Sports Archives - Page 152 of 164

State’s Top Junior Squash Players In Action

July 7, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes and Parkes Squash Clubs are making history this weekend by hosting the first ever NSW Junior State Age Squash Championships to be held in a regional centre.

To make the event even more spectacular, it will be one of only two gold ranked events to be held in the state this year, which means top players from NSW and Australia will be competing because of the ranking points on offer. The NSW team will also be announced at the completion of the three days to represent the state in the team event at the National Junior Championships in Thornleigh in September.

Forbes’ Regan Acret, playing in the under 17 division is expected to be contesting for state selection. Other Forbes players taking part are Blair Thomas and Brodie Acret (under 15’s) and William Wallace (under 13’s). About 100 players will be in action coming from all over NSW, the rest of Australia and even New Zealand and Oceania. They will be competing in divisions from under 11 through to under 19 for both girls and boys. Local players include 12 from Parkes and four from Forbes.

The Parkes and Forbes Clubs have had some fantastic local support, with Parkes Services Club going above and beyond to make the event a success and ensure the facilities are top class. All four courts in Parkes have been renovated in the past six months, with a complete renewal of front walls, floors sanded and paint throughout the entire centre. Western Road Liners are offering a bus services between the two centres for the tournament.

Darcie Ready To Take On The World

July 7, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

For the past 18 months Darcie Morrison has been learning the rules and skills necessary to be competitive in the sport of Rugby 7’s. Her selection in the Australian University team is testament to her dedication and willingness to learn considering her extremely short time in the sport.

The Australian team is currently in Swansea in Great Britain to contest the 7th World University Championship. The Championships are part of the sporting events of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) that are hosted every even-numbered year, alternating with the Summer and Winter Universiade.

Competitions are played in more than 50 sports. Rugby Sevens entered the programme of the FISU World University Championships in 2004 and has been increasing in popularity ever since with the 7th edition being hosted at the Swansea University International Sports Village. The first year nine countries took part, and this year 20 teams from 15 countries will be competing.

The two Australian teams flew from Brisbane last Sunday for the first leg to Singapore, continuing on to London, followed by a four hours bus trip to Swansea. Darcie met up with the NSW members in Sydney who then made their way to Brisbane. Both teams will have the opportunity to train together for two days prior to the competition.

The Australian Women’s team will play in Pool B which will see them up against Canada, China, Spain and Portugal. The Men will take on Great Britain, Namibia, Italy and the Czech Republic in Pool A. The teams will play two games each day and their place in the finals on the 9th will be dependant on their results.

Other nations competing include Argentina, France, Kenya, Japan, Malaysia and New Zealand. On departure, Darcie had mixed emotions of excitement, anxiety and nerves but was proud to be wearing the Green and Gold and having the chance to compete for her country. “I couldn’t wait to try on my
kit when it arrived and can’t wait to see the playing gear,” she said. “This is my biggest achievement in sport and I hope I can play well and do my best without making any mistakes.”

Darcie was given this opportunity through the Australian Institute of Sport Sports Draft program and identification and selection by the New South Wales Rugby 7’s Development program.

By Anita Morrison

TWO FORBES TEAMS IN BIGGEST FEMALE SPORTING EVENT

June 30, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Two teams of the Forbes Netball Association (FNA) are taking part in the Netball NSW State Age Championships this weekend. The 14 years representative team will compete in Division 3 and the 12 years representative team will compete in Division 4.

The State Age Championships is the biggest female sporting event in the southern hemisphere with more than 3, 000 athletes, 309 teams, 87 netball associations and more than 400 coaches and 500 umpires. The event has four age groups – 12s, 13s, 14s and 15s, competing at four venues, as the event is too large for one venue.

Division 1 will be played at Campbelltown, division 2 at Bankstown and divisions 3 and 4 at Illawarra. Teams will play an average of seven games each day over the three days of competition. The Forbes teams will be joined by a large supporters group of families and friends.

The teams would not be able to compete without the support of parents. Thank you to FNA Secretary, Lyn Ford, who has organised the weekend including accommodation, entries and food.

Three umpires from Bathurst and the Illawarra Association will join the Forbes players. The teams cannot compete without the umpires. Thank you to both Bathurst and Illawarra associations who have supported Forbes for the championships.

FNA umpire Leisa Kenny is one of the volunteers assigned to Division 2 at Bankstown on the Netball NSW Umpire Allocations Panel. The FNA committee wishes the representative teams good luck for the three
days of intense competition. “Play with determination, outstanding sportsmanship and great teamwork.”

COLLITS AND CHANDLER BEAT THE WET

June 30, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

The ground conditions at the Forbes Golf Club made it a very challenging weekend, but the golfers battled well to record some good scores. On Saturday the programmed 4BBB Stroke Championship was reverted to an Individual Medley Stableford, contested by 42 players.

In the A-division, Mark Collits played steady golf by hitting the dry spots on the fairway, and hitting the greens on cue. His nett 72 earned him 36 points and the win, but he only won on countback. Lee Grierson was very unlucky to finish second. He had the same scratch and nett scores but missed any points on the 13th.

The B-division was won by Bruce Chandler with 36 points. Not far behind was Ron Morris with 33 points. The Ball Sweep went to 32 points on count back, and included: 34 – C Dwyer, M Cahill, M Hayley; 33 – D Churchill, Alf Davies, M Browne and S Sallaway. Both the NTP’s went to Peter Barnes. But he did not get a ‘2’ on either hole. There was only one ‘2’ recorded all day by Frank
Hanns on the 3rd. Chip-ins are pretty commonplace now, mainly to overcome the wet greens. Both Andrew Dukes and Lee Grierson chipped in on the 16th to down their Keno opponents – the two red-heads. And Stevie G managed a chip-in from behind the 4th green to win a hole for his team. Andy Cogswell played a chip from well behind the 18th to salvage par.

Sunday’s golf was a Stableford Medley. Barb Drabsch was the winner with 35 points. Once again Ron Morris finished second, on count back, with 33 points. The ball sweep went to 33 points and rewarded Craig Barrett and Scott Kirkman for their diligent play. The NTP’s went to: 9th – Ray Taylor, and 18th – Na. Ray snared the only ‘2’ of the day, on the 9th of course.

Contributed by Short Putt

Golfing For Can Assist

June 23, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

On Saturday 11th June the CanAssist Golf Charity Day was held. The four person Ambrose event brought a competition spirit and lots of fun to the venue and a good field of 114 players assembled from Forbes and other local districts, with some players coming as far as Queensland, Sydney and Victoria.

The Handicap Winners were J Tranter, S Tranter, D Herbert and M Sykes with a 55 nett. The Scratch winners were G West, D West, J Denamiel and S West with 64. Overall, nett scores were very close. Once again the contribution by sponsors, players and donations was exceptional, with over $2,500 being raised. This will help support local cancer patients in their battle to gain health.

On Sunday and Monday a Stableford Medley was played each day. Fields were slightly down, but each day was well contested. Sunday’s winner was Lee Grierson with 38 points, on count back from Ray Taylor who also had 38 points and Monday’s winner was Doug Churchill with 39 points. This also was a count back win, with Phil Maher coming in second with his 39. Phil took the greatest honours for the day though, scoring a hole-in-one on the 18th. He used a 6-iron to land the ball short and have it bounce onto the green and run
into the hole. Both he and the shot are elegance personified!

This shot ensured he got the ‘Nearest the Pin’ on that hole. Tomorrow will be the Daine Doolin Memorial event, which is a 4BBB Stableford Medley.

Contributed by Short Putt

Forbes Swimming Clubhouse Revamp

June 23, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Swimming Club has been awarded $10,300 in funding to upgrade their clubhouse. The clubhouse is currently the old canteen based at the pool and at the current time is not weatherproof. The building is quite run down and a long way from ideal for what it is being used for, so the funding will be a great help. The money came from the Stronger Communities program
which funds small capital projects in local communities.

The funding will allow the club to line the shed to ensure it is weather proof and protects the club’s valuable equipment and ensure it meets modern WHS standards and provides a safe and healthy environment for volunteers. It will also be used to install a small kitchenette that meets food safety standards, install a hot water service and fully repaint the facility.The club’s treasurer is Janelle McManus and she can be contacted on 0458 685 711.

Red Bend Rides Through Rain At Coonabarabran

June 16, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

A total of nine riders from Red Bend entered the North West Equestrian Expo at Coonabarabran for Secondary Schools encompassing Years 7 to 12 competing in various events over five wet and muddy days. Friday competition saw the holding of Dressage for One Day Event and Novice Freestyle dressage as an Exhibition event across two arena’s. Lizzie Wythes competed in the Novice Freestyle and finished 6th in her arena.

Sunday competition results which also included events from Saturday for Combined Training – Dressage & Show Jumping, Eventing – Dressage, Show jumping & cross country. Prue Baker, Forbes – 9th CT5. Katie Townsend, Eugowra – 4th D Grade Eventing, Division 1. Emily Phillips, Forbes – 9th CT2 Division 1. Jack Turner, Parkes – 8th D Grade Eventing Division 1 Kristen Grady, Parkes – 9th CT3 Division 2 Lizzie Wythes, Parkes – 5th CT5 Dana Wales and Jack Turner from Parkes also competed in the Working Horse Challenge, which is made up of a number of challenges for both handler and horse.

Monday events consisted of individual Dressage and Show Jumping competition as well as Sporting events. Lizzie Wythes 5th Dressage Prelim 1:2. Katie Townsend 4th Age Show jumping Monday’s evening entertainment was the Teams Barrel Race and is great to watch and everyone had a great time. RBCC had two teams entered and consisted of Katie, Prue, Kristen, Emily, Grace and Jack. Each rider posted some great times either the fastest or slowest. Our fastest competitor was Katie.

Tuesday’s competition was Show riding and Team Penning. We had five riders compete in their prospective Show riding classes, Prue, Katie, Grace, Jack & Lizzie with Team Penning consisting of Kristen, Dana & Emily who were unfortunate not to place but definitely had great fun.

Results for the show riding were; Grace Ross – 3rd Show Pony, Prue Baker was unfortunate not to place but was in her rider class finals, Lizzie Wythes – 1st Open Show horse, Rider class, Champion Ridden Lightweight & Champion rider.

Magpies Look To Improve Focus

June 16, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

With the second half of the 2016 Group 11 season already upon us, the Forbes Magpies will look at importing their discipline and concentration, after losing two games that could easily have been won.

With round seven being a split round, the Magpies will rest this weekend after playing the first half of round seven last weekend in their 28-22 loss to the Parkes Spacemen, with the teams who rested last weekend playing this weekend.

With round seven yet to be completed, the Magpies currently sit in fourth position on the ladder, however with two extra wins, they could easily have found themselves in outright second position.

These two wins could have come from their matches against Parkes last week, and their match against Nyngan on May 29. They turned on a terrible first half against Nyngan, trailing 30-10 at half time, but came back in the second stanza to lead 32-30. But they then conceded a try in the dying seconds to lose 36-32.

It was the opposite story against Parkes, getting off to a blinding start to lead 18-0, before letting go of their grip and losing 28- 22. Magpies President Greg Grogan said the players would be working their consistency in games. “I think Coach Jake Grace will be looking at their attitude and discipline so the boys can play for the full 80 minutes again,” he said.

“At the end of the pre-season we expected to be in the top three or top four, which is where we are at the moment, but we could easily be in the top two.” Grogan said the rest this weekend was good to allow injured players, including captain/coach Grace, the chance to recover before taking the field again against Dubbo Westside in round eight on June 26.

While Westside hasn’t had the greatest season to date, Grogan said it would be important for the Magpies not to get too complacent. He added that his side would be boosted by the return of more players from injury, however.

By Joshua Matic.

Jess Accepts Florida Offer

June 9, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

The University of Florida is a far cry from the Forbes Botanical Gardens but come the end of August it will become home for middle distance runner, Jessica Pascoe, who realised her passion for running with the Forbes Little Athletics Club.

Jess showed great talent for the 1500 & 3000m events during her high school years but since graduating from Forbes High in 2014 has gone from strength to strength in Canberra where she is currently studying to become a PE/Mathematics teacher. The University of Florida scouted Jess through her results posted on the internet and first contacted her through Facebook. “It felt a bit weird when they first contacted me on Facebook,” Jess said. Jess and her father, Darren, recently made the trip to Los Angeles, then Orlando and finally Gainesville to experience everything one of the leading American Universities had to offer.

The facilities and scholarship was more than Jess had imagined or expected and made her decision to accept a four-year full scholarship with the Florida Gators Cross Country and Track Program. The scholarship will cover all the costs associated with her studies and the running program, including training apparel and shoes by Nike, she will enter alongside 20 other promising athletes from around the world. All of her food and travel expenses to Australian and International Competitions and Trials, where she will still compete as an Aussie, are also covered.

Jess was also surprised to find out that sports drink ‘Gatorade’ was designed there. The University have graciously allowed Jess to remain in Australia until she competes in the National Cross Country Championships on August 20.

By Anita Morrison

Red Bend Excels In Country Cup

June 9, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Both Red Bend Catholic College Opens and Fifteens teams had convincing wins recently in the Western Final of the Country Cup. The opens had a big 40-4 win over St Johns. Always in control they showed some great combinations in attack and defence.

The Man of the Match was the versatile Jye Dillon who started in the centres and ended up in the front row. The Fifteens scored the first try, however St Johns (Dubbo) fought back strongly, with the College leading 10-6 at half time.

The second half saw the Red Bend team show some great teamwork in scoring four great tries to eventually run out winners 30-6. The Man of the Match was
half back Thomas Toohey. The College has a proud history in the Country Cup winning the Opens and Under Thirteens age division twice previously, while the Opens were runners-up in the final last year. The teams now travel to Cootamundra next term on the 28th of July for the Southern Finals, where they will play the winners from the Riverina, Wollongong, Canberra and South Coast regions.

The Country Cup is run by the Country Rugby League (CRL) and the NRL. It is an All Schools Event for Country Schools (State Catholic Private) that is contested in three age divisions under 13’s and 15’s, and Opens Schools
attend regional gala days with the winners progressing through to regional finals. Winners of the region then progress through to play in the Southern or Northern Finals from here the Southern and Northern winners play the State Final.

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