Sport
29 August, 2025
Firsts forfeit while Mallee Chicks and 18s get reality check in Griffith as finals loom
Chicks fall to competition leaders
THE West Wyalong Mallee Men have forfeited a match for the third time this Group 20 season after electing not to fulfil their fixture against Griffith Black and Whites at EW Moore Oval in Griffith.
Off the back of a 72-10 loss to the TLU Sharks in the local derby two weeks ago, the Mallee Men decided to withdraw from the away trip to protect the club’s finals-bound Under 18s, many of whom have been playing regular first grade this season.
Mallee Men Vice President Josh Judd told this masthead that the move was a pre-determined one for that reason after an 18s player was injured in last week’s first grade match, and that the club still intends to field a first grade side when Yenda visit in the final round this coming weekend.
The Under 18s themselves did make the trip to Griffith, and despite their best efforts were beaten 38-4 by a strong Black and Whites outfit.
William Nicholson crossed for West Wyalong’s only try of the match, as Griffith halfback Matty Adams scored three tries and booted five goals to lead his side to victory.
It was a similarly tough day for the Mallee Chicks who fell 36-0 to the top of the table Black and Whites.
The margin illustrates the gap that the Mallee Chicks will need to close in the finals if they are to make it third time lucky in the Grand Final at the same venue on September 28.
It was a heavy defeat that seriously jeopardises their hopes of securing a coveted top‑two semi‑final berth. With the finals fast approaching, the Chicks now face an uphill battle — but they still have one more shot to set the tone against a Yenda side desperate to avoid the spoon.
In the Chicks favour is that second placed Leeton plays the ladder leading Black and Whites this weekend and barring a draw, a big win over Yenda and a similar heavy loss for Leeton could see an unlikely top two finish however the more likely scenario is a knockout minor semi against Hay Magpies who sit in fourth and are assured of finishing there regardless of last round results.
It was a Shaylin Williams masterclass and Moerai Makonia inspired double at Griffith’s Solar Mad Stadium that saw the Black and Whites avenge their June 15 loss to the Chicks 32-10 in West Wyalong and throw down a marker for the rest of the competition in a dominant display.
The Chicks were brave and the score didn’t truly reflect the difference in the two sides but the timing of the defeat with only two weeks to the finals is a bigger concern. That said, despite two forfeits, the side hadn’t lost a game since Round 2 to Leeton and the defeat maybe a blessing in disguise.
The Mallee Chicks will need to regroup and put everything on the line as they chase the elusive top-two finish and a double chance to begin their September semi‑final campaign.
For the Chicks, this weekend offers redemption; for the Men, a chance to show resilience. Support counts now more than ever — whether it’s a roar from the stands or a word of encouragement in the clubhouse, let’s back West Wyalong all the way. This could be a weekend to remember.
In other Men’s first grade games - Hay beat Leeton 28-18, Waratahs smashed TLU 52-20, and Yanco lost to DPC 40-6.
Round 18 this weekend sees the DPC Roosters take on the TLU Sharks, Waratahs host Yanco, Leeton tackle Black & Whites, and West Wyalong firsts bring the curtain down on their season at Ron Crowe Oval against Yenda.
TALLON SMITH and DANE MILLERD
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