Local riders stood out the at 30th annual North West Equestrian Expo this year with Calrossy Anglican School student Pippa Cullen, originally from Walgett, topping the point score.   Pippa, 13, and her older sister Molly were amongst the 560 riders and 720 horses from 121 schools to converge on Coonabarabran earlier this month for the five day long event. Most successful rider at Expo was Pippa Cullen.   Despite soaking rain on the first day of competition, organisers managed to run 25 events ranging from eventing, show jumping and dressage through to polocrosse, sporting and team penning over the five days.   Event secretary Rebecca Moxham said this year was one of the biggest Expo’s, with high schools from all over NSW represented.   “This event evolved 30 years ago for high school students to attend and 30 years later its now the biggest the high school equestrian event in Australia,” Mrs Moxham said. “It is also the oldest continually running event of its kind.”   Mrs Moxham said the last time there had been such large numbers was in 2012.   “It was a very challenging event from the perspective of the organising committee in rescheduling events and changing venues at short notice and full credit to competitors, parents and team managers in getting to events on time without complaint.”   “Expo has never been an event for the faint hearted as we said at the team managers meeting, a cross between the greatest show on earth and survivor and it certainly was a bit of both again this year!”  The first Equestrian event was held on 6 May 1992 as part of an Ag Expo hosted by Coonabarabran High School. It was held over one day and catered for flatwork and show jumping.   Lucy Mclaughlin from Nyngan (centre) was a member of the winning 6 Bar show jumping team from Ascham School and also reserve champion in the 95cm showjumping.  Some of the riders competing at this year’s event were children of those first Expo riders including locals Alex Letts, Hannah and Izzi Evans. Some of the Head Stewards from the first Expos notably Shaen and Richard Blackman were still very involved in the eventing while former riders Mick Doolan, Ren Letts and Lucy Evans have become Head Stewards and part of the organising committee.  These days Coona Expo week sees the population of Coonabarabran, population 2500, double in size, with all accommodation booked out and the town a hive of activity.  Thoroughbred Industry Careers was the major sponsor of the 2022 Expo, and as a surprise flew in Group 1 jockey Robbie Dolan, who gained acclaim as a contestant on The Voice Australia, for a performance. Group 1 winning jockey and recent contestant on The Voice flew to Coonabarabran to perform for the young people at the Expo. IMAGE: Thoroughbred Industry Careers who are among the sponsors of the event. This year the events included eventing, dressage, show jumping, combined training, hacking, team penning, stock horse challenge, sporting, a gymkhana, six bar jumping, and the unique “Coona” events – the Warrumbungle Way and a five-event pentathlon where competitors must ride a showjump course, do a cross country run, throw a javelin and do a horse sporting event (this year the fifth task – a bike ride – was abandoned due to the muddy conditions).  Ned Kennedy from Trangie won the 15 years boys point score and was also judged most versatile rider at Expo (photo: Kate Kennedy).  Other local riders to do well this year included year 9 Kings School student, Ned Kennedy from Trangie who won his age point score and was also judged the ‘most versatile rider” at Expo; Erica and Jock Stewart from Dunedoo who were in the winning Kinross Walaroi polocrosse team; Farrer student Tom Maxey from Nevertire who won the Expo pentathlon for his age group; and Ascham student Lucy McLaughlin who was reserve champion in her showjumping division and also part of the winning Six Bar team.

Report courtesy of Barney Rubble, Walgett Rugby ClubApologies for the last 2 missed match reports, but this reporter had better things to do than travel to Cobar on a bus that was manufactured back when Bob Hawke was running the show, and to watch the Rams almost get beaten by the Bre/Bourke Brumbies.But from second-hand news, the Cobar match was much as expected, big boys, big collisions, but the Ram’s fitness ended up sealing the deal. Nothing to report on the bus trip, as the Rams players have finally realised that whatever they tell Barney, eventually ends up broadcast across Facebook. So, the lips have been sealed. Bre/Bourke was a different story though. The Brumbies turned up with a more or less full-strength team, and although the end score line didn’t show it, they pushed the Rams to an inch of their first loss of the season. Halftime only separated the teams by 6 points, but once again, the fitness regime paid off for the Rams. Running in 3 late tries to seal the game at the death. After the scare with Bre/Bourke, the Rams were wary of the Galahs, seeing as in the past 5 years Walgett has struggled to beat Galah at home even with overwhelming odds. However, the Galahs made the crucial mistake of changing the match venue from the Gulargambone “Alcatraz”, to the Gilgandra “YMCA”. Admittedly the YMCA has a much better ground and facilities than Alcatraz, but it was missing the grit that is commonly associated with playing in Gulargambone. As well as having doors on the showers, which was a point on consternation for some of the older players in the Rams who weren’t able to appreciate the full-frontal nudity that is so often married with playing in a country rugby union competition. ABOVE: The Walgett Rams were all smiles in the lead up to the game, however remained determined to come away with the win. Image: Kirsty Witts.When asked why the game was to be taken place 50km deeper into the unwashed “South Country” than Walgett was used to, a Gulargambone spokesman was less than pleasant in their reply. Turns out the joke was on him, because Jack Yeomans was travelling from Dubbo and only just made the kick off. Barney is sure that The Pink Parrot will help in clearing this matter up. Nevertheless, the Rams took to the field, still a little shaky after the Brumbies match. However, it seemed like the change of venue also changed the psyche of the Galahs. After some token resistance in the backline, it wasn’t long before the Rams crossed the line with the meat pie going to one of the backs that had done bugger all in the lead up. Not to take anything away from the backs, who were missing the flyhalf Thomson Faulkner who was in the gold coast at a bucks party with Partyboy Guy Yeomans. The Chainsaw stepped up to fill Thommo’s small boots in the position of 5/8 and did an admirable job, although his weekly try haul was significantly lower without having Murph inside him taking all the punishment before offloading for Charlie Friend to stroll across the line. Harry Deshon ended up doing the “Reverse Sam Evans” in going from openside flanker to the centres to make up for Thommo who was probably getting dual lap dances with Guy at this stage. Deshon held his own in the backline, and also managed to sneak a try in. Giving the younger Deshon, Jack, time to flourish in his new position on the Flank. Another strong performance for another Deshon, however learning the lineout calls seems to be a problem that not only affects Sam O’Brien. While we are on the topic of Gout, that’s the given reason Sam O’Brien couldn’t make an appearance on the weekend. A likely story, this reporter believes that O’Brien just saw an opportunity to spend time with his wife and son like the coward that he is. Walgett continued with the deconstruction of the Galahs in all facets except for the scrum. Hats off to Bowman in the front row for Gulargambone who seemed to be able to hold the entire Rams pack off by himself. Might have been a different story if Family Guy O’Brien left the raising of children to nannies like any self-respecting Blue Blood would. But this wasn’t the case sadly. The tries rolled in during the first half with the Rams wondering if the Galahs could even be been there, but as halftime came and went, Walgett was faced with a very different team. Gulargambone was down 60 odd points to 8, and the rams were expecting them to roll over. This wasn’t the case at all. If anything, the Gulargambone boys pulled together and stretched the Rams attack and defence (with their scrum led by Bowman).However, some small mistakes proved costly for the Galahs. Letting Charlie Toll stroll through an undefended lineout to run 40m before offloading to Walford who ended up scoring under the posts was one of them. The other mistake was targeting Walgett’s own Sonny Billy Williams, Charlie “The Red Mist” Berrell. Although this worked in the first half, with The Mist dropping a well placed kick from the Galah Flyhalf, The Mist picked his game up in the 2nd 40mins and started putting the shots on that earnt himself the above-mentioned self-proclaimed nickname. Other stand out performances from the Rams came from the O’Brien without Gout, Patrick. Paddy stood out with a couple of big runs, and his dominance alongside Charlie Toll in the lineout. Lucky for Walgett as this year they have not 1, but 2 tall streaks of duck shit that love nothing better than stealing opposition lineouts. Harvey Duncan seems to have learnt how to pass the ball in the last 2 weeks, as he excelled in the No.9 jersey, constantly wreaking havoc around the ruck with darting runs and pin point accuracy in his passes. But he will need to keep his eye in, as Hay-McKenzie came on in the second half to replace him with the anger that one can only expect from someone that lives closer to Brewarrina than Walgett.ABOVE: The Walgett Rams during the post-game debrief. Despite the final score, it was clear from the state of their jerseys the boys had given their all against the Gulargambone Galahs. Image: Kirsty Witts.End score was 87-8, which was a drubbing. But it can’t be overlooked that Gular have a young, keen team that fought all the way through to the last minute which is more than can be said for other teams observed by this reporter. Every club has rebuilding years (see The Walgett Rams in ’18 & ’19), but the Young Galahs have a good future in front of them. It was great for the Rams to break the Galah HooDoo at last, the same mightn’t be said if the match was played on the gravel strip at Gulargambone though.PS. Great to see both Brumbies get up on the weekend #Canberra #Bre/Bourke Points3 - Chainsaw Friend 2 - Charlie Toll 1 - Patrick O’Brien Player’s Player - Harvey Duncan

By Bryson LuffThe Dunedoo Swans fended off a strong challenge by the Gulgong Bull Terriers in their round seven game played at Dunedoo’s Robertson Oval to retain the Boronia Cup.Lead up front by their captain coach and front rower, Brad Beshman, who scored two tries, the Swans had to work hard to keep the silverware, only just edging in front late in the game, and then clinging on desperately in the dying minutes of the match, to claim an important win for the club, taking the game 22 to 16.It was a good day for the green and whites with their league tag side returning to the winners list after their loss to Narromine the previous week with the Swannettes registering a strong 32 to 10 win over the visitors.ABOVE: Gulgong winger Toby O'Leary scoring in the corner in their game against Dunedoo last Saturday. Image: Peter Sherwood.The cool conditions at Narromine’s Cale Oval did not prevent a sizeable crowd packing in to witness the action between the Jets and the Gilgandra Panthers.The visitors were quickly out of the blocks and on the top of a glut of possession they had the Jets in all sorts of bother having scored three tries in the opening ten minutes with their five eight David Smith scoring two along with one to centre George Alchin.However, the Jets managed to stabilise the situation after the initial onslaught and with tries to Luke Thompson and half back Sam Gainsford they were well and truly back in the match at half time with the scoreboard reading 16 to 10 in favour of the visitors.The break seemed to invigorate the Panthers and they dominated the second half to run out 38 to 16 winners, although it must be said that the Jets contributed to their own downfall through poor ball retention.It was better news for the Narromine club in the league tag with the Jetettes registering a 26 to 4 win over the Pink Panthers, that win moving them in to the top four.At Coonamble it was a point a minute affair between the Bears and the Trangie Magpies in the first grade, but unfortunately for the Maggies they could only lay claim to owning 18 of the 80 points scored with the home side racking up a 62 to 18 victory.ABOVE: Coonamble's Tori Canham charging ahead as a Trangie opponent tries to catch up.In the final game the Cobar Roosters' long road trip to Baradine did not seem to have any great detrimental effect on their players and they ran out convincing winners 60 points to 4.There will be a general bye in the Christie and Hood Castlereagh League competition this weekend due to the June Long Weekend with round 8 to be played on 18th June. Christie and Hood Castlereagh League Round 7 scoresLeague TagDunedoo 32 (Meg Christensen, Allannah Stoddart, Brianna Smith, Alexis Gallagher, Hayley Berg, Chloe Patrick, Mia Gallagher tries, Hallie Hogden 2 goals) defeated Gulgong 10 (Tayla Pennell, Olivia Kennedy tries, Christina Cooper goal)Narromine 26 (Lily Spackman 2, Brady Leach 2, Jacana Powell, Danielle Harris tries, Jannalie Dwyer goal) defeated Gilgandra 4 (Mab Fuller try)Coonamble 66 (Tori Canham 3, Mickayala McEwen 2, Hannah Towns 2, Emily Ryan 2, Hope Fernando, Shakaye Walker, Thelma Leonard, Sally Taylor tries, Canham 7 goals) defeated Trangie 4 (Paige Shepherd try)Baradine 75 defeated Cobar 0Binnaway bye Competition ladderDunedoo 19, Baradine 18, Narromine 17, Gilgandra 17, Gulgong 15, Coonamble 13, Cobar 12, Trangie 9*, Binnaway 8*     *= game in handRugby LeagueDunedoo 22 (Brad Beshman 2, Brian Bradshaw, Sam Christensen, Jarrod Spicer, tries, Dan Lane 3 goals) defeated Gulgong 16 (Ethan Pegus, Toby O’Leary, Kobey Thurston tries, James Morrison 2 goals)Gilgandra 38 (David Smith 3, George Alchin, Ty Sutherland, Brandon Hammond, Tom Brisbane tries, Hammond 3, Smith, Luke Ritchie goals) defeated Narromine 16 (Sam Gainsford, Tylah Beer, Luke Thompson tries, Janus Walford 2 goals)Coonamble 62 (Kane Viggins 2, Tyrell Kennedy 2,Mitch Nalder, Mark Jones, Andrew Wallace, Dwayne McEwen, Nathan Thurston, Jake Fernando, Earl Greenaway tries, Fernando 9 goals) defeated Trangie 18 (Mark Sternback, Cory Johnson, Paul Widders tries, Jeremy Barker, Hayden Ellis, Tallis Barker goals)Cobar 60 (Ben Griffiths 2, Tim Hillam 2, Ashley Davies, Jed Noonan, David Watson, Loma Atuah, Zane Taylor, Ryan Urqhart tries, Thomas Plater 10 goals) defeated Baradine 4 (Lyall Houghton try) Competition ladderCobar 19, Coonamble 18, Narromine 17, Gilgandra 17, Gulgong 16, Dunedoo 15, Trangie 12, Baradine 10. Next week general bye Round 8 18th JuneCobar V Narromine, Trangie V Dunedoo, Gilgandra V Coonamble, Binnaway V Baradine, Gulgong bye.

By COLIN HODGESJake Barrett was a proud apprentice jockey when he hoisted the impressive WesTrac Cobar Cup above his head after winning the feature race on Saturday aboard the Connie Greig, Dubbo trained Valadyium.This was the first Cup won by Barrett who is on loan to Dubbo trainer Brett Robb from the Kim Waugh stable at Wyong.Nicely positioned behind the leaders in the 1700 metres Cup, Valadyium ($3.80 equal favourite) wore down Knee Slapper (Elissa Meredith, $3.80 equal favourite) to win by a length with Saw That Coming (Chelsea Ings, $5) running on well for third.The trip out west by Connie Greig and Jake Barrett was very worthwhile as they also won the Broughton Field Services Class 1 Handicap with Everyone.Under a serious challenge in the straight, Everyone ($5) kicked away to beat the $2.50 favourite Drunkasamonkey (Clayton Gallagher) by over two lengths with Gunnerside (Ashleigh Stanley, $6.50) a handy third.Another apprentice riding well is Gilgandra based Zara Lewis who won the opening event on Koko Connection for Menindee trainer Wayne Marsden.A former Victorian galloper, Koko Connection ($5) led most of the way to win the 1000 metres Nutrien Russell Maiden Plate in convincing fashion from Pippie Star (Chelsea Ings, $15) and Dare To Fight (Elissa Meredith, $3.80 fav.).The rest of the meeting belonged to leading jockey Clayton Galloper who with powerful riding booted home a winning treble, starting with his easiest assignment, No Debt for Dubbo trainer Brett Robb in the 1000 metres DJW & Yanda Art Benchmark 58 Handicap.From the outside barrier, No Debt ($2.20 fav.) raced wide to the home turn then accelerated to a four lengths win over Travstar (Elissa Meredith, $5) and Japingka (James Rogers, $9).Carrying the 60kg top weight in the 1200 metres Sullivan’s Mining & Industrial Benchmark 50 Handicap, Sipharderson (Clayton Gallagher, $2.80 fav.) shared the lead then held off the challenge from Late Return (Zara Lewis, $9) to win by a long neck.After taking on Sipharderson for the lead the Wayne Prisk, Cobar trained Jawsome (Angela Cooper, $10) battled on for a game third.Bred and raced by Heather and David Ringland from Dubbo, Sipharderson completed a winning Cobar double for trainer Brett Robb.Final race, the 1370 metres KML Industries Benchmark 45 Handicap, saw a thrilling race with the Bryan Dixon, Gilgandra trained Lenny’s Lad ($4.20) leading for home and under desperate riding from Clayton Gallagher prevailing in a three way photo finish from Hoffy’s Dream (Chelsea Ings, $8) and Fiery Belle (Jake Barrett, $4.40).The big crowd appreciated the outstanding facilities and magnificent presentation of the racecourse by the Cobar Miners Race Club.

By BRYSON LUFFThe high-flying Narromine Jets encountered take off problems in their round six game of the Christie and Hood Castlereagh League competition in the form of a wedge of black swans.The impact of the Swans upon the Jets saw Narromine surrender their undefeated status and the Dunedoo Swans retain the Boronia Cup in what many might regard as a boil over!Prior to the meeting of the two teams at Dunedoo’s Robertson Oval the Jets had swept all before them whilst the Swans had recorded just a lone victory and were coming off a sizeable loss to the Cobar Roosters the previous week, and even the Dunedoo faithful would have had to have been somewhat dubious about the prospects of a victory over the visitors.However, as per usual the Swans dug deep in front of their large band of supporters and history now tells us that they recorded a memorable 24 to 12 win.Perhaps defending the Boronia Cup stirred up the Swan’s first grade players but the result once again showed that the Swans go up a notch or two when they play at home and it sets up what should be a hard-fought encounter with the Gulgong Terriers this Saturday with the time-honoured Boronia Cup once again on the line.Whilst the Swans had plenty to celebrate come full time in the first grade encounter it was a different story in the league tag with that match in many ways mirroring what unfolded in the later game.Going into the match the Swannettes were undefeated whilst the Jettettes had had mixed fortunes and were coming off a large loss to Baradine the previous week and few would have liked their chances against the slick Dunedoo outfit.As it turned out the Jettettes scored four tries to two in their 18 to 8 victory to throw the league tag competition wide open.Elsewhere in the Castlereagh...In other round six games the Cobar Roosters proved to be too strong for the Trangie Magpies in both games played at Trangie on Friday night whilst it was a mixed bag for the Gulgong and Baradine clubs with Gulgong winning first grade 48 to 8 and Baradine claiming the league tag 26 to 6.Coonamble defeated Binnaway 30 to nil in another Friday night game in their league tag clash.Next RoundRound seven clashes this coming weekend will be highlighted by the Boronia Cup game at Dunedoo when they host the Gulgong Bull Terriers in a local derby.The Terriers have enjoyed a strong start to the season and they would possibly like their chances of taking the Cup home with them, but if they do not heed the warning issued by the Swans last Saturday, they could well pay the price if they go into the match thinking they will be having nothing but a tough battle.Meanwhile the Narromine Jets will be looking to regroup when they host the Gilgandra Panthers in what should be a big test for both clubs.The Panthers first grade side will be eager for a run, having had two byes in a row, which depending on your view about playing week in and week out, may or may not be such a good thing for them.Undoubtedly the Jets will be out to impress their home crowd and return to the winning side of the ledger after their fine start in the Castlereagh League competition.A close and hard-fought encounter is anticipated.In other games Coonamble will host Trangie and Cobar will make the long trek to Baradine whilst Binnaway has the bye. Christie and Hood Round Six Scores League TagNarromine 18 (Lily Spackman, Jacana Powell, Jannalie Dwyer, Lucy Dawson tries, Dwyer goal) defeated Dunedoo 8 (Allannah Stoddart, Amelia Taylor tries)Cobar 66 (Brianna Watson 3, Taylah Good 2, Bianca Jacobson, Madison Taylor, Georgia Boland, Grace Burge, Melissa Singh tries, Watson 9 goals) defeated Trangie 12 (Katina Darcy, Chaviah Davison tries, Darcy and Davison goals)Coonamble 30 (Shakaye Walker 2, Tori Canham 2, Hannah Towns 2 tries, Canham 3 goals) defeated Binnaway 0Baradine 26 (Zali Hyde 2, Maria Nagy 2, Ashanti Pennell tries, Nagy 3 goals) defeated Gulgong 6 (Christina Cooper try, Mel Robinson goal).Gilgandra bye. Competition ladderDunedoo 16, Gilgandra 16, Baradine 15, Gulgong 14, Narromine, 14, Cobar 12, Coonamble 10, Trangie 8*, Binnaway 5*     *= game in hand First GradeDunedoo 24 (Brian Bradshaw 2, Hugh Watts, Sam Wesley, Dan Lane tries, Lane 2 goals) defeated Narromine (Washington Itoya, Osa Balemainasoso tries, Janus Walford 2 goals)Cobar 56 (Ashley Davies 3, Jack Bonn, Tim Hillam, Ben Griffiths, Jed Noonan, Tom Plater, David Watson, Marty Turton tries, Plater 8 goals) defeated Trangie 8 (DJ Kennedy, Corey Johnson tries)Gulgong 48 (Ethan Pegus 4, Sam Gorrie 2, Kobey Thurston, Kyle Alexander, James Morrison tries, Morrison 5, Gorrie goals) defeated Baradine 8 (Travis Houghton, Wade Sutherland tries. Competition ladderNarromine 16, Cobar 16, Coonamble 15, Gulgong 15, Gilgandra 14, Dunedoo 12, Trangie 11, Baradine 9.  Next weekNarromine V Gilgandra, Coonamble V Trangie, Dunedoo V Gulgong (Boronia Cup Challenge), Baradine V Cobar. Binnaway bye

By Tom CullenRams Ladies go down in thrillerThe Rams Ladies suffered a narrow loss on Saturday going down to the Bourke Ewes by one try scored on the bell in Brewarrina.It was painful to watch as both sides were dead locked on 4 tries going into the final quarter with neither side not giving an inch. But a few Rams mistakes crept in, and they were punished with 30 seconds remaining with a try to Bourke in the corner. The match couldn’t have started any worse for the Rams with a knock on off the kick-off. After shaking off the early jitters and defending their line a long range try to Tahnee Cullen put the Rams on the board. Tahnee cut through the Bourke defence like they were stationary, and no one got near her. Not long after Cullen made another break to run half the length of the field down the sideline to score yet again and put the Rams in a commanding position. Bourke eventually found their attacking flair and showed the Rams this was to be no walkover. They scored four tries in the first half stamping their dominance on the game and at half time the Rams seemed to be falling away. Half-time score 4-2. Then came the third quarter. For every game this season, the Rams turn it on in the third, and they did on Saturday getting on the board early with a great team try scored by Jacinta Murray. The Rams were able to spread it wide close to Bourke’s line showing great skill and were rewarded for doing so. Jacinta like she was all game was at the right place at the right time. Not long after Maddie Strudwick decided to take on the hosts herself with a great kick ahead and regather, scoring to lock the score at 4 apiece. The Ram’s defence was also as solid as you could ask for not allowing Bourke anywhere near their try line. ABOVE: Coonamble's Tahnee Cullen gets ready to offload the ball before a Bourke defender could tag her. Image: Helen Rackham.Unfortunately, though the Rams couldn’t keep up their good form and Bourke had the last say right on the bell scoring to win the game 5-4. The Rams were devastated with the result as they let themselves down in the final quarter with too many errors and paid the price. Although an improvement on last weeks performance the Rams in the end need to carry their form for longer periods of the game. Tahnee Cullen was the Rams best with two tries and rewarded with women of the match. Xanthe Van Lubeck didn’t need any time to settle back in after being unavailable last week. She was solid in attack and controlled the middle well. Captain Jacinta Murray was also a standout and kept very busy in attack and lead from the front. After a tough bout on the road with three away games the Rams will have a rest with three byes. The next game will be against Walgett on 18th June giving the Rams plenty of time to bounce back against the old enemy. Bourke/Bre too good for Rams menMoving on to the main game of the day, the Coonamble Rams were no match for a stronger, faster and harder Brewarrina/Bourke combined side going down 52-12. In the end it was hard to watch as the Rams allowed the hosts to pile on the points in the final 20 minutes. They were no match to a bigger more structured forward pack and a faster and physical backline. The match started in perfect fashion for the Rams as Brewarrina’s half back passed to his five eighth who seemed to be on another planet with the ball sailing into the open. Tristan Crowley pouncing on the loose ball running away to score with Rams drawing first blood. Paddy Keady scored soon after with a fantastic individual try. Keady ran from five eighth weaving through the Bre/Bourke defence to score under the posts. This was looking like Coonamble’s afternoon. ABOVE: Coonamble's Paddy Keady was a difficult player to catch for many Bourek/Bre defenders over the weekend. Image: Noel Fisher, Western Herald.Slowly but surely though the hosts were able to take control of the game and minute by minute wore down the visitors. By half-time Bre/Bourke were leading 24-12 and the Rams were just in the game. However, as the game wore on in the second half it became scrappy, playing right into the hands of the hosts. Brewarrina and Bourke traditionally sides with fast and slick backs who love broken play, and the adlib style were able to score from anywhere on the field. The Rams, to their credit, held their own in the forwards with strong carries from Brenton Williams, Toby Stratton and Drew Inman. Inman, in particular, worked tirelessly all game and put it to Bre/Bourke’s forwards.The Rams, with this front foot ball, found opportunities out wide and newcomers Kane Wiggins and Preston Smith both found space and made crucial meters. Tristan Crowley also had his strongest game this season and seems to have found his preferred position in the centres. Unfortunately for the new look backline though, cohesion and experience let them down as mistakes crept in not allowing the Rams to build phases. Defence was also an issue particularly out wide where Bre/Bourke were able to score most of their points.ABOVE: Rams newcomer Blake Pennell tries to make his way through Bourke/Bre with several teammates getting ready to assist.Coach Charlie Milthorpe was disappointed with the result but was proud of his players as they gave it everything they could. Everything was left on the field and in the end inexperience and cohesion let them down. But as the quote goes ‘if you fail to prepare, you’re prepared to fail’. The Rams once again having to name a vastly different team to the week before as regular players were unavailable giving players only one training session together before the game. Brothers Paddy and Harvey Keady came to the rescue for the Rams, like the Keadys have so many times over recent years, to combine well at half back and five eighth. Kane Wiggins signed up to the Rams on Tuesday night and was given the fullback jersey straight up. Wiggins had an outstanding game beating the first defender on nearly every occasion and worked the ball wide to his outside backs with great effect. In other games, Walgett defeated Cobar 48-14, Nyngan beat Gular 26-0 and Warren had the bye. The Rams will need to do some soul searching after this heavy defeat and will need more commitment from the playing group if they are to have any chance of bouncing back this weekend against Nyngan at Nyngan.

Report courtesy of the Pink ParrotAfter a 4-week hiatus from journalism the Pink Parrot is back on the perch discussing all things Western Plains Rugby and the Tri-Colours progress during the season.A quick recount for GularSince the Parrot has been a bit behind, a quick recount on the season just far. In the men’s side of the club, Mark Colwell has taken on the coaching role and supported by fellow Gular Rugby Old Boy, Mark Walker.The men’s team has started their season with 3 losses prior to this weekend’s fixture. 54-5 away loss to Coonamble, a home loss to Bre/Bourke 26-0 and a 22-7 loss away to Cobar.The women’s team is back on board for this season and have been kept into line by skipper Caitlynn King and Coaches Zac Mills and Greg King. The girls have been performing well in their matches their first game was a nail biting 5-4 loss to Coonamble another cracker vs Bre/Bourke winning 6-5 and last week a 7-6 loss vs Cobar. Bulls too good on SaturdayGular on Saturday hosted the self-proclaimed 2021 Premiers, the Bogan Bulls on Saturday. Unfortunately Nyngan doesn’t have a women’s team so our girls had to sit this weekend out.The young Galahs with an average age of 21 across the park, played their backsides out against a strong Bulls line up with a mixture of local, and sourced players.Led by Skipper Michael Roche, Gular started the match on the front foot, startling the Bulls with Gular camping themselves in Nyngan’s half for the majority of the first half.Gular’s youngsters were led tirelessly by stalwarts Will and Tim Bowman who continually get better with age and they almost crossed the line to be held up by a resilient Bulls defensive line.But the Bulls were a little too proactive with their defence and were repeatedly penalised for being offside and this coincided with a Bulls player spending 10 minutes in the sin bin.Gular continued to pepper the line through George Alchin and Dev Bamblett but a try went beckoning and the Bulls went into halftime with a 7-0 lead.At the half time break coach Colwell was full of praise for his youngsters as James Kildey was brilliant in defence and was doing a great job at loose head prob.ABOVE: Nick Ryan reaches for the ball to keep it out of Nyngan hands.Stephen Owens was a man on a mission, holding his own in the scrum at hooker and also was defending the house down with plenty of aggression.The backs were being led by hard straight lines from Clayton Chapman who was pestering the Bulls flyhalf who got relegated to the wing by their coach, ouch.The Galahs were soon given another leg up as a late and high shot from a Bulls’ player had the yellow card drawn again. As the match went on, the Tri-Colours would have been awarded no less than 5 high tackle penalties.But this didn’t deter the Galahs and the halftime break brought on some changes, enter rookie Archie Haling. One of the smaller players on the field who absolutely whaled the Nyngan inside centre with a text book tackle, this fired up the Galahs as Nick Ryan was brilliant around the ruck with instrumental defence.The work of the Galahs around the ruck had the Bulls’ players frustrated and typical chat of ‘Sir’ was ringing in the ears of those present at the McGrane Oval and the houses adjoining.A volunteer lines-person even managed to cop a mouthful from the Nyngan halfback as their star import was adjudicated to have stepped on the sideline. The Galahs continued to give their all against the competition favourites and never gave up during the match as the Bulls went home with a deserved 28-0 victory over the home team. Points were awarded to Clay Chapman 3, Nick Ryan 2 and Stevo Owens and James Kildey shared 1 point. George Alchin who defensively played the house down was awarded players player by his peers.ABOVE: Gular prepares for another offensive set from the ruck. While the Pink Parrot is just a bush journo he would like to give his own praise to a couple of Gular players, firstly would have to be Richard Ryan. Easily the smallest halfback I have seen take a rugby field and played one of the gutsiest games of rugby I have seen in a Gular jersey. Nothing was too big, too hard or too exhausting for Richard, a game of rugby that had many Gular Rugby fans proud. My final praise of the match goes to veteran Will Bowman. As usual, Bowman was everywhere and anywhere. A true GOAT of Western Plains and Gular Rugby, Bowman again proved his worth on the park, whether it was through, kicks in play, lineouts, scrums, pilfering, you name it. Bowman did it. Next weekend the Galahs travel to Warren where the Men’s and Women’s teams take on the Pumas and Pumaettes which as always is a big game for Gular and many spectators are expected to travel over for game.

By BRYSON LUFFCoonamble v GulgongPlaying at Coonamble, the home town Bears and the Gulgong Bull Terriers put on a very physical and entertaining display in front of a big crowd in Round 5 of the Christie and Hood Castlereagh League.The visitors were the first to call the scoreboard attendant in to action when they benefitted by way of scoring from an intercept of a wayward pass thrown by the Bears, but it didn’t take long for the Grizzlies to fire back when their customary slick ball movement again was put on display, resulting in them drawing away in the first stanza to hold down a handy 18 to 10 lead at half time.The Terriers’ tenacity came to the fore in second half, thwarting and frustrating Coonamble’s attack to the point where they kept the home side scoreless in that period, whilst scoring two unconverted tries themselves to come away with a share of the competition points, the final result being an 18 all draw.Coonamble Bears vs Gulgong Terriers 21.5.22. PHOTO Coonamble TimesCobar v DunedooAt Cobar the Roosters proved to be too strong for the Dunedoo Swans, the Swans cause not being assisted by having a sparsely populated interchange bench for the duration of the game. The Roosters shared the try scoring around with no less than eight of their players crossing the stripe in their 46 to nil victory.Baradine vs Narromine 21 May 2022. PHOTO: Peter Sherwood.Baradine v NarromineAt Baradine the Narromine Jets also wracked up eight tries, with their centre Washie Itoya notching five of them in a strong individual performance with the Jets coming away with a 38 to 6 win to remain undefeated and at the top of the competition ladder.LeaguetagSimilarly, the Dunedoo Swannettes remain undefeated after their 42 to 20 defeat of Cobar at Cobar with Jacinta Dummett helping herself to five tries as did Mab Fuller for the Gilgandra Pink Panthers in their 40 to 16 win over Binnaway whilst in other games Gulgong continued their good early season form with a solid 28 to 18 victory over Coonamble, the win moving them to a share of second on the competition ladder.The remaining game saw Baradine prove to be too strong for Narromine, taking the game 38 to 4.Round 6 games will commence on Friday night when Binnaway hosts Coonamble in a night game, followed on Saturday with Trangie at home to Cobar, Baradine travelling to Gulgong, and the Narromine Jets will be heading to Dunedoo to take on the Swans.Coonamble vs Gulgong Leaguetag. PHOTO: Coonamble Times.  Christie and Castlereagh League Round 5 scores League TagGulgong 28 (Emily Kirk 2, Tayla Pennell, Abby Hollow, Mel Robinson tries, Robinson 3, Olivia Kennedy goals) defeated Coonamble 18 (Tori Canham 2, Emily Ryan, Imogen Pawley tries, Canham goal)Dunedoo 42 (Jacinta Dummett 5, Alexis Gallagher, Chloe Patrick, Mia Gallagher tries, Hallie Hogden 5 goals) defeated Cobar 20 (Jezebel Hitchens, Neve Carter, Amber Byrne, Sarah Morley tries, Brianna Watson 2 goals)Baradine 38 (Maria Nagy 3, Stephanie Bowling, Savannah Carey, Kira Gardiner, Madison Masman tries, Nagy 5 goals) defeated Narromine 4 (Lily Spackman try).Gilgandra 40 (Mab Fuller 5, Emily Fardell, Chloe McLean, Chloe Stewart tries, Talitha Chatfield 2, Kylie Louie 2 goals) defeated Binnaway 16 (Lisa Jones, Ella Meyers, Gemma Mitchell tries, Jones 2 goals)Trangie bye Competition LadderDunedoo 15, Gulgong 13, Gilgandra 13, Baradine 12, Narromine 11, Cobar 9, Coonamble 7, Trangie 7*, Binnaway 4*     *= game in hand Rugby LeagueCoonamble 18 (Mark Jones, Tyrell Kennedy, Dwayne Hammond tries, Jacob Fernando 3 goals) drew with Gulgong 18 (Sam Gorrie 2, Gus Buckley, Ethan Pegus tries, James Morrison goal)Cobar 46 (Jack Brown, James Neyland, Tim Hillam, Ben Griffiths, Tristan Everett, Loma Atuah, Sione Fakahua, Marty Turton tries Thomas Plater 5, David Watson goals) defeated Dunedoo 0Narromine 38 (Washi Itoya 5, Doug Potter 2, PJ Stanton tries, Janus Walford 3 goals) defeated Baradine 6 (Teighan Daniels try, Jesse McElhinney goal) Competition LadderNarromine 15, Cobar 13, Coonamble 12, Gulgong 12, Gilgandra 11, Trangie 10, Dunedoo 9, Baradine 8,  Round 6 this weekendBinnaway V Coonamble (Friday 7.30pm)Trangie V Cobar, Gulgong V Baradine, Dunedoo V Narromine, Gilgandra bye

Condobolin local, Harry Crouch, has been selected to represent Australia at a combined World Rowing Championship event in Varese, Italy from 25 - 31 July.  After a rigorous selection process, Harry was asked to represent Australia in the Under 23 Men's Double Scull with UTS Haberfield Rower, Alexander Wood.   "Selectors keep a close eye on your performance at both State and National Championships throughout the year, and then invite chosen athletes to the international trials," said Harry.   However, the World Championships in Italy will not be the first time Harry has been handpicked to compete on an international stage.   In 2017 he finished 2nd in the B Final of the U19 Quadruple Scull at the World Championships in Vilnius, Lithuania. In 2019 he was selected again in the U23 team and competed in the World Championships in Sarasota, Miami USA, finishing eighth in the A Final of the Men’s Eight. And, in 2018 Harry had the privilege of being selected in the Quadruple Scull to compete at the Royal Henley Regatta in England finishing in third place.  Last year took a disappointing turn, however, as COVID restrictions prevented his team from travelling to the World Championships in Racice, Czech Republic. Instead, the team participated in the World Rowing Cup 3 Simulation Regatta in Adelaide.   After a strenuous season full of injuries and interruptions due to COVID, Harry says he is very much looking forward to Italy.   "Rowing pushes you to your absolute limits so I'm very keen to get back overseas to see how far we've come," said Harry.   "Last year was really disappointing and after the disrupted season I've had I'm really excited to compete in something I've been working hard towards for the last couple of years."  This season, Harry fought some impressive battles at both the State and National Championships, securing two bronze medals for both the Men's Under 23 Double Scull and the Men's Elite Quadruple Scull as well as a Silver medal in the Men's Elite Eight at the State Championships in February. The National Championships saw him take home another Bronze medal for the Double Scull and a Gold for the Open Men's Quadruple Scull Sprint.  Harry has been training hard with the Sydney Rowing Club throughout the season and is thankful to be travelling overseas with a large squad that includes both Men's and Women's teams in the U19, U21 and U23 age groups.   Harry says that being asked to compete for Australia at the World Championships is always his ultimate goal in every season and it means the world to him to have his family and friends back home cheering him on every step of the way.

By COLIN HODGESBefore having starters at the transferred Parkes meeting at Gilgandra on 15 May, former champion jumps jockey Frankie Stockdale worked his horses at Forbes Racecourse.Accompanied by his wife Julie and daughter Franki, the Packenham (Victoria) based trainer is on a working holiday with plans to race his five horse team at Rockhampton and Cairns in Queensland.Briefly interrupting the journey in Gilgandra, Stockdale had two starters: the 2400 metres stayer Dubai Moon, ran a strong finishing third over 1280 metres in the opening event won by Starlink and Riverside Special which came from last for an unlucky third to Arctic Rover.The son of trainer Bill Stockdale, Frankie Stockdale as a 15 year old apprentice riding at his first meeting won at Traralgon on Call Me Luck trained by his uncle the late Allan Douch.A brilliant young rider with over 60 winners including wins on Melbourne tracks, Stockdale by age 17 had become too heavy to continue riding on the flat and switched his attention to jumps racing where he became a star.In a sport which requires plenty of courage from a rider, the many wins for Frankie Stockdale included the 1994 Grand National Hurdle at Flemington on Tennessee Blue for trainer Jim Houlihan, the 1996 Grand National Steeplechase on Best Endeavours for  trainer Pat Hyland, the Australian Steeplechase at Flemington on Hussars Best trained by B.J Bennett and the Yalumba Hurdle at Oakbank ( SA ) on Big Zap trained by Allan Douch.Frank Stockdale. IMAGE twitter - racing.comFrankie’s wife Julie Stockdale was also a prominent jockey on the Picnic circuit with a highlight being 4 winners on the day at the Hinnomunjie Picnics held near Omeo in the Victorian High Country.Julie’s sister Kerry Farrugia became the first female to outride the apprentice allowance In country Victoria and amongst her many winners in the professional ranks during the 1980’s and 1990’s she had over 100 wins on horses trained at Sale by her father Mario Farrugia.Training with considerable success for over 50 years, Mario Farrugia is a Gippsland Hall Of Fame trainer.Father and son Stockdales at Pakenham, Vic in 2017. SOURCE: FacebookWith such a horse racing background it was no surprise that Brandon Stockdale, the son of Julie and Frankie Stockdale, was in the saddle from a very early age.At age 16 Brandon Stockdale after earlier wins rode his first Melbourne winner, Oncebittentwiceshy at Sandown in April 2015.Earning rave reviews for his great horsemanship after his saddle slipped badly at the start, Brandon in June 2015 rode his first Flemington winner, the $61 outsider Bon Rocket.The very talented Brandon Stockdale became a leading apprentice in Victoria however a race in 2017 was extra special when he won on Unique Lovely at Moonee Valley, the first Melbourne winner trained by his father Frankie Stockdale.Further down the track another family member might emerge on the racing scene, seven year old Franki Stockdale who is being home schooled by her parents during the trip to Queensland.Already a capable rider, Franki has been seen on her little piebald pony trotting behind her father Frankie as he exercises his gallopers.

Report courtesy of The Black CatRound three of the Western Plains Rugby Competition saw Warren take on Coonamble at Victoria Oval last Friday night.The Black Cat would like to apologise for his slow start to the season but it’s not his fault the committee forgot to pick him up from the boarding kennels at the vet clinic in time for the first round.The Black Cat was checked into the cattery during the off season to have his claws trimmed by Robbo after some complaints throughout the zone about some of his jokes last season. Apparently the Albert Priest Channel is the humour cut off and its seems it is easier to throw your toys out of the cot rather than finding someone with the capacity to write a rebuttal.Warren's season thus farIn a brief recap of the season thus far the Pumas and Pumarettes had a successful start in Bourke winning 31-19 and 10-6 respectively. The second round of competition wasn’t so kind with a trip to the northern end of the zone where an experienced Walgett side put the Pumas away 44-10 but to the boys’ credit, they stood tall to the end and won the final 20 minutes 7-0 in a very courageous finish.The Pumarettes were neck and neck with the Walgett girls for the first three quarters but the Ewes’ bench, consisting of enough players for another two teams, put the girls to the sword in the dying minutes to win 8-3.President Noonan had to make a peace offering to Phil Fuller on the way home in the form of a packet of Winny Gold’s after three of the young jackaroos decided to empty their guts on Phil’s bus. The Black Cat will have to check with the statistician but Coach Smith believes this is the first hat trick of spews in the club’s history.ABOVE: Pumarette Simone Fletcher tags Coonamble's Sophie Cullen with referee Tim Whiteley watching on.Pumarettes continue to show improvementFriday night was our first home of the season and after a wet miserable week, the committee was relieved to end up with perfect weather to watch some rugby under lights at Victoria Oval. A healthy sized home crowd was present to watch some fast-paced women’s sevens, maybe a little too fast for referee Whiteley to keep up with. The girls’ skillset is continuing to improve in leaps and bounds and proved too strong for the Coonamble Ewes, winning 9-6. ABOVE: Warren's Clarry Pratten attempting to plough through the Rams forward line while Coonamble's Jack Ford tries to stop him in his tracks. Faster Pumas too quick for larger RamsThe main game proved to be a tight battle with the big Ram pack keeping a lid on the much smaller Pumas’ attack and despite having a 12-0 score at half time, the Warren coaches hammered into the players that they really needed to sharpen up in attack or the game was theirs to lose. The second half was a stalemate between both sides for the majority of the stanza until Sam Hunt ran a great line to find a hole in the Coonamble backline to score beside the posts, locking in a win for Warren.Next week is a bye for both of the Warren sides before a run of five consecutive home games starting with Gulargambone so there will be plenty of footy to watch in the not-too-distant future.ABOVE: Warren full back Hugh McLean was practically flying as he booted the ball down the field.

y ABIGAIL MCLAUGHLINTHE Tom Quilty Gold Cup is one of the oldest and best-known endurance rides in the world, and has traditionally attracted international competitors keen to try the unique Australian conditions.On July 9-10, the 56th Tom Quilty ride will be held around Tooraweenah at the foothills of the Warrumbungle Ranges in central NSW, and amongst the 300 competitors will be top-rated Mexican endurance rider Jose Luis Flores.Jose, 49, will be making the trip from his home city of Puebla to fulfill a long-held ambition to compete in the iconic event.“Ever since I learned about endurance riding, I’ve dreamed about riding the two most prestigious and oldest rides in the world – the Tevis Cup in the USA and Tom Quilty Gold Cup in Australia. I was planning to ride in Australia in 2020 when the pandemic hit so that plan was delayed.”Jose is one of the most experienced endurance riders in his home country. In 2019 he was the 80km national champion and also led the Mexican team to win the silver medal at the North American Endurance Ride C1*1 division as a rider; and to gold in the C12* as Chef de Equipe.The Tom Quilty Gold Cup was founded in 1966 by iconic Australian R.M. Williams and his wife Erica who were passionate about the sport and had heard about the legendary Tevis Cup 100-mile race in the United States. In developing the concept for an Australian 100-mile ride, R. M. Williams wrote to his friend Tom Quilty, a great horseman and cattleman in the Kimberly area of Western Australia, to ask for his support.Quilty donated $1000 which was used to make a gold cup, the prize for the winner of the event. This is a perpetual trophy, and the ride was named the Tom Quilty Gold Cup in his honour. The original Gold Cup now resides in the Stockman’s Hall of Fame, in Longreach, Queensland.All riders who complete the event are now given a specially crafted belt buckle.The race takes place in a different Australian state each year and requires competitors to ride 160km (100 miles) in 24 hours or less.Jose Flores will be in Tooraweenah for the 2022 Tom Quilty Gold Cup.Jose is experienced in riding this distance, having competed in the Tevis Cup, finishing 28th in a time of 20 hours and 45 minutes.For the Tom Quilty, Jose will borrow a horse from Australian rider Noni Seagram, of Fieryrange Arabians, Brindabella NSW.“Noni was kind enough in 2020 to offer me a horse to ride the Tom Quilty. She kept her offer after the pandemic, so this year I can say I will be honoured to ride one of her magnificent mounts.”“I plan to rent an RV as soon as I get to Sydney and take it to the ride camp at Tooraweenah. I’m hoping to get there a few days before the ride so I can set up, get to know the horse and get rid of jet lag.”“After the ride I am planning to drive the RV around Australia for a couple of weeks, mainly the south-eastern coast. I’m an avid scuba diver so I’m very excited about diving in Australia.”Although he grew up in Mexico’s largest cities, Mexico City and Puebla, Jose was introduced to horse riding by his grandfather, a cattle rancher.He later took interest in Arab horses and 17 years ago he founded Malek Arabians, the first Straight Egyptian breeding program in Mexico. “Immediately I was approached by my now good friend Ricardo Galán who was one of the founders of Endurance Mexico and I started riding long distances with them.“I was hooked immediately and couldn’t stop riding. At the same time I was involved in ironman distance triathlon racing so I jumped back and forth from competitions riding horses and bicycles.”“A few years ago, at age 14 my son Emilio asked if he could give it a try and started riding and loved it immediately to the point that he travelled with us, the Mexican Endurance Team to the North American Championship where he rode his first international AERC ride. He finished first place for young rider’s category and Best Condition.” To train for endurance riding Jose takes long rides on weekends and works out in the gym on week days. In the months leading up to a big ride such as the Tom Quilty he “ramps up” his regime, and in the final four weeks he tries to spend half his week strength training and half on a horse.This year around 300 riders will try their hand at the Tom Quilty course, which will work around the foothills of the magnificent Warrumbungle Range around the historic village of Tooraweenah.

By BRYSON LUFFThe Dunedoo Swans broke through for their first victory of the 2022 season in round four of the Christie and Hood Castlereagh League competition when they managed to see off the Baradine Magpies in their Boronia Cup Challenge game played at Dunedoo on Saturday 14 May.This was the Swans' first home game for the year, and they did not disappoint their large band of loyal supporters when they managed an 18 to 6 win over the visitors on a heavy Robertson Oval track.Scoring three tries to one, the green and whites followed on from their promising display against the Gilgandra Panthers the week before and gave an indication that they are not in the competition just to make up the numbers.As has been the norm between the Swannettes and the Magpies in recent years the League Tag encounter between the two clubs was again an absolute thriller and top-class affair with the Swannettes scoring after the final hooter to claim a 18 to 16 victory.Dunedoo Swans claimed their first victory against Baradine Magpies on the weekend. PHOTO: Peter SherwoodAt Gulgong the Terriers proved to be too strong for the Gilgandra Panthers, taking the game 18 points to six after leading 12 nil at the break.The Panthers could offer no excuses for the loss, having had the bulk of the possession in good field position for a lengthy portion of the first half but failing to grasp the opportunities presented to them by taking bad options in attack.It must be said that the deserved Gulgong victory was very much on the back of stout defensive effort throughout the encounter.Their fullback Ethan Pegus scored two of his teams three tries but it was his sublime handing skills in very slippery conditions that won him accolades after he repeatedly cleaned up the many grubber kicks sent his way by the Panthers and along with their lock, James Morrison, he stood out for the victors!The Narromine Jets continued their fine start to the season when they managed to stave off the Coonamble Bears in their top of the table clash played at the Jet’s Cale Oval.The Bears held an 8-nil lead after 18 minutes, having scored two unconverted tries and it wasn’t until eight minutes before the break that the Jets were able to breach the Coonamble defence and with the try converted the score board read 8 points to 6 in favour of the visitors at half time.The lead soon changed after the resumption of play with the Jets going in for a converted try just two minutes in to the second half.The game moved from end to end, with both teams losing the ball just short of the line before a further Jets try secured them an 18 to 8 lead with 26 minutes remaining.The game looked as if it was reasonably safe in the Jets keeping until, with 15 minutes remaining, their lock was initially sin binned for advising the referee of the error of his ways.Further advice from the player was not well received by the match official and the number 13 was subsequently informed that his participation on the fixture was hereby terminated and the Jets were down to 12 men on the field for the remainder of the game.Three minutes after his departure a dazzling attacking raid by the Bears saw them go in for a converted try and with the scoreboard reading 18 to 14 it was game on!Soon after the Jets opted for a shot at goal after being awarded a penalty in a handy position and when that was duly slotted, they clung to a six-point lead with nine minutes remaining.The Bears were not going to die wondering, and the prospect of them salvaging at least a draw was well and truly on the cards as they constantly attacked the Narromine line, but the Jets scrambled in defence to hold on for a hard-fought victory which sees them now alone at the top of the competition ladder.The Jets will be out to maintain their high ranking when they take their first trip to Baradine this Saturday, with the Magpies, and and their vocal supporters, certain to give them a warm welcome to Maggieland.In other games this week there will be a western battle of the feathers at Cobar when the Roosters host the Dunedoo Swans at Tom Knight Oval and in the match of the round the Coonamble Bears will be at home to the Gulgong Bull Terriers. Christie and Hood Castlereagh League Round 4 Scores League TagDunedoo 18 (Brianna Smith, Amelia Taylor, Chloe Patrick, Georgie Lane tries, Hallie Hogden goal) defeated Baradine (Savannah Carey, Kira Gardiner, Ashanti Pennell tries, Maria Nagy 2 goals)Gilgandra 26 (Mab Fuller 2, Rani Diggs, Shian Chatfield, Kylie Louie tries, Chatfield 3 goals) defeated Gulgong 10 (Taylor Pennell, Emily Kirk tries, Mel Robinson goal)Narromine 38 (Emily Edwards, Lily Spackman, Millah Phillips, Dannielle Harris, Logan McKenna-Maidens, Bradey Leech, Jacana Powell tries, Jannalie Dwyer 3, Powell, Spackman goals) defeated Coonamble 16 (Tori Canham 2, Emily Ryan, Mickayla McEwen tries)Trangie V Binnaway game deferred due to the state of the Trangie gameCobar bye Competition LadderDunedoo 12, Gulgong 10, Narromine 10, Gilgandra 10, Baradine 9, Cobar 8, Coonamble 6, Trangie 4*, Binnaway 3*     *= game in hand Rugby LeagueDunedoo 18 (Camden Sutton 2, Shannon Doole tries, Dan Lane 3 goals) defeated Baradine 6 (Johno Evans try, Jesse McElhinney goal)Gulgong 16 (Ethan Pegus 2, Curtis Wolthers tries, James Morrison 2 goals) defeated Gilgandra 6 (Jamie Towney try, DJ Smith goal)Narromine 20 (Jordan Richardson, Jahreyd Usher, Kyle Smith tries, Janus Walford 4 goals) defeated Coonamble 14 (Tyrell Kennedy, Mark Jones, Daniel Sangster tries, Jacob Fernando goal) Competition LadderNarromine 12, Coonamble 10, Gulgong 10, Cobar 10, Gilgandra 8, Dunedoo 8, Baradine 7, Trangie 7 Round 5 Saturday 21st May: Coonamble V Gulgong, Baradine V Narromine, Cobar V Dunedoo, Binnaway V Gilgandra, Trangie bye.

Today marks the start of National Volunteer Week (16 - 22 May), a chance to forget about the federal election and take time to recognise and celebrate the volunteers that make our communities stronger.If you live in or near one of the small towns across the western plains there's every chance you are one of this week's V.I.P.s. In smaller towns, many of the services we use every day and almost all the sports and special occasions that we enjoy are made possible by the efforts of volunteers like you.  “This National Volunteer Week, we celebrate the significant contribution made by all of the five million volunteers across Australia," said CEO of Volunteering Australia Mark Pearce.  “This year’s theme is ‘better together’. Volunteering brings people together; it builds communities and creates a better society for everyone."  "Together, through volunteering, we are changing communities for the better.”  It's the womb to tomb approach that creates country communities.  You may be on a committee that runs a playgroup or preschool, help run the canteen at school, drive a bus for your local youth centre, fundraise for cancer support services, set up the pavilion at the annual show, cook the barbeque at the footy, deliver meals on wheels or run the bingo, you may even sit on your local council.  In even the smallest towns there is so much to do and so many cogs to make the wheels go around.  From local Aero Club members who refuel aircraft at the airstrip through to retired nurses who run yoga or Zumba classes to keep us well, church members who conduct their own services when no priest is available through to those who provide critical rapid response in emergencies.   This year Volunteering Australia is calling on everyone to ‘wave your appreciation’ for volunteers and thank the millions of volunteers around Australia.   "With flooding, fires and the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, the past few years have undoubtedly been tough for all Australians," Mr Pearce says.  "Holding us up in these times of crisis are over one million volunteers supporting Australia’s crisis resilience, of which more than 400,000 work directly in emergency response and relief." Some of Lachlan shire's emergency service volunteers at a recent training session. PHOTO Sally Bennett. Our nation’s volunteers are the country’s backbone during crisis and emergency and a new report has revealed how essential volunteers are to Australia’s crisis resilience.  The Volunteering Australia research examines the volume and breadth of volunteers playing crucial roles in communities during natural disasters and COVID-19 outbreaks.   This skilled workforce includes over 200,000 volunteers in fire services organisations and around 25,000 volunteers in State and Territory Emergency Service.   A further 200,000 volunteers are engaged in over 1,000 registered emergency and relief charities.   On top of this, many thousands of often ‘invisible’ volunteers help informally and spontaneously to support communities before, during and after crises.   "Our communities have taken a big hit in recent times and yet volunteers are always there when we need them," Mr Pearce said.  Volunteers contribute significantly across crisis prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery in many key roles.   “The aftermath and the impact of disasters are felt long after an event has taken place. Volunteers provide support to those affected by crises, including in mental health and suicide prevention services, which typically experience a surge in demand during and after disasters,” Mr Pearce says.   Mental health and suicide prevention services are especially critical during major emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic.   For example, Lifeline engages 10,000 volunteers across Australia. In 2018, these volunteers answered 739,481 calls and initiated 5,840 emergency interventions for Australians in need of crisis support.   Through the pandemic and following the recent floods calls for help have skyrocketed so we need our volunteers now more than ever.  “We encourage everyone to come together and support their communities by offering your time and skills to help others," Mr Pearce says.  Volunteering Australia is calling on all Australians to ‘wave your appreciation’ and share a photo of themselves waving their hand of thanks and using the hashtags #NVW2022 and #waveforvolunteers.  So if you're a member of a volunteer group, or just a helper in your community, give yourself a wave this morning in the mirror then go out and show your appreciation to any other volunteers you see.  If you have a story about a special unsung volunteer or group in your area then drop us a line and let us know [email protected], message us on facebook or give us a call 0428 222517. 

Reports courtesy of Cobar & Districts Rugby Union ClubBactrians outpaced by Lady Rams in season debut The Cobar Bactrians kicked off their first game of the season at home. With Lesley Tiffen running onto a kick chase scoring early, followed by a mid-field break through the middle by Georgie Buckman. Unfortunately, Coonamble stamina proved too strong for the Cobar Bactrians closing the game out with the score board reflecting 2-7, Coonamble's way. The coaches were still proud of all of the girl's efforts and have a great understanding on things that the girls need to improve on, identifying weaknesses and implementing ways to combat them as a team at training.ABOVE: Cobar's Bethany Smith receiving the ball with Isabella Morten supporting while Coonamble's Xanthe Van Lubeck readies to attempt an intercept. Camels keep up until final minutesCobar Camels were off to an impressive start with Will Peckham scoring off the kick off to commence the game. Conversion was successful by Kody Martin. Kody Martin displayed a good old 'show and go' movement straight through the middle to award himself a try and a successful conversion right under the goal post. Next up to cross the line was camel's young gun Lochlan Ford who unfortunately sustained an injury towards the end of the game. Tony Jacklin (coach) was last to add more points onto the Camels scoreboard, unfortunately the Camels didn't get the win, with a final score of 25-38 Coonamble's way, however the vibes were great and the coaches were pleased to see everyone's dedication to training paying off especially with the boys performance.ABOVE: Cobar's Jake Harrison, Jarrod Blake and Taufao Taufao catch a breather on the sidelines during the game.

This weekend's Brewarrina Race Day meeting has been officially called off by NSW Racing this morning (Wednesday 11 May) following extensive rainfall throughout the western region.The races were due to be held this Saturday 14 May, with visitors expected to converge in Brewarrina from across NSW and even interstate. With an already soggy race track seeing an additional 10mm of rain this morning - and an expected 20-40mm expected for the area throughout the day, according to today's Elder's weather forecast - NSW Racing officials made the call shortly before midday after inspecting the conditions. Belinda Colless from the Brewarrina Jockey Club said it was a disappointing result considering how much the community was looking forward to the event, however they knew it was the right decision. "We were hopeful it would still go ahead right up until this morning - even when rain is predicted, you have to wait until it actually hits the earth before making a call - however we understand NSW Racing have to ensure the track is safe for the horses and jockeys," Ms Colless said. "Unfortunately, due to the regional rain, it can't be relocated elsewhere - it's more than likely the races in Coonabarabran and Parkes will also be called off, so it's certainly affecting other communities in addition to ours. "We are disappointed obviously, but you can never say you’re disappointed for the rain out here."ABOVE: NSW Racing ruled the track too unsafe for jockeys and horses. Image courtesy of Belinda Colless. Ms Colless said the jockey club was hopeful it could work with NSW Racing to try and schedule a new date, with an official request expected to be sent this afternoon. "We have a new (racing) committee, some new additions at the track and a returfed race course which we really want to showcase as part of our community," she said. "In light of COVID, we know a lot of people looking for a reason to get out and enjoy events like this, so we're really committed to try and find a new date."

WITH water laying on several sections of the track, the Marthaguy Picnic Races that were set for this Saturday 7 May have been cancelled for 2022 with just four days to go.Chief Stipendary Steward for the Western Racing Association Dean Bucknell inspected the track with Race Club members at 2pm on Monday afternoon 2 May and it soon became clear the track would not dry in time for Saturday’s event."In one section water was still flowing onto the track from the saturated long grass in the surrounding paddock so it was pretty clear it wasn't going to dry out in time," said race club Secretary Marg Garnsey.Around 50 millimetres of rain fell at the Quambone Sportsground & Racecourse on 26 & 27 April, coming on top of other falls in early April and a whopping 77 millimetres on 31 March."We went around the track on a quad bikes and on foot, but Dean had driven in to the Sportsground and we had to tow him out." Mrs Garnsey said.WRA's Chief Stipendiary Steward Dean Bucknell receives a small tow from Marthaguy Picnic Race Club member Larry Garnsey. PHOTO: M GarnseyMarthaguy Race Club Secretary Marg Garnsey said that they had explored the option of finding other dates at the end of last week when the rain continued to fall."Unfortunately no other dates are available from Racing NSW," she said. "But it was fortunate that the cancellation came far enough ahead of the races that catering and other orders had not been picked up.""We ran successfully in 2021, we missed 2020, and we ran in 2019," Mrs Garnsey said. "It's looking like it's an every second year event. But it's much better to find out now than just a day or two out."An indication of heavy track conditions at Quambone racecourse on Monday 2 May. PHOTO M Garnsey.

By COLIN HODGESHaving both strong links with the local community and heavy support in the betting ring, it was fitting that Rylan’s Pick and Rogue Runner fought out an exciting finish to the 1400 metres Nyngan RSL - Nyngan Cup before a big crowd on Anzac Day.The winner Rylan’s Pick is owned by local identities Ken and Kerry Wright, is trained at Dubbo by Brett Robb formerly from Nyngan, and was one of four winners on the day for jockey Clayton Gallagher who served most of his apprenticeship with Rodney Robb at Nyngan.Rodney Robb, the trainer of runner-up Rogue Runner, is the father of Brett Robb and has been the backbone of racing at Nyngan for decades.Although easing from $2.60 to $3.40 favourite when the money came for Rogue Runner ($8 to $3.80), Rylan’s Pick nevertheless proved costly for bookmakers.Leading all the way Rylan’s Pick (Clayton Gallagher) survived a serious challenge in the straight to score by a half length from Rogue Runner (Jake Barrett) with the Wayne Marsden, Menindee-trained Allez Rev (Zara Lewis, $11) a similar margin away in third place.First leg of a double for Brett Robb was Legal Zou (Clayton Gallagher, $2fav.) which set the pace and after a stirring battle over the final 200 metres prevailed by a head from the Rodney Robb-trained Looking Forward (Jake Barrett, $11) with Mr Bobcat (Tiffany Jeffries, $4.60) third in the 1100 metres Nyngan Bowling Club Class 1 Handicap.Disqualified after “ winning” a race at Gilgandra, the Kylie Kennedy, Narromine trained Padrone remained eligible for Maiden Class and took out the 900 metres Maiden Plate at Nyngan.Running second behind Rewardus to the turn, Padrone (Clayton Gallagher, $3.80) shot away for a five lengths win over Shotgun Sophie (Tiffany Jeffries, $3.20 fav.) and Stylish Star (Elissa Meredith, $4) which came from a long last.Owned by a syndicate of agents from Victoria, Drunkasamonkey had four unplaced starts in that State before joining the Brett Robb stable at Dubbo.First up for Robb in the 1400 metres Maiden Plate, Drunkasamonkey (Clayton Gallagher, $1.80 fav.) was the leader and won by a half length from Monetise (Elissa Meredith, $7.50) and Rupicasso (Andrew Banks, $3.40).The $1.80 favourite No Debt (Jake Barrett) led by four lengths turning for home but was run down and beaten a half head by the Clint Lundholm trained Bandahara (Andrew Banks, $7) with Kallie (Clayton Gallagher, $5.50) third in the 1200 metres Inland Petroleum Benchmark 45 Handicap.Last start Bourke winner, the Connie Greig trained Billy Bent Ear (Jacob Golden, $6), from near last, came with a rush to beat the leader Expect A Hero (Jake Barrett, $3.20 fav.) and Japingka (Clayton Gallagher, $4.20) in the 900 metres Benchmark 58 Handicap.

Warren's Peyton Callaghan was riding high over the weekend of 9-11 April, taking out the top spot in her age group during the Pony Club's State Championships for Sporting, Campdraft and Team Penning.Ms Callaghan was among around a dozen young riders located from across the Western Plains who demonstrated great skill with their horses at the championships earning them top rankings in their age divisions.Despite the wet weather over the weekend organisers from Zone 4 of Pony Club NSW hosted the event at the Coonamble Showground earlier this month.With some late withdrawals due to COVID and a couple of lame horses, 105 riders from 13 different zones within NSW and 17 Queensland riders participated in events over the weekend, supported by around 300 parents, judges and other volunteers.Along with five local riders from Coonamble, Zone 4 was represented by 19 other riders from various parts of the region, including from the Narromine, Warren and Warrumbungle shires.Coonamble has hosted the event previously, with volunteer organisers needing to adapt to extremes in weather conditions."We had more than 200 riders here in 2000 when we had ten inches of rain and our barrels were floating in the main arena," said Event Co-ordinator and Zone Instructor Fiona Pennell."That year the grounds stood up and we were able to run every event.""We last held it here in 2015 so it was mid-drought and pretty dusty.""This time, for the amount of rain we had, the grounds were fantastic. There was some water sitting in the campdraft area but we just held off for a few hours."We had to get the cattle in on Wednesday so that if it did rain we knew we could go ahead with the event," she said. The Trot Up, where horses are scanned and then assessed for fitness, was delayed from Friday afternoon until Saturday morning to allow the grounds to recover from the 30mm of rain on Friday afternoon. Over the three days of competition, the state's top riders went head to head in five age groups with strong competition in each.The Under 11 Years (14 riders), 11 and Under 13 Years (22 riders), 13 and Under 15 Years (23 riders), 15 and Under 17 Years (22 riders) and 28 riders in the 17 and Under 26 Years category. Following initial heats and finals, ribbons were then awarded for up to 10th place in each age category.ABOVE: The Zone 4 Sporting team get ready for action. Image supplied.Western Plains finalistsIn Saturday's Sporting events all 105 riders competed including Mendooran's Chloe Harris; Warren's Peyton Callaghan, Matilda Whiteley, Lewis Leonard and Alex Hamblin; and Narromine's Millie Packham, Ella Packham and Charlotte Masonwells.Chloe Harris made an impressive six finals throughout the event, coming 6th in the Flag, 10th in Bending, 2nd in the Barrel, 4th in BBB, 6th in Diamond Flag, 3rd in the 3 Mug Race and 5th in the Figure 8.Millie Packham took 7th in the Flag, 7th in the Diamond Flag and 3rd in the 3 Mug Race.Ella Packham came in 10th in the Bending and 4th in the Diamond Flag finals.Charlotte Masonwells came 5th in the Bending, 8th in the Barrel, 2nd in the Diamond Flag and 4th in the Figure 8.Matilda Whitley ended up 8th in the Bending, 6th in the Diamond Flag and 9th in the 3 Mug Race.Lewis Leonard took home 7th in his Bending Final while Alex Hamblin ended up 9th in his and 10th in the BBB.Warren's Peyton Callaghan took out 4th in the Flag 2nd in the Bending, 6th in the Barrel, 2nd in the BBB, 5th in the 3 Mug Race and 6th in the Figure 8. She was also awarded Champion Rider in the 13 and under 15yrs division.ABOVE: Warren local Peyton took out Champion Rider in the 13 and under 15yrs bracket. Pictured on Saturday with with Fiona Pennell. Image supplied.Meanwhile, the riders competing from Coonamble were Tahlia Dewson, Natalie Gallen, Mia Nalder and Dakota Kennedy with all five coming home with ribbons.Tahlia Dewson made three finals (flag, bending and 3 mug race) and finishing 1st in the 3 Mug Race, 4th in Bending, 5th in the Flag, 7th in Barrel, and 9th in the Figure 8 event.Natalie Gallen competed on all three days in Sporting, Campdraft and Team Penning taking out 5th place in the Bonfield Bounce Bend (BBB) and 6th in the Bending. Dakota Kennedy came 7th in the BBB, which requires riders to jump a row of barrels and weave through a series of pegs, competing against the clock.Mia Nalder took home 7th in the Diamond Flag and 8th in the BBB.For the Sporting competition, Zone 13 (Walcha/Uralla area) won the Inter-Zone Championship and the Queensland riders took home the Inter-State Championship.Ms Pennell says that the local riders performed beyond expectations."It was exceptional for all of our riders to come away with ribbons," Ms Pennell said. "Those girls went for it. They went from second gear to sixth and got great results."Campdraft achieversIn Sunday's Campdraft, 71 riders competed using stock supplied by local producers Adam and Rowena Macrae, and Luke and Cassie Andrews and under the eye of judge Jack Brown of Dubbo.  Seven riders from Zone 4 competed with Natalie Gallen taking out 3rd place in her age group. Alex Hamblin ended up in 4th.In Campdraft, Zone 7 (Merriwa/Denman area) won the Inter-Zone Championship and the Inter-State Championship was won by NSW with a team consisting of three Zone 7 riders and a Zone 4 rider, Ned Kennedy from Trangie.Monday was spent Team Penning, with 13 Teams of 3 riders competing using cattle donated by the Andrews and judged by David Grant from Coonabarabran.ABOVE: Some of the riders who took part in the Campdraft competition. Image supplied.Zone 4 entered four teams and Team 136 of Natalie Gallen, Anna Toohey, Ruby Josephs placed 2nd.Another Coonamble rider, Hope Smith, joined in and her team was unlucky not to place on the day.Throughout the weekend, adults from each zone put their hands up to volunteer as judges, timekeepers, scorers, lines people, walkers to put flags back in their poles, and stockhandlers."If it weren't for the volunteers helping it wouldn't happen," Ms Pennell said. "The riders and all the volunteers really pulled together to make it a wonderful weekend."