Parkes’ strength this season has been their defensive efforts, something which was severely compromised with Madelyn Williams, Bec Cowling, Nic Knox and Em Dean all unavailable for the match to give coach Aaron Huppatz only 13 players at his disposal.

To make matters worse, right half Denise Gersbach sustained a match-ending calf injury five minutes into the match and Syann Allen had to leave for a wedding at half time, leaving Huppatz with no substitutes

Ex-Services made a dream start when Kasey Byrne got a fortunate touch in the circle which just managed to roll into the far right of the goal and give the visitors a 1-0 lead.

Parkes struggled to settle and were disappointed when Ex-Services doubled their lead when Haley Butcherine picked up a ball that had struck the post from a hit from well outside the circle and rebounded to her stick. Butcherine neatly pushed the ball into the net.

Huppatz was not happy with the performance in the first half with his side gifting Ex-Services possession through poor turn-overs and their lack of competing for 50/50 balls.

With no substitutes for all of the second half, Huppatz had his usual forwards Sami Afele and Jess Ross playing outside halves.

United played much better in the second half with all the girls doing a great deal of running.

They created three excellent chances to get back in the match, but as has been their Achilles Heel in 2015, they were unable to convert them.

A spectacular Niamh Dixon diving shot just sailed over the cross-bar while Stacey Ross just missed the goal and Paige Hay hit the post at close range.

It was not to be for the home side as Ex_Services held on for the 2-0 victory.

“It was a good second half by the girls,” Huppatz said.

“Our young players stepped up and did well.

“We had many key players missing and our entire defensive line-up was completely disrupted.

“Ex-Services are a very physical team and it took our girls a while to be able to match them in that department. “Unfortunately we lost the game in the first 10 minutes, but to only lose 2-0 with the number of personnel we had out is not too bad a result.

“In the second half our girls performed very well, settling into quite unfamiliar positions.

“Sami Afele worked hard defensively and Paige Hay stepped up in the forward line. 

“It is good to see these young players stepping up when required,” Huppatz said.

Best and Fairest points were awarded to Sarah Melhuish after a strong mid-field performance and Sami Afele was voted as Player’s Player for her defensive effort at left half.

There is a general bye in the competition this weekend which will give the team a fortnight to regroup and prepare for their next match against Lithgow Zig Zag in Lithgow.