Corey Hanson, who won the Classic Masters title at the 32nd Tenpin Bowling Australia National Disability Championship at Mt Gravatt in June, heads a strong local contingent of about 30 bowlers at the 2021 State Disabilities Tenpin Challenge at the Bundy Bowl and Leisure Complex this weekend.
Bundy Bowl and Leisure Centre has hosted the event annually since its inception about 15 years ago, but competitors and organisers alike are looking forward to its return after it was cancelled due to Covid 19 last year.
Challenge coordinator Amanda Brocklehurst said all competitors would assemble for a March Past and Opening Ceremony at 11.30am tomorrow, before around 90 bowlers battle it out until late afternoon.
She said Sunday’s competition which runs from 9am to early afternoon, had attracted an even bigger field of about 115. Points from both days will be added together to determine the overall results.
Amanda also said action would be fast and furious and that spectators are welcome.
CRICKET
Searle’s RV Centre Vikings will start their Aussie Bundy Big Bash title defence with a grand final rematch against Headlands Pies in the second match of the season opening double-header at 6pm tomorrow at Salter Oval.
Earlier, Takalvan’s Taipains will do battle with Betta Heat at 2.30pm.
Takalvans will donate $100 to LifeFlight for every six hit during the double-header.
There are no Tallon-Giles T20 Division 1 matches tomorrow, but the third round of the Tallon-Giles T30 Division 3 series will be played at Salter Oval tomorrow, and the third and last round of the Tallon-Giles T30 Division will follow on Sunday, featuring a virtual semi-final between Waves and Norths, with the winner to progress to the final.
Junior fixtures also start for the new season tomorrow morning at Kendall’s Flat and Maryborough.
RUGBY
Turtles Brothers duo Josh Saua and Alex McClymont played their parts very well as members of the Queensland Country Heelers Team which had an historic 3 wins from their 3 matches against Brisbane Premier Rugby Teams from last Thursday to Monday.
They defeated Queensland Suburban 33-5 at the Ipswich Rangers Rugby Club on Thursday night, Norths 22-17 at Hugh Courtney Oval on Saturday, and Brothers 31-16 at Crosby Park on Monday.
Josh was a starting hooker in each game, while Reserve Forward Alex made an impact, coming off the bench in the second half of each.
Their club Turtles has the bye when the Rugby Bundaberg Elders Insurance Spring Cup resumes with round three at West Barbarians grounds at Jubilee Park tomorrow.
Barbarians, who had a good win over Waves Falcons to start their season two weeks ago, may find it tougher in their 6.30pm clash with East Bundaberg Pythons, who were well beaten by two-times defending champions Fraser Coast Mariners first-up, before having their first bye.
Barbarians have named a full squad of 23, including with No. 9 Andrew Filo and club legend and reserve forward Matt Leighton to play their first matches of 2021.
Waves Falcons, who have been very competitive in their two losses to Turtles Brothers and Barbarians so far, will meet the might of the Mariners at 4.30pm
SOFTBALL
There is just one match in the Coral Coast/Hervey Bay Associations A Grade Ladies division to start their season tomorrow, with Brothers United Firesticks to begin their quest for a hat-trick of titles with a Local Derby showdown with arch-rivals Waves Tsunamis at the Coral Coast grounds at 2.20pm.
In Men’s A Grade, Terrors will embark on their title defence when they clash with Misfits in Hervey Bay, while United Heat will slug it out with Maryborough West at the Coral Coast grounds at 4.10pm.
HORSE RACING
Bundaberg champion King Klaus again proved himself as one of Queensland’s best sprinters by finishing second in the 1050m Bundaberg Rum Open Handicap at Doomben last Saturday, beaten by a mere .1 length by Tambo’s Mate.
Well performed Sydney raider Spaceboy was favourite, but he finished last but the Gary Clem-trained King Klaus, which was easy in the market, paying $8.50, came from a wide barrier eight but led early and fought on gamely to take his record to 10 wins, 5 seconds and 1 third from 18 starts, taking his career earnings to $211,950.
Bogey Man, which is owned by a syndicate including Bundaberg sporting and community identity and Bundaberg born and bred Rick Habermann and his wife Emma (nee Sheers), a former multiple world water skiing champion, made it back-to-back Rockhampton wins in an open handicap on Tuesday.
Adam was also part of the syndicate which owned Bundaberg champion Mountain Courage, which won four races in a row from May-August, including the Bundaberg Lightning Handicap, but has since been retired after unfortunately suffering a bowed tendon.
Meanwhile, Multiple champion Bundaberg trainer Darryl Gardiner returned to his hometown Eidsvold to win the Class B Handicap with Homecall last Saturday.
It will be country racing at its best at the Gayndah meeting tomorrow with a five-race program.
GREYHOUNDS
Kianga trainer Craig Emery took out a double at this week’s Bundaberg meeting, getting the money at the bookends of the program with Jet’s Image in a maiden, and veteran Cisco Sniper in the Masters 5th Grade respectively.
Just two District trainers were among the winners on the day, Allen Kelly, who took out the Best 8 with Savuro, which extended his record to 20 wins, 7 seconds and 5 thirds from 50 starts, all at Thabeban Park, and Phillip Carter with Zambora Chief, which made it 3 wins and a second from his past 4 outings in a 5th Grade.
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