CYMS rugby league forward Josh Large caused a storm in more ways that one when he had to pull out of the Group 11 side to play Newtown Jets on Saturday. Josh had been to Moree for a christening and Dubbo paint contractor and pilot Tony McNaught had organised to fly to Moree Saturday morning and have Josh back in Dubbo to travel to Parkes for the game. Unfortunately Tony got as far as Tooraweenah but had to turn back because of the storms. This left Josh stranded in Moree and that was the end of his football commitments for the day.
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One of features of the Parkes football were the three early games in which three teams from the Western Rugby League Academy played against two teams from the Riverina Academy and the Far Western Academy. Coach Col Wright and his Far West boys pulled off a great 10-4 win in the opening game while Riverina won the second game 28-16 and the top-notch Western side won the third trial 32-14. A lot of time and effort (and money) goes into preparing these sides but the results are starting to come through.
Country Rugby League development officer based at Dubbo, Steve McLennan was part of the QantasLink NRL promotional tour last week when he teamed with Eels international Nathan Hindmarsh and rookie Shellharbour second-rower Josh Cordoba, who has been one of the finds for the club in the early trials. Unfortunately Cordoba suffered an injury in the last game and joined Hindmarsh and McLennan on visits to schools and coaching clinics at Condobolin, Bogan Gate, Parkes and Forbes. Hindmarsh missed the trial against the Sydney Roosters while recovering from an off season operation that required a disc in his back to be shaved but hopes to be right for the start of the premiership.
Brad Fittler may be retired but he is still a popular figure in the game.
More than 600 people attended a farewell dinner in honour at Parkes with players from Easts and Eels part of the crowd.
Mark Cowper filled his pockets with the cash when he claimed the Dubbo RSL snooker secret ball competition on Friday night. Mark beat Eric Carney in the final after Brian Cooper Snr and Michael Russell fell away in the semi-finals. The previous week's results saw Kent Rindfleish win the major prize pool with a win over Barrie Davies in the final. Kevin Bargmann and Brian McLauchlan filled the minor places. The secret ball is on again this Friday night from 7pm and names can be lodged from 6pm. If you don't get past the first round, there is always the opportunity to stay on and have a laugh.
Rookie coach Dean Matthews is keen to see a few more faces at Dubbo Kangaroos colts coaching sessions. Dean is keen to make an impression first up as a coach: "All the younger buys are turning up each Tuesday and Thursday at the riverbank ovals near the cricket nets, but I would like to see a few of the older guys who have said they will play."
Aboriginal Employment Strategy manager Peter Gibbs loves his sport and is always looking for ways to support his business and sportsmen and women. Now with his own sporting career behind him, Peter shelled out a few dollars recently to help local boxers Rob Toomey, Chris Hodder and James Dennis get to the Australian Championships in Cairns. The job centre is obviously going well for Peter and his staff and despite their busy schedule it was great to see them help out the boxers.
The Dubbo Demons are building up to their Australian Football season and are offering social membership at $50 per person. Our man in the club tells us that your membership will give you access to the Demons Preferred Business Card that allows member attractive discounts at participating businesses in Dubbo. Joe Knagge is currently finalising arrangements and a list of the participating stores will be available soon. Those who require membership or who have a business and want to get on the list, please ring Joe on 0417 665756.