It was an entertaining display which proved that Country Rugby League’s (CRL) development programs in the far west have come to fruition.

Staged at Nyngan’s Larkin Oval, the best players of the Barwon Darling competition (Goodooga, Walgett, Lightning Ridge, Brewarrina, Bourke and Collarenebri) took on the cream of the crop from the Outback League in Under 14’s and 17’s and first grade.

Outback League encompasses talent from Wilcannia, Menindee and Broken Hill, plus a couple of recruits from Mildura as the CRL spreads its wings into the south-west of the State.

The most entertaining match of the challenge was, without a doubt, the Under 17’s encounter in which natural flair flowed as freely as the Darling River itself.

A product of Collarenebri, Zoran Mason, entertained onlookers with his breathtaking speed, dynamic footwork and graceful balance. The fullback made it all look easy in his three-try display.

Equally effective for the Outback League was the magical Jason Johnson. The five-eighth found the line four times in the 28-all draw, a fitting result to say the least.

Appropriately both Johnson and Mason were rewarded with man of the match honours.

The Under 14’s saw an easy win for Barwon Darling. Coaching staff will no doubt closely monitor the development of these aspiring youngsters during the next few years.

While in the first grade match Ben Power was inspirational in producing a classic lock forward display scoring three tries and working overtime in defence as Barwon Darling outclassed Outback League 40-16.

At the coalface in the Barwon Darling is executive officer Anthony McBride who is also a local ambulance officer. While fulfilling his sporting admin role and professional commitment, somehow McBride finds time to lace on a boot.

“I enjoy being involved wherever I can. We’ve worked hard to get the Far West rep challenge off the ground and we want it to continue growing as the two competitions rebuild,” said McBride who captained the Barwon Darling senior side at Nyngan.