North West Sport

Four of the region’s best netballers will soon be training with the state’s best, after being selected for the New South Wales regional talent squad. Tamworth’s Sarah McIlveen says opportunities like this are few and far between for country players.

Tent pegging may not be the most well-known sport, but two local teenagers are carving out a career in it. They’re heading to Oman next month to compete on the international stage for the Tent Pegging World Cup.

For local rodeo riders, Upper Horton has long been the place to ring in the New Year. But that won’t be the case next weekend, with the event postponed due to a lack of entries. The committee says it was a ‘tough decision’ and will advise a new date soon. NOTE: VISION ONLY, FILE VISION

The Tamworth Clay Target Club is hoping to add another competition to its calendar next year. With a renewed focus on developing its junior ranks, it could play host to a state championship just for school kids.

It’s been a big year for track racing in Tamworth, and riders are eagerly anticipating the opening of the city’s new velodrome. Monday night was the final race of 2018.

Construction is pushing ahead for the Northern Inland Centre of Sporting Excellence. Inspection taking place today, with two major pieces of infrastructure set to be complete before Christmas.  

The Melbourne Stars have suffered their first loss of the Women’s Big Bash League season yesterday – smashed by the Perth Scorchers. Coming off a Player of the Match performance, Tamworth’s Erin Osborne managed 12 with the bat. Before picking up the wicket of Amy Jones. The Stars posted 124 runs from their 20 overs. As the Scorchers chased-down their total – losing two wickets along the way. PLEASE NOTE: SOME AUDIO UNAVAILABLE.  

And some of the best and brightest young cricketers from across New South Wales will put their skills to the test in Narrabri tomorrow. The four-day Country Colts Championships get underway mid-morning, with all eyes on defending title holders, Riverina. Central Northern will be led by captain Will Fort, who’ll be hoping to recreate last year’s form. The finals will be held in Narrabri on Thursday. PLEASE NOTE: AUDIO UNAVAILABLE.  

The 2019 Group 4 rugby league competition was slated to begin in April, but in a move that breaks the traditional starting-time slot, the opening round has been pushed back to May. Chairman Ray McCoy says allowing the clubs to choose the terms of a restructure will lead to a “high quality competition.”  

It was a long drive for Newcastle’s Graham Gosling, though one certainly worth while – winning last night’s Double Barrel Continental Championship. Held under lights at the Tamworth Clay Target Club, the event capped-off a massive season.