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Sport
RAMETTES IN FINALS
Premiership in sight. Back page.
Jacob Raphael is following in his father Jean-Claude’s footsteps in judo. Photos: Melinda Jane.
Jacob chases judo dreams
NATHAN TAYLOR
His dad Jean-Claude competed in multiple Olympic and Commonwealth Games more than two decades ago, and now 11-year-old judo local star Jacob Raphael wants to follow in his footsteps.
Jacob took up the popular Japanese martial art at the tender age of three, with his highly accomplished Mauritian father guiding him every step of the way.
With parents, including mum Marlene, running the very successful Kokoro Judo in Penrith’s busy High Street, it comes as no surprise that this quiet but determined Year 5 student at Penrith Anglican College has just come off the best few months of his sporting career.
In March, Jacob travelled to Melbourne where he won a Gold medal at the Melbourne International Judo Open in the Junior Boy U38kg division.
Then in April, Jacob was crowned Junior Boy U38kg State Champion after finishing first at the NSW State Championships.
Held at Stanhope Gardens near Blacktown, the State Championships brought together the best of the best in NSW to fight for the title of State Champion.
In June, Jacob went on to collect yet another medal when he secured Bronze at the Australian National Championships on the Gold Coast.
Speaking with the Weekender at Kokoro Judo on Monday, Jacob said he loves judo and loves winning medals.
“I love everything about judo, there’s nothing I don’t like,” he admitted.
“Dad got me into it. I enjoy the wrestling bit the most. I also like how you get to verse other people. I’m a pretty competitive person.”
Jacob’s dad Jean-Claude Raphael represented Mauritius at the 1996 and 2000 Olympics Games. He is a Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Indian Ocean Games gold medallist, African Judo Championship gold medallist and has competed internationally for many years before retiring from professional competition after the Sydney Olympics.
Jacob said he’s incredibly inspired by his father’s work and wants to follow in his footsteps.
“Yeah I really want to go to the Olympics when I’m older, I think I have a good shot at Brisbane,” he said.
“Dad has taught me all the techniques, hold downs. I think I’ve seen one of his fights online, but I don’t think I was born when he actually competed.
“I don’t do any other sports, just judo. I train every day except Fridays and Sundays, and I’ve made a lot of friends in the sport.”
CLASSIFIEDS NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – PENRITH DISTRICT A H & I SOCIETY. LTD. T/A CLUB PACEWAY
Notice is hereby given that the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING will be held in The Members Room at the premises of the club, 127141 Station Street, PENRITH NSW 2750, Wednesday 21st September 2022 at 6:00pm.
SPECIAL RESOLUTION
It is proposed that the Company’s Constitution be replaced in order to modernise the form of the Constitution and simplify some of the procedures required by the Company’s Constitution. NOTED that section 136(2) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) provides that a company may modify or repeal its constitution, or a provision of its constitution, by special resolution. RESOLVED as A SPECIAL RESOLUTION that, pursuant to section 136(2) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), the company’s current Constitution is repealed or replaced in its entirety by the Constitution which is available for download by collection from the club, or by emailing ceo@clubpaceway.com
ELECTION OF BOARD MEMBERS
Notice of Motions and nominations must be in the hands of the Chief Executive by 4:00pm Wednesday 24th August 2022. On Thursday 25th August 2022, a full list of nominations will be available for review from our website, for collection from the club, or via email upon request to ceo@clubpaceway.com Voting for Election of Directors will be held at the Club premises on Friday 16th & Saturday 17th September between the hours of 12:30pm and 8:00pm, and on Sunday the 18th September between 12:30pm and 4:30pm preceding the Annual General meeting. Nomination forms available at administration reception on the first level between the hours of 9:00am to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday. WW49046
On court and on track for success
NATHAN TAYLOR
As far as up and coming netballers go, it’s hard to go past 16-year-old Isabella Degei as the queen of the lot.
The Jordan Springs teenager has had an extraordinary past few years on the netball court, and is now the latest recipient of the Penrith Valley Sports Foundation Senior Sports Star Award.
It’s the second time Isabella has won an accolade through the Foundation after claiming the Junior Sports Star Award back in 2020.
“I’m just really grateful to have even been considered for this award because I know there’s so many talented athletes in the Penrith area,” Isabella told the Weekender.
“It’s a shock but, again, I am so grateful and honoured to be presented with it.” 2022 has been very kind to the Year 11 Penrith Anglican College student.
Not only did she make her Netball NSW Premier League debut with the U23’s GWS Fury side, but she was also part of the undefeated NSW team who took out the 2022 National Netball Championships in Tasmania.
“In April, when we won Nationals, that was the best time of my life. It was unbelievable,” Isabella said.
“All the girls clicked, no one had beef, and we were all so determined to win so, when we actually did, it was so surreal.”
The former touch football representative and little athletics star has quite the sporting resume.
In recent years, Isabella was selected in the 14/U Junior State Titles squad and in the 14/U Waratahs Indoor Netball NSW squad.
She was also named one of Western Sydney Academy of Sport’s MVPs at the 2021 ‘Your Local Club’ Academy Games and co-captained the 15/U Penrith District representative side to glory at the HART Senior State Titles.
After her many triumphs already, Isabella says a career in netball is on the horizon if she continues to apply herself.
“Netball is my why… I just need to make sure that I have a plan of what I really want to do through netball and keep continuing to get better,” she said.
“I need to try and be the best that I can and put my best foot forward.”
Nominated by Mikayla King from Western Sydney Academy of Sport, Isabella’s Senior Sports Star Award is all thanks to sponsor Penrith Panthers Leagues Club.
The 2022 Penrith Valley Sports Foundation Annual Awards Dinner will be held at Penrith Panthers Leagues Club on Friday, September 2.
To secure your tickets for the fabulous event, visit www.trybooking.com/CAASI.
Isabella Degei is the latest PVSF Senior Sports Star. Photo: Melinda Jane.
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BASKETBALL: Penrith have secured the Minor Premiership after narrowly overcoming the Blacktown Storm 76-74 in Round 19 of the Waratah 1 Youth Men competition. It was a tough battle last Saturday at Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre, with the Panthers only just getting the job done in front of their home fans. Jonah Pares and Jaedyn Fetui-Fa’Amoe led the scoring with 15 points apiece. After finishing in first place, Penrith will enjoy this weekend off before beginning their Finals campaign next weekend. Meanwhile, Penrith’s Waratah 1 Youth Women team had a huge win last weekend, thrashing the Storm 109-43. Georgia Toscan scored a whopping 34 points in the 66-point beating. Despite their strong final outing the Panthers failed to make the playoffs, finishing in 10th position with nine wins and 15 losses to their name.
BASKETBALL: Congratulations to Penrith’s U12 Girls team who were crowned State Champions earlier this month. The Panthers managed to win a nail-biter over the Bankstown Bruins 40-38 in Newcastle to seal the title. Young Panther Rainne Acuna was named MVP of the Grand Final.
AFL: Penrith’s rollercoaster season has ended in a win after they defeated the Parramatta Goannas 34-29 in Round 17 of the AFL Sydney Platinum Division competition. Penrith’s Mitchell Stevens scored a double in the narrow victory. The Rams finished the year in fifth position, with a six-win, one draw and eight loss record. Meanwhile, the Penrith Ramettes have booked their place in the Finals after defeating the Pennant Hills Demons 31-13 in Round 17 of the AFL Sydney Women’s Division 2 competition. The Ramettes, who finished the regular season in third place,
BLACKTOWN will have its own expo experiencewhen WEXPO comes to the Blacktown Workers Club in October. will battle the South West Sydney Blues in this Saturday’s Elimination Final. RUGBY LEAGUE: St Marys have gone down to the Glebe Dirty Reds 28-18 in the
WEXPO will showcase local business- opening round of the Ron Massey Cup es with more than 100 stalls and spe- Finals. Fortunately, they live to fight another cialty workshops on subjects including: day and will take on the Wentworthville health, networking, property, networking, tourism, culture, charity, personal Magpies this Saturday for a place in the Grand Final. The game will kick off at 5pm at St Marys Leagues Stadium. Meanwhile, development, professional development minor premiers St Marys will play for a and more. spot in the Sydney Shield Grand Final this
The full day of events includes a Saturday afternoon against the Hills Bulls. breakfast and lunch with two high pro- The game will kick off at 3pm at St Marys le guest speakers. Melissa Paige Wu has Leagues Stadium. Penrith Brothers is also been con rmed as the breakfast speaker. competing in the other semi-final and will
Melissa is an Australian diver and take on the Ryde Eastwood Hawks at 11am. silver medal winner at the2007 World RUGBY UNION: The end of the season can’t come quick enough for the Penrith Emus who were belted 66-0 by the Canberra Royals in Round 16 of the John | Dent Cup. Despite the inclusion of Redcliffe Dolphinsbound half Isaiya Katoa, the Emus were no match for the Royals who ran in 10 answered tries at Nepean Rugby Park. Penrith will hit the road for the final time this season when they take on the Queanbeyan Whites at Campese Field this Saturday afternoon. AFL: The GWS Giants have failed to win back-to-back games, going down to the Western Bulldogs in a low scoring affair 62-57 in Round 22 of the AFL. With the Bulldogs in the frame for a Finals spot heading into the match at Marvel Stadium, it was the Giants who led by four points at three quarter time. Fortunately for their fans and their playoffs hopes, they managed to get ahead of GWS in the fourth and secure a season-saving five-point win. The Giants take on the Dockers this Saturday.
Aquatics Championships, the 2006 Commonwealth Games and the 2008 Summer Olympics. She is an Australian Institute of Sport scholarship holder and recently competed on SAS Australia.
WEXPO Blacktown will also feature two unique round table sessions where up to 100 hand-picked guests will experience presentations about health and infrastructure.
The guests will then submit their feedback to the presentations which will be formulated into formal summary documents by Australian Catholic University Blacktown. Melissa Wu participating in the recent SAS
Charity partner for the event is Challenge series.
the Better Foundation. The Blacktown News and Western Sydney Business Access (WSBA) are the offi cial media partners.
Event Patron, Stephen Bali MP, said Wexpo Blacktown is a unique opportunity for businesses and visitors to interact as we emerge from the impact of COVID.
Event partner and gold sponsor Blacktown Workers Club has allocated the Diamond Room for stall holders plus three separate function rooms for workshops and seminars
WEXPO will be held on October 24 at Blacktown Workers Club. More at www.wexpo.com.au
MP Stephen Bali.
foresight to discuss with Olympic sports such as diving and water polowhether they could work with the University in delivering pathway opportunities.”
Mr Bali said the State Government had overseen trade and non-trade apprenticeships and traineeship commencements plummet by more than half in the past 10 years with dozens ofTAFE campuses across NSW being either sold off or repurposed.
He claimed WSU failed to consult with anyone in 2007 prior to their degree closures, failed to consult with the pool closure, failed to consult with students when their diploma courses were relocated to other campuses.
FAMILY BUSINESS EST. 1988 ANGUS CAR SERVICE FREE REGO CHECK WITH EVERY SERVICE CODE WORDS: “FREE REGO” Education precinct future in doubtLooking for a new Mechanic? • Professional & friendly Continued from page 3 • Multi-award-winning business Mr Bali is calling for transparent and community consultation on the future of Nirimba.• Servicing, repairs, rego’s, baby seat installation A spokesperson for WSU said Western Sydney University has a long and • Complimentary/free hand car wash, courtesy car & proud history at the Nirimba campus pick-up & drop-off available with every service and the surrounding Nirimba Education Precinct. “Western Sydney University is com-WE ALSO SERVICE AND mitted to a strong educational presence in Blacktown – continuing to optimise its course off erings at Nirimba to ensure it best meets the current and future educaREPAIR CLASSIC CARS WW48852 tional needs of the local western SydneyWWW.ANGUSCARSERVICE.COM.AU PH 47323 676 | community,” the spokesperson said.WW48852ONLINE BOOKING AVAILABLE
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Ramettes poised for trophy tilt
NATHAN TAYLOR
An injection of youth this season has seen the Penrith Ramettes qualify for their first Finals campaign since 2016.
The Ramettes will play an Elimination Final this Saturday morning against the South West Sydney Blues in the AFL Sydney Women’s Division Two competition.
The third vs fourth blockbuster will see one team advance to the next round, while the other will be licking their wounds after a tough season on the paddock.
Speaking with the Weekender, first-year Ramettes coach Nathan White believes his side are a good chance of victory at Rosedale Oval after a strong performance against Minor Premiers Pennant Hills last round.
“We are coming off a really good win, we just managed to knock off the Minor Premiers on the weekend with a convincing win,” he said.
“That was very pleasing and it was their best performance by a long way. It’s really pleasing to see them get to this point and improve so much.”
The Ramettes finished the regular season in third place on the ladder, with seven wins and four losses to their name.
After a few dominant seasons last decade followed by several down years, things are starting to look up again for Penrith’s top female team.
White said the future looks bright for the Ramettes thanks to the introduction of some talented local juniors and up and coming players.
“We’ve added an injection of youth, so we’ve got some juniors that have stepped up that could still be playing juniors but are playing in the seniors for us,” he said.
“We’ve also managed to get some local juniors back who were playing elsewhere. Some of their friends have got in their ear and said, ‘we’re on a good thing here, so how about you come back and play?’.
“So, it’s an injection of new youth to go with that experience, that’s been the real key.”
If the Ramettes do manage to knock off the Blues this weekend, it will be the first time this season they’ve beaten the girls from South West. In Round 2, Penrith went down 26-6 while in Round 11, they were flogged 51-6.
White said his side now compared to earlier this year is remarkably different.
“They are coming on in leaps and bounds. They are a different team to what we started with. We’re set to field a strong team this weekend. If they can produce what they produced last Saturday, they are a very good chance,” he said.
The Penrith Ramettes are playing Finals footy this weekend. Photo: Christian Triffitt.
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