Sports reports: Janet Smith creates powerlifting history
Plus the latest in darts, soccer, rugby league and more.
This story includes contributions from Luke Di Santo and Michael Potts. To express an interest in sponsoring this weekly feature, contact jane@murraybridge.news.
Murray Bridge’s Janet Smith has taken out the raw overall win across wraps, sleeves and bare knees at a powerlifting Anzac Day Challenge in Melbourne.
It was the first time it had been done by a female lifter in the history of the event, which started in 2014.
Smith managed 190 kilograms in the squat, benched 120.5kg and deadlifted 240kg for a combined total of 550kg, enough to give her an 87-point lead over runner-up Janine Blake in her age group.
Lifters receive points for their totals in each category to determine the overall winner.
Smith will has now set her sights on the national championships in Fremantle in August.
Anzac darts weekend a big success
Murray Bridge Darts Club hosted their annual ANZAC Day Grand Prix with competitors coming from across South Australia to win their slice of the $14,000 prize money.
Women's and overall winner Hayley Davis won her first WDF ranking title.
After initially leading 2-0, she sealed a 5-4 win over Lyn Morrison by taking out 81 with the last dart in hand.
Davis is currently ranked number four in Australia for women, and 77 in the world, and with this victory qualified for the 2027 WDF World Masters in Las Vegas.
- Men's doubles: Chris and David, runners-up Aaron and Peter, third place Scott and Dylan/Deklan and Tristan/Kevin and Shane
- Ladies' doubles: Jules and Hayley, runners-up Lyn and Helen, third place Gemma and Emily/Terrine and Sharon
- Last local men and women: James and Jakob/Sandie and Leeanne
- Men's singles: Deklan Bailey, runner-up Justin Thompson, third place Carl Caton and Scott Hallett, last local Dion Rehn
- Ladies' singles: Hayley Davis, runner-up Lyn Morrison, third place Jules Taylor/Sharon Sin, last local Sandie Morrissey
- First 170 peg out: Deklan Bailey
Cove FC proves too strong for Murray Bridge on Anzac Day
In Anzac Round in the SAASL, Murray Bridge United has hosted the Cove FC at Beatty Terrace, with near-perfect conditions setting the stage for a strong crowd to witness the two clubs compete for the first time in the sixth edition of the Anzac Mateship Perpetual Trophy.
The pre-game ceremony carried a strong military theme, honouring the club’s rich 70-year history and its many serving and former members.
Past player Joe Di Santo (Army) acted as MC, Benny Bittner (ex-Navy) performed the coin toss, and club life member and current player Trevor Wehrman (ex-Army) delivered the Ode.
Roger Head from the Murray Bridge Community Concert Band sounded the Last Post.
From the opening whistle, the Cove set the tone, applying relentless pressure on United’s defence.
The backline of Dylan August, Joel McFee and Matty Groves were kept busy as wave after wave of attack came their way.
The breakthrough came in the 13th minute, with Liam McKee opening the scoring.
United showed brief glimpses of promise as they attempted to regroup, but the Cove extended their lead in the 31st minute through Danny Campbell to make it 0–2.
Just before half time, midfielder Francis Milamila conceded a penalty after bringing down Cove captain Kyah Dunn.
Dunn converted from the spot, despite goalkeeper Bradley Smith getting a hand to the ball, sending his side into the break with a commanding 0–3 lead.
United coach Nathan Kynaston looked to rally his young side during the interval, but the Cove struck again early in the second half.
Luke Trentin found the net five minutes after the restart, pushing the score to 0–4.
Both sides made changes around the hour mark, with United hoping to spark a comeback.
However, it was the Cove who continued their dominance, with substitute Kye Bray scoring with his first touch in the 63rd minute to make it 0–5.
The result was sealed three minutes from full-time when Alex Church added a sixth goal, confirming a comprehensive 0–6 victory for the Cove.
Despite the scoreline, the day was considered a success for Murray Bridge United.
The match was played in great spirit, with both teams demonstrating the values of the Anzac tradition: respect, mateship, and sportsmanship.
Cove captain Kyah Dunn was awarded the Di Santo Medallion for an outstanding
performance and had the honour of lifting the Anzac Mateship Perpetual Trophy for the first time.
The B grade match was a thrilling contest, with Murray Bridge United securing a 5–4 victory.
Jimmy Rocky and Emmanuel Slattery both scored doubles, while Muhamad Rikiana also found the net.
A standout moment came in the 81st minute, when Trevor Wehrman and
Trik Eldridge became the club’s first grandfather-grandson duo to combine on the field, creating a special piece of club history.
Eldridge is believed to be the youngest ever senior player for the club, while
Wehrman now holds the record for the longest gap between appearances.
Although many believed Wehrman to be the oldest player to represent the club, that honour remains with teammate Martin Phillips, who is a year his senior.
Next week, Murray Bridge United will travel to Marden to take on Adelaide Blue Eagles.
Black Swans take down Souths
The Bulldogs have lived up to their name and fought hard but it just wasn't enough.
The final score was South Bulldogs 6, MEC Black Swans 48 in round three of South Australia's NRL.
Round four will be played at Gleneagles Reserve, Seaton with junior matches kicking off from 9am.
River Murray Football League results
- Jervois 17.16 (116) defeated Mallee 10.9 (69)
- Imperials 19.10 (124) defeated Ramblers 7.5 (47)
- Coorong 11.5 (71) defeated Southern Mallee 8.13 (61)
- Mypolonga 8.7 (55) lost to Tailem Bend 16.18 (114)
River Murray Netball Association
- Imperials 68 defeated Ramblers 34
- Jervois 36 lost to Mallee 49
- Mypolonga 56 defeated Tailem Bend 41
- Coorong 65 defeated Southern Mallee 51
Tailem Bend holds Nottage Perpetual Trophy competition
This week's stroke competition for the honour of winning the Nottage Perpetual Trophy was held on Sunday at Tailem Bend Golf Club.
Con Jones (69) was the proud winner with runner-up Gary Clasholm on 71.
Nearest to pins went to Shorty (3rd and 6th), Paul Baxter (10th), Bob Neil (12th) and Andrew Nottage (17th).
The Jasons took out equal longest putt: Jason Kiddie (9th) and Jason Dunkin (14th).
Murray Bridge Golf Club results
- Men's mid-week Stableford: Nick Williams 38, runner-up Jospeh Marcus 38
- Men's Saturday Stableford: Glenn Hanson 40; A grade Matt Kowald 38, runner-up Keith Durham 38; B grade Jospeh Marcus 37, runner-up Corey Dahlitz 34; C grade Robert Shepherd 39, runner-up: Craig Kimber 36
Send your sports reports to jane@murraybridge.news.
