Mercurial Western Rams custodian Sam Dwyer produced a masterclass to spearhead the Parkes Spacemen’s 32-10 Group XI second round win over Nyngan on Jock Colley Field on Sunday.
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Before an appreciative crowd who paid almost $3,000 for the privilege, the brilliant Dwyer was a clear standout as he guided the Spacemen to a five tries to two success against willing, robust and heavier opponents.
Dwyer scored the opening try after a 60 metre solo effort, was involved in several others and produced a top notch positional and defensive effort to deny the eager Tigers.
Parkes scored the opening 14 points and the final 14, but were forced to work overtime to subdue a tenacious 12 man Tigers outfit who came to play after their surprise opening round loss.
The visitors played the entire second session a man short after centre Robert Gudgeon was dismissed as a sequel to an incident in which a flying Dwyer was tackled high on the halftime siren.
Parkes winger Stephen Hocking was binned for the same melee, but clearly the Tigers were disadvantaged after closing to within 18-10 at one stage in a tense second period.
While the Spacemen did enough to claim the points, the absence of key forwards Jordan Pope (out six weeks with a broken hand), Group XI representative Ethan McKellar and NSW Police Country star Ben Nash was patently apparent.
Nash played for Country Police in a 46-18 loss to City in Orange last Thursday and is expected back in Spacemen colours in a couple of weeks to provide increased authority and stability up front.
Add the imposing Dennis Moran to that trifecta and the new look Spacemen have sufficient fire power, finesse and authority to give the title a real shake.
Dwyer’s Western Rams colleague Brandon Tago again was conspicuous, especially in key moments, while Cameron Standen and Alex Prout, despite an uncertain start, played pivotal roles to get the result.
Parkes heads to Macquarie next Sunday sharing the lead with CYMS and Forbes as the season starts to take shape.
The earlier grades on Sunday provided more encouraging results for the Spacemen.
The Spacies won 40-6 after leading 14-6 at the break with Katie Caldwell voted best player;
Parkes Under 18s were beaten 34-18 after trailing 18-10 at oranges with Aaron Wykamp voted best player; and
Parkes reserves flew home to win 18-10 with two converted tries in the final six minutes and evergreen Jeremy Clarke winning the plaudits.
Parkes’ scrambling defence, coupled with Nyngan’s inability to control the ball at critical stages, featured a scrappy 20 minute opening to the main contest on a pristine playing surface after the welcome rain.
After both sides had plenty of scoring opportunities, it took the gifted Dwyer to open the scoring after 20 minutes when he ran wide from a scrum win and raced 60 metres to score between the posts.
The reliable Standen, who landed five from six to go with his six from seven at Wellington, obliged for 6-0 against the run of play.
Five minutes later the Spacemen produced a candidate for Try of the Season after two try winger Josh Amberge and centre Brandon Paige made a left side raid on the sixth tackle.
When cornered, the inventive Paige kicked left footed for Prout to regather and find junior replacement Jay Slavin, on the field for just three minutes, to score between the posts.
Standen goaled for 12-0 and then for good measure booted a 40 metre penalty goal from 40 metres after the siren when Dwyer was taken high.
To their credit the undermanned Tigers dominated the third quarter with a hefty wind advantage and field position.
A try by centre Yacadrau made it 14-4 before Paige galloped 50 metres to position a flying Amberge for breathing space at 18-4.
In the 50th minute prop Bourke, standing two off the ruck, barged over for 18-10 as Moran’s worry level intensified.
On the back of fitness and numbers, the Spacemen finished much the better over the final quarter to win decisively.
Nyngan were still in contention after a spate of penalties, but after Dwyer forced a repeat set, the diminutive Prout burrowed over beside the posts after 64 minutes.
With seven minutes to play, Standen created a gap out wide for Amberge to speed over for 30-10 to put the issue beyond doubt.
Nyngan’s Western rake Reece Goldsmith was placed on report in the final play for a high shot with Josh Cleal converting to extend the margin to 32-10.
Referee Tom Hodgson enjoyed a consistent match and controlled the play from the outset.
PARKES 32 (J. Amberge 2, S. Dwyer, J. Slavin, A. Prout tries; C. Standen 5, J. Cleal goals) defeated NYNGAN 10 (J. Yacadrau, C. Bourke tries; B. Pickering goal) on Jock Colley Field.
Referee, Tom Hodgson. Penalties, Nyngan 8-7. Gate - $2887.