The Parkes Panthers Men's team played their first game in a month when they travelled to Waratah Sports Club Oval in Orange, to play the highly rated Orange Tigers.
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It was the first game as Coach for Peter Webb and the job he was handed is set to be a massive challenge.
The Panthers have been struggling for numbers and with an away trip on a cold winters day to Orange, it almost seemed mission impossible.
Thankfully Webby with all the skill of Tom Cruise produced a list of 17 players, four of them for their first game of AFL and one, James Campisi making a return after 10 years wandering around Australia and working at various mines.
The game itself was a one sided affair with a well drilled Orange Tigers side working hard to collect their possessions against an inexperienced but determined Panther outfit.
The game itself was a one sided affair with a well drilled Orange Tigers side working hard to collect their possessions against an inexperienced but determined Panther outfit
- Parkes Panthers
The Tiger's backline were well on top all day and they provided their running players with plenty quality ball which led to many scoring opportunities.
For the Panthers, Captain Brent Tucker was outstanding in the Centre and he kicked both goals - one of them was a sensational 70 metre goal, after receiving the ball from a tap from Ruckman Nic Baird.
In defence, Peter Webb was doing his best to subdue the tall Orange Forwards and using some wrestling tactics would almost see him in contention for the next Olympics.
The Panthers ruck combo in Nic Baird and Alex Haim tried valiantly all day, whilst James Ellis in his last game was going well, until he received an eye poke.
The new boys had their moments with Malcolm Bruce getting plenty of the ball but not quite knowing what to do with it.
James Campisi showed that he had not gained any skills in the ten years since he last played, but still knew how to cook a mean sausage, when volunteering at the Panthers sausage sizzle at Bunnings on Sunday.
It was pleasing to see Clark "Kent" Melbourne and Steve "Jimmy" Krakouer helping out Evan Ralph in defence and the more these guys play together, the stronger they will become as a unit.
Marlon "Brando" Clinton was at his best drawing head high tackles from the unsuspecting Tigers.
The final outcome was a good win to Orange, 20-25-145 to the Panthers 2-4-16.
Whilst the score indicates a resounding loss, the Panthers players showed a fair amount of determination and with the addition of couple of key position players, can still give the final four a shake.
The Panthers would like to thank their major sponsor, Railway Hotel for their continued support and keeping us watered and fed.
The Panther's Men have another bye this weekend, with the next Game on the 29th June.
Coach Peter Webb is still looking for players. Any person interested in playing or helping the club out, should phone on 0428622968.
