WARATAHS have lost the outright Western Premier League lead after being held to a nil-all draw by Canobolas Rangers in Sunday’s local derby at Waratah Sportsground.

Rain descended on the ground at around kick-off and saw what shaped to be a high-quality match turn into a wet weather scrap, with neither side wanting to slip up.

The result opened the door for Westside Panthers to move into a share of the competition lead and their 6-2 win over Orana Spurs now sees them sit at the top of the ladder on 24 points with Waratahs.

Rangers remain in third, some five points adrift, so the draw did little for either Orange side.

The wet pitch restricted the attack of both teams and Rangers coach Glenn Stedman admitted he was happy to take one point given the conditions.

“The weather played a part. It was not a very attractive game to watch in any way, shape or form,” Stedman said.

“I said to the guys at half-time that if someone were to offer me a point, I would take it when the weather set in.”

Chances were hard to come by for both teams with the midfields of the two sides unable to gain the upper hand in the centre of the park.

Waratahs striker Craig Sugden went down just inside the box during the first half but a penalty wasn’t awarded, leaving the home side bewildered by the decision.

Nathan Milham also had an opportunity in the first half to get Rangers on the board but he couldn’t finish when one-on-one with Waratahs keeper Adam Brakenridge.

Sugden had another chance about 10 minutes from full-time but he was unable to get his free header from a corner on target.

“Apart from our two chances and the one Canobolas had, I don’t think either keeper was really troubled,” Waratahs coach Allan Renike said.

Stedman felt similarly, saying: “I’m not sure if Allan agrees but it seemed like there weren’t any chances that should have been taken.

“It was a midfield battle really. Both sides struggled to get possession in the middle of the park, basically.”

Both coaches thought the defences of each side were outstanding as they outplayed their attacking rivals.

The scoreless draw is the seventh clean sheet kept by Waratahs this season, with Lithgow still the only team to slot home a goal past Brakenridge .

Waratahs are also the only undefeated outfit in the competition after 10 rounds.

In the other WPL match, Dubbo FC beat Lithgow 1-0, while Bathurst ’75 had the bye.