Sports Archives - Page 37 of 116

Upgrades For Female Amenities At Parkes Aquatic Centre

May 26, 2023 By Roxane Manley

The Parkes Aquatic Centres splash pool and 50m lap pool.

The female amenities at the Parkes Aquatare set to receive a complete overhaul, thanks to the NSW Government’s Female Friendly Community Sport Facilities Program.

The $497,705 project will result in substantial upgrades to the toilet and shower facilities and introduce 10 private change rooms and a roof overhead to provide a safe and secure space for females of all ages and abilities at the pool.

Upgrades to the facilities will include much needed new shower and toilet cubicles, hot water services, upgraded change cubicles, a new insulated roof, additional seating and refreshed paint and new tiles throughout.

Mayor of Parkes Shire, Councillor Ken Keith said, “The upgrade will be a most welcome improvement to the current state of the facility with the changerooms having been relatively unchanged since the 1960s.”

During summer, the pool is an important social gathering precinct for people of all ages and demographics and the provision of suitable facilities for females is essential to encourage not only active lifestyle choices, but also social interaction, especially among peers.

Councillor Ken McGrath said: “Parkes often hosts regional and state level events for swimming throughout the season. The upgrade of these facilities will ensure the continuation of these fantastic opportunities that bring people from near and far to the Shire.”

“This refurbishment will turn the female amenities into a place that gives easy access, privacy, dignity, safety and convenience to a broad spectrum of users, from mother’s group participants, female students and older swimmers to disability service providers,” he added.

The project is expected to be completed towards the end of September 2023.

Peter Dawson Wins Out In Close Contest

May 26, 2023 By Short Putt

Greg Webb stands tall in his follow through on Saturday.

The Mens golf competition last Saturday, 20th May was an Individual Stroke event. The scores for the field of 62 players appeared to be affected by the grey conditions, but Peter Dawson seemed unaffected.

The Div-1 Winner was Peter ‘Ecky’ Dawson with 66 nett, helped along by a birdie blitz on the front-9. In close contention as Runner-up was Mugen Green (Parkes) with 67 nett. He matched ‘Ecky’ on the front-9 but faltered on the back-9.

The Div-2 scores reflected the general trend. Robert Scott won with a 72 nett, putting in an even and tidy display. Runner-up was Peter Tisdell with 74 nett, whose score was undone by the back-9.

The NTP’s went to: 9 th – P Maher; 18 th – T Morgan. The Pro Shop Super-pin went to Mugen Green with a shot to 1.30 metres. He was well guided by Wayne O’Neill. The ball sweep went to 76 nett.

There were quite a few visitors from Parkes in the field, no doubt getting in some practice before the Mens Open.

The second leg of the ‘Trilogy of Golf’ was played at West Wyalong. Forbes players cemented their positions at the forefront of this competition. In the A-Grade John Betland won the day with 72 nett, Caleb Hanrahan was runner-up with 73 nett and Steve Betland completed the trio with 74 nett. Unfortunately the other Forbes players missed out on prizes.

This weekend we have the Mens Open on Sunday, with a 4BBB on Saturday. The field is fairly full but you may get a spot if you contact the Pro Shop.

By Short Putt

Boars Too Good For Mudgee Wombats

May 26, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Ben was instrumental in the defeat of Mudgee Wombats.

Last Saturday saw the top of the table clash between the Parkes Boars, and the Mudgee Wombats.

The first points of the match were a penalty goal to the Wombats, giving them a three point lead.

Soon after, the first try of the match went to Boars Captain, Ben Ryan playing in the offside flanker position. The conversion was unsuccessful and the score was Boars 5, Mudgee 3.

At the 17 minute mark, Mudgee found the line in a series of well controlled pick and drives. The conversion was good, giving Mudgee the lead 10 points to Boars 5.

The Boars took a penalty goal by number 10 Luke Bevan, but they were not finished yet. Right on the half time siren, the Boars took a penalty goal, with Luke Bevan giving the Boars another three points.The half time score was Boars 11, Mudgee 10.

A penalty goal in the opening of the second half to Mudgee gave them the points Wombats 13 to Boars 11.

Marika Koroivui ran through the defense and put the ball down to take the Boars score to 16 to Wombats 13.

Despite being down to 14 men, the Boars managed to get a penalty option in front of goals. Luke Bevan puts the ball across. Boars 19 points to Wombats 13.

Another penalty option with an offside play gave Luke Bevan the chance to secure another three points for the Boars with four minutes to go.

With one and a half minutes to go, Mudgee finally found the line to bring the scoreto Boars 22, Wombats 18.

Boars were down to 13 players but Mudgee failed to take advantage. In extra time, Lewis Gravatt stole the ball from a fumbled pass and then kicked it out – that was the match, with a final score of Parkes 22 to Mudgee 18.

This weekend the Boars are off to Narromine.

Tough Day For Swamp Tigers Against Giants In Bathurst

May 26, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Orange/Forbes under 14’s and 17’s both went home disappointed after respective losses to the Bathurst Giants at Giants Park in a chilly Bathurst, last Sunday.

A strong performance from the Giants under 14’s following up from their win against the Swamp Tigers in the opening round.

Bathurst led from the first few minutes in the under 14’s match thanks to early goals and continued to dominate Orange/Forbes for the rest of the quarter kicking a total of 5 goals 5 to setup a lead of 35 points at the first break.

After the break Bathurst continued to increase their lead while never letting the Swamp Tigers in the match through their midfield dominance and were able to use their height advantage in the forward line to kick a further six goals in the second and third terms to lead by over 70 points at three quarter time.

The Swamp Tigers kept the Giants scoreless in the final term and were rewarded for their efforts when Hugo Fitzsimmons kicked the Swamp Tigers first and only goal.

It was a tough day for the 14’s the Swamp Tiger defence who were under siege the entire game and their efforts ensured the damage wasn’t any worse. The midfield and forward line also never dropped their heads and gave their all despite the scoreboard.

Zain Clark was judged best on ground for the game in a losing side, which states how well he played, while Hugo Fitzsimmons and Logan McMahon were the best for the Swamp Tigers.

The under 17’s suffered their first loss for the year going down to the Giants by four points in a cracking game of AFL footy.

In other junior games, Orange Youth Girls went down to Bathurst 1.2 (8) to 5.9 (39) while Orange 12’s also went down, albeit narrowly 6.6 (42) to 9.3 (57)

This week the Orange/Forbes junior’s take on the Bathurst Bushrangers in Orange.

Zain Clark who was best on ground for the under 14’s match in a losing side.

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.

Niel Duncan Finds Form

May 19, 2023 By Short Putt

Lachlan Alley plays his shot while Anthony watches the ball flight.

Last Saturday 13th May, the men’s golf competition was the Monthly Medal, sponsored by Adept Plumbing. The field of 58 players were all intent on utilising the green conditions to produce their best score.

The A-Grade was quite close, with the eventual win to Niel Duncan, who was quite

fresh and able to produce a 71 nett. Runner-up was Reggie Murray with 72 nett, and on count back from Josh Coulthurst.

The B-Grade winner had a ‘bit of a breather’, with Peter Grayson (67 nett) finishing ahead of playing partner Greg Webb (70 nett).

The C-Grade saw Les Little with a tidy 72 nett, streets ahead of Runner-up Dave Rhodes with 78 nett. He in turn snuck ahead of Frank Hanns on count back.

The NTP’s went to: 9th – Tom Toohey; 18th – Wayne Powter (Pks). The Pro Shop

Super-pin went to Brett Thomas, who was tardy in not getting a ‘H-in-O’ after his ball finished 74cms short of the hole.

The ball sweep went to 77 nett on count back, so check in the Pro Shop if you think you deserve one.

This weekend we have Individual Stroke on Saturday with Stableford Medley on Sunday. Sunday also has the West Wyalong Open, and is the second leg of the ‘Trilogy of Golf’.

Preparations are in hand for the Forbes Mens Open on Sunday 28 May, with a 4BBB on Saturday 27th May. Players are advised that there is a power disruption planned for Sunday 28th May but arrangements are in hand for an alternative power supply to enable the ‘Golfie’ to be open and the event to continue.

By Short Putt

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.

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.

Croquet Results

May 19, 2023 By Through The Hoop

There were 28 players on a lovely sunny morning for Aussie Croquet. The day was our first day starting on our winter time table.

Five players won three games, including F. Picker, A. Jones, G. Coles. R. Burridge and J. Browne.

The big winners on the day were:

• N Spry and S Hepburn 14, D Rodgers and E Hunt 8

• D Scott and J. Littlejohn 14, H Stewart 9.

A total of 35 players enjoyed a beautiful autumn morning at Golf Croquet. There were seven Players who won three games, including Geoff Coles, Irene Ford, John Farah, Noel Jolliffe, Elvy Quirk, Kevin Ruby and M. Spry.

The big winners on the day were:

• J Browne and B Scott 10, D Scott and L Todd 3,

• R Toole and M Smith 10, M Jones and P Moran 3,

• P Moran, and J Cole 10, A Jones and B Field 3,

• M and N Spry 9, M and A Jones 4,

• L Liebich and M. Smith 9, C Nielson and S Chamberlain 4,

• N Spry and I Ford 9, M Langfield and L Todd 4.

If you would like to play croquet, please arrive by 9:15am to put your name in so play can start at 9:30am.

By Through The Hoop

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.

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