RUGBY LEAGUE
Forbes Magpies will kick off their finals campaign on their home ground – where our first grade remains undefeated this season – this Saturday.
The regular season finished with a hard-fought win over Wellington in the final round of the regular Peter McDonald Premiership season on Sunday, the 48-32 scoreline placing Forbes second on the ladder.
With wins on the board for our under 18s and reserve grade sides, the Magpies first grade took an early 18-nil lead in beautiful Spring conditions with first points scored by lock Harrison Leadbitter.
Jack Smith backed up a few minutes later when he bolted away down the field and around to score behind the posts, then it was Zeke Hartwig’s turn to escape Wellington’s clutches.
The Cowboys went on the attack but the Magpies’ defence held in these early stages of the game and it was Forbes fullback Smith who broke through next. Nick Greenhalgh consistent with the boot to see Forbes in front 24-0.
Wellington crossed the line for their first try with just four minutes remaining in the first half, then added a field goal before the bell to see the sides head to sheds with the scoreboard 24-6.
The Magpies’ response came early in the second half and the grin on Mitchell Andrew’s face said it all as he crossed the line in front of the Magpies supporters.
Chad Porter was next to see Forbes establish a seeming 36-8 stronghold on the final regular round, only to have Wellington take possession and suddenly all the momentum seemed their way.
Wellington piled on three tries – Blake Ferguson also unfailing in adding the extras – to narrow the gap to 36-26 with less than 22 minutes of game time remaining.
“They were good,” captain Nick Greenhalgh said post-match.
“We got off to a hot start obviously but you can’t count Wellington out at any stage, they’ve got some handy players.
“We just needed a bit of ball, we sort of went through that stage where we didn’t have much ball and they made us pay there - but pleased with the boys that we were able to bounce back and put a good score on.”
Bounce back they did.
Forbes got the ball back in their hands and Zeke Hartwig crossed for his second.
Although Magpies conceded one more, Andrews put his second of the day down in the corner for 48-32 at full time.
Greenhalgh was proud the team had delivered the win on their home ground
“Credit to Wellington, they’re a good side and they’re going to upset a few sides in the semi-finals I think,” he said.
“They’re a good side, with good leaders.”
But his focus now turns to the familiar territory of finals footy, and he knows dad and coach Cameron Greenhalgh will shift gears as they return to the training paddock this week.
It gives Forbes hosting rights for the first round of semi-finals this Saturday, and Greenhalgh is hoping for a repeat of the weekend's glorious weather to see the fans line the sidelines to cheer Forbes home.
The day's competition opens with our Forbes league tag side taking on minor premiers Bathurst St Pats at 10.30am.
First grade lines up against Orange CYMS in the main fixture Saturday afternoon, about 3pm.
Greenhalgh hopes to welcome the Magpies’ crowd down for the day to cheer our sides on in their finals.
All four Magpies rugby league sides have finished in the top five.
Reserve grade finished fifth on the western premiership ladder with a 62-4 win over Wellington on Sunday, the clock stopped early.
Tries to Aaron Mawhinney, David White, John Darcy (4), Patrick Murphy, Lincoln Godden, Mitchell Jack, Joe Morrison, Brodie Acret and Hugh Scott. Brad Clifton seven conversions.
Forbes Under 18s finished fourth on the Tom Nelson Premiership ladder with a 26-16 win over Wellington on Sunday.
Tries to Nate Kennedy (2), Seth Butler, Riley Mylecharane and Max Hartwig.
Blues tag finished fourth on the league tag ladder with a bye in the final round.
In the finals, Under 18s and reserve grade are on the road with their games on Sunday: Under 18s to play Dubbo CYMS at Dubbo; reserves to take on Orange Hawks at Wellington.