SURFING: In challenging conditions at Kugenuma Beach, Shonan, Japan, Connor O’Leary of Cronulla finished runner-up at the ASP three-star rated Murasaki Shonan Open. Fresh from a ninth-place finish at the last event in Mexico, O’Leary continued his good form to earn 563 ASP Qualifying Series ranking points and $US400,000 prizemoney; but more importantly the result had him climb from 93rd to 63rd in the rankings. His new ranking will mean he is seeded into the higher- rated events as he chases the goal of qualifying for the top 34 on the elite ASP World Championship Tour. ‘‘The event was good except for the fact we had limited waves,’’ O’Leary said.‘‘I’m super-desperate for points to make the Prime-rated events for the second half of the year, so this was massive for me.’’
Twin wins
BASKETBALL: St George Saints won two Waratah Junior League grand finals held at Sutherland Basketball Stadium on the weekend. The Saints’ under-12 fourth division team defeated Ryde 52-50. The under-18s fourth division team defeated Glebe 81-80.
Home ground hosts
RUGBY UNION: Burraneer Rugby Club is hosting Rockdale Rugby Club in a ‘‘Back to ’Burra’’ celebration, in the NSW Suburban Rugby Union competition this Saturday at 3.15pm, at Burraneer’s home ground, John Dwyer Oval.
Toppled
AFL SYDNEY: St George premier division team were toppled 14.17 (101) to 7.12 (54) by Pennant Hills Demons at Olds Park on Saturday.
Draw
RUGBY UNION: Southern Districts first grade team drew 32-32 with Gordon at Chatswood Oval on Saturday. The Rebels finished fifth after 18 rounds and now play in the qualifying finals series starting this Saturday.
Power beats Rams
AFL SYDNEY: Southern Power first division team had a good win over Penrith Rams, and kicked 11.10 (76) to 9.5 (59) at Gwawley Park, Taren Point, on Saturday.
