Brothers make a mark

" The Denhartog brothers Curtis and Eric from Thirroul are proving to be talented young sportsmen.

SINCE relocating from Blacktown to Thirroul five years ago, brothers Eric and Curtis Denhartog haven't taken long to make their mark in the sporting arena.

A Year 8 student at Smiths Hill High School, 13yearold Eric is a school age and district champion in athletics and qualified for seven events at the regional championships before a dislocated knee ruled him out for this event.

Eric was also a member of the Northern Districts Tigers AFL side that won the 2006 premiership and plays A grade for Thirroul under14 cricket team where he is a promising fast bowler. So much so, he has represented Illawarra U14s until athletics took over and he had to make a choice between cricket and athletes.

Younger brother Curtis, 11, is in Year 6 at Thirroul Public School and will attend Bulli High next term.

In athletics, Curtis is also a school age and district champion , a runner up in the regional age titles, and gained a second place at the State PSSA titles.

Representing at the 2005/06 Trans Tasman series in New Zealand, Curtis produced a terrific effort to finish runner up in the high jump.

And he has just returned from Cairns where he came fourth in the high jump representing NSW at the Primary School Australia 12 years and under Track and Field Exchange.

Like his brother, his sporting talents certainly don't finish on the track, as he represents the Thirroul club in both cricket and soccer in the under12 age group.

All these school and sporting commitments certainly keeps dad Bill and mum Judy on her toes but they wouldn't have it any other way.