Group 20 rules Magpies ineligible for finals

Jerry Nakete and John Weymouth (with the ball) delivered crunching defence, as Simon Parr, James McLean and Lloyd Schulz directed play from the middle. Hay lost Weymouth in the second half, after a high tackle. He left the field for a head injury assessment (HIA) and did not return.

Image: The Riverine Grazier/Krista Schade.

By Krista Schade

In a shock move, the Group 20 board have ruled Hay Magpies’ first grade team ineligible to play the finals series.

The ruling was made early last week, prior to the final round of play against Yenda Blueheelers on Sunday.

The game was meant to be a cracker of a match, with both teams vying for fifth position, but instead Yenda was awarded the position by default.

Group 20 advised the Hay committee of its decision last Tuesday, despite efforts by the Magpies Club to have the decision overturned.

“It is with very heavy hearts and absolute shock that we must announce this,” a statement released by the Magpies read.

“The Group 20 board has advised us that our Hay Magpies First Grade team are ineligible for this year’s 2023 finals.

“The rule states ‘any club that forfeits within the last three rounds of the season is ineligible for finals.

“We have pleaded our case, and asked for review under the exceptional circumstances ruling.

“The Hay Magpies has no reserves to play up, a number of injuries, a team of 12 that weekend that we forfeited and our duty of care came into play to protect players from further injury.

“The response to this request wasn’t favourable and the ineligibility still stands.

“To say we are absolutely gutted is an understatement and to finish off what has been a hard but good season is tough.”

Group 20 was contacted for comment, however Group President Frank Cauduro told Griffith’s The Area News the board had no option.

"It's a Riverina rule, and we looked at it, and as hard as it has been to do, it was a case of where is it going to stop if we don't,” he said.

The issue for the board, according to Cauduro is that Hay didn't offer any alternatives to DPC Roosters, who they were set to meet in round 12, and instead forfeited the match.

"They could have played a 21-minute half, and it wouldn't have been deemed a forfeit. They didn't attempt anything like that," he said.

The Hay executive deny having any knowledge that this was a possible alternative, and say the Group failed to inform them that the forfeit would deem them ineligible for finals.

The Magpies were informed of the decision last Monday, via email, and immediately launched an appeal.

Coaching Co-ordinator Neil-John Nisbet told Triple M radio last Thursday that the Group 20 Board had not responded to the appeal, but NSW Rugby League representatives had advised the decision would stand.

The ruling by Group 20 proved unnecessary, after Yenda defeated Hay at Hay Park on Sunday. In front of a large hometown crowd, fans also enjoyed a couple of entertaining juniors matches, during the half-time breaks.

Despite the first-grade squad buckling down and showing true grit, the Blueheelers ran away with the match.

Jerry Nakete and John Weymouth delivered crunching defence, as Simon Parr, James McLean and Lloyd Schulz directed play from the middle. Hay lost Weymouth in the second half, after a high tackle. He left the field for a head injury assessment (HIA) and did not return. Toby Crighton was outstanding, despite battling niggling injuries that required treatment during the game, and Toby Whitehead was at his toughest.

Hay’s only try came from the lead-up work of Crighton and Whitehead, who sent the ball into the arms of Orisi Rokobati late in the second half. Rokobati has served the Magpies well during the season and he ended the year with a powerful surge across the line.

At the end of the game coach Ben Taylor delivered a heartfelt address, thanking the players, committee and fans for the season.

Final score: Hay 4 (Try - Orisi Rokobati) Yenda 42. Awards: Toby Crighton (player’s player) Simon Parr (coaches award).

The league tag squad retained their fifth spot on the ladder, despite going down to Yenda, meaning they are finals bound.

Hay scored first, when the talented Karly Fisher wove across the line on the back of a well-timed pass by Lily Weymouth.

Fisher converted her own try to give Hay a 6-nil lead, but that was the end of Hay’s opportunities. Despite sustained attack from Zoe McRae and Jessie Carter Yenda ran in four unanswered tries.

Kass Downie, Di Plum and Weymouth ensured the score did not blow out any further, with incredible defensive efforts.

The Magpies will now meet Yenda again in the elimination final West Wyalong next Sunday, in a must win match.

Final score: Hay 6 (Try and goal Karly Fisher) Yenda 18. Awards: Adela Neal (player’s player) Karly Fisher (coaches award).