ON THE PROWL: Players like Sally McLean (pictured) will ensure the Canowindra Tigers are one of the teams to beat at this year's Ladies League Tag Western Challenge.
ORANGE CYMS will show off their new side when they line up in the Ladies League Tag Western Challenge at Canowindra later this month.
CYMS did not field a team in the Group 10 League Tag competition in 2012 but will have a side this season.
The Western Challenge, to be played at Canowindra’s Tom Clyburn Oval on March 23, will be the first opportunity for CYMS’ future rivals to get a look at them.
Twelve teams have entered the Western Challenge including Canowindra Tigers, Cowra Magpies, Young Cherry-Pickers, Cargo Blue Heelers, Molong Bulls, Orange Hawks, Orange CYMS, Bathurst St Pat’s, Blackheath Blackcats, Eugowra Golden Eagles, Condobolin Rams and Grenfell Goannas.
This is the third time the event has been held and this year’s challenge is expected to be a bumper competition.
Canowindra took out the inaugural challenge in 2011 and Bathurst St Pat’s celebrated victory last year.
These two sides are favourites for this year’s challenge.
There could be more teams entering with the deadline for nominations closing on Friday, March 16.
Country Rugby League western region manager Peter Clarke said league tag’s rise in the area had been impressive.
“The popularity of league tag continues to grow,” Clarke said.
“Establishment of competitions in the Woodbridge Cup, Lachlan JRL and Group 10 has seen female participation increase from around 100 registered players in the Western Region in 2009, to more than 400 in 2012.
“This growth is reflected in the nominations for the Western Carnival at Canowindra with 12 clubs participating. The introduction of league tag has created various benefits to clubs in the Western Region. The CRL continues to encourage more clubs to get involved.”
The Western Challenge will start at 11am.
There will be a men’s trial match on the day between Canowindra and the Robertson Spuddies at 12pm on field three. The women will dominate the main ovals.
There will also be a raffle held during the day to raise funds for the Morgan Family Trust.
