For Cowra, a team searching for their first win of the season, it was a simple equation - eight runs in three overs would secure victory.

But it was never going to be that simple, with the Parkes bowling line-up firing down the pitch and fielders moving in to make that elusive catch.

Then, as if the atmosphere wasn't tense enough, Cowra's Ben Houghton hit the deck.

It was suspected his knee popped out before thankfully going back into place, but it meant Houghton couldn't run.

Instead of retiring hurt, Houghton, alongside lower order batsman Emerson Baratto, managed to hit a few well placed balls and limped over the line for the win.

Cowra captain Mick Curtale said his side worked hard for the win.

"It's been a little bit of time between drinks but the boys have never give up, they've never complained... they've been more committed than ever, a lesser bunch of blokes would have just caved in," he said.

"But they've worked their butts off, they're so committed to what we are doing and I'm just super proud of them, they all deserve the win."

Curtale made special mention of Houghton's efforts in the middle.

"I was a bit worried he was going to have to retire hurt... so it's just courageous," he said.

"That's why a guy like that has been promoted to vice captain of the team, he's always the first to respond when we need something done, he's bleeding Cowra cricket at the moment and so are the rest of the boys."

Cowra's recent form with the ball continued when Parkes was sent into bat first, with young guns Mac Webster (2-26), Tom Thaux (2-20) and Mitch Amos (2-28) all helping to hold the visitors to 8/139.

Zac Bayliss proved to the best with the bat for Parkes, posting 37 not out.

"Our bowling and fielding has improved a fair bit since last season," Curtale said.

"We've kept Bathurst to 150, Parkes to 138, we're doing good there, we've just got to get a few more runs at the top and make it a bit easier for the lower order."

In reply, Parkes came out firing with Brent Tucker dismissing Thaux for a duck before taking 4/23.

After consistent good knocks in previous match ups, Mikey McNamara once again proved why he's one of the side's rising stars, making 44 runs to keep his team in the fight.

"He's a very good young cricketer, we'll see his name up in lights I imagine in the next few years," Curtale said.

"I'd like to see him maybe get a few bigger scores because he's got the ability but he's doing good things and he's learning along way."

After taking a few of the senior scalps in Scott Wilson (13) and Chris Day (0), Parkes seemed likely to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat however Houghton and Baratto stuck it out for a total of 8/139.

Parkes captain Myles Smith said he lamented some missed opportunities to get the win.

"Another close game for us... we always find a way to lose it in the end after getting ourselves in a good position," he said.

"Just not enough runs, 180 would have been a pass score.

"I still had hope that we could do it but full credit to Hooto and the boys, they finished it off."