The Parkes Spacemen reversed a 10-nil deficit to score a resounding 42-10 Group 11 rugby league win at Cobar yesterday to remain in strong premiership contention.
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Beaten at home in their last two outings, the 2013 premiers recovered from an indifferent start to regain their attacking sparkle and cohesion.
Down 10-nil at one stage and 10-6 at the break, the Spacemen produced seven second half tries to win convincingly and consolidate fifth position with seven rounds to play.
The emphatic nature of the final scoreline pleased coach Pat Rosser, especially given an uncertain and hesitant start during which a Cobar boil-over appeared imminent.
To their credit, the Spacemen stepped up a gear in the final 45 minutes of the contest to the delight of their hardy band of supporters who made the long trek west.
The earlier games provided a win and draw for the Spacemen, important outcomes at the business end of the season.
After a 5.45am start to their bus journey, Parkes Juniors were untroubled in winning 48-12 in one of their best displays of the season that consolidated their mid-table status.
Parkes Reserves overcame a 24-4 half-time deficit to earn a 24-all draw with Cobar that has them tucked away in second position with seven rounds remaining.
Playing again without Pat Rosser and Dennis Moran, the Spacemen First Grade outfit struggled to match Cobar’s structure, enthusiasm, discipline and ball control in the opening quarter.
Six errors in their opening 10 sets hardly enhanced the Spacemen cause as Cobar enjoyed superior territory and possession.
Yet again utility Alex Prout was superb in defence as the visitors were forced to defend four successive sets.
Cobar’s replacement winger opened the scoring after retrieving a grubber kick in the 23rd minute, a lead extended to 10-nil 11 minutes later.
Although second-rower Todd Barrow limped from the action in the 35th minute, the Spacemen finally warmed to their task with a good team try in the 38th minute.
Winger Brandon Paige did well to retrieve a Cobar kick to provide field position for the Spacemen.
Jordan Pope then provided a superb off-load to the busy fullback Sam Dwyer for a try beside the posts.
Cameron Standen’s goal reduced the margin to m10-6 and provided the premiers with some renewed impetus and confidence at oranges.
After the lack lustre first half, it was all systems go in an impressive second half effort that delighted the coaching brains trust.
Parkes scored seven tries in just 26 minutes in a dominant and assertive display against the tiring local defence.
The writing was on the wall after 52 minutes when the consistent Jake Dooley and Dwyer combined to send Paige over wide out.
Another Dooley break put Pope over for Parkes to lead 14-10.
Dwyer crossed in the 57th minute after a Tino Ionatana bust to extend the margin.
Leading 18-10 on the hour, Parkes finished full of running, adding four further converted tries to win handsomely.
Epi Sadrodro ducked his way over for deserved tries after 65 and 74 minutes, Ionatana darted over from dummy half in the 70th minute and crowd-pleasing flanker Ada Aparosa, making his first grade debut, raced 70 metres from dummy half for a brilliant solo try.
Standen (26) and Ionatana (22) topped the tackle count with policeman Ben Nash, who produced 70 minutes off the bench, making 10 hit-ups.
Nash completed a night-shift at the Parkes Police Station early yesterday morning before catching the team bus.
Matt Clarke (13), Sadrodro (14) and Aparosa (14) all contributed meaningful hit-ups.
Nash, Clarke, Sadrodro and Ionatana were the best of the forwards, with yet again Dwyer, Dooley and Paige playing well in the backs.
The convincing nature of the win sets the scene for an important assignment at home for the Spacemen against Nyngan Tigers next Sunday.
PARKES 42 (E. Sadrodro 2, S. Dwyer 2, B. Paige, J. Pope, T. Ionatana, A. Aparosa tries; C. Standen 5 goals) defeated COBAR 10 (two tries, goal).
Referee, John Francis.
