Young Cherrypickers at the Knockout in West Wyalong.
WEST WYALONG — Orange CYMS have etched their name into the history books, claiming their first-ever West Wyalong Knockout crown with a gritty 12-6 comeback victory over the Temora Dragons in the grand final at Ron Crowe Oval on Saturday.
The 53rd annual pre-season knockout, one of the biggest events on the regional rugby league calendar, drew 15 teams from Groups 9, 20, and beyond, battling for a lucrative $20,000 first prize. With Yanco-Wamoon Hawks withdrawing before kick-off, the draw was adjusted and Orange CYMS received a valuable bye into Saturday’s quarter-finals.
The Cherrypickers from Young delivered a promising performance in their first hit-out of 2026, advancing from Friday night’s opening round with a hard-fought win over the Parkes Spacemen. New halves combination Kane Ball (impressive at fullback in his debut) and Brent Hawkins, along with co-coach Dan Barclay, had the side firing as one of the stronger performers on night one.
However, the Young side’s run ended in the quarter-finals on Saturday when they came up against a star-studded Orange CYMS outfit. Blake Ferguson — the former NRL and State of Origin star who switched to Orange this season — led the charge as the CYMS ran out 18-6 winners in a physical encounter. Young president Andrew Smith was on hand to present Ferguson with a memento after the game, acknowledging a gallant effort from the Cherrypickers.
From there, Orange CYMS powered through the semi-finals with a commanding 14-0 shutout of Campbelltown City before turning their attention to the decider.
Temora Dragons, who had marched through with impressive victories — 18-4 over Tullibigeal-Lakes United in round one, 14-0 over hosts West Wyalong in the quarter-finals, and 14-4 over Peter McDonald Premiership runners-up Forbes Magpies in the semis — took an early 6-0 lead in the final through a barnstorming try to Tyler Madden.
But Orange refused to panic. Captain-coach Jack Buchanan rallied the troops at half-time, and the CYMS hit back late with tries to Dylan Kelly (set up by a clever Jack Nobes scoot) and Mitch Collins. They held firm to deny Temora a dramatic late comeback, sealing a historic 12-6 triumph.
Ferguson, while quieter in the final, had been electric in earlier matches, scoring tries in both the quarter-final against Young and the semi-final. Buchanan praised his new recruit’s humility and leadership, while Temora coach Jordon Burley was proud of his side’s fight despite the defeat.
The tournament featured a host of quality sides including Dubbo CYMS, Wagga Kangaroos, South City, Mudgee Dragons, Woden Valley Rams, Leeton Greenies, and Cooma Stallions. Friday night’s opening round also saw wins for Temora, Forbes, West Wyalong, and others in a marathon session under lights.
For the Young Cherrypickers, the weekend provided valuable game time and plenty of positives ahead of the Group 9 season. Despite the quarter-final exit, the side showed they can mix it with the best in the bush, with Ball tipped to be a major drawcard this year.
Orange CYMS celebrated long into the night, ending a 15-year wait for knockout glory and sending a strong message to their Peter McDonald Premiership rivals.
Congratulations to all teams that made the journey to West Wyalong — a true showcase of country rugby league at its finest.
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