Inevitably Parkes had to get the job done against a team that had more players, more experience and had never been beaten by Parkes just to give themselves a chance to take the last finals spot from Cowra.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be and Cowra will now line up in an elimination semi-final next week while Parkes will be enjoying Mad Monday.

Dubbo ran out winner’s 12.11.83-1.1.7 to cement second spot confining Parkes to no September football in their first season in the Central West Women’s AFL competition. But for Ralph, the girls deserve only praise.

“We entered the comp late and struggled to field a full side all year due to work and other things going on,” he said.

“I cannot fault the girl’s effort or dedication and they are far from disgraced.

“I have no doubt we will be better for the run when the 2018 season comes around,” Ralph said.

“We are hoping we can build strongly in the off-season and give ourselves a good chance to give the title a shake in our second year.”

Inevitably being under-manned took its toll on a gallant Parkes Panthers side on the weekend against Dubbo in Dubbo.

Parkes had only 13 players for the crucial clash and it showed giving Dubbo the extra advantage to skip out to a big lead.

 Katy “Clamps’ Robinson did her best to spark the Panthers attack but she was one of few shining lights for Parkes who spent most of their time trying to shut down the silky Dubbo forward line.

It was all hands on deck as Lauren Andrews battled valiantly in the defensive line despite a cheap shot off the ball.

There was no stopping the Dubbo juggernaut however even though Penny Baker breathed some interest into the contest with a vital goal against the run of play.

“All the girls dug in today but they do every week,” said Ralph.

“Kimberley Dixon especially stood out on the day with some important touches, hard tackling and great energy.

“I think with a full squad of players and a season under our belt we will be a good side next year but at the moment it is all a work in progress.”

“We would just like to thank everyone for this year, all of our players, supporters, the other clubs and the umpires for helping out throughout the year.”

Look out for the Panthers in the year 2018 with hopefully a Men’s and Women’s team.