Once again the Parkes Panthers travelled to Bathurst, in weather that was alternatively freezing, cloudy and windy with random showers of sleet.
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The Bathurst Giants gave us two extra players for the game, to even up the sides.
As the first siren went to begin the game, it was time to defrost and run around like mad chooks.
Panthers defenders known as the "4wd's" Cassandra Kelly, Michelle Row, Laura Dorman and Ash Kaesler were under the pump early as the Giants forced the ball forward, as they had the advantage with the wind.
Parkes had also managed to get the ball inside their forward 50, but no score eventuated.
Giants kicked four goals and two behinds.
Leanne "Breaker Breaker" Billington was heavily tackled from the side in the dying seconds of the first quarter, a crushing tackle which resulted in Leanne breaking both her tibia and fibula.
Miss Billington was uncannily like her partner Kirsten "One Quarter" Macquet (who seriously injured her knee in the dying seconds of the first quarter during round one).
They'll be now known as the "One Quarter Retirees".
The Pantherettes wish them both all the best for their recoveries and thank them for continuing to be such a huge part of our club.
Despite being a player down, the Pantherettes stuck to their motto "Never Give Up".
It was another hard fought quarter as the Giants continued with their run through the middle with speedy midfielders.
The Panthers backline remained cool as cucumbers, as the ball was continuously coming in.
Parkes had yet again been inside their forward 50, but no scoring occurred.
Giants kicked three goals and a behind to end the first half of the game.
After jogging over and regrouping for the long main break, the Pantherettes were happy with how they've played despite what the scoreboard reads.
Renee Massurit was positioned as a half-forward and showed plenty of intent on getting the ball and offloading it to her teammates, gaining more ground and making the Giants earn their keep.
Parkes then maintained and were able to increase possession for majority of the third quarter.
With great sportsmanship from one of the Giants players who played for us that quarter she kicked a behind, after receiving the chain of handballs from our midfielders Amber L'estrange and Hallee Pauley-L'estrange.
Following that Players player' Korine Coleman managed to break through the last defenders and get a boot to the ball, putting it straight through for a goal.
Giants kicked two goals and a behind.
One more hard quarter to go and points were on the board for Parkes! Midfielder/Defender Sara Callan continues to improve each game and runs like there's no tomorrow, as well as being a fierce opponent.
Another quarter filled with multiple inside forward 50 entries by the Giants and lots of running on the outer wing by the midfielders.
Parkes had to hold the fort and steady the ship, keeping Bathurst to just six behinds and no goals.
Parkes had some forward 50 entries, but no score for them.
Fill in coach Kirsten Macquet said with praise "A hard fought game that showcased the guts and determination that is the heart and soul of our team! I'm very proud of our Pantherettes".
Parkes Panthers 1.1-7 defeated by Bathurst Giants 9.10-64
Parkes vs Cowra at Northparkes Oval 20th July at 4pm.
Women's Ladder
1 Bathurst Giants
2 Orange Tigers
3 Bathurst Bushrangers
4 Cowra Blues
5 Parkes Panthers
6 Dubbo Demons
Men's Ladder
1 Orange Tigers
2 Bathurst Bushrangers Rebels
3 Bathurst Giants
4 Dubbo Demons
5 Bathurst Bushrangers Outlaws
6 Parkes Panthers
7 Cowra Blues
