IT HAS been a magic 12 months for Hunter Western Hornets touch football wizard Chris Lennon.
After helping guide the Australian Emus to a Mixed Open world title in England last year, the mercurial Lennon has celebrated more success in recent weeks with his beloved Hornets and NSW representative teams.
Lennon was best on ground last month when the Hornets claimed the National Touch League Men’s Open championship with a 3-2 victory over Sydney Mets in Coffs Harbour.
The classy playmaker was named Player of the Men’s Open final and received the Terry Jacks Player of the Series trophy for his outstanding performances at the prestigious tournament.
Chris followed it up with brilliant displays for the Sky Blues in the State of Origin Challenge against Queensland, helping NSW clinch the Men’s Open title and taking out the Player of the Series Award.
Lennon was one of 88 Hornets players, coaches and referees that helped the Sky Blues retain the Origin Shield with fellow Blues reps Les Smith (Mens 50s) and Luke Cain (Mixed Open) also earning Player of the Series trophies.
Meanwhile, Nelson Bay Neptunes juniors feature prominently in the Hornets’ Development squads for this year’s National Youth Championships (NYC) to be staged in Coffs Harbour from October 1-4.
The NYC is Australia’s premier youth touch football event contested by the nation’s best young players across a unique mix of school, regional andsState representative teams; all vying to be crowned national champions in their respective gender and/or age divisions.
The event features eight divisions. The squads are:
– 12yrs Girls Development: Georgia Loughlin, Isabella Sugui, Ivie Redman, Kadence McAlister, Kalea Burke, Kirra Austin, Lauren Ramien, Laykeava Brinkworth, Milah Kate Matthews, Oaklee Gledson, Payton Miller, Rose Punton, Ruby Mace and Zahli Read. Head Coach Rebecca Austin and Assistant Coach Shane Spindler.
– 12yrs Boys Development: Cayden Penfold, Colbee Young, Ethan Curry, Fletcher Pilon, Harvey Edwards, Hunter McCallum, Jaxx McDermott, Jett Miller, Kade Power, Olly Grose, Paxton Anderson, Ryder Emery, Slater Gray and Sonny Elers; Head Coach Christian Miclat and Assistant Coach Bailey Searle. Manager, Corey Butcher.
– 14yrs Girls Development: Allira Brennan, Billie McIlwain, Chelsea Cromack, Chloe Spindler, Delainey Borg, Hope Gilmour, Isabella Crouch, Kylah Rankin, Malisi Darcy, Mia McDonald, Olivia Carney, Rachel Gilmour, Ruby O’Brien and Sophie Stoddart. Head Coach Liz Channon and Assistant Coach Nic Grose. Manager, Shelley Darcy.
– 14yrs Boys Development: Austin Searle, Axle Haggath, Billy Moule, Chaz Sharpe, Finn McCarthy, Jayden Harvey, Jordan Ryan, Kalani Ale, Lachlan Muddle, Nate Hamson, Oliver Ramien, Sam Burey, Toby Burgess, Will Sugui and Xavier Masi. Head Coach Todd Harvey and Assistant Coach Jermaine Ale. Manager, Ben McCarthy.
– 16yrs Boys Development: Cruz Tucker, Dane Chivers, Zeke Hay, Harley Parker, Jake Carpenter, Kai Fitzsimmons, Lachlan Murphy, Logan Cashmore, Luke Hedges, Nate Jackson, Oliver Shaw, Paddy Grose, Tiaki Rees, Will Doherty and Zev Drury; Head Coach Ian Doherty and Assistant Coaches Chad Jackson and Hugh Doherty. Manager, Rebecca Jackson.
By Chris KARAS
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