BY JAMIE PARSONS

The Narrandera Lizards have taken away the Proten Cup Knockout for the fourth time, bouncing back after fears the club would fold only weeks ago.

The men’s team only got together for the first time last week, with club officials ringing around to get enough numbers to play.

Coaches Malek Afuamua-Lyons and Barlow Simpson won the shield on their first day as coaches.

In the women’s knockout Barellan were once again far and away the best team of the four clubs who entered women’s sides on the day, going through without a point scored against them with a 16-0 win over Ivanhoe, 30-0 over Rankins Springs and then 34-0 over Ivanhoe again in the final.

Narrandera started off well with a win over hosts Barellan, who were short a few players for the day.

The Rams went down by 4 in that game but bounced back to beat Hillston 12-4.

The Bluebirds had a ton of numbers turn up after a very good pre-season however couldn’t quite get it together on the field, going down 16-0 to Ivanhoe in their first game before their loss to Barellan.

New boys the Deniliquin Blue Heelers turned up with a full squad in a very good sign.

They were soundly beaten in a 32-0 victory for Narrandera in their first game but regrouped for a much better showing in an 18-6 loss to Ivanhoe in their second.

The Ivanhoe Roosters had a successful day with a squad full of returning players.

Despite wins over Hillston and Deni they just couldn’t get there in the final, going down 16-8 to the Lizards.

New coaches Dwayne Evans and Jay Little look to have the Roosters poised to be competitive once again.

Their women’s side also had a decent hit out despite missing several stars.

In probably the best game of the day the Hens got up over the Bluebirds girls 10-6 with a try on the fulltime siren.

In Hillston’s other game they fought out a very tough 0-all draw against the Rankins Springs Dragonettes, with neither side giving an inch.

Round 1 is fast approaching with all teams heading to Ivanhoe on May 24.

Hopefully the Goolgowi and Rankins Springs boys and the Goolgowi and Narrandera girls can get their sides primed in time for their first hit-outs.

Full Knockout Results

Men’s

Narrandera 10-6 Barellan

Ivanhoe 16-0 Hillston

Narrandera 32-0 Deniliquin

Barellan 12-4 Hillston

Ivanhoe 18-6 Deniliquin

Final – Narrandera 16-8 Ivanhoe

Women’s

Barellan 16-0 Ivanhoe

Rankins Springs 0-0 Hillston

Barellan 30-0 Rankins Springs

Ivanhoe 10-6 Hillston

Final – Barellan 34-0 Ivanhoe