Penrith Panthers head into this Sunday's local derby against the Parramatta Eels refreshed after the weekend bye. The Panthers hope to bounce back and return to the top eight after two straight losses. The round 16 NRL clash kicks off at CUA Stadium at 3pm.

Drag racer fourth

Erskine Park drag racer Wayne Newby finished fourth in the 2009-10 national championship standings after a first round elimination in the eighth and final round in Queensland earlier this month. The next season starts in September. ``We have learned a lot this season despite not having the best of runs but that is going to make us work even harder during the off season,'' Newby said.

League men power ahead

Weekend results show just how competitive the Penrith district rugby league competition has become. Quakers Hill defeated Blacktown City 32-24, Colyton defeated Glenmore Park 42-24 and St Patrick's beat St Clair 30-26. St Marys edged out Windsor 21-20, Emu Plains defeated Brothers 46-10 and Cambridge Park beat Minchinbury. In second-division A grade, Hawkesbury City, Lower Mountains and Riverstone had wins. There are four rounds to play before the first division separates into two tiers. Hard work has seen Penrith's A-grade competition now boast a first division of 12 teams and a second division of seven teams. That's supported by a nine-team reserve-grade competition.

United up, Demons down

A first-half penalty goal to Paul Crisp was enough for Penrith Nepean United to secure a 1-0 win against bottom of the table Wollongong on Sunday. But the news wasn't so good for Blacktown City Demons, who went down 1-0 against Bonnyrigg White Eagles at Gabbie Stadium on Saturday night. Blacktown and Penrith are ninth and 10th on the table, respectively. Each will play at home on Saturday night. Penrith Nepean tackle fourth-placed Manly United FC at CUA Stadium from 7.30pm and the Demons take on Sydney Olympic at Gabbie Stadium at 7pm.

Awards for sports safety

Nominations are open for the 12th NSW Sports Safety awards, which recognise schools, sporting organisations and sports injury research teams that make sport safer. Entrants will compete for sports equipment vouchers valued up to $2000 awarded at state, regional/club and school levels. Research teams can also win for sports injury prevention projects. Nominations close on September 7. Details: 43215392.