The Hay Lions Football Netball Club will make a significant transition from the Golden Rivers Football Netball League (GRFNL) to the Central Murray Football Netball League (CMFNL) from the 2026 season.AFL Central Victoria confirmed the move follows a decision by the Central Rivers Board to progress with the proposed transfers of four clubs - Hay, Moulamein, Murrabit, and Wandella - into the Central Murray Football Netball League from the 2026 season, in line with AFL Victoria State Transfer Regulations.The Lions' move comes as part of the Northern Futures Project (NFP), an extensive review designed to address declining participation and operational challenges across both leagues. Following consultation with clubs from both leagues, the NFP Steering Committee presented eight key recommendations, including concluding and celebrating the GRFNL in 2025, recognising its historic contribution to the region.The restructure represents one of the most significant changes to regional football and netball in decades, with the Golden Rivers Football Netball League having operated since 1919, originally as the Kerang and District Football Association until 1944, before being re-established as the Kerang and District Football League in 1946."We thank everyone who has been involved in supporting the future of our club and community sport," the Hay Lions stated in their announcement. "We look forward to joining the Central Murray FNL and embracing this exciting new chapter for our players, members, and supporters."The Central Murray Football Netball League has a rich history, formed as the Mid-Murray Football League in 1946 as local football resumed after World War II. Nyah won the inaugural premiership, defeating Woorinen in a three-team competition that also included Lake Boga.The league experienced significant growth in 1997 when the Northern and Echuca Football League folded and its remaining clubs merged to form three new clubs and joined the MMFL. To reflect the larger geographical area the league now covered, the MMFL was renamed the Central Murray Football League.Should the transfers be approved by AFL Victoria and the Region Council, the Central Rivers Board will develop minimum criteria for all clubs, both existing and transferring, to ensure they are positioned to compete strongly and sustainably.A reporting process will be implemented requiring clubs to provide retention and recruitment data to demonstrate readiness for the 2026 season, with the Board continuing to work closely with clubs to provide guidance and support throughout the transition.The decision reflects broader challenges facing regional football, with the NFP recommendations encouraging clubs to explore sustainable futures through transfers to appropriate leagues and amalgamation opportunities with neighbouring clubs.The move marks the end of the Hay Lions' long association with the Golden Rivers competition, which will conclude operations in 2025. The league changed its name from the Kerang and District Football League to the Golden Rivers Football League in 1998 at the direction of the Victorian Country Football League to better reflect its expansion beyond the immediate Kerang area.The Central Rivers Board confirmed that the Central Murray Football Netball League name and branding will be retained at this stage, providing continuity for the expanded competition.

Sports funding available - act fastMember for Parkes Jamie Chaffey MP has shared a grant opportunity for local sporting groups."Sporting clubs and organisations in the Parkes electorate have the opportunity to apply for up to $5,000 worth of sports equipment through the Swysh Future Stars grant," Mr Chaffey said."The grant is for sporting clubs with members aged 20 or younger, and is designed to make sport more affordable and accessible for young Australians, easing the financial pressure on families."Applications close this Sunday 31 August, so I encourage all eligible clubs to apply now! For more information, visit the Australian Sports Foundation

The Proten Cup Presentation Night was held on Saturday at the Griffith Leagues Club. Barellan’s Noah Forbutt was awarded the Player of the Year award, coming first in the 3-2-1 votes conducted every week in the regular season. It is the second best and fairest award Forbutt has won, first winning in his debut year in 2021. Barellan has now won four player of the year awards, with Ben Evans in 2018 and Oswald Herrmann in 2024 winning as well.In the women’s competition Tilly Heath from Rankins Springs took out the Player of the Year, capping a remarkable rise after debuting last year and winning the Rookie of the Year award. Other award winners include Noah Forbutt and Adam Thomas as Coaches of the Year for leading Barellan to the premiership, and Jed Webster as women’s coach of the year for his first year in charge of Hillston’s girls team. Full Winners:Women’sPlayer of the Year – Tilly Heath (Rankins Springs)Coach of the Year – Jed Webster (Hillston)Best Back – Shailyn Williams (Ivanhoe)Best Forward – Brooke Streat (Rankins Springs)Most Improved – Falesiu Chauncy-Moli (Ivanhoe)Rookies of the Year – Melanie Hedditch (Rankins Springs), Brenda McKinnon (Goolgowi) & Aimee McGuckin (Ivanhoe)Top Tryscorers – Sophia Kelsey (Barellan) & Sophie Taylor (Barellan)Top Pointscorer – Monique Higgins (Barellan)Team of the Year – Tilly Heath, Shailyn Williams, Brooke Streat, Falesiu Chauncy-Moli, Sophie Taylor (Barellan), Melissa Nilsen (Hillston), Nicola Blight-McKeon (Hillston), Amber Clarke-Baldock (Hillston), McKenzie Dowell (Goolgowi), Aimee McGuckin (Ivanhoe) Men’sPlayer of the Year – Noah Forbutt (Barellan)Coaches of the Year – Noah Forbutt & Adam Thomas (Barellan)Best Back – Billy Vearing (Rankins Springs)Best Forward – Drew Hinkley (Deniliquin)Most Improved – Joshua Johnston (Rankins Springs) & Robert Clark Jr (Ivanhoe)Rookie of the Year – Ratu Ketewai (Hillston)Top Tryscorer – Noah Forbutt (Barellan)Top Pointscorer – Noah Forbutt (Barellan)Team of the Year –Fullback – Henry Taylor (Goolgowi)Wing – Tale Delai (Hillston)Centre – Billy Vearing (Rankins Springs)Five-eighth – Brayden Davis (Hillston)Halfback – Damian Walker (Rankins Springs)Prop – Drew Hinkley (Deniliquin)Hooker – Noah Forbutt (Barellan)Second Row – Thomas Lyons (Narrandera)Lock – Malek Afuamua-Lyons (Narrandera) Outside of the players, female referee Savera Tunavasa was awarded the Match Official of the Year, and Deniliquin President Kurt Longford was awarded the Club Official of the Year for his role in bringing back the Deniliquin Blue Heelers to rugby league.GEOFF HALE AND JAMIE PARSONS INDUCTED AS LIFE MEMBERS For the first time since it’s foundation, the Proten Cup Committee decided to award life memberships to two of its volunteers who have exemplified the competition’s community spirit. Goolgowi’s Geoff Hale and Rankins Springs’ Jamie Parsons were the two who began the idea of reforming Group 17 in late 2017. Geoff first talked about the idea at Yenda’s Mad Monday, where Jamie and Geoff’s son Billy played for the Blueheelers. Geoff continued with the idea and sent emails to Rankins Springs, Hillston and Barellan about forming a small pub comp to have footy back in our communities.With a few meetings later the idea was brought to the CRL and a later meeting with David Skinner and Group 20 at Goolgowi let to the Western Riverina Community Cup forming, with Proten soon coming on board as major sponsor.Jamie became secretary of the first committee, with Geoff acting as treasurer. Over the next months they were the major drivers in setting up the competition, including the incorporation, the draw, the bank account, the jerseys, the social media and promotion, the safeplay rules and the relationship with Group 20. Their two teams met in the Grand Final that year, with Geoff Goolgowi’s president and Jamie as Rankins Springs’ vice-president and captain/co-coach on the field. Jamie continued in the secretary role until 2022, also serving as treasurer in 2021 & 2022. Geoff stayed on the board until 2020 and then returned in 2022, taking over Jamie’s secretary/treasurer role for the 2023 season. Both still serve on the board today, with Geoff a director and Jamie publicity officer. Geoff and Jamie have both served seven years on the Proten Cup board, with Geoff also Treasurer for three years and Secretary for one year, and Jamie four years as Secretary, three years as Treasurer and the past two years as Publicity Officer. Both have won Carrathool Shire’s Citizen of the Year largely for their roles in the football community, Geoff in 2018 and Jamie in 2023. Geoff has also been recognised as NSWRL’s Volunteer of the Year for the Riverina Region in 2022.Geoff was inducted as the Western Riverina Community Cup’s first life member, and Jamie was inducted as it’s second on Saturday night. Unfortunately Geoff couldn’t be there due to prior commitments, with Jamie speaking about the competition’s foundation and all the good it has brought to the communities involved over the past eight years.Images: ProTen Community Cup

Hay books a home game final after win over Leeton, forfeits mar the end of the season and DPC Roosters continue good form.TLU Sharks was unable to field a reserve grade team for their trip to Griffith to meet Waratah Tigers, while West Wyalong had one of their worst rounds in living memory.Against Griffith Black & Whites they suffered two losses in the under 18s and league tag matches, and forfeited the first grade game.At Hay Park the Magpies rolled Leeton in both first grade and reserves, ensuring them a home ground first final in two weeks.For the first time since joining Group 20 Hay has all four senior grades taking part in upcoming finals.Darlington Point's good form continued into round 17, when they accounts for hosts Yanco by 34 points.Results:Hay v LeetonLeague Tag - Leeton 36 d Hay 0Reserves - Hay 30 d Leeton 20First Grade - Hay 28 d Leeton 18Black and Whites v West WyalongU18s - B&W 38 d WW 4League Tag - B&W 36 d WW 0First Grade - WW forfeitedWaratahs v TLUU18s - TLU ForfeitedLeague Tag - Waratahs 12 d TLU 8Reserves - TLU forfeitedFirst Grade - Waratahs 50 d TLU 20Yanco v DPCLeague Tag - DPC 16 d Yanco 0Reserves - Yanco 6 d DPC 0First Grade - DPC 40 d Yanco 6

The Hay Magpies have all but sealed a place in the Group 20 finals for the first time since 2016 following their come-from-behind 22-20 win over the Griffith Waratah Tigers at the Exies Oval on Saturday.Trailing 16-0 at half time after an Isaiah Nauer hat-trick, the Magpies clawed back the deficit in the second stanza to secure a remarkable win over the Tigers, who have fallen to three straight losses after an 11-game undefeated start to the year. Hay coach Chris Stewart said that despite trailing by three scores against one of the competition heavyweights, his side remained remarkably calm at half time.“We were down 16 nil at half time, but we ran into a really strong breeze, so I wasn't too concerned at half time, knowing that we'd obviously have that breeze at our back for the second half,” he said.“We clawed one back to make it 16-6, and then we got a second one, and made it 16-12.”However, their comeback took a turn when they were reduced to 12 men after Jeremaia Nakete was sent from the field by the referee for a cannonball tackle.“Tahs scored one to make it 20-12, and then that's when the mayhem sort of started to unfold,” Stewart said.“We had big Jerry sent off for a cannonball tackle, which looked a lot worse than what it probably was. “I think just because he's such a big guy and sort of diving in to wrap the legs up to complete the tackle it looked bad.  “Then Waratahs had a bloke sent off for a spear tackle, which had us at 12 on 12 for the last 10 minutes.”However, when Kynan Headon crashed over to score for the Magpies, the belief grew even stronger, before Shaun Aylett crossed for the matchwinner in the dying stages to seal an unbelievable victory.“We broke through to score one try, and big Shaun Aylett crashed over with three minutes to go, Ben Taylor converted, and we hung on from there,” he said.“It was a frantic finish, but yeah, it was a really good win for the boys.”The first grade side’s win capped a great day for the Hay club, who took out the Reserve Grade and League Tag games earlier in the day to sweep the traditional powerhouse Waratahs on their home ground for the first time.However, what made the wins even more incredible was the “chaotic” 24 hours the Magpies had leading into the game according to their coach.“We had a bit of a disruptive night on Friday,” Stewart said. “We had sort of a light run before the game, and we were looking like being at full strength for the first time all year, [but] then we came out of training with a couple of knocks, to Hugh Crichton and Brad Pocock, so they both missed the game. “Then we had a couple go down in reserve grade that we're going to back up, so it was a bit of a disrupted preparation.”After a period of adversity through the middle of the year, the Magpies have had a renaissance of sorts in the back end of the regular season to sew up a likely finals berth, a turnaround that Stewart said started with some tough conversations.“We sat down and had a really good chat at the halfway point of the year, after we lost to Darlington Point the second time,” he said.“We had a look and we haven't lost a game by any more than 10 points all year, but we just kept losing those close games, and we realised that it all came down to our discipline. “We'd been losing those games by 10 or less and giving away double the amount of penalties as the opposition, that was really killing us. “So we worked really hard on trying to clean up our discipline because we knew if we could come out of games with an even penalty count or close to, we were pretty confident we could win a lot of those close games. “We've really gotten on top of that the last few weeks and it showed with our results.” As for what a potential home final would mean to the community, Stewart said it would be an “unreal” occasion.“We always draw a big crowd no matter how we're going, but the crowds this year have been really big,” he said.“Even when we played the Point at the start of the year, there were people struggling to get a car spot to come and watch us and that was just for round one. “They're really behind us and they really are looking forward to it and they deserve it.“We're on the outside a bit [in town], a small fish in the big pond essentially in Group 20, but it's good to have a bit of success for them, and having a team full of local blokes that have come back has made a big difference to that as well.”Looking at other results across round 16, the Leeton Greenies continued their winning streak against local rivals Yanco-Wamoon with a 32-16 win at the Leeton No.1 Oval on Saturday.Winger Jesse Watson scored another try double as the Greenies ran in six four-pointers to the Hawks three to move five points clear of Yanco and Hay in third position.The loss meanwhile leaves Yanco potentially needing to win against both top two sides in DPC and Waratahs to maintain their spot in the five.Tullibigeal-Lakes United exacted revenge on West Wyalong for their derby win earlier this season, powering their way to a 72-10 win at Tullibigeal on Sunday.The subject of a feature article in the Spectator two weeks ago, five-eighth Jaden Kelly starred for the Sharks with a five-try haul, while centre Bryce Fisher scored four of his own in the 13 tries to two domination.Finally, Griffith Black and Whites bagged a crucial two points with a 30-18 victory in their showdown with Yenda at Solar Mad Stadium on Sunday.The win sees the Griffith club move to 16 points, two ahead of Yenda and one behind both Hay and fifth-placed Yanco-Wamoon with two rounds to play.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant. Peter HIGGINS who is 47 years of age, is wanted by virtue of an outstanding warrant for domestic violence offences. HIGGINS is known to frequent the Griffith area. Police have advised members of the public not to approach the man if seen, but to call Triple Zero (000) immediately. Anyone who may have information on HIGGINS’ whereabouts is urged to call Griffith Police Station on (02) 6969 4299 or Crime stoppers on 1800 333 000

Massive mauling by Sharks, Leeton claims the annual Fiumara Cup in the local derby, Hay side swipes WaratahsHay Magpies pulled of two nail-biting wins over Griffith Waratahs at the Exies oval on Saturday, snatching wins from the ladder leaders, in a clean sweep over their hosts.In the annual Fiumara Cup, also played on Sunday, Leeton posted three decisive wins over Yanco Wamoon Hawks to claim the Cup.ResultsGriffith Waratahs v Hay Magpies at Exies Oval, GriffithLeague Tag - Hay 22 defeated Waratahs 10Reserves - Hay 24 defeated Waratahs 20First Grade - Hay 22 defeated Waratahs 20Leeton Greens v Yanco Wamoon Hawks at Leeton SportsgroundLeague Tag - Leeton 46 defeated Yanco 0Reserves - Leeton 13 defeated Yanco 8First Grade - Leeton 32 defeated Yanco 16Griffith Black & Whites v Yenda Blueheelers at Solar Mad StadiumLeague Tag - Black & Whites 48 defeated Yenda 8Reserves - Yenda 28 defeated Black & Whites 4First Grade - Black & Whites 28 defeated Yenda 18TLU Sharks v West Wyalong Mallee Men at Lake Cargelligo SportsgroundLeague Tag - West Wyalong 24 defeated TLU Sharks 12First Grade - TLU 72 defeated West Wyalong 10Darlington Point Coleambally had the bye.

Cutters defeated Wagga Agricultural College six tries to two on Saturday in their final game of regular season rugby union in Wagga.BY TOM LILBURNEThe victory sets up a crucial finals clash against undefeated Wagga City for either a bye or grand final spot.Although WAC sat just outside the top four for finals, the young agricultural students were determined to finish their season strongly at home.Rupert Lilburne, who rested his injured hamstring, coached the boys from the sideline while father Ed Lilburne remains on leave along with assistant coach Matt Ireson.Cutters dominated the opening, greedily keeping the ball out of the Aggies' hands.The ball moved down the field well and opening points were scored by forward Hugo Fraser.Another try was added by winger Sam O'Rafferty.The Aggies hit back and scored a try out on the wing as they beat the Cutters defence, which enraged coach Rupert.The half concluded with two more tries from Cutters through Mason Brown and Will Nadin.Nadin also stepped up to handle conversions with 'golden boot' Harry Agar absent.At halftime, Cutters led four tries to one.When both teams returned for the second half, the pattern remained similar to the first. Good football from Cutters was interrupted by unforced errors.Trivial penalties kept WAC optimistic about staying in the contest.Will Nadin kept the ball flowing from the forwards into the backs, sending it crashing through the hard-hitting lines of Andrew Garvey and James Harrison.Nadin was first to score in the second half, carrying the forwards deep into WAC territory and deservingly earning a try. WAC responded with a try of their own, again overlapping the Cutters backs.The final try came when Andrew Garvey made a long break down the field and was unlucky not to score himself, with Hugo Fraser finishing off the movement.Going into finals, Cutters will face their rival Wagga City for either a bye and Grand Final spot or a semi-final game against Tumut or the Waratahs.The team are confident they can turn the tide against the undefeated City team and look to execute the perfect game plan, with the Cutters' best side on the field for finals football.

West Wyalong Mallee Chicks have continued their strong run of form with a dominating win over the Hay Magpies league tag side at Ron Crowe Oval on Sunday. The victory stamps the Mallee Chicks' as a real contender in the Group 20 competition.Despite Hay scoring first, the match was a masterclass in attack from the Mallee Chicks, playing out a 58 to 4 victory. Ultimately, the Mallee Chicks' attacking prowess ultimately proved too much.Try scorers for the winning West Wyalong side included doubles from Caitlin Kelly, Ava Lemon and Olivia Downey, with Janae Downey, Bree Franklin, and Kady Amarandt also finding their way across the line. Bree Franklin kicked nine of the ten conversion goals to rack up an outstanding 22 personal points.The victory showcased the Mallee Chicks' consistently strong season. They came into this game after a string of impressive wins, placing them firmly in the top two of the Group 20 league tag ladder, with three rounds of the regular season left to play.This weekend the Mallee Chicks meet TLU Sharks lakeside at Lake Cargelligo, and will be feeling understandably confident as they head into round 16.Group 20 League Tag Ladder (as of Round 15)Leeton Galloping Greens (26 points)West Wyalong Mallee Chicks (26 points)Griffith Black & Whites (25 points)Hay Magpies (22 points)TLU Sharks (16 points)DPC Roosters (13 points)Griffith Waratah Tigers (10 points)Yenda Blueheelers (6 points)Yanco Wamoon Hawks (4 points)

DPC Roosters swapped the lead with Griffith Waratahs, before claiming the first grade win, as Hay puts the Mallee Men to the sword with a mercy rule shortened game.Results:DPC Roosters v Griffith Waratahs at Darlington Point SportsgroundFirst grade: DPC 32 defeated Waratahs 26Reserve grade: Waratahs 18 defeated DPC 10League tag: DPC 10 defeated Waratahs 8Leeton Greens v TLU Sharks at Leeton SportsgroundFirst Grade: Leeton 52 defeated TLU Sharks 16Reserve grade: Leeton 38 defeated TLU Sharks 12League tag: Leeton 16 defeated TLU Sharks 0West Wyalong Malleemen v Hay Magpies at Ron Crowe Oval, West WyalongFirst grade: Hay 66 defeated West Wyalong 6League Tag: West Wyalong 58 defeated Hay 4Yenda Blueheelers v Yanco Hawks at Wade Park, YendaFirst Grade: Yanco Hawks 28 defeated Yenda Blueheelers 22Reserve Grade: Yenda 22 defeated Yanco 12League tag: Yenda 22 defeated Yanco 12Griffith Black & Whites had the bye

Hay Lions Football and Netball Club are preparing their run to the finals series, in what is likely to be the final season of the Golden Rivers League.After Ultima Roos applied to move into the Central Murray League (CML), it now appears that the remaining sides of Hay Lions, Murrabit, Wandella and Moulamein will also move into CML.They will join neighbours Balranald Roos into the much larger competition featuring Woorinen, Mallee Eagles, Cohuna, Nyan Nyah West, Koondrook, Tooley Manang, Lake Boga, Kerang, Tyntynder and Swan Hill.It is believed the 2026 season will see all teams play each other, before splitting into two divisions in season 2027.

Barellan Rams have claimed both 2025 ProTen premierships, after the grand final, held in Hillston yesterday.Above: 2025 ProTen Premiers Barellan Rams. Image: ProTenThe wins cement the Rams as the premier team in the competition, after clinching both the minor premierships at the end of the regular season.The Rams Noah Forbutt took out both top try-scorer and top point-scorer for the season, in the men’s comp.The Rams also dominated the stats in the women’s competition - Sophie Kelsey and Sophie Taylor shared the top try-scorer award and Monique Higgins the top point-scorer, thanks to her unbeatable boot.At Hillston’s Stan Peters Oval, Barellan met Ivanhoe Roosters in both grand final games.Barellan’s women’s squad went through the season on an undefeated winning streak, to wrap up their third straight premiership, with a commanding win.Ivanhoe was unable to break through the Rams determined defence, posting two points for the game, from a penalty goal.Barellan built on a 10-2 scoreline at half-time to pile on the points, and secure the premiership.Player of the Match Sophie Kelsey was instrumental in the win, posting three tries.Final score:BARELLAN 26 (Tries: Sophia Kelsey 3, Aime Fazekas, Sophie Taylor. Goals: Monique Higgins 3)IVANHOE 2 (Shailyn Williams goal)In the opening stanza it looked like Barellan was going to score an easy win over Ivanhoe in the men’s grand final.Barellan’s Luke Farmer scored the first try, followed by tries to Gary Baddick and Adam Thomas, to go into the half-time break with a 16 to nil leadFor the Rams Noah Forbutt scored after the restart, but the Roosters proved they were not done.With 20 minutes game time remaining, the Roosters faced a 22 to nil scoreline, before buckling down for a late comeback.Ivanhoe ran in four late tries - including a double to Shaun Aylett - to raise the hopes of Roosters fans.Barellan managed to hold against the onslaught to take a narrow two-point win at the final siren, with Mesu Navakayla taking home the best on ground honours.Final score:BARELLAN 22 (Tries: Luke Farmer, Gary Baddick, Adam Thomas, Noah Forbutt. Goals: Noah Forbutt 3)IVANHOE 20 (Tries: Shaun Aylett 2, Jake Whyman, Jermaine Dixon. Goals: Tarelle Jones 2)

BY JAMIE PARSONSWith the elimination of last year's Grand Finalists Narrandera and Rankins Springs in recent weeks, the Proten Cup will see a new premier crowned in it's men's competition with Barellan and Ivanhoe playing out the Grand Final. The competition has seen three premiers in it's seven-season history, with inaugural premiers Rankins Springs winning the trophy three times, in 2018, 2021 & 2024, while four-time Grand Finalist Narrandera Lizards has won twice, back-to-back in 2022-23. Goolgowi has the other lone premiership, winning in 2019 while no competition was played during the covid-affected 2020.Barellan enjoyed their most successful season in the competition thus far, winning five games and losing just the one, to Grand Final opponents Ivanhoe in Round 3. The Rams had some tough years in the competition, winning two wooden spoons in 2019 and 2023 when they didn't win a game, but through the hard work of their volunteers and a good young squad that has kept together they have improved to win the minor premiership this year. In 2023, young local Noah Forbutt returned to the club to co-coach at only 20 years of age, along with experienced campaigner Adam Thomas who has played every year for the Rams since 2018. A last-placed finish in 2023 wasn't without it's bright spots, unveiling new young talents. 2024 was much improved, with a promising season cut short by Ivanhoe in the minor-semi final that went to golden point. Now in their third year in charge they have taken the Rams to a minor premiership and a Grand Final, their first since 2004. With hardworking volunteers supporting both on the field and off, president Adam Evans along with Jimmy McDermott and Reece Wilson have the club running superbly, with their efforts rewarded seeing both women's and men's teams top the table this season. Not only that, but they all run on the field every week too, with the competition largely kept alive by the large amount of players also serving as committee members in each of it's seven clubs.The Rams return to the top calls back their glory days at the turn of the century, where they made six Grand Finals between 1998 and 2004, winning three premierships in 1999, 2002 & 2003. Included in those years were two Clayton Cups awarded as the best performed team in country NSW. Barellan have also won Group 17 Premierships in 1973, 74, 76, 78, 81 & 84.On the other end of the field, the Ivanhoe Roosters have recent grand final experience but are yet to lift the trophy for a First Grade premiership in either Group 17 or the Proten Cup. Ivanhoe have been a dominant force in the last four years of the competition, making three Grand Finals and a preliminary final. Ivanhoe live at the furthest north-west corner of the comp, with their shortest away trip an hour-and-a-half's drive to Hillston and that's if the road isn't closed due to rain. Their longest trips are nearly four hours to Barellan and Narrandera, and in a competition where each team gets one home game and five away games, their competitiveness has been remarkable. Ivanhoe reformed in 2018 largely off the back of president Mark Huntly's work, a mainstay of the competition both in a volunteer role and as a player. Huntly, now 40 years old (and claiming to be retiring), has to be given a lot of the credit for Ivanhoe's continued success as a club. Ivanhoe have also contributed to the running of the competition despite the travel, with club members Josh Robertson and Heather McGinty serving on the competition executive in past years, and current President and Treasurer Brad Lawrence and Kendy Lawrence taking over the positions this season.On the field Ivanhoe have been called the most luckless club in NSW, despite their winning form they have seen only a Group 17 Reserve Grade title back in 1976, going down in deciders in 1959, 1987 and 2022-23. Ivanhoe finished minor premiers in 2022 only to go down to the Narrandera Lizards in both the major semi and the Grand Final, and backed it up in 2023 coming from fourth to set up a rematch with the Lizards. They were down to 12 men after a send-off just before halftime, and 11 at one point with a sin bin, and still kept the scores level to go to extra time. The Lizards prevailed in extra time, but there was no respect lost for Ivanhoe from Proten Cup supporters. In 2024 they again finished fourth only to be denied another shot at a Grand Final by a drawn preliminary, finishing 16-all with Rankins Springs after golden point and the Dragons going through due to finishing higher on the ladder.Both clubs can't be said to only focus on their boys, with both women's teams in the Grand Final as well. Barellan and Ivanhoe have battled out the 2023 & 2024 Grand Finals, with the Rams winning both times. Ivanhoe is the only team to have beaten Barellan since the Rams joined the women's competition in 2023, winning the major semi last year 14-12. Barellan have a record of 21 wins and 1 loss since forming a side, but if anyone can beat them on their day it is the Ivanhoe Hens side, who recently accounted for Rankins Springs 36-0 in the prelim final.2025 Proten Cup Grand Final Schedule, Hosted at Stan Peters Oval, Hillston 1.30pm - ProTen Cup Women's Grand Final - Barellan v Ivanhoe 3.00pm - ProTen Cup Men's Grand Final - Barellan v Ivanhoe

 By Jamie Parsons After seven years of the ProTen Cup, the grand final has come full circle, with Hillston hosting for the second time since the inaugural 2018 year. Women’s Grand Final – Barellan v IvanhoeIvanhoe will be hoping third time’s the charm, getting another shot at the two-time Barellan Rams premiers. Despite going down 24-6 in the major semi, the Hens showed what they are capable of in both attack and defence last week. Both teams have about equal trips ahead of them, as long as the roads are open by Saturday. Although Barellan will start favourites, the result is far from certain, if Ivanhoe can field the same squad they did last week. Previous grand final match-ups:2021 – Goolgowi 20-6 Rankins Springs2022 – Narrandera 16-0 Goolgowi2023 – Barellan 16-14 Ivanhoe2024 – Barellan 26-6 IvanhoeMen’s Grand Final – Barellan v Ivanhoe, 3.00pmAfter a fantastic season by both teams, the odds are even here and it’s very hard to separate these two teams, given the seasons they have had. Barellan and Ivanhoe have met twice this season, with Ivanhoe taking the regular season game 22-12, while Barellan stole the major semi-final in the dying moments 18-16. Ivanhoe have many players who have been in a grand final before, making both the 2022 and 2023 deciders, while Barellan face their first big one since 2004. Looking at records going back 60-odd years, this is also the first grand final meeting between the two clubs, and is the first Proten Cup grand final to not feature either Rankins Springs or Narrandera. Both teams will be relying on their respective captains to lead them to glory. Barellan’s Noah Forbutt is a consistent star of the competition, top try scorer and point scorer this year and together with co-coach Adam Thomas, has led the Rams from last in 2023 to a finals spot in 2024 and now a grand final this year. Ivanhoe’s Ethan Harris has continued to improve since starting with the Roosters in 2019 and is now one of the most damaging ball runners in the competition, and a big reason for Ivanhoe’s three grand final appearances. Previous Grand Finals:2018 – Rankins Springs 16-10 Goolgowi2019 – Goolgowi 22-6 Narrandera2021 – Rankins Springs 10-8 Goolgowi2022 – Narrandera 20-14 Ivanhoe2023 – Narrandera 20-14 Ivanhoe2024 – Rankins Springs 20-18 NarranderaGrand final day scheduleThe women’s game will kick off at 1.30pm at Stan Peter’s Oval Hillston, followed by their presentation, with the men’s game to follow at 3.00pm. Gates will open at 11.00am with the entry being $5 (cash only). The Hillston club will be having raffles, a jersey auction and a 100 club, along with a charity fundraiser for the Black Dog Institute (please check their Facebook page for further information. 

By Jamie ParsonsAfter a hectic week in the Proten Community Cup, Ivanhoe came out the end of it with a win, to reach their third Proten Cup Grand Final, following on from 2022 and 2023 appearances.In the women’s game, the Ivanhoe Hens played the preliminary final with home ground advantage for the first time, and it didn’t take long for it to take effect. After rain on Friday night the Rankins Springs bus once again had to go the long way around to get to the Sahara Oval, with Mossgiel and Booligal roads closed. Ivanhoe had a full bench compared to the Dragonettes’ three reserves, and scored early after a Rankins Springs mistake off the kick-off. Fullback Aimee McGuckin scored two tries, including a long range one from a kick return. The Hens controlled the game in the second half, taking out the preliminary final 36-0, with last year’s player of the year Bobbi Goolagong also grabbing a double. Rankins Springs now bow out after another improved season, making the prelim final after being knocked out at the minor semi stage last year, and finishing last in 2023. Ivanhoe will now face their third straight Grand Final against the Barellan Rams.The Rankins Springs Dragons men’s side shaped up after they were given two days-notice for a preliminary final in Ivanhoe, after thinking their season was over the previous Saturday. With some players already facing other commitments, the Dragons managed to get seventeen together, including the great Raymond Lamont, and some brave boys backing up despite minor injuries. Despite missing key players Billy Vearing, Salesi Mahe and Billy Overall and losing Jason Cronin to a groin injury after five minutes, the Dragons put in one of their best halves of the season to keep the home side level at 6-all at halftime. Ivanhoe took a while to get into the game, with several mistakes early in the wet weather.Ivanhoe started much better in the second half, and scored early through Phillip Hunter. Several strong runs by Shaun Aylett let to another try to Tyrone Johnson, with Aylett himself going over not long after to wrap up the game. A couple more niggling injuries left the Dragons with no replacements. Hooker Thomas Judd, backrower Harry Judd and lock Ben Maslin played full games in the middle, and usual bench hooker Jamie Parsons filled in for 45 minutes at prop. Despite the efforts, the Dragons didn’t have enough left in the tank to trouble the Roosters much in the second half.All-in-all, a good preliminary final display by both teams after an adverse week. Ivanhoe will now face Barellan in the men’s Grand Final as well, in the first time two clubs have made both women’s and men’s grand finals since 2021 with Goolgowi and Rankins Springs. FINAL SCORESWomen’s Preliminary FinalIvanhoe 36 (Aimee McGuckin 2, Bobbi Goolagong 2, Amber Evans, Katrina Hunter, Natalie Johnson tries; Shailyn Williams 3, Natalie Johnson 1 goals) Rankins Springs 0Men’s Preliminary FinalIvanhoe 20 (Patty Miller, Phillip Hunter, Tyrone Johnson, Shaun Aylett tries; Tarelle Jones 2 goals) Rankins Springs 6 (Bart McIntyre try; Damian Walker goal) 

A week after toppling the previously undefeated Waratahs, Leeton have gone down to Darlington Point Coleambally (DPC), in a dominating run at the end of the season by the Roosters.In reserve grade, Hay played out a win at home against an undermanned Black & Whites, as TLU hold on at home to post a four-point win over Yenda.Black & White hold their lead in the league tag competition, with a win over Hay, but Leeton nip at their heels, after a 50 point shut out over DPC.Round 14 ResultsTLU v Yenda U18s - Yenda 36 d TLU 24League Tag - TLU 22 d Yenda 10Reserves - TLU 18 d Yenda 14First Grade - TLU 24 d Yenda 0Yanco v West Wyalong League Tag - WW 50 d Yanco 0First Grade - Yanco 22 d WW 8Hay v Black & Whites League Tag - B&W 18 d Hay 4Reserves - Hay 36 d B&W 14First Grade - Hay 24 d B&W 10DPC v Leeton League Tag - Leeton 38 d DPC 0Reserves - DPC 24 d Leeton 16First Grade - DPC 50 d Leeton 26

Ivanhoe Roosters have played out a whitewash against Rankins Springs Dragons at the Sahara OvalThe Roosters have won both the men’s and women’s preliminary finals matches, played in frigid, wet conditions today at Sahara Oval, Ivanhoe.In the first game, the Ivanhoe women’s side outplayed the Dragons, denying the visitors any points, in the 36 to nil shut out.In the men’s match, Bart McIntyre scored the Dragons single try, but the visitors were over run by Ivanhoe, who progress after the 20 to 6 win.Pending the appeal by Narrandera Lizards against their disqualification, Ivanhoe will now meet Barellan Rams in both grades, at next week’s grand final.If the appeal by Narrandera is successful, a new date for the grand final match may be required.

The fallout from the controversial decision to remove Narrandera Lizards from the ProTen Community Cup finals series continues.The Narrandera executive have sought legal advice on their position and lodged an appeal with NSW Rugby League (NSWRL), after they were deemed to have played an unqualified player, and booted from the finals series.They were due to meet Ivanhoe Roosters today, in Ivanhoe. Their banning meant Rankins Springs Dragons were elevated into the match to meet the Roosters, however the Dragons are yet to release a men’s team list.Rumours are swirling that today’s match in Ivanhoe, scheduled to kick off at 2.30pm, may not even play.On Friday, the Club released the following statement:”Just letting all our supporters know at this stage there won’t be decision made on our appeal until next week but the game between Ivanhoe and Rankin Spring will go ahead tomorrow .. we are just confused as everyone will be after they read this.The Club held out hopes that their appeal would be successful, and they would get to play the winner of the Ivanhoe and Rankins Springs game, with the grand final pushed out one week later.”NSWRL knew exactly what they were doing by dragging the appeal out until next week. Delaying the decision has now guaranteed the boys will miss their chance at the grand final — and they knew that. It’s not just “confusing,” it’s calculated,” the club said.“Our boys deserved better.”Media reports yesterday claim Group 20 chair Adam Brill and NSWRL had conducted an “investigation,” which ultimately saw the Lizards removed from today’s final.Questions have been raised at the involvement of Group 20 and how and why they carried out the probe. Back Country Bulletin contacted Mr Brill, NSWRL, Group 20 and ProTen but no response was received.Outraged community members have started a petition, with more thank 1800 signatures already.

By Leah Rudman Hillston Bluebirds fielded their largest ever women's squad in season 2025In a hard-fought semi-final on Saturday, the Hillston Bluebirds Women’s Team faced off against Rankin Springs in a match that tested every part of their game. We started strong and led 4–0 at halftime, with Leah Rudman scoring the opening try. Our defence remained tight, and the team’s unity kept the momentum firmly in our favour. In the second half, Rankin Springs responded, slowly closing the gap and tying the game at 4–4. With just 30 seconds remaining on the clock, Springs broke through to score, taking the final score to 10–4. While the result brings our season to a close, we will continue to hold our heads high for everything we’ve achieved. This season has been about skill improvement, team commitment, and building a supportive culture in our club. Our team has shown up week after week—not just for games and training, but for each other. Players have pushed through setbacks, personal challenges, injuries, and mental health struggles to be part of this team. This year, the Bluebirds Women’s Team also reached a new milestone: fielding the largest women’s squad in the club’s history. All of this has been made possible through the leadership and support of our coach, Jed Webster, whose commitment and effort have been behind every step we’ve taken. What we’ve built together goes well beyond our results. The Bluebirds Women’s Team leaves the field proud of who we are and what we’ve become—on and off the field.All images: Andrew McLean