Jamie Parsons

An entertaining second round of Proten Cup took place despite the games being split across two venues for the first time.

Goolgowi and Hillston won close matches to go top of the ladder while Rankins Springs started on fire in the first half before Deniliquin fired up themselves to put on their best half of footy so far.

Women’s Games

Despite being at home the Goolgowi side couldn’t keep up with a red-hot Ivanhoe Hens side, who shook off their first round jitters to dominate their Round 2 clash.

New signing Bella Hannon scored two tries on debut as the Hens ran in seven tries in total to take it out 32-0.

The Barellan Rams managed to make the trip over the Deni with 5 players, and with some help from three Blueheelers and two Dragons they got a team on the park in a promising sign.

Hillston had a full team but in a game that remained scoreless for most of it’s duration, they couldn’t get over the line and one try for Mikayla Towers got the Rams home 4-0.

Deniliquin Blueheelers made their debut in the women’s competition after missing out last round and had a great show of support on hand.

Although neither team had a great amount of players, Rankins Springs’ experience shone through and quickly put on a try through speedster Georgia West. Despite some dropped ball the Dragons kept the Blueheelers scoreless for a 22-0 win.

Men’s games

Goolgowi and Ivanhoe turned up with strong sides despite the late change to Friday night. Hooker Ben Mahon put on the first try from dummy half and halfback Henry Taylor dummied and went through for their second before Lochyer Brennan pegged one back for the Roosters.

A blind side play from Taylor got his second and the Rabbitohs went up 16-6 at halftime.

A couple tries to the Roosters had them back in it before Ollie Taylor scored from dummy half and Tom Condon barnstormed his way down the left edge to make it a ten point game again.

A try to Shayne Kennedy from a quick tap followed by two quick penalties off the kickoff made for a nervous end but Goolgowi held on 26-20.

Barellan and Hillston fought out a mostly scrappy contest with some desperate defence saving both teams on several occasions.

Fullback Tale Delai added to his tryscoring tally in the first half to have the Bluebirds up 6-0, but the second half stayed 6-all for most of it after Noah Forbutt got his usual try for the Rams.

It wasn’t until the last five minutes when Delai got his second that the Bluebirds kept the lead and prevailed 12-6.

The Blueheelers had a good turnout of players for their home round but the Dragons started the better with backrower Josh Johnston storming over early.

A scrum play had winger Jesse James score and four more tries in quick succession had the Dragons up 30-0 at halftime.

Despite the big score, Rankins Springs couldn’t convert many opportunities in the second half and some good Deni defence held them out.

Once the Dragons finally held the ball they made it across the tryline twice more, fullback Billy Vearing and backrower Harry Judd scoring doubles.