Follow the top athletic moments of the week with the latest sports results from clubs across the city.

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Abermain Bowling Club – Results and Upcoming Events

Wednesday Women’s Bowls 23.5.18: Georgina Sutherland, Marjorie Hughes, Bev Wood R/Up: Wendy Dowling Carol Hughes, Jan Pearson Thursday Men’s Social Bowls 24.5.18: Winners: Andrew Skapski, Doug Dickson, Aron Curtis R/Up: Geoff Brodbeck, John Wade 3rd Jim Tann, David Crawford Friday: Summer Twilight Bowls 18.5.18: Social Only Saturday 19.5.18: Pennants: Grade 6: def by ECBC Grade 7: def by Maitland City Championships: 4’s Final: David Crawford, Aron Cutis, Kerry Gunther, Ed Dorn def Noel Sweeney, Ned Walden, Pau Walton, Andrew Skapski Coming Up: Women’s Social Bowls Names in by 10.00am: 10.15 start, $ 5.00 entry: All welcome. Please ring and register Thursday Social Bowls: Names in by 10.00am: 10.15 start $ 5.00 entry: All Welcome TWILIGHT BOWLS: Every FRIDAY: Mixed, Open to Beginners, Barefoot Bowls: Names in by 4.00pm: 4.15pm start: $ 5.00 entry: Mixed: New Players Welcome: Come and have some fun!

Bellbird Park Bowling Club – Men’s Bowls

Results: Thursday 24/5 Winners: J Stokos, P King R/Up M Pinchen, K King. Jackpot not won. Friday 25/5 Winners : M Phelps, W Barter R/Up S Main, E (Oosh) Muncaster. Saturday 26/5 Winners: Grade 3 Def Singleton. Grade 6 Def by Miller Park. Men’s 3s Championship Games: D Maddock, P Cornford, J Wilson Def R Bourke, W Barter, N Lind. L DelDegan, R Collins, P Turnbull Def P Main, B Sinclair, P King. PROGRAM: Thursday : M.O.T.B Names by 9am for 9.30 start. Hot Dogs Jackpot Friday: Barefoot bowls Names by 4.30pm for 5pm start Please note: If Names are not in by required time you will miss out on a game. Saturday: Pennants – Grade 3 Away Grade 6 Home. Sunday 3/6 Denman Visit Please have names on the board by Friday.

Bellbird Park WBC – Social Bowls

Winners of Social Bowls N. Robins. S. Main E. Kohler Next championship games will be the triples please watch the board for the draw, club uniform to be worn for championships.

Bellbird Park WBC

Winners C.Hurn E. Muncaster Runner/up Norma Robins.S.Anderson Elaine White. Raffler winner C. Hurn Three championships drawn next Tuesday so please check the board to who and when you are playing.

Cessnock City – Women’s

Last weeks Social Bowls Winner: H. Condran and J. Rumford. Novelty Winner: M. Ling. Club Championship Triples Final will be played this week. W. Cox v's L. Foster. Social bowls names in by 9am, play 9:30am. Check notice board for entry sheets for Marsh, Coalboard and Club Fours.

Cessnock City – Ladies Bowls

No social bowls this week as 3 teams played in the District pairs Semi Final, M. Davies, K. Vannus - L. Pockett, C. Lee - C. Wolfe, M. Slade with Margaret Davies, Karin Vannus the team to go on and represent our very proud club in the Final against the Kurri Kurri team of Ann Wilkins and Gail Sheehan. The game was played at East Maitland Bowling Club and played in the great spirit that befits a final with a very good number of Cessnock City Ladies there to cheer our girls on. Gail and Ann were the winners, Margaret and Karin will wear the Runner Up title with pride. Congratulations to all the girls! Due to NSW Carnival the Final of Club Triples will be played on 31.05.2018 and the Club fours will be played a week later than carded. Social Bowls this week names in by 9am, play 9:30am.

Cessnock District Retired Bowlers – Social Bowls, May 16, 2018

Winners: R. Skelton, B. Schrader. Runners up R. McNaughton, K. Phelps. New bowlers made most welcome.

Cessnock District Retired Bowlers – Social Bowls, May 23, 2018

Winners ... Garry Jordan, Bret Schrader Runners up...Archie Mcafferty, Dave Lennon, Danny Hoggan. New bowlers made most welcome.

East Cessnock Ladies – Social Bowls, May 23, 2018

Winners from last week's social bowls were; G.Gardner, M.Laidlaw and N.Nicholls, L.Corcoran and J.Del-Degan. Congratulations to Margaret Phelps on her win in the club Minor Singles. It was a very close fought match with the runner-up Julie McKim. They were neck and neck all the way until the end. Names to be submitte by 9.30am to begin play by 10am.

East Cessnock Ladies – Social Bowls, May 30, 2018

Winners from last week's social bowls were; M.Phelps, C.Hallam and T.Jory, G.Gardner, M.Laidlaw and Y.Midwinter. Please have names listed by 9.30 am to begin play by 10.00am. Yearly registration fees are due next month.

East Cessnock retireds – Social, May 18, 2018

Winners T Hunter, B Schroder. Runners-up R McNaughton, F Orchard, D Jurd. Group plays Friday mornings, names by 9.15, new players and visitors welcome.

East Cessnock retireds – Social, May 25, 2018

Winners R McNaughton, B Craft, D Jurd. Runners-up D Lennon, N Bates. Group plays Friday mornings, names by 9.15. New Players and visitors always welcome.

ECBC – Social

Thursday 17th May Winners: Bob Shepherd & Marty Shepherd Runner Up: Aaron Watkins, Ken Phelps & Sam Clough Sunday 20th May Winners: Terry Vernon & Ray Brown Runner Up: Jean Rumford & Bob Shepherd Conso: Gary Jordan & Lester Gilmore Upcoming Events • Thursday Social Bowls Men’s Pairs 4:00pm names in by 3:30pm Double the Money • Sunday 27th May Social Bowls Mixed Off The Board 1:00pm names in by 12 noon Double the Money • Barefoot Bowls Contact the Club (02) 4990 1444.

Greta Workers – Social Bowls

Thursday Social Winners: F.Burkett,C.Gibson. Runner Ups: G.Reczek, L.Banister. Pennants: Paxton def Greta. Triples Semi Finals: S. Gardner, P. Knox, L. Banister def W. Lewis, K. Bendeich, C. Gibson. P. Slack, G, O'Neill, J. Stewart def W.Ryan, G.Foote, F. Burkett. Coming Up: Thursday 24.5.18 Social Bowls,D.F.P,Open, Names by 1.45pm,Start 2.00pm Saturday 26.5.18 Pennants v Singleton @ Singleton Cars leave 12(noon) Sunday 27.5.18 Championships 10am start. Consistency Singles: P.Knox v A Hateley, P.Slack v P.Heyes. Ladies Pairs Semi Finals: W.Anderson, L.Batterham v T.Gardner, L.Gardner L.Dean, P.Mears v J.Shaw, S.O'Neill. Sunday 17th June: Ron Banister Versatility Mixed Triples $600 prizemoney, $30 per team includes lunch,still looking for a couple of teams Sunday 1st July Denman @ Greta sheet is on the board.

Paxton – Men’s

Wednesday bowls names in by 9am for a 9:30am start. Jackpot won last week, this week $40. Last week winners were A. Cummings, D. Parsons & P. Burgess. R/Up were R. Dann & R. Murrell. Pennants 26.5.18. 5 Grade play at Lorn Park. 7 Grade play at home. Please check the notice board for teams. Championships Sunday 27.5.18 - please check notice board for game details.

Cessnock Bridge Club

Wed 9th May: 1st Garry Maher & Frank Bogar, 2nd Alison McEncroe & Robin Lazar, 3rd Pauline McCabe & Norma Byrne. Fri 11th May: 1st Frank McCabe & Gail Thomas, 2nd Chris Van Wyck & Betty Burgess, 3rd Jill Simpson & Robyn McGain. Wed 16th May: 1st Pauline McCabe & Norma Byrne, 2nd Mick Webster & Denis McEncroe, 3rd Alison McEncroe & Robin Lazar. Fri 18th May: =1st Alison McEncroe & Beryl Manuel, Garry Maher & Frank Bogar, 3rd Dorothy Chalmers & Sue Newton. Game play Wednesday 6pm & Friday 9.30am 24 Ferguson St Cessnock Contact Garry or Frank on 0432 327 412.

Cessnock Cycling – May report

The Cessnock Cycling Club held events on the Hunter Economic Zone Course. On Sunday 6th May the 46th May Day Handicap over 35 Kilometres saw Veteran Clyde Marshall winning his sixth May Day Race. His first win way back in 1973 Clyde caught the front markers and rode solo to hold the back markers at bay by 28 seconds with ironman Graham Crozier the 2017 winner gaining second place and fastest time award of 1 hour 8 minutes 20 seconds, the fastest time this year and Muswellbrook's Brian Young taking third place. On Sunday the 13th May no Event was held on Mothers Day. On Sunday 20th May the 44th Stead Cycles Handicap was held over 42 Kilometres. Over the years this race has been held as a 1 hour Track Teams Race, Teams Points Race, Teams Handicap, Teams Scratch Race, Teams Relay and a 3 Day Tour, also many Handicaps. This years winner Clyde Marshall held on to win by 20 seconds. His last victory in 2013. Graham Crozier riding strongly from the scratch mark took second place and fastest time of 1 hour 25 minutes 58 seconds in cold and windy conditions and visitor David Greentree a close third. On Sunday 27th May the veterans rode a 40 kilometre ride with all riders doing well. Coming Events are the 47th Queens Birthday Handicap over 42 kilometres and the Winter Handicap of 44 kilometres.

Cessnock Kurri Kurri District Darts Association, May 15, 2018

CRLSC (8) v Neath/H (3) ABC1 (7) v Kearsley/H (4) Khartoum/H (2) v WWC (9) Criterion/H (2) v H/Denman (9) Station/H (1) v Caledonia/H (10) H/Denman 2 (5) v Cessnock/H (6) 180's hit by Bill Emerson & Mareea Clerke.

Cessnock Kurri Kurri District Darts Association, May 22, 2018

WWC (6) v H/Denman 2 (5) Kearsley/H (10) v Khartoum/H (1) Criterion/H (2) v ABC1 (9) H/Denman (9) v Neath/H (2) Caledonia/H (7) v CRLSC (4) H/Cessnock (7) v Station/H (4) 180’s hit by Mareea Clerke & John Cramer

Kurri Kurri District Darts Association, week 17

ABC2 (5) v KKBC (6) WWC2 (7) v WWC1 (4) Station/H 1 (9) v ABC1 (2) H/Denman (7) v H/Denman 3 (4) H/Denman 2 (5) v Station/H 2 (6) 180's hit by Cody Dewey & Greg Brown 171 hit by Andrew Merrick

Kurri Kurri District Darts Association, week 18

H/Denman 3 (3) v ABC2 (8) WWC2 (8) v KKBC (3) ABC1 (7) v WWC1 (4) Station/H 1 (11) v H/Denman 2 (F) H/Denman (5) v Station/H 2 (6) 180 Hit by Col Gordon

Kurri Kurri District Darts Association, week 18, Ladies comp

ABC (5) v WWC1 (6) Criterion/H (F) v Weston Royals (11) Weston Bluebirds (11) v Station Masters (0) Station Roses (11) v H/Denman (F).

Kurri Kurri District Darts Association, week 19, Ladies comp

WWC1 (5) v Weston Bluebirds (6) Weston Royals (5) v ABC (6) H/Denman (5) v Criterion/H (5) Station Masters (5) v Station Roses (6).

WWC Thursday Dart Comp – Mixed comp, Week 22

Ezybeats BYE Jaggers (9) v Eels (2) Trouble (6) v Gotchas (5) Kellygang (8) v Misfits (3) Devils (8) v Robynshoods (3) Ladies High Score - Liz Bowie 165.

WWC Thursday Dart Comp – Mixed comp, Week 23

Kellygang (9) v Gotchas (2) Ezybeats (8) v Eels (3) Trouble (7) v Devils (4) Jaggers (7) v Robynshoods (4) Misfits BYE 180 hit by Johnathon Solomons.

Branxton Golf Club – Stableford

Dave Hollis produced an excellent round to soundly win Saturday’s A Grade Stableford Competition with his 39 pts which included a remarkable nearest the pin on the 13th, finishing less than a metre from the hole. Lee Heuston continued his good form from his low single figure handicap, finishing runner up with a very sound 37 pts, with Mick Tracey’s 35 pts good enough for third. Lee Hunt, fresh from a recent wonderful European holiday, found some of his old form, winning B Grade with his 39 pts, just ahead of Gary Gazzard’s 39 pts on a countback with Eddie Garland’s 38 pts good enough for third. Barry Turner won C Grade with his 38 pts, just ahead of Michael Carling’s 37 pts with Geoff Jones third with 32 pts. Lee Heuston won the shot of the day, with his tee shot finishing only 58 cms away on the 2nd/11th. 31 pts was all that was needed to win a golf ball with the cooler starts to the day one reason for the higher scores. Saturday, 26 May 2018 Sponsor: BRANXTON PRO SHOP Field: 42 Grades A David Hollis 39 Grades A Lee Heuston 37 Grades A Michael Tracey 35 Grades B Lee Hunt 39 Grades B Gary Gazzard 39 Grades B Ed Garland 38 Grades C Barry Turner 38 Grades C Micheal Carling 37 Grades C Geoff Jones 32 NTP 2/11 A 2nd Lee Heuston 58cm NTP 4 A 4th Michael Tracey 500cm NTP 9/18 A 9th Troy Felan 107cm NTP 13 A 13th David Hollis 98cm Balls 13 Distributed down to score: 31

Cessnock Golf Club – Tomlinson Tuesday

Winners: Gary Tomlinson 35, Peter Mcintyre 35, Graham Morris 35. Balls to 32, 3 given out to a field of 25. NTP: G. Noble.

Cessnock Golf Club – Thursday Vets

Maybe the winter was keeping a few Vets away with both numbers and scores down a little this week. No problems for Kevin Gibson, a comfortable 3 stroke winner. Everyone gets the chance to improve next week with another stableford event. Requests have been made for working bees on the next two Wednesdays as all gear is moved from the old clubhouse and shed. Winners: Kevin Gibson 41, Robert Logue 38, Kerry Bartlett 37. NTP 3: A-Ken Roe, B-Ron George, C-Dennis Wright. NTP 10: A-Robert Logue, C-P. Threadgold. NTP 18: A-Robert Logue, B-Fred Wakeman, C-Bill Davey. Balls to 28, 28 given out to a field of 48. Raffle: Peter Conroy, John Hogg, Kerry Bartlett.

Cessnock Golf Club – May 19

Everyone needs a friend and it appears that many golfers found the right mate last Saturday. Scores were very strong and the field size was also most encouraging. Terry Roughan and William Harden had a few shots to spare as 49 points gave them a three shot win. Things get a bit serious over the next few weeks as the Monthly Mug should be a good warm up for the long weekend and the Cessnock Cup. Entries through the pro shop. There was also a small birthday celebration at the presentation, congrats Phil. Winners: Terry Roughan & William Harden 49, Chad Timmins & Brenden McLeod 46, Michael Bartlett & Glen Foster 45. Balls to 41 on c/b, 20 given out to a field of 90. NTP 3: A-Robert Hodge, B-Brenden McLeod, C-Duncan Lang. NTP 18: A-Ken Roe, B-Phil Small, C*Bill Davey. NTP 2: A-Mick Rayward, B-Stephen Clark, C-Ron Thompson. Raffle: Robert Hodge $160.

Cessnock Golf Club – Thursday Vets, May 24

Thanks to all the volunteers who moved the carts and emptied alot of rubbish out of the new shed. Michael Gilbert's cart obviously enjoyed its new surroundings as it led him to a four shot victory. Overall scores were much better this week with 3 players in the 40s. Next week will be another stableford. Winners: Michael Gilbert 44, James Hogg 40, David Gellwiler 40. NTP 3: A-John McLoughney, B-Doug Harley, C-Dennis Wright. NTP 10: A-James Hogg, B-Col Bradley. NTP 18: A-John McLoughney, B-Alan Kendall, C-Ron Hawkins. Balls to Fred and 30, 33 given out to a field of 52. Raffle: Malcolm Crossley, Robert Manderson, Trevor Collins.

Cessnock Golf Club – Tuesday Stableford

Excellent scores from the club's top golfers this week. James Hogg shooting 41 off his low mark an ominous warning to others who may be chasing him down in the Cessnock Cup. Winners: James Hogg 41, John Burgess 38, Robert Logue 37, David Kennedy 37. Balls to 35, 4 given out to a field of 23. NTP 18: John Burgess.

Cessnock Golf Club – Stableford

A great turnout with a field of 75 in the comp as well as over 50 social players enjoyed a magnificently turned out course thanks to Merv's hard work The ever consistent Kerry Bartlett won A grade with 35 points but the round of the day belonged to Gail Smith with a great 38 points to win C grade It is noted that Mick Gilbert's outstanding form of late fizzled out as he could only return 26 although his good mate Col returned to form with 34 A Grade Kerry Bartlett (9) 35 Aaron Hogg (11) 34 c/b Peter Huckfeldt (12) B Grade Jeremy Holden (16) 35 Colin Somerville (18) 34 c/b Glen Heyes (13) 34 C Grade Gail Smith (26) 38 Geoff Boyd (23) 37 c/b Rohan Epe (36)37 Ball competition to 33 with 11 given out NTP 18th J Robertson (A) J Schofield (B) J McCord (C) Raffle winner James Schofield Next week STROKE.

Hunter Valley Golf Club

Sunday 20th May Mathew Lorenz has taken out the Weekly Challenge with a very Good 43 point round from Maitland visitor Justin Maddock 42 and Cessnock visitor Peter Mcintyre with 40 points. Ball winners were: Gary Woodland v39, Mick Barrett 37, Joshua McPaul v36, Brendan Connor 36, Richard Hoare v35, Darrell Drage v35, Jai Kumar v35, Todd Jolly 35, Trent Wrigley v35, Ben Freeman 34 and Doris Hoare v34 c/b Tuesday 22nd May Lloyd Barrett has smashed his handicap by 12 shots and the field in the Tuesday Stableford to record 48 individual points for the win, runner up went to Michael Watson with a solid 41 with consistent Garry Marsden returning 40 for 3rd place. Ball winners were: Chris Ford v39, Greg Ireland 39, Mick Barrett 37, Gerry Irwin 36, Ken Scott-MacKenzie 35, David Peel 35, Rex Talbot 34, Paul Smith 33, Wayne Burgess 33, Dale Macklinshaw 33 and John Stewart 33 c/b. Nearest-the-Pins went to Ian Newell (3rd) Lloyd Barrett (4th, 8th & 17th) and David Peel (10th) Wednesday 23rd May Mary Fortey has come out on top after a countback was required for all placings with 3 tied at -2, Lorraine Clack took runner up with Dale Hamilton rounding out the placings with 3rd. Ball winners were: Jenelle Jurd -3, Sue Peel -3, Jill Slatter -5 and Kay Dunn -5 on countback. Next week the Ladies will play their 27 Hole Foursome Championship. Thursday 24th May Geoff Sweetman & Dave Fury combined best to take the Vets 4BBB Par event with +13 from Garry Marsden & Doug Wand also impressing with +12, Ray Newton & Wayne Drayton survived a countback for 3rd with +9, great to see Wayne back on the course after an extended layoff with injury. Ball winners were: Peter Attewell & Garry Clarke +9, Ken Wright & Kevin Smith +8, Ken Harris & Peter Munro +8, Steve Piggot & Michael Watson +7 and John Stewart & Graeme Flynn +7. Nearest-the-Pins went to Neville Abbott (3rd), Michael Watson (8th), Doug Wand (10th) and John Stewart (17th). The raffle winner was Garry Hedges. Next week the Vets will play a Medley Stableford. Saturday 26th May Kooindah Waters visitors have taken out top spot in A & B grade in the weekends Medley Stableford event with Coen King winning A Grade with 38 points on countback to Ray Hodson and Bodhi King B Grade with an eye catching 44 points from Mark Makin on 41 and C Grade to John Barbour with the 'round of the day' 46 points, bound to come under notice from the handicapper, with Mathew Merlo runner up with 36 points. Ball winners were: Mick Barrett 39, Peter Puerta 38, Garry Marsden 37, Kevin Smith 37, Clayton Babic 37, Paul Davies 36, David Peel 36, Peter Franks 36, Wayne Jenkin 35, Steve Abel 35, Harry Preece 35, Bruce Chambers 35, Wayne Barber 34, Ian Newell 34 and John Parish 34 c/b. Nearest-the-Pins went to Greg Ireland (3rd) Wayne Barber (4th) Paul Davies (8th) Lloyd Barrett (10th) and John Barbour (17th). Next week's event will be a Medley Stableford.

Cessnock Invitation Pigeon Club – Taree Race, May 19

Pigeon Racing returned to the Newcastle and Coalfields region on Saturday and Sunday 19th & 20th of May after an eighteen month break due to the Australia wide outbreak of a Pigeon specific virus (Rota) for which there was no readily available vaccine. Work on the development of a vaccine is ongoing and it should be available within the next few months. There is no threat to other bird or animal species so a decision was taken to recommence racing in 2018. Taree 19.05.2018 1st P&A Pont 2.13.49 1120.5mpm - 2nd K&C Harris 2.11.08 1110.7mpm - 3rd B Walters and Partner. Taree 20.05.2018 1st K&C Harris 2.34.51 940.6mpm - 2nd P&A Pont 2.50.31 879.3mpm - 3rd B Walters & Partner.

Cessnock Invitation Pigeon Club – Taree Race, May 26

The third race from Taree was conducted on Saturday 26th of May. Members from the Hunter and Newcastle sent 1175 birds which were liberated at 10am in perfect weather conditions. The leading birds covered the 145klm distance to Cessnock in just over two hours. Next week's race will be from Port Macquarie. Taree 26.05.18 1st K&C Harris 2.12.12 1101mpm 2nd P&A Pont 2.17.40 1089mpm 3rd B Walters & Partners 2.24.18 945mpm

Cessnock Invitation Pigeon Club

The long awaited return to racing could not have started with better weather for racing with clear sky's and light west wind. The weather was the same for both Saturday and Sunday's races. W&J Howson after not flying with the club for a few years made a great return winning both Saturday & Sundays in good style. Saturday W&J Howson 1st with the wining time of 2hr 15mins 2ndA&F Wilmott 3rd G&N Brown Sunday 1st W&J Howson with the wining time of 2hr 40mins 2ndA&F Wilmott 3rd G&N Brown.

Cessnock Invitation Pigeon Club

The last Taree in the first round was flown in perfect weather again with clear sky's and light winds. It is hard to win a race at anytime with a very competitive club membership. To win three in a row is one top effort and that is what W&J Howson have done in great style. 1st W&J Howson with the winning time of 2hrs 13mins 2nd G&N Brown 3rd B Collins.

Cessnock Rugby Club, May 19

Cessnock played highly fancied East 1 at Cessnock. Cessnock with injuries and work commitments were very depleted and lost 51-nil. Cessnock urgently needs players. Training Tuesdays and Thursday at 6pm. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t played rugby we have experienced coaching staff to teach the basics. Hotel Cessnock Best & Fairest were Tim Earl Players Player and 3pts, Steve Harris 2pts and Kurt Barnett 1pt. Cessnock plays Cooks Hill at Drain Oval Cessnock Saturday 3pm kick off. Contact Pat Burns 0434273173 or Kenny Gallen 0422195345 or facebook Cessnock Rugby Union. Cessnock is a proud supporter of Camp Quality.

Cessnock Rugby Club, May 26

Cessnock played Cooks Hill at home, with 10 new players were outclassed 40-7. Cessnock point scorers: Kurt Barnett 1 try, Tane Clifford 1 conversion, Hotel Cessnock Best & Fairest 3pts and Players Player Kurt Barnett, 2pts Brendan Clarke, 1 pt Mitchell. Cessnock plays Pokolbin at Pokolbin (Christian School) 3pm kick off, Find Cessnock on facebook Cessnock Rugby Union or Contact Pat Burns 0434273173 or Kenny Gallen 0422195345. New players still needed.

Cessnock Rugby Union Cessnock played Cooks Hill at home, with 10 new players were outclassed 40-7. Cessnock point scorers: Kurt Barnett 1 try, Tane Clifford 1 conversion, Hotel Cessnock Best & Fairest 3pts and Players Player Kurt Barnett, 2pts Brendan Clarke, 1 pt Mitchell. Cessnock plays Pokolbin at Pokolbin (Christian School) 3pm kick off, Find Cessnock on facebook Cessnock Rugby Union or Contact Pat Burns 0434273173 or Kenny Gallen 0422195345. New players still needed.

Pokolbin Reds

PRC Reds played Muswellbrook Heelers RUFCon Saturday gone down at St Philips Rugby Oval, it was a great afternoon to be a player and a spectator with spectacular weather. Pokolbin won the toss and elected to run down hill. From the kickoff it was obvious that this was going to be a tough game, the Muswellbrook Heelers controlled the ball and the play for the first 15 minutes but the boys showed great defence. After a number of pick and drives the Heelers managed to cross the line and a try was scored and converted. This spurred the Reds on and from the restart their game lifted and they spent the next 15 minutes in the Muswellbrook half, they finally conceded a penalty and from a quick-thinking tap Jack Kirkham scored a try in the corner. The score stayed the same until half time 5-7. The second half started much the same as the first, the Heelers came out hard and managed to put on a converted try, putting the score at 5-14. But in the traditional “never say die” attitude of the Reds, the boys lifted again and pushed back hard. The play swung in favour of both teams and Muswellbrook managed to capitlise on a penalty converting it making the score 5-17. With 5 minutes to go Dan Thomas received the ball from 50 metres out and with the skill of a gazelle he crossed the line and planted the ball under the posts. Converted by Shane Doyle. Final score 12-17 with Muswellbrook Heelers coming out winners but Pokolbin getting a bonus point for being within 7 points of the winners. Great game to watch from the sidelines! Thanks to the volunteers; Simon, Sally, Melissa, Matt and players on the setup, BBQ, Bar and pack down. Plus thanks to all the U12’s who helped running the line and as ball boys, great to have you involved! This week is the local derby againstCessnock Rugby Union at St Philips on Saturday at 3pm and the Commonwealth Bank Old Boys Day. Entertainment will be supplied for 2-7 year old’s with the running of the Little Kickers Rugby Clinic, free to all who participate.

Cessnock City Women’s – Junior, May 26

Cessnock City Women’s U/7: played Lochinvar and was a fantastic effort from both sides having fun!! Cessnock plays Lochinvar at Lochinvar 9am start. U/11: played Maitland and is improving every week, players of the match – Amelia Dickens. Cessnock plays Barnsley at Taylor Park Barnsely. All Age: All age takes the competition lead after beating second place Morisset 3-1. Goal scorers Jess Kelly 2, Vicky Russell 1, Players Player Cheyenne Russell with a solid game in defence. Cessnock are home to Lambton Jaffas 10am kick off.

Cessnock City Women’s – Junior, May 19

Cessnock City Women’s Soccer U/7 played Kurri Kurri with some more reserves played very well and enjoyed the game and red frogs at half time. Next week we play Lochinvar at East End 9am. U/11 played Gresford Vacy and are improving every week went down 3 nil great effort. Girls player of the week Krystal Nayla Carter. Next week game at Maitland 11:30am. All Age played Raymond Terrace with Cessnock only having 10 palyers but determination ran out winners 6-2. Goal scorers were Jess Swan 4, Jess Kelly 2. Players Player – Jess Swan.

Cessnock Tennis Club – Junior Development Series

Junior Development Series Tournament was held at Cessnock Tennis Club last Sunday. Great weather and competitive junior players made for an excellent event. All players and parents enjoyed their day with winners and runners up in all age groups 10s 12s 14s 16s Open events. The day started at 8am and the last match on the day finished at 5pm. All students coming to our weekly coaching are doing well and having fun and most groups are full. Our Monday squad is growing with some excellent players who are enjoying taking their tennis to the next level of competition. Tuesday night mixed teams competition is running great with players thoroughly enjoying their night of social tennis. If you are interested you can always let us know and put your name down to reserve until the next comp begins in Term 3. We are always after reserves. Adults coaching is on Thursdays 5.30 - 6.30pm all levels welcome to join. Call the club if you are interested in court hire , comps or coaching. Contact 49901597.