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Forbes Phoenix

Soccer Returns For 2020

June 19, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Soccer Club superstar Josie McKenzie on the field.

The Forbes Soccer Club Committee have been busily preparing training and competition guidelines in accordance with Football NSW Guidelines and NSW Health so that all participants can return to a safe and successful 2020 season.

The Club has been successful in gaining a variety of Funding Grants for Events, Development and Pathways Programs, as well as renovations to the old change rooms to establish a Sports Injury Management Room from the NSW Government Building Stronger Country Communities Fund, NSW Office of Sport, Lake Cowal Evolution Mining and North Parkes Community Investment Program.

Commencing Saturday 18 July, the Forbes local competition for Under 4s, 5s, 6s, 7s, 9s and 12s will recommence and continue until Saturday 19 September. Some Saturdays will also involve double headers where the boys and girls will play two games of shortened game time.

The Forbes selective under 12, 14s and 17s will participate in the Young Grenfell Forbes youth league competition from 25 July until 26 September.

The Parkes Ladies competition which features a ladies’ team from Forbes will commence Saturday 4 July. The Lachlan Amateur Association men’s competition is expected to commence around the same time.

Registrations will continue until Saturday 4 July with players having the option to register online at http://www.playfootball.com.au or face to face at Sweet 3 Vintage Van by the Lake, 10am-12.30pm every Saturday until 4 July.

The club is committed to providing value for money, professional coaching, a safe and happy environment and healthy opportunities for children and youth to participate in sporting activities.

Good Scores Win Medals

June 19, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Troy Howe and Charlie Dwyer watch as Peter Grayson’s shot flies over the 9th into the trees.

Last Saturday was the Men’s competition, the June Monthly Medal, sponsored by BWR Accountants & Advisors, with 93 players taking the field.

The A-Grade winner came in the last group, with a nett 65 by Andrew Dukes. Runner-up was John Betland with 68, and the best scratch score of the day. The B-Grade went to Niel Duncan on 67 nett, on count back from Dave Rhodes, who missed out once again.

The C-Grade also required a count back, with Troy Howe winning ahead of Liam Whitfield when both finished on 68 nett. The ball sweep went to 73 nett on count back, with 26 lucky players. Players should check in the Pro Shop for their name. The NTP’s were both close shots, 9th – J Bet- land and 18th – B Slack-Smith.

Visitors included Andrew Brownlow from Peak Hill, Cameron Standen and Alec Edwards from Parkes, and Neal Herbert from Bogan Gate. Merv Lowing from Orbost is still around but has not been able to play due to some health issues. Say ‘Hi’ when you see him.

An ‘eagle’ was scored by Randall Grayson on the 2nd hole, after some fine shots and Bruce Chandler skipped his shot over the 15th water, which rolled all the way to the green.

The Sunday Stableford Medley was very quiet, due to the chilly conditions. The winner was Barb Drabsch with 31 points. There was no runner-up or ball sweep, and once again no NTP’s were contested.

Head Pro Ben has accepted an offer to work in Cairns. Club members are planning a ‘Farewell Night’ on 4 July, where some speeches and a presentation will be made. To manage the social-distancing aspects please advise Ladies’ Captain Heather Davidson, or Men’s Captain Steve Grallelis if you would like to attend. Donations for a gift can be provided to the Captains.

Despite a few changes, the Forbes Golf Club is now back-on-track with our scheduled programme. Some minor adjustments may still be made, but important Club events are okay.

Keep in touch on Facebook/forbesgolfcourse, Instagram forbesgolf2871, or at www.forbesgolf.org.au.

By Short Putt

Croquet Players Happy To Be Back On The Courts

June 12, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

A roll up of 33 turned out for the first game of Croquet after lockdown on Saturday

Extra, extra, read all about it, croquet is on again and there is no doubt about it! It is hard to believe, but the team of enthusiastic players really are back on the croquet courts for the first time since 21 March 2020, finally.

The Forbes Croquet Club welcomed back 31 players on the first day. Players laughed and joked and carried on as though they had never been away. The courts were magnificent thanks to John Browne, Neville Spry, Alec Todd and John Allegri.

The club President, Elvy Quirk, informed members about what was expected of them in regard to social distancing and sanitising information in order to keep players safe from COVID-19.

There were only two winners of the three games on the day. They were: John Browne and Bill Scott.

The Croquet Club was very happy to welcome new player, India Thomson, grand- daughter of Tony and Pam Thompson, who surprised everyone with her first effort at croquet.

Some of the closest games on the day were:
• Marie Spry, Harley Stewart 14, def Tony Thomson, India Thomson 13.
• John Cole, Joan Littlejohn 14; def Robin Pols, Lorraine Todd 13.
• Lorna Field, Merv Langfield 14, def Bruce Field, Doreen Rogers 12.
• Barry White, Ray Burridge 14, def Col- leen Liebich, Geoff Coles 13.
• Bill Scott 14, def Dorelle Scott 12.
• Elvy Quirk, John MacCullagh 14, def Anne Stewart, Cherylin Cole 11.
• Jeff Liebich, John Allegri 14, def Judy Ellis, Barry White 13.
• Doreen Rogers, Lyn Simmonds 14, def Merv Langfield, Veva MacCullagh 12.

Alec Todd, John Browne and Neville Spry always willing to set up prior to the game.

 

Golfers Enjoy The Weekend

June 12, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Anne-Maree Gaffney and Jackie Devonport social distance while they check scores after their game.

Last weekend, instead of the CanAssist charity event, the competition was an Individual Stableford event sponsored by the FGA Events Committee. The 84 players showed keen competition.

The Division 1 Winner Matt Roylance emerged from the pack with 40 points. The Runner-up on 39 points was Dave Rhodes, who has done well over the last couple of weeks. The Division 2 was won by Stephen McAlister with 40 points, on count back from Runner-up Bede Tooth.

The ball sweep went to 32 points on count back and was distributed to 23 players. Check in the Pro Shop. The NTP’s went to J Earl and G Newport. The best ‘2’ was Craig Barrett’s on the 1st hole.

A warm welcome to visitors Stephen Neal and Scott Galloway from Wentworth, Stuart Hayes from Murrumbidgee, Scott Malcom from Woollahra, and James Redden from West Wyalong. Well done guys.

Golfers bid a sad farewell to Digit McAuliffe, who is returning to Nelson Bay to live. The Men’s players are reminded to ensure their card is completed correctly, or any errors may lead to disqualification. If need be, seek help from Head Pro Ben, or Men’s Captain Stevie G.

The Sunday Stableford Medley Winner was Ash Hogan on 38 pts from Runner-up Bess Shields on 35. Ball sweep went to 34 – B Drabsch and F Dupp from Mollymook.

The Monday Stableford Medley Winner was Ethel Coombs on 40 pts from Runner-up Brianna Duncan on 35. Ball sweep went to E Gaffney, B Shields, B Robinson, R Hamilton, W Judge, J Betland, N Death, and P Dawson. The NTP’s were 9th A Dukes and 18th B Shields.

Saturday 13 June is the Monthly Medal, sponsored by BWR Accountants & Advisors. Sunday will have a Stableford Medley, with the LVDGA Pennants cancelled.

By Short Putt

Golfers Out In Force

June 5, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Ken Sly showing good form as he watches his tee shot.

The Men’s competition on Saturday, 30 May was an Individual Stroke event, sponsored by the Country Mile Motor Inn, and played by a large field of 95 which shows support for the sport. The Division 1 winner was Ethan Gaffney, scoring a 72 nett. Michael Spice, with 73 nett, won the race for the Runner-up after a count back against four other players. Division 2 was won by Robert Scott with 69 nett, over a newcomer Riley Pike with 70 nett. Robert was pleased to show form again, and Riley is dreading his imminent handicap drop.

The ball sweep went to 77 nett on count back. With the large field there were 27 balls distributed so players are urged to check in the Pro Shop. The NTP’s went to: 9th – L O’Connor and 18th – D Churchill. Neither player got their ‘2’, of which there were only seven over-all.

Forbes golfers welcomed visitors Michael O’Malley from Catalina on the Central Coast, William Clayton from Bowral, Geoff Stephens from Dubbo, and Ian Wark and Neigel Tait from Yowani on the Gold Coast. One unfortunate player had to walk the last eight holes when his cart died.

The Sunday Stableford Medley had good support and the winner was Bess Shields with 39 points. Runner-up was Michael Wood with 32 points. The ball sweep went to E Coombs and B Drabsch but once again no NTP’s were contested.

Players are reminded to check their score cards carefully before ‘okaying’ the scan. Keep the cards clean and tidy and avoid letting the signature encroach onto the last few cards.

With a relaxation of the COVID-19 restrictions there is now little need to change the programme dramatically, other than for any intense weather events. Players shall be notified if there are any changes.

Saturday, 6 June will not be the ‘CanAssist Day’ and will instead be a Stableford event. Stableford Medley’s are scheduled for Sunday and Monday.

Keep in touch on the Facebook page forbesgolfcourse, the Instagram page forbesgolf2871, and our website www.forbesgolf.org.au.

By Short Putt

Netball News

June 5, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Pump up your netballs and get ready to play. Plans are currently underway for Netball to return soon when the NSW Government lifts community sporting restrictions.

The Forbes Netball Association Committee has planned for the return to competition in Forbes as soon as the Government gives the go-ahead.

The Autumn Night competitions that had begun before the COVID-19 lockdown have now been cancelled and registrations to NNSW will be carried over to the next competition. This is due to registrations not being refunded by the state body.

Plans are underway for the new Spring night competition for both mixed and ladies’ teams.

Awaiting Government approval, the Forbes Netball committee is planning for the Spring Night Competitions to start on 26 August with the first grading games.

The second grading games will be played on 2 September, with the first competition games to be played on 9 September, depending on approval from the NSW Government.

The team nominations will close on 19 August and the competitions will run until the Finals on 2 December.

The Saturday Junior Mixed Competition, including NetSetGo, will open on 18 July with a Welcome back to Forbes Netball day, pending Government approval. The day will be celebrated with a sausage sizzle and registrations.

NetSetGo will be played from 10am-11am, and the competition will be played from 11.15am- 12.15pm. The Saturday Junior Mixed competition will take on a more social competition, for players under 15 and will finish on 26 September.

The Forbes carnival set down for May had to be cancelled, and NNSW is now organising dates for the return to carnivals, pending Government approval. The Forbes Committee has requested a carnival for Sunday, 20 September.

The carnival will be a Junior day for all players NetSetGo to 15 years, for both club and representative teams.

Hodges Blasts Away

May 29, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The 90 golfers in the Men’s Individual Stableford event played on Saturday, 23 May, sponsored by the Hodges Family, braved the chilly conditions to produce average scores. But Brodie Hodges was unaffected and blasted to victory.

Brodie was the Division 1 winner with 45 points. Runner-up was Anthony Wallace, whose 39 points was way back. Division 2 scores were closer, with Andrew Grogan on 37 points, the winner from runner-up Brian Clarke on 36.

The NTP’s went to J Roylance, 9th, E Gaffney, 18th and there were 10 ‘2’s’ scored.

While scores were generally low, the worst luck went to Alex McKinnon. Early in his round, bad luck struck after his ball rebounded off a tree and hit him on the nose. Resulting in a bleeding nose that affected his game severely.

The Sunday Stableford Medley had some good scores. Barb Drabsch won with 38 points, followed by Peter Dawson on 34 points.

In the fifth week of the Winter 9-Hole Individual comp, 45 players again put in some competitive scores. Voucher winners were David Lickess with 26 nett and Linda Cowhan with 34.5 nett on count back. The balls went to 36.5 nett on count back.

In other golf played Tuesday, 12 May, saw 22 players enjoy the Tuesday Golfers social play, with banter among the groups. The winner was John Smith with 36 points followed by Vince Aitken on 30 points.

The Thursday Vets had 12 players, playing in groups under threatening skies. The winner was Ken Sanderson with 23 points, ahead of Alf Davies on 22 points. The chilly conditions kept the scoring quite low.

Brian Clarke featured again, this time for an almost ‘Bookend’. He birdied the first hole, then almost birdied his last hole, leaving his putt only inches short. Overall, Brian’s score was not all that good.

By Short Putt

Forbes Football Kicks Funding Goal

May 29, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Sam Farraway presenting a cheque for $56,440 to FDSC Development Manager, Doug Mckenzie.

Nationals Upper House MP, Sam Farraway has announced $56,440 from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund will go towards the Forbes and District Soccer Club’s (FDSC) Program of Excellence and High Needs.

“The Stronger Country Communities Fund is all about giving unique grassroots projects, like the Program of Excellence and High Needs, a fair go and the help they need to go from ideas to reality. Each round of the project has had a different focus, with youth based projects being the focus of round three,” Sam said.

FDSC President Laura Tandy, highlighted the fact that these programs and activities would deliver increased participation across the community including social, physical and health benefits saying, “The 2020-2021 Forbes District Soccer Club Project – Programs of Excellence and High Needs, focuses on delivering skills and pathways development to girls, ethnic minorities, indigenous kids together with broader soccer participation for children and families of all abilities.”

Club Development Manager, Doug Mckenzie said: “With the assistance of Forbes Shire Council, Members of Parliament and the NSW Government the club’s new toilets and change room facilities have been installed and playing fields improved with help from NSW Government drought funding.”

Sam praised the efforts of the FDSC saying, “Laura, Doug and the entire FDSC committee should be very proud of what they have achieved so far in providing a fun, safe and competitive environment for the local community. They are paving the way for soccer clubs across the region and I am looking forward to seeing future superstars get their start here in Forbes.”

The $400 million Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $1.7 billion Regional Growth Fund, which is being invested in local programs and infrastructure that improve the lives of people living in regional NSW.

Golfing Back To Groups

May 22, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Jacob Bernardi tees off in a group of four with Joshua Coulthurst, Andrew Dukes and Kim Herbert.

Beautiful conditions helped all 88 golfers to enjoy their return to group golfing, just in time for the Men’s 4BBB Stableford event, sponsored by Forbes Livestock & Agency.

The winners, on count back, were Jeff and Max Haley with 46 points. Runners-up were Neil and Cam McMillan, whose 46 points came on the back of a very fine round by Cam, who shot a 69 scratch.

The ball sweep went to 40 points on count back. Players are advised to check in the Pro Shop to see if they are to collect a ball. The NTP’s went to Jeff Haley and Alf Davies. The best ‘2’ was a chip-in on the 3rd by Neil McMillan.

The best score of the day was played by John Betland, with a 65 scratch. His team was ousted from prizes by handicap. Another good effort was the eagle ‘3’ scored by Jonathon Cutler on the 15th hole.

The Sunday Stableford Medley had some good scores. Andrew Dukes won with 38 points, followed by Barbara Drabsch on 33 points.

The ball sweep went to 31 points, picked up by Jill Cripps. No NTP’s were played.

In the fourth week of the Winter 9-Hole Individual competition, 38 players posted some consistently good scores. Voucher winners were Riley Pike with 32 nett, and Corey Hurford with 34.5 nett. The balls went to 34 nett on count back.

On Tuesday 12 May, 20 players enjoyed the Tuesday Golfers social play, still in pairs. The winner was Viv Russell with 32 points followed by Andrew McDonald on 30 points as runner-up.

The Thursday Veterans had 19 players, again in pairs. The winner was John Smith on 31 points, ahead of Geoff Drane on 28 points. Both picked up vouchers. A sad story was the loss of a wallet by Graham Newport. He quickly cancelled credit cards and arranged for a new driver’s licence. A few days later the wallet was found in Barry Shine’s bag. Figure that one out.

By Short Putt

Golfers Enjoy The Sunshine

May 15, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Shane Sallaway preparing to start his round.

Sunshine and scattered showers greeted the Forbes golfers on the weekend, with 87 players contesting the Men’s 18 Hole Stroke event on Saturday, 9th May, spon- sored by B&C Autos.

Division 1 saw Charlie Dwyer keep good form to win with 70 nett, ahead of Brian Doyle with 71 nett. Division 2 was won by Jack Dobell with 67 nett. Division 2 Runner-up was Ross Williams with 70 nett, on count back from Peter Tisdell.

The Sunday Stableford Medley was surprising at the low scores, perhaps due to the cutting breeze. Michael Wood won with 30 points, closely followed by John Betland on 29 points. The ball sweep went to 28 points, with Laurie O’Connor the lucky player. No NTP’s were played.

On Tuesday, 5th May 20 players enjoyed the sunshine in the Tuesday Golfers social play. The surprise winner on the day was Neale Herbert with a very fine 32 points. Brian Clarke with 31 points was runner-up.

Geoff Drane skipped his tee shot on the 9th across the water and onto the green, and finished with a par.

The third week of the Winter 9 Hole Individual Nett competition saw 47 players participate. Voucher winners were Denis McGroder and Warren Baxter. The balls went to 37 nett on count back so check in the Pro Shop for details of the 14 lucky players to get one.

By Short Putt

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