Last Saturday the Magpies took the road trip to Long Flat in the Upper Hastings. The field was a replica of the old graveyard, with a fair downhill run in the second half. A little under strength, with just fifteen players, the game ended up a close encounter with both teams resolute in defence. Long Flat were the first to score in the tenth minute through a clever kick return. A successful conversion took them to a 6-0 lead. The Magpies then had a try disallowed for a forward pass however they crossed for a try soon after, with Blake O’Connor putting in a clever chip kick for Seth Martin to gather and cross for a try 6-4. Nearing half time Long Flat scored another try, breaking through a tiring defence. A successful conversion had them leading 12-4.
The second half saw play sea soaring from one end of the field to the other. The Magpies closing the gap in the thirteenth minute through a Blake O’Connor intercept and a successful conversion by Seth Martin 12-10. However, the comeback stalled with Long Flat scoring late in the half to run out winners 18-10.
The previous week the Magpies travelled to Coramba to play the Orara Valley Axeman in the annual grudge match. Things were pretty fiery from the start and the hits and tackles were very solid. This resulted in a melee early on that had a player from each team sent off. Halfway through the half Seth Martin scored a try for the Magpies to take the lead 4-0. The Axemen hit back with two tries of their own, one of which was converted for them to have the lead 10-4. The Magpies then switched to attack mode with Zach Young scoring twice. Both conversions had to be taken in front of the many Orara players back for their annual get together and this proved to be a little difficult. The Magpies leading 12-10 at the break.
Orara Valley scored early in the second half to retake the lead 14-12 . Things looked bad for the Magpies when they were down to eleven players with two in the sin bin and the Axeman taking advantage of this to score two unconverted tries, 22-10. When the Magpies were back to full strength, they showed a lot of resolve and set about bridging the gap. Ryan Miller slicing through a gap to score 16-22, Josh Ludwig crossing after a slick backline movement 22-22 and Wok Craig scoring late in the game. Seth Martin converting the last two for the Magpies to run out 28 to 22 winners.
