Rugby League
The NRL will turn the "Battle of the West" into the "Battle of Bega" in recovery efforts for the Far South Coast.
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The pre-season trial between the Penrith Panthers and Parramatta Eels on February 29 has been moved from Penrith to Bega to be the highlight of a three-day festival of football.
Andrew Johns and Laurie Daley Cup matches will also be shifted from Wollongong to Bega as part of the festival.
The Canberra Raiders have committed to playing their 2021 pre-season trial there, having held one against the Canterbury Bulldogs there last year.
It's all part of the NRL's push to do their bit in helping the fire ravaged regions of the country.
Bega mayor Kristy McBain was elated by the support.
"Our economy has taken a significant hit across a number of industries," she said.
"It's critical we keep taking action to bring some security to local jobs and the families they support.
"I want to thank the NRL for creating this opportunity - it means the world to people.
"To those who have a connection with and love for the Bega Valley and Sapphire Coast I invite you to visit us and share this experience.
"You will be well looked after, but more than that you will play a role in making sure our region and people continue to thrive."
A tourist exclusion zone has made a huge impact during the peak visitor season for many Far South Coast businesses and the NRL has signalled an interest to see a strong injection of support with an influx of league fans for the game.
"This is more than a game - this will be an event to lift the community spirit, say thank you to the many volunteers and selfless workers who gave so much during the recent disaster and bring dollars back into the local economy," NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said.
"Nothing brings communities together quite like rugby league, our game is part of the social fabric of these towns."
Tickets to see the Eels-Panthers trial game will be published as they are announced.
Golf
Bombala Golf Club player numbers were down over the weekend with many out fighting fires and others at the Australia Day celebrations.
Saturday players played the Back 9 for the chicken, in the heat and the smoke. Ray Fermor was the winner with 21 pts closely followed by Heather Brown 20 pts.
Sunday was played over 18 holes. Players hit off in a not-so-smokey day but before too long it was hard to see the ball the smoke was so bad.
Ross Brown took advantage of his big Chicken Run Handicap coming in the winner with the great score of 51 Won't have the same handicap next week Ross.
Balls were won by Chris Halligan and Merv Douch both on 41 pts. NTP on the 13th was won by Chris Halligan.
Golf program
Saturday, February 1 - 18 Holes Chicken Run. and Sunday 2 - 9 Holes Chicken Run.
Members please note there is a working bee on Saturday, February 8 starting 8.30am.
Jobs include greens to be sanded and oiled. Branches to cleaned up. in preparation for Opening Day on Sunday, February 16.
Duty roster: Saturday - Clay Stewart.
Fishing
Eden Sport & Game Fishing Club are proud to announce its annual tournament will go ahead, with the focus on supporting the local community after the devastating fires we have all experienced.
The Eden based tournament will see boats from NSW, Victoria and ACT fish for three days - Friday 14th to Sunday 16th of February. Registration and briefing will be held Thursday 6pm at the Eden Fishermen's Recreation Club auditorium.
The tournament is a team event, with all anglers on the boat focused on the tag and release of marlin, shark, tuna and other game fish combining their points for the boat's tally. All anglers must be a member of a Game Fishing Club and a member of GFA.
There are great prizes up for grabs and the club sincerely thanks all its sponsors who have supported it and made this event possible.
Any questions contact Geoff McMahon on 0408 766 076, Debbie Cummings 0400 506 412.