Last weekend’s trial game against Wellington was the final trial game for the Spacecats before Round 1 kicks off on 16th April, at Pioneer Oval against Cowra. 

Coach Michael Dumesny, and assistant coach Freddy Francis had a few harsh words to say in regards to some sloppy play from the Parkes Spacecats in Wellington last Saturday, 1st April. 

“Wellington defended well in patches, but it’s always good to go away with the win, especially considering we had four vital players out,” said Michael. 

Freddy said, “Defense was good, a few of our mistakes let Wellington back in but our girls recovered.” Standout players on the day were Tess Wood, Elizabeth Macgregor, Teagan Smede and Keely Reynolds. 

The team is still reeling from the loss of star player, Jorja Simpson, who was has been completely ruled out for the season. 

Elizabeth Macgregor and Cody Wakefield have been named as co-captains. Michael went on to explain, “Cody plays in the middle and Elizabeth, is without a doubt the best fullback in the competition even though she is only 16, so it made sense to make them co-captains.” 

The draw is out, so save the date and head along this weekend to watch some thrilling games of footy. All games will be played on Spooner Oval and will be 20 minutes each with cross over at the 10 minute mark (no time off) 5 minute gap between games. For the men the registration link will be sent to club representatives shortly. Remember this is a fun get together, anyone who takes things too seriously and is sent off by the referee’s will not be able to take part in the rest of the day. It hasn’t happened yet so don’t be the first!

DRAW:

10:40 Trundle vs Condobolin (Womens)

11:05 Andrew Dwyer Memorial vs Canowindra

11:30 Cargo vs Valley Dragons

11:55 Tuggeranong vs Trundle

12:20 Manildra vs Grenfell

12:45 Eugowra vs Condobolin (Womens)

1:10 Parkes vs Condobolin

1:35 Eugowra vs Coogee

2:00 Canowindra vs Valley Dragons

2:25 Eugowra vs Trundle (Womens)

2:50 Trundle vs Cargo

3:15 Grenfell vs Andrew Dwyer Memorial

3:40 Manildra vs Tuggeranong

4:05 Coogee vs Condo

4:30 Eugowra vs Parkes

After a stint coaching the under 21s last year, well known local, Jimmy Clyburn has been promoted to the ranks of reserve grade coach for the Parkes Spacemen 2023 rugby league season.

We caught up with Jimmy up at Pioneer Oval before training on Tuesday night and he was excited at the possibility of getting a few of the old boys back this season. 

“We had a pretty young squad the last few years, but we’ve got a few blokes from Woodbridge Cup that are coming back to have a run this year,” said Jimmy. 

Jimmy believes the team will greatly benefit from a mix of experience from the older players and the speed and fitness that the young players bring to the team.

Last year, the reserve grade team were placed in the middle of the ladder. “We were missing a few key players last year. Injury took its toll on first grade last season, so a lot of reserve grade players shot up to first grade to fill spots,” said Jimmy.

Of course, the main goal heading into the 2023 season is to win the premiership. To achieve this, Jimmy will be focusing on completions, trying to find structure and working on combinations with the new players in the team. 

“The boys are a tight knit group, we’ve all been mates pretty much our whole lives,” said Jimmy. 

This coming weekend, the firsts, seconds and junior Spacemen will head to Orange to play a trial game against the Orange Hawks. If you are looking for a footy fix, organise a car load and get to Orange on Saturday to support the Spacemen!

The 2023 footy season will be the second for Will Wardle as coach of the Parkes Spacemen under 18’s side. 

Last year the under 18s struggled to field enough players and had to rely on some of the under 16s to step up, but Will said, “We’ve got a good squad this year.”

Will, who is a plumber by trade, moved to Parkes two years ago. He is originally from Chirlmere, west of Sydney where he played in the Group 6 League competition. 

Will went on to explain how he got the coaching role, “I turned up last year, was up there having dinner with Sammy and Joey Dwyer and Tony said, we need a coach, and I said if you get stuck I’ll do it, and I got the job.”

One of the team’s main priorities in the lead up to this season has been fitness, and they have been working hard at it, so we can expect to see some fast, exciting footy being played. 

The under 18’s have a trial game coming up on Saturday, 18th March in Orange against the Orange Hawks, which is sure to be a great test for the boys.

Some of last year’s under 16’s, are this year stepping up into the Under 18’s. The team also has a new half back from Condobolin and he is expected to lift the team, in addition to another great recruit from Canowindra. 

“If you are interested in playing this year, simply turn-up to training on Tuesday night, we are always happy to have new players,” said Will.

Michael Dumesny has been appointed coach for the Parkes Spacemen Senior League Tag team, for the upcoming 2023 season. 

Michael has previously coached the Parkes girls to a premiership back in 2016, before he headed across to coach league in Eugowra for four years. 

Michael went on to say how excited he was to be back coaching for Parkes, “The Spaceman have a pretty good crew in the coaching staff and a really good bunch of girls here playing.”

The Parkes Senior League Tag team came third in last years competition. “The girls had a great season last year, we are definitely looking to build on that this year,” said Michael. 

Heading into the 2023 season, Michael has his focus firmly set on the premiership.

“I just hope we can have a good year, win more games than we lose, and score more points than we let in,” said Michael.

The team have their first trial game coming up in Canowindra. Michael said, “Trial days are a really good way to evaluate the girls on the park, possibly swap a few positions around and eventually come up with a Captain and a solid starting team for Round 1.”

When asked what he likes about coaching the Senior League Tag team Michael said, “The girls are really switched on and always listen, it is a great team to coach.” 

Michael is encouraging Parkes residents to head to Pioneer Oval to support the Senior League Tag team at their home games. “The girls always perform at a top level, but having a passionate, vocal crowd can really lift a team and take them to that extra level.”

Anyone interested in trying League Tag are encouraged to head along to training on Tuesday nights.