Boars first grade bring home the points in a tough encounter against Dubbo Rhinos.

Ben Ryan recently played his 250th senior game for the Parkes Boars Rugby Club, and in doing so became only the sixth player in Boars history to play 250 games.

Ben is a Boars junior commencing in the under 15s in 2002. He played his first senior game in 2005 in third grade against Orange Emus, and his first grade debut was in 2007 against Narromine.

Now in his 18th year of seniors, Ben is a four time premiership player, was best and fairest in 2014, a three time players player and has represented Central West for five seasons.

Ben was coach of last year’s premiership team, is a former Clubman of the Year and Vice President. Congratulations on your 250th Ben, well done.

The achievements don’t stop there, with Mackenzie Green recently playing his 100th senior game for the club.

Mackenzie is a Boars junior commencing in the under 11s in 2008. He played his first senior game in 2016 in colts against Orange City. His first grade debut was in 2017 against Forbes.

Mackenzie is a two time premiership player, was second grade most improved in 2020 and received the first grade coaches award in the 2021 premiership year. Mackenzie played every game possible for three consecutive seasons from 2020 to 2022. Well done on your 100th Mackenzie.

Last Saturday 3rd June, Parkes Boars also celebrated the win over Dubbo – final score Boars 28 Rhinos 24.

Mackenzie Green in his 100th senior club game, Will Smith and Mitch Westcott were among the best. Ben Ryan led from the front and came off with nothing left in a crucial win for the Boars.

Two weeks off now as the teams take time out to rest recover and reset. On June 24th we travel to Bathurst for round 10.

In the Parkes Boars second grade match last weekend, the first points of the match went to Narromine after 6 minutes of play. The conversion was unsuccessful, and the score was Narromine 5 Parkes 0.

A try nine minutesin by Parkes Sam Ryan took the score to five all. Narromine took a charge down just on half time to score out wide. The half time score was Narromine 10 to Boars 5. 

The best players for Parkes in the first half were Joe van Opyen Tim Lawler, Toby Baigent, Jackson Guy.

The first, try of the second half went to Dylan Phillips on the wing, wide of the posts to bring the score to 10 all.

Brad Burrell took a penalty shot in front of goal to give the Boars another three points, taking the score to Narromine 10, Boars 13.

Narromine crossed the line after a strong team play through the middle of the field. The score remaining close at Narromine 15 to Boars 13. An interception on the half way gave Narromine another try. Then with moments to go in the match, Narromine made a break down the wing, scoring again. The final score Gorillas 25 against Boars 13.

It was not the result we were hoping for however, the Boars team is playing well with consistent players and should be on fire against Dubbo Rhinos at home next Saturday.

Known as: Em.

Where were you born: Orange.

When and where did you play your first rugby match: 2019 with Forbes.

When did you come to Parkes: 2023.

What position do you play: Front row.

What is your go to food before a game: Gatorade, I eat after a match.

Interests outside rugby: Parkes Athletics Gym.

Relationship status: Single, no kids.

Where do you work: Currajong enterprises.

Rugby player you look up to: Marika Koroibete.

What is it about Parkes rugby that keeps you coming back: The community, inclusiveness, everyone is supported – all body types. I love a big hit.

Ben was instrumental in the defeat of Mudgee Wombats.

Last Saturday saw the top of the table clash between the Parkes Boars, and the Mudgee Wombats.

The first points of the match were a penalty goal to the Wombats, giving them a three point lead.

Soon after, the first try of the match went to Boars Captain, Ben Ryan playing in the offside flanker position. The conversion was unsuccessful and the score was Boars 5, Mudgee 3.

At the 17 minute mark, Mudgee found the line in a series of well controlled pick and drives. The conversion was good, giving Mudgee the lead 10 points to Boars 5.

The Boars took a penalty goal by number 10 Luke Bevan, but they were not finished yet. Right on the half time siren, the Boars took a penalty goal, with Luke Bevan giving the Boars another three points.The half time score was Boars 11, Mudgee 10.

A penalty goal in the opening of the second half to Mudgee gave them the points Wombats 13 to Boars 11.

Marika Koroivui ran through the defense and put the ball down to take the Boars score to 16 to Wombats 13.

Despite being down to 14 men, the Boars managed to get a penalty option in front of goals. Luke Bevan puts the ball across. Boars 19 points to Wombats 13.

Another penalty option with an offside play gave Luke Bevan the chance to secure another three points for the Boars with four minutes to go. 

With one and a half minutes to go, Mudgee finally found the line to bring the scoreto Boars 22, Wombats 18.

Boars were down to 13 players but Mudgee failed to take advantage. In extra time, Lewis Gravatt stole the ball from a fumbled pass and then kicked it out – that was the match, with a final score of Parkes 22 to Mudgee 18.

This weekend the Boars are off to Narromine.

Dan Ryan running the Boars out onto the field on Saturday surrounded by friends, family and team mates.

Nine year old Dan Ryan had no idea that his stint in the Under 10s Parkes juniors, back in 1999, would see him go on to play his 150th game for the Boars First Grade team last Saturday at Spicer Oval against Bathurst CSU. 

This milestone was even sweeter, with the Parkes Boars taking a convincing win against CSU with the final score of 96 – 7. 

“It was really cool to have my family there and to also play alongside (brother) Ben. he’s always been there and has been my biggest supporter,” said Dan. 

Dan had nothing but praise for the support he has always received from his mum and dad, Cathy and Allan Ryan. 

“Mum and dad are always there, it doesn’t matter where I play, they seem to find their way there. I remember one time I played down in Melbourne for NSW Country and dad drove down with Ben to watch the game and then drove straight back to Parkes.” 

In addition to his 150 games for the Parkes Boars, Dan has a long list of representative football experience. Dan has played for the Central West Blue Bulls for almost 11 years and has also been fortunate to be selected to play for the Country Cockatoos for six years. 

Of his representative matches, Dan said, “Probably the most memorable game was when we played Queensland Country. It was the opener before the British and Irish Lions played in Newcastle. Getting to play football at the big stadiums is always exciting.” 

The Ryan family have been with the club through the good times and the hard times. Dan commends his dad and the entire community for their dedication to building the new Club House at Spicer Oval. 

Dan doing what he does well, securing the ball for Parkes in the lineout.

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.

Parkes defeated Narromine 40-3 and secure the Red Cross shield. Parkes Boars player Dan Ryan and son (left); Marika Koroivui celebrated his 100th game with two tries (right).

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

Parkes Boars Ladies dominate against Wellington, Maely McGregor is seen here scoring a beautiful try under the posts.

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

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.