Sydney Western Suburbs prop forward Noel Kelly, one of the toughest men ever to pull on a rugby league jersey, once described what it was like playing the invincible St George Dragons in the days of unlimited tackles. “For the first half, they’d let you have the ball and just beat you up,” he said. “Then, after half-time, they’d take the ball and score as many times as they wanted. Simple as that.”

One of the hardest nails in that Dragons pack was the late Parkes, Forbes and Eugowra hooker Ian Walsh, who rose to captain both St George and his country. Walsh would have certainly approved of the way that the NSW tough men laid the groundwork for a memorable victory against Queensland in this year’s second State of Origin match, and he’ll be crawling out of his grave to watch a repeat performance from the Blues forwards in the series decider in Brisbane next Wednesday.

It was a mixed day for the Forbes Magpies when they hosted Dubbo CYMS at Spooner Oval last Sunday with the Reserves and the Under 18s winning 22-18 and 28-12 respectively, but the Firsts going down 36-28. The Magpies let a few chances slip but in the end the size and pace of the well oiled CYMS outfit won the day and took them to
the top of the Group XI First Grade ladder, replacing Parkes who were beaten 48-36 by Dubbo Westside. Forbes remains in third position on the ladder.

In other First Grade matches, Narromine trounced Cobar Roosters 58-10 while Wellington won a much closer contest 32-24 against Dubbo Macquarie. The win by Magpies Reserves took them to the top of the ladder, replacing CYMS. The Under 18s maintained their position as competition leaders. Next Sunday the three Magpies sides will be at home again, this time against Nyngan.