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League back with a bang
Tuesday, 14th May, 2013
The Outback Rugby League season started in the district last weekend and was deemed a success by its president, Dave Gallagher.
“I think the popularity is rising, it showed through a fairly good crowd at every location,” Mr Gallagher said.
The Geebungs went up against the Saints only to draw 24 points each.
Kerry King, Jeffrey Webster, Rickie Whyman and Clint Squire each scored a try for the Geebungs. Willy Webster scored three goals and Robert Young scored one goal.
For the Saints, Mitch McKenny and Matt Kiddle had two tries a piece.
Matt Kiddle then followed up with another two goals with Ash Tucker also scoring two goals.
The Menindee Wedge-Tail Eagles proved too good for the Parntu Warriors winning 56 to 28.
Menindee tries went to Daryl Morris (2), Colin Clark (2), Clint Ferguson, Jason Johnson, Shaun Kemp, Lawrence Philp, Ricky Waters and Cameron Philp.
Curtis Smith went above and beyond with seven goals and one goal went to Daryl Morris.
Colin Whyman, Moe Hokai, Brady Hall, Darren Whyman and Barry Hunter scored tries for the Parntu Warriors and Colin Whyman scored four goals.
The last game was the Wilcannia Boomerangs against the Menindee Yabbies. Wilcannia Boomerangs came away with the win, scoring 54 to 18.
“I think it is excellent, every part of the Broken Hill region, including Menindee and Wilcannia offered a game of rugby,” Mr Gallagher said.
“It goes back to the days when they had it regularly.”
Mr Gallagher said he was impressed by the number of players.
“There were enough to field six sides, it was also good for the juniors,” he said.
“We could tell the crowd enjoyed the greatest game of all.”
Mr Gallagher said he hoped the support would continue into the season.
Recruiters eye Giants
Tuesday, 14th May, 2013
The Slater and Gordon Under 15 GWS Academy team.
By Darrin Manuel
Broken Hill’s best under 15 footballers have had a glimpse at top level football during trial games against SANFL club Central Districts.
The Slater and Gordon Under 15 GWS Academy team took on the Bulldogs’ juniors in two games recently, and learned a great deal despite not registering a win.
GWS Academy coach, Dale Tonkin, said his team had shown great improvement between the two outings.
“In the first game we showcased our talent, but our work rate and effort wasn’t quite up to standard,” he said.
“We came back, we regrouped and had feedback as a team and as individuals, and this time we were super competitive.
“Most of the players got to the level required based on work ethic, and we played some really good football.”
Tonkin said by the second game many of the players had started to grasp the fundamentals required for play in higher calibre leagues.
“A lot of the kids started to understand the tools and skill-set you need to compete when you don’t have the football.
“I anticipate that most of the kids learned from the experience and it was good to see them extend themselves and understand what’s required at this higher level.
“Things like running both ways, forwards rolling up the ground, defenders becoming attacking players and midfielders working hard on spreading from the contest.
“From that game I’m sure we’ll see quite a few of our kids competing at the Combined High Schools Carnival in a few weeks, and hopefully Broken Hill will have multiple State representatives.”
The local players also fell under the eye of GWS recruiter Neville Stibbard, who travelled from Sydney to watch the games.
“I came down from Sydney to have a look, most of the boys I knew and they are developing pretty well,” he said.
“The pathway for them now is to play in these type of carnivals to come under notice ahead of the draft in three years’ time.
“It gives them very good exposure to AFL recruiters and... there’s five or six players there that we will certainly monitor really closely.”
Mr Tonkin said he wished to thank the Picton Oval Committee, Central Districts, Heath Caldwell (assistant coach), Jarrad Ruddock (runner) and all the players’ parents for making the trip possible.
