The first minutes of the match between the Parkes Boars and the Dubbo Rhinos last Friday were intense, as both sides were desperate to get the first points on the board. Rhinos struck first with a penalty goal, with Parkes soon striking back replying off the boot of Sam Davis. Scott Chislett, Jarrod Westcott and Jason Lowe took their turn to punch into the Rhinos defence.

Withstanding the pressure in the first 20 minutes, Parkes worked their way down the field and Rusiate Lawanikula put their first points on the board. Sam Davis converted from out wide and as usual Toby Baigent threw himself into the game hammering the opposition in attack and defence. By halftime Parkes had their nose in front 10-8 Early in the second half, Josh van der Stock’s repeated attacks broke through and made a 90 metre run to put Parkes on
the attack. The Forwards stepped up and a series of pick and drives by Jason Lowe and Michael Thomas built pressure with Dan Ryan capitalising for the Boars and Sam Davis again adding the extras.

The Boars had their chances to add to the score but fumbled on the line twice. Parkes thought they’d done enough, but Rhinos struck back desperate for a win and scored to take them within four points.

Parkes hung on to repel Rhinos for the last ten minutes to take out the much-needed win.

Best for Parkes – Toby Bagent, Rusi Lawanikula, Jarrod Westcott and Michael Thomas.

A rugby match played in Elvis jumpsuits is but one of the peculiarities of the Parkes Elvis Festival. But if you are a rugby union fan, this is one match you should not fail to attend! The fifth all-Elvis game will be played on Friday at 6pm at the Pioneer Oval in Alexandra Street with the Blue team versing the Red team. Final teams will be coordinated on the day depending on numbers. The match will be played in quarters to take full advantage of drink breaks with the heat.

Just turn up on the day and be part of a match you will talk about for years to come! Don a wig and white jumpsuit and make yourself known to the organisers to be part of the Elvis craziness.

A rallied Wombat side proved too strong for a weakened Parkes Boars side last weekend.

Second Grade: Mudgee 28 – 12 Parkes This game featured a few club debuts, and with Mudgee Seconds near the top of the table, they were pushed consistently across the 80 minutes. This game captured the crowd with both teams taking the ball up the pitch and displaying hearty defensive performances.

First Grade: Mudgee 41 – 27 Parkes Parkes Boars were up for 90% of the game, but travelling away to Mudgee is always a tough feat. With several key players absent and others sporting injuries it was an uphill battle from the off. The score was always in the Boars favour, yet a combination of some seriously poor officiating decisions which were rudely and poorly explained (my opinion), combined with a gritty Mudgee forwards display and dented morale meant the Wombats could never be truly shaken or put to bed. Through these factors and a large home crowd smelling blood the comeback felt inevitable and crossing the line in the last few minutes sealed the boars fate. Defeated but not disheartened the Boars enjoyed winning the boat race. The Parkes Boars have a weekend off and return on 16th June at home to play CSU Bathurst.

By Ben Powley

The Boars played away from home for the third week in a row taking on the Dubbo Rhinos. The 2nd grade side was first out with Timmy Lawler and Ben Rathbone adding much needed experience to the youthful side, but the Rhinos managed to win the match 29-5. In the 1st grade game the Rhinos were first to score, while the Boars lost their no. 8 Jarrod Westcott after tripping over his shoelaces and dislocating his knee.

The pace and flare of the Rhinos backline was on show and they went over the line again to make it 14 – 0. In one of the most majestic pieces of play on a rugby field Dylan Hood found himself  in a position of isolation on the right hand flank. His feet went in, then away, then in, then away again. This wrong footed the three Rhino defenders and gave him room to race around the defenders and glide over the line.

The Rhinos hit back immediately before the break to make it 19 – 5. James Sellings kicked to his brother, Jonah Ruzgas produced the tackle of the season and jolt the ball free. It rolled over the try line and Dylan Hood dived on the ball for the fastest try.

Dyllan Phillips was next to a much needed try for the Boars to take it to 19-15. With only minutes on the clock Rhinos
got a turnover and snuck down the far touch line to score in the corner and signal an end to the game: 24-15.

By Rory Nock

Parkes Boars came away the happier of the two teams following two tough and physical games at University Oval, Bathurst last week.

2nd grade: CSU 17 Parkes Boars 15 A couple of absentees led to interesting playing combinations, particularly centres Rusi Lawanikula and captain Ethan Koseffe. They impressed through hard dog defence and powerful running and Rusi scored a well earnt try early on.

Going into half 5-5, the Boars came out with new energy and vigour. Debutant Hugh Woods put the Boars on the front foot and superb phases of play was rewarded with Karl Oliver crossing over under the posts to make the score 10-5.

CSU scored the equalising try, while Boars’ promising youngster Johan Ruzgas crossed over for his first try of the season, but CSU crossed over at the end, and converted to win 17-15.

1st Grade CSU 25 Parkes 29 With Dan Ryan out for the Boars, Coach Myles opted for the smallest pack to ever take to the field. The size difference upfront seemed to make no difference with Brock Mattocks and Jimmy Lowe making big tackles and burrowing runs. CSU started the scoring with a drop goal. Parkes’ Dylan Hood scored the first try.

CSU answered almost instantaneously, but Parkes refused to let them get away with well taken chances by Jim Sellings and Poncho Nash.

With a forward driving try for Campbell Earsmen, Boars were four points up. A well stolen ball from Ben Ryan and a scrummaging masterclass by Jim Lowe earned the boars a spectacular and well-deserved win.

By Ben Powlay

Parkes Boars have opened their New Holland Agriculture Cup account with a double header win against rivals Dubbo Rhinos. The Boars second-grade team faced the Rhinos, under the coaching of Ethan Kosef. The challenge this year was to start strong and the team didn’t disappoint. Mitch Hutchings crossed for the first of his three tries, then kicked the conversion to give Parkes the lead within the first five minutes. Ben Rathbone’s defence on the line was instrumental in keeping Rhinos scoreless for the match, with the Boars final score being 33.

First points on the board for the firstgrade game went to the Rhinos, due to a Boars handling error. The Boars, coached by Joshua Miles, soon evened the scores thanks to Ben Ryan’s tries, along with the combined strength of the Boars front row holding well. A penalty scrum to Parkes on the 15m took the half time score to 22-5.

In the second-half, the tempo of the game increased, and tempers started to flair. The Boars tenacity was awarded when Rodgers successfully landed 3 penalty goals, then crossed undefended under the posts in the final moments to seal the match with a final score of 43-22.

Players player and winner of the Old Boys Jersey went to Sam Davis on Debut. The 2018 New Holland Agriculture player of the day was awarded to Mitch Hutchings from Boars second grade.

A vote of thanks to the referees Chris Reynolds (2nds) and Paul Hannock (1sts) for recognising the very hot conditions and allowing extra drink breaks for both teams. Next weekend the Boars travel to Narromine’s Cale Oval to face the Gorillas. Narromine had a strong win over Mudgee Wombats in their first round so this will be a
big match for both teams. Seconds kick off at 1:50pm with First at 3:15pm.

By Cath Ryan

A rugby match played in Elvis jumpsuits is but one of the peculiarities of the Parkes Elvis Festival. But if you are a rugby fan, this is one match you should not fail to attend! This year’s match is set to be played on Friday at 6pm at the Pioneer Oval in Alexandra Street. It is a very informal buthighly entertaining event and any ring-ins are welcome to join in. Don a wig and white jumpsuit and turn up on Friday and make yourself known to the organisers to be part
of the Elvis craziness.