Bourke Warriors into grand final at Goodooga

Bourke Warriors at Collarenebri - back l-r: James Moore, Brian Smith, Joel Bates, Doug Dennis, David Ford, Paulo Edwards, Max Nina, Ewan Elwood, Rueben Kelly Barker, Hogan Shillingsworth and Braith Kelly. Front row left to right: Cory Johnson, Jake Elwood, Jordan Elwood, Ben Orcher, Shimar Dennis, Aiden Orcher, Colin Lang, and Keenan Elwood. Photo TWH

Barwon Darling Rugby League

The Bourke Warriors are into the Barwon-Darling Rugby League grand final after defeating the Collarenebri Bulldogs at Collarenebri on Sunday.

Bourke had been relegated to second position the week before after having the points taken off them in the last round of the competition.

The Warriors had accidently fielded 20 men in the last game against Goodooga – a match that they won in a 27-26 thriller to put them straight into a home ground grand final.

With the points taken away, the Warriors had to travel to Collarenebri to take on the Bulldogs in the preliminary final for the right to play Goodooga in the grand final next Sunday.

The first half saw the Bourke Warriors and Collarenebri Bulldogs locked at 6 points each after 10 minutes of play when a tragic incident occurred.

Collarenebri’s Jack Barton suffered a suspected broken leg, leading to a suspension of the game while awaiting ambulance assistance.

This unexpected delay lasted over an hour, but Jack’s resilient spirit rallied his team.

However, when the game resumed Bourke Warriors were too good for the Collarenebri side winning 46-14.

For Bourke, Keenan Elward scored two remarkable tries, while Aiden Orcher, Colin Lang, Shimar Dennis, Ewan Elwood, Max Nina, and Hogan Shillingsworth all crossed for one try apiece.

Hogan Shillingsworth’s kicking prowess was unmatched, as he secured seven conversions.

Conversely, Collarenebri’s Matthew Button managed two tries, Brendan Sweeney added one, and Joseph West delivered a successful conversion.

Bourke’s will now travel to Goodooga this weekend for a replay of last year’s grand final showdown against the Magpies.

The day’s events commenced with the Boys Under 15 match between Collarenebri and Brewarrina, an intense battle that saw Collarenebri emerge victorious with a score of 34-18. […]

Read more and see lots of photos in the printed edition of The Western Herald.

To subscribe call (02) 6872 2333 today and receive The Western Herald in your letterbox next week!