Sport
7 June, 2024
Mixed results for Galahs
The Gulargambone Rugby Union Club flocked to Gulargambone Oval on Saturday, June 1, to take on Bourke/Brewarrina in the ladies and men’s competitions.
The Gulargambone Rugby Union Club flocked to Gulargambone Oval on Saturday, June 1, to take on Bourke/Brewarrina in the ladies and men’s competitions. Friday's rain event had mostly passed but it left an oval that was very wet and heavy underfoot for players and spectators alike. Regardless, a great crowd was on hand to watch two fantastic games.
The Flamin’ Galahs were first out of the sheds to take on the Bourke/Brewarrina Ewes. The Galahs had the luxury of 15 players to the Bourke/Bre ladies 10. With most of the centre area of the oval very wet and heavy, it made it difficult for open-running tri tag rugby and this played into the hands of the opposition team.
The Flamin’ Galahs were able to settle, and some great runs were being made by Sharna Steedman, Lucy Irish, and Paige Wilson. The halves combination of Sarah Chandler, Caitlynn King, and Pete Bradley began controlling the ruck. But again due to the heavy conditions of the oval, gaining momentum was a hard task. The ‘Casino Kid’ Alanna Clark made a great impact in the game with some clever defence and good runs.
The shining light and with magnificent debut for the Galahs, was Kelsey Hutchison who slotted right in at the centre's position and bagged two tries in her first game. Other try scorers were Paige Wilson two tries, one for Lucy Irish, and a clever scrum-half try from Sarah Chandler. Peta Bradley kicked three conversions. By the time the full-time whistle had blown the Flamin’ Galahs had run out 36-nil winners over a gallant Bourke/Bre ladies’ outfit. Coach Zac Mills would have been satisfied with the win but there is still plenty of room for improvement from the ladies who have not quite yet reached the potential of their talent. But that will come.
Points for the game as follows: for an outstanding debut, Kelsey Hutchison received player’s player as well as three points. Alanna Clark received two points and Sharna Steedman one point.
First Grade The Gulargambone men hit the ground next with what looked to be on paper one of their best teams assembled for quite some time. The loss of fly-half Archie Haling was going to be hard to cover but it was still a very strong group. Straight away with the ground conditions, this was a game that was going to be played and dominated by the forwards. Both forward packs did not disappoint with hard-hitting and great tackling from the start.
Both teams got into the grind. Continual hard runs by forwards Mitch Graham, Will Bowman, Jack Bradley, Steve Owens, and Luke Vagg, were beginning to wear the opposition forwards out. Issac ‘The Axe’ Grimshaw and Blake Duff showed that they are going to be forwards of the future by playing well above their age and experience. Half Tim Bowman led the team well around the paddock all game as did dual international centre Cameron ‘Dev’ Bamblett along with number 10 Zac Ferguson.
