With a win over Wellington, Forbes Magpies have earned hosting rights in the opening round of the Peter McDonald Premiership finals.

Our first grade side ran out 48-32 winners at Spooner Oval on Sunday, in the final round of the regular competition, clawing back Wellington's early 6-18 lead.

Captain Nick Greenhalgh concedes his side was a bit shocked by the visitors' opening onslaught, but he's proud of how they responded.

"(Wellington) turned up to play - they had their season to play for," he acknowledged.

"But I was really proud of the boys, we reeled them in pretty quickly, I think we were able to lead 28-20 at half time."

Despite a lack of early possession the chat behind the Magpies' line stayed positive, and the hosts piled on their own points in the second 20 minutes of the opening half.

"We knew if got our fair share of possession and made them work a little bit harder then the points would come," Greenhalgh said.

"I was just really happy the boys stuck in there and didn't drop our heads.

"That 20 minute period at the back end of the first half was really good for us. It was a high scoring match but happy with the two points going into finals."

Greenhalgh is certainly hoping not to leak as many points as his side prepares to host Orange CYMS this weekend - but the Cowboys are one of those teams who can score points from anywhere and they did that when they had opportunities at Forbes.

The weekend's weather was ideal, providing the Magpies with the driest track they've had all season and the fans with a fast-flowing game of footy.

The Magpies won't mind at all if this weekend's weather holds to entice the fans to Spooner Oval.

Orange CYMS have held a top-four place throughout the season, dropping to seventh only in the last round to end up in the do-or-die quarter final against Forbes.

It's a sign of how close the western-region premiership race was, Greenhalgh said.

"They're a really strong side so it should be a great battle," he said.

It was a case of "watch this space" at time of preparing for press in terms of who would line up for Forbes, with Jack Hartwig on report and Tom Toohey coming off with a sore hamstring after Sunday.

But Campbell Rubie will be back and Traie Merritt could be as well.

It's been the story of the season for Magpies but it's proven the club's depth, and they're finding their combinations, Greenhalgh said.

"We called on a couple of reggies yesterday who didn't play (as Wellington forfeited reserve grade)," he said.

"But they've got a big game to worry about themselves (this weekend) so if welcome a couple back that'll allow them to fall back into reserve grade and hopefully we do well as a club."

The winner of this weekend's game earns a place in the semi-finals on the weekend of August 24 and 25.

In the other quarter finals:

Top of the table Mudgee Dragons host Bathurst St Pat's, with the winner progressing to the grand final qualifier and the loser to take on the winner of the Forbes v Orange CYMS clash.

Second-placed Dubbo CYMS host third-placed Parkes Spacemen, with the winner to progress to the second grand final qualifier on August 31 / September 1.

Bathurst Panthers host Wellington Cowboys, with the winner progressing to the semi-final against the loser of the Mudgee / St Pat's clash.

The grand final is scheduled for Sunday, September 8.