Sports Archives - Page 153 of 162

Netball Association Finals and Upgrades

March 23, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Netball Association have enjoyed a great week, securing a timeframe for their courts upgrades as well as making the finals of the Orange State League event.

Resurfacing of four courts at the FNA’s base at Stephan Field will begin on Monday April 4, after Forbes Shire Council resolved to asphalt overlay and line marking remedial works at its February meeting. The works will be done during the April school holidays, when no netball will take place, and will be completed in time for the Forbes Netball Carnival on May 1.

The four courts to be re-sealed have been unplayable in recent times, according to FNA representative coach Robyn Kenny, and she said the upgrades will vastly improved conditions for netball.

“We had a very positive meeting with Council on March 15 and I’m happy to say that our courts will be re-sealed in the April school holidays,” she said.
“We were originally going to look at getting all of our courts re-sealed, but five of the courts still have a good coating on top so we thought we would leave them and just upgrade the other four.”

“As well as resealing those courts, all of our courts will also be widened, so we will have more space as well.” “It’ll be great having our new courts ready to go for our competition after the holidays, as well as our carnival at the start of May.”

Last year Forbes Shire Council also funded an upgrade to the Association’s administration building at Stephan Field, while the new amenities block there was completed last week.

Meanwhile, the FNA division two open team finished fourth in the Orange State League competition, qualifying for an elimination final meeting with Bathurst on 3 April.

After defeating Cobar and Cowra, and losing to Bathurst by only five goals in round one a fortnight ago, they lost both matches by comfortable margins to Orange and Dubbo in round two last week. Kenny said she was still impressed with her girls’ effort, but conceded the Orange and Dubbo teams were too strong for them on the day.

“The girls tried very hard with limited training throughout the week, so I am happy with the effort they put in,” she said. “Orange and Dubbo were just too fast, fit and strong for us I think.”

Their finals opponent Bathurst are undefeated, and finished first in the competition. Dubbo and Orange finished second and third respectively.
Kenny said her players were confident of pushing Bathurst right to the finish line after leading them at three quarter time in their last encounter.

“We’ll be trying our best out there. We had too many turnovers last week but if we can play how we did in the first week and hold on to the ball we’ll play much better,” she said.

Successful Day for Par Events

March 23, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

On Saturday 19 March competition at the Forbes Golf Club was for the 4BBB Mixed Par event, and an Individual Par event run in conjunction.

The first three placegetters In the Mixed Par event will go forward to the District Final, to be held at Peak Hill. The winners and lucky runners-up teams were Phil & Shirley Dukes (with a score of +8), Niel & Carolyn Duncan (+6) on count back, and Andy Cogswell and Christine Davies (+6).

The reserves will be Mike & Tanya Spice, also with +6. The Individual Par event saw scores less pretty than the Mixed Par events. Paul Kay scored +4 to take the win, only just ahead of Neil McMillan on +3.

Sunday was the regular Stableford Medley. The day was enjoyed by a healthy bunch of players. Bruce Carpenter reversed his form from Saturday recorded 43 points. Ben Webb came in as runner-up with 39 points. Both
players had birdies to score 4-pointers.

The NTP’s went to: 9th – R Taylor; 18th – B Shields. Neither got their ‘2’.The ball sweep went to 33 on count back, with recipients being: 35 – Larry Gillespie (Stonecutters Ridge), Rob Webb; 33 – Ray Taylor. As usual with the 18-hole events, the contest was for the Coles-Miller Shield. Local knowledge, and weight of numbers, helped as Forbes won with 198 (19 players), ahead of Parkes 173 (16), Condobolin 164 (8), W Wyalong 160 (7), Cowra 155 (8) and Grenfell 123 (5). The one visitor beat himself in a play-off.

And here is the news: Daniel is running a Junior School Holiday Camp on 11 and 12 April. If you have a child, or know of any school children who may be interested, please contact Daniel at the Pro Shop 6851 1554.

The LCDGA Pennants will be held at Parkes on Sunday 17 April. This is open to all Club players, with those who represented the Club in this year’s Pennants comp especially encouraged to attend. The more players we have the better our chances of getting another “blue flag” on the wall.

By Short Putt

Magpies Focus on Nines after Bathurst Win

March 17, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Magpies will turn their attention to the Parkes Nines tournament this weekend after defeating Bathurst St Patricks 38-16 in the Brendan Collits Memorial Cup. It was a brave effort by all players who took to the field, with the mercury reaching a sweaty 37 degrees.

But with the temperature only expected to hit 26 degrees on Saturday for the Parkes tournament, Magpies President Greg Grogan said it wouldn’t be as exhausting for the players. “It was ridiculous how hot it was last Saturday [against Bathurst],” he said. “The players did so well to get through
that and play how they did, and hopefully it’ll be much cooler at the Nines in Parkes.”

“Jake Grace [Magpies coach] will take a squad of 15 over there, and whilst Nines is a completely different form of the game, it’ll be a good test of fitness and keeping possession.”

The Magpies will need to win at least two games to make the Parkes Nines finals, and will be confident after showing great form at the West Wyalong knockout competition a fortnight ago, and the Brendan Collits Memorial Cup last week.

They raced out to a 26-4 half time lead in the heat against Bathurst St Patricks at Spooner Oval, and showed plenty of ability with the ball and their fitness levels. The game was played in 20-minute quarters due to the heat, and finished with a jersey auction in the clubhouse after full time.

Grogan said coach Grace was happy with the effort his players put in. “It was very hot, but the players dug deep and got through it pretty well. It was a hard
game, but it was played in good spirit. Both teams had some players out to injury too,” he said.

The Magpies wore a one-off jersey during the game that commemorated the late Brendan Collits, and auctioned these off after the game as a fundraiser. “The Bathurst boys were good enough to buy a few, and we thank them for their generosity.

They said they would use them in their new clubhouse that is getting built,” Grogan said. The curtain-raising women’s league tag match between Forbes and Bathurst was abandoned due to serious injury. A Bathurst player was airlifted to hospital after falling awkwardly upon scoring a try, but is reportedly in a good condition.

By Joshua Matic

FNA Finals Hopefuls

March 17, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Netball Association State League open division two side has an eye on the finals after two wins last Sunday in Orange.

Coach Robyn Kenny said she was very happy with the effort her girls put in to come away with wins over Cowra and Cobar, and a close loss to the unbeaten Bathurst. They will enter that second and final round of the State League back in Orange this Sunday before qualifying for the finals.

They finished round one in third position on the ladder. To make the finals they will need to finish within the top four at the end of Sunday, and have powerhouses Orange and Dubbo in their first two matches of the day.

But Kenny said their form of last weekend should see them make the finals. “Everyone was happy with the effort. I think we can beat both Dubbo and Orange. Bathurst will be the biggest challenge for us if we make the finals,” she said.

Magpies Prepare for Memorial Cup After First Hit-Out

March 10, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Magpies have turned their attention to the annual Brendon Collits Memorial Cup after a solid outing at the West Wyalong knock-out competition last weekend.

In 2013 former Magpies player Collits was tragically killed in a car accident while on his way to training, and since the incident, the fixture has been played in his memory.

They will play Bathurst in the game, and should enter it with plenty of confidence after almost taking the West Wyalong competition. After losing to the Young Cherrypickers 22-12 last Friday night, they beat the Queanbeyan Kangaroos 8-6, before losing to Gundagai 14-10 in extra time after the
scores were locked at 10-a-piece at fulltime.

Gundagai went on to win the grand final in the next match. Magpies President Greg Grogan said the side played well in its first hit-out of the year.

“They played very well considering they’re only a young side,” he said. “We had a few injuries, but the competition [Group 11] doesn’t start until the end of
April, so they should be alright.” “It was only a trial though. The competition-
it’s a long year, and anything can happen.” Jake Grace is captaining and coaching the side this year.

The side will field a very strong forward pack this year, with Grace joined by Zack Merritt, Ben Robinson, Ben McGuire, and Ethan Gaffney. The backline is not too much more unformidable either, with Matt Roylance, Carl Johnston, Mitch Bourke, Mitch Andrews and Patrick Murphy steering the team
around the paddock.

Grogan said the club would look at moving forward from a great year last year, when it won the Club of the Year award for having all four grades represented in the semi finals. “Everybody made the semis which was a great achievement,” he said.

“Hopefully we can improve in the first grade side so we last a bit longer in the
finals. But the main thing is to improve and keep competitive. That’s what the supporters want to see.”

Par Golf to Win Medal

March 10, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

On Saturday 5 March the play was for the Monthly Medal, sponsored by Michael Robinson and Co. The field of 45 players meant that there was greater opportunity to win, but you still needed to deliver. But the best score barely broke Par.

In the A-grade Shane Sallaway used this day to fine tune his Pennants game, winning with 72 nett. Bruce Carpenter was Runner-up with 74, and wished he had not faltered on the 4th with a ‘7’.

Sunday was the regular Stableford Medley. The sunny conditions were welcoming, but the temperatures were quite stifling leading, to a small field. The winner was Joe Davies (P) with 27 points, although it was a near thing as he got there on count back from Roy Bell (P).

They both enjoyed the Forbes excursion. Ron Hurst (F) was back on deck and quickly into his winning ways, although this time it was for the Bradman award.

The Mick Miller shield was a very close contest. The prodigal son, Digit, used his score to get Forbes across the line with 149 points to Parkes 147. Close contests like that are not good for the heart.

And here is the news:
Unfortunately our Pennants teams ran into strong opposition. On Sunday 6 March, both the Div 1 and Div 2 teams played at Duntryleague.
And unfortunately they both lost 3/2. Each team had close encounters with
the result hinging on one game. Well done to all players, and we shall look forward to 2017.

Andrew Dukes keeps the Hole-in-One tradition in the Forbes ASI Capital Sixes comp alive by recording a Hole-in-One on the 3rd. This is the third Hole-in-One scored this comp.

Geoff Drane got his photo in the paper for his efforts in the Diggers Swimming Pup Cup. Unfortunately, he tried to match his slow, lanquid swim stroke to his golf game, but fell way behind his handicap mark because there was no bell for the last lap.

Revel in this warmer weather, as winter will soon be upon us.

Forbes Defeats Parkes In Junior Cricket Grand Final

March 3, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes U/14’s Cricket Team, who were undefeated for the competition, maintained their record with a win over Parkes in the Lachlan Cricket Council Grand Final on Sunday. Forbes went into bat first and scored 10 for 96.

Although this seems like a relatively low score, Forbes’ bowlers have been their strength for the entire season. The versatility of the Forbes bowling line up kept the Parkes batsman on their toes and runs were not easy to come by.

Forbes had Parkes all out for 68 with four overs remaining. Stuart Gordan & Luke McDean were the top scorers with 21 runs each and continued their form on the wicket with Luke 4/7 off 8 overs and Stuart 3/9 off 6. Darcy Leadbitter also bowled well with 1/9 of 8 overs closely followed by Connor Greenhalgh with 0/16 from 8 overs and Toby Hurford 0/3 from 6 overs.

Congratulations to both teams for an entertaining game and displaying great sportsmanship

Drane Claims 2015 SOTY Award

March 3, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Tom Drane is a promising Young Motorbike Rider, who at the age of only 9 years of age won the 2015 Forbes Sportsperson of the Award on Saturday night. Although there have been many juniors, including his own father Matt in 2000 & 2001, Tom is the youngest to have won this award. Tom’s natural talent for the sport, enabling him to win State and National Titles in 2015, obviously impressed the independent judging panel who selected him from a huge pool of worthy nominees.

Juniors dominated the awards on Saturday night with Aurella White – Umpire/Referee/Official of the Year, Ellie Flick – All Rounder, Brooke Kelly – Phillip Adams Encouragement and Darcy Leadbitter – Runner-Up. Junior Sportsperson of the Year was won by Fyn Harrison with Darcie Morrison taking out the Senior category.

Harness Racing Duo Jason Gaffney & Murray Sullivan Jnr also featured in the
presentation with Jason Coach/Trainer of the Year and Murray receiving the Presidents Award. Kristen’s Dance Studio Open Dance Troupe took out the Team honours and the Forbes Magpies Rugby League Committee claimed the Administration Award. A humbled and shocked Sue Uphill was a popular winner of the Terry Wade Memorial Award for her many years of volunteer
service in a variety of organisations within the community.

Australian Rugby 7’s player, Tom Cusack was very impressed with the achievements of all of the nominees but in particular the winners. Tom enlightened the crowd, in excess of 120, of the pathways he followed to
get to the position he is in today and of his plans for the future.

The Forbes Sportsperson of the Year Association will be holding their Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 22nd March at the Forbes Sport & Recreation Club commencing at 6.30pm and invite interested people to come along and join the committee so that they can continue to recognise and reward the our local sporting heroes. Nomination for the 2016 Awards are now open and you are encouraged to submit nominations at any time throughout the year.

Baas, Styles, Reid & Hutchings Take Out The Pup Cup 2016

March 3, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Sam Baas, Matt Styles, Jarrod Reid and Luke Hutchings were on the money on
Sunday when they swam 0.52 seconds outside their nominated times for the 4 x 50m Relay to secure the 2016 Pup Cup. In its 23rd year, the Pup Cup is the last major event on the calendar for Forbes Diggers Swimming Club, and still attracts its regular crowd on participants and supporters.

Swimmers aged from as young as 5 years to as experienced as 80 years took to the water to swim closest to their nominated times for the 30m & 50 m Handicapped events and then nominated team of four for the Pup Cup Relay. Fourteen teams contested the Pup Cup and the winners were extremely pleased with their results.

Newcomer, Lauren Neilsen won the 30m Junior Handicap with Liam Borger securing the 50m. Senior swimmers Matt Styles and Peter Thompson claimed the 30m & 50m handicap respectively.

Australian Rugby 7’s player, Tom Cusack who was guest speaker for the Forbes
Sportsperson of the Year Awards, joined in the friendly competition and was on hand to present the 30 & 50m winners with their prizes.

Organiser Credits Athleticism in Successful Triathlon

February 25, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Triathlon committee member Nick Field has credited the athletes on display at last Sunday’s triathlon, saying their athleticism made for a great spectacle.

A record 150 competitors raced around Lake Forbes during the event, across the three divisions of Olympic, Sprint, Enticer, and Minors. The Olympic division was the main part of the event, and male athlete Nicholas North
took it out in the men’s division.

He ran across the finish line a clear winner by seven minutes, with an overall time of two hours and 36 seconds. He was able to win, individually, the swimming, and came a photo finish second in the cycling, but was beaten in the running by an inspired Robert Woolley, who ran the 10km in just 33 minutes.

Field said North was a very strong athlete in all three disciplines, but it was his 1500m swim in just 19 minutes that got him his win. “He got out to a very, very early lead in the swim and lead all the way. He could have been two to three hundred metres in front at the end of the first leg,” he said.

“He was two minutes ahead. It was a very impressive swim leg for him. But also on the bike, he was second, and second in the run. He’s an outstanding athlete.”

With just a couple of minutes separating most athletes in their finishing times, Field said the standard of racing was second to none. “For some of the locals learning the sport, they were in awe of some of the calibre of the athletes,” he said.

Jessica Richards took out the senior women’s division, finishing at two hours and 16 minutes, including an amazing 40km cycle in one hour and three minutes- beating most of the men. “She beat some of the top blokes on the bike, averaging about 36km/h. It’s amazing,” Field said. Field also thanked all the volunteers on the day, for which the event could not happen without.

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