The late, great Mr Colley OAM would have smiled broadly as he looked down on a packed arena on a brilliant winter’s day which generated a gate of $7,800, some $400 greater than the previous record.

It was standing room only on the famous old ground as the two clubs produced yet another compelling contest which will be recalled for seasons to come on another pristine playing surface.

Ahead 18-0 after a meticulous, disciplined and controlled opening quarter, the Magpies appeared to clock off as Parkes closed to 18-10 at oranges and then cleared away in the second stanza for a deserved win.

Three tries in six minutes shortly after the interval edged Parkes to 24-18, a sufficient buffer for the Spacemen to keep the Magpies at bay in a tense, emotion charged final 30 minutes.

The day personified and showcased all the positive ingredients of country rugby league - all four games played with great spirit, commitment and energy from both camps.

Fittingly, both shire mayors were in attendance to enjoy and appreciate a classic twin towns derby.

While the Parkes Juniors (Under 18s) succumbed 24-6 after trailing at the break, Parkes won League Tag 44-4 in impressive fashion and the Reserves 26-22 in a terrific contest, again coming from behind.

Clearly the presence of Paul Upfield’s 1996 premiership side played a major part in the Spacemen’s comeback after a disastrous start.

Upfield and his right hand man, Matt King won widespread applause for their efforts in organising a 20 year reunion which exceeded all expectations.

Greg Henry’s reserve grade premiers of 1996 were also there in numbers to provide a backdrop on the southern end of the field which generated a brilliant atmosphere.

Members of the Parkes Juniors 1966 side which also claimed a title were on hand to mark their 50 year milestone.

All members of the 1996 sides joined the jubilant first grade players in the sheds after the match, linking arms and proudly rendering the club’s theme song.

Earlier Upfield had presented the first grade teams jumpers, provided by the reunion committee, to the players, paving the way for a $10,000 auction outcome at the Leagues Club after the game on Sunday evening.

Upfield and King were full of praise for the manner in which the Parkes players embraced the occasion and for their respect of the Spacemen’s 1996 efforts.

Prior to the first grade kick-off, the bumper crowd marked with dignity and respect a minute’s silence for the families of the late Jim Creith, John Hauville, Bob Owens and Lionel Bloomfield, all stalwarts of rugby legaue in this area for many years.

The Parkes club executive - president Jaimie Timmins, secretary Jodie Goonrey and treasurer Michael Iakley - deserve a vote of thanks for their organisation of a very special occasion.

It was all Forbes for the opening quarter of the much anticipated first grade clash.

With injured skippers Dennis Moran and Jake Grace nervous sideline observers, Forbes dominated all the early exchanges and at 18-0 it appeared game over.

On the back of the opening two penalties Forbes were on the front foot early, Ben Maguire crossing after five minutes and livewire half and skipper Matt Roylance putting fullback Andrews over in the 13th minute for 12-0.

When hooker Bolan easily regained a clever short kick close to the line it was 18-0 and alarm bells in the Parkes camp.

The contest took a complete change in the 28th minute when Cameron Standen, again close to Parkes’ best, regained a short kick and regathered a return pass on his ankles for a brilliant try.

Seven minutes later Alex Prout produced a superb show and go late in the tackle counts, evading Zac Merritt and speeding 35 metres to reignite the Spacemen’s prospects.

Standen goaled for 18/10 at oranges and suddenly it was game on as the expectation for the second session rose appreciably.

Skipper Sam Dwyer, a stand out for the most outstanding player, was instrumental in the Spacemen revival while proving the difference between two well oiled teams.

Instrumental in the comeback was the rampaging back rower Brandon Tago, who was simply unstoppable in the second session against a tiring Forbes defence.

In the 43rd minute Tago went wide to position Dwyer off his hip, for a great try by Dwyer for 18-14 and game on.

Four minutes later Tago and Dwyer again combined for Standen to finish superbly between the posts for Parkes to hit the front after the Cain Henry goal before the reunion audience.

In the 49th minute Luke Clarke ran the blind and spent 60 metres to short back for Brandon Paige to regain and score against a shell shocked Forbes defence.

The match developed into a real arm wrestle at 24-18 and it was 16 minutes before Dwyer was again instrumental in a blind side raid that put centre Ethan McKellar for the Spacemen’s seventh try at 28-18 and a vital 

To their credit Forbes responded and Roylance scored a deserved try for 28-22 in the 70th minute, the key conversion astray.

While the durable Epi Sadrodro was denied a match clincher in the 75th minute for a double movement, the Spacemen held on with a Paige leap close to the bell putting the game to bed.

Ultimately Parkes scored six tries to four and few would argue with the merit of the win and their second half intent and conviction.

Dwyer, Standen, halves Henry and Prout and forwards Tago, Peter Newell and hooker Grant Coleman were among Parkes best in a wholesome team effort.

Ben Nash celebrated his selection for the second year in the NSW Police team to tackle Queensland in Melbourne on June 26, testament to his work ethic.

Junior Jay Slavin was again prominent and Clarke produced a great second half as the spacemen celebrated a stunning comeback victory.

With Moran and Jordan Pope possible to return when the Spacemen host Wellington on Sunday week, the Spacemen are well positioned to make a real charge in the second half of the season.

Referee Simon Hartas also earned plaudits for his control of one of the most entertaining and enthralling local derbies for years.

Parkes 28 (C Standen 2, S Dwyer, B Paige, E McKellar, A Prout tries; Standen, C Henry goals) d Forbes 22 (M Andrews, M Roylance, H Bolam, B Maguire tries; T Merritt three goals.) on Jock Colley Field.

Referee, Simon Hartas, penalties Parkes 8-6, Gate $7800.