Soccer
Forbes Foxes to host Lachlan soccer grand final

The Forbes Foxes have secured hosting rights for the Lachlan Amateur Soccer Association grand final on September 15 with a weekend win over Parkes' Railway Renegades.

Forbes sealed a sensational season with six goals to the Renegades' one at Botanical Gardens in the major semi-final on Sunday.

That win gives the Forbes side a week off, while the Renegades take on Parkes Vipers for the other slot in the big dance.

We're pretty sure it's something Forbes hasn't had a chance to host since 2015 - and the team's David Hodge says the squad is more than ready.

The Foxes won the competition's pre-season cup and secured the minor-premiership, so they're keen to take the trifecta with the premiership

Sunday's win was a great way to start and they loved having a local crowd there to support them.

"It was absolutely awesome," Hodge said.

"It was really good to see, every time we scored a goal you'd hear the crowd."

With the weather turning warm, it boosted the Foxes spirits through the afternoon.

Foxes had a two-nil lead heading into the half time break, it was only later in the match they established a stronghold.

Renegades came out firing in the second half but couldn't maintain the momentum as the Foxes ran in four more goals.

Your 2024 Forbes Foxes are: Ashley Milford, Ethan Byrne, Luke Davis, Andrew Leslie, Alex Earney, Karma Dechen, David Hodge, Elias Bernardi, Karl Biles, Shane Percy, Harry Stewart, Jack Janetzki, Jacob Collits, Ben Crowley, Jacob Molloy, Santiago Alasevicius, Brody Hodges, Danny Bilsborough, Brad Nikolic.

There's a real depth of experience, both from players who took the side to runners up in 2023 and some players returning this season.

Then there's some exciting junior talent rising through the ranks as well.

Fired up after going down in last year's grand final, they've rallied to training and worked hard all year.

"We're just going out there to win and working well as a team," Hodge said.

Let's meet the team:

Ash Milford hung up the footy boots after the Forbes All Stars won the premiership but he's returned this season and he's proved he's still got it in goalkeeper.

Centre back is Harry Stewart, and star sweeper Ethan Byrne, and forming a solid backline are Karl Biles, Danny Bilsborough, Jacob Molloy and Andrew Leslie, who have considerable experience between them

Karma Dechen has been carving the centre up the past few weeks, with captain Jack Janetzki and Luke Davis combining to be a force in the midfield.

Shane Percy, who made a return this season, has been very handy throughout but unfortunately misses the grand final.

Santiago Alasevicius will be lining up in the midfield in the grand final too.

On the wings you'll see David Hodge, or Ben Crowley on the right and Alex Earney, or Elias Bernardi on the left.

Strikers on the attack at the front are goal scorer Jacob Collits and fleet-footed Brodie Hodges who bagged a double on the weekend.

Save the date, September 15, for the grand final with details to come.