The ProTen Community Cup clubs are gearing up towards a bigger season in 2025, with the inclusion of Deniliquin Blue Heelers approved by both ProTen and NSW Rugby League.The existing members of the competition – Hillston, Ivanhoe, Goolgowi, Barellan, Rankins Springs and Narrandera voted unanimously to allow the fledging Heelers into the competition.The ProTen concept sees all teams gather at one venue each week, to contest open men’s and open women’s modified tackle rugby league games. The competition has run successfully after being revived in 2018.The committee is led by president Brad Lawrence, secretary Brooke Streat and treasurer Kendy Lawrence as well as directors chosen from each club.The 2025 draw has been released and round one will kick off on May 24, at Ivanhoe. Deniliquin will meet Hillston, Barellen will line up against Narrandera in the men’s match of the day, while hosts Ivanhoe will play Goolgowi. Rankins Springs will enjoy a first week bye.Deniliquin Blue HeelersThe Deni club is led by president Kurt Longford who has been the driving force behind the return of rugby league to the traditional AFL town.The Heelers are actively recruiting to ensure they meet NSW Rugby League’s conditions of fielding two teams and not posting any forfeits in their first year. They are yet to announce any signings, but have organised a sportsman’s dinner for March, featuring Simon O’Donnell and Laurie Daley as guest speakers.Deniliquin previously had a club based in the Victorian Rugby League’s Goulburn Murray competition in the 1990s, called the Deniliquin Raiders, however the Blue Heelers last competed in the NSW-based Group 17 competition in 1977.Rankins Springs DragonsIn 2024 the Dragons narrowly defeated Narrandera by two points to take the club’s third ProTen men’s premiership.Their dangerous rookie Salesi Mahe took out the ProTen Jim Parson’s Memorial award for rookie of the year and went on to play Group 20 reserve grade’s grand final.In the women’s squad Cathy Soligo was named by the Daily Telegraph as one of the top 100 best female rugby league layers in NSW.Rankins Springs is currently recruiting coaches but is yet to announce any signings.The club will hold a combined annual general meeting and Christmas part late in December.Narrandera LizardsIt was a solid season for the Narrandera Lizards who only just missed out on a premiership in the men’s competition. The two-point loss to the Dragon’s should fire the side up for a re-match in 2025, but the club is keeping its plans quiet, revealing little on social media.The Lizards’ under 16 team played a gruelling grand final match in the Group 20 competition, into extra time against Yenda, and were unlucky to lose the flag, in a countback. Despite the disappointing loss, it bodes well for the Lizards to have such a pool of rugby league talent to draw on into the future.The Lizard’s have not yet revealed any coaching appointment or major signings.Barellan RamsThe Rams have announced Noah Forbutt and Adam Thomas as co-coaches of the men’s side, while premiership winning coach Craig O’Toole will take the helm of the women’s squad.The Rams women’s team posted a big 20-point win over Ivanhoe to clinch this year’s premiership, their second in the competition. An almost unchanged side then went on to play a nail-biting grand final against Hay Magpies in the first ever Group 20 women’s league grand final. Playing as the Tullibigeal Lakes United Sharks the side went down to Hay in the dying moments of the match.With a winning combination under their belts the Rams will be 2025 favourites to take out another women’s premiership.Barellan is yet to announce any signings but held their annual general meeting in October appointing Adam Evans as president, supported by Vice Reece Wilson.Ivanhoe RoostersThe Roosters have spent no downtime since the end of the 2024 season, and have been on a signing spree. Led by president Mark Huntly and vice Johnno Hart Ivanhoe has announced Dwayne Evans as the men’s coach, assisted by Jay Little, while Johnno Hart will tackle the women’s team.Signings include Ethan Whyman (men’s captain) and Shailyn Williams (women’s captain) as well as Philip Hunter, Jake Whyman, Cassidy Evans, Tarelle Jones, Nuimai Serukabaivata, Samantha Simpson, Alberta Kennedy, Jermaine Dixon, Thomas Lee, Will Sali, Clay Jones, Lockyer Brennan, Anthony Jones, Robert Clark, Roslyn Evans, Amber Evans, Kelly Pauls, Cherokee Dixon, Falesiu Moli, Kendy Lawrence, Tua Mare, Tilema Moli, Bobbi-Lee Goolagong and Michael Kennedy.With so many players committing early to the 2025 season it is hard to deny the momentum the Roosters are building. They could be the team to watch in both competitions.Goolgowi RabbitohsThe Rabbitohs Jessie Burns and Lexi Lightfoot were also picked by The Daily Telegraph among NSW best female players, and Goolgowi will be looking to improve on their single win in the 2024 season. The men were unable to secure a win this season meaning the only way is up for the Club who was a power housing in Group 17.While the Rabbitohs have been quiet in the off-season they held a well-attended presentation day in August. Taylor Newman was crowned best and fairest for the women, while Tom Condon took both best and fairest and player’s player awards in the men’s team.Hillston BluebirdsGrant McMaster was recently elected as president of Hillston Bluebirds and said he is excited for the season to come. “To now be president means a lot to me, as it would to my Dad,” he said.“My hopes for next season is to secure more local players and the younger talent, to make it a more enthusiastic team culture, a joy to be around and hopefully get a few wins on the board as well.”The Bluebirds are currently recruiting coaches, with applications closing yesterday (November 27).The Hillston club has unveiled a revamped logo and new Facebook page, but is yet to announce any signings.Image: ProTen Community Club (NB: Draw is subject to venue changes)

The NSWRL has announced some good news for the back country.With a lineup of exciting, FREE events, NSWRL will be hosting clinics with activities for all ages. which hosts some great opportunities to connect and engage with the NSWRL Team!Here's a sneak peek at what’s coming up over the week – from activities for all ages to Tuesday November 19thMenindee Community Clinic with the NSWRL Team Timana Tahua and Reni Maitua - Burke and Wills Oval, Menindee 4.30pm-6.00pmWednesday November 20thBroken Hill Community Clinic with the NSWRL Team and Timana Tahua and Reni Maitua - Lamb Oval, Broken Hill, 4.30pm-5.30pmNSWRL Community Wellbeing Dinner with the NSWRL Team Timana Tahua and Reni Maitua- Broken Hill Musicians Club- 6.30pmThursday November 21st Broken Hill Primary and Secondary School gala Day- Alma Oval, Broken Hill 9.30am-2.00pm

The Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program is now open.The Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program is aimed at providing Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and associated equipment to NSW sport and recreation facilities and clubs.An AED is a device that is used in conjunction with Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and delivers a controlled shock to an individual experiencing cardiac arrest, increasing their chances of survival.The NSW Government is providing up to $500,000 in funding to eligible sporting clubs and facility owners through the Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program in 2024/25 with grants up to $3,000 available.In 2024/25 funding is open to applicants within the bottom five Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) as ranked by the Australian Bureau of Statistics or those who can demonstrate financial hardship in order to prioritise available funds to those who need it most.The townships of Wilcannia, Hillston, Balranadl, Hay, White Cliffs and Menindee are eligible to apply.Applications close on November 27, 2024.Apply Now

ProTen Cup officials have announced the Deniliquin Blueheelers have been accepted into the competition for the 2025 season."After recent discussions with NSWRL and Proten community Cup Rugby league officials, we are pleased to announce that Deniliquin Blueheelers Rugby League Football Club have been successful in gaining acceptance into the competition for the 2025 season," a spokesperson said."This is under the provision that the required amount of player registrations for the men’s and women’s competitions are submitted before February 28, 2025 with no forfeits in their first season."Congratulations Deni on a tremendous effort and hope the hard work is rewarded with player numbers as we look forward to welcoming you into our competition."A seven round competition draw is currently being drafted by officials to include the Deniliquin club.

Hay Cutters Rugby Union Club held it’s 2024 presentation day on Saturday at Tarcoura, the home of long-term supporters Ed and Iona Lilburne.President of Southern Inland Rugby Union Warwick Grant was in attendance to make presentations to award winners.Above: Digby Lilburne with SIRU president Warwick Grant.Digby Lilburne was awarded Player’s Player and Best and Fairest for the 2024 season at the recent Cutter’s Presentation event.“Not only is Digby a standout player week in week out, but he causes the opposition a lot of havoc in defence,” said Matt ‘Yabby’ Ireson. “He was a very strong presence in the Grand Final.“To earn both best and fairest and player’s player is a great reflection of his ability and performance this season. I can’t remember the last time a player took out both awards at the same time.”In Digby’s first season in a Cutter’s jersey, he also donned a Hay Magpie’s jersey this year, and was highly regarded in that code also.Presentations were made to the hosts, as well as newly crowned Life Member Sarah Houston, for her 10 years of hard work to organise the junior club, the Whipper Snippers.View the photo gallery at www.thegrazier.com.au

Jodie Hicks played her 50th AFLW game recently, in the Richmond Tigers’ Dreamtime in Darwin clash against Essendon.It was a frantic final few minutes of the first AFLW Dreamtime match, which saw both sides score 6.6 (42) to post a full-time draw.Hailing from Hay, NSW, 27-year-old Hicks was a first-round pick at the 2017 AFLW Draft and has not missed a game in the past three seasons.After playing 40 games for the Giants from 2018 to 2023 and finishing fourth in the club’s Season 7 best and fairest, the defender was acquired by the Tigers in the 2023 AFLW Trade Period.She is described by the Tigers as “a skilful player, with high football IQ, poise, and composure with ball in hand”, and has played in every Richmond AFLW match this season.In a report published by Richmond, Hicks described reaching the milestone as a journey with “ups and downs.”“I was a dual athlete and struggled a bit there and fell out of love with the game. I never thought I’d make it to 50 (games),” she said.“Early on, I was quite young and probably got brought into the system and didn't really realise mentally what it took. I think I struggled a bit too because I wasn't really making the cricket team and wasn't really playing in the AFL side regularly.“I really learned how to be a team player and still be involved with the team without actually playing. Hicks says the move to play for Richmond had paid off, and hasn’t placed a ceiling on what the group can achieve.“I feel like the group they have now is in a premiership window, so I just thought I'd move down and try something else and thought I could add value to the team on the field,” Hicks said."The girls and the culture, it's pretty hard to find a group like that when there's 33 players on the list."(And) you get to play on Punt Road, like there's not more you can ask for."Hicks said playing the Tigers’ Dreamtime in Darwin clash was a “massive occasion”.“You don't want to play Indigenous round anywhere else other than Darwin, so it's going to be good,” she said.Her family travelled to Darwin to be part of the occasion.Prior to AFLW football, Hicks spent four years with the Sydney Sixers in the Women’s Big Bash League.

Ivanhoe Roosters RLFC has already started gearing up for the 2024 season with player signings galore!Dwayne Evans has been signed as the men's coach of 2025 with assistant coach Jay Little. The Men's team is looking strong with signing of Ethan Whyman as Captain. Phillip Hunter, Jake Whyman, Cassidy Evans, Tarrelle Jones, Jermaine Dixon, Thomas Lee, Will Sali, Clay Jones, Lochyer Brennan, Anthony Jones, and Robert Clark are all players that will eagerly be returning in 2025 season. The Ivanhoe Hens team will be lead by Jonno Hart as coach, and returning player Shailyn Williams as Captain. The Women's Tackle team is looking just as fierce with Niumai Serukabaivata, Samantha Simpson, Alberta Kennedy, Roslyn Evans, Amber Evans, Kelly Pauls, Cherokee Dixon, Falesiu Moli, Kendy Lawrence, Tua Mare and Tilema Moli all making the commitment to the upcoming season. The club has launched the appeal for sponsorships in the new season, which can be done by emailing [email protected] before 31/10/24.

24 Young sportspeople from Broken Hill, Condobolin, Coonabarabran, Dubbo, Gilgandra, Gongolgon, Gunnedah, Narrabri, Narromine, Ungarie, Walgett and Warialda have been congratulated by Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton this week, after receiving grants of up to $750 to assist with the costs associated with participating in state, national and international sporting championships, under the Local Sporting Champions program.Mr Coulton presented certificates to three of the athletes during a special afternoon tea in his Dubbo electorate office this week.“Congratulations to Will Cale, Veniece Coorey, Tully Pickering, Siarne Davis, Sarah McInerney, Samantha Fiechtner, Ruby Clayton, Rowdy Laidlaw, Riley Bond, Oli Chandler, Molly Ramien, Lily Henley, Joshua Brown, Jonty Fowler, Jett Hope, Jack Deveson, Hugh McMullen, Hannah Ryan, Evie Henley, Ethan Ward, Darcy Pollard, Anna-Rose Ward, Amelia Fiechtner and Alexis Whitton who are each kicking goals in their respective sporting endeavours,” Mr Coulton said.“From swimming, rugby union, netball, soccer, basketball and athletics to motorcycling, polocrosse, wushu and flying disc, these talented young athletes each competed at the state, national and even international level, which is a fantastic achievement.“They are excellent representatives of the Parkes electorate and I’m pleased these grants helped them reach their sporting goals.“We have a great deal of sporting talent here in the Parkes electorate, however many of our young sportspeople who compete at a representative level have to travel large distances to participate which can be very costly.“This program greatly assists families to ensure their children can continue competing in the sport they love without worrying about the financial burden.”For more information about future rounds, visit sportaus.gov.au/grants_and_funding/local_sporting_champions

Deniliquin Blueeheelers have been approved by ProTen to join the competition in 2025The reimagined Deniliquin Blueheelers Rugby League Club were unanimously accepted into the 2025 ProTen Competition.“At this afternoon's AGM, the clubs present voted unanimously to accept the Deniliquin Blueheelers RLFC into the Western Riverina Community Cup for the 2025 season, under the provision of approval from the NSWRL,” a statement released by ProTen officials said.“We will announce when the final decision has been made.”After languishing for more than 50 years, Blueheelers president Kurt Longford has worked hard to bring rugby league back to the 2710 postcode.”I am trying my best to re-establish our great game in AFL heartland.”

OPINION: Bring it back - Group 9 and 20 stars behind push to reignite Kelly Cup rivalryBy contributor Tallon SmithIt was once the jewel in the crown of Riverina Rugby League, but the prestigious Kelly Cup has been left off the calendar for the last two years.The annual fixture between Groups 9 and 20, although dominated by the former in recent years, formed a crucial part of the local football season and helped to pick the Riverina side during some of the Division’s golden years in the Country Championships.The fixture was controversially axed after a 52-6 triumph by Group 9 in 2022, after years of contests between the two competitions labelled uncompetitive and one-sided.However, calls are growing louder to bring back the concept and reignite one of the most passionate country footballing rivalries in the state, with players and representative coaches leading the push.And instead of the old Under 23s Format, they want an Open Age contest between each competition's best 17.Perhaps the most influential and important voice in the chorus is that of Aaron Gorrell, the Coach of the Riverina team and the last coach of Group 9 in 2022.“[It] definitely would be great to see the Kelly Cup back,” he said. “It’s tough to find the right place in the calendar for it, the week after the Grand Final definitely doesn’t work.“I think it needs to be a lead up game to pick the Riverina squad, which means it would have to be early in the new year. “Obviously that still has its hurdles with the heat at that time of the year so [it] would definitely have to be a night game, [and the] Country Championships are normally in March, [so the question is] does a February game give you enough time to prepare?”Also firmly behind the competition are three Group 20 players, including one who played in one of the greatest Group 9 club sides ever assembled.Griffith Waratahs Prop and Group 20 veteran Chris Latu said that he also would definitely like to see the match return to the local calendar, and believes that the majority of Group 20’s stars would be behind the concept and help them to field a strong team.“I reckon a quick pep talk to round up players from myself and other old heads around the comp would definitely excite players to play,” he said.“We will be competitive, we have never really sent our best team to play Group 9 because most of the players have commitments outside of footy like church for example.“We’ve got young players out here making a statement that would be keen to go up against quality players from Group 9. “Instead of making it a one match [winner] takes it all [format], it should be like State of Origin [and feature] 3 games. “[There’s] no point putting together a game that is only played once and all that expense [such as] new kits will be wasted.”Despite remarkably never having actually played in the fixture, Group 20 stalwart Shan Bradbrook said that he would love to see the annual fixture return, but said timing is extremely important in ensuring its success.“The last couple of years, there has been a Group 20 vs Group 9 game [except last year], but it is always about a week after the Grand Final, which is bad timing,” he said.“The boys enjoy the week after the GF, plus it takes it toll on the body and a lot of people are over footy once their seasons are done and don't continue to train.“I would love to see it return and with the talent we have in Group 20 I think we would be more than competitive, it's more about the timing in which the game is played.”DPC Roosters forward and former Albury Thunder premiership winner Jon Huggett also threw his weight behind a return of the concept.“100 percent I think the Kelly cup should return,” he said.“There are a host of good players in both comps, and as long as everyone makes themselves available, it would give players from Group 20 [a chance] to challenge themselves against Group 9.“It’s an opportunity for young stars to play with the household names of their respective competitions and make a name for themselves and display their talent, which would make the Riverina side even stronger.”Another key perspective is that of former players who built the rivalry in its heyday of the 2000s.Former Yanco-Wamoon, DPC and Young captain-coach Roy Jewitt said that he is definitely in favour of the Kelly Cup returning, and believes that Group selection should be viewed as an honour.“I know bush footy is struggling in a lot of areas, but I’ve always thought representing your group is something players should aspire to,” he said.“I played for Group 20 back in 2003 I think it was, David Barnhill was our coach, and it was a fantastic experience even though Nick Hall’s stacked Group 9 side beat us. “It would be a case of when’s the best time to hold it and could they do [Under] 16’s, 18’s, League Tag and Ladies Tackle. “I’m sure it would draw a crowd if promoted right.”So it’s clear, current players, past players and even the Riverina coach are right behind the concept’s return next year.A potential golden moment awaits us when Group 20 eventually ends what is currently sitting at a 12 year drought some time in the future, dating back to their 2012 triumph over their regional counterparts.All that remains is a decision from the NSWRL on whether or not the famous Riverina showdown returns to the rugby league calendar in 2025.Tallon Smith is a sports journalist and founder of the Battlers for Bush Footy website

Balranald Roos A grade reserve team fought back against Woorinen on Saturday to secure a grand final appearance. After trailing in the first two quarters the Roos out-shot Woorinen 15 goals to 11 in the third, to come within one goal as the teams went into the final quarter. Digging deep Balranald found their rhythm, breaking centres to draw ahead and secure the win 45 goals to 42. Goal shooter Bec Harvey potted an impressive 33 goals, supported by goal attack Macy Lloyd, who shot 12. The Central Murray League grand final will be held this Saturday, 21 September, at Swan Hill Recreation Reserve.

Hay Magpies won Sunday’s Group 20 women’s tackle grand final, to secure their place in history as the first premiership team of the competition, and the first women’s tackle team from Hay to win a cup.Hay Magpies’ premiership winning women’s tackle team (back row from left) Glenn Sorensen (trainer), Zoe McRae, Di Plum, Monica Andrews, Kayla Barrett, Lily Weymouth, Emma Heywood, Tahnee Wagstaff and Kiji Vatunino. Front row: Hannah Stewart, Wendy Gonevulavula, Jessie Carter, Ashley Sterchow, Imah Novoto and Neil John Nisbet. After losing to Tullibidgeal Lakes United (TLU) Sharks in the first week of the finals, Hay caused an upset in the semis, beating Griffith Black and Whites to book the grand final berth.On Sunday they again faced off against the highly favoured Sharks, who spent most of the season playing together as Barellan in the ProTen Cup.Despite the underdog label, Hay has shown improvement in every game. The lead up to the grand final match was textbook; the club hosted a barbecue at training where former Magpies greats addressed the team, then team mate Emma Heywood pulled together a surprise two-part video which aired on the Club’s social media. Family and friend sent their best wishes, alongside former Magpies and NRL stars, NRLW players and celebrity cameos.The momentum within the club, the team’s preparation and effort shown at training created the perfect storm for Sunday’s encounter, and from the kick-off it was clear Hay wanted the win more.The Magpies were without the services of Zoe McRae, who suffered a concussion in the semi-final, and captain coach Jessie Carter carried a heavy knee injury into the game. Lily Weymouth stepped into the hooker role and played an almost flawless game.“The team covered the injured players, and that made the difference” mentor Neil-John Nisbet said. “Lily gave great service in hooker put the ball where it needed to be.”Carter agreed. “Lily Weymouth had big shoes to fill stepping into the hooker position and didn’t fail to make ‘Macca’ proud I’m sure.”TLU scored first after landing some big shots on the Magpies, who withstood the onslaught with determination. Ashley Sterchow refused to be intimidated, as did Kayla Barratt and Imah Novoto.Hay hit back with their own try, after grinding possession gave Wendy Gonevulavula space to outpace the Sharks, and Kiji Vatunino added the vital conversion to even the score.Carter was helped from the field with three-minute remaining in the first half, and spent the time on the sideline loosening up her injured knee. Vatunino moved into the half-back role and Monica Andrews slotted admirably into the second row.TLU scored again to take a 10-6 lead into the break, and incredibly Carter lined up again in the second half and played out the match. Gonevulavula pulled off an impressive dummy and streaked away to score her second try, to put Hay in front for the first time. Vatunino scored next to give Hay breathing room. The Fiji connection has been a boost the Magpies ranks, and the skill and expertise of the trio was on display in the grand final.Back-to-back penalties against Hay allowed TLU to cross in the final minute of the game, however their one missed goal proved the difference.Hay was well served by Hannah Stewart, the cross-code star who spent last weekend helping to secure Hay Lions first ever A grade netball premiership.“The entire team stepped up,” Carter tole The Riverine Grazier. “We knew it was going to be tough but everyone ripped in and did their job. Ashley Sterchow, Hannah Stewart were phenomenal in all round and Wendy Gonevulavula was instrumental in our attacking plays.”Player of the grand final Wendy Gonevulavula with presenter Neil-John Nisbet and Group 20’s Adam Brill.“It was a deserved win after training hard all year as a team,” Nisbet said. “A big thank you to those players who took to the filed early in the season, and helped us get to the win.”“I’ve won premierships when I was younger but to be the captain/coach of the side is a next level experience,” Carter added. “I can’t express how proud I am of each and every one of the players.”Wendy Gonevulavula was deservedly named the inaugural winner of the Rachael Pearson Medal for player of the grand final.Final score: Hay 18 (Tries: Wendy Gonevulavula 2, Kiji Vatunino. Goals: Kiji Vatunino 2, Wendy Gonevulavula) defeated TLU Sharks 16.A full gallery of game day photos can be found on The Riverine Grazier's Facebook page.

Golf NSW's Kassidy Rogan recently wrote on the peak bodies website of the success of golf days held in Wilcannia recently.Image: Golf NSW"Wilcannia recently hosted a successful series of golf clinics, continuing its commitment to introducing the sport to the local community," Ms Rogan worte. "More than 50 students from both the Mission School and the Public School participated in the clinics, led by Mark Ingrey, Senior Regional Manager at Golf NSW, and Gary Begg, Regional Manager for the Western region. Supported by Jack Newton Junior Golf, the sessions provided students with the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the golf swing and gain valuable exposure to the sport.""Gary Begg was impressed by the turnout, saying, “It was so pleasing to see so many enthusiastic students attend the sessions.” The enthusiasm displayed by the young participants highlights the growing interest in golf within the region.As part of ongoing efforts to cultivate the sport, Gary will return to Wilcannia on September 21st to host a family clinic, aimed at further engaging the wider community. During this visit, he will also deliver golf clubs generously donated by members of the Royal Sydney Golf Club as part of their latest club drive.""Wilcannia’s continued involvement in golf provides young people with an exciting opportunity for physical activity and personal development, strengthening the region’s connection to the sport and fostering a sense of community."You can visit Golf NSW website for more stories on outreach programs.

NSW Rugby League is offering a free Level 1 Sports Trainer course in Broken Hill on Saturday, September 21, 2024 "Don't miss this opportunity to get certified and make a difference in the game," NSW Rugby League's Brooke Mallison said.The Level 1 Sports Trainer course covers how to manage emergency situations and apply first aid in a Rugby League environment as well as injury management, crisis management, concussion management, sports taping and transporting an injured athlete. Limited spots available and some online learning is required to be completed prior to the face to face workshop.Contact Brooke Mallison from NSWRL to enrol, or for any further on 0418 978 359 or [email protected]: Saturday September 21Time: 9amVenue: Broken Hill Community Centre, 200 Beryl Street

With the NSWRL team hitting the back roads next week to visit Far West communities, and there's still time to register for these awesome FREE events! Here's what you need to know: **Monday 16th Sep** 4:30pm Lamb Oval, Broken Hill **NSWRL Skills Clinic** with Joel Thompsonhttps://www.cognitoforms.com/.../brokenhill16thseptembern... **Tuesday 17th Sep** 4:00pm onwards Burke and Wills Oval, Menindee **NSWRL Skills Clinic, Social League Tag & Community Dinner** with Joel Thompsonhttps://www.cognitoforms.com/.../menindeenswrlskillsclini... **Wednesday 18th Sep** 4:00pm onwards Burke Oval, Wilcannia **NSWRL Skills Clinic, Social League Tag & Community Dinner** with Joel Thompson and Dean Widdershttps://www.cognitoforms.com/.../wilcannianswrlskillsclin...Don't miss out on the chance to meet legends and level up your footy skills.More information: Brooke Mallison NSW RL 0148 978 359 or [email protected]

The draw for this year's Menindee Yabbies Knockout was held live at Maiden's Hotel.Gates open at Bourke and Wills Park on Saturday, September 14, for fans to gather before 9am kickoff, with eight strong teams entered."We would also like to mention that this is a day for Tre, who we remember every year, and also those who we have lost" organisers said. In the first match Western Emu Connected will take on Oakies Frogs, and at 9.45am Lynette & George Memorial meet Storm.At 10.30 the battle of the Warriors will unfold, when Wilcannia Warriors face the Far West Warriors.Hosts the Menindee Yabbies will meet Mildura Warriors at 11.15, in the final match of the first round.Marie and Bob Halls 100 metre dash for cash will be run at 11.55am, with the dance performance at 12.15pm.Entry is $10 for 16 years +, and there will be a full canteen operating (EFTPOS available).The event is drug and alcohol free and organisers will have ground controllers monitoring."Good luck to all teams and please drive safe," as spokesperson from Menindee Yabbies said.

Golden Rivers Football and Netball League grand finals 2024 - all the resultsSeniors AFLUltima 11.10 -76 defeated Hay 11.9-75Best on ground - Tom Bull (Ultima)Reserves AFLUltima 10.14-74 defeated Murrabit 6.4-40Under 17.5 AFLMacorna 7.4-46 defeated 6.9-45Best on ground Sam Whinfield (Macorna)Under 14.5 AFLHay 7.6-48 defeated Murrabit 7.3-45Best on ground Max Hutchings (Hay)Pictured are A Grade Premiership winners (back row from left) Toni Rivett, Jade Auldist, Sophie Stephens, Olivia Joyce, Sophie Tapper, Jasmine Gregory, Lani Houston. Middle: Ellie Parr, Kellie Walker, Hannah Stewart, Emily Caughey with team Captain Maddie Mannes in front. The history-making win was the first time A Grade netball had been in the grand final, and won the first grand final since Hay joined Golden Rivers Netball League 38 years ago. Image: The Riverine Grazier/Krista Schade.A grade netballHay 62 defeated Murrabit 48Best on court - Kellie Walker (Hay)B grade netballMurrabit 67 defeated Ultima 27Best on court Georgia Carse (Murrabit)B reserves netballHay 41 defeated Ultima 28Best on court Lesley Graham (Hay)C Grade netballWandella 32 defeated Murrabit 31Best on court Jamey GreenhillUnder 17 netballUltima 40 defeated Hay 39Best on court Maddison McCann (Ultima)Under 14s netballMurrabit 57 defeated Hay 47Best on court Alexis McKnight (Murrabit)

It's been a scintillating season for Hay Lions Football and Netball Club. Not only are the Seniors football team looking down the barrel of a back-to-back premierships, but there are six football and netball teams vying for premiership glory. Seniors and Under 14 football teams are throwing on the boots on Saturday to battle for premierships.A Grade, B Reserve, Under 17 and Under 14 netball teams are also set to thrash it out for the win.Read the Hay Lions Football and Netball clubs account of the game that led the Seniors into the grand final.Hay Lions and Ultima Kangaroos played off to see who would take the first grand final spot. The Lions were at full-strength and Ultima were only down their key forward Deveraux and still had enough quality listed to pose a serious threat. Ultima took their chances early, bolting out of the blocks and catching the Lions out with their speed and spread of the ball from clearances. The Lions were off the pace and within 10 minutes the Kangaroos had three unanswered goals on the board, in a near perfect start to their finals campaign. Though Hay also had early chances, inaccuracy in front of goals resulted in points as the Roos dictated the tempo, while notching up majors to take a handy lead. Needing something to spark some scoring action, Gus Gardiner steadied the ship. He calmly slotted the Lions’ first goal from a set shot, to be closely followed by a superb snap from stoppage which effectively narrowed the scoreboard gap at a critical point of the game. Hugh Crighton added the Lions third also from a perfectly weighted snap just before the first break, to ensure the Lions went in with only a three-point deficit at quarter time. The game swung more in favour of the Lions in the second. Despite even possession from clearance and inside fifty entries, the Lions made more of their opportunities inside their scoring zone, adding three critical goals while restricting the Roos to four points in total. Jack Headon roved superbly on the end of some handy mid work, kicking the opening goal of the second quarter to put the Lions in front, and they led for the rest of the game. Though the game was still in the balance at halftime, by the final change it had reached unlikely for the Roos. Lions had almost doubled their first half total in the third quarter, piling on six goals to their one. The midfield hit their straps with their drive and elite ball usage, something to behold as the forwards got dangerous from all the supply. While Ultima still had plenty of ball presented inside their fifty, the Lions defence stood up to the pressure, repelling and rebounding straight back out, setting off the attacking chain as they have done all season. While the Lions took a comfortable 51-point lead into the last, the never say die Ultima still brought the heat. dominating clearances and inside fifty entries as they tried desperately to undo the scoreboard damage. Despite all the possession and opportunity, they were unable to, and the Lions composed and business like, held tight to win by 49 points. Final score: Hay 14:17 101 Ultima 7:10 52. Goals: Declan Watson 4, Jack Headon 3, Angus Gardiner 2, Paddy Jubb 2, Hugh Crighton 1, Will Collis 1, Jacob Watson 1. Looking to go back-to-back, the real business begins this Saturday when the Lions face off against the Kangaroos again, in their hunt for repeated September glory. In the perfect scenario, it doesn’t get any better than a home grand final and the Lions will be counting the sleeps until D Day on home soil with all that local support. Ultima have a brand of footy that can stand up under pressure. Lions will have to be switched on from the opening bounce to counteract their play on style and ability to move the ball quickly and accurately into their fifty zone. However, the key to stopping the Lions in September will be finding a way to nullify all of the midfield, forward and backline weapons. If they shut someone down, another Lion will rise. Picking where to start and which player to target defensively will give the rival coach plenty to think about over the coming week.