The annual Outback Challenge has descended upon Western New South Wales yet again. And after the success of last years exhibition game in Lightning Ridge, the challenge is quickly becoming one of the best days on the bush footy calendar. This year was no different, with the NSW Outback side taking on the Hasting's League side in Coonabarabran on Saturday 12 July. The NSW Outback side was made up of the usual suspects: Walgett, Brewarrina, Bourke, Cobar and Baradine, along with a few players from Wilcannia making the brief seven hour drive over to Coonabarabran to play on Saturday. The Hastings League brought over players from Comboyne, Kendall, and Bowraville on the North Coast for a taste of bush footy. They would end up as overall victors on the day, beating the Outback side by 40-22 in a free flowing affair, showing off the talent that rural and regional areas have. Despite the loss, the game couldn’t have started any better for the Outback NSW outfit.IMAGE: NSWRL A penalty off the kick off led to a score only tackles later when Malakai Haley (Walgett) saw a gap up the middle and charged through from thirty metres out to score. The hot start continued when centre Trent Mason (Walgett) finished off a beautiful grubber kick behind the line from halfback Quinton Kennedy (Walgett) to take the lead out to 10-0. Despite the start, the Outback boys couldn’t keep the ball rolling and the Hastings squad fired off three quick tries before the half was up to lead 16 to 10 at the break. The Outback boys came out with some fire in the second half, managing the first score of the second half through the big prop Tristan Wise (Walgett) who charged over the line bringing four Hastings players with him. Hastings responded almost straight away, scoring a long range team try down the right edge to take back the lead at 22 to 16. Outback made in roads up the field, and looked threatening but as the game wore on, the legs got heavy. The lack of game time in 2025 for a lot of the side was the eventual downfall of the Outback, who over a ten minute period let in three quick tries to blow the score out to 16-40.IMAGE: NSWRL To finish the game however, it would be captain Sam Canty who crashed over late for a consolation try. Commentator Geoff Mann said it best about the Bourke-turned-Baradine footballer. "Big Sam, a wonderful player, who's given great service to the Outback," he said. "Thanks to NSW Rugby League, for doing a spectacular job promoting this event."

Stewards have inspected the Carinda race track for its big annual horse race meeting and club secretary Rebecca McLellan says everything is on target for Cup Day.‘’We have had no rain and the weather is forecast to be good and the nominations are strong.’’Tickets are selling well despite the amount of racing in the area including the huge success of the Duck Creek Picnics at Nyngan last Saturday. 6000 people attended.“They are a lot of meetings in the area at the moment but we are expecting a good turnout,’’ Mrs McLellan said.‘"Fashions on The Fields has top prizes and the bar opens at midday and at the famous Carinda Pub the after racing entertainment continues from 6."Stylish contenders in the Men's Fashions of the Field at the 2024 Carinda Cup. [IMAGE: Coonamble Times]Carinda race club began racing in 1915 and these days the town is best known for rock star David Bowie ‘Lets Dance’ video which was made at the local pub.‘’So entertainer Brad Haling might work a few Bowie numbers on Saturday after the races," said Mrs McLellan said.The club has prepared 6 races the 1400m Carinda Cup features Scone’s Nikki Pollock who is bringing two horses for the main fare including top weight Yototsu a Picnic Cup winner at Brewerrina over 1200 metres plus Hit Song who backs up from Nyngan.Are they still coming? Carinda Cup Day 2024. [IMAGE: Coonamble Times]Five-year-old Hammond Thunder from the Rodney Robb stable resumes off Picnic wins at Bourke and Hillston and should be in contention with his top form on dirt tracks. First race is at 1.15pm and the Cup at 3.35pm.

Quambone Polocrosse Club Held their annual Carnival over the weekend (5th & 6th) at Quambone Race Course with 33 teams (198 Players) along with their families and friends making the trek to play a weekend of fast paced Polocrosse action at all levels.Quambone saw three interstate teams as well as an Under 16’s Development team from the United States who are in Australia to Play at the Narrabri Junior Challenge next weekend.The Interstate teams travelled from Sale & Corio in Victoria along with two teams from Dirranbandi Queensland.It was an action-packed weekend with the tiny club of just eight members managing to pull off another fantastic event.The Club was very grateful for the support of locals who jumped in to help, along with the continued support of the Coonamble shire Council and its maintenance of the grounds.Friday night saw players arrive late into the night to begin play at 8am Saturday morning.The Club offered a gold Coin barbeque and bar into the night which was strongly supported.Saturday brought a day full of strong polocrosse and great sportsmanship across the grades from Sub-Juniors through to well-seasoned adults.The competition ranged from A Grade through to E along with the Junior competitions.All in all, 35 games were played on Saturday alone with each team backing up for Sunday to play their Final games.On Saturday night the small team served up over 176 meals to the hungry players and their families with the help of some lovely volunteer.Local DJ Billy Carroll was onsite to get the party started after the dinner with revelers and players kicking back to unwind and enjoy themselves late into the night.Jack Mills from Warren fends off a Gulgong player during the B Juniors Final.It was a hotly contested weekend all the way through with the rivalry coming to a peak on Sunday with the ten Finals along with social games being played for each grade.The Sub Juniors Final game on Sunday was between Gulgong and the Roos (Mixed team) 7-1 (Sponsored by Coonamble Ag N Vet & Western Rivers Vets).The A Grade Junior Final was a strong fast game with the USA Kids (Global Trotters) on their loaned horses securing the win against Cubbaroo for a fantastic final game 12-6. (Sponsored by Marsh Carney Dubbo)D Grade Open (sponsored by Northwest Vets) was a great match with plenty of skill on show and a bit of the of QLD versus NSW energy, Galloping Gully 2 defeated Dirranbandi 2, score14-3.Both A Grade Competitions were kindly sponsored by Furneys Stockfeeds Dubbo with the two winning teams taking home a bag of feed.The A Mixed Final was between Narrabri & Quirindi with a final score of 18-5 with nothing but skill from both the Women’s Section and the Mens throughout the weekend.The feature game of weekend was the A Grade Final between Quirindi 1 & Dirranbandi, a repeat match from 2023 which saw Quirindi take the win in the final minutes from the Queenslanders, this wasn’t to be repeated.This year Dirranbandi came with fire after four hard-fought 8-minute Chukkas (Quarters).With a few free throws at goal after some hot moments for both sides, Dirranbandi managed to slide into the lead and slowly pull away.At the final bell Dirranbandi came out as victors over Quirindi with a clear win of 13-8.Dirrandandi’s Seb Mcracken was declared man of the match whilst fellow team member, Nick Perkins (Dirranbandi) was awarded the Peter Cookson Memorial Trophy for Best Gentleman Horse & Rider Combination for the weekend.Nick also won this trophy in 2023 when he was last here.Mendooran player Julia Stewart controls her fresh young horse before heading off up field in the A Open Social.The special award for the weekend that is close to the club’s heart is the Jacinta Mallon Memorial Trophy for the Champion Lady Horse & Rider combination.This trophy was awarded to Kyla Street and presented by Martin Mallon."The club would like to say a huge thankyou to anybody who has chipped in to help in any way," said Secretary Katrina Walker."Such a small group put in a magnificent effort with nothing but compliments from those who travelled out to play over the weekend."And a very big thankyou to the Carnival Sponsors who supported the Club."2026 will see Quambone Polocrosse Club ring in 50 YEARS and we have something special in mind."

Given their relative standings on the Christie and Hood Castlereagh League first grade competition ladder going into their game against the Dunedoo Swans at Dunedoo on Saturday 5 July the Narromine Jets would have been at relative short odds to emerge as the winner.Those odds would have lengthened somewhat when they had a player sent from the field in the first minute of the game!Those odds would have edged out a little further in the 28th minute when they had another player sent to the sin bin for ten minutes.Mid way through the second half punters would have been able to secure a huge payout on the Jets being the winners after they had another two players sent off, with the odds of a victory further increasing when they yet another player in the bin with 12 minutes remaining in the game.Yet somehow, they did win.It must be said that two Dunedoo players also cooled their heels in the sin bin mid-way through the first half in what was a match that will be long talked about.In between all the trips to, and sometimes back, from the dressing sheds there was some football played and at half time the visitors were up 18 to 14, with two sweeping backline movements by the Swans just before the break both resulting in unconverted tries reeling in an 18 to 6 lead held by the Jets up until the 33rd minute..\Narromine got their second half off to a great start with when their centre Washie Itoya scored his third try for the game in the first minute after the resumption of play which was very shortly followed up by a try to captain coach Corey Cox and with both converted the Jets held a very handy 16 point lead.A dashing 75 metre run by the Swan’s half back to score after he scooped up a loose ball saw him score out wide and a great sideline conversion by Ty Sutherland took six points off that lead with the scoreboard reading 30 to 20 in favour of the Jets.With 20 minutes remaining the two Narromine players were sent on a one-way journey from the field and with the home side having 13 players on the paddock and the visitors only ten it seemed only a matter of time before the Swans would get on top.Not long after the departure of the two Jets, Dunedoo’s winger Jack Guan went over in the corner and another great kick from out wide saw the Swans trail by just four points.With 12 minutes remaining the Jets were reduced to nine players after yet another sin binning and when Dunedoo’s hooker Ta Dermott went over under the sticks from dummy half the Swans had finally gained the lead 32 to 30.Action shot from the League Tag game between Dunedoo and Narromine. [IMAGE: Peter Sherwood Photography & Framing]Rather incredibly the Jets were able to keep their line in tact for the rest of the game and even more incredibly they were to complete the scoring for the afternoon when, in the final minute of the game their winger, Charlie Isedale went on a diagonal run from the centre of the field 40 metres out to score in the corner and the Jets had recorded the most improbable of victories.Whilst Narromine could be justifiably proud of the win, they would have to be concerned about the lack of discipline shown throughout the match and they will face a nervous week awaiting the judiciary outcomes as they prepare for the big match against the Coolah Kangaroos this Saturday.Other games in Round 10The ‘Roos accounted for Cobar 38 to 20 at Cobar to continue their unbeaten run, whilst Gulgong held on to fourth position on the ladder with a 26 to 10 win over Baradine at Baradine and the second placed Coonabarabran finished over the top of Warren, taking the game 40 to 16 after the Bulldogs had led 16 to 14 at half time.The match of the round will see Narromine and Coolah clash at Narromine, with the chance of a Jet’s victory very much dependent upon how their players go with the judiciary.The league tag game at Narromine will be a Jessica Skinner Challenge cup match with the unbeaten Coolah Flyers looking to secure the Cup from the third placed Jets.Gulgong and Coonabarabran will clash at Gulgong’s Billy Dunn Oval, with a victory for the home side being important in the context of their fight to secure a top five finish with just four rounds to be played.In other games the Swans will be at home again when they entertain the Coonamble Bears and the Warren Bulldogs will be heading west to try and topple the Cobar Roosters at Cobar.Christie and Hood Castlereagh League Round 10 scoresLeague Tag Dunedoo 36 (Matilda Harper 2, Shelley Cox 2, Hayley Berg, Alexi Gallagher tries, Geogria Price 6 goals) defeated Narromine 4 (Chloe McLean try). Warren 20 (Mab Fuller 4 tries, Katina Dracy, Amber Gordon goals) defeated Coonabarabran 6 (Anthea Karavas try, Rachael Barron goal). Coonamble 26 (Mickayla McEwen 2, Temia Robinson 2, Sharna Forgione tries, Sam Turnbull 3 goals) defeated Gilgandra 18 (Kiara Brown, Skye Doherty, Kiara Reid, Trista Raines tries, Brown goal). Baradine 34 (Suzie Carey 3, Holly Woodham 2, Jorja Carey, Paula Evans tries, Adda Craig 3 goals) defeated Gulgong 8 (Millie Harper, Imogen Hollow tries). Coolah 50 (Mackenzie Blackadder 5, Molly Burgess 3, Tori Mogg tries, Mogg 7 goals) defeated Cobar 14 (Taylah Good, Kayal Hasson-Williams tries, Brianna Watson goal).Competition tableCoolah 30, Dunedoo 26, Narromine 26, Baradine 24, Warren 20, Cobar 18, Coonamble 18, Gulgong 14, Coonabarabran 14, Gilgandra 10.Reserve Grade Narromine 26 (Jardeil Landsborough, Brad Charlton, Jamari Clarke, Mick Clarke, Budd Cape tries, Jamari Clarke 2, PJ Fisher goals) defeated Mendooran 6 (Will Duce try, Stephen Eyles goal). Warren 16 (Kaide Rapley, Tom Wilson, Brody Chapman tries, Akex Sutherland, Chapman goals) defeated Coonabarabran 12 (Sonny Bill Walker, Les Cain tires, Sonny Bill Walker, Wallace Walker goals). Coonamble 28 (Kevin Thurston 2, Jake Fernando, Eral Greenaway, Hamish Astill tries, Fernando 4 goals) defeated Binnaway 24 (Hayde Mitchell 2, Travis Elwell, Mick Daley, Liam Doyle tries, Travis Tighe 2 goals).Baradine 36 (Travis Houghton 2, Liam Blackall, Harry Allen, Sam Canty, Mark Martin, Barnon Worrell tries, Houghton 3, Rueben Ruttley, Canty goals) defeated Gulgong 10 (Tim Altmann, Koby Thurston tries, Thurston goal).Cobar 60 defeated Coolah 0.Competition ladderBaradine 6, Narromine 6, Coonabarabran 6, Gulgong 4, Coonamble 4, Warren 4, Mendooran 4, Cobar 4, Binnaway 2, Coolah 1.               First GradeNarromine Jets 34 (Washie Itoya 3, Charlie Isedale, Ryan Richardson, Corey Cox tries, Cox 5 goals) defeated Dunedoo Swans 32 (Kyzah Louie, Rory Madden, Ta Dermott. Mana Dermott, Jack Guan, Carter Swan tries, Ty Sutherland 4 goals).Coonabarabran Unicorns 40 (Anthony Harris 2, Dyllon Tighe, Eddie Kuras, Sonny Bill Walker, Brad Fuller, Sam Pickette, Quade Milgate tries, Jarvis Watton 4 goals) defeated Warren Bulldogs 16 (Braith Boyd, Liam Brien, Elias Kennedy tries, Thomas Potter 2 goals). Gulgong Bull Terriers 26 (Toby O’Leary 2, Nason Hammond 2, Caiden Horton, Cooper Furney, Horton goal) defeated Baradine Magpies10 (Tom Purdy, Brandon Worrell tries, Luke Hamilton goal).Coolah Kangaroos 38 (Braydon Burgess 2, Chanse Burgess 2, Sam Wesley 2, Jacob Medd, Tyler Lennox tries, Braydon Burgess 2, Hugh Wesley goals) defeated Cobar Roosters 20 (Thomas Plater 2, Ryan Urquhart, Tim Hillam tries, Plater 2 goals).Coonamble Bears bye.Competition Ladder Coolah 30, Coonabarabran 26, Narromine 25, Gulgong 24, Cobar 20, Coonamble 20, Dunedoo 18, Warren 15, Baradine 11.

Bookmakers had a tough day at the Duck Creek Picnics (Sat July 5 ) with favourites dominating the programme of 6 races, and punters coming out on top. More than 6,000 people attended the big day.Local veteran Nyngan trainer Rodney Robb had race fans cheering when his 4 year old brown gelding broke through for his maiden win in the opening race.Punters backed Ben My Friend into $1.90 favourite and journeyman jockey Todd Bailey who is a regular rider on the picnic circuit steered his mount clear by over a length to beat No Pockets and Sharkhop over the 900m.Cobar trainer Allan Prisk had success in the Open Handicap (900m) with 7 year old gelding Mr Pointer ($3.20 fav) downing narrowly Dubbo’s Billy Bent Ear and Super Hot.Gilgandra’s Kieren Hazelton mentoring Mean Girls ($1.80) snared the Class B Handicap (1250m) with jockey Ricky Blewett powering the 5 year old mare to her second win in three starts over Cooma Hut and One Command.A popular win with a number of women involved in the ownership of the horse.Dubbo trainer Connie Grieg grabbed first and second in the feature race with consistent 7 year old bay mare Blackhall Kitty ($2.60 fav ) accounting for the Nyngan Picnic Cup field by 3 lengths over I’m Scarlett and locally trained All Words.

Big crowds were on hand to witness the historic return of the Mendooran Tigers to the Rugby League field at Binnaway last Saturday 5 July in Round Nine of the Christie and Hood Castlereagh League competition.It was the same just up the road at Coonabarabran for the huge top-of-the-table clash between the Unicorns and the Coolah Kangaroos.The importance of the Tigers’ reformation to the Mendooran community should not be understated and as Mendooran’s coach Scott Murray pointed out after the game the Bombshell supporters were greatly outnumbered by Tigers fans and his team didn’t let them down.After what he described as “a nervous and jittery start to the game” the Tigers had established a 14-0 lead at the break and looked set to go on with it, but they were not to bother the scoreboard attendant in the second stanza as the Bombshells came out firing and with Mendooran seeing very limited possession. With just a few minutes to go it was anyone’s game at 14-10. That was to be the final score after some very nervous final minutes for supporters of both sides.Indeed, as Murray stated it was on the back of a great defensive effort in that second half that the community of Mendooran were able to celebrate their first football win in 40 years!Unicorns v KangaroosWhilst the game at The Crater was winding up the highly anticipated table-topping first grade clash between the Coonabarabran Unicorns and the Coolah Kangaroos was just getting underway. This game had a finals intensity about it and a huge crowd to match.The first half was an intense back-and-forth battle between the two sides.The scores locked up at 4-4 before Coolah edged out to a 12-4 lead at the break when hardworking front-rower Casey Burgess cleaned up with a try, much to the dismay of the home crowd, after a bomb was left unattended by the Unicorns with just two minutes remaining until half-time.Urged on by large contingent of Coona Old Boys as they took to the field for the resumption of play, the Unicorns seemed to go up a gear whilst the Kangaroos had handling issues, with two errors leading to tries to Coonabarabran – one of which was converted. Eight minutes into the second half the scoreboard read 14-12 in favour of the blue and gold.With the Unicorns applying great pressure the Kangaroos were pinned down in their own half, and when Coonabarabran centre Brad Fuller put through an excellent grubber down the right flank which was pursued at pace by winger Sonny Bill Walker, it was looking as if Coolah might experience their first loss for the year with the home side well and truly on top and the scoreboard reading 18-12.It wasn’t until the 27th minute of the second half that Coolah battled their way over the halfway line and a great individual effort by Chanse Burgess which saw him shrugging off numerous would-be tacklers from 10 metres out, scoring what became a converted try for an 18-all game. That score-line was short-lived when Fuller slotted a penalty goal from close range and Coona was back in the lead 20-18.The reigning premiers were not done yet and with three minutes remaining Chanse Burgess threaded a grubber through, which second-rower Austin Burgess was able to ground in-goal for the match-winning try, the final score 22-20.Unicorns captain-coach Nick Willoughby, whilst obviously disappointed with the loss, was happy overall after a great performance by his side against the benchmark team in the competition.He said there were many positives to come out of the game and with the blend of young and older players that the Unicorns team has, he is confident they will continue to improve and be heavily involved in the final series.Rest of Round 9In other games Gulgong managed to overcome the long road trip to Coonamble and the Bears on their home turf to register an important 36-32 victory, whilst the Narromine Jets remained in third position on the ladder with a 28-16 win over the Cobar Roosters. The Warren Bulldogs broke through for their first win of the season, toppling Baradine 46 to 22 at Baradine.Round Nine scoresLeague TagCoolah 34 (Molly Burgess 3, Brooklyn Blackadder 2, Mackenzie Blackadder, Emma Pettet tries, Lisa Jones 3 goals) Coonabarabran 8 (Anthea Karavas 2 tries)Baradine 38 (Jorja Carey 3, Maria Nagy 2, Savannah Carey 2 tries, Nagy 5 goals) Warren 20 (Mab Fuller 2, Lilly Dayes 2 tries, Maddie Marks 2 goals)Coonamble 22 (Shakaye Walker 2, Wanitta Glover, Mickayla McEwen tries, Leah Jackson 2, Sam Turnbull goals) Gulgong 20 (Millie Harper, Montana Liebeck, Chloe Patrick, Ella Hawkins tries, Liebeck, Dayna Manley goals)Narromine 52 (Rebecca Trethowan 3, Shian Chatfield 2, Kelsea Phillips, Lily Spackman, Chloe McLean, Emily Fardell tries, Chatfield 5, Trethowan goals) Cobar 0Reserve GradeCoonabarabran 42 (Cody Howe, Lachlan Sutherland, Nash Walker, Beau Hinton, Tyrone Walker, Anthony Harris, Tim Wark tries, Jarvis Watton 7 goals) Coolah 16 (Hugh Pettet 2, Charlie Spicer tries, Pettet 2 goals)Baradine 26 (Travis Houghton 2, Johno Evans, Liam Blackall, Jai Cain tries, Cain 3 goals) Warren 6 (Jack Healy try, Alex Sutherland goal)Gulgong 30 (Caiden Horton 3, Reigan Cullen, Tom James tries, Horton 4, Ty Reynolds goals) Coonamble 14 (Matt Boney, Kevin Thurston, Nathan Walker tries, Brendan Draper goal)Narromine 34 (J Landsborough 2, D J Gordon, Liam Wherritt, Robbie Wakefield, Kaleb Beer tries, Wherrit 5 goals) Cobar 16 (Zac Haines, Veni Taumaolo, Jamal Eves tries, 3 goals)Mendooran 14 (Carter Swan 2, Matt Murray tries, Stephen Eyles goal) Binnaway 10 (Kevin Nolan, Ash Conn tries, Nathan Budd goal)First GradeCoolah 22 (Austin Burgess 2, Jacob Medd, Braydon Burgess, Chanse Burgess tries, Braydon Burgess goal) Coonabarabran 20 (Eddie Kuras, Sonny Bill Walker, Sam Pickette, Quade Milgate tries, Brad Fuller 2 goals)Warren 46 (Elias Kennedy 3, Harry Thaux 2, Donald Kennedy, Victor Kennedy, Deca James, Ryan Williams tries, Thomas Potter 5 goals) Baradine 22 (Alan Riley, Dylan Hohnberg, Riley Arndell, Tom Purdy tries, Liam Fernando 3 goals)Gulgong 36 (Brad James, Curtis Carr, Joey Annetts, Jackson Pascoe, Toby O’Leary, Matt Stachnik tries, James 6 goals) Coonamble 32 (Andrew Peacock 2, Dwayne McEwen, Jack Kelly, Daniel Sangster, Paul Richter tries, Brenton Glover 4 goals)Narromine 28 (Corey Cox 2, Epeli Dranidalo 2, Kaiden Hill tries, Cox 4 goals) Cobar 16 (Tim Hillam 2, Thomas Plater tries, Plater 2 goals)Dunedoo bye.

Juniors playing for Bourke, Coonamble, Narromne, Gulargambone and Walgett will rub shoulders in Mudgee after they were picked for the Western Plains Under 11s State Gala Squad. The 18-player team was announced following the Bourke Junior Rams Gala Day on Sunday 22 June, where over 40 talented young rugby players trialled for a spot. They will face regional and metropolitan teams from zones across the state on 19-20 July. "Obviously distance is an issue for playing any sort of sport in this part of the world, so the group with the under elevens will go to Mudgee on the Friday before and do some training," Western Plains zone president Tim Whiteley said. "They'll meet each other and have a bit of fun, grab a jersey and then roll into the tournament on the Saturday and Sunday." The two-day competition will involve 30 teams, with Western Plains playing six games.The action at the gala day. IMAGE: Bourke Rams Junior Union ClubThey'll hope for a warmer tournament than the under 13s side played at Orange in early June, where freezing temperatures forced some players off the field. The under 12s squad will play their state gala in Forster-Tuncurry at around mid-July after the initial date on the June long weekend was postponed due to flooding. Mr Whiteley says fresh rugby union players are coming into the younger grades, with hopes that the zone will be able to field sides from under 11s to 14s in 2026. "Western Plains kids in their families and their parents, their commitment to sport in general, to travel and be involved, to give their kids the opportunity to experience rugby and be involved, is the highlight," Mr Whiteley said. The 2025 Western Plains Under 13s squad is: Jack Welsh (Gulargambone)Digby Flinn (Macquarie Emus)Ted Robertson (Narromine)Oliver Goldsmith (Gulargambone)Jaggar Smith (Narromine)Albert Anderson (Narromine)Sonny Bowden (Bourke)Bede Redden (Narromine)Edward Heckendorf (Macquarie Emus)Alex Roberts (Narromine)George Denston (Macquarie Emus)Oliver Van Boheemen (Walgett)Jessica Timmins (Walgett)Franco Mostert (Bourke)Archie Andrews (Coonamble)Patrick Stanley (Narromine)William Birtles (Gulargambone)Porshca Peters (Gulargambone)

The table topping Coolah Kangaroos and the second placed Coonabarabran Unicorns are set to thrash it out next Saturday 28 June in a game that should draw one of the biggest crowds in recent times to the Coonabarabran Sportsground.The ‘Roos are unbeaten thus far in 2025, but they can expect that they will have to work hard to maintain that status against the Unicorns who have only suffered the one defeat in the opening eight rounds of the competition, that being a two-point loss to the Cobar Roosters at Cobar back in round three.Both teams had strong wins last weekend with Coolah retaining the Boronia Cup when they saw off the challenge from the Gulgong Bull Terriers with an emphatic 52 to 12 victory at Coolah.The Unicorns were too good for the Coonamble Bears, converting a 14 points to nil lead at half time into a 36 to 10 win with five of their seven tries being scored by their players numbered one to five which gives an indication as to their willingness to spread the ball in attack.The Dunedoo Swans returned to the winners list when they downed the Warren Bulldogs 40 points to 30 in a high scoring game played out at Warren.Apart from what should be great clash at Coonabarabran some other interesting games are on offer throughout the Castlereagh area this coming Saturday.Not the least of these will be the game at Narromine’s Cale Oval when the third placed Jets host the equal fourth placed Cobar Roosters and with the race for a semi final berth hotting up the precious competition points on offer should ensure an entertaining game unfolds.Similarly, the desire to stay in the semi final hunt means that the game to be played at Coonamble, between the Bears and the Bull Terriers from Gulgong will be a willing affair, and whilst not life threatening to the loser, not getting the competition points will make it just that little harder for the loser.Whilst it will not be a top of the table clash at Baradine this Saturday, in fact it will be a battle of the two teams situated at the opposite end of the ladder.The game between the Magpies and the Warren Bulldogs is expected to be hard fought as both teams go all out to secure their first win for the season.Round nine sees the commencement of the hugely popular reserve grade competition with games to be played at all venues plus at the Binnaway’s home ground, The Crater, when the Bombshells host the rather historic return of the Mendooran Tigers to the playing field, with the Tigers not having played for 40 years! Christie and Hood Castlereagh League Round 8 scoresLeague TagCoolah 40 - (Brooklyn Blackadder 3, Molly Burgess 3, Mackenzie Blackadder tries, Lisa Jones 6 goals) defeated Gulgong 4 (Imogen Hollow try).Narromine 56 - (Jacana Powell 3, Rebecca Trethowan 2, Lily Spackman, Shian Chatfield, Chloe McLean, Talitha Chatfield, Taylor McLean, Emily Fardell tries, Shian Chatfield 3, Talitha Chatfield 2, Trethowan goals) defeated Gilgandra 0. Coonamble 26 - (Temia Robinson 3, Jenni-Leigh Gatt, Shakaye Walker tries, Sam Turnbull 3 goals) defeated Coonabarabran 8 (Anthea Karavas, Emily Mathews tries). Baradine 28 (Maria Nagy 2, Stephanie Dewson, Zali Fulton, Adda Craig tries, Nagy 4 goals) defeated Cobar 14 (Brianna Watson, Taylah Good, Sophie Clark tries, Watson goal). Dunedoo 38 (Matilda Harper 2, Georgia Price 2, Chloe Brougham, Chelsea Gallagher, Shelley Cox tries, Price 5 goals) defeated Warren 12 (Mab Fuller 2, Harmonie Morris tries).Unicorns chasing down a Coonamble Bear. IMAGE: FACEBOOKCompetition ladderCoolah 24, Narromine 22, Dunedoo 20, Baradine 18, Cobar 16, Warren 16, Gulgong 12, Coonabarabran 12, Coonamble 12, Gilgandra 8.First GradeCoolah 52 (Hugh Wesley 3, Jack Piper 2, Dylon Edwards, Brian Bradshaw, Brayden Burgess, Tyler Lennox, Austin Burgess tries, Dan Lane 6 goals) defeated Gulgong 12 (John Douglas 2, Riley Cunningham tries). Coonabarabran 36 (Eddie Kuras, Sonny Bill Walker, Nick Willoughby, Brad Fuller, Sam Pickette, Sam Wilson, Luke Michael tries, Fuller 3, Walker goals) defeated Coonamble 10 (Jack Kelly, Kaleb Fernando tries, Brenton Glover goal). Cobar 60 defeated Baradine 0.Dunedoo 40 (Rory Madden 3, Will Duce, Ty Sutherland, Mana Dermott, Mack Ellis tries, Sutherland 6 goals) defeated Warren 30 (Donald Kennedy 2, Jye Day, Patty Potter, Harry Thaux, Elias Kennedy tries, Tom Potter 3 goals).Warren Senior Rugby League. [IMAGE: facebook]Competition Ladder Coolah 24, Coonabarabran 22, Narromine 19, Gulgong 18, Cobar 18, Coonamble 16, Dunedoo 14, Warren 11, Baradine 9.Round 9 Saturday 28 JuneCoonabarabran V Coolah,Narromine V Cobar.Coonamble v Gulgong.Baradine V Warren.Gilgandra V Dunedoo (League Tag)Binnaway V Mendooran (Reserve grade. 1.00pm kick offCheck club socials and local media to confirm game times.

Greyhound Racing NSW says Coonamble's annual October Carnival will not go ahead in 2025, less than two months after the industry body confirmed it would.Communication was received late on Friday 20 June from GRNSW that the annual Gold Cup Carnival would not be allowed to proceed.This was followed on Saturday 21 June by a media release from GRNSW confirming that "the famous October long weekend carnival at Coonamble, an institution in NSW Greyhound racing for half-a-century, has run its last race."The GRNSW statement said "support for the carnival had been withdrawn and as such the Carnival won't progress in 2025."The body's new CEO Steve Griffin said "poor communication" led him to incorrectly tell media in May that the 2025 October carnival would run. "The decision was made in February/March this year, and I admit that due to poor communication to me from my team during the handover of the CEO role in March, there was confusion on the matter, and the incorrect information was conveyed by our media team," Mr Griffin said in a letter to The Coonamble Times on Friday 20 June. Mr Griffin took over from Acting CEO Wayne Billett, who was in role after Ron Macaulay resigned in July 2024.Then Acting CEO for GRNSW Wayne Billett, at the Coonamble Gold Cup Carnival in October 2024."GRNSW is embarking on a Racing Optimisation Footprint as all stakeholders in the industry understand we have too many racetracks to be sustainable and viable in the future." Mr Griffin this week claimed there were safety concerns around the Coonamble track, citing a greyhound death at the 2024 carnival, and that an audit in January 2025 found it would cost $800,000 to bring up to standard. He said the cost "could not be justified" without local council funding. Coonamble Greyhound Racing President Graham Pickering said the audit was "nitpicking." "Everyone's disappointed about it here, and especially after they send us an email in writing telling us that that it was all going ahead," Mr Pickering. "Sponsors and everything had all been contacted. "We've already even got some who put them put their sponsorship money in the bank."Some of the crowd at the 2024 Coonamble Carnival. He also said that the club did not receive a copy of the audit until Saturday morning 21 June, after the announcement, and weren't provided an opportunity to find solutions. Barwon MP Roy Butler expects to raise the matter in the NSW Parliament next week. "I have had multiple assurances from Greyhound Racing NSW that the October Carnival was going ahead. And that after, GRNSW would come to Coonamble to discuss future possibilities," Mr Butler said on social media on Friday. "I have been given information late this afternoon that is inconsistent with what I was told by the CEO. I will be following this up as a priority." The backflip follows a summit held in Sydney on 27 and 28 May to discuss and plan for the future of the industry with Greyhound Racing NSW.

Cheered on by his big supporter base in Tottenham and Dubbo, Campbell Hall has achieved the incredible in one of the world’s most gruelling motor bike races.After being 8th in the Prologue, the lead up race, he finished second in the notorious Finke Desert Race steering a KTM 500.The 464 kilometre trip from Alice Springs to Finke and return ran from 6 to 9 June and had its obstacles.Motorbike racing needs a cool and calculated mind-set, animals of all types surround the long trek, but Hall knew he could get this. Riding motor bikes since he was just 3, Hall credits riding on dirt off-road tracks around Tottenham to his success on tough dirt terrain.  He is a mechanic by profession and now based in Dubbo.Hall had a crash during prologue coming round a corner and slamming against the tough mound of dirt but in a race not for the faint-hearted he says giving up wasn't an option."I just got back up and straight up and kept going.’’ Rain also taunted riders on the way.Campbell Hall (right) celebrates with winner Corey Hammond and 3rd place getter Brodie Waters. [IMAGE: Finke Desert Race Photography]Even though just 19 years old, Campbell had done this before.He was 11th last year but knew this year would be better. "I get fit with some gym work and plenty of practice. I did this last year so was confident all would be good.’’It was - and Hall is celebrating his run of 3:57.58 and the massive improvement on his 2024 race.Northern Territorian Corey Hammond beat Campbell Hall by 11 minutes in 3 hours 46 minutes 30 seconds making him ‘King of the Desert’.‘’It was nice gap and this is a dream come true,’’ Hammond said.Also on the marathon journey were cars and buggies.But the Finke Desert race wasn't without incident, 43 people were injured during the torrid race to the finish.Some were taken to hospital, proof nothing is easy in an event of this nature.‘’I am going back again that was fantastic," says Hall."I have to thank my family, Dubbo City Motorcycles and community in Dubbo and Tottenham."

Coming from far flung places has never made it easy for the Wiradjuri Goannas but they have won three Western Women’s Rugby League competitions in its nine year history.Susanne Egan, Secretary of the Goannas, says it's all about their competitive nature and their season beginning was impressive at Dubbo’s Apex Oval Sunday June 15.‘’Players come together from Walgett, Narromine and Forbes to play and they have great desire," she said."It was game one for us, Orange CYMS had played a match so they pushed us right to the wire."Multi-skilled Sienna Sullivan who has played at the state level in rugby union scored the Goannas' only try in a torrid 4-all draw with Orange CYMS.CYMS lost to Mudgee 12-8 in their opening encounter.‘’We were will match fit and train on match day but they are combination of Bathurst Playtipi and Orange Vipers players, so they were hard to beat,’’ Susanne said.The tackle competition is now on in winter and is played with grade matches in the Peter McDonald Premiership and games shortened in an aim to promote women’s tackle before bigger crowds.‘’Not all players are happy with the transition to Summer and it has big opposition from Women’s League Tag,’’ Ms Egan said. "But there are more eye balls on the women’s game now."League Tag in the region is booming with players from 7 to 16 playing, it’s a big plus for the sport.‘’Some mums and dads want their kids to play League Tag because it has little impact on their bodies and let's face it boys have stronger early strength to overcome tackle injuries.’’The Castlereagh Cougars debut against the Goannas on June 22.In the men’s Peter McDonald Premiership, Nyngan played out a thriller losing 20-18 to last placed Bathurst Panthers.

Narromine born Charlie Murray has followed in the current footsteps of Warren’s Fletcher Hunt and made his debut in the NRL on the weekend but he has travelled a very different road to get there.The replacement lock played his first match in poor weather on Sunday 8 June making some impact for Wests Tigers versus Penrith.Murray's statistics showed 5 hit-ups, 12.6 post contact metres, running a total of 34 metres and making 20 tackles.Murray is the ultimate rugby league journeyman, working his way up while also working a full-time job as a stockbroker.The 23-year-old has played in the NSW, Queensland and Victorian systems."I learned a lot from Craig Bellamy, Ryan Papenhuyzen, Cameron Munster at the Melbourne Storm."He moved to the Gold Coast from Melbourne and now to Sydney.This season Murray is playing on a 'train and trial' basis.On Sunday his partner and parents were in the grandstand sporting Charlie Murray T-shirts to celebrate his NRL debut.‘’They were excited to see my first game, my father has been supportive, a great mentor," he said.‘’He has been patient like me, waiting for this opportunity. They have ridden the high and lows with me.’’His stockbroking career will go on the back-burner for now with Murray saying he is "Happy to do that to achieve our dreams."The Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall elevated him into the side announcing his name on Tuesday last week. "I was sitting with the other players when he announced my name, I was surprised and a bit excited."His side lost 18-14 to Penrith and Coach Marshall said he was disappointed with the result and said some on field decisions cost the Tigers the match.Murray should know this afternoon if he is in the side for the Tigers' next match-up against the second place Canberra Raiders.

Thousands of lawn bowlers take to the greens all over NSW every day and being selected from the bush is no easy task but State Selectors have picked Condoblin’s rising star Danielle Thompson to compete against Australia’s best in Cabramatta in June.It came off a runner up performance with a proud mum in the state Champions of Champions Pairs at Cabramatta and Merrylands.“I was proud to play with mum it was a great feeling, and I helped her on the way, so to be second in the state was exciting."Mum Cathy said it was an honour to be play with her daughter, while Dad Laurie congratulated both, saying ‘’They were fabulous full credit to them.’’‘’Dad likes to take credit for mentoring me and suppose I did learn a few things.’’ Danielle said.She plays at Condoblin Sports Club and gets plenty of support ‘’ I have only been playing the sport for 4 years and learned lots playing social bowls and it went from there.’’‘’The club is fantastic and will be cheering for me.’’Danielle during a recent bowling trip. [IMAGE SUPPLIED]Danielle is also talented at Netball playing at the state level and was picked for NSW Bowls in 2024 ‘’I went a bit MIA last year but going to go harder this time and will give it a real crack.’’To see Danielle in action when the NSW teams play on June 21 and 22 at Cabramatta, matches will be live steamed here.

Queensland raider Al Ash Lad ridden a daring race by Dubbo jockey Georgina McDonnell, won the Westpac Cobar Cup before a very big crowd on Saturday 31 May at Cobar.Trained at Cunnamulla by Monique Gavin, Al Ash Lad was taken straight to the lead in the 1700 metres Cup by Georgina McDonnell and had established a five lengths break well before the home turn.   Appearing vulnerable in the straight, Al Ash Lad ($6) was kept balanced by McDonnell and fought on grimly to win by over 2 lengths from Il Tevere (Billy Cray, $5) and Pahang (Wendy Peel, $2.60 favourite).Scone trainer Nikki Pollock has been bringing strong teams to western area meetings this season and she landed a winning treble at Cobar with Cooma Hut, Joanesski and Hit Song.Cooma Hut (Billy Cray, $1.80 favourite) had good TAB form and after tracking the leaders was a five lengths winner of the 1000 metres Broughton Field Services & Cynend Building Maiden Plate from the Wayne Prisk, Cobar trained Uncle Alf (Nyssa Burrells, $12) and Tiny Missile (Zoe Hunt, $7).The in form Dubbo apprentice Zoe Hunt followed a double at Brewarrina and another winner at Bathurst with 2 winners, Joanesski and Hit Song for Nikki Pollock at Cobar.Leading all the way Joanesski ($2.30 favourite) lasted to beat Mihrimah (Andrew Banks, $10) by a short half head with Lost Media (Ken Dunbar, $17) third in the DJW Contracting & Sullivans Mining & Industrial Benchmark 58 Handicap.In the 1200 metres Cobar Cranes & Nutrien Russell Ag Solutions Benchmark 50 Handicap, Zoe Hunt and Nikki Pollock completed a good day when Hit Song ($3.20 favourite.) finished best to beat the leader Loud (Ken Dunbar, $4.40) and Rylstone Rocket (Nyssa Burrells, $15).Another Dubbo jockey riding with plenty of recent success is Wendy Peel who brought the Connie Greig trained Blackhill Kitty ($4.40) with a well timed run from midfield to account for Maralago (Zoe Hunt, $6) and Benyatta (Nyssa Burrells, $4.60) in the 1370 metres BK Civil Group & Pryce Mining Services Benchmaark 45 Handicap.The winner of 3 races when taken to King Island over summer by Forbes trainer Bill Hayes, Gypsy King won the 1200 metres Tyre Doctor and Civil Industries Class 1 Handicap at Cobar.Promising apprentice Caine Stuart who has transferred to the Brett Robb stable at Dubbo, was in the saddle on Gypsy King ($10) which burst through the pack from last to score by over a length from One Command (Billy Cray, $4.40) and Party Prophet (Ken Dunbar, $4 favourite).The 9 bookmakers operating at Cobar reported well above average turnover figures at Cobar which is now highly rated amongst country clubs with outstanding facilities and meticulous racecourse presentation.

The remarkable career of Warren’s rugby league rookie took a sudden turn in an amazing second half comeback by the lowly placed Newcastle Knights on Thursday night 5 June.Trailing by a 16 point deficit things looked grim against a dominant Manly Sea Eagles . His side produced a stunning second half turn around sparked by some Fletcher Hunt magic, winning 26 to 22 in golden point extra time.On 54 minutes Jack Cogger launched a bomb from 40 metres out and Fletcher Hunt flew through the air to take the catch then raced away for the Knights' second try. Hunt left Clayton Faulalo clutching at thin air and brought the home fans to their feet as the home team continued its revival. Dane Gagai converts. The Warren winger grabbed the ball from mid-air to scorch over and the atmosphere was palpable in the stands at James McDonald Stadium.It rattled Manly and eventually the match went into golden point sudden death at 22 all. Then on 83 minutes the Knights went left on the last tackle and Kalyn Ponga launched a bomb.Fletcher Hunt jumps Afl style to set up Newcastle's second try. [IMAGE: NRL]Fletcher Hunt flew above the pack and tapped the ball back to Ponga who raced away for the match-winner. The Knights have completed a stunning comeback from 16-0 down to win 26-22 - their biggest comeback since 2007.It arrested a slide down the ladder for Newcastle who now are in striking distance of the eight.Fletcher Hunt told Channel 9 ‘’It was unreal."The bush rookie told TV viewers how he loved playing with his team mates and wanted to stay at Newcastle."I would love to stay with the Knights into the future, learn more and I am enjoying the game."In just his 4th NRL game the Warren Bulldog endeared himself to fans recalling his days in his hometown “It was all about fishing and footy, hope everybody in Warren was watching and had a beer cheering for me.’’

Jockeys and horses have avoided disaster in a sensational opening to Warren’s big 9 race program today, Monday 2 June with a Kangaroo jumping in front of the closely packed field at the 400m mark.The danger was apparent to winning jockey Jake Pracey Holmes in the 2400m Stayers Handicap.‘’I saw the roo out of the corner of my eyes and yelled to the others ‘here we go, here we go’," he said."I just had to handle it and push the old bloke to the line.’’Pracey Holmes won the first two races at Warren.Will To Excel, a 9 year old gelding trained by Hawkesbury trainer James Ponsonby, scored his 8th win at $26 narrowly over Joshua for Dubbo trainer Connie Greig.  "I did the see skippy bounding through the field and I was concerned," said Ponsonby, who formerly trained in the west."I just said to myself hang on, hang on.’’A snip from the race video shows the kangaroo facing down oncoming horses. SOURCE: RacingNSWIts not uncommon to see kangaroos on race tracks in the Western Plains and central west.A trotting meeting was held up at Bathurst when a roo jumped the fence.Stewards at Warren today quickly did an inspection of the track after the near calamity, ensuring no harm could come to horses and riders in later races.A second kangaroo appeared before Race 4 delaying the race start but was diverted from joining the race.Watch the whole race on Racing NSW website here.

Just before the undefeated Narromine first grade unit came out to play on Saturday 31 May, the CSU Mitchell second grade side were monstered by the Gorillas 107-15 and you could have not blamed them for thinking about another big loss.First grade began and on the back of rolling early penalties Narromine were gathering momentum and soon centre Angus McKenzie surged through a gap on the left edge opening the Bathurst based side with ease.It set the scene for the remainder of the game.Gorillas defended strongly and on 14 minutes they had a second 5 pointer, McKenzie again dominant in the midfield moving to the right edge 17- nil.Justin Bennett was on the board next accepting a bullet-like pass and storming for the line.Evan Truscott extended the lead and fly half John Corderoy made it 42 nil and it appeared to look ugly for the College based opposition at half time.Dan Lethbridge held up a perfectly timed pass for another try and Captain Dan Battersly was over next into the second forty and Narromine were having a day of it. Alexander Heap was strong kicking conversions.The second grade side scored 108 points.But just when the floodgates opened the enthusiastic Mitchell side got a second wind and spreading the ball wide they hustled over the line for an intercept try.Full-back Evan Truscott snuffed any comeback in the end racing over and despite mid game stammers Narromine had continued its unbeaten run."We were sound and solid but there is improving to do,’’ said Skipper Battersly."We didn’t play our best footy in the second half but we will improve."The side is in good form and they were trying hard to ruffle us."The second grade’s imposing win set up a 165 point scoring romp thatt has Narromine second on the ladder. 

Two players from the Sydney Swans will touch down in Lake Cargelligo today, 1 June as part of a visit by the Australian Defence Force (ADF). AFLW young gun Zipporah 'Zippy' Fish and AFL Rising Star nominee Errol Gulden will land in a C-130 Hercules at the local aerodrome on Sunday and pass the ball with budding footy legends. Eighteen-year-old Ms Fish said she was "excited" to see the area for the first time. "I've been probably just as far as Blacktown," the West Australian said when asked how far west she's been in NSW. "We'll just be kicking around with the community. "We'll bring some merch up and then just hang out and sign some things."Mr Gulden inked a four-year extension to his contract with the Swans in 2024. IMAGE: Sydney Swans Eighteen-year-old Ms Fish was drafted to the Swans top team in 2024.Her counterpart Mr Gulden debuted with the club in the opening round of the 2021 season, the same year he was nominated for Rising Star. He also won the AFL Players Association award for the best first-year player. The 22-year-old midfielder picked up the AFL minor premiership with Sydney in 2024. Event goers will also have the chance to tour the Hercules, wear a bomb suit, pilot a bomb disposal robot and chat to Australian Defence Force (ADF) members. "We're just out to be doing community engagement events, so get our people out to share the different job roles that we do have," said Sergeant Ron Schultz, an Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Indigenous Liaison Officer. Organisers say they aim for the C-130J to make a low-level pass over the airfield at around 10am before opening for public display until 12:30pm. 

Cobar trainer Allan Prisk goes into his hometown Cup full of confidence this coming Saturday.The knock-about local says it is great to be on local sands giving him the advantage."It’s just a walk down the hill to the track for a change, last week had to travel to Wagga six hours so I could trial one so being home is going to be good," he said.Prisk has three horses in the Cobar Cup, the feature race over 1200m."Chapel Lane did not get a clear run at Quambone but if we get a good draw he can go well."Sellente trialled at Wagga. He can be fractious but on best Victorian form is a big chance."The Cobar legend chases a hat trick of Cobar Cup wins and ‘"would love to do it again."Allan’s 7-year-old gelding Mr Pointer loves the Cobar track, already winning twice."He was good at Bourke over 800m and a step up in distance on his home track is right in the Benchmark 58 over 1000m.’’The Cobar track is in top order for this weekend's meeting. IMAGE SUPPLIED.Prisk has 11 horses in his stable and all but one will go round on Saturday."A Tender Lady is a nice mare in the Class 1 over 1200m and she was good at Quambone last time winning," he said,Cobar race day secretary Jarrod Marden says it will be a big day Saturday."It’s a popular meeting and nominations are fantastic,’’ he said."The Fashions on the Field has $5,000 in prizes and the marquee is booked out, jumping castle for the kids and face painting too."