Mid North Sport

This round, NRL teams will have a decidedly female feel, thanks to the annual women in league round. Kate Haberfield spent an afternoon with some of the women behind junior rugby league, who’ll receive some well deserved recognition.

In Group 3, the Wauchope Blues managed to tame the Wingham Tigers, narrowly claiming a 17-16 victory in extra-time. Wauchope will now play Port City Breakers this weekend.

To golf and 18-year-old Clayton Small has taken out the 51st annual Seaside Classic Championship in Port Macquarie. The Maitland golfer finished three-over par. Just one shot behind was Ballina’s young talent Jay Mackenzie. While Sydney’s Zac Mullins secured third place. (VISION ONLY)

In Group 3 rugby league, the Port Macquarie Sharks have kept their season alive, claiming a 42 to 16 victory over Old Bar in the elimination semi-final. The Sharks piled on 32 unanswered points in the second-half. Young-gun Joel Antilla scored a great individual try, shortly followed by one from hooker Jake Kelly. “We knew they were going to be tough, you know they start the game really tough and put it on any team they play so we knew we had to outcome that little battle at the start, we did that and come away with the win” – Jake Hawkins – Port Macquarie Sharks Captain Coach. “We were definitely the underdogs coming into the game. Stuck it to them for the first 60-65 minutes but in the end they were just too strong for us so congrats to …

A seniors Tennis Tournament is underway in Forster this weekend. It’s attracted players up to the age of 87, showing their younger competitors they still have what it takes.  

One of the highest ranked tennis tournaments on the North Coast is on again in Sawtell. Now in its 41st year, the Seaside Open Tennis Championship continues to draw big names to the region.

Taree’s Josh Hook has returned home a world champion after competing in the final round of the World Endurance Championship. The local rider will take a short break before he starts preparing for next season.  

Avid racegoers have made their way to the track in Coffs Harbour, for the race that stops the region. The 54th Coffs Cup has drawn fashionistas, and impressive names, including legendary jockey Hugh Bowman.

Port Macquarie’s Matt Banting has won his opening heat at the US Open of Surfing in California. Facing off against fellow Australians Jack Frestone, Mitch Coleborn and Connor O’Leary, Banting made a great start, posting a seven on his opening wave. He backed that up with a six, eventually winning by less than half a point from Freestone. Banting will now face Brazil’s Michael Rodrigues, and Aussies Ethan Ewing and Cooper Chapman, in round three of the 10,000 point QS event.

In Group 3, both Wauchope and Wingham are feeling confident as they prepare to battle-it-out in this Sunday’s preliminary semi-final. The Blues are hoping home-town support will lift them to victory.