TIGERPIE TRIUMPH – January 18

RACKEMUP Tigerpie took the spotlight on Sunday, winning big at the Hamilton Harness Racing Club’s 2022 Pacing Cup, rewarding owner, Ian Stanley with $19,950 in prize money.

Michael Stanley was the trainer and driver for the horse and was overjoyed to take home the biggest race of the day.

The 10-race program attracted people from all over, including interstate with hot weather ensuring the track was fast.

The $30,000 Hamilton Pacing Cup was the main drawcard for the day and without a hot favourite, it was anyone’s race.

LOCALS NAMED LEADERS AS REBELS GIRLS OPEN SEASON - January 22

THE Greater Western Victoria Rebels girls’ team will take the field at Latrobe University in Bundoora today for its first game of the 2022 Under-19 NAB League Girls season with Hamilton talents, Jess Rentsch and Jedah Huf, both selected in the side to take on Gippsland Power.

Both girls have impressed within the four walls of the club, voted into the leadership group by their teammates and coaches, as well as earning high praise from head coach, David Loader.

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED - January 25

FORMER local, Tynan Shannon has taken a big step in his cycling career after he earned selection in the VA Pro Racing (Velofit) team to compete at the Tour Down Under festival of cycling, which will take place in Adelaide this week.

Since it was introduced in 1999, the cycling race has grown to be the biggest in the southern hemisphere and attracts world-class riders every year.

Held in Adelaide, it is two weeks of racing action that all elite cyclists mark on their calendar at the start of each year and work hard to prepare for.

Shannon couldn’t wait to test himself against some of the best riders on the world tour over the next few days.

FITZPATRICK NOTCHES UP FIVE FIGURES AT THE DREWS – January 25

IT was an early birthday present for Mike Fitzpatrick, as he surpassed the 10,000-run milestone for St Andrew’s Cricket Club on Saturday.

The left-hander had been close to the mark for a few weeks, but his knock against College in Saturday’s B grade clash sealed the deal for the club veteran, who turns 43 later this week.

Fitzpatrick said it was a great feeling and something he will look back on when he has finished playing and be proud of the achievement.

HURRICANES SET FOR DECIDER - February 5

THE Hamilton and District Cricket Club (HDCA) senior representative team faces a tough test tomorrow when it goes up against Warrnambool and District Cricket Association at Monivae in the Festival of Cricket final.

The Hurricanes qualified for the decider with a thumping win against Wimmera Mallee last month, but tomorrow’s match-up is set to be a much tougher task.

Hamilton coach, Nic Cullinane said he wasn’t able to get the exact team he wanted, but still backed in the group to perform well.

“The problem is you had to have played a game to qualify, there was quite a few players who couldn’t play a game and the ones who had played played weren’t available this weekend,” he said.

PLANS IN PLACE FOR MELVILLE OVAL UPGRADE – February 5

THE Melville Oval upgrades are one step closer to reality with the plans officially released this week.

Many of the Melville Oval stakeholders were on hand to check out the final design including Hamilton Kangaroos Football Netball Club chairman, Lachy Patterson, who said it was an exciting time for everyone involved.

RIDIN’ HIGH – February 8

THE Dartmoor Rodeo draws plenty of onlookers, as cowboy boots and hats were aplenty for the annual event on Saturday night.

It was country music and cowboys aplenty, as the community gathered for the region’s first rodeo of 2022 in what was ideal conditions for the event.

Dartmoor Football Netball Club president, Ryan Childs said it was a good turnout for the event.

“It was a big event and there would have been over 3000 there I think,” he said.

New nets breed new life for Tigers - February 8

TARRINGTON Cricket Club has officially unveiled its new nets with the club now able to utilise the three-net structure following its opening on Sunday.

Merv Hughes was among those in attendance for the occasion, with the official proceedings running in conjunction with a junior cricket clinic on the same day.

Club vice-president, Adam Bester said it was a great day for the club and everyone was excited to put the nets to good use.

WINNING KISS – February 12

IT has been a whirlwind few weeks for local horse trainers, Matt and Louise Cooper, purchasing Bomber’s Kiss on Australia Day with the four-year-old gelding saluting in the last on Naracoorte Cup Day on Sunday.

It was the couple’s first winner as trainers, with Louise only holding her trainer’s licence since October.

The 42-year-old, who is a complete T4/T5 paraplegic following a racing accident nearly 10 years ago in Edenhope, said it was an emotional day with Bomber’s Kiss their last chance at pursuing success.

WINNING WAVES – February 15

THE Western Waves are Victorian Country Cricket League (VCCL) Under-18 champions after defeating North East Country at Bendigo’s Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The team included six locals, Ollie Wortley, Hamish Kearney, Hamish Cook, Zach Burgess, Josh Gordon and James Guthrig.

The team won the toss and it was Burgess who anchored the innings with 56 at number three, while Hamish Cook chipped in with 20 to see the Waves post 9-205 from 50 overs.

The locals stook up with the ball, as Josh Gordon and Hamish Cook each claimed three wickets to bowl North East Country out for 140 to claim the title.

TRIALS IN SIGHT – February 22

LOCAL boxer, Donald ‘Duck’ Jones is eyeing a spot on the Australian Commonwealth Games team after a win at the weekend.

Jones won his bout against Liam Gallagher, giving the 26-year-old a chance at qualifying for the Australian team for the games, which are set to be held in Birmingham, England later this year.

The fight went the distance with the bout settled via points decision.

COUNTRY CHAMPIONS – February 24

HAMILTON Hurricanes has been crowned state champions after topping the Under-18A Boys Division 2 Basketball

Victoria Junior Country Championships in Bendigo at the weekend.

The team opened its account with a 19-59 loss to Ballarat in the first game, before the Hurricanes were edged out by Sale Sonics, 60-64 in round two.

A third straight loss, this time against Wodonga Wolves, 38-64, made for a nervous night sleep on Saturday, as the team needed to find its groove immediately on Sunday.

A 53-51 Division 2 quarter-final win against Southern Peninsula got the team rolling, before Hamilton backed it up with another strong performance, accounting for Pakenham Warriors, 50-43, in the semi-final to progress through to the decider.

MORAL VICTORY - March 3

IN one of the best grand final days seen in ages, all results were tumultuous in their own way.

One by one shot, one by two and one defying the odds; the fourth result was not as close but that is how the rub of the green works sometimes.

Division one grand finalists converged at Hamilton after all the goings on towards the end of the home and away, as Memorial ended up playing Balmoral for the second time in the finals, having won the semi-final.

The first end saw one to each Balmoral team, and at end 15, the scores were 14-5 in favour of Balmoral.

Balmoral held.

NEED FOR SPEED – March 5

FIVE Hamilton based drivers are amongst the field that is set to do battle in the SSV Victorian Production Sedan Championship at Hamilton’s Western Speedway tonight.

And you can expect wall to wall action right from the start, with 27 competitors going all out to take home that coveted number one.

A field of 27 drivers and their crews from as far away as Queensland, Goulburn, Wahgunyah, Leeton and Corowa will converge in Hamilton, along with drivers and fans from Wangaratta, Portland, Horsham, Rosedale, Swan Hill, Alexandra and the Goulburn Valley for the title.

FEELY GETS A TASTE OF AFL/VFL ACTION – March 5

FORMER local, Tom Feely, got a taste of AFL action last weekend when he took part in the combined AFL/VFL practice match between Geelong and Richmond.

The 25-year-old has signed on with the Cats’ VFL team for 2022 was one of a few who got the chance to step up and help with numbers during the six-quarter hit-out between the two clubs.

“A few of us VFL listed boys got asked to have a run,” Feely said.

“We only played the last two quarters, but it was a great experience.”

Feely, who spent some time playing for Glenelg in the SANFL a few years back, got through the game unscathed, and took plenty from the game.

BARKER BRILLIANCE – March 8

HAMILTON has a new state champion after local driver, Benny Barker, won the Speedway Sedans Australia Production Sedans Victorian Title at Western Speedway on Sunday.

It took 20 hours longer than originally scheduled, after Saturday night’s race meet was postponed until  Sunday due to the weather conditions, but the 34-year-old said it was worth the wait to claim his first state title.

“I went better than I expected,” he said.

“I am just pretty stoked, it hasn’t sunk in yet to be honest.”

WOMEN’S WINNERS – March 10

MACARTHUR Red won its second Hamilton and District Women’s Cricket Association premiership, accounting for Macarthur Blue in the A grade final at Melville Oval on Sunday.

With Friday night’s semi-finals washed out, it set up an intra-club battle to conclude the season, between the top two teams.

Blue had an early win, calling the toss correctly and electing to bowl first, and it was tough going early on, as Red skipper, Jacqui Robinson, and Leah Drendel picked off boundaries regularly and accelerated the scoring rate.

MULDOON TAKES OVER – March 12

AFL Western District is set to undergo another restructure with Jason Muldoon taking over as Regional Manager for the region as well as overseeing AFL Goldfields.

The Hamilton resident has been at AFL Wimmera Mallee for the past nine years in a variety of roles, with Muldoon set to start in the new role on March 28.

He said he was excited to get stuck into a new role and work in a more local environment.

WAUGH AND YALLOP SET FOR MULLAGH CHAMPS – March 12

A YEARLY tradition continues this weekend with the Johnny Mullagh Championship Cup set to be played once again at Harrow on Sunday.

Two special guests will be at this year’s event, with former Australian Test captains, Steve Waugh and Graham Yallop, set to join the festivities.

The schedule once again includes a junior game as a prelude to the Johnny Mullagh Championship game between Mullagh and Glenelg in the afternoon.

SQUAD SELECTION – March 15

DUNKELD cricket product, Vincent Huf, continues to impress, selected in the Vic Country squad for the Under-19 National Championships.

The squad was released on Friday with the bowling all-rounder rewarded for a strong debut premier cricket season at Geelong.

The 18-year-old said he was excited to make the squad after having so many interruptions during the pandemic.

WALSH BREAKS THROUGH TO WIN AT STAWELL – March 15

LOCAL horseman, Chris Walsh, has broken through to claim his first victory in more than 100 starts.

Walsh travelled to Stawell last Monday with eight-year-old gelding, Crime Boss, breaking his drought in the last when he grabbed the early lead, before going on to win the 1785m race comfortably.

He told The Spectator he went into the race full of confidence, despite his starting odds being more than $100.

MOD PROD WIN – March 19

HAMILTON has a new national champion after Brock Atkins won the National Modified Sedan Title at Moama last weekend.

The 23-year-old had struggled for much of the weekend but came up with the goods when it mattered most to claim his first senior national title.

Atkins said it was a mix of emotions, but was relieved the hard work had paid off.

WOODALL BACK IN SADDLE AFTER INJURY TO CHASE USA VICTORY – March 19

HEYWOOD’S Sam Woodall continues to go from strength to strength, making his USA debut in January and is in contention for the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Rookie of the Year.

The cowboy impressed before he suffered a lacerated kidney/liver at his second event and was expected to miss three months.

Ever the competitor, Woodall recovered quicker and returned to the saddle last week in Arizona in the Global Cup, and despite missing more than six weeks, he sits third in the rookie of the year standings, 125.5 points off the pace.

AITKEN’S CHALLENGE SUCCESS – March 19

IT was a strong day for the Hamilton Cycling Club at the Peaks Challenge Falls Creek on Sunday.

Jack Aitken topped the male 18-30 rankings for the 235-kilometre ride in a time of 7:13.39, nearly 15 minutes clear of second place.

The ride includes three climbs with Aitken winning the Tawonga Gap and Mt Hotham efforts but losing the Falls Creek climb.

Overall, riders covered 4500 vertical metres in climbs during the race, which is capped at 13 hours and got underway at 6.45am.

GUTHRIE’S TOP GONG – March 19

FORMER Harrow-Balmoral Southern Roo, Eric Guthrie, has topped the Nichols Medal ranks to be joint best and fairest winner in the Northern Territory Football League.

The Palmerston Magpies midfielder had an impressive year and shared the honour with Nightcliff’s Daniel Bowles.

Guthrie said he had no expectations going into last weekend’s vote count.

GROWING OPTIMISM – March 24

THERE was a buzz in the air as the Hampden Football Netball League (HFNL) launched its season in Warrnambool on Monday night.

The overriding theme from both the league and clubs was growing confidence the season would be unaffected by COVID for the first time in three years.

Clubs are likely to combat outbreaks within communities, but the days of lockdowns and full rounds being called off seem to be behind us.

New league president, Shane Threlfall said excitement was growing ahead of the new season.

BARKER BRILLIANCE AT STAWELL – March 26

HAMILTON harness racing driver, Jackie Barker, had a day to remember with four winners at Stawell on Monday.

The day started after she guided Jack Of The Green to victory in the first for trainer, Jim Barker, going into the race as third favourite.

The local reinswoman didn’t have to wait long for more success, taking to the track in race three onboard pre-race favourite, Elli Joh for Julie Brimacombe.

Race 5 was next on the schedule for Barker with the success put on pause after Brimacombe’s Hook Eye Joh finished fifth out of six.

The very next race Barker got back to her winning ways, driving She Will Wantano to victory for Heywood’s Bec East.

Barker again did the job for Brimacombe in the last race of the day, taking Jackierabbit to victory in the 1785m race nine.

It was the most successful days for the 25-year-old, who went into the day hopeful of having some success.

COLLEGE BREAKS A GRADE FLAG DROUGHT – March 29

A STUNNING captain’s knock from Charles Murrie has seen College claim its first Hamilton and District Cricket Association (HDCA) A grade premiership in 19 years.

The College skipper opened the innings and blasted his way to a stunning Man of the Match century, leading his team to what was a comfortable seven-wicket victory against Macarthur at Dahl Turf.

The game was moved from Melville Oval on Friday, due to a wet pitch, with College winning the toss and electing to bowl first on Saturday.

BARKER PITCHES A MAROONS RETURN – March 31

THE Hamilton and District Cricket Association (HDCA) could have a new club next season with a push to resurrect the Coleraine Cricket Club.

It comes off the back of a successful inaugural HDCA season for Hamilton North, with plans underway to get the Maroons back into the association for the upcoming season.

Christian Barker is leading the charge and said seeing the Hammers take to the field for the first time this past season inspired him to try and get the Coleraine club back up and going.

CLOSE VICTORY – April 2

PIGEON Ponds now has a P.F. Christie Medallist after Simon Close topped the votes at the Hamilton and District Cricket Association event on Wednesday night.

Close polled 19 votes to finish two clear of College’s Charles Murrie and Drews captain, Brendan Huf, who was gunning for a record fourth medal.

The Pigeon Ponds all-rounder said it was a surprise to collect the award and expected teammates to steal votes off each other.

HOGGARD’S MEDAL HAUL – April 5

LOCAL swimmer, Dominic Hoggard, has impressed in the pool recently, collecting a swag of medals at the Victorian Age Championships.

The 14-year-old went into the event hoping to improve his personal best times and finish on the podium but collected medals in multiple events and earning a spot in the Victorian Para Swim Team in the process.

He competed in freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke events across 50m and 100m distances and said he was relieved to collect a medal haul.

SAINTS SET TO GAIN AFL STAR – April 7

BRANXHOLME-WALLACEDALE will have a new face in its senior team this year with the Saints selected as one of eight teams to host a former AFL footballer, as part of the Carlton Draft initiative.

Dale Thomas, Brendan Goddard, Jarryd Roughead, Eddie Betts, Cameron Mooney, Nathan Jones, Alex Rance and Shaun Burgoyne will suit up for eight community football clubs for one game with the Saints set to find out which player will pull on the Branxholme-Wallacedale guernsey later this month.

Club president, Damian Hogan said he was ecstatic to find out the club had made the cut.

WINNELL WINS – April 9

MACARTHUR horse trainer, Bek Winnell, has broken through to claim her first winner during Saturday’s meet in Ararat.

It was the last race when Laura Lafferty rode Socialite Miss to victory that broke the drought, with the local trainer claiming victory in the 1600m 0-58 handicap race.

The victory was a long time coming and Winnell said it was a special moment for her.

TITLES AT TAHARA – April 23

COLERAINE Field and Game will host its first national title this weekend in a big boost for the club.

The titles will be held at Tahara Recreation Reserve with the SXS Nationals set to attract up to 300 shooters across the two-day event.

Club president, Scott Kinnealy said it was a big task, but was excited to see how it goes.

DUO DOUBLE UP – April 28

THE Hamilton region has two new national champions after Zoe Addinsall, 14, won the Under-17 Tetrathlon at the Modern Pentathlon Australia national championships in Melbourne at the

weekend.

Addinsall topped the ranks by 22 points, winning her swimming event and finishing second in the laser run, while Matilda Mason, 13, finished 76 points clear to claim the Under-15 title.

Addinsall said winning the individual award and competing in a team’s event was good reward and kept her busy throughout the two-day event.

TRIPLE TREAT – April 30

AFTER nearly not getting to the AusCycling Masters Track Nationals, Hamilton’s Chris Kennett returned with three national titles earlier this month.

The 32-year-old claimed the gold medal in the Masters category for riders 30-35 years old in the individual pursuit, the scratch race and points score.

The Hamilton Cycling Club member said he had been training for two years in preparation.