Illawarra Hawks crush Scorchers in State League Basketball

The fifth-placed Springwood Scorchers senior men's team made a solid early start to their clash with the third-placed Illawarra Hawks on Sunday afternoon at the Blaxland High School Basketball Stadium, leading 10-8 at the end of a very dour first quarter but eventually fading under pressure to fall 88-44 on the day.

PHOTOS: Action from Sunday's clash between the Illawarra Hawks and Springwood Scorchers at the Blaxland High School Basketball Stadium - courtesy of Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

The Scorchers had in fact kept the Hawks in check until just minutes before the half time break but subsequent sloppy work on both offence and defence would see the home team implode in spectacular fashion.
The Hawks staged a fourteen-point turnaround in a matter of minutes, storming to a 33-20 lead at half time then continuing that momentum, throughout the third term, to literally blast the Scorchers out of the game.
Illawarra Hawks 88 (B Bonham 25 points, J Goode 15, J Micaleff 14, B Dragun 11)  def Springwood Scorchers 44 (Josh Stevenson 12 points, Lee Van Hoogenvest 10, Keith Browning 9)

For more Illawarra basketball stories go to: http://wollongong.sportslive.com.au/index.pl?page=1370

Wollongong’s Hurley has outstanding Californian Swim Meet

Wollongong’s Robert Hurley, despite being in heavy training for July’s world championships has shown promising form at the Santa Clara International in California from June 11 -14.  He has been focusing on the freestyle events from 200m to 1500m at this meet. He collected silvers in both the 800m and 1500m events as well as a bronze in the 400m.

In the 1500m freestyle on day 4, Canadian Ryan Cochrane (2008 Olympic bronze medallist for this event) won in 15:06.70 to Hurley's 15:07.08 with Aussie Ryan Napolean (current Australian champion) 3rd in 15:16.66.

Hurley was 4.5 seconds behind Cochrane at the 800m mark, then 2.5 seconds behind with just 200m to go. He stormed back in the last 200m including a final 100m in an outstanding 56.59 seconds to just miss in the outdoor pool under quite windy conditions.

Hurley's time, at just his 3rd attempt at 1500m, was 8th fastest Australian all-time and a massive 11.5 seconds better than his previous best.

Also, after his 800m freestyle swim on day 1, he is now in the Australian all-time top ten rankings, with a personal best, finishing second. He swam the sixth fastest all time, finishing second in 7.53.87 just behind American Chad LeTourett (7:53.56). Fellow Australian Ryan Napolean was third in 7.54.44.

Hurley’s best in the 800m has only been beaten by well known Australian swimmers Grant Hackett, Ian Thorpe, Keiren Perkins, Craig Stevens and Daniel Kowalski. Hurley has not swam many 800m freestyle events so his time was 15 seconds better than his previous best. With more focus on longer distance freestyle events it is expected that his times would improve.

In the 400m freestyle event on day 3, Hurley came third to American Olympians Michael Phelps and Ryan Cochrane. With 100m metres to go Hurley was running 6th from an outside lane and trailed Michael Phelps by 2.35 seconds. He stormed home in 55.72 secs to finish third in 3:48.49 behind Phelps (3:48.05) and Cochrane (3:48.40). In that last 100m he had gained almost 2 seconds on Phelps.

Photo: Sportslive’s photo of Hurley with his gold after the 400m event at The Australian Championships earlier this year.

He contested the 200m freestyle even on day 2 and made the final to finish 9th. He slipped on third turn and cruised home as he had lost his chance to compete for a place. He showed his real form at the end of day 3 (after the 400m final) when he led off one of Australia’s relay teams to record 1:48.36, the best of all 8 Australian relay swimmers.  This time would have meant he would have been 4th in the 200m freestyle event.  He will contest the 1500m freestyle on day 4.    

For other results from the Santa Clara International including Australian Olympians Liesel Jones, Stephanie Rice and Ashley Delaney go to:
http://www.swimnetwork.com

For more stories on Hurley’s rise to the Australian swimming team go to: http://wollongong.sportslive.com.au/index.pl?page=1798

Unbeaten Dapto Chiefs claw baseball draw with Eagles

Unbeaten Dapto Chiefs fought their way back from a one run deficit to register a 4-4 draw against Berkeley Eagles in round 10 Illawarra Baseball League fixtures played last Saturday. Chiefs scored the tying run in the bottom of the eighth after Ben Shepherd hit safely, stole second and third bases before being batted in on Beau Garrett’s safe hit.

Chiefs started strongly with three runs in the bottom of the first registering four hits including RBI’s by Jonathon Hall and Ben Shepherd. Eagles scored in the second and third and were 4-3 ahead when two scored in fifth, one being on an RBI it by Mick Shipp.

A pitchers game after the first inning, Eagles starter Joe Anson went four innings allowing five hits and three earned runs striking out seven. Reliever Chris Morgan pitched five innings allowing three hits and one earned run. Chief’s starter Aaron Wirth threw five innings for six hits and two earned runs and Hall was a big factor in shutting down Eagles pitching four innings for one hit and no earned runs.

Chiefs outhit Eagles 8-7 Hall, Jamie Bird and Shepherd and batting 2 / 5 while Tim Atherton was Eagles only multiple hitter at 2 / 5.

Shoalhaven Mariners held a 10-7 lead after batting the top of the eighth and final inning against Northern Pirates but the home team rallied with a massive eight runs in the bottom of the inning to steal the game in failing light. Mariners had capitalised on three Pirates errors in the sixth inning scoring six unearned runs for a 10-6 lead.

In a hitters game Pirates outhit Mariners 16-10 but made six errors to Mariners three. Andrew Phelan continued his good season with the bat for the Bucs registering 4 / 6 with 3 RBI’s. Luke Rich also registered the same statistics. Adam Warner batted 4 / 5 for Mariners.

Premiers Wests Cardinals scored an 8-3 win over Kiama Braves at Kiama, the Red Birds first baseman Lee Vlasoff hitting the only homer of the round, a solo shot in the fifth. Starting pitcher Blake Handley was Cardinals standout performer with six innings for one hit and no earned runs striking out six. Jamie Simon relieved with three innings for two hits and no earned runs.

Braves three runs in the eighth came on the only error made by both teams. Cards outhit Braves 12-3, Cameron Thompson topping the hitting with 3 / 5 and 2 RBI’s. Vlasoff batted 2 / 5 with 2 RBI’s. Jason Sloan batted 2 / 4 for Braves.

First  Grade:
DAPTO  CHIEFS 4 Runs (8 hits, 3 errors) drew with BERKELEY  EAGLES 4 Runs (7 hits, 1 error)
NORTHERN  PIRATES 15 Runs (16 hits, 6 errors) defeated SHOALHAVEN MARINERS 10 Runs (10 hits, 3 errors)
WESTS  CARDINALS 8 Runs (12 hits, 1 error) def. KIAMA  BRAVES 3 Runs (3 hits, 0 errors)

Second Grade: Eagles 6 Chiefs 5; Pirates 14 Mariners 2; Braves 3 Cardinals 2
Third Grade: Eagles 4 Chiefs 1; Pirates 20 Mariners 6 Cardinals 14 Braves 8
Minor League: Warriors (4) 12 Chiefs 11; Pirates 16 Cardinals 4; Panthers (5) 11Warriors (5) 8; Braves 13 Panthers (4)13

NSW Country Youth Baseball now in Wollongong on June 20 and 21

The rescheduled 2009 N S W Country Youth Championships will be played next weekend, June 20 & 21at Fred Finch Park, Berkeley. A decision will be made at the nest IBL monthly meeting re the round 11 fixtures that were scheduled to be played on this weekend. Round 12 will be played on June 27 & 28.

Illawarra Stingrays too good for Students in Women’s soccer

Last Sunday wasn’t necessarily a good football day with the cold temperatures being worsened by afternoon rain. At Sydney University Oval the field was looking worse for wear with the cricket pitch area wet and slippery. This wasn’t going to deter the players from Sydney University and Illawarra Stingrays however as these two finals contenders went head to head.

With two players suspended after the Manly game, University was forced to blood some of their Under 16’s players on the bench. It would have been somewhat daunting for the Sydney University girls to glance at the Stingrays bench to see players who’d be gracing most of the other first grade sides in the league if available.

The University side certainly didn’t look intimidated once the opening whistle blew, controlling the ball nicely and working upfield. The two teams traded blows without really creating any solid chances but it was the home side that had the first shot on goal through Angelina Koncurat. University was doing some good work early, setting up a distance shot from Hannah Kimber which flew straight to the Illawarra keeper.

Illawarra were taking a while to get going with their best chance coming from a free kick which found Michelle Carney in space but the Stingrays star shot wide of the woodwork. Illawarra were finding some momentum though and in the 10th minute a corner found the ever present Michelle Heyman at the back post to head in the opening goal of the game.

This sparked a period where the Stingrays created the best scoring chances; one after a break down the left flank by Ash Connor which saw her shoot high into a leaping keeper’s gloves, the second an intercepted pass by Michelle Heyman which she fashioned into an opportunity for Michelle Carney. Whilst neither foray brought a goal they were warning shots to the University defence.

Through all this though Sydney University didn’t panic. They continued some good build up from their own half but lacked that sting in the tail in front of goal. An ineffectual shot from Captain Belinda Speers showed signs of frustration but University did appear to be matching their more fancied opponents in most areas. Kelli Chase and Monika Holmwood were involved in a nice one-two down the left side of the field but the resulting cross was easily handled by Stingrays keeper Rachel Cooper.

But reward was coming University’s way when, in the 43rd minute, Erin Wilson made a nice run before crossing towards the far post. The Stingrays keeper was wrong footed and could only watch as Beth Kermode ran through to tap away the equaliser. This ensured that University would go into the break with a share of the game, which was certainly as much as they deserved.

The early stages of the second half saw Illawarra making most of the running. A free kick from Anne Mayo found Michelle Heyman in front of goal but unable to control the ball. Sydney University then failed to clear a ball after a throw in leading to a chance for Illawarra’s Ash Connor but she shot to the keeper. University made a break from defence through Beth Kermode but she too found the keeper rather than the back of the net.

After a free kick to Sydney University Michelle Heyman was booked for dissent; her fifth yellow card which now earns her a one week holiday. Heyman looked to leave her mark on the game in another way though when, receiving the ball in front of goal, she came up with an audacious back heel which sent Michelle Carney dashing for goal. The Stingrays looked certain to score but somehow the Sydney University keeper, Amanda Verhaeghe, dived at Carney’s feet to save the day.

Ash Connor got into the fray with a nice burst but overcooked her pass to Heyman. The warning signs were there though for Sydney University and in the 64th minute Connor met a well taken corner to head in Illawarra’s second goal.

To Sydney University’s credit they didn’t give up the ghost at this stage. They were shell shocked, yes. However, they sought to push forward in search of a goal. They weren’t helped though when on 70 minutes Illawarra were awarded a free kick just outside the University penalty box. Up stepped Anne Mayo who let loose with a great shot that hit high in the back of the net. Illawarra had stretched their advantage to 3-1 and seemed to be finishing the better.

A couple of quick Illawarra chances followed with Connor shooting wide, Carne heading to the left of goal and Heyman shooting over the bar from point blank range. In between all this Sydney University tried to create something of their own with some good breaks from defence but Illawarra were holding a territorial advantage. Michelle Heyman was given an early mark by Coach Brett Wallin, being replaced by former Marconi star Sam Muscat.

After another near miss by Illawarra a stream of substitutes took the field with Ash Connor being replaced by youngster Zoeie Redman and University Coach Jim Patikas swapping Daniella Thrassis and Hannah Kimber with Maree Patikas and Kate Andrews.

Sydney University continued to search for another goal. One charge forward looked promising but was called back for an Illawarra free kick. From this play Michelle Carney tip toed into the box with the University defenders failing to close her down. Carney in turn passed to Zoeie Redman who took her opportunity with both hands, knocking in Illawarra’s fourth goal.

The two teams barely have time to restart the game before the final whistle blows giving Illawarra Stingrays a 4-1 win.

Sydney University Coach Jim Patikas believed that his girls had been the better team in the first half. Unfortunately Patikas felt that they had failed to take their chances.

Illawarra Coach Brett Wallin said that the conditions were tough and had caused a change of game plan. His team had sought to play the game down the flanks in the second half and Wallin felt that this had worked well for The Stingrays. He was impressed with the way his girls had toughed out the game. Whilst Wallin felt that his side was the better team on the day he did admit that the scoreline had flattered them somewhat. He also paid tribute to the University goalkeeper, Amanda Vergaeghe, who he said had an outstanding game.

Sydney University 1 (B.Kermode 43m)  Illawarra Stingrays 4 (M.Heyman 10m, A.Connor 64m, A.Mayo 69m, Z.Redman 88m) 
Report sourced from Football NSW http://www.footballnsw.com.au/index.php?id=83

Wollongong has four teams in top five in PYL soccer

After last weekend’s round 15 matches against Sydney Olympic at home, Wollongong Juniors now have four teams in the play-off top five in the Premier Youth League. After their 4 – 1 win the Wollongong 18s remain on top of the table, while the 16s draw saw the team drop back to second. The 13s remain in third spot while the 14s after their 1 nil win have moved into fifth position. The only team out of the five are the 15s in sixth spot and who trail Sutherland Sharks on goal difference.

Results for the round 15 played last weekend against Sydney Olympic were: 

Under 13: Wollongong won 1 nil
Under 14: Wollongong won 1 nil
Under 15: Wollongong drew 2 all 
Under 16: Wollongong drew 2 all
Under 18: Wollongong won 4 - 1   

Wollongong teams play their next round against Sutherland Sharks at Seymour Shaw Park with the 13s beginning at 9 am on Saturday June 20.

Previous SportsLive reports on the Wollongong Premier Youth League teams can be found at: http://wollongong.sportslive.com.au/index.pl?page=3462
More results and the draw can be found at http://www.soccernsw.com.au/index.php?id=78

Illawarra Cricket Junior and Senior AGM on June 23

The combined annual general meeting of the Illawarra Cricket Association & Illawarra Junior Cricket Association will be held on Tuesday 23 June, 2008 at 7.00 pm at the Illawarra Master Builders club. Committee members required to help support cricket in the region.

What's on around NSW with Sport and Recreation

NSW Sport and Recreation runs programs that will help you get active, improve your fitness or try a new sport. For more details of what’s on in the region go to: http://www.dsr.nsw.gov.au/active/whatson.asp

NSW Sport & Recreation’s July Camps

To see what’s on offer in the July School holidays go to: http://www.dsr.nsw.gov.au/kidscamps/

Many sports including basketball at Sydney’s games for social to elite

As reported previously Sydney is hosting the 2009 World Masters Games involving over 28 sports between October 10 – 18. 
Registrations for all sports close on July 31. There are still plenty of opportunities to nominate. For more on the 2009 World Masters Games and all the sports go to: http://www.2009worldmasters.com/

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