The golf croquet played on last Tuesday had a few players on three wins each – John H Browne, Dorothea Croker, Merv Langfield, Joan Littlejohn and Jill Rubie, while two wins went to Barry White, Libby Smart, Mary Hodges and Joh Cole.

The coldest day of the year for Aussie Croquet last Saturday still saw 22 players come out, while on Sunday winners with three games each went to John H Browne and Lyn Simmonds. They were closely followed with two wins each to Barry White, Lorraine Todd, John Allegri, John Cole, Dorothea Croker, Merv Langfield, Bob Murray, Kevin Rubie and Alec Todd.

Now is the best time to come and try paddling with the Lachlan Dragons on Lake Forbes. It’s the start of the season so you can begin training before regatta season kicks in. If you love it you can compete, you can become involved with us in the upcoming River Arts Festival, or you can just remain a social paddler. It is also the time of season when there are a few other newbies about, so you certainly won’t feel the odd one out.

Last weekend the club’s coaching duo, Carmen Stephens and Warren Edwards, head off to Chifley Dam Bathurst for a twoday course run by state coach, Deb Clarke. “The course made me feel confident that our club is on the right track in terms of season goals and fulfilling the needs of both social and more competitive paddlers,” said Carmen, “It also informed me of so many extra tips and strategies that will help us continue in the best direction for our club.”

The Club is fortunate to have Carmen as head coach and Warren as assistant coach. “There was a great deal to absorb and remember”, said Warren, “Deb made us feel comfortable and confident in the techniques shown.” Carmen and Warren must still complete
further practical experiences and evaluations over the next few months.

“It was great to share the weekend with Warren, because we now feel well prepared and informed to make plans for a fun and successful season for the Forbes Dragon Boat Club,” said Carmen. So come along and give paddling a try! Call Chris 0414 762 775 or Bill and Beth
0418 253 045.

By Beth Thomas

The fine conditions last Saturday resulted in high scores for the five members who competed from 500 yards. Ian Ward recorded a double possible 100 with 10 central bulls. Jim Maloy recorded a very respectable 113 out of 120 in F Open (telescopic sights). This weekend the club championship continues from 500 yards. Shooting will commence from 1.30pm.

Last week, the Croquet players turned up in force, unperturbed by the pea-soup fog that didn’t clear until late morning. The players held their monthly Birthday luncheon with a lovely gathering of members and their partners at The Forbes Sport and Rec Club. The boys prepared some delicious meals for everyone.

The Birthday Boy this month was Jeff Liebich, who had the cutting of the cake to himself as the other birthday members were unable to attend. In Tuesday’s Golf Croquet, hat-tricks went to John H Browne, Bruce Field, Robin Pols and Alec Todd while closely followed with
two wins each to Dorothea Croker, Merv Langfield, Veva MacCullagh, Evelyn Mahlo, Bob Murray, Bill Scott, Harley Stewart, Marj
Styles and Barry White.

Aussie Saturday results from 5 August included three wins each to Veva MacCullagh, Robin Pols and Libby Smart, while two wins went to Cherylin Cole, John Cole, Dorothea Croker, Merv Langfield, Colleen Liebich, Bob Murray, Kevin Rubie, Jill Rubie, Bill Scott, and Harley Stewart. Well played everyone!

By Veva MacCullagh

Local 17-year-old Regan Acret has been selected as part of the NSW Combined High Schools team to compete in the Trans- Tasman Squash series competition in Rockhampton later this month. Regan took up squash in mid-2014 after heading to the local courts to watch a neighbour play. He thought it looked like fun. “I decided to start having a hit, and really started enjoying it, so I thought I’d see if I
could get into it more seriously,” said Regan.

Regan discovered the local club competition, and began playing on Wednesday nights, learning the basics from Ken Comrie. He learned quickly, and was runner up in the under 15’s A-Grade in his first competition in Dubbo in 2015. Regan won the C-Grade competition in a
junior tournament in Bathurst in 2015, then won the B-Grade open competition in the same location in 2016.

He was then selected for the Combined High Schools Western Region Team, and competed with them in Sydney last June. The team came third, but Regan was the competition’s individual runner up, and was awarded the competition’s Best and Fairest medal, nominated by his fellow competitors. Selectors naturally snapped him up for the NSWCHS State team that will compete against players from Queensland and New Zealand from 21-24 August.

Regan’s mum is proud, and grateful to the people involved in helping Regan.. “I’m very proud of him with his outstanding determination, commitment to, and passion for the game,” she said. “I’d like to thank Forbes Squash Club, Murray Reid, and coach Aaron Moulds, for their support.”