A large crowd turned up at Warren’s Victoria Oval last Saturday for the Western Plains Rugby Union semi-final which saw Warren Pumarettes take on the Flamin’ Galahs followed by Warren Pumas against the Bourke/Bre Brumbies. Worries about flood water and waterlogged crops faded away with the temperature a balmy 20 degrees and bar and barbecue in full swing. Interim president of Western Plains Rugby Union, Greg Whiteley and official/judiciary member Milton Quigley were in attendance; both men have had a long history with the Warren club, as players, supporters, committee members and volunteers.  The ladies game showcased how far the womens’ comp has come in just two seasons, with a wonderful display of quick hands and fast footwork developing into an absolute nailbiter.Judging from the red faces of the players 20 degrees felt a lot hotter out on the pitch and sadly for the hosts the Flamin’ Galahs came out on top, 6-4.The Flamin' Galahs fought off the Pumarettes on Saturday 27 August to fly into the Grand Finals next Saturday. The main game between the Pumas and the Brumbies was also exciting, with tries and penalties to both sides showing what each team was prepared to do to win a berth at next weekend’s grand final. The final score of 24-14 in the Pumas’ favour did little to reflect that the game could easily have gone the other way. The grand final will be at Walgett next Saturday 3 September, with Walgett ladies taking on Gular and Walgett men against Warren. Bush rugby at its best.  

By BRYSON LUFFThe Gilgandra Panthers claimed the vital competition points when they hosted the Baradine Magpies in the final competition round of the 2022 Christie and Hood Castlereagh League competition.In a high scoring match, the Panthers recorded a big win, but more importantly the competition points that secured them a berth in the major semi final against the Narromine Jets at Narromine next Saturday.However, whilst the final score flattered neither side’s defence, it does not tell the whole story about the match which saw the second placed Gilgandra outfit up against a Baradine side that had not won a game throughout the season.This was to be the Maggies final outing for the year, and they were playing for nothing but pride, and in that area they excelled turning up with a full complement of players and giving it their all until the final whistle was blown.The home side lead 26 to nil at the break, with that lead being extended to 38 nil in the early stages of the second half.The never say die attitude of the visitors then began to shine through and they scored two converted tries to make it 38 to 12 before the Panthers regrouped and soon the scoreboard was reading 56 to 12 in their favour.But once again the Maggies were not going to lay down and they finished all over the top of Panthers racing in three converted tries to make the final score 56 to 30, the second half being 30 all.It was a noteworthy performance by the black and whites, and one that deservedly won them much praise. It also gave the Panthers much to think about ahead of their semi-final clash, particularly on the defensive side of things.Meanwhile at Cobar the Coonamble Bears finished their commitments for the season when they went down 64 to 16 to a dominant Roosters team.The Bears however registered a sizeable win in the league tag and that, combined with the loss by the Gilgandra Pink Panthers to Baradine sees them finish in fourth position on the table and they will be heading out to Roosterland again this Sunday to take on the Narromine Jets in the minor semi-final.Both the major and minor semi finals will be played this weekend with Narromine hosting the majors on Saturday and then the action will shift to Cobar on Sunday for the minors.Saturday’s games will begin with the reserve grade game kicking off at 11.45am featuring the Binnaway Bombshells in action against the Jets, followed by what is expected to be another classic league tag encounter between Baradine and Dunedoo.In first grade the host club will be up against the Gilgandra Panthers. Earlier in the year the Panthers scored an impressive win at Cale Oval, but the Jets returned serve on Gilgandra’s home turf just a few weeks ago. Certainly, the visitors can ill afford to drift in and out of this match in a fashion similar to what they did against Baradine last Saturday.The big prize to the winner of this game is the right to host the grand final, something that both clubs would dearly love, so the stakes are high and a great game is anticipated.Sunday’s action will see the Gulgong Bull Terriers in action in both the reserve grade game (against Gilgandra) and in first grade with the host club being their opposition.The Terriers have had a number of byes going into this match, something that they no doubt have factored into their preparation for the game against the formidable Roosters.The league tag game will feature Narromine up against Coonamble.Christie and Hood Castlereagh League Round 18 Scores League TagBaradine 14 (Maria Nagy, Savannah Carey, Stephanie Bowling tries, Ashanti Pennel goal) defeated Gilgandra 6 (Shian Chatfield try and goal) Coonamble 40 (Hannah Towns 2, Shakaye Walker, Jessica Solomon, Emily Ryan, Tori Canham, Shay Hooper tries Canham 7 goals) defeated Cobar 4 (Georgia Boland try). Dunedoo 32 (Hannah Christie 4, Alexis Gallagher 2, Georgia Lane, Brianna Smith tries) defeated Binnaway 6 (Sarah Pennell try, Lisa Jones goal) Competition Ladder Baradine 50 (+264), Dunedoo 46 (+202), Narromine 46 (+130), Coonamble 42 (+79), Gilgandra 42 (+17), Gulgong 38 (+18), Cobar 29 (-316), Binnaway 26 (-332). Rugby League  Reserve GradeGilgandra 34 (Rorey Milgate 2, Lachlan Nyboer, Jarrod Bamblett, Shane Ritchie, Ray Saunders tries, Ritchie 5 goals) defeated Gulgong 20 (Jordan McGregor 2, Anthony Furney, James Morrison tries, Zane Wiseby 2 goals) Binnaway 38 (Shannon Doole 2, Cody Whitty 2, Connor Hughes, Shawn Kidd, Quade Anderson tries, Tom Magann 5 goals) defeated Narromine 10 (Ryan Richardson, Mitch Rixon tries, Jack Powell goal) Competition LadderBinnaway 9 (+66), Narromine 6 (-26), Gilgandra 5 (+4), Gulgong 4 (-44),  First Grade Gilgandra 56 (Chris Fuller 2, Kyle Welsh 2, Laiten Diggs, David Smith, Hayden Smith, Tom Brisbane, Alex Sutherland tries, David Smith 8 goals) deeated Baradine 30 (Jarvis Watton 2, John Evans, Silver Bunner, Hugh Horder tries, Jessie McElhinney 3, Watton, Dean Evans goals) Cobar 64 (Loma Atuah 3, Nathan McAndrew 2, Tom Plater 2, Ashley Davies, Jack Brown, Ben Simon, Jed Noonan tries, Plater 10 goals) defeated Coonamble 16 (Preston Smith, Kyle Wiggins, Jack Kelly tries, Mitch Nalder, Brendon O’Brien goals) Final competition tableNarromine 48 (+126), Gilgandra 48 (+70), Cobar 47 (+289), Gulgong 43 (+110), Dunedoo 41 (- 138), Coonamble 37 (-38), Baradine 26 (-395). Next weekendSaturday 3rd September major semi-finals at Narromine with first game to kick off at 11.45amBinnaway V Narromine (Reserve Grade)Baradine V Dunedoo (League Tag)Narromine V Gilgandra (First Grade)Sunday 4th September minor semi-finals at Cobar with first game to kick off at 11.45amGilgandra V Gulgong (Reserve Grade)Narromine V Coonamble (League Tag)Cobar V Gulgong (First Grade)

An innovative sports project has successfully kicked off to seal the future of an iconic local building as a multi-use venue.The first exciting game of indoor soccer was played in the purpose-built netted court in the Baradine memorial hall last month.  The fun trial attracted thirty participants of all ages keen to win points and kick goals in the fast, action-packed sport. Believed to be the only indoor soccer court in the Warrumbungle Shire, event organiser, Steve Jacob says the plan is to run regular competitive team events.“Indoor soccer offers a fast-paced way to keep fit and make friends,” Mr Jacob said. "The games are short, two ten-minute sessions with a five-a-side teams. It is quite high intensity with non-stop action.“We had teams made up of teachers, paramedics, police, SES and students; even the youngest players had fun blocking goal kicks. It is a great sport for all ages, male and female, family members and parents of students.  We are playing by the official indoor soccer rules.“I think it has great potential because it can be played all year round. You don’t need to be a seasoned soccer player, just ready to have a fun social kick around with friends.   If you don't have your own team, that's no problem, you can join a team when you come to the hall, and it’s all free!”Participants of all ages rolled up to the first indoor soccer game held in the Baradine Memorial Hall.The memorial hall improvements project has been a collaboration between Warrumbungle Shire Council and the Baradine & District Progress Association.  Association president, Ted Hayman says bringing indoor sports into the memorial hall is seen as a unique way of expanding venue usage.“There are all sorts of indoor sport possibilities already in the pipeline, including netball and cricket,” Mr Hayman said. “For years the hall has been at the heart of the community, used for balls, concerts and workshops." "Now that restoration of the venue has been completed, we have a revival of community space through indoor sport."“It is hoped that interest in playing indoor soccer will take-off and result in the establishment of teams for juniors and adults playing regularly. It's not just about using the hall; it's about bringing the community together,” Mr Hayman said.The next indoor soccer event will be held at the end of this month. Anyone interested in playing or going along to help out should contact Steve Jacob. 

By BRYSON LUFFIn their maiden year in the Castlereagh League competition the Narromine Jets have secured the minor premiership with a hard fought and thrilling 26 to 22 victory over the Cobar Roosters at Narromine’s Cale Oval last Saturday 20 August.Having a bye in first grade in the final round of the competition this coming weekend means that the Jet’s cannot have the minor premiership taken away from them and they will be hosting the major semi final on Saturday 3rd September.It was a big day for the Jets with their league tag side also beating the Roosters 48 to 10 whilst a highlight of day was the reserve grade game against the Gulgong Terriers which ended in a 16 all draw, that game featuring an appearance by former NRL star and New Zealand international player Clinton Toopi who played half a game with each side.Toopi was at Narromine to present the Jets with a plaque to recognise their involvement with the NSWRL State of Mind project.The loss by the Roosters was a costly one, particularly in terms of their positioning on the first-grade ladder and they now find themselves sitting third, one point behind both the Jets and the Gilgandra Panthers.Irrespective of what result will be forthcoming from their match against the Coonamble Bears at Cobar in the final round this Saturday, third is where they will stay if Gilgandra can down the Baradine Magpies at Gilgandra on the same day.The Panthers were able to get over the top of the Bears in a scrappy game last Saturday winning the encounter 24 to 12.The League Tag game saw the Pink Panthers edge their way back into the top four with an exciting 17 to 10 win over the Bearettes.However the final four is far from decided and a win by Coonamble over Cobar combined with a loss by Gilgandra against the high flying Baradine Magpies would result in the Bearettes claiming the final semi final berth.The reserve grade competition continues with games at Gilgandra who will be up against the Gulgong Terriers and the Binnaway Bombshells will be hosting the Narromine Jets at The Crater. Christie and Hood Castlereagh League Round 17 ScoresLeague Tag Narromine 48 (Emily Edwards 3, Beth Clarke 2, Bradey Leach, Lily Spackman, Jannalie Dwyer, Lucy Dawson, Alexis Everett tries, Spackman 6 goals) defeated Cobar 10 (Brianna Watson, Jezebel Hitchins tries, Watson goal)Gilgandra 17 (Shian Chatfield 2, Mab Fuller tries, Chatfield 2 goals and field goal) defeated Coonamble 10 (Tori Canham, Hannah Towns tries, Canham goal)Baradine 20 (Ashanti Pennell, Zali Hyde, Hayley Andrews, Holly Woodham, Jorja Carey tries) defeated Binnaway 4 (Hailee Watts try). Competition LadderBaradine 47 (+256), Dunedoo 43 (+176), Narromine 43 (+130), Gilgandra 41 (+25), Coonamble 39 (+43), Gulgong 35 (+18), Cobar 28 (-282), Binnaway 25 (-306). Rugby LeagueReserve Grade Narromine 16 (Jordan Fleming, Isaac Thompson, Ryan Richardson tries, Jack Powell 2 goals) drew with Gulgong 16 (Koby Thurston, Anthony Furney, Jordan McGregor tries, Brad James 2 goals)Binnaway 22 (Craig Harris 2, Tyrell Walker, Jay Magann tries, Magann 3 goals) defeated Gilgandra 14 (Adam Hazelton 2, Kaleb Sutherland tries, Shane Ritchie goal). Competition LadderBinnaway 6 (+38), Narromine 5 (+2), Gulgong 3 (-30), Gilgandra 2 (-10). First GradeNarromine 26 (Linton Shaw 2, Doug Potter 2, Washie Itoya tries, Janus Walford 3 goals) defeated Cobar 22 (Ashley Davies 2, Zane Taylor, Loma Atuau tries, Tom Platter 3 goals)Gilgandra 24 (David Smith2, Anthony Harris, Hayden Smith tries, David Smith 4 goals) defeated Coonamble 12 (Tyrell Kennedy, Daniel Sangster tries, Mitch Nalder 2 goals) Competition ladderNarromine 45 (+126), Gilgandra 45 (+34), Cobar 44 (+241), Gulgong 40 (+110), Dunedoo 38 (- 138), Coonamble 36 (+10), Baradine 25 (-369). Round 18 Saturday 27 August Gilgandra V Gulgong (Reserve Grade)Gilgandra V Baradine (League Tag and First Grade)Cobar V Coonamble (League Tag and First Grade)Binnaway V Dunedoo (League Tag)Binnaway V Narromine (Reserve Grade)Gulgong bye

By COLIN HODGESMitchell and Desiree Kearney who operate as an owner-trainer partnership at Hawkesbury, crossed the mountains and travelled west to win the Collie Hotel-Collie Cup on Saturday with Lady Shenanigans.The $17,000 Cup over 1280 metres attracted an outstanding field and before a very good crowd, featured a thrilling finish.Makube led to the home turn but was challenged by Moetta and Lady Shenanigans with Foreign Brother and Denace the nearest pursuers in the 12 horse race.After a stride for stride battle down the straight, Lady Shananigans (Ben Osmond,$5) won by a nose from Moetta (Jake Barrett, $4.20 favourite) with Foreign Brother (Matthew Palmer,$5.50) holding on for third from the fast finishing Lady Riz.Twenty three year old apprentice Ben Osmond who won his first race on Lilly’s Lolly at Gulgong in June 2021, has now ridden thirteen winners.Local apprentice Zara Lewis landed a winning double, Fox Spirit for Gilgandra trainer Bryan Dixon and the Geoff O’Brien, Quirindi trained Diamonds Galore.Fox Spirit ($11) led throughout to win by two lengths from Blue Collar Boy (Vad Bolozhinskyi,$6) and Untamed Mistress (Anna Roper,$8) in the Roaches Contracting/Steve Carroll 50th Benchmark 50 Handicap.Given a nice run on the inside, Diamonds Galore (Zara Lewis,$6.50) held off Casan Geal (Anna Roper,$6.50) and Cheval De Frise (Chelsea Ings,$5.50 fav.) in the 800 metres Cam & Dorothy Carmichael Memorial Benchmark 50 Handicap.A strong crowd on course at Gilgandra yesterday.Geoff O’Brien also trains Tandem (Vad Bolozhinskyi,$5.50) winner of the 1000 metres Keith Kilby Memorial & Central West Poultry Maiden Plate.Vad Bolozhinskyi has only recently resumed his career after a lengthy time off recovering from injury.Miss Twenty Two after recent wins at Carinda and Parkes was an impressive winner of the 1600 metres Mick & Margaret Brophy Memorial Benchmark 50 Handicap for Dubbo trainer Dar Lunn.Very well ridden by Dubbo apprentice Jake Barrett, Miss Twenty Two ( $3.60 fav.) from an outside barrier was near last early before steadily making ground on the leaders.Dashing past the front runner Sizzling Star when turned for home, Miss Twenty Two powered away to score by three lengths from Harry And The Duke (Brooke Stower,$20) and Scriba (Vad Bolozhinskyi,$20).John Brophy presents the Mick & Margaret Brophy memorial trophy to the winner of the Cooee Tyres Gilgandra benchmark 50 handicap.Bob Howe has several veteran gallopers in his stable and they continue to race well for the Rylstone trainer.Ten year old Northern Conqueror (Ken Dunbar,$9) took the lead in the straight and fought on gamely to defeat Boom Queen (Julia Presits,$8) and Renzulli (Zara Lewis,$9.50) in the 1100 metres Bob & Clare Coxedge & Western Farm Machinery Benchmark 50 Handicap.Sponsors and connections of Northern Conquerer.Gosford trainer Tony Newing has a good strike rate when he visits the central west and he won the 1200 metres Rohr’s Timber & Hardware/Happy Birthday Suzanne Maiden Handicap with the $4.40 favourite Tonquani ridden by apprentice Anna Roper.Gulargambone Gold Cup Meeting is on next Saturday.Mark Walker (2nd from right) claims the Mens Fashions on the Field for 2022.Descendants of Collie's Brophy family gather from all corners of the state at Gilgandra 2022 Collie Cup Race Meeting.

Condobolin's Chyanne Goolagong was successful in being selected to represent her culture in the International Tag Series while playing with the Australian Indigenous Under 18's Women's OzTag team.   Chyanne is an integral member of Condobolin's league tag team, and was handpicked by a talent scout to compete in the series held on the 4th, 5th 6th & 7th August, 2022 at the International Stadium in Coffs Harbour.   Chyanne's team was made up of some of the best Under 18's Indigenous League Tag players from across Australia and competed against five other teams across the four days. The teams came from a number of neighbouring countries including New Zealand, Samoa, The Philippines and the Cook Islands.  "My team was going really well until the semi-finals when we lost to New Zealand on the buzzer," said Ms Goolagong. "We were really disappointed we didn't make the grand final but I'm hoping to have another go next year."  Chyanne Goolagong (Condobolin) was selected to represent Australia in the Under 18's Women's Indigenous OzTag team. Australian Indigenous OzTag is a not for profit organisation run by volunteers providing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people the opportunity to play Oztag at an International level. They aim to inspire and promote healthy active lifestyles, cultural identity, awareness and pride, leadership, self-esteem, education and teamwork, which, for Chyanne was a really positive experience.   "It was amazing to be able to go all the way up there to represent my culture.. It was such an awesome atmosphere," she said.   Chyanne's sporting achievements have not gone unnoticed by her local community, as she was presented the Sports Person of the Year Award at Condobolin's local NAIDOC awards night.   She hopes that her sporting achievements will act as encouragement for younger Indigenous girls who wish to play sport at an international level.  

By BRYSON LUFFNot only did the Narromine Jets grab the Boronia Cup when they defeated the Gilgandra Panthers in their Round 16 game played Gilgandra last Saturday, they also secured themselves an opportunity to finish as minor premiers.That opportunity will present itself this coming Saturday when they host the Cobar Roosters in a top of the table clash at Cale Oval.With two competition rounds remaining the Jets are one point adrift of the Roosters on the competition ladder, and if they can win next Saturday they will claim the minor premiership because they have a bye in the final round.The Jets pretty much had their game against the Panthers stitched up after thirty minutes of play, having shot out to 16 points to nil lead at that point, crossing for tries in the first, ninth and thirtieth minutes.Played on a heavy track the home side rarely crossed the halfway mark in the opening forty minutes, save for a brief excursion down the other end with five minutes remaining to half time at which point they managed to score a converted try to make it 16 to 6.That try was cancelled out just a couple of minutes later when the Jets hooker, and one of their best on the day, Tylah Beer burrowed over for his second try from close range to make it 20 to 6 when the half time hooter was blown.The home side did come out showing renewed vigour in the second stanza but were seemingly intent on scoring from kicks, rather than putting the ball through the hands when the Jets defence was well and truly stretched on numerous occasions.A rare backline movement by the Panthers resulted in try to their centre George Alchin and at 20 to 12 they were back in the contest with 25 minutes remaining in the game.At this point the momentum was with Gilgandra and they looked as if they could finish over the top of the Jets but that momentum seemed to evaporate when the Panthers were penalised for a double movement with ten minutes to go followed a minute later by the sin binning of a Panther player.The Jets scored soon after the departure of the Gilgandra player and they went on to register a 26 to 12 win.The loss by the Panthers was indeed a costly one, relegating them from first to third on the ladder.The first-grade victory by the Jets finished off a trifecta of wins for the red and whites after they took out an entertaining reserve grade game 18 to 16 and the league tag fixture 24 to 16, the loss by the Pink Panthers seeing them tumble out of the top four and having to face two teams above them on the ladder in their remaining two games, those being Coonamble and Baradine.Obviously, the Boronia Cup clash at Narromine this Saturday will have a massive influence on the final pecking order in first grade but mathematically any one of the top three sides can still finish as minor premiers such is the tightness of the competition.The remaining games for the three teams in contention for the minor premiership are: Cobar versus Narromine (away) and Coonamble (home). Narromine versus Cobar (home) and bye. Gilgandra versus Coonamble (away) and Baradine (home).

It was a great turn out and gentle weather conditions for the grand final in Bourke on Saturday 6 August.While Goodooga took out the Open Men's Rugby League and the Walgett Dragons stormed home in the Ladies League Tag, Brewarrina is shaping up as a future threat with all its younger age division teams winning their grand final.The U15s League Tag Grand Final winners are the Brewarrina Googettes, who won against the Lightning Ridge Redbacks 28-14. Taloulah Moore (Brewarrina) Won the Robert Murray Medal (player of the game). Barwon Darling rugby league U15s Grand final winners were the Brewarrina Googars 34, defeated Lightning Ridge Redbacks 20. Ezekiel Hardy (Brewarrina) was awarded the Robert Murray Medal (Player of the Final).Brewarrina Googars Under 18s took out the grand final against Walgett Dragons with a big win, 32-4. Malakye Biles (Brewarrina) won the Robert Murray Medal (Player of the Final).There was a minute silence for Sherrie Gordon before the Under 18s game who tragically passed last week and is the mother of Ezekiel Hardy and Jerimiah Hardy. Both boys played in the U15s and Under 18s team for Brewarrina. A great win for both boys and their families.Ladies League Tag Grand final winners are the Walgett Dragons 24, who won against Lightning Ridge Redbacks 12.The Senior men’s Grand Final Winners for 2022 is the Goodooga Magpies with a very close win against the Bourke Warriors 27-26.Women's Grand Final winners the Walgett DragonsU18s winners Brewarrina GoogarsTaloulah Moore, winner of the Robert Murray Memorial Cup.Girls grandfinal winners.Brewarrina's Under 15s boys.

Brewarrina's Googettes have made it to the 2022 League tag Grand Final undefeated in the Barwon Darling Cup. This weekend they will be playing in Bourke against Lightning Ridge and the team report that they are very excited and nervous.This is the first time these girls have played together in the comp. There are four teams that play in the under 15’s girls league tag. They are Bourke, Brewarrina, Walgett and Lightning Ridge.Talking with Jakiyah French (Player) I asked how she felt about making it to the grand final. Jakiyah said, “I’m very proud of the girls and so happy we made it in the finals. This is my first year of playing because I was too young last year.” Courtney Boney and Chantae Eyre coach the girls every Monday and Wednesday. This is the first time they have coached and the girls' first time playing league tag in a comp.  Both Courtney and Chantae have played rugby league and union for years, so they are both experienced and it shows in their coaching.When asked why she likes coaching Chantae says "It means a lot to me because if I can show and share my experience and skills with the younger generation, that they can take upon themselves. It makes me proud that they are willing to learn and engage in what they love the most to be better.”Chantae also said “I feel absolutely proud to see our U15 girls make it to the finals. The girls have so much pride, potential not to mention how passionate they are to play football and that’s what we show when we wear blue and gold! Brewarrina has always been a town for football and to see it still happening is incredible.”The Under 15s Googettes with their mentors Courtney Boney, Rachael Dodds and Doreen Waites. PHOTO supplied. Courtney is very confident in her team but says she can’t take credit for how well the girls play."It's just their natural talent," Courtenay said. “I feel like a proud mum when I watch the girls play. I even get a bit teary."The Googettes have been working on their banners for today's grand final.The team has been working on their banners during their afternoon girls’ group that they attend at the Brewarrina Youth Centre, which is also run by Courtney Boney. When asked if they were going to win, all the girls responded “yes, and we are going to flog them”.The Googettes and the Lightning Ridge girls after their first match at the beginning of the 2022 season. PHOTO Courtenay Boney.The Googettes played their first game of the season against Lightning Ridge and now they will be playing them in the final. Who will win?The Googettes will be joined by two other Brewarrina teams at the grand final day in Bourke and Walgett will be competing in the Under 18s grand final. Lightning Ridge will also have three sides in action - under 15s girls and U15s boys and the ladies league tag all in their title decider.

By BRYSON LUFFWhilst the Gilgandra Panthers first grade side did not take the field over the weekend, they were the main beneficiaries of the result of the game between the Cobar Roosters and the Dunedoo Swans played at Dunedoo on Saturday.Going into the game the Roosters held a share of the competition lead with the Panthers, but were well ahead of Gilgandra in terms of their respective points differential.That points differential has not changed, but the Swans once again proved that they are a difficult proposition for any visiting team when they play at home in front of their legion of supporters, this time coming away with a 16 all draw with the competition favourites.The fact that Dunedoo scored four tries to three in the engrossing encounter might well give them some reason to be mildly disappointed with the final result, but certainly Gilgandra fans were more than happy with it because the Panthers now head the competition table, albeit by a solitary point.With four rounds remaining the Swans will be out to topple the Narromine Jets at Narromine this Saturday to remain in the hunt for a semi-final berth.The Jets registered a big 68 to nil win over Baradine in first grade and they will be looking to consolidate their third place on the congested ladder with back-to-back wins at Cale Oval.Whilst the Jets first grade win was impressive it was their League Tags’ effort against the highly regarded Baradine outfit that may have surprised many throughout the Castlereagh competition, maybe not the win as such, but the magnitude of it, Narromine winning 26 to 4.Both games at Gulgong between the Terriers and the Coonamble Bears were vital to the semi final prospects for all four teams concerned and, in the end, it was to be a win to both clubs with Gulgong taking first grade 26 to nil whilst Coonamble continued their recent resurgence in the league tag competition with a hard fought 20 to 16 win, that win keeping them well and truly in touch with the top four.Gilgandra v Binnaway in Saturday's leaguetag. PHOTO Stephen BashamIn the remaining league tag game, the Gilgandra Pink Panthers were able to overcome the improved Binnaway team, taking the match 36 to 4.Turning to round 15 both Gulgong and Dunedoo face up to vital away games against Baradine and Narromine respectively, a loss by either could potentially have far reaching impact on their involvement in the games at the pointy end of the season, this being so in both first grade and league tag.Similarly, the Coonamble league tag side will be out to continue their surge up the ladder when they host the Binnaway Bombshells.In other news a four team reserve grade competition is set to commence in round 16, the clubs having entered teams being Gulgong, Binnaway, Narromine and Gilgandra. Christie and Hood Castlereagh League Round 14 ScoresLeague TagDunedoo 46 (Meg Christensen 2, Hannah Christie 2, Allanah Stoddart 2, Alexis Gallagher 2, Hayley Berg tries, Hallie Hogden 5 goals) defeated Cobar 4 (Jezebel Hitchens try).Narromine 26 (Emily Edwards, Lily Spackman, Jacana Powell, Seena Prout, Jannayie Dwyer tries, Spackman 2, Powell goals) defeated Baradine 4 (Anna Arndell try).Coonamble 20 (Tori Canham 2, Shakaye Walker, Shay Hooper tries, Canham 2 goals) defeated Gulgong 16 (Tayla Pennell, Abby Hollow, Tayissa Lucas tries, Dayna Manley, Mel Robinson goals).Gilgandra 36 (Mab Fuller 2, Kiara Brown, Rani Diggs, Emily Fardell, Shian Chatfield, Kylie Louie tries, Chatfield 4 goals) defeated Binnaway 4 (Jessie Newton try).Competition LadderBaradine 38 (+154), Narromine 36 (+112), Dunedoo 34 (+148), Gilgandra 34 (+26), Coonamble 32 (+28), Gulgong 28 (+38), Cobar 23 (-194), Binnaway 22 (-252). Rugby LeagueDunedoo 16 (Brian Bradshaw 2, Hugh Watts, Jarrod Spicer tries) drew with Cobar 16 (Tim Hillam, Nathan McAndrew, Loma Atuah tries, David Watson 2 goals).Narromine 68 (Janus Walford 2, Washington Itoya 2, Doug Potter 2, Tylah Beer 2, Ryan Wheeler, Mick Burns, Malachi Clarke, Alex Sambrook, Brody Egan tries, Walford 7, Potter goals) defeated Baradine 0Gulgong 26 (Toby O’Leary, Koby Thurston, Kyle Alexander, Danial Crane, Thomas Reddish tries, James Morrison 3 goals) defeated Coonamble 0.Competition Ladder.Gilgandra 38 (+36), Cobar 37 (+170), Narromine 36 (+60), Gulgong 31 (+64), Dunedoo 31 (- 90), Coonamble 29 (+22), Baradine 21 (-248). Round 15 Saturday 6th AugustBaradine V Gulgong, Narromine V Dunedoo, Coonamble V Binnaway, Cobar bye, Gilgandra bye.   

The 56th Tom Quilty Gold Cup endurance ride was a challenging one for the 186 horse and rider combinations which took on the 160km course around Tooraweenah last weekend. There were 121 combinations which managed to complete the course in under 24 hours without being vetted out, to win a coveted Quilty belt buckle. The overall joint winners were Tahlia Franke and Kristie Taprell who both rode horses from the Castlebar Arabian stud owned and trained by Holbrook’s Meg Wade and Chris Gates. Tahlia and Kristie, trained together for the Quilty finished with the same time of 10 hours and 39 minutes to be declared joint winners. Both Tahlia, who rode Castlebar Bazaar, and Kristie who rode Castlebar Roulette, are experienced and successful top level endurance riders. Within days of the win Tahlia was on her way to the United States to compete in the equally as challenging Tevis Race – also 160km. Kristie meanwhile had returned home to her family’s property at Thologolong near Wodonga.   It was the fifth time Kristie, 38, had won the Tom Quilty Gold Cup, which takes place in a different Australian state every year. She now has 19 Quilty buckles and has competed in the event in every state. She described the Tooraweenah course as “technical” with the landscape varying from hilly as it wound through the Warrumbungle Range, to flat and open. Recent heavy rain also added some challenges, with areas of deep mud to negotiate. Kristie and Tahlia were joint winners of the 56th Tom Quilty Ride held last week at Tooraweenah.The event is named after Tom Quilty, a cattleman in the Kimberly area of Western Australia, who in 1966 was asked by his mate RM Williams to back a 100-mile ride modelled on the renowned Tevis Cup in the US. Local riders were also successful over the weekend. Junior riders Lara Duff, 12 and Charlie Bonham, 16, were the first placed juniors – completing the course in 12 hours and 36 minutes. Lara rode Box Hill Pegusus and Charlie rode Box Hill Sapphire. The Box Hill Team also included another local junior, Sophia Moppett who rode Box Hill Tilly Kay to finish in 16 hours and 18 minutes and Sam Duff who was seventh in the open heavyweight team riding Box Hill Storm Boy, also completing the course in 16 hours and 18 minutes. The Box Hill Endurance team was first placed in the teams point score, which was exciting for owner Sonia Bonham, who was Ride Director.  A fourth junior, Isabella Worner, riding Lucanna Park Mystic Fire also successfully completed the course, in 16 hours and 59 minutes. The Tom Quilty Gold Cup is named after a Kimberley Cattleman. It is kept throughout the year in the Stockmans Hall of Fame at Longreach, Queensland.Over 400 people from all across the country set up camp around the showground, and enjoyed the events put on by the Tooraweenah Endurance Ride Club.  There was a wine and cheese night where local producers had tastings and sold their products to the guests and a market day held in Tooraweenah’s main street. Out-of-towners commented on Tooraweenah’s warm and welcoming community, with some even going as far to say that Tooraweenah has been one of their “favourite Tom Quilty destinations”.  Ride publicity officer Kylie Moppett said Tooraweenah Preschool and Public School, and the Lions Club, served food and kept the canteen was open for anyone needing a bite to eat.  “The weather held off for the most part, however due to the wet ground from the rain the week before we were towing the competitors into the camping areas with a tractor.” Community members and farmers alike rallied together to lend a hand, and made sure everyone had a good and safe time.  The event will be held in Victoria next year, and there was a ceremony to hand over the flag to the next organisers. 

EMMA Fessey from Brewarrina has joined Jack Hargreaves from Nyngan and Jack O'Brien from Walgett to win medals in the World Cup rowing on the Rotsee in Lucerne, Switzerland on Sunday. The three athletes from western NSW were part of a successful Australian World Cup campaign in Switzerland which resulted in six medals from the 12 crews racing across the Regatta.  The highlight was the gold medal win by Women’s Eight, which included Fesse. The Australian Men's Four, including Hargreaves and O'Brien, won silver behind Great Britain. It was a reversal of the results the week prior at Henley where the Women's Eight came second and the Men's Four won. Emma Fessey was raised on a cattle and sheep property north of Brewarrina. Her parents Ed and Jill, travelled to the Henley on Thames regatta but were not in Lucerne to see the gold medal win.Emma learned to row in secondary school when she boarded at Loretto Normanhurst in Sydney.She made her Australian representative debut to the Australian senior squad and went straight into the stroke seat of the senior women's eight when they started their 2018 international campaign with a bronze medal win at the World Rowing Cup II in Linz, Austria, and later at the 2018 championships in Plovdiv winning the bronze medal.Rowing Australia Performance Director Paul Thompson MBE said last the World Cup last weekend was a very competitive regatta for Australia."The eights had fantastic rows, especially the women getting Gold, a great result for both crews. The Men’s Four was obviously wanting a little more – you have two sorts of Silver medals here. From now until the World Championships, for all crews, it’s about converting them to Gold. “Emma Fessey with Brewarrina-based ground crew. PHOTO SUPPLIED.The Women’s Eight of Eleanor Price, Bronwyn Cox, Paige Barr, Jacqui Swick, Ella Bramwell, Olympian Giorgia Patten, Olympian Georgina Rowe, Emma Fessey, and cox Talia Barnet-Hepples had conviction from the starting green light through to the line.Fessey said that the success of the crew is due to them being, “fresh, flexible and willing to learn at every opportunity.”"Just believe in yourself. That's all you can do. Ride out the Good days and put your shoulder into the hard days and keep going," she said. “We came out and executed a really good start which has been a strength of ours, so our main focus was to nail the race rhythm from 750 to 1500m which we know we are capable of. It’s exactly what we did and allowed us to move up through the field and hold off Canada and Romania.“A big motto of our Women’s Training group is, ‘any person, anytime, anywhere’, so adapting at any point and keeping positive spirits.”The Men’s Four of Jack O’Brien, Hargreaves Spencer Turrin and Alex Purnell led the way in the showdown of the highly competitive boat class. While the Aussies led through the 1500m mark, the old rivals from Britain found a new gear and rowed through to take the win. Then it was the fight for the Silver against Romania, our Four held on for a photo-finish Silver medal. “We got out reasonably well, but probably didn’t find the sweetest rhythm that we needed – it was effective, but inefficient. We just had nowhere to go at the end and were just hanging on in the last 100m – I think we did well to hang on to second. The GB crew rowed a really good race, so well done to them," Spencer Purnell said.

 Western NSW athletes made up half of the Australian Men's Four which won The Steward's Challenge Cup at the prestigious Henley-On-Thames rowing regatta in England this week. Jack Hargreaves from Nyngan and Jack O'Brien from Walgett were joined by fellow Tokyo Olympians Alex Purnell and Spencer Turrin to narrowly claim the win over the British squad crew from Leander and Oxford Brookes on Sunday 3 July.  The Australian Men's 4 with the Australian Men's Double Scull which also won at Henley. Jack O'Brien (front left) and Jack Hargreaves (back right)The Australian crew came out to an early lead, however the home ground advantage of knowing the course seemed to play in the local’s favour, making a late surge and putting the Aussies under pressure in the closing stages.  The umpires had to watch the video replay to determine the winner of the race; the Australian crew crossed the line inches ahead of the British crew to claim victory. Mr Hargreaves said that not racing before the final made it difficult for them.  “I’d say we were probably a bit lost on the course, we haven’t raced here much so we were a bit, ‘where are we?’. But a win’s a win – we were happy to get across the line first. We had a good 2K, but the last 112m we had a bit of a wobble on. They were a good crew, they raced well, it was good to beat them.” Pete and Jenny Hargreaves from Nyngan and Jim and Jane O'Brien from Walgett travelled to England to watch the race and to experience the unique English regatta, renowned for its strict dress codes (men must wear jackets and women's skirts are to be below their knees) and long- standing traditions. The six-day Regatta attracts thousands of spectators with more than 300 races of an international standard, which can include Olympic rowers, as well as crews new to the event.The rowers have now headed to Lucerne in Switzerland to compete in the World Championships. 

By BRYSON LUFFA flurry of points to the Gilgandra Panthers in the opening minutes of their Boronia Cup game at Dunedoo against the Swans proved to be the final difference between the two sides, the Panthers scoring at more than a point a minute to establish an18 points to nil lead with just 15 minutes of the match elapsed.As it turned out the flair shown by the Panthers in attack during that opening period not only proved to be the difference on the scoreboard at the end, but also provided the majority of the entertainment that was to be forthcoming in what was otherwise a very dour affair played on a heavy track.After the visitor’s initial onslaught, the game turned in to an arm wrestle and the 18 to nil score line was carried through to the half time break after which the Swan’s faithful were given some cause for hope of a resurgence when their fullback, Will Wood, scored early after the resumption of play but their joy was short lived when the Panthers went on to claim another two tries, one converted, to take them out to 28 points.The Swans however did score another converted try late in proceedings to make the final score 28 to 10, the damage inflicted by the Panthers in the opening stages of the game proving to be the final difference between the two sides.The win by Gilgandra sets up a blockbuster Boronia Cup game against the Cobar Roosters in Gilgandra next Saturday.The Roosters avenged their loss to the Gulgong earlier in the season with a hard-fought win over the Terriers at Cobar, having to come from behind to claim the competition points with a 24 to 16 victory.At one stage the visitors had the home side on the back foot, trailing 10 points to nil, before the Roosters slowly worked their way back into the game with once again, the 2021 Castlereagh League Player Of The Year, Thomas Plater, playing a major role in the victory.The win by Cobar sees them retain their first place on the competition ladder, a position that they will be hell bent on retaining this Saturday when they travel to Gilgandra to take on the second placed Panthers in a match that should pack out Gil’s McGrane Oval.On the League Tag front the Gilgandra Pink Panthers scored a major upset when they downed the Dunedoo Swannettes 28 to 22 at Dunedoo last Saturday, throwing the competition wide open, whilst Gulgong and Narromine retained their positions in the top four with wins over Cobar and Binnaway respectively.Apart from the big Boronia Cup clash in Gilgandra this Saturday two local derbies will feature in round 11 of the Christie and Hood Castlereagh League competition with southern neighbours Gulgong and Dunedoo playing at Gulgong’s Billy Dunn Oval and a northern derby between Coonamble and Baradine taking place in Coonamble (with a 4.00pm kick off for the first game).Christie and Hood Castlereagh League round 10 scoresLeague TagNarromine 22 (Logan MacKenna-Maidens 2, Abby Mitchell, Lily Spackman, Kelsea Phillips tries, Spackman goal) defeated Binnaway 4 (Lila Strong try).Gulgong 22 (Emily Kirk 2, Taylor Pennell, Melanie Ballard, Mel Robinson tries, Robinson goal) defeated Cobar 8 (Aisha Schofield, Brianna Watson tries)Gilgandra 28 (Shian Chatfield 2, Talitha Chatfield 2, Mab Fuller tries, Talitha Chatfield 4 goals) defeated Dunedoo 22 (Brianna Smith 2, Alexis Gallagher, Allannah Stoddart, Mia Gallagher tries, Mia Gallagher goal) Competition LadderBaradine 28 (+134), Dunedoo 26 (+118), Narromine 26 (+104), Gulgong 24 (+20), Coonamble 22 (+24), Gilgandra 22 (-50), Cobar 16 (-130), Binnaway 14   (-202). Rugby LeagueCobar 24 (Nathan McAndrew 2, Thomas Plater 2, Jack Brown tries, Plater 2 goals) defeated Gulgong 16 (Ethan Pegus 2, David Morrison tries, James Morrison 2 goals).Gilgandra 28 (Hayden Smith 2, David Smith 2, Blake Frost tries, David Smith 4 goals) defeated Dunedoo 10 (Will Wood, Luke Stanton tries, Mitch O’Connor goal). Competition LadderCobar 28 (+172), Gilgandra 26 (+30), Narromine 24 (-16), Gulgong 23 (+32), Coonamble 23 (+26), Dunedoo 22 (-94), Baradine 15 (-150). Round 11 Saturday 7th June.Gilgandra V Cobar (Boronia Cup Challenge).Gulgong V Dunedoo.Coonamble V Baradine (first game kicks off at 4.00pm).Binnaway and Narromine byes.

By COLIN HODGESRodger Waters who has stables on his property at Wantabadgery and trains his team at nearby Wagga Wagga won the Nyngan Toyota Duck Creek Picnic Cup on Saturday with Kaipaki.Held at Nyngan with a huge crowd attending, the 1250 metres Cup had some early drama when the well fancied Dubbo galloper Bandahara became a late scratching after being slightly injured when leaving the mounting yard.Kaipaki had recently won a Benchmark 58 race at Towong in Victoria and was a last start fourth in TAB company at Albury, those performances earning $2.90 favouritism at Duck Creek.Ridden by Emily Waters, the daughter of Tumbarumba trainer Mont Waters, Kaipaki led all the way when winning by over five lengths from Harry And The Duke ( Ricky Blewitt,$5 ) with more than seven lengths to the third placed Rogue Runner (Michael Gray,$5).Present at the meeting was retired jockey Glen Boss who along with the great mare Makybe Diva achieved legendary status with an unlikely to be repeated 3 Melbourne Cup wins, however another legend playing a leading role at Nyngan was the long time successful local trainer Rodney Robb.To the delight of his many supporters the very well liked Rodney Robb led in a winning treble with Sons Of Bourke, Knee Slapper and Tintern Power.Owned by a a group of keen racing fans from Bourke, the aptly named Sons Of Bourke (Emily Waters,$2.80) from well back, steamed down the outside to snatch victory by a nose from Tell’s Tails (Will Stanley$2.20 favourite) with Japingka (Ricky Bewitt,$6) a handy third in the 900 metres Rob Ellison Open Trophy Handicap.Michael Gray made the most of a late engagement to ride Knee Slapper for Rodney Robb in the 1250 metres Aspect Property Class B Handicap.Leading Picnic jockeys Leandro Ribeiro and Wayne Wheatley had to be replaced at late notice on their booked rides when their plane flight was unable to leave Sydney.Knee Slapper (Michael Gray,$3.60) led throughout for a comfortable win from Drunkasamonkey (Ricky Blewitt,$3) and Mega Celebration (Will Stanley,$2.30 fav.)In front from the outset, Tintern Power (Michael Gray,$2.10 fav.) owned by Wayne Brown became the third leg of the Rodney Robb treble when a runaway winner of the 1600 metres Woodham Petroleum Class 1 Trophy Handicap from Miss Twenty Two (Emily Waters,$3) and Stone (Will Stanley,$4.40).Former Nyngan trainer Garry Bignell is now based at Cunnamulla and he returned from Queensland to land a winning double with Tip Toes and Oxygen Man.Wayne Wheatley was to ride both the Bignell runners but missed out due to the plane cancellation from Sydney.Bathurst rider Will Stanley took over on Tip Toes ($2 fav.) which was third early before clearing out to win the 900 metres Fiveways Legal Maiden Plate by nearly six lengths from Gift Of Time (Michael Gray,$7) and St Cloud Femme (Emily Waters,$3.60).In the 900 metres Lawlab Class 2 Trophy Handicap, Magnetic Rose led from Combogolong before Oxygen Man (Breanna Bourke,$8.50) finished best to account for Combogolong (Ricky Blewitt,$2.70) and Travstar (Emily Waters,$2.20 fav.).There are only two more Picnic meetings , Wean on Saturday and Cobar in August, before the $50,000 Picnic Championship Final on Coonamble Cup day ( TAB ) in October. Presently, Dubbo trainer Connie Greig has 6 of the top 12 in the qualifying pointscore for the Final.Next upComing race meetings in the western plains area are Warren TAB on Monday and Carinda on Saturday 16 July.

By the Pink ParrotThe Gulargambone Galahs 1st XV have entered the winners circle after defeating rivals the Coonamble Rams in a Western Plains classic on Saturday at the Gulargambone Sports Ground.Claiming the victory 24-19, the Tri-Colours held on by the skin of their beaks holding off a fast-finishing Ram’s outfit. While the Flamin’ Galahs had an emphatic 6-0 victory over the Coonamble Ewes, giving Gulargambone a double over the Coonamble Rugby Club.The Flamin’ Galahs started off on fire, withholding Coonamble in their own territory which allowed them to capitalise through a quick try to Brooke Maslin with their first touch of the ball.This would be a sign of things to come for the Flamin’ Galahs with another try to Tash Carlon to seal a 2-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.The second quarter saw Coonamble’s defence improve and kept the girls out for most of the quarter, not to be outdone though Brooke Maslin as she went in again for her second try to put the girls up 3-0 at the break.The third quarter saw more fast attack for Gular with Paige Wilson scoring from a wonderful chip through from Brooke Maslin. Ellie Peart also crashed over the line to go up 5-0 with a few minutes left in the quarter.Not to be outdone and thanks to a few mistakes from Gular saw Coonamble presented with numerous opportunities to test Gulars defence right on their own line.However the girls rallied and kept Coonamble out for multiple sets to leave the score 5-0 going into the fourth quarter. The last quarter saw more action with Alana Knox scoring to go up 6-0 which is where it stayed until full time.ABOVE: A Flamin' Gulahs player changes tack when facing off against a couple of Coonamble girls. Photo: Kirsty Fisher.Well done girls on such a great game. 3 points and players player went to Brooke Maslin who picked up two tries and a wonderful try assist, 2 points Katherine Owens, 1 point Tahnee Carr.This result sees our Women's team anchor themselves in 4th position, with some big games coming up.The 1st XV after two consecutive byes were eager to get back on the rugby pitch and the first half definitely showed this. Gular Rugby stalwart Will Bowman kicked off the scoring in the 14th minute with a solo effort from ruck putting the home team up 7-0. The Galahs dominated in the scrum and lineouts, effectively robbing Coonamble of much needed field position. Curtis O’Connor was the best on the ground and dictated field position with his boot and leadership across the park. The Galahs withheld the Coonamble attack in the first half, with James Kildey defending above and beyond keeping the bigger Coonamble forward pack at bay with some brilliant legs tackles. Gulargambone were again on the scoreboard with rookie winger Tom Eason scoring a converted try in the 32nd minute. The galahs would hit the scoreboard again with O’Connor nailing a long-range penalty goal on the stroke of halftime to make it 17-0 to the home side.The halftime break as it often does, swung the momentum in favour of the Rams and the two consecutive byes were showing as the legs of the Galahs were getting heavier by the minute. ABOVE: Coonamble's Jacob Savage attempts to outrun a pursuing Gulargambone player. Image: Oliver Brown.Coonamble dominated the early stages of the second half and were rewarded with an un converted try in the 49th minute. The momentum stuck the way of the away side but in the 52nd minute up stepped Curtis O’Connor with a brilliant read of play intercepting a pass off the Rams to run away for 40m try in the corner. O’Connor iced the magic with a brilliant side line conversion putting the Gular team up 24-5, a play that would ultimately seal the victory for the Galah’s. Gular continued to defend their hearts out with centre Archie Haling pestering the Coonamble backline through sharp running and defending. The Galahs started to run out of energy and Coonamble upped the ante scoring a converted try in the 68th minute to make it 24-12. With the momentum well and truly in Coonamble’s favour, the Galahs were just about out of steam as Coonamble scored another converted try in the 74th minute to have the home team supporters biting their finger nails for the remaining 6 minutes. To Gulargambone’s credit they defended a number of Coonamble raids in the final minutes with Gular forcing a penalty in the last play to win the match. A brilliant and well deserved win by the young Galahs which will no doubt do wonders for the remainder of the season.Points this weekend went the way of 3 to Curtis O’Connor, 2 to Tim Bowman, 1 to Archie Haling and players player was emphatically won by James Kildey. While the players are always the ones to take the credit when victorious a special mention must go to coach Mark Colwell, a very deserving win for his outstanding efforts off the field.The Men’s and Women’s team travel to Brewarrina for their next game to take on the Brewarrina/Bourke rugby teams.

By BRYSON LUFFWith half the competition rounds completed the Cobar Roosters are perched at the top of the 2022 Christie and Hood Castlereagh League ladder having suffered only one defeat thus far this year, that being back in Round 3 when they went down to the Gulgong Bull Terriers 30 points to 24 at Gulgong.As expected, the Roosters were made to work for the competition points last Saturday in their Round 9 game against the youthful Coonamble Bears outfit at Coonamble.The visitors scored six tries to five to notch an important win, the final score being 34 to 26.This was the second loss in a row for the Bears, having gone down narrowly to Gilgandra the previous week and such is the closeness of the competition those two losses have seen them tumble from being second on the ladder to now sitting sixth, albeit just one competition point outside the top four.They will enjoy a bye next week whilst the Roosters will be out to avenge their earlier loss to Gulgong when they host the Terriers at Tom Knight Oval next Saturday in what is a crucial game for both clubs.Meanwhile at Baradine a tenacious Magpie team, spurred on by a vocal crowd who were getting ready to celebrate Baradine’s 100th anniversary at a “Black and White Ball” that night, almost caused a major boilover when they fully tested the Gilgandra Panthers.In fact, there were many at the ground that thought that perhaps the better team might have lost such was the rather remarkable and stirring comeback staged by the home team.It all looked like smooth sailing for the Panthers as they raced away to an 18 nil lead midway through the first half, before going to the sheds seemingly still in control with the scoreboard reading 24 to six.Whatever went down in the Baradine dressing shed at half time had the desired affect and for 32 of the final 40 minutes they were on top of their opposition and quite incredibly, much to the delight of their supporters, with just eight minutes remaining they were in front 30 points to 28!It was desperate times for the visitors as they tried to breach the Magpies defence, but sadly for the Black and White faithful the Panthers did manage to score a breakout try with just three minutes remaining followed by another in the final seconds to claim the competition points and retain their second position on the competition ladder.Whilst they did not get the win the Baradine players deservedly got a standing ovation as they trooped from the ground after a memorable performance.The Panthers can look forward to another tough encounter this Saturday when they travel to Dunedoo to meet up with the Swans in a Boronia Cup Challenge game.After a slow start to their season the Swans have certainly established themselves as premiership contenders in recent weeks, stringing together a number of victories and playing at home, in front of their large band of supporters, they will be a tough proposition for the Panthers.Christie and Hood Castlereagh League Round 9 Scores League Tag Dunedoo 28 (Alexis Gallagher 3, Eva Hogden, Hannah Christie tries, Hallie Hogden 4 goals) defeated Binnaway 0 Coonamble 46 (Hannah Towns 4, Tori Canham 2, Jess Solomon 2 tries, Canham 6, Shakaye Walker goals) defeated Cobar 0 Baradine 28 (Zali Hyde, Stephanie Bowling, Meg Walton, Maria Nagy, Hayley Andrews tries, Nagy 4 goals) defeated Gilgandra 6 (Mab Fuller try, Shian Chatfield goal)  Competition ladderDunedoo 25, Baradine 24, Narromine 23, Gulgong 21, Gilgandra 19, Coonamble 19, Cobar 14, Binnaway 10. Rugby League Cobar 34 (Ashley Davies 2, Tom Plater 2, Jack Brown, Gerald Mackay tries, Plater 5 goals) defeated Coonamble 26 (Tyrell Kennedy, Mark Jones, Jack Kelly, Jeremy Fernando, Danial Sangster tries, Mitc Nalder 2, Andrew Wallace goals) Gilgandra 38 (Hayden Smith 2, Luke Ritchie 2, Ty Sutherland, David Smith, Ash Hazelton tries, Smith 4, Ritchie goals) defeated Baradine 30 (Jesse McElhinney, Travis Houghton, Jarvis Watton, Silver Bunner, Hugh Horder tries, McElhinney 5 goals) Competition ladderCobar 25, Gilgandra 23, Gulgong 22, Narromine 21, Dunedoo 21, Coonamble 20, Baradine 14. Round 10 Saturday 2nd July Dunedoo V Gilgandra (Boronia Cup Challenge), Cobar V Gulgong, Binnaway V Narromine. Coonamble bye, Baradine bye.There is a strong possibility that the Round 10 Binnaway V Narromine league tag game will be played at Binnaway at 7.30pm on Friday 1st July subject to referee availability

Tooraweenah! It’s a small, serene little village of a few hundred hardy souls, nestled on rolling plains under the ancient stare of the spectacular Warrumbungle Mountains in the central west of NSW. A few kilometres away, the Newell Highway hums to the rhythm of the main freight and tourist route between Melbourne, 930 km south, and Brisbane, 750 km north. Around 430 km eastward, Sydney’s chaos and congestion seem just as far away as its capital neighbours.In fact, most of the time, this small rural hub supporting generations of stoic livestock and cropping families sits quiet and calm, proud and purposeful in its modest isolation, detached from the hustle and haste of city and the ‘burbs.But there’s another side to this image of comfortable seclusion, because when it comes to endurance riding, community spirit and the true embodiment of country hospitality, Tooraweenah punches way above its weight. Always has!Indeed, this is a town typifying the Australian character, with a tireless tenacity and gritty determination which not only exults the experience and attitudes of its sparse population, but personifies the fundamental meaning of ‘endurance’ by providing the perfect platform for this amazing sport and its legendary mantle, the Tom Quilty Gold Cup.In 2022, the famed Quilty heads back to Tooraweenah and much as it did in 1991, the town and its dedicated committee are boldly determined and well advanced with plans to deliver a national championship event which will hammer into obscurity the difficulties and distress of the past few years.Recovering from years of brutal drought, devastating mouse plagues and of course, the callous constraints of COVID-19 which caused Western Australia’s 2020 Quilty to be rescheduled to 2021, Tooraweenah is now tearing at the bit to make the 2022 Tom Quilty something supremely memorable. An expression, perhaps, that endurance riding and the people who strive to keep the sport unique in the equestrian world, will not be cowed by adversity or setbacks.It all starts, of course, with a committee which in Tooraweenah’s case collectively accounts for a vast level of experience in organising and conducting a highly acclaimed 80 km annual endurance ride as well as numerous 160 km NSW State championships and the 1991 Tom Quilty won by western NSW rider Andrew Bailey. It’s worth noting that in 2018, Andrew returned to the scene of his ’91 Quilty victory to take out the 160 km NSW State Championship on many of the same tracks, though the more ferocious climbs of 30 years ago have now been resigned to campfire folklore, much to the relief of those with long memories.Even so, the 2022 Tooraweenah Quilty will be a true championship course befitting the history and heritage of the most prestigious ride on the Australian endurance riding calendar. Typically, though, Tooraweenah’s reputation as a demanding endurance course is equally matched by enviably high completion rates at all distances. What’s more, such is the spirit of endurance riding in this neck of the woods, with 2022 marking 44 years of annual endurance events centred on this formidable little town, that several members of the ’91 Quilty organising committee remain staunchly involved in bringing the 2022 event to reality.The president of the Tooraweenah endurance riding club, for instance, is Anthony Blessing, a former endurance competitor with 35 years’ experience in the sport and a man who knows what it takes to bring many varied abilities together for a common goal.ABOVE: Some more of the faces behind the upcoming event. L-R: President of the Tooraweenah Endurance Club Anthony Blessing, Secretary Leonie Blessing, Sponsorship and Marketing Bec Blessing and Committee Member Bud Blessing. Image supplied.Then there’s the club vice-president and chief steward for the 2022 Quilty, Peter Bonham. The Bonham name is synonymous with endurance riding and even now, with more than 45 years in the sport as an organiser, steward and competitor with numerous Quilty buckles on the shelf, it’s not unusual to see Peter riding alongside one or more of his six grandchildren at an event. The dynastic influence continues with Peter’s daughter and club secretary Sonia Bonham whose background in endurance spans more than 40 years, most appreciably as both a highly accomplished competitor and immensely capable ride organiser.However, as Sonia is quick to add, Tooraweenah boasts an extensive and diverse ride committee made up of many members, each with a long connection to endurance riding through the families and local businesses that stretch deep into the community and surrounding areas. All the town’s facilities will be primed for the running of the 2022 Tom Quilty, from the friendly atmosphere of the Mountain View Hotel Motel, the Tooraweenah Trading Co. rural supplies store, the caravan and camping facilities of the Tooraweenah Tourist Park, and the numerous and various wares of local suppliers. For more detailed supplies, the major rural centres of Coonabarabran and Gilgandra are an easy drive north and south respectively. As for the ride base, the Tooraweenah Showground on the edge of town is a tried and proven venue for endurance rides, and already there’s plenty of work being undertaken to make it even better. The showground also includes the local golf course which is being made available for all strapping and vetting roles, the showground features excellent showers and toilets, an extensive area for the mandatory vet hospital and ample areas for sponsors and suppliers to showcase their products. A large open area immediately across the road from the central showground is now being prepared for the hundreds of cars, trucks, floats and goosenecks set to hit the town for the running of the 56th Tom Quilty in July 2022. There is, of course, still plenty to be done but organisers know only too well what it takes to make the Tom Quilty a truly memorable event for competitors, strappers, sponsors, suppliers and visitors alike. Meantime, for anyone wanting to arrive with horses and freshen up a week or two before the event, there will be plenty of hospitality and space on local farms to settle in and sample the surrounds and atmosphere of this amazing community.Tooraweenah! Where horses are in the heart and endurance riding in the blood.  

Warren Pumas hosted Nyngan’s Bogan Bulls in the ‘match of the round’ at Victoria Oval in Warren on Saturday last, in a tough battle for the Barry Beach – Bomber Moxham Cup, with the Pumas taking the win 30-26 right on the buzzer in a nail-biting display of Rugby.    “The Cup was initiated last year to recognise Barry Beach and Bomber Moxham who have contributed significantly to both of our clubs,” said Bogan Bulls Club President Ange Kennedy.   “Both true Gentleman, the men are still regulars on the sidelines at games. They have both supported bush rugby for many many years,” according to Ms Kennedy.    “Barry is to the Warren Pumas like Bomber is to the Bulls. Bomber originally played for Warren in the couple of years before the Nyngan Club was formed back in 1956 – both men have had pivotal roles in their respective clubs.” Said Ms Kennedy.    “I was truly humbled to have the Cup named after us,” said Barry Beach. “Bomber and I have been mates since the early 50’s when we started playing for the Warren Rugby Union side. “  “I haved been involved with the Club since day one and both my boys, Mark and James have played and been involved also. I have been so fortunate to have made many friends through the sport and have really enjoyed the rivalry through the years between Warren and Nyngan,” he said. “What could be better than sharing the Cup with my mate Bomber.” Warren Pumas Captain Blair Hooper, Bomber Moxham, Barry Beach, and Bogan Bulls Captain Brendon Nelson. PHOTO WARREN WEEKLY    It was 1953 when Bomber Moxham received a call from George Thornton asking him to go to help make up the team in Warren.    “George called up and said come over and help us out and in the beginning we only had enough players to play each other as there were no other teams in the area at that time.” Said Bomber Moxham. Eventually we started travelling to Wellington who had a great team and then to Goolma. There were no Dubbo Teams so we just did what we could.”   “In 1956 I joined the newly started Nyngan side as it was less distance to travel and to support the fledgling Club,’ said Mr. Moxham. “I am so proud of our Club now - the young people are doing a great job and it’s a pleasure to be a part of such a tight knit group.”   “I was astounded when they called to say we have named a Cup for you and even happier to know it was with Barry. I was proud,” he said.    With the Bulls taking out the title last year, the Pumas had something to prove and went in hard from the first whistle. Eight minutes in Nyngan Winger Jake Perko found an opening and hit the line setting Nyngan up with a Seven-point lead, after Simon Fonua converted.   Soon after Pumas Strong man Hugh Mclean used his muscle to down the defence and score for five points. This resulted in a twenty-minute tough and brutal back and fro between the two teams with Referee Newton allowing the free flow of the game, as the enthusiastic crowd watched on.   Nyngan five-eight Mitch Butler, gave the Bulls something to celebrate, as the clock ticked down to half time taking the score to 14-5.   Not to be outdone Pumas Will Young, took a good ball out wide and scored with Nelson Shepherd adding the conversion taking the score to 14-12 with both teams heading to the sheds for a much-needed break after a first half physical encounter.    As the whistle sounded for the commencement of the second half Nyngan came out firing with the Puma defence forgeting to defend the blind side of the ruck allowing an easy try from Talia Tuaau.   It wasn’t long after when Pumas Hamish Cameron scored in the corner and both teams knew it was on. Pure guts Rugby and the cup was on the line as the Pumas dug deep.    Nyngan centre Talia Tuaau scored again with a quick reply from the Pumas and a score 26-25 Bulls way made the Bogan Bulls crowd edgy and the Pumas supporters determined.    Both Teams level of fitness came into question as they struggled to reach the line and the Bulls thought they had it in the bag when Pumas Clarrie Pratten sealed the deal making the score 30-26 right on the bell and Warren the winners on the day.  The keenly contested Beach-Moxham Cup.  “Saturday was a great day of Rugby,” Pumas President Tom Noonan said. “It was great to have Barry and Bomber present on the day and for them to be surrounded by their family and friends”.    Not only was it Beach/Moxham Cup Day – Saturday was Spinal Injury Support round and Warren Pumas donated a percentage of gate takings to Andrew Regan and Nathan Stapleton who both sustained critical spinal injuries playing Country Rugby this season. Donation buckets were placed out and a load of wood donated by Brad McRae and Andrew Austin was raffled to support the cause to help the boys with recovery and ongoing medical bills.   Bogan Bulls will be flat out working on tactics for the next encounter in the hopes of taking back the coveted Cup.