Grand final replay Christmas present

By Tim Howard

A mouthwatering grand final replay will be plenty of compensation for Clarence Valley cricket fans after persistent wet weather washed out the latest round of the CRCA first grade competition.

Premiers Harwood were scheduled to provide this year’s competition leaders South Services/Westlawn with their stiffest challenge of the season.

But with play on both days abandoned without a ball bowled, players have switched their focus to the last games before the Christmas break.

The clash between Harwood and Lawrence will provide the premiers with their biggest challenge so far this season, having romped to three wins from four games.

And two of those wins were just two wickets each from outright results.

For Lawrence, currently third on the ladder, it has been a different season.

Admittedly undefeated, with just a touch more luck, they could be challenging for the competition lead.

Lawrence had Souths/Westlawn on the ropes in the season opener, only for rain to allow Souths to snatch a draw.

In game two, Lawrence showed their true form, thrashing Tucabia Copmanhurst by 98 runs and against Coutts Crossing they had 180 on the board and Coutts at 0-9 when the rain came.

Lawrence would be determined to show they are a better team than the one that caved to Harwood in the 2023/24 grand final.

With a core of former Harwood players providing the backbone of the team, they are well aware of the Harwood blueprint of applying relentless pressure on opponents with the bat, ball and in the field.

In the current competition they are the best equipped team to take on the premiers at the own game.

But that said, any team playing Harwood faces a huge ask.

In their last innings against Tucabia, Harwood smashed 7d-343 from just 53.4 overs and then rocked through Tucabia’s batters for 47, scored in 47 overs.

Harwood’s first drop Coby Tabor has two centuries in three hits and when they got into a spot of bother against GDSC Easts, their opening bowler, Troy Turner, smacked 115 to see them pass 300.

But Lawrence has enough talent of their own to ask questions of Harwood and would like nothing more than to slash the tyres of their downriver rivals before the Christmas break.

At Ellem Oval in Grafton, Souths Westlawn will be keen to see if their luck holds against Tucabia.

Yes, they lead the competition, but with fewer wins than nearest rivals Harwood.

The outright win they secured to snare the lion’s share of those points came after they were behind on the first innings against Coutts.

Tucabia also have a few demons to slay.

Their understrength team was mauled in the last outing against Harwood and rain no doubt saved them.

The tiniest “but” in this situation was they did hold on to use all the help the rain gave them to save them from an outright loss.

At Lower Fisher Turf, Grafton, Coutts and Easts will be looking for their first win of the season.

Coutts has been so close.

They recovered from a fearful hammering in their opening game to secure a first innings lead against Souths, only to collapse for 31 in the second innings.

They held Lawrence to 180 in the next game and were 0-9 before weather decided that one.

After the Christmas break, eyes turn quickly to semi-final spots. So far the top three are undefeated, but rain has had more to do with that than playing form.

At the end of this game played over the next two weekends, the competition goes into recess until January 11.

In the new year their will be five two-day games to decide semi-final positions.

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ASC Unveils Historic Investment in Australian Sport

By Liam Jennings

Australian athletes are poised for a golden start on the road to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) announcing a record-breaking funding boost for sports across the nation.

The funding increase sees 95% of Olympic and Paralympic summer sports receiving significant boosts, with an average annual rise of 64% compared to the lead-up to the Paris Games. In total, $385 million will be invested into 70 sports over the next 18 months, supporting the development of Australian athletes from grassroots participation to elite performance.

This marks the first time the ASC has implemented funding initiatives encompassing all levels of sport, aligning with its sector-wide strategies: High Performance (Win Well) and Participation (Play Well).

Win Well Funding: Supporting Elite Success

Following a year-long consultation with sports organizations on strategies and performance goals for LA2028, the Win Well initiative highlights include:

• Broader support for sports: Funding has expanded to include 68 Olympic and Paralympic programs, up from 54.
• Para sports funding doubled: An additional $54.9 million will be allocated to para sports over two years.
• Newly funded teams: Seven teams, including Lacrosse, Flag Football, Goalball, and Blind Football, will receive support.
• Addressing sector needs: Over $25 million has been earmarked for two one-off investment streams focusing on workforce planning and staff development.

Play Well Funding: Building Inclusive Participation

The Play Well initiative will fund 63 sports, focusing on increasing participation and creating inclusive environments. Key elements include:

• Record funding reach: More sports than ever are now supported by the ASC.
• Community-focused investments: $43.9 million will be allocated to develop safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces for sports participation.
• Support for emerging sports: Five organizations, including Australian Dragon Boat Federation, Handball Australia, and the Gaelic Football and Hurling Association of Australasia, will receive funding for the first time.
• Workforce expansion: The number of personnel dedicated to participation activities will more than double.

Timeline for Funding Allocation

All funding under the Win Well and Play Well programs will be distributed from 1 January 2025 to 30 June 2026.

This sweeping investment package reflects the ASC’s commitment to fostering excellence and inclusion in Australian sport, ensuring a robust pathway from playgrounds to podiums.

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Ryze Element Smart Ring

Ryze Revolutionises Wearable Health Tech

By Liam Jennings

The Ryze Element Smart Ring is making waves as the latest innovation in wearable technology, combining sleek design with advanced health and fitness tracking capabilities. Crafted from durable nano-ceramic and stainless steel, the lightweight ring is both stylish and functional, catering to a wide range of users.

Unveiled this month, the Ryze Element offers comprehensive health monitoring features, including real-time tracking of heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and body temperature. It also provides insights into cardiovascular health and tracks heart rate variability. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate its ability to monitor steps, calories burned, workout distance, and duration.

Sleep tracking is another standout feature, analysing sleep patterns to optimize rest and recovery. The ring’s menstrual tracking function adds a personalised touch, enabling users to log and predict cycles. For safety, the built-in SOS function allows users to quickly contact a preset emergency number.

Beyond health metrics, the Ryze Element includes smart touch controls for managing music playback, phone cameras, and more, making it a versatile daily companion. Water-resistant up to 5 ATM, it is designed to withstand swimming and other activities.

The device boasts impressive battery life, lasting 4 to 6 days on a single charge, with a charging case that provides up to 40 additional charges. A quick-charge function ensures minimal downtime.

Available in sizes 8 to 13, the Ryze Element is now on sale via Ryze’s official website and major retailers such as JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman. Priced competitively, it’s positioned as an essential tool for those seeking to enhance their health and well-being with cutting-edge technology.

The Ryze Element Smart Ring represents a leap forward in wearables, seamlessly blending innovation with everyday practicality.

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