A strong start by the Parkes Boars was to no avail as CSU secured a much needed win for the season. Parkes led for most of the first half with tries to Ethan Kosef and Ben Powlay followed by a text book chip and chase by Ash Adams. Unfortunately poor kicking by Parkes and a late try to CSU put the visitors narrowly in the lead at half time: CSU 21 – Parkes 17.

The CSU fullback Robinson did most of the damage to Parkes scoring several long-range tries and providing a solid last line of defence. Parkes was able to make line breaks through Joe Nash, Ben Powlay and Ethan Kosef, but Robinson repeatedly made effective last minute tackles.

At the other end Parkes defended strongly with CSU getting through Parkes out wide, but try saving tackles by Jason
Lowe, Steve Taotua and Jon Rathbone kept Parkes in the game. Ash Adams had a great game and was named Players Player. Although known for his physicality as a loose forward at the breakdown, he added another string to his bow with a perfectly executed chip and chase to beat the CSU full back and score under the posts.

Another player to show his versatility was Dylan Hood. A surprisingly nimble front rower with an awesome side step showed he can also fill in as a very capable half back and is a real asset to the Boars. Once again a disappointing second half saw CSU adding another two unanswered tries bringing the final score to CSU 35 Parkes 17.

By Allan Ryan

The Parkes Boars lost to Forbes Platypi last Saturday, but the annual fundraiser match was a huge win for CanAssist. The proceeds of a jersey auction, an esky raffle, a collection bucket and half the gate takings raised $6,500 for the charity.

Parkes played a game to be proud of, but Forbes bettered them 47 to Parkes 13. Parkes were the first to strike with Joe Nash just too fast and strong for the Forbes backs. Stung by the early try to Parkes, Forbes lifted and hit back with Matt Coles first of three tries for the day. For most of the first half both teams were evenly matched.

Late in the first half Parkes was in front and there was a faint hope there could be an upset. But just prior to half time two quick tries to Forbes saw them in control at the break 26-13. In the second half Parkes looked good in
patches with the forwards Leo Haviili and Sam Denison making good metres up the centre. Toby Baigent and Scott Chislett were solid as usual and Ash Adams was tireless in attack and defence with his usual brutish – take no prisoners – style. The loss of Captain Israel Symington at half time to a niggling injury was telling for the Parkes
side. Adams was well supported by Ben Ryan at No. 8 and they were terrific at the breakdowns.

Ben Powlay made several attacking runs and seemed to enjoy a bit more space created by Dan Ryan who was playing in the centres, setting up some attacks and combining with Powlay and Josh Miles to close down the Forbes backs. But Forbes was relentless and showed why they are near the top of the ladder.