“Once that bell rings you’re on your own. It’s just you and the other guy.”Ex-Coonamble locals Ryan Towns and Hayden Stevens found this during their first boxing matches last Saturday 25 March.Now Gold Coast-based, the two took part in an eight week boxing challenge following the move up north at the start of the year.“You train and dedicate yourself for eight weeks and at the end of it you hop in the ring and fight,” said Ryan. “It was really great both mentally and physically, it’s all about building up those two things.”“It was good for me, I didn’t really have anything to do up here so it was good to get out and try it,” said Hayden.Both Ryan and Hayden came away as winners on the day, both by split decision – meaning out of the three judges, two voted in favour and one did not.“It was a bit nerve-wracking,” said Hayden.“I was pretty pumped all day for the fight then when the time came the nerves hit me and walking out there, I was pretty nervous.”“But once I was in the ring, I didn’t really take much notice of the crowd or anything I was focused.”The fight card is drawn at random, and a boxer is paired up with someone who also did the challenge with them.“He was a lot bigger than me I can tell you that,” Hayden joked. “I was like yeah I think I’m gone here. But I didn’t have much choice though did I?”ABOVE: “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done” - Ryan Towns won his first fight by split decision on Saturday and can’t wait to hop back in the ring again.As for Ryan, he was taken aback by how different boxing in a gym was compared to boxing in the ring.“I’d done a lot of sparring leading up and I thought that that was it was going to be just with harder punches,” he said.“But it’s totally different, everything you learn goes straight out the window I reckon, you’re fighting to survive each round when you hop in the ring.”“I thought I was losing the whole time I was in there which is just how it goes I suppose.”The fight ran for three rounds, with each round lasting one minute and thirty seconds although Ryan joked that “they felt like five-minute rounds!”The program is also so much more than just working towards the fight at the end the boys say.“You’re building your fitness up and learning a new skill,” said Hayden.“And not only will you be physically fitter and mentally stronger, but in your day-to-day tasks you’re performing better. At work you feel better dealing with things and you can handle situations better,” said Ryan.“Your mind is just so much clearer which is probably the best benefit from it.”During the challenge, the days were long for both Ryan and Hayden, who barely had a minute to sleep during the eight weeks.“We weren’t finishing work sometimes until 5, then we’d drive 45 minutes to the gym, then do an hour there, and when you get home you’ve only really got time for a shower and a quick feed,” said Ryan.“Then you’re back up at 5 and ready to do it all again.”“We would do six days a week, including Saturday mornings, so a part of me is glad it’s over and I can rest a bit.”Following the challenge, the impact on them both is clear – it was positive in every facet.“It’s the best thing I’ve ever done,” said Ryan. “And it’s so surreal when you get in the ring.”“Loved every minute of it,” concluded Hayden. 

AS the opportunities within women’s rugby continue to develop, one of Coonamble’s own is forging a path for herself within the growing game.Making her refereeing debut in the Waratahs and Western Force game on Friday 24 March was Ella Goldsmith, 25 year old daughter of Jamie & Leonie Goldsmith.“I was the AR, or assistant referee for the Friday night game at Allianz but this weekend I’m off to Fiji and I’ll be the one in the middle for the Drua and Rebels game,” said Ella.“Then I’ve got two more after that.”Ella began her refereeing journey back in 2021 following a short stint playing AFL.“AFL just wasn’t really my thing, so I started to get my refereeing levels up in rugby,” said Ella.“I had played rugby but stopped in 2020 to try something new.”“Even with that little break in between when I was playing AFL I was still really involved in rugby, you know coming from Coonamble we all love a bit of rugby.”ABOVE: Ella GoldsmithA path was made available to Ella with the Waratahs development team, and work her way up from gala days to Saturday matches.“The pathways for women’s match officials are huge right now, there’s so many opportunities available, you get to travel the world and meet all these new people.”“For me that’s really welcoming, and I can see a path forward for myself within the game.”“I also find that it’s constantly challenging, you’ll never be able to ref that perfect game so there’s always something to improve on and something to strive for.”What started out as trying something new has lit a fire in Ella to push to be the best referee she can be.“I started off doing it for fun and to challenge myself, however, I think I’m really excited that I’ve been given some great opportunities to further develop my skills and challenge myself further like being able to referee in the Super W,” said Ella.“You don’t have to want to ref at the next World Cup you can just be content with refereeing your local fixture every Saturday.”“But for me, I’m constantly striving to challenge myself and take those opportunities.”As for her refereeing style, she says “It’s a tricky question.”“Coming from a playing perspective I have a good understanding of the game.”“I don’t know if I have a hard set-in-stone style, but I watch so many other referees and I try to take some things that they do well and put it to practice.”“Everyone referees very differently, I like to think I’m a good listener but can also be a strong communicator, you have to have both qualities to take charge of a game.”And despite such a rapid rise to the premier grade of women’s rugby in Australia, Ella says the transition is going well.“I’m still getting used to things like broadcast and wearing the communication vests - you get broadcasters listening to you and coaches listening to you as well so that’s always in the back of your head.”“But for me when I’m actually in the game, I’m in it, relaxed and ready to go.”“I like to referee your everyday Saturday game just like I’d referee in the super W.”Like many in her position, Ella has taken inspiration from the trailblazing Amy Perrett.“She’s my coach and she was my main inspiration,” said Ella.“I’m sure if you ask any other female match officials, they’ll probably say the same.”“She’s the only female that’s refereed a Super Rugby game in the middle, and she’s been instrumental in the growth of the game and bring more females into the game.”You can watch Ella take centre stage this weekend on Saturday 1 April, when she referees the Super W match between the Fijian Drua and Melbourne Rebels at 12:05 pm.

By COLIN HODGESYoung gun trainers Clint Lundholm and Brett Robb are off to Royal Randwick in April for a shot at the $500,000 prizemoney on offer for the Newhaven Park Country Championship after Listen To The Band and Sizzle Minizzle qualified for the Final, before a big crowd on Sunday at Coonamble.Both trainers are based at Dubbo, with Lundholm being reared at Coonamble and Robb formerly from Nyngan.The Lundholm trained Listen To The Band is building a remarkable record winning, 5 of the 6 starts since an injury enforced 2 year absence from the racetrack.Despite now being an 8 year old, Listen To The Band has only raced 9 times and is improving with every run while the Robb trained Sizzle Minizzle is also lightly raced and appears an outstanding prospect.In the $150,000 Newhaven Park Western Racing Association Country Championships Qualifier over 1400 metres, Listen To The Band began quickly from a wide barrier and took the early lead from Boom Boom Basil, Amulet Street and Ferus.Challenged in the straight, Listen To The Band (Jake Pracey-Holmes, $6.50) fought on gamely to win by a neck from Sizzle Minizzle (Brooke Stower, $10) with the third, fourth and fifth placegetters, Smooth Esprit (Ben Looker, $21) , Hit The Rim (Serg Lisnyy) and Watch Me Rumble (Ashley Morgan) all being trained by Clint Lundholm.Jake Pracey-Holmes is riding in sensational form and he earlier combined with Clint Lundholm for an all the way with Avalicious ($2.20 favourite) from River Rocket (Braith Nock, $6) and Boho Chick (Grant Buckley, $7) in the 1400 metres Inland Petroleum Benchmark 58 Showcase Handicap.Now a successful trainer at Wyong, Damien Lane began his career at Coonamble and he was back home for the day to win the 1100 metres Wellington Boot Prelude-2yo Handicap with Sparkingly.Given a nice run behind the leader, Sparkingly (Grant Buckley, $3.80) raced clear to win by almost two lengths from Chandon Star (Clayton Gallagher, $17) and Devine Chops, $1.55 favourite).Sparkingly is now exempt from the ballot for the $200,000 Wellington Boot on March 26, a race the popular Damien Lane won in 2021 with Sonnet Star.Wrapping up a great days racing at Coonamble, the Brett Robb trained D’Arpano (Jake Barrett, $5.50) tracked the leaders then finished best to beat Hiraishin (Chelsea Hillier, $3.20 favourite) and In The Road (Jake Pracey-Holmes, $11) in the 1100 metres QUBE Agri Country Boosted Benchmark 58 Showcase Handicap.

By GREG PRICHARDBoom Boom Basil has had his problems and can take a lot of work to get right for races, but Dubbo trainer Brett Robb knows it’s worth the effort with the horse heading towards the $150,000 Newhaven Park WRA Country Championships Qualifier at Coonamble on Sunday 12 March.“He’s our top seed for the race,” Robb said. “There are plenty of good pointers with him.“He’s won a TAB Highway in town and he’s finished second in a Highway. This will be his first try over 1400 metres, but the way he finished off at his last start (over 1312m) I think he’ll definitely get the distance. He’s a good, tough horse.”That most recent run - at Dubbo on February 15 – was in a Country Championships Preview Class 4 Handicap and Boom Boom Basil battled out the finish with the Clint Lundholm-trained pair Listen To The Band (first) and Amulet Street (third).Listen To The Band and Amulet Street will also be among the leading contenders at Coonamble, so the form was strong.“Boom Boom Basil is a hard horse to keep sound,” Robb said. “I race him and bring him home and patch him up and give him a good space between runs and he’s the type of horse that races better that way.“We’ve taken it real slow with him this time in, with the Country Championships in mind. He’s had just the two runs ahead of the qualifier.”Robb is also aiming Sizzle Minizzle and Billiethefillie at the qualifier. The trainer won last year’s WRA qualifier with Great Buy, which went on to finish 11th in the final at Randwick.“When we won with Great Buy I didn’t know how to take it at first,” he said.“We hadn’t been down at Dubbo all that long after moving from Nyngan and when we won the Picnic Championship a few months earlier that was a big enough thrill for me. But winning the qualifier was a different ball-game. Definitely a big thrill - they’re hard races to win.”Robb said the move from further out west at Nyngan to Dubbo had proved great for his career.“I made the move to Dubbo for more opportunities,” he said. “Covid stopped all the picnics and non-TAB meetings, which we used to follow around a lot when we were at Nyngan.“I’d been thinking about giving it away actually. It was getting a little bit hard and I was doing too many miles and if I wasn’t going to Dubbo every weekend or during the week I was going through it.“David Ringland is a very successful businessman and since I’ve started training he’s always had one or two horses with me and he’s helped me out a lot in Dubbo. He owns the house and stable complex that I train out of.“We’ve got 25 boxes here at the stables and 14 boxes out at the farm and they’re all full, so if we got offered a horse at the moment I’d nearly have to tie him up to a tree.“I think back now to when I was going to throw the towel in, when I was still out at Nyngan, and I’m really glad I didn’t. We’ve had a lot of fun and a lot of success, with hopefully plenty more to come, so I’m glad we kept going.“I’ve been around racehorses all my life. I think when you get the racing bug you can’t get rid of it.”

By COLIN HODGESDominant on the Picnic Racing circuit over recent seasons, Leandro Ribeiro was being compared to some of the top jockeys of the past after winning 5 of the 6 races yesterday, Saturday 4 March, at Tottenham.His quest to ride every winner on the program was thwarted when his mount was beaten only by a long neck in another race.Dubbo trainer Connie Greig who has successfully combined many times with Ribeiro, supplied three of his winners including Inzaghi in the 1400 metres Robinson Grain Tottenham Picnic Cup.Sons Of Bourke (Emily Waters, $2 favourite) led by three lengths approaching the home turn but was overhauled and beaten a half length by Inzaghi ($3.20) with Get Up Alby (Breanna Bourke, $4) finishing third.Leandro Ribeiro and Connie Greig gave notice of things to come when Yorker ($2.60 to $2 favourite) led throughout to beat Mr Pointer (Kate Petersen, $2.20) and Princess Factor (Emily Waters, $3) in the opening event, the 800 metres Michael Logan Memorial Class 3 Trophy Handicap.Connie Greig picked up a $500 bonus from sponsor Goodwin, Stevenson Insurance for a trainer with 3 winners on the day, when Pahang (Leandro Ribeiro, $5.50) after tracking the leaders won the 1200 metres Fiveways Legal Class 2 Trophy Handicap from the strong finishing Hammoon Sweetheart (Breanna Bourke, $2.20 fav.) and Manadria (Ricky Blewitt, $8).The group of owners from Condobolin and Trundle were celebrating when the Rodney Robb, Nyngan trained Sindagar (Leandro Ribeiro, $2 to $1.70 fav.) wore down stablemate Saint Olga (Breanna Bourke, $8) to score by a half length with Ready To Skate (Ricky Blewitt, $3) running on well for third in the 1000 metres.Sindagar's local connections collected the Tottenham Hotel Maiden Plate. IMAGE: Tottenham Picnic Race Club facebook.Coop’s ($1.70 fav.) from the Clint Lundholm stable at Dubbo, became the fifth winner for the Sydney based, Brazilian born Leandro Ribeiro when finishing best to win the 1400 metres Local Businesses Class B Handicap from Electric Daisy (Ashley Boyd, $3) and Chloebella Rose (Tamsin Gough, $10).Emily Waters prevented a clean sweep by Leandro Ribeiro when she led all the way on the Wayne Brown owned and Cassandra Stummer, Muswellbrook trained, Addictions which humped $72 kg to win the 1000 metres Carter, Lindsay,Weber-Hutcheon & Pearce Open Trophy Handicap.Billy Bent Ear (Leandro Ribeiro, $3.20) had a good run and challenged strongly in the straight but was beaten by a long neck, with Everyone (Breanna Bourke, $6) in third place.Tottenham racecourse was, as usual, presented in outstanding order and the meeting attracted a big crowd.Crowds flocked to the 2023 Tottenham Picnic Races. PHOTO: A BarrettNext upFeaturing at the Coonamble meeting on Sunday 12 March is the $150,000 Newhaven Park-Western Racing Association Country Championship Qualifier for the $500,000 Final at Royal Randwick in April.

Brewarrina could have been mistaken for Bondi Beach last Saturday with the sun, sand, and plenty of fun. The Brewarrina RSL hosted its very first Bush Volleyball competition. Twelve teams entered with the majority coming from Brewarrina, but teams also travelled from Bourke and Goodooga. The fast-paced action started at 10am with two games going at the same time to get ahead of the heat. It was a knockout style competition with the the ‘Golden Strikers’ and 'The Little Sooks’ spiking, blocking and ace-ing their way into the finals. It was a close game with the ‘Golden Strikers’ taking the win. They were presented with a medal and a not-too-shabby $2000 in prize money.  “We put the Volleyball competition on due to lack of events in the town, to have something different going on," said Stephen Harding the General Manager of the RSL Club. "Our staff thought of the idea.” Looking set to distract the opposition at the Brewarrina Bush Volleyball.“A lot went into the planning and preparation since this was a “first time” event. We reached out to the shire for the supply of the sand and gazebos. Everything else like the setup of the courts, decorations, advertising, rules, prizes, equipment, promo items, etc. we did ourselves.”   “This was our first attempt at anything like this at Bre RSL and just like everything you do for the first time there is always room for improvement so we have taken it all on board and will aim for a bigger and better Bush Volleyball comp next year," Mr Harding said. “We think the day went really well and we hope to repeat this event in the future. We were also happy to see that three teams from Bourke made the effort to come over to Bre to join this competition. "It was our first time doing it and we couldn’t have done it without the support of the town and our little helpers on the day. We would like to thank everyone for that.”  

Coonabarabran's young lawn bowl superstar Sam Bowman (16), has been selected in the 2023 Bowls New South Wales Junior Representative and Development squad. This is not Sam's first rodeo in his bowls career, having competed since the age of nine."Lawn bowls plays a huge part in my family. My older brother, father and grandfather have all played bowls," he said."I first got into the sport after two volunteers at the Coonabarabran Bowling Club started running junior bowls drill sessions and I fell in love with the sport from there. My pop was a big bowler at the time as well, so I always watched him play.". Sam is currently a member of one the largest competitive zones in NSW, the Zone 4 Bowling Association. Zone 4 includes towns ranging from Coonabarabran, as far East as Lithgow, to as far south as Cowra and as west as Bourke and Cobar."I love taking part in competitions. You get to travel to so many places. Our zone is just one of seven other zones across NSW, so you get to meet so many new people and travel to a bunch of new places. Winning or losing, it is all a great experience". Sam says he was scouted for the 2023 Bowls NSW Junior squad at one of the main bowls competitions held closer to home."Selectors travel to most competitions , and the one held in Dubbo is one of the main competitions, where all zones go against each other. My team, Zone 4, won gold for the second year in a row."We went against over 120 competitors and came out on top. It was a huge achievement for myself because I hadn't made the zone team for a few years, and the first year I have been selected we won," he said.ABOVE: Sam Bowman in action at the Club Bowls playing in Zone Championships. PHOTO: Supplied. Being selected in the NSW Junior team is another accolade added to Sam's already huge list, says Sam's mother Katrina Bowman."Sam's long list of achievements are a credit to his own hard work and dedication to the sport," Mrs Bowman said."He is well- known as an amazing skip, which means he is the last player to bowl, he directs his team as to what the game plan is and how to play shots with the best chance of producing a score for the team. It is a very important job."Sam's Zone 4 team won a gold medal at the 2022 Zone Championships held in Dubbo."He has also been recognised as the most successful skip at the 2022 NSW Combined High Schools Bowls State Championships against 32 other skips and was awarded 'Most Valuable Player' for the North West Schools Sports Association, which enabled him to gain selection into the Combined High Schools squad to play in Melbourne at the National School's Championships where his team won another gold medal. ABOVE: Sam Bowman with his MVP and 'Most Successful Skip' medals at the Combined High Schools Lawn Bowls Championships in Penrith. PHOTO: Supplied. Mrs Bowman believes Sam's achievements all come down to his dedication to bowls."We are very proud of Sam. He puts in a lot of hard work and competes wonderfully. He has a great nature for the sport, he is very calm and takes it all in his strive."He has made so many life-long friends from the sport. It is a very competitive and skilful sport, with less injuries," she said. From this squad, the Junior Committee will select players to represent the NSW Junior Blues later in the year. Sam will take part in several competitions including the travelling to Queensland to compete in a super series against a Queensland team.Between now and August, Sam is going to continue doing what he does best."I currently train about twice a week at the Coonabarabran Bowling Club to prepare for more competitions throughout the year. I also have to complete a monthly report as well as travel to Sydney to take part in more training and drills with the NSW Junior Bowls Squad. I am super excited to see what 2023 brings". The Western Plains App wishes Sam the best of luck!

Representatives from all clubs in Western Plains Rugby Union - Brewarrina/Bourke, Cobar, Gular, Warren, Walgett, Coonamble and Nyngan - gathered at the Nevertire Hotel last Saturday for the zone’s Annual General Meeting. There were so many squeezed around the table at the pre-season meeting that former president Greg Whiteley commented, “this is the most people we’ve had at an AGM for many years.” Dubbo-based NSW Rugby development officers Angus McDonald and Luke Mack were also in attendance as well as veteran referee Neil Newton (Walgett). Newly elected office bearers: President Tom Cullen (Coonamble), Vice Presidents Troy Yeomans (Walgett) and Matthew Slack-Smith (Brewarrina), co-Secretaries Ange Hanigan (Coonamble) and Vivian Slacksmith (Brewarrina), Treasurer Brent Barwick (Warren), Judiciary Sophie Holmes (Nyngan), Ben Jenkins (Gular) and Milton Quigley (Warren). Angus McDonald delivered a presentation describing the future of rugby in the zone, acknowledging that strength and numbers would only come from continuing junior development. “If you take a snapshot of all zones, from player numbers to volunteer support, the current trends are not good for NSW Rugby; it needs to put more money into development – and it has,” Mr McDonald said. Western Plains is all too familiar with the challenge of maintaining numbers, with the Brewarrina and Bourke clubs forced to merge in 2021 due to a lack of players. As Mr McDonald explained, money from the NSW Positive Rugby Foundation and Paul Ramsay Foundation has contributed to programs in primary and high schools across the western area. The Positive Rugby Foundation was formed in 2017 as the official charity and social impact program of NSW Rugby while the Paul Ramsay Foundation is one of the biggest philanthropic foundations in Australia. “In 2022 Western Plains was the most resourced zone in NSW with 4.5 full time staff in Dubbo. We had 200 in-school participants and 387 kids playing rugby regularly, with 35 gala days across the zone.” Sydney has three development officers and this year NSW Western Development has 10 working across the zone, with Mr McDonald saying “The future will be a west to east progression for players”.Former Western Plains Zone President Greg Whiteley (centre) with NSW Rugby Development Officers Luke Mack and Gus McDonald. In 2022/2023 NSWRU partnered with Department of Regional Youth to deliver support to run 90 holiday camps, investing over $800,000 throughout Central West, Central North and Western Plains. “Our aim is to have 1500 registered juniors in Western Plains this year and 500 school players. All this requires financial commitment from clubs in the zone, with $50,000 asked for as seed funding. “If we don’t need that money, we won’t use it but we have to have a buffer. Every dollar raised in Western Plains will stay in Western Plains.” Neil Newton spoke about the refereeing situation across the zone, emphasising there aren’t enough match officials or referees. “Coaches should be accredited to referee but that is not required currently for the ladies’ games,” said Mr Newton. “We do need consistency in the refereeing rules for the girls’ games though.” Mr McDonald acknowledged this area would also be worked on in the development space.“We are working with Regional NSW and creating chances regarding an employment program for high school student doing a Cert 3 in Sports Coaching,” he said. “From here the students will be able to provide coaching support for juniors, match official support and game administration support while being employed by NSWRU.”"This should help with transition into clubs while also helping to support those clubs. NSWRU and its partners will also be investing a large amount into the schools in western NSW through the Tackle Life Program.”To tackle or not to tackle - that was the question for Western Plains women's rugby. Another issue up for discussion was the development of the women's game across the zone. This year will be the third year of the Touch Sevens competition, with a number of girls now looking to progress into tackle rugby. Club representatives agreed not all women wanted to play tackle but the committee resolved to have a number of pre-season gala days with the view to progression into a tackle competition in 2024 for those interested. Western Plains will field a team for the NSW Country Championships in Tamworth on the June long weekend with coaching from Charlie Friend (Walgett), Rory Finlayson (Brewarrina) and Blair Hooper (Warren), and John Azar (Warren) as strapper. The first round of the Western Plains Rugby Union 2023 season commences Saturday 29 April, with the draw to be finalised in coming days.

CHAMPIONS! Gilgandra Cricket Association has come away with the Country Plate Championship after a dominant bowling display against Griffith, winning by 7 wickets at Homebush on Sunday 19 February. And for the first Country Plate Final since 2017 this year's final certainly didn’t disappoint. This year's Gilgandra representative squad consisted of players from five of the eight sides of the Gilgandra cricket competition, including Town Services, Breelong, USC/Marthaguy, Baradine, and Coonabarabran. As the sun rose on the Cricket Central Oval in Homebush, anyone within eyeshot knew it was a perfect day for cricket - clear skies, a 32-degree peak and perfectly mown grass. Gilgandra won the toss and elected to bowl, backing their strong bowling attack on a green wicket that looked to suit them if some reverse swing presented itself later on in the innings. Gilgandra got off to a blistering start with three straight maidens from the opening pair of Harry Willoughby and Jack Irving, building early pressure early on the opening batsmen. They wouldn’t have to wait long for the pressure to get to Griffith either, with Tim Rand stumped in the fourth over by wicketkeeper Matt Everett.ABOVE: Griffith found themselves down 7-37 after a blistering start from Gilgandra's opening bowlers, Harry Willoughby and Jack Irving. Gilgandra didn’t let up after their first wicket, keeping the ball at a good line and length and never letting the batsmen get settled at the crease. By the end of the fifteenth over Griffith was sitting at 7 wickets down for just 32 runs - well and truly in dire straits. Not one of the top-order batsmen had made any more than 12 runs, with the top six combining for just 22 all up. Gilgandra did much of the same with the tail end, ripping through with ease. Griffith's innings ended after just 25.3 overs, all out for 68. Championship innings With just 68 runs to chase you could argue Gilgandra could've been quietly confident when they stepped out to the middle to bat. But like all season, they played every ball on its merits and understood how quickly the tides can turn in a game of cricket. The opening pair, Matt Everett and Ash Hazelton provided some early stability and stuck out the new ball. Griffith showed some fight early, dismissing the dangerman Matt Everett who was caught behind playing an errant block on a ball that was short of a length and drifting outside the off stump. The very next ball Liam Zell was dismissed for a golden duck after he mistimed a shot off the pads to the leg side and was caught plumb LBW. Any fire that Giffith had was quickly extinguished when James Glasson walked out to the middle to steady Gilgandra. Glasson and Hazelton kept the scoreboard ticking away for a few more overs with some quality running and a few boundaries mixed in when the bad ball presented itself. Ash was dismissed later on in the thirteenth over, but by that point the game was all but sealed, leaving Glasson and new batsmen Nick Willoughby to chase down the remaining thirteen runs. By the seventeenth over the score was tied at 68 runs a piece, leaving Glasson to finish off the Griffith four balls later with a classy backfoot cut between cover and point to secure the winning runs. ABOVE: The match was held at the new 'Cricket Central' oval in Homebush, Sydney. Photo Credit: Cricket NSW First time Champions Man of the match went to Matt Everett for his strong performance with the gloves, picking up three leg-side stumpings on the day. Other notable performances included Harry Willoughby's bowling figures of 3-8 after eight overs, an astounding effort on an unfamiliar wicket, and Jack Irving who backed up Harry at the other end with figures of 3-22 as well. Gilgandra cricket club secretary Matt Zell couldn't speak any higher of the performance on Sunday. "It was a really fitting end to the season for us, we bowled really well early on putting enormous pressure on them," said Mr Zell. "We've had the same side for the past four games, they're a great mix of both young and experienced guys, and all of them showed that they were really committed to the side." Gilgandra have been dominant all season going undefeated, but for Matt, the stand-out performance had to be the semi-final against a strong Cessnock side. "Our biggest challenge was that game against Cessnock, but even then they played so well," said Mr Zell. "Matt Everett got a century in that game and we totalled a score of 231 and lasted the whole fifty overs." "And then we backed that up, bowling them out for 188 with a string of ducks to end their innings." This was the first time Gilgandra has won the Country Shield, and only the second time a team from north-west NSW has won as well - previous winners include Gerringong, The Rail, Upper Hunter, Holbrook, Cobar, Highlands, Temora, Murray Valley, Goulburn, Robertson-Burrawang, Cootamundra, and Bowral. The Chair of Country Cricket, Paul Marjoribanks is excited about the return of the Country Shield after such a long hiatus. "It's great to have the Country Plate back again," Mr Marjoribanks said. “It is a great opportunity for local cricketers to proudly represent their hometowns, particularly with the final being the first Country Cricket competition match to be played at the superb new facilities of Cricket NSW – Cricket Central Oval.” Gilgandra now has two pieces of silverware this season, with the Country Plate along with the Western Zone Plate after they defeated Mudgee earlier this year. They now go on to play Cobar in the Brewery Shield Grand Final, where they hope to expand the silverware collection to three this season. The line-up for this year's Country Plate final: Ash Hazelton (captain): Town ServicesMatt Everett (vice-captain): BreelongJames Glasson: USC/MarthaguyBrandon Hammond: Town ServicesBen Hjort: BaradineJack Irving: USC/MarthaguyKenny Johnson: BreelongJaylem Peters: Town ServicesPeter Peters: Town ServicesCameron Whitall: CoonabarabranHarry Willoughby: CoonabarabranNick Willoughby: CoonabarabranLiam Zell: Breelong

Before Sam Barton moved to town, there had been no basketball league in Cobar for at least 10 years, there is now a thriving competition. Sam, a self-confessed basketball maniac from Wollongong, started his teaching career at Cobar High School at the beginning of 2021, teaching science, alongside his wife Rebecca Gray. As well as kicking off his career, Sam has been key to reviving basketball in the town. When asked how he and his wife came to teach at Cobar, Sam told the Western Plains App "It was a combination of things, my wife and I we met and started dating/working in difference science fields in the city and we wanted a different pace and lifestyle. We both wanted to pursue a career that allowed us to do that, teaching was on both of our radars". "A year into doing that, I was looking at the job ads for teachers, we were thinking it would be quite difficult to get a job in the same faculty in the same school and then I found an ad for multiple Science Teachers for Cobar High School," he said."So I rang the principal, told him what we were thinking and wanting to do."We were fortunate that Cobar had lost its Science teachers so we were both able to get a job and came out here, started teaching, even before we graduated", Mr Barton said. "When I arrived in Cobar in 2021, there was no basketball competition, so I decided to start running a really simple basketball comp out of the school hall and it kind of just grew from there, to the 60-70 kids and adults that we have today.".  Cobar Bush Basketball League in action at The Youthie. Image: S. Barton Sam says the League "initially started with whoever showed up, and it grew from there and the high school kids grew from there and were nutty about it.""The main difficulty at the start, because Cobar is a mining town, is one week there was lots of volunteers and then the next week they would be on night shift."As time went on we got a few more volunteers, so in the last 12 months since the Youth Centre has been reopened we have a Under 8's and 8-12 years, girls and boys," he said. Local mum Louise McKervey, told the Western Plains App that she started helping with Cobar Bush Basketball League to show her love for the sport. "I missed playing and wanted my kids to have the chance to play. We have never had a comp in town during the nine years I’ve lived here," she said.The Cobar Youthie has seen interest in basketball soar. IMAGE: Cobar Youth & Community Centre facebook Mrs McKervey and her children helped attract some of the younger children to the league."A few came to start with, then word of mouth spread and we had four full teams with more kids turning up hoping for a place within a month."We also have a good group of volunteers for the juniors, so each team has their own coach and the teens have started stepping up to referee. It is such a great thing for Cobar", Louise said. "The Ladies competition is a bit more informal, there are about 12 or 15 ladies and teenage girls, who play on the court next to the kids on Wednesdays. "The men and teenage boys competition has been moved to Fridays, when there are more 18 to 25 year-olds available and looking for something to do. So we're keen to set up a fun night, with a BBQ", Mr Barton said. Creating the Cobar Bush Basketball League has allowed Sam Barton and his wife get to know their new home. "Basketball helps us to integrate into the community, get to know the families and it's been fantastic. We are really enjoying the lifestyle in Cobar", Sam said.

CASTLEREAGH Cougars held their annual presentation at the Coonamble Bowling Club on Saturday 11 February to cap off the 2022 Women’s Rugby League season which began in September and finished in late November. Since their formation in 2018, the Cougars have welcomed over 100 female footballers to the club across five grades from 12s, 14s, 16s, 18s and Opens (18+).Cougars players are from all over the central and far west, with players travelling for training and games from Coonabarabran, Gilgandra, Coonamble, Cobar, Baradine, Dunedoo, Gulgong, Coolah, Brewarrina, Bourke, Cobar, Warren, Trangie, Narromine, Walgett and Lightning Ridge. “Roughly around sixty people attended the presentation day," said Castlereagh Cougars committee member Samantha Turnbull. "It went really well, with many players being well recognised from their efforts throughout the 2022 season. It was a quick and easy presentation day to finalise the end of what was a great women’s rugby league season.”  According to Ms Turnbull there were many highlights with the Cougars competing strongly against more highly populated areas and pathways beginning to open up for players from around the west to take their rugby league further than has previously been possible. “We have had a very successful season this year, considering we played two competitions within one year. We had three teams make the semi finals, including the Under 12s, Under 18s and the Opens,” Miss Turnbull said. “We have also developed some very talented girls that have been scouted in various teams including Adda Craig (Coonamble) in the Under 16s who has been selected for the Rooster Development Squad and made the WWRL Lisa Fiaola Cup Representative team. "Ashanti Pennell (Baradine) in the Under 18s was successful in gaining selection to the West Tigers Tarsha Gale team. "Missy Karaitana (Gilgandra) in the Under 16s was successful in gaining selection to the Canberra Raiders Tarsha Gale Team. "Tori Canham (Coonamble), Madison Masman (Baradine), Hayley Andrews (Baradine) and Kayla Hasson (Nyngan) were all selected from the Opens team to play in the Western Rams Women’s Representative team,” she said. ABOVE: Under 18s Castlereagh Cougars players. L-R- Olivia Milsom, Shakaye Walker and Alirah Ann. PHOTO: Supplied. Award recipients from the Castlereagh Cougars Presentation Day included:Under 12sThe Under 12s team was coached by Poi Britles. Best & Fairest - Destiny Wright (Coonamble); Players Player - Elara Jenner (Coonabarabran); Best Back- Sophie Johnson (Cobar); Best Forward- Sienna Milsom (Coonabarabran); Coaches Award- Claire Blattman (Coonamble).Under 14sThe Under 14s team was coached by Steve Burgess. Best & Fairest- Hannah Sando (Mendooran); Players Player- Savannah Stewart (Coonabarabran); Best Forward- Zoe Wark (Coonabarabran); Best Back- Britney Andrews (Coonabarabran); Coaches Award- Marlea Moss (Narromine) & Remy Gleeson (Trangie).Under 16sThe Under 16s team was coached by Josh Forgione. Players Player, Best & Fairest & Best Forward- Adda Craig (Coonamble); Best Back- Charlotte Thompson (Coonabarabran); Coaches Award- Anthea Karaves (Coonabarabran); Most Improved- Abby Thompson (Baradine) & Keisha Rusten (Coolah).Under 18sThe Under 18s team was coached by Punchy Milsom.Best & Fairest- Hallie Hogden (Dunedoo); Players Player- Shakaye Walker (Coonamble); Best Back/ Best Forward- Amarlee Vallette (Coonabarabran); Coaches Award- Rani Diggs (Gilgandra).OpensThe Opens team was coached by Channy Burgess.Best & Fairest- Madison Masman (Baradine); Players Player- Georgie Lane (Dunedoo) and Maria Nagy (Baradine); Best Forward- Hayley Andrews (Baradine); Best Back- Tori Canham (Coonamble); Coaches Award- Mikaela Cullen (Coonamble)

The Condobolin Picnic Races, which were scheduled to take place this Saturday 18 February, have been transferred and will now be conducted at Bathurst racecourse.  The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has forecast the temperature to reach 40 degrees in Condobolin on Saturday, prompting the decision to transfer the race meeting to Bathurst where the forecast is for lower temperatures. For the hardworking committee of the Condobolin Picnic Races, this has been a heartbreaking decision to make.  “We are so disappointed,” said Secretary Joy Gibson.  Fortunately, for the trainers and jockeys, a race event at the Bathurst racecourse will ensure they do not miss out.  “Anyone who wants to go down to Bathurst to support the jockeys is more than welcome to,” said Mrs Gibson.  Entry is $10 at the gate in Bathurst on Saturday. While a race meet in Condobolin will be postponed until next year, the equally-as-anticipated Calcutta event is still set to go ahead tonight, Friday February 17.  “We’ve picked a race in Sydney -  the Parramatta Cup - to do the Calcutta on and we’ve still got Tammy Buswell entertaining and there will be food and drinks available to purchase,” said Mrs Gibson.  While the decision has been a disappointing one to make, Mrs Gibson says the committee are looking down the track.  “Hopefully it won’t be as hot next year and we might have a few hot weather plans in place!” She said. Condobolin’s annual Calcutta event will be held from 6:30pm tonight at the race track where free entry, food, live music and lucky door prizes will set the mood for a great night out.  For any race-goers who have pre-purchased tickets to Saturday’s event, Mrs Gibson confirmed that they will be refunded in full next week.    

Holly Campbell spent much of her youth running around her parents 13,000 acre property at Warren. Last week she convincingly took out the NSW Open Women’s 5000metre championships in 16 minutes 53 seconds from an outstanding field of runners. In October 2022, Holly also snared the 3000m NSW title giving her the NSW 3000/5000m double in less than six months. Over the last seven years Holly has shown glimpses of brilliance, but injury has plagued her at times, giving her, and her coach Jeremy Roff, a lot to work around. Her tenacity has won through and Holly continues to notch up success after success, including sometimes stepping outside her lane. Despite 1500m being her speciality, Holly surprised athletic watchers when she mixed it with accomplished 10-kilometre specialists and qualified for selection in the Australian team for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships held in Bathurst this month.Photo courtesy Athletics NSW Living 60 kilometres from Warren the Campbell kids (Holly, Paige, Georgia and Lexie) attended ‘school of the air’ via Dubbo School of Distance education with the help of mum Alison and dad Richard. Learning was by radio and then satellite which meant little face to face time with other kids. Every so often the schools would get together and it was here that Holly found her feet. “I started running in primary school at the Western region small-schools athletics carnival”, said Holly. “It was one of the highlights of the year.” It wasn’t until Holly headed to Sydney for boarding school that her running journey really began. “When I moved from the family farm to Sydney for High School, I had the opportunity to try a lot of different sports but seemed to gravitate towards running,” said Holly. High School provided Holly with many opportunities to hit the track which saw her stack up medals, attend National championships and selection for the State Cross Country Team in her last year of school. “After I finished high school, I started to do much more structured training and improved quickly. I was lucky enough to place second in the Zatopek under-20 3000metre race and not long after I ran a PB of 4.15 for 1500 metres,” she said. “The next few years were very difficult with injuries, but I started to race more consistently again in 2020.”Holly tackles the 2018 Novice XC Championships. Photo courtesy of Sydney University Athletics Club Holly then set her sights on the World Cross Country, after hearing it was to be hosted by Australia and with her coach set to work in earnest. Despite being uncertain about the event, including the high calibre of the other runners and the leap from 1500 metres to 10 kilometres, Holly made the conscious decision to give it a go, in true country kid style, and ran in 5th, securing selection for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships, to the delight of both her and her coach. This latest NSW 5000m title for Holly was validation for the hard work put in. “The 5000m was great, it was meant to be a bit of a tune up for the Cross- Country Championships so the plan was to take it easy for the first few kilometres and then try and pick it up a bit in the second half.” “It ended up being very warm and humid, so it wasn’t pleasant being out there, but I was happy with the effort. Plus, it’s always nice to get a win and a state title,” she said. Keeping it in the family, Paige Campbell, Holly's twin sister, is also an accomplished runner having represented Australia at world-championships in cross country and the 3000 metre steeplechase. Holly, who is 26 and holds a Bachelor of Science (Nutrition and Food Science), is now planning what is next in her running future. “I’m a little bit unsure at this point what will be next, but I am hoping to go after some fast times overseas if I can get my body right," she said."I would like to try and get enough points to put me in the mix to potentially qualify for the world championships or Olympics in the next few years.” “Really though my main goal is to just keep on enjoying my running and enjoy the places it takes me.” Holly is passionate about running, health and fitness and encourages all country kids to keep working towards their running goals and not to be discouraged by distance. “Growing up on a farm is a great foundation for any kind of runner or athlete. I think being able to get outdoors and be active as a young kid is so important,” Holly told Western Plains App. “I think one of the biggest challenges of being from the country is having to afford to live away from home for training etc. I think you could train in the country, but it’s made much more difficult for access to health services and trainers, but where there is a will there’s a way. Never give up.”

By Colin Hodges.Locally trained and owned Turgenev was a popular winner of the feature event, the 1550 metres Mountain View Hotel Tooraweenah Cup on Saturday 4 February at Gilgandra.Raced by a big syndicate including Gilgandra Jockey Club president Jason Tate and trained at the track by Kieren Hazelton, Turgenev had been part of a winning treble for Hazelton and Sydney based jockey Andrew Banks at the New Years Eve meeting.Another great ride by Andrew Banks in the Tooraweenah Cup saw Turgenev ($3.60 to $2.70) away quickly from an outside barrier to take the trail behind the leader Blue Channel.In the straight, Turgenev shot away to win by over four lengths from Northern Borders (Zara Lewis, $91) and Blue Channel (Shayleigh Ingelse, $5.50).During a good day for Gilgandra trainers, Bryan Dixon won the 1000 metres Rohr’s Home Timber & Hardware Benchmark 50 Handicap with rank outsider Stryke ‘Em Onesie ridden by the stable apprentice Zara Lewis.Official starting price for Stryke ‘Em Onesie was $61 however the TAB dividend was $83 and the TAB Fixed odds was $101.Leading for home by a slender margin, Stryke ‘Em Onesie held on gamely to win by a neck from Byzantium (Shayleigh Ingelse, $7)and the fast finishing Starlink (Tony Cavallo, $3.70).Newcastle trainer Andrew MacDonald won a race at Gilgandra last year with Midas Star and obviously enjoyed the visit as he returned on Saturday to land a winning double with Emerald Reach and Jumping Power Two, both being ridden by Clayton Gallagher.Settling fifth in the 1000 metres Aquawest Maiden Handicap, Emerald Reach ($6.50 to $5.50) hit the lead in the straight to win by a length from Charge Away (Serg Lisnyy, $4.60) and London Tycoon (Tony Cavallo, $1.90 favourite).Three year old gelding Jumping Power Two produced a good performance when carrying the 60.5kg top weight and coming from an outside barrier to win the 800 metres Geronimo Farm Equipment Class 1 Handicap.Jumping Power Two ($1.60 to $1.40 favourite) raced outside the leader and responding to powerful riding from Clayton Gallagher, won by a short head from So Extra (Serg Lisnyy, $5) with over two lengths to Mr Bobcat (Will Stanley, $14).Sons of Bourke shines onWith a dislike for rain affected tracks, the nine year old gelding Sons Of Bourke on a good racing surface at Gilgandra returned to form when winning the 1280 metres Freck’s Electrical And Solar Benchmark 50 Handicap.Well ridden by Wellington based apprentice Dylan Stanley, Sons Of Bourke ($13) came from midfield to beat Valadyium (Ken Dunbar, $17) and Punkzy (Andrew Banks, $21).Owned by Mark Spencer, Kurt Dickson, Frank Hollman and Glen Knight (all from Bourke) and now trained at Nyngan by Rodney Robb, Sons Of Bourke has recorded 8 wins and 18 placings from 69 starts and accumulated $185,000 prizemoney.Dubbo trainer Michael Mulholland and Wyong jockey Serg Lisnyy who are proving a successful combination, won the 1280 metres Bendigo Bank Maiden Plate with Rubiland.Finishing fast from near the tail of the 12 horse field, Rubiland ($5) arrived in time to beat Cherry Blue (Tony Cavallo, $5.50) and Outside Edge (James Rogers, $16).Next upCondobolin Picnics and Coonabarabran are scheduled for Saturday 18 February with Mudgee on Sunday 19 featuring the $150,000 Central Districts Qualifier for the Newhaven Park Country Championship Final at Royal Randwick.

By COLIN HODGESPurchased in 2020 for $600, the now 7 year old mare Not Negotiating took prizemoney earnings to over $150,000 when winning the feature race on Friday at Warren.   Trained at Wellington by Peter.W.Stanley, Not Negotiating had Peter’s daughter the Bathurst based apprentice Ashleigh Stanley in the saddle when beating a classy field in the 1400 metres Nutrien Ag Solutions Benchmark 74 Handicap.   Ashleigh Stanley produced an outstanding ride as Not Negotiating was near last turning for home where Larynx, The Long Run and Great Buy were the leaders.   Pushed through narrow openings on the rails by Stanley, Not Negotiating ($10) hit the lead close to home to win by almost a length from Praline (Tony Cavallo, $4.40) and Larynx (Clayton Gallagher, $3.40 favourite).   Off the scene for two and a half years, the 8 year old gelding Listen To The Band made a brilliant return to racing when a runaway winner of the 1000 metres Western Farm Machinery Maiden Handicap at Warren.   At the initial three starts in 2020, Listen To The Band had run second at Wellington and Bathurst and fifth at Mudgee. PHOTO: Warren Jockey Club facebook  Now trained at Dubbo by Clint Lundholm, Listen To The Band had been set for a first up win at Warren and was backed from $6.50 to $3 favourite.   Sent straight to the lead by Jake Pracey-Holmes, Listen To The Band breezed home five lengths clear of Acey (Chelsea Hillier,$8.50) and Lockdown Lad (Kacie Adams,$81).   Bred by the late Jack Cover from Mudgee, Listen To The Band is part owned by his son John Cover who worked for the late Guy Walter the trainer of numerous champion gallopers.   “ I am proud to to have the pale pink and yellow striped colours used by by some of the Guy Walter family”, revealed John Cover.   Completing a double for Clint Lundholm and Jake Pracey-Pracey Holmes, Lady Lucilla ($9) led throughout when beating Zachariah (Will Stanley, $8) and the fast finishing Stone (Tony Cavallo, $21) in the 1200 metres Business DNA Class 1 Handicap.   Talented apprentice Shayleigh Ingelse who recently transferred from the Kris Lees stable at Newcastle to Brett Thompson at Gulgong was quickly off the mark for her new boss when winning the 1200 metres Gold Acres & Sprayer Barn Maiden Plate on Jade Division.   Raced by Rodger and Nerida Atkinson from Yeoval, Jade Division ($11) was nicely positioned midfield by Ingelse and then took control to win by three lengths from Sallista (Tony Cavallo, $4.40) and Divine Entity (Michael Heagney, $5).   Another apprentice riding well is Dubbo based Jake Barrett who overcame a wide barrier on the Brett Robb trained No Debt to lead most of the way when winning the 1000 metres Australian Food & Fibre Benchmark 50 Handicap from Latest News (James Rogers,$21) and Inferno Miss (Kacie Adams, $4.20).   Carrying the orange and black colours of the David Baxter MacQuarie Stud at Wellington, the Garry Lunn, Dubbo trained Allchosen (Brooke Stower, $7) was an all the way winner of the 1600 metres Coopers Farm Gear Class 1 & Maiden Plate from Chowdah ( Billy Cray,$3.10 fav.) and Individualist (Clayton Gallagher, $4).   A powerful ride by Clayton Gallagher saw the Wayne Collison, Narromine trained Planet Ex ($3.40 fav.) come from fourth on the home turn to beat Sin City Belle (Hollie Hull, $4.80) and Aisle Six (Billy Cray, $12) in the 1400 metres MCC Hydraulics Benchmark 50 Handicap.                       ——————————   Coonabarabran Cup on Friday 24 December followed by Wellington ( Boxing Day ), Orange ( December 30 ), Gilgandra ( December 31 ) and Gilgandra Cup ( January 2 ). 

TALLIS McEwen (16), a proud Gulargambone boy, has been selected into the New South Wales under-17s Rugby Sevens team.This selection is just another stepping stone for Tallis, who has gone from playing local footy at the Coonamble Bears as a junior to now playing for the Manly Marlins colts side, and the Balmain Tigers in the Harold Matthews Cup.Not to mention his scholarship at Newington College - the GPS school in Sydney responsible for producing Rabbitohs captain, Cameron Murray, and Wallabies captain, Allan Alaalatoa.The early yearsTallis' journey begins in little old Gulargambone, spending his days playing footy with his mates and having fun - a world away from the bright lights of Sydney and Newington."I started playing footy at the age of five for the Coonamble Bears, because all my family had played for them.""Gular, 2828, is my home - it's extremely important to me and my family."Before long, Tallis found himself in a startup Gulargambone Central School rugby side pioneered by the Regional Development Officer for NSW Rugby, Mark Pitts."We have a few junior teams around Western NSW, and we thought starting one at Gular Central would be the way to go - trying to distinguish Gular as the rugby town was smarter than trying to battle rugby league in Coonamble," said Mr Pitts.When the Gulargambone side first started, there were only nine players, but it didn’t stop them going all the way to the 2018 Primary School State Finals - a testament to the level of talent on offer in small rural communities."It was so great, taking this group of young country kids down to Sydney and they got the opportunity to play at the old Football Stadium," Mr Pitts said."We made the final that year against Lennox Head, and Tallis scored the winning try in front of the Waratahs and Highlanders who played later that day."It didn’t take too long after that for Tallis to be noticed by some of the biggest names in rugby development and catch the attention of Newington College.Tallis McEwen (left) at Newington College.Off to the big smokeOn that same trip Tallis was invited for a tour of the prestigious school - earning himself a scholarship in the process for 2019.Ray McEwen, Tallis' father could not be prouder of his son's efforts."We're just so proud of him, and everything he's done - he saw this path for himself and just took any opportunity that came his way.""We try to get to anything we can, we went out to Ballina, and Forster to watch him play. We and his two sisters just love watching him.""When he went down there we made sure that it was school first, and footy was the reward - and he's really taken that on and surprised himself with how he's going.""We also just have to thank Mark Pitts for all he's done - creating these opportunities for Tallis and for anyone else who follows."Tallis (front row, second from left) and the Under 17s squad. Source: facebookSince going off to Sydney for school Tallis says his footy has grown exponentially."Since moving to Newington and playing high-level footy for them and the Tigers, my knowledge and natural game is getting better.""With all the hard training and the experience of the coaches, they really know how to get the best out of you."This sentiment is echoed by Lachlan Fear, the Director of Rugby at Newington College.“His development has been quite significant – but it’s really just building on top of the talent he already possesses,” Mr Fear said. “He’s such a wonderfully creative and free player; especially in his attacking play – which is suited well to the 7s format.”“There is a responsibility in playing the five-eight or fullback role that he plays, and he’s learnt how to manage the team and the game around him.”Tallis's talents haven't been limited to just union or league either."He's been in first cricket, he's played A's in rugby all the way through and he's also a gun for our athletics team that just came second in the GPS (Athletics Association of Great Public Schools)," said Mr Fear"Basically, just give him a ball of any size and he'll be great."Where to next?For a player like Tallis who's thriving in one of the best rugby programs and a key player for Balmain's Harold Matthews squad, the skies are the limit."I see my footy hopefully taking me professionally, that’s always the dream," says Tallis."Whether that’s in league, union or 7s, I wouldn’t mind as long as I'm up on the big screen representing my family, my town, and putting Gular on the map."Tallis based his game on the styles of two rugby league legends - who showed the same elite attacking flair he possesses."Growing up and watching footy, I based my game around Scotty Prince and Preston Campbell, they were the two players I looked up to and wanted to play like."There was also a comparison made by Lachlan Fear to a certain Wallabies legend."Tallis has a bit of Kurtley Beale about him; he was a free-flowing and creative footballer, always looking for something in nothing, little chips and chases that sort of thing," Mr Fear said."But it's also important to remember Tallis is Tallis; he's a great player and person in his own right and he'll forge his own path."As for the selection into the NSW Sevens, it's a step in the right direction and an opportunity for Tallis to show off the talent on offer out West."Finding out that I got into the NSW under 17s made me really excited, it’s another foot in the right direction," says Tallis."It's also another opportunity for me to prove myself to people that don’t know me and hopefully I'll be able to make a name for myself."

By COLIN HODGESA successful day for western racing on Saturday 10 December as Cobar hosted another 'pop up' race meeting which have become all to common this year.Formerly from America, Kate Petersen made her debut as a jockey on Saturday and won the opening race at Cobar Picnics on Jawsome for local trainer Wayne Prisk.Working for Goulburn trainer Danny Williams for the past 4 years as a a forewoman, Petersen (29) was offered several mounts at the Cobar meeting by Wayne Prisk and her long journey was rewarded when the 10 year old Jawsome came up trumps in the 1000 metres Cynend Building And Construction Handicap.Taking prizemoney earnings to over $100,000 with 8 wins and 19 placings from 91 starts, Jawsome ($2 favourite) travelled in third position before taking control and winning by a length and threequarters from Rebecca’s Quest (John Wilson, $3) and the leader Bizarro (Breanna Bourke, $6).Four year old gelding Celtic Harp had only started 12 times but already had three trainers, Chris Waller and John O’Shea In Sydney and David Vandyke in Queensland before recently joining the Connie Greig stable at Dubbo.First up for Connie Greig, Celtic Harp (John Wilson, $2.80) came from last with a strong, wide run to beat Flying Foxy (Emily Waters, $2 fav.) and the leader Jester Diva (Ricky Blewitt, $8) in the 1000 metres Nutrien Russell Class 1 Handicap at Cobar.Connie Greig won the $50,000 Picnic Championship with Hemsted earlier this year and her quest has started to qualify multiple runners for the 2023 Final.Menindee trained Budget King set the pace in the 1370 metres QUBE Trophy Handicap however the the first two home were from the Connie Greig stable, Inzaghi giving Dubbo jockey John Wilson a winning double when beating Get Up Alby (Breanna Bourke) and the Wayne Prisk trained Equilibrium (Kate Petersen).Narromine based Ricky Blewitt also rode a winning double, Bella Days and Dutton Ranch.Trained at Forbes by Peter Kirby, Bella Days ($1.60 fav.) strolled home over seven lengths clear of More Than Luck (Emily Waters, $3.50) and Rebel Lilly (Kate Petersen, $4) in the 1200 metres Nicholsons At Nymagee Class B Handicap.Visiting trainer Benno Bowen from Cunnamulla, Queensland won with ice Kitten and Dutton Ranch.Ice Kitten (Breanna Bourke, $7) led by five lengths in the 1200 metres Dean King Constructions Maiden Plate and lasted to win by a short neck from Red Card Rosie (Ricky Blewitt, $6).Dubbo based Sebastian Galea riding at his first meeting was a fast finishing third on the $4 chance Her Call.Jackal (Emily Waters, 2.20 fav.) led by six lengths but was run down and beaten a half length by Dutton Ranch (Ricky Blewitt, $2.80) with Outback Pat (Breanna Bourke, $4) third in the 1370 metres PJL Class B Handicap.As was the case on Saturday, the Cobar club has hosted additional pop-up meetings this year to assist the racing industry when other clubs have been forced to abandon meetings due to rain affected tracks.Racing at Warren on Friday followed by Dubbo (Monday 19), Coonabarabran Cup (Friday 23), Wellington (Monday 26), Orange (Friday 30), Gilgandra (Saturday 31),  Gilgandra Cup (Monday 2nd January 2023).

A YOUNG local emerging star of women’s rugby league is forging a pathway to success with her talent and passion for the game.Baradine girl, Ashanti Pennell has been chosen to play in the 2023 Tarsha Gale Cup squad with the Wests Tigers under 19’s women’s rugby league.Ashanti trialled in October for the squad and notified of her selection shortly after. She will commence pre-season training next week in Sydney.“I am very excited and extremely grateful for this amazing opportunity,” Ashanti said. “I want to inspire other young girls from rural areas to work hard and follow their dreams. It doesn't matter where you come from, you can achieve.” 18-year-old Ashanti has just completed Year 12 and already has a heap of representative honours to her name. She started playing rugby aged thirteen and started working her way up the women’s rugby league ladder playing both codes.In 2021, as a member of the Far West Academy of Sport Development Squad, she played with the under 17’s girls Rugby League team. This was followed by selection for the NSW Country Rugby under 18’s team and the NSW All School Girls Rugby 7’s squad. ABOVE: Ashanti in action. (image P.Sherwood).During the past twelve months Ashanti has played with the under 18’s, as well as with the Opens Castlereagh Women's Rugby League teams, league tag for the Baradine Magpies, Rugby for Dubbo Roos Ladies, the NSW Country Rugby under 18s team and the Waratahs under 18’s training squad.Over the years, Ashanti has impressed the coaches with her work ethic, team-first mentality and positive disposition. Her versatility is second to none, being able to cover multiple positions across the field.It’s an exciting time for Wests Tigers as momentum builds around the women’s game.  The club has announced that, for the first time, an all-female coaching staff will take charge of the under 19’s team and Tarsha Gale Cup competitions have already been announced, as preparations begin for the 2023 season.“My aim and dream is to one day play in the National Rugby League Women’s (NRLW) competition and to also play at the highest level in Women's Rugby League,” concluded Ashanti.

By COLIN HODGESWellington based Daniel Stanley was thrilled to land his career first winner as a trainer with Couture then made it a double when Darenay won the following race on Saturday 26 November 2022 at Coonamble.Travelling nicely in fourth position for Dubbo jockey Ken Dunbar when rounding the home turn, Couture ($15) wore down the $2 favourite Owhata Crumpet (Clayton Gallagher) to win by a short neck with Ellis Park (Jake Barrett,$8.50) almost six lengths away third in the 1600 metres Elders Class 2 Handicap.Darenay ridden by apprentice Chelsea Hillier came from near last in the 1300 metres Gray’s Auto Electrical and Coonamble Auto Spares Class 2 Handicap to give Daniel Stanley his double.Inside the final final fifty metres there were several winning chances however Darenay ($10) burst through the pack to win by a long head from Miss Ash Star (Andrew Banks, $10) with the unlucky Stone (Tony Cavallo, $6) a short head away third.Chelsea Hillier had earlier won the 1400 metres Wardi Broking and Paragon Pastoral Maiden Handicap on the Bryan Dixon, Gilgandra trained Sizzling Love ( $20 ) which finished well, on the outside, to gain a three way photo decision over Principal Belle (Jake Pracey-Holmes, $12) and Claude’s Choice (Chelsea Ings, $51). ABOVE: Lynne Waterford, winner Tash Tindall, Michelle Shields with Ivy and Jay Ewers line up for best dressed Christmas outfit. PHOTO Coonamble TimesApprenticed to Clint Lundholm at Dubbo, Hollie Hull had a winning double on the Lundholm trained Yallah Sunrise and Sin City Belle and has now outridden her 4kg allowance.Following a runaway win at Bathurst, the Rodger and Nerida Atkinson owned Yallah Sunrise again outstayed the opposition in the 2000 metres AGnVet Services Benchmark 50 Handicap.Given a good run behind the leaders, Yallah Sunrise ($4.40) won by a length from For Da Boys (Madeline Owen, $6) and Golden Eclipse (Clayton Gallagher, $3.80 favourite ).ABOVE: Stewart Canham with his horse Miss Ash Star after a close finish. PHOTO Coonamble TimesSin City Belle ($16 ) was also ridden in a handy position by Hollie Hull, before hitting the front and holding on to beat Order Of Merit (Andrew Banks, $6.50) and the leader Jewel Of The Clan (Jake Barrett, $14) in the 1100 metres Halcroft & Bennett and Swanny’s Foods Benchmark 50 Handicap.Bred by Rodger and Nerida Atkinson from Yeoval from their former good sprinter Beautiful Dapper, the Brett Thompson, Gulgong trained Smart And Dapper (Mikayla Weir, $3.80) led throughout to win the 1100 metres GNF/Inland Petroleum Maiden Plate by two lengths from Warrior’s Spirit (Jake Barrett, $51) and Yehbut (Clayton Gallagher, $1.80 favourite).