17 clubs, 285 players and as many spectators were present at Tom Clyburn Oval in Canowindra on Saturday to attempt to win the Western Challenge League Tag trophy. The Parkes Space Cats were keen to impress this year against some stiff competition from Orange CYMS , Bathurst St Pats and Orange Hawks, all previous winners.
The Space Cats were placed in pool A alongside Eugowra Golden Eagles, Lithgow Workies and Canowindra Tigresses. In their first match the Space Cats purred their way to victory, defeating Eugowra Golden Eagles 20-0. Their second game was more difficult but the Space Cats again came away with the win against the Canowindra Tigresses, 8-6. It was third time lucky against the Lithgow Workies as the Parkes ladies again had a convincing win, 14-4.
In the semi-final Parkes Space Cats faced off against Bathurst St Pats and although they showed great skill St Pats secured the win 10-2. The final saw Bathurst St Pats head off against Orange Hawks. Hawks had looked sensational all day but just couldn’t crack St Pats in the decider and Bathurst were crowned the winners with a 4-0 victory.
The Parkes team did extremely well to make it to the semis and Sally Dwyer made a huge amount of tags. Space Cat Ell Harris was also recognised as one of the top 5 players in the tournament, well done Ell.
Player of the tournament was awarded to Mish Somers from St Pats. A special mention goes to the referees who had extremely high standards and gave their time on the day. The standard of League Tag in the Western Region is improving every season and all teams should be congratulated.