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Forbes Phoenix

Staines Wipes Hapless Titans With Double

May 21, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

The Penrith Panthers continued their unbeaten run making it ten on the bounce with an emphatic victory 48-12 over the depleted Gold Coast Titans on Sunday night .

Charlie Staines scored a double early in the comprehensive drubbing that also saw Nathan Cleary bag three which could’ve been more.

The Panthers shot to a 30-0 half time lead after Ese’ Ese was sent off for a high shot on Brian To’o, the pocket rocket who continues to set the league alight with his impressive record.

Tries to Moses Leota, Villame Kikau and Kiwi prop James Fisher Harris, who must be a contender for forward of the year saw the Panthers reach an unassailable lead. The Titans tried but the sin binnings, quality of the opposition and some 50/50 calls against them inevitably proved too much.

Penrith’s unbeaten start makes them the seventh team to do so after ten rounds.

Next week in Dubbo, Penrith face Souths in Dubbo in what many believe may be the game of the season. See you there!

Can Anyone Stop Flint Tropics In 2021?

May 14, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

JOSTLING FOR POSITIONS: Like the players from Maybe Babies and KMS, teams are battling for semi final spots with four teams vying for three spots.


The latest round of Forbes Basketball Association Men’s Competition means that after ten rounds, Flint Tropics remain undefeated with an imposing 10-0 record – three wins clear of defending champions Misfits after their 38-31 victory last week in a potential grand final preview.

In the battle for third and fourth leading into the semi finals, Cespitorians held on 37-33 over Zinger Blockers in a dour affair where neither team could get away. The win was vital for Cespitorians, who remain the real dark horse for the title and who now sit at 6-4 only one win behind Misfits but more importantly, two wins clear of Zinger Blockers (4-6) and three clear of KMS (3-7) who are battling for fourth. KMS won 49-32 over the much improved Maybe Babies.

With the semi finals in sight, the ladder is starting to take shape and the real question everyone is asking is – can anyone stop Flint Tropics and steal their thunder? Will 2021 be the year they breakthrough? Watch this space…

Staines Leaves Marks On Sharks With Three

May 14, 2021 by Maggi Barnard


It is nearly becoming a weekly occurrence for Forbes Magpies junior and Penrith Panthers flyer Charlie Staines, though this week he scored three tries in a 48-0 strong showing against the Cronulla Sharks last weekend.

Buoyed by the Panthers scintillating start to the season that has seen them go 9-0 in the NRL, undefeated in NSW Cup and only one defeat in Jersey Flegg, Staines continues to shine in a star-studded side that has also won 26 of its last 27 and plays a Titans team this Sunday that may be without star player David Fifita.

It was Staines seventh try against the Sharks in only two games leaving the former NRL powerhouse languishing near the bottom of the ladder. Sharks fans must be sick of the sight of Staines, a phrase previously unheard of after former Queensland Origin prop Dan played with the club during the 80s and 90s.

Yet bigger tests lay on the horizon for the young Panthers with Origin meaning up to six players may be out which will certainly test the team’s depth. Games against Souths this month and the Roosters and Eels back-to-back in late June early July also loom as a real litmus test for the club before Melbourne again in August in what may well be the precursor to this year’s decider.

A rematch between last years combatants looks certain at this point and nothing short of a win on their 30th anniversary since their first title will be enough for the Panthers.

As for Staines, its Magic Round next Sunday against the Gold Coast Titans in Brisbane and a shot at the perfect 10!

Magpies And Tigers Battle Out 26-All Draw

May 14, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

It was always going to be a tight game between the Forbes Magpies and Nyngan Tigers at Spooners last weekend and that’s exactly how it played out. In a see-sawing affair, neither side could deliver the killer blow when it mattered despite numerous opportunities. Reserves went down 28-16 while Juniors grabbed a 34-22 win and Women’s League Tag also had a draw 6-all.

The Magpies travel to Apex Oval in Dubbo next Sunday to play old foe Dubbo CYMS in the first of back-to-back trips to the city with Macquarie Raiders the week after. Forbes first grade won’t play at home again now until 4 July.

Dominos Sports Brief

May 14, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

All-Stars Lose Tight Game To Parkes

Forbes All Stars went down 2-0 to their fancied rivals Parkes Wanderers in the latest round of soccer matches played on the weekend. Despite a gallant effort, the All Stars couldn’t match it with their opposition who were too organised and slick.

Western AFL WSSA Results

Western finished a respectable 11th with two wins at the WSSA AFL NSW state championships in Byron Bay last week. A tight win in the opening round against South West was followed by four defeats until the Red Dirt Cup against Barrier saw Western run out 6.5.41 to 3.3.21 in a dour affair. Well done to the Forbes boys who represented us well!

Dynamic Duo Win Rep Honours

Two Forbes rugby league stars have been selected for their Country sides to meet City in Sydney this coming weekend. Magpies star Mitchell Andrews has been selected for the men’s and Darcy Leadbitter the Under 18s, as NSW Rugby League lines up City v Country matches across three venues on May 15 and 16. The program will see Country vs City matches being played on Saturday 15 May.

Netball Carnival Success

The Forbes Netball Association held a very successful all age carnival last Sunday.
Players aged from 9/10 years to opens travelled from all parts of the West, Central West and Riverina to compete. The Forbes carnival is one of the leading carnivals in the West/Central West and equals the larger associations of Orange, Bathurst and Dubbo. Over 500 players played more than 260 games of netball.

Showers Can’t Stop Shine In Stroke

May 14, 2021 by Maggi Barnard


On Saturday the Men’s comp was an 18-Hole Stroke, sponsored by the B&C Auto, with 65 players participating. Once again the course had the better of most players after early rain, with only four scoring par or under on handicap.

Division 1 was won by Barry Shine with a nett 68, the best of the day. Runner-up was Connor Greenhalgh (71 nett). Like a fine wine, Shine seems to be improving with age.

Division 2 saw Dave Tildsley reap the benefits of practice with 69 nett. Runner-up was Geoff Drane (73 nett) with another demonstration of consistency.

The ball sweep went to 76 nett, so please check in the Pro Shop. The NTP’s went to: 9th – S Grallelis, 18th – P Kay. The 3rd hole Super Pin went to Robert Borger, finishing only 58 cm from the hole.

This weekend sees the playing of the Forbes Men’s Open on Sunday. There is already a field of 164 players, so it will be a good day. The 4BBB on Saturday also has a large field with over 140 players registered. This is the first round of the “O’Connors Golf Trilogy”, with other rounds to be played at the West Wyalong (23 May) and Condobolin Opens (30 May).

Saturday, 22 May is an 18-Hole Stroke, playing for the Wilf Hodges Memorial Trophy. Sunday has a Stableford Medley at home, and the West Wyalong Open.

Until next time, happy golfing!

By Short Putt

Forty Years Of Special Sports At Red Bend

May 14, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

40TH WALK OFF: Currajong’s Chris Spicer, Thomas Da-vis, Jye Jeffrey and Mark Madden at the OCTEC Forbes 40 years Special Sports Day


Participants from NDIS providers from across the region attended the 40th annual OCTEC Forbes Special Sports Day, held annually at the Red Bend College and operated by the founder, Dianne Decker AM.

Starting in 1981, the sports day involved wheelchair sports held at the Forbes Showground. A few years later many of these participants were involved in the Paralympics which led to the sports day evolving into a day for intellectually disabled participants to be included. Many schools from Canberra, Sydney and the Central West became involved at this time and students were able to compete in events such as swimming and athletics races.

Now 40 years on, the Special Sports Day is held at Red Bend College with the students assisting in all aspects of the day for the visiting schools including organising the races, calling the races and being sup-porters of everyone visiting.

“The day is about inclusiveness, having fun and participating in different sports events with others from around NSW,” said Dianne Decker.

“It would not be a Forbes Special Sports Day without each school and group marching in their sports colours to the playing of bagpipes and the Red Bend drummers,” she said.

“This day could not operate each year without the ongoing support of OCTEC, Molly Nelson running the cafe and the Red Bend College and its students.”

During it’s time, the event has attracted schools from Sydney and Canberra and while it may be more regionally focused nowadays it never stopped Thomas Da-vis of Currajong Disability Services having fun at the event. “It’s a great day to catch up with friends especially since COVID stopped last year’s event,” he said.

Neil Hamilton of Currajong also commented on how much all the participants love the day out. “They all enjoy it and already they are planning next year!”

Platypi Lose To Bathurst Bulldogs In Thriller

May 14, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Platypi First XV have gone down 24-22 to arch enemy Bathurst in the Blowes Menswear Central West Rugby competition.

To compound a tough day for the club, 2nds lost 34-14 and Women’s went down 56-0 while Colts had the bye.

Forbes First XV play Dubbo tomorrow in the May Day for Tracey cancer fundraiser. The following week a return trip to Cowra beckons to begin round two of the Blowes Menswear Central West Rugby competition.

Close Games All Round At Croquet

May 14, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Croquet birthdays were celebrated by John Browne, Elvy Quirk, Carmel Murray and John Cole. Absent Lorna Field

On Tuesday, 4th May there were no games played due to wet lawns however we held our monthly luncheon at the Vandenberg Hotel. Cake on the day was provided by Penny Taylor for a few people celebrating birthdays.

On Saturday, 8th May for Aussie Croquet there were 25 players. Close games on the day were Harley Stewart and Jill Rubie 14 def Kevin Rubie and Bob Murray 13, Ray Burridge 14 def Barry White 13, Merv Lang-field and Doreen Rogers 14 def Cherylin Cole and Bob Murray 13, Harley Stewart and Bob Murray 14 def Cherylin and John Cole 13.

The winners of all three games were John Browne, Ray Burridge, Merv Langfield and Harley Stewart. Congratulations to those winners.

It was a very warm morning and some members took advantage of the shade area to partake in morning tea.

We are so pleased with our shade area which has been financed by our very own Croquet Club and the area is almost complete with three tables recently purchased by the Croquet Club from Felton Industries at Condobolin. We now have a small storage shed to complete and blinds for the area.

Our very valued member Joan Littlejohn is at present nursing a broken bone in her foot. We wish Joan a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing you back on the croquet lawns very soon.

A reminder to all our members that we will be holding a General Meeting after play on May 18. Members your attendance is important.

By Hammer Shot

 

Dawson Triumphs With Medal Win

May 7, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

OPEN READY: Forbes Golf Course is in immaculate condition ahead of some big tournaments in the next few weeks.

Saturday’s comp was the Monthly Medal, sponsored by the Adept Plumbing, and contested by 64 players. The conditions were deceiving as not many players scored nett par or better.

The A Grade was won by Peter Dawson (70 nett) from runner-up Kim Herbert (71 nett), who got there on count back from Mark Col-lits. Peter was flush with his good form from the Vets ‘Week of Golf’ and added yet another Medal to his annual haul.

The B Grade was won by Mitch Bayley (67 nett) from Peter Barnes (68 nett), who was won of a pack of three chasing. The C Grade had an almost runaway winner with Riley Pike (69 nett) showing a clear set of heels to runner-up Jonathon Cutler (72 nett).

The ball sweep went to 74 nett, so please check in the Pro Shop. The NTP’s went to: 9th – D Lickess, 18th – J Cutler. The 3rd hole Super Pin went to Bruce Carpenter with a shot finishing less than a metre from the hole. He got his ‘2’, which was the highlight of his day.

The visitors included a group from Duntryleague (Mike Tilston, Neil Cashen, Bruce Cashen and Tom Brice), and Max Medlyn from Parkes. They all found the course challenging.

There was no Sunday Stableford Medley due to the playing of the Forbes Ladies Open.

Do not forget the Mizuno Equipment Demo Day organised by Head Pro Adam for May 13. Contact Adam if interested on 0433 485846.

The Forbes Men’s Open is set for the 15 and 16 May, and is the first round of the “Three Opens Champion”, which will be played over the Forbes, West Wyalong and Condobolin Opens.

Saturday, 8 May is an 18-Hole Stroke, sponsored by B&C Auto. Sunday has a Stableford Medley.

By Short Putt

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