This week, the Magpies took on the Sawtell Panthers at Bellingen Park on a very pleasant Saturday afternoon. The games were a culmination of a weekend worth of celebration, highlighting the strong teams over the years that have represented the club, particularly the 1989 and 1999 premiership teams. Accompanying this, the Magpies were raising awareness and funds for the mental health charity LIVIN and the moto #itaintweaktospeak.
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First Grade put up another strong effort, but were once again down on some regular players through injury and holidays. The early stages of First Grade were an even affair, but gradually the Panthers were able to get on top. Fullback Luke Beaumont saved try after try with great defence; however, by half-time the Panthers led 24-0.
Kyle 'Tex' Harrell crossed early for the Magpies in the second half and when Dan Tempest successfully converted the Magpies were optimistic of a comeback. This was quickly snuffed out as a mistake from the kick-off lead to a Sawtell try. Former Panther Dave McCormack crossed for a try later in the half but the Panthers ran away with the game 46-10.
In Reserves, the first half was a tight affair with Travis Edwards scoring for the Magpies. Josh Shearim converted making the half-time score 16-6. Brodie-Ray Williams added another try to the Magpies score, but the Panthers got on a roll and ran away with the game 50-10.
The Ladies League Tag game was probably the highlight of the day for the Magpies, as they faced competition leaders the Sawtell Panthers. Midway through the first half, Syietta Wilson made a clever switch of play, which resulted in a try to winger Mia Craggs. Late in the half, Panthers Bianca Morris scooped up a loose pass to even the score at 4 all. Early in the second half, a great kick return by Shelby Osland, a quick play the ball and slick passing led to Sophie Keough crossing for a try to the Magpies to take the lead once again 8-4. Sawtell once again evened the scores up at 8-8 soon after play. Defence by both teams then became desperate as each threw raid after raid at each other. Just before the full-time bell, Tina McRae made a break and the ball was passed through several hands before Tina got the ball back and crossed for the winning try with the Magpies taking the game 12-8. A great birthday present for Co-Coach Maz Campbell.
The day finished off with an auction of the jumpers, replicas of the 1999 edition, at the Diggers Tavern by Col Paix with all proceeds going to the LIVIN charity.
