Billy Morgan, Beau Hartley, Gene Wighton, Harry Greenhalgh and Harry Wald all donned the red and green of Western in a 16-12 win over Riverina, a 20-6 loss to Sydney North, a 14-10 loss to Sydney East, a 22-6 loss to Sydney West and a 12-all draw with Sydney South West.

“All the boys from Orange were from Bloomfield, we performed the best we’ve performed in five years or so,” Tigers secretary Tammy Greenhalgh said.

For four of the five boys – Hartley, Wighton, Greenhalgh and Wald – the 2018 PSSA rugby league titles were their first crack at schoolboy rep footy.

“Billy Morgan had been with Western before,” Greenhalgh added.

“Billy plays up an age division every week. 

“Some of the boys that are normally stand outs, they get to that level and they don’t know what’s hit them. Mentally challenging for them to overcome those barriers and keep pushing through.”

“One of the PSSA teams had Brad Fittler’s zon Zac in it, they ended up taking it out.”

The Bloomfield boys also played for Bletchington at the Peachey Shield finals last week, while four of the five will don Group 10 rep jumpers this weekend in Griffith.

“They certainly do play a lot of footy,” Greenhalgh laughed.

The Broadley and Haydon Under 13 Lions took on the Wellington Redbacks at their home ground this week, the cold and wet conditions making for a challenging game for both teams.

Lily Bone, in the captain’s role, was continually encouraging her teammates during the game.

Jake Philpott quickly responded to an early Wellington try, steamrolling his way through the opposition’s powerful defence to cross the line for the Lions. The slippery conditions made it difficult for Andrew Ingham to even get the ball to stay on the tee, however, once stable, he easily converted.

Lachlan Hobbs was, again, a great force in the line-outs, with Jasmine Anthony constantly following the ball once it was back in play.

Alex O’Brien, Jack Glynn and Patrick Haydon were courageous against the colossal Wellington front-row, with Paddy displaying great maturity in calling uncontested scrums, the safety of his teammates the priority.

Our tenacious wingers, Darcy Harris and Edward Southwell, were always looking (through the rain!) for opportunities to make a break, with Harry Mulligan also constantly looking for open spaces.   

Jack Petty and Oliver Livingstone both had several strong runs and, despite the slippery ball, Tallis Thomas and Hamish Ingham’s passes kept the ball moving.

Special mention to Trixie Ward for her positivity. Trixie, with her infectious smile and enthusiasm, is a wonderful asset to her team.  

The Lions, as always, gave their all for the entire match, ultimately going down 45-7.

Olly’s Earthworks Players Player: Jake Philpott; Chemart Chemist Best and Fairest: Jack Glynn 3, Lachlan Hobbs 2, Lily Bone 1.