THE annual Walcha Junior Rugby Gala Carnival was held at John Oxley Sportsground on Mother's Day, where 450 junior players from around the Central North Zone converged to compete in age groups under six through under 12s.
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PRESIDENT Cameron Greig was full of praise for everyone who made the day such a success and Cameron was very pleased the weather was much kinder than the conditions that were endured by the people who set up for the big event the day before.
Rams news
OUT at Moree the previous day, the Rams suffered a heart-breaking 30-29 loss in their Central North game at Weebollabolla Oval. Just before full-time, the home side received a penalty which was kicked to win the game for the Bulls with 25 seconds left on the clock.
SINCE the start of the season, the Rams have basically had it all their own way and a loss to Moree probably isn't a bad thing. As veteran five-eighth and prolific goal kicker Simon Newton mentioned earlier in the week, the defeat should put the players' feet back on the ground.
THE Rams "Reggies" were spanked 52-12 by Moree and, according to team member Brad Partridge, they were beaten by a well-drilled outfit who probably have enough players to select another couple of teams.
THIS Saturday, the Rams host Barraba here at the Park.
Roos news
I'M fully aware it's an old cliche, but the 32-4 scoreline at Warialda last Sunday wasn't a true indication of the game between the Wombats and the Roos in round five of the Group 19 second division which Warialda won. Referee Chris Doney made the comment that the scores should have been a lot closer and praised an understrength Walcha outfit for their effort.
TWO crucial decisions by the referee at critical times in the Sunday game left both Walcha players and officials fuming. On both occasions, the referee was about to award a try before he received advice from his touch judge and then changed his mind.
THE first controversial ruling came when diminutive winger Jhorden Coulter raced over to score in the corner, only to be called back after an offload from Jackson Laurie which went backwards was deemed to be a knock-on. Scores were 4-0 at the time, with the visitors applying plenty of pressure.
THEN with the score at 10-4 early in the second session, the Roos other winger Jayden Rossiter cruised over in the corner only to be called back for a lineball forward pass which the referee was clearly in line with. Once again, the linesman put his two bob's worth in and the try was disallowed.
CONSIDERING the Roos were short two bench players and were missing several key members of the team, the 17-player squad that took to the field at Warialda were not only a credit to themselves, but also the club after the effort they handed in against the undefeated competition leaders. Good on ya, boys. Keep up the good work.
Jillaroos news
THE Jillaroos certainly didn't have it all their own way against Warialda but held on to collect the two competition points. Tempers became a little frayed towards the end of the game with players' player and co-coach Bonnie Brown and her opposition number sent to the sin bin after they agreed to disagree late in the match.
Flippers go to Homebush
CONGRATULATIONS to Walcha Flippers president Angus Warden and his mother-in-law Jo Nivison on their performances at the recent NSW Masters Swimming Titles at Homebush.
JO won a gold medal in her 50m breaststroke and silver in 50m freestyle, while "Gus" picked up a silver in his 50m breaststroke and placed fourth in his 50m freestyle.
THEY then teamed up with Gus' dad Andrew and sister Lucy to compete in the 240 to 279 years relay where they finished a creditable fifth in a time of 2 minutes 37.03 seconds. Their best relay place in previous years was 12th.
At the 19th
STATE champions Wayne Brennan and Peter Norbury were the winners of the Men's NSW 4BBB qualifying round last Sunday and collected trophies donated by John McCormack after they carded a 62 nett.
Club president Allan Green and Kyle Goodwin were runners-up on 62 1/4 while the remaining sweepstakes went to Anthony Smith and Deon Lawrence 62 3/4, Simeon Cross and Jamie Bowden 63 1/4, Cheryl and Doug McDonald 63 3/4, Will Brennan and Mal Ballard 65 1/2.
Less than one shot separated the top three teams on the day.
Bradman's Bat went to veterans David Dunn and Bill Heazlett after they returned to the clubhouse with a 75 3/4 nett.
Sharpest shooters at the pins for the event were Barry Hoad (3) and Craig Morgan (18).
Due to the inclement weather, there have been no nine-hole competitions played on the last two Saturdays.
This Sunday is a stroke medal round for a prize supplied by Lachie Fletcher and then on Sunday week, Angus Warden is in charge of donating the trophy for a stableford round - this will be on the same day as the Werris Creek Open is scheduled to go ahead.