Sports Archives - Page 4 of 165

Mason Wild Takes Home Australian Dirt Track Title

April 9, 2026 by Roxane Manley

A challenging weekend at the Australian Dirt Track Titles in Albury-Wodonga turned into a moment of triumph for young rider Mason Wild, who claimed the 80 Modified Australian Dirt Track Title after a hard-fought final.

The weekend didn’t start smoothly for the W15 rider, with gate starts proving difficult across multiple classes from the outset of practice. Wild struggled to get clean launches off the line throughout the early stages of the weekend, forcing him to fight from the back of the field in several races.

While the Albury Wodonga track had its challenges, Wild left with the ultimate prize and the Australian Title.

Adding to the team’s strong weekend was brother Reed Wild, who stepped up into one of the most competitive grids in the sport for his first race in the division. Reed impressed, taking third place in his opening heat and earning a direct transfer to the final in the 65cc class. His performance marked a significant milestone and highlighted the depth of talent within the Wild racing team.

The Wild boys also acknowledged the amazing support network behind their racing efforts, thanking their sponsors who help make competing possible, including Beard Brothers MC, JR Mechanical Services, ProMoto Suspension, Ringmaster Images, Little Ripperz, Extra Mile MC, White Race Tuning, Flemmings Roofing and Central West Funerals.

After a tough weekend of racing, one thing is certain the young W15 machine and Mason Wild delivered when it counted most.

Low Handicappers Show Talent

April 9, 2026 by By Short Putt

With conditions making the golf comfortable a number of golfers recorded good scores. Most notable among them were the low handicappers. The field of 46 players who contested the Individual Par event, sponsored by the Forbes Tuesday Golfers, was down on previous weeks as a result of Easter coinciding with the school holidays.

But the quality in play was still there.

The Div-1 Winner was Steve Betland with 3-under. His Scratch score of 67 began with a bogey on the 1 st hole but thereafter it was sub-par golf all the way. The Div-1 Runner-up was Peter Dawson who finished on 2-under. He started smartly to turn better than Steve B but a couple of bogeys on the back-9 cost him.

The Div-2 Winner was Lenny Iyer with 5-under. He faltered on the 2 nd and 15th holes but otherwise used his handicap very well. The Div-2 Runner-up was Paul Pymont. He was comfortable as the clubhouse leader early in the day and was pleased with the way he played the back9. But Lenny from the last group stole his thunder.

The ball sweep went to 2-under on count back. NTPs went to: 9th Paul Pymont, 18th Pat Murphy. Paul made the ‘2’ but Pat missed his. The Super Pin went to Steve Betland (84 cm) which he easily converted.

The comp on Saturday 11 is the April Monthly Medal, sponsored by the ‘Roadies’ boys. Sunday has a Stableford Medley.

By Short Putt

Cam Mcmillan In Front

April 2, 2026 by Short Putt

On Saturday a small field of 38 golfers enjoyed balmy conditions at the Forbes golf course. The conditions promised much and Cam McMillan delivered. The contest was an Individual 18-hole Stroke, sponsored by Forbes Holiday Park. While the numbers were reduced because of many activities around town the quality of golf wasn’t.

The Div-1 Winner was Cam McMillan with a nett 65. He followed on from his success last week and really enjoyed the greens. An ‘eagle’ on the 15th was sheer pleasure.

Runner-up on the day was Scott Kirkman with 72 nett. He mostly enjoyed the greens sinking a monster putt on the 6th for a birdie.

The Div-2 was won by Brett Woonton with 73 nett. He played in good company which helped him swing easy. Runner-up on the day was Max Haley with 74 nett. He was a late starter and had a rushed beginning to his game but ended strongly.

The ball sweep went to 75 nett. NTPs went to: 9th – M Haley, 18th – P Maher.

Only Phil converted for a ‘2’ with the only other score on the 18th also. The Super Pin went to Dave Mylecharane (330 cm) but he missed his ‘2’.The Summer Sixes 2025-26 Season has finished with the Grand Final and Presentation Dinner held on Sun 29 Mar. Live Golf team won the Main Draw GF and Walkers AgnVet won the Plate Draw Final.

The comp coming up on Sat 4th of April is an Individual Par, sponsored by Forbes Tuesday Golfers.

Looking for something to do Easter Sunday and Easter Monday? both have Stableford Medleys.

By Short Putt

Ambrose Winners Go Low

March 26, 2026 by Short Putt

David Sly and Gerard Everson watch the chip shot of Greg Hanns.

On Saturday the golfers enjoyed the conditions at the Forbes golf course so much that they recorded amazing low scores.

The field of 63 players made up 16 teams to contest a 4-Person Ambrose Medley.

The Ladies numbers were depleted with the Wellington Open being held on Sunday, leaving two Ladies to contest the novelty prizes.

The Winners were the last group on the course and full of youthful vigour. The team comprising Harry Callaghan, Cam McMillan Pat Murphy and Jade Page had a low handicap but managed a scratch score of 59 with a resulting 55.75 nett score.

The Runners-up on 56.25 were the team of Henry and Will Nash, Elliot Parker and Charlie Goodsell. They scored a bogey on the 11th hole and had more pars than the winners, which despite a slightly better handicap did not help them.

The ball sweep went to 58.6 nett. NTPs went to: 9th – Men: S Betland, Ladies: nil, 18th – Men: Niel Duncan, Ladies: nil. Both teams converted for 2’s. The Super Pin went to Cam McMillan (220 cm) but while he missed his ‘2’ the team did convert.

The Longest Drives went to 7th Men: B Ashton, 7th Ladies: C Duncan; 15th Men: B Ashton, 15th Ladies: B Duncan.

Forbes Rugby Union Club Golf Day is on Friday 27 March, what a great way to kick off the weekend before Saturday’s Presidents Lunch. Players of all abilities and ages are welcome to play. $25 Members, per player and $50 Non Members, per player. Timesheets are available in the pro-shop.

The competition on Saturday 28 March is an Individual Stroke, sponsored by Forbes Holiday Park.

Sunday has the Grand Final of the Summer Sixes Competition with tee-off at 2pm, and a Stableford Medley for others.

By Short Putt

Forbes Croquet Notes

March 26, 2026 by Elvy Quirk

On Saturday 21 March, Aussie Croquet was played with 27 in attendance. We once again welcomed Glenn Toole who is visiting his parents in town. It was also indeed great to see Robin Pols back playing with us as Robin hasn’t been around too much in the really hot weather.

On the day all three games were won by Noel Jolliffe, Elvy Quirk, Glenn Toole and David West. Congratulations to those players and especially to our visitor Glenn Toole. Glenn enjoys his game of croquet and always joins us for a game when in town.

On Saturday for Aussie Croquet it is imperative that players make use of the clips provided to record whether they have been through the hoop. The memories of some are not as good as they used to be and if the clips are used in the right manner it allows us to not even need to keep our thinking caps on.

On Tuesday 24 March, Golf Croquet was played at Halpins Flat with 36 in attendance. A cooler start but progressed to a warmer day. In all, 26 games were played on the day.

On Tuesday we once again welcomed Erica Campbell, Joy Hocking, Robyn Liebich and Lyn Harmston who commenced playing with us on the Open Day on 10 March.

Well done girls.

All three games on the day were won by Frank Donohoe, Mal Smith, Bruce Toole and Erica Campbell. Erica has only been playing for a couple of weeks and is already showing form, whilst Bruce Toole is in the winning circle which does not often happen. Well done to all the winners.

Correct dress for the game is clean and tidy attire, closed-in shoes must be worn, a hat, and it is important that you bring your own bottle of water.

Croquet is played each Tuesday and Saturday and we welcome any new players. All enquiries should be directed to 0428 540 272.

Just a reminder that Croquet will be played on Easter Saturday and a reminder also that as a mark of respect on Saturday 25 April, Anzac Day, Croquet will not be played.

Until next week. Stay safe. Practice those shots.

By Elvy Quirk

Forbes Dragon Boat Club Fun Day

March 19, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Dragon boating is more than just paddling a long, colorful boat—it’s a celebration of teamwork, athleticism, and cultural heritage.

Dragon Boating is a fast and furious, paddle driven water sport, it’s a celebration of teamwork, athleticism, and cultural heritage that originated in China over 2000 years ago.

The Forbes Dragon Boat Club (Lachlan Dragons) will be holding a fun day on Sunday the 22nd March 2026 on Lake Forbes, the action will be taking place behind the Sport and Recreation Club via Riley Street.

Spectators are encouraged to come along and watch all the action as teams battle it out on the water.

The event will include teams from across the western region who will come together to compete in a friendly and fun atmosphere. Nine teams are expected to be on the water during the day with racing events over 200 metres, 500 metre turn races and other novelty events for paddlers to be involved in.

During the event the Forbes Dragon Boat Club will be running a BBQ, raffles and other fundraising activities to support the club.

The first race will be on the water at 9am and all races should be finished by 1.30pm.

Well over 100 paddlers are expected to be involved in the event with crews travelling from as far afield as Wagga Wagga, Blue Mountains, Dubbo, Bathurst, Orange and Parkes.

If you are looking for something different to do on Sunday morning head along and watch an exciting, colourful and competitive sport in action and barrack for the local Forbes crew who hope to do us proud on the day.

Young Boxer Olivia Hetherington Finds Confidence In The Ring

March 12, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Olivia Hetherington pictured in the centre with Luke Hughes on left and Beejay Ward on the right.

Sixteen-year-old Parkes girl, Olivia “Liv” Hetherington has shown incredible growth since joining Hillbilly Boxing just six months ago. Originally taking-up boxing simply for fitness, Liv had no plans of stepping into the ring. At the time she was extremely shy, and lacking in confidence, but with encouragement from her coaches and teammates she began to grow more comfortable in the gym.

After gaining confidence through training and sparring, Liv took a big step on Saturday, 8 March, competing in her very first bout at EXO Fight Night in Dubbo. Facing Tracey Swoden, a heavier and more experienced opponent, Liv showed courage and determination throughout the fight.

Her efforts did not go unnoticed, with Liv receiving an Encouragement Award on the night for her determination and effort. The once-shy teenager left the ring stronger, more determined, and already looking forward to her next fight.

Olivia had a huge cheer squad in the crowd on the night and she said, “I’m not sure when it will be but I will keep training and I can’t wait for my next fight.”

She spoke of working on her defence and head movement and said, “Thank you to my coaches who believed in me and supported me.”

Coaches at Hillbilly Boxing say they are extremely proud of how far Liv has come, from a shy beginner to a confident young boxer saying, “She’s come a long way from the shy girl who first walked through the doors.”

Outside of her own training, Liv is also known around the gym for helping younger members with their sessions, always willing to lend a hand and listen to her coaches.

Hillbilly Boxing says Liv has become a valued part of the gym community and a great example of what dedication and stepping outside your comfort zone can achieve.”

Come On Down For A Game Of Croquet

March 5, 2026 by Elvy Quirk

Aussie Croquet was played on Saturday 21 February with a smaller attendance, however 21 games were played on the day and were enjoyed by all who attended.

One very close score was recorded when Lyn Simmonds and Bill Scott defeated Neil Riley and Allan Jones 14/13.

Runaway scores were recorded when Enid Baker and Barry White trailed Fay Picker and Noel Jolliffe 14/8, whilst the same score was recorded when Kevin Rubie and Fay Picker defeated Irene Riley and Rex Toole.

There were many scores of 14/12, 14/11 and 14/10.

On Tuesday 24 February, Golf Croquet was played with only 25 players. It was lovely to see Irene Ford again enjoying a game. Irene has not been well but is regaining her strength so hopefully she will return to play all games in the very near future. Our best wishes go to Irene.

There were many good scores recorded and runaway scores were recorded when Elvy Quirk and Kevin Wenning defeated Rex Toole and Heken Lupis 11/2. A further runaway score of 10/3 was noted when Lyall Strudwick and Margaret Dent defeated Sally Perry and Irene Ford.

There were quite a number of 9/4,8/5 & 7/6 scores as well.

After discussion with the Forbes Council we have had two disabled car parks allotted adjacent to the Croquet Club. These are a welcome sight and hopefully those with disabled stickers will have use of them.

In Forbes, croquet is played every Tuesday and Saturday. Come and join us for a game and enjoy the friendship and fellowship of the Club. Please arrive at 8.15am for an 8.30am start. Closed in shoes to be worn, bring your hat, your water bottle and wear some sunscreen. Mallets provided.

Any enquiries call 0428 540 272.

By Elvy Quirk
President, Forbes Croquet Club

NPA NSW Lachlan Valley Branch Walks: Autumn Calender

March 5, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Wednesday 4 March Peak Hill Flora Reserve and Mine: 3kmeasy on track. Meet at Bushmans DamKelly Reserve cnr Thomas St and Peak HilRd at 9.00am. Leader Martin Bell 0429 346586.

Saturday March 21 Borenore Caves: Medium 5km. Mee9.00am at Lions Park Molong Rd ParkesLeader Martin Bell 0429 346 586.

Wednesday April 1 Bumberry Trail (off Renshaw McGirr WayGoobang NP: Hard 6kms. Meet 9.00amat Lions Park Molong Rd Parkes LeadeGraeme MacRaild 0436 966 819.

Saturday April 18Nangar NP Puzzleflat Creek: Medium 6kmsome off track. Meet at 305 Puzzleflat Lane9.30am (45mins travel time from Parkes directions google maps) Leader Juliet Hun0432 470 025.

Wednesday April 29 TBC likely Goobang NP Management Traiopposite Bumberry Ridge carpark. Meet aLion’s Park, Molong Road at 9.00am Leader Liz MacRaild 0455 915 989.

Contact the walk leader the night beforethe walk if you intend to come.

Henry Cross Selected To Represent Australia

February 26, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Henry pictured in full swing on the squash court.

Parkes High student Henry Cross was notified by Sqaush Australia in early February of his selection in the Australian Squad to take on New Zealand in the 2026 TransTasman Test Match from 10-11 April 2026 in Melbourne, with the official announcement being made last week.

“Australia is looking to go three in a row for the first time ever in a Test Match against New Zealand. We will play in Melbourne in April, and I will be the Australian #1 Under 17 boy. This will then be followed on by the Australian Junior Open and Oceania Junior Championship – so I am looking at around 12 days straight of competition, plus an Aussie Squad training the day before,” said Henry.

This will be Henry’s third time representing Australia. Henry first represented Australia in 2023 in U/15 and competed in New Zealand, but the Aussie team lost overall.

Then again in 2024, where he won both his matches in the U/15 and the Aussie team won the test match.

When asked how he was planning to prepare in the lead up, Henry said: “Lots of fitness and on court work. I will work with my dad (who is my coach) and Jason at Parkes Athletic to make sure I’m ready.”

Henry has set himself some big goals for 2026, saying: “Making Australia Under 17’s was my first, but I also am aiming to make the All Schools Team and looking to trial for the Under 19 World Junior Team. I have also just started Year 11 at Parkes High, so am looking to keep my marks up to keep options open for after school is also a big focus this year.”

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