As ‘new boys’ of the competition, the Blue Heelers turned up with a full squad.
They were soundly beaten in a 32-0 victory to the Narrandera Lizards in their first game, but regrouped for a much better showing in an 18-6 loss to the Ivanhoe Roosters in their second.
Overall, Narrandera took away the Proten Cup Knockout for the fourth time, bouncing back after fears the club would fold only weeks ago.
The men’s team only got together for the first time last week, with club officials ringing around to get enough numbers to play.
Coaches Malek Afuamua-Lyons and Barlow Simpson won the shield on their first day as coaches.
Narrandera started off well with a win over hosts Barellan Rams, who were short a few players for the day.
The Rams went down by four in that game but bounced back to beat Hillston 12-4.
The Bluebirds had a ton of numbers turn up after a very good pre-season, however, couldn’t quite get it together on the field, going down 16-0 to Ivanhoe in their first game before their loss to Barellan.
The Ivanhoe Roosters had a successful day with a squad full of returning players.
Despite wins over Hillston and Deni they just couldn’t get there in the final, going down 16-8 to the Lizards.
In the women’s knockout, Barellan were once again the best team of the four clubs who entered.
Barellan went through without a point scored against them, with a 16-0 win over Ivanhoe, 30-0 over Rankins Springs and then 34-0 over Ivanhoe again in the final.
In probably the best game of the day, the Ivanhoe Hens got up over the Hillston Bluebirds girls 10-6 with a try on the full-time siren.
In Hillston’s other game, they fought out a very tough 0-all draw against the Rankins Springs Dragonettes, with neither side giving an inch.
Round one of the Proten Cup season proper is fast approaching, with all teams heading to Ivanhoe on May 24.
Full Knockout results for the men’s were as follows: Narrandera 10 def Barellan 6; Ivanhoe 16 def Hillston 0; Narrandera 32 def Deniliquin 0; Barellan 12 def Hillston 4; Ivanhoe 18 def Deniliquin 6; Final: Narrandera 16 def Ivanhoe 8.
The women’s results were as follows: Barellan 16 def Ivanhoe 0; Rankins Springs 0 draw Hillston 0; Barellan 30 def Rankins Springs 0; Ivanhoe 10 def Hillston 6; Final: Barellan 34 def Ivanhoe 0.
19°C