ROUND 08/2010 - Mal Meninga Cup

A win was the only result to keep the Magpies dreams of making a top two finish fro 2010. It turned into something of a nightmare however. They encountered a red hot Devils outfit who made the job that much more difficult playing a number of Broncos 20s squad members in their line up. It was an education for the young Magpies to compete against players who have experienced a more senior competition.

Early promise was shown when the Magpies were first on the board. Again it came from a strong defensive set from the kickoff. From the ensuing scrum a shift of the ball saw Elisha Palupe crash through two defenders to place the ball over the tryline.

Sustained pressure from the Devils who were completing set after set combined with a smart kicking game had them on the scoreboard with three first half tries. Still there was self belief that controlling the football could put them back into the match. Defensively they were competing but were offering up too many opportunities.

This might have been the case but the Magpies came up with the opposite and turned over the football at an alarming rate. Against a massive Norths forward pack it proved to be disastrous. The juggernaut got on a roll around the ruck and was never effectively controlled. The extra effort in defence impacted on the attack with many of the sets incomplete after having to come from within their own 20. Norths full of energy were afforded good line speed and offered some liberties with the ground wrestle. The fitness and character of the Magpies was sorely tested.

A weary Magpies to their credit battled to the full time siren still trying to create something in attack. Nick Doyle and Mitchell Moore were the best of the black and white with Mitchell Cronin, Titako Sili and Kieran Battelly coming up with good support.

To top off the night the inspirational Tom Clark Kennedy retired with an injury that may keep him sidelined for some time. We all wish him a speedy comfortable recovery.