Aaron Zrim wins back-to-back titles at Murray Bridge Golf Club

This story includes contributions from Michael Potts, Victoria Seidel and Gordon Harrison. Send your sports reports to peri@murraybridge.news.

In no surprise to anyone, brilliant golfer Aaron Zrim has claimed successive Murray Bridge Golf Club championships by downing a gallant Keith Durham five and four in the 36-hole final.

Starting a hot favourite against the very much in-form past winner Durham, who had beaten star players Edwards and Bolton to reach the playoff, Zrim made a poor start, smacking his first tee shot out of bounds to lose the first hole.

It was a very foggy morning at Ritter Street, making for limited visibility for the first dozen or so holes, but Zrim soon found his range and jumped out to a handy four-hole lead on the back of good, solid if not brilliant golf.

He maintained this to the halfway point as Durham hung tough, but making inroads into the lead proved impossible and when Zrim sunk a birdie putt on the 32nd hole the players shook hands with the score five and four to the reigning champ.

In an evenly matched 36-hole B-grade final it was power-hitting Jamie Honner who came out on top four and three over Rodney Thoman.

It was a high-standard match, with Honner holding slight sway for most of the proceedings, being one up at halfway, then keeping his opponent at arm’s length down the home straight to claim victory and redemption for last year’s unfortunate elimination.

It was the brash, adventurous youth of 18-year-old Isaiah Durham up against the wily and experienced reigning champ Deane Pannell in the 18-hole C-grade playoff, with the fast-finishing teenager snatching the trophy from the jaws of defeat in a last gasp one-up result in his favour.

Three holes up with four to play, the crafty left-handed Pannell could smell back-to-back titles, but Durham came from the clouds to level things up with one to play.

After finding trouble off the tee on the 18^th, Pannell edged his way into the bunker for four shots and with Durham only an easy chip away from the green for two it was match over and a first title for the youngster.

The 18-hole D-grade final was taken out by new member Mikara Poharama, five and three, over veteran “Aussie” Bob McCormick.

It was a comfortable victory for the newcomer, who relished the cool and foggy conditions while McCormick was heard to say afterwards that, while his opponent was too good, he would be glad to get back to his regular warmer afternoon tee-off time in future.

Murray Bridge Rowing Club masters make waves at nationals

The Murray Bridge Rowing Club has enjoyed its most successful Australian Masters Rowing Championships in recent memory, winning 14 medals across four days of competition.

Held at the Sydney International Rowing Centre from May 29 to June 1, the event brought together rowers from across the country.

Representing Murray Bridge were Graham Hunt, Bernadette O’Neil, Kelly Lewis and Victoria Seidel.

On the first day of competition, every Murray Bridge rower made it onto the podium.

Hunt kicked things off with a strong performance in the Men’s F quad scull, rowing in a composite crew with Riverside Rowing Club’s Brian Glawson, Mark Johnson and Anthony Lee to earn bronze.

Lewis followed with a silver in the women’s C double alongside Yarra’s Sarah Sefky.

In her debut masters single race, Seidel claimed bronze in the women’s A final.

To round out the day, Hunt and O’Neil secured another bronze in the mixed G double.

Day two brought continued success.

Hunt picked up another bronze in the men’s G double with long-time doubles partner Mark Johnson, while Seidel and Kate Tebneff from Goolwa Rowing Club also added to the tally with bronze in the women’s B double.

Determined to break the bronze streak, the crews powered into day three.

Hunt and O’Neil teamed up with Port Adelaide’s Collette Barry and Riverside’s Brian Glawson to take silver in the mixed F quad.

Meanwhile, Lewis and Seidel joined forces with Tebneff and Torrens Rowing Club’s Belinda Jankowiak for a hard-fought silver in the women’s B quad, finishing just 0.03 seconds ahead of the next crew.

Hunt capped off the day with a bronze in the hotly contested lightweight men’s G single, finishing just 0.01 seconds behind second place.

On the final day, Hunt rowed his last event in a men’s G quad with Mersey’s S. Nowell and G. Marshall, and Mark Johnson, earning a silver.

Seidel clinched an exciting gold-medal finish in a composite women’s C eight featuring strong South Australian rowers from Torrens Rowing Club and Adelaide Rowing Club.

Murray Bridge Rowing Club was fortunate to receive outstanding support throughout the regatta from fellow South Australian rowing clubs, particularly Goolwa Rowing Club and Riverside Rowing Club.

Their generosity, encouragement, and willingness to form composite crews played a key role in the club’s success on the national stage.

These partnerships not only strengthened team performances but also showcased the strong spirit of camaraderie and collaboration within the South Australian rowing community.

With the season now wrapped up, the club is looking ahead to continued growth and welcoming new members.

Murray Bridge Rowing Club will host come and try sessions on June 29, July 13, and July 27 from 9-11am at Sturt Reserve.

Anyone aged 12 and over will be welcome – no experience necessary.

Whether you’re looking to improve fitness, spend time outdoors, try something new or to join the competition team, come down and give rowing a go.

Rifle club honours a mate and celebrates marksmanship

May 31 was a day to remember at the Deed Rifle Range, as members and visitors of the Murray Bridge Rifle Club gathered under clear skies for a special day of competition and commemoration.

With mild weather and good shooting conditions, 22 entrants took part in a 700-metre shoot that featured top-level competition and a heartfelt tribute to a much-loved club member.

Before the day’s formal competition began, the club paused to honour the late Terry Brown, a dedicated and respected member.

In a moving moment, one of Terry's grandsons fired a final memorial shot on his behalf.

This was followed by a minute’s silence as club members and visitors stood in quiet reflection, remembering a friend who had made a lasting impact on the shooting community.

The spirit of camaraderie carried into the competition, where strong performances were the order of the day.

Several competitors achieved the rare feat of double possibles – a testament to the high level of skill on display.

In the F-class open category, Dave McDonald put in an outstanding performance, shooting a 60.5 in his first round, followed by a perfect 60.10 in his second.

Not far behind was Adrian Conlon, who scored 60.9 and 60.6 – an impressive display of precision shooting.

In the target rifle category, Rob Paech came out on top with a remarkable score of 100.13, just edging out Greg Treager, who posted a close 100.12.

A highlight of the day was the Kuchel Challenge, a Bisley-style shoot-off between the top three F-class open and F-class standard shooters.

After a tense and exciting round, Conlon emerged as the winner in F-class open, while the F-class standard title went to Gordon Harrison in a proud moment for both on a memorable day.

Adding to the day’s accolades, McDonald was awarded the coveted Bruce Moulds Memorial Stool, winning on countback from Conlon after their exceptional scores.

With perfect weather, spirited competition, and a fitting tribute to a dear club member, the day was marked by friendship, respect, and excellence.

As one member put it: “A very good day at the office indeed.”

Netballers go toe-to-toe with the best in Adelaide

The River Murray Netball Association's young representative teams have come home better for their experience at the SA Country Netball Championships at Mile End over the long weekend.

• 17 and under: 4-4-1 record, lost to Barossa, Light and Gawler 29-14 in a quarter final
• 15 and under: 2-8-1 record, lost to Eastern Eyre 28-15 in a semi-final
• 13 and under: 5-5-1 record, lost to Northern Areas 14-12 in a quarter final
• 11 and under: 1-3-1 record, defeated Southern Hills 15-7 in a playoff

River Murray footballers reign supreme

• River Murray 7.14 (56) defeated Hills 4.8 (32)

Send your sports reports to peri@murraybridge.news.