Round 4 NSW Cup Match Review

The Magpies traveled to the Central Coast to take on the Centurions who were
unbeaten after three rounds of the competition. The only changes to the
program were the inclusion of James Uhatafe on the wing and David Harris
coming off the bench to take the lock position. Puna Rasaubale moved to the
interchange.

The game was only five minutes old when the Centurions found the Magpies
short down the blind side. Quick hands followed which gave the opposition the
chance to move the ball down field before scoring a try adjacent to the posts.
With the conversion, Centurions 6 Magpies 0.

The game settled for the next ten minutes with both sides testing their
respective defensive lines. With ball in hand, the Magpies attacked the
Centurions try line. A quick thinking David Harris charged at the Centurions
forwards, drawing three of them to him. With players clinging on, he off loaded
to prop forward Michael Stolk who dived over the line. Half Rhys Lenarduzzi
claimed the extras, leveling the score at 6 all.

The Magpies dominated play for the next fifteen minutes or so, going close to
scoring on a couple of occasions. They kept the Centurions on the back foot
through strong runs by Blake Williamson, Rocky Trimarchi and David Harris. A
smart play followed before a rampaging Michael Stolk crossed under the posts
for his second try. Lenarduzzi’s conversion put the Magpies in front 12 to 6.

Unfortunately for the Magpies, this was to be their only points. In the final five
minutes or so of the first half, the Centurions put on 12 unanswered points to
take an 18 points to 12 lead into the break.

The second half was dominated by the Centurions. Poor ball control and wrong
options at times gave the opposition plenty of possession deep in the Magpies
half. Despised dogged defense, the Magpies could not prevent the Centurions
putting on three tries, running out winners 34 points to 12.

There was no doubt that the Magpies showed signs of improvement. They were
more than competitive in the first half; controlling long periods of play, but in the
end mistakes were too costly.

Scorers for the Magpies – Michael Stolk 2 tries, Rhys Lenarduzzi 2
conversions.

Leo’s best – Rocky Trimarchi and Troy O’Sullivan.

Next game – Magpies vs. Balmain Ryde Eastwood Tigers 3pm Saturday 9 April,
2011 Campbelltown Sports Stadium.