Hay Magpies league tag shine in lead-up to Group 20 finals

Aug 14

**Hannah Stewart score Hay’s first try in the league tag win over Darlington Point Colleambally. All images: The Riverine Grazier / Krista Schade.**

By Krista Schade

Hay Magpies hosted Darlington Point Coleambally (DPC) Roosters at Hay Park on Sunday, for the final Group 20 rugby league home game of the season.

With finals in their sights, Hay’s league tag team opened their match with determination and attacked the Roosters early. Monica Andrews and Wendy Gonevulavula broke the line and captured many metres with the ball.
Hannah Stewart scored Hay’s first points, followed by Sophie Curtis, who pulled off a sneaky intercept to score untouched.
DPC improved in the second part of the first half and threatened the Hay line, but the Magpies held fast.
Hay turned possession around through the work of Andrews and Kiji Vatunino and the defence of Zoe McRae, and Gonevulavula was the next to cross.
Hay led at half-time, 16 points to nil.
Gonevulavula scored a weaving 40 metre try after the restart and Karly Fisher accurately added the conversion.
DPC finally scored a converted try ten minutes into the second half to get them on the board. They threatened soon after but were initially thwarted by Wendy and Emma Heywood’s defensive effort.
Jess Carter, Fisher and Kayla Barrett again shone, pushing the Hay side forward.
DPC scored again to close the gap further but a well-executed short kick from the restart gave Hay possession.
The final ten minutes of the game played out evenly with both sides sharing the ball, but Stewart found her way across the line to score her second try and Hay had built enough of a lead to take the win.
Final score: Hay 26 (Tries: Hannah Stewart (2), Sophie Curtis, Wendy Gonevulavula (2). Goals: Wendy Gonevulavula (2), Karly Fisher) DPC 10.

The reserve grade team needed a win to keep their finals chances alive however DPC played a fast game, and moved the ball across the paddock to take the win.

Jack Morrison and Sam Barnes were outstanding for Hay in the high energy game, and Lote Clark was instrumental in defence until he copped a head knock that finished his game.

DPC read the Hay team well, and kept Zane Gash quiet. New recruit Luke James looks promising for Hay and Matt Smith was again solid in attack until injury forced him from the field.

First Grade co-coaches Ben Taylor and Toby Crighton bolstered the reserve grade side, but in a blow for the Magpies Crighton was badly injured and required medical attention, ruling him out for the following match.

Hay’s kicking game kept the home side in contention – veteran Shayne Kennedy placed many well-timed kicks and Thomas Lee pulled off a stunning 40/20 kick to give the Magpies field possession.

The Magpies tries were scored by Taylor from a strong run, Patty Miller from following a chip kick and a well-deserved try to Morrison on the final siren.

Final score: Hay 18 (Tries: Ben Taylor, Patty Miller, Jack Morrison. Goals: Ryan Gash (3) DPC 32.

DPC went into the first-grade match as firm favourites, sitting well above Hay on the ladder, but the first half was played evenly. Both sides peppered the line and showed scrambling defence but it was DPC who scored first, taking more than 20 minutes to cross.

Hay answered back quickly with a dogged try to James McLean, one of the many players backing up from the earlier reserve grade game.

Jerry Nakete had the crowd cheering as he bounced players away with very ball carry, and Hay’s effort lifted as Anare (Rex) Malanicagi crossed.

Thomas ‘Billy’ Fixter seemed on his way to scoring when he was apparently tackled without the ball, but despite protests from the crowd, no penalty was given.

At half-time Hay trailed by two points, but DPC ruled the second half – the visitors scored an additional eight tries to pull ahead.

Hay crossed once in the second half when the Magpies spread the ball wide and mercurial Sosiceni Verenalewa scored.

Losing Nakete late in the game for a late tackle was the final blow for Hay.

Hay was best served by Simon Parr’s on-field direction, Shayne Kennedy’s experience and John Weymouth’s tough defence. Zac O’Neill was again among Hay’s best, showing a huge defensive effort.

Final score: Hay 14 (Tries James McLean, Anare Malanicagi, Sosiceni Verenalewa. Goal: Ben Taylor) DPC 56.

As the first-grade squad left the field Taylor thanks the home ground fans for their support throughout the season. As a coach and senior player Taylor has certainly led from the front this season, and alongside coaches James McLean, Toby Crighton and Jess Carter has kept the Hay player group energised and cohesive.

Hay will travel to Yanco to meet the Hawks in the final round of the regular season.

Photo gallery - League tag