Following the decision of Central West Rugby Union (CWRU) to abandon the rest of the New Holland Cup due to the COVID-19 situation in the region, the Parkes Boars first grade side have been announced as the 2021 premiers, successfully defending their 2020 flag.

The club lost just one game in the regular season, and had secured their first ever home grand final after beating CSU 31-19 in the major semi-final; and as it turned out, that was the game that won them consecutive premierships.

For captain-coach Josh Miles, this wasn't winning a flag by default, but a just reward for a very consistent season.

"To be honest, back home (in England) we don't even have finals - it's first past the post, so it doesn't feel too different in some ways," he said earlier this week after the CWRU's announcement.

"I think the important thing about us being crowned champions is that the CWRU gave a bit of clarity by saying that the major semi essentially counted as the grand final.

"It is disappointing for both the club, and the town, that we didn't get that huge home crowd for our first ever home grand final.

"I wanted to play the game more than anyone for that reason, but a premiership is a premiership, and we've been the most consistent side all season, beating every team three times, so it feels fair," said Miles.

It was clear, despite a huge amount of upheaval of playing squads across the New Holland Cup, that the Boars were the ones to beat right from the outset.

Miles was proud of the way his side was able to come together so quickly, and said nothing can take away this premiership, regardless of the way it turned out.

"At the end of the day, in 10 years time we'll be having back-to-back 10 year premiership reunions, and I can't wait for that.

"From last year's grand final to this season, we had nine new faces in the starting 15, so it shows the strength and depth that we have at the club to be able to cover those changes.

"In finals, to have someone like Dan Ryan, a multiple time NSW Country second rower on the bench, shows how much depth we had," Miles said.

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The Boars play a open style of running rugby, a la the famous Galloping Greens, but as any union fan would know, that can only succeed on the back of dominant forward play - which is exactly what they were able to do throughout the season according to Miles.

"Our whole team is built on structure, which is probably something other teams don't spend too much time on at this level," he said.

"The forward pack were brilliant this year, and that came down to more effort from the boys, because they knew it was something they had to work on.

"The new scrum machine certainly had a bit of work on it - thanks Northparkes Mines for sorting that out for us!

"Our front row (Jason Lowe, Scott Chislett and Michael Thomas) were always solid, Chislett in particular has been brilliant - he turns up each week and plays his role really well and despite not being a big talker he is a real leader.

"Of course the backs have been strong as well, Matt Hunter coming back has been great, and Freddie Tupo has been one of our best players all year - he's a weapon," said Miles.

The success of this first grade side doesn't just lie with the players either, which Miles was keen to point out.

It is a group effort, built from behind the scenes - and you'd be a brave person to bet against the Boars continuing to build and improve.

"The club has grown so much in the last two years in regards to the way it is run, the buy-in of both players and supporters and it is constantly improving.

"Being competitive helps of course, but the way it is getting run by Kev Oliver (president) and the rest of the committee is the driving force, and ideally the club can get back into the Blowes Cup.

"Since I arrived six seasons ago, I have loved every minute of it, both the rugby club and the town, and I think we are definitely moving in the right direction," said Miles.

Everywhere you look in this side, there are consistent contributors.

In the back line, the 'Welsh Wizard' Luke Bevan pulls the strings expertly from fly-half, and it's hard to think of a player in the Central West that has a complete of an all-round game than him.

His kicking, running and passing games are well rounded and he kicks goals consistently at any angle, in any conditions like no one else.

Always one to throw a Welsh teammate under the bus, Miles, tongue firmly in cheek, took much of the credit for Bevan's fantastic season.

"Luke only plays that well because I tell him where to go!"

Hulking centre Freddie Tupo would have to be the most difficult player in the competition to tackle, while winger Luke Hitchcock has thrilled Boars supporters with a number of exciting long-range tries and fearless game style.

The blue collar forwards were led by front rowers Chislett and Lowe, who were so strong in the scrums and breakdowns, and always fronted up for tough runs in open play.

To sum up the 2021 premiership season, we've got a snapshot of the highs and (very minimal) lows.

Hard to go past the brilliant game on July 31 against CSU that gave the Boars their first ever home grand final.

The hill was full (in a COVID-safe way, of course) of thrilled Boars supporters in the 31-19 victory, with Bevan the star of the show when it mattered most, thanks to two sensational tries and four goals.

There wasn't many - so we'll have to go with the only loss for the season - which was a 21-28 defeat to CSU on July 17.

Miles said at the time the side had probably gotten a little complacent, and to be honest it was the loss they probably needed to have on the way to another flag.

There were a fair few of them, so it is hard to narrow down one, but long-range tries were a Luke Hitchcock specialty.

The sight of him streaming down the Northparkes Oval wing from 60 metres out, usually beating five or so defenders in the process, was enough to get Boars fans out of their seat on multiple occasions.

The Parkes Champion Post are big fans of the 'Welsh Wizard', but on this occasion multiple people put forward Scott Chislett as the Boars Most Valuable Player in 2021.

Chislett might not be the flashiest player, but his motor allows his to get through a power of work in the front row, and he just did not have a bad game.

He was a force to be reckoned with in the lineouts every week, and Harry Middlebrook also seemed to get better and better as the season wore on. The second rower is a good mover for his size, and relentless in his effort and endeavour.

The Parkes Champion Post would like to extend a huge thank you to Catherine Ryan for her prodigious note-taking and Allan Ryan for his incredible photography throughout the season.

Another huge thank you to Josh Miles for his incredible back page graphic that he has kindly allowed us to use - brilliant Photoshop work!

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