inmcommunity - local sport

WA finally does it in Northam

Sat, 18 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

VICTORIA’s two-decade dominance over the WAFL came to an end when the Black Swans scored a remarkable, come- from-behind 17-point win in Northam last Saturday.

It was WA’s first victory over the Vics in interstate competition since a State of Origin victory in 1991 at the WACA Ground.

Victoria dominated WA in the first half but steadied after half-time and was well led by East Fremantle's Steven Dodd.

Victoria kicked the first three goals of the third quarter to lead by a game-high 31 points but WA managed to wrestle back some momentum with four goals in seven minutes to Jay van Berlo, Tim Geappen, Brennan Stack and Paul Bevan just before three quarter-time and went into the final break trailing by 14 points.

However, WA stormed home in the final quarter – booting five goals to none – to win running away 17.16 (118) to 15.11 (101).

Chris Cain was named the Frank Johnson Medallist for the VFL with 32 disposals while WA’s Wayde Twomey, from Swan Districts, was the Simpson Medallist for his five goals.

Shire of Northam President Steven Pollard said the game was a real crowd pleaser.

“We were very pleased to see WA get over the line. It was a great game,” Mr Pollard said.

He said the event ran smoothly but he was a little disappointed with the numbers of spectators on the day.

“We had about 1500 to 2000 people but we were hoping for between 3000 and 4000,” Mr Pollard said. “Still, the success of the game was a credit to the efforts of the 60 volunteers on the day and we congratulate the organising committee on all their hard work.”

Mr Pollard said the newly resurfaced Henry Street Oval held up well and showed the ground could now be suitable for a NAB Cup game.

Maple leave of absence

Sat, 18 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

CANADIAN Perth Thunder import Ken Rolph is happy to call WA home again for the next six months.

The Guelph, Ontario native who was last season’s Most Valuable Player for the Thunder in the Australian Ice Hockey League, said he had been enjoying his time in Perth for a second season.

“I first started skating when I was about three years old and have been playing ever since,” he said. “I sent out a few emails to different teams and Perth was the one who came back to me and I thought I should give it a go.

“I love Perth, I’ve been treated well and I like all the guys from the team.

“It’s a nice place with great weather.”

Rolph, who lives with teammates Sean Hamilton and Sam Wilson, admits they are a close-knit bunch.

“Sean is one of our imports who originally came to Perth just to visit; he is now our fifth import, while Sam is Australian and the captain,” he said.

“We all get along pretty good. It’s good to have a team of guys who are pretty close – it makes it better for the team if everyone gets along.”

After a tough start that has the team with just one win from four matches in its second season, Rolph said he was hoping the addition of two more imports could help the side reach the play-offs, and finish higher than last year's sixth place.

“We haven’t got off to a good start but we haven’t had a full team yet. We are still waiting on two imports,” he said.

Excitement at home games

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

FOR the first time, the Rockingham Petanque Club will host the national competition on home turf in October.

The club has applied for a $20,000 council grant, which if approved would help with championship costs.

Club president Helen Bayet said they were likely to hear about any grant success at the end of this month.

Ms Bayet said the money would help the club immensely to meet national requirements, such as pitch maintenance and club amenities.

Monique has a bright future

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

IT is hard to believe that many of our local athletes have already represented the State in sporting competitions before the age of 16.

However, when you are as dedicated as 16-year-old Monique Rimmer, anything is possible.

The Comet Bay College student recently represented Western Australia at the State Softball Championships held in Mirrabooka.

Monique made the WA State School Girls team.

Monique has been playing softball for the past four years and when she is not representing the State, she plays for the Hustlers in Rockingham Districts Baseball Association.

During the championships, the youngster was also selected to play in the Australian School Girls Team later this year in Sydney.

Monique’s father Drew said everyone in the family was extremely proud of her efforts and were looking forward to watching her grow in coming years.

“She is doing such a great job for her age and depending on how far she wants to take it, Monique has a very bright future ahead of her,” he said.

“I think the sky is the limit for Monique and everyone is just really proud of her.”

Monique trains three nights a week and looks up to her older sister, who is also involved with baseball.

Tijay plans to travel world playing sport

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

TIJAY Clarke from Baldivis is proving that age is no barrier when it comes to following a sporting dream.

The 10-year-old recently returned from a trip to Dubai and Hong Kong, where he represented WA in an international baseball competition.

Tijay plays for the Rockingham Rams and after only a few months in the sport had competitors and spectators talking about his potential.

The WA Baseball minors team finished in third place after an impressive turnout from teams around the world.

Tijay’s mother Carmen said her son was over the moon when he found out about his selection for the team.

“He was very excited to represent the State and he was on cloud nine for several weeks leading up to the competition,” she said.

“It was overwhelming seeing Tijay playing baseball in a different country.”

Tijay started playing tee-ball in Secret Harbour but joined the local baseball team to learn something different.

When he is not playing baseball, Tijay likes to play rugby.

He dreams of one day becoming an international athlete travelling the world playing sport.

Big day for black and gold

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

IT was great for WA football to see our State side beat the Victorians last weekend.

Over the past four or five years, the WAFL has been able to attract some quality personnel, whether it be ex-AFL players, interstate recruits or the elite development of our local footballers.

I’ve talked a lot about the improvement of Aaron Black and he was fantastic in the state game.

He has the potential to become a 200 gamer at West Perth, but there’s no reason why he couldn’t be picked up as a mature AFL recruit.

By the time he’s 23, he could be a 100-game WAFL player and AFL clubs are looking for that type of maturity now.

It was a solid effort from all our West Perth players in black and gold.

Andrew Strijk provided great rebound, he’s strong in the clinches and marks the ball well. Jay van Berlo was an unsung hero. He’s not someone who catches the eye with flashy play, but it was players like him and East Perth’s Craig Wulff – with their hard inside work – who helped set up the win.

Having represented WA during my playing days, I know how much it means to be able to pull on a state jumper.

It’s a fantastic opportunity and offers players, who don’t get a shot at the AFL, the chance to play next-level footy.

Guys like Tallan Ames and Kyle Hams, both from Swan Districts, fit this mould. It’s the pinnacle of what they can do at WAFL level.

Back on the raceway again

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

MOTORCYCLE racing returns to Barbagallo Raceway this Sunday, with 110 solo competitors and 10 sidecar teams taking to the track for round one of the 2013 State Championship Series.

With 2012 superbike champion Ralph Mammoliti, of Darch, not returning this year, the top spot could be anyone’s, and Hillarys’ Adam Senior has already been marked as a strong contender.

However, he will face strong competition from Wanneroo’s Cameron Stronach, Mark Schnierer, and newly-promoted A-graders Lubomir Safranek and Anthony McFadden.

In the supersport championship, Aaiden Coote will be looking to better his third place finish from last year, and hold off the 2012 superstock winner and runner-up Leigh Boujos and Doug Sant, who moved up to the supersport class for this season.

Another member of the Boujos family, Tim, will also be racing this weekend in the superstock championship along with newcomer Raj Sarin and Graeme Romano.

The 125/250GP championship will see 26 riders take to the grid, including senior, Colin Boujos (dad to Leigh and Tim) and Jessica Derrin, the only female rider in her first road race meeting. There are also six F1 and four F2 outfits entered for the sidecar championship, and there will be racing in the clubman 600cc and 1000cc classes.

Qualifying starts at 8.30am and racing starts about 11am.

Tickets available at the gate, with children under 15 free.

Audience marvels at legends

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

COLLINGWOOD premiership player Peter Daicos proved a champion off the field as special guest at a West Perth Football Club luncheon at Stirling Adriatic Centre last week.

“It was a great day,” said the former ‘goal sneak’ who earnt the nickname Macedonian Marvel in more than 250 games for the Magpies before retiring in 1993.

The AFL Hall of Fame member was delighted to meet former West Perth players such as Bill Dempsey and Les Fong, whom he learned of as a youngster through newspaper Inside Football and interstate games between WA and Victoria.

“It was just nice to meet the guys and nice to do that for the club,” Daicos said.

“I’m quite flattered – I’ve been out of the game 20 years – and chuffed that people are happy to have a listen in.”

Three-time premiership ruckman Dempsey was nearly three years retired and Fong into his seventh season at the Joondalup-based club’s former home at Leederville Oval when Daicos made his debut at Victoria Park in 1979.

“The exposure of football was not as great as it is today,” he said.

“There were a couple of ways it was delivered in (to Melbourne) from interstate in respect to the players – through Inside Football… and when Victoria played Western Australia.

“You could read about these guys and people involved at interstate level and you were aware that they were quite handy because they played for their state.

“When I got there and they said ‘Bill Dempsey’s here and Les Fong, do you know who they are?’, I said ‘of course, I know who they are’. For me it was great, I spoke to Bill for a little while, and got to meet Les and his son, so it was great to be asked to come along.”

Daicos, who was included in the Collingwood and AFL Greek Team of the Century, is involved in football today through his freelance media commitments and assistant coaching at his son Josh’s school, Camberwell Grammar.

Black shines on the big stage

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

IT was the biggest game of his career and West Perth youngster Aaron Black was up to the challenge.

As the youngest player in WA’s thrilling 17.16 (118) to 15.11 (101) triumph over Victoria, Black racked up 22 touches to be among the side’s best in Northam on Saturday.

The 20-year-old midfielder slotted two majors as one of just five multiple goal kickers. WA had not beaten Victoria in 22 years.

Black admitted the intensity of the match was daunting, but a confidence-boosting early goal helped him settle into the pace.

“I didn’t expect to go out there and kick two goals and have the impact I did,” he said.

“So I was really happy, especially in such a big game.”

His Falcons teammates Andrew Strijk and Jay van Berlo were also solid contributors.

Strijk had 20 possessions, while van Berlo (13 possessions, one goal) laid five tackles – second only to East Perth’s Craig Wulff who landed six.

Swan Districts’ Wayde Twomey, a former Carlton player, kicked five goals to win the Simpson Medal as WA’s best.

Brittany keen on tough sports

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

BRUISED knees and stitched cuts are badges of honour for Brittany Keen, who hopes to one day represent Australia internationally in hockey, softball or baseball.

“They’re aggressive sports – they’re not ‘princess’ sports like netball,” she said.

The 15-year-old is a member of the School Sport Australia national softball team that recently competed in Singapore at the South East Asian Youth Tournament.

Keen trains in her three sports every day and the hard work is paying off.

She has an Australian All Stars medal from competing in the under 15s national baseball team, and currently competes in both the junior and senior women’s hockey leagues.

Keen said she hoped to one day be a member of the Hockeyroos and take part in an Olympic campaign.

School Sport WA co-ordinates 36 teams annually, with students going on to compete at national championships.

Cougars blitz Bombers

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

THE Carlisle Cougars claimed victory on the weekend with a 90-point win over the Belmont Bombers in what was the first derby between the two rival teams in several years.

Carlisle dominated the field during all four quarters of the match, establishing a clear lead in the first quarter with 23 points to eight.

The game came to a standstill in the second quarter when the ball became lost after a player kicked it into a tree and both teams scrambled to find a replacement ball.

Despite the interruption, the home team had all but cemented their victory by half time, kicking eight goals and four behinds to Belmont’s single behind.

Fans at the members’ day match braved the chilly wind to see Belmont make somewhat of a comeback in the second half, but it was not enough as the reigning champions of the day took the Power Industrials Supply Cup with 132 points to 42.

Belmont acting president Damon Hancey said the day was a disappointment and the team had some ground to cover.

“They tried hard but on the return we’ll have to make sure we improve and give it all we’ve got,” he said.

Carlisle coach Danny Ferguson said the team was excited to have won the derby match as well as all three games of the day for the colts, reserve and league. Mr Ferguson said melees in the first half of the match between members of both teams was nothing sinister and just the players flexing their muscles.

“It’s just the nature of the derby,” he said.

Belmont and Carlisle will face off again in Round 14 in the C3 WA Amateur Football League.

Cruz’s fate in his control

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

GIVEN he's a javelin thrower, the sky really is the limit for Cruz Hogan.But it's a limit the world-class Kallaroo athlete continues to push.

With a personal best throw of 73.27m, Cruz is ranked fourth in the world for the International Association of Athletics Federation's (IAAF) under 20s division.

It's a ranking he's hoping to improve on at the upcoming Bauhaus Junioren Gala in Germany.

Hosted by the German Athletics Association, Hogan made the Australian team after breaking the 66.50m qualification standard a number of times over the past season.

His personal best came at the Perth Track Classic in March this year.

“I was stoked to be picked for the Germany under 20 championships,” he said.

“I qualified for (IAAF) World Juniors last year in Barcelona but narrowly missed out on making the team.

“I hope that competing for Australia in Europe will give me the experience of competing at an international level, which will set me up for future senior competitions.”

Hogan faces financial barriers to make the trip to Germany, as fulltime training crossed with fulltime study at UWA makes it difficult to find a flexible job.

He hoped to attract new sponsors as his appearance on the world stage draws closer.

Sailing pair shine in Japan

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

MOSMAN Park’s Ella Clark (17) and sailing partner Carrie Smith (18) recently came second in Japan’s national championships and were the first female team to cross the finish line.

“Japan was a great experience. We learnt a lot about their culture, way of living and of course their way of sailing,” Clark said.

“We took away many new techniques and styles that we can add to our sailing and it’s quite exciting to come home and try them out here.

“It’s really tricky because you’re only there for a short amount of time and you’ve got to figure out the sort of patterns and be able to sail like the locals do.

“We were lucky because we sailed there last year as well so we had a better feel for it.”

Within hours of returning to Perth from Japan, the duo was in Mandurah competing in their annual Easter Regatta where they placed first.

They have also been chosen to represent Australia for the third time at July’s 2013 ISAF Youth World Championships in Cyprus.

“We just had the national training camp a few weeks ago in Sydney in preparation for when we go away,” Clark said.

“The competition is for the top youth male and female boats in lots of different classes.

“The class that we’re in at the moment is the 420.

“We’ve been for the past two years and we got a fourth and a second last year and we’re hoping to win it this year, but we’ll see.”

Clark has been sailing since the age of 13 and the school friends now train up to five times a week on water for two to three hours.

The young athletes also do two hours of strengthening and conditioning training in the gym, plus cardio exercises.

“It was really difficult at first,” Clark said. “It’s really challenging because half the time you don’t know what’s going on so it takes a while to get the feel for it because it’s a really difficult sport. But I work really well together with Carrie. When we start sailing we just complement each other.”

Freo team in top form

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

FREMANTLE Netball Association players Phoebe Wilcox, Sophie Garbin, Natalie Bright, Brittany Turnball, Evie Guelfi and Jaimee Charles represented WA at the Australian National Championship held in Darwin in April.

“It was the biggest contingent from Fremantle in many years and certainly one of our most successful by WA,” association president Judith Pilatti said.

“We are extremely proud of them all, especially Sophie, Natalie and Brittany who were selected in the 17/U Australian National Development Squad and will attend a development camp at the Australian Institute of Sport in May.”

The WA 17/U team lost the grand final to Victoria and the 21/U team placed fourth after losing a thrilling semi-final match to New South Wales by three.

Mrs Pilatti attributed the association’s ongoing increase in selection at a State Level to the high calibre of competition at Fremantle.

Defender in Oz squad

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

WEST Coast Fever defender Courtney Bruce, a Southern River resident, has been chosen for the Australian squad for the 2013 World Youth Netball Championships in Scotland this year.

Bruce, along with State 21-U goal shooter Kaylia Stanton and State 19-U wing attack Numi Tupaea, had their selections finalised recently following a three-day camp at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra.

Tupaea, along with South Australia’s Sarah Klau and Amehlia Schmidt and New South Wales’ Amy Sommerville, was elevated to the Championships squad after initially attending the camp as an invitee.

“While it’s a small step, it represents the next milestone towards our World Youth Netball Championships campaign now that we’ve got a finalised squad of 21 athletes to contest selection camp in three weeks,” Australian 21-U coach Carol Byers said.

The 12-player team for August’s World Youth Netball Championships will be announced following a selection camp on May 21-23 at the AIS.

Australia has been named in Group A alongside South Africa, Fiji, Israel and Namibia, with the tournament beginning on August 22 in Glasgow.

Looking to break a hoodoo

Sat, 11 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

STATE coach Marc Webb is well aware of the difficult task when WA take on Victoria in today’s interstate clash at Henry Street Oval, in Northam.

The Black Swans have not tasted success on home soil for more than two decades, when a team coached by Barry Cable beat the Big V by more than 10 goals in a State of Origin game at the WACA ground.

Webb said WA’s ability to play as a team held the key to today’s contest.

“I think you can get caught out trying to pick the best 22 for a State match, instead of the best team,” Webb said.

“We’ll be looking at putting together the best combination – not necessarily a team stacked with great onballers.

“I also believe the WAFL is a better competition now and you can gauge that by the amount of mature-age players being drafted from here.”

Injuries and omissions have made Webb’s task a little easier.

He and his selection team have filled the gaps with players capable of fitting into the game plan.

The Black Swans’ strategy is hardly a secret. They want to run the Victorians off their legs on the Northam ground.

The WA team is short of interstate experience and will rely on big man and State captain Paul Johnson to carry a heavy load as the Black Swans’ sole recognised ruckman.

The East Perth ruckman was the Simpson Medallist in the WAFL’s clash with the SANFL last year.

The hosts have good goal-kicking options to cover the late withdrawal of East Perth’s Josh Smith because of injury.

Claremont’s Ian Richardson is one of the few old-hands at interstate football and will partner Tim Geappen, Marlon Motlop, Ashton Hamp and Johnson in providing WA with scoring opportunities.

Adam Cockie (Subiaco) and Wayde Skipper (West Perth) started their senior football careers on the West Coast before the search for the AFL dream took them east.

The 2013 VFL squad is vastly different from the one that defeated Tasmania by 108 points last year.

Included in the VFL’s team that eclipsed the Tasmanian State League were Sam Dwyer (Collingwood), Brett Goodes (Western Bulldogs), Leigh Osborne (Gold Coast Suns), Kyle Martin (Collingwood), Kyle Hartigan (Adelaide) and Dean Towers (Sydney) – all of whom were selected by clubs at the AFL draft late last year.

This year’s VFL State squad of 22 features a blend of youth and experience but only four members of last year’s successful team – Chris Cain, Ben Ross, Sam Pleming and Myles Sewell.

“It has opened the door for a great opportunity for a number of new players to take to the State stage and I think that can only be exciting,” said Port Melbourne 2011 premiership coach Gary Ayres, who has led his club to consecutive VFL grand finals, as well as leading Victoria to victory in last year’s State game.

“This could be the biggest stage that an individual can play on – we would hope that some guys get drafted in the AFL, as we have already seen – but if some players are not drafted, this is as big a game as they are ever going to play.”

The average age of the VFL squad is just 24 and includes two current VFL captains (Marcus Marigliani – Sandringham and Evan Panozza – Casey Scorpions).

There are also seven former AFL listed players – Stephen Clifton, Ben Warren, Ben Ross, Marigliani, Adam Cockie, Sam Pleming and Scott Simpson.

“There are some good young kids pushing through in the VFL,” Ayres said.

Flying start pays off

Fri, 10 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

WARNBRO Swans’ league side will try to continue their fast starts to matches in recent weeks against Canning this weekend at home.

The club’s first term dominance continued last week in a thumping 114-point win against Kenwick, set up in another first quarter goal blitz.

Warnbro booted eight majors in the term to Kenwick’s solitary goal, and from there the Swans were always in control.

Coach Mitch Russell mixed up positions in the final term but Warnbro still won convincingly 23.16 (154) to 6.4 (40).

Nathan Anderson and Kane Palermo posted five goals each and Corey Catania booted three.

Best on ground was Cameron Lawford with Ryan Elwood, Sam St Jack and Catania impressive.

The reserves won a closer match against Kenwick 15.8 (98) to 10.6 (66). It was a quick start again that helped Warnbro post the win with a great first quarter from the Swans.

Coach Jan Crawford said he wanted more consistency from the side. Best on ground were Shayne Webb, Riley Brown, Corey Gardiner and Siye Williams.

The colts posted an emphatic 107-point win.

Warnbro started slow but soon began creating plenty of scoring opportunities and dominated defence in the 20.15 (135) to 4.4 (28) win.

Tyson Bowman, Matthew Schubert, Dan Abel, Chris Altieri, Mitch Croxon, Ethan Lammers and Steve Meharry were best on ground.

The thirds recorded their first win for the year with a resounding 14.6 (90) to 7.8 (50) win against Cockburn.

New club to hold open day

Fri, 10 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

THE fledgling Mandurah Rowing Club had a boost when its first-ever crew competed in the Rowing WA-sanctioned 5km Mettams Head Race.

Comprising Rockingham residents and Secret Harbour Surf Life Saving Club surf boat rowers, the crew put in a creditable inaugural performance finishing 26th out of 36 crews in a solid time of 21 minutes 41 seconds.

The club will hold a have a go day at Mandurah Foreshore on Sunday, May 19, from 9am-1pm.

Register at http://tinyurl. com/cxvmghd, call club president Cameron Hearne on 0415 268 859 or visit www.face book.com/mandurahrowingclub.

Sharks shoot-out highlighted defensive lapses

Thu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

IT was a great game for spectators against East Fremantle on the weekend, but not so much in the coaching box.I don’t think I’ve ever been involved in a 45-goal game before; it was a real shootout at East Fremantle Oval.

The game was free flowing so we gave up a lot of relatively easy goals.

Some of our defensive efforts were very ordinary, which is not what you want to see as a coach.

The Sharks should be congratulated on kicking 21 goals and just three points, but it also means we weren’t putting on enough pressure. It was also disappointing to see East Fremantle nearly take the lead in the last quarter.

But having said that, it was a really good win, five wins and two losses is a good place to be as we go into the State bye this weekend and season bye the week after.

We were also pleased to hear Kody Manning’s knee injury was not as serious as first thought.

Scans showed he had not ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament, but had suffered a meniscus tear.

He was rapt on Monday when I spoke to him before he had his operation.

He’s on a week’s rest so there’s not much else we can do for now, other than be thankful that it’s not an ACL injury.

Our most pressing concern is how we’re going to manage the double bye before playing Perth – who have been in very good form – on May 25.

Besides those who are playing in the State game, the players will have some down time this weekend.

We’ll reduce the physicality of training next week and then ramp it up leading into our game against the Demons.

State honours for Falcons young guns

Thu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

THEY are two of the breakout players in West Perth’s 2013 WAFL resurgence.Now they are being recognised beyond the confines of Arena Joondalup.

Midfielders Aaron Black and Shane Nelson were confirmed among the league’s brightest rising stars when considered for selection in this weekend’s interstate clash against Victoria in Northam.

Coached by Claremont’s Marc Webb, the pair were the youngest players named in the initial 33-man WA squad, with Nelson still a teenager at 19 and Black aged just 20.

Both said they had learnt a lot from training with the elite squad, which had an average age of 25.

Black was honoured to be considered among the best players in the competition.

“That’s really exciting for both of us,” he said.

“We’re really close mates as well, so we’re really happy for each other.

“It’s good to be recognised… especially early on in the year.”

Nelson admitted he was daunted at the first training session, standing among some of the WAFL’s most dominant figures.

This was despite the fact he already had State experience as a WA 18s player.

“Looking around and seeing a lot of the guys I used to watch, either from AFL or in the WAFL when I was younger – it was pretty daunting, but also a great experience,” he said.

West Perth was well represented in the initial squad with Steven Browne, Rohan Kerr, Andrew Strijk and Jay Van Berlo also named.

All have been a major part of West Perth’s early success in 2013, but it’s the rise of the side’s younger personnel that’s been the difference from 2012.

Nelson said the emphasis had been on the less experienced players to make an impact.

“I played a few games last year and Blacky has been in the WAFL a while now, so it was definitely time for us to stand up,” he said.

Black, who is approaching his 50th league game, was upbeat with where his WAFL career was headed.

“I’m really happy to have a consistent start to the year – that’s the most important thing,” he said.

“Doing the things that I do well and help the side – that’s been a real positive for me early on this year.”

Perth golfer committed to tournament

Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

PERTH'S Brett Rumford and inaugural Perth International winner Bo Van Pelt are the first two big names to commit to this year's tournament at Lake Karrinyup Country Club.Tourism Minister Kim Hames said the announcement by tournament owner IMG was a boost for the event, given Rumford's red-hot form of late.

“Brett Rumford is on fire at the moment, winning back-to-back European Tour events over the past two weeks in South Korea and China,” Dr Hames said.

“Brett's purple patch has seen his world ranking rise from 253 to 76 and he now leads the prestigious 'Race to Dubai' rankings on the European Tour.

“Always popular in Perth, Brett's success this past fortnight will mean even bigger galleries for his home event.”

Van Pelt, currently ranked 26 in the world, has also confirmed he will be back for the October 17-20 tournament to defend his title.

The Perth International is Australia's richest golf tournament with prize money of US$2 million, and the only tournament to be co-sanctioned with the European Tour.

It was first held in 2012 and will again be played at Lake Karrinyup.

Some surprises in Friday's heats

Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

There were some unexpected results in the Swan Draught Mandurah Derby (490m) heats at Kaynana Park last Friday, which sets up an intriguing final this weekend.

The opening heat provided the first shock of the series as $14.70 chance Moodich was able to hold out the more fancied Merlot Monelli.The pair staged a two-dog battle throughout the race, but Moodich always had the advantage and the Kevin Foxton-trained black dog was able to cling on to score by a head in 27.65.

In heat two, former NSW chaser Tricky Knox recorded his first win in WA.

Tricky Knox took full toll of the rails alley to lead all the way and finish more than four lengths in front of Jack O’Riley.

Knight Fun started fifth on the line of betting in heat three but belied the odds with a comfortable victory.

The speedy greyhound from Lexia Issac’s kennels took control of the race midway down the back straight and never looked in doubt from that point onwards - as he went on to win in 27.67.

In the final heat, Set Sail South came from mid-field to surge past the leading Special Pup to claim the race in 27.61 and give Linda Britton a representative in the final.

The field for the Swan Draught Mandurah Derby final 1. Special Pup 2. Jack O’riley 3. Moodich 4. Merlot Monelli 5. Tricky Knox 6. Set Sail South 7. Knight Fun 8. Celtic Coin 1st Res. Premier Fun

Hall Jr touch fires up Flyer

Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

A GREAT drive by Gary Hall Jr enabled Pinjarra trained six-year-old The Burnside Flyer to win his 10th career race over (1730m) at Gloucester Park on Friday night.

In the horse’s second run back from a two month spell – Hall Jr initially gained the pivotal one out one back position.

As the speed slackened up front after 400m, Hall Jr was off three wide, to sit outside the leader Frankie Maguire.

From there Hall Jr waited until the home bend before he allowed the bay more rein and went on to win by a neck.

Prepared by Michael Brennan The Burnside Flyer last won when successful at Albany back in late December.

“It’s the first time he’s had a race run to suit,” Brennan said.

“He is one of those horses who needs things to go his way.

Friday night’s win took the horse’s stake earnings to $46,822.

Mellsop trained Ariki to win at Pinjarra on Monday then travelled to Northam for the York meeting the following night to enter the winners circle with Our Boy Su.

At Pinjarra, Ariki drew the second line in the 2Y0 Pace (2185m).

After breaking astride at the start, Ariki lost a length, before settling four back the pegs.

After 600m, Mellsop angled the brown gelding from the inside to be slightly worse than midfield.

Turning into the back straight the final time, Mellsop latched onto the back of Kimba Bay.

Four wide on the home bend, Ariki surged to the front 150m from home.

He held the late lunge of Hugh Victor to win by a head.

Ariki was only having his second race start.

Our Boy Su made an easier time of it for Mellsop when winning over 1780m at Northam the following night.

Drawing barrier one, the six-year-old brown gelding led throughout to be joined by Rocket Reign and Unsinkable Boxer.

Our Boy Su responded to Mellsop’s urgings and won by a sulky’s length.

The Barry Warwick-trained mare’s latest victory was in last week’s Catelynn Fillies And Mares Pace (2185m) at Pinjarra.

Footy girls in a strong start

Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

Seven Peel Thunderbirds players have been selected to represent WA at the up coming under 18s national carnival in Shepparton, Victoria.

The carnival began on Monday and will finish on Thursday. WA thrashed the combined South Australian/Northern Territory by 92 points, posting a score of 13.21.99 to 6.1.7.

The commentators said the WA side played as well as the men and they will continue the competition as favourites.

Players selected include Demi Okely, Emma Swanson, Tayla Bresland, Kira Phillips, Courtney Ugle, Rachel Shepherd and Sabrina Traub from the Thunderbirds League team.

This will be the fourth under 18s national carnival played by WA.

The WA side has reached the grand final twice, only to be beaten by Victoria on both occasions and finishing third last year.

Thunderbirds player Emma Swanson will lead the State as captain, while Sabrina Traub, Tayla Bresland and Kira Phillips are vice captains.

For more, go to aflcommunityclub.com.au.

Marshall books ticket for AFL parade

Tue, 07 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

THORNLIE resident Marshall Babic, from the Canning Vale Junior Football Club’s NAB AFL Auskick Centre, is a nominee for 2013 Auskicker of the Year.

The Round 5 nominee was chosen ahead of thousands of others, based on his dedication and enthusiasm, to join 21 other Auskickers who will march in the grand final parade in Melbourne.

He will also play at the MCG on grand final day and present medals to the premiership players.

Marshall is now in the running to have Geelong captain and three-time premiership player Joel Selwood as his personal footy mentor in 2014, and for a $5000 NAB junior savings account.

Canning Vale club president Ray Pearse said the competition was popular among his Auskick players.

“This award looks beyond the best player on the ground and instead emphasises the importance of being a good teammate and looking out for others,” he said.

Every week, 180,000 children and their parents head to one of 2800 Auskick centres around the country to take part in Auskick.

Visit www.aflauskick.com.au.

Import believes Tigers are real title contenders

Tue, 07 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

THE Willetton Tigers State Basketball League (SBL) US import Brandon Adams is confident the side will maintain a top eight position throughout the 2013 season.

Despite falling seven points short of a win against Mandurah Magic over the weekend, dropping from fourth to sixth position on the ladder, Adams has no doubt Willetton has what it takes to become this year’s premiers.

Leaving his home in Seattle, Washington to play for the Tigers, the 25-year-old athlete told the Canning Times the SBL team was in good spirits.

“In recent weeks we beat the two top teams, which really put our team in a confident position,” Adams said.

“The young guys in the team are so hungry to play and I know from experience, that when you get that chance to play, you fight for every rebound and give everything you have to that game of basketball.

“Basketball has been my ticket to a better life and I love everything about the game.”

Brandon has played in the International Basketball League in Seattle, Division 1 basketball in Hawaii and attended the Athletes in Action Tour held in Puerto Rico.

The Willetton Tigers will match up against the Kalamunda Eastern Suns this Friday night, 8.30pm at the Willetton Basketball Stadium.

Magpie flies in for lunch with Falcons

Tue, 07 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

THE Macedonian marvel – Peter Daicos – will be guest speaker at a West Perth Football Club luncheon on Friday, May 10.

Known for his freakish goals in a 250-game career with Collingwood, the AFL Hall of Fame member will be in Perth ahead of the Pies’ clash with Fremantle on Saturday, May 11.

West Perth president Brett Raponi, who lists premiership player Daicos alongside former West Perth champion Paul Mifka among his favourite players, was instrumental in getting him to the Falcons lunch.

It will be held at the Stirling Adriatic Centre, 78 Jones Street, Balcatta, from 12.15pm to 2.45pm.

The Joondalup-based club is looking for more people to attend.

To book, call 9300 3611 or email promotions@falconsfc.com.au

Fighting for fitter families

Tue, 07 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

FOR Fremantle exercise physiologist Matthew Harris, health and fitness should begin at home.

The chief executive of Exercise for Life has been in the industry or 12 years and has seen too often the rise in chronic health conditions.

This is the reason he wants to give back by offering Free Fitness Fridays for families looking to get fit and healthy.

Mr Harris said having trained people on a daily basis, he had the seen an increasing lack of physical activity in society, and wanted to provide local families the opportunity to come and exercise for free.

“All too often people, are presenting with chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, which are being caused by poor lifestyle choices,” Mr Harris said.

“As a father of an eight-year-old, I am very aware of the increasing incidence of chronic health conditions in kids.

“Due to a lack of exposure to play and activities, many kids are suffering from poor posture and often don't develop fundamental movement patterns.”

Mr Harris said people who did not participate in physical activity were usually time poor, did not like to exercise, could not afford to exercise or just did not see the benefits in exercise.

“This kind of attitude has resulted in a shift in society where adults who place little value on their own health are not taking the opportunity to run around with their kids, resulting in poor health education,” he said.

“Health education has to come from home and as a dad and local business owner, I wanted to provide local families the opportunity to come to Exercise For Life and exercise together.

“I wanted to give parents and their children the opportunity to develop a positive behaviour towards exercise and health.

“In my experience, the best way to help people to engage in a positive lifestyle change is to make it simple.”

Mr Harris said the one-hour session would allow parents and children to exercise together with trainers who were human movement specialists.

Free Fitness Fridays starts on Friday, May 10 from 4pm to 5pm, with no cost and no obligation to join as a member.

To participate in the program, call the East Fremantle office on 9319 8355 or visit www.exerciseforlife.net.au for more information.

Nerves of iron for brothers

Tue, 07 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

BROTHERS-in-training Richard Nevin from South Perth and Hannes Mucha from Rivervale have nerves of iron after finishing in the top third of the New Zealand Ironman in March.

The two men, who met at a pilates class 2½ years ago, trained together in preparation for the gruelling competition which involved 12 hours of intense swimming, cycling and running in the picturesque North Island town of Taupo.

Nevin (36) said he had competed in two of the Busselton Ironman events previously and his training sessions with his friend were what helped him get to the finish line.

“My motivation wasn’t really here this time around, but Hannes spurred me on; I couldn’t have done it without him,” he said.

“It’s a matter of finishing; we’re not in the league of elites.”

Stay-at-home dad Mucha (39), who moved to Perth from Austria in 2005, said training for long distance competition had been easier for him because he could fit the lifestyle around his duties as a dad.

“Here you have a pool and a park; you just put on your shoes and you run,” he said.

“Eighty per cent of my training was on the porch with my bub next to me.”

In addition to completing his first full-length Ironman, Nevin said he had greatly improved his swimming skills, due to morning ocean swims and regular training with the Belmont Masters

Swimming Club.

“I was a very poor swimmer. Three years ago I didn’t do freestyle, I would swim breaststroke in every competition,” he said.

“Ladies are always happy when men sign up to these things.”

Keddie confident of cup success

Tue, 07 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

LUKE Keddie is hoping his second tilt at the Pizzey Cup will end in a championship title for WA’s boys team.

The Hale School tennis captain first represented WA in the Bruce Cup, the 12 years-and-under School Sport Australia competition, with the WA boys finishing third.

“Back then, the WA team managed to place third so I am very keen and excited to be heading to Adelaide to see if we can better that result,” he said.

The tournament is an interstate schools competition played on a round robin basis, and is sponsored by Tennis Australia under the SSA program.

Teams from each state comprise eight boys and eight girls, in singles, doubles and mixed doubles competition.

Keddie, (16), said he was feeling confident about his prospects and that his form was strong.

“I’m feeling very confident. I want to win individually but I want the whole team to end on top against the other states,” Keddie said.

Keddie said he would play to his strengths – his forehand and serve – to give himself every chance of success.

“I love playing baseline and rallying. I’m very confident that if that happens I’ll win the majority.”

Keddie started playing tennis as a six year old and along with his commitments as the Hale tennis captain, also plays for the UWA tennis club.

This year’s Jack Pizzey Cup is in Adelaide and runs until May 12