Forbes started the match in strong fashion, scoring three unanswered tries as they took a 17-0 lead into the sheds.

To their credit, the Rhinos showed determination to cross for one of their own early in the second stanza and cut the margin back to just 12 points.

Both teams had opportunities but ultimately it was the second-placed Platypi who capitalised.

They crossed a further four times to claim a 36-point win and a bonus point, which keeps them in second place and just four points behind competition leaders Orange Emus.

Coach Heamani Levaka said the win “wasn’t pretty” but achieved three good things: a win; a bonus point; and no injuries.

Next weekend they have the home game, hosting Orange City (who this week had the bye) here at Grinsted Oval.

“It will be big,” Levaka said.

“We had a talk about it after the (Dubbo) game.

“We have now won seven games in a row but one thing I like about this team, we know we still need to improve in areas and that’s a good thing. 

“Even though we are winning, it’s a good attitude to have.”

In second grade, Forbes went down 29-15 to Rhinos. 

The colts had a bye.

After a weekend of lopsided competition in the Blowes Clothing Cup, Parkes Boars assistant coach Trevor Whitaker called on Central West Rugby Union officials to consider a proposed two tier Blowes Clothing Cup competition to ensure the survival of small-town rugby clubs.

Whitaker said Parkes simply don’t have the players, and a long term strategy to ensure the survival of small-town teams has to be developed.

Parkes Boars were annihilated 89-0 in their Blowes Clothing Cup first grade fixture against defending champions Orange Emus on Saturday.

The Roos thrashed Mudgee by 71 points and Narromine forfeited all four grades to the Bathurst Bulldogs citing a lack of players.