A man was on viciously attacked at a Griffith hotel on Sunday. Police were called to Kooyoo Street where a 20-year-old man claimed he was attacked by a group of six men, though he did not know why. The victim was taken to Griffith Base Hospital suffering lacerations to the top of his head and bruises on his back.

MAIDEN CENTURY SPARKS HANWOOD

Young gun Tom Shannon’s maiden century against Coro anchored Hanwood’s “best performance this season”. Shannon’s unbeaten 105 was backed up by half-centuries from Michael McWhirter (58) and Jamie Whitworth (57), taking the team to 8-301 after 70 overs.

HOPES HIGH FOR END OF BIG DRY

Could 2009 be the year the drought finally breaks? While most weather watchers are reluctant to go out on a limb, some say there is good news on the horizon. There are indications a La Nina event – a weather pattern associated with an increased probability of wetter conditions, however brief – could occur. Only once in the past eight years has Griffith reached its average rainfall.

AND THE TOP NAMES ARE…

The numbers have been tallied and the results are in: the most popular baby names in Griffith for 2008 were Emily and Riley.

SA RECRUIT TO BE GREENS MACHINE

He has won state titles and upset the establishment along the way, but 23-year-old Aaron Bremner just wants to be a positive influence on the Griffith Bowls Club, after moving to the Riverina. Bremner has an impressive resume, having won an under-35 state title in South Australia.

NEW YEAR’S DAY BABY

Griffith’s first 2004 baby was welcomed into the world at 9.44am on New Year’s Day. Talia Cathleen was born at Griffith Base Hospital to parents Gabrielle and Damien Reginato of Darlington Point. She weighed a healthy 8lb 4oz (3760 grams).

COUNCIL READY FOR CHANGE

Change is in the air for Griffith City Council with at least four councillors, including the only female councillor Helen Brayne, indicating they will not be standing for re–election in March.

INSPIRATION FOR ALL

Griffith’s triathletes played host to one of the world’s most inspirational athletes on Saturday when they took to the streets for a training ride with Australian disabled triathlete John Maclean.