The Bellingen Valley Dorrigo Magpies took the long road trip to Laurieton last weekend. While the result was disappointing, the most encouraging thing was that nineteen players turned up to represent the club.
The Laurieton Stingrays have long been a member of the Hastings League and once again, their cohesion and defensive strategies proved to be too difficult for the Magpies to overcome. The Stingrays broke through the Magpie defence early on and scored two quick converted tries to make it 12 - 0.
The Magpies looked as though they had hit back with a try of their own midway through the first half, with a slick back line movement. But as centre Warren Jarrett was planting the ball over the try line, it was knocked from his grasp. Two minutes before half time, the Stingrays scored again to go to the break up 18 - 0.
After the break, the Magpies were on the attack, but a loose pass was intercepted and the Stingrays scored a length of the field try, which was successfully converted. Lack of discipline then let the Magpies down and led to the Stingrays, scoring another try to lead 34 - 0.
The resolve of the Magpies, however, did not falter and hard running front rower Caleb Rhodes crossed for a try late in the game. A successful conversion by Seth Martin left the final score 34 - 6 to the Stingrays.
The referee chose Blake O’Connor as the Magpie Best and Fairest for his hard running and solid defence.
Next week the Magpies play Lake Cathie at home.
Magpies match schedule round 7