Sport
15 May, 2026
Western Plains Rugby Union Round Four Results
Western Plains Rugby Union president David Neeves takes a look at round four.
By David Neeves, WPRU president
Ahrens Cup Round Four
Only one match was played in round four of the Ahrens Cup, with the Flamin’ Galahs hosting the Bourke Ewes at McGrane Oval in Gilgandra.
Despite the Bourke Show taking place on the same weekend, the Ewes travelled to Gilgandra with strong numbers and a determined line-up ready for the challenge.
The Flamin’ Galahs made an early statement, crossing first to take the lead before the Ewes responded soon after with a try of their own.
Bourke then applied sustained pressure through much of the opening half, trapping the Galahs deep inside their own territory for extended periods.
However, the Ewes were unable to turn that dominance into further points.
The Galahs eventually worked their way back into attacking territory and, from that point on, momentum swung firmly in their favour.
Gular’s side controlled the second half, defending strongly and capitalising on their opportunities to pull away for a 19-5 victory.
The Flamin’ Galahs finished with two tries and two conversions, while the Bourke Ewes crossed for a single try.
Elders Cup Round Four
Nyngan 16 defeated Warren 12
In what was billed as the match of the round between two unbeaten sides, Nyngan and Warren delivered a thrilling contest at Victoria Oval in front of a passionate home crowd. Nyngan (Bogan Bulls) struck first through an early penalty goal to take a three-nil lead, but Warren’s aggressive rushing defence quickly disrupted Nyngan’s usually free-flowing attack.
Star Nyngan recruit Derek Voku continued his impressive form for the season, crossing for another try before later leaving the field with a hamstring injury.
Warren responded strongly, with Oliver Ferrari and Richard Hansel both crossing for tries to keep the home side firmly in the contest.
However, the accurate boot of Nick Sim proved crucial for Nyngan, with the playmaker slotting two additional penalty goals to keep his side narrowly ahead.
The Pumas mounted intense pressure late in the match and came close to snatching victory in the dying stages, but Nyngan’s defence held firm under relentless attack.
Although Warren finished with two tries to Nyngan’s one, the visitors controlled possession at key moments and relied on Sim’s kicking game to secure a hard-fought 16-12 victory.
Walgett 64 defeated Cobar 5
Making the long trip from Cobar to Walgett, the Camels arrived with an enthusiastic side despite being two players short.
Credit must go to Walgett for assisting Cobar in fielding a full team and ensuring the match could go ahead in great spirit.
Cobar worked tirelessly throughout the contest and never stopped competing, but Walgett’s superior ball control and ability to build pressure proved the difference.
The home side consistently capitalised on their opportunities, crossing for 10 tries to one in a dominant display.
While it was another tough outing on the scoreboard for the Camels, their determination and effort could not be questioned.
If Cobar continues to show the same commitment and attitude, better results will come as the season progresses.
Walgett were once again highly impressive and remain undefeated after four rounds of competition.
Gulargambone Galahs 71 def Bourke-Brewarrina Barbarians 5
The Bourke-Brewarrina Barbarians made the long trip to Gilgandra to face a confident Gulargambone Galahs outfit fresh off a strong win the previous week.
As expected, the Barbarians brought plenty of physicality to the contest, testing the young Galahs side early with strong defence and heavy contact. However, Gulargambone refused to be intimidated and gradually took control of the match through disciplined play and strong teamwork.
The Galahs produced several well-worked tries, with excellent support play and speed around the ball allowing them to dominate possession and territory. The Barbarians battled hard throughout but struggled to contain the enthusiasm and attacking flair of the home side.
Gulargambone made the most of their opportunities to finish with an emphatic 11-tries-to-one victory.
Despite the scoreline, credit goes to the Barbarians, who were missing several regular players but continued to compete strongly throughout the contest.
Country Championships
There will be a general bye across all competitions next weekend as attention turns to the Country Championships in Tamworth.
Western Plains will field one side in the Under 20s Rowlands Cup, with the young Western Plains Rams preparing to take on Illawarra and the Central Coast in pool matches. Despite facing heavily favoured opposition, the Rams camp is quietly confident of producing a strong showing at the carnival.
Western Plains U20s:
Moustapha Al Habbas (Coonamble), Paddy Barnett (Warren), Liam Dedman (Nyngan), Blake Duff (Gular), Ryan Ferguson (Gular), Deacon George (Wellington), Isaac Grimshaw (Gular), Oscar Holmes (Nyngan), Oliver Hughes (Wellington), Jack Lane (Warren), Banjo Lawrence (Warren), Nate Leadley (Warren), Zac Mawson (Hunter), Will Mudford (Nyngan), Darcy Neeves (Gular), Kayden O’Grady (Wellington). Jake Peart (Gular), Lincoln Robertson (Nyngan), Zach Skinner (Grafton). Joshua Skuthorp (Coonamble), Nick Tancred (Gular), Kayne Taylor (Nyngan), Aiden Walker (Gular), Elten Walker (Gular), Charlie Wall (Warren), Riley Walls (Hunter), Seth Whiteman (Wellington), Bailey Wykes (Gular).
