Magpies supporters made up a good portion of the large crowd at Spooner Oval for the rugby league competition’s penultimate matches, but the black and white army couldn’t prevent a last minute loss 20-14 in the under 18s final, or the 18-16 defeat in reserve grade, which went into extra time.

Tas Spackman’s Magpies reserves were clearly the better team in the first half of their contest, but they couldn’t capitalise on the scoreboard, and went to half time leading 6-4 after a try and conversion by five-eighth Tim Ashcroft.

Raiders were also denied scoring opportunities by solid Magpies’ defence, but a try to Dubbo half Adam McDermott gave them the advantage for the first time, 10-6.

Momentum continued to see-saw with Wes Finn scoring a try, converted again by Ashcroft, to give the Magpies a 12-10 lead.

Forbes were very nearly in again but a blindside attack by Andrew Burton was called back for an apparent forward pass.

At the other end Dubbo capitalised, scoring near the posts for a 16-12 lead, with nine minutes on the clock.

Ashcroft’s impressive kicking game set up a thrilling finish however, when his high ball into the Raiders’ 22 went to ground and Forbes regained possession.

Andrew Grogan scored the leveller, but the conversion attempt into a strong cross wind was wide, sending the game into extra time.

Macquarie attacked relentlessly in the first period of extra time, leading to a penalty for over-zealous defence against the Magpies.

Dubbo converted the kick, in front of the posts, to end Forbes’ season.

Magpies fans were hoping for a better result in the juniors game which followed, and the first half was certainly encouraging.

Peter Besgrove’s juniors were impressive in the first stanza. 

There was no score for the opening 10 minutes but lock Matt Woolnough and wing Dylan Gunn scored two quick tries to lead 8-0.

Macquarie hit back however, and after their first apparent try was ruled out, they soon scored legitimately, from a line drop-out, through second row Luke Gale.

After the restart, Forbes dummy-half Kaden Lamb saw an opportunity and scored the Magpies’ third try, converted by Traie Merritt, and the home team led 14-4 at half-time.

The second half brought out a re-vitalised Macquarie, and the visitors cut the margin to six points with a try to Corey Marsden, despite howls of disapproval from the Forbes fans, who thought a grounded ball was a clear knock-on.

Continued pressure from Macquarie brought more results, with a try to hooker William Black near the posts. 

This allowed Harrison Van Dartel to convert, levelling the match with seven minutes to play.

Turn-overs by both sides in the final moments gave their opposition opportunities, but it was Macquarie who ultimately seized the chance with a try in the western corner to reserve Clayton Couley.

Raiders didn’t need the conversion but Van Dartel nailed it anyway for a 20-14 victory.

Parkes were impressive in the first grade game, holding off a second-half fightback from Wellington to win 28-20, setting up a grand final against Dubbo CYMS.

Parkes also booked a league tag grand final, with a try in extra time to defeat Nyngan Tigers.

The grand finals will be at Dubbo’s Caltex Oval this Sunday.