Junior Rugby Union:

Grenfell Junior Rugby Union have just completed a massive three weekends of games having travelled to Wagga, Leeton and then Temora. A big thankyou to all parents, grandparents and friends for getting the kids to the games through rain, sleet, frosts and kangaroos! The club now has a few weeks off to recover during the school holidays with the next Gala day to be held in West Wyalong on Sunday July 22.

However, on July 14 the mighty Grenfell Panthers will be celebrating their big premiership win in 1968 with a reunion, ladies day and an extra appearance by the clubs juniors. 

There will be a  juniors vs parents game at 2pm on Saturday as a curtain raiser to the senior’s last home game of the year against West Wyalong.  

Last Sunday the mighty Panthers U7s made the trek to Wagga for their annual gala day. It felt like the kids were running out onto the main oval in Invercargill and fully expected to see penguins or an iceberg appear any moment.

The first game was a tough one against the Albury Steamers, who were about as organised as a bag full of cats. Tayla Smith and Camilla Metcalfe both showed why they are in the running for a spot on the Aussie Women’s  team in a few years and made their way through for a couple of blistering runs. Charlie Knight and Isaac Smith were fantastic in defence despite being physically frozen the spot. Jed Metcalf had another exciting game with great skills and running keeping him warm.

Our second game was against the Tumut Bull ants who are a big team.

We lost a couple of our players for the second match (obviously carried off by those sneaky penguins) but Tumut had enough to share around. Jack Protherou and “Tumut” Jack both had great games with meters gained in the right direction each time they got hold of the ball. Paddy Radnedge read the play beautifully.  Alex Wright and Hayden Aspin both put in sterling performances.

Although we did not win a game this week the players are all improving and showing great skill development. Well done Under 7s.

The U12s travelled to Temora brimming with confidence as they were drawn to play 2 teams we had beaten earlier in the year. 

First up were Hay who Grenfell lent 4 players to make the numbers even. The game was fantastic with both teams trading try for try and a number of new players this year such as Hugh Nowlan, Jake Troth, Brayden Jewell and Ruben Ryan all having strong games. Unfortunately hay scored with the last play of the day (a Grenfell player we had lent them) To win by 2 points.

Next up we faced Griffith and the boys came out with all guns blazing. The usual suspects were on fire and before they knew it were up 2 tries to nil.

Unfortunately the half time speech wasn’t inspirational enough as Griffith wore the boys down to score 4 unanswered tries in the second half to run out winners.  Special mention to Zac Brenner who did the tackle of the day and Jonny Lebroque who played 4 games and must have slept very well.

U14’s    

First task was Temora Tuskers. The boys knew they had to be on their game to match the well drilled Temora outfit. After concentrating on the contact zone during training this week the coaches couldn't stress how important this area would be.

To the boys credit they stood up to be counted. Lead by props Oscar and Hamish up front the rest of the forwards got into the act and all were cleaning out well. This helped our backs try some different tactics only to be pulled down just short of the line a couple of times. Finally our try came with some good runs by Riley, Ky and Max enabled Angus to slip a nice ball away to Mac who raced away to score. Unfortunately Oly couldn't add the extras and full time was called.  Our second game was against ladder leaders Griffith.

This was going to be a big test as some of the opposition could easily get a game in the under 16s. The boys put their best foot forward but just couldn't contain the big Griffith side. It's hard to pick out any individuals as all the boys stood up and didn't take a backward step.

It is good to see all the boys improving and smiling after every game. The team consisted of Hamish Birch, Max Brenner, Oscar Schaefer, Riley Aspin, Ky O'Byrne, Oliver Taylor, Angus Troth, Rhys Hughes, Hugh Wilson,Tyler Byron and Mac Bucknell.

WOMEN’S BOWLS – 

The AGM on July 4 was a changing of the guard. Profound thanks were extended to out-going President Pat Reid and Treasurer Joy Murray.

Both these ladies have given more than their allotted time to their positions to keep our club going and they were thanked by acclamation.

Chairperson Ross Hunter kindly oversaw the induction of the new committee. Our President is Kathy Betcher, Courtney Hunter is Vice-President and also on Match/Selection with Judy McAlister and Rosemary Walter. Sue Gault has taken on the combined office of Secretary/Treasurer. Kathy and Courtney were also welcomed by acclamation.

These two ladies will have played in Harden yesterday and today in the Regional Open Pairs and we wish them every success. Pat and Joy are to play in the Regional Senior Pairs, but unfortunately Pat has had a fall and at the time of writing we are not sure if she will be up to playing.

Playing days are Thursday 10am and Saturday 1pm. Ring the club half an hour prior to put your name in. All welcome men, women and high school age children. We can provide bowls and if you have minor mobility problems we can help. Come and enjoy light exercise and friendly company.

Recycled Ditcher