LOCAL SPORT 2019 Autumn Winter

ECHUCA–MOAMA

AUTUMN – WINTER 2019

LAURIE WANTS TO TRI IT ALL

CRICKET – EVERY GIRL’S DREAM

Story page 18

Story page 6

Riverine

Herald

Bowls, bbq and a couple of brews.

ABN 58001046939

The Greens. It’s the perfect place just to enjoy a drink, have a roll with friends or host a fun function.

Our clubhouse can cater for any occasion including outdoor BBQ and function facilities that are second to none. See you at The Greens.

Open from 10am daily. Never played, or require some assistance? No problem!

The bowls department or one of the club’s qualified coaches will be on hand to help free of charge.

6 Shaw St., Moama NSW 2731. FreeCall 1800 806 777 www.moamabowlingclub.com.au

ECHUCA

McDonald’s® Echuca

McDonald’s ® Echuca Proud supporters of Junior Sports

r Partner of the Club Marine Southern 80 ®

ALL

FOR

R A E G T S E OF THE LAT PORT

INTER S W N E S O H C YOUR

NETBALL SOCCER

AFL HOCKEY 4 | Echuca-Moama LOCAL SPORT

Sport to the people

Echuca – 132 Hare St 5482 6661 Kyabram – 161 Allan St 5852 1911 Deniliquin – 320 Cressy St 5881 7327

Email: bennetts@intersport.com.au www.bennetts.intersport.com.au

CONTENTS BASKETBALL Echuca Basketball Association Inc....... 25

CRICKET Christy O’Brien — The rise and rise of Christy’s cricket........................................... 18

FOOTBALL/NETBALL Echuca Football Netball Club Inc................. 8 Howard Clark — In the pantheon of heroes Clark’s in his own class ������������������������������ 10 Moama Football Netball Club................... 13 Echuca Masters Football Club EMUs......... 13

HOCKEY Abbey Mathers — Armed with a dream — and a hockey stick ���������������������� 21

LAWN BOWLS Moama Bowling Club.................................. 9

MARTIAL ARTS Wickham’s Martial Arts Centre.................. 23

SOCCER

TRIATHLON, MULTISPORT & MARATHON Laurie Edmondstone — Mr Magic, Mr Miyagi and Mr Happy (in the shadows) ������������������������������������������ 6 Ryan Kervin — Ryan just kept on tryin’ ������������������������ 24 Echuca Moama Tri Club............................. 26

WATER SKIING Justin Legere — Did you hear about the yank at the Yank?...................................... 12

SPORTSTAR OF THE YEAR ������������ 14 TOP SHOTS ��������������������������������������� 16 CLUB DIRECTORY ��������������������������� 16 ADVERTISERS Moama Bowling Club ��������������������������������� 2 McDonald’s Echuca �������������������������������������� 4 Intersport Bennett’s ������������������������������������ 4 Echuca Workers ����������������������������������������� 20 Rich River Golf Club ���������������������������������� 28

Moama Echuca Border Raiders.................. 17

TENNIS Crossies Tennis Coaching........................... 16

Cover photo: Laurie Edmondstone Photographer: Stuart Walmsley

RICH RIVER GOLF CLUB Golf Memb

ership

J. CITIZEN MEMBERSHIP FULL GOLF

With even more golf and sport membership options to suit everyone SSee back cover for more details • www.richriver.com.au

5 | Echuca-Moama LOCAL SPORT

alive with fun!

TRIATHLON LAURIE EDMONDSTONE

MR MAGIC, D N A I G A Y I M MR MR HAPPY

) S W O D A H S (IN THE Plenty of people in the twin towns have heard of, or know, Laurie Edmondstone.

It’s just that very few know how much he really does LAURIE Edmondstone could be, should be, in the movies.

He would be perfect as a diminutive, softly spoken coach and mentor — and magician.

A la Mr Miyagi, Laurie takes enthusiastic, promising young athletes and makes them better, much better, than they were going to be.

But this self-deprecating septuagenarian doesn’t stop with teenagers.

about learning the right way to do things and giving you your best shot at, well, at being better than you were when you met him.

He does it because he can, but most importantly, because he really wants to.

His coaching career began in Victoria’s south east with the Traralgon Harriers Athletics Club where he coached champions for years before making the move north to Echuca.

But he gets just as much of a thrill when someone tells him they followed his 12-week training program in the Riverine Herald every year for wannabe fun runners to tackle the Sweat v Steam rally.

And on the elite side of his training he oversees the regimes of rising stars such as Archie Reid and Ruby Morley.

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His legions of disciples span the life cycle and embrace both sides of the river with work in gyms, running fitness classes for senior citizens, walking groups on behalf of the Heart foundation and sprint training sessions for all comers.

You need only ask 17-year-old Archie how good Edmondstone’s training regime is, after he smoked the competition in the recent aquathlon.

He is, in so many ways, the godfather of athletics, triathlons and even football in this part of the world.

Reid bounded across the finish line with a time of 36 minutes, 7 seconds to win by more than two minutes in his first year competing as an individual.

His decades of success as a competitor and coach speak for themselves — yet it doesn’t cost his students a cent.

What’s more, another Edmondstone trainee, 10-year-old Ruby, claimed the gold in the 7–10 year-old girls by just under two minutes in a 13-minute race.

In Team Edmondstone it’s not about winning. It’s

But when Local Sport came calling about the success of Edmondstone’s pupils, he passed the compliments on to those wearing the runners. “(Archie is) maturing well, he’s been doing his program that we set up, and we have sessions regularly,” he said.

“I was a marshal (at the aquathlon) at the run point as they exited the discovery centre, so I got to see a bit of all of the runners.

“There were a few who trained with us who did quite well. Archie’s sister Bella won her age group and came fourth overall too.”

After the country championships, Reid will turn his attention to the state championships; and, following that, the national championships.

Not too bad for a 17-year-old from the bush.

Edmondstone never charges for his services — it’s more about teaching the promising ones the correct technique, he says.

And the free to join running sessions he hosted in the lead up to football and netball pre-seasons were no different.

Held at Jack Eddy Oval in Moama on Thursday afternoons, each session consisted of 24 x 400m laps of the oval, with a lap starting every two and a half minutes from 6 pm onwards.

The idea, he said, was to benefit those wanting>>> to

running coach giving up his time free of charge to get local sportspeople fit for pre-season, hardly any took him up on the offer.

Runners could drop in or out as they pleased on laps, running one or 24 — “although getting through all 24 is highly unlikely” he told the Riv when the sessions began in November.

“We held our final session in January, because football clubs wanted them from 5 pm onwards as their pre-seasons kicked back in,” Edmondstone said.

But despite the enticing offer of a top of the line

“But even before that there weren’t that many

footballers there which surprised me. We had about 40 runners there and only probably one footballer.

“That was one of the reasons I got them going originally, to help out the footballers and netballers.

“The majority were junior and senior triathletes and runners. We’ll still have sessions on a Saturday morning and the juniors are still going.” >>>

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improve speed and stamina for running, football, netball, basketball and triathlons ahead of their seasons commencing.

TRIATHLON LAURIE EDMONDSTONE >>> was helpful in his decision to abandon his bike on that day.

He is a much-loved figure in the twin towns sporting community. A founding member of the Echuca Moama Tri Club, a volunteer at every Sweat versus Steam event thus far, and an avid cyclist and runner, he is often referred to as a living legend around these parts.

“I made a split second decision to launch myself from my bike to avoid going under the vehicle.

“Because I am smaller, I am more likely to have gone under the vehicle, if I was taller it was more likely I would go over the vehicle’s bumper bar.”

And even though he has volunteered his time at every Sweat versus Steam event since its inception in the late 1990s, he’s only run the event once.

After months of recovery, he went to his GP where he was advised to stop running altogether.

Because of his devotion to sport and fitness in the local community, Edmondstone was the recipient of the Spirit of Sport award at the 2017 Sportstar awards evening.

But like any sportsman worth his salt, Edmondstone asked if there was any way he could modify or change his running style so he could continue.

It’s not always been smooth sailing for the coaching superstar though.

That conversation ended in the stalwart agreeing to change the way he ran, and to wear special five-toed shoes — like a glove — to support his foot and leg.

In 2013 while enjoying turning the pedals on his morning cycle in Echuca, he was forced to ditch his bike to avoid going under a four-wheel drive which was blinded by sun strike and pulled out, cutting Edmondstone off.

Edmondstone is simultaneously an open book and an enigma when it comes to sport in the twin towns.

He was left to recover in hospital with a broken right tibia and fibula.

well-known member of Moama SES and Echuca-

As well as his coaching antics, Edmondstone was a

Moama Search and Rescue, which he said in 2013

But so long as he continues to support the health and wellbeing of the residents, he will be known as a living legend in these parts. 

A proud history – An exciting future.

The Echuca Football Netball Club competes in the Goulburn Valley League – the region’s premier football and netball competition.

Echuca’s accredited coaches are dedicated to the development of junior football and netball talent. Given the senior coaches’ credentials, excellent facilities and Echuca’s unrivalled local reputation for professionalism, Echuca Football Netball Club provides a great environment to improve your footy or netball skills.

Echuca has a flourishing junior program with

110 children, aged 5 to 10, participating in the 2018 Auskick program. Approximately 230 boys and girls play in the Under-12s 14s, 16s and Youth Girls football competitions. The Senior Club has four grades of football including the Senior Women. On the netball courts, there are three senior teams, a 17-&-Under team and a 15-&-Under team.

The club appreciates the support of all our sponsors and acknowledges our major sponsor — the Moama Bowling Club.

Season 2019 promises to be an exciting year as we strive for improvement, enjoyment and success at our family focused club. We invite you to be part of our exciting future.

Contacts: Football (Senior Club): Peter Young, 0407 436 624 Netball: Kate Carlile, 0408 415 951 Women’s football: Mick McInnes, 0418 542 663 Football (Junior Club): Kate Carlile 0408 415 951 Auskick: Ben Ridge, 0424 708 156

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Echuca Football Netball Club Inc. Since 1876 Victoria Park Oval, Crofton Street, Echuca.

World class bowling events in a world class facility

Moama Bowling Club continues to host Australia’s premier bowling events for men and women.

March Mixed Pairs - Wednesday 13th to Thursday 14th March Ladies Open Classic Fours - Sunday 24th March $33,000 May Carnival - Saturday 11th to Sunday 19th May Noel Murphy Mixed Pairs - Saturday 25th to Sunday 26th May Moama $33,000 Ladies Premier Pairs - Saturday 17th to Tuesday 20th August 2019 Moama $40,000 Men’s Prestige Pairs - Monday 30th September to Wednesday 2nd October Ladies Medley Fours - Sunday 22nd September Summer Open Pairs - Wednesday 18th to Thursday 19th December Plus Moama Bowling Club will host The World Bowls Challenge in November 2019 and Moama Bowling Club will be hosting event 3 of the $500,000 Ultimate Bowls Championships in December 2019.

For further information on these and other bowls events contact our bowls department.

FreeCall 1800 806 777.

ABN 58001046939

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6 Shaw St., Moama NSW. Call 1800 806 777 www.moamabowlingclub.com.au

FOOTBALL HOWARD CLARK

IN THE PANTHEON ’S K R A L C S E O R E H OF S S A L C N W O S I H N I Howard Clark was on the verge of doing wonderful things on the football field until he was cut down by cancer. But what he did next is the stuff of legend

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TONGALA’S Howard Clark has become a most unexpected football legend — but he only got there because he had to stop playing the game he loved.

He was still in his teens and had gone to Melbourne’s Xavier College but wasn’t coming home to play for the Blues.

Instead he was headed from school to Melbourne Football Club (where he was already playing under-19s) and the VFL (when it was the premier competition in Australia).

Until he was diagnosed with cancer.

In 2018 cancer might no longer be an automatic death sentence, but in Clark’s case it would prove to be a life sentence; he has battled recurrences and had to deal with the side effects of treatment, infections and other setbacks for the past 30 years.

Such as the time he spent 110 days in hospital on a drip to overcome a raging infection — yet between infusions managed to miss just five days of school.

The Big C might have kept him off the field, looking for a new career, but it was never going to keep him from the game.

So Clark joined his twin sister Judy and turned to teaching. And that would prove his salvation.

Because it gave him a second shot at footy.

Despite all the naysayers assuring him he was not loud enough, and nowhere near aggressive enough, Clark decided to coach school football.

In 2018 Clark’s almost unparalleled coaching career saw him receive AFL Victoria’s Allan Jeans Lifetime Achievement Award.

If Clark still can’t believe it — and he said he can’t — imagine what all those who had reservations about his coaching potential must be thinking, as they wipe the egg from their faces.

“It’s incredibly humbling,” the quiet pacifist said.

“And it was most unexpected.”

Clark began teaching at Ballarat’s St Patricks College and in 1996 was given the Year 10s to coach until his call-up to the first XVIII in 2001 — the team would win its first flag with him in the Ballarat Associated Schools competition the next year.

To prove he knew what he was doing, they won it again in 2003.

But Clark was only getting started. Between 2007

of the boys who pull on the jumper each week.”

and 2018 his team would win every year.

nearly every part of his body.

Clark and his wonder kids decided to shoot for the stars and take on the elite Herald Sun Shield, picking up their first in 2005.

About 20 more tumours would be discovered But Clark wasn’t going to let it be about him. in the first five years after his diagnosis and the “The focus really shouldn’t be about me. The boys’ complexity of his cancer and its treatment left Clark achievements over the past four years as well without feeling from the waist down, his balance as the 11 years I’ve coached have been quite is shot, he has chronic pain and issues with his remarkable.” bladder and chronic neuropathic pain.

“The side that played in that year’s Shield would see Serious infections are just part of his normal routine.

12 — yes, 12 — go on to play in the AFL.” In six of his 10 Herald Sun grand final weeks he Clark would coach St Pat’s for six more seasons, was so ill he was hospitalised—but never missed finally standing down after 2018’s flag. the game.

Then win six on the trot between 2010 and 2015, playing in a total of 10 grand finals.

“We’ve been incredibly lucky to have had some wonderfully talented young men play at our College in the time I have been coach,” he said.

“They’ve brought into the program and how we play our football. In my time as coach I’ve had nearly 50 boys drafted into the AFL.” Included in that list is a swag of AFL premiership players such as Clinton Young (Hawthorn, 2008); Shaun Grigg, Daniel Rioli and Dan Butler (Richmond, 2017); and Liam Duggan (West Coast, 2018); as well as notable players Tom and Oscar McDonald (Melbourne) and Brad and Matt Crouch (Adelaide).

“To have so many young men of that talent is fantastic, but to have guys in the VFL and community football, they’re really important, and they made the coaches look good,” Clark added.

“To see them develop after they arrive in year seven, that’s what I get enjoyment out of.”

Of the seven Herald Sun Shields, 2015 was the one he prized the most.

That’s great for the players, and the school, but doesn’t hold a candle to the 2012 game.

In fact, nothing holds a candle to the back story of King Clark and his all-conquering Catholic college.

Because his cancer had dogged every step of his career after starting in his teens as 7 cm of malignant tumour on his spine it has affected

It is the stuff of legend.

St Pats were fighting for their third consecutive Herald Sun Shield.

It’s something the school had never done and would be a major achievement for Clark.

But he simply can’t hang up his clipboard and stopwatch.

“I coached a side in community football at under-14 level, so I’m hoping to give back to the community and mentor some young coaches, and work with a lot of the boys so they become better young men.”

But with his primary role seemingly at an end, Clark was dragged back into the spotlight to become just the third school coach accepted in the rarified air of the lifetime achievement award.

But Clark hadn’t had, to put it mildly, the most ideal lead-up to this big match because the four days before the Saturday he was seriously ill (again) “The two others were Ray Carroll (at Kilmore’s AFL and in hospital (again). factory Assumption College) and Ken Fletcher With hours left to game time— and with reluctant (Penleigh Essendon Grammar),” Clark said. approval from his oncologist—Clark got a leave “They are icons within the game, so to be held in pass to get out of his hospital bed and into the the same regard as them is such an incredibly game. humbling moment.”

He was so ill his urologist actually drove him to the With his much easier schedule Clark will have more game, stayed with him and then drove him straight opportunities to return to his home town. back to the hospital after the final siren.

The game was tight but Clark had just enough energy to serve up a stirring and emotional halftime speech and his juggernaut got back into gear; kicking nine goals to two in the second half to win by 57 points.

The team did not hesitate after the game—the win was Clark’s.

“Look, I love him as a bloke,” David Morris told media at the time.

“He’s an absolute inspiration to me and to every one

“I still call Echuca home,” he said.

“I come home regularly to see my family; it’s where mum and dad live, my sisters and their partners, I love being home and seeing family.

“This area will always be part of my heart and part of my soul.”

And football’s soul, and the souls of generations of young boys, will forever be the richer for having had the good fortune to be part of the Howard Clark story. 

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“To go to six in a row, no-one had won four before, and we went six. We did a full school generation where players had gone through their entire schooling and only known success. It really did mean a great deal for us.”

Incredibly that still all pales compared with 2012— and ‘the’ game.

WATER SKIING JUSTIN LEGERE

DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE YANK AT THE YANK? The gun from California who came to tame the S80 The skiers come from far and wide to take on Australia’s greatest ski race and its allure was too much for Justin Legere — he just had to find a way to take part in the whole experience.

ANDREW JOHNSTON reports WHETHER you were a participant or not; the Southern 80 is something that is a part of every local’s summer in the twin towns.

An integral part of the Echuca-Moama experience.

The community engages with the race, welcoming the mass of humanity that comes flooding into the town as the event begins.

In 2018, one of those flooding into town was Justin Legere.

Not like many, making the short trip from another town or another state.

Not even making the trip from across the ditch in New Zealand.

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Legere had clocked some serious miles to be here as a competitor — he had come from Camarillo, California, about an hour west of Los Angeles.

Legere was already an experienced skier, having competed in a number of major events across the US. But when he first discovered the Southern 80, something about it seemed different.

“I first heard about this race via the internet after doing research into the river classics,” he said.

“Seeing videos of the greats like Zig and Proctor

speed down the mighty Murray at more than 100 miles an hour, it made me realise that I had to experience this event for myself.”

Legere hooked up with Dave Bishop and his Race Marine boat for the 80 after Bishop invited him in November of 2017.

“He gave me the opportunity to ski this event and when you have a race of the reputation that this event has, you jump at it.

“It fell perfectly into place that there was a team who wanted to give me the opportunity to ski in the 80, so I was really excited to take it on.”

So the journey from California to the quiet town of Echuca was underway.

You’d think it would be something of a culture shock to get to a town like ours from half way across the world.

For Legere, it wasn’t like that at all.

“It really is a beautiful place,” he said.

“Sitting in the VIP area last year watching the Superclass boys qualify was an amazing experience.

“To see the F-1 boats come around the tight corners with their mighty turbo engines howling and skiers digging deep to keep everything under control is like no other experience in the world.

“That’s something that really excited me as a fan of the sport as much as it does as a competitor.

Getting turns and the like right is really difficult to do, so when you watch someone who can do that so precisely is really amazing to watch.”

And on Sunday, finally, came the race.

“It’s a pretty intense course,” Legere said.

“It was never going to be easy to take on that course; it’s one of the best courses in the world.

Fortunately we got through it pretty easily, and I’m glad I got that experience.”

As much as he enjoyed the race itself, Legere said the community was his fondest memory of the event.

“It exuded the traits of our Mid-Western towns here in the states with the covered boardwalks and friendly downtown atmosphere.

“The atmosphere of the event was electrifying,” he said.

“I really enjoyed my time down for the race. The community was so welcoming; they really did make you feel at home.”

“The town welcomed everyone with open arms and the Aussie hospitality was on full display. Where else in the world do you get to share a beer at the Yank with world champions after you ski?

And it made for a nice holiday for Legere, but as nice as the surrounding and the community was, that wasn’t the focus of Legere’s trip down under.

He had a race to run yet although the program allowed him to take in day one of the event from the banks of the Murray.

“The sense of community around the race was huge.

It was great to see some of the current legends in the ski racing community like Chelsea Blight and Kris Knights come out to meet the community before the event at breakfast and during the show and shine down town.

“I raced on the second day, so I was lucky on day one that I got to spend a bit of time at the finish line.

“If you are a fan is ski racing, then you must make the trip down to Echuca to participate in the Super Bowl of ski racing, the Southern 80.” 

MFNC – A FAMILY CLUB Moama Football Netball Club The Moama Football Netball Club has a proud history in the Moama area, being founded over 100 years ago.

We have always been committed to providing a positive sporting experience while developing skills

and encouraging sportsmanship, participation and success in a family environment.

Being a non-profit organisation we rely on our many sponsors and encourage family participation in a huge variety of areas. There are

AUSKICK:

many ways you can be involved.

Our Club has had many successes over the years, most recently being U-17 Premiers five years running, runners up in the Reserves Football and back-to-back Premiers in A-grade Netball.

Emphasis on participation, development of skills, enjoyment and improvement. Parent involvement encouraged. Caters for all levels of ability.

Integration with senior footballers.

Brad Langbourne 0414 573 400

Primary school age Encourage participation and skill development.

Alistair McDonald 0408 500 137

JUNIOR FOOTBALL:

Club contact details:

New U-10 teams U-12 (Two teams) Goulburn Campaspe Junior Football League.

New U-16 team now up and running.

U-14 (Two teams) & U-17 Murray Football League.

All coaches fully accredited.

SENIOR FOOTBALL:

Senior Team and Reserves Team Professional coaching with excellent facilities. Great family environment. Affiliated with the Murray Football Netball League and Victorian Country Football League.

Luke Eldridge 0408 741 655

Moama Recreation Reserve, Kirchhofer St, Moama www.moamafc.com.au Postal Address: MFNC, PO Box 35 Moama, NSW 2731 Sponsorship Contact: Jon Power 0429 806 055 David Grubb 0427 826 956

NETBALL:

A-, B-, C-, C-reserve, 17/U, 15/U, 13/U, 12/U Home games held at MFNC. Accredited coaches.

Player development opportunities.

Affiliated with Netball Victoria.

Casey Love 0408 975 039

SOCIAL EVENTS:

Annual Black & White Ball, $100 Draw Raffle, Training night dinners, social events, B&F Vote Count and Presentation Night, Sponsors’ Day Luncheon, Ladies’ Day, junior carnivals and more…

ECHUCA MASTERS FOOTBALL CLUB EMUS

If you’re not quite ready to hang up the footy boots!!!

President: Jacko O’Brien 0402 012 997 Vice President: Justin Voss Secretary/Treasurer: Christine Edwards 0419 309 859

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Coach: Bruce “Jonesy” McCahon 0429 959 214

Every Wednesday night from 6 pm the EMUs flock Games are every second weekend between April and August to the Echuca South footy oval and get together with all abilities and ages welcome (35 upwards). for a kick of the footy, a bit of dinner, a beverage or The club has a full social calendar of events with functions two and a yarn about how good we used to be (and throughout the year that welcome all members of the family. everything else in between).

Some blokes just train. Some blokes just play. And some blokes With a focus on Footy For Fun, the EMUs provide great just turn up for a chat. So why not come down to the Echuca camaraderie and a fun, inclusive culture. The Echuca Moama South Rec Reserve next Wednesday night and make some United Masters is a great place for blokes over 35 to meet new new friends. people, have fun and keep fit (physically and mentally). EMU Masters is an Australian Rules Football Club that encourages participation in the club on any level, offering player and social memberships.

To get involved check out our Facebook page www.facebook.com/EchucaMoamaUnitedMasters/ Contact Bruce “Jonesy” McCahon 0429 959 214 or Damo Hammond 0438 809 701 for more info.

NOMINATE YOUR STAR OF 2019 The Echuca-Moama Sportstar of the Year Awards recognise outstanding sporting achievements in our region.

JUNIOR AND SENIOR SPORTSTAR:

SPIRIT OF SPORT:

The Junior and Senior monthly winners are awarded to an individual who has achieved outstanding results at club, regional, state or international level. Monthly winners receive a dinner voucher from the Moama Bowling Club and are then eligible for the title of Junior or Senior Sportstar of the Year.

COACH OF THE YEAR: Coach of the Year is awarded to an individual who has achieved outstanding contributions in respect to their role as Coach. They must be a role model, communicator, and instrumental in helping develop athletes to their full potential. They work to maximize the social, intellectual and physical wellbeing of athletes.

or sportstar@riverineherald.com.au

Junior Sportstar $500 for training

ADDITIONAL CONTENT ONLINE:

Coach of the Year $500 travel voucher

Visit sportstar.riverineherald.com.au for: - more photos and videos - read more on monthly winners - the history of Sportstar - online nomination forms

$500 prize money

Team of the Year $500 for training/development

HOW TO NOMINATE: Nomination forms are available at the Riverine Herald office or online at sportstar.riverineherald.com.au Spirit of Sport, Coach and Team of the Year award nominations are collated throughout the year. Finalists will be selected and invited to the Sportstar awards night.

2017

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2018 WINNERS ANNOUNCED FEBRUARY 2019

Team of the Year is presented to a team who has achieved outstanding results at club, region, state or international level. The team must have displayed teamwork, dedication and sportsmanship at all times.

For more information contact Jennifer Dwyer on 5483 0503

Senior Sportstar $2000 travel voucher & $500 prize money

OUR WINNERS

TEAM OF THE YEAR:

CONTACT:

OUR YEARLY WINNERS RECEIVE:

Spirit of Sport

This award is in recognition of those who work tirelessly to help promote and conduct local sporting events and competitions.

A person who gives for the benefit of the sports club, made extraordinary contributions, fosters a positive focus on personal development with the club and demonstrates excellence and pride in their club.

ENGAGE WITH US: www.twitter.com/RivSport www.facebook.com/RiverineHerald

Senior Winner SIMON BUCKLEY

Junior Winner TODD MURPHY

ENGAGE WITH US: riverineherald.com.au/@sportstar

Proudly sponsored by

Riverine

Herald

Echuca Travel Centre

PAST SPORTSTAR WINNERS Senior

Junior

1987 & 88 Lee Ives (Sabre Sailing)

Peter Cannard (Kayaking)

1989

Brett Sands (Waterskiing)

Scott Dominguez (Waterskiing)

1990

Brett Sands (Waterskiing)

Travis Rankin (Cricket/Football)

1991

David Dew (Cycling)

1992

Steve Atkins (Shooting)

1993 1994

SPIRIT OF SPORT WINNERS 2010

Maureen Gledhil, Echuca & District Netball Association

2011

Berinie McManus, LBU Football Netball Club

Alwyn Holt (Judo)

2012

Renee Davison, Echuca-Moama Hockey Club

Alwyn Holt (Judo)

2013

Matthew Wickham, Wickhams Martial Arts

Cameron McMullan (Canoeing)

Samantha Fraser (Rhym Gym)

2014

Nikki Cohen, Echuca Athletics Club & Masters FC

Joanne Hamilton (Waterskiing)

Justin Waldron (Shooting)

2015

Steve Gray, Echuca-Moama Triathalon Club

1995

Steve Atkins (Shooting)

Kate Glenn (Waterskiing)

2016

Ian Sinnett Echuca, Lawn Tennis Club

1996

Brett Sands (Waterskiing)

Matt Jones (Volleyball)

2017

Laurie Edmondstone, Athletics

1997

Cameron McMullan (Canoeing)

Sarah Hardiman (Athletics)

1998

Joanne Kerr (Shooting)

Matt Jones (Volleyball)

1999

Chris Young (Lawn Bowls)

Steve Calleja (Shooting)

2000

Jenni Murphy (Basketball)

Steve Calleja (Shooting)

2001

Matt Jones (Volleyball)

Heidi Riordan (Athletics)

2002

Steve Calleja (Shooting)

Emma Bennett (Golf)

2003

Michael Teggelove (Cycling)

Andrew Walker (Football)

2004

Claire Duke (Lawn Bowls)

2005

Kelly Norris (Shooting)

COACH OF THE YEAR WINNERS 2010

Shannon Keam, Moama Football Netball Club

2011

Kahl Oliver, LBU Football Netball Club

2012

Daryl Brown, Moama-Echuca Border Raiders

Luke Hubbard (Tumbling)

2013

Scott Beatie, Echuca United Football Netball Club

Luke Hubbard (Tumbling)

2014

Michael Gulson, Echuca-Moama Hockey Club

Darcy Arnel (Waterskiing)

2015

Grant Matthews, Echuca United Football Netball Club

2006

Claire Duke (Lawn Bowls)

Jemima Draper (Equestrian)

2016

Mark McGann, Echuca United Football Netball Club

2007

Jimmy Wilson (Body Building)

Darcy Arnel (Waterskiing)

2017

Mick McInnes, Echuca Football Netball Club – Women’s Team

2008

Tony Bond (Canoeing)

Jordan Williams (Football) Jack Wilson (Golf)

2009

Geoff Nesbitt (Table Tennis)

James Oberin (Hurdling)

TEAM OF THE YEAR WINNERS

2010

Kelly Norris (Shooting)

Reece Sidebottom (Go-Karting)

1991

Echuca & District Netball Association

2011

Guy Campbell (Football)

Lloyd Woolman (Water Skiing)

2012

Oliver Wines (Football)

Tom Leech (Soccer)

2011

Lockington Bamawm United Football Netball Club

2013

Jane Chalmers (Basketball)

Jessica Pitts (Soccer)

2012

Moama Echuca Border Raiders, Senior Women’s Team

2014

Brady Threlfall (Athletics)

Jayden Gulson (Hockey)

2013

Lockington Bamawm United Football Netball Club

2015

Aidyn Johnson (Football)

Emma Barnes (Water Skiing)

2014

Echuca & District Netball Association, U17’s Team

2015

Echuca United Football Netball Club, Netball

Clayton Oliver (Football) 2016

Jayden Gulson (Hockey)

Col Pearse (Swimming)

2016

The Mistress Ski Race Team

2017

Simon Buckley (Football)

Todd Murphy (Cricket)

2017

Moama Football Netball Club, A-Grade Netball

LAURIE EDMONDSTONE facebook.com/RiverineHerald

Coach Of The Year MICK MCINNES twitter.com/RivSport

Team Of The Year

15 | Echuca-Moama LOCAL SPORT

Spirit Of Sport

MOAMA FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB A-GRADE NETBALL

TOP SHOTS

Y R O T C E IR D A M A O -M A C U H EC BASKETBALL:

Echuca Basketball Association 244 High Street, Echuca 5480 6903 Phil: 0438 343 085 www.echuca.basketball.net.au Echuca Senior Pirates & Lady Pirates Echuca Basketball Assoc Echuca Junior Pirates CROQUET:

Rich River Croquet Club 24 Lane, Moama 5481 3333 www.richriver.com.au Rich River Golf Club Resort FOOTBALL & NETBALL:

Echuca Football Netball Club Vic Park Oval, Crofton Street, Echuca Peter Young: 0407 436 624 Echuca Football Netball Club Echuca Masters Football Club (EMUs) South Oval, High Street, Echuca Jack O’Brien: 0402 012 997 www.echucamasters.com.au Echuca Masters Football Club Inc.

Moama Football Netball Club Moama Recreation Reserve, Moama David Grubb: 0427 826 956 www.moamafc.com.au Moama Football Netball Club GOLF:

Rich River Golf Club 24 Lane, Moama 5481 3333 www.richriver.com.au Rich River Golf Club Resort LAWN BOWLS:

Moama Bowling Club 6 Shaw Street, Moama 1800 806 777 www.moamabowlingclub.com.au Moama Bowling Club Rich River Bowls Club 24 Lane, Moama 5481 3333 www.richriver.com.au Rich River Golf Club

MARTIAL ARTS:

Wickham’s Martial Arts Centre Corner of Hovell and Service Sts, Echuca Matt Wickham: 0418 505 049 www.wickhamsmartialarts.com Wickham’s Martial Arts Centre SOCCER:

Moama Echuca Border Raiders Soccer Association Daryl Brown, Head coach: 0417333064 Patrick Hicks: 0409343611 Jono Keele, Summer Sixes: 0428638682 www.borderraiders.com.au Moama Echuca Border Raiders Soccer Association SPONSORSHIPS:

Echuca Workers 165-171 Annesley Street, Echuca 5482 3140 www.echucaworkers.com.au Echuca Workers McDonald’s Family Restaurant Echuca 479 Hare Street, Echuca 5480 2442 www.mcdonalds.com.au

CROSSIES 16 | Echuca-Moama LOCAL SPORT

LESSON OPTIONS • 45 or 90 minute group lessons.

• Prices start from $100 per term.

• Private or small group lessons by appointment.

TENNIS COACHING PART OF HOT SHOTS TENNIS PROGRAM Designed specifically to make learning tennis fun and easy for primary school-aged children.

BOOK YOUR LESSON TODAY

Phone Andrew on 0417 587 967 for all queries or email crossmanas3@bigpond.com

SPORTING EQUIPMENT:

Intersport Bennett’s 132 Hare St, Echuca 5482 6661 161 Allan St, Kyabram 5852 1911 320 Cressy St, Deniliquin 5881 7327 bennetts@intersport.com.au www.bennetts.intersport.com.au TENNIS:

Crossies Tennis Coaching Andrew Crossman: 0417 587 967 crossmanas3@bigpond.com Rich River Tennis Club 24 Lane, Moama Sarah Crossman: 0417 578 579 www.richriver.com.au Rich River Tennis Club TRIATHLON & MULTISPORT:

Echuca Moama Tri Club Steve Loader: 0408 380 858 Kelley Wilson: 0417 354 132 www.echucatriclub.com Echuca Moama Triathlon-Club

N O S A E S 9 1 0 2 S R E ID A R R BORDE

Season 2019

This year will see Border Raiders provide teams in the following competitions; BENDIGO AMATEUR SOCCER LEAGUE • • • •

Senior Men’s Division 1 and 2 (Sun) Senior Women’s (Sun) Youth Division U-18 (Sun) Junior Competition U-16 / U-14 / U-12 (Sat)

BASL ACHIEVEMENTS – 2018 • U14 Champions & Grand Final Winners • U16 Runner Up Champions & Runner Up Grand Final Winners

TOP SHOTS • Brittany Sands named in Senior Women’s All Star Team • Courtney Ladgrove named in Senior Women’s All Star Team

The performance of the club’s younger players at all level’s especially at Senior level is acknowledged, the club’s policy in developing and promoting these players will continue to benefit ALL squads in 2019.

The development of quality coaches at the club is a

BORDER RAIDERS JUNIOR PROGRAM Saturday morning @ Jack Eddy Oval

boys and girls in 2017. Border Raiders prides itself on ensuring players at ALL levels have fun and enjoyment.

The first stage of introducing young boys and girls players (and parents) to the “World Game” begins with the following age groups being offered, from

SUMMER SIXES

U-7 to U-16. Players participate in teams on modified pitches depending on age group with team numbers ranging from 4 v 4; 5 v 5; 7 v 7; 9 v 9 and then into 11 v 11 on a full size pitch. Senior players are required to assist some of these age groups by participating as Referees. Training sessions are available each Wednesday evening at Brick Alley Oval. The club will again provide two Kinder kick short term programs for 3–4-year-old

Border Raiders have now established a Summer Sixes Competition which is played at Jack Eddy Oval after the season conclusion and prior to Christmas. The competition is played on a Wednesday night and is open to players of any skill level. New players and new teams are always welcome, no experience is necessary.

All players are required to be registered with Football Victoria which can be completed on line or we can assist on the first night. Information on the registration process and fees is available on the club’s website.

continued priority at all levels. The club provides a clear pathway for our Junior players to progress from its Border Raiders Saturday Junior program, this is something the club strongly encourages. Representative squads continue to participate in the Country Leagues Championship with an U-14 & U-16 side proposed for this year, playing in Albury-Wondonga.

ALL squads train Tuesday/Thursday evenings at Brick Alley during Winter season.

After a very successful season in 2018, the club is confident that they will be competitive at both senior and junior levels. The club has welcomed back some past players and have already picked up some new players who have moved to the area.

For further information regarding Border Raiders programs please contact; Darryl Brown – Head Coach Mobile – 0417 333 064 Patrick Hicks – Secretary Mobile – 0409 343 611 Jono Keele – Summer Sixes Manager Mobile – 0428 638 682

CRICKET CHRISTY O’BRIEN

THE RISE AND ’S Y T S I R H C F O E S RI CRICKET We want it all and we want it now Sometimes you need to be careful what you wish for or you might just get it — and then a whole lot more. Just ask Christy O’Brien. All she ever wanted to do was play cricket but the closest she really got was coaching junior boys.

Until her wish was granted. FRASER WALKER-PEARCE reports After years of pining for a team of her own to play in, Christy O’Brien was unexpectedly and totally pitched — head-first — into the gentlemen’s world of cricket.

Not off the field, looking over the fence, as she had spent much of her life.

O’Brien was about to play a leading role in a local sporting revolution.

initiating a Twenty20 Blast-styled competition a few years ago.

And it went ballistic in the twin towns.

A harbinger of hope for O’Brien (and other secret devotees of the great game).

“The T20 type competition was played on a Sunday, and in the first year we had about 20 girls sign up when we could only field eight or nine.

18 | Echuca-Moama LOCAL SPORT

The mother of a boy and two girls had tried to “Then we started the (junior) girls’ competition crank up her cricketing hunger coaching the Echuca last year as a way to introduce those who hadn’t under-12 boys and while she happily admits a played the sport before.” team of pre-pubescents “did her head in” she also “Usually they were girls who were good at other learnt a lot. sports and wanted to try cricket out.

But most of all she just wanted an outlet for girls “We trialled lots of things in that time, but the club to play — the opportunity denied her. probably had enough numbers there for two teams O’Brien is a cricket tragic — she’s even travelled with around three or four playing other sports at with her family to the Caribbean to follow the the same time,” she said.

Australian men’s side as a surprise 40th birthday Once the ball was rolling it started to pick up pace gift. very quickly — the GMC has planned, devised “The best gift ever,” she said. and put in place a new competition, which was launched on November 11 — a Remembrance Day And 20 years ago while backpacking around Britain, of a different kind. with husband Troy in tow, they headed to watch an Ashes match.

It was the first senior women’s cricket competition, consisting of eight teams: Bamawm Lockington Unfortunately, despite all that cricket knowledge United, Nathalia, Kyabram Fire Brigade, West and passion, O’Brien has never really been able to Bendigo, Maiden Gully, Leitchville-Gunbower, get out on the pitch herself.

Shepparton Youth, and Echuca.

Until now.

And as the woman leading Echuca into battle for the first time, O’Brien wasn’t just over the moon, Goulburn Murray Cricket had toyed with the ideas she had gone into a deep space orbit. of girls’ competitions for the past three years,

“I always try and teach the

girls about that side of the game, and the etiquette of cricket too. That’s equally

as important, to play the game fairly.”

Christy O’Brien

In the lead up to the announcement of the brand new GMC women’s competition she was asked quietly if she would be the one to lead from the front.

People around the club with the inside word on the popularity of the game made themselves known quickly to O’Brien, swaying her decision to coach.

“Jon Varcoe was the one who originally piqued my interest in coaching when he asked — although he did warn me I would regret saying yes to him.

“But as of yet I haven’t.

“The thing is though, he knew women’s cricket was rising and would make a big impact.

“I think he knew I’d be a driver of women’s cricket, and he’s kind of right because as soon as I set my mind on doing something like that, that tends to be all I think of doing,” she said.

O’Brien said non-believers in women’s cricket were quickly becoming the converted.

“I want them to be learning the full game, you know, “I spent two years coaching the Northern Rivers it’s not all about batting and bowling. There’s a representative side, the under-16s in the first year, huge portion of the game spent in the field which and the under-14s last year. can potentially win matches as well.

“It’s almost been an underground sport for the “But the enthusiasm and passion at that level is just longest time and now it’s finally surfaced.

“I always try and teach the girls about that side of top, and sometimes that’s what gets you over the the game, and the etiquette of cricket too.

That’s line in a match,” she said.

“Before that, the best girls would play with the boys equally as important, to play the game fairly,” she their age, but now they can enjoy and improve their O’Brien’s goal in the first year of competition is said. game with the girls and their mates and I think to load up her troops with the knowledge and that’s really important,” she said.

It seems O’Brien’s dream for women’s cricket in technique of how to play the game.

Echuca is shared by many locals, who just didn’t Not only do aspiring women cricketers now have If they win a few games along the way — that’s an outlet, they have a team, a competition, a know how to go about getting a game. great. But it’s not the goal she has in mind. whole league to begin with and pathways beyond “For a lot of these ladies who have signed up it has that — all the way to the Ashes and the world cup.

The short term objective is maintaining the always been on their bucket list to play a proper explosion of interest in the game, so that it can But it’s not only about that for O’Brien. game and now an opportunity has popped up flourish locally. where they can do it.

The league is one thing, but at the end of the day That way in future seasons when Echuca puts it’s still a competition — and she wants Echuca not “The cricket club is keen to be super supportive, together a superstar team, the league will be all just to survive, but to flourish in the league. and has been encouraging to me personally. Last but theirs for the taking. year — this is a bit embarrassing — I won the “It’s about instilling that confidence in the players And O’Brien will be at the front of the queue to junior coach of the year award across the whole that they can do it. They can face that hard cricket grab it with both hands and never let it go.  ball, and they can do it confidently. club, in my first year of coaching.

“The fact is undeniable — women’s cricket is growing everywhere. It’s potentially the most exciting time in women’s cricket history, right now.

19 | Echuca-Moama LOCAL SPORT

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20 | Echuca-Moama LOCAL SPORT

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HOCKEY ABBEY MATHERS

ARMED WITH A A D N A – M A E R D K C I T S Y E K C O H Every Australian kid playing any backyard sport always has the dream of the green and gold. One local teenager has turned the dream into a reality and is loving every minute of it >>>

21 | Echuca-Moama LOCAL SPORT

HOCKEY ABBEY MATHERS >>> THE green and gold.

Echuca’s newest national representative.

The ultimate honour for anyone in any sport is to represent your country.

She’s only been in the game since she was 11, so her rise to the national scene was fast.

Walking out onto the field of play in those sacred colours is what everyone aspires to do when they take up their sport.

Then came a near four month wait to actually make the trip.

The local hockey season for the Echuca Moama At 17, Abbey Mathers has done it. She has returned River Rats was over, but the preparation was not. from a 10-day trip at the beginning of December to “Our coach sent me through a list of exercises that Fiji, where she represented the under-21 Australian he needed me to do to prepare. I organised with Country women’s side in hockey. the college to get a key to the hockey courts so I could go down and practice whenever I could. It And it was the experience of a lifetime. became a case of making sure I was training at A moment she has been waiting for since she least every second day. dominated for Victoria Country in August and “The team was also doing fitness testing at the earned selection to the side. same time, so a lot of work was going into getting “It took a while for it to sink in,” she said. ready.

“Just being named in the team was one of the “I was very lucky that I had friends and teammates highlights of my time in the sport. It’s not often from the River Rats who were willing to come that you do get to play for your country.” down to the court and train with me to make sure I Really, it hasn’t been all that long in the sport for was getting in that practice.

“It would have been hard work — especially not training with your actual teammates.”

Mathers did not get an opportunity to train with her Australian teammates until her arrival in Fiji.

But November brought a strong reminder of exactly what she was working towards.

“I got home from school and my new Australian uniform was laid out on my bed,” she said.

“It was beyond exciting for me. I threw it on and was basically parading around the house in it for the next few hours.

I haven’t been that excited about something in a long time.”

Now that she had the reminder of what she was working towards, it was time to get back to work.

But, she had another challenge to overcome.

Her team was an under-21 side, so a lot of the members of the side had moved on to new stages of their lives.

Mathers hadn’t however.

At 17, she still had to focus on Year 11, with exams just around the corner.

“I still had assignments that needed to be completed. I love my hockey, but my schooling is incredibly important to me, so I was obviously focused on making sure I got my work done and as well as I could.

“I’m in Year 12 this year, it’s going to be one of the biggest years of my life, and I needed to make sure I was as well prepared to enter that year as I could be.”

The balance had to be struck, but fortunately she found it, managing school with her impending trip to Fiji.

And it came around faster than she expected.

“We left Melbourne on December 6, and arrived pretty late into Fiji. So we didn’t get a lot of sleep in before we were at training the next day.”

22 | Echuca-Moama LOCAL SPORT

The team had not trained together before, and got just two days of training together before the series began.

The team played against two Fiji sides while they were on tour, the national side, and the President’s side, playing six games against the two sides in the 10-day tour.

“Part of our role while we were over there was about introducing hockey and making the sport more popular, so being a part of growing a sport that I love was really special to me.

“Playing against a higher quality opposition was something that I think will help me with my game in the long term. I was able to add a lot of new elements to my game, but I also think it helped me to improve what I already could do.

“It made those skills even better so I feel like I’m a more rounded hockey player now that I’m back.”

The Australian side won four of their six matches, losing twice to the Fiji national team after last minute goals were scored, with the Australian’s finishing second overall.

As successful as Australia were, Mathers admitted it won’t just be the hockey she looks back on from the trip.

“It was an amazing place, I already want to go back,” she laughed.

“Fiji is a beautiful place. Learning about their culture

is something very special.

“Seeing the difference between what they have against what we have is a big difference. Where we were staying was a five minute walk into the city, so we were heading in there every day.

“There was a group of kids who would be in the bushes and would run up and give us a hug just because they saw us. They were so happy, even their parents were happy to meet us.

“It really was a memorable experience.”

So, now she looks ahead.

Although she isn’t sure what to just yet.

“I’ll still be playing locally for Echuca Moama, but with Year 12 I don’t know how much time I can commit to hockey.

“I was looking at one stage at the prospect of trying to get a scholarship to play in the States. I’m still open to that, but also am unsure.

“I can only really look at what is next.”

Irrelevant of where she does go next, Mathers will always have been an Australian representative.

And if her young career is anything to gauge her future by, it won’t be for the last time. 

I Zen Do Kai I I Boxing I I Muay Thai Kickboxing I I Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu I I Self-defense I

BEGINNERS WELCOME www.wickhamsmartialarts.com 81 Service Street, Echuca, Victoria (03) 5482 5362

23 | Echuca-Moama LOCAL SPORT

Classes beginning at four years of age to adults.

From fitness, self-defense to competition teams, we have something for everyone.

MARATHON RYAN KERVIN

T P E K T S U J N A RY ON TRYIN’ You can have all the support you want but in the end the marathoner runs in a world of endorphins and the pain.

ANDREW JOHNSTON talks to a Melbourne marathon veteran who has spent more hours than he can recall pounding local pavements and running up and down with no end in sight THINK back to where you were 10 years ago.

Where you worked; lived, your family and your relationships.

How different is your life now by comparison?

If your name is Ryan Kervin to say that’s all changed would be playing very loose with the English language.

Ten years ago he had just run the Melbourne Marathon.

He’d never done it before, thought he’d never do it again.

Never say never — within days Kervin was already mapping out the 2010 race and his preparation for it.

Yes, he would try it again — but do it better.

And he did — he has just received his Spartan singlet for running 10 straight.

It’s an incredible physical effort.

24 | Echuca-Moama LOCAL SPORT

And now he has the opportunity to sit back and reflect on everything that has happened in his life in that decade.

His motivation to run his first marathon was the premature end of his football season.

“I was living in Wangaratta,” he said.

“Michelle and I were together but we weren’t married yet, we had a modest new house and I’d been working in the CFA for two years.

“It looked like my footy club wasn’t going to make

the finals at that stage, so I realised I had the opportunity to take on a new challenge.”

And that would be the 2009 Melbourne Marathon.

“My brother had taken part in one years earlier, and kept talking about how hard it was, so I put it on the bucket list.”

was it.”

Well, you already know that didn’t happen.

“A few days later I probably got a bit of a (delayed) runner’s high and realised how much I enjoyed it.

“The hook was there.

It was a gruelling gear change, from footballer to footpath fanatic.

“Once you forget how hard those final 10 km were, you want another crack.

“It was one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life,” he said.

“That’s when I found out about the Spartan Club.”

“I got to the end and got the emotional feeling of having completed it and ticking off a goal. So that

The Melbourne Marathon’s website lists it pretty clearly — to be a member of the Spartan club, you need to run 10 Melbourne Marathons, and have

the Spartan Club confirm your times on those races.

From that day, Kervin had two goals.

“I told Michelle I wanted to run 10 in a row and I wanted to run under three hours.”

Marathon one was the benchmark — 3.13.

Somehow he had to cut off those 13 minutes — that’s about 20 seconds a kilometre give or take.

Seems doable, you try it.

“I didn’t really know how to train, I didn’t take gels, I just ran it in footy shorts and a singlet,” he laughed.

“I had no real concept of it. But as I looked around, I noticed I had that heavier football build, and all these skinny little people are running past me, so I knew I had to start doing things differently.”

Still playing football and

between shift work, Kervin found time to train.

“I always loved the running aspect of footy. So, when I wasn’t too sore from training, I added more running to my program. I don’t think a single week went by where I didn’t go for a run.”

In 2011, he was stationed at Shepparton, and that meant the family could come back to Kervin’s home of Echuca.

“All my family lives around here, so I knew if I could get to Shepp; that’s commuting distance, so I could come home.”

That year, he started to work towards the magical three hour mark.

“I was training better, I was looking after my body better, and I wasn’t playing as much footy. I was in really good condition.”

At the halfway mark, he was on pace for a sub three hour.

Someone, however, forgot to tell his body.

As it turned out it wasn’t as simple as getting his training wrong.

“In the lead up to this race I’d actually been in a class for two weeks, we were doing emergency medical response training so I’d basically just been >>> sitting down.

ECHUCA BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION Home to the Echuca Pirates

• Junior Pirates Representative Squads under-12 to under-18 girls and boys — try-out and selection usually June/July those selected train weekly and represent Echuca Basketball Association at various Country Association tournaments monthly from October to March.

• Men and Women Senior Pirates CBL representation. Competition requires weekly trainings and travel to Country Associations to compete from October to February.

• Refereeing at Echuca Basketball Association offers the opportunity for both juniors and seniors to come along and referee domestic games weekly and at our tournament held in September this year and the opportunity to advance yourself and travel further if you would like to pursue your interest.

CBL EBA Home of the Men’s Pirates

– Grand Finalist 2019

Echuca Basketball Association Inc. 244 High St, Echuca Contact Association 5480 6903 or Phil 0438 343 085 echucabasketball@bigpond.com Echuca Senior Pirates and Lady Pirates Echuca BasketballAssoc Echuca Junior Pirates @echucabasketball

25 | Echuca-Moama LOCAL SPORT

The Echuca Basketball Association offers three full-sized courts in an air-conditioned stadium for all year round competition.

The association offers many basketball programs: • Aussie Hoops for junior boys and girls 5–10 years old 45-minute session held Wednesdays. For the development of skills before playing in competition.

• Under-10 program for junior boys and girls. One-hour session Wednesdays.

Includes warm-up skills followed by drills for game development and modify matches.

• Junior Domestic for boys and girls under 12 years — under-18 years held Summer and Winter time. Boys Monday nights with the exception of under-12 boys who play Thursdays on the same night as the girls.

• Men and Women Senior A-,B- & C-grade competitions. Men and women play on Monday evenings.

COME & TRI IT!

Splash and Dash training Wednesdays … come and introduce yourself!

WANTING TO GET FIT WITH A GROUP OF LIKE-MINDED INDIVIDUALS IN A FAMILY FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT?

Tri season is winding down, so take advantage of the last few weeks of

No need for flash gear, just a bike, bathers and runners.

warm weather and daylight savings

And we’ll all keep doing some fitness work during the ‘offseason’ – keep an eye on our Facebook page for

to get a sense of our club – you’ll be made very welcome.

Steve Loader: 0408 380 858 Kelley Walker: 0417 354 132 E: echucamoamatriclub@gmail.com www.echucatriclub.com

training alerts.

Triathlon is a great way to keep fit, with a great group of people. Hope we see you soon!

SPONSORED BY:

established 1865

Riverine Herald

Echuca Moama Triathlon Club

>>> “My back wasn’t right as a result, and I strained my calf about 26 km in.”

It’s an injury that should really end your day, especially when running is all you are doing.

But Kervin wasn’t giving in.

“I hobbled,” he said.

“It sucked, I had people flying past and I knew it wasn’t going to be a good time. But I wanted 10 finishes, and there wasn’t going to be a ‘did not finish’ in there.”

He continued on, running into Michelle on St Kilda road.

“I had about 8 km to go at this stage, and she jogged with me for a while and really helped me across the line.”

He got there in a time of 3.35.

Not bad for a bloke on one leg!

“I was at 1:25 at the halfway, and the second half took me two hours or so,” he said.

“There were times when I thought that I’d have to stop and walk, but I couldn’t. When Michelle said I only had eight to go, I nearly started crying because I couldn’t imagine this for another 8 km.

“But I’d done enough that I knew the track and realised I could do it.”

Just a little more than a year later, the woman who had helped him get to the end, and had been a constant on his journey so far, was his wife.

He’d met Michelle while he was working as a policeman in WA. “All Michelle’s family live there, and I met her just as I was planning to come back to Victoria.”

And the marathon tied into that story too.

At the end of the 2010 event — Kervin’s second — he went down to stretch and pulled out a ring.

“I’d carried it with me the entire way through the race,” he said.

“The date was 10–10–10 and I thought that lines up well, I knew I was going to marry her, this just felt like the moment to ask her.”

In 2012, just a few weeks before he got married, he ran 3.01.

So bloody, frustratingly close.

“I was feeling really good but when I saw the clock and realised how long I actually had before I got to the end, I had to step up.

“People ask afterwards why I didn’t push that bit harder, but you don’t realise until you’ve run it that you are using all you have, you don’t actually have that extra gear.”

The elusive three hours would have to wait.

“I had a lot of thought about running on the Gold Coast because I felt like I could get it there.”

But it might have meant sacrificing Melbourne.

In the end, he did both.

“I went to the Gold Coast and I ran 2.55 in the end, that remains my best time,” he said.

“I’ve actually done it multiple times since then, and I’ve done it on multiple courses.”

“But before that I decided I had to do it at Melbourne, this is the goal I had set myself and I couldn’t change that.”

Wrong.

He could change it by going just a little bit faster and in his fifth Melbourne marathon he flew over the finish line and his personal clock stopped at 2.56.

“In the end it was a relief really,” he said.

“It was like the football premiership I couldn’t get.

I wanted so badly to break that number, and it was the best feeling. But, then you turn your attentions to what is next.”

That goal was still 10 straight, and suddenly he didn’t care how he got there.

“I’ve run with other people to help them get their first marathon, I’ve run with Michelle, I was just enjoying it now.”

The next big event was 2014.

Not Kervin.

Instead, he had to adapt and improvise.

“We bought a running pram,” he said.

“Michelle and I did a lot of running with her, it’s family time for us.”

And Kervin thinks it will have a huge impact on how Mia grows up.

“She’s always around us while we are training and is constantly exposed to it, so I think it will have a big impact on making her an athlete herself.”

And if all goes according to plan, he will get to run a marathon with his little girl one day.

“I’ll only be 60 when she’s 24, we can do it easily,” he laughed.

It was important for him to set more goals, because in 2018 — in a time of 3.08 — he ran his 10th straight.

He was now a Spartan.

“I remember going to the ceremony to get my singlet and seeing all these people who had run them.

“There are people in their sixties and seventies who are still running, it blew my mind. And I almost couldn’t believe that I finally got there.”

In fact, Kervin doesn’t really know how this story ends although he does have some ideas.

“I now want to run a marathon in every state, and I want to run one on every continent.”

And, finally, Melbourne.

It wasn’t a time or a record, but the most important “I want to keep running Melbourne,” he said. thing in Kervin’s life — the birth of his daughter “I don’t need to run it every year, I don’t need to run Mia. it in under three hours, but I do want to run it as “Everything changed when she came,” he said. often as I can.”

“She is the most important thing in our lives, she’s So the kilometres on the training track keep piling our focus and that’s what is really important in life.” up and while each year might sap just a little more speed from his legs, try and stop him and see how That would stop a lot of people from continuing you get on.  to run.

27 | Echuca-Moama LOCAL SPORT

“By my own watch, I thought I was going to get it that year,” he said.

“I started to think about maybe running a faster course in order to get there,” he said.

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