ONE of bush footy's most storied rivalries will reignite at senior level this Saturday, when the Parkes Spacemen travel down the Newell Highway to take on Forbes for the George Wright Senior Shield.
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Set to be an annual event, the Shield will be held at Spooner Oval in Forbes before each season, with all four grades to play in trial matches in memory of prominent Parkes sport and racing identity George Wright Senior,
Tony Dwyer, Parkes Spacemen president, said George, who was an acclaimed horse racing trainer, particularly on the picnic circuit, was an absolute salt of the earth person who was beloved by all in both Parkes and Forbes.
"It didn't matter whether it was footy or racing, he was always up for a yarn - and if he didn't know you, he'd be sure to get to know you before he left," said Dwyer.
"He was a water boy, a runner, he just want to be involved in any way he could, and you knew you could always rely on him.
"He was just one of those blokes who was a pleasure to be around, and he always made you laugh."
Magpies vice president Matt Coleman, who was also a longtime friend of George, echoed those sentiments about a man who was very special to him.
"He was one of a kind, and such a character," said Coleman.
"George was a big personality; he was a non-drinker and non-smoker, but he was the life of the party.
"He was very supportive of me, and I think about him often; I really feel for Leanne and kids, because he was just such a character.
"He had a lot of friends over here in Forbes and always said the Magpies were his second team - which not people in Parkes would say," he said.
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Word has it George was even spotted cheering and clapping in a black and white t-shirt at the 2018 Group 11 grand final, but not even the most ardent of Spacemen supporters could begrudge George for that.
On the field, it is sure to be a spicy match-up as per usual, though Forbes are slightly ahead in their preseason preparations, having played three trials games to Parkes' one.
After losing their first trial, the Spacemen will be keen to continue ramping up their fitness and combinations, but Dwyer knows both sides will leave it all out on the field this Saturday.
"It's still been a struggle securing the best squad for both first and reserve grade with so much going on outside footy at the moment, but as usual I think the game will go right down to the wire - both clubs always lift in the derby."
'"New" Forbes recruit, half and 2016 Forbes premiership player Nick Greenhalgh, is returning home after a stint with the Shellharbour Sharks and will be a key player to watch, and his matchup with Spacies half Chad Porter alone will make the trip to Spooner Oval worth it.
Apart from the action on the field, there will also be full bar and canteen facilities, jumping castle for the kids, raffles, 100 clubs and merchandise on sale.
The under 18's game has been cancelled due to a Western Rams development game on the same day.
Sponsors and supporters are also invited to a BBQ dinner and presentation of the shield at the Post Office Hotel from 7.30pm after the games - and given the loser buys the trophy there is plenty on the line!
Senior League Tag: 3pm
Reserve grade: 4pm
First grade: 5pm
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