Neither side will contest semi-finals but the Forbes Platypi and Parkes Boars gave their supporters something to cheer about in a quality Central West Rugby Union clash on Saturday.
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With both out of finals contention, the 7th and 8th placed teams met at Grinsted Oval, playing for club pride and bragging rights in the twin towns battle.
Parkes were down 14-3 early in the second half but stunned the home team, scoring three consecutive tries to win 22-21.
Playing in bright orange jerseys to raise money for CanAssist and House With No Steps, the Platypi dominated the first three quarters of the game, with some entertaining rugby putting the home team ahead 14-3.
Both teams exhibited strong defence but the Platypi put first points on the board, with two penalty goals to Jarrod Hall.
A chip kick through to Brett Stace from Jack Hammond almost saw Josh Coulthurst cross in the corner, but Warren Lowe got Parkes on the board with a quick three-pointer just before half time.
Forbes responded with a nice backline move, but Josh Coulthurst was cut down just before the tryline, ending the first stanza.
Matt Simmonds crossed for the first try of the match after a lovely cut out ball from Jack Hammond to the cheers of the home crowd. The try took the score to 11-3.
Another break from the Forbes backline saw Parkes give away a penalty in front of the uprights, which Gus King converted, taking the score to 14-3.
However the end of the second half was all Parkes with the visitors scoring three successive tries through sustained pressure in Forbes’ half.
Forbes continuously looked to mount pressure against Parkes but continued errors gave the Boars opportunity, and with control of possession they turned the game within a 20 minute window.
Forbes fought until the very end, crossing the line for the final points of the game, but even with the converted try, fell one point short.
Platypi captain-coach Heamani ‘Hair’ Lavaka said it was disappointing to lose to his old club, but commended both teams on the quality of their play.
“It was a good quality game - exciting - and if we had played more like this all year we might have had more wins than losses,” Lavaka said.
“Parkes played really well too, and I think both teams lift their game when they play each other.”
‘Hair’ admitted his team is looking ahead to next season after just three wins so far for 2015.
He said he would seek an extension of his coaching position with the Platypi and was looking forward to developing key position players like Jake Cutler and Adrian Cole.
The Platypi have been hindered by season-ending injuries to Cutler and playmaker Simon Flynn, but the coach said this was no excuse for a poor year.
“Injuries are going to happen, that’s just the way it goes,” he said.
Forbes also lost the second grade and colts games, giving the Boars their first clean sweep at Grinsted Oval for many years.
