Deniliquin hosted its first home round of the 2026 Proten Cup on Saturday, with both the Blueheelers’ women’s and men’s sides taking on Rankins Springs in front of a strong local crowd.
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The day was a major milestone for the club, marking the women’s first official tackle match and one of the men’s strongest turnouts of the season.
The women’s side received loud support as they ran out for their debut, and although Rankins Springs’ experience showed in their 22–0 win, the Blueheelers were encouraged by the performance.
President Rachel Parry said the occasion was a significant step forward for the club.
“Considering it was our first official tackle game, I think we did a very good job against experienced opposition,” she said.
She praised the atmosphere around the ground, noting the strong community turnout.
“The home game was a great success.
“Lots of locals and people from other clubs came along.
Todd Thocolich kicks off.
“Many stayed in Deni across the Friday and Saturday nights, which was really great to see.
“The Deniliquin Drovers Rugby Union Club barbecue was successful too, and it all helped showcase what our club and community can do.”
In the men’s match, Deniliquin produced their best half of football so far this season.
Rankins Springs opened strongly, piling on early points to lead 30-0 at halftime, but the Blueheelers responded with a determined defensive effort after the break.
They repeatedly turned the Dragons away and limited them to just two second‑half tries.
Captain/coach Drew Hinkley said the improvement was clear.
“There were a lot of positives overall. In the second half there just two tries.
“It took a while to find our feet.
“We can control the ball and defend well. It’s about finishing our sets and looking to score.”
In the other women’s match played at Deniliquin, the Barellan Rams managed to make the trip over to Deni with five players.
With some help from three Blueheelers and two Dragons, they got a team on the park.
Hillston had a full team, but in a game that remained scoreless for most of its duration they couldn’t get over the line.
One try for Mikayla Towers got the Rams home 4-0.
In the men’s Barellan and Hillston fought out a mostly scrappy contest with some desperate defence saving both teams on several occasions.
The Hillston Bluebirds kept the lead and prevailed 12-6.
In a first for the league, some games were played at Goolgowi on Friday night.
In the women’s, the Ivanhoe Hens ran in seven tries in total to defeat the home side 32-0.
In the men’s, a tight contest ended in a Goolgowi win, 26-20.
Both Deniliquin teams now turn their attention to round three at Rankins Springs this weekend, where they face a tough double‑header against Ivanhoe.
The women meet the top‑placed Hens in the early match, with Parry confident the side is building well.
“We’re expected to have around 17 players, plus a few ring‑ins.
“Our defence is okay, and our attacking skills are coming along, we’re building our tackle training and improving every week.
“All looking good,” she said.
The men follow against last year’s grand finalists, who are also chasing their first win for the season.
“We will have 17 or 18 players available, and Ivanhoe have been very dominant over the past few years,” Hinkley said.
“They’ll come out firing, looking for their first win, so we’ll need to carry that second‑half momentum forward and make it a bit of an arm‑wrestle.”
George Robertson and Mason Brown as markers.
Fiona Casey has a crack out of dummy-half.
Reed Jackson bumps a tackler.
Anthony Weaver readies for contact.
George Robertson, Mason Brown and Kurt Longford in the three-man tackle.
