Magpies captain-coach Jake Grace has lauded his club’s supporter base as the best in Group 11 following a stunning 18-12 win over 2017 minor premiers Dubbo CYMS on Sunday.
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In front of a vocal home crowd and faced with a 12-10 deficit in the second stanza, the boisterous Spooner Oval fans lifted the hosts to a six-point win over the Fishies.
Forbes’ Jason Hoswell scored what turned out to be the match-winner 20 minutes from time to edge the Magpies ahead.
The boot of Jarred Nicholson was then straight enough to ensure the defending premiers secured an 18-12 win, maintaining the club’s place in the Group 11 first grade top three and booking a date with Nyngan at Larkin Oval in the qualifying semi-final this Sunday.
And Grace believes his side’s premiership defence is testament to the passionate patronage of the Forbes faithful.
“When we play we pack the ground to capacity,” Grace said.
“Even when we went to CYMS we had more supporters than they did – that’s how much footy means to people down here.
We’ve got the best supporters in Group 11, the atmosphere they create is second to none.
- Magpies captain-coach Jake Grace
“That house was packed on the weekend ... and for our girls, 18s and reserve grade.
“We’ve got the best supporters in Group 11, the atmosphere they create is second to none
“Against Parkes we had our backs against the wall, but the feeling they bring to the game gives a little bit extra to our boys.”
The six-point defeat was the second loss inflicted on the Dubbo club in as many weeks after the Tigers handed the Fishies their first defeat, 14-0, in the penultimate round.
Despite being without forwards Todd Grace, Ben Maguire and Mitch Davis, Forbes raced to a 10-0 lead thanks to tries to Nicholson and Grace.
CYMS hit back to trail 10-6 at the break, before hitting the front just after half-time.
But on the back of the huge amount of support, it was all Forbes in the dying stages of the win.
In the under 18s, Forbes Magpies have become minor premiers with their 36-4 triumph over the visiting Dubbo CYMS.
Charlie Staines and Farren Lamb secured two tries each for Forbes, Jaiden Burke and Luke Evans also crossed for the Magpies. Warren Baxter kicked four goals.
Forbes’ league tag side suffered a 10-4 loss.
With captain Amy Townsend on the sideline injured, the score was 6-4 most of the game.
CYMS scored with just 30 seconds to go.
