The rugby refereeing career of Coonamble's Ella Goldsmith passed another milestone recently as she was presented with her cap from Rugby Australia, making her the eighth woman in Australia to receive a cap.The cap is significant in recognising her first international XV game which she refereed last year - Fiji versus Papua New Guinea at the Oceania Women's XVs tournament on the Gold Coast."It's like how cricketers get their baggy green when they play for Australia," Ella explained. "I wasn't expecting the cap or the presentation last weekend - it was a surprise that I had so many of my friends and wider support crew there."My family were with me as well as my coaches and support from both Rugby Australia and NSW Rugby Referees Association as well as the team I refereed with that night."Ella had come straight from refereeing the Super Rugby Women's game between the Waratahs and the Rebels at Allianz Stadium on Friday evening 5 April to the Rugby Australia boardroom.Joining Ella at Rugby Australia headquarters were her parents Jamie and Leonie Goldsmith, siblings Bridget and Lawson, her boyfriend Cameron Horne and his parents Margaret and Peter, along with friends Sophie Gee, Luca Dalla Camina, and Harry Montgomery.Ella Goldsmith is pleased to be Australia's 8th capped female rugby union referee. IMAGE SUPPLIED."We are often asked for our ‘why’ as match officials which we fall back on when times get tough on or off the field," says Ella."I referee for the ongoing challenge, to constantly want to work hard and be the best referee I can be. "I thought once I stopped playing that I wouldn’t find that team environment that being apart of a rugby club gives you, however being apart of NSWRRA and RA you have support everywhere you look and these people are what keep pushing you to constantly better yourself."I want to look back on my career and be proud that I gave something 110% - I appreciate all the opportunities that reffing has given me."Ella plans to work hard through the current season, which has just got underway, and hopes to officiate at the WXV Tournament to be held in October this year."I would love to be there officiating for the 2029 Women's Rugby World Cup so that is my ultimate long term goal, as well at being at the next Olympics in four years' time for the Rugby Sevens."

By Colin Hodges.Nyngan trainer Rodney Robb, one of the all time greats of western area racing, with his 4 year old gelding Nannu, on Thursday, was a popular winner of the 1400 metres Nyngan RSL ANZAC Nyngan Cup.Racing before a big crowd at Nyngan, the Cobar galloper Chapel Lane led by four lengths from Toulon Factor in the $16,000 Cup with Nannu travelling off the pace.In an exciting finish, Nannu (Ken Dunbar, $3.40) won by a head from Bush Warrior (James Rogers, $9) with Chapel Lane ( Nyssa Burrells, $26) battling on for third.Another Nyngan trainer scoring a popular win was Greg O’Neill with Are You Certain in the 1200 metres Inland Petroleum & Aries Resources Tritton Benchmark 45 Handicap.Midfield to the home turn, Are You Certain ($6.50) was desperately ridden by Andrew Banks over the closing stages to win in a three way photo finish from Planet Ex (Shannen Llewellyn, $3.50 favourite) and Bonhomie (Georgina McDonnell, $5).Andrew Banks had earlier brought the Connie Greig, Dubbo trained Pahang ($2.50 to $2 favourite) from behind the leaders to win the 1100 metres Nyngan Bowling Club & Aeris Resources Tritton Class 1 Handicap by four lengths from Oh No Devon (Georgina McDonnell, $5) and A Tender Lady (Nyssa Burrells, $5).Apprenticed to Dubbo trainer Brett Robb, the winners are starting to flow for Shannen Llewellyn and she achieved a double at Nyngan with Dozen Kilpatrick and Party Stop.From the Bendemeer stables of Jane Clement, Dozen Kilpatrick ($7) finished well, out wide, to defeat the Connie Greig trained stablemates Have Mercy (Andrew Banks, $1.90 fav.) and Billy Bent Ear (Georgina McDonnell, $5.50) by over two lengths in the 900 metres Luke Smith Plumbing & Josh Lister Building Benchmark 58 Handicap.Owned by picnic jockey Tony Williams, Party Stop ($2.60 fav.) was the first leg of a double for trainer Rodney Robb when overhauling the leader Lemoni (Hannah Johnston, 2.70) to win by almost a length, with Typhoon Ginger (Ken Dunbar, $4.80) third in the 900 metres Nyngan Pharmacy & Neill Earthmoving-Max Smith Memorial Maiden Plate.

By Colin HodgesApprentice jockey Siena Grima, who won her first race on the Ridge Wilson trained Jakat at Deepwater in January, produced an outstanding ride on outsider Flying Banjo to win the 1000 metres MVC Couriers Benchmark 50 Handicap for Tamworth trainer Stephen Dixon on Saturday 21 April at Warren.D’Arpano looked likely to win when taking the lead from the other $2.80 equal favourite So Extra halfway down the home straight however Flying Banjo was finishing well from midfield.Siena Grima drove Flying Banjo ($21) along the inside rail to win by a half neck from D’Arpano (Shannen Llewellyn) with So Extra over two lengths back in third place.Apprenticed to Mel O’Gorman at Tamworth, Siena Grima has now ridden 4 winners during her relatively short career.Another young rider achieving success is Shannen Llewellyn who is apprenticed to Brett Robb at Dubbo and she has now ridden 8 winners after a double on the Robb trained Miss Italiana and Beaconsfield Joy at Warren.Leading throughout, Miss Italiana ($2 favourite) crossed the line three lengths clear of Yachtie (Andrew Banks, $5) and Oojay Capow (Mitch Stapleford, $6) in the 1400 metres Gallagher Insurance Maiden Plate.In the following race, the 1200 metres Warren IGA Maiden Plate, Beaconsfield Joy ($1.75 fav.) was headed at the top of the straight but fought back to beat Kiss The Outcast (Shayleigh Ingelse, $3.40) with The Hoff (Zoe Hunt, $10) finishing third.On a day where apprentices shone, Zoe Hunt rode a good race to win the 1200 metres Macquarie Valley Rock And Sand Benchmark 50 Handicap on the Clint Lundholm, Dubbo trained My Oddette.Quickly away, My Oddette ($3.50) then took a nice position close to the lead and finished best to account for stablemate Bupkis (Wendy Peel, $15) and the leader Bijara (Shannen Llewellyn, $3.30 fav.).Zoe Hunt after her win on Clint Lundholm-trained My Oddette. IMAGE: CLRCompleting the apprentices bonanza at Warren, Emma Ly rode her 25th winner when taking out the 1400 metres Warren Services Club Benchmark 50 Handicap on the Maree Hopkins, Cowra trained Mystic Flame.Coming from 5th on the home turn in the big field, Mystic Flame ($4.60 equal favourite) in a three way photo finish beat the Clint Lundholm trained stablemates Sin City Belle (Zoe Hunt, $8) and Hallowed Star (Jake Pracey-Holmes, $8).Preventing a clean sweep by the apprentices, Jake Pracey-Holmes had won the opening race, the 1600 metres Gordon Welsh P/L Class 1 & Maiden Plate on the Peter Sinclair , Moree trained A Bit Bazarre ($9) which led all the way to score by over two lengths from Paziah (Andrew Banks, $5.50) and Another Gift (Kelsey Lenton, $5.50).More western racing on ANZAC Day at Nyngan followed followed by Tomingley Picnics (Saturday) and Narromine (Sunday).

Shooters from across the Western Plains converged on Coonamble Clay Target Club for a weekend on the range at the 2024 Golden Grain Shoot. About 45 shooters came from clubs including Brewarrina, Lightning Ridge, Narrabri, Cobar and Warren for the competition on 13 and 14 April, which debuted in 1994. Shooters classed lowest to highest from C, B, A to AA shot clay disks flung from the 'traps,’ which sat a minimum 15 metres from the firing positions.Warren’s Charlie Banks took 1st among the AAs for the 45-target 18-metre Medley, scoring 73 out of 75 points. Coonamble's Greg Smith took 1st place for the As in the same category, scoring 72 out of 75 points. Brewarrina A-shooter Colin Betts shot a perfect score of 25 in the 25-target 15-metre Single Barrel, where shooters had a single shot to hit disks launched one at a time. Brewarrina AA Max Betts won among his grade with 26 out of 30 points in the 15-metre Double Rise, where shooters fired at 30 disks launched two at a time.Narrabri B-grader scored highest out of the ladies throughout the competition with 262 out of 280 points. Five women took part in the shoot, including two from Coonamble. Cobar’s Aiden Barraclough scored highest in the juniors with 242 points, while Max Betts took out the veterans category with 245 points. Clubs enjoyed calm shooting conditions on Saturday. PHOTO: River McCrossenCoonamble Clay Target Club Secretary, Kim Peters, said there was a wide range of winners "across the state." "There was one called the Random Winner. In each grade, people that haven't got a prize go into the draw, and there were only 17 shooters that didn't win a single prize for the weekend," Kim said."It's nice to see that stuff's spread across shooters and clubs. "We had a number of shooters being in Coonamble for the first time, which is lovely. We love seeing new people. We're a very social club." The comp's only missed one year due to COVID in 2020, according to Coonamble Clay Target Club life member Rick Murray, although he said this year was a “bit light on numbers.” “I think it’s just a sign of the times. A lot of shoots are way down on numbers. We’re lucky at Coonamble Clay Target Club, their numbers are still pretty well up compared to other clubs,” Rick said. “Things have tightened up a little bit.  “Financially, the shells got a little bit expensive. And then the travelling, accommodation, a lot of chaps bring their caravans and things like that. It’s just one of those things.” Coonamble and Orange shooters also faced off that weekend in an inter-town competition to take home the Fire and Ice Shield.  “‘Fire and Ice' they call it, because it’s very hot here,” Rick said. “And of course it’s so cold down there." “Whoever shoots the best scores, they take the trophy back home.” This time it was Orange who won the bragging rights. Orange Clay Target Club brought nine shooters, including two AAs and three Cs, to Coonamble’s six. The local club had three AAs, although none of them reached a 1st or 2nd place.

Every Easter the population of the small town of Hermidale is bolstered by an influx of locals and visitors from surrounding districts vying for the big places at the Hermidale Gymkhana. Run by volunteers, the event has become part of the fabric of the local area and a much- anticipated event with something for the whole family including horse events, novelty events and dog events. It’s a matter of pride and badge of honour to take home a prize from the day and battles are won and lost in the dust on the day. Its neighbour against neighbour and there are no holds barred as in the best of sporting spirits, competition is fierce. This year was no different with 76 horses and 15 dogs competing in Barrel Shootouts, Champions Rider events, most successful overall rider and dog jump, not to mention the Farmer’s Challenge.President of the organising committee Bubba Perry. With an impressive array of sponsors and new seating, toilets and wash bays for the horses, installed by Bogan Shire Council, the venue continues to grow its facilities as the event attracts more patrons. Mr & Mrs PresidentAccording to Treasurer Christine Miles the committee is very happy with the Gymkhana for 2024. “There were 76 horses in this year’s Gymkhana with even more people participating in the family fun day events. “There was a huge crowd watching the dog jump, with Mav scaling a massive 251.2com. Records were smashed in the junior Farmers Challenge with two teams completing the course in 30 seconds."First in Boy Rider, Charles Robb on Bill. PHOTO SUPPLIED.“The weather was perfect, and everyone had a great day with plenty of activities for the whole family,” said Christine. It wasn’t just events, but stalls were in place with an array of local goods to buy for those who were not keen on jumping in the saddle. Placegetters in Open Class MaleKristin Bunting of Nyngan and her two daughters have been attending the event for many years and love the great family day out. “We have been going out to the Hermidale Gymkhana for quite a few years now and always have a great time,” said Mrs Bunting.“Both our girls compete in the horse events in the morning and enjoy the other activities for the rest of the day and into the night.Senior Champion Lady Rider, Caitlyn Bunting.“We also have family that come from Molong for the weekend, especially to attend the Gymkhana. It’s a special time of year for us to all be together.” The Committee have started planning for next year which they hope will be even bigger and better.

The thrill of bush racing is back again next month, when the Warren Jockey Club hosts their annual Golden Fleece race meet on Saturday April 20.A “must-do” on the racing calendar for the “Randwick of the West”, the six race Sky2 event is Warren’s only Saturday races with a big day of racing and entertainment planned.More than 200 local punters enjoyed the Autumn sunshine last year, as well as a sell-out crowd for their inaugural Golden Fleece Long Luncheon.“The Long Lunch is back again this year, bigger and better than ever,” said Warren Jockey Club president Matt Colwell. “We were thrilled with the success of the event last year. It was a sell-out for the luncheon, with overwhelmingly positive feedback.“The Golden Fleece is our only Saturday race meet for the year, and I personally think it’s one of our best; the weather is usually perfect.”Tickets for the luncheon are available now, said Matt, with guests enjoying a beautifully catered lunch from ‘Crooked Arrow’, drinks all afternoon from a private bar, and the recently revamped George Falkiner Lounge, where the luncheon is hosted, is perfectly air conditioned with prime viewing of the track finish line.“Dubbo musician ‘Sugar Shane’ Riley will also be playing, keeping guests entertained between the races. There will be great prizes up for grabs for best dressed punters, plus a courtesy bus will be running between town and the track,” added Matt.The Jockey Club committee has been working hard the past few years to grow the club and cement its position as one of the Central West’s premier country tracks. PHOTO: A fun day out for all, the Golden Fleece Long Luncheon is back again this year after a sell-out in 2023.“Together with the Warren Shire Council, we’ve been working hard to keep the track in peak condition to help attract top bush horses, trainers, jockeys and punters to Warren.“Last year, reports from jockeys were extremely positive. They love coming to our track.” continued Matt. “Country races really are an institution and a big part of the social fabric of many towns throughout the area. They are a great social occasion and opportunity for locals from Warren and throughout the district to get together.”Matt also acknowledged the importance of his dedicated volunteer committee as well sponsors, who help ensure bush racing can continue in Warren.“It’s also really important that I acknowledge our sponsors, the Warren Services Club, MVC Couriers, Macquarie Rock and Sand, Warren IGA, Gordon Welsh and Gallagher Insurance, as well as the Jockey Club committee and volunteers. We are very lucky to have such an energetic and dedicated committee, and the continued backing of local businesses. Their ongoing support ensures we can keep racing,” concluded Matt.Tickets for the Golden Fleece luncheon are on sale now until April 16 from 123tix.com.au

Those who admire beautiful things were wishing they had a horse good enough to win the PW Concrete Lightning Ridge Cup on Easter Saturday.Apart from the $7,450 first prizemoney, the undoubted lure was the trophy valued at over $25,000, a magnificent opal bracelet designed by Jo Lindsay and locally made at Lost Sea Opals.As was the case last year, the trophy went back to the stables near Tamworth of Kevin Dixon, trainer of veteran galloper Indian Thunder.Kelsey Lenton won the 2023 Cup on Indian Thunder and this year it was French born apprentice Camille Houlgatte in the saddle.The nine year old Indian Thunder ($2.50 favourite) went to the early lead and thereafter fought off several rivals in the straight to win the 1200 metres Cup by a long neck from My Odette (Zoe Hunt, $6.50) and Toulon Factor (Shannen Llewellyn, $3.80).Promising apprentice Shannen Llewellyn posted the 4th winner of of her so far short career when leading all the way on the Jane Clement, Muswellbrook trained Dozen Kilpatrick ($3.50) to beat Exclusive Drop (Billy Cray, $4.60) and Better Judgement (Jake Pracey-Holmes, $2.60 fav.) in the 900 metres Dubbo City And Gilgandra Toyota Class 1 Handicap.PHOTO VIA  Lightning Ridge Race Club FacebookQuirindi trainer Geoff O’Brien said he was pleased to have such a strong rider as Andrew Banks on Super Hot in the 1000 metres Gingie Gallop Benchmark 58 HandicapBanks worked overtime on Super Hot ($2.50 fav.) which eventually wore down Venatic (Georgina McDonnell, $3.50) to win by a head with Benyatta (Jake Pracey-Holmes, $2.60) finishing third.Trained at Dubbo by Dar Lunn, the Walgett owned Character Witness (Jake Pracey-Holmes, $1.80 fav.) led throughout to beat the other equal favourite Mistnaces (Zoe Hunt) by a long head with Better Than Pearls, $5) third in the 1200 metres Lost Sea Opals Maiden Plate.PHOTO VIA  Lightning Ridge Race Club FacebookPunters prepared to take the short odds were off to a good start when the Clint Lundholm, Dubbo trained Kirameki (Georgina McDonnell, $1.40 favourite) won the 900 metres Spider & Tiny Brown Memorial Maiden Plate from Makeawooturn (Andrew Banks, $3.40) and the early leader Bilyara (Hannah Johnston, $10).Not many punters amongst the big crowd were lining up to collect after the final event, the 1200 metres Lightning Ridge District Bowling Club Benchmark 45 Handicap being won by the rank outsider Torrid Affair.Well ridden by apprentice Angela Cooper for Coonabarabran trainer Graeme Brooker, Torrid Affair ($14) raced close to the lead before breaking clear to beat Tells Tails (Zoe Hunt, $3 equal favourite) and Fenerbache (Camille Houlgatte, $6).Racing at Coonabarabran (TAB)on Saturday and Dubbo (TAB) on Sunday.

By Col Hodges Continuing a run of very consistent form on the circuit, the Connie Greig, Dubbo trained Linden Tree on Sunday won the Splashe Cola -Rices Back O Bourke Cordials Harry Hart Memorial Picnic Cup at Bourke.Prior to Bourke, Linden Tree won the Condobolin Picnic Cup and was runner-up in the Picnic Cups at Bedgerabong and Tottenham.Before a big crowd at Bourke, Frau Holle led by four lengths with Linden Tree back near last with stablemate Kalpana.Ridden by the Brazilian born Leandro Ribeiro, Linden Tree ($2.60 favourite) ran the 1600 metres out strongly and won by a length from Kalpana (Izzy Neale, $4.60) with Frau Holle (Ricky Blewitt, $10) battling on well for third.Connie Greig also provided the quinella in the 1300 metres Outback Ice & Refrigeration Trophy Handicap however Izzy Neale turned the tables on Leandro Ribeiro when Pahang (Izzy Neale, 3.20) in a close finish fought off Individualist (Leandro Ribeiro, 2.50 fav.) with Are You Certain (Michael Gray, $6) six lengths away third.Cobar trainer Wayne Prisk enjoyed a good day, landing a winning double with Mr Pointer and A Tender Lady, both raced in partnership by Wayne Prisk and Butch Eves.After sharing the lead with Have Mercy, Mr Pointer (Emily Harrison, $7) gained the ascendancy to win by a long neck from Have Mercy (Leandro Ribeiro, $3.40) while Hurn Court Maddison Wright, $3.20 fav.) humped the 77kg top weigh in to third place in the 800 metres Bourke Bowling Club Open Trophy Handicap.First season jockey Emily Harrison with her trademark captivating smile, was again welcomed back to the winners stall after the 1000 metres Nutrien Walsh Hughes & Franks Outback Security Class B Handicap.Leading for home from Oh No Devon, A Tender Lady ($4.40) won by over two lengths from the strong finishing Scruff’s Magic (Izzy Neale, $5.50) and Hammoon Sunshine (Maddison Wright, $3.40).Maddison Wright and Nyngan trainer Rodney Robb had earlier combined to win the 800 metres Bourke Steel & Hire-Franks BP Service Station Maiden Plate with Hammoon Sky ($1.80 fav.) which led all the way and had over three lengths to spare at the finish from Party Stop (Tony Williams, $3.50) and Juliet Bravo (Ricky Blewitt, $3.50).Racing at Coonabarabran (TAB) on Saturday and Dubbo (TAB) on Sunday.

Gulargambone's first big rugby union gala day on Saturday 16 March went off in great spirit for junior and senior players alike.While the senior game between the Randwick Colts and a Western Plains Invitational was billed as the feature, the match up between Gulargambone Juniors and the Wellington Redbacks in the Under 12s put the younger players right in the spotlight."It was a great way to start the 2024 season with up to 220 western plains junior players turning up in the Under 8s, Under 10s, and Under 12s age groups," said NSW Rugby's Far West Development Officer, Janalee Conroy.As well as Gulargambone, juniors travelled from Bourke, Carinda, Coonamble and Warren and 115 new players registered on the day."We started with a talk about making mates and how some of the kids you play footy with today will be friends for life," said Development Officer Mark Pitts."With the Castlereagh Connection performing it was a real party atmosphere."Everyone's talking about it."The return of Wallaby Warwick Waugh to his home ground in Gular, and the presence of the Randwick players added an element of excitement to the day."There was great support from the Gular senior club and the team that played Randwick were majority Gular and Coonamble players," Mr Pitts said. "All the seniors interacted so well with the kids, it really reinforced the spirit of the day.""Tallis McEwen came home from Sydney to help out and scored two tries."Members of the Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service and Rugby NSW with the Randwick Colts at Saturday’s Friendship in Rugby Day in Gulargambone.The final score was Randwick 41 - Western Plains 19. "Lots of good sportsmanship was shown during this game and for a lot of the Randwick players it was their first time in the bush," Ms Conroy said."One of the boys told us "this is such an eye opening experience".She said they were super excited to launch the partnership between NSW Rugby and CTG Aboriginal Health Service which aims to improve access to health services across the western region as well as making registration for rugby union events easier.But the main focus was the game itself.Hamish and Charlotte Cullen looked rugby ready in their junior Rams uniforms."In the Gular versus Wellington Under 12s, Gular played a beautiful flamboyant style of rugby," Mr Pitts said."They played Ella Brothers style, once they got going they were hard to contain and now they really know the game its great rugby."At halftime the score was Gular 31 to Redbacks 0.A later run saw Wellington gain some points to finish the game 36 - 10.Next up for the Gulargambone Juniors will be a tussle against the 2023 Central West Premiers Mudgee's Glen Willow on 13 April."We have another gala day pencilled in for 5 May and with good notice we hope to get all western plains clubs there."

“The biggest day in Gulargambone Junior Rugby history.”That’s the promise from NSW Rugby Development Officer Mark Pitts, who has been hard at work to organise the “Friendships in Rugby day.”The gala day this Saturday 16 March is to be held at the Gulargambone Sportsground from 10am onwards and will feature music by local band Castlereagh Connection and a full bar and barbeque courtesy of Gulargambone's senior rugby team."It's the first time Gular have hosted something like this," Mr Pitts said."It comes off the back of four years of rebuilding the club. Hopefully it's the launch of bigger things to come."Junior clubs from across the Western Plains including Coonabrabran, Narromine, Warren, Coonamble, Gulargambone, have signed up for the day, with some players also making the trip from Brewarrina, Walgett, Bourke and Dubbo.Mark is also hoping to welcome some players from the Carinda Cowboys.Boosting the numbers will be three teams from the Wellington Redbacks."It's great having Wellington come up because they're a pretty established club and some of their players have been playing since they were 6."The Redbacks will be playing a feature game against the Gulargambone Juniors.Players from other towns are welcome to come along and play if they slot into the under 8, 10, 12 age group.“It’s going to be a great day,” said Mr Pitts.The feature match however, is one not to be missed.Gular's own Wallaby, Warwick Waugh will be attending the Friendships in Rugby Day.Former Wallaby who hails from Gulargambone, Warwick Waugh, will be bringing the Randwick Second Grade Colts - the Galloping Greens - to play an exhibition match against the Western Plains Invitational Men's Team.“It will be a great match,” said Mr Pitts. “It will be good for the juniors to see how a team like Randwick warms up and plays, and it will give them an idea of the transition from junior rugby to the senior game.”The Randwick players will also be moving around working with the juniors doing small clinics before the big game.Fair Dinkum Choices will be there doing registrations, Gular Lions Club will have their Chips & Nuggets vanFor further information you can contact Mark Pitts on 0407 962 628

In the lead up to the new format 2024 Western Plains Women’s Rugby season, the committee has cooked up something special to kick off the new season.With the new tri-tag format starting this season it’s important to wrap your head around the new rules to make sure you’re not caught out when playing.So, this Saturday 2 March at 10:30 am a Western Plains Try Tag Gala Day will be held at the Coonamble Sportsground all prospective players for 2024 are invited to learn how to play from the man who invented the game itself - Rugby League and Union legend Mark Gasnier - along with staff from Australian Rugby Union.Western Plains Zone President Tom Cullen saw the teething issues of the previous format and wanted to ensure they didn’t have a repeat in 2024.“One issue we had with the Touch Sevens format is that it took a bit of time for players and refs to understand it,” said Mr Cullen.“This way we can get everyone on the same page and do it right once.”“Mark Gasnier who created the game has offered to come out and run the clinic as well.”The Western Plains Try Tag Gala Day is not the only activity on offer on the day.Junior rugby is also a part of the Come & Try DayPlans at the moment are for a mini tournament as well, barring any extreme temperatures.“We want to make it a fun day out,” said Mr Cullen. “The juniors are running their Come & Try Day as well, so it’ll be a busy day at the sportsground.”The Coonamble Rams will be running the canteen on the day along with a barbeque for players, spectators and supporters.If you're curious about trying tag rugby check out the Western Plains Try Tag Gala Day tomorrow in Coonamble.

By BRYSON LUFF“The commitment and attitude were there but the ball security wasn’t!”Such were the sentiments of Brad James, the captain/coach of the Castlereagh League representative side that played in the Western Rams trials on Saturday 17 February.The Cougars were far from disgraced in their matches against both Group 10 and Group 11, going down by 12 points in each encounter.Playing in very hot and steamy conditions at Wellington’s Kennard Park, the Cougars first played against Group 10, with their day getting off to an inglorious start when their opposition raced in for a converted try wide out in only the second minute of play.However, from that point on the Castlereagh team dominated the game territorially but their inability to hang on to the ball saw them fail to convert that territory into points on the scoreboard and late in the second half the Group 10 side again went wide for another try to make the half time score ten points to nil.The second stanza opened far more productively for the Cougars and with six minutes elapsed Castlereagh’s centre, Washie Itoya was able to touch down and they were on the board and in the game with the score reading 10 to 4 in favour of Group 10.Whilst the scoreboard had improved for the Cougars, their handling did not, and this most certainly did Group 10’s chances of victory no harm and with five minutes remaining they went in for another converted try to make the final score 16 points to 4.With the mercury and humidity combining to make conditions not at all pleasant both the Castlereagh team and Group 11 were keen to complete their on-field commitments for the day and with minimal time between games the Cougars were back out on the field.It would seem that Group 11 were wary of the Castlereagh forwards and the bulk of their attack saw the ball spread wide resulting in three unconverted tries and a 12-nil final scoreline with once again the Cougars lack of ball control not aiding their cause.Obviously disappointed with the results, James was none the less very proud of the effort put in by his team, as indeed were all the Castlereagh League supporters.In summing up the Castlereagh coach viewed the 2024 trials as a springboard to further Castlereagh involvement in the years to come, recognising the fact that the younger players in his squad gained so much experience from being involved which can only be a good thing moving forward!Many Castlereagh clubs are now organising trial games in preparation for the 2024 season which will kick off on the 13 April with the League Tag and Youth League knockouts being played at Coonabarabran followed by the senior rugby league knockout on 20 April at Coolah with Round 1 of the competition being played on the 27 April.

By Colin HodgesDubbo trainer Connie Greig and Sydney based jockey Leandro Ribeiro have now won 8 of the last 12 races held at Condobolin following a treble on Saturday which included wins in the feature events by Linden Tree and Billy Bent Ear.Both those gallopers were beaten a nose at Bedgerabong the previous week in the Cup and Bracelet, respectively.Blinking Nomore and Sin City Belle set the pace in the 1400 metres Inland Petroleum Condobolin Picnic Cup with Red Impulse and Lnden Tree in handy spots.Sent to the lead at the top of the straight by Leandro Ribeiro, Linden Tree ($3 favourite) raced to a one and a half lengths win over stablemate and 2022 Cup winner Valadyium (John Wilson, $6.50) and Red Impulse (Tony Williams, $3.60).Billy Bent Ear, the grand warrior of central west racing, continues to amaze and the 11 year old gelding took the record to 17 wins and 40 placings and over $260,000 prize money from 144 starts when a brave winner of the 1000 metres KMWL & Co. & Ross Berry & Rob Staniforth Memorial Trophy Handicap.Leading from the outset, Billy Bent Ear (Leandro Ribeiro, $2 favourite) humping 71.5kg, fought off every challenge in the straight to defeat Outback Cod (Zara Lewis, $4.20) and Equilibrium (Emily Harrison, $21).The other winner for Connie Greig and Leandro Ribeiro was Kalpana ($4) which took the lead from Richter and Costas well before the home turn and won by 4 lengths from the heavily supported Irene Of Athens (Ricky Blewitt, $1.80 to $1.60 fav.) and Costas (Zara Lewis, $6.50) in the 1700 metres Condobolin Milling Class 3 Trophy Handicap..Wellington trainer Daniel Stanley provided the opportunity for a grateful Izzy Neale who travelled from Sydney to make her race riding debut on Scruff’s Magic in the 1100 metres Forbes Livestock Class 1 Trophy Handicap.Excelling at her only ride at the meeting, Izzy Neale gave the rank outsider Scruff’s Magic a nice run midfield before easing to the outside in the straight.Owned by a group of friends from Tullibigeal, Scruff’s Magic ($21) won by over a length from Better Judgement (Grady Spokes, $4.20) and Camp Cove (Leandro Ribeiro, $2.20 fav.).Emerging as a possible runner in the $50,000 Picnic Championship later this year at Coonamble, the Ashley Gibson, Gilgandra trained Foxstorm was a runaway winner of the 1400 metres Chamens Super IGA Class 2 Trophy Handicap.Ridden by Gilgandra based Zara Lewis, Foxstorm ($9) from fifth position dashed to the front in the straight and won by over four lengths from the leader Sindagar (Breanna Bourke, $3.60) and Cheeky Nugget (Leandro Ribeiro, $3.40 fav.).Condobolin attracted a big crowd however not many backed the opening winner, the outsider Northern Excel in the 1000 metres Vella Stockfeeds Maiden Plate.Trained at Narromine by Michael Plummer, Northern Excel (Emily Harrison, $10) led throughout to win by a neck from Party Stop (Tony Williams, $2.50) with Great Flame (Zara Lewis, $6) six lengths away in third place.

By COLIN HODGESHardworking local jockey James Rogers had a deserved and popular win aboard Dao Sun on Saturday 10 February at Gilgandra.Rogers handles the majority of horses in trackwork at Gilgandra including a sizeable team for trainer Kieren Hazelton.The lightly raced Dao Sun ($4.20 to $3.20) held a slender lead at the top of the straight then broke clear to win the 1280 metres Western Farm Machinery Maiden Plate by almost three lengths from Underverse (Chelsea Ings, $51) and The Git Up (Ronald Simpson, $2.25 favourite).Making it a good day for the locals the Leo Harland trained The Hulkbuster won the final event, the 1280 metres Tooraweenah Prime Lamb Co-Operative Benchmark 50 Handicap.The Hulkbuster ($5.50) under jockey Wendy Peel went straight to the front and held on to win by a long neck from Keys To Love (Will Stanley, $11) and Mean Girls (James Rogers, $3.10 to $2.60 fav.).First leg of a double for Dubbo jockey Wendy Peel was the Cec Hodgson, Coonamble trained Twyborn Affair in the 1000 metres Freck’s Electrical & Solar Benchmark 50 Handicap.Close to the front at the 400 metres, Twyborn Affair ($5.50) led for home and ridden out strongly by Wendy Peel won by nearly a length from the Wangaratta (VIC) trained Miss Brondolino (Sarah McDonough,$4.20 fav.) and Luckyimwithaimee (Will Stanley, $6).There were dramatic developments after the Mack Griffith, Mudgee trained Aussie Pharoah (Clayton Gallagher, $3.40 to $4.80) led throughout to win the 1550 metres Mountain View Hotel Benchmark 50 Handicap by over 4 lengths from Searchlight (Zoe Hunt, $13) and Edith’s Joy (Kath Bell-Pitomac, $11).Soon after the finish, Aussie Pharoah veered sharply to the left and crashed through the mounting yard fence. Aussie Pharoah escaped serious injury however leading jockey Clayton Gallagher suffered a suspected broken wrist.In the opening race, the 1000 metres Jarryd Eason & Grant Nell Maiden Handicap, named after the track curators who do a great job at Gilgandra, Miss Adamas (Jake Pracey-Holmes, $1.90 fav.) had a handy lead however was run down and beaten a head by the Stephen Jones, Scone trained Divine DI Dora (Will Stanley, $6) with Platinum Warrior (Clayton Gallagher, $3.40) in third place.Trained at Dubbo by Clint Lundholm and well ridden by his apprentice Ronald Simpson, Venatic($4.40) was second to the home turn before going on to win the 800 metres Tooraweenah Business Houses Class 1 Handicap by over a length from Have Mercy (Georgina McDonnell, $6.50) and the leader Juliette Street (Kath Bell-Pitomac, $31). Very good support by racegoers and sponsors from the village of Tooraweenah between Gilgandra and Coonabarabran helped make it a successful race meeting.Racing next at the Condobolin Picnics on Saturday 17 February.

BY SAM TURNBULLThe Castlereagh Women’s Rugby League club held their annual presentation awards day on Sunday 17th December. After a semi successful season, the club looking forward to building for a bigger 2024. This year only one team made the semifinals, the Under 14s, with the others narrowly missing out in their age divisions.In our Under 12s Coach Thelma Leonard thanked all her players and their families for the season. The team was unlucky to miss semi finals but played each week with determination and improved out of sight. The under 12 awards went to:Coaches Award – Tamika HurstMost Improved – Kalee HeenanBest Back – Jannali WalkerBest Forward – Siarne SmithBest and Fairest and Players Player – Rhylee JefferyCoach Thelma Leonard with her Under 12s team. IMAGE SUPPLIED.In the Under 14s Coach Brad Milsom, whose side was lucky enough to make the semi-finals and unfortunately were beat by the Vipers thanks his team and the girls. Coach Punchy had 26 girls in his team and found it hard to give awards.Coaches Award – Victoria Giovas and Taloulah MooreMost Improved – Keisha ThompsonBest Back – Molly BurgessBest Forward – Ava StantonBest and Fairest and Players Player – Mokoia BirtlesAdda Craig signs on for a tackle in 2023.Our Under 16s played their heart out all season and played some good footy week in and week out. The girls always turned up never gave up. Coach Josh thanks those under 14s who played up as without them they would have been short each week.This season’s awards went to:Coaches Award – Keisha RustenMost Improved – Destini BrightBest Back – Natalie GallenBest Forward – Adda CraigBest and Fairest and Players Player – Adda CraigThe under 18s who were coached by Steve Diggs were a team filled with determination and grit. Each week they turned up playing with they had and giving it their all. These showed how uc they love playing footy. Coach Steve thank each and everyone of them. PHOTO: Castlereagh Cougars facebookThis season’s awards went to:Coaches Award – Olivia MilsomMost Improved – India RosewarneBest Back – Sophie CLarkeBest Forward – Mackenzie Harvey Best and Fairest and Players Player – Rani DiggsThe Open team who were coached by Channy Burgess had a mixed season, they always turned up and loved to play hard footy, some travelling from far and wide. Coach Channy thanked them all for their commitment and hopes to be even better in 2024.Coaches Award – Abbey DewsonMost Improved – Maigan MeyersBest Back – Gemma MitchellBest Forward – Madi MasmanPlayers Player- Brianna SmithBest and Fairest and Players Player – Mikiala Cullen 

While footy season is still a few months away changes are afoot in the Western Plains, starting with a new format for the women's game.As part of the eventual transition to full contact rugby union, the format known as 'Tri-tag' will be introduced in 2024 as a way to build rugby skills such as lineouts, scrums, and rucks without the contact.Created as a middle-ground of sorts, 'Tri-tag' was invented by former professional rugby union player Mark Gasnier as a way to build rugby specific skills in a safer environment.Their website states that "we believe there needs to be a game that allows participants to choose when and if they play contact rugby, without missing out on the appropriate knowledge and skill development should they eventually do so."The Western Plains committee had identified tri-tag as a potential option at their 2 December meeting where it was voted on as the new game for 2024.In a competition where clubs generally only field one grade each week - exceptions last season being Coonamble and Walgett - the committee recognised that the jump to contact rugby could have had negative impacts on the clubs and the competition.Coonamble Rams coach Josh Wrench says that the clubs weren't in a position to convert the competition to tackle just yet."The competition will eventually be tackle, but the benefits that player participation has had for the clubs has been too good to jump to tackle straight away," said Mr Wrench."The majority of our players were supportive of the move to tri-tag."The game is expected to be played by ten players on each team and on a full field, with players wearing three oz tag style tags on their waist - hence the 'tri'.Two will be positioned on the sides of the player, and one on the back.An attacking player can only be stopped if a defender rips the side tags.When the player is stopped by a defender a teammate must 'clean out the ruck' by ripping the back tag off the player, only then can the game continue.The game features an unlimited substitution system, and players get seven 'phases' or tags before they have to hand the ball over.More details about team numbers and other rules are expected to come as we get closer to the 2024 season.

By Col Hodges Sidelined for almost 6 weeks following a painful injury, talented apprentice jockey Will Stanley is now back riding winners, starting with Obsessive Nature on Friday at Warren.Stanley suffered a broken nose in a mounting yard incident when struck in the face by the horse he was to ride in the race.In the 1000 metres Nutrien Ag Solutions Benchmark 50 Handicap at Warren, the 20 year old Stanley rode Obsessive Nature for Parkes trainer Sharon Jeffries.Nicely positioned behind the leader, Obsessive Nature ($6) overhauled the eventual third placegetter So Extra (Zoe Hunt, $7.50) and then held off Nannu (Shayleigh Ingelse, $3.60) for a two lengths win.(Will Stanley has since won on South Bullaway at Coonamble and Champions League at Bathurst).Another jockey returning from injury is Daniel Northey who had 14 months off after a hip replacement.Photo: Warren Jockey Club FacebookNorthey produced very good rides on the outsiders Charge Extra and La Mia Via to land a winning double for Gunnedah trainer Gavin Groth.Charge Extra ($16) tracked the leaders and won the 1200 metres Collie Hotel Maiden Plate by over two lengths while La Via Mia ($21) gained a good position from an outside barrier and finished best in the 1200 metres Business DNA Class 1 Handicap.Trained at Dubbo by Clint Lundholm and ridden by Michael Heagney, Stockholm ($6) led all the way to win the 1600 metres AFF Class 1 & Maiden Plate from stablemate Karaoke King (Ronald Simpson, $4.60) and World Atlas (Shayleigh Ingelse, $3.10 to $2.30 favourite).Photo: Warren Jockey Club FacebookPunters who supported the short price favourite He’s All Style (Clayton Gallagher, $1.50 favourite) were left to tear up their tickets when Ready For Lift Off (Ken Dunbar,$21) sprinted along the inside rail to win by almost three lengths from the favourite with Meet In Brazil ( James Rogers, $4.80) finishing third in the 1000 metres Western Farm Machinery Maiden Handicap.Ready For Lift Off (by Odyssey Moon) is trained at Narromine by Kylie Kennedy for Robert Gainsford.Better known as a galloper suited over longer trips, the Garry Lunn, Dubbo trained Weave That Web (Ronald Simpson, $20) at the first run back from a spell, surprised when rushing home from well back to win the 1400 metres Macquarie Toyota Benchmark 50 Handicap from Island Rock (Kath Bell-Pitomac, $11) and Distinctive Glory (Jayden Barrie, $13).

By Col Hodges Punters were treated to early Christmas presents when favourites won the first 6 races on Sunday at Coonamble.The only favourite to miss out was Overextend (2.50) in the final event however there were admirers for the winner Driving Force ($10) in the 1200 metres Geronimo Farm Equipment-New Holland Benchmark 66 Handicap.A last start winner at Gundagai, the Darren Hyde, Dubbo trained Driving Force looked in trouble when near last and trapped behind a wall of horses when turning for home at Coonamble.When the apprentice jockey Mitch Stapleford found clear running, Driving Force charged home to win by a short neck from Titration (Nick Heywood, $4) with a half length to third placed Beauchamp (Shayleigh Ingelse, $13).First to unwrap their presents at Coonamble were the the owners of the Clint Lundholm, Dubbo trained South Bullaway (Will Stanley, $1.95 favourite), all the way winner of the 1100 metres Swanny’s Foods/Wardi Insurance Broking Maiden Handicap.Wyong trainer Damien Lane, like Clint Lundholm, is formerly from Coonamble and he landed a winning double with Go Isla Go (Clayton Gallagher, $1.45 to $1.24 favourite) in the 1200 metres Grays Auto Electrical Coonamble Auto Spares Super Maiden Plate and Zedari (Clayton Gallagher, $2.70 fav.) in the 1300 metres Elders Class 2 Handicap.Scone trainer Rod Northam produced the 4 year old debut maker Casino Stage for a most impressive win in the 1400 metres Jake Kaye Contracting Country Boosted Maiden Plate.Finishing quickly, Casino Stage (Chelsea Hillier, $2.50 fav.) scored by a half length from The Nomad (Serg Lisnyy, $2.60) and Rebel Flyer, Nick Heywood, $5).Rod Northam and apprentice Chelsea Hillier completed a winning double when Love Rules $1.70 fav.) took the lead approaching the home turn and cleared out to win the 2000 metres Moe Jacobs Plumbing Class 1 & Maiden Plate by over three lengths from World Reign (Michael Heagney, $5.50) and Springstreet Blues (Zoe Hunt,$20).PHOTO: Gemma Fitzgerald, Simon Harris, Abby Ryan, Ash Saunders, Claudia Ritchie and Billie Brownlow stayed cool in the shade.Chelsea Hillier and Rod Northam also combined with 3 year filly Sebilla ($6.50) which at debut appealed as a horse to follow when finishing powerfully from a long way back when second to Go Isla Go in the following race.Continuing the run of winning favourites at Coonamble, the Cameron Crockett, Scone trained Leica Storm (Nick Heywood, $2.90 fav.) parked behind the leaders before scoring a close win over Order Of Merit (Will Stanley, $4.80) and Ringside (Shayleigh Ingelse, $15) in the 1400 metres Halcroft & Bennett Country Boosted Benchmark 58 Handicap.Coonamble Jockey Club will host the Western Racing Association qualifier on Sunday March 17th for the Newhaven Park Country Championship.PHOTO: Michael Fletcher, Ken Waterford with sponsor Phil Gray.Racing at Dubbo on Saturday followed by Wellington (Boxing Day), Orange (Thursday 28th) and Gilgandra (Saturday 30th).Gilgandra Cup is on Sunday 7th January 2024 with a Calcutta the previous night.

Thank god for leaf blowers!Despite a rainy lead up to the match on Saturday 25 November nothing was going to stop a day’s play in Tooraweenah, with players sighted craftily drying off a damp wicket with leaf blowers in the lead up to the game.With the pitch all sorted and ready for play the toss commenced, with Gidgee winning and electing to bowl.They made light work of Tooraweenah’s top order, sending the openers Lachlan and Mark Ferguson packing for six runs apiece.Luke Harrison and Curtis O’Connor didn’t fare much better, putting on two runs and six runs respectively.Paul Lambell stuck around but didn’t put many runs on the board, departing for nine.After that Jon Kilby came out providing a welcome boost to the Tooraweenah run total, putting on 42 runs before getting too greedy and swinging at a line and length ball from Justin Fernando which crashed into the stumps.David Neeves (2), Bevan Peart (9), Darcy Neeves (9), Clint Walker (6*), and James Best (0) did their part but couldn’t make the tail wag, and after 35.4 overs Tooraweenah were all out for 112.Justin Fernando was the pick of the Gidgee bowlers notching up four wickets for 24 runs off 6.4 overs.Tyne Chapman, Jake Fernando, and Blake Chapman all grabbed two wickets each.Fifteen extra runs (5 wides, 2 no balls, 1 leg bye, 7 byes) were added to the Tooraweenah total as well.After a quick break Gidgee sent out their opening pair Mark Stewart and Rob Heinrich to get the innings underway.Both started well and wore a few overs of pressure before Rob Heinrich was caught behind off Paul Lambell for nought.Mark Stewart put on another solid performance after last week’s 87 run effort, putting on a quickfire 36 before being caught behind.Jacob Savage and Blake Chapman put on the bulk of the runs and put together a strong partnership, helped along by the Gidgee crowd cheering on their successes as well as the errors of the fielding side.Jacob Savage got caught out after a patient and well-earned 22, sending in Jake Fernando.Jake and Blake looked sure to finish off the game and put another win in the column. However, with Blake caught out on 29, Liam Mulhall was sent in.The run total was met balls later with Jake Fernando (17*) and Liam (2*) walking back to the stands as winners.Gidgee ended up four wickets down for 115 runs after 29.1 overs.