Sport
15 August, 2025
Gilgandra Junior Rugby League and Netball Report
It was a big weekend for Gilgandra Junior Rugby League and Netball, with the non-competitive rugby league age groups wrapping up their season at a lively carnival in Dunedoo on Saturday, August 9, while the competitive football grades battled for a place in the grand final.
Contributed
Under Eights Rugby League
What a season it has been for the Gilgandra Panthers under eights! As the 2025 season ends, we are proud to celebrate an incredible achievement - the team has gone through the entire season undefeated, finishing on a high with two solid wins on Saturday.
To top it off, every single player turned up for the final round and the medal ceremony, a true testament to the commitment and spirit this team has shown all year long.
From the first whistle to the last, these young Panthers have proven they are a force to be reckoned with. Their growth, sportsmanship, and teamwork have been nothing short of inspiring.
A huge part of their success comes down to the bond they share with their coach, who has led them with dedication, patience, and heart.
The respect these young players have for him is clear every time they step onto the field - and it’s something truly special to witness.
We’d also like to give a big shoutout to Jaxson Dixon, who stepped up this year to help coach and train the team.
His support, enthusiasm, and leadership were a huge part of what made this season such a success. The kids absolutely loved learning from him, and his contribution hasn’t gone unnoticed.
To our amazing players: you’ve each come such a long way this season. Your hard work and enthusiasm have made this team what it is - strong, united, and unstoppable.
And finally, a heartfelt thank you to all the parents. Your continued support, kind words, and commitment to getting the kids to every game, rain or shine, week after week, has meant the world. You’ve been the quiet champions on the sidelines, and this season’s success belongs to you as much as it does to the kids. Well done, Panthers! Here’s to a season we’ll never forget.
Under eights report contributed by Jessica Dixon
U10s Rugby League
The U10 Panthers capped off an outstanding season, showing tremendous growth in skills and teamwork. Coach Riley praised his dedicated team - James, Jayden, Jaxson, Levi, Lochie, Liam, George, Woody, Toby, Ryle, Bella, Inglis, Samuel, Ricky, and Eddie - for their commitment and enthusiasm. Special thanks to the parents and supporters who made training, away trips, and sideline cheering possible each week.
U14s Rugby League Through to Grand Final
In the finals campaign, the U14s faced a determined Coonabarabran side in a hard-fought match for a grand final berth.
The opposition pushed the Panthers to lift their game, but Gilgandra rallied to secure a 38–26 victory.
The win locks them into the grand final, with a well-earned weekend at home before discovering whether they will face Coonabarabran again or take on Coonamble for the premiership.
U16s Rugby League Lose Major Semi
The U16s took on Coonamble in their major semi for a spot in the grand final.
Unfortunately, the undefeated bears remain undefeated as we were unable to replicate what we had achieved a few weeks earlier where we had pushed them all the way and came away with a very tightly contested draw at home.
There were some great individual performances but as we all know it’s a team sport and fortunately we will have the opportunity to regroup this week at training on Thursday as we still have a chance to make the big dance when we take on Gulgong at Coolah in the preliminary final this weekend.
A big thank you to all the families that stuck around last Saturday to cheer on the boys and I encourage anyone that wants to watch a great game of footy this weekend and show our support to the future of the Gilgandra Panthers please make your way to Coolah this weekend to cheer on the mighty Panthers as they look to book a spot in the grand final to be held at Coonamble on Saturday, August 23.
Netball Continues in Dubbo
Our Panther netballers continue to compete in the competition down at Dubbo each Saturday knocking over round 11 on the weekend.
Our division two girls came up against Fusion Fireworks going down 40-17, the girls will have to dig in in the remaining rounds to be in finals contention.
The U12s had a win against MAGS Mavericks 12–8, the last time they played this team the score ended in a draw, the girls pushed in the last quarter to secure the win.
This team continues to work hard each week and their coaches are very proud of their efforts!
The U10 team continue to improve their games each week, Saturday they were up against St Sapphires. The standout players were Harper Wykes and Georgie Kirkwood.
There are three rounds remaining in the 2025 netball season and then the finals will kick off.
Training continues this week for netball and our U14 and U16 footballers.
If you are able to get across to Coolah on Saturday to cheer on the U16s or down to Dubbo to support the girls, please do!
Let’s go Panthers!
