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| Wednesday 30 th April '08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Story & Photo By :  The Toner Express Yass Magpies under 18s had a strong win over competition debutants Southwest Brahmans at Harden. The Magpies took time to settle into the game, and with the early weight of possession the Brahmans scored an unconverted try after just five minutes. With both sides composed, the game settled into an arm wrestle. Gradually the Magpies’ defence began to dominate and their attack was beginning to make inroads. Tim Leggott led the way with strong defence and probing runs from dummy half. It wasn’t long before he scored the Magpies’ opening try, successfully converted by Matt Freeman. Now looking confident with the ball in hand, the Magpies’ attack hit overdrive. Cal Waters was on the end on a good ball from Henry Paton to score an unconverted try to extend the Magpies’ lead to 10-4. Yass then took control of the match, when from the restart Captain Brad Wylie trapped a difficult kick with his legs, scooped up the ball, burst through the approaching defence and out sprinted the chasers on a 60 metre run to the line. With Matt Freeman’s conversion, the Magpies led 16-4. Half time was rapidly approaching, but the Magpies were still full of running and scored in the corner courtesy of Nick Pollack. It truly was a great try, with good lead-up work from Tim Leggott and Sam Jones. Resuming from half time leading 20-4, the Magpies again started slowly, conceding penalties which cost them up to 70 metres. To their credit, South West Brahmans seized the opportunity and scored a converted try trough smart a smart kick into the in-goal. Sensing a fight back from the Brahmans, the Magpies settled back into their game plan. Following a barnstorming run from Brad Wylie, five-eight Paton dived over from dummy half. Freeman extended the lead to 16 points with the conversion. From this point the game became a physical contest; Yass lost a player to the sin-bin and the Brahmans had a player dismissed from the field. Concentrating on playing football, Yass scored twice more. Dane Snowden stepped his way through from 20 metres out to cross under the posts. As they did successfully in round one, Henry Paton and Judd Sherratt combined well, with the latter crossing in the corner to give the Magpies a 36-10 victory. A pleasing performance from the Magpies; Brad Wylie was again superb, Tim Leggott was busy all game, winger Matt Freeman’s defence prevented several tries and in very windy conditions, his kicking for goal was impressive. The Under 18s have the bye this weekend, returning to action the following Saturday. The opponent is yet to be confirmed. Yass 36 (Leggott, Waters, Wylie, Pollack, Paton, Snowden, Sherratt tries; Freeman 4 conversions) defeated Southwest Brahmans 10. |
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| Tuesday 29 th April '08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Story & Photo By :  A 45m field goal in the dying seconds from five-eighth Mitchell Grimes handed Bentley Park High School a 23-22 win in their Cowboys Challenge under-15 rugby league final against Trinity Bay High. Bentley Park fought back from an 18-4 deficit to take a 22-18 lead inside the final 10 minutes last Saturday. Trinity Bay tied it up about seven minutes from fulltime with a try but missed the conversion and a chance to take the lead. Grimes, a Queensland under-13 merit selection last year, missed a penalty goal shot from about 40m out right in front five minutes from time. But he responded with a booming drop-kick to win the match as the final seconds ticked off the clock. The Far Northern final counted as a Cowboys Challenge Super 10 round for both sides who go on to play other under-15 school teams from throughout North Queensland. There was good news for Bentley Park hooker Daniel Johnson, too, with scans clearing him of neck damage on Saturday night after he was taken off the field and taken to hospital after being knocked out. Four other FNQ Cowboys Challenge finals will take place at Mann St tomorrow with the under-13s, under-15 Bs, and two under-18 divisions playing off. Under-18 A finalists Atherton and Trinity Bay will also advance to the Cowboys Challenge Super 10 stage, with tomorrow night’s final counting as their opening match. Meanwhile, the Innisfail Cowboys will play Cairns Kangaroos in the FNQ final of the under-15 ARL Development Shield as a curtain-raiser to the next Northern Pride home game on May 17. Innisfail junior league representatives the Cowboys won their place in the decider with a 28-10 win against Eacham junior league side Atherton on Friday. Winners of each of the FNQ junior leagues – Cairns, Innisfail and Eacham – nominate their under-14 premiership winner to represent them in the following year’s Development Shield knockout competition. The leagues receive the first-round bye on a rotational basis, with Cairns bypassing the opening match in 2008. Brothers last year became the first club from the Far North to win the competition when they beat Brisbane Easts 32-28 in the final. Cowboys Challenge FNQ finals, Mann St, tomorrow – under-13: Saints v Trinity Bay; under-15 B: Mossman v Malanda/Herberton; under-18 B: Djarragun v TAFE Schooltec; under-18 A: Atherton v Trinity Bay. |
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Story & Photo By:  A streamline of rookie errors and a failed penalty goal attempt cost the Dragons Under 18’s side a win on Sunday in their match against Orange Hawks. The home side had the upper hand for the majority of the game but due to clumsy mistakes the Dragons team was unable to fend off the Hawks’ offence and had to succumb to a draw. In the opening minutes of the game youngster Cal Hobson stormed over the line for the first points of the day; followed up shortly by teammate Hartley Suttor who played well and got his four pointer mid way through the first half. Stuart Skiller put in a solid effort the entire game and the most impressive try of the day. Skiller carefully manoeuvered an intercept and ran 40 metres to score in the second half. Kicker Tom Lewsley was in good form converting three from three, however missed his moment to shine when he was unable to successfully kick the penalty goal in the dying minutes of the game, which would have won his team the match. |
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| Monday 28 th April '08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 PEARCE NAMED CITY HALFBACKMitchell Pearce was tonight named as the City Origin halfback alongside Roosters team mates Braith Anasta and Mark O'Meley. Pearce has earned his first rep jersey ahead of seasoned half back Matt Orford and stand out performer Peter Wallace. "I'm pumped, just proud to be there playing with Braith and Ogre. I'm looking forward to going into camp and seeing what a rep camp is all about and obviously excited to be playing the game on Friday night," Pearce said of his selection. THE TEAM IS: Brett Hodgson, Jarryd Hayne, Ben Pomeroy, Brett Delaney, Luke Rooney, Braith Anasta, Mitchell Pearce, Jason King, Corey Hughes, Mark O'Meley, Luke Lewis, Mark Minichiello, John Sutton, Bryce Gibbs, Ray Cashmere, Feleti Mateo, Peter Wallace. |
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| SUnday 27 th April '08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Story & Photo's By : The Penrith Panthers are the 2008 Harold Matthews Cup minor premiers after defeating the Cronulla Sharks today at Toyota Park. Penrith are an awesome football team, they are big, fast, strong & no one has been able to beat them all year. The Sharks competed very well for the first half, and scored 1st when talented center James Hasson crashed over with in 3 or 4 minutes, then coverted his own try, Sharks were in front for a minute.. LEARN MORE |
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 Photo By :  CHRIS LAWRENCE has emerged as a bolter for NSW selection, a move that would make the Wests Tigers teenager one of the youngest debutants in State of Origin history. Lawrence has played 29 first-grade games since his stunning debut against Brisbane in late 2006 but is a serious contender after the departure of Blues three-quarter Matt King to the English Super League. The 19-year-old will today be selected in the City team to take on Country at WIN Stadium on Friday, a clash that shapes as a genuine Origin selection trial. "He's a chance mate, yeah," NSW coach Craig Bellamy told The Sun-Herald. "He's certainly caught my eye a little bit and I'd like to see how he goes in the City-Country game. "It might be a little bit early for him for Origin but somewhere down the track he'll certainly play Origin, without a doubt. "He's a really good player but whether it's going to be this year, I'm not quite sure. I'd like to see him in the City team and see what he's got. "[Tigers and City coach Tim Sheens] has got a real rap on him, so obviously they'll pick him on Sunday night. We'll see how he goes at that higher level." 'He's shown some things this year he can do well and he showed some things last year too, and kicked on a bit again." NSW's youngest debutant was Brad Fittler, who was 18 years and 114 days when he ran out for the Blues in 1990. Ben Ikin holds the record for the Maroons at 18 years and 83 days when he first entered Origin in 1995. Lawrence will be 19 years and 215 days if selected to play the opening game at ANZ Stadium on May 21. Bellamy said Lawrence might not be the only surprise when NSW selectors announce their team. "There's a few guys that have caught my eye and those of the selectors," he said. "I'm not sure how you found out about Chris Lawrence but there are a couple of guys there, but I don't want to make them public and put pressure on those kids. "You're right to say Chris is a good player and there are a couple of guys in other positions that we'd like to see play next Friday night. We want to see how they handle the step up." In an ominous sign for Robbie Farah's representative aspirations, Bellamy hinted Newcastle veteran Danny Buderus had the inside running on the hooker spot despite rumours the Tigers rake was a chance of overcoming a back complaint in time to take on Cronulla today. "I'm not sure how it's been in the past, how many spots have been open and up for grabs, but there's a fair few this year," Bellamy said. "There are some guys that perhaps have done enough to be considered certainties, but at the end of the day when I have my say on who is going to be in the team when I talk to the selectors, I want to get a team that complements each other. "Depending on who the halfback is … obviously at this stage Danny is going to be the hooker because Robbie Farah has been injured. "So we've got to put some players in there that work with those guys and complement each other. "That's important, but to do that you have to be in good form and [out-of-form incumbents] can't just turn their form around in a week or two. "We'll see if we can put the jigsaw together and find all the pieces." |
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| BULLS BATTLE WITH MUSTANGS THE Wide Bay Bulls travelled to Toowoomba last Saturday to play the South West Mustangs in Under 16 and Under 18 matches. The Under 16 team was weary from the five hour bus trip and South West put a try on immediately to take a 4-0 lead. But Wide Bay hit back with a try through the blistering pace of Sam Hambly. The Bulls went on to a take a 12-8 lead into half-time. Lachlan Pill, Sean Pickup, Sam Nepsun and Jordan Meades were among the leading performers for the Wide Bay side which went on to win 44-8. In the Under 18 match, the Bulls kicked off with a quick try to Leo Copelin. The conversion to Tyrone Hopgood resulted in a 6-0 lead. But Wide Bay then fell into the same trap of sluggish defence and offered up an easy equaliser. Strong running from the forwards and solid defence kept the game in the middle of park with neither side able to crack the other until a fresh Jake Warwick finished off to give the Bulls a 10-6 lead. Just minutes later, Tyrone Hopgood raced from dummy half and brushed off defenders to score a great individual 50m try. Wide Bay took a 14-6 lead into half-time but South West returned from the break with a new plan and lease of life and quickly took the dominant role through strong running second-rower Ethan Lowe. South West dominated on its way to an 18-14 lead. But Wide Bay was able to hit back when diminutive fullback Marshall Murphy crashed over. The conversion put the visitors back in front 20-18. However, South West scored a late try on the bell to win the game 24-20. The two matches provided valuable hit-outs for the players ahead of the QRL Divisional Carnival in Proserpine (May 3, 4, 5). |
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| Saturday 26 th April '08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PARRAMATTA JUNIOR LEAGUE CANCELLED Parramatta Districts Junior Rugby League has cancelled the opening round of the new season this Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27. Rain has forced all grounds to be closed. "The season will now begin on Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4," Parramatta District Junior Rugby League boss Terry Rose said. "The washed out round one games will be played on a spare wet weather weekend with the dates to be advised." |
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UNDER 15 ARL DEVELOPMENT SHIELD
Innisfail Cowboys travelled up the Palmerston to play Atherton Roosters in the club under 15 state-wide ARL Development Shield competition tonight at the Atherton Showgrounds. After 23 minutes the game had not had a point scored, with Cowboys crossing twice before the break to go in at half time 12 nil up. The second half proved to be close with Atherton scoring twice and cowboys crossing once to take the score to 16 - 10 with 6 minutes to go. |
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Story By :  Photo By :  HUNDREDS of hopefuls will journey to The Hills Sports High in May seeking placement in the school's 2009 program. Applications have already been received from country NSW and interstate, and from Britain, Germany, South Korea, New Zealand, the Philippines and Pacific islands. In its first five years, the school has produced 28 Australian representatives and this week Sally Shipard and Kyah Simon were named in the Matildas soccer team for internationals in Asia and against the US. The school has 10 members in each of the Sydney West boys' and girls' soccer teams and 11 players in both the Sydney West open rugby league and rugby union squads. Talent identification trials will be held at the school in 15 sports on May 15. An information evening will be held on May 6 and applications close on May 9. Inquiries: www.hillssportshigh.com.au or 96227300. |
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Story & Photo By : Campbell Walker  LOCAL League under 18s representative players continued to impress on the weekend when they travelled to Newcastle to take part in the first stage of the regional championships, playing for the Murrumbidgee Bulls. Sam and Nick Langford, Blake Hewitt and Kyle Richens, who were selected in the Group nine representative side where again all picked among the best from group nine, group 20 and Canberra to play for the Bulls. Jordan McLean was also called up late to strengthen a bench depleted by injury. Bulls’ coach Roy Jewitt said that our boys were very impressive across both games on the weekend. On Saturday the Bulls had a tight but satisfying victory over Newcastle winning 26 to 18. The Bulls then lost 26-20 in another close contest against Northern Rivers on Sunday yet qualified for the semi-finals on a countback of for and against. “All of the boys played very well, though Jordan didn’t get much time coming off the bench,” Jewitt said. “Sam Langford had an exceptionally good first game, scoring what was a very nice try. “Blake and Nick worked hard and got a good chance to show what they’ve got and Kyle Richens was probably the best performing player for the side over the entire weekend” Jewitt added. The Bulls travel to West Wylong this weekend for the semi-finals versus the Western Division side to be played at 3pm. “It will be a hard game. Western Division were probably the best side over the weekend, although the wet conditions definitely played into their hands. “I know our boys can step it up a level, and hopefully the drier track will suit us better as well,” Jewitt said. “With the ‘pickers playing away, it might be a good opportunity for people to duck across to West Wylong to see some of the great emerging talent we have,” Jewitt concluded. |
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| Friday 25 th April '08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| JUNIOR TALENT CONVERGES ON FARRER FOR FOOTY CAMP Story By :  YOUNG rugby league players from across the region have given up three days of their school holidays to attend this week’s Country Rugby League junior development camp at Farrer High School. Luckily for them it’s fun. More than 60 players, mostly from the Tamworth district, but with some from as far as Singleton and Guyra, joined CRL development officers from across northern NSW at the camp, which is in its second year. “Last year we had 90 and this year there’s about 63 so we’re down,” Greater Northern development officer Jamie McCormack said. “But the good thing is a lot of the kids that were here last year have come back. “That shows that last year was a success and they had a good time.” Fun is a big part of the camp, but the older kids also benefit from some more serious coaching. “With the younger kids it’s mostly basic skills and they just like to have a bit of fun,” McCormack said. “But with the older kids we push them a bit harder. It’s good for them to have some top class coaches here like Chris (Brennan).” The camp began on Tuesday and ends today. |
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| Thursday 24 th April '08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 SUNNY COAST AND STINGERS REPRESENTATIVE
We at Redcliffe High should be very proud of some our Rugby League Excellence students who have been selected for the Sunny Coast Rugby League Representative side. They are Tom Webber, Kyle Hall, Stephen Tunnicliffe, Josh Batalibasi, Mitch McMahon and Adam Jeffery.
With all these fine star players and great team work with all we are sure looking forward to a great season of Rugby League here at Redcliffe State High School. Congratulations to all from the Rugby League staff : Tony Guilfoyle, Michael Roberts, Anwar Siddiqui, Dan McKennariey, Deon Bird and Chandel Eyre.. LEARN MORE ABOUR REDCLIFFE SHS RUGBY LEAGUE | ANDREW GEE SHIELD | MICHAEL HANCOCK CUP | STEVE RENOUF SHIELD | |
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| Wednesday 23 rd April '08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Former Forbes Magpie Joel Thompson was one of two players considered for selection in the Canberra first grade squad last night due to the suspension of Raiders forward Trevor Thurling. Thurling was suspended by the NRL judiciary on Wednesday night for a grade one dangerous throw charge, paving the way for either Thompson or David Milne to come into the team to face Melbourne Storm at Canberra Stadium last night. Yesterday the NRL listed Milne in the starting line up with Thompson still an outside chance to make his NRL debut as an emergency in number 18. Last week the Canberra Raiders’ website reported Thompson had been in solid form for the Raiders Toyota Cup side in recent weeks, and had trialled with the NRL side in their three trial matches at the start of the season. Meanwhile fellow Forbes recruit, forward Josh Miller, was ruled out for four to six weeks after he sustained an ankle injury in Canberra’s 30-24 win over the Tigers in round five. Canberra Raiders coach Neil Henry described Miller’s injury as a key loss for the green machine. “Josh will be out for four to six weeks with his ankle injury, normally he recovers quite well and he assures me he’ll be right in three weeks,” Henry said. Facing an inform Melbourne last night, Henry said his team would need to improve, and keep up the effort of some recent performances against the Victorian based team. “We’re going to need to lift again this week against Melbourne, Billy Slater at the back has been sensational,” he said. “Both games were tough last year against them and very physical and there wasn’t much in it at halftime in both games and they got us at the back end of the second half.” |
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Story & Photo By :  The Muswellbrook under 8 Rams had their first game of the season which ended in a win against Denman Whites 32-14 on the weekend. Try scorers were Mathew Morgan and Harry Duggan, who both scored two tries each and Logan Ellis and Cody Jordan, who both scored one try each. Kale Johnson had some big hit ups as did Jacob Button. Bailey Ellis, Brodie Betteridge and Logan Copeland defended well. The under 7 Muswellbrook Crane Rams had a strong game against Denman winning 28 to 6. Dylan Jordan had a man of the match performance with four tries, 1 conversion and 23 tackles. Riley McKenzie has become more confident in defence and ran down the side line to score his first try. Steven Dengate made some great tackles and ran strongly all over the field. Scott Wilson and Logan Parker are showing they are elusive runners and made some good metres around the ground. Nicholas Bridge, Joshua Lambourne and Declan Schilling were all involved in defence and are becoming more confident with the ball. It was a great effort by all of the boys during the game. The side will now play in Aberdeen on the last weekend of the holidays. |
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| Tuesday 22 nd April '08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Story & Photo :  Canowindra Public School have moved into Round 3 of the PSSA state wide rugby league knockout with a convincing 54 to nil win over Glenroi Heights school. Alex Willson, Tylah Reid, Bradyn Cassidy, Rohan Toole, Bailey Cain, Dan Friend, Bailey Burling, Gene Tarrant, Harry Whatman, Zak Whitehead, Regan Hughes, Jake Wythes, Ben Bermingham, Ben Edwards, Joe Fazzari, Ebann Malae, Robbie Wiegold, Jordi Brown, Sam McKenzie, Mat Fisher and Josh Flannery. |
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MATCH DURATION DRAWN MATCHES |
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| MOnday 21 st April '08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 ROOSTERS halfback Mitchell Pearce didn't even wait for the question. "Mate, I missed that kick for touch and they scored from the next play," he shrugged. "I've said sorry to the boys, what more can I do? It was a big thing and I don't feel good about it." Sitting inside the Roosters' sheds, chatting with winger Amos Roberts to his left, you could tell Pearce knew what was coming. Knew before the journalists arrived, before the ice packs were handed around, even before the full-time siren. Which is why the youngster was so ready to go when a warm-up question was fired about it being a tough day, a solid Newcastle effort or something boringly similar. Yep, Pearce knew everyone would be talking about that kick. The one from deep within his own half that found Knights winger Cooper Vuna instead of the Bluetongue Stadium grandstand. It was an error compounded when Knights pivot Chris Bailey scored from the ensuing set of six, giving the visitors their first lead with only six minutes remaining. An error that suggested Pearce is not yet ready for State of Origin football. "Maybe it was a bit of inexperience," Bondi five-eighth Braith Anasta offered. "In hindsight, Pearcey might've taken a bit longer before kicking. But you can't blame our loss on that one kick. "I mean, things happen in games and I'm sure he won't do it again. "But we've all had games where we haven't found touch before." In all the hype about the NSW No. 7 race, a battle that has seen Pearce firm quicker than wet cement on a 40C day, few have taken into account that the kid, and he is still a kid, has yet to play a full first grade season. Exactly 22 games and counting. Pearce admitted as much yesterday too, conceding Origin "isn't in my mind . . . it's not a goal of mine this year". Elsewhere, thankfully, the options for Blues coach Craig Bellamy looked brighter. Like across the other side of the defensive line, where Knights fullback Kurt Gidley was solid if not sensational as a makeshift No. 7. Brisbane boy Peter Wallace had a fair weekend too. And Manly halfback Matt Orford should also shorten significantly after he returned to his best against Parramatta last Friday night. Up against fellow Blues challenger Brett Finch, the Ox took a match his Sea Eagles never should've won by the scruff of the neck . . . then dragged his team busted, bruised and bleeding across the finish line. Anasta also produced another strong performance, setting up two tries from kicks in the first half before a Knights revival gave him little platform from which to work in the second. "Mate, it's been doing my head in, sitting here trying to work out what more I could've done in that second half," he conceded. "And as for Origin, I'm trying not to think about it. "Although it is hard when everyone keeps asking." But as Pearce could vouch at Gosford late yesterday, there are worse questions for which to prepare yourself. |
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| Sunday 20 Th April '08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 BRISBANE SECOND DIVISION RUGBY LEAGUE WRAP-UP FOR 19 APRIL 2008
With representative matches in Opens, Under 22s and Under 20s, there were only four grades of fixtures played this weekend. Valleys Juniors and Deception Bay Juniors continue to share the undefeated lead in Northside 2, on 12 points, after Valleys beat Northside Natives 22-12 and Deception Bay beat Banyo 42-18. Arana Hills and Pine Central Holy Spirit share 8 points, after Arana beat Mitchelton 22-12 and Pine Central beat Kallangur Bulls 28-22. Mitchelton and Banyo share 6 competition points. In the other match, Burpengary Juniors recorded their first win in two seasons, beating Aspley 26-22. In Southside 2, St Brendans retain the competition lead, on 10 points, despite being beaten 34-6 by Slacks Creek. Centenary St Josephs beat Carina 40-16 to move into second place, on 9 points. Wests Inala were beaten 18-16 by Beenleigh Juniors and share 8 competition points with Mt Gravatt, who beat Redlands 38-6, and Logan Brothers, who had the bye. Beenleigh Juniors are on 7 points and Slacks Creek is on 6 points. Cannon Hill and Logan Wanderers met in a top of the table clash in Southside 3, with both teams previously undefeated. The match finished in a 22-all draw leaving the two teams on top of the ladder, on 11 points. Sunnybank beat Wynnum Juniors 46-0 to be in third place on 8 points. In the other matches, North Stradbroke Island beat Beenleigh Juniors 28-16 and St Brendans beat Edens Landing 32-20, leaving North Stradbroke and St Brendans level on 6 points and Edens landing on 4 points.. LEARN MORE |
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| Saturday 19 th April '08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Story & Photo's By :
It was great to see the Far Western Academy boys again this year, we saw some familar faces & a few new ones too from last years Nyngan trip. The Academy boys only arrived in Sydney late Thursday afternoon atfer thier long 10 hours on the bus. The Academy boys turned up to Endeavour field and were welcomed by our fantastic Sydney weather. These kids havent seen rain like they saw yesterday for yonks. the footy, the Cronulla boys played really well, dominating in most positions and there fore the scoreboard as well, the scoreline of 44 - 0 was not quite how the game went with the Academy boys playing some good stanza's of footy, it was the Cronulla sides fierce defence that denied their line to be crossed. The FWAS team played against the Parramatta U 15 Development team a few weeks ago and played much better in that game, o it was either the junior Sharks played really well (they did) or the Academy boys had a shocker... LEARN MORE |
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Story & Photo By :  The Junior Rugby League competition for 2008 commenced on Saturday with the Junior Hawks taking on the Gundagai/Adelong Tigers at Tim Doolan and McLean Ovals under skies more suited to cricket. The combined Harden/Boorowa Ceeney’s 5 Star under 7’s played two games and proved popular with the spectators watching many of these players playing their first of what is hoped many games of junior league. The Harden Tyre Service under 8’s combined Harden/Boorowa side combined well to put on a try scoring spree to run out convincing winners 30 points to 4. A huge thanks go to Jacob Atallah who has volunteered to train the under 7’s and 8’s on Thursday’s. To the parents of these players Jacob has unselfishly given up his time to teach your children the basics of junior league and the club urges you to make yourself known to Jacob and give him your full support and assistance at training. The Madden’s Transport under 9’s kicked off their first competition game with a close win over the Gundagai / Adelong Tigers. As usual the Junior Hawks had a slow start allowing their opponents to put the first points on the board before a brilliant solo effort from Nathan McCarthy, who pulled out a textbook “in and away”, showed his lightning speed to streak away and score under the uprights. Conversion was unsuccessful. LEARN MORE |
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| Friday 18 th April '08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Full team and statistics at bottom of the article Mal Meninga was the biggest shock in the Team of the Century named last night after edging out Immortals Bob Fulton and Graeme Langlands, and the game's first legend, Dally Messenger, as Reg Gasnier's centre partner. Unveiled at the Centenary Ball to mark the 100th anniversary of the first premiership games on April 20, 1908, the 17-man line-up includes all seven Immortals and 15 of the 36 players inducted into the Australian Rugby League Hall of Fame. Fulton, Langlands and Messenger were chosen as reserves, along with former Glebe and St George second-rower Frank Burge. As expected, Andrew Johns was forgiven for his recent off-field indiscretions and voted as the game's greatest halfback by the 28-man voting panel, who chose Queensland great Wally Lewis at five-eighth. Along with Meninga, they were the only players of the past 20 years selected. Johns - who ended his career only last year and who is tipped to become the next Immortal - will not be eligible for admission to the Hall of Fame until he has been retired for five years. Former Western Suburbs hardman Noel Kelly, who is believed to hold the record for the most send-offs in premiership history, is the only other player selected not represented in the Hall of Fame. Kelly, who was as equally well well known as a hooker and a prop after playing 25 Tests in both positions, won the contentious rake spot from Steve Walters in an all-Queensland front-row with Arthur Beetson and Duncan Hall. As revealed in yesterday's Herald, Beetson boycotted the black-tie function at the Royal Hall of Industries on the old Sydney Showgrounds site, where the first league game in Australia was played, as a personal protest against the way the game is being administered. Beetson's former Parramatta teammate, Peter Sterling, one of the main contenders for the halfback spot, also did not attend. However, 94 of the top 100 players revealed last month were either present or represented by family members in what was dubbed the largest gathering of league greats ever assembled. Of the 17 players named under legendary coach Jack Gibson, only winger Brian Bevan never represented Australia. He played most of his career in England, where he scored a world record 796 career tries in 688 games. Ken Irvine, the other winger in the side, is the greatest try-scorer in premiership history, crossing 212 times for Norths and Manly, and scoring 33 tries in 31 Tests for Australia.. LEARN MORE HERE |
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 The Glen Innes High School open rugby league side gained momentum throughout their clash against Macintyre High School to record an easy win on Thursday. The team started off slow in the first match of the University Shield with the sole try in the first half being scored and converted by Joel Jackson but in the second half they took control to finish 28-0. Coach Richard Taylor said the win was a strong overall team performance that was helped by a sterling game from Nick Eshman. “The guys played really well and the win was a result of the team’s performance as a whole. There were quiet a few injured so the team wasn’t at full strength but it was a good result,” he said. “Nick came on and changed the whole game.” In the second half tries were scored by Aaron Flaherty, Beau Dawson, Ross Lewis and another from Jackson. Points for the game were difficult to give after the team effort but Eshman was awarded three, Jackson and Flaherty two and Tim Grob and Lachlan Wirth one. The team’s next match in the University Shield will take place after the school holidays with a date yet to be confirmed. Taylor said he is expecting even more from the team than what they showed on the High School grounds on Thursday. “The second round match is against Inverell High School next term. They will have to hold the ball better in their next match.” |
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RAIDERS THRASHED, BUT SHOW PROMISE South Dubbo Raiders under-14s came up against an in-form St John’s Gold in their first match of the 2008 season last Saturday. Although the 60-6 score line was big, it was pleasing to see the boys from South get to take to the field, when only a week prior they didn’t look like fielding a team having only five registered players. Through hard work the team now has 17 registered players, so the score line meant very little for a team that has only had one training session so far. South were on the back foot from the start of play with Martin Fernando having to leave the field through injury but he later returned and figured prominately in a beaten side. St John’s opened the scoring about five minutes into play and continued to score some very simple tries taking their lead out to 28-0 in the first 20 minutes. Souths rallied with glimpses of a good attack, and was unfortunate to have some of the attacking raids breaking down at the last pass. Alex Greenaway, Conor Bush and Nathan Trethowan tried hard in defence while in attack Martin Fernando, RJ Merritt and Allan Murphy went well . Replacement Steven Merritt played well and was rewarded with a try on the stroke of half-time. RJ Merritt converted to leave Souths trailing 28-6. In the second half Souths managed to hold on to the ball and they looked promising. It was pleasing to see some promise and that with a little more time together the team will bother a few of the top teams. But nothing can be taken away from St John’s for the win, showing that they are a very well coached team adding a further 32 points in second half Alex Bonham,Linton Shaw and Ray Medley tried hard in defence for the Raiders while Steven Merritt, Shannon Fogg and Eathan Laws went well in attack. |
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| Thursday 17 th April '08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 CANOBOLAS Rural Technology High School students Jack Wighton and Damian Doolan will have something extra to look forward to when they go back to school next term. The duo was recently selected in the Western Area under 15 boys’ league team following two trials. The Year 9 students went to Bathurst for the first trial and joined up with students from other schools to play some matches. They were both selected in the squad to progress to the next trial. They stood out at the second trial at Peak Hill to earn a place in the 15-man Western squad. Canobolas High teacher Trent Colley said they boys deserved their spots in the squad. “They’re both very talented players,” he said. “They’ve done so well. Damian was the surprise packet of the trials. He scored five tries in the first trial at Bathurst.” This is the second time Wighton, a five-eight, has been selected in the Western side but winger Doolan is making his debut. Orange High’s Jake Davis was also named in the 15-man squad. Players from the Orange region also feature in the Western open league side which has been named. Orange High’s Jace Delaney and Scott Rosser are joined by Canowindra’s Hayden Hodge and Ron Lawrence and Blayney’s Marc Slingsby. The under 15s and open sides will play trials against the North West teams at Gilgandra during the second week of next term. |
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BATHURST HIGH CONTINUED THEIR DOMINANT FORM  BATHURST High continued their dominant form in the Tom Kemp Shield after putting the cleaners through Orange High with a 54-0 win at Carrington Park last Thursday. Following a 100 point annihilation of Kelso High in March, the win over Orange leaves Bathurst to face the victor from Lithgow High and Dubbo High in the next stage of the competition in term two. The Bathurst High side ran out convincing winners against their arch rivals, despite a gallant effort from the opposition. Lock Rory Cole and utility Katon Crawford each bagged a hat-trick of tries while five-eighth Jack Siejka starred in the unfamiliar role of chief playmaker, racking up 22 points of his own courtesy of two tries and seven conversions. On the back of a strong forward platform laid by Cole and props Semisi Langi and Luke Griffiths, Siejka and halfback Doug Hewitt tore the Orange High defence to shreds from the opening exchanges, setting up Cole for the opening try in just the fourth minute. Charging over from close range off a Siejka pass for his first, Cole repeated the dose in almost identical fashion nine minutes later. The procession continued in the run to half-time as Siejka crashed over for his first try before Hewitt sent him in for another four minutes later. In the 27th minute Siejka returned the favour for his number seven and it was only a mistake from the resulting kick off that finally allowed Orange a look at the Bathurst line. With the game almost over at half-time, Bathurst quickly snuffed out any chance of an Orange comeback, building on their 24-0 lead just minutes into the second stanza. It quickly became a question of by how many for Bathurst as Crawford, coming off the bench, scored three tries in seven minutes ? all from dummy-half ? proving simply to slick for the Orange defence. Statistically, Orange went blow for blow with Bathurst, completing 14 of 21 attacking sets to Bathurst's 17 from 23, but the visitors were only tackled five times in the opposition 20 metre zone. Bathurst High coach Jamie Bozza praised his team's performance, saying that despite the dominance of Siejka, Cole, Crawford and Hewitt, the team put in the effort all round. "The boys did really well, and they are working as a team not just as a bunch of individuals ? there isn't just one player doing all the work," Bozza said. "I think Orange were really starting to tire in the second half which helped us a bit, they had a lot of work to do." The one positive for Orange was that Bathurst did not manage to pile on even more points, with several other promising raids turned away by the visitors' defence. In a telling statistic, all but one of Bathurst's tries came on the back of an Orange error or penalty. Pleasingly for Bozza, his side were not even at full strength, with regular pivot Andrew Mendes set to return in time for the next round. "Jack usually plays in the back row, so to have developed an alternative combination in the halves is a bonus. I though Luke Carpenter at hooker was also very good," he said. |
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| ST MARY’S STUDENTS DOMINATE STATE RUGBY LEAGUE TRIALS The ability to not only perform under pressure but also rise to the occasion will see a Maitland high school register its strongest representation at the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges rugby league under-18s trials next month. All Saints College St Mary’s campus, Maitland students Michael Gavan, Hayden Crouch, Robbie Rochow, Ethan McKenzie, Taylor Matthews, Tom Atkinson, Luke Stewart, Jay Stevens, Pat Jenkinson and Liam Higgins will represent Northern Country at the two-day NSW CCC trials from May 23 in Sydney, after successfully making it through the Northern region’s trials at Kempsey last week. Unfortunately fullback Michael Gavan’s campaign is in doubt after he broke his collarbone playing for Kurri Kurri on Sunday. Of the squad of 20 players named to represent Northern Country, 14 have come from the Newcastle-Maitland diocese, with the remainder coming from the Armidale and Lismore dioceses. All Saints College, St Joseph’s Lochinvar campus’ halfback/five-eighth Shay Padberg and second rower Corey Barber will also represent Northern Country in the under-15s, while Jai Padberg trialled for the open’s team at Kempsey but was injured during the trials and missed out on selection. Both Shay and Corey represented Northern Country at the 2007 under-15s trials and will be hoping to go one better in 2008. Long-time St Mary’s rugby league coach Col Love said it was the biggest representation from his school in its history, a history which has seen many young men go on to represent in not only the National Rugby League but also play for their country and State. “There have been some terrific young kids come through,” Love said. “Obviously Johnsy (Andrew Johns) and guys like Amos Roberts, Anthony Tupou, Luke Dorn. “That’s the first thing I tell the boys.” While St Mary’s has always been well-represented at the Northern trials, Love said this year had seen his players really “hit their straps” and they were justifiably rewarded. “I think it’s just because we’ve got the combinations there,” he said. “We used to get flogged by Lismore and this year we flogged them about 10 tries to three. “The boys are really starting to hit their straps.” “(Halfback) Taylor Matthews played the best game I’ve seen him play and (five-eighth) Ethan played really well also.” Love said the fact his two playmakers played so well provided the opportunity for the rest of the team to feed off them and respond to the occasion. “I just thought they were excellent, they all really stepped up and showed what they can do,” he said. Making their debut at the Northern Country trials for St Mary’s will be front rowers Luke and Tom, both former rugby union players. Luke switched to league in 2007 where he played in Maitland’s winning under-17s team. Tom has linked up with Raymond Terrace in 2008 and has only played a handful of matches. Northern Country should be one of the strong-est teams at next month’s trials at The Crest Sporting Complex at Bass Hill, as will hosts Metropolitan Catholic Schools. |
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