When these teams met in round two at Parkes, the Boars were dominant but this time around the conditions of play were very different.

With key players unavailable due to injury and work commitments, three colts players – Chris and James Sellings, and Brodie Henderson – stepped up to support the seconds.

Captain-coach Israel Symington encouraged his players to keep to their game plan and they did just that.  

The ground was a muddy bog with players sinking in calf-deep but both teams were determined to take a win with the finals spot up for grabs.

It was a tough match taking 20 minutes for the first points to be recorded. 

Emus took the first points when a back line move saw the sodden ball forced under the Boars defense.

The conversion was good.

At half time the score was very much in favour of EMUs at 7-0.

Standing in the sleet at half time, Symington appealed to his charges to keep focused.

Both sides struggled to make much progress in the second half as the weather deteriorated and the game moved into a clash of the forward packs.

This game-change worked well for Parkes when Israel Symington forced his way across the line to score.

James Sellings added the extra points and the scores were level with 15 minutes to go.

Parkes lifted, setting up good strong phases of play during the next eight minutes, much to the frustration of the EMUs pack.

With seven minutes to go Symington gave young Colt James Sellings the opportunity to add points.

Sellings made no mistake and, with the quiet efficiency he is known for, sent the ball across the black dot.

Parkes had a three point lead, 10-7.

EMUs responded with desperation but it was too little, too late when the referee called full time.

Parkes took the match but it was costly, with three players who would have backed up for first grade injured.

EMUs were awarded a bonus point for a loss within 7 points.

Boars seconds are now sitting comfortably in second place on the Blowes Cup ladder but with four rounds to go the ladder is still volatile.

Players Player went to half back Chris Sellings.

1 point flanker Karl Oliver, 2 points centre Adam Porter and back Sam Lovell, 3 points flanker James Peters.

This weekend the Boars are at home against Dubbo.

Kick off with the Colts match at 11:30am. All four grades will be playing.