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PLAYCANBERRA.COM.AUII Issue #11 MAY 2012

PLAYCANBERRA.COM.AU 1Issue #11 MAY 2012

02 New Tennis ComplexNational Sports Club in Lyneham

03 CricketChallenge ahead for the Aussie team

04 AFLJets go pink

05 Paintball2012 preview

06 BasketballPatty Mills back in the big time

08 Rugby LeagueRaider Jack Wighton

09 TouchTigers gets new stripes

10 NEAFLAker signs on for the Hawks

12 AFL Josh Bruce scores on debut

13 Local Focus Volleyball and Tennis

14 FeatureCanberra Knights 2012 campaign

17 ActewAGLCalendar of Events

18 Asthma and SportEddies Jones proves Asthma is no barrier

20 Super Rugby Mid season review

21 Rugby John I Dent update

21 FootballLoop Premier League update

23 Play by the RulesKeeping Sport fun and Friendly

24 CyclingBoss Constructions by Nutrixxion team launch

26 Motor SportsPirelli defend F1 tyres

27 Combat SportsPacquiao V Mayweather

28 FitnessTry out these new exercises

29 Crossword It’s back!!!

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Canberra Knights2012 Season

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

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PLAYCANBERRA.COM.AU2 Issue #11 MAY 2012

WORLD CLASS REDEVELOPMENT

The $20 million redevelopment, a joint project by Tennis ACT, Tennis Australia, Next Generation Clubs of Australia and the ACT Government, includes a gymnasium, aquatic facilities and a range of indoor and outdoor tennis courts and squash courts.

The redevelopment will significantly benefit the local economy and will create 100 full-time equivalent local construction jobs, and an additional 65 FTE jobs at the centre.

Tennis ACT CEO Ross Triffitt said the redevelopment would encourage greater participation levels by improving the service delivery of the sport.

“The facility will not only help our current local athletes, but help inspire a future generation of players,” Mr Triffitt said.

“Most importantly, it will allow us to deliver the full tournament pathway from the grass-roots to the elite, adding National Junior and Senior Championships, ITF Junior Championships and Pro Tour events to

our current calendar, as well as our future strategy of a team in the National Tennis League and the underpinning competition.”

These additional junior and senior tour events are expected to provide an economic benefit to the community of $2.34 million per annum.

“We are delighted to be entering into a partnership with Next Generation and securing the future of a facility that provides such a great outcome for tennis,” he said.

“The club will provide a different product from the more traditional community tennis facilities in the ACT, where access to the courts year round can be difficult.”

Next Generation Clubs Australia CEO John Osborne said the partnership would continue the company’s proud heritage of assisting community-based organisations to preserve both their heritage and vital sporting and social infra-structure that may otherwise have been lost to their local community.

“We have successfully partnered with existing Tennis Clubs in Adelaide, Perth and Auckland to assist these clubs to transform their sites into world class sporting precincts with the centrepiece being a member based health, racquet and lifestyle club,” Mr Osborne said.

“We look forward to working with the ACT Government and Tennis ACT to transform the National Sports Club site into a hub for family based health and leisure activities for the residents of Canberra.”

The ACT Government has pledged $4 million to build 14 new hard courts (10 outdoor, four indoor) and eight artificial grass, in addition to the existing six clay courts.

Sports Minister Andrew Barr welcomed the “new opportunities the redevelopment presented, not only for tennis in the ACT but for our local tourism sector, with Tennis Australia’s commitment to bringing a range of events to Lyneham each year”.

TENNIS Australia’s ambitious plan to have four million people playing the sport by 2016, will receive a major boost with the redevelopment of the National Sports Club in Lyneham. Text: Lyndall Parker

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Australia’s Test cricket success under skipper Michael Clarke has masked problems that could be exposed by great challenges looming over the next 18 months.

The Test side goes into a six-month hiatus following a busy nine months, during which they have won nine of the 14 Tests since Clarke took over the captaincy.

In that time, Clarke has overseen series wins away from home against Sri Lanka and the West Indies, shared a series on the road with the highly-rated South Africans and crushed India 4-0 during the domestic summer.

But lying ahead are probably some of the biggest and toughest assignments Clarke’s men could possibly face.

World No.2 South Africa head to Australia at the end of 2012 before next year offers a tour of India that leads into back-to-back Ashes campaigns.

The time off from Test action will mean plenty of speculation with several players struggling to prove themselves despite the successful start to the Clarke era.

Opener Ed Cowan will go into the home series against South Africa’s world-class pace lineup of Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel knowing he’s running out of time to make a big score that will cement his place in the team.

The Proteas’ pace guns will provide plenty of questions for Australia’s batsmen, with Shane Watson yet to solidify himself at No.3 and veterans Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey never far from scrutiny due to their advancing years.

Clarke believes focus on individuals isn’t always the best way to go, particularly after a Caribbean tour with few standout performers but a successful end result.

“I’ve said for a long time that the focus is the team having success,” Clarke said after Friday’s third Test win in Dominica.

“You’re going to have down times and you’re not going to make as many runs as you’d like or take as many wickets as you can but, if you can help contribute to the team’s success, then you play a big part in this team.”

Question marks over the batsmen remain but there’s also some concerns with Australia’s bowlers too.

Young guns Patrick Cummins and James Pattinson will have a home summer to demonstrate their durability following their recent injury woes while veteran fellow paceman Ryan Harris is important but remains an ongoing fitness concern.

At least Clarke feels he has a man for all seasons in Nathan Lyon, who continues to impress in his fledging Test career and has apparently ended Australia’s spin cycle since Shane Warne’s retirement.

“I think we have a wonderful group of fast bowlers. Now the key is to try and get better,” Clarke said.

“If we can keep all the boys improving, we can compete against any team in the world in any conditions.

“It’s not just our fast bowlers. You look at Shane Watson, you look at Nathan Lyon (Pictured), you look at Michael Beer ... I think our squad and our attack continues to improve so that’s a really positive sign for us.” AAP

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MITCHELL’S GLASS WORKS TURNS THE GUNGAHLIN JETS PINK Mitchell’s Glass Works, a local family owned business is proudly sponsoring the Gungahlin Jets in a show of support for Pink Footy and Netball Day, by turning the Gungahlin Jets Women’s playing strip to pink.

Pink Footy and Netball Day was started in 2009. Held over the Mother’s Day weekend, the event was run in conjunction with the Breast Cancer Network Australia [BCNA] and the Victorian Football League. The weekend saw 140 pink footballs and 250 pink netballs kicked, handballed, and passed in a tribute to women with breast cancer in rural Victoria.

Over the last three years, the campaign has gained momentum and support, with sporting clubs and communities across the country showing their support. What began as a grassroots tribute is now reproduced in the professional sporting arena across more codes and now in 2012 for the first time since it’s inception Pink Footy and Netball Day is being run at a National level.

To show their continuing support of the Pink Footy Day initiative, the AFL Canberra Women’s teams of the Gungahlin Jets and the ANU Griffins are hosting their first inaugural Pink Footy Day match. Backed by Canberra AFL, the game has received the support

of local media and Minister for Sport Kate Lundy and MLA Andrew Barr, both of whom will assist in getting the first inaugural Gungahlin Jets and ANU Griffins Pink Footy and Netball Day game under way. We thank Mitchell’s Glass Works for their support which has given the necessary support and the lead for this annual match.

Both clubs would like to invite our local community to come down to the game on Sunday May 13 and cheer on our players. Bakers Delight have kindly provided for sale some of their tasty pink finger buns and the ANU canteen will be open, so bring your family and Pink it up this Mother’s day, try out your footy skills during half time and don’t forget to smile for the cameras!

All money raised through the Pink Footy and Netball Day will go to BCNA, the peak national body for those affected by breast cancer. BCNA works to ensure that women diagnosed with breast cancer and their families have the best possible access to information, care, support and treatment.

Quick Stats• The highest age-standardised incidence rate

occurred in ACT (129.2 cases per 100,000 females)

• Currently 36 women in Australia are diagnosed with breast cancer every day

• Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Australian women, accounting for 28% of all cancer diagnoses in 2006

• One in nine women in Australia will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime

The Gungahlin Jets is a family focused football club, and have women in roles across the width and breadth of the organisation; from our biggest fan base of mums, grandmothers, sisters and aunts, to board and committee members, to players, trainers and umpires, not to forget a mass of dedicated and passionate volunteers. The Pink Footy and Netball Day is a day close to all our hearts and we acknowledge and pay tribute to all those who have been affected by breast cancer.

QUICK DETAILSWhen: Sunday 13 May, from 9:30am

Where: ANU South Oval, corner of Ward & Garran More: See the Gungahlin Jets website or

contact Lisa Murphy 0403 924 580

Donations can be made direct to BCNA via the Go Fundraise website http://

bncapinkfootyandnetballday.gofundraise.com.au/page/gungahlinjets

2012 PAINTBALL SEASON UNDERWAY


The 2012 tournament season is well underway with the first round of the 2012 Australian Super 7s national paintball series completed in mid February and the first round of the new National Capital Paintball League completed over the weekends of 14/15 and 21 April.

Indications are that following strong performances over the 2011 season, Canberra teams will again be a force this year. The 2011 season saw Canberra teams finish champions in Division 3 and Division 2, and 4th in Division 1, while an ACT selection won the annual State of Origin tournament for the first time last November, defeating NSW 3-1 to grab the title.

Round 1 of the 2012 Australian Super 7s series was held at Action Paintball Games in Sydney and in Division 1 (“Pro”), Canberra was represented by Apocalypse and newly promoted Uprising (who tied for the Division 2 Championship in 2011, but was relegated to 2nd place on count back).

Uprising surprised a few of the more experienced teams starting off the event with a solid 4 nil thumping of Sydney based X Fighters and went on to achieve

3 wins, one draw (against Apocalypse) and 3 losses, narrowly missing a finals placing to finish 5th overall in its first outing in Pro. Canberra’s Apocalypse placed 6th and both teams will have players back for Round 2 in May, although Apocalypse is known to have additional injury concerns potentially impacting their roster for the event.

Queensland’s Hostile Intentions took out the Pro Division title beating Sydney SWAT in the final, while Queensland RAW finished in 3rd place in its first podium placing, defeating Sydney Explicit. Sydney’s X Fighters placed 7th while Melbourne’s Hustle placed 8th.

In Division 2 (“Semi Pro”), Canberra was presented by last year’s champions Thundercats and the newly promoted Uprising B, who were 2011 division 3 champions. Thundercats had difficulty recapturing their end of season form and lost their finals match against Sydney Cyndicate to place 4th. Uprising B showed glimpses of the form required to do well at this higher level, placing 9th (of 11 teams), but will need to improve their consistency if they want to achieve a mid table placing over the course of the series.

2012 PAINTBALL SEASON UNDERWAY

New Zealand’s Clown Monkeys, who have committed to travelling for the complete series this year, showed they had not lost the form which shook things up at the last event of 2011. They didn’t drop a match over the weekend and defeated an improving Sydney Shenanigans 3-0 in the Semi Pro final. Other placings in Semi Pro were NBK 5th, Vicious Circle 6th, TAG Legion 7th, Relentless 8th, Misfitz 10th and Queensland’s Red Raw 11th.

In Division 3 (“Amateur”), three Canberra teams competed with Notorious showing that their placings over the 2011 series was a sign of their progress which they maintained to comfortably win event 1. Vengeance finished 9th, while the all female Divas finished a creditable 8th, despite losing a player on day 1 with a serious knee injury. Notorious looks like the team most likely to take out this division if they can maintain their composure and approach through the remaining three events of 2012.

Round 2 of the Super 7s will be held on the weekend of May 19/20 in Sydney, with Uprising looking to maintain or improve its performance and edge in to a podium placing in the Pro Division. Thundercats in Semi-Pro will be keen to show that

their Round 1 result was an aberration and Notorious, following their good run at the first NCPL event, will be keen to keep at the head of the Division 3 table.

April saw League Paintball come to the capital with the launch of the National Capital Paintball League (NCPL) at ACT Paintball Sports at Fairburn Pines. The event was split over two weekends to accommodate the four divisions, with a two day Pro and Semi Pro tournament on April 14/15 and the Amateur and Novice divisions running on Saturday 21 April.

Sydney SWAT took out first place in the Pro division, followed by Crusaders, Thundercats and Uprising, while Uprising B took out Division 2 over Notorious. In the Amateur event, Wagga’s Plan B beat Sydney’s Shamrox for the title with Scare Tactics third and Suspects fourth. In the novice division, Friendly Fire was first past the post, followed by Dye Hards, We Like Rice and World Eaters in fourth place.

Round 2 of the NCPL (Pro and Semi pro Divisions) is scheduled for July 7 and 8 and it is well worth the visit to Paintball Sports near the speedway past Fairburn for a look at the action. Games start from 9am on Saturday and will continue through the day until at least 4pm. It remains to be seen whether teams can afford to participate in two large series but ACT Paintball Sports deserves recognition for its efforts in building and promoting the sport locally. A well run local event, with a great atmosphere, great viewing and good food available makes for happy paintballers! More details on the NCPL series can be found at http://www.ncplevents.com.au.

For local paintball fields contact Predator Paintball (0420580834), Paintball Sports ACT (62588238), or Adventure Paintball (62624242). For more information on the tournament paintball scene in Canberra, email inquiries can be sent to [email protected]

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Canberra’s Patty Mills has broken Andrew Bogut’s record for most points by an Australian in an NBA game to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 107-101

victory over the Golden State Warriors on Friday (AEST).

Mills ripped through the Warriors’ defence with game-highs of 34 points

MILLS SETS NEW AUSSIE NBA RECORD

and 12 assists in the Spurs’ final regular season game, to surpass Bogut’s record of 32 points against the Dallas Mavericks in 2010.

Mills’s impressive performance comes only a day after his 27-point showing against Phoenix.

The 23-year-old has so far had limited opportunity to shine but, with the Spurs already through to the NBA Playoffs, head coach Gregg Popovich again rested star players Tony Parker, Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili.

Mills had an explosive first half, heading into the change rooms with 18 points as the Spurs battled a persistent Warriors outfit.

Sitting on 24 points early in the fourth quarter, and with the game tied, Mills connected on two quick three-pointers to bring his tally up to 30 points, and with it, a six-point lead to the Spurs.

He then levelled Bogut’s record with a strong drive and bucket, bringing his tally up to 34, and sealed victory for the Spurs with a fade-away jump shot in the dying seconds of the game.

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JACK WIGHTON LETS ACTIONS SPEAK

◊ LUCY HINCHEY

Jack Wighton is a man of few words. The 19-year-old doesn’t like to beat his own drum, despite his amazing career to date.

At 17 years of age, Wighton made his debut for the Canberra Raiders NYC Toyota Cup and scored two try’s at fullback to be named man to the match. In the same year he made the Australian school boys team which toured France, Whales and England.

At 18, he was named captain for the NSW U18’s side where he played halfback in front of thousands in a curtain raiser to last year’s State of Origin game two in Sydney.

This year Wighton was called up to first grade in round two to play on the wing against the Gold Coast Titans and said the debut was a dream come true.

“It was unreal to achieve something I’ve been striving for… to try and play at the highest levels. It was unreal to finally get a go,” Wighton said.

After seven first grade NRL games, Wighton admits he still gets nervous before games but says he thinks that’s a good thing.

“Nerves are always good going in to the game it means you’re worried about what’s going to happen and your keen to have a go,” he said.

After being scouted from his home town of Orange, Wighton was invited to Canberra to participate in a four day camp where players are tested physically and mentally to ensure they have what it takes to make football a career.

Raiders recruitment and high performance manager, David Hamilton, said he knew they had found something special in Jack.

“With all the testing we do we realised we had an athlete on our hands, and also someone who was pretty focused on what he was trying to achieve and that was at the young age of 15,” Hamilton said.

Wighton’s trademark fearless attitude on the field against bigger and tougher opponents was what stood out for Hamilton.

“Jack had no hesitation and was more than capable of handling everything that came at him on that day,” he said.

Not only were Wighton’s football skills admirable in someone so young, it was his determination and conviction that won over the Raiders management.

“Jack has a desire I believe to be successful in the game and that came across in everything he did,” Hamilton explained.

With New Zealand born Matt McIlwrick making his debut for the Raiders last month, Hamilton reflects that the mentoring and education system the Raiders have in place is a culmination of many people’s belief and hard work within the club.

“It’s an honour to be able to help young people and hopefully they continue to have greater success and make a career out of it,” he said.

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◊ DARREN WALTON

His numbers are crazy and now Rugby League Immortal Johnny Raper has lauded indestructible Cronulla captain Paul Gallen as the most inspirational forward in almost 50 years.

With the Sharks flying on the back of their skipper’s heroic weekly efforts, Raper on Monday ranked Gallen’s remarkable work rate behind only that of St George legend Norman Provan.

That’s one hell of a call considering Raper is also adamant Provan should be the game’s next Immortal.

“My greatest worker was Norm Provan; no one out-worked him and Paul Gallen is second to him,” Raper told AAP.

Provan, a 10-times grand final winner with the Dragons, retired in 1965.

Forty seven years on and esteemed rugby league record keepers David Middleton and Ian Collis agree that Gallen boasts the mind-boggling numbers to stake a claim as the most complete forward since Provan.

This year, Gallen has made a staggering 213 runs - 60 more than any other player in the NRL.

His 1731 metres gained is 385m more than anyone else, while the Sharks back-rower-cum-prop also tops the

league for offloads with 30 - nine more than Brisbane centre Justin Hodges.

His three-minute early mark in Cronulla’s 44-22 romp over Canberra was his first breather in eight games this season.

“Those numbers speak for themselves,” Claims Provan.

“You’re not going to get into trouble calling him one of the greats.”

Gallen’s supreme efforts this season come after Rugby League Week - the game’s bible - awarded the NSW State of Origin captain a rare perfect 10 rating for his superhuman 80-minute performance on debut at prop for the Blues last year.

“In days gone by, the game had players like Bunny Reilly (in the 60s and 70s) who tackled their hearts out, but we’ve never had someone who tackles their hearts out and runs the ball up as well, like Gallen,” said stats guru Collis.

“And it’s the ferocity at which he runs it up too. I can’t remember anyone who’s done it like Gallen at the

highest level and so consistently.

“I can’t think of anyone that’s ever played like him.”

Even Queenslanders now revere Gallen, with Maroons front-row great Shane Webcke comparing 31-year-old Gallen with retired superstars Andrew Johns and Darren Lockyer.

“Modern day, fair dinkum, I’ve never seen anything like it. Has there been another forward who could work like he does? I don’t know,” Webcke said.

“He’s the best I’ve seen. He’s some sort of freak, to be honest, and there’s no other way to put it.

“It’s the same when you look at Andrew Johns and Darren Lockyer and the rest of them, they’re just simply blessed with more motor.

“He’s set the bar at such a level that it will be a long time before we see anyone better that - or even equal it.”

Another front-row legend, former Canberra, Brisbane and Melbourne prop Glenn Lazarus - the only player in history to win premierships with three different clubs - said Gallen “would be the first person I’d pick in any football side”.

“He seems to be in peak physical condition each week, so he’s obviously doing something very well,” Lazarus said.

“In a day where wrestling is all the go, to be able to offload as much as he does is certainly a feat in itself.”

AAP

LEAGUE GREATS HAIL FREAKISH GALLENHis three-minute early mark

in Cronulla’s 44-22 romp over Canberra was his first breather

in eight games this season.


The new Tiger Electrics uniforms were designed with the assistance of the team at PLAY and were officially unveiled when the mixed side competed at the United Community Touch Knockout, held on Saturday 31 March at Boomanulla Oval in Canberra.

The team were very competitive throughout the day, winning all of their pool games before going down to eventual winners Saiyans in the A grade semi final.

Tiger Electrics are to date one of Canberra’s longest running domestic touch football clubs, having competed in every season since 1993. In recent years, the club has grown to include both a mixed and mens team in the local ACT Touch competitions.

The mixed side took out the 2011 A grade winter competition and are looking forward to repeating that feat this season.

In 2011, the Tigers first junior side entered the ACT Touch junior competition and it is anticipated that this will grow in 2012.

The Tigers have a strong link to junior development with a number of former juniors now playing in the open sides.

The upcoming Winter touch season will see the Tigers mens open side take part in the ACT Touch Premier

THE TIGERS NEW STRIPES

League for the first time which is a major achievement for the club.

Long serving Tigers and ACT representative players Steve Callender and Luke Cookson said they were both looking forward to the challenge that the Premier League competition will bring and are excited to represent Tiger Electrics, having only had the opportunity to compete at this level with outside clubs in the past.

The mens team have been further boosted by the return of former Tiger and ACT representative player Damien Prendergast and the return of former Australian Olympic sprinter, Daniel Batman.

The ACT Touch Premier League officially begins on Wednesday 1 May and will be played at Deakin playing fields. The competition runs for 14 weeks and will involve teams from each of the ACT’s affiliate clubs including last years ACT Superleague champions Northern Phoenix.

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The Tuggeranong Hawks insist they are not concerned by Jason Akermanis’ controversial past after confirming he is near certain to play in the second half of the season with the NEAFL club.

The three-time AFL premiership star has been in negotiations with the Hawks for months to play in their home clash against GWS Giants reserves on June 23 followed by a Sportsman’s night at Canberra Southern Cross Club in Tuggeranong.

The club is selling tickets at $100.00 each with tables of 10 selling fast, for tickets contact David Graham on 0408 325 753 or [email protected]

‘’The plan is we’ll have Jason for the rest of the season,’’ Graham said.

‘’We’re still finalising a few things to make that happen, but that’s what

Jason wants and it’s obviously what the club wants.

Akermanis’ career has been filled with controversial incidents, the most recent last month when he labelled recently passed Melbourne legend Jim Stynes ‘’a nasty man in his day’’ on a Sunshine Coast radio station. But Graham said that hadn’t been an issue in negotiations, and wouldn’t affect his pending deal with the club.

‘’He was apologetic on his Twitter account almost immediately, he went on live radio with [media personality] Jules Lund, one of Jim’s closest friends, and explained himself. We’re prepared to accept it was a judgment issue, but as far as we’re concerned we can’t control what Jason says.

‘’We believe honestly it was not his intention to offend anybody, and we’re prepared to accept his apology and move on.’’

Graham said the club would not read the riot act to Akermanis about controlling his off-field behaviour.

‘’We won’t be censuring Jason. Jason will always give people the answers he wants to give, that’s what he’s renowned for,’’ Graham said.

‘’Obviously we hope there’s not going to be any controversies, we’ve engaged him to play football and that’s all we can comment on.’’

Country Victorian side Yarrawonga has attracted crowds of up to 8000 since recruiting former Carlton superstar Brendan Fevola this year. Graham is confident Akermanis will also help Tuggeranong swell its crowds markedly.

‘’We expect a significant increase in gate revenue,’’ Graham said. ‘’Jason and the ideas he has are fantastic, and we’re confident he’ll help the club financially.

‘’The reason we’ve gone with Jason is we wanted someone to help our players develop leadership qualities and on-field commitment.’’

Tuggeranong coach Glenn Gorman said he was likely to use Akermanis in a variety of on-field roles.

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Now 35, Akermanis played in the midfield during the Brisbane Lions’ golden era, before playing as a small forward for Western Bulldogs in the twilight of his AFL career.

‘’It’d be nice to have him up forward and kick a few goals, but I’m sure I’ll inject him into the middle at different times as well,’’ Gorman said.

‘’He’ll help set the example, running into spots the players can watch and learn from. Being out there with a guy of that calibre is going to give the boys, especially the younger crew, a great experience.’’

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Carlton coach Brett Ratten has urged Blues fans to tone down their antics on Twitter, labelling the death threats levelled at Essendon’s Sam Lonergan as a form of bullying.

Carlton fans were left fuming last week when Lonergan’s rough tackle on Andrew Carrazzo left the

Blues tagger with a fractured shoulder blade that could sideline him for up to 10 weeks.

Despite the seriousness of the injury, Ratten said it was unacceptable for some fans to seriously abuse Lonergan via Twitter or any other social networking site.

“I think that’s really unfair on the individual,” Ratten said in Perth ahead of Friday night’s clash with Fremantle.

RATTEN URGES FANS TO TONE DOWN TWEETING

AAP

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h “Players go out there to play their best and there’s collisions and tackles and these types of things.

“I don’t think any person needs to be attacked through social media or anything like that.

“That is a form of bullying.

“I don’t think it’s acceptable, and it should be stamped (out) as quickly as possible.”

Andrew Demetriou says the language used in Twitter attacks on four AFL identities “has no place in this country”.

The AFL boss on Friday could not hide his disgust for the social media abuse aimed at Essendon’s Sam Lonergan and Kyle Hardingham as well as senior officials Jason Mifsud and Ali Fahour.

Police are investigating the threats on all four men.

Mifsud is the AFL’s community engagement manager and Fahour is the league’s national multicultural manager.

“We find it disgusting,” Demetriou said in Brisbane on Friday.

“All of the commentary has been forwarded to the police hopefully to pursue the perpetrator.

“That language has no place in this country.

“It is offensive. We will leave it in the hands of the authorities to try and deal with it.”

AAP


Geelong Cats supporters Want to watch Geelong on the big screen with the Canberra Cats supporters? We watch games at the Woden Southern Cross Club, in the downstairs community room. Come along in 2012 to watch the Cats play:

R6 Melbourne, Sat 5 May, 1.45pm R8 Collingwood, Fri 18 May, 7.50pm R11 Carlton, Fri 8 Jun, 7.50pm R14 Port Adelaide, Sun 1 Jul, 1.10pm

R16 Collingwood, Sat 14 Jul, 7.40pm R17 Essendon, Fri 20 Jul, 7.50pm R19 Hawthorn, Fri 3 Aug, 7.50pm R22 Bulldogs, Sun 26 Aug, 1.10pm

And we’re going to the SCG for R13 on Fri 17 Jun, to the Cats v Swans game. Everyone is welcome! For more info and our weekly newsletter, email [email protected]

THE BRUCE BROTHERS◊ TODD DAVEY

GWS GIANTS v Western Bulldogs. Was the biggest match in Manuka’s history with a newly formed team calling Canberra their home away from home. Local boy Josh Bruce gets the fairytale call up the night before when veteran Chad Cornes pulls out late with an injury and in a dream result, kicks the first ever goal in GWS’ first ever Canberra game.

It was a great sense of symmetry.

It was a moment that all Canberra footy fans won’t soon forget, the local boy, gathering the spillage from an Israel Falou contest, coolly slotted through a masterfully taken snap around the body, igniting the Canberra crowd and his team-mates with a robust celebration.

“I was over the moon ... all the boys got around me, it was the perfect start to the game.”

What most AFL footy fans wouldn’t know though is that Josh’s Brother Aaron, a former AFL-listed player himself, played in the NEAFL Eastern Conference curtain raiser for local side Eastlake against GWS’ reserves side the UWS GIANTS, kicking seven goals in an absolute dominant display.

Aaron isn’t the only brother that has enjoy success in the NEAFL. Before his debut against the Bulldogs Josh had put together a string of consistent performances which saw him named in the bests on several occassions.

Local football fans would be aware of their journey from Eastlake juniors to NEAFL Stars, and now for Josh a capped AFL player. This is not something that is lost on the Bruce Brothers, who before younger brother Josh got the call up to the seniors, were destined to line up on each other.

Former team-mates of Josh jokingly refer to him as BB (the Better Bruce), a gentle ribbing of Aaron, but a close family bond sees no sibling rivalry, just admiration and adulation for the talented pairs exploits.

“There’s no bragging rights, we’re both unbelievably proud of each other.” Josh said in the wake of brother

Aaron’s match winning seven goal haul against UWS GIANTS in the curtain raiser to Josh’s senior debut.

Josh even joked that he’s glad he didn’t line up on his brother saying that he ‘probably would have tore me up too’ if he hadn’t got the senior call up.

Aaron, who was drafted by the Swans in 2007, and while he never was able to crack the Swans senior side, he no doubt had plenty of advice for his brother leading into a burgeoning AFL career.

However, for the Bruce’s, it was not about who’s playing where or when, it was about getting the entire family together to enjoy the moment.

Josh’s parents were on a flight back from Cairns when he got the news of his call up, with Josh cheekily saying his Mother will have about ’15 missed calls’ when she steps off the plane.

The boys described their parents as ‘proud as punch’ with their efforts over the weekend, capping off a memorable 48 hours since he got nod from Kevin Sheedy to take his spot in his home town.

“It was a great day for the Bruce family.” Josh said in the wake of Saturday’s match. And after the Bruce Brothers made Manuka Oval their own, who could argue?


Volleyball ACT was excited to launch the inaugural season of the Capital Volleyball League, which got underway with Round 1 on Wednesday 4th April.

The Capital Volleyball League (CVL) is the new elite club based competition for volleyball in the ACT and will see 25 teams from six different clubs competing across 4 divisions.

This newly established league will feature high quality volleyball action and it’s exciting to have the National Champion Canberra Heat players spread across all the men’s club sides to lift the quality and experience of each team.

CVL will run on Wednesday nights at multiple Canberra venues from April through to September, with an action packed day of finals action being held on Sunday the 16th of September to decide the champions for 2012.

There are four different divisions in the Capital Volleyball League; Premier Men, Premier Women, Division 1 Men and Division 1 Women.

The Capital Volleyball League will be contested by teams from six affiliated volleyball clubs; ADFA, ANU, Belconnen, Tuggeranong Panthers, Dragons and Hornets.

In the Premier Men division Belconnen are the team to beat after claiming the equivalent title in the former club based competition held in 2011. The standard of this

2012 CAPITAL VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE

division will be exceptionally high with the playing roster of the national champion Canberra Heat squad spread amongst the local teams.

Belconnen are also defending champions in the Premier Women division and are looking to start the season strongly and retain their title as the best women’s club team in the ACT. The ANU team will be bolstered by the arrival of current Australian player Nat Frostick (pictured) from Sydney.

Full CVL draw/results/ladders are available from www.volleyballact.com.au

For any further information please contact VACT General Manager Alex Vallentine on 0412 629 645 or [email protected]

2012 ACT RESIDENT AND SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

This year the 21+ women’s singles event was played for the first time, attracting new players. Minako Sakai took out the title, with Naomi Notting finishing second.

The ACT Resident Championships was first held in 1933 and have included the ACT Senior Championships since 2010.

National Sports Club groundsman and Australian veteran team representative Neville Rodwell showed he can still match it with the younger players, winning the 35+ men’s singles title.

Rodwell, 64, used his home-court advantage edging out Venant Shum.

The 35+ men’s doubles title was won by Mark Hardy and Shum, with George Choka and Luciano Maucieri runner up.

Hardy also won the 50+ men’s singles event, ahead of Alfredo Verdejo.

Previous winners include former Davis Cup member Alun Jones and six-time world senior singles and doubles champion Ros Balodis (who has won the singles event five times).

In the A Grade men’s singles round robin event Shane Huggins was undefeated, with Shane Liyanage second; while David Day won the B Grade division ahead of Geoff Brown.

Karina Charlesworth took out the B Grade women’s singles (round robin) title ahead of Beverley Roberts; while the pairing of Merran Hunter and Maria Mitchell beat Dianne and Emma Prime in the women’s doubles.

The B Grade mixed doubles was won by June Cheah and Ken Iijima. Helen Macduff and Alan Douglas finished second.

The ACT Resident and Senior Tennis Championships played last month is one of the few tournaments open to players of all ages and standards and is a great way for the tennis community to get together.

In the Open category Daniel Fraser reached the final of all three events entered, winning two.

Fraser was defeated in the singles by top seed Kevin Kelly 7-6 6-0, however he took out the doubles and mixed events, which was held from March 31 to April 1 at the National Sports Club, Lyneham.

The 21-year-old was one of only four competitors to enter the maximum three events (singles, doubles and mixed).

In the men’s doubles final, he teamed with Ben Tedman to beat top-seeded pair Amery Clews and Kevin Kelly 6-4 6-4.

Fraser then teamed with his aunty Chris Fraser to take out the mixed round robin event, narrowly beating Owen Peemoeller and Emma Prime.

Fifteen-year-old Sarina Kang, of Dunlop, was also impressive, winning the women’s singles round robin for the first time without dropping a set, ahead of Jacinta Pang.


KNIGHTS EMBARK ON 2012 CRUSADE

Canberra Knights fans have been described as ‘long suffering,’ with the Ice Hockey team not enjoying a great deal of success in past seasons. That’s set to change with the arrival of four new imports from America and three Canberra players fresh from representing Australia at the Ice Hockey World Championships held in Poland last month.

Knights assistant coach Donald MacDonald says this year the team has a lot of talent and Canberra fans can expect big things from the side this year.

“We’re really looking forward to this season, we really want to give the fans – who we believe are by far the best fans in the league – a lot to cheer about this year,” MacDonald said.

Knights captain Mark Rummukainen, assistant captain Jordan Gavin (above left) and defenceman Aaron Clayworth all represented Australia in Poland last month and are hoping use their experiences to boost the team.

“Hopefully we can bring a bit of experience back to

the team and really get the guys going this year… we’re definitely looking to lead by example,” Gavin said.

The ImportsThe team welcome four imports from American professional Ice Hockey leagues. John Kennedy in defence, forwards Nic Polaski and Lucas Schott and former NHL Boston Bruins draftee Mike Brown will be goaltender.

MacDonald says he believes with Brown on the Knights side, they will be a very competitive team in the new look Ice Hockey Australian league.

“We’re very fortunate to have Mike come to Canberra … having him on the team is going to give us a huge boost. I think the Canberra fans will be thrilled to see the quality he’s going to bring to the team. I think we may have the best goalie in the league,” he said.

Brown was drafted to the National hockey League in 2003 and played with the Saginaw Spirit for three years before being offered a professional contract with the

Bruins. He was released in 2008 but continued to play in the professional leagues across America.

Having completed his seventh year as a professional Ice Hockey player, Brown sees himself as a veteran of the sport and hopes he can bring a wealth of experiences and knowledge to the Canberra team.

“I played with Timmy Thomas … when I was there we were pretty tight, it was me and him on the team for half a season … I’m sure most Australian players haven’t met an NHL hockey player and to have played with them and been on teams with them for years is an experience I can bring over here and hopefully share with some guys about what it’s like to be drafted to the NHL and to be that close to being a full time NHL hockey player,” Brown said.

Brown is hoping to see a lot of Australia in between training and playing Ice Hockey, and although he won’t have any family visiting him, he’s looking forward to the experience of living the life ‘down under’.

“Everybody in American wants to go to Australia and

With the leaves falling and the weather turning, Canberra’s winter ball sports are in full swing. However it is the traditionally American sport of Ice Hockey that is set to make a big return to the capital for 2012. Text: Lucy Hinchey. Images: Joseph Purdam/Ben Southall


“We’re really looking forward to this season, we really

want to give the fans – who we believe are by far the best fans in the league – a lot to

cheer about this year,”

KNIGHTS MAY HOME GAMES Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre.

Canberra Knights V Sydney Ice Dogs. Sat, 12th May. 5.30pm

Canberra Knights V Sydney Bears. Sat, 19th May. 5.30pm

Canberra Knights V Newcastle North Stars. Sat, 26th May. 5.30pm.

check it out so when the opportunity came I jumped at it… It’s pretty expensive to get here from America it’s a lot of time off … so they [my family] said ‘take a lot of pictures and have fun for us.’

The hockey guys are basically my family here for the next four months. The guys I’ve met here are awesome and they’re going to show me the ropes,” Brown said.

The 27-year-old says he is looking forward to seeing what Ice Hockey is like in Australia and expects to play a big part in the teams leadership on and off the ice.

“With all the imports, they bring us here to be leaders and to show the younger guys that are looking up to you that this how things are done in pro hockey in North America and this is what we build our team around doing.

As a goalie I see us as the quarterbacks in NFL. You see the whole arena and you tell the defence what to do and you tell the forwards what to do and everybody is certainly listening to you because you can see everything going on.

The coaches are more involved here and I think it’s good to be able to talk to them about what you think they should be working on,” Brown explained.

League ExpansionAustralian Ice Hockey is expanding this year with the introduction of new team the Perth Thunder as well as the introduction of East and West conferences.

In the Eastern Conference are Canberra Knights, Sydney Ice Dogs, Sydney Bears and the Newcastle North Stars. The Western Conference consists of reigning premiers Melbourne Ice, Melbourne Mustangs, Adelaide Adrenaline, Gold Coast Blue Tongues and brand new team Perth Thunder.

MacDonald believes the Melbourne Ice will be the team to beat this year, as they look to win the championship for the third year running.

“They are well coached, the organisation is strong and the players are all strong. After that there will be a couple of teams biting at their heels. Adelaide Adrenaline, they’re going to be a good team. They’ve been together for a while so they’re going to be tough as well,” he explained.

Gavin said he believes having the two toughest teams in the competition in a separate conference will be an advantage for the Knights.

“Dodging those bigger teams may be a blessing for us this year. With the two Sydney teams we’ll always be very competitive. Newcastle has tended to be a bit of a power house when it comes to the season but they’ve lost a couple of players … so hopefully that opens the door for us,” he said.

New Tactics for 2012The Knights coaching team have been working on a range of new systems of play that are hoped to bolster the teams attacking and defensive tactics. MacDonald said that although the systems were new for a lot of the team, everyone has responded well to the changes.

“Bear [McPhail] and I felt that the lack of success the team has had over the past few seasons, there had to be a few changes made. We hear all the time from the guys that ‘whoa we like this’ and ‘I wonder why we haven’t been doing this in the past,’” MacDonald said.

Fresh TalentThe side has a wealth of young talent that Macdonald is hoping will show great promise this year. Kai Miettinen and Joe McPhail both recently played on the Australian National Youth team in Serbia earlier this year and join the Canberra Knights at just 16 and 17 years of age respectively.

MacDonald said both boys are the future of the Canberra Knights and that although he thinks they are up to the ‘rigors of the NIHL’, the coaching team will be playing them cautiously this year.

“They will be playing against men in the league, so we’re going to have to be careful in how we develop them. I have high hopes for them for this year and especially for the future,” he said.

Harry Byers has returned to Canberra after some time playing Hockey in Canada. MacDonald believes he will

bring his experience back to the Knights.

“He’s really stepped up his game from his experiences in Canada and we’re expecting good things from him,” he said.

Blake Cameron is another player who has returned to the Knights this year.

“He’s back and he’s bigger and stronger and he’s shown a real willingness to do whatever the coaches have asked. We’re expecting a big jump in play from him,” MacDonald said.

International Experience

Internationally, Australian Ice Hockey still has some work to do to be a consistently competitive force.

After winning gold last year in division two at the world championships, Australia were promoted to division one for 2012. Playing two levels under the Olympics, the level of competition was a huge jump for the team who did not manage to win a game.

“We did pretty well to be there for a country like Australia that’s not very big with Ice Hockey. Obviously being up there is was pretty tough, we played against Korea, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Romania and Poland. All these teams had professional hockey players… where as everyone from Australia has a full time job or studying and we try and fit Hockey in where we can. Just to be in that competition was a huge effort and really good for Australian Hockey,” Gavin explained.

MacDonald said despite the result, he believed Australia performed well and the experience would be invaluable.

“Although they did lose all the games, they were close in all of them, so with a lucky break here or there they could have had different results. It’s a great experience for the guys. They know that they can compete with some of the best in the world,” he said.

Brown said he had noticed the expansion of Ice Hockey within Australia and said it was a great sign for the country.

“I love that Australia is trying to get it bigger by bringing imports over for their league and trying to showcase hockey to their country, that’s a good thing to see,” he said.

MacDonald concluded by encouraging Canberra fans to support his team saying “if you’re in that atmosphere, in that rink it is so much fun. And people will be amazed at the skill set that the players bring. It’s really a great sport.”

Former NHL Boston Bruins draftee Mike Brown.


Chris Pomfret and Jarrod Deaton

Julia Piprose and Tom Mungoven

Curtis and Jade Hancock with Bruce Norton

Chris Dennis with Gerard and Jonathan Elias and Rebecca Ellis

Erica Collins with Mark and Cheryl Hulskamp

Davina Summers, Narelle Hards, Brittany Lindores, Megan Bagworth, Iona Hlliday and Lisa KeelingPrue Bradford and Tanya Van Der Putt

Polly, Luke, Henry and Kirsty Laffan

BOSS/NUTRIXXION LAUNCH@BossNutrixxion

OUT ON THE TOWNIE BIKE SHOWwww.facebook.com/TwoBeforeTen

Drago, Geordie and Olive, Nectar and Erin

Andrew and Iona Halliday

Andrew Keeling and Simon Bartle

Emma Sanders and Jez Andrew

Do you know someone that qualifies as an ActewAGL Athlete on the Rise? Send all nominations to [email protected]

ACTEWAGL ATHLETE ON THE RISEJunior rugby player Eddie Jones says that Asthma should not deter young people from playing sport. Eddie was diagnosed with Asthma at the age of nine after first being hospitalised with the condition when he was just three years old. Having competed in Little Athletics and rugby union from the age of six, Jones has never let his condition get in the way of his sport. The 16-year-old represented ACT last year in both touch football and rugby union as

a junior Brumby, and hopes to impress selectors again this year during the ACT rugby trials this month.

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.

ACTEWAGL MAY EVENTS CALENDAR

Week 1: 1-6 MAYSaturday 5/5 NEAFL Match of the Round

Ainslie V Eastlake 2pm Ainslie Oval

Canberra Raiders Cup Match of the Round QBN Blues V QBN Kangaroos 3pm Seiffert Oval

John I Dent Match of the Round Uni-Norths V Wests 3.05pm ANU North / Field 1

Can Gunners V Frankston 7.30pm Belconnen Stadium

BRUMBIES V WARATAHS 7.40pm CANBERRA STADIUMSunday 6/5 Loop Mens Premier League Match of the Round

Canb FC V Canb Olympic 4pm Deakin Stadium


UWS Giants V Gold Coast Suns 9.30am Manuka Oval

GWS GIANTS V GOLD COAST SUNS 1.40PM MANUKA OVAL

Canberra Raiders Cup Match of the Round Gungahlin Bulls V Belconnen United Scholars 3pm WBLC

John I Dent Match of the Round Gungahlin V Easts 3.05pm Nicholls Oval

Canberra Knights V Syd Ice Dogs 5.30pm Phillip Ice Rink

Can Gunners V Sandringham 7.30pm Belconnen StadiumSunday 13/5 Loop Mens Premier League Match of the Round

Tugg United V Woden Valley 3pm Kambah 2-1

RAIDERS V PARRA EELS 2pm CANBERRA STADIUMWeek 3: 14-20 MAYSaturday 19/5 NEAFL Match of the Round

Belconnen V Queanbeyan 2pm Manuka Oval

Canberra Raiders Cup Match of the Round QBN Kangaroos V Yass Magpies 3pm Freebody Oval

John I Dent Match of the Round Queanbeyan V Easts 3.05pm Campese Field

Canberra Knights V Syd Bears 5.30pm Phillip Ice RinkSunday 20/5 Loop Mens Premier League Match of the Round

Belco United V Cooma SC 3pm McKellar Park


Ainslie V Sydney Hills 2.30pm Ainslie Oval

Canberra Raiders Cup Match of the Round Belco United V Goulburn Workers 3pm Northbourne Oval

John I Dent Match of the Round Tuggeranong V Uni-Norths 3.05pm Viking Park / Field 1

Canberra Knights V Newcastle Nth Stars 5.30pm Phillip Ice

Can Gunners V Geelong 7.30pm Belconnen Stadium

BRUMBIES V REDS 7.40pm CANBERRA STADIUMSunday 27/5 Loop Mens Premier League Match of the Round

Canb FC V Canb Monaro 4pm Deakin Stadium

Week 5: 28-3 MAY/JUNESaturday 2/6 Canberra Raiders Cup Match of the Round

QBN Kangaroos V Tugg Bushrangers 3pm Freebody Oval

John I Dent Match of the Round Royals V Tuggeranong 3.05pm Phillip Oval / Field 1

RAIDERS V WEST TIGERS 5.30pm CANBERRA STADIUMSunday 3/6 NEAFL Match of the Round

Eastlake V Tuggeranong 2pm Manuka Oval

Loop Mens Premier League Match of the Round Tugg United V Canberra Olympic 3pm Kambah 2-1

*All details corrected at time of printing.

Win a guided tour of ActewAGL ParkTell us in 25 words or less ‘what makes you a passionate Raiders supporter’ and you could win a guided tour of the Raiders training facility and four tickets to the Canberra Raiders v Wests Tigers game on Saturday 2 June.

Enter at actewagl.com.au/raiders

ActewAGL Retail ABN 46 221 314 841.


ASTHMA NO BARRIER TO SUCCESS

Eddie (pictured above centre) was diagnosed with Asthma at the age of nine after first being hospitalised with the condition when he was just three years old. He was prescribed Ventolin, however it wasn’t until he began missing at least one day a week from school, that a doctor finally diagnosed him and recommended taking a preventer ‘puffer’.

Having competed in Little Athletics and rugby union from the age of six, Jones has never let his condition get in the way of his sport. The 16-year-old represented ACT last year in both touch football and rugby union as a junior Brumby, and hopes to impress selectors again this year during the ACT rugby trials this month.

Jones says that as long as he remembers to take his preventer, he can perform at his best whilst on the field.

“The biggest thing is to get the prevention before you start. That way you feel better throughout the entire game and it becomes more fun,” Jones said.

Jones’s father, Andrew, coaches the Under 18’s Tuggeranong Vikings Rugby Union team which his

son Eddie also plays in. He says often it is hard to tell if children are having trouble breathing on the field, yet usually all it takes is a rest and some Ventolin before most players are able to continue participating.

Andrew notes that forgetting to take your prevention can have serious side effects on your health especially when it comes to exercise and Asthma, something which son Eddie has learned the hard way.

“When I’m on the field and I haven’t taken it … my lungs start burning, I’m not getting enough oxygen and it’s really hard to breath and I just want to stop playing and sit down and rest. It makes it really hard,” Eddie explained.

Andrew says that although sport can trigger Asthma symptoms, there are far more benefits if young people persevere with physical activity.

“You’re going to have a better chance to perform and to deal with the condition if you are fit and you have been training well,” he said.

“If one can overcome an adversity, something that is an obstacle to performing, it sets them on a path to success,” Jones concluded.

ACT Junior Brumby Eddie Jones says that Asthma should not deter young people from playing sport. Text: Lucy Hinchey. Image: Andrew Finch

The Asthma Friendly Sport and Recreation program provides first aid training to coaches and staff so that they will know what to do in the event of an asthma emergency. In addition to training Asthma Emergency Kits are supplied, information put on display and asthma included in the clubs first aid policy.

50% of people with asthma are triggered by exercise, being able to respond to an asthma emergency could save a life.

With one in ten adults and children in the ACT living with asthma it is important that they feel safe whilst engaging in sport. Participating in sport not only improves the health and welfare of people with asthma, but can also be beneficial to managing their condition long term.

For more information on asthma courses or to book online: asthmafoundation.org.au or 02 6282 4186


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◊ BRETT MCKAY

Though the Super Rugby cream has started to rise since last month’s report, tipping winners still isn’t any easier. But if horrendous tipping form is the price I pay for an exciting tournament of southern hemisphere rugby, then so be it.

Over the last month, the likely contenders have slowly emerged from the three conferences. Admittedly, in the case of the New Zealand conference, this means we’re probably only down to three teams with a decent chance now, but the final make-up of the overall top six is still a long way from being settled.

At the halfway point of the competition, here’s the conference-by-conference wrap:

South AfricaThe Stormers have cemented their no.1 spot in the South African conference, winning four of their last five matches. Their only defeat was a bonus point loss at the hands of the Crusaders in Christchurch, in what may be one of the games of the tournament.

If there is one area of criticism of the Stormers, it’s that they play with a very limited attacking game, preferring a safety-first approach. Their try-scoring tally is comfortably the lowest of any teams in the top half of the table, and indeed, accounts for less than 40% of their points scored in 2012. But then, if you’re getting the job done, it really doesn’t matter how.

The Bulls continue to surprise many a rugby pundit with how well they’ve overcome the departure of so many star players, and their 61-8 demolition of the Reds in Pretoria was the win that made people recognise that this was no rebuilding team.

The big test for the Bulls comes over the next month, with a four game tour taking them to Melbourne, Sydney, Dunedin, and Hamilton. Historically, the Bulls win only one in five games in New Zealand and Australia.

The Sharks’ mixed season continued on their recent trans-Tasman tour, netting

bonus point wins against the Brumbies and Blues, but then losing games they were probably entitled to win against the Waratahs and Hurricanes.

The Sharks biggest battle now might be holding onto third place in their conference, with the fast-finishing Cheetahs closing in. Both teams have similar draws over the remainder of the tournament, and having both returned to the Republic in recent weeks, can look forward to taking on travel-weary tourists.

The Lions have once again struggled in 2012, and a coming four-game tour shows no signs of improving their fortunes.

New ZealandThe story across the ditch over the last month has been all about the Chiefs, who as of the end of round nine head the Super Rugby standings.

A seven-game winning streak, including an unbeaten tour of Western Australia and South Africa has set them up for another Final appearance, where they’ll be hoping to go one better than 2009, where they lost to the Bulls in Pretoria.

The Chiefs have the best differential of tries scored and conceded in the tournament, with the eight they have let in only two more than the personal tally of try-scoring loosehead prop, Sona Taumalolo, the competition’s equal leading try scorer.

Three home games out of five, plus a bye, lay in wait before the June International break, and only a brave tipster would have them running anywhere but atop the New Zealand conference by then. Already a tournament favourite.

The Highlanders and Crusaders currently sit inside the top six, but their contrasting draws over the next month will almost certainly determine their final standing. While the Highlanders head to South Africa for potential bogey games, the Crusaders will take on three Australian teams with varying form and the hapless Blues.

The Crusaders, having already toured South Africa, loom as the competition’s

dark horse, and with their pedigree and history, cannot be dismissed as contenders.

The Hurricanes have had an up-and-down season so far, and it’s best not to go into too much detail about the battling Blues. A team that plenty saw as contenders in February now sit with the Lions at the foot of the table, but still may yet provide nuisance value for teams eyeing off their scalp.

AustraliaIf the Reds were the team Australia tuned in to watch last season, the feel-good story of 2012 is almost certainly the Brumbies. While most assumed the Brumbies would be competitive without really threatening, the squad were quietly working hard on their combinations, fitness, and reconnecting with the community.

The results are there for all to see. The Australian conference leaders at the tournament’s midpoint, it would seem now that a first finals appearance since the 2004 Championship is firmly in the picture.

A trip to Pretoria where they emerged with a 36-34 double bonus point loss could well be the catalyst for a strong showing on the run home. A host of local derbies can make or break their season, but on current form, the Brumbies Rugby region has good reason for thoughts of ending a finals drought.

The ‘Tahs and perhaps the Reds are the biggest threats to the Brumbies’ ambitions, with the May 5 Brumbies-Waratahs clash in Canberra shaping as a must-win for both teams.

After that, the Waratahs will have a tough testing run of the Bulls, Stormers, and Cheetahs. A season of mixed results so far means that how ‘Tahs emerge from those South African conference games almost certainly shapes their final hopes.

The Reds will be counting on returning cavalry as being the turning point in their season, but with Quade Cooper’s comeback still unknown, it’s going to take a major turnaround in form for the reigning Champions to go anywhere near defending their crown.

The Force and Rebels head that bottom group of teams for which 2012 now becomes all about planning for 2013. For the Force, this carries extra purpose, with the search on already for a new head coach following the midseason departure announcement - and subsequent player-led removal - of Reds-bound coach Richard Graham.

Neither the Force nor Rebels have shown any semblance of consistency this season, with injuries to key playmakers rendering their attack ineffective for the most part. However, both teams still have plenty to play for, with any number of Wallaby jumpers still up for grabs.

CREAM STARTING TO RISE IN SUPER RUGBY


◊ ANTONY PERRY

After just three rounds of competition, the Tuggeranong Vikings have all but confirmed themselves as the heavyweights in this year’s John I Dent Cup – a feat few local rugby followers will be surprised about.

The 2012 competition may still be in its early stages, but Dan McKellar’s men have wasted no time in occupying the summit of Canberra’s premier rugby competition.

The Vikings have been in scintillating early-season form, hardly missing a beat while laying the foundations for what looks set to be another memorable campaign for the club in 2012.

After a first-round bye, Tuggeranong hit the ground running against arch rivals Queanbeyan Whites. The Vikings showed maturity and composure in a rampant display, scoring 12 tries to none in a 74-3 victory over the battling Whites outfit.

Without missing a beat, Tuggeranong disposed of the Owen Finegan-led Gungahlin Eagles in round 3. In what should have perhaps been a closer affair between last year’s two top sides, Gungahlin put up little resistance against Tuggeranong’s superior attacking prowess, ultimately handing the Vikings a straightforward 47-7 victory.

The Vikings two dominant regular-season performances have come on the back of a successful pre-season. Victories over Queensland outfit Sunnybank – a fixture in which Tuggeranong was crowned Australia’s national club champions – Shute Shield giant Sydney University and local rival Wests have provided the platform from which Tuggeranong has launched its campaign in this year’s John I Dent Cup.

With the inclusion of those pre-season victories, Tuggeranong has now claimed 15 scalps in succession to remain undefeated since July last year. If early season form is any indication, the Dan McKellar-run

machine looks unlikely to be upset anytime soon.

As for the rest of the competition; Uni-Norths has enjoyed good form so far in 2012, recording four-try bonus point victories over Easts and Royals. The two wins have elevated the Owls to the top of the ladder alongside Tuggeranong.

Royals and Wests round out the top four, with the clubs sitting third and fourth respectively. Both have recorded one win and a loss, but Royals has the edge after accumulating one more bonus point, which was obtained in the narrow 26-31 loss to Uni-Norths.

Despite a thumping by Vikings in round 3, Gungahlin look to be travelling well under Owen Finegan, who is in his second season with the club. Hard-fought wins over Queanbeyan and Wests have handed the Eagles eight competition points and fifth place on the ladder – albeit with the bye in hand, Finegan’s men are assured another four points, which should elevate them into the top four at the expense of either Wests or Royals.

Easts are yet to record a victory in 2012, but thanks to the four-point bye, the club isn’t occupying the position it became so well acquainted with in 2011, last place.

Unexpectedly, Queanbeyan is currently sitting at the bottom of the John I Dent Cup’s pecking order. It’s a long season, but Queanbeyan’s lack of form has somewhat diminished hopes held by the side’s parochial fan base of 2012 being more successful than last year’s ordinary campaign.

TUGGERANONG SETS A HIGH BENCH MARK

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◊ Russ Gibbs

Belconnen United has taken over top spot in the loop Premier League with a thrilling 5-4 victory over Canberra FC at a chilly McKellar Park. An 88th minute winner, sublimely clipped over the head of Canberra FC goalkeeper Ben Klug by Misko Naumoski ensured that the home support would go home happy at the end of an absorbing contest that ebbed and flowed.

The Blue Devils fired an early warning of their intent when Dustin Wells showed superb composure to control a flick on and cut inside before slamming the ball into the net to give Belconnen the lead. That seemed to upset the champions who equalised via a fantastic Michael Spaleta volley in the 32nd minute before heading in front when Danai Gapare headed past Rowan Shepherd in the Belconnen goal to give Matt Grbesa a tap-in. A brain-snap by Elliot Zwangobani, the veteran defender stepping over a scuffed cross, allowed Adam Spaleta to hammer home the third on the cusp of half-time and extend the visitors lead to 3-1.

Belconnen though refused to falter and hit back through Wells before Taylor Beaton thumped home from the edge of the penalty box for 3-3. Canberra FC’s response was to re-take the lead when Gapare finished when clean through before Naumoski fired a fierce shot across Ben Klug and into the far corner for a blinding

equaliser. Naumoski had the last laugh as well hitting the winner with time running out, firing in a sublime effort that caressed the under-side of the crossbar to give the Blue Devils their first win over Canberra FC since the 2008 Grand Final.

Tuggeranong United stunned the loop Premier League on Saturday afternoon when they recorded their maiden points of the 2012 season with a 4-1 win over Canberra City that few would have predicted. With City having seen off Cooma Tigers a fortnight ago and come within four minutes of a surprise when at league champions Canberra FC in Round 2, many were assuming that the home team would have too much for the South Side battlers. But that couldn’t have been further from the truth as Jeremy Butler’s team tore into City and took a critical lead minutes before the interval wen Mark Shields scored his second goal of the season.

That had United in good stead and when Matt Menser doubled the lead ten minutes after the break the visitors were in dreamland. Adam Dobell reduced the deficit for Canberra City to give them hope of a comeback but that was quelled when Alex Weber ended his barren run with Tuggeranong’s third goal. Tim Stewart rounded off a convincing performance in the final minute with the fourth to finally get United off the mark for 2012.

Cooma Tigers moved into second place on the ladder with an expected 4-1 win over Monaro Panthers at Nijong Oval. The loop Premier League’s leading scorer, Alex Oloriegbe, starred for the Tigers banging in a hat-trick to take his season total to eight. Stephen Domenici added the other Cooma goal but the Tigers were left reeling at one stage when Aitamoit Mon scored for the Panthers to give them a glimmer of hope at 2-1. Oloriegbe had other ideas though and a late brace saw the Tigers home.

Finally, Woden Valley surprised Canberra Olympic at O’Connor Enclosed with a 2-0 win. Two goals in the space of a minute did for the home team with Simon Hinde and Peter Marlette scoring within sixty seconds of each other midway through the first half. The victory moves Woden into fourth place on the ladder after four rounds, level on points with 2011 champions Canberra FC, and only three behind the league leaders Belconnen United.

LOOP PREMIER LEAGUE

The Blue Devils fired an early warning of their intent when Dustin

Wells showed superb composure to control a flick on and cut inside before slamming the ball into the

net to give Belconnen the lead


COERVER Coaching Master Class Series.

Topic: Scissors Move:

Jason LancsarWe hope you enjoy our Coerver Coaching Play Magazine homework designed to improve your game but above all have fun while practicing. This month we look at one of Coerver Coaching’s 1v1 moves the scissor, used by many top players around the world. The scissor move is used when running at an opponent in a 1v1 situation..

Step 1:Start with knees bent to provide good balance move foot around front of ball with sole of foot brushing grass.

Step 2:The foot that goes around front of ball becomes standing foot for balance.

Step 3:With opposite foot push the ball with outside of foot.

Step 4:Keep good body position, your knees bent providing good balance. Take the ball with speed to beat your opponent.

Coerver Coaching Homework

See next issue for more tips from Coerver Coaching or for further information please visit our website www.coerver.com.au

Repeat these steps using both feet. Remember to try this move close to your opponent.

LOCAL FUTSAL PLAYER AMONG

AUSTRALIA’S FINEST◊ ANTONY PERRY

The 11-a-side form of football may hold the interest of vast numbers of people around the globe, but the five-a-side version has Canberra local Daniel Fulton’s full attention.

Futsal, a variation of football, is considered by many as an inferior form of the World Game, yet Fulton’s affection for it, coupled with hard work, has seen him rise to be among the sport’s elite in Australia.

And the 23-year-old couldn’t be happier.

“It’s a good feeling, it’s something you work for,” he said.

“You want to be playing against the best players and to be able to compete and try and succeed against them is great.”

Having acquired the necessary skills by playing football from age 5, Fulton’s love affair with futsal began as a 10-year-old in the school yard. His decision to change forms of the game merely came down to him enjoying futsal more.

“In futsal it’s a case of getting more touches on the ball and you’re more involved,” he said.

“You can’t just be an attacker or a defender, you have to be both, so being dynamic is really important.”

The switch he made as a youngster has certainly proved fruitful, with Fulton having accumulated an impressive list of accolades to date.

He has won nine out of 10 national championship tournaments he has competed in, won numerous league titles in New South Wales and Canberra and enjoyed a four-month stint during 2009 in Brazil playing with Minas Tenis Club, a professional Brazilian side.

But perhaps his finest accomplishments have occurred more recently. Since the beginning of 2011, Fulton has secured the New South Wales Super League Player of the Year award twice, the New Zealand National League’s Most Valuable Player award and most recently, the New South Wales Premier League’s Most Valuable Player award and Golden Boot award.

Fulton couldn’t be more pleased with what he has achieved in such a short time.

“To win those awards in the space of two years has been quite a privilege,” he said.

“In Canberra we’re quite isolated from the rest of Australia and the top players, so to work hard and be

able to get there has been a good feeling.”

Fulton was rewarded for his outstanding achievements by gaining selection in the Futsalroos train-on squad in January, which was the third time he has been selected in the group.

While he has featured regularly on the fringes of Australia’s national team, he is yet to break into the main squad and claim an international cap – something he will look to obtain in the coming years.

“It’s just a case of waiting for my opportunity and taking it when I get it,” he said.


As the junior winter sport season approaches, it’s important to remind players and spectators alike that poor behaviour has no place in sport particularly when children are involved.

Hurling abuse from the sidelines or insulting an umpire or referee is not only unacceptable; it lessens the experience for everyone else.

With this in mind, the ACT Sport and Recreation industry together with Minister for Sport, Andrew Barr on Monday 23 April launched the ‘Winter Sport 2012- Fun, Safe and Friendly’ campaign.

The campaign uses some local high-profile athletes including Stephen Moore (Brumbies), Brett White (Raiders), Phil Davis (Giants), Grace Gill (Canberra United) Caroline Buchanan (BMX), Anna Flanagan (Hockey) and Ben Hardy (Volleyball) to spread the message through social media and radio. A community service announcement will also be played at upcoming Brumbies, Raider and Giants home games.

The campaign is aligned with the Play by the Rules program which has been established to provide information and online learning on how to prevent and

deal with discrimination, harassment and child abuse; and develop inclusive and welcoming environments for participation.

In its first week the campaign has already reached over 70,000 people through Twitter. Sunrise host and the Giants number one ticket holder, Melissa Doyle was amongst the many who retweeted the campaign message. Search for #PBTR on Twitter if you would like to add to the conversation and tell us how your club supports Play by the Rules.

All clubs should be equipped to deal with issues around poor spectator behaviour, referee/umpire abuse, discrimination and harassment. If you feel your club could be doing more visit www.playbytherules.net.au and make use of the resources available to make sure your club is fun, safe and friendly.

Play by the Rules provides free information, resources, online training, promotions and campaigns aimed at ensuring everyone involved in sport can do so in an

enjoyable, safe environment, free from discrimination, harassment or bullying.

www.playbytherules.net.auPlay by the Rules is supported and funded by federal, state and territory government agencies.

fair inclusivesafe

WINTER SPORT 2012 FUN SAFE AND FRIENDLY


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Continental Team based in Germany” said Ms Van Der Putt. “We have contracted some of the top national riders and coaches to ensure the team has sufficient experience and understanding for our project.”

Boss Constructions by Nutrixxion, a new Canberra based women’s National Road Series Team for the 2012 season was officially launched last month at Rydges Capital hill. The team will feature a collection of exciting new riders and several experienced riders.

Davina Summers, Narelle Hards, Brittany Lindores, Megan Bagworth, Lisa Keeling and Iona Haliday are the six riders who will make up the rider squad in 2012. The riders will be joined by former national rider Tanya Saad, as Director Sportif and a strong group of mentors including, Peter Rogers. Sportmaxx Directors, Ian Potts, Tanya Van Der Putt and Ulisses da Silva will co-manage the women’s team. The Boss Construction by Nutrixxion Team will be supported with Bio-Racer clothing, nutritional requirements by Nutrixxion and equipment by Carrera bikes, Gaerne Shoes, EDCO Wheels.

Team management hold high hopes for the team in its debut season. Apart from short-term goals the team will be looking to help further riders careers both nationally and on the international stage. The teams connection with German sports nutrition company Nutrixxion provides the riders with a pathway to the strong Nutrixxion Continental team based in Dortmund Germany.

“We have developed a long term plan that will see this team provide an opportunity for Australian riders to race professionally for the Nutrixxion Women’s

NEW WOMENS NRS TEAM LAUNCH

For more information on the team and the National Road Series head to http://nationalroadseries.subaru.com.au/


Cadel Evans was satisfied with his week’s work, but Britain’s Bradley Wiggins showed why he’s the major threat to the Australian’s Tour de France title with his second win of the year.

Wiggins won the final stage time trial in Crans-Montana in Switzerland to overhaul Luis Leon Sanchez on Sunday and claim the Tour de Romandie, six weeks after winning the Paris-Nice race.

Evans finished 29th overall after he was the 40th fastest in the time trial, finishing 1min, 45sec behind Wiggins.

“Tour de Romandie done for another year. Wiggins obviously the man of the week. No results for us but a good week of work,” Evans said on his Twitter account.

Wiggins is hoping to emulate Evans, who won the Tour de Romandie last year before claiming the French classic.

“I think it’s payment for the hard work I’ve put in,” Wiggins said after his Romandie win.

“I’ve really grafted this winter and hopefully there’s more to come.”

His Tour hopes are helped by the team time trial being replaced this year by a second individual time trial.

Wiggins’ Sky Procycling teammates Richie Porte and Michael Rogers placed third and seventh in the Romandie time trial respectively, and fourth and fifth overall, as Australians played significant roles in the final stage races before this week’s Giro d’Italia.

Matt Goss won the sprinter’s title in the Tour of Turkey as he prepares to lead

Australian team GreenEDGE’s assault on the Giro, which starts in Denmark on Saturday.

Goss crashed with three kilometres left in the eighth and final stage in Istanbul, while Bulgarian Ivalio Gabrovski won the overall classification.

The crash took out a number of top sprinters, including Goss’s compatriot and teammate Robbie McEwen, but the Australian was not injured.

Rabobank’s Theo Bos, who was perfectly led out by his Australian teammate Mark Renshaw, held off Andrew Feen and Stefan van Dijk in the race home.

Goss wasn’t happy with the way his race ended but was pleased he came through the incident relatively unscathed.

“It’s like I said at the Tour Down Under - some riders seem to close their eyes and go for sprints with no respect for the others,” he said.

“That crash had nothing to do with me. But it’s part of racing, I guess ... this is not the way I wanted to finish. I wanted to go home on a good note.

“Since Mark Renshaw led out instead of sprinting for himself, I keep the green jersey - I’m happy with that. Fortunately, I’m not injured by the crash and I can go to the Giro next week.”

GreenEDGE have said they’ll be targeting stage wins in the Giro, the team’s first Grand Tour, with Goss leading the nine-man team for the sprint finishes.

Evans and Wiggins are both sitting out the Giro. AAP

WIGGINS A TOUR THREAT

AFP PHOTO / FABRICE COFFRINI

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COMBAT SPORTSPIRELLI DEFEND TYRES AFTER SCHUMACHER BLASTMOTORSPORT

Formula One tyres suppliers Pirelli on Monday defended themselves after being accused by seven-time champion driver Michael Schumacher of creating tyres that prevent drivers pushing to their limits.

German Schumacher, 43, who worked his way through the field from 22nd on the grid to finish 10th, for Mercedes, complained after Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix that the current tyres prevented all-out racing and were turning F1 into a tyre-conservation contest.

Schumacher said: “The main thing I feel unhappy about is that everyone has to drive well below a driver’s, and in particular, the car’s limits to maintain the tyres.

“I just question whether the tyres should play such a big importance, or whether they should last a bit longer - and that you can drive at normal racing car speed and not cruise around like we have a Safety Car.”

Pirelli said they were surprised at Schumacher’s criticism although it has

been clear in the opening four races of the year that tyre-preservation has become one of the most important strategic elements in the racing.

Pirelli director of motor sport Paul Hembery said he was taken aback especially because Schumacher had been happy with the tyres during winter testing.

He said: “I’m disappointed to hear those comments from someone of Michael’s experience.

“Others were getting on with the job and getting their tyres to work. His comments during winter testing were that he was very happy with the tyres and now he seems to have changed his tune.”

Schumacher added that he felt Pirelli should reconsider their approach to tyres because the problem of not being able to push to the limit was experienced by too many people.

He said: “I’m not happy about the situation, lets see what happens in future.

“If this was a one-off car issue, then you could say it’s up on us to deal with it, but basically it is everybody, with maybe one or two exceptions.

“And if it is 80 per cent of the field that has this problem, then maybe the tyre supplier should think about that.”

Apart from the technical and performance issues that forced many drivers to drive cautiously, and not race with abandon, the tyres also created more pit-stops that, in turn, upset the

potential of certain drivers.

Defending double world champion German Sebastian Vettel admitted that his fast start from pole had enabled him and his Red Bull team to control their tyre situation more comfortably than those chasing behind him.

Finn Kimi Raikkonen of Renault has chosen to start further back on the grid deciding to save four sets of new tyres for the race instead of pushing hard for a better qualifying position. AFP

AFP PHOTO / KARIM JAAFAR

◊ ROBERT GRANT

Sydney’s Eastern Creek track has been resurrected as a V8 Supercar venue this season.

The series has reshuffled the championship dates to fill a gap in the calendar, slotting Eastern Creek into the August 24-26 date that was to have been the Winton round.

Winton, in rural Victoria, will now move to hosting the penultimate event of the championship on November 16-18.

The Winton event moves to the spot on the calendar listed as to be announced and will fall two weeks after the Yas V8 400 in Abu Dhabi and two weeks before the season finale Sydney Telstra 500.

Australian Racing Drivers Club CEO Glenn Matthews said there was popular support for a return to Eastern Creek following the venue’s $11 million refurbishment.

“Eastern Creek is the only permanent race circuit in Sydney and is a perfect complement to the street

circuit event held at Olympic Park in December,” Matthews said.

The V8 Supercars Championship has not raced at Eastern Creek since 2008, when Will Davison took his maiden victory for Jim Beam Racing.

The Australian Touring Car Championship/V8 Supercars Championship has a long history at Eastern Creek, first competing there in 1992.

A total of 17 events have been held there with the series finale hosted by the venue in 2003 and 2004.

V8s RETURN TO EASTERN CREEK


COMBAT SPORTS

Hatton said it was not a foregone conclusion that the two would meet but insisted that they must fight soon while both boxers are at the peak of their careers.

“I don’t know (if it’s inevitable) but it should be a matter of time. That’s the obvious thing.

“You don’t know what’s going on in their minds but it’s an obvious decision really. I would just say, 50-50 let’s fight each other.

“They ought to fight each other now while they are at their prime.

“There’s no point them at 38 years of age saying, ‘We’ll get it on now.’ We want to see who is the best while they are both at their best.”

Boxing fans have long sought a matchup between the two. Mayweather has even made a Twitter challenge for the Asian star to “Step Up, Punk”, but they have not been able to work out a deal.

In February Pacquiao described as “embarrassing” an offer by Mayweather to give the Philippine star a $40 million lump-sum payment if Pacquiao agreed to let the American keep the pay per view earnings for the fight for himself. AFP

◊ PETER HUTCHISON

Former world champion Ricky Hatton called Thursday for Philippine boxing hero Manny Pacquiao and American Floyd Mayweather Jr to face each other in the ring to settle who is the best.

The 33-year-old Pacquiao and Mayweather, 35, have tried several times to get a contract signed for a world title fight but have failed for a number of reasons, including disagreements over blood testing and a share of the purse.

Their failure to agree a deal has led some observers to suggest that Pacquiao, regarded by many in the sport as the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter, and the unbeaten Mayweather are trying to put off boxing each other.

“If you want to be the best then you fight the best and those two should fight each other,” Hatton, 33, told AFP during a visit to Hong Kong where the former British boxer was scouting new talent.

“I’ve never been shy of wanting to fight the best and I refuse to believe that Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather are avoiding each other, and don’t want to fight, because if they are they are sadly not the champions I thought they were,” Hatton, now a boxing promoter, added.

“One thing I wanted to do from day one was fight the best,” said Hatton whose only two professional defeats came to Pacquiao and Mayweather.

The former welterweight and light-welterweight world champion nicknamed “The Hitman” lost to Mayweather when he was knocked out in the 10th round in Los Angeles in December 2007 and was humiliated by Pacquiao almost two years later when he suffered a KO in just the second round.

“In the ring I know first hand how good they actually are,” he said, “Floyd Mayweather was the best in my career and I wanted to fight him.”

HATTON CALLS FOR PACQUIAO-MAYWEATHER FIGHT


5 If you’ve ever bent over to pick some thing up and thought - oouuu, that hurt, look no further than this list of elderly statesmen for inspiration. Not only were/are they competing at the highest level at sports most youngsters would shy away from, they have done so for many years. Take Randy Couture, a pioneer of MMA.

OLD GUYS

Michael Tuck Oldest looking AFL player

Kelly Slater 11 time world surf champ

Brett Favre NFL record holder

Randy Couture MMA pioneer

Jason Smith NRL legend

Not only is he the only person over 40 to win a UFC Championship fight, he is the only UFC fighter to win a championship AFTER entering the hall of fame. Then we have Kelly Slater who holds the amazing record of being the youngest and oldest winner of a world surfing title. Brett Favre, played 321 consecutive NFL games and

rounding out the field is Michael Tuck and Jason Smith . While Tuck was only the 10th oldest player in AFL history he holds the record of being the oldest looking player in AFL History and last but not least Jason Smith. This NRL warrior was plying his trade in arguably one of the toughest sports in the world until the age 35.

SPORTS CROSSWORD

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Across7 Sportswear brand (6)

8 Martial art (6)

10 Club ___, Colombian soccer team (5,2)

11 Slide a skateboard along the edge of a railing or bench (5)

12 Chance for or against (4)

13 Greg Norman’s nickname (5)

17 Cricketing family Geoff, Shaun and Mitchell (5)

18 British Rugby League team ___ Kingston Rovers (4)

22 Fail to convert an easy win through pressure or nerves (5)

23 In English soccer, the Toffeemen (7)

24 Could be head-high (6)

25 First name of the Australian boxer who died May 8th 2011 (6)

Down1 Southern English town host to soccer

arch-rivals City and Rovers (7)

2 Josh ___, Socceroo who signed with Nagoya Grampus in 2010 (7)

3 Golfer who was known as ‘Bantam Ben’ or ‘The Hawk’ (5)

4 Host city of the 1988 Winter Olympics (7)

5 and 14 Down First Italian to manage the English soccer team (5,7)

6 In British Rugby League, the Rhinos (5)

9 Australian Rugby League manager who left the Sea Eagles at the end of the 2011 season in controversy (3,6)

14 See 5 Down

15 and 21 Down Belgian tennis champ (7,5)

16 Palindromic Aussie Rules team (7)

19 Australian golfer Adam ___ (5)

20 ___ Simmons, retired Penrith Rugby League hooker (5)

21 See 15 Down

Last issue’s solution

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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

play magazine #11

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