Before the biggest crowd of the season the Bellingen Dorrigo Magpies took on the Southwest Rocks Marlins at Dorrigo on Saturday . The game was a tough encounter with neither team giving an inch all game. Early on the Magpies were once again guilty of dropped passes which let the pressure off the Marlins and they looked likely to score on several occasions. Solid defence denied them the opportunity.
Halfway through the half, Seth Martin gathered a clever chip kick to put the Magpies on the board. He converted from the sideline to give the Magpies the lead 6 – 0. Not long after, the Marlins forwards made an impact running through the defence for the Marlins to equal up 6-6. Just before half time a slick back line movement saw Ronnie Baff touchdown for the Magpies. A successful conversion by Seth had the Magpies up 12-6 at the break.
The second half belonged to the Magpies as their forwards led by Zane and Corey Cross got on top of the opposition. Lachie French scoring early on, followed by Ronnie Baff scoring his second, both after some exciting plays. Both tries were converted on the Magpies looked comfortable at 24 – 6.
However, the Marlins would not go away and scored a converted try to bring them closer at 24 – 12. Magpies fullback Ryan Miller put the game in the bag for the Magpies after gathering a kick in his own goal and racing the length of the field to score one of his trademark tries. Seth successfully converted to see the Magpies win 20 – 12.
Thanks to the Marlins for making the trip up the mountain to make the day a successful one. Next week the Magpies also make a trip up the mountain to play Comboyne at Comboyne.