Woodbridge Wrap: Oberon opens premiership defence with victory over Cowra

John Fitzgerald

The Oberon Tigers began the defence of their Woodbridge Cup title with a 28-16 win over Cowra in their first round clash played in Cowra on Sunday.

In a re-match of last year’s contest at Sid Kallas Oval won 14-8 by the Magpies, the Tigers reversed that result to show their intent to dominate from their very first game.

Former Blackheath premiership winner Jesse Lua Lua has joined his former teammates at Oberon and produced a good effort in his first game, while Callum Limon, replacing Robby Walsh at fullback, made some strong carries to link with the front line and picked up a vital try double.

Cowra lock Toby Apps was consistent and dependable in a losing side.

Both teams completed their sets well and had to work hard for their tries.

Previous multiple premiership winner and last year’s beaten grand finalist Manildra also showed their intent with a 70-10 win over Grenfell.

In round 2 in an early re-match of the 2025 decider Oberon will host Manildra on Saturday in the first game at the Tigers’ new ground.

Looking at other results around the opening round of Woodbridge Cup action, the Trundle Boomers opened their account for the season with a 26-18 victory over the Orange United Warriors.

A double to Trundle back rower Tom Aveyard proved crucial as the Boomers scored four second half tries to turn a 12-8 half time deficit into an eight point win.

The Blayney Bears also celebrated their return to the competition from a period in recess with a 58-14 victory over the Eugowra Golden Eagles.

The weekend’s other two games saw the Peak Hill Roosters defeat the Canowindra Tigers 30-22, while the Cargo Blue Heelers enjoyed a weekend off with the two points already secured following their 30-20 win over Molong in an Anzac Day Eve clash.

OBERON 28 (C. Limon 2, S. Faifua-Lefaoseu, M. Ranse, B. Fitzpatrick, N. Barlow tries; B. Fitzpatrick 2 goals) defeated COWRA 16 (J. Weston, J. Slattery, B. Statham tries; J. Williams 2 goals).