Sports Archives - Forbes Phoenix

Ride For Country Kids

May 14, 2026 by Roxane Manley

The 2026 Royal Far West Ride for Country Kids 400km bike ride will be traversing our region from 17 – 20 May, beginning in Parkes and ending in Forbes. Cheer on those riding to connect country children with the assessments, therapies and support they need.

Each year, cyclists head out on a three-day ride across regional NSW as part of Royal Far West’s Ride for Country Kids. The annual event raises vital funds and awareness for developmental and mental health services, to help transform the lives of Australia’s country children.

On Sunday 17 May, 64 riders will set off on a 400km ride through NSW’s far west regions.

Day one starts in Parkes and riders will set off from Cooke Park Pavilion, Clarinda Street and all are welcome to come along and cheer the riders on. The ride will head through Manildra and Molong, before returning to Parkes (approx. 150km). Day two again starts in Parkes with riders travelling to Trundle, before heading to Forbes (approx. 130km).Day three starts in Forbes, heading to Eugowra and finishing in Forbes (approx.120km) Royal Far West’s Ride for Country Kids’ grand finale is being held from 2pm on Tuesday May 20 at Victoria Park, Forbes.

All are welcome to meet the riders after they completed their 400km, three-day ride and donate to support the riders.

Royal Far West’s Ride for Country Kids aims to raise $500,000 this year to fund vital developmental and mental health services for country children and their families. To find out more about the ride or donate go to: www.rideforcountrykids.com.au/event/rfck

Forbes Croquet Club Celebrate World Croquet Day

May 14, 2026 by Roxane Manley

On Tuesday 12 May Forbes Croquet Club celebrated World Croquet Day. The special celebration cake was cut by valued members of the club who are all 90 years of age and over – Bill Scott, Robin Pols and Mal Smith. It is wonderful that they are still playing croquet. Best wishes to all three for many more healthy and happy years.

$300,000 For New Lighting At Grinstead Oval

May 7, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Wayne O’Neill President, Daisy the dog, Lily Boyd – Secretary and women’s senior coach, State MP Phil Donato, Siobhan O’Malley – media manager and Sam Parish – Vice President football management.

Congratulations to Forbes Rugby Club on being awarded $300,000 for new lighting at Grinstead Oval, courtesy of NSW Club Grants. This is the fourth time the club has applied for the grant, finally being successful in securing the funding needed to install new lighting on Grinstead Oval.

Forbes Rugby Union Club President Wayne O’Neil said, “The grant applications were done by a number of different committees over the years. It has been a committee venture to continue to put in the grants.”

The club thank Phil Donato for his support and also to the Forbes Shire Council who had been supportive each time the club submitted a grant application, providing letters of support and backing the club the whole way.

Wayne said, “The lighting upgrade will be significant due to our increased numbers in the club, the club has grown from having two grades to seven grades, with wall and additional girls teams. On a Thursday night we can have 150-160 people here, this will give us two grounds now to train on, it’s a gamechanger for us.”

Local State Member for Orange Phil Donato said, “I was happy to support the

ggproject to help secure this funding that will see new high lux LED lights being erected around the ground, and it was great to join with them all, and Daisy the groodle, for this exciting announcement.”

The FRUC also recently upgraded the lighting on the south circle oval. Funds for this upgrade were raised by the club throughout the year, but majority of the funding came from the well supported annual FRUC Presidents Luncheon.

Henry Kross To Compete At The World Junior Championships

May 7, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Henry pictured at the Australian Open held in Melbourne in April. Photo Credit: Rogue Gun Photography.

At the recent Australian Open and Oceania Championships Henry Kross, who is the Australian #1 Under 17 boy, played up an age group in the Under 19’s to compete against the older boys and not only put himself in contention for selection but earned a spot to represent Australia for the World Junior Championships. Each country selects four males and four females to compete at the WJC.

At the World Juniors (WJC) players don’t compete in age groups. Henry said, “In squash you are considered a junior until you turn 19, so it is just the best four juniors selected to compete from each country.”

The Championships are being held in Ontario, Canada. “I have created an 11 week schedule that involves training with my dad who is my coach, lots of solo sessions on court and quite a bit of strength and conditioning at Parkes Athletic.

“I will also have a team camp in Sydney, and some time at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra. I’m also working with school to make sure I complete everything there before I go,” said Henry.

To fundraise for his trip to Canada Henry will again be collecting cans and bottles. “In 2024 I cashed in 40,000 (cans and bottles) to get to England, and am hoping to help with the costs by doing that again.

“We are hoping to do another lamington drive soon, and also have a sponsor page through the Australian Sports Foundation if anyone wants to donate at https://asf.org.au/campaigns/henry-kross/henrykrosssquashopportunities.

“I really appreciate all the support I get from the community to chase my dreams,” concluded Henry.

Forbes Pony Club 2026 Charlie O’connor Showjump Day And Gymkhana

May 7, 2026 by Roxane Manley

The Forbes Pony Club (FPC) has been running since 1965, with many successful riders starting their riding days at the club, Forbes has always been known as a competitive club that produces quality riders.

Last weekend was a huge weekend for the club. The Charlie O’Connor Showjumping event was held on Saturday 2 May and the FPC Gymkhana was held on 3 May.

The Charlie O’Connor Jumping event is a showjumping day held by Forbes Pony Club, where riders compete over jumps at different heights based on their skill level. It’s one of the club’s main competitive events of the year.

A gymkhana is a fun equestrian event, run by local clubs, with each Club hosting one annual gymkhana in their hometown. Riders of ages 3 – 25 take part in show events such as best rider, skilled based races, barrel races and games for beginners. Riders from clubs all over the central west came to Forbes to represent their club.

The Forbes Pony Club gymkhana features a very special event called the “John Stewart Memorial Barrel Race”. The riders with the five fastest barrel race times on the day compete in the finals for the title. Up for grabs was an embroidered prize rug sponsored by Flemings Property Services. The 2026 winner was reigning champ Abi Bembrick with a time of 19.748 seconds.

It was highly contested with the top three riders coming in just one point second apart, Mercadez Cartwright from Young Pony Club came in second with a time of 19.898 seconds closely followed by Forbes rider Jack White with a time of 20.637. The presentation was supported by John Stewart’s Family, mother Lois Stewart and sister Kathy Welsh.

Caitlin Lewis of the FPC said, “Overall the weekend was a huge success with many thanks to our hard working committee, it takes a huge amount of behind the scenes work to get an event like this running. We are grateful for anyone who gets in and helps out prior to or on the day. We had amazing Canteen ladies Jodi Bilsbrough and Leeanne Lewis who kept us fed all weekend.

“We also had three senior students from Red Bend Catholic College who came to help out, they were put to work helping score events, hand out ribbons and take orders in the canteen, they were an amazing help on the day.

“Our beginners ring was a hit which was evident by the many smiles from our little riders, this was made possible by Jenna Krakouer who organised and ran the beginners ring on the day, Jenna had 15 tiny riders and ponies to entertain, not an easy feat.”

If you want to be part of the FPC, they offer ‘Come Try’ memberships where a rider can attend a rally day with their horse to see if it is the right fit for them. See Forbes Pony Club on Facebook for more information.

Abi Benbrick on Manny. Photo Credit: Steve Krak’d Lens.

Phil Wells Hits Form

April 30, 2026 by Short Putt

On Saturday 25 April, a field of 42 golfers enjoyed good conditions at the Forbes golf course as they participated in the Anzac Day comp. All the players seemed to enjoy their wander.

The contest was an Individual 18-hole Stroke, sponsored by J&J Ridley. While the numbers were reduced because of the Anzac activity around town the players all endeavoured to do their best.

The Div-1 Winner was Phil Wells with a nett 71 on count back. He enjoyed the day with only one hiccup on the 15th hole.

He finished each half with pars. Runner-up was Matt Walton with 71 nett. His was a similar game to Phil’s but his putter did not behave as required to earn a win.

The Div-2 was won by Tyson Franke, a previous member but now ensconced in Dubbo. His nett 68 was the best of the day and surprised even him, although he could have done better on the back-9. Runner-up was Max Haley with 72 nett. He felt lucky to be playing and made the most of his sojourn with two visitor from Victoria.

The ball sweep went to 75 nett on count back. NTPs went to two Juniors: 9th L Hodge, 18th L Iyer. Neither of them managed to convert for a ‘2’ of which there were only four all day. The Super Pin went to Peter Barnes (310 cm) but he missed his ‘2’.There is a busy golf period ahead with the Forbes Ladies Open to be played this Sunday 3 May, a major Ladies event on 12-14 May and the Forbes Men’s Open on Sunday 31 May.

The comp on Saturday 2 May is the May Monthly Medal, sponsored by Adept Plumbing.

Sunday is the Ladies Open for which the course will be closed until 2pm.

By Short Putt

NPA NSW Lachlan Valley Branch Walks

April 30, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Tuesday May 5 Cookamidgera NR: Meet at 9.00am at the reserve gate on Coonambro Way Easy 3km with visitors from Cumberland Bird Watchers Club (might only be a half day). Leader Martin Bell 0429 346 586.

Saturday May 16 Nangar NP: Nangar Tops, off track, 6kms medium. Meet at Pioneer Park Escort Way Eugowra. Leader Hugh Barber 0411 589 223

Thursday June 4 Goobang NP: East Boundary Trail (enter off Renshaw McGirr Way. Meet at 9am Lions Park Molong Rd Parkes Medium 6kms. Leader Martin Bell 0429 346 586

Saturday June 20 Hervey Trail: Creek loop, on and off trail Hard 9kms. Meet at Lions Park Molong Rd Parkes. Leader Liz MacRaild 0455 915 989.

Please contact the listed walk leader the night before the walk if you intend to come.

Our walks are generally pretty leisurely taking time to spot birds, plants, spiders etc.

Walkers are reminded to bring along food and water for the entire day as well as suitable clothing, footwear, hats and sunscreen.

A pair of good binoculars and a fold up chair for the post-walk cuppa is recommended.

Cost is a $2 donation for each walker.

For safety reasons those walking stay together as a group. Please consider bringing a companion if for any reason you are unsure of your ability.

Forbes Pony Club

April 23, 2026 by Roxane Manley

What an unbelievable turn out for Forbes Pony Club’s April Rally with 29, riders across all levels attending Parkes Antique Motor Club High Tea on Sunday 19 April.

Focus was on preparing for the upcoming Gymkhana with beginners and more experienced riders levelling up their skills before the big weekend.

Thanks to everyone who came and made it such a wonderful event. On May 2nd and 3rd, FPC will hold their Annual Gymkhana and Charlie O’Connor Jump Day.

Currajong Disability Services Hosts Successful Super Tag Gala Day

April 16, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Currajong Disability Services, in partnership with Parkes Spacemen and the NSWRL hosted a successful Super Tag Gala Day at Pioneer Oval on Tuesday 14 April.

Parkes players were joined by players who travelled from Orange, Forbes, Dubbo and even from as far as Newcastle.

The idea for the gala day began when Andrew Thomas, President of Parkes Spacemen was in Dubbo watching a Super Tag game and sent a video of it to Douglas Pout, from Currajong Disability Services.

The rest is now history.

Andrew Thomas said, “At the moment there are three clubs in the PMP playing Super Tag, and we are hoping Parkes will be the fourth.”

The participants were taken through warm ups and skill drills by NSWRL to start off, learning what you have to do, how to move the ball around and how you run with each other. After that players took part in a few games, running 15 minutes each way.

Douglas Pout from Currajong Disability Services said he hoped this event will be the first of many. “What I’d love to see is for this to become a multiday event, where we can have teams come from all over and come here to play.”

Brooke Mallison, NSWRL Club and Competition Co-ordinator said, “We will come out and support these days in co-ordinating them and working with all the disability services in the local areas. We will get on board with the NRL guys that come out and they will run different skills and drills to the ability levels of all the participants.”

Thanks to everyone involved in making the day such a success, including major sponsor Parkes Fitness4All, BRITT Physiotherapy, Parkes Shire Council and Evolution Mining and all of the staff at Currajong Disability Services along with the other service providers who helped make the day possible.

Brooke Mallison, Douglas Pout, Andy Thomas and Toby Kable.

Volunteers from Parkes Spacemen and training staff from NSWRL.

The Lake Macquarie/Hunter Region team who travelled to Parkes to partake in the gala day.

Mason Wild Takes Home Australian Dirt Track Title

April 9, 2026 by Roxane Manley

A challenging weekend at the Australian Dirt Track Titles in Albury-Wodonga turned into a moment of triumph for young rider Mason Wild, who claimed the 80 Modified Australian Dirt Track Title after a hard-fought final.

The weekend didn’t start smoothly for the W15 rider, with gate starts proving difficult across multiple classes from the outset of practice. Wild struggled to get clean launches off the line throughout the early stages of the weekend, forcing him to fight from the back of the field in several races.

While the Albury Wodonga track had its challenges, Wild left with the ultimate prize and the Australian Title.

Adding to the team’s strong weekend was brother Reed Wild, who stepped up into one of the most competitive grids in the sport for his first race in the division. Reed impressed, taking third place in his opening heat and earning a direct transfer to the final in the 65cc class. His performance marked a significant milestone and highlighted the depth of talent within the Wild racing team.

The Wild boys also acknowledged the amazing support network behind their racing efforts, thanking their sponsors who help make competing possible, including Beard Brothers MC, JR Mechanical Services, ProMoto Suspension, Ringmaster Images, Little Ripperz, Extra Mile MC, White Race Tuning, Flemmings Roofing and Central West Funerals.

After a tough weekend of racing, one thing is certain the young W15 machine and Mason Wild delivered when it counted most.

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