The former Forbes Magpie started the 2021 campaign by announcing his forward pack as the best unit in the competition, and on Saturday afternoon during the club's centenary celebrations, Eugowra finally put together a signature performance.

And boy, was it gutsy.

In front of a vocal crowd at Eugowra Sports Ground, the home side disposed of Canowindra Tigers 16-8 as they played the last 30 minutes with just 12 men.

Jimmy Park was given his marching orders for back chat, but that didn't stop Eugowra from fighting until the end.

Eugowra dominated the first half on the scoreboard with tries to Matthew Park, Kyle Hutchings and Jake Hutchings but it was hard fought all the way.

Eugowra led 14-0 10 minutes out from half time before Canowindra was awarded a penalty goal to see the score 14-2 at half time.

The second half was even tighter with Eugowra extending their lead to 16-2 with their own penalty goal.

It was only in the very last minute of play - with the countdown to the State going into COVID lockdown also on - that Canowindra crossed the line for a try.

"We've been building towards that," skipper McMillan said.

"In the last month, we've come up against some top-ranked sides, we've had blokes injured and some guys pull out late.

"We haven't been able to get the same side on the paddock for two weeks in a row, but now is a great time to be putting in a performance like that."

And it was even more special during the milestone day.

"We had a jersey presentation at the park before the game ... it was really good to get a win," he said.

"Thank you to the Old Boys and the crowd, it really got us home.

"I think we left the best until the last round of footy."

Regional NSW joined Greater Sydney and other regions in lockdown within 20 minutes of the end of the game and the captain acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the finals series.

"If we don't play another game, I'd really like to thank the club, the boys for this year," McMillan said.

"It's been a pleasure and a real honour for me to take this role on and do it for the town that I grew up in. Thanks everyone."

Not only did the win serve as a huge momentum boost for the fifth-placed side, it derailed Canowindra quest for the minor premiership as Manildra claimed the regular season's top honours instead.

If the region is to make it out of lockdown, Eugowra is set to face Molong in an elimination semi-finals clash but Woodbridge Cup has announced everything will be put back one week.

McMillan spoke about the Bulls, as well as the rest of the field.

"Molong at Molong is definitely tough," he said.

"I think Canowindra is tougher defensively but Manildra - with Petrie steering them around - is probably the best side."

In a perfect world, the finals series will go ahead on Sunday with Manildra enjoying the week off, Canowindra playing host to Trundle, and Molong taking on Eugowra.

Kev Grimshaw paid tribute to Eugowra for matching everything the Tigers threw at them in a tough contest, then encouraged both squads to keep their heads up.

"We don't know whether this could be the last game but what we've got to do is play as if it wasn't your last game," he said.

"Everyone's got to try to stay positive, don't let this thing beat us.

"Fight hard, do the right things, and we'll get on top of it."

Golden Eagles 1 Jarrad Wykamp 2 Brad Holmes 3 Bryce Park 4 Kyle Hutchings 5 Jordan Kennedy 6 Alex McMillan 7 Ricky Whitton 8 Aaron Wykamp 9 Curtis Wykamp 10 Jake Hutchings 11 Brad McMillan 12 Matthew Park 13 Andrew Grogan 15 Larry Wyner 16 Stephen Jones 17 Ethan Markwort 18 James Park 19 Brodie Adams 20 Hayden Goodall 21 Grant McMillan 22 Lachlan Salisbury