Sports Archives - Forbes Phoenix

Regional Rugby League Community Fights To Save Women’s Competition

October 8, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Players, parents, clubs and supporters across Western NSW are calling on NSW Rugby League to reverse its position to discontinue the Western Women’s Rugby League (WWRL) Spring Competition from 2027.

The competition provides dedicated rugby league for girls and women from Under 12s through to Women’s Opens and brings together players from communities across Western NSW, including Bathurst, Orange, Mudgee, Forbes, Parkes, Coonabarabran and surrounding areas.

Campaign supporters say the issue is not simply the loss of another sporting competition. For some regional players, it could mean losing their opportunity to play rugby league altogether. “You cannot grow the women’s game by taking opportunities away from women and girls.”

The WWRL provides an established regional competition for communities where individual towns do not always have enough players to sustain teams across every female age group.

NSW Rugby League’s Women in League Strategy identifies expanding participation opportunities for women and girls as a priority. Supporters of the WWRL say discontinuing an established regional competition from 2027 is difficult to reconcile with that objective, particularly while equivalent opportunities are not currently available across the region.

Supporters are calling for NSW Rugby League to reconsider the decision and work directly with clubs, players and communities on a model that protects participation while continuing to grow women’s rugby league across Western NSW.

“Regional girls should not have to lose an established competition now in the hope that something equivalent might exist later.”

The Save the Western Women’s Rugby League Competition campaign has been established to give players, families and communities a voice and to demonstrate the level of support for retaining the competition.

“This is bigger than one season or one club. It is about whether girls growing up in regional NSW have genuine opportunities to play the game.”

A public petition has also been launched, sign here https://petitions.getup.org.au/p/SaveWWRL

Young Guns Steal The Show

October 8, 2026 by Short Putt

Anthony Alley gives it his all on the 13th tee shot

On Saturday the Forbes men’s golfers dodged the rain to compete in the Canadian Foursomes event sponsored by Peter Dawson. The 60 competitors had varying success but the young guns led the way.

The overall winners were the pair of Harry Callaghan and Patrick Murphy with a nett score of 65.75. The long hitting Harry used the team handicap to good effect while Pat contributed with his own precision play. They managed three birdies in a scoring blitz stretch on the front-9 but were a bit untidy on the back-9 with too many bogeys. They still managed to finish with a scratch 71.

The runners-up were the pair of Peter Dawson and Todd Callaghan who managed a nett score of 69.75. Two birdies on the front-9 kept their score low and a lone bogey among eight pars on the back-9 showed very tidy golf.

The ball sweep went to 73 nett. NTPs went to: 9th P Cowhan; 18th D Quirk with both converting for their 2’s. The Super Pin went to Glen Hooper (277 cm) who missed his ‘2’.

On Saturday, the final of the Wallace Cup Handicap Matchplay was played between Brad Ashton and Cam McMillan with nothing between them. Cam scored three birdies on the front-9 to grab an early lead but Brad counted with three birdies of his own on the back-9 to close the gap. A poor tee shot by Brad on the 18th handed the match to Cam for his 2-up win.

The competition on Saturday 10 October is the first round of the Club Championships, with the second round on Sunday 11 October.

By Short Putt

Medal Winners Decided On Count Backs

October 1, 2026 by Short Putt

Last Saturday the Forbes men’s golfers played the October Monthly Medal sponsored by Forbes Concrete. Most of the field of 67 participants struggled a bit off the longer tees but some players used their handicap well.

The A-Grade winner was Matt Roylance with nett 71, getting ahead of Daniel Bayley on count back. Matt’s best hole was a ‘2’ on the 3rd while Dan played par golf nearly all the way.

The B-Grade winner was Graham Newport who also won on count back. His nett 70 had a better back-9 than that of Dave Sly who missed out. They both scored the same split of 45-44 but on reversed halves.

The C-Grade was won by Steve McAlister with a nett 66, the best score of the day.

This was a day when it came together for him. Runner-up was Brett Woonton with 73 nett who continues his good form.

The ball sweep went to 73 nett on count back. NTPs went to: 9th G Hooper; 18th J Andrews (Mudgee) with both converting for a 2’s. The Super Pin went to Glen Hooper (270 cm) but he missed his ‘2’.

On Sunday 27 September the Club ran a Golf NSW 9-Hole 2-Person Ambrose, played in three Divisions. The prize was an opportunity to play at the Vintage GC ahead of the NSW Open in November.

The winners were: Mens Division Cooper Byrnes and Dylan Hood with 33 nett on count back; Ladies Division Brianna Duncan and Ann Simmons with 34.5 nett; Mixed Division Debbie Tilley and Terry Sharpe with 33.5 nett.

The competition on Saturday 3 October is a Canadian Foursomes sponsored by Peter Dawson. There will be Stableford Medleys on Sunday and Monday.

By Short Putt

Forbes Croquet Report

October 1, 2026 by Elvy Quirk President Forbes Croquet Club

Tuesday 15 September saw a roll up of 37 players who all enjoyed a great game of croquet.

All three games on the day were won by Sue Jolliffe who was fresh back from holidays, well done Sue. Winners of the other three games were Neville Spry, Peter West and Geoff Coles. A special shout out to Geoff who is beyond his 90 years and still playing a good game.

A total of 26 games were played with many good scores.

A reminder that membership subscriptions are due by 30 September and our Annual General meeting is set down for Tuesday 13 October in the shade area after the game. We have some positions to fill so please make yourself available as the Club doesn’t just run on its own merits.

A special thank you to the few members who show up every day of play to help set up the croquet lawns and put chairs out etc Many hands make light work! Remember we are all getting to the age where we move slower so extra hands are always needed.

By Elvy Quirk President Forbes Croquet Club

Winners Score Well

September 24, 2026 by Short Putt

On Saturday 19 September, the Forbes men’s golfers played an Individual Stableford event contested by 65 participants About a quarter of the field scored to their handicap or better.

The Div-1 winner was Isaac Page with 43 points with most of those scored on the front-9 with an ‘eagle’ and three birdies.

Runner-up was Paul Kay who was pleased with his 40 points having an even game on both halves.

The Div-2 winner was John Kuntze who managed 42 points. He had a good front-9 with 23 points and played steady on the back-9. Runner-up was Frank Hanns with 37 points and on count back from two others. Frank had a rare day without any ‘wipes’ and sunk some good putts.

The ball sweep went to 36 points on count back. NTPs went to: 9th – J Roylance; 18th – A Alley with both converting for a 2’s. The Super Pin went to Peter Dawson (221 cm) who managed to convert for a ‘2’.

The competition on Saturday 26 Septemebr is the October Monthly Medal sponsored by Forbes Concrete.

On Sunday there will be the Golf-NSW 9-Hole 2-Person Ambrose.

By Short Putt

90th Birthday Celebration At Forbes Croquet Club

September 10, 2026 by Elvy Quirk

Aussie Croquet was played on Saturday 5 September with 25 in attendance. It was a very warm morning and we welcomed visitors Ross Rubie who is visiting his brother Kevin and sister in law Jill. in addition to Kathy Coles and her husband Robert Kimble who are visiting Kathy’s parents Geoff and Gwen Coles. It was lovely to see them all visit again.

It was also special that Robin Pols is still able to join us for a game and social chat.

Robin limits herself to one game these days but we enjoy seeing her come play and partake in the social atmosphere.

There were 18 games played in total with some good scores.

All three games on the day were won by David West, Bill Scott, Neville Spry, Elvy Quirk and Peter West. Congratulations to those players.

On Tuesday 8 September, Croquet was a celebration for the 90th birthday of our member Kevin Rubie. Some of his local family were able to join us. Pictured is Kevin cutting his birthday cake and with family members, wife Jill, daughter Janine, son Glen and his wife Margot, together with brother Ross and his wife Marlene. Ross and Marlene are visiting from Lockyer Valley. I’m sure Kevin enjoyed his celebration and the celebration cake.

What an amazing milestone! We hope there are many more years of fun, laughter, health and happiness.

Croquet is a game for all age groups and it would be great to see some more younger players take part. We are a progressive Club and we have all the facilities in place for years to come.

Membership is $20, and it only costs $5 to play, which includes morning tea. For any enquiries please contact the club on 0428 540 272.

Take care. Stay safe.

By Elvy Quirk

Forbes To Host The 2026 Peter Mcdonald Premiership Grand Final

September 3, 2026 by Roxane Manley

For the first time ever, Forbes Magpies Rugby League Club has four teams competing on grand final day, and the Magpies will have the home ground advantage with the grand final being played at Spooner Oval this Sunday, 6 September.

Forbes Magpies first grade won the Grand Final in 2022, the first time that the Peter McDonald Premiership was introduced, they also made the grand final last year and were beaten in extra time.

First Grade coach for Forbes, Cameron Greenhalgh said, “Forbes has never had four teams in the grand final, let alone it all being played in Forbes. It is a massive achievement and may never be duplicated, so every team will be going after a win this weekend.

“The town is behind us, and I know every team will give 100%. If you’re in town it will be something to see with our new grandstand and packed-out oval, this club has earned the right to play at home and we hope to make Forbes proud.

“It is an absolutely awesome effort from every player in their respective teams as well as their coaching staff. We have a motto ‘success comes to those who never give up’ and they have truly shown that this year to get to the big dance in every grade,” Cameron said.

Get to Spooner Oval early and secure your spot for an action packed day of footy.

Games kick off at 9.30am for league tag, 10.50am for under 18s, 12.20pm for reserve grade, 2.10pm for women’s tackle and 3.30pm for first grade.

Celebrating The Official Opening Of The New Spooner Oval Grandstand

August 20, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Spooner Oval has been at the heart of the Forbes community for generations.

When it officially opened in 1939, it was regarded as one of the finest sporting facilities in country NSW. Nearly 90 years later, Forbes is proud to continue that legacy with the opening of the new Magpies Stand.

Forbes Shire Council, in partnership with Forbes Magpies Rugby League Club celebrated the official opening of the Spooner Oval Grandstand on Sunday 9 August 2026 at 12.45pm.

On the day we welcomed local champions, representative players, families and supporters to celebrate this exciting new chapter in the history of sport in Forbes.

The new grandstand provides seating for more than 500 people and ensures Spooner Oval remains one of the region’s great sporting and community gathering places.

A big thank you to The Hon. Ron Hoenig MP and Mr Phil Donato for joining us to officially open the Magpies Stand on the final home game of the regular season. Ron Hoenig MP and Member for Orange Phil Donato MP unveiled the plaque, between the end of the junior games and start of Reserve Grade game.

The project was funded by the Australian Government through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and the NSW Government through the Stronger Country Communities Fund and Regional Sport Facility Fund.

Here’s to many more games, celebrations and memories at Spooner Oval.

Hockey Star Daisy Rice To Represent Australian U15s All Schools Merit Team

August 13, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Parkes girl and Red Bend Catholic College student, Daisy Rice comes from a family of hockey players, who first started playing hockey at just four years of age. It explains her rise to selection in the Australian U15s All Schools Merit Team.

Daisy was first selected in the Combined Catholic Colleges (CCC) Hockey Team and then trialled in Newcastle and made the NSW All Schools team. NSW All Schools provides opportunities for secondary students from the Catholic, Government and Independent sectors to participate in representative sport at the national level.

Daisy Rice recently represented the NSW All Schools team at the School Sports Australia Games 2026 in Melbourne and made it to the final of the U15 All Schools Championship, going down in a shoot out with the QLD team.

Daisy said “My NSW team lost to Queensland in the Grand Final, through the game we fought hard scoring the first goal in the first quarter but Queensland equalised in the end of the third quarter, the game ended 1-1 and we went into shootouts going down 3-1.”

It was while representing NSW under 15s All Schools, where Daisy was one of 15 girls selected to be in the U15s All Australian hockey team. This is Daisy’s first time being selected in an Australian team.

Growing up with two older brothers means Daisy has always been competitive.

She started playing junior hockey in Parkes, playing on Saturday mornings and moving to playing senior hockey in year 7 for Crows Hockey Club. In 2025 Daisy played for the Parkes United Premier League team in the Central West Premier League competition and this year she is playing for Goulburn in the Canberra Capital League.

“I actually love the sport of hockey, it is fun and requires skill, fitness and strategy,” said Daisy.

Vashti Williams Aims To Throw Javelin At Olympic Level

July 30, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Fourteen year old Vashti Williams from Trundle is a rising star in the sport of Javelin. Vashti has been throwing the javelin since before she could even walk through the school gates, spending her afternoons learning and training alongside her three older siblings.

Although athletics and sports has been a part of Vashti’s life from such a young age, it wasn’t until she was thirteen that she actually started to see herself as a good javelin thrower.

“At around thirteen, everything changed; those childhood goals suddenly shifted into reality. By the time I was at an age to compete in javelin, I already had over seven years of training, understanding rules and techniques of the sport.

“Parkes Little Athletics opened up totally new opportunities and competitions that I was able to compete at and work my way from the bottom of my age group when I began, to now being one of the top throwers in my age group at competitions,” said Vashti.

Vashti has recently competed at some major competitions, representing NSW on the national stage in April and then competing at the Oceania Athletics Championships in Darwin, representing Australia where she won a Bronze Medal in the Women’s U16 Javelin.

“I honestly never thought I would see myself throwing a javelin at places like Perth, Brisbane and definitely not Darwin! My debut on the National stage in Perth last year (2025) was the hardest experience out of the three. Being my first National competition, I didn’t know what to expect.”

After throwing over a 2m pb, Vashti was proud to come home with a bronze medal.

When competing at Nationals in Brisbane this year Vashti said, “I did what I could on that day and reflected on what I could have done to change my outcome and then put that into practice preparing for Darwin, where I received a bronze medal.”

“The Oceania Championships were by far my favourite competition to this day. Just the atmosphere and the encouragement from everyone around in all the events was such a great feeling,” said Vashti.

At every competition Vashti sets herself a standard that she tries to meet, it is never to beat someone else, it is only to better herself.

“My long-term goal will always be to represent Australia at the Olympics. My future goal for this year is to consistently be throwing over 40 metres and continue to better myself in all areas of my throwing technique and to keep positive.”

Most weeks Vashti trains after school on four days at a local oval and participates in weekend sports. Coming up in September Vashti hopes to compete in the CHS State competition, followed by All Schools at the end of September. Little Athletics will then begin and most weekends of November she will have an athletics carnival, which will prepare her for the Country Championships, Little Athletics Regionals/State and then shortly after the Nationals.

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