Saturday, April 27, 2024

Racing & Sport

Target shooting

Peter on target

It’s a good thing Englishman Peter Shuttleworth loves chatting to strangers when he’s holidaying. If he hadn’t struck up a conversation with the also holidaying John and Glenda Cleave back in 2013, he would never have discovered Cohuna ... once he heard there was a clay target club down the road, he came back for the club’s annual Anzac Day Shoot the following year – and kept coming.

Leeton

Volunteers honoured in day of fun, fashion and memories at Leeton Races 80th anniversary

Kim Woods. Two community stalwarts, John Gavel and Sarina Saffioti, were honoured with life memberships at the Leeton Jockey Club’s 80th anniversary celebrations on Saturday ... Canberra Indonesian teacher and fashionista Sally Martin made it back-to-back wins in the Most Fashionable Lady in the competitive Fashions on the Field Competition.

Shooting

Clifton Benchrest Shooters report

The Clifton Benchrest Shooting Club Inc. Shotgun was held on Sunday 14th. One of the best days for shooting so far this year for shotgun. Again, some good scores were achieved.

Hunting

Duck hunting season, 2024

The 2024 Victorian duck season has been nothing short of a success, marked by outstanding hunter compliance and an exhilarating experience for participants. As the season progresses, it is clear that responsible hunting is a positive force, not just for those involved, but for conservation and the environment. 

Equestrian

Fun, games as northern riders vie for spot on state team

While the big, elite events like Dressage and Jumping with the Stars and the Sydney Royal Easter Show were in full swing, the youngsters who could possibly feature in those events in the future were planning an assault on the Victorian State Mounted Games Championships.

Skateboarding

Youth week skates in

Murray River Council has supported skate clinics in Barham and Mathoura to celebrate Youth Week. The workshops were run by The Totem Collective, which was formed in 2010 and has worked to bring about positive change in the lives of young people through skating, creating and empowering.

Equestrian

Build it and they will come – World class equestrian centre opens

Fourteen million dollars later, Casino has a world class equestrian centre with an undercover arena and shaded seating for 2500 people to watch events at the Casino Showground. At the official opening ... the speeches took place on the arena floor as horses and riders wound their way around the huge space.

Martial arts

Maclean “karate kids” off to World Champs

Two karate prodigies from "The Dojo" Maclean are hard at work practicing techniques and perfecting new moves in preparation for the World Martial Arts Championships in Portugal ... Mr Wilks said 16-year-old Ruby Martini, who he has been training on and off for 10 years, and 10-year-old Joe Bougen, enjoyed success at three regional championships which continued to the national titles.

AFL

Bulls blitz Royal Blues

After an even and entertaining first half with little between Birchip-Watchem and Donald, the Bulls simply overpowered the Royal Blues in a second half blitz dishing out a comprehensive 11 goal belting, led by an 8 goal haul from gun forward Ben Edwards, his second bag in as many weeks. It was far from a one-man show, though, the Bulls’ new big man Hamish Hosking paving a way ...

Coming up

Mountain biking

It’s all downhill in Denmark for WA’s top riders

Denmark Mountain Bike Club hosted two rounds of the WA State Downhill Series attracting more than 150 riders over two days. Among the top riders was a big contingent of Denmark and Albany riders who battled rough terrain, rock drops and gap jumps to be the fastest down the hill.

Equestrian

Webb wins

The 2024 Man From Snowy River Bush Festival attracted record crowds on Friday and Saturday night in a celebration of Australian bush heritage ... The live concert on Friday night drew an estimated crowd of 8000 while the Wrangler Xtreme Broncs Australia rodeo on Saturday night was attended by a record 10,000 people.

Cycling

Murray to Moyne keeps pedalling on

The return of the Cohuna Murray to Moyne cycling team after a seven-year break was a positive and successful one, with 15 riders completing the 510km course over two days. From flat open roads to winding hills, from calm and sunny weather to wind and coastal rains, the Cohuna District Hospital’s Murray to Moyne cycle relay team had it all...

AFL

Blues chase back-to-back flags

Defending premiers Cudgewa will start as favourites when the 2024 Upper Murray season starts on Saturday. The Blues have retained the bulk of last year’s team that went undefeated through the 2023 season including a 94-point demolition of Bullioh in the grand final.

Rugby league

Yenda Blueheelers trounce Hay Magpies in tough day at Hay Park

Yenda Blueheelers first grade side ran away in the second half to cap off a tough day for Hay Magpies at Hay Park on Sunday. The visitors defeated Hay in all four grades.

Athletics

National record for Matthew

Matthew Denny thrilled the crowds at the Australian Athletics Championships held in Adelaide over the weekend. Producing his best effort, Matthew threw a huge 69.35 metres which added over one metre to his previous top throw and creating a National Record.

Pony racing

Naracoorte High School student racing at Royal Randwick

Nicki Barnet. Three of South Australia’s up and coming riders and their ponies have set off on the journey of a lifetime to the National Pony Racing Series Finals, which takes place at Royal Randwick in Sydney on All Aged Stakes Day on April 20. Supported by Racing SA, Cheyenne Crane and her pony Phoenix will represent SA in the large pony category...

Pony racing

Exciting finale set for 2023 National Pony Racing Series at Royal Randwick Racecourse: Pony Club Australia

The 2023/24 National Pony Racing Series reaches its peak with a thrilling final at Sydney’s Royal Randwick Racecourse ... Young riders, aged 9 to 15 years, representing Pony Clubs nationwide, will vie for victory ...

Masters

Games hat trick ends on a high

Michelle Daw. The third Masters Games in a row held on the Copper Coast has wrapped, with plaudits from organisers and the more than 1000 competitors who took part. The Copper Coast 2024 Masters Games, held from Thursday to Sunday ... attracted 1043 registered competitors.

Fishing

Big turnout for Ganmain vs Grong Grong anglers competition

It was an amazing turnout for the Ganmain versus Grong Grong anglers competition. Between the two clubs there were 15 boats on the water and about 50 people, with 64 Cod, four trout cod, one yellow belly, one silver perch and only four carp caught for the day.

Fishing

10 million reasons to love fishing in Victoria

The State Government’s record-breaking fish stocking program has again hit a high-water mark with 10 million fish stocked this year, so more recreational fishers can wet a line close to home across the state. Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos, last week stocked more brown trout at Lake Wendouree in Ballarat and announced the major milestone for Victorians.

Rowing

World champ pumpkin paddler

It has elements of Jack and the Beanstalk and Cinderella, but our story is far from a fairytale, and doesn’t take place in a magical far away land. Our story involves one man’s dream, giant pumpkin seeds, a pumpkin boat, and our mighty Murray River.

Racing

Clancy looms large as racing industry icon and mentor across six decades

Kim Woods. Peter Clancy will cut the 80th anniversary cake at the CopRice Leeton Cup ... and mark eight decades of involvement with the club. Octogenarian Peter Clancy is simply "Mr Racing" – the racehorse trainer and breeder has been the mainstay and face of the industry in the Leeton area for more than 60 years.

Harness racing

Djaara Cup race day at Charlton

Peter Hibberd. The Charlton Harness Racing Club in conjunction with the Djaara people ran its annual race day at Charlton on Wednesday. Being the traditional owners of Country across central Victoria, the land on which the harness racing training centre is based was granted to the Charlton Club in 2012. Every year since, the Club has a special day to celebrate this important event.

Pony club

Galloping in the hoof prints of champions at Emu Creek

If ever a pony club could lay a claim to having produced famous riders, it’s Emu Creek. Four former members of the Victorian Western District club — Wayne, Barry and Clarke Roycroft and Phillipa Glennen — have become Olympians ... Pony club parents don’t seem to mind travelling, and the event drew competitors from across the state.

Surf life saving

Yanchep Surf Life Saving Club patrols on abalone fishing days

On the last day of abalone fishing this season reporter Chris Van Der Merwe visited Yanchep Lagoon while the Yanchep Surf Life Saving Club was patrolling the beach. As well as keeping people safe the club performs rescues and educates the community.

Rugby league

Magpies: Reserve grade back in the paddock with a win

Any rugby league reserve grade side that boasts the return of talented players such as Moe Clune and Brad Pocock was always going to be hard to beat, and the Hay Magpies side put on a show for home ground fans ... The league tag game started off the action on Sunday ... Many players were on debut including Wendy Gonevulavula who quickly became a crowd favourite ...

Ballooning

Global Ballooning soars into Mildura for Big Balloon Bash 2024

Global Ballooning, renowned for its captivating hot air balloon experiences in Melbourne and Yarra Valley, is thrilled to announce its participation in the upcoming Big Balloon Bash competition event in Mildura. From 29th June to 7th July, 2024, Global Ballooning invites you to experience a breathtaking display of hot air balloons soaring through Mildura's picturesque landscapes while being part of thrilling competitions.

Masters

Gold medal quest begins

Will Hunter. More than 1000 competitors will be hoping to take home the chocolates from the Copper Coast 2024 SA Masters Games this Thursday to Sunday, April 11 to 14. It is the third time in four years the Copper Coast has hosted the games, and venues across Kadina, Wallaroo and Moonta will host a total 20 sports.

Swimming

Swimming to victory with the nation’s best

Clayton Wilkinson and Harry Kilburn will be swimming for victory this week in the 2024 Australian Age Swimming Championships at the Gold Coast. The boys train seven times a week with coach Shannon Comerford as part of the Casino Swimming Club.

AFL

New recruit

The Nhill and District Sporting Club are super excited to announce new football recruit Peter Politis. Peter arrives in Nhill off the back of a season with the Nightcliff Football Club in Darwin. He played in their Premier Grade Grand Final.

Pony Club

Motorsport

Easter at Quambatook – tractors pull the crowd

Quill and Alyssa. In the lead-up to the Easter long weekend, social media pages lit up with notices from tractor pulling teams starting out their journeys towards the 46th annual Australian Tractor Pull Championships, held at Quambatook on Easter Saturday.

Racing

Dreams come true at cluBarham Kerang Cup

The Kerang Turf Club held its annual Easter race meeting on a sunny Saturday afternoon, which provided perfect racing conditions ... The story of the winning jockey, Christopher Pang, is an inspiring one that encompasses Australian traditional values of never giving up on your dreams.

Equestrian

Young rider shares what it’s like to represent Australia at just 18

Mackenzie Walch, 18, has only been riding seriously since 2014 but the talented young eventer has just represented her country for the first time ... With eventing as her first love, she rose through the ranks and is now part of a group of young Tasmanian riders who find it necessary each year to compete on the mainland to get strong competition experience.

Rugby league

Warriors claim the Barrett Shield

Glyn Rees. Steady mizzling rain never muddied the Wattles Warriors challenge for the silverware honours of the 32nd Barrett Family Shield against the Warwick Cowboys at Clifton’s Platz Oval on Saturday evening, pulling up convincing 22 – 12 victors.

Hang gliding

Flatter than flatlands heading back to Birchip

Hang gliders will converge on the car-tow launching capital of Australia these Easter holidays for the 33rd annual Birchip Flatter than the Flatlands. Birchip’s Easter competition has grown significantly since the first event in April 1992 with more than 40 pilots expected to attend this year, which is a 30 per cent increase on last year.

Cricket

A lifetime in a great game

Three cricketers who have played more games than they care to remember have enjoyed representing Vic Country at the annual Echuca over-60s carnival last week. For those old enough to remember, Shane Noonan played for Charlton, particularly during the 1980s, after debuting for Wychitella.

Polocrosse

Success for YAHS competitors at polocrosse

Yanco Agricultural High School polocrosse riders and Equestrian Centre competitors have been achieving success recently ... competed in the Yass PoloX carnival held at Hall in ACT ... The Yanco Agricultural High School Equestrian Centre at Yanco is booming with 24-plus horses now in residence.

Sheep racing

Baa’ing fast

On a perfect racing day, the annual Wakool Sheep Races were held at the Wakool Recreation Reserve on Saturday evening. The ewe ‘jockeys’ stayed safe behind the seven-lane barrier draw while their sheep were motivated to run faster to the finish line by the ringing of hand-held bells.

Thoroughbreds

Donald hosts thoroughbred trials

Even though the Donald and District Race Club has not raced since its Cup meeting in November, over the last two weeks, the grounds have been very busy with race trials. A total of thirty-three trials have been held with horses coming from all parts of the state.

Bowling

cluBarham to host World Champion of Champions

World Bowls has announced that cluBarham will be hosting the 2025 and 2026 World Bowls Champion of Champion events. World Bowls CEO, Neil Dalrymple advised that the Board of World Bowls had made its decision last week following an expression of interest process.

Olympics

Toowoomba stadium upgrade quashed

Toowoomba’s 2032 Olympics future is in question following Monday’s announcement by Premier Steven Miles that plans to upgrade Toowoomba Sports Ground (Clive Berghofer Stadium) will not proceed. Premier Miles made the announcement on Monday, following the release of the 60-day Sport Venue Review of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games venue infrastructure completed by an independent panel led by former Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk.

Rugby league

Magpie’s women’s team makes history

Hay Magpies Rugby League Club made a mark on the long history of the sport in Hay, when the first Magpies woman’s league side took to the field in Young. The side has been bolstered by solid recruiting by the club and despite most players playing their first competition game of the contact sport coach Jessie Carter was pleased with the showing.

Cane ball

Nhill Cane Ball Court official opening

Saturday 16 March 2023 was an exciting day for the Nhill community with the official opening of the Nhill Cane Ball court by Dr Anne Webster MP, Member for Mallee, and Cr Brett Ireland, Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor. Approximately 100 people attended the official opening ... Karen community members provided a demonstration of Cane Ball ...

Surf lifesaving

Coming to the rescue

Shaun Hollis. There have been more than 5700 surf rescues recorded across the nation since the start of summer, but there are no records for Yorke Peninsula. Statistics for drowning rescues on the peninsula are not known because there are no surf lifesaving clubs ... One group which does rescue people who get into trouble in the powerful surf of Berry Bay is the Yorkes Junior Surf Club...

Motorsport

Panel of champions to launch landmark motorsport strategy

Some of Sunraysia’s most successful motorsport exports will take centre stage for the official launch of the Mildura Regional Motorsport Strategy this month ... featuring a panel of home-grown motorsport champions including, world ski race champion Chelsea Blight, V8 Supercars champion Rick Kelly, multiple Australian Top Fuel drag racing champion Phil Lamattina...

Fishing

More than 80 barra now worth a million dollars: Potter

More $10,000 tagged barra have been changed to be worth a million dollars each, taking the grand total of Barramundi worth a million dollars to more than 80. There are still $10k fish waiting to be reeled in, but from today the chances of hooking a red tagged barra worth a million dollars are through the roof.

Fishing

Fun in the sun with record catches at Moulamein fishing comp

393 fish were caught during the Moulamein Football Netball Club’s annual fishing competition. ... This year's event saw entrants become citizen scientists, forming a partnership with Dr Nathan Miles from NSW Fisheries at Narrandera to record vital fish data to monitor fish numbers between the Balpool Bridge and 19-mile reserve on the Edward River at Moulamein.

Racing

Girl power carried the day

Last Friday was International Women’s Day and the spirit of the event carried over to the Towong race meeting the next day when two female jockeys and a trainer made their mark while two sisters and their cousin celebrated a home-town victory in the Cup. After finishing second last year, classy seven-year-old mare Euphemia made amends with a 3 1/2 length victory in a course record ...

Pickleball

Getting pickled has never been so much fun

If I asked you to play pickleball, what picture would you have? ... Being pickled and chasing a yellow fluffy ball—no, that sounds like tennis! ... The game is a racket or paddle sport in which two players or four players hit a perforated, hollow plastic ball with paddles over a 34-inch-high net until one side is unable to return the ball or commits a rule infraction. 

Tennis

Donald’s long weekend of tennis

Over the long weekend, the Donald Lawn Tennis Club held its 70th Labour Day Tournament in some of the hottest weather conditions the tournament has experienced for many years. In what was a cool summer in the Mallee, heat wave was timed to perfection for the three-day weekend! Thankfully the pool was open at the end of day’s play for everyone to cool off.

Endurance

Snake Valley event attracts big field of endurance riders

Victorian Renee Henry and Kollage MI have taken out the Snake Valley Dash Endurance ride’s perpetual line honours trophy ... There were 80 horse and rider combinations competing across four distance levels - 20km, 40km and 80km distances as well as a 5km course to accommodate younger riders and newcomers to the sport.

Cricket

Donald-Jeffcott beats the heat

The decision by former long-standing cricket clubs, Donald and Jeffcott, to amalgamate at the start of the 2023-24 season reaped the ultimate reward when Donald-Jeffcott won both “A” and “B” grade Wimmera Mallee Association premierships on Saturday.

Boxing

Drop Bear strikes again

Kimberly Grabham. Locally grown MMA champion, Danielle ‘Drop Bear’ Curtis, daughter of Linda Wright and Les Curtis, has done it again! The fierce, independent Drop Bear fought in the Co Main Event of Pallas Athena Women's Fighting Championship INC in Canada.

Racing

Ready to race

The Towong Turf Club is expecting a record crowd and full fields for its Cup meeting on Saturday after receiving 268 nominations for the seven-race card. The 2023 $30,000 Costello Rural-Life Plan Strategic Solutions Towong Cup is shaping up to be a hotly contested event with 2022 Mischinka aiming for a second victory.

Carriage driving

Carriage drivers cut a dash at Battle of the Borders

Carriage drivers from all around Australia, plus volunteers and visitors from as far away as Canada, made the Level 2 “Battle of the Borders” CDE at Carbery Estate, Mullengandra NSW, an outstanding event.

Boxing

‘Drop Bear’ off to Calgary

Kimberly Grabham. Home grown MMA Champion Danielle ‘Drop Bear’ Curtis is jet-setting abroad once again, to fight ... Danielle is stepping up a weight division on short notice ... This is so she can fight at bantamweight in the Co-Main Event of the show ... the Pallas Athena Women's Fighting Championship ... in Calgary Canada ...

Powerboats

Racing to rave reviews on the Clarence River

Seeking an extra splash of excitement, hundreds of spectators lined up along the banks of the Clarence River at Corcoran Park in Grafton … as the Northern Rivers Aquatic Club hosted a high-powered day of racing ... "It’s great for the local community that this event was able to go ahead because it brings tourists to Grafton, and it also helps to support the Northern Rivers Aquatic Club": Ricky Howard.

Motorsport

Tennant speedway drivers represent at Arunga Park

Karen Jones. Local speedway racer Jamie Jones showcased his skills against eight other Top Stars Junior Sedans in the Centralian title at Arunga Park Speedway last weekend, delivering a commendable performance. Joining him from Tennant Creek in the Street Stocks was Jayden Giezedanner who also made his mark in the competition.

Pikleball

Introducing pickleball

Pickleball: it’s one of the fastest growing sports in Australia and it’s now coming to Clifton. The best way to describe this new sport is to say it’s similar in some ways to tennis but played on a smaller court using a paddle instead of a racquet and using a ball that is more user friendly than a difficult, bouncing tennis ball.

Fishing

Tintaldra whopper landed

A leisurely fishing trip with some mates from Jeremal Bridge to Tintaldra on Saturday became very memorable when Josh Boers landed this 93cm Murray cod, much to the envy of his fellow anglers.

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