Local Sport Spring-Summer 2022 by McPherson Media Group

Friday, August 26, 2022 $1.80 (inc. GST) SINCE 1863 RIVERINEHERALD.COM.AU 5482 1111 SPORT Spring-sumMer LOCALLOCALC P. 5480 1027 • UNDEREMBROIDERYHippocketworkwear.com.au173PakenhamSt,Echuca&SCREENPRINTINGONEROOF... • Shirts • Shorts • Pants •WeCapsalso supply workwear from the best brands • Jackets • Polos • HoldersStubby • School Uniforms • ClothingCorporate • Club Wear WORKWEAR FROM THE BEST BRANDS PROUD SUPPORTERS OF LOCAL SPORT WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY ECHUCA PART OF YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY

By Josh Huntly Jack Eddy Oval is set to come alive during the summer months, with Echuca-Moama Little Athletics Centre poised for an exciting season. Improved pathways and revamped facilities mark a new era for Little Athletics in the region, and with the Commonwealth Games still fresh in the memory, EMLAC president Leah Smith said enthusiasm was high. “We’re looking at every aspect this year to make it bigger and better coming off the back of a Commonwealth Games year,” Smith said. The Little Athletics season is primed to take place from late September to early March, with dates to be confirmed. An increased age cap of 17 is set to improve pathways for those on the cusp of senior athletics.

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Little Athletes jumping for joy

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 17’s. We welcome athletes of all abilities including Multi Class athletes to our centre and encourage family members to get involved and volunteer also. There are opportunities for athletes to progress in the sport with many events throughout the season, including athletic carnivals across Victoria and New South Wales, regional, state and national competitions.

0418 139 309

“The last couple of years we’ve had a large cohort that have had a go at state events and have had a lot of “Childrenfun.have their strengths in certain events, and that’s the beauty of it.”

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 itself as a family orientated centre. We are an all inclusive centre, 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 September 2022. Children will need be to 5 years old to be able to register. Keep an eye on our website and socials for further information and when our registrations open.

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Key Friday,Dates:9th September: Come and Try Day Friday, 30th September: Season starts with BBQ dinner For further information President Leah Smith or Secretary Vanessa Haw Email: echucamoama@lavic.com.au & Instagram: Echuca Moama Little Athletics Centre (@echucamoamalittleaths) www.echucamoamalac@lavic.com.au

Having a track and field day: These will be the scenes for Echuca-Moama Little Athletics Centre when the season kicks off.

While Smith admits planning for such an event is in its early stages, she says it would be a great advantage for the organisation and Echuca-Moama.“Overthelast couple of years, we’ve been talking about running our own carnival,” she said. “We’re hoping that this year might be the year. It takes a lot of organising and we’ve never run one before.“We feel that it’s really important to offer that to our region. I think we would have a big cohort come from all across the state.”

“LAV (Little Athletics Victoria) have bumped the maximum age up to under-17s,” Smith said. “We’re working on trying to get some senior athletes in as well and show them that there is a pathway.“Around here the closest is probably Shepparton or Bendigo for senior athletics. We want the best opportunities for our kids.” Regional track and field events will be sprinkled throughout the calendar, but perhaps one of the more exciting initiatives would be a carnival hosted in Echuca-Moama.

LOCAL SPORT Spring-sumMer

The centre has also been successful in attaining a grant up to $15,000 to revamp its long jump run-up. A season start in September has been earmarked, with the club to return to Friday night sessions, and for the new initiates to Little Athletics there will be a ‘come-and-try’ day on September 9. Smith said EMLAC was an organisation that punched above its weight division, with members traditionally performing well at state level. “We always do quite well for a country town,” Smith said.

▯ EMLAC can be contacted at echucamoama@ lavic.com.au for more information.

2 RIVERINE HERALD FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022

ECHUCA LITTLEMOAMAATHLETICS

Come and Try Day: Friday September 9, 2022 at the Athletics Shed, Jack Eddy Oval, Perricoota Rd, Moama.

contact Phone:

0458 504 744

Photo: Steve Huntley

Family, Fun & Fitness

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LOCAL SPORT Spring-sumMer Region

Rochester Golf Club was established in 1910 and is a par-71, 18-hole course with sand scrapes, measuring 5970m. It provides four different course layouts and offers an enjoyable challenge for all levels of Rochestergolfers.Golf Club is located on Black Culvert Rd, CampaspeRochester.GolfClub, an 18-hole sand scrape course, features beautiful tree-lined fairways with plenty of birdlife. Ample parking is available and green fee players are most welcome. Campaspe Golf Club is located on the Northern Highway, at the northern end of Rochester.Kyabram Parkland Golf Club offers a unique challenge to golfers. Established in 1958 before evolving into a Par 3 course in 1961, Kyabram Parkland features elevated greens and has holes ranging in distance from 124m to Kyabram219m. Parkland Golf Club is located on Racecourse Rd, Kyabram. Prized course: Golfers at Rich River Golf Club. Ready: Rochester Golf Club is a 18-hole layout with sandscrape greens. a golf lover’s haven

Photo: Steve Huntley

By Gregor Mactaggart If you are a golfer, spring and summer is a perfect time of the year. The region has an array of quality golf courses to challenge the lowest of handicappers through to your weekend hacker.The piece de resistance as far as courses go is Rich River Golf Club, located at RichMoama.River offers two distinct championship golf courses, immaculately groomed.TheWest Course stretches to 6227 metres from the men’s tee, playing to a par of 72. Ladies benefit from an extra shot on the 5th hole, meaning what is a tough par-4 for the men is a par-5. First opened in 1979, the West Course has been host to many professional events throughout the year. The tree-lined fairways and elevated greens often make scoring tougher than on the East Course. The East Course measures slightly longer at 6247 metres from the men’s tee, playing to a par of Five-time72.British Open champion Peter Thomson redesigned the course in 1998 and features a links style with water coming into play on several holes. Rich River Golf Club is located at Twenty Four Lane, Moama. Across the water, the Echuca Back 9 Golf Course runs along the banks of the Campaspe River with grass greens, undulating tree-lined watered fairways and noThebunkers.course was created with the veteran golfer in mind, while also making the flat course available for anyone wanting to play a more relaxed game of golf. It is a social course, so casual attire is allowed. However, there is a ‘’no shirt, no shoes, no play’’ rule. Echuca Back 9 Golf Course is located on the corner of Eyre and McKenzie Sts, Echuca.Rochester is home to two golf courses.

Swing and a hit: The Echuca Back 9 Golf Course is popular with social players.

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LOCAL SPORT Spring-sumMer GMC cricketers dust oﬀ the 4 RIVERINE HERALD FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022 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 – Marcus Maher 0427 936 537 Girls Cricket – Fiona Byrnes 0438 936 541 Womens Cricket – Fiona Byrnes 0438 936 541 Email: moamacricket@hotmail.com

Moama Cricket Club was named NSW Cricket Club of the Year for Season 2020/2021

THE MOAMA

After another near miss our senior A grade side will again strive for the ultimate success in season 2022/23. We’ve added some real depth to list and looking froward to the coming season. Our B, C & maybe a D grade will also have a lot of fun and be very competitive. Our Youth Girls team will once again be involved and also the Women’s team which will be competing in their 2nd year, with coach Fiona Byrnes leading the way. We’ll once again field strong junior sides in Under-16, under-14 and under-12. The club also coordinates a very successful junior blasters (5-7 yrs) and master blasters (7-10 yrs) program. Registrations are now open for all on the playcricket.com.au website, search Moama Cricket Club. Please come and share the success with us! 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 kids into adults and to create a family friendly environment for all.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Ready to rumble: Reigning McMahon Shield premiers Echuca will become the hunted in 2022-23.

By Josh Huntly Dust off the whites and start rolling the arm over, because the summer of Goulburn Murray Cricket is approaching fast, with an exciting new addition to the 2022-23 calendar. A full 14-round A-grade men’s season will commence on Saturday, October 8, with Goulburn Murray Cricket’s topflight competition, the McMahon Shield, openingA-gradeproceedings.women’s will send down its first delivery on Sunday, October 9, before B-grade men and women start a week later on October 15 and 16 respectively. C-grade and D-grade senior competitions follow suit on Saturday, October 22. The McMahon Shield will once again feature two-day cricket fixtures, splitting its matches into nine one-day games and five two-day games, with semi-finals booked in for March 4 and 5 before a March 12 grand final.

Photo: Josh Huntly

CRICKET CLUB

Ongoing strength at Moama CC

One player in particular is Echuca’s Grace Moyle, who has risen through the ranks of the GMC juniors to earn a First XI debut with Premier club Carlton, as well as developing her craft in Cricket Victoria’s emerging players squad.“Without a sustainable junior model we’re not going to be able to feed into the senior competition,” Carlile said. “Where we can make an impact is juniors.” For more information on participation and locating your local club, contact goulburn murraycricket@gmail.com

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boomingcricketWomen’s

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New era: Women’s cricket continues its upwards trajectory as highlighted by the likes of rising star Grace Moyle.

LEFT Back in action: BLU players strike a pose before the McMahon Shield grand final. Photo:

LOCAL SPORT Spring-sumMer whites

One of those initiatives will include a ‘super series’ on Sunday, October 23 at Tongala Reserve, with the objective being that of skill development. GMC’s Girls Gala Day on Sunday, October 2 at Northern Oval in Kyabram (11.30am) will also provide an introductory element to the game of cricket — a day that has previously seen good participation. An under-14 girls program rounds out the offerings for the next generation of rising stars, some of whom have gone on to Premier Cricket level.

Fire Brigade, Echuca, Moama, Kyabram, BLU, Nathalia and Rochester will compete in B-grade, as options expand for women’s cricket in the region.

By Josh Huntly Two new women’s cricket teams will take to the field in Goulburn Murray Cricket, as the sport continues to see an up-tick in female participants.Rochester Cricket Club and Waaia Cricket Club will enter A-grade and B-grade respectively, expanding the total number of senior women’s teams in the association to 10. This comes after Goulburn Murray Cricket appointed a dedicated women’s cricket committee to oversee the governance of women’s cricket in the region, an area that has seen continued growth in recent years.

Kate Carlile, Brayden Carey, Sheree Farnham, Wendy Moyle, and Maxine Piggot form the recently appointed Women’s Management Committee.

At the junior level, a dedicated under-12 program will help future stars bridge the gap between Master Blasters and under-14s.

Photo: Steve Huntley Steve Huntley

Focus: Women and girls are taking up cricket in large numbers.

A grand final rematch between Bamawm-Lockington United and reigning premiers Echuca will take centre stage in round one, and nine rounds will be played before the Christmas break. An October restart marks the earliest return to play for the GMC since 2019, with COVID-19 related interruptions making for choppy fixtures in recent seasons.Witha return to cricketing normality comes the opportunity for the association to incorporate a long-awaited fixture, according to GMC operations manager James“We’reStokes.pretty excited to introduce an Indigenous round,” Stokes said. “We haven’t set a date yet, but we’re working on that. “It’s a good thing for the GMC.” “(Board member) Dylan Cuttriss is running with it. We were going to try it last year, but with a shortened competition we just ran out of space. In the junior ranks, an expanded under-16 T20 competition will build on a successful white-ball format from last season.Reigning premiers in each grade are Echuca (A-grade), BLU (B-grade), Echuca (C-grade), and Echuca South (D-grade). more information on participation and locating your local club, contact goulburnmurraycricket@gmail.com

GMC clubs participating in competition now include Beechworth, Echuca, BamawmLockington United, Shepparton-Youth Club United, Leitchville-Gunbower, and now Waaia in KyabramA-grade.

“We felt like we needed a separate group to oversee strategies on growth, look at pathways and address any gaps,” Carlile said.

RIVERINE HERALD FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022 5 THERE IS NO BETTER TIME TO GET INVOLVED IN LOCAL CRICKET W: gmc.vic.cricket.com.au E: goulburnmurraycricket@gmail.com P: James Stokes 0488 720 220 UMPIRES SPONSORS JUNIOR SPONSORS BAMAWM LOCKINGTON UNITED CC Matt Hamilton – 0427 833 013 blucricketclub@gmail.com COOMA CC Adam Hubble – 0438 984 adam_hubble@hotmail.com220 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 admin@echucasouthcc.com.au575 ELMORE FOOTBALLERS CC James Harney – 0447 511 525 j_harney6@hotmail.com GIRGARRE CC Andrew Medhurst – 0459 957 andrewmedhurst92@gmail.com169 KYABRAM FIRE BRIGADE CC Justin Hooper – 0431 647 949 firebrigadecc@hotmail.com LEITCHVILLE GUNBOWER CC Jason Keath – 0438 567 leitchvillegunbowercc@gmail.com260 MOAMA CC Marcus Maher – 0427 936 m.maher@campaspeaquatics.com.au537 NONDIES COHUNA CC Kyeran Ellery – 0475 016 nondiescohuna@outlook.com598 NORTHERN UNITED CC Scott Thompson – 0437 798 scottthompson9.st@gmail.com926 ROCHESTER CC Brendan Martin – 0419 325 allanbypastoral@hotmail.com505 RUSHWORTH CC Peta Williams – 0418 232 722 davidpeta@bigpond.com STANHOPE CC Matt Evans – 0487 740 mattevo_8@hotmail.com022 TONGALA CC Stephen Townsend – 0438 590 723 tongalacc1904@gmail.com MurrayGoulburnCricket is dedicated to the promoting, supporting and improving local cricket, with an emphasis on our Junior Boys and Girls cricketers. We have an age group to suit all – U8 Junior Blasters / U10 Master Blasters / U12 Girls / U12 Boys / U14 Girls / U14Boys / U16 Boys. Children playing cricket learn co-operation and other social skills, while building a sense of pride and accomplishment when their team wins. Even for the adults it is a great way to foster friendships outside of work.

There is no such thing as an off-season at Wickham’s Martial Arts Centre in Echuca, and after a busy few moths over winter, things are heating up with warmer weather just around the corner.

Photo: Steve Huntley

By Bransen Gibson

The martial arts centre at 39 Hovell St offers training and classes year-round for kids and adults alike, with a focus on three martial arts — Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Zen Do KaiWickham’skarate. also offers women’s self defence classes, which will be one element of the club’s women’s empowering day coming up on Saturday, October 8. This will be the third time the centre has held the free event, which will feature sessions held by local female instructors as well as guest speaker Kim Cousins, a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu from one of the top gyms in Melbourne.

Kiw Eikkasit is one of the biggest names in the Australian muay Thai community, training and coaching at Wickham’s. With more than 200 fights under his belt, Eikkasit will be in action later this year, while two of his protégés, brothers Jack and Daniel Matthews, also have fights scheduled for early September. Jack, the older of the two, has been making waves after turning pro last year, while Daniel is set to make his professional Muay Thai debut. “Seeing Jack and Daniel stepping up into the professional line is sensational for a couple of boys from the country, that is a huge success,” Wickham said. “It’s due to their hard work and it’s great to see that as well.” With sessions running throughout the year and classes open for beginners and adults and kids alike, new members are welcome to join at any time. “It’s as easy as coming down and giving it a go, it is really simple,” Wickham said. “People don’t need to book in, they just come 10 minutes before class and say that they want to join in.

Martial arts kick into summer

6 RIVERINE HERALD FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022 Kick, Punch or WANTEDTEENAGERSWrestle COME AND TRY ONE, THEN YOU CAN DO THE OTHER STRAIGHT AFTER! Tuesday Thursday5:15pm4:30pm 10 to 14 Years JIU-JITSUBRAZILIAN Takedowns, Throws, Submission and Wrestling Trialsessions$29.99forFor10 BOOKING AND CONTACT DETAILS: 81 Service St, Echuca. Ph: 03 5482 5362 EMAIL: ThursdayTuesdaywww.wickhamsmartialarts.cominfo@wickhamsmartialarts.com4:30pm5:15pm 10 to 14 Years MUAY KICKBOXINGTHAI Punch, Elbow, Kick, Knee, Pad Work and Sparring

“The first lesson is free and we have a 10-session trial for $29.99. It’s a great way to try it out, people can do a few sessions of each martial art — sometimes people aren’t sure which one they would like, so it gives them an idea of each of them.”

Photo: Steve Huntley

Also coming up, a host of Muay Thai fighters will be taking to the ring in professional bouts in the near future.

Martial arts master: Matt Wickham is the owner and founder of Wickham’s Martial Arts, with decades of experience and half a dozen different black belts.

LOCAL SPORT Spring-sumMer

“It’s a free event for the community for all ladies and girls from six years old and up can join in,” gym founder and owner Matt Wickham said. “We will have our local female instructors doing sessions and I have invited a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Kim Cousins up from Melbourne.“Previously we have had 30-40 women take part. We focus on a lot of self-defence throughout the day, and last time we had someone from the police force come to talk about safety. “I think it’s great event. It’s a way for the women at the club to help out the ladies and the girls in the community. They have been training for a while and they want to help out and I think it is great that they can lead by example.”

Muay Thai: Daniel Matthews, left, and his brother Jack spar at Wickham’s Martial Arts Centre in Echuca.

The Cup Day meeting is highlighted by a 3200m race, complementing the more famous two-mile test at Flemington. “It is also a qualifier for the Jericho Cup, which is run at Warrnambool,” Mr Armstrong said. “We’ll have hospitality packages for all of the meetings, but Cup Day is a big one for us with the marquees set up on the lawns and a magnificent atmosphere on course.”

The Cup makes its return after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 and promises to be worth the wait, with a crowd of about 3000 predicted for this year’s event on Saturday, October 1.

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When you think of spring and summer, horse racing immediately comes to mind. Spring is the busy time for thoroughbred racing, with a host of feature racedays in Melbourne and throughout country Victoria. It is the same for Echuca Racing Club, which plays host to five meetings from now until December 30. ERC manager Garry Armstrong said it was a great time of year for racegoers. “We’ve got some terrific meetings coming up,” Mr Armstrong said. “Our next raceday on September 10 is a Saturday meeting and gets a lot of footy clubs on their trips away at the end of the season. “Then we’ve got the Pubs and Clubs Raceday on Tuesday, October 11, and our biggest race day of the year is the Melbourne Cup Day meeting.” Mr Armstrong said a crowd of about 5000 would be course on the first Tuesday in November, coinciding with the race that stops the“Melbournenation.

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There will be food, drinks, fashion, live entertainment, kids’ activities and all the up-close racing that Gunbower is famous for. Buses will run from Echuca-Moama, with pick-ups from a variety of locations.

“It will be a big meeting for us,” Gunbower Racing Club president Mick Farrant said. “This is the 140th year and we’ve picked up the Moama Bowling Club as naming rights sponsor for the 2022 Gunbower Gold Cup.”

Keltrice won his maiden at Echuca 13 days after Golden Sword and little more than 16 months later won the 1994 Group 1 Lightning at Flemington.Echucaisn’t the only local club to hold major events during spring/summer, with the annual Gunbower Cup in October.

The purists will be catered for on the track, with Echuca having a great reputation for being the starting point for many a Group-class horse.

Great day: The Gunbower Cup is back after two years off due to COVID-19. This year’s race will be run on Saturday, October 1. Trackside: Echuca Racing Club hosts a number of meetings during spring and summer.

By Gregor Mactaggart

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Ferlax, trained by Jim Conlan, also won on debut at Echuca on November 20, 2012 and went on to win the Australian Guineas at start four. Golden Sword broke his maiden status at Echuca at start three on October 3, 1992 before winning the 1993 Epsom Handicap and 1993 Toorak Handicap at Group 1 level.

Get trackside this spring and summer

Cup Day is the meeting that attracts the highest amount of locals each year,” he“Withsaid. the past couple of years due to COVID, we haven’t been able to have people on course on Cup Day, so we’re looking forward to a terrific turnout this year.”

For more information on the Echuca races, phone 5482 2487 or email echraces@ countryracing.com.au For more information on the Gunbower Cup meeting, phone 0428 509 982 or email garryowen3@bigpond.com.au

Four horses kicked-off their career by winning an Echuca maiden before going on to achieve Group 1 glory. Local hero Shadoways, who won a Goodwood for Gwenda and Mick Johnstone, won his maiden on March 13, 2005.

Photo: Steve Huntley

LOCAL SPORT Spring-sumMer

The Steamers have also attracted the services of young guns Olivia Cartwright from Hill Top and Cameron Keenan from Rochester, with both set to take part in VBL and Moama’s premier pennant campaign.

Photo: Steve Huntley

By Josh Huntly There will be no shortage of blockbuster bowls competitions to compete in and observe over the course of theMoamasummer.Steamers will compete in the inaugural Victorian Bowls League as the best bowlers in the state descend on Moama Bowling Club.

Premier pairs makes its return to the greens of Moama, with the Ladies’ Premier Pairs taking place from Wednesday, September 14 to Friday, September 16. The Men’s Prestige Pairs will take place from Monday, September 19 to Wednesday, September 21. Across at Echuca Bowling Club amid pennant preparations is the upcoming Joyce Thorn Memorial Ladies’ Classic Pairs from September 10-12.

VBL1 will see the Steamers compete against seven other teams from around Victoria for the $20,000 purse from Friday, September 16 to Sunday, September 18. Moama will be represented by Scotsman Kevin Anderson, club stalwart and pennant champion Barry Brennan, and father-son duo Brad and Peter Campbell.

Scot:Great

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“It’s a fantastic opportunity for country clubs to test ourselves against players from the rest of the state, some of whom we would usually not get the chance to play against,” Anderson said.

The Ultimate Bowls Championship will also take centre stage at Moama Bowling Club from December 11-16, with a share of $500,000 up for grabs. Registrations are currently open.

season.bowlsPennantthisforwillMarshallAlexplayMoama

“We’ve gone for a slightly different method of selection from some of the other teams and chosen six of our own members to fly the Steamers flag. We know we’ve got tough opposition but we are looking forward to having a crack."

LOCAL

New season: A host of high profile bowls events are coming to Echuca-Moama.

World-class lawn bowls players to descend on greens

8 RIVERINE HERALD FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022

Ready to roll: The summer of bowls is coming. Photo: Steve Huntley On a roll: Moama Bowling Club is ready to go this season. Photo: Steve Huntley

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

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

LOCAL SPORT Spring-sumMer

By Josh Huntly Pennant bowls is one of the most popular summer sports throughout the region, and the Campaspe Playing Area Weekend and Midweek 2022-23 competitions are barrelling towards a season start. Weekend pennant gets under way on Saturday, October 15 for Division 1 to 5, while the Midweek variant has been confirmed for a Friday, October 14 start. The playing rosters look to be unchanged throughout Campaspe’s five weekend divisions and three midweek competitions, with the only change seemingly that of the rebranding of Division 4b to its renamed entity, Division 5. Echuca, Rochester, Mathoura, Tongala, Deniliquin, Lockington, Rochester, Moama, Rich River, Elmore, and Ky Valley form the nucleus of the playing area over the course of, traditionally, a 14-round season, with finals set to conclude in early April. Campaspe will head into its second season as part of the Bendigo-Campaspe-Goldfields bowls region after the amalgamation of the three associations last season. The competition contains divisions catering for a range of skill levels, from Division 1 to 5 in the weekend pennant and 1 to 3 in the midweek edition. Competition numbers are once again expected to be healthy this season. The reigning premiers of the top-flight competitions are Echuca in midweek and Tongala in the weekend edition. One local club from the region will also have a hand in one of the premier regional bowls competitions in the area. Moama is once again competing in Bendigo Premier Weekend Pennant with an eye to building upon its second-place finish and preliminary final appearance last season. The Steamers will face Kangaroo Flat at Moama on Saturday, October 8. Moama joined the competition last season, and has added talented young bowlers Olivia Cartwright and Cameron Keenan to its roster for 2022-23, but also the man regarded as the sport’s greatest player Alex Marshall.

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.

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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.

Pennant rolls towards start

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, U/15’s, U/13’s, U/12’s and U/10’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 Echucagrades.

LOCAL SPORT Spring-sumMer

By Bransen Gibson Get ready to hit a winner — tennis action is set to return to the courts across the region with the Goulburn Murray Lawn and Campaspe Tennis Associations warming up for the new seasons. With competition set to resume in October, there will be a different look in the leagues, with changes to some of the clubs. Echuca Lawn and Echuca South are preparing for their first campaign as one united club, with the two officially merging during the offseason to form the Echuca Tennis Club. The two clubs already shared the same facilities prior to the merger, but this will be a new beginning for the new entity, with construction work on five new courts — three grass and two synthetic — also under way. The construction of two new hard courts will also allow tennis to be played year-round at the club, something committee member Daryl Poole said would be beneficial. “It is going to be pretty good because we’ve got the mix of three grass and two synthetic. It’s exciting because it gives us the opportunity to be a 12-month-a-year club,” PooleETCsaid.competes in both the Goulburn Murray Lawn and Campaspe competitions. Across the border, the Rich River Rebels are looking for a few more players to round out their squad. With a number of players off to uni, the Rebels are on the hunt for new hotshots to join the team. But their fate is not locked in yet, with the potential for new teams to join ahead of the competition’s start date and the possibility of Rich River having a joint team with another Richclub. River and Echuca Lawn were both finalists in the previous GMLTA season, but failed to come home with the trophy. The Rebels finished on top of the ladder but crashed out of the finals after losses to Numurkah Warriors and the Velvet Tigers. The Tigers ended Echuca’s season in the semi-final, before falling to Numurkah in the grand final 75 games to 55. It was a different story for Echuca Lawn in the CTA, however, as they defeated Rochester in the grand final.

Tennis action is taking centre

Premiers: Todd Charnas was part of Echuca 1’s premiership-winning team in the Campaspe Tennis Association last season.

10 RIVERINE HERALD FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022 www.moamafootballnetballclub.com.au Thank you GOOD LUCK The Moama Football Netball Club would like to say Thank You to all our valued & loyal sponsors for season 2022. We would also like to thank all our very helpful volunteers, coaches, players & proud supporters. To all our teams that will be playing finals over the coming weeks, we wish you all the best & everyone is right behind you cheering loudly. #Grand Final @ Moama 17th September MAJOR SPONSORPlatinum Sponsors

Ace: Isabella Crossman in action for the Rich River Rebels last season.

LOCAL SPORT Spring-sumMer

RICH

ECHUCA TENNIS

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court across region

Photo: Steve Huntley

winning 11 sets to Rochester’s two for a 96 games to 57 win. Matches in both the GMLTA and CTA are played on Saturday during the summer months from October through to March. Junior teams play from 9am, with teams comprising of four players, with seniors commencing at 1pm, with teams comprising of four men and four women. The CTA involves clubs from Colbinabbin, Echuca, Elmore, Lockington-Bamawm United, Rich River and Rochester.

Photo: Steve Huntley CLUB President:echucaltc@gmail.comChrisPotter-0408 936 537 RIVER TENNIS CLUB Phone: 03 5481 3333 President and coach: Andrew Crossman - 0417 587

Premiers Echuca 1 defeated club teammate Echuca 2 in the semi-final to set up a date in the decider against Rochester after its win over Rich River in the otherEchucasemi.then aced it in the grand final

Hotshot:CONTACT967INFORMATION

RIVERINE HERALD FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022 11 Experience ECHUCA BACK 9 GOLF COURSE FOR YOUR NEXT OUTING… Can you spare a few hours to help out of a weekend? Volunteers needed. 2022 – 2023 Sponsorship Packages Gold Package $3,000 plus GST Package includes: Sign on course (prime position) Sponsorship flag Advertising on Score Card (limited places available) 20 Golf passes 2 ListedMembershipsonSponsors board Silver Package $1,200 plus GST Package includes: Sign on course 1 Listed10SponsorshipMembershipflagGolfpassesonSponsors board Bronze Package $600 plus GST Package includes: Sign on course 10 Golf passes Listed on Sponsors board Sponsor $300 plus GST Package includes: A3 sign on course 5 Golf passes Listed on Sponsors board Sign Only $150 plus GST Package includes: A3 sign on course Packages are for 12 months from July 1st. 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.

Eyes on the prize: Karen Taylor and her Rochester teammates will be hoping to go one better this season after falling to Echuca 1 in the grand final last season.

Josh Bavich, pictured, played for the Rich River Rebels last season but is continuing his career overseas after heading off to play college tennis in the United States.

The Echuca Moama Basketball Association offers three full-sized courts in an air-conditioned stadium for all year round competition.

and 25 CBL season tip-off: Saturday, October 1 Domestic season registrations open on

29 Domestic season tip-off:

Email: info@echucabasketball.com.au Facebook: Search ‘Echuca Moama Basketball Association’ CONTACT INFORMATION Basketball Victoria under-12 Jamboree in Echuca: September 17, 18, 19 and 20 EMBA Junior Tournament: September

The association offers many basketball

• 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 Moama Basketball Association at various Country Association tournaments monthly from October to March.

•programs:AussieHoops for junior boys and girls 5–10 years old 45-minute session held Wednesdays. For the development of skills before playing in competition.

12 RIVERINE HERALD FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022

• 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.

Meanwhile Echuca’s women’s team will be aiming to reach the postseason after narrowly missing out on finals action last season. Needing a win in their final game against Mildura to finish in the top four, a threepointer with less than 20 seconds to go clinched the win for the Heat and sunk the Pirates’ hopes of a finals berth. Baker said it would be an exciting season ahead for both teams in the CBL, with plenty to play “Thefor.men want to try and go back-to-back, which would be amazing. All the men are keen to jump back on board to try and defend their title,” she said.

10 KEY DATES

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

Contact Details: Lisa 0418 520 405 Email:

By Bransen Gibson

After the uncertainty brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Baker said the association had emerged in a strong position, with an exciting future ahead.

“For the women, it looks like we have a few promising juniors coming up through the ranks, which is really good.”

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

“When COVID hit we didn’t really know what was going to happen after that — whether or not more kids would come after that or less kids, but it has actually grown, which has been amazing,” she“Wesaid.have brought in our new coaching director, former NBL player Luke Carnegie, and he has been fantastic so far. “He is really going to help all of our squad coaches, which will have a snowball effect. We will be teaching more coaches more skills, therefore the kids will benefit, and when the kids benefit, the domestic season benefits.”

Website:info@echucabasketball.com.auwww.echucabasketball.tidyhq.comEchucaMoamaBasketballAssoc

• 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.

Home to the Echuca Pirates ECHUCA BASKETBALLMOAMAASSOCIATION

Photos: Steve Huntley Echuca Moama Basketball Association Inc. 244 High St, Echuca

On the court: Zara Pearson in action for the Echuca Pirates during the last CBL North-West season.

MVP: Echuca’s Luke Rosendale was judged grand final MVP for a second time during the Pirates’ win over Bendigo in the CBL NorthWest decider last season.

The Pirates will be hoping to defend their crown after claiming the North West Men premiership last season.

LOCAL SPORT Spring-sumMer

The Pirates are ready to set sail on a new journey, with the 2022-23 season of the Echuca Moama Basketball Association set to tip-off in the coming weeks. With a senior men’s and senior women’s side looking to repeat their finals success and a treasure trove of junior teams competing in tournaments and the domestic competition, there will be plenty of action at the Echuca South basketball centre The season will start off with a bang, with the EMBA set to host its annual junior tournament in September over the AFL grand final long weekend from September 23 to 25. With teams from across the state set to come to town to compete, the tournament is one of the association’s biggest events on the calendar.“Thejunior tournament is one of our big fundraisers so it is pretty much full steam ahead at the moment,” EMBA president Lisa Baker“Wesaid.actually have the most junior representative teams we have ever had, which is exciting.“Wehave 18 teams of representative kids, which is awesome, and they are all fired up and ready to go, which is very promising for Echuca basketball.”Theaction won’t stop after the junior basketball tournament, however, with the Country Basketball League and domestic seasons to tip off shortly after.

Echuca Pirates looking to defend their treasure Website: echucabasketball.tidyhq.com/ Phone:

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

The EMBA’s domestic season will also get back into action for the new season in October, with the competition open to anyone at both the junior and senior level. “Come down and have a go, anyone can take part in the domestic tournament,” Baker said. “The domestic competition is held on Monday and Thursday nights, with the boys and men on the Monday and the women and girls on the Thursday. All juniors have to do is register and we will pop them into teams, and we can do our best to accommodate them to be with a friend. And if you are a senior and you haven’t played before, we can assist you in helping find a team.” (03) 5480 6903 23, 24 Monday, August Monday, October

Echuca finished the season on top of the ladder before defeating reigning premiers the Bendigo Braves in emphatic fashion in the grand final, cruising to a dominant 81-58 win.

teams

7pm. President & Coach: Andrew Crossman 0417 587 967 Secretary: Sarah Crossman 0417 578 579 Monday night co-ord: Tim Harley 0403 444 259 Echuca

each Tennisyear.coaching lessons are

all

The Campaspe Tennis Association is a collective of tennis clubs in Echuca-Moama and its surrounding Competitiondistrict. played each Saturday during the summer months, October through March. The competition involves clubs Colbinabbin, Echuca, Elmore, Lockington Bamawm United, Rich River and JuniorRochester.teams is played Saturday mornings with the children playing in competitions from 9am. Senior competition commences at with comprising of

Exciting

night mixed teams competition commencing

Rich River

graded

The complex at Rich River Golf Club has six floodlit synthetic grass tennis courts. The club’s emphasis is on developing junior tennis both from a competition and coaching point of view. Rich River is a member of the Campaspe Tennis and Goulburn Murray Lawn Tennis Associations October–March available year round with Tennis Australia qualified coach Andrew Crossman. runs a great Monday at Tennis Club

competition

1pm

President: Chris Potter 0408 936 537 Secretary: Phil Higgins 0427 503 875 Coach: David Starling 0427 004 457 TENNIS…give it a shot! Campaspe

RIVERINE HERALD FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022 13

Rich River Tennis Club

The union of Echuca Lawn Tennis Club and Echuca South Tennis Club. have 11 grass courts available and 5 (2 synthetic/3 grass) new courts and club rooms under construction. participate in Campaspe Tennis and Goulburn Murray Lawn Tennis TwilightAssociations.tennis competition runs two competitions (Oct-Dec and Jan-Mar). times for the club with new courts and a new coach. Tennis Association

played during

four men and four women competing in graded Contact:sections.SarahCrossman on 0417 578 579. CROSSIES TENNIS COACHING LESSON OPTIONS • 45 or 90 minute group lessons. • Prices start from $100 per term. • Private or small group lessons by appointment. 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

George Fellner and Regan Hollioake were the last to etch their names on to the PS Success trophy as winners of the event. Who will it be thisAftertime?losing two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, another EchucaMoama favourite is set to make its long-awaited return. The Sweat vs Steam is, pardon the pun, full steam ahead for its first iteration in two years, with local triathletes set to face off against the PS Pevensey once again on Sunday, October 9. It’s a fun run like no other, with competitors pitting themselves against the 111-year-old paddlesteamer over distances of 5km and 10km at a walking or running speed, with the addition of the Kids’ Dash over 800m providing an avenue for the younger runners to compete.Thisyear runners and walkers will take in the beautiful aquatic reserve, Echuca Port Precinct, go under the new Dhungala Bridge and through the beautiful scenic trail to see if they can beat the Pevensey home. This will be the first running of the event since 2019 after COVID-19 put a stop to the run being held. Races get under way from 8am. Organised by a sub-committee of EMTC, profits raised by the event go back into supporting the local community through the Community Grant Foundation. An individual, school or community group can apply for a grant to receive funding for an upcoming project, specific event or the like, with the aim to support activities or projects that foster a sense of community and participation. For EMTC, another exciting season is coming up, with the club’s annual general meeting to take place on Monday, August 29 at the Border Inn, Moama from 7pm. ▯ Entries for the Sweat vs Steam are online only and close on October 7. For more information or to enter, head to

Photo: Steve Huntley

Looking ahead: The PS Pevensey during the 2018 Sweat vs Steam. Steaming: Can you outpace a paddlesteamer? Find out when the Sweat versus Steam makes its long-awaited return this October.

Triathlonwww.sweatvssteam.com.auClub

14 RIVERINE HERALD FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022

By Josh Huntly Triathletes will see a community favourite event make its glorious return to the summer sports calendar with Echuca-Moama Triathlon Club (EMTC) behind the wheel once again. The classic Morley Auto Group Multisport Weekend will take place from January 22-23, and will once again include the Junior Triathlon, Twilight Open Triathlon, and the Wharf to Winery 3km swim on Sunday morning. With 300 participants last start, Echuca looks set to be packed once again for the Multisport Weekend’s 24th edition, with the main event once again running at twilight after a successful integration in the 2021 Triathletesrace.

LOCAL SPORT Spring-sumMer

Photo: Josh Huntly

mainstays set to dazzle throughout summer

Finish line: The Echuca-Moama Triathlon will run again in late January.

Online

Every Wednesday evening from October through to March, the Club holds weekly ‘Splash and Dash’ events for itsmembers – the perfect introduction to Triathlon. Learn the skills of triathlon, see your improvements over the weeks, get involved socially and have fun along the way!Weekly events are handicapped, with all levels and abilities welcome – including juniors! And for those with a competitive streak, there is a Junior and Senior Club Championships, plus each Splash and Dash event you do gains youpoints for the EMTC Splash and Dash Champion!

JANUARY

Offering a kids junior triathlon on Saturday morning at Moama beach, followed by the showcase event – the Sprint Distance Triathlon in the evening at the Hopwood Gardens. To top this weekend of triathlon off, on Sunday morning, the “Morrisons Wharf To Winery” 3km downstream swim offers a rare opportunity to swim from Echuca’s historic wharf, through the Port finishing at Morrisons Winery in a closed and patrolled river. Why wouldn’t you want to start your training and come and get involved! TRI-CLUB:

The Echuca Moama Triathlon Club has a long and rich history of encouraging locals to come and see what Triathlon is allabout. Welcoming new members – even if you just want to see if it’s for you. With weekly mini triathlons over summer,regular social events, through to their annual Multisport weekend in January, there is something for everyone even thekids! So if you want to try something new, meet and train with like minded friendly people and learn all there is aboutTriathlon, then get in touch!

So enjoy a weekly outing on the river with the Tri Club. All you need is something to swim in, goggles, a bike, helmet and a pair of runners and you are on your way!

THE FIRST RULE

LOOKING TO TRY SOMETHING NEW THIS SUMMER?

WEEKLY TRIATHLON TRAINING

PARTICIPATION IS EVERYTHING ABOUT

Most of us learnt how to swim and ride a bike when growing up. We have all at some point run too. So what happens if you put these three activities together? A TRIATHLON of course!

SWEAT V’S STEAM IS BACK FOR 2022! Join us on Sun 9 Oct, 2022 from 8am Hopwood Gardens, Echuca and Race against a paddle steamer on the Mighty Murray River! 5km & 10km Fun Run/Walk plus NEW Kids by getting active - see if you can beat the steam! entries only - close 7th October ENTER www.sweatvssteam.com.auNOW: MULTISPORT WEEKEND