MAGPIES WIN TOUGH ENCOUNTER The Western Magpies returned to the winners list with a hard fought 25 point victory over an improving University of Queensland team at Chelmer on Saturday. The Magpies had to rejig the side before the first bounce with inform mid-fielder Ben Jaenke-Cain pulling up with a sore calf after a run on Friday and Mitch Stallard was recalled to the starting line-up. The Magpies also brought in Matt Hockley for his first match this year after impressive Reserves form and he did not disappoint with a best on ground performance in the midfield. Before a healthy crowd, the Magpies knew this was a danger game and their fears were realised early as UQ were quickly into stride to take the first quarter honours and may have been unlucky not to be further in front than their quarter time lead of 8 points. The second quarter was evenly fought but the Magpies started to get some cohesion into their game to wrest control from UQ to turn at the half way mark with a slender 7 point lead. The third quarter belonged to the Magpies as they booted 8 goals to open up a 6 goal lead late in the quarter to snuff out UQ’s hopes of a major upset . The final quarter was nip and tuck but the Magpies gave up some easy goals to see the final margin 4 goals. There were several episodes of undisciplined play by the Magpies resulting in 6x 50 metre penalties and a reversal of a free kick and this resulted in several UQ goals. Coach Glenn Humphrey was disappointed with this aspect of the game, saying he wants his side to be hard and tough at the ball but to play within the rules and spirit of the game and will emphasise this during the week. He also lamented that the side was not yet consistent in effort and after fighting back to get on top took the foot off the pedal in the last quarter –he says this is something they will not be able to afford against the top sides. That said, he was happy to get the 4 points in what did shape as a danger match and says the team has a lot of improvement to do which is the upside. However he commented that the Magpies again wasted possession at times but this week was an improvement over previous weeks. Matt Hockley showed his class with a polished display on his return to First grade with good disposal and smart reading of the play to set up many Pies forward sorties. Dom Beer was again good in ruck and around the ground to give the Pies midfield brigade plenty of opportunities to drive the ball forward. Vice-captain Richard Wenham sparked the second quarter fightback with two brilliant chase and tackles and he performed solidly in his best game to date this year. Another good performer was the consistent Val Pope, who rarely fumbler, has a unique ability to keep his feet in the contest and usually makes good decisions under pressure. Chris Hunt in defence and helping out in the ruck was good and his ability in the air and at ground level was top class. Billy Moorhead in midfield and across half back was also a consistent performer. Jordan Bain improved his accuracy this week with 4 long goals and Matt Thompson kicked 3 goals but his ability to pick out other forward options with foot when in traffic was a highlight. David Lewis was good on debut and he booted a goal with his first touch in First grade as well as setting up a goal with a pack splitting effort in the second quarter which pleased his coach. The Magpies meet Broadbeach next Saturday at Chelmer in what will be a match that will determine where they are in the QAFL pecking order—a win puts them in good stead heading to the half way mark of the season and a loss sees them back in the scramble for a top 5 position.
Posted on: Mon, 19 May 2014 05:41:09 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015