFORMATION Please make children aware of the following requirements even if your school does not have an U/10 Rugby League team Children aged 10 years and under are invited to attend the above trials to be held as advised. One 10 YEARS team will be selected to compete at the 35kg Carnival to be held in Roma on the Darling Downs during the first week of the June/July vacation. Transport to this trial will be the responsibility of the individual Please send only children of an appropriate standard for representative Rugby League. Children must not be turning 11 in 2009. Only children born in 1999 or 2000 can trial. Players at this carnival must not be 35kg or heavier Teachers are needed to help select this team. Children need to come dressed appropriately for trials, with boots, jersey, mouthguard and no jewellery. Children should bring a waterbottle. Please ensure that parents are informed to collect their child at 5:00 pm sharp. Please direct any questions to:Donna Roberts, Manager (Scarborough SS). PH 3480 3333 or David Martin (Coach) PH 3880 1289 |
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Lots of good matches this week. In SG Ball the feature match is St George versus the Newtown Jets (1st v 4th). Parramatta against Melbourne (2nd v 5th) and Bulldogs v Balmain (3rd v 8th) should also be beauties! St George is the trail blazer of the competition and have not been beaten this year. The highlight of their season was defeating Melbourne Storm three weeks ago 60 - 6. Since then they have had two close shaves against North Sydney (28 - 22) and last week drew against the Penrith Panthers 30 all. They have a backline that can strike from anywhere on the football field with the likes of fullback Luke Pickerd (2007 Australian under 15 merit team), and halves Kyle Stanley (brother of NRL star Chase) and Kyle Mallyon. Winger Ashley Boney has scored eight tries this year and his speed has been a feature. The dragons brought him down from the Gold Coast and the former Keebra Park High School student has not disappointed. Newtown has only dropped two games this year and has recorded wins over some handy teams including the Bulldogs, Penrith and Gold Coast. Their big game player Boyd Cordner who has won their best and fairest player three times this season is OUT! See the Jets team for Saturday here They have also shifted second rower Dane Atkinson to the centres. With all respect to Atkinson I think his lack of genuine pace could be a good opportunity for the quick dragon outside backs. Last year’s NSW under 16 player Jacob Miller has been in good touch for the Jets at half back and he will have to be watched close to the line with his prodigious side-step. With Cordner out I think the Saints will get the money in a close match. It has been slash and burn out at Parramatta this week with three players dropped and three positional changes made. Are they merely shuffling the chairs on the Titanic? Out goes five eight Jason Wehbe, wing Jorge Taufua and hooker Kingi Lasalo who drops to the bench. NSW under 16 fullback Chris Ulugia has moved from wing to fullback while the normal custodian of that position Jaydin Tavita has moved to five eight. Tim Crellin moves into starting hooker while exciting second rower Jacob Loko takes over from Josh Tuitupou who is out injured.
Toyota Cup playing Pat O’Hanlon’s replacement Jason Seage has been elevated to the team and will probably play in the halves at some stage. See here for the Parramatta Eels team The changes were expected after the Eels crashed to their first defeat of the season against the Balmain Tigers last week after leading 18- 0 at one stage in the second half. This week it doesn’t get any easier against Melbourne Storm. They have only dropped two games this year against Gold Coast and a smashing against St George. It looks like Melbourne have recruited their team from another age with many of their players resembling creatures from the dinosaur era such is their huge size. The big difference as I see it is the try scoring potential of the two teams. Melbourne have scored thirty tries this year while the Eels have crossed for forty nine. The Eels will win by ten points. The Bulldogs and Balmain game will answer one very important question; Can the Tigers jump out of their enigmatic closet and play like the world beaters they can when they want to? They lost three of their first four games but have won three on the trot against Western Sydney, Western Suburbs and Parramatta. They have fine players that can really threaten the opposition line like winger Faleula Finau, centre Blake Williams and halves Patrick Politoni and Daniel Mahoney. Hooker Dean Parata was recruited from Keebra Park High School in Queensland and is another one to watch. Last week’s win over Parramatta showed that the Tigers can compete on equal terms with any team in the competition. Consistency is their nemesis. The Bulldogs on the other hand lost in their first game of the season against the Jets. Since then they have recorded some big wins but have come back to the field a little bit with close results in their last two games, a 40 all draw against Newcastle and a 34 - 28 win over the Cronulla Sharks. I’m tipping an upset here. The Tigers will jump out of the telephone box dressed in superman uniforms and topple the Bulldogs in a close match. PK’S OTHER SG BALL TIPS: Gold Coast to beat Central Coast
HAROLD MATTHEWS The feature game this week is the battle of the surfies, Gold Coast v Central Coast (4th v 9th) to be played at Morrie Breen Oval Wyong. The Titans have not been beaten in their last six games and come into this match after a 44 - 16 win over Illawarra Steelers last week and consolidated fourth position on the ladder in the process. They have a good points for and against 228/98 while their opposition stats don’t look as good with 112 for and 116 against. Keep an eye on five eight Corey McGragy who has been in outstanding form of late. Despite the home ground advantage I think the Titans will extend their winning streak to seven games. PK’S OTHER HAROLD MATTHEWS TIPS : Newcastle to beat SouthsManly to beat Illawarra Cronulla to beat Canberra Sydney Roosters to beat St George Bulldogs to beat Balmain Western Academy to beat Penrith Parramatta to beat SWSA Western Suburbs to beat North Sydney |
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| Tuesday 31 st March 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 The Forbes Magpies under 18s have backed up their confidence going into Saturday’s Win Rugby League Challenge division two grand final by cruising to a 30-18 victory over the Bathurst Panthers. The Magpies went into the match with plenty of momentum after solid showings during the competition, even without some of their key performers. The match was played at Bathurst’s Carrington Park and the young Magpies outfit scored five tries to Bathurst side’s three on their way to the win. The two sides had played out a 28-all draw when they meet during the opening stages of the competition however the extra firepower told when the Magpies took to the park with five players released from first grade duty. In Win Challenge first division grand finals, St Pats defeated Orange CYMS 38-30 and the under 18s saw Dubbo Macquarie defeat Bathurst St Pats 22-18. In the second division Bathurst Panthers defeated Orange Hawks 28-26. Forbes Magpies 30 (Mitch Davis 2, Matt Morris, Blake Baxter, Cameron Miller, tries. Morris 3, Luke Weeks, Miller goals) defeated Bathurst Panthers 18 (Brad Hodges, Ron Wallace, Warwick Mylchreest tries; Chris Shepard 3 goals). |
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Story & Photo BY :  MACKAY'S young stars returned to the footy field at the weekend for the start of the 2009 junior competition, with plenty of exciting matches contested already. “It was a great weekend,” Mackay Junior Rugby League president Barry Blanchfield said. He said about 60 teams were nominated for this year's season, which includes under 7 to under 16 age divisions and runs until early September. However, the junior league still needs more referees to help out with the younger divisions. Any players interested in becoming referees can contact Barry on 0418 188 069. |
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| JETS GOING SUPERSONIC FOR FINALS Joel Greig’s feisty SG Ball Cup boys turned on one of their best displays of the season in disposing of Manly-Warringah by 36 - 10. The team played with confidence and flair and were well in control at halftime with a 20 - 4 lead. The Sea Eagles rallied briefly early in the second half but strong performances for the Jets from man of the match Jack Littlejohn and from Steve Blakemore, Nick Ehsman, Boyd Cordner, Ethan Lowe and Tom Dawney ensured Newtown’s ultimate supremacy. In the Harold Matthews Shield curtain-raiser the Roosters Junior League team staged a thrilling fightback to go down narrowly to the Sea Eagles by 16 - 10. Both Newtown teams play away this weekend, with the SG Ball Cup side facing up to tough opposition in the St George Dragons at Jubilee Oval, Kogarah on Saturday (4th April) at 1.30pm. The Harold Matthews Shield curtain-raiser is set down for 12 noon. |
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| Monday 30 th MArch 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 MANLY are preparing for Penrith to unleash frustrated whiz kid Wade Graham at Brookvale Oval tonight. The 18-year-old was named on an extended bench but is tipped to make his first NRL appearance of the season in a crucial game for both winless sides. Fellow bench player Joseph Paulo dropped back to NSW Cup on Saturday, while Adam Woolnough has barely trained because of a calf injury. Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler said his side had trained in anticipation of Graham taking the field. "Either way, we're pretty sure he'll be playing," Hasler said. "Wade played against us last year and he's a very handy five-eighth. "They'll probably use Luke Lewis in the forwards, which gives them a bit of strike. "They've got dangerous players right across the park with Lachlan Coote at fullback and Frank Pritchard on the bench." Graham made headlines a fortnight ago after exploring his options for a release to join Melbourne. The playmaker, who burst on to the scene with eight NRL games as a schoolboy last year, decided to look elsewhere amid disappointment over starting this season in Toyota Cup. He has since cleared up any misunderstanding with Penrith officials and coach Matthew Elliott. Like Elliott, Hasler is desperate for two points after kicking off the season with back-to-back losses. The Sea Eagles coach denied his men had been "flogged" at training after allowing the Warriors to steal victory in the final minute last Sunday. "The days of flogging teams after a couple of losses are over - that ended 20 years ago," Hasler said, laughing. "You try and work out where you went wrong. We weren't that far away against the Warriors, but we've been lacking discipline. "That is one area that we have worked on this week." Hasler felt Penrith deserved to win last Saturday night's controversial game against the Bulldogs - who have since been stripped of their two points for fielding 14 men late in the game. "They had a try to Jarrod Sammut disallowed that I thought was a fair try," Hasler said. "If the refs got that right then Penrith win the game." The Panthers, meanwhile, could have a major concern with their halves depth after new signing Luke Walsh suffered a possible broken jaw playing for feeder team Windsor on Saturday. Walsh was tackled high after kicking the ball and will have X-rays today. |
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Round 7 was completed at Foreshaw Park on Sunday with the Penrith Panthers travelling to the Shire for their game against the Dragons. The Panthers won the Matthew's Cup game, but to the Dragons credit they just kept coming at the Panthers and clawed back 12 late second half points to come within a converted try of winning the game The Panthers are coming good with the finals coming up and must be keen to get it on in a couple weeks. The Panthers play like possessed demons and half way through the second half held a commanding 30 - 18 lead. The Dragons replacement hooker Jackson Russell came back on to the field to steer the Dragons to fierce comeback which saw them level the scores with second to spare. Bad luck to the Panthers who played very well against the SG Ball Competition leaders The Dragons now are alone on top of the ladder after this weeks draw. |
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The mighty Balmain Tigers SG Ball team have produced the upset of the season by defeating the competition favourites the Parramatta Eels 25 - 18 at Cabramatta Sports Ground yesterday. The Eels have been dubbed the “quarter million dollar team” this year because of their eight costly imports but one disgruntled supporter said on making a hasty exit from the stadium, “I wouldn’t pay two bob for this mob.” Meanwhile seasoned Tiger supporters were reminiscing about 1969 when the Balmain club produced one of the greatest upsets in NRL history by defeating the great South Sydney team in the grand final. One elated supporter said to me, “They did us proud.” The Eels led 18-0 at one stage in the second half and looked to have the game in the bag after trys to wingers Ulugia and Taufua and five eight Jason Wehbe. Even at that stage the score did not reflect the evenness of the contest. Balmain was giving as good as they were getting. What we witnessed then was the greatest capitulation since Britain fled Singapore in WW2. The Parramatta boys under significant pressure from the Tigers offence gave up their tryline and allowed Balmain to cross their line five times in the second half. The cracks started to appear in the Parramatta team last week after Cronulla exposed their right side defence. The Eels led 26 - 10 at half time in that game and came within a whisker of defeat then. The right hand side in Parramatta’s defence was again their nemesis yesterday. Numerous times Tigers winger Faleula Finau was found in space. This boy can motor. He scored 5 trys against WSAS a few weeks back and he scored another two yesterday. He would not be out of place in the NSW under 18 team to be picked later this season. Also contributing significantly to the Balmain victory yesterday were two players from the Parramatta Harold Matthews team in 2007, half back Daniel Mahoney and centre Blake Williams who now proudly wear the Tigers colours. Mahoney led the team around the paddock well with long passes and his organisational ability. While his kicking game was ordinary he had a good game in attack. Williams scored two trys and red-faced Eels officials were left wondering why they let two local juniors go and instead bring in eight imports from far and wide. The Balmain team is well coached by their former NRL star David Brooks but he must be scratching his head at his team’s enigmatic performances. They have beaten Parramatta, WSAS, Western Suburbs and Souths but have fallen to Manly, Cronulla and St George so far this season. Have they turned the corner to become a threat to the title? I think so. As for Parramatta PK has heard from the highly secretive Eels bunker that changes will be made for next week’s game against Melbourne Storm. Players on the right hand side of defence will surely come under coach Mick Lewis’s microscope. Lewis and his coaching staff are frustrated that senior players are not following the game plan and this has eventuated in the below par performances the past two weeks. The Eels are a good team and will bounce back. PK’S BEST AND FAIREST: 3 – Daniel Mahoney Tigers half back BALMAIN 25 (F Finau 2 B Williams 2 tries P Politoni try J Nicholas 2 goals J Nicholas field goal) bt PARRAMATTA 18 (C Ulugia J Taufua J Wehbe tries J Tavita 3 goals) HAROLD MATTHEWS CUP The Eels were too good for the Tigers winning 46-0. Parramatta representative fullback Jacob Gagen was again the star after scoring three trys. His speed was a standout highlight of a one sided game where the Tigers were no match for their much-vaunted opposition. The Eels offence was on fire yesterday but it will be their outstanding defence that should be talked about in the dressing room this week. Keeping the Tigers score to a duck egg was a great performance by the Parramatta players who showed great commitment to keeping their line free of trys. On many occasions last ditch and scrambling defence was needed to repel the Balmain attacks on their line. Parramatta is starting to look like premiership material. Only time will tell. Balmain was their own worst enemy yesterday where discipline let them down badly. Let’s hope Tigers officials censure their young captain Kyle Lovett who was clearly heard by the crowd in the grandstand yell to his players, “Let’s take their f...... heads off.” If we could hear it in the grandstand why couldn’t the match officials hear it and take appropriate action? There is no place in the junior representatives for this type of behaviour. Not the best example of leadership Mr Lovett. PK’S BEST AND FAIREST : 3 – Jacob Gagen Eels fullback |
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| Sunday 29 th MArch 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Glen Innes High School’s open boys rugby league side has advanced to the third round of the Arrive Alive Cup after they recorded a 30-point victory over rivals Duval at Mead Park on Tuesday. After defeating Inverell High School 28-12 in the first round played in Inverell last week, the team recorded a thrilling 38-10 win over Duval High School. The side led by the experience of Nick Ehsman, Tim Croft and Tim Grob included newcomers Fijian Tom Hiramatsu and Bradon Green, who played his first ever game of rugby league. Also having a big game in the front row was 15-year-old Sam Schiffman. “The boys played well we had a few injuries, our full back Steven Reynolds was unable to have much of a game. But the team had outstanding leadership and played solidly,” coach Ben Creighton said. The third round of the knockout competition will see Glen Innes take on Armidale High School at Mead Park next week. |
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| Saturday 28 th March 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
MATTHEW'S CUP Bulldogs remain undefeated after a good game at Shark Park 6- 28 Central Coast thinks it's Rabbit season winning 24 - 10. Bulldogs enjoy trip to the Shire taking home the points 28 - 6. SeaEagles give up in last 10 and it costs them 3 tries, but still hang on to win 12 - 16 against Roosters. Wests Magpies have easy win over still improving SWSAS 46 - 6. Titans gets forwards back to defeat Steelers 44 - 12 at home. Parra power steamrolls Tigers 46 - 0 Knights smash an improving Raiders 44 - 14 after looong trip to Nations Capital. Bears too big for WSAS in tough game 20 - 28. Newtown Jets quiet achivers in their return to the SG Ball Comp winning again 36 - 10 over the SeaEagles. Central Coast continue Rabbit hunt in 34 - 6 Morrie Breen Oval trap. Bulldogs hold out against furious Sharks at Shark Park 34 - 28. Titans getting better heading into finals and teach Steelers a football lesson. Knights too good for slow Raiders 40 - 12
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| BOYZ AND BOOZE An ourfootyteam.com guide to the responsible intake of alcohol by underage drinkers There has been plenty of talk lately about NRL stars and their abuse of alcohol and their subsequent fall from grace as role models for kids playing the game. Last week we saw the federal government’s alcopops tax increase defeated in parliament after some political parties believed it was nothing more than a greedy grab for cash by the Rudd government rather than a good law amendment to protect teenagers from alcohol abuse. If the government decides to put up the price on your favourite drop, we know it's too easy to just go halves with one of your mates, so that is a useless idea by the politicians. Then today we find out about the hypocritical role of the Australian Rugby League (ARL) who, along with the NRL, publically shame players for alcohol abuse and at the same time provide them with $1,000 drink vouchers. Whoever thought this one up should resign. All this stuff about alcohol taxes, role models and NRL players disgracing themselves gets confusing at times. But what does it all mean for a 15 or 16 year old on the cusp of becoming a young adult. Some of the NRL players we have read about the last couple of years abusing alcohol are terrible role models for boys. Anti-social behaviour of the type we have seen associated with NRL stars is disgraceful and not acceptable. But it is only a small proportion of the total number of NRL players that play up and give the game a bad name There is the temptation by boys in the 15-17 age groups to experiment with drinking alcohol and comes about mainly from peer pressure. My mates do it so I may as well try myself. C’mon guys we know you’re having a few sly grogs on the quite. It's an Australian tradition so let’s be upfront about it. It’s ok if you are but as parents we’re concerned that you are experimenting responsibly and not putting yourself at risk. In this vein it’s pretty silly to tell your parents you are going to a friend’s place for a party when in fact what you do is lob down to a park, get someone who is 18 or older to get you some grog and then get blotto or blind with your mates. Maybe after that you will wander the streets as a pack, run into another alcohol-fuelled gang and then the fireworks really start! Or maybe you will run into some girls you know, say some stupid things to give your mates a laugh, wake up the next day and feel sorry for it. Then spend the following week apologising for your behaviour. Great way to crack on to a chick! When you do finally talk that chick into doing what you want, the alcohol makes you brave, and you may do things you will regret for the rest of your life. Alcohol and safe sex don't mix! In a nutshell guys it’s not nice for parents to be worrying about you at night getting up to these sorts of pranks. It’s dangerous and irresponsible. Boys.....listen up. Most parents don’t mind you having a drink, as long as it is in moderation and it’s done with some parental supervision. It’s like driving a car. You start with your L plates with someone helping you, and then progress to your P’s and by that time you have learnt a bit about drinking responsibly. By that time you are 18, an adult and we hope a responsible drinker. So steer away from the parks and the non-supervised parties and have a couple of drinks in a family-orientated situation. This will teach you about responsibility, self control and respect for yourself and others. Oh...and by the way....big drinkers don’t make good footballers and girls don't like drunken louts and slobs. |
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QUEENSLAND SCOREBOARD |
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QUEENSLAND WIZARD CUP *QUEENSLAND STATEWIDE WRAP Round 18. |
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ARL DEVELOPMENT SHIELD *CENTRAL DIVISION *NORTHERN DIVISION |
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NSW SCOREBOARD |
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 CHEERLEADER of the WEEK |
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2009 
ROUND 7 DRAWS 
2009 ARRIVE aLIVE CUP
2009 
QRL 
2007 COWBOYS CHALLENGE 
PATRICK O'HANLON 
OBE GEIA 
Jeff HARDY
Bulldogs win Harold 2007 Matthews Cup Grand Final | NATIONAL SCOREBOARD |
| CHS VS FRENCH JUNIORS NSW CHS 12 - 24 FRANCE |
 CONTACT US |
 ARRIVE aLIVE CUP |
SPORT IS ABOUT THOSE WHO PARTICIPATE, NOT THOSE WHO WISH TO ORGANISE GAMES |
NSWRL DISTRICT REP'S |
| ROUND 9 NSWRL DISTRICT JUNIORS |
NSW JUNIOR LEAGUES |
 CRONULLA JUNIORS |
COMMUNITY SCOREBOARD |
| CONTACT US |
| G8 GIFT IDEA'S |
| NATIONAL SCOREBOARD |
| ARRIVE aLIVE CUP |
COMMUNITY SCOREBOARD |
ASSRL | PROFESSIONAL WEBSITE HOSTING & EMAIL SYSTEMS BY : |
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