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. 

By BRYSON LUFFCiting lack of player numbers and a lack of commitment the Trangie Magpies have withdrawn from the 2022 Christie and Hood Castlereagh League competition.The Magpies officially made the call last Friday, informing Castlereagh officials that they could not guarantee that they would have sufficient player numbers to remain viable for the rest of the year, and as such they made the difficult decision to call it quits in both league tag and first grade for this year, with the hope that they might be able to rebuild and apply for re-entry to the competition in 2023.This is another blow to not only the Castlereagh League competition, but also to rugby league in the bush, and it follows the collapse of the once mighty Coonabarabran Unicorns club just days prior to commencement of the 2022 competition.“Obviously Trangie’s withdrawal midway through our competition is far from ideal, but we will have to just deal with it and get on with it as best we can”, said Castlereagh League secretary Bryson Luff.“A revamp of the draw for the remaining ten rounds of the competition is highly unlikely, with grounds already booked so it would seem that there will be additional byes for clubs that were drawn to play Trangie” Luff added.“There will be meeting of all clubs next week to discuss the matter and what to do in terms of for and against points for the games that Trangie have played in, and the ones that they were due to play in.”“We hope to see the Magpies back in action again in the near future and wish them well in the attempts to rebuild their club” Luff concluded.The withdrawal of Trangie saw Dunedoo receive an unexpected bye last Saturday whilst at Cobar the Roosters proved to be too strong for the Narromine Jets, running in 11 tries in their big 60 to 16 win to strongly reinforce their current number one standing on the competition ladder.Gilgandra v CoonambleAt Gilgandra a big crowd was treated to a cracker jack game between the Panthers and their arch rivals, the Coonamble Bears.With the lead changing on numerous occasions it was to be the home side that just managed to finish in front at fulltime taking the highly entertaining game 32 to 28, scoring six tries to five in the process.The Panthers front rower Anthony Harris was a standout for the victors along with their five-eight DJ Smith whilst Smith’s opposite, Jack Kelly was amongst the Bears best along with Jacob Fernando, who scored three tries, in the centres.The Bears narrow loss could well be the stimulus that they need to upset the Cobar Roosters who they will host in the match of the round this Saturday.The Bears are a tough proposition at home at any time, and they will be out to re-assert themselves as a real premiership contender against the competition front runners in front of their parochial and vocal home crowd.The Baradine Magpies will be celebrating their 100th year anniversary in style on Saturday night and they will have a big home crowd spurring them on in their match against Gilgandra during the afternoon hoping for an early start to their revelry by way of a victory over the Panthers. Christie and Hood Castlereagh League Round 8 scores League TagBaradine 48 (Ashanti Pennell 2, Savannah Carey 2, Stephanie Bowling, Meg Walton, Madison Masman, Jorja Carey tries, Pennel, Anna Arndell 2 goals) defeated Binnaway 12 (Lisa Jones, Lila Strong tries, Jones 2 goals) Narromine 30 (Jacana Powell 3, Lily Spackman, Logan McKenna-Maidens, Lucy Dawson tries, Jannalie Dwyer 2, Spackman goals) defeated Cobar 6 (Georgia Boland try, Brianna Watson goal) Coonamble 26 (Hannah Towns 3, Jessica Solomon, Shakaye Walker tries, Tori Canham 3 goals) defeated Gilgandra 20 (Mab Fuller 2, Shian Chatfield tries, Shian Chatfield 3, Talitha Chatfield goals) Competition ladderDunedoo 22, Baradine 21, Narromine 20, Gilgandra 18, Gulgong 18, Coonamble 16, Cobar 13, Binnaway 9. Rugby League Cobar 60 (Ash Davies 3, Ben Griffiths 3, Jack Brown 2, Tim Hillam, Thomas Plater, Loma Atuah tries, Plater 5, David Watson 3 goals) defeated Narromine 16 (Janus Walford, Luke Thompson, Kyle Smith tries, Walford 2 goals) Gilgandra 32 (David Smith 2, Luke Ritchie, Jamie Towney, Curtis Carr, Mitch Bamblett tries, Smith 3, Brandon Hammond goals) defeated Coonamble 28 (Jacob Fernando 3, Mark Jones, Jack Kelly tries, Fernando 4 goals) Competition ladderCobar 22, Gilgandra 20, Coonamble 19, Gulgong 19, Narromine 18, Dunedoo 18, Baradine 13.  Round 9 Saturday 25th JuneBaradine V Gilgandra, Coonamble V Cobar, Dunedoo V Binnaway, Gulgong bye, Narromine bye

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