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 

The extremely popular Parkes Boars Try Rugby Sessions are back for 2023 and kick off on friday, 3rd March. Register your child now if they are between the ages of 5 and 16 and would like to give rugby a try. Th Try Rugby Sessions will be facilitated by Central West Rugby Union staff and senior players.

Rugby is an all inclusive sport and Try Rugby Sessions are the best way to get a taste of Rugby and learn the basics. Try Rugby is for kids of any age or fitness level or ability, there will be something to cater for everyone.

Registration is now live. Please see the Parkes Boars Facebook page or for more information email parkesboars@gmail.com 

A one-off payment of $20 is payable at the first session, where participants will receive a water bottle and try rugby training shirt. 

Parkes Try Rugby Sessions will be running each Friday in March and all are encouraged to register.

Looking for some action this footy season? The Forbes Rugby Union Club kicked off pre-season training for the 2023 season on Tuesday, 31st January for senior grades. Juniors will kick off soon, with dates to be announced. 

The Club was excited to see close to 50 players across the senior grades, show up for training. They invite all new and returning players to come along to training at 6.30pm on Tuesday to get involved for the upcoming season.

Some great shots that just scream “Forbes loves Rugby!” Images courtesy of the Forbes Rugby Union Club. 

The Parkes Boars have a winning streak to maintain, with the first grade team being the New Holland Cup Premiers in 2022, 2021 and 2020. 

The Boars train Tuesday evenings during pre-season at 6:30pm at Spicer Oval. This year the club are looking to field all junior grades as well as first grade, second grade and women’s teams in the senior competition. 

“We will be running a five week Try Rugby event for juniors ages 5-16. This will be in the second week of term 1 with dates to be confirmed,” said Sophie Oliver. 

It has been great to see a lot of new and old faces at pre-season training. Anyone who wants to give rugby a try is encouraged to turn up to training and you will be very welcomed. 

Forbes Junior Rugby made its mark in the Central West this season with the Under 12s taking home the premierships trophy for the third year in a row, and the Under 16s narrowly missing out on claiming the grand final. 

The Under 12s beat Mudgee 50 – 0 in Dubbo at the end of August to continue the dominance they showed all season. 

Mac Glasson was chosen by CWJRU as best and fairest player of the grand final, and Jagger King was selected as player of the finals by the coaches/parents. 

“It’s fantastic,” said club president Craig Bruem. “They were head and shoulders above the rest for the whole competition, but that did not distract them and they kept up their level of performance. It is pretty amazing that they’d won it for the third time and it is so good for the club.” 

Craig said there was a lot of talent among the players and the coaches. It was a great result for the time and effort put in by Dave Hodder, Randall Grayson, Troy Howe and Jim Cronin. 

The Under 16s played the formidable Orange Emus in the grand final with the Emus taking the trophy 24 – 12. 

A special mention of the Platypi no. 8 Geordie Duncan, who was chosen by CWJRU as best and fairest player of the grand final, despite not being on the winning team. 

“It was the first grand final for many of the Platypi players and they really stuck it to the Emus and fought hard to the end,” said Craig. 

“For a little town like Forbes to be playing against the bigger clubs really made a statement this season.” 

Greg Moxey, Pete Francis, Steve Jarick and Tony Frazer lead the boys to the pointy end of the season. 

The mighty Parkes Boars have been named New Holland Cup Premiers for the third year in a row, after a nail-biting 23-20 win over Mudgee in the first grade rugby union grand final on Saturday. 

The Boars had a rollercoaster season, finishing third on the ladder at the end of the regular season. The team worked hard to bring home the silverware, defeating CSU Bathurst and Dubbo Rhinos on the way to the grand final. 

First grade coach Ben Ryan said the team expected the Mudgee Wombats to apply pressure early. “They came out very strong and got an early lead on us,” he said. “But our captain, Christopher ‘Taco’ Parker, and vice-captain, veteran Rory Nock, kept the boys focused and didn’t let the pressure become overwhelming. That allowed us to grind it out for the full 80 minutes and that’s exactly what it took to win.” 

The game lead changed hands several times, with the Boars finding themselves four points down in the dying minutes. A textbook try by Sororpepeli ‘Sorro’ Soqe followed by a successful conversion from the golden boot of Luke Bevan were enough to secure the lead for Parkes with seconds until the buzzer. 

“The last play was a Mudgee kick off and it was frantic, both teams knew they needed to get their hands on the ball at all costs,” said Ben. “Just about everyone who could get under the ball went for it, and fortunately we came away with it after a Mudgee knock on and that was the end of the game. 

“I think a massive thank you has to go to all our families, friends and supporters who wished us luck and those who came over to back us on the day. Going into enemy territory and having a vocal group there supporting you makes a massive difference,” said Ben. 

By Ben & Kimberley Ryan