By Jamie Parsons

The Rankins Springs Dragons ventured over to West Wyalong for the third time in the Kiawarra Cup’s short history having lost by four points in both previous matches held at Ron Crowe Oval – 16-12 in 2019 and 10-6 in 2022. The cup has had a very close rivalry with the games at Rankins Springs in 2021 & 2023 resulting in a draw and a last minute 2-point win to Rankins Springs last year, 28-26.

The Dragons went over with very good numbers, a healthy 24, which is good signs for this early in the season. The game was the first for new coaches Joshua Johnston & Damian Walker who took over coaching duties this year after being with the club since 2018. West Wyalong though came out with a strong side of their own and in front of their home crowd got out to a strong start, with three back-to-back sets ending with a try after only three minutes. The Dragons hit back not long after through Josh Curphey but the Mallee Men added two more tries to end the first third 16-4 up.

A mammoth effort by Dragons centre Jack Glyde beating six players had the Dragons back in it early in the second third but a kick to the corner for Michael Uiva had Wyalong back up by 12 at the end of the second third. Possession was key with high humidity leading to some very tired bodies with many playing their first game for 2024.

The Dragons rallied and dominated the last third with Glyde scoring his second off a Tom Judd grubber kick from dummy half and Curphey forcing his way over again from close range had the Dragons within 2 with 8 minutes left. Wyalong held on though and a Nick Prince chip-and-chase try with a minute left wrapped it up, 26-20 to West Wyalong.

Best on ground went to West Wyalong’s Mitchell Wright on his birthday. For the Dragons the Kiawarra Cup Player’s Player was recently renamed to the Dane Richards Memorial Player’s Player, to honour the late Dragons, Yenda and Forbes player who played his only game for the Dragons in the trial against West Wyalong last year and sadly passed away in June at the young age of 18, and this year the award went to centre Jack Glyde.

West Wyalong begin their season April 7 in Group 20’s Round 1, while the Dragons next game is May 4^th at the Proten Cup Knockout, hosted at Rankins Springs for the first time.

Final Score

West Wyalong 26 (Mitch Wright, Tom Connors, Michael Uiva, Nick Preston, Nick Prince tries; 3 goals) defeated Rankins Springs 20 (Josh Curphey 2, Jack Glyde 2 tries; Josh Richards 2 goals)