A good start from the Parkes boys with some good defence in the middle, some mistakes gave Red Bend some good field position and they were able to cross for a soft try after back to back sets to take a six nil lead. 

Parkes then had the better of play and seemed certain to score on two occasions only to see the tries go begging. Red Bend scored their second try from a bomb to lead ten nil. 

The remainder of the half was dominated by some great defence from both teams. Parkes were ten nil down at halftime. They were still in it and maybe a little unlucky not to have crossed the stripe .

The second half started ok for the Parkes with play being dominated by solid defence, the big Red Bend forwards were taking some stopping in the middle and this compressed our defence line and Red Bend were able to cross for a few quick tries from kicks to skip away to a 24 nil lead. 

Mitch Wright was able to cross for Parkes to open our account with Marty Hennock slotting the conversion. 

The last quarter of the match was a sloppy affair with Red Bend proving too good to run away with the match 36 to six .

Sportspower under 14s travelled to Forbes last Saturday to play Red Bend. Red Bend kick off was followed by a big run from Dustin Ticehurst and Finnley Neilsen up the centre. Although Parkes continued to drive they were unable to make enough ground to score. Parkes kick was well retrieved by Red Bend but a lost ball gave Parkes possession.

Ball passing saw Tyson Richardson makes a break. Followed by support he was able to pass to Benny Cooper then he passed to Michael Riley who scored and successful converted his own try. Red Bend kick off Parkes ball followed by a lost ball giving Red Bend possession.

Parkes gain possession from a lost ball to Red Bend.  Maia Haenga made a break passes to Michael Riley keeping the ball alive. A pass to Finnley Neilsen saw him turn the set into points as he scored.

Conversion by Michael Riley was successful. Parkes gained possession again. Continual ball passes saw Parkes drive the ball forward. Tyson Richardson goes over to score. Michael Riley converted the try.

A few ball errors for both teams had spectators frustrated. But Parkes gained possession and Michael Riley over again and converted his try. Parkes had a solid lead at half time with the score 24 to Nil.

Parkes ball Kane pushes up the centre Michael Riley follows and is on the run again and goes over the line for his third try. Conversion was unsuccessful.

Forbes kick off was well received by Toby Miller who passes to Col Rauchle, who makes a break. Austin McGregor was with him and followed with good ground.

Unfortunately a lost ball gave Red Bend possession and the opportunity they needed to go over the line but great defence from Parkes saw the referee call held up.

Red Bend kick off and Michael Riley  is all over it again, he passes to Jason Wright who goes over to score with another successful conversion by Michael.

Next set saw Kain Slavin makes some ground. Unfortunately a lost ball gave Red Bend possession. Defence worked hard forcing a Red Bend error. 

The ball was quickly picked up by Parkes but although they make some ground they lose the ball. Red Bend ball but Parkes strong defence keeps them from making much ground. Red Bend lose the ball.

Benny Cooper breaks free and passes to Maia Haenga who scores. Michael Riley follows with another successful conversion. Parkes ball again sees Tyson Richardson weave his way through the defence to go over. Michael Riley converts.

Parkes continue to use possession to their advantage as Zain Slavin passes to Michael Riley  for him to go over once again. Michael converts. Bringing the final score to 50 to Nil. A solid win for Parkes Sportspower under 14s.

-by Julie Herring