Last Sunday’s two point loss to Forbes Magpies on Spooner Oval was not the preparation Parkes Spacemen were looking for ahead of this week’s Group XI qualifying semi-final against Wellington.
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A last minute penalty goal saw the Magpies defeat the Spacemen for the first time in six years and Parkes captain-coach Dennis Moran convinced his side needs to improve if they are going to go anywhere in the finals series.
“It is time for us to get down to business,” Moran said.
“As a unit we know what we need to improve upon and if we don’t, we will not succeed on Sunday or in the finals.
“The same issues keep popping up like poor execution and ball control which is disappointing.
“We are aware of these problems and all we can do is work on them.
“That is what we have done this week and I have been impressed with how the boys have trained.
“Hopefully that will amount to an improved performance in front of a large home crowd on Sunday,” he said.
The Spacemen go up against an unpredictable side in the Cowboys who, when they click, can be very difficult to contain.
They go into the important clash after allowing the Magpies to score 24 points last Sunday and will need to be near their best defensively to stop the Cowboys.
“Twenty-four points is too many to allow in any game,” Moran added.
“We will need to be much better defensively than we were against Forbes.
“Some of that comes back to ball control though.
“If we maintain possession and get to our kick, our opposition have less time with the ball and in different areas of the field.
“We will also be fresher to work harder in defence,” he said.
Strong centre Kevin Frank returns to the Spacemen this week after missing an extended period with a leg injury.
His added experience will be a big benefit to the Parkes backline.
Young star Jesse Parker retains his position after scoring a try in his first grade debut.
Hayden Robinson will likely be given until Saturday to gain clearance and prove his fitness to return after a neck injury suffered in Narromine.
The Spacemen won both games against Wellington in the round matches, but Moran is adamant that means little at this time of the season.
“The two victories do not mean much if we don’t win on Sunday,” Moran said.
“To do that we need to improve as a unit and gel together again.
“A few individuals played well last week, but we will need a complete team performance this week,” he said.
Team lists for all three Parkes semi-final teams appear on page 26.
