Hay Magpies host Griffith Waratahs in tough trial
Will Barnes (with ball) was named as one of Hay’s best in Saturday’s trial match against Griffith’s Waratah Tigers. Images: The Riverine Grazier / Krista Schade.
By Krista Schade
Hay Magpies hosted Griffith Waratahs Tigers at Hay Park on Saturday, for a trial match and season launch for the Group 20 rugby league season.
The Tigers were underwhelming I the first two quarters and earlier in the week Magpies officials feared they would not be able to man a side for the trip to Hay.
Despite that the game was played at high intensity as both teams tested combinations and match fitness in the steamy conditions.
Waratahs lost a player for ten minutes after a high shot and Hay capitalised sending Billy Fixter across the line wide on the left side. Without Ben Taylor, who was being rested, veteran Harley Hey added conversion points.
Hay repeated the left side attack when Hugh Crighton scored and at the half time break Hay led 10 nil on the back of good forward progression by the Magpies and frustrating handling errors by the ‘Tahs.
Rex Malanicagi shook off Tigers defenders and raced the length of the field to score Hay’s third unanswered try and crowd favourite John Weymouth booted the goal.
Hay switched up its side at three-quarter time and gave the Griffith side the opportunity to score four quick tries, using their forwards to muscle across the line.
In the final quarter Hay re-grouped and used their line speed to post one final try, when Weymouth crossed.
Coach Chris Stewart said the trial held many positives.
“For us it was a positive result,” he said.
“We played our available full-strength side for the first half, and led three tries to nil at half-time.
“We then made some changes and they caught up and the game ended four tries each, yet we still have six first graders to come back into yesterday’s side.
Stewart named Kynan Headon, Hugh Crighton and Will Barnes as his top three players.
“Our effort in defence was great, but still need to cut the silly penalties and drop ball out,” he said.
The Waratahs did not field a side for the scheduled league tag match, so the Magpies seniors and under 16s teams combined to play out a scratch match.
The depth of talent and sheer numbers in the under 16s side bodes well for the future of women’s teams for Hay. Emily Shea and Lily Plum shone in attack.
The senior side has welcomed Lani Houston into the squad and her natural ability and level of fitness will make her a valuable asset for the season. Noa Magliocchetti debuted for Hay and Ellie Darlow returned from maternity leave.
During the match Monica Andrews and Lily Weymouth directed play well, lending their experience to the younger players.
The Club launched the season with a gathering after the games, where 2025 tean captains were announced. Toby Crighton and Chris Stewart will lead the first grade squad, Lily Huntly the women’s tackle and tag teams and Zane Gash the reserve grade squad.
