Grand Finalists open 2023 accounts following Round 1 wins

The 2023 AFL Central West senior season kicked off on Saturday with George Park, Bathurst and Geoff Day Oval hosting the matches. With cold and wet conditions resulting in low-scoring affairs in Bathurst, the competition’s top teams all started their seasons with victory.

Mens Tier 1

The Bathurst Bushrangers has put the competition on early notice jumping out of the blocks to begin their season kicking 11 goals on their way to a 67-point victory over the Dubbo Demons. For the Bushrangers, Alexander Sparks led the way kicking three goals. The Bushrangers not showing any signs of rust as they aim to go undefeated again in season 2023.

A low scoring encounter between the Bathurst Giants and Orange Tigers saw the Giants coming up victorious by 26 points. The Tigers will be disappointed as they were inaccurate in front of goal and will be looking to build there confidence for next week. Reigning League Best & Fairest winner Cooper Brien booted two majors to lead all players.

Results

Bathurst Bushrangers 11.12 (78) def Dubbo Demons 1.5 (11)
Goals: Bushrangers – A. Sparks (3), I. Coldicott, P. Grundy, A. James, B. Laird, J. Smith, B. Watterson (1). Demons – X. Lakin (1)

Bathurst Giants 6.11 (47) def Orange Tigers 2.9 (21)
Goals: Giants – C. Brien (2), J. Beath, L. Macauley, H. Spice, Z. Yandle (1). Tigers – S. Naushad, M. Rothnie (1)

Senior Womens

The return of the Seniors Womens competition commenced on the weekend with new hope for all five teams.

Dubbo Demons and Orange Tigers showcased their talent and determination by picking up 4 early points for the season. The reigning grand finalists were challenged on the road by an improving Bushrangers side, whilst the Tigers welcomed Cowra back with a commanding display.

Kristen Coady led the way for the Dubbo Demons kicking four goals on their way to their first victory for the season. The Orange Tigers were dominant against the Cowra Blues winning by 42 points. The Tigers shared the ball around with six different goal scorers in a comprehensive win.

Next week Bathurst Giants will begin their season against a confident Dubbo Demons team as Cowra Blues and Bathurst Bushrangers will be fighting to gain their first win for the season.

Results

Dubbo Demons 6.2 (38) def Bathurst Bushrangers 4.2 (26)
Goals: Bushrangers – T. Speer (2), K. Richards (1). Demons – K. Coady (4), L. Bassett, M. Mayall (1)

Orange Tigers 7.4 (46) def Cowra Blues 0.4 (4)
Goals: Tigers – S. Hoyle (2), J. Charnock, A. Harvey, J. Lao, L. O’Brien, M. Ryan (1).

Mens Tier 2

Bathurst Bushrangers clean swept the Dubbo Demons in the men’s grades winning the Tier 2 battle by 43 points. Grady Tapping kicked four goals as last year’s grand finalists look to build positive momentum into the season.

Cowra Blues were highly efficient in their Round 1 meeting with Orange, scoring 131 points in an emphatic win with leading goal scorers Thomas Thuaux (7), Chris Day (5), and Joe Waters (4) causing problems for the Tigers defence.

Next week a clash between the two form teams from round 1 in Bathurst Bushrangers and Cowra Blues as the teams will be determined to cement their spot on top of the ladder.

Results

Bathurst Bushrangers 10.10 (70) def Dubbo Demons 4.3 (27)
Goals: Bushrangers – G. Tapping (4), H. Alexander, R. Belmonte, L. Fenton, R. Holland (1). Demons – C. Herd (2), H. King, R. Lindsay (1)

Cowra Blues 21.5 (131) def Orange Tigers 6.2 (38)
Goals: Blues – T. Thuaux (7), C. Day (5), J. Waters (4), N. Worth (2), B. Harmer-Clark, B. Taylor, L. Whitfield (1). Tigers – J. Hannus (3), P. Frecklington (2), Unrecorded (1)

Bathurst Giants def Parkes Panthers (forfeit)

Stay up to date with the latest from the competition on Triple M (105.1 Orange and 93.5 Dubbo) or via AFL Central West’s Facebook and website.