Match report NSW State Cup Semi Final - West’s Magpies vs. Wentworthville, Leichhardt Oval, Sunday 20 September 2009.
THE BOY’S ‘DONE GOOD.’
It is with mixed emotions that I present the final match report for the 2009 season after the Mighty Magpies went down fighting 26 points to 16 to the 2008 premiers, Wentworthville. Disappointment, yes, but when you consider three forwards from last weeks pack were injured, two others still unavailable for selection with hard working prop Alfred Betham replaced after only 20 minutes with a leg injury, the boys ‘done good’. In all fairness, perhaps these comments should be tempered by the fact that those who took the field made sure they were still leading Wentworthville with around 10 minutes left on the clock. The players could not have given any more!
Mr Kevin Hammond, General Manager, West’s Magpies addressed the players after the game. He told them that despite the loss, they should hold their heads high and be confident that they had displayed loyalty and commitment to their team mates and their Club, ensuring the finest traditions of the Club was maintained.
In putting a team together, head coach Leo Epifania found himself short on the interchange bench. Luckily, during the season he saw a number of Campbelltown Eagles games, who were competing in the Bundaberg Cup Competition, and had identified two young players who had the right skill level to be called into his squad for this very important semi final. He made the call, resulting in Dayne Craig and Amanono Tovio taking the opportunity to be part of West’s Magpies State Cup team.
On game day, the defending premiers fielded a very strong side but this did not daunt the Magpies confidence.
The Magpies certainly had the better of the early exchanges. After a testing 13 minute period Captain Nathan Waters spotted an opportunity on the flanks. He put up a well placed kick which was caught by the ever present Dean Rysko and despite the attention of a number of Wentworthville players he grounded the ball. Fullback Levi Freeman continued his fine goal kicking form, taking the additional two points.
After 20th minutes the Magpies suffered a major set back when hard running prop forward Alf Betham was assisted from the field with a leg injury. He would take no further part in the game.
In the 26th minute, the Wentworthville team attacked the blind side after noticing a Magpie player being treated in back play. The Magpies tried to fill the gap; however they were out maneuvered resulting in Wentworthville scoring a try in the corner. The conversion attempt was waved away, the score line read 6 points to 4 in favour of the Magpies.
Once could sense that the pressure applied by the Magpies would pay dividends and that was the case. With nine minutes left in the first half, prolific play maker Nathan Waters took ball in hand. After a jinking run he advanced towards the oppositions try line. Breaking through a tackled, his out reached hand planted the ball over the line. Freeman again added the extras.
Five minutes later, Waters was in the thick of it again. This time he put up a towering bomb. The opposition full back misjudged the kick, just what wing three quarter Andrew Everingham was sweating on. He swooped on the bouncing ball and crossed near the corner post for the Magpies third try. Freeman was unlucky with his next attempt with the ball striking the upright.
The opposition received a run of penalties and with one minute left to play in the half, the Magpies looked to have wrapped up an opposition runner. In what was considered by many to be a harsh penalty for a dubious strip, Wentworthville received another penalty. Stretched to the limit, the Magpies could not stop a try being scored with just seventeen seconds left on the clock. The conversion kick was successful with both teams leaving the field of play with the Magpies hanging onto a 16 point’s to 10 lead. The closeness of the score did not reflect the quality of the play displayed by the Magpies.
The second half saw the Magpies defend stoutly after the penalty count continued to climb. To their credit, and with replacement forwards diminished, they repelled the opposition’s offensive play. Although Wentworthville added points, it was not until about the 30th minute that they took the lead. Even at 20 points to 16, a come from behind win by the Magpies was still on the cards. The boy’s had opportunities, but when a player was sent to the sin bin they faced an up hill battle. In the closing stages, with a player short and the forwards extended to their limit, Wentworthville scored the final try of the day, resulting in a 26 points to 16 loss to the Magpies. One thing for sure, despite the adversity, the Mighty Magpies never gave up.
Leo Epifania advised that he was very proud of his team. He stated that they had dug deep with their effort deserving of a win. They put their bodies on the line for their mates and the Club. He could not have asked for any more. Epifania thanked Dayne Craig and Amanono Tovio for making themselves available to West’s Magpies senior team. He also thanked his staff for their hard work all year.
In closing, Mr Kevin Hammond recalled the words of pugilistic great, former heavy champion Joe Frazer who said, ‘If I go out today and loose, I will not feel bad as I have done everything I could possibly do to win.’ He stated this was exactly how he felt about the performance of the players – proud of every one of them. He thanked Leo Epifania, his coaching and support staff for the professional and passionate way the team had been prepared all season. He also thanked the Clubs loyal sponsors and supporters for their unwavering commitment.
Outgoing ball boy, Bradley Gallant received a warm round of applause, acknowledging his dedication during the year.
Best for the Magpies – Dean Rysko, Wayde Dunley and Faitotoa Asa.
Match ball for player’s player – Duan Poaneki.
Scorers for the Magpies – Dean Rysko 1 try, Nathan Waters 1 try and Andrew Everingham 1 try with Levi Freeman kicking 2 goals from 3 attempts.
