Sporting Highlights

Crusaders State League and Youth League success

The Central Coast Crusaders recently capped off an amazing season when they secured both the Women’s Division One State League Title and the Men’s Division One Youth League Title at the State Finals in Sutherland. After a long season the Crusaders reigned supreme to secure the Club’s first ever Championship after only entering the Competition in 2007.

The State League Women went into the Finals weekend full of confidence having won 12 games in a row, and they didn’t disappoint as they overcame a tenacious Wagga Wagga Blaze in the semi-final, 71-50 before coming from behind to beat the Coffs Harbour Suns in the Championship decider 63-54. The win topped off a rollercoaster year for the State League Women who overcame the loss of their coach mid-season and some patchy early season form. Their new coach, Dan Pratt, could not be prouder of their efforts. “This win is testimony to girls’ efforts to work hard and stick together in tough times. They really turned their season around and the reward is something that both the girls and I will never forget,” Mr Pratt said.

The Youth League Men finished the regular season as Minor Premiers with an impressive 20-2 win/loss record and were determined to erase the disappointment from last year’s heartbreaking semi-final loss. Their determined attitude was evident in the semi-final as they proved too strong for a never-say-die Sydney Comets outfit, 60-52.

The Final was against arch-rivals the Macarthur Heat who had plenty of offensive firepower, however the Crusaders never let the Heat settle into the contest and with their ferocious defensive intensity and clinical offensive execution ensured that the Championship Banner will forever hang proudly from the rafters of Bridgecoast Stadium, Terrigal with a 62-48 win. “This win has been three years in the making. It was fantastic team effort from a group who work hard, play for each other and who have a phenomenal will to win…I’m proud of them, they deserve this success,” said coach, Chris Ohlback.

As well as claiming the two Championships the Crusaders also had a number of individuals who were acknowledged for their individual efforts throughout the season which was just reward for an outstanding season by the Club.

In the Youth League Men, Jason Taylor was named the Most Valuable Player of the League, the League’s Leading Point Scorer, a Member of the All-Star Five and the Most Valuable Player of the Final; whilst Team Captain Dane Hillmann was also named in the All Star Five and Defensive Player of the Final; and Coach Chris Ohlback was named the League’s Coach of the Year.

In the State League Women, Ilanah Forrest was named in the League’s All Star Five whilst Hayley Hughes was named Most Valuable Player of the Final and Tristan Black was named Defensive Player of the Final. In the Youth League Women, Coach Jim Pappas was named Coach of the Year. In the Youth League Men Division Two Competition William Bates gained selection in the All Star Five.

The Vintage to host 2009 NSW Open

The 2009 NSW Open continues its love affair with The Vintage in the Hunter Valley – owned by Central Coast businessman John Stevens – as it steps up to the PGA Tour this November. The tournament has taken further strides in its rejuvenation by now being positioned immediately before the Australian Open on the newly charged PGA Tour of Australasia. This is a giant leap forward for the NSW Open and is a key initiative promoting opportunities for the leading players to secure a birth on the exciting new ONEASIA Super Series.

NSW Golf Association’s CEO and NSW Open Tournament Director, Greg Mills said, “Our continuing partnership with the Greg Norman designed Vintage Golf Course provides the perfect backdrop and a great test for our best players who will vie for our flagship event and the national title, in just two weeks of championship golf. The NSW Open continues to grow in stature on our major circuit and is a joint venture between the NSW Golf Association, the PGA and The Vintage with important backing from Events NSW." Greg Norman has committed to supporting the Australian Open and Events NSW for the next three years.

The Vintage Golf Club’s owners, John Stevens and Don Panoz are delighted their venue will once again host the event where the golfing public can see the talents of some of Australia’s best golfers on their highly ranked NSW course. Mr Stevens and Mr Panoz have recently announced that construction has commenced on their $40 million luxury hotel and destination spa complex at The Vintage. The internationally renowned Chateau Elan Group will operate the facility. This development comes hot on the heels of the welcome news that the F3 link to Branxton will run conveniently by The Vintage.

The NSW Open, a tournament with 78 years of tradition, will be held at The Vintage Golf Club at Pokolbin from 26-29 November 2009.

Mars Inspirational Athletes

Peter Ives and Samantha Edwards are the Central Coast Academy of Sport’s Mars Inspirational Athletes for August.

An athlete in the Academy’s surfing program, Peter Ives started surfing in 2005, at the age of thirteen. He joined Norah Head Surfing Fraternity in 2007 and won the U16 Club Championship and the Most Promising Surfer Award. In 2008 and 2009 he won the U18 Club Championships and was Most Improved Surfer in 2009. Peter joined Tea Tree board riders this year and in three competitions has been placed 2nd, 2nd and 1st respectively in the U18 division, against surfers who have represented Australia in World, National and State competitions. He has also competed in the Open division making two finals and a semi-final in three competitions. Peter is so highly respected in the surfing fraternity that he has already obtained sponsorships with Revolution Surfboards and Bucko’s Surfboard Repairs.

Samantha Edwards is a member of the Central Coast Academy of Sport Netball Squad and Year 12 Sports Captain at St.Joseph’s Catholic College, East Gosford. Samantha also represents Gosford District Netball Association and is a member of the current Division 5 Hunter and Central Coast United State League netball team.

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