A Grade Men: The statisticians were sent searching through record books to see if there has ever been such a big winning margin in an A grade men’s A grade grand final match in Parkes’ history. Magpies completely annihilated Star Budgies winning the grand final in emphatic fashion with a score-line of 15-2. Star Budgies were no match for the Magpies team in the one-sided affair.

Magpies continually linked from the mid-field through to their forward line to create their attacking opportunities. Magpies’ goals came through Laurie Wakefield (4), Jack Elliot (3), Peter Amor (3), Regan Hotham (2), Nathan Munday (2) and Jayden Pusterla. 

Miles Smith and Ben Townsend scored late consolation goals for Budgies. Laurie Wakefield was judged player of the match after a superb effort up front, knocking in four goals for his side. He was well-supported by Jack Elliot and Tim Somers. Matt Job was best for Budgies. 

A Grade Women: Magpies put together an excellent team performance to defeat Cellar Crows 5-2. Magpies had plenty of early attack with the speed of Paige Hay and Syann Allen creating problems for the Cellars defensive unit. 

Magpies dominated the majority of the match and were leading the match 4-0 after goals from Paige Hay (2), Stacey Ross and Wendy Rix. Magpies began to relax with this lead and allowed Cellars to creep back into the match when they converted two penalty corners through a Lyndal Matthew’s straight shot on goal and a good shot on a penalty corner from Merryn Unger.

However it would be Magpies’ day as Cherie Johnstone put the game out of reach at 5-2 which she converted a nice goal. Wendy Rix was voted as player of the match after a fine performance in the mid-field and in particular an impressive individual goal. 

Hannah Tanswell and Cherie Johnstone were also strong for Magpies. Lilli Rae Campbell was outstanding in a losing side playing a brilliant game in goals for Cellars making numerous incredible saves. 

B Grade Men: In the most exciting match of the day, Magpies White defeated Magpies Academy 2-1 after the match went into golden goal extra time.

In a tense match, Steve Redfern converted for Academy and Jayden Pusterla converted for White in regular time. Both teams created many attacking opportunities with goalkeepers Mark Swan and Glen Sloan having superb games for their respective sides.

Mark Swan was one of the heroes of the match with a great diving save on a penalty stroke to keep his side in the match with only ten minutes remaining. In golden goal extra time, it only took Magpies White three minutes to claim victory when Jayden Pusterla converted his second goal after he picked up a rebound in the circle and finished with a nice flick past the keeper. 

Jayden Pusterla was judged to be player of the match after a skilful performance through the mid-field. Will Searl and Sam Carty were also particularly strong for White. Aaron Wright, Glenn Johnstone and Glen Sloane had excellent matches for Academy. 

B Grade Women: Rovers Black have claimed back to back B grade premierships, defeating Middleton Pink 3-0.

Rovers played their usual strong team game and scored goals through Cass Ward, Mandy Westcott and Ash Ward. Middleton never gave up all game and worked exceptionally hard in defence. Ash Ward was voted as player of the match after an outstanding attacking performance for her side. Georgia Huppatz, Emmie Searl and Cass Ward were also brilliant for the young Rovers team. Youngsters, Savannah Draper and Jordan Fagan were best for Middleton.

C Grade Women: Cellar Crows Black combined well to claim the C grade title defeating Middleton Maroon 3-0. Goals were scored by Lyndal Matthews, Annette Orr and Toni Speakman. Middleton worked hard all game but were not able to make the most of their opportunities in the circle. Michelle Yeo was player of the grand final after a strong performance for Cellars. Toni Speakman and Natalie Kelly were also in excellent form for Cellars. Best for Middleton were Ineke McLuckie, Louise O’Leary and Olivia Noakes. 

JRL CONTINUED PAGE 20

Under 16s hang their boots up for the season: The u16s, sponsored by Brian Collins Smash Repairs travelled to Manildra to play Red Bend, with the winner securing a grand final spot. The winner is set take on Forbes in the GF. The first half showed that we had game on our hands. Red Bend kicked off to begin the game. It was not until the nineteenth minute of the game that the first points were put on the scoreboard. Red Bend scored on the wing and took a 6-0 lead.

Parkes were keen to put their points on the board. As the ball got near our line a penalty in our favour gave us six more tackles. On the end of another penalty, strong runs by Will Moore and Rhys Ward through the Red Bend line got us awfully close to scoring. On the fifth tackle Cooper Neilsen kicked across field and it was taken by Matthew Birmingham who ran over the line for a try, and to put our first points on the board.

A mistake by Parkes from the kick off turned the ball over to Red Bend which resulted in a Red Bend try and a 10-4 lead. As the half time hooter rang, Parkes continued their attack towards their line and after several passes the ball got to Raiden Choyce and he dived over for his four points. As the boys went to the half time huddle Red Bend had a 10-8 lead. The second half saw Red Bend run away with the game to secure the win 40-8.

This means the u16 Brian Collins Smash Repairs team hang their boots up for the season. The team, coached by Craig (Freddy) Edwards, consisted of a great bunch of boys who love their footy. They didn’t get to the grandfinal but they gave it their all. Thanks to Fred, PMJRL, parents and families who supported the team.