Mid North Sport

To the Mid North Coast and round four of the FFA Cup is just around the corner. Kempsey Saints and Port United both boasting strong positions on the ladder as they look to qualify for the round of 32.  

To mid north coast rugby union, and last week’s round 4 clash has the Wallamba Bulls going back to the drawing board. The reigning premiers say they’re making sure this week’s tough meet against Forster-Tuncurry isn’t a repeat of their recent narrow lead.  

South Grafton and Toormina High Schools will progress to the regional playoffs of the University Shield after finishing on top of the gala day round played today at Coffs Harbour. Five high schools from the Coffs Coast took part in the competition.

A colourful spectacle in Coffs Harbour this morning, when 150 cyclists made their way through to town – raising money for charity organisation, Youth Off the Streets. Now in its 20th year, the Sydney to Surfers charity ride has raised more than $3-million to support youth in crisis situations. “The funding helps us a lot because it is a charity based school and everyone’s always like well that’s a behaviour school but really it’s not. It’s just a second chance for everybody and it does a lot for us.”

From dairy farmer to gymnastics fanatic, Wingham’s Ivan Jarvis has conquered the stage yet again – tumbling his way to the top of the podium at the state championships. The recent win is a welcome confidence boost, ahead of his return to nationals in June.  

A field of more than 350 riders is set to take part in Saturday’s gruelling Grafton to Inverell Cycle Classic. The 228-kilometre event is billed as Australia’s toughest one day cycle race.

Young AFL players from across the Hastings took to the field today for the annual Paul Kelly Cup Gala Day. The state-wide competition gives young guns the opportunity to get their first taste of the sport.  

Another Port Macquarie Ironman done and dusted, with organisers hailing it a huge success. Wins by international triathletes proving it truly has become a global event.  

Coffs Harbour had a comprehensive win yesterday over Macksville while Orara Valley dished out a 122-point flogging to the struggling Nambucca Roosters. The Rebels, meanwhile, returned to form to stage an upset over competition leaders Sawtell.

Belgium’s Marino Vanhoenacker has claimed his 17th Ironman win after taking out this year’s Port Macquarie Ironman. Taree born Luke McKenzie finished second, while Britain’s Laura Siddall claimed the women’s title for the second straight year.