Central Coast Sport

The surf boat season has kicked off on the Central Coast with round one of the Streets Series. Eleventh-hour hosts Umina warming up for the national and state titles with a win in the Women’s Open.  

The Surfboat Series commences this weekend at Umina Beach. More than 60 crews will compete, with Ocean Beach, Avoca and MacMasters to fly the flag for the Central Coast; Several powerhouse clubs from Newcastle have also entered including Swansea, Caves and Redhead. Hawks Nest and Scotts Head will also host rounds prior to Christmas, under the new seven-round format. (Audio in parts)  

With his place on the World Tour on the line, Copacabana’s Matt Wilkinson has delivered big time in Portugal overnight. The 30 year-old defeated Jordy Smith in a riveting round three encounter, and then powered into the Quarter-Finals.  

Meanwhile, the Mariners have named an 18-man provisional squad ahead of their season opener against Brisbane Roar. Coach Mike Mulvey will be looking to improve on the Mariners’ dismal track record against their hosts – squaring off against his former club.  

Newly-appointed Mariners skipper Matt Simon says he’ll be looking to former club greats that he played under, to help direct his style of leadership. And he’s been given a glowing endorsement by one of them, as the best man to lead the Central Coast forward.  

A Kulnura spelled horse is just two races away from a Melbourne Cup showing. Northwest Passage part-owner Ross Baxter says the Gai Waterhouse horse is unlike any before him.

The Central Coast Mariners have just announced all-time leading goal scorer Matt Simon as the side’s new captain. Meanwhile, Usain Bolt’s days on the coast could be numbered. The world’s fastest man has reportedly been offered a deal in Malta… but Mariners officials say, as it stands, he’s not going anywhere.  

There was a milestone for Gosford City Basketball Association at the weekend – celebrating 25 years. Today, Ian Moose Robilliard OAM reflected on quarter of a century both on and off the court.  

The Central Coast will be well represented at next week’s Australian Short Course Swimming Championships in Melbourne. Academy of Sport Coach Graeme Carroll is predicting a solid meet for the regions competitors.  

Surf Lifesaving Australia has had to create a brand new award, to celebrate the unwavering dedication of one of its own. Col Laing was honoured this morning, for more than half a century in the red and yellow.