Eugowra Eagles' defence stood tall against the Canowindra Tigers in round 18

The former Forbes Magpie started the 2021 campaign by announcing his forward pack as the best unit in the competition, and on Saturday afternoon during the club's centenary celebrations, Eugowra finally put together a signature performance.

And boy, was it gutsy.

In front of a vocal crowd at Eugowra Sports Ground, the home side disposed of Canowindra Tigers 16-8 as they played the last 30 minutes with just 12 men.

Jimmy Park was given his marching orders for back chat, but that didn't stop Eugowra from fighting until the end.

"We've been building towards that," skipper McMillan said.

"In the last month, we've come up against some top-ranked sides, we've had blokes injured and some guys pull out late.

"We haven't been able to get the same side on the paddock for two weeks in a row, but now is a great time to be putting in a performance like that."

And it was even more special during the milestone day.

"We had a jersey presentation at the park before the game ... it was really good to get a win."

Not only did the win serve as a huge momentum boost for the fifth-placed side, it derailed Canowindra quest for the minor premiership as Manildra claimed the regular season's top honours instead.

If the region is to make it out of lockdown next Sunday, Eugowra is set to face Molong in an elimination semi-finals clash.

McMillan spoke about the Bulls, as well as the rest of the field.

"Molong at Molong is definitely tough," he said.

"I think Canowindra is tougher defensively but Manildra - with Petrie steering them around - is probably the best side."

In a perfect world, the finals series will go ahead on Sunday with Manildra enjoying the week off, Canowindra playing host to Trundle, and Molong taking on Eugowra.

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