Congratulations to all involved in organising the Garry Smith Memorial Challenge, those who helped out in its unfolding on Saturday and to everyone who supported the event.
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Not only did the Gooloogong Cowboys honour and remember their teammate, and were deserved winners on the day, but the community dug deep and helped raise towards $10,000 for the Men of League foundation.
This is a great example of what the community is capable of when everyone chips in for a fantastic cause, and I hope it’s an event which will become a permanent end of season rugby league fixture.
I have to say well done to the Cowra Magpies for hosting four clubs from Woodbridge Cup who contested the day at Sid Kallas Oval, and helped out on the barbecue with Cathy and Russel Denning from Cowra’s Antique Vehicle Club who ran the canteen.
Canowindra Tigers, Binalong and Burrengong along with Gooloogong visited the Magpies nest, a bit a novelty for the majority of the players who were there, and the surface looked absolutely sensational after some sunlight towards the end of the week.
I watched the opening half of the first game and it was played in good spirits with a number of players from the opposing teams (Gooloogong and Canowindra) facing off against each other after playing the regular season together for the Tigers.
Gooloogong proved too strong up the middle, an aspect of their game which also helped them knock over Burrengong in the final, and clinch the trophy in front a 200-strong crowd.
The day was a huge success and everyone involved should be proud of their efforts.
Rugby union
After speaking with Cowra Eagles coach Troy Hayes on Monday morning about the club’s annual awards presentation it seems the club is going to miss its “imports” as Hayes describes them.
A number of fresh faces from Europe (mainly the UK) donned the red and white this season and each one of them made an impact on the club.
For example, three were major award recipients on Saturday and one represented Central West during the 2016 season.
Unfortunately it isn’t likely they’ll be back for the 2017 Blowes Clothing Cup.
Let’s hope the club can attract some players of similar ability and character.