Tallon Smith – Back from Perth

The Griffith Waratah Tigers extended their unbeaten start past the halfway mark of the Group 20 First Grade season after a 46-30 win over the Yanco-Wamoon Hawks at the Yanco Sportsground on Sunday.

A second-half double to James Girdler and a seven-from-eight kicking performance from the ever-reliable Ulu Akolo gave the Tigers their ninth win of the year to go along with their bye for a perfect 20 competition points after ten rounds.

The day was a big one for the Waratahs, whose Ladies Tackle side made their debut at Yanco, completing the six grades for the proud Griffith club.

As one Waratahs source told this column, that result is “not bad after being in recess in 2023.”

On the other side of the ledger, Mesulame Navakayala scored a hat-trick and Josh Daudravuni a double, but it wasn’t to be enough for the home side, who were playing in front of a large home crowd on their first matchday hosting Leeton Junior Rugby League.

Moving to other games, the Griffith Black and Whites got out of jail against the Leeton Greenies with a much-needed 16-12 home win at Solar Mad Stadium.

Both sides scored three tries in the match, but it was the kicking of George Broome, who landed two from three, which separated the teams at the siren. 

The match also featured a special moment with Under 18 coach Kelvin Simpson playing with his son Mekhi, and First Grade coach Kodie Charles lacing up the boots alongside his son Will.

Defending premiers Darlington Point-Coleambally continued their resurgence with a 32-18 away win over the TLU Sharks at the Lake Cargelligo Recreation Ground.

A double to halfback Chaise Sergi headlined a six tries to three performance by the Roosters, who have now moved up to third place on the competition ladder.

In the final match of the weekend, Yenda enjoyed a strong day out at home with a 58-0 win over the West Wyalong Mallee Men.

The Blueheelers ran in 11 tries to nil in the victory, which sets up a mouth-watering grudge match against Waratahs next weekend, their first meeting at Yenda since last year’s Qualifying Final, with the Tigers having won the previous matchup this season 50-16 at Exies.