play canberra issue 14

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ISSUE #14 AUGUST 2012

playcanberra.com.auii Issue #14 AUGUST 2012

Artists Impression // Minimum EER 5

Boardwalk, Waterfront Living

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playcanberra.com.au 1Issue #14 AUGUST 2012

02 Official Matters $26 million upgardes

03 Chris Cairns Olympic Drama

04 Canberra Capitals Secure Major Sponsor

05 Canberra Darters Season Launch

06 Canberra Raiders Sam Williams

08 Canberra’s Olympians Canberra’s Cool Runner

12 Cycling Canberran’s Major Tour Role

13 Squash Australian Open

16 Socials Brumbies and Skate in the City

17 Mountain Bike Scott 24 is back!!

18 Aussie Rules Canberra’s local footy final run

8Canberra’s Olympians

detaiLS

COntentS

WHERE TO PICK US UP Quality sports shops, cafes and your local shopping centres.

FIND US ONLINEwww.playcanberra.com.au Facebook: PLAY Canberra Twitter: @PLAYcanberra

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CONTRIBUTORS

Writers: Chris Cairns, Antony Perry, Lucy Hinchey, Brett McKay, Shaun Ebert, Adam Phelan and Todd Davey.

Photographs: Joseph Purdam - JP Photographic Andrew Finch - Edge Light Photography Ben Southall - Ben Southall Photography Kris Arnold - Kris Arnold Photography

ONE GAME AT A TIME

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19 AFL Free Agency

20 Cricket International summer for Canberra

21 ACTEWAGL Events Calendar

22 Super Rugby Finals run

23 Rugby Southern Rugby’s New Boys

24 Football The COERVER Performance Academy

26 Combat Sports Capital Punishment 6 we catch up with the fighters

28 Fitness With Steve

29 Crossword And at he End of the Day

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PLAYCANBERRA.COM.Au2 Issue #14 AuGuST 2012

ACT Labor has announced $26 million for our local sports grounds and facilities, recognising the importance of great local facilities. Chief Minister Katy Gallagher was joined by Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister Andrew Barr, and ACT Labor MLAs and candidates to make the announcement.

“Our neighbourhood sporting grounds and facilities are the centre of our local community. They are where people come together with families and friends after work, with the kids on the weekend, either for fun or for some more serious competition, the Chief Minister said.

“The ACT is one of the healthiest and most active communities in Australia, with nearly 90 per cent of Canberrans participating in some form of exercise, recreation or sport. It is clear that our local sports grounds and facilities are well utilised and valued by Canberrans,” the Chief Minister said.

Sports Minister Andrew Barr said that ACT Labor has made record investments in sport and recreation, but there was still more to do.

“The ACT Labor Government over recent years has made significant improvements to local sports grounds and

facilities to ensure Canberrans have access to the best sporting facilities. We will continue this work in the next term of Government,” Minister Barr said.

“Today we have announced $26 million to upgrade local sports grounds and to build new facilities across the Territory, which include:

Southside synthetic football fields at Melrose High School $5.1 million

Kambah District Playing Fields and Hawker District Playing Fields irrigation and surface improvements

$3.4 million

Restoration of Spence and Torrens neighbourhood ovals $2.6 million

Greenway Enclosed Oval Infrastructure Improvement Fund $500,000

Southside synthetic athletics track. Site selection and construction funding

$4.5 million

New Northside indoor sports centre. Site selection for a new centre $50,000

“We all share a sense of pride in our city and ACT Labor is working hard to make sure the places we live, work and play are even better. Further announcements on even more sporting upgrades and new facilities will be made in the near future,” the Chief Minister concluded.

act Government pledGes $26 million for local sports Grounds upGrades

OffiCiaL matterS

What is Lifecycle?Lifecycle is charity cycling event to be held in Canberra for the first time in 2012. Lifecycle is a major awareness and fundraising initiative that is seeking to educate our community with respect to Leukaemia and other blood disorders, and at the same time secure funding for a purpose-built facility for the Leukaemia Foundation in the ACT. Click here to find out more about the facility requirement.

The essence of the Lifecycle ’48-hour’ event is that there will be an active ‘event window’ of 48 hours from 6:00pm on Thursday 13 September 2012 to 6:00pm on Saturday 15 September 2012, within which individual riders or teams can choose when they would like to ride. Teams can either ride the course together, or can participate in a relay style. The Lifecycle course will be around Lake Burley Griffin, taking in West and Central Basins, with the Event Headquarters to be located at Kings Park.

Further to the relay, the Lifecycle Committee will under

take a program of school presentations throughout ACT primary and secondary schools, in order to raise awareness and promote a healthy lifestyle. The program will also include creative and artistic competitions, with great prizes.

What are Lifecycle’s aims?Lifecycles aims are twofold:

To raise awareness of Leukaemia and other blood related disorders through the general promotion of the Lifecycle event and through the Schools Awareness Campaign, and secondly to raise funds toward a

much needed dedicated facility for the Leukaemia Foundation, which will serve the ACT and surrounding NSW community.

Register to ride:Registrations are open!

Lifecycle will kick off on the evening of Thursday 13 September 2012, and will finish exactly 48 hours later on Saturday 15 September 2012. Click here to visit our registration page and sign up.

After you have registered yourself or your family through the registration page, you will be directed to the Every Day Hero website where you will be able to create or join a team.

lifecycle - proudly raisinG funds and awareness, to continue the Great work of the leukaemia foundation

Head to www.life-cycle.org.au for more information and to enter


ChriS CairnS

OUtLOOKThe Olympics are here and I love them. It means being glued to the TV watching sports that, well the majority of us, watch once every four years.

The bulk of the Olympic athletes reach the Olympics with passion, desire, commitment and invariably out of pocket. Within the pool of funds that make the sporting World go round, Olympic disciplines tend to not feature highly in the budgets of the sponsorship and marketing departments of the World’s blue chip companies. However, the Olympics as a brand attract the largest investment but unfortunately these funds don’t directly trickle down to the athletes themselves.

The anomaly of this is that many of these athletes covert the Olympic Gold over financial gain. However the majority of these athletes are also very young. They are fully committed and their sport is their life, 24/7. You can do this when you are young but once family and mortgages come in to play the landscape changes and this is where money does play a part in securing your families future.

The other part of the Olympics I find fascinating is which sports should actually be allowed? I read with interest Brendon Jones’ comments prior to last week’s Open in England and I have to say I totally agree with him. He was saying he did not think that golf should be a sport in the Olympics which it will be in 2016. The reason being that the four Majors on the golf tour are what players strive for and if push came to shove I’m sure they would choose a Green Jacket over the Olympic Dias.

So why are the sports that have their own pinnacles involved? NBA stars, tennis legends and now golf superstars. It has to be remembered that these sports attract the most eyeballs and eyeballs with sponsors equates to value. If you had handball, wrestling and archery without the above sports then I would suggest this would be worth significantly less to sponsors. The

Olympics as a brand is huge, but throw in Global stars then you create more hype.

Interestingly cricket is looking to be added to the 2020 games. The reason? India does disproportionately poorly in the Olympics considering its population base. So, one billion eyeballs tend to not spend as much time focusing on the event. Solution? Provide India with a means to follow the games and this comes in the form of cricket. The game that India excels at and where their passion lies.

So in wrapping up, what are the Olympic Games actually about? It is a mammoth production that gives fans and spectators alike a chance to marvel at the strength and speed that men and women can produce. A chance to see sacrifice and dedication rewarded with what some see as the ultimate reward for the endeavors. It is raw emotion. Success and failure.

Australia has a high diet of reality TV shows. The Olympics’ in my mind trumps all these types of shows so strap yourself in for the greatest unscripted drama on TV.

strap yourself in for the greatest unscripted drama on TV.

OffiCiaL matterS

playcanberra.com.au4 Issue #14 AUGUST 2012

capitals future secured with the tradies

The strength of basketball in the ACT continues to grow with today’s major announcement of The Tradies to become the Principal Partner of the Canberra Capitals.

This partnership has been established on the back of the already strong relationship that has been built with The Tradies since they first became involved as a sponsor with the Canberra Capitals at the beginning of the 2011/12 season.

“The Caps sponsorship is a key plank in The Tradies commitment to sport across the Canberra community, in particular Women’s sport. The Caps are Canberra’s most successful national franchise & we want to provide them with an assured future – we’re with them for the long haul!” The Tradies CEO Rob Docker said.

With this fantastic partnership The Tradies will become the social sports hub and home of not only the Canberra Capitals but also the greater Basketball community. The Tradies along with the involvement in the Capitals last season have also played host to a number of basketball events as well as the Canberra Gunners and Canberra Capitals during the SEABL season.

“The partnership solidifies the Capitals continual profile in the Canberra Community and strength as the most successful sporting team and that the commercial businesses in Canberra have great confidence in basketball as a sport to partner with and support.” Basketball ACT CEO Tony Jackson said.

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Image: Ben Southall


darters launch season 2012The Darters will kick start their ANL season with two tough home games against defending premiers NSW Waratahs (Saturday, August 4) and Western Sting (Sunday, August 5).

Their enthusiastic and exciting brand of netball is sure to prove a big hit with netball fans across Australia.

New Darters Coach Melinda Clarke, who has been working her players hard in pre-season training, said the ANL was an important domestic competition for ACT netballers.

“To have the opportunity to play against high quality netball players in a leading domestic competition is a great foundation for our young players to build their senior netball careers on,” Clarke said.

“It’s going to be another challenging year, especially our start to the season where we face last year’s champions NSW Waratahs in round one and then having to back up the following day against the Western Sting who finished third in 2011.

“What we can assure our supporters is that every time we take the court we will be giving it everything we’ve got.

“The players really appreciate the support we receive from the Canberra community and we hope they will again get behind the Darters in 2012.”

Netball ACT General Manager, Adam Horner, said the Darters provided an important pathway for local players to reach their potential.

“Netball ACT will continue to give players the experience necessary to compete with distinction at

national level,” Horner said.

“Having a team in the ANL competition provides Darters players with a tremendous opportunity to make their mark in Australian netball and is an important step in their development.

‘Tickets for our three home games on are now on sale through Ticketek and we urge the Canberra community to get in early and purchase their tickets.”

Ticket Details Tickets available through ticketekPer Day (3 ANL Games) Adults: $18.00 Child/Concession: $12.00 Family: $49.00

Season Package: 2 Days - (6 ANL Matches) Adults: $32.00 Child/Concession: $20.00 Family: $85.00

3 Days – (9 ANL Matches) Adults $43.00 Child/Concession $29.00 Family: $118.00

2012 CANBERRA DARTERS FIXTURE LIST*

SATURDAY 4th August:

2.00pm: WA Sting V Tasmania

4.15pm: NSW Blues V QLD Fusion

6.30pm: Canberra Darters V NSW Waratahs

SUNDAY 5th August:

10.00am: Tasmania V NSW Blues

12.15pm: AIS V QLD Fusion

2.30pm: Canberra Darters V WA Sting

SUNDAY 9TH September

9.30am: SA V NSW Waratahs

11.00am: AIS V TAS

1.00pm: Minister’s Seven V Media Celebrity

2.00pm: Canberra Darters V NT Storm

*All home games will be played at AIS Arena

“The players really appreciate the support

we receive from the Canberra community”

CanBerra CaPitaLS


sam williams steps upIn true Canberra Raiders style, the side have found some form late in the season, suddenly making a run to the finals seem possible.

It is no coincidence that this return to form for the side has coincided with Sam Williams’ return to first grade, with the 21-year-old finding some confidence after a short stint with the Raiders feeder club, the Mounties.

Although Williams won’t take credit for the whole teams recent success, he does acknowledge the break from first grade has turned out to be a positive step in his career.

“It was probably good for me in a way, I think it gave me a chance to find my own game and then come back to first grade with a bit more confidence and I am just enjoying playing again,” he said.

He and Josh McCrone have been working steadily together all year both on defence and on their halves combinations, and Williams says that when the rest of the team are working well together, the halves follow.

“I think it’s always a case with playing in the halves that if the team is going well, generally so are the halves … if everyone else is doing well then I guess it just makes it a l lot easier for the halves.

“Joshy and I are fairly good mates and the more we play together the more comfortable we become with each other’s games and I think we enjoy just playing together in the halves,” Williams said.

Williams believes that despite another injury riddled season, a solid halves combination adds much needed stability to the team.

“It always helps having a couple of halves who are always there for a long period of time … It’s building each week and I think it’s a big thing that if you have that core and that main spine together, then it goes a long way,” he said.

The Raiders have five remaining games this season, and every result will count. Williams says the feeling around the club is positive with everyone hoping for a finals berth in 2012.

“We’re definitely not focusing on the finals yet, it is a massive cliché but we do actually just make sure we’re winning every weekend and at the moment, the ball is still in our court and we can still make it without having to worry about any other teams results,” Williams said.

By Lucy Hinchey

CanBerra raiderS

[email protected] | www.voodoocreative.com.au

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2012 KICK OFFSCHEDULE

WWW.CANBERRASTADIUM.COM.AU [email protected] or call 02 6256 6700

Fri 24th Feb - Brumbies vs. Force

Sat 3rd Mar - Raiders vs. Storm

Sat 10th Mar - Brumbies vs. Cheetahs

Sat 24th Mar - Brumbies vs. Highlanders

Sat 31st Mar - Brumbies vs. Sharks

Mon 2nd Apr - Raiders vs. Cowboys

Fri 6th - Mon 9th Apr - Raiders vs. Warriors

Sat 14th Apr - Brumbies vs. Rebels

Wed 25th - Mon 30th Apr - Raiders vs. Sharks

Sat 5th May - Brumbies vs. Waratahs

Fri 11th - Mon 14th May - Raiders vs. Eels

Sat 26th May - Brumbies vs. Reds

Fri 1st - Mon 4th Jun - Raiders vs. Wests Tigers

Fri 29th Jun - Mon 2nd Jul - Raiders vs. Dragons

Fri 13th - Mon 16th Jul - Raiders vs. Titans

Sat 14th Jul - Brumbies vs. Blues

Fri 27th - Mon 30th Jul - Raiders vs. Knights

Fri 3rd - Mon 6th Aug - Raiders vs. Broncos

Fri 17th - Mon 20th Aug - Raiders vs. Roosters

Fri 24th - Mon 27th Aug - Raiders vs. Bulldogs

2012 KICK OFFSCHEDULE

WWW.CANBERRASTADIUM.COM.AU [email protected] or call 02 6256 6700

Fri 24th Feb - Brumbies vs. Force

Sat 3rd Mar - Raiders vs. Storm

Sat 10th Mar - Brumbies vs. Cheetahs

Sat 24th Mar - Brumbies vs. Highlanders

Sat 31st Mar - Brumbies vs. Sharks

Mon 2nd Apr - Raiders vs. Cowboys

Fri 6th - Mon 9th Apr - Raiders vs. Warriors

Sat 14th Apr - Brumbies vs. Rebels

Wed 25th - Mon 30th Apr - Raiders vs. Sharks

Sat 5th May - Brumbies vs. Waratahs

Fri 11th - Mon 14th May - Raiders vs. Eels

Sat 26th May - Brumbies vs. Reds

Fri 1st - Mon 4th Jun - Raiders vs. Wests Tigers

Fri 29th Jun - Mon 2nd Jul - Raiders vs. Dragons

Fri 13th - Mon 16th Jul - Raiders vs. Titans

Sat 14th Jul - Brumbies vs. Blues

Fri 27th - Mon 30th Jul - Raiders vs. Knights

Fri 3rd - Mon 6th Aug - Raiders vs. Broncos

Fri 17th - Mon 20th Aug - Raiders vs. Roosters

Fri 24th - Mon 27th Aug - Raiders vs. Bulldogs

CanBerra raiderS


OLymPiC SPeCiaL

The Australian men’s basketball team arrived in London full of confidence and with the aim of achieving their first ever podium finish at an Olympic Games.

The Boomers and coach Brett Brown arrived in London on the Eurostar from Paris after a good win over the French in their final practice game before the Olympic campaign begins against Brazil at the London Basketball Arena on Sunday 29 July.

The team has spent the last ten days in Europe getting time zone orientated with games in both Spain and France and feel like they have prepared well.

Coach Brett Brown said his squad had trained and played well in recent times.

“We arrive very aware that there has been an awful lot of work put into the next few weeks,” Brown said.

“I am very proud to be with this group of athletes,

they are committed, they have really worked hard for this moment and it is really exciting to be here.

“You just want to arrive at the Olympic Games with Australia’s best athletes fit and healthy and we are almost there despite the loss of Andrew Bogut.”

Brown said one of his side’s strengths in London would be its versatility and spirit.

“The group is very flexible, we can play big ball, we can play small ball. That is the beauty of the group,” he said.

“Lately we have been forced to go small ball because two of our bigger players were injured. I think it’s a credit to the group’s flexibility how we have handled the last week.

“We’ve tried to knock out great practices, really tried to not skip steps, make sure that we can come into the Olympic Games with a world class fitness base, a lot of work has been put in many months prior to this, these guys are ready and can run all night.

“The group is tight chemistry wise, we know we have to guard and those three areas have always been the cornerstone of the program- fitness, defence and great teammateship and i think we have that.”

Canberra’s Patty Mills, who will pay in his second Olympic Games, said “Everyone is on the same page that’s the goal and we are very seriously about it, we are over here to achieve a medal and everyone is on the same page with that, which is why the vibe is a lot different, we are very serious about making it that far and knowing that no other Boomers team has done that before.” – AOC

Boomers London 2012 Draw Day 2: Sun 29 Jul, 11:15 – Brazil V Australia Day 4: Tue 31 Jul, 11:15 – Australia V Spain Day 6: Thu 2 Aug, 11:15 – Australia V China Day 8: Sat 4 Aug, 20:00 – Great Britain V Australia Day 10: Mon 6 Aug, 9:00 – Australia V Russia All times London local.

Patty Mills - Basketball

Image: Getty

Lauren Jackson says the Opals are toughening up daily, and vows there won’t be a hint of softness in the team at the London Olympics.

Australia’s women’s basketball team took a massive step forward in their Games preparations with a powerful 102-58 win over world No.6 Brazil - one of their London group opponents sweep their three-match series.

It was an awesome display of size, strength and quality against good opposition.

Going into her fourth Olympics, team captain Jackson believes the current Opals squad are building the same sort of steely resolve previous Australian Games teams have shown.

Australia have been silver medalists at the past three Olympics, beaten by the united States who again shape as their nemesis in London.

“The Opals have definitely had a tradition of being tough and strong and playing through adversity, whether it’s bad calls, roughness from the other team, injuries, things like that,” Jackson said.

“One thing we have been doing is to pass on that legacy to the younger players.

“Day by day, you can see the toughness coming out in the players.

“We’re not as soft as maybe we have been.”

Jackson is clearly still stung by the Opals’ 2010 world championship quarter-final exit - admitting the team getting together at the last minute before the tournament was a major factor.

Australia’s leading women’s basketballer was among the first to commit to a marathon three-month Olympic preparation under coach Carrie Graf to ensure no repeat.

Jackson believes the build-up makes the Opals the best prepared they’ve been for a major event.

“I’m expecting big things from this team and myself, and the coaches,” Jackson said.

“I want the girls to get better. I’m just going to keep pushing the girls like Graffy is, and hopefully, we do good things.”

Opals London 2012 Draw Day 1: Sat 28 Jul, 22:15 – Australia V Great Britain Day 3: Mon 30 Jul, 14:30 – France V Australia Day 5: Wed 01 Aug, 14:30 – Australia V Brazil Day 7: Fri 03 Aug, 11:15 – Russia V Australia Day 9: Sun 05 Aug, 14:30 – Canada V Australia

Lauren Jackson Basketball

PLAYCANBERRA.COM.Au 9Issue #14 August 2012

OLymPiC SPeCiaL

Five of the world’s best BMX cyclists have been named to represent Australia at the London Olympic Games. Heading to London as the top ranked nation in men’s and women’s BMX, the Australian team features world No.1 Sam Willoughby and female No.2 rider Caroline Buchanan.

Willoughby and Buchanan both collected a World Champion’s rainbow jersey last month, and have their eyes on gold at the end of the rainbow in London.

“Since BMX was added to the Olympic program it has 100 per cent been my goal to compete in London. I knew I’d be the right age, I knew I’d be ready, and I’ve had an amazing season so far,” Buchanan said.

Australia secured the maximum number of BMX Olympic quota places - two women and three men. In a tight

tussle for the second female position, No.5 ranked Lauren Reynolds edged out teammate and world No.6 Melinda McLeod by just three points.

Canberra’s Buchanan has been a BMX rider since she was five but was too young to be eligible for the Beijing

Olympics. Since then her entire focus has been on London 2012. She had a blistering start to the season, claiming three straight World Cup time trial wins and crossing first in the race final in Norway. She also won the non-Olympic time trial event gold medal at the World Championships.

“I feel like I’m riding on a high this season, it’s been amazing. It’s been the most consistent season I’ve ever had and I’ve got the best results in my career.

“Winning the time trial at the World Championships was the first time I ever pulled on a BMX rainbow jersey and it was a real career highlight,” said Buchanan who has twice claimed elite world titles in four-cross mountain bike racing.

But the time trial result in Birmingham was bittersweet for Buchanan who failed to qualify through the early rounds for the main event. Only one medal is on offer in London and it comes in head-to-head racing rather than the time trial.

“What I’ve noticed is that you’re only as good as your last race. It was quite hard to finish on a not so good note by missing the finals at Worlds, but that has definitely made me hungrier.

“I’m not content with where I’m at and I can’t wait for London,” said Buchanan. - AOC

Womens BMX schedule Day 14 Monday 10 Aug 3:00 PM

Caroline Buchanan - BMX

Twenty-year-old Henderson is becoming a regularon the under-23 World Cup podium and makes her Olympic debut in London.

“I have always wanted to be an Olympian but I never really thought I would be in the 2012 Games,” Henderson said.

“The Aussie riders were always a few too many steps ahead of me when I was younger. Last year I stepped up a level, racing the World Cups but I think it was only this year I was really considered a threat to other riders for the Olympic spot.”

To seal her selection for the Games, Henderson has been travelling the World Cup circuit.

“My World Cup campaign so far has had some highs and lows but overall has been quite consistent,” Henderson said.

The young Canberran landed her first podium finish in April with a bronze medal in the under-23 ranks at the second round of the World Cup in Houffalize, Belgium. But a 13th place finish at the next World Cup threatened to derail her Olympic campaign.

“I found it difficult to keep my head up after such disappointment,” Henderson said.

“I was so motivated leading into the third round and knew I had only one chance left to prove my worthiness for a ride in London.”

The fourth World Cup round in La Bresse, France provided Australia’s contenders with a final chance to put their hands up for selection. Henderson rode her heart out to finish second on the under-23 podium.

“Crossing the finish line in second in the World Cup is a huge achievement for me, and so far from what I was expecting to get out of that race. Standing on the podium in a World Cup for the second time this season, the feeling is indescribable!” she said.

“These results have come as a huge surprise and have given me confidence to race against girls I thought were out of my league.”

The strong results have taken Henderson to second on the under-23 World Cup standings. Her elite cross-country ranking is 55th. Leading to London she has one eye on the Rio 2016 Olympics.

“The biggest goal (in London) is to have a really good strong performance and gain a lot of experience. I really want to learn what the Olympics are about as I have heard even a lot of the best riders in the world become extremely nervous come Olympics. I want to get all of this out of my system so I am ready for the Olympic Games in Rio!” - AOC

Rebecca Henderson - Mountain Bike


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Bradley Wiggins crossed the finish line on Paris’ Champs on July 22nd as the first British winner of the Tour de France. Just like the previous year, with Cadel Evans, the Tour had an historic Maillte Jaune victor. In this year’s edition, however, it was the unbelievable power and strength of Wiggins’ Team Sky, consisting notably of two Australians, which truly defined the three-week cycling epic. Although some Australians fans might have felt slightly deflated after defending champion Cadel Evans faded in the last week of the Tour de France (still finishing 7th on General Classification – a position that is no mean feat and one which few Aussie have ever achieved), it was within Wiggins’ Team Sky that two Australians shone through as true stars of the Tour.

The names of Canberra’s own Michael Rogers and that of Tasmanian Richie Porte would not have been found on the top of the results sheet by the time Paris arrived. It was instead their incredible efforts in support of winner Bradley Wiggins that made their performances amongst the best for the Australian contingent at the Tour.

Both riders were critical gears apart of the ‘Sky Machine’ that often controlled the race and continually denied Wiggins’ rivals attempts to gain time. Rogers and Porte were able to ride at a pace and speed that simply meant no one could attack, and riders would slowly drop away unable to keep up with consistent pace.

Not all roadside Aussie fans were impressed by this effort by Porte and Rogers, however, with both riders getting booed by numerous Australian spectators as they rode on the front in pursuit of Cadel Evans, who escaped off the front in a mountain stage. Rogers took to twitter the next day, reminding those spectators that it is literally his job to help defend Bradley Wiggins lead, “Perhaps the Aussie’s booing @richie_porte and myself yesterday would like to pay our wages from now on!”

Once the news of the booing spread online many notable Australian riders, commentates and journalists rallied behind Rogers and Porte, shunning the actions of the fans. Scott McGory, former Olympian and cycling commentator, also expressed his frustration about the actions of the roadside spectators on twitter “Any so-called Aussie fans that boo @mickrogers or @richie_porte need to pull their heads in. It’s Pro sport, so stop being w**kers.”

For Australian fans, particularly those whom are new spectators of Pro Cycling, it may be difficult to view the Tour de France as a race between multi-national Professional Teams, and not a battle of nations. Although Wiggins’ win will be marked in history books of British sport, it was a team of Australians, a few British, a Norwegian, an Austrian and a German that helped make it happen. Just like with Australia’s own Cadel Evans, it was sacrifices by riders all across the world that assisted in taking the Yellow Jersey back to Australia.

Michael Rogers and Richie Porte’s Tour de France was one that Australia should be proud of. Having two Australians within the same team have such an influence on the result of the worlds biggest cycling event is not an image you would have come across several years ago, and it is one that should be celebrated, even if their efforts help result in a British rider standing a top the podium.

SKy iS the Limit: the twO aUStraLianS Behind the yeLLOw By: Adam Phelan

Image: Getty


◊ LUCY HINCHEY

The Australian Squash Open heads back to Canberra again for 2012, where the worlds best will battle it out for the tour title.

Women’s world number one and Australian Open reigning champion, Nicol David, will be back to defend her title on the all glass courts. The Malaysian competitor won her first Australian Open last year when she beat England’s Jenny Duncalf.

Australia’s Rachael Grinham and Kasey Brown, ranked ninth and tenth in the world, will be looking to make an impression on home soil, alongside Cameron Pilley (fifth seed) who is the highest ranked Australian male competing.

The tournament is the only sporting event of its kind, last year bringing an overall attendance of 7 thousand spectators right to the CBD of Canberra.

Event director Samantha Paterson says the event holds huge benefits for Canberra, bringing it international recognition and pumping $3 million into the local economy.

“The tournament has bought people to Canberra that might otherwise not have visited the city especially the

international players and their fans,” she said.

Paterson also commented that Canberra has been an ideal location for the tournament over the last two years.

“The Australian Open has shown that Canberra is an ideal city to host a major sporting event … the players consider the tournament to be one of the best on the world tour.” Paterson said.

“The Canberra Squash community has contributed enormously to the success of the Australian Open volunteering over 2000 hours of their time … we want the Canberra community to be a part of the excitement of the Australian Open and we encourage you to … experience the atmosphere of this international sporting event right here in Canberra, even if you’re not a squash player,” Paterson said.

As well as the Australian Open, Canberra will host five other major national and international championships between August and October. The under-21 rising star championships will again be held in conjunction with the Australian Open, followed by the Australian Masters Championships, the Australian Junior Championships and the Australian Team Championships.

The Australian Open kicks off at the National Convention Centre from 13th-19th August.

2012 australian sQuash open

hits canberra in auGust

Ramy Ashour

See the world’s best squash players at the National Convention Centre

playcanberra.com.au14 Issue #14 AUGUST 2012Round 1 Round 2 Quarter finals Semi finals Final

MEN’S DRAW*

1 RAMy AShouR (EGY)14 Aug 2012 | 21.15

Qualifier

MohD NAFiizWAN ADNAN (MAS)14 Aug 2012 | 16.45

Qualifier

LEo Au (HKG)14 Aug 2012 | 14.45

Qualifier

Qualifier14 Aug 2012 | 14.00

7 NicoLAS MuELLER (SUI)

5 cAMERoN PiLLEy (AUS)14 Aug 2012 | 20.30

Qualifier

oMAR AbDEL Aziz (EGY)14 Aug 2012 | 16.00

cAMPbELL GRAySoN (NZL)

zAc ALExANDER (AUS)14 Aug 2012 | 18.30

Wc REx hEDRick (AUS)

MAtthEW kARWALSki (AUS)14 Aug 2012 | 19.15

3 oMAR MoSAAD (EGY)

4 toM RichARDS (ENG)13 Aug 2012 | 19.15

kAMRAN khAN (MAS)

AbDuLLAh AL MuzAyEN (KUW)13 Aug 2012 | 20.30

RyAN cuSkELLy (AUS)

MARtiN kNiGht (NZL)13 Aug 2012 | 14.45

Qualifier

SiDDhARth SuchDE (IND)13 Aug 2012 | 14.00

8 ALAN cLyNE (SCO)

6 oNG bENG hEE (MAS)13 Aug 2012 | 16.45

ivAN yuEN (MAS)

AMR khALED khALiFA (EGY)13 Aug 2012 | 16.00

Qualifier

JAN koukAL (CZE)13 Aug 2012 | 18.30

Qualifier

MAx LEE (HKG)13 Aug 2012 | 21.15

2 PEtER bARkER (ENG)

16 Aug 2012 | 21.15

16 Aug 2012 | 18.30

16 Aug 2012 | 20.30

16 Aug 2012 | 19.15

15 Aug 2012 | 20.30

15 Aug 2012 | 19.15

15 Aug 2012 | 18.30

15 Aug 2012 | 21.15

17 Aug 2012 | 21.15

17 Aug 2012 | 20.30

17 Aug 2012 | 18.30

17 Aug 2012 | 19.15

18 Aug 2012 | 14.00

18 Aug 2012 | 16.00

19 Aug 2012 | 15.00

2012 Australian open

WiNNER

CANBERRA / 13-19 AUGUST 2012

*All draw details correct at time of going to press.

28-07_Draw 2012_DPS_PLAY.indd 2 28/07/2012 23:20

playcanberra.com.au 15Issue #14 AUGUST 2012Round 1 Round 2 Quarter finals Semi finals Final

MEN’S DRAW*

1 RAMy AShouR (EGY)14 Aug 2012 | 21.15

Qualifier

MohD NAFiizWAN ADNAN (MAS)14 Aug 2012 | 16.45

Qualifier

LEo Au (HKG)14 Aug 2012 | 14.45

Qualifier


7 NicoLAS MuELLER (SUI)

5 cAMERoN PiLLEy (AUS)14 Aug 2012 | 20.30

Qualifier

oMAR AbDEL Aziz (EGY)14 Aug 2012 | 16.00

cAMPbELL GRAySoN (NZL)

zAc ALExANDER (AUS)14 Aug 2012 | 18.30

Wc REx hEDRick (AUS)

MAtthEW kARWALSki (AUS)14 Aug 2012 | 19.15

3 oMAR MoSAAD (EGY)

4 toM RichARDS (ENG)13 Aug 2012 | 19.15

kAMRAN khAN (MAS)

AbDuLLAh AL MuzAyEN (KUW)13 Aug 2012 | 20.30

RyAN cuSkELLy (AUS)

MARtiN kNiGht (NZL)13 Aug 2012 | 14.45

Qualifier

SiDDhARth SuchDE (IND)13 Aug 2012 | 14.00

8 ALAN cLyNE (SCO)

6 oNG bENG hEE (MAS)13 Aug 2012 | 16.45

ivAN yuEN (MAS)

AMR khALED khALiFA (EGY)13 Aug 2012 | 16.00

Qualifier

JAN koukAL (CZE)13 Aug 2012 | 18.30

Qualifier

MAx LEE (HKG)13 Aug 2012 | 21.15

2 PEtER bARkER (ENG)

16 Aug 2012 | 21.15

16 Aug 2012 | 18.30

16 Aug 2012 | 20.30

16 Aug 2012 | 19.15

15 Aug 2012 | 20.30

15 Aug 2012 | 19.15

15 Aug 2012 | 18.30

15 Aug 2012 | 21.15

17 Aug 2012 | 21.15

17 Aug 2012 | 20.30

17 Aug 2012 | 18.30

17 Aug 2012 | 19.15

18 Aug 2012 | 14.00

18 Aug 2012 | 16.00

19 Aug 2012 | 15.00


WiNNER




Round 1 Round 2 Quarter finals Semi finals Final

WoMEN’S DRAW*

1 NicoL DAviD (MAS)15 Aug 12 | 17.15

Qualifier

10 LoW WEE WERN (MAS)15 Aug 12 | 13.30

Liu tSz-LiNG (HKG)

5 ANNiE Au (HKG)15 Aug 12 | 12.45

Qualifier

15 DELiA ARNoLD (MAS)15 Aug 12 | 14.15

ALiSoN WAtERS (ENG)

4 MADELiNE PERRy (IRL)15 Aug 12 | 12.00

Siti MuNiRAh JuSoh (MAS)

16 EMMA bEDDoES (ENG)15 Aug 12 | 12.00

Qualifier

8 kASEy bRoWN (AUS)15 Aug 12 | 15.45

LiNE hANSEN (DEN)

9 JoELLE kiNG (NZL)15 Aug 12 | 13.30

Qualifier


12 DoNNA uRQuhARt (AUS)

SiyoLi WAtERS (RSA)15 Aug 12 | 13.30

7 RAchAEL GRiNhAM (AUS)

EMiLy WhitLock (ENG)15 Aug 12 | 14.15

13 JAcLyN hAWkES (NZL)


3 LAuRA MASSARo (ENG)

chRiStiNE NuNN (AUS)15 Aug 12 | 16.30

11 DiPikA PALLikAL (IND)


6 cAMiLLE SERME (FRA)

AMANDA Sobhy (USA)15 Aug 12 | 12.45

14 JoEy chAN (HKG)


2 JENNy DuNcALF (ENG)

16 Aug 2012 | 17.15

16 Aug 2012 | 12.45

16 Aug 2012 | 12.00

16 Aug 2012 | 16.30

16 Aug 2012 | 15.45

16 Aug 2012 | 13.30

16 Aug 2012 | 14.15

16 Aug 2012 | 15.00

17 Aug 2012 | 16.45

17 Aug 2012 | 16.00

17 Aug 2012 | 14.45

17 Aug 2012 | 14.00

18 Aug 2012 | 13.00

18 Aug 2012 | 15.00

19 Aug 2012 | 14.00


WiNNER





skate in the cityGarema Place www.inthecitycanberra.com.auFacebook: PLAY Canberra Images: Andrew Finch

Images: Andrew Finch

brumbies vs blues lunchCanberra Stadium www.brumbies.com.auFacebook: PLAY Canberra

Khayne and Mick Morales and Aimee Myers

Luca and Kiara Prosperi with Melissa Matiniello and Katia Prosperi

Lilly Wickham and Nicole Reid

Brendan and Sharna Butler

Cara Gaffney, Dylan and Claudia Mattews with Eden Lang

Don Barr and Mark Veal

Jeff Brewer and Paul O’Donnell

Kerry O’Kane and Jen BradleyMiguel and Jhon Estanillo

with Luca and Carlo Tosolini

Simon Butt, Paul Cooke and Keith BradleyKate Tominac and Steph Lynch

SCOtt 24 hOUr

Sharon Liew, Nicole Chuas and Jo-Lyne Lim

PLAYCANBERRA.COM.Au 17Issue #14 AuGuST 2012

www.corc24hour.com.au

13-14 october 2012

WEMBO WORLD SOLO 24HR MTB cHaMpiOnSHipS

STROMLO FOREST PARK. 12 / 13 OcTObER 2013FORT WILLIAM, ScOTLAND. 11 / 12 OcTObER 2014

EnTRiES OpEn nOW! WWW.WEMbO.cOM.Au

The WEMBO World Solo 24 Hour Mountain Bike Championships will provide true world-wide competition and be recognised by mountain bikers, spectators, the cycling industry and media as the pinnacle of the sport.

EntriEs for thE scott AustrAliAn 24 hour MountAin BikE chAMpionships

ArE now opEn!Ride solo or get your team of 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 or 10

together for a social experience, and become part of Australia’s biggest 24 hour mountain biking festival!

First held in Canberra in 1999, the Scott Australian 24 Hour Mountain Bike Championships is Canberra Off-Road Cyclists’ signature event. It will see over 2500 riders and an additional 5000 family and supporters turn Stromlo Forest Park into a mini-city for the 14th year.

Riders can enter in team sizes of 2, 3, 4, 6 or 10. There is also a special team of 8 category for schools riders who want to join in the excitement. Teams race in a relay format, with one rider on course. Of course, all team categories can be competed as Male, Female or Mixed. But then there are the hard riders of Australian mountain biking – the Solos. Australia’s current world solo 24 hour champions Jason English and Jessica Douglas are fresh from their recent victories in Italy and are expected to lead the charge at the tough end of the field at Stromlo. It’s a long day at the office for the Solos. None will get any sleep and most will spend less than 5 minutes off their bikes during the entire race. Their pit crew helpers work just as hard, looking after everything from mechanical repairs to drinks and nutrition.

Despite this being an Australian Championships, its not all about titles. For most of the riders, its all about fun and participation. Ride with your mates – ride against your mates. The Scott 24 Hour provides a great opportunity for friends to get together and have a great weekend of riding at Australia’s premier mountain bike destination, but the unique nature of 24 hour racing

means that you can be on the same track, at the same time, as one of Australia’s Olympic representatives or a world champion. Sure, you might only catch a fleeting glimpse as they overtake you, but what an opportunity to see how Australia’s and the World’s best riders tackle the great trails on the mountain.

The Scott is an iconic event on the calendar, catering to all levels of rider. Canberra’s own London-Olympics representative in mountain biking, Rebecca Henderson, first rode in this race many years ago at the age of 12.

Like most riders, she was doing it for fun, but even then you could see she was special.

Whether you want to camp on the mountain with your mates, get a fully fitted out marquee for your workplace to do some valuable team-bonding, or just come out and watch the lights crawl all over the mountain on Saturday night, the Scott 24 Hour will cater for you as you join the list of over 25,000 riders who have taken part in Australia’s first ever 24 hour mountain bike race over the past 14 years.

Image: Russ Baker

SCOtt 24 hOUr The weekend of 13/14 October will see the return to Mt Stomlo of the biggest 24 hour mountain bike event in the world.


Ainslie: The early season pace-setters have fallen away badly mid-season, but still sit in fourth position on the ladder and boast a talented roster. The form of key players Karina Demant and Luisa Marzotto will go a long way to determining their fate in finals, where they will still be a threat.

Belconnen & Tuggeranong: Both teams have been slightly inconsistent this year but it is still possible for them to steal fourth position although it will be very tough from where they sit.

Prediction: Riverina to reverse last years result against Eastlake and win the premiership.

RISING STARS UNDER 18’sIt has been a case of follow the leader in the under 18’s competition in 2012, as Queanbeyan have dominated the competition and remain undefeated after round 17.

Queanbeyan have been the team to beat after blitzing their competition in 2012. The Tigers will need to avoid getting complacent, but will take plenty of confidence into the finals with only one blemish on their record which was a draw against Eastlake.

Prediction: Queanbeyan to defeat Eastlake in a tight Grand Final.

afl canberra finals runWhile the NEAFL has proven to be a big success as the new second tier competition for the ACT and NSW since its introduction last year, there is still some great football being played across the AFL Canberra leagues in 2012. In this article we will look beyond the NEAFL and cast our eyes across the diverse AFL Canberra competitions to see all the movers and shakers and predict who will be contenders come finals in Divisions 1, 2, and 3, the Women’s league and the Under 18’s competition.

DIVISION 1:The Division 1 competition has been fierce and often unpredictable in 2012, with early season pace setters Belconnen starting to be challenged as finals approach. There have been many twists and turns so far in 2012, and as competition starts to heat up heading into September, there are sure to be a few more left in season 2012.

Belconnen: Dominated competition early in the season playing fast, exciting football and still sit on top of the ladder with an 11-3 record. A recent loss to Ainslie has dented momentum but the Magpies will still be a force come September.

Ainslie: Early season wobbles have transformed into a stunning mid-season fight back to sit second on the ladder with a 10-4 record. On their day can beat anyone and will be dangerous in finals.

Eastlake: Dark horse of 2012, showed glimpses of brilliant form early in the season but have hit a slow patch in recent weeks. When playing well are a good side, but prone to inconsistency

Queanbeyan: The Tigers have been an inconsistent side, but have patches of brilliant form. They toweled up Ainslie early in the season but have since fallen away. You can’t right them of after they have won the last 3 premierships.

Prediction: Belconnen to sneak past Ainslie in the Grand Final.

DIVISION 2:The finals bound teams in Division 2 have all but been confirmed after round 14, with four stand out teams set to battle it out in what looks set to be a highly competitive finals series. The gap from fourth to fifth is large, underlining the dominance of ADFA, ANu, Belconnen and Ainslie in 2012.

ADFA: Stand out team of 2012, being undefeated after 11 games is a huge achievement and ADFA deserve finals favouritism. Have been in a similar position in the last two season but failed to finish it off with a premiership.

ANu: Impressive season, bettered only by a dominant ADFA. Have consistently beaten teams below them, but have lost to both Belconnen and ADFA. Will need to lift in finals to beat the good sides.

Belconnen: Have been a strong team in this grade for many years. Their form is occasionally inconsistent but will take confidence from beating ANu in round eight.

Ainslie: Have had a solid season, but just off the pace of the top three sides. A recent loss to Eastlake hurt the Tri-Colours and they will need to improve if they are to seriously challenge for the premiership.

Prediction: ADFA to beat Belconnen in the Grand Final.

DIVISION 3:The most diverse of all the AFL Canberra competitions, including teams from Cootamundra, Yass, Cooma, Goulburn and Murrumbidgee, is set for a close finals series. There are five teams who could realistically win the flag in 2012.

ADFA: Ladder leaders after round 14, ADFA are definitely the team to beat in Division 3 with only one loss from 12 games. Will be hard to stop if they keep their momentum going into finals.

Belconnen: A serious challenger for the premiership after some early season stumbles. Have won six in a row to round 15 and will take plenty of confidence into the business end of the season.

ANu: A solid season sees ANu sitting in third position with a 10-4 record and healthy percentage after round 14. Will need to lift in big games after disappointing losses against Belconnen and ADFA.

Gungahlin: Have had good season, but off the pace of the top sides. Will need to really lift if they want do some damage in the finals.

Cootamundra: Sit only one game behind Gungahlin and ANu in fifth position after round 14. Another solid side who is capable of being dangerous but not quite able to match it with Belconnen and ADFA.

Prediction: ADFA to continue their dominant season into finals and beat Belconnen in the Grand Final.

WOMEN’S LEAGUE:The AFL Canberra Women’s league has been incredibly competitive in 2012, with six stand out sides all competing for only four finals spots. The premiership race is wide open and there will be heartbreak for the two sides that will miss out despite solid seasons.

Eastlake: Ladder leaders after round 14, Eastlake have been one of the most consistent sides in 2012 and have flown under the radar for much of the year. They are on top of the ladder for a reason though and will be a hard team to beat in finals.

Riverina: Despite losing star player Mel Hyland recently, the Lions have been one of the most dangerous attacking sides in 2012. They have shown they remain a strong side without Hyland after taking Tuggeranong to the sword in round 14. Serious contender.

Gungahlin: The Jets have had a solid season and sit third on the ladder with a 9-4 record. They have proven they can perform in big games and were one of the first teams to defeat Ainslie when the Tri-Colours looked untouchable mid-season.

◊ Casey Westcombe.

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free aGency in the afl

With free agency being introduced to the AFL at the conclusion of the 2012 season, the AFL has granted players the ability to not only earn what they think to be their true market value, but also leave a team towards the bottom of the ladder with the hope of winning a premiership.

The true ramifications of free agency won’t be fully understood until it has been in operation for an

extended period of time, but the machinations of the modern-game have already started to surface.

It’s been a question asked since the inception of GWS and the Gold Coast and the defectors that went their way, but is free agency the final nail in the coffin of club loyalty?

The Travis Cloke/Collingwood saga which has been in full swing since the start of the season took an unexpected turn with the

player and club agreeing to leave contract negotiations until the end of the year.

Sound familiar? It was the same line used by Gary Ablett’s management when a possible move from Geelong was mooted in the press. Ablett, a name synonymous with Geelong, just like Cloke is with Collingwood meant little to Gary as he

set out for the greener pastures of the Gold Coast.

However, free agency has opened more doors for clubs who want to lure out-of-contract stars, even if they are ineligible for the new system.

Port Adelaide star midfielder Travis Boak has been in contractual talks with the Power for months now, yet it was a move by Geelong Coach Chris Scott, Captain Joel Selwood and club stalwart Jimmy Bartel which raised eyebrows.

The trio flew to Adelaide to meet with Boak personally to see if he would entertain the idea of a move back to Victoria, and more specifically with the Cats, to be closer to family.

Chris Scott said it was the ‘changing landscape of the AFL’ and the players association has only themselves to blame if they considered their actions inappropriate.

“The players and the [AFL] Players’ Association pushed hard for that, so they certainly can’t complain about the interest in player movement.” Scott said.

But is this really the way we want our game to go? For a team to select a player in the draft, nurture their talents only to see them whisked away by another club with the promises of greater riches?

The words of Chris Scott set up the begrudging realisation that every AFL fan will have to make after free agency is introduced, “As an industry we’ve got to embrace it.”

Does it spell the end of loyalty in football?◊ TODD DAVEY

Image: GettyImage: Getty


a.c.t. representatives selected for australiaIndoor Cricket A.C.T. (ICACT) announced that the following players have been selected to represent Australia at the 2012 Junior World Series of Indoor Cricket in South Africa. The selections come as a result of strong performances at the recent Australian Junior Championships.

international summer for canberra cricket fansThe Gabba will host its first Test against South Africa in 49 years and Canberra fans will have the chance to watch the Australian men’s team for the first time in a one-day international after the 2012-13 Australian summer of cricket schedule was announced.

The summer will feature 43 days of international cricket plus three tour matches against South Africa, Sri Lanka and West Indies. It includes a pair of three-match Vodafone Test Series, twin five-game Commonwealth Bank Series and three KFC T20 INTLS.

The action starts at the Gabba, with Brisbane hosting current second-ranked Test nation South Africa for the first time in 49 years. In the last Australia-South Africa Test played at the ground in December 1963, a Richie Benaud-led Australia drew with a South African team featuring six debutantes including left-handed batting ace Graeme Pollock. That match is also infamous for being Ian Meckiff’s last after he was no-balled for throwing four times in his only over.

From the Gabba, the series moves to Adelaide and Perth before South Africa leaves and Sri Lanka arrives for another three-match Vodafone Test Series.

Tyler Hays, Jackson Wise, Jordan Wood and Tom Seaman (reserve) have been chosen in the Australian 12/u Touring Squad, while Benji Floros and Adam Seary (reserve) have made the Australian 14/u Touring Squad.

Additionally, ACT 18/u captain and open men’s player Timmy Floros was named in the Australian 18/u Allstar side. Timmy and his younger brother Benji join their older brother (and member of the Queensland Bulls) Jason Floros and uncle Billy Floros with their selection in Australian colours.

Continuing the family trend, Tyler Hays follows in the footsteps of his father Jason who was part of the world cup winning Australian Over 35 team in 2010.

Commenting on their selection, ICACT Vice President Cameron Walter said: “It is a high honour to represent your country in any capacity, and the strong representation of ACT players in the junior Australian sides is a testament to the hard work each individual has put into their game over the preceding months.

“All of us in the close-knit Canberra indoor cricket community are proud of what our youngest players have achieved and are excited about the opportunities their Australian selection represent.

“Due to the high cost (upwards of $4,000) for individuals to take part in the Junior World Series, Indoor Cricket ACT will now turn its attention towards assisting selected players with raising the necessary funds to take part.

“We hope to work with the already generous Canberra business community towards supporting our junior superstars in achieving the high honour of representing their country.”

The Junior World Series of Indoor Cricket will take place from September 30 to October 6 in Guateng Province, South Africa.

The opening match of the Sri Lanka series will be played at Blundstone Arena, Bellerive. If Ricky Ponting plays all three Vodafone Tests against South Africa, he will be in line to create Australian cricket history by passing Steve Waugh as Australia’s most capped Test cricketer at his home ground.

The MCG and SCG retain their traditional Boxing Day and New Year slots as hosts of the second and third Vodafone Tests against Sri Lanka. The SCG will host the Pink Test for the fifth time, with Cricket Australia’s community action program, Cricket Cares, looking to

build on the $3.5 million it has raised for the McGrath Foundation over the course of its five-year partnership.

The twin Vodafone Test Series will be followed by a pair of five-match, head-to-head Commonwealth Bank Series, the first against Sri Lanka and the second against West Indies. The series against West Indies will be highlighted by the first international cricket match featuring the Australian men’s team in Canberra.

In a big year for Canberra cricket fans, Manuka Oval will also host a Chairman’s XI match against Sri Lanka and the traditional PM’s XI clash, this summer against West Indies, as part of the national capital’s centenary celebration.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland encouraged fans to get to watch Australia’s favourite team pursue its campaign.

“This year we also return to head-to-head Commonwealth Bank Series and a highlight will be the Australian men’s team first international match in Canberra. The match is part of a big year of celebrations for Canberra and fans will be spoilt for choice with South Africa, Sri Lanka and West Indies all visiting the city over the course of the summer.

Image: AAP

Week 4: 20-26 August

Saturday 25/8 Canberra Floorball Open 2012 - www.actfloorball.org.auNEAFL Match of the Round Ainslie V Sydney Uni 11.45am Ainslie OvalCanberra Raiders Cup Match of the Round WB Warriors V Queanbeyan Blues 3pm WB LeaguesCanberra Knights V Melb Mustangs 5.30pm Phillip Ice Rink

Sunday 26/8 Canberra Floorball Open 2012 - www.actfloorball.org.auLoop Mens Premier League Match of the Round Belco United V Cooma 3pm McKellar ParkTradies Womens Premier League Match of the Round Canb FC V ANU WFC 2pm ANU Willows

ActewAGL AthLete on the riseJoseph simpsonWhile riding around the streets of Chapman on his mountain bike “Simmo’s” talent caught the eye of Kris Nicholls, CORC Development Officer. That chance meeting led to rides at CORC events at Mt Stromlo and a couple of weeks later this led to a meeting with the “On The Go/Dynamic Motivation” team directors Mick Spencer and Mic Longhurst and Simmo was deemed to be a good fit for the team. A cross country specialist with strong climbing ability Simmo has quickly risen to the top

of the Rubena Tyres Series. Simmo’s goals are to win the Rubena Tyres series and podium (finish in the top 3) in a National Round and eventually represent Australia at the 2020 Olympics. THE ActewAGL Athlete on the Rise recognises and rewards the achievements of our rising sporting talent. The award caters for athletes at all levels of competition. It is not only results that count, but good sportsmanship as well.Do you know someone that qualifies as an ActewAGL Athlete on the Rise? Send all nominations to [email protected]

ActewAGL AuGust eVents cALenDAr

More reasons to follow us.As Principal Partner of the Centenary of Canberra, we will be able to offer access to upcoming major events. Keep up with what’s happening locally, win tickets and access exclusive events on our Facebook page.

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Week 1: 30-5 July/August

Saturday 4/8 Canberra Darters - See Page 5 of PLAYNEAFL Match of the Round Belconnen V Tuggeranong 2.00pm Manuka OvalCanberra Raiders Cup Match of the Round Bushrangers V Gungahlin Bulls 3pm Greenway ovalJohn I Dent Match of the Round Gungahlin V Wests 3.05pm Nicholls OvalCanberra Knights V Perth Thunder 5.30pm Phillip Ice RinkCaps Academy V Kilsyth 5.30pm Belconnen Stadium Can Gunners V Kilsyth 7.30pm Belconnen Stadium

Sunday 5/8 RAIDERS V Broncos 2pm CANBERRA STADIUMLoop Mens Premier League Match of the Round Belconnen United V Canberra FC 3pm McKellar Tradies Womens Premier League Match of the Round ANU WFC V Weston Creek 2pm ANU Willows

Week 2: 6-12 August

Saturday 11/8 Canberra Darters - See Page 5 of PLAYNEAFL Match of the Round Queanbeyan V Belconnen 2pm Dairy Farmers OvalCanberra Raiders Cup Match of the Round QBN Kangaroos V WB Warriors 3pm Freebody OvalJohn I Dent Match of the Round East V Vikings 3.05pm Griffith OvalLoop Mens Premier League Match of the Round Tugg United V Canb City 3pm Kambah 2-1Canberra Knights V Sydney Ice Dogs 5.30pm Phillip Ice RinkCaps Academy V Albury 5.30pm Belconnen Stadium Can Gunners V Albury 7.30pm Belconnen Stadium

Sunday 12/8 Loop Mens Premier League Match of the Round Monaro V TUFC 3pm Riverside OvalTradies Womens Premier League Match of the Round Woden Valley V Canb Olympic 2pm ANU Willows Aust Squash Open - See back cover of PLAY

Week 3: 13-19 August

Saturday 18/8 Aust Squash Open - See back cover of PLAYRAIDERS V ROOSTERS 5.30pm CANBERRA STADIUMCanberra Raiders Cup Match of the Round Yass Magpies V Woden Valley Rams 3pm Walker ParkJohn I Dent Match of the Round Uni Norths V East 3.05pm ANU North OvalCanberra Knights V Newcastle 5.30pm Phillip Ice Rink

Sunday 19/8 Aust Squash Open - See back cover of PLAYNEAFL Match of the Round UWS Giants V Ainslie 12.00pm WaggaLoop Mens Premier League Match of the Round Canb City V Monaro FC 4pm Hawker OvalTradies Womens Premier League Match of the Round Gungahlin United V Belco United 2pm Harrison 101


It’s been killing me, this business of trying to predict the Super Rugby final standings. Safe assumptions were shown up and everything we know about assumptions was proven to be brutally true.

Scenarios that couldn’t possibly play out, don’t be ridiculous, you’re dreaming man, played out like they were always supposed to happen. Who’d be a pundit?

For two months now I’ve been telling you that the Hurricanes were no chance, and that they couldn’t possibly win tight games on their run home to be in with a show of qualifying in the top six. Two months.

Well, not only did they win both those tough games to finish, but by midway through the final round, they were actually sitting fourth overall. My only saving grace is that they didn’t actually qualify in the end. They still made me look silly along the way, though.

It literally came down to the last play of the match against the Chiefs in Wellington. Buried deep on the Chiefs line, and with the final siren so far in the past that stadium cleaning staff nearly outnumbered spectators, the Hurricanes somehow piled over the line to secure the bonus point try they need to stay alive.

Hurricanes Captain, Conrad Smith, summed it up perfectly: “It wasn’t pretty, but it’ll do!”

The Reds were suddenly nervous in Brisbane again, as all eyes turned to Canberra Stadium where the Brumbies were expected to make short work of the 13th-place Blues.

The Brumbies only needed to take one point out of the game to be assured of finishing on top of the Australian Conference, and earning a first home final since 2004.

Members had received advice on ticket purchase in the days before the game (which had to occur, with tickets going on sale on the Sunday), and the air was thick with anticipation and belief.

And then the game started.

Pretty much everything that could go wrong for the Brumbies did go wrong, and before halftime even they were playing catch-up rugby in desperate pursuit of that solitary point that would’ve secured a post-season berth.

Call it pressure, call it taking the gas, call it whatever you like, ultimately the

Brumbies couldn’t do the job in front of them and failed to dot the final ‘i’ of what was otherwise a very good season for a club rebuilding itself.

These two shock results in the final round meant that the Queensland Reds suddenly a had genuine shot at the Australian conference, if they could score four tries against the NSW Waratahs. This in itself was no given; over the history of Super 12/14/Rugby, the Reds and Waratahs had both only managed one bonus point win over each other.

But of course the Reds did win, and had the fourth try deposited by the 50th minute, and had little trouble accounting for a Waratahs side just begging for this horrendous season of theirs to end.

With the rest of the round reverting to script, the Brumbies had slipped from an expectant third overall to a despondent seventh, and their season was done.

The Qualifying Finals, played in Christchurch and Brisbane, would see the local sides host travelling South African visitors, and on the whole, it was reasoned, predicted, and even (that word

again) assumed that the home sides would prevail.

In Christchurch, the Crusaders certainly held up their end of this bargaining. The Bulls had been somewhat lethargic on return from the June Internationals, taking their sweet time to account for the Cheetahs and lowly Lions, but being fairly soundly beaten in their crucial penultimate round clash with the Sharks. It was hard to see how they could spring an upset.

And it was especially hard with the Bulls’ discipline letting them down majorly throughout the game. All Black flyhalf Dan Carter would kick six penalty goals from eight attempts while his Bulls counterpart Morne Steyn landed just the one three-pointer for the night.

By the time the Bulls scored their first try of the night, in the 63rd minute, the Crusaders were already leading 22-3 and were on their way to yet another semi-final. A final score of 28-13 and a lopsided stats sheet confirmed the dominance of the seven-time Champions.

SUPer rUgBy deLiverS a LaSt rOUnd Of SUrPriSeS tO COnfirm finaLiStS

The stats sheet wouldn’t tell the story of the second Qualifying Final in Brisbane, however. The 30-17 win was just about the only item in which the Sharks finished on top of the Reds, with the Queenslanders dominating territory, possession, and the breakdown numbers.

ultimately there is only one stat that matters, though, and the Sharks will have cared less about anything other than the win. They were simply too good for the Reds on the night, and were deserving semi-finalists.

The Semis were both intra-conference affairs, with the Chiefs hosting the Crusaders in Hamilton, while in Cape Town the Stormers took on the Sharks.

Both games were outstanding, hard-fought matches with the Chiefs and Sharks winning through the Final in Hamilton on August 4.

The September issue of PLAY will have a full review of the Super Rugby Semis and Final. Either winner will be crowned Super Rugby Champions for the first time in their history.

◊ BRETT MCKAY @BMCSPORT

Image: Getty

PLAYCANBERRA.COM.Au 23Issue #14 AuGuST 2012

The Tri-Nations, already considered by many to be the toughest international tournament in rugby, has been revamped and re-jigged with the inclusion of South American powerhouse, Argentina, in the newly named Rugby Championship.

SANZAR (South Africa, New Zealand, and Australian Rugby), the controlling body of provincial and international rugby in the southern hemisphere agreed to invite the Pumas to join the prestigious tournament from 2012, after negotiations with the unión Argentina de Rugby (uAR) and the International Rugby Board (IRB).

As a result, the old Tri-Nations competition – won by the Wallabies in 2011, after beating New Zealand in the final tournament match in Brisbane – was overhauled to cater for the additional lengthy travel components for the competing nations.

Where previously nations played each other three times over the course of the tournament, with home ground advantage alternating each year, in 2012 the four nations will play each other just twice; once at home, and once away.

It means travel requirements have been relatively evened out, but also means that starting the tournament well, and winning early games becomes the key to success.

argentina addS new dimenSiOn tO the rUgBy ChamPiOnShiP

Certainly, Wallabies Coach Robbie Deans believes this to be the case. With the first two rounds featuring home-and-way Bledisloe Tests, as well as clashes between the Springboks and Pumas, Deans spoke recently of the importance of those clashes for the overall Rugby Championship title, and the Bledisloe Cup within it (a third, stand-alone Bledisloe Test will be played after the Rugby Championship).

“We are straight in the deep end. Two fixtures against the All Blacks. The way the cards are stacked, for the

first time in a decade essentially the Bledisloe can potentially be resolved prior to the Rugby Championship,” Deans told a gathering for the launch of Sydney’s Bledisloe Cup Festival recently.

“I suspect the side that resolves the Bledisloe has got a very good opportunity to press on and succeed in the Rugby Championship.”

The Wallabies will follow those twin Bledisloe clashes with matches against South Africa and Argentina on home soil, clean sweeps of which will go a long way to repeating their Tri-Nations success in 2011.

With a similarly structured draw, though, the World Champion All Blacks will go into the tournament with precisely the same plan.

South Africa can never be discounted with clashes against Australia and New Zealand at altitude included, nor on their form in the June series against England.

Argentina will undoubtedly bring a unique and entertaining style of rugby to the competition, too, and will be an equally difficult prospect when playing at home.

Though long overdue, the inclusion of Los Pumas into regular high-quality competition with the SANZAR partners is a major positive for international rugby.


Albeit an alternative and largely unknown sport on Ice, “Broomballers” have been running around on ice in Canberra for the last thirty years.

Introduced by expatriate Canadians based at the Canadian Embassy in 1981, Canberra was the first place that Broomball was played in Australia and the second registered association in Australia.

A game similar to field hockey, players wear rubber soled shoes and use a paddle to hit a ball around the rink. The game involves six players from each team on the ice at one time with up to 14 players on the bench as reserves.

On Sunday 7 July Broomball ACT had the opportunity to demonstrate the sport to the Canberra community at popular 2012 Skate in the City, a Canberra CBD Limited event.

President of Broomball ACT and Vice President of Broomball Australia, Bryce Marshall, said it was great to be able to participate in community events to create greater awareness of Broomball.

“The Canberra men’s team were dominant in the nationals, winning 16 titles straight in the late 80’s, 90’s and early 2000’s. Now we are struggling for numbers

CanBerranS treated tO BrOOmBaLL exhiBitiOn

but trying to get back up there again,” Marshall said.

“Because we were so dominant in the 90’s our player group is a little bit more aged so we are trying to attract new people and field a few more teams.”

ACT Broomball includes men’s, women’s and mixed teams and is a fun team sport providing a different sporting experience to the more common sports played in Australia.

Canberra CBD Limited, the organisation who brings Skate in the City to life, was excited to have Broomball demonstrations included as part of the 2012 event.

“It is great that events such as Skate in the City can be utilised to introduce sports and activities that the people in Canberra are generally unaware of,” Stephen Gregory, CEO of Canberra CBD Limited said.

“Skate in the City is all about enlivening the centre of the City. unique experiences such as Broomball appeal

to people’s curiosity and assist in bringing people into the city who may not ordinarily visit.”

As well as holding national championships every year, Australia participates in the World Broomball Championships, held every two years, sending over 60 players to the tournament. Behind the dominant countries Canada and the uSA, Australia is recognised as the number one non-North American side.

Anyone interested in trying out Broomball can find information at http://www.actbroomball.org.au

Canberra CBD Limited is an independent not for profit organisation that exists to improve the City Centre of Canberra. For more information about Canberra CBD Limited visit www.inthecitycanberra.com.au


◊ SOPHIE MORRISON

Image: AAP


COerver PerfOrmanCe aCademy

what is coerver coachinG?

COERVER in CanberraCOERVER Coaching ACT is a coaching program recommended by the worlds leading clubs and federations for all levels of youth players (boys and girls) aged 4-17 years. It is designed and developed to improve individual players in small sided groups, in small-sided games and at home through soccer homework.

Since our establishment in 2001, which involved a development program of seventeen players, high demand and an increase in popularity have expanded the ACT program to include personal one-on-one training, holiday clinics, team camps, academy programs, goal keeping programs and international tours.

COERVER Coaching ACT exposes players to a wide variety of moves, ball mastery, receiving and passing, group play all from our world recognized pyramid of player development, and encourages the players to find those that work for them best as individuals. The result? Highly motivated players with dramatically improved ball control skills and increased confidence on the ball. And team success is ultimately only as effective as the individuals that form it.

Our goal is to provide the best programs, the best coaches and the best facilities possible. All our coaches are COERVER and FFA accredited and the majority are also primary school teachers who have an excellent understanding of working with children. We attempt to

make COERVER Coaching in the ACT accessible to as many boys and girls, of all levels, as possible.

Our Aim is to make the game fun to practice; to develop skilled, confident and creative players; and to teach good sportsmanship and respect for all.

The COERVER Performance AcademyAs one of the most respected soccer programs in the world, COERVER Coaching has been favored with an unmatched list of endorsements from national federations, professional clubs and many of the world’s greatest stars and coaches.

The list is constantly growing. In fact, for many years now COERVER Coaching has had the support of legendary soccer coaches like Franz Beckenbauer (German National Team), Jurgen Klinsmann (National Coach Germany) and Sir Alex Ferguson.

Obviously, such high praise from the leading soccer experts on the planet means a lot to us, but the greatest endorsement is to see the improvement in the players who attend the academy.

The COERVER Performance Academy is a soccer school for serious, dedicated individuals seeking additional professional training in order to improve their technical ability and become more advanced players. It’s a developmental program for boys and girls aged 6-16 years. Players are selected and placed in an Academy squad that participates in high-level technical training. It

is a structured training program modeled after renowned youth academies at world-class clubs and federations that we have worked at such as the French Football Federation, Japanese Football Association, English FA, Manchester united, Newcastle united, Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Arsenal to name a few which have utilized the revolutionary COERVER Coaching Method for youth player development. Our Performance Academy staff includes some of the finest technical coaches in the area, experienced with teaching the comprehensive COERVER Coaching curriculum to young players.

“Around the world the name COERVER is synonymous with quality technical training. In fact, COERVER is essentially player development. There have been a lot of imitators over the last 30 years who have borrowed COERVER Coaching’s revolutionary methods and tried to claim them as their own, but that simply proves that the COERVER Method is effective and it works. But of course, there can only be one original and we are still the leader in technical training as we are constantly updating our curriculums.” – Charlie Cooke, COERVER Co Founder and Chelsea FC legend.

The CurriculumThe COERVER Performance Academy curriculum is built upon the highly acclaimed COERVER Method and it’s “Pyramid of Player Development” which essentially helps players acquire the set of skills necessary for becoming confident, creative soccer players. The foundation of the COERVER philosophy begins with the concept, designed by legendary Dutch soccer coach Weil COERVER and later developed by our Co founders Alfred Galustian and Charlie Cooke, that every player needs to master technical ability in order to become more effective on the playing field. The program’s emphasis includes the following: individual ball mastery; 1v1 techniques of the world’s greatest players; competitive cauldrons; strength; speed; coordination and agility training; modern tactics; and small group play, which includes classic COERVER 2v2 and 4v4 micro-soccer.

ultimately, the Performance COERVER Academy’s mission is to provide a comprehensive soccer education for young players looking to acquire the skills necessary to elevate their game to the next level.

The 2012/2013 Performance AcademyOver the past 11 years we have worked very hard here in the ACT on ensuring the COERVER Coaching program is accessible to as many players and coaches as possible. We have placed a strong emphasis on coach education and by visiting and researching the worlds leading clubs and federations we have established best practice in technical player development and coach education. The COERVER Coaching ACT program has established itself as worlds best practice and has become a model for national and international COERVER programs to base themselves on.

Our highly acclaimed Performance Academy program which is conducted during the summer commences with trials on 26 August 2012 at the AIS we look forward to welcoming all players and parents. Further information including application form can be found on our website www.coerveract.com or by calling 0421907788.

We hope you’ve been enjoying our monthly COERVER Coaching Master Class Skills Series. From the feedback we have received they have been useful to individuals and coaches with ideas for training sessions.

With the next Performance Academy trials this month we catch up with former Futsalroo, current Canberra united Technical Advisor and Vice President Asia Pacific and Director of COERVER Coaching Asia Pacific Jason Lancsar to find out the philosophies and history of COERVER coaching and the world renown Performance Academy.


COerver PerfOrmanCe aCademy

COERVER® COACHING ACT2012/2013

PERFORMANCE ACADEMY Trials

The Coerver Coaching Performance Academy Program is for boys and girls aged 6-16+years.

If you are serious about football (soccer), if you are committed to improving your ability as a

‘total player’ and meeting like-minded people, then come and join the CoeRveR® Coaching

Performance Academy.

Let us help you become the player you always dreamed of being. CoeRveR® Coaching is

recognised as the number one soccer skills teaching method in the world.

For further information & application go to www.coerveract.com

or email [email protected] or call 0421 907 788

www.coerveract.com

When: Sunday 26 August 2012Time: Please see application form Where: AIS Indoor Synthetic Field, Australian Institute

of Sport, Leverrier Street BruceCost: Free to trial


Combat SPoRtS

DUKE DIDIERNot surprisingly, Canberra born and raised Duke “the Duke of Canberra” Didier loves fighting in front of the home crowd “yeah, I love fighting in front of my friends and family, I love the fact that when I come out I’ve got a lot of people behind me, for some fighters it’s nerve racking, but for me it’s nothing but motivation to go in and get the job done.”

Coming out of the shadow Olympic Judo squad it’s no secret Dukes strength is his grappling. And its no surprise Duke’s game plan is to take the fight to the

ground. Wise enough to avoid the trap many-a-grappler falls for after a bit of striking training, Duke will avoid the temptation to try stand and trade blows with his opponent Sam Kei who hails from a striking gym. Duke admits he can see the striking appeal “it is awesome, and I do enjoy getting in there and boxing and kickboxing” and Duke looks forward to the day that he can box with the boxers and strike with the kick boxers, but when you’ve ended both professional fights via guillotine choke in 40 and 32 seconds respectively why would you want to change the grappling formula.

Duke expects a tough encounter this time around in a fight that’s shaping to be a classic striker versus grappler battle. “My plan is to come out on the front foot, not wait around and feel him out, just get in, close the gap as soon as I can and try blow him out with a big throw then go for a technical knockout via ground and pound or submit him, just try get in as quick as I can, the less standing and trading (of blows) the better (laughs)”

To see one of the premier grapplers in Australia in action get along to Capital Punishment 6 on August 25th at the National Convention Centre. Tickets are available through www.ticketek.com

SPIRO BLACKIf an “out of shape” Spiro Black is anything to go by, God help anyone who gets in the ring with a fully fit Spiro Black.

Last year’s fight against Ben Reid could only be describe as an all-out war from the first bell and scary thing for Spiro’s Capital Punishment 6 opponent – New Zealand’s James Gordon - is that Spiro took that fight on short notice and wasn’t in peak condition.

“I didn’t train for that fight, I was sick with the flu and took that one on short notice, I took it under a weeks notice with no

training under my belt.” Those watching would have been none the wiser. The fight was a flurry of connecting punches, kicks and knees from the onset (not to mention a spinning back-fist thrown in for good measure). But it doesn’t always play out that way. Spiro is a versatile fighter that changes tactics according to the opposition. “I like to feel my opponent out in the first round, but if they bring it to me straight away I pick the pace up – I don’t like to let them get on top of me.”

But even with a record of 10 fights for 10 wins (5 by KO) Spiro knows there’s no room for complacency in the fight game and his research has showed him this fight will be a tough one “I’m expecting a pretty tough brawl he’s a really tough kid from a tough New Zealand gym, but I know what I have to do to beat him so I’m confident I’ll win”

A born and bred Kiwi himself, Spiro has called Canberra home for the last 12 years and loves the chance to fight in front of his local crowd “this is my home now - I love fighting here, I’ve got a strong supporter base here, a lot of friends and family, I even have family that travel out from New Zealand to watch me fight.” Spiro is confident their travels won’t be in vain when he looks to make it 11 wins from 11 fights at Capital Punishment 6.

Warrick HarringtonAfter a two year lay off fight fans could be mistaken for thinking they had seen the last of the prodigious talent of Warrick “the hammer” Harrington. Bursting on the scene and making a considerable impact in a short amount of time Warrick hung up the gloves in 2010 to concentrate on an Honours Degree in Sports Science at university.

Two years later and Warrick is returning to the ring with an ominous warning to his opponent. “I have now had a decent chance to get a solid 10 week preparation

leading into this fight. I feel that my timing is better than it has been, and being supplied with the benefits of a sporting organisation, my strength and conditioning is at a whole new level.”

As the head of Sports Science and Performance Analysis at the Canberra Brumbies Warrick has the benefits of a world class training facility at his finger tips. And while the rigours of travelling with a professional sporting team has limited his training during the super rugby season Warrick believes the 10 week lead in to Capital Punishment 6 will have him physically peaking at the exact right time.

And mentally, Warrick said he can’t wait to get back in the ring and improve on his 21 fights for 17 wins, 3 loses and 1 draw record. “I’m really looking forward to getting back into the ring and challenging myself against a strong opponent.”

Those who know what Warrick is capable of will be excited at the prospect of seeing him in the ring again. While those who haven’t seen him fight before, including his Brumbies counterparts, better get to Capital Punishment 6 to see what a combination of natural ability and hard work can produce.

Paul Slowinski vs Doug Viney K1 Rules Super Fight

Ever wondered what style works best in kickboxing – kicks or punches? Now’s your chance to find out, as two of the best at their trade fight it out in a K1 Rules Super Fight. Paul Slowinski regarded by many as the biggest leg kicker in the business comes up against former Olympic boxer Doug Viney.

These two experienced fighters, Slowinski with an impressive 120 fights for 101 wins including two K1 World Grand Prix championships and Viney a former Olympic boxer with a 29 fight for 20 wins record including a K1 world Grand Prix Tournament win, will settle score.

Don’t miss this clash of the kickboxing styles as these two World Class fighters go to battle at Capital Punishment 6 August 25th at the National Convention Centre. Tickets are available through www.ticketek.com.

Image: Kris Arnold


Across1 Winner of the 2010 FIFA World Cup (5)8 Host city of the 1984 Winter Olympics (8)9 See 4 Down10 English soccer team playing at Home

Park (7)11 Tasmanian cricket’s Ed ___ (5) 12 Sporting abbreviation for 1 Across (4)16 “Component” auto (3,3)17 Pass, go by (6)18 Nickname of 1970s Scottish and Man City

footballer Richard Hartford (3) 23 AC and Inter (5)24 See 6 Down 25 The undersea breathing gear acronym (5)26 Balkan national soccer team which

played their first game in 1992 after the disintegration of Yugoslavia (8)

27 The Australian women’s basketball side (5)

SPOrtS CrOSSwOrd

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8

9

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12 13 14 15

16 17

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20 21 22 23

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Last issue’s solutions

D W M D W

S A L A Z A R R U L E S

V L X V R I

S I N K S P I N H I G H

D E H C A H

G R A E M E S M I T H

S A R S

G E O F F T O O V E Y

C E H Y U S

C O U R I E R M C K A Y

N R R S H M

E D G E D W A R R I O R

S R M E A

Down2 Where you would find Loftus Versfeld

sports stadium (8)3 Torvill and Dean speciality (3,5)4 and 9 Across Recalcitrant Argentine who

(sometimes) plays soccer for Man City (6,5)5 Darren ___, West Indies cricket captain (5) 6 and 24 Across One of the famous tennis

sisters (5,8)7 Tony ___, revered Aussie tennis star and

coach (5)12 Age (3)13 Legume in the ref’s whistle (3)14 Major tennis trophy (5,3) 15 Besiktas, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray all

play out of this city (8)19 Mountain peak (6)20 Nationality of Roger Federer (5)21 Problem joint in tennis (5) 22 Ashley ___, part of the 2005 Ashes-

winning England cricket team (5)

In the lead up to the second largest sporting event in the world, World Cup being number one, I have been an avid follower of all things Olympics. I have read pretty much everything and have basically studied the games as if I was going to do a doctorate on it.

What I have learnt in the past few months, more than anything else, is that a large portion of the activities that occur during the games actually happen behind closed doors.

The first Olympics I actually remember being excited about was the 2000 Sydney games, but as a youngster all I really remember was the hype about the sports. Now, I’m not sure if it’s because I have taken a greater interest in the games as a whole this time round or if the media has just become a bit more “out there” but I seem to be hearing a lot more about the bedroom antics and sleeping arrangements.

Instead of reading stories about how the decrease in Olympic funding could hamper our results at these games, we have heard more about why Russell and Lauryn Mark aren’t allowed to share a room in the Olympic village.

Personally I think this issue is ridiculous! Firstly, how as a host city could you not think that some athletes attending the games might be couples? Common sense would tell you to build a few rooms in each block

that have an ensuite to cater for these couples. Secondly, as the AOC, when the issue arose and drew a lot more air time then it should have, wouldn’t you just step in and defuse it? It’s not a difficult situation, just get two other couples to room with them, I don’t know, maybe Claire and Jared Tallent and Carmen Marton and Safwan Khalil (who are engaged to be married), that could resolve this issue right?

I recently read the book, Sex & the Olympics by James Buckley + team and what was evident whilst reading this is that the Olympics has always been a sex fuelled environment and this will never change. So really, there is no credibility in preaching abstinence when what we need to be doing is preaching safe practices, which seems to be happening, it is estimated that 150,000 condoms will be handed out to athletes at the London games.

At the end of the day, why can’t we let couples sleep in the same room? They are allowed to at the Commonwealth Games and if for no other reason than it disrupts their preparation when they have to sneak around in the middle of the night. If two single athletes decide to “hook up” why do we even care? Although….. if it was James Magnussen and Stephanie Rice they would probably produce possibly the best swimmers the world has ever seen!!!

Sex at the OLymPiCS… nOt if yOU’re married???◊ @SHAuN_EBERT


See the world’s best squash players at the National Convention Centre in August

SCHEDULEMonday 13 August 2:00–5:30 pm 6:30–10:00 pm

Tuesday 14 August 12:00–5:30 pm 6:30–10:00 pm

Wednesday 15 August 12:00–6:00 pm 6:30–10:00 pm

Thursday 16 August 12:00–6:00 pm 6:30–10:00 pm

Friday 17 August Quarter finals 2:00–5:30 pm 6:30–10:00 pm

Saturday 18 August Semi finals 1:00pm – 4:30 pm

Sunday 19 August Finals 11:30–4:30 pm (includes the Australian Open Under 21 Rising Star Championships men and women’s final)

Tickets from $15. Season pass for all sessions $199. For more information, visit:

www.australiansquashopen.com

RACHAEL GRINHAM RAMY ASHOUR CAMERON PILLEY KASEY BROWN PETER BARKER JENNY DUNCALF NICOL DAVID

28-07_Play_backpage-235x275mm2.indd 1 28/07/12 11:19 PM

play canberra issue 14

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