Top perch

The under 18s clawed their way back from 10-nil early in the game to lead 12-10 at half time.

CYMS were quick to respond after the break to make it 16-12. 

Forbes put more points on the board mid-way through the second half and – with just five minutes to play - made it 24-16. 

Coach Cameron Greenhalgh said the boys “had to be good” to beat CYMS and it was a whole-team effort.

“We were under the pump there – to the boys’ credit they fought back,” he said.

“We haven’t had to come from behind yet this season, it’s good to know we can keep our confidence.”

Greenhalgh thanked the supporters for travelling to Dubbo for the game.

“The boys appreciated and sometimes it’s what gets you over the line in a tight game like that,” he said.

The weather may also have favoured the Magpies. The rain held off until the last 15 minutes and Forbes managed to maintain good ball control in the wet conditions. 

Bailey Hartwig performed well and added three tries, while Chris Judd and Brad Herbert were strong in the forwards.  

The Magpies play Cobar in Forbes in the final round this weekend, likely to be their last home game for the season.

They will then have a week off before their grand final qualifier.

With a couple of niggling injuries, a weekend off may or may not be a good thing. 

“We will have to keep training hard over the next few weeks, keep focused, if we only have a couple of games over the next month,” Greenhalgh said.