Wests Magpies were the first to record a four pointer after inform back row
forward David Harris stepped his way through the Sharks defensive line to plant
the ball under the black dot. David Fifita guided the ball over the cross bar to
give the Magpies a 6 points to 0 lead after 14minutes of play.
The Sharks hit back within a couple of minutes after a series of off loads put
their fullback Ryan Tongia into open spaces. Showing a good turn of speed, he
outpaced the Magpies cover defense on his way to the try line. His conversion
locked the scores up at 6 points all.
The Magpies reaped further points after collecting the ball on the visitor’s 20
metre line. Play maker and five eight Joshua Murray ran at the line before off
loading to prop forward Jay Maseuli who carried defenders over the try line with
him. With the conversion waved away, the Magpies again took the lead 10
points to 6.
In the closing minute of the half, the Magpies made an unforced error which
presented the Sharks both the ball and field position. After a strong surge, the
ball was taken by lock forward Atelea Vea who dived over the line as the hooter
sounded. Tongia’s conversion saw the Sharks take a two point advantage into
the sheds.
The Magpies were given the ball early in the second half, but a heavy tackle
forced the ball to ground. After winning the ensuing scrum, the Sharks attacked
the short side before replacement Jake Hawkins broke through a tackle to record
his team’s third try of the afternoon. Tongia continued his fine kicking display to
increase the Sharks lead 18 points to 10.
Once again the boys from the West hit back. After a fine run from Captain
and second row forward Rocky Trimarchi ended on the Sharks ten metre
line, a quick thinking Joshua Murray called for the ball before evading three
defenders. Slamming the ball over the line he claimed a fine individual try.
Half Rhys Lenarduzzi’s conversion brought the Magpies within two points of the
competition front runners.
The home team showed plenty of attacking ability during the following fifteen
minutes, but could not convert that pressure into points. After receiving a
penalty in front of the Sharks upwrights, David Fifita locked up the score at 18
points all.
The game remained a real arm wrestle with both teams vying for the two
competition points. In the 32nd minute, the visitors increased their lead to 24
points to 18 through a converted try to hooker Jarred Farlow.
I am sure this score line would have been a true reflection of the efforts of both
teams, but with time running out the Magpies found themselves defending their
end of the field. Early in their attacking set Sharks half Tim Smith attempted a
field goal, but it was charged down. With luck against Magpies, the ball bounced
into the hands of Sharks lock forward Atelea Vea who capped off a good game
by scoring his second try of the day. Ryan Tongias conversion put the game out
of the Magpies reach at 30 points to 18.
In the 40th minute, the Magpies tried to reduce the Sharks lead by putting in a
chip kick over the head of the defenders. After charging the ball down, it was
spread to centre Dean Collis who ran some 45 metres to the corner for the last
try of the afternoon. Tongias conversion attempt was waved away. With a
score line of 34 points to 18 some may consider the Magpies were well and truly
beaten, but up until the 32nd minute, the game could have gone any way.
The Magpies battled hard all the way to the finish line, but the bounce of the
ball did not go their way. The score line certainly did not reflect the Magpies
performance.
Scorers for the Magpies: Tries to David Harris, Jay Maseuli and Joshua
Murray. 2 conversions to David Fifita and 1 to Rhys Lenarduzzi.
Scorers for the Sharks: 2 tries to Atelea Vea, with tries to Dean Collis, Jarred
Farlow, Jake Hawkins and Ryan Tongia. Tongia kicked 5 conversions.
Players’ player medallion: Shared between Cassiano Jr Aiga and Amanono
Tovio.
Leos best three - Troy O'Sullivan, David Fifita and Cassiano Jr Agia.
Next Game: Wests Magpies vs. Newtown Jets, Henson Park, Newtown 3pm
Saturday 25 June 2011.
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