The Parkes Spacemen showed just what they were capable of Sunday in a commanding Group 11 juniors elimination semi-final win over Nyngan.
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On the back of another powerhouse showing from representative second-rowers Ben Lovett and Finnley Neilsen, the Spacemen rocketed out to a 18-6 half-time lead and the controlled proceedings on the way to winning 34-16.
Lovett and Neilsen, already secured by NRL clubs South Sydney and Canterbury respectively, set the platform for the win in a match played in severely gusty conditions.
It was a welcome return to top form a Spacemen side which only won four of the final 10 regular season games.
"Towards the end of the season we were a bit scrappy and there were a few losses but to come back like that in the semi-finals is bloody awesome," Parkes captain Lovett said after the win.
"We've got plenty to come. During the season it was a bit scrappy sometimes but coming into finals we'll have a good crack at it. We've got the team."
Despite winning comfortably in the end, Parkes were made to work early after Nyngan's Sonny Knight crossed in just the sixth minute.
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But Billy Simpson dived over soon after to get his side back square and then Kyle Mawhinney showed his pace when going himself off a scrum to score.
One of the game's major moment came right on half-time as a hard-running Neilsen muscled his way across to set-up a commanding lead.
The Spacies scored just two minutes into the second half, Nathan Pye capitalising on some strong work from NSW Country under 16s representative Neilsen, and that took the game away from the Tigers.
Lovett kept creating space on the left edge as his side ran in three further tries to book a place in the minor semi-final against Wellington.
Leading fullback Benji Glasheen nabbed one of those but there was no doubt the second-rowers were the key man.
"Me and Fin, we've got that experience behind us and he's young, too. I've been just giving it all to him because he's going heaps good," Lovett said.
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
