By COLIN HODGESClassy Rebel and Patrick May are both tough and talented gallopers and their clash in the 1280 metre Collie Hotel Cup was a highlight on Saturday 21 August at Gilgandra.Trained at Dubbo by Dar Lunn for Guy Mitchell (Binnaway) and Rob Pratten (Dubbo), Classy Rebel since May has won 5 or 9 races while the Leo Harland trained Patrick May two starts back won the Satellite at Parkes and has continually raced well against strong company.Rock hard in fitness after several recent outings Classy Rebel started the $3.50 favourite at Gilgandra while Patrick May resuming from a 10 weeks break started at $3.70.Away quickly from the outside barrier, Patrick May pressured Classy Rebel for the lead with Casey Waddell on Proudest Moment who was also keen to have a piece of the up front action in the run to the home turn.After a good battle, Classy Rebel (Clayton Gallagher) pulled away to beat Patrick May (Jake Pracey-Holmes) by a length and a half with a short head to Gadfly (Tony Cavallo $11), the 2019 Picnic Championship winner.As only essential personnel were allowed at the meeting due to Covid-19 restrictions, the majority of local owners who race the Kieren Hazleton trained Chesty were watching from home as their 4year old gelding contested the 1200 metre Ahrens Maiden Handicap.However one owner, the Gilgandra Jockey Club President Jason Tate, was on course helping run the meeting and was pleased with the performance of Chesty, at the third start in a race.In front turning for home, Chesty (Jake Pracey-Holmes, $18) held on to score by a half length from Jumping Power (Aaron Sweeney,$13) with over three lengths to the third placed Castlehyde (Jackson Searle, $1.55 favourite).Making it a double for Gilgandra stables, the Bryan Dixon trained Renzulli ($6) well ridden by apprentice Zara Lewis came from fifth nearing the home turn to beat Valarian (Ken Dunbar, $6.50) by a short head with Lake Tanganyika (Daniel Northey, $26) third in the 1100 metre Geronimo Farm Equipment Benchmark 50 Handicap.Kylie Kennedy who won her home town Narromine Cup with Wild Rocket completed a big week when as the trainer of Padrone she won the 1000 metre Mick & Margaret Brophy Memorial Maiden Plate at Gilgandra.In form jockey Clayton Gallagher was aboard as Padrone ($3.80) overhauled the leader Chevalier De Frise (Tony Cavallo, $2.30 favourite) with Sizzling Star (Jake Pracey-Holmes ,$5) running home well for third.Overcoming a wide barrier, the Kody Nestor trained Music Miss ( Blanch, $7.50) finished strongly from well back to win the 1100 metre Bob & Clare Coxedge Memorial Benchmark 50 Handicap while Expect A Hero (Madeline Owen, $6) led most of the way to win the 800 metre Cam & Dorothy Carmichael Benchmark 50 Handicap for Dubbo trainer Brett Robb.Going to the early lead from the outside barrier, the Melissa Dennett, Tamworth trained Ballast (Jackson Searle, 4.50 fav.) won the 1600 metre Keith Kilby Memorial Benchmark 50 Handicap by over three lengths from Zoey Lass (Tiffany Jeffries, $7.50) and Fiveash (Clayton Gallagher, $8.50).Warren is set to race on Saturday with a TAB meeting.

THE 2021 Christie and Hood Castlereagh League competition is currently suspended due to the NSW Dept of Health regulations that are in place.Castlereagh League spokesperson Bryson Luff indicated that initially there were three Local Government Areas affected earlier last week which put the last round of the competition in jeopardy, and following advice from NSWRL, round 18 games set down to be played last Saturday were suspended.Since then the entire state of NSW has been placed under Stay at Home orders and what lies ahead is unknown.“Obviously our hands are tied until we know how long it will be until we can resume playing, but we need to talk about a number of possible options for the completion of our 2021 competition, and put a time frame on when we move from one option to the next,” Mr Luff said.“At the moment Castlereagh League cannot give definitive advice on what might lie ahead, but what I can say is that we will be doing everything possible to ensure that the 2021 season is concluded. How that conclusion is arrived at remains to be seen.“Given the fact that we were one of a very few competitions in NSW country that ran last year the commitment of the Castlereagh clubs, their players, their supporters and their sponsors cannot be questioned, and that same commitment still exists so everyone out here will be doing their utmost to get through the current situation and get on with it!”A video meeting on Monday night 16 August devised various scenarios for completing the competition, with semi-finals to be held after two weeks training time if time permits, or going straight to an October grand final between the two top teams if lockdowns persist.

THE Castlereagh Cougars Women's Rugby League club is currently taking registrations from players for the coming season and are seeing a response that reflects the increasing popularity of the game across NSW.The NSW Rugby League (NSWRL) recently announced that female participation had hit record numbers this season, with around 23,000 signing up to play the game, compared to 18,915 in 2019. “Regardless of whether it’s a town of 200 or 200,000, we are seeing more and more women wanting to play Rugby League which can only benefit our game in the future. It’s also pleasing to see our players spread across heartland areas in both metropolitan Sydney and Regional NSW."This year the Cougars have five teams to fill and President Sam Turnbull says that they have already had to close the books for the Opens and Under 16s because they had reached their capacity of 22 players allowed under the rules."We've had lots and lots of interest this year," Ms Turnbull said. "Registrations have been going really well but we still have places in the 18s,14s, and 12s."As well as girls and women from the traditional Castlereagh towns of Coonamble, Gilgandra, Coonabarabran, Baradine, Coolah, Dunedoo and Warren, the Cougars have this year picked up players from the Barwon Darling area."We have one from Walgett, a few Bourke girls in the Opens and the younger age groups and a good solid group from Cobar this year," Ms Turnbull said. "We have players from pretty well all the towns."With the first round due to start on 17 & 18 September, Ms Turnbull says her committee were about to release their training dates when the latest covid lockdown was announced."We're currently waiting to see what happens," she said. "The training days will mostly focus on the juniors to bring them together and teach them proper tackling and that sort of thing.""A lot of the Opens players are still in the Leaguetag season," she said."We were hoping to have a day this weekend actually, but we're not there yet."*Prizewinners at the Castlereagh Cougars' 2020 presentation day held in Gilgandra earlier this year with coach Channy Burgess (centre) and Cougars Club President Samantha Turnbull (2nd from right).The NSWRL say that there has been 104% growth in the number of female players across the Group 14 zone since 2019 with the Cougars, who started in 2018 with just two grades, contributing at least 20%.Ms Turnbull says that almost all other clubs in Group 14 have seen amazing growth and she expects the numbers will continue to increase as the season gets underway.Cougars will line up against the Mid West Brumbies (formerly Mudgee Dragons), Panorama Platypi (Bathurst), Wiradjuri Goannas (Dubbo), the Orange Vipers and Woodbridge (the small central west towns reaching from Canowindra to Peak Hill)."I'm pretty sure some of the Goannas grades are full because we've had expressions of interest from girls in Narromine and Nyngan who are within the Wiradjuri boundary," Ms Turnbull said."Once they're full the rules allow their players to try Castlereagh or Woodbridge."The 2021 competition is to include eight games across a round and a half."If we get started it should be good," Ms Turnbull said. "Especially with the Cougars coming out as a stand-alone club.""Up until this year we were tucked under the umbrella of the men's Castlereagh RL and we've definitely been able to make it more focused on female participation and growing the pathways for young girls coming up."Preparing girls to take advantage of the broader opportunities in rugby league has become a key factor for the Cougars new leadership.The NSWRL runs the state’s premier women’s competition, the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership, and provides another valuable pathway with the Harvey Norman Tarsha Gale Cup for Under 19s participants.  These competitions flow into NSWRL representative fixtures including the Harvey Norman City v Country match, the Harvey Norman NSW Under 19s Women’s Origin team, and the Harvey Norman NSW Sky Blues.Ms Turnbull believes it is state and national WRL competitions, with televised games that underlies the surge in interest from females wanting to play the game."I think it's definitely the NRLW particularly, and the comps you can see on TV that's driving it" she said. "And we also had all that exposure form those girls who came out of our competition last year who played in the NSW team.""We've got a real focus on pathways for our under 18s teams," she said.

By COLIN HODGESWild Rocket has been a difficult horse to train and Kylie Kennedy deserved the win in her home town Qube Narromine Gold Cup with the five year old mare.A noted bad traveller, Wild Rocket had nevertheless finished second in a Country Championship Qualifier at Coonamble and fourth in the Final at Royal Randwick earlier this year. Making it two wins and a second at Narromine, Wild Rocket again demonstrated a liking for the home track with an outstanding performance in the 1600 metres Cup.One of five winners on the day for Cowra jockey Mathew Cahill, Wild Rocket ( $5 ) came from last to win the Cup by over a length from the Forbes Cup winner From The Bush (Tony Cavallo,$2.60 favourite) with the $91 outsider Caszar (Ken Dunbar) running a tremendous third for Forbes trainer Barry Molloy.This was the first Narromine Cup won by Kylie Kennedy.Patience, timing and brilliant horsemanship were all on display when Mathew Cahill rode the last five winners on Cup Day.One of the wins was shared when Cahill on the Myron Cooper trained Elgin ($9.50) figured in a dead heat for first with Combogolong (Casey Waddell, $9) in the 1200 metres Lesley Walsh Memorial Class 1 Handicap.Bred and raced by Dennis Todd from Baradine and trained at Dubbo by Brett Robb, Combogolong had won Picnic races this year at Marthaguy, Moree, Bligh and Coonamble and making the transition to TAB company was only caught in the laSt stride by Elgin.Two of Cahill’s winners were Cowra gallopers, Champagne Daisy ($18) trained by his brother in law Michael Lynch to win the 800 metres Douglas Egan Memorial Benchmark 66 Handicap and in the 1300 metres Thank You And Farewell Todd Smith Benchmark 58 Handicap, Deshawn ($2.90 favourite) trained by Barry Wall, the track curator for Cowra Jockey Club.Starting the five win haul for Mathew Cahill was the Peter Bloomfield , Scone trained War Heart ($2.50 favourite) in the Narromine Shire Council Maiden Handicap.*A frosty finish line at Narromine ahead of their successful day on Sunday 15 August for the Qube Narromine Gold Cup. PHOTO: Narromine Turf Club facebook.Good day for Gilgandra connectionsJohn Smith, a Life Member of Gilgandra Jockey Club, is at most Western area race meetings however he missed being on course at Narromine on Sunday to see Occasional win the 1600 metres Class 1 & Maiden Plate. Due to the Statewide lockdown caused by the Covid -19 outbreak, spectators, including owners, were prevented from attending race meetings however John Smith was most likely watching the Sky Channel coverage at home and enjoying the top run produced by his six year old mare.With apprentice Jackson Searle in the saddle, the $41 outsider Occasional came from last with a big finish to beat Rusty Hawk (Mikayla Weir, $7) by a length with Poseidon Ruler (Ashley Morgan,$2.50) a long neck away third.Kieran Hazleton who trains Occasional at Gilgandra had won the 1000 metres Bob Skinner Master Painter Class 1 Handicap the previous day at Parkes with Japingka.Expect A Hero (Clayton Gallagher) held a good lead in the straight however was overhauled by Japingka and beaten almost a length with Any Loose Change (Tony Cavallo) holding on for third.Zara Lewis who is apprenticed to Bryan Dixon at Gilgandra, gave Japingka a nice run behind the leaders and this was the 8th winner for Lewis during a relatively short career.My Money Tree (Clayton Gallagher) from the Kylie Kennedy stable at Narromine was an all the way winner of the 1200 metres Maiden Handicap from Benoni (Aaron Sweeney) and Buggil (Elissa Meredith).Dubbo trainer Connie Greig continued her recent run of success when Get Up Alby (Aaron Sweeney) travelled fourth on the rails then sprinted home to beat the leader Say Madam (Kath Bell-Pitomac) and Miss Monte (Tiffany Jeffries) in the 1300 metres Hankook Tyres Benchmark 50 Handicap.Opening event at Parkes was the 800 metre Carpet Choice Maiden Plate and the Terry Fahey, Narromine trained Hireach (Ken Dunbar) took the early lead and won by nearly five lengths from In The Mail (Clayton Gallagher) and Cod Bye (Stephan Joseph).Bookmakers and the Tote did not operate on the Parkes meeting due to the Covid-19 restrictions..TAB meetings are planned for Gilgandra on Saturday and Bathurst on Monday.

By BRYSON LUFFThe Cobar Roosters will finish as the first grade minor premiers of the 2021 Christie and Hood Castlereagh League even if they are to lose their last competition game against the Gilgandra Panthers this coming Saturday in Gilgandra.The Roosters are at the top of the table, having lost only one game throughout the year, two points clear of the 2020 premiers, the Dunedoo Swans, and whilst a loss to the Panthers this weekend would not be ideal preparation for the finals series, the minor premiership is theirs due to their far superior points differential which cannot be bettered even if Dunedoo were to record a big win over the Trangie Magpies in the final round.The top five in first grade is sorted, but not so the final finishing order, with Gulgong Terriers and Coonabarabran Unicorns fighting it out for fourth position on the ladder which would give them hosting rights for the elimination semi final on Sunday 22 August.Both teams are locked together on 22 competition points with Gulgong holding an advantage in terms of points differential and with the Terriers assured of two competition points courtesy of the bye the Unicorns must win by a sizeable margin in their game against Baradine to leapfrog Gulgong on the ladder.Meanwhile the Baradine Magpiettes have given themselves a very good shot at claiming the league tag minor premiership when they defeated the Dunedoo Swannettes 28 to 20 in another close encounter between the two sides last Saturday.The win puts them two points clear of the Swannettes on the competition table, but if they lose to third placed Coonabarabran this Saturday, and the Swannettes get up against Trangie it will come down to points difference, so the Magpies game against the Unicorns takes on a great degree of importance.Whilst the league tag game at Baradine bears a great deal of significance those two teams are assured of a place in the finals.Not so the game at Gilgandra between the Pink Panthers and the Cobar Roosterettes, the winner of which will advance to the semis, whilst it will be the season end for the vanquished!Round 17 of the competition saw the Coonamble Bears first grade side finish their 2021 commitments with a 68 to nil loss to the Gilgandra Panthers, with the highlight of the match being the five try haul to the Panther’s flying young winger, Kyzah Louie.The Bears had a good start to the day when their league tag side won an entertaining and close game against the Pink Panthers 20 points to 16, the win securing them a spot in the final five.At Dunedoo the win by the Baradine Magpies in the league tag could not be matched by their first grade side who were thumped 76 to nil by the Swans, and at Gulgong the Terriers were too strong for the Trangie Magpies in both grades winning the league tag 48 to 10 and first grade 54 to nil.At Cobar the home side recorded an important win in the league tag, winning 42 to 6 against Binnaway, that win propelling them into semi final contention.Christie and Hood Castlereagh League Round 17 ScoresYouth LeagueCobar 25 defeated Binnaway 0League TagCobar 42 (Brianna Watson 3, Alexandra Cain, Tyler Chiswick, Brennah Aumua, Kayla Hassan, Hannah Carroll tries, Watson 5 goals) defeated Binnaway 6 (Amy Jones try, Lisa Jones goal)Gulgong 48 (Laurissa Hay 3,Amali Hollow 2, Abby Hollow, Melissa Ballard, Ella Hawkins tries, Mel Robinson 8 goals) defeated Trangie 10 (Brittany Darcy, Grace Larance tries Emma Regan goal)Baradine 28 (Maria Nagy-Campbell 3, Fleur Andrews, Kate Masman tries, Nagy-Campbell 4 goals) defeated Dunedoo 20 (Gemma Mitchell, Alexis Gallagher, Hayley Cox, Kerrie Ward tries, Ceara Smith, Annie Christensen goals)Coonamble 20 (Shay Hooper 2,Tayla Pennell, Marnie Ryan tries, Emily Ryan 2 goals) defeated Gilgandra 16 (Chloe McLean 2, Emily Fardell tries, Shian Chatfield 2 goals)Coonabarabran byeCompetition table;Baradine 32 (+ 330), Dunedoo 30 (+309), Coonabarabran 24 (+182), Cobar 20 (+91), Coonamble 20 (+89), Gilgandra 20 (+27), Gulgong 10, Binnaway 10, Trangie 4.First GradeGulgong 54 (Sam Gorrie, Brendan Carter, Ethan Pegus, Gus Buckley, Dan Crane, Tom Reddish, Cal Ruming, Brad James, Luke Chapman tries, James Morrison 9 goals) defeated Trangie 0Dunedoo 76 (Kurt Thompson 3, Tom Shearman 3, Jake Darlington 3, Chanse Burgess 2, Camden Sutton, Matt Woods, Sam Christensen, Ben Thompson tries, Burgess 6, Ben Thompson 2 goals) defeated Baradine 0 (score recorded as 75 to nil)Gilgandra 68 (Kyzah Louie 5, Hayden Smith 2, Curtis Carr, George Alchin, DJ Smith, Kieren Hazelton, Brandon Hammond, Luke Ritchie tries,  Ritchie 7, Hayden Smith goals) defeated Coonamble 0Byes Cobar and CoonabarabranCompetition tableCobar 32 (+442), Dunedoo 30 (+255), Gilgandra 26 (+199) Gulgong 22 (+ 90) Coonabarabran 22 (+25), Baradine 13, Trangie 12, Coonamble 9.Round 18 Saturday August 25Binnaway V Gulgong, Trangie V Dunedoo, Baradine v Coonabarabran, Gilgandra V Cobar, Coonamble bye

By COLIN HODGESResuming from a spell, On A Promise cemented a spot in the $50,000 Picnic Championship Final when winning the 1100 metres QUBE Agri Open Sprint on Saturday at the Coonamble Picnic Meeting. The field for the 1400 metres Final at the Coonamble Gold Cup meeting on Sunday October 12 is decided by a point score over the Picnic circuit and On A Promise is a leader on the Qualifying ladder. *Barry McIntyre and Rusty Owens of race sponsors QubeAgri with winning syndicate members Andrew and Jess Hyder and Coonamble Jockey Club Secretary Ana Robson at the Picnic Races on Saturday 7 August.One of three winners on the day for Dubbo trainer Brett Robb and jockey Maddison Wright, On A Promise is raced by a syndicate mainly from Lake Cargelligo. and as usual was strongly supported in the betting ring. Leading for home, On A Promise ($3 favourite) ran out a comfortable winner over Madison Point (William Stanley,$8) and Scout (Ricky Blewitt,$3.60). Improving on recent form, Hotel Charlie ($7) raced by Barry Noble was the first leg of the Brett Robb and Maddison Wright treble when establishing a four lengths lead and then lasting to win the 1200 metres Geronimo Farm Equipment Maiden Plate by a half neck from Memphis Beau ( William Stanley,$2.50 fav.) and Benoni ( Brent Evans,$2.70 ). Yet again it was Brett Robb and Maddison Wright successful in the 1100 metres Nutrien Ag Solutions Class B Handicap when Combogolong ($5) made it 4 wins from 10 starts when leading most of the way to beat Japingka (Brent Evans,$2.50 fav.) and Lady Cornelia (Paula Heath,$17). Dennis Todd from Baradine who bred and owns Combogolong has been racing horses since 1964 and has won races at 49 different tracks. The cheers from the crowd said it all as local galloper Step ‘N’ Dollars (Brent Evans,$12) making ground from midfield reeled in the leaders to win the 1400 metres Dad & Dave Turf & Evergreen Turf Class B Handicap by nearly three lengths from Nepenthes (William Stanley,$5.50) and Diamonds Are Good (Maddison Wright,$2.10 fav.) Despite being a Maiden Class performer taking on the winners of up to 3 races, the Andrew Bayley, Coonamble trained Step ‘N’ Dollars, owned by several members of the Canham family, had plenty of support and proved a costly result for bookmakers. Brent Evans is an extremely talented rider and he displayed his class when the Gavin Groth, Gunnedah trained Danspur ( $3.50 ) from third on the rails gained a split and raced clear to account for Equilibrium (William Stanley,$4.80) and Lucienne (Maddison Wright,$11) in the 1300 metres Swanny’s Foods Open Handicap. Originally from Ecuador, Anaelle Gangotena became a trackwork rider in Canberra before obtaining a jockey licence and riding 10 winners in her first season. With a nice front running ride she won the 1600 metres Woodhams Petroleum Class 2 Handicap on the Doug Gorrel, Canberra trained Georgian Court ($2.30 fav.) which crossed the line over three lengths clear of Shiny Agent ( Maddison Wright,$4.40 ) and Occasional (Michael .T. Johnston,$4.40). Organised at short notice by Coonamble Jockey Club in conjunction with Racing NSW, the Meeting was staged to give owners and trainers a chance to start their horses as several recent Picnic Meetings had been cancelled due to Covid restrictions. The most recent Picnic Meetings conducted by the Coonamble Jockey Club were in 2003 and 2004. Prior to then the Oxley Picnics were held at Coonamble until that Club was disbanded in May 1979. Racing at Parkes (non-TAB) on Saturday and the Narromine Cup (TAB) on Sunday.

By JEFF HANSONA big road trip awaits Canberra trainer Doug Gorrel on Saturday as he prepares for a three-pronged assault on tomorrow's Coonamble picnic meeting. Gorrel and his team will make the 13-hour round trip in a bid to earn valuable Picnic Champion Series points.“It is a hike, but there will be plenty of drivers and we will probably stop halfway, get them out, stretch their legs and make sure their happy,” Gorrel said. “It’s bloody six and half hours but it’s all about getting Keep Me Posted into the (Picnic Champion Series) final.“I think he is on 15 points, and he needs a run anyhow and there is no low-level racing, so we thought we would head that way.”*Trainer Doug Gorrel is making the trek from Canberra to Coonamble on Saturday for the additional picnic race meeting organised by Racing NSW with the Coonamble Jockey Club. PHOTO: Facebook @douggorrelracing A myriad of lost community and picnic events has hurt the likes of Gorrel, who carry the odd picnic horse.“So many meetings have been cancelled because of Covid and being washed out and there is not enough of those low-level picnics and non tabbers,” Gorrel said. “So, we will pack up the kitchen sink and try our luck in Coonamble.”The Canberra trainer will team up with jockey Anaelle Gangotena on the day and he believed Keep Me Posted was his best chance, with the nine-year-old drawing gate four in the 1300m Open Trophy Handicap. “Keep Me Posted is a tough old horse and should go alright Sunday, he is just a good picnic horse,” Gorrel said. “That run at Wagga was unsuitably heavy; he does like a bit of give in the ground, but not that much, so we expect him to run well.”Gorrel also has Georgian Court contesting the 1600m Class Two Handicap, while Sheeza Menzies will contest the 1400m Class B Handicap.The Canberra trainer explained it was tough going when trying to place his horses at the moment, and once the current picnic racing season ended, he would have to sell some runners.“I will keep the two horses for the final (Keep Me Posted and Sestina), but the rest will have to go on the market, and we will hope that the weaker racing jurisdictions can pick them up,” Gorrel said. The last-minute Coonamble meeting was reasonably well supported by participants, with 46 acceptances across the six-race-program. Racing jumps at 1.30pm and the Coonamble Jockey Club will be supporting Royal Far West, with all entries being donated to the good cause. With thanks to NSW Country & Picnic Racing

By JEFF HANSONFollowing multiple picnic race meetings falling to the wayside due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the recent wet weather, Coonamble Jockey Club have stepped up to host a picnic meeting on Saturday.The six-race-program will include 1100m and 1300m Open Trophy Handicaps, 1100m and 1400m Class B Handicaps, a 1600m Class Two Trophy and a 1200m Maiden Plate. Jockey Club Vice-President Mick Heaney said there was already strong interest in the meeting. “I had three trainers ring me to find out the program,” Heaney said.“One was going to Dubbo, and one was going somewhere else, but they were happy to come here and send them around because it was a picnic meeting.”Heaney said it was important for a bigger club such as Coonamble to host meetings and look after regional trainers and racing participants.“I think it’s hugely important and it allows us to help places like Walgett, Come By Chance, Brewarrina, Carinda, Bourke, Marthaguy, Nyngan, Baradine and all the wider small communities,” Heaney said.“With Covid and all of this happening, it’s hard for some of those smaller clubs to race, and this way, we can support these communities, the WRA (Western Racing Association) and just help out bush racing.”Heaney said his club had also planned to give back to their loyal sponsors on Saturday.“We are looking after six of our major sponsors – it won’t cost them anything and we are putting a race in their name,” Heaney said.“They have been significant supporters of ours for a period of time now and it’s a good chance to give them something back.”Racing fans will be able to enjoy a good day on course, with full bar, canteen and bookmaker facilities available. First race will be at 1.30pm.Gate entry will be a donation to the Royal Far West.With thanks to Jeff Hanson and NSW Country & Picnic Racing

By BRYSON LUFFThe Gulgong Terriers put in a tenacious performance to claim the all important two competition points when they hosted the Gilgandra Panthers at Billy Dunn Oval last Saturday in their Christie and Hood Castlereagh League round 16 clash.Not for the first time this year the Panthers got away to a flying start, and again, not for the first time this year, they could not maintain the momentum, but credit must be given to the home side who produced a remarkable comeback after trailing 16 points to nil after 25 minutes.The Terriers spirit was evident as they fought back to go to the sheds at half time trailing by 10 points with the score board reading 20 to 10 in favour of the visitors, which soon became 20 points to 16 in the opening minute of the second stanza and from that point on it was anyone’s game as both sides struggled for ascendency before a converted try to Gulgong’s industrious hooker, Dan Crane edged the home side in front for the first time in the game with 15 minutes remaining.Not long after they were in again and stretched their lead out to 28 to 20 which they dourly defended until the Panthers scored with just seconds remaining to make the full time score after an entertaining game 28 to 24.The win by the Terriers signals that they are well and truly in the premiership race with just two competition rounds remaining.Unicorns vs MagpiesAt Coonabarabran defence was seemingly not high on the agenda of either the Unicorns or the visiting Trangie Magpies agenda with no less than 17 tries being scored, the hosts running in 12 whilst the Maggies scored five themselves, with the final score being 68 to 24.Cobar vs CoonambleCobar cemented its place at the top of the table with an emphatic 58 to 2 win over the Coonamble Bears at Cobar.Next weekThe Bears will complete their 2021 commitments next Saturday when they are at home to Gilgandra before having the bye in the final round.Other games this Saturday will see a Boronia Cup Challenge game played at Dunedoo when the Swans host Baradine with major interest on the day focussing on the top of the table league tag clash between the two clubs with a win by either side going a long way to securing the minor premiership in that grade.The Terriers will be looking to continue their good form when they have another home game, this time against the Trangie Magpies and Cobar will be playing host to Binnaway whilst Coonabarabran will collect the two competition points the easy way by virtue of having the bye.Christie and Hood Castlereagh League Round 16 scores League TagGilgandra 30 (Allira Ashby, Emily Fardell, Tori Canham, Kylie Louie, Crystal Williams, Stevie Smith tries, Shian Chatfield 2, Canham goals) defeated Gulgong 12 (Emily Kirk, Laurissa Hay tries, Mel Robinson 2 goals).Coonabarabran 68 ( Teaghan Barron 3, Madeline Wilson 3, Hannah Meier, Meg Underwood, Molly Sutherland, Kada Hutt, Barron 10 goals) defeated Trangie 0.Cobar 26 (Brennah Aumua 2, Aisha Schofield, Tyler Chiswick, Georgia Boland tries, Brianna Watson 3 goals) defeated Coonamble 18 (Hope Fernando, Tayla Pennell, Emily Ryan tries, Ryan 3 goals)Dunedoo 22(Gemma Mitchell 2, Eva Hogden, Kerrie Ward, Logan McKenna-Maidens tries, Mitchell goal) defeated Binnaway 0Baradine bye Competition tableBaradine 30 (+ 322), Dunedoo 30 (+317), Coonabarabran 22 (+182), Gilgandra 20 (+33), Coonamble 18 (+85), Cobar 18 (+55), Binnaway 10, Gulgong 8, Trangie 4. First GradeGulgong 28 (Dan Crane 2, Mitch McWhirter, Ethan Pegus, Brendan Carter tries, James Morrison 4 goals) defeated Gilgandra 24 (Hayden Smith 3, Luke Ritchie, Cameron Bamblett tries, Brandon Hammond 2 goals).Coonabarabran 68 (Josh Nixon 3, Paul Jones 2, Anthony Harris 2, Dean Lewin, Will Cole, Will Hawker, Tom Varty tries, Jai Cain 10 goals) defeated Trangie 24 (Rob Wakefield, James Darcy, Donald Kennedy, Laine Stevens, Owen Kennedy tries, Alex Sutherland 2 goals)Cobar 58 (Daniel Dean 3, Nathan McAndrew, Tim Hillam, Ben Griffiths, Tristan Everett, Thomas Plater, Jed Noonan, Zane Taylor tries, Plater 5, David Watson 4 goals) defeated Coonamble 2 (Jacob Fernando goal) Competition tableCobar 30 (+442), Dunedoo 28 (+180), Gilgandra 24 (+131) , Gulgong 20 (+ 36), Coonabarabran 20 (+ 25), Baradine 13, Trangie 12, Coonamble 9. Round 17 Saturday August 7Gulgong V Trangie, Dunedoo V Baradine (Boronia Cup Challenge), Cobar V Binnaway, Coonamble V Gilgandra, Coonabarabran bye.

By COLIN HODGESFollowing the shock win by $150 rank outsider Texas Lil at the recent Dubbo meeting, there was another big upset when $101 long shot Dead On Time won on Saturday at Gilgandra.Owned by veteran racing man Stan Leonard from Coonamble and trained there by Ian Holland, Dead On Time had Aaron Sweeney in the saddle when springing the surprise in the 1600 metres Merryula Class 1 & Maiden Plate.Positioned behind the leading pack, Dead On Time swept home to win by over a length from Shiny Agent ( Reece Jones,$10 ) and Forseti ( Liam Blanch,$2.70 favourite.The judge had a busy day with several closely contested races including the 800 metres Cooinda Class 2 Handicap which featured a dead heat for first and a dead heat for fourth.From the Glenn Frazer stable at Coonabarabran, Nicola ( Liam Blanch,$3.20 fav.) edged to the lead close to home but the Bryan Dixon, Gilgandra trained Fox Spirit ( Zara Lewis,$8.50 ) drew level on the line to share the first prize.Superthena Ken Dunbar,$15 ) also trained by Dixon was a close third with the fourth place dead heaters being Ellysay ( Tony Cavallo,$7 ) and Japingka ( Aaron Sweeney,$8.50 ).The photo finish camera was also put to good use when Equilibrium ( Liam Blanch,$12 ) and Zoey Lass ( Tony Cavallo,$17 ) figured in a dead heat for second, a long neck behind the winner Fiveash in the 1600 metres Cooinda Benchmark 50 Handicap.Trained at Narromine by Kylie Kennedy for Terry Fulwood, Fiveash ( $6.50 ) ridden by ex New Zealander Rory Hutchings had made a sustained run from the back of the field to claim victory.Not so close was the finish of the 1200 metres Coonabarabran Bakery Benchmark 50 Handicap with the Bryan Dixon, Gilgandra trained Makuba ( $9.50 ) ridden by local apprentice Zara Lewis, beginning quickly from the outside barrier and leading all the way for a four lengths win over Addictions ( Michael Heagney,$12 ) and Northern Conqueror ( Tony Cavallo,$5.80 ).Kelly Smith who is the only trainer at Collarenebri won the 1200 metres Nutrien Ag Solutions Benchmark 50 Handicap with Pretext’s Dream ( Liam Blanch,$3.80 fav.) which raced handy to the lead and held on to beat Say Madam ( Kath-Bell Pitomac,$9 ) and Riva Rialto ( Clayton Gallagher,$6 ).The other winners Unification ( Madeline Owen,$7.50 ) trained by Mark Schmetzer and Just Too Sweet ( Jackson Searle,$6.50 ) trained by Cody Morgan both led throughout.Gilgandra hosted the meeting after the Coonabarabran track was affected by heavy rain.Despite losing their meeting a good contingent from Coonabarabran made the trip to support Gilgandra.Forbes Jockey Club has been awarded Showcase status for the Cup meeting on Sunday and with the significant increase in prizemoney can expect very strong fields.

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.