Ancient Greek marketplaces

INNISFAIL and District Netball Association season is underway. The 14week competition officially commenced this week, including a social competition and a 10-week season for Open players. During pre-season grading last month, members participated in various clinics, including two umpiring clinics and a training and umpiring clinic with Heather McLaren, whilst representative players, coaches and umpires attended a clinic with Vicki Wilson.

At the final sign-on, healthy numbers participated in a Come and Try Day for youngsters of all ages, run by IDNA member Leisa Spinella and Maddison Searle, a guest coach from Netball Queensland.

Netball is an excellent way to form new friendships and build confidence and a multitude of health benefits such as improving fitness, endurance, balance, coordination, and strength.

Last month, a Netball Gala Day took place at Bessie Spiller Courts for Under 12s players who participated in trials for Northern district selection to make up an Innisfail district team.

IDNA has a pro-active committee made up of Michelle Hogan (President), Kellie Harrison (Secretary), Kimberley Ganley (Treasurer), Tanya Pensini (Registrar), Leisa Spinella (coaching and NET SET GO coordinator), Leigh Hodder-Onaindia (Canteen convenor) and Christine Mayer (Grants and Fundraising Officer), as well as other enthusiastic volunteers.

IDNA is making an urgent call out for more junior and senior players to make up teams, especially in Under 12s. Anyone interested can attend Bessie Spiller Courts on Tuesdays from 5.30 pm.

Two IDNA representative teams, Under 15 and 17, have been training regularly in preparation for the Senior State Age Championships on the Gold Coast from April 30 to May 2.

Innisfail and District netballers hit the courts for the start of season

Leisa Spinella from IDNA and Maddison Searle from Netball Queensland with the youngsters who took part in the Come and Try Day last month.

Local boxers ready to rumble in Babinda

MARIA GIRGENTI

SIX local fighters are ready to rumble this Saturday, April 23, at Babinda Boxing Club’s annual tournament at RSL Memorial Hall.

Around thirty fighters from Cairns, Weipa and across the Far North region will take to the ring in 15 amateur bouts, including special guests from Zenadth Kes Boxing Club, Thursday Island.

The first bout starts at 7.00 pm with a crowd of up to 300 expected to fill the hall.

Kevin Simpson, aged 15, from Innisfail, will feature in the main junior bout against a fighter from Palm Island.

Last month, Simpson had a tough and close bout against Josh Shannon from Kingdom Boxing, Ingham at Bryde’s Boxing Gym tournament at Mareeba Workers Club. He won via a one-point split decision.

He is always stepping up in age and weight as he weighs 65.8kg, but he fought at 70kg and constantly fought boys aged 16 going on 17.

Simpson’s fight record is 7 wins, 4 losses, which includes two-time Golden Gloves and two-time State Titles champion.

It is shaping up to be a big year ahead for Simpson, competing in his favourite sport.

Due to COVID-19, the National Titles did not proceed last year. They will not proceed next month in Townsville, with the next National Titles scheduled to take place from September 24 - 26 in Victoria.

Simpson gained selection to compete for the Australian title, which means he will be fighting for this title later this year.

He will also compete in the Golden Gloves in midJuly, State Titles in September, and local tournaments.

Along with fellow boxer Sanraj Grewal, Simpson gained selection in the Queensland team to compete in the National Titles.

Trainer Eric Norman nominated both boxers based on their previous performances and who won gold at the Queensland Titles.

Grewal, aged 13, who competes in the 44.5kg division, has been boxing for close to two years.

In his debut fight last year in Babinda, Grewal had a win over his opponent from Yungaburra.

After the State Titles, Grewal had a win over Jake Hine from Townsville in his second fight at Buzza’s Fight Night in Port Douglas, so his current fight record stands at 2 wins, 0 losses.

Both boys attend training twice a week at Babinda Boxing Club and, on other days, undertake their training at home.