Thousands of lawn bowlers take to the greens all over NSW every day and being selected from the bush is no easy task but State Selectors have picked Condoblin’s rising star Danielle Thompson to compete against Australia’s best in Cabramatta in June.It came off a runner up performance with a proud mum in the state Champions of Champions Pairs at Cabramatta and Merrylands.“I was proud to play with mum it was a great feeling, and I helped her on the way, so to be second in the state was exciting."Mum Cathy said it was an honour to be play with her daughter, while Dad Laurie congratulated both, saying ‘’They were fabulous full credit to them.’’‘’Dad likes to take credit for mentoring me and suppose I did learn a few things.’’ Danielle said.She plays at Condoblin Sports Club and gets plenty of support ‘’ I have only been playing the sport for 4 years and learned lots playing social bowls and it went from there.’’‘’The club is fantastic and will be cheering for me.’’Danielle during a recent bowling trip. [IMAGE SUPPLIED]Danielle is also talented at Netball playing at the state level and was picked for NSW Bowls in 2024 ‘’I went a bit MIA last year but going to go harder this time and will give it a real crack.’’To see Danielle in action when the NSW teams play on June 21 and 22 at Cabramatta, matches will be live steamed here.

Queensland raider Al Ash Lad ridden a daring race by Dubbo jockey Georgina McDonnell, won the Westpac Cobar Cup before a very big crowd on Saturday 31 May at Cobar.Trained at Cunnamulla by Monique Gavin, Al Ash Lad was taken straight to the lead in the 1700 metres Cup by Georgina McDonnell and had established a five lengths break well before the home turn.   Appearing vulnerable in the straight, Al Ash Lad ($6) was kept balanced by McDonnell and fought on grimly to win by over 2 lengths from Il Tevere (Billy Cray, $5) and Pahang (Wendy Peel, $2.60 favourite).Scone trainer Nikki Pollock has been bringing strong teams to western area meetings this season and she landed a winning treble at Cobar with Cooma Hut, Joanesski and Hit Song.Cooma Hut (Billy Cray, $1.80 favourite) had good TAB form and after tracking the leaders was a five lengths winner of the 1000 metres Broughton Field Services & Cynend Building Maiden Plate from the Wayne Prisk, Cobar trained Uncle Alf (Nyssa Burrells, $12) and Tiny Missile (Zoe Hunt, $7).The in form Dubbo apprentice Zoe Hunt followed a double at Brewarrina and another winner at Bathurst with 2 winners, Joanesski and Hit Song for Nikki Pollock at Cobar.Leading all the way Joanesski ($2.30 favourite) lasted to beat Mihrimah (Andrew Banks, $10) by a short half head with Lost Media (Ken Dunbar, $17) third in the DJW Contracting & Sullivans Mining & Industrial Benchmark 58 Handicap.In the 1200 metres Cobar Cranes & Nutrien Russell Ag Solutions Benchmark 50 Handicap, Zoe Hunt and Nikki Pollock completed a good day when Hit Song ($3.20 favourite.) finished best to beat the leader Loud (Ken Dunbar, $4.40) and Rylstone Rocket (Nyssa Burrells, $15).Another Dubbo jockey riding with plenty of recent success is Wendy Peel who brought the Connie Greig trained Blackhill Kitty ($4.40) with a well timed run from midfield to account for Maralago (Zoe Hunt, $6) and Benyatta (Nyssa Burrells, $4.60) in the 1370 metres BK Civil Group & Pryce Mining Services Benchmaark 45 Handicap.The winner of 3 races when taken to King Island over summer by Forbes trainer Bill Hayes, Gypsy King won the 1200 metres Tyre Doctor and Civil Industries Class 1 Handicap at Cobar.Promising apprentice Caine Stuart who has transferred to the Brett Robb stable at Dubbo, was in the saddle on Gypsy King ($10) which burst through the pack from last to score by over a length from One Command (Billy Cray, $4.40) and Party Prophet (Ken Dunbar, $4 favourite).The 9 bookmakers operating at Cobar reported well above average turnover figures at Cobar which is now highly rated amongst country clubs with outstanding facilities and meticulous racecourse presentation.

The remarkable career of Warren’s rugby league rookie took a sudden turn in an amazing second half comeback by the lowly placed Newcastle Knights on Thursday night 5 June.Trailing by a 16 point deficit things looked grim against a dominant Manly Sea Eagles . His side produced a stunning second half turn around sparked by some Fletcher Hunt magic, winning 26 to 22 in golden point extra time.On 54 minutes Jack Cogger launched a bomb from 40 metres out and Fletcher Hunt flew through the air to take the catch then raced away for the Knights' second try. Hunt left Clayton Faulalo clutching at thin air and brought the home fans to their feet as the home team continued its revival. Dane Gagai converts. The Warren winger grabbed the ball from mid-air to scorch over and the atmosphere was palpable in the stands at James McDonald Stadium.It rattled Manly and eventually the match went into golden point sudden death at 22 all. Then on 83 minutes the Knights went left on the last tackle and Kalyn Ponga launched a bomb.Fletcher Hunt jumps Afl style to set up Newcastle's second try. [IMAGE: NRL]Fletcher Hunt flew above the pack and tapped the ball back to Ponga who raced away for the match-winner. The Knights have completed a stunning comeback from 16-0 down to win 26-22 - their biggest comeback since 2007.It arrested a slide down the ladder for Newcastle who now are in striking distance of the eight.Fletcher Hunt told Channel 9 ‘’It was unreal."The bush rookie told TV viewers how he loved playing with his team mates and wanted to stay at Newcastle."I would love to stay with the Knights into the future, learn more and I am enjoying the game."In just his 4th NRL game the Warren Bulldog endeared himself to fans recalling his days in his hometown “It was all about fishing and footy, hope everybody in Warren was watching and had a beer cheering for me.’’

Jockeys and horses have avoided disaster in a sensational opening to Warren’s big 9 race program today, Monday 2 June with a Kangaroo jumping in front of the closely packed field at the 400m mark.The danger was apparent to winning jockey Jake Pracey Holmes in the 2400m Stayers Handicap.‘’I saw the roo out of the corner of my eyes and yelled to the others ‘here we go, here we go’," he said."I just had to handle it and push the old bloke to the line.’’Pracey Holmes won the first two races at Warren.Will To Excel, a 9 year old gelding trained by Hawkesbury trainer James Ponsonby, scored his 8th win at $26 narrowly over Joshua for Dubbo trainer Connie Greig.  "I did the see skippy bounding through the field and I was concerned," said Ponsonby, who formerly trained in the west."I just said to myself hang on, hang on.’’A snip from the race video shows the kangaroo facing down oncoming horses. SOURCE: RacingNSWIts not uncommon to see kangaroos on race tracks in the Western Plains and central west.A trotting meeting was held up at Bathurst when a roo jumped the fence.Stewards at Warren today quickly did an inspection of the track after the near calamity, ensuring no harm could come to horses and riders in later races.A second kangaroo appeared before Race 4 delaying the race start but was diverted from joining the race.Watch the whole race on Racing NSW website here.

Just before the undefeated Narromine first grade unit came out to play on Saturday 31 May, the CSU Mitchell second grade side were monstered by the Gorillas 107-15 and you could have not blamed them for thinking about another big loss.First grade began and on the back of rolling early penalties Narromine were gathering momentum and soon centre Angus McKenzie surged through a gap on the left edge opening the Bathurst based side with ease.It set the scene for the remainder of the game.Gorillas defended strongly and on 14 minutes they had a second 5 pointer, McKenzie again dominant in the midfield moving to the right edge 17- nil.Justin Bennett was on the board next accepting a bullet-like pass and storming for the line.Evan Truscott extended the lead and fly half John Corderoy made it 42 nil and it appeared to look ugly for the College based opposition at half time.Dan Lethbridge held up a perfectly timed pass for another try and Captain Dan Battersly was over next into the second forty and Narromine were having a day of it. Alexander Heap was strong kicking conversions.The second grade side scored 108 points.But just when the floodgates opened the enthusiastic Mitchell side got a second wind and spreading the ball wide they hustled over the line for an intercept try.Full-back Evan Truscott snuffed any comeback in the end racing over and despite mid game stammers Narromine had continued its unbeaten run."We were sound and solid but there is improving to do,’’ said Skipper Battersly."We didn’t play our best footy in the second half but we will improve."The side is in good form and they were trying hard to ruffle us."The second grade’s imposing win set up a 165 point scoring romp thatt has Narromine second on the ladder. 

Two players from the Sydney Swans will touch down in Lake Cargelligo today, 1 June as part of a visit by the Australian Defence Force (ADF). AFLW young gun Zipporah 'Zippy' Fish and AFL Rising Star nominee Errol Gulden will land in a C-130 Hercules at the local aerodrome on Sunday and pass the ball with budding footy legends. Eighteen-year-old Ms Fish said she was "excited" to see the area for the first time. "I've been probably just as far as Blacktown," the West Australian said when asked how far west she's been in NSW. "We'll just be kicking around with the community. "We'll bring some merch up and then just hang out and sign some things."Mr Gulden inked a four-year extension to his contract with the Swans in 2024. IMAGE: Sydney Swans Eighteen-year-old Ms Fish was drafted to the Swans top team in 2024.Her counterpart Mr Gulden debuted with the club in the opening round of the 2021 season, the same year he was nominated for Rising Star. He also won the AFL Players Association award for the best first-year player. The 22-year-old midfielder picked up the AFL minor premiership with Sydney in 2024. Event goers will also have the chance to tour the Hercules, wear a bomb suit, pilot a bomb disposal robot and chat to Australian Defence Force (ADF) members. "We're just out to be doing community engagement events, so get our people out to share the different job roles that we do have," said Sergeant Ron Schultz, an Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Indigenous Liaison Officer. Organisers say they aim for the C-130J to make a low-level pass over the airfield at around 10am before opening for public display until 12:30pm. 

Cobar trainer Allan Prisk goes into his hometown Cup full of confidence this coming Saturday.The knock-about local says it is great to be on local sands giving him the advantage."It’s just a walk down the hill to the track for a change, last week had to travel to Wagga six hours so I could trial one so being home is going to be good," he said.Prisk has three horses in the Cobar Cup, the feature race over 1200m."Chapel Lane did not get a clear run at Quambone but if we get a good draw he can go well."Sellente trialled at Wagga. He can be fractious but on best Victorian form is a big chance."The Cobar legend chases a hat trick of Cobar Cup wins and ‘"would love to do it again."Allan’s 7-year-old gelding Mr Pointer loves the Cobar track, already winning twice."He was good at Bourke over 800m and a step up in distance on his home track is right in the Benchmark 58 over 1000m.’’The Cobar track is in top order for this weekend's meeting. IMAGE SUPPLIED.Prisk has 11 horses in his stable and all but one will go round on Saturday."A Tender Lady is a nice mare in the Class 1 over 1200m and she was good at Quambone last time winning," he said,Cobar race day secretary Jarrod Marden says it will be a big day Saturday."It’s a popular meeting and nominations are fantastic,’’ he said."The Fashions on the Field has $5,000 in prizes and the marquee is booked out, jumping castle for the kids and face painting too."

Injuries have hit the Nyngan Tigers hard so far this season but their campaign is far from over with close-run efforts against top sides.Local expert Trevor Woodhouse says this Sunday the Tigs at home can bounce back."We’re far from done and dusted," said Woodhouse."A strong performance against Dubbo Macquarie Raiders proved we are very competitive, losing 38-28 in a high scoring match."Loma Atua scored 4 times for Nyngan. "Big effort from Loma he is a tough second rower and is in form."Loma sits third on the competition try-scoring list."Rory Quarmby is having a great year at prop, and captain James Tuithu is also firing.’’Nyngan has the home advantage Sunday but faces a 'pumped-up‘ Orange Hawks team that dominated Lithgow Workies 42-6.Hawks cut Workies up the middle with big runs and Nyngan on their home deck will need to be at their best to lift their position from tenth on the ladder.In other matches Nyngan lost League Tag 28-6, Chloe McCarthy crossing for the Tigerettes. Under 18’s were out classed 60-6 and Reserve Grade 26-8 to Dubbo Macquarie, Simon Bartley and Jamal Smith scoring points for the Tigers.In the first grade competition defending premiers Mudgee beat a gallant Orange CYMS 34-24, Forbes beat Dubbo CYMS 19-18 , Wellington romped home against Parkes and in-form Bathurst St Pats downed Bathurst Panthers 30-16.

At the end of their Christie and Hood Castlereagh League match played at Coonamble between the hometown Bears and the visiting Narromine Jets the two teams were inseparable, well at least on the scoreboard that was the case.The Jets had largely enjoyed having the lead throughout most of the game, the score being 24 to 10 in their favour at half time and 32 to 16 at one stage during the second stanza.However, the never say die attitude of the Grizzlies again came to the fore and they scored the final 16 points in the game to see the two teams shaking hands with the scoreboard reading 32 all.Gulgong v CobarAfter last week’s unbelievable finish at Gulgong, when the Bull Terriers came from behind to register an incredible win over the Dunedoo Swans, the home side supporters once again had to endure a very tight finish to the game, this time being against the Cobar Roosters.Two tries to the Terrier’s front rower Blake Gorrie in the opening 16 minutes of the game followed soon after with another to their centre Toby O’Leary saw the home side looking good at 14 points to nil.But two Rooster tries, one scored by their lock Tadgh McMullen just before the half time break, and another by his lock and brother Oisin just after the resumption of play had the Roosters well and truly back in the game, trailing by just two points, 14 to 12.The Terriers responded and were able to stretch the scoreboard out to what looked to be a comfortable 26 to 12 advantage with the clock ticking down.However, two converted tries to the Roosters in the final five minutes gave the Terrier players and their supporters some cause for concern, and the sounding of the fulltime hooter bought them much relief after yet another tense finish at Billy Dunn Oval.Baradine v CoonabarabranThere were no less than 16 tries scored at Baradine in their local derby clash against the Coonabarabran Unicorns.Unfortunately for the Magpies they could only claim five of them in what was a free-flowing affair, the final score being 56 to 28 with the Unicorns centre Brad Fuller crossing the stripe four times as well as landing 4 goals for a personal tally of 24 points.Gulgong Terriers' Blake Gorrie scoring against Cobar last Saturday. IMAGE: Col Boyd Photography.Dunedoo v CoolahAt Dunedoo the Swans became another statistic for Coolah Kangaroos being well beaten 46 to 4 and they will have their work cut out for them this Saturday when they travel out to take on the Roosters at Cobar.The Swans were going quite nicely in the competition until mid-way through the second half of their game against Gulgong in round 4 and since then they have conceded some 80 points and scored just four.Next RoundThe Roosters are always hard at home and unless the Swans address their defensive deficiencies in a hurry it could well be a long trip home for the green and whites.The Boronia Cup is on the line at Coolah when the Kangaroos will be defending the silverware for the seventh time, on this occasion against the Baradine MagpiesThe Jessica Skinner Challenge Cup will also be played for this Saturday when the Narromine Jets host Gulgong with the first-grade game shaping as the match of the round.The Coonamble Bears will be hoping that their good recent form continues when they travel down to Warren to take on the Bulldogs, with the home side hoping to make a statement in front of their supporters after what has been a tough comeback to the Castlereagh League competition so far this year.Coonabarabran and Gilgandra will play in league tag at Coonabarabran on Friday night.Christie and Hood Castlereagh League – Round 5 scoresLeague TagWarren 44 (Mab Fuller 4, Katina Darcy 2, Jayarnah Hammond, Brodie Boyd, Taylah Reid tries, Maddie Marks 4 goals) defeated Gilgandra 4 (Skye Doherty try.)              Coolah 36 (Molly Burgess 2, Brooklyn Blackadder, Jasmine Thompson, Mackenzie Blackadder, Monika Mitreveska tries, Tori Mogg 6 goals) defeated Dunedoo 28 (Matilda Harper 2, Meg Christensen, Chelsea Gallagher, Geogia Price tries, Price 4 goals.)               Baradine 40 (Savannah Carey 2, Zali Fulton 2, Jorja Carey, Suzannah Carey, Jalika Leslie, Paula Evans tries, Adda Craig 2 goals) defeated Coonabarabran 0.Narromine 62 (Emily Fardell 3, Shian Chatfield 2, Briana Davis 2, Hannah Towns 2, Kiana Cross, Abbie Mitchell, Lily Spackman, Reaghan Chatfield tries, Shian Chatfield 7 goals) defeated Coonamble 10 (Jenni-Leigh Gatt, Shakaye Walker tries, Walker goal).Gulgong 18 (Kirsty Simpson, Gabby Wiltshire, Lolly Tumpey tries, Claire Bodiam 2, Tumpey goals) defeated Cobar 14 (Bridgette Negfeldt, Teresita Turner, Neve Carter tries, Brianna Watson goal).Competition ladderCoolah 15, Baradine 13, Narromine 13, Dunedoo 11, Cobar 11, Warren 9, Gulgong 9, Coonabarabran 7, Coonamble 7, Gilgandra 5.First GradeCoolah 46 (Dylon Edwards 2, Jack Piper, Dan Lane, Casey Burgess, Chanse Burgess, Austin Burgess, Hugh Wesley tries, Lane 7 goals) defeated Dunedoo 4 (Jack Guan try).               Coonabarabran 56 (Brad Fuller 4, Jordan Baker 2, Eddie Kuras, Sonny Bill Walker, Cody Howe, Orlando Kershaw, Tyrone Walker tries, Fuller 4, Walker 2 goals) defeated Baradine 28 (Lane Hawkins 2, Allan Riley, Liam Fernando, Cameron Worrell tries, Fernando 4 goals).               Coonamble 32 (Dwayne McEwen 2, Mitch Nalder 2, Nathan Thurston, Earl Anderson tries, Brenton Glover 4 goals) drew with Narromine 32 (Corey Cox 3, Todd Edmunds, Daine Cox, Logan Conn tries, Corey Cox 4 goals).               Gulgong 26 (Blake Gorrie 2, Brad James, Toby O’Leary, Thomas Reddish tries, James 3 goals) defeated Cobar 24 (Oisin McMullen, Tadgh McMullen, Koby Knight, James McMullen tries, Thomas Plater 4 goals).               Warren bye.Competition Ladder Coolah 15, Coonabarabran 13, Gulgong 13, Cobar 11, Coonamble 10, Narromine 10, Dunedoo 9, Baradine 7, Warren 7.Round 6 Friday 30 May @ 8.00pm - Coonabarabran V Gilgandra (League Tag).Saturday 31 MayCobar V Dunedoo.Coolah V Baradine (Boronia Cup Challenge).Warren V Coonamble.Narromine V Gulgong (Jessica Skinner Cup Challenge).Check club socials and local media to confirm game times.

Fletcher Hunt has proved he can play against rugby league’s best, his Newcastle Knights dominating Penrith 25-6.The Warren rookie winger combining nicely with his teams as the visitors bounced back to form against the defending premiers.Bathurst hosted the match with a record crowd attending of more than 12,000.The Knights produced block-busting runs from the get go.When Hunt look-alike Fletcher Sharpe, playing out of position at Fullback, busted Penrith wide open on 4 minutes it set off an avalanche of tries.For Sharpe a man of the match performance.‘’I enjoyed it back there and the side clicked. I was able to use my speed to get through.’’Hunt chased hard jumping for high kicks but was mostly starved for possession. But second rower Dylan Lucas had plenty of the football in the midfield and after 9 minutes he scored a blistering solo try, the first of a hat trick."I was able to find gaps in their defence on the back of our strong attack," he said."We played through them and completed our offence."Lucas almost made it 4 for the first grade but dropped it over the line.24 - nil to Newcastle at half time.Penrith desperate to work back into the game did score in the second 40 but Newcastle and Fletcher Hunt held on grimly. A late field goal sealing the result.25 - 6 had Newcastle climbing back to 14th on the NRL Ladder.

Newcastle Knights coach Adam O’Brien, under pressure himself, hopes his side can arrest the slide down the bottom of the ladder when they face Penrith at Carrington Park on Saturday night 24 May before a sell-out crowd in Bathurst."They are a structured side so we have to stay connected and present one line against them in defence because at anytime they can’t turn it on," he said.O’Brien says despite missing key players through injury and State of Origin commitments the Knights can bounce back."It's difficult when we have so many players missing at the same time but Penrith also has personnel missing so hopefully things will level out."Penrith Panthers bill this match as a home game so will have major support in the stand but with Warren’s country rookie Fletcher Hunt retaining his spot on the wing communities from his hometown and Nyngan his old side will boost Novacastrian fan base.Coach O’Brien says Hunt ‘will be better for the run’."I was very proud of him last week, he had some good moments," he said."Playing kids before they should be has been tough but Fletcher is a strong trier."Fletcher, all of 20, has again received a mountain of support in Warren and Nyngan where the local newspaper devoting almost two pages to its newest star and social media going crazy.

Nyngan Tigers were hoping to channel some inspiration from former team mate Fletcher Hunt who made his NRL debut on Friday when they met the powerhouse Dubbo CYMS on Sunday 18 May.But the Tigers were kept scoreless in earlier grades and were up against it.On their home ground The Tigers aiming to ruffle CYMS scored first.Lock Cale Dunn bustled over first on 6 minutes but dynamic Dubbo CYMS centre Jye Chapman soon levelled, dazzling for the equaliser and on 25 minutes scored again.A narrow lead earmarked by gallant Tigers defence had the first grade close during the first half but in the second forty minutes CYMS raced over twice.Nyngan winger Matty McDougall did reach over the line on 62 minutes but CYMS were tough winning 20-8.In the Peter McDonald Cup, last years premiers Mudgee won 10-4 over Lithgow Workies, Wellington beat Forbes 46-24, Orange CYMS beat Bathurst Panthers 24-16, Dubbo Macquarie downed Parkes 34-28, Bathurst St Pats 26 beat Orange Hawks 14.In other Tigers matches v CYMS, Dubbo won League Tag 34-0, Under 18s 0-56, while Reserve Grade when 34-0 to the visitors.Meanwhile former Western NSW rugby league star Isaah Yeo has been made captain of the NSW State of Origin team named the morning, Monday 19 May.NSW play QLD in the first match of the series on May 28 at Suncorp.The surprise selection is Matt King who is the grandson of former Wellington born Johnny King a former star in the Western Plains and NRL Hall of Fame inductee. 

Fletcher Hunt, backed by the whole of his hometown, has played a steady debut game but his Newcastle Knights were trounced 28-6 at James McDonald Stadium Friday night by Parramatta.‘’Fletcher welcome to the NRL," commentator Andrew Voss said as Warren’s popular star leaped for the football taking a big catch from a powerful kick in the air from Parramatta half-back Mitchell Moses early in the match.‘’Wow - the Warren rookie has arrived in the NRL,’’ the commentators said.A sideline run and some tackles earmarked his debut but Parramatta had the early running, scoring twice in 14 minutes, Moses jumping high to score and Lomax extending the margin.The Eels dominating, Newcastle unable to get field position and couldn’t break through trailing 10 nil at half time.The Warren 20 year old was peppered by high kicks as the visitors were outclassing the opposition.Fletcher Hunt. IMAGE: Newcastle KnightsThe second half began with Parramatta holding their control.Warren’s rookie tried hard but when Eels winger Zac Lomax scored after the break with intent the visitors were on a roll.Brown delivered not long after making it 5 straight tries but Newcastle did make home fans happy when on the opposite side of the field winger James Schiller raced over.In the end it was 28-6.Fletcher Hunt heads to Bathurst next week when four time champions Penrith will face the Knights and with the country rookie fans from the west might make for a record crowd.Newcastle Coach Adam O’Brien said the Knights were lack lustre and a bit disappointing but praised Fletcher Hunt’s debut."Very proud of him, he was thrown in the deep end but played well and he did good things out there and tried everything he could, he is a good country kid.’’  

Newcastle Knights coach Adam O’Brien will keep Warren’s exciting debutant winger Fletcher Hunt away from the media spotlight as he prepares for the match of his life.The winger plays his first ever NRL match Friday night against Parramatta at McDonald James Stadium before more than 20,000 packed local fans."It will be a big occasion for him I bet the whole of Warren and Nyngan will be watching, he has a lot of family out there and deserves his spot in the team," says Adam O'Brien."I knew he had big potential when I went to Cessnock and saw him making breaks and he has good speed and I returned to watch him again and Fletcher looked strong again."The Warren Central School has sent Fletcher a video message through Facebook with his teachers and school mates sending out a congratulations - "We are so proud of you."The community has flooded social media congratulating the rookie winger who will partner superstar centre Dane Gagai who is set for his 300th NRL game against Parramatta at McDonald Jones Stadium.Hunt was thrust into the side to replace Greg Marzhew who was ruled out with a knee injury. Leo Thompson will also miss Friday's clash after a head knock, with Tyson Frizell shifting to the front row as a result. The reshuffle has seen Adam Elliott added to the starting side and Thomas Cant come on to the bench. Jack Hetherington has been listed as 18th man in his bid to return from a shoulder injury. Warren's local supermarket is backing their local star. IMAGE: facebookKnights coach Adam O’Brien says his young winger will be a key player but he does oppose Josh Addo Carr, the Eels tear away winger.Gagai has advice for the 20 year old country rookie."Don’t be intimidated by the pressure, go out and play your natural game and things will flow from there," he said."I know when I played my first game I made mistakes so don’t be keen to impress on your debut your game will come." The match begins at 6pm so Warren will be glued to Fox Sports tonight (Friday 16 June). 

Brewarrina Picnic Race Club secretary Belinda Colless says the track is in top order for their big Cup meeting this Saturday 17 May."We are the first picnic club to use the new PVC type running rail in NSW and the track looks good for Cup Day," Ms Colless said."We have had working bees to ensure the grounds look fantastic and we have had only 2millimetres of rain this week so the track is strong."The meeting is well supported with trainers from Cunnumulla, Moree, Tamworth, Scone, Nyngan, Dubbo and Cobar."Racegoers will be chomping at the bit after their big day was cancelled at the last minute in 2024.Fashion on the Field has big surprises for the large crowd with fantastic gift packs.“The Bre-Band will fire up after the last so the race fans can have fun after the last.," she said. “We can’t wait."Fashions on the Field? Always fun to be had at Brewarrina Cup Races. IMAGE: VisitNSW The Mining Pty Ltd Brewarrina Cup is the feature race over 1200metres.Scone’s Nikki Pollock will have two runners including 4-year-old gelding Hit Song who has performed credibly on the Picnic circuit, placed at Grenfell and Nyngan last two outings in similar standard fields.Pollock brings a team to Brewarrina with ‘a stand alone’ TAB meeting at her home track Scone but is confident of success. Volunteers getting the new PVC railings in and straight ready for tomorrow's big day. IMAGE: Brewarrina Cup Races facebookNyngan’s Rodney Robb brings Nannu a five year old gelding who was close to a win at Bourke two starts ago.Coonamble’s Star Stroke, trained by Stuart Canham, had no luck at Quambone but did win at Nyngan.  Gates open at midday, the six race program begins at 1.20pm.

By BRYSON LUFFThe Coolah Kangaroos journeyed to Coonamble in round 3 of the Christie and Hood Castlereagh League competition and whilst they came away with the competition points, they were very close to becoming another Bear trap statistic.The “Roos, the reigning premiers, had been rolling along nicely so far in the 2025 season, having claimed the Castlereagh Knockout Shield and scoring big wins in their opening two games, both played at Coolah, against Narromine and Cobar. Gut any thoughts of complacency should have been knocked out of them by an enthusiastic Bears outfit last Saturday at Coonamble.The game was well and truly in the balance throughout, being 4 all at half time with the lead changing on four occasions in the second stanza as well as being level at 10 all at one stage in the close and exciting affair.The Bears may have thought that they were going to cause a major upset when they led 16 to 14, but it was to be Coolah’s captain and co-coach, Chanse Burgess, who had the final say when he, much to the dismay of the Red and Black faithful, he went over for his third try for the afternoon to get his side up 18 to 16.Coolah vs CoonabarabranAnother close game was played out at Cobar when the Roosters entertained the Coonabarabran Unicorns.The day opened up on a sombre note with a minute’s silence being observed prior to the league tag game in honour of the two Coonabarabran boys, Max and Sam Johnson who tragically had they lives ended during the preceding week.The first grade saw the home side get out of the blocks quickly, at one stage leading 12 points to nil and again enjoying a 12-point buffer at 16 to 4 before going to the sheds at half time having allowed the visitors to fight their way well and truly back into the contest with the scoreboard then reading 16 to 14.As they did in the first half the Roosters dominated the early action on the scoreboard after the resumption of play, and they extended their lead to 26 to 14 before the Unicorns hit back to make it 26 to 20.A penalty goal to Cobar gave them a bit of breathing space at 28 to 20, and that breathing space proved to be the difference at the end with Coonabarabran scoring a converted try before the final hooter signalled a 28 to 26 win to the Chookies.DuneDoo vs BaradineThe Dunedoo Swans continued their good early season form with a 50 to 22 win over the visiting Baradine Magpies at Dunedoo in what was their first home game for the year.After leading 26 to 4 at half time the Swans had to survive a Baradine comeback after the break with the Maggies scoring rapid fire back-to-back converted tries to make a game of it with the margin between the two sides being just 10, the score being 26 to 16.However, the Swans were able to regroup, and they finished strongly to record their second win of the year.Swans captain coach, Sam Coe, who played a strong individual game, indicated that to win at home to him was important, for not only his team but for the Dunedoo community that had thrown so much support behind the resurgent Swans after the club did not field a first-grade side last year.Dunedoo centre Isaac Alchin is tackled by Baradine hooker Lane Hawkins. IMAGE: Peter Sherwood Photography & FramingNarromine vs WarrenThe remaining first grade game was played at Narromine on Friday night with the Jets hosting the Warren Bulldogs, coming away with a strong 53 to 6 win against the visitors.The Jets will feature in the match of the round this Saturday when they travel to Coonabarabran to take on the Unicorns.Both sides currently sit on seven competition points having had two wins and one loss, and whilst it is early days in the competition, a loss to either side could well have major consequences down the track and a hard-fought battle is expected.Coming soonAnother interesting game is scheduled to be played at Gulgong’s Billy Dunn Oval with the Bull Terriers hosting the Dunedoo Swans in a southern local derby.Prior to having the bye last weekend Gulgong registered a big win over the Baradine Magpies.Similarly, the Swans also had a sizeable win over the Magpies last Saturday so if the scores from those two games (against Baradine) can be used as any sort of barometer then a close game should be in the offering.Whilst that local derby is taking place down south there will also be one happening up north with Baradine at home to Coonamble.After two somewhat torrid road trips the Magpies will be looking forward to a home game against the Bears. Obviously, the Grizzlies will be well encouraged by their gutsy performance against the Coolah ‘Roos last Saturday, but whether or not they can transport the spirit that they showed in that game over to Baradine remains to be seen, because the Magpies are also renowned as a side that always lifts in front of its parochial home crowd.The remaining first grade game will be played at Warren, with the Bulldogs facing the daunting task of downing the Coolah Kangaroos.It is doubtful that Coolah will be showing any form of nonchalance towards this road trip following their scare at Coonamble last weekend and the Bulldogs will have their work cut out for them trying to contain the competition heavyweights.Christie and Hood Castlereagh League Round 3 scores.League TagNarromine 42 (Shian Chatfield 2, Haleigh McCarney 2, Lily Spackman, Lucy Dawson, Rebecca Trethowan tries, Shian Chatfield 4, Talith Chatfield goals) defeated Warren 18 (Ashanti Pennell, Brodie Boyd, Chloe Deguit tries, Maddie Marks 3 goals).Cobar 40 (Taylah Good 3, Bridgette Negfeldt, Aisha Schofield, Brianna Watson, Kayla Hasson-Williams tries, Watson 6 goals) defeated Coonabarabran 12 (Maeg Walton, Emily Mathews tries, Rachael Barron 2 goals)Coolah 60 (Molly Burgess 3, Brooklyn Blackadder 2, Mackenzie Blackadder 2, Monika Mistreveska 2, Breannah Burgess tries, Tori Mogg 9, Fiona Whitbourne-Martin goals) defeated Coonamble 0.Dunedoo 24 (Chelsea Gallagher 4 tries and 4 goals) defeated Baradine 4 (Suzannah Carey try).Gulgong 38 (Montana Liebeck 4, Matilda Minett, Cheyanne Leonard, Alexis Douglas, Lolly Tumpey tries, Claire Bodiam 2, Tumpey goals) defeated Gilgandra 6 (Trista Raines try, Kiara Brown goal).Competition ladderCoolah 9, Narromine 7, Dunedoo 7, Baradine 7, Cobar 7, Coonabarabran 5, Warren 5, Coonamble 5, Gulgong 5, Gilgandra 3.First GradeNarromine Jets 53 (Epeli Draundalo 3, Todd Edmunds 2, Jaack Isdale 2, Kaiden Hill, Corey Cox, Ryan Richardson tries, Cox 6 goals, Hill field goal) defeated Warren Bulldogs 6 (Donald Kennedy try, Thomas Potter goal).Cobar Roosters 28 (Kai Taylor 2, Nathan McAndrew, Kody Ford, Gerald Mackey tries, Thomas Plater 4 goals) defeated Coonabarabran Unicorns 26 (Sonny-Bill Walker, Luke Michael, Nick Willoughby, Koopa Thompson, Tyson Farrell tries, Brad Fuller 3 goals).Coolah Kangaroos 18 (Chanse Burgess 3, Hugh Wesley tries, Dan Lane goal) defeated Coonamble Bears 16 (Mark Jones 2, Brendan Draper tries, Brenton Glover 2 goals)Dunedoo Swans 50 (Rory Madden 3, Sam Coe 2, Tyler Bamblett, Ty Sutherland, Josh West, Mana Dermott tries, Sutherland 7 goals) defeated Baradine Magpies 22 (Allen Riley, Liam Fernando, Cameron Worrell, Tom Purdy tries, Fernando 3 goals).Gulgong Bull Terriers bye.Competition Ladder Coolah 9, Coonabarabran 7, Dunedoo 7, Narromine 7, Cobar 7, Gulgong 7, Coonamble 5, Baradine 5, Warren 3.Round 4 Saturday 17 MayCoonabarabran V NarromineBaradine V CoonambleWarren V CoolahGulgong V DunedooCobar V Gilgandra (League Tag)Check club socials and local media for game times.

Marthaguy Picnic Club committee had the track in good order and the field sizes were bigger than at many of the other Picnic Meetings held this season.A late burst carried the Connie Greig, Dubbo trained, Individualist to a last stride victory in the 1400 metres O’Brien Winter Partners-Marthaguy Picnic Cup on Saturday 10 May at Quambone.Foxstorm took the lead from Pacific Warrior and The Defiant One at the top of the straight and broke clear however Individualist (Paul Zerafa, $5.50) finished fast to beat Foxstorm (Zara Lewis, $7) by a head with Chapel Lane (Tamsin Gough, $9) in third place.Connie Greig had earlier won the 1200 metres GPS Rural & Macquarie Clothing Class 3 Trophy Handicap with Procyon Miss (Leandro Ribeiro, $2.50 favourite) which came from near last to beat strong finishing stablemate Chookster (Paul Zerafa, $4.40) by just over a half length while a close third was One Command (Arthur Pollock, $4).Trained at Cobar by Wayne Prisk, speedy mare A Tender Lady gave nothing else a chance in the 1100 metres LBR Fabrication & Jones’s Farming Class B Handicap.A Tender Lady (Tamsin Gough, $4 equal favourite) turned the corner in front and extended the margin all the way down the straight to win by over 4 lengths from Stanawi (Ashley Boyd, $6) and Laser Guided Girl (Leandro Ribeiro, $6).Terry Fulwood who trains the runner up Stanawi at Narromine had better fortune when Casino Silk won the 1400 metres Lunn Racing Class 1 Trophy Handicap.After racing outside the leader, Casino Silk (Ashley Boyd, $15) scored a good win by nearly 2 lengths from Il Tevere (Arthur Pollock, $4.20) and Advertimento (Eloise Drews, $10).Trainers from Scone were well represented with Justin Drake and Nikki Pollock each landing a winner.The Justin Drake trained Unbelievable Helsy (Eloise Drews, $2.80) led most of the way to win the 1100 metres Ray White-Richardson & Sinclair Maiden Plate while Joanneski ($3) was ridden by Arthur Pollock for his mother Nikki Pollock to win the 800 metres Quambone Community & Elwyn Andrews Memorial Class 3 Trophy Handicap after being with the lead from the outset.

Quambone-based Marthaguy Picnic Race Club are breaking into a gallop ahead of the village's annual meeting this Saturday 10 May.A stipendiary steward from Racing NSW visited the Quambone Racecourse at around 1pm today (Wednesday 7 May) and gave the track the all clear.Around 60 millimetres of rain fell on around Quambone on 26 April but the track has worked up well and with fine weather predicted for the remainder of the week it's all systems go for the races this weekend.."The grounds have greened up beautifully," Marthaguy Picnic Race Club Secretary Katrina Walker said."We're all pretty positive about the event, we're pleased with how it all looks and it will be great for our district."Organisers are hoping a warm autumn day will entice locals out and farmers off the tractors for the afternoon.The past races have drawn trainers from across the western plains, including Nyngan, Dubbo and Gilgandra, and this year involve a $45,000 prize pool.Winners of the 2024 Best Dressed Lady Under 30. IMAGE: R McCROSSENAnother $3000 is on the line across seven categories for the Fashion on the Field competition, with the Best Dressed Couple section making its debut.Ms Walker hopes to trump last year's attendance of around 450 spectators, with kick-ons after the races at The Quambone Sundowner Hotel.Gates open at 11am, with a midday trackside luncheon of butter chicken and rice or lasagna and salad before the first race at 1pm.Jess Walker made a wise investment at the 2024 Marthaguy Picnics. IMAGE: R McCROSSENA full canteen menu is available all day and the bookies will be on course."It's a great opportunity to see western hospitality at a genuine western picnic race meeting. There's not many of them left now," Ms Walker said."We haven't had that big, young crowd, but we're still very social and we just want to have fun."A jumping castle and sand pit will be on site and a full bar will be open until 6pm.Find out more here Marthaguy Picnic Races 2025

The Narromine Gorillas rugby union side is firing, claiming another win in Round 3 by downing Dubbo Rhinos at Apex Oval 51-14 on Saturday 3 May.Second rower Ollie Kearny says it was a good win in the New Holland North division of Central West Rugby.Reserve Grade won 19-12."There is a very good culture at the club and teams in both squads have a depth of quality, our players just want to be there," he said."We’re just clicking together as a collective."Ollie says at a time when some small far west clubs are struggling everyone is pushing each other."I am from Coonabraban originally so it hurt to see the Kookas pulling out."But he said the community is behind Narromine Rugby from sponsors to fans."No one is a star and we are all mates can’t wait to take on the Parkes Boars this weekend."Players Best and FairestFIRST GRADE POINTS 3 - Justin Bennet 2 - Hughie Tuck 1 - Dan Lethbridge SECOND GRADE POINTS 3 - Angus Mackenzie 2 - Johny Ashleigh 1 - Jacob Mcnaught Trangie were soundly beaten in their first game 51-0 by Coolah in the Oils Plus North division.