Sports reports: Murray Bridge United celebrates 2026 season
Plus the latest in horse racing, golf, rifle shooting and more.
This story includes a contribution from Michael Potts.
Murray Bridge United has celebrated its 70th anniversary season by recognising outstanding achievements by senior players at its annual awards dinner.
The night's big winner was Toby Christiansen, who won four awards, including the first team golden boot, most dedicated player, the player's player of the season and shared the best and fairest, jointly with teammate Dylan August.
"His effort is never in question, along with his ability to drive through opposition, create chances and score goals," the club said in a social media post.
"We’re privileged to have Toby and look forward to many more seasons together."
August, a club veteran who played a number of positions this year, always put in a strong performance, the club said.
He found the scoresheet eight times while creating countless chances for his teammates during another quality season.
Other playing awards included:
- Most improved player: Bradley Smith
- Reserves best and fairest and golden boot: Jimmy Rocky
- Reserves most consistent: Riksa
The club also honoured a person who did much of the hard work off the pitch.
The 2026 supporter of the year award went to Angela McFee, a tireless behind-the-scenes volunteer who did everything from cleaning the clubrooms to organising events, helping in the canteen and serving as the club secretary.
The club thanked all of its senior players for their commitment, effort and dedication throughout the 2026 season.
Murray Bridge trainers make successful start to the season
Murray Bridge trainers have a made a fast start to the new season, winning all four stakes races in SA in August and September.
Congratulations to connections of Sir Now (winner of the group three Behemoth Stakes and listed Wylie Handicap), Bootlegger (the listed Leon Macdonald Stakes) and Sav On Ice (the listed Balaklava Cup), who take plenty of winning momentum into the spring.
The 2026 Murray Bridge Gold Cup will be run on October 3 at Murray Bridge Racing Club.
Carter and Poharama star on free-scoring day
It was a scoring bonanza for players at the Bridge on Saturday, when the course was torn apart by in-form golfers galore.
Being a par competition, the tee blocks were well forward, the weather was fine and sunny and the course was giving up more run after drying out a little and with the fairways being cut slightly lower recently.
Brayden Poharama and Fred Carter both certainly enjoyed their days in scoring huge seven-ups, seven strokes better than their handicaps, to clear out from the rest of the field.
Poharama had the better back nine, however, and so was declared the day's winner on a countback.
In the A grade, Aaron Zrim was on fire, playing level with the card until the last hole where a faux pas saw him end "just" four up.
He had a shot to spare, though, over runner-up and in-form player Glenn Hanson, with a nice three-up.
Former member Wayne Flintoft was back for a hit after many years away and he enjoyed his return by winning the B grade with a three-up from veteran golf tragic Graeme Southern, who reeled off another solid round of two up.
Superstar golfer Jared Thoman did play level with the card, finishing two up off his two handicap in a round where he was just seeking a bit of practice for some of the upcoming big country events.
Modest A-grader Jack Flintoft played a stunning level-with-the-card front nine of six up to easily win the pro comp, while the out-of-form Mark Mayfield at least played one good shot by winning the yabby on the par three 11th.
It will be back to Stableford for everyone this Saturday.
Murray Bridge Rifle Club finishes season with awards lunch
Members of Murray Bridge Rifle Club have enjoyed a long lunch and handed out their awards at the Murray Bridge Hotel on Sunday.
A big congratulations went to all the winners, especially championship winners Greg Traeger, Gordon Harrison and Mark Nesti and yearly handicap winners Traeger and Nesti.
Championship results:
- Target rifle: Greg Traeger (691.54)
- F-open: Mark Nesti (829.65)
- F-standard: Gordon Harrison (776.32)
Handicap results:
- Target rifle: Greg Traeger (51)
- F-class: Mark Nesti (38)
Aussie Hoops wraps up for term three
Murray Bridge Basketball Club's school program, Aussie Hoops, has finished for term three with 39 mini-dunkers taking part.
The association offered a huge thank you coaches Alisha Barton and Anthony Prosser for all the time and effort they put into the Aussie Hoops program, and to players and families for another fantastic term.
Term 4 Aussie Hoops registrations are now open, so if you've got a budding NBL or WNBL star at home and they'd like to join for another fun term of basketball, register by emailing admin@mbba.com.au.
Games are played on Wednesdays from 4.30-5.30pm at the Murray Bridge Basketball Association during school term.
Tailem Bend Golf Club holds Stableford competition
Nineteen golfers have enjoyed the sunny conditions at Tailem Bend GC for a Saturday Stableford competition.
The winner was Jason Dunkin, who fired a 37, followed by David Robson with 35 and Jason Kiddie taking out third place with a 34.
Nearest the pin were Pat Buick (3rd), Rob Phillips (10th), David Robson (12th) and Craig Hobgen (17th).
An encouragement trophy went to Paul Baxter, who birdied the 17th.
Baxter also provided one of the day's highlights when he managed an eagle on the 16th.
Send your sports reports to, or express an interest in sponsoring this weekly feature by contacting, jane@murraybridge.news.
