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Forbes Phoenix

Three Life Members For Croquet

November 4, 2022 by Pegging Out

We had 26 players for Aussie Croquet last Saturday. It was good to be back after all the rain and to see a nice sunny day. There were six players who won three games: Sandy Hepburn, John Browne, Merv Langfield, Elvy Quirk, Nevillle Spry and Bill Scott.

BIG WINNERS

14—8 Elvy Quirk and John Job; 14—9 Elvy Quirk and John Browne, Sandy Hepburn and Ray Burridge, John Browne and Alex Todd.

After our games we held our annual general meeting and election of office bearers: President – Elvy Quirk; Vice-President – Kevin Rubie, Secretary – Colleen Liebich; Treasurer – Elvy Quirk; Vice-Treasurer – May Jones; Committee – John Browne, Neville Spry, John Farah, Ray Burridge and Allan Jones; Publicity Officer – Tony Thomson.

Three members were made life members for their untiring work for the club. Congratulations to Elvy Quirk, Neville Spry and John Browne!

We had 28 keen players on Tuesday who dad to duck in and out of showers of rain. There were five players that managed three games: Ray Burridge, John Farah, Kevin Rubie Mal Smith and Peter West

BIG WINNERS

11-2 Peter West and Mal Smith; 10 – 3 John Browne and John Job, Colleen Liebich and John Farah, Peter West and John Job.

SOME CLOSE GAMES

Allan Jones and Neville Spry 7 Merv Langfield and Noel Jolliffe 6; Jill Rubie and Bruce Field 7 May Jones and Tony Thomson 6; Noel Jolliffe and Jenny Job 7 Bill Scott and Rex Toole 6; Ray Burridge and Peter West 7 John Job and Allan Jones 6; Noel Jolliffe 7 Fay Picker and Carolyn Neilsen 6; Kevin Rubie and Ray Burridge 8 Elvy Quirk and Bruce Field 5; Iren Ford and Bill Scott 8 John Job and Vince Roberts 5; Dorelle Scott and Mal Smith 8 Marie Spry and John Browne 5; Kevin Rubie and Alex Todd 8 Vince Roberts and Fay Picker 5; Elvy Quirk and Bill Scott 8 Neville Spry and Rex Toole 5; John Farah and Iren Ford 8 Colleen Liebich and Tony Thomson 5; Marie Spry and Jill Rubie 9 Sally Perry and Rex Toole 4

By Pegging Out

Parkes Golf Foursome Championship

November 4, 2022 by Peter Bristol

The Parkes Golf Club held its annual 27-hole Foursomes Championship on Saturday. The club also had a successful Breast Cancer Awareness Day, co-ordinated by Leonie Stevenson. 

In the men’s division 1 Aaron Wilkie and Joe Van Opynen were the winners with a 113 only 6 over par for the day. In division 2 the pairing of Ross Smith and Wayne Parker won the event for this year.

In the men’s A grade nett Ian Hendry and Peter Bristol took out the event and Ross Smith and Wayne Parker were successful in the men’s B grade nett. 

In the ladies A grade Anita Medcalf and Dale Matthews were winners in the scratch in front of Kathy Jeffress and Kristine Smith. Anita and Dale won the nett event 4 clear of Cathy Kelly and Colleen Staples. In the ladies B grade scratch Kaye Inglis and Jenny Hoy were successful. Kaye and Jenny also won the nett event. 

The Nearest The Pins this week were: Idlerite Tyrepower 1st by M.Skene at 244cm, the Griffins Leading Edge 4th by Joe Van Opynen at 275cm, the Dirt Doctor Landscaping 6th Colleen Staples at 270cm, the Parkes Ready Mixed Concrete 9th by Anthony Riach at 197cm, the Harvey Norman 11th by Damien Noll at 93cm, the Westlime 15th by Steve Betland at 300cm and the Central West Glass 18th by John Betland at 45cm. The lucrative 6th hole was won by Colleen Staples at 270cm this week. 

For the ladies Jenny Hoy won the B grade 4th, Colleen Staples won the 6th and Jacqie Charlton claimed the C grade 11th. 

Ball winners were: Ron Hetherington and Trevor Chatman 108.5, Michael Thomas and Max Keith, Peter Magill and Brendon Simpson 109.5, Ben Howard and Anthony Riach 111.5, John Green and Luke Clarke 111.75, David Stevenson and Craig Matthews 112.

This weekend is the Telescope Tyres & Batteries/Hankook Masters Monthly Medal. Griffins Leading Edge Putting Competition in conjunction / Wally Norman Memorial Medal. Final of the Medal of Medals Sponsor – Parkes Betta Home Living; Final of the Putter of Putters Sponsor – Griffins Leading Edge.

By Peter Bristol

Women Trot Out For Bowls

November 4, 2022 by Lea Orr

Melbourne Cup morning dawned clear with a fantastic turnout of 33 keen bowlers in bright spring-time outfits (covered by warm jackets) who hoofed it out onto the turf to try their luck. 

Twelve ends of blue-ribbon play saw Sue, Rosemary and Joe accept the laurel and cash for the first gallop.

Dazzling bowls in the Diamond League of Game 2 by Rhona, Fran and Darryl, out-classing the field to take the win and cheque.

Catering in the Birdcage was in full swing –many thanks to Sandy and Lea and allthe helpers who took a turn.

As Cup time drew closer, Gary conducted an entertaining auction of saddle cloth numbers, much to the amusement of punters and onlookers! Well done Merilyn, scoring the best result for a small outlay. Thanks to Rhona for the fabulous raffle prize. Lucky Bob Freeman tucked that in his saddle bags!

The best of luck to our triples team, Jan, Marja and Liz, contesting the playoffs of the District Triples in Forbes tomorrow.

The final of the club Minor Pairs will be played next Tuesday: K Craft/L Ryan vs C Curteis/L Baker 

By Lea Orr

Denise In Australian Hockey Team For Fifth Time

October 28, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Denise Gersbach and Maureen Massey, with Graeme Thompson on the right.

Parkes hockey player Denise Gersbach has been selected in the Australian Over 50s team to compete in the Trans-Tasman Challenge in Christchurch, New Zealand in May next year.

Denise will be representing Australia for the fifth time in New Zealand.

Two other Parkes players have been selected as shadow players for Australian teams.

Maureen Massey as a shadow goalkeeper for the Australian over 65s team, and Graeme Thompson as a shadow player for the Australian over 45’s team.

Unfortunately for Maureen, Australia could not select an over 70s team, which is Maureen’s age division, due to a lack of numbers on New Zealand’s part. This means Maureen had to compete with the 65-year-olds for a spot in the team.

If Maureen gets called up it would be her eighth time to represent in the green and gold.

The Trans-Tasman is a three match tournament between Australia and New Zealand for men and women’s teams from over 35s to over 65s every second year.

The men have an over 70s age division.

We keep our fingers crossed for Maureen and Graeme, and congratulations to Denise!

A Sunny Day For Bowls

October 28, 2022 by Lea Orr

Tuesday morning dawned bright and sunny and attracted 17 ladies to the Parkes Bowling & Sports Club for a social roll up.

We welcomed a couple of new belles to our very social group. Thanks to Joe D, Judy Chambers and Judy Nobes now know the basics of lawn bowls! Lynn Ryan and Lea Orr followed up the training, combining with the newbies in a friendly game of pairs. Hope you enjoyed yourselves, girls, despite the caffeine withdrawal at 11am!

The Grade 3 Pennants ladies teamed up for some extra practice in preparation for the State playoffs next month. Brenda Davies/Di Howell/Maureen Miller/Liz Byrne came away with the win against Marja Iffland/Heather Harvey/Rhona Went after playing some impressive close ends.

A well-matched game of triples resulted in Gwenda Carty/Maureen Baillie/Rosemary Mitchell just going down to Frances Charlton/Kay Craft/Joan Simpson on rink 2.

Maureen M, Marja and Judy C each pocketed cash in the 100’s club (that should entice Judy back to cover her next green fees)!

Next Tuesday, 1st November is our Melbourne Cup Spring Carnival for a 10am start. Mixed 2-bowl triples, 2 games of 13 ends. Teams will be drawn after this Saturday, so please put your names down at the bar! $20 covers lunch, green fees and bubbles. Non-players lunch $10. Wear Spring mufti and join in all the excitement of cup day. Sweeps are already available at the club.

Looking ahead, the final of the Minor Pairs Championship will be contested on 8th November, between K Craft/L Ryan vs C Curteis/L Baker. Good luck to each of you. Social Roster: Rose Mitchell

By Lea Orr

Gary Wins Minor Singles

October 28, 2022 by Marthy Tighe

Gary McPhee is the 2022 Minor Singles champion.

The final of the 2022 Minor Singles was played on a heavy green at the Parkes Bowling & Sports Club on Sunday.

Mick Simpson, who has taken the bowls scene by storm this year, played last year’s runner-up Gary McPhee. Gary has been in scintillating form of late and was the favourite for the title, which was played in front of 20 spectators under humid conditions.

The first 7 ends belonged to the underdog, as Mick didn’t hold back, leading by 10 shots to 5, helped by a classy 4 on the second end. Gary held his nerve, picking up a 4 on the ninth end to bring the match to level scores, as both bowlers delivered, and then defended draw shots and their shots near the jack.

Gary eventually regained the lead and was leading by 18 to 15, after which he was never headed, demonstrating his experience in the big moments, and won the title by 25 shots to 16.

Both Bowlers played great bowlers and it was unfortunate that there had to be a loser in the final. Congratulations Mick Simpson on a great singles campaign in majors and minors grade this year.

Last Thursday’s social bowls were washed out again, and on Saturday only 10 social bowlers took the punt on bowling a few ends and they managed to reach the jack occasionally, before the next rain event swept across the greens. 

By Marthy Tighe

Jessica Wins Prestigious Award

October 28, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Jessica Ashcroft with her NRL Award.

“When they announced the award and the prize, I thought in my head ‘oh wow that would be nice, especially watching the NRL grand final’, and then next minute my name was called up!”

Jessica Ashcroft of the Forbes Magpies was named the 2022 Women in League Award winner recently.

She had no idea she was nominated for the NRL award, which is presented to someone who has acted as an exceptional advocate for the advancement and opportunity of women in rugby league.

“I had so many mixed emotions and was shocked and excited, but most of all proud. Everyone knew except me! When I was standing up there, I had to say a speech and to be quite honest I couldn’t say much as I was still speechless.”

Jessica has played rugby league for Forbes Magpies Junior Rugby League Club from a young age and is an exceptional player for the club’s senior competition. She always looks for opportunities to pass on her knowledge and skills to others.

She has been described as a wonderful role model for the youth of the club, girls, and boys. Coaching the under 8s, refereeing for the club and mentoring upcoming referees are just some of the ways Jessica makes a significant impact on youth at her club.

Going forward Jessica said: “My goal within the footy aspect would be to referee at an NRL game. This has been a goal of mine for a while and I’m slowly getting there refereeing different ages and events. I went to Tuggerah, Central Coast to referee the women’s state titles.”

She said the recognition of the award had inspired her to push harder and further as a referee and player.

Funds For Forbes Soccer Female Participation

October 28, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

At the $9,000 funding announcement for the Forbes & District Soccer Club were (L-R) Nationals Candidate for Orange Tony Mileto, Club President Paula Browne, MLC Sam Farraway, Head Coach Doug McKenzie, Deputy Mayor Chris Roylance, Mayor Phyllis Miller and soccer club players.

Forbes Soccer Club will be starting development programs for girls thanks to a $9,000 grant.

“With this funding, our club can fund new training sessions with female coaches which will provide the opportunity for girls to learn and play a sport in a fun and engaging environment,” said Club President of Forbes & District Soccer Club Paula Browne.

She welcomed the announcement and thanked the NSW Government, saying that the investment would ensure young girls in the area could participate in the sport.

“I am grateful to the NSW Government as it supports our children and young people, through initiatives like the Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative.”

NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway said the funding would support the club in hiring female coaches and referees, deliver more player advancement sessions and increase the number of females in the executive leadership.

“Programs such as Forbes Soccer Club’s is a great example of how we can improve the inclusiveness of sports for women.

“The club will recruit more female staff, deliver ‘come and try’ sessions for juniors and tailor advancement programs to push young girls to dream big.”

The Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative is funded through the NSW COVID-19 Economic Recovery Initiative and the co-funded NSW and Australian Governments’ Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply for funding for wellbeing programs, events and resources as part of the initiative.

Applications for both large and smaller grants are open now and close on 31 December 2022, or when fully allocated.

For program and eligibility guidelines, visit nsw.gov.au/YouthWellbeing.

 

Rain Cancels Croquet

October 28, 2022 by Pegging Out

Rain again won the Day for Aussie Croquet last Saturday.

Then on Tuesday, Council cancelled all games on Council fields.

We have our annual general meeting after Aussie Croquet tomorrow (Saturday, 29th October). If it rains again the meeting will still take place at the club house starting at 10am. All are welcome.

Play will now be starting at 9am. Let’s hope the weather will be kind to us. That’s it for now.

By Pegging Out

Croquet Continues Despite Flood Waters

October 21, 2022 by Pegging Out

With flood waters rising we had 29 players for Aussie Croquet on Saturday. Three players had three wins – John Cole, Kevin Rubie and Alex Todd.

BIG WINS

• 14—8 John Farah and Harley Stewart,Alex Todd and Kevin Rubie, LorraineTodd and John Farah

• 14—9 Geoff Coles and Alex Todd, JillRubie and John Cole, Fay Picker andKevin Rubie

CLOSE GAMES

Carolyn Neilsen and Fay Picker 14 Bill Scott and Marie Spry 13; Cheryle Toohey and Neville Spry 14 Wayne Smith and Ray Burridge 13; Jill Rubie and Robin Pols 14 Jeff Liebich and Marie Spry 13; Doreen Rogers and Allan Jones 14 Lorraine Todd and Robin Pols 12; Cheryle Toohey and Bill Scott 14 Carolyn Neilsen and Neville Spry 12; Carolyn Neilsen and Neville Spry 14 Fay Picker and Peter West 12; Wayne Smith and Ray Burridge 14 Carolyn Neilsen and Marie Spry 11; Bob Murray and John Cole 14 Lorraine Todd and Jill Rubie 11; Doreen Rogers and Robin Pols 14 Dorelle Scott and May Jones 11; Wayne Smith and Ray Burridge 14 Tony Thomson and May Jones 11; Kevin Rubie 14 John Job10; Geoff Coles and John Farah 14 Colleen Liebich and John Job 10; Harley Stewart and Dorelle Scott 14 May Jones and Tony Thomson 10

With flood waters receding on Tuesday, we had 31 players for Golf Croquet. A big total of seven players had three wins – John Browne, Merv Langfield, Robin Pols, Neville Spry, John Farah, Colleen Liebich and Sally Perry.

BIG WINS

• 10—3 Colleen Liebich and Tony Thomson, Robin Pols and Bruce Field

• 9—4 Colleen Liebich, Neville Spry andLorraine Todd, John Browne and SallyPerry

CLOSE GAMES

Neville Spry and Rex Toole 7 Elvy Quirk and Lorraine Todd 6; John Farah and Geoff Coles 7 Peter West and Sandy Hepburn 6; Kevin Rubie and Iren Ford 7 Alex Todd and Ray Martin 6; John Browne and Merv Langfield 7 Jill Rubie and Vince Roberts 6; John Farah and Tony Thomson 7 Sandy Hepburn and Fay Picker 6; Elvy Quirk and Merv Langfield 7 Alex Todd and Marie Spry 6; May Jones and John Farah 7 Geoff Coles and Ray Martin 6; Colleen Liebich and Lorraine Todd 7 Carolyn Neilsen and Alex Todd 6; Sandy Hepburn and Fay Picker 7 John Job 6; Neville Spry and Jill Rubie 7 Bill Scott and Tony Thomson 6; Bruce Field and Merv Langfield 7 Elvy Qoirk and Rex Toole 6; John Browne and Robin Pols 7 Dorelle Scott and Lyal Strudwick 6; Bill Scott 8 Lyal Strudwick and John Job 5; Dorelle Scott and Sally Perry 8 Jeff Liebich and Joan Littlejoh 5; Jeff Liebich and Bill Scott 8 Jill Rubie and Bruce Field 5; Peter West and Lyal Strudwick 8 Vince Roberts and Kevin Rubie 5; Ray Martin and Robin Pols 8 Dorelle Scott and Carolyn Neilsen 5; Kevin Rubie 8 Marie Spry 5.

Congratulations to Neville Spry on his 80th! 

Our annual general meeting is on Saturday, 29th October.

By Pegging Out

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