Pat's produced a brilliant second half of rugby league as they ran in 22 unanswered points to put the game out of the hosts' reach at Spooner Oval on Saturday night.

The pre-season clash - named after the former player of both clubs who lost his life in 2013 - has proved elusive to the Saints ever since they won the second edition of the game in 2015.

Forbes went on to win the 2016 and '17 games then two clubs played out back-to-back draws in the following two seasons before last year's game was cancelled during its build up due to COVID-19.

Like his player-coach Zac Merritt, Aaron Mawhinney is someone who has played across both the Saints and the Magpies in his career.

Mawhinney, who backed up straight away from the Saints' under 21s game on the same night, said the memorial match is something great to be a part of.

"It's the first time I've played on Stubby Collits Memorial Day in first grade. I played one for Magpies when I was in 18s but this was my first time in first grade and it's obviously a really special game to a lot of people," he said.

"A lot of people get up for this match. It was great to be a part of it and it was even better to come over and get the win.

"Coming over to Forbes we knew it would be a tough game. When Forbes play at home they always turn up. All the boys had a great time together afterwards between the two clubs in memory of Stubby."

In a first half where both teams were toiling hard to try and find their rhythm to went into the sheds 6-all.

After Forbes gained the early lead in the second half with a try the Saints began to light up Spooner Oval as the team went on a magical 22-point run.

A couple of tries for the Magpies in the dying minutes gave them a small chance of snatching an unprecedented third straight draw but Pat's were able to break their drought.

The Collits' family's best on ground went to Ben Maguire for Forbes Magpies and Haze Rewiti for St Pat's.

In his post-match speech Merritt couldn't praise his side's resilience enough.

"I think we ended up with two or three on the bench so it's a real credit to you boys," he said.

"We put in a big pre-season, and we showed here tonight that we can match it with the best in Group 11. Thank you again Forbes, you have put on a great day with everyone turning up.

"I couldn't be any more proud to say [Stubby] was one of my best mates, and I'm sure a number of the boys on both teams can say that as well."

"I hope we did you proud," Forbes coach Nick Greenhalgh said to Mark and Kathy Collits.

"Thank you for everything you do not only today but throughout the season."

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