Sports reports: Ally Wilson helps Opals rally to Asia Cup win

This story includes a contribution from Daniel Irvine.

Murray Bridge’s Alex Wilson has provided the unlikely spark for Australia’s Opals as the hoopers from Down Under snared their maiden tiara following an 88-79 victory over Japan in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025 final on Sunday night.

Wilson spearheaded a decisive 12-2 run toward an 85-75 lead with 2:46 remaining in the game, an apt response to their foes’ fightback.

The 31-year-old would also be responsible for putting the game away, knocking down three free throws in separate trips inside the final 2:19 on her way to 14 points – that after scoring just one in the entire tilt.

"From growing up dreaming of being an Opal, to thinking it would never happen for me, to debuting and being a part of winning Australia’s first ever gold medal at Asia Cup ... what is life?" she posted on Instagram.

• Read more: www.australia.basketball.

Will Crane kicks first SANFL goals in win

Meanwhile, Murray Bridge’s Will Crane has played his part in an Adelaide win on debut in the SANFL.

Crane kicked two goals, recorded nine disposals and two tackles in the Crows’ 61-point victory over West Adelaide on Saturday.

The ex-Imperial made it onto Adelaide’s list this season after being named the River Murray Football League’s player of the year in 2024.

John Cranwell wins on rifle range

Fourteen shooters have competed from 700 metres this past Saturday in the third round of the Murray Bridge Rifle Club’s annual championship.

There was only one short shower of rain to contend with on the day, but with the wind coming from over shooters’ shoulders to square, competitors had to keep sharp to catch any sudden changes in direction.

Four were more than up for the challenge, scoring double possibles on the day.

John Cranwell, in F-open, was the only one of those to come from F-class, as his 120.10 was easily top off-rifle ahead of Mark Nesti’s 118.09.

It was also enough to win the F-class handicap award, even with Cranwell’s ever-decreasing handicap, ahead of Peter Casley, who was the top off-rifle in F-standard.

In TR, Robert Paech and Greg Traeger were top of the card, with Paech’s 100.13 claiming top spot ahead of Traeger’s 100.09.

Mark Whittle, shooting sporting production this week, also “got the lot” with an outstanding 100.16.

Swooping past all of them, however, to claim the handicap win was Jasamine Irvine, whose 99.11 off-rifle score was enough to give her an almost two-point buffer at the top. 

Shooters will be tested next week when competition continues from 1000 yards.

River City Titles run and won

The Go Kart Club of SA has thanked everyone who made their way out for the fourth and final of its club championship at Monarto over the weekend.

Many picked up some valuable points to finalise the standings.

Congratulations went to all of the podium getters, and cadet and junior drivers of the day Eddie Bishop and James Carragher.

• Read more: www.facebook.com.

Locals win at Murray Bridge greyhound races

A busy night of racing at Murray Bridge Greyhound Racing Club has seen a mix of big-name performers, emerging pups, and plenty of SA-bred success, with nine of the 12 winners on the program carrying the local tag.

While not a clean sweep, locally bred greyhounds continued their strong recent form at the Bridge.

Dakota Ava, Lois Einhorn, Pet Detective, Bo Cruz and Binnaway Warrior were among the most impressive homegrown winners.

• Read more: greyhoundracingsa.com.au.

Murray Bridge win again in SA Amateur Soccer League

• Murray Bridge United defeated Brothers United 2-1
  Emmanuel Slattery 24', Allen Taronga 46'

Mallee Storm stay perfect in River Murray netball

• Ramblers lost to Southern Mallee 67-45
• Mannum defeated Mypolonga 44-39
• Mallee defeated Imperial 59-56
• Jervois lost to Coorong 38-64

Four-point margin keeps Cats on top in River Murray football

• Jervois 14.8 (92) lost to Coorong 14.12 (96)
  Jervois best: Lachlan Thomas, Joshua Scott, Benjamin Hansen, Peter Zarantonello, Rigby Barnes. Coorong best: Seb Kerrish, Keenan Jacobs, James Hargreaves, Brad Thompson, Jack Holliday, Matthew Hartman.
• Ramblers 7.9 (51) lost to Southern Mallee 11.18 (84)
  Rambler best: Jacob Trevorrow, Malik Edwards, Jack Lewis, Lachlan Butler, Malakai Kartinyeri. Southern Mallee best: Ryan Wurfel, Rory O’Driscoll, Josh Towk, Beau Walkom, Charlie Hay.
• Mannum 4.11 (35) lost to Mypolonga 10.8 (68)
  Mannum best: Cody Woolford, Chad Reschke, Bryce Jaensch, Nick Fergusson, Gus Haysman. Mypolonga best: Ben Stewart, Mitchell Pahl, Jasper Martin, Jordan Hein, Reid Kuller.
• Mallee Districts 3.2 (20) lost to Imperials 21.16 (142)
  Mallee best: Henry Olsson, Corey Cox, Chris Rudiger, Liam Mounce, Mark Deionno, Kynen Adams. Imperial best: Mitchell Carroll, Jack Penfold, Sean Samblich, Brodie Carroll, Jack Bell.

Niche

• 🎳 Bridge Bowl - Facebook
• 🎯 Murray Bridge Darts Club - Facebook
• 🔫 Murray Bridge Rifle Club - Daniel Irvine - Facebook
• 🔫 Rocky Gully Clay Club - rockygullysportingclays.com.au

Email your sports reports to peri@murraybridge.news.