Sports reports: Alex Bolt loses in first round at Wimbledon

This story includes contributions from Michael Potts and Daniel Irvine.

Murray Bridge’s Alex Bolt has recorded a first-round loss at Wimbledon, going down to American Ben Shelton in straight sets.

It was the fourth time in his career Bolt had qualified for the main draw at the world’s most prestigious tennis championship, following appearances in 2018, 2021 and 2024.

This time around he defeated France’s Harold Mayot, 128-ranked American Elliot Spizziti and Spain’s Martin Landaluce in a qualifying tournament.

Shelton posed much stiffer competition – he was the number-10-ranked men’s player in the world, 169 places ahead of the Australian.

Still, Bolt had a red hot go, even with his right knee heavily strapped.

He won more points at the net than his opponent, and took both the second and third sets to tie-breakers.

The final scoreline was 6-4, 7-6, 7-6.

Bolt will have to console himself with his prize money.

He will take home £66,000, or about $138,000, for making it into the main draw.

Pratt/Woods duo claims foursomes championship

Meanwhile, Murray Bridge Golf Club members have vied for honours in the club's Foursomes Championship on Saturday.

Confusingly played by pairs of golfers, not four, the format involves players using just the one ball and taking it in turns to play shots until the ball is holed.

It was something completely different: instead of only having one's self to blame when playing a normal competition, in foursomes you can blame your partner as much as you like for "letting the team down".

On this occasion one team was the runaway winner: Tyson Pratt and Luke Woods, who shot a remarkable even-with-the-card round of 70, which equates to both of them playing pretty darn well given they are five and six handicappers and they have played to scratch – i.e. to zero.

Their round also included Pratt slapping their third shot on the par five seventh hole out of bounds, so they weren't entirely perfect.

Still, congratulations – they can each technically say they have won a club championship.

With some pretty handy golfers competing, it is worth mentioning the runners-up were club champion Aaron Zrim and solid A-grader Corey Dahlitz, who returned 81 shots, so the margin for the winners was extraordinary.

The nett winners were Mark Sappenberghs and "Super" Sid Robbins with an impressive under par nett 68.5 score.

As expected, both blamed each other for their score not being better.

The runners-up were cagey veterans Dean Wright and Brian Smyth, with a nett 70.5.

Mention must go to retiring super veteran Gary Pearson, who played his final competitive round at the club with his body unable to cope with the rigours of a full round any more.

He teamed with Maurice Wells and they had a good day, coming in fifth place with a more-than-handy nett 72 to snatch the final prize voucher.

Farewell, Gary – hopefully you'll still be spotted out there for a casual social hit when you are able.

Rifle club's championship year ends

A small contingent has gathered at the Deed Range to compete in the Cranwell-15 Match, which marks the end of Murray Bridge Rifle Club’s 2024-25 championship year.

The single round of 15-shots was contested on Saturday morning and a winner for each discipline determined by handicap.

This year, two shooters stood out, scoring possibles in the light, but very variable wind conditions.

In F-class, Mark Nesti shot a perfect 90.09 off rifle, which was more than enough to claim the handicap and trophy win.

In TR/sporting – both scored on a five-ring target – recently returned Mark Whittle, now shooting sporting production class, managed a very impressive 75.09, which was also enough for him to claim the handicap and trophy win.

The club also held its AGM in the afternoon, with club captain Daniel Irvine stepping down after three years in the role.

That position has been taken up by former vice captain Andrew Heard, with Frank Marshall stepping up to act as the new vice captain. 

The new championship year will start next week from the distance of 300 metres.

Imperials end Coorong's 27-match winning streak in RMFL

• Imperials 9.7 (61) defeated Coorong 5.8 (38)
  Imperial best: Mitchell Carroll, Cameron Ball, Nathan Wright, Jack Penfold, Jack Mckay, Nathan Daish. Coorong best: Henry Turner, Sam Sanders, Keenan Jacobs, Brad Thompson, Jaden Ward, Mitchell Tonkin.
• Mannum 14.12 (96) defeated Tailem Bend 5.7 (37)
  Mannum best: Patrick Fahey, Thomas Roberts, Matthew Min, Gus Haysman, Cody Woolford. Tailem Bend best: Jake Weidemann, Ed Schultz, Charlie Shearer, Charlie Hillier, Johnny Phillpott.
• Southern Mallee 18.22 (130) defeated Mallee 9.0 (54)
  Southern Mallee best: Shannon Jones, Lewis Young, Ryan Wurfel, Josh Smithson, Josh Towk. Mallee best: Christopher Rodriguez-Jamez, Matthew Brown, Corey Cox, Harry Snodgrass, Shaun Smith, Kynen Adams.
• Jervois 15.16 (106) defeated Mypolonga 3.4 (22)
  Jervois best: Abraham Nyemah, Benjamin Hansen, Joshua Scott, Zane Barry, Taite Silverlock. Mypolonga best: Harry Stone, Jack Wilkins, Brayden Hein.

Jervois get their first A grade win in River Murray netball

• Jervois defeated Mypolonga 45-43
• Mallee defeated Southern Mallee 75-55
• Mannum defeated Tailem Bend 59-47
• Coorong defeated Imperials 53-48

Send your sports reports to peri@murraybridge.news.