The Women’s team scored a rest last weekend due to a forfeit from the Wellington ladies, whilst we unfortunately felt the same struggle with our second grade squad having to forfeit this round against Rhinos.

Our first grade team went down in what was a tough match in what can only be described as atrocious conditions 28 – 13.

It was the first round for our juniors, who all had unreal games with many rugby debuts. It is awesome to see these boys and girls working so well together.

Our Wallas also took to the paddock Sunday morning with so much improvement already being made – the growth into Juniors is looking strong.

Congratulations to all of our Boars this weekend. You always make us proud. Any new players to town or Junior players keen to play plenty of match time – reach out to us as you are more than welcome and we will help you get started.

Next weekend, the first and second grade seniors have the bye whilst our Women head to Mudgee. Our Juniors also have the Bye whilst our Wallas head to Dubbo on Sunday, 7th May.

In his last game for the club on 22nd April, Forbes Platypi, farewelled 2022 Club Captain and current VP of Senior Rugby, Tom “HR” Macleay. Joining in 2018, he earned himself Club Person of the year right off the bat. HR has been a valued member of the Forbes Rugby Community from day one. A larrikin off the field, HR has been a regular for first grade and represented Central West Blue Bulls a number of times. 

In the first home match for the season, the Boars ladies ran on Spicer Oval against the Wellington Wild Cats, with plenty of spectators cheering our ladies on. 

On the seven minute mark Wellington took the first points with a try on the wing, but the conversion missed. Parkes responded and the match was on.

Try’s were scored by Jordan Gaffney, Maely McGregor, Nat Caruana and Bianca Wright with conversion kicks by McKeely vanDyke. The local ladies went into the long break up 24 – 17.

The second half was all Parkes as speed, determination and team work kept Wellington scoreless.

Teegan Smede took a long run down the sideline and scored under the posts for Parkes then converted her own try. 

Makeely Macgregor took the ball from a wayward pass from Wellington, crossed the line and put it down under the posts, then she also converted her own try. 

Maely Macgregor crossed again and Teegan Smede made the successful conversion kick. These girls were on fire.

Cailin Westcott and Nat Caruana worked their magic to keep the younger players focused. Sophie Oliver and Emma Evans kept the pressure up in the forwards.

With five minutes to go in the match, Teegan Smede scored again in a run away effort, then made the conversion, taking the final score to a 50 – 17 win for Parkes.

The Boars celebrated a well deserved bonus point win. Three points went to Lucy Turner, two points to Nat Caruana and one point Alice Maier. Players player was Maely Macgregor.

This week the ladies face off against Wellington again, but this time they take the field in Wellington. 

By Cath Ryan

From the kick-off, the Boars bustled Narromine, with Soropepeli Bainivalu taking the ball over the line on the wing for the first points of the match, Luke Bevan had the extras taking the score Parkes seven Narromine nil. Narromine then put points on the board with a penalty kick, Parkes seven to Narromine three.

A big, bustling try to Soropepeli gave Parkes, another five points and Luke Bevan successfully converted to add the extras, 

Narromine put up a brave fight but the Parkes forward pack lead by Ben Ryan, Rory Nock and Jacob Hardy just shut down their plays.

In his 100th senior game for the Parkes Boars, Marika Koroivui scored a try under the posts much to the delight of the crowd. Luke Bevan’s converts, took the score to Parkes 21, Narromine three.

The second half was no better for Narromine when Calum Reeves crossed the line on the wing for the Boars . A massive kick from the sideline by Luke Bevan added the extra points.

Narromine lifted, but again their play wasshut down. Mahe Fangupo on his return match to the Parkes Boars was in devastating form in the halfback position.

With 12 minutes to go Parkes scored another try when Soropepeli crossed the line for the third time. Luke Bevan followed up with a successful conversion.

But there was still more to come. Marika Koroivui gathered the ball and bolted 65m down the field in an amazing individual try to put the ball down under the posts. The crowd went off, clapping and stamping in appreciation for this man. Luke Bevan converted to take the final score to Parkes 40 to Narromine three.

Three points and players player went to Marika Koroivui, two points went to George Taylorand one point to Soropepeli Bainivalu.

By Cath Ryan

Last weekend, Narromine won in a last minute push to deny the mighty Boars seconds a home ground victory. 

The first points of the game went to Narromine from a bustling try on the kick off. Parkes, responded with a try to our number 8, Big John right next to the posts. The successful conversion by Brendon Bennett brought the score to Parkes seven, Narromine five.

Narromine hit up the line again, this time off the back of a penalty scrum on the five and made the line to take the score. A penalty goal to Narromine took the score to Narromine 13, Parkes seven.

Parkes scored again through a rampaging run to put the ball under the posts and Brendon Bennett added the extras. 

Jackson Guy at flanker is playing like a 130kg forward attacking the ball and tackling without fear. The Boars scored again on the wing with another try to Big John. 

Narromine responded with a lightning run down the wing to score under the posts and convert.

In the last moments of the game, Narromine crossed the line on the wing taking the final score to Narromine 25, Parkes 19.

Points for the game were one point to Simon O, two points to Jackson Guy and three points and players player to Tom Woods.

Last weekend, Parkes Boars travelled to Glen Willow stadium to face off against Mudgee Wombats. The grand final rematch was always going to be spirited. With many regular players unavailable for this match the Boars side was given the chance to introduce new and developing players to the team.

With 10 minutes to go in the half, Freddie Bainivalu took a flying intercept on the 22m and bolted over the line for the first try of the match. Right on the half time Mudgee scored a try in the far corner. At the long break the score was Mudgee 8 to Parkes 5.

A penalty kick to Mudgee right from the kickoff gave them another three points, taking Mudgee to 11. After the most confusing run of play ever known to man, Mudgee crossed the line for another five points. The conversion was good and took the score to Mudgee 18 and Parkes 5. 

Mudgee crossed the line again but it was held up over the line called by the referee. After a conversation with the assistant referee, the call was changed to a try. 

Soropepeli Bainivalu found the line with 25 minutes to go. Capped off by a massive kick from the sideline by George Taylor.

Mudgee crossed again from another penalty scrum on the 5m line. Parkes scored the next try from their kick off – the score Parkes 17 to Mudgee 28. The final points for the match.

The Boars will host the Narromine Gorilla’s next weekend. It is Old Boys day and the Boars invite all past players to come and enjoy the hospitality and new facilities while watching quality country rugby.

Ladies match against Wellington at 12:30pm, Second Grade on at 1:50pm followed by First Grade at 3:15pm.

By Cath Ryan

In the first round of the women’s games, the Boars were unlucky against Mudgee, however, with a young team, the Boars Ladies should hold their head high.

Boars opened their scoring with a try scored by Taylor Draper after a fabulous 60m run from Cailin Westcott. Halfway through the second half, again Parkes made a big break with Maely Macgregor, another player in the very first year of rugby, bustled the ball up through the center, driving through the defense and scoring under the post. The conversion was easy. 

The Boars Ladies are still learning their set plays, and may have been a little overwhelmed facing the reigning premiers in their first match. The final score Mudgee 27 to Parkes 12. We are looking forward to big things coming with this team as these young girls develop their skills and learn the nuances of the game.

Players player and two points to Alice Maier, three points Maely Macgregor and one point to Cailin Westcott.

This Saturday when rugby returns to Spicer Oval, the ladies kick off at 12.30pm, against Wellington. So grab a mate or two and head along to support the team.

This Saturday, 15th April the Forbes Platypi will play their first game of the season at home against Cowra. Following flood damage to the grounds last year, it has been a slow recovery but things are looking better and are ready ahead of the first match up at home.

A solid team has been named for this Saturday’s game, and first grade assistant coach Chris said, “There are a few guys that have trialed really well and they have been given the opportunity because they have shown the commitment that is required”. 

“We’ve got a lot of new faces, and so far we have been focusing on trying to get some combinations together and trialing guys in different positions.”

It is a six team competition that will be very competitive. Last year, Forbes missed out on making the finals by one point, which should provide some motivation for the players going into this season. 

Charlie French has shown he more than deserves the honour of being named captain and the same can be said for co-captain Dan Sweeney. 

The Forbes Platypi would like to thank and welcome the 2023 sponsors. The Forbes Platypi welcome back Acheson’s Mitre 10 Forbes as first grade team sponsor. Joining them on the jerseys this year are Forbes Automotive Services, Johnston Rural Group, Newell’s Contracting and Hazell & Field Accountants and Advisors.

The second grade team sponsor is Lachlan Valley Vets Forbes/Grenfell. Joining them on the jerseys this year are Gundamain Pastoral Co, Hazell & Field Accountants and Advisors, AGnVET Services and Hughes & Co. Lawyers & Conveyancing.

The colts sponsors for 2023 are AgriWest Rural Pty Ltd. Joining them on the jerseys will be Kevin Miller Whitty Lennon & Co – Forbes, Newell’s Contracting Lachlan Valley Vets Forbes/Grenfell and Hazell & Field Accountants and Advisors.

Last Saturday, 1st April Parkes Boars brought their teams together to run out against the Blowes Cup contenders Orange City Lions. It was a case of all players, all grades in one match.

Both sides had plenty of representation on the day with the opportunity to stretch their legs in a four quarter match. The coaches were working different team combinations watching for strengths and opportunities for improvement ahead of the 2023 season.

Boars run in a very familiar looking side led by Ben Ryan and Chris Parker. Well supported by Dan Ryan, Mitch Westcott, Mackenzie Green and the ever-green Marika Koroivui. The side quickly made the most of their experience together when Chris Parker crossed for the first try within five minutes. Jacob Hardy was sharp with the boot giving the side an extra two points.

The second quarter found prop, Ben Ryan using his strength to push through the defence and ground the ball next to the posts. Again Hardy prevailed with the boot.

Third quarter Orange City found a new gear, the Boars shuffled players but the new combinations left a gap City capitalised on finally finding the line. Missing the conversion as it scraped the post front.

By the last quarter City was settling into a structured playing style and made one more push for the line just before full time. A huge thank you to Chris Reynolds who umpired.

Round 1 of the season kicks off on 15th April, and Parkes Boars will be travelling to Mudgee to take on the Mudgee Wombats, a team that Parkes played against and beat in the last two grand finals, this is a match rugby fans shouldn’t miss!

Parkes is then looking forward to their first home game on 22nd April against Narromine, so come and enjoy a great day and support the Boars.

By Cath Ryan