By THELMA LEONARDTHE Castlereagh Cougars Womens Rugby League teams all travelled to Wellington on the weekend for their final competition round. The sun made for a warm day as the girls took on the Goannas sides.Under 12s The Under 12s started the day off with a very close game, teams scoring try for try throughout and eventually tying the game at 26 all.This result cementing their finals spot, finishing fourth.The girls will travel to Dubbo this Sunday (27 November) to take on the Orange Vipers, contending for a Grand Final appearance the following week.Under 12s Cougars chase down Goannas in a defensively strong game. PHOTO SUPPLIED Bridget Bartlett Photography. Under 14sThe Cougars Under 14s team have had it a little tougher, relying on a few Under 12s players to back up the last few weeks as the girls were short on numbers.They went into their final game of the season and gave it their all, unfortunately the Goannas side proved too strong with a 36-0 scoreline.Under 16s Up next was the Under 16s girls, coming off a great win the week before.The Cougars girls were hoping for a similar result against a tough Goannas side in their final game for the season.That wasn't to be though, the host side convincing winners in the end, 54-12.Adda Craig from Cougars tries to step around a solid defensive Goanna. PHOTO SUPPLIED Bridget Bartlett Photography. Under 18s The Cougars Under 18s team were once again struggling for numbers, something that has disadvantaged them for the whole season. Travelling with just 6 players and the appreciated assistance from the regular 4 Under 16 players who backed up, the girls played 10 players against a full Goannas side.To their credit they didn't give up and was at times down to 9 players.Finishing strong, the Cougars girls scoring the final couple of tries to reduce the Goannas lead, the final score 36-18.The girls finished 3rd overall and will be off to Bathurst this Saturday to take on the Orange Vipers, vying for a Grand Final berth.Under 18s Cougars tackling a member of the Goannas to stay in the game. PHOTO SUPPLIED Bridget Bartlett Photography. OpensFinishing off the day were the Opens sides, providing an entertaining game for the crowd. Our senior girls also travelled light this week with just 2 on the bench and 2 Under 18s girls backing up.The Opens competition has been a very close race, a win would put the Cougars into 2nd place and therefore hosting a semi final round, a loss to the top side would drop the girls to 4th.The game went down to the wire, the visiting Cougars side managing to gain the lead deep in the second half.With just minutes remaining, the girls just needed to hold out the pressuring Goannas side.Unfortunately, they were unable to shut the opposition side down, Goannas crossing with a minute to go and winning by conversion, 26-24.This means the Cougars side will play the Goannas side again in the semi finals game this Saturday (26 November) in Dubbo.With three out of five teams still competing, hopefully we'll have a chance at a Grand Final appearance for our club.

By THELMA LEONARDTHE second last round of the Western Womens Rugby League competition was played on the weekend, with the Castlereagh Cougars travelling to Mudgee to play the Midwest Brumbies sides. With the Brumbies Under 18s side forfeiting prior to the day, only 4 sides had to make the trip.Under 12sThe Under 12s had an exciting start to their game with a confident line up, they were able to inject early into the game, with individuals working on securing the ball and trying their best to play the set out without turning over the ball. A standout power hitter, Elara Jenner, grew more confident in making tackles and resetting at the line ready to stop the Brumbies from breaking the line. Super effort from the girls, who focused more on playing the game and helping the opposition through their ultimate forfeit. They chose to put their hands up to help a rival team play out the second half after some Brumbies girls were injured. Coach, Poi Birtles expressed how proud she was of the girls efforts and sportsmanship shown.Under 14sThe under 14’s girls came up against a well drilled Mudgee team. While Mudgee got out to an early lead, the Cougars girls did well to regain their composure and fight their way back into the game despite the challenging conditions, with the heat. Some tough defence and big runs in the second half saw them finish the game off really strongly despite the final score.The girls are excited to carry that form into the last game of their season this coming weekend against the Goannas. The girls going down this game by just 1 point, 13-12 to the Brumbies.Under 16sThe Under 16’s girls started a little slow this weekend with a few small errors, however, they soon found their feet and came back fighting. With their strong attack, skillful ball movement and brilliant defence the girls managed to get the Brumbies on the back foot. The whole team dug deep in the dying minutes of the game with some outstanding defence on the line, lead by the number 10 Sharna Forgione, to stop any tries and letting the girls come away with the win in a real nail bitter of a game. Congrats to every single one of the girls who all worked for each other and never gave up in the very hot conditions. It was by far the best game the girls have played all season, and hopefully they can keep the momentum going into the final round. Castlereagh Under 16s were the winners with a 20-16 scoreline.OpensThe opens girls, despite being lower on numbers than previous weeks, put in a very strong performance against the Midwest Brumbies. They were very thankful that a couple of under 18’s made the trip to help out despite their game being forfeited. Both girls played very crucial roles in the game and the opens girls were super proud of their efforts. After a few handling errors in the first half, the girls settled into a good rhythm with the ball and took a few risks, trying some new things with big movements of the football that payed off and excited the crowd. The kicking game of Tori Canham was on point which led to a brilliant runaway try from Hannah Towns. A few forwards also crossed the line with some very strong running up the middle of the field. The girls defence was very dominant this weekend, which allowed them to keep possession of the ball throughout most of the game.This certainly helped in the very hot conditions, leading to a very convincing win in the end, with a score of 46-8. Castlereagh will now travel to Wellington where they look to use the momentum of this victory to build a strong platform going into the final round of the regular season against the first placed Goannas.

With wet weather and flooding causing the cancellation of a number of race meetings across western NSW in recent months there was a sense of relief for organisers and racegoers when the QUBE Logistics Cotton Cup went ahead at Warren on Sunday 6 November. Attendees were treated to a warm spring day for what is always a popular meeting at the Randwick of the West, with the track described as being in “outstanding order” by racing commentator Colin Hodges. Dubbo based trainer Brett “Snow” Robb had a very successful day at the eight-race program which included his horse A Magic Zariz taking out the 1400 metres QUBE Logistics Cotton Cup. Bred by Wally Prout of Gilgandra and owned and trained by Robb, the ten year old gelding took his record to 15 wins and 19 placings from 64 starts, earning a total of $350,000 of prizemoney in the process. “This horse ranks as one of the best and most honest gallopers to race in the central and western regions for many years,” Mr Hodges said. Not only did Mr Robb train the winner in the prestigious Cup but also the second and third placegetters Great Buy and All Words, a popular trifecta with the punters. During a memorable day for the trainer, who was recently named 2022 NSW Country Racing Trainer of the Year, he also had wins with Winning Factor and Morgenstern. “Winning Factor (Clayton Gallagher, $2.80 favourite) dashed clear, turning for home and lasting to win the 1400 metres Nutrien Ag Solutions Maiden Plate, from Edith’s Joy (Anna Roper, $4.60) and Camp Cove (Julia Presits, $6),” Mr Hodges said in his racing report. “Since being transferred to the Brett Robb stable Morgenstern has recorded a second placing and four wins from five starts, the latest being in the 1000 metres B & D Brouff Earthmoving Warren Jockey Club Sprint.”Fashions on the Field judge Jess Taylor with runner up Abby Hunt (Warren), winner Sue Barclay (Nyngan) and Ash Evans representing sponsor Nevertire Hotel. Warren IGA was also a sponsor. “First leg of a treble for Clayton Gallagher was the Michael Mulholland, Dubbo trained Wunambal ($2.25 fav.) which raced second to the hometurn and responded to strong riding to beat Merdeka (Julia Presits, $21) by a half head, with Yallah Sunrise (Grant Buckley, $7.50) third in the 1600 metres Richardson & Sinclair/Queensland Cotton Class 2 Handicap.” “Brooklyn Star (Anna Roper, $3.80) raced to the lead before beating Hampton Cove (Jake Pracey-Holmes, $14) and Preemptory (Grant Buckley, $9.5) in the 1000 metres Matt’s Mates Class 3 Handicap.” Sponsors Matt’s Mates wanted to commemorate Warren identity Matt Ceeney, who passed away tragically almost 12 months ago to the day. Continuing with the Colin Hodges race report, “In the 1400 metres Hutcheon & Pearce Benchmark 58 Handicap, Memories (Anna Roper, $2.80 fav.) broke clear but was overhauled and beaten by Hemsted (Julia Presits, $6), with two lengths to the third placed Vital Verse (Grant Buckley, $9).” “Grant Buckley brought the Clint Lundholm, Dubbo trained Obey ($5) from fourth to win the 1000 metres Halcroft & Bennett Benchmark 58 Handicap, from Foxstorm (Julia Presits, $4.80) and Apollo Star (Billy Cray, $9.50).” “Gilgandra based Bryan Dixon prevented a clean sweep by Dubbo trainers when he won the 1000 metres Macquarie Toyota/Cumberland Country Golf Club Maiden Handicap with Flying Foxy,” concluded the racing report. Mr Robb said it was an excellent day’s racing, with trainers, owners and jockeys welcoming the warmer conditions and a good racing surface. “There was good grass cover and the racing was as fair as you will get it at Warren. The club did a great job putting on the meeting.”Warren Jockey Club President Matthew Colwell and Vice President Doug Druce at the Country Racing Conference at Randwick recently. Warren Jockey Club President Matthew Colwell, who heads up a fresh committee was thrilled with how the day played out. “Leading up to the weekend we had so much help from volunteers and committee members, it was fantastic,” Mr Colwell said. “We had great support from our sponsors, and on the day the crowd was up and bar takings were also elevated. This is on the back of our membership more than doubling in the past year.” The warm weather also brought out the spring fashions, with Fashions on the Field judge Jess Taylor saying florals and bright colours were a hallmark of the season. “It’s always fun to see the creativeness and inventiveness that goes into individual looks,” Mrs Taylor said. “It was lovely to see everyone relaxing and enjoying themselves. With the recent weather and ongoing flooding issues, we all certainly needed a day of racing as a welcome diversion.” Sue Barclay (Nyngan) won best dressed lady, with second place going to Abby Hunt (Warren), while Angus McKay (Warren) won best dressed gentleman. Warren Jockey Club will host the Twilight Races on Friday 16 December.

By COLIN HODGESBACK in action after an injury enforced lay off, jockey Andrew Banks was at his best when winning on Epica on Friday at the Coonamble meeting which had been transferred from Moree due to flooding at that town.Formerly from Gulargambone and a successful Sydney based jockey for many years, Andrew Banks is renowned for his powerful riding in a close finish.Trained at Gilgandra by Kieren Hazleton, Epica was midfield to the home turn in the 1400 metres Dad & Dave Turf & Evergreen Turf Maiden Plate.Taking the lead, Epica ($17) was strongly challenged but fought on gamely to win by a short head from Camp Cove (Julia Presits,$15) with Holly Road (Jake Pracey-Holmes,$5) filling third place.Camp Cove, placed 9 times but still winless after 33 starts, backed up the next day at Dubbo and recorded yet another placing when a close second to Shubick.ABOVE: Ron Lynch from Baradine, Shane Horan and Jack Barrett.Making it 3 wins and a second placing from 4 starts since being transferred to Dubbo trainer Brett Robb, Morgenstern (Clayton Gallagher,$2.60 to $2.20 favourite) finished strongly to beat the leader Heredero (Kelsey Lenton,$10) and Larynx (Shayleigh Ingelse,$17) in the 1200 metres Geronimo Farm Equipment Benchmark 66 Handicap.The very much in form Clayton Gallagher had earlier won the 1100 metres Inland Petroleum Class 1 Handicap on the Sue Grills, Tamworth trained Just In Reach ($4 to $2.60 favourite).ABOVE: Dennis Wrigley and Rick Murray try and pick a winner with the best seats at the track!Tamworth stables had a good day with their other winners being Mr Severino (Ben Looker,$3.50) trained by Sue Grills, Shamalie (Ashley Morgan, $3.30) trained by Cameron Crockett and Giftgiver (Chelsea Hillier, $4.20) trained by Cody Morgan.From the Brett Thompson stable at Gulgong, Apollo Star (Mikayla Weir,$5.50) led throughout in the 1100 metres Keady & Nalder Families Maiden Plate while the Connie Greig, Dubbo trained Wonfontein (Julia Presits) as a $31 outsider came from fourth when winning the 1400 metres Nutrien Ag Benchmark 58 Handicap.With so many meetings washed out over recent months in New South Wales, trainers were relieved to have their horses racing on a good track at Coonamble.

AFTER the loss of two local race meetings in as many weeks, the Coonamble Jockey Club have put their hand up to host a 'Rescue Meeting' for horses that were due to race in flood-stricken Moree this weekend.The Coonamble Gold Cup was cancelled less than 24 hours before the gates opened, due to a rogue thunderstorm making a small section of the track too slippery to race.The Gold Cup was then transferred to Dubbo to race last Wednesday 19 October [see story on page 19] and the Country Picnic Racing Championships final was set to be run along with the Coonabarabran Cup on Sunday 23 October.However the Coonabarabran track then fell foul of the weather and, in an effort to keep horses racing, the Coonabarabran Cup was transferred to Coonamble for Sunday 23 October.Again, a rain event on Saturday night stymied those plans and the Coonabarabran Cup was cancelled on Sunday morning.On Monday 24 October Coonamble Jockey Club President Ken Waterford and his committee were approached by officials from Country Racing NSW with a request to host a 'Rescue Meeting' for the huge field of nominations set for Moree this Friday 28 October."They've lost so many race meetings this year and around a dozen of those were picnic races," Mr Waterford said."Basically there's all these horses in training and they just need to be raced."As well as transferring the Moree meeting to Coonamble, NSW Racing have stepped in to schedule to additional race meeting - one in the Northern Tablelands and on in the Southern Districts - in order to accommodate more horses, jockeys and trainers as the peak spring racing season gets underway.The Rescue Meeting in Coonamble will be a TAB 1 event and a second Emergency Meeting will be staged in either Inverell or Armidale to cater for horses in the northern region separated from the Coonamble meeting by closed roads due to flooding.The Country Picnic Racing Championship final, which has to run on a weekend, will be transferred to Dubbo this Saturday.Nominations for the Moree races in Coonamble were re-opened and, as of 8am Tuesday, 179 had been received with two hours to go before nominations close."We've had 33 horses nominated for one race and we can only race 14," Mr Waterford said. "They just want to race, they're all in training and can't get a run."While the local volunteers may be weary, they do recognise the importance of supporting the trainers, jockeys and other stakeholders in country racing.Their workforce will be bolstered by some staff from Sydney, a race secretary from Narromine and Head Curator for NSW Racing, David Hodgson, will arrive on Thursday to help the Jockey Club with the event."If there's no more rain they reckon the track will be a good Grade 5 by Friday, which is perfect," Mr Waterford said."Dave is very good and a great supporter of the Coonamble club."Prizemoney of $30,000 is on offer and the Club have rallied the help of TP Catering with their food and coffee van, Coonamble Bears Rugby League Club barbeque and will also run a bar."You wouldn't get a wetter time and so many committees have worked hard for months only to have their events cancelled," Mr Waterford said."We're very fortunate to have such great backing from our community and local groups and it's a great volunteer committee who can keep standing up and putting this on." 

FORMER Nyngan trainer Brett "Snow" Robb has been named the 2022 NSW Country Racing Trainer of the Year in only the third year of running his own stable. The youngest of Nyngan racing stalwarts Rodney and Wendy Robb’s three children, Snow, 34, moved to Dubbo in 2020 and in only a short time has enjoyed success across western NSW as well as in the city.  At the beginning of this year Robb Racing had a goal to train 45 winners. They ended up with a table-topping 58 and a half, and more than $1 million in prizemoney. Although young, Snow has served a long apprenticeship. Before obtaining his trainers licence, he worked on the railway whilst helping his father in his down time. As Rodney made the decision to scale back his own training workload to spend more time doing other things, Snow gradually took up the reins and the two worked side by side in Nyngan before Snow and his partner, jockey Maddy Wright, set up on their own.   “There’s no doubt I learned a lot working with Dad. The way I trained a horse in Nyngan with him is the same way that I train them here in Dubbo,” he said.   In the short time it's been in Dubbo, the Robb Racing team has gone from strength to strength, winning some significant races including the WRL NSW Country Championship (Great Buy); a TAB Highway Class 3 at Rosehill (Boom Boom Basil) and a NSW Country Picnics Championship with (On A Promise).   “2022 has been a great year for us. Last year we trained 35 winners and at the beginning of this year we wrote a goal on the board to get 45 winners. We ended up with 58 and a half and now the staff have set a new goal to train 65 next year. I’m not sure how that will go but we will give it a crack,” Snow said.  “Everyone gets a real buzz out of it. Last year we were getting a winner on average every three weeks. This year with 58 winners we were averaging a winner a week and you start getting used to it - if we went 10 days without a winner everyone was getting edgy, saying when’s the next winner?”  Robb Racing employs eight people over two sites in Dubbo and has 65 horses on the books, with about half in work at one time. His owners are both local and from further afield.   Former cricketer and Fox Sports commentator Kerry O’Keefe part owns the Robb-trained Gallant Star.  “I’ve followed a lot of Brett Robb’s horses in the bush as they all present at some stage. He’s a very gifted horseman,” O’Keefe said.  It is a sentiment shared by anyone who grew up going to pony club in the 1990’s and the 2000’s when the Robb family was competing in everything from mounted games to show jumping with success.  Later there was time riding and breaking in horses in western Queensland, all of which has helped honed the skills, and the work ethic, needed to succeed in racing.  One downside to the 2022 racing season has been the ongoing wet weather which has forced the re-location or cancellation of many meetings particularly across western NSW.  “It’s frustrating for the owners when they have horses in full training but there isn’t many dry tracks around,” Snow said.  Even with so many horses on the go, Snow still has some sentimental favourites. Current Robb Racing stable star, Dalavin was reared as a foal by his sister Jodi Kilmartin, and broken in by Snow.   Then there’s A Magic Zariz who has been with Snow since his obtained his licence.   “He had this virus and was so sick we thought we’d lose him. I slept in his stable with him at one stage.” 

NINETEEN-YEAR-OLD Nyngan boxer Sonny Knight has been invited to take part in the Indigenous All Stars versus the World boxing tournament to be held over the weekend of November 5 and 6 in Yagoona Sydney. Sonny, 19, is a proud Wiradjuri man who has grown up in Nyngan and trains with local coach and youth worker Troy Richards at The Shed boxing gym. A talented sportsman, Sonny has made many representative junior Rugby League sides and still plays for the Nyngan Tigers - however his attention is now on making it to the professional boxing ranks. Currently he is an amateur and has been focusing on winning a NSW title, and getting as much experience as his can at events such as the All Stars versus The World. The event, presented by Anthony “the Man” Mundine and promoted by King of the Ring Boxing Promotions aims to promote reconciliation. It attracts participants from across Australia and allows up and coming boxers like Sonny to show their talent as well as be a conduit to further awareness of equality and inclusiveness across the country. Sonny’s love for boxing began when he was about 12 and was invited by Troy to come to sessions at the small gym set up behind the Richards family home. “I was playing up a bit at school and kind of got picked up by Troy and invited around to the gym. It’s been a happy place to me. I enjoy boxing and a sport and I’m hoping to make a career out of it,” Sonny said. “I love being fit and feeling good. Even though you are going into the ring and fighting, as soon as the bell rings it’s over and you’re mates. I’ve made some really good mates through the sport.” There’s been plenty of highlights in Sonny’s short career so far including a NSW Country and a NSW Metropolitan title. There’s also been a few losses, which Sonny has taken on the chin and put behind him. “The way I look at it, even though I’ve had a few losses I’ve won in a way.” His first fight was at the age of 14 at the Australian Titles. “Troy was running the event. He put me in my first fight for the experience. I got thrown in the deep end and it didn’t go so well,” he said. Troy injected: “He only lost because he got a bleeding nose and it wouldn’t stop. He’s had that cauterised now and we haven’t had an issue ever since.”Discipline, dedication, sacrifice Sonny takes his training seriously, embracing a “discipline, dedication and sacrifice” mantra that he knows he needs to succeed. His week includes at least three road runs, two nights of sparring and two nights of cross-fit work. His training partner is Troy’s 17-year-old son Will, also a talented youngster. It’s also not unusual for him to travel up to four hours just for a sparring session – which he concedes is one of the drawbacks of choosing an individual sport in a remote location. “City boxers have a choice of sparring partners all the time without travelling but out here you have to be prepared to go big distances sometimes just to train.” When not boxing Sonny works for Nyngan builder James Stanton and has recently completed his carpentry apprenticeship. He also plays rugby league for the Nyngan Tigers displaying a talent which has caught the eye of selectors since his days in the junior ranks and earning him spots in the Western Rams and Group XI sides. Troy believes Sonny is now at a pivotal point in his boxing career, particularly if he wants to head for the professional ranks. “He’s at the pointy end of his boxing career. If he wants to go professional,” Troy said.  “I always said to Sonny his style suits the professional ring more, but right now we are aiming to get his amateur career on track by winning a NSW Title.” “Boxers can fight until they’re 50 or more if they want to be journey men and get busted around, but if Sonny wants to make a career of it, now is his time.” “It takes a lot of dedication to be a boxer. You can get on the piss and you can play footy if you want it but if you’re going to really make it.”

AROUND 250 people took advantage of the beautiful long weekend weather to attend a "pop up" picnic race meeting at Nyngan – one of the few dry tracks in the state's west.Ongoing flooding around western NSW has played havoc with the NSW picnic race circuit in recent months with meetings having to be called off at Enngonia, Louth and Come-by-Chance.When it became obvious the Mungery races near Narromine couldn’t go ahead the long weekend, Racing NSW offered the Nyngan Jockey Club the opportunity to host a “pop up” picnic meeting instead.With only a week to prepare, the Jockey Club and Bogan Shire Council prepared the racecourse, and organised local sponsors for a six race program.Nyngan trainer Rodney Robb said Racing NSW approached Nyngan the weekend prior to the meeting when it became obvious Mungery was unable to host its meeting, and the Come-By-Chance had also just fallen victim to the western floodwaters."It was too good an opportunity to knock back. We were helping out NSW Racing and anything like this is a good for Nyngan," Mr Robb said.Beautiful weather, free entry and a well-stocked bar resulted in a crowd of around 250 people trackside.Professional racing photographer Janian McMillan said the crowd was the largest she had seen at a “pop up” meet.“Usually it’s just trainers, jockeys, officials and a few owners similar to the race meetings held during the COVID-19 lockdowns but this is a big crowd for a picnic meet organised only a week ago,” she said.ABOVE: Nyngan Jockey Club president Denis Thorpe presents the RSL Trophy to Hemsted connections Connie Greig, Julia Presits and Leandro Robeiro.The star of the day was Brazilian-born jockey Leandro Ribeiro who rode a treble including "Hemsted," the winner of the feature race of the day – The Nyngan RSL Open Trophy over 1400 metres.Mr Ribeiro is the leading NSW Picnic Race jockey and together with his partner and fellow jockey Julia Presits, owns Hemsted, a seven year old gelding trained in Dubbo by Connie Greig. The Ribeiro/Greig combination narrowly won the second race of the day as well, when six-year-old gelding Individualist nosed ahead of the Rodney Robb trained "Bella" in the 1100m open handicap.In other results Emily Waters rode the Clint Lundholm-trained "In the Road" to victory in the 900m class B handicap; Ricky Blewitt rode Outback Cod trained by Greg O'Neill to win the 1100m maiden; Leandro Robeiro rode the Bryan Dixon trained "Jackal" to win the 1200m class B handicap; and Willaim Stanley took out the last race, a 1600m class B handicap on Joint Factor, trained by Karen Lunn.ABOVE: Kaleb Jans from Victoria with Clint Ledden and Peter O'Connor from Coonamble.

NYNGAN and Walgett rowers Jack Hargreaves OAM and Jack O'Brien were part of the Australian Men’s Four which won a silver medal at the World Rowing Championships in Racice, in the Czech Republic last week.The Men’s Four of Jack O’Brien (from Walgett) Jack Hargreaves OAM, Spencer Turrin OAM and Alex Purnell OAM were the ones to watch in the A-Final as the reigning Olympic Champions.They set out a fast pace, holding first position through the first 1000m of the race however an increase in speed from the British four pushed them into the second place, ahead of a fast finishing Dutch crew.Speaking after the race Jack Hargreaves said the Great Britain crew had looked strong in the semi finals, and seemed to have rallied “for King Charles”.“Today was a very good race. We got the most out of this and I am really proud of us.”Also competing at the regatta was Emma Fessey from Brewarrina who was a member of the Australian Women's Eight, along with, Georgie Rowe, Giorgia Patten, Ella Bramwell, Eleanor Price, Jacqui Swick, Jean Mitchell and cox Talia Barnett-Hepples.They crossed the line in fifth, ahead of China, matching the result from last year’s Olympics.There was also a strong contingent of supporters from the Western Plains in the Czech Republic for the week. Pete and Jenny Hargreaves from Nyngan, Jane O'Brien from Walgett, and Ed and Jill Fessey from Brewarrina were all on hand to cheer the crews on at what is the most prestigious event on the international rowing calendar.

Ten netball athletes from the Far West Academy of Sport aged 14-16 years old, have returned from a big weekend in Port Macquarie showcasing their talent at the Academy Netball Challenge 2022. The girls selected in the Far West netball squad are from areas including Lake Cargelligo, Trangie, Warren, Gilgandra and Coonabarabran. The Academy Netball Challenge hosted on 24-26 September, encompassed 11 NSW Regional Academies with over 350 athletes, umpires and coaches for a full weekend of netball. Regional academies are located from different areas across the state including the North Coast, Northern Inland, Far West, Hunter, Central Coast, Western Region, Western Sydney, South West Sydney, Illawarra, South East and South Sydney. The competition aims to identify talented netballers whilst offering informative mentoring sessions, workshops and umpire badging opportunities for netball athletes across NSW. The weekend of netball was hosted at the Port Macquarie Indoor Sports Stadium, where the Far West Netball Academy athletes were lucky enough to be scouted and trained by Australian netball legends including Abby McCulloch (Sydney Swifts), Anita Keelan (Pathway Head Coach), Julie Fitzgerald (Giants Coach) and Nadia McDonald (Netball NSW Coach). Far West Academy of Sport, Assistant Netball Coach Adine Hoey, states that the netball squad played exceptionally well over the 3 day academy challenge. "The girls played outstanding over the three day period. They did not win any games. However, they went down by only 3 to the Central Coast and South East Sports Academy teams, which is a huge achievement for a far west squad team that only trains about once every two months," Adine said. Alirah Watton, 17 year old from Coonabarabran received the 'Most Valuable Player' (MVP) award from out of 6 teams within Division 2 at the challenge. "The MVP is picked by the 6 teams and coaches within the division and only awarded to one player." "It was great to see Alirah recognised for her hard work and effort over the competition. The Far West Academy of Sport team are super proud of her!," Adine said. The Academy Challenge also assists young netballers to increase their ball and teamwork skills. The mentoring sessions are focused on creating stronger athlete support systems, umpire, coach and manager development. The Netball Academy Challenge is the last hit out for the Far West Academy of Sport Netball squad this year. Netball selection trials are being held in Warren on the 22 October 2022. 

AS JUNIOR rugby union gains momentum across the region, the first Western Plains Junior side competed in a the NSW Under 12s Country Championships at Coffs Harbour on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September.In the end 21 players from Gulargambone, Trangie, Narromine, Walgett, Baradine, Coonamble, Brewarrina and Warren made the Under 12s side and reached Coffs Harbour, after two players Oscar and Rupert Carter from Bourke had to withdraw due to illness."It was a pretty good introduction for the first ever Western Plains side," said Tooraweenah-based Rugby Development Officer Mark Pitts."They played four games, drew one and lost three, including the elimination game for the top eight."They played in the Plate Final against an experienced New England team and beat them 40 to 5.""That was important," Mr Pitts said. "All those players are from club sides who play 15-a-side every week whereas our guys have never played together."Mr Pitts said there were some great performances across the competition.Tashan Waites (Brewarrina) scored eight tries," he said. "He could have scored more but shared one with Declan Dixon (Gulargambone).""Declan captained the last game and showed a lot of authority. He plays a very good pivotal game," Mr Pitts said."They were down five nil and he set up the first try with a very good kick to put Desh into space. He has a good football brain," he said.He said Jeremiah Thurston (Gular) played a great defensive game in the final match."He made some very important tackles and some good hard running, which he's known for," Mr Pitts said."Ten year old Kleon Reid (Gulargambone) is the baby of the team was amazing, he was fearless bringing down guys twice his size.""Twins Hayne and Hamish O'Hara (Warren) are also ten years old and played well on the wings as they built their confidence among the older opposition.""Jack Landers scored a try," Mr Pitts said. "He's very fast and good at loose ball pickup.""Isabel Macrae (Coonamble) played in the back row as flanker and is one of the best footballers going around," Mr Pitts said."Evie Mathews (Baradine) is too. They get over the ball, and when they need to run they run and are not overwhelmed by being in a predominantly male competition."We are now waiting for the results of the Western Plains team's trip to Forster on 24 and 25 September for the State Sevens Championships where the Western Plains fielded both a Boys and a Girls Under 13s side.Players representing the Western Plains in Coffs Harbour were:1.Dusty Ward – Narromine2.William Heckendorf – Trangie3.Archie Thomas – Warren4.Jack Landers – Coonamble5.Mac Jackson – Warren6.Jakiya French – Brewarrina7.Isobel Macrae – Coonamble8.Shanikah Hunt – Walgett9.Flynn Redden – Narromine10.Matthew Smyth – Narromine11.Evie Mathews – Baradine12.Declan Dixon – Coonamble13.Jerry Thurston – Coonamble14.Kleon Reid – Gular15.Tashahn Waits – Brewarrina16.Paddy Cusack – Narromine17.Spencer Craft – Narromine18.Luis Robertson – Narromine19.Kye Brotherton – Narromine20.Hayne O’Hara – Warren21.Hamish O’Hara – Warren

COONAMBLE Team Penning held their final event for 2022 at Coonamble Showground on 17 & 18 September. "We were extremely lucky to still be able to go ahead with the wet weather," said Secretary Tessa Pennell.  "The Cattle were donated and walked from Scott & Kerrianne Edwards' place into the local sale yards and trucked by John & Kym Jackson to the show ground." Overall, 90 people entered the competition including 36 local competitors and there were 324 runs over the two days. Competition started on Saturday with the Team Penning with the following results: Open Event: 1st Place Garen Pennell, Peter Cormie & Robert Dewson (Coonamble); 2nd - Cath Armstrong (Dubbo), Bri & Jason Mayall (Weethalle); 3rd - Jane Campbell, David Wright (Mooney) & Scott Edwards (Coonamble) Junior Event: 1st place Jack Jones (Coonamble), Isla & Quinn Mayall (Weethalle) 2nd Place - Arian-Grace, Jack & Destiny (Coonamble). Youth Event: 1st - Nevaeh, Alyssa & Hope (Coonamble); 2nd - Makaylah, Stacey & Jaymee-Lee; 3rd- Mia Nalder, Cooper & Sierra Birks (Coonamble).In team penning, a Family Junior event is a three person team where an adult rides with two juniors (ie. under 12 years old). A Family Youth event is where an adult competes with two youth (ie. 12 years and over) The Junior Family Event was won by Abbie, Isla & Kay.  The Youth Family Event: 1st - Tamara, Kiralee & Kate (Trangie); 2nd Tammy, Eden, Jed (Baradine/Coona); 3rd - David, Kiralee & Kate (Trangie) "Saturday's Encouragement award was won by our newest local competitor Alyssa Blackall" said Mrs Pennell. "It was so well deserved, she gave it her all."  Alyssa Blackall took home the Encouragement Award on Day 1 of the final event of 2022. PHOTO supplied.Saturday's Team penning was followed by a Kids & Adults Jackpot Tug-a-Wars. "It was extremely entertaining and brought everyone together after a big day of competition for some fun," Mrs Pennell said. "Scotty Edwards has realised he just isn't as young as he once was!" Sunday was Arena sorting day. Results were as follows:  Open Event: 1st & 2nd - Peter Cormie, Garen & Tessa Pennell (Coonamble); 3rd - Scott Edwards, Jane Campbell & David Wright (Coonamble). Junior Event: 1st - Isla, Quin (Weethalle) & Jack (Coonamble); 2nd - Arian- Grace, Jack, Destiny (Coonamble); 3rd - Arian-Grace, Alyssa & Mikayla (Coonamble). Youth Event: 1st & 2nd - Makaylah, Stacey & Jaymee-Lee; 3rd - Mia Nalder, Cooper & Sierra Birks (Coonamble).  Junior Family event: 1st - Mikayla Jackson, Carolyn & Jack Jones (Coonamble); 2nd - Abbie, Kenzi & Ken Skinner (Trangie); 3rd- Quin Mayall, Kenzi & Ken Skinner (Trangie).Carolyn and Jack Jones and Mikayla Jackson, won the Junior Family Event on Sunday at the Team Penning. PHOTO supplied. Youth Family event: 1st Place - Hope, Betty & Zandra (Coonamble); 2nd & 3rd Place - Tamara, Kirralee & Kate Brown (Trangie). On Sunday Coonamble riders scooped the pool with the Encouragement Awards won by Jamie Peacock, Paige Eaton and Nevaeh Becker. The sport of team penning continues to rise in popularity and each event draws together families and riders spanning all age groups. "Each event is getting stronger and we are gaining more and more local riders which is great," Mrs Pennell said. "The local Lions Club Catered for our competitors over the weekend and they always do a great job."  

By COLIN HODGES.A very excited young jockey was Hollie Hull when she rode her career first winning double, on Sunday 18 September at Cobar.Hollie is apprenticed to trainer Clint Lundholm and both her winners, Sin City Belle and Mega Celebration, are from the Lundholm stable at Dubbo.Sin City Belle ( $3.60 ) led the field in the 1000 metres Sullivans Hardware Maiden Plate and held on to beat the heavily supported Queensland trained Hardness ( Steven Galvin, $1.70 favourite ) by a length with Sallista ( Ashleigh Stanley,$3 ).Mega Celebration ( $4 ) raced midfield and although travelling wide was ridden out nicely by Hollie Hull to win the 1200 metres Nutrien Russell Class 1 Handicap from Linden Tree ( Ashleigh Stanley,$7 ) and Individualist ( Jake Barrett,$2.60 ).Dubbo trainer Connie Greig continued her great run of success at Cobar and other western area meetings when landing a double with Brooklyn Star and Gossip.Jake Barrett gained a lovely run through the pack on Brooklyn Star ( $2.90 ) to account for Gunnerside ( $6 ) and Lenroy ( Zara Castellaz-Faico,$4.40 ) in the 1000 metres Cynend Building & Construction Benchmark 50 Handicap.The favourite Kooky Kangaroo ( $2.80 ) lost the rider Steven Galvin when the saddle slipped mid race.Galvin, from Queensland, had stitches to laceration but appeared to have escaped serious injury.Dubbo based apprentice Jake Barrett produced another outstanding ride when coming from last on Gossip ( $2.20 favourite ) to win the 1375 metres DJW & Wells Ventilation Benchmark 50 Handicap from Cosmic King ( Chelsea Ings,$7 ) and Get Up Alby ( Ashleigh Stanley,$8 ).Michael Mulholland provided the other leg of a Jake Barrett treble when Sassy Diamond ( $3.60 ) tracked the duelling leaders then raced to a four lengths win over Cubic ( Chelsea Ings,$2.70 ) and Leopardwood ( Hollie Hull,$1.80 fav.) in the 1370 metres Westrac Maiden Plate.Completing a clean sweep by apprentice jockeys and Dubbo based trainers, the Michael Mulholland trained Golden Eclipse ridden by Ashleigh Stanley from Bathurst won the 1700 metres Broughton Field Services Benchmark 50 Handicap.Backing up from an unplaced run at Dubbo on Thursday, Golden Eclipse ( $2.20 ) raced in a handy position before winning from Merdeka ( Jake Barrett,$1.80 fav.) and Quick Spin ( Ken Dunbar,$5 ).A large number of race meetings have been abandoned in the region due to rain affected tracks and at very short notice Cobar Miners Race Club organised and staged the meeting on Sunday for the overall good of racing.Owners, trainers, jockeys and others involved were very appreciative of Cobar hosting the meeting.

By BRYSON LUFFThe Cobar Roosters claimed the Christie and Hood Castlereagh League first grade premiership with a thrilling victory in the grand final played at Gilgandra on Saturday 17 September.In what was a sensational finale to the 2022 season, with mere seconds remaining on the clock, the Roosters captain coach and lock, Loma Atuah, took the ball from the back of a scrum that was packed deep in Gilgandra territory and set himself on an arcing run down the blind side, just managing to force his way over in the corner to edge the Roosters ahead 28 to 26, sending the army of Rooster Boosters positioned in that area delirious!This was a game to be savoured, with the lead changing several times and the scores being locked twice, including 12 all at half time, and whilst the Roosters got the silverware the Panthers lost no fans, as they gave it their all throughout the highly entertaining affair with both sides scoring five tries each in front of a large and vocal crowd.With 13 minutes remaining in the match the Panthers were looking as if they might be able to go on with it after they had reeled in a six-point deficit, following a converted try to the Roosters five minutes after the break, and having run in three unanswered tries they held an all-important eight-point lead with the scoreboard reading 26 to 18 in their favour.That eight-point lead was short-lived however, and the Roosters responded with a converted try with nine minutes remaining, and it was very much a case of game on with just two points separating the two teams.Those final nine minutes were as intense and gripping as it gets, and it was not until Atuah’s last gasp effort that the premiership was decided!Roosters captain coach and last-minute try-scorer Loma Atuah with the Castlereagh Cup. PHOTO: S BashamIn the earlier games the Narromine Jets reserve grade side secured their club’s first Castlereagh League premiership when they defeated the Binnaway Bombshells 28 to 16 whilst in league tag the Baradine Magpies continued their dominant run in that grade when they took out an engaging match against the Narromine Jets 28 to 20.Victorious in reserve grade - the Narromine Jets. PHOTO: S Basham.The day also saw Castlereagh League Life Memberships deservedly bestowed upon Wayne Burgess (Coolah) and Joe Bellgardt (Coonamble) for their invaluable contribution to Castlereagh Rugby League over a long period of time.Tori Canham from Coonamble was named as the Castlereagh League Tag Player of the Year, this being the fifth time that she has been so recognised, and hard working Gilgandra front rower Anthony Harris’s consistent high quality performances throughout the season saw him receive the Castlereagh League Player of the Year AwardLeaguetag Player of the Year, Coonamble's Tori Canham with Bryson Luff. PHOTO: S Basham Christie and Hood Castlereagh League 2022 Grand Final Scores League TagBaradine Magpies 28 (Zali Hyde, Maria Nagy, Kira Gardiner, Anna Arndell, Holly Woodham tries, Nagy 4 goals) defeated Narromine Jets 20 (Emily Edwards, Abbie Mitchell, Jacana Powell, Bradey Leach tries, Lily Spackman 2 goals) Player of the Grand Final: Madison Masman (Baradine) Castlereagh League Tag Player of the Year: Tori Canham (Coonamble)The Baradine Magpies relish their grand final win. PHOTO: S Basham Rugby League Reserve Grade Narromine Jets 28 (Isaac Thompson 2, Luke Harding, Alex Gordon, Jack Powell tries, Powell 4 goals) defeated Binnaway Bombshells 16 (Connor Ticknell, Dane Anastasis, Harry May tries, Shawn Kidd 2 goals)Half Time; Narromine 12, Binnaway 6 Player of the Grand Final: Ryan Richardson (Narromine) First Grade Cobar Roosters 28 (Loma Atuah 2, Tim Hillam, Gerald Mackay, Tom Plater tries, Plater 3, James Neyland goals) defeated Gilgandra Panthers 26 (David Smith 2, George Alchin, Anthony Harris, Cameron Bamblett tries, Smith 3 goals)Half Time; 12 all Player of the Grand Final: Ashley Hazelton (Gilgandra) Castlereagh League Player of the Year: Anthony Harris (Gilgandra)

By BRYSON LUFFFor the Narromine Jets Saturday the 10th September 2022 was a momentous day!Playing on their home turf, the Jets had all three teams jousting for a berth in the Christie and Hood Castlereagh League grand finals and things were most certainly on the up at the completion of the League Tag fixture when it was a case of two up and one to go with their reserve grade and league tag sides winning against Gilgandra and Dunedoo respectively and booking their spots in the season finale at Gilgandra next Saturday.Those wins came prior to a presentation of the NSWRL 2022 Community Club of the Year award to the Narromine Club.The presentation of that major award was immediately followed by another deserved recognition of the club’s high level of involvement it has with its local community and the support that it gives to that community when it was awarded the extremely prestigious National Rugby League’s 2022 Community Club award.With the cutting and consumption of the celebration cake put on hold until after the on-field action had finished for the day, it perhaps tasted somewhat bittersweet because the Jet’s first grade side failed to make it a red and white trifecta on grand final day when they went down to the Cobar Roosters.The day opened with the home club registering a big win against an ill-disciplined Gilgandra Panthers outfit in the reserve grade fixture before their league tag side won an entertaining and hard fought affair against the Dunedoo Swannettes.The Jets had got themselves out to a 10 to 4 lead by half time, but the Swannettes responded soon after the break with a converted try to lock it up 10 all early in the second half.That score did not change until a penalty goal to the Jets with seven minutes to go broke the deadlock to make it 12 to 10, but the game was still in the balance, and the result only being decided with a minute remaining when the home side was able to score a try to make it 16 to 10 to earn a shot at premiership glory next Saturday when they will take on the Baradine Magpies.The Jets and Swannettes battled it out in the leaguetage. PHOTO: Peter Sherwood.The first-grade game between the Jets and the Cobar Roosters saw the scores locked up at 12 all at half time with the two teams scoring two tries each, all of them by forwards from close range which was indicative of how the game was played in the opening stanza.The second half saw a bit more ball movement and in that area it was the Roosters that proved to be superior, particularly in the latter stages of the game with their hard running fullback Ash Davies grabbing a double in the Roosters 32 to 18 victory.Cobar now enters their first Castlereagh League first grade grand final, and whilst they will be short on grand final experience the same cannot be said about their opponents next Saturday, the Gilgandra Panthers.In a remarkable record, Gilgandra have earned the right to host their sixth consecutive grand final, and although not all of their players have played in one or more of those five preceding grand finals, a lot of them have and this could well have an influence on the final result.In their meetings so far this year the Roosters scored a big 34 to 14 win at Cobar in the opening round whilst the Panthers just got home 28 to 26 in Gilgandra in round 11.Perhaps a gauge of their more recent form might be that in the past weeks both teams have had to defeat the Narromine Jets at Narromine to gain entry into the grand final, the Panthers winning the major semi 32 to 28 and the Roosters taking the preliminary final 32 to 18.Spectators are urged to allow extra time to gain entry to McGrane Oval for the grand finals as vehicles and bags will be inspected for glass and alcohol being bought into the ground.Christie and Hood Castlereagh League Preliminary Final Scores.Played at Cale Oval, Narromine Saturday 10 September. League Tag Narromine 16 (Lily Spackman, Jacana Powell, Kelsea Phillips tries, Spackman 2 goals) defeated Dunedoo 10 (Hallie Hogden, Mia Gallagher tries, Hogden goal) Rugby League Reserve Grade Narromine 38 (Isaac Thompson 2, Luke Harding, Jordan Fleming, Mitch Rixon, Ryan Richardson tries, Jack Powell 7 goals) defeated Gilgandra 10 (Peter Knight, Jarrod Fuller tries, Shane Ritchie goal) First Grade Cobar 32 (Ash Davies 2, James Neyland, Tom Plater, Sione Fakahua, Loma Atuah tries, Plater 4 goals) defeated Narromine 18 (Tyler Beer 2, Ryan Wheeler tries, Janus Walford 3 goals) Grand Finals at Gilgandra Saturday 17th September. First game (reserve grade) at 11.30am. Reserve Grade: Binnaway Bombshells V Narromine JetsLeague Tag: Baradine Magpies V Narromine JetsFirst Grade: Gilgandra Panthers V Cobar Roosters STRICTLY NO GLASS OR ALCOHOL TO BE TAKEN INTO GROUND.Police and security will be in attendance and vehicles/bags etc searched Admission;Adults $10.00Pensioners; $5.00Under 16 free.

Unfortunately, with more rain pending the revised plans for Enngonia have been revisited and the entire event has been cancelled since this article was prepared. Our apologies for any confusion.The Club has advised that they plan to be back 'bigger and better than ever' in 2023.The Enngonia races, like so many race meetings in the area recently, have been called off due to wet weather.First, Brewarrina succumbed to the torrents of La Nina, then Louth, and now finally Enngonia, who was set to host their first race meeting in two years on Saturday 17 September.Enngonia Race Club Secretary, Will Ridge, expressed his regret but said they will still host an event on the 17th of September, although with fewer horses.“We have had an unbelievable season,” he said, “but we have had to call the races off due to the track being underwater."“Our curator, Buck, always does an exceptional job, but this year it is just way too wet; we have been looking at it and looking at it, and every time we had a working bee, it would rain again, which is a great problem to have out here, but when you are trying to race horses, it is a bit difficult. So, the decision that the committee and the race club have made was disappointing, but there was nothing we could do."“Not having the event for the past couple of years due to COVID, and now again this year due to rain affects our local economy and small businesses," he said.Way too wet for horses and with more rain forecast the Enngonia Race Club have made the call to cancel and pivot so an event will still be held.“So it is a bit sad, but we are still going ahead with an event, and we are going to call it, ‘The Enngonia Races Ladies Day’, and we will have yabbie races and a BBQ lunch to have a bit of a community get together, so anyone is welcome to come along."Starting at 1 pm at the Enngonia racetrack, the club are encouraging ladies and guys to come along, dress up as if they were going to the races, get together and have some family fun.“I think that people are pretty eager to get together, seeing that Louth, Brewarrina and now Enngonia have all been called off, so this is an opportunity to get together, have a beer, and catch up,” Will Ridge said.“It was turning out to be a great day; the sponsors have been unbelievable, and I’d like to thank them all."“I suppose the other person who needs to be thanked is my father, Bill Ridge, who has been president of the club all these years, and after the last two race meetings not happening, and due to personal reasons, he decided to step aside and let Callum Robinson take it on, who is doing a great job.”Anyone who wants more information on the Ladies’ Day event can call Will Ridge on 0417 747 593

By COLIN HODGESWell informed punters had substantial collects from wagers when the Cowra trained galloper Young Heart landed a betting plunge on Tuesday 6 September at the Gilgandra meeting transferred from Wellington.Gilgandra has now this year hosted 5 meetings transferred from other venues due to waterlogged tracks.Usually these transfers have been at short notice and a huge credit to the Gilgandra Jockey Club committee for getting organised so quickly for the overall good of country racing.Dubbo jockey Ken Dunbar with a well judged ride in the Benchmark 66 Handicap on the Michael Lynch trained Young Heart gradually made ground from near the back of the field to be ready to challenge when heads turned for home.Backed from $18 to $5, Young Heart swept down the outside to win by two lengths from another Cowra galloper Deshawn (Jake Barrett,$2.40 favourite) with a half neck to Makuba (Zara Lewis,$5).From the Barry Wall stable, the highly consistent Deshawn ran another top race following a last start win at Bathurst.Gilgandra Jockey Club has taking on the title of most-hosted meetings for 2022.Another heavily supported winner was the Andrew Macdonald, Newcastle trained Midas Star in the 800 Maiden Plate.Midas Star (Clayton Gallagher,$7.50 In to $2.90 favourite) set the pace and lasted to win from Nacho Nacho Man (Qin Yong,$5) and Yorker (Tony Cavallo,$11).Punters again lined up to collect when Silica Sand (Clayton Gallagher,$6.50 in to $3.70 favourite) trained at Newcastle by Dale Wagstaff, came from fourth on the home turn to score in a three way photo finish from the Bryan Dixon, Gilgandra trained Vivalicious (Zara Lewis,$31) and Chilean Express (Damon Budler,$4.50) in the 1100 metres Maiden Handicap.Before the break through win, Silica Sand had recorded 10 placings from 28 starts.A well-maintained and almost-weatherproof track makes Gilgandra a haven for forced transfers.Making it three wins for Clayton Gallagher and Newcastle trainers, the Todd Howlett trained Lady Audrey ($2.20 fav.) hit the front in the straight and clung on for a close win over Golden Eclipse ( Tony Cavallo,$5.50) and Hemsted (Julia Presits,$4.40) in the 1600 metres Benchmark 58 Handicap.Dubbo based apprentice Jake Barrett however managed to get home ahead of Clayton Gallagher by a narrow margin in the 1280 metres Country Boosted Maiden Plate.The Paul Theobald, Bathurst trained Power Bank (Jake Barrett,$2.30 fav.) reached the lead and was able to hold off Sistine Queen ( Clayton Gallagher,$3.50 ) by a nose with a long neck to Crystal Beanz (Teaghan Martin,$3.90).Rylstone trainer Bob Howe is a master at keeping veteran gallopers racing in good form and after the ten year old Northern Conqueror won at the previous Gilgandra meeting the eight year old Petain (Tony Cavallo,$8.50) on Tuesday won the 1400 metres Country boosted Benchmark 58 Handicap.Mature age apprentice Damon Budler who outrode his country allowance (80 wins), at Queanbeyan earlier in the week, led all the way on the Allan McCrae, Yass trained Bold Offa ($3.60) to win the 800 metres Class 3 Handicap at Gilgandra.

The Flamin Galahs and their merry flock of supporters winged their way to Walgett for the Western Plains Women’s Rugby Grand Final on Saturday 3 September.The Flamin Galahs were dealt a blow in the week leading up when two of their most experienced players had to withdraw due to prior personal commitments. The Flamin Galahs took this on the chin and Coach Mills readjusted the game plan and the team was confident of a good showing.The weather may have been an omen of things to come as the Flamin Galah’s made their way to Walgett. The weather became bleaker and more inclement as the bus approached its destination. By MERILYN KING, Gulargambone Rugby Club.The Flamin Galahs got off the team bus to icy cold wet conditions more suitable to the Antarctic then that of Walgett. Coach Mills got the ladies warmed up and ready for action. The first quarter started similar to last week with the Walgett ladies putting a try on the board in the first 30 seconds. In the sixth minute Walgett were over again and the score was 2-0. The ladies got into the match and settled. It was not long after Paige Wilson put the Flamin Galahs on the board with a try. The score at quarter time was 2-1.The second quarter was a grind with not an inch being given by either team. No tries were scored and at half time the score line remained 2-1. The change of ends saw the Walgett team make good use of the windy conditions to their backs and kept the Flamin Galahs pinned down in their quarter. The Flamin Galah’s repelled attack after attack from the Walgett ladies. The Walgett coach had the luxury of eight reserves to the Flamin Galah’s four and the fuel tank for the ladies was starting to get low after a long final’s series. Near the end of the third quarter the Walgett ladies scored and the score at three quarter time was 3-1.The fourth quarter showed why the Walgett ladies’ team had been the most dominate team this year in the competition. As fatigue set in for the Flamin Galahs the Walgett ladies put the sword to the throat of the Flamin Galahs. With a series of smart quickplays up the left-hand side the Walgett ladies rolled in four tries to a tiring but resilient Flamin Galahs side. The final score at fulltime was 7-1. Walgett Rugby Club's victorious ladies team at the 2022 Grand Final. PHOTO: Walgett Rugby Club.The Walgett ladies thoroughly deserved the win and played a very clever game. The score line was not indicative of the closeness of the match for the majority of the time. The Flamin Galahs need to hold their heads up high and be proud of what they have achieved this season. The Flamin Galahs never gave up on Saturday and the referee and officials commended the Flamin Galahs on their effort and sportsmanship shown on the day. The Flamin Galahs of 2022 have become a very close-knit group and their comradery, effort and antics are going to leave memories and stories that will stay with these ladies for a lifetime. A big thank you goes to Coach Mills and Assistant Coaches Greg King and Gus Patrick for all their hard work this year in steering this wonderful group of ladies. Thank you also goes out to the supporters who travelled over the finals series to support the team. The Flamin Galahs - proud runners-up. PHOTO Walgett Rugby Club.This year’s season and success will put the Flamin Galahs in good stead for next season. The ladies will remember that this defeat is nothing but an education and is the first step to something better. That something better will begin next year when the Flamin Galahs 2023 edition are unleashed. The grand final team for 2022 was Caitlynn King, Abbie Mills, Katherine Owens, Tahnee Carr, Alex Beveridge, Ellie Peart, Tegan Watt, Makaila Gordon, Paige Wilson, Lauren Henry and Sarah Chandler

By BRYSON LUFFThe Gilgandra Panthers secured the rights to host the 2022 Christie and Hood Castlereagh League grand final when they managed to hold off a fast finishing Narromine Jets outfit in the major semi final played at Narromine last Saturday.The Panthers prevailed in what was an a tense finish to an entertaining and hard fought encounter where the scoreboard read 20 to 16 at half time .The visitors stretched that lead out to 32 to 16 mid way through the second half before the Jets surged back with two converted tries, the last one being with just three minutes remaining on the clock.In a grandstand finish that had the crowd on the edge of their seats Gilgandra came away with a 32 to 28 victory and the home grand advantage come grand final day.Joining them at Tony Mc’Grane Oval in Gilgandra on Saturday 17 September will be the Binnaway Bombshells reserve grade side who blasted the Narromine Jets off the park with an emphatic 46 to 4 win, as will the Baradine Magpies league tag side that managed a 12 to 8 victory over the Dunedoo Swannettes in another high standard and enthralling game between the two clubs.On Sunday the focus shifted to Cobar’s Tom Knight Oval for the minor semi finals which opened with a highly entertaining reserve grade fixture between Gilgandra and Gulgong.The Panthers seemed to have it all sewn up when they held a 20 points to 6 lead in the second half but two converted tries to the Terriers in the space of three minutes at the back end of the second half set up a gripping finale to the game which saw Gilgandra just get home 20 to 18.Equally as gripping was the league tag game between Narromine and Coonamble with the Jets seemingly in control at half time leading 16 to 4.The half time break did the Bearettes no harm because at the 15 minute mark of the second half they had somehow scored three tries, one converted and they lead 18 to 16.The Jets did respond with a converted try with 8 minutes remaining on the clock and the held on to their 22 to 18 lead to book their spot in the preliminary final against Dunedoo next Saturday.In first grade the Cobar Roosters came up against the Gulgong Terriers and whilst they came away with a seemingly comfortable 33 to 14 win they were well and truly given a run for their money by a Terrier outfit that was somewhat underdone in terms of match fitness due to a number of byes in the lead up to the game.The Roosters lead 23 to 8 halfway through the second half, but the tenacious Terriers did not go away and it was only two tries in the final 5 minutes to home side that saw them get home 33 to 14.The Roosters’ win keeps their premiership hops alive and they will now face off against the Narromine Jets in Narromine next Saturday, with the winner to face Gilgandra the following Saturday in the grand final.It will be a huge “do or die” day for the Jets as they will be playing for a grand final berth in all three grades being up against Gilgandra in reserve grade, the Dunedoo Swannettes in league tag and Cobar in first grade. Narromine V Gil in major semiMajor semi finals played at Narromine Saturday 3rd September. League TagBaradine 12 (Madison Masman 2 tries, Maria Nagy 2 goals) defeated Dunedoo 8 (Georgia Lane, Alexis Gallagher tries)Rugby LeagueReserve GradeBinnaway 46 (Connor Ticknell 4, Cody Whitty 2, Shannon Doole 2, Harrison May tries, Shawn Kidd 5 goals) defeated Narromine 4 (Jack Powell try)First GradeGilgandra 32 (David Smith 2, George Alchin, Ash Hazelton, Anthony Harris, Hayden Smith tries, David Smith 4 goals) defeated Narromine 28 (Luke Thompson 2, Washie Itoya, Doug Potter, Tyler Beer tries, Janus Walford 4 goals). Minor semi finals played at Cobar Sunday 4th SeptemberLeague TagNarromine 22 (Beth Clarke 2, Lily Spackman, Jacana Powell tries, Spackman 3 goals) defeated Coonamble 18 ( Hope Fernando, Shakaye Walker, Jessica Solomon, Erin Tym tries, Walker goal.Rugby LeagueReserve GradeGilgandra 20 (Mitch Bamblett 2, Kaleb Sutherland, Ivan Smith tries, Shane Ritchie, Alex Sutherland goals) defeated Gulgong 18 (Zane Wisbey, Cooper Furney, Nick Hardy tries, Wisbey 3 goals)First GradeCobar 33 (Loma Atuah 2, Jack Brown, Gerald Mackay, Tom Plater, Jed Noonan tries, Plater 3, David Watson goals) defeated Gulgong 14 (Mitch McWhirter, Toby O’Leary, Duncan O’Leary tries, Brad James goal)Preliminary Final next Saturday 10 Sept at Cale Oval, Narromine, with first game to kick off at 11.45am (reserve grade) Reserve Grade; Narromine V GilgandraLeague Tag; Dunedoo V NarromineFirst Grade; Narromine V Cobar