Who will be the first to rattle the pickets?
DUBBO cricketers have had a week off for the Derby Day party at Dubbo Turf Club but there is a way they could be laying the odds again this Saturday.
Who will be the first to put a bright red cherry on the brand new boundary fences at Victoria Park’s No.2 and 3 Ovals? Who will be the first to clear the white planks? Whoever it is will bring smiles to commentators who will be screaming down the wire – “he’s cleared the pickets”!
The newly constructed picket fences stand as a testimony to the vision of Council and Dubbo Cricket and Rugby who have worked for years to obtain funding to further upgrade the muchused grounds.
The junior Roos will think they are at Sydney University or Coogee Oval, the home of the Randwick Galloping Greens, when they jog out for the first round of rugby next season.
It will have parents and grandparents “rucking and mauling on the famous fields of their youth” as they perambulate around the perimeter reflecting on the glory days of their youth!
Last month Dubbo Photo News sportsshooter Mel Pocknall captured images ON a perfect day for a carnival, over 250 swimmers from across the western plains converged on Dubbo for the Dubbo City Swimtech Carnival.
Swimmers travelled from Orange, Narrabri, West Wyalong and all around the western area swimming district including Mudgee, Nyngan, Coonamble, Narromine, Gilgandra and Wellington.
“It was a really friendly atmosphere at the pool which allows for quality competition while swimmers enjoy catching up with their competitors from other towns across the state. They meet in inter-school and regional carnivals and of course at the major club events like this one,” Cath Osborne, DCS Publicity Officer and one of the coaches, told I’M sitting at the Dubbo airport ready for the 4.45 flight to Sydney. I’m off to Sydney for the week to undertake two different workshops – a three-day workshop focussing on business and social media, and a two-day workshop only for Action Coaches on the renowned DISC personality profile assessment training, with Dr Tony Alessandra who is coming over from the US specifically to train the Action Coaches.
If you haven’t done a personality profile assessment, or a DISC personality profile assessment, I highly recommend it. The test gives you a greater self-awareness and why you behave like you do, and how this affects the people you interact with, at work and in your personal life, both friends and family.
I love learning. For me it is quite fulfilling and gives a real sense of The view from the shade: This shot sets the scene, taken from under the trees and looking across the new picket fences. Right: The work crew installing the last of the fence panels last week. of the beginning of the transformation; now the extraordinary transformation; next week the white pickets pock-marked by red indentations and happy cricketers with a new spring in their steps!
“There were plenty of personal bests from all competitors. The local pool has been open eight weeks, so the serious trainers have started to build fitness and they are looking now for state and country qualifying times.”
It was a bit of a different scene for Cal Smith and Aspen Moore who had continued their training ahead of this year’s National Schools events in a 25-metre outdoor pool right through until June!
Cath said the day was run efficiently and on time thanks to the many parent volunteers including timekeepers, starters, Marshalls and officials.
“The tireless hard work of Terrianne Sandry and her super assist Julie Wood in the recording room needs special mention. These ladies give up many hours during the week to set up the online entries, electronic program and then run the electronic timing and results race after race all day.
“This behind-the-scenes role is done so well that swimmers know the results within minutes of each race finishing, as they pop up on a dedicated swimming app on phones all around the pool and all over the state as others monitor progress of friends and competitors,” Cath added.
NSW Swimming Country Coaches Development Officer, Chris Myers, attended and has been in Dubbo this week for upskilling and refresher courses with local clubs. This has provided a great opportunity for country coaches to ask questions and keep up to date with developments in swimming.
“DCS has many new members this year and for some swimmers this was their first ever carnival. It was so satisfying to see the smiles as competitors experienced a sense of achievement when they participated and set new goals,” Cath added.
Cobar hosts its Carnival over two days this weekend. Like so much of sport in the west, the program means swimmers and their families are travelling far and wide to attend meets. FOR the second week in a row, the Dubbo Ducks travelled west for a swim in the Narromine Pool.
With the days warming up, numbers are beginning to grow.
“Ducks are coming out of hibernation,” Club President Dave Sparkes quacked, noting that the mixed metaphor “applies equally to Dubbo Ducks and bears”!
This Sunday the Ducks will gather at the Cenotaph in Victoria Park to remember those who served in World War I.
“The Centenary of Armistice Day has special significance for the RSL Dubbo Ducks, many of whom have served their country in many theatres,” Dave said.
“Although there are no Great War swimmers now, there were men and women who had played a role in those conflicts who made the Ducks swim a ‘must do’ every Sunday.
“The club still supports Legacy and contributes both time and money to the widows and families of those who are in need,” Dave added.
“LEST WE FORGET.”
Next Friday, November 16, the Ducks are heading to Harbord for the bi-annual swim. The bus will leave the RSL at 9am.
Results from Ducks on Narromine Pond 4/11/18.
50 m freestyle: (1) Marg Ross; (2) Glen Smith, (3) Bill Greenwood, (4) Ian Henderson.
z 50 m Backstroke relay: (1) John Wherritt/tony Wall, (2) Mark Scullard/ian Henderson, (3) Peter Smith/marg Ross.
z 50 m Breaststroke: (1) Mark Scullard, (2) Peter Smith, (3) Glen Smith, (4) Bill Greenwood, (5) Marg Ross.
z