Parkes stormed to a 26-nil lead in the first 40 minutes of Sunday's game, in bitterly cold conditions.

The Spacemen came out strong in the second-half too, crossing for another try almost immediately to give themselves a 30-nil lead over the home side in the final regular round of the Group 11 season.

But that try was enough to make the Magpies click into gear for the final 30 minutes of the game.

Suddenly they were all over it, and within four points of the Spacemen just a minute out from the final whistle.

But an intercept in the dying stages of the game saw Parkes cross the line just one more time for a solid scoreline of 40-30.

Next Sunday will be a whole new ball game when the two sides meet again in the semi-final at Parkes.

At this early stage the conditions are looking kinder for the faithful fans of a twin town derby, who turned out in Sunday's icy conditions even if many did stay in their cars and sound their horns to signal their support.

On the whole it was a mixed day for the Spacemen.

Forbes dominated the early games: the league tag and 18s played in wet and windy conditions.

The first game of the day was the league tag and possibly in the toughest conditions, the ball slippery in the rain.

A conversion was the only difference in the first half, the Magpies led 6-4 at the break.

The Spacecats crossed to make it an 8-6 lead just a few minutes into the second half but the Magpies stuck it out to win 12-8 in the rain at the final whistle.

That result also sets up a rematch against Parkes, at Parkes, next weekend.

Juniors took the field next - Parkes had plenty of ball possession, but the young Magpies didn't give an inch.

Forbes led 16-nil at half time and extended that lead to 28-nil at full time.

Reserve grade was a low-scoring contest and a tight game, the scoreline reflecting that at 8-6 for the home team.

The Reggies were extremely unlucky but final round results went Parkes' way and the boys are now finals bound.

Next weekend reserve grade plays Wellington.

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