Thursday, March 29, 2012

ORDER YOUR WESTS TIGERS HERITAGE JERSEYS

Supporters can now purchase the fantastic new Wests Tigers Heritage jerseys for 2012.
Wests Tigers have released Western Suburbs Magpies and Balmain Tigers heritage jerseys which will be worn by the NRL side in two matches this year.
The jerseys retail for $160.

ORDER YOUR HERITAGE JERSEY

The Magpies heritage jersey will be worn when Wests Tigers tackle arch rivals South Sydney at Allianz Stadium on Sunday, April 1, at 3pm, to co-incide with the NRL’s Heritage Round.

BUY TICKETS

The match will mark the 60th anniversary of the 1952 Grand Final when Western Suburbs defeated South Sydney.



The Western Suburbs and Balmain heritage jerseys are available online, at Wests Tigers Gearzone stores at Concord Oval and Macarthur Square (Level 1) near the NRMA.
BUY TICKETS

TOMMY RECALLS HIS EARLY BATTLES


Western Suburbs Magpies icon Tommy Raudonikis has recalled his first ever game of rugby league in Sydney.

As part of the build up to the Round 5 Men of League Heritage Round clash between Wests Tigers and South Sydney at Allianz Stadium on Sunday, April 1, weststigers.com.au will feature a series of yarns from some of the great players from Western Suburbs Magpies and the Rabbitohs as they recall the memories of yesteryear.

In this article, Raudonikis recalls how he came to Sydney in 1969 from Wagga after finishing his apprenticeship in the air force.

“My first game in Sydney was against South Sydney. It was in reserve grade. I only played 2 reserve grade games before making first grade.

“I’ll never forget that day at Redfern Oval. Here was this young spoilt kid that was playing against this great South Sydney side. There was Kevin Longbottom and Ivan Jones and we got beaten 45-0. I said to myself, ‘what am I doing here in Sydney’.



“I then had one more game in reserve grade against Parramatta. Noel Kelly came up to me at training and said he wanted to see me outside.

"So I went outside and he said ‘son, you are in first grade. But I want you to go and get a photo of yourself now because the way you play football, you are not going to look bloody like that no more’.

“That’s how I got into grade. I have no teeth now. They are all false but geez, it was great.”

Raudonikis will be one of more than 200 former Western Suburbs players attending the annual Magpies Re-union at Allianz Stadium on Sunday, April 1.

The Round 5 Heritage clash against South Sydney sees Wests Tigers celebrating the 60th anniversary of the 1952 grand final between the Magpies and South Sydney.

It was the last first grade premiership won by the Magpies. Wests Tigers players will wear the Western Suburbs heritage strip with the winning team receiving the inaugural Men of League Cup.

BUY TICKETS FOR HERITAGE ROUND MATCH
ORDER YOUR HERITAGE JERSEY
LEARN MORE ABOUT MEN OF LEAGUE FOUNDATION

28/03/2012 5:04:22 PM

MAGPIES GREATS SET FOR BIG RE-UNION

Some of the finest players to ever pull on the Western Suburbs Magpies jersey will be attending the annual Pratten Park Magpies Re-union at Allianz Stadium on Sunday, April 1.
The re-union is set to attract more than 200 former Magpies players and will be held for the very first time on a Wests Tigers match day.

As part of the day’s entertainment in the build up to the Round 5 Heritage clash against South Sydney, Wests Tigers will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the 1952 grand final between the Magpies and South Sydney.
Western Suburbs beat South Sydney 22-12 in one of the toughest grand finals ever contested. It was the last first grade premiership the Magpies won.

Western Suburbs Test internationals Harry Wells, Tommy Raudonikis, Arthur Summons, Noel Kelly, John Elford, John Dorahy and Jim Leis are just some of the names attending the re-union to be held at the SCG Members Bar.

The former Magpies players will also be introduced to the crowd at Allianz Stadium prior to the NRL kick-off at 3pm. Wests Tigers will wear the Magpies heritage jersey for the match.

Other Magpies players attending include Bill Keato, Neville Charlton, John ‘Chow’ Hayes, Jim Tody, Ray Brown, Ray Costello, Bob Cooper, Trevor Cogger, Peter Rowles, Allan Fallah, Ivan Jones, Darcy Russell, Tony Ford, Mick Liubinskas and Cherry Mescia.

Wests Tigers and South Sydney will battle for the inaugural Men of League Cup with officials expecting a crowd of more than 30,000 for the game.

Wests Tigers have also come up with a special $10 ticket offer exclusively for former grade players from any clubs in the NSWRL, ARL, Super League and NRL eras.

BUY TICKETS FOR HERITAGE ROUND MATCH
ORDER YOUR HERITAGE JERSEY
LEARN MORE ABOUT MEN OF LEAGUE FOUNDATION

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Match Report Rnd 4 NSW Cup Wests v Illawarra

The Western Suburbs Magpies suffered one of their most humiliating defeats in their long and proud history going down to the Illawarra Cutters by 76 to 16 at Campbelltown Stadium. The Cutters scored 13 tries with Bronx Goodwin continuing the nightmare the magpies have with opposition fullbacks this year when he scored 3 tries and booted 12 goals from 13 attempts for a personal tally of 36 points.

The Cutters were full of running throughout the entire game and were able to cross the advantage line with ease whereas the magpies struggled to break the defences of Illawarra with 2 of their 3 tries coming from kicks in behind the defensive line.

Illawarra opened the scoring in the 7th minute after their forward pack made inroads into the magpie forwards and former Souths and Parramatta halfback, Jeremy Smith delivered a neat pass for Bronx Goodwin to run through a narrow gap to score the first of his 3 tries of the afternoon. He missed the conversion of his own try but it was the only shot a goal he would miss for the day.
Illawarra scored again in the 13th minute after a scrum win on Wests 30 metre line. Hooker Damien Cook scored after he was able to struggle through tackles in a detemined run from dummy half. Goodwin added the extras for the Cutters to go to a 10-0 lead. It was now becoming apparent that halfback Jeremy Smith was being given too much latitude in attack by Wests and their marker defence was simply not up to scratch but the next Illawarra try to front rower Jack Stockwell at the 15 minute mark was just a simple run first off the ruck from 5 metres out for an easy 4 pointer which Goodwin turned into 6.At the 21 minute mark, the Cutters again exposed the poor marker defence of Wests when hooker Damien Cook took off from dummy half on the Wests 40 metre line to outpace the defence and link up with former Canberra Raider forward Josh Miller who scored besides the posts. Goodwin added the extra for Illawarra to lead 22-0.
More embarrassing defensive lapses by Wests came at the 27th minute when Jarrod Thompson strolled through some very poor attempted tackles and found a willing runner in Jack Stockwell to score another easy try. With the conversion by Goodwin, the score was now 28-0 but the scoring wasn't over yet for Illawarra with halfback Jeremy Smith receiving the ball on Wests 30 metre line on an angled run and was able to slice through the defense with ease to score at the 31st minute mark. The conversion made the score 34-0 and another thrashing was unfolding before a very disheartened magpie faithfull.

However the magpies were able to strike back in the 37th minute after a rare Illawarra mistake when the pass was ruled forward on their 30 metre line. After winning the scrum, big forward Seffa Silafu was held up over the tryline and from the ensuing play the ball, a neat little chip kick over the defensive line by Nigel Millgate saw replacement front rower Todd Makejev pounce on the ball ingoal under the posts. Trent Touma converted to make the score 34-6 in favour of Illawarra and that remained the score at halftime.

There was little that Wests coach Trevor Schodel could say at the break to his charges except that Wests must improve their defense if they had any chance of remaining competitive. However it didn't take Illawarra long to again burst through some ordinary Wests defense with former Ipswich player, Jacob Ling scoring in the 45th minute after a great run by veteren journeyman Ray Cashmere who brushed aside would be tacklers. The conversion was successful and it was now 40-6. Then just 2 minutes later, winger Josh Goulton scored a magnificant solo try. After receiving a terrific cutout pass on Wests 40 metre line, he step out of tackle after tackle running along the sideline before cutting back inside where he evaded the oncoming defense, then almost barrelled a team mate out of the way to score under the posts. Extras were added and it was now 46 to 6. At the 54th minute the Magpies dropped the ball on their 30 metre line and from the resulting play, Bronx Goodwin scored his second try of the afternoon by outpacing the defense for a soft try. He converted his own try and Illawarra had eached the half century 52-6.

To their credit, Wests hit back at the 58th minute when that man, Aaron Sweeney, who never gave up in defense or attack scored a well deserved try. A well placed chip kick towards the wing by Nigel Millgate on Illawarra's 40 metre line was caught on the full by a flying Dale Roberts who passed inside to Aaron who sprinted the final 10 metres to the tryline. Trent Touma added the extras and the score was now 52-12.
However, the euphoria for Wests was short lived. Again, paper thin defense resulted in Illawarra scoring in the 63rd minute when Jake Marketo was on hand to take the final pass after Stockwell burst through on Wests 40 metre line. With the conversion it was 58-12.

Wests scored in the 66th minute after receiving a penalty on the Cutter's 20 metre line. Dean Parata was held up over the line. When play was taken back to the 10 metre line, Lionel O'Malley surprised the defense when he scooted from dummy half without a hand being laid on him. The conversion attempted went wide.

Illawarra scored further tries in the 71st minute to Jarrod Farlow, the 75th minute which came from a dropped ball on the half way line was picked up by David Gower and given to Damien Cook who sprinted 40 meters to score under the posts and in the last 20 seconds by Bronx Goodwin after an easy run from dummy half by Cook highlighted the poor marker defense.

Western Suburbs will have a lot of soul searching to do over the coming weeks and will be relived to have the bye next week. Lional O'Malley and Dean Parata continue to shine in a disappointing outfit whilst Aaron Sweeney never stopped trying. Big centre Henry Iuta was an exception in defense with some brutal hits but was placed on report for a high tackle at the 69 minute mark.

For the Cutters, it was their second win on the trot and their forwards led by Ray Cashmere, David Gower and Jack Stockwell played all over their counterparts. Jeremy Smith was busy and created opportunities out wide and hooker Damien Cook took advantage of some very sloppy marker defense.

Wests
1 Michael La Manna
2 Sharlon Taki
3 Dale Roberts
4 Henry Iuta
5 Daniel Perkins
6 Trent Touma
7 Nigel Millgate (c)
8 Jay Maseuli
9 Lional O'Malley
10 Aaron Sweeney
11 John Leiataua
12 Seffa Silafu
13 Tom Morrison
Interchange
14 Dean Parata
15 Daniel La Manna
16 Mundarra Weldon
21 Todd Makejev

Illawarra
1 Bronx Goodwin
2 Josh Goultain
3 Chase Stanley
4 Lulia Lulia
5 Denan Kemp
6 Jake Marketo
7 Jeremy Smith
8 Ray Cashmere (c)
9 Damien Cook
10 Jack Stockwell
11 David Gower
12 Jacob Ling
20 Josh Miller
Interchange
15 Jarrod Thompson
16 Jarrod Farlow
17 Mark Asquith
13 Will Matthews

Illawarra 76 (Goodwin 3, Cook 2, Stockwell 2, Miller, Smith, Ling, Goulton, Marketo, Farlow tries: Goodwin 12 goals) d Wests 16 (Makejev, Sweeney, O'Malley tries: Touma 2 goals)

Half time : Illawarra 34 Wests 6

In the earlier games, Wests defeated Canberra in Harold Matthews 38-18 whilst Canberra defeated Wests in SG Ball 62-6.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

The Macarthur Tavern

The Macarthur Tavern has come on board with the Magpies in 2012. 

One of Campbelltown's newest and best place to go for recreation and leisure. Whatever type of person you are you will find a spot, or a night, where you can enjoy yourself. Whether it is with your mates, you're partner or your family the Macarthur Tavern is the place to be. The Mac is proving to be a venue of pure pleasure and unfaltering hospitality. Drop in, Say hello to Steve the licensee when you visit.

Corner Gilchrist Drive & Kellicar Road
Campbelltown, NSW, 2156

Magpies Player Reunion


Calling ALL Ex-Players of the Western Suburbs Magpies.

The Western Suburbs District Rugby League Football Club Ltd's Annual Players Reunion will take place
on Sunday 1st April 2012, coinciding with the NRL's Heritage Round where Wests Tigers will be paying
homage to the 50th Anniversary of the Magpies 1952 Premiership Victory over South Sydney.

The Pratten Park Magpies is an Association run by former players of the Magpies who are keeping the
Magpie Spirit alive and well and are encouraging all former players of the club, from every era to attend
and become members of the not only the Western Suburbs District Rugby League Football Club but also
the Pratten Park Magpies.

The Reunion will take place at 11am at the Members Bar at the SCG where a luncheon will be held. At
1.30pm, former players will proceed across the Allianz (formerly known as the SFS) Stadium onto the
field with the members of 1952 Western Suburbs and South Sydney Premierships teams.

Wests Tigers will be organising a bus that will be leaving Wests Ashfield Leagues Club at 10am Sharp for
the Reunion. Players attending are also welcome to make their own way to the Reunion on the day.
Cost is $40.00 which will include lunch, drinks and entertainment.

For further information contact
The President of the Pratten Park Magpies - John 'Chow' Hayes on 9972-0019

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

LEGENDS LAUNCH MEN OF LEAGUE 'HERITAGE ROUND' CLASH

Some of rugby league’s greatest names were at Allianz Stadium today to launch the Wests Tigers versus South Sydney Round 5 Heritage Match.

Western Suburbs Magpies legends Tommy Raudonikis, Bob Cooper and Andrew Leeds were joined by Souths greats John Sattler, Bob McCarthy, George Piggins and Eric Simms for a lively panel debate about the battles of yesteryear between the two clubs.

Rugby league media identity Graeme Hughes from 2SM Talkin Sport hosted the event.
The Round 5 Heritage Round match between Wests Tigers and South Sydney Rabbitohs will be played at Allianz Stadium on Sunday, April 1, at 3pm.

The teams will be playing for the inaugural Men of League Cup with officials expecting a crowd of more than 30,000 for the game.

The theme of the match is the 60 year anniversary of the 1952 Grand Final between Western Suburbs Magpies and South Sydney. It was the last first grade premiership won by the Magpies.

Wests Tigers will wear the Magpies heritage jersey for the match.

As part of the day’s festivities, the annual Wests Magpies Reunion will be held in the SCG Members Bar before the former players do a lap of honour at the SFS prior to the NRL game.

Wests Tigers have also come up with a special $10 ticket offer exclusively for former grade players from any clubs in the NSWRL, ARL, Super League and NRL eras.

A Dance Spectacular, featuring more than 650 kids, will be performed at half-time of the NRL game.

BUY TICKETS FOR HERITAGE ROUND MATCH
ORDER YOUR HERITAGE JERSEY
LEARN MORE ABOUT MEN OF LEAGUE FOUNDATION



Wests Tigers v Canberra - Campbelltown - Monday

Wests Tigers wish to advise Members and fans of the following information ahead of the Round 4 match against the Canberra Raiders at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Monday 26 March.
TICKETS
Tickets are still available for the match. Buy them online by clicking on the link below:
BUY TICKETS
Match Day Schedule
Gates open 4.15pm
U20s Kick-off 4.45pm
NRL Kick-off 7pm
The ticket collection point will be at the Leumeah Road entrance.

JUNIOR LEAGUE PASSES
Junior League passes will be accepted. Please ensure your Junior League passes are activated prior to Wednesday 21 March in accordance with the condition of the passes.

CORPORATE HOSPITALITY
There are just two Corporate Suites remaining for this match. To make a booking, please email cayres@weststigers.com.au or call 8741 3300.
Additionally, there are some great packages available for our Round 5 and 6 match ups v Rabbitohs and Broncos.

MERCHANDISE
The Wests Tigers Official Merchandise Van will be located inside the Pembroke Road entrance in addition to a merchandise marquee inside the Leumeah Road entrance.
There will also be 10% off all merchandise sold at the game so why not get yourself in Wests Tigers colours and help cheer the boys home!
Alternatively SHOP ONLINE HERE

TRANSPORT
All supporters are encouraged to travel to the match via public transport. For up to date travel information for buses, ferries and trains, please CLICK HERE
Leumeah train station is located just a short walk away from Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
There is a limited amount of disability parking available. To enquire about availability and/or to make a booking, please call Chapin Ayres on 8741 3316 on the week of the match. All requests must be made before Thursday 22 March at 4pm.

MATCH DAY SPONSORS
We welcome the Sunday Telegraph & Daily Telegraph as our proud Match Day Sponsors. For all of Sydney's latest stories and pictures including business, sport, entertainment and more visit http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/

ENTERTAINMENT
This week we will be celebrating Chris Heighington equalling the Club record for the most first grade games for Wests Tigers. Chris will join John Skandalis on 185 games and as recognition for reaching this milestone, we will be paying tribute to Chris in a number of ways at the game.
In addition to the above, we’ll also have our Wests Tigers Junior Pom team perform for us as well as the four piece band, Sons of Mercury, who are our first winners of the Homeground Heroes competition.
At half time of the NRL there will be another exciting Junior Relay and the new Vogue Financial “Pick a Jersey or Box” promotion.
Throughout the evening, all the kids will have access to face painting and a jumping castle to enjoy!

COMMUNITY - EXODUS FOUNDATION CAN DRIVE
Look out for the Wests Tigers Community Tent at the Leumeah Rd entrance and donate a canned food item to the ‘one CAN make a difference’ campaign.
The campaign is run in conjunction with Premium Charity Partners the Exodus Foundation and encourages all Wests Tigers Members and fans to bring along a canned food item to the game to donate to Exodus Foundation.
The cans will help Exodus Foundation run their Loaves and Fishes restaurant in Ashfield, nightly food van in the city and their food distribution program.

Wests Tigers - 2012 Magpie Heritage Jersey

In Round 5, the Wests Tigers will wear a 1952 inspired Western Suburbs Magpies style jersey. You can buy one yourself from Wests Tigers online shop or at GearZone in Macarthur Square.



Go to the online shop now.
http://www.weststigers.com.au/default.aspx?s=shopitem&cid=19&shopitemid=1356

SPECIAL TICKET OFFER FOR PAST PLAYERS

Wests Tigers have come up with a special ticket offer for former grade players for the round 5 Men of League Heritage Round match. Past grade players from the NSWRL, ARL, Super League and NRL eras will be able to purchase $10 tickets to the match against South Sydney on Sunday, April 1, at Allianz Stadium at 3pm. The tickets will provide general admission access to the match and a limit of 6 tickets per transaction will apply. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketek and you will need to enter the password provided through the Men of League database. If you are on the Men of League database you will receive this code via email. Should you not receive this email, please contact Wests Tigers on (02) 8741 3300 to receive the password.
The teams will be playing for the inaugural Men of League Cup with officials expecting a crowd of more than 30,000 for the game. Former league greats Tommy Raudonikis, John Sattler, Bob McCarthy and George Piggins were on hand at Allianz Stadium to launch the Men of League Cup. The theme of the match is the 60 year anniversary of the 1952 Grand Final between Western Suburbs Magpies and South Sydney. It was the last first grade premiership won by the Magpies. Wests Tigers will wear the Magpies heritage jersey for the match. As part of the day’s festivities, the annual Wests Magpies Reunion will be held in the SCG Members Bar before the former players do a lap of honour at the SFS prior to the NRL game. A Dance Spectacular, featuring more than 650 kids, will be performed at half-time of the NRL game.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Match Report Rnd 3 NSW Cup Wests v Auckland

Wests Magpies played their first home game of the year at Campbelltown with a small but vocal crowd on hand to cheer on the magpies. However, Auckland proved too strong, winning their first game of the season 42 to 20 with fullback Glenn Fisiiahi finishing the afternoon with an incredible six tries in a beautiful display of support play. Fisiiahi was the star but halfback Pita Godinet was also superb.

The magpies welcomed backed back rower Soni Passi, after starting the season with Wests Tigers U20s, and former Windsor Wolves fullback Zoram Watene also joined the magpies during the week as injuries played havoc on the young magpies outfit.

The first 15 minutes was a scrappy affair from both sides but it was the Vulcans who opened the scoring after a dropped ball by Wests centre Dale Roberts. From the ensuing scrum, the Vulcans worked their way towards the line, with front rower Herman Retzlaff brushing aside defenders with ease to score. A graduate of last year's premiership winning U/20s Warriors outfit, Dylan Collier added the extras for Auckland to take a 6-0 lead. Glen Fisiiahi scored the first of his 6 tries at the 26 min mark. The Vulcans were able to keep the ball alive on the Wests 40m line before a flat pass at best found its way to Fisiiahi which saw him run 30 metres to score. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful. Four minutes later and Fisiiahi scored his second try. After some dubious handling near their own goal line, the Vulcans were able to withstand some solid magpie defence before finding a gap out on the left hand side, where Fisiiahi dashed away to score, with the conversion attempt finding the mark.

In the blink of an eye, Auckland were in again. Wests were ruled offside from the kickoff and from the tap kick, a determined run by Agnatuis Passi saw him find a flying Pita Godinet, who was pulled down agonisingly short of the line. From the play the ball, Sam Louis was able to barge across. Collier added the extras and it was 22-0 which remained the score to the half time break.

Glen Fisiiahi then stepped up in an incredible nine minute period scoring four consecutive tries. The first came just six minutes into the second stanza after a dropped ball by Wests on their 30 metre line. From the scrum, Godinet found Fisiiahi who skipped around the defence and bolted to the tryline, although the conversion attempt was unsuccessful. From the kick off, Auckland made easy metres up the middle and on the second tackle, the Wests defence was unable to put Godinet to ground and he was able to get up and advance the play over the half way line before picking out Fisiiahi from the support. Collier again missed the conversation but it was 30-0 and another big score was looming against the Magpies. Incredibly, again from the kick off, the Vulcans were able to score within the first set of 6 tackles and again the Vulcans number seven was the catalyst. Godinet drifted towards the sideline and found an unmarked Ruben Williams who drew a gallant Magpie fullback before finding Fisiiahi for yet another try. Collier was on target and the score went to 36-0. With their confidence sky high just before the hour, Auckland tossed the ball around like the NZ Warriors of 2002 as Wests failed to lock up the ball. The ball went through several sets of hands before finding Fisiiahi who scored an almost unbelieveable sixth try near the posts. Collier converted and it was 42-0, and many in the crowd were thinking it was only a matter of time before Auckland reached 50. However, some gallant magpie defence ensured they scored no further points in the game. Instead, the crowd voiced their approval with the Wests fightback, which began on 63 minutes. After receiving a penalty on the Auckland 30m line, the Magpies ground their way into the red zone area, with Nigel Millgate putting in a perfectly weighted kick for Zoram Watene to touch down and open Wests account for the afternoon. Trent Touma added the extras and it was 42-6. Wests second rower Seffa Silafu was moved to the centres early in the second half by coach Trevor Schodel and scored a superb try after 71 minutes.Inspired by the confidence of their opponents handling, Wests capitalised on a dropped ball by flinging the ball to Silafu, who took on the defence and found Dale Roberts on the wing. With the defence closing in, Roberts returned the favour to Silafu, who lumbered along for the final 15 metres to find the line. The conversion was unsuccessful. Wests were in again on 73 minutes on the back of a penalty. A great run by former Canterbury U20's player, Lional O'Malley ended 10 metres out from the Vulcans tryline and from the play the ball, former Moree Boomerangs player, Mundarra Weldon scored out wide. Touma added the extra and the score was Auckland 42 Wests 16. The final try came with three minutes to play, when Wests won a rare scrum against the feed on the Vulcans 20 metre line. Trent Touma then touched down off a nicely weighted kick to round out the afternoon.Touma missed the conversion to his own try, leaving the Vulcans on top at the final siren by 42-20.

Although there were signs of improvement from the previous weekend, Wests coach Trevor Schodel could not hide his disappointment. Wests were again guilty of dropped balls, missed tackles and failure to lock up the ball in tackles, which allowed Vulcans halfback Pita Godinet too much lattitude with the ball. Wests were good in patches, particularly the final 20 minutes, with Dean Parata and Lionel O'Malley making ground around the ruck and big men Aaron Sweeney and Jay Maseuli taking the ball up with gusto for the whole game, while Seffa Silafu was proved a handful whenever he had the ball. Wests may lose winger Merv Williamson to an ankle injury for next week.

In earlier games, Wests lost the Harold Matthews 28-0 to Penrith and the SG Ball also lost to the Panthers, 26-24.

Wests play again at Campbelltown next Saturday 24th March against newcomers, Illawarra Cutters, commencing at 3pm.

Auckland 42 (Glen Fisiiahi 6, Herman Retzlaff, Sam Lousi tries: Dylan Collier 5 goals) def Wests 20 (Zoram Watene, Seffa Silafu, Mundarra Weldon, Trent Touma tries: Trent Touma 2 goals).

Wests
1 Zoram Watene
2 Merv Williamson
3 Dale Roberts
4 Aaron Teariki
5 Daniel Perkins
6 Trent Touma
7 Nigel Millgate (c)
8 Jay Maseuli
9 Lionel O'Malley
10 Aaron Sweeney
11 John Leiatauna
12 Seffa Silafu
16 Alan Daly
Interchange
14 Dean Parata
20 Munderra Weldon
21 Soni Passi
25 Henry Iuta

Auckland
1 Glen Fisiiahi
2 Dylan Collier
3 Ivarn Penehe
19 Rubin Williams
5 Willie Peace
6 Steve Waetford
7 Pita Godinet
8 Herman Retzlaff
14 Alehana Mara
20 Daniel Palavi
11 Agnatius Passi
12 Sam Lousi
15 Tevita Latu
Interchange
16 Arden McCarthy
17 Murray Iti
10 Siulongoua Fotofili
21 Henry Chan Ting

Monday, March 12, 2012

Magpies are Food Lovers Too

If you're a food lover, we've got the answer to spicing up every meal!
That is why thank the Food Lovers Market at Morebank for coming on board to support the Magpies in 2012.







At the Food Lover's Market, you won't just find your 'run of the mill' or generic products that you could find anywhere. We've gone the extra mile and re-invented the art of convenience shopping. Our Fresh-Cuts team produces, fresh, every morning specialty items that make The Food Lover's Market tailored to Food Lovers of every extraction. If or when you lack the time to slice each individual vegetable to prepare a meal, then we've got you covered. Those last minute thoughts of desperation, 'What can I make in five minutes?!' will no longer be desperate after visiting The Food Lover's Market. Convenience shopping at The Food Lover's Market means nothing but quality and economy. We want your cooking experience to benefit from our products, which is why our specialty items are fashioned around making the chef more efficient in every situation!















Fruit and Vegetables - The foundation of a healthy diet, and our business

While the Food Lover's Market is not just a fruit store, fruit and vegetables are the building blocks of our business. As a result, we take our quality and presentation very seriously. When walking into our store you will b

e confronted with beautiful and aesthetically designed displays which will do nothing but leave you awe-struck.
The aim

of The Food Lover's Market is to get you excited about food! If your previous experiences of food markets have left you walking out disappointed, without a spring in your step nor a smile on your face, then give The Food Lover's Market a try and let us indulge you!





Indulge in tastes from every country in the world!

Our purpose at the Food Lover's Market Delicatessen is to give you the best quality cold cut meat, cheese and general delicacies that are not only Australian made, but sought after by food lovers of every racial extraction. We've searched the globe to find the best tasting specialty products, however we haven't neglected the excellence of Australian made products.
Not only do we offer the best in delicatessen products, we will go the extra mile and cater for your function or gathering, make a platter of fresh fruit or cold meats and specialty products. To contact us and organise catering for an event or make an inquiry about a specific list of the products we have, please contact us.


"We're pleased to meet you, with meat to please you!"

We specialise in the following:
Pork
Lamb
Beef
Veal
Wagyu
Chicken With the best quality meat, great service and fair prices we're ready and waiting to rewrite your interpretation of a visit to the butcher when you visit us.













"When you fish at Food Lover's Market, you've always caught the right fish!"

The Food Lover's Market's got all of your seafood needs covered. Let us indulge your love for fish with our fresh whole fish, succulent fillets, mouth-watering crustaceans and freshly shucked live oysters!
Seafood is a delicacy and we treat it as such, we are driven to give you the best experience when buying, preparing and eating fresh fish. We strive to provide you with friendly service, which is enriched by the atmosphere of our fresh fish displays which we know will send you home with an unending smile on your face. Our service is complimented by an ample knowledge of preparation and cooking techniques which are readily available through our take home recipes, which we hope will instil you with the skills to bring out the best flavour in each fish. We use only the freshest Australian Seafood with over 100 commercial species, sold and processed. Dealing with all aspects of the Australian coastlines, including Sydney Fish Markets.
If you're looking for a fish store to go to the extra effort for you, then look no further, no matter what your speciality is, we'll make it our own.

Contacting us is easy...

Phone: (02) 9612 9612
Address: 228 Newbridge Rd, Moorebank NSW 2170.
Trading Hours: 8am-7pm every day, seven days a week.


http://www.foodloversmarket.com.au

Return to Lidcombe T-Shirts On Sale Now!

Our fantastic Return to Lidcombe Oval t-shirts are now available to purchase from the Magpies Online Shop.

The shirts celebrate the Western Suburbs Magpies first competition game back at Lidcombe since they left for Campbelltown at the end of 1986.

The shirts have printed on the back the names of the Magpies and Manly players from the epic Fibros v Silvertails clash at the oval back in 1978.


Secure your bit of history and buy a shirt today!

Just $25 each or $22 for members (+ $8 postage and handling)

http//www.westsmagpies.com.au/shop

And remember, every cent of profit from the sales goes directly to the club!

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Match Report -VB NSW Cup Round 2 - Wests v Wenty

The Western Suburbs magpies suffered one of their heaviest defeats in recent memory going down to a more vastly experienced Wentworthville side at Ringrose Park containing NRL players Luke Burt, Justin Horo & Shane Shackleton. Then final scoreline of 64 to 10 gave a true indication of the difference between the two sides with Wests having no one with any NRL experience and only a handful who have played at NSW Cup level.

Former Wests magpies junior and Wests Tigers U20 fullback, Jake Mullaney scored 4 tries in a wonderful display while Luke Burt ended the day with 24 points from 2 tries and 8 goals.

Wentworthville scored after only 3 mins when a Wests player was bundled into touch trying to clean up a kick from Wenty. From the ensuing scrum win, another former Wests junior, Brendan Waters linked upwith Justin Horo in a simple run-a-round and then a passed to an unmarked Troy Savage to open the scoring. Burt missed the conversion from out wide.
Wests, to their credit however hit back almost immediately. Luke Burt tried a grubber kick on the Wests 30m line but the kick landed in the arms of winger Aaron Teariki who sprinted down the sideline only to be brought down a few metres from the tryline by Waters. From the ensuing play the ball, chain passing along the backline resulted in a try in the opposite corner by Henry Iuta.
The joy was shortlived however when Jake Mullaney scored the first of his 4 tries for the afternoon at the 12 minute mark. Poor marker defence saw Wenty hooker Lancen Joudo scoot through dummy halfon the Wests 30m line to link up with Jake to score. Burt added the extras to make it 10 to 4 to Wenty.
Luke Burt then score the first of his 2 tries at the 17 minute mark after strong lead up play from Shane Shackleton who was able to break the defence out wide on several occasions. A drop ball by Wests from akick through by Waters enabled Wenty to mount pressure and the defensive line was busted by Burt who then missed the conversion - Wenty up 14 to 4.
More pain for Wests when a try was scored after a towering bomb by Brendan Waters was dropped by Wests. From the scrum, a lovely short ball from the scrum base saw Troy Savage scored his second try after just 22 minutes of play. Burt converts and its 20 to 4.
Wenty score again in the 28th minute after working the ball along Wests 20 metre line and former Windsor and Dragons forward, Daniel Penese was able to work his way through from dummy half to score. Luke Burt's conversion made the score 26 to 4 - almost a point a minute for Wenty.
Wests were able to keep Wenty from scoring again in the first half but the easy metres being gained by the Wenty forwards would have been playing largely on Wests coach, Trevor Schodel's mind. Wenty halfback, Brendan Waters was creating havoc whenever he had the ball and Justin Horo was devastating out wide.
The first 15 minutes of the second half saw Jake Mullaney cross for 3 consecutive tries. The first only 1 minute into the second half when a Wests player lost the ball in a jolting tackle 5 metres out from his tryline.The ensuing play saw Jake evade a couple of defenders to score out wide. Burt missed the conversation.
By this stage, Wenty players were pushing each other out of the way to get their hands on the ball. Wenty were hungry for more points and Jake duly delivered after a great slicing run by Brendan Waters linking up with Horo to pass to Jake for an easy passage to the tryline at the 9th minute of the second half. Burt converts and its 36 to 4.
Five minutes later, Jake scores his 4th try after a great offload by former Balmain forward, Matt Ryan close to the Wests line. Burt converts for a 42 to 4 lead.
The next Wenty try came just 2 minutes later on the back of a penalty saw Luke Burt score his second of the afternoon with a great side step left the fullback wrong footed. Burt failed to convert his own try.
Marmin Barba showed he can sniff out an intercept just like his older brother, Canterbury's Ben Barba when he swooped on a pass on the half way line 22 minutes into the second half and sprinted to the tryline with no one in pursuit. Burt's conversion brought up the half century - Wenty 52 Wests 4.
Wests were able to score a bizarre try in the 29th minute featuring the wonderful skills by cult hero front rower, Aaron Sweeney out in the centres. From the play the ball, Aaron took the ball up and passed in a run-a-round movement, Aaron then saw himself in the open, then made a deft little grudder towards the Wenty tryline, he regathered his own grubber kick and passed to Henry Iuta who was able to step in side the sliding defence to score his second try of the afternoon. Nigel Millgate converted to make it 52 to 10.
In the 33rd minute, replacement half, Aaron Flute scored for Wenty after a cross field kick near the Wests line saw Matt Ryan take the ball and standing in the tackle, offloaded to Fluke. Burt converted the try and the score was 58 to 10. Wenty then scored their final try 4 minutes from fulltime after they received a penalty and from the tap, Justin Horo broken through the thin defence to offload to Ryan Morgan to score near the posts, with Burt converting.
The final score of 64 to 10 showed Wentworthville to be superior in all facets of the game. Wests failed to lock up the ball in tackles and Wenty were able to play razzle dazzle football - almost like touch for much of the game.
To say Wests coach Trevor Schodel was disappointed after the game is a massive understatement. He said he was embarrassed by the side's inability to follow his game plan and the lack of effort in defence. He also said he apologises to all Western Suburbs supporters who attended the game and the hard working volunteers. As reflected by the scoreboard, there was nothing positive to come out of today's game for Wests who will need to regroup quickly next saturday when they play their first game of the season at Campbelltown Stadium against last season's runner up, the Auckland Vulcans, who like Western Suburbs, are winless so far this season.

Wentworthville 64 (Jake Mullaney 4, Luke Burt 2, Troy Savage 2, Daniel Penese, Marmin Barba, Aaron Fluke, Ryan Morgan tries; Luke Burt 8 goals) defeated Western Suburbs 10 (Henry Iuta 2 tries; Nigel Millgate 1 goal)

Line Ups
Wentworthville
1 Jake Mullaney
23 Luke Burt
3 Troy Savage
4 Dylon Gilbert
24 Ryan Morgan
14 Marmin Barba
7 Brendan Waters
8 Shane Shackleton
9 Lancen Joudo
15 Nathan Armit
11 Matt Ryan
25 Justin Horo
14 Daniel Penese
Interchange
12 Danny Howard
17 Brad Lupi
20 Aaron Fluke
21 Peter Prime

Western Suburbs
15 Henry Iuta
2 Merv Williamson
14 Aaron Teariki
4 Michael Lekkas
5 Daniel Perkins
19 Daniel La Manna
7 Nigel Millgate
8 Jay Maseuli
9 Lionel O'Malley
10 Aaron Sweeney
11 John Leiataua
12 Seffa Silafu
13 Tom Morrison
Interchange
3 Dale Roberts
17 Todd Makejev
18 Dean Parata
20 Mundarra Weldon

Friday, March 9, 2012

Rnd 2 - NSW Cup Preview


The Wentworthville Magpies will be determined not to drop two in a row at home to start the season after a 40-18 loss to the Jets last Sunday while Western Suburbs were highly competitive early on against Manly before letting the game slip away in the second stanza. Wenty looked disjointed and lacked the offensive penetration to foot it with the Jets last Sunday and no doubt it would have been a big week on the training paddock for Brett Cook and the boys. Trevor Schodel and the Wests Magpies got a taste of just how big of a challenge they will face in season 2012, and their problems were not helped with the loss of five eight Chris Nay to serious injury. For Wenty, Nathan Smith left the field with what looked like a shoulder injury last week but has been named to play, and they will also be without Pat O’Hanlon and Joseph Paulo. Trent Touma has been named by Trevor Schodel to replace the injured Chris Nay.
Talking Point: Tiding, tribe, charm, gulp, flock, or murder – All of these words are collective nouns for ‘a group of Magpies’. So if you like black and white birds and would like to see up to 26 of them on a football field at any one time, then all you Ornithologists should get down to Ringrose Park this Sunday.
Prediction: Wentworthville will need a much improved effort than what they put forward last week but should be desperate enough to not drop two in a row at home. Wenty by 10.

Wentworthville Magpies Vs Western Suburbs Magpies
Ringrose Park, Sunday, March 11
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: David Munro
Broadcast: ALIVEfm 90.5FM (Link available via the http://www.nswrl.com.au Broadcast page)

NSWRL: Against all odds


Some of you may recall that there was an American Football movie released back in the year 2000 called ‘The Replacements’.
It starred Keanu Reeves as Shane Falco, a down on his luck Quarterback who is tasked with leading the Washington Sentinels, a team of replacement players coached by Jimmy McGinty, played by the legendary Gene Hackman.
McGinty recruits many different ragtag players, and eventually convinces Falco to return from the wilderness to play quarterback.
Fast forward to 2012 and if you look in our very own backyard, one could draw some stark comparisons between the Sentinels of ‘The Replacements’ fame and our very own Western Suburbs Magpies who are being challenged with defying the odds, just to be competitive in the 2012 VB NSW Cup.
And the man given the job of taking on that task is newly appointed Wests coach Trevor Schodel.
He has the post of bringing together a largely unheralded list of players and turning them into a competitive Rugby League outfit, and although Schodel accepts there is a challenge that lies in front of this foundation club, he is certain that they are ready to tackle it head on.
“I’m very excited and I am very much looking forward to the season. I know it is going to be a challenge but I am ready to take the job on,” Schodel said.
“We are a unique side in the VB NSW Cup, every club in this competition bar us have players that have to play for them.
“For instance if you have been signed by Penrith, you have to play for Windsor, or if you have been signed by the Wests Tigers you have to play for Balmain. With our squad they (the players) want to play for us, and that’s the big difference for me.”
Schodel is also very cognisant that the experts will be quick to write his side off week in and week out but this is of no concern to him and his troops, in fact those kinds of comments will only fuel the fire that burns deeply within this proud club.
“Most of the guys in this squad have been told either ‘you’re not good enough’ or ‘you can’t make it’ and they will have a point to prove, not only to themselves but to everyone.
“We are going to be a side that faces challenges, no doubt, but if you don’t have a challenge, be it in footy or in life then what do you have?”
Schodel also went on to point out that despite the potential hurdles the club faces in terms of resources, personnel etc, that they had set some goals for themselves in 2012, and while those goals would remain in-house he was prepared to tell the Magpies faithful this much.
“I’m not going to make any big predictions but at the same time, I can tell you that after you have played a game of footy against the Western Suburbs you will know you have been in a game of football.”
Playing the role of Shane Falco in this 2012 remake of ‘The Replacements’ is the new Magpies captain, Nigel Millgate.
Millgate epitomises the Magpies perfectly. A more than capable player who has been bounced around from club to club in search of his big break.
This search has seen him play for fellow VB NSW Cup sides in Cronulla and Newtown in the past, and has even taken him to the bright lights of New York City where he played for the New York Knights in the AMNRL, where he was lucky enough to win a Championship and claim an MVP title.
But a desire to return home sees him plying his trade with the Magpies in 2012.
And much like his coach, Millgate understands the challenge that lies ahead and despite bearing the responsibility of having to lead the side around the park while wearing the ‘C’ on his chest, he is ready to step up to the plate.
“It is a privilege to captain any side let alone a great foundation club like the Magpies,” Millgate said.
“But in the end of the day I’m just a typical little number seven and I like to get in there and get amongst it, but I will lead the boys around the park and you will certainly hear me out there.”
The Western Suburbs Magpies are one of the VB NSW Cups’ great traditional sides and rely on the support of the Black & White faithful each and every week.
And while the Magpies may well have their backs to the wall in 2012 you get the sense after talking to both Schodel and Millgate that they wouldn’t want to have it any other way.
For the record the Magpies, much like the Washington Sentinels from ‘The Replacements’ fame, went down in their first game, losing to the Sea Eagles 46-8 on the weekend.
To see if they can bounce back in Round Two, head out to Ringrose Park this Sunday afternoon at 3pm to cheer them on as they clash with fellow feathered friends in the Wentworthville Magpies.
7/03/2012 2:29:25 PM
http://www.nswrl.com.au/default.aspx?s=article-display&id=48361&title=against-all-the-odds-magpies-set-to-fly

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

WESTERN SUBURBS AGM


Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Western Suburbs District Rugby League Football Club Limited ABN 86 737 410 058.

It will be held in the Wests Ashfield Leagues Club premises, 115 Liverpool Road, Ashfield NSW 2131 at 10:00am on Saturday 31 March 2012.

Download the Annual Report:
2012 Annual Report (PDF Format)



If you have not received the actual annual report in the mail, then we don't have you listed as financial members in the database, or your details may be down incorrectly, and I ask that you contact  Chris Schubert on (02)  8752 2070 or Chris.Schubert@westsashfield.com.au

Monday, March 5, 2012

2012 Initial Sponsors

Western Suburbs Magpies would like to thank the supporters who have made possible our clubs place in the 2012 NSW Rugby League season.


Our extended gratitude is again reserved for Wests Ashfield who without their un-waivering support, we could not have possibly taken the field in the 2012 NSW Cup.

Wests Leagues Club Campbelltown, for their support of the Harrold Matthews and S.G. Ball teams.

KooGa for being our NSW Cup jersey, playing gear and merchandise supplier.

Liverpool Councils Whitlam Centre, for providing  the clubs training facilities.

Prime Physiotherapy for the care players care services.

Victoria Bitter for their financial support of the NSW Cup.



It isn't too late to join our growing list of sponsors. We are here to provide local opportunities for our local Rugby League players and we'd love you to help us in mission. If you would like to join our family please contact Daniel Watson-Hayes on D.Watson_Hayes@westsmagpies.com.au














BRIGHT FUTURE STILL AWAITS JAMES TEDESCO


James Tedesco may have only played around 30 minutes but Wests Tigers centre Chris Lawrence has no doubt the 19-year-old is a future star of the game.

In the cruellest blow, Tedesco’s NRL debut was cut short when he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee after returning a kick upfield . Up until then,Tedesco was impressive in his first game in the Telstra Premiership.

Sitting quietly inside the doctor’s room below the Leichhardt Oval grandstand with his parents John and Rosemary by his side, Tedesco was informed by respected Wests Tigers Doctor Donald Kuah that his season was over. It was a shattering blow for the youngster who rose from playing SG Ball for Western Suburbs to Wests Tigers NRL side within 12 months.

“I feel for him. ‘Teddy’ was having such a good game,’’ Lawrence said after playing his 100th game for Wests Tigers.
“He is a young bloke who probably hasn’t had to deal with injuries like this and being his first game, it is even more shattering.

“All the boys had a word to him in the sheds after the game to just let him know that we were there. We told him to just keep his head up and work really hard to get back next year.

“James is going to be a superstar of the game. He is going to be a part of this Wests Tigers team and playing in the NRL for many years to come.”

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Wests Tigers Head Coach Tim Sheens says Tedesco could take encouragement from the fact that many of his team-mates had overcome major injuries.
“It is very disappointing for him. I think he showed why we earmarked him as our first grade full-back,’’ Sheens said.

Robbie Farah had the same thing at the same age and came back strong. Timmy Moltzen had it (in 2010) and came back stronger. All James can do is, as you do with footballers, is to get on with it.
“Benji (Marshall) underwent surgery five times on his shoulder. You just have to learn to live with that and come back stronger. With the support we will give him, he will come through.”
Marshall said the team were devastated when they saw Tedesco at the half-time break.
“Just seeing his reaction in the shed, he was crying and it brought a tear to few of the boys’ eyes as we see him as such a great talent,’’ Marshall said.
“He has fit into this squad well and is a really good kid.”

4/03/2012 9:09:47 PM

'A MOMENT TO REMEMBER' FOR CHRIS LAWRENCE

Chris Lawrence says it was an incredible honour to lead Wests Tigers out in his 100th game for the Club at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday.

The Australian Test centre had a solid game in the 17-16 golden point win. Lawrence became the 13th player to reach the 100 games milestone for Wests Tigers since the Club’s inaugural season in 2000.
“To be able to lead the boys out onto Leichhardt Oval in front of 20,000 fans was pretty special and a moment I will always remember,’’ Lawrence said.

“It was a good feeling to rip through the banner and then look up to the hill to see a sea of Wests Tigers colours and everyone cheering for us. It does get you revved up. “
Following the match, Lawrence was presented with a medallion by Head Coach Tim Sheens acknowledging the milestone.

Meanwhile, lock Chris Heighington is just 4 games away from surpassing the record of most first grade games of 185 matches set by former premiership winning prop John Skandalis.
Back-rower Liam Fulton is 6 games away from entering the top 10 list for most first grade games, surpassing Mark O’Neill. Fulton has played 116 matches.



Most First Grade Games for Wests Tigers(Top 10)
185 John Skandalis (2000-06, 2009-10)
182 Chris Heighington (2003-12)
170 Robbie Farah (2003-12)
156 Benji Marshall (2003-12)
155 Bryce Gibbs (2003-11)
151 Todd Payten (2004-11)
150 Ben Galea (2000-07)
136 Daniel Fitzhenry (2002-07, 2010)
128 Dene Halatau (2003-09)
121 Mark O’Neill (2000-05)

5/03/2012 3:47:11 PM

Battle of the birds goes to the Silvertails at Lidcombe Oval


Dubbed the battle of the “Fibros versus the Silvertails”, the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles comfortably defeated the Western Suburbs Magpies 46-8 in Round 1 of the VB New South Wales Cup.

The match was played at the former Western Suburbs home ground of Lidcombe where tradition permeated the atmosphere on a festive day. Wests jerseys with the former sponsor Victa were seen everywhere, whilst in attendance the comedic 2GB Continuous Call team added to the entertainment. Manly legend Cliff Lyons was coaching his first match with the NSW cup team, whilst the West Magpies were looking to defend their honour on their old stomping ground.


























The match began well for the Magpies which saw them take an early lead against an experienced Sea Eagles unit. Wests five - eighth Chris Nay opened the account with a try at the 10 minute mark. The Magpies had played inspiring football but were unable to capitalise on their efforts. The Sea Eagles took nearly half an hour to settle into their game plan with Mitch Jowett cutting through the Wests defence to score a try with Liam Foran converting and taking the lead.

It seemed after the first Manly try, any resistance offered by Wests failed to stem a determined Manly attack. Dominic Nasso took full advantage of a penalty and scored with Foran again converting and pushing the lead to 12-4.

On the stroke of half time Ben Falcone broke through and increased Manly’s lead, with a Foran conversion. Half time saw the Sea Eagles leading comfortably 18-4.

The second half saw Manly assert their dominance over Wests. Premiership Prop George Rose provided solid defence, whilst Scott Blanch added more points on the board taking the score to 24-4.
Wests didn't give up with Merv Williamson getting over the line at the 62nd minute and kept the Magpie’s faint hopes alive. Ben Falcone closed the door on a brave Wests effort when he scored his second try of the day. Liam Foran was superbly accurate in front of the posts, converting once more and Manly led 30-8. Ben Falcone raced again to the try line for Manly and notched his third try of the day. The rout didn't stop there with Faleula Finau cranking the score to 46-8 and that’s where it remained.

Manly were clearly the better side, with Ben Falcone being the standout. Special mention must go to Liam Foran. He created plenty of headaches for the Wests defence, along with his accurate conversion kicking, Foran surely will be making an appearance in the NRL sometime this season. George Rose also had a solid hit out and seemed to appreciate the run.

For Wests there weren't too may bright moments. Seefa Silafau showed some positive glimpses and looked more confident as time went on. Try scorers Merv Williamson and Chris Nay deserved a mention as does Aaron Sweeney who worked tirelessly for Wests against a very solid Eagles attack.

Manly coach Cliff Lyons told NMGSports that he was happy with the win “It’s a great thrill to win my first game as coach. I thought our second half was our best period. We controlled the ball a lot better than our first half and we completed our sets. We needed to lift our percentage rates in the second half and that’s what we did”.

Final score:  Manly - Warringah Sea Eagles 46 defeated Western Suburbs Magpies 8

Battle of the birds goes to the Silvertails at Lidcombe Oval
March 3  2012
by Jodie Newell






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Sunday, March 4, 2012

Happy Birthday to...Steve Broughton, Ivan Henjak & Allan Fallah

Happy birthday this week to.............Steve Broughton, Ivan Henjak & Allan Fallah.

The Western Suburbs magpies wish a happy birthday this week to Steve - 8th March, Ivan - 9th March & Allan - 11th March.

Steve Broughton was a string-bean winger for the magpies in the early 80's. Records show he made his debut sometime during the 1978 season but it wasn't until 1982 that he cemented a regular 1st grade spot.He was leading tryscorer for Wests in 1982 (17) 1983 (13) and 1984 (12) before having a season with Parramatta in 1985. He was named in the Western Suburbs team of the 80's as one of the wingers.

Ivan Henjak joined the magpies in 1990 as captain after successful stints at St George & Canberra. He mainly played halfback but also 5/8, he made his debut for the magpies in Round 1 in 1990 against the Broncos. Ivan played just 2 seasons with Wests playing 33 games and scoring 4 tries before rejoning St George in 1992. He represent Country Origin in 1990. After a brief stint in England, he joined the coaching ranks with Brisbane were he coached the Broncos' Reserve Grade squad for many seasons -when reserve grade was scapped and feeder teams became the new order , Ivan coached the Toowoomba Clydesdales in the QLD Cup and when they folded, was an assistant coach to Wayne Bennett before eventually taking over from Wayne in 2009 - becoming only the second Brisbane Broncos coach since their debut in 1988. He guided the Broncos to the finals in 2009 but not in 2010 and was eventually replaced as coach on the eve of the 2011 season.

Allan Fallah played hooker and was a Canterbury junior who managed to sit on the bench for the bulldogs u23's in 1979. He then joined Corrimal in the Illawarra League whilst studying teaching at Wollongong Uni. After graduating , he was posted in the central west of NSW and played for Oberon in Group 10. He managed to represent Country Firsts whilst playing for Corrimal. Returning to Sydney, he joined the magpies and made his 1st grade debut in 1984 against Illawarra. He played 113 first grade matches for the magpies betwen 1984 and 1990 scoring 14 tries. After retirement, he became a qualified referee and was a NRL first grade touch judge before hanging up his flag. Allan was selected in the Western Suburbs Team of the 1980's as hooker.

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Match Report - Round 1 - NSW Cup Wests v Manly - Return to Lidcombe

A day of nostalgia as the magpie faithfull made the pilgrimage to one of their memorable and perhaps best loved old stomping grounds to watch the current crop of young Western Suburbs "fibros" take on arch rivals, the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles. Despite the rain all week, the match was well attended and particularly vocal on the hill between the grandstand and scoreboard. There were many old Victa, Masterton, LG and even the odd Ipec jersey gracing the grand old lady. The Return to Lidcombe match saw many old former magpies in attendance including Noel Kelly, John Hayes, Trevor & John Cogger, Mick Pinkerton, Bob Cooper, Mick Liubinskas Andrew Leeds & Steve Georgallis. Plus Mark the Magpie made a return and was on hand to entertain the kids.

The match itself however showed that the young and inexperienced magpies outfit still need to work on erradicating errors from their play if they are to perform to their maximum potential. Coach Trevor Schodel said he was very disappointed in the error rate and lack of patience when Wests had possession. The final scoreline of 46 to 8 showed that whilst Manly were the better side, their task was made much easier by the high error rate from the magpies from missed tackles, drop balls and penalities conceded.

The game however started on a high note for Wests when rookie five-eigth Chris Hay was able to evade a Manly defender who rushed up out of the line and then sidestep his way through two defenders to score in the 12th minute. Wests up 4 to 0. Wests then had a period of play where they had the lion share of possession but were unable to convert opportunities into points. Manly made Wests pay for their inability to take those opportunities when they scored in the 28th minute on the back of a penalty through Mitch Jowett. Liam Foran, who kicked 7 from 8 on the day, landed the conversion from out wide. Manly 6 Wests 4. Manly then made Wests pay again after a magpie attacker was penalised for passing off the ground when held and managed to score in the next set of 6 after a neat cut out pass created an overlap for the winger to score. A sideline converation made the score 12 to 4 with 9 mins to half time. Wests were looking towards regrouping after half time but a dropped ball a minute from half time enabled Manly to swoop on the error to score. Half time Manly 18 Wests 4.

Coach Trevor Schodel whilst annoyed at the errors of the first half instilled into his troops that the game was still there to be taken but the errors had to be cut from their play. However it was Manly who opened the scoring in the second stanza with a try after just 3 mins after a Manly player was able to burst through the defence and a neat side step planted the ball over the line. Conversation successful, Manly 24 Wests 4. The magpies however were not about to give up and after receiving back to back penalities, winger Merv Williamson who was able to pick up a loose ball after some scrappy play and score out wide in the 61st minute. Manly 24 Wests 8. However the lights, which had been turned on before the game, suddenly went out and so to did any chance of Wests making a comeback. Manly who had showed better ball control and valued possession more and were rewarded with former magpie Ben Falcone scoring after slicing through the defensive line in the 64th minute and then backed up after a break from the kick off in the 66th minute. Manly 36 Wests 8. Another dropped ball from Wests resulted in Manly scoring their 7th try in the 75th minute and complete the scoring with their final try in the 78th minute to run out 46 to 8 winners.

There were a couple of major injury worries for the magpies with fullback Amanono Tovio suffering a suspected broken arm whilst five-eigth Chris Hay suffered a suspected broken ankle and there is also some concern over niggling injuries to Alex Frail (hamstring) & Todd Sault.

Trevor was pleased with the performances of second rowers Seffa Silafau & Tom Morrison whilst another rookie, centre Michael Lekkas showed his potential with a sold defencive effort and good offloads.

Wests next game will be against fellow magpies, Wentworthville at Ringrose Park on Sunday 11th March before returning to Campbelltown Stadium on Saturday 17th March against last years runner up, Auckland.