Moran engineers Spacemen win
Dennis Moran was instrumental in the Spacemen win last Saturday.
On a day of raw emotion, intensity, respect and reflection for the Parkes Spacemen and rugby league in general, Dennis Moran orchestrated a wholesome 48-8 win over Cobar at Pioneer Oval last Saturday.
In cold, wet conditions, 37 year old Moran again produced an absolute blinder as the Spacemen skipper masterminded a nine tries to two victory.
The result reflected the importance of the day when Bev Colley and family presented jumpers to the first grade players proudly and poignantly displaying the name Jock.
From the sheds to a pristine playing surface followed a moments silence to salute the 40 year contribution to rugby league of Jock Colley OAM, who was also recognised at yesterday’s City v Country fixture in Dubbo.
Captain-coach Pat Rosser reminded his charges of Jock’s herculean contribution to the sport at all levels, his love of Parkes but moreover his strategic approach to rugby league development as the Country Rugby League chairman.
Moran, close on 700 club games, ensured the Spacemen would successfully start their quest not to lose at home this season.
A large number of people reflected on how fortunate Parkes and rugby league are to enjoy the talent, commitment and footballing acumen of Pat Rosser and Dennis Moran.
Having celebrated 30-6 and 42-6 wins in juniors and reserves to lead the club championship race, the Spacemen first grade side was always going to triumph against willing opponents.
Parkes put on a fine first stanza to lead 20-4 at oranges and showed good determination in the second half to convincingly close the match out.
The win sets up an important contest for all grades at Nyngan next Sunday before the bye and the always inviting trip to Cyms on May 25.
Thanks to Rosser and Moran’s leadership, the Spacemen are again an imposing outfit across the paddock, littered with youth and audacity and a strong assertive pack.
Tries by Josh Ah See, a smart young Peak Hill winger, and developing centre Cameron Standen propelled Parkes to 10-0 after 15 minutes.
Cobar to their credit remained in the contest on the back of some astute sixth tackle bombs aimed at the smaller Parkes outside backs.
Despite a 53 per cent first half completion rate, the Spacemen assumed control in the second quarter to stamp their authority.
Star hooker Tino Ionatana scampered over for a good try in the 31st minute before the ageless Moran positioned promising centre Hayden Robinson for a great try and a deserved 20-4 advantage.
Supported superbly by five-eighth Alex Prout, Moran assumed complete control of the contest from the restart.
He scored the opening try of the second half in the 43rd minute for 26-4 before an excellent grubber enabled the trailing Robinson to score his second for 32-4.
Cobar captain coach Nathan Graham suffered a serious knee injury in the 50th minute, requiring Parkes ambulance to transport him to hospital and a 20 minute delay in proceedings in freezing conditions.
When play resumed, the diminutive Prout – who again excelled beside Moran – scored a brilliant 35 metre individual try for 38-4.
Moran and Prout then combined to put Ah See over in the corner before a late Cobar consolation try reduced the margin to 42-8.
Just when Moran was entitled to a rest, he raced 70 metres to dive on a Cobar kick that threatened another try.
To add insult to injury, Moran engineered Robinson’s hat-trick on the siren to complete a dominant and convincing success on an important day for the club.
Amazingly, Prout led the tackle count with 26, ahead of Rick Newham 19, Cameron Standen 19, Epi Sadrodo 18 and Tino Ionatana 17.
In the hit-up department, Evi Nioko 20, Sadrodo 16, and bustling prop Dave Masoe 16, all contributed to the worthy cause.
Parkes 48 (H. Robinson 3, J. Ah See 2, T. Ionatana, C. Standen, D. Moran, A. Prout tries; Moran 6 goals) d Cobar 8 (T. Simmonds, T. Hillam tries) at Pioneer Oval, Parkes.
Referee, Wayne Hughes; gate – $1436.
Next Sunday, Group XI Round 3 – Nyngan v Parkes.
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