Peter White turned back the clock in a rousing comeback effort as Parkes reserves registered a dramatic 16-14 win over Dubbo Macquarie on Jock Colley Field on Sunday.
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White 39, a former powerhouse performer over many years for the Spacemen produced a blinder in his comeback match and backed up to play 30 minutes in first grade.
He was deservedly named players player in the awards function at headquarters on Sunday night.
He was in good company with Denis Moran, also 39, ageless Lionel Lovett at 43, Billy Joe Francis a mere 37 adding plenty of experience with Jeremy and Kristian Clarke absent.
Brett Timmins’ men won their sixth game in 10 outings but had to survive a drama charged finish which captivated an appreciative audience.
Ultimately Parkes scored three tries to two and few would deny the merits of a terrific victory to enhance their final three aspirations.
Down 6-0 after 12 minutes, Parkes responded with a good try for 6-4 despite a surprise-Moran-missed conversion from a handy position.
A penalty goal after the siren edged the Raiders to 8-4 at oranges, but the Sacemen lifted when play resumed.
In the 37th minute Moran stepped neatly to score unopposed between the posts for 10-8 and winger Amberge dived over in the corner after a sweeping backline movement.
Francis landed a critical sideline conversion for Parkes to lead 16-8 after 46 minutes to set the stage for a pulsating finish.
On the back of an avalanche of penalties, field position and Parkes errors, Macquarie responded with their second try for 16-14 after 48 minutes.
The final 12 minutes will long be recalled as the visitors, on the back of four penalties, peppered the Parkes line seeking the match winner.
Time and again the Spacemen lifted in defence to deny the Raiders until the final minute when yet another Raiders penalty provided the chance to snatch a draw on the siren.
From 15 metres beside the posts the kick triggered one flag up, one down but referee Greg Phillips ruled no goal for the Spacemen to register a famous victory.
Parkes 16 (M. Amberge, D. Moran, L Clarke tries, BJ Frances 2 goals) def Macquarie 14 (B Warwick, J. Harrey tries, C McLean 3 goals).
Referee Greg Phillips.
Reserve Grade will take on the Dubbo Westside Reserves at 12pm at Dubbo this Sunday, July 24.
It’s a hot contest for third position on the reserves ladder with Parkes, Dubbo Macquarie and Dubbo Westside all tied for 12 points. Dubbo CYMS are currently leading the charge on 16 points.
