Mid North Sport

More than 60 rising tennis stars have taken to the courts in Port Macquarie for the final round of the Junior Development Series. The series provides a platform for young players to refine their skills, with the goal of making it to state and national levels. “The top eight kids in each age group from under 8’s to under 16’s qualify for Grafton’s champions which is the second weekend in August then from there the top eight qualify for Northern New South Wales in Inverell and then if they’re lucky enough then state” – Eli Baylis – Competition coordinator (AUDIO IN PARTS)

To Group 3 rugby league and the Wingham Tigers have secured a semi-final spot after downing the Taree Bulls 30-points-to-20. With the win, the Tigers also take home the Kristy-Lea Bridge Cup in memory of a young girl taken too soon by cancer.

Teenager Anthony Abela has put Coffs Harbour on the map at the International Karate World Championships. The 15-year-old has just arrived home from America, after claiming the top trophy in two specialities.

Taree gymnasts have returned home with big smiles after winning gold at the Country Championships. But there’s no time to sit back and relax – the squad has got to be ready for the upcoming National Clubs Carnival.

Day two of the Junior State Surfing Titles was met with playful waves in Coffs Harbour. Today the women’s Under-16s and under-18s took to the water for their opening heats. “They basically were decided from 8 different regional associations and event that took place over a couple of weekends.” The prestigious event will see 200 surfers compete across four divisions, over five days of competition. “From this it’ll decide who competes in Australian Junior Titles that take place in South Australia later this year.” The finals take place on Tuesday, followed by the New South Wales School Titles later in the week.

Meanwhile, in Group 3 League, the Bulls will take on the Tigers this weekend, for a cause that’s close to their hearts. The annual Kristy-Lea Bridge Cup is played in memory of a young girl taken too soon by cancer.

In Group 2 Rugby League, The Grafton Ghosts have a clear four-point lead at the top of the table. And with the semi-finals just weeks away, all eyes will be on the results of this weekend’s important clash between the Axemen and the Comets.

Taree has excelled in this week’s Nations of Origin competition in Newcastle. The tournament is a junior Koori event, and the young stars returned with winnings in both boxing and basketball.

21 teams from across the country have converged on Coffs Harbour’s international stadium for the annual youth championsips. Girls aged 14-to-15 are competing in a round robin event to decide which region has the best young talent.

Young A-F-L players looking to make a career out of the game they love have taken to the field in Coffs Harbour. The Northern New South Wales Representative Carnival attracted young men and women from the Central Coast to Tweed Heads…and some Swans Academy selectors as well. “The Swans don’t have a team in AFLW yet so the swans are looking to select a team so you’ve got to put your best foot forward and get in front of those selectors and do your best.” The competition, in its 5th year, brings together 19 teams, from five representative sides. “This is so important because it gives an opportunity for our boys and girls to impress in front of swans academy selectors who are here having a close look at our talented player and gives them opportunities to potentially further their …