Parkes started well and matched the intensity of the Orange Emus, but it did not take long for the polished Emus to show why they were clear leaders in the Blowes Cup competition winning 75 – 5.
Parkes had several new players and a few old hands in new positions against a team that showed the benefit of a season of stability and depth. The Boars played as well as they could but the Emus defended fiercely whenever the Boars attacked and were particularly good at the breakdowns using their large loose forwards to deny Parkes of possession.
Parkes defence was solid, and as the Emus had much of the possession Parkes were forced to defend most of the game. Joe Nash had a great game and scored a brilliant try twisting out of two tackles and beating a desperate tackle by Emus Nigel Staniforth to get over the line. Dan Ryan got over the line but was held up by a dogged Emus defence.
Leo Llalio was one of the best for the Boars and matched up to the big Emus pack making plenty of metres up the centre with charging runs into the Emus defence. Ben Powaly in the centres did a massive amount of defence and combined with Dan Ryan to put on some great moves to slice through the Emus defence.
No one in the Boars side worked harder than Toby Baigent who ran on at no.8 and has been one of the Boars best and most consistent all season.
By Allan Ryan