The Return of Rugby League to the Group 17 Area

[Springs09]

A couple months ago I posted seeking anyone who had been involved in a pub comp in NSW as we were looking to set-up a small comp involving old Group 17 towns.

Well now the competition is up and running, with a May start in sight. Article below:


http://crlnsw.com.au/proten-community-cup-bringing-rugby-league-back-to-group-17-after-12-years/

After twelve years without Rugby League, Group 17 has reformed with a new six-team competition. Towns including Ivanhoe, Hillston, Rankin Springs, Goolgowi, Barellan and Narrandera are taking part and news of the re-established clubs has brought the community together.

Bidgee Regional Area Manager David Skinner believes it gives towns a chance to play for themselves, rather than have players join bigger clubs in other groups.

“The competition doesn’t start until late May, which reflects the rural environment because the farmers tend to their crops during the April-May months,”

“The guys out here are playing for the social engagement and to represent their small community,” Skinner said.

“Goolgowi is a classic example, they had 50 people at their first training run including wives and children. The town is buzzing from it and I’m sure the other towns would be much the same.”

Ivanhoe, located six hours west of Dubbo, is the smallest and most remote community in Group 17 Rugby League. Skinner was surprised that the Ivanhoe Roosters were able to join the new competition.

“I thought to myself ‘Ivanhoe won’t field a team, there’s only 200 people living there’ but they did and now they’re playing in the new division which is fantastic.”

President of the Ivanhoe Roosters Mark Huntly is thrilled about his town taking part in the ProTen Community Cup.

“It’s good because we only got the news six weeks ago about starting a competition so I didn’t have much time to get people on board but I was surprised by all the young fellas who put their hand up to play,” said Huntly.

“The town itself got the news two weeks ago, and it has created a bit of excitement, there’s a good feeling around the town,” said Huntly.

“It’s great the way it’s been set up, with the League Safeplay, it gives the older guys an opportunity to put the boots on again too.”

Naming rights sponsors ProTen are contributing $8000 towards playing apparel for all the teams taking part.

The competition will start on the 25th of May and would see three games played in the one town over a single weekend.

 

[Springs09]

Hey guys

This competition is having it's knockout tomorrow. We've done a lot of work to get it off the ground and now 6 clubs that haven't played for 12 years will take the field again.

Here's our Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/Proten-Community-Cup-Rugby-League-350111165477208/

And a local news article:
https://www.areanews.com.au/story/5404757/rankins-springs-dragons-ready-to-tackle-knockout/

After a 12-year absence of football in the area, the time has finally arrived for the Rankins Springs Dragons to return to the playing arena at the ProTen Community Cup knockout in Barellan on Saturday.

It is a day many thought would never eventuate after the Group 17 competition folded in 2006, but after hard work and dedication from those behind the scenes, sides will take to the field 12-years after they last ran out.

Rankins Spring’s Jamie Parsons fell it will mean a lot to the community to see their colours back on the field.

“We never got the opportunity to play for our hometown,” he said.

“We were 14 when it was folded, so we were two years away from playing but had to wait 12 so its a pretty big thing for us. Hence why we have put all the work into it we have been working pretty hard for four months now.”

It is a case of family traditions which makes the occasion special for Parsons.

“My grandfather played for the Springs back in the 50s and 60s, and my father did in the 80s and 90s, and a lot of other boys go back that far as well,” he said.

“You can trace relatives back to the 1953 Premiership side which was our first premiership. Hopefully a lot of the old boys can be out on Saturday because I'm sure it means a lot to them as well just to see the colours back on the field.”

Traditions such as this have seen dedication come out in those turning up to training even in the worst conditions.

“Had 24 guys turn out to training in the torrential rain on Thursday last week,” he said.

“Numbers have been really good lately, getting between 20 and 25 over the last month. A lot of those are local boys as well.

“Got probably 25 who are registered at the moment of that around 15 live here and another five used to live here when they were kids and live in Griffith now, and the others come from Weethalle and surround places.”

The Rankins Springs Sportsground will host round four of the ProTen Community Cup on June 30, and the ground is already in top condition.

“Andrew and Wally have done most of the work here, and our president Brent Parsons did a fair bit as well, and It is very nearly ready playing on,” he said.

The knockout gets underway in Barellan at 11am.

 

[Dakink]

Good little read. Happy to see a good news story.