'Water all around': Star defender flooded in as multiple codes, players affected
Several sporting competitions have been abandoned throughout the Hunter this weekend due to extreme wet weather while some teams playing on are likely to be without personnel due to flooding.
Hunter rugby union and AFL Hunter Central Coast junior and senior competitions have been called off, along with Newcastle Hunter Rugby League, Hunter Junior Rugby League and the joint zones (Newcastle, Macquarie and Hunter Valley) interdistrict and miniroos soccer.
However, at least two community soccer clubs have booked synthetic fields at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility to get some miniroos games played for their younger members.
Some community soccer teams are yet to play a match after five weekends of competition. In NPL Northern NSW, defending men's champions and premiers Broadmeadow had a fifth successive match postponed on Friday night.
Newcastle netball cancelled its Friday night programs and a representative carnival scheduled for National Park on Sunday but hoped to proceed with Saturday competition, weather pending.
Waratah face a tough task in their attempt to secure a third straight victory in championship netball at 2.30pm.
Waratah, on nine points and in a two-way tussle for fifth position with Junction, play fourth-placed Souths (11 points) after beating BNC (43-35) then Kotara South (37-29).
Coach Dwight Graham said the challenge could become even bigger with both circle defenders - Melanie Coleman and Vivien Rendina - likely to be out.
Rendina is unavailable while Coleman, the competition's back-to-back Most Valuable Player, was stranded by floodwaters near Raymond Terrace on Friday.
"Mel Coleman, my captain and star defender who the last two year's running has won best player in the grade, is at the moment flooded in," Graham told the Newcastle Herald on Friday.
"She's safe and on high ground but she can't get out. She lives northwest of Raymond Terrace. She sent me a video and there's water all around. She's well above it but they can't get out, so there's a fairly high chance that she may not play.
"Last week we won the game but there were times where we struggled, and every time we did struggle a bit, she was the one who picked off a few intercepts and lifted the team again, so losing her would be a bit of an issue for us."
In other round-six championship exchanges, unbeaten leaders Norths play last-placed Kotara South, West Leagues Balance battle BNC and Junction take on Nova.
The Hunter Wildfires women's first-grade team could be without coach Joey de Dassel and a number of players, who are based on the Mid North Coast, when they challenge Parramatta at Eric Tweedale Stadium in Sydney's west on Saturday (4.50pm).
Wildfires general manager Stuart Pinkerton said the women's first-grade team would draw on division-two players for their Chikarovski Cup showdown with the Two Blues in Sydney premier rugby union.
The women's division-two game has been postponed.
"We will have players who will be affected, but we're lucky to be able to draw from two teams now," Pinkerton told the Herald on Friday afternoon.
"Some players have been advised not to travel because it's just not safe.
"Joey is at Toormina. He's looked at flights and trying to get there is quite expensive at this late stage and the road is still closed, so he's unsure if he's arriving or not yet."
Five NPL Men Northern NSW matches, including Broadmeadow's round-14 game against Lambton at Arthur Edden Oval on Friday night, were postponed.
A decision on Sunday's fixture (4.30pm) between Weston and Newcastle Olympic at Weston Park is set to be made on Saturday.
In NPL Women, two games should get on. The Friday night exchange between New Lambton and Adamstown (8pm) and Saturday's Lake Macquarie-Broadmeadow battle (6pm) were both being played on synthetic pitches at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility.
Charlestown's match against Olympic at Lisle Carr Oval on Sunday (4pm) has been postponed.
In Newcastle Rugby League, the Kurri Kurri v West and Macquarie v The Entrance fixtures have been postponed. Three games are still scheduled for Sunday. Maitland host Central Newcastle (3.15pm), Souths travel to Wyong (3pm) and Cessnock are home to Northern Hawks (3pm).
Newcastle men's and women's hockey competition looked set to proceed.
In women's action at Broadmeadow on Saturday, unbeaten leaders Oxfords play third-placed Souths (1.45pm) and Uni take on Norah Head (3pm). On the Central Coast, Gosford meet Tigers (3pm).
In premier men on Sunday at Broadmeadow, undefeated Gosford battle fifth-placed Tigers (1pm) and fourth-placed Wests play last-placed Maitland (2.30pm).
Junior boys hockey competition at Newcastle and Maitland on Friday night was cancelled.
In Australian Ice Hockey League, the Newcastle Northstars have an away weekend double-header against Adelaide.
Several sporting competitions have been abandoned throughout the Hunter this weekend due to extreme wet weather while some teams playing on are likely to be without personnel due to flooding.
Hunter rugby union and AFL Hunter Central Coast junior and senior competitions have been called off, along with Newcastle Hunter Rugby League, Hunter Junior Rugby League and the joint zones (Newcastle, Macquarie and Hunter Valley) interdistrict and miniroos soccer.
However, at least two community soccer clubs have booked synthetic fields at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility to get some miniroos games played for their younger members.
Some community soccer teams are yet to play a match after five weekends of competition. In NPL Northern NSW, defending men's champions and premiers Broadmeadow had a fifth successive match postponed on Friday night.
Newcastle netball cancelled its Friday night programs and a representative carnival scheduled for National Park on Sunday but hoped to proceed with Saturday competition, weather pending.
Waratah face a tough task in their attempt to secure a third straight victory in championship netball at 2.30pm.
Waratah, on nine points and in a two-way tussle for fifth position with Junction, play fourth-placed Souths (11 points) after beating BNC (43-35) then Kotara South (37-29).
Coach Dwight Graham said the challenge could become even bigger with both circle defenders - Melanie Coleman and Vivien Rendina - likely to be out.
Rendina is unavailable while Coleman, the competition's back-to-back Most Valuable Player, was stranded by floodwaters near Raymond Terrace on Friday.
"Mel Coleman, my captain and star defender who the last two year's running has won best player in the grade, is at the moment flooded in," Graham told the Newcastle Herald on Friday.
"She's safe and on high ground but she can't get out. She lives northwest of Raymond Terrace. She sent me a video and there's water all around. She's well above it but they can't get out, so there's a fairly high chance that she may not play.
"Last week we won the game but there were times where we struggled, and every time we did struggle a bit, she was the one who picked off a few intercepts and lifted the team again, so losing her would be a bit of an issue for us."
In other round-six championship exchanges, unbeaten leaders Norths play last-placed Kotara South, West Leagues Balance battle BNC and Junction take on Nova.
The Hunter Wildfires women's first-grade team could be without coach Joey de Dassel and a number of players, who are based on the Mid North Coast, when they challenge Parramatta at Eric Tweedale Stadium in Sydney's west on Saturday (4.50pm).
Wildfires general manager Stuart Pinkerton said the women's first-grade team would draw on division-two players for their Chikarovski Cup showdown with the Two Blues in Sydney premier rugby union.
The women's division-two game has been postponed.
"We will have players who will be affected, but we're lucky to be able to draw from two teams now," Pinkerton told the Herald on Friday afternoon.
"Some players have been advised not to travel because it's just not safe.
"Joey is at Toormina. He's looked at flights and trying to get there is quite expensive at this late stage and the road is still closed, so he's unsure if he's arriving or not yet."
Five NPL Men Northern NSW matches, including Broadmeadow's round-14 game against Lambton at Arthur Edden Oval on Friday night, were postponed.
A decision on Sunday's fixture (4.30pm) between Weston and Newcastle Olympic at Weston Park is set to be made on Saturday.
In NPL Women, two games should get on. The Friday night exchange between New Lambton and Adamstown (8pm) and Saturday's Lake Macquarie-Broadmeadow battle (6pm) were both being played on synthetic pitches at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility.
Charlestown's match against Olympic at Lisle Carr Oval on Sunday (4pm) has been postponed.
In Newcastle Rugby League, the Kurri Kurri v West and Macquarie v The Entrance fixtures have been postponed. Three games are still scheduled for Sunday. Maitland host Central Newcastle (3.15pm), Souths travel to Wyong (3pm) and Cessnock are home to Northern Hawks (3pm).
Newcastle men's and women's hockey competition looked set to proceed.
In women's action at Broadmeadow on Saturday, unbeaten leaders Oxfords play third-placed Souths (1.45pm) and Uni take on Norah Head (3pm). On the Central Coast, Gosford meet Tigers (3pm).
In premier men on Sunday at Broadmeadow, undefeated Gosford battle fifth-placed Tigers (1pm) and fourth-placed Wests play last-placed Maitland (2.30pm).
Junior boys hockey competition at Newcastle and Maitland on Friday night was cancelled.
In Australian Ice Hockey League, the Newcastle Northstars have an away weekend double-header against Adelaide.
Several sporting competitions have been abandoned throughout the Hunter this weekend due to extreme wet weather while some teams playing on are likely to be without personnel due to flooding.
Hunter rugby union and AFL Hunter Central Coast junior and senior competitions have been called off, along with Newcastle Hunter Rugby League, Hunter Junior Rugby League and the joint zones (Newcastle, Macquarie and Hunter Valley) interdistrict and miniroos soccer.
However, at least two community soccer clubs have booked synthetic fields at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility to get some miniroos games played for their younger members.
Some community soccer teams are yet to play a match after five weekends of competition. In NPL Northern NSW, defending men's champions and premiers Broadmeadow had a fifth successive match postponed on Friday night.
Newcastle netball cancelled its Friday night programs and a representative carnival scheduled for National Park on Sunday but hoped to proceed with Saturday competition, weather pending.
Waratah face a tough task in their attempt to secure a third straight victory in championship netball at 2.30pm.
Waratah, on nine points and in a two-way tussle for fifth position with Junction, play fourth-placed Souths (11 points) after beating BNC (43-35) then Kotara South (37-29).
Coach Dwight Graham said the challenge could become even bigger with both circle defenders - Melanie Coleman and Vivien Rendina - likely to be out.
Rendina is unavailable while Coleman, the competition's back-to-back Most Valuable Player, was stranded by floodwaters near Raymond Terrace on Friday.
"Mel Coleman, my captain and star defender who the last two year's running has won best player in the grade, is at the moment flooded in," Graham told the Newcastle Herald on Friday.
"She's safe and on high ground but she can't get out. She lives northwest of Raymond Terrace. She sent me a video and there's water all around. She's well above it but they can't get out, so there's a fairly high chance that she may not play.
"Last week we won the game but there were times where we struggled, and every time we did struggle a bit, she was the one who picked off a few intercepts and lifted the team again, so losing her would be a bit of an issue for us."
In other round-six championship exchanges, unbeaten leaders Norths play last-placed Kotara South, West Leagues Balance battle BNC and Junction take on Nova.
The Hunter Wildfires women's first-grade team could be without coach Joey de Dassel and a number of players, who are based on the Mid North Coast, when they challenge Parramatta at Eric Tweedale Stadium in Sydney's west on Saturday (4.50pm).
Wildfires general manager Stuart Pinkerton said the women's first-grade team would draw on division-two players for their Chikarovski Cup showdown with the Two Blues in Sydney premier rugby union.
The women's division-two game has been postponed.
"We will have players who will be affected, but we're lucky to be able to draw from two teams now," Pinkerton told the Herald on Friday afternoon.
"Some players have been advised not to travel because it's just not safe.
"Joey is at Toormina. He's looked at flights and trying to get there is quite expensive at this late stage and the road is still closed, so he's unsure if he's arriving or not yet."
Five NPL Men Northern NSW matches, including Broadmeadow's round-14 game against Lambton at Arthur Edden Oval on Friday night, were postponed.
A decision on Sunday's fixture (4.30pm) between Weston and Newcastle Olympic at Weston Park is set to be made on Saturday.
In NPL Women, two games should get on. The Friday night exchange between New Lambton and Adamstown (8pm) and Saturday's Lake Macquarie-Broadmeadow battle (6pm) were both being played on synthetic pitches at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility.
Charlestown's match against Olympic at Lisle Carr Oval on Sunday (4pm) has been postponed.
In Newcastle Rugby League, the Kurri Kurri v West and Macquarie v The Entrance fixtures have been postponed. Three games are still scheduled for Sunday. Maitland host Central Newcastle (3.15pm), Souths travel to Wyong (3pm) and Cessnock are home to Northern Hawks (3pm).
Newcastle men's and women's hockey competition looked set to proceed.
In women's action at Broadmeadow on Saturday, unbeaten leaders Oxfords play third-placed Souths (1.45pm) and Uni take on Norah Head (3pm). On the Central Coast, Gosford meet Tigers (3pm).
In premier men on Sunday at Broadmeadow, undefeated Gosford battle fifth-placed Tigers (1pm) and fourth-placed Wests play last-placed Maitland (2.30pm).
Junior boys hockey competition at Newcastle and Maitland on Friday night was cancelled.
In Australian Ice Hockey League, the Newcastle Northstars have an away weekend double-header against Adelaide.
Several sporting competitions have been abandoned throughout the Hunter this weekend due to extreme wet weather while some teams playing on are likely to be without personnel due to flooding.
Hunter rugby union and AFL Hunter Central Coast junior and senior competitions have been called off, along with Newcastle Hunter Rugby League, Hunter Junior Rugby League and the joint zones (Newcastle, Macquarie and Hunter Valley) interdistrict and miniroos soccer.
However, at least two community soccer clubs have booked synthetic fields at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility to get some miniroos games played for their younger members.
Some community soccer teams are yet to play a match after five weekends of competition. In NPL Northern NSW, defending men's champions and premiers Broadmeadow had a fifth successive match postponed on Friday night.
Newcastle netball cancelled its Friday night programs and a representative carnival scheduled for National Park on Sunday but hoped to proceed with Saturday competition, weather pending.
Waratah face a tough task in their attempt to secure a third straight victory in championship netball at 2.30pm.
Waratah, on nine points and in a two-way tussle for fifth position with Junction, play fourth-placed Souths (11 points) after beating BNC (43-35) then Kotara South (37-29).
Coach Dwight Graham said the challenge could become even bigger with both circle defenders - Melanie Coleman and Vivien Rendina - likely to be out.
Rendina is unavailable while Coleman, the competition's back-to-back Most Valuable Player, was stranded by floodwaters near Raymond Terrace on Friday.
"Mel Coleman, my captain and star defender who the last two year's running has won best player in the grade, is at the moment flooded in," Graham told the Newcastle Herald on Friday.
"She's safe and on high ground but she can't get out. She lives northwest of Raymond Terrace. She sent me a video and there's water all around. She's well above it but they can't get out, so there's a fairly high chance that she may not play.
"Last week we won the game but there were times where we struggled, and every time we did struggle a bit, she was the one who picked off a few intercepts and lifted the team again, so losing her would be a bit of an issue for us."
In other round-six championship exchanges, unbeaten leaders Norths play last-placed Kotara South, West Leagues Balance battle BNC and Junction take on Nova.
The Hunter Wildfires women's first-grade team could be without coach Joey de Dassel and a number of players, who are based on the Mid North Coast, when they challenge Parramatta at Eric Tweedale Stadium in Sydney's west on Saturday (4.50pm).
Wildfires general manager Stuart Pinkerton said the women's first-grade team would draw on division-two players for their Chikarovski Cup showdown with the Two Blues in Sydney premier rugby union.
The women's division-two game has been postponed.
"We will have players who will be affected, but we're lucky to be able to draw from two teams now," Pinkerton told the Herald on Friday afternoon.
"Some players have been advised not to travel because it's just not safe.
"Joey is at Toormina. He's looked at flights and trying to get there is quite expensive at this late stage and the road is still closed, so he's unsure if he's arriving or not yet."
Five NPL Men Northern NSW matches, including Broadmeadow's round-14 game against Lambton at Arthur Edden Oval on Friday night, were postponed.
A decision on Sunday's fixture (4.30pm) between Weston and Newcastle Olympic at Weston Park is set to be made on Saturday.
In NPL Women, two games should get on. The Friday night exchange between New Lambton and Adamstown (8pm) and Saturday's Lake Macquarie-Broadmeadow battle (6pm) were both being played on synthetic pitches at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility.
Charlestown's match against Olympic at Lisle Carr Oval on Sunday (4pm) has been postponed.
In Newcastle Rugby League, the Kurri Kurri v West and Macquarie v The Entrance fixtures have been postponed. Three games are still scheduled for Sunday. Maitland host Central Newcastle (3.15pm), Souths travel to Wyong (3pm) and Cessnock are home to Northern Hawks (3pm).
Newcastle men's and women's hockey competition looked set to proceed.
In women's action at Broadmeadow on Saturday, unbeaten leaders Oxfords play third-placed Souths (1.45pm) and Uni take on Norah Head (3pm). On the Central Coast, Gosford meet Tigers (3pm).
In premier men on Sunday at Broadmeadow, undefeated Gosford battle fifth-placed Tigers (1pm) and fourth-placed Wests play last-placed Maitland (2.30pm).
Junior boys hockey competition at Newcastle and Maitland on Friday night was cancelled.
In Australian Ice Hockey League, the Newcastle Northstars have an away weekend double-header against Adelaide.
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23-05-2025
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'Water all around': Star defender flooded in as multiple codes, players affected
Several sporting competitions have been abandoned throughout the Hunter this weekend due to extreme wet weather while some teams playing on are likely to be without personnel due to flooding. Hunter rugby union and AFL Hunter Central Coast junior and senior competitions have been called off, along with Newcastle Hunter Rugby League, Hunter Junior Rugby League and the joint zones (Newcastle, Macquarie and Hunter Valley) interdistrict and miniroos soccer. However, at least two community soccer clubs have booked synthetic fields at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility to get some miniroos games played for their younger members. Some community soccer teams are yet to play a match after five weekends of competition. In NPL Northern NSW, defending men's champions and premiers Broadmeadow had a fifth successive match postponed on Friday night. Newcastle netball cancelled its Friday night programs and a representative carnival scheduled for National Park on Sunday but hoped to proceed with Saturday competition, weather pending. Waratah face a tough task in their attempt to secure a third straight victory in championship netball at 2.30pm. Waratah, on nine points and in a two-way tussle for fifth position with Junction, play fourth-placed Souths (11 points) after beating BNC (43-35) then Kotara South (37-29). Coach Dwight Graham said the challenge could become even bigger with both circle defenders - Melanie Coleman and Vivien Rendina - likely to be out. Rendina is unavailable while Coleman, the competition's back-to-back Most Valuable Player, was stranded by floodwaters near Raymond Terrace on Friday. "Mel Coleman, my captain and star defender who the last two year's running has won best player in the grade, is at the moment flooded in," Graham told the Newcastle Herald on Friday. "She's safe and on high ground but she can't get out. She lives northwest of Raymond Terrace. She sent me a video and there's water all around. She's well above it but they can't get out, so there's a fairly high chance that she may not play. "Last week we won the game but there were times where we struggled, and every time we did struggle a bit, she was the one who picked off a few intercepts and lifted the team again, so losing her would be a bit of an issue for us." In other round-six championship exchanges, unbeaten leaders Norths play last-placed Kotara South, West Leagues Balance battle BNC and Junction take on Nova. The Hunter Wildfires women's first-grade team could be without coach Joey de Dassel and a number of players, who are based on the Mid North Coast, when they challenge Parramatta at Eric Tweedale Stadium in Sydney's west on Saturday (4.50pm). Wildfires general manager Stuart Pinkerton said the women's first-grade team would draw on division-two players for their Chikarovski Cup showdown with the Two Blues in Sydney premier rugby union. The women's division-two game has been postponed. "We will have players who will be affected, but we're lucky to be able to draw from two teams now," Pinkerton told the Herald on Friday afternoon. "Some players have been advised not to travel because it's just not safe. "Joey is at Toormina. He's looked at flights and trying to get there is quite expensive at this late stage and the road is still closed, so he's unsure if he's arriving or not yet." Five NPL Men Northern NSW matches, including Broadmeadow's round-14 game against Lambton at Arthur Edden Oval on Friday night, were postponed. A decision on Sunday's fixture (4.30pm) between Weston and Newcastle Olympic at Weston Park is set to be made on Saturday. In NPL Women, two games should get on. The Friday night exchange between New Lambton and Adamstown (8pm) and Saturday's Lake Macquarie-Broadmeadow battle (6pm) were both being played on synthetic pitches at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility. Charlestown's match against Olympic at Lisle Carr Oval on Sunday (4pm) has been postponed. In Newcastle Rugby League, the Kurri Kurri v West and Macquarie v The Entrance fixtures have been postponed. Three games are still scheduled for Sunday. Maitland host Central Newcastle (3.15pm), Souths travel to Wyong (3pm) and Cessnock are home to Northern Hawks (3pm). Newcastle men's and women's hockey competition looked set to proceed. In women's action at Broadmeadow on Saturday, unbeaten leaders Oxfords play third-placed Souths (1.45pm) and Uni take on Norah Head (3pm). On the Central Coast, Gosford meet Tigers (3pm). In premier men on Sunday at Broadmeadow, undefeated Gosford battle fifth-placed Tigers (1pm) and fourth-placed Wests play last-placed Maitland (2.30pm). Junior boys hockey competition at Newcastle and Maitland on Friday night was cancelled. In Australian Ice Hockey League, the Newcastle Northstars have an away weekend double-header against Adelaide. Several sporting competitions have been abandoned throughout the Hunter this weekend due to extreme wet weather while some teams playing on are likely to be without personnel due to flooding. Hunter rugby union and AFL Hunter Central Coast junior and senior competitions have been called off, along with Newcastle Hunter Rugby League, Hunter Junior Rugby League and the joint zones (Newcastle, Macquarie and Hunter Valley) interdistrict and miniroos soccer. However, at least two community soccer clubs have booked synthetic fields at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility to get some miniroos games played for their younger members. Some community soccer teams are yet to play a match after five weekends of competition. In NPL Northern NSW, defending men's champions and premiers Broadmeadow had a fifth successive match postponed on Friday night. Newcastle netball cancelled its Friday night programs and a representative carnival scheduled for National Park on Sunday but hoped to proceed with Saturday competition, weather pending. Waratah face a tough task in their attempt to secure a third straight victory in championship netball at 2.30pm. Waratah, on nine points and in a two-way tussle for fifth position with Junction, play fourth-placed Souths (11 points) after beating BNC (43-35) then Kotara South (37-29). Coach Dwight Graham said the challenge could become even bigger with both circle defenders - Melanie Coleman and Vivien Rendina - likely to be out. Rendina is unavailable while Coleman, the competition's back-to-back Most Valuable Player, was stranded by floodwaters near Raymond Terrace on Friday. "Mel Coleman, my captain and star defender who the last two year's running has won best player in the grade, is at the moment flooded in," Graham told the Newcastle Herald on Friday. "She's safe and on high ground but she can't get out. She lives northwest of Raymond Terrace. She sent me a video and there's water all around. She's well above it but they can't get out, so there's a fairly high chance that she may not play. "Last week we won the game but there were times where we struggled, and every time we did struggle a bit, she was the one who picked off a few intercepts and lifted the team again, so losing her would be a bit of an issue for us." In other round-six championship exchanges, unbeaten leaders Norths play last-placed Kotara South, West Leagues Balance battle BNC and Junction take on Nova. The Hunter Wildfires women's first-grade team could be without coach Joey de Dassel and a number of players, who are based on the Mid North Coast, when they challenge Parramatta at Eric Tweedale Stadium in Sydney's west on Saturday (4.50pm). Wildfires general manager Stuart Pinkerton said the women's first-grade team would draw on division-two players for their Chikarovski Cup showdown with the Two Blues in Sydney premier rugby union. The women's division-two game has been postponed. "We will have players who will be affected, but we're lucky to be able to draw from two teams now," Pinkerton told the Herald on Friday afternoon. "Some players have been advised not to travel because it's just not safe. "Joey is at Toormina. He's looked at flights and trying to get there is quite expensive at this late stage and the road is still closed, so he's unsure if he's arriving or not yet." Five NPL Men Northern NSW matches, including Broadmeadow's round-14 game against Lambton at Arthur Edden Oval on Friday night, were postponed. A decision on Sunday's fixture (4.30pm) between Weston and Newcastle Olympic at Weston Park is set to be made on Saturday. In NPL Women, two games should get on. The Friday night exchange between New Lambton and Adamstown (8pm) and Saturday's Lake Macquarie-Broadmeadow battle (6pm) were both being played on synthetic pitches at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility. Charlestown's match against Olympic at Lisle Carr Oval on Sunday (4pm) has been postponed. In Newcastle Rugby League, the Kurri Kurri v West and Macquarie v The Entrance fixtures have been postponed. Three games are still scheduled for Sunday. Maitland host Central Newcastle (3.15pm), Souths travel to Wyong (3pm) and Cessnock are home to Northern Hawks (3pm). Newcastle men's and women's hockey competition looked set to proceed. In women's action at Broadmeadow on Saturday, unbeaten leaders Oxfords play third-placed Souths (1.45pm) and Uni take on Norah Head (3pm). On the Central Coast, Gosford meet Tigers (3pm). In premier men on Sunday at Broadmeadow, undefeated Gosford battle fifth-placed Tigers (1pm) and fourth-placed Wests play last-placed Maitland (2.30pm). Junior boys hockey competition at Newcastle and Maitland on Friday night was cancelled. In Australian Ice Hockey League, the Newcastle Northstars have an away weekend double-header against Adelaide. Several sporting competitions have been abandoned throughout the Hunter this weekend due to extreme wet weather while some teams playing on are likely to be without personnel due to flooding. Hunter rugby union and AFL Hunter Central Coast junior and senior competitions have been called off, along with Newcastle Hunter Rugby League, Hunter Junior Rugby League and the joint zones (Newcastle, Macquarie and Hunter Valley) interdistrict and miniroos soccer. However, at least two community soccer clubs have booked synthetic fields at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility to get some miniroos games played for their younger members. Some community soccer teams are yet to play a match after five weekends of competition. In NPL Northern NSW, defending men's champions and premiers Broadmeadow had a fifth successive match postponed on Friday night. Newcastle netball cancelled its Friday night programs and a representative carnival scheduled for National Park on Sunday but hoped to proceed with Saturday competition, weather pending. Waratah face a tough task in their attempt to secure a third straight victory in championship netball at 2.30pm. Waratah, on nine points and in a two-way tussle for fifth position with Junction, play fourth-placed Souths (11 points) after beating BNC (43-35) then Kotara South (37-29). Coach Dwight Graham said the challenge could become even bigger with both circle defenders - Melanie Coleman and Vivien Rendina - likely to be out. Rendina is unavailable while Coleman, the competition's back-to-back Most Valuable Player, was stranded by floodwaters near Raymond Terrace on Friday. "Mel Coleman, my captain and star defender who the last two year's running has won best player in the grade, is at the moment flooded in," Graham told the Newcastle Herald on Friday. "She's safe and on high ground but she can't get out. She lives northwest of Raymond Terrace. She sent me a video and there's water all around. She's well above it but they can't get out, so there's a fairly high chance that she may not play. "Last week we won the game but there were times where we struggled, and every time we did struggle a bit, she was the one who picked off a few intercepts and lifted the team again, so losing her would be a bit of an issue for us." In other round-six championship exchanges, unbeaten leaders Norths play last-placed Kotara South, West Leagues Balance battle BNC and Junction take on Nova. The Hunter Wildfires women's first-grade team could be without coach Joey de Dassel and a number of players, who are based on the Mid North Coast, when they challenge Parramatta at Eric Tweedale Stadium in Sydney's west on Saturday (4.50pm). Wildfires general manager Stuart Pinkerton said the women's first-grade team would draw on division-two players for their Chikarovski Cup showdown with the Two Blues in Sydney premier rugby union. The women's division-two game has been postponed. "We will have players who will be affected, but we're lucky to be able to draw from two teams now," Pinkerton told the Herald on Friday afternoon. "Some players have been advised not to travel because it's just not safe. "Joey is at Toormina. He's looked at flights and trying to get there is quite expensive at this late stage and the road is still closed, so he's unsure if he's arriving or not yet." Five NPL Men Northern NSW matches, including Broadmeadow's round-14 game against Lambton at Arthur Edden Oval on Friday night, were postponed. A decision on Sunday's fixture (4.30pm) between Weston and Newcastle Olympic at Weston Park is set to be made on Saturday. In NPL Women, two games should get on. The Friday night exchange between New Lambton and Adamstown (8pm) and Saturday's Lake Macquarie-Broadmeadow battle (6pm) were both being played on synthetic pitches at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility. Charlestown's match against Olympic at Lisle Carr Oval on Sunday (4pm) has been postponed. In Newcastle Rugby League, the Kurri Kurri v West and Macquarie v The Entrance fixtures have been postponed. Three games are still scheduled for Sunday. Maitland host Central Newcastle (3.15pm), Souths travel to Wyong (3pm) and Cessnock are home to Northern Hawks (3pm). Newcastle men's and women's hockey competition looked set to proceed. In women's action at Broadmeadow on Saturday, unbeaten leaders Oxfords play third-placed Souths (1.45pm) and Uni take on Norah Head (3pm). On the Central Coast, Gosford meet Tigers (3pm). In premier men on Sunday at Broadmeadow, undefeated Gosford battle fifth-placed Tigers (1pm) and fourth-placed Wests play last-placed Maitland (2.30pm). Junior boys hockey competition at Newcastle and Maitland on Friday night was cancelled. In Australian Ice Hockey League, the Newcastle Northstars have an away weekend double-header against Adelaide. Several sporting competitions have been abandoned throughout the Hunter this weekend due to extreme wet weather while some teams playing on are likely to be without personnel due to flooding. Hunter rugby union and AFL Hunter Central Coast junior and senior competitions have been called off, along with Newcastle Hunter Rugby League, Hunter Junior Rugby League and the joint zones (Newcastle, Macquarie and Hunter Valley) interdistrict and miniroos soccer. However, at least two community soccer clubs have booked synthetic fields at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility to get some miniroos games played for their younger members. Some community soccer teams are yet to play a match after five weekends of competition. In NPL Northern NSW, defending men's champions and premiers Broadmeadow had a fifth successive match postponed on Friday night. Newcastle netball cancelled its Friday night programs and a representative carnival scheduled for National Park on Sunday but hoped to proceed with Saturday competition, weather pending. Waratah face a tough task in their attempt to secure a third straight victory in championship netball at 2.30pm. Waratah, on nine points and in a two-way tussle for fifth position with Junction, play fourth-placed Souths (11 points) after beating BNC (43-35) then Kotara South (37-29). Coach Dwight Graham said the challenge could become even bigger with both circle defenders - Melanie Coleman and Vivien Rendina - likely to be out. Rendina is unavailable while Coleman, the competition's back-to-back Most Valuable Player, was stranded by floodwaters near Raymond Terrace on Friday. "Mel Coleman, my captain and star defender who the last two year's running has won best player in the grade, is at the moment flooded in," Graham told the Newcastle Herald on Friday. "She's safe and on high ground but she can't get out. She lives northwest of Raymond Terrace. She sent me a video and there's water all around. She's well above it but they can't get out, so there's a fairly high chance that she may not play. "Last week we won the game but there were times where we struggled, and every time we did struggle a bit, she was the one who picked off a few intercepts and lifted the team again, so losing her would be a bit of an issue for us." In other round-six championship exchanges, unbeaten leaders Norths play last-placed Kotara South, West Leagues Balance battle BNC and Junction take on Nova. The Hunter Wildfires women's first-grade team could be without coach Joey de Dassel and a number of players, who are based on the Mid North Coast, when they challenge Parramatta at Eric Tweedale Stadium in Sydney's west on Saturday (4.50pm). Wildfires general manager Stuart Pinkerton said the women's first-grade team would draw on division-two players for their Chikarovski Cup showdown with the Two Blues in Sydney premier rugby union. The women's division-two game has been postponed. "We will have players who will be affected, but we're lucky to be able to draw from two teams now," Pinkerton told the Herald on Friday afternoon. "Some players have been advised not to travel because it's just not safe. "Joey is at Toormina. He's looked at flights and trying to get there is quite expensive at this late stage and the road is still closed, so he's unsure if he's arriving or not yet." Five NPL Men Northern NSW matches, including Broadmeadow's round-14 game against Lambton at Arthur Edden Oval on Friday night, were postponed. A decision on Sunday's fixture (4.30pm) between Weston and Newcastle Olympic at Weston Park is set to be made on Saturday. In NPL Women, two games should get on. The Friday night exchange between New Lambton and Adamstown (8pm) and Saturday's Lake Macquarie-Broadmeadow battle (6pm) were both being played on synthetic pitches at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility. Charlestown's match against Olympic at Lisle Carr Oval on Sunday (4pm) has been postponed. In Newcastle Rugby League, the Kurri Kurri v West and Macquarie v The Entrance fixtures have been postponed. Three games are still scheduled for Sunday. Maitland host Central Newcastle (3.15pm), Souths travel to Wyong (3pm) and Cessnock are home to Northern Hawks (3pm). Newcastle men's and women's hockey competition looked set to proceed. In women's action at Broadmeadow on Saturday, unbeaten leaders Oxfords play third-placed Souths (1.45pm) and Uni take on Norah Head (3pm). On the Central Coast, Gosford meet Tigers (3pm). In premier men on Sunday at Broadmeadow, undefeated Gosford battle fifth-placed Tigers (1pm) and fourth-placed Wests play last-placed Maitland (2.30pm). Junior boys hockey competition at Newcastle and Maitland on Friday night was cancelled. In Australian Ice Hockey League, the Newcastle Northstars have an away weekend double-header against Adelaide.
West Australian
23-05-2025
- West Australian
Super Rugby Pacific: Western Force re-sign Wallabies fly-half Ben Donaldson for two years
Western Force fly-half and Wallabies five-eighth candidate Ben Donaldson has recommitted to the club, penning a new deal to take him through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The reigning Nathan Sharpe Medalist and former Waratah knocked back overseas offers to extend his stay out west after agreeing to a new two-year contract with the Force. Donaldson sits second in Super Rugby Pacific this season for both points scored (94) and goal-kicking conversion (76.5 per cent), trailing only All Blacks star Damian McKenzie in both categories. Blessed with line-breaking ability, best-evidenced his his added-time walk-off try against Moana Pasifika in round one, Donaldson's form has put him firmly in the frame for the Wallabies 10 jersey ahead of the British and Irish Lions tour. His decision to stay in Australia will also strengthen his case to start for the Wallabies at stand-off come the 2027 World Cup on home soil, with spots for overseas-based players likely to be limited. The 27-year-old played at the 2023 World Cup and has played 16 times for the Wallabies, including nine Tests last year under Joe Schmidt. Donaldson said he was excited to re-sign with his 'Force family' and had loved his time in WA. 'We have a great culture, which given many of us aren't originally from here, feels like our family in Perth and that makes us a close-knit unit,' he said. 'This season has been disappointing for us, not achieving what we set out to achieve, but there's been glimpses of what we can do and that all fuels the fire. 'I had a few offers from overseas to weigh up, but I'm delighted to be staying in Australian rugby with the Lions tour later this year as well as the Bledisloe Cup in Perth. 'There's obviously also the lure of the home 2027 World Cup, which is extremely motivating. 'I'd love to take the Force and Australian rugby to high levels and leave it in a better place.' Force coach Simon Cron said Donaldson's re-signing was an important step forward for the team. 'He's a leader in our group and a core member of driving the Western Force forward,' he said. 'I know he's disappointed, like I am, about some of the close games this year, but if we can keep the core playing group together, it's going to hold us in great stead moving forward. 'Most importantly, he's an amazing human who continues to thrive in WA and we're looking forward to helping him continue his journey both with us and the Wallabies.'
The Advertiser
22-05-2025
- The Advertiser
Another non US-born superstar voted NBA MVP
The case for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was simple. He's the best player on an Oklahoma City Thunder team that had the best record this season and set a league mark for margin of victory. If that wasn't enough, he also won the scoring title. That's an MVP year. Gilgeous-Alexander was announced on Wednesday as the NBA's Most Valuable Player, his first time winning the award. It's now seven straight years that a player born outside the US won MVP, extending the longest such streak in league history. Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 32.7 points, 6.4 assists and five rebounds per game this season, leading OKC to a 68-14 record. The Thunder outscored teams by 12.9 points per game, the biggest margin in league history. He becomes the second Canadian to win MVP; Steve Nash won it twice. "His value is his confidence," Oklahoma City's Kenrich Williams said of Gilgeous-Alexander, his Thunder teammate for the last five seasons. "His confidence that he has in himself and the confidence that he instills in every one of his teammates, including the coaches." Denver's Nikola Jokic — a winner of three of the last four MVP awards — was second, despite a season for the ages. He averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds and 10.2 assists per game, the first centre to average a triple-double and the first player since all those stats were tracked to finish in the NBA's top three in all three of those categories. "He's a special player," Jokic said of Gilgeous-Alexander earlier this week when the Thunder eliminated the Nuggets in the Western Conference semi-finals. "His shot selection, his shot capability ... he's always there. He's a special player." Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo, who averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game, was third. He started this run of international players winning MVP; Antetokounmpo, of Greek and Nigerian descent, won in 2019 and 2020. Jokic, a Serbian, won in 2021, 2022 and 2024. And Philadelphia's Joel Embiid, who was born in Cameroon but since became a US citizen, won the award in 2023. Now, it's Gilgeous-Alexander — a son of Ontario, where hockey reigns — carrying the MVP flag. The MVP award, like most other NBA honours, was voted on by a global panel of 100 writers and broadcasters who cover the league and cast ballots shortly before the start of the playoffs. The other awards that were part of that voting process and have already had their results unveiled: Cleveland's Kenny Atkinson winning coach of the year, Atlanta's Australian Dyson Daniels winning most improved player, San Antonio's Stephon Castle winning rookie of the year, Cleveland's Evan Mobley winning defensive player of the year, New York's Jalen Brunson winning clutch player of the year and Boston's Payton Pritchard winning sixth man of the year. The case for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was simple. He's the best player on an Oklahoma City Thunder team that had the best record this season and set a league mark for margin of victory. If that wasn't enough, he also won the scoring title. That's an MVP year. Gilgeous-Alexander was announced on Wednesday as the NBA's Most Valuable Player, his first time winning the award. It's now seven straight years that a player born outside the US won MVP, extending the longest such streak in league history. Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 32.7 points, 6.4 assists and five rebounds per game this season, leading OKC to a 68-14 record. The Thunder outscored teams by 12.9 points per game, the biggest margin in league history. He becomes the second Canadian to win MVP; Steve Nash won it twice. "His value is his confidence," Oklahoma City's Kenrich Williams said of Gilgeous-Alexander, his Thunder teammate for the last five seasons. "His confidence that he has in himself and the confidence that he instills in every one of his teammates, including the coaches." Denver's Nikola Jokic — a winner of three of the last four MVP awards — was second, despite a season for the ages. He averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds and 10.2 assists per game, the first centre to average a triple-double and the first player since all those stats were tracked to finish in the NBA's top three in all three of those categories. "He's a special player," Jokic said of Gilgeous-Alexander earlier this week when the Thunder eliminated the Nuggets in the Western Conference semi-finals. "His shot selection, his shot capability ... he's always there. He's a special player." Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo, who averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game, was third. He started this run of international players winning MVP; Antetokounmpo, of Greek and Nigerian descent, won in 2019 and 2020. Jokic, a Serbian, won in 2021, 2022 and 2024. And Philadelphia's Joel Embiid, who was born in Cameroon but since became a US citizen, won the award in 2023. Now, it's Gilgeous-Alexander — a son of Ontario, where hockey reigns — carrying the MVP flag. The MVP award, like most other NBA honours, was voted on by a global panel of 100 writers and broadcasters who cover the league and cast ballots shortly before the start of the playoffs. The other awards that were part of that voting process and have already had their results unveiled: Cleveland's Kenny Atkinson winning coach of the year, Atlanta's Australian Dyson Daniels winning most improved player, San Antonio's Stephon Castle winning rookie of the year, Cleveland's Evan Mobley winning defensive player of the year, New York's Jalen Brunson winning clutch player of the year and Boston's Payton Pritchard winning sixth man of the year. The case for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was simple. He's the best player on an Oklahoma City Thunder team that had the best record this season and set a league mark for margin of victory. If that wasn't enough, he also won the scoring title. That's an MVP year. Gilgeous-Alexander was announced on Wednesday as the NBA's Most Valuable Player, his first time winning the award. It's now seven straight years that a player born outside the US won MVP, extending the longest such streak in league history. Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 32.7 points, 6.4 assists and five rebounds per game this season, leading OKC to a 68-14 record. The Thunder outscored teams by 12.9 points per game, the biggest margin in league history. He becomes the second Canadian to win MVP; Steve Nash won it twice. "His value is his confidence," Oklahoma City's Kenrich Williams said of Gilgeous-Alexander, his Thunder teammate for the last five seasons. "His confidence that he has in himself and the confidence that he instills in every one of his teammates, including the coaches." Denver's Nikola Jokic — a winner of three of the last four MVP awards — was second, despite a season for the ages. He averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds and 10.2 assists per game, the first centre to average a triple-double and the first player since all those stats were tracked to finish in the NBA's top three in all three of those categories. "He's a special player," Jokic said of Gilgeous-Alexander earlier this week when the Thunder eliminated the Nuggets in the Western Conference semi-finals. "His shot selection, his shot capability ... he's always there. He's a special player." Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo, who averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game, was third. He started this run of international players winning MVP; Antetokounmpo, of Greek and Nigerian descent, won in 2019 and 2020. Jokic, a Serbian, won in 2021, 2022 and 2024. And Philadelphia's Joel Embiid, who was born in Cameroon but since became a US citizen, won the award in 2023. Now, it's Gilgeous-Alexander — a son of Ontario, where hockey reigns — carrying the MVP flag. The MVP award, like most other NBA honours, was voted on by a global panel of 100 writers and broadcasters who cover the league and cast ballots shortly before the start of the playoffs. The other awards that were part of that voting process and have already had their results unveiled: Cleveland's Kenny Atkinson winning coach of the year, Atlanta's Australian Dyson Daniels winning most improved player, San Antonio's Stephon Castle winning rookie of the year, Cleveland's Evan Mobley winning defensive player of the year, New York's Jalen Brunson winning clutch player of the year and Boston's Payton Pritchard winning sixth man of the year. The case for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was simple. He's the best player on an Oklahoma City Thunder team that had the best record this season and set a league mark for margin of victory. If that wasn't enough, he also won the scoring title. That's an MVP year. Gilgeous-Alexander was announced on Wednesday as the NBA's Most Valuable Player, his first time winning the award. It's now seven straight years that a player born outside the US won MVP, extending the longest such streak in league history. Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 32.7 points, 6.4 assists and five rebounds per game this season, leading OKC to a 68-14 record. The Thunder outscored teams by 12.9 points per game, the biggest margin in league history. He becomes the second Canadian to win MVP; Steve Nash won it twice. "His value is his confidence," Oklahoma City's Kenrich Williams said of Gilgeous-Alexander, his Thunder teammate for the last five seasons. "His confidence that he has in himself and the confidence that he instills in every one of his teammates, including the coaches." Denver's Nikola Jokic — a winner of three of the last four MVP awards — was second, despite a season for the ages. He averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds and 10.2 assists per game, the first centre to average a triple-double and the first player since all those stats were tracked to finish in the NBA's top three in all three of those categories. "He's a special player," Jokic said of Gilgeous-Alexander earlier this week when the Thunder eliminated the Nuggets in the Western Conference semi-finals. "His shot selection, his shot capability ... he's always there. He's a special player." Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo, who averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game, was third. He started this run of international players winning MVP; Antetokounmpo, of Greek and Nigerian descent, won in 2019 and 2020. Jokic, a Serbian, won in 2021, 2022 and 2024. And Philadelphia's Joel Embiid, who was born in Cameroon but since became a US citizen, won the award in 2023. Now, it's Gilgeous-Alexander — a son of Ontario, where hockey reigns — carrying the MVP flag. The MVP award, like most other NBA honours, was voted on by a global panel of 100 writers and broadcasters who cover the league and cast ballots shortly before the start of the playoffs. The other awards that were part of that voting process and have already had their results unveiled: Cleveland's Kenny Atkinson winning coach of the year, Atlanta's Australian Dyson Daniels winning most improved player, San Antonio's Stephon Castle winning rookie of the year, Cleveland's Evan Mobley winning defensive player of the year, New York's Jalen Brunson winning clutch player of the year and Boston's Payton Pritchard winning sixth man of the year.
