The first game of the day saw the u11s take on the Dubbo Force side. Parkes was on the attack early with a break made by Sonny MacGregor which put the team on the right side of the halfway line. Despite a brief turn-over of possession to Dubbo a mistake by the Force resulted in the first try of the day to ever reliable Darcy Summerhayes.

From this point in the game it was a very evenly matched affair but Parkes managed to hold their opponents scoreless to go into the break up on the board. However, soon after the half time break Dubbo was looking to even the score and after applying pressure with an up close defence saw them take a lucky intercept and post their first try. Parkes immediately went back on the attack with Sam Rayner making a darting break down the sideline working within the narrowest of margins and under pressure from the defence but impressively managing to stay in the field of play.

The Force worked back into attacking position and a loose ball mistake from the Boars allowed Dubbo in for their second try which went unanswered with the final result being 2-1 against us.  

In game two the Boars came up against Orange City who got off the mark quickly with a try shortly after the kick off. Parkes were up to the challenge, Sam popping a crafty flick pass to Lachie Reynolds who streaked away down the sideline before making his way in field to score under the ‘posts’. Unfortunately, soon after a line out went against Parkes and before they knew it City was over the chalk again. Some swift passing creating an overlap almost had Parkes over in the corner but a scrambling defence meant it wasn’t to be.

After the half time break Kyan Rathbone bolstered his team, honing in on the opposition in defence and managing to beat City at their own game by pinching possession from a line out. Fergus Keiran was taken in a strong tackle but showed he is made of even tougher stuff getting up and back into the game.

Aidan Rayner was, as always, very active throughout the day, organising the team and leading by example in attack and defence. He was pivotal in sending the ball from a scrum to the backline who went through the hands to get the ball wide to Lachie who had too much pace and burned City down the sideline to score his second. Until she was injured and had to have a rest Holly Duncan consistently applied pressure to the opposition attack by having eyes only for the ball pinching it every chance she had. The final score at the hooter was a two all draw.

The last game of the day saw Parkes face the Dubbo Brumbies in what was a very physical encounter. Callum Rowbotham was like the gatekeeper in this game ensuring ‘none should pass’ down his side of the field, muscling up and showing some excellent defence. Eben Labuschagne finished the day as he had started with tough, consistent defence and solid efforts backing up his teammates. Such was the quality of defence from both sides it was only in the latter stages of the game that Dubbo took the win after scoring off a break against the run of play.

Ewan Moody again showed excellent game awareness making and taking opportunities for himself and his teammates. Dylan Quade answered coach Summers call running straight and hard all day earning him the ‘Toughest on Field’ trophy. Dominic Gibson was the well-deserved ‘Player of the Week’ playing out of his skin in all three games, with elusive runs, perfectly timed intercepts and a huge defensive workload. -by Michelle MacGregor

Under 7s: The u7s turned up at Narromine ready to play three different Dubbo teams from two different clubs. Little did we know but it would be a day of spectacular running and try scoring by the young boars.

The first game was against Dubbo Roos and Parkes started straight out of the blocks with tries left, right and centre with Oliver Reynolds, Isobel Hunter (3), Ryker Moore (2) and Cameron Hunter all crossing the line to score. Emily De Lacy, Billy Lenehan and Callen Rathbone all ran the team up the field tirelessly putting the team in perfect position to strike making the tries true full team effort tries. 

The second game we took on Dubbo Rhinos in a match where the team got into their groove. Oliver Reynolds shined with an amazing try stepping through the opposition pack before Ryker Moore did the same fitting through the tiniest of gaps giving him three for the day.

Billy and Callen both did big kick offs in this game roosting the ball high. Callen also made some big tackles in this game stopping certain tries. Em De Lacy was reliable as ever often unshelfishly taking the first pass. Isobel Hunter piled on more tries as she does in most games with her speed having not yet been matched. Cameron Hunter showed his full potential showing blistering speed in both attack and defence. 

Finally we met Dubbo Barbarians who were the toughest opposition of the day. Callen Rathbone went for a huge run in this game looking certain to score but being cut down in the last metre. There was a great moment of sportsmanship when one of the players from Dubbo scored an amazing try and after a big effort to stop him the Parkes players joined in clapping him admiring the skill involved. Special mention goes to Emily De Lacy who despite looking puffed in the warm weather pushed through giving her all the whole time. Oliver Reynolds and Isobel Hunter both scored in this game giving Oliver four and Isobel seven for the day. 

Most Improved went to Isobel Hunter while player of the week went to both Callen Rathbone and Oliver Reynolds. Next week we travel to the home of the Millthorpe Mozzies for three more games of rugby. -by Doug Moore