It really is a busy time for the bowlers.

Local bowlers will also need to note that the official program indicates that there is no round of bowls scheduled for this weekend.

However, with a round being missed about four weeks ago, due to heat, there will be a full round of bowls in action on Saturday.

With so many players being away for the country carnival it may be that there are a number of teams that struggle to fill teams and forfeits in lower grades may be on the cards.

I’m sure that all clubs around the region would love to hear from anybody with the slightest bowling ability to make themselves for this weekend.

As all clubs would agree, having limited ability is much better than being forced to have no players and forfeiting.

Port Pirie is not represented this year in the Assciation based country carnival but as is always the case the Wandearah Club is in action for the club-based carnival that is being held from February 15-19.

The Wandearah crew are yet to taste the spoils of success but nobody seems to mind and all have a great time when they are there.

Or do they?

In what appears to be a first the team is sending a “responsible” person to oversee the operations for the week.

Highly respected and esteemed, Greg Congdon will be making the trip this year as team manager.

According to the information I have received his appointment has been made based on his striking resemblance to former Australian Test coach John Buchanan.

Unlike the Aussie team the training drills, warm-ups and cool-downs will be kept to a minimum and Congdon’s main task will be to ensure that there are eleven players on the field, the scorebook is correct and that finances for the week are kept in check.

With a couple of weeks to go Wandearah are still looking for a couple of players for some of the days.

At the present time they have 9 players for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and a full complement for Thursday and Friday.

Any players wishing to get involved could get in touch with Brenton Willson at Galdstone Primary School. The cost of playing a game is $30 and this includes umpires’ fees, lunch and the opportunity to win lots of beer if selected as Man of the Match.

Accommodation is available for players with two deluxe cabins being booked at West Beach Caravan Park.

Accommodation is around $30-40 a night for anyone wishing to go down and be a part of the action.

The geography of the Caravan Park gives the players plenty of recovery training venues.

The Adelaide Thunderbirds are heading to the top of the gulf in the next couple of weeks to conduct a series of coaching clinics for junior netballers. The skills sessions are free and all will be run by current Adelaide Thunderbirds players and coaching staff.

The coaching sessions will be held at the Port Augusta Netball Association courts on Sunday February 21 with players aged 8-10 from 12.30 to 2.00 and players aged 11-15 getting their chance from 2.30-4.00.

It is a fantastic opportunity to see some of the best in the business in action and to be able to learn some important skills from some of the best players in the world.

For more information or to indicate your interest in attending you can call Margie Withers on 86321810.

Adelaide Thunderbirds Memberships will be also be available to purchase on the day.

Back in October last year Ben Noonan was named joint sportsperson for October.

In news just to hand the accolades for the young up and coming boxer continue with the news that Noonan has been named as the South Australian Most Consistent Boxer, (Senior and Junior overall) for 2009.

In addition to Noonan’s award his training base, Burnell’s Boxing Gym also won Country Gym of the Year for SA for 2009.

That’s based on points from fights throughout the year. Burnell’s Boxing Gym is one of those little clubs that just continues on regardless of what seems to take place in the world around it and to receive an accolade like this is obviously a fantastic reward for so many hours of dedicated and voluntary service to local sport in Port Pirie.

Bill and Bob Burnell are clearly a couple of our unsung heroes and to be recognised on the state stage as having the best gym in 2009 is a most fitting accolade.

While it may not have been a difficult exercise I managed to pick the quinella at the Australian Open this year.

Serena Williams is simply scary and she has a massively powerful game, although I think she also has the power of intimidation and quite often her opponent is beaten even before she sets foot on the court.

Roger Federer is just a maestro.

He would have to be undeniably the greatest tennis player to set foot on this earth and unlike several other fallen superstars in very recent times he also has an impeccable off court record as well.

Regadless of the sport he represents excellent value as being the most positive role model for junior sportspeople.

He is confident but doesn’t go over the top, he has exquisite skills and his sportsmanship is impeccable.

As a good friend of mine mentioned during the week he is to sport what Andre Bocelli is to music. That’s a pretty good way to sum it up.