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Articles by Jamie Lowe
Berrigan Ladies launch the golf season
The Berrigan ladies made a good start to the 2021 season with the opening day seeing golfers playing with two sticks and a putter. The winner on the day was Kath Harris and runner-up was Edwina Morgan, the latter also winning the NTP. The putting was won by Judy Karakai and Sandy Moar was the lucky draw winner. Wednesday was a Par competition with the winner being Maria McDonell with -5 on countback from Judy Karakai. Karakai won the NTP and the lucky draw winner was Del Schweicker.
Three teams in deciders
Tocumwal will feature in both Murray Bowls Division Midweek Pennant grand finals after wins by narrow margins in the preliminary finals at Cobram on Friday. Tocumwal’s Division One side made their way through to the decider with a thrilling 55 to 53 shot win against Barooga. They will now go on to face a dominant Cobram side this Friday. In Division Two it was another thriller, with Tocumwal overcoming Nathalia 61 to 58 shots.
Another Roo coup for Katamite Tigers
Even more ex-AFL experience will be found in the Picola & District Football League this season after Katamatite announced a late pre-season coup. The early premiership favourite Tigers have added another former North Melbourne player to their list in the form of Jamie Macmillan. Macmillan, 29, comes straight from the AFL system to join Sam Wright and Joel Tippett at Katamatite Recreation Reserve following 167 games for the Kangaroos across a decade.
Redeyes ready for 2021 season
Blighty are ready to take on the 2021 Picola & District League season after a strong showing at their practice matches in Moulamein recently. The Redeyes hit the road to face off against both Moulamein and Balranald to help their preparations for the season on both the footy field and netball courts. Blighty senior footy coach Brad Haines said the hit-out, which saw Blighty play two quarters each against Moulamein and Balranald, was quite a success. ‘‘I’m very happy with how things went,’’ he said.
New Jerilderie Cricket Club life member
Jerilderie Cricket Club awarded a life membership at its 2020/21 Murray Valley Cricket Association season award this month. At the conclusion of the award presentations at Monash Park, life member Andrew Browning, on behalf of the club, announced life membership had been conferred on Kerrie McLennan.
Saint claims Gemmill
Berrigan skipper Zach Nugent capped off his Murray Valley Cricket Association premiership winning season with a Gemmill Medal win. Nugent stood tall in the MVCA B Grade best and fairest vote count by polling 16 votes. He was followed by Finley skipper Cougar McGrath and Cobram’s Andrew Hogan and Darcy McCormack, each on 14 votes.
Tocumwal White-wash
Tocumwal White completed their perfect Murray Valley Cricket Association Under 14s season with a grand final win against Katamatite on Sunday. The young Bloods claimed the cup in a thrilling four wicket win at Katamatite Recreation Reserve. It was Katamatite who set the tone for the day, with Kepler Lukies (40 ret. n/o) and Crue Lucas (21) helping the Tigers to 9/122 off their 40 overs. In response, the Bloods managed to chase down the total in a thrilling finish, scoring 6/125 after 40 overs.
Saints stand tall
History has been made by the Berrigan Cricket Club, claiming their first B Grade Murray Valley Cricket Association premiership on Saturday. The grand final saw the Saints travel to Barooga to take on Cobram, where a dominant batting performance by Matt Ross (92) and a six-wicket haul from Matt Whelan saw Berrigan earn a 76 run victory.
Murray Football League - Cats looking to cradle success
Finley is shaping up for another charge at Murray Football League finals in 2021, following a big off-season. Ryan Cobain will be joining a talented Cats list, with the 2018 Wangaratta Rovers club best-and-fairest one of a host of marquee players the Cats have signed. Angus Robertson is also returning to the club after recently playing for Claremont in Western Australia Football League.
Murray Netball League - Barlow back on deck for Rams
After 10 years away Gabby Barlow has returned to lead Deniliquin's A-grade team. Barlow has taken on the role as a playing coach, ending a three-year hiatus from competitive netball. Barlow brings a wealth of experience back to Murray Netball League with her, playing for Colbinabbin in the Heathcote District league for six years. During her time with Colbo she won three premierships and represented the HDL interleague squad — before finishing up in 2017 to travel.
Picola District Football League - Tocumwal blooding plenty of youth
Tocumwal Football Club coach Kade Rowe is looking forward to combining youth and experience in his inaugural season as a senior mentor. Rowe’s initial campaign in charge was snubbed last year due to the Picola District Football League's cancellation. Luke Congram is also returning as assistant senior coach and last played for Yarrawonga reserves in 2019.
Picola District Football League
Premiership winning stars Chris Marshall and David Gregory have been reappointed as the senior coaches for Jerilderie for the 2021 Picola District Football League season. What was looking like a promising year for the Jerilderie Football Club in 2020 ended for the seniors after one practice match in March. The season saw the return of many locals, primarily based in Melbourne, and this core group is keen to play again in 2021 if there are no COVID-19 restrictions.
Murray Football League - Rams ready to butt horns with the best
Deniliquin continued its recruitment drive of enticing ex-locals back to the club to help its rise up the ladder in 2021. Headlining the list is former VFL on-baller Blair Whelan. Whelan — who’s based in Melbourne — will join brother Josh in Rams colours once again, after last playing together in the blue and gold in 2013. Rams co-coach Tim Holobowski said the addition of Whelan would add some depth to the club’s midfield and set an example for the younger guys as to how to prepare for the season.
Cobram prove too strong
Jerilderie were no match for Murray Valley Cricket Association B Grade ladder leaders Cobram, going down by 96 runs on their home turf on Saturday. Winning the toss, Jerilderie sent Cobram in to bat where openers Andrew Hogan and Bernie Kelly piled on the runs before Hogan (33) was bowled by Luke Keating (2/19 off eight) with the score at 77. Brett Gallagher (1) did not hang around, being also bowled by Keating, with Cobram’s score at 2/81 after 21 overs.
Saints survive scare from last placed Bloods
Berrigan have survived a batting collapse to record a three wicket win against Tocumwal in round 14 of the Murray Valley Cricket Association B Grade season. Chasing a small total of 70 runs, the Saints fell to 7/57 and were in danger of letting the game slip. The second placed Berrigan side kept their cool however, to record a win to keep them in the hunt of pinching the minor premiership from Cobram this weekend.
Visitor equals Finley course record
Thurgoona golfer Tim Purtill provided the highlight of the week when equalling the Finley Golf Club course record on Saturday. In conditions close to perfect, Purtill scored 67 off the stick to claim the Division One win with 68 net at the S & J Corcoran Stroke event. Division Two was won by Barry Fahey with 76 net. The day also included the February Monthly Medal. Ian Swain who carded 74 off the stick with a net of 68, took out both the Scratch and Net Medals.
First ton for skipper
A mighty century from Finley captain Cougar McGrath led the way to a big away win against Barooga in B Grade of the Murray Valley Cricket Association on Saturday. McGrath, who opened the batting, managed a whopping 11 ‘fours’ and three ‘sixes’ on his way to an unbeaten knock of 103 before retiring not out. It was McGrath’s first ton in his career, with his previous high score being 96 against Berrigan in round three of the 2018/19 season.
Bloods battle
Tocumwal’s A Grade were given a sound reminder of the best team in the association on Saturday with Deniliquin proving far too good for the Bloods to record an eight wicket win. The Bloods were well and truly in the game before Andrew Hogan turned it completely in favour of the hosts and from there was always in their keeping. Batting first on a new Deniliquin wicket the Bloods had a great start with Daniel Hibberd (37) and Tom Oliver (10) negotiating the opening overs with good play.
Daniel’s 41 points a winning stableford score
Stableford Medley was played last Wednesday and it was Matt Daniel, with 38 points, who stepped up as winner of Division One with Tom Warren (Howlong) on 41 points as winner of Division Two. NTP on the 13th was Paul Pinnuck and Barry Wilson on the 18th, and the Pro Pin on the 3rd went to Matt Daniel. Ball competition winners were Martin Cruickshank, Rand Wilson and Mark Robertson (35), along with John Taylor, Beth White and Barry Wilson who all had 34 stableford points.
Demons downed
A late fightback by Jerilderie was not enough to score a win in round 10 of the Murray Valley Cricket Association’s B Grade competition on Saturday. Despite their best efforts, the Demons suffered a three wicket loss to Cobram in a low-scoring affair at Cobram Showgrounds. On losing the toss, Jerilderie were sent in to bat. The Dees started cautiously before losing their first wicket, Blair Henery for 13 in the 11th over, with the score at 22.
21 Up champions crowned
Tocumwal’s Men’s and Ladies 21 Up finals were played on Monday. The winner of the men’s final was Geoff Westmore, who defeated Gary Beer in a three hour match played in extreme heat. Tocumwal Men’s 21 Up winner Geoff Westmore. Leigh Hansen stood tall against Jill Whiteside to claim the Ladies 21 Up title. Postponed Murray Bowls Division Saturday Pennant matches for round four were played on Saturday. Division One secured a convincing win at home against Strathmerton, 107 to 54 shots.
Murray Valley Cricket Association scores
Toss won by Tocumwal, to bat Tocumwal D Hibberd c M Barnett b A Hogan T Oliver b A Hogan R Rennick c B Arthur b A Hogan R Thakur lbw A Hogan A Lean c M Barnett b A Hogan C Hardwidge c C Hillier b A Hogan R Oliver run out E Haynes c M Barnett b C Hillier C Shaw not out R Hardwidge c M Barnett b B Bennett A Arthur b B Bennett Extras (nb 2, w 10, b 2, lb 0) Total 104 Overs 42.3 FOW: 34 (T Oliver) 37 (R Rennick) 37 (R Thakur) 37 (A Lean) 37 (C Hardwidge) 55 (D Hibberd) 66 (R Oliver) 103 (E...
Penny wins Toc Monthly Medal
Ladies Monthly Medal stroke was played on Tuesday, January 12 with Julie Penny the winner on 70 net. Division One gross went to Maxine Sadler with 79 off the stick while Shellei Clark claimed the net win with 70. Division Gross and net went to Margaret Varley with 99/72 net, with Patricia Jackson (72) the net runner-up after a countback. Ladies Gold saw stableford played, with Beverley Campbell winning on 39 points.
Southern Riverina swimmers make a big splash at Deni carnival
The Southern Riverina was well represented at the Deniliquin Amateur Swimming and Life Saving Club’s annual regional carnival on Saturday, January 9. Held at the Deniliquin Swim Centre, it attracted 159 young swimmers with 25 clubs represented. Included in this were six Finley, 11 Coleambally and four Tocumwal swimmers. The day was a massive success, with a total of 387 personal best times recorded across all clubs.
Rod still in
Rod Brown has advanced the second week of the Murray Bowls Division Champion of Champions event. Brown won his way into the third round by defeating Strathmerton Champion in the first round and Don Staggard from Numurkah in the second round on Sunday. Unfortunately Karen Peacock was eliminated in the Ladies competition by Wendy Cole from Wunghnu. The games continue this Sunday. Our best wishes to Rod for his games and we hope his good shots are rewarded.
Cats down Demons
Finley’s B Grade side claimed back-to-back wins for the first time this season after a 46 run victory against traditional rival Jerilderie on Saturday. The win saw the fifth placed Cats close the gap on the Murray Valley Cricket Association top four, now sitting just half a game behind fourth placed Deni Rhinos. Jerilderie won the toss, sending the Cats in to bat first on the Finley Apex Sports & Community Centre pitch.
Saints tame ladder leading Tigers
Berrigan bounced back from last week’s shock loss in style with a 52 run win against Murray Valley Cricket Association B Grade ladder leader Cobram on Saturday. With a couple of changes to the team from the previous week, the Saints’ confidence was up for the round nine clash. Cobram won the toss and sent the Saints in on a flat wicket. Tom Beams and Lachie Pyle opened the batting for the Saints, with Cobram opening the bowling with Andrew Hogan and the spin of Nick Kennedy.
Eight-Wicket Haul
A colossal eight-wicket haul from Andy Arthur has pushed Tocumwal’s Murray Valley Cricket Association A Grade side as a serious finals contender. Arthur’s efforts, which saw him return figures of 8/23 off 8.1 overs, secured a huge 117 run victory against Cobram-Yarroweyah United at Tocumwal Recreation Reserve on Saturday. The Bloods now sit just one win outside the top four, setting up a massive clash against ladder leader Deni Rhinos this weekend.
Minister to visit
The long-awaited visit to the region by federal Water Minister Keith Pitt is only weeks away. The Southern Riverina News can confirm that Mr Pitt is scheduling a visit this month. His senior media adviser Matt Dunstan said dates have not been finalised but Mr Pitt was planning to visit the region before Parliament resumes in February. The Southern Riverina News believes the third week of January is a strong possibility.
Kerr crowned as King of Blighty
Kevin Kerr has been crowned the inaugural Blighty Football Club Pre-Season King. Senior coach Brad Haines introduced the Redeyes Pre-Season Challenge to encourage players to attend training. The challenge was held at the end of each training session with various footy skills being put to the test. The top five players in each challenge received points to go towards the final tally to crown the Redeyes Pre-Season King.
Murray Valley cricket returns after Xmas break
Cricketers across the region will return to the pitch for Murray Valley Cricket Association action this weekend. The B Grade fixture will see some teams from the southern Riverina play for the first time since November 21. Berrigan will look to solidify their spot in the top four when they host Finley on Saturday. A win for the third placed Saints would build a three game gap between them and the fifth placed Cats, while a win for Finley would see them right in the hunt for finals.
Country Week squads picked
The southern Riverina will be represented by 23 teenagers at junior Country Week next week. Players from Tocumwal, Finley and Berrigan have all been selected to play for various Murray Valley Cricket Association Country Week sides. Games will be played throughout regional Victoria each day from Monday, January 4 until the grand finals for each grade on Thursday, January 7.
Finley claim $5500 in Bash for Cash
Finley Cricket Club have netted $5500 from the Big Bash League Toyota Bash for Cash. Few people would have watched Sunday’s BBL contest between the Brisbane Heat and Hobart Hurricanes as closely as the Cats. Every strike was essential to the club with $500 donated to the club for every six hit in each game. After a slow start, the club members watched on in delight as 11 sixes were hit on the night, two from the Hurricanes and nine from the Heat.
Thrilling finish in U14s
Tocumwal White overcame Under 14s reigning premier Deni Rhinos in a final ball thriller at Memorial Park on Saturday. After the Rhinos set a total of 91 runs on their home deck, Tocumwal worked their way to 6/90 with one over to spare. Tight bowling saw the Rhinos keep themselves in the game, however the Bloods broke through to score a thrilling four-wicket win. The visitors won the toss, choosing to put the Rhinos in to bat first.
Bloods battered by tough Tigers - Southern Riverina News
Tocuwmal’s A Grade suffered a heavy defeat to Murray Valley Cricket Association powerhouse Cobram on Saturday. The Tigers were at their merciless best compiling 4/270 from their 45 overs before skittling the Bloods for just 71 in reply. The Bloods battled hard with the ball but were outplayed by a well-oiled machine.
Cats remain unbeaten
Finley kept their unbeaten Murray Valley Cricket Association Under 16s record in tact in a top of the table clash against the Deni Rhinos on Thursday afternoon. The Cats, who consist of players from Finley, Berrigan and Jerilderie, put on a strong all-round display in a 49 run win on their home deck. It was the Rhinos who won the toss, sending Finley in to bat first.
Haines signs on to Redeyes
Blighty Football Club have locked away their coach for the 2021 season with Brad Haines (pictured) signing on earlier this week. Haines, a former premiership winning player for Collingullie in the Riverina Football League, will fill the role in a non-playing capacity, replacing Daniel Kirchen after he joined Tallygaroopna. The 32 year-old was thrilled to be selected as coach, saying it came as ‘‘a bit of a surprise’’ to him. ‘‘I’ve spent a decade out at Blighty and I just love the club,’’ he said.
Always more to learn for local firefighters
Firefighters from the Southern Riverina were among the 100 who attended two days of training in Deniliquin on Saturday and Sunday. Finley Fire + Rescue NSW volunteer Phill Thompson said he and the other seven Finley firefighters who attended went through five training modules, which included a refresher of some skills already learned and some new techniques. ‘‘I hadn’t been through the hot fire cell training since I did my training in Sydney back in 1978,’’ he said.
Deniliquin set to launch its own pennant competition
Deniliquin Bowling Club is set to launch its own Summer League competition this weekend. After pulling out of the Campaspe Valley Bowls Division 2020-21 season due to concerns around the COVID-19 pandemic, the club decided to give bowlers something to look forward to. The in-house pennant competition will see 16 teams of four competing over two divisions - the Western Division and Eastern Division - for seven weeks, before finals.
Katandra and Tungamah return to PDFNL
The Picola & District Football Netball League will be expanding next season after it agreed to take Katandra and Tungamah back on board for the 2021 season. The league announced last week that the two Murray League clubs would be re-admitted into the league after departing at the beginning of 2018. It follows extensive consultation between the two clubs, existing Picola clubs, AFL Victoria, Netball Victoria and AFL Goulburn Murray.
MVCA turns to temporary short form
The Murray Valley Cricket Association 2020/21 season will kick-off in early October. The MVCA announced that its NSW clubs, along with Goulburn Murray side Moama, will play T20 games from October 10. The league will then look to start its regular season on November 7, with the hope of the Victorian/NSW border opening before then. President Anthony Holmes said the league would wait on advice from the Victorian Government before a final decision is made.
Saint dominates Under 17s vote count
Berrigan’s Ruby Russell was a clear-cut winner of the Under 17s Picola & District League Netball Most Valuable Player award on Wednesday night. The Finley-based netballer was never in doubt of winning, amassing 15 votes from her six games. Ruby polled in all six games for the season, including four three-vote best on court performances. It was a much closer count to declare the runner-up with Berrigan’s Lily Sharp and Deni Rovers’ Edwina Barclay sharing second place with 10 votes each.
Cuts to footy salary caps
Clubs across the district now know the path forward for the 2021 football season. AFL Goulburn Murray affiliated competitions have been forced to cut their senior footy salary caps as the full effect of the COVID-19 pandemic begins to show. The Murray Football Netball League has had its Allowable Player Payments (APP) reduced by 29 per cent from $140,000 to $100,000. The Picola & District Football Netball League’s cap has been cut from $105,000 to $90,000, a reduction of 14 per cent.
Young gun takes the senior coaching reins
Picola and District League Junior Coach of the Year Alex Hay will make a major step up in the coaching ranks for the Deni Rovers in 2020. The 25-year-old was announced as the club’s senior coach last year and takes over the role from non-playing coach Josh Bode. It’s a coming-of-age moment for Hay, who after playing fourths and thirds footy for the Rovers, made his return to his junior club in 2018, playing for the senior squad while coaching the thirds footy side.
Pushing for the next level
Deanne Stevens will coach the Deniliquin Rovers Netball Club’s A-grade side for 2020. Stevens said she was excited for the opportunity and planned to utilise her expertise in netball to ‘‘push the club to the next level’’. ‘‘It’s great to return to Rovers and be appointed the A-grade coach,’’ she said. ‘‘Rovers have had great success over the years and I’d like to build on that, particularly focusing on one of the many strengths the club has — its juniors coming up through the ranks.
Staying positive despite player exodus
The Blighty Redeyes are expected to have a tough season in 2020 after a mass exodus from the club. A total of 13 senior players have left, with the majority returning to their home club at the Deni Rams. The Redeyes, however, are riding on the coat tails of the reserves’ historic premiership win in 2019, with a lot of interest shown by those attending the combined seniors and reserves training squads in the off-season, run by new senior coach Daniel Kirchen.
Hopes riding on junior players
Much like the senior football side, Blighty’s A-grade netball line-up has been hampered by departures. Most noticeably is last year’s coach Molly Cochrane, which has left the Redeyes searching for a new mentor. Despite the club’s struggles in the top grade, the future is bright at Blighty if last season’s junior success is anything to go by.
Deniliquin product devastated by postponement
The postponement of this year's VFL season has left Deniliquin's Jack Henderson in a world of unknown. The VFL, like the majority of sporting organisations, announced that due to the Covid-19 pandemic it would not start its season until at least May 31. Henderson was set for his third season with VFL club Werribee this year.
Australia: Changes to the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2010 in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic
On 24 March 2020, the Fair Work Commission fast tracked amendments to the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2010 (the Hospitality Award). The amendments are intended to respond to the impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry, and are focused on the work employees can be required to perform, hours of work, and utilising annual leave. The amendments apply from 24 March 2020 until 30 June 2020.
Ben declared Young Citizen of the Year
Ben Neessen's sporting and community achievements have resulted in the Finley High School student being named Jerilderie's Young Citizen of the Year. Ben has been described as a future community leader, and is involved in multiple organisations within the local community. “Ben was introduced to community participation from an early age, which has helped him promote community spirit,” his citation read.
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