The Come by Chance Race Club is the latest to see their annual race meeting fall foul of the tough weather conditions but they’re still preparing to welcome the crowds to their course. this Saturday 23 September.“It is with great disappointment that Racing NSW has not agreed to our track being suitable for racing on Saturday,” said Secretary Cathie Colless. “The committee has not allowed this to damage the spirits of the Come By Chance Picnic Race Club, and are determined to make the day a success, regardless. “The committee, who are all volunteers, and some of whom are fourth and fifth generation, are keen to continue to tradition set by their club founders, some 76 years ago.“We will proceed. No horses – no worries!”The day will go ahead as planned, with all attractions, other than the horse races.  A few on-track alternatives are organised, including a ram race, wheelie bin race, stockhorse dash and working dog jumping competition.Gates will open at 11.00am, for early birds and the day will still offer the hotly contested Fashions on the Field, jumping castle, face painting, foot races, bar and food outlets.A magnificent western plains sunset will be the opening act of the evening’s entertainment with Father Holy Smoke’s fireworks, and live entertainment by local Maddie Warden and her team.“Congratulations to Maddie on the recent release of her first EP – what a treat to have her perform at Come By Chance,” Mrs Colless said.“We would like to thank all those who gave their time and/or machinery, to try and get the track in order. The extreme dry weather certainly did us no favours.“We would be grateful for the support of the wider district in attending our day, to keep Comby Picnics alive, and bush races happening.”Patrons travelling from Walgett will be able to travel to and from Comby by bus, leaving Walgett at 12noon and 2pm, then returning at 7.30pm and 10pm.A day at Comby - what more would you want?  Let’s Go!

Roosters fever has well and truly hit Cobar as the Cobar Roosters battle to win back to back Premierships in the 2023 Christie and Hood Castlereagh League against the undefeated Gulgong Bull Terriers this Saturday 9 September, at the Billy Dunn Oval, Gulgong. This is very evident on the main street of Cobar – Marshall St, with numerous businesses showing their support for the Roosters, and inside the Cobar Shire Council Offices.One of the player's mother's Bec, works at Ay-Jay's Café, and when the Cobar Roosters called out for people to red, white and blue to work today, she sure listened! "With my son playing on the team, how I could not dress up today", Bec told the Western Plains App.Bec, cook at Ay-Jay's Café, and mother of Chris Crotty showing her support for the Roosters ahead of the Grand Final [Image: Emma Datson]Thomas Plater, Caption and Coach, of the 1st Grade Cobar Roosters side, told the Western Plains App about what it means to have a chance to win a back-to-back premiership this year "It shows how hard the team has worked. We are a new, young side and to be in the grand final again is just reward for the effort the players have put in this year".  The Cobar Shire Council Enquiries desk showing their support for the Cobar Roosters ahead of the Grand Final [Image Emma Datson]Mr Plater says the Roosters "like being the underdogs, as the pressure is all on Gulgong. They are undefeated so everyone expects them to win but we know what we are capable of", and of the town's support for the team, "It just shows how much this means to the town and what an impact football and sport in general can have on people"."We have all of our young Roosters looking up to us and we hope it gives them a goal to work towards. We can’t thank the town enough for all the support they give us and we look forward to seeing everyone cheering for us in their red, white and blue on Friday and Saturday", Mr Plater said."We will aim to make the town proud of our efforts, regardless of the result", Thomas Plater, Captain and Coach of the Roosters told the Western Plains App.

By TOM CULLENThe stage is set for the Western Plains rugby grand finals this weekend in Warren.Three cracking games await with the Flamin’ Gulars taking on the Walgett Ewes in the Touch 7s grand final.It’ll be a battle of the rams as Coonamble Rams take on the Walgett Rams in the second grade grand final.And finally, the showdown of all showdowns between the hosts Warren Pumas and the Walgett Rams which will sure to be a blockbuster.Touch 7sABOVE: Gulargambone will be hoping to go one better than last season and get a maiden grand final win under their belts against rivals Walgett.The Touch 7s competition has improved out of sight since its inception in 2021.Competition is fierce and these two teams have been ultra-competitive this year.Gular boast youth and fitness as their biggest weapons and have a great kicking game.Walgett however has experience on their side and winning grand finals for that matter bagging the last three.It’s rare to see a team dominate so much in a competition with Walgett undefeated in the regular season with a bonus point in every game.They averaged nine tries per game and conceded less than two tries. With this record they will be extremely hard to beat. Gular will be hoping to catch them off guard early and rattle them, but it will be a monumental task.Second GradeABOVE: Despite a lacklustre season in first grade Coonamble have the chance to take home some silverware when they take on Walgett on SaturdayThe second grade competition has been reborn with three teams competing this season. Not since 2019 has there been a second-grade competition so positive signs for Western Plains rugby.This game will be a feature on its own as the Coonamble Rams average age will be almost double that of the Walgett side. A large contingent of Coonamble players have decided to put the boots on for one last season to relive some glory from the golden era of 2009-2013 where they won five premierships in a row. If last week’s preliminary final was anything to go by these oldies still have it and will prove a handful for the well drilled and trained Walgett players.The Coonamble players have chosen a more relaxed approach with only two training runs under their belt for the year as opposed to the conventional approach of Walgett. The Walgett boys will fancy themselves with superior fitness and structure but the grand final experience of the old guard of Coonamble may give them an advantage.First GradeABOVE: After 'that' semi-final a fortnight ago, the 1st-grade grand final between Warren and Walgett is one not to be missed.Rugby pundits believed the first-grade major semi-final between Walgett and Warren two weeks ago was the best game of rugby they’ve seen since the 2019 extra time grand final between Coonamble and Warren.The teams were so evenly matched during that game it makes it very hard to pick a favourite for this Saturday. Sure, Warren has the home ground advantage but for them that’s added pressure not having won a grand final there since 1988. Walgett haven’t won an away grand final since 2007 so there is going to be a milestone on the day regardless.When these teams have played each other in the regular season both have won convincingly at home.Warren has played bridesmaids to Walgett too many times over the past three seasons so their hunger for a win is far more obvious. If they keep the game structured and dominate Walgett’s scrum again that’ll pose a huge advantage.Walgett however will like an open running game with the best player in the zone Dillon Walford the key to their attack. Whatever the result it will make for a great encounter to round out the 2023 season. 

By TOM CULLENTouch 7s Major Semi-final Walgett Ewes vs Flamin GularsWalgett continued their dominance in the competition beating Gular convincingly 30-10 booking their place in the grand final.It was a fast paced game from the start with Walgett taking an early lead with 2 quick tries to Brook Davey and Teeghan Annear.Gular continued to apply pressure and were very strong with their kicking game at least being able to gain some valuable field position at times. However Walgett continually found ways to score and proving to the strong crowd why they are undefeated so far.It maybe one those years where a team dominates like this Gular’s best chance is to be just crowned best of the rest. Gular will need to beat a resurgent Warren Pumarettes to get another crack at Walgett in the grand final. PHOTO: Walgett proved to good for the Flamin Gulars on Saturday winning by 20-10Minor Semi-final Bourke & Brewarrina Barbarians vs Nyngan Bogan BullsNyngan were too strong too early for the Barbarians to allow a fairy tale comeback booking the Bulls a place in the pre-liminary finals vs Walgett next week.Unfortunately for the Barbarians that’s season ending and coaches Rory Finlayson and John Milgate were very disappointed with their performance.The first half was all Nyngan and the Barbarians had no answers with strong runs from their big forwards Rory Finlayson, Richie Steele and Jason Morton being met with eager defence from the Bulls.When the barbarians went to use their biggest weapons out wide in the backs the unforced errors spoiled their chance.PHOTO: A game of attrition saw Nyngan knock out the Bre-Bourke Barbarians by 27-17At the halfway mark however the Barbarians found the form that we saw in last weeks narrow loss to minor premiers Walgett.A grandstand finish was on the cards but Nyngan’s James Carter, who had just returned from the blood bin pounced on a loose ball and scored with minutes remaining putting the game out of reach for the barbarians.Nyngan deserved winners in the end 27-17 with a fantastic performance particularly by their forwards under coach and club president Bryan ‘Bubba’ Perry. Major Semi-final Walgett Rams vs Warren Pumas This game was always going to deliver as a tight contest but no one thought it would’ve been this competitive nor have predicted the result. Warren Pumas did what they hadn’t done since 2019 and beat Walgett at home and in a major-semi final to make it all the more sweeter.It was a game where no team fully took control or got out to a comfortable lead. A real arm wrestle appreciated by the strong crowd. Warren were able to hang on to a 10-5 lead going into half-time with the biggest positive for them being they had battled a head wind for it.As the second half wore on though Walgett started to turn the screws on their visitors with a well crafted try from one of the stars of the zone Dillon Walford linking up well with winger Grant Green.This put Walgett in the lead 19-17 with the Walgett crowd igniting after a nervous period of being behind on the scoreboard.PHOTO: Try time! Warren crash over for their first try of the game on route to their win against Walgett on SaturdayA feeling not too familiar over the last 3 years.Warren had one last push though and with the wind behind their backs were able to score through none other than ex-Walgett player Hagan Size with 5 minutes remaining.Warren kicked the ball out and the game was over. Warren victorious 24-19.This Saturday from 12:30pm we return to Walgett to see the Flamin Gulars take on the Warren Pumarettes in the touch 7s final, followed by some entertaining rugby from some young and not so young players in the second grade final between Warren Pumas and Coonamble Rams.PHOTO: The Warren PumarettesAnd finally in first grade the Walgett Rams will get a second chance against the Nyngan Bogan Bulls.All winners progressing to the grand final in Warren on the 2nd September. 

By Col HodgesFamily and friends travelled from the north west at Brewarrina to watch Ronald Simpson in action and the talented young apprentice did not disappoint when he rode a winning treble including Notabadidea in the Cup, on Sunday 20 August at Narromine.Simpson is apprenticed to Clint Lundholm and the Dubbo trainer supplied the three winners, Zap Yah, Skyforger and the eight year old gelding Notabadidea.Since coming to Clint Lundholm in 2021 from Randwick stables, Notabadidea had raced consistently with good performances including wins in the Gilgandra Cup and Coonabarabran Cup and good standard races at Wellington and Dubbo.With a good crowd in attendance, Canberra galloper She’s All In led the Scone trained Two Big Fari in the run to the hometurn with Notabadidea racing in the middle of the field in the 1600 metres Three Rivers Machinery Case IH Narromine Gold Cup.Ronald Simpson gained an uninterrupted run on the inside and Notabadidea ($6) finished gamely to win by 3/4 length from Two Big Fari (Madeline Owen, $4.80 equal favourite) and She’s All In (Braith Nock, $10).Debutant, Zap Yah ($3.50) and Skyforger ($4.20) both won by narrow margins after Ronald Simpson made perfectly timed runs from the back of the field in the 1100 metres Nutrien Ag Solutions Country Boosted Maiden Handicap and 1200 metres Narromine Shire Council Class 1 Handicap, respectively.Simpson with some of his supporters at Narromine. IMAGE: Narromine Races facebookProminent Scone based trainer Rod Northam won the 1300 metres Douglas Egan Memorial Country Boosted Benchmark 58 Handicap with the well performed Fabulous Choice.Leading most of the way Fabulous Choice ( Chelsea Hillier, 2.60 favourite) held on to beat Owhata Crumpet (Andrew Banks, $51) and Sin City Belle (Ronald Simpson).Local winners are always popular on Cup day and it was a double for father and daughter, the Narromine based trainers Wayne Collison and Kylie Kennedy.Sent for a spell after a debut start in November, the Wayne Collison trained Heza Comet was set for a a bold showing in the 800 metres Macquarie Clothing Maiden Handicap.Eased around the leaders heels halfway down the straight by Tony Cavallo, Heza Comet ($8) scored by a half length from Fruit Tingle (Anna Roper, $5.50) with over two lengths to the $1.95 favourite Dendina (Jake Pracey-Holmes).Chelsea Hillier rode Fabulous Choice to a win in the Douglas Egan Memorial Country Boosted Benchmark 58 Handicap for Scone Trainer Rod Northam. IMAGE Narromine Race facebookFollowing a good run when second to Divine Sinner at Dubbo, the Kylie Kennedy trained Lipstick Lil (Will Stanley, $3.30 fav.) charged home from off the pace to win the 1300 metres AG Auto Spark Benchmark 58 Handicap by almost two lengths from Shikishi (Billy Cray, $10) and Hemsted (Wendy Peel, $16).A field of speedsters lined up for the feature sprint the 800 metres QUBE Agri Benchmark 66 Handicap and turning for home it was The Big Seal, Bold Offa and Just A Flash vying for the lead.Owned by Harry Barclay and Mrs Barclay from Warren and trained at Dubbo by Brett Robb, Castlebar Road (Grant Buckley, $5.50) swept down the outside to beat The Big Seal (Jake Pracey-Holmes, $5.50) by a length with Bring The Rabble (Anna Roper, $4 fav.) a close third.Cowra trainer Barry Wall with a small team of bargain basement horses has achieved good results including $700 purchase Deshawn the winner of 8 races.Latest to join the stable is Yael’s Delight, winner of the 1300 metres Geronimo Farm Equipment Maiden Plate with Mathew Cahill in the saddle.Painite the $3.20 favourite led from Sensei Jackie until well in the straight but it was Yael’s Delight ($16) finishing best to beat Sensei Jackie (Ronald Simpson, $21) and King Qin (Serg Lisnyy, $91).Dubbo trainer Michael Lunn might have a handy stayer on his hands in the lightly raced four year old mare Our City.Three starts back Our City powered home from the tail of the field to win over 1400 metres at Dubbo and it was another strong win over the 1600 metres trip in the Narromine USMC Class 1 & Maiden Plate.Bursting through the pack from near last, Our City (Mikayla Weir, $26) overwhelmed Dealbreaka (Mathew Cahill, $1.90 fav.) and Anxiety (Will Stanley, $101).Gulargambone Cup is up next on Saturday 26 August.

It is that time of the year again when Goodooga hosts its annual Indigenous Games at the Goodooga Central School.On Thursday 3 August, the school and its community held its fourteenth year of this unique cultural experience which continues to grow at an impressive rate.Thirty five schools across NSW attended the event bringing 563 students and over 150 staff.With these numbers and including visitors and community members there was an estimated total of 970 competitors and spectators in Goodooga for the day - more than quadrupling the town's usual population.Principal Malcolm Banks spoke about what goes into this event and some of the aspects around it. “We get a lot of support from many services such as, NSW Department of Education, NSW Police, REDIE, NSW and Goodooga Health service, Goodooga community, NSW school sport.”Many of the schools traveling from far away arrive on the Wednesday.“We had a meet and greet on the Wednesday night for schools that were staying, which was over 360 students plus staff. Walgett PCYC run a Disco for all the students and community," explained Principal Banks.The schools that attend not only get to see what it’s like to live in a remote community but also get to enjoy the games played by Indigenous people in their tribes. The kids learn the traditional names of these games and what would have been used. “The games played are traditional games that Indigenous tribes played many centuries ago. The only modification is the equipment that the students play with," says Mr Banks. Mr Banks goes onto explain why the games are so important and why they were created.”The Games are held by Goodooga Central School to provide a cultural experience for students and staff that have not had the opportunity," he said."It is also important for students and staff to mix with other schools from very different backgrounds. This forges friendships and relationships between schools.”

By Bryson LuffPlayed in breezy conditions at Dunedoo’s Robertson Oval the Cobar Roosters had managed to come back from an eight-nil deficit early in proceedings in their qualifying semi-final against the Dunedoo Swans to claw their way back on the scoreboard to have it reading eight all at the break courtesy of a converted try and then a penalty goal right on the half time siren.Their momentum carried them to a 16 to eight lead in the second half before the Swans centre Villiame Turuva scored his third try for the afternoon to make it 16 to 14 and very much game on.Tim Hillam’s second try for the Roosters gave them a bit of breathing space, extending their lead out to eight at 22 to 14. With tensions running high in both camps the game the final quarter of the match saw a Cobar binned and a Dunedoo player sent off with 15 minutes remaining following a dust up.When the binned Rooster rejoined the fray with just 5 to go his place in the foul house was quickly taken up by two more Roosters which presented the Swans with a great opportunity to breach the Cobar defensive line, but despite their best efforts to do just that the Roosters managed to hold their line in tact to secure the victory and a shot at hosting the 2023 grand final if they can beat Gulgong next Saturday. The day at Dunedoo began on a sombre and emotional note with a minute’s silence being observed in respect of the untimely passing of Coonabarabran Unicorn player Kyle Turner the day before.With his number 11 jersey retired the Unicorn’s reserve grade went on to record a strong win over the Roosters 42 to 6.The Roosters also tasted defeat in the League Tag game against the Narromine Jets but certainly made a game of it, coming back from being down 28 to 8 at half time to be trailing 28 to 20 early in the second half before the Jets regrouped and went on to win 38 to 20.On Sunday, at Narromine, a minute’s silence for Kyle Turner was again observed before the first-grade elimination semifinal between the Narromine Jets and the Coonabarabran Unicorns kicked off. The Unicorns got away to a great start and lead 10 points to 6 midway through the first half before the Jets levelled it in the 26 th minute and from that point on they took control of the game with their flying winger “Freddy” Joji, dazzling the crowd, and the Unicorn defence, with his stunning footwork and pace which saw him race in for four tries and play a major contribution to the finalscoreline that had his team come away with a big 50 points to 20 victory.The Jets centre Washington Itoya also figured prominently, bagging three tries in the victory.The lower grades saw the Gilgandra Panthers reserve grade side score a 22 to 20 win over the Gulgong Terriers in extra time and the reigning League Tag premiers, the Baradine Magpies remain in the semi finals with a 24 to 10 win over Coonamble.Next weekend will see the major semi finals be played at Gulgong on Saturday and the minor semis at Dunedoo on Sunday.By the time the Cobar Roosters first grade side get home after their major semi final game against the Gulgong Terriers they will have travelled some 4,600 kilometres to play in their last six games, a distance greater than driving from Sydney to Perth (and 600 kilometres of the way back)!Obviously, they will be relishing the prospect of securing the home game that will be forthcoming from their match against the Terriers, but the question is will it be the grand final on 9th September or the preliminary final on the 2nd September.To get to host the grand final is the big prize on offer for both the Roosters and the Terriers this Saturday. The big question is, “Can the Roosters be the first team to defeat the Terriers in season 2023?”The two times that the teams have met thus far have seen Gulgong come away with a 34 to 20 win at Cobar in round 9 and winning again 36 to 24 at Gulgong just a couple of weeks ago in the final competition round.The winning margins of 14 and 12 would indicate that the Roosters have been competitive in both games and perhaps with a bit of luck they could upset the Terriers, all be it a difficult task to do so at Billy Dunn Oval.The other grades on Saturday present as being very high-quality affairs with a local derby clash in the reserve grade between the Baradine Magpies and Coonabarabran Unicorns starting proceedings followed by the absolute blockbuster league tag game between the undefeated Dunedoo Swans and the Narromine Jets who have only lost the one game this year, that being to theSwans with a 16 to 12 scoreline.On Sunday at Dunedoo the Dunedoo Swans and the Narromine Jets will again clash, this time in the sudden death first grade semi-final.The Swans won 38 to 30 in their only meeting so far this year, but they have run into injury problems late in the season and will have to dig deep to hold the Jets out.The other grades will see the Cobar Roosters figure in both games taking on Gilgandra in reserve grade and the Baradine magpies in league tag.Christie and Hood Castlereagh League semi-final scoresQualifying semi-finals played at Dunedoo Saturday 19th August 2023.Reserve GradeCoonabarabran 42 (Sam Pickette 3, James Walton 2, Luke Taylor 2, Chris Wallis, Will Abbot tries, Billy Whillock 2, Walton goals) defeated Cobar 6 (Shane Surridge try, Chris Deighton goal). Half time Coonabarabran 22 Cobar 0.League TagNarromine 38 (Lucy Dawson 2, Jacana Powell, Kelsea Phillips, Lily Spackman, Shian Chatfield, Beth Clarke tries, Chatfield 5 goals) defeated Cobar 20 (SarahMorley 2, Brianna Watson, Kayla Hasson tries, Watson 2 goals). Half time Narromine 28 Cobar 8.First GradeCobar 22 (Tim Hillam 2, Tadgh McMullen tries, Thomas Plater 5 goals) defeated Dunedoo 14 (Villiame Turuva 3 tries, Dan Lane goal). Half time 8 all.Elimination finals played at Narromine on Sunday 20 August 2023.Reserve GradeGilgandra 22 (Jarrod Fuller 2, Mitch Bamblett, Adam Hazelton tries, Shane Ritchie, Alex Sutherland, Gordon Sutherland goals) defeated Gulgong 20 (Tanida Raboldele 2, Brent Stuart tries, Lachie Henry 2 goals), in extra time.League TagBaradine 24 (Hayley Lomax 2, Savannah Carey, Holly Woodham, Giann Worrell, Abby Thompson tries) defeated Coonamble 10 (Sam Turnbull, Temia Taylortries, Shakaye Walker goal).First GradeNarromine 50 (Aliferteti Joji 4, Washington Itoya 3, Darby Gordon, Will Olney tries, Doug Potter 7 goals) defeated Coonabarabran 20 (Dean Lewin 2, Tyler Frazer, Thomas Varty tries, Nick Willoughby 2 goals).Next weekendSaturday 26 August 2023 @ GulgongMajor semi-finals with 11.30am kick off for reserve grade with other games tofollow straight on.Reserve GradeBaradine V CoonabarabranLeague TagDunedoo V NarromineFirst GradeGulgong V CobarSunday 27 August 2023 @ DunedooMinor semi-finals with 11.30am kick off for reserve grade with other grades to follow straight on.Reserve Grade.Cobar V Gilgandra.League Tag.Cobar v Baradine.First GradeDunedoo V Narromine

Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are advised that this post contains the name and image of a deceased Indigenous person. The South Sydney Rabbitohs are mourning the passing of premiership-winning player Kyle Turner who passed away last Friday, aged 31.Mr Turner, Rabbitohs first grade player number 1100, played 130 grade games with the Rabbitohs, including 91 first grade games, between 2011 and 2019. He won an NRL premiership in 2014, playing for South Sydney in the Grand Final victory to claim the Club’s 21st premiership. He represented the Indigenous All Stars on two occasions in 2015 and 2017, as well as Country Origin once in 2017.A proud Kamilaroi man and Coonabarabran Unicorns junior, Mr Turner joined the Rabbitohs in 2011, the year in which he won the Rabbitohs under 20s Player of the Year Award. He will be remembered as a gentle giant with an infectious smile and a crowd favourite amongst the Rabbitohs faithful, as is evidenced by his award as The Burrow Player of the Year in 2016.Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly said Mr Turner will be remembered very fondly by everyone connected with the Club.“Kyle was an amazing human being,” Mr Solly said. “He epitomised the country boy Rugby League player. He was such a tough, uncompromising player on the field, yet a lovely, generous man off the field.“Over his nine years with our Club he contributed a lot of time to Souths Cares and was very popular amongst his teammates, colleagues, our Members and supporters alike.“We offer our full support to his family and friends at this very difficult time, and he will always be remembered at our Club as a man that delivered a premiership to the Rabbitohs, but also a man that connected deeply with his communities.“We will hold him close to our hearts for the rest of this season and in the years to come. Vale Kyle Turner.”The Rabbitohs will wear black armbands in Sunday’s game against the Knights, and his number 15 jersey will be retired and honoured on the interchange bench during the match for this week’s game.The Rabbitohs, offered their deepest and most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr Turner.

By Col Hodges A winning treble including the Cup for Dubbo trainer Connie Greig and a double for local trainer Wayne Prisk were highlights on Saturday at the Cobar Picnic meeting.Connie Greig has the bulk of qualifiers for the $50,000 Picnic Final at Coonamble in October and Gossip emerged as a leading contender with a dominant win in the 1700 metres DJW And Wells Ventilation Cobar Picnic Cup.During the current Picnic season Gossip had won the Cups at Tomingley and Wean and also the Cobar Copper Cup at the professional meeting and topped off the preparation with a third at the Dubbo TAB meeting last week.Ridden by leading Picnic jockey Leandro Ribeiro, Gossip ($2.30 favourite) travelled third to the hometurn then took control for a 2 1/2 lengths win over Broo Boss (Ricky Blewitt, $10) and Merdeka (Grady Spokes,$2.80).Leandro Ribeiro was also aboard the Connie Greig trained Belle ‘O Ballee ($3.60) which collared the leader Big Arjay turning for home before racing to a convincing win from Sons Of Bourke (John Wilson, $2.50 fav.) and Jawsome (Zara Lewis, $17) in the 1200 metres Copper Sprint Trophy Handicap.Over June and July, Belle ‘O Ballee had won successive Picnic races at Bligh, Duck Creek and Wean.First season rider Grady Spokes is a very promising young jockey and he travelled from Coffs Harbour to take the mount on Cranky Creed for Connie Greig in the the opening event, the 1000 metres Nutrien Russell Class B Handicap.Placed in TAB races earlier this year at Dubbo, Parkes, Mudgee, Orange and Coonamble, Cranky Creed was at a generous $4 quote, with stablemate Twin Seas starting the $1.70 favourite.From third position, Cranky Creed accelerated to an over five lengths win from Twin Seas (Leandro Ribeiro) and the leader,Jackal ( Zara Lewis, $4).Wayne Prisk contributes a lot to racing at Cobar and other western area tracks and they were popular results when he won with Banjo Shark and Sun Master.Formerly from Victoria, Banjo Shark soon after joining the Prisk stable won a barrier trial at Narromine however ran off the track after the finish and needed some remedial work from the Cobar trainer.Straight to the lead in the 1000 metres Tyre Doctor Maiden Plate, Banjo Shark completed a double for Grady Spokes when holding on to beat Flying Dubawi (Zara Lewis, $7) and Galleries Supreme (John Wilson, $15).Sending the locals home happy, the Wayne Prisk trained Sun Master ($4.60) with John Wilson in the saddle, led throughout when a runaway 4 1/2 lengths winner over Queensland visitor The Sabbath (Grady Spokes, $4.40) and Sausage Sizzle (Zara Lewis, $3.80) in the 1400 metres Sullivans Mining And Hardware Class B Handicap.Gulargambone Cup on Saturday with Bathurst to race on Monday August 28.

By Col HodgesJockey Wendy Peel has won the last 2 Louth Cups on Austin and Valadyium however the wins have been 4 years apart.No, the Louth Cup is not an Olympic Games event, the reason for the 4 year gap being the planned annual Louth meetings were abandoned in 2020, 2021 and 2022 due to either the Covid pandemic or wet weather.Rodney Robb from Nyngan was the trainer of the 2019 winner Austin while Valadyium won the 2023 Cup for Dubbo trainer Connie Greig.The much anticipated return to racing at the iconic Outback meeting attracted a probable record crowd of around 5,000 on Saturday and it was a thrilling finish to the 2,000 metres Nutrien Walsh Hughes-Don Lelievre Memorial Louth Cup.Beg Me led around the hometurn from Costas and Valadyium and it then became great battle down the straight between those three gallopers.Finishing slightly the better, Valadyium (Wendy Peel, $3.60 favourite) won by 3/4 length from Beg Me (Ken Dunbar, $4.40) with a short half head to Costas (Jake Barrett, $4.40).Wendy Peel then gave the Connie Greig trained Merdeka (($2.20 fav.) a nice run before winning the 1700 metres Shindys Inn Benchmark 45 Handicao from the leader Planet Ex (Ken Dunbar, $5) and Equilibrium (Paul Zerafa, $6).First leg of a treble for Connie Greig was Linden Tree ridden by Orange based apprentice Will Stanley in the 1200 metres Arrowfield Stud Benchmark 50 Handicap.Sons Of Bourke (Jake Barrett, $2 fav.) looked the likely winner when dashing to the lead in the straight but was overhauled and beaten a short neck by Linden Tree (Will Stanley, $3.50) with over two lengths to the third placed Lenny’s Lad (Chelsea Ings, $13).Will Stanley had a memorable day as he landed a winning treble, Bush Warrior, Tonatrix and Linden Tree.Bush Warrior was beautifully presented in the mounting yard by Wellington trainer Daniel Stanley and raced up to the good looks in the 1000 metres MacDonald & Co. Wool Brokers Class 1 Handicap.Parked behind the leaders, Bush Warrior (Will Stanley, $4.20) sprinted to a one length win over Blueskin (Jake Barrett, $2.20 fav.) and Pressita (Wendy Peel. $2.30).First up for Narromine trainer Terry Fulwood after 23 starts in Maiden company, Tonatrix gave most of the 17 bookmakers a losing result when winning the 1400 metres Rice’s Back O’Bourke Splashe Cola Maiden Handicap.The well supported Tonatrix (Will Stanley, $6) tracked the leaders then took control to score by over two lengths from Vivalicious (Chelsea Ings, $2.60) and Ready For Lift Off (Ken Dunbar, $2.70 fav.)Dubbo jockey Ken Dunbar earned praise for an excellent ride on the Bryan Dixon Jnr. , Gilgandra trained Heza Wise Guy in the opening event, the 1000 metres Port Of Bourke Hotel Maiden Plate.Turning for home, Dunbar took a rails run inside the leaders and Heza Wise Guy ($3.00) eventually won by a short neck from Hammoon Sunshine (Wendy Peel, $14) with Chart Topper, Jake Barrett, $2.80 fav.) almost three lengths away third.Ken Dunbar competed a double with another good ride when he positioned the Wayne Collison, Narromine trained Money Not My God ($3.50) behind the leader Chloebella Rose before going on to win the 1400 metres Sullivans Mining & Industrial- Steel And Hire Class 2 Handicap from Sindagar (Jake Barrett, $2.60 fav.) and Sun Master (Wendy Peel, $15).Cobar Picnics are on Saturday with the Narromine Gold Cup on Sunday.

By Col HodgesWell known for their starring roles on the rugby league field, Kieren Hazelton and Terry Fahey as racehorse trainers each had a winner on Saturday, before a big crowd at Gilgandra.Local trainer Kieren Hazelton, a multiple award winner with the Gilgandra Panthers team, won with Mamelon while the winner for the former NRL and International star and now Dubbo based Terry Fahey was Costas.Settling well back in the 1100 metres Western Farm Machinery/Happy 50th Birthday John Alchin Benchmark 50 Handicap, Mamelon (Andrew Banks, $6.50) rushed down the outside win by a short head from Nicator (Jake Pracey-Holmes, $3.30 favourite) with Rupicasso (James Rogers, $20) also trained by Kieren Hazelton, a handy third.Representing Terry Fahey in the 1600 metres Brophy Memorial and Inland Petroleum BM 50 Handicap, Costas ($14) came from off the pace to beat Pop Power (Will Stanley, $9.50) and All Business (Biiy Cray, $7) in a close finish.A good quality field contested the feature event the 1280 metres Collie Hotel-Collie Cup with victory going to the Jane Clement, Bendemeer trained Sparks.Ridden by Jake Pracey-Holmes, Sparks($4.40) ran down the leader Daredevil (Jake Barrett, $7)to score by 3/4 length with Turgenev (Andrew Banks,$5.50 to $4.60) coming from near last for third.First leg of a treble for Jake Pracey-Holmes was the Brett Thompson, Gulgong trained Hampton Cove ($4.40) which led all the way to beat Tiger King (Jake Barrett, $21) and Bemote (Clayton Gallagher, $1.90 to $1.50 fav.) in the 1100 metres Gilgandra Toyota and Gilmour Engineering BM 50 Handicap.First up since joining the Cec Hodgson stable at Coonamble, The Big Seal (Jake Pracey-Holmes, $3.30 to $2.80 fav.) led throughout to win the 800 metres Keith Kilby Memorial and Cooee Tyres BN 50 Handicap from Casan Geal (Will Stanley,$4.80) and the winners stablemate Twyborn Affair (Wendy Peel,$5.50).According to experienced jockey Michael Heagney, the Greg O’Neill, Nyngan trained Outback Cod was always travelling well in the 1600 metres Johnson’s Family Store and Jason Tate Electrical BM 50 Handicap.After racing outside the leader Enthralled, Outback Cod ($17) took control to win by a length from Bobby’s Secret (Will Stanley, $6) and Enthralled ( Camille Houlgatte, $8.50).Other winners were the Cody Morgan, Tamworth trained Cool Ruler (Anna Roper, $1.70 fav.) in the 1000 metres Aqua West Maiden Plate and the Roy McCabe, Bathurst trained Overclassy (Ashleigh Stanley, $6 to $9) in the 1200 metres B & C Coxsedge Memorial and Chandlers Gilgandra Maiden Handicap.Louth to race on Saturday and Dubbo on Sunday to be followed by Cobar Picnics (Saturday August 19th) and Narromine Cup (Sunday August 20th).

Following in the footsteps of his uncle Anthony Mundine, Coonabarabran-born Clayton Chatfield is forging his path in the Australian boxing scene, and wants to see other locals do the same. In October, 19-year-old Clayton will take to the International stage, where he’ll compete in the Australian team against Scotland on their home ground.Until then, Clayton wants his home town to fall for the sport like he has. “I had my first fight at 12 or 13, I fell in love with it when I would watch my uncle play,” Clayton said. His answer for sharing his love of boxing is an ongoing local event - ‘Rumble in the Bungles’.“My father and I are trying to inspire the kids to come and watch this fight night and become future stars,” he said. Clayton after winning a round in the ring. Clayton has gathered a 13-strong line-up of people he’s met in the industry to showcase the sport, including himself and his brother. While Coonabarabran has boxing facilities, Clayton said they’re often under-utilised. “Not too many people go, everyone plays footy,” he said, despite being a big fan of rugby as well.Rumble in the Bungles has already secured multiple sponsors in support of the event.Clayton and his family have been fundraising in anticipation of the October fight in Scotland, where he’s hoping to change his status into a professional boxer.

The Narromine Jets have now learnt a lesson that has been taught to many, many teams in the past, that lesson being that silencing the Coonamble Bears on their home patch is quite a difficult assignment, irrespective of where the Grizzlies might be located on the competition ladder!Going into the match Coonamble had registered just one win for the season but come full-time that number had doubled after they downed the Jets 38 to 30 much to the delight of their red and black army!The loss by the Jets, combined with the Baradine Magpies holding the Cobar Roosters to a 30 all draw in the Battle of the Feathers at Baradine has added to what will be tense race to the finals with just three rounds to play, with every first-grade game to be played over the coming three weekends having the potential to greatly influence the final composition of the top five!The draw with the Magpies has relegated the Cobar Roosters to third position on the ladder and sets up an epic battle with the Dunedoo Swans at Dunedoo this weekend.The Swans just managed to get over the top of the Coonabarabran Unicorns in Coonabarabran, winning by just two points in a hard-fought contest, with the vital three competition points that they picked leapfrogging them over the Roosters into outright second position.The remaining game, played at Gulgong’s Billy Dunn Oval in front of a very supportive Terrier crowd who were enjoying the Gulgong club’s centenary celebrations saw the Gilgandra Panthers score the first points in the game in the fifth minute as well the final points in the match with three minutes remaining, however the intervening 72 minutes belonged to the home side as was evidenced on the scoreboard which read 30 to 10 at fulltime.This was not the Terrier’s tidiest of performances for the season, but it was more than enough for them to see off the Panther’s Boronia Cup Challenge and for them to retain their unbeaten status.The win has all but assured them of gaining the minor premiership, but they would be ill advised to try and coast into the semi finals in their remaining three competition games, beginning this weekend when they will be hosting a Coonamble Bears outfit that will be buoyed by their victory over the Jets last Saturday!Following that game the Terriers will have a testing road trip to Baradine before playing at home against the Cobar Roosters in the final round.In other games this weekend Narromine will be hoping to get back into the winners list after back-to-back losses to Gulgong then Coonamble when the Baradine Magpies pay them a visit to Cale Oval.The Magpies are a young and enthusiastic side with a never say die attitude and this game presents itself as an attractive fixture with much to be lost by the Jets and equally much to be gained by the Magpies.To accommodate rugby union games at the same ground on the same day the reserve grade game will kick off at 10.30am, followed by league tag and then the big first grade game with an expected kick off around 1.00pm.The match of the round will be played at Dunedoo, with the second placed Swans are at home to the Cobar Roosters who are currently third on the congested competition ladder, but they have the opportunity to reclaim second position if they can get over the top of the Swans at Robertson Oval.The remaining game will see Gilgandra at home to the Binnaway Bombshells.The Panthers will be out to erase the memory of their 34 to 30 loss to the Bombshells at The Crater in round 3, a loss that is still having repercussions for them in their battle to stay in the semi-final race.The Coonabarabran Unicorns will enjoy picking up the competition points courtesy of the bye this weekend before resuming their crack at a semi final berth when they host Gilgandra in round 13! Christie and Hood Castlereagh League Round 11 Scores League Tag Baradine 34 (Savannah Carey 3, Stephanie Bowling, Holly Woodham, Hayley Lomax tries, Anna Arndell 3, Holly Arndell 2 goals) defeated Cobar 16 (Brianna Watson, Zoe Egan, Neve Carter tries).Narromine 52 (Shian Chatfield 3, Jacana Powell 2, Lily Spackman, Rebecca Smythe, Emily Edwards, Beth Clarke tries, Shian Chatfield 6, Talitha Chatfield, Clarke goals) defeated Coonamble 4 (Tori Canham try).Gulgong 24 (Chloe Patrick, Olivia Holt, Laurissa Hay, Amali Hollow tries, Hay 4 goals) defeated Gilgandra 0. Competition LadderDunedoo 33 (Played 11, Won 11, Lost 0), Narromine 28 (P10, W 9, L1), Cobar 25 (P11, W7, L4), Baradine 23 (P11, W6, L5), Coonamble 21 (P11, W5, L6), Gulgong 19 (P11, W4, L7), Binnaway 16 (P12, W2, L10), Gilgandra 11 (P11, W0, L11).Reserve Grade Baradine 16 (Liam Blackhall, Wyatte Andrews, Ethan Andrews tries, Jake Hellegers 2 goals) drew with Cobar 16 (Chris Deighton 2, Jacob Clarke tries, Robert Childs, Tyson Brilley goals).Coonabarabran 32 (Tyson Galvin 3, Sam Pickette 2, Kyle Turner, Dylan Brand tries, Billy Whillock 2 goals) defeated Dunedoo 2 (James Healy goal)Gulgong 26 (Brad Toole, Roo Warwicker, Paul Norris, Nick Hardy, Ash Bassett tries, Koby Thurston 2, Kyle Alexander goals) defeated Gilgandra 16 (Kaleb Sutherland, Mitch Bamblett, Ned Kelly tries, Alex Sutherland 2 goals).Narromine byeCompetition LadderGulgong 6, Baradine 5, Coonabarabran 4, Gilgandra 4, Narromine 4, Dunedoo 4, Cobar 3. Draw for Saturday July 29;Narromine V Baradine (10.30am kick off) Dunedoo V Cobar.Gulgong, Gilgandra, Coonabarabran byes. First Grade Baradine 30 (Brandon Worrell 2, Dylan Hohnberg 2, Daniel Howe tries, Jesse McElhinney 5 goals) drew with Cobar 30 (Thomas Plater 2, Ben Griffiths, Gerald Mackay, Timothy Hillam, Zane Taylor tries, Griffiths 3 goals). Played at BaradineCoonamble 38 (Kevin Welsh 3, Carl Anderson 2, Nathan Walker Jnr, Josh Forgione tries, Mitch Nalder 5 goals) defeated Narromine 30 (Luke Thompson 2, Tyrell Charters 2, Will Olney, Charlie Bonham tries, Doug Potter 3 goals). Played at Coonamble.Dunedoo 22 (Camden Sutton 2, Tim Condon 2 tries, Dan Lane 3 goals) defeated Coonabarabran 20 (Bailey Reedman, Tyson Birtles, Matty Watton, Thomas Varty tries, Nick Willoughby 2 goals). Played at Coonabarabran.Gulgong 30 (Sam Gorrie 2, Ethan Pegus, Mitch McWhirter, Tom Hawkins, Kyle Alexander tries, Brad James 3 goals) defeated Gilgandra 10 (Chris Fuller, Tom Brisbane tries, DJ Smith goal). Played at Gulgong. Competition Ladder Gulgong 33, Dunedoo 27, Cobar 26, Narromine 25, Gilgandra 23, Coonabarabran 21, Coonamble 17, Binnaway 17. Round 12 games Saturday 29th July Narromine V Baradine (10.30am kick off for the first of three games).Dunedoo V Cobar (Jessica Skinner Challenge Cup game in League Tag).Gilgandra V Binnaway.Gulgong V Coonamble (Boronia Cup Challenge game in first grade).Coonabarabran bye

Rugby league players from across the Western Plains who usually find themselves head to head joined forces on Saturday, 15 July to form the New South Wales side of the Inaugural Outback Challenge. From across the border, a team of south-west Queenslanders found strength in their home side advantage, with the mens side taking a 52-0 win at Miles, Queensland.The team battled it out to win the Arthur Beetson-Ron Gibbs Outback Shield for the first time since 2011, with hopes that this year could be the first of many more to come. Hailing from the Goodooga Magpies, NSW vice captain Farren Lamb took Best and Fairest of the match. “We were told (at home) that there would be scouts looking around to get picked to play on the NSW side. We played as normal every week, and five of us got selected,” Mr Lamb said. Among the team were men and women from the Bourke Warriors, Brewarrina Coogars, Goodooga Magpies, Collarenebri Bulldogs, as well as teams from further afield.The day marked the first round of the Outback Challenge in over a decade. (NSWRL)With just one training round together in their new team, Mr Lamb said it was a strange experience playing beside his opponents. “Everyone mingled and got to know each other, then you got out there and tried to put it all together,” he said. The weekend also marked the women’s first round in the competition, with the NSW side taking home an 18-14 win. NSW women’s side player Hannah Carroll said that it was a great opportunity to play a tackle game of rugby, with the competition her Cobar Roosters team plays in being tag only. “There’s not really much of a tackle comp out here…we have to travel to play tackle,” Ms Carroll said. “We need more out west…it might give girls more opportunity to say ‘I want to do that’ rather than it constantly being a boys game,” she said. Shakaye Walker from the Castlereagh Cougars holds up a Queensland playerPlaying alongside people she’s versed time and time again did have some benefits in the newly compiled team. “You use the strengths that you don’t like when you’re playing against them.”  The women’s side saw players from local teams the Coonabarabran Unicorns, Castlereagh Cougars, Coonamble Bears, Cobar Roosters, Baradine Magpies, Bourke Warriors, Brewarrina Coogars, Lightning Ridge, Condobolin and further afield.

BY COLIN HODGESSidelined for 2 months, Jake Pracey-Holmes was back doing what he does best when riding a winning double, Twin Seas and Aesthete, on Saturday at Coonabarabran.Referring to the time spent as a labourer during his suspension, the likeable Pracey-Holmes quipped, “ there is more money being a jockey than working on the end of a shovel “.Displaying his renowned alertness at the barriers, Pracey-Holmes jumped his mount straight to the front from the outside gate and the Clint Lundholm, Dubbo trained Twin Seas ($4.40 to $3.90) thereafter led throughout for a three lengths win over Our Armistice (Will Stanley, $7) and Freedom To Dream (Billy Cray, $14) in the 900 metres Imperial Hotel-It’s A Boy Maiden Handicap.Tamworth trainer Cody Morgan supplied the other winner for Jake Pracey-Holmes, Aesthete in the 1600 metres Imperial Hotel-Up The Kookas Class 1 & Maiden Plate.Taking the lead from Augusta Miss at the 800 metres, Aesthete ($2.15 favourite) won by three lengths from Cheeky Secrets (Andrew Banks, $4.60) and Glenfield Fox (Shayleigh Ingelse, $26).Local gallopers invariably go well at Coonabarabran meetings and such was the case with the Wayne Martyn trained Missile Moove in the 1200 metres Imperial Hotel-Have A Schooner In Coona Maiden Plate.Raced by Wayne Martyn and Tim Evans from Coonabarabran and Mick Baker, Missile Moove ($4.40) was well ridden by apprentice Jake Barrett when coming from last to beat Heza Wise Guy (Tony Cavallo, $10) and The Percentage (Andrew Banks, $2.40 fav.).Formerly from England, 23 year old apprentice Cobi Vitler recorded the third winner of his so far short career, aboard the Rod Northam, Scone trained Fabulous Choice in the 1200 metres Imperial Hotel-Happy Birthday Chimp Benchmark 50 Handicap.Close to the leaders and needing an opening turning for home, Fabulous Choice ($2.40 fav.) eventually worked clear and scored by a short head from Turgenev (Andrew Banks,$9) with two lengths to the third placed Leviticon (Wendy Peel, $25).Another apprentice to land a winner was Shayleigh Ingelse on the Allan Kehoe, Scone trained Bring The Rabble in the 900 metres Imperial Hotel-Sam’s The Man Class 3 Handicap.Leading all the way, Bring The Rabble ($3.60 to $2.80 fav.) had over a length to spare at the finish from Super Hot (Wendy Peel, $10) and Casan Geal (Will Stanley, $61).Stepping up to TAB company after a close third to Gossip in the Wean Picnic Cup, the Bryan Dixon Jnr. , Gilgandra trained Beg Me beat a big field in the 1600 metres Imperial Hotel-Jakki Brady Benchmark 50 Handicap at Coonabarabran.Travelling midfield on the rails, Beg Me ($14) skilfully ridden by Tony Cavallo, ran home strongly to win by a half length from Aisle Six (Shayleigh Ingelse, $4.80) with Costas (Jake Barrett, $26) two lengths away third.Coonabarabran will next race with the Cup meeting on Sunday October 21st.Following Bathurst on Tuesday, Dubbo is on Friday, Trangie Picnics on Saturday and Wellington on Monday 31st

Over the weekend a keen group of young rugby players from towns across the Western Plains travelled to Sydney to take part in the 2023 The Rugby Club Foundation Under 11 NSW Junior Rugby Union (JRU) State Gala, coming away the ultimate prize - the GR Paton Spirit of Rugby Shield. The children are all part of the NSWL JRU Western Plains Academy, an initiative that aims to develop rugby skills and provide quality rugby experiences for children across the Zone.  The Academy first launched in 2022, with around 30 children being selected to take part in the first rugby development opportunity of its kind. Those players participated in the NSWCU Country Champs, as well as the State Rugby 7s Champs, giving them a taste of what it was like to play rugby at a representative level.  Fast forward to 2023, 18 more players, who were selected during trials held back in March, joined the existing Academy members. A mixture of boys and girls, the Academy athletes are aged from 10 years old to 13 years old and come from western region towns including Narromine, Trangie, Warren, Nyngan, Coonamble, Bourke, and Brewarrina. “The Under 11s gala was an eye-opening experience for our young players,” said Gus McDonald, Country Coach Development and Education Manager for the Western Zone. “The Eric Tweedale Stadium is a magnificent facility,” he said. “There were six fields of footy all going at the same time, creating an amazing atmosphere for the kids. They played some of their games on the main oval which has seating for around 5000 people, that was an awesome experience for them. There were even a few Wallabies in the crowd, something that only added to the excitement!”  The essence of the tournament was about having fun and enjoying the game, all whilst providing an entry level experience to rep rugby. “It’s an iconic event in the junior rugby calendar and was well worth the trip down to Sydney”.  Over the course of the weekend, the U11s played five games of twelve a side rugby. Coached by Tim Harrison and Mark Pitts, the children played with passion and enthusiasm. “Most of our players only have experience with Rugby 7s and are used to playing cross field,” said Gus. “They certainly kept the ball alive, and it was amazing to see them get a decisive 56 to nil win against Central Coast, straight off the bat.” In the final tally, the team had two wins, one draw and two losses. A special part of the event is the ‘Spirit of Rugby’ awards that are given out at the carnival.  “The awards are judged on the behaviour and attitude of the team, and their supporters, over weekend, rather than any results on the field,” explained Luke Mack, the Waratah’s Development and Programs Manager for Western NSW.“The G.R Paton Shield is awarded to the Under 11s squad who best demonstrate the values that underpin our game, values that we call, the Spirit of Rugby. The award is voted on by all teams in the Under 11s event and I was thrilled that along with Penrith, our Western Plains squad was voted by all 58 teams as the group who best demonstrated the Spirit of Rugby! "This is a fantastic achievement and an absolute credit to everyone involved!  It was the icing on the cake of a fantastic weekend. We couldn’t be prouder of them!”U11s players had the opportunity to meet members of the Wallabies When the Western Plains App asked Gus what he thought the main driver behind the Academy was, his answer was simply 'opportunity'. “There are some super talented kids in the Academy,” he said. “They come from towns where there are significant challenges in respect to being able to participate in junior rugby pathways. "We’re aiming to change that. We want to make sure all children have the chance to be linked to pathways, irrespective of obstacles like distance. The idea is to reinvigorate rugby in our small towns.” He added that there are plans afoot for NSW JRU to go into selected secondary schools across the district and offer vocational training to students. “We hope to provide opportunities and employment skills to students and also develop up-and-coming coaches and officials,” he finished. Luke says that the Academy wants to eventually field teams in older age groups going forward. “Once you are a member, you stay a member,” he explained. “What this means is that even if you go away to school, if your schedule permits, you are more than welcome to trial for our development squads. This could make the difference with numbers for those students who stay at home and attend secondary schools across the Western Plains.” There are two more events coming up for Academy members to take part in. “The Academy will be taking a side to the CRU U12 & U13 Country Champs in early September and three sides to the NSWRU State 7s Champs (U11 & U13),” explained Luke. “All Academy members, including those who are currently away at school, are invited to trial for our squads.  “We are looking for more girls to play in our U13 Rugby 7s girl’s side at the state champs during the school holidays. If there are any girls out there who interested in trialing for this team, even if they are not currently Academy members, we encourage them to get in touch.”  The rugby 7s trials will take place on August 13 at Warren.

BY COL HODGESClayton Gallagher rode 5 winners at the Warren TAB meeting on Tuesday with the Robb family being very much involved in the final leg of the momentous feat.For a major part of his apprenticeship Gallagher was apprenticed to Rodney Robb at Nyngan with Rodney’s son Brett Robb being the stable foreman.Brett Robb has since become a leading trainer at Dubbo and Clayton Gallagher who also moved to Dubbo is usually the first choice jockey for the stable.After riding winners for David Smith (I Like Big Putts, $6.50), Michael Mulholland (Jet Empress, $3 to $1.95 favourite), Garry Lunn (Raiding, $6.50 to $4.60 favourite) and Luke Pepper ((Powderfinger, $3.70), Clayton Gallagher had the chance to ride 5 winners at a meeting for the first time when mounting Hardly The End for the 1000 metres Benchmark 58 Handicap.The Brett Robb trained Hardly The End was resuming from a spell while the top weight in the 12 horse field was the Rodney Robb trained Hurn Court, winner of the last two starts at Walgett and Nyngan.Luckyimwithaimee and Laffing Waters led at the top of the straight with Hardly The End then getting a rails run while Hurn Court (Michael Heagney) was finishing well on the outside.Heagney and Gallagher are very strong jockeys and their mounts responded to fight out a tremendous finish with Hardly The End ($4.60 favourite) prevailing by a half head over Hurn Court ($14) which had an extra 3 kg handicap to carry, while Mamelon (Andrew Banks, $9) was almost two lengths away in third place.Overall, Clayton Gallagher had 6 rides at the meeting for 5 wins and a fifth pacing on Wandering Jack ($2.50 favourite) which had every chance in the 1200 metres Maiden Handicap won by the Clint Lundholm, Dubbo trained Skyforger..Hemmed on the fence turning for home, Skyforger ($4.60) was eased around heels by talented apprentice Ronald Simpson and raced to a two lengths win over Bijara (Kody Nestor, $19) and The Percentage (Andrew Banks, $9.50).Ronald Simpson went close to a winning double when his mount Demeurer came with a strong run from the tail of the field in the 1400 metres Benchmark 58 Handicap to figure in a four way photo finish.Bursting through the pack from midfield, the Jane Clement, Armidale trained Hombre Grande (Chelsea Hillier, $9) won by a head from Demeurer ($6) with Aisle Six (Shayleigh Ingelse, $9) a half neck away third and the leader Ringside a close fourth.Next meeting (TAB) at Warren is on November 12 and features the QUBE Logistics Cotton Cup.

BY COL HODGESThey came 15 years apart, but Coonamble trainer Colin Edgar has now won the Carinda Cup twice, the most recent with grey mare Miss Ash Star, before a good crowd on Saturday at Carinda.The now-retired Greg Ryan was in the saddle when the Colin Edgar-trained Miss Watanabe defeated Norms Boy and Zakeya in the 2008 Carinda Cup; however, the in-form Orange-based apprentice Will Stanley was the rider of the 2023 Cup winner Miss Ash Star.Attempting to win the 1400 metres Dubbo City Toyota Carinda Cup for the second year in succession after winning the Binnaway and Walgett Cups, the Graeme Brooker, Coonabarabran trained Plectrum (Chelsea Ings, $3.50 equal favourite) led the Cup field with Miss Ash Star settling midfield on the inside.Will Stanley found a gap at the right time, and the well-supported Miss Ash Star ($8 to $5) hit the front and, in new track record time, held off the fast-finishing Lenroy (Ken Dunbar, $3.70) to score by a neck with Equilibrium (Paul Zerafa, $17) a handy third.James Hatch, who brought Lenroy from his stables near the Queensland border north of Bourke to finish runner-up in the Cup, had earlier won the 1400 metres Local Liquor Gateway Maiden Plate with In Peace.Parked handy to the lead, In Peace (Ken Dunbar, $3.50) finished best to beat Better Than Pearls (Chelsea Ings, $3.50) and Dalante (Andrew Banks, $6).Making the most of the opportunity offered by Cobar trainer Wayne Prisk, 37-year-old apprentice Paul Zerafa from Kembla Grange rode a well-judged race when winning the 1700 metres Complete Asset Management Benchmark 50 Handicap on Berlotti in a new track record time.Raced by Butch Eves and the trainer Wayne Prisk, Borlotti ($5) from the back of the field finished strongly to win by almost four lengths from the leader Intense (Chelsea Ings, $5) and The Cave (Ronald Simpson, $4.40).Trainer Graeme Brooker and Chelsea Ings, who missed out in the Cup with Plectrum, had won the opening race, the 1000 metres Walgett Hunt Camp Fish Newsagency Maiden Handicap with Smart ‘N’ Ritzy.Straight to the lead, Smart ‘N’ Ritzy ($2.30 to $3.50) accelerated at the top of the straight and breezed home by five lengths from Cinders (Paul Zerafa, $10) and Oh No Devon (Ken Dunbar, $3).Backed from $2.70 to $1.80 favourite, Super Son missed a place, and a $2,000 bet found a new home in a bookies bag.Before riding successfully in Queensland for more than two years, Wendy Peel rode a winner at Carinda, and she was pleased to be back this year to win the Wayne “Bronco” Lunn-sponsored Benchmark 45 Handicap on Twyborn Affair for Coonamble trainer Cec Hodgson.A last-start Walgett winner, Twyborn Affair ($5), broke clear in the straight and won by two lengths from Inzaghi (Will Stanley, $7) and Geesheehan (Andrew Banks, $3 eq. Fav.).To the cheers of a happy group of owners from Condobolin, Tottenham and Trundle, the Rodney Robb, Nyngan-trained Sindagar won the 1400 metres O’Brien Brigalows Pastoral Company Class 1 Handicap.Well-ridden in the lead by Dubbo apprentice Jake Barrett, Sindagar ($3.80) was under siege in the straight but held off Royal Samer (Andrew Banks, $3 fav.) to score by three-quarters of a length with Hussniacki (Ken Dunbar, $3.80) filling third place.WRA action heads to Warren on Tuesday and Coonabarabran on Saturday before Central Districts racing takes over at Bathurst on Tuesday, July 25.For all Carinda results, click here.

The Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League 18 Years National Championships wrapped up at Kayo Stadium last week with the staging of the grand final, where NSW Combined Catholic Colleges (CCC) took out the Under 18 Championship Final against NSW Combined High Schools (CHS) with a 40-10 win.  Throughout the nine days of the carnival, teams featuring the best schoolboy players in the country battled it out for top honours. Amongst that group of elite junior footballers was Fletcher Hunt from Warren NSW, wearing the number 15 jersey for NSW CHS. “It’s a great honour to be selected for the NSW CHS team,” said mum Erin Hunt. “We’re very proud of all that Fletcher has achieved so far.”     The team played three games during the carnival, including the final, so Fletcher’s days were mostly filled with recovery, training, and yet more training. To Fletcher, a self-motivated and determined young man heading towards his dream of playing with the NRL, hard work means more opportunity. “The games we played were really fast, everything was very professional,” said Fletcher.  “As a team we gelled well, because we were all there with the same goal, to play the best footy that we could.”    Fletcher’s journey towards the upper echelons of rugby league is a tale of passion, determination, and self-discipline, as well as a reminder about the importance of having a great support team behind you.  His achievements to date seem even more remarkable, given that they have been made from his ‘home’ base in western NSW, with the support of his close-knit family and the local footy club.   Fletcher started his sporting career as a young boy, playing for the Warren Junior Bulldogs. As with most clubs, dad Danny was coach and president, and mum Erin was canteen manager, president, and even assistant coach of the U7s whilst dad was busy coaching Fletcher’s older brother. Danny took over the coaching duties when Fletcher reached the U8s, ultimately taking the team on to three premiership wins. Fletcher, showing his talent early on, was awarded ‘Player with Most Potential’. Amongst the mentors who have been there since those early days is Warren football identity Tony ‘Wooly’ Woolnough, whose own sons have enjoyed considerable success in the rugby league arena. “Wooly has always been there, giving good advice and encouraging me,” said Fletcher.   At the age of 13, he transferred across to the Nyngan Tigers JRLC and enjoyed a successful career there as a junior, including a couple of grand final wins. Mum Erin says that they are thankful to have found such a great, supportive club to be a part of. “The Nyngan footy community have been so welcoming and supporting of Fletcher and his brother and took them under their wings,” she said. At that club, Fletcher found many mentors, both coaches and players.  “Some of the guys who really made a difference to my game are Trevor ‘Red’ Waterhouse, Jacob Neil, and Dean ‘Knock’ Black. If Knock says I’ve had a good game, then I really know I did!” he laughed.    ABOVE: Erin Hunt and son Fletcher at his jersey presentation for the CHS team. “These guys were all so dedicated to making sure that kids have the opportunity to play footy,” said Erin, underscoring how important volunteers are in these small communities. “Brendan Smith was one who was so dedicated in ensuring that local kids all got to play footy."The Nyngan club were all so welcoming, nothing was too hard. What people need to realise is that without that degree of commitment, out here in the west, children wouldn’t get to play footy. "You can have all the talent in the world, but without someone to help you along the way, you won’t make it. Fletcher has been lucky enough to have had inspirational coaches and trainers like Lonse, Fisky, Griffo and Kenno.”   Fletcher also credits teammates who have been a source of encouragement and support to him, including Warren based rep players Braith Boyd, Harry Hammond, and Aiden Bermingham, as well as Will and Cooper Black from Nyngan. “They’ve all taught me heaps,” he said.    In addition to the school rugby league pathway, Fletcher had the opportunity to participate in a variety of Western NSW RL development programs, offered in the first instance by Dubbo & District Junior Rugby League.  “Playing with these development squads was great,” said Fletcher. “I really enjoyed the trips away to play footy as I had never done that before. Everyone knows what they’re doing, everyone knows their jobs on the field, and they listen to the coach!” Fletcher ultimately made it to the Western Rams, playing with their U18s side where coach Shane Rodney ‘tweaked’ his game, encouraging him to play a different position. “It ended up being very beneficial and suited my game more, giving me more freedom on the field.”   Whilst with the Western Rams and the Group XI representative side, Fletcher began to attract serious interest from a variety of NRL clubs.  As well as playing with the Nyngan Tigers U18s, he also plays for their first-grade side, starting from the bench. “The opportunity that coach James Tuitahi has given Fletcher to grow and develop by playing alongside these more experienced players has been so beneficial,” said Erin. It was whilst playing club footy that he was approached by an agent from Pacific Sports Management (PSM), one of Australia's leading Sports Management companies, ultimately inking a deal with them. “Interest in Fletcher progressed in Wollongong (at the NSW school championships), where offers started to be put on the table,” explained Erin. “This is where having a manager was invaluable in respect to navigating the offers coming his way.”   When asked what advice he could give young players in the western region who also aspire to great things, Fletcher had this to say.  “I have always been focused on footy, either training, recovering or playing,” he said.  “I’ve stayed 100% focused on my dream to be in the NRL and I’ve made choices not to risk that. I’m lucky I’ve got good mates who have respected that and have supported me.”   As Fletcher left the interview to go fishing with a mate, his other favourite pastime, Erin reaffirmed her strong view that talent alone is not enough. “A couple of years ago, Fletcher realised that he needed to step up a level with eating well, being disciplined about fitness and exercise and understanding that being gifted is not enough. "You need to be resilient and self-motivated. Most of his teammates from NSW CHS are already signed to clubs and being city based, have had a lot more development and opportunities than Fletcher has had.    “That’s one reason we are so grateful to our local club, Nyngan, for stepping up and providing so much support. From the large numbers (of players) participating at club level, the competition gets whittled down and becomes more intense as you go along. "Even making it to this stage, Fletcher knows that only a few will make it to the NRL. There are players who are originally from Warren that have made an initial signing with an NRL club, but due to injury or other factors, never made it onto an NRL side. Fletcher hopes that he will be the one to change that and he knows that he still has a long, hard road ahead of him.”   Another obstacle that players and their families in the west must overcome is the tyranny of distance. Whether it be driving a 160km round trip several times a week for training or taking a week off work to travel interstate to attend an elite sporting event, a considerable investment of both time and money is required.  Fletcher has been fortunate to receive support from the Neil family of Nyngan, who have a history of assisting players from remote areas to achieve their sporting dreams. “I’m really grateful for their support,” he said. “It means a lot to me.”   Fletcher has now accepted a three-year deal from the Newcastle Knights which means a move away to the coast at the end of 2023. “I’ll be trialing for a spot on the Knight’s SG Ball side,” he said, the next goal already in sight as he continues chasing after the ultimate prize of playing with the NRL.