Parkes had shown up in Cowra with intentions of making up for a first round loss at home by two points.

An inspirational speech by coach Fine Latu in the change rooms seemed to have worked with the opening plays all dominated by Parkes forwards.

This set a good platform for the inside backline made up of Matthew Hunter, Brad Waser and Adam Porter, to take the ball well into the Cowra half.

By picking and driving from the forwards the ball was moved within metres of the try line.

This saw workhorse Ben Ryan pick and drive over the line to score the first try for Parkes.

The conversion was missed seeing Parkes lead Cowra 5-0.

Play continued in the favour of Parkes in the opening 10 minutes until a kick downfield was taken back by the Cowra forwards.

Spreading it wide, the Cowra winger crossed out wide.

This was converted from the sideline in a great kick by the Cowra five-eighth.

From the kick off Parkes returned with aggression and once again were on the attack.

Outside centre Adam Porter crashed through the line from a pass by Brad Waser and upon being tackled two metres from the line popped to Matty Hunter who put the ball down beside the post to score another try for the Boars.

This was converted by Joel Armstrong with Parkes taking back the lead 12-7.

In the late stages of the first half Cowra attacked through good picking and driving, however strong defence from Josh Higgs and Greg Westcott kept the opposition scoreless.

This defence was also complemented by some great defensive lineouts and steals by Daniel Ryan and Keegan Thornhill.

At the end of the first half, Parkes was in a very strong position.

The second half opened well with Waser and Richard Webb forcing the Cowra winger over the line to turn the ball over. The Boars had turned up to play.

However, Cowra soon had the ball back in the Parkes 22 and were pestering the line.

Uncompromising defence from the forwards prevented any tries from being scored.

However, two penalty kicks failed to find touch giving Cowra field position, and then Tim Lawler was given 10 minutes in the bin after supposedly interfering with a Cowra player.

It was at this stage of the game an event occurred that would make many a winger cringe.

Making a break down the sideline was 120kg of pure beef in the Cowra front rower.

He was charging at 55kg of a sweating winger in the form of Joel Armstrong.

However in a true sense of David verses Goliath, Joel held his ground and won the fight.

He was not able to stop the Cowra side from recycling the ball and crossing for Cowra's second try and conversion which saw them take back the lead 14-12.

Parkes were now forced to lift, and they did not disappoint the Parkes crowd.

Stealing the ball in the Cowra half, the Boars moved the ball well and Matty Hunter crossed the line to score his second try for the game.

This was not converted, however it saw Parkes take back the lead again 17-14.

In a rolling maul that lasted 15 metres, Cowra’s forwards scored on the wing for a 19-17 lead.

In the dying minutes Parkes tried everything to regain the lead however Cowra scored again taking their lead to 24-17.

A late penalty made the final score 27-17 to Cowra.

Coach Fine Latu was happy with the boys’ defence at crucial moments of the game and their attitude of never giving up.

Points: Joel Armstrong 3; Matt Hunter 2; Greg Westcott 1; Joel Armstrong players player.

COWRA 27 def PARKES 17.