The Eye of the Storm magazine - Vol 16 (July/August, 2016) by Gosford Rugby League: The Eye of the Storm Magazine

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In the of the W

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EYE Eye of the

Vol 16: July/August, 2016 IN D

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U11(3)s Notch A

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Win!!!

The

GKS LISTS

A long line of Storm officials

Gosford Graduate #23 is revealed The e-mag for Gosford Kariong Storm Footy Fans

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“T h e E y e o f the What?” – Beibs.

Contents Vol 16: July/August, 2016

Page 4 - Editorial 5-14 – Pictorial Pages 15,46

- In the Press

16 - GKS Officials (2000-2016)

26 – (Almost) In the Press 27 – U11(3)s Notch Their First Win 31 – The Graduates: Grant McWhirter 33-45 – Pictorial Pages (continued) 46 – U6s Block Play Controversy 47,49,50,52 & 55 – Open Grade 51 – Competition Tables

54 – Buy A Photo – (please)

56 – The Back Page: Tackle of the Month

In the wake of the tumultuous federal election, the Brexit brouhaha, further Origin pain, a rather virulent flu season, the Pokemon Go revolution and my borrowing of a real page turner from the Gosford library … this edition of The Eye has lapsed into a bibi-monthly concern. While our publishing cycle has become momentarily retarded by pressing, real world events, please be assured that the July/August issue is full of the usual stuff – pictures, words, nonsense etc ...

Great defence is a feature of this edition as we nod appreciatively toward the great footy adage,

They Can’ Can’t Run Without Legs! Connor ‘The Axe’ Axe’ Anderson (page 33), Jake ‘Cover Boy’ Boy’ Martin (page 8), Coen ‘The Scythe’ Scythe’ Draper (page 38) and Byron ‘The Barnacle’ Barnacle’ Hodge (back page) have all expertly embraced our theme with searing examples of the art.

What a hugely disappointing decision handed down by the CCDRL in denying us our first Carrington Street, home game of the season during mid July. The game was scheduled against near neighbours Ourimbah and was to have directly followed a full day’ day’s program of Storm junior fixtures. It promised to be a special occasion for our club. The crux of HQs denial revolved around; the lack of a 2nd wet

weather round, the Saturday/Sunday divide, and basically not wanting to set a precedent. The rugby league buzz word of today is, pathways – as the games various tiers are linked, and a clearly defined way forward is provided for all levels of footy. One wonders however, who’ who’s providing the pathway for a club like ours in relation to pushing back up to the senior level of Central Coast rugby league. Who at Division HQ is dropping the bread crumbs that’ that’ll help show Gosford the way? Will we ever again play up in the senior competitions with our identity intact? Or are we consigned to continue cobbling a ragtag third grade side together during every second February in the vain hope that another club has an 11.30 slot available for us to drop by and wear their jersey, promote their sponsors, bump up their canteen sales etc... The Eye has kept it’ it’s ear close to the ground with regards this matter, sniffing out a distinctly foul smelling lack of enthusiasm emanating the codes governing body in relation to aspirational clubs such as Gosford and St Edwards. Ever since the demise of the Townies back during the earliest months of 2000, our pathway has consisted of little more than an ill defined and furrowed goat track that sadly, always seems to double back on itself!

Carn the Storm!

“I’m sure they’ they’ll be back” back” - Bob March (CCDRL) (20-3-2000)

rew - And Stark

All opinions expressed throughout this publication are derived solely from the scattered & random thoughts of the author; none of which are necessarily shared by the GKS club … nor anyone else on the planet really.

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Photos – Andrew Stark

The Eye Of The Storm – July/August 2016

The Eye Of The Storm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; July/August 2016

The Eye Of The Storm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; July/AUG 2016

The Eye Of The Storm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; July/August 2016

The Eye Of The Storm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; July/AUGUST 2016

In The Press â&#x20AC;Ś Storm Teams Eyeing the Finals by Andrew Stark

Coast Community News 28th July, 2016

Only three rounds remain before the 2016 Central Coast junior rugby league semi finals kick off and a mad scramble for top five positions is in full swing across the various age divisions. The Gosford Kariong Storm have half a dozen teams that remain in strong contention for a finals berth with the U10(2)s, U12(2)s and U16(2)s appearing to be best placed to give plenty of cheek to the heavyweight clubs come late August. A thrilling 28 all draw played out between the Storm boys and the second placed Woy Woy during round 11 of the U10(2) competition, highlighted just how close the race for the Brian McGee Shield is this season. A Roosters conversion after the final bell levelled the scores in what was a tremendous game of junior rugby league. An injury and suspension ravaged Storm U15(2)s fought back from a twelve point deficit early in the second half, to record a gutsy 20 all draw against Toukley in an entertaining round 12 clash. Byron Buckley capped a fine individual performance when he threaded a last minute kick into the south western corner for Chris Murphy to pounce for the match levelling try. The Gosford U12(2)s notched a crushing 56-0 win over St Edwards and look to be on a preliminary minor semi final collision course with the Blue Haven Raiders. While U13(2)s speedster Nash Dorratt-Mavin won the purple heart as the clubs busiest player of round 12. The representative three-quarter starred in his sides 28-8 win over Umina at Kincumber in the morning before filling in for the U14(2)s who were edged out 18-16 by Wyong. Later in the afternoon, young Nash laced up the boots for his third game of the day, holding down a wing spot in the U15(2)s exciting draw against the Hawks at Terrigal. The Gosford U11(3)s are well out of finals contention however received the biggest cheer of the round 10 weekend after storming home to claim their first victory in over eighteen months, defeating Erina 32-30. Trailing by ten at the break and 30-14 soon after, the Gosford boys rallied magnificently to score the final three tries of the contest. A dash into the left corner by playmaker Lyndon March levelled the scores with just a few minutes remaining before Matt Le Maistre stepped forward to calmly add the telling conversion; pushing the battling Stormers into the unfamiliar confines of the winners circle.. Please note: this is the submitted piece in itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entirety. The editor of the Coast Community News is responsible for the changes that ultimately appear in the newspaper.

The GKS LISTS … our club’s roll of office bearers

The Gosford Kariong Rugby League Football Club was formed during the earliest days of the new millennium when the Gosford Giants and the Kariong Kookaburras united. A footy club will never run itself and far more goes into achieving a successful winter than scoring tries and keeping a solid defensive line. For 16 years now, the Gosford Kariong Storm has been well served by a swag of community minded people who have given selflessly of their time in providing junior (and a smidge of senior) rugby league to the boys & girls of our district . On this, and the following pages, The Eye has taken time out to pay tribute to those who have contributed to the success of our club for over a decade and a half.

PRESIDENT 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Steve Burden Steve Burden Clint Gosper Clint Gosper Clint Gosper Clint Gosper Clint Gosper Colin O’ O’Malley Dave Brown Ed Johnson Ed Johnson/Ron Miller Ron Miller Ron Miller Jason Bird Jason Bird Jason Bird Nathan Malcolm/Josh King

Anyone with old yearbooks from the Gosford Townies, Gosford Giants or Kariong Kookaburra days, please email Andrew at -

10dollarjpegs@gmx.com

The GKS Lists â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Our Roll of office Bearers

Ed Johnson

Steve Burden

Jason Bird Ron Miller

Josh King

Left: Clint Gosper

served for five years as Club President from 2001 to 2006. Following Clintâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passing in 2014, the Clint Gosper Memorial Award was inaugurated and is presented annually to our Club Person of the Year.

The GKS Lists – Our Roll of office Bearers Below: Clint Gosper, Lee Coe-

Pollard & Campbell Page

Sarah Baird

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

SECRETARY Sarah Baird Sarah Baird Lee CoeCoe-Pollard Lee CoeCoe-Pollard Debbie Brown Debbie Brown Melissa Kensey/Debbie Brown Mel O’ O’Malley Mel O’ O’Malley Renee Martin Renee Martin Renee Martin Renee Martin Renee Martin Renee Martin Renee Martin Renee Martin

REGISTRAR 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Debbie Brown Debbie Brown Debbie Brown Debbie Brown Debbie Brown Mel O’ O’Malley Mel O’ O’Malley Melissa Kensey Melinda Porter/Mel O’ O’Malley Karen Wing Mel O’ O’Malley Mel O’ O’Malley/Vanessa Bird Mel O’ O’Malley/Sharyn Oatley Vanessa Bird Vanessa Bird Vanessa Bird/Claire Shepherd Vanessa Bird

Debbie Brown

Above: Debbie Brown (top), Renee Martin & Vanessa Bird

Ten officials from the Storm era of Gosfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s junior rugby league history have had life membership bestowed upon them; Edward Johnson (pictured above), Derek Baird, Geoff Walker, Mick Crawford, Clint Gosper, Sue Keens, Grant Bovis, Dave Brown, Renee Martin & Shaun Martin.

The GKS Lists â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Our Roll of office Bearers

Ground Manager, Shaun Martin gets himself into a spectacular pointing duel with an irate visitor during 2014.

The GKS Lists â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Our Roll of office Bearers

TREASURER 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Gary Holland Campbell Page Derek Baird Renee Farr Renee Farr Renee Martin Renee Martin Renee Martin Michael Bell Michael Bell Michael Bell Michael Bell Vanessa Bird Vanessa Bird Vanessa Bird Vanessa Bird Claire Shepherd

Craig & Claire Shepherd

Vanessa Bird

Michael Bell

Sharyn Oatley

Karen Wing

Geoff Walker Rodney Rhodes

Mick Bovis

Geoff Delehunt

Andrew Taylor

Mick Crawford

Nathan Malcolm

Mel O’Malley

The GKS Lists – Our Roll of office Bearers

Craig & Lee Pollard

Wentworthville (Metro Cup 1996): Photo – Andrew Stark

Mick Greenaway

Dave Brown

Denis Campbell

Grant Bovis

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

The GKS Lists – Our Roll of office Bearers

Wayne Oatley

SENIO R VICE PRESI DENT Derek Baird, Grant Bovis Grant Bovis Dave Brown Campbell Page Dave Brown Dave Brown Dave Brown Dave Brown Mick Greenaway Greg Ramsey Greg Ramsey/Simon Power Denis Campbell Jason Bird Wayne Oatley Wayne Oatley Wayne Oatley Craig Shepherd

The GKS Lists â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Our Roll of office Bearers

Renee Martin has been the backbone of the Gosford Kariong Storm for much of its 16 year existence. Secretary for the past eight seasons, Renee crunched the numbers as club Treasurer for five years previous to that. In 2013 she was awarded life membership.

Brett Smith Derek Baird Campbell Page Ed Johnson Campbell Page Colin O’ O’Malley Colin O’ O’Malley Ed Johnson Greg Ramsey Ron Miller Ron Miller/Colin O’ O’Malley Jason Bird Shaun Martin Gerard Connolly Brad Hodge Brad Hodge Nathan Linsley/Graham Linsley/Graham Taylor

Graham Taylor

Shaun Martin

Greg Ramsey

Nathan Linsley

Derek Baird Campbell Page

Brad Hodge

Colin O’Malley

The GKS Lists – Our Roll of office Bearers

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

JUN I PR OR V IC E ES IDE NT

Simon Power

Kym Barringer

Belinda Contato

General Committee, Canteen, Delegates, First Aid etc Geoff Walker, Mick Crawford, Wayne Evans, Dave Brown, Steve Burden, Derek Baird, Paul Kelly, Karl Belik, Monika Belik, Jennine Holland, Campbell Page, Fred McGlynn, Louise Mountain, Marty Meldrum, Wes Kirk, Keith Wrench, Ann Hampson, Sue Weir, Clint Gosper, Jo Kelly, Debbie Brennan, Sue Keens, Wayne Fordham, Ed Johnson, Sarah Baird, Lee Pollard, Justin Murdoch, Craig Pollard, Ian McGrath, Kevin Beswick, Grant Bovis, Brett Smith, Shaun Martin, Colin O’Malley, Hank Blewitt, Mick Bovis, Janine Williams, Corrine Apps, Joe Fawk, Leone Cowie, Kerry Hatfield, Renee Martin (nee Farr), Petra Cole, Kerry Hatfield, Michael Stanley-Hunt, Sharlene StanleyHunt, Clint Gosper, Sharlene Ivans, Kellie Huntingdon, Melissa Kensey, Mel O’Malley, Steven Keens, Doug Miller, Ben Wilkinson, Dave Illingworth, Wazza Goddard, Mel Porter, Kirstyn Gerrard, Sally Ford, Paul Bedward, Mick Greenaway, Nicole Butterfield, Sharyn Oatley, Gina Greenaway, Steven Hawkes, Evelyn Hunter, Malcolm Fitzgerald, Mat Neilsen,, Dennis Campbell, Sharlene Neilsen, Jodie Campbell, Michael Bell, Vanessa Bird, Roger Jenkins, Geoff Delehunt, Joe Wing, Pat Wing, Joy Methven, Jenny Martin, Sam Taylor, Rodney Rhodes, Gary Lockhart, Vanessa Hanlon, Rachel Stedman, Ashleigh Miller, Julie Ann Miller, Nicole Wing, Simon Power, Andrew Taylor, Debbie Carney, Belinda Contato, Robbie Campbell, Brad Hodge, Kellie Hodge, Troy Ghilardi, Bronson Darlington, Glen Carney, Colleen Bird, Jason Bird, Ronnie O’Keefe, Craig Smith, Graham Taylor, Kym Barringer, Mitch Tallis, Cassie Murphy, Josh King, Nathan Malcolm …

Michael Stanley-Hunt

Jodie Campbell

Wazza Goddard

Clint Gosper

Kellie Hodge (with Byron)

Di Connolly

The GKS Lists – Our Roll of office Bearers

Robbie Campbell

st o m

In The Press … Coast Community News

Memorable Win for Storm Battlers by Andrew Stark Submitted to Coast Community News 11th July, 2016

The Gosford Kariong U11(3)s claimed their first victory in over eighteen months when they charged home to defeat Erina 32-30 during round 10 of the Central Coast junior rugby league. Trailing by ten at the break and 30-14 early in the second half, the Gosford boys rallied magnificently to cross for the final three tries of the contest in recording their first win since the winter of 2014. A thrilling second half reached its crescendo when a dash into the left corner by playmaker Lyndon March levelled the scores at 30 a piece with just a few minutes remaining. U10s tyro Matt Le Maistre duly stepped forward to add the telling conversion; pushing the battling Stormers into the unfamiliar confines of the winners circle. Tries to Zane Robinson, Matt Le Maistre, skipper Dayne Sams, a double to Rylee Oakes, along with Lyndon March’s thrilling last gasp effort, helped set up the win in what was a genuine all team performance. Gosford’s 2015 Junior Player of the Year, Rylee Oakes looked to have capped a tremendous individual display by scoring a hat-trick of tries when he speared into the right corner on the final play of the day, only to be ruled to have bounced the put down by the veteran whistleblower Billy Curnoe.

Storm Piece - Bumped From The Latest Edition 14th

July, 2016.

Hi CC News, Just opened the latest edition of the CC News to find three stories on the AFL and no space for Gosford Kariong rugby league. Shame, you missed out on the feel good story of the season as the battling Under 11s fought back to win their first game in almost two years. Boys and parents will be disappointed that it didn’t appear. The Eye.

The Eye of the Storm Storm Piece - Bumped From The Latest Edition 14th July, 2016. Hi Eye, Yes it is a shame. We had lots of sport and had to use the higher level stuff first. Couldn’t even get the Mariners in this time and they had two stories. Have to share it around a bit and national then state then senior Coast wide level sport always has to get priority over school and junior sport, even if your pic’s are the best. Best Regards, CC News.

ENDED E W , Y S A DL HE UP ON T

Gosford’s victory earned the team their first ever (non bye) competition points and the beaming post game smiles, spread liberally across each of the boys faces, provided tangible testament to their combined perseverance. Please note: this is the submitted piece in it’s entirety. The editor of the Coast Community News is responsible for the changes that ultimately appear in the newspaper.

U11(3)s Notch Their First Win.

The Eye Of The Storm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; July/August 2016

Gosford Kariong 32 Erina 30

U11(3)s Notch Their First Win

The Eye Of The Storm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; July/August 2016 Gosford Kariong 32 Erina 30

The Eye Of The Storm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; July/August 2016

U11(3)s Notch Their First Win

Gosford Kariong 32 Erina 30

The Eye Of The Storm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; July/August 2016

Happy Team

U11(3)s Notch Their First Win

Ecstatic Coaching Staff

Gosford Kariong 32 Erina 30

the

Graduates by Andrew Stark

…from Gosford to the Big Time

During last season, The Eye

Upd a

te !

by Andrew Stark

Grant McWhirter Grant McWhirter - pictured in the South Sydney team photo of 1996 – courtesy of Big League Magazine

kicked off our Graduates project which uncovered the names of 22 Gosford juniors who all managed to progress to the big league of Sydney footy. Happily that number has now ticked over to 23 with the addition of Grant McWhirter.

- Our Sydney 1st Graders Charlie Staunton (Norths 1923) Lester Hough (Norths 1940) Walter ‘Finny’ Worrad (Norths 1940) Edward ‘Ted’ McHugh (St George 1942-44) Les Bell (Souths 1943-46, Parramatta 1947-49) Alan Staunton (St George 1952-54) Barry Willis (Balmain 1953-54, 1956) Ron Thornton (Canterbury 1955-61) Col ‘Bubbles’ Purcell (Easts 1957) Bev Smith (Balmain 1959) Ron Hansen (Newtown 1960 – 65) John Floyd (Norths 1965) Rod Urquhart (Cronulla 1970–71, Souths 1973–74) Max Wilkie (Norths 1981-83) Daryl Turner (Wests 1984) Paul Kent (Parramatta 1989) Adam McEwen (Souths 1995-97) Grant McWhirter (Souths 1995-96) Anthony Brann (Balmain 1996, Hunter 1997, Canberra 1998-2000) John Carlaw (Hunter 1997, Melbourne 1998, Balmain 1999, Wests Tigers 2000-01, NZ Warriors 2002-03, St George 2004) Wes Tillott (Norths 1999, Souths 2004) Matt Orford (Northern Eagles 2000, Melbourne 2001- 05, Manly 2006-09, Canberra 2011) Rhys Pritchard (Sydney Roosters 2011)

Above: Grant

McWhirter was a star Woy Woy junior who in 1988, scored four tries for the Roosters during their 24-18, U13s grand final win over Ourimbah; a game in which future Test fullback Robbie Ross scoring two tries for the Magpies (Gosford finished 3rd). The following season, McWhirter won the Woy Woy Leagues Club Trophy as Best & Fairest U14s player for the Roosters. The rising star would then shock the peninsula club by heading to the Townies in 1990 to play for the Gosford U15s, winning the Townies Senior Player of the Year Award. He also starred for the Central Coast’s U15 rep team that won the State Championships under the stewardship of Gosford Life Member, Geoff Walker. By 1992 McWhirter had headed north to play SG Ball Cup for the Knights and in the same year was selected at lock to play for the City U17s against Country (a game which featured Anthony Mundine on the wing). McWhirter progressed to Newcastle’s Jersey Flegg team the following season before a move to the struggling South Sydney club would ultimately produce four top grade appearances; all off the Rabbitohs interchange bench. The back rower made his first grade debut on the 13th of August, 1995 when Souths were walloped 56-6 by the star studded Broncos in Brisbane. A teammate that afternoon was fellow Gosford junior Adam McEwen, who had debuted for the Rabbitohs just a month earlier. McWhirter added three early season appearances for the Ken Shine coached Myrtle & Greens in 1996, which included a hefty loss to Manly at Brookvale, a narrow 18-16 defeat at the hands of the Gold Coast at Redfern before Grant McWhirter’s final top grade appearance, a 62-0 ANZAC Day drubbing courtesy of the Sydney Roosters. In 1997 he returned to the Coast to play for Woy Woy.

Photo – Andrew Sta

…from Gosford to the Big Time

the Graduates (update) by Andrew Stark

t Gran rter i h W Mc

Above: The Central Coasts State Champion U15 team of 1990 with McWhirter circled. Right: As a Woy Woy Rooster in the U13s. Left: Playing Presidents Cup (U21s) for Souths in 1995.

Above: A 1996 preseason bio written by Souths coach Ken Shine’s which appeared in the Big League magazine. Right: McWhirter’s final top grade appearance, off the bench, alongside fellow Gosford junior Adam McEwen

If you think you know of a Gosford Junior who went on to play 1st Grade rugby league in the Sydney competition (NSWRL or NRL), who isn’t already on our list … please drop me a line at 10dollarjpegs@gmx.com

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Photos – Andrew Stark

The Eye Of The Storm – July/August 2016

The Eye Of The Storm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; July/August 2016

Eye Exclu sive

UNDER 6s EMPLOY …

CONTROVERSIAL BLOCK PLAY

This season’s Under Six competition became embroiled in high controversy during late June when an outrageous block play was employed, and allowed to stand, in the lead up to a Storm try during the round 8 clash with Erina. As can be seen in The Eye’s exclusive set of photographs; the Bunker got it horribly wrong!

C A

Photo 1 - Player A makes a nice break down the right flank and is confronted by Player B who moves in to make the tackle. Player C looms up in support of Player A, while Player D busts some kind of one armed “walks like an Egyptian” dance move in back play.

A C

B Photo 2 - Player A cuts in behind Player C who tackles Player B (the prospective defender). Player E, who is a metre or twelve offside, signals for a cross field kick. Photo’ Photo’s 3 & 4 -

Player B gives Player C an understandably disapproving look, while Player A continues on to score a very dubious try.

B the Eye of the Storm – July/August 2016

Toukley 66 Gosford 0

Our Open Graders went down 66-0 to the Hawks last Sunday at Terrigal, conceding a dozen tries in a wholly uninspired performance. And sadly no soccer was being played on the adjoining field, as the round ball action is normally a handy distraction during those dark moments when you simply have to look away. Max Russell was by far and away the Storm’s player of the match via his wholehearted display on our left edge, garnished by the skipper’s trademark sprinkling of witty on-field repartee. The best of the rest fell to; Shaun Trasler, Jordan Groom, and dummy half Callum Marsh who defended doggedly in centre field. Trailing 34-0 heading into the mid game huddle, Coach Ed Johnson showed the best Gosford form of the afternoon in delivering a withering halftime spray that lifted an entire row of roof tiles clean off the Duffys Road amenities block. Boisterous instruction that did pay a tangible dividend as Toukley was held to a mere 32 after the break. (- The Eye -)

the Eye of the Storm – July/August 2016 Northern Lakes 36 Gosford 14

By all reports, the Storm Open Grades road trip to Lake Munmorrah last Sunday has breathed new life into our 2016 campaign as the men in purple produced their most competitive performance of the year before going down 36-14 to the Warriors. Kurt Burrell returned from injury and was joined in the halves by Gosford junior and Former Ourimbah playmaker, Dylan Allen; this dynamic duo laying an organizational platform that helped the Storm cross for a hat-trick of tries. A pleased coach, Ed Johnson praised the effort of his entire side before singling out his tradesman like forwards; Jaxon Wilkinson, Sean Wise and Simon Latimer for their engine room toil. Today sees us back at Duffys Road to take on the Eagles in a game that could well be billed, ‘Back to Gosford Day’, given the number of Storm, Giants and/or Townie juniors lining up in the respective Open Grade teams. Carn the Storm! (- The Eye -)

In The Press … Gosford Kariong’s Elevens Escape With A Draw by Andrew Stark

Coast Community News 30th June, 2016

The sixth placed Gosford Kariong U11(1)s let a 12 point lead slip from their grasp as the seventh placed Northern Lakes finished strongly to claim a 24 all draw in round 9 of the Central Coast junior rugby league. Playing on their picturesque home ground at Narara, the Storm was ultimately forced to defend grimly during the games tense final moments as poor handling and a determined Warriors outfit threatened to send both competition points north toward Lake Munmorrah. Playmaker, Zac Campbell and fullback, Jackson Pennell crossed for tries before halftime to give Gosford a 12-6 lead, with both lads enjoying the experience so much, they dived over again after the break to each record doubles. The Storm boys tried hard to break clear of their northern opponents and yet the plucky Warriors just kept coming back. The best forward on the ground, just so happened to be a young lady; Northern Lakes prop Hayley Papa terrorizing the Storm pack with a series of fearsome charges, culminating in the match levelling try with less than 5 minutes to play. The drawn result sees Gosford struggling, four points behind the fifth placed Erina on the competition ladder and a string of late season wins will be required if they are to climb back into semi final contention. In the other games; Gosford’s U12(2)s continued their recent good form with robust forwards Dylan Gale and Soakimi Dom Aho both prominent in defence; the Storm boys scoring a comprehensive 32-4 win over the Eagles at Erina. The U10(2)s also defeated Erina, running out 32-20 winners with Shane Stollery notching his first try of the season. The U11(3)s came perilously close to their first win in 18 months before they were agonizingly edged out 24-16 by the Warriors, while the remainder of Gosford’s sides also tasted defeat. The Josh King coached U16(2)s played brightly during the first half of their game against Toukley, heading to the huddle at 16 a piece however a five try Hawks blitz after the break, saw the fourth placed Storm tumble dramatically from the contest.

Please note: this is the submitted piece in it’s entirety. The editor of the Coast Community News is responsible for the changes that ultimately appear in the newspaper.

the Eye of the Storm – July/August 2016

Erina 48 Gosford 0

Our Open Graders ripped in against the third placed Erina last Sunday, before going down 48-0 in an often irritable encounter. Wholehearted displays from Messrs; Marsh, Wilkinson, Rea, Addison and dummy half Groom helped stymie the Eagles cricket score intentions and were appreciated by a knowledgeable lunchtime crowd. It is exactly forty years since Gosford last won the Third Grade premiership; a spectacular mid seventies afternoon that saw the Townies cross for the only two tries of the Grand Final in defeating Umina 12-4. Given that we currently sit 14 points shy of fifth spot with half a dozen rounds remaining to be played, it’s fair to assume that we’ve left our run a little late in attempting to reclaim the silverware for this season. Nevertheless, today we run out for our first home game of 2016 at the picturesque Carrington Street Oval, with high hopes of a bold showing. The sagging premiers, Ourimbah will be equally desperate for a win and the contest should provide a keen struggle. Carn the Storm! (- The Eye -)

the Eye of the Storm – July/August 2016

Ourimbah 40 Gosford 8

An entertaining game of footy transpired last Sunday against old rivals Ourimbah: our undermanned Open Graders crossing for two spectacular tries during a keenly fought 40-8 loss. We began with eleven men and managed to score our opening try with just ten players on the paddock. A soaring last tackle kick from Callum ‘Bomber’ Marsh was fumbled by the Magpies back division, allowing bustling right winger Lew Addison to swoop. Four became eight, midway through the second period, when a Jordan Groom chip n chase set up Logan Rea; the lightly framed utility player galloping gleefully into the Wamberal corner. A Dylan Allen field goal after the fulltime siren looked to have cut the deficit to a skinny 31, however referee Billy Curnoe broke Gosford hearts by waving it away. We head down Brisbane Water Drive today to sample the refurbished Woy Woy Oval facilities … and to take on the high flying Bears. Carn the Storm! (- The Eye -)

2016 COMPETITION LADDERS As of the Completion of Rd 13 (Juniors) & Rd 15 (Seniors)

Opens

U16(2)s

Pts

St Edwards Wyong Berkeley Vale The Entrance Toukley Kincumber Erina Ourimbah Northern Lakes

24 20 20 19 19 16 16 9 7

Gosford Kariong

Pts

U15(2)s

Pts

Toukley Ourimbah Wyong

22 22 20

Gosford Kariong

Wyong Warnervale Berkeley Vale Terrigal

22 22 16 9

Warnervale Budgewoi Kincumber Eagles Woy Woy

10 8 4 2

Gosford Kariong

Toukley

U12(2)s U14(2)s

Pts

U13(2)s

Pts

Warnervale The Entrance Budgewoi Kincumber

25 22 18 17

Ourimbah The Entrance Blue Haven

22 17 13

Gosford Kariong

Ourimbah Wyong Erina

6 6 0

Kincumber Umina

10 8

U11(3)s

Pts

U11(1)s

Pts

The Entrance (G) Terrigal Wyong Kincumber Erina

26 23 19 18 15

Gosford Kariong

Northern Lakes Berkeley Vale The Entrance (B) Umina

7 4 4 3

Northern Lakes (G) Toukley Terrigal Northern Lakes (W) Blue Haven Erina

22 18 18 18 13 9

Gosford Kariong

Pts

The Entrance (G) Berkeley Vale Warnervale

26 22 20

Gosford Kariong

Blue Haven The Entrance (B) Wyong St Edwards Erina

16 11 9 4 4

U10(2)s

Pts

Toukley Woy Woy Umina

22 21 20

Gosford Kariong

Warnervale The Entrance Terrigal Erina

11 9 8 2

the Eye of the Storm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; July/August 2016

St Edwards 72 Gosford 0

The Open Grades two most consistent teams clashed last Sunday at Woy Woy, with sadly both St Edwards and Gosford remaining true to their form. The opening half was keenly contested and despite losing a man to the bin, we played with great heart to keep the Grizzlies to just three tries. After the break however the Stormâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s effort lost all its thunder; petering out to a light drizzle of resistance as injuries, a further sin binning, and the undoubted ability of our opponents, helped hoick the finally tally up to 72. Today we head out to Mary Mackillop Oval in desperate need of divine intervention as a keen tussle with the cherry Colts awaits us. Carn the Storm! (- The Eye -) A big thank you to our player sponsors; Affordable Dream Homes & DLNM Bricklaying

A big thank you to our player sponsors; Affordable Dream Homes & DLNM Bricklaying

Winning the Ruck:

Gosford Style

tick tick tick tick

Stack s On !!!

tick tick tick tick

Oxygen Please

the Eye of the Storm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; July/August 2016

wards d E t S : y lt a Pen

So How Do We Get A Photo For Uncle Steve & Aunty Trish ? Whilst the motivation for putting The Eye together each month is in no way financial, It would be good to recoup all those bus & train fares; public transport levies accrued chugging to and from the myriad of footy ovals scattered across the CCJRL region. So to keep Red Bus, Busways and even State Rail happy, all the photo’s appearing on the pages of this fine, up standing publication … come and are available for purchase in all their high resolution JPEG slip me $10 magnificence for just $10 (via Paypal, cheque, money order, Dan on game day Murphy’s gift card, gold bullion, krugerand, or my personal … I’ll be the favourite; good old CA$H). Email me (Andrew) at 10dollarjpegs@gmx.com and let me know which image you’re after bleary eyed, disheveled … or simply grab me on the sideline and let me know in person. looking bloke with the dodgy Jolly well haircut … played

Gosford

oh yeah, and the big camera !

Buy one $10 photo & get a bunch of others free

Kincumber 102 Gosford 14 (It was actually 94-14)

the Eye of the Storm – July/August 2016

Despite kicking off with just eleven men, ten of whom enjoyed the use of both legs, the Storm crossed for three sparkling tries in a superb attacking performance against a well credentialed Colts side last Sunday at Kincumber South. Big Shaun Trasler continued his fine form, grabbing a double, while Lew ‘the finisher’ Addison speared into the right corner having run onto a delightful long ball from the teams promising new five eighth, Kyle Webb. Gosford’s crisp offense wowed the Mackillop Oval faithful and yet to be fair to our opponents, the Colts also bobbed up to score the odd try (or fifteen) of their own. A smattering of creative abacus work emanating the officials table has claimed that by fulltime the red team topped the ton. Your trusty correspondent however disputes said assertion having spent the game studiously collating each of the tries and goals scored, by scratching little grooves into the gravelly soil on the eastern hill with a sturdy yet non partisan stick. Rest assured footy fans, the final score-line was 94-14 (we were the 14). Today is a new Sunday and our boys now have the scent of try-line chalk in their nostrils and look forward to running inAabig few moreyou meat piesplayer against the BVAffordable Panthers atDream DuffysHomes Road.&Carn theBricklaying Storm! (- The Eye -) thank to our sponsors; DLNM

THE

TACKLE OF THE MONTH

The Eye of the Storm – JULY/AUG 2016

the Back Page

Byron Hodge Byron Hodge

Gosford under 7s terrier, Byron Hodge pulled off the tackle of the month during late June when he hauled in a fast shuffling Greg Eather at the southern end of Duffys Road Oval, saving what looked to be a certain try. Young Byron never gave up on the chase. He rounded up the former Ourimbah first grade winger before driving determinedly with slender shoulder, clamping on to both legs and hanging on grimly like a barnacle to the underside hull of a 17th century supply ship. The superb tackle quickly drew parallels to the great Johnny Raper in his prime (see top), as well as the famous try saver made by Penrith’s Scott Sattler in the 2003 NRL decider (above).