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CANBERRA UNITED SEASON 2011/12

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Issue #3 – October 2011

CONTENTS FEATURE

22

CANBERRA UNITED SEASON 2011/12

06

14

32

40

02 Cricket

17 Your Shout

03 Outlook

18 Football

04 Baseball

26 Social Pics and Events

06 Basketball

28 Women in Sport

Pattinson to join forces with Cummins

Letters to the editor

With Chris Cairns

AFC | EPL | A-League | W-League

Canberra Cavalry

2011 ACT ClubsACT Sportstar of the year awards

WNBL | NBL | NBA

Caroline Buchanan | Skate-icus | ACT figure skating team | Play - dance agency

08 Dragon Boats

31 Hockey

Abreast Boat Challenge | Ice Dragons

Super Series

10 NETBALL

32 Cycling

World Championships

Road Racing | Mountain Bikes

11 Top 5

36 Tennis

Miracle first aid

US Open

12 Rugby League

36 Surfing

NRL | Local: Uni Origin III

Kelly Slater

13 Aussie Rules

AFL | Local: Magpies coach completes trifecta

36 Golf

PGA | LPGA

14 Rugby Union

40 Motor Sport

World Cup: All Blacks win

Formula 1 | V8 Supercars | Moto GP

15 Touch Football

43 Fighting

ACT Super League

Boxing

16 Melbourne Cup

44 Fitness

Americain favourite

Get fit for summer

17 One Minute With

Matthew Lokan - Belconnen Magpies Coach

45 Weird Sport and Nutrition and Health Yagli Gures - Turkish oil wrestling

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www.playcanberra.com.au Issue #3 – October 2011

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However, when it comes to his relationship with Cummins, there’s no competition and not even the slightest hint of jealousy.

Only the beginning of what Australian cricket fans should hope is a long alliance.

In South Africa, the rookie quicks have forged a tight bond.

And although on this occasion 21-yearold Pattinson will fly home early to play Sheffield Shield cricket for Victoria, the pair are determined to become the future of Australian fast bowling, as a combination.

“Hopefully we can lead the attack in years to come,” Pattinson said.

“Obviously he’s a great talent and he’s going to be great for Australia and I look forward to playing with him in the future.

Australian bowler Pat Cummins (2-R) is congratulated by his team-mates after dismissing South African batsman JP Duminy (unseen) for 4 runs. Image: AAP

PATTINSON TO JOIN FORCES WITH CUMMINS ◊ BY BEN HORNE

in Sri Lanka.

You could understand if Australian fast bowler James Pattinson was feeling a little left out right now.

But almost out of nowhere, 18-year-old Pat Cummins has stormed onto the scene and taken his place in the five-day squad for South Africa.

Up until a month ago he was the exciting youngster everybody was raving about in the Test squad, raring for his opportunity

Like all good fast bowlers, Pattinson is fiercely competitive and wants his spot back.

“It’s a great effort for him .. obviously I’m disappointed, but the fact is I can go back and play Shield cricket and if I do well in that then it’ll do my chances well in getting a Test spot in the upcoming summer in Australia.

“We’re the same sort of age, same sort of people and we have the same sort of likes, so I can see a big, big friendship building here and obviously a lot of success for Australia between us hopefully.”

“Probably just bowling fast ... and other stuff that I can’t really say,” laughs Pattinson.

“But obviously we’re both young and we show the same sort of interest in trying to get feedback off other people and we’re both pretty mature in a cricket sense.

“It’s both of our ambitions (to lead the Australian attack).

“Hopefully we will live up to the expectations.

“It’s a long time away from now but hopefully we can get gradually into it and make our bodies right enough to play Test cricket together.”

The euphoria surrounding Cummins’ meteoric rise has certainly taken the spotlight away from Pattinson.

But Pattinson’s a serious prospect in his own right with his sound action and ability to swing the new ball.

In his debut season of international cricket, he’s hardly put a foot wrong himself - three wickets at 4.7 runs an over in two ODIs and three wickets at 6.12 from two T20s.

According to captain Michael Clarke, Pattinson is far from a forgotten man and believes the right-armer will roar back into contention after a stint in Shield cricket.

In a professional sense, the similarities in demeanour and career goals are obvious.

“James is a wonderful talent and he’s improved over the last six months since being around the team,” said Clarke.

What their common traits are off the field, well that’s secret fast bowlers’ business.

“I’m confident you’ll see a lot of Patto ... I think you’ll see him throughout the Australian summer.” - AAP

AUSSIE INDOOR WC CLEAN SWEEP ◊ CRICKET AUSTRALIA

Australia’s Indoor World Cup teams are returning home from South Africa victorious after a clean sweep of the event’s four divisions – Men’s, Women’s, 19 and Under Boys and 19 and Under Girls.

Held in the Gauteng province of South Africa over the past week, the Australian teams entered the tournament eager to retain the four trophies won at the 2009 tournament.

The Australian ‘Extreme’ Men’s team recorded its eighth consecutive World Cup by defeating South Africa 94 to 55, ensuring the World Cup trophy remains in Australia, as it has since the tournament’s inception. ACT’s Vinesh Bennett was a integral part of the winning team.

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The Australian ‘Extreme’ Women’s side matched the efforts of their male counterparts, defeating South Africa 66 to 33 before the junior sides capped the four-trophy effort.

The 19 and Under Boys comprehensively defeated tournament hosts South Africa 144 to 44 and the 19 and Under Girls confirmed the clean sweep with a 120 to 74 victory over traditional rivals England.

The Indoor World Cup is a biennial event and in 2011 featured teams from Australia, South Africa, England, New Zealand, Wales, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, France, Guernsey and U.A.E.

Issue #3 – October 2011

CHRIS CAIRNS

OUTLOOK

As I ponded the All Blacks quite superb dismantling of the Australian rugby team in the World Cup, I found myself thinking the All Blacks have this in the bag, it’s a given, as sure a thing as there can be. I felt the same in 1999 and also the last World Cup in 2007. Each of these matches ended in disaster. Against the French.

I believed though that this campaign for the All Blacks was different. Firstly they were at home. New Zealand is a tough place to play for opposing teams.

The country collectively lives and breathes the game and for the not so strong minded touring rugby player, it can be a suffocating environment of wave after wave of pressure. And that’s just off the field.

Issue #3 – October 2011

This type of environment for a touring player is very similar to what Australia is like from a cricketing perspective.

When you play cricket in Australia you play the public, the media and the opposition. In fact, a good yard stick if you are doing well in Aussie is that supporters will actually take the time to boo you. If they don’t rate you then they don’t waste a slither of vocal cord on you.

Another huge factor in the All Black camp was experience. Both in management and the playing squad.

The pain of four years ago had galvanised this entire team environment and you could see a steely determination to right the wrongs of not only four years ago but the past twenty four years.

In fact you could witness a sense of enormous relief with the t556tvictory over Australia. In some funny way it seemed as if the All Blacks viewed that match as their toughest.

The unpredictable Australian team, more than capable of winning big matches but they were not allowed to play. It was a superb display of controlled aggression and power.

I gave my finals tickets to my deserving father. Actually many of you may remember the feats of my father Lance in Australia. I do. He tells me constantly. The six sixes in Melbourne in ’82 is folklore and keeps getting better with time.

My comeback to him invariably ends with “at least we never wore poo brown”.

To this day, for the life of me I cannot

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work out how NZ was assigned that uniform. Unless, and I can imagine a table full of Aussies sitting around when World Series Cricket was born, and someone said “what can we make the Kiwi’s wear that represents what we think of their cricket team, I know!”.

But back to last weekend. I envisaged it would be the All Blacks by twenty points.

Of course I was wrong on that count but a win is a win.

And for a country who has been through hell the last year it was a reason to hug the person next to them and say “you beauty”.

Have your shout email us at editor@playcanberra.com.au ONE GAME AT A TIME

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AELL BVAALRSY EREB LEAS CA ROSTER NAMES

◊ WWW. WEB.THEABL.COM.AU

Along with locals, players from the Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays come to Canberra.

The Canberra “UberGlobal” Cavalry announced members of their 2011-12 team. Joining local pitchers Hayden Beard and Steve Kent who are currently pitching for Team Australia in the World Cup are players from all over the world including top American prospects.

Top Prospects: In the last few days, two Major League Baseball (MLB) teams have committed to send prospects to Canberra; the Tampa Bay Rays and the Toronto Blue Jays.

Tampa will be sending outfielders Ty Morrison and Todd Glaesmann as well as catcher Mark Thomas. Morrison, 20, has been playing in the Rays organization since he was 17. He has been slowly climbing through their minor league system and played last season for the Charlotte Stone Crabs in Port Charlotte, Florida. Glaesmann, also 20, is also working his way through the Rays system and played for Cavalry coach Michael Johns in 2010 with the Princeton (West Virginia) Rays. Thomas, 23, played with Morrison in Charlotte this last season.

The Blue Jays are sending outfielder Kenny Wilson and second baseman John Tolisano. Wilson, 20, played with two (2) teams in 2010, moving up the minor league ladder half way through the season.

The 2011 season saw Wilson injured, with the Blue Jays seeing the Cavalry as an opportunity for Wilson to use his winter to get back to form and increase his productivity. Tolisano comes to Canberra from the AA classification having played for the Eastern League Champion New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Tolisano is the highest classified affiliated player that the Cavalry will have for the 11-12 campaign.

Along with MLB affiliated players, the Hanshin Tigers will send at least two (2) players to Canberra this summer.

Outfielder Yuhei Kai, who just completed his second year with the Tigers, will round out a very strong outfield for the Cavalry.

According to international scouts, “There’s no doubt he has a great arm. He also has some pop in his bat and can hit the ball the other way.” The Tigers are also sending right handed pitcher Daiki Kiyohara.

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Australian Talent: Joining local pitchers Hayden Beard and Steve Kent, the Cavalry will have players from the ACT as well as other Australian talent returning to Canberra. Highlighting this group is right handed pitcher Tim Atherton. Atherton came to Canberra from Kempsey, NSW last season. After putting up good numbers for the Cavalry in 10-11 he was signed as a free agent by the Minnesota Twins. He spent this last season playing in Elizabethtown Tennessee in the same league as the Princeton Rays.

Other Australian Talent joining the Cavalry are catcher Kyle Perkins, right handed pitcher Chris Kimpton, and left handed pitcher Chris Morgan from the ACT. Thirdbaseman Byron Aird joins the Cavalry from Western Australia, right handed pitchers Jarrett Commane and Alex Rodgers from New South Wales, and the Crawford brothers, Tristan and Nathan, both right handed pitchers, from Queensland round out much of the Australian born Cavalry.

Rounding out the Cavalry: While the final roster is not set, the Canberra “UberGlobal” Cavalry are pleased with how the team is shaping up. Two former affiliated pitchers should help the team as they push for the championship. Right-hander Brian Grening played for a number of years with the Cleveland Indians organization and is expected to be a great asset to rotation.

Another right-hander Mike McGuire is a former Philadelphia Phillie prospect who is coming to Canberra on the recommendation of Cavalry head coach Steve Schrenk.

Cavalry General Manager, Peter Bishell, is hopeful with how the Cavalry is looking for the 2011-12 season. “The Australian Baseball League made a commitment to Canberra to provide us with a quality team.

We have been working hard to ensure that everyone that walks through the gates has an enjoyable experience at the Fort this summer, win or lose. With a roster like this, we think that the fans will be very pleased with everything this summer.”

The first pitch of the Cavalry season is on 4 November 2011 at Narrabundah Baseball Field against the Brisbane Bandits. Gates open at 6pm for a 7pm start. Get your tickets now and enter to win a trip to the US for the World Series.

Tim Atherton back with the Cavalry - AAP

National Sports Celebrity Dinner of Canberra 5 November 2011

Master of Ceremonies

Tim Gavel

ABC Sports Commentator and Canberra Identity

SPECIAL GUESTS

Peter Fitzimons (OAM)

Wallaby, Journalist and renowned Author

Jason Dunstall

AFL Player and Media Identity

Nicole Livingston (OAM)

Multiple Olympic medalist and Media Personality

Simon Thompson

Olympic Triathlete and Old Boy of Marist College (1995)

Other sporting personalities For more details or bookings please contact Lynda Wade at the Southern Cross Club Ph: 6283 7200 Email: Lynda.wade@cscc.com.au

Issue #3 – October 2011

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WNBL

CAPITALS SECURE FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON WIN ◊ WWW.WNBL.COM.AU

The Canberra Capitals have registered their first win of the season when they accounted for the Logan Thunder 69-57 in Logan.

After a 0-4 start for last year’s Grand Finalists, it took a road game on the back of a double-header to shake off their forgettable performances thus far, against a Logan Thunder side who came into the round undefeated.

JACKSON RETURNING TO WNBL ◊ BY ADRIAN WARREN AND MATT SADLER

Basketball superstar Lauren Jackson will play three of the next five WNBL seasons with the Capitals. However several other Australian stalwarts are already back home fighting off younger rivals for an Olympic spot.

Jackson, who missed over half of the recently completed WNBA season with a hip injury, will play for Canberra in the 2012-13, 2014-15 and 2015-16 WNBL seasons.

“The doctors and sports physicians are here at AIS and they’ve definitely brought me back from many injuries stronger and better than ever,” Jackson said.

“Because I think the older generation of Australian player is under siege by quite frankly a lot of better athletes,” said Maher, who coaches defending WNBL champions Bulleen.

“People like Hanna Zavecz and Rachel Jarry, six foot three, runners, jumpers.

“They used to be post players, now they are perimeter players, they are coming to take your spot.

“Now you are an older player, you’ve got to match that with nous and experience.”

Lauren Jackson Sports Centre Dedication

Jackson will spend next season with Spanish club Ros Casares Valencia before the London Olympics.

More than 100 family, friends and invited guests joined basketball superstar, Lauren Jackson at a special ceremony to officially rename the Albury Sports Stadium, the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre.

This season, a number of Opals are back in the WNBL after stints overseas.

Among them are the Sydney duo of Belinda Snell, 30, and Alicia Poto, 33, Adelaide’s Jenni Screen, 29, and Bulleen’s Sam Richards, 28.

With a host of tall athletic younger players pressing for Olympic selection, former Opals and current Great Britain coach Tom Maher says it’s a wise move for the experienced players to return home.

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For the Thunder, Cayla Francis was the stand out with a double-double of 13 points, 15 rebounds, while both Renae Camino and Sarah Graham also added 13 points.

In the low scoring contest, the Capitals held a slim six point lead at the first break, 10-16. The Capitals lead then extended in the second term by as many as 18 points, before baskets from Sarah

The third term saw a similar pattern to the second emerge, with the visiting Capitals breaking away to an 18 point lead, before the Thunder came all the way back in the final three minutes, to trail by only nine points heading in the final term.

Carly Wilson and Natalie Porter got the Capitals back on track in the last, helping them comfortably secure their first win of the year.

Box Score Canberra Capitals 69 (Carly Wilson 23, Jess Bibby 13, Natalie Porter 13) defeated Logan Thunder 57 (Cayla Francis 13, Renae Camino 13, Sarah Graham 13) Next Home Game Canberra TransACT Capitals v Adelaide Lightning Saturday 29 October AIS Arena, Bruce, 7.00pm tip off

“It will be very interesting, they are physically stronger, they jump higher, they’ve got longer arms and they run faster.

“To have the opportunity to be able to come back here again and be a part of the Australian community is wonderful.”

The veteran centre is a integral part of Australia’s bid for an elusive Olympic gold medal following second place finishes at the past three Games.

Carly Wilson led the way for the Capitals with 23 points and six rebounds, while Jess Bibby and Natalie Porter added 13 points apiece. Porter also pulled down 11 rebounds, while centre Marianna Tolo added ten boards of her own.

Graham and Cayla Francis helped stem the tide, eventually trailing at halftime by 12, 34-22.

Lauren unveiled a new interactive display, which honours her impressive basketball career.

The NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation, Graham Annesley and Chief Executive Officer of Basketball Australia, Larry Sengstock were also in attendance.

Over 900 junior players from the NSW Catholic Primary Schools championships witnessed this special day in Albury’s sporting history

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sales@onthegosports.com.au www.onthegosports.com.au Issue #3 – October 2011

MELBOURNE CONFIRM NBL TITLE CREDENTIALS Sydney bounced back from their biggest ever home loss last week against New Zealand to inflict a 94-71 defeat on Adelaide (0-3), the only winless team in the competition.

NZ coach Andrej Lemanis said it was amazing his team had a chance to win given they never got into a rhythm.

Gold Coast had six double digit scorers in their win, with Chris Goulding leading the way with 16 points.

With Melbourne shooting just 19 per cent from three-point range and 39 per cent overall, their win over the high-scoring Breakers was down to defence.

“That kind of attack makes it real tough on the opposing coach to come up with a defensive game plan, because he cant really target one person,” Gold Coast coach Joey Wright said.

“We’re still getting there, we’re a young group that’s been together for three games,” Melbourne coach Trevor Gleeson said.

Blaze captain James Harvey was scoreless in 14 minutes in his season debut after recovering from a broken hand.

“We’re still trying to find that offensive chemistry and that’s going to be a work in progress.”

Patty Mills of the Tigers drives past Aaron Bruce of the Kings during the round one NBL match between the Melbourne Tigers and the Sydney Kings Image: AAP

◊ BY ADRIAN WARREN

Melbourne Tigers have confirmed their NBL title credentials with a superb lockdown effort on the free-scoring previously unbeaten NZ Breakers.

The Tigers (2-1) rebounded from last weeks away loss to Perth, keeping NZ (3-1) to below 98 points for the first time this season.

Wright is hoping the Blaze will have a full strength team for the first time since the 09-10 season, providing Dominican guard Adris Deleon is cleared to play Townsville next Saturday.

NBA guard Patty Mills scored the Tigers last five points from free throws in the final minute, as they broke a 62-62 deadlock after the Breakers fought back from seven points down.

In-form guard Kevin Lisch scored 28 for Perth, as they held on after the Crocs slashed a 23-point halftime deficit to just four inside the last three minutes.

Mills topscored with 19 and Gleeson is hardly upset there seems to be no imminent end to the NBA lockout.

Perth (3-0) are the only unbeaten team following their 93-85 away win over Townsville (1-2).

Gold Coast and Sydney each scored their first win of the campaign and both did it on the road.

Coming off two home losses, Gold Coast (1-2) scored a crushing 83-58 win at Wollongong.

“We know that time will come, but we’re just trying to be the best that we can be while Patty is here,” Gleeson said.

Sydney centre Julian Khazzouh racked up 26 points and 13 rebounds in their win over Adelaide, whose captain Adam Ballinger notched eight points and seven boards in his first game of the season back from ankle surgery. - AAP

Early season clashes with Perth and New Zealand have convinced Gleeson those teams deserve their pre-season of title favourites.

GASOL DEFENDS PLAYERS IN LOCKOUT NBA basketball players are keen to end a row with management that has cancelled games but will not do so “at any price”, Spanish LA Lakers star Pau Gasol said in comments published Friday.

The cancellations to date are costing players some $170 million in salaries and the players’ union has warned it is threatening the livelihoods of stadium workers who rely on the games.

“We are losing money but we think this is a necessary evil to make the owners understand that we players are all united,” the seven-foot-tall forward-centre from Barcelona told Spanish sports newspaper Marca.

“Everyone involved in the NBA is losing a lot, from the last worker in the stands to the top boss of each team,” Gasol was quoted as saying by Marca.

“We want to resolve this the best way possible, but not at any price,” added Gasol, one of the heroes of Spain’s victory in the European championships this summer.

NBA owners locked out players on July 1 after the expiration of a collective contract and the two sides have been unable to reach terms on a new agreement, including how to divide some $4 billion in revenues.

Talks broke down on Thursday, raising the prospect that more games will be cancelled.

NBA basketball player Spanish Pau Gasol gives a press conference before a training session with Regal Barcelona.

Image: Josep Lago - AFP

Issue #3 – October 2011

Asked about the players’ lost pay, he said: “I don’t care about that as long as we reach a reasonable agreement in the end.

It will have been worth it.”

NBA commissioner David Stern has wiped out the scheduled first two weeks of the season, 100 games from November 1-14 and has warned that if some sort of deal could not be reached this week, games in December could be in jeopardy.

Gasol and his brother Marc have been training with their former club Barcelona during the NBA lockout.

If the NBA season fails to resume by January, “I will have to look for alternatives to play in Europe,” Gasol said. - AFP

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DRAGONS ABREAST BOAT CHALLENGE Dragon boats were out in force when corporate and social paddlers raced for fun and glory and raise funds for breast cancer groups.

Chief Minister Katy Gallagher opened the event at Weston Park.

The regatta had a royal theme, recognising the dragon boating prowess of the young royals. And it really was a royal occasion with the Queen and Prince Phillip visiting Canberra on the same day! So crowns

were definitely in order.

850 paddlers from Government Departments, Embassies, hospitals, schools and other organisations competed.

Spectators enjoyed colorful racing, African drummers, food and drink, as well as massages.

Take part in the CDBA Corporate regatta in February 2012. Please contact Canberra Dragon Boat Association www.cdba.com.au

ICE DRAGONS DRAGON BOAT CLUB undergoing the Olympicrecognition process.

The public recognition for two of the Dragon’s members - Madeline Chard and Jacque Mengel - when they were named ACT Sport Stars of the Month in September after being crowned world champions, is a tribute to the hard work of those individuals.

The Ice Dragons Dragon Boat Club has around 150 members, and is now getting the new paddling season underway after being crowned Australian Champions in April 2011.

They also had 17 members selected for the Australian Squad which competed at the 2011 World Champs in Florida USA in August. This makes the Ice Dragons the single largest contributor to the Australian crew for the second consecutive year, and are incredibly proud of it’s members who helped lift Australia to its best ever position of third in the world, at a time when the sport is

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However, winning the Team Sports Star of the Year award really speaks volumes about the club as a whole, as much as for its on-water success.

Although they have secured a record six consecutive ACT Championships, the Ice Dragons first really came to the public’s attention in November 2009 when they grabbed the World Record for the longest distance covered in 24 hours - done right here on Lake Burley Griffin.

That effort provided the launching pad for their most recent success at this year’s Australian Championships when the Ice Dragons grabbed gold in the opens, women’s and mixed categories

making the local black and white crew the undisputed Australian Champions.

That effort meant they qualified for the upcoming World Championships in Hong Kong where the best clubs from each country come together to battle it out for the title of being world number one.

After the clubs’ record-breaking tour of China in June, and the great performance of our representative paddlers in Florida, they are confident of mixing it with the best in Hong Kong.

The times they have recorded at the first two regattas of the ACT season show the Ice Dragons are on track to retain the Australian Championship, and grab medals on the world stage.

While the sport and club is known for opening its arms up for a warm welcome to athletes of all ages and sporting ambitions, the Ice Dragons coaching team has developed a habit of getting the best out of paddlers and helping lift them to state and national representative honours.

offers something for those wanting to take a more laid back approach on the water.

The Ice Dragons have never been more attractive to join. Experience has shown that their success has been built on a combination of experience and enthusiastic new members who are looking for their next sporting challenge.

Training is now underway and the Ice Dragons are welcoming new recruits.

The Ice Dragons launch from their base at the Canberra Yacht Club (Mariner Place, Yarralumla) and also offer outrigging sessions.

For more information check out the club website at www.IceDragons.com.au.

The Premiers and Masters crews are looking for willing new recruits to help defend titles, and the Ice Dragons social crew and rookie development program Issue #3 – October 2011

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NETBALL AUSSIE NETBALL STAR IN FOR THE LONG HAUL ◊ BY JUSTIN CHADWICK

Caitlin Bassett was the toast of Australian netball in July after nailing the matchwinning goal in extra-time to lift the Diamonds to World Championship glory over a gutted New Zealand.

But with the frenzy surrounding that moment well and truly in the past, Bassett is now busy laying the foundations outside of netball to ensure her international career will be a long and fruitful one.

Bassett’s talents are unquestionable, with her 151 goals from 155 attempts at the World Championships transforming her from fringe Test player into international star.

More importantly, it finally convinced her to focus all of her energies on a netball career.

Easier said than done though.

Australia’s Caitlin Bassett Image: Wong Maye-E -AP

“Once this tour finishes I need to sort out a job straight away just so I can continue training as much as I can over the off-season period.

“I want to make netball a full-time profession and I really need to get things into gear and sort out the off-field situation so I can put 100 per cent of my time into my netball and training.”

“I’m not a full-time athlete so I’m always juggling study, work and netball all together,” Bassett said

Bassett said she gained immeasurable confidence from her breakout performances at the World Championships.

“I’m completing an assignment for my broadcast journalism degree as we speak. I’m really under the hammer with uni work at the moment.

“I think I’m going to look back at that experience as the massive turning point in my career,” the West Coast Fever star said.

“It was really the first massive crack I’ve had out on court at international level.

“You don’t stay an unknown for very long on the international circuit,” Langman said.

“I think it really probably made up my mind and gave me a lot of focus for what I want for the future now, which is obviously being a strong contender at the 2015 World Championships in Sydney.”

“Caitlin did come under the radar (in Singapore) but we’ve done our homework on her and we’ve made sure we collated some data on all of the players.”

Despite the slight distraction of her uni assignment, Bassett is squarely focused on heaping more pain on NZ at Perth’s Burswood Dome.

But after Bassett’s World Championship heroics, NZ captain Laura Langman said the Silver Ferns had put considerable time and effort into devising ways to halt the 192cm goalshooter.

Australia coach Lisa Alexander believed Bassett had the right attributes to be able to cope with the extra on-court attention.

“I think she showed in the recent England series that with some good old Aussie hard work she’s been able to get back to where she was at the World Champs,” Alexander said. - AAP

TAUMAUNU NETS TOP COACHING JOB Waimarama Taumaunu’s involvement in New Zealand netball lifted to another level when she was named Silver Ferns coach for the next four years.

A former New Zealand captain, Taumaunu represented New Zealand for 10 years from 1981, earning a formidable reputation as a nononsense goal defence.

She was part of New Zealand’s world championship-winning team in 1987, and captained the Silver Ferns from 1989 to 1991.

Taumaunu’s coaching background takes in experience in England and New Zealand. She was assistant coach for Ruth Aitken from 2008, filling the same role for Yvonne Willering in 1998.

Wai Taumaunu during the Silver Ferns training.

Image: Dianne Manson-AAP

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She also worked as assistant coach in 2002-2003 for fellow Silver Fern Lyn Gunson when she was England coach.

Netball New Zealand chief executive Raelene Castle says Taumaunu’s comprehensive coaching expertise, along with her strong vision for the Silver Ferns, were instrumental in her appointment.

“She brings a huge amount of experience, dedication and passion into her new role,” Castle said.

Taumaunu, who will become just the ninth Silver Ferns coach since 1938, will lead New Zealand in their upcoming three-Test series.

retire after the Australian series. But Taumaunu will take over immediately, with Aitken unavailable due to family reasons.

Taumaunu spent five years in England from 1998, as national performance director of All England Netball and was also a foundation director of the English Institute of Sport.

In New Zealand, she has worked on a number of government initiatives to boost sport - managing the CoachForce program for Sparc, and developing coaching and Maori sport for the Hillary Commission. -AAP

Aitken, national coach for the last 10 years, was originally scheduled to

Issue #3 – October 2011

5

MIRICLE FIRST AID PLAY has noticed a trend in sports. It’s the latest in performance enhancing material or miracle first aid.

Nasal Strips

The performance enhancing materials have some credentials. No one can deny that the speed suits that our swimmer have been wearing since 2000 has helped them glide through the water faster.

In 1993 the manufacturer marketed the strips as a device for reducing snoring.

By 1995 the strips had found their way into the locker rooms of national footballers claiming to help them breath easier.

But some of the first aid we see on our sporting fields haven’t really been proved to help. Here are our 5, do you agree that they benefit our sporting heros?

Strapping

Power Balance

Many rugby league fans will know this one. The black strapping players have running down their legs is know as “KT Tape“.

It is another form of strapping tape, the purpose of running it up the back of the legs is because it strengthens the hamstring. Some players have it over hamstring tears.

Magic Spray

Of course the term magic spray is a bit of a joke since seemingly greatly injured players recover quickly once they receive the magic spray treatment.

A Breathe Right nasal strip is like a Band-Aid with a flexible backbone that holds the nostrils open when the strip is stuck across the bridge of the nose.

Manufacturers had claimed that the wristbands, sported by the likes of Ronaldo, Beckham and many elite sports people, helped improve an athlete’s strength, balance and flexibility.

But amid ongoing scepticism regarding the $40 accessory’s supposed benefits, Power Balance have confessed they have no credible proof to support their assertions and have offered customers a refund.

Magic Sponge

The spray works by a combination of cooling down the affected area and numbing some of the immediate pain. Pouring water from water bottles on the minor injuries works in a similar way.

The wondrous sponge first appeared on the scene after the formation of the English Football League in 1888. The urge to protect their valuable players led to the belief that a small soaking-wet sponge judiciously applied was a panacea. Its popularity spread to many sports including rugby and boxing.

Take the next step.

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Issue #3 – October 2011 CANBERRA.COM.AU 11 WE’RE ALL ABOUT SPORT

LOCKYER FAREWELL TOUR HITS THE UK ◊ BY IAN MCCULLOUGH

After a season with more farewell gigs than John Farnham, Darren Lockyer heads to Britain for the final act in arguably the greatest rugby league career of all time.

Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens is adamant that Lockyer’s swansong won’t distract - only help - the quest to reclaim the Four Nations crown which starts against holders New Zealand in Warrington.

And the mantra from Lockyer - the veteran of 366 games for Brisbane, 38 for Queensland and 56 for Australia - is familiar, keep the focus on the job at hand.

That may not be so easy, given the regard for the Australian captain throughout the rugby league world.

“Obviously we all want to send Darren out on a high,” Sheens said.

“He has had a wonderful career, but he is very keen not to allow his retirement to become the focus of the tour.

Australian captain Darren Lockyer waves farewell to Australian fans in the Trans - Tasman Rugby League Test at Ausgrid Stadium, Newcastle. Image: Dean Lewins -AAP

“Every player in the squad wants to be able to say they played in Locky’s final tour and that shows just how great a

UNI OF ORIGIN III 2011

for the ‘Canberra Cows’ in the 2009 New South Wales Tertiary Student Rugby League (NSWTSRL), and saw the potential for an explosive cross-town rivalry. Grizzlies co-founder Dave Turner said that the Uni of Origin concept in-particular seeks to capture the rugby league State of Origin win-at-all-cost mentality, while embracing the spirit of college sport in the United States.

“After spending a year at college in the US, (UC Cows President) Tim Pembroke came back to Canberra inspired and wanted to try and create just a fraction of what he experienced there, here. In less than three years Canberra now has three university rugby league clubs and the crowds and atmosphere at the local derbies have been far beyond our expectations,” said Turner.

ANU Grizzlies hooker Paul O’Brien gets some attention from UC Cows opposite number Ben Griffin in the 2011 NSWTSRL Preliminary Final. Image: Michelle

Cricket season may be in full swing, but before Canberra’s university rugby league teams can rest up there’s still one final score to settle.

It was a party atmosphere in October 2009 when the ANU Grizzlies hosted the UC Cows in front of over 500 Octoberfest inspired students for the inaugural Uni of Origin, and the first formal rugby league game between the two universities in over a decade. UC won that contest, and showed ANU up again for the return leg in front of just as many ‘Stoneweekers’, but two years on it is ANU seeking to defend their 2010 ACT Universities Cup title from arch-rivals UC and new kids on the block the ADFA Knights.

The Grizzlies were founded at the end of 2009 after a number of ANU students played 12

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“The fact is that a very real campus rivalry exists between ANU and UC – neither can stand being compared to the other, and Uni of Origin captures that perfectly.”

The decision to include ADFA and create a three game tri-series appears to have succeeded also with two fiery games played so far, UC defeating the Knights 28-16 last weekend and ANU prevailing 32-16 on Saturday night despite an intimidating ADFA

player he’s been and the respect he has from his teammates.

“But we are there to do a job and no-one is more aware of that than Locky.

“He is a great professional and he knows better than anyone else that getting off to a good start against New Zealand is vital as playing the Poms during a doubleheader at Wembley is going to be very tough.”

Lockyer showed no ill-effects from his recently broken cheekbone even when his surgeon’s handiwork was put to the test

by Kiwi prop Russell Packer’s forearm in last weekend’s impressive 42-6 win in the one-off home Test against New Zealand.

Typically, the 34-year-old responded well to set up three of his side’s five first-half tries.

Sheens is at pains to play down the significance of that lopsided victory.

The Kiwis have won just three of their last 17 Tests against the Kangaroos, but all of them have been in tournament finals - the deciders for the 2008 World Cup and the 2005 and 2010 Four Nations campaigns.

crowd. The Grizzlies win sets up a winnertakes-all scenario for the traditional twilight Stoneweek clash between UC and ANU. ADFA will also join ANU and UC in the NSWTSRL in 2012, resulting in four more round games per season of the state-wide competition in the nation’s capital. The Grizzlies and Cows were superb in the 2011 competition, with UC winning the minor premiership only to lose to ANU in the preliminary final at the UC Meadows.

Unfortunately for the Grizzlies, they saved their worst on-field performance for last, losing the Grand Final to the UTS-Balmain Tigers 28-18 in Sydney on September 10.

According to Turner, one aspect of the NSWTSRL that provides challenges for Canberra’s clubs is the travel.

“The competition also includes university clubs from Sydney, Newcastle and Bathurst.

That takes its toll on the players, but also on the club financially,” he said.

ANU is on the hunt for a new major sponsor in 2012 to help fund such travel after two successful years working with Majura Park, who recognised the ability for the Grizzlies to engage the Canberra student and sportfollowing public.

Sheens’ men took full advantage of the bright sunshine and dry surface in Newcastle to run riot against the world champions but Sheens points out it’ll be very different on a freezing cold night in Warrington.

“You never discount the importance of a Test match and it was good to win and for the players to get a run,” said Sheens.

“But it is going to be cold in England and to start the tournament with New Zealand and then England at Wembley is going to be very tough.”

Sheens says the chance to lead a team out at Wembley will rank among the highlights of his 27-year career and is mindful of the hosts’ strong record at the venue.

“I’ve not been to Wembley but Locky has and my assistant Dave Furner has plenty of experience of playing in England,” he said.

“The last big game played there was 1994 and they beat us and they will be buoyed by that and have plenty of hope.” - AAP

“Our different focus in 2012 will give a new sponsor for the ANU Grizzlies a great opportunity to share in the excitement and exposure of local footy,” he said.

Turner said that the Grizzlies aim is to make footy fun again, by projecting a professional image, but remaining strictly amateur.

“The NSWTSRL strictly says that players cannot be payed, but that doesn’t stop us from acting like we are (laughs). You can get signed team posters, Grizzlies baseball caps, you can even be friends on facebook with our mascot Blue Grizwald,” he said.

“The bottom line is we couldn’t do anything without our sponsors, so we try to make them as visible as possible in everything we do.”

The ACT Universities Cup goes on the line this Wednesday night at the UC Meadows with kick off at 5.45pm.

Uni of Origin Game 2, Saturday 22 October ANU Grizzlies 36 (Chapman, Gibson, Keough, O’Brien, O’Callaghan, Thistleton, Thorley tries; Turner 4 goals) def ADFA Knights 16 (Ralph 2, Finbar tries; Hodge 2 goals).

At Dowsett Field, Australian Defence Force Academy

“Our relationship with the ANU Grizzlies was a perfect opportunity to cross-promote our retail sporting stores,” said Majura Park Marketing Manger Jason Costa.

Issue #3 – October 2011

TOMMY WALSH

The first thing you must realise is that Kerry people know Gaelic football.

Like Germans know physics or French know amour or Indians know cricket.

And if there is one thing they know better than football, it is Kerry football, a knowledge that comes with the proverbial mother’s milk. It comes even with cow’s milk, imbibed from the grass that bounces childhood footballs.

So when Kerry people asked me earlier this year what the hell was going on with Tommy Walsh, I needed to have a good answer.

I explained that he was playing with one of the St Kilda feeder teams and was regularly on their list of best players.

I didn’t mention that the St Kilda season had been marked by a list of injuries and suspensions which should have given the coaches a chance to see the Kerry man in the big time. In desperation I suggested that his long apprenticeship may have had something to do with money - once he plays senior, the money goes up. Because recent events had given Irish people an appreciation for the need to be careful with money, that explanation seemed to satisfy them, though I was not sure if it was quite correct.

Tommy Walsh training with the St Kilda football Club

I did point out, however, that Walsh was unfortunate to be with a somewhat dysfunctional club. A former player on a rape charge, current players accused of misconduct with a teenager, naked photos on social web sites, some of the top players represented by a now-disgraced manager, other things that we don’t hear about if we don’t live in Melbourne. And at that time, the disedifyingly hasty departure of the St Kilda coach was still to come.

I pointed out how lucky Tadhg Kennelly was to land in Sydney where there were people who cared about him and taught him the skills needed to survive as a footballer; likewise young Hanley in Brisbane and the lads with Carlton and Essendon, and Marty Clark when he was with Collingwood.

Irish television showed the program on Jim Stynes and covered the funeral of Sean Wight and they said how good it was that all these young Irish lads had made a success of a new sport only vaguely like their native game. Which brings us back to Tommy Walsh in the backblocks of VFL while a team which could use his skills slipped from grand finalists one year to also rans the following season.

NEW BELCONNEN COACH COMPLETES THE MAGPIE TRIFECTA In a quirky twist, new Belconnen Magpies head coach has now played for the Magpies in 3 states. The trifecta includes successful stints at SANFL powerhouse Port Adelaide Magpies, Belconnen and Collingwood.

The magpies released a statement saying: The Belconnen Magpies Football Club are pleased to announce that Matthew Lokan will be the new Senior Coach in 2012 which will be competing in the NEAFL Eastern Division Competition. Matthew is a former Collingwood football player and has been playing football in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) for the Port Adelaide Magpies since 2006. Matthew has been appointed to the role as a playing senior coach.

Matthew beat the high standard of coaches who applied for the position and will be relocating to Canberra with his young family in early November to commence with pre-season training. Matthew’s decorated playing career and leadership attributes will lead the young squad into success in 2012 and beyond. Matthew played under retiring coach Mick Malthouse with Collingwood for three years from 2003 – 2005 including winning best first year player and a rookie of the year nomination in 2003. After finishing at Collingwood Matthew relocated back to his home club of Port Adelaide and has taken on leadership roles including player development and vice-captaincy.

Issue #3 – October 2011

With a strong interest in coaching and fresh ideas and approaches, Matthew’s ambitions for the Magpies are to improve on two wins in 2012, be back playing finals within three years and return the club to the powerhouse it was within five years.

BMFC congratulates Matthew on his appointment and wishes him all the best in his new role as senior coach in such an exciting time for the club. Pre-season training will commence on 14th November.

Port Adelaide’s senior coach Tony Bamford said “Matt has been a great player for our club over many years. Since his return to the Magpies after his stint at Collingwood, Matt has proven to be a very valuable asset both on and off the field. In my past 2 years coaching the league team Matt has been a great help in teaching the younger players the game plan and structures while also being able to play his role to a very high level. His experience and knowledge will be missed as we head into the 2012 season.

We wish Matt, Rebecca and Jack all the very best as they start the next phase of their lives together.”

The SANFL style of play, which Matt will undoubtedly bring with him, will suit the NEAFL, so expect an improved magpies outfit in what should be an exciting 2012.

For more information head to www.belconnenfc.com.au

AFL 9S – THE GAME FOR EVERYONE! After the very successful launch of AFL 9s with a celebrity match held during half time of the NEAFL Eastern Conference Grand Final, we have seen a rapid increase in registration numbers for this brand new style of football.

The new style of game has attracted 48 registered teams with over 500 participants across three nights.

AFL 9’s has been developed as a social game that all Australian Football enthusiasts and even those new to the game, can play matches that parallel the traditional game.

AFL 9s is easy to play, less physically demanding than normal AFL and provides an environment for participation, enjoyment and safety.

This style of football has been designed to encourage all participants to continue playing or start playing some form of AFL. The Game focuses on key skills, such as kicking and handballing, and mistakes in the use of these skills are costly with the

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I come back again to my opening remarks: Kerry folk know football and they told me that Tommy Walsh would be selected for Kerry even now, so well regarded was he. As it turned out they lost the All Ireland final by one point; with a player of the calibre of Walsh in the squad – that’s for discussion over a slow pint. Now that he has moved to the Swans, AFL followers will come to realise how shortsighted St Kilda were.

Pedigree counts. Tadg Kennelly’s late father was a no-nonsense centre half back, one of only two or three hard hitters in a Kerry team of all the talents in the late 70s, early 80s. When they were at their best, settled, winning all before them, it was almost impossible for an up-and-coming youngster to break into the team. Only one managed, a high-fielding stylist from Tralee named Sean Walsh. In 2012, his son will play with Sydney; my prediction is that the AFL world will wonder why he was confined to Victorian park football for two years.

You read it here first.

Frank O’Shea comes from Kerry

ball being turn over as a result.

The Game is played as 9 a side and is on reduced size fields to lessen the physical demands.

AFL NSW/ACT Regional Manager for the ACT and South Coast Garry Lawless believes this style of recreational AFL will continue to rise in popularity in the next few years.

“I think this is a really exciting opportunity for us to expand our game in the region” Lawless said.

“AFL 9s really provides a great chance for all people to come out and experience AFL in a fun, safe and social environment with a very small time commitment.”

“The game really forces teams to focus on the skills of AFL and everyone really seems to be enjoying the challenge of learning or advancing their current ability” “We’ve had record numbers of registrations this year and I fully expect this to continue in the future with all participants that I have spoken to thoroughly enjoying their experience so far” This new style of football has been so popular and is easy enough to play that we have even seen our own Minister for Sport Mr Andrew Barr playing in a mixed social team on Wednesday night alongside former Canberra Capital Kelly Abrams.

For more information on the competition please contact AFL NSW/ACT Cameron James on 6228 340.

CANBERRA.COM.AU

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RUGBY

WORLD CUP

New Zealand All Blacks captain Richie McCaw holds the Webb Ellis cup together with the players after the 2011 Rugby World Cup final match New Zealand vs France at Eden Park Stadium in Auckland. Image: Gabriel Bouys - AFP

ALL BLACKS FINALLY CLINCH RUGBY WORLD CUP ◊ BY JIM MORTON

It was a major scare but the All Blacks buried their Rugby World Cup demons in the best possible way at Eden Park by gutsing out a tense triumph built on mental strength.

After melting in tight Cup encounters regularly in the past 20 years, New Zealand weathered the pressure-cooker for an 8-7 final victory over a French side which almost pulled off the seemingly impossible.

It was a gripping win coach Graham Henry said would finally bring some peace of mind to him and his players.

The All Blacks held on for 33 nervewracking minutes as France launched wave after wave against the tournament hosts who never buckled in front of a capacity crowd of 61,000.

Skipper Richie McCaw said the disciplined defensive effort, where their line was not broken and they did not concede a penalty, epitomised his team’s desire and courage.

It succeeded to end more than two decades and six tournaments worth of heartbreak, as well as drawing a line on 14

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trans-Tasman choking barbs.

“Personally you’ve got some peace, and that’s a great feeling,” said Henry, who was controversially reappointed after the shock 2007 quarter-final final loss to France.

“We’ve been through a lot together and a lot of the guys played in the last World Cup, and fell at the quarter-final, and to win this, there’s not words for it quite frankly.

“It’s about players having self-reliance and our guys have become very selfreliant over recent years, and Richie and his senior players taking ownership of the team.

“I think those are the two things that got us through today.

“We were under a lot of pressure, they didn’t give any penalties away, the defence was very strong, and we gutsed it out and I think that shows some mental strength and a lot of strong independence in each individual.”

Making a mockery of predictions of a cakewalk, the underdog French threw down the first serious challenge to the All Blacks all tournament.

Both sides lost their playmakers Aaron Cruden (knee) and Morgan Parra (jaw) to first half injuries but it was fourthstring five-eighth Stephen Donald who stepped up to be an unlikely hero for New Zealand.

Ultimately it was his 45th-minute penalty goal that allowed McCaw to lift the Webb Ellis Cup for the All Blacks for the first time since they took out the inaugural competition way back in 1987.

Entering the decider as the luckiest of finalists following two pool losses and a 9-8 semi-final escape against a 14-man Wales, France needed the same sort of inspiration to topple the unbackable favourites ($1.09).

They provided it.

Marc Lievremont’s seemingly divided squad immediately showed they were up for a monumental fight by linking arms in a flying wedge and advancing on the All Blacks pre-match haka, in a move that is likely to cop a $20,000 fine.

A clever 15th-minute lineout move saw Brad Thorn, in his international swansong, put an unmarked prop Tony Woodcock over to become the most unlikely of first scorers.

The All Blacks took control of the rest of the half but couldn’t extend their 5-0 lead as in-form halfback Piri Weepu lost his mojo, missing all three shots at goal.

When Weepu desperately kick-passed a loose ball on midway into the arms of stand-in five-eighth Francois Trinh-Duc minutes after the resumption that the hosts got the wobbles.

A 50m move ended with French skipper and man-of-the-match Thierry Dusatoir crossing next to the posts.

From the restart Weepu kicked out on the full and Henry admitted to having feelings of “oh no, here we go again” in the coach’s box.

“There was a wee bit of turmoil up there,” he said.

Trinh-Duc had a chance to put his side in the lead but failed to kick a 48m penalty with 15 minutes to play and the All Blacks defence never gave Les Bleus another chance.

“We’ve played a lot of great rugby over the last eight years and sometimes it comes down to what you’ve got under the (silver) fern, and up in the top two inches,” said assistant coach Wayne Smith. - AAP Issue #3 – October 2011

TOUCH FOOTBALL The Touch Football ACT Super League tapped off on Thursday October 20 at Deakin touch fields with some impressive fast paced Touch Football.

The ACT Super League is the pinnacle of Touch Football Competition in the ACT with all the best ACT and Southern NSW players competing for Champion Club status.

The ACT Super League comprises of three (3) divisions Men’s Open (7:40pm & 8:30pm), Women’s Open (6:50pm & 7:40pm) & Mixed 16 years and under (6:00pm) and is played at the Deakin Touch Fields (Makin Place, Deakin) every Thursday night from late October to mid December.

There are four (4) clubs contesting the 2011 Super League, Canberra City, RiteWay Northern Phoenix, Woden Eagles and Tuggeranong Vikings.

2010 saw Tuggeranong Vikings take out both Men’s and Women’s division finals over RiteWay Northern Phoenix (Men’s) and Canberra City (Women’s).

The 2011 Season is sure to be a hit with some fast passed, high intensity Touch Football especially drawing closer to finals time.

The inclusion of the Mixed 16’s division in 2012 is designed to see a development pathway for players to progress into the regionalised clubs. Players have come from localised junior competitions to form part of a club structure for future development in the ACT.

Round 1 Results Men’s Open Tuggeranong Vikings (12) defeated Canberra City (1) RiteWay Northern Phoenix (4) defeated Woden Eagles (3) Tuggeranong Vikings are showing their strength once again with a good start to the 2011 season defeating a developing Canberra City team 12-1. Tuggeranong lead all match and will once again be a hot favourite in 2011.

In the other clash RiteWay Northern Phoenix started strongly against Woden Eagles, leading 2-0 at half time, but the Eagles were able to hit back in the second half to make it a close contest.

RiteWay Northern Phoenix held on to record a 1 touchdown victory.

Women’s Open Canberra City (6) defeated Tuggeranong Vikings (5) Woden Eagles (6) defeated RiteWay Northern Phoenix (3) In the Women’s 2010 Super League Final replay, Canberra City have defeated Issue #3 – October 2011

defending champions Tuggeranong Vikings (2010 champions) in a tight contest.

Woden Eagles took control of the other match with RiteWay Northern Phoenix leading at the break 3-2, then finishing off the match with some late touchdowns to win the match 6-3.

Mixed 16’s Tuggeranong Vikings (9) defeated Canberra City (7) RiteWay Northern Phoenix (10) defeated Woden Eagles (0) (Forfeit)

November Fixtures Round 3 Thursday November 3, Deakin Touch fields Men’s Open Woden Eagles v Tuggeranong Vikings (7:40pm, Deakin 9) RiteWay Northern Phoenix v Canberra City (8:30pm, Deakin 3) Women’s Open Woden Eagles v Tuggeranong Vikings (6:50pm, Deakin 9) RiteWay Northern Phoenix v Canberra City (7:40pm, Deakin 3) Mixed 16’s Woden Eagles v Canberra City (6:00pm, Deakin 9) RiteWay Northern Phoenix v Tuggeranong Vikings (6:00pm, Deakin 3) Round 4 Thursday November 10, Deakin Touch fields Men’s Open Tuggeranong Vikings v Canberra City (7:40pm, Deakin 9) RiteWay Northern Phoenix v Woden Eagles (7:40pm, Deakin 3)

Women’s Open Tuggeranong Vikings v Canberra City (6:50pm, Deakin 9) RiteWay Northern Phoenix v Woden Eagles (8:30pm, Deakin 3) Mixed 16’s Tuggeranong Vikings v Woden Eagles (6:00pm, Deakin 9) RiteWay Northern Phoenix v Canberra City (6:00pm, Deakin 3) Round 5 Saturday November 12, Queanbeyan

RiteWay Northern Phoenix v Woden Eagles (7:40pm, Deakin 3) Women’s Open Tuggeranong Vikings v Canberra City (6:50pm, Deakin 9) RiteWay Northern Phoenix v Woden Eagles (8:30pm, Deakin 3) Mixed 16’s Tuggeranong Vikings v Canberra City (6:00pm, Deakin 9) RiteWay Northern Phoenix v Woden Eagles (6:00pm, Deakin 3)

Men’s Open Woden Eagles v Canberra City (6:50pm, Deakin 9) RiteWay Northern Phoenix v Tuggeranong Vikings (7:40pm, Deakin 3)

Mixed 16’s Woden Eagles v Canberra City (7:40pm, Deakin 9) RiteWay Northern Phoenix v Tuggeranong Vikings (7:40pm, Deakin 3)

Women’s Open Woden Eagles v Canberra City (7:40pm, Deakin 9) RiteWay Northern Phoenix v Tuggeranong Vikings (8:30pm, Deakin 3)

Round 8 Thursday November 24, Deakin Touch fields

Round 6 Sunday 13 November, Queanbeyan Men’s Open Woden Eagles v Tuggeranong Vikings (Time TBC) RiteWay Northern Phoenix v Canberra City (Time TBC) Women’s Open Woden Eagles v Tuggeranong Vikings (Time TBC) RiteWay Northern Phoenix v Canberra City (Time TBC) Round 7 Thursday November 17, Deakin Touch fields Men’s Open Tuggeranong Vikings v Canberra City (7:40pm, Deakin 9)

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Men’s Open Woden Eagles v Canberra City (6:50pm, Deakin 9) RiteWay Northern Phoenix v Tuggeranong Vikings (7:40pm, Deakin 3) Women’s Open Woden Eagles v Canberra City (7:40pm, Deakin 9) RiteWay Northern Phoenix v Tuggeranong Vikings (8:30pm, Deakin 3) Mixed 16’s Tuggeranong Vikings v Woden Eagles (6:00pm, Deakin 9) RiteWay Northern Phoenix v Canberra City (6:00pm, Deakin 3) For more information on the competitions and to get all the fixtures and results please visit www.phoenixtfc.com or www.acttouch.com.au

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SEPARATED AT BIRTH

AMERICAIN LOOKING FOR BACK TO BACK MELBOURNE CUPS Defending Melbourne Cup champion Americain ridden by jockey Gerald Mosse and trained by Alian de Royer Dupre gallops to victory in the Moonnee Valley Cup at Moonee Valley Racecourse in Melbourne. Image: Julian Smith - AAP

Reigning Melbourne Cup hero Americain has firmed from $7.50 to $4.80 favourite to make it back-to-back wins in the $6 million race after the Cox Plate failed to produce a satisfactory Cup trial.

The winner of the Group Two Moonee Valley Cup, the Alain de Royer Dupre Americain is all the rage for the 3200m Cup. He will carry the same weight (58kg) after chief handicapper Greg Carpenter opted not to penalise him for his win.

The French are the flavour of the week with Geelong Cup winner Dunaden the second pick at $8.

The Anthony Freedman-trained German import Lucas Cranach, who ran fifth in the Caulfield Cup, is at $9 with another German import, Illo, who ran an eyecatching third in the Moonee Valley Cup at his first appearance for Bart Cummings, is now at $11.

Illo had been a $31 chance for the Melbourne Cup. Cummings believes Illo is “in with a show” of giving him his 13th Melbourne Cup. Moonee Valley Cup runner-up Tullamore, from the Gai Waterhouse stable, has tightened from $26 to $17 in the market.

Trainer Greg Eurell said he would not pay up for Cox Plate winner Pinker Pinker as a second declaration, preferring to just let the win sink in.

However the four-year-old Reset mare is being kept safe and has firmed from $151 to $51.

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If you can’t make the trip down South, there is only one place you really have to be in Canberra on Melbourne Cup day - Thoroughbred Park. The ACTTAB Melbourne Cup Race Day is one of the biggest social events of the year for racing fans, socialites and fashionista’s alike, who will witness the running of the Melbourne Cup on the big screen in Flemington whilst surrounded by the atmosphere and excitement of local racing.

CALLUM FERGUSON - CRICKETER

The iconic ACTTAB Melbourne Cup Race day is the perfect opportunity to network with clients, entertain guests or socialise with friends and work collegaues and Thoroughbred Park have a range of hospitality options to choose from to suit all budgets.

The Myer Fashions on the Field will be run on the day with some great prizes and is the perfect opportunity for you to ‘release your inner show pony’!

For more information go to www.thoroughbredpark.com.au

ACTTAB Melbourne Cup Race Day 2011 Tuesday 1 November 2011 Time Gates open 9.30am.

Local racing from approximately 1pm.

Free ACTION buses running from 4pm to town.

BILLIE ARMSTRONG - GREENDAY www.playcanberra.com.au

Issue #3 – October 2011

ONE MINUTE WITH...

MATTHEW LOKAN

Newly appointed Belconnen Magpies coach Matt Lokan has a wealth of experience to share with the 2012 playing squad. Having played under the best coaches at the highest levels over the past 10 years, Matt’s coaching and on-field leadership will be a welcome addition to a Magpies outfit desperate to improve on 2011’s results.

First of all what’s going on with all the magpies? This will be your third seniors club and all have been magpies. Is it just coincidence?

Yes, very much a coincidence. Growing up I was always a Port Magpies fan. So to get the opportunity to stay with the magpies name is something I am very happy about.

I’ve been to few games at Alberton oval (Port Adelaide’s home ground), the crowd’s a little wild there, what’s it like to play in front of such passionate fans?

I guess I don’t know much different Port Adelaide are very much the same as Collingwood supporters, loyal and very passionate. I am certainly happy that I have played for them and not against them.

You’ve been coached by some of the best in the business, which coaches style do you think you’ll be most like?

I have been lucky enough to have had some fantastic coaches. Obviously Mick Malthouse (Collingwood - ALF) is one of the greatest but my 2011 coach Tony Bamford (Port Adelaide - SANFL) was also unreal.

Mick had a very good balance between being your friend and also being your coach. He was able to communicate very

well and you certainly knew when he wasn’t happy with you.

Tony’s knowledge of the game is second to none and I have learnt so much from him over the last 18 months.

Being a qualified teacher I would like to think I was able to communicate well with the players and hopefully they will respond well to my structures and team patterns.

Central districts coach Roy Laird has said he doesn’t have a desire to coach AFL because he didn’t like the way it’s played. There is a lot to be said for the less clinical nature of 2nd tier football, Do you agree at all with Roy? Roy had been very successful at SANFL level and I can certainly see why you wouldn’t want to leave a team like Central Districts. I personally still love watching AFL and if the opportunity ever arose I wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to take a role at the next level.

Have you got a tough pre season planned for the Belconnen boys?

All pre seasons are tough but we certainly will be enjoying it and mixing it up a fair bit. Gone are the days of running laps around an oval and I plan to use the footy as much as we can. Pre season will be all about getting ready for round one not developing pre season champions.

You’ve got a good young squad to work with – best of luck for the NEAFL season.

Thank you and I am really looking forward to getting into pre season and working with the playing group.

YOUR SHOUT

Have your shout and let us know what you think about any of our stories or if you just want to share your wisdom.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

email us at editor@playcanberra.com.au

Cairns Fan

PLAY

Cheers leaders

Great magazine. Why didn’t anyone think of this earlier. Love the wide coverage of sport: mens; womens; juniors; international; national and local.

I’m impressed by Chris Cairns and look forward to his column. He has clear and insightful views on cricket. His comments on the state of the game in Australia are spot on and he makes some interesting comparisons about Australian captains. I know he’s going to bring some spectators out to local cricket and inspire some youngsters.

I think he might attract some new and dedicated readers to PLAY canberra as well.

I picked up one of your magazines this morning and was pleased to see that Canberra Sports are finally getting the coverage they need.

PLAY I was very happy to pick up your magazine and have a read, its great by the way.

Retired Lacrossier, Tuggeranong PLAY: Thanks Retired Lacrossier - We look forward to reading Chris’s articles as much as you do. Would you believe I was watching some NCAA lacrosse earlier this year? hmm sounds like a lacrosse article is due.

Too often we see the elite programs being highlighted but fail to report on the amazing amount of up and coming talent we have in Canberra. With the highest level of participation in Sport within Australia, Canberrans should be proud. Well Done to you PLAY! Debra Moran PLAY: Thank you Debra. As Canberrans we knew Canberra had a very strong sports base and saw a need. I’m glad that people such as yourself are excited about the magazine and the potential it has to raise the profile of sport in Canberra at all levels.

We endeavour to have the best coverage of local sport.

Ok I know cheer leading isn’t at the forefront of sport but after hearing that they want to have cheerleaders at the cricket I felt I had to say something. I’m all for cheerleaders but I want them to be entertaining!

I think that it would be great to have cheerleaders that have the skills and talent of those in America.

The stunts they do are amazing and the routines are at times more exciting than the sport they are cheering for.

Watch ‘Bring it On’ and you will know what I’m talking about.

Give me an A PLAY: The girls at PLAY know what you are talking about. We would love see some more stunts by the cheerleaders at the next Raiders game.

Its up to you now girls! Bring it on!

Issue #3 – October 2011

WE’RE ALL ABOUT SPORT

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FOOTBALL

AFC SUSPENDS FIVE OVER BRAWL Asia’s football body has ordered one-match suspensions and may take further action against three players and two coaches involved in a brawl that marred a regional Champions League semi-final.

One of Asia’s biggest club matches, between South Korea’s Suwon Bluewings and Qatar’s Al Sadd was temporarily halted as both teams traded punches in an ugly late-game melee.

The Asian Football Confederation said it had banned Suwon Bluewings player Stevica Ristic and coach Ko Jong-Su from the second-leg match in Doha.

Al Sadd players Kader Keita and Mamadou Niang and goalkeeper coach Suhail Saber Ali also received the one-match suspensions.

The AFC said it had also opened further proceedings against the five, which will be referred to its disciplinary committee.

The violence erupted late in the second half after Niang raced through for his breakaway second goal while much of Suwon’s team were tending to an injured player. The resulting pushing and shoving degenerated into an all-out brawl.

Al Sadd won the match 2-0.

It has been a difficult year for Asian football after regional soccer chief Mohamed bin Hammam was banned from the sport for offering bribes to FIFA delegates, an accusation he denies.

The Kuala Lumpur-based AFC also has had to contend with match-fixing and betting scandals in China, Malaysia and South Korea. - AAP

Qatari Al Sadd’s Mesaad Ali bleeds from his nose after fighting with South Korean Suwon Samsung Bluewings’ member during their AFC Champions League semifinal soccer match at Suwon World Cup Stadium in Suwon, South Korea

EPL CHIEF DISMISSES TALK OF CHANGE The head of the English Premier League has dismissed fears of a plot to scrap relegation and promotion, branding the suggestion as “nonsensical scare-mongering.”

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore told Sky Sports News that there was “absolutely no appetite” amongst the top-flight clubs to transform the league into a closed shop.

Scudamore was responding to comments by League Managers Association chief executive Richard Bevan earlier this week suggesting foreign owners of Premier League clubs may eventually seek to end relegation.

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He revealed he had also challenged Bevan to identify the owners who were supposedly in favour of scrapping promotion and relegation and the LMA chief had been unable to do so.

“My reaction was to ask him precisely who they were and what they were saying and he was unable to substantiate it in any meaningful way as I knew he wouldn’t be able to,” Bevan said.

“This idea that the foreign owners are somehow more interested in this than the UK owners is just a misconception.”

Asked to respond to the remarks, Scudamore replied: “Well, (a), I could never see it; and (b), there’s been no serious debate about it at all.

Bevan had suggested that relegation may be axed if two-thirds of the Premier League clubs voted for it.

“It’s just a nonsensical starting point...it’s scaremongering of the worst order in my view.

However, the league’s rules also dictate that changes would need approval from the English Football Association, which would be highly unlikely to approve the plan. - AFP

“There is absolutely no appetite for it. You just can’t make statements without being able to back it up.

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore. Image: Chris Young - AFP

Scudamore said promotion and relegation was the “lifeblood” of English football.

“I’m probably the person sitting with the most evidence. I speak to the clubs on a regular basis.

I speak to all the owners - both foreign and British - on a very regular basis and there’s no appetite for it whatsoever.”

Have your shout email us at editor@playcanberra.com.au ONE GAME AT A TIME

Issue #3 – October 2011

“We’ve given the AFL and NRL a 30-year head start,” Maynard told AAP. “Aboriginal people up to the 1950s and into the 70s, faced barriers preventing them from playing any sport to be truthful.

“Prior to that time there was only a handful of players in the NRL, or the AFL, who actually played up until then.

“The floodgates opened certainly from the 1980s on, when the AFL and NRL subsequently and belatedly really started to target (Aborigines).”

A-LEAGUE

Buckley was well aware of the impact indigenous players had made on the rival football codes.

ent indigenous involvem se ea cr in to t ou A FF

David Williams is an Indigenous Australian professional football player who is currently playing for Hyundai A-League club Melbourne Heart. - AAP

◊ BY ADRIAN WARREN

Football Federation Australia chief Ben Buckley admits his organisation can do more to increase Aboriginal involvement in his sport, with the author of a new book on the subject saying soccer has given the AFL and NRL a 30-year head start.

Buckley helped launch “The Aboriginal Soccer Tribe”, written by John Maynard.

While the AFL and NRL have turned out many superstars over the last three decades and rugby has been illuminated by the skills of the three Ella brothers and Kurtley Beale, football has lagged behind.

Only six Aborigines have played for the Socceroos and just one of those, 1974 World Cup squad member Harry Williams, emerged before the last decade.

“As I observe Australian rules, rugby league and rugby union I see games that have embraced indigenous athletes, those indigenous players have changed those games for the better and may I also say they have changed Australia for the better,” Buckley said.

“We know football can do more.”

Buckley stressed when the reform of the code took place in 2004, it was clear the game hadn’t done enough to engage indigenous Australians, but emphasised the FFA was putting programs in place to address the issue.

“Progress has been made, the FFA has developed indigenous programs, hosted indigenous football festivals and appointed ambassadors and listened to advisers,” Buckley said.

“This month we have appointed a national indigenous football coordinator.”

Maynard said football legend Johnny Warren had spoken to authorities about the tremendous potential in the aboriginal communities.

“Sadly John was ignored then and the AFL and the NRL subsequently and belatedly took up the ball and they’ve produced some of the greatest footballers of those codes over the last 30 years,” Maynard said.

“Football Federation Australia are 30 years behind the ball if you like, they have got a lot of catching up to do, which means to tap into Aboriginal communities.”

Buckley said the FFA was on the way to achieving a target of having five per cent of the players in the A-League coming from aboriginal heritage by 2018, with last weekend’s scorers including David Williams of Melbourne Heart and James Brown of Gold Coast United. - AAP

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Issue #3 – October 2011

12/07/11 1:45 PM WE’RE ALL ABOUT SPORT

CANBERRA.COM.AU

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W-LEAGUE

MUNOZ AND HEYMAN BREAK ADELAIDE RESISTANCE Two goals each from Caitlin Munoz and Michelle Heyman saw Canberra United to an opening day 4-1 win over Adelaide United in hot conditions at Hindmarsh Stadium, with the Lady Reds putting up a gallant display in defeat.

And, whilst the score line could have been even greater as Canberra wasted numerous chances, Adelaide can take great credit for frustrating their visitors for large swathes of the match with the away team not taking full control of the encounter until the final quarter.

Canberra got off to a dream start in Head Coach Jitka Klimkova’s first match in charge, taking the lead after only 88 seconds and, perhaps unsurprisingly, it was last season’s leading scorer Michelle Heyman who made the breakthrough.

The Matildas international collected a through ball in her stride and took a neat touch before calmly sliding her shot past the advancing Kristi Harvey in the Adelaide goal.

Such a rapid fire start sparked memories of last season’s 4-0 rout of the Lady Reds at McKellar Park but, to their credit, the South Australians put in a spirited response led by the battling qualities of Kiwi Anna Green and midfielder Grace Henry who was a bundle of energy in the centre of the field.

The visitors though continued to create the bulk of the chances with new US signing Taryn Hemmings going close to bundling a Snez Veljanovska cross over the line only to be denied by a goal line clearance from the retreating Ruth Wallace. Hemmings went close again in the 22nd minute when she almost converted a low Ashleigh Sykes cross and Heyman blazed a volley at Harvey, before wasting a glorious opportunity to double the lead when selecting to shoot from a tight angle with Sykes poised in the centre.

It was somewhat against the run of play therefore when Adelaide equalised nine minutes from the interval. Marijana Rajcic broke down the right flank and her cross fell to Rachael Quigley whose effort looped over the stranded Lydia Williams to level the scores.

Canberra’s response was to up the ante and Hemmings was unlucky to see a debut goal ruled out for a narrow offside call.

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Then, following impressive approach work from Heyman, Caitlin Munoz blazed high and wide after cutting inside her marker.

It was a similar story after the break with Canberra dominating possession and creating plenty of passable opportunities.

The tone was set only seven minutes into the second stanza when Heyman advanced only to see her firm low drive brilliantly saved by Harvey. Moments later Munoz headed over a Sykes cross from close range, having to react quickly to a ball that was slightly behind her before Jennifer Bisset thrashed at a loose ball sending it wide of the target.

It seemed inevitable that Canberra would re-take the lead and they duly obliged just after the hour mark. Sally Shipard was the architect, the substitute having replaced Grace Gill at the break, sent over an inviting cross that Munoz, sneaking in front of her marker elegantly lifted over Harvey and into the net.

The Adelaide of old may have crumbled after that but this group seems to be made of sterner stuff and their battling qualities almost brought an equaliser when substitute Greta French-Kennedy saw her cross-shot come back off the crossbar with Williams back-pedalling.

United proved more ruthless than the Lady Reds in attack though and duly made it 3-1 with twenty minutes remaining. Shipard sent Nicole Sykes scampering down the left flank and, from her low cross into the area, Munoz spun and turned to send a shot across Harvey and into the net off the far post.

Heyman put the icing on the cake with the fourth goal, the pick of the bunch, in the last eight minutes. Picking up the ball twenty-five metres from goal, the front-runner jinked inside and curled a beautiful shot into the top corner of the net – an early contender for goal of the season.

Munoz had a brace of chances close to full-time to complete a hat-trick but fired narrowly wide when well-placed but it mattered little as United ultimately romped to victory.

MATCH STATISTICS Adelaide United 1 (Rachael Quigley 36’) Canberra United 4 (Michelle Heyman 2’, 82’, Caitlin Munoz 61’, 70’)

11-11328/2

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Issue #3 – October 2011

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Issue #3 – October 2011

CANBERRA UNITED ◊ BEN SAKKER KELLY

“Definitely we’ve got to be in the finals again… it’s one game at a time, we’ve got twelve hurdles and the 12th hurdle is the grand final.”

Canberra United CEO Heather Reid is not one to mince words. It has been nine months since United’s heartbreaking semi-final loss on penalties to eventual champions Brisbane Roar and Reid is aiming for improvement. After a globetrotting offseason that saw her pick up a new coach and an impressive clutch of players, there’s plenty to excite fans of Canberra football.

The new coach – highly offensive!

One of the most important changes has taken place at the top. With last season’s coach Ray Junna departing to focus on his ACT Academy of Sport responsibilities, the race was on to find a suitable replacement. It came from an unlikely quarter, with Reid securing the services of the W-League’s first ever foreign coach in former Czech international Jitka Klimkova. The deal was struck after a conversation between the two at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany.

“Securing Jitka’s appointment was significant, and I do take some personal credit for that,” said Reid.

“It was, I guess, a risk because whilst I knew her credentials and qualifications, we weren’t really sure how well she would fit in and how well she’d adjust. But she’s only been here three weeks and it just seems like three months already – so much has happened.”

The new coach tends to agree.

“During the World Cup I met Heather and she offered me this job in Australia. When she was talking to me about the league, I made the decision really quickly because that’s what I like,” Klimkova said.

“The Canberra team is really similar to the team I coached in the Czech Republic. We were like a big family and it’s the same here so I’m proud to be here.”

And what can the fans expect from the new Supremo?

According to Klimkova, the good ship United will only be steaming in one direction.

“I’m a really offensive coach. I love playing attractive soccer. Of course we have to think about a great organised defence, but I will inspire the players to play attractive soccer. I hope we will score the goals and the crowd will be satisfied with our style.”

Issue #3 – October 2011

Skills to pay the bills Even with the best of intentions, coaching philosophy means very little without the players to implement it.

On that front, United looks to be in good shape.

Reid explained that her first priority was protecting the talent already on the books.

“I’ve previously said that Newcastle Jets, for example, have got quite a bit of money to throw at players. They were seeking Lydia Williams and Michelle Heyman and a couple of others. So we needed to secure Lydia especially for Canberra. She’s such a rock in the team and the number one goalkeeper in Australia I believe.”

This Matilda’s experience was shared by Canberra United’s dual cricket/football international defender Elyse Perry and midfield all-action hero Sally Shipard.

Both players will be donning the green again this season, as will other stalwarts such as the dynamo Sykes twins Ashleigh and Nicole; Canberra and Matildas legend Caitlin Munoz; and last season’s recruits, Michelle Heyman and Caitlin Cooper. Two familiar faces return to the fold, as defender Christine Walters overcomes long-term injury and imposing midfielder Snez Veljanovska returns from a year with Melbourne Victory.

Significantly, much of the squad is made up from emerging local talent. Georgia Yeoman-Dale, Sally Rojan, Grace Gill, Kahlia Hogg and Jennifer Bisset are all products of Canberra clubs. Anyone familiar with the ACT Women’s Premier League will know that their pace and creativity comes from a similar vein to the football produced by the Matildas in Germany.

There are also some notable additions this year, from an impressive variety of locations. The first overseas signing was New Zealand international reserve keeper, Aroon Clancy. Hailing from Kiwi powerhouse Three Kings United, Clancy is keen to push on from her supporting role at the World Cup. “I thought just for a change and obviously a new challenge in my footballing career that I would come over to Canberra and hopefully improve. And so when I go back, I can try and push as hard as I can to take the number one spot for my country,” Clancy said.

Joining Williams and Heyman back in the squad is defender Ellie Brush, the “Definitely we’ve got to be in the “Women’s football in New Zealand is growing really fast, as it is here. inspirational Captain from United’s finals again… it’s one game at We have a national youth league, last campaign. Not only was Brush a time, we’ve got twelve hurdles which is happening at the moment the first ever female to play in men’s and the 12th hurdle is the and some of the over-age players competition for Albury during the grand final.” are allowed to play in that… But I offseason, but she also ventured as think, obviously [the W-League] far afield as East Timor through her is probably one of the highest strength leagues. That’s physiotherapy studies. why I chose to come here rather than stay at home.”

“I was there for two weeks... I got chosen as one of six Competition for the number one spot doesn’t seem students to go over,” Brush said. to have spoiled the good relationship with Canberra “We were there with the Tour de Timor – an United stalwart Lydia Williams, as Clancy revealed that international mountain bike race for peace that the Williams played a key role in getting her to the club.

President started three years ago. We were six physios “[Lydia] was who I talked to about it and she obviously for the 450 riders of the six-day stage of 607km race… mentioned me to Heather. Then I got contacted and it [it was] an amazing cultural and phsyio experience.” went from there.”

Far from the mountains of East Timor, Canberra The second foreign recruit will be more concerned United goalkeeper Lydia Williams was keeping busy with scoring goals than saving them. American allwith the Matildas. After a solid performance at the rounder Taryn Hemmings was poached from Women’s World Cup, she jetted off with the team for the frenetic Professional Soccer (WPS) team the Boston Breakers. but ultimately unsuccessful Olympic qualification Once again, personal connections were the key in tournament. sealing the deal. Hemmings was convinced by her “It’s been non-stop. We had three weeks off after the Boston and now Canberra United teammate Leah World Cup and that was the longest break I’ve had for Blayney to take the leap. about four years,” said Williams.

“I finished my season in Boston in late August and “I’m used to training every day, but obviously playing a was looking for somewhere to play overseas during our game every second day [for the Olympic tournament] offseason,” Hemmings said. is a bit much. But we have an excellent staff with the “I’d been talking to Leah a little bit about the Australian national team and they made sure that everyone was league and she said ‘you should try and come to raring to go, had the appropriate recovery time… I’ve Canberra with me, the team’s really great and we’ve been getting back into it and definitely ready for the been doing well in the W-League in the past’.”

W-League.”

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And which of her many roles is Taryn likely to play in the United setup?

“I started out playing forward and outside wing, and last year in Boston I got moved into centre back at the end. So I’m technically and actually a forward, and I think that’s where I’m playing here for now anyway. I’ll just play wherever, I’m not picky!”

“Leah almost got me to eat some kangaroo strips but we never ordered them, so I haven’t tried them. I don’t know, I just feel like they’re too special, I can’t eat them!

We’ll see how things turn out though.”

The last addition to the team is young livewire Hayley Raso from Queensland.

Making a huge impact during her weeklong trial, Raso cemented her place with a screaming run down the flank to set up a goal for Michelle Heyman. She brings the firepower up front to critical mass.

And all of this has been achieved on a shoestring budget of around $180,000.

The revenue is compiled from sponsorship, government grants and ticket sales, with no money taken from grassroots Canberra football. Not only that, but many of the players will be assisting with youth development during their time in the capital.

So get out there Canberra. Prepare to be entertained, help support the club and make sure you’re present for one of the best shows in town over summer!

Canberra United Squad for 2011/12 W-League Season Jennifer Bisset, Leah Blayney, Ellie Brush, Aroon Clansey (gk), Caitlin Cooper, Grace Gill, Michelle Heyman, Kahlia Hogg, Caitlin Munoz, Ellyse Perry, Hayley Raso, Sally Rojahn, Sally Shipard, Ashleigh Sykes, Nicole Sykes, Snez Veljanovska, Christine Walters, Lydia Williams (gk), Georgia Yeoman-Dale Ben Sakker Kelly is a presenter on 2XX 98.3FM’s Farpost Football Show.

The show airs 3-5PM every Sunday and is available as a podcast on iTunes.

For more details, including interviews with Canberra United players, head to www.tinyurl.com/2XXFarpost.

3.00pm at McKellar Park

ROUND 3 Sat 5 November Sydney FC v Canberra United 3.00pm at Leichhardt Oval

ROUND 4 Sat 12 November Canberra United v Melbourne Victory 3.00pm at McKellar Park

Play Trivia ◊ True or false: Women have an extra rib than men? ◊ How many feathers must a shuttlecock have? ◊ Who won four successive olympic gold medals in the long jump? ◊ How long was the longest world champion ping-pong game? ◊ Who won four gold medals in one day at the 1992 Barcelona?

Olympics?

ANSWERS: 1. False 2. 14 3. Carl Lewis 4. 3 days in 1932, Austria vs Romania

Taryn Hemmings

24

ROUND 2 Sat 29 October Canberra United v Perth Glory

5. Vitaly Scherbo

Despite her well-publicised run-in with some run-over kangaroos upon arrival, Hemmings revealed that her squeamishness towards the local icon might be wearing off.

WE’RE ALL ABOUT SPORT

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Issue #3 – October 2011

Issue #3 – October 2011

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Sam Croser and Greg Collis

Danielle Slark and Elly Unicomb

Dan Bisa, Phil Dechaineaux, Richard Coby, Chris Hansen and Mikael Svensson

SHEPHERD CENTRE GOLF DAY @ Gold Creek Golf Club Friday the 21st October The Shepherd Centre golf day was organized in conjunction with Loud Shirt Day. The event helps raise awareness of the good work the Shepherd Centre does everyday.

Every year, one in 1,000 Australian children is born with a significant hearing impairment. That’s one child almost every day.

The Shepherd Centre helps these children to learn how to listen and speak and fully participate in the hearing world.

For more information head to www.shepherdcentre.com.au or to get involved in Loud Shirt Day in the future www.loudshirtday.com.au

Will and Liam Denny

Chris Cairns, Brendon Small and Jeff Thompson

Amyee Marshall, Amy Peacock and Brittany Drew Shaun Creighton and Brendon Prout Fiona Nelson, Greg Thompson and Belinda Baker

CLUBS ACT SPORTS PERSON OF THE YEAR @ Canberra Southern Cross Club - Woden Friday the 21st October Gale Burns, Bec Dent and Ron Burns 26

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Lauren Boden and Mitchell Lovelock-Fay Issue #3 – October 2011

2011 CLUBSACT SPORTSTAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS. Susan Powell topped off an unbelievable year on Friday night to be named 2011 ClubsACT Sportstar of the Year at a Gala event held at the Canberra Southern Cross Club.

Beating strong opposition including Michael Matthews (cycling), Andrew Kirkpatrick (softball) and Alicia Coutts (swimming), the current triple world champion cyclist showed great humility accepting her second award for the night.

The accompanying trophy (pictured) will have to fight for shelf space with Susan’s other 2011 awards which include victories in the Road Race and Time Trial at the recent UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships in Denmark. Earlier in the year Susan celebrated victories in both the Road Race and Time Trial at Para-cycling World Cup events in Sydney and then again completed the double in Cantimpalos (Spain). Susan also became the 2011 National Road Race Champion and the 2011 National and World Track Champion in the Individual Pursuit.

Other highlights of a very entertaining night, hosted

by Bec Dent and Joe Gleeson, included Allison Rice’s effortlessly funny acceptance speech, a range of impromptu interviews by Fiona Nelson and the celebrations of the Canberra Dragon Boat contingent as the Ice Dragons took out team of the year.

WINNER: Susan Powell - Cycling

The 2011 ClubsACT Sportstar of the Year Awards was a fitting way to celebrate Canberra’s impressive sporting achievements over the past 12 months.

Congratulations Susan and all the finalist of the night.

Award winners were: ClubsACT Sportstar of the Year: Susan Powell - Cycling Canberra Times Male Sportstar of the Year: Andrew Kirkpatrick - Softball Schweppes Female Sportstar of the Year: Susan Powell - Cycling Sportsmans Warehouse Junior Sportstar of the Year: Alison Rice - Cycling Konica Minolta Team Sportstar of the Year: Ice Dragons - Dragon Boat Chamberlains Masters Sportstar of the Year: Janice Banens - Athletics Mix 106.3 FM Coach Sportstar of the Year: Bob Harrow - Softball AIS Sportstar of the Year: Alicia Coutts - Swimming Southern Cross Ten Community Sport Award: Robbie Chesher - Lawn Bowls Trophylink Volunteer of the Year: Angelique Clyde-Smith - Ice Skating NOVA Multimedia Official of the Year: Geoff Northam - Rowing

UPCOMING EVENTS Street Orienteering Series ACT Street Orienteering Series ACT Orienteering in Canberra.

The inaugural series earlier this year was very well supported with over 450 individual participants so we’re running it again!

It’s fun, fast and located close to the city.

Participants arrive at 6.00pm and set off through the streets of Canberra with a map to visit as many checkpoints as possible. They can run or walk, there are 4 different courses 3km, 6km, 9km or Power walker but everyone must return by 7.30pm.

ACT Mountain Bike Orienteering Championships Sunday 13th November 2011 Kowen Forest, Kowen ACT Start Times: 10:00 - 12.00 noon Contact details:

It’s a great way to get fit without realising it!

Julie Sunley

The first event will commence on Monday 7th November at South Curtin Oval, Carruthers Drive Curtin at 6.00pm for a 6.15pm start.

Phone: 0433 222 644 Email: juliesunley64@gmail.com

Future events include: 14th November - Turner 21st November - Forrest 28th November - Hackett 5 December - Yarralumla 12th December - Cook - Macquarie

See website for more info and to enter:

For more information please contact Julie Sunley at juliesunley64@gmail.com

Issue #3 – October 2011

http://www.act.orienteering.asn.au/MTBO/ Click on the information link and the regidter link and follow the prompts

Tell us about your upcoming event via editor@playcanberra.com.au Please email us up to 2 weeks prior to your event.

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WOMEN IN

SPORBUTCHANAN

CAROLINE ◊ PETER MCGRATH

Nickname: Caz, Caro Age/DDB: 20 years old, October 1990 Hometown: Canberra, Australia How many athletes can lay claim to being a two- time world champion before they have turned 21? At 20 years of age, Caroline Buchanan has achieved more than others will in a lifetime. Along with her four- cross world titles, Buchanan has won several Australian BMX titles, numerous high profile awards, has a variety of sponsors and is clearly one of Australia’s brightest young athletes.

As a young Canberran, Buchanan began racing BMX from the age of 5. Throughout her childhood she maintained a passion for other sports, but it was clear from her first races that she had the talent to become one of the world’s best on a bike.

Buchanan’s pet events, both 4x and BMX are short high intensity races which require enormous concentration and stamina. To be prepared, Buchanan, subscribes to a strict fitness regime of swimming, prehab and rehab exercises, gym work, ice baths, and self-massage, as well as countless hours of riding.

Even though she has won two 4x world titles and is currently ranked 4th in the UCI BMX World Rankings, Buchanan is not yet satisfied and has her sights on a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics. The London 2012 BMX competition is restricted to 32 men and 16 women. Australia can send a

maximum team of three men and two women. Buchanan will again have to shine in an individual time trial and several races to book her seat.

Buchanan’s career hasn’t been without adversity. Her brother Sam broke his neck whilst on a mountain bike, the family house was burnt to the ground during the 2003 Canberra bushfires and if that wasn’t enough she survived renal failure after having an allergic reaction to antibiotics.

However, Buchanan’s biggest obstacle is not getting the same recognition as her male counterparts. With similar expenses, she battles to gain enough exposure to attract sponsors, despite her array of achievements. It is a frustration shared by many individual female elite athletes.

Buchanan is able to finance her numerous overseas trips through sponsorship, media and presentations, however, still relies upon a supportive family back in Canberra.

Buchanan is a positive role model for all young athletes, in particular Canberra girls, who have aspirations of making a career in bike riding. In 2010, her standing in the Canberra community was recognised as a finalist in the young Australian of the year awards. It is testament to Buchanan’s character and personality that she is able to promote herself and her sport despite limited marketing opportunities within Australia. Buchanan is already a star, and her career has just begun. It appears Australia will be singing the praises of this young Canberran for years to come.

It’s a busy weekend for sport across Canberra from 28-30 October with fixtures scheduled for all three teams and spectators are encouraged to attend as many matches as possible to cheer on their local sporting stars in the Women’s Summer of Sport 2011/12.

FIXTURES DETAILS Canberra United v Perth Glory Saturday 29th October McKellar Park, Belconnen 3.00pm kick off

Canberra TransACT Capitals v Adelaide Lightning Saturday 29 October AIS Arena, Bruce 7.00pm tip off

ACT Meteors v Tasmania Roar Friday 28th October Twenty20 - 3pm start Saturday 29th October One Day Match - 10am start Sunday 30th October Twenty20 - 10am start

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Issue #3 – October 2011

ROLLER DERBY:

SKATE-ICUS Gladiators of the Flat Track No longer are the great battles fought upon arenas filled with blood and sand. True glory is found on the flat track arena, at Skate-icus with fishnets and spandex.

From the peaks of Fyshwick rolled forth teams of warriors – Black ‘n’ Blue Belles, Brindabelters, Red Bellied Black Hearts and Surly Griffins – challenging one another to battle for glory at Skate-icus.

Surly Griffins V Brindabelters

Taught never to retreat, never to surrender.

Taught that victory in the arena, was the greatest glory they could achieve.

Red Bellied Black Hearts V Black ‘n’ Blue Belles

The skaters forged through the colossal 6 bouts of Hades, to be baptised by the fire of combat and reborn as Gladiators of the Flat Track.

For honours sake, for duty’s sake, for glory’s sake they will skate.

Step forth for the final two battles and bear witness to the victory of the ultimate Gladiator of the Flat Track.

Surly Griffins ready for action

Who will cower defeated after receiving the turned thumb, and who will dominate, defiant in their declaration – I. AM. SKATE-ICUS! Images: Mark Turner www.markturnerimages.com

Red Bellied Black Hearts

LIKE WORKING OUTDOORS? ITS NOT JUST A BOYS GAME.

Red Bellied Black Hearts Champions!

Only a short time left to apply for an ActewAGL apprenticeship ActewAGL is encouraging women to apply for an apprenticeship with ActewAGL in 2012 and submit their applications by Monday 31 October 2011.

ActewAGL offers electrical fitter and lineworker apprenticeships. Apprentices receive above-award pay, on the job training, nationally recognised tertiary qualifications and further study and career path options. A mature-age apprentice wage is also available for people over 21.

ActewAGL Director Human Resource Tania Hutchison said, “We generally receive far more applications from men than women and we want women to know that it’s not just a boys’ game.

Michelle Tifan, Rebecca Stockman and Ellen Golf have shown that ActewAGL apprenticeships are not just a boys’ game.

Issue #3 – October 2011

“Women who play hard can work hard too.

Skills that women learn on the field, like problem solving, team work and attention to detail can translate very well to an apprenticeship. It is also a great career option if you want to work outdoors.”

With third-year apprentice Michelle Tifan recently recognised as an outstanding apprentice, ActewAGL is keen to see more women apply for apprenticeships this year. In August Michelle became the first electrical apprentice to be named Construction Industry Outstanding Apprentice of the Year at the annual ACT Regional Building and Construction Industry Training Council awards.

“This is not the first time our female apprentices have been recognised for their hard work and skills. The awards not only reflect the high standard of our training staff and apprentice program, they show that women are achieving in non-traditional roles.”

To be eligible to apply, applicants must have a Year 10 School Certificate and complete a pre-selection test by 29 October.

More information, the application form and a practice pre-selection test are available at actewagl.com.au/femaleapprenticeship

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ACT FIGURE SKATING TEAM 2011

Mia Connell-Whitty, Eiland Kenyan, Bethany McMahon, Charolette Kesteven, Karuna Henderson, Sarah Batey and Dilli Kenyon

The ACT Ice Skating Association has selected a very strong team for representation at the Australian National Figure Skating Championships to be held in Brisbane in early December this year.

The ACT Figure Skating Championships were held on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 September 2011, at the Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre. Following the Championships, the Association considered a number of factors for selection of the ACT team, including the judging panel’s recommendations.

“Even with the number of competitors being down this year, the field was very strong and we had the pleasure of judging some outstanding programs”, said Rebecca Wells, a senior judge on the Championships panel.

“We are very pleased to announce the following team to represent the ACT at the Australian National Figure Skating Championships”, said ACTISA’s Vice President, Dr Greg Ash.

ACT Singles Team 2011 Senior Division

Karuna Henderson

Junior Division

Bethany McMahon

Karuna Henderson*

Eiland Kenyon

Novice Division

Endillion (Dilli) Kenyon

Intermediate Division Brianna Steggall

Justine Thornton

Charlotte (Charli) Kesteven

Primary Division

Mia Connell-Whitty

Sarah Batey

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* Under Ice Skating Australia rules skaters are to be able to compete at both Junior and Senior level up until the age of 19 years old. Karuna has been nominated for both Junior and Senior Divisions by the ACT Ice Skating Association.

Justine Thornton - Family Fotographics

Dr Ash commented, “This is a very exciting time for our three new skaters on the ACT team; Brianna Steggall, Mia Connell-Whitty and Sarah Batey. For our seasoned skaters, such as Karuna Henderson and Bethany McMahon, we know they will be very competitive in their Divisions, as will Justine Thornton and Charli Kesteven.

Then we have the Kenyon sisters who will be worth watching, with Eiland representing Australia earlier this year at the NZ Winter Games and Dilli coming home with a Gold medal from the recent NSW Championships.

We wish all our skaters well and are very confident they will represent the ACT skating community with outstanding performances.”

The Australian National Figure Skating Championships are held in a different state each year. Ice Skating Australia selects a rink from State nominations received the year before each event is held, with the Boondall rink in Brisbane winning selection for hosting the 2011 Championships.

The Championships will be held over 9 days, from 2-10 December 2011, with skaters competing in Singles, Pairs, Dance, Synchronised and Adult Divisions.

Dr Greg Ash ACTISA Vice President Julie Stalker ACTISA Media Liaison m | 0408 959 376

Brianna Steggall - Michael Santer from Ozskater magazine

Issue #3 – October 2011

HOCKEY

HOCKEYROOS, KOOKABURRAS WIN SUPER 9 TITLE

PLAY - THE DANCE AGENCY If you are in the dance scene then it’s more than likely you have heard buzz about Canberra’s newest hub of dance: Play - The Dance Agency.

Although we credit them with their excellent choice in name, we have learnt there is much more to this dance studio then meets the eye. Although classes only started up in Dickson in June, this studio is already well established and is well on it’s way to making a name for itself in Canberra. Recently, the STAGE II CREW took out 1st Place in the Brindabella Dance Festival, classes are filling up and demand for the Performance Crews to perform has been high. Play - The Dance Agency have shown their support for the Canberra sports community by performing at The Canberra Raiders and also Rollerderby Grand Final at the AIS Arena.

They will also be competing in interstate competitions as well as performances at Charity and public events in the coming months.

Play has called themselves a dance agency because they do more than teach dancing, they actively promote their students in their Crews to embark on projects that will further their careers in performing and developing their skills as a dancer and performer. Whether it be school, public or private performances, TV commercials, public speaking, or opportunities they are provided with in or out of Play they support them and give them every opportunity to be the best they can be in the industry. According to the parents of the students who attend Play there is nothing like it in Canberra “we have been to a few dance schools around Canberra and never found anything like Play. My daughter would live there if she could and has learnt so much, not just about dance but also about life thanks to the example the teachers set in and out of the classroom” a PlayMum said.

Issue #3 – October 2011

Play ís foundation is based on community through a common passion - dance. The teachers LOVE to dance and even more they LOVE to teach. The philosophy and name is based around the three most important factors in a person’s day-to-day life, work, rest and Play. Everyone needs time to Play. And everyone’s version of “Play” is different.

Speaking of teaching, Play is run by Cassie Gillis and Olivia Djuradeli. Both of whom have had a large role in the Canberra dance community. Cassie also has another business, dancecore which she runs along side Olivia. dancecore provides Canberra school kids with dance classes at their schools “These classes are for kids who want to try out dance for the first time, or show their school community how good they are but we also provide the opportunity for dance classes to happen during school hours so parents don’t have to drive their kids around to classes - it’s convenient” Cassie says. With over 1200 students on their class lists, Cassie and Olivia have become ambassadors for dance and fitness for Canberra Kids. But not only kids, Play also offers a PlayMums class which is open to all mums from the Play and dancecore community.

This is a free class and has proven very popular to the mums and also amusing to their children.

“We believe every student has a talent that in the right environment can be nurtured and blossom into something amazing. Play is not just about dance and taking dance class each term.

We are about creating a place where our students can truly be themselves. No limits. No insecurities.” Cassie and Olivia “Dance should be fun and dance class should be the best part of your day.

Because it is for us - it is our life and we canít wait for you to come and see what we are all about.”

Image: Mark Turner

Simon Orchard of the Kookaburras competes with Hugo Inglis of the Blacksticks. Image: Mark Dadswell - AAP

Australia have claimed both the men’s and women’s titles in the Super Series nine-a-side international hockey tournament in Perth.

“We like fast, attacking hockey and hope that we continue to play more hockey like this as we get ready for London in 2012.”

The Kookaburras edged out trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand 5-3 to win the men’s final of the inaugural event while the Hockeyroos defeated India 4-1 to take the women’s crown.

The women’s final saw Australia recover from a goal down to beat India 4-1.

The Kookaburras, who thrashed New Zealand 7-1 earlier in the tournament, were heavy favourites in the grand final excelling in the the new rules introduced at the tournament which include bigger goals and more relaxed rules on stick and foot violations.

They looked in control taking a 3-1 lead in the first half which included a remarkable goal by four-time world player of the year Jamie Dwyer.

However, the Kiwis lifted to draw level early in the second half when Stephen Jenness added to the two goals Blair Hilton had already scored.

The Australians eventually steadied from a short corner in the 25th minute, with Liam De Young converting to restore their lead before Glenn Turner sealed the title with less than two minutes to go.

Kookaburras captain Eddie Ockenden said the results bode well leading up to next year’s London Olympics.

“We played some great hockey and it was very competitive amongst all teams,” he said WE’RE ALL ABOUT SPORT

The Hockeyroos dominated early, but it was India that opened the scoring against the trend of play through Soundarya Yendala in the ninth minute.

However, Australia struck back through Hope Munro and Kellie White in quick succession and led 2-1 at the break.

The home side broke the game open early in the second half with goals to Marnie Hudson and Ashleigh Nelson within 60 seconds.

Hockeyroos coach Adam Commens said he believed the new tournament was a success, with the new rules creating more exciting play.

“They were learning how to play this form of the game and certainly our last performance was our best which is what we like to see, the progression through the tournament and I’m really happy to get a result in the grand final and at 4-1 it was a good performance,” he said.

“I think its an exciting form of the game and we need to embrace it. I think that in the future we will see it become very popular with the crowds and that’s what we need to promote our sport,” said Commens. - AAP

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CYCLING

EVANS AND CONTADOR EMERGE AS YELLOW JERSEY FAVOURITES ◊ BY JUSTIN DAVIS

Cadel Evans and Spanish nemesis Alberto Contador emerged as the big favourites for the 2012 Tour de France yellow jersey after the race route was unveiled recently.

Evans, a former two-time runner-up, ended Australia’s long wait for victory on the world’s premier bike race when he won the 98th edition in July.

The BMC team leader’s success - during what was considered a largely clean race, with only one doping positive has met with the approval of organisers who, were quick to pay tribute to the Australian.

But despite nearly 100 km of time trials and fewer stages in the high mountains, Tour chief Christian Prudhomme stopped short of saying he had Evans in mind when the 99th edition was created.

“This route will inspire many different kinds of riders,” Prudhomme said after its unveiling in the presence of Evans, Contador and a few dozen other top stars of the peloton.

“For the climbers there will be chances to really go for it in five, six or seven stages and not just in the Pyrenees or Alps.”

As for the increase in time trials, which on paper favour Evans?

“In a lot of races we’ve seen them disappear a bit, even more so in the Tour de France. But I think they’re on their way back,” added Prudhomme.

“We need to give chances to other kinds of riders, to favour the more complete riders over the climbers.

Tour de France three-time winner, Spain’s Alberto Contador, France’s Pierre Rolland, 2012 Road World Champion Britain’s Mark Cavendish, Tour de France 2011 winner, Australia’s Cadel Evans, Belgium’s champion Philippe Gilbert, Luxembourg’s Frank and Andy Schleck and France’s champion Thomas Voeckler pose next to the map during the official presentation of 2012 Tour de France cycling race route in Paris. Image: Joel Saget - AFP

campaign in July, believes Evans will be the man to beat.

“It’s a course for Evans,” said Contador, arguably a stronger climber than Evans and a close rival in the time trial.

Contador’s presence, however, will be determined by the result of a November doping hearing before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and world cycling’s governing body the UCI are appealing against a Spanish cycling federation (RFEC) decision to acquit Contador over a failed doping test following his third Tour triumph in 2010.

“But the climbing specialists will still get their chance to shine on the steep ramps which feature on around half a dozen stages. With percentages like those, they won’t have any reason not to go on the attack.”

Listening to his team boss at Saxo Bank, former champion Bjarne Riis, the Spaniard will be cleared -- and be a threat.

On paper, Evans should be in his element.

“More time trials, some new climbs, it’s good... When the gradient (of the climbs) goes past 10 percent, it’s another thing altogether.”

Although a strong climber, he has often been left exposed against better equipped teams for the long ascents of the Alps and Pyrenees. Next year, the climbs are shorter but punchier.

Evans’ skills in the race against the clock meanwhile are under no doubt. In the penultimate stage of this year’s race he overcame a 57sec deficit to climbing specialist Andy Schleck of Luxembourg to cruise to overall victory.

Contador, who endured a crash-marred 32

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“It’s not a bad route for Alberto,” said the Dane.

Evans’s manager at BMC, John Lelangue, said their planning and execution will be just as carefully managed as it was in 2011.

“The route is not as easy as some might think,” said the Belgian.

“We’re going there to defend the title and we’ll approach it just as we have in the past two years, concentrating on challenges day by day.

Australia’s Cadel Evans competes in the 42,5 km individual time-trial (A.K.A THAT time-trial) and twentieth stage of the 2011 Tour de France. Image: Lionel Bonaventure - AFP

“Seeing this route, we’re confident and we have a team ready to support Cadel.”

While 2012 does not appear to smile on three-time runner-up Schleck or his brother Frank, Evans still has a formidable obstacle if he is to double up.

Riis added: “It’s a good route for Cadel Evans, and it should be an interesting race in which the Schleck brothers will be forced to attack.

“Alberto has won three Tour de France already, and he’s got what it takes to win a fourth.” - AFP Issue #3 – October 2011

JAMES WILLIAMSON ENDURO CAHLLENGE 2012 The Second James Williamson Enduro Challenge will be held on Sunday March 11th 2012.

the Cape Epic Mountain Bike Race in South Africa.

Following the success of the inaugural event, the organisers were overwhelmed by riders’ positive comments and enthusiasm for this event. With this in mind, we are keeping the format of the race more or less the same as 2011, with a few minor changes to be introduced, to keep the trails flowing, and the riders pumped!

Entries are now open for the James Williamson Enduro Challenge for 2012. To keep the friendly and James vibe to this race, entries are capped at 600.

So register now, don’t wait!

Registrations open through MTBA. Go to : https://www.registernow.com.au/mtba/ERegister.aspx?E=815

The James Williamson Enduro Challenge is a joint initiative of Southern Highlands Cycling Club (SHCC) and Canberra Off-Road Cyclists (CORC), held each year in March, in memory of James Williamson, World and Australian Champion Enduro mountain biker.

James came from the Southern Highlands of NSW before moving to Canberra, and knew the trails of both areas well.

James was renowned for his capacity to challenge himself and for his passion for mountain biking; this race helps keep his spirit alive.

The James Williamson Enduro Challenge is a non-profit event, with all proceeds going to the James Williamson Fund.

Proceeds will be used in a range of ways to develop young riders and promote the sport of mountain biking.

For more information go to: www.jameswilliamson.com.au

James passed away on March 23rd 2010 while participating in

Black Mountain Tower FOCAL POINT OF THE ACT

Issue #3 – October 2011

It also boasts Alto – Canberra’s only revolving restaurant which serves modern Australian cuisine.

Opening Times 9.00am -10.00pm Daily Black Mountain Drive, Acton ACT 2601 Phone: 1800 806 718 www.blackmountaintower.com.au Managed by Raine and Horne Commercial

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R&H0003-MA

Almost 200m above the summit of Black Mountain, with a 360 degree view of the city and the Brindabella Ranges.

The tower contains an exhibition area which describes the history of the tower and telecommunications in Australia as it also has a functional role of providing essential National Capital communications facilities.

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Cross-country: Nove Mesto Na Morave convinces all Part of the World Cup calendar for the first time, the Czech event convinced all. The perfect organisation, great TV production and enthusiastic crowds, with as a cherry on the cake the win of the national hero Jaroslav Kuhlavy, had many considering the event as the best in years. Offenburg (GER) was lauded as one of the most technical courses of the series and came in second place ahead of last year’s elected winner, the Yorkshire Dalby Forest (GBR).

Downhill: La Bresse takes the top spot

MT BIKES

ain Bike World Cup

nt ents of 2011 UCI Mou Election of best ev

In keeping with tradition, riders, UCI Mountain Bike teams, media, sponsors and UCI officials voted for the best events of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup presented by Shimano.

At the end of each season, a trophy is awarded to one of the organisers in each of the three disciplines: cross-country, downhill and four-cross.

La Bresse (France) who joined the World Cup calendar just two years ago was voted best downhill event of the season. The smooth organisation, unique atmosphere and the thousands of spectators that turned out for this event ensured its popularity within the mountain bike community.

The short, old school track which renders tight results was also cited.

Last year’s winner, the well established Fort William (GBR), also proved popular in second place, noted for its great loud, big and boisterous crowd and long demanding track. The small ski resort three hours north of New York City,

Windham (USA), took third place with a particular mention for the excellent organisation as well as the welcome and enthusiasm of the local population and its local community support/work.

Four-cross: Fort William rewarded for its efforts Ten years of World Cups / World Championships has seen Fort William rise as the most popular Four-cross event of 2011. The new track is providing great racing and clearly seduced everyone. Val di Sole (ITA) which in 2008 hosted the Mountain Bike World Championships, was also well liked and took second place. The Austrian resort of Leogang in third place is creating a buzz with its permanent track, designed by the German Four-cross rider, Guido Tschugg. Leogang will host next year’s Mountain Bike World Championships.

Every year, the competition for the trophy for the Mountain Bike World Cup’s best event is more intense and more closely fought. This is more than encouraging for the quality of the series’ events!

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Issue #3 – October 2011

ONE GAME AT A TIME Issue #3 – October 2011

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TENNIS

US OPEN COULD MAKE MONDAY FINISH PERMANENT After four consecutive years of rain-postponed men’s finals, the US Open is looking into changing its schedule as soon as next year.

that it’s time to rethink the schedule.

He called word of possible changes “the right move for our sport.”

The event could become the first grand slam tennis tournament to switch permanently to a Monday finish.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia after defeating Rafael Nadal in the men’s final match of the 2011 US Open Tennis Championship in Flushing Meadows. Image: Justin Lane

One proposal under consideration would add a 15th day to the tournament, shifting the men’s final from Sunday to Monday, and the Tournament “The sport has become much women’s final from director Jim Curley more physical over the years, Saturday night to said that the US to the point where players Sunday afternoon.

Tennis Association feel very strongly that they That also would started need to have a day between give the women discussions a day to rest the semis and the final,” last month with between their broadcaster CBS about finding a semi-finals and final. way to heed top players’ calls for The USTA is also considering a day off between the men’s semikeeping the men’s title match in finals and final. its traditional Sunday afternoon Currently, the US Open is the only spot, but moving their semi-finals major tournament that schedules to Friday. those matches on consecutive The USTA board of directors days, Saturday and Sunday. has approved exploring various Roger Federer, whose record 16 scheduling options. grand slam titles include five at the “We’re just getting into this US Open, was among those who process,” Curley said, “and right said during this year’s tournament now, everything is on the table.”

SURFING

Ten times ASP World Champion Kelly Slater from the USA at the ASP Rip Curl Pro Portugal 2011 surfing competition in Peniche, Portuga - Jose Sena Goulao -AAP

Kelly Slater has all but sealed an 11th world surfing title despite being defeated in the final of the Rip Curl Pro by Brazil’s Adriano de Souza at Supertubos.

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De Souza edged the American in clean 1.5 metre barrels to claim just the third elite tour win of his career.

But it will only take a finish of ninth - two heat wins - or better at the next tour

Wimbledon, the French Open and Australian Open follow another pattern: women’s semi-finals on Thursday, men’s semi-finals Friday, women’s final Saturday, men’s final Sunday.

“The sport has become much more physical over the years, to the point where players feel very strongly that they need to have a day between the semis and the final,” Curley said.

“While the players are an integral part of the US Open, it’s one aspect we need to take into consideration, along with onsite fans, TV viewers, corporate sponsors, television partners, both domestic and international. It’s a Rubik’s Cube, since so many variables need to be taken into consideration.” - AP

stop in San Francisco for Slater to claim yet another overall crown.

makes things harder on everyone else,” Slater admitted.

Supertubos was all about De Souza though, tearing through the field on the final day of competition to take down South Africa’s Travis Logie, Tahiti’s Michel Bourez and then Australian Bede Durbidge in the semi-final before taking out his idol.

“Lets hope for good conditions in San Francisco.”

The young Brazilian opened up in the final with a solid forehand barrel for a 9 out 10 ride and while Slater answered back with two strong scores of his own De Souza came back in the final minutes to register enough points for the win.

But a last-minute perfect 10 from the American left Burrow in equal third with compatriot Durbidge.

“Kelly (Slater) has been my hero since I ever heard about surfing,” De Souza said.

SLATER EDGES TOWARDS 11TH WORLD CROWN

The US Open, played at Flushing Meadows in New York, has boasted what it calls “Super Saturday” since 1984, with two men’s semi-finals and the women’s final all played on that day, followed by the men’s final on Sunday.

“He is a living legend and to be competing against him at this level is more than a dream come true.

“He has pushed me more than any other surfer and I owe him a lot.”

While de Souza is still technically in contention for the overall title moving from sixth to third in the ASP tour rankings - Slater looks almost unstoppable.

“Its obviously a good result for me and it

West Australian Taj Burrow was in red hot form and was unlucky not to progress to the final after pulling out to an early lead against Slater in their semi-final.

Australia’s world No.2 Owen Wright was eliminated in a hard-fought round three battle against Hawaiian John Florence.- AAP

2011 APS WORLD TOUR Mens Rip Curl Search Nov 1 - 11 2011 Billabong Pipe Masters Banzai Pipeline, Oahu Hawaii Dec 8 - 20 2011

Issue #3 – October 2011

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR SPECIAL HALF PRICE INTRODUCTORY OFFER. Book any advertising package to take advantage of this special rate!

Email Nathan at: nathan@playcanberra.com.au for advertising rates.

Get involved in Canberra’s only sports magazine. www.playcanberra.com.au

ONE GAME AT A TIME

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PGA whopping 20 1/2 to 11 1/2 points.

However, according to Kamienski, the US team came in cold 13 years ago and were faced with too tough a task.

“These players are so good and they have played all over the world,” Kamienski said.

“They know the shots they have to hit.

“I think they can adapt.

“If you look back at 1998 and how badly the US team got beat, a lot of it had to do with the fact they weren’t prepared.

PRESIDENTS CUP BOSS SAYS US WILL ADAPT Australia’s Robert Allenby hits out of a bunker during the first round of the Australian Masters at Victoria Golf Club in Melbourne, 2010. Image: Andrew Brownbill - AAP

◊ BY ROBERT GRANT

Presidents Cup boss Matt Kamienski has dismissed suggestions Royal Melbourne will give the Internationals a winning edge in November.

American Kamienski, who has lived in Melbourne for almost two years

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overseeing organisation of the tournament, said the US team will be far better prepared than last time they travelled to the famed sand belt golf course.

In that 1998 contest the Internationals scored what remains their only victory in the biennial event, winning by a

While The Lakes course in Sydney, host of the Australian Open, bears no resemblance to a sand belt course, Kamienski said competition was the key factor which would help the Americans.

“I think it’s more about the guys playing before they come here, instead of having that long lay-off and not doing anything,” he said.

Kamienski said US captain Fred Couples had taken a much more measured approach to the Cup lead-up.

“They hadn’t played a lot of golf and by the time they were really over their jet lag it was time to go home.

“That’s why Fred has pushed the US team to play leading up to the event because he wants them to be on top of their game and ready.

“A lot of them arrived on Monday and Tuesday and this time there are eight guys from the US team who are playing in the Australian Open (the week) before.

“The golf course, I think, doesn’t really matter because they can come down in a couple of days and learn.

“A lot will adapt to the time zone, a lot will adapt to the climate change and their bodies are going to get a little more situated than they were in 1998.”

Peter Thomson, who captained the 1998 International team, said this week that Royal Melbourne required an intimate knowledge and would benefit the locals, especially Robert Allenby and Aaron Baddeley.

“And a lot of these guys have played Royal Melbourne and have some experience.

“And you’ve got a captain who nearly won here (during the Bicentennial Classic in 1988) and ranks Royal Melbourne as one of top three golf courses that he’s ever played,” he said.

- AAP

Issue #3 – October 2011

LPGA

WIE ‘INSPIRED’ BY WORLD NUMBER ONE TSENG

American golfer Michelle Wie swings a club in Hong Kong. Image: Kin Cheung - AAP

◊ BY JOE SINCLAIR

American golfer Michelle Wie, once hailed as the future of women’s golf, said that world number one Yani Tseng’s dominant form was inspiring her to become a better player.

Wie has failed to live up to her potential since turning professional amid a blaze of publicity shortly before her 16th birthday in 2005.

The Hawaiian-born player has won just two titles on the LPGA tour, and is currently sitting at 14th in the world rankings.

Meanwhile Taiwan’s Tseng, who at 22 is the same age as Wie, has spent 36 weeks at the top of the world rankings, with 11 LPGA titles to her name and five majors.

“She’s an amazing golfer. I’ve competed against her since I was 14 and the way she’s improved, it’s very inspiring,” said Wie. “She’s a very strong force out there, every week she’s in contention which I think is very impressive, and it makes me want to become a better player.

“She is someone who is definitely motivating to be better and become the best player in the world.”

Asked what it would take to catch her rival, she said: “A lot of hard work and dedication to try to bring my game to the next level.”

As a teenager Wie was accused of playing down the importance of the women’s game, and drew criticism for, among other things, saying she wanted Issue #3 – October 2011

to beat Tiger Woods.

In Hong Kong, she said: “It’s kind of funny the stupid things we say when we’re 12 or 13. At the time what else did I know, I was young.”

But Wie, who was also criticised in 2008 for opting to play in a PGA tour event even before winning a women’s title, refused to rule out playing in men’s competitions in the future.

“Right now I want to focus on winning more LPGA tournaments because obviously I haven’t accomplished everything that I want to. I want to win majors, I want to win a lot more tournaments,” she said.

“In the future, I don’t know, I won’t ever say absolutely no to anything.”

As for Woods and his recent personal troubles, she said: “It’s unfortunate what happened. I still respect him a lot as a golfer.”

Some have suggested her studies at Stanford University may have got in the way of her golf, but Wie, who graduates in communications in March, said this was not the case.

“I’ve been through a lot of ups and downs. This year my results haven’t been as good as I want them to be but I feel like personally I’m in a good place,” she said.

Wie, who has only just celebrated her 22nd birthday, said her immediate goal was not complicated.

ONE GAME AT A TIME www.playcanberra.com.au

“I want to keep improving my game, become a better player and win lots of tournaments -simple.” - AFP

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FORMULA 1 RED BULL BOSS VOWS MORE TO COME

◊ BY TIM COLLINGS

As if completing Formula One’s ‘double’ by winning both the constructors’ and drivers’ world championship titles was not enough, Red Bull boss Christian Horner this week warned his rivals: ‘You ain’t seen nothing yet’.

Horner, the architect of the Milton Keynes-based team’s emergence as the dominant force in Grand Prix racing, said they still had several goals to achieve this season and had no intention of letting up in the final three events of the year.

That trio of races starts with the Indian Grand Prix and is followed by the Abu Dhabi and Brazilian contests.

“We want to finish the year on a high, get Mark Webber into second in the drivers’ championship and it would be great, of course, to see him win a race,” said Horner, during this week’s celebrations back at the team base.

“So, we are going to attack the final races. They are like cup finals for us now and we can really go for it with both titles resolved.”

Red Bull have enjoyed a success-soaked October.

They carried defending champion Sebastian Vettel to his second drivers’ title at the Japanese Grand Prix and then clinched the teams’ title a week later in Korea.

Their success and continuing desire to succeed, as signalled by Horner’s ambitions, reflects the deep hunger in a team that has been dismissed as merely “a drinks company.”

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Just as Benetton showed, some 15-16 years ago, when they were described as “a t-shirts business”, determination allied to a motivation pricked by such insults can produce a phenomenal level of achievement and consistency.

Indeed, for Benetton in 1994 and 1995, it is safe today to read Red Bull in 2010 and 2011, two teams owned by men without backgrounds in engineering or motor racing, but inspired by competition and led from the front by a young German driver gifted with speed.

But where Benetton lost their way when Michael Schumacher departed, along with several key technical men including Ross Brawn, to Ferrari, Red Bull have remained united and focused.

“We have a deep hunger for success and a unique togetherness and spirit as a team,” said Horner who, at just 38, has established himself as one of the best team chiefs of the modern era.

“We want to carry on and keep winning.

We want to gain strength and learn our lessons year to year.

“But, at the same time, I know it would be very arrogant though to underestimate our rivals. Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes are huge teams with excellent pedigrees. We’ll apply the lessons of this year, as we did in 2010, to next year’s car.

“You can always learn in this sport, from the races you win as well as lose, and that will drive us forward. For now we will

Red Bull-Renault driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany gestures on the podium during the awards ceremony for the Formula One Korean Grand Prix. Image: Saeed Khan - AFP

focus on the next three races and enjoy the moment.”

anywhere so I’d like to think we’d be in the hunt again in India.”

Lewis Hamilton believes he and teammate Jenson Button can lead McLaren to a treble of top finishes in the last three races of the Formula One season.

His team-mate and fellow-Briton Button, who won in Japan, said he is also confident of success -- and more wins -- despite being left behind by Hamilton’s sheer speed in qualifying in Korea.

Despite the overall domination to date of Red Bull, Hamilton reckons it is McLaren’s time to turn the tables at last in the final races in India, Abu Dhabi and Brazil.

Hamilton managed to end the Red Bull team’s season-long run of pole positions by out-pacing everyone in qualifying for the Korean Grand Prix before he came home second in the race, behind Vettel.

Hamilton suffered mechanical difficulties in that contest after losing a lot of down-force at the front of his McLaren car and believes that his team are fast enough to run at the front for the rest of the year.

He said: “Our car’s been pretty competitive recently and we’d like to win more races before the end of the season. I think there is no reason why we can’t so we just have to focus and go out and do all we can.”

Like Hamilton, Button is keen to see what the Buddh International Circuit, near Delhi, will be like when the F1 circus starts running on track there in practice.

“It is the first time for us all to go racing in India so, in prospect, it is very exciting,” he said.

“I think it’s maybe too early to say, but I think we’re set to be competitive at all of the final three races,” he said.

He added that the layout of the Buddh circuit, which puts a premium on both down-force and straight-line speed, should suit McLaren.

“We were quick at Singapore, Japan and Korea - and I think the pattern at the front has sort of settled down now as we reach the end of the season.

“We don’t know until we get there, until we see the surface and until we see what it is like, but there is no reason why we cannot be strong there,” he said. - AFP

“I think we have a car that can be quick Issue #3 – October 2011

V8 SUPERCARS

LONG WOULD CONSIDER V8 SWITCH ◊ BY ED JACKSON

Long says his current role with Porsche in the American Le Mans series comes first and he would have to spend more time inside a V8 before contemplating a full-time drive seriously however.

Popular American Patrick Long has become the second driver from the United States to this week signal an interest in competing full-time in the V8 Supercar championship.

“It is a bit far off for me. I think I have to continue to earn my respect and get more time in the car,” he said.

Long has become a fan favourite with his solid displays as an overseas co-driver in the Gold Coast 600 event and he has joined NASCAR driver Boris Said in claiming he’d be interested in driving in Australia full-time should the opportunity arise.

“I’m pretty committed to Porsche at the moment.

Said, has told reporters he would definitely consider making the move across the Pacific and Long is another who would like more than just one weekend behind the wheel of a V8 Supercar.

“I would have to (consider it),” Long said.

“The racing is so tight, this has to be one of the most competitive championships in the world. I like the lifestyle, I like the culture.”

“The good thing about being with them and being one of their factory drivers is they’re not jealous lovers, they’ll allow us to come and race for another manufacturer as long as it’s not a conflicting race or racing against Porsche.

“Realistically the short-term goal is to continue to learn, I still have a gap to go to the regular drivers which I know takes time.”

The affable Californian has been one of the most impressive imports to compete on the streets of Surfers Paradise since the international guest concept was introduced last year.

Coulthard is just one of those who believe Long, Said or any of the internationals competing at the Gold Coast could do a good job if they took on a full-time drive in the championship.

Dubbed “Patrick Who?” in some media reports before last year’s event, Long finished fourth and 11th in both races partnered with Holden’s Michael Caruso.

The Walkingshaw Racing US driver Patrick Long holding a koala at Dreamworld, Gold Coast.

Image: Edge Photographics

“We’re locked into a big fight amongst many manufacturers and really they’ve given me the chance to make a career out of this so my loyalty still stands with them.

“They have very good backgrounds, it’s not like any of them are idiots,” Coulthard said.

And he showed recently that was no fluke, guiding Fabian Coulthard’s Bundaberg Racing Commodore from a starting position of 11th to fourth before handing over to the New Zealander for an eventual fifthplace finish.

“They all know how to drive well, they all know how to drive fast and it’ll just be a case of learning these cars and I reckon any of them could do it.” - AAP

DANE HITS BACK AT V8 RIVAL TANDER driver should mind his own business rather than trying to unsettle others.

But Dane says he and his team have no issues to overcome and it’s Tander who should be worrying.

Tander, who labelled Jamie Whincup’s Bathurst co-driver Andrew Thompson “hopeless” in the wet before this month’s great race, continued his verbal assault on the V8 Supercar leaders.

“What do you expect him to do when he’s got a history with his own teammates, falling out with them, the only one he ever got on with is Rick Kelly and that’s because his father owned the franchises he was running in,” Dane said.

The three-time Bathurst winner said Dane would Jamie Whincup (left-right), team owner Roland Dane, Craig Lowndes of Triple Eight face a monumental Racing. Image: EDGE Photographics - AAP challenge managing ◊ BY ED JACKSON the “egos” of his drivers Whincup and Craig Lowndes as the TeamVodafone boss Roland Dane has pair race each other for this year’s fired back at V8 Supercar star Garth championship.

Tander, saying the Holden Racing Team Issue #3 – October 2011

“Garth’s track record at getting on with team-mates is not brilliant and our two get on pretty well so I’m pretty comfortable with what we’ve got.

“He should probably concentrate on his own.”

Dane said he had no issues ensuring Whincup and Lowndes were fully focused on maintaining a strong partnership despite their title battle.

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And he also dismissed any fears Tander’s comments or any other noises from other garages would distract either his drivers or the rest of the team.

“It’s to be expected. When you’re continually running at the front, people are going to try and have a pop at you,” he said.

“It’s not a problem, it’s part of sport.

“They (Lowndes and Whincup) both know we want to give them equal opportunity to win.

“We want them to be able to fight it out properly but they also know that they’ll be in trouble if they hit each other significantly.

“It hasn’t just started, they’ve been fighting each other one way or another for years.” - AAP

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Marco Simoncelli of Italy waves to fans after clocking the third fastest time during the official practice session ahead of Sunday’s Italian Moto GP at the Mugello racetrack in Scarperia, Italy. The Malaysian MotoGP has been called off after one lap Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011, after Italian Marco Simoncelli died in an accident involving Valentino Rossi of Italy and American Colin Edwards. Image: Gregorio Borgia - AP

SIMONCELLI DIES IN MALAYSIAN MOTOGP CRASH Celebrated Italian rider Marco Simoncelli died on Sunday 23 October 2011 after a crash that resulted in the cancellation of the Malaysian MotoGP at Sepang, in the latest tragedy to hit motor sports.

The smash occurred just four minutes after the race began when the 24-yearold Honda rider’s bike veered across the track and into the path of riders Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi.

Simoncelli had his helmet knocked off in the collision, which happened on turn 11.

“Despite their efforts, Marco sadly succumbed to his injuries at 4:56pm local time (0856 GMT),” MotoGP said in a statement on its website.

“Everybody involved in MotoGP extends its deepest condolences to Marco’s family, friends and team at this tragic loss.”

Motor sports have seen a nightmare stretch recently and Simoncelli’s 42

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death looked certain to throw up more questions over safety.

The previous weekend, 2010 MotoGP champ Jorge Lorenzo crashed during warm-ups in Australia, severing a finger, while two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon died in a 15-car crash in Las Vegas in Indy Car. The race at a steamy Sepang circuit was immediately red-flagged and organisers later announced it had been cancelled.

Edwards also fell but escaped serious injury, while Rossi was able to return to the pits.

After the crash, restless fans upset with the lengthy delay showered the track with water bottles and other debris.

The last fatal crash in the world motorcycling championship was last year when Japan’s Shoya Tomizawa was killed.

Although there is a final race in Spain still to come, Australia’s Casey Stoner has already secured the 2011 championship with his win last weekend in the Australian Grand Prix.

Stoner won at Phillip Island by just two seconds over Simoncelli, whose second-place finish was the Italian’s best yet in MotoGP. He was the 2008 world champion in the 125cc class.

“You can never guarantee a 100 per cent safe race,” Sepang Circuit chairman Mokhzani Mahathir told reporters after Simoncelli’s death was announced.

“You expose yourself to danger when you race. As professionals, they know MotoGP is dangerous. Believe it or not, that is what they live for. Our condolences to Marco. He will be missed dearly.”

Simoncelli’s death quickly sparked an outpouring of grief in Italy, where

officials announced sports events in the country would observe a minute’s silence.

Italian football giants Inter and AC Milan were amongst the first sports clubs to offer their commiserations.

“AC Milan offers a hug to the family of Marco, a huge rossonero fan, and we want to offer the most sincere and heartfelt condolences in this sad moment,” the club said on its website.

Inter added: “The president Massimo Moratti and everyone at Inter Milan, together with (coach) Claudio Ranieri and the team, shares in the pain of the Italian sports world and indeed the sports world for the loss of the rider Marco Simoncelli.

“Remembering a young and passionate champion Inter offers a hug to the family and friends of Marco Simoncelli.”

- AAP

Issue #3 – October 2011

FIGHTING

GEALE EYES UNIFICATION BOUT IN LAS VEGAS ◊ BY ADRIAN WARREN

An unexpectedly quick shot at a unification world title bout in the fight capital of the world has IBF middleweight boxing world champion

Daniel Geale primed to suspend his Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations.

on January 31, possibly in Las Vegas.

Geale (26-1, 15 KOs) is keen to accept an offer to fight Russia’s WBO middleweight world title holder Dmitry Pirog (19-0, 15 KOs)

“My management asked me whether I wanted to go over and fight him and I said ‘let’s get on the plane and do it.’

“It seems their camp are very keen and we’re very keen as well,” Geale said.

“I didn’t expect that sort of knocking on the door quite so quickly and it’s pretty exciting that those guys are interested.

“To unify the WBO and IBF titles is something that you dream about and definitely going over there to Las Vegas to fight as well is a huge incentive.”

Pirog, 31, won the title in July 2010 with a fifth-round stoppage of previously unbeaten American Danny Jacobs in Las Vegas, in his only professional bout outside Europe and has made two successful defences in Russia.

“He’s a skillful, tough sort of guy, so we’re expecting a hard fight,” Geale said.

“The big thing now is to fight the bigname fighters and he’s up there, he’s one of the world champions, so he’s one that we want to knock off.”

Australian boxer Daniel Geale (right) on his way to beating American based Nigerian Eromosele Albert during the IBF World middleweight title fight in Hobart. Image: Peter Mathew - AAP

A deal is likely to be finalised in the next two to seven days and Geale is prepared

to train through the Christmas-New Year period.

“I told my wife we’ll have a bit of a late Christmas this year and make up for it,” Geale said.

The Pirog bout would be more profitable for 30-year-old Geale than his first defence against Eromosele Albert in Hobart last August, when he sacrificed money to fight in the state of his birth.

“That’s not the biggest motivating factor for me, the money when it comes along is good, but for me winning titles and beating these fighters is my real goal,” Geale said.

While he focuses on the big name international fighters, Geale hasn’t ruled out fighting fellow Australians including Anthony Mundine and Garth Wood.

“If they do have their ranking up high enough then maybe I’ll take an optional defence against one of those guys and give them an opportunity,” Geale said.

He said the right hand he injured a few weeks before the Albert fight had healed and was no longer a problem. - AAP

DANNY GREEN HAILS FIGHT CARD AS GREATEST ◊ BY JUSTIN CHADWICK

Former world champion Danny Green hopes the fight card he has assembled for his November 30 showdown with Poland’s Krzysztof Wlodarczyk will be remembered as the greatest in Australian boxing history.

On a night when Green will attempt to snare Wlodarczyk’s WBC cruiserweight world title, Indonesian superstar Chris John will defend his WBA featherweight crown against Ukrainian Stanyslav Merdov in a blockbuster undercard bout.

And a third world title will be decided when Sydney’s Will Tomlinson fights for the IBO featherweight belt against a yet-to-be-determined opponent.

Indonesian super star Chris John will ensure Greens bout will be watched by tens of millions of viewers in Indonesian. Image: Bay Ismoyo - AFP

Issue #3 – October 2011

will be watched by tens of millions of people in Indonesia.

Green, who will be fighting for the first time since losing his IBO cruiserweight belt to Antonio Tarver earlier this year, said he was proud to be able to put on such a high-profile fight card in his hometown of Perth.

“I don’t see this fight card ever being eclipsed in this sport in this country ever,” Green said.

carry the sport into the future.”

Green said he felt a strong sense of duty to protect the reputation of Australian boxing to ensure the sport remained popular well into the future.

“There’s been a lot of innuendo and a lot of talk about the sport of boxing and it’s taken a few hits recently,” Green said.

“And the sport of UFC is obviously one of our strongest competitors.

“Chris is a superstar in Indonesia.

The poor guy can’t walk down the street without being mobbed.

“But this is the strongest and best boxing card - the best fight card whether it’s UFC or boxing.

“The President rings him after he’s victorious in his fights.

“Three world title fights, and all incredible fights, all on one night of action ... I don’t see this fight card ever being eclipsed.

“To have him fight on our show is a massive thing. He’s a superstar of the sport.

John, aiming to defend his title for the 15th time, is a hero in his home country, even receiving messages of congratulations from Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono after victories.

“Will Tomlinson has been on my undercards a few times.

The 32-year-old’s presence on the undercard will ensure Green’s bout

“So when I’m finished in this world of boxing, hopefully a guy like Will can

“If Will’s victorious in this fight and can win the world title, then we see Will being a main-event fighter in the future.

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“And also on the undercard, Pieter Cronje is fighting Anthony McCracken for a regional title.

“That fight itself is a stand-alone main-event fight. I’m pretty proud to be able to stand here with these guys beside me and say this is the best fight card that’s ever been put on in this country.” - AAP

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FITNESS WITH BRANI ZEC

7

PLANK Assume a modified pushup position as shown, elbows under your shoulders.

Keep your shoulder blades back and down and your abs tight. Hold for 6 seconds, pause, and repeat four times.

That’s 1 set.

8

Brani will take you through a great muscle building and toning workout so you can be fighting fit for summer.

KEY: Weight, reps and sets 8 reps = 1 set Try to do 3 sets per exercise Your weights should suit your fitness level.

DO NOT start too heavy!

Special Thanks to Anytime Fitness in Dickson for hosting our workout!

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Sit on the floor, your back straight but leaning slightly toward the floor, as if in the “up” position of a situp.

Your knees should be bent 90 degrees, your heels resting on the floor.

Hold the ball close to your chest, rotate your torso to the left, and place the ball on the floor behind you. Rotate around to the right, pick up the ball, rotate left, and place it behind you.

Improve your conditioning and give all your muscles a full on workout with current State Kick Boxing Champion (East Coast) Brani Zec. Brani has been involved in Martial Arts for 25 years and has learned a thing or two about getting fighting fit.

SEATED TWIST

That’s 1 rep.

9

MOUNTAIN CLIMBER Assume a pushup position with your arms completely straight. Your body should form a straight line from your head to your ankles.

Without allowing your lower-back posture to change, lift your left foot off the floor and slowly move your left knee toward your chest.

Return to the starting position, and repeat with your right leg.

Alternate back and forth for the duration of the set.

Issue #3 – October 2011

WEIRD SPORT YAGLI GÜRES TURKISH OIL WRESTLING

Rules for these matches have changed only slightly over the centuries. In olden times they could go on for hours or even days, since the only way to win was to pin one’s opponent to the ground. Some contestants expended so much energy that they died on the field. Now it is also possible to win on points, and matches are limited to fortyfive minutes. But wrestlers still fight stripped to the waist, wear hand-stitched water buffalo hide lederhosen called kisbets and enjoy the boundless admiration of their countrymen. Most importantly, they begin fighting only after being drenched with olive oil from head to toe.

Once oiled, the competitors skip across the field in lines, slapping their knees and jumping as they move forward. Drummers in Ottoman costumes keep a steady beat. As matches are Turkey’s great sporting tradition, oil wrestling, was born in the about to start the announcers town of Kirkpinar, a few miles from the present-day border with sing the praises of “Ye, oh great Greece, at the beginning of the fifteenth century. Almost every wrestlers” and recite verses like year since then, boys and men traveled there from across the this one: “You cannot get wood country to test their strength and skill. This is the only wrestling from a willow branch. Every tournament in the world at which contestants use three tons of girl cannot be a woman. Every olive oil. woman can give birth.

NUTRITION AND HEALTH

But not every boy can be a wrestler.”

Lovers of this sport say it is psychological as well as physical.

Because matches go on for so long, combatants cannot fight without interruption. They spend much time circling, grunting and trying to intimidate each other.

When they sense an opening they charge, grab their opponent, often between the legs, and try to smash him to the ground.

Pinning an opponent’s shoulders to the ground for three seconds, or throwing him down more often than he can throw you down, is what it takes to win.

◊ WWW.NUTRITIONAUSTRALIA.ORG

What happens to the energy we get from food?

Issue #3 – October 2011

OK, so that all seems pretty reasonable, but hold up a sec champ – don’t just head down the local oval with a bottle of olive oil just yet.

Safety first, spend 15 minutes on www.turkishoilwrestling.net/ wrestling_tricks and you’ll be mastering the inner scythe, reverse dipper and goose wing just like the great Cengiz Elbiye in no time. Maybe hold off on the Algerian embracing until you’re a little more experienced.

The undisputed king of modern oil wrestling is a former factory worker named Ahmet Tasçi.

He is an eight-time champion in the heavy-weight division, considered a superman because he continues to win even though he is more than fifty years old.

The only man to have defeated him since he rose to greatness in the 1980s is a whippersnapper in his mid-thirties named Cengiz Elbiye.

Burning off kilojoules is the key to weight management, so the longer you can be active the better, but build it up slowly. A sudden large increase in physical activity could cause injury. If your activity levels are making you uncomfortable slow down, stop or change to another type of activity.

If you have an existing health problem or are overweight, consult your doctor before starting to increase your activity levels.

A good way to tell if your activity is at the right level is to use the ‘talk test’, i.e. you should still be able to talk whilst doing the activity (unless you are under water!); if you can’t then you are working too hard. Feeling slightly puffed and sweaty indicates that you are exercising at about the right intensity.

At this level you are more likely to feel better, and feel able to stay active because the feeling is enjoyable.

MANAGING WEIGHT

Their matches are the classic confrontation of aging champion versus rising challenger.

Just being: Energy is used for all basic functions - heart beating, lungs breathing, and liver, kidneys and brain performing their functions. The amount of energy needed to

keep these basic functions going while you are at rest is called your Basal (or Resting) Metabolic Rate (BMR or RMR). It keeps your body ticking and uses about 60-70% of your energy intake. BMR varies between individuals. For men, BMR is approximately 7000 kj per day, and for women it is approximately 6000 kj per day. Men have a higher BMR than women largely because they have a higher proportion of muscle cells that burn more energy than fat cells.

Using food: When you digest food, energy is required to break the food down into nutrients that the body can use. This uses about 10-15% of your energy intake.

Moving: Every time you move you use up kilojoules - having a shower, brushing your teeth, combing your hair, collecting the mail, cutting up vegetables, ironing, walking up stairs, hanging washing, mowing the lawn, shopping.

Even fidgeting uses energy - some studies have shown that people who fidget are less likely to be overweight! Activities such as sports, brisk walking or a bike ride will burn extra energy on top of that used in normal daily activities. ‘Moving’ burns up about 20% of the energy you consume.

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Standing by the love of your life Difficulty rating: 1/10 Mountain biking 5,000km on the BNT from Cooktown to Canberra in only 3 months Difficulty rating: 10/10 Living with an acquired brain injury Difficulty rating: 15/10 In May 2010, former Brumbies Coach, Andy Friend had his world crumble around him, when his wife Kerri suffered an acquired brain injury in a mountain bike accident. This forced Andy and their sons to face extraordinary challenges they never expected.

Since the accident, Andy, Kerri and their boys continue to work tirelessly for her recovery. Now they face a new challenge, a challenge you can be a part of, as Andy attempts to conquer the Bicentennial National Trail.

Visit www.andyfriend.com.au to find out more.

Difficulty rating: 0/10 Your support will help Andy Friend raise funds to assist people with acquired brain injury.

Proudly supported by Ideas & Directions www.ideasanddirections.com.au 46

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Issue #3 – October 2011