Last week we had a fight that saw two players sent off in the derby between CYMS and Macquarie but at No.1 Oval on Sunday it was a different scenario.

While the 80 minutes was hard, tough rugby league with the usual number of cautions and Wes Maas being sent to the sin bin, all that changed at the end of the game.

Before the full-time whistle Forbes captain-coach Adam Hall made a bee line to the CYMS bench to shake hands with the players and others, including injured captain-coach Blake Tremain-Cannon.

After that he met referee Willy Barnes and exchanged a handshake as CYMS walked off the field after a 36-18 victory.

But what was more noticeable was old “three cheers for CYMS” from tough Forbes second-rower Jarrod Hall. How long has it been since you’ve heard that at a Group 11 game?

It was a wonderfully pleasant change to the game and one that the Magpies should be congratulated on.

One respects that the game is going to be tough. There will be some words spoken and some on the spot decisions made but at the end of the day it’s only a game of football and obviously Forbes have that charisma in their club.

Jarrod Hall was probably one Magpie who copped more from CYMS than anyone. He never shirked the tough stuff taking the ball up with plenty of energy and giving some back in defence when he had to.

He also proved he’s a versatile type, playing five-eighth for a while Adam Hall was having a spell. He even made a clearing kick as well.

One suspects that Adam Hall is the key man in this discipline at the club. It’s been said time and time again he’s a nice guy and he’s obviously a very good footballer as well.

He was half-back for Group 11 and Country Seconds this year, with both teams undefeated.

On Saturday he was one of the best for Country against Queensland at Uralla and backed up the next day against CYMS.

Against CYMS he took one hard knock under a high ball and was given an early shower, but obviously suffered a cork that could be a problem for him.

Adam Hall is the same guy who took up the offer from club supporters to fly home from the Hunter so he and his teammates could play for the Magpies in a club game, just hours after turning out for Group 11 in the Country Championships.

Forbes, you’re welcome in Dubbo any time.

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One prominent rugby league identity that didn’t make it on to the field on Sunday was Narromine based referee Wayne Hughes. He suffered a bout of tonsillitis and had to give up the first grade appointment that featured Wellington and Macquarie Raiders.

This left the door open for Mick Dries to get the top job.

Hughes however, was still well enough to watch CYMS and Forbes at No.1 Oval.

Hopefully he’ll be back on the field this weekend.

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Kickers are going to play a major role for all teams in this season’s premiership race.

Joe Williams claimed two 40/20s on Sunday against Forbes and both led to converted tries while Forbes have Adam Hall as one of the best.

The Raiders will look to Jade Williams and Josh Merritt while Corey Stanley and Trent Forrest get a bit done for the Cowboys. Then of course there are few better than Dennis Moran at Parkes.

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Group 11 executive members will be coming under pressure soon with the focus on where the grand finals will be played on September 4.

With two rounds to be decided Parkes and Wellington are one and two and there’s a lot of thought that they could meet in the big one, like they did last year.

Both towns have made a lot of noise over the years about grand final venues ... it won’t be any different this year.

For me Parkes and Cowboys can lobby all they like but Apex Oval is still the best venue for the big one - regardless of which clubs are playing.

The grandstand facilities are the best and we have the population base over here.

Dubbo and the Daily Liberal is also the media hub for the game. I again make no excuses for my bias on that regard.

Ross McDermott and Bob Walsh, stand up and make the decision now and we’ll get on with the planning.

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Despite their couple of defeats when the rep games were on Pat Rosser and his Parkes Spacemen are raging red-hot favourites to retain their first grade premiership.

The rest are hot and cold although Wellington and CYMS are playing their best football at the right end of the season.

Forbes have injury problems and their big forwards were given the run around by CYMS and if Macquarie and/or Nyngan get in, their inconsistency could be their downfall.