Parkes Spacemen first grade side opened their 2015 Tooheys Group XI campaign with a comprehensive 60 point victory in front of a good crowd at Pioneer Oval last Saturday.
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Despite a slow start, the Spacemen turned on second half masterclass to score a resounding 13 tries to three, 76-16 victors.
Only leading 18-10 at the break, the Spacemen stormed away courtesy of three Sam Dwyer tries and lots of attacking flair which saw the crowd enjoy the display.
In a great day for Parkes Rugby League Club, they claimed all four grades in emphatic fashion.
The day started well with the league tag ladies winning 36-8, followed by big victories for the Under 18s and reserves, 70-10 and 46-12 respectively.
Parkes started the first grade match well with Epi Sandrodro scoring with a combination of ducking, weaving and power running after good lead up work from Jordan Pope.
Dennis Moran converted for 6-0.
Sam Dwyer scored the first of his three tries after he dummied his way over to score in the 17th minute with Moran making no mistake for 12-0.
Cobar hit back after 30 minutes when Sione Fakahua scored to reduce the Spacemen lead to eight points at 12-4.
That margin was reduced to two points minutes later when Cobar’s fullback Ngamanu scored.
Parkes’ slim 12-10 lead looked in danger with Cobar playing good football.
Just before half-time, Moran extended his side’s lead with a chip and regather to score and convert his own try to stretch the lead to 18-10 at oranges.
The Spacemen hit top gear in the second half, piling on 60 points to six.
From the outset they looked in control with fullback Sam Dwyer setting up Alex Prout to score under the posts.
Dwyer took a high, deep kick from Cobar and returned it in an amazing 70 metre run, beating several Cobar defenders.
He found the ever-present Prout in support to run untouched and score for 24-10.
The Spacemen took total control of the match with the next try as Moran drifted across field 15 metres out to find a charging Epi Sadrodro to score under the posts for his second try of the day.
Moran continued his 100 per cent record with the boot to kick the conversion for 30-10.
Moran helped himself to his second try courtesy of Jake Porter.
The spritely Porter drew Cobar defenders before producing a wonderful ball to Kevin Frank who clinically drew the last line of defence before finding Moran to score untouched for 36-10.
Jack Medlyn enjoyed a great return to the Spacemen ranks.
He combined with Porter and Jordan Pope for the next try.
Medlyn offloaded to Porter who in turn found Pope who still had work to do.
He ran 30 metres, beating three would-be tackles to score a very well deserved try for the Spacemen to open up a 42-10 advantage.
The Spacemen continued to press with Alex Prout next to take advantage of some tired Roosters defence.
Prout ran 60 meters through a yawning gap to score with another Moran conversion seeing Parkes open up a 38 point advantage.
The Spacemen’s next try had the supporters out of their seats when Moran weaved his magic to find Dwyer who continued an outstanding second half to beat a couple of lines of defence and score for 54-10.
Cobar five-eight Loma Ataua dived over the line from dummy half to score Cobar’s only points in the second half.
The day belonged to Parkes with Moran, back-rower Brandon Tago, Dwyer and young winger Dyllan Phillips crossing for further tries for the Spacemen to start the season in fine fashion 76-16.
Pope, Dwyer and Medlyn all enjoyed excellent matches and their form could prove important for a Spacemen title tilt.
Next Sunday, Parkes travel to Wellington to take on the Cowboys.
