By COLIN HODGESPlaced fourth in the $500,000 Country Championship Final at Royal Randwick earlier this year, the four year old mare Wild Rocket was a stylish winner of the feature event on Monday at the Narromine meeting transferred from Wellington due to a rain sodden track.A noted bad traveller, the Kylie Kennedy, Narromine trained Wild Rocket appreciated a “ home game “ in the 1300 metres Open Handicap and also relished the heavy going.Last away, Wild Rocket ( Mathew Cahill,$3.60 ) steadily made ground and finished best to score by a length from the leader McKellars Love ( James Rogers,$8.50 ) and Canberra visitor Mad As Zariz ( Kayla Nisbet,$2.50 favourite ).Apprentice jockey Elissa Meredith has been a tremendous improver since transferring to the Clint Lundholm stable at Dubbo and at Narromine she rode her first winning treble.Lundholm has given Meredith plenty of opportunities on his better gallopers and this includes the very promising Watch Me Rumble, second on debut to Limited Reality in the Silver Goblet at Dubbo and a highly impressive winner of the 1100 metres Kurrinda Bloodstock 2yo Handicap at Narromine.Watch Me Rumble ( $1.60 favourite ) drifted well back after the start but in the straight with big strides reeled in Sizzling Star ( Tony Cavallo,$7.50 ) with Chile Chile ( Liam Blanch,$11 ) running on well for third.Second leg of the treble for Elissa Meredith was the Janelle Galea, Dubbo trained Electrifying Lady in the 1300 metres Maiden Handicap.Backing up from running fourth at Dubbo on Friday, Electrifying Lady ( $6 ) wore down Are You Certain ( Eleanor Webster-Hawes,$6 ) to win by a short half head with two lengths to the third placed Money Not My God ( Clayton Gallagher,$2.35 fav.).Completing a big day, Elissa Meredith brought the Kieren Hazleton, Gilgandra trained Streets Of Suemori ( $26 ) with a well timed run to win the 1100 metres Kody Nestor Racing Benchmark 58 Handicap from Niccolon ( Michael Heagney,$3.20 fav.) and Larynx ( Rory Hutchings,$14 ).A winning double for trainer Clint Lundholm and also jockey Mathew Cahill when Dissenter ( $3.20 fav.)with a good staying performance over the 2400 metres, won the Keirles Pharmacy Benchmark 66 Handicap from Dancin Dude ( Daniel Northey,$26 ) and Poolenzo ( Kath Bell-Pitomac,$81 ) which led for a long way.The Gayna Williams, Bathurst trained Silverdeel ( Mikayla Weir,$1.85 fav, ) travelled third to the home turn and looked well above average when clearing out to win the 1600 metres KFC Class 1 & Maiden Plate by over six lengths from Joint Factor ( Daniel Northey,$26 ) and Charlie Flyer,Tony Cavallo,$7 ).An exciting finish to the 1100 metres Class 1 Handicap when Jervis ( Casey Waddell,$5.50 ) from the Garry Lunn stable at Dubbo, burst through the centre to beat Little Hela ( Kayla Nisbet,$3.30 fav.) by a short head with Crimson Petal ( Ken Dunbar,$18 ) on the outside, a neck away third.

By BRYSON LUFFThe Coonabarabran Unicorns and the Cobar Roosters both claimed the two prized competition points in their matches against Gilgandra and Gulgong respectively, but both had to put in big efforts to win what were two highly entertaining games.Played at Coonabarabran the Unicorns had to come from behind to clinch the deal, winning the game 34 to 26 after the two sides were locked together at 10 all at half time, before the visitors shot out to a 20 to 10 lead early in the second half and looking set to take the game.However, the blue and golds had a different idea and they surged back to score 18 unanswered points to lead 28 to 20 before the Panthers scored a converted try with eight minutes to go, and with the scoreboard reading 28 to 26 the stage was set for a grandstand finish.Indeed, that is what eventuated with the final result in doubt until the Unicorns touched down for a converted try in the final seconds of the thrilling encounter to win 34 to 26.At Gulgong the home side again proved that they are well and truly in the mix for premiership contention when they stuck it to the high-flying Roosters in what was another exciting game, losing the game, but no supporters when they went down 18 points to 10.At Dunedoo the Swans bounced back from their defeat at the hands of the Roosters the previous week when they had little trouble downing the Coonamble Bears, winning 62 to nil.With just four rounds remaining the race for the semis is well and truly on with the match of the round being played at McGrane Oval this Saturday, when the Panthers host the Dunedoo Swans.With Cobar having the bye the Swans will be keen for the two competition points to keep in the race for the minor premiership, whilst the Panthers need to make a statement against a side that is placed above them on the competition ladder, having not defeated Dunedoo or Cobar thus far this season.The Panthers have a firm grip on third position on the competition ladder at the moment, but a loss by them will give both Coonabarabran and Gulgong some degree of hope in terms of them finishing in that position. Christie and Hood Castlereagh League Round 14 ScoresYouth LeagueBaradine 20 (Kane Wiggins 2, Jermaine Thurston, Brendan Glover tries, Stephen Parry-Leonard 2 goals) defeated Binnaway 14 (Johnathon Evans 2 tries, Mathew Hungerford 3 goals) League Tag Cobar 32 (Neve Carter 3, Brennah Aumua 2, Mollie Harley tries, Zoe Egan 4 goals) defeated Gulgong 14 (Emily Kirk 2, Amali Hollow tries, Mel Robinson goal) Gilgandra 26 (Shian Chatfield 2, Talitha Chatfield, Sheryn Baird, Tori Canham tries, Shian Chatfield 2, Canham goals) defeated Coonabarabran 20 (Teaghan Barron, Rachael Barron, Armani Whipper, Molly Sutherland tries, Teaghan Barron 2 goals) Baradine 54 (Madison Masman 3, Fleur Andrews 2, Savannah Carey 2, Maria Nagy 2, Mariah Pennell tries, Nagy 7 goals) defeated Binnaway 4 (Olivia Milson try) Dunedoo 22 (Hallie Hogden 2,Meg Christensen, Alexis Gallagher tries, Ceara Smith 3 goals) defeated Coonamble 18 (Hannah Towns 2, Jenni-Leigh Gaff, Tayla Pennell tries, Emily Ryan goal) Trangie bye Competition ladderDunedoo 26, Baradine 26, Coonabarabran 18, Gilgandra 18, Coonamble 16, Cobar 14, Binnaway 10, Gulgong 8, Trangie 4.First GradeCobar 18 (Ben Griffiths 2, Tristan Everett tries, Thomas Plater 3 goals) defeated Gulgong 10 (Ethan Pegus, Dan Crane tries, James Morrison goal) Coonabarabran 34 (Anthony Harris 2, Paul Jones, Dean Lewin, Brad Fuller, Jack Ramage tries, Jai Cain 5 goals) defeated Gilgandra 26 (Kyzah Louie, George Alchin, Luke Ritchie, Hayden Smith, Cameron Bamblett tries, Brandon Hammond 3 goals) Dunedoo 62 (Zac Warwicker 4, Andrew Warwicker 3, Tyson Searle, Bayden Searle, Tom Shearman, Will Hawkins, Chanse Burgess tries, Dan Lane 6 goals) defeated Coonamble 0 Competition LadderDunedoo 26, Cobar 26, Gilgandra 22, Gulgong 16, Coonabarabran 16, Trangie 12, Coonamble 9, Baradine 9 Next Saturday July 24 Round 15Coonamble v Gulgong, Gilgandra V Dunedoo, Trangie V Baradine, Coonabarabran V Binnaway, Cobar bye.

By COLIN HODGESDubbo based trainers Clint Lundholm and Kody Nestor had winning doubles at the Warren Cattleman's Cup TAB meeting held on Tuesday 6 July and their winners ranged from favoured runners to rank outsiders.Lundholm opened the bowling with Cardento a three year old gelding which had been unplaced at four previous starts at northern rivers tracks before joining his stable.First up for Lundholm, Cardento ( Andrew Banks,$21 ) came from last early to win the 1000 metres Nutrien Ag Wilson Russ Maiden Plate from Mighty Minnie ( James Rogers,$3.80 ) and Texan Beauty ( Angela Cooper,$71 ).More fancied was Tells Tails for Clint Lundholm in the 1200 metres Adors Party Hire Class 2 Handicap with Jake Pracey-Holmes in the saddle.Always handy to the lead, Tells Tails ( $6 ) held on to score by a neck from stablemate Blackadder ( Elissa Meredith,$15 ) with Triple Red ( Reece Jones,$21 ) filling third place.At debut, the Kody Nestor trained Lonely Power ridden by stable apprentice Liam Blanch made a mockery of the $81 odds when powering home from midfield to win the 1200 metres MCC Hydraulics Maiden Handicap by three lengths from Brecourt ( Jake Pracey-Holmes,$26 ) and Capital Venture ( Michael Heagney,$8 ).Favourite backers were in a happier frame of mind when the Nestor trained Beau Factor ( Liam Blanch,$2.05 ) after a good battle in the straight edged away from Sniper Excels ( Reece Jones,$6.50 ) to win by a half length with In The Road ( Jake Pracey-Holmes,$26 ) third in the QUBE Logistics Class 1 Handicap.Another Dubbo trainer to taste success was Dar Lunn with Classy Rebel which has been racing well this campaign for the owners, Guy Mitchell from Binnaway and Rob Pratten from DubboWinner of the recent Gulgong Cup by a big margin, Classy Rebel ( Clayton Gallagher,$2.30 favourite ) had a good run behind the leader in the 1000 metres Macquarie Toyota Benchmark 66 Handicap at Warren and won by a length from Messy Miss ( Nick Heywood,$8 ) and Niccolon ( Michael Heagney,$9.50 ).A return to form saw the Sharon Jeffries, Parkes trained Risk And Reward ( Nick Heywood,$5.50 ) lead most of the way to win the 1400 metres Nutrien Ag Solutions Benchmark 50 Handicap from Lucky Elixir ( Kath Bell-Pitomac,$26 ) and Coulpa ($10 which is also trained by Sharon Jeffries.Coulpa was ridden by the trainers daughter Tiffany Jeffries who was making a comeback after the birth of her daughter Riley last year.Wellington trainer Michael Mulholland and jockey Kath Bell-Pitomac have both enjoyed plenty of success this season and they combined to win the 1600 metres Western Rivers Vet Group Class 1 & Maiden Plate with Golden Eclipse.Given a charmed run behind the leader, Golden Eclipse ( $12 ) wore down She’s No Princess ( Elissa Meredith,$11 ) to prevail by a short head with My Khaleesi ( Reece Jones,$5 ) a length and a half away third.The next meeting at Warren ( TAB ) on Sunday November 7 features the QUBE Logistics Cotton Cup.Meanwhile, the Carinda meeting scheduled for Saturday has been abandoned due to Covid restrictions.

By BRYSON LUFFCoonamble Bears v Baradine MagpiesDespite their position on the 2021 Christie and Hood Castlereagh League competition ladder, the traditional rivalry between the Coonamble and Baradine clubs once again produced a thrilling encounter which was enjoyed by the good crowd in attendance at the Coonamble Sportsground last Saturday. Earlier in the year the two had fought out a 10 all draw, but this time round there was a two-point margin between them when the fulltime siren sounded. Going into the game the two teams were locked together on seven competition points at the bottom of the ladder which meant that the game took on extra importance in terms of avoiding the wooden spoon come the season end. It was well into the first half before the scoreboard attendant was called upon, with the visiting Magpies crossing for a try to go to a 4 points to nil lead, but by the break the Bears had responded with a converted try and they went to the sheds as 6 to 4 leaders. The home side went on with it after the resumption of play and rattled up another 16 unanswered points to shoot out to what looked like a comfortable winning lead, with the scoreboard reading 22 to 4 in their favour. However if they thought that the Maggies were going to lie down they were badly mistaken, and slowly but surely the Black and Whites edged closer to the what would have been a remarkable comeback victory, however they fell agonisingly short, with the Bears just hanging on for a memorable 22 to 20 win after a hard fought encounter. Dunedoo Swans vs Gulgong TerriersAt Dunedoo, the Swans just managed to retain their unbeaten status when they edged out the Gulgong Terriers in another exciting game, a solitary goal being the final difference in a 10 points to 8 result. However the Swans will now face a nervous wait before their blockbuster clash against the Cobar Roosters at Cobar this Saturday, with their captain coach Ben Thompson set to face the Judiciary after being sent from the field with ten minutes remaining in the intensely fought out match.Other Round 12 games In other games both the Roosters and the Gilgandra Panthers racked up big scores as they downed Coonabarabran and Trangie respectively, with Cobar winning 58 to 24, and Gilgandra 50 to 18. Undoubtedly the match of the round this Saturday will be played out at Cobar, with the second placed Roosters hosting the undefeated competition front runners, the Dunedoo Swans. The Swans have faced strong examinations over the past two weeks, winning narrowly against both Coonabarabran and then Gulgong, but this round 13 clash will be their sternest test to date, this being particularly so if Thompson does not receive a favourable outcome from the Judiciary. The Roosters are always a difficult proposition at Tom Knight Oval, and they will be keen on their chances of securing a share of the competition lead irrespective of whoever does, or doesn’t, take the field for the Swans.  Christie and Hood Castlereagh League Round 12 Scores League Tag Baradine 22 (Madison Masman 2, Savannah Carey, Maria Nagy tries, Nagy 3 goals) defeated Coonamble 10 (Holly Arndell, Erin Tym tries, Emily Ryan goal) Dunedoo 48 (Gemma Mitchell 3, Hayley Cox 3, Meg Christensen, Alexis Gallagher, Ceara Smith, Logan McKenna-Maidens, Annie Christensen tries, Smith 5, Annie Christensen goals) defeated Gulgong 6 (Dayna Manley try, Melanie Robinson goal) Coonabarabran 12 (Meg Walton, Armani Whipper tries, Teaghan Barron 2 goals) defeated Cobar 10 (Kayla Hassan, Tyler Chiswick tries, Zoe Egan goal) Gilgandra 48 (Emily Fardell 3, Shian Chatfield 2, Rani Diggs, Samantha Hazelton, Stevie Smith, Tori Canham tries, Canham 6 goals) defeated Trangie 0. Binnaway bye. Competition ladderDunedoo 22, Baradine 22, Coonabarabran 16, Gilgandra 16, Coonamble 14, Cobar 12, Binnaway 8, Gulgong 6, Trangie 2. First Grade Coonamble 22 (Neville Nixon, Liam Fernando, Jake Fernando, Daniel Sangster tries, Liam Fernando 3 goals) defeated Baradine 20 (Billy Carey 3, Andrew Wallace, Brandon Worrell tries, Wallace 2 goals) Dunedoo 10 ( Camden Sutton, Ben Thompson tries, Dan Lane goal) defeated Gulgong 8 (Brendan Carter, Duncan O’Leary tries) Cobar 58 (Thomas Plater 3, Ashley Davies 2, Gerald Mackay 2, Nathan McAndrew, David Watson, Tim Hillam tries, Watson 8 goals) defeated Coonabarabran 24 (Brad Fuller, Evan Sulter, Dean Lewin, Anthony Harris, Ben Baker tries, Baker, Jai Cain goals) Gilgandra 50 (Curtis Carr 3, Cameron Bamblett 2, Kyzah Louie, Chris Holland, George Alchin, Mitch Bamblett tries, Brandon Hammond 6, Luke Ritchie goals) defeated Trangie 18 (Donald Kennedy 3, Richard tries, Alex Sutherland goal) Competition LadderDunedoo 24, Cobar 22, Gilgandra 20, Gulgong 14, Coonabarabran 12, Coonamble 9, Trangie 8, Baradine 7,  Round 13 Next Saturday, July 10 Gilgandra V Baradine, Coonamble V Coonabarabran, Binnaway V Trangie,Cobar V Dunedoo, Gulgong bye

By BRYSON LUFFGoing in to their round 11 Christie and Hood Castlereagh League clash at Gulgong last Saturday the Gulgong Terriers and the Coonabarabran Unicorns were locked together on the competition table, each on 12 points and sharing equal fourth position on the ladder so in terms of keeping in the hunt for a semi final berth the game presented as a vital one to both sides.It was to be the Terriers who prevailed in what ended up an entertaining affair, scoring seven tries to the visitors five to claim the precious competition points.Leading 24 to 4 at one stage during the first half, and 24 to 10 at the break and 28 to 10 early in the second half the home side seemed to be well in control, but that most certainly was not the case as the Unicorns hit back with two converted tries, and with the scoreboard reading 28 to 22 many of the Terrier faithful were getting somewhat nervousThe home side needed to respond, and they did, scoring twice, and with one conversion being successful, they were once again in a relatively comfortable position, leading 38 to 22.The Unicorns completed the scoring for the afternoon with a converted try to make the final score 38 to 28.At Cobar the Baradine Magpies got their day away to a great start when their Youth League side downed the Bantams 22 to 20, but sadly for the black and whites that was to be their only bright spot on an otherwise gloomy day, with their previously undefeated League Tag side going down 24 to 16 in what was the first ever league tag win by Cobar over Baradine.If that wasn’t bad enough the Magpies’ first grade outfit had little answer to the rampaging Roosters attack and they were soundly beaten 70 to nil by a team that is widely tipped to be making an appearance on grand final day.The other Magpie outfit in the Castlereagh competition met with a much better result when the Trangie Magpies downed the Coonamble Bears at Coonamble, winning that encounter 36 to 24, with the two competition points meaning that they leapfrogged both Coonamble and Baradine on the competition ladder.Coming upThe loss by both Coonamble and Baradine sets up at interesting clash between the two clubs this Saturday at Coonamble with both clubs trying to avoid the wooden spoon. To make it even more intriguing the result when they met in round 3 was a 10 all draw.The Dunedoo Swans will be making their first defence of the Boronia Cup when they host the Gulgong Terriers at Robertson Oval.The Terriers will be out to continue their winning form from last Saturday, whilst the home side will be determined to maintain their unbeaten status in front of what should be a large and vocal crowd for the important local derby.The remaining game will see the Gilgandra Panthers back on the field after a number of weeks off due to byes when they travel to Trangie to take on the Magpies.Christie and Hood Castlereagh League Round 11 Scores.Youth LeagueBaradine 22 (Joshua Forgione 2, Kane Wiggins, Stephen Parry-Leonard, Tyrell Kennedy tries, Parry Leonard goal) defeated Cobar 20 (Ben Griffiths 2, Zane Taylor 2 tries, Griffiths 2 goals)League TagCobar 24 ( Brennah Aumua 2, Brianna Watson 2, Zoe Egan tries, Watson, Egan goals) defeated Baradine 16 ( Savannah Carey, Holly Woodham, Fleur Andrews tries)Gilgandra 42 ( Tori Canham 2, Talitha Chatfield 2, Rani Diggs, Chloe McLean, Allira Ashby, Shian Chatfield tries, Canham 3,Talitha Chatfield, Shian Chatfield goals) defeated Binnaway 14 (Claire Jones, Olivia Milsom, Lakeyia Wood tries, Lisa Jones goal)Coonamble 44 (Hope Fernando 2, Tayla Pennell 2, Shay Hooper 2, Hannah Towns 2, Emily Ryan tries, Ryan 2, Hooper, Sam Turnbull goals) defeated Trangie 10 (Brittany Darcy, Katina Darcy tries Katina Darcy goal)Coonabarabran 22 (Kallee Crawley, Meg Walton, Rachael Barron, Meg Underwood Poihaere Birtles tries, Teaghan Barron goal) defeated Gulgong 10 (Emily Kirk, Laurissa Hay tries, Mel Robinson goal)Competition ladderDunedoo 20, Baradine 20, Coonabarabran 16, Coonamble 14, Gilgandra 14, Cobar 12, Binnaway 6, Gulgong 6, Trangie 2.First GradeCobar 70 (Jack Brown 3, Tim Hillam 2, Ashley Davies, Nathan McAndrew, Tristan Everett, Gerald Mackay, James Neyland, Ben Simon, Jed Noonan, David Watson tries, Watson 7, Neyland 2 goals) defeated Baradine 0Trangie 36 (Donald Kennedy 3, Sam Hohnberg 2, Trent Jacobson tries, Alex Sutherland 6 goals) defeated Coonamble 24 (Kevin Thurston Welsh 3, Braeden O’Brien, Mitch Nalder tries, Jake Fernando, Liam Fernando goals)Gulgong 38 (Brendan Carter 3, Sam Gorrie 2, Ethan Pegus, Dan Crane tries, Brad James 5 goals) defeated Coonabarabran 28 (Josh Nixon, Jai Cain, Paul Jones, Dustin Crawley, Luke Stanton tries, Cain 4 goals) Competition LadderDunedoo 22, Cobar 20, Gilgandra 18, Gulgong 14, Coonabarabran 12, Trangie 8, Baradine 7, Coonamble 7, Round 12 Saturday July 3 2021 Coonamble V Baradine, Trangie V Gilgandra, Coonabarabran V Cobar, Dunedoo V Gulgong (Boronia Cup Challenge Game), Binnaway bye.

By Bryson LuffThe highly anticipated rematch of the 2020 Christie and Hood Castlereagh League League Tag grand final between the Dunedoo Swannettes and the Baradine Magpies saw the black and whites extract some degree of revenge for their 26 to 22 loss last year. With both teams going in to last Saturday’s game at Baradine undefeated and locked together at the top of the table on 16 competition points apiece, the match created a huge amount of interest amongst the supporters from each club, with the big bonus for the winning team being the outright lead on the competition ladder at the half way point through the season. It was to be the Baradine side who now sit in that position following their 26 to 18 victory, scoring five tries to three in the process. The Dunedoo club did not leave Baradine empty handed however with their first grade side fending off a sturdy challenge from the home team, taking the match 28 to 14, the win meaning that the reigning premiers have yet to taste defeat in season 2021. At Gilgandra it was to be a Shian Chatfield field goal that got the Pink Panthers home in the League Tag fixture against the Coonamble Bears, the home side holding on for an exciting 21 to 20 victory.The Gilgandra Pink Panthers had a nail-biting victory against the Coonamble Bears over the weekend. PHOTO COURTESY OF STEPHEN BASHAM.The hosts also claimed the competition points in the first grade encounter, but it was no walk in the park, with the youthful Bears outfit putting in a great second half performance after trooping from the field at half time down 24 to nil. In fact the never say die Bears won the final forty minutes 18 points to 10, the final score being 34 to 18, and whilst the red and blacks lost no supporters with their display in the second stanza the damage done on the scoreboard in the first half was too much for them to reel in. The Panthers full back, DJ Smith scored three of his sides tries, with half back Luke Ritchie grabbing a double in the win, whilst for the Bears Neville Nixon scored two of his teams three tries and fullback Jake Fernando handed in a strong performance in a team that will most certainly test their opposition in the second half of the competition.The remaining first grade match saw the Gulgong Terriers proving to be too strong for the Trangie Magpies at Trangie, taking the game 44 points to 10, with their lock Brad James scoring three tries and notching six goals for a person tall of 24 points for the game. There will be a general bye this coming long weekend before round 10 is played out on Saturday June 19 with the feature match in that round being the Boronia Cup Challenge match played at Coonabarabran between the Unicorns and the Dunedoo Swans.

By COLIN HODGESTHE much travelled Zoutenant won the Cup and Maddison Wright rode four winners at the successful Marthaguy Picnic races held on Saturday at Quambone.Narromine based Ricky Blewitt who recently rode his 300th winner was aboard the Coonamble owned and Dar Lunn, Dubbo trained Zoutenant in the 1400 metres O’Brien Winter Partners Marthaguy Picnic Cup.Kallie took the early lead before Valadyium went to the front and led by three lengths at the 700 metres from Nevada Sunrise, Zoutenant and Equilibrium.Taking an inside run turning for home, Zoutenant ($3) then raced away to win by over five lengths from the Connie Greig, Dubbo trained pair Equilibrium (Will Stanley, $6) and Valadyium (Michael T. Johnston, $3.50).The now eight year old Zoutenant has recorded 13 wins and 21 placings from 104 starts, the majority of those race track appearances being since coming out west from leading stables in Sydney.First start was for trainer Kevin Moses when second in a 2yo race at Rosehill in early December 2014 before winning at Wyong a fortnight later and in 2015 at Hawkesbury.After finishing second in the $300,000 Group2 Roman Consul Stakes at Randwick in October 2015 Zoutenant was transferred to Gai Waterhouse at Randwick and then Garry Portelli at Warwick Farm but failed to win for those stables.Since arriving at Dubbo in 2017 to be trained by Dar Lunn for the Coonamble owners, Zoutenant has won 11 times ranging from TAB events at Dubbo and Narromine to non TAB and Picnic races at a variety of tracks including Carinda (2 Cups), Come-By-Chance, Gulargambone, Gilgandra (Collie Cup), Bligh Picnics (at Mudgee) and Marthaguy (at Quambone).Peter Whitehead, Chris O'Brien, Gordon Whitehead, Darr Lunn, Damien O'Brien and Simon Turnbull following the win of Zoutenant.Maddison Wright, winner of the NSW Premiership for Picnic riders last season, commenced her four win haul at Marthaguy aboard the Brett Robb, Dubbo trained and Dennis Todd, Baradine owned Combogolong ($2.80 favourite) in the 1100 metres Coonamble Ag Spray Maiden Plate.Backing up from a last start Coonabarabran TAB win, the Brett Robb, trained Boys Home (Maddison Wright, $1.70 fav.) was a twelve lengths winner of the 1400 metres Dubbo City & Gilgandra Toyota Class 1 Handicap.The other winners for Maddison Wright are both trained at Gilgandra by Bryan Dixon, Renzulli ($2.70 equal fav.) in the 1200 metres Edwards Air Conditioning & Sternbuild Class 2 Handicap by eleven lengths and Bizarro ($1.80 fav.) in the 800 metres Quambone Community-Elwyn Andrews Memorial Class 3 Handicap.

ROUND one of the Western Plains Rugby Union competition saw the Coonamble Rams seeing stars in more ways than one with the boys coming away with their first win of the season.18 members of the team travelled to Cobar for their first game and may have been considered a bit too keen, arriving more than an hour ahead of schedule.The majority of the team was made up of returning players from previous seasons, though the game also featured the exciting match debuts of seven new Rams, some of whom had never played a proper game of union before.With kick off at 2pm, the Rams had a strong start with new player Jacob Savage scoring the team's first season try which was then converted by Sam Grey.The first half ended with Coonamble ahead of Cobar 10-5, a lead which was quickly built upon to become 16-5 in the early stages of the second half.Players from the Cobar Camels and Coonamble Rams reach for the ball during one of the game's many line-outsBy this point, it was clear the Cobar team had a passionate fanbase and an intent to reclaim some ground, with a couple of the boys being sent off temporarily following some hard collisions and heated exchanges.The Camels did succeed in scoring a converted try, taking the score to 16-12. The Rams dug deep however and didn't let score get any closer, giving them the victory.Rams coach and team captain Brenton Williams spoke after the game, congratulating the Cobar team for their efforts and praising the Coonamble boys for not giving in."I'm very proud of the boys for coming out today and never giving in – there were times in that second half when we could have rolled up and we didn't so it was a very exciting game right through to the end," Mr Williams said."For our points, one point and player's player went to Jacob Savage, two points went to our number eight turned second-rower Ronnie Hertel and three points went to our five-eight Paddy Keady."

Second time was certainly the charm for the remaining races from the 2021 Coonamble Country Championships last week with a couple of local trainers and owners walking away with big wins on their saddles.The Championships, held at the Coonamble Jockey Club, were originally scheduled for Sunday 14 March but were called off after two races due to rain making the track conditions too unsafe to continue.The remaining seven races - including the main event, the Western Racing Association Country Championships Qualifier - were rescheduled for the afternoon of Tuesday 16 March.Most people attending the second day were perhaps not as glamorous as they had been on Sunday, with a few exceptions, but spirits were still high for a great day of racing.President of the Coonamble Jockey Club, whose job it was to bring the track up to scratch, Ken Waterford said he was incredibly proud of the clubs efforts, which resulted in everything he could have hoped for."It was a great day, an unbelievable day, and we had a real good crowd considering what we've been through," Mr Waterford said."I just want to say thanks to all the committee who worked so hard on Monday to get this track going - we had a helicopter for two or three hours from the Chadwick family, which saved the day."According to Mr Waterford, the state of the track on Tuesday rated on a four out of 10, which translated to perfect racing conditions, with just enough give to prevent jarring.Race two slightly delayed proceedings as Tamworth-trained Hurn Court slipped under the barrier before the race could begin, resulting in a chase all the way around the track before the three-year-old bay gelding was brought under control.Winners throughout the day came from across Western NSW with a mixture of finishes, some a lot closer than others.One of these came during the main event, with four-year-old bay gelding Activation, coming from the back of the pack to take the win in the last few seconds.Dubbo-trained horse Activation just moments after its big win in the 2021 Western Racing Association Country Championships Qualifier.The victory was highly emotional for one of Activation's owners Alan 'The Reverend' Walker, who was originally from Gulargambone but now lives in Dubbo with his wife Deidre.Mr Walker fought back tears of joy as he said how proud he was of Activation and its Dubbo-based trainer Kody Nestor, who also trained first and second place at last year's local Country Championship Qualifier."Kody Nestor is a great trainer and he's certainly done a great thing on Activation," Mr Walker said."We are now eligible to go to Sydney for the big race down there, we had to get a first or a second here today and we've got the first. So we're in the big money in Sydney now, and there's a fair chance we can get it down there too."I'm just so thrilled that we got that win today, because we anticipated to win and it has."Activation and Narromine-trained Wild Rocket will now compete in the $500,000 Country Championships Final on the Royal Randwick track on Saturday, 3 April.There was only one minor scare on the track on Tuesday, with a jockey from race seven Ken Dunbar coming off Gilgandra-trained Blinkin Nomore's back in the final racing moments of the day.However, he immediately got up, seemingly unharmed, and hopped in the nearby ambulance so medical staff could make sure.This race was also notable in that its winner Fearless Mila was trained by Coonamble-born Clint Lundholm who Mr Waterford called "the next legend" of the Coonamble racetrack.Mr Lundholm said he was thrilled to come away with a win right at the end of the day, after a few disappointments in earlier races, and thanked race organisers for the day."I just want to give the club a good pat on the back - they've worked hard to get the day together," Mr Lundholm said."The disappointment of losing this on Sunday obviously wasn't great, but they've put their best foot forward, got the track up to 100 per cent today and we got good racing as a result."Mr Waterford also wished to thank New South Wales Racing and the committee for their support during both days and said he hoped for a strong return at next year's Championships.

A little wet weather last week was not going to prevent boys from the Clontarf Foundation from lacing up their footy boots to have a friendly game of rugby.Boys from the Coonamble Clontarf Academy met with boys from the academies in Bourke and Brewarrina on Thursday evening at the Coonamble Sportsground.Director at the Coonamble Clontarf Academy Adam Cohen said the event is a semi-regular part of the Clontarf program and a great opportunity for the boys."Really it's meant to be a bit of a run around and something fun for the boys to do - we try to do it about once a term, so next term, it might be in Dubbo, Bourke or Brewarrina," Mr Cohen said."It's a great thing to do though and we just love that all the boys get in there, respect our rules and look after each other."According to Mr Cohen, the game is not played on a serious basis, and while there is a sense of friendly competition, the boys having a good time together was the first priority."At the end of the day, it's not particularly about winning and losing - that being said, if you ask them who won today, they'd still probably say the Coonamble boys," he said.There were plenty of supporters for the boys both on and off the field, with the stands sporadically filled with friends and family of the home and away teams.Mr Cohen said the games are normally a lot more popular but the academies hadn't spread the word as much as they normally would."Normally, when we have a big night of football like this, we can have over 200 people here cheering on the boys," he said."We didn't promote it as much this time just because of COVID, so it was more of a little hit out. Still, I think we had a good turnout tonight."At the end of the day, I'm just glad the boys had a fun time - it's so good that community sports support our program and as a result support the boys."

By Colin HodgesTidal Impact followed by The Storm in MeTIDAL Impact emerged as an early favourite for the Wellington Boot when a brilliant winner of the Boot Prelude-2yo Handicap (1100 metres) at Coonamble.Damien Lane, reared at Coonamble and now well established at Wyong, is the trainer of Tidal Impact (Darryl McLellan, $3.40 favourite) which displayed early pace then cleared out to win by over nine lengths. Although well beaten, The Storm In Me (Mikayla Weir,$4.60) ran home well for second as did the third placed $151 outsider, the Peter.W.Stanley, Wellington trained Look At Yah ridden by Ashleigh Stanley.Continual rain adversely affected the track and after two races the remainder of the meeting was postponed and rescheduled for two days later at Coonamble.Jockey Darryl McLellan gives his assessment of the race to trainer Damien Lane and the TV camerasWhat’s in a name?Dalavon when trained at Nyngan by Rodney Robb for the O’Mally family from Bourke was an outstanding galloper with numerous wins on country and city tracks.Bred and raced by Greg O’Mally, now at Narromine, a three year old black gelding with a similar name to Dalavon was an impressive winner at Coonamble for Nyngan trainer Brett Robb, the son of Rodney Robb.Dalavin, starting the $2.90 favourite and ridden by Nyngan based Clayton Gallagher, led for home and held on to beat Maggie’s Time (Angela Cooper, $17) and Fiery Belle (Elissa Meredith,$51) in the 1100 metres Nutrient AG Solutions Showcase Country Maiden Plate.Like Dalavon, Dalavin races in the royal blue, yellow sash, red cap, colours of the O’Mally family.

By CINDY PARSONSThe final games of the 2020/21 Touch Football Season were played on Monday night with some very close games deciding the final placings. Round 12 results were as follows:A GradeThe A Team 7 defeated Castlereagh Hire 6. Top try scorer: Jake Fernando.Hornets 8 defeated Mo's Plumbing 6. Top try scorer: Stephen GloverTin Town won due to a forfeit.B GradeLandmark 23 defeated Termo 4. Top try scorer Emily WarnerCastlereagh Allsorts 9 defeated Ag n Vet 2. Top try scorer Wade Brennan.Finals draw:The finals will start next week, Monday 8 March.A GradeMinor Semi - A Team v Hornets.Major Semi - Tin Town v Castlereagh Hire.B GradeMinor Semi - Ag n Vet v Castlereagh Allsorts.Major Semi - Termo v Landmark.Good luck to all teams involved.