The Parkes Spacemen yesterday produced a brilliant second half of attacking rugby league to trounce Macquarie 48-10 at Dubbo’s Caltex Park.
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Leading 14-10 at the interval after domination the opening stanza, Dennis Moran’s men scored seven unanswered second half tries to win in a canter.
Ultimately Parkes scored a mammoth 10 tries to two, but an uncharacteristic Moran conversion rate prevented the team’s third half century of the season.
The ease of the away win sets the scene for a tantalising grand final replay on Jock Colley Oval next Sunday against the other unbeaten side CYMS.
In a buoyant Parkes dressing room, Moran took great solace from a wholehearted and consummate team performance.
He was delighted with the strength, power and solidarity of the forward pack which laid the foundation for a classy backline to reveal its considerable attacking flair.
The end result was one way traffic in a lopsided second half that delighted the Spacemen faithful on a cold, blustery Mothers Day.
Once again the powerful Brandon Tago was a standout, especially in a 20 minute third quarter when he scored two good tries and was instrumental in another two to put the issue beyond doubt.
Clearly the former Queensland Under 21s star and now Western Division back rower remains a tremendous ace in Moran’s card pack.
Dave Masoe, Jordan Pope and Epi Sadrodro were also prominent up front as Moran, Sam Dwyer and Kevin Frank impressed with every player contributing to the effort.
Earlier Parkes Juniors, many of whom impressed with their dance techniques at the Catholic debutante ball, succumbed 24-18 after leading 18-8 at oranges, while an undermanned reserves battled strongly but lost 38-8.
Parkes dominated the early stages of the important fifth round clash against a keen raiders outfit.
Moran opened the scoring after Masoe and Tago were prominent in the lead up and Tago and Frank decimated the Raiders defence when they combined for a 60 metre try.
The ever-present Dwyer, who had another blinder chiming in from fullback, backed up another Pope bust for Parkes to lead 14-0 after 24 minutes.
The Raiders finally enjoyed some territory and possession and two tries in the final 10 minutes to backs Widders and Orcher reduced Parkes’ margin to just 14-10 at the break.
The Spacemen resumed hostilities with a much more focused and structured effort after Moran’s well chosen halftime adjectives.
Four tries resulted in the opening 16 minutes of the second session, all including the brilliance, strength and ability of Tago.
In the 44th minute a Tago bust, supported by Dwyer, enabled a powerful Masoe to score Parkes’ fifth try and Tago himself scored a brace within four minutes after powerful charges that spreadeagled the tiring Raiders defence.
The 56th minute produced another magic minute when Under 18s winger Jimmy Clyburn scored his debut first grade try, fielding an astute Moran kick after Masoe, Moran and Tago featured in the build up.
Given Jimmy’s efforts in the senior grade despite his tender years, it appears the Clyburn dynasty is set to continue its great involvement with the Spacemen cause.
Although the issue was beyond doubt at 32-10 after an hour, the Spacemen soldiered on with three late tries to add to their imposing start to the Group XI season.
Dwyer ran off a Michael Mitchell off-load after 66 minutes to speed 70 metres for a brilliant try to cap a real custodian’s display.
In the final moments, a typical Moran chip and chase and a deserved Pope four pointer completed a very competent and at times awesome Spacemen display.
PARKES 48 (D. Moran 2, S. Dwyer 2, B. Tago 2, J. Pope, J. Clyburn, K. Frank, D. Masoe tries; Moran 3, T. Ionatana goals) defeated MACQUARIE 10 (A. Widders, R. Orcher tries; Widder goal).