Sport
9 May, 2025
Flamin’ Galahs fly hard in 50-point win
After four months of hard toil of pre-season training, it was time for the Flamin’ Galahs to see if it had all been worth the blood, sweat, and tears.
By The Pink Parrot
New faces, new coach, new attitude and a new resolution to go one better this year after being runners-up at the past three Western Plains Tri Tag grand finals. We were about to see what the Flamin’ Galahs model 2025 was made of.
Their opponent for the opening round of the Ahrens Western Plains women’s Tri Tag competition was the Bourke-Brewarrina Ewes (Bourke-Bre).
From the opening whistle at Gulargambone’s number one oval, the Flamin’ Galahs looked composed and got into the grind with their counterparts from the far northern suburbs of NSW.
The forwards got on the front foot, ran hard and straight at their opposition.
Captain Mak, Alanna, Jess, Peta, and Caitlin got the Bourke/Bre ladies on the back foot immediately.
The Flamin’ Galahs followed the instructions, remained composed, and waited for their opposing foes’ first signs of fatigue to appear.
It was only a short time later that Lucy, the flying ‘Irish’ centre, made a break and opened the scoring with a brilliant 50-metre run. The conversion was unsuccessful, and the score was 5-0.
Centre Kelsey made a break and ran down the left side and scored. This was converted to make the scoreline 12-0. A short time later, the dynamic fullback Paige was let loose with a break and ran away and scored, and this was duly converted, which had the scoreline now at 19-0.
By this time, interchange players were making their impact on the fatiguing opposition. The Flamin’ Galahs remained relentless.
The ‘Wollongong Wizz’ Kayla, having her first game of Tri Tag rugby, was everywhere and was rewarded with the try just before the half-time break to take the score to 24-0. The score remained this way until half-time
The scrum halves of Sarah and Rani and the fly halves of CK and Heidi were ruthless and directed play accordingly. It was not long until back-up fly half Heidi skipped through the Bourke/Bre defence and scored, making the scoreline now 29-0.
The Flamin’ Galah’s forwards, continually led by hard running from Allana and Captain Mak set up the backs to spread the ball wide to the right side to allow winger Ella to score her first try in tri-tag rugby for the team. This took the score to 34-0. A wonderful conversion by Paige saw that scoreline reach 36-0.
A further two converted tries by Lucy and Paige, who by now had both bagged a double for the day, led to an impressive 50-0 victory over the Bourke/Bre ladies.
Coach King applauded the Flamin’ Galahs for remaining calm and composed throughout the match and following the game plan to a tee.
There are still aspects of the game that the Flamin’ Galahs need to work on, but that will be addressed at training. The defence and tagging by the ladies on the weekend was nothing short of perfection. The ladies never gave their opposition a chance to break the line and were meeting them continually at the advantage line and frustrating the opposition into mistakes.
The team will not rest on their laurels or a one-off victory. Next week is a new opposition and new challenges. The Flamin’ Galahs head to Warren on Friday night to take on the Lady Pumas. Ball security will be a must in dewy conditions. The Warren ladies at home are always tough.
Points for the day went as follows. One point each to Lucy and Ella. Two points to Kayla. Three points to Paige. Players player was Sarah.
Ahrens Cup Western Plains Women’s Tri Tag Round one at Gulargambone Oval on Saturday, May 3: Gulargambone Flamin’ Galahs 50 (Lucy Irish 2, Paige Wilson 2, Kelsey Hutchison, Kayla Beaton, Heidi Ferguson, Ella Wykes tries; Peta Bradley 3, Wilson 2 conversions) defeated Bourke-Brewarrina Ewes 0.
Gular men go down to Barbarians in exciting season opener
The Gular men’s squad kicked off their season with a full team of 23, including four debutants pulling on the jersey for the first time in an exciting 38-26 season-opening Western Plains Rugby Union loss to the Bourke-Brewarrina Barbarians on Saturday, May 3.
Facing off against a strong Bourke-Brewarrina Barbarians (Bre-Bourke) outfit with 18 players, the stage was set for a physical and fast-paced contest.
Despite intentions to come out firing, Gular started on the back foot, struggling to find rhythm early.
Bre-Bourke took advantage, building momentum through well-structured phases and dominating possession. Within 20 minutes, Gular found themselves trailing 21–0.
Defence was tested early and often, but Isaac ‘The Axe’ Grimshaw lived up to his nickname, putting in a huge defensive effort and leading the tackle count. Galah’s captain Jack Bradley provided leadership and composure when it was most needed, keeping the boys focused and in the fight.
Momentum began to shift late in the first half. Dylan Ryan broke the line with a charging run straight through the middle, dotting just to the left of the posts. Zac Mills slotted the conversion to close the gap to 21–7 at the break.
Coach Justin Harvey’s half-time message was clear - focus on ball security and stay connected in support play. A handful of tactical substitutions helped swing things Gular’s way in the second half.
Tim Bowman took matters into his own hands with a quick tap and clever kick that set up ‘The Axe’ for Gular’s second try. Tim, along with Steve Owens, kept the pressure on at the breakdown, forcing key turnovers that gave Gular more time with the ball.
With the momentum fully in Gular’s hands, Dylan Ryan broke free down the edge and raced 50 metres to score under the posts, levelling the game after another successful conversion.
As the crowd rallied behind them, Gular looked to have found their groove but a few costly errors gave Bre-Bourke an opening, and they regained the lead.
Refusing to give in, Cameron Dev Bamblett brought renewed energy off the bench, making damaging runs and setting up a stunning 70 metre breakaway try, finished by Zac Mills under the posts. The score tightened to 33–26 in Bre Bourke’s favour.
With just minutes on the clock, Gular made an effort for a final push but a late turnover proved costly. Bre-Bourke capitalised and scored out wide after the final whistle, sealing the game 38–26.
While the scoreboard didn’t go Gular’s way, the effort was undeniable. It was a gallant, gutsy performance full of promising signs for the season ahead. The boys should be proud of their fight and resilience in what was a thrilling opening hit-out. Three points went to Dylan Ryan. Two points to Isaac ‘The Axe’ Grimshaw. One point to Cameron Dev Bamblett. Players player to the Isaac ‘The Axe’ Grimshaw.
Elders Men’s First Grade Western Plains Rugby Union round one at Gulargambone Oval on Saturday, May 3: Bourke-Brewarrina Barbarians 38 (Bailey Desmond 2, Matthew Simpson 2, Sam Canty, Junior Kikala tries; Desmond 4 conversions) defeated Gulargambone 26 (Dylan Ryan 2, Zac Mills, Isaac Grimshaw tries; Mills 3 conversions).
