The champion Magpies worked hard for a 10-0 lead but eventually overpowered the stoic Parkes defence and a Jack Hartwig try in the 49^th minute took the score out to 16-0, breaking the backs of the Spacemen.

Forwards Thomas Phillips and Kyle McClenahan also scored, while Zeke Hartwig nabbed an early four-pointer and Tom Toohey booted three conversions for the black and whites in their 22-point win over the red, white and blues.

While in reserve grade, two fierce rivals battled it out with the Magpies scoring late to secure a vital two points with a 20-12 victory over Parkes.

The Magpies and Spacemen were level pegging on a congested ladder but Forbes skips ahead to out-right third on the reserve grade standings, with Macquarie, Wellington and Parkes all on six competition points at the mid-way point of the season.

The black and whites will play their round eight clash with Nyngan on Sunday at Larkin Oval, a week earlier than scheduled.

The two clubs played over the long weekend and will bring their round eight clash forward to enjoy a general bye on the State of Origin weekend, starting June 22.

Parkes' general bye is this weekend, when Westside takes on CYMS and Wellington hosts Narromine to wrap up round seven proper.