For the second consecutive Sunday an opposition goal attempt on the final siren decided the outcome of the Parkes Spacemen reserve grade team's fortunes.
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While the Macquarie attempt was astray the previous round, this time the Westside conversion attempt was successful, forcing a 14-14 draw.
With each side scoring three tries in a spirited encounter involving two final contenders, a draw was considered a fair result.
The Spacemen enjoyed improved depth for the trip to Dubbo, fielding 15 seniors and juniors Joe Dwyer & Morgan Powter, both of whom played strongly off the bench.
While Westside opened the scoring in the fifth minute to lead 4/0, Parkes quickly regrouped and Jordan Pope scored a good try for Rick Newham to convert.
Seconds before the interval Jordan McDougall galloped 80 metres, showing great speed and evasion, for a superb solo try for Parkes to lead 10-4 at oranges.
The match developed into a real arm wrestle before Westside scored for 10-8 in the 47th minute.
With six minutes to play Dwyer finished a sustained backline raid for a try in the corner to extend the margin to 14/8.
Westside lifted, however with the issue squarely on the line and three consecutive penalties put Parkes under immense pressure as time ticked by.
Eventually that pressure and field position produced the desired dividend for Westside with a converted try in the 59th minute.
Best for Parkes were Anthony Redfern, Pope, Wright and Mitch Davis in a solid all round team effort. Parkes 14 (J. Pope, J McDougall, J Dwyer tries, R. Newman goal) drew Westside 14 (3 tries 1 goal) at Caltex Park, Dubbo.
