The first grade side worked hard in defence against a big, physical Nyngan side and restricted the visitors to two tries.

“The penalty count was something like 13-3 against us at half time, so we had to defend more than we would have,” coach Cameron Greenhalgh said. 

“It was a big effort.” 

Talented young back Charlie Staines, fresh from a stellar junior pre-season with Penrith Panthers, scored two tries in his debut for the Magpies first grade side – the second off the back of a great Jared Tyack run.

Greenhalgh said captain Jake Grace was outstanding in leadership on the day and centre Richard Fiu was excellent in defence against a big Nyngan pack.

“Our whole pack really stood up, to keep them to two tries,” Greenhalgh said.

At the outset it looked like the Magpies would spend the day in defence: the score was 12-6 at half time, but the hosts gained momentum in the second half. 

Forbes now prepares for the long weekend clash against Parkes Spacemen. More in Friday’s edition.

Forbes’ under 18s are sharing top of the table honours with Macquarie Raiders and Dubbo CYMS after six rounds of the Group 11 rugby league competition. 

FIRST GRADE:

Parkes Spacemen 56 def Dubbo Westside 36;

Dubbo CYMS 60 def Dubbo Macquarie 10;

Forbes Magpies 38 (Ben Maguire 2, Charlie Staines 2, Mitch Burke, Ethan Gaffney, Richard Fiu tries; Farren Lamb 5 goals) def Nyngan Tigers 10 Narms Winitana, Jacob Shone..

Wellington Cowboys 62 def Narromine Jets 12.

RESERVE GRADE:

Dubbo Macquarie 21 def Dubbo CYMS 14;

Dubbo Westside 26 def Parkes Spacemen 14;

Forbes Magpies 18 (Kyle Mylecharane, Taz Spackman, Corey Hurford tries; Kyle Mylecharane 3 goals) def Nyngan Tigers 14 (Kyle Derrick, Terry Ryan, Angus Currans tries; Matthew Sheather goal);

Wellington Cowboys 34 def Narromine Jets 16;

UNDER 18s:

Dubbo CYMS 32 def Dubbo Macquarie 16;

Forbes Magpies 38 (Kristan Markwort 2, Kyle McClenahan, Tom Maguire, Dennis Spathis, Charlie Staines, Mitch Rubie tries; Ray Towney 5 goals) def Nyngan Tigers 0;

Parkes Spacemen 50 def Dubbo Westside 16;

Wellington Cowboys 30 def Narromine Jets 18.

LEAGUE TAG:

Forbes Magpies 32 (Elysse Girot-Serplet 2, Tasha Shaw, Courtney Hodge, Leah Lamb, Hannah De Mamiel tries; Elysse Girot-Serplet 4 goals) def Nyngan Tigers 4;