Sport
Joey on trucks for Oz skateboard titles Bruised not broken Eve Jeffery
Gary Osbiston
All Joey Cormack can think about is skating – leaving school days behind, he is continuing his education by distance and spending time at the skate park, and it’s paying off. Joey has just won the Volcom Stone Wild In the Parks at the Norfolk Skatepark at Ormeau against Queensland’s best in the 15-and-under age group. Skating since he was 10 and competing for three years in an average of 12 competitions a year, Joey has several titles under his belt. Joey, who says his talent lies in street skating, wants to build a career out of what he loves to do, and hopes to turn pro and travel the world – he just wants to be able to skate every day.
The Brunswick Breakers had an away game to league leaders Lismore Workers. In the pre-game warm-up the coach told the team that this would be a very physical match, play as a team and look after each other. The Breakers were also missing central defender Erin, so the team was set up as a 3–4–3 system; the four mid-fielders had a big game ahead of them. Captain Julia led the team out on this sunny Sunday; Lismore won the toss and elected to kick off. The game started. The Bruns girls were switched on and soon won control of the striker. Izzy had the first shot of the game on target but the Lismore keeper saved. For the next 25 minutes the away side gave as much as they got; the tackles were hard but fair, both side having shots on goal. The Bruns keeper was again in fine form saving many a shot. In the last minute of the first half Lismore attacked, the ball was
Winner of the Queenland Skateboard Titles, Joey Cormack, is looking forward to bringing his tricks to the Australian Titles to be held in Sydney later in the year. Photo The Tree Faerie.
AFL 9s comes to the Bay in October Sydney Swans dual premiership player and AFL 9s ambassador Jude Bolton last week launched the AFL 9s Byron Bay Invitational, to be held at the Byron Regional Sport and Cultural Complex on October 11 and 12. AFL 9s teams from across the country will compete over two days for $16,000 worth of prize money in men’s, mixed and women’s tournaments. AFL 9s is a social version of Australian Football that requires less time commitment than traditional forms of the game, with an emphasis on fun and fitness. The game is touch only (no tackling) and is played with nine players per side on a smaller rectangular field.
‘AFL’s 9s is a social game and we wanted to create a tournament that highlights that,’ said Bolton. ‘Not only is Byron Bay one of the most beautiful places in Australia, it’s renowned for its laidback vibe, which makes it the perfect backdrop for the event.’ Bolton was joined at the launch by Byron Shire deputy mayor Cr Basil Cameron, who said the event would be a great addition to the Byron calendar. ‘It’s going to be of fantastic benefit to our shire with lots of visitors over the two days,’ said Cr Cameron. ‘It’s wonderful not only in terms of participation but in what it will bring to the community.’
National AFL 9s manager Andrew Hughes said that the event also aimed to highlight the game’s most skilled players. ‘We want to attract the best male, female and mixed teams from across Australia to participate,’ said Hughes. ‘It’s hoped this will become an annual event that will showcase highly skilled AFL 9s players hand-passing the ball with speed and precision and kicking miraculous goals.’ The tournament will feature 32 teams of 12 to 15 players (16 men’s, eight mixed and eight women’s). Registration cost is $60 per person with minimum of 12 players and a maximum of
Shiners lose lopsider to Ballina
15 players per team. Head to www.byron9s. com.au to find out more information or to register your interest.
Player Profile Roller Derby Zebra Name Certified Male Age 63 Height 167cm Position Outside Pack Referee, Inside Pack Referee, Jammer Referee (and sometimes official) Years in the sport 53 as a skater, 3 in Derby Favourite food Asian Favourite colour Blue Career Highlight It’s all good Motto You are only young once, but you can be childish forever
Zebra hunt
Jacob Johnston (see Player Profile page 36) did his bit to keep the pressure on in a lopsided game that favoured the Mullumbimby Moonshiners until Ballina pipped them at the post with that bit extra they needed to make the final score 9–10 their way. Photo Eve Jeffery
North Coast news daily: www.echonetdaily.net.au
kicked into the penalty area. The Breakers’ keeper ran out only to be flattened by an opposition player and landed flat on her back – surely a free kick to the keeper. The ball was tapped into the net by the girl who committed the foul; 1–0 to Lismore – the Breakers’ coach was not happy. The half time whistle blew; the players came off, keeper Zoe still feeling the effects of the foul. The second half began. Brunswick kicked off knowing they were still in the game. As the game rolled on Lismore started taking control but could not get past the defence. What a game those three girls were having! The Bruns girls counterattacked on numerous occasions but had no luck. In the last few minutes the home side attacked again and this time found a way through and scored 2–0. The final whistle was blown and the Brunswick girls were exhausted, bruised but not broken. The coach was so proud of them. Great effort, girls.
The Bay Rollers are on a Zebra hunt – known for their black and white stripes, skating roller derby officials run the show. The Rollers are looking for people to become part of their roller derby league as officials – both on skates and off. If you’re looking to be part of Australia’s fastest growing sport, come along on Friday June 27 to the Byron Sport and Cultural Complex to attend a scrimmage. For more information visit: hello@bayrollers.com or bayrollers.com.
Kids’ 3-Day Tennis Camp $30 per day or $80 for 3 days
with
Steve Gort
+ Mon 30 June + Tues 1 July + Wed 2 July 1st week of school holidays
Ages 5 & up
Wimbledon Day 2014 + Sun 29 June, 10AM Good old-fashioned tennis – come dressed in whites, bring old wooden racquets and have fun!
Prizes for best-dressed! Strawberries & cream, pink champagne, quiche & Pimm’s.
Mullum Tennis Club Call Steve 0412 731 814 / 6684 1526
The Byron Shire Echo June 24, 2014 37