Spacemen storm home over Tigers

Down 14-10 and appearing in real trouble after 50 minutes of an absorbing match in hot conditions against willing opponents, the Spacemen found a way to win - and win with great purpose and conviction.

Parkes dominated the final 20 minutes with three great tries to clinch a deserved victory and a rematch with Macquarie next weekend.

Parkes ultimately scored five tries to three to emerge decisive winners of a pulsating contest.

Yet again Pat Rosser led by example but every player, including the bench men, made a useful contribution to the cause.

Rosser headed the tackle count with 30 ahead of a tireless Jordan Pope (23) and Alex Prout (23).

In the hit-ups, Epi Sodrodro (16), Rosser (13), Tino Ionatana (11) and Ada Aparosa (10) were all conspicuous.

Complimenting Rosser’s fine performance, Sam Dwyer, Pope, Aparosa and Dennis Moran all provided outstanding efforts.

Rosser will not be happy with his side’s 51 percent completion rate as he raises the bar ahead of an intensive week of preparation before the Macquarie match this Sunday.

Along with the poor ball control that has plagued the Spacemen throughout the season, Rosser will be concerned with his side’s discipline after they were on the wrong end of the penalty count against the Tigers.

As was the case on Saturday in Dubbo, the very healthy crowd observed a moment’s silence in honor of the late George Porter whose family has been associated with the Spacemen for many years.

Back on deck after injury, the mercurial Dennis Moran bombed high in just the third minute and easily regained against a stunned Tigers defence to open the scoring.

The contest developed into an old fashioned arm wrestle until Derek Knight, the Tigers rake, caught the defence napping on the sixth tackle from close range to level at 6-all after 19 minutes.

Relishing much more of the ball, Nyngan stretched the Parkes defence on the edges, invariably making good ground.

The Spacemen struggled with poor options on the sixth tackle, gifting the Tigers territory and possession.

Twice Nyngan were recalled when over the line and it came as no surprise when Ticehurst ran wide on the sixth tackle for a soft try after 30 minutes.

Down but not out at 10-6, Parkes lifted when Moran and Brandon Paige stayed alive on the sixth tackle, allowing a trailing Jake Dooley to take three defenders over the line to score.

Moran missed the simple conversion but the Spacemen were back in contention at oranges.

When hostilities recommenced, Ticehurst took three defenders with him for a controversial try in the 44th minute to regain a four point buffer for the Tigers.

Against the run of play, Parkes again lifted after Dwyer and Jake Porter made useful incisions.

Moran worked the blind side and put Pope 60 metres for a brilliant try on the back of blistering pace.

Barrow goaled from the touchline for Parkes to lead 16-14 after 58 minutes as the intensity lifted commensurate with the sudden death status of the match.

An Aparosa intercept and a Dwyer chip which earned a restart, built a platform for quick hands for Paige to cross in the corner.

Another superb Barrow goal from touch edged Parkes to 22-14 after 70 minutes.

Moran put the issue beyond doubt with a solo effort in the 74th minute for 26-14.

Parkes dominated the final exchanges to complete a tradesman-like victory in difficult circumstances.

PARKES 26 (D. Moran 2, B. Paige, J. Dooley, J. Pope tries; T. Barrow 3 goals) def NYNGAN 14 (C. Ticehurst 2, D. Knight tries; L. Bony goal).

Gate - $6594. Referee - Wayne Hodges. Penalties - Nyngan 6-2.

Reserve grade elimination semi-final result - Nyngan 16 def Cobar 14; Under 18s - Nyngan 20 def Narromine 16.