Balmain District Junior Rugby League

Strathfield Raiders 7 year old Daniel Daher

2011 102 nd Annual Report COATESHIRE proud Major Sponsor of the Balmain District Junior Rugby League

COATESHIRE became the major sponsor of the With over 200 branches and satellite locations Balmain District Junior Rugby League in 2010 with our own maintenance and transport and have once again sponsored for 2012. capability, Coateshire is well positioned to satisfy the equipment hire needs of an ever increasing Coates Limited is Australia’s largest equipment customer base. hire company with over 120 years experience in industry, supplying a wide variety of markets Coateshire NSW are proud to support the including Engineering and Building Construction Balmain District Junior Rugby League and Maintenance, Mining and Resources, Manufacturing, Government and Events.

www.coateshire.com.au

2 General Manager’s Report

Season 2011 saw some major changes on the Junior League front with To the BDJRL Board and Delegates, the respective Clubs’ Com mittees, the introduction of the NSW ICCC from U/13’s through to A Grade. Whilst Volunteers and the parents who support their kids in our great game. there were some initial hurdles and concerns I believe the Combined There is no game without you! Competition was embraced by most and allows players of all skill levels to compete on a more even playing field. I urge all Mums and Dads to keep encouraging their children and importantly to “Be a Sport - Just Support” for the new season in 2012. Another great day of Junior League Grand Finals was on show at Leichhardt Oval in September and well done to all the teams and Clubs To Balmain Junior League players Curtis Sironen and Kyle Lovett who competed on the day congratulations on your selection in the successful 2011 NSW U/18 team and I have seen first hand how you have both worked tirelessly to achieve Our Junior League was again blessed to have a company like Coateshire this. Congratulations also to Curtis on being named in the Australian U18 as our principal sponsor in 2011 and even better that they are back on team who toured New Zealand. board in season 2012. Let’s all get behind our major sponsor and support them whenever possible! Local product Aaron Woods debuted with Wests Tigers in 2011 and looks to have a long NRL career in front of him. Well done Woodsy!

Thanks to Lyn Phillis, John Stapleton, Tony Ashton, Duncan De Celis and Vinh Tran for your support and commitment to your roles.

After 15 years of service, farewell to David Kelly who has made a huge contribution to the Tigers at all levels. DK won’t be a stranger and we look forward to when little Boston Kelly dons a Tigers Jersey in the next few years!

Strathfield Raiders minis

The fresh fruit people of Sydney Markets were 2011 Grand Final day Partner and to John, Brad and his team many thanks for the support. To all of the unselfish volunteers at all Clubs who give up their time to help in some capacity throughout the season, a huge vote of thanks.

BRET & BDJRL Awards Night - Our Annual Awards Night was again a great success at the Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club where over 300 people from players, parents, volunteers, officials and sponsors David Kelly (centre) with Balmain Football Club Chairman, David attended a wonderful night to toast our major award winners and Trodden and Tigers’ General Manager, Paul Sironen contributors for 2011. My personal thanks to our Operations Manager, Jennie Webster; she is Balmain DJRL 2011 Sportsman’s Lunch – A great crowd enjoyed a day the Junior League’s greatest asset! Congratulations to Jennie for being on the harbour on board the beautiful All Occasion Cruises “Bella Vista”. recognised for the Red Vest initiative; her dedication to the Junior League We celebrated the 25 year Reunion of the 1986 Kangaroos. In excess of and her hard work with the NSW ICCC Competition. After a successful $23,000 was raised for the attending Junior League Clubs and the BDJRL. 2011 lets all work together for a bigger and better 2012 for all. Thanks once again to Australia Power & Gas for generously partnering with the Balmain DJRL for the event and our other corporate attendees. Paul Sironen General Manager –BTRLFC and BDJRL Referees - My thanks to the Balmain Referees Association and its Board and members for season 2011.

Balmain PCYC U11s

To our Major Partners and Supporters in 2011, Balmain Tigers, Coateshire, Mannings (Mick & the team), McDonalds Inner West Stores, Wests Tigers, Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club, Australian Power and Gas, Griffin Air and Rob Martin we thank each and every one of you. To the Robertson family, we extend our sincerest condolences from all at Tigers for your tragic loss.

3 Office Bearers 1908 - 2011

Secretaries Chris Kenny 1983-84-85-86 Directors Kathleen Hughes 1987 Dave Butchart 1908-09-10-11-12-13 John Carrington 2006-2010 Pat Hegarty 1988-89-90 (Retired) Pat McQuade 1908-09 Debbie Chalmers 2006 Cliff Madgwick 1990-91-92-93-94 Frank Savage 1914-15-17-18-19-22 John Critchley 2006-08-09-10 Graham Simmons 1995-96-97-98-99-2000-01- Robert Savage 1916 Warwick Hilder 2006-07-08 02-03 Leo Mason 1920-21-23-24-25 Gary Hinchliffe 2006-07 Lyn Phillis 2004-05 W L Young 1926-27-28 Steve Lavers 2006-07 Bill O’Connor 1929-30-31-32 Peter Mortimer 2006 C H ‘Micky’ Roberts 1933-34 Treasurers Mick O’Keefe 2006-2011 L Crawley 1934-35 Frank Savage 1914-15-16-17-18-19-20 Bob Siemsen 2006-2011 J Burnicle 1936-37 Harold Matthews 1921-22 Philip Taylor 2006-2011 Sid Jenkins 1938-39-40-41 W L Young 1923-24-25-26 David Wilson 2006-2011 J Griffith 1942-43 M Cooney 1927-28 Chris Raheb 2006-2011 R Rourke 1944-45-46 B Curran 1929-30-31 Chris Annison 2007-08-09 Harry Addison 1947-48-49-50 D Cooksey 1932 Ian Gibbeson 2007-08-09-10 George Lee 1951-52-53-54-55 L Crawley 1933-34 Jon Monroe 2007-08 (deceased) Danny Clifford 1956-57 Allan Slarke 1935 Robert Gerrie 2008 Bill Ballard 1958-59-60 J Connor 1936-37-38-39-40-41-42-43 John Stapleton 2008-2011 Joe Hayes 1961-62 H McLeod 1944-45 Brian Johnston 2008-2011 Don Graham 1963-64-65-66-67-68-69- J Donovan 1946 Chris Woods 2008 70-71-72-73-74-75 Harry Chalk 1947-48-49-50-51-52 Brett Wheelhouse 2009 Mick Ko’Cass 1976-77-78-79-80 A Harding 1949-50-51 Frank Dunne 2009-2011 (Resigned) Bob Jones 1953-54-55 Con Veneziano 2009 Bill Brown 1980-81-82 Arthur Robinson 1956-57-58-59-60-61 Aida Catalano 2010 Bob Carroll 1983-84-85-86-87-88-89- Ron Pursehouse 1962-63-64-65-66-67-68 Paul Jenson 2010 90-91-92-93-94 Reg Patterson 1969-70-71-72-73-74-75-76 Richard Jones 2009-2011 Paul Egan 1995-96-97-98-99-2000-01- Phil Lloyd 1977-78-79 02-03-04 Doug Vitnell 1980 Patron Myles Kennedy 1981-82-83 Mick Manning 2006-2011 Presidents Tony Newell 1984-85-86 Kathy Palmer 1986-87 Arthur Ballerum 1908-09-10-11-12-13-14- Sid Coghlan 1988-89-90-91 15-16 Ernie Baldwin 1992-93-94-2002-03 Frank Savage 1917-18-19 Tony Bietola 1995-96-97-98-99-2000-01 James N Walsh 1920-21-22-23-24-25-26- Chris Annison 2004-05 28-29-40-41 J McCarry 1927-1930-31-32-33 J Shaw 1934-35 Junior League Administrators Bill O’Connor 1935 Frank Delaney 1937 A S Cochrane 1936-37-38-39 J Galvin 1937 L Crawley 1942-43 A Dawes 1944-45-46 Vice Presidents Bert Hampstead 1947-48-49-50-51-52-53-54 Austin Hoyle 1955-56-57-58 Tom Prescott 1924 Robert McKinney 1959-60-61 Richard Baker 1930-31-32-33 Bill Evans 1962-63-64-65-66-67-68- 69-70 Senior Vice Presidents Bob Waterson 1971-72-73-74-75-76-77 Arthur McIlveen 1978-79 John Jackson 1978-79-80-81-82 Ted Hellsten 1980-81-82 Ted Hellsten 1983-84-85-86-87-88-89- Maurie O’Brien 1983-84-85-86 90-91-92 Ken Brownlee 1988-89-90-91 Sid Coghlan 1993 Sid Coghlan 1992 Robert Henderson 1994-95-96-97-98-99-2000 Bob Barnett 1993-94-95-96-97-98-99- Bob Barnett 2001 2000 Bill Wise 2002-03-04 Bill Wise 2001 John Culbert 2005 (deceased) John Culbert 2002-03-04 (deceased) Allen Carling 2005 Assistant Secretaries Harold Matthews 1913-14-15-16-17-18-19- Operations Manager 20-21-22 Darren Mooney 2004 - 2006 M Cooney 1927-28 Jennie Webster 2007 – 2011 continuing B Curran 1929-30-31-32-33-34 J Burnicle 1935 General Manager RLFC W L Young 1936-37-38-39-40 E Whitford 1941-42-43-44 & Junior League J Burnet 1945-46 Michael Keech 2007 -2010 (resigned) Harry Chalk 1947 Paul Sironen 2010 (Acting) 2011 - Arthur Robinson 1948-49-50-51-52-53-54-55 Bill Ballard 1956-57-58-59-60 Development Manager Arthur McIlveen 1961-62-63-64-65-66-67- David Kelly 1997 - 2011 (resigned) 68-69-70-71-72-73-74-75- 76-77 Ron Wilson 1978-79 Chairman Ray Dalton 1980-81 Robert Henderson 2006 -2010 (resigned) Bob Carroll 1982 John Critchley 2011 -

4 Balmain Junior League Board of Directors

Chairman Life Members Committee John Critchley John Critchley (Chairman) Jennie Webster (Operations Manager) Mick Manning Patron John Carrington Mick Manning NSW INNER CITY Combined Balmain PCYC Mick O’Keefe Carlingford Cougars Richard Kelly Competitions Committee Concord Burwood Michael Benson Jennie Webster (Operations Manager) Dundas Shamrocks Bob Siemsen Peter Mortimer Enfield Federals Gabriel Georgy Five Dock RSL Con Veneziano National LeagueNet Committee Holy Cross Rhinos Richard Jones Jennie Webster (Operations Manager) representing NSW Leichhardt Juniors Phillip Taylor Leichhardt Wanderers Frank Dunne North Ryde Hawks Brian Johnston Rules Committee Strathfield Raiders Chris Raheb Peter Mortimer (Chairman) Jennie Webster (Operations Manager) Sub Committees Finance Committee Behaviour Paul Sironen (General Manager) Management Panel Jennie Webster (Operations Manager) Chris Raheb (Chairman) Mick Manning Judiciary Committee Mick O’Keefe Tony Beger (Chairman) Bob Siemsen Mick Manning Philip Taylor Sam Gebrael

Balmain Junior League Life Members

Jim Acheson, Fred Alexander*, Kathy Annison, Jeff Aplitt, Keith Steve Leslie, Cliff Madgwick*, Mick Manning, Peter Mortimer, Harold Bailey, Bill Ballard, Allan Barber, Bob Barnett, Ernie Baldwin, Ken Matthews*, Chris Karas, Myles Kennedy*, Jack King, Mick Ko’Cass, Bell*, Ray Barclay, Tony Bietola, Des Booler, George Bowden*, Bill Arthur McIlveen*, Tom Middleton*, Leo Neylon*, Tony Newell, Maurie Bradshaw*, Bill Brown, Ken Brownlee*, Bill Burke, Harold Chalk*, O’Brien, Reg Patterson, Lyn Phillis, Ron Pursehouse, Roy Rawson, Eric Alan Carling, John Carrington, Bob Carroll, Sid Coghlan*, Brian Richardson*, John Robertson, Arthur Robinson, George Robinson*, Coleman, Bob Cooper, John Critchley, John Culbert*, Charlie Day, Ray Martin Ritter, Bob Siemsen, Dennis Simmons, Graham Simmons, H Dalton*, Phil Dore, John Doyle, Max Davis, John Dunlea, Gary Dickson, Skinner, John Stanton, Jack Tagg*, John Stapleton, Ken Stapleton, Jack Paul Egan, Terry Evans, Bill Evans*, Bill Fender*, G Frederick*, Jim Taylor*, Kevin Thatcher*, Colin Thew*, Ian Todd, Doug Vitnell*, Alan Fitzgibbons, Mal Finnigan*, Gino Fogliati, Dennis Fowler*, Ray Gerrie, Watts, Bob Waterson, A Waterson, Athol Webster, Paul Wheelhouse, Don Graham*, Bert Hampstead*, Harry Hannaford, Pat Hegarty, Ted Ron Wicks, Billy Wise, Fred Woodbridge*, Stan Woodbridge* Hellsten*, Austin Hoyle, Les Heath, Bob Henderson, Peter Hunter, J Hughes*, Wally Houghton*, Keith Jacobs*, John Jackson*, David Kelly, *Deceased

Congratulations to all of the Junior League Clubs for their dedication and Chairman’s Report hard work throughout 2011 and hope to see you all back to make 2012 even bigger and better. Having completed my first season as Chairman of the Balmain Junior Rugby League Board I am pleased to confirm that it ran extremely well. John Critchley I congratulate all members of the Board who at no time put their club in Chairman - BDJRL front of the Junior League when decisions were required. The help and support from our Patron Mick Manning and General Manager (BTRLFC) Paul Sironen has been of tremendous value.

Our Board is very fortunate to have the highly professional assistance of an Operations Manager in Jennie Webster. To run a competition such as ours requires an enormous commitment and Jennie works tirelessly week after week.

Furthermore, our partnership with the Balmain Referees Association was strengthened in 2011 and I certainly recognise the importance of such a partnership.

One particular aspect of the 2011 season which is pleasing to me was the growth in numbers of both players and teams coming through the club nurseries. A strong nursery means a strong future.

I would also like to thank David Kelly for his long term assistance with the JRL and wish him well in his new career in cricket. 5 The NSW Inner City Combined Competition continues to be a success Operations Report with Balmain, St George, Canterbury Bankstown, South Sydney administrators working together to form competitions to cater to all standard of players. Stuart Stanton from the NSWRL Academy has been The 2011 season commenced with 132 teams outstanding in his role as facilitator of the competition committee. The playing in the Junior League and NSW Inner entire competition is highly regarded and all of the administrators will City Combined Competitions. Our growth is continue to work with together to make the competition successful, steady and we were really pleased to have strong and to provide competition for every standard of player. an influx of senior players to form three (3) A Grade teams entered from Cougars, On a sad note, lovely Lisa Langford, a Shamrocks mum and supporter, Shamrocks and Concord Burwood. sadly passed away in March this year. Lisa left behind her husband Peter and 4 beautiful young children with their 3 boys playing rugby league for McDonalds have been magnificent with the Shamrocks. The Langford Family are dedicated Tigers supporters their support offering Tray Mats throughout and tireless volunteers of the Shamrocks and the whole football the 22 Inner Western Suburbs Stores from community. In June that community came together for a benefit dinner January through to the beginning of March. arranged by their Shamrocks friends. Peter was overwhelmed and very Once again, they have been tremendous appreciative of the outpouring of love and support to him and family. supporters of the Junior League and the tray mats are a fantastic tool to assist our registration program. Every child We also said a sad goodbye to in the League also receives McDonalds Encouragement Vouchers and of South Sydney Juniors CEO, Rod course, Ronald McDonald appearing at our grand finals. “Bull” Gorman who passed away in September. Rod was a former South Although wet weather played a part in rugby league throughout New Sydney player, coach and for the South Wales, we were able to make the best of it only losing 3 rounds. past 19 years CEO of Souths Juniors. The Balmain Family came to know Following is a list of some of the season highlights Rod well in regard to NSW Inner City Combined Competition. He together • Aaron Woods a Leichhardt Junior player broke into the Wests Tigers with the other districts administrators, NRL 1st grade on 30th September and was named Wests Tigers worked tirelessly to build a successful “Rookie of the Year” competition. • Kyle Lovett another Leichhardt Junior selected into the NSW State U18s team Peter and Lisa Langford • Matt Checcin, Holy Cross Junior Referee and member of the Balmain Referees Association, appointed to referee the 2011 NRL Grand Final. The Junior League administration continues to work closely with all • Curtis Sironen a junior from Holy Cross selected into the NSW State Club Secretaries, Registrars and Ground Managers on training with the U18’s team and then onto the Australian Schoolboys U18 Team being Sportzware Online competition management system. We are working named Vice Captain. together to compile strong, reliable data on our systems so that Clubs • During the 21 weeks of the season, there were no incidents may utilise mailing lists, databases, season and career stats. The beauty whatsoever off field due to Balmain’s award winning initiative, “Be of a central data management system is that when people move on or a Sport – Just Support” Campaign where all clubs, parents and retire, the data is still readily accessible. spectators take on the responsibility of good sporting behaviour. • Alex Siemsen being named the inaugural Wests Tigers Women of Our Grand Final weekend was a success with games played in the best the Year of spirits and nearly every club with a team entered. Many of the clubs’ • Barry Beverage from the Balmain Referees’ Association was honoured supporters dressed in their colours which made a very loud and at the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards on Wednesday 2nd November colourful display. with the Referees Award “Les Matthews Volunteer of the Year” • Lyn Phillis, Balmain Tigers, Rep Secretary was honoured on the same The Mini League exhibition was also a evening winning the District Representative Volunteer of the Year for highlight and the kids absolutely loved her incredible work for the Balmain Tigers Family. Ronald McDonald and once again our • Balmain Junior League is consistently in the top 10 websites in the heartfelt thanks to Mick Manning our country due to the hard work by the League and our Clubs in keeping Patron for his generosity in supplying their websites current and interesting. a trophy to every 6, 7 and 8 year old player in the District. The McGrath Foundation certainly resonated with the Balmain Junior League with all clubs supporting the “McGrath Foundation Pink Footy Tigers Sydney Markets provided Socks Day”. This year Concord Burwood went all out and celebrated a fresh fruit to every player through the huge day at Goddard Park complete with jumping castles to earn money weekend which was very gratefully for the Foundation. Congratulations to all of the Clubs in the Balmain received. District for supporting the Foundation and for that weekend in June, the Balmain grounds were a sea of pink! Coateshire the Junior League’s major sponsor provided every participant competing in the grand finals an “enviro” bag which included pens, notepads and sunscreen. The bags and goodies inside were very well received.

The 2011 Awards Night was held on Friday 18th November at the Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club bringing together the Junior League Clubs, Junior Reps and the State Cup Team as well as our Volunteers. Once again the evening was a sell out and an outstanding success. The Catering team and Staff at the Leagues Club went out of their way to ensure that all guests were well looked after.

Junior League Administrators – Melissa Kelly Carlingford Cougars, Pauline Condon North Ryde Hawks, Alexandra Siemsen Dundas Shamrocks, Sharon Boyle Holy Cross Rhinos & and Leoni Carlingford Cougars getting into the spirit of McGrath Foundation Barnett Leichhardt “Pink Socks Day” Wanderers. 6 The very popular Tony Bignold from Balmain PCYC was judged the To my colleagues, David Kelly, Tony Ashton, Tyrone Collins, Vinh Tran George Thompson Volunteer of the Year and Tony really worked hard for and Duncan De Celis I thank them for their support, friendship and his club this year and deserved the award and the accolades. assistance throughout the year. I wish David all the very best in his new career as the General Manager of Sydney Cricket. David won’t be a Congratulations go to Leichhardt Wanderers named Junior Club of the stranger and will continue to support the Tigers! Year and to Dundas Shamrocks being named Senior Club of the Year. The season had many more highlights and you will read about them Grateful thanks to Mr. Mick Manning, Patron for his kindness, generosity throughout the pages of the Annual Report. and incredible support to me and to the Junior League. Mick’s generosity is legendary. My sincere thanks go to Mr. David Trodden (Balmain Football Club Chairman) for his support, encouragement and faith in me to perform my Last, but by no means least, I would role. David is always available to lend an ear or advice when required. like to take this opportunity to Thank you to the Junior League Chairman and Life Member, Mr. John particularly thank General Manager, Critchley, on an outstanding job as Chairman and for his support to me. Paul Sironen who has done an John has been a tireless worker for the League and can be found every outstanding job as General Manager week around the grounds performing a myriad of roles. He has been a of the Tigers Football Club, the strong leader on an outstanding Board of Directors. The Balmain Junior Tigers Foundation and the BDJRL. League Board of Directors has been outstanding in their support in 2011 Paul is a pleasure to work with and of the District and has been a pleasure to work with. I believe we make a great team and we are both looking towards a very To the Referee’s Association President, David Wilson, Referee’s successful 2012. Allocator, Sam Gebrael and Judiciary Chairman Tony Beger, I thank them for their support. I wish David Wilson all the best in his future endeavours and look forward to working with new Referee’s President, Scott Todd.

To St George President, Mr. Chris Brooks, South Sydney Tom Larkin new CEO, Canterbury Bankstown JL CEO, Mr. Kevin Shanahan and Draws Official, Mr. Mitch Sim for their valuable contribution in ensuring a successful NSW Inner City Combined Competition. My personal thanks go to Mrs. Cathy Crowe Secretary of St George and Stuart Stanton of the Jennie Webster NSWRL Academy who have become more than colleagues but Operations Manager good friends. Balmain District Junior Rugby League

2011 District Rep Secretary’s Report

As always, recognition must go to the many people who make it possible for the teams to take the field every Results week. Thank you to the Balmain Tigers Football Club, the Round 1 vs. Parramatta won 26-24; Round 2 vs. Canberra won 34-12; Round 3 vs. Manly won 26-22; Round 4 vs. Newcastle lost 36-14; Round Junior League Board, our major sponsors Tigers Five Dock 5 vs. Canterbury Bulldogs won 34-24; Round 6 vs. Illawarra lost 22-10; and Sydney Markets, Ryde Eastwood Football and Leagues Round 7 vs. Penrith lost 28-18; Round 8 vs. South Sydney won 52-22; Club, Australian Power & Gas, Sydney Markets, DTS, Blades, Round 9 vs. Western Suburbs lost 36-12. Griffin Air Conditioning and NSW Bricks for the outstanding support provided during the 2011 Representative season. I would personally like to thank the all boys, Harold Matthews and S G Ball for the way they conducted themselves throughout the season. I would Harold Matthews also like to thank the ball boys for their assistance each and every week. Once again the season didn’t quite go to plan, it started well but again injury to some key players took its toll. Bearing this in mind, I think that I hope that all of the players take the knowledge and experience they have there were some very good signs for the future. gained working with such an experienced staff and use it in the future to reach their full potential as players and young men. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to David Baysari, Tony Ashton, Peter Mortimer, Bruce Hammond, Andy Bartholomew, Paul Congratulations to all of the Balmain players who gained selection in NSW Khoury, Shawn Stevens, and David Patman for the unwavering dedication Schoolboy representative teams, Wests Tigers NYC, and the Wests Tigers and commitment you all showed during the year. CUBS at the conclusion of the Junior Rep. competition.

Results: Thank you to all the people who make it possible for the boys to train Round 1 vs. Parramatta lost 40-6; Round 2 vs. Canberra won 34-12; Round and play every week, I really don’t know how to thank you all enough. 3 vs. Manly won 22-16; Round 4 vs. Newcastle lost 36-14; Round 5 vs. Brian Murtagh, Allan Charters, Glen Jeffery, Paul Fletcher, Tony Wignell, Canterbury Bulldogs lost 40-4; Round 6 vs. Illawarra lost 22-10; Round 7 John Dunlea, Charlie Nelson and all the NSW Cup staff, our wonderful vs. Penrith lost 16-10; Round 8 vs. South Sydney lost 16-12; Round 9 vs. Leichhardt Oval voluntary staff (Barry Maguire, June Maguire, Helen Western Suburbs lost 24-16. Bryde, Maureen McKeon, Norma and Les Walters) and our loyal parents and supporters for their incredible encouragement throughout the season. SG Ball Unfortunately 2011 was again a season of ups and downs for the S G Ball. I would also like to extend my condolences to those who have lost loved The team played some great football at times but didn’t win as many ones during the year. games as was needed to make the finals. At most times the team showed they were capable of winning, if they played the type of football their coach Finally, a special thank you to Paul Sironen, David Kelly and John wanted them to play. Stapleton for the never ending help, support and guidance they give at all times. Thank you to Balin Cupples, Craig McLeod, Bob Cooper, Marty Hyde, David Kelly, Wally Carpenter, Rob Whyte for the unending dedication and effort Lyn Phillis shown during the year. You all did a wonderful job, once again and your District Rep. Secretary commitment never wavered even though at times it was difficult. I would also like to thank Bruce Hammond for his assistance when the Ball was short staffed. 7 Wests Tigers Woman of the Year

LONG serving Dundas Shamrocks official Alexandra Siemsen is the inaugural winner of the Wests Tigers Woman of the Year Award. The tireless volunteer and mother of three is pictured with Wests Tigers’ dual international winger Lote Tuqiri after receiving her award at the Wests Tigers Women in League Cocktail function at Leichhatiger Restaurant in Leichhardt.

Alexandra has given 17 years yeoman service to the Shamrocks in the Balmain Junior League since joining the club in 1995. She became involved when eldest son Mark started playing with the green and yellows and continued when youngest son Stephen signed up for the Mini League ranks.

Today, Alexandra continues her involvement with the Shamrocks as a proud young grandmother. Although her sons have grown up and now have children of their own, Alexandra still dedicates around 40 hours a week in roles including registrar, secretary, canteen co-ordinator and fundraising co-ordinator to name a few.

During home games, she is always one of the first to arrive and one of the last to leave. She has helped rebuild the club over the past 11 years - increasing the number of teams from 4 to 20.

“Winning the award is a great honour in the fact that its not just winning it for myself but for all the women over the years that have put in the hard work behind the scenes,” Alexandra said. As part of the award, Alexandra won a beautiful Swarovsky Tiger, a dinner for two at Sails on Lavender Bay, an Ella Rouge Ultimate Indulgence gift voucher and a BPS Autobody voucher.

David Kelly – A Tiger For All Seasons

AFTER 15 years of sterling service to the Balmain Tigers on the rugby In 2004, Kelly was appointed the Tigers’ Premier League manager and league scene, dynamo official David Kelly is calling it quits. Coaching Co-ordinator and later managed the NSW U/17 (2005), NSW U/19 (2006) and NSW Residents (2008) squads. A Tiger to the core, David Kelly, the Tigers’ Development & Education Manager for the past three has proved a valuable asset to the Balmain Tigers and fine mentor to the seasons, has left his league post to concentrate on his General Manager district’s emerging young talent. duties with the Sydney Tigers Cricket Club full time.

Balmain Football Club chairman David Trodden and Tigers’ General Man- ager Paul Sironen paid a special tribute to the hard-working Kelly at the Tigers’ annual Awards Night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.

During his tenure at the Tigers, Kelly excelled as a coach and administra- tor and played a role in the development of local products and future inter- nationals like Robbie Farah, Bronson Harrison and Dene Halatau as well as top graders in Aaron Woods, Bryce Gibbs, Liam Fulton, David Gower, Sean Meaney, Al Schirnack, Tim Simona and Sammy Latu.

Kelly, who was bestowed with life membership of the Balmain Junior League at the start of 2011, was a product of the Balmain Police Boys Youth club.

A skilful forward, David won premierships in U/11s and U/14s with the Coppers before stints with Balmain United, Leichhardt Wanderers and Ryde-Eastwood in the Metro Cup competition.

He represented Balmain in the Harold Matthews, S.G Ball and Flegg Cup series and in the lower grades before turning his hand to coaching. Kelly served PCYC as a player, trainer, coach and committeeman before coaching the Annandale Waratahs in 1996-97.

He was appointed conditioner of the Tigers’ S.G Ball (1995) and Flegg Cup (1998) sides and was Balmain’s Strength & Conditioner and Skills coach from 1999-2001.

David’s coaching career blossomed when he guided Balmain’s 2002 S.G David Kelly (centre) with Balmain Football Club chairman David Trodden, Ball and 2003 Jersey Flegg teams to the Cup finals. BJL Operations Manager Jennie Webster and Tigers’ General Manager Paul Sironen. During that period he doubled as trainer of the NSW U/17 representa- tive squads; Wests Tigers’ tour trainer and coached the Emerging States schoolboy side. 8 Balmain District JRL Judiciary 2011 Season

REPORT Another successful season has ended and congratulations to all those The safety of all participants in the game of rugby league continues to be who participated during the 2011 season. The Judiciary met on 11 paramount and anyone breaking the laws of the game will be dealt with by occasions during the 2011 season and heard 18 matters broken down the match officials. as follows: Every club member and/or supporter is bound by the ARL Code of Conduct Kicking - 3 charges and failure to comply with the Code will result in harsh penalties being Striking - 6 charges delivered to any offenders. Offensive or obscene language - 3 charges Dispute decision of referee or touch judge - 3 charges My sincere thanks are extended to my fellow judiciary members, Mick Contrary behaviour - 3 charges Manning and Sam Gebreal and to reserve members Peter Mortimer and Paul Parnaby. 2011 saw the introduction of the Tough Love in League program which was aimed at eliminating striking from the game and targeted U13 to U17. My thanks and appreciation are again extended to the members of the Balmain Junior Rugby League Board for their ongoing support, to the This program was very effective in Balmain District as the number of Balmain Referees Association for their professionalism and dedication striking offences reduced from 15 (in prior seasons) to 6 in 2011 season. to the job at hand, to David Trodden for his support and particularly to This program will again be in place for 2012 and may be extended to Jennie Webster and Paul Sironen for their dedication to the Junior League, include U19 players. patience and unwavering support.

Overall there was a reduction in all listed offences from prior years, which I wish everyone a safe and healthy off season and hope everyone returns is pleasing in respect of the management of the game and the conduct of in 2012 for another season of footy. the players within our competition. Tony Beger Judiciary Chairman

Balmain Primary Schools Report

2011 was another busy year for the ARL Development team within the Late 2011 also saw the introduction of our new infants backyard league Balmain District. Many of the 93 Primary Schools within the district’s program (Kindergarten – Year 2). This program incorporates literacy as borders participated in our school based program and/or one of a number well as basic league skills within the program and was very well received of gala days held throughout the year. by both the teachers and students who were lucky enough to participate in this program. Some of our highlights this year included: In 2011, forty schools within the Balmain District took part in the BYL • PRE SEASON COMMUNITY CARNIVAL: 38 Primary Schools received program. an assembly visit from an ARL Development Officer and Wests Tigers players in February. These assembly visits promoted playing Junior 2011 has been a busy and enjoyable year for Rugby League in the Balmain Rugby League in the Balmain District, as well as the NRL’s Eat Well, Play District’s Primary Schools. I would like to thank the schools, students and Well, Stay Well message. As part of the blitz over 10 000 students each teachers for their participation in 2011 and I look forward to working with received a Wests Tigers show bag. you again in the future. A huge thank you must also go to the Balmain Tigers, Wests Tigers and NSWRL for their support during the year, as • PAUL SIRONEN SEVENS: 49 Teams representing 16 schools participated well as casual staff and volunteers who have helped at various stages in our annual Siro Sevens tournament. The winning school, Abbotsford throughout the year. Public School, went on to represent the Balmain District against schools from throughout the state at the Legends’ Shield. The boys did a great Go the Tigers in 2012! job at the Legends’ shield, winning their pool before going down in a tight quarter final. Duncan De Celis National Development Officer It was fantastic to see the number of girls teams that participated in the Email: [email protected] girls only sevens tournament on the day (Steve Roach Shield) – 9 teams from 7 different schools. Congratulations to Holy Spirit Primary School who were victorious in this event, as well as the Wayne Pearce Shield (Year 3/4 Boys).

• TIGER TAG: Tag Gala Days were once again very popular events in 2011. This year over 130 teams (1700 + students) represented their schools at these gala days.

• BACKYARD LEAGUE CLINICS: This program is a schools based program which aims to expose children to our great game of Rugby League. Now in its second year, the program aims to give children the necessary basic skills and rules to participate in modified games of league with their mates. The five week program culminates in an Intra School Gala Day where children of all ability levels are able to enjoy modified games of Rugby League. Through this program many students also received a free football and schools received a complimentary football and markers for their sports sheds. Primary Schools Tag Gala Day. 9 ARL Schoolboy Cup and Trophy Balmain High In a sensational result Holy Cross College, Ryde were able to progress through to the semi final stage of the competition. This is Australia’s premier schoolboys’ competition and for Holy Cross to make to this stage Schools Report is a testament to wonderful skills of the players and staff at Holy Cross.

2011 was a fantastic year for Rugby League in the Balmain district. It was Hunters Hill was the Balmain representative at the ARL Schoolboy Trophy. fantastic to see how keen many school students were to get a footy in their hands and participate in the greatest game of all. Robbie Farah Shield – one of the most popular events this year. This rugby league 7’s event saw a host of schools compete to see who would win Some of the highlights of 2011 include: through to represent region at the ARL Development Captains Cup Finals. Sydney Secondary College – Leichhardt were Balmain winners and were The Balmain All Schools Carnival was held at the picturesque fields of very solid representatives at the finals day. Morrison Bay Park. Some high class football was on display from all schools involved with Holy Cross College, Ryde again being one of the School Clinics and Programs standouts. However there were also some very strong performances from The presence of Rugby League in the Balmain High Schools has continued Homebush Boys HS, Sydney Secondary College and Epping Boys HS. to be a real positive in the area. A number of schools took part in our “Backyard League” program and we hope that these students can become The winners from the day were: lifelong fans of rugby league and use the skills learnt from these clinics to 13 Years – Sydney Secondary College become the future stars of our game at all levels. Some of the schools that 14 Years – Holy Cross College, Ryde participated in program were: Homebush Boys HS, St Patricks 15 Years – Holy Cross College, Ryde 16 Years – Homebush Boys HS College – Dundas, Sydney Secondary College and to continue the positive growth of girls playing league Domremy College, Riverside Girls HS, Santa The winners of each division went on to proudly represent the Balmain Sabina College were amongst the girls schools to be involved in programs. area at the NSWRL All Schools Carnival. I would like to pass on my thanks everyone that has been involved with schools rugby league in the Balmain area in 2011. We hope to be able to At the NSWRL All Schools Carnival which is Australia’s biggest junior make 2012 even bigger and better. Rugby League event of the year, saw around 4000 children from over 200 schools descend on the game’s heartland of Western Sydney for the 67th Vinh Tran NSWRL Integral Energy All Schools Carnival. Holy Cross College Ryde National Development Officer played some magnificent football and was crowned 14 years winners of Email: [email protected] this prestigious event.

Epping Boys High School. A school with fantastic rugby league talent and Holy Cross College Ryde. Still a rugby league powerhouse and they potential. 2011 Balmain All Schools U15s Runners Up. proved it with a gutsy win to take out the U15s 2011 Balmain All Schools

Balmain Junior League Life Members Reunion

RYDE Eastwood’s evergreen official Jack King was one of twenty Junior League stalwarts that attended the annual Balmain Tigers’ Foundation Members & Life Members luncheon held on November18 at TIGERS Five Dock.

Jockey sized Jack – one of the longest serving rugby league officials in NSW – is pictured centre front row with fellow BJL life members Paul Wheelhouse, John Doyle, Jeff Aplitt, Ray Gerrie, Ian Todd, Alan Carling, Les Heath, Bill Brown, Peter Mortimer, John Stanton, Geoff Large, Bob Carroll, Chris Karas, Bob Henderson, Bill Wise, Austin Hoyle and Maurie O’Brien.

10 Tribute to Five Dock Friends For Life – Legends Wanderers Story FIVE Dock RSL JRLFC honoured eight club ‘legends’ at a Reunion Night at Book Launch Five Dock RSL Club in August. BALMAIN Football Club Chairman and NRL director David Trodden Carl Picton, Jim Maher, Bill Byatt, Bill Owens, Leo Munro, Tom O’Toole, officially launched “Friends for Life – the Leichhardt Wanderers Story” Mary Wiles and Dot Smythe were all recognised for their yeoman service. – a new book written by TWT Sports Editor Chris Karas at a special Tim Munro, Mick O’Toole and Richard Wiles accepted the awards on behalf function in the Leichhardt Oval Centurions Room in November. of their parents during an emotional tribute presentation on the night. Chris and David are pictured at the ceremony with Wanderers’ Hall of Balmain Junior League chairman and Dockers’ stalwart John Critchley Fame inductee John Stanton of Putney; Leichhardt Council’s Marilyn praised the efforts of all eight ‘inductees’. Taylor and Wanderers’ president and secretary Craig and Leoni Barnett. Friends for Life – the Leichhardt Wanderers Story traces the evolvement “They did the green and gold proud during their heyday in the Western of a sporting ‘institution’ and the fascinating characters that donned the Suburbs Junior League competition” said John, who was delighted with famous red and black colours of this family club. the roll up. From the pioneering years of the all conquering 1911 Leichhardt Football The reunion was a huge success with club stalwarts and event organisers team that won the NSWRL Third Grade competition undefeated to its Tony ‘Ted’ Collins, Gerard Evans, Chris Gray, Rob Collins, Ken Collins and present day status as Junior Club Champions of the Balmain Junior Col Sherry worthy of special mention. League.

Chris presented a copy of his book to Marilyn Taylor, representing Leichhardt Council library who supported the project with history grants. George Carstairs, Dennis Tutty, Geoff Connell, Ian Thomson, Benny Elias and Robbie Farah are ex-Wanderers players who went on to play Test football for Australia while Bronson Harrison has represented New Zealand.

Former Wanderers’ juniors Stephen James and Salesi Maa’fu have played for the Wallabies and Campese Maa’fu has been capped by Fiji. The Wanderers are the longest-established club in the Balmain Junior League and have produced over 100 top grade players throughout their proud history – including former ARL boss Kevin Humphreys.

Holy Cross Jubilee

HOLY Cross Rhinos JRLFC celebrated 50 years involvement with Balmain Junior League in 2011 with a Gala Jubilee Dinner in the Holy Cross College Centenary Hall.

Pictured with Tigers’ greats Benny Elias, Paul Sironen and Steve Roach are Rhinos’ president Richard Jones and esteemed BJL and Ryde- Eastwood life member Jack King.

Elias figured in a champion Holy Cross team that captured seven BJL Sportsman’s successive premierships from U/10s in 1973 to U/16s in 1979 before embarking on an illustrious first grade and representative career. Luncheon Sironen coached numerous Rhinos’ Grand Final-winning sides while King TIGERS’ legends Benny Elias, Garry Jack and Paul Sironen were reunited proved a valuable mentor to several promising juniors during his coaching with members of the 1986 Kangaroos “Invincibles” at the Balmain Junior days at the club. League Sportsman’s Luncheon cruise on board Joe Elias’ All Occasion Cruise boat.

They are pictured with Balmain Football Club chairman David Trodden and former Wests Tigers fullback Joel Caine of Radio 2GB who was MC on the day. Joining the champion Balmain trio were Kangaroos’ team mates Gary Belcher, Paul Langmack, Greg Dowling, Les Davidson and Paul Dunn.

11 Tigers Awards Night

John Kelly Club Person of the Year Quiet Achiever Award Awards

NATHAN WATERS is the winner of the John Kelly Memorial Quiet Achiever BALMAIN Junior League’s hardest working officials were recognised with Award for 2011. the 15th annual Club Volunteer of the Year Awards.

The crafty Balmain-Ryde Eastwood half back, who joined the club from Long serving Balmain Junior League patron Mick Manning presented the Western Suburbs, turned in wholehearted displays for the Tigers in the 2011 awardees with their plaques at the Tigers’ Annual Awards Night at NSW Cup competition. He is pictured receiving the trophy from Balmain Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club on November 18. Coaching & Development Manager David Kelly – son of the late John Kelly, a popular Tigers official, who died in 2003. This year’s recipients were: Tony Bignold (Balmain PCYC); Ross Mignacca (Carlingford Cougars); Terry Roeder (Concord-Burwood United); Steve White (Dundas Shamrocks); Sandra Zalloua (Enfield Federals); Mary Abraham (Five Dock RSL); Sally Stephenson (Holy Cross Rhinos); Joanne Manning (Leichhardt Juniors); Michael Scarpellino (Leichhardt Wanderers); Collette Ryan (North Ryde Hawks) and Morris Adam (Strathfield Raiders).

The award is the brainchild of former Balmain Junior League secretary Paul Egan and wife Kim and salutes the behind-the-scenes work of industrious club members.

George Thompson Memorial Trophy - Volunteer of the Year

This award perpetuates the memory of George Thompson, a great Tigers’ Tony is pictured receiving his award from George Thompson’s widow administrator, who lost a brave battle with cancer in 1997. Eileen Thompson.

Balmain PCYC ‘workhorse’ Tony Bignold is the fourteenth recipient of this prestigious award in 2011 and he was honoured and delighted.

A tireless official, Tony for many years has displayed a true community spirit at the PCYC and certainly leads by example by volunteering as a club member, trainer, coach, fund raiser and anything else required by the club or district.

Balmain PCYC credit Tony in securing a band of enthusiastic parents and volunteers in bringing their club back from the brink of extinction – to increasing their numbers by another team; guiding the U/10s to the finals and coaching the Coppers’ U/11 Division 2 to a deserved premiership thus ending an 18 year title drought.

Although not results driven, Tony has with his club members developed a genuine community with a focus on positive attitudes, hard work and team spirit. Tony Bignold Volunteer of the Year 12 don Graham Memorial Trophy

DUNDAS Shamrocks workhorse Brendan Pike is this year’s recipient of the Don Graham Memorial U/19 Player of the Year Award. The unfashionable Pike was the Shamrocks’ “spare parts” man in the NSWRL Combined Inner City U/19 competition - turning in wholehearted displays in a variety of positions each week against more fancied teams from the Canterbury, St George, South Sydney and Balmain districts.

An unassuming character, Brendan was pleasantly surprised when told he had won the coveted award – his first ever trophy since starting his career with the Shamrocks’ Mini League sides.

“This is a big shock – to receive such an honourable award is encouraging but I just enjoy playing football with my mates and giving it my best shot” said a proud Brendan after accepting his trophy from Balmain stalwart Steve Lavers at the Tigers’ Awards Night.

Pike filled several positions for the Shamrocks during the 2011 season and inspired team-mates with his total commitment, drive and raw courage. “Brendan is a big asset to our club – he is a good role model for the juniors and has shown what can be achieved through hard work and a good attitude,” said Shamrocks’ President Bob Siemsen. “He was a top choice for the award and deserves to finally get some recognition.” Coming up through the Shamrocks’ junior ranks, lion-hearted Brendan has always given that little bit extra and improves with age.

Pike joins previous winners Patrick Walsh and Paul McInerney (Holy Cross), Paul Tutt (Gladesville Sports), David Rose (Wanderers), Ian McCann and Shane Williams (Cricketers Arms), Gordon Rytmeister (North Ryde), Marc Webber (West Ryde-Denistone), Billy Long (Pyrmont Colts), Luke Long (Balmain United), Jason Thompson (Wanderers), Joe Hawach and Paul Owens (Ryde Eastwood), Anthony Golder (Annandale Waratahs), Dean Hutchison and Clint Woods (Leichhardt Juniors), Shadi Haddad (Five Dock RSL), Corey Lee and Hugo Duarte (Leichhardt Juniors), Matthew Olsen (Wanderers), Ali Musri and Dylan Theuerjahr (North Ryde), Ajay Vaivaka (Concord-Burwood) and Marcel Ferris (Holy Cross) on the U/19s honour roll.

Kevin O’Keefe Memorial Trophy Tigers Club Person of Year

LONG serving Balmain Junior Representative Secretary Lyn Phillis is the winner of the 2011 Kevin O’Keefe Memorial Balmain Tigers Club Person of the Year Award.

Lyn is pictured with Maureen McKeon – partner of the late Kevin O’Keefe, the Tigers’ long serving sin bin attendant who died in 2007 – and Kevin’s brother and sister-in-law Colin and Deidre O’Keefe at the Tigers’ Awards Night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.

The award capped a memorable 2011 for hard-working Lyn, who was also named the NSWRL Academy’s Junior Representative Volunteer of the Year in recognition of her tireless efforts behind the scenes.

She started her sporting administrative career with the Five Dock RSL Junior Rugby League Club before her appointment as Balmain’s Junior Representative secretary in the early 1990s.

Today she continues to foster the district’s junior talent – organising training and match day schedules for the Tigers’ Harold Matthews, S.G Ball Cup and Development squads among a myriad of tasks.

She is also an experienced voice on the Balmain Junior League Board of Directors and always on hand to assist with matters involving the Junior League and District Club.

13 Jack King Trophy - Under 16 Player of the Year

PROMISING Enfield Federals fullback Peter Semaan is the Balmain Junior League U/16 Player of the Year for 2011.

The livewire custodian was awarded the Jack King Trophy after stand out performances for the Federals in the NSWRL Combined Inner City competition and Balmain Harold Matthews Cup representative team. Semaan is pictured receiving his award from Ryde Eastwood Football Club stalwart Jack King – Balmain Junior League’s oldest living life member – at the Tigers’ annual Awards Night.

A feature of Peter’s game is his powerful running and copybook defence - traits that have earned him Tigers’ Development honours and selection in the Matthews Cup team in 2011 where he led by example during Balmain’s finals charge.

Respected by team mates, Semaan turned in wholehearted performances for the Tigers in the U/16 NSWRL Junior Cup series and was recognised for his efforts by taking out the Harold Matthews Cup Players’ Player award.

A classy attacking back, Peter enjoyed early success with Concord- Burwood United and the Strathfield Raiders club before switching to the re-formed Enfield Federals this season. He skippered the Wolves to U/9 and U/10 Mini League premierships in 2004-05 and a Grand Final appearance in U/11s before linking with the Raiders in 2008 where he helped the U/13s capture a combined Balmain-St George Div 1 title.

As a fleet footed nine year old, Semaan turned in a Player of the Match performance with three tries in the 16-10 Grand Final win over North Ryde Red and backed it up with another dominant display in the Wolves’ 21-5 victory over Holy Cross the following season. Peter enjoyed more success in 2008 when he spearheaded the Raiders’ 20-4 Grand Final triumph over Hurstville United at Leichhardt Oval, scoring a try and sparking the attack with his jinking runs. After a two year hiatus, Semaan bounced back stronger in 2011 with the famous Enfield Federals club in the NSWRL Combined Inner City U/16 competition and on the junior representative scene.

Tigers’ officials have rewarded the promising custodian with selection in the Balmain U/18 S.G Ball Cup squad where he’ll be joined by Enfield club team mates Jean-Paul Boumelhem and Joshua Khoury.

Past winners of the Jack King Trophy include: John Kaho (Burwood United); Grant Benjamin (Leichhardt Juniors); Abe Allamaddine (Leichhardt Juniors); Ben Critchley (Five Dock RSL); Josh Jeffery (Leichhardt Wanderers); Willie Tupou (Wanderers); Bronson Harrison (Wanderers); Ewen Cameron (Wanderers); Nick Tice (Leichhardt Juniors); Daniel Casa (Holy Cross); Nathan Plummer (Holy Cross); Tim Bennetts (Carlingford Cougars); Drew Laing (Holy Cross); Brodie Monroe (Five Dock RSL); Curtis Sironen (Dundas Shamrocks) and Andrew Kazzi (Wanderers).

FLASHBACK: A fresh-faced Benji Marshall presents Concord-Burwood skipper Peter Semaan with the U/9 premiership trophy at the 2004 Balmain Junior League Grand Finals at Leichhardt Oval. Semaan has developed into a dynamic fullback with the Balmain junior representative teams while Marshall has become an NRL superstar and Golden Boot recipient – winning a premiership with Wests Tigers in 2005 and World Cup in 2008 and leading New Zealand to Four Nations glory in 2010.

Boys on the Hill Award

BALMAIN-Ryde Eastwood coach Paul Fletcher was the recipient of the 2011 Boys on the Hill Award. Fletcher, who guided the club to the NSW Cup finals, is pictured with Tigers’ personality Ron Ryan at the annual Presentation Night at Ryde-Eastwood Leagues Club. Paul accepted his award from avid Balmain supporters Ric Sissions, Michael Smullen and Dean Bastian.

14 John Stapleton Trophy - A Grade Player of the Year

CONCORD-Burwood/North Ryde’s crafty hooker Steve Pont is the 22nd Balmain A Grade Player of the Year recipients include Graham Pearce recipient of the John Stapleton Trophy for the Balmain Junior League A (Ryde Eastwood), Gary Braams (Sawdust), Grant Thomas (Balmain United), Grade Player of the Year. Peter Bingham (West Ryde-Denistone), Jason Banfield (Concord United), Frank Dunne, Craig Barnett, Robert Gerrie (Leichhardt Wanderers), Aaron The Central Coast import experienced instant success in his debut Brown and Nathan Donato (Balmain United), Cameron Liddle and James season with the joint venture Sydney team – helping the combined Wolves Harradence (West Ryde-Denistone), Jason Tutt (Sawdust Storm), Joel and Hawks capture the NSWRL Combined Inner City A Reserve Grade Lacey (West Ryde-Denistone), Paul Wallace and Justin Williams (North premiership title. Ryde), Damien Braumann (Leichhardt Juniors), John Kaho (Leichhardt Wanderers), Kelvin Weir (North Ryde) and Michael Basan (Dundas Pont turned in skilful displays in the number nine jumper and capped a Shamrocks). memorable 2011 campaign by leading his new club to a resounding 44-14 Grand Final victory over Earlwood Saints at Leichhardt Oval, and making an impact with his scampering runs from dummy half and clever passing in general play.

The talented hooker relished his role as co-captain and showed fine leadership qualities as the Concord-Burwood/North Ryde juggernaut clicked into top gear during the big end-of-season matches. He formed a solid partnership with prop and co-skipper Tim Toafa and rose to the occasion in the title decider - creating opportunities in attack with his organisational skills and inspiring team mates as the Balmain club overpowered the Saints in a dominant second half performance. 21 year old Pont played all his junior and senior football with the Erina club in the Central Coast League where he showed promise as a quick stepping hooker and half back.

A job opportunity as a fitter machinist in Sydney enabled the young rake to link with the Concord-Burwood/North Ryde squad at the start of the year and it didn’t take long for Wolves and Hawks officials to realise they had stumbled on a top prospect with the ability to turn a match. Pont played a pivotal role during the club’s Grand Final charge and experienced one of his biggest thrills when the team completed a victory lap of famous Leichhardt Oval after clinching the trophy. “It was an unbelievable year - to win my first premiership with a great bunch of blokes and such a coveted award was just a magic feeling” beamed Steve.

Tigers’ stalwart John Stapleton presented Pont with his award at the Tigers’ Presentation Night at Ryde-Eastwood Leagues Club.

Jan Carroll Memorial Trophy

LEICHHARDT Wanderers’ emerging utility back Alex Zarounas has capped Previous winners of the Jan Carroll Trophy include Solomon Haumono a meritorious season by capturing the Jan Carroll Memorial U/17 Player (Concord United), Chad Lee and Rhys Stevenson (Leichhardt Juniors); of the Year trophy. Josh Jeffery, Damien Braumann and Richard Ngawini (Wanderers), Matthew Mizzi and Sebastian Vourlos (Holy Cross), Kyle Lovett (Leichhardt Zarounas was a deserved recipient after producing skilful displays for the Juniors) and Daniel Vasek (Dundas Shamrocks). Wanderers in the NSWRL Combined Inner City U/17 Div 1 competition. A versatile cub with a good turn of speed, Alex has developed into a key figure at both club and representative level with his sound defence and ability to ignite the back division in attack.

Since earning his representative spurs with the Tigers’ U/15 Development squad that toured Queensland in 2009, the talented five eighth has blossomed into a capable young back who is equally adept at playing half back or fullback.

Alex started his rugby league career in the Balmain Junior League with Leichhardt Juniors where he played eight seasons before a brief stint with Five Dock RSL in 2008. For the past three seasons, Alex has enjoyed success with the famous Wanderers – helping the club win back-to-back premierships in the Combined Inner City U/15 and U/16 competitions. He played hooker in the 44-6 Grand Final win over Dundas Shamrocks in U/15s before leaving his mark with a classy display at five eighth in the Wanderers’ 34-12 victory over the Shamrocks in the 2010 title decider. Zarounas has overcome a broken collarbone and serious knee injury in recent seasons to force his way into the Tigers’ U/17 Development squad and come under the scrutiny of Junior Cup selectors.

In 2012, Alex gets an opportunity to show his wares at elite level when he lines up at five eighth for the U/18 Balmain S.G Ball Cup squad that will be coached by former leading Tigers’ junior Andrew Webster. 15 Adam Gardiner Memorial Trophy

STRONG running Balmain-Ryde Eastwood forward Junior Moors is the Moors, who was judged the Tigers’ best forward and represented the NSW sixth recipient of the Adam Gardiner Memorial Best Forward Trophy. Residents in 2011, is pictured with Adam’s father Terry Gardiner, mother The award commemorates the life of former Tigers’ assistant Jersey Flegg Wendy and wife Trish at the Tigers’ recent Awards Night at Ryde Eastwood and Premier League coach Adam Gardiner who lost a brave battle with Leagues Club. Previous winners include former Jersey Flegg half back amyloidosis in 2006 at the age of 35. Marc Russell and State Cup forwards Luke McInnes, Alan Schirnack, Jarred Farlow and David Gower.

George Thompson Scholarship Award

EMERGING Holy Cross cub Pifeleti Pifeleti is the George Thompson Scholarship Award recipient for 2011.

The dynamic 15 year old forward was judged the most outstanding junior for his age in the district after powerhouse displays for the Rhinos and Tigers’ development teams last season.

Balmain officials have earmarked the New Zealand-born forward for higher honours and one of the cubs to watch in the Tigers’ Harold Matthews Cup junior representative squad in 2012.

“Pifeleti has shown good application and with his strength and skill is fast-developing into one of the best young forward prospects in our junior system,” said Balmain Football Club General Manager Paul Sironen. “He continues to impress at all levels and showed strong leadership on our end-of-season U/15 Development tour to northern NSW and Gold Coast.”

Pifeleti played his early junior football with Concord-Burwood and Strathfield Raiders before starring in Leichhardt Wanderers’ premiership- winning U/12 and U/13 sides in 2009.

The impact forward linked with Holy Cross the following season and helped the club snare the U/14s title before spearheading the Rhinos’ campaign in the NSWRL Combined Inner City U/15 Div 1 competition. Pifeleti is pictured receiving his award from Eileen Thompson, wife of the late Balmain administrator George Thompson. Pifeleti Pifeleti with Eileen Thompson

16 Harry Quinlan Memorial Trophy

NUGGETY Balmain-Ryde Eastwood hooker George Ndaira took out the Gale Memorial Leading Try Scorer trophies; Adam Gardiner Memorial Harry Quinlan Memorial Trophy for the best and fairest Tigers player in the Best Forward Trophy recipient Junior Moors; John Kelly Memorial Quiet 2011 NSW State Cup. Achiever Award winner Nathan Waters; Keith Barnes Leading Points Scorer Sean Meaney; coach Paul Fletcher (Boys on the Hill Award) with The experienced Ndaira, who will captain-coach Kurri Kurri in the Ryde Eastwood Football Club chairman Malcolm Chapple, manager John Newcastle domestic competition in 2012, turned in solid displays to help Dunlea and assistant manager Jim McClymont. Emerging centre Jake the Tigers qualify for the semi finals series. Clarke collected the Coach’s Award. He is pictured at the Tigers’ Awards Night with Parramatta bound fullback Jake Mullaney, who received the Best Back, Players’ Player and Scott

Club Championship Awards

DUNDAS Shamrocks and Leichhardt Wanderers were crowned the respective Balmain Junior League Senior and Junior Club Champions for 2011.

Pictured with BJL Chairman John Critchley (centre) are Shamrocks’ president Bob Siemsen and Wanderers’ President Craig Barnett accepting their trophies at the Tigers’ Awards Night at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.

17 Harold Matthews Cup Curtis Sironen

Awards EMERGING Wests Tigers cub Curtis Sironen followed in the steps of his famous footballing dad Paul Sironen when he represented the Australian PROMISING forward Tyler Cassel took out the Balmain Harold Matthews Schoolboys team on their tour of New Zealand in October. Cup U/16 Best & Fairest Award after strong performances in the 2011 Junior Cup series. Tyler is pictured (left) with team manager Peter Mortimer; Players’ Player award recipient Peter Semaan and Salesi Funaki, who was named Best Forward. Other trophy winners were Matthew Woods (Best Back) and Junior Tatola (Coach’s Award).

Rising Balmain forward Tyler Cassel turned back the clock when he pulled on the black and gold jumper in the 2011 Harold Matthews Cup U/16 Junior Cup series.

Tyler (pictured with Tigers’ legend Paul Sironen) followed in the footsteps of his father Peter Cassel – a talented goalkicking prop with Balmain’s Harold Matthews, S.G Ball and Jersey Flegg Cup teams from 1975-79 and cousin. Troy Perkins, a gun forward who helped Balmain clinch the 1994 Flegg Cup trophy. Teak-tough Tyler turned in powerhouse displays for the U/16 cubs to earn the Best & Fairest Award.

S.G BALL AWARDS The talented five eighth earned a green and gold jumper after leading NSW Combined Catholic Colleges to a championship trophy at the National NSW U/18 utility Kyle Lovett (pictured) is one of the shooting stars in the Schoolboy titles at St Mary’s - and created history in the process Paul and Wests Tigers’ junior nursery. Curtis Sironen become the first father and son combination to represent the Australian Schoolboys from the thriving league nursery at Holy Cross College The powerful back rower or centre was a tower of strength in Balmain’s S.G Ryde. Ball team during the NSWRL U/18 Junior Cup series – inspiring team mates with his non-stop displays to earn the Best & Fairest and Players’ Player Back in 1983, a gangling Paul Sironen rose to stardom in the Australian award. Lovett returned to his old stamping ground at Leichhardt Wanderers Schoolboys representative side before carving an illustrious career with the in 2011 after stints with Five Dock RSL and Leichhardt Juniors. A highlight great Balmain, NSW and Kangaroos teams of his era. Curtis, 18, turned in for Kyle was scoring a try and playing strongly to help the NSW U/18s defeat skilful performances during the six day Carnival and showed his leadership Queensland 16-6 in a bruising junior inter-state challenge match at ANZ qualities in the championship decider - guiding NSW Catholic Colleges to a Stadium on June 15 before receiving a call up to the Wests Tigers’ U/20 Toyota resounding 20-4 victory over Queensland. Cup squad. It capped a memorable month for the promising colt who helped NSW U/18s NSW U/18 utility Kyle Lovett (pictured) is one of the shooting stars in the defeat Queensland 22-6 in a junior interstate challenge before State of Origin Wests Tigers’ junior nursery. 2 at ANZ Stadium. He was joined by Balmain S.G Ball utility star Kyle Lovett. The powerful back rower or centre was a tower of strength in Balmain’s S.G Curtis also guided Holy Cross College Ryde to the quarter finals of the Ball team during the NSWRL U/18 Junior Cup series – inspiring team mates National Schoolboys Cup and helped Wests Tigers reach the finals of the NYC with his non-stop displays to earn the Best & Fairest and Players’ Player Toyota Cup U/20 competition with clever performances at five eighth. award. Lovett returned to his old stamping ground at Leichhardt Wanderers in 2011 after stints with Five Dock RSL and Leichhardt Juniors. A highlight The ball playing utility showed his leadership qualities during the schoolboy for Kyle was scoring a try and playing strongly to help the NSW U/18s defeat international series across the Tasman – producing strong games in a narrow Queensland 16-6 in a bruising junior inter-state challenge match at ANZ 28-26 loss first up against the New Zealand U/18 Residents before guiding Stadium on June 15 before receiving a call up to the Wests Tigers’ U/20 Toyota Australia to a rousing 40-16 victory over the junior Kiwis in Auckland. Curtis Cup squad. is being groomed for bigger things by Wests Tigers’ officials but will miss the early rounds of the Toyota Cup after undergoing major shoulder surgery Other S.G Ball awardees were Mitchell Moses (Best Back); Jake Waugh during the off season. (Coach’s Award) and Elimeleki Taumalolo (Best Forward).

Kyle Lovett 18 Keith Barnes Leading Scott Gale Point Scorer Award Leading Try Scorer

Sean Meaney for the second year in a row was the leading point scorer for The leading try scorer for the mighty Balmain Ryde Eastwood Tigers for 2011 amassing 140 points. 2011 was Jake Mullaney scoring 14 tries in 24 games.

Ryde Eastwood 15s Development Squad - Rising Star Award

HIS father Paul is an esteemed inductee in the Balmain Tigers’ Hall of Fame and elder brother Curtis an emerging star in the Wests Tigers’ den – now 15 year old Bayley Sironen is ready to make an impact on the junior representative scene.

Bayley – a product of the Holy Cross Rhinos – is fast developing into one of the best young prospects in the Tigers’ junior nursery with the skill and courage to go a long way.

Young Sironen collected the Tigers’ Rising Star Award for 2011 after his outstanding performances for the Balmain U/15 Development team on the annual tour of northern NSW and Queensland.

The clever five eighth was the “heart and soul” of a talented Tigers’ group - skippering the side to victories over Group 1 Northern Rivers (32-0), Gold Coast Titans (28-16) and Forster-Tuncurry (14-6). But the Tiger cubs couldn’t retain the Clae Webb Memorial Shield after suffering a narrow 10-6 loss to Ballina. Sironen led by example with his sharp running, solid defence and organisational skills a feature of the tour.

Other cubs to impress were hard-working lock Robert Dox, powerful forwards Pifeleti Pifeleti, Junior Tatola and Joey Carbo, Jordan Fedele, hooker/half back Jack Wheelhouse, centre Dwayne Peters and backs Rihann Barkley-Brown, Cameron Pappas and Christian Tarabey. Bayley Sironen Bayley has come under the scrutiny of Tigers’ officials in recent years after figuring prominently in premiership-winning Rhinos’ teams. Now he is following in the all too familiar footsteps of his famous father and older brother with selection in the Balmain Harold Matthews Cup team for the 2012 NSWRL Junior Cup series. It is a dream come true for the youngest Sironen who is a gifted and capable footballer in his own right.

2011 U15’s Touring Squad 19 Chris Karas

CHRIS KARAS is a long-serving Sports Editor of The Weekly Times newspaper at Ryde and Tigers’ historian with over 40 years involvement in the Balmain Junior League as both a player and writer. He is a life member of both the Balmain Junior League and Leichhardt Wanderers JRLFC.

Chris, 50, is the author of the book “From Fraser to Farah: The History of Balmain Junior League 1908-2008” that was published during the rugby league Centenary season.

In 2011, he wrote the book “Friends For Life - The Leichhardt Wanderers Story” – a detailed history of one of Australia’s longest established sporting clubs. The Weekly Times has covered junior league matters in the Balmain district since 1921 with Chris coming on board in 1985.

Chris played with Glebe Police Boys, Leichhardt Juniors, Balmain Police Boys and Leichhardt Wanderers and was a centre in Balmain’s junior representative teams. He is also the author of the book “The History of Ryde Eastwood Hawks Football & Leagues Clubs 1963-2004.”

Chris Karas at the Balmain Junior Leauge Grand Finals Under 9 Div 1 Grand Final

HOLY CROSS Gold toppled Carlingford Cougars 22-12 to clinch the Arthur McIlveen U/9 Div 1 Trophy - with top displays from talented cubs Sam Kanaan, George Poolman, Daniel Besgrove, Connor McCann, Jayden Lawandos and Henry O’Kane.

Kanaan, a promising back, turned in a strong performance to pick up the official Player of the Match award. It was a courageous effort by the young Rhinos who came from fourth spot to snare the title with renewed vigour during the finals series. Encouraging words from Wests Tigers’ star Chris Heighington at a special training session helped the Rhinos snap out of a late season form slump.

The hard running Poolman scored the first of his two tries after six minutes as Holy Cross drew first blood before Cougars’ fullback Connor Rose responded with a converted try. Kanaan’s 17th minute try gave the Rhinos a 12-6 lead at the break before the maroon and golds consolidated victory with four pointers by Poolman and Tom Crehan. U/9 Div 1 champions Holy Cross Gold Good mates Connor McCann and Tristan Farnworth deserve special mention for travelling back from a family trip to the snow on the eve of the match to ensure the Rhinos had enough numbers - then promptly returned to Thredbo after picking up their premiership medals. Cougars were best served by Rose, Mitchell Haigh, Dominic Micallef, Sam Hobson, Rylee Hazell and Eric Dwyer.

HOLY CROSS GOLD 22 (G Poolman 2, S Kanaan, T Crehan tries; C Doueihi, D Besgrove, H O’Kane gls) d CARLINGFORD COUGARS 12 (C Rose, D Micaleff tries; C Rose, M Haigh gls).

HOLY CROSS GOLD - Connor Doueihi, Sam Kanaan, Max Dominello, Daniel Besgrove, Connor McCann, Harrison Johanssen, Jayme Elias, Jayden Lawandos, Tom Crehan, Tristan Farnworth, Henry O’Kane (captain), Joshua Maltese, George Poolman. Coach: Darryl Lawandos; Assistant Coach: Matt Dominello; Manager: Kerrie Besgrove; Trainer: Kevin O’Kane.

CARLINGFORD COUGARS – Connor Rose, Daniel Hall, Mitchell Haigh, Dominic Belgrove, Jack Berry, Dominic Micallef (captain), Samuel Hobson, Laurence Sheehan, Matthew Dezius, Eric Dwyer, Nathan Bainy, Ben BJL director Richard Jones and patron U/9 Div 1 Player of Match Sam Kanaan Kirkman, Rylee Hazell. Coach: Andrew Dezius; Manager: Maryanne Dwyer; Mick Manning with Holy Cross Gold U/9 (Holy Cross). Trainers: Terry Kirkman, James Hobson, Richard Kelly. Div 1 captain Henry O’Kane.

20 Under 9 Div 2 Grand Final

STRATHFIELD Raiders edged out North Ryde RSL 20-18 in the U/9 Div 2 Grand Final with classy half back Billy Papas the stand out.

Papas inspired team mates with his attacking skills – turning in a slick performance to earn the Player of the Match award and help the Raiders secure the Mick Manning Trophy. The elusive playmaker was supported by speedy backs Will McMahon, Chris Georges and Emanuel Saad, Patrick Ibrahim, Joseph Ibrahim and Dylan McDonald.

North Ryde were courageous in defeat and got value from forwards Steve Saba and Nick Marquis, fullback Josephine Bee, Ron Ryan III, Tom Edwards-Moro, Andrew Alexander, Cooper Black and Max Guanta. McMahon (2) and Papas (2) scored tries as the Raiders jumped to a 20-0 lead after 23 minutes before the Hawks staged a spirited revival with four second half tries in the space of 12 minutes. U/9 Div 2 premiers Strathfield Raiders. STRATHFIELD RAIDERS 20 (W McMahon 2, B Papas 2 tries; W McMahon, P Ibrahim gls) d NORTH RYDE 18 (N Marquis 2, M Guanta, C Black tries; C Black gl).

STRATHFIELD RAIDERS – Chris Georges, Emanuel Saad, Cuba Simeti, Will McMahon, Joseph Ibrahim (captain), Sam McMahon, Billy Papas, Charles Kazzi, George Torbey, Patrick Ibrahim, Dylan McDonald, Alex Stournas, Ben Salib. Coach: John Georges; Manager: Tony Kazzi; Trainers: Frank Ibrahim & Fred Ibrahim.

NORTH RYDE – Josephine Bee, Tom Edwards-Moro, Aaron Pollard, Ronald Ryan, Koda Thomas, Andrew Alexander, Lachlan Marquis, Nick Marquis, Steven Saba (captain), Cooper Black, Max Guanta, Daniel Ianni, Nick Milevski, Hugh Simpson, Jack Cowmeadow. Coach: Michael Bee; Wests Tigers’ star Lote Tuqiri with U/9 BJL patron Mick Manning with Manager: Anthony Guanta; Trainer: Robert Saba. Div 2 Player of Match Liam Tonpi. Strathfield Raiders U/9 Div 2 captain Zac Kulen. Under 9 Div 3 Grand Fioal

NORTH RYDE White were crowned U/9 Div 3 premiers and Peter Provan Trophy holders after edging out Five Dock RSL 28-20 - with pocket dynamo James Bragg scoring four tries in a Player of the Match performance. Bragg was the best player on the ground and showed his attacking flair to grab tries in the 3rd, 11th, 18th and 22nd minutes to help the Hawks establish a 28-6 lead shortly after the break. The quick stepping back also booted a goal for a personal haul of 18 points.

Blake Phillips, Billy McCarthy, Luke Bryant, Tom Neil and Joshua Mayo also shone for the Hawks who had to withstand a brave second half fightback from the Dockers.

Talented five eighth Antonio Mangolini is one out of the box for the Five Dock RSL club. A copybook defender and strong runner with the ball, Mangolini inspired team mates with his skill and leadership qualities – scoring a try and creating others for promising backs Nick Zaccheo U/9 Div 3 premiers North Ryde White and Luis Quagliero. Other Dockers to impress were gun fullback Sam Abraham, centres Ethan Mills and Kosta Vaxevanis and forwards Daniel Romeo and Zachary Clemm.

NORTH RYDE WHITE 28 (J Bragg 4, T Neil tries; J Mayo, J Bragg, A Smith, B Phillips gls) d FIVE DOCK RSL 20 (N Zaccheo 2, L Quagliero, A Mangolini tries; A Mangolini, D Romeo gls).

NORTH RYDE WHITE – Cameron Georgievski, James Bragg (captain), Lachlan Waller, Luke Bryant, Oscar Manning, Billy McCarthy, Jayden Beale, Joshua Mayo, Blake Phillips, Aiden Smith, Tom Neil, Conan Williams, Joshua Tamburello, Max Scalise, Brandon Lee Chippendale. Coach: Scott Mayo; Managers: Narelle Gallen, Matt Bryant; Trainer: Rod Waller.

FIVE DOCK RSL – Sam Abraham, Luis Quagliero, Ethan Mills, Kosta Vaxevanis, Nick Zaccheo, Antonio Mangolini (captain), Zachary Clemm, Zac Bosnich, Dean Landas, Daniel Romeo, Joshua Grantham. Coach: Haig BJL director Brian Johnston with North Ryde U/9 Div 3 skipper and Player of Match Abraham; Manager: Mary Abraham; Trainers: Anthony Mangolini, Ken Mills. James Bragg.

21 Under 10 Div 1 Grand Fioal

WANDERERS’ all conquering U/10 Division 1 side fought tooth and nail before overpowering Holy Cross Gold 30-16 to snare the Lawrence Briggs Trophy.

Trailing 16-6 at lemons, the Wanderers Reds hit their straps after the interval with super games from the power running Joshua Fineisaloi, Ngala Ikani, Max Barnett, Jon Whitehead and quick stepping Mason Ward, who flashed over for two crucial tries.

It capped another fine season for Craig Barnett’s talented Mod League squad, who made it back to back titles in 2011 with the strong running Fineisaloi earning the Player of the Match award. Wanderers opened the scoring after five minutes when Michael Coleman crossed out wide after a passing rush with skipper Barnett adding the extras.

The Rhinos responded with three quick tries by fullback Jae Frison, centre Zane Camroux and half Jordan Hill to lead by ten points at the break. But Fineisaloi and Ward turned the match after the interval with their power and skill as the Wanderers raced in four tries to bury their rivals and bring home U/10 Div 1 champions Leichhardt Wanderers Red. another title.

Ward used his neat step and swerve to grab tries in the 23rd and 31st minutes while the quicksilver Ikani and Bailey Caldwell also picked up four pointers. It was a gutsy display by playmaker Barnett, who played much of the season with ?

Holy Cross were best served by Zane Camroux, Jae Frison, Jesse Provan, Jordan Hill, Blake Hopper, Jale Kusto and Tom Haddad. WANDERERS RED 30 (M Ward 2, M Coleman, N Ikani, B Caldwell tries; M Barnett, M Ward, N Ikani, B Mackenzie, J Whitehead gls) d HOLY CROSS GOLD 16 (J Frison, Z Camroux, J Hill tries; Z Camroux, J Frison gls).

LEICHHARDT WANDERERS RED – Mason Ward, Ngalu Ikani, Ben Mackenzie, Daniel Sykes, Daniel Quinn, James Estwick, Jonathan Whitehead, Max Barnett (captain), Joshua Fineisaloi, Mitchell Gigg, Michael Coleman, Bailey Caldwell, Makayla Ward. Coach: Craig Barnett; Manager: Leoni Barnett; Trainers: Jeremy Barnett & Marcus Sykes.

HOLY CROSS GOLD - Jae Frison (captain), Jale Kusto, Zane Camroux, Joseph Kevins, Jesse Provan, Jordan Hill, Blake Hopper, Ben Wood, Massimo Fazzino, U/10 Div 1 Player of Match Joshua Balmain Football Club chairman David Fineisaloi (Wanderers). Trodden with Wanderers’ U/10 Div 1 Tom Haddad, Keiran Harris, Luke Smyth. Coach: Allan Jarvis; Manager: Sally captain Max Barnett. Frison; Trainers: Rod Farlow & Glen Smith. Under 10 Div 2 Grand Fioal LEICHHARDT Wanderers Black captured the Austin Hoyle U/10 Div 2 Trophy after NORTH RYDE – Jack Cowmeadow, Daniel Ianni, Cooper Black, Tomas Edwards- a spirited 22-16 triumph over North Ryde. Moro, Oliver Arcus, Josephine Bee (captain), Hugh Simpson, Nick Marquis, Steven Saba, Max Guanta, Mitchell Karr, Lachlan Marquis, Ronald Ryan, David Copnall, The Leichhardt cubs produced a gutsy display with strong games from hard Aaron Pollard. Coach: Michael Bee; Manager: Tony Guanta; Trainers: Robert Saba working Finn Walsh, centre Leon Hutchinson, forward Montgomery Armstrong, & Rob Cowmeadow. fullback Steve Gamu, centre Luke Higgins and half Declan Milton. Walsh – judged the Player of the Final - proved a stand out with his bustling runs and solid defence and nabbed two crucial tries to give the Wanderers the upper hand.

The quick stepping Hutchinson gave Leichhardt an early 4-0 lead with a 7th minute try before promising Hawks’ centre Cooper Black responded by crossing in the 16th minute and converting. Armstrong gave the Wanderers a 10-6 edge with a determined try on the half time bell before Walsh extended the lead with his second try after a weaving run shortly after the interval.

When Black burrowed over to score from dummy half the Hawks were back in contention with nine minutes left on the clock.

But Hutchinson sealed victory for Leichhardt in the 38th minute when he shrugged off defenders and crashed over beside the posts to pick up a try double. U/10 Div 2 premiers Leichhardt Wanderers Black. Best for the Hawks were the quicksilver Black, tireless leader Josephine Bee, forwards Nick Marquis and Steve Saba and half Oliver Arcus. WANDERERS BLACK 22 (L Hutchinson 2, F Walsh 2 tries; M Armstrong, L Hutchinson, F Walsh gls) d NORTH RYDE 16 (C Black 2, N Marquis tries; C Black, O Arcus gls).

LEICHHARDT WANDERERS BLACK – Steven Gamu, Luke Higgins, Leon Hutchinson, Finn Walsh, Enrico Dolfo, Declan Milton (captain), James Williams- Day, Montgomery Armstrong, Domenic Bagnato, Ben Menzie, Anthony Squadrito, Adrian Totaro, Sebastian Angelucci. Coach: Tom Riley; Manager: Robyn Hutchinson; Trainers: Wayne Hutchinson & Damon Walsh. BJL life member Austin Hoyle with U/10 Div 2 Player of Match Finn Walsh Wanderers’ U/10 Div 2 skipper Declan (Wanderers). Milton. 22 Under 11 Div 1 Grand Fioal

FORMER Balmain Grand Final prop Steve Edmed tasted premiership success when his talented Wanderers’ U/11 Div 1 team lifted the Norm Waugh Trophy with an impressive 18-6 victory over Dundas Shamrocks Yellow. Coach Edmed would have been proud of industrious forward Ben Codey who turned in a non stop display to earn the Player of the Final award. Hard running Ben, the son of former Wallaby captain David Codey, made an impact with his bustling runs and jarring defence as Wanderers maintained their unbeaten record for the 2011 season.

Powerful prop Sosaia Teakaraanga opened the scoring for Wanderers after two minutes when he crashed over for a try that was converted by playmaker Tane Edmed. Shamrocks hit back in the 13th minute when fullback Ray Ghalloub sliced through to score with Bradley Doherty adding the extras. Sharp centre Lewis Parfitt gave Wanderers a 12-6 advantage at the break after weaving through the Dundas defence to cross for his team’s second try. In a hard-fought encounter, forward Marco Micalizzi notched the only try of the second half to seal victory for the Wanderers. Teakaraanga, Edmed, Parfitt, Micalizzi, Flynn Ladbrooke-Bower, Lachlan Illias, Louis Tanner, Ryan Musillo, Riley Welfare and U/11 Div 1 champions Leichhardt Wanderers Red Will Cornish also played strongly for the well drilled Leichhardt outfit. Dundas got value from promising cubs Joshua Rizk, Bradley Doherty, Nikola Najdovski and Mason Douglass-Hanna.

LEICHHARDT WANDERERS RED 18 (S Teakaraanga, L Parfitt, M Micalizzi tries; T Edmed, L Illias, L Parfitt gls) d SHAMROCKS YELLOW 6 (R Ghalloub try; B Doherty gl).

LEICHHARDT WANDERERS RED – Lachlan Illias, Griffin Taylor, Flynn Ladbrooke- Bower, Lewis Parfitt, Harrison Akdeniz, Tane Edmed (captain), Marco Micalizzi, Ryan Musillo, Louis Tanner, Ben Codey, Bailey Cox, Sosaia Teakaraanga, Riley Welfare, Will Cornish. Coach: Steve Edmed; Managers: Isobel Taylor, Jo Codey, Tamena Brown; Trainers: Arthur Illias, Anthony Cornish & Andrew Cox.

DUNDAS SHAMROCKS YELLOW – Ray Ghalloub, Nick Grahame, Joshua Rizk, Dylan Khoury, Connor Tannous, Bradley Doherty (captain), Joshua Takchi, Ryan Giusti, David Azize, Mason Douglass-Hanna, Mark Khattar, Andrew Azize, Nikola U/11 Div 1 Player of Match Ben Cody BJL director Frank Dunne with Najdovski, Aiden Field. Coach: Stephen Doherty; Manager: Phil Azize; Trainers: (Wanderers). Wanderers’ U/11 Div 1 captain Tane George Tannous & Tony Ghalloub. Edmed.

LEICHHARDT WANDERERS BLACK – Jules Beaufils, Lachlan Beattie Under 11 Div 2 Grand Final (captain), Rumi Rigg, John Danson, Massimo Bianchino, Flynn Beaufils, Cameron Douglas, Daniel Pattaro, Nick Lawrie, Ryan Gigg, Joshua Beattie, BALMAIN Police Citizen Youth Club ended an 18 year drought with a Tom Dessent, Joshua Dolfo, Bowie Bruce-Sheik. Coach: Damian Beaufils; deserved premiership triumph in the U/11 Div 2 age group. Manager: Angelina Mastrippolito; Trainers: David Gigg & Brendan The talented young Coppers’ 24-12 Grand Final victory over Wanderers Dessent. Black was the club’s first title since capturing the Bill Evans U/13 Trophy in 1993.

It was also the Coppers’ first U/11 premiership since 1987 - the year after David Kelly, the Tigers’ current Coaching & Development Manager, and the gifted Jacin Sinclair led the club to an U/14 Grand Final triumph. Promising halves Sam Bignold and Anthony Dobson proved the architects with strong games and were supported by forwards Liam Janson, Abe Joannou, Jack Roddy, Nick White, fullback Jack Arve and centre Fred Watkins. The Coppers drew first blood with a 3rd minute try by winger Cooper Searle in the corner before Wanderers found their groove. With the forwards paving the way, Leichhardt responded with converted tries by prop Ryan Gigg and second rower Nick Lawrie to lead 12-6 at lemons.

But momentum swung the Coppers way after the interval as the sky blue and whites dominated the second stanza. They managed to keep the Wanderers scoreless with sturdy defence and secured victory through tries by hard running back rower Alessandro Patrielli (23rd minute), the clever Dobson U/11 Div 2 premiers Balmain PCYC. (37th minute) and Player of the Final Bignold, who capped a super game with a neat four pointer on the bell. Wanderers faded after a solid first half showing but got value from hard working skipper Lachlan Beattie, halves Massimo Bianchino and Flynn Beaufils and forwards Lawrie, Gigg and Joshua Beattie. Coach Tony Bignold has proved a vital cog in the Balmain PCYC ‘machine’ that continues its rebuilding phase in the BJL. The Coppers fielded three teams in 2011 - in the U/8 Mini League and U/10 and U/11 competitions - with tireless Tony relishing in his role as club mentor.

BALMAIN PCYC 24 (C Searle, A Patrielli, A Dobson, S Bignold tries; A Patrielli, A Dobson, S Bignold, J Roddy gls) d LEICHHARDT WANDERERS BLACK 12 (R Gigg, N Lawrie tries; N Lawrie, M Bianchino gls).

BALMAIN PCYC – Jack Arve, Cooper Searle, Fred Watkins, Liam Cassar, Nick White, Anthony Dobson, Sam Bignold, Abe Joannou, George Moore, Alessandro Patrielli, Simon Del Buono, Jack Roddy (captain), Liam Janson, Liam Emmington. Coach: Tony Bignold; Manager: Caroline Arve; Trainers: U/11 Div 2 Player of Match Sam BJL director Mick O’Keefe with PCYC Charles Arve & Troy Zammit. Bignold. U/11 Div 2 skipper Jack Roddy. 23 Under 12 Div 1 Grand Final

POWER running forward Sosaia Talivakaola engineered back to back HOLY CROSS GOLD – Scott Brooks, James Roulston, Curtis Wilson, Matt premierships for the Leichhardt Wanderers U/12 Div 1 side after starring Harwood, Joshua Bass, Bennett Wheelhouse, Lachlan Camroux (captain), in a 26-4 victory over Holy Cross Gold. Mateo Tatola, Jarod Sabat, Nathan Davis, Billy Stapleton, Luke Jones, Will Lawson, Tom Cross. Coach: Brad Wilson; Manager: Graham Bass; Talivakaola, who picked up a try double and collected the Player of the Trainers: Anthony Cross & John Sabat. Final award, made a huge impact with his bumping runs to help bring home another Mod League title for the red-and-blacks. From the moment the solidly-built prop burst through the Rhinos’ defence to score after two minutes, the Wanderers were on track for victory. They jumped to a 14-0 half time lead after talented centre James Hill dashed 40 metres to score after stepping through a gap in the 10th minute and Quinn McHardy pounced on a clever kick from 11 year old half Ben Stevanovic to post the Wanderers’ third try before the interval.

With the classy Stevanovic calling the shots the Wanderers defended stoutly and wore down their experienced rivals. It was a fourth successive premiership for Wanderers coach Nick Stevanovic, who has moulded together a potent mix of 11 and 12 year olds with the help of former top Balmain junior Alan Hill. Second half tries by winger Finbarr Warren (25th minute) and Talivakaola (38th minute) sealed the deal for Wanderers.

Other Leichhardt cubs to shine were Hill, McHardy, pivot Billy Duckworth, U/12 Div 1 champions Leichhardt Wanderers Red. centre Patrick Kairouz and forwards Bobby Nader, Jackson Still-Oram, Luke Hodge and Mitch Dunne. It was a proud moment for tackling machine Dunne, who joined a select band of father-son Wanderers’ players to win premierships. Mitchell, a young sports journalist in the making, tackled himself to a standstill to help stave off the dangerous Rhinos’ outfit.

Holy Cross were best served by halves Bennett Wheelhouse and Lachlan Camroux, speedy backs James Roulston and Curtis Wilson and forwards Billy Stapleton, Jarod Sabat and Mateo Tatola.

WANDERERS RED 26 (S Talivakaola 2, J Hill, Q McHardy, F Warren tries; J Hill, L Hodge, Q McHardy gls) d HOLY CROSS 4 (B Wheelhouse try).

LEICHHARDT WANDERERS RED – Saul Lewis, Matthew Wilke, James Hill, Patrick Kairouz, Finbarr Warren, Nick Kairouz, Ben Stevanovic (captain), U/12 Div 1 Player of Match Sosaia Balmain and Wests Tigers director Luke Hodge, Jackson Still-Oram, Bobby Nader, Billy Duckworth, Aidan Talivakaola. Danny Stapleton with Wanderers’ Prowse, Sosaia Talivakaola, Mitchell Dunne, Quinn McHardy. Coach: Nick U/12 Div 1 captain Ben Stevanovic. Stevanovic; Manager: Rebecca McNally; Trainers: Alan Hill, Craig Hodge & Peter Prowse.

Under 12 Div 2 Grand Final

NORTH RYDE took out the Charles Fraser U/12 Div 2 Trophy with a hard-fought 6-4 win over a gutsy Concord-Burwood.

In a low scoring finale, the Hawks’ elusive cub Carlo Minnicino scored the winning try after 27 minutes to cap a strong game and earn the official Player of the Final award. Minnicino proved an elusive customer out wide and sparked the attack with his slick running from all parts of the ground. The Wolves scored the only points of an absorbing first half when fullback Rohan Dening pounced on a loose ball in the in-goal after eight minutes to give his side a 4-0 lead. Both sides defended stoutly but it was the Hawks who grabbed the advantage when Minnicino weaved through the Wolves’ defence to cross for the only try of the second stanza. Other Hawks to shine were lock Tyron Farrell, centre Daniel Greenland, halves Zac Ternel and Rhys Hope and forwards Ryan Price and Luke Jeffery. Impressive for the Wolves were Rohan Dening, Matt Georges, Mark Williams, Anthony Angelis, Jeremy Wedd and Alan Vilarrubi. U/12 Div 2 premiers North Ryde.

NORTH RYDE 6 (C Minnicino try; Z Ternel gl) d CONCORD-BURWOOD 4 (R Dening try).

NORTH RYDE – Daniel Butler, Will Grant, Daniel Greenland, Daniel Viana, Carlo Minnicino, Rhys Hope, Zachary Ternel, Anthony Russo, Ryan Price (captain), Luke Jeffery, Tyron Farrell, Mitchell Lee, Chris Cook, Jacob Sleiman, Jacob Panteli. Coach: Dennis Fenton; Manager: Jason Hurst; Trainer: Glenn Jeffery.

CONCORD-BURWOOD – Rohan Dening, Tarek Zahabe, Armando U/12 Div 2 Player of Match Carlo Former Ermington-Rydalmere utility Buonovaglia, Alex La Rossa, Matthew Georges, Zac Saboune, Alex Collins, Minnicino (North Ryde). ace Kevin Fraser – grandson of Tigers’ Antony Bonaccorso, Tom Yacoub, Michael De Filippis, James Miranda, immortal Charles ‘Chook’ Fraser – with Mark Williams (captain), Anthony Angelis, Alan Vilarrubi, Jamie Sousamlis, North Ryde U/12 Div 2 skipper Ryan Caelan Constable, Jeremy Wedd. Coach: Terry Williams; Manager: Mohamed Price. Ayoubi; Trainers: Sebastian Bonaccorso & Paul De Filippis. 24 NSW Inner City Combined Competition Under 13 DIV 1 Grand Final

SOUTH Sydney heavyweights Mascot Juniors captured the NSW Inner City U/13 Div 1 premiership after a thrilling 17-7 victory over Dundas Shamrocks at Redfern Oval.

The Mascot youngsters fought tooth and nail against a spirited Shamrocks side that led 7-6 with nine minutes left on the clock. In an absorbing tussle, the match hung in the balance until the Mascot boys rallied - crossing for two late tries to seal the title. Dundas were best served by elusive centre Angelo Panambalana, who scored all his team’s points with a try, conversion and field goal and skilful half back Adam Rizk. It was a gallant effort from Steve Hanson’s Shamrocks outfit who turned in wholehearted displays throughout the 2011 season.

DUNDAS SHAMROCKS – Nick Tutill, Jayden McDonald, Angelo Panambalana, Brodie Naughton, Abdalla Mattar, Justin Frain, Adam Rizk (captain), Ray Maroun, Eddie Abraham, Tyler Fenney, Sam Dimento, Mitchell Hyde, Grant Staunton; Brad Davoren-Whereat, Adam Durkin, Anthony Rizk. Coach: Steve Hanson; Assistant coach: Gavin Tutill; NSW Combined Inner City U/13 Div 1 runners up Dundas Shamrocks. Manager: Ravin Panambalana; Trainers: Michael Frain & George Abraham.

Under 13 DIV 2 Grand Final

KINGSGROVE Colts endured an 85 minute marathon against Carlingford KINGSGROVE COLTS – Dimitri Delimanis, Luke Festa, Luke Fitzgerald, Cougars to clinch the U/13 Div 2 premiership at Leichhardt Oval. Robert Vaka, Jason Galic, Foti Voudoukis, Destry Tamai (captain), Daniel Rizk, Tony Jamnous, Jake Somboli, Soakimi Tuitavuki, Puni Nuku Ratana, The match was abandoned on Grand Final Day after Cougars’ fullback Suade Piho, Harley Lynch, Tahn Smith, Joseph Elhourani, James Gerassis, James Sullivan was severely concussed after a heavy tackle. Play was Jonathan Massouridis, Tony Plomaritis. Coach: Sam Ayache; Manager: held up for nearly 30 minutes before Sullivan was taken from the ground Rene Delimanis; Trainers: Petros Thanos, David Somboli, Kevin O’Neil. by ambulance and later cleared of serious injury. Full of momentum, the gutsy Carlingford side led 10-4 at the time and with 15 minutes left on CARLINGFORD COUGARS – James Sullivan, James Camporeale, Brendon the clock were poised to lift the John Stanton Trophy. Sullivan and centre O’Sullivan, Bradley Booby, Daniel Unwin, Ben Khamis (captain), Nathan Bradley Booby scored tries in the 23rd and 32nd minutes with Booby Khalil, Dean Worrell, Chris Worsley, Vikrant Nehru, Jon Meikle, Jack Kelly, converting after centre Robert Vaka had earlier given the Colts a 4-0 lead Isaac Cagnoni, Ben Perez, Aaron Lees, Steven Yiasemides, Michael Lytwyn, with a 6th minute try. A replay was staged three nights later at Leichhardt Mitchell Jones, Jack Gerrie, Anthony Burnet-Smith, Bryon Blaik, Connor Oval with Kingsgrove overpowering the Cougars 34-8 to capture the Heidke. Coach: James Hobson; Manager: Bernard Worsley; Trainers: Combined Inner City title. The Colts’ rampaging forwards Tekari Waatka, Richard Kelly, Matthew Price, Jim Khamis. Soakimi Tuitavuki, Suade Piho, Jake Somboli, Tony Jamnous and Harley Lynch laid the foundations with powerful games as the St George club established a 16-4 lead at the break. Carlingford had no answer to Kingsgrove’s strong running duo of Tuitavuki and Waatka, who ran amok – posting five of the Colts’ six tries. Kingsgrove half Destry Tamai also made an impact with his skilful passing and sound kicking game. Hard working forward Jon Meikle and centre Booby scored token tries for the spirited Cougars, who found it difficult to lift after their weekend heroics.

Carlingford were best served by Booby, Sullivan, Meikle, halves Ben Khamis and Nathan Khalil, hooker Jack Kelly and back rower Chris Worsley.

KINGSGROVE COLTS 34 (S Tuitavuki 3, T Waatka 2, R Vaka tries; T Jamnous 4, F Voudoukis gls) d CARLINGFORD COUGARS 8 (J Meikle, B Booby tries). NSW Combined Inner City U13/Div 2 Premiers Kingsgrove Colts

NSWICCC ‘Out of District’ Grand Finals

CANTERBURY Junior League clubs dominated this year’s NSWRL Grand Final at Erskineville Oval with La Perouse clinching the title with a Combined Inner City competitions involving teams from the Balmain, hard fought 26-20 victory. At Leichhardt Oval, St George clubs Penshurst St George, South Sydney and Canterbury districts. RSL, Hurstville United and Earlwood Saints collected premierships along with Balmain clubs Leichhardt Wanderers and Dundas Shamrocks. Auburn Warriors were crowned A Grade champions after toppling Bankstown Bulls 26-22 in the Grand Final at Hammondville Oval. Earlier Hurstville edged out Earlwood 22-18 in the U/15 Div 1 Grand Final after Revesby Heights trounced Greenacre Tigers 48-4 in the U/19 Div 2 decider Penshurst RSL downed Brighton Seagulls 18-14 in the U/15 Div 2 decider. while at Erskineville Oval the St George Dragons club defeated South Wanderers recorded a 34-12 victory over Shamrocks in U/16s while Eastern from Souths Juniors 20-12 to claim the U/19 Div 1 premiership. Earlwood hammered Hurstville 56-18 to lift the U/17s trophy. Shamrocks Proud South Sydney clubs La Perouse and Mascot contested the U/21 eclipsed the Berala Bears (Canterbury) 22-4 to bring home the A Reserve Grade premiership. 25 A Reserves Grand Final

A POWERFUL Concord-Burwood/North Ryde outfit savoured unique success in 2011 when they brought home the NSW Combined Inner City A Reserve Grade title.

Struggling to field respective open teams at the start of the season, the Wolves and Hawks joined forces and developed into a potent unit – capping an eventful season with a rousing 44-14 Grand Final win over Earlwood Saints at Leichhardt Oval. Former Balmain junior representative centre Fred Khouiss turned in a strong performance for the premiers to earn the official Player of the Match award. He inspired the Concord-Burwood/ North Ryde side with his speed and flair out wide and was supported by talented hooker Steven Pont, five eighth John Nicholas, prop Tim Toafa and brother Shane Khouiss, who showed his class at fullback. Khouiss nabbed two slick tries to help the Balmain contingent establish a 20- NSW Combined Inner City A Reserve Grade champions Concord-Burwood/North Ryde. 10 lead at the break before sibling Shane, half back Daniel Johnson, Solomone Delai and Toafa added four pointers to ram home their advantage. Pont, a top forward recruit from the Central Coast, was at his energetic best and lifted team mates with his darting runs and skilful passing from dummy half. The Saints were competitive in the opening stanza with half Michael Zappia, centre Francis Lanigfisi and lock Joe Flint leading the way, but faded during a second half onslaught.

CONCORD-BURWOOD/NORTH RYDE 44 (F Khouiss 2, S Khouiss 2, J Nicholas, D Johnson, T Toafa, S Delai tries; J Nicholas 5, T Toafa gls) d EARLWOOD SAINTS 14 (J Flint, M Vaudrev, E Taouk tries; F Toofohe gl).

CONCORD-BURWOOD/NORTH RYDE - Shane Khouiss, Sebastian Foged, Fred Khouiss, Ahmed El Masri, Ma’auga Tafa, John Nicholas, Daniel Johnson, John Caldwell, Todd Nosti, Ali Musri, Tim Toafa (co-captain), Steve Pont (co-captain), Elias Sukkar, Phillip Chand, Kevin Heenan, Tarek A Reserve Grade Player of Tigers’ stalwart John Stapleton with Concord- El Masri, Tim Silapa, Solomone Delai, James Graham, Omar Kaseem, Match Fred Khouiss (Concord- Burwood/North Ryde A Reserve Grade co- Joseph Foiakua, Housam Ali, Jessie Hewitt, Joshua Hyland. Coach: Nyke Burwood/North Ryde). captains Steve Pont (left) and Tim Toafa. Aaron Zammit; Assistant Coach: Marco Ellul; Manager: Lana Zarounis; Trainers: Peter Mortimer, Patrick Sandland, Ajay Vaivaka.

EARLWOOD SAINTS - Peni Marawa, Daniel Lambert, Francis Lanigfisi, Moses Raumakita, Yateniqio Matailevu, Anthony Iosefo (captain), Michael Zappia, Joe Flint, Fred Toofohe, Sitiveni Ligaiviu, Walter Naleba, Wiremu Peters, Nephi Levy, Moape Fotu, Josh Kuaone, Nathan Lewes, Manasa Vaudrev, Elias Taouk, Simi Turagakula, Seta Ratucadre, Sam Samasoni, Jaye Peters, Jim Kupu. Coach: Anthony Iosefo; Manager: John McKnolty; Trainers: Richard Moaga, David Parkes, Tim Araullo.

Wolves Win Robbie Farah Challenge

CONCORD-Burwood Wolves captured the 5th annual Robbie Farah POOL A: Holy Cross 8 Leichhardt Wanderers Red 4; Leichhardt Juniors 16 Challenge Shield for U/9 juniors at Blackmore Oval in March. Wanderers White 0; Concord-Burwood 24 Holy Cross 4; North Ryde White 24 Leichhardt Juniors 8; Wanderers Red 12 Concord-Burwood 4; North Pictured with Balmain and Wests Tigers chairman David Trodden is the Ryde White 32 Wanderers White 8; triumphant Wolves squad that produced a slick performance to defeat Leichhardt Wanderers Red 28-8 in the Shield final. POOL B: Strathfield Raiders 12 Wanderers Black 8; North Ryde Red 52 Dundas Shamrocks 0; Strathfield Raiders 36 Five Dock RSL 16; Carlingford Outstanding Wolves’ prospect and skipper Michael Tannous was judged Cougars 40 Shamrocks 0; Five Dock RSL 20 Wanderers Black 16; Cougars Player of the Series. It was a dominant display by the Wolves, who avenged 12 North Ryde Red 12. a 12-4 loss to the Wanderers in the round robin phase. QUARTER FINALS: Wanderers Red 36 Leichhardt Juniors 0; North Ryde In the quarter-finals, Wanderers Red eliminated Leichhardt Juniors 36-0; Red 28 Strathfield Raiders 4; Cougars 40 Five Dock RSL 8; Concord- North Ryde Red tipped out Strathfield Raiders 28-4; Carlingford Cougars Burwood 40 North Ryde White 4. downed Five Dock RSL 40-8 and Concord-Burwood overpowered North Ryde White 40-4. Wanderers edged out the Cougars 16-12 in a semi final SEMI FINALS: Wanderers Red 16 Cougars 12; Concord-Burwood 28 North while the Wolves toppled North Ryde Red 28-16. Ryde Red 16.

Concord-Burwood’s U/9 winning squad was Michael Tannous (captain), FINAL: Concord Robert ‘Junior’ Catalano, Samuel Chalouhe, Luke Haralambidis, Krystian -Burwood 28 Mapapalangi, Sione Mapapalangi, Kyzar Jing, Ethan Orlich, Nathan Topic, Wanderers Red 8. Stefan Moscarello, Jayden Najovski, Jake Harrison, William Mata, Thomas Younan and Anthony Kertabani. Wanderers were best served by Patrick Musillo, Hugh Aldersey, Cougar Wheeler and Reilly Large.

CONCORD-BURWOOD 28 (W Mata, S Mapapalangi, R Catalano, L Haralambidis, M Tannous, J Najovski, K Mapapalangi tries) d WANDERERS RED 8 (C Wheeler, S Duncan tries).

26 Benny Elias Shield

HOLY Cross Rhinos JRLFC hosted another successful Benny Elias Shield carnival for Mini League teams at Frank Street Oval Ryde on August 20. The spoils were shared with the Rhinos (U/8s), Enfield Federals (U/7s) and Concord-Burwood United (U/6s) all picking up silverware.

Pictured is all time Balmain great Benny Elias with coach David Best, manager John Kidman, trainers Grant Wheelhouse, Luke Grogan and members of the triumphant Holy Cross U/8 Gold side - Jordan Best (captain), Hugh Bell, Mason Wheelhouse, Gabe Mannering, Matt Simmons, Patrick Zann, Jonah Tuilata, Joey Nohra, Tully Kidman, Brodie Howard, Christian Pozzolungo and George Pickering.

The strong running Bell was the U/8 Player of the Series - inspiring the U6 Winners - Concord Burwood Rhinos to a 20-8 victory over Strathfield Raiders in the final with support from skipper Best, Nohra, Wheelhouse and Tuilata.

It was a fine achievement by the well drilled Rhinos, who made it back to back titles after capturing the U/7 Benny Elias Shield trophy last year. The Raiders were best served by Abdul Ghazal and Ahmed Chami.

ENFIELD Federals posted a 24-4 win over Holy Cross in the U/7s decider with Player of the Series Tony Sukkar notching four tries.

Others to shine for Enfield were co-captains Kaidyn Wright and Elijah Georgy, Ele Habib and Daniel Settineri with Charlie Sharp a stand out for the Rhinos. U7 Winners - Enfield Federals CONCORD-BURWOOD captured the U/6 title after a thrilling 24-20 victory over Holy Cross. Best on ground and Player of the Series was the Wolves’ pocket dynamo John Paul Catalano who produced a brilliant display in attack. An elusive player with a sharp turn of speed, Catalano scored all six tries and also caught the eye with his copybook defence. Patrick Young, Luke Elias, Henry Ryan and Angus Dominello played strongly for the Rhinos. It was a case of ‘sweet revenge’ for the Wolves, who qualified fourth, after a first up loss to the Rhinos in the round robin series.

A big pat on the back to hard-working Holy Cross officials Richard Jones, Craig Sewell, Chris Woods, Stuart Stanton, Peter Boyle, John Kidman and co for organising such a well run event. U8 Winners - Holy Cross Rhinos Mark O’Neill Shield

Dundas Shamrocks president Bob Siemsen and former Wests Tigers’ Premiership-winning Wests Tigers forward Mark O’Neill hands out premiership-winning forward Mark O’Neill present medals to the runners up medallions to Parramatta Junior Eels’ players. triumphant Hills Bulls (Parramatta) team at the 2011 Mark O’Neill Shield Carnival. 27 Junior Foundation Cup

LEICHHARDT Wanderers White U/8 team captured the 2011 Junior Foundation Cup title with an 8-0 victory over Eastern Suburbs at Sydney Football Stadium.

Pictured l to r are jubilant team members Jake Thomas, Samuel Carrington, Christian Ryan, Zane Santarossa, Zaine Gardiner; front Jake Smith, Max Phillips (captain), Cale Edmed and Liam Spiropoulos.

The team was coached by Andrew Phillips with Michael Ryan (manager) and Mitchell Ryan (trainer).

Wanderers White defeated Wanderers Red 12-0 in the opening game and Concord-Burwood United 4-0 in golden point before toppling St Michael’s in the Cup final.

It was Wanderers’ third Junior Foundation Cup pre-season trophy since 2007.

Tigers Life Memberships

RYDE EASTWOOD stalwart Keith Aggett of Ryde and ex-Tigers forward Danny Stapleton of Putney were honoured with life memberships at the 2011 Balmain District Football Club AGM in the Centurions Room at Leichhardt Oval.

Aggett, the current president of Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club and football secretary, was recognised for 65 years of sterling service to the game of rugby league. He was a former top grade hooker with both Balmain and Parramatta before coaching the inaugural Ryde Eastwood team in 1963.

Keith – a foundation member of the Ryde Eastwood Leagues and Football Club boards – played with Balmain Police Boys, Graham’s and Drummoyne in the Balmain Junior League and figured in Balmain’s champion 1952 Presidents Cup team that won the trophy. Aggett was graded by Parramatta in 1953 and made 38 first grade appearances during BALMAIN legends Laurie Fagan, Keith Barnes, Kevin Hardwick, his three year stint with the Eels before returning to play for Balmain in Kerry Hemsley, Keith Aggett, John Owens and front Benny Elias and 1956. Keith’s career was cut short by injury and he turned his hand to Mark O’Neill reminisced about the glory days at the annual Balmain coaching – guiding West Ryde-Dundas and North Ryde to premierships Tigers’ Foundation Members & Life Members luncheon held at TIGERS before pouring his energies into club administration. In 2010, Keith was Five Dock named Coach of the Half Century during North Ryde Hawks’ Jubilee season.

DANNY STAPLETON has served the Tigers with distinction – both on and off the field. The grandson of former 1930s Balmain forward Jack Stapleton, Danny played 14 first grade matches with the Tigers in 1993-94 and followed in the steps of his father John when elected as a Balmain and Wests Tigers Board member in 2003.

Danny is a product of the Leichhardt Juniors and Leichhardt Wanderers clubs and represented Balmain at Harold Matthews, S.G Ball and Jersey Flegg level. The hard-working lock gained selection in the City U/18s team in 1987 and NSW Combined Catholic Colleges before he was graded in the Tigers’ U/23 and reserve grade squads. He is the current chairman of the Balmain Football Club sub-committee. Paul Sironen congratulates Keith Aggett and Danny Stapleton on receiving life memberships. Life Membership for David Kelly

BALMAIN’S hard working Coaching & Development Manager David Kelly was bestowed with life membership of Balmain Junior League at the 2011 AGM in the Leichhardt Oval Centurions Room.

David is pictured with Balmain-Ryde Eastwood Tigers stalwart and Ryde- Eastwood Leagues Club director Jack King – the longest serving BJL life member - who nominated the tireless administrator for recognition along with fellow RELC director and Tigers’ NSW Cup manager John Dunlea.

28 Tributes

STEPHEN ROBERTSON A sporting fanatic, Bob founded the North Ryde Hawks Junior Rugby League and North Ryde Junior Cricket Clubs during the late 1960s and enjoyed AUSTRALIA’S sporting fraternity is mourning the shock death of former two playing lawn bowls with Gladesville Bowling & Sports all year round. He was time World Water Ski Racing champion and Balmain Police Boys rugby league also a life member of the NSW Schoolhouse Museum at North Ryde Public stalwart Stephen Robertson in November at the age of 37. School where he attended as a young boy. During his working life, Bob was a supervisor with Ryde City Council’s Engineers Department for over 25 years. Stephen, who was a long serving forward with the Coppers’ junior teams in Bob is survived by his wife Pauline, daughter Kim and son-in-law John, the 1980s, collapsed while training on the Hawkesbury River, ahead of the grandchildren Matthew and Danielle and great grandson Brayden. 50th Bridge to Bridge Water Ski Race, with current world champion Chris Stout and could not be revived by fellow skiers and paramedics. He is the son of distinguished Balmain Junior League life member and sponsor John HILTON KIDD Robertson. The devoted father of two was a gifted skier and a “mentor, inspiration and hero” to his family and wide circle of friends. Legendary Balmain forward Hilton Kidd holds a special place in the Tigers’ club annals. The league world was saddened when the affable Kidd passed A great ambassador for his sport, Stephen won the 1999 and 2001 World away on December 16 after a long illness at the age of 89. But the teak-tough Water Ski Race championships in Spain and the United States - supported by forward who helped the Balmain Tigers win first grade premierships in 1946 his brothers John and Barry in the family boat Firebird, after being inspired by and ’47 will be remembered as one of the club’s fiercest gladiators and a his brother Paul’s world championship win in 1991. league larrikin.

Stephen finished second in the same event in 2003, but after a serious injury Kidd remains the only Balmain player to have won a premiership in first to Paul, focused on the family’s trucking business before making a comeback grade, second grade and third grade – a unique achievement. Hilton played 26 in 2009. John Robertson and his sons gave sterling service to the Balmain top grade matches for the Tigers in his four seasons with the club from 1945- PCYC Rugby League Club before establishing themselves on the international 48 including the memorable 13-12 victory over St George in the 1946 title water ski racing scene. Stephen hailed from one of the most respected and decider and 13-9 premiership triumph over Canterbury the following season. talented water ski racing families in the sport and was a great mentor of skiers. The Robertson family are renowned world wide for their water ski A life member of the Balmain Football Club and honorary life member racing exploits and with a 35 year involvement in the sport are held in high of Western Suburbs, Hilton developed his love of football while a pupil esteem. at Nicholson Street Primary School in Balmain. He won a best & fairest award and the prize was to attend a Balmain first grade game in the Sydney As a tribute to Stephen, nine members of his close-knit family took part in the premiership. This became a favourite past time and Hilton and his dad would Jubilee Bridge to Bridge - a 112-kilometre-long endurance race through the row from Duke Street to Birchgrove Oval to watch the matches. Growing Hawkesbury River. up, Hilton and best mate Johnny Bliss joined the North Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club where they enjoyed success.

Ray DALTON With the start of World War 2, Hilton enlisted at age 19 and after a short induction travelled by boat to Timor but he and his troop were redirected to BALMAIN Junior League is mourning Darwin because of a cyclone. With the first raid by planes over Darwin he the death of distinguished life member was severely injured and transported by train firstly to Alice Springs, then and long time Ryde resident Ray Dalton Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney Cricket Ground, Concord and finally to Goulburn (pictured right with Tigers legends where he convalesced for almost 12 months. Benny Elias and Laurie Fagan) at the age of 88. Hilton turned out for the Balmain Shamrocks before going to war and on his return was called into the Tigers’ lower grade ranks. Towards the end of his Dlton, a vital member of Ryde RSL career, Kidd spent the 1951 season with Manly before starring with Gladesville Sub branch for over 50 years and in the Balmain Junior League A Grade competition. Hilton is survived by generous sponsor through his Dalton charming wife Peggy, daughters Susan and Jane, son Dallas and their many Constructions business, passed away grandchildren. in the Sans Hospital Wahroonga on September 12 after a long illness. JeFF HALLIDAY An active committeeman, Ray served on the Balmain Junior League management committee from 1969 through to the early 1980s and was the LEICHHARDT Juniors lost one of their staunchest supporters with the death Balmain Junior Leagues assistant secretary in 1980 and e81. of former coach and Balmain junior representative selector Jeff ‘Doc’ Halliday on December 1 after a battle with motor neurone disease. Halliday, who He devoted many years to fostering rugby league in the Balmain district, as played with Canterbury while serving in the NSW Police Force, was aged 60. an official with Ryde RSL JRLFC and foundation member of the Ryde Districts JRLFC where he served as vice president. In 1973, Ray was an official with the Jeff had a long association with the Leichhardt Juniors club during the 1980s touring Balmain S.G Ball U/16 team to New Zealand - the first junior Tigers and early ‘90s and became involved when his sons Shane and Chad joined the team to embark on an overseas tour. Balmain Junior League ranks. He coached several premiership winning sides and was a hard-working official during Leichhardt’s reign as the district’s That Balmain junior rep squad included future first grade stars in Greg Cox, Junior Club Champions. Wayne Wigham, Mark Beavan and Garry Webster. Ray was a regular attendee at BJL Life Members luncheons in recent years and a respected figure in Jeff was also a valued member of Balmain’s junior representative selection rugby league circles. He is survived by wife Norma and family. panel and a mentor to many of the Tigers’ future stars. He was a selector when Balmain lifted the Jersey Flegg trophy in 1994 with a rousing victory over St George in the U/19 Cup Final – a Tigers’ outfit that featured his talented son Chad at fullback and other future top graders in centre BOB CLAYTON Michael Withers, lock Glenn Morrison and back rower Troy Perkins. RYDE Eastwood Leagues Club lost one Versatile Chad starred at fullback and centre with powerful Leichhardt and of its great pioneers on January 20, Annandale Waratahs teams and for the Tigers’ in Harold Matthews, S.G Ball 2012 with the passing of stalwart Bob and Flegg Cup before stints with the Roosters, North Queensland and Penrith. Clayton (pictured) of North Ryde after a long illness aged 84. He is survived by wife Kay and family. Clayton, a founding director, served 25 years on the Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club Board during a distinguished career in the club industry and was a valuable committeeman in the early days of the Ryde Sports Foundation. 29 30 31 32