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Forbes Phoenix

Showtime For Young Panthers

September 10, 2021 by Maggi Barnard


Forbes Charlie Staines and his Penrith Panthers will line up against third-placed South Sydney for the second time in a month this weekend in a preliminary qualifier that is sure to be the clash of the round.

In recent years Penrith and Souths have met a few times at the business end of the season and the Panthers have now won the last five against the Bunnies including last years grand final qualifier 20-16. There is a real rivalry developing between the sides.

A year on and both teams have improved especially Penrith who finished the regular season with the third lowest average points scored against per game in rugby league history. The Panthers conceded only 286 points – or only 11.9 points against them per game. Given Souths propensity to leak points and Penrith’s ability to stop them it may be a tough night for the Rabbitohs who will also be without superstar fullback Latrell Mitchell.

Hopefully Ivan Cleary selects Staines after a three-week hiatus for the young flyer – his clash with Alex Johnston should be a highlight. With the rust run out against the Eels for many players, this should be a classic and the smart money is on Penrith to get the chocolates again!

Tip: Panthers 1-12

Forbes Little A’s Rego Open

September 10, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Registrations are open! That’s the call from Forbes Little Athletics for season 2021/2022.

The first club night starts on Tuesday 5th October at 5.30pm. The same day as school returns for Term 4.

Those keen to know more can go to www.lansw.com.au to register with Forbes Little Athletics and get ready to run, jump, throw, walk and roll in the 2021/22 season! Active kids vouchers accepted.

The club is in the process of purchasing a set of 42 new hurdles. These new hurdles will replace old, broken and mismatched hurdles held by the club for many years. To assist in the purchase of this vital resource, the club is also seeking support from business houses and individuals to sponsor one or more hurdles. Sponsorship cost per hurdle is $150, which will include hurdle/s, freight and your business logo/name displayed on each hurdle sponsored, as well as advertising through social media, season handbook and at centre competitions.

If you are interested in providing sponsorship or have registration questions, please send a message through to the Forbes Little Athletics Facebook page or email them at forbeslittleathletics@gmail.com

Follow Forbes Little Athletics on Facebook to keep up-to-date!

Dragon Boats Ready To Paddle After More Funding

September 10, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

MORE MEMBERS AND MORE FUNDS: Forbes Dragon Boat Club has successfully gained funding for more paddles on the back of growing numbers and a lot of hard work done at the Frog Hollow Lake Forbes clubhouse. Pic courtesy of Parkes Phoenix.

“Ready to paddle!” That’s the call coming from Forbes Dragon Boat Club, home of the Lachlan Dragons, after they were successful in receiving grant funding through Forbes Shire Council’s Community Funding Program recently in a real win for the club and the sport.

The club, like many, has been hit hard by COVID and subsequent lockdowns not to mention the normal challenges involved running a regional sports club organisation. Now they have a set of new paddles to show for it and a renewed sense of purpose as restrictions look to be eased over the ensuing weeks and months for the vaccinated. This grant comes on the back of a lot of hard work done by members and volunteers at the club.

The Forbes Dragon Boat Club was established in July 2011 and currently has 37 members. Prior to stay-at-home orders, the club trained once a week and twice a week in summer and participated across NSW and ACT in a number of regattas.

The Forbes Dragon Boat Club welcomes anyone interested in giving Dragon Boating a go with numbers growing remarkably in the last year as many turn-to rowing to keep fit, healthy and social. Situated on the shores of beautiful Lake Forbes near Frog Hollow and the Forbes Bowling Club, there really is no better location in the Central West to give Dragon Boating a try!

Anyone interested is encouraged to seek them out online or social media pages like Facebook (Forbes Dragon Boat Club) for more information. With summer approaching now is a good time to sign up!

If your community group or not-for-profit organisation would like more information about community funding, head over to Council’s website for more details: www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/community/grants-and-support/community-funding-program
#communityfunding #successful #drag-onboat #forbesshirecouncil

LDJRL Follows Other Sports Into COVID Cancellation

September 10, 2021 by Maggi Barnard


First it was union and now junior rugby league has fallen victim to COVID-19 with the Group 11 Lachlan District Junior Rugby League executive voting to pull the pin on season 2021.

In a statement from the LDJRL, most clubs agreed that for the health and safety of the players and communities the rest of the 2021 season shouldn’t go ahead.

President Mark Whitla said in a statement that the LDJRL were disappointed not to be able to continue, but reinforced it was the right decision to keep everyone safe.

Whitla indicated that the league won’t be announcing premiers, but did say they would acknowledge individuals in each grade as recognition for those who had excelled.

Forbes has two junior clubs – Forbes Magpies and Red Bend College both impacted by the decision and who were both enjoying a successful 2021 season until its cancellation.

Under 16s were most impacted by the decision while other age groups were also at the nitty gritty end of a stop-start season.

Rain Dampens Medal Play

September 10, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

WET CONDITIONS: Unfortunately there were wet conditions for the Wallace Cup Final and Stableford Medley on Sunday at Forbes Golf Course.

The field for Saturday’s Monthly Medal comp, sponsored by McFeeters Motor Museum, was reduced to 42 players as a result of cold and wet conditions that set in for the day. This was reflected in the winning scores.

The A-Grade was won by Neil McMillan (72 nett) ahead of Charles Dwyer, also on 72 nett.

The B-Grade went to Tony Cogswell with 72 nett, over Jack Dobell with his 73 nett, which included an untimely ‘8’ on the 17th hole.

The C-Grade once again had the best nett score of the day, this time going to Ri-ley Pike on 71 nett. Runner-up was Mat-thew Duff with 72 nett.

The ball sweep went to 75 nett on count back, so please check in the Pro Shop. The NTP’s went to: 9th – Ben Robinson, 18th – John Betland. The 3rd hole Super Pin went to Ben Robinson with a shot of 1.76 metre proximity, and was a precursor to his form on the day. There were no visitors.

Some hardy golfers ventured onto the course to play the Sunday Stableford Med-ley, in which the scores were impacted by the wet conditions.

The winner was Peter Dawson who managed 33 points. Runner-up was Trevor Toole with 30 points.
The Wallace Cup Final was played in difficult conditions on Sunday. Ben Robinson scoring a solid win over George Falvey.

We record with sadness the passing of Tom Edols late last week. Tom was a stalwart of the club, serving as President in his time, and always keen support competitions as best he could. Our condolences go to Tom’s family.

On Saturday 11th September, there is an Individual Stableford in place of the programmed 4BBB Ambrose. On Sunday there will be a Stableford Medley.

By Short Putt

Nothing Stale About Vale

September 3, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

GREAT DAY OUT: Golfers Stuart French and Ben Robinson like all golfers, went out in pairs for their round on the weekend under strict COVID conditions.

Last Saturday the golfers competed in an Individual Stableford event, under COVID-19 regulations, with many players enjoying the sun but struggling to return a good score. However, Isaac Vale had no problems mastering the conditions with a well-compiled 42 points. Vale’s short game proved the difference in a great round.

The Div-1 winner was Laurie O’Connor, who played well for his 39 points. Runner-up, on count back, was Andrew Quirk with 36 points who nudged past Greg Webb and Scott Kirkman.

The Div-2 winner, with the best score of the day, was Isaac Vale on 42 points. He had no troubles with the scarified greens. Runner-up was Stuart Thomas with a neat 39 points.

The ball sweep went to 33 points on count back, so please check in the Pro Shop. The NTP’s went to: 9th – Niel Duncan; 18th – Todd Callaghan. The 3rd hole Super Pin went to Todd Callaghan with a shot of 2.95 metres proximity.
The field for the Sunday Stableford Medley comp was too small for a comp, which is unfortunate as Louise French once again fired with 40 points. Louise has shown good form on Sunday’s so let us hope it continues.

Remember the ‘Do-it-for-Jarrod’ Day on Saturday September 4, where a gold coin donation is requested. And record your name so that you will be in for the Random Draw prizes.

The COVID Regulations will continue for a while so the Mixed Foursomes Championship, scheduled for Sunday September 5, will be postponed. It is likely the 4BBB Ambrose Medley on September 11 will also need changing.

On Saturday September 4 all play will be in pairs, with the men playing their Monthly Medal, while the ladies will play their 4BBB in pairs.

No Staines But Panthers Leave Mark On Tigers

September 3, 2021 by Maggi Barnard


It wasn’t pretty and the rust was obvious among a handful of returners but Forbes favourite NRL team the Penrith Panthers clawed their way to a scratchy 30-16 victory over the Wests Tigers in Redcliffe.

As the sides traded tries in the opening 20 minutes, new recruit Tevita Pangai Junior in only his second game for the club, barged over to give the Panthers a vital 12-6 lead at the main break. The former Bronco knocked over three would-be tacklers in an inspirational run that gave Penrith the shot in the arm it needed.

Within three minutes of the resumption, mecurial five-eighth Jerome Luai strolled through some brittle defence and when Vilame Kikau forced his way across after 50 minutes the score was beginning to blow out.

A try to Origin winger Brian To’o who was back for the first time since an ankle injury, was enough to see off the Tigers who battled until the end with two consolation tries of their own. For Penrith, the win means they are now equal with Melbourne on top of the ladder with a derby against Parramatta beckoning to finish the regular season.

Forbes Junior Platypi Under 12’s Win Title

September 3, 2021 by Maggi Barnard


After the Central West Junior Rugby Union board decided to end their season early due to recent state-wide lockdowns, major titles were awarded to minor and major premiers where relevant to end the 2021 season.

Due to the decision to end the season taken by both the juniors and seniors, the premierships for each of the grades were awarded to the winners of the major semi-final held at Forbes on August 7.

As a result, our very own Forbes Jun-ior Platypi Under 12’s squad has been crowned the 2021 champions after coming up trumps in their major semi-final, finishing as minor and now major premiers.

The Junior Platypi also had their Under 14’s squad in the finals mix this year, having won their minor semi-final against the Orange Emus.

Despite the fact that they weren’t able to play in the grand final match, the Under 12’s thoroughly deserved the title, having finished the year undefeated for a second successive season.

The Platypi also won the Club Championship after the Under 14s also had a successful campaign, winning their minor-semi.

Second Round Of $100 Million NSW Sports Infrastructure Fund Opens

September 3, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

GRANT FUNDING AVAILABLE: Round 2 of the Greater Cities and Regional Sport Facility Fund will provide grants from $100,000 up to $1 million to eligible sport and recreation organisations and councils. Photo courtesy of PeeWee Photography.

The State’s sports infrastructure boom is set for a further boost, with the opening of the latest round of a $100 million funding program by the NSW Government.

Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said the funding would be available for new and upgraded sports facilities in Round 2 of the Greater Cities and Regional Sport Facility Fund.

“This fund is not just an important boost for local economies and jobs, but also promotes health and wellbeing for residents across NSW,” Mrs Ward said.

“By investing in new and existing sports infrastructure, we are helping more people experience the benefits of participating in sport and active recreation.

“The Fund is creating a sports infrastructure construction boom across the State as part of the NSW Government’s multi-billion dollar infrastructure pipeline.”

Providing facilities that meet community needs and expectations is a priority. “We welcome inclusive projects that encourage the participation of women and girls and people with a disability,” Mrs Ward said.

The Fund will provide grants from $100,000 up to $1 million to eligible sport and recreation organisations and councils. Eligible projects include lighting, amenity buildings, clubrooms, change rooms and grandstands.

Round 1 of the program resulted in $54 million being awarded to 91 projects. They included $1 million to Snow Australia for community snow sport facilities at the National Snowsports Training Centre (NSTC) at Jindabyne, $1 million for a new skate park at Wyatt Action Sports Campus in Lidcombe and $937,500 for a new grandstand at Darling Street Oval, Newcastle.

Round 2 is the final round of the program and sporting organisations and councils are urged to apply. The grant application and assessment process will be overseen by an independent probity advisor. Applications open today and close on 8 October. For more details, see: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants

No Staines As Panthers Flex Finals Muscle Over Bunnies

August 27, 2021 by Maggi Barnard


There was no Charlie Staines, Brian To’o, James Fisher-Harris or Tyrone May but the Penrith Panthers had enough in the tank to overcome an early 12-0 deficit and a mountain of defence to triumph 25-12 over fellow contenders, third-placed South Sydney last weekend.

Lead by youngster Nathan Cleary, Penrith fought back from a mountain of early pressure as the Bunnies threatened to run riot. But this Penrith side is different and cannot only absorb pressure (they have let in less than 11 points per game all year) but apply it back onto their opposition in an instant. Despite the early onslaught from Souths, to trail only 12-10 at the break as Souths began to tire after the Panthers had five consecutive sets of six, buoyed the men in black.

Penrith are one of the youngest and fit-test sides in the NRL and after a frenetic opening half, it was Souths despite all the territory who were looking fatigued.

The second half Penrith’s big men started to assert their authority, meanwhile expos-ing Souths for their lack of size. The domination in the middle allowed little men such as Cleary and Koriasau to work their magic, with the latter grabbing the game winner with time expiring.

The win gives the Panthers a mortgage on second spot with the finals in only a few short weeks and a likely rematch with the Rabbitohs. Penrith play Wests Tigers this week – one of the few teams to beat them this year before a final hit out against fellow semi-finalists Parramatta to close off the regular season.

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