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Welcome to Edition #22 Last weeks round of cricket had Firsts pitted against Centrals in a do or die affair and the match lived up to the billing. After winning the toss the warriors struggled and at 6 for 36 did not look in a great position. Enter Jacko Coote, his 50 not out was a life saver and helped the warriors get to 111.

Not the greatest of efforts but certainly not out of the hunt. Centrals with still about 40 overs left in the day came out and steadily chipped away at the score but the spirit of the Warriors kept plugging away with Coote (3-19) and Rogan (2-21) doing some damage along the way, with a late wicket at the end from Roundy (1-18), Centrals finished the day 6-105. Lots of work still to do by the warriors but with past experience of outright performances, the boys won’t be giving up and will never die wondering.

Twos had a solid win over Centrals. Stedo even managed to score a few runs against his nemesis team, taking his average against them to around 1.5. The lads put on 170 odd thanks to Troy O’Keeffee finally getting a few backed up by Shaun Churchill. The bowlers were too good. So good in fact that they were sacked and Shaun ‘KoD’ Kirby was given the ball… he proceeded to get six but I’m sure you all know this already as his Rutledgelike ability to share shone bright after the match.

Unlike his ability to share a tip about his dog’s chances of winning a race – for those of you he didn’t tell, the dog paid $6.50, therefore Kirbs owes you money.

Thirds were looking at keeping their winning form alive and unfortunately a close fought battle with

I imagine this is what coming off a nasty sugar habit feels like.

Sweaty palms. Jittery nerves. Severe irritability. Just a general funk that gets directed at anyone who comes near me toward the end of February each and every year. That it seems unseasonable hot probably doesn’t help, makes it tough to sleep and the problem is, sleep is THE solution.

At the time of writing there were just two more of them to go. Sleep, wake, work repeat.

Two more of those and its Friday. Then it goes wake, eat, work… Super Rugby!

18 teams will partake this year, including teams from Japan, a great inclusion into the Super Rugby ranks. ...THE AUSTRALIAN The Australian campaign gets underway on Friday CAMPAIGN GETS night with the Brumbies UNDERWAY ON taking on the Hurricanes FRIDAY NIGHT .... whilst on Saturday night with the Waratahs taking on the Reds followed by the Force and the Rebels.

Long have I waited for my fix. The local comp was a good start, seeing my beloved Emus crowned premiers in a local derby no less - and then the World Cup success of the Wallabies further whetting my appetite for more Rugby.

To top it off, my little bloke asked if he could play Rugby this year! I’m not one to push my kids into sport; if they discover it and want in, I’ll encourage, but I must say I was NOT disappointed when he asked. Friday nights will be spent at my favourite winter venue! Sweet choice son, one I approve of wholeheartedly.

This year’s off-season seems to have taken longer than usual. I don’t know if it’s because I went cold turkey after the World Cup, removing myself from the Rugby world all together, or it’s because of the supporter success I suffered through?

Either way two more sleeps.

Tahs saw them fall 5 runs short of the 140 mark set by the opposition. In the bowling Ryan ‘Witchetty’ Sinclair got himself on the park with 2 wickets but it was Mick Evans with 4 and JCorby with 3 that took the spoils for the day. In the batting, Evans again with 28 and Hazard with 21 did some damage early but wickets kept falling and a valiant effort from Senior DeSilva with 19 just wasn’t enough to get the boys over the line.

Centenary Cup kept their winning ways intact with a strong win over the Choppers of Rocks. Bowling first, the Warriors kept CYMS down to 134 thanks mainly to a superb 5-6 off 6.1 overs from the ageless Pete Shea “dawg”, support well by several other bowlers grabbing a scalp or two. Going into bat, the Cuppers didn’t really look in trouble with Louie Shea opening the inning with 29. Tim Dowler compiled 36 not out holding the middle of the inning together with Harry Garlick Prawns chipping in with 35. A great 4 wicket victory with the boys building some great momentum into the finals.

Barry Tate Memorial Golf Day Jackson Coote had set a task that he would get the Barry Tate Golf Day up and running after a long absence from the Warriors cricketing calendar.

He completed this task with effortless class and with due respect to Barry’s honour. The weather was superb for the 50 or so contestants keen on getting their putters out and having a great day.

With beers and bangers to get the crew in the spirit, there were some lusty blows off the first tee, some hacks and the odd graceful dribble down the middle. By the end of the round, the faces of

UGLY

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How good was it to have NRL teams here in OTown again last week after many years?

Orange has for some time now, fallen behind Bathurst, Dubbo and Mudgee when it comes to hosting the big games but last Saturday night over 7500 of you showed why more sides should come back!

The two sides were great; visiting schools, engaging the general public and not refusing any reasonable request for anything. I was lucky enough to watch three Knights players engage with the kids from year 6 at Catherine McAuley.

They were comfortable and relaxed and most impressively, personalised the process so the kids had something to compare it to. Some gear was handed out, the kids lined up for autographs, and no doubt all went home happy.

Of course the Raiders were in town to and from all reports were just as affable and approachable as the Knights. When invited out onto the Wade Park surface at the conclusion of the Saturday night’s game; it seemed as though every child in town had run out there.

My two came home with a tonne of Newcastle stuff, covered in autographs – both the merchandise AND the children – and they both agreed that the Knights would be the team they cheer for… unless they are playing the Roosters!

Good kids.

You’ll all know that I have long supported the idea of the dedicated rectangular sporting ground and last week’s game showed why. Wade Park was good, don’t get me wrong (great job as always Bruce) but as the saying goes, ‘build it and they will come’. Yes, I am aware that there are other things to spend ratepayers’ money on, but aren’t there always? Roads are important – but we’ll survive. Parking in the CBD can be troublesome but perhaps we can learn to walk a few blocks to get to the café… just a thought. We could have made-do without a museum too – but why? Everything costs money and eventually, one day in the future, we’ll all be pleased enough with what gets achieved.

One day at a time I suppose.

Wade Park will suffice, absolutely, and last week was a good example of how, but for me, the sooner we have a state-of-theart dedicated facility, the sooner we (our elected Councillors) can get on with the job of attracting the bigger sports back for repeat visits.

Congrats to all who volunteered on the day to make the event the success it was.

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GOOD

SPORT

The injuries sustained by Central Coast Mariners defender Storm Roux during the game against Melbourne City were ugly.

Horrible even. And clearly painful. Word of warning – if you’re going to watch it, it’s quite gruesome.

The poor bugger seems to have paid the ultimate price for years of Soccer players feigning injuries; it was as though karma herself decided she’d had enough and wanted to balance ... WORD OF WARNING the scales. No more would – IF YOU’RE GOING she allow the mockery to TO WATCH IT, IT’S continue and Roux suffered QUITE GRUESOME.... for all.

All you who seemingly slip on fresh air and then writhe around in pain as though you’ve been shot, bow your heads collectively in shame for it is your fault karma has played this hand.

Count yourselves lucky that she only took it out on one of you and at least have the decency to send Roux a thankyou card for taking one for the team.

The injuries Roux suffered happened off the ball, meters away from another player from either side and seemed almost innocuous; the result however, was not.

Roux suffered a broken leg, severely damaged his ankle and managed to dislocate his shoulder. A steam roller would cause less damage.

Just watching Roux writhe in pain was distressing and the prognosis worsened for him after arriving at hospital.

Not only had he broken his leg and damaged ligaments in his right ankle but he’d dislocated his shoulder too.

All he did was jump and twist to try and block the shot from his opponent, in keeping his eye on the path of the ball, he twisted. And then landed awkwardly. The rest is history.

Roux has since been operated on but will spend months rehabbing the leg before he takes the field again.

Karma is, as they say, quite the dogs mother.

players showed delight not distress and the day was a huge success. Victory went to Adam Kelly and Matt Sugden closely followed by Rut and MCorby and third went to the mercurial team of Boundy and Hamilton. Nearest the pins were CRogan and Jock ‘hoss’ Cartwright, with the long drive going to Steddington with a great larrup down the middle of the ninth.

Overall the day was brilliant and a huge congrats to Jackson and Matthew Findlay for their efforts in getting the day organised. To all the supporters, thank you for your patronage, you made the day a great event, well done.

2nd Grade T20 GF This Sunday at 1pm 2nds Captain Stedlington will be taking his troops up against the Gladdy 11 and it will be action stations all day with definite lusty willow throwing and some quality bowling to boot. Warriors, get to Wade Park for the 1pm start and support your fellow players in their quest for glory.

Orange City Old Boys Unite The “Once Were Warriors” concept of the Orange City Old Boys has often been slated to kick off and become a worthy group of legends and Leg-ends.

Past Warriors, or those with a passing interest, are asked to contact Secretary Boundy at email orangecitycricket@gmail.com to express your interest.

February 25–MARCH 2, 2016

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