Spacemen go top of the table

On a bitterly cold day in which gatekeeper Greg Morrissey won plaudits for his durability, the Spacemen scored seven tries to two and were never in danger of defeat.

Parkes led 18-6 at the break and won the second half by the same margin to complete a convincing win that sets the scene for the eagerly awaited tussle with CYMS in Dubbo next weekend.

The quality of the contest reflected the difficult conditions, but the Spacemen retained their focus sufficiently to get the verdict.

Typically, Dennis Moran provided a masterclass, with Brandon Paige, Sam Dwyer and Alex Prout also prominent out wide.

Up front, the returning Brendan Tago produced a barnstorming effort, with Jordan Pope and Billy Burns off the bench also impressing.

Across the paddock Moran was happy enough with the effort and commitment as the Spacemen enter the contest against CYMS with plenty of confidence and conviction.

CYMS’ surprise loss to Wellington has the Spacemen back in the competition lead on percentages.

The two early grades yesterday provided close hard tussles commensurate with the importance to semi-final positions.

Third placed Parkes Juniors won 8-4, scoring two tries to one, to consolidate their top three prospects, but the sixth placed reserves fell 18-10 to the Raiders and will struggle to reach the five.

A reshuffled Spacemen first grade outfit marked the return of Brendan Tago, but the absence of the in-form Samoans Dave Masoe and Tino Ionatana.

Prior to kick off, a minutes silence was observed for Macquarie stalwart Tom O’Connor, 60, and former Spacemen captain-coach Graham Kennedy, 70, whose funeral was held in Port Macquarie on Friday.

Kennedy made in incredible impact in 1971-72, losing the 71 grand final 23-20 to CYMS, but beating Macquarie 21-12 the following year to complete a stellar treble which included the Caltex Knockout and minor premiership.

Featuring legends like Jim Bonus in the centres and halves Dennis Finn and Doug Wighton, the star studded Spacemen won the club’s second title after the 1954 hat-trick.

Played in arctic, blustering conditions before the season’s smallest audience, the contest never reached great heights, but veteran referee John Francis remained his usual composed and disciplined self.

Centre Kevin Frank scored the opening tries within 14 minutes - the first working off Moran and Pope on a narrow blind and then linking with another Dwyer incision from 40 metres.

A dislodged ball gifted Dwyer the third try beside the posts after 26 minutes for 14-6 although at times the Spacemen lacked cohesion and spark.

Despite a Robinson error from the restart, winger Brandon Paige diffused a sixth tackle bomb and sped 90 metres unopposed for an opportunist’s try.

Country Under 18 star Billy Burns, fresh from a successful New Zealand tour, replaced the in-form Ben Nash on the half hour and received a rousing ovation.

Despite Burns making a useful contribution to the Spacemen cause, the Raiders capitalised on errors to reduce the margin to 18-6 at oranges as the rain  intensified, conditions worsened and the lights were activated.

moran opened the second half scoring, busting onto a deft Tago ball from 30 metres and selling a superb dummy to the fullback.

On the hour, Parkes went to 30-6 when a Moran grubber was regathered by Burns who strolled unopposed for his debut try in senior company.

The durable Pope, in red hot form, evaded six defenders in a 40 metre bust for Parkes’ seventh try and a 36-6 lead as hardy patrons header for the exits.

In the final quarter hour, the Raiders scored a consolation try to reduce the margin to 24 points as referee Francis called an early mark 20 seconds from time as a rainbow glowed on the eastern horizon.

PARKES 36 (K. Frank 2, S. Dwyer, B. Paige, J. Pope, B. Burns, D. Moran tries; Moran 4 goals) defeated MACQUARIE 12 (P. Meredith, M. Cambridge tries; M. Williams 2 goals).

Referee, John Francis. Gate - $1733.