Parkes beat Cowra 26-10 in round 3 of Western 18's Youth League

It took just two minutes for the Spacemen to break through for the opening try, after the Magpies let a towering spiral bounce straight into the hands of a rampaging Toby Miller, who crossed over next to the posts in an electric piece of play.

The Magpies bounced back well, and were able to pin the Spacemen on their defensive line for seven straight sets on the back of several penalties.

They finally broke through for a try against the tiring defence after darting over from dummy half to ensure the score stayed locked up heading into the first quarter break.

From there on, the Spacemen began to gain the ascendancy; with Maia Haenga, Finn Neilsen and Cody Crisp producing some bullocking runs up front while Toby Miller played like a seasoned veteran in the centres; showing poise in attack and defence well beyond his years.

Continual handling errors from the Magpies throughout the game meant they just could not complete their sets and generate any good field position; which the Spacemen took full advantage of, scoring three tries off the back of Magpie knock-ons.

Cowra came out fired up in the last quarter and camped themselves in Parkes' defensive 20 but could only managed one try, ensuring the Spacemen were able to register their first win of the year.

It was a complete performance from the Spacemen, with the forwards providing a solid platform for a well organised back line.

Next Sunday sees the return of the big local rivalry, with Parkes taking on Forbes at Spooner Oval in a game that is sure to be full of spice.

Parkes Spacemen Best and Fairest votes

Parkes Spacemen 26 (Finnley Neilsen 2, Toby Miller 2, Maia Haenga tries; Jarmarra Gooloogong , Zayne Ehsman 2 goals) defeated Cowra Magpies 10 (Josh Pokoney, Jacob Norton tries; Darcy Howard goal)