Sport
16 May, 2025
Crunchtime for Mallee Men as Chicks win big
Mallee Men hopeful of fielding sides this weekend
THE West Wyalong Rugby League Mallee Men are in damage control after both their first and reserve grade sides were forced to forfeit matches against Darlington Point last weekend, citing a mounting injury toll and ongoing player unavailability.
The double forfeit comes in the wake of a horror start to the 2025 season, with the Mallee Men suffering back-to-back 60-point defeats at the hands of Waratahs and Leeton. The club had initially called a crisis meeting last week in an effort to assess the situation and seek solutions. That has since been followed by an ordinary committee meeting this week, where officials worked to chart a sustainable path forward.
Club President Matt Goodwin was unavailable for comment when contacted by the West Wyalong Advocate at the time of print, but sources close to the club have confirmed that significant efforts are underway to stabilise the playing roster ahead of this weekend’s home clash with Yanco on Sunday, May 18 with enough players to suit up looking likely.
Despite the challenges facing the men's squads, there is cause for celebration within the club thanks to the Mallee Chicks, who continue to set the standard on the paddock. The League Tag side remains undefeated after a dominant 40–4 win over Darlington Point-Coleambally.
Leading 16–4 at halftime, the Mallee Chicks powered away in the second half, with Olivia Downey crossing for two tries and sister Janae Downey bagging one to go with her four successful conversions. Other try scorers included Olivia Nicholson, Charlee Jones, Kayla Edwards, Kady Amarant, and Caitlin Kelly.
It’s a performance that once again highlights the strength and depth of the women’s side, who have become a beacon of pride for the club during a difficult period.
With hopes of fielding full squads across all grades this Sunday at home, the Mallee Men will be desperate to turn their fortunes around and rally behind the club's fighting spirit.
Round 4 Results
Waratahs v Leeton
U18s - Leeton 60 d Waratahs 0
League Tag - Leeton 34 d Waratahs 0
Reserves - Waratahs 22 d Leeton 12
First Grade - Waratahs 18 d Leeton 16
TLU v Black & Whites
U18s - B&W 42 d TLU 18
League Tag - TLU 10 drew B&W 10
Reserves - TLU 16 d B&W 10
First Grade - TLU 26 d B&W 20
Hay v Yenda
League Tag - Hay 40 d Yenda 6
Reserves - Hay 22 d Yenda 16
First Grade - Yenda 22 d Hay 20
DPC v West Wyalong
First and reserve grade forfeit by WW
League Tag - WW 40 d DPC 4
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