Nyngan made the long trip to Parkes with high hopes but with a couple of late withdrawals and what seemed like a lack of discipline were no match for a Parkes side brimming with confidence on the back of a powerful display from their four Fijian players.

The Tigers seemed to lack intensity from the opening whistle without coach Besant’s inspirational form and had no answer to the early onslaught from the Spacemen, going in at half-time 24-6 down. Despite the scoreline the Tigers were still in the game and after clawing back the score to 30-18 down simple mistakes in their own area meant good field position for the Spacemen and more points to win 42-18.

Young winger Haydon Watt had a great game for Nyngan charging into the bigger Parkes players in an inspirational performance. He had good support from Brett Robb and James Neyland in the backs. Derek Knight tackled himself to a standstill at half-back and Luke Matheson back at hooker defended well and the longer the game went the better he got in attack. Up front Mitch Cobcroft made some strong charges and Brad Toole got through a power of work. Best value came from Rob Hooker and Shannon Black although both were a little short of a run returning from injury. Scores for Nyngan were Haydon Watt, Matt Wood and Steven Johnson with Luke Matheson 3/3 conversions all from the sideline in a fine display of goalkicking.

So it’s back to the drawing board for Nyngan with the big local derby against arch rivals Cobar who are undefeated after three rounds.

Reserve grade

Griffo’s reserve grade boys put in an extremely gutsy effort against Parkes, having to deal with not only tough opposition but also a very controversial refereeing display.

The boys were forced to play most of the game with only a couple of reserves on the bench. A big thanks to the two Under 18’s in Dean Spicer and Luke Bartley for stepping up as well as the former hard men and serial dressing room stalkers in Quarmby and Lane. Were it not for these guys filling in things would have been a lot worse.

Jacob Homer once again played himself to a standstill, along with Marty Carthew and Bruiser Quarmby. Wingers Todd Milligan and Josh Bourke both had outstanding games proving they can be switched to other positions when needed.

Another player who stood out for the Tigers was Tim Smith. Smith is known for being a little on the softer side, sometimes breaking out in tears when hit with a big tackle. He finally showed his potential in this one though, running with purpose and transforming into a try-scoring machine.

The final score read 32-all in what was a great effort from the boys.

Juniors

Although in patches the boys more than held there own, basic errors and no commitment to defence led to another heavy defeat. We have to praise the effort of this young team and thank them for keeping the flag flying for the club.

Next week provides a good opportunity against a Cobar side at Larkin Oval. Best players for Nyngan again were Dean Spicer who also had a run in reserve grade and acquitted himself well, halves Wade Richie and Ethan Ryan tried hard with fullback Rob Gudgeon proving a handful. In the pack Jacob Neyland and Jake Hadrill from Condo, back from riding motor bikes, ran the ball well. Get along next week and cheer on the Tigers in a big day with the usual old boys game back on. Any over 40s who want a run contact captain coach Red Waterhouse before Sunday and bring your boots.