Gosford Rugby League: the Eye of the Storm magazine (Vol 43) September 2020 by Gosford Rugby League: The Eye of the Storm Magazine

GOSFORD RUGBY LEAGUE

- Est. 2014 -

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Issue No.43 --- September 2020 ISSN: 2652-4570

HERE COME THE TOWNIES: The Early History of Gosford Rugby League Available from the East Gosford Newsagency or online from Lulu Publishing Written & Published by Andrew Stark ISBN: 9780958198035 Published January 2020. 504 page, A4 sized, paperback

An in-depth look at the history of Central Coast footy. From its kick off back during the late nineteenth century, through to the modern day competition.

THE EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2020

Vol 43: September 2020

Under 12s skipper Dylan Wade is quickly establishing himself as the premier middle forward in his age division. Dylan is featured on the cover of this edition under the achingly accurate nom de plume, Captain Wrecking Ball. We’ve lost count of the number of times the big number thirteen has trundled, trampled and swatted his way through helpless opposition defensive lines to score bulldozing tries from forty or fifty metres out. This lad undoubtedly has the potential to become a dominant figure in Central Coast rep sides during coming seasons.

While focusing on our rampaging under 12s, Chris Habkouk’s team has stormed out of winning back to back Division 3 premierships, to lead the Division 2 competition in the shadows of the finals,. The Eye never likes to get ahead of himself, but its worth noting that a team jumping two division’s in 12 months is a very rare occurrence indeed.

Terrible luck for popular U16s player Dylan Gale

(pictured left)

who snapped his collarbone during the Storm’s round 6 loss to Terrigal. A true team man, Dyl was filling in at left centre against the Sharks having previously looked most impressive out of dummy half. Saturday evening at the hospital turned into an unofficial GK muster when Dylan and his mum Paulette ran into star U17s three-quarter Blake Carney, who’d had the misfortune to pop his shoulder in the day’s final game. A big ‘Get Well Soon’ goes out to both Stormers, and to all other players currently nursing injuries.

© 2020 Opinions expressed in 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.

THE EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE Vol 43: September 2020

There was plenty of drama at Carrington Street during round six when a foreign U12s game (Ourimbah vs. Terrigal) got right out of hand. An alleged unsavoury incident took place right on fulltime which necessitated police involvement and garnered mainstream media attention. Despite having a senior photographer and journalist on hand, our representative missed the entire outrage. As the SWAT Squad mobilized beyond the southern dead ball line, police helicopters hovered overhead and United Nations Child Protection Officers moved through the crowd handing out free lollipops, our man was partaking in a little canteen natter, totally oblivious to the exclusive story unfurling below.

Above: Channel Nine News were all over the story. The delightful Tiffiny Genders reports direct from Carrington Street

“This is something that is not condoned at our field …” Chloe Luck (Gosford Kariong RLFC President)

The Eye would like to congratulate GK ground managers on the magnificent way in which they handled a difficult afternoon. Deb Eden’s performance in straight batting one passive-aggressive approach was particularly masterful. Follow up reports which claimed a strange man was seen lurking in the area with a rubber band around his head, have been described by an alleged police spokesman as, ‘disturbing, yet wholly unconnected’ .

THE EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE Vol 43: September 2020

Further to the Narara Outrage, our Terrigal insider reveals that one Sharkie mother thought she’d filmed the entire incident on her phone, only to later discover she’d forgotten to hit the record button.

Meanwhile a CCDJRL email stuff up saw our table-topping U12s travel to Wamberal for a crack-of-dawn fixture that had already been cancelled. Our intended opponents, Terrigal, the other suspended team, Ourimbah, and their round 7 opponents, Wyong; all received the relevant cancellation correspondence. GKS however was not afforded the same courtesy. Given the fine system in place for clubs who fail to notify Division prior to offering up a forfeit, one would expect Storm bean counter, Paul Eden will be shooting an invoice up to Tuggerah ASAP. Then to make matters worse, Division decided (via the released competition table) to allocate our team only one competition point. Chris Habkouk’s side arrived at Brendan Franklin Oval at sparrow’s and through no fault of our club, the opposition weren’t there. Later in the week an email was sent to GK Secretary Deb Eden stating that this decision had been altered and that we were to receive both competition points. Yet quite remarkably, eight days after the Brendan Franklin fiasco, the U12 competition table continues to baffle. Our undefeated Stormers edged out Ourimbah 34-24 in a terrific tussle at home on Saturday and yet the other banned team, Terrigal had no result recorded. This suggests that the Sharks are still serving a team suspension or worse, they have abandoned their season. Our competition ladder (reproduced below & on page 37) bears little resemblance to that being flown by Division. For starters, we’ve given Berkeley Vale 2 points for their bye last weekend. Terrigal and Ourimbah have both been docked the point given to them for serving a ban, while Wyong and Gosford have two points, not one, allocated for effectively receiving forfeits in round 8. Division’s U12(2)s Ladder

The Eye’s Interpretation

Gosford 14 Woy Woy 12 Terrigal 11 Ourimbah 11 Berkeley Vale 9

Gosford 15 Woy Woy 12 Berkeley Vale 11 Terrigal 10 Ourimbah 10

The Hypothesis of a Random Old Lady on the #55 Bus To Koolewong Woy Woy 47 St George 9 Manchester United 7 Collingwood 1

Whatever the standings, The Eye has sympathy for both the Terrigal & Ourimbah teams. It was ludicrous to punish everyone wearing blue or black for the actions of two brawling kids and a coach who allegedly crossed a line. The fight club lads have both been dealt with by the judiciary, while the coach’s case is tabled to be heard in the courts sometime prior to Christmas. Beyond all that, just let the kids play.

Vol 43: September 2020

Photo – Andrew Stark

THE EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE

-Keira-

Sadly, 2020 has seen Gosford Kariong’s female representation fall away markedly. Pennant Hills Stags recruit, Keira Bright (pictured above) is our lone female player this season. The sister of U16s back rower, Michael and U13s hooker, Will, young Keira is a key member of the high flying U12s. The gender disparity found among the playing ranks offers up a strange dichotomy. The club is run predominantly by women and yet girls just aren't being attracted to the idea of pulling on a Storm jersey. Perhaps we need a female coach or two.

THE EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE Vol 43: September 2020

go out to U17s coach ‘Brenno’ Martin (pictured right) on being named captain of the Australian Oztag team. In a remarkable family achievement, Brenno and brother Lachy, are both key members of the Tagaroos. Brenno has quite incredibly worn the green & gold for nine season’s from the age of seventeen. In 2015 he was inducted into the Central Coast Oztag Hall of Fame. Prior to making his Mens Opens international debut in 2012, the Gosford Kariong junior (pictured above in the GK U10s of 2004) had already represented Australia at both Under 18s & Under 16s level.

We are rapidly approaching the pointy end of this most fractious of seasons. Two rounds of the regular season remain and the GK Storm are offering up two genuine premiership threats; the U17s & U12s. Despite suffering a lengthening injury toll and a narrow loss to Umina in their most recent outing, the U17s will be hoping to get some troops back in time for the finals. The 8-4 loss to the Bunnies last weekend was quite remarkably this team’s first defeat at Carrington Street since late July of 2018. On that afternoon they fell 20-18 to Erina. Barring a late calamity, both the 12s & 17s will claim their respective minor premierships. So as we head towards October, The Eye would appeal to all Storm members to slap on the sun-screen and get right behind these two sides as they battle their way toward the big dance and an opportunity to bring home Covid bling.

Photos courtesy of Central Coast Oztag, & the 2004 GK Yearbook

Huge congratulations

THE EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE Vol 43: September 2020

An unhappy coach from a rival club was recently overheard berating an underperforming player with, “That’s what too many cones get ya”.

Above: Don’t be a dope. Maximize your full footy potential, steer clear of the dreaded cone.

Before The Eye gets bailed up in the Carro Street car park by some oversensitive clipboard-clutcher with festering body image issues; the use of the adjective ‘meaty’ on the back page of this edition relates solely to the montage.

While on the coaches - it’s interesting to note when viewing our back page spread, that those gents who are newer to the craft look far more jolly than those who’ve been in the game a while.

Super impressed with the crop of U7s players running around for the Storm this season. Get there early footy fans and enjoy a sneak peak at half the 2040 NSW Origin team . Our thundery stable is awash with four foot tall champions and the respective coaches; Bede Williams and Jayden Tuiva, are overseeing a veritable Narara Centre of Excellence. It must however, be pointed out that a total disregard for ace-alliteration has seen Jayden Tuiva’s team christened the Blues, while Bede William’s side has switched across to being the Golds. The sub editor’s dream team of last season, Bede’s Blues, has for whatever reason, been snatched away from all lovers of cutesy word groupings. Bede’s Bold Gold Stars or Willo’s Golden Boys – just don’t quite cut the mustard.

THE EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2020

Peck’s Paste Devilled Ham

Player of the Month Photo – Andrew Stark

Ryan Kesby -- U16s -Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored segment. No meaty spreads company has in any way endorsed this publication. When smeared liberally onto a buttered SAO, this product has been noted as an afternoon tea favourite among Eye Media Conglomerate employees

“Go back to where you started … examining all of it, travel your road again and tell the truth about it. Sing or shout or testify or keep it to yourself: but know from whence you came.” - James Baldwin (African American Author)

HERE COME THE TOWNIES: The Early History of Gosford Rugby League ISBN: 9780958198035

The following extract is taken from the book’s chapter focusing on the magnificent Sharp(e) brothers.

There remained little doubt as to the premier team of 1950. The News Shield was for the first time, heading into town. It was a famous victory achieved right across the park. Gosford had weathered Ourimbah’s physical barrage before finishing over the top of their illustrious opponents. Players singled out by the press in the aftermath of the game included the halves, Kevin Manning and Craig Quigley, as well as the 33-year-old front-rower Jack McInerney, who in tandem with fellow forward Alan Dyer was playing his final game of rugby league. The Gosford forwards had worked tirelessly to shore up the middle against the imposing Magpie pack. While everyone in the side did their bit, the undoubted man-of-the-match was Bert Sharp. His composure under pressure and reliable boot guided THE EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – SEPTEMBER 2020

Gosford to victory and he was quite simply the difference between the two sides. In a truly remarkable statistic, Bert Sharp scored all of his team’s points throughout the semi-final series and Gosford officials were quick to claim the achievement as a world record (Sharp scored; a try & kicked four goals in the 11-2 win over Erina, kicked 3 goals against Ourimbah in the final, and then scored a try, and kicked 3 goals and a field goal in the grand final).

Bert was a member of the remarkable Sharp family of Ourimbah. Half a dozen siblings who all shone on local football paddocks (There was also a sister, Alma Jessie Sharp, whose son Doug Freeburn would play fullback for both Ourimbah and Gosford during the 1950s and 60s. Doug Freeburn played in Gosford First Grade premiership winning teams in

The male siblings were sons of Ourimbah tool sharpener Dan Sharp, who along with his brother Walter, had played in the timber town’s premiership-winning 1913 team. The family had moved to Ourimbah twelve months earlier from Longreach near Marulan in the Southern Highlands of NSW. 1959 & 1963).

… a railway worker, he came from Marulan to Ourimbah to cut sleepers. – Ourimbah Recollections 1994.

The local newspapers take on Bert Sharp’s 1950 heroics.

Above:

THE EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – SEPTEMBER 2020

HERE COME THE TOWNIES by Andrew Stark

One point of contention that needs to be clarified is that of spelling. Is the family’s surname, ‘Sharp’, or should it be ‘Sharpe’? Extensive coverage of the brother’s footballing feats in bold newspaper ink across the decades has invariably referred to them as, Sharpe’s. This however, is largely incorrect. When I began exploring the history of local rugby league, I was led to believe that the famous Ourimbah family spelt their name with an ‘e’. The more I ferreted however, the less certain I became. Alternate spelling in the funeral notices of Noel Sharpe (died 2018) and Bert Sharp (died 2012) provided no answer, while Billy was also listed as a Sharpe when his death was announced in a local newspaper during 1966. A headstone for the parents, Daniel and Sarah Sharpe lies in Lisarow cemetery and yet Daniel’s parents were always referred to as Matthew & Harriet Sharp. Billy Sharp’s daughter, Patricia Rogers informed me that in relation to her arm of the family, we always used ‘Sharp’. Bert’s widow Elva Sharp concurred, before adding that the elder siblings; Mick, Bill, and Bert used Sharp and it was only the youngsters of the clan who became, Sharpe’s. Years ago you had to register in Gosford when they were born in Ourimbah and the father (Dan) put an ‘e’ on some of them but not the older ones … but they used to argue about it … Bill only started to put an ‘e’ on his name when he went into the hotel business. - Elva Sharp in conversation with the author (October 2018)

So there you have it. They are all Sharp’s, except for brothers, Noel and Skeeter who are Sharpe’s. A curious anomaly created by their father Dan as he scrawled the names of his latter born offspring into the registry book at Gosford. Well I don’t know what he was thinking.

- Jean Freeburn (daughter in law of Alma Sharp) in conversation with the author (October 2018)

Irrespective of the fluctuating surname, Dan Sharp’s remarkable home-based rugby league academy did churn out a virtual production line of champion footballers: Mick Sharp (hooker), Ken Sharp (fullback), Billy Sharp (centre), THE EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – SEPTEMBER 2020

HERE COME THE TOWNIES by Andrew Stark

Bert Sharp (fullback), Richard ‘Noel’ Sharpe (five-eight) and Allen ‘Skeeter’ Sharpe (centre). Arguments have raged over the decades as to which of the brothers was the superior player. Most keen judges plump for Noel, who captain-coached Ourimbah to almost invincible status during the early to mid-1950s and who previous to that, had spent a year with Wingecarribee in the Group 6 competition. It was during this season away from Ourimbah that he starred for Southern Division against the touring Englishman in a famous game played at the Wollongong Showground. It was a fiery clash which saw the visitors humbled 18-11. By the end of their tour, the Englishmen acknowledged Noel Sharpe as the best five-eighth they’d opposed during their time in Australia. While Noel is acknowledged as the district’s premier footballer by many former players, Bert Sharp is without doubt the brother with the most impressive CV. He played in Lakes United’s famous 1947 Newcastle premiership win, was selected as NSW Country Seconds fullback in 1948, before knocking back an offer to become First Grade five-eighth with North Sydney in 1949. Bert instead decided to take up the Gosford captain-coaches job, replacing his brother Billy who’d guided the Cerise & Blue since 1946. Billy Sharp had previously played for Ourimbah before heading north in 1939 to taste premiership success with the South Grafton Wanderers. He played on the wing that year as the Wanderers lifted the Weiley Shield via a 14-5 victory over Bellingen. Interestingly, Noel Sharpe did always claim that Billy was the family’s most talented footballer. Having previously played against Clive Churchill in the Newcastle competition, the ‘Little Master’ is said to have organized a trial for both Bert and Noel at South Sydney. Bert was nudging 30 at this time and he politely declined the opportunity. Noel was in his late teens however and according to Bert's widow, Elva; Noel didn’t go down there, but should’ve gone down there, but his mother didn’t want him to go down there to South Sydney. She didn’t want him to leave Ourimbah. - Elva Sharp in conversation with the author (October 2018)

THE EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – SEPTEMBER 2020

HERE COME THE TOWNIES by Andrew Stark THE EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2020 Clockwise From Top Left: Billy Sharp (holding the 1947 Challenge Cup won by Gosford), Noel Sharpe (Ourimbah), Bert Sharp (wearing his 1947 Lakes United jersey), Alan ‘Skeeter’ Sharpe (Ourimbah)

Those Magnificent Sharp(e) Brothers

Central Coast Rugby League’s Most Famous Family

HERE COME THE TOWNIES by Andrew Stark

This suggestion of a maternal roadblock is contradicted somewhat by Noel’s subsequent decision to leave the district to captain-coach in the Southern Highlands for a season. Yet one is left to ponder just what might have been had Noel Sharpe followed Clive Churchill to Redfern. The Rabbitohs went on to play in seven successive First Grade grand finals between 1949 and 1955, winning five premierships during a golden period in the Club’s rich history. Noel is said to have possessed a tremendous change of pace which invariably left defenders sprawled in his wake after he’d exploded through the defensive line. Bert, on the other hand, was as strong as an ox and could kick goals from all parts of the opposition’s half. He worked for Sterland Brothers for over 55 years driving great big timber-jinkers; long haul trucks used to transport all types of building material. As a young man, fellow champion Gosford fullback Doug Freeburn marvelled at how his Uncle Bert was able to effortlessly toss giant logs onto the back of his truck. After the football, we'd all go back to Nana's and Bert would say, ‘put the music on'. He'd say come on Harley let's dance, and she was a big lady, and he'd dance with her but her feet were that far off the ground, he used to swing her about. God he was strong. - Jean Freeburn in conversation with the author (October 2018). ‘Harley’ was Bert’s mother, Sarah Harley Sharp.

While varying opinions exist as to which of the brothers was the better footballer, few argue that had the talented progeny tried their luck in Sydney, the surname Sharp, or Sharpe, would today rank alongside famous rugby league siblings such as; the Burge brothers, the Mortimer’s, Provan’s, Johns’, Farnsworth’s etc … Gosford’s footballing fortunes throughout the decade that immediately followed the war were indelibly shaped by the efforts of Billy and Bert Sharp. Billy Sharpe, one of the greatest footballers to play on the Central Coast. THE EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – SEPTEMBER 2020

- Wyong Advocate, news of Billy Sharp’s death; 11-5-1966.

HERE COME THE TOWNIES by Andrew Stark

By the end of the 1948 season, Billy Sharp had left town and the Club was on the lookout for a new mentor. An advertisement was placed in the Sydney Truth newspaper on the Sunday before Christmas in a far-reaching attempt to find a player-coach for the 1949 season. The position would ultimately be filled by local truck driver, Bert Sharp.

- Here Come The Townies The Early History of Gosford Rugby League

“Andrew Stark has written a terrific book called, Here Come the Townies. Townies.” - HG Nelson (ABC Radio 11th April 2020)

Available for purchase, at the East Gosford Newsagency, on-line from Lulu Publishing, or direct from the author. THE EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – SEPTEMBER 2020

Hey Buddy, You’re Blocking My View

THE EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – SEPTEMBER 2020

Purchasing Photos … It’s Just So Easy! Sling the guy with the camera a lobster ($20), and within days he’ll email you a couple of photo’s (jpeg files), featuring your little champion (or not so little champion) captured in full flight for the mighty Gosford Kariong Storm. Simply hand over one, crisp, orangey note, along with your email address, and sit back & marvel as the old bloke gets frantically to work on your order. Purchases can also be made using Paypal for $22.

Email: 10dollarjpegs@gmx.com

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Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Take The Two

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E F A S COVID R A E G HEAD

YIKES!

2020 COMPETITION LADDERS As of September 7th

U17(2)s

U15(2)s

Pts

Gosford Kariong

Umina Wyong Terrigal Our/BV Toukley

12 10 6 4 0

U13(2)s

Pts

Erina The Entrance Toukley St Edwards

16 12 12 10

Gosford Kariong

Umina/Woy Woy Berkeley Vale Wyong

6 5 3

THE EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2020

U16(2)s

Pts

Toukley Terrigal Kincumber The Entrance Berkeley Vale St Edwards

13 11 11 10 9 8

Gosford Kariong

Erina

U12(2)s

Pts

The Entrance (B) Northern Lakes (G) Warnervale Umina/Woy Woy Wyong (Gold) Budgewoi Erina

15 13 11 11 10 10 7

Gosford Kariong

Terrigal Northern Lakes (B) The Entrance (G) Wyong (Green)

6 4 2 0

Pts

Gosford Kariong

Woy Woy Berkeley Vale Terrigal Ourimbah Kincumber Wyong St Edwards The Entrance

12 11 10 10 8 6 5 2

* The U12s ladder remains somewhat of a mystery. See page 5 for further detail.

U10(1)s Blue Haven The Entrance Kincumber Berkeley Vale Ourimbah Wyong Woy Woy Erina Terrigal Toukley Northern Lakes

16 14 14 12 11 7 6 5 4 4 1

Gosford Kariong

8 * *

Pts

* Result Pending

The Coaches -- A Meaty Montage of Masterly Mentors --

THE EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE

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‘Gosford Rugby League: the Eye of the Storm’ e-mag compiled, photographed, written & designed by Andrew Stark