The Eye of the Storm Magazine - Vol 7 (May 2015)

the

In the of the

EYE Eye of the

Vol 7: May 2015

Bumper 52 Page Edition

the

JOHN CARLAW

story

All the Action from

Carrington Street

A PDF-MAG for Gosford Kariong Storm Footy Fans

Photo courtesy of the Gosford City Library & the Les Allen Collection

Up, Up & Away

BLASTS OFF! Season 2015

Contents Vol 7: May 2015

29

Page 5

- Editorial

6

- Under 15s

10

- Under 14s

14 - In The Press

21

6

15 - Under 6,7,8 & 9s 21 – John Carlaw: Gosford Junior 29 – Under 13s 33 – Buy a Photo 34 – Under 12s 38 – Under 11s

34 10

42 – In the Press 43 – Under 10(1)s 47 – Under 10(2)s 51 – Competition Tables 52 – The Back Page

15

47

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The Eye has really gone to town in this

of high excitement, before turning just a little soggy underfoot. Early results have ranged from the blisteringly well taken victory, right through to the odd hefty defeat or two. And yet to those teams who have tasted a little of the latter, take heart, for EXISTENTIALISM 101 a recent perusal of the Sun Herald has revealed that the final score line can often have very little to do with determining a games ultimate winners.

edition with an eight page profile piece on brilliant, former Gosford junior, John Carlaw (beginning on page 19). John is an important figure in our clubs proud history and during the divisions anniversary celebrations of 2012, he was deservedly selected in the CCDJRL’s greatest team of the past fifty years (alongside another of our favourite sons, Matt Orford). A big ‘thank you’ goes out to John’s father, Barry Carlaw for all his assistance in helping The Eye put this piece together. Barry was himself a fine sportsman in our district. A medium pace, swing bowler for the Gosford Cricket Club, Barry humbly describes himself as, “just a plodder who enjoyed a team sport” however a club record 530 wickets and over 3000 runs suggests otherwise. He is also a hell of a snooker player and played for the Australian title back in 1983.

Sun Herald 19-4-2015

Season 2015 kicked off amidst a purplish blur

Congratulations to former GKS players John Connolly (U14s)(pictured) and Ryan Bender (U15s) on selection in their respective Central Coast rep’ squads that competed recently in the Country Championships at Port Macquarie.

Also, well done to Gosford junior and current Terrigal first grader Bladen Baird, on his selection in the Central Coast Divisional team to compete in this years Country Championships.

During the U13(2)s opening round victory over Erina, Nick Rodrigues had just scored his third try; a 70 metre effort directly from the 2nd half kick off. And as the conversion was being lined up, an impassioned plea was overheard wafting from the Eagles huddle, “… and stop kicking it to him!” him!”

- Andrew 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.

Under UnderFifteens Fifteens U17(2)s

Recent Results Rd 1 … 0 - 54 vs. Erina Rd 2 … bye Rd 3 … 0 - 22 vs. Berkeley Vale Rd 4… 12 – 14 vs. Northern Lakes

UNDER FIFTEEN (1)s

UNDER FIFTEEN (1)s

UNDER FIFTEEN (1)s

Under Fourteens

Recent Results Rd 1 … 0 - 50 vs. Woy Woy Rd 2 … washed out Rd 3 … 28 - 6 vs. Wyong (Gold) Rd 4 … 0 - 50 vs. Erina

UNDER FOURTEEN (1)s

UNDER FOURTEEN (1)s

UNDER FOURTEEN (1)s

In The Press …

Junior Rugby League Kicks Off

by Andrew Stark Coast Community News 22nd April, 2015 The opening round of the 2015 Central Coast junior rugby league seasoned produced mixed results for the Gosford Kariong Storm club.

The Shaun Martin coached U13(2)s were most impressive in over running Erina 32-0 at the St Edwards College main oval having led by an even dozen at the break. The opening three tries of the game were scored by halfback Nick Rodrigues who took full advantage of the better than solid platform laid up front by the powerful Gosford pack. Prop forward Sione Vaunuku proved almost unstoppable at times and was rewarded late in the game with a barnstorming try on the left edge.

Wins also came the way of the Storm’s U12(3)s and U9(1)s; the latter having scored a hard fought 20-12 victory over the Raiders at Blue Haven.

Playing one boy short, the U11(2)s conceded three early tries in their game against an impressive Terrigal outfit however once numerical parity was achieved, the young Stormers began to hold their own. Team playmaker Ryan Bird and tear away forward Dylan Gale both went tantalizingly close to scoring tries in the shadow of half time and it was only desperate Sharks defence that denied a Gosford resurgence. Terrigal added a further try during the second period to round out the scoring at 24-0 in a game that was far closer than the scoreboard may have suggested.

The club’s U14(1) and U15(1)s teams, who both earned promotion to Division One this year after impressive efforts throughout 2014, suffered hefty losses in challenging match ups with Woy Woy and Erina respectively.

The step up to playing against the very best players in the age group is steep, and it may take both these sides a few rounds to adjust to the pace and physical challenge of competing against Division One teams.

Gosford Kariong will welcome a run of home games through the first three Saturday’s of May, which follow on from the ANZAC Day bye. It will be standing room only at the Carrington Street Oval in Narara, primarily because there are no seats, but also because the fixtures should all be well attended; given that the football on display promises to be keenly contested, the long term weather forecast suggests three sparkling autumnal days and the club canteen will be cooking up its usual culinary Storm.

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.

SIXES, SEVENS, EIGHTS & NINES …

NON Comp’ Teams

SIXES, SEVENS, EIGHTS & NINES …

SIXES, SEVENS, EIGHTS & NINES …

SIXES, SEVENS, EIGHTS & NINES …

John Carlaw John Carlaw stands tall

Gosford junior

by Andrew Stark

John Carlaw is what Hollywood script writers would label, “a natural”.

With his blistering speed and rangy physique the former Gosford Public School captain excelled in near every sport he touched.

He was the leading goal scorer for Terrigal, and then Wyoming soccer teams as a pre teen; has always been a very handy cricketer and was adjudged the PSSA Brisbane Water boys athletics champion for 1985.

John Carlaw in action for the Melbourne Storm during 1998

amongst a crop of richly talented footballers that have emerged from the Gosford Juniors through out the modern era.

The Eye of the Storm traces the football career of this former NRL flyer; paying tribute to a genuine club legend.

As a boy John supported the Parramatta Eels, coinciding the western Sydney club’s golden era. And having watched the likes of Sterling, Kenny, Ella and co, weave their magic on the TV each Sunday evening; he one day voiced a desire to give the game a go.

John’s father Barry played cricket for Gosford alongside Don Burgin, who just so happened to also be a Townies junior league official and life member of the club.

“Don had always asked me if John wanted to play as he knew of his speed, as well as his cricket and sporting ability. I approached Don about John playing the next season, to which he replied, ‘get him to play now’. So John not only played soccer on a Saturday, but league as well.”

- Barry Carlaw (John’s father)

The year was 1985, and ten year old John Carlaw would pull on a Gosford jersey for the very first time; playing the final five games of the season as the Townie U10s scraped into the semi finals. John became an immediate asset to the side and Gosford roared into the Grand Final, only to be trumped by the unbeaten Ourimbah team, falling 15-3 to a Magpies outfit that included the future Test fullback, Robbie Ross.

the JOHN CARLAW story

by Andrew Stark

The Gosford Townies Under 11 team of 1986.

John Carlaw stands third from right in the back row. The team was coached by Brian Kent (red sweater) who was the father of the current News Limited journalist and former Gosford junior himself, Paul Kent.

Whilst the Townies had been edged out in the season’s decider of 1985, the flaxen haired flier from Algwen Road, North Gosford gained some consolation when he ended his soccer playing days in grand style. John’s Wyoming Tiger U10As defeated the red hot favorites from The Entrance in a game that needed two periods of extra time before a winner could be found.

“Then with only two minutes remaining, John Carlaw scored for Wyoming to pull off the biggest upset of the day .”

- Kevin Best & Alistair Kennedy. Tiger Tales: the history of the Wyoming Soccer Club.

The Gosford Juniors counted Maiden’s Brush Oval, Wyoming as their home ground during this period and anyone strolling through the park on a lazy Saturday morning in the winter of 1986 would more than likely have witnessed a young centre threequarter sprinting away to score yet another long distance try. The local paper shouted, “League Record in Danger”, noting that John Carlaw from the Gosford U11s had scored 41 of his teams 44 points during the opening two rounds of the season.

John would continue to plant the ball across the stripe at a tremendous rate throughout the year; finishing as the CCDJRLs highest point scorer; bagging 36 tries and kicking 5 goals for an imposing total of 186 points for the season.

“John played a full season. of league under Brian Kent (Paul’s father) and to my recollection scored 63 tries for the season (I have them on DVD) ” - Barry Carlaw (John’s father)

Whilst Robbie Ross and John Carlaw were turning heads with their performances for Ourimbah and Gosford respectively, a third future NRL player, Grant McWhirter was lifting the Woy Woy U12s into the 1987 frame.

An intriguing finals series saw Gosford once again fall to Ourimbah in the major semi final losing 7-0 after a keen battle. The following week provided a nasty shock as the Townies bowed out of the race; beaten 19-7 by McWhirter’s Roosters with John scoring the lone Gosford try. The subsequent grand final would see Woy Woy continue their run as they upset the two time premiers Ourimbah 14-7.

Away from the football paddock, 1987 was noteworthy as John Carlaw’s first year of secondary school as he lined up for the Year 7 roll call at Gosford High alongside most of his Townies teammates and a pint sized Robbie Ross.

John Carlaw’s athletic prowess may well have arrived genetically, via his great, great uncle, Sam Sinclair (left). Hailing from Bermagui on the NSW South Coast, Sinclair was a legendary figure during the first half of the previous century having excelled at wrestling, boxing, rowing, swimming, running, football, and deep sea fishing. He was a Boer War veteran, a local JP and a renowned strongman. The Bermagui blacksmith mentored one of his employees, Don Athaldo in the art of strength training; Athaldo subsequently being hailed as the world’s strongest man for the decade that fell between the Great Depression and the Second World War.

by Andrew Stark

John’s amazing try scoring record continued into 1987 as the Gosford U12s remained one of the sides to beat in their age division. The athletic centre notched 115 points in the opening nine rounds and was rewarded with selection, alongside Townies teammate Ashley Shoobridge, in the Central Coast rep team.

the JOHN CARLAW story

Gosford would again play Ourimbah in the season’s decider and despite John crossing for a try, and his good mate Ash Shoobridge having kicked two goals, the Townies were no match for the Pies, going down 31-7; Robbie Ross scoring two tries for the winners. John capped his first full season of rugby league by being awarded the Gosford Club’s Junior Player of the Year. He was also selected in the Sydney North PSSA rugby league rep team that competed in the primary school state championships of 1986.

“A truly exceptionally talented and outstanding sportsman … He is an awesome opponent on the field. His deceptive running and speed and solid defence have contributed to the schools First Grade success.”

- The Gosford High School Yearbook of 1992 describes John Carlaw; the schoolboy footballer

In his last year of High School, John earned the rare distinction of being awarded an Honour Blue, which was reserved for students who had excelled in three, separate sports. John Carlaw had already played First Grade cricket for Gosford at the age of 15 and despite being selected primarily as a bowler had shocked onlookers by clobbering an audacious late order century. Cricket, athletics and rugby league were the three sports in which young Carlaw excelled however the incessant requests of his former Townies coach and newly appointed Ourimbah U18s coach Brian Kent, to come and have a game of footy, would ultimately set the Gosford junior on a course to the big league.

Ourimbah would win the 1993, U18s competition, scoring a thrilling extra time win in the grand final against Terrigal. John played in the centres alongside his longtime friend Ash Shoobridge and the Magpie line up that year also featured former Townies; Jason ‘Aussie’ Fairleigh and current Telegraph sports journalist, Nick Walshaw.

Right: Documentation laying out John Carlaw’s amazing list of sporting achievements attained whilst attending Gosford High School (1987-1992).

John became only the fourth student in the school’s history to achieve an Honour Blue, following on from; Robert Gallagher (1967), Tony Callaghan (1971) & Kay Rowland (1986)

by Andrew Stark

Back on his feet, John would intermittently play for the Townies between 1989 and 1991 however the injury had seemingly dulled the speedsters confidence and desire for the game; a spark that would not fully return until he stepped out for the Ourimbah U18s during 1993.

the JOHN CARLAW story

1988 was trumpeted long and loudly as the commemoration of our nation’s bicentenary, however this bright and bubbly calendar year would serve John from North Gosford no luck at all; the 13 year old cannoning off his skateboard and badly breaking his leg with a spiral fracture above the knee. A long, slow recovery ensued as the femur knitted itself back together before the considerable muscle wastage that occurs when a limb is in traction for a number of months was countered by a rigorous physiotherapy regime.

the JOHN CARLAW story

by Andrew Stark

Above : John Carlaw on the fly for the premiership winning Ourimbah U18s of 1993.

The following year he was playing in the Magpies First Grade side.

Below: Gosford Townies U15s of 1990; John’s in the front row, second from the left.

- Neil Cadigan (Big League Magazine, 1998)

John would earn a spot on the wing in the Newcastle Knights Presidents Cup team (U 21s) in 1995 and by season’s end was doing a lap of honour with the club’s first ever premiership winning team, the Reserve Grade. In the final series, the Gosford junior scored five tries, including one in the grand final. An amazing try in the preliminary final against the Gold Coast saw John drift across field, beat eight defenders before spearing over the try line.

by Andrew Stark

“He was among a hundred would be trialists on the Knights hopeful list when Robbie Ross … then working in the Knights development office, noticed Carlaw’s name. He recalled how they were rivals in the Central Coast competition and that Carlaw was one of the quickest, most athletic players he had seen.”

the JOHN CARLAW story

The following season saw John play First Grade for Ourimbah whilst also gaining selection in the NSW Country U19s side. The Magpies team of 1994 was flush full of Gosford lads; Townies products Paul Kent, Michael Want, Jason Fairleigh, Paul Crawley and John Carlaw to name but a few. Despite the Neville Elwin coached side missing the semi finals, John managed to recapture the try scoring excesses of his childhood by notching four touchdowns against Northern Lakes in April before racing over for a further hat-trick late in the season.

A crippling ACL knee injury ended his 1996 season after he’d played a starring role in the Newcastle World Sevens triumph as the Super League War began to mobilize menacingly on the horizon.

John Carlaw’s tremendous footballing ability and formidable achievements are etched into the folklore of our great club.

He is “the natural” from North Gosford who ran the length; rising all the way to the top of the rugby league game.

Right: John Carlaw tackles a Sydney Rooster whilst playing for the Newcastle Knights Presidents Cup side during early 1995. By season’s end he would be a proud member of the club’s premiership winning Reserve Grade side (inset).

Photo – Andrew Stark

Fighting back courageously from a second major leg injury, John Carlaw would forge an impressive top grade career. He played for the Hunter Mariners, Melbourne, Balmain, Wests Tigers, NZ Warriors and St George Illawarra during eight seasons, whilst racking up 151 appearances. John retired at the relatively young age of 29 despite having offers on the table from the Dragons and English Super League clubs for 2005. A Deakin University gradate with an accounting background, John currently works in Sydney for the pool & spa firm, Zodiac.

The highlight was the try he scored in the Final against Cronulla to propel the Warriors into the Grand Final, John picked up a cross field kick from Stacy Jones and put it down to win the match.

John was injured early in the Grand Final but played on with a sternum injury that impeded him.”

- Barry Carlaw (John’s Dad) The Warriors exciting run of 2002 ultimately came to an end when they were beaten 30-8 by the Roosters in the Grand Final.

Above: John Carlaw celebrates the try that put the NZ Warriors into the 2002 Grand Final.

Right: John represented the NSW Country U19s during 1994.

by Andrew Stark

Photo – Daniel Berehulak (Getty Images)

“John joined the NZ Warriors in 2002 and was to make his mark that season with some good tries and defence under coach Daniel Anderson.

the JOHN CARLAW story

HIGHLIGHTS

John Carlaw’s NRL Career 1997: Hunter Mariners (13 games) 1998: Melbourne Storm (24 games) 1999: Balmain Tigers (23 games) 2000-2001: Wests Tigers (41 games) 2002-2003: NZ Warriors (35 games) 2004: St George Illawarra (15 games) ------------------------

“John Carlaw joined the select band of men who have played for six clubs when he made his Dragons debut against the Roosters on ANZAC Day” -Tony Adams (Rugby League Week, May 2004) ----------------------------

Above: John and his Townies teammate Ashley Shoobridge show off their U12s Central Coast representative gear during 1987.

The above quote should possibly read seven clubs as John’s father, Barry points out that his son also played off the bench for the Newcastle Knights during the final round of the 1995 season.

Below: John Carlaw the cricketer Inset: John & his father Barry get amongst the runs for Gosford.

the JOHN CARLAW story

by Andrew Stark

John Carlaw played a total of 151 First Grade games; scoring 48 tries, spanning 8 seasons

A big thank you to Barry Carlaw and Judith Heinrich (Gosford High), for their help in relaying the facts.

Under THIRTEENS

Recent Results Rd 1 … 32 - 0 vs. Erina Rd 2 … washed out Rd 3 … 10 - 32 vs. Ourimbah Rd 4 … 10 - 14 vs. The Entrance

UNDER THIRTEENS (2)s

UNDER THIRTEENS (2)s

UNDER THIRTEENS (2)s

How Do We Get A Photo For Uncle Hugo & Aunty Beryl ???

Whilst my motivation for putting this collection together is in no way financial, I do realize there will be an occasional request for images. And I guess it would be good to recoup my bus fares to and from the myriad of footy ovals scattered across the CCDRL region.

So to keep both Red Bus and Busways happy, all the photo’s appearing in the “Eye of the Storm” PDF MAG are available for purchase, in high resolution JPEG form for just $10 (via Paypal, cheque or money order) or $5 if you see me in person.

Simply email me (Andrew) at 10dollarjpegs@gmx.com and let me know which image your after …

Use the above e mail address to also complete Paypal payments, or mail cheques or money orders to …

PO Box 4323, East Gosford, 2250 (made out to ‘Andrew Stark’) Include your email address and I’ll email out your requested image in all it’s high res, purple, blue, white and yellow magnificence.

… or come and slip me a purple fiver on game day … I’ll be the bleary eyed, disheveled looking bloke with the dodgy haircut … oh yeah, and the big camera !

Please Note: The minimum transaction allowable by Paypal is $10

Under UnderTWELVES TWELVES

Recent Results Rd 1 … 28 - 4 vs. Ourimbah Rd 2 … washed out Rd 3 … 28 – 20 vs. Terrigal Rd 4 … bye

UNDER TWELVE (3)s

UNDER TWELVE (3)s

UNDER TWELVE (3)s

Under UnderElevens Elevens

Recent Results Rd 1 … 0 - 24 vs. Terrigal Rd 2 … washed out Rd3 … 26 - 28 vs. Wyong (Green) Rd4 … 22 – 20 vs. Erina

UNDER ELEVEN (2)s

UNDER ELEVEN (2)s

UNDER ELEVEN (2)s

In The Press ‌ Gosford Win Grand Final Rematch in Fine Style

by Andrew Stark.

Coast Community News 20th May, 2015 The soggy start to this season's Central Coast junior rugby league competition's couldn't dampen the spirits of the Gosford Kariong Under 14(1)s during round 3 action at Narara. The Storm took to their grand final rematch against the Wyong Roos with tremendous vigour; running out comfortable, 28-6 winners to record their first win of the new season. Following a scoreless opening quarter hour, the game was suddenly tilted the Storm's way when powerful forwards Suli Hakalo and Jake Grimley took turns in charging through the meat of the Wyong defence to career away for long distance tries.

The Gosford Kariong U10(1)s maintained their winning start to the season with an impressive 18-12 victory over Northern Lakes.

Tries to Jackson Pennell and Zac Campbell had the home team leading Northern Lakes by an even dozen at the break, before the teams traded tries early in the second half. Seven days later, Robbie Campbell's team made it three wins from as many starts when they overran Woy Woy 38-14 in rousing style.

The most exciting contest of the third round was provided by the U11(2)s as Gosford and Wyong wowed an appreciative Carrington Street crowd; turning on an early morning thriller that had the result remaining in doubt until the final moments. The lead changed no fewer than eight times during the game before a late Wyong try snatched the Roos a 28-26 victory. The following week, lady luck made amends as the boys managed to squeak home 22-20 in an equally even handed contest against Erina.

In other Gosford Kariong, round 3 & 4 results; the U12(3)s remain undefeated following a 28-20 victory at Terrigal.

A spirited showing from the U15(1)s resulted in an agonizingly close 14-12 loss to Northern Lakes. Gosford trailed 8-0 at the break and stormed back into contention via second half tries to Toutai Aho and Noah Brown. The Gosford team were again hot on the attack when the final bell rang out.

The U14(1)s followed their morale boosting win over Wyong with a heavy loss. Gosford ran into a white hot Erina side in round 4; a game in which the scoreboard read 20-0 in favour of the Eagles before the Storm had even been afforded the opportunity to touch the ball.

The U13(2)s were well below their best against Ourimbah, with the Magpies prevailing 32-10 in the local derby. And then a try to The Entrance with less than a minute remaining on the clock denied the Gosford boys during the follow up round; the Tigers snatching a dramatic 14-10 win in drizzly conditions.

Whilst the U10(2)s battled hard before falling 54-4 to an impressive Umina Bunnies side in the opening game of round 3, before going down 34-12 to the Warriors a week later.

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.

Under Tens

(Div 1)

Recent Results Rd 1 … 28 - 16 vs. Berkeley Vale Rd 2 … washed out Rd 3 … 18 - 12 vs. Northern Lakes Rd 4 … 38 - 14 vs. Woy Woy

UNDER TEN (1)s

UNDER TEN (1)s

UNDER TEN (1)s

Under UnderTens Tens(Div(Div 2) 2)

Recent Results Rd 1 … 0 - 36 vs. The Entrance Rd 2 … washed out Rd3 … 4 – 54 vs. Umina Rd4… 12 - 32 vs. Northern Lakes

UNDER TEN (2)s

UNDER TEN (2)s

UNDER TEN (2)s

as o

2015 COMPETITION LADDERS U15(1)s

Pts

Erina (Blue) Wyong Northern Lakes The Entrance (Gold) Woy Woy Berkeley Vale Erina (Red) Terrigal

6 6 4 4 2 2 2 2

Gosford Kariong

0

U14(1)s

fM ay 2 0th

Pts

U13(2)s

Pts

Wyong (Green) Woy Woy Kincumber Erina * Terrigal *

6 4 3 2 2

Ourimbah Berkeley Vale Blue Haven The Entrance

6 6 4 4

Gosford Kariong

2

Gosford Kariong

2

Ourimbah ** Wyong (Gold)

1 0

Kincumber Terrigal Erina

2 0 0

* game in hand ** two games in hand

U12(3)s

Pts

Erina

6

Gosford Kariong

6

Blue Haven The Entrance Budgewoi Terrigal Ourimbah

4 4 4 0 0

U10(2)s

Pts

The Entrance Umina Northern Lakes Budgewoi Toukley Erina Terrigal Kincumber Wyong

6 4 4 4 4 4 2 2 0

Gosford Kariong

0

U11(2)s

Pts

Kincumber Wyong (Green) Terrigal St Edwards Erina Northern Lakes

6 6 6 4 2 2

Gosford Kariong

2

Blue Haven Wyong (Gold)

2 0

U10(1)s

Pts

Gosford Kariong

6

Wyong Kincumber Terrigal Northern Lakes Erina Ourimbah The Entrance Berkeley Vale Woy Woy

6 5 4 4 3 2 0 0 0

the Back Page

Photo’s courtesy of Michael Bell and the GKS Facebook page.

The Central Coast was subjected to wild, cyclonic conditions during the week leading up to ANZAC Day and as can be seen from Michael Bell’s graphic images; the Narara Lakes District was born. Things only went from bad to catastrophic a week later however when it rained yet again and word quickly filtered through the town … “the footy’s off !”

‘Eye of the Storm’ – Vol 7, May, 2015 PDF-MAG compiled, photographed, written & designed by Andrew Stark © 2015 Contact - 10dollarjpegs@gmx.com