A spirited effort from Panthers saw them run out convincing 50 point winners 87-37.

Heading to Young after a disappointing effort at home the week before against the same team, Panthers knew they were in for another tough affair. 

Young outclassed the Panthers in all aspects of game and the Parkes boys had a lot to turn around in one week.

Assistant coach Jake Adams believes the turnaround began courtesy of an excellent week at training.

“The message seemed to get through on the training track with some of our best numbers making an effort to get up for a run during the week,” Adams said.

“We had a lot of work to do with our hard ball gets and one-percenters.

“Our general structure around the ground also needed work. 

“With the numbers who showed up to train, it was easier to work with the boys on what was needed to be done to turn a sour loss around,” he said.

The Saints and Panthers went at it hard in the first quarter, unable to be separated at quarter-time with 26 points apiece. 

This was a dramatic turnaround for Parkes who lost all quarters the previous week. 

With key defender Nathaniel Dixon out, it was handy for the Panthers to have burley Scott Goodyear enter the fold to fill his shoes.

Goodyear put in a solid effort from fullback, containing the Young forwards to minimal scoring opportunities. 

His tough game style and no u-turn policies made the opposition hesitant to attack the ball. 

Other defenders Glen Ford, in his usual brilliant form, and returning Panther legend Leighton Nicholson, provided a calm, cool and collected back six with Chris Dhu also contributing great run.

The next three quarters were all Parkes way.

Within a week, Panthers returned to the side of three weeks ago with a brilliant front and centre game from tall guys Kent Chamberlain and Dylan Morgan providing great contests to give Parkes’ players first option. 

Matthew Lawryk and Damien Byrne offered outstanding class off either wing, playing accountable football and strong overhead.

They linked up well with handballs to Branden Clinton, Brent Tucker (who had another stellar week) and star recruit Josh Avis who played several feet above his height to finish with three goals. 

Byrne floated forward often to use his big hands to kick a match high four goals.

Liam Abbey, in his second club game, played fiercely off the bench to bring a side to his game that will be valid and developed as the season goes on. 

Joshua Johnson played out of his skin with huge efforts and reading the ball well on the bounce. 

Jake Adams played his usual role through the middle before moving into the ruck to set up the midfield to dominate clearances, finishing with two goals.

“We turned up to play our brand of football,” Adams added. 

“We set up and had much more voice around the contest which is what we lacked most last week. 

“It is a positive sign that our boys are capable of quality football with each and everyone of them putting their hand up. 

“The run through the midfield improved 100% on last week’s efforts and the forwards worked hard to retain the ball in our half. 

“I could not fault the boys this week, playing against what we consider the best side in this comp.

“Our guys are really starting to leave a mark with the rest of the clubs,” he said. 

Parkes travel away again tomorrow to play Bathurst in Cowra.

Adams believes his side will need a repeat performance if they are to get the points.

“We were lucky last time we played Bathurst,” Adams said.

“We only got away with a five point win. 

“If we can continue the effort we showed against Young to the Bushrangers match, we should be able to enjoy a bigger margin. 

“Bathurst are right on our heels on the ladder so we are not going into the match with an arrogant outlook.

“They will be there to play a fast paced competitive game and we will have to work hard to match that,” he said. 

A win this week will put the Panthers a game clear on top of the ladder. 

Action begins at 12:45pm at Muylan Oval in Cowra tomorrow.