Sport
22 August, 2025
Junior Rugby League and Netball
Rugby and Netball news from the August 19 edition of The Gilgandra Weekly, online now.
The mighty Gil Panthers are off to the grand final in two grades!
After the under 14s qualified last weekend, it was up to the U16s to make it two from two as we travelled to Coolah to take on Gulgong in the qualifying match on Saturday, August 16 to try and book a spot in the grand final against the Coonamble Bears.
Down on troops but high in spirit, you could tell from the opening sets that we were ready to play, as we raced out to an early 10-point lead.
Gulgong soon hit back, however, and with a penalty goal right on half-time they had reduced the lead to four at the break.
Full of confidence, the boys played some great footy in the second half and, with only one error after the break, we were able to turn the screws on Gulgong.
Scoring back-to-back tries in quick succession, we surged to a 20–6 lead with 20 minutes to go.
Our middle forwards, Cale McEwen and Connor Smith, laid the platform all day and provided more opportunities for us to pile on the points late in the game.
With a couple of crafty halves in Jack Gibson and Ryder Ryan, the scoreline blew out to 38–6 as they set up doubles for Sailor Ryan and Peter Peters.
It was a dominant performance against a team that had beaten us only a few weeks earlier, and we’ll have to be just as good to compete with the undefeated Coonamble Bears this Saturday.
We encourage everyone to get behind the U14s and U16s this week and, if possible, show your support by travelling to Coonamble on Saturday, August 23 to watch what will be very physical and entertaining games as we take on the Bears in both age groups.
Netball round-up
Under 10s
With only two rounds remaining in the netball competition, the U10s team has shown huge improvement since the beginning of the season. The girls are enjoying every week, displaying great teamwork and even better sportsmanship. Our Panther of the Week was Caroline Taylor.
Under 12s
The U12s had a convincing 32–13 win over St Swifts. They currently sit in third place on the ladder with two games remaining and will face second-placed Narromine next week. No doubt the girls will give it their all to secure a spot in the finals.
Division Two
The division two girls were also winners on the day, defeating St Razzlers 31–21. The team achieved everything they set out to do and played outstanding netball. It was a well-deserved victory and a performance to be proud of.
Training continues on Thursday for teams still in the competition.
We wish our U14s and U16s rugby league players and their coaches the very best of luck this Saturday.
Go the Panthers!
