The people have spoken, in a big way too.
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In response to Central West Rugby Union’s announcement its competitions will receive a shake-up of huge proportions following the 2017 season, the Central Western Daily gave punters a chance to vote on which six sides they’d like to see in the top tier next year.
Almost 2,500 people did so, in less than 24 hours.
Considering the move is essentially based on player numbers and the top tier clubs must be able to field three sides – firsts, seconds and colts – the region’s biggest clubs, expectedly, received the bulk of the votes.
Of the 2,392 votes polled at time of print, Orange Emus (378 votes, 15.8% of total) headed up the group with Bathurst Bulldogs (373, 15.59%) and Dubbo Kangaroos (361, 15.09%) next best. Orange City (360, 15.05%), Forbes (347, 14.51%) and CSU Bathurst (183, 7.65%) round out the top six.
Cowra (161, 6.73%), Parkes (88, 3.68%), Dubbo Rhinos (71, 2.97%) and Mudgee (70, 2.93%) were the leftover clubs, that in the punters’ eyes would make up the bulk of CWRU’s second tier competition.
Considering those four clubs have forfeited different grades this season – although CSU Bathurst has as well – that split would be logical, barring a huge influx of players at those clubs.
That would leave two spots open in the second – or middle – tier, where clubs will be obligated to field two sides.
While the new draws, and where each club sits, won’t be released until well after the 2017 season the Central Western Daily believes Narromine, Geurie, Blayney and Cootamundra are the sides most likely to move up.