Forbes Phoenix

Hubbo’s 400th Ends In Loss To Bulldogs

by

400 CLUB: Andrew Hubbard played his 400th game for the Forbes Platypi on the weekend infront of a parochial home crowd. Pic courtesy of Forbes Rugby Union Club.

Sport like life isn’t always fair and Forbes Platypi stalwart Andrew Hubbard found this out the hard way as Forbes lost to fellow finals contenders Bathurst Bulldogs 24-18 at home in a match worthy of any semi-final.

While the pre-match focus was on Hubbo’s 400th game for the Platypi, Bathurst needed a win to stay clear of fifth placed Dubbo and like Forbes, remain in the hunt for a top two spot along with Cowra.

After nine rounds of the Blowes Menswear Central West Rugby competition Forbes sit in third on 28 points, three behind Cowra on 31 and seven behind ladder leaders Orange Emu’s on 35. Bathurst rounds out the top 4 with 27 points.

With six rounds remaining Forbes XV will need to beat a desperate Dubbo Kangaroos in Dubbo this weekend and hope Orange Emu’s defeat Cowra who are arguably the most improved side in the competition this year.

In other matches, Dubbo Rhino’s took out the Colts 29-12 while the Women’s were blasted off the park 50-0 by the Bathurst Women’s side. Forbes 2nd XV were trounced 38-5 in a contest that never eventuated.

Forbes will play Dubbo Kangaroos in Dubbo this Saturday June 26th at 3.15pm at Dubbo Rugby Club in a must win for the hosts. The Platypi can be as high as second should they get the points and other results go their way.

The NSW Country Cockatoos squad to play in the Senior National XVs Champion-ships in Adelaide later this year has also been announced with Forbes duo Mahe Fangupo and Charlie French both earning caps. These selections follow strong performances in the successful Blue Bulls side that won in Tamworth earlier this month.

 

Staines Seals Panthers Return To Form

by

After being in the unusual position of back-to-back losses, Charlie Staines Penrith Panthers rallied against fellow title hopefuls Sydney Roosters 38-12 last week. The win returns the Panthers to the top of the ladder for at least today.

The men in black didn’t have it all their own way as the Chooks sprung to an early 12-0 lead after 15 minutes. Yet in the blink of an eye, a sin bin to Roosters enforcer Siosiua Taukeiaho after only 22 minutes for a high hit on a falling Nathan Cleary saw the Panthers pile on 22 unanswered points to go into the half 22-12 in front.

If the tri-colours thought they were still a chance at the half Penrith soon put pay to that with a dominant display scoring three more tries including Staines.

The Forbes Magpies Rugby League product crossed in the 63rd minute to end proceedings and give the Panthers a big boost leading into Origin II.

Next up for the title favourites will be old foes Parramatta Eels who themselves fancy their chances at a premiership ring. The winner may go a long way towards winning it in 2021.

Can’t wait!

Fourball Champions Decided

by

On Saturday 60 players contested the Mens 4BBB Championships, run concurrently with the daily comp sponsored by HG Duff & Partners. Scratch Champions were the pairing of John Betland and Peter Dawson on 68. Runners-up were Jacob Bernardi and Todd Callaghan on 73. Handicap Champions were Rob Scott and Stuart Thomas with 63 nett, marginally ahead of Dave Tildsley and Jack Dobell on 64 nett.

Daily Comp the Scratch winners were J Betland/P Dawson ahead of J Bernardi/T Callaghan, while in the Handicap the winners were R Scott/S Thomas ahead of C Hanrahan/W Lovatt who finished on 64 nett.

The Sunday Stableford Medley had a small field with the winner Jonathan Morell on 30 points, ahead of Will Lovatt on 25 points.

Forbes Players did well at the LVDGA Champs and Pennants, contested by a field of 107 players. The A-grade Scratch champion, and winner of the Moulder Cup, was John Betland (72) from runner-up Peter Dawson (75) on count back. The Vets Champion was Kim Herbert with 75, on count back.

The LVDGA Pennants was played in two Grades. Forbes team, comprising J Betland, S Betland, D Bayley, A Dukes, P Dawson and S Sallaway, won the A-grade Scratch with 181 points, ahead of Parkes on 158 points. They also won the Handicap Pennants with 194, ahead of Parkes on 188.

Vets Scratch Pennants was won by Forbes (P Dawson, P Cowhan, N Duncan) with 71 points, ahead of Parkes on 67 points.

The LVDGA Champion of Champions, contested by winners of the Club Opens, was won by S Betland with 76 scratch on the day.

A reminder for Club members to clear their Pro Shop account by the end of the month. Also for Forbes Vets players to pay their 2021-22 fees to Lynnie Roberts.

By Short Putt

Dominos Sports Brief

by

Magpies Lose To Spacies

Forbes Magpies remain rooted to the bottom of the Group 11 competition after a resounding 32-12 loss to the Parkes Spacemen on the weekend in Parkes.

With only a win against Narromine and a draw with Nyngan to their name, Forbes firsts were never in the hunt despite some strong individual performances. Henry Willis again played above his weight while the Spacies had too many to name. Can Forbes turn it around next weekend?

Hats Off To Misfits

A great show of sportsmanship last week when Men’s basketball side Misfits moved their game so their opponents Cespitorians could field a side. Another shout out to Zinger Blockers, a young junior side who finished with a 7-7 record in the men’s competition. Well done boys! Check next week’s Phoenix for the grand final results.

Vale Brian Russell – Trundle’s Mr Horseracing

Eminent racing and breeding journalist, bloodstock agent, historian and renowned pedigree authority, Brian Russell, passed away peacefully in his family home at North Richmond on Saturday, May 22, aged 90. The Trundle local was a popular figure in these parts and will be sorely missed.

Forbes Junior AFL Update

The Forbes/Orange Under 12’s AFL took on the Bathurst Giants in the Central West Junior AFL competition going down 1.1-7 to 5.13-4. The loss leaves the Swamp Tigers in third but in finals contention. Best on ground were Tyson McLennan and Michael Amey. The CWJAFL starts again this weekend away to the Dubbo Demons.

Parkes Races A Success

Despite the threat of rain and COVID down the road in Forbes, the Parkes Races went ahead with no dramas over the weekend. Strong crowds and a good quality field of horses made this one the best yet.

Successful Can-Assist Golf Day

by


Saturday saw the return of the Can-Assist Charity Golf Day, after a hiatus in 2020. A near record field of 111 players showed support for the local charity group.

Scratch winners were the group of T. West, N. Corliss, R. White and S. Edmonds with a score of 66 on a count back from J. Roy-lance, M. Little, B. Thomas and S. Sallaway.

Handicap winners with a score of 57 nett were the trio of J. Morell, R. Pike and A. Saar. The best Ladies team prize went to E. Baker, C. Bratton, E. Coombs and J. Hurkett.

The day was also catered for by the Can-Assist team and many prizes were donated by businesses far and wide. A big thanks to all volunteers especially Beryl and Lynnie Roberts who’s assistance on the Leader Scoreboard was once again invaluable.

The lead organiser, Andrew Grierson, thanked all the supporters, the players and the hard working Can-Assist team as well sponsors and golfers for getting behind the event.

There was no Sunday Stableford Medley comp, but there was a comp on Monday. The scores were generally mediocre, but the fun value was high.

The winner was Caleb Hanrahan with 34 pts, ahead of Phil Maher on 33 pts. The ball sweep went to Harry Callaghan and Dan Bayley. There were no NTP’s.

This Sunday we have the LVDGA Championships and Pennants, being played at Parkes. Contact John Betland or Niel Duncan for more information.

This Saturday 12 June is the first of some Forbes Championship events, with the Men’s 4BBB Stroke Championships, followed by the Men’s Foursome Championships, played over 36 holes on 26 and 27 June.

By Short Putt

Lawnmower Racing Comes To Forbes

by

Last Sunday June 13, Forbes Sports Auto Club hosted the AROLMRA Lawnmower races at Daroobalgie. With five classes on show and decent weather coupled with some game local rider drivers – it was certainly a sensational day with big crowds.

The event is proving more and more popular with punters and has come a long way since its humble beginnings in a small, country pub in Harrietville Victoria in 1988. Five men challenged each other to a race around the local hills of the area after an alcohol-related argument.

They chugged up the steep slopes belching smoke from their unmodified Briggs and Strattons, rounded a nominated gum tree, then flew down in “Angel Gear” – Australian outback slang for neutral – to the finish line.

“Half the town’s 100 people, 300 sheep and 150 dogs were there,” according to Brian Ross, six-time president of the Australian Ride-On Lawn Mower Racing Association (AROLMRA), the biggest lawn mower racing club in Australia.

AROLMRA has over 100 members and a large following all over Australia.

The first ever national race between all the clubs was held in Dubbo NSW on May 16, 2009.

Players Brave The Cold For Golf Croquet

by

The Forbes Croquet Club had 32 brave players turn up for Golf Croquet on Tuesday 8th June. There were 6 players that had 3 wins – Merv Langfield, Jill Rubie, Dorelle Scott, Mal Smith, Neville Spry and Tony Thomson.

The big winners were:
• 11—2 Denny Smith and Tony Thomson
• 10—3 Kevin Rubie and John Farah, John Browne and Ray Burridge

Close games:
• Harley Stewart and Jill Rubie 7, Geoff Coles and Colleen Liebich 6
• John Cole and Mal Smith 7, Elvy Quirk and Bob Murray 6
• Lyn Simmonds and Mal Smith 7, Jenny Job and Evelyn Mahlo 6
• Dorelle Scott and Jeff Liebich 7, Bill Scott and Bruce Field 6
• John MacCullagh and Robin Pols 7, Barry White and Sandy Hepburn 6
• Elvy Quirk and Ray Burridge 7, Bob Murray and John Farah 6
• John Farah and Neville Spry 7, Denny Smith and John MacCullagh 6
• Colleen Liebich 7, Ray Burridge 6
• John Browne and Geoff Coles 7, Kevin Rubie and Neville Spry 6

Due to the COVID scare there was no croquet Saturday 12th June.

By Pegging Out

Blue Bullettes Defend NSW Country Title

by

BACK-TO-BACK: Central West Blue Bullettes Women’s Rugby side defend their Thompson Cup NSW Country Rugby Championships titles with an emphatic 35-15 win over Hunter in Tamworth.

They say it’s hard to climb the mountain once but it’s even harder doing it twice and that’s exactly what the Central West Blue Bullettes have done with a resounding 35-15 win over Hunter at Tamworth in the Thompson Cup last weekend. The win backs up the crown NSW Country Rugby Championship trophy the side took home in 2019.

Unlike 2019, the Bullettes did it the hard way. Difficult conditions married with a sea-son impacted by COVID meant that combinations were a little awry early.

But it didn’t take long for the title fancies to find their rhythm.

Forbes duo Amy Townsend and Paulini Lawanikula figured prominently for the Bullettes with the latter playing a hand in the semi-final win over fellow contenders Central Coast 27-5. The tournament continues what has been a strong season for Lawanikula who’s husband Rusi along with Miniti Tonga, Tom Macleay, Mahe Fangupo and Charlie French all lined up from the Forbes Platypi club for Blue Bulls who also had success at the carnival.

Despite the short campaign, the Bullettes stuck to the task and everyone clicked when it mattered.

Bathurst Bulldogs player and captain Mel Waterford was elated with how the unit came together with little notice and the spectre of COVID hanging over the tournament.

“All the players from 1 to 25 played their part and put together excellent performances,” she said.

“Hunter kept us on our toes and sharp all game,” Mel said.

After an excitable start at a frenetic pace, it was Central West who settled first against Hunter, playing the majority of the match in their half and not allowing them into the game. Dominant forward running and some sublime skills from the outside backs eventually proved too much for the Hunter side as Central West ran out 20 point winners in front of a decent Peel Valley crowd.

Players Strike Form In Medals

by

SMACK: Scott Kirkman about to launch off the tee in the shadows of the morning chill.


Saturday’s comp was the Monthly Medal, sponsored by the BWR Accountants & Ad-visors, with 67 players doing their best to win. The leaders showed a welcome return to form to claim victory.

The A-Grade was won by Dan Bayley (67 nett), finishing well ahead of runner-up Ja-cob Bernardi (71 nett). Dan was under par on the back-9, while Jacob struggled after a good front-9.

The B-Grade was won by Paul Kay (68 nett) in a close finish ahead of Greg Webb (69 nett). Greg came off the back of a good win at Condobolin, but Paul showed his true determination and grit to win after recent weeks of indifferent form. The C-Grade was also close with Tom Toohey (69 nett) nudging Frank Hanns (70 nett) into runner-up. Tom’s front-9 set him up well.

The ball sweep went to 75 nett on count back, so please check in the Pro Shop. The NTP’s went to: 9th – B Chandler, 18th – T Griffiths. The 3rd hole Super Pin went to Glendon Hooper, whose early shot in the day set the target but was never beaten.

There were no visitors, and only a handful of 2’s were scored with most on the 18th.

There was no Sunday Stableford Medley, with players resting after a marathon period of golf.

Numbers can still be entered for the Can-Assist Ambrose Medley. And players are reminded of the LVDGA Championship and Pennants being played at Parkes on 20 June. This comprises an Individual Stroke and Handicap Event with registered teams for the Pennants.

Also on the calendar are the Mens Foursome Championships, played over 36 holes and scheduled for 26 and 27 June. Choose your partner well.

Saturday 12 June is an 18-Hole Ambrose Medley with proceeds going to Can-Assist. Sunday and Monday have Stableford Medleys.

Dominos Sports Brief

by

Magpies Win All Four

Forbes first grade registered their first win of the season 12-4 against the Narromine Jets. League Tag went to Forbes 38-6 while the 18s got up 34-6 and Reggies triumphed 44-16. All eyes will be on Forbes v Parkes this weekend in what shapes as a season defining game for both teams.

Platypi Cement Second Spot

The Forbes Platypi XV snuck home 21-17 against a spritely Orange City side who were fighting to stay in touch with the top sides. Platypi 2nds got the job done 10-5 while Women’s and Colts were both beaten.

Forbes Jockey Club Meeting Sunday August 1

Forbes Jockey Club will be celebrating 25 years with Bankstown Sports when they hold their Showcase Meeting on August 1. Parkes Jockey Club meanwhile will be racing this Saturday June 12 in their annual long weekend race day. Tickets at 123tix. com.au

All-Stars Trounced By Renegades 5-1

Forbes All Stars suffered another defeat on the weekend with a 5-1 pasting at the hands of Parkes Railway Renegades. The All Stars, who are certainly better than the score-lines in recent weeks have suggested, certainly had their chances however the class of the Renegades proved too much in the end.

Netball Spring Comp

The Spring competitions will start with the first grading games on August 25 and the second grading games on September 1. The first round of the competitions will be played on September 8. The Spring competitions will also see the introduction of the Junior Mixed competition for all boys and girls from 8 years to 15 years. Registration help and completed friends forms will be on Wednesday August 18 and 25 at 5pm till 6:30 pm.

Phoenix Office 7/113-127 Rankin Street, Forbes NSW 2871

Editor 0432 337 278
editor@forbesphoenix.com.au

Sales 0432 337 278
sales@forbesphoenix.com.au

View our Privacy Policy. View our Conflict Resolution Process. View our Ethics and Complaints Policy. Want to advertise with us? Information on our Community Promotions.

We are always looking for new articles of interest to the local community.

Please feel free to submit an article for possible inclusion in a future issue.

To submit an article, click here to use our online article submission form.

Subscribe

* indicates required