Tiger ready for finals splash

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Brendan Lines

BL&GFA Football

tiger splash

Central has locked away the double chance with a dominant 68-point win over Kapunda in the Barossa, Light & Gawler Football Association clash at Gawler Oval on Saturday.

Both teams were under no illusions that victory was crucial to their prospective finals campaigns.

Central was looking to cement second place, while Kapunda needed a win to guarantee it a spot in the top four.

Not mincing his words, Tigers’ coach Damien Herzick made the situation clear to his charges, saying, “make no mistake, this is our first final”.

Bombers’ coach Michael McCarthy focused his team on delivering four solid quarters of football but, given the season’s critical stage, reminded his players to “look at the big picture”.

Central ruckman Craig Jamar led the attack with the game’s first two goals.

Kapunda mounted a response, but turnovers were costly and goals then came from Matthew Phillips, Kyle Wurst and the returning Charlie Molyneux.

The Bombers finally broke through on the scoreboard with some late goals through Daniel Johncock and Brett Baillie, but by then the Tigers had established a 26-point lead at quarter-time.

Herzick was pleased with how his side had capitalised on opposition turnovers, but demanded the Tigers not be complacent, saying he wanted “the same commitment; not just now, but for the next 30 minutes”.

The Bombers returned service to Central early in the second term, again through Johncock.

Quick to respond, Tigers Josh Edwards and Brad Mercer banged on goals to extend the lead to 56 points at half-time.

Herzick implored his squad to “keep the intensity up” at the break, while McCarthy kept a positive note and asked his team to “challenge them and take them on in every aspect of the game”.

Staring down the barrel of imminent defeat, Johncock again led the Bombers’ early charge with a goal.

But the Tigers continued to punish turnovers with consistent midfield pressure, led by Molyneux and Wurst.

Ahead by 69 points at the final change, Herzick demanded his Tigers continue to send a message to their possible finals rival with “30 minutes of relentless football”.

It was Mercer who answered the call, banging home four unanswered goals to guide Central to victory.

Mercer finished with six majors, while Johncock led the Bombers’ goal-kickers with three.

Gawler Central will look to sink Freeling’s finals aspirations this weekend, while Kapunda will fight to remain in the top four when it takes on Angaston.

Featured article at the link below

http://www.bunyippress.com.au/tigers-ready-for-finals-splash/

Winning a family affair

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Above: Craig Jaensch with Sheza Black Rose

http://www.arclightphoto.com/

LAST Tuesday’s racing at Gawler was very rewarding for South Merbein trainer Craig Jaensch, with his greyhound Sheza Black Rose notching her maiden win.

Starting from box two in the open maiden series over 388m, Sheza
Black Rose jumped early with the leaders to find third position.

After fighting with fourth-placed Lilliputian (4) for most of the first section, Sheza Black Rose pulled away on the rail in pursuit of leaders Viscount Vane (1) and Senni Jay Jay (3).

Keeping her position on the rail, she shot through to take the lead down the straight, after the leaders went wide on the home turn, and win in a time of 23.17 seconds.

Viscount Vane ran second for Two Wells’ Karen Bearpark, while Senni Jay Jay took third for Lewiston trainer Tim Ieraci.

Sheza Black Rose was bred on Jaensch’s Merbein property, where she was part of a litter shared with his father, Chris.

Trialling over 388m at Angle Park and Gawler, her good times gave Jaensch the confidence to start her racing.

True to predictions, she has taken to South Australian tracks with great zeal, as they are similar to the tracks at which she was broken in.

The Jaensch family has a long history in greyhound racing; Jaensch’s parents Chris and Kaye have been involved in the sport for 30 years, with his brothers Trevor, Michael and Patrick also now involved.

His partner, Leanne Smith, does a lot of crucial work behind the scenes that allows him to balance his racing and work commitments.
“I really could not do it without her,” Jaensch said.

Travelling to SA to find success is nothing new for Jaensch as, before its closure, Barmera was a ‘home’ track for the Victorian.

Jaensch also added the recent increase in SA prize-money has also made travelling to Gawler more lucrative.

Other notable efforts for the day’s racing included a division one win to Evanston trainer Aarte Verhoef’s veteran, Cash Or Credit.

As a result of some final essential works being carried out on the new track complex, racing at Gawler will take a short break.

Featured article at the link below

http://www.bunyippress.com.au/racing-success-is-a-family-affair/

Teamwork pays off

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Above: Alex Zurafski and Lady Xanthe

http://www.arclightphoto.com

In race three’s 388m open maiden stake at Angle Park last Tuesday, Lady Xanthe found the rail early to shut out any challenges and storm home to a five-length win.

Lektra Dave, for Murray Bridge trainer Wendy Mattcott, and Smashed Dip, for Lewiston’s Rebecca McCauley-Fry, filled the minor placings.

So far in his greyhound racing career Wudarczyk has trained and ran his own racing team.

However, on this occasion, he chose to diversify the ownership of Lady Xanthe to a syndicate in an arrangement he believes can help make the sport more inclusive to new participants and draw upon some extra experience from people already in the industry.

Wudarczyk has even introduced his next-door neighbour to greyhound racing this way.

Lady Xanthe, who was purchased from local breeder Peter Luxton, noted for his ‘City Strike Rate’ award in the 2011 Greyhound of the Year awards, is the syndicate’s first winner since its formation in 2011.

Wudarczyk identified her straight away as a natural runner and decided to run her over 388m.

He usually prefers 500m runners, however the shorter distance has favored Lady Xanthe and Wudarczyk plans to run her over the 400m at Gawler on the completion of its redevelopment.

When asked about racing at the soon be completed new Gawler facility, Wudarczyk said that is was a “good step forward” as it would make for a more comfortable and happier experience for trainers.

This is a good sign that the new development will not only benefit local trainers, but be attractive to city and interstate trainers also.

Trainer’s honors went to Oswald Chegia, from Sellicks Beach, who managed two winners for the day in Elira Jane and Ritza Tiger.

Featured article at the link below

http://www.bunyippress.com.au/teamwork-pays-off/

Butcher Lays Down Challenge

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Brendan Lines

November 5, 2015

butcher

Above: Cameron Butcher and Dodger I Am

http://www.arclightphoto.com

Recovering from a recent metacarpal injury, Dodger I Am has had a remarkable winning run from box five, with good results from less-than-favourable positions seeming to be a recurring trend.

He has a great ability to find the lead from middle and wide starting positions, over 300m and 500m races, with the most recent at Angle Park on December 30.

Butcher puts much of it down to good luck, but also pointed out that Dodger I Am was never rushed back from injury, which has since seen him return to the track with more focus.

After returning to greyhound racing in the past five years, Butcher has struck up a connection with Cheltenham-based breeder Alan McCulloch.

From here, Dodger I Am was picked from a litter out of the brood bitch Little Looper, with the pairing spawning other notable successes, such as the 2012 Greyhound of the Year Hope’s Up.

Seeing this promising form, Butcher has expressed plans to see Dodger I Am enter the St Ledger Series at Gawler.

He has confidence that this series will be an opportunity for Dodger I Am to race competitively against runners in its class.

Despite Butcher’s location at Meningie it has not stopped him participating at tracks across the state, particularly Gawler, where he has had success with Regal Looper taking out the 2014 Gawler produce series – a result he is hoping to emulate with Dodger I Am in the St Ledger.

Adelaide Alive

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Brendan Lines

November 5, 2015

Motorsport

The first time Adelaide heard the the screech and shrill sounds of Formula 1 was in 1985. Thirty years later the original bespoke turbo charged machinery of the era has returned to Victoria Park.

In conjunction with the return of the Classic Adelaide Rally and the Victoria Park sprint event. Both have combined to create the S.A Motorsport Festival. A three day event that sees racing drawing upon South Australia’s rich motor sport history.

The event saw reportedly 20,000 fans attend over the three days taking in a variety of cars racing in various categories.

But the events biggest draw card, was of course the presence of the legendary Formula 1 turbo era cars. Which originally competed in the first Australian Formula Grand Prix for world championship points.

These included three time world champion Ayrton Senna’s Lotus 97T, the car which secured the first ever pole position at the Adelaide circuit. Also appearing was the car of Australia’s 1980 F1 world champion Alan Jones, the Lola TLH1. Which was the first F1 car to lap the Adelaide Street Circuit.

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Above: Ayrton Senna’s Lotus 1985 97T
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Above: Alan Jone’s Lola Hart TLH1

Other notable entries were the 1986 Benetton B186 which was brought to the event by Australian owner Les Wright. Just one of the many local and interstate owners of classic racing cars brought to the event.

Above: Les Wright’s Benetton B186 pursued by the Lola HartTLH1

Event organiser Tim Possingham from the Sporting Car Club of S.A said that the “Highest ownership of classic cars is here in Adelaide.” Commending the enthusiasm of classic car owners support of this event.

Participants not only raced at the various venues across the state holding stages of the rally. But also did bring their machines to display at the unique city side hub at Victoria Park.

The Victoria Park site made the city side event unique to anywhere else in the world just as it did in 1985 combining tight city streets and parkland section.

Given this years success Mr. Possingham has already expressed that next years event will aim to have up to twenty F1 cars that have previously raced at the Adelaide Circuit over the period of 1985 to 1995. This will also be coupled by celebrity drivers whom have previously raced them.

Mr. Possingham also confirmed Classic Team Lotus International who brought Ayrton Senna’s cars to the event. Have committed two cars next year – however it is yet to be confirmed what models they will be.

President resigns amid league merger

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Brendan Lines

November 5, 2015

SANRL – Rugby League

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Above: Adam Jaworski

Former President of the Henley Raiders Rugby League Club Adam Jaworski, has resigned from his appointment on the newly formed Western Districts Rugby League Club Committee.

The resignation comes as both Henley and Woodville Rugby League clubs were dissolved two weeks ago at a turbulent meeting conducted at NRL SA headquarters.

The meeting saw the 2015 Grand Finalists identity wiped out. Under NRL SA General Manager Ken Kennedy’s plan to reform the eight team competition down to a sustainable four team competition.

Mr Kennedy said in a statement issued by NRL SA “With the formation of the Western District club, the clubs that made up the western suburbs region will be able to provide greater opportunities for its players and members, and a stronger rugby league presence in the Western Suburbs of Adelaide,”

However both sides claimed inconsistencies in the information provided about the merger by the league. As some participants displayed anger towards the ruling that current players may not participate on the new committee.

Information about the ruling was issued by Mr Kennedy, as it was mandated by the NRL constitution. This caused confusion amongst some participants as they expressed the need for increased participation across the league. Given its limited share of participants amongst other sporting codes in the state.

Participants at the meeting displayed their anger towards the merger as some ‘walked out’ demonstrating their protest to the merger. However it was clear at the meeting that Mr. Kennedy and NRL SA Chairman Stuart Davis’ vision for a more sustainable competition was to go ahead.

Against popularity a new committee was appointed from both clubs existing committees. Which saw Mr. Jaworski appointed sponsorship co ordinator. Along with fellow Henley Financial Director Chris Pittman and General Committee member Theo Marsh.

Speculation surrounded the financial viability of the Western Districts merger given the Woodville clubs position. Also the fact that Woodville only fielded a reserve grade team in the 2015 season. This gave impetus to the untimely dissolution of the Henley Club.

Given his time as the President of the Henley club Mr.Jawroski oversaw the formation and rising success of the club to consecutive NRL SA Grand Finals. Along with its community inclusive ethos, Mr Jaworski also spearheaded the appointment of notable New South Wales Country Rugby League administrator Theo Marsh.

NRL SA Director Ken Kennedy said upon news of Mr. Jaworski’s resignation that “We are sad to see him go.”

The announcement was made over social media last night as Mr Jaworski said his reasons were due to family.

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

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Above: Rob Harnas with Zafonic Grace

http://www.arclightphoto.com/

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