Match report NSW State Cup - West’s Magpies vs. Windsor Wolves, Campbelltown Sports Stadium. Round 18 Saturday 1 August 2009.
The challenge Head Coach Leo Epifania faced this week was to ensure that his team were mentally prepared for this important match after last week's close loss to competition leaders Bankstown City. He stated that the boys had played a high standard of attacking and defensive football the previous week and was looking for them to take that form into today’s game against the Wolves who had overcome the Newtown Jets in their last outing.
Wests Tigers centre Dean Collis and prop Daine Laurie were again named in the Magpies line up which resulted in Nu Akeripa moving into the second row with Levi Freeman to the interchange bench. In other positional changes, Coach Epifania brought Sam Hoare into the starting team as hooker, moved captain Nathan Waters to half which necessitated Wayde Dunley’s move to the interchange.
Windsor Wolves fielded their strongest possible team, which included Wests Tigers 2010 recruit, Geoff Daniela and a number of other players who had tasted 1st grade in the NRL competition. The Wolves were sitting in 8th position on the competition ladder and with two teams barking at their heels they needed no other enticement to win the game.
A couple of individual match ups added to the intrigue, but the Davis vs. Daniela duel was the obvious highlight.
The Magpies were the dominate force during the first half and with the game only 3 minutes old the ball was carried downfield by prop Daine Laurie who off loaded to five eight Brendan Waters. He advanced the ball towards the try line and after drawing Wolves players to him, he passed a clever ball to his brother Nathan who crossed for an inspirational try. In what was to be the start of a perfect kicking day for fullback Charlie Herekatukutuku, he guided the ball over the black dot to take the Magpies to a 6 – 0 lead.
The score was doubled in the 6th minute when a kick was perfectly executed by Nathan Waters. It landed alongside the goal posts with brought Brendan Waters into the action again. He caught the ball and in one movement he passed it to lock forward Dean Rysko who forced his way over the line. Herekatukutuku added the extras increasing the Magpies lead to 12 – 0.
The Magpies continued to demonstrate their defensive skills over the next fifteen minutes when the Wolves threw everything at them. After repelling each attack with vigor, the Magpies received a relieving penalty. Deep into the Wolves half the ball was moved quickly across the backline to centre Dean Collis, who despite the attention of several Wolves players, used his strength to score in the corner. Even with the wind swirling, Herekatukutuku struck the ball perfectly. Magpies 18 – Wolves 0.
Both teams played exciting football which brought the crowd to their feet on a number of occasions. Throughout the half Magpie centre Josh Davis gained an impressive advantage over his opposite number Geoff Daniela. Davis was certainly a handful, running strongly and defending stoutly, often leaving Daniela in his wake.
In the 39th minute, after strong forward play, the Magpies set a scrum on the opposition’s 20 metre line. The backline set itself for one last raid for the half. In a set move, the ball was received by wide running second row forward Nu Akeripa who threw a flat pass to try scoring wizard Rhys Pritchard who dived into the corner for his 15th try of the season. Not an easy kick for Herekatukutuku, but once again he raised the flags. The teams left the field for a well earned break with the Magpies leading 24 – 0.
In the last game between these two teams, the Magpies took an impressive lead into the break; however the Wolves fought back and scored a converted try after the bell to draw the game. The boys were eager to prevent a repeat of this.
As with the first half, it did not take long for the Magpies to seize the moment. Magpies five-eight Brendan Waters collected the ball at pace before weaving his way through the Wolves in a 30 metre run before throwing a fine pass to Nu Akeripa who sprinted to the line, putting the ball under the black dot. Again the conversion was successful, but with a 30 – 0 lead the Magpie players fell into complacency and made a couple of unforced errors. To their credit, in an 8 minute period, the Wolves put on three unanswered tries, two of which were converted, reducing their deficit to 30 – 16\. Wolves play maker and former NRL star Craig Trindall had been brought into the attack and was instrumental in his teams’ turnaround.
A few words of encouragement were sent out by the Magpies head coach with an instant result. In the 24th minute centre Josh Davis, continuing his very impressive play, broke through the Wolves backs, running 35 metres before setting up wing three quarter Andrew Everingham who capped off a good game by scoring a try of his own. The conversion was successful, putting the Magpies back to a comfortable lead 36 -16.
Four minutes later quick hands by the inside men provided room for replacement back row forward Corey Vlaciky to cut through the Wolves defense to score a well deserved try. Herekatukutuku, in kicking his seventh goal of the day, increased the Magpies lead to 42 – 16.
The Magpies then put on a razzle dazzle display of football, whilst exciting, isn’t probably what the coaching staff wanted. The boy’s then returned to the style of play that had seen them put on seven converted tries with an almost immediate result. Big Nu Akeripa charged onto the ball, breaking trough tackle after tackle before throwing a sensational pass to Dean Collis who scorched the turf on his way to the try line. Fullback Charlie Herekatukutuku capped off a great kicking display by converting the Magpies 8th try of the day. His 100% goal kicking record on the day was very impressive, especially when you take into account the often windy conditions.
There was no doubt the quiet man, big Josh Davis took the points in his match up with the Wolves Geoff Daniela which resulted in him receiving the players’ player award. Head Coach Leo Epifania stated he was happy with the team’s performance, noting that Corey Vlaciky had played strongly in his first outing for two weeks.
General Manager Mr Kevin Hammond thanked the many Magpie supporters who came to the ground. He advised that their passionate support was greatly appreciated. He also expressed his pride in the performance of the players and encouraged one and all to come along to Henson Park for the Magpies very important match against the Jets.
Best for the Magpies – Dean Rysko, Corey Vlaciky and Nu Akeripa.
Match ball for player’s player – Josh Davis.
Scorers for the Magpies – 2 tries to Dean Collis, with 1 try each to Nathan Waters, Andrew Everingham, Nu Akeripa, Rhys Pritchard, Dean Rysko and Corey Vlaciky with Charlie Herekotukutuku kicking 8 goals from 8 attempts.
Next week – The Magpies play Newtown Jets at Henson Park on Saturday 8 August 2009 at 3pm.
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WEST’S MAGPIES MID YEAR GOLF DAY – THURSDAY 13 AUGUST 2009.
Venue: Camden Valley Golf Resort, Camden Valley Way, Catherine Field - one of our Districts finest golf courses. Packages are tailored to suit individuals or groups. The day includes breakfast with registration from 7.30am, shotgun start at 8.30am, a round of golf paired in a powered cart with GPS, drinks on course, golf ball for each player and a sensational lunch. There are many great prizes on offer with challenges such as nearest to the pin, longest drive and drive and chip plus novelty holes. For further information, please contact Tracey in West’s Magpies Office on 9601 2002 during business hours or ring Steve direct on 0423 454 661\. All monies raised will be used to further develop our junior rugby league players. No handicap required – we use the mystery nine scoring system.
The challenge Head Coach Leo Epifania faced this week was to ensure that his team were mentally prepared for this important match after last week's close loss to competition leaders Bankstown City. He stated that the boys had played a high standard of attacking and defensive football the previous week and was looking for them to take that form into today’s game against the Wolves who had overcome the Newtown Jets in their last outing.
Wests Tigers centre Dean Collis and prop Daine Laurie were again named in the Magpies line up which resulted in Nu Akeripa moving into the second row with Levi Freeman to the interchange bench. In other positional changes, Coach Epifania brought Sam Hoare into the starting team as hooker, moved captain Nathan Waters to half which necessitated Wayde Dunley’s move to the interchange.
Windsor Wolves fielded their strongest possible team, which included Wests Tigers 2010 recruit, Geoff Daniela and a number of other players who had tasted 1st grade in the NRL competition. The Wolves were sitting in 8th position on the competition ladder and with two teams barking at their heels they needed no other enticement to win the game.
A couple of individual match ups added to the intrigue, but the Davis vs. Daniela duel was the obvious highlight.
The Magpies were the dominate force during the first half and with the game only 3 minutes old the ball was carried downfield by prop Daine Laurie who off loaded to five eight Brendan Waters. He advanced the ball towards the try line and after drawing Wolves players to him, he passed a clever ball to his brother Nathan who crossed for an inspirational try. In what was to be the start of a perfect kicking day for fullback Charlie Herekatukutuku, he guided the ball over the black dot to take the Magpies to a 6 – 0 lead.
The score was doubled in the 6th minute when a kick was perfectly executed by Nathan Waters. It landed alongside the goal posts with brought Brendan Waters into the action again. He caught the ball and in one movement he passed it to lock forward Dean Rysko who forced his way over the line. Herekatukutuku added the extras increasing the Magpies lead to 12 – 0.
The Magpies continued to demonstrate their defensive skills over the next fifteen minutes when the Wolves threw everything at them. After repelling each attack with vigor, the Magpies received a relieving penalty. Deep into the Wolves half the ball was moved quickly across the backline to centre Dean Collis, who despite the attention of several Wolves players, used his strength to score in the corner. Even with the wind swirling, Herekatukutuku struck the ball perfectly. Magpies 18 – Wolves 0.
Both teams played exciting football which brought the crowd to their feet on a number of occasions. Throughout the half Magpie centre Josh Davis gained an impressive advantage over his opposite number Geoff Daniela. Davis was certainly a handful, running strongly and defending stoutly, often leaving Daniela in his wake.
In the 39th minute, after strong forward play, the Magpies set a scrum on the opposition’s 20 metre line. The backline set itself for one last raid for the half. In a set move, the ball was received by wide running second row forward Nu Akeripa who threw a flat pass to try scoring wizard Rhys Pritchard who dived into the corner for his 15th try of the season. Not an easy kick for Herekatukutuku, but once again he raised the flags. The teams left the field for a well earned break with the Magpies leading 24 – 0.
In the last game between these two teams, the Magpies took an impressive lead into the break; however the Wolves fought back and scored a converted try after the bell to draw the game. The boys were eager to prevent a repeat of this.
As with the first half, it did not take long for the Magpies to seize the moment. Magpies five-eight Brendan Waters collected the ball at pace before weaving his way through the Wolves in a 30 metre run before throwing a fine pass to Nu Akeripa who sprinted to the line, putting the ball under the black dot. Again the conversion was successful, but with a 30 – 0 lead the Magpie players fell into complacency and made a couple of unforced errors. To their credit, in an 8 minute period, the Wolves put on three unanswered tries, two of which were converted, reducing their deficit to 30 – 16\. Wolves play maker and former NRL star Craig Trindall had been brought into the attack and was instrumental in his teams’ turnaround.
A few words of encouragement were sent out by the Magpies head coach with an instant result. In the 24th minute centre Josh Davis, continuing his very impressive play, broke through the Wolves backs, running 35 metres before setting up wing three quarter Andrew Everingham who capped off a good game by scoring a try of his own. The conversion was successful, putting the Magpies back to a comfortable lead 36 -16.
Four minutes later quick hands by the inside men provided room for replacement back row forward Corey Vlaciky to cut through the Wolves defense to score a well deserved try. Herekatukutuku, in kicking his seventh goal of the day, increased the Magpies lead to 42 – 16.
The Magpies then put on a razzle dazzle display of football, whilst exciting, isn’t probably what the coaching staff wanted. The boy’s then returned to the style of play that had seen them put on seven converted tries with an almost immediate result. Big Nu Akeripa charged onto the ball, breaking trough tackle after tackle before throwing a sensational pass to Dean Collis who scorched the turf on his way to the try line. Fullback Charlie Herekatukutuku capped off a great kicking display by converting the Magpies 8th try of the day. His 100% goal kicking record on the day was very impressive, especially when you take into account the often windy conditions.
There was no doubt the quiet man, big Josh Davis took the points in his match up with the Wolves Geoff Daniela which resulted in him receiving the players’ player award. Head Coach Leo Epifania stated he was happy with the team’s performance, noting that Corey Vlaciky had played strongly in his first outing for two weeks.
General Manager Mr Kevin Hammond thanked the many Magpie supporters who came to the ground. He advised that their passionate support was greatly appreciated. He also expressed his pride in the performance of the players and encouraged one and all to come along to Henson Park for the Magpies very important match against the Jets.
Best for the Magpies – Dean Rysko, Corey Vlaciky and Nu Akeripa.
Match ball for player’s player – Josh Davis.
Scorers for the Magpies – 2 tries to Dean Collis, with 1 try each to Nathan Waters, Andrew Everingham, Nu Akeripa, Rhys Pritchard, Dean Rysko and Corey Vlaciky with Charlie Herekotukutuku kicking 8 goals from 8 attempts.
Next week – The Magpies play Newtown Jets at Henson Park on Saturday 8 August 2009 at 3pm.
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WEST’S MAGPIES MID YEAR GOLF DAY – THURSDAY 13 AUGUST 2009.
Venue: Camden Valley Golf Resort, Camden Valley Way, Catherine Field - one of our Districts finest golf courses. Packages are tailored to suit individuals or groups. The day includes breakfast with registration from 7.30am, shotgun start at 8.30am, a round of golf paired in a powered cart with GPS, drinks on course, golf ball for each player and a sensational lunch. There are many great prizes on offer with challenges such as nearest to the pin, longest drive and drive and chip plus novelty holes. For further information, please contact Tracey in West’s Magpies Office on 9601 2002 during business hours or ring Steve direct on 0423 454 661\. All monies raised will be used to further develop our junior rugby league players. No handicap required – we use the mystery nine scoring system.
