Sports Archives - Page 4 of 115

Lachlan Valley Branch Spring Walks Calendar

October 9, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The Lachlan Valley Bushwalkers Group have a number of upcoming walks:

• Tuesday 2 September – Gunning Gap NP: Meet Forbes Railway Station 9.30am. Some off-track but quite easy, 3-4kms walk in morning, lunch at lagoon nearby. Leader Peter Cannon 6866 1225.

• Saturday 20 September – Glen Echo Trail: Towards Mt Taylor, starting from Juliet and Hugh’s property. Meet at 10.00am at Glen Echo, 305 Puzzleflat Lane, Eugowra (contact leader for directions if unsure) 5- 6kms medium – hard (different route than previous walk). Leader Juliet Hunt 0432 470 025.

• Tuesday 30 September – Wombin State Forest: Meet at Bushmans Dam, Kelly Reserve cnr Thomas St and Peak Hill Rd at 9.00am 5kms easy on/off track. Should be good for birds. Leader Martin Bell 0429 346 586.

• Thursday 16 October – Bumberry Ridge: Meet 9.00am at Lions Park Molong Rd, Parkes. 7kms medium, some off track Leader Martin Bell 0429 346 586.

Please contact the listed walk leader the night before the walk if you intend to come.

A $2 donation for each walker is hugely appreciated. Walkers are reminded to bring along enough food and water for the entire day as well as suitable clothing, footwear, hat and sunscreen.

Parkes Boars Women New Zealand Tour 2025

October 9, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The Parkes Boars women are back on home soil after a whirlwind tour of New Zealand to play against the North Atago women’s team. The NZ tour started as a sleepy idea from women’s coach Tonga Folou on the way home from the Boorowa 10s. Everyone got around the idea and got together to make it become a realityEighteen players travelled to NZ, with the team made up of women from Parkes, Forbes, Mudgee and Warren, along with seven supporters. The girls worked extremely hard fund-raising to make the tour possible, from the ice bucket challenge, 100 club and even a cake stall. Donations from Ron Dunford and Narelle Page were also greatly appreciated.

The Boars women played a tough game against North Atago and went down 58 – 19. Points for the Boars were put on the board by Gaffney (Parkes) Jess Ruge (Forbes) Lihean Tavita (Mudgee). Parkes Boars President Kevin Oliver said, “The highlight was just getting to Oamaru- with flights getting cancelled. We never thought we were going to make it.

Some only had a few hours sleep but the girls rounded up their sleeves and dug deep with a never say die attitude.

“Meeting so many new people along the way is what Rugby union is all about making memories and friends that last a lifetime. Special thanks to everyone that got involved and made it happen.”

Kevin spoke of the girls 2025 season overall, saying, “The girls showed commitment and growth throughout the year which showed on and off the paddock.

They should be very proud of themselves.”

It is time for a little break before they start to get ready for next year’s season. Parkes Boars is a family orientated club, open for anyone to come along and try rugby. Preseason starts at the end of February.

Around The Parkes Sporting Grounds

October 7, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Pictured last weekend at the Parkes Golf Club.

Parkes Golf Club

A fabulous day for Coopers Boys sponsored “Billabong Creek” 3 person team event (Stoney Creek format). 79 players, the ladies team of Leone Stevenson, Kaye Jones and Cath Kelly won the day. Leone also won the money hole. Only a couple weeks left to register your team for this years Parkes Couriers Summer Super 10’s, for more information contact the Pro Shop on 6862 2044 or email Zac at zackelly@pgamember.org.au

Parkes And District Netball Association

Spring competition begins 14 October. Junior competition for boys and girls in primary school – kinder to year 6 arrive at 5.15pm to warm up for a start at 5.30pm – 6.20pm for game time. Register individually, teams will be organised each night. Senior Comp is A Grade, B Grade and mixed and game time is 6.30pm Register your team now. Also looking for individuals who are interested in umpiring, independent umpires will be paid $20 per game. Email correspondence.parkesnetball@gmail.com

Parkes Little Athletics Club

A huge thank you to Scott Robinson for the massive effort he put into making a new trolley for the club’s high jump mats. The club is grateful for the time and skill Scott put in. The trolley will make moving our new mats so much easier and safer for our volunteers and athletes. It’s community support like this that keeps our club running strong.

Parkes Services Railway Bowling Club

What a great morning at the Parkes Services Railway Bowling Club, with the Final of Rookie Pairs in the Mid-West Bowls Sectional play. Mark Glasheen and Alec Bateson from Parkes Town and sports club took on Shane Beasley and Braydon Chew from Cowra Bowling & Recreation Club. In a highly competitive and skilful game. Cowra won 9-5. Thank you Paul Lewin for umpiring.

Get Ready To Make A Slash This Swim Season

September 25, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Aquatic Centre staff sporting fresh new look uniforms

The Parkes pool was officially opened on 16th January 1935, and for the first time in the history of the Parkes pool, now known as the Parkes Aquatic Centre, a Parkes local has been awarded tender.

The Parkes Aquatic Centre and the Shire Pools at Trundle, Tullamore, Peak Hill will now be managed by Parkes business Fitness4All

Parkes Local Shane Mann has always been involved in local business. 12 years at Mensland, 9 years at the RSL, and then he got on the pool deck in 2009 up until 2017, in that time Shane was supervisor for three years, and buillding his gym Parkes Fitness4All in 2016. Coming back to the pool industry now as the successful applicant for the 2025 season

Securing a 3 year deal with a two year option, Shane has made significant financial contributions to the upgrades of The Parkes Aquatic Centre. Shane has painted the splash pool, he’s putting an arcade in, updating the Parkes Kiosk and the kiosk at Peak Hill Pool, all out of his own pockets, not the Shires funding.

For the six months of the pool season you now have an option to be a Gym and Swim member and if you are a Gym and Swim member or season ticket holder, the first 100 kids booked in for learn to swim program will get 10 free learn to swim lessons

Shane said “We are excited to be implementing a lot this year with volleyball, air hockey, a games area, a movie screen for birthday parties, a food truck, the Shire’s village pools will also be included in all of the fun activities throughout the season”.

“We want to engage with the community and give back to community services, sporting teams and schools and local athletes, so if sporting teams are looking for sponsorship then they are encouraged to reach out” said Shane.

The 2025 season starts Oct 4th long weekend. Fees have been reduced to $4.50 an adult, $2.50 per child and $2.00 for spectators. Season tickets are available, come down this weekend as pre-sign ups are on.

Parkes Croquet Spring Tournament

September 25, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Everyone is welcome to come along to the Parkes Tennis Court this Saturday for a fun day of Croquet.

The Parkes Croquet Club have organised a Regional Spring Croquet Tournament, set to take place this Saturday, 27 September.

Players will be travelling from neighbouring towns including Bathurst and Orange to take part.

There will be plenty of prizes on offer on the day, with prizes for the croquet place getters, as well as prizes for those taking part in the fun activities planned for between the games.

A big thank you to Bryce at Liquorland and Peter at Cammeray Wines for sponsoring the prizes for Saturday’s Tournament.

Normally the Parkes Croquet Club holds one tournament a year, and the Spring Tournament will be an annual tournament going forward.

Parkes Croquest Club President Beth Thomas said “Currently the club has around 20 members, and we love to see people come along and give it a go.”

Regular croquet games are played on Saturday mornings at 9.30am and anyone interested in trying out the sport can come along to the Parkes Tennis Courts and give it a go.

Jake Herring Celebrates First Win In Sports Shearing Competition

September 18, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Parkes local Jake Herring has been shearing competitively for just over a year now.

His dad used to compete, and Jake was just 7 years old when his dad first let him use the handpiece and shear. “I was 17 when I started to shear full-time, and eventually after learning to shear, I decided to compete as well,” said Jake.

Sports shearing is an Australia wide competition. To be eligible to compete nationally, shearers join the circuit and shear in competitions at agricultural shows in NSW, with the aim of earning enough points to compete for NSW against the other states.

There is generally a sports shear competition held somewhere in NSW almost fortnightly, with some of the shows also offering wool handling competitions.

Jake Herring recently scored his first blue ribbon at the Forbes Show and said, “I’ve done quite a few shows now and and I was extremely happy with the first place on the weekend as I’ve worked very hard to get there.”

“I started competing to learn more about what I’m doing in terms of shearing gear and actually shearing the sheep, but after a taste of a few second and third places, I was determined to win,” said Jake.

Jake will continue to compete individually against other shearers from around NSW, all vying for the top spot and the opportunity to compete at the national competition.

The first authenticated daily tally of sheep sheared in Australia was recorded in 1835 by Tom Merely, who sheared 30 sheep.

Over the years, shearing has evolved significantly with the introduction of mechanical shears and the establishment of shearing competitions, leading to its recognition as a sport in Australia.

Jake in action shearing.

September Monthly Medal Scores Close

September 11, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Brendan Hayes plays down the tree corridor as Wayne O’Neill watches.

On Saturday the weather was excellent for those participating in the Forbes Golf Club Men’s September Monthly Medals. The field of 60 relished the warm sunshine and found the sanded greens very approachable.

The A-Grade Winner was Alf Davies (67 nett) with a welcome return to form. His front-9 was scintillating with his only blemish being a bogey on the 4th. Runner-up was Adam Ruprto with 69 nett. Some wayward scores on the back-9 dented his finish.

The B-Grade saw Simon Martino sparkle in with a nett 68. He was looking really good on the front-9 but staggered a bit coming home. Runner-up was Scott Korkman with 69 nett. He had steady play on both halves and was looking good until the last group came in.

The C-Grade looked like being a close contest but Tony Cogswell scorched in with a nett 66, the best score of the day. He could do no wrong in his game. Runnerup was Steve Grallelis with 69 nett. He had a day with few problems and was well pleased with his game.

The ball sweep went to 72 nett on the button. The visitors came from Mudgee, Curlewis and Murrumbidgee who had mixed results. The NTP’s went to: 9th Phil Duke; 18th Tony Cogswell, with neither converting for a ‘2’. The 3rd hole Super Pin went to Laurie O’Connor with a shot to 365cm.

The wind played havoc with many promising shots.

This Saturday, 13 September, will be an Individual Par event sponsored by EverestAuto Repairs. Sunday will have a Stableford Medley. Upcoming Opens include Parkes on 13-14 September (36-holes) and Bogan Gate on the 14 Septemebr. We wish all Forbes participants well. More ladies clinics will run soon, contact the proshop for information on 6851 1554.

Lachlan Valley Branch Bushwalkers Group Calendar: Spring 2025

September 4, 2025 By Roxane Manley

New walkers are always welcome with the Lachlan Valley Branch Bushwalkers group.

The walks are generally pretty leisurely, taking time to spot birds, plants, spiders and other animals. Walkers are reminded to bring along enough food and water for the entire day as well as suitable clothing, footwear, hat and sunscreen. A pair of good binoculars and a fold up chair for the post- walk cuppa is recommended.

Tuesday, 2 September: Gunning Gap NP. Meet Forbes Railway Station 9.30am Some off track but quite easy, 3-4kms walk in morning, lunch at lagoon nearby. Leader Peter Cannon 6866 1225.

Saturday, 20 September: Glen Echo trail towards Mt Taylor, starting from Juliet and Hugh’s property. Meet at 10am at Glen Echo, 305 Puzzleflat Lane, Eugowra (contact leader for directions if unsure) 5- 6kms medium – hard (different route than previous walk) Leader Juliet Hunt 0432 470 025.

Tuesday, 30 September: Monumea Gap Meet at Bushmans Dam, Kelly Reserve corner Thomas St and Peak Hill Rd at 9am. 5kms easy on track. Should be good for birds. Leader Martin Bell 0429 346 586.

Saturday, 18 October: Bumberry Ridge Meet 9am at Lions Park, Molong Rd, Parkes. 7kms medium, some off track Leader Martin Bell 0429 346 586Contact the listed walk leader the night before the walk if you intend to come. A $2.00 donation is appreciated.

There are three grades of walks:

Easy: (5 to 10 kilometres) Mostly flat to slightly undulating topography. Walks are mostly on tracks or fire trails and of moderate distance. Suitable for those with a minimum level of fitness.

Medium: (5 to 8 kilometres) May be over moderate hills or rough terrain. May involve some off track walking. Walk may involve shorter distance overall due to rougher conditions. Suitable for an average fitness level.

Hard: (5 or more kilometres) Walk may involve hilly or mountainous terrain, rough tracks, a trackless route or an extended distance. Walk suitable for above average fitness level.

Come Down To Halpins Flat For Croquet

September 4, 2025 By By Elvy Quirk

Frank Donohoe, Tony Bernardi and Kevin Rubie enjoying some social time.

Aussie Croquet was played on Saturday 30 August, with only 10 in attendance. Only the bravest played because of the cold winds. However those who played enjoyed the morning despite the cold.

All three games were won by Rex Toole whilst two game winners were Russell Anderson, Cheryl Toohey, Peter West and Elvy Quirk. Well done to those players.

On Tuesday 2 September Golf Croquet was played with 38 in attendance. It was a beautiful spring day, and it was great to see Marie Spry back playing after a break away.

A gentle reminder that the Annual General Meeting is coming around during October and please take time to think what positions you would like to hold for the coming year. Membership renewals of $20.00 are due before 30 September.

Spring is here and the weather is getting much better so should you be interested in a game of croquet, then come down to Halpins Flat on a Tuesday by 9.15am and you can try your luck, whilst being paired with an experienced player to get to know the ins- and-outs of the game.

By Elvy Quirk.

Successful Day For Keno Ambrose

August 28, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Ready to Go! Ann Simmons, Sharon Grierson, Carolyn Duncan and Niel Duncan start their 2-Person Ambrose.’

Golf on the weekend focused on the Club Qualifying comp for the Golf NSW-KENO 2Person Ambrose. The players took advantage of the great weather to post some verylow scores.

The 2-Person Ambrose is played in three divisions for men pairs, lady pairs and mixed pairs. The popularity of the event ensured 72 players participated. Sponsor Gunn Golf was pleased with the turnout and marvelled at the low scores.

The Mens pairs Division was contested by 26 teams. The winners on count back were Peter Dawson and Terry Sharp with a nett score of 63 and slipped ahead of the pair of Tim West and Archie Quirk. Ecky and Terry managed five birdies overall with the back-9 their better score. Tim and Archie had five birdies on the front-9 but faltered coming home.

The Ladies pairs was won by Veronica Rebellato and Ann Simmons with 77 nett off a tidy handicap. Veronica had the better play on the front-9 while Ann excelled on the back-9. Runners up on count back were Wendy Simmons and Sharon Grierson in a game where they shared the load.

The Mixed pairs was won by Carolyn and Niel Duncan with a 65.25 nett. They parred the front-9 and did well on the back-9 until the last two holes. Runners-up were Warwick and Jean Judge with 71.5 nett. They just could not get the putters to work.

The ball sweep went to 66.5 nett. Visitor Ben Russell (Cowra) teamed with Brett Slack-Smith.

The greens were cored so they will be very sandy to play on this weekend. This Saturday, 30 August is a 4BBB Stableford Medley sponsored by Cahill Footwear.

Sunday will be a Stableford Medley.

By Short Putt

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