Forbes got off to a flyer with full back Bailey Hartwick scoring off a counter attack after the Cowboys were unlucky not to go over themselves.

Wellington did hit back Richard Peckham dropping a ball beautifully over the heads which eventually found Jake Tolhurst lurking outside.

But the Cowboys weren't showing their usual spark and after the referee Daniel Thornton went down with a cramp, replacement Magpie Brad McMillan bullocked his way through setting up Matt Roylance.

Forbes attacked strongly again on the left but Cowboys skipper Justin Toomey White grabbed a loose ball and ran 90 metres.

Wellington in front but not for long Rusalte Matei Lawankula used his energy to go over out wide but then Cowboys wiley reserve Ben Bruce crashed through the middle and the sea sawing match was Forbes’s at half time 22-18 when Jake Grace scored.

Referee Ray O’Brien replaced Thornton after the break and the Magpies soared into the lead Davies and Roylance shot over and Forbes led 34-18 and looked the goods for an upset win.

But the referee did sin bin a Forbes player for swearing at him and then Ken Everson bashed over, a man down Forbes impressed when Roylance raced over on the right edge.

Another Magpie was binned for swearing leave them with 11 players and Nash Forgione made the most of the opportunity on the right to score and Richard Peckham raced over after Lewis Stanley slotted a deft grubber. But it was too late and Forbes were home 40-34.

The Magpies took all three grades, reserves 46-10 and Under 18’s 26-18.

Wellington’s women’s side winning 24-14.