by Tallon Smith (10/07/2022)

Best Articles of 2022 #3

The Proten Community Cup (Group 17) Semi Finals, played today July 9, at the Sahara Oval, Ivanhoe, saw Narrandera decisively book their Grand Final spots in both the Men’s and Women’s 9s competitions.

The competition, which featured on Battlers For Bush Footy’s SPOTLIGHT series just this week, opened its finals series with its Women’s Tackle 9’s, seeing Rankins Springs defeat Hillston 12-0 in the Minor Semi and Narrandera beat Goolgowi 10-6 for a spot in the final. Goolgowi will get a second bite at the cherry next week when they face Rankins Springs.

The first of the Men’s games saw a major upset with Hillston accounting for competition juggernaut Rankins Springs for the second successive week 18-12, with Rankins Springs this time playing at around full strength after COVID-19 ravaged their previous game. The Dragons bow out after a strong but challenging season, whilst James Williams’ men live up to his round 1 promise to Battlers For Bush Footy that the Bluebirds would be “playing for a Grand Final spot,” by reaching the Preliminary Final next week.

The victorious Hillston side will play Ivanhoe next week after they succumbed to a 24-12 Major Semi Final defeat to Narrandera on their home turf. Narrandera, who were wooden spooners last year, now progress to the Grand Final in Barellan on July 23, whilst the Roosters, led by star halfback Victor Ward, will be eager to book a rematch next weekend with a victory in the Preliminary Final.

Although the club has earned a break in both the men’s and women’s competitions, Narrandera will host the Preliminary Finals next Saturday, July 16.

Preliminary Finals – Narrandera Sportsground, July 16:

Women’s – Goolgowi v Rankins Springs

Men’s – Ivanhoe v Hillston

Grand Finals – Barellan Football Ground, July 23:

Women’s – Narrandera v Goolgowi/Rankins Springs

Men’s – Narrandera v Ivanhoe/Hillston