Barrier Daily Truth

Young Pies singing in the rain

Friday, 24th May, 2013

By Smashy Nashy

It was Central who were singing the club song with gusto at 7.30 on Wednesday night after playing a superb four quarters of wet weather football to defeat North in the Under 18s.
The final score of 10-10 (70) to 3-8 (26) actually flattered North because at half time North trailed 7-6 to 0-4.
The game started under constant rain, making the game a battle of the bravest, and the Magpies’ coaching staff of Matt Sowden and Jarred Paul must have been delighted with how their players attacked the slippery ball.
Central were first to the ball all night, handled it better and played in front which is so important for wet weather football.
The move of midfielder Jesse Dwyer to full forward was a master stroke as he kicked four goals and proved a handful for the North defenders. Central also won the midfield battles through Jason Masclet, James Bressanelli and Louis Gilby.
In the ruck North’s Chad Spangler probably won most of the taps but around the ground Central’s Connor Martin was superb, capping off his game with three goals, one of which came after a Naitanui-like quality grab.
Central players all over the ground hit the contest hard, none more so than Gilby who is quickly gaining my attention for his hard work ethic from start to finish.
Another to play well was Mason Hunt across half back. Hunt was very disciplined in his role often going to the dangerous Zac Borlace to negate his influence, or running the angles to block space.
In attack Kayne Read was always dangerous, while Henry Carroll and Tanner Lloyd continue to improve.
For North it was a real soul-searching night at the office for coach Freddy Borlace. No team likes to be labelled firm track specialists but it appeared from the first bounce that several North players were not that keen to be at the Jube on a cold, wet night.
North’s Zac Borlace was again superb in his attack on the ball, and his willingness to keep battling against the tide, while Ethan Thomas was also a willing competitor all night.
During the week Colin O’Donnell arrived from West, keen on more game time, and he played a good first up game for the Bulldogs. Cooper Murray, Garry Tuthill and Sam Sutcliffe battled hard in defence, but the flood gates were well and truly open as North leaked goals, especially to half time.
In the late game WEST had the best of the conditions as the rain cleared in their match with SOUTH.
South mustered up 15 players while West had their full 22. Having a bench of seven allowed coach Jeb Grose to rotate his players all night. West are managing the game time of their senior players and this week Heath Harris and Rylie McInnes (luckily) had the night off in front of the fire.
Cohen Pettitt was back but played permanent forward and kicked six goals. Cohen Smith also bagged six playing across half forward and was the clear BOG in my opinion as he ran amok creating numerous other scoring chances. Had he not passed off several times, double figures was a real possibility.
Smith is back to his very best form of two years ago and senior honours beckon.
Through the middle Liam King had the ball on a string feeding off the good ruck work of Jake Hodgins. All over the park West had good performers with Harrison Dally and Josh O’Brien grabbing goals and Aiden Channing and Dakoda Hocking kicking two each.
The only downside of the night was the Central cheer squad craving for Max Everuss to snag a goal.
Pocket rocket Cody Dunn enjoyed the ball at ground level and Kyle Hand also had a good game with a goal to boot.
For South it was a tough slog, and the final score of 23.23 to 2-0 was a fair assessment of West’s class but very unfair on the South lads’ fighting spirit.
South kept Mitchell Henderson out of the fire which is quite sensible given his A grade form. He still had a solid night waxing screw punts with Kurt Rolton from full back.
Brock Chapman continues to improve, this week in the ruck and deep in defence. Late in the game West’s Cody Ellis had a brain fade and was reported for striking Chapman. Lauchlan Roberg was again high up in the Roos’ best as was Rob Naudi who, like all smaller players, enjoyed the ball being at ground level more often.
Bailey Treloar battled the tide all night in defence and was another South player who gave everything. Aden Thompson, Anthony Crombie and Corey Markovic rounded out the Roos top players.
So five rounds in West are clearly in a class of their own and will be certain grand finalists.
Central have jumped back into contention with a great win and North have some thinking to do. For South, keep having a dip and enjoy your footy as you are so important to the success of Wednesday night footy.

PINK BRIGADE

Friday, 24th May, 2013

(Back, from left) South’s Phoebe Norton-Knight, Sarah Gillespie, Sophie Nutt, Shenae Austin with (front) Lyndsay Kubiak, Tiffany Gray, Kacee Milnes and Frankee Baldwin. PICTURE: Darrin Manuel

By Emily Roberts

Spectators at tomorrow’s football games will be seeing pink.
That’s because it is the pink round of football for Breast Cancer and collection tins will be available at the Jubilee and Alma ovals.
The South Football Club women’s team has even bought pink guernseys especially for the day.
Captain of team, Lyndsay Kubiak, said they decided to do it to raise money for the National Breast Cancer Association.
“The pink round was supposed to be on May 11 but the Miners Cup was held then so it was pushed back,” Lyndsay said.
“We bought special guernseys and have lots and lots of merchandise to sell on Saturday.”
She said the West girls’ team and the South men’s side will be wearing pink socks as well.
“We are also hoping to have a cake stall and donation tins,” Lyndsay said, adding that it was for a cause close to her heart.
“I try to do a lot of pink fundraising things because I lost my aunt to breast cancer,” she said.
“Last year when we did the fundraiser we raised over $1,000. This year the club has already donated $750 just through the socks and other merchandise.”
South will also hold a ladies night after the games.
“I really encourage people to come to the game, rug up and dress in pink. Then come down to the club and donate some money,” Lyndsay said. “Please give generously.”
She said it was important to raise awareness about breast cancer.
“It is very prevalent. We all know someone or know of someone who has suffered or is fighting it.
“The girls were so happy to get behind it; I think they are just happy to wear pink.”
Lyndsay said they will also be taking orders from anyone who wanted a pink guernsey. They can contact South or see Lyndsay at game.
The two women’s games will also use a pink ball and the A grade umpires will be decked out in pink.

League back with a bang

Tuesday, 14th May, 2013

The Outback Rugby League season started in the district last weekend and was deemed a success by its president, Dave Gallagher.
“I think the popularity is rising, it showed through a fairly good crowd at every location,” Mr Gallagher said.
The Geebungs went up against the Saints only to draw 24 points each.
Kerry King, Jeffrey Webster, Rickie Whyman and Clint Squire each scored a try for the Geebungs. Willy Webster scored three goals and Robert Young scored one goal.
For the Saints, Mitch McKenny and Matt Kiddle had two tries a piece.
Matt Kiddle then followed up with another two goals with Ash Tucker also scoring two goals.
The Menindee Wedge-Tail Eagles proved too good for the Parntu Warriors winning 56 to 28.
Menindee tries went to Daryl Morris (2), Colin Clark (2), Clint Ferguson, Jason Johnson, Shaun Kemp, Lawrence Philp, Ricky Waters and Cameron Philp.
Curtis Smith went above and beyond with seven goals and one goal went to Daryl Morris.
Colin Whyman, Moe Hokai, Brady Hall, Darren Whyman and Barry Hunter scored tries for the Parntu Warriors and Colin Whyman scored four goals.
The last game was the Wilcannia Boomerangs against the Menindee Yabbies. Wilcannia Boomerangs came away with the win, scoring 54 to 18.
“I think it is excellent, every part of the Broken Hill region, including Menindee and Wilcannia offered a game of rugby,” Mr Gallagher said.
“It goes back to the days when they had it regularly.”
Mr Gallagher said he was impressed by the number of players.
“There were enough to field six sides, it was also good for the juniors,” he said.
“We could tell the crowd enjoyed the greatest game of all.”
Mr Gallagher said he hoped the support would continue into the season.

Recruiters eye Giants

Tuesday, 14th May, 2013

The Slater and Gordon Under 15 GWS Academy team.

By Darrin Manuel

Broken Hill’s best under 15 footballers have had a glimpse at top level football during trial games against SANFL club Central Districts.
The Slater and Gordon Under 15 GWS Academy team took on the Bulldogs’ juniors in two games recently, and learned a great deal despite not registering a win.
GWS Academy coach, Dale Tonkin, said his team had shown great improvement between the two outings.
“In the first game we showcased our talent, but our work rate and effort wasn’t quite up to standard,” he said.
“We came back, we regrouped and had feedback as a team and as individuals, and this time we were super competitive.
“Most of the players got to the level required based on work ethic, and we played some really good football.”
Tonkin said by the second game many of the players had started to grasp the fundamentals required for play in higher calibre leagues.
“A lot of the kids started to understand the tools and skill-set you need to compete when you don’t have the football.
“I anticipate that most of the kids learned from the experience and it was good to see them extend themselves and understand what’s required at this higher level.
“Things like running both ways, forwards rolling up the ground, defenders becoming attacking players and midfielders working hard on spreading from the contest.
“From that game I’m sure we’ll see quite a few of our kids competing at the Combined High Schools Carnival in a few weeks, and hopefully Broken Hill will have multiple State representatives.”
The local players also fell under the eye of GWS recruiter Neville Stibbard, who travelled from Sydney to watch the games.
“I came down from Sydney to have a look, most of the boys I knew and they are developing pretty well,” he said.
“The pathway for them now is to play in these type of carnivals to come under notice ahead of the draft in three years’ time.
“It gives them very good exposure to AFL recruiters and... there’s five or six players there that we will certainly monitor really closely.”
Mr Tonkin said he wished to thank the Picton Oval Committee, Central Districts, Heath Caldwell (assistant coach), Jarrad Ruddock (runner) and all the players’ parents for making the trip possible.

Lionel loves it

Monday, 13th May, 2013

Lionel Johnston at his beloved Jubilee Oval. PICTURE: Gavin Schmidt

The BHFL best and fairest medal is named after him, and so are the BHFL meeting rooms, but there’s more to living legend Lionel Johnston than just football, writes Paul Armstrong

Lionel Harry Johnston was born at the Broken Hill District Hospital on December 23, 1922.
He married his sweetheart Patricia and they had children Peter, Jennifer, Christopher and Suzanne. He now has 11 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Sadly, Patricia passed away in 2004.
Lionel’s family lived in Silverton and his father worked for the Silverton Tramway before moving into Broken Hill during the war years.
His early education was at the Silverton public school before entering the Broken Hill High School and gaining the Intermediate Certificate.
Often he would travel by goods train into school from Silverton and on occasion did not return home until 9 at night due to the train timetable. On other occasions, Lionel would ride his bike over the rutted, dusty road back home.
During his schooling here he would stay with relatives and would later board with them when he gained work.
After school he studied accountancy, typing and shorthand at the Thompkins and Hoskins Business College. At age 17 Lionel gained employment at the North Broken Hill Limited mine and continued his studies at night.
At 19 he joined the RAAF and served for four years during those harrowing times. On joining up he was taken to Adelaide for medical tests (“Please cough, you’re in”) and was moved onto Shepparton for training then to Bradfield Park in Sydney before being posted to Townsville.
After a few months Lionel was posted to the Signals Security Section of 45 Operational Base in Port Moresby when the battle was taking place on the Kokoda Track. He spent his 20th and 21st birthdays in camp. Lionel said wryly, “We flew to Port Moresby by Short Sunderland Flying Boat and we were herded into a stripped out plane like a herd of sheep.”
During his service Lionel was involved with a number of American soldiers and was a cipher assistant who took care of the aircraft secret codes during combat.
Apart from travelling up the Kokoda Track to the Red Cross hut, Lionel was also at the base which was strafed by Japanese bombers on occasions, with his steel hat his only comfort. In one raid more than 100 enemy planes bombed the area, but he was not injured.
“In an effort to supplement our diet we bartered with the Fuzzy Wuzzies to take us out fishing,” he said. “We would catch 15 fish and in return give them tinned fruit.”.
After spending 17 and half months in the tropical heat, Lionel returned home on leave only to strike snow at Orange on the journey. Later he was posted to RAAF Eastern Headquarters in Double Bay, Sydney for a short period. He was then moved to Morotai Island by HMAS Kanimbla.
Lionel was then sent to an island between Borneo and the Philippines called Labuan, with the advanced echelon of the 1st Tactical Air force, in preparation for the invasion of Singapore.
With a faint tremble in his voice, Lionel said “The Atomic bomb was dropped in Japan while I was there. The invasion thus became redundant.”
He was discharged in 1946 and recommenced work at the North mine as a Pay Clerk. Later he was appointed as the Correspondence Clerk. With a smile he added, “I was in charge of the girl typists and was an assistant to the manager’s secretary.”
Lionel later moved to the Personnel Department as Registrar and continued his work until that fateful day in 1982 when he took retirement at age 59. He had worked for the North mine for 43 and half years, an outstanding effort.
Sport played a major part in the Johnston family’s life over many decades and the sound of red ball on willow bat is entrenched through three generations.
“I began playing cricket with my brothers when we were young lads and I played under the captaincy of my father in the Silverton cricket team. In the early days we would play against Cockburn in home and away matches. The travelling was a bit tough.”
After the war, Lionel, Ron and Allen Johnston played with the Austen and Tom Brown brothers in the St Peter’s team. Lionel then joined Central and played in Premierships in 1961-2 and 62-3. In the 1961 season Lionel created a long lasting record of 59 wickets in a season.
Because of his sensational efforts for Central over the years he became a founding member and No1 Life Member.
Through the decades Lionel played in tennis teams in Silverton, Broken Hill and the North mine with premierships resulting. Later he took on table tennis and acquitted himself very well over many years.
He is also a foundation member of the Eagles baseball club which was born from the Sunday morning tennis players. Then there is his passion for the art of golf.
“I love it. I am in the Sunrise Golfers squad but there are only two of us left as the others have passed away. My mate Neil Terrell and I hit off at daybreak and play three times a week over nine holes. It keeps us fit.”
In an outstanding effort, Lionel celebrates 50 years of involvement with the BH Football League this year. He continues to work at the Jubilee Oval and assists where possible at 90 years of age.
In 1964 he was requested to help the League when a secretary was required. “I agreed to help for a couple of weeks; I’ve been there fifty years.”
Also in his tenure he was on the SANFL Affiliated Leagues Council for 10 years.
Today Lionel volunteers his time to a sport much loved by him and for the youngsters coming through the ranks. With a wink, he said “I love driving the ride on lawn mower around the Jubilee Oval.”
The following awards were for meritorious service; SANFL merit award for service to football, National Australian Football council merit award for service to football, Commonwealth Award-Services to sport, BH City Council Australian of the Year 1987, Barrier District Cricket League Life Member, Central District Cricket Club Life Member, BH Football League Life Member, and BH Football Association Life Member.
In 1998 the Middleton medal was renamed the Lionel Johnston Medal for the BHFL’s best and fairest player and last year the BHFL meeting rooms were named Lionel Johnston House.
There are so many superlatives we can use in describing Lionel Johnston and his efforts within the community. I think we can agree that Lionel is an exceptional person and a wonderful Living Legend.