THE loss of Port Macquarie’s premier player Wayne Gleeson could spell trouble for the mixed open A team in the NSW Touch State Cup, which starts today.
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Gleeson is racing the clock to be fit after damaging his ankle during last Sunday’s gala day.
“It is a major blow for the side,” Port Macquarie Touch Association president Chris Veech said.
“But, knowing Wayne, he’ll do everything he can to play in an event like this.
“I’m positive they’ll still be competitive in a very strong division.
“The team was seeded in this section only a year to two ago.”
In Gleeson’s absence, Beau Montgomery, Aaron Ison, Adrian Daley Jnr and Warren Lorger will need to control Port Macquarie’s attack, while relying on the skills of Anna Gleeson and Amanda Davies in the middle.
Mixed open A
Today –
11.20am, F01, Cronulla Sharks v Port Macquarie
4pm, F00, Port Macquarie v Wests Magpies
Tomorrow –
10.20am, F02, Hills Hornets v Port Macquarie
12.40pm, F08, Penrith Panthers v Port Macquarie
3pm, F17, Port Macquarie v Parramatta Eels
Port Macquarie squad: Harley Gore, Jake Green, Aaron Ison, Warren Lorger, Simon Martin, Beau Montgomery, Tahney Swan, Megan Bryant, Corinne Buckley, Adrian Daley Jnr, Amanda Davies, Emma Farthing, Anna Gleeson, Wayne Gleeson, Jordan Macey
**
THE depth of Port Macquarie touch is evident with the emergence of the mixed open B squad, which opens its campaign today against the Bankstown Jets.
“This side is a good mix of youth and experience,” Veech explained.
“Adam (Kelly) and Glen (Littler) provide the leadership, while Laraine (McLaughlin) has participated in a number of State Cups too.
“Youngsters such as Laura Avery, Anna Leary, Kate Felstead, James O’Brien and Paddy Coelho provide plenty of balance.
“They’re in a tough draw, but should account for themselves well.”
Mixed open B
Today –
9am, F13, Bankstown Jets v Port Macquarie
1.05pm, F03, Port Macquarie v Newcastle University
Tomorrow –
8.35am, F14, Wallsend Wolves v Port Macquarie
10.20am, F16, Port Macquarie v Hills Hornets
3.35pm, F17, Easts Roosters v Port Macquarie
Port Macquarie squad: Daniel Robins, Cassie Flanagan, Sam Flanagan, Alia Lievore, Glen Littler, Laura Avery, Paddy Coelho, Adam Kelly, Kristin Jamieson, Kate Felstead, Anna Leary, James O'Brien, Laraine McLaughlin
**
ONE of the association’s best chances of success could fall on the shoulders of the senior mixed outfit.
The team is seeded three and only has two matches per day, starting with showdowns with the Wallsend Wolves and Forster Tuncurry at 9am and 1.40pm respectively.
“The players in this line-up are clicking well,” Veech said.
“They may be the surprise packet in the competition.”
Coached by New South Wales representative Paul Seward, the side is a combination of last year’s semi-final and quarter-final squads.
“Port Macquarie had two teams in the division in 2008, but only one will step onto the field this weekend,” Veech said.
Joining forces with Seward are Peter Gleeson, Tony Leahy, Jason New, Greg Gleeson, Julie Seward, Tracey Wilcox, Linda Bryan and Kobie Knight.
Senior mixed
Today –
9am, F18, Wallsend Wolves v Port Macquarie
1.40pm, F19, Port Macquarie v Forster Tuncurry
Tomorrow –
8.35am, F17, Taren Point v Port Macquarie
11.30am, F17, Port Macquarie v Northern Suburbs Bears
Port Macquarie v bye
Port Macquarie squad: Rebecca Faddy, Peter Gleeson, Kobie Knight, Louise Hopkins, Tony Leahy, Andy Pannifex, Greg Gleeson, Jason New, Julie Seward, Paul Seward, Tracey Wilcox, Karen Wilkinson, Linda Bryan
**
PORT Macquarie, Ballina, Toormina, Taree and Quirindi all come together in the men’s open B side this weekend.
It’s also that logistical “nightmare” which could hamper the team’s 2009 campaign, according to Veech.
“Getting enough of the guys, let alone all of them, at training is one drawback,” he explained.
“Also, they’re facing some gun sides.
“However, brothers Nick and Matt (Bale), from Port Macquarie, have played in the Junior State Cup, so they’ll have some idea of what to expect.
“Overall, it will be a great experience for the boys.”
Men’s open B
Today –
10.10am, F06, Port Macquarie v Peninsula Piranhas
1.05pm, F18, Wests Magpies v Port Macquarie
5.10pm, F18, Port Macquarie v Canterbury Bulldogs
Tomorrow –
9.45am, F14, Newcastle City v Port Macquarie
12.40pm, F05, Ballina Bull Sharks v Port Macquarie
Port Macquarie v bye
5.55pm, F12, Port Macquarie v Berkeley Vale Panthers
Port Macquarie squad: David Stone, Michael Kelly, Matthew Bale, Nick Bale, Adam Gordon, Martin Gordon, Warren Jarrett, Dave McGrady, Jake Wheeler, Jeremy Sampson, Mervyn Tighe
**
THE future of touch in Port Macquarie is in good hands with the women’s under 20s.
“Even though they’ll miss Australian representative Kelly Pepper, the girls will be competitive,” Veech said.
“A number of them play together in the local competition, as well as the Port City Breakers’ women’s league tag side, which won the Group 3 title this year.
“Buzz (coach Aaron Ison) is doing a good job with them.”
The likes of Simone Smith, Jasmine Wilbow, Kara Lewis, Kate Coleman and Courtney Gordon should cause plenty of headaches for opposition teams.
Women’s under 20s
Today –
10.45am, F04, Peninsula Piranhas v Port Macquarie
1.40pm, F03, Port Macquarie v Parramatta Eels
4.35pm, F06, Wallsend Wolves 1 v Port Macquarie
Tomorrow –
9.10am, F08, Port Macquarie v Berkeley Vale Panthers
12.05pm, F06, Port Macquarie v Easts Roosters
2.25pm, F04, Doyalson Devils v Port Macquarie
Port Macquarie v bye
Port Macquarie squad: Anna Bruce, Sallianne Buttsworth, Kate Coleman, Laura Coleman, Eliza Farthing, Courtney Gordon, Ashlee Howe, Kara Lewis, Brittany MacKay, Larissa Matheson, Cassie Schmidt, Simone Smith, Nyssa Turner, Jasmine Wilbow, Tegan Adkins
**
THE pride of the Port Macquarie Touch Association is the women’s over 40s.
In 2009, the side is gunning for its fourth crown.
“Most of these ‘girls’, since moving to this division, have won three gold, two silver and made the semi-finals at their last six starts,” Veech said.
“That’s a great effort in anyone’s language.
“They are definitely our best chance of winning another title.
“It’s a sensational team.
“And, the players are so tough in the big games.
“I believe they’re well-placed to do it all again.”
The Port Macquarie outfit eases into its State Cup with a bye and one fixture on the opening day, an encounter with the Campbelltown Ghosts this afternoon.
Women’s over 40s
Today –
Port Macquarie v bye
2.15pm, F17, Campbelltown Ghosts v Port Macquarie
Tomorrow –
10.55am, F16, Port Macquarie v Manly Sea Eagles
1.15pm, F16, Wallsend Wolves v Port Macquarie
4.10pm, F14, Port Macquarie v Penrith Panthers
Port Macquarie squad: Donna Anttilla, Louise Budnick, Michelle Carney, Kim Coe, Debbie Cohen, Tracey Cutler, Vicki Farthing, Tarnia Lockwood, Debbie Molony, Debbie Walsh, Lisa Wilkes, Cherie Green, Lorrae O'Brien, Leigh Carlton
**
PORT Macquarie will launch a two-prong assault on the men’s over 45 division this weekend.
And, ironically, both teams face off against each other this morning in the opening round.
While one side is predominantly Kempsey-based, the second boasts a strong Port Macquarie flavour.
The likes of Shane Mooney, Steve Hancock, Wayne Prince, Michael Taylor, Michael Cutting, Tony Cox and Stephen Hughes have etched their names in the local sport’s history books over the years.
Men’s over 45s
Today –
10.10am, F19, Port Macquarie 2 v Port Macquarie 1
1.40pm, F15, Port Macquarie 1 v Ballina Bull Sharks
5.10pm, F14, Taren Point v Port Macquarie 1
Tomorrow –
Port Macquarie 1 v bye
12.05pm, F10, Port Macquarie 1 v Wallsend Wolves
2.25pm, F16, Port Macquarie 1 v Manly Sea Eagles
5.20pm, F14, Narrabri v Port Macquarie 1
Port Macquarie 1 squad: Tony Cox, Dennis Green, Jon Bailey, Stephen Hughes, Steve Hancock, Brett Newby, Wayne Prince, Tony Thorne, Michael Taylor, Shane Mooney, Michael Cutting
Today –
10.10am, F19, Port Macquarie 2 v Port Macquarie 1
1.40pm, F17, Manly Sea Eagles v Port Macquarie 2
5.10pm, F15, Port Macquarie 2 v Narrabri
Tomorrow –
9.10am, F14, Wallsend Wolves v Port Macquarie 2
12.05pm, F09, Taren Point v Port Macquarie 2
Port Macquarie 2 v bye
5.20pm, F16, Port Macquarie 2 v Ballina Bull Sharks
Port Macquarie 2 squad: David Parkinson, Darren Partridge, John Ferris, Dan Bates, Warren Patterson, Darryl Hudson, Joe Notely, Paul Harwood, Allan Glass, Ray Mahoney, Robert Simpson, Warren Howe, Greg Saul, Steve McCudden, Mick Kelly
**
THE “old boys” of Port Macquarie could also cause an upset or two this weekend in the men’s over 50s.
“Seriously, they’ll do alright,” Veech said.
“They are genuine semi-final hopes.
“And, if you can reach that stage of the State Cup, anything can happen.
“The nucleus of the side has been together for years.
“Plus, if experience counts for something, they are well-stocked in that area.”
The names of Bell, Carey, Lewis, Prowse, Coleman, Wilson, O'Brien, O'Rourke, Ryan, Turner and Flanagan are synonymous with Port Macquarie touch.
Men’s over 50s
Today –
9.35am, F13, Taree v Port Macquarie
12.30pm, F17, Port Macquarie v Canterbury Bulldogs
3.25pm, F14, Manly Sea Eagles v Port Macquarie
Tomorrow –
8am, F06, Wallsend Wolves v Port Macquarie
10.55am, F13, Port Macquarie v Muswellbrook Mambas
4.10pm, F12, Port Macquarie v Campbelltown Ghosts
Port Macquarie squad: John Bell, Bram Carey, Neville Carey, Kerry Lewis, Michael Prowse, Bruce Coleman, Gerard O'Brien, Frank O'Rourke, Ian Wilson, Steve Ryan, Steve Turner, Rick Flanagan, Steve Owens
**
THE “ragtag” that is the Port Macquarie Invitational side, now named the Tiling All Stars, returns to the men’s open B division in 2009.
“After a start in the under 20s last season, we’re primed to dominate this year,” team manager Alex Vallentine said.
“We’re all about participation and having a bit of fun.
“Plus, it gives a number of guys the chance to come ‘home’ and experience an event like the State Cup.
“Joey (Cudmore), Andrew (Fox), Luke (Sprague), James (Kelly), Chris (Green) and myself, all local boys, are back to play alongside our mates who still live here.
“Throw in the ‘leaguies’ – Asher, Bright, Foot, McCabe, Comber, Cudmore, Blake and Champion – as well as the Thompsons (Rod and Mark), and we’ll trouble a few teams.
“A big thanks goes to Ben (Cudmore) and Luke for sponsoring the side.”
Tiling All Stars
Today –
10.45am, F14, Campbelltown Ghosts 1 v Port Macquarie Inv
1.05pm, F13, Port Macquarie Inv v Varsity
4pm, F14, Maitland Redbacks v Port Macquarie Inv
Tomorrow –
8am, F17, Port Macquarie Inv v Nelson Bay Neptunes
10.55am, F08, Port Macquarie Inv v Northern Suburbs Bears
1.15pm, F19, Hills Hornets v Port Macquarie Inv
Port Macquarie Inv v bye
Tiling All Stars: Rod Thompson, Alex Vallentine, Joel Asher, Michael Bright, Clinton Foot, Nick McCabe, Scott Comber, Ben Cudmore, James Kelly, Matt Blake, Luke Sprague, Andrew Fox, Mark Thompson, Joey Cudmore, Chris Green, Blake Champion
