Local Sport Spring-Summer 2023

SPORT Spring-sumMer LOCAL

2023

A variety of sports on the menu this spring-summer

By Gregor Mactaggart

The spring-summer period delivers a veritable bonanza of sport across the region.

In addition to the sports already profiled in this look, bowls, swimming, martial arts, croquet and the racing codes also generate attention.

Bowls action heats up throughout the district during this period with thousands of players on the greens.

The region’s premier venue, Moama Bowling Club, will host a number of local and national events.

The Steamers are also going to fly the flag in the 2023-24 Bendigo Campaspe Goulburn Region Premier League competition.

They will come up against the cream of Central Victoria’s top clubs including South Bendigo and Bendigo.

Moama opens its campaign with a blockbuster opening round showdown at Bendigo on Saturday, October 21.

The renowned Campaspe Playing Area weekend and midweek pennant competitions are drawing closer to a start date.

Tongala’s bid for a third successive Division 1 weekend pennant flag gets under way on Saturday, October 21 at home to league newcomers Stanhope.

In other Round 1 matches, Rochester face Mathoura, Moama Steamers host Rich River and Deniliquin will make the trip to Echuca.

There are five divisions of weekend pennant and three in the midweek pennant competition.

The big change for midweek is the shift back to Tuesday play instead of Friday.

Moama, who won last year’s title with a 20-shot win against Rochester, will be the team to beat once again.

The Steamers host

Deniliquin on Tuesday, October 17.

Rich River plays Echuca and Mathoura is drawn to play Rochester in the other matches.

One club looking to make a splash this spring and summer is the Echuca Swimming Club. The club is hosting its annual Open Day from 2pm-4pm on Saturday, September 23 at the Echuca War Memorial Pool.

During the open day you can join the club with a training session, take part in pool games, meet the club coaches and other families.

▯ If you are interested in attending the open day or

for more information on the Echuca Swimming Club, email echucaswim club@gmail.com or contact president Krystin Nagle on 0419 610 745.

Those keen to explore a different avenue may find martial arts to their liking.

Wickham’s Martial Arts Centre offers a total program of self-defence, fitness and family fun through its comprehensive martial arts curriculums.

Whether you are interested in their children’s programs, senior self-defence courses, competitive fighting or health and fitness training, they have a class that is suitable for you.

Our kids classes are a great way to increase physical

activity and make new friends, while gaining skills needed to develop into a confident and responsible adult.

They range from Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu and Zen Do Kai Karate.

The spring and summer months are a great time to be trackside and back a winner.

Melbourne Cup Day remains the biggest meeting on the Echuca Racing Club’s calendar.

A crowd of about 3000 people will be in attendance at Echuca Racecourse on the first Tuesday in November.

ERC manager Garry Armstrong said the day, featured a strong local presence, as many took the

chance to enjoy the race that stops the nation.

“It is traditionally our biggest meeting of the year, just ahead of the Echuca Cup in March,” he said.

“The difference between the two days in the crowds is that we get a lot more people from across the region, there is that local flavour to it.

“We see people from Tongala, Kyabram and Rochester, as well as Echuca and Moama.”

All roads will lead to Gunbower next month for the 2023 Moama Bowling Club Gunbower Gold Cup on October 7.

A crowd of about 2500 will converge on the small town

for the popular annual race meeting, made famous by racecaller Jack Styring, who called 60 Gunbower Cups during his illustrious career. And it is not the gallops, with the trots also a staple.

Echuca Harness Racing Club hosts meetings on September 6, October 25, November 29 and December 20 ahead of the alwayspopular New Year’s Day meeting, providing the chance to enjoy the first day of 2024 at the Frank Ryan Raceway on Simmie St.

The sporting fun does not end there with the likes of croquet and darts also in full swing.

See you out there.

Greenside: Moama Bowling Club is in for a busy spring and summer period.

Trackside: Spring and summer is a terrific time of the year for the races.

Be there: Echuca Swimming Club is hosting its annual Open Day from 2pm-4pm on Saturday, September 23 at the Echuca War Memorial Pool.

Rich River an ideal location for golfers chasing birdies

By Alexander Dabb

Rich River Golf Club will be a hive of activity in the coming months, as the weather warms up and produces perfect conditions for golf.

Boasting two immaculate golf courses, Rich River Golf Club is the premier golfing destination in the region, with championship quality fairways available to members and green fee-paying patrons alike.

The east course hosted the 2023 NSW Open in March, the state’s top golf event, and despite being in top condition already, the course is only set to get better.

“We’ve done a full irrigation upgrade on both golf courses over the last three years,” Rich River director of golf Steve Loader said.

“The fruit will start to bear from those works as the effects of the irrigation project take place.

“So, you can imagine, you’ve got areas of the golf course that will just be continuing to get better and better.

“Members and visitors are going to get the full benefit of that as the summer period takes place.”

For those looking to get into golf, or improve their game, Rich River also provides PGAaccredited coaching.

Jody Fleming was recently appointed the club’s new head teaching professional, bringing with her six years of experience on the professional tour, a stint that yielded a win at the Texas Women’s Open in 2012.

The club will also be hosting the Rich River Veterans Week of Golf from September 10 to 15, where the NSW Veterans Golf Association Shield will be up for grabs.

There are a number of Rich River Golf Club programs in the pipeline for across the summer period too, which will be finalised in the coming weeks.

recently hosted the 2023

▯ For more information, or to book a round of golf at Rich River Golf Club, head to www. richriver.com.au, or call the Rich River Pro Shop on 5481 3372.

Pristine: Rich River Golf Club provides championship quality fairways for members and the public alike, having

NSW Open.

Ace season ahead in tennis

By Alexander Dabb

Campaspe Tennis Association is set for another huge summer on court, with dates finalised for the 20232024 season.

The new season will get underway on October 7, running through until December 16, before returning from holidays on January 13.

The final regular season game will be on February 24, with finals commencing on March 2.

Grand finals will be played the fortnight following, with March 16 the date set for the deciders.

Draws are still yet to be announced, with the number of teams yet to be finalised, however senior sections 1 and 2, as well as junior grades A, B and C will be going ahead this season in line with last season’s structure.

Colbinabbin, Echuca, and Elmore, as well as Lockington Bamawm United, Rich River and Rochester are all set to return to the court to battle it out next season, however teams will be locked in closer to the season start date.

Echuca currently possess the Dolly Christie Memorial Shield, after Echuca 1 took out the section one title over

Echuca 2 in last season’s decider.

There has been an administrative change for the upcoming season, with former Lockington-Bamawm

United club president Grant Humbert to serve as president of the association. More information is set to be released regarding fixtures and teams in the coming weeks.

To keep up to date with the latest information, head to the Campaspe Tennis Association Facebook page, or contact Grant Humbert on 0428 106 132.

LOCAL TRIATHLON & ENDURANCE COACHING

Do you have a goal but need some added guidance? Always wanted to train for an event but don’t know where to start?

Looking for that extra edge in your training and racing?

Local Professional Endurance Coach Sarah coaches individuals of all levels and abilities with personalised training programs for triathlon, running and cycling. Programs with professional knowledge and that personal touch, dedicated to improving your performance and results. So, if you have a race or event goal coming up, want to take on a new challenge, reach a goal you didn’t think possible, or simply want to increase your health and fitness, a coach may be what you are looking for! Also available: one on one and small group training sessions.

Reigning champs: Echuca 1 claimed the section 1 Campaspe Tennis Association premiership last season.

Junior premiers: Echuca claimed the junior A-grade premiership in 2022-2023.

Photos: Steve Huntley

New name and fresh route for renowned Murray race

By Alexander Dabb

December will see a new take on a familiar favourite, with the Beehag 100 Ski Race debuting a new route along the Murray.

The route isn’t the only change, with the new name of Beehag 100 introduced to reflect the length of the course.

Formerly named the Barrie Beehag Ski Race, in memory of the long-time Echuca resident and Moama Water Sports Club founding member and former director, the race will be lengthened from it’s original 60km route.

“We’ve changed the event from what it was

to a new event running this year,” Moama Water Sports Club president Steve Shipp said.

“The Beehag 100 will run from Torrumbarry Weir to Wills Bend, and then back to Torrumbarry Weir, so it will be a 100km race.

“We’re expecting quite a lot of entries, the interest we’ve got from people already is just fantastic.

“We haven’t run it before, we’ve sort of missed the last couple years because of COVID and obviously the floods last year, so we are hot to trot to run it this year on December 9.”

The race will also provide a more relaxed feel than the famed Southern 80, according to

Mr Shipp, with the race being run outside of Echuca’s centre.

“It will be great to be out on the river to watch it, there’s always some good viewing spots down that end of the river,” he said.

“Running it from Torrumbarry to Wills and back, we’re not in Echuca itself, we’re away from the limelight as far as everyone wanting

to be involved and whatever, so it will be a more peaceful, relaxed race.

“We believe once we run the first year and everyone hears about it, it will be a definite on everyone’s calendar, and we’ll have a race that can be a challenger to the Southern 80.”

▯ For more information on registration and the race, visit www.beehag100.com.au

Photo: Steve Huntley.

Sweat vs Steam back again

By Jaci Hicken

Sweat vs Steam is running along the riverbank for another year to see who is fastest — man or paddle steamer.

“We are a running event, which is held along the Murray River through the port area of Echuca,” Sweat vs Steam event director Sarah Mulkearns said.

“The main drawcard of the event is that participants run against a paddle steamer, aiming to beat the paddle steamer to the finish line.

“Our claim to fame is that we race against the oldest operating wooden hauled paddle steamer in the world, which is the PS Adelaide.”

The running event comprises four courses: a

5km, a 10km, a 2km junior river run and a 600 metre kids dash.

The event is suitable for all levels, abilities and ages, with the junior river run for children eight to 12 years old and the kids’ dash for anyone under 12.

The whole premise of the Sweat vs Steam is that everybody runs, and the

NEW THIS SUMMER! TRY SOMETHING TRIATHLON:

SWIM, BIKE, RUN FOR FUN!

money raised goes back into the community in the form of grants.

“All the money that is raised goes into the grant fund and then we distribute those funds to those awarded a grant,” Mrs Mulkearns said.

“A sporting club, a school, not-for-profit organisation, even individuals can apply for a grant.

“I know that last year, we raised $12,000 that went back into the community.”

In 2022, the event had almost 400 participants and is currently on track to beat that number of entries this year.

If running is not your thing, you are able to cruise on the PS Adelaide as part of the race or take up one of the great vantage points.

“Last year, I think there were about a dozen people who beat the boat,” Mrs Mulkearns said.

“It depends on how fast the river is flowing, that’s what the skipper said.”

Sweat vs Steam, Hopwood Gardens, Echuca, on Sunday, October 8, from 8am.

▯

To enter visit www. sweatvssteam.com.au/

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

FREE WEEKLY TRIATHLON TRAINING & EVENTS

Every Wednesday evening from October through to March, the Club holds weekly ‘splash & dash’ events for adults and juniors – 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. We even hold junior specific events for the young ones (6 yrs+) and teach the skills of triathlon in a fun and safe environment.

For those with a competitive streak, there is also a Junior and Senior Splash & Dash Championships! Come and 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 to your first triathlon!

W: www.echucamoamatriclub.com

E: echucamoamatriclub@gmail.com

FB: echucamoama.triathlonclub

IG: echucamoamatriclub

Race against paddle steamer: Competitors set off in the 2022 edition of Sweat vs Steam.

Photo: Steve Huntley

LOCAL SPORT

Echuca ready for September

By Josh Huntly

Having every single team qualify for finals at a football-netball club is a rare feat.

To do it two years running is rarer still.

But that is what Echuca has managed to pull off in the Goulburn Valley League, with all three football sides and five netball sides qualifying for September action.

On the football side, the senior, reserves and thirds are aiming for back-to-back titles, as are the under-17 netballers who are right in the thick of the action.

The senior women’s side also notched a historic maiden premiership in July, and for Echuca FNC president Justin Hatfield, it’s the realisation of a pre-season goal.

“Having all teams’ participating in finals is what we set out to achieve and we’ve got there,” Hatfield said.

“The aim is to go as deep as we can to try and get a few teams playing on the last day which would be fantastic.”

A mix of behind-the-scenes support and investment in club juniors has laid the platform for the success of 2022 and 2023, according to Hatfield.

“I think it’s a great representation of the support we get from sponsors,” he said.

“Supporters and volunteers should be mentioned because they’ve helped us get to where we are.

“We’re focusing on talking to our young kids and making

sure we retain as many as possible.

“Our senior group seems largely committed (post2023); once we get through finals we’ll have more of a chat and see where they sit.”

Beyond finals, another development on the horizon is that of the Victoria Park

redevelopment and the construction of a new multi-purpose facility.

While there is still plenty to play out between now and the project start, Hatfield said a tentative road map had been provided.

“What I’ve been told is if the council is successful in

a funding application, we would get through next year and look to see some activity down there towards the end of next year,” he said.

“(We would) potentially be out for 2025 and hopefully back in for our 150th year in 2026, which will be exciting.

“There’s plenty of water under the bridge to cross to get to that point, but it looks to be heading in the right direction.”

The Murray Bombers begin their Goulburn Valley League finals campaign at the Benalla Showgrounds tomorrow.

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

The 2022 season was a huge success with the club winning three football premierships and one netball premiership. Our women’s football team are thrilled to have won their first Grand Final in 2023 and the remaining EFNC teams are well placed for another great finish.

We have fantastic support from all our sponsors and are extremely grateful for their affiliation with our club, we particularly acknowledge our premier partner The Moama Bowling Club.

Echuca Football Netball Club has a flourishing junior football program including Auskick, U10’s, U12’s, u14’s and U16’s, competitions. The senior football department includes four grades of football – Seniors, Reserves, U18’s, and Women’s teams.

On the netball courts we have 3 strong senior teams and 17 and under and 15 and under junior teams. Our 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.

Proud moment: Echuca’s senior, reserves and thirds football sides are aiming for back-to-back titles, as are the under-17 netballers who are right in the thick of the action.

A proud history – An exciting future.

All aboard, Moama Football Netball Club set to fly high

By Alexander Dabb

It’s an exciting time to be involved at Moama Football Netball Club.

As the Murray league heads into its semi-final weekend, the Magpies have all of their teams in contention, and will host a huge day of action on Sunday at Moama Recreation Reserve.

“It’s definitely exciting, week two of the finals and we’ve got all four football teams and all seven netball teams still alive,” Moama FNC president Matt Lake said.

“We’ve got teams playing at Nathalia on Saturday, and then we’ve got the seniors, ressies, and 17s football, and A-grade netball at home in the first semi-final on Sunday, so yeah, fantastic, and very exciting.”

The fact that the club is enjoying success stems from the solid appointments off-field, with Lake sure that Moama is well positioned for 2024, having locked in their senior football coaches with other announcements to be made in the near future.

“You would have seen on social media that Sam Sheldon has been reappointed and Jye Warren is stepping up from assistant to co-coach,” he said.

“They have both worked very well together the last two years, and they’ve decided to do a joint role or co-role next year and are both very excited to keep things moving in the same direction.

“With all the other coaches, and also with the netball, we have had

some great expressions of interest there, which close today.

“We will be having some interviews and making some announcements for next year very shortly.”

It has been a whole club effort to get the Magpies to the position they are in, with Lake praising everyone

involved throughout the year for their commitment.

“I just want to thank the whole club, when it comes to committee, volunteers, coaches and players, it has definitely been a big team effort for Moama to be where it’s at,” Lake said.

“That’s not up to just the committee, it’s not up to just the coaches, it’s up to everyone, and I think we’ve proved that everyone’s really lifting their finger and have a red-hot crack and getting Moama where we want to be.

“That’s playing finals, and that’s what we’re doing.”

Exciting times: Moama is enjoying a super successful period, with every team across football and netball still in contention heading into the semi-finals.

LOCAL SPORT

Eagles on the rise as a club

By Alexander Dabb

Echuca United Football Netball Club has made a leap this season, with massive amounts of progress occurring to set the club up for a huge 2024 season.

President Anthony Chapman is pleased with the success his club has had this year, showing improvement in nearly every aspect.

“Overall, it’s been one of those seasons that’s very pleasing off the field,” he said.

“We’re getting a great group of footballers and netballers together, and they’ve been improving and really working together to get where we need to go.

“The netball has been fantastic, with most of the sides making finals and a couple still in at this stage is a fantastic effort.

“Hopefully over the off-season we can see further growth coming through and hopefully try to sign up players for next year and keep the group continuing through.”

Participation at the club has been strong throughout the season, even at the junior level, which Chapman hopes will continue the club on its path to success.

“We did have great numbers at the club during the year, obviously there are periods where you have injuries and people away,” he said.

“We had pretty good numbers throughout football and netball across the board, which was again

really pleasing to see, and hopefully we can continue that next year.

“We’re hoping Net Set Go and Auskick can remain that building block where people can get involved with the club, and then follow it all the way through.”

The club is still looking to finalise its coaching structure, but remains well placed with senior football coach Farran Priest locked away for season 2024.

“We’re in a good space, and it was great to re-sign Farran because obviously, we’re on a path and a journey that we knew would be multi-year based,” he said.

“To lock in Farran again next year was a no-brainer for us. With the netball and the rest of the coaches, we’ve advertised and we’re just going through that process now.

“Over the next coming month or two we’ll hopefully have a lot locked in and ready to roll for 2024.”

Chapman also praised the sponsors of the club, who have played a pivotal role in the Eagles’ progress this season.

“We really appreciate them,” he said.

“We hope that we can have a great 2024 together and look after them as much as they’ve looked after us, because we really appreciate it.”

Huge steps: Echuca United has made big strides off-field this year, with the club ready for a big season in 2024.

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Summer of hoops coming up for growing basketball region

By Josh Huntly

The Echuca Moama Basketball Association is readying itself for one of its busiest seasons on record.

The EMBA will host a record number of representative basketball teams and is poised for one of its largest annual tournaments in recent memory, with 114 teams registering for the popular three-day event from Friday, September 29, going until Sunday, October 1.

“We’ll have 114 teams playing over eight courts with help from Rochester and Kyabram,” EMBA president Lisa Baker said.

“Registrations would have closed on September 31 but we had to close them in early August.

“It’s huge for the town; it’s our first tournament, it falls on the AFL grand final weekend, and especially with the Jamboree coming up.”

The upcoming 2023-24 season will also feature the association’s largest representative offering on record, and Baker said basketball in the region is “getting bigger.”

“We have the most representative teams we’ve had with 20,” she said. “Basketball’s getting bigger, the

quality of players is there, and we’re fortunate enough to find coaches without any issues.

“The new domestic season will start in October.”

The association has locked in its coaching panel for the

upcoming season, led by experienced basketball mentor Luke Carnegie, who is back on board for the second consecutive season.

In the Country Basketball League, Echuca Pirates are primed for another tilt in the North-West

ECHUCA MOAMA BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION

The Echuca Moama Basketball Association offers 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.

• 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.

• 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 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.

division, but the men’s side will be the only senior outfit in contention for the season 2023-24.

A lack of numbers has seen the Lady Pirates sidelined for the upcoming campaign, but Baker said they will be back next year.

“We only have a men’s CBL team this season; the women we couldn’t get off the ground,” she said.

“It’s just a combination of girls doing studies; we’ll rebuild for next year.”

Echuca Moama Basketball Association Inc.

244 High St, Echuca

Contact Details:

Lisa 0418 520 405

Email: info@echucabasketball.com.au

Website: www.echucabasketball.tidyhq.com

Echuca Moama Basketball Assoc

This way: Echuca’s Riley Hutton in action for the under-18 division one side.

Photo: Megan Fisher Ready: Echuca Pirates and junior mascots during a game.

Photo: Steve Huntley

Headline acts provide boost

By Josh Huntly

Moama Cricket Club is targeting some long-awaited McMahon Shield success with some talented names making their way back to Moama Recreation Reserve.

Former Goulburn Murray Cricket league best-and-fairest Michael Hill has jumped on board as senior coach after a decorated stint with

Cooma, while top-order batsman Joel Murphy has made his return to the club after competing for Sandhurst in the Bendigo District Cricket Association.

With the two experienced cricketers back at Moama it will bolster the McMahon Shield team’s ambitions bursting through the recent semi-final barrier, with the Mowers falling to Nondies-Cohuna

in the penultimate game of last year’s campaign.

Pre-season commenced in early August and the signs are good for the club’s prospects, according to president Kirk Teasdale.

“We’ve had three training sessions already and some good numbers,” Teasdale said.

“There’s a fair bit going on behind the scenes but from a cricket point

of view everyone’s keen to get the season under way.”

Moama is also looking to reinstate its senior women’s cricket team, spearheaded by club member Lauren Davy.

“The club and Lauren are having a crack at trying to get the women’s and youth girls teams up again, we’re definitely trying our best,” Teasdale said.

The GMC has 12 teams confirmed for its women’s cricket division, and Moama’s inclusion would make it 13.

The club has appointed Mark Van Poeteren and Adam Luckman as coaches, and the season is poised to begin on Sunday, October 15.

▯ Expressions of interest can be made to Lauren Davy at 0466 824 593.

THE MOAMA CRICKET CLUB

Ongoing strength at Moama CC

After another near miss our senior A grade side will again strive for the ultimate success in season 2023/24. We’ve added some real depth to our list and looking froward to the coming season. Michael Hill comes on board as our senior coach and brings a lot of experience. Our B, C & maybe a D grade will also have a lot of fun and be very competitive. We’re striving once again to have both a youth girls and also senior women’s team. We’ll once again eld strong junior sides after last season’s U16 and U14 premierships. This season the ages have changed to U17, U15, U13 and U11. The club also coordinates a very successful Blasters program for the 5-9yr olds. Registrations are now open for all on the www.playhq.com 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 out eld, 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.

2022/2023 Under 14 & 16 Premiers…

Ready to rumble: Moama Cricket Club will be one of the McMahon Shield frontrunners again. Photos: Steve Huntley

Flicked: Fraser Buchanan gets his shot away.

GMC competition steaming in for the first ball of season

By Josh Huntly

After a long three years of interrupted cricket, Goulburn Murray Cricket Association is starting to look ahead to normality.

COVID and flooding prevented an on-time commencement in the last three seasons, but that looks set to change when the 2023-24 campaign gets underway on October 7 with the McMahon Shield.

And it will be a new-look competition to boot.

A five-division senior competition, revised junior grades and a unified one-division women’s competition will be the face of local cricket’s revival, with GMC

operations manager James Stokes indicating a return to pre-COVID playing numbers.

“It looks like we’ll be returning to some of the numbers we had preCOVID,” Stokes said.

“It’s been a long three years, I’m pretty impressed with the clubs and how they’ve stuck at it.

“If we can get similar numbers to what we’ve had and clubs can put the teams out I think its a good step forward.

“There’s a bit of optimism about the new platform and clubs are working hard to ensure they’re ready for it.”

B-grade will be split into two divisions - Goulburn and Murrayto take the senior grades up to five

while T20 will make its arrival in B, C, and D grades.

Meanwhile, Nagambie, Katamatite, Cooma and Echuca South look poised to take the new women’s cricket division to 12 teams, with Moama also making a bid for its first women’s side. A familiar face will make its return to the top flight when Tongala reenters A-grade cricket after exiting the division after the 2020-21 season, recently naming Alex Williams as its captain.

The Goulburn Murray Cricket season will commence on Saturday, October 7 with A-grade cricket with the remainder of the competition kicking off a week later on October 14.

THERE IS NO BETTER TIME TO GET INVOLVED IN LOCAL CRICKET

Goulburn Murray Cricket

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 U7 Junior Blasters / U9 Master Blasters / U11 Girls and Boys / U13 Girls and Boys / U15 Girls / U15 Boys / U17 Boys. We have Senior Men’s Grades A, B, C and D and we have Senior Women’s Cricket. 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.

CRICKET WHY WOULDN’T YOU

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

Brendan Leerson 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 rebrigadecc@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

NORTHERN UNITED CC

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

ROCHESTER CC

Brendan Martin – 0419 325 505 allanbypastoral@hotmail.com

RUSHWORTH CC

Peta Williams – 0418 232 722 davidpeta@bigpond.com

STANHOPE CC

Ben Condell – 0438 033 724 stanhopecricket@gmail.com

TONGALA CC

Stephen Townsend – 0438 590 723 tongalacc1904@gmail.com

To the rope: Echuca’s Curtis Townrow.

Photos: Steve Huntley

Got him: Moama celebrates a wicket against BLU last season.

TENNIS… swing into action!

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.

Rich River Tennis Club

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.

The competition involves clubs Colbinabbin, Echuca, 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.

Echuca Tennis Club

The union of Echuca Lawn Tennis Club and Echuca South Tennis Club. We have 11 grass courts available and 5 (2 synthetic/3 grass) new courts and club rooms under construction. We participate in Campaspe Tennis and Goulburn Murray Lawn Tennis Associations.

Rich River is a member of the Campaspe Tennis Association played during October–March each year.

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

President & Coach: Andrew Crossman 0417 587 967

Secretary: Sarah Crossman 0417 578 579

Twilight tennis competition runs two competitions (Oct-Dec and Jan-Mar).

Exciting times for the club with new courts and a new coach.

President: Chris Potter 0408 317 919

Secretary: Phil Higgins 0427 503 875

Coach: David Starling 0427 004 457

CROSSIES TENNIS COACHING

LESSON OPTIONS

• 45 or 90 minute group lessons.

• Prices start from $100 per term.

• Private or small group lessons by appointment at Rich River tennis courts or Crossies’ private court.

PART OF HOT SHOTS TENNIS PROGRAM

Designed specifically to make learning tennis fun and easy for primary school-aged children.