The Forbes Magpies ran away with their final trial match of 2016 to send a strong message to the Group 11 competition this year. Despite some lazy period in the first half, the Magpies destroyed the Wellington Cowboys 56-22 in Wellington last Saturday.
The win came after they comfortably put away neighbours the Parkes Spacemen 38-16, while they also put on strong displays in their wins against Bathurst St Patricks, and the sides they beat on their way to the West Wyalong knock-out semi-final.
They were also one of the better sides in the recent Parkes Nines competition. Magpies President Greg Grogan said with a Group 11 round one bye this weekend, the Magpies were feeling confident heading into round two against the Cowboys in Wellington.
“It was over 30 degrees up in Wellington last Saturday, and the players did well to play like they did in the heat,” he said. “It was a really strong outing from our forwards, and they’re looking good for this season. But the whole side put on a really good attacking performance. They scored five or six tries in the second half alone.”
After scoring early in the first half, Grogan said the Magpies got lazy in defence, allowing Wellington back into the contest. But he said a half time lecture by captain/ coach Jake Grace brought the best out of them in the second stanza. The under 18s side also played in Wellington, but put in an effort Grogan said was well below their capabilities, coming home with a 28-10 loss.
Meanwhile the Magpies will officially launch their season at the Forbes Sport and Recreation Club tonight (Friday April 15). The launch will include dinner as well as music, drinks, and an auctioning of the first grade players’ jerseys to raise money for the club. The launch will start at 6.30pm, and Grogan said anyone is welcome to attend.