By Jamie Parsons 

The Proten Cup heads to Hillston as we enter the second half of the season. The girls are back on board after a general bye, with Deniliquin enjoying the week off for the men’s while the Ivanhoe Hens have their second of three weeks off, with a bye between the two general byes. Barellan will look to wrap up top spot in the women’s against Goolgowi and Ivanhoe, Barellan and Rankins Springs will each be looking to go top of the ladder in the men’s. 

Women’s Games 

Goolgowi v Barellan – 12.00pm

Barellan haven’t played for several weeks but have surely kept up their fitness during the break. The Goolgowi girls had a good win last start v Hillston but the Rams are a different story. Barellan will just about wrap up their third straight minor premiership with a win here. Last match-up was a big 46-0 win to the Rams in Round 2 last year.

Head-to-Head: Barellan 2, Goolgowi 0.

Record at Hillston: Barellan Won 2, Lost 0. Goolgowi Won 0, Lost 3.

Hillston v Rankins Springs – 12.40pm

Despite valiant efforts the Bluebirds girls don’t have a win to their name yet in 2025. This is likely their best opportunity and might be their last to stake a claim for the finals with only a last round game v the Hens to come. The Dragonettes will be without halfback Tiarra Hardwick and will rely on their forwards to get the win here. Their last game was a win to the Dragonettes, 14-4 in Round 6.

Head-to-Head: Rankins Springs 6, Hillston 0, Drew 1.

Record at Hillston: Hillston Won 1, Lost 4. Rankins Springs Won 1, Lost 3.

Men’s Games 

Goolgowi v Narrandera – 1.40pm

Old competition dominants find themselves in unfamiliar territory in 2025, both losing two games so far with Narrandera above Goolgowi on the ladder only due to Goolgowi’s lost 2 competition points. Goolgowi had good performances v Deni & Hillston and will hope a few more show up for them this week. A win here could have them jump back into the top 4. Narrandera had their best performance last week but with a 2 ½ hour trip ahead of them will also be hoping for good numbers.

Head-to-Head: Goolgowi 6, Narrandera 4.

Record at Hillston: Goolgowi Won 5, Lost 3. Narrandera Won 4, Lost 3.

Ivanhoe v Rankins Springs – 2.50pm

The Roosters are top of the table for the first time since 2022 and look the goods so far. Their defence has been very tight only conceding 22 points in three games which if they keep up will undoubtedly be the deciding factor here. The Dragons have plenty of attacking strike and will need to be at their best to get through the Ivanhoe wall. These teams couldn’t be separated last year with draws in both Round 1 and the preliminary final.

Head-to-Head: Rankins Springs 4, Ivanhoe 3, Drew 2.

Record at Hillston: Ivanhoe Won 3, Lost 5. Rankins Springs Won 5, Lost 2, Drew 1.

Hillston v Barellan – 4.00pm

After a big start v Deni, Hillston have crashed back to earth with two close losses in a row. The Bluebirds need a win here to stay in touch with the Top 4. Barellan with a bye to come had all but wrapped up a finals spot and with a win could lock up a home final with only Deniliquin to come. Last time these two played it was a massive 60-6 win for the Rams in Round 1 last year.

Head-to-Head: Barellan 4, Hillston 3.

Record at Hillston: Hillston Won 4, Lost 4. Barellan Won 1, Lost 5, Drew 1.

Deniliquin Blueheelers have the bye.