Sports reports: Joel McFee celebrates 200th game for Murray Bridge United

This story includes a contribution from Michael Potts.

Soccer has been in Joel McFee’s blood since he could walk, and he’s been officially on his club's books since the age of five, making him a true Murray Bridge United legend.

His journey has included many milestones, winning three consecutive back-to-back league and cup titles.

Awarded a scholarship to play in the US at just 14 years old, he also played for the Hawks at age 13 and represented the state team in Broken Hill.

Rising through the ranks, he won league runner-up at age 15 and made his debut in the A grade at only 16.

Between collecting countless senior trophies, volunteering around the club, and stepping up to MC events, he’s so much more than just a player.

Added to all of that, McFee is also on the club committee.

His dedication, skill and loyalty to Murray Bridge United were so valued, the club said in a social media post this week.

The senior side drew 1-1 with the Cove thanks to a 58' equaliser by T. Christiansen, while the reserves had a day to forget, losing 0-9.

Mark Sappenberghs turns back the clock              

After being out of form for months, chatterbox golfer Mark Sappenberghs has finally put a decent round together to win Saturday's par competition in fine style.

Shooting a score of six up – six shots better than his 12 handicap – he was top dog on a glorious day for golf.

Usually a single-figure golfer, Sappsy had blown out to almost B-grade ranks in recent times as his patience had worn thin with his error-riddled game.

We're not sure what changed on this occasion but his playing partners would have been told all about it and more all throughout the round.

With the weather great for once and the tee blocks well forward, players enjoyed the chance to post some decent scores.

Carefree A-grader Luke Woods had his hand on the major prize for most of the day after blazing his way to five-up, which included an impressive strike on the tough par three 17th to claim the day's rich yabby prize for NTP there.

Sappsy ruined his night, but an A-grade win was still more than useful.      

Visiting law enforcer Jason Blucher was too good in the B grade with four-up while old stager Malcolm Blight reminded everyone that he's still got it at 80-plus years of age to win the C grade with his two-up.

It was great to see popular A-grade golfer Noel Hartman returning to the club after many years off; he celebrated with a solid round of playing to his handicap, which will no doubt be the first of many future good rounds.

Don "Lefty" Ruggiero, another recent returnee, also shot a solid round of square with the card as he and his group weren't deterred by having to, at one point, play through a wandering group of intruders oblivious to the fact they were on a busy golf course on a Saturday afternoon.

Visitor James Machin was one of a handful of golfers scoring four-up for one of the nines and he was eventually declared the pro comp winner on a countback to line his pockets with gold.

It will be back to Stableford for everyone this Saturday, so come along and try your luck.

In the mid-week competition, Ray Featherstonhaugh, 40, edged out Jason Barwick on countback for the win, followed home by Ty Watson, only a point behind on 39.

Tailem Bend Golf Club plays a Stableford

Twenty-two golfers have tried their luck at Tailem Bend on Saturday, with Craig Hogben coming home victorious on 40 points.

Jason Kiddie was runner-up on 39 with Jason Dunkin on 37 taking the bronze.

Nearest to the pins went to Jason Kiddie (3rd), Dave Hamill (10th), Paul Baxter (12th) and Con Jones (17th).

Murray Bridge Bowling Club takes out Loxton fours competition

Murray Bridge Bowling Club has been well represented at the Loxton Districts Bowling Club Cosmos Fours Tournament played over the weekend, taking out the major prize.

A mixed team comprising of Murray Bridge players Paul Smart, Mike Ferris and Brian Traeger and Marion's Lynton Keen came home the winners.

River Murray Football League results

• Tailem Bend 11.13 (79) defeated Ramblers 8.9 (57)
• Mannum 14.11 (95) defeated Southern Mallee 6.7 (43)
• Imperial 9.7 (61) lost to Jervois 17.8 (110)
• Mypolonga 5.8 (38) lost to Mallee Districts 9.10 (64)

River Murray Netball Association results

• Mallee Storm 56 defeated Mypolonga 44
• Imperial 73 defeated Jervois 26
• Mannum 54 lost to Southern Mallee 67
• Ramblers defeated Tailem Bend (disqualified)

Send your sports reports to, or express an interest in sponsoring this weekly feature by contacting, jane@murraybridge.news.