Local gymnast stands tall

Chelsea Nerpio 15th at world trampoline championships

Don Fennell, Sports Editor

Chelsea Nerpio is just back from Hannover, Germany and still raving about her experience at the World Trampoline Championships.

"It was pretty cool and way different than other competitions," said the Richmond athlete. "There was a lot more stress and nervousness. I liked it though because I got to meet a lot of people from Canada and other countries."

Nerpio was also overjoyed with her 15th-place finish which was much better than she expected in her international debut.

"The competition was average though," she said. "Some people weren't doing as many hard tricks. Mostly I was working towards not messing up and doing my best."

Nerpio's result was the best among the Canadian athletes in the 11-12 age group.

Nerpio, 11, was six years old when she attended a birthday party at a local gymnastic club and knew instantly that trampoline was the sport for her.

She qualified for the worlds by placing third in the double mini event at the Canadian national finals in Saskatoon earlier this year. It was only her second appearance at the nationals.

"My goal is to compete in the OIympics but it's probably something that's really far away," Nerpio said. "I have to go to a higher level and get more tricks yet."

The worlds, held every two years, are based on different age groups (11 and 12, 13-14, 15-16 and 17-plus). Four athletes are selected at the national competition in each age group, all of whom exceeded the qualifying score in each event (trampoline, double-mini trampoline and tumbling).

Fans flock to see Trojans

Hugh Boyd football team enjoying a banner season

Don Fennell, Sports Editor

Everyone loves a winner, as the Hugh Boyd Trojans are learning.

In compiling a 6-0 record to top the B.C. high school double-A football Southern Division, the Trojans have also spawned a renewed enthusiasm among their fans. No one's more pleased than Hugh Boyd coach Bruce Haddow, who has worked tirelessly to raise the sport's profile locally.

"We're starting to see faces we haven't seen in a while," Haddow said. "It's a little like the old Richmond-Steveston games and gives the kids a bit of a flavour of what it was like a few years ago when people were really excited about football."

The Trojans fed off that added energy Friday to upend Nanaimo's John Barsby Bulldogs 33-18 at Hugh Boyd Park. The victory gives them a week to rest and get ready for the quarter-final playoffs Nov. 15 at B.C. Place Stadium where they'll face one of two Vernon squads: J.L. Seaton or Kalamalka which meet in this week's Interior Conference wildcard game.

"I think it's perfect timing (to have a break)," Haddow said. "We haven't had a bye since the start of September. I guess there's a concern about maybe coming out a bit flat (in the quarters) but this is a really mature group. We're still going to practice a few days and go down to Vernon to scout the teams."

Running back Marcus Mullen was a one-man wrecking crew in the victory over the Bulldogs, scoring three touchdowns and picking up 172 yards on 28 carries. He also made six tackles on defence.

"I see him as a provincial all-star," said Haddow, which makes Mullen's absence from the conference all-star team all the more puzzling.

"He's by far the leading rusher in the conference and probably among the top three in the province," Haddow said. "Everyone feels very badly for Marcus, except Marcus himself."

Seven Trojans did earn all-star recognition. Quarterback Nebojsa Aleksic (most valuable player), Michael White (top defensive player), Georgio Trasolini (linebacker), Brad Fontaine (receiver), and Kyle Giroux, Jordan Knowles and Amrit Bansal (offensive linemen).

Aleksic also had a productive game rushing against the Bulldogs, netting 115 yards on just six carries and scoring a touchdown. Fontaine hauled in a 24 yard pass from Aleksic for the other Hugh Boyd touchdown.

The Trojans led 27-6 at halftime, but the Bulldogs scored two touchdowns in the third quarter and were pressing for more when Hugh Boyd scored their final major with four minutes left.

"(John Barsby) has a good football team," Haddow said. "This was a tough game. Neb (Aleksic) got whacked late in the third quarter on a run option and he was back in two plays later. That shows character."

Warriors not enjoying plight

For the first time in their six seasons, the Warriors are at the bottom of the ladder looking up.

During the previous few years they had managed to keep the core of the squad intact which led to their success. However bit by bit the core has diminished with only Steve Lee and Anthony Hajdu remaining after the loss of three key originals (Karim Nanji, Jay Guzman and Setrak Merdinyan) this season as the team struggles to make ends meet in the West Cost Basketball League.

After giving away a victory to the X-Men last week, the Warriors dropped a 10-point decision to NT, 94-84, last Sunday. Snagging the lead for the early part of the first half, the Warriors were able to capitalize on transition baskets pushing the lead to as much as nine, but a late surge by NT thanks to a couple of treys from Andrew Mavis gave his team a one point lead at the break.

The second half was basically trading basket for basket up until the Warriors managed to tie the game at 79 with about four minutes left. At that point the wheels fell off the Warriors wagon as they only managed another five points, while NT hit for thirteen more. Mavis led the game in scoring with 28 points, including 15 from downtown, while Sean Ramjagsingh added 20. Steve Lee hit for 27 for the Warriors, along with 22 from newcomer Corey Ogilvie as the Warriors drop to 0-3.

Moult Athletic, which has also fallen on hard times early in the season, netted their first W of the season with an 88-73 victory over the Rim Gods. With a 14-5 run to close out the first half, Moult looked to get their game together after the Rim Gods, led by Jose Rodriguez and Mike Rivers-Bowman kept the game close in the first half, hitting for 13 and 11 points respectively in the first twenty minutes.

A 20-4 Moult run early in the second half basically put the nail in the Rim Gods coffin as Ewen Roberts dropped 14 of the game high 20 in the second half. Steve Nelson chipped in 12 for Moult. Rodriguez was joined by Chris Peerless in leading the Rim Gods with 17 points apiece while Rivers-Bowman finished with 15.

After devouring the X-Men and Moult Athletic in their first two games, the Meralomas looked to go 3-0 to start the season with a victory over the Team Ice Golgis.

Both teams spent the offseason signing some young legs to go with veteran laced squads as the Meralomas added guards Chris Porteous and Keith Bustard, while Sandy Bisaro was added to the front court. The Team Ice Golgis added combo guard/forwards James Kenyon and Josh Booy, as well as Dana Maslovat to the front line.

Going basket for basket in the beginning of the first half, it looked like it would come down to who would crack first. That mistake came at the beginning of the first half, as the Lomas gave up a 17-5 run, allowing Team Ice to go up 11. From there it was just dependent on managing the clock and keeping the Lomas from putting together a comeback attempt of their own.

With a game high 33 points, James Kenyon led Team Ice to a 96-84 victory over the Lomas, while Scott Elliot chipped in with 18. Dave Smith and Keith Bustard led the Lomas attempt with 16 points apiece.

Silver birds still soaring

The Richmond Eagles maintained their first-place standing atop the 4 District under-14 boys' soccer leaague Saturday with a 7-4 win over Wesburn Strikers.

John Madazli's goal on a penalty shot early in the second half broke a 3-3 tie and propelled the Eagles to victory. Richard Sison led the way with three goals, while Paul Balboa, David Murphy and Trevor Doyle had singles.

George Gorton was solid in net while getting good support from defenders Evan Hopkins, Darren Suderman, Jeremy Smith and Sunny Tse.

Curtis Tillyer at left forward and midfielder Ryan Shams also played well in the Eagles' possession-style offence.

Central Richmond Strikers shaded Wesburn Wolves 3-1 in the Under-15 Division.

Michael Harwood set up two of Richmond's goals, one by Matthew Johnson and the other by Michael Kaplan. Kaplan also scored on a single-handed effort when he split the Wesburn defence.

Todd Parsons and Sean O'Hara stood tall for Richmond on the backline, while midfielders Justin Speers, Roman Krsanich, Shun Lee and Ibrahim Hanif also played well.

Keeper Andrew Fenton made several good saves to keep his team ahead in the right game.

Keeper Luke O'Shea was unlucky not to earn a shutout while backstopping Richmond United to a 3-1 win over Lynn Valley Falcons in under-12 Gold Division play.

O'Shea lost the goose egg when he made a diving stop but the ball hit a defender and wound up in the net.

"It was probably his best save of the season and he's made quite a few," Richmond coach Mike Quinn said.

All the Richmond goals came off set plays. Brett Scott scored off a corner by Chris Massot, Travis Quinn off a short corner from Scott, and Phillip Scrubb following a free kick awarded to Evan Jacques just outside the penalty area.

"We always talk about 70 per cent of all goals being scored are the result of set plays, but with this team I'd say its 90 per cent," marveled coach Quinn.

"I've never had a team that scores so many goals off headers. One game in the Thanksgiving tournament four of the five goals United scored came on headers (all passes from Chris Massot) from corner kicks or free kicks."

Kaleigh Fratkin, Arved Poetter and Hei Ming Choi were outstanding on defence.

Richmond ruggers clinch first

Richmond has one of the top sides in the Fraser Valley Rugby Union.

The local Under-19s clinched top spot Saturday with a 17-0 win over Surrey, just 18 hours after losing their first game of the season 28-19 to a travelling side from Belfast, Ireland.

Richmond still sports an 8-1 record.

Richmond came out flying against Surrey, with centre Ahmed Morsi touching down in the first minute of play. The try was a result of a great back movement.

Richmond continued to apply the pressure, with second row Mike Maguire adding a try nine minutes after Morsi's.

John Findlay scored in the opening minutes of the second half, and with a Jason Lee convert it would prove all they'd need for the win.

Richmond seemed to tire a bit after that though, showing the effects from Friday's battle.

Richmond had a 19-18 lead against Belfast with 15 minutes remaining only to see the Irish go on to score two unanswered tries.

Richmond tries were by Maguire, captain Dean Morris and Lee, who also kicked a pair of converts and a penalty goal.

In a preliminary game, a Richmond B team comprised entirely of players from Hugh McRoberts Secondary defeated Belfast High School 2nd XV 26-12. Martin Urbanowicz paced the locals with two tries. Tony Lambert and Chase Mullins had singles and Julian Hockley chipped in with two converts.

Richmond's under-19s play Langley this Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at Sea Island. They'll play Abbotsford in the Valley final Nov. 22.

King sets the standard for U15 field lacrosse team

Michael King scored a goal and assisted on two others to lead Richmond past Burnaby 7-5 in Under-15 Division field lacrosse.

The game was a showdown for first place.

Richmond trailed 3-2 at halftime but refused to give up. Michael Minamimaye scored twice and Jason Adams was solid in net.

In other action, Finn Konkin scored the lone Richmond goal as Richmond's Under-11s fell 9-1 to South Fraser. John Tait played well in goal against a very strong opponent.

New Westminster outlasted Richmond 10-8 in Under-13 Division play.

Richmond twice rallied from four goals down, getting strong efforts from Danny Whyte and Austin Scmidt who scored two goals apiece. John Duncan, Andrew Nathan, Josh Whyton and Kevin Reback also scored for Richmond.

Breakers setting the pace

J.N. Burnett badminton team aiming for another high school championship

Don Fennell, Sports Editor

Richmond teams have won three of the last five provincial high school badminton championships, including the last two. Yet the game continues to struggle for mainstream recognition.

But rather than exhaust his energy trying to change that, J.N. Burnett Secondary coach Rob Laing prefers to use his time to create a program that focuses on helping the athletes reach their potential.

"We've always had a fairly strong badminton program at Burnett," Laing says. "But last year we were able to take that extra step up and win the (B.C.) championship. What that's done is given more recognition to the program and allow the students to dream big and to think of the possibilities if they work extra hard."

A committed training formula continues to be a recipe for success. The Breakers defeated the Richmond Colts 11-0 Wednesday to complete a perfect 9-0 season and win the Richmond Secondary Schools title.

As head coach, Laing is the main architect of the program. But he's quick to share credit with the players and Tombert Chen, who has been assisting for the last couple of the seasons.

"I often sit down with him and create practice plans and he has helped step up our level of play to the point where we practice four to five days a week," Laing says. "But the kids are always there and extremely keen. It's why the team is doing so well."

Laing also praises long-time H.J. Cambie Secondary badminton coach Mike Charlton, for whom he played badminton as a student.

It was an emotional moment for the two friends last season when Burnett defeated Cambie for the provincial championship. The Crusaders had won the B.C. crown in 2000 and 2002.

With Cambie again fielding a strong lineup and finishing second (8-1) in the league this year, another B.C. final showdown could be upcoming. Burnett defeated Cambie 6-5 in their only meeting so far this season in mid-September.

There is a great mutual respect between the Breakers and Crusaders which has led to an intense, but friendly rivalry. Both Laing and Charlton agree it brings out the best in all the players.

That high level of play was again apparent at the recent Richmond secondary schools individual badminton championships, with Breakers winning three of the senior titles and two others reaching the finals.

Tim Ma, a Grade 11 student, won the boys' singles over David van Ostrand of the R.A. McMath Wildcats and also teamed with Jeff Lam to win the boys' doubles title. Lam and Michelle Koo were second in the mixed doubles, while Koo and Vivian Chu won the girls' doubles crown. Chu was also second in the girls' singles event.

So what does the Breakers' success mean?

"I think it means two things," Laing says. "As a result of winning last year badminton is becoming a bigger sport at Burnett. And I don't know if it's necessary that having a success creates a program or a good program means successful teams, but we had some interest from some very good athletes this season. Some who've always played volleyball considered playing badminton."

While there were no tryouts for the senior team, 70 students hoped to make Burnett's Junior Division team and 60 more the Bantam Division squad.

Despite their positive results to date though, Laing says the Breakers aren't getting ahead of themselves.

"Our goal was to finish first in Richmond. We haven't yet gotten to the provincial stage. If we looked at that we would be bypassing some important steps on the way."

Adds Laing: "We also started the year at a pretty intense level intentionally because we wanted to make sure we were not still living in the glory of last season. It's a whole new year and you start the process all over again."

Trick or treat?

It depends on who you ask as Bucks blank `Eyes 1-0

Don Fennell, Sports Editor

One coach left Minoru Arenas Thursday night with a treat. The other? Well let's just say he was anything but happy with his team's tricks.

Chris Boechler's breakaway goal at 9:57 of the third period gave the Port Coquitlam Buckeroos a 1-0 Pacific International Junior Hockey League win over the Richmond Sockeyes. But the one-goal difference did little to console Richmond coach Ron Johnson, who was upset by the Sockeyes' lack of effort.

"The fact is we never showed up," he said. "Some of the guys worked hard but that was brutal. We didn't want to get physically involved in that hockey game."

Richmond (10-3-3) holds a slim four-point lead over the Delta Ice Hawks (whom they defeated 7-3 Tuesday) atop the PIJHL standings, but the Hawks have two games in hand. Ridge Meadows Flames are third with 18 points and Port Coquitlam is fourth with 16 points. The latter two clubs have played three fewer games than the Sockeyes.

The fact Thursday's game was the Sockeyes' third in a week didn't influence Johnson's views. He noted his team only managed to put about 45 per cent of their shots on goal and rarely ventured into the slot.

By contrast, Port Coquitlam coach Bayne Koen, a good friend of Johnson's and assistant coach of the Sockeyes the previous two seasons, was happy with the Buckeroos' effort.

"They've got a good hockey club," Koen said. "We were fortunate to come out with the two points tonight and it can go either way in this league. We've got to keep level-headed, but it's a big step for our club."

Koen cautioned though the Buckeroos can't get carried away with their success.

Both goaltenders played strong games for their respective teams: Wyatt Russell made 33 saves for Richmond, while Graeme Lippert stopped 23 shots for Port Coquitlam.

"It's way too early in the season," he said.

Richmond doesn't play again until Thursday when they host the Ice Hawks (Minoru Arenas, 7:15 p.m.).

Green machine

McRoberts field hockey team tops in Richmond

Don Fennell, Sports Editor

Could this be the year of the Strikers?

Hugh McRoberts Strikers hope so.

A 3-0 victory over the Hugh Boyd Trojans on Tuesday gave them the Richmond Cup and put them a step closer to their second provincial high school Triple-A field hockey championship in the last six seasons. The zone playdowns are being played this week, with the B.C. tournament set for Burnaby Lake Sports Complex Nov. 12-14.

"We have a good tradition here at McRoberts," Striker coach Roger Young says. "We keep getting good Grade 8s."

Young is especially excited about this year's team which features eight Grade 12s. It's the most seniors the Strikers have had since they won the B.C. title in 1998-99.

"Most of them have been to a lot of championships and have that poise," Young explains. "And a lot of them also play for the B.C. under-18 and under-21 (Judith Stredulinsky) teams."

Stredulinsky scored goals off a short corner and a rebound against Hugh Boyd and has been one of the team's leading scorers all season. Her sister Eva and centre-forward Adrienne Taylor are also keys up front.

The team is anchored by Kathryn Masson, whose goalkeeping always gives the Strikers a chance to win.

"She stood on her head and won a tournament in Kelowna for us earlier this year," Young said.

Grade 11 left midfielder Kara McLeod is also a steady performer, while McRoberts' future rests with several talented Grade 9s and 10s including Pam Aldridge.

Young believes the Strikers have the ingredients to win it all this season, but considers West Vancouver Highlanders to be the team to beat.

"We're right up there though," he says. "It all comes down to breaks and who is mentally tougher at the time. It'll be the team that wants it most and stays together."

McRoberts has finished in the top eight at the provincials each of the last five seasons, including seventh a year ago. They were third in the 2001-02 season.

All Blacks keep chins up

Team may have lost its leading scorer for the season

Don Fennell, Sports Editor

It was a good news, bad news week for the Richmond All Blacks.

The defending Richmond Senior Soccer League Cup champions learned they've lost star forward Erik Henderson indefinitely with a bad back. But the loss of the league's top scorer is tempered somewhat by news fleet-footed winger Jeff Padvaiskas is set to join the team as they got after their fourth League Cup in six years. They've reached five finals led by Jeff Kaltenegar, Rav Kirshna and Kyle Shury.

All Blacks' manager Rohit Pilay says it will be tough to fill for Henderson, but he'll be counting on Padvaiskas and Glen Campbell to carry some of the load.

Kaltenneger, Rav Kumar and Shury were among the All Blacks to score last Sunday in a 6-2 win over Flying Beaver. Mark Marshall had two goals and Justin Padvaiskas the other.

In other Premier Division play Lansdowne Pontiac retained their one-point lead over the second-place All Blacks with a 5-1 win over the Ravens. Steve and Jeff Lyons, Peter Hannaway, Chris Laing and Canson Butt scored for the winners.

Harpreet Virk scored twice to lead Players United past Sportstown Firefighters 4-3, Jeff Yoon's two goals lifted the Dragons over Club Inter 5-2, and Shamrock Rovers and Club India tied 0-0.

Pumphouse Islanders overcame an 1-0 deficit to edge ISSC Harps 3-1 in the First Division. Sean Wilson had a stellar game for the Isles at centre back, while Austin Shears set up Jordan Smiley for the winning goal; his sixth of the season.

In other action Aero Turbine won its second game of the year shutting out the Steelers 3-0, Jason Leitner's hat trick gave the Wrestlers a 3-3 tie with Celtic, Hammerheads blanked Dem Bones 7-0.

Jessy Dillon's two goals lifted West Richmond Strikers to their first win 3-2 over the Storming Hawks in the Second Division.

Rangers also earned a 3-2 win over Subway, JP Malone's downed Lives United 5-1, Fairview Auto and Ole tied 2-2 and FC DSBH and the Old Boys drew 2-2.

League Cup tournament play resumes Wednesday with third-round games at King George Park at 6:15 and 8:30 p.m. and at Minoru Oval at 9:15 p.m. An additional match is set for Minoru on Thursday, also at 9:15 p.m.