Sport
23 June, 2026
Warren's Old Boys and Sponsor's Day
Warren Pumas Old Boy's Day - Saturday, June 20, 2026
By Will Archer
The Warren Pumas returned to the winner's circle on Saturday, overcoming the Coonamble Rams in a hard-fought contest played in front of a large crowd at Warren's annual Sponsor's Day and Old Boys Day celebrations, the day was extra special as it marked the 40 year anniversary since Warren had won the premiership in all three grades in 1986.
With supporters from both clubs lining the sidelines, the match delivered plenty of physicality and drama, with the result not decided until the closing stages.
Coonamble made the stronger start, capitalising on an error from the kick-off and several early penalties to establish field position deep in Warren territory. The Rams' forwards repeatedly tested the Pumas' goal-line defence with a series of pick-and-drive raids, eventually forcing their way over for the opening try.
The Pumas responded by gradually gaining more possession and working their way into the contest. Strong ball carries from Hagan Size, Joe Hamblin and Hugh Squire-Wilson helped Warren build pressure, while an improved kicking game kept Coonamble pinned in their own half.
Despite some costly penalties for high tackles and ruck infringements disrupting their momentum, Warren continued to attack and eventually found reward. After sustained pressure near the line, Matt Kelly spotted an opportunity and darted down the blind side from the ruck to score, levelling the match at 5-5 heading into half-time.
The Rams again started the second half strongly, taking advantage of defensive lapses from the home side. After a Warren player was sent from the field for foul play, Coonamble crossed for a converted try to regain the lead and put the Pumas under pressure.
However, the momentum swung once more when the Rams began to lose discipline. A yellow card reduced Coonamble to 14 men, allowing Warren to launch a series of attacks inside the visitors' half.
The breakthrough came from a well-executed lineout move. Stu McLean combined with his backrowers perfectly, putting Bennito Hodgson through a gap untouched to score beneath the posts. The conversion squared the scores once again with 15 minutes remaining.
Coonamble had an opportunity to edge ahead late in the contest with a penalty attempt from around 40 metres, but the kick sailed wide. Warren immediately turned defence into attack, with Hagan Size producing two excellent clearing kicks to drive the Rams back into their own territory.
The decisive moment came in the dying stages. A Warren drop-goal attempt missed its target, but a late tackle on the kicker resulted in a penalty and another Coonamble player being sent from the field. The Pumas calmly slotted the penalty goal to take a three-point advantage.
With only minutes remaining, Warren controlled possession and patiently wound down the clock, holding on for a tense yet deserved victory.
The win delighted the club's Old Boys and supporters in attendance and sees the Pumas move back into third place on the competition ladder.