And what a year it was.
Boardroom bickering, on-field drama and a swag of memorable performances - 2002 was a sporting year with as many pitfalls as it had peaks.
January
Wo rld class showjumper Chris Chugg snares the spoils at a star-studded Bowral Horse Show.
The district's leading young cricketers become the toast of the Highlands after bringing back the prestigious Bradman Letter in its annual clash against Cootamundra.
A visiting Indian under-19s side notches a seven wicket victoruy over a disappointing Bradman XI side at Bradman Oval.
Colo Vale flyweight Emmett Gazzard takes one step closer to his Commonwealth Games dream by signing a deal to train with the Kostya Tszyu camp.
A raging hot New Zealand outfit hammer 392 runs off 50 overs and bury a shellshocked Country XI team in a one day international at Bradman Oval.
A Bowral-bred full sister to champion racemare Sunline fails to fetch its expected million dollar pricetag at the Magic Millions sales on the Gold Coast and is returned home to Inverness Stud.
Bowral first grade cricket team keeps its finals hopes alive by pulverizing Picton by 150 runs at Bradman Oval.
February
Th e swashbuckling de Jongh family claim four separate state fencing titles.
Sydney pro Dion Stevens fires a brilliant 66 (-3) to win the Highlands Golf Club $5000 pro-am at the Mittagong course.
Indoor hockey sensation Jye Bunt fullfils a dream by being named in the Australian under-21s squad.
Highlands go carter Greg Blackburn upstages a host of big names to snatch the Eastern Creek 12-hour endurance race.
Former Chev student Jono Brauer's bid for a late inclusion in the Aussie Winter Olympics squad is shattered when the Australian Olympic Committee reject his 11th hour bid.
Boxer Emmett Gazzard and young high jumper Sophia Begg share the spoils at the annual Berrima District Sports Award night at Mittagong RSL.
Emerging league stars Aaron de Jager and Steven Baines are signed up for trials with National Rugby League Club's.
March
Mit tagong's Erin Douglass caps off a remarkable year by being named in the Australian women's water polo squad.
The controversial split division format kicks off in the Group 6 rugby league competition.
Moss Vale confirms its favouratism for the first grade cricket crown by demolishing Wingello in a one-sided major semi at Bradman Oval.
Bargo walker Troy Sundstrom declares himself a genuine medal chance in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games.
Burradoo backstroker Joel Dufty takes the plunge at the Commonwealth Games swimming trials in Homebush.
Wingello scores a shock upset over Bowral to set up a grand final rematch with Moss Vale in the Highlands first grade cricket comp. The Wingello Tigers go on to win the title over a previously undefeated Moss Vale in what ranks as one of the biggest boilovers in Highlands cricket history. Colo Vale boxer Emmett Gazzard punches his way to another national crown with his knockout victory in the Aussie titlesw in Melbourne.
Touring car ace Craig Lowndes visits the Highlands for a meet and greet with his legion of fans.
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