Mid North Sport

A Dubbo-based superboat has taken out today’s Bridge-to-Bridge ski-race. It was the closest race in years – just 19 seconds seperating first and second.

Camden Haven’s Connor Cook is edging closer to his dream of donning the baggy green after being selected to represent Australia. The teenager will be in Queensland this week playing at the under 17 national titles.

620 surfers hit the waves for the first day of the Professionals Weekend of Surf. The event was almost called off, after a shark was spotted swimming not far from surfers in action.  

Day-one of the inaugural Northern New South Wales Cricket Pathway Challenge went off without a hitch. Young stars of the sport showed selectors what they’re made of, hoping to follow in the footsteps of legends like Josh Hazlewood and the late great Phillip Hughes.

Still on surfing, and local, national and international surfers have returned to MacAuleys Beach for day two of the 12th annual Coffs Soul Surfest. More than 40 competitors hit the 2 foot waves in classic summer conditions. Local father and son duo Garth and Callum Mackie went head to head in the long board semi-final this morning. “There’s four in the water together for 20 minutes. It’s the best two waves that count, and then first and second progress into the competition. And third and fourth go into B grade, so it’s a double elimination type comp.” Competition continues tomorrow morning at 7.30am.

We’re just one sleep away from the 45th running of the Grafton Bridge to Bridge ski race event, where a change to the format will see racing take place across two days this year. Tomorrow competitors will take to the water in the 30 kilometre social challenge, the return of the Shootout and an under 10s kids event. The main event – the 108 kilometre water ski from Grafton to Harwood and return, will start at 9.30 on Sunday morning. Organisers are expecting nearly 2000 onlookers on the banks of the river at Grafton, Maclean and Lawrence.

Old Bar rugby league player Holli Wheeler has been picked on yet another representative team. Her selection fulfils a lifelong dream, and comes after a stellar year on the field.  

For two Taree dancers, performing on stage in Sydney was a distant dream… But now, the pair are preparing for rehearsals after being selected for the school spectacular in November.

The Wall Street Warriors will have a new addition to its side for this weekend’s Koori Knockout, with the inclusion of league legend Greg Inglis. The Nambucca Valley will be well represented in the Dubbo tournament, with the Rams also making an appearance.

It might be a small town but the number of tennis stars in Kendall continues to rise. And they have the courts to match. A full sized synthetic grass court – as well as two new individually fenced Mini Courts – are now officially open for use. President Wendy Hudson says the new courts will enable the club to expand its training and competition programs, particularly for young people. The $286,000 project made possible by funding from the state government, Tennis Australia and Holiday Coast Credit Union grants. (VISION ONLY)