The Eye of the Storm magazine vol 28 june 2018

GOSFORD RUGBY LEAGUE

- Since 2014 -

the

Issue No. 27: May 2018 Issue No. 28 June 2018

WANTED GENEROUS BENEFACTOR to provide

$150000 per season to the GOSFORD RUGBY LEAGUE FOOTBALL CLUB

Because It’s Time To Reinstate The Townies Follow us on Twitter Please contact Danielle or Renee

gosfordkariongstorm@hotmail.com

@gosfordleague

Generous Benefactor

Above: Three try hero Billy James celebrates the Open Grades

Above: GKS make it onto the cover of the CCDRL

26-22 win at Doyalson with his sons Jacob & William.

match day program.

Vol 28: June, 2018

If the numbers are anything to go by, then rugby league is in real trouble.

Flicking through an old 2009 yearbook reveals that across the U14 -16 age groupings, the CCDJRL fielded 68 teams that year. That number has dropped to just 46 this season, which is an alarming 32% reduction in less than ten winters ... and all this during a period in which the population of the region has grown by an estimated 6.6%.

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and we’ve been buttered up royally by the Melbourne Storm. The NRL premiers have adopted a rogue form of the Eye of the Storm, from which they now disseminate their club news …

Must say though … it aint a patch on the original !!!

While on the subject of

The Melbourne knock off, featuring Cam Munster

Melbourne, moves are afoot at GK committee level to transport the southern franchises’ club song, before tailoring it and adopting it as our very own victory chant in the coming winters. Stay tuned for further developments.

Our coverage of the round one Duffy’s Rd heist created a few waves down in the halls of power and a charge of ‘bringing the game into disrepute’ was leveled at The Eye in a somewhat gruff Monday morning response. Things were patched up when it was pointed out that our story was 100% accurate.

Hearty congratulations go out to Matt Ikuvalu on becoming the first Gosford Kariong junior to graduate to the NRL. May he be the first of many!

Opinions expressed in 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.

In The Press …

Magpies Swamped By Electric Storm

by Andrew Stark

Coast Community News 7th June, 2018

As the rugby league season pushed into winter, the Gosford Kariong Storm Under 15(2)s maintained their unbeaten status with a crushing 38-8 victory over arch rivals Ourimbah at Bill Sohier Park.

A scrappy start in chilly conditions saw both sides fumbling the Steeden before the Storm was able to settle down and click into gear. Starting rake Nash DorrattMavin got the scoreboard ticking when he dived over on the blindside of a ruck. Right centre Michael Porter then added back to back tries before Sam Bissett scored one of his trademark bursts on the left. A twenty point advantage at half time pushed out to 38-8 by the games conclusion. Back-rower Isaac Vuna was yet again a tower of strength for the marauding Stormers and he was rewarded for his effort with a brace of second half tries; the latter a spectacular raid down the railway side of Sohier Park in which he and five eighth Jake Martin combined brilliantly to bamboozle the black & whites defence. The afternoon ended nicely for the visitors when right on fulltime, impressive hooker Nathan Cahill split the Magpies through the centre of the ruck to set up the point scoring wiz, Michael Porter for his third try of the afternoon.

Gosford’s other table topping team is Ed Johnson’s U11(3)s who recorded a 38-26 win against the 4th placed Berkeley Vale, and have now notched six consecutive wins after narrowly dropping their opening game of the season to the Tigers. While the U10(3)s scored an emphatic 44-14 victory over St Edwards to consolidate third spot on their competition ladder.

In further good news for the club, Gosford Kariong junior, Matt Ikuvalu made his NRL debut for the Sydney Roosters during their thrilling 16-14 victory over Wests on the first Sunday of June. Ikuvalu hails from Narara and played his first four seasons with the Storm, before being enticed away to have stints with Erina, and then Wyong.

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – JUNE 2018

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 – June 2018

Photo courtesy of the Sydney Roosters

Congratulations

MATT IKUVALU GOSFORD KARIONG’S FIRST EVER NRL PLAYER

MATT IKUVALU GOSFORD KARIONG’S FIRST EVER NRL PLAYER Congratulations go out to Matthew Ikuvalu on making his NRL debut. Matt played on the right wing for the Sydney Roosters against the Wests Tigers during round 13 of the National Rugby League competition. The game was played at Allianz Stadium on Sunday June 3rd and was won 16-14 by the Roosters.

Matt has earned himself a special place in our club’s history by becoming the first ever Gosford Kariong junior to progress to the NRL. He also becomes the 24th Gosford junior to play in the Sydney big league, and is the first since Rhys Pritchard also debuted on the wing for the Roosters back in 2011.

The dashing young three-quarter played four seasons at Narara from U7s through to the U10(2)s of 2003 (this side was coached by Ed Johnson and reached the semi finals). During his final year at the Storm, Matt was able to cross for a try in every game he played.

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – June 2018

2015

2001

“Great kid, and a just reward for all his years of dedication” Photo – Andrew Stark

Ed Johnson (Matt Ikuvalu’s U10s coach at Gosford)

MATT IKUVALU GOSFORD KARIONG’S FIRST EVER NRL PLAYER

The somewhat prophetic summation of Matt’s potential which appeared in the Gosford Kariong Yearbook of 2001.

From Gosford to Sydney First Grade Charlie Staunton (Norths 1923) Herbert Arthur “Finny” Morris (Canterbury 1940,41,43,44) Lester Hough (Norths 1940) Walter ‘Finny’ Worrad (Norths 1940) Edward ‘Ted’ McHugh (St George 1942-44) Alan Staunton (St George 1952-54) Barry Willis (Balmain 1953-54, 1956) Ron Thornton (Canterbury 1955-61) Col ‘Bubbles’ Purcell (Easts 1957) Bev Smith (Balmain 1959) Ron Hansen (Newtown 1960 – 65) John Floyd (Norths 1965) Rod Urquhart (Cronulla 1970–71, Souths 1973–74) Max Wilkie (Norths 1981-83) Daryl Turner (Wests 1984) Paul Kent (Parramatta 1989) Adam McEwen (Souths 1995-97) Grant McWhirter (Souths 1995-96) Anthony Brann (Balmain 1996, Hunter 1997, Canberra 1998-2000) John Carlaw (Hunter 1997, Melbourne 1998, Balmain 1999, Wests Tigers 2000-01, NZ Warriors 2002-03, St George-Illawarra 2004) Wes Tillott (Norths 1999, Souths 2004) Matt Orford (Northern Eagles 2000, Melbourne 2001- 05, Manly 2006-09, Canberra 2011) Rhys Pritchard (Sydney Roosters 2011) Matthew Ikuvalu (Sydney Roosters 2018) The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – June 2018

* If you are aware of any other Gosford Juniors to have played top grade footy in Sydney please email Andrew at 10dollarjpegs@gmx.com

GOSFORD KARIONG STORM -- OPEN GRADE --

Life in the senior ranks is never dull and the merry month of May invariably provides high drama.

Our Storm Open Graders notched two fine wins, either side of a bye and a loss, to complete our most productive on-field period in over half a decade. And yet in true Narara style, we managed to take success and rub its face firmly into the dirt; intertwining a whole bunch of really good footy with a soap opera of high drama. The poor form began when quite remarkably, we managed to cop our second administrative fine of the season; that’s two in just eight weeks. By submitting incomplete game-day paperwork, we very generously decided to donate a further $500 straight into the CCDRL coffers … ka-ching! Then, the morning after our tremendous victory up at Toukley, we awoke to the shock news that both trainers had been relieved of their duties for alleged lacklustre performances in running water, and that head coach, “Fozzy” was also on his bike, heading north due to, ‘pressing personal matters’. Only Burnsy had survived the cull and by the Monday evening, Shaun “Bellamy” Martin was being hastily shoe horned into the role of head coach for the remainder of season 2018.

Just as the frenetic month appeared to be winding down, and with the Whitlams Blow up the Pokies following that old JJ Cale classic in the backroom of the Elly, a further kick in the GK Jatz Crackers was felt when news surfaced that two or three of our senior players had been very naughty boys indeed; Stormers behaving badly in a series of most regrettable off-field incidents.

Spare a thought at this point for beleaguered team manager, Chris Finneran who was forced to spend the remains of May in full, blue-arsed fly mode as he desperately attempted to paper over the gaping cracks.

Like sands through the hour glass … one is left grimly gripping the arm rest in high anticipation at what the month of June may serve up.

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE JUNE 2018

JUSTICE

REQUIRED FOR ONE & ALL

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – JUNE 2018

The CCDRL appeal system is totally stacked against the smaller clubs and needs to be urgently reviewed. Club’s currently risk the loss of $400 simply to be granted a hearing. This would of course be fair if every club was on an even footing financially, however they’re clearly not. If it’s justice and fairness that the judicial system aims to foster then the current system is failing miserably and must be updated urgently.

To highlight the chasm of financial inequality that does exist across our competition, we have at the top end of town, the Wyong Leagues Group which turns over something in the order of $60 million per annum. While in stark contrast, at a recent Gosford Kariong meeting, a plan was being earnestly hatched to collect cans and bottles from the bins after home games to ensure a few extra bucks could be added to the clubs coffers via recycling. It’s absolute prince and the pauper stuff (without anyone changing places)!

“An appeal fee of $400 shall be lodged with the appeal to the Committee or Appeals Board and may at the absolute discretion of the Committee or Board be retained in the general fund of the Central Coast Division Rugby League or refunded in whole or in part in the event that the appeal is upheld in whole or in part.”

- Rule 45E of the CCDRL Constitution Under the current appeals system; Gosford Kariong, despite having a more than reasonable case, were recently forced to baulk at mounting an appeal against a lost competition point, simply because the club could not risk the $400 fee associated with the case being dismissed. The big four however, the poker machine backed clubs, would all be financially well off enough to, in theory, try their luck at appealing every decision that ever goes against them.

This is not how a judicial system should work.

Above: A Wyong prince is captured welcoming a Gosford pauper at the front gates of Morry Breen Oval, in Mark Twain’s classic rugby league tale.

A judicial system that by its very design does dissuade the smaller clubs from gaining access, has clearly failed.

Whilst ever the folding stuff remains as the currency of the system, it will remain unjust.

A cashless scheme needs to be implemented; a points system in which every senior team is allocated, for example, ten appeal points at the beginning of each season. From there, every unsuccessful appeal might cost them five points. This would enable the less wealthy clubs to compete on a level playing field. Just as with the review system in place for Test cricket matches, a club would then be forced to judiciously weigh up which situations were truly worthy of appeal and which were best left alone. Each team would only be allowed two failed appeals per season which would also protect the CCDRL Appeals Committee from having to continually front up to hear a series of wholly frivolous and ridiculously parochial claims.

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – JUNE 2018

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – JUNE 2018

The Eye of the Storm magazine continues its series that showcases the magnificent collection held by the Gosford Rugby League Museum.

Museum Head curator, Amanda Pittee has once again donned the protective gloves to transport from the strong room, further items of intrigue drawn directly from our club’s fascinating past.

Ted Alexander was the son of a Davistown baker who played for strong Gosford teams in 1938 & 1939. A powerful three-quarter in the champion 1938 team, Ted shifted into the forwards with equal effect the following year. The outbreak of the war saw Ted Alexander enlist with the RAAF and by 1944 he was flying Lancaster bombers on raids over Germany. On the evening of September 12th, his aircraft was shot down on a mission over the industrial area of Frankfurt. Tragically all on board were killed.

Ted Alexander was just 27 years of age.

THE THE GOSFORD GOSFORD RUGBY RUGBY LEAGUE LEAGUE MUSEUM MUSEUM

The Gosford Townies juniors changed their name to the Gosford Giants The Gosford Townies juniors changed their name to the Gosford Giants in in 1993. The club’s committee had felt that the Townies nickname was 1993. It was felt that the Townies nickname was none to exciting for none to exciting for the youngsters of that era and a ballot of alternative youngsters and a ballot of alternative names was voted on by the players names was organized and voted upon by the players during the during the 1992/1993 off season. The Giants moniker won the poll and 1992/1993 off season. The Giants moniker won the poll and was duly would continue as the town’s junior club nickname until 2000 when the adopted for the 1993 season. It would continue as the junior club’s merger with the Kariong Kookaburras produced the current day, Gosford Thenickname/emblem until 2000 when the merger with the Kariong Karion Kariong Storm. g Kooka 1993 Kookaburras and m buproduced the current day, Gosford Kariong Storm. rras w e rg f orm th e

ere ed moder with Gosfo formed in rd n day G osford in 2000 to Karion g club.

The ––MAY June 2018 TheEYE EYEOF OFTHE THESTORM STORMMAGAZINE MAGAZINE The EYE2018 OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – MAY 2018

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – JUNE 2018

1973 Grand Final

THE GOSFORD RUGBY LEAGUE MUSEUM

The 1973 season provides a proud chapter in the history of Gosford rugby league as the club’s first grade side, led by prop Doug Houlahan, did capture the premiership with a gritty 8-4 grand final win over Wyong.

The Townies qualified for the decider via a 20-9 victory over minor premiers Ourimbah in the major semi final; the Magpies dropping out of the race seven days later when they suffered a follow up 27-20 defeat at the hands of the Wyong Kangaroos.

Despite the closeness of the scoreline, the grand final was dominated by the Townies. A try to Gary Wilkinson in the 25th minute after a Dave Trickett

Gosford half Darryl “Daggie” Collins leads the Townies out for the 1973 first grade grand final against Wyong in front of a large Grahame Park crowd.

Above:

Wyong captain, Daryl Palmer is grabbed by the Townies 2nd rower Bob Whitton during the grand final.

Below:

Townies Triumphant

1973 Grand Final

THE GOSFORD RUGBY LEAGUE MUSEUM

Above: 41 year old Gosford captain/coach Doug Houlahan receives the 1973 premiership trophy from radio broadcaster, Frank Hyde.

break gave Gosford a 5-2 lead at the break. Doug Houlahan set up the only try of the second half when in the 51st minute he worked the short side, to send Mick Little down the sideline. The young 2nd rower galloped away before finding his five eighth Dave Trickett back on the inside for a telling try. The Townies defence had been a feature of the 1973 season and the Wyong men Gosford 8: Gary Wilkinson, Dave Trickett could find no way through a tries, Darryl Collins goal. mighty red and blue wall.

Wyong 4: Ken Peel 2 goals.

Above: Mick Little came to Gosford from Moree with his captain, Doug Houlahan for the 1973 season. The pair had played in Moree’s 11-7 grand final win over Inverell in 1972.

Little would assume the Townies captaincy in 1974 after Houlahan retired to concentrate solely on coaching the team.

“Gosford’s captain Doug Houlahan was chaired from the field as hundreds of excited Townies supporters milled on the ground to give their side a heroes welcome.”

(Central Coast Express 17-9-1973) Right: A dejected trio of Wyong Kangaroos slumped in the Grahame Park sheds after the game.

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – JUNE 2018

t he

Pictorial

Pages

Photos – Andrew Stark

STORM FIND PLENTY TO SHOUT ABOUT Riley Whitbread U10(3)s The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – JUNE 2018

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – June 2018

Jack Turnbull U15(2)s

Jack races away for his third try during the big 52-10 win at Erina.

Blake McDonald and Liam MacNaughton offer support out wide.

Photos – Andrew Stark

U13(2)s

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – June 2018

Photo – Andrew Stark

Ryan Habkouk & Rylee Oakes

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – June 2018

Richard Darrell U12(1)s

Above: Richard finds himself locked in an intense, face pulling duel with an Entrance Tiger.

Below: Tyler desperately attempts to ground the ball for a try, during Round 5. Unfortunately the

Northern Lakes second rower kept his oversized left mitt jammed firmly under the Steeden.

Tyler Townsend U13(2)s

Photos – Andrew Stark

Under 7s

Photos – Andrew Stark

Ozgur Emeli Under 13(2)s

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – June 2018

Jake Martin U15(2)s

Reid Partlett U15(2)s

Nash Dorratt-Mavin U15(2)s

Photos – Andrew Stark

Gokhan Emeli U15(2)s

Billy, if you put the Steeden up to your ear … you can hear the sea!

Fetineni Aho & Billy Eden U11(3)s

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – June 2018

Under 8s

Photos – Andrew Stark

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – June 2018

Blake Hodge

U12(1)s

Photo – Andrew Stark

Photo – Andrew Stark

Kirra marshals the troops during the Under 10s impressive 30-18 win over Wyong in drizzly, round five conditions at Narara.

Kirra ‘The Little General’ Hodge Under 10(3)s

To guarantee you receive all future edition’s of

GOSFORD RUGBY LEAGUE : THE EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE simply join the mailing list by sending an email (blank or otherwise) to eyeofthestorm@post.com YIKES!

Tarren Wargent U16(1)s

Photos – Andrew Stark

Under 7s

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – June 2018

Kennedy Simmons U10(3)s

IMPRESSIVE DEBUT

Photo – Andrew Stark Above: Kennedy strides into open pastures during her first ever game of rugby league.

The debutant looked right at home during an impressive first up display which included a masterful ability to convince members of the opposition that they were actually out there, to play hand-ball.

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE

Photos: Andrew Stark

Under 8s Under 9s

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – June 2018

Brayden Tory Cayden Simmons Jack Cameron U13(2)s

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – June 2018

Photos – Andrew Stark Aaron Blyton U12(1)s

Sunny Mayles U11(3)s

Photos – Andrew Stark

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – June 2018

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – June 2018

Under 8s

Under 9s

Photos – Andrew Stark

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – June 2018

Photos – Andrew Stark

Isaac Vuna U16(1)s

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – June 2018

Under 8s

Photos – Andrew Stark

Annabel LeMaistre U11(3)s

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – June 2018

Under 9s Blake Taylor & Preston Bierton-Linsley U16(1)s

Photos – Andrew Stark

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – June 2018

Photo – Andrew Stark

Under 12(1)s

Benji Keene-O’Keefe is swamped by team mates after racing 60m to score the match sealing try against the table topping Erina Eagles at St Edwards College. The Gosford 12s tackled the tricolours out of the contest; playing magnificently right across the park, to win the day 12 points to 4.

Above:

U10(3)s

Photos – Andrew Stark

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – June 2018

Travis Habkouk

Cooper Clack & Aaron Beckman U16(1)s

Photos – Andrew Stark

Bailey Chislett U12(1)s

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – June 2018

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – June 2018

Soakimi Aho U14(2)s

Dom receives a ‘tiny’ pat on the head from Nathan Contato, after scoring a 2nd half try against the Tigers. Above right: On the charge earlier in the same game. Below: Benny looks to slip a pass to Jordan Pracy as Rylee Oakes looms up from the back field.

Above left:

U14(2)s

Photos – Andrew Stark

Ben Shepherd

Photo – Andrew Stark

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – June 2018

Gokhan Emeli U16(1)s

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – June 2018

Nathan Cahill U15(2)s

Nathan creates plenty of headaches for the Magpies ruck defence as Keegan Ropoama, Michael Porter and Xavier Hansen offer support out wide.

Below: Under 6s tyro, Cruden Smith shows off his classic tackling style against Terrigal.

Above:

Under 6s Photos – Andrew Stark

U12(1)s

Photos – Andrew Stark

Jordan Pracy U14(2)s

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – June 2018

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – June 2018

Matt LeMaistre

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – June 2018

Xavier Hansen U15(2)s

Above: Xavier crashes through the Below: The mighty Under 6s size

Ourimbah defence during the U15s big round 8 win at Sohier Park. up their opposition during an early morning clash at St Edwards.

Under 6s

Photos – Andrew Stark

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – June 2018

Photo – Andrew Stark

Sam Bissett U15(2)s

Under 6s

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – June 2018

Jack Metcalfe U15(2)s

GO TJ … … WOOF!

Photos: Andrew Stark

TJ Ghilardi U12(1)s

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – June 2018

Under 11s

Photos – Andrew Stark Above: The Under 11s brains trust watches on intently during the round 5 win over Below: Under 14s prop Finn Duncan is pulled down half a millimetre shy of the try-line

narrow 20-12 loss to the Tigers at Carrington Street.

Finn Duncan U14(2)s

Warnervale. during his sides

Photos – Andrew Stark

Under 9s

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – June 2018 Above: The Under 9s lead the Magpies on a merry chase, out in the wide open spaces of Carrington Street’s No 2 Oval. Below: Powerful Under 11s prop Angus Strelcs attracts sixteen Bulls defenders in a typically determined round 5 charge. Annabel LeMaistre & Angus Bills hover in the background.

Angus Strelcs U11(3)s

Hey Buddy, You’re Blocking My View

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – JUNE 2018

Purchasing Photos …

It’s Just So Easy!

Simply sling the guy with the camera a lobster ($20), and within days he’ll email you a couple of photo’s (jpeg files), featuring your little champion (or not so little champion) in action for the mighty Gosford Kariong Storm.

Simply hand over one, crisp, orangey note, along with your email address, and sit back & marvel as the old bloke goes straight to work.

Purchases can also be made using via Paypal for $22.

Email: 10dollarjpegs@gmx.com

In The Press …

Gosford Twelves Upset Erina

by Andrew Stark

Coast Community News 24th May, 2018

The Gosford Kariong Storm Under 12(1)s recorded their most significant win of the season when they defeated the top of the table Erina Eagles 12-4 in a tremendous game of junior rugby league played on the St Edwards College Oval.

Both teams defended determinedly during a tense opening period before the Storm was able to take a narrow 6-0 lead into the break. Player of the match, Bailey Chislett scored the lone try of the half when a last tackle Dylan Kesby cross field kick fell fortuitously into his path and the fullback’s dancing feet did the rest as he charged over to the right of the posts. Dylan Kesby converted and the underdogs found themselves leading by half a dozen at oranges.

The second stanza saw Erina do the baulk of the attacking however stoic Gosford defence was able to keep the Karalta Road boys at bay. As the clock ticked down, the Storm clung to their six point advantage and desperate try saving tackles came, firstly from Angus Newing on the left edge, and then a joint effort on the try line by Bailey Chislett and Blake Hodge, which combined to thwart the Eagles charge. Having withstood the tricolour wave, dynamic dummy half Benji Keene-O’Keefe was able to take advantage of a quick play the ball and with five minutes left in the game, he took off through the centre of a momentarily disorganized Eagles ruck; the Storm speedster racing 60 metres to score the match sealing try.

Richard Darrell duly converted, and despite a late Erina flurry, Gosford ran out deserved 12 points to 4 winners.

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – JUNE 2018

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 …

By Adrian Proszenko

Sun Herald 3rd June, 2018

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – JUNE 2018

GOSFORD KARIONG JUNIORS CONTINUE TO RISE TO THE TOP

Round 7 of the CCDRL competition marked the fourth first grade debut made by a Gosford Kariong junior so far this season.

Brayden Habkouk (Ourimbah), joined Lachlan Bell (Terrigal), Kyle Franklin (Berkeley Vale) and Tyson Potger (Kincumber), in the Central Coast’s premier rugby league competition.

Photos – Andrew Stark The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – JUNE 2018

OPEN GRADE ROUND 5 ROUND 7 ROUND 8 ROUND 9

Gosford Kariong 26: Northern Lakes 22 St Edwards 30: Gosford Kariong 0 * Round 6 GK had Gosford Kariong 32: Toukley 24 the bye Gosford Kariong vs. Woy Woy (postponed a week)

Photos - Andrew Stark Photos-Andrew Stark

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – June 2018

Photos - Andrew Stark

Left column – Liam Contato, Craig Starr, Kane Thomas, Danny Probert. Right column – Callum Marsh, Jaiden Marston, Chandler Connell, Scott Affleck. Main photo’s – Above: RJ Warwick, Billy James, Mitch Redding & Dylan Allen bag themselves a Bear. Below: Brennan Lacey pauses for a chuckle.

In The Press …

Gosford Win Ding-Dong Doyalson Struggle

by Andrew Stark

Coast Community News 9th May, 2018

Jubilant scenes did follow the Gosford Kariong Storm’s 26-22 Open Grade victory over Northern Lakes during round 5 of the Central Coast rugby league.

The Storm managed to break through for their first win of the 2018 season, emerging victorious from a ding-dong Doyalson duel that had seen the lead change five times during an absorbing second half scrap.

Livewire fullback Billy James completed an afternoon to remember, racing over for a hat-trick of tries, including the match winner which was scored when he ran off Brendan Eather with ten minutes remaining on the clock. Travis Mantell, Mitch Redding and Craig Starr were strong in centre field, while the blistering speed of Jesse Murray was again in evidence when he raced 70 metres in an arcing run to cross out wide during a spectacular passage of play.

In juniors action, the Gosford Kariong U15(2)s maintained their winning start to the season; scoring an emphatic 52-10 win over Erina. An even opening had seen both sides completing their sets flawlessly however Gosford managed to surge ahead late in the half with a series of long range tries, building a 28-0 lead at the break. By fulltime the Storm boys had crossed for ten tries in total, with back-rower Isaac Vuna and fullback Jack Turnbull both notching hat-tricks. The best try of the day featured a crisp outside-inside combination of passes as the lightening hands of Gokhan Emeli caught and then delivered in an instant; a perfectly timed short ball finding a rampaging Isaac Vuna; the former Asquith forward racing away to score a spectacular Gosford try.

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 Blurb

Above:

a weekly write up for the match day program

Warning: Text May Contain Traces of Flippancy

Jesse Murray sprints away to score a memorable second half try against Northern Lakes; much to the annoyance of a rowdy Doyalson hill. Photo – Andrew Stark

Round 5 … What a great game of footy! A ding dong Doyalson duel that saw the lead change five times during an absorbing second half. It ended up 26-22 to Gosford which gave us our opening win of the season in what is hoped to be the first of many to come.

Livewire fullback Billy James had a day to remember, notching a hat-trick of tries, including the match winner when he ran off Brendan Eather to score between the sticks with ten minutes on the clock. Travis Mantell, Mitch Redding and Craig Starr were strong in the middle, while the blistering speed of Jesse Murray was again in evidence when he raced 70 metres in an arcing run to cross out wide during a spectacular passage of play (see above). The victory was ultimately built upon a tremendous all-team effort and we now head into this weekend’s bye with the top five in clear view.

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE - JUNE 2018

Gosford Kariong 26 Northern Lakes 22

Photos - Andrew Stark

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE – June 2018

Left column – RJ Warwick, Josh Wigham, Mitch Redding, Billy James. Right column – Jayden Stanley, Travis Mantell, Aaron Smith, Brendan Eather. Main photo – Craig Starr

Photos Andrew Stark

The Blurb

a weekly write up for the match day program

Warning: Text May Contain Traces of Flippancy

Round 6 … Our men in purple pocketed a further two competition points last weekend; continuing their white hot form of late to brush past the tepid challenge of a bye round with commodious ease. While never wishing to be sprung blowing ones own trumpet; it’s nevertheless fair to point out that we have been the gun team of May and are quite literally racing up the Open Grade charts, moving from 9th to 7th with a bullet. Today sees us line up against perennial grand finalists, the St Edwards Bears who have also been in good form and a cracking encounter shall doubtlessly ensue. Interest is at a fever pitch for this one folks and punters should be warned that parking in and around Berkeley Vale Oval will be at a premium. I’d advise all Gosford, St Eddies, and rugby league fans in general to eat an early breakfast, preferably high in fibre, before heading directly to the ground to guarantee your place, perched comfortably on the BV hill from the get go.

Round 7 … OK, so last weekend didn’t quite go to plan. We fell back to earth with a bit of a thud as the giant grizzlies put us to the sword in a clinical display. Our lads expended plenty of effort but sadly we ended the afternoon with diddly squat to show for it. Mitch Redding, RJ Warwick, Jaiden Marston, Callum Marsh & co’ did their level best to shore up the guts. Brennan Lacey and Billy James had their moments on the edges. Brendan Eather schemed with intent against his former club, while Jesse Murray provided the only genuine scoring opportunity when early in the second half he sliced between a couple of nonplussed Bears, before veering left and setting sail for the line only to be halted a blade of grass short in a great tackle by the Eddies custodian, Jake Durbridge.

Above:

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE - JUNE 2018

Photo: Andrew Stark

Brendan Eather looks to glide past Tim Boyd during the heavy loss to the Bears in Round 7.

The Blurb

a weekly write up for the match day program

Warning: Text May Contain Traces of Flippancy

Round 8 … Despite going into last Sunday’s battle at Norah Head with a number of key men missing, Gosford were on fire early and ran in half a dozen tries to score a determined 32-24 victory over the Hawks.

Stand out performers included the skipper, RJ Warwick who crossed for a hat-trick of determined tries; one on the left, one on the right, and one right up the guts.

Non-stop dummy half Aaron Smith whose work rate in both attack and defence was phenomenal and who managed to book end the days scoring by bagging the opening try of the contest before icing the game an hour later with a souring sideline conversion. The purple men jumped to a 22-6 halftime lead with fired-up forwards Mitch Redding and Craig Starr prominent early. Brendan Eather’s kicking game continually turned the big Hawks around and his inside ball for Jesse Murray’s try just before the break was positively Cronkesque in its execution. From the opening moments when Billy James was able to freakishly defuse a Toukley bomb before sprinting 70 metres up field, this was always going to be a GK day.

Round 9 … Last Sunday morning’s glaring sunshine and nagging southerly zephyr proved most challenging as we battled through the elements en route to BV Oval.

Thankfully, common sense prevailed and while queuing for an early morning sausage roll at Bay Village, news filtered through that the round had been postponed. One or two snide criticisms of Division did follow this decision however given the surreptitiously dire climatic conditions it was an eminently sensible call.

Safety is always paramount in these situations and on a day in which one or two fluffy clouds did threaten to roll in just after lunchtime, pulling the pin simply reinforced the view that there are far more important considerations in life than wandering foolishly into uncertain meteorological territory for an 11.30am game of footy against the Woy. Grab your nearest and dearest and hold them close folks; let us all give thanks that Huie, the great God of weather spared all of us from who knows what, last Sunday arvo.

The EYE OF THE STORM MAGAZINE JUNE 2018

Left:

Fulltime at Toukley.

Danny Probert, Mitch Redding, RJ Warwick & Aaron Smith … along side a couple of dejected Hawks.

Photo –Andrew Stark

2018 COMPETITION LADDERS As of 7-6-18

OPEN GRADE

Pts

Erina Wyong The Entrance Woy Woy St Edwards Gosford Kariong Terrigal Toukley Northern Lakes

16 14 14 12 8 6 6 4 4

U15(2)s U16(1)s Kincumber Wyong The Entrance (G) Ourimbah Blue Haven Terrigal Erina The Entrance (B) Toukley Gosford/Terrigal

Pts 16 16 14 10 7 6 6 6 5 2

Gosford Kariong Wyong Erina Ourimbah Kincumber Terrigal Berkeley Vale The Entrance Toukley

U13(2)s U14(2)s Woy Woy Umina Blue Haven Kincumber The Entrance Toukley Gosford Kariong Berkeley Vale

Pts 16 14 12 10 10 8 6 2

IMPERIAL CENTRE Player of the Month

Ourimbah Berkeley Vale Northern Lakes (B) Wyong (Gold) Budgewoi Warnervale Toukley The Entrance Wyong (Green) Gosford Kariong

Pts 16 14 12 8 8 6 6 6 4

Pts 16 14 13 11 10 10 8 4 2 2

- Josh Stedman -

U10(3)s U12(1)s The Entrance Blue Haven Terrigal Erina Berkeley Vale Gosford Kariong Northern Lakes Kincumber

Pts 14 12 11 10 7 6 4 0

U11(3)s Gosford Kariong Northern Lakes Budgewoi Umina The Entrance Berkeley Vale Wyong Woy Woy Warnervale

Pts 14 12 10 9 9 9 8 6 3

Budgewoi Erina Gosford Kariong Warnervale Northern Lakes St Edwards Woy Woy The Entrance Wyong Terrigal

Pts 16 14 10 8 8 8 6 4 4 2

Blokes Who Never Got The Opportunity To Play For Gosford It’s difficult for budding Photo – courtesy of the Central Coast Express Advocate

Spanish rugby league players to realize their dreams of playing in the hustle and bustle of Central Coast footy.

Some find solace in earning a squillion bucks on the social tennis circuit, and yet …

Rafael Nadal’s greatest regret must surely be that he never pulled on a Gosford jersey.

If Onl y He H ad His Ti me Ag ai n

Sure, he’s won Wimbledon, the French, US and Australian Opens, but a deep winter’s 11.30am start is what he truly craves. To lead a Storm kick chase posse downfield en route to grassing an unsuspecting Roos fullback with a classic boot laces tackle; now that has always been Rafa’s dream.

Tis a truly tragic tale!

Rafael “Rafa” Nadal the Back Page

‘Gosford Rugby League: the Eye of the Storm’ e-mag compiled, photographed, written & designed by Andrew Stark

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