Sport
28 February, 2025
It's Showtime!!! 52nd West Wyalong Knockout draw finalised
13 teams to line up for WW KO trophy
THE stage is set for the 52nd edition of the Evolution Mining West Wyalong Knockout, with 13 teams now confirmed for this year’s event, two more than last year.
The competition kicks off tonight at Ron Crowe Oval with a highly anticipated line-up, and despite some changes in the teams, clubs from Group 9, 10, 11, 16, 20 and Canberra League have registered.
The opening night promises plenty of action, as teams line up for the first round of matches with a special fundraising effort for premature baby research also being part of the festivities.
Gates open at 5pm, with the first game starting at 6:30pm. In the opener, Peter McDonald heavyweights, the Forbes Magpies, with former Parkes captain, Chad Porter, will face off against Tullibigeal Lakes United Sharks. A significant cause will be at the heart of this match, as every try scored by either team will see a $50 donation made to research into premature babies, a cause close to the hearts of local supporters. The Forbes Inn and West Wyalong Metro Hotel, led by owner Matt Coleman, are backing this initiative in honour of former Forbes captain Jake Grace and his wife, who gave birth prematurely to their baby.
For those wishing to donate, a fundraising page has been set up to support the cause: Running for Premature Babies https://www.runningforprematurebabies.com/fundraisers/joelenegrace
Next up, at 7:10pm, the Parkes Spacemen will look to bring their strong 2024 form into a clash with hosts the West Wyalong Mallee Men, in what promises to be a thrilling match between two top sides. At 7:50pm, last year's Knockout runners-up, and Group 9 premiers, the Young Cherrypickers, will take to the field against Yanco, hoping to go one step further this year after falling just short in 2024.
At 8:30pm, South City will take on Leeton in a game that may provide the winner of the tournament, followed by the defending champions, Woden Valley Rams, facing off against Cooma at 9:10pm. Cooma are not here simply to make up the numbers and will be keen to cause an upset.
The final game of the night, starting at 9:50pm, will see Bombala take on Orange CYMS, who will also be looking to kick-start their 2025 campaign with a tournament victory to take back to the city of apples.
Hay will have the bye and automatically progress to Saturday’s fixtures.
Here is the full Round 1 draw for tonight:
West Wyalong Knockout – Round 1 (Friday, February 28)
· 6:30pm: Tullibigeal Lakes United Sharks v Forbes
· 7:10pm: Parkes v West Wyalong
· 7:50pm: Young v Yanco
· 8:30pm: South City v Leeton
· 9:10pm: Cooma v Woden Valley Rams
· 9:50pm: Bombala v Orange CYMS
· Hay: Bye
Former Manly legend, Ron "Rambo" Gibbs will also be in town to add some old school sparkle as well. As always, the West Wyalong Knockout promises high-intensity competition, community spirit, and a whole lot of excitement. With some fresh faces and returning favourites, there’s no doubt that 2025 will be another unforgettable year for the tournament. Be sure to come down, support your team, and contribute to an incredible cause!
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