All Magpies first class
Rugby League fans have plenty to be happy with after Hay Magpies met neighbours and rivals Darlington Point Coleambally (DPC) Roosters at Hay Park on Sunday.
The Roosters were red hot, coming off a 56-6 win over Lake Cargelligo last week. However after drawing the round one bye, Hay was keen to show the visitors the Magpies were back. Hay is fielding a first-grade side for the first time since Covid decimated the Group 20 competition and has welcomed back stalwart Simon Parr alongside Toby Crighton, Ziggy Hey and Dylan Lund. Parr’s experience in the forwards was immediately obvious as he hassled the Roosters line for the entire game. One fan commented that coach James Mclean has the Magpies “on song”, and this was evident in the settled game style which Hay stuck to, despite a heavy penalty count against them early in the match.
In contrast, the Roosters publicly argued among themselves from early on, and lost a total of three players to the sin bin for undisciplined conduct.
Despite the squabbles DPC scored first but Hay quickly hit back, sending Lloyd Schulz over, off the back of a line break by captain Harley Hey.
Schulz has been absent from training but slotted into the number 6 position effortlessly, and with his trademark toughness; he received a bloody wound to his nose early in the second half, but instructed trainers to tape him up, so he could return to the field.
DPC scored next from a cheeky intercept but heavy defensive efforts from the powerful Tim Lomai kept the Magpies enthused. Tempers flared following a high shot on Hay hooker Tom Schiller, but Hay regathered and worked the ball towards the line. Tom Lee crossed for the Magpies but the pass was ruled forward and DPC capitalised to score again next. Trailing by ten points Harley Hey took advantage of a penalty to palm away defenders to score and convert on the half time siren. Hay went to the break down 12 to 16.
DPC scored wide soon after the restart and threatened again with a runaway try, however the attack was brought down by a busting tackle by fullback Toby Whitehead. Tom Schiller crossed for Hay, nimbly pushing over from dummy half and Orisi Rokobati used his strength to bag his first try of the season, after Schiller cleverly progressed the ball by targeting offside Roosters defenders.
DPC scored again as Tom Schiller was assisted from the filed with a massive head protrusion that required hospital observation. Under NSW Rugby League concussion protocols, it may be weeks before Schiller is cleared to play.
Roosters crowd favourite Luke Gras appeared to score again as the match closed, but defensive efforts by Hay denied the veteran forward any points, as the referee ruled him held up. DPC won the match by 10 points, which Roosters supporters admitted after the game was not what they expected, and Hay officials should be pleased with the showing.
Hay looked to be the fittest on the field in the warm conditions, and despite injuries to Lomai (hand) and Schiller will be looking forward to next week’s contest with Yanco, who were defeated by Griffith Waratahs in round 1 and TLU on Sunday.
Jermaine Dixon and Ben Taylor worked hard for Hay and Jack Bolger was outstanding at lock forward. The team has an incredible amount of skill on its team sheet, but will need last season’s players to reconsider their decision not to play to add depth to the squad and ensure a full bench of reserves for upcoming matches.
“We were in the game the whole day,” Magpies Jack Byrnes said after the game, at the awards presentation at 2022 sponsor the New Crown Hotel.
“Our efforts were good,” agreed coach James McLean. “We have plenty to work with to get stuck into.”
Final score: Hay 22 (Tries: Lloyd Schulz, Harley Hey, Tom Schiller, Orisi Rokobati. Goals: Harley Hey (3) DPC 32.
Hay’s league tag team is in the enviable position of having too many players, with an influx of rookies and returned players available for coach Luci Lugsdin to choose from. The Magpies has six on the bench and allowed Hay to rotate players in the hot conditions to snatch a two-point victory from DPC. Back into the fold are Ellie Darlow, Polly Lugsdin, Cheyenne Hurst and Delilah Crighton, alongside rookies Tahnee Wagstaff, Adela Neal, Emma Heywood and Sophie Curtis. Curtis will line up with mum Kim in future games.
Brooke Higgins, Luci and Polly Lugsdin were relentless in attack while Zoe McRae bagged a total of 25 tags for the game; her defensive efforts were impressive.
DPC scored first from a Hay error but missed the conversion which ultimately lost them the game.
Hay hit back with a Luci Lugsdin length of the field try, which was expertly converted by Darlow. Cheyenne Hurst had a great first game back into the team and the experience of Cherokee Dixon and Lily Weymouth added depth to the Hay efforts.
Polly Lugsdin scored in the second half as Hay increased the pressure on the Rooster defensive line, which faltered in the heat. Yolanda Miller’s attack was first class and when Crighton had the ball she was difficult for DPC to contain.
The first win by the Magpies will set them up well for next week’s match at Yanco Sportsground, and after the game coach Lugsdin congratulated the team.
“Sophie really stepped up today, playing under 16s,” she said. “I’m very proud of how our team dug deep to take this win.”
Final score: Hay 12 (tries Luci Lugsdin, Polly Lugsdin. Goal: Ellie Darlow) DPC 10. After the match DPC officials announced their home game against Hay in round 11 is scheduled to be played at Carrathool. Details to follow closer to the July 3 date.
Awards: Seniors – Player of the match and player’s player Tom Schiller, runner up Tim Lomai, coach’s award Jack Bolger. League tag – Player of the match Polly Lugsdin, runner up and coach’s award Zoe McRae, player’s player Cheyenne Hurst.
The unstoppable Lloyd Schulz pictured with prop, Orisi Rokobati.
