Sports Archives - Page 40 of 164

Use Your Active Kids Vouchers Before It May Become Too Late

May 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway has today called on Chris Minns and Labor to reinstate funding for the $100 ActiveKids vouchers. The vouchers, which provided $100 for parents, guardians and carers of school-enrolled children to use towards sport and active recreation costs each year, are currently subject to Labor’s ‘Comprehensive Expenditure Review’ and are facing the axe.

Mr Farraway said the vouchers had significantly increased participation in sport across the central west, with more than six million vouchers provided to families across NSW since 2018.

“I’ve seen first-hand the difference these vouchers have made, particularly as the cost of living has increased,” he said.

“This program is the biggest grassroots sport funding initiative in Australia and has driven huge increases in participation in all sports – it is worthy of funding. Sport plays such an important role in social cohesion in rural and regional communities and is an essential part of regional life,” explains Mr Farraway

Mr Farraway called on the Labor government to save the ActiveKids vouchers to make sure regional kids can access opportunities in sports. “What Labor must understand is that regional areas have a higher cost of living than the city,” he said.

“I’ve had contact from many local central west families, and they’ve told me that if the ActiveKids voucher is scrapped, they won’t be able to afford sport for their kids anymore – it’s as simple as that.”

With registrations for winter sports upon us, now is the time to use the vouchers before they may be cut.

Dan Ryan Plays 150th Game For The Parkes Boars

May 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Dan Ryan running the Boars out onto the field on Saturday surrounded by friends, family and team mates.

Nine year old Dan Ryan had no idea that his stint in the Under 10s Parkes juniors, back in 1999, would see him go on to play his 150th game for the Boars First Grade team last Saturday at Spicer Oval against Bathurst CSU.

This milestone was even sweeter, with the Parkes Boars taking a convincing win against CSU with the final score of 96 – 7.

“It was really cool to have my family there and to also play alongside (brother) Ben. he’s always been there and has been my biggest supporter,” said Dan.

Dan had nothing but praise for the support he has always received from his mum and dad, Cathy and Allan Ryan.

“Mum and dad are always there, it doesn’t matter where I play, they seem to find their way there. I remember one time I played down in Melbourne for NSW Country and dad drove down with Ben to watch the game and then drove straight back to Parkes.”

In addition to his 150 games for the Parkes Boars, Dan has a long list of representative football experience. Dan has played for the Central West Blue Bulls for almost 11 years and has also been fortunate to be selected to play for the Country Cockatoos for six years.

Of his representative matches, Dan said, “Probably the most memorable game was when we played Queensland Country. It was the opener before the British and Irish Lions played in Newcastle. Getting to play football at the big stadiums is always exciting.”

The Ryan family have been with the club through the good times and the hard times. Dan commends his dad and the entire community for their dedication to building the new Club House at Spicer Oval.

Dan doing what he does well, securing the ball for Parkes in the lineout.

Forbes High School Students Wet A Line For Sport

May 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Tara Morrison and Forbes High School students Wade Barter, Huntah Mckenzie, Charlie Newton, Shane Moxey, Adam Cuskelly and Blake Curran enjoyed fishing on Lake Forbes this week.

It was hard to miss all of the Forbes High School students making the most of a beautiful autumn afternoon and enjoying a spot of fishing on the river as part of the stage four (years seven and eight) organised sport activities.

Forbes High School Sports Co-Ordinator, Tara Morrison said, “Fishing is quite a popular choice for sports, we are incredibly lucky that we have the river. The new footbridge with the fishing pontoon is amazing and the kids really enjoy themselves and love fishing off there.”

Fishing is usually offered as a sport selection during terms two and term three as terms one and term four are generally too hot. The students can bring along their own fishing rods or use ones supplied by the school.

Tara, who grew up in Eugowra, also attended Forbes High School as a student. She moved away after school, but returned as a teacher and is happy to be able to teach at the same school she attended.

In terms of getting kids active, Tara explained, “We try to focus on the whole body, obviously physical activity is important but so are their minds and making sure the kids are relaxed is important. Fishing provides a great social aspect as the srudents all have it as a common interest they enjoy.”

Other popular sports with the FHS students currently are walking, as the students enjoy the walking track around the lake.Squash is quite popular in addition to other sports offered at school such as basketball, netball and touch football.

“Anything that gets kids outside, and moving, where the fresh air helps them clear their minds is good.” said Tara.

Regional NSW Set To Celebrate With Big Hearted Bashers

May 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Spectacular is an understatement, for the larger-than-life event that will see 130 mad-cap vintage vehicles roll into Eugowra, on day one of the 2023 NSW Bash on Sunday 21st May. They will also visit Eugowra Public School with a very special grant.

Now in its 31st year on the road, the Variety NSW Bash is set to be exceptional with more than 300 Bashers in 100 weird and wonderful cars set to visit 16 regional towns.

The colourful convoy of fun vehicles is set to delight little and big kids alike and will include nine NRL team themed cars, Team Tonka, Spongebob Squarepants, Toy Story Crocodile Dundee, Scooby Doo, Transformers, Shrek, Star Wars, Dark Lords, Minions, Trolls, Flintstones and Thomas the Tank Engine themed vehicles.

The convoy will roll into 12 schools along the way, delivering more than $80,000 in grants to meet each school’s wish list; ranging from a food van for hospitality training, chicken coop and chicken run, cubby house, sandpit, shade sail, netball and baseball tower and trikes to a 3D printer, podcast equipment, laptops, iPads, Lego, science apparatus and library refurbishment.

The bighearted convoy will start the seven day 2,160km journey in Dubbo and travel to Eugowra, Greenthorpe, Stockinbingal, Leeton, Conargo, Bunnaloo, Echuca, Lowesdale, Narrandera, Murrumburrah, Thirlmere, and St Marys before returning to Newcastle’s Foreshore for the Variety Family Fun Day. A special event where the public can welcome the Variety Bash cars back from their outback adventure, enjoy free live entertainment and for a small $5 cost, kids can enjoy unlimited amusement rides, face painting, petting zoo, fairy floss, balloon sculptures and plenty more.

2023 Variety NSW Bash route:

• Day 1: 21 May Dubbo, Eugowra, Cowra

• Day 2: 22 May Greenethorpe, Stockingbingal, Leeton

• Day 3: 23 May Leeton, Conargo,Euchuca

• Day 4: 24 May Bunnaloo, Lowesdale, Narrandera

• Day 5: 25 May Narrandera, Murrumburrah, Goulburn

• Day 6: 26 May Tirranna, Thirlmere, St Marys

• Day 7: 27 May St Marys, Newcastle Foreshore.

Billabong Creek Challenge

May 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Saturday, 13th May saw the running of the annual Billabong Creek Challenge sponsored by Cooper’s Boys. This event celebrates the involvement that Cooper Thomson had with the PGC, and his playing partners keep that memory front and centre and we thank them for their sponsorship. There were 73 players contesting this 3 person event with a unique scoring system.

With a score of 87 points, Aaron Wilkie, Andrew Bourke and Peter Amor showed having a team heavy hitters meant that no hole was more than a driver and iron to get close in on the pin. The only disadvantage for this side was they didn’t get many holes where they had a shot to score with and therefore allowed a balanced side like Cody Hando, Jack Matthews and Brad Wales to utilise the holes where they had shots to score and only failed by a point in catching them.

The Nearest The Pins on Saturday were –The Idlerite 1 st by Max Keith at 333cm, the Harvey Norman 11th by Rob Parnell at 51cm and the 18th by Anthony Riach at 55cm. The lucrative 11th hole was won by visitor from Wellington Rob Parnell at 51cm. Ball winners were team Smith and Thomson plus David Stevenson, Rod Kiley and Rob Cheney on 83 and Nym Dziuba, Col Breadan and Reg Davison on 82.

This weekend, the Prostate Cancer 4 Person Medley Ambrose Sponsored by Prostate Awareness Day with $2,000 in prizes is on the Saturday and the Men’s and Ladies Foursomes will be on the Sunday as a 27 hole event. There are still time slots available at the ProShop.

May Monthly Medal

May 12, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Saturday was the May Monthly Medal and a field of 78 contested the Telescope Tyres and Batteries/Hankook Masters event with the daily sponsor being Parkes Courier Service and we thank them for their continued support of golf in Parkes.

In A Grade the very much in-form Wayne ‘Pup’ Parker had the after burners on as he scorched the course with his 72 off the stick, a clear 6 strokes in front of the runner-ups in Michael Dumesny, Phil Bishop and Michael Thomas and another 5 chasers on 79.

In B grade Mick Smith had a great round of 79 to take the scratch a clear 5 strokes clear of Richard Hamilton, who has been in consistent form of late and a further stroke back to Aaron Drabsch.

In C grade Rob Lea powered in a solid 85 to lead the field in and win the event by a clear 4 strokes from Col Breaden.

The competitive Griffins Leading Edge putting competition was won by Wayne Parkerwith 24 putts which obviously shored up his game on the day. In the ladies putting competition Sue Holman picked up the prize with 30 putts.

Evolution Mining Forbes All Age Regional Netball Carnival

May 12, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Teams travelled from Orange, Bathurst, Dubbo, West Wyalong, Yass, Mudgee, Parkes, Cowra, Blayney, Cootamundra as well as our local Forbes teams. Over 200 games of netball were played during the day.

A brilliant day of netball was had by all on Sunday, 7th May when Forbes Netball Association staged the annual All Age Regional netball carnival.

The carnival was sponsored by Evolution Mining, and the FNA thank Evolution for their generous support of the association and all the Forbes members. This is the first time a major sponsor has come on board to support the carnival, which was a huge success.

A record 16 teams of 11 years played a full day, showcasing the future talent and love of the game by the future stars.

Ages ranged on the day from 11 years mixed to open ladies, as teams battled it out for the top of the ladder, with 8 separate age groups played.

The day started off with the traditional Nut Bush, at 8:20am, when all the players join together to celebrate the start of the carnival, and the fun that was to be had during the day.

Thanks go to Greg Ridge and the Forbes Shire Council outdoor staff, who prepared Stephen Field for the day. Without the help of these great workers, the carnival would not have been as successful.

The FNA Committee look forward to seeing the rest of their new courts built, as complaints were made over the state of the surface on some of the old courts, which are breaking up and becoming unplayable.

Results of the day:

• 17 rep/opens winners West Wyalong opens, runners up Cowra 17s.

• 15 rep winners Blayney, runners up West Wyalong.

• 14 rep winners Mudgee, runners up Cowra.

• 13 rep winners Dubbo, runners up Yass.

• 12 rep winners Dubbo 13 Dev, runners up Yass.

• 12 years Development winners Dubbo, runners up Bathurst.

• 11 years Gold winners Dubbo White, runners up Yass Blue.

• 11 years Blue winners Orange Orange, runners up Mudgee Purple.

Success For Phil Maher

May 12, 2023 by By Short Putt

Last Saturday, 6th May, the men’s golf competition was an Individual Stableford. The field of 55 players enjoyed the sunny conditions, but only a few capitalised to produce a good score on the day.

The Div-1 Winner was Phil Maher with 40 points, having birdies on the front-9 and steady play on the back-9. Runner-up was Scott Kirkman with 39 points, and may have done better without a wipe on the 15th.

The Div-2 scores were lower with Dave Rhodes earning a rare win with his 32 points, albeit by count back. His was a display of patience with many missed putts. Runner-up was Mike Prior with 32 points. He was undone by a poor back-9.

The NTP’s went to: 9 th – G Brownhill; 18 th – J Ridley. The Pro Shop Super-pin went to Caleb Hanrahan with a shot to 1.90 metres. He gave thanks to Head Pro Adam whose shot was better but who kindly stepped aside. The ball sweep went to 33 points on count back.

There were quite a few visitors in the field, some of whom had stayed over after the Vets ‘WoG’ and some were here to support their partners in the Ladies Open on Sunday.

The ‘Trilogy of Golf’ began last weekend with the first leg played at the Condobolin Open on Sunday. Forbes players positioned themselves well with John Betland as A- Grade Scratch runner-up on 73, Peter Dawson the Vets Scratch winner, and Reggie Murray the Junior Scratch winner. This weekend we have the Monthly Medal, with a Stableford Medley on Sunday.

Don’t forget, this Sunday is all about mum, and we have a great day planned at the Forbes Golf and Sportsman’s Hotel, with Shane Kerr playing live from noon.

By Short Putt

Croquet News

May 12, 2023 by Pegging Out

It was as very pleasant morning for Aussie Croquet on Saturday 6th May, for 23 players. There were six players who won three games, Bill Scott, Merv Langfield, John Job, John Cole, Sandy Hepburn

and Colleen Liebich. The big winners on the day were:

• 14 – 8 Bill Scott and John Cole, Colleen Liebich and Ray Burridge

• 14 – 10 John Job , Colleen Liebich and Bill Scott, Harlety Stewart and Alex Todd, Coleen Liebich and John Farah, Alex Todd and John Job, John Farah and Merv Langfield.

The morning started of very miserable and cold on Tuesday 9th but it brightened up as the morning went on, we had 30 players turn up for Golf Croquet. Only 2two players won three games, Neville Spry and Noel Jolliffe. The big winners on the day were:

• 11 – 2 John Job and Bill Scott, Ray Martin and Mal Smith

• 9 – 4 Iren Ford and John Cole, Sandy Hepburb, Lyal Strudwick and Fay Picker

That’s it until next week.

By Pegging Out

Round One Kicks Off For Forbes Junior AFL

May 5, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The under 14’s team, except for Zain Clark and Reece Matheson who were missing for the photo.

The Swamp Tigers knew they were in for a tough game on Sunday, as the Bathurst Giants controlled possession from the first bounce. Inaccurate kicking from Orange/ Forbes and strong pressure from the Giants in the first quarter enabled the Giants to dominate but Orange/Forbes were able to stay in touching distance at the first break, trailing by only 17 points.

Orange/Forbes made the same mistakes and Bathurst flexed their muscles and used their superior height to kick four goals to none to put the Swamp Tigers away and take an 8.12 (60) to 0.6 (6) victory.

Despite the loss there were several promising signs for Orange/Forbes with the midfield performing well and the two best players for Orange/Forbes being debutants Logan McMahon and Raphael Milsom.

The under 17’s featured the debut of Forbes’ Reece Matheson and it was a great day out for Reece and the rest of his teammate as Orange/Forbes took a first round win over a determined Giants 7.4 (46) to 4.5 (29).

The third quarter saw the Swamp Tigers take control keeping the Giants scoreless while kicking 2.1 and it was even better in the fourth quarter as Orange/Forbes kicked 3.2 to take a strong win 7.4 (46) to 4.5 (29).

Best on ground for Orange/Forbes was Harvey Shephard who kicked two goals and Reece Matheson was impressive in his debut game of AFL.

In the other games the under 12’s won 11.9 (75) to 4.4 (28) whilst in the Youth Girls Orange won 6.9 (45) to 2.6 (18).

Next week will see Orange/Forbes taking on the Bathurst Bushrangers over in Orange.

Thank you for all of your support this year, it has been amazing!

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