Sydney Scorpions have continued their dominance of the Junior Regionals claiming the converted champion region title, their 7th year in a row, with the event being held at the home of Parkes Touch Association, Cheney Park. The Scorpions claimed three of the six divisions on offer and lost two other grand finals. Whilst the Scorpions were dominant they were pushed to the limits by the ever improving Hunter Western Hornets who only dropped two games across all the divisions on the Saturday. Scorpions had their inaugural Junior Presentation dinner on the Saturday night and this event was extremely well received and it bonded the teams and parents even closely together.
Australian Open players Sam Brisby, Sarah Peattie and Samantha Rodgers were all involved in a Q&A session which had the audience truly engaged. Also awarded were the Scorpions Nolan “Best & Fairest” Medals and the inaugural Sam Brisby and Sarah Peattie Medals. These Junior Recognition awards are presented to Scorpions juniors who are playing in their final Junior Regional tournament and who have excelled through junior levels at Scorpions and possibly even higher representative honours such as Elite 8 Regional, State and National. The winners of these awards for 2016 were Marley Simbolon and Nicole Saldern. Finals day is the one that matters and all Scorpions teams knew they would have to be at their best to get the prize they were after. In what will now be known as “Scorpions Sunday” all teams and coaches really turned it on and produced their best touch of the tournament. The Hornets participated in five finals and claimed two titles in Girls 14’s and Boy’s 16 divisions with Sydney Mets claiming 14 Boys Division for their lone title.
The Boys 18’s won Scorpions their first title in that division with a comprehensive performance not dropping a game all weekend. Coaches Jason Martin and Brad Curl, along with captain Marley Simbolon steered the team to perfection taking out the semi-final over the Sydney Rebels 8-3 and then knocking off the Hornets 4-2 in the grand final. It was fairy tale return to his home town of Parkes for local Jesse Parker, not only taking out the prestigious Scorpions Medal but also the Player of the Final award.
2016 Sydney Scorpions Results & Award Winners:
Boys 18’s
Scorpions 4 defeated Hunter-Western Hornets 3
Scorpions 5 defeated Sydney Mets 1
Scorpions 7 defeated Northern Eagles 5
Scorpions 9 defeated Southern Suns 5
Scorpions 8 defeated Sydney Rebels 2
Semi-Final Scorpions defeated 8 Sydney Rebels 3
Grand Final Scorpions 4 defeated Hunter-Western Hornets 2
Scorpions Medal & Player of the Final – Jesse Parker
Boys 18’s: Brad Davoren-Whereat, Jarrah Rogan, Jesse Parker, John Carroll, Keeley Bowen, Lachlan Raper, Lawrence Bingham, Luke Osborne, Marley Simbolon (Captain), Mason McDonald, Ray Wehbe, Ryan Pritchard, Sam Watkins, Tom Suters. Coach – Jason Martin, Assistant – Brad Curl
In the Girls 18s’ division it was a coaching master class from Melissa Mitchell and assistant coach Tracey Elliot. The team lost their first game 5-0 to the highly fancied Hornets which proved to be their only loss of the tournament. The team met the Sydney Rebels in the semi-final winning 4-3. The grand final was a show down against the Hornets with the Scorpions team ready to avenge their first round loss to the Hornets. And that they did taking out the title in style by 5 touchdowns to 3. Captain Nicole Saldern led with class also being awarded the Sarah Peattie Medal and taking out the Player of the Final award. Congratulations to Claudia Mete for winning the Scorpions Medal.
Girls 18’s
Scorpions 0 defeated by Hunter-Western Hornets 5
Scorpions 6 defeated Sydney Mets 0
Scorpions 9 defeated Northern Eagles 0
Scorpions 7 defeated Southern Suns 1
Scorpions 3 defeated Sydney Rebels 1
Semi-Final Scorpions 4 defeated Sydney Rebels 3
Grand Final Scorpions 5 defeated Hunter-Western Hornets 3
NSWTA Player of the Final – Nicole Saldern
Scorpions Medal – Claudia Mete
Girls 18’s: Abbey Steanes, Brianna Sorbello, Caitlin Cimarosti, Chloe Scranage, Clare Vanzino, Claudia Mete, Elise Wilson, Jane Vanzino, Jennaya Wiggins, Jordan Roughan, Katrina Smith, Nicole Saldern (Captain), Page McGregor, Tiamna Jurd. Coach – Mel Mitchell, Assistant – Tracey Elliott, Manager – Mel Scranage
The Boys 16’s had a strong preparation for the Junior Regionals and started their campaign narrowly going down to the Hornets 7-5. The team then won their next four games to set-up a semi-final against game the Northern Eagles. Coaches Brandon McDonald and Matt Lawson would have been confident however were defeated in an upset against the Northern Eagles who got the victory 5-3 and booked their place in the grand final over the Hunter Hornets. Congratulations to Flynn Angles-Corke for taking out the Scorpions Medal.
Boys 16’s
Scorpions 5 defeated by Hunter-Western Hornets 7
Scorpions 4 defeated Sydney Mets 1
Scorpions 7 defeated Northern Eagles 5
Scorpions 4 defeated Southern Suns 2
Scorpions 3 defeated Sydney Rebels 3
Semi-Final Scorpions 3 defeated by Northern Eagles 5
Scorpions Medal – Flynn Angles-Corke
Boys 16’s: Christian Williams, Conor Hickey, Decan Ahipene, Elijah Pai, Flynn Angles-Corke, Fraser McGrath, Jack Griffin, Joshua Menzies, Leon Frangi, Luke Maiolo, Sam Kelly, Samuel Edgley (Captain), Travis Osborne, Zac Simons. Coach – Brandon McDonald, Assistant – Matt Lawson, Manager – Niccole Kelly
Similar to the Girls 18’s the 16’s improved through the tournament and produced their best when it counted. Losing to the Hornets 2-1 in their first game the Scorpions then easily booked their semi-final appearance and won that over the Sydney Mets 5-0. Coaches Keith Smith and Carol Jones had the right game plan for the grand final and the big game players stepped up to cause problems for the Hornets all game. Tatum Bird, Lucy McDonald and Madison Higgins-Ashby all had starring roles with Capri Vidler making a fantastic memorable touch to prevent a Hornets touchdown at a crucial time. Scorps led with a buffer of two touchdowns however the Hornets fought back to even it up with 40 seconds remaining on the clock. In the drop-off the Scorpions remained calm and scored from the continuation of play. However Hornets scored with their tap-off and right of reply. The game was now alive with next touchdown taking the major prize with young gun Lucy McDonald capping off a magical game setting up the winner in the corner with the Scorpions team reacting with sheer delight. Congratulations to Olivia Steer for being awarded the Scorpions Medal.
Girls 16’s
Scorpions 1 defeated by Hunter-Western Hornets 2
Scorpions 3 defeated Sydney Mets 2
Scorpions 6 defeated Northern Eagles 1
Scorpions 6 defeated Southern Suns 1
Scorpions 6 defeated Sydney Rebels 1
Semi-Final Scorpions 5 defeated Sydney Mets 0
Grand Final Scorpions 5 defeated Hunter-Western Hornets 4 – Drop-off
Scorpions Medal – Olivia Steer
Girls 16’s: Bailee Nix, Briana Hibbert, Capri Vidler, Julia Zubak, Lucy McDonald, Madison Higgins-Ashby, Molly Donohoe, Olivia Steer, Paris Mooney, Rachel Fear (Co-Captain), Shannyn Bissett, Tatum Bird (Co-Captain), Taylah Nicholls, Tyler Pelligra. Coach – Keith Smith, Assistant – Carol Jones, Manager – Kristen Bird
Coaches Matt Scranage and Tua Marsters were in charge of the Boys 14’s and bounced back from two early losses and a draw. This meant their final round game on Sunday was a virtual quarter final needing a positive result to progress to the final series. The team responded and got the victory 4-2 against the Sydney Rebels. This set-up a semi-final against the top of the table Hunter Hornets. The Scorpions came out full of running and confidence and raced to an early 2-0 lead holding on in the end by 6-4. The Hornets would have been extremely disappointed looking so strong through the round games. In the grand final the Scorpions faced off against the Sydney Mets narrowly going down by 5-4. Huge congratulations to all involved as reaching the grand final is an accomplishment in itself. Congratulations to Griffin Bamford for being awarded the Scorpions Medal.
Boys 14’s
Scorpions 2 defeated by Hunter-Western Hornets 3
Scorpions 4 defeated by Sydney Mets 6
Scorpions 6 defeated Northern Eagles 3
Scorpions 4 drew Southern Suns 4
Scorpions 4 defeated Sydney Rebels 2
Semi-Final Scorpions 6 defeated Hunter-Western Hornets 4
Grand Final Scorpions 4 defeated by Sydney Mets 5
Scorpions Medal – Griffin Bamford
Boys 14’s: Aiden Brophy, Connor McCann, Dally Bird, Griffin Bamford (Captain), Harrison Read, Hilton Ovenden, Jayme Elias, Liam Haskins, Liam Jones, Nathan Hassan, Nicholas Russell, Thomas Jarrett, William Allan, Witika Rees-Hatu. Coach – Matt Scranage,Assistant – Tua Marsters, Manager – Lynda Jones
The Girls 14’s had a similar campaign to the Boys 14’s and did the Houdini act of the tournament totally reversing their early tournament form to produce their best at the right time. They started day one with a loss to the Hornets 5-1 but then bounced back to beat the Sydney Mets by 4-3. A shock loss followed to the Northern Eagles 4-3 however coaches Gav Brucey and Peter Langmack turned it around and the team started showing their true potential in a strong performance against the undefeated Southern Suns, having the better of the game only to go down by 2-1. This set-up a must win final round game on the Sunday against the Sydney Rebels with Scorps taking the win by 4-1 and looking full of confidence and running. Now they were up against the still undefeated and top placed Southern Suns. The Scorpions came out of the blocks very well and half way through the game were leading by two touchdowns. However to their credit the Suns hit back to force the game into a drop-off, with Bella Geros scooping through and setting up the winner. The Hornets then met the Scorpions in the grand final and displayed a strong performance to deservedly take out the title by 6-1. Congratulations to Caitlin Hickey for winning the Scorpions Medal, after her brother Connor took out the Scorpions Medal for Mixed Open at the recent NTL.
Girls 14’s
Scorpions 1 defeated by Hunter-Western Hornets
Scorpions 4 defeated Sydney Mets 3
Scorpions 3 defeated by Northern Eagles 4
Scorpions 1 defeated by Southern Suns 2
Scorpions 4 defeated Sydney Rebels 1
Semi-Final Scorpions 5 defeated Southern Suns 4 – Drop-off
Grand Final Scorpions 1 defeated by Hunter-Western Hornets 6
Scorpions Medal – Caitlin Hickey
Girls 14’s: Caitlin Hickey, Chelsea Mann, Eleanor Fairhurst, Ellie Kerr, Emily Van Buuren, Gina Hawson, Haylee Hifo, Holly McNamara, Isabella Geros (Co-Captain), Kira Stubbs, Lara Wilkinson, Lily Cooper, Maddi McGrath, Macy Carrothers (Co-Captain). Coach – Gavin Bruce, Assistant – Peter Langmack, Manager – Melissa Mann
Scorpions Medal:
Boys 14’s – Griffin Bamford
Girls 14’s – Caitlin Hickey
Boys 16’s – Flynn Angles-Corke
Girls 16’s – Olivia Steer
Boys 18’s – Jesse Parker
Girls 18’s – Claudia Mete
Sarah Peattie Medal:
2015 – Hannah Dyball 2016 – Nicole Saldern
Sam Brisby Medal:
2015 – Jackson Mills 2016 – Marley Simbolon
2016 Regional Championship:
1st Sydney Scorpions 72pts
2nd Hunter Western Hornets 67pts
3rd Sydney Mets 36pts
4th Southern Suns 28pts
5th Northern Eagles 17pts
6th Sydney Rebels 14pts
2016 Sydney Scorpions NSWTA Merit Teams Representatives:
At the 2016 Junior Regionals selectors have identified the merit teams for each of the divisions. Each team comprises of 5 Middles, 5 Links, 3 Wingers and a Utility player. These positions are selected on the basis of where players played for their team across the event. We would like to congratulate the following Sydney Scorpions players selected in the four divisions. NSW Touch Football does not select merit teams from the 18’s divisions. Players are instead identified as potential squad members for the NSWTA Development Teams which participate at the National Youth Championships held in September.
14 Girls NSW Merit Team
Links: Haylee Hifa. Wingers: Holly McNamara, Eleanor Fairhurst
14 Boys NSW Merit Team
Links: Hilton Ovenden, Witika Rees-Hatu. Winger: Harrison Read. Utility: Connor McCann
16 Girls NSW Merit Team
Middles: Tatum Bird, Lucy McDonald, Madison Higgins-Ashby. Link: Shannyn Bissett. Winger: Capri Vidler
16 Boys NSW Merit Team
Middle: Conor Hickey. Winger: Leon Frangi
JUNIOR REGIONALS PREVIEW – GIRLS 14’S
With most of our Girls 14’s talent from previous years progressing to Girls 16’s this year, we knew our task ahead may be challenging. The talent at the trials was above and beyond, resulting in the selection of a squad of 17. We were lucky enough to have chosen committed and hardworking girls with equally enthusiastic parents allowing us to prepare effectively for the tournament. Now it was up to the coaching team to harness the energy and excitement of these individuals into a cohesive and successful team. Improvement and growth has been visible at each and every training session. We have a great deal of speed and agility in our team and as the girls will find out when it all comes together as we the coaching staff can see, the rewards will be very pleasing for all involved. We have announced duel captains this year in Isabella Geros & Macy Carrothers, both very deserving girls with a huge amount of experience and drive for their age. Within our Girls 14’s team keep a special eye out for excellent speed and agility amongst Chelsea Mann, Holly McNamara, Kira Stubbs, Eleanor Fairhurst and Ellie Kerr as well as our strong playmakers including Isabella Geros, Macy Carrothers, Caitlin Hickey and finally our hardworking drivers in Emily Van Buuren, Lily Cooper, Gina Hawson, Maddie McGrath, Lara Wilkinson and Hayley Hifo. We would like to wish all Junior representative teams for Sydney Scorpions the best of luck and can’t wait to watch and cheer you all on! Head Coach: Gavin Bruce
JUNIOR REGIONALS PREVIEW – BOYS 14’S
What an awesome fun group of young men we have in our team this year. We started five weeks ago and went into things with some pretty hard running intense fitness drills then working into the basic fundamentals of touch football. We have an equal amount of players from most clubs in our permit so combining this into one unit was always going to be a challenge. However this group of players have skill, energy and speed to burn – these boys are all very quick and as coach having players with this natural ability is very pleasing. We have had several players pull out with injury so all of our shadows have come into play and we want to thank the other shadows for attending most training sessions. We are as ready as we can be and look forward to the contest, Mets & Hornets are going to be tough but so are we so bring on the challenge. Players to watch out for from our Boys 14’s are Griff Bamford and Tom Jarrett, these two young guns have a step that would snap Benji Marshall in two! We have been lucky enough to have a few trial games against the Scorps Girls 18’s which has been a great test. Good luck to everyone and we will see you at Parkes cheering on the mighty Scorps! Head Coach Matt Scranage
JUNIOR REGIONALS PREVIEW – GIRLS 16’S
After a solid preparation the Girls 16’s are looking forward to testing themselves in what should be a very tough tournament at this year’s Junior Regionals. This year all players were given the opportunity to buy into the process and the result has seen a greater level of engagement across the team. The comradery amongst the side is really high and there are always plenty of smiles on the players faces. Hopefully a good sign! Our process has been to focus on specific parts of our game each week then add additional elements as we progressed. The final few sessions were about bringing it all together and tidying up any areas we still needed to work on. The intensity at training has increased week to week and the players are now focused and ready for the tournament. This year’s team will see the return many Scorps regulars as well as several new faces including Briana Hibbert, Paris Mooney, Capri Vidler and Molly Donohoe. Also watch for Tyler Pelligra and Olivia Steer to cause plenty of havoc for the opposition. The side will look to the experience of Rach Fear and Bailee Nix to guide them around the park. Lucy McDonald and Tatum Bird have been combining well at training and are sure to keep the opposing teams guessing and cause them lots of headaches around the ruck. Out wide watch for edge players Maddie Ashby, Julia Zubak, Shannyn Bissett and Taylah Nicholls to provide plenty of speed and spark. The players know it’s going to be tough but they are ready and really looking forward to the challenge! A special mention to shadow player Grace Hanks for her commitment and continued support of the team leading up to the tournament. Also special thanks to the players and coaching staff of the Girls 14’s and Boys 14’s for the training runs and a quick thank you to the “new Girls 16’s wingers” Anthony Dudeck and Tim Kitchingham (Tim was leading touch down scorer at a recent session!). On behalf of the players and coaching staff of the Girls 16’s we would like to wish all Scorps teams the best of luck at this year’s tournament. Head Coach: Keith Smith
JUNIOR REGIONALS PREVIEW – BOYS 16’S
With the Boys 16’s we were fortunate to have had a great squad to choose from with some new faces from the Northern Beaches Renegades and Hills Hornets. The boy’s preparation has been great with no cancelled training sessions and great commitment from the entire group. That said we have suffered a few injuries and but have also had some strong players to select to fill those vacancies. We have an abundance of leg speed and our new players to this level are ready to go hard and make their mark. A great bonding session last weekend has capped of a great preparation for the boys and thanks to Nicky and Gary Kelly for providing a great venue. Players to watch include Christian Williams, Flynn Angles-Corke, Samuel Edgley and Elijah Pai. Samuel Edgley is the team captain with Travis Osborne the off field captain. Many thanks goes out to the parents for making sure we have had a full squad at training 99% of the sessions and thanks for the support from the coaching staff of Matt Lawson and once again the outstanding job that Nicky Kelly has done as the manager off this team yet again. Head Coach: Brandon McDonald
JUNIOR REGIONALS PREVIEW – GIRLS 18’S
The Girls 18’s have had a great lead up to the upcoming Junior Regionals. There has been excellent attendance and intensity at all training sessions. Our training sessions have also included four Sunday training camps, two of which have included trial games against the Scorps Boys 14’s. All players have worked hard during the campaign and have come together both on and off the field. With players who possess some great footwork, awesome ball skills and commitment in defence, we will be working hard to secure a finals spot for the Sunday. The girls wish all Scorps teams the best of luck and we will be cheering you on where can on the weekend! Head Coach: Melissa Mitchell
JUNIOR REGIONALS PREVIEW – BOYS 18’S
Our Boys 18’s have almost completed their preparation with one final session remaining with the team improving with every session. Trials have included a couple of hit outs against the Scorps Boys 16’s with the highlight being a game against the Australia Mixed Open team as they prepare for the upcoming Trans-Tasman series against New Zealand. We expect this tournament will be very tight as all regions have strengthened their sides since last year. Our captain is Marley Simbolon and players to watch include Ray Wehbe from Hills, Jesse Parker from Parramatta and also from the Eels Men’s Open State Cup champions Marley Simbolon and Luke Osbourne. Best of luck to all teams. Head Coach: Jason Martin