2023 has been a big year for the Donkeys Boulder Club. With more than 25 teams across all divisions, the club continues to grow a solid foundation in Tamworth and surrounding areas.
The first half of the year was quite eventful for the Donkeys. The growth in the Primary League was consistent, yet the Iguanas dominated the League back to back in T4L22 and T4L23. In the Opens division, the South Tamworth Donkeys managed to win the League in T4L22 as well. Consistency was key here - they managed to rank in the top 5 every round, and were rewarded in the end.
The High School Rep team had a similar experience with their back to back wins in the first two Club Championship Finals of the year. The team consisted of Hamish Ward, Dan Moore, Jake Wilson, along with Declan Lewis and Jack Mitchell (who later made their debuts in the Opens Finals). Coached by Clive Murphy, they were always in good hands.
The first annual North West Boulderfest ended with a win as well. A few travelled from out of town, including Summer Fraser and Matthew Sabbouh to join forces with a few familiar faces here, and ultimately take home the bacon together.
The year ended with the Opens Rep Team (made up of Fred Eather, Cooper Gale, Lachie Butters, Jack Mitchell and Nikala Murray) crushing the T4L25 Club Championship Finals and ending the Honey Badgers long -running winning streak. The Donkeys were the favourites leading in to the event, and didn't disappoint. No doubt they'll all bring the heat and keep the pressure on heading into 2024.
The Donkeys BC Club Person of the Year went to a well deserving Lachie Butters. His enthusiasm and club spirit is unmatched, and no doubt ripples through the whole club.
A few of our athletes, Cooper Gale, Chloe Byrnes and Fred Eather, took a different high level pathway this year. They competed in multiple state title events, Aus nationals, and even ventured across the pond to compete in the New Zealand Nationals. Nice work guys.
Thank you to all the players and supporters for a fantastic year, and we look forward to to seeing you all in 2024!
Nikala Murray
11 Dec 2023