Sports Archives - Page 43 of 118

Parkes Shire Local Roads And Community Infrastructure Upgrades

April 14, 2023 By Roxane Manley

The Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program has delivered new multipurpose courts at Peak Hill and new cricket nets at Berryman Oval in Trundle.

Parkes Shire Council has delivered nine new projects with just over $1.23m committed under the second phase of the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program. The projects include:

• New multipurpose courts at Peak Hill to enable the community to engage in tennis, basketball, netball, and other sports.

• Parking and pedestrian access to both sides of Harrison Park complex, providing dramatically increased safety for all.

• New cricket nets at Berryman Oval in Trundle to provide modern accessible nets for practise by all members of the community and adds to the work being undertaken at the precinct.

• Additional mitigation works at Cheney Oval to reduce the impact of salinity on the turf surface and provide new drainage across half the oval surface,.

• New pathways to provide accessibility to the McGlynn complex for netball and hockey supporters and players.

• More shared pathways to provide active lifestyle opportunities along East Street, Parkes.

• Solar lighting around the Memorial Hill precinct.

• Furniture for the new Pavilion facility in Cooke Park.

• Proper goal posts at Pioneer Oval.

Councillor Ken Keith OAM, Mayor of Parkes Shire said “This new funding opportunity for local councils across Australia has been wonderful as it has funded many community projects that were not eligible under other funding programs.”

“It has allowed Council to deliver projects across the Shire that support active lifestyles and ways to enjoy our great outdoors as well as offering improved safety at some key locations,” he added.

Federal Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack MP said he was delighted to deliver $6,632,212 in LRCI funding to Parkes Shire through the first three phases of the program.

Croquet News

April 14, 2023 By Pegging Out

We had 24 brave players for Aussie Croquet on a very misty, windy morning on Saturday 8th April. Thank goodness the morning improved. We had a family affair, Robin Pols turned up with her daughter Catrina and granddaughter Olivia.

Four players won three games, John Browne, Kevin Rubie, Barry White and Tony Thomson. The big winners were:

• 14 – 8 May Jones and Kevin Rubie, TonyThomson and Barry White.

• 14 – 9 Joan Littlejohn and Tony Thomson

A chilly morning on Tuesday 11th saw 30players for Golf Croquet. There were threewinnes of three games, Fay Picker, KevinRubie and Rex Toole.The big winners were:

9 – 4 Elvy Quirk and Bruce Field, Neville Spry and Rex Toole, Kevin Rubieand Sandy Hepburn, Lyn Simmonds andJohn Cole, John Farah and Rex Toole,John Browne and Kevin Rubie, John Farah and Fay Picker.

Anzac Day is almost upon us and of course that will be a holiday for all our croquet players as we pause to remember those who served our beautiful country with survivors but many lost lives. Meanwhile stay well, stay safe and be kind to each other.

See you next week.

By Pegging Out

Strong Results At Saturday’s ProKonnect Day Spa Stableford

April 14, 2023 By Roxane Manley

The grow in at Parkes golf course, is coming along nicely, even the turtle’s are keen to see the new greens. New drone photos of the course development are available on the Parkes Golf Club website.

A blustery, and rain threatening day, greeted the early Saturday morning golfers to contest the ProKonnect Day Spa Stableford event. Our thanks go out to Sammi for sponsoring this event. There were 51 golfers brave enough to have a hit.

There were only four golfers to equal or better the stableford par score, with the Ward boys Ian and James battling out for first prize with Ian getting a rare win over James with a 41 point haul beating James by 3.

Anthony Riach had a 37 point haul with Peter Bristol on 36. Anthony was the only player to score in the 70’s with a 75 on the day then 5 back to James Ward and Blake Smith on 80.

In the ladies’ event Cath Coates survived a countback to win with 32 points. Cath has settled into the Parkes course since arriving from Sydney and no doubt will enjoy the updated course when it arrives.

Some of the older gents played well in the wind and cold with Reg Davison and Graham Cooke firing solid 34s and John Pearce, Rod Luyt and Tom Delmenico carding 33s.

The Nearest The Pins this week were – on the Harvey Norman 11th won Kath Jeffress on 288cm, the Westlime 15th won by Cath Coates on 510cm and the 18th won by Anthony Riach on 85cm.

Ball winners were Anthony Riach 37, Peter Bristol 36, Nick Strudwick, Phil Smith, Rod Kiley 35, Garry Phillips, Reg Davison, Mark Kelly, Graham Cooke, Tony Hendry 34.The Captain vs President was wonagain by Captain Cath’s team 160 to President Dave’s 123.

Note to members that the Wednesday 18 holes will now be a medley event open to all members. Next week is an 18 Hole Medley 4BBB Stableford / Individual in conjunction sponsored by Matthew Knighton.

Spacecats Take The Win

April 6, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Spacecats warming up for a great 2023 season.

Last weekend’s trial game against Wellington was the final trial game for the Spacecats before Round 1 kicks off on 16th April, at Pioneer Oval against Cowra.

Coach Michael Dumesny, and assistant coach Freddy Francis had a few harsh words to say in regards to some sloppy play from the Parkes Spacecats in Wellington last Saturday, 1st April.

“Wellington defended well in patches, but it’s always good to go away with the win, especially considering we had four vital players out,” said Michael.

Freddy said, “Defense was good, a few of our mistakes let Wellington back in but our girls recovered.” Standout players on the day were Tess Wood, Elizabeth Macgregor, Teagan Smede and Keely Reynolds.

The team is still reeling from the loss of star player, Jorja Simpson, who was has been completely ruled out for the season.

Elizabeth Macgregor and Cody Wakefield have been named as co-captains. Michael went on to explain, “Cody plays in the middle and Elizabeth, is without a doubt the best fullback in the competition even though she is only 16, so it made sense to make them co-captains.”

Parkes Boars Play Pre-Season Match Against Orange City Lions

April 6, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Last Saturday, 1st April was a perfect afternoon for rugby, with Spicer oval in peak condition and the new player’s facility welcomed by all.

Last Saturday, 1st April Parkes Boars brought their teams together to run out against the Blowes Cup contenders Orange City Lions. It was a case of all players, all grades in one match.

Both sides had plenty of representation on the day with the opportunity to stretch their legs in a four quarter match. The coaches were working different team combinations watching for strengths and opportunities for improvement ahead of the 2023 season.

Boars run in a very familiar looking side led by Ben Ryan and Chris Parker. Well supported by Dan Ryan, Mitch Westcott, Mackenzie Green and the ever-green Marika Koroivui. The side quickly made the most of their experience together when Chris Parker crossed for the first try within five minutes. Jacob Hardy was sharp with the boot giving the side an extra two points.

The second quarter found prop, Ben Ryan using his strength to push through the defence and ground the ball next to the posts. Again Hardy prevailed with the boot.

Third quarter Orange City found a new gear, the Boars shuffled players but the new combinations left a gap City capitalised on finally finding the line. Missing the conversion as it scraped the post front.

By the last quarter City was settling into a structured playing style and made one more push for the line just before full time. A huge thank you to Chris Reynolds who umpired.

Round 1 of the season kicks off on 15th April, and Parkes Boars will be travelling to Mudgee to take on the Mudgee Wombats, a team that Parkes played against and beat in the last two grand finals, this is a match rugby fans shouldn’t miss!

Parkes is then looking forward to their first home game on 22nd April against Narromine, so come and enjoy a great day and support the Boars.

By Cath Ryan

Low Scores In Monthly Medals

April 6, 2023 By Short Putt

The Saturday Mens competition was the April Monthly Medal, an Individual Stroke event sponsored by ‘The Roadies’. The field of 50 players revelled in the balmy conditions.

A-Grade required a count back, with Jacob Bernardi getting the nod over playing partner Harry Callaghan after both finished on 66 nett.

B-Grade was close, with Matt Coles finishing on 67 nett, ahead of a fast finishing Ian Bown on 68 nett.

C-Grade was won by Brett Slack-Smithwith 71 nett. Runner-up required a count back when three players finished on 72 nett, but Kyle Sharpe had the better back-9.

The NTP’s went to: 9th P Pymont and 18th C Hanrahan. The Pro Shop Super-pin went to John Betland with a shot to 1.36 metres, which looked good all the way.

The ball sweep went to 73 nett on count back, so check in the Pro Shop if you think you earned one. The lone visitor was Peter Dwyer from Ballarat.

This week is the Easter weekend, with Stableford Medleys on Friday and Monday, an 18-Hole Stroke event for the men on Saturday, and a 3-person Ambrose on Sunday.

By Short Putt

FRUC Golf Day Raises Over $6,000

April 6, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Rowan Woods (PMMF), Cheryl and Rex Barton (Forbes CanAssist), Sarah Hazell and Jack Buckley (Flannery’s and Life Forbes), Tony Cogswell (Forbes Golf Association) and Michael Flannery.

The annual Forbes Rugby Union Club (FRUC) Golf Day was held on Friday, 24th March prior to the President’s Lunch, where much needed money was raised for the Peter Murphy Memorial Fund (PMMF) and Forbes CanAssist.

Over 42 golfers of all abilities and experience attended the day, which was a good number, considering approximately 28 regular participants were unable to attend due to a clash with other events.

The day was well organised by Adam Demidjuk and Tony Cogswell from Forbes Golf Association and a great time was had by all. The winners on the day were the Nash, Hall, Gorman and Maclay team.

The golf day raised a total of $4,750 for the Peter Murphy Memorial Fund and a further $1,480 was donated to Forbes CanAssist from Life Pharmacy Group and from funds raised at the drinks cart.

The day would not have been possible without the generous support of sponsors and everyone who donated items or time, including:

• Causeway Financial, Mike Davis

• Bushmans Tanks, Chris Glenn

• Fugen Constructions, Steve Flannery,Tim and Dan Murphy

• Green Grove Developments Pty Ltd,Greg O’Shanassy and Chris Smith

• The Book Dispensary, Debbie Prior

• Retaining Wall Systems, Tim and DanMurphy

• BJO Custodians Pty Ltd, Brian O’Sullivan

• Flannery’s Pharmacy and Life Pharmacy Forbes, Sarah Hazell, Jack Buckleyand Michael Flannery.

• Lastly but most importantly, a massive thank you to everyone who participated and made it such a great day.

The team at Flannery’s Pharmacy are starting to get egg-cited about Easter. Trading hours for the long weekend are:

• Good Friday – closed

• Easter Saturday – open 9am – 12.30pm

• Easter Sunday and Monday – closed.

• Have a safe and happy Easter!

Forbes District Soccer News

April 6, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Team work makes dreams work! Thanks to the visitors, players, coaches, managers, spectators, volunteers, referees committee for a fabulous day at Harrison Park, for the Girls Mini-Gala Day. Good luck for the WYL Round 1 in Bathurst on Sunday, 30th April.

The advanced, Lachlan Utd and Club training schedule for April is as follows:

Advanced program: All Tuesdays (except Anzac Day) 4th, 11th, 18th andThursdays this week 4th and 27th Aprilmornings 7am – 8am.

Lachlan Utd, U/12 & 14 Youth League:This Wednesday 4th and 26th April (nothing in school holidays). Under 17s to benotified by Team Coach John Zannes.

Community Training: This Tuesdayand Thursday (nothing in school holidays or Anzac Day), then on Thursday27 April.3.45 – 4.30pm: Age 4-6 years4.30 – 5.30pm: Age 7-9 years5.30 – 6.30pm: Age 10-13 years

The Western NSW Girls Mini Gala Day was hosted by Parkes DSC on Sunday, 2nd April. The Under 10, 12s, 14s and 16 Lachlan United girls will play Orange, Bathurst, Mudgee and Dubbo in an exciting pre-season girls soccer promotion day. It was great to see all the players family and friends supporting our girls and contributing to the day.

With the help of Club Referee Coach – Ian Bishop and Football NSW Referee Branch in eliminating the $44 joining fee this year, we are keen to grow our team of Game Leaders (games 9-12yrs) and Referees and Assist Referees (12yrs to adult games). Girls, ladies, boys and men are all encouraged and welcome to join our growing pool of game day officials. We also provide you with your referee shirt, hat and other necessary equipment. Any kids, players, parents that are interested please inbox message the club. Thanks to Ian Bishop, club referee coach who has been training and developing adult and teenagers to be referees.

Keeping It In The Family

March 31, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Ben is supported by his sister Claudia, brother Kurt and proud parents Fiona and John.

According to his mother, Fiona, when Ben Lovett was younger he wasn’t a gifted athlete like some, but he worked very hard to achieve his dream.

Fiona describes him as a very determined and level headed young man. “He’s the most level headed in the family, and he keeps his composure very well,” said Fiona.

Parkes Spacemen Under 18’s Coach, Sam Dwyer descibes Ben as a standout player. “In terms of leadership he was second to none. It’s a big achievement and everyone who knows him knows how hard he worked,” said Sam.

Both of Ben’s parents are extremely proud of how well he has handled his NRL debut and are grateful he signed with the Rabbitohs, who they consider to be a great club.

When Ben ran on in the 60th minute of Saturday’s game, the atmosphere was lifted by the roar of the Parkes supporters in crowd who were all there to cheer Ben on. The game swung around and the Rabittohs were able to secure the win, 13-12.

Fiona and John extend their sincere thanks to everyone who travelled to watch Ben play , in addition to those who supported him from afar.

The Lovett family have strong connections with the South Sydney Rabbitohs Club. Ben’s older sister Claudia works for the club as events manager, and his brother Kurt, is in training and has been named part of the NSW Cup Competition.

Ben has not yet been named in the line-up for this weeks game, but anything can change in the lead up to a game. The Rabbitohs then have the bye, so Ben will be afforded a rest after his massive debut. Without a doubt, people in Parkes will be keeping an eye on our local superstar, Benny Lovett.

Benny’s Burrow was full of Parkes locals in full cheer squad mode.

Ben looks at home on the field in the red and green colours of the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Ben after being presented his no 18 game jersey.

NRL Debut For Parkes’ Ben Lovett

March 31, 2023 By Roxane Manley

“Benny’s Burrow” filled with approx 160 of Ben Lovett’s friends and family from Parkes who travelled to watch him play last week after being named in the starting line up for the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Twenty one year old Ben Lovett, from Parkes, started playing rugby league when he was just five years old. His hard work and sheer determination over the years has secured a him a spot with one of the NRL’s top rugby league teams, the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

The Forbes and Parkes Phoenix spoke to Ben’s parents, John and Fiona Lovett about Ben’s debut.

Proud mother Fiona said, “We’re still quite overwhelmed and excited. We had hoped that he would debut sometime this year because he is in the first grade squad, had been named in reserve for the past few weeks and he was doing quite well.”

Describing the moment Ben first told them he was going to make his debut, Fiona said, “Ben face timed us both separately and it was quite emotional.”

Last Saturday, 25th March, on the day of Ben’s debut, an excited John and Fiona arrived early and watched the three games prior to the main event.

“We watched the crowd build up, and all the people that had come from Parkes to watch. It was an exciting build up to the moment when Ben came on in the 60th minute,” said Fiona.

During last Saturday’s game against the Manly Sea Eagles, South Sydney paid tribute to one of rugby leagues greats who recently passed away, four time premiership winning captain, John Satler. Ben was honoured to be presented his jersey by John Satlers son, Scott Satler.

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