Month: October 2015

Off Field Star Recruit

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Brendan Lines

October 20, 2015

SANRL – Rugby League

Getting the right people involved in local rugby league is crucial to the games development at club level. The Henley Raiders Rugby league club are very happy to announce that long time Rugby League administrative personality Theo Marsh has joined the HRRLC General committee for the 2015 season.

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Left – Theo Marsh with Group 6 president Warren Kimberley

Theo blew the full time whistle on his referee career in 1980 and became secretary of Group 6 Rugby League in NSW.

Holding this position for 8 years, Theo’s administrative career later progressed to serve on the league’s Judiciary panel, Referee Committee and later became President.

After his tenure as Group 6 President Theo served on the management committee of Country Rugby League.

Upon moving to Port Macquarie Theo became secretary of the Port City Beakers, His first club level role.

He expressed that in becoming involved with the Breakers “You see how much hard work goes into a club and its important to have the right people committed to the club.”

Theo later said that the two biggest assets a club can have for off field success is “Volunteers and good management.” he also commented with cheerful gratitude that “The coach has the hardest job too.”

Competition for participants from AFL and soccer is a challenge, in South Australia. Encouraging Rugby League’s engagement within the community through its school programs and Mini league is something Theo advocates as well.

Theo said that in the Eastern states there is a strong following in Under 6 participation due to promotion of its fun and safe elements. The key is to get these programs through to the local S.A clubs and into the community not just at National League level.

Now based in Adelaide Theo has been in discussion with Club President Adam Jaworski. Initially he was impressed with the clubs short history and its remarkable success saying it was a “real credit to them.”

Theo was enthused about was how well the club is organised. It’s this response to the club which sees Theo more than happy to help out and look forward to his involvement in the General Committee.

Club President Adam Jaworski could not be any more welcoming with Theo’s interest in the club commenting that “we’d love to have you in the club.”

These discussions soon lead to Theo’s appointment at the 2014 AGM on October 29th.

The invaluable administrative experience and community mindedness of Theo in real score for the club. An association well in line with HRRLC focus on its belief in development of all members and positive community involvement.

Winner out of the Ashes

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Brendan Lines

October 12, 2015

S.A Greyhound Racing

rob harnas

Above: Rob Harnas with Zafonic Grace

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TWO years ago trainer Rob Harnas’ Lewiston property was destroyed by fire in a near tragic event that saw he, his family and greyhounds escape alive.

Left with only the clothes on his back, it has been a true triumph over adversity to rebuild his property and re-establish his place in the greyhound winners’ circle.

Harnas described the chilling experience as something he would not wish upon anyone; the sudden realisation that everything he owned was gone was a ‘surreal’ feeling, and a reminder for him to never again take things for granted.

Harnas made no surprise admissions in outlining that full-time training is a demanding game.

Following the loss of his property, he considered ending his affiliation with greyhound racing, but with the support of his family and love for the sport he decided to keep going.

Getting back to racing was part of the recovery to move on from the fire.

Racing has been part of his family since the early 1980s.

He is well-supported by his wife, Tricia, who assists amongst full-time work commitments, and also his two young sons Jackson and Samuel.

Harnas rebuilt a new house for the family and a 14-kennel facility for his team of greyhounds.

This year he has produced 17 winners from the new Lewiston facility, the most recent coming from his maiden winner Zafonic Grace, which stormed home in race three on the Gawler program at Angle Park.

Harnas believes that upon receiving her from the
Adelaide syndicate owners it has helped her mature in confidence as a race dog.

His ability to recognise a dog’s potential has, over time, seen him approached by syndicates to take on their training duties.

In the case of Zafonic Grace, she first came to the Lewiston property some 16 months ago and, despite being a little slow to start with, has showed improvements.

With his property rebuilt, and family now settled in, Harnas could not be happier – Zafonic Grace’s win means there are “no complaints from his corner”.

In other greyhound news, Gawler favourite Aarte Verhoufe’s Cash or Credit has been unfazed by the change of venue, coming home first, in race 11 last Tuesday, six lengths ahead of Uno Oscar, for Christopher Jaensch, of Merbein, and Jarrad Murray’s Cosmic Wild.

Gawler racing returns to Angle Park next Tuesday.

For more information go to gawlergreyhounds.com.au