For years Parkes were not in the mens 45s division of NSW Masters hockey championships.

However, in only its second carnival, Parkes now has its first state title – one achieved in the most emphatic fashion last weekend in Wollongong.

Without having been in the 45s, Parkes had to start in B Division last year in order to earn the right to compete in the higher A Division. 

While they came tantilisingly close - making the final before being pipped 1-0 by Far North Coast – they had to line up again this year in B Division.

But in the second lower grade dig they were certainly not to be denied again.

As usual the team consisted of a mix of players who continue to enjoy living in Parkes and those who have moved to other places around the state but always take pride in putting Parkes first when it comes to their hockey allegiances – pulling on the famous black and white strip that’s made many others shudder going into the contest over the years.

 The carnival started Friday and by the time it came to gathering around for Friday night footy, Parkes had knocked in 15 goals and conceded none – beating Macarthur by 8 and Central Coast by 7.

Saturday they did not stray too far from the script, knocking over Nepean 6-nil then Illawarra 5-0 to book a semi final against the oldest enemy of them all, Sydney – a David versus Goliath battle that all Parkes hockey players have loved playing through the ages.

But by 9.30am Sunday, it was Sydney who had most of the rest of it for the house jobs - eliminated by their country cousins 9-nil. 

This set up Parkes to play Nepean for a second time in the final. 

While Nepean did try valiantly and subjected   Parkes to a slow start by trying to spoil their slick movement of the ball as best they could.

By halftime it was 4-nil and by fulltime 7-0.

This delivered Parkes the state title and the right to move up to the A Division contest in 2017.

For some players in the Parkes side, it was their third NSW Masters state title.

For others, their second, as this was the team that cut a path through the 40s division titles over a number of years, either making finals or winning titles year in year out. 

Many said they’d now simply “matured” to the 45s.

The Parkes side comprised:

Steve Martin (GK), Glenn Johnstone, Ben Healy, Stuart Tanswell, Paul Barrett, Angus Arndell, Matthew Searl, Graeme Tanswell, Paul Baxter, Jeremy Flynn, Laurie Wakefield, Rowan Macdonald, Andrew Rice, Jeff Stibbard.

- - - - -

And as always given the efforts, Parkes featured again in the representative spoils with both striker Laurie Wakefield and midfielder Matt Searl named in the NSW 45s team for the Australian championships in Adelaide in September.

Searl was also announced as one of two vice captains.

 - - - - - -

Parkes was also represented by a No 2 side at the carnival competing in C Division.

The Parkes boys had some close contests but also made their way through to the final only to be defeated by Illawarra 1-nil after having the run of the play and chances for most of the contest – a great effort nonetheless.