By DAN RYAN
The Magpies travelled to Canowindra over the weekend and delivered a strong showing across the grades, with wins in Youth League (22–16) and League Tag (16–20), but fell short in First Grade, going down 36–16 to the Tigers.
Despite the loss, First Grade Coach Phil Ingram remained optimistic, noting the team is refocusing ahead of the final stretch of the season.
“It was a tale of two halves,” Ingram said. “In my mind, the first half we were really good – we were dominant, sticking to our plan, putting Canowindra in the corners and defending really well.”
The second half, however, told a different story.
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“In that second half, ill discipline really had an impact and we allowed them to piggyback out of their half,” he said.
“We gave them some good balls that they didn’t even earn. We were just poor with our discipline in the second half and it really hurt us. We all know where we’re going wrong, it’s just a matter of getting out of a funk and turning it back around. We knew it was going to be a really tough game, and we were up for it.”
While First Grade came away empty-handed, the rest of the club celebrated strong performances in front of the crowd at Canowindra, including the Old Boys.
The Magpies’ season so far has been marked by solid performances with consistent wins and a growing sense of momentum heading into finals. That momentum has taken its toll, with the physicality of the matches beginning to show on the bodies of the first graders.
Ingram said a few players will be closely monitored this week ahead of their crucial clash with Manildra.
“Desi Doolan and Tommy Marsden might have done their hamstrings, so it’ll be something we’ll have to keep an eye on in training,” he said.
The team returns to Sid Kallas Oval this Sunday, August 3rd, for their final home game of the regular season against the defending premiers, the Manildra Rhinos.
Ingram praised the efforts of the younger squads and urged the local community to turn out in support.
“I wanted to congratulate the girls and the Youth League, they really played well,” he said.
“It’s a matter of us staying in the fight, staying in the grind.”
“It’ll be a really good day for people to get over there, support the team. We’re looking at another tough game, with Manildra being defending premiers. We want to build a bit of momentum going into the finals. The idea is to regroup, see how our injuries hold up and make sure we’re ready to go on Sunday.”
At the beginning of the game, participants and spectators from both Canowindra and Cowra stood for a moment's silence for Bill Newling, who sadly passed away, and his contribution to the club.
