The Eye of the Storm magazine vol 20 may 2017

the

In the of the

EYE Eye of the

Vol 20: May, 2017

In Search of the

JOSH KING GRIN

WE GLANCE BACK AT

2012

wit h

Full Coverage Chris

Holstein Interview

of all

GKS teams

The e-mag for Gosford Kariong Storm Footy Fans

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YIKES!

Contents Vol 20: May, 2017

Page 4 … Eye News

39

5 … Chris Holstein Interview 15, 33, 40 … In The Press 16 – 30 … Pictorial Pages 31 … The Streak

48

35, 37, 39, 41 … Open Grade

5

36 42 … Sponsors Pages 38 … Correction !!! - We made a boo boo 43 … Competition Tables 44 – 46 … Flashback to 2012 47 … Buy A Photo - a.k.a. sling Starky a tenner 48 … Back Page - ‘In Search of the Josh King Grin’

16

31

Now that Cronulla have finally won a comp’, maybe we should be leaving our porch lights on for a Gosford Open Grade victory … over to you Harold Holt ”

Hearty congratulations

Our last win in the senior competition was

go out to our very own, Nash DorrattDorratt-Mavin (pictured right), on his selection in this years Central Coast Under 14 rep squad which will take on the rest of the state at the Country Championships.

the infamous ‘Knock on Birdy’ game played at Erina Oval, way back on the 21st of August 2011.

We absolutely whipped those Eagles that day and looked to be heading into the semi finals, only to be told we’d missed the cut by the barest of, ‘for & against’ differentials. One more try would ultimately have done the trick and late in the game the Storm boys were hot on the attack. But it all went pear shaped when an illegal push in the ruck by some Erina ruffian saw our man playing the ball stumble back and tread on dummy half Jason Bird’s arm just as the wiry hooker was attempting to fling the ball out to his first receiver. The inattentive whistleblower called ‘knock on’ and the team that scraped into the finals ahead of us, Central Wyong, went on to win the bloody comp!

Nash’ Nash’s call up follows hot on the heels of Suli Hakalo’ Hakalo’s success in lining up for the Coast at the Under 16 Championships.

A trio of former Stormers have also been named in recently announced rep’ rep’ teams; Ryan Jones in the NSW U16 squad, Sione Vaenuku made the Coasts U15s & Jack Carlisle (pictured right) will line up for the Central Coast’ Coast’s U23s team.

Max Russell’ Russell’s team have been knocked about

Jack played his initial 3 seasons of rugby league with our club. From the under 11s in 2006, through to Under 13s of 2008; he won the ‘Best Back’ Back’ award in all three of these years. His Under 11s coach, Mick Greenaway commented in 2006 that, “Jack displayed enormous potential with his speed, size and reading of the game” game”.

Well done to Nash, Suli, Ryan, Sione and Jack.

by injuries early in the season and while some of the sides efforts could be accused of being less ‘Thunderstruck’ Thunderstruck’ and more, Paul Kelly’ Kelly’s, ‘I’ve Done All The Dumb Things’ Things’ … no one can question the effort the lads are putting in on game day. Heads up fellas: fellas: Winston Churchill once wisely said, “Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm” enthusiasm”. drew - An rk Sta

Carn the Storm!

All opinions expressed throughout this publication are derived solely from the scattered & random thoughts of the author; none of which are necessarily shared by the GKS club … nor anyone else on the planet really.

From The

Union

Fr Ru ien gb d y so Le f ag G ue o s SE for RI d ES

to the

Bearpit via

Five Broken Ankles The Eye sits down

with former Townies prop,

Chris Holstein for a mid week chat over a mug of flat white.

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017 - Andrew Stark INTERVIEWS Chris Holstein.

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017 - Andrew Stark INTERVIEWS Chris Holstein.

Chris Holstein first became involved in local politics after the Narara Valley flooded back during 1989. He subsequently served as Mayor of Gosford from 2002 to 2010, before entering State Parliament as the regions MLA in March of 2011.

Today, he can be found working with some of our most disadvantaged youngsters in his role as mentor and fundraiser for Coast Shelter. Before any of that however Chris, and his father Henry Holstein, were heavily involved with Gosford rugby league.

Above: 12 year old Chris Holstein (circled) at Gosford Public School in 1970.

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017

Andrew Stark INTERVIEWS Chris Holstein.

Eye - Thanks for shouting me coffee Chris …

CH – No worries mate, now what can I tell you?

Eye – Well I’ve done a bit of digging and pieced together that you first arrived in Gosford as an eight year old during the mid 1960s.

CH – Dad was a local publican at the Union Hotel, which was the home of the Townies … it was like their club house.

Eye – So how was it growing up in the Union Hotel?

CH – Mate, you were across from the PNA Milk Bar, to the Regal Theatre on the corner … and my bedroom was up on the top and I learnt to tap a keg before I could drive a car. To earn my pocket money, you couldn’t work behind the bar, but you’d work out the back in the cellar, helping to unload the trucks. So you earned your money out there and it was good training for the footy season. Another job was cleaning the roof of the pub, which at that stage was a pressed metal surface. You’d clean all the nicotine off it. The nicotine would be stained from days. It turned me off smoking.

Funny thing is I’m not a great beer drinker either. Probably growing up in a pub is a deterrent to smoking and drinking.

Above: The Union Hotel pictured in 1970. Chris’ bedroom window is circled

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017

Andrew Stark INTERVIEWS Chris Holstein.

Right: An advertisement for Henry Holstein’s Union Hotel, which appeared in the Central Coast Express Advocate prior to the 1970 Grand Final.

Eye – Did you pick up any health problems, living upstairs from all that cigarette smoke?

CH - Nah, not that I’m aware of. I’ve got enough problems; from footballer’s knees and hips and all of that. I’ve got one replacement hip, one knee’s bone on bone and I take painkillers for that and I’m in the queue to get a couple of other replacements.

Eye – So that’s all from football is it?

CH – Yeah.

Eye – Ouch! So you played at Gosford High just a few years after legendary figures such as Trevor Binskin and Eddie Johnson?

CH - I played University Shield for the school. Binskin and Eddie Johnson were the boys who went on to win the University Shield. We followed a few years after them and we used to get hammered because they were like the team to beat.

Eye – Arr, so everyone lifted against Gosford?

CH – Yeah, but we were all new boys. So we didn’t do too well.

“I learnt to tap a keg before I could drive a car”

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017

Andrew Stark INTERVIEWS Chris Holstein.

Eye – So did you also play with the Townies juniors during your school years?

CH – I played both. I played a couple of years in the Uni’ Shield, played with the Townies, spent a season out at Ourimbah when Gosford couldn’t get a team together. I played for the Central Coast representative team and toured New Zealand in 1975, with blokes like Steven Heath, Perry Haddock and Dave Warwick. I remember I got absolutely smashed by these two big Kiwis. We’d scored from dummy half and they didn’t like it. They went ‘whack’ and I was just out of it. I was one of the bigger blokes in the side, but mate, didn’t they absolutely do me.

Above: Woy Woy hooker Dave

Warwick, who toured New Zealand with Chris Holstein in a Central Coast rep’ side during 1975.

Eye – And of course back in the seventies, playing in the front row was no picnic.

CH – In the Under 18s back then we’d play against Mt Penang; the Boys Home used to be in the competition … when you played against Penang, and I only played in one season when they came down, their was always a donnybrook. The boys from the Home were always taught that if they got into a fight, and ended up at the judiciary, that was it, they’d never play again. So of course we knew that and we’d tease the s**t out of them. We were giving them a hard time one day and I remember the front row; my other prop was a bloke called Wayne Keys and Colin Earl was the hooker. We packed into a scrum, their was a bit of shove, the scrum came up and one bloke thought this was the time and went smack, right in my mouth. Well it was on for young and old … and I wasn’t part of it.

Eye – Ha ha.

CH – Keysy went Phooom, and they were into it, there was a hell of a stink. So yeah, it was a bit tough in those days. But I played mainly thirsty thirds with a few games in reserves and did a couple on the bench for the first grade. But mate, my big weakness was I didn’t really have the talent. It was just good sport. But I suffered with my ankles.

Five broken ankles over the period.

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017

Andrew Stark INTERVIEWS Chris Holstein.

Above: The Gosford High School Under 14s of 1972 featuring Chris Holstein (circled). The team was captained by future Ourimbah and Wyong first grader Barry Sohier (4th from left, front row), and would kick on to win the district competition by defeating Wyong High 4-3 in the Final .

“Don’t talk to my wife about the Townies rugby league; I ended up going down the aisle on crutches. ” Eye – Hell!

CH – At Erina I broke my ankle three weeks out from my wedding. Don’t talk to my wife about the Townies rugby league; I ended up going down the aisle on crutches. So five broken ankles put me right out.

Eye – You’re late father Henry Holstein is a life member of both the Central Coast and the Country Rugby League. Tell me a little about you’re dad?

CH – Yeah Dad had a love of rugby league here on the coast, wanting to put something in. He’d played up in Stroud as a young bloke but he was heavily involved, mostly as an administrator. Of course Dad would always look for the hardest jobs; no bastard wanted to be treasurer, no bugger wanted to be on the judiciary … and Dad served as both for many years. Being on the judiciary, I was always told, “You’ll be banned for life if you come up!” He used to always say that to me.

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017

Andrew Stark INTERVIEWS Chris Holstein.

Eye – Ha ha, that’s a bit of a handicap when you’re packing in at prop.

CH – Yeah … Graham Scaysbrook was a good mate of mine. Scaysy played for the Townies and I think Dad saw more of him than he saw of anybody. Scaysy had a tendency to head butt somebody who got in his face. I’m still friends with Graham Scaysbrook, see him on a regular basis. Still see Grant Cook and Geoff Bosley and a few of the others. Yeah, but Dad’s love of the league was through the pub, and it was a business decision. You know, you keep the boys happy that are involved in the club.

Mum (Louise Holstein) was never a fan of rugby league. But she got converted by one bloke. An absolute gentleman and a lovely bloke named Mick Cronin. He came up to play for Southern Division and I think Dad was the manager of the side when Mick played for Country. Mick came up in the pub and they were feeding him one night and it was all, ‘Yes Maam’ and, ‘Thankyou’. He was the only bloody footballer who’s got any manners and Mum loved that; she thought it was great.

Eye – Looking down through history, as far back as federation, the pubs always wanted to sponsor the Gosford team.

CH – Yeah well that was the clientele, you know. That was just what business was about. Those were the days when there were three really strong pubs in the town.

There was the Broadie (Broadwater Hotel), there was the Gosford and there was the Union… and funny, you know the shortest walk (from Grahame Park) was to the Union, so that’s why I think the boys picked the Union.

Above: Lou Holstein’s favourite player, Mick Cronin (circled) as a member of the 1975 NSW Country team

which famously defeated City.

Right: Cronin in action a few years later with Jack

Gibson’s all conquering Parramatta Eels.

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017

Andrew Stark INTERVIEWS Chris Holstein.

“A man who dedicated a large part of his life to Central Coast rugby league. ” Ray Chambers writing about Henry Holstein at the time of the publicans passing in 2004 (CC Exp).

Right: Henry Holstein, who was a life

member of both the Central Coast & Country Rugby Leagues.

Eye – So Chris, how do we get the Townies back?

CH – Mate, I was involved in getting the stadium built.

Grahame Park switching over to what was going to be the Central Coast Bears. Then that went south and became the Northern Eagles. I sat on the Board of the Northern Eagles… they parted ways and we had a few words to say about that and the Melbourne Storm had an involvement and I actually sat on the Board for the lower grade Storms. Of course I think the latest is the Roosters have come on board. This is such a great area for young footballers who unfortunately are sucked away by Sydney clubs. The Central Coast had more right to a team than some of the others, and I wont mention any names. We missed that opportunity just by circumstance… shame. I suppose that was my one regret from my years in politics, that we weren’t able to achieve a stand Above: Chris Holstein outside the Stadium alone NRL side here on the Coast. (photo courtesy of the CC Exp Advocate)

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017

Andrew Stark INTERVIEWS Chris Holstein.

Eye – That’s at an NRL level, yet at a local level, Gosford are no longer in the Central Coast rugby league competition.

Eye – We keep trying to poke our heads up into Open Grade, to get back into the senior ranks.

CH – Kincumber’s been able to do it. Why can’t we?

Eye – The League won’t let you come back unless you’ve got; 1sts, Reserves, Opens and a Ladies Tag team in place. So I ask, how do you go from being a junior club to cater for all that in one magical off season?

CH – You can’t. You’ve got to build on that and you can’t create that overnight.

It’s a shame … You’re talking to somebody who’s had 25 years in politics. Let me tell you, I’ve seen more politics in sport than even in the Parliament of NSW. It’s amazing! … Anyhow mate, I’ve got to run …

Below: Townies legends; Bernie Drew, Peter Hall & Garry Wilkinson.

CH – Yeah, unfortunately that’s a loss of heritage. It’s like in the Sydney league I remember in years gone by I knew a couple of blokes who played for Glebe. And Glebe was in the competition for the first few years. Yeah, and they were lost and unfortunately it’s a shame. I mean nobody identifies Glebe with Sydney, but Gosford Townies was Gosford. Top hat and cane … we had our own legends like Ted Kell and Wilko. I used to work with Wilko’s old man Stan up at Woolies. The Dawson’s came up and played … Bernie Drew travelled down when we opened the Stadium.

Bernie was a bit of a legend who played for Queensland (and Australia). There was Peter Hall, Chris Wrench … it was very much a family, very much a strong club. So when the amalgamation came with Kariong we understood it was necessary and it just went from there …

So if we could line up a heavy hitter or two … would you be interested in sitting on a senior Townies Board?

A G os fo rd T ow ni es 2nd Grade line up from 19

(photo courtesy of the Daily Telegraph)

78

CH - As for the Townies rising from the ashes, for what good I could provide, I’d be more then happy to assist, but it would be a hard road.

Eye – Brilliant, I’ll pencil you in.. Thanks for your time Chris.

Friends of Gosford Rugby League - Finding a way back for the Townies -

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017 – Andrew Stark INTERVIEWS Chris Holstein.

Eye – One last question - So Chris, would you be interested in sitting on another Board? I’ve recently had this highfalutin idea of attempting to set up a senior club and calling it the Gosford Townies RLFC. They’d play in red & blue with yellow numbers, top hat & cane as the emblem, we’d play at our picturesque Narara ground wrapped up in hessian on game day, like they do at Ourimbah … and we’d keep the junior club as it is; the Gosford Kariong Storm would remain as the junior feeder club for the Townies giving all our youngsters a pathway through to first grade. Given recent history, I feel that the only way we are going to get a Gosford team back into the senior ranks is by attempting to set up a top notch Board, made up of highly influential local business people, as well as former Townie greats and politically savvy individuals such as yourself. Hopefully we could then take advantage of the wave of goodwill that would invariably follow a re-emergence of the Townies.

In The Press …

Dion’s Stormers Outlast The Bears

by Andrew Stark

Coast Community News 18th May, 2017

The Gosford Kariong Storm U16(2)s rugby league team opened their account for season 2017 courtesy of a hard fought 28-22 win over St Edwards.

Dion Findlay’s team ran to a handsome 26-10 lead midway through the second half before giving their coach heart palpitations as they; lost a player to the sheds, became cavalier with possession and proceeded to concede back to back tries to allow the spirited Bears to get back to within four points late in the game. A last minute Byron Buckley penalty goal, kicked forcefully into the throng of Gosford fans as they chanted raucously for their team, rounded out the Storm’s advantage at a neat and tidy half dozen. In a fine all team display, representative forward Suli Hakalo was once again a tower of strength in both attack and defence, while Joel Campbell had a game to remember as he bagged himself a hat-trick of tries. The bullocking fullback also delivered the final pass for centre Ben Martin’s second half try having run onto a perfectly weighted Byron Buckley chip kick.

The Gosford U11(1)s weren’t quite as fortunate as their more senior club mates, falling 12-0 to a well structured Terrigal side in the early morning game at Brendan Franklin Oval. It was a grinding defensive game which yielded just the two tries; sadly both were scored by the lads wearing sky blue. For the vanquished, Storm prop Lorenzo Godoy worked tirelessly up centre field and Benji Keene-O’Keefe tried every one of his tricks to prize open a Terrigal defensive line which closely resembled a concrete wall. Gosford’s narrow loss followed on from their thrilling 28-24 win over the previously unbeaten Berkeley Vale in the previous round. A game which saw the Storm shock the visitors early on, rumbling to a 10-0 lead, before clinging to a 22-18 advantage late in the game. The Panthers looked to have snatched the win with just two minutes left to play, when for the first time in the match, they hit the front. Gosford however were not to be denied and the irrepressible Benji Keene-O’Keefe was able to dash over out wide to score his fourth try of the game; the Storm home crowd jumping for joy as the local boys notched their first win of the season.

The Gosford U12(3)s have continued on their wining way courtesy of a 24-16 win over Wyong at Berkeley Vale with the Storm now ranking as outright leaders in this division. The club’s battling Open Grade has extended their losing streak to 43 matches courtesy of a 54-6 loss to title favourites St Edwards.

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017.

Please note: this is the submitted piece in it’s entirety. The editor of the Coast Community News is responsible for the changes that ultimately appear in the newspaper.

t he

Pictorial

Pages

Photos – Andrew Stark

The Opening Rounds of Season 2017

OUCH

STANDING ROOM ONLY !

Sam Bissett

Jacob Bond

U14(2)s

U10(3)s

Jake Martin U14(2)s

Photo’s: Andrew Stark

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017

Taylor Eilersen U15(2)s

Andrew Grimley U11(1)s

Photo’s – Andrew Stark The Storm boys celebrate the first of Jordan’s two tries against the Magpies in round 3.

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017

Jordan Eilersen & Cameron Bird U15(2)s

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017

Photo’s – Andrew Stark

Joel Campbell - U16(2)s, spears over for a try during the opening round loss to Toukley

Kirra Hodge - U10(3)s Photo’s – Andrew Stark

Kirra pulls off a copybook covering tackle against the Tigers.

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017

Dylan McKay & Michael Porter - U14(2)s, appeal unsuccessfully for a try against Umina.

Above:

Left: Jake Grimley - U16(2)s, leaves a trail of Hawks in his wake during an opening round burst at Carrington Street.

Photo’s – Andrew Stark

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017

U13(2)s

Photo – Andrew Stark

Have you ever wondered what happens to a bright green kicking tee when a size 13 boot comes to play ?

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017

Jake Sutherland

Well now you know.

Preston Bierton - U15(2)s, powers over to score a determined try against the Sharks.

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017

Photo’s – Andrew Stark

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017

Photo’s – Andrew Stark

The Under 6s in action against the Roosters.

Annabel strides past a little red rooster during the Storm’s emphatic round two victory at Woy Woy.

Photo’s – Andrew Stark

The Under 7s - captured in high spirits as they warm an early morning bench.

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017

Annabel LeMaistre U10(3)s

The U8s Charging into attack mode against Woy Woy.

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017

Ozgur Emeli U12(3)s Ozgur pulls off a classic covering tackle during his sides big win over Budgie.

Photo’s – Andrew Stark

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017

Andrew Hall U12(3)s

Kyle Dowling U13(2)s

Photo’s – Andrew Stark

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017

The Under 7s running rings around the Eagles

Photo’s – Andrew Stark

Ben Shepherd U13(2)s

Photo’s – Andrew Stark

Clockwise from top left

Ryan Habkouk U12(3)s

Liam Gleeson U12(3)s

Matt LeMaistre U11(1)s

Neni Aho U10(3)s

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017

TOO MUCH TOE FOR HIS DAD

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017

FOUR TRY BENJI

Benji KeeneKeene-O’Keefe U11(1)s Noted speedster Benji KO raced over for 4 tries, including the last minute match winner during Gosford’s thrilling 28-24 win over the Panthers in round 3. Benji’s dad, the Storm U6s coach Phil Keene, is captured doing his level best to keep up with his talented son while running the line as a touch judge.

Photo’s – Andrew Stark

by Andrew Stark

Any loyal rugby league fan will tell you that accepting the troughs of poor fortune are just as much a part of following one’ one’s footy club, as is rejoicing in the epic, trophy lifting triumphs.

Here at Gosford, no senior silverware has been hoisted since 1985 when we won the Reggies. Truth be known, success has become something of a foreign concept of late. We’ve been troughing up a storm, to a record breaking level, for a bloody long period of time. The cold hard facts are that our Open Grade side hasn’t tasted victory for over five and a half years; not since August 21st, 2011 has the team song been given a fulsome post game airing (see page 5). Of course this hefty drought sounds far worse than it actually is. We were shown the door for three of these six seasons by the CCDRL, who considered us to be a messy adjunct during 2012 & 2013, while in 2015 we were rather harshly rubbed out for 12 months as a result of a poorly constructed ring-in scam that went horribly wrong.

The losing streak, at time of writing, has reached 43 games. This is made up of; 19 losses in 2014, 17 defeats and a forfeit last season, and half a dozen negative score lines to begin the new season. 43 losses on the trot. So is this noteworthy in a Guinness Book of Records kind of way, or is it just an extended form slump?

The losing streak, at time of writing, has reached 43 games.

Records show that the worst losing streak in the history of the Sydney rugby league competition is 42, racked up by the old Sydney University club between April 28th, 1934 and August 29th, 1936. It’s interesting to note that Varsity’s most prominent player in their 18 year, top grade existence was a tough tackling five eighth named, Ernest ‘Sammy’ Ogg, who would later turn misery into a career; poking his nose into all of the state’s mysterious deaths in his role as the Chief Coroner. ‘Sammy’ Ogg’s grandson just so happened to be the former award winning investigative journalist Morgan Ogg, would played lower grades for the Gosford Townies during the early 1980s.

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017.

But how about other sports? Well, the Bangladeshi cricket team notched an impressive 21 Test match losses in a row between 2001 & 2004, and garnished the suffering by adding 23 successive ODI defeats during the 1999 – 2002 period. The Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team lost 26 consecutive games back in 2011/12. But rest easy, for we truly are not in the hunt when one discovers that the Prairie View Panthers, a Texan college football team managed to string together a remarkable 80 straight defeats between 1989 & 1998. Their sporting doldrums were finally lifted when they managed to score a nail biting 14-12 victory over a stunned Langton University side. In a sobering sting to the tale, one that encapsulates just what a decade of getting beaten can lead to; the Panthers were forced to break their hoodoo without the enthusiastic fanfare of their ever loyal marching band. You see, the Prairie View marching band had been suspended following a halftime stoush that broke out during the previous week’s game; the fired up Panthers band throwing down their instruments and rolling up their sleeves to get stuck in to band members from the rival college.

So there you have it … our 43 losses, spanning five and a half years, is mere chicken feed when compared to those Texan tankers. And besides, the whole thing is totally immaterial given we’ve got a win coming up this weekend (or the one after) … and that’ll be the start of a whole new streak altogether !

Left: Jason Bird,

Photo – Andrew Stark

who played in Gosford’s last victory back in 2011, consoles Sean Portus during loss number 27, at The Entrance last season.

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017.

So we’ve now extended our streak beyond anything the Sydney competition has to offer. Despite feverish attempts to track down a bush footy team with a dodgy run that reaches parallel proportions … it would seem that all of these rural peccadillo's remain hushed up and tapped down in the shallow graves of time.

In The Press …

Storm Juniors Kick Off The New Season

by Andrew Stark

Coast Community News 4th May, 2017

The Central Coast junior rugby league competitions have kicked off for the 2017 season with the opening fortnight offering the Gosford Kariong club mixed results.

The most emphatic victory of the opening round garnered a 46-0 score line as the Storm U12(3)s ran roughshod over the luckless Raiders at Blue Haven.

The Michael Sams coached twelves include a handful of members from last years U11(1)s, after the premier division squad were forced to disband during the off season following the loss of a host of players and a coach. The Storm have lodged an appeal with the CCDJRL in a bid to have the side regraded into division two and the lopsided nature of their first up win only adds weight to the claim.

The Gosford U10(3)s are another side to have begun the new season brightly. A narrow 10-8 win at home against the Tigers in round one was followed up with a comprehensive 24-8 victory at Woy Woy. First half tries to Angus Bills, Ryan Sanchez and Jacob Bond provided the visitors with a 12-0 half time lead and the Storm boys and girls continued to run freely after the break. Powerful forward Dylan Wade, who suffered the misfortune of breaking a forearm last season, had a tremendous game up the middle, while utility player Sunny Mayles was at his bustling best. The highlight of the early morning contest however was provided by a young lady playing in just her second game of rugby league. Annabel LeMaistre split the Roosters defence from well inside her own half and strode out into open field with all the grace and form of an Olympic sprinter, before a frantic cover defence managed to rein her in just metres shy of the corner post.

In other results; the U13(2)s bounced back from a heavy loss at Wyong in round one to edge out Woy Woy 14-10 having trailed by six early in the second half. A try in the right corner to winger Max Zonno, was followed shortly after by a barnstorming charge up centre field from prop Jake Sutherland, all of which helped push Gosford to the lead. Sadly the game ended four minutes early after the aforementioned Jake Sutherland received an accidental knock to the head and required a precautionary trip to Gosford Hospital via the back of an ambulance.

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017.

continued on next page

Please note: this is the submitted piece in it’s entirety. The editor of the Coast Community News is responsible for the changes that ultimately appear in the newspaper.

In The Press … continued

Storm Juniors Kick Off The New Season

by Andrew Stark

Coast Community News 4th May, 2017

Thankfully young Jake was back home later in the afternoon with all of his faculties intact.

The Rod Godoy coached U11(1)s are the clubs sole division one side this season and have given positive indications that they will be competitive in the premier grouping, having pushed last seasons runners up The Entrance during a 30-18 loss in their most recent outing.

While up in the senior ranks, the injury plagued Storm Open Grade side led by four, midway through the second half against the Warriors in their round five clash, before conceding three late tries in falling to a 22-10 defeat.

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017.

Gokhan Emeli U14(2)s Gok had a mighty game in the Storm’s narrow round 3 loss to the Sharks; charging over for two spectacular solo tries, while also leading the way in defence.

Photo’s – Andrew Stark

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017.

St Edwards 72 Gosford 0

St Edwards 54 Gosford 6 Round Six Six played fifty four, as last weekends Mothers Day clash saw the chocolates, flowers and all of the love go the way of our opponents. We held our own against the competition favourites for much of the first half but having led by a skinny dozen at the break, the Bears bolted away. Truth be known we weren’t that bad and during one four minute golden period in the first half, we came within millimetres of scoring on three separate occasions. Of course the leaking ten tries thing was a problem. The teddy bears decided to have their picnic inside our quarter after half time and feasted accordingly.

Aaron Barclay, ‘Jesse’ James and Mitch Redding were busy throughout, however Eather at halfback was undoubtedly our best. Max was strong during the opening half, Sean Portus scored with his first touch of the season, while Groomy copped a ten fingered wave from the middleman and for all his undoubted passion, really does need to rein in his, ‘inner maniac’.

Today we play Erina @ Erina and the word wafting out of Karalta Road is that the tricolours are dead set ripe for the taking. I tip Gosford 13+ … (- The Eye -).

Photo – Andrew Stark

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017

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St Edwards 72 Gosford 0

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017.

Northern Lakes 20: Gosford 10 Round Five

A fortnight off will have freshened us all up after a hectic opening month and a bit, of fierce third grade competition. We currently sit just six points shy of the top five and once the weather cools down a bit and the ball decides to bounce in a more orthodox fashion; we feel we’re well placed to make an earnest charge toward this years title.

Our most recent clash, played prior to the ‘spare weekend’ saw us very much in the hunt against the Warriors after RJ Warwick had scored bullocking tries either side of half time. We led by four with twenty minutes to play, but quite inconsiderately, Northern Lakes hogged all of the late, try scoring glory and we ultimately had to settle for a 20-10 loss (the score was actually 22-10, but after the officials table had factored in the, ‘We Weren’t Really Paying Attention’ adjustment, the Warriors got it by ten).

Today sees us back at our adopted home of BV Oval, from whence we will launch into the fresh challenge of mixing it with St Edwards. The Bears are undoubtedly one of the competition heavyweights yet again this season, and wouldn’t the bust of a disappointed looking grizzly, mounted on the wall above the fireplace of the GKS cubby house be a wonderful addition indeed … Go get em Gossy! (- The Eye -).

***CORRECTION*** It is with a heavy heart that I must report that in our last edition, The Eye did suffer from a brief bout of wandering halo syndrome.

We inadvertently placed a blue circle around the face of the wrong junior Townie in the article titled, Those Footballing Eathers.

Eathers Apologies go out to Greg Eather and to his former teammate, Wayne Cook (on Greg’s immediate right) for the confusion.

WH BO OB OO The corrected circle placement appears below

OO

PS

BOO BOO

WHOOPS

WH OO PS

BO OB

BOO BOO

WHOOPS BO OB

WH OO PS

OO

OO

BOO BOO

WHOOPS

WH OO PS

BO OB

BOO BOO

WHOOPS

OO

At The Eye of the Storm, we pride ourselves on being deadly accurate, all of the time (guffaw).

The Eather Affair, Affair as this faux pas has come to be known, sadly resulted in one sub editor being asked to clean out his desk (it was in a terrible state; old Mars bar & Twisties wrappers through all of the draws). We have also been forced to terminate the services of consultancy firm, Blue Circle Highlighters and the documentation pertaining to this regrettable incident has been forwarded to the offices of the ICAC and the Securities Commission in accordance with the Stuff Up Act of NSW 1937, volume 5, sub section 14C, paragraph 8.

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017.

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017.

Kincumber 52 Gosford 6 St Edwards 72 Gosford 0

Round Four Discipline, or the lack thereof, became the overriding theme of a very disappointing Gosford performance last Sunday against Kincumber. Apart from yet another whole hearted display by back rower Travis Mantell, and one or two dancing carries from the back by Billy James; we were dead set awful.

The Steeden was turned over with a Metamucil like regularity (sadly not just once a day), and this was only interrupted by; a steady drip of conceded penalties, a cluster of missed tackles, and of course the resultant get together in behind our own try line as we watched yet another Colts conversion attempt sail between the sticks. To make matters worse, team lynchpin Jordan Groom was stretchered off during the second half with a serious ankle injury. One positive from the day however was the healthy turn out of loyal Storm fans (I counted 37), who packed out the Berkeley Vale eastern hill to offer support to Max Russell’s battling team.

Here’s hoping we can revisit our promising form of a fortnight ago, when we line up against the Warriors today. Go get em Gossy! (- The Eye -).

In The Press …

Gosford Pipped In Ourimbah Thriller

by Andrew Stark

Coast Community News 21st April, 2017

The general consensus amongst football fans as they streamed out of Sohier Park last Saturday afternoon was that despite having suffered a third successive defeat to start the new season, the Gosford Kariong Storm are fast approaching their first Open Grade victory in over half a decade. A tremendous battle had just ensued between age old rivals Gosford and Ourimbah, a game in which the Magpies snuck away with the competition points via a last gasp try and a 24-18 win over the luckless Storm.

A casualty of the narrow loss for Gosford was their captain, Max Russell who will be forced to miss this Sundays clash with Kincumber having suffered a leg injury during the see sawing second half at Sohier Park. The Storm will be looking to build on their gutsy effort against Ourimbah when they take on the Colts at Berkeley Vale Oval on Sunday 23rd of April, due to kick off at 11.30am.

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017.

The exciting Easter Saturday clash delivered more twists and turns than the Narara Creek; the game entering its final ten minutes with both sides striving to break an 18 all deadlock.

Gosford had led 12-4 midway through the first half following tries to Jamie Probert and Billy James, before Ourimbah rallied to nudge themselves ahead 14-12. A determined, burrowing try scored by ‘Man of the Match’, Jordan Groom saw the Storm retake the lead, and with Brendan Eather’s angled conversion raising the flags, hopes were high that a famous victory was in the offing. Ourimbah however had other ideas and the black & whites managed to level it all up at 18 all with a dozen minutes remaining on the clock. Both sides had their chances during the games frenetic final moments before Magpies prop Ben Starkey broke Gosford hearts by barging over for the match winning try against his former club.

Please note: this is the submitted piece in it’s entirety. The editor of the Coast Community News is responsible for the changes that ultimately appear in the newspaper.

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017.

St Edwards 72 Gosford 0

Ourimbah 24 Gosford 18

Round Three Holy moley! We came ever so close up at Ourimbah last Saturday to notching our first win in many a long season. Ahead 18-14 with a dozen minutes remaining on the clock and level pegging inside the final five minutes, but alas it wasn’t to be, as we were edged out 24-18 at the death.

Jordan Groom was outstanding out of dummy half, scoring one and laying on another try with a deft grubber in behind the line that enabled livewire fullback Billy James to scoop up and sprint away. Best & fairest points went; three to Groomy, two to Travis Mantell, and one to Jeremy James.

If we continue to play with the same intensity as we showed last Saturday then a win is surely just around the corner ... and when players become clued in to the fact that mouthing off at the referee is a wholly self defeating exercise, then success will present itself with an even greater immediacy.

Go get em Gossy! (- The Eye -).

A big thank you to our sponsors; The Settlers Tavern - West Gosford, Coastal Waters Painting, Robson Civil Projects, James M Ryan Chartered Accountant, Central Coast Tennis Academy, Bendigo Bank - East Gosford & Lisarow, Neopost, Central Coast Leagues Club, Riverside Dental Spa, & Just Cuts - Tuggerah.

Photo of the Month The Eye is pleased to welcome our latest corporate partner, White Cane Photography who will be supplying our ‘Photo of the Month’ throughout the 2017 season.

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE May, 2017.

“Wheely bin on the Berkeley Vale hill” This stunning work, captured during round one of the seniors competition, manages to inadvertently highlight 7 spectators and a wheely bin; none of whom are showing the slightest bit of interest in Shaun Trasler’s hit up.

Proudly sponsored by

White Cane Photography For all your blurry, half missed imaging needs 3/93 Victoria St, East Gosford, 2250

2017 COMPETITION LADDERS As of 18-5-17

Opens St Edwards Erina The Entrance Kincumber Wyong Northern Lakes Ourimbah Toukley Terrigal

12 9 8 8 6 6 5 4 2

Gosford Kariong

0

U14(2)s

U16(2)s

Pts

Budgewoi Umina Wyong Berkeley Vale Terrigal Erina Ourimbah The Entrance

8 8 6 6 4 4 2 2

Gosford Kariong

0

Toukley

0

U15(2)s Kincumber Erina Blue Haven Toukley Terrigal Ourimbah

8 8 6 4 4 2

Gosford Kariong

0

Gosford Kariong

2

The Entrance

0

St Edwards

2

U12(3)s

Pts

U13(2)s

Pts

Terrigal Warnervale Wyong Blue Haven

8 7 6 4

Gosford Kariong

4

Budgewoi Woy Woy Kincumber

3 2 0

Gosford Kariong

8

Wyong Northern Lakes Budgewoi Blue Haven The Entrance

6 4 4 2 0

U10(3)s U11(1)s

Pts

The Entrance Erina Blue Haven Kincumber Terrigal Berkeley Vale Toukley Woy Woy

8 6 6 4 4 4 2 2

Gosford Kariong

2

Wyong

2

Pts

8 8 6 4 4 4 2

Wyong Erina Toukley - blue Northern Lakes Ourimbah Woy Woy Toukley – gold

Pts

Pts

Pts

The Entrance – black Umina Erina

8 8 6

Gosford Kariong

6

Wyong Toukley Woy Woy Warnervale The Entrance - gold Northern Lakes

4 2 2 2 0 0

FLASHBACK A momentary glance back at some of the action from winter 2012 Photo’s – Andrew Stark The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017 - PHOTOS – Andrew Stark.

Lorenzo Godoy (Under 6s)

2012

Back when grass was long, colours were muted, and photographers still had half decent eyesight …

When collars remained in vogue and bibs were nothing more than dribble catchers for messy high chair feeders. Half a decade has passed …

and haven’t our little champions grown !

2012 – Part One

Ethan Bradshaw-Lee & Jayden Findlay (Under 11s)

Photo’s – Andrew Stark

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017 - PHOTOS – Andrew Stark.

Blake Taylor (Under 10s)

Blake Hodge (Under 6s)

2012 – Part One

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY, 2017 - PHOTOS – Andrew Stark.

Photo’s – Andrew Stark

Kurt Burrell (Under 16s)

To be continued in our June edition …

So How Do We Get A Photo For Uncle Ivan & Aunt Jasmine ?

Whilst the motivation for putting The Eye together each month is in no way financial, It would be good to recoup some of those bus & train fares; transport levies accrued chugging to and from the myriad of footy ovals scattered across the CCJRL region.

To help keep Red Bus, Busways and even State Rail happy, all the photo’s appearing on the pages of this fine, up standing publication … come over are available for purchase in all their high resolution JPEG and slip me magnificence for just $10 (via Paypal, cheque, money order, Dan $10 on game Murphy’s gift card, gold bullion, krugerand, or my personal day … I’ll be favourite; good old CA$H). Email me (Andrew) at the bleary 10dollarjpegs@gmx.com and let me know which image you’re after eyed, … or simply grab me on the sideline and chew my ear. disheveled looking bloke with the Jolly well dodgy haircut … played

Gosford

oh yeah, and the big camera !

Buy one $10 photo & get a bunch of others free

---EYE EXCLUSIVE--the Back Page

OMG I think … e’ve nabbed a we’

Hint of Jo y!

Josh King Grin

The Eye of the Storm – MAY 2017

In In Search Search of the of the

Photo – Andrew Stark

Grin analysts from the facial dexterity unit of the UNSW were called in during late April to run tests on the Eye’ Eye’s exclusive photograph (see above). Promising early results suggest the detection of upward mobility in the east & west extremities of Kingy’s north & south. One clinician, who wished to remain anonymous, contacted this office during early May to state,

“Yeah mate, he’s definitely pushing out a smile” Chief photographer Andrew Stark has been buoyed by this rarest of captures having struggled in past seasons to get beyond the regal man’s, misery guts façade (see examples below)

‘Eye of the Storm’ – Vol 20, May, 2017 e-mag compiled, photographed, written & designed by Andrew Stark © 2017 Contact - 10dollarjpegs@gmx.com