15 minute read
Sport
THE 11-YEAR-OLD GOLFER SET TO BE STAR
Meet Camilla Kim. See pages 60-61.
Isabella Degei will be on court at the 2022 National Netball Championships.
Jayla Dicker is heading to Hobart in April.
Teens court success at Champs
NATHAN TAYLOR
Two local teenagers from the Penrith District Netball Association will descend on the Tasmanian capital city of Hobart in April for the biggest tournament of their young sporting careers.
Talented netballers Isabella Degei and Jayla Dicker will take to the court at the 2022 National Netball Championships after they were selected in the NSW U17 team.
The pair were among 12 players picked after a rigorous selection process, which brought the best of metro and regional talent together.
It’s been a huge year already for Isabella, who was recently named the 2021 Penrith Valley Sports Foundation Junior Sports Star of the Year, while Jayla has been a valuable member of several representative teams over the years for both the indoor and outdoor formats of the game.
Penrith District Netball Association’s Joy Gillett said she was immensely proud of the duo’s recent selection in the U17 State team.
“Penrith Netball is extremely proud of Isabella and Jayla, both Penrith juniors who excelled in Penrith representative teams as juniors. Competing in one of the few netball competitions completed last year, Senior State Titles, Penrith won the major division and were named 15 years Champions. Both athletes have an enormous talent but also work very hard to achieve their goals,” she told the Weekender.
“Jayla has been selected to play in the Panthers Premier League U23 team in 2022 and we look forward to seeing her on the court in that competition as well as the NSW team at the National Championships.
“Our congratulations to both – it is a wonderful achievement for Penrith Netball to have these players selected into State teams.”
Meanwhile, Netball NSW also selected a U17 Train-On Squad. The squad of 15 athletes will train each Sunday for the next 11 weeks with a focus of individual growth and maximising readiness to progress on the Netball NSW Pathway.
Penrith’s Katarina Sincek, who was chosen in the Train-On Squad, will have the opportunity to be part of the Metro Emerging team in a competition planned for later this year.
Battle of the West
Panthers, Eels to face-off in explosive pre-season trial
NATHAN TAYLOR
It’s been many months since Panthers fans have seen their Grand Final heroes play a game of footy in the flesh, but that all ends tomorrow evening when they face old foes Parramatta at BlueBet Stadium.
Both Penrith and Parramatta are poised to field close to full-strength sides this Saturday after running out largely inexperienced squads during the opening weekend of the pre-season trials.
Tomorrow night’s final trial match before the season kicks off on March 10 will also mark the first time both sides have met since their Semi Final clash in Queensland last year ended in highly controversial circumstances.
Speaking after Penrith’s strong 34-6 defeat of Cronulla last Sunday at CommBank Stadium, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said he’s excited to return to the club’s stomping ground, for what will be the final season at the current stadium.
“I love our community and I know they are all itching to come out and watch us play again. Hopefully we get a bit of a crowd there,” he said.
While premiership-winning halfback and co-captain Nathan Cleary will be unavailable for tomorrow’s Battle of the West due to off-season shoulder surgery, Penrith are set to field a side as close to full-strength as possible.
“We’ll play just about everyone who can play. We’ll see most of our guys that didn’t play today plus some of the guys that did play will definitely get a run next week, which is awesome,” he said.
New recruit and local junior Sean O’Sullivan is expected to take Cleary’s spot in the number seven jersey alongside Jarome Luai for the 5pm fixture.
O’Sullivan was strong in his Panthers debut last weekend, proving he’s more than ready to step into the Clive Churchill Medallist’s big boots when required.
“Yeah, I was very happy with him,” Cleary admitted.
“His performance didn’t surprise me because he’s trained like that since he’s got here. It’s exactly what we brought him here for. He controlled the game well, kicked OK – it looked like he had time – tackled well… it was a good start for him.”
Mavrik Geyer, quickly set to become a fan favourite, is also likely to play for Penrith at some stage tomorrow.
In their only trial game so far, Parramatta suffered a narrow 26-22 loss at the hands of St George Illawarra despite leading by 16-0 early in the first half. In some tough news, the Eels lost rising winger Haze Dunster to an horrific season-ending knee injury during the thrilling clash.
“So, we feel honoured to be in this position to support Penrith Panthers and the Prowl with a mission to help inspire more people in 2022 both on and off the field and beyond,” he said.
Operating out of the western grandstand at BlueBet Stadium, Panthers on the Prowl has had a significant impact on thousands of young people and their families through various educational and community programs.
Long-time Panthers on the Prowl General Manager, Brad Waugh, said the $100,000 donation and front of jersey sponsorship will raise much-needed awareness for the Prowl and fund vital youth programs and initiatives for the local community.
“The Prowl has been operating in the community for 20 years and we have touched the youth of the community in a very positive and tangible way over those last 20 years,” he said.
“You have no idea how much impact this donation has on our ability to plan, expand and strengthen our community programs.”
Mavrik Geyer. Photo: NRL Images.
OAK’S BIG DONATION
Story continued from »p.64
the western weekender » Friday, February 25, 2022
Remember the name: She’s only 11-years-old, but Camilla Kim is already
NATHAN TAYLOR
When one of the world’s top golf coaches delivers a statement that he has a superstar coming through the ranks, then you should probably take notice.
It’s a bold call to make, however Twin Creeks Golf and Country Club’s Ian Godleman has worked with many of the world’s top players, so he knows exactly what he is looking for. 11-year-old Camilla Kim has incredibly won over 20 tournaments in the last two years, including the 2021 Jack Newton Junior Golf (JNJG) 12 Years and Under State Age Championships at Penrith Golf Club in December and, earlier this month, stepped up an entire age group to win another JNJG event in Wagga Wagga over 36 holes.
Camilla, who is a member of Lynwood Golf Club but has been coached by Godleman for two years at Twin Creeks, first picked up a club at age six before entering her first tournament shortly after.
In the last three years her handicap has come down from 45 to 4 as she continues to improve under the guidance of the
Camilla Kim with her coach Ian Godleman at Twin Creeks Golf Club in Luddenham last week. Photo: Melinda Jane.
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the future
making a name for herself in golf
highly respected Englishman.
“My Dad plays golf and he once took me to the driving range and I thought it was amazing that I could even hit a ball,” she told the Weekender.
“I found playing golf fun and I eventually went onto playing tournaments. I kept doing well and winning, so I started entering more and more.
“I love playing golf and challenge myself to play better, always getting stronger through my game. I try to figure out my weaknesses through my round and then I work hard on them. My biggest strength is my putting and consistency of shots.”
Camilla’s putting and short game has improved out of sight under Godleman and he sees very few weaknesses in the supremely talented Year 6 student.
The Leonay resident has coached several Korean professional players on Tour, including 2012 US Open champion and multiple LPGA tournament winner Na Yeon Choi.
“Camilla is very different, something quite special,” Godleman told the Weekender.
“A consistent winner with a temperament that I have never seen in any junior, it belies her years.”
Camilla, who also enjoys drawing and playing the piano, has already set goals and targets in golf, and dreams of playing on the prestigious LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) Tour in the future.
She hopes to one day carve out a career just like her idol, Lydia Ko – whom Godleman once coached in a New Zealand squad.
“I really like Lydia Ko because of her short game and she is so calm and respected by other players,” Camilla said.
“My short-term goal is to be a scratch handicap by the end of the year and the long-term goal obviously is to play LPGA.”
Having coached hundreds of talented juniors all over the world, it is a goal Godleman says is well within Camilla’s reach in the future.
“I have watched Camilla in competitions and she thrives on the pressure. She is a winner and nothing phases her at all,” Godleman said.
“Camilla’s processes and coping mechanisms are already in place. Refreshingly she also plays with a huge smile on her face, something I see in very few juniors.
“You can see she really loves what she does, these are rare qualities that will no doubt take her as far as she wants to go.” 11-year-old Camilla Kim is a golf star of the future. Photo: Melinda Jane.
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Opportunity knocks
Teenage football sensation signs deal with Western Sydney Wanderers
NATHAN TAYLOR
Hard work and persistence has well and truly paid off for a local teenage football star after she was given some life-changing news earlier this month.
Following years of dedication to her sport, 15-year-old Ella Abdul Massih was recently picked up by the Western Sydney Wanderers for the remainder of the A-League Women’s season.
The St Clair local has been rising through the ranks of the National Premier League Women’s competition with Southern Districts and has frequented junior National Team squad lists over the last five years.
The young gun has spent the last season and-a-half as a train-on member with the Wanderers’ A-League Women’s side and has now been promoted and signed, following a long-term injury to defender Clare Hunt who was ruled out for the season with a shoulder injury.
Hunt played an instrumental role in the Wanderers’ backline this season, earning plaudits for her performances in the heart of defence.
Abdul Massih, who represented her state and country in Futsal as a primary school student, said she was eager to repay the faith for the opportunity to sign with the Wanderers.
“I used to go out and support the Wanderers, back when they had Caitlin Cooper playing – and she’s still here, which is amazing to look back on and see pictures with her from 2015,” she said.
“I just want to say a big thank you to Catherine (head coach Catherine Cannuli) and Serg (Sergio Malfara) for their faith in me that I can step up to this.”
She said she was determined to play good football with the club as the rest of the season unfolds.
“I hope I can prove to them that I deserve to be here,” she said.
“The girls have been absolutely amazing. There’s not another squad I’d want to make a debut or be part of, so I’m grateful for that.”
Since Abdul Massih made her A-League Women’s debut on February 12, she’s featured in three matches so far – two heavy losses and a thrilling draw to Newcastle last weekend.
Abdul Massih is expected to take to the pitch again this Sunday afternoon when the second last-placed Wanderers face last-placed Wellington at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta from 4pm.
A loss for either side will likely determine who takes home the dreaded wooden spoon at the conclusion of the final round of the competition.
Regardless of how the season ends, the opportunity has set Abdul Massih up for a strong career in the years to come.
St Clair’s Ella Abdul Massih in action for the Wanderers recently.
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Around The Grounds
CRICKET: Penrith have been blown away in the Final of the Poidevin-Gray Shield last Sunday at Glenn McGrath Oval. Taking on Sutherland in a OneDay match, the home side won the toss and elected to bat first. Sutherland got off to a shaky start before their middle order picked up the slack to post a strong 9/214 after 50 overs. When Penrith hit the crease, they started fairly well before one of the great collapses of the season commenced as soon as skipper Henry Railz was dismissed for 29. Penrith’s remaining seven batsmen scored just 16 runs between them before ultimately being dismissed for a paltry 98 runs. Despite finishing runners-up, it was still an incredible season for Penrith who unearthed several players of the future this season, putting their Grade sides in good stead for years to come.
CRICKET: Penrith’s losing streak has gained yet another ‘L’, hammered by Manly Warringah in Round 14 of the Belvidere Cup. Playing in a One-Day match at Howell Oval, Penrith won the toss and sent Manly Warringah into bat first. The visitors enjoyed a good morning at the crease, notching up 232 runs after 45 overs. Ryan Fletcher was a beast with the ball taking 4/37 for the home side. When Penrith hit the crease later that day, they started incredibly well off the back of Nick Adams’ 69 before falling away when the middle order went to bat. Penrith will once again return to Howell Oval this Saturday morning when they face Sydney University at 10am. They will be hoping to avoid their fifth straight defeat.
CRICKET: Round 14 of the Nepean District Cricket Association (NDCA) is in the books, with Panthers Cricket Club enjoying a mixed weekend of results. In first grade, Panthers won the Minor Premiership after defeating Glenmore Park by three runs. In fifth grade, Panthers failed to make the semi finals after going down to St Clair United. In seventh grade, Panthers 2/96 defeated Penrith RSL 10/94 to secure their place in the Finals, which kick-off this Saturday.
BASEBALL: Greater Western has had a draw and a loss in the latest round of the NSW State Baseball League first grade competition. In their February 16 clash, Greater Western drew with the Canterbury Vikings 9-9, but in their follow-up clash last Sunday they were destroyed 18-5. Greater Western will take on Blacktown Workers in the next round.
RUGBY LEAGUE: Round 3 of the NSWRL Junior Representative season took place last weekend with excellent results for Penrith’s SG Ball and Harold Matthews teams. In the SG Ball competition, Penrith smashed Canberra 44-18. In the Harold Matthews competition, the Panthers scraped home against the Raiders 22-18. Both teams will take on the Illawarra Steelers this Saturday in Wollongong. Meanwhile in Round 3 of the Tarsha Gale Cup, Penrith went down 24-8 at the hand of the Steelers.
