Jamie Parsons
Barellan and Narrandera have been the pick of the sides in both the men’s and women’s competitions for the Proten Cup after three rounds.
In the women’s Barellan have improved on last year’s start with a points differential of 112 slightly higher when compared with 108 this time in 2023.
But Narrandera have been the big improvers moving up to second, while Ivanhoe have been winning but not by large margins.
Rankins Springs has improved greatly from last season and moved into the top four; Goolgowi are at the same spot as this time last year but they still ended up making the finals; and Hillston have moved down to sixth and last spot.
In the men’s Barellan have had their best start so far to find themselves top of the table after Round Three.
Narrandera have continued their undefeated streak without being as dominant as they were in 2023; Rankins Springs have improved with two draws after being winless this time last season; Ivanhoe have been solid without being spectacular in fourth spot; Hillston have improved since Round One but a 60-point hit will work against them in their bid to make the final four; while Goolgowi will need to kickstart their season this week after three straight losses.
A look back to see were the eventual premiers were at the halfway mark (three rounds) of each Proten Cup season over the past six years shows history favours those who lead the ladder at the mid-point:
2018 – Rankins Springs premiers (first spot after three rounds)
2019 – Goolgowi (first)
2020 – Cancelled due to Covid
2021 - Rankins Springs (sixth)
2022 – Narrandera (first)
2023 – Narrandera (first)
The list also shows anything can happen after Rankins Springs came from last spot to win the competition in 2021.
Narrandera came from fifth to make the Grand Final in 2019 before falling to Goolgowi, and sixth in 2018 to make the decider again.
Hillston made the Preliminary final after being winless after three rounds in 2022.
