Sport
7 May, 2026
Bulls and Pumas both win round one contests
Rugby union has kicked-off, and Warren and Nyngan's senior men's side started with wins.
Rugby union has officially kicked off with round one of the Western Plains season seeing the Bogan Bulls play the re-formed Cobar Camels and the Warren Pumas versed a tough Gular side.
The Bulls men travelled to Cobar on Friday night to play the Camels for the Neil Elder Cup. The Camels had 2025 out of the competition due to a lack of players, but returned this year with a young, enthusiastic side.
Although the Bogan Bulls won easily, and the 50-point mercy rule was implemented, coach Sarah Pearce complimented the Camels on their effort.
It was an early season test for the Bulls, which had lost several key players from last year’s grand finalist team.
“The Camels worked hard and put in a gutsy 80-minute effort despite the Bulls barrage. I took it as an opportunity to lock in our game plan and get the ball into the hands of the back line. The boys worked well together as a unit, very cohesive for their first game together as a squad,” Pearce said.
“There were a couple of young debuts - local boys Oscar Holmes, Harry Williams and Liam Dedman all put in massive efforts in the forward pack. Derrick Voku and Nick Sim were our major point scorers, and hard work from Tyrone Chrystal and Will Mudford in the loose forwards shored up our defence.”
Pearce said there remained plenty of work for the Bulls in the lead up to this weekend’s home game against Coonamble.
Both clubs will celebrate their 70th anniversary this year and are keen to make an impact on the Western Plains ladder.
Meanwhile the Warren Pumas took on Gular on Saturday afternoon at Warren, winning 29-22.
Warren coach Harry Gaynor complimented Gular on their effort.
“You’ve had a young side for a few years now and it’s good to see you bring something together and have a high-functioning team. You’ve thrown the ball around really well all day. You’ve got fitness at the end and you just punched up the middle of the field with what looked like little effort,” he said.
Gaynor said the Warren side worked hard to be cohesive.
“We have a lot of young players, players playing out of position, and people who haven’t played rugby before,” he said.
In the post-match wrap up senior player Joe Hamblin was awarded one point; captain Hagan Size was given two points and newcomer Oli Wilson was the three point and players’ player winner.
Warren will host Cobar next Saturday, April 18.
Meanwhile the Bogan Bulls women’s tri tag side played a trial match against Gular at Warren on Saturday.
Although the slick Gular side were convincing winners, it was a positive hit out for the Bulls who improved throughout the game.
Captain Abbi Parry and seasoned players Sophie Doughty and Jemma Perko stood out; and Lily Burton made some great runs.
Pumas Match Report By Will Archer
The Warren Pumas have survived a late surge from the Gulargambone gulars to secure their first win for the 2026 Western Plains Rugby Union season 29-22 on Saturday, April 11.
Gulargambone turned up to Victoria Park with a side that was very well-drilled, physical and significantly fit compared to gular teams of previous seasons.
One local Warren on-looker said it was the strongest Gular team that they can remember.
Gular did an excellent job of distributing the ball well through young five-eighth Ryan Ferguson and allowing there fast running outside backs to make significant territory, the fitness of their forward pack then benefited off the back of this momentum.
Gular also had a far superior scrum to Warren.
Although looking shaky at times, Warren showed resolve and were able to hold out Gular and stop them from completing and scoring at multiple opportunities with some stoic defence.
The second half would have appeared Gular had 80 per cent of the games momentum but Warren were able to hold them at bay.
Warren also appeared to have the ascendency at line out winning the vast majority of their own ball uncontested with good line out throwing from warren hooker Oli Ferrari.
This came as a bit of a pressure relief and allowed Warren to get forward momentum.
A promising performance and man of the match in his first game from Warren came from Hugh Squire-Wilson at outside centre, with good defensive instinct he was able to stem much of Gulars fast flowing ball and in attack take good opportunities were they presented.
Warren five-eighth Hagan Size also produced a very strong performance and his boot was the difference between the two teams, as both the Pumas and Galahs scored four tries apiece.
Hagan was able to convert three of four conversions to Gulars one of four attempts.
Hagan was also able slot a penalty goal to bring the game to 29-22.
Strong performances across the park from Warren came from Edin McSweeney on the wing scoring two tries, Tom Storer was also strong in the lineout, young Oliver Wilson also showed a lot of promise.
Congratulations to both teams on the day, the competition should also be very excited about the strength of the Gular team this year.
