The Group 10 Round 17 games were set down for the weekend just gone. Due to the weather and road closures the games in Oberon on Saturday and Orange on Sunday were postponed and Group 10 will make a decision on what games need to be played and when so there could be some mid-week games coming up as the results could impact the ladder and semi-final positions.
Bathurst Panthers games did go ahead as the ground was deemed fit and there were no road closures between Bathurst and Cowra.
The Panthers took on the Cowra Magpies in the final home game of the competition. The decision was made to call off the League Tag game due to both teams having players out to travel, illness and numbers. As both teams couldn't make the finals they just shared the points and called the game off.
Cowra forfeited the Under 18s so the two points to the Panthers moved them into second position on the ladder even if only temporarily as the postponed games may make a difference. No matter what happens Panthers will finish the season either second or third, with an improbable chance of coming first.
The reserve grade game was played in trying conditions with sleeting rain falling on and off throughout the game. The Panthers took an early lead running in three converted tries to lead 18-0 but in the second half the Magpies fought back to take the game 26-24. The loss has the Panthers dropping out of the top three into fourth position. The Panthers really need a win next week to hopefully jump back into third position.
First grade was a replay of last year’s Group 10 Grand Final. The Men in Black weren’t about to let this game slip and although the Magpies had ample opportunities to put points on the board the Panthers defence held strong throughout the entire 80 minutes and came away 30-0 winners.
With co-competition leaders Orange Hawks having a big win over the Bathurst St Pats 50-10 the points difference between the Panthers and Hawks has increased from 12 to 22 points. The race for the minor premiership remains and it will be an interesting final round with Hawks playing in a local derby in Orange which is always a tough close game. Orange CYMS need to win to possibly tip the Magpies out of fifth spot and the Hawks will want bragging rights and the minor premiership.
The Panthers take on the Oberon Tigers in Oberon and these games are always tough with the local Oberon support, it’s sure to be a tough game.
The Men in Black will be out to not only win the game but try to make up the points difference the Orange Hawks have in the race for the Minor Premiership. The minor premiers get a week off so if the Panthers end up coming second on the ladder then it may not be such a bad thing given the momentum the Firsts would be carrying into the semi finals
There is still a lot to play for and a win in First Grade will almost guarantee the Club Championship remains with the Bathurst Panthers for the third consecutive year
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