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OCLife | around the grounds with ANTHONY BARBAGALLO

Brave

Tigers on Saturday, recording a thumping 173-41 win at George Park.

While it was a close fight in the first quarter, the Bushrangers quickly asserted their attacking and marking dominance in the next three quarters, kicking 22 goals to the Tigers’ six. This heavy defeat sees the tigers now sitting 16 points behind competition leaders, Bathurst Bushrangers.

Rugby Union: Blowes Cup first-grade action Bathurst Bulldogs hold off late Orange Emus charge The Bathurst Bulldogs held on to a 26-20 win over Orange Emus on Saturday afternoon at Anne Ashwood Park, Bathurst.

Western Premier League: Round eight action

It was a tight tussle in the first half, with Emus taking the lead at one point but the Bulldogs responding with a couple of well-worked tries. Trailing 26-8 after the break, the Emus mustered an incredible fightback in the last 15 minutes to keep the home side on their toes.

Devastating Waratahs thump Dubbo Bulls Waratahs strolled past Dubbo Bulls, thrashing them 7-0 in front of a home crowd at the Waratah Sports Ground on Saturday.

After last week’s win in Mudgee, the Tahs came back home and put the fourth-placed Dubbo Bulls to the sword.

This loss leaves the Emus in fourth spot on 13 points, five behind the Dubbo Roos.

Given the Bulls were on a threegame winning streak, one might have expected a tighter battle.

But Waratahs quickly imposed their dominance from the kickoff, with star striker Guy Burgess scoring the opener inside the first 10 minutes. Moments later, the home side doubled their lead through Craig Sugden after scoring a flying header off a setpiece delivery.

Barnies and Parkes share spoils in six-goal thriller

With Dubbo panicking at the back, Waratahs pounced on another defensive error and scored their third goal just before the halftime whistle.

Barnstoneworth United had to settle for a single point after drawing with fifth-placed Parkes Cobras 3-3 on Saturday at Bernie Stedman, Jack Brabham Park.

Things got even worse for the Bulls as the Tahs upped their game in the second half. Instead of sitting back and closing the game out, the Sky Blues created more devastating attacks and eventually put another four in the back of the net. Burgess scored four goals, while his forward partner, Craig Sugden, scored a hat-trick to cap off an impressive team performance.

Barnies came into this contest on a high after defeating local rivals CYMS in the previous round, while Parkes was looking to bounce back after going down to Bathurst ‘75.

Dubbo Roos get past an improved Orange City On Saturday afternoon at Pride Park, the Dubbo Roos edged past an energetic Orange City 30-19.

Inconsistent defending from both sides turned this match into a goal-fest and entertaining spectacle for the crowd. While Barnies had multiple chances to win the game, the red-andwhites can still walk away with their heads held high after securing a vital point to keep the pressure on the Western Premier League’s top-four.

Waratahs also snapped up their second consecutive clean sheet, a testament to their impenetrable defence. The win sees Waratahs remain in third on 16 points, keeping the pressure on Bathurst ‘75 and the unbeaten leaders, Panorama FC.

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JUNE 2 — 8, 2022

Orange CYMS go down to Panorama FC An improved CYMS put on a brave display at Proctor Park, losing only 2-0 to the league’s current leaders, Panorama FC. In light of CYMS’ poor form, it seemed reasonable to expect a loss by a larger margin here.

But surprisingly, the away side looked tighter in the defence and showed they could still threaten Panorama’s goal on a number of occasions.

Thanks to their experienced playmakers and forwards, Panorama still found the net twice to seal victory, keeping them on top of the standings and their undefeated streak intact.

One extra try and two penalty goals made the difference in this tight battle. But despite the loss it was impressive to see the Lions fighting hard to the finish taking the match down to the wire.

While there are positives City can take away from this loss, they are still to record a win in six games.

Rugby League: Peter McDonald Premiership action Orange Hawks snatch late win over Lithgow Workies The Orange Hawks narrowly defeated Group 10’s last-placed Lithgow Workies 20-18 on Sunday at Wade Park, snapping their three-game losing streak.

Rampant Bathurst Bushrangers hammer Orange Tigers

The Hawks quickly set the tempo after Matthew Boss crossed for the opening try five minutes into the match. But two quick tries from the traveling team kept the Hawks on their toes.

Bathurst Bushrangers put on a dominant display against Orange

The two blues scored a third try just a minute after the restart,

AFL Central West first-grade action

extending their lead 14-8. But the Workies replied with two tries in the space of four minutes to take a surprising 18-14 lead and ruffle the Hawks’ feathers.

The home side crossed over for their fourth try in the 61st minute, but Ryan Manning failed to successfully convert, leaving the scores level.

But the fullback redeemed himself in the final five minutes kicking a penalty goal to snatch a slim and vital victory for the Hawks.

Orange CYMS survive scare against Cowra Magpies Orange CYMS have extended their undefeated streak to six games after holding on to beat Cowra Eagles 16-14 in the seventh round on Sunday at Sid Kallas Oval.

The two sides matched each other in every department, except for the conversions. It was Patrick William’s second conversion that proved the critical difference and gifted CYMS a narrow win over a brave Cowra outfit.

Orange Netball: Senior Women’s Division 1, Round Five League leaders Orange City Craig Harvey Mechanical ran riot in their 92-10 victory over KWS Firsts. The first-class performance certainly sent a strong message to rival sides eyeing this year’s first-grade title.

The OHS Hornets are back to their winning ways after cruising to a 61-30 win over Hawks Marvasti Security. This muchneeded victory bumps the Hornets into fifth place.

In the LIFE Studio club derby, LIFE Studio secured a 52-35 win over last-placed LS MID West Eyes. The victory propels LIFE Studio into third spot, level with Vipers and two points behind leaders Orange City Craig Harvey Mechanical.

After last week’s forfeit, the Vipers bounced back with a dominant win, defeating fourthplaced Orange City Our City Real Estate 55-27. The Vipers still haven’t lost a game on the court this season.

sporting life | OCLife

Central West Premier

League Hockey — IMAGES BY HENRY DEROOY — Orange CYMS clashed with Bathurst Panthers in Orange on Saturday afternoon in Round Four of the Women’s Central West Premier League Competition.

JUNE 2 — 8, 2022

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OCLife | sporting life with ANTHONY BARBAGALLO

BARRACKER THE

Barnies, “Golden Gordon”, and the famous 1935 cup-tie Barnstoneworth United has one of the more unusual histories of football clubs in the Orange District Football Association.

Now celebrating their quarter-century in the local league, this eclectic band of sporting brothers and sisters is still going strong.

With their anachronistic name, 1920s-styled candy-striped guernseys, and logo featuring a moustachioed footballer from the same era with the title “The Legend”, they look like something out of a “Boys Own” adventure series from the early 20th century.

Which is exactly what they are supposed to appear! The quirky name, logo, and player jerseys, are actually an affectionate tribute to a satirical television series made in the late 1970s by Michael Palin and Terry Jones of Monty Python’s Flying Circus fame.

The series, “Ripping Yarns”, gently parodied pre-war British heroic and dramatic stereotypes.

One episode is a mock Agatha Christie thriller where “The Butler Did It”; another, a prison camp escape drama in which the British officers continually thwart our hero’s elaborate plans which “haven’t been through the Escape Sub-Committee”, a third is set in an upper-class English public school where “Tomkinson” is tormented by the quintessential bullying school prefect.

Barnstoneworth United, however, features in a “Roy of the Rovers” type adventure called “Golden Gordon” where our committed (and obsessive) Yorkshire soccer fan, Gordon Ottershaw, comes home in a depressive funk after each loss and proceeds to break the crockery and furniture in the family house, to his wife and son’s (who’s name is, “Barnstoneworth United”) eternal distress.

the same name founded in 1987 by three Englishmen, including Frank Leyden and Graham Rumble, as a “crazy” tribute to the television series.

Receiving written permission to use the name, British comic legend Palin, even sent an autographed photo of support and asking them to “stop winning” with a memorable line from the “Golden Gordon” episode: “It’s not the shorts, it’s what’s in them that counts.”

As one can imagine from this potted history, one of “Barnies’” aims is to not take themselves too seriously.

Teams carry such titles as “Brighouse” and “Denley Moor” in tribute to fictional rival clubs that Barnstoneworth played in the television show, with player “profiles” highlighting a very British sense of fun.

“Three decades as a recluse in a Nepalese monastery… best known as a stunt double for David Attenborough…a handful of Oscar nominations for documentaries on Nicaraguan needlepoint… a starting guard with the Philadelphia 76ers…” give some idea of its sometimes irreverent values.

On their website, they simply describe themselves as: “a family-oriented club, focused on mateship and enjoyment of football. We always do our best on the pitch but, just as important as having a go, is the social time with clubmates after a match.”

This, “let’s all have a good time” approach to football, in stark contrast to the unappealing, win-at-all-costs attitude of some local senior sides, makes a refreshing change for fans and players who are mature enough to realise that, in the end, it is only a game of sport.

In a last-ditch attempt to save his beloved Barnstoneworth from being wound up, he enlists the star players from the club’s renowned 1922 team, now all middle-aged men, for an 8-1 Cup-tie victory over arch-rivals Denley Moor, thereby rescuing his side from oblivion.

Increasing numbers of local players seem to agree, from a single senior side in 1997, Barnies now fields a number of junior teams. In the seniors, they have a team in the top tier Western Premier League (WPL) and, in the local Orange District Competition, a Female All Age side, Mixed A, B & C Grades, and a muchloved team in the fourth division.

The Orange iteration of “Barnies” is actually an off-shoot of the Sydney club of

The Legend, Gordon Ottershaw, would be proud!

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JUNE 2 — 8, 2022

UNDER 8 FOOTBALL ACTION REPLAY Waratah Vikings attack too strong for Waratah Braves

On Saturday morning, the Waratah Vikings came away with a derby win after defeating club rivals Waratah Braves 4-0.

Despite the wet and slippery surface, the juniors showcased some impressive dribbling and kicking skills.

It was a close match from the start, with the Vikings showing good ball control and awareness. Braves too, started the game brightly, stringing some decent passes together and launching a couple of small attacks at their opponent's goal. But after five minutes of play, the hard-working Vikings opened the scoring with their star forward pouncing on a defensive error and tucking the ball just inside the right post. A couple of minutes later, the Vikings doubled their lead by scoring a similar goal to the opener.

The Vikings continued with their highpressing and compact game, chasing every ball in the middle of the field and making it difficult for the Braves to get out of their half.

Trailing 2-0 at the break, the Braves players quickly fuelled off some halftime oranges to regain energy for a secondhalf comeback.

In the second half, an energised Braves started pushing more players forward to help their attack muster some needed goals. Thanks to the added pressure, the Braves almost scored off a quick counter-attack, but were denied by the quick reflexes of the Vikings goalkeeper.

Struggling to finish in front of goal, the Braves conceded two more goals in the closing stages. The Vikings scored their third goal off some slick passing and mesmerising dribbling skills by their star strikers. The final goal came off a thunderous strike that bounced off the post and rippled into the net.

As a result, the Waratah Vikings cruised to an impressive victory in front of a vocal and supportive crowd.

sporting life | OCLife

Robyn Moore’s life on the greens Highly-regarded amateur golfer Robyn Moore has been an active part of the Wentworth golfing community for the past 25 years.

A versatile player who boasts exceptional driving accuracy and a balanced playing style, the Wentworth Ladies veteran has won significant individual and team success on the green over the years.

Despite first coming to formal golf competitions at a mature age, Robyn has built an impressive and decorated history at her local Wentworth club.

Representing in multiple pennant teams over the years, the quiet achiever is still chipping away every week in the Wentworth Ladies Second Division.

Orange City Life recently caught up with Robyn to chat about her golfing days, past and present, and her undeniable passion for the sport.

How long have you played golf, and at what age did you start?

I was about 50 when I started playing this sport more seriously. Before, I played golf

on a more casual and social basis. And I never received any coaching; I’m just a self-taught golfer.

a huge pool of competition is one of my finest team and personal achievements in this sport.

Have you always been playing at the Wentworth Golf club?

Are many young golfers coming through the ranks and playing in the Ladies’ competitions at Wentworth?

Yes, always been a Wentworth member.

What grade do you play in?

I have always played in the Wednesday Ladies’ competition. At the moment, I am playing in the B grade. We either play a stroke round or a Stableford event on most occasions.

What would you say your best achievement has been throughout your playing days?

There have been many wonderful memories throughout my golfing days. But I would have to say the best achievement came in 2010 when my team and I finished runners-up in an NSW State Championship for 3BBB v Par. We first won in Orange and Cowra before travelling to Sydney and competing against roughly 22 teams. To walk away with the runners-up plate from

...There have been many wonderful memories throughout my golfing days...

Well, it’s all mature women that play during the week. But many younger players compete in the weekend tournaments; this is obviously due to work commitments. Although, we have seen some young players occasionally join in during the weekday competitions if the individual has a day off from work.

It’s a positive sign to see that the younger generations are still taking up this unique sport.

Are you excited about the new Wentworth club project and course renovations?

Yes, I am looking forward to seeing it once the project is complete. The designs look as if the club could be terrific. And the course renovations will truly take Wentworth to a completely different professional level.

JUNE 2 — 8, 2022

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