Sporting briefs

Kyla chosen: Marlborough Girls’ College head girl Kyla Thorstensen’s burgeoning softball career took another step forward last week when she was named in a Junior White Sox training squad. As part of the JWSX campaign, Softball NZ will be holding two national camps this year as well as playing in local tournaments around New Zealand and looking for a tour to Australia later in 2025.

Riding to help: Callum Saunders, Commonwealth medallist and Olympic cyclist, is putting his fitness to the test on the Athletic Park track next Sunday, May 25. As part of the “Ride To Thrive” fundraiser Callum will endeavour to ride 1000 laps (450km) of the cycle track in under 24 hours. He is asking people to come down to the park to offer support or ride with him throughout the day. There will be a kids zone with bouncy castle and bike track, coffee and food carts, sausage sizzle plus raffles to be won – including two bikes from Bikes and Scooters. Proceeds to School Start First Impressions Marlborough.

Cooper a champ: Former Marlborough Boys’ College First XV stand-out Cooper Roberts was part of the New Zealand under-20 side which recently won the U20 Rugby Championship in South Africa. Cooper was a pivotal member of the side, playing in all three games, a first-up draw with Australia, a big win over Argentina and a nail-biting final round victory over hosts South Africa. Local physiotherapist Richie Marsden was the NZ team’s physio.

Tri-ing hard: Ryan Marfell’s triathlon career continues to flourish. Ryan recently competed in the AUS Triathlon Champs staged in Wollongong, Australia as part of his prep for the world champs in October this year on the same course. Ryan underlined his talent and continued his build-up with a third placing in the standard male 15-19 section.

Rugby live: Next week’s Marlborough  Boys’ College and Nelson College First XV rugby clash in Nelson will be televised live on Sky TV, the first college match to be shown live this year. The game is on May 29.

Blenheim medal bag: The Blenheim Rowing Club enjoyed plenty of success at the recent SI Masters regatta at Lake Kaniere in late April. Eighteen rowers scooped 10 golds, 10 silvers and three bronze medals, plus three golds in composite crews. Standouts were novices Amy Bryant and Jason Popplewell, at their first regatta. Both won four gold medals.