Mid North Sport

Despite making a name for himself in the pool, former Olympic champion James Magnussen has never forgotten where he comes from. The Port Macquarie product returned home today, to give back to others – hosting a coaching clinic, alongside fellow swimmer Thomas Fraser-Holmes.

The Australian Ladies Classic being played at Bonville later this month, has attracted a first-class international field. Hannah Green and Tuncurry’s Sarah Kemp are among the highest ranked Australians competing for the $350,000 prize purse.

Sawtell has scorched home to steal the win from Coffs Colts, with three balls to go, in the under 14s cricket. Coffs had posted an impressive total of 107 runs, earlier in the morning.

A local kids football team is taking a step up in the world. The special needs side has now been awarded with level one accreditation by Football Federation Australia.

With just six weeks until the 20-19 NRL season, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs decided to take time off, to unwind and refresh. The team spending four days in Port Macquarie, as part of their recent partnership with the region.

Surf clubs along the Mid North Coast are fine-tuning their skills, ahead of the New South Wales Country Surf Life Saving Championships this weekend at Cudgen. The event, which attracts thousands of people each year, is seen as a great stepping stone toward the state and national titles.

Residents of Nana Glen, west of Coffs Harbour, says they’re concerned about plans to establish a solar power farm in their neghbourhood. They claim the installation of 50,000 solar panels in the rural area will impact on property values.

Despite considering a move into the NRRRL competition, the Grafton Ghosts have decided to stay put and are keen to make a statement. The minor premiers say they hope to go one better than last year, when they went down to Macksville in the semi-finals.

It’s the Australia Day weekend show-down between the top T20 cricketers in the Hastings. Yesterday Wauchope RSL narrowly came out on top, scoring an eight-run win over the Port Macquarie Pirates, to claim their first May Kelly Cup in three years.

Today’s hot conditions couldn’t stop the region’s veteran cricketers from taking to the pitch in Port Macquarie. Each one, playing in a warm-up match ahead of the over 50s state championships in Orange next month.