Great conditions in Orange last weekend set the scene for a near perfect performance by Parkes Panthers.
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Setting out to atone for a disappointing match in Mudgee the week before, Panthers called in key players Nathaniel Dixon, Glen Ford, Shane Apsey, Ed Wilson and Brent Tucker.
Tucker’s day was short lived after a sickening clash of heads with an opposition midfielder required play to be stopped for a stretcher.
He was monitored in hospital for the rest of the game and was given the all clear to be discharged afterwards.
The loss of Tucker did nothing to upset the Panthers’ rhythm as they charged to an emphatic 98-36 victory.
Coach Craig Chapple was pleased with the result.
“It was great to field a full strength team which we have been unable to do too often this season,” Chapple said. “Hopefully this performance will show the players what we can do, even on away games.
“The only way is up if we can keep producing these playing numbers consistently.
“It was tough to lose Brent early like we did.
“Week in, week out he puts his head over the ball and this was no different.
“He and the other guy are both lucky it was not more serious,” he said.
With the loss of Tucker early, the midfield had to stand up.
They did just that with Ed Wilson not losing a tap all day and Shane Apsey, in usual fashion, dominant around stoppages and punishing with his huge boot.
The back line was in intimidating form with another vintage effort by Glen Ford, showing a huge amount of run and years of game experience to lead and set up the rebound from the Orange midfield.
Nathaniel Dixon was everywhere from the half-back line. He produced some ferocious tackling which may see him in front of the tribunal for rough conduct.
Debutant Scott Goodyear played a pivotal role from full back, utilising his precision boot before injuring his hamstring and forced to rest at full forward where he still managed to snag two goals.
Jason Bright pulled on a guernsey for the first time in a few years to run through the midfield and give Orange a headache with his mercurial footwork and two goals.
Mathew Littlewood was back in the fold also with plenty of run on the wing while Callan Gillow continued his rise as a midfielder.
Kent Chamberlain and Dylan Morgan rotated full forward to centre half, both presenting and creating great contests all day.
Kent finished with a goal while Dylan scored three.
Parkes led all day with no show of slowing right to the last siren with the final score 14.14.98 to Orange’s 4.12.36.
Parkes have a bye this round for the CWAFL vs Northern Riverina match.
Two Panthers have been selected to represent Central West with Brent Tucker and Jake Adams to make the trip to Hillstone.
Pathers president Marc Ralph was pleased with the selections.
“It’s great that in our first year back we have players being selected in the squad,” Ralph said.
“It shows that as a team we are competitive.
“Both Brent and Jake are great leaders at our club and I believe they will both contribute on the weekend,” he said.