Mixed Results for Magpies

Cowra Magpies were on a lightning bolt winning streak on Sunday with the Under 18’s steam rolling Mudgee winning 30-4. Gary Cheng fired up the momentum with the first try for the Magpies followed by Bill Statham and Daniel Hatch. Charlie Jefferies pushed through in the last few minutes to score the final try. With Mikey McNamara’s continuous successful conversions the magpies set the bar for the Senior League tag girls who took to the field with an air of determination.

The girls were a force to be reckoned with, holding Mudgee back from the try line. Their defence remained strong throughout the first half preventing Mudgee from scoring. Despite the drop ball and costly control errors, Jade Laham crashed through to score the first try with 5 mins left of the first half. Emily Brown broke the line to score a try in the second half followed by Courtney Gambrill who fought impressively to score for Cowra. With 6 mins left on the clock Taliah Williams flexed her skill taking the ball out wide to score. The Magpies walked away victorious at 16-0.

Spirits were high as Reserve Grade hit the ground running against Mudgee. Issac Jones broke through with their first try and Thomas Rose successfully converted, but Mudgee were fast to counter bringing the board to 6-4. An error from Mudgee saw Todd Pangas capitalise with a try followed by a William Ingram who surged through Mudgees line to score. Magpies came out guns blazing in the second half, but a forward pass cost Tyrone Eastwood the crucial try. While Cowra held Mudgee well, the red and white pushed the Magpies back and broke their defence, seeing the score break even with 10 mins left on the clock. With the spectators on their feet cheering, and encouragement flying from captain coach Josh Newling the Magpies fought hard to hold their position. In the final minutes Mudgee slipped through, breaking the stronghold to score. Although Cowra came so close, they narrowly missed the win to Mudgee 26-20.

By Jamie-Lee Farley

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• Rugby League