Parkes, playing just their second trial match after an 18 month hiatus, were competitive in both fixtures before a lack of match fitness showed; with Forbes already having three trial matches under their belt leading into the cash.

Magpies coach Cameron Greenhalgh was pleased with the way his side were able to fight their way back and finish the game strongly in front of an appreciative home crowd.

"This was our first trial with almost a full-strength side and with it being to and fro all game, for us to claw our way back and win by eight points was impressive," he said.

"It really showed towards the end of the game that we have a few extra trials under our belt than Parkes, but the majority of the game it was a really tight contest - as usual.

"The atmosphere down at Spooner was amazing as well, to have a crowd like that for a trial between our two small towns was awesome," Greenhalgh said.

Greenhalgh's son Nick and new recruit Mitch Andrews have slotted in seamlessly to the Magpies squad, lifting the rest of the team around them, and Greenhalgh is looking forward to getting even more cohesion amongst the squad ahead of Round 1 on May 2.

"For the next 2 weeks it'll be about the top squad getting together a bit more so we can work on our defence and play the ball - that's going to be crucial leading into the season proper."

It was no doubt a disappointing result for the Spacemen, but coach Brent Wood drew plenty of positives from the clash.

"I was really happy with our effort and defence, but we just made too many simple errors with the ball," he said.

"That's an easy thing to fix though, so we will certainly be addressing that before Round 1."

And who won the all-important boat race at the conclusion of the day's festivities? Forbes.

The Spacemen will be itching to reverse both results come the blockbuster June long weekend clash.