Magpies avoid shark attack
Mother daughter Magpies duo Kim and Sophie Curtis.
Hay Magpies enjoyed two hard fought wins over Tullibigeal Lakes United Sharks at Hay Park.
In the first game mother and daughter duo Kim and Sophie Curtis took to the field together for the first time, and the talented youngster scored Hay’s final try of the match. The Magpies shut out the Sharks in the first half, as Luci Lugsdin scored twice to give Hay the 10-nil lead at the break.
Ellie Darlow and rookie Adela Neale tagged well from dummy half and, combined with the defensive efforts of Cheyenne Hurst and Lily Weymouth, denied TLU any first half opportunities. Cherokee Dixon was again impressive, breaking the Sharks line in a powerful run. Brooke Higgins and Zoe McRae threatened just before the break, pressuring the TLU line. The Sharks scored their only try quickly after the restart, but Hay lifted, TLU threatened once, but Hurst and Polly Lugsdin tagged deftly to deny the try.
Lugsdin had another solid game, making great metres at full back. With two minutes to go, Sophie Curtis swiftly chased down Hay’s fifth kick, to ground the ball and score her first senior try.
Hay 14 (Tries: Luci Lugsdin (2), Sophie Curtis. Goal: Luci Lugsdin) defeated TLU 6.
Alex Hussain made his senior debut, in the first-grade game, and handled the pressure well, defending maturely and running the ball without hesitation. Zane Gash stepped into the lock forward role with ease, covering for Jack Bolger, who was unavailable.
Kynan Headon played his first game in two years, in the five eight role, and added speed and strength to the Hay side.
Hay scored first when Sailasa Madrai crossed, on the back of a Ben Taylor delivered accurate pass. In the next set Hay scored again, from a Jermaine Dixon show and go. Noah Hey’s defence was outstanding, as was the attacking play of Orisi Rokobati, giving Hay ideal field position.
Harley Hey broke the TLU line, offloading to Toby Whitehead at speed, before Dixon’s pass to Malcom Kitap sent the powerful newcomer across the line.
The Sharks scored once, just before half-time but a Whitehead linebreak sent Harley Hey on his way across the try line, early in the second half.
Hay continued to ramp up the pressure as Headon cut down attacking players and Taylor, Dixon and Harley Hey combined - their years of playing together was evident as they scrambled the TLU defence.
Hussain and Toby Crighton chased down a runaway Shark, using their speed to deny the TLU players. Crighton’s defensive effort was impressive; the talented centre was involved heavily throughout the game.
Taylor’s efforts were rewarded with two well deserved tries for the day, as Hay fought to the last siren, conceding no points in the second half.
Hay 32 Tries: Ben Taylor (2), Sailasa Madrai, Jermaine Dixon, Malcom Kitap, Harley Hey. Goals: Harley Hey (4), defeated TLU 6.
Awards v TLU: League tag - Coach’s award - Tess Lugsdin, player’s player - Sophie Curtis, player of the match - Luci Lugsdin, runner-up - Sophie Curtis. First grade coach’s award - Toby Whitehead, player’s player - Dylan Lund, player of the match - Dylan Lund, runner-up - Noah Hey.
Awards v Yanco: League tag coach’s award - Tahnee Wagstaff, player’s player and player of the match - Ellie Darlow, runner-up Lily Weymouth. First grade coach’s award - Toby Whitehead, player’s player - Harley Hey, Player of the match - Toby Whitehead, runner-up Harley Hey.
