- Final Instructions
- Overseeing Preparations
- Anthony "Bergo" Bergelin plays his last game
- Mitch Daniel puts Seconds back in the hunt
-
Brian Melrose - Head Coach for the 2017 season.
Manly Rugby Football Club
PRESS RELEASE (10 September 2016)Manly Rugby Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Brian Melrose as its Head Coach for the 2017 season.
In confirming the announcement, Club President David Begg indicated:“We undertook an exhaustive search both from within the club and in the wider rugby community.
The quality of candidates was outstanding, but Brian’s coaching credentials together with his awareness of Manly’s Rugby DNA, won the day.Brian's record both here and the UK has seen him have high level success at club, provincial, super rugby and test match level.
His ability to identify talent, develop players and improve teams has been consistent across his career.
We are delighted to have him back for hopefully another successful stint at the club.
I want to place on record my appreciation for the work done by our former head coach Damien Cummins in his 10 years of coaching across the club which included many highlights.
Damien has been a part of a team with his assistant coach Daniel Brown, a positive and popular figure amongst the playing group & staff. We hope their knowledge and passion will not be lost to the Club.In indicating his desire to get started, Melrose confirmed:
“After a couple of years away from a Head Coaching role it's great to be back at the club which gave me my initial opportunity "
"While the overall result was disappointing this year I am excited to work with the great talent base that is here".
With the competition not starting until 1 April 2017, Melrose proposed to implement a thorough pre-season preparation and work to develop a team and playing style that both players and supporters are proud of.
Manly RFC is delighted to be back at Manly Oval for 2017 and with a new coach, fresh committee and some talented local colts filling the ranks, the club eagerly looks forward to an exciting season ahead.”Late, late try fires Marlins out of finals race
By Adam Lucius
What: Shute Shield round 18
Who: Northern Suburbs v Manly
Where: North Sydney Oval
Result: Norths 24-23
Manly finished where on the table: Seventh (58 points)
80 minutes in 80 seconds: There were a few if, what’s and buts heading into the final round of the most tightly contested Shute Shield in years, but Manly’s task was straight forward. They had to beat in-form Norths on their home patch and/or pray there was a minor miracle elsewhere. The Marlins found themselves in a deep hole early, conceding a try from the kick off and falling behind 14-0 after 21 minutes. Sam Lane posted Manly’s first points via a penalty goal in the 23rd minute. Norths added a penalty soon after before Lane crossed five minutes before the break to give us a halftime scoreline of 17-10. Manly then scored the next 13 points via tries to Richard Hooper and Nick Holton and a Lane penalty goal. At 23-17 with 11 minutes to go, it was fasten your seat belts time. Norths took up squatters’ rights in the Manly quarter in the closing stages but were repelled time and time again. With the siren having sounded, they just kept coming. The Marlins held on for at least three dozen phases before finally cracking FOUR minutes after the bell. The Shoremen needed to land the conversion from wide out to complete the heart break and duly did so. It’s the first time in six years Manly won’t be part of the play offs.
Where it was lost: The Marlins showed a ton of heart to work their way back into the contest but the sluggish start didn’t help their cause. They were brave, courageous and committed throughout an absorbing contest and had a few decisions go against them at the death that could have dramatically changed the ending. But the boys will look back at lost opportunities throughout the season, which finished with 11 wins and seven losses. It’s the first time in six years the Marlins won’t be part of the finals. And that will hurt until we get back into it in March.
Marlins' best: Every single player played their guts out but special mention must me made of halfback Matt Lucas. He told Manly officials he wanted to play, flying back into Sydney with the Waratahs on Saturday morning and turning in a typically whole-hearted performance just hours later.
What they said: “The effort was there but they were just too good on the day. We’ve been our own worst enemy this year. We lost games we were more than capable of winning. There is no-one else to blame.” – Matt LucasHalback, Matt Lucas, fights all the way - photo by Adam MacDonald
Oddspot: A lot of things need to go your way for a season to be successful and luck sure was in short supply over the past couple of weeks. Every result from other critical games went against Manly as the Shute Shield form book was continually turned on its head. It’s just been one of those seasons for the Marlins
Where to from here: Get out and support the seconds and thirds in their finals campaign. As for the Shute Shield, we’ve got an eight-month wait for redemption
Away game vs Norths, 3pm 16th Nov, North Sydney Oval
Weird mystical forces have aligned all the grade teams in 6th spot on their respective tables. All the teams are threatened by the 7th position team winning tomorrow. Destiny is in the players hands. It is knock out football from now on. Either win, rely on other results or boots off.
“The whole club knows it is a massive weekend,” said MMMs half back Tim Donlan. “We had the whole playing group together for a talk on Tuesday. Everyone is motivated to get through to the finals. This is what we do all of the hard work for.
“We have trained well this week,” he continued about first grade. “It’s all been about clarity. Where we should be and what we should do in different parts of the field under different scenarios.
“We wanted to become the best defensive team and when we had the three games in 8 days, it worked really. Our defence fell apart a bit against the Rats but, taking nothing away from them, they were awesome on the day and any team would have found them hard to beat.
“We got back on track in all grades against Gordon. We now want to push for the finals and we know we are capable of getting to the Grand Finals.
The MMMs are putting out a heavy pack including a barnstorming backrow: Harry Bergelin at 7, Hayden Stringer, blind side and Junior Palau at 8.
“Yeah, we want to take Norths on upfront. It is great for my position to be behind a pack going forward. We need show aggression against Norths.”
Tim was injured in Round 10 against Easts. “I damaged my ankle and thought I was out for 8 to 10 weeks. I am so happy that I managed to get back after six weeks. It was hard work and credit to Ali (Alison Donlan, club physio).”
Tim played his school boy rugby at St Ignatius including a 5 test stint in the Australian School Boys team. He travelled to Samoa and New Zealand, with the team losing to the kiwis on the bell. Tim was awarded the Bronze Boot for being the most constructive player.
He then moved onto Grade Rugby at the Rats playing colts and then 1st grade. He was injured in 2013 and moved to Randwick where he had a frustrating season. He then came and joined the MMMs in 2015, securing a 1st grade spot before Matt Lucas’ return.
He is a competitive half back, quick thinking and with good pace and pass. No doubt his objective is to be in the Grand Final 2016!
Home game vs Gordon, 3pm Sat 9th July
This is the last home game of the regular season and so let’s get a big crowd behind the Marlins as they fight to stay in contention for a finals birth. Also be there to support the Girls U14 7s team playing before the 1st grade game.
“We were disappointed with our performance last week,” said first grade assistant coach, Dan Brown. “We want to make it up the supporters and show what we can do.”
Lying 6th on the table, one point below the Rats, one point above Eastwood and two points above Easts, the Marlins need to win the last two games to be assured of a top six finish including a tough gig away against 3rd placed Norths next weekend.
The games that are important for the Marlins this weekend are: Eastwood vs Randwick and the Rats vs Easts. Next week: Easts vs Souths and Randwick vs the Rats.
There is no doubt that the Rats have a hard run home but based on last week’s strong win over the Marlins, they are looking good.
It is a bit gutting to say this the Rats really dominated last weekend and put on a great attacking display winning 41-17 (6 tries to 2) in front of large crowd at Rat Park. They ran everything back at the Marlins with gusto and made some critical line breaks. It seemed that every time the Marlins worked their way into the Rats 22, an error would, under strong defensive pressure from the Rats, send us back up the wrong end.
“At 7 all we looked to be in a good position but the Rats took two chances off our mistakes and scored length of field tries,” said Dan. “Suddenly the game is 17-7 and the momentum has swung against us. They are a good team. There was nothing major that we did wrong but we know we can play better than that.”
Having significantly improved our defence is recent weeks, somehow it unravelled in broken play.
“This week we are putting out a heavier pack,” continued Dan. Cecil Hilterbrand in at hooker, Kotone Ale in at 7 and Adrian Hall back from injury in the 2nd row. It is good to get players back at this critical stage of the season.
“We’ve been focused on us and getting things right. It’s little things that we are working on,” explained Dan. “If we get it right, we will play well and win. But we don’t underestimate anyone in the comp. Look at Wests beating Uni twice. I don’t remember such a tight comp, with any team on the day able to win.”
Final call for the Masquerade Ball and Presentation night – tickets here
Away Game vs the Rats, 3pm, Sat 2nd July, Rat Park
With only 10 points separating the top 8 teams both the Marlins and the Rats need a win to stay in contention for a top 6 finals finish.
It is unusual for it to be so tight and to see last year’s Grand Final winners, Eastwood lying 8th. The Woodies should dispose of Penrith but there are some huge games including Uni vs Easts and Souths vs Randwick (top of the table clash).
After four wins from four, the MMMs are on the up but the Rats will also take confidence from a 41 all draw with Uni last weekend.
“They have good backs that can attack from anywhere and so we must shut down everything they throw at us,” said MMMs 5/8th Sam Lane. The Rats came back to win in the same fixture last year when the MMMs were over 20 points ahead.
Sam will be up against Rodney Iona, an ex Brumbies player, with Hamish Angus, captain and playmaker, out through injury. Former Brumbies player, Julian Huxley, will also be on the Rats bench.
The MMMs have only let three tries in over the last four games with BIG D improving dramatically. Holding out Souths for a 16-15 (no tries to Souths) was a monumental example.
“We are really proud of our defence. We know that we can all tackle well across team individually but we probably didn’t have our structures right,” explained Sam. “Over the last month or so we have gone back to basics. Who should be where, when? And how we work together.
“Basically out attack has been pretty good and we have shown that we can score from anywhere.”
James Graham has been playing open side for the last few games whilst Kotoni Ale has been easing back in after his year out with injury. Kotoni will be a fresh reserve. James “Cecil” Hilterbrand will also be a fresh reserve after returning from a successful trip with the US Eagles. He will supplement a fearsome front row of Hayden Stringer, Vance Elliot and Mitch Lewis.
Cecil was in the run on Eagles team with Greg Peterson that narrowly lost to Italy 20-24. He also made the run on team against Russia winning 25-0 (Greg was injured and did not play).
Other news is that Shuan Treweek, fresh from a stint playing in Scotland, will come in at no 12.
So we are getting the strength and depth back at this important time of the season.
Penrith no pushovers
“It certainly wasn’t a training run,” said Sam Lane. “They have some big players and speedy backs.
“Their defence was difficult to read with some players rushing up unexpectedly,” he continued. “It makes it tricky when you are playing against such an unstructured approach.
However, the MMMs went on for a big 65-0 win. “We scored some well worked tries.”
Reserve back Shaun Treweek got a hat trick and hooker, Vance Elliot, two meat pies!
Marlins make it four in a row – now for the Rats
By Adam Lucius
What: Shute Shield round 15
Who: Penrith v Manly
Where: Nepean Rugby Park
Result: Manly 65-0
Manly are where on the table: Fifth (52 points)
80 minutes in 80 seconds: The mission here was simple: rug up, head west, collect five points and return home healthy. No offence to the gallant Emus – who keep turning up week after week with little or no support from head office – but the only uncertainty was over the final scoreline. Manly led 29-0 at halftime and kept the foot down to pile on a further 36 points after the resumption. Mission Accomplished. That's four wins in a row heading into this Saturday's local derby at Rat Park.
Where it was won: The tries were always going to come (11tries in all) but once again Manly's defence was rock solid. They've now conceded just 22 points in the last 240 minutes of rugby. Impressive stuff.
Marlins' best: Back from a stint in Scotland, utility back Shaun Treweek came off the bench to score three tries. Hooker Vance Elliott continued his good form with a double.
What they said: "The Rats game is one we always look forward to and we've been building nicely towards it. It should be a great game between two teams fighting to get in the finals." – assistant Manly coach Dan Brown
Oddspot: After a mid-season hiccup, the Marlins have won four straight to surge back into contention. But this is the tightest Shute Shield we've seen for years. Just eight points separate first from seventh so you can't afford a slip up
Where to from here: Do we really need to tell you? It's the second edition of the local derby for the year – all roads lead to Rat Park on Saturday. Bring it on.
Marlins make it three in a row after the bell
By Adam Lucius
What: Shute Shield round 14
Who: Manly v Southern Districts
Where: Manly Oval
Result: Manly 16-15
Manly are where on the table: Fifth (47 points)
80 minutes in 80 seconds: With both teams playing their third game in a week, there would have been no surprise if fatigue kicked in early. But instead we were treated to a real 80-minute dogfight – well, 82 minutes to be exact – with plenty of intensity before finally finding a winner. Souths led 9-3 at the break courtesy of three penalties from superboot Rohan Saifoloi. He added another three-pointer early in the second half to take Souths' lead out to nine points. But Manly always manage to produce something special when running towards Sydney Rd (Bruce Stevo's stats may or may not back this up!) and so it was again at the 53rd minute mark. Josh Turner broke clear from 85m out and swerved, ducked, avoided and pushed off defenders on his way to the line. It was some try and gave Manly a way back into the game at 12-8. Souths eased a converted try in front a few minutes later via their fifth penalty but there were still a few chapters left in this story. A pushover try to Manly hooker Vance Elliott from a lineout just after the hour narrowed the gap to two but unfortunately the kick again went wide to leave the visitors ahead 15-13. That's the way it stayed until a late, late twist. With the bell having rung, Manly pounded the Souths line looking for the match winner. They were centimetres from the line but repelled countless times. Then we saw the ref's arm extended for a penalty right in front of the posts. Matt Lucas kicked the goal and the Marlins were home 16-15 in an absolute thriller.
Where it was won: Manly's defence was superb on Tuesday night and they backed that up against the Rebels. That laid the platform for the win, with the Marlins scoring two tries to nil. To keep top four sides Easts and Souths to just one try between them in 160 minutes is a tremendous effort in anyone's language
Marlins' best: Lucas was in everything as was returning second-rower Ed Gower, who punched out 80 quality minutes. Elliott and James Graham were also great value and Josh Turner produced moments of magic.
Lock Ed Gower on the rampage - photo Adam MacDonald
What they said: "Three wins in a week is an awesome result for us. The belief was always there, even at 9-3. We’ve been struggling coming into this week but we'll get a lot out of these wins. Wins like that can make a season. I've loved being back and I will get behind the boys for the rest of the season." – halfback Matt Lucas, who now returns to the Waratahs
"To knock off two quality sides (Easts and Souths) is awesome. If we don't pick up eight points our season could have been over. We're right back in it now." – Damien Cummins
Oddspot: With the crowd going a little quiet in the second half, Turtle reached for the walkie talkie and asked ground announcer Mike Westdorp to rev the Marlins faithful up. Westy turned evangelist for the last 20 minutes and the support helped get the home side across the line
Where to from here: It's out to Nepean to meet the Penrith Emus on SaturdayRichard makes the Rugby World Cup final
“I had made arrangements with my brother (Michael) to fly out for the final before the Scotland game (quarter final),” explained Richard. “I have never been so nervous until the ball sailed over for the final penalty!”
Richard flew over to the UK for four days to watch the final. “The atmosphere was amazing with such a rugby mad supporter base in the UK. Obviously the result wasn’t what we wanted but the tournament really put the Wallabies back on the map after a few difficult years. The celebrations were very upbeat and I had great time.”
Richard has played rugby locally since he was 10 and of course his father, Dave, was a Marlins 1st grade player back in the 80’s. He had one season in colts when the Marlins made the semi- final and then got a contract with his brother in the Brumbies academy.
The speedy winger is now approaching his 100th game in his 6th season for the Marlins. “I love playing at Manly Oval with a great bunch of guys. We have always had strong players and depth in the backs. It is good that players have gone on like Reece (Hodge), Alex Northam (Europe) and Mali Hingano (Europe and moving to Japan).”
“I hope I can continue to perform for the club and team,” said Richard.
Not only does he have the speed but also he has an elusive step that sees him either scoring or assisting with tries in most games. His defence is great and nothing depicts it more than this fantastic photo taken by Adam MacDonald on Tuesday evening vs Easts.
Home game vs Souths, 3pm Sat 18th June, Manly Oval
“It is fun to play Souths. They play a similar attacking style of footy,” said MMMs winger Richard Hooper.
Souths sit second on the table with 50 points and the MMMs back in 7th on 43. So still a tightly packed top order. They beat the MMMs in Round 1, 23-17, through a strong forwards performance.
This is an important game in the charge to the finals and the third game to be played in 8 days.
“The coaches understand this and we have reduced the workload,” said Richard. “Everyone came through uninjured from the Easts game which is good. Souths are in the same position as us having played on Tuesday night (27-8 win over West Harbour). They are a good team and consistent which is so important through the season, No doubt that they will be in contention in the finals series.”
A small crowd at the Village Green witnessed a fantastic game vs Easts on Tuesday night.
“The first 20 minutes we played well with the ball in hand,” said Richard who scored a brace of tries in that period. “The next 60 minutes was all about defence. We made around 170 tackles and managed to keep them out apart from a try late on.”
It was an awesome display of defence and an area where the MMMs needed to develop having lost a number of close games in the last 10 minutes. “It is about attitude and everyone from 1 to 15 turned up,” explained Richard.
“When we did get the ball we made uncharacteristic mistakes which allowed Easts to keep the pressure on. However, we did manage to frustrate them with our defence and the pressure told with some of their decision making.”
Lock Hayden Stringer had an outstanding game. He was spotted at Circular Quay where he works for Manly Fast Ferries in his Marlins jacket early on Wednesday morning. He explained that he fell asleep on his lounge and only just made the 615am ferry to get to work and didn’t have time to change. Hardly surprising after the effort he put in...and good promotion for the Marlins!
Two from Three
By Adam Lucius
Three home games in seven days – two against genuine top six contenders – always shaped as season-defining for Manly.
And the good news is the Marlins have ticked two from two heading into the toughest of the three.
An impressive 41-17 disposal of tricky Parramatta last Saturday dove-tailed into a gutsy and hard-fought 17-7 triumph over Easts in Tuesday night's deferred round 12 encounter.
Now second-placed Southern Districts at Manly Oval on Saturday stands in the way of a vital trifecta.
"We knew it was going to be a tough week but we set ourselves the challenge of winning all three games and kick-starting a move up the table," coach Damien Cummins said.
"There was a lot to like about the Parramatta game and we lifted again for Easts.
"Now we have to lift again. If we win three games in a week, I will be a very happy coach."
Manly's win over Parramatta was never in doubt after they eased to a 22-5 lead via a sizzling Josh Turner hat-trick.
Tuesday's meeting with the Beasts under the Village Green lights was a different story.
The Marlins skipped out to a handy 17-0 lead after 28 minutes on the back of two Richard Hooper tries – and then defended like their lives depended on it for the next 52 minutes.
Easts almost took out squatters' rights inside the Manly 22 for most of the second half but the Marlins repelled raid after raid.
Take a good look at Adam MacDonald's excellent photo - attached to this story – of Hooper to get a feel for how good Manly were defensively.
The Beasties did breach our line with 10 minutes to go but there was no way the hosts were going to disappointment the diehards who turned out to support them.
Turtle said: "You can tell a lot about a team by the way they defend and that spoke volumes to me.
"Awesome effort. We will need the same level of commitment against Souths."
The Marlins sit seventh on the table but can climb into the top six with victory over the in-form Rebels.
Get down to Manly Oval this evening
The rescheduled Round 12 games will be at Manly Oval this evening and tomorrow evening.
The Marlins narrowly lost to Easts in Round 10 and will be looking to make amends
1st Grade - 745pm, 14th June
2nd Grade - 615pm, 14th June
3rd grade - 740pm, Wednesday,15th June
4th Grade - 630pm, Wednesday,15th June
IMPORTANT CLUB ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PROPOSED MANLY OVAL CAR PARK
Click here for full submission
Solicitors representing the Manly Rugby Union Club have today lodged a comprehensive submission with the Northern Beaches Council outlining its position on the proposed carpark development at Manly Oval. The submission is critical of the development application which they say has misrepresented the arrangements between the former Manly Council and the Club over its relocation to Keirle Park and the prospects of the Club’s return to Manly Oval. The submission criticises the DA for not detailing the full impact of the proposed reduction of the Sydney Road boundary to Manly Oval.
Club Vice President, Anthony Bergelin, who has signed off on the submission has emphasised that the Club has been trying to reach a binding agreement with the Council over its relocation to Keirle Park since June 2011, when the development was first mooted.
He said: “Whilst more recently we have been engaging with the former Council no agreement has been reached or allocation of funds made and we are very concerned, since the Council merger for the future of our club and for the locals, both supporters and players, who use and enjoy the ground.”
Bergelin went on to say:“The Environmental Impact Statement attached with the DA does not adequately deal with the impact of the reduction in boundary size of the ground. It is a deal breaker for the Marlins because it may prevent the Club from competing in the Shute Shield from Manly Oval.”
The proposal is also critical of the relocation of the Merrett Memorial Gates to a site adjacent to the bike entrance to the carpark.
Bergelin commented: “The historical significance of the Merrett Gates should not be compromised by such an imposing development and the Applicants need to demonstrate that they are sensitive to that significance.”The MRFC’s submission has recommended a number of conditions that need to be included into the development application before it should be considered.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT ANTHONY BERGELIN 0424 093 968
Home game vs Parramatta Two Blues, 3pm, Sat 11th June, Manly Oval
After the wild and wet weekend the MMMs now have a manic schedule: Two Blues tomorrow, Easts on Tues evening (7.45pm) and Souths next weekend – all games at Manly Oval. Lying 8th on the table these are important games and against strong opposition.
“It is surprising how quickly you can get rusty,” said MMMs coach Damien Cummins. “But we’ve had a good two weeks training and the guys are really upbeat.”
Half back Matt Lucas is back from the Waratahs during the international window and has trained with the team this week. Hooker James Hilterbrand is off in the US with the Eagles for three tests. Vance Elliot comes in at hooker.
The Two Blues have beaten Eastwood and had close losses to Uni and Souths. “They have a new coach and former Wallaby defence coach, John Muggleton, has been helping out. They have the biggest pack in the Shute Shield and will play to their strengths through the scrum and mauls,” said Damien.
On some of the recent losses, Damien commented: “We’ve worked hard on defence and decision making. We have a good leadership group and Matt will also help in getting us organised.”
It is worth remembering that whilst the MMMs beat Parramatta 59-36 in Round 2, those 36 points were let in. The big D will be needed.
Home game vs Easts, 3pm, Sat 4th June, Manly Oval
Languishing 8th on the table, the Marlin Army is starting to ask what’s happening? The story so far this season has been about having the upper hand only to let teams back in during the last ten or fifteen minutes. Uni, Eastwood, Easts, Norths (40-36 last weekend at Manly Oval) have all taken games off the MMMs when we’ve been in a leading position going into the last quarter.
“It is not panic stations,” said MMMs No 7 and captain, Kotoni Ale. “It is tight on the table with 6, 7 and 8 all on the same points and not far behind the top of the table. We are working hard for wins.
“We have been impacted by injuries and the arrival of new players and so we keep working hard on our combinations and structure.”
Kotoni was dismissive of the pack potentially not being fit enough but did acknowledge that defensive structures have not been good enough when needed most.
“Defence is about attitude and we need the attitude to be right,” explained Kotoni. Holes seem to appear on counter attack from kicks. “Yeah, we need to get the defensive line aligned and improve the link between forwards and backs.”
“We have been guilty of giving away crucial penalties and not using the ball when we’ve been in good positions. The positive though is that we have been playing some good footy. We just need to stop those periods where we seem to switch off,” continued Kotoni. When it works the team looks good, often racking up a good score early on. When this is delivered over the full 80 mins, the MMMs will be up there with the best teams in the comp.
“We took the loss (against Norths) hard both individually and as a team especially as it was a big day for the club with Ladies Day,” said Kotoni.
It looks like it will be stuff it up the jumper conditions with rain and wind predicted. “It will be a forward dominated game in wet weather. It will be tight but we have prepared well and the boys are looking for a big game.”
Easts will no doubt be looking for another four grade sweep from a few weeks ago but look out for the injured Marlin.
<>Watch The action Here
Instagram Feed
Newsletter
Mother went shopping for curtains instead of taking her baby daughter to hospital when she fractured her skull Nicky Thompson and Beau Degeorge waited days to get treatment for baby Thompson, 21, shopped while daughter's condition deteriorated Degeorge told police he lied about taking girl to hospital 'to avoid argument' Couple found guilty of cruelty and await sentence By Lucy Crossley Published: 12:27 EST, 18 November 2013 | Updated: 12:36 EST, 18 November 2013 pre bonded hairA mother who went out curtain shopping instead of taking her injured baby to hospital has been warned by a judge that she may be given community service to help improver her parenting skills. Nicky Thompson and her boyfriend Beau Degeorge had noticed swelling on her six-month-old daughter's head but waited two days before taking her to get treatment. When doctors eventually saw the child they found severe ‘boggy’ swelling on the right side of the baby’s head caused by a skull fracture and on the left side a
complex fracture had caused further swelling. Nicky Thompson had noticed swelling on her six-month-old daughter's head, but it was two days before her boyfriend took the child to Homerton Hospital in east London, where doctors found the baby had fractured her skull A court was told that 30-year-old Degeorge could not be bothered to take the baby to the hospital when the injuries were first discovered on September 30, 2011 because he would have had to tale two buses to get there. He told police he lied to 21-year-old Thompson about taking the girl to a walk-in centre to ‘avoid an argument’, Snaresbrook Crown Court had heard.remy hair extensions Thompson, of Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, then went curtain shopping with her mother the following day while the baby’s condition deteriorated. The pair were both found guilty of a single charge of cruelty to a person under the age of 16 by a jury of five men and six women, and were ordered to return to court for sentencing in January. It was not until October 2, when the baby’s eyes were vacant and she had not been her usual playful seld, that Degeorge finally took her to Homerton Hospital in east London to be treated. ‘They neglected their child’, said prosecutor Emma Smith. ‘It would appear that despite seeing the swelling, they thought the baby did not need medical attention. ‘Thompson says that on seeing the swelling she thought the baby did need medical attention but rather than taking her herself, she told Degeorge to go - but he didn’t. ‘The child wasn’t getting any better, but rather than taking her to the doctor, Thompson chose to go shopping for curtains with her mother.’
When the baby was finally taken to hospital and seen at 5.50pm on Sunday, October 2, Degeorge and Thompson spun a web of lies, blaming the delay on each another. 'Degeorge told the doctor that they noticed the swelling above the right ear on the Friday’, said Ms Smith. ‘The doctor noted the swelling and the baby cried when she touched her on the head - another doctor found a 10cm boggy swelling on the child’s head. ‘Degeorge told the doctor she had not been her normal self and was not smiling or playful - he said he did not know any reason why the swelling might have occurred. ‘When asked about the mother, he said that she felt he was making a big deal out of nothing.’ The court was told that Degeorge, of Hackney, East London, received a string of calls from Thompson while at the hospital, but he told the doctor she had locked herself out of the house and needed the keys. Thompson eventually arrived at the hospital and told doctors she had taken the baby to Royal London Hospital on Friday, claiming she was told the tot had probably hit her head on something. ‘On Monday, October 3, the baby was seen by a paediatrician and when asked, Thompson said she had noticed the swelling on the Thursday and that the father had taken the child to a walk-in centre the next day,’ Ms Smith continued. ‘There had been no visit to a walk-in centre - the father had lied and told the mother he had in order to avoid an argument. Judge Judith Hughes QC, sitting at Snaresbrook Crown Court, pictured, said she needed to consider if there was a form of community service that Thompson could carry out to help with her parenting skills ‘It really comes down to this - why didn’t both parents take her to the hospital on that Friday when they say they first noticed the swelling? ‘Fortunately there was no obvious brain damage sustained by this child.’perruques cheveux naturels The pair were arrested a week later and interviewed by police but both gave differing accounts on what had happened that weekend. Degeorge told police Thompson had told him to call NHS Direct, but after she refused to make the call, he decided not to call out of principle. He said he didn’t take the baby to hospital on that Friday because he would have to get two buses, and told Thompson he had when in fact he had gone to his mother’s house. Thompson told police Degeorge had said the baby would be OK and that he would then take her to the hospital. She said she had wanted to take her to hospital but Degeorge had left too quickly and told her he was taking the baby to the hospital when he in fact hadn’t. She had no explanation as to why she went shopping. The girl suffered no lasting damage from the incident. Judge Judith Hughes QC said: ‘I think in Ms Thompson’s case a report is essential - I need to consider whether there is some form of community punishment that might assist her with such things as parenting skills. ‘For parity, I will have a report on Mr Degeorge as well but I make it clear that currently, all options are open at this stage for both defendants.’ Degeorge was remanded in custody while Thompson was released on bail ahead of sentence on January 6 next year.
Chris Rock's 33-year-old girlfriend Megalyn Echikunwoke flashed a diamond ring on her wedding finger on Saturday evening while at the Apollo in the Hamptons 2016 party in New York City. The timing is interesting as the next day the comedian finalized his divorce from wife of 20 years, Malaak Compton-Rock. The ring - a yellow gold double band with a small diamond - could be an engagement ring. As PageSix revealed on Thursday, a friend shared a clear image of the ring and added it was time to celebrate 'new beginnings,' strongly suggesting the standup could be on his way to another marriage. Bling it on! Chris Rock's girlfriend Megalyn Echikunwoke flashed diamond ring on wedding finger on Sunday the night before his divorce was finalized from wife of 10 years Malaak 'Last night we celebrated new beginnings . . . #lovewins,' the unidentified friend wrote in the caption. The site pointed out Echikunwoke seemed to take a dig at Malaak when she replied 'Bye, Felicia,' which is a catchphrase that pretty much translates to 'don't let the door hit you on the way out,' only not as polite. A friend added crying-laughter emojis.perruques cheveux They look good together: The standup and Echikunwoke at the Governor's Ball at the 88th Academy Awards back in February; she does not appear to have the ring on here The post was then taken down.
The beauty glowed as she held onto Rock, who was also in great spirits. She had on a lovely floral-print dress with spaghetti straps and her hair was worn down over her bare shoulders. A source told PageSix, 'she always wears that ring,' which appears to be true as she has had it on several times in the past six months. They have been dating for one year and she lives at his New Jersey home. The last one: Rock and Malaak back in 2014; they have two daughters together and have raised an adopted daughter as well His rep then said Chris was '100 percent' not engaged. On Monday Chris and Malaak both appeared in a New Jersey courtroom to finalise the split, reported TMZ. The 51-year-old comic actor and his wife - who have been separated since 2014 -have two daughters Lola Simone, 14 and Zahra Savanna, 12. Chris and Malaak Compton-Rock also appear to have been raising eight-year-old Ntombi, who first came to live with them from South Africa when she was six months old, according to the website, although details are unclear. In divorce papers, Malaak listed Ntombi-futhi Samantha as a dependent along with the Rocks’ two biological daughters. The kids: Chris with Malaak and children Lola, Zahra Savanna and Ntombi at the Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted premiere in NYC in 2012 She stated that in addition to their two children, there is a child 'who has resided with the parties since before her first birthday.' But rather mysteriously, a spokesman for Chris told TMZ he does not have an adopted child.lace front wigs TMZ previously reported that back in 2008, the family took in Ntombi who remained in their house and was subsequently enrolled in a local school. She mingles with the big guns: Chris and Megalyn with Harvey Weinstein at the Apollo party The site added that the girl's parents were thought to be unemployed and from South Africa, although it is not known why she was living with the Rock family. They add that when Chris and Malaak began divorce proceedings, Chris maintained contact with his two biological daughters. However their divorce case is sealed so it is not known what settlement was reached. Meanwhile, Chris began dating actress Megalyn earlier this year. Megalyn, who has had recurring roles in 24, ER, CSI Miami, The 4400, 90210 and Damien, was most recently featured as the animal-powered Vixen in the TV series Arrow.
Madonna surprised fans with an unexpected appearance at a 25th anniversary screening of her documentary Truth Or Dare on Wednesday. The superstar showed up at the event held at the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan to the delight of the 400 or so in the audience. The 58-year-old pop culture icon shared a couple of photos on her Instagram showing her standing between two on-screen images of herself from her Blond Ambition tour of 1990. 'Surreal moment!' she wrote alongside the picture. Scroll down for video 'Surreal moment!' Madonna surprised fans at a 25th anniversary screening of documentary Truth Or Dare and posed next to images of herself from the 1990 Blond Ambition Tour Madonna: Truth Or Dare was first released in May 1991 and followed the Material Girl on tour and showed her behind-the-scenes with then-boyfriend Warren Beatty, praying with her backup dancers and facing arrest for public indecency at her concert in Toronto, Canada. 'So many freedoms we take for granted that we did not have then. Thank you Alek Keshishian. We changed history with this film.!' Madonna wrote. Keshishian directed the film that was shot in black and white.cosplay wigs Who's that girl? The pop icon, who just turned 58, delighted the 400 or so fans gathered to watch the film at the museum Of Modern Art in Manhattan on Wednesday Demure: Madonna wore an off-he-shoulder red dress with white floral detailing and cinched at the waist with a black band for her surprise appearance Sharing 'a kiki': She was accompanied by her daughter Lourdes 'Lola' Leon, 19 In a second photo shared via her Instagram, she's seen sharing 'a kiki' with daughter Lourdes Leon or Lola as she calls her. Madonna wore a red off-the-shoulder dress with a flounce neckline and black spaghetti straps. The frock features white floral detailing, half-sleeves and was cinched under the bust with a black band. She added a matching black and white floral patterned purse and wore her signature blonde hair styled in loose waves to her shoulders. Madonna had just returned from a birthday trip to Cuba with Lola, 19, and adopted children, 10-year-olds David and Mercy. Truth Or Dare AKA In Bed With Madonna showed behind-the-scenes footage of the singer including candid moments with then-boyfriend Warren Beatty and prayer circles with her dancers Getaway: Madonna recently celebrated her 58th birthday with a trip to Cuba accompanied by daughter Lola, 19, and her adopted children David and Mercy, both 10
