The Age from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia • Page 32

VOASS MONDAY 30 NOVEMBER 1992 Sport Extra 6 finds some of the best hew prospects on Bruce HuKgren Davis, Pater Hansen OtkntdfiM Smyth, Scott Nvvtis LoeeeeV Qraham Kubank, Butch Hays local recruits, he could be a guard or forward. The Wildcats are thin on the backcourt after the loss of Mike Ellis and Vince Hinchen. Adelaide has a marvellous guard rotation with hll Smyth and Ninnis returning home but is small up front. Obviously another big American will be required alongside Mark Davis with Mark Bradtke unlikely to resume his spot. Brisbane has some interesting decisions on recruiting to make under new leader Bruce Palmer.

brisk although many prize recruits were snapped up. Illawarra pair Greg Hubbard and Justin Withers found new homes before the list came out, having been granted permission by the Hawks early. Several others, wooed by a number of teams, have yet to choose. i Guards, forwards and centres'' are all in demand. The South East Melbourne Magic, which had staked a strong claim to Hubbard, went all out to secure David Graham once the Illawarra guard headed for Sydney.

Interest in forward Shane Frollng, released from Hobart, has spread from Townsvllle to Perth. Centres Paul Rees and Neil Turner have also fielded several offers. Turner has signed with the Devils, while Rees looks set to join North Melbourne. Veteran Larry Sengstock has excited plenty of interest, mainly bjrMCHXE BROWN Notlpng ago in the National Basketball League, Australian-born pktyejs with a modicum of talent war courted by clubs but hardly affiled by the Inducements ottered. Australian signature was more likely to be snared because ot loyalty, family or convenience.

Salaries were generally modest, particularly compared with those paid to imported stars. But the focus has quickly shifted. Many clubs, alarmed in past years at the prospect of not having enough money to hold on to their American stars, now face a similar quandary In securing first-rate Australian talent. -Many imports, it has been discovered, are replaceable. The appeal of Europe could be waning aqd.

there are signs in the Italian foals effemdeirs Melfo to I "t- A '( Hfl tf --f i- Vi. 1 i -X i't'i' 'w Js, i -v A SV VVA Wf J. fut.A i -0 victory tern South test Meaaomne Mailt! Gains: David Graham Loeeee: Scott Nimia Question mark: Robert Rose, Lucas Agrums BireTieatf KJnaje Gains: Greg Hubbard Losses: Peter Hi Question mark: Nil Gains: Probably the recruiting coup of the league In Lithuania's Rimus Kurtinaitis. Paul Malay likely to be second import although speculation continues about the future of import Ken McClary. Perth has holes to fill.

One will be a new import to replace Peter Hansen although, depending on needed in his game. "I'm pretty happy with the way I'm going," he said. "(But) I really haven't had much chance to get into a groove. The last couple of games I've started out a little rough (but then) come around." With the Marlins starting next year In the Major League, Parisotto believes he has the chance next summer to move within one step of the Majors and play Triple A. "As long as they (Marlins) give me the opportunity I'll be happy," he said.

"It's going to be dog-eat-dog for positions. If I don't do well, then fine, put me somewhere else." But providing his early season form continues, there appear to be few obstacles standing In his way of promotion upon return to the US next year. v- i Mark Brwnw. Ma corneron Gatae: Rodger Smith leasee: Simon Kerle. Paul Rees, Adrian Question mertt: Luke Gobble, Greg Fox Oesw Justin Withers PI Smyth, Steve Hood re: Jason neese, Jamie Kennedy Oeelane.

Sy ertate Oeine: Ray Bomer Loeeee: Matthew Alexander, Leigh Cleary, In Queensland and Victoria. He is believed to be leaning towards North Melbourne or Geelong. 1 The Magic, Sydney and Melbourne Tigers appear the most stable teams. Melbourne seems ih The Import from the United States, who Is now with the Florida Marlins, spent considerable time in the Los Angeles Dodgers minor league system, where he was once managed by Joe Vavra, who this year was appointed Adelaide's manager. Yesterday, for Parisotto at least, it was time to renew acquaintances.

"He (Vavra) knows what I can do because I've pitched for him," Parisotto said before yesterday's series opener. "So I've got an incentive to try and do a little better to push that extra mile." By the end of game one, Vavra probably had wished that the two had never met, such was Parlsot-to's mastery on the mound. From seven complete innings, the 25-year-old Canadian Seoul Question meifc: Nigel Purchase, David Sim- Simon O'Domel NeH Turner Chris Steele Gains: Paul Rees, Matthew Alexander Loeeee: Ray Bomer, David Graham, Simon Donne). Paul Malay scott i-isner Losses: Vince Hlnchen, Mike Ellis. Steve Ninnis with a superb outside shooter in Graham, and hopes to come to terms with Robert Rose.

In its only change so far, Sydney has added Hubbard for a more consistent perimeter game. Deeble said. "He's been so valuable. He knows how to pitch." And together with fellow import Don Lemon (2-1) the Monarchs have an outstanding starting line-up. "Their work habits are very good, which has made my Job a lot easier," Deeble said.

"They go out there and they do their Job. You don't have to babysit them." In the second game of yesterday's double-header, Lemon shut out the Giants as the Monarchs cruised to an 8-t win. Lemon struck his rhythm early, and finished with the outstanding figures of four strike-outs and Just four hits from seven complete Innings. But despite his superb start to the season Parisotto believes there Is still some refinement game to Perth," Dorsett said. "They're fit and they're fast and they'll capitalise on any defensive lapses.

We only made three or four today and they cost lis the game. "I believe the Lakers and the Blades are fitter than Perth or Melbourne were," he said, referring to last week's lacklustre semifinal between Perth and the Melbourne Redbacks. The Lakers ably filled the gaps left by midfielders Stephen Carter, Glen Kingston and Damian Seeto, who are in New Zealand with the Australian junior team, but failed to put it together inside the scoring circle. The Blades were also without key players Greg Forbes and Kurt Lisle, who are injured, and Max Diamond, who is In the Australian side. By LAURIE SCHWAB Centre-back Steve Blair restored his scoring rate to a grudging goal a season by hpistjng South Melbourne to a 2-0 Coca-Cola Soccer League victory over Heidelberg at the Olympic Village ground yesterday.

Blair scored in the ninth and 25th' minutes, giving him a total of 19 goals in as many seasons since he Joined South Melbourne from Albion Rovers in 1979. South Melbourne's solid victory was 'perfect preparation for its clash next Sunday with Melbourne CSC, which was beaten 3-1 by Syd- ney CSC at the Croatian Sports Centre in Sunshine. Before their clash at Middle Park, both teams will play National Cup matches on Wednesday South Melbourne against Morwell Falcons in Morwell and Melbourne CSC against Preston at Connor Reserve, Reservoir. South Melbourne will regain playmaker Mike Petersen, who came on as a late substitute yesterday after recovering from an operation, while Melbourne CSC will be rejoined by its captain, Josip -following suspension. Melbourne midfielder Gary Hasler, who will be available after a two-match suspension, might find it difficult to dislodge Peter Tsolakis or Steve Tasios in partnership with Paul Wade, formed a winning midfield yesterday.

Forward Paul Trimboli was also among the best players. Heidelberg failed to capitalise on. the energetic wing play of Brian MacNicol. Neither did its midfielders provide strikers Derek Hunter and Danny Gnjidic with the support they needed to do damage against Blair and South Melbourne sweeper Mehmet Dur-. akovic.

In an attempt to solve those problems, coach Gary Cole George Slifkas into the midfield the second half and senl winger Alastair Dick on for Dave- Clarkson for the last 20 minutes. Still the goals did not come. Socceroo Andrew Marth, who league of a drop in money from sponsorship and for players. The entrance of several Americans, especially this year's crop including Robert Rose, Lanard Copeland and Doug Overton, and the recruiting coup of Lithuanian star Rlmas Kurtinaitis indicate an immense pool of talent overseas keen to sample life in the NBL. The challenge now for NBL teams is to attract the best possible home-grown talent.

It does not come cheaply. Six-figure sums for top Australians, once the stuff of fantasy, are now regularly offered and paid. The addition of Townsvllle to the 1993 fixture has spread the player base more thinly and enlivened the opportunities and bidding wars for free agents. The player trade since the NBL released the free-agents list on 16 November has hardly been take had been out injured for two months, returned to the Melbourne CSC line-up in the absence of Biskic and Mark Siiic (suspended). He lined up as Bogdan Bonk's midfield partner but was rusty after his long absence.

To make matters worse, Steve Horvat, who had been ill all week, lasted only until the 55th minute before he made way for Vinko Buljubasic. In the absence of Biskic, Bonk was alone in trying to give Melbourne CSC's play a cerebral dimension. Nevertheless, the home side had chances to win before Sydney CSC stole the game in the second half. Vaughan Coveny, benefiting from Bonk's accurate crosses to the far post, headed into the net in the eighth minute only to be penalised for pushing a defender. He had another header cleared off the goal-line by Robert Stanton moments later.

Sydney CSC's top scorer, John Gibson, provided an ominous warning to the Melbourne CSC defence when he broke through for a shot that deflected off goalkeeper David Miller on to the crossbar In the 32nd minute. The second half started with talented midfielder Eric Hristodou-lou shooting Sydney CSC into the lead from a short lay-off by Tony Krslovic. Ivan Kelic replied by converting a long forward pass from Bonk after his opponent, Vellmir Kupre-sak, slipped while trying to clear. Sydney CSC's towering sweeper, Tony Popovic, had the measure of the Melbourne forwards for most of the second half, aided by the predictability of the home team's aerial lead-up play. Only once did Melbourne CSC have the goal at its mercy but Ollie Pondeljak, having sidestepped Kupresak on a through ball from Buljubasic, blasted over the bar from close range.

With five minutes left, Gibson barged through the middle of the Melbourne defence, scoring as the ball bounced back to him off Marth who had tried to block him. SPORTS EXTRA 5: Details, ladders. international Ray Houghton scoring with a 20-metre drive in the 45th minute and Gary Parker equalising 22 seconds into the second half. But three minutes later Darryl Sutch put Norwich in front again and that proved enough to end Villa's 13-match unbeaten run. England striker Alan Shearer scored his 17th goal of the season as Blackburn Rovers moved up to second spot with a 1-0 home win over Queen's Park Rangers.

Liverpool, with England star John Barnes having his first start in the league this season after injury, demolished Crystal Palace 5-0. Liverpool was two up inside nine minutes, McManaman heading home the first, courtesy of Barnes, who beat three defenders before crossing with his right foot. Mike Marsh hit the second from 30 metres before McManaman struck again in the 18th minute. Ronny Rosenthal and Don Hutchison added second-half goals. Nottingham Forest, with former England midfielder Nell Webb back in the side for the first time since his return from Manchester United, remained rooted to the foot of the table after a 2-1 home defeat by Southampton.

In Scotland, Duncan Shearer scored his second hat-trick in a week to help Aberdeen crush Hearts 6-2. DUTCH striker Marco Van Basten of AC Milan has been voted player of the year by 'World Soccer' magazine. -i Chris Harris, Bobby Locke Oeeie: Peter HUt Loews: Ron Radiifl, Rockier Smith OueateM meriu Mike Mitchell, Larry Seng-stock Gains: Neil Turner, Jim HavriHa (US) Losses: Shane FroKng, Joe Hurst David Stiff Queetkm mertc Nil Oeine: Nil Losses: Greg Hubbard. Justin Withers Question mark: Chuck Harmison, Mehrin Thomas, Doug Overton unlikely to make wholesale changes, although both imports are out of contract and the grapevine has linked David Simmons with other clubs. The Magic has compensated for the loss of Scott Olympic representative conceded Just two hits (one a home run) -and struck out six Giants batters on his way to victory.

It has been that way for most of this season. His win-loss record might easily have been unblemished, had an outfield catch by Ron Carothers in a tight game against the Perth Heat not spilt from his glove and then over the fence for a three-run homer. But they are the breaks and, as Parisotto says, the ball should never have touched wood. "I could give up a few less runs here and there," he noted. But that is nit-picking.

From his four starts, he has shown great poise and maturity, a fact that has not gone unnoticed by manager Jon Dee-ble. "He's a real professional," Robertson's first goal came from a penalty corner four. minutes into the second half. Lakers' goalkeeper David Cianchy deflected an attempted shot by Greg Brown and Robertson swooped and slotted the ball into the net. Robertson again hit past Clancy in the 46th minute, his effort from the field counting double after right-winger Cameron Fraser had beaten three defenders to create a Brisbane overlap.

Lakers' coach Ray Dorsett, while disappointed with his team's loss, predicted the Blades had the capacity to defeat premiership favorite Perth in the decider in Melbourne next Sunday. "I think from the way they played today that they'll take the There Is a 30-metre drop from the tee to the fairway on the sixth hole, a 462-metre par 4, and it is regarded as one of the most difficult on the course. Couples hit a 5-iron second shot about 180 metres to within three metres of the hole, and made his birdie putt Kite and Stewart missed birdie putts of 10 and six metres, respectively. Norman was not In contention as his tee shot hit the golf-cart path and bounded Into a canyon. Couples went on to get another skin worth $30,000 at the par-3, 200-metre eighth hole.

He hit a 6-iron to the green with the ball -Tv former Canadian Olympic representative Barry Parisotto: hoping to make the leap from the Western Oval with the Melbourne Monarchs to US Major League baseball with the Florida Marlins Monarchs' Canadian pitcher cuts Giants down to size A second import has yet to be named and the Bullets look set to lose some of their young Australian talent. Canberra, keen to hold on to import Jason Reese, has done well to grab Withers and has rookie of the year Lachlan Armf ield ready to step into Smyth's spot Picture: JASON CHILOS Of his four stock balls, his fastball Is his gem. "I pride myself on being able to throw my fastball where I want down In the strike zone," he said. Certainly, there are a few Adelaide hitters who fell victim that way yesterday. And no doubt there are more to come.

THE Melbourne Bushrangers ended a horrific road trip on a bright note at (he weekend, notching up a 4-1 victory over the Gold Coast Dolphins in the final game of their series at Carrara. The Rangers lost both games against Brisbane late last week, before losing lt- to the Dolphins on Friday. Melbourne then lost 7-3 to the Dolphins in the opening game of a double-header on Saturday, before clinching the final match. Memorial Drive (Adelaide), Milton (Brisbane) and Royal Kings Park (Perth). Davis Cup captain Neale Fraser said he was delighted to be returning to Kooyong where Australia last won the Davis Cup in 1986.

l.i,Ul.,,, 1 The average Chinese worker would have to toil at least 400 years to make as much as one gold medallist in Barcelona, according to the 'China Daily'. Success in Barcelona earned a tax-free bonanza of up to $250,000 for Chinese athletes, who now spend their time fending off con artists, shady investment advisers' and gangs of greedy hangers-on. THE AGE PRICES Pocommrjdod and Maximum only. MONDAY TO FRIDAY Victoria and Sthn. NSW by road.

60c South-EMtefn SA by road 60c ACT. Taimnia, Kirg Knderi Broken Hi, South Aunmia. NSW (inc. Cooma and South SUv QuMfti'tK'rB Inc. Rockhimplon) $1.00 Darwin andPanh St.40 tOthar pax: Price on application to nem-aoenti Meted and pubaehee- by (MtaMV JOHN TAYLOR, ef 2M Spencer Meet maianie, lOOt, ler David Syne Cm.

Limited, A.C N.004H17W, at M0 Spencer tw! Metmrne. Wiglatend by AvaMSa eet puetcatlon Me. WFim and iietalaiaS aa liaaMaMMaaM mmw aftadh BnfclJW faedl affealiLA mwSt sneak into hockey final Kooyong's grass picked for vital Davis Cup tie Hughes and United hit Arsenal hopes By STEPHEN LINNELL Big Barry had a message to deliver. So, out he strode on to the brown dirt mound at the Western Oval the place that on this day would serve as his personal podium. Once there, he fiddled with his cap, took a tew deep breaths, then let his arm do all the talking.

Before long, Barry Parisotto the silver bullet in the Melbourne Monarchs' pitching chamber had worked through his repertoire and the Adelaide Giants' batters to notch up his third victory from four starts this season. But there was more to yesterday's Australian Baseball League win than the 5-1 scoreline Indicated. For Parisotto, it was also a personal triumph. Blades Brisbane Blades striker John Robertson scored all the goals as the Queens'landers secured a berth in next week's National Hockey League final with a hard-fought 3-0 semi-final victory over Canberra. Robertson's accuracy inside the scoring circle during the match in Newcastle yesterday was in stark contrast to the scoring fortunes at the other end.

It was a day of missed opportunities for the Lakers, who had the better of general play but were unable to find their way past the Canberra goalkeeper. Brisbane created only two real scoring chances and Robertson converted both of them. Blades coach Nell Hawgood admitted after the match that his team had been lucky to come out Couples Palm Dsaort, California, Sunday Fred Couples said he was a "little bit nervous" before the start of his first compeUtion In the 10th annual Skins Game. But after nine holes yesterday at Bighorn Golf Club, the other three players Greg Norman, Payne Stewart and Tom Kite were looking at Couples as if he had picked their pockets. Couples, the Masters champion, won six skins and $130,000.

Stewart won one skin for $30,000 and 'Norman got one for $20,000. Kite, the US Open champion, was shut out. of the match with a victory. "They had more chances than us, but didn't put them away," Hawgood said. "If you don't make the most of your chances, you don't win.

We only had a couple, but we won." Both of Robertson's goals came early in the third quarter after a dour first half by the Blades. "The first 40 minutes were probably the worst we've played all season, but I think that's due to the plane we came down on and the hotel we booked Into not having any rooms available for us," Hawgood said. "We flew down in a pretty wild storm and I've never been so scared in all my life and I'm sure it took the players a while to get that out of their minds." L6nc)on, Sunday Manchester United's 1-0 soccer win-over Arsenal at Highbury yesterday left manager Alex Fergu-sonwith enviable selection problems; for next week's derby match against Manchester City in the English Premier League. splashed out $A247 million to buy French striker Eric Cantona from Leeds last Thursday, but Welsh International Mark Hughes responded to the challenge by scoring the 27th-min-ute goal that dampened Arsenal's Championship challenge. TJJe United boss admitted he did ot know how he would accommo-date'Cantona, who watched from the stands as his ney team won its WcdrJd game in row.

was a very good performance and a very good result, probably our most satisfying of the season," Ferguson said. "I'm panicking a bit now. I honestly don't know, how I can fit in Eric next Sunday, but he will play a full mated for us In a friendly against Bertflca on Tuesday." While Arsenal was slipping to IBlfitplace after its second succes-, sive-defeat, Norwich was beating Another title rival, Aston Villa, 3-2 Villa Park to extend its lead at (h top to five points. Norwich went two goals up in (lie half-hour through Phillips and Darren Beck-ford at Villa's defence struggled without the steadying Influence of tfielajured Shaun Teale. fought back with goals Either ltd of the break, Irish Australia's all-important Davis Cup first-round tie against the United States next March will be played on Kooyong's grass surface.

A meeting of the Tennis Australia Council in Melbourne yesterday opted for Kooyong's grass surface, which it believed offered the best chance of defeating the strong American line-up that could include Wimbledon champion Andre Agassi, world No. 1 Jim Courier and former US Open champion Pete Sampras. Tennis Australia president Geoff Pollard said 10 of Australia's leading players bad said they would prefer to play the Americans on a grass surface in the' 26-28 March tournament. Kooyong got the nod ahead of bids from White City (Sydney), have to perform better tomorrow." Stewart, the defending Skins champion, who won a record $260,000 on one hole last year at PGA West, got his only skin on the par-4, 372-metre seventh hole. The last to putt, Stewart made a birdie from three metres.

"I was fortunate on that hole to have a free run at it," Stewart said. "You're not to get that many opportunities unless you play as well as Fred did today." Norman got his only skin on the first hole, a par 5, when he made a two-putt birdie. Los Angelas Hows iiaiWiiatiieiViaawiiir itii'i remri skins rivals to pick up easy $130,000 spinning back to within 30 centimetres of the cup. He got his tap-in birdie after Norman and Kite missed long birdie putts. It was suggested to Kite that he was the most consistent of the four players.

"See what it got me," he said. "I play consistent golf, but these guys are consistent. I normally make a few more birdies than I did today. I made one birdie on five (which was matched by Norman). "I probably hit every green In regulation, but I.

didn't hit it very close and, If you don't get it close, then you're not going to get many opportunities for birdies. I'll just It has been a rewarding month for Couples, 33. He has earned $682,000 while competing In the Tour Championship, the Kapalua tournament in Hawaii, the World Cup In Madrid, Spain, the Shark Shootout and the Skins Game. 1 And he has the chance to make even more money on the final nine holes today. In yesterday's play, Norman and Couples each won one skin worth $20,000 apiece on the first and second holes.

Then, with players tying on the next three holes, the sixth hole was worth $80,000..