North West Sport

It’s shaping up to be a huge week for junior cricketers in the North West, with teams playing in competitions all over the state. Tamworth is hosting the Under 14s carnival in one of its biggest years to date.

They made quite the splash at the State Championships, and now Tamworth’s waterpolo teams have their eyes on a bigger prize. They’ve been getting in some last-minute training for the National Championships.

It’s the biggest swimming carnival in the north-west, and hundreds have made a splash at this year’s event. They came from across the state to take part, some going on to qualify for Nationals.

After losing their training ground around a year ago – the New England Roller Derby League is back on its skates, ready to begin training again. They’ll make their new home at the Tamworth Sports Dome, and are encouraging anyone interested in trying the sport, to give it a go.

Two New England rugby clubs have banded together, to organise two weekends of pre-season matchups in March. Both men’s and women’s sides will have the chance to compete at the Inverell Sevens, on March 9 and 10. Then, the following weekend, Armidale will host a tens knockout day. Prize money is on offer to the victors of each event. NOTE: VISION ONLY

More than 200 swimmers have dived headfirst into the annual long course swimming carnival, hosted by Tamworth City Swimming Club. This year is the first time the event is being held over two days. Most swimmers are competing in individual races, along with a new ‘Relay Super Series’ event happening tomorrow. Many will also get the chance to mingle with world championship bronze medalist Kurt Herzog. NOTE: VISION ONLY

The Walcha Rams are just weeks away from pre-season training taking off. They’ll be on the hunt for the Central North rugby silverware after two years of coming agonizingly close.

With greyhound racing tracks closing right across the region, the sport has taken a hit. But it’s expected to bounce back, with the reopening of Gunnedah’s track just weeks away.

The Wallabadah Cup is a New Year’s Day tradition that sees hundreds of punters flock to the village for the oldest country race meet. The day wasn’t without its drama, crowd favourite Syvia breaking down in the first race. It’s understood the mare broke a leg on the downhill turn and had to be put down.

As other sports start to wind down, it’s been all systems go for the North West’s tennis players. Six of the region’s up and comers are competing in the Victorian Grass Court Tour where they’ll play three tournaments against Australia’s best.