Local Sport Spring-Summer 2021

Riverine Herald, Friday, August 27, 2021—PAGE 13

riverineherald.com.au

Local

! r e w o P l r Gi

Sport

Spring-Summer

PAGE 18

RICH RIVER HUB LIFE

NEW PREMIER BOWLS LEAGUE

PAGE 22, 23

WORKWEAR FROM THE

BEST BRANDS PROUD SUPPORTERS OF LOCAL SPORT WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY

PAGE 25, 26

EMBROIDERY & SCREENPRINTING UNDER ONE ROOF...

• • • •

Shirts Shorts Pants Caps

• Jackets • Polos • Stubby Holders

• School Uniforms • Corporate Clothing • Club Wear

We also supply workwear from the best brands

P. 5480 1027 • Hippocketworkwear.com.au 173 Pakenham St, Echuca

Photo: Steve Huntley.

GMC WELCOMES FOUR NEW FACES

PAGE 14—Riverine Herald, Friday, August 27, 2021

Localsport

riverineherald.com.au

Spring-Summer

Beehag now set at 100km

By Rohan Aldous Echuca-Moama will be home to Australia’s two biggest water ski races if the plans of Moama Water Sports Club are realised later this year.

Steve Shipp, president of the world renowned club, said the Beehag 100 could rival some of the nation’s other major races to sit second only to the showpiece of the world’s ski events, the Southern 80.

Mr Shipp, along with every other sporting executive in Australia, is just waiting for the green light to start finalising plans for a big change to the

event named after one of Echuca’s most loved ski figures — the late Barry Beehag.

“The ski season normally starts from about August, but that will be delayed with the lockdowns happening at the moment,” Mr Shipp said.

The Barry Beehag, as it was always known in honour of the former club president and life member, previously had boats racing a 45km up and back course from Deep Creek to Torumbarry.

“To get things moving we decided to race from Torumbarry to Wills

Bend, which would make it a 100km race,” Mr Shipp said.

“Hence our plan to change the name to the Beehag 100.”

He said the new event could rival the likes of the Mildura 100 for the status of second most popular event, behind the Southern 80.

“There are three races in the world that ski racers want to do, the Southern 80, the Catalina Island race in LA (Los Angeles) and the Blue Diamond in Belgium,” Mr Shipp said.

“And Australians have won every one of these events over the years.”

He himself has competed on the

Belgium course and, naturally, has raced in both the Southern 80 and the Catalina events.

Mr Shipp said the proposed date for the Beehag 100 was November 13, but things were well behind schedule.

“By now we’ve usually had our meetings with emergency services, so we need to get a hurry along,” he said.

The Barry Beehag has been a part of the Australian ski racing season for many years, but interest in extending the length of the race has been widespread.

“It’s not long enough to be a feature race. We ski down, stop and wait for

everyone to get there, then come back.

It’s only 11 or 12 minutes each way,” Mr Shipp said.

“Now it will be up around the 20-minute mark each way, which will be great.”

Moama Water Sports Club has put a cap of 120 boats on the event, which Mr Shipp said would not be a challenge to reach.

“It’s a warm-up event before the Southern 80 and we are hoping for 10,000 people — all over the world — to watch the live-stream event,” he said.

Females to the fore in summer

By Meg Saultry Summer is right around the corner, and so too is the next generation of female sporting stars.

As we've seen in the past 24 months, women's sport is only rising, with bumper viewership from the 2020 ICC Women's World Cup to this year's delayed Tokyo Olympics.

Here in Echuca-Moama, there is plenty of talent ready hit the cricket pitch, dive into the swimming pool or throw up a fast-paced serve during the upcoming summer sport season.

Grace Moyle is one such player, with the cricketer eyeing back-toback titles at Echuca and Carlton's thirds this year, alongside her Vic Country duties.

After a long off-season, the talented allrounder is ready to pick up the bat and ball again.

“Some of the pre-season stuff has kicked off before lockdown,” she said.

“You're a bit rusty at the start, but then you ease into it and you're ready by the time the season comes around.”

Emily Lake has represented Rich River Tennis Club in competition for more than three years.

Lake's form last year — she topped her age group — means she'll be a key player in her team's run for finals this season.

Meanwhile, Tahlia Bright will be back on track — the running track,

that is — at Echuca-Moama Little Athletics.

The 11-year-old has competed for more than six years, and is a strong long distance runner.

“I like the opportunity to get to know other people and to compete against them,” she said.

And swapping the land for water will be Kasey Brander, who has been water skiing since she was 10.

“I've won three or four Southern 80s and go all around the world,” she said.

Brander is hopeful restrictions will soon ease so she can get back on the water.

“It's been hard to train over the last 18 months, and I miss the social side to it,” she said.

SUMMERTIME: Sport stars Tahlia Bright, Emily Lake, Kasey Brander and Grace Moyle are ready to make some waves during the spring-summer season.

Photo: Steve Huntley

THE FIRST RULE ABOUT TRI-CLUB

G IN H T Y R E V E IS N IO T A IP PARTIC Splash & Dash training every Wednes da ayy ...

Come and introduce yourself!

WANTING TO GET FIT WITH A GROUP OF LIK E-MINDED INDIVIDUALS IN A FAMILY FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT? Every Wednesday night from October 6th the club offers the “Splash & Dash” training even ts which will introduce you to triathlon.

Come along and introduce yourself to the crew at the events and ask for some friendly advice, or call the numbers below. Club members will be more than ready to assist you on your first outing!

Not too confident about one of the three legs? Then get some mates together and come along as a team .

No need for flash gear, just a bike, bathers and runners. It’s a great way to keep fit and mee ta new bunch of people. See you there!

Steve Loader: Nick Lee:

0408 380 858 0427 122 807

E: echucamoamatriclub@gmail.com W: www.echucatriclub.com

January Multi-Event

Our annual weekend of events is again going to be jam-packed full of events for all skill levels and disciplines.

Keep an eye on our Facebook page and website for entry and event details. www.echucatriclub.com

SPONSORED BY:

Riverine Herald

Riverine Herald, Friday, August 27, 2021—PAGE 15

riverineherald.com.au

Localsport

By Meg Saultry Echuca Moama Touch Club is driving forward in its quest to encourage more females to take up the sport this summer.

The club is set to hold four sessions starting next month, geared towards encouraging women to go to fields at Kirchhofer St (next to Moama Recreation Reserve) and try their hand at touch football.

“It's basically an idea where we're trying to get women involved in the sport,” club president Kaokao Kautai said.

“It's a mental health kind of activity; being free to come down and get fit and have fun together.”

The club will also resume its mixed touch competition from October, with anyone looking to get out of the house and active welcome to play.

“The way things are going with the restrictions, people just want to get involved with something,” Kautai said.

“When people are away from others for so long, and then have something to look forward to — that is what I want.

“It's just about getting the community involved in a new sport and getting active and making friends.

“Touch football is a sport that caters for everyone's needs.

“You don't need to have played before; we learn and play at the same time.”

A come and try session will predate the start of the competition, with the the first half of the season to run from October 4 until December 4, before breaking for Christmas.

Resuming on January 17, the competition heats up before finals are contested in March.

The program caters for both adults and juniors, with a "family-friendly environment" pertinent to the club's success.

Spring-Summer

Enjoy a touch of magic

PASS MASTERS: Elli Carmody, Pauline Sleeman and Kari Gulson are gearing up for the summer competition.

“I train the youth and then introduce them into the mixed competition,” Kautai said.

“They get to play with their parents, or aunts, uncles or cousins.

“And we've had a lot of people who

didn't know how to play, but when round four or five comes around, they love it. We want to keep that momentum going.”The women’s touch program will run on Monday, September 6, 14, 20 and 27 from 6pm.

‘

Photo: Steve Huntley.

You don't need to have played before; we learn and play at the same time.

— Kaokao Kautai

’

PAGE 16—Riverine Herald, Friday, August 27, 2021

Localsport

riverineherald.com.au

Spring-Summer

Pirates setting sail for the top

By Meg Saultry There is a sense of unfinished business for the Echuca Pirates men's team.

After a shortened 2020/21 Country Basketball League season where they finished mid-table, the Pirates are intent on getting themselves back among the business end of the season.

Coach Leo Tenace will return to the helm for the Pirates’ 2021/22 campaign, though it could be his swansong.

“I was happy to do it again; it was a bit of a short, unfulfilled season last year,” he said.

“We were only a shot away from making the finals in an shortened season.

“I'm probably ready to hand the reins over sooner rather than later, but I think we probably need to go one more year.”

With the COVID-19 pandemic still running rampant, it's unclear how the upcoming season, including the number and locations of games, will look.

Last year was a shortened six-game season, which gives clubs some indication as to how a season could get off the ground.

“I'm not sure how they will organise the competition, where it's the same conference; it's all up in the air,” Tenace said.

“Last year, we just went out to have a bit of fun. We didn't know if we would play, and this year seems the same.

“We'll just go out and get everyone involved, and enjoy it for what we've got and be grateful to be playing.”

Along with a focus on fun, junior

EXPERIENCE: Zara Pearson and Georgie Eishold will take on coaching duties for the Lady Pirates this season.

Photo: Cath Grey.

GETTING TO THE BASKET: Luke Edwards and his Pirates teammates are excited to hit the court again later this year.

Photo: Steve Huntley. development will be another key cornerstone of the season.

“I think our core group will come back and be ready to go, and hopefully we find a couple more junior Pirates through the program,” Tenace said.

“We want to keep injecting youth and have longevity in the program and a real local focus.

“We won the tournament two years ago, and all bar two came from the junior Pirate program.”

As for the Echuca Pirates women's team, fresh leadership will usher in a new era for the squad as it looks to better its 0-4 record from last year.

Current senior players Zara Pearson and Georgie Eishold will step up into a co-coaching role, taking over from club president Lisa Baker, who has turned her focus back towards the junior ranks.

Eishold said she and Pearson were

excited to get back on court as both coaches and players.

“We originally came together and understood we both wanted to commit to playing for the season, and having the conversation, we wanted to put our knowledge of the game together and support each other and take on a role we were capable of together,” Eishold said.

“We want the juniors to look up and see the program, and that you can

work your way up from under 12s all the way up to seniors.”

Eishold said the women's team was blessed with a committed group of women's players.

“Fingers crossed everything goes ahead, but regardless we're just excited to get the opportunity to get to training,” she said.

“Looking back on previous seasons, we've been fortunate to have a similar group of girls, who rain, hail or shine, continue to show up for training and games.

“And we have talent throughout our juniors, and that is an area we are also looking at.

“Overall, the girls are wanting to get better and improve, and there is a passion there for the game.”

ECHUCA BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION Home to the Echuca Pirates The Echuca Basketball Association offers ff three full-sized courts in an air-conditioned stadium for all year round competition.

The association offers many basketball programs: • Aussie Hoops for junior boys and girls 5–10 years old 45-minute session held Wednesdays. For the development of skills before playing in competition.

• Under-10 program for junior boys and girls. One-hour session Wednesdays.

Includes warm-up skills followed by drills for game development and modify matches.

• Junior Domestic for boys and girls under 12 years — under 18 years held Summer and Winter time. Boys Monday nights with the exception of under-12 boys who play Thursdays on the same night as the girls.

• Men and Women Senior A-,B- & C-grade competitions. Men and women play on Monday evenings.

• Junior Pirates Representative Squads under-12 to under-18 girls and boys — try-out and selection usually June/July those selected train weekly and represent Echuca Basketball Association at various Country Association tournaments monthly from October to March.

• Men and Women Senior Pirates CBL representation. Competition requires weekly trainings and travel to Country Associations to compete from October to February.

• Refereeing at Echuca Basketball Association offers the opportunity for bothh juniors and seniors to come along and referee domestic games weekly and at ourr tournament held in September this year and the opportunity to advance yourself and travel further if you would like to pursue your interest.

Echuca Basketball Association Inc. 244 High St, Echuca Contact Details: Lisa 0418 520 405 Email: info@echucabasketball.com.au Website: Websit te: www.echucabasketball.tidyhq.com Echuca Senior Pirates and Lady Pirates Echuca BasketballAssoc Echuca Junior Pirates @echucabasketball

Riverine Herald, Friday, August 27, 2021—PAGE 17

riverineherald.com.au

Localsport

Spring-Summer

COLOURFUL: Echuca Racing Club is hopeful of a crowd in attendance for its Melbourne Cup day meeting.

Photo: Steve Huntley.

Will crowds be off and racing?

By Meg Saultry The buzz of spring racing season is slowly approaching and with it a possible return trackside for local punters.

Crowds have again been absent during the latest Victorian lockdowns, though Echuca Racing Club general manager Garry Armstrong remains hopeful a crowd can be present at the club's Melbourne Cup day later this year.

“It's the biggest race day the club has for the year, people wise,” Armstrong said.

“Pre the latest the lockdown, we had been working with the state government around COVID-19-safe events, which we had been approved for.

“We understand there will probably be some restrictions around it, but hopefully with another 10 weeks away, all of Victoria are in a situation where there is a little more freedom.”

The club has five more meetings to end the year, with its Melbourne Cup day accompanied by races on September 11 and October 11 and 22, as well as on New Year's Eve. The September meeting looks unlikely to have crowds, with the October 11 and 22 meetings more realistic chances of having spectators trackside, according to Armstrong.

“Last time, it started with owners, then members and

‘

You have some really nice horses kick off their careers at some of the country races, then you see them popping up at the spring carnival in Melbourne.

ECHUCA & DISTRICT NETBALL ASSOCIATION Office Hours: Phone: Address: Email: Website:

’

— Garry Armstrong

limited general public before we got to Echuca Cup day where we had a good crowd that was pre-booked, preregistered, COVID-wise,” he said.

“But it worked really well as a day and event.

“If we can replicate something very similar to that for Melbourne Cup day, that would be a good outcome.”

Echuca had a particularly wet July, which saw of the club's meetings transferred.

But as temperatures rise, Armstrong said the track was shaping up nicely for a strong spring season.

Mon - Fri 9am - 3pm 5480 1725 High Street South, Echuca edna1@iinet.net.au edna.org.au

“The track as it stands is around that mid 5-6 range, which is around about perfect,” he said.

“And as the weather warms up, the track will only improve over the course of the next few months.”

With fashions undoubtedly a focal point of spring racing, Armstrong said another highlight was the excitement of getting a glimpse of new and up-and-coming horses, as well as locally trained horses at Echuca.

“You look at some of the fields, especially some of the young horses that are here; the big trainers start to roll out these nice three-year-olds who have much bigger targets down the track,” he said.

“You have some really nice horses kick off their careers at some of the country races, then you see them popping up at the spring carnival in Melbourne running for significant prizemoney.

“You see some really potentially good horses you've never heard of.

“And there is nothing better than seeing local winners from local trainers at Echuca.

“When there is those local crowds here, you get that real buzz around those winners.”

BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU

Tuesday 5:15pm Thursday 4:30pm

10 to 14 Years

Kick, Punch or Wrestle TEENAGERS WANTED COME AND TRY ONE, THEN YOU CAN DO THE OTHER STRAIGHT AFTER!

Takedowns, Throws, Submission and Wrestling

MUAY THAI KICKBOXING Tuesday 4:30pm Thursday 5:15pm

10 to 14 Years Punch, Elbow, Kick, Knee, Pad Work and Sparring

Trial for $29.99 For 10 s session

BOOKING AND CONTACT DETAILS: 81 Service St, Echuca.

Ph: 03 5482 5362 EMAIL: info@wickhamsmartialarts.com www.wickhamsmartialarts.com

EDNA 2021 / 22 CALENDAR THE HOME OF GRASS ROOTS & REPRESENTATIVE NETBALL FEBRUARY – MAY

TUESDAYS: SUMMER/AUTUMN SENIOR

FEBRUARY – MAY

WEDNESDAYS: SUMMER/AUTUMN MIXED

APRIL – AUGUST

SATURDAY’S PRIMARY players register individually and are placed into teams to participate in a structured program encouraging development of their skills. Played in mornings.

SENIOR players year 7 to veteran enter as teams to play in the afternoon.

MAY – AUGUST

SATURDAY — NET SET GO PROGRAM: 5–7-year-olds skills based program targeting co-ordination & ball skills.

MAY

SUNDAY — ANNUAL TOURNAMENT: Attracting teams from across the State.

MAY

FRIDAY — ANNUAL PRIMARY TOURNAMENT: Fun & participation for district schools.

JULY – NOVEMBER TUESDAY: SPRING SENIOR

JULY – NOVEMBER

WEDNESDAY: SPRING MIXED

AUG – NOV

WEDNESDAY — SPRING JUNIOR: After school competition. Players aged 8-year-old. Year 9 enter their own teams.

NOVEMBER 15, 22, 25, 2021 Representative team selections for player ages 11/U, 13/U, 15/U, 17/U wishing to represent EDNA in 2022.

*UMPIRING & COACHING COURSES OFFERED

PAGE 18—Riverine Herald, Friday, August 27, 2021

Localsport

riverineherald.com.au

Spring-Summer

More clubs, more teams, top comp

By Josh Huntly Goulburn Murray Cricket starts on October 2, and it’s shaping up to be a rollicking 2021/22 season of bat versus ball.

Even before the first delivery of the season, change has swept the association — four new clubs have joined the ranks of the GMC. Former Northern Districts Cricket Association clubs LeitchvilleGunbower and Nondies-Cohuna have crossed over to field teams in A and B grade, along with their under 16 teams.

Meanwhile, Elmore and Colbinabbin have joined the B grade ranks after their move from the Northern United Cricket Association.

GMC operations manager James Stokes said the league newcomers will strengthen the competition and he’s tipping them to help reel in Echuca and Kyabram in the top tier.

“Leitchville and Nondies have come in fully aware of what sort of cricket they’re going to have to play to be competitive, and successful, in the GMC,” he said.

“They’ve gauged that off the players that have been with their clubs and then come across to play with some of our clubs.

“Both clubs have recruited, so I think A grade will be really competitive.

“You’re going to have to play well every week or else you’ll slip behind the pack.”

As for B grade, the division has now swelled to 16 teams.

“I think that comp stepped up last year,” Stokes said.

“We had top-six finals and nine teams in the hunt with two rounds to go.

“If you’re getting that kind of result, then your league’s fairly competitive.”

Stokes is confident the association can navigate the early-season challenges ahead, despite the regional COVID-19 outbreak causing havoc in local sport.

“We decided back in April that we were going to try and have as close to a normal season as possible, regardless of interruptions,” Stokes said.

“Obviously what happens in the next few weeks could see us vary on that.

“If we come out (of lockdown) around September 9 or thereabouts, we’ll still look to start on the 2nd.

“Any later than that, as far as the executive go — we would have to go back to the clubs.

“If we don’t get out until around the 16th or 23rd, well that only gives you

‘

Both clubs (Leitchville-Gunbower and Nondies-Cohuna) have recruited, so I think A grade will be really competitive.

— James Stokes, GMC operations manager

BACK FOR MORE: Matt Hinks and his Echuca teammates will have plenty of fire in the belly to get back to — and win — the Goulburn Murray Cricket A grade title.

Photo: Cath Grey about a week to prepare. That would then delay the start of our season.

“It is going to be challenging, especially early. Once we get running we’ll be fine, same as we did last year.”

Echuca South Cricket Club is vying to push its trajectory upward in the competition, and new Swans coach Glenn “Pudd” Blachford has been driving his players to do the hard yards before pre-season kicks off in earnest.

Recruits are also expected to be

announced in the coming weeks down at South.

“Recruiting wise we’ve picked up a couple of players, as well as a couple of players coming back,” Blachford said.

“It will be a bit of a different squad make-up to be honest, and hopefully a lot fitter.

“That’s what pre-season's about.

I’m expecting boys to put a bit of weight on their shoulders and do a bit of work on their own while we’re not allowed to train as a group.”

October 10 is the start date for Women’s A grade, while B grade will start a week later.

The under 17 girls pathway will also get underway, and several practice matches are set to take place before A grade fixtures for girls interested in trying out.

“Our main aim this year is to build that,” Stokes said.

“What we intend to do is to have maybe three, four or five games prior to an A grade women's game. We're

’

going to hold a practice match, or what we call a promotional game.

“We've probably got girls who, once they finish the under 14 bracket, only have the alternative of playing under 16 boys or open-aged senior women's cricket.

“If we're serious about female participation in the game of cricket, then we need to provide more avenues for them to be able to do that.”

Echuca A grade women’s side are gunning for a historic premiership three-peat in the competition, following triumphs in 2019/20 and 2020/2021.

Echuca stands as the benchmark for women’s cricket in the region, and club president Chris Hinks is rapt with their progress under the tutelage of club coach Jon Varcoe, who was reappointed back in May. Hinks said improvement elsewhere in the competition is also an indicator of the growing strength of the women’s competition.

“It’s huge,” Hinks said.

“It goes down to a), the work the girls have done and b), the work that Jon has done early.

“Just watching the ladies develop their skills over the last few years has been phenomenal.

“Other sides have improved as well, so our girls will have to take it to another level this year if they want to go for three (titles).”

The A grade men will have a different goal in mind – erase the heartbreak of last season’s grand final defeat to Kyabram Fire Brigade.

They’ll have a chance to do that in round two when they host Fire Brigade at Vic Park.

One notable omission from the 2021/22 fixture is Tongala in A grade.

Their continuous presence in the top grade came to an end after a mixture of retirements and players seeking opportunities elsewhere meant the club felt it would not be competitive in the top flight this season.

ECHUCA CRICKET CLUB An integral part of the Goulburn Murray Cricket Association, Echuca Cricket Club will field teams in the Senior and Junior Divisions of both the Male & Female competitions this coming season. We will also run the popular Woolworths Cricket Blast for the 5 - 10 year olds.

The club contains an exciting mix of youth and experience across all grades, and is always looking for new players to join our proud, successful and friendly ranks. The successful introduction of our Senior and Junior female teams over the last 2 years makes us a truly all inclusive club.

Headquartered at Victoria Park, we have great training facilities, an improved centre wicket area, a first class playing arena and electronic scoreboard for match days.

If you are looking for a game, or a new club, contact us and be part of one of local crickets great stories.

Contact us President: Chris Hinks 0429-665-678 Email: echucacc@hotmail.com

Follow us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/EchucaCricketClub

Riverine Herald, Friday, August 27, 2021—PAGE 19

riverineherald.com.au

B U L C T E K IC R C A M A THE MO CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Ongoing success at Moama After another near miss our senior A grade side will again strive for the ultimate success in season 2021/22, the Youth Girls team will once again be a force within the club after completing their first season of competition cricket. Joining them this year will be a Women’s team with coach Fiona Byrnes leading the way.

These two teams will complement our existing B and C grade, under-16, under-14 and under-12 for the 2021/2022 season.

The club also coordinates a junior blasters (5-7 yrs) and master blasters (7-10 yrs) program.

Registrations are now open. Please come and share the success with us!

Moama Cricket Club was named NSW Cricket Club of the Year for Season 2020/2021 Womens Coach Fiona Byrnes Junior Player Ashlyn Carter

Our facilities

We boast the best facilities in the district thanks to the support of Murray River Council, our meticulous curator and our hard-working committee. Our brand-new state-of-the-art pavilion, new electronic scoreboard and nets are in full use. An immaculate outfield, well prepared wickets, and superb spectator areas all contribute to the excellent playing and viewing experience. All our coaches are accredited to ensure our junior and senior players are given the best possible opportunity to develop their skills as part of successful teams. We strive to develop boys into men and to create a family friendly environment for all.

Moama Cricket Club

Where: Perricoota Rd, Moama When: September to March Training: Senior – Tuesday and Thursday 5pm Junior – U12 Monday 4.30pm, U14 Tuesday 4pm, U16 Tuesdays 4.30pm Contact: President – Kirk Teasdale 0402 063 705 Seniors – Glen McFadden 0401 028 802 Juniors – Cate Burns 0430 148 198 / Marcus Maher 0427 936 537 Girls Cricket – Carri Carter 0400 146 471 Womens Cricket – Fiona Byrnes 0438 936 541 Email: moamacricket@hotmail.com

ET G O T E IM T R E T T E B O N IS E R THE

T E K IC R C L A C O L IN INVOLVED

Goulburn Murray Cricket Cricket has been an established team sport for hundreds of years and is one of the most popular games in the world. Goulburn Murray Cricket is dedicated to supporting and improving our local cricket, with an emphasis being placed on developing our junior cricketers.

Children playing cricket learn cooperation and other social skills, while building a sense of pride and accomplishment when their team wins. Even adults can enjoy the opportunity to foster friendships outside of the office. Victory is all the sweeter when shared!

BAMAWM LOCKINGTON UNITED CC Matt Hamilton – 0427 833 013 blucricketclub@gmail.com COOMA CC Adam Hubble – 0438 984 220 adam_hubble@hotmail.com COLBINABBIN CC Daniel Morgan – 0429 054 691 danmorgan24@icloud.com ECHUCA CC Jon Varcoe – 0427 848 015 echucacc@hotmail.com ECHUCA SOUTH CC Gary Smith – 0419 589 575 admin@echucasouthcc.com.au ELMORE FOOTBALLERS CC James Harney – 0447 511 525 j_harney6@hotmail.com

GIRGARRE CC Andrew Medhurst – 0459 957 169 andrewmedhurst92@gmail.com KYABRAM FIRE BRIGADE CC Justin Hooper – 0431 647 949 firebrigadecc@hotmail.com LEITCHVILLE GUNBOWER CC Jason Keath – 0438 567 260 leitchvillegunbowercc@gmail.com MOAMA CC Marcus Maher – 0427 936 537 m.maher@campaspeaquatics.com.au NONDIES COHUNA CC Kyeran Ellery – 0475 016 598 nondiescohuna@outlook.com

ROCHESTER CC Brendan Martin – 0419 325 505 allanbypastoral@hotmail.com RUSHWORTH CC Peta Williams – 0418 232 722 davidpeta@bigpond.com STANHOPE CC Matt Evans – 0487 740 022 mattevo_8@hotmail.com TONGALA CC Stephen Townsend – 0438 590 723 tongalacc1904@gmail.com

NORTHERN UNITED CC Scott Thompson – 0437 798 926 scottthompson9.st@gmail.com

UMPIRES SPONSORS

JUNIOR SPONSORS

W: gmc.vic.cricket.com.au E: goulburnmurraycricket@gmail.com P: James Stokes 0488 720 220

PAGE 20—Riverine Herald, Friday, August 27, 2021

riverineherald.com.au

Localsport Spring-Summer Olympic dreams begin right here

By Liam Nash The time to hop, skip and jump into athletics is just around the corner for all future Olympians.

Echuca-Moama Little Athletics Centre is gearing up to launch its track and field season and is putting the word out to budding athletes in the region to save the date of October 2.

The centre hosts a come and try day for ages 5-16, inviting them to get a taste of the sport before the six-month long season starts on October 8.

“Going into this season there is a whole new committee, and we want to have a strong focus on family, fun and fitness,” secretary Rebecca Blight said.

“But also, for the kids who are competitive, we want to make sure we are still pushing them to personal bests.”

Blight assured fun is catered for at Echuca-Moama Little Athletics Centre.

But she said for those aspiring athletes, the ones who wish to take

their talents right to the top, avenues are available through the organisation to assist them in reaching their dreams.

“There are events where we go and compete with other clubs within our region. Athletes also have the option of attending a regional carnival or even go up to state level,” Blight said.

“We run coaching courses throughout the season to help with that.”

An exciting prospect on both sides of the ledger is the uptake in interest following the success of Australian Olympians at Tokyo 2020.

Youngsters striving to be the next Peter Bol or Nicola McDermott can begin – or continue – their journey at Echuca-Moama Little Athletics Centre, and Blight is just as excited as the kids themselves.

“I know within our club there are a few who have set goals for the Olympics in Brisbane,” she said.

“We have a good little crew who do the carnivals and have made it through to state in our club — and I think the Olympics will bring a few more members in.”

‘

We have a good little crew who do the carnivals and have made it through to state in our club — and I think the Olympics will bring a few more members in.

’

— Rebecca Blight, Little Aths secretary

FUN AND FITNESS: Echuca-Moama Little Athletics Centre welcomes all from ages 5-16.

Photo: Cath Grey.

ECHUCA MOAMA

LITTLE ATHLETICS

Fun, Fitness, Family Echuca Moama Little Athletics Centre has a strong focus on family, fun and fitness and achieving personal bests through coaching, fundamental skill development and weekly meets. Our athletes range from Under 6 through to Under 16’s. We welcome athletes of all abilities to our centre and encourage family members to get involved and volunteer also. There is opportunities for athletes to progress in the sport with many events through out the season, including athletic carnivals across Victoria and New South Wales, regional competitions and state championships.

Athletics is the foundation for many sports and a great pre-season leading into winter sports. Our ON TRACK program caters for the Under 6 age group (5 years of age), grounding them with fundamental running, throwing and jumping skills through game based play with the opportunity to move into events later in the season.

Echuca Moama Little Athletics Centre prides its self as a family orientated centre. We are all inclusive no matter the ability and focus on a fun environment for our athletes and families. Registrations and payments must be done online through the Little Athletics Victoria (www.lavic.com.au)

from late August 2021. Children will need be to 5 years old to be able to register. The LAVic website has an age group calculator to help you determine your child’s group.

Key Dates: Saturday, October 2: Come and Try Day for new athletes Friday, October 8: Season starts with BBQ dinner For further information contact Phone: President Leah Smith 0458 504 744 or Secretary Rebecca Blight 0418 130 203 Email: echucamoama@lavic.com.au Facebook: Echuca Moama Little Athletics Centre (@echucamoamalittleaths) Website: www.echucamoamalac.com.au

Come and Try Day for new members, October 2, 2021 at the Athletics Shed, Jack Eddy Oval, Perricoota Rd, Moama from 9 am – 11 am.

Riverine Herald, Friday, August 27, 2021—PAGE 21

riverineherald.com.au

Localsport

Spring-Summer

Back 9 a haven from the turmoil

By Liam Nash If there has been an oasis for Campaspe Shire’s golfers throughout the turbulence of COVID-19, Echuca Back 9 has been it.

The course’s lush links play host to droves of golfers all year round, and with community sport constantly plunged into uncertainty due to regional Victoria’s recurring lockdowns, many have opted to pick up a club and swing for the fences – or greens, rather – when it comes to their chosen mode of recreation.

Echuca Back 9 has helped nurture that interest — and the news gets better still for players.

According to Sarah Peake — from Echuca Neighbourhood House, the organisation which operates the course

— there is plenty to smile about as the warmer months approach.

“With the introduction of our selfattending pro shop, if coronavirus restrictions allow golf, even with no volunteers on site people can still come and play by paying their green fees at a vending machine. It’s all noncontact, it’s fantastic,” Peake said.

“We also have four brand spanking new golf carts which people can go and hire online.

“All the instructions on how to book can be found on our Facebook page, or people can turn up at the club instead.”

Complications surrounding border accessibility may mean Rich River Golf Club regulars in Echuca may not be able to drive, chip or putt at their usual haunt.

Peake put forward the solution — Echuca Back 9.

“There are a lot of people who might not be able to get across the bridge to play, so we welcome them all to come and play at Echuca Back 9 and look forward to having them at the course,” Peake said.

“We have lots of people embracing the sport, young and old — we even have a 97-year-old who comes with his grandson every Friday.

“There are definitely people from all walks of life who come and enjoy the facility.”

So, whether you’re young or young at heart, amateur or ace, Peake had just seven words reserved for those interested.

“Everyone can come and have a hit.”

GREEN AND GORGEOUS: The Echuca Back 9 course is in stellar nick running into spring.

Swimmers hope to dive in soon

By Josh Huntly

BUTTERFLYING BACK: Echuca Swim Club is eyeing an October return.

Photo: Cath Grey

Echuca Swim Club (ESC) committee is aiming for a term four restart, suspending activities until then in an effort to rejuvenate swimmers and bring the entire club back together.

Members won’t hit the pool for club-related activities over the spring holidays, but the club is aiming for an October 4 start (COVID-19 restrictions depending).

“By doing this we hope it gives everyone a bit of certainty, a bit of a

break,” said ESC president Melissa O’Grady.

“We’re just pre-empting we won’t get out of lockdown and even if we did, it’s only two weeks left of term.

“Our club would still be split in half with the border restrictions. So we know all our Moama kids wouldn’t be able to come over anyway.”

This means the club’s annual swim carnival, scheduled for October 2, will be scrapped for a second year running.

“It’s disappointing, but what can you do,” O’Grady said.

Despite a disrupted year, the club has managed to grow and will welcome back an eager group of swimmers when the time is right.

O'Grady, who will step down as president after two years in the role at an extraordinary general meeting (date to be advised), said the club was in great shape and expected another membership surge.

“We’ve had 24 members join since the start of this year,” O'Grady said.

ECHUCA BACK 9 Golf Course We have partnered with Vendi Golf Virtual Pro Shop to create a fully self-attending experience of playing golf with us. If you haven’t been down to the course lately, come and have a look at what we have done – you will be impressed!

Our Vendi Machine operates with tap n go facilities and cash transactions – and you can buy golf balls, tees, gloves, drinks, snacks and pay your green fees in a single transaction!

Now with 4 BRAND NEW Vendi Carts, fully self-attending, and the Virtual Pro Shop open with vendigolf and vendicafe - you can play and spend the whole day at a great little course on the Campaspe River!

Open all year round, no matter what the weather Echuca Back 9 Golf Course is a great place to learn, play and simply socialise to reconnect with friends.

We are dedicated to creating a fun, family-oriented environment to learn, play and socialise on course!

OPEN NOW Corner Eyre & McKenzie St, Echuca P: (03) 5482 6110 E: info@enh.org.au W: www.echucaback9.com.au Proudly managed by the Echuca Neighbourhood House.

PAGE 22—Riverine Herald, Friday, August 27, 2021

Localsport

riverineherald.com.au

Spring-Summer

Bowls enters a brave new world

By Tyler Maher

BOWLS IS BACK: Matt Liverton and Echuca Bowls Club will be ready to make their mark on this year’s mid-week and weekend pennant seasons.

Photo: Cath Grey.

Bowls in and around the border region may sound a little different this summer.

Name changes, boundary shifts and administration tweaks have all occurred since bowlers in the area last took to the greens for pennant competitions — but the game will certainly be the same.

The aim of that game of course, is two-fold.

Initially — like last summer — bowlers in all divisions will be simply savouring the (hopeful) ability to get out and have a roll as both NSW and Victoria battle coronavirus outbreaks that could impact the summer campaigns of many sports.

But once that goal is ticked off it will be down to the business of winning — and winning well.

So what has changed since champions were last crowned?

For starters, City of Echuca is no more — the club opted to drop the ‘City’ from its name at a special general meeting in May. The club will be known as Echuca Bowls Club from the 2021/22 season onwards.

The competition clubs such as Echuca, Rich River, Moama, Rochester, Mathoura and Tongala play in has also had a rebranding.

Campaspe Valley Bowls Division

‘

We want to make it as accessible as we can, we want to try and introduce more junior members and more female players into the game.

’

— Stuart Whyte action is no more, with the creation of the Bendigo Campaspe Goldfields Bowls Region allowing less administrative stress across the area.

Bowls Victoria first mooted the shift in process — which has seen the 41 districts across the state streamlined into 16 regions — ahead of the 2020/21 season, but now all pennant in the state's competitions will be held in ‘playing areas'.

Deniliquin, Deniliquin RSL, Elmore, Ky Valley View and Lockington are the other clubs that make up the Campaspe Playing Area.

Moama will also field a side in the new Bendigo Premier Division One competition this summer.

Familiar faces Pat Schram (Echu-

ca), Stuart Whyte (Moama) and Greg Watkins (Rochester) are also lending their services as the new Campaspe directors on the BCG region board.

“I get a sense from the people who have been elected to the board that they do want to bring the game forward,” Moama delegate Whyte said after putting his hand up for the position.

“We want to make it as accessible as we can, we want to try and introduce more junior members and more female players into the game.

“I’m brand new to the area, so it’s a good way to get involved, get to know the bowlers and clubs that form a part of this new region.

“I also just think, in terms of my role at Moama Bowling Club and my passion for the game, I wanted to be involved to try and further the game.

“The primary drive (of the change) was to make the administration of the game more efficient, from Bowls Victoria down to the clubs.

“You’re taking away as many moving parts, so communication, administration and getting proposals and innovations in the game across should be a lot more efficient.

“To run a division you need your boards, then all your committees to run all the various pennant, coaching, umpiring, development.

Riverine Herald, Friday, August 27, 2021—PAGE 23

riverineherald.com.au

Localsport

Spring-Summer

READY TO ROLL: Rose Sinclair and her Rich River teammates will be dusting off their lawn bowls ahead of the new season.

Photo: Cath Grey

NEW COMPETITION: After dominating Campaspes division one weekend pennant season for close to a decade, Moamas top team will join the Bendigo Premier Division One this year.

Photo: Steve Huntley. ‘‘And as a sport, we’re finding it more and more difficult to find enough volunteers and people with the time to dedicate to those roles.”

Rochester's Watkins also stressed the importance of help from all areas of the region.

“We still need volunteers, we still

need some people for match committees, selection committees,” he said.

“So anyone out there that’s willing to put their hand up to be either a match committee person or pennant committee member would be appreciated.”

While Schram was also excited to

see the Campaspe area shine brightly in a new light.

“We’ve got brilliant facilities in Campaspe — our greens at all our clubs are good and we absolutely bat above our weight in regard to our achievements for a little area, so I want to see that continue,” Schram said.

“I want to see this work — and work efficiently.”

Inaugural BCG Bowls Region president Paul Moller knows COVID-19 is highly likely to change the picture of the summer campaigns once again — but that the region would still be looking to paint a normal picture first before adjusting as needed.

“We’ve got to go and plan for a normal season without COVID-19,” he said.

“We all made adjustments last season, so let’s think for the positive, then we can act and adjust for COVID19 if it intervenes.

“Being in lockdown is not a good place for people.

“Bowling clubs are family to a lot of people, especially to the older community.

“It’s being around people, and it’s making sure you’ve got that community involvement.”

Some key events on the cards this season in the region include Moama hosting the Champion of State Pennant proceedings from April 30 to May 3 next year, while many local bowlers will be hoping the Vic Open can still go ahead in November this year in Greater Shepparton.

Another change to the bowls season this summer will be the absence of the smiling face of Jim Stapleton.

The 108-year-old was still sending down bowls in the lead-up to his passing earlier this month, and will be missed by all among the region's bowling community and beyond.

Recognise outstanding sporting achievements in our region Nominate them now

JANUARY WINNERS

for a Sportstar Award

SENIOR WINNER

• • • •

Junior and Senior Sportstar Coach Of The Year Club/Team Of The Year Spirit Of Sport

ECHUCA-MOAMA

Sportstar 2020–2021

KIARA DEAN SHOOTING

JUNIOR WINNER

KOBYN JAMES CRICKET

The Echuca-Moama Sportstar of the Year Awards recognise outstanding sporting achievements in our region.

MORE ONLINE:

HOW TO NOMINATE:

-

For more information contact Sarah Crossman on 5482 1111 or sportstar@riverineherald.com.au

riverineherald.com.au/sportstar Riverine Herald RivSport

Nomination forms are available at the Riverine Herald office or online at: riverineherald.com.au/sportstar

more photos & videos read more on this month’s winners the history of Sportstar online nomination forms

PAGE 24—Riverine Herald, Friday, August 27, 2021

Localsport

riverineherald.com.au

Spring-Summer

By Josh Huntly “It’s absolutely okay to say you are not okay.”

This is the message from Echuca Football Netball Club's Health and Wellbeing Sub-Committee, and their words ring true amid a challenging time for those involved in community sport — and the community in general.

The sub-committee is an initiative by the Murray Bombers that saw local GP Sam Kennedy bring together seven EFNC community members to support the club in off-field wellbeing.

“Basically, we just wanted to create a space and be the first club to jump forward and put their hand up to show support,” said committee member Georgie Eishold.

Eishold is in the final year of her Masters in Social Work and holds a degree in psychology.

As an Echuca netballer also, she said this was an important support network to have available.

“It’s a safe environment for people — players, supporters and coaches — to come forward and have that conversation if there’s any help and support we can offer,” she said.

The initiative flags the growing efforts of grassroots clubs to provide a clearly defined base for mental health and wellbeing support in local sport.

“Breaking the stigma” has been the ongoing theme of the evolving mental health movement in community sport, and now more than ever those resources will be crucial to those in need as the pandemic rages on.

“We’ve got a local GP, counsellors, various different roles within the team that offer that expert advice that people can seek if they need that information,” Eishold said.

“Often it can just come through a conversation. To have that environment where mental health and

STANDING TALL: Echuca Football Netball Club continues to focus on its mental health and wellbeing program.

Photo: Megan Fisher.

Wellbeing is top priority

wellbeing is just a general conversation; that should happen day-to-day.

“But obviously there is that option to seek further help if needed.”

Information, reading materials and education events have also been made available as part of the initiative.

After two consecutive cancelled seasons and a seventh statewide lockdown, many members of the

sporting community currently find themselves at a low ebb.

Which is why support has never been more crucial — and why the initiative will remain in place beyond this season at the EFNC, Eishold said.

“It’s a committee that will continue for the club, and we hope it does spark other clubs and associations to become involved and promote their safe environment,” she said.

“Removing the negative stigma around mental health is a big thing I want to push forward with.

“It’s not all negative, it doesn’t have to be negative. It’s just a conversation that can happen day-to-day.

“The more comfortable people are with that, the better quality of life people are going to live.”

If you or anyone you know needs

help: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 Beyondblue: 1300 224 636 Qlife: 1800 184 527 Mensline: 1300 78 99 78 1800 Respect: 1800 426 820 Dolly's Dream support line: 0488 881 033 Headspace Australia: 1800 650 890

A proud history – An exciting future.

Echuca Football Netball Club competes in the Goulburn Valley League – the region’s premier football and netball competition. Our highly credentialled senior coaches, excellent facilities and Echuca’s unrivalled local reputation for professionalism creates a great environment to improve your football and netball skills in an enjoyable, supportive and family friendly atmosphere. Our accredited junior coaches are dedicated to the development of junior football and netball talent.

Our Club has a flourishing junior football program including Auskick, U10’s, U12’s, and U14’s, teams. The senior football department is

made up of five grades of football – Seniors, Reserves, U18’s, U16’s and Women’s teams, whilst on the netball courts we have teams in A, B, B Reserve, 17 and under and 15 and under grades.

Echuca Football Netball Club is committed to offering off-field help to our players and supporters by providing access to information, materials and support to assist them in mental health and wellbeing. EFNC aims to provide an environment for all players and supporters to be valued and supported in their on field endeavours and off field wellbeing. Our

Health and Well-Being Subcommittee is made up of people with a vast range of skills and experiences. Our players and supporters can feel confident that they can seek assistance by engaging with any member of the committee knowing that their wellbeing needs will be treated in line with our Code of Conduct and the Player Well-being Policy.

We invite you to be part of the Echuca Football Netball Club, a club with a proud history – an exciting future.

Contacts: admin@echucafnc.com.au Website: www.echucafnc.com.au

Echuca Football Netball Club Inc. Since 1876 Victoria Park Oval, Crofton Street, Echuca.

Riverine Herald, Friday, August 27, 2021—PAGE 25

riverineherald.com.au

Localsport

Spring-Summer

Hub mooted for Rich River

By Rohan Aldous A tennis hub for Rich River’s outstanding crop of Goulburn Murray Premier League players could be a reality if the continuing challenge of COVID-19 means cross border competition is under threat.

Andrew Crossman, Rich River’s most decorated player, said the potential of a “hub style” situation for tennis was not entirely out of the question.

“It’s amazing the extremes people will go to in order to play sport. We are seeing that at several different levels,” he said.

“If we have to start a bit later, so be it. And if we have to base ourselves somewhere on this side of the border, then that’s what will happen.”

Rich River Tennis Club not only won the Premier One title of the Goulburn Murray competition last season, but was also the winner of the Campaspe Tennis Association’s Section One competition.

The NSW-based club will aim to defend its twin tennis crowns in 2021-22, with exactly the same team that was successful last year.

Crossman, the veteran of that pennant-winning team, said there wouldn’t be any change to the team, which features three teenagers including his outstanding 14-year-old daughter Isabella.

“Erik (Holt-Crossman) is only 24, Deagan (Tomkins) and Josh (Bavich) are still teenagers.

Leanne (More) and I bring the age of the team up a bit,” he said.

The 51-year-old said he would continue to make the development of players an emphasis for Rich River.

“I didn’t play a lot of matches last year; if we’re not short of players, no point me playing. It is about the development of our players and there are juniors on the brink of breaking into the Premier One level,” he said.

Premier One’s new season may see the addition of a fourth male to the team, but for now it remains three men and two women.

At the moment, the number one man plays a singles and two men’s doubles, with number two and three men playing singles, a men’s doubles and a mixed set.

The two women play a play singles, a doubles and a mixed set.

“Winning both the Goulburn Murray and Campaspe premierships last year was a pretty good effort by the club,” Crossman said.

Rich River star Alyssa Godfrey will be back for more this season, while it's hoped Darren Short will return for 2021-22.

Rich River will defend its Premier One title against three Shepparton teams, two teams from Numurkah and clubs from Bendigo and Echuca. ● Rochester Tennis Club is planning a junior tennis recruiting drive to reconnect with its 2019 crop of players, after what president Karen Taylor described as a slow 2020 season.

“Last year we didn’t have too many senior teams, probably because of COVID,” she said.

“In 2019 we had five senior teams and eight junior teams, but last year we only had two senior teams and four junior teams.

“I don’t know what is going to happen this year, but our aim is to get back to those pre-COVID numbers.”

The club’s annual general meeting is on Monday, where she hopes to put together a plan for the 2021-22 season recruiting drive.

“We will have to have it via Zoom, but not much will change,” she said. “I will continue as president and the office bearers won’t change.”

Rochester’s top seed in Section One, Jaycob Dingwall, will be back and Karen is hoping for a better return than the first round of finals exit from last season.

“Having Milo Condliffe as our coach will help with the appeal to juniors. He is there every Thursday and available for private lessons,” Karen said.

“Last year he ran practice after school on Fridays for the kids.

“We will run a Hot Shots program again this year, which should lead to more junior involvement.”

The club is aiming for some kind of season launch through a September holiday program before the start of the regular season.

“We will also run our twilight competition in October, which will encourage all those who like a social hit of tennis,” Karen said.

Clubs set to merge

By Rohan Aldous Echuca Lawn and Echuca South tennis clubs are expected to ratify a proposed merger at a joint annual general meeting of the clubs on Monday evening.

The Campaspe Tennis Association clubs’ amalgamation could result in the formation of a new sporting entity, the Echuca Tennis Club, but according to club executives little else will change.

Echuca Lawn president Brian Gledhill said merging the two clubs had been a hot topic of discussion between the clubs for some time and would streamline tennis at the riverside facility.

“This year we hope to realise the amalgamation of the two clubs,” he said.

“With everyone's support we plan to rubber stamp the new club as Echuca Tennis Club at the AGM.” Mr Gledhill said he did not expect any surprises when it came to Monday evening’s meeting as the clubs had informally agreed on the new name.

“We’ve always been meaning to amalgamate,” he said. ‘‘It just that this year we’ve decided to actually do it.

“This way everything will all be sorted by the start of the new season (expected to be the second week of October).”

Mr Gledhill said apart from a decrease in fees to Tennis Victoria, not a lot would change with the clubs.

“There were steps taken last year toward combining the two clubs,” he said.

“We had a joint club champion vote count and things like that.

“This proposed merger will streamline the whole operation, with both clubs still using the

same facilities, and in the same location.”

The lawn tennis club has a 135-year history, while Echuca South was started in the 1960s.

“I’m not sure there has ever been an Echuca Tennis Club, maybe many moons ago,’’ Mr Gledhill said.

Mr Gledhill said he expected the same amount of players, and teams, to be part of the Campaspe association — just under the banner of Echuca Tennis Club Daryl Poole, Echuca South Tennis Club president (at least for the next couple of days), said work on the two new hard courts and three grass courts at the Victoria Park site would continue through the 2021-22 season.

“The new courts will not come into play for this season,” Mr Poole said.

“There will be works undertaken on the three lawn and two hard courts, but they won’t be used until the following season.”

He said construction of the new bridge across the Murray River had taken out six courts.

“We didn’t have those courts last year either, so for this season it really is business as usual,” Mr Poole said.

Echuca South played off in the section grand final against eventual premier, Rich River, last season.

“We won it six or seven years ago, Mr Poole said. “There may be a few uni kids missing this season, but apart from that the personnel won’t be too different.”

Mr Poole said Phil Higgins, reigning club best and fairest, along with his female equivalent Tanya Godfrey, would still be at the club.

“Oliver Poole and Riley Godfrey will play section one again this year as well,” he said Mr Poole said the junior numbers were anticipated to be similar to last season.

Thank you After yet another peculiar year of covid affecting our beloved community. The Moama Football Netball Club would like to say thank you to all our proud and very helpful volunteers, supporters, coaches & players.

With a big thanks to our major sponsors the Moama Bowling Club, The Border Inn Hotel Motel and Harvey Norman Echuca for their tremendous efforts in supporting our season, along with all our other loyal sponsors.

MAJOR SPONSOR

www.moamafootballnetballclub.com.au

Platinum Sponsors

PAGE 26—Riverine Herald, Friday, August 27, 2021

Localsport

riverineherald.com.au

Spring-Summer

Start date anyone’s guess ‘

By Rohan Aldous Campaspe Tennis Association president Ryan Byrne was dusting off his crystal ball when I spoke to him last week in anticipation of the guessing game he will be expected to play for a starting date to the 2021-22 season.

“At this stage the starting date is the second week of October,” the 25-year-old number one seed from Elmore Tennis Club said amid the current COVID-19 lockdown.

“In a week’s time we hope to meet. I am predicting we won’t be able to meet in person, so I’m throwing out the idea of a Zoom meeting.

“That meeting may be pushed back a little bit, and if that is the case then the season may be pushed back as well.’’

Mr Byrne has inherited the association’s presidency as per the agreed rotation between clubs and will fill the role for the next two years.

“Lockington has the secretary role, the recorder role is at Echuca South, while the treasurer’s position is with Rochester,” he said.

“It’s a shared responsibility.”

Mr Byrne, a six-time Elmore Tennis Club singles champion, said he expected the association to have six clubs — the new Echuca Tennis Club (if accepted at Monday evening’s joint AGM), Rich River, Rochester, Elmore, Lockington-Bamawn

Association-wise we haven’t got to the point of how many teams we will have in each section. We will probably know in a month’s time.

Ryan Byrne

United and Colbinabbin.

The competition’s senior format will continue to see the top two ranked male players

involved in a singles, doubles and mixed sets, while the three and four seeded men play two doubles and a mixed set.

The four female seeds will contest two women’s doubles and one mixed.

The Section A junior format

will continue to feature singles play, while Section B and C will be completely doubles sets for all four players, with no male or female orientation to the make-up of those doubles combinations.

Mr Byrne has been involved at Elmore club for nine years The exercise physiologist works out of Echuca Moama Physiotherapy’s Kyabram clinic, working a couple of days every week from MJF Wellness in Echuca.

“When I was very young I played my tennis at Rochester, which is my home town,” Mr Byrne said.

“But I had a few mates that played at Elmore, so I moved over there.”

He said finals plans for the new Campaspe season had been slightly delayed, as expected, because of COVID19 concerns.

“We usually start on the second weekend in October,” Mr Byrne said.

“We were due to hold our meeting to get the season up and running next week, but I’m

ECHUCA UNITED FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB Would like to thank all our sponsors for their continued support over the 2021 season, particularly our two major sponsors

The whole Echuca United family is so proud of all our teams in what has been a very difficult year for us all. We look forward to seeing you all in 2022.

WE LOVE IT AT UNITED!

’

not sure whether that’s happening now.’’

Of his own Elmore team, Mr Byrne said it was a ‘‘wait and see’’ approach “We are usually a level somewhere in between sections one and two,” he said.

“We will all be entering teams in the two sections. ‘‘Colbinabbin and us (Elmore) have one senior team in either section.

“Association-wise we haven’t got to the point of how many teams we will have in each section.

“We will probably know in a month’s time.’’

Elmore’s female seeds will be led by reigning club champion Taylah Pratt.

Mr Byrne said he expected all clubs to be represented in the three junior sections.

“Our junior teams will be led

by Remy Cowan, Rory Hayes and Morgan Boyack,” he said.

Riverine Herald, Friday, August 27, 2021—PAGE 27

riverineherald.com.au

TENNIS… give it a shot!

Campaspe Tennis Association The Campaspe Tennis Association is a collective of tennis clubs in Echuca-Moama and its surrounding district.

Competition is played each Saturday during the summer months, October through March.

The competition involves clubs such as Colbinabbin, Echuca Lawn, Echuca South, Elmore, Lockington Bamawm United, Rich River and Rochester.

Junior teams competition is played Saturday mornings with the children playing in graded competitions from 9am.

Senior competition commences at 1pm with teams comprising of four men and four women competing in graded sections.

Contact: Sarah Crossman on 0417 578 579.

Rich River Tennis Club

Rochester Lawn Tennis Club

The complex at Rich River Golf Club boasts nine floodlit synthetic grass tennis courts. The club’s emphasis is on developing junior tennis both from a competition and coaching point of view.

The Rochester Lawn Tennis Club is the last surviving tennis club in Rochester.

We have seven showcase lawn tennis courts as well as two new hardcourts with lights.

Club facilities include a huge function centre, toilets, showers and a fully stocked bar.

We participate in Saturday competition in the Campaspe Tennis Association.

Coaching is available on Thursdays from 4pm, we also offer a Hot Shots program and an evening competition.

President: Karen Taylor 0448 557 139 Secretary: Shelley Leahy 0429 546 301 Coach: Paul Condliffe 0427 348 756

Rich River is a member of the Campaspe Tennis and Goulburn Murray Lawn Tennis Associations played during October–March each year.

Tennis coaching lessons are available all year round with Tennis Australia qualified coach Andrew Crossman.

Rich River runs a great Monday night mixed teams competition commencing at 7pm.

President & Coach: Andrew Crossman 0417 587 967 Secretary: Sarah Crossman 0417 578 579 Monday night co-ord: Tim Harley 0403 444 259

CROSSIES LESSON OPTIONS • 45 or 90 minute group lessons.

• Prices start from $100 per term.

• Private or small group lessons by appointment.

TENNIS COACHING PART OF HOT SHOTS TENNIS PROGRAM Designed specifically to make learning tennis fun and easy for primary school-aged children.

BOOK YOUR LESSON TODAY Phone Andrew on 0417 587 967 or email crossmanas3@bigpond.com

PAGE 28—Riverine Herald, Friday, August 27, 2021

riverineherald.com.au

Your Club. Our Community

Freecall 1800 806 777 6 Shaw St., Moama NSW 2731. moamabowlingclub.com.au

ABN A AB BN B N 58 5800 0001 01 0104 0046 46 4693 93399

We’re good sports at Echuca-Moama’s premier entertainment venue.

Experience award winning design, architecture and hospitality.

Open from 10am daily. Cafe, Bistro, 3 bars, Bistro Terrace, Players Terrace, full TAB, Sports Lounge, Kids Kave and function facilities second to none.

Free shuttle service. FreeCall 1800 806 777.

You’ll know you’re on a winner with generous promotions, great membership choices and much, much more.

Become a member today, contact Customer Service or visit our website for full details.