The June long weekend marked round 7 of the local derby for the Parkes Spacemen and Forbes Magpies at Pioneer Park. The club wore white footy socks to support the cause against domestic violence. The under 18’s began the day with a gallant effort all the way to the bell. The Spacecats took to Jock Colley field at 12.30pm with all intentions of playing to bring home the win. Claire Barber began proceedings with a deep kick and with errors high in the first few minutes Captain Hannah Kelly in Parkes GP jersey made a great run only to be tagged by a flying Magpie 10 metres out.
Quick play caught the Forbes team off guard and BMJC’s Ella-J Harris opened the tally for the Spacecats after a giant step and dodge. Claire Barber added the 2. Playing as a team and backing up the runs Sally Dwyer sponsored by La Bella added another 4 with Claire adding another 2. Parkes’ third try was awarded to Dippin Dots Demi-Joyce Winter. Forbes put their first points on the board with a little over 10 minutes remaining in the first half.
With the continuing of the game the pressure was on the Spacecats, who defended their line and penalty after penalty against them. However, they handled it well, with Hannah Kelly running the length of the field to be tagged by a whisker out and Claire Barber over beside the posts. A fumble on the restart gave Forbes the possession within 20 metres and the Parkes ladies needed to work hard. Nicko’s Bricklaying’s Sarah McAneney got the ball and with some precise passes Parkes Railway Bowling Club’s Emma Bayley got over the line with Claire Barber adding the two. Half time score; Parkes 26- Forbes 4.
The Magpie ladies kicked to start the second half but Sally Dwyer scores Parkes’ sixth try quickly followed by another try by Captain Hannah Kelly with Claire Barber successfully converting. Parkes Services Club’s Nat Gardiner got her first try after a sixty metre sprint and her second soonfollowed. Final score 44 Parkes- 4 Forbes, congratulations!
The remaining team members also deserve a mention as they played just as well Brittany Dumesny, Katie Caldwell, Samara Afele, Brittney Ryan, Shannealle Wyrzynski, Sam Cox, Louise McAneney, Shayna Male and Emeline Lavaka. Special thanks also to the league safes Tim Barber and Tom McEwen, FAO Col Dwyer and Coach Mick Dumesny.
The Parkes Spacemen executive along with the league tag team would like to thank their major Guernsey sponsor Parkes Services Club and Sleeve sponsors 1. Simply Bellissima by Kim, 2. Cunninghams IGA Parkes, 3. Nicko’s Bricklaying, 4. Parkes GP, 5. Bunnamagoo Wines, 6. BMJC (The Moran boy’s), 7. La Bella, 8. Dippin Dots, 9. Parkes Mensland, 10. Thd studio, 11. Parkes Railway Bowling Club, 12. Parkes Services Club, 13. Nangar Gems.