The Parkes Boars faced the Mudgee Wombats in the season opener last Saturday with great success.
The Colts’ young team had not played much together, but managed a 24–3 win. Tries to prop Mitch Townsend, winger Ty- ler McMahon, Aaron Peters and Pat Jones. Matt Parkes added two conversions to consolidate the game – 3 points to Pat Jones, 2 points Brad Watt, 1 point Jock Wright. Players player was Pat Jones.
Third Grade had 24 willing players but faced a last-minute Mudgee forfeit with Parkes taking the points.
Second Grade, under young coach Dyl- lan Phillips, continued the winning streak with a 36–12 victory. Tries: Break away Mitch Hutchings, Rusciate Lawinakula, Matt Hunter, Tim Lawler, Dyllan Phillips and Toby Tanks. Conversions: Mitch Hutchings, Iszac Oliver and Toby Tanks – 3 points Matt Hunt- er, 2 points Nathan Baker, 1 point Chris Sell- ings. Players player to Prop Sam Dennison.
The First Grade Wombats kicked off deep into Boars defence and within two minutes crossed the line to take the lead. Parkes rallied and a minute later through the hands of Ash Adams and Joe Nash, John Rathbone crossed wide for his first. The Boars lead at half time 31-14.
The Boars continued to dominate with Mudgee well out of the game in the second half, but Parkes hadn’t finished yet. Break away Ben Powlay scored two tries and converted his own with Josh van de Stok finishing the game to bring the score to 95– 14. Tries: Lloyd Rogers (3), Ben Powlay (2), John Rathbone (2), Toby Baigent (2), Josh van de Stok (2), Sam Standen (2), Dyllan Phillips and Joe Nash. Conversions: Lloyd Rogers (8), Ben Powlay (2) – 3 points to Tohi Nusipepa, 2 points Lloyd Rogers, 1 point Leo Ilalio Havili. Players player Lloyd Rogers.
Next Saturday the Boars travel to Cowra to face the Eagles.
By Cath Ryan