HASTINGS League put on a dominant display in the Outback Rugby League Challenge at Coonabarabran on Saturday 12 July, outclassing the NSW Outback side for a 40-22 win.
Walgett’s Malakai Haley secured first points for the Outback after making an impressive break straight through the middle.
This was followed by Trent Mason (Walgett) finishing off a well placed grubber kick from fullback Quinton Kennedy (Walgett).
Despite the Outback side’s impressive start, their 10-0 lead was short-lived as Hastings hit back with three quick tries.
Kendall’s Ryan Long scored first, eclipsing several defenders on his way to the posts.
He secured his second shortly after, before Comboyne’s Jamaine Anderson cut through the Outback defence to the tryline, giving Hastings a 16-10 lead as they headed into the break.
The second half began with Walgett’s Tristan Wise dragging four Hastings players with him across the line, temporarily deadlocking the score at 16-16.
In response, Kendall’s Kaine Cafe flew down the right edge before delivering an inside ball to Long, to reclaim a 22-16 lead for Hastings.
From here Hastings continued to add to their onslaught, with tries to Jamaine Anderson, Daniel Weightman and Jack Chapman blowing the scoreline out to 40-16.
Just before the referee’s whistle concluded play the Outback secured the last points of the match, resulting in a full time scoreline of 40-22
Hastings District Rugby League CEO Geoff Connor praised the team’s performance, acknowledged the strategic acumen of Jimmy Kennedy, the team’s captain/coach.
“The boys played exceptionally well bringing home the shield with a solid 40-22 win,” said Connor.
“Ryan Long had a blinder crossing for three tries, including a couple of solo efforts.
“Jamaine Anderson also had a big game from the back going over for two.
“Daniel Weightman scored one as did Jack Chapman who also kicked six goals and came away with the Man of the Match.
“A big thank you to Jimmy Kennedy, who played well, executed a winning plan and kept the boys going when we were behind early.
“This is a great initiative from NSW Rugby League (NSWRL) and well done to everyone involved.”
NSWRL Community Rugby League Manager Peter Clarke said the annual match was an important fixture on the NSWRL calendar.
“The focus of the Outback Challenge game is to reward and recognise players from remote rugby league communities in the Far West,” Clarke said.
“It’s exciting to connect highly regarded mentors Dean Widders, Nathan Blacklock along with Coonabarabran based teacher Will Robinson, with players and volunteers based in Wilcannia, Bourke, Brewarrina and Walgett.
“Apart from game-based skills, learnings were shared about Kamilaroi culture and community football leadership, emphasising the benefits of grassroots participation, these learnings will be passed on locally to strengthen communities in the Far West.
“We’d also like to thank Hastings League for their continued support, making the trek from the Mid-North coast backing up from their trip to Lightning Ridge last year.”
The Outback Rugby League Challenge is supported by the NSW Government, who invest in Community Rugby League competitions in Far West NSW.
Key areas that will benefit from the funding include Walgett, Bourke, Brewarrina, Collarenebri, Goodooga, Lightning Ridge, Wilcannia, Menindee and Broken Hill.
The funds are used to support Far West clubs with the costs of registration, insurance, club transport, well-being events, referees and referee travel.
It also assists with the engagement of staff dedicated to junior and social competition support and capacity building, as well as community development programs.
The Hastings District Rugby League representative team:
Coach: Jimmy Kennedy
Coaching staff: Blake Debreceny, Michael Schiffmann, James Roberts and Claudia Todd.
Players:
Comboyne: Jamaine Anderson, Luke Hartog, Blake Debreceny, Ben Stewart and Cameron Pharoah.
Kendall: Kaine Café, Jack Chapman, Ryan Long, Taylor Eggins, Daniel Weightman and Jack Bates.
Bowraville: Tyler Blair, Keiran Blair, Locky McEwen, Yharli Fitzgerald, Malcolm Noble.
By Kim AMBROSE