Macy Callaghan takes out Sally Fitzgibbons, Mariners draw and more
Macy Callaghan is in prime form for this week’s Australian Open at iconic Manly Beach after capping a sensational summer at Surfest on the weekend.
Hot on the heels of the Avoca Boardriders’ national championship honours, Callaghan reached the Surfest semi-finals, and ultimately a third-placed finish, in Newcastle in preparation for the Manly swell, claiming some big scalps along the way.
The teenager upset Sally Fitzgibbons, who won the 2016 pro women’s crown, en route to securing a quarter-final berth in Merewhether.
It was the first time the Central Coast Junior Sports Star of the Year had faced Fitzgibbons in competition, bookending a string of positive showings since taking out the junior world title in Kiama in January.
“It was really cool because she’s one of my idols, so to get a win on her was really good,” Callaghan said.
“I was a little nervous, but then I thought ‘I am the underdog’ and it was OK.
“Out of competition I’ve spent some time with her and the other girls but when the competition is on everyone is pretty serious and sticks to themselves and do their own thing.
“I was really happy with the way I surfed. I go into every competition wanting to win or go as far as I can so from that perspective it was a great weekend.”
Arguably the hottest prospect on the QS tour, Callaghan knows the most important part of her development is to avoid letting the success of the season get to her head.
It could be hard, though, when you consider her burgeoning resume.
“It’s been a crazy year — the world title is the obvious highlight but I’ve had a couple of QS 1-star wins and those felt good too,” she said. “I’m very determined to better myself in and out of the water. I’m very competitive and I train really hard. I’m always wanting more and that’s what drives me to be a better person as well as a better surfer.
“I’m really proud of myself.”
FOOTBALL
The Central Coast Mariners have had their finals hopes dented after a tight 1-all draw with Newcastle in the F3 derby.
Scott Galloway struck early in the second half to cancel out Alexandr Kokko’s opener, and earn the Mariners a single point in their second clash with the Jets this season.
The former Victory full back launched a stinging strike from outside the box in the 50th minute after a Nick Montgomery corner was poorly cleared, leaving the Newcastle keeper flapping at air as his effort found the back of the net.
Earlier, Kokko leapt highest to nod home a Morten Noordstrand cross to give the Jets the lead in the 20th minute.
The result leaves the Mariners in ninth place, four points outside the top six with six games remaining in the season.
GOLF
Kim Burke has been crowned the New Zealand Women’s Senior Champion for 2017 after a stunning performance at Waihi Golf Club in the Bay of Plenty.
The Magenta Shores golfer never had it easy, requiring extra holes in her final three matches to clinch the title.
Burke defeated New Zealander Robyn Fellow in the first round 5&4, and followed it up with a tense matchup against Perth’s Sharon Dawson in the quarter-finals.
The clash went to a 19th hole before the result was confirmed.
Monash Country Club’s Jacqui Morgan was no match in the semi-final, where Burke also needed 19 holes before eventually prevailing, and Victorian Helen Pascoe pushed the Coastie to three extra playoff holes only to fall at the final hurdle.
“I had a very tough draw,” Burke said.
“I played a former NZ champion in the first round and then had to face Sharon, who was the defending champ, and who beat me in the finals of the Australian Senior in 2015.
“In every match I was three or four down after nine holes and won at the 19th, 19th and 21st.
“All the golfing gods were on my side.”
Burke took part in an amateur event in the lead-up to her title across the ditch, and credits the decision — one that she almost didn’t make — as the catalyst for her competitive edge.
“I played the NSW Amateur last month at Terrey Hills and Killara purely as my tournament preparation for this event,” she said.
“I hadn’t played them for years as I’m not all that competitive against the younger girls anymore, but I thought playing with the young guns would be a good way of playing under pressure.
“It was a thrill to play the qualifying rounds with Somi Lee too. She was the champion.”
Burke was part of a four-member squad that was chosen to represent Australia courtesy of her top four finish in last year’s Australian Women’s Senior Championship.
“I am just so proud to be representing Australia, and to become NZ Senior Champion against such a quality field feels wonderful,” she said.
AFL
After nine years at the helm, premiership winner Chris Bishop has stood down as senior coach of Terrigal Avoca Panthers.
Bishop cited increasing personal commitments as well as the opportunity to take up other coaching opportunities as the reason for his decision.
“Time has become a real issue with a new baby and new job as well as still running my business and coaching commitments with the Swans Academy,” he said.
“In the end, I realised that I could not put in the hours required to coach a Black Diamond Cup side.
“I have also been offered an opportunity to be involved with the Sydney Swans’ reserve-grade side as well as other talent programs which I would not be able to take advantage off if I was a senior coach.
“It is something I have been talking to the club about for some time and I am appreciative of their support of my decision.”
Bishop will leave a legacy with the Panthers having coached the club to three premierships, five grand finals and eight finals appearances in his nine seasons in charge.
Terrigal Avoca secretary Ryan Weber said that Bishop had left a positive mark on the club.
“It is fair to say that the club was struggling when ‘Bish’ joined; however, he and (president) Chris Aitken set about changing the club and built it into the strength it is today,” Weber said.
The 33-year-old will not be lost to the club, however, as he has agreed to take on the lesser role of “director of coaching” which will see him mentor coaches from Auskick through to seniors.
“I will not be walking away from the club as I love the club and have invested a significant amount of time into it,” Bishop said. “This decision just means that I won’t have to be at every training session or for the whole of a matchday.”
Terrigal Avoca expect to be in a position to name a new coach next week.
