Sports Archives - Page 17 of 162

Forbes Magpies Take The Main Game On Derby Day

June 13, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Forbes Magpies took the two points on Derby Day with a 22-18 win over Parkes Spacemen. Image credit: Parkes Spacemen Facebook page.

The biggest day on our local rugby league calendar is the June long weekend Parkes versus Forbes Derby Day, which has become a long standing tradition between the twin towns.

A massive crowd flocked to Pioneer Oval in Parkes on Sunday 7th June, to witness the clash between Parkes Spacemen and Forbes Magpies.

Parkes started the day strong, and were off to a thrilling start, taking out the League Tag 10-4, 18s 20-18 and Reserves 20-16, but it was Forbes who were victorious in the first grade battle, winning 22-18.

Forbes Magpies Coach Cameron Greenhalgh said, “We haven’t beaten Parkes on Derby Day since 2018, it was good to get the win over there. We let a substantial first half lead slip away, it was 22-4 at half time and they came back to 22-18, but we hung on and got the two points.”

Each year, a massive Forbes crowd travels across to Parkes to support the team, and always get the players pumped up.

Parkes Spacemen President Tony Dwyer said, “This particular round between Parkes and Forbes is known as one of the best local derbies in country rugby league.

It’s great to see Forbes enjoy it as much as us, you see how many people it brings over and how pumped up they get for it, they just love beating us over here.”

Lachlan Valley Golf Championships & Pennants

June 13, 2024 by Roxane Manley

This Sunday 16th June, Condobolin Golf Club will host the 2024 Lachlan Valley Golf Championships and Pennants. The Championships will be contested over 18 Holes with the Blue Ribbon event being the A Grade 18 Hole Championship for the Moulder Cup. Other grades being contested are the respective B and C Grades and the Junior and Veterans Championships.

All grades will have Handicap sections run in conjunction.

It is anticipated the Blue Ribbon event will be a battle between the Forbes contingent including the Betland brothers, John and Steve, reigning Parkes Club Champion Aaron Wilkie and the Condobolin duo of Brad Hurley and Steve Beattie.

All competition fees to be paid for by the club, the Championships entry fee is $15 or $12 for students. Members of the Lachlan Valley District which includes Bogan Gate, Condobolin, Forbes, Grenfell, Peak Hill, Parkes and Trundle, who have not already nominated may do a post entry with nominations being accepted at the Condobolin Golf Club prior to 10.30am on the day.

NRL Player Ben Lovett Returns To His Old Stomping Ground To Run Junior Clinic

June 13, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Parkes Marist 10s, 8s and 7s pictured with Ben Lovette (South Sydney), Haizyn Mellars (South Sydney) and Harrison Ledbetter (Former Canberra Raider).

On the June long-weekend, a lucky group of Parkes Marist Juniors were thrilled to be invited to a Coaching Clinic with former Parkes local, and current South Sydney Rabbitohs player Ben Lovett.

The Coaching Clinic was run for the PMJRL U10, U8 and U7 players. PMJRL U10s Coach Jason O’Bryan said: “The kids were pumped when they were offered the opportunity, it’s been a really great experience. To see a local guy who has made it in the NRL come back and offer his time is a credit to Ben and to Souths for wanting to do it.”

There was definitely a buzz around town once the kids found out Ben would be in Parkes to run a clinic. “My dad owns Sportspower in town, and he said kids were coming in saying ‘Ben’s coming Monday to do a training clinic’. It was so great to hear that, and it just made me even more excited to come back,” said Ben.

Ben has been very busy of late, recently returning from Papua New Guinea. Knowing he would be heading home to Parkes on the long-weekend, Ben approached the Parkes Senior League Club who put him in contact with the PMJRL to help facilitate the Clinic.

Ben said, “I wanted to do something for the local community, and get out here with the kids back where it all started for me. I was here in Parkes 10 years ago, running around the same as these kids here.”

“I still feel like I have a long way to go with my footy career, so for these kids to look up to me is massive. To be able to give back to them and hopefully inspire their dreams, to think that they can do what I have done, and hopefully they can have goals and aspirations to do the same thing.”

Ben was joined by fellow NRL players Haizyn Mellars and Harrison Ledbetter.

Haizyn is a South Sydney Rabbitohs team mate of Ben’s, who plays winger/centre, and Harrrison played with the Canberra Raiders for a number of years, and is currently playing for the Belconnen Sharks in the Canberra competition.

When Ben asked Haizyn if he would like to head back to Parkes with him and see his home town, he was more than happy to tag along, saying, “It’s great to come hang with the kids and play a little footy.”

At the end of the clinic, the NRL players handed out Rabbitoh’s merchanise and were very obliging, signing the kids headgear, boots and shirts, and taking photos with anyone who asked.

Croquet Results

June 6, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Aussie Croquet was played on Saturday 1st June after rain dampened the Croquet lawns on Friday. 19mm rain fell which was good for our Croquet lawns. We had 24 players roll up for a game on Saturday, a lesser number than usual. Visitors from out of town were Cathy Coles and Robert Kimble who have been visiting Cathy’s parents Gwen and Geoff Coles. It was great to see them again as each time they are home they come and enjoy a game with us.

Three games were won by John Browne, May Jones and Bill Scott. Well done to those players. 14/13 scores recorded by Allan Jones and Fay Picker, 14/12 record ed by Bruce Field and John Cole, Cheryl Toohey and Robin Pols, Frank Donohoe and Bill Scott, Marie Spry and May Jones, Enid Baker and Bill Scott.

Recently, David West one of our younger members, together with his friend Tyson took part in the walk from Orange to Bathurst to raise funds for Cerebral Palsy. Well done, you are an inspiration to others. Forbes Croquet members put their hands in their pock ets to raise $200 toward the cause.

If you’re interested in a game of croquet, come down to Halpins Flat on a Tuesday at 8.45am to start playing at 9am.

Medals Well Contested

June 6, 2024 by Short Putt

Last Saturday the sun basked a field of 43 players who participated in the Men’s Monthly Medal competition, sponsored by BWR Accountants & Advisors. The A-Grade required a count back, with Jacob Bernardi and Luke Flakelar finishing on 72 nett. The win went to Jacob with Luke missing out by a shot on the back-9.

The B-Grade had a little margin with Anthony Alley taking the win after scoring 70 nett. The runner-up was Barry Parker on 72 nett.

Both did well on the front-9 but it was Anthony’s back-9 that won him the day. The C-Grade was a little closer with two Roberts battling it out. Robert Scott took the Medal with a 70 nett, just edging past Robert Webb who scored 71 nett.

The NTP’s were: 9th – Will Gunn; 18th – Robert Scott. The Pro Shop Super-pin, on the 9th green, went to Will Gunn. The ball sweep went to 76 nett.

Head Pro Will had a Mizuno Equipment Day this week, postponed from last week. This weekend is a long weekend, with the ‘Can-Assist Charity Day to be held on Saturday 8th June.

By Short Putt

Forbes Croquet News

May 31, 2024 by Roxane Manley

On Saturday 25th May 31 players arrived for Aussie Croquet on a rather pleasant morning. We welcomed a visitor Peter Campbell who is at present staying with his Brother in Law Vince Roberts. On the day three games were won by John Job, Allan Jones, Merv Langfield & Kevin Rubie.

14/13 scores were recorded by Robin Pols & John Allegri, 14/12 scoring by John Job & Merv Langfield, Colleen Liebich & Enid Baker, Elvy Quirk & John Cole, Allan Jones, Dorelle Scott & John Job, Elvy Quirk & Frank Donohoe, Harley Stewart & Cheryl Toohey, David & Peter West.

14/11 scores were recorded b y Lyn Simmonds & Cheryl Toohey, Kevin Rubie, Allan Jones & Fay Picker, Neville Spry & Peter West, Harley Stewart & Bruce Field, Merv Langfield & Robin Pols, Kevin Rubie & John Job, Bill Scott (Solo). Other scores on the day were 14/10.

Starting time for the winter season has changed and arrival to play is 9.15 am for a 9.30 start.

Important that you arrive a quarter of an hour earlier than start time to get your name in the draw. Croquet players were saddened in the past week to hear of the passing of Sandy Hepburn who was a much respected member of our Club. We will miss his cheeky smile and the fun times we shared. Last Saturday members wore black armbands and stood in silence in remembrance. Our Sympathy is extended to his family.

Our next monthly luncheon will be held on Tuesday 2nd July. Croquet in Forbes is fast becoming a popular sport and a great form of exercise. Great for hand and eye coordination.

By Elvy Quirk

Great Team Effort By Spacies To Win Three Grades Of Footy At Nyngan

May 31, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The Parkes Spacemen travelled to Nyngan last Sunday and came home with a 3 grade win. We caught up with Paul Clyburn at training on Tuesday night and he said, “It was great to come away with a 3 grade win.

Scores on the day were as follows, League tag lost 8-12, but it was a close game that the girls should have won, Under 18’s won 34-16, Reggies won 56-20 and Firsts won 42-18 Nyngan is very hard to beat at home, to their credit they have the best crowd besides the Parkes crowd.

They are very vocal and always very hard to beat no matter where they are on the ladder, they could be leading the comp or coming last, to get a win out there you gotta earn it.” “First Grade had a good win. We were down a couple of players with Captain/ Coach Chad Porter and Sammy Dwyer out for the match. But the boys played great, the front rowers lead the way with Niko playing the first 40 minutes non stop”. Jacob Smede played well filling in at fullback for Chad, he did a great job, must have done 100 ups, Malakia Folou scored two tries on the wing and it was just a great overall effort by the whole pack.” This weekend is a home game at Pioneer Oval against competition leaders Orange Cyms who are leading the comp in all four grades so it is going to be a great day of footy.

Orange Cyms are coached by ex-NRL player Jack Buchanan who played for the Parkes Spacemen last year, and ex-NRL player Daniel Mortimer is also playing for Cyms in the halfback position. So get up to Pioneer Oval this Sunday to support the Parkes Spacemen in all four grades.

Sport Shorts

May 23, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Forbes Croquet News

Rain was again the winner on Saturday 4th May for Aussie Croquet. We had 40 players for Golf Croquet on a very comforting morning on Tuesday 7th. We had two visitors, Robin Polss daughter Catriona and granddaughter Emily Hunt. There were six players who managed to win three games: Ray Burridge, John Cole, Irene Ford, Kevin Rubie, Neville Spry and Peter West. The big winners were: 11-2 Neville Spry and Mal Smith and 10-3 Elvy Quirk and Catriona Hunt.

Forbes Junior AFL Club

Auskick and Superkick is back on and it kicks off today, 24th May! Sign up your kids and head down to Gaggin Oval every Friday 4.30pm to 5.30pm. Come meet the other kids, kick pass, run lots of fun.

Forbes Rugby Union Club

There were plenty of positives to take away from last Saturday. It was the first time the FRUC have had eight grades take the field on one day. Third grade is back after a 15 year hiatus. It was a big win for first grade, cementing them in 2nd place on the ladder after defeating Dubbo Roos 35-22.

Forbes Sports Person Of The Year Association

The CWCU Monthly Sport Achiever has been awarded to Sage King who recently competed at the NSW State and National Water Skiing titles with some great results and PBs. Sage came first in the Slalom and second in the Trick competitions and placed first overall in the Under 10 Girls division. Great effort and a worthy recipient of the Central West Credit Union Monthly Sports Achiever Award for February.

Eugowra’s Tribute To “Team Of The Century”

May 23, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Tony Dwyer depicted 6th from the left and Wayne Medlyn 8th in the freshly painted Eugowra Rugby League Football Club “Team of the Century” mural

The newly refurbished Eugowra Rugby League Football Club Team of the Century mural, which commemorates 100 years of Rugby League in Eugowra, features none other than Parkes own Spacemen President, Tony Dwyer.

Tony has a long association with rugby league across both the towns of Parkes and Eugowra. He started playing football for the Parkes under 12s in 1972 when they won the competition. However, he then did not return to the game until his first year in under 18s, saying: I stayed two years in 18s, then played for Parkes until 1983 when we won the competition under Ted Goodwin.

Despite playing the entire year for Parkes in 1983 at half-back, Tony was dropped for the semi-final and didnt get back on the field in the grand final, prompting the need for a change of scenery.

I went out to Eugowra, Jock Colley was the coach at the time, and he told me to come out for a run, so I had a run with him for a season and then Jock retired and I coached for the next two years.

Tonys first year in Eugowra was 1984, and he stayed with the team for three years until 1986. We got beat in the grand final in 1984, we won the competition in 1985 and were beat again in 1986, said Tony.

Following the 1986 competition, Tony took a year off football to fix an injured knee, before heading back onto the field with Parkes in 1988. We won the competition that year under Neil Moy, then I gave away playing football and started refereeing, said Tony.

Tony started off refereeing junior league, then stepped up to referee senior league in 1991, resulting in the next 10 years spent in Group 11.

Tony has also coached junior league in Parkes and has been President of The Parkes Rugby League Football Club, for the past four years, declaring that he is happily tied up with the club forever.

Tony never imagined he would one day be depicted larger than life on a mural to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the Eugowra Rugby League Football Club.

Tony explains: That was out of the blue. They rang up one day and said – have you got a picture of yourself? They explained they were doing a mural of all the grand final coaches who had won the competition.

It worked out well, because my good mate Wayne Medlyn came out playing with me in 1985 and he stayed on when I got my knee fixed. He ended up coaching in 1988 and also won the competition.

Tony has fond memories of his time playing football for Eugowra. Eugowra is a great place, and the people, they are a great community, they always welcome you back. Each year there is an event and we all travel back to catch up, I look forward to it every year, concluded Tony.

Forbes Croquet News

May 16, 2024 by Elvy Quirk

It was a very wet day on Saturday 11th May, so Aussie croquet was cancelled.

On Tuesday 14th May Golf Croquet was played with 39 players rolling up for the game. There were some runaway scores of 10/3 recorded by Elvy Quirk & Ray Martin, Bill Scott & Irene Ford, Colleen Liebich &Noel Jolliffe, Bruce Toole &Bill Scott. Also a 11/2 score by Lyn Simmonds & Neville Spry. 8/5 scores were recorded by Evelyn Mahlo & Ray Burridge, John Browne & Frank Donohoe, Geoff Coles & Peter West, Marie Spry & Fay Picker, Neville Spry (solo), Marie Spry & Merv Langfield, Ray Martin & Neil Gilmour, Lyall Strudwick & Noel Jolliffe, John Browne & Marie Spry, Ray Martin & Colleen Liebich, Bruce Field & Allan Jones.

Other close scores of 7/6 also recorded.

It is interesting and pleasing to see some of our new players getting into the swing of things. Well done. Players also please arrive 15 minutes before starting time to get your name into the draw i.e. 8.45am, otherwise you will miss out on the first game.

Three games on 14th May were won by Geoff Coles, Bruce Field, Ray Martin, Bill Scott, Marie & Neville Spry.

A decision has been made by the Committee to hold lunches bi-monthly with the next luncheon scheduled for Tuesday 2nd July at a venue to be decided.

We miss having Joan Littlejohn in our playing circle but understand she is getting a little stronger. Best wishes Joan.

Our Croquet lawns are in pristine condition due to the constant watering earlier by John and Neville, the ground maintenance by our local Council and the recent rain.

Croquet is played at Halpins Flat on Tuesday and Saturday each week and should you be interested in a game come on down and join our group. “Croquet makes me happy.”

By Elvy Quirk

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