Saturday, April 21, 2012

Match Report - Round 8 VB NSW Cup - Wests v Norths

The Western Suburbs Magpies travelled to Henson Park to take on the North Sydney Bears in Round 8 of the VB NSW Cup in a double header billed as the Foundation Cup with Newtown taking on Balmain/Ryde-Eastwood in the other game.

The Magpies would have been buoyant after their performance last week against Cronulla whilst the Bears were coming off a loss to Wentworthville but were bolstered by the inclusion of NRL stars Nathan Merritt at fullback and Chris McQueen in the forwards plus the return of NSW Cup regulars Curtis Johnston, Josh Starling and Justin Hunt.. In the end it was the Bears taking honours with a 52-6 scoreline against a lacklasture Magpies outfit who have returned to their old habits after such a promising performance last week.The Magpies were their own worst enermy during the match and the Bears were rarely troubled by the Magpies and it would be fair to say didn't get out of second gear for the entire game. Bears Five/eigth Justin Hunt had a superb day scoring a hatrick of tries and kicking eight goals for a personal tally of 28 points.

The scoring commenced in the 9th minute after Norths received a penalty on their 40 metre line. As the play went downfield,Hunt scored the first of his three tries for the afternoon with a simple step of his left foot ten metres out from the magpies tryline. He conversion attempt was waved away. The Bears were denied a try at the 16 minute mark when a pass five metres from the Magpies tryline was ruled forward.

Nathan Merritt scored at the 25 minute mark after receiving a neat pass on the Magpies 40 metre line and stepped inside the defence to sprint to the tryline. Hunt against missed the conversion attempt for a 8-0 scoreline. Wests poor defence was highlighted when Norths scored at the 28 minute mark when short passes between the halves saw Hunt score his second try with a 40 metre run to the tryline. This time he added the extras and it was now 14-0 in favour of Norths. The Bears scored again in the 33rd minute when awarded a penalty on Wests 40 metre line and a quick tap saw the play advance to the 20 metre line where Bears captain Bennett Leslie accepted a terrific pass from Merritt to score. Hunt converted for a 20-0 scoreline and that remained the score for the rest of the first half.

The Bears were in again 5 minutes into the second half when they decided to run on the last with the ball coming to Souths U20 player Luke Keary who fooled the defence when he feigned to kick on the last but spotted a gap in he defence 15 metres out from Wests tryline which he weaved through to score. Hunt converted and it was 26-0 to the Bears.
The Bears were in again on the 50 minute mark. After receiving consecutive sets of six - first from a penalty and then from a goal line drop out, front rower Joey Matapuku was able to carry defenders over the tryline for a easy four pointer which Hunt turned into six. It was now 32-0 to the Bears and the familiar "here we go again" feeling was being felt by the Magpie fans who turned up.

The Magpies were able to score at the 61st minute mark on the back of three consecutive penalities and having Luke Keary sent to the sinbin when David Fifita scored after a great pass from Steven Rooney as he was falling to the ground and Fifita was able to carry defenders over the line out wide. Fifita converted his own try and it was now 32-6.

From the kick off, Wests made it to the halfway line before a loosing the ball in the play the ball on the fourth tackle. From the scrum win, Norths were eventually able to advance the ball towards the Wests 20 metre line and again ran the ball on the last tackle with back rower Brock Molan crashing over the line at the 66 minute mark. Hunt grabbed the extras for a 38-6 scoreline.

Norths were in again at the 71st minute mark after Wests knocked the ball on from a grubber kick on their own tryline and from the ensuing scrum win, Justin Hunt scored after fooling the defence with a dummy to score under the posts. He converted his own try and it was now 44-6.

Then perhaps the most embarrssing defensive lapse occurred for the Magpies when Brendon McKinnon scooted off from dummy half just inside Bears territory and then stepped inside the fullback to score next to the posts without a hand being laid on him - a 50+ metre run straight through the meat of the Magpies defence with just three minutes left on the clock. Hunt converted and yet another half century had been posted against the Magpies this year.

From the kickoff, Norths were awarded a penalty when Wests failed to kick the ball the minimum 10 metres. Norths then received another penalty after the siren and instead of pressing the defence in pursuit of another try, instead opted to take the two points on offer, much to the disappointment of even their own fans.

For Wests, it was an extremely disappointing performance. After stretching Cronulla last week, today was a return to fundamental errors which at this level will be punished severely by the opposition. Missed tackles, poor attacking options and too much drop ball resulted in Norths having an easy afternoon and boosting their for and against in the process.

For Wests, Dean Parata was again their best being busy in defence and the only player causing Norths some problems with his dummy half runs. Aaron Sweeney again gave his all in attack and defence, Tuki Jackson had his moments whilst playing in the centres and David Fifita taking the ball up with gusto.

It doesn't any better next week for Wests when they take on the competitions yardstick and defending premiers for the last few seasons, Canterbury at Campbelltown Stadium. Kick off is at 3pm.

Norths 52 (Justin Hunt 3, Nathan Merritt, Bennett Leslie, Luke Keary, Joey Matapuku, Brock Molan, Brendan McKinnon tries: Justin Hunt 8 goals) def Wests 6 (Davidi Fifita try and goal).

Half Time - Norths 20 Western Suburbs 0

Penalities Wests 7 Norths 6

Wests
1 Zoram Watene
2 Greg Davies
14 Aaron Teariki
22 Tuki Jackson
5 Daniel Perkins
6 Dean Parata
7 Nigel Millgate (c)
8 Jay Maseuli
9 Steven Rooney
10 Aaron Sweeney
11 Mundarra Weldon
12 Seffa Silafu
13 Tom Morrison

15 Michael Lekkas
16 Keanu Rogers
17 David Fifita
19 Todd Makejev

Norths
21 Nathan Merritt
11 Greg Nichols
3 Bennett Leslie (c)
4 Fetuli Talanoa
5 Curtis Johnston
6 Justin Hunt
7 Ryan Carr
22 Neccrom Areaiiti
13 Nathan Peats
10 Josh Starling
20 Chris McQueen
25 Adrian Ha'angana
12 Brock Molan

8 Joey Matapuku
15 Mayy Hyland
9 Brendon McKinnon
18 Luke Keary                      

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Moshy's on the Memberships

Our long time supporter and Magpie diehard Bruce Moschner will be taking time out of his busy schedule next week to ensure all remaining membership badges are posted.



So it shouldn't be too long now before you get your brand new 2012 membership medal.

Thanks Moshy!!!




2012 AGM Summation

The Western Suburbs District Rugby League Football Club Ltd held its annual AGM on Saturday 31st March 2012.

On arrival, Members were presented with their Football Club Badge for 2012. The Board had received significant response and feedback from the Membership that they wanted to revert back to the Badge from Membership Card as it was more personal and meaningful.

With the new board and management coming together in only recent months, a lot of work has been done to tie up loose ends and re-establish relationships with all of the Football Club's stakeholders. Members however were presented with the opportunities to raise both criticism and praise in regards to certain issues, matters and initiatives that the Football Club has sustained and undertaken in recent times.
The major issues to be raised at the meeting surrounded the future of the Magpies in the NSW Cup Competition (the second tier to the NRL) beyond Season 2012. There was a general consensus reached that there would be a time frame and a deadline of late June-early July to establish where the Football Club would stand in relation to its participation in the NSW Cup for future seasons. Football Club Members will be advised and kept abreast of any developments or news relating to the NSW Cup beyond Season 2012.
 
Wests Tigers CEO Stephen Humphreys was invited and attend the meeting, where he addressed the membership providing a summary of Season 2011 as well as updating the members on the progress of Season 2012. Mr. Humphreys took questions from the audience who wanted clarity and answers regarding the perceived lack of representation that the Western Suburbs Football Club currently receives as a Joint Venture partner in the Wests Tigers Entity. Mr. Humphreys acknowledged the disappointed and frustration and along with the Board and Management of the Western Suburbs Football Club, will work towards ensuring that the Magpie heritage will continue to be promoted and preserved when such opportunities present, such as Heritage Rounds.

The Board and Management of the Football Club are aspiring to build the club from the bottom up and with the continual support of Wests Ashfield Leagues Club, will endeavour to keep the Magpies Flying well into their second century of existence. The Board also thanked its merry band of Sub Comittee members and volutneers especially those that have assisted the running and managfement of the NSW Cup Team in recent years including Steve Reeves, John Harbon, Bluey Schafer, David & Valarie McEwan, Keith Horne,
The Board and Management of the Magpies are also conscious of keeping the communication channels open and transparent with the Membership. With the tremendous work that Mr. Graeme Szynal provides to the Club through managing the Football Club's Website, Blog and social media platforms, please keep your eye out for continuous updates, news and correspondence from the Football Club.
If you would like to become a Football Club Member and have your say in the future of the Western Suburbs Magpies and Wests Tigers in Rugby League, download an Application Form today http://www.westsmagpies.com.au/home/001/php/membership.php

 
Kind Regards,
 
Daniel Watson Hayes
General Manager - Football Operations | WSDRLFC Ltd. (The Magpies) Est. 1908
M:
0411 016 157 E: D.Watson-Hayes@westsmagpies.com.au W: www.westsmagpies.com.au

Last Magpie Standing - Ray Cashmere


Ray Cashmere admits his NRL career was ‘done and dusted’ at the start of 2012.The former Western Suburbs Magpies, Wests Tigers, North Queensland and Salford prop was focusing on a new career in the Illawarra coal mines with visions still of returning to the elite level of rugby league.
“You always hope in the back of your mind that it (NRL) might happen. I thought it was not realistic but now it has, I’m going to try and make it last as long as possible,’’ Cashmere said.

A heavy injury toll in the forwards followed by a release from Illawarra Cutters NSW Cup side led Cashmere back to Wests Tigers. Upon entering Concord Oval, he reacquainted himself with former team-mates in Benji Marshall, Robbie Farah, Liam Fulton and Head Coach Tim Sheens.

A one match stint for Balmain Ryde Eastwood led to Cashmere lining up for his NRL return against Penrith on Sunday. The 115 kilogram forward didn’t disappoint, making plenty of yards and even crossing for a try off Marshall.

Nicknamed ‘Razor’, Marshall knew Cashmere was ready to make an impact after he was ‘trying to hurt everybody at training’.

“Ray just carries the ball forward, no nonsense, nothing fancy. He just runs hard and tackles hard,'' Marshall said.

Farah said hurting team-mates at training was nothing new.

“He doesn’t hold back. When we are doing defensive drills and the coaches say do it at 50 per cent, I don’t think Ray understands what 50 per cent is,’’ Farah quipped.


“That’s the way he prepares and that’s the way he plays. He might be 32 now but it was great having him back. He was like a little kid. He was very enthusiastic and it really showed.”

Cashmere made no apologies for his training methods.

“Throughout my career it has been a bit of a running joke, probably not for the players marking me, that I do sort of hurt players at training,’’ he said.

“I don’t do it intentionally. I’m just a big awkward bugger with big elbows and knees. I train like I play. I go 100 per cent at training and it shows in the way I play.

“I don’t mean to hurt any of my players but if my enthusiasm can rub off on the boys, then that’s all I can ask for.”

Judging by his quality return, Marshall and co had better get used to some more punishment. And so will the opposition.

16/04/2012 8:46:36 PM 
 
Ray Cashmere made his first grade debut for the Western Suburbs Magpies v Bulldogs, Campbelltown Stadium, July 24, 1999 
 
Ray Cashmere was 1063rd and last player to ever put on a Western Suburbs Magpies 1st grade jersey and is the Magpies last first grade player still playing in the NRL.

Matt Groat makes NSW U20's

Wests Tigers prop Matt Groat is looking forward to locking horns with Queensland in the inaugural U20s State of Origin match at Penrith on Saturday, April 21.

Groat today became the ‘face’ of the U20S Origin match where he was on hand for the announcement of the U20s NSW team. He will be joined in the Blues side by Wests Tigers half-back Jacob Miller.
The tough young prop is adamant there will be plenty of feeling in the match at Centrebet Stadium.

“I was over the moon when I was told I made the team. There is obviously a lot of pride in the NSW jumper,’’ Groat said.

“Every time you put on the NSW jersey, be it in the U16s or U18, it is a great honour.

“There is always a strong rivalry with Queensland and it will be the same on Saturday. Growing up in NSW, you are bred to hate Queenslanders and to take pride in the NSW jersey.

“I think the U20s Origin match is a great concept as it rewards players in form in the NYC competition and those young players who are playing in the NRL. It is a chance for them to show what they are capable of at a representative level.”

Groat said he would feel right at home with Miller barking the orders at half-back.

“Jacob is a very aggressive half-back and a very good organiser. He demands respect on the field and he gets it,’’ Groat added.

“I’m sure he will be pumped for the game.”

City Origin prop Aaron Woods says Groat deserved his selection after working very hard on his game over the off-season after coming into the NRL midway through last year.

“Groaty is really focused this year. He was living off the adrenalin and was just happy to be in first grade when he came into the team last year,’’ Woods said.

“There has been a massive change in him and he has been doing a lot of extra work at training.

“Matt is a very good talker on the field. Being in the front row is not easy as you have got all of the big boys coming at you. He is always pushing up in the line and working with you, so it makes your job a lot easier.
“I’m sure he will do NSW proud.”

Matt Groat came through the Western Suburbs Magpies junior system before being contracted to the Wests Tigers U20's team.

16/04/2012 5:45:57 PM

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Magpies support the Right Start Foundatation

Down syndrome is the most frequent genetic cause of mild to moderate intellectual disability and associated medical problems and occurs in around one out of 800 live births, in all races and economic groups. Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder caused by an error in cell division that results in the presence of an additional third chromosome 21, or "trisomy 21."

Down syndrome is not attributable to any behavioural activity of the parents or environmental factors. It just happens.

Children and adults with Down syndrome have a wide range of abilities. A person with Down syndrome may be very healthy or they may present with unusual and demanding medical and social problems at virtually every stage of life. Despite this, every person with Down syndrome is a unique individual.

WHAT IS THE RIGHT START FOUNDATION?
The Right Start Foundation is committed to raising awareness in our community to give these children the best start in life. We know with the right start in life they can achieve the highest goals and become assets to their communities. With the assistance of early intervention at a young age nothing is impossible for these children. Many go on to working and living full lives with hobbies and goals.

The Right Start Foundation was formed by a group of mums wanting to give their children the best chance at life they deserve.

We are our children’s biggest advocates and we plan to forge ahead in any way we can to create awareness and give them the right start in life.

Our main goal in forming this charity is to build our own Down syndrome centre, the first of its kind in Australia. We want to make sure our children and many others receive all the therapies needed to give them the right start. We want to accommodate the families, provide weekly support groups, offer information on each stage of their child’s life and provide individual counselling if required. We don’t want to assist these families just in the beginning - we want to help throughout their child’s life with assistance in schooling, independent living and assistance with employment into their adult years.

We are all very passionate about this project and are always happy to share our vision in hope that we will have the support of our community.

For more information or to assist our foundation in achieving its goal, email therightstartmacarthur@hotmail.com

The Western Suburbs Magpies aim to work alongside the Right Start Foundation throughout the year and hope to not only help raise awareness of the foundations services, but also to provide opportunities for children with Down Syndrome and their families special access to the often secret world of running a NSW Cup rugby league side with the aim of putting smiles on kids faces.

Match report - Round 7 VB NSW Cup - Cronulla v Western Suburbs

A rare Friday night VB NSW Cup match saw the struggling Western Suburbs Magpies lift their intensity and almost cause a boilover against their much more fancied opponent, Cronulla at Toyota Stadium. A final scoreline of 34-18 in favour of Cronulla did not reflect the closeness of the match with the Magpies poor finishing, some lapses in defence out wide and just plain bad luck costing the side their first win of the season.

The first 15 minutes saw both sides squander possession through poor handling resulting in turnovers and it was poor handling that resulted in the first try in the game at the 19th minute mark when a last tackle bomb on Wests tryline was dropped and Cronulla centre Ricky Leutele was there to clean up the spill and give a slick backhand pass to second rower Tyson Frizell to score out wide. The conversion attempt went wide and Cronulla was up 4-0.

Both sets of forwards were at each other from the word go and it was a good old fashion tussle between two very determined forward packs and this continued throughout the match with several skirmishes.
But it was Cronulla who were able to capitalise next through back to back errors from Wests. From a scrum on their 30 metre line, Wests were bundled into touch on the first tackle. After winning the scrum, Cronulla worked their way to the tryline and were awarded a penalty 10 metres out. From the ensuing play, Melbourne Storm player, Maurice Blair charged onto a flat pass and scored without a hand being paid on him adjacent to the posts right on the 30 minute mark. Jake Wallsh converted and Cronulla led 10-0.

From the kick off, Cronulla coughed up possession on the first tackle 20 metres out from their tryline. Spurred on by the surprisingly strong contingent of Magpie supporters at the game, David Fifita who returned to Wests during the week after having playing park football at the start of the year, charged onto a pass from the scrum win brushing aside the defence with ease to find a flying Zoram Watene on his outside who scored at the 32 minute mark. New recruit Chase Mason added the extras and Wests were back in the game at 10-6.

However on the back of consecutive penalties, Cronulla score with just seconds left on the clock to halftime when Storm winger, Sisa Waqa latched onto a great cut out pass to out sprint the Wests defence on a 30metre dash to the tryline. The attempt at conversion was unsuccessful and the score at halftime was 14-6 in favour of Cronulla.

The first half was certainly even with Wests throwing the ball wide at every opportunity and winger Greg Davis was found in open space several times only to kick infield as the defence converged. Cronulla were also dangerous out wide, particularly when Ricky Leutele and Sisa Waqa were running at the defence.

The second half started well for the Magpies who received back to back penalties within the first three minutes and finally broke the Cronulla defence in the fourth minute. On the Cronulla 10 metre line Dean Parata made a dummy half run across field and picked up Nigel Millgate in support who stepped inside a tackler to score his first try of the season. Chase Mason added the extras and it was game on - 14-12 to Cronulla.

Cronulla extended their lead at the 54 minute mark. Receiving a penalty on Wests 30 metre line, Josh Lambert scored in the corner shortly afterwards when he was on the end of a passing movement along the backline. Jake Walsh converted from the sideline and it was 20-12 to Cronulla.

Wests missed an opportunity to hit back at the 59 minute mark when a pass from centre Tuki Jackson to replacement winger Michael Lekkas went to ground with the tryline wide open. But worse was to come for Wests. A dropped ball from Nigel Millgate on Cronulla's 20 metre line saw Ben Hampton score from the ensuing scrum win by squeezing through the defence and sprinting 80 metres to score beside the posts at the 62 minute mark and the referee awarded an eight point try after he deemed foul play in the process of Hampton scoring the try. Jake Walsh converted the try and also added the extras from the penalty in front and it was now 28-12 to Cronulla.

Wests were not going to lie down and hit back in the 69th minute. After receiving a penalty on Cronulla's 40 metre line, big Seffa Silafu took the ball up and burst through the defences and found Michael Lekkasin support who scored in the corner. A towering conversion from the side line from Chase Mason pulled the score back to 28-18 but Cronulla score the final points in the game two minutes from time when winger Sisa Waqa scored his second try of the night after a Cronulla scrum win on the Wests 40 metre line and showed a clean pair of heels outpacing the Wests defence to score near the posts and with Jake Walsh converting, the final score read Cronulla 34 Wests 18.

The game was Wests best performance by far this season. They were commited in defence and the forwards were able to get over the advantage line particularly with big men Aaron Sweeney, David Fifita and Jay Maseuli. Poor finishing was Wests main culprit tonight and coach Trevor Schodel whilst disappointed at the loss, certainly has a team which is improving. A win is not too far away.

For Wests, prop Aaron Sweeney never stopped trying in attack and defence and had over 70 minutes of game time which is rare for any front rower, David Fifita made a welcome return and made many damaging runs at the Cronulla forwards consistantly beating the first man, Dean Parata was a terrier in defence and continues to impress with his dummy half work and Zoram Watene was solid at fullback. Alex Frail was very good in defence until succumbing to injury in the first half.
For Cronulla, Ricky Leutele and Sisa Waqa were always causing headaches for the Wests centres/wingers whilst front rower Michael Greenfield was solid in defence and Maurice Blair created opportunities for his outside men.

Wests next game is against the North Sydney Bears at Henson Park on Saturday 21st April starting at 12.45pm which is part of the Foundation Round - a double header which also sees Newtown taking on Balmain/Ryde Eastwood.

Cronulla 34 (Sisa Waqa 2, Tyson Frizell, Maurice Blair, Josh Lambert, Ben Hampton tries: Jake Walsh 5 goals) def Western Suburbs 18 (Zoram Watene, Nigel Millgate, Michael Lekkas tries: Chase Mason 3 goals)

Half time - Cronulla 14 Wests 6

Team Lists
Cronulla
1 Nesiasi Mataitonga
19 Callum Tutauha
3 Ricky Leutele
2 Josh Lambert
5 Sisa Waqa
16 Jake Walsh
22 Ben Hampton
20 Jaimen Lowe
9 Jake Hawkins
10 Michael Greenfield
11 Tyson Frizell
6 Maurice Blair
13 Tyrone Peachley

7 Sam Duggan
8 Solo Alone
12 Haydn Peacock
15 Johdin Mathers

Western Suburbs
1 Zoram Watene
2 Sharlon Taki
3 Chase Mason
25 Tuki Jackson
19 Greg Davis
6 Dean Parata
7 Nigel Millgate
8 Henry Iuta
9 Steven Rooney
10 Aaron Sweeney
11 Mundarra Weldon
12 Daniel La Manna
13 Alex Frail

14 Michael Lekkas
16 Sefa Silafu
17 Jay Maseuli
21 David Fifita

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Wests v Cronulla Preview

Two sides desperate for the competition points face off here as the eleventh placed Sharks host the bottom of the table Magpies. After winning their first two games of the season in fine style, the side from Cronulla has stalled, losing their last four straight including a 36-16 loss to the Knights last weekend. A host of injuries at not only VB NSW Cup level but also NRL level, mixed with a lack of availability of some Storm players sees the Sharks fielding a number of promising yet very young players at present. The Western Suburbs Magpies made a promising start last week against the Jets, scoring early and leading for the first quarter of the match. Despite the final score line of 56-10, there were some positives to take away from the game for Trevor Schodel and his troops and fans on hand at Shark Park this Friday night can expect to see plenty of fireworks from the likes of Aaron Sweeney, Henry Iuta and Seffa Silafu.

Talking Point: Friday Night Footy – How good is it having Friday night football scheduled for the VB NSW Cup? We love the concept and accept that it cannot be a regular occurrence due to a number of issues, but would certainly love to see more of it when possible. Grounds such as Toyota Stadium, North Sydney Oval and even say WIN Stadium in Wollongong strike us as perfect venues for some regular Friday night games and hopefully the residents of the Shire can vote with their feet and get behind the concept this week.

Prediction: The Sharks should be able to get the win that they desperately need. Sharks by 18.

VB NSW CUP PREVIEWS - ROUND SEVEN
12/04/2012 1:16:10 PM
Cronulla Sharks Vs Western Suburbs Magpies
Toyota Stadium, Friday, April 13
Kick-off: 7.30pm
Referee: Lawrence McDonell
Broadcast: www.nswrl.com.au’s Weekend Game-Cast



Stuart Flanagan

Spotlight on former Western Suburbs Magpie, formerer NRL player (Canberra Raiders, Wests Tigers, Crunulla Sharks), current Oakdale Workers player & (more importantly), trainer with the Narellan Jets U/14A's.

Stuart Flanagan (born 5 January 1987 in Cooma, NSW, Australia) is a professional rugby league footballer who played for the Cronulla Sharks in the Australian National Rugby League (NRL) competition. He primarily plays hooker.

In 2006, Flanagan was selected to represent New South Wales under-19s as well as the Junior Kangaroos.

Flanagan also had representative honours in 2007 and 2008 when he was selected as the Hooker in the NSW Residents against Queensland.

In April 2008, Flanagan signed a three-year contract with the Canberra Raiders from the 2009 season.

To this point, Flanagan had represented the Wests Tigers, but had found first grade opportunities hard to come by.

He signed a 1 year deal with the Cronulla Sharks for 2010.

Flanagan re-signed with the Sharks for a further year taking him to the end of the 2011 season.

2012 Stuart plays for the Oakdale Workers.

Stuart is a Trainer with the Jets U14As.


From Group 6 Website

http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=0-2187-21386-0-0&sID=240823&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=18871137

Wests Junior League enter ICCC

NINE Western Suburbs District Junior Rugby League senior clubs will compete in the NSW Inter City Combined Competition this season.
But none of the five Campbelltown-based clubs will field a team in A grade.

The competition, which starts on Sunday, starts on April 15 and is generating much interest within the rugby league communities of Canterbury, Balmain, St George, Eastern Suburbs, South Sydney and Western Suburbs. The competition involves 49 teams competing in A grade, two reserve grade divisions and two under-19 divisions.

All Saints, Campbelltown Collegians, Campbelltown Warriors, Eagle Vale St Andrews, Ingleburn RSL, Liverpool Catholic Club, Liverpool Titans, Minto Cobras and Valley United will host games throughout Liverpool and Campbelltown during the season.

According to the draw on the Inter City Combined Competition website, the Campbelltown-based clubs' top teams will compete in the following comps:

Eagle Vale St Andrews will play in reserve grade division 1.

Campbelltown Warriors, Minto Cobras and Ingleburn RSL will field teams in reserve grade division 2.

Collegians will field a team in under-19 division 1.

11 Apr, 2012 12:00 AM

http://www.macarthuradvertiser.com.au/news/local/sport/rugby-league/nine-clubs-vie-for-league-glory/2518135.aspx

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WESTERN Suburbs District Junior Rugby League has again had to look beyond home territory for a stronger competition for its senior players.



The league announced last Wednesday that nine of its affiliated clubs would compete in the NSW Inter City Combined Competition in 2012.

The competition kicks off on Sunday, incorporating 49 teams competing across A grade, two reserve-grade divisions and two under-19 divisions.

Wests clubs opting to field senior teams in the competition include Campbelltown Collegians, Campbelltown Warriors, Eagle Vale St Andrews, Ingleburn RSL, Minto Cobras, Liverpool Titans, Liverpool Catholic Club, All Saints and Valley United.

The move follows the aborted combined competition with neighbouring Group 6, which lasted two seasons before the organisations went their separate ways again in 2011.

WSDJRL deputy chairman Mark Lake said Wests juniors had joined the inter city competition to benefit from competing against a wide variety of teams.

“It also gives them an opportunity to play against other teams from other districts within the Sydney metropolitan region, that they have never played against before,” Lake said.

He said all the teams were excited about the competition and were looking forward to a successful season.

NSW Rugby League has endorsed the Wests clubs to compete in the Inter City Combined Competition.

The competition includes teams from Balmain, Canterbury, Eastern Suburbs, South Sydney and St George.

http://macarthur-chronicle-campbelltown.whereilive.com.au/sport/story/western-suburbs-joins-iccc-rugby-league-competition/

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Match Report Round 6 VB NSW Cup - Wests v Newtown - Game 1 Tom Raudonikis Cup

The Western Suburbs Magpies hosted the Newtown Jets in Game 1 of the Tom Raudonikis Cup at Campbelltown Stadium today but were outclassed in the end 56-10.

Conditions were near perfect for the start of play with Newtown running with a strong wind in the early stages of the first half.

The Magpies fans were unsure of what to expect from the young and inexperienced outfit after they were coming off a bye last week and a heavy defeat the week before last. But their spirits were sky high whenit was the Magpies who scored first six minutes into the game. Front rower Aaron Sweeney was able to stand in a tackle with three defenders clinging to him and off load to new recruit, former North Sydney Bears and Kingsgrove Colts centre, Tuki Jackson who made a break down the eastern grandstand and passed to fullback Zoram Watene who raced 30 metres to score. Nigel Millgate converted for Wests to lead 6-0.
Wests played very well for the first 20 minutes getting up in the faces of the Newtown players and causing errors to creep into the Jets game. However the Jets were able to hit back at the 21st minute mark when halfback, Mark Kheirallah scored after good leadup work from fullback Alofa Alofa and Peni Tagive to score. Kheirallah converted his own try and it was 6 all.

Then the story of Wests' season to date returned. Missed tackles started to occur and the defence was unable to lock up the man with the ball. From a drop out, former Wests and Balmain front-rower, Andrew Pearn charged upfield from the 40 metre line towards the Magpies tryline. From the play the ball, another former Magpie, Kurt Kara gave a short pass to Isaac Liu who crossed under the posts at the 25 minute mark. Kheirallah added the extras for a 12-6 scoreline in favour of Newtown.
Newtown were in again at the 28 minute mark with former Campbelltown and Wests Magpies junior, Peni Tagive scoring after winning the race to the ball from a last tackle grubber kick by Jack Littlejohn. Kheirallah was again on target to make the score 18-6 to the Jets.
Wests were given back to back penalities with 7 minutes left in the first half but were unable to take advantage and Newtown made them pay. With 3 minutes left on the clock, Kurt Kara was bouncing off tacklers to link up with former NZ Warriors U20 winger, Adam Henry who then found Peni Tagive in support scoring his second try and improved the position by racing around under the posts. Kheirallah made no mistake to make it 24-6. Then, not for the first time this season, Wests were ruled off side from the kick off. With just seconds left on the clock, Andrew Pearn was able to burrow his way through the defence to score underthe posts. The conversion attempt was successful and it was 30-6 at half time.

If things were going to improve for Wests in the second half, it started in the worse possible fashion. From the kick off, replacement forward Alan Daly was ruled to have lost the ball on the first tackle on Wests 30 metre line. Wests were able to survive the ensuing Newtown onslaught but three minutes into the second half, winger Sam Latu was able to score out wide pushing away attempted tackles. The shot at goal was unsuccessful but Newtown held a commanding 34-6 lead.
Wests were able to score in the 52nd minute on the back of three consecutive penalities giving them field position. Winger Daniel Perkins scored in the corner after a scrum win 10 metres out with Dean Parata breaking from the scrum sending a perfectly timed pass to Perkins who scored with just centimetres to work with. The conversion was waved away and Newtown led 34-10.

Newtown scored in the 61st minute after receiving consecutive goal line drop outs. With the Wests defence tiring, replacement centre Issac Dargan was able to carry defenders over the line to score in the corner.The attempted conversion was waved away - Newtown 38 Wests 10.
Four minutes later, replacement forward and yet another former Magpie, Blake Williamson took great delight in scoring against his old club by carrying defenders over the line to score beside the goalpost. Mark Kheirallah added another two points for a 44-10 scoreline.
Newtown scored on the back of a penalty in the 72nd minute when Sydney Roosters recruit Jack Bosden scored with a huge dummy pass - ala Brett Kenny for Parrarmatta in the 1981 Grand Final and strolled to score under the posts without a hand being laid on him. Jack Littlejohn added the extras for a 50-10 scoreline and the scoring was completed in the 75th minute, again off the back of a penalty when Adam Henry scored in the corner with Wests again unable to lock up the ball carrier. Littlejohn converted from the sideline for a final scoreline of Newtown 56 Western Suburbs 10.

The game again highlighted the lack of experience and depth Western Suburbs have this year. Its an all too familiar story coupled with lapses in defence. There were passages of play where the Magpies played very well, particularly in the first 20 minutes but they could not sustain the intensity for the duration of the match. Newtown's experience was there for all to see today and again will be one of the top contenders for this year's title.

For Wests, hooker Dean Parata continues to punch above his weight in this competition, while Aaron Sweeney and Daniel La Manna never stopped trying in the forwards. New recruit Tuki Jackson showed enough today to suggest that with some match fitness under his belt, he'll be a very handy addition to a very inexperienced backline.

The game also saw the NSW Cup debut of local Campbelltown junior, Keanu Rogers in the forwards. This time last year, Keanu was playing for Wests SG Ball and this was a big step up for the youngster who handled himself quite well in the run on side against a very experienced Newtown pack. His enthusiasim in the first half was one of the reasons Wests started so well. Also making his NSW Cup debut today was Greg Davis whose father Brett Davis played for Wests in 1986-87. Congratulations to both Greg and Keanu on their debuts.

Newtown 56 (Peni Tagive 2, Jack Bosden, Mark Kheirallah, Isaac Liu, Andrew Pearn, Sam Latu, Isaac Dargan, Blake Williamson, Adam Henry tries; Mark Kheirallah 6 goals, Jack Littlejohn 2 goals) defeated WesternSuburbs 10 (Zoram Watene, Daniel Perkins tries: Nigel Millgate 1 goal)

Half time - Newtown 30- Wests 6

Western Suburbs
1 Zoram Watene
2 Sharlon Taki
3 Aaron Teariki
21 Tuki Jackson
5 Daniel Perkins
6 Michael La Manna
7 Nigel Millgate (c)
8 Todd Makejev
9 Dean Parata
10 Aaron Sweeney
15 Daniel La Manna
19 Alan Daly
20 Keanu Rogers

12 Seffa Silafu
13 John Leiataua
14 Greg Davis
16 Henry Iuta
18 Alex Frail

Newtown
1 Alofa Alofa
2 Adam Henry
3 Peni Tagive
20 Isaac Dargan
5 Sam Latu
6 Jack Littlejohn
7 Mark Kheirallah
8 Isaac Mallota
15 Kurt Kara
10 Mose Masoe
11 Jack Bosden
19 Tom Symonds (c)
13 Almad Ellaz

12 Nick Ehsman
14 Isaac Liu
16 Blake Williamson
17 Andrew Pearn

In the earlier games, Illawarra def SWSA 46-10 in the Harold Matthews while the Western Suburbs Magpies ended their SG Ball season with a bang by defeating the WA Reds 44-10.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Alsco cleans up the Magpies

Ever wondered how the Magpies jerseys look so good every time they run onto the field?

Well you can thank Alsco for that!

Alsco have renewed their partnership with the Western Suburbs Magpies for 2012 and we hope it continues well into the future.



Since 1962 Alsco has been providing professional and friendly textile rental services throughout Australasia. Services offered include a commercial linen service; an extensive uniform range including industrial and image workwear, corporate clothing and chef uniforms; and rubber floor matting.

To find out more about Alsco managed services call 1300 659 892 or find your nearest branch.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

NSW Cup Round 6 - Game 1 Tom Raudonikis Cup Wests Magpies v Newtown Jets

The Western Suburbs Magpies will play host this Saturday to fellow foundation club, the Newtown Jets in Game One of the Tom Raudonikis Cup. Is it rare for a former player to hold so much admiration and affection at two clubs but that is certainly the case with Tommy who's deeds for the Magpies and Jets continue to live on. Tommy played for Wests from 1969 to 1979 and Newtown from 1980 to 1982. He also coached the magpies from 1995 to 1999.

The match will also see the two coaches, Trevor Schodel from Wests and Greg Matterson from Newtown pit their skills against each other for the first time in the NSW Cup. In a strange twist, Trevor is a former Newtown player whilst Greg is a former Wests junior from the old days, having played with the Berala Bears when Wests called Lidcombe Oval their home and is a relation to Frank Matterson who played in the Magpies first ever premiership in 1930 against St George.

The match also sees some former Magpie players in the Newtown team list- Kurt Kara, Andrew Pearn & Blake Williamson whilst Wests halfback and captain, Nigel Millgate is a former Jet.

The game will be played at Campbelltown Stadium on Easter Saturday, 7th April commencing at 3pm. There will also be two junior representative games played before the NSW Cup. At 12 noon South West Sydney Academy (SWSA) will take on Illawarra in the Harold Matthews Cup while Western Suburbs will take on the WA Reds in the SG Ball Cup starting at 1.30pm.

Team Listings

Western Suburbs

1. Zoran Watene
2. Sharlon Taki
3. Aaron Teariki
4. Michael Lekkas
5. Daniel Perkins
6. Michael La Manna
7. Nigel Millgate (c)
8. Todd Makejev
9. Dean Parata
10. Aaron Sweeney
11. Mundarra Weldon
12. Seffa Silafu
13. John Leiataua

14. Greg Davis
15. Daniel La Manna
16. Henry Iuta
17. Jay Maseuli

COACH: Trevor Schodel

Newtown

1. Alofa Alofa
2. Adam Henry
3. Peni Tagive
4. Ben Loxley
5. Samiu Latu
6. Jack Littlejohn
7. Mark Kheirallah
17. Andrew Pearn
9. Daniel Mortimer
10. Mose Masoe
11. Jack Bosden
12. Nick Ehsman
13. Ahmad Ellaz

8. Isaac Maliota
14. Isaac Liu
15. Kurt Kara
16. Blake Williamson

COACH: Greg Matterson

Monday, April 2, 2012

FOND MEMORIES FOR DEV DINES


Former premiership winning Western Suburbs centre Dev Dines has told weststigers.com.au about how he was picked up off the street to play in the 1952 Grand Final.
As part of the build up to the Wests Tigers versus Souths Heritage Round match at Allianz Stadium on Sunday, April 1, weststigers.com.au caught up with the former Magpie to hear his version of one of the most amazing Grand Final stories.
Dines played for the Magpies in 1950 and 51 before moving to North Queensland Club Mareeba as Captain-Coach. With the country competitions finishing earlier than the Sydney competition, Dev and his wife, Beverly, returned to their previous residence in Liverpool Road,
Ashfield.
“We were walking in Ashfield when a car pulled up and it was (former Wests secretary) Lew Moses who told me I had qualify to play in the Grand Final,’’ Dines said.
“I thought it was that weekend but Lew said it was the following one, so I travelled to Maitland with the Magpies to play a trial match before the Grand Final as it was 3 weeks between games. Souths beat Wests in the semi-final but because they were minor premiers, they moved into the grand final as was the rules at the time.
“I played five-eighth for the Magpies in the trial at Maitland. Alot of people made it out to be an evil deed but it was a constant thing that had been in use for years as 90 per cent of the blokes lived outside the areas of the teams they played for. I wasn’t a stranger as I had played two full seasons with Wests.
“I had to go to NSWRL in Phillip Street to present my case and Souths agreed to let me play. The Grand Final was played at a torrid pace with plenty of biff and knuckle.
“We were down 12-10 with 10 minutes to go and we scored four converted tries to win 22-12. Our full-back George Bain kicked 2 goals from 10 shots that day and he was the leading points scorer for the year.
“I knew we had a pretty good chance of winning when about 10 minutes to go, some of the Souths boys said to their captain/coach Jack Rayner that ‘we can’t let these bastards put it over us’. Jack turned around and said he was stuffed. When he said that, I knew we would win.”
Dines will be one of more than 200 former Western Suburbs players attending the annual Magpies reunion on Sunday.
Western Suburbs 22 (Tries: Schofield 2, Fitzgerald, Dines, Bain, McLean. Goals: Bain 2.) d South Sydney 12 (Tries: Smailes, Macreadie. Goals: Graves 3.)
Western Suburbs:
George Bain, Bill Callinan, Col Ratcliff, Gerry Lowe, Jack Fitzgerald, Dev Dines, Leo Trevena, Kevin Hansen, Hec Farrell, Wiliam Horder, Don Schofield, Ron Watson, Peter McLean (c), Coach: Tom McMahon
South Sydney:
Don Murdoch, John Graves, Malcolm Spencer, Frank Threlfo, Cec Smailes Norm Spillane, Ken Brogan, Denis Donoghue, Ernie Hammerton, Bryan Orrock, Ken Macreadie, Jack Rayner (captain/coach), Ray Neilson.

30/03/2012 10:15:42 AM