Sport
8 May, 2026
Western Plains Rugby Union round three report
This week's Western Plains Rugby Union wrap with WPRU president David Neeves
By WPRU president David Neeves
Ahrens Cup – round wrap up
Defending premiers Coonamble Ewes have stamped their authority on the 2026 Ahrens Cup Women’s Tri Tag season with a commanding 36–5 victory over Walgett Ewes.
Running in six tries to one, Coonamble showcased their class and cohesion, with standouts Kathryn Alchin and Amy Ibbott leading the charge.
The pair crossed for two tries each, proving difficult to contain as the Ewes controlled proceedings from start to finish.
Walgett fought hard and were rewarded with a lone try to Simone Morgan, but ultimately struggled to match Coonamble’s pace and structure across the park.
Played in great spirit, the contest highlighted the competitive nature of the competition, but also underlined why Coonamble remain firm favourites to defend their title in 2026.
Elders Cup – round wrap up
The Walgett Rams remain unbeaten after two Elders Cup Men’s First Grade matches, recording a strong 36–15 win over Coonamble Rams in front of a healthy home crowd.
In what was a tough, hard-fought contest, Coonamble showed plenty of grit and stayed in the fight for the opening hour, matching Walgett across the park.
However, a costly error shifted momentum late, allowing Walgett to regain possession and take control of the match, finishing strongly to pull away on the scoreboard.
Walgett once again underlined their strength at the breakdown and efficiency in set plays, dictating both possession and tempo.
Despite the result, Coonamble proved they are a competitive outfit and pushed the Walgett throughout, exposing some areas Walgett will look to tighten up.
Walgett finished with six tries and three conversions, while Coonamble crossed for three unconverted tries. With continued improvement, Coonamble will take confidence from the performance and will be eager for a rematch later in the season.
Meanwhile, the Warren Pumas came away with a hard-earned 26–21 victory over the Bourke-Bree Barbarians in what was widely regarded as the match of the round.
Travelling to Brewarrina is never easy, and the contest lived up to expectations, with the lead changing hands throughout. Warren finished with four tries and three conversions, while Bourke-Bree matched them closely with three tries and three conversions.
While the Barbarians created opportunities, they were unable to capitalise on key moments, something that ultimately proved the difference. Warren’s composure and experience in tight situations saw them grind out an important win in a physical encounter.
Finally, the Gular Galahs produced a dominant display on the road, defeating the Cobar Camels 64–12.
Despite the scoreline, Cobar showed determination and a willingness to compete across all areas of the game. Still building combinations, the Camels demonstrated clear signs of improvement and never dropped their intensity.
However, Gular’s pace out wide proved decisive, with their backs running in the majority of tries as they found their rhythm in attack. Gular finished with 10 tries and seven conversions, while Cobar managed two tries and one conversion.
While Gular proved too strong on the day, Cobar can take positives from a spirited performance as they continue to develop.
WPRU ladders After round three
Elders Cup Men’s First Grade: Warren Pumas 15, Bogan Bulls 10, Walgett Rams 10, Gular Galahs 7, Coonamble Rams 5, Bourke-Brewarrina Barbarians 1, Cobar Camels 0.
Ahrens Cup Women’s Tri Tag: Coonamble Ewes 14, Flamin Galahs 5, Nyngan, Bourke Ewes and Walgett Ewes yet to register points.
Round four fixtures: Elders Cup: Gular Galahs vs Bourke-Brewarrina Barbarians (Gilgandra), Warren Pumas vs Bogan Bulls (Warren), Walgett Rams vs Cobar Camels (Walgett). Coonamble – Bye. Ahrens Cup: Flamin Galahs vs Bourke Ewes (Gilgandra).