North West Sport

Tamworth woodchopper Dan Clissold is preparing to fly the Aussie flag overseas in the coming weeks, as he heads to the United States, to compete in a series of events. According to Clissold, Australian woodchoppers are the best in the world, closely followed by the New Zealanders. The Tamworth lumberjack says the sport is in his blood. PLEASE NOTE: SOME AUDIO UNAVAILABLE.  

They’ve had a stranglehold on Central North Rugby and now, the Tamworth Pirates are vying for their third successive title. But their odds are worse than in previous years, with injuries stacking up and two uncharacteristic defeats.  

Tamworth BMX star Jack Davis will soon be back on the bike, after getting the all-clear from neurologists. The 16-year-old was forced to seek specialist treatment following a crash last month – resulting in his third concussion in nine-months. The injury saw Davis withdraw from round three of the National BMX Series – but he’s expected to compete in Queensland next weekend. (VISION ONLY)

The region’s young basketballers have been learning some tricks of the trade, US-style. Thunderbolts import Rashanti Harris is holding a number of school holiday clinics to teach kids the basics of the sport.

It was a state-of-origin of a different kind in Moonbi today, with New South Wales and Queensland going head-to-head in the horseball arena. The inaugural under-16 interstate championships aim to encourage younger players into the sport.

Up-and-coming rugby stars have spent the first part of their school holidays learning from some the best. This morning, the first ever Scripture Union rugby camp wrapped up in Tamworth – with players travelling from as far as Scone, the Central Coast and Newcastle to take part. The group was put through their paces by a number of representative and first grade players. Including Tongan native Ofa Fainga’anuku and Sydney players Ed Craig and Tim Williams. (VISION ONLY)

It’s a sport that’s described as a mixture of rugby and netball on horseback and, over the next two days, novice horseball players will be throwing everything on the line. Practice for the inaugural under-16 interstate championships is underway at Moonbi Showground, with New South Wales and Queensland going head-to-head tomorrow. Organisers say the game will be a chance to fine-tune skills – the championships will be the first competitive event for many players. (FILE VISION ONLY)

Two Northwest rugby league players are in line for a future with the Newcastle Knights. The duo is part of a 33-strong elite pathways squad – who’ve been at a development camp in Tamworth over the last two-days.

To Group 4 rugby league, and it was a win that brought Kootingal-Moonbi’s undefeated winning streak to an almighty halt. North Tamworth Bears’ victory all the more impressive, coming off the back of a three-week back.  

In Group 19 rugby league, and wins to the Narwan Eels, along with the Moree Boomerangs. While, the Inverell Hawks posted a solid win, following a slow start against the Moree Boars.