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WHILE the bulk of Group 11 sides enjoy a general bye this Sunday a huge crowd is expected at Jock Colley Field for the annual long weekend clash between the Parkes Spacemen and Forbes Magpies.
The match is set to bring in Parkes' biggest home crowd of the season with the local derby feel intensified by the fact both sides are locked on eight points on the Group 11 ladder.
Only Dubbo CYMS have more points than that in 2016.
Respective captain coaches Jake Grace and Dennis Moran both expect a tough, quality contest.
"It doesn't matter where we are on the ladder when Forbes and Parkes play," Magpies' Grace said.
"We expect nothing less than to go up against a hard-hitting opposition that's going to keep coming for the full 80 minutes."
Moran has called on Spacies fans to turn out in force to see his side aim to bounce back from last weeks' 44-12 towelling at the hands of CYMS.
"We received a big indication of just where we are at as far as our chances for the season are concerned," he said.
"It was a wake-up call to what we need to improve to be serious contenders.
"There is no doubt we will have to bring our A game to get on top of Forbes on Sunday."
While Parkes are aiming to rediscover that winning feeling, Forbes head into the match on the back of a strong 36-28 win over Macquarie last weekend.
But after recording two wins and two losses from their past four matches, consistency is the key.
"If we play our best football and stick to the structure that we have for ourselves, I'm confident in the team we have," Grace said.
The Magpies have one of the strongest packs in the competition with Grace joined by Zac Merritt, who returned from injury last week, and also Ben Maguire and Hayden Bolam.
"The Magpies are travelling very well at the moment, and had an impressive win over Dubbo Macquarie last Sunday," Moran said.
"They will be fairly confident in their performance, and that is something we are lacking somewhat at present, our confidence.
"With the rivalry that exists between the two sides, there is no doubt we will have to do everything at 110%."
Moran has hinted at changes in his side following last weekend's disappointing performance against the Fishies.
In addition to the twin town rivals clash, Forbes and Parkes Domestic Violence Committees are running the Race Against Violence.
The race will be held in between the reserve grade and first grade matches about 2.30pm on Jock Colley Field.
The Parkes players will also play in all white socks as part of the campaign.
The rest of the round seven fixtures will be played next weekend, with CYMS travelling to Nyngan, Macquarie hosting Narromine while Westside will welcome Wellington to No. 1 Oval.