Sport
13 May, 2024
Junior Panthers kick off in 2024
Despite the rainy weather, our Junior Panthers showed enthusiasm as they kicked off a new rugby league season.
Gilgandra Junior Rugby League and Netball
By Tracey Riley
Despite the rainy weather, our Junior Panthers showed enthusiasm as they kicked off a new rugby league season with round one at McGrane Oval against Gulgong on Saturday, May 4. There were plenty of umbrellas along the sidelines as the Panthers lined up from under sixes right through to U16s. Luckily, the muddy conditions didn’t dampen their spirits and all grades came away with a win.
A welcome return to our club is the fielding of an U16s team in this year’s group 14 competition. The team had a convincing win 52–6 with Cobie Carr taking out ‘Panther of the Week’. The U14s also had a successful start to their campaign defeating Gulgong 74–nil. Loving the playing conditions, Charlie Whiteman was awarded U14 Panther of the Week. The points kept racking up with the 12s getting a win over Gulgong 54–nil. Khyran O’Neill was the Panther of the Week for the U12s.
The under sixes, eights and U10s all got to experience twice the fun of scoring tries and tackling in the mud. The players had no trouble with the wintry conditions with Kordel Weldon for under-eights and Lochie Thomas and Zailen McEwen for U10s picking up Panthers of the Week for their efforts. All players put in in the trying conditions, with their efforts being reflected on the scoreboard.
In netball news, the Gilgandra Panthers teams faced tough competition in Dubbo. Despite the drizzling rain, the U14s put up a great fight against St Wild Cats, with a final score of 34-23 to the Wildcats. The U12s also showed resilience, despite missing a player, but fell short by only two points against St Rebels. The U11s battled through the rain to secure a win against Trangie Whirlwinds with a final score of 11-8. Meanwhile, the under nines had a bye, allowing them time to rest and prepare for the next round.
Special thanks to the coaches, scorekeepers, and the supportive Gilgandra Panthers crew who stood in the rain to cheer on the teams. We have another home game this weekend against Coonabarabran in the football, keep an eye on the Facebook page for the draw and canteen roster. Senior League will follow us so why not stick around and cheer them on.
