The Magpies climbed to sixth position on the Group 11 points table on Sunday by defeating Narromine 54-32 at Cale Oval, but must bridge a four game deficit in as many weeks to knock Parkes out of the top five.

McMillan’s side have been close to the competition’s best in the last month, with a narrow loss to Wellington their only slip up in the second half of the season.

Forbes led throughout on Sunday, but only opened up a match-winning lead in the second half.

McMillan said the Magpies had an answer to every Narromine challenge.

“We just ground out the win,” he said.

“Narromine did get on top at moments but we just defended well and stuck to our game plan.”

Magpies winger Dave Ivehoe faces a nervous wait this week after being sent off by referee John Francis with 12 minutes remaining in the match for a spear tackle on Jets hooker Luke Harding.

McMillan wasn’t impressed with the decision to send off the recent recruit, who he admitted did lift his opponent, but executed the tackle without malice.

He said Forbes were solid all-round on Sunday with forwards Ben Robinson and Zac Merritt outstanding, and good defence from back rows Tyson Medlyn and Brodie Hodges, who has recently switched from the backs to the forwards.

Kevin Frank and Tim Ashcroft, who converted all nine of his attempts on Sunday, also drew praise from the coach.

“But there wasn’t a bad player on the paddock really – everyone stood up and had a go,” he said.

The Magpies will host Dubbo Macquarie and Parkes in the next fortnight, before a trip to Dubbo to face CYMS in round 17.

Forbes welcome Cobar to Spooner Oval to finish the home-and-away rounds.

McMillan is confident his team can finish the season in style.

“The way we’ve been going I wouldn’t be surprised if we win every one of them,” he said.

“I’m pretty confident,” he said.

“There isn’t a side in the competition that’s unbeatable.”

Forbes also won juniors 26-22 and reserve grade 20-18 on Sunday.