LOWER Macleay Magpies grabbed their first two points of the season on Saturday, defeating the Long Flat Dragons by 28 points to 16.
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Coming off a tough defeat to Kendall last week, the Magpies re-grouped and put in a strong performance against a gutsy Long Flat outfit.
The Dragons put in an impressive 80 minutes of football, playing with just 13 players throughout the entire game.
The hosts dug deep and put it to a fully-benched Magpies team all day, with great sportsmanship shown between the teams.
The Dragons scored first when their number 11 broke through an unprepared Magpies line to open the try count
The Magpies answered back not long after with a try from new signing Will Law.
He is proving himself to be a great asset to the club and earned players’ player plaudits.
Law also took on kicking duties for the day, converting all but one try.
Another Magpies newcomer, Adam Davies, put his mark on the game with an impressive performance of his own.
He ran the ball all day, making good yards, and was solid in his defence.
Clint McCabe also had a solid game for the Magpies, putting his hand up all day, grinding away at the Dragons’ attack and motivating his team to stick it out and push forward.
His experience and passion for the game will be a plus for his side this year.
Fullback Jayden Fuller also had a strong game, after overcoming an early injury.
He got himself back into the game and produced a well-earned try.
Interchange player Hayden Stuart added a boost to the visitors as halfback, having a strong game in attack.
Toby Stevenson was also a standout for the Magpies, making great breaks and backing up with some try-saving defence.
The Magpies continue to find their feet as a team, with the new signings starting to mix in well.
They are still without a few key players, through injury, and should get only stronger after the Easter break.
The Hastings League will break for Easter and resume playing on Saturday, April 26.
The Magpies will host the South West Rocks Marlins in the Macleay derby, for what is widely anticipated as an entertaining encounter.
Kick-off will be at 2.30pm.
Try scorers (minute): Long Flat, Tom Williamson (10); Magpies, Will Law (25); Luke Dufty (35)
Magpies, Toby Stevens (45); Long Flat, Shaun Bannerman (52); Long Flat, Keith Hollis (62); Magpies, Law (65); Long Flat, Brock Bell (67); Magpies, Jayden Fuller (70).
Conversions: Magpies, Will Law (four); Long Flat 0
Final score: Long Flat Dragons 16 - Lower Macleay Magpies 28