Under 16s
Brian Collins Smash Repairs U16s are champions once again after a tough 22-10 victory over a very tough Forbes Magpies side at Red Bend.
This was a proper old school game of Rugby League. It's the third premiership in a row for this group of players who also claimed the minor premiership this season.
The usually sharp and fluent Spacemen were dragged into a dog fight and had to work for every metre. A 14-3 penalty count contributed to some uncharacteristic errors, which repeatedly piggy backed the Magpies into Parkes territory.
Two tries to Forbes saw them jump to a 10-nil lead, and a boilover was on the cards.
The Spacemen had flogged the Magpies opponents twice this season by 50 points, but it counted for little on Saturday, as the opposition had come out firing.
With the Forbes crowd finding their voice, a Spacemen supporter commented, "Parkes haven't even started playing footy yet".
Once again, our number 7 Taj Lovett turned the game our way with a great try on the stroke of half time. An unsuccessful conversion left the score at 10-4 to Forbes.
Coach Jason O'Bryan couldn't get his players into the sheds quick enough and told them to simplify and get into the grind, as he knew the Magpies couldn't match the fitness and physicality of the Spacemen.
The body language and the look in the eyes of the players was one of intensity and they looked aggressive.
The penalty count was now beyond a joke, but Parkes maintained their focus and slowly began to take control.
Front rower Slade Moore was outstanding and the best forward on the paddock. He bent the opposition defence with every run and belted the Forbes pack.
The Magpies began to go sideways, and Parkes were now on top.
With 15 minutes left to play, number 9 Lachlan Thomas evened the score with a strong effort from dummy half and converted his own try. The score was now 10 all.
Five eight Ewan Moody and fullback Triston Ross were outstanding.
Their slick attack was swapped for some tough runs in traffic and their footwork was causing Forbes huge problems. Left centre Sonny Macgregor and winger Oakley Fliedner were starting to stretch the defence and make metres, and it was a only matter of time before the Magpies cracked.
Big Hugh Macgregor was the man to break the deadlock, crashing through the defence left of the posts with a powerful run. Lachlan Thomas converted, and it was the Spacemen in front for the first time with less than10 minutes on the clock.
The big Parkes crowd had come to life, and they erupted when Sonny Macgregor dived over to score. With the try converted the score was now 22 - 10 with less than 2 minutes remaining. The Spacemen ran down the clock and were ecstatic when full time was called.
A very gritty win by an outstanding group of young men.
The club is incredibly proud of them, each one of them respectful, humble and unselfish.
They had dedicated the season to Trevor Ross, fullback Triston's father, who had sadly passed away in December. The boys absolutely loved Trevor, and he loved them.
A huge thanks to our many supporters and our sponsors, we really appreciate everything you do for us.
Congratulations to Ewan Moody who was named Player of the Grand Final, Well done, Ewan!
Under 14s
Sports Power/Parkes Ready Mix Concrete U14s are the Premiership winners of 2024 after beating the Condobolin Rams in a massive 34-6 win. Parkes were first to put points on the board, but Condo hit back soon after to even the score to 6 all. Parkes held their line well and put up some massive tackles. Their defence was outstanding, but it was in attack that it excelled, scoring an extra 28 points.
Parkes were too good on the day for Condobolin. Congratulations boys on your achievement!
Congratulations to Jett Clarke who was named Player of the Grand Final, Well done, Jett!
Under 17s league tag
Parkes Services Club/Blue Heeler Storage U17LT girls are crowned the champions of 2024 after beating Forbes 28-6 on Saturday in the Grand Final at Red Bend. All girls put on a great show for the crowd and should be proud of their achievements. After being undefeated all year, the girls looked strong coming out on the field. Forbes were first to put points on the board, but it wasn’t long before Parkes were in the lead and kept Forbes at 6 points. The girls were continuously making good meters which helped them have the majority of field possession, winning the game. Congratulations girls. What an achievement!
Congratulations to Jessica Morgan who was named Player of the Grand Final, Grace Milne who was named Best and Fairest winner and to Grace MacGregor who was named Best and Fairest runner-up. Well done, girls!
Congratulations to the Bob Skinner Painting and Decorating/Steve Magill Earthmoving U14LT White girls and Reece Plumbing/Griffin’s Leading Edge U14s Girls Tackle who were both awarded runner-up grand finalists. Well done girls on your achievements!
Congratulations to Katie Galvin who was named Player of the Grand Final and to Miley Nash who received Beat and Fairest runner-up in Under 14 Girls’ Tackle and to Corby Fliedner who was awarded Best and Fairest runner-up in U14LT. Well done girls!
PMJRL would like to say a huge thank you to the players, parents, carers, grandparents, parents of ex-players, the Old Boys and Parkes seniors for all your help throughout the year. Also, thank you to all the 2024 club sponsors, your support is greatly appreciated.
A massive thank you to all the coaches, managers, trainers, FAOs, and the committee for a great season. The season could not have been such a success without you all. Your commitment and dedication are amazing and much appreciated.
Congratulations to the Club President Andrew Thomas and his wife Kate on a fantastic 2024 season.